| Antelope, sage grouse, and Neotropical migrants. | Rothwell, Reg. | 1993 |
Antelope, sage grouse, and Neotropical migrants.KeywordsNo keywords available AbstractNo abstract available AuthorsRothwell, Reg. Year Published1993 PublicationU S Forest Service Locations |
| PREDATION OF ARTIFICIAL SAGE GROUSE NESTS IN TREATED AND UNTREATED SAGEBRUSH | RITCHIE, ME | 1994 |
PREDATION OF ARTIFICIAL SAGE GROUSE NESTS IN TREATED AND UNTREATED SAGEBRUSHKeywordsNo keywords available AbstractWe measured predation on 120 artificial Sage Grouse (Centrarcus urophasianus) nests in montane sagebrush grassland in northern Utah. We examined nests in areas that had been chained and seeded 25 years previously (treated areas) and in areas that were untreated. Predation rates of artificial nests were higher in areas of untreated sagebrush, even though these areas had greater sagebrush cover, taller shrubs, and greater horizontal plant cover. These results differ from those previously hypothesized for treated sagebrush habitat and may reflect a greater abundance of other potential prey species, especially lagomorphs, in untreated areas that attracted greater densities of predators. In addition, over 80% of nests were depredated by mammals, which hunt using olfaction and are less likely than avian predators to be affected by nest cover. We conclude that, after treated sagebrush has recovered to some degree, predation rates of Sage Grouse nests may be lower in treated sagebrush. Consequently, factors other than nest predation (e.g., winter food, thermal cover, insects, perennial forb abundance) may be more important reasons for preserving mature sagebrush stands for Sage Grouse. AuthorsRITCHIE, ME; WOLFE, ML; DANVIR, R Year Published1994 PublicationGreat Basin Naturalist Locations |
| Fire Effects on Cover and Dietary Resources of Sage-Grouse Habitat | Rhodes, Edward C. | 2010 |
Keywordsarthropods; bunchgrass; forbs; Oregon; prescribed burning; sage-grouse; Wyoming big sagebrush AbstractWe evaluated 6 years of vegetation response following prescribed fire in Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis) steppe on vegetation cover, productivity, and nutritional quality of forbs preferred by greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), and abundance of common arthropod orders. Habitat cover (shrubs and tall herbaceous cover [>18 cm ht]) was about 50% lower after burning compared to unburned controls because of the loss of sagebrush. Perennial grasses and an invasive annual forb, pale alyssum (Alyssum alyssoides), increased in cover or yield after fire. There were no increases in yield or nutritional quality of forb species important in diets of sage-grouse. Abundance of ants (Hymenoptera), a significant component in the diet of young sage-grouse, decreased after fire. These results suggest that prescribed fire will not improve habitat characteristics for sage-grouse in Wyoming big sagebrush steppe where the community consists of shrubs, native grasses, and native forbs. AuthorsRhodes, Edward C.; Bates, Jonathan D.; Sharp, Robert N.; Davies, Kirk W. Year Published2010 PublicationJournal of Wildlife Management LocationsDOI10.2193/2009-143 |
| CARCASS COMPOSITION AND ENERGY RESERVES OF SAGE GROUSE DURING WINTER | REMINGTON, TE | 1988 |
KeywordsSage Grouse; carcass composition; Centrocercus urophasianus; Colorado; fat content; energy reserves; winter AbstractCarcass composition of Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) was measured to assess the size and variation of energy reserves during winter in North Park, Colorado. Fat content ranged from 0.8 to 8.4%. Adults had higher (P=0.001) fat content than yearlings (4.7 v. 2.9%); birds collected in 1982 had more (P<0.05) when diethyl ether, rather than petroleum ether, was used as a solvent (4.0 v. 3.6%). Fat comprised 85 to 93% of estimated energy reserves which equaled 9.6, 5.1, 7.0, and 5.3 times standard metabolic rate for adult and yearling males and adult and yearling females, respectively. All age and sex classes gained or maintained weight and fat over winter. Relatively small energy reserves of Sage Grouse are probably most important during breeding and nesting activities. AuthorsREMINGTON, TE; BRAUN, CE Year Published1988 PublicationThe Condor: Ornithological Applications LocationsDOI10.2307/1368427 |
| SAGE GROUSE FOOD SELECTION IN WINTER, NORTH-PARK, COLORADO | REMINGTON, TE | 1985 |
KeywordsNo keywords available AbstractSelection
of
sagebrush
by
sage
grouse
(Centrocercus
urophasianus)
was
investigated
during
winters
1980-81
and
1981-82
in
North
Park,
Colorado.
Wyoming
big
sagebrush
(Artemisia
tridentata
ssp.
wyomingensis)
composed
90%
of
browsed
plants
but
only
48%
of
plants
at
random
sites.
