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One of the largest bibliographies of sage grouse literature available online

Description

The greater sage-grouse, a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 has experienced population declines across its range in the sagebrush steppe ecosystems of western North America. Sage-grouse now occupy only 56% of their pre-settlement range, though they still occur in 11 western states and 2 Canadian provinces.

latest article added on August 2013

ArticleFirst AuthorPublished
Endogenous Reserves of Adult Male Sage Grouse during CourtshipHUPP, JW1989

Endogenous Reserves of Adult Male Sage Grouse during Courtship

Keywords

Avian energetics; breeding behavior; Centrocercus urophasianus; Colorado; lipids; Sage Grouse

Abstract

Lipid reserves of 116 adult (> 1 year of age) male Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) were evaluated in two Colorado populations during lek attendance between 1983 and 1986. Lipid reserves following winters (November-March) with snowfalls < 0.001) than reserves following winters with snowfalls > 160 cm. Lipid reserves during early courtship were larger than reserves during late courtship (P < 0.001). Males catabolized lipids during courtship but did not use breast muscle protein. Catabolism of lipids likely provides < 5% of male energetic requirements during courtship. An adaptive advantage to fat deposition before breeding may exist if males primarily mobilize lipids during the peak period of female lek attendance when male reproductive success is determined, or during periods when thermoregulatory costs are high due to low ambient temperatures or wind.

Authors

HUPP, JW; BRAUN, CE

Year Published

1989

Publication

The Condor: Ornithological Applications

Locations
DOI

10.2307/1368303

Restoring Forbs for Sage Grouse Habitat: Fire, Microsites, and Establishment Methods.Wirth, Troy A.2003

Restoring Forbs for Sage Grouse Habitat: Fire, Microsites, and Establishment Methods.

Keywords

Astragalus purshii;Centrocercus urophasianus;Crepis modocensis;Crepis occidentalis;fire;forbs;prescribed burning;revegetation;sagebrush steppe;sage grouse

Abstract

The decline and range reduction of sage grouse populations are primarily due to permanent loss and degradation of sagebrush-grassland habitat. Several studies have shown that sage grouse productivity may be limited by the availability of certain preferred highly nutritious forb species that have also declined within sagebrush ecosystems of the Intermountain West, U.S.A. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of three species of forbs for revegetation projects where improving sage grouse habitat is a goal. Species suitability was determined by evaluating the emergence, survival, and reproduction of Crepis modocensis, C. occidentalis, and Astragalus purshii in response to method of establishment (seeding or transplanting), site preparation treatment (burned or unburned), and microsite (mound or interspace) in an Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis vegetation association in south central Oregon. For seeded plants A. purshii had the lowest emergence (8%) of all three species. Both seeded Crepis species had similar overall emergence (38%). Significantly more Crepis seedlings emerged from shrub mounds in unburned areas (50%) than in any other fire-by-microsite treatment (33 to 36%). Approximately 10% more Crepis seedlings survived in mounds compared with interspaces. Nearly twice as many emerging Crepis seedlings survived in the burned areas as opposed to unburned areas (p < 0.01). This resulted in more plant establishment in burned mounds despite higher emergence in unburned mounds. Astragalus purshii seedlings also survived better in burned areas (p = 0.06) but had no differential response to microsite. Fire enhanced survival of both Crepis and A. purshii transplants (p = 0.08 and p = 0.001). We believe additional research is needed to improve A. purshii emergence before it will become an effective plant for restoring sage grouse habitat. Conversely, we conclude that these Crepis species provide a viable revegetation option for improving sage grouse habitat in south central Oregon.

Authors

Wirth, Troy A. and David A. Pyke.

Year Published

2003

Publication

Restoration Ecology

Locations
DOI

10.1046/j.1526-100X.2003.00159.x

CARCASS COMPOSITION AND ENERGY RESERVES OF SAGE GROUSE DURING WINTERREMINGTON, TE1988

CARCASS COMPOSITION AND ENERGY RESERVES OF SAGE GROUSE DURING WINTER

Keywords

Sage Grouse; carcass composition; Centrocercus urophasianus; Colorado; fat content; energy reserves; winter

Abstract

Carcass 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.

Authors

REMINGTON, TE; BRAUN, CE

Year Published

1988

Publication

The Condor: Ornithological Applications

Locations
DOI

10.2307/1368427

Observations on the Breeding Biology of Male Sage GrouseEng, R. L.1963

Observations on the Breeding Biology of Male Sage Grouse

Keywords

No keywords available

Abstract

Eighty-eight male sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) were collected throughout the 1959 strutting season. Testis development of adult and subadult males was compared to observed seasonal breeding sequence. Subadult males appear on the strutting grounds after, and cease strutting activities before, adult males. These differences in apparent breeding activity between the two age- classes are supported by similar differences in testis development. Observations of infertility in late clutches suggest that a limitation to renesting is imposed by the male.

Authors

Eng, R. L.

