scholarly journals Spatial Distribution of Greater Sage-Grouse Nests in Relatively Contiguous Sagebrush Habitats

The Condor ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 107 (4) ◽  
pp. 742-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Holloran ◽  
Stanley H. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Centrocercus Urophasianus ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Population Viability ◽  
Prey Detection ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Sage Grouse ◽  
Nesting Habitat ◽  
Nesting Site ◽  
Low Probability

Abstract Degradation of nesting habitat has been proposed as a factor contributing to Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) population declines throughout North America. Delineating suitable nesting habitat across landscapes with relatively contiguous sagebrush cover is difficult but important to identify areas for protection. We used radio-telemetry to locate Greater Sage-Grouse nests in relatively contiguous sagebrush habitats in Wyoming to investigate the spatial arrangement of nests relative to lek and other nest locations. Nest distributions were spatially related to lek location within 3 and 5 km of a lek, and a 5-km buffer included 64% of the nests. There was no relationship between lek size and lek-to-nest distance, suggesting that accurate population trend evaluation might require lek surveys in addition to lek counts. Closest known lek-to-nest distance was greater for successfully hatched compared to destroyed nests, and closely spaced nests tended to experience lower success and have higher probabilities of both nests experiencing the same fate compared to isolated nests, suggesting that a mechanism of enhanced prey detection occurred at higher nest densities. A low probability that a given individual's consecutive-year nest spacing occurred randomly suggested nesting site-area fidelity. Although a grouped pattern of nests occurred within 5 km of a lek, the proportion of nesting females located farther than 5 km could be important for population viability. Managers should limit strategies that negatively influence nesting habitat regardless of lek locations, and preserve adequate amounts of unaltered nesting habitat within treatment boundaries to maintain nest dispersion and provide sites for philopatric individuals.

scholarly journals Comparison of Patterns of Genetic Variation and Demographic History in the Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus): Relevance for Conservation

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Zink
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Demographic History ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Centrocercus Urophasianus ◽  
Columbia Basin ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Microsatellite Data ◽  
Sage Grouse ◽  
Declining Populations

The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) was once widespread in western North America but its range has contracted by an uncertain degree owing to anthropogenic and natural causes. Concern over population declines has led to its proposed listing as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Detailed genetic and demographic analyses of this species throughout its range are available but heretofore have not been compared. Reduced genetic variability is often taken as a proxy for declining populations, but rarely are there quantitative population estimates with which to compare. I compared published mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences, microsatellite allele frequencies at seven loci, and estimates of numbers of males per lek, number of active leks, percent decline in the best population models, and the probability (P) of Ne < 50 in 30 years and P(Ne < 500) in 100 years, at two spatial scales, 45 local population samples and 16 larger aggregates of samples. When excluding the populations from the Columbia Basin, which show little genetic diversity and are statistical outliers, there were no consistent relationships between estimates of genetic variation and demographic trends across the remainder of the range at either spatial scale. A measure of inbreeding derived from microsatellite data was also not related to population trends. Thus, despite habitat reduction and range fragmentation, the greater sage-grouse does not exhibit expected genetic signatures of declining populations. Possibly, the mtDNA and microsatellite data are insufficiently sensitive to detect population declines that have occurred over the span of a half century. Alternatively, only when populations are reduced to the levels seen in the Columbia Basin will genetic effects be seen, suggesting that the bulk of the range of the greater sage-grouse is not currently in genetic peril.

scholarly journals Nesting and Reproductive Activities of Greater Sage-Grouse in a Declining Northern Fringe Population

The Condor ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron L. Aldridge ◽  
R. Mark Brigham
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Centrocercus Urophasianus ◽  
Chick Survival ◽  
Sage Grouse ◽  
Brood Rearing ◽  
Northern Edge ◽  
Northern Fringe ◽  
Reproductive Activities