Mountain
big
sagebrush
(A.
t.
ssp.
vaseyana)
and
alkali
sagebrush
(A.
longiloba)
composed
7
and
3%,
and
12
and
2%
of
browsed
plants
and
plants
at
random
sites,
respectively.
Wyoming
big
sagebrush
leaves
contained
more
crude
protein
and
lower
levels
of
monoterpenes
than
mountain
big
sagebrush.
Plants
browsed
by
grouse
contained
more
protein
than
unbrowsed
or
random
plants.
Plant
vigor
and
crude
protein
levels
discriminated
among
browsed,
unbrowsed,
and
random
Wyoming
big
sagebrush
samples
in
a
discriminant
function
anal-
ysis.
Crude
protein
and
three
oxygenated
monoterpenes
discriminated
between
browsed
and
unbrowsed
mountain
big
sagebrush
samples
in
a
discriminant
function
analysis AuthorsREMINGTON, TE; BRAUN, CE Year Published1985 PublicationJournal of Wildlife Management LocationsDOI10.2307/3801395 |
| Nest site characteristics and factors affecting nest success of greater sage-grouse. | Rebholz, James L. | 2009 |
Nest site characteristics and factors affecting nest success of greater sage-grouse.KeywordsCentrocercus urophasianus, greater sage-grouse, nesting habitat, nest success, Nevada, radiotelemetry AbstractNesting success of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) influences annual reproductive success and population dynamics. To describe nesting habitat and measure the effects of vegetation characteristics on nesting outcomes, we sampled 87 sage-grouse nests during 2004 and 2005 in the Montana Mountains of northwestern Nevada. Within a 78.5-m2 circular plot surrounding each nest, we quantified sagebrush canopy cover and grass cover. We used Akaike's Information Criterion to rank competing models describing potential relationships between vegetation characteristics at and surrounding sage-grouse nests and to determine those characteristics associated with nest success. Nest initiation rate was high (90.0%) and apparent nest success was 40.2%. We used a Mayfield estimation to determine a probability of nest success (hatch >=1 chick) of 36%. Grass cover within a 3-m2 area centered on the nest had a positive effect on nest success (odds ratio: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.005 [long dash] 1.059). We also found weak support for a positive effect on nest success of sagebrush cover at the nest (odds ratio: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.993 [long dash] 1.043). Our results are similar to previous findings and confirm the importance of sagebrush cover and herbaceous understory for nesting. To manage sagebrush communities for successful nesting by greater sage-grouse, we recommend providing sufficient grass and sagebrush cover. AuthorsRebholz, James L.; Robinson, W. Douglas; Pope, Michael D. Year Published2009 PublicationOpen Ornithology Journal Locations |
| Availability of Foods of Sage Grouse Chicks following Prescribed Fire in Sagebrush-Bitterbrush | Pyle, WH | 1996 |
KeywordsNo keywords available AbstractA study was conducted to determine the influence of prescribed fire on the availability of primary foods of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus Bonaparte) chicks at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, Lake County, Ore, from 1987 to 1989. Responses of certain primary foods and general food categories to fire were evaluated in sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana Beetle)-bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata Pursh.) communities with a randomized block design established in stands where shrub cover exceeded 35%. Within blocks, habitat response was evaluated far 2 growing seasons on 4 plots used as controls, 3 plots burned in November 1987, and 4 plots burned in March 1988. Fall burning increased (P < 0.05) frequency of taxa in the dandelion tribe (Cichoriene). Other primary foods, including microsteris (Microsteris gracilis Hook.), desert-parsley (Lomatium spp. Raf.), and ground-dwelling beetles (Scarabaeidae, Tenebrionidae) were not influenced by burning. Spring and fall burning increased (P < 0.05) total forb cover and diversity, but decreased (P < 0.05) sagebrush cover. Prescribed fire may increase the supply of forbs available to sage grouse in montane sagebrush habitats used for brood-rearing where shrubs dominate stands at the expense of the herbaceous component. AuthorsPyle, WH; Crawford, JA Year Published1996 PublicationJournal of Range Management LocationsDOI10.2307/4002590 |
| Raptor and Corvid Response to Power Distribution Line Perch Deterrents in Utah | Prather, Phoebe R. | 2010 |
Keywordsavian predators, Centrocercus minimus, corvids, Gunnison sage-grouse, mitigation, perch deterrents, power distribution lines, raptors, Utah AbstractIncreased raptor and corvid abundance has been documented in landscapes fragmented by man-made structures, such as fence posts and power lines. These vertical structures may enhance raptor and corvid foraging and predation efficiency because of increased availability of perch, nesting, and roosting sites. Concomitantly, vertical structures, in particular power distribution lines, have been identified as a threat to sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.) conservation. To mitigate potential impacts of power distribution lines on sage-grouse and other avian species, the electrical power industry has retrofitted support poles with perch deterrents to discourage raptor and corvid use. No published information is available regarding efficacy of contemporary perch deterrents on avian predator use of lower-voltage power distribution lines. We evaluated efficacy of 5 perch deterrents mounted on support poles of an 11-km section of a 12.5-kV distribution line that bisected occupied Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) habitat in southeastern Utah, USA. Perch deterrents were mounted on the line in November-December 2006 following a random replicated block design that included controls. During 168 hours and 84 hours of direct observation in 2007 and 2008, respectively, we recorded 276 and 139 perching events of 7 potential avian predators of sage-grouse. