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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
A new species of nematode worm from the sage grouseWEHR, EVERETT E.1931

A new species of nematode worm from the sage grouse

Keywords

No keywords available

Abstract

Habronema urophasiana* (p. 1), Montana, from gizzard of a sage grouse, Centro-cercus urophasianus. Key to North American spp. of Habronema in birds.

Authors

WEHR, EVERETT E.

Year Published

1931

Publication

Proc U S Nation Mus

Locations
Sage grouse in SaskatchewanBRADSHAW, F.1929

Sage grouse in Saskatchewan

Keywords

No keywords available

Abstract

Notes on food, nesting, and other habits.

Authors

BRADSHAW, F.

Year Published

1929

Publication

Canadian Field Nat

Locations
Greater Sage-Grouse: General Use and Roost Site Occurrence with Pellet Counts as a Measure of Relative AbundanceHanser, S.E.2011

Greater Sage-Grouse: General Use and Roost Site Occurrence with Pellet Counts as a Measure of Relative Abundance

Keywords

No keywords available

Abstract