Year Published

1963

Publication

The Journal of Wildlife Management

Locations
DOI

10.2307/3798497

Age and Sex of Sage Grouse from WingsCrunden, C. W.1963

Age and Sex of Sage Grouse from Wings

Keywords

No keywords available

Abstract

A technique is described for determining age and sex of sage grouse (Centrocercus uropha- sianus) from wings collected during August and September hunting seasons. Easily discernible pri- mary molt characteristics (retention of primaries 1 and 2 in juveniles and the difference in length of primaries 2 and 3 between adults and juveniles when primary 3 has not yet molted) have been com- bined with four basic wing measurements in an age and sex key. The relatively slow method of measuring primaries with a ruler is replaced by a measuring board with a backstop and three lines scribed across its face for use with the age and sex key. Wings are measured in a flat and straightened position from the skin-covered wrist joint to the tip of the desired primary and compared to the appropriate lines on the measuring board. Statistics estimating the probability of misclassification for each of the four measurement categories are given

Authors

Crunden, C. W.

Year Published

1963

Publication

The Journal of Wildlife Management

Locations
DOI

10.2307/3798498

Sagebrush Control Related to Habitat and Sage Grouse OccurrenceMARTIN, NS1970

Sagebrush Control Related to Habitat and Sage Grouse Occurrence

Keywords

No keywords available

Abstract

The effects of chemical manipulation of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) on sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) were studied in Montana during the summers of 1962 through 1964. The principal study was conducted on 1,900 acres, of which 1,710 had been strip-sprayed in 1961 with 2,4-D. Vegetation analyses revealed about 80 percent grasses and 20 percent forbs in the sprayed strip, and 60 percent grasses and 40 percent forbs in the unsprayed strip. Eight and 97 percent of the individual big sagebrush plants were entirely dead in the unsprayed and sprayed strip, respectively. Only 4 percent of 415 sage grouse observations were made on the sprayed strips of the 1,900-acre study area. Canopy coverage of herbaceous vegetation at 137 sage grouse locations consisted of ap- proximately 60 percent grasses and 40 percent forbs. Ninety-two percent of the big sagebrush plants evaluated at grouse locations were living. The similarity of vegetation at grouse locations and in the unsprayed strip led to the conclusion that differences in numbers of sage grouse observed in sprayed and unsprayed strips were related to vegetation composition. Measurements of big sagebrush at 159 grouse locations showed young broods using areas having a lesser density and lower percent crown coverage than older broods and adults. Analysis of 35 sage grouse crops revealed that sagebrush and three forbs together constituted 94.6 percent of the total volume. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and sagebrush had the greatest total frequency of occurrence of all food items. Favored food plants were more abundant in the unsprayed than in the sprayed strip, supporting the conclusion that differ- ences in numbers of sage grouse observed in unsprayed and sprayed strips were related to vegeta- tion composition.

Authors

MARTIN, NS

Year Published

1970

Publication

The Journal of Wildlife Management

Locations
DOI

10.2307/3799015

Recovery of Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Features in Wyoming Big Sagebrush following Prescribed Fire.Beck, Jeffrey L.2009

Recovery of Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Features in Wyoming Big Sagebrush following Prescribed Fire.

Keywords

Artemisia tripartita wyomingensis;Artemisia tripartita;Bromus tectorum;Centrocercus urophasianus;Cheatgrass;fire ecology;forbs;Greater Sage-Grouse;nesting cover;shrub canopy cover;shrub height;Threetip sagebrush;Wyoming big sagebrush

Abstract

The ability of prescribed fire to enhance habitat features for Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis) in western North America is poorly understood. We evaluated recovery of habitat features important to wintering, nesting, and early brood-rearing Sage-Grouse in Wyoming big sagebrush following prescribed fire. Our case study included 1 year of preburn (1989) and 10 years of postburn data collected over 14 years (1990-2003) from control and burned study areas in the Big Desert of southeastern Idaho, U.S.A. We compared recovery and rate of change for 12 features in four categories between burned and control transects and recovery in burned transects including change in variation. Our results indicate that prescribed fire induced quantifiable changes in wintering, nesting, and early brood-rearing Sage-Grouse habitat features 14 years after fire in Wyoming big sagebrush in our study area. Specifically, grass and litter required by Sage-Grouse for nest and brood concealment recovered relatively rapidly following fire; major forb cover was similar between burned and control sites, but the rate of increase for major forb cover and richness was greater in control transects, and structurally mediated habitat features required by Sage-Grouse for food and cover in winter and for nest and brood concealment in spring recovered slowly following fire. Because shrub structural features in our study did not recover in magnitude or variability to preburn levels 14 years after fire, we recommend that managers avoid burning Wyoming big sagebrush to enhance Sage-Grouse habitat, but rather implement carefully planned treatments that maintain Sagebrush.

Authors

Beck, Jeffrey L., John W. Connelly and Kerry P. Reese.