Abstract In Canada, Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are at the northern edge of their range, occurring only in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. The population in Canada has declined by 66% to 92% over the last 30 years. We used radio-telemetry to follow 20 female Greater Sage-Grouse and monitor productivity in southeastern Alberta, and to assess habitat use at nesting and brood-rearing locations. All females attempted to nest. Mean clutch size (7.8 eggs per nest) was at the high end of the normal range for sage-grouse (typically 6.6–8.2). Nest success (46%) and breeding success (55%) were within the range found for more southerly populations (15% to 86% and 15% to 70%, respectively). Thirty-six percent of unsuccessful females attempted to renest. Fledging success was slightly lower than reported in other studies. Thus, reproductive effort does not appear to be related to the population decline. However, chick survival to ≥50 days of age (mean = 18%) was only about half of that estimated (35%) for a stable or slightly declining population, suggesting that chick survival may be the most important factor reducing overall reproductive success and contributing to the decline of Greater Sage-Grouse in Canada. Actividades de Anidación y Reproducción de Centrocercus urophasianus en una Población del Extremo Norte en Declive Resumen. En Canadá, Centrocercus urophasianus está en el extremo norte de su distribución, encontrándose sólo en el sureste de Alberta y el suroeste de Saskatchewan. La población de Canadá ha disminuido entre el 66% y 92% durante los últimos 30 años. Utilizamos radio-telemetría para seguir a 20 hembras de C. urophasianus y monitorear su productividad en el sureste de Alberta y para evaluar el uso de hábitat en sitios de anidación y de cría de los pichones. Todas las hembras intentaron anidar. El tamaño promedio de la nidada (7.8 huevos por nido) estuvo en el extremo superior del rango normal de C. urophasianus (típicamente 6.6–8.2). El éxito de anidación (46%) y de reproducción (55%) estuvieron dentro de los rangos encontrados en poblaciones de más al sur (15% a 86% y 15% a 70%, respectivamente). El treinta y seis por ciento de las hembras que no tuvieron éxito intentaron volver a anidar. El éxito en la crianza de polluelos hasta la etapa de volantones fue ligeramente menor que el reportado en otros estudios. Por lo tanto, el esfuerzo reproductivo no parece estar relacionado con el declive poblacional. Sin embargo, la supervivencia de los polluelos hasta 50 días de edad o más (promedio = 18%) fue sólo aproximadamente la mitad de lo que se ha estimado para una población estable o en ligero declive (35%), lo que sugiere que la supervivencia de los pichones podría ser el factor más importante reduciendo el éxito reproductivo en general y contribuyendo al declive de C. urophasianus en Canadá.

scholarly journals Direct Identification of Northern Sage-grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus, Nest Predators Using Remote Sensing Cameras

2003 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Holloran ◽  
Stanley H. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Centrocercus Urophasianus ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Sage Grouse ◽  
Direct Identification ◽  
Taxidea Taxus ◽  
The Status ◽  
Visual Confirmation ◽  
Nest Predators

The status and apparent decline of Sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.) has been of increasing concern and lower nesting success could be contributing to population declines. Our objective was to directly identify Sage-grouse nest predators. Following visual confirmation of radio-marked Sage-grouse nest establishment in 1997-1999, we installed automatic 35 mm cameras controlled by an active infrared monitor. Of 26 nests monitored by cameras, 22 successfully hatched and four were unsuccessful. American Elk (Cervus canadensis), Badger (Taxidea taxus), and Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) destroyed three of the four unsuccessful nests, and domestic cattle caused abandonment of the fourth. Richardson’s (Spermophilus richardsonii) and Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels (S. tridecemlineatus) were recorded at nests, but were not detected in predation.

Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Schroeder ◽  
Jessica R. Young ◽  
Clait E. Braun
Keyword(s):  
Centrocercus Urophasianus ◽  
Sage Grouse

scholarly journals Field Methods for Translocating Female Greater Sage‐Grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) with their Broods

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary B. Meyerpeter ◽  
Kade D. Lazenby ◽  
Peter S. Coates ◽  
Mark A. Ricca ◽  
Steven R. Mathews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Centrocercus Urophasianus ◽  
Sage Grouse ◽  
Field Methods

scholarly journals Common raven movement and space use: influence of anthropogenic subsidies within greater sage-grouse nesting habitat

Ecosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e02348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth M. Harju ◽  
Chad V. Olson ◽  
Jennifer E. Hess ◽  
Bryan Bedrosian
Keyword(s):  
Space Use ◽  
Sage Grouse ◽  
Nesting Habitat ◽  
Common Raven ◽  
Anthropogenic Subsidies

Effects of power lines on habitat use and demography of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)

2018 ◽  
Vol 200 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Gibson ◽  
Erik J. Blomberg ◽  
Michael T. Atamian ◽  
Shawn P. Espinosa ◽  
James S. Sedinger
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Centrocercus Urophasianus ◽  
Power Lines ◽  
Sage Grouse

Can Reliable Sage-Grouse Lek Counts Be Obtained Using Aerial Infrared Technology?

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 386-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gifford L. Gillette ◽  
Peter S. Coates ◽  
Steven Petersen ◽  
John P. Romero
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Camera ◽  
Centrocercus Urophasianus ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Sage Grouse ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Infrared Technology ◽  
Infrared Surveys ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
Infrared Techniques

Abstract More effective methods for counting greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are needed to better assess population trends through enumeration or location of new leks. We describe an aerial infrared technique for conducting sage-grouse lek counts and compare this method with conventional ground-based lek count methods. During the breeding period in 2010 and 2011, we surveyed leks from fixed-winged aircraft using cryogenically cooled mid-wave infrared cameras and surveyed the same leks on the same day from the ground following a standard lek count protocol. We did not detect significant differences in lek counts between surveying techniques. These findings suggest that using a cryogenically cooled mid-wave infrared camera from an aerial platform to conduct lek surveys is an effective alternative technique to conventional ground-based methods, but further research is needed. We discuss multiple advantages to aerial infrared surveys, including counting in remote areas, representing greater spatial variation, and increasing the number of counted leks per season. Aerial infrared lek counts may be a valuable wildlife management tool that releases time and resources for other conservation efforts. Opportunities exist for wildlife professionals to refine and apply aerial infrared techniques to wildlife monitoring programs because of the increasing reliability and affordability of this technology.

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