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) were the dominant species we recorded during both years. We did not detect any difference in perching events by perch deterrent we evaluated and controls (P < 0.05). Perch deterrents we evaluated were not effective because of inherent design and placement flaws. Additionally, previous pole modifications that mitigated avian electrocutions provided alternative perches. We did not record any raptor or corvid electrocutions or direct predation on Gunnison sage-grouse. The conclusions of this study can be applied by conservation groups and power companies to future management of power distribution lines within areas inhabited by species sensitive to man-made vertical structures. AuthorsPrather, Phoebe R.; Messmer, Terry A. Year Published2010 PublicationJournal of Wildlife Management LocationsDOI10.2193/2009-204 |
| Greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus nesting success and habitat use in northeastern California | Popham, GP | 2003 |
Greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus nesting success and habitat use in northeastern CaliforniaKeywordsArtemisia tridentata wyomingensis, California, Centrocercus urophasianus, Galliformes, greater sage-grouse, nest site selection, radio-telemetry AbstractFrom mid-March through mid-August 1998-2000, we studied greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus nesting habitat in northeastern California, USA. We located nest sites of 45 radio-marked hens, which had an average nest success of 40.2%. The radio-marked grouse used low sagebrush Artemisia arbuscula cover type less than expected; big sagebrush A. tridentata wyomingensis and mixed shrub cover types were used in proportion to their availability. Grouse used sites with habitat characteristics similar to random sites for nesting. However, successful nests differed from unsuccessful nests in several respects. Mean distance between nest and lek was greater for successful nests ((x) over bar = 3,588 m, SE = 811 m, N = 20) than for unsuccessful nests ((x) over bar = 1,964 m, SE = 386 m, N = 20). Rock cover was greater at successful nests ((x) over bar = 27.7%, SE = 4.6%) than at unsuccessful nests ((x) over bar = 14.49%, SE = 3.04%). Total shrub height was greater at successful nests ((x) over bar = 65.5 cm, SE = 4.7) than at unsuccessful nests ((x) over bar = 49.2 cm, SE = 1.7). The height of visual obstruction was greater at successful nests ((x) over bar = 40.2 cm, SE = 2.6) than at unsuccessful nests ((x) over bar = 32.5 cm, SE = 2.0). Our results suggest that sage-grouse use more diverse vegetation than previously reported, and we conclude that either this represents a natural behaviour for sage-grouse in this area, or we observed a selection response to a landscape altered by human activity. AuthorsPopham, GP; Gutierrez, RJ Year Published2003 PublicationWildlife Biology Locations |
| THE FOOD HABITS AND SUMMER DISTRIBUTION OF JUVENILE SAGE GROUSE IN CENTRAL MONTANA | PETERSON J G | 1970 |
KeywordsNo keywords available AbstractThe food habits of juvenile sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) were studied in central Montana during the summers of 1966 and 1968. Forbs averaged 75 percent of the diet of 127 juveniles through 12 weeks of age. The flower buds and leaves of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and common salsify (Tragopogon dubius) were the most highly preferred and utilized forbs, comprising 25 and 15 percent of the diets, respectively. Other forbs commonly utilized were prairie pepperweed (Lepidium densiflorum), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), curlcup gumweed (Grindelia squarrosa), and fringed sagewort (Artemisia frigida). Big sagebrush (A. tridentata) received little use until the birds were 11 weeks old. Insect use declined steadily from a high of 60 percent of the diet in 1-week chicks to 5 percent in 12-week-old juveniles. Observed brood locations, after chicks were 2-3 weeks old, were less frequent on the sagebrush-grassland benches and more frequent on lower areas until, by September, the majority of broods were located on bottomlands. Sagebrush, 6-18 inches high, was most prevalent at brood sites used during morning and evening activity periods. Important components of juvenile sage grouse habitat in this area appear to be an abundance and diversity of forbs and densities of sagebrush ranging from 1-20 percent. AuthorsPETERSON J G Year Published1970 PublicationJournal of Wildlife Management LocationsDOI10.2307/3799502 |