Year Published

2009

Publication

Restoration Ecology

Locations
DOI

10.1111/j.1526-100X.2008.00380.x

Breeding Season Movements and Habitat Selection of Male Sage GrouseWALLESTAD, R1974

Breeding Season Movements and Habitat Selection of Male Sage Grouse

Keywords

No keywords available

Abstract

Movements and habitat requirements of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) cocks were studied in central Montana during the breeding seasons of 1968 and 1972. Fifteen sage grouse cocks were captured and radio-equipped. Movements of up to 0.8 mile (1.3 km) from the strutting grounds were common, with 82 percent of the locations falling beyond 0.2 mile (0.3 km). Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) with a canopy coverage of 20-50 percent occurred at 80 percent of the 110 locations mea- sured. Average sagebrush canopy coverage at these sites was 32 percent. Strutting grounds are key ac- tivity areas within wintering-nesting complexes which can be readily identified and delimited, and should be given complete protection from sagebrush removal projects. Results of this and previous studies in this area indicate that this protection should extend to a radius of no less than 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from strutting grounds

Authors

WALLESTAD, R; SCHLADWEILER, P

Year Published

1974

Publication

The Journal of Wildlife Management

Locations
DOI

10.2307/3800030

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PROCESS VARIANCE IN ANNUAL SURVIVAL OF FEMALE GREATER SAGE-GROUSE IN MONTANAMoynahan, Brendan J.2006

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PROCESS VARIANCE IN ANNUAL SURVIVAL OF FEMALE GREATER SAGE-GROUSE IN MONTANA

Keywords

breeding status vs. survival;Centrocercus urophasianus;Greater Sage-Grouse;habitat protection;known fate;Montana, USA;population dynamics;process variance;program MARK;sagebrush;survival estimation;winter weather

Abstract

Populations of Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have declined by 69–99% from historic levels, and information on population dynamics of these birds at a landscape scale is essential to informed management. We examined the relationships between hen survival and a suite of landscape-scale habitat and environmental conditions. We radio-marked 237 female Sage-Grouse and measured 426 vegetation plots during 2001–2004 at four sites in a 3200-km2 landscape in north-central Montana, USA. We used program MARK to model monthly survival rates for 11 seasonal intervals. There was strong support for the best-approximating model (AICc weight = 0.810), which indicated that (1) hen survival varied by season within years and by year within seasons, (2) nesting hens had higher nesting-season survival than non-nesting hens, and (3) individuals at one site had lower hunting-season survival than at other sites. We observed considerable variation in hen survival. Process variation was 0.255, with an expected range of annual survival of 0.12 to 1.0. The ratio of process to total variation was 0.999, indicating that observed variation was real and not attributable to sampling variation. We observed a nearly fourfold difference in maximum and minimum annual survival, ranging from 0.962 ± 0.024 (mean ± se) for nesting hens in 2001–2002 to 0.247 ± 0.050) for non-nesters in 2003–2004. Low annual survival in 2003 resulted from the compounded effects of a West Nile virus outbreak in August and a severe winter in 2003–2004. Increased hen mortality associated with severe winter weather contrasts with prior beliefs that Sage-Grouse populations are typically unaffected by winter weather conditions and underscores the importance of protecting winter sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats.

Authors

Moynahan, Brendan J., Mark S. Lindberg, and Jack Ward Thomas.

Year Published

2006

Publication

Ecological Applications

Locations
DOI

10.1890/1051-0761(2006)016[1529:FCTPVI]2.0.CO;2

This article contributed by:

Ecological Society of America

Testing sagebrush allometric relationships across three fire chronosequences in Wyoming, USACleary, M. B.2008

Testing sagebrush allometric relationships across three fire chronosequences in Wyoming, USA

Keywords

aboveground biomass; Artemisia tridentate; plant allometry; root biomass; universal scaling

Abstract

Aboveground and coarse root allometric relationships were tested across three mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata var. vaseyana (Rydb.) chronosequences at three stages of recovery from fire (establishment, expansion, and mature) in Wyoming, USA. Big sagebrush shrubs dominate North American rangelands and are critical components of habitat for threatened species such as sage grouse. There were no differences in regression relationships estimating biomass over space and time, which reduces the need to destructively sample sagebrush for local studies and supports regional carbon modeling and biomass estimates. Crown volume (CV) explained the most variability (R-2 > 0.75) in aboveground biomass, and crown area (CA) explained the most variability for coarse roots (R-2 >0.87). Analyses supported both the 2/3 power universal scaling rules between leaf and stem biomass, but did not support global models of seed plant and reproductive part biomass. This study provides compelling evidence that simple field measurements may be used to estimate biomass over large regions and that universal scaling rules are valid for semiarid shrubs. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Authors

Cleary, M. B.; Pendall, E.; Ewers, B. E.

Year Published

2008

Publication

Journal of Arid Environments

Locations
DOI

10.1016/j.jaridenv.2007.07.013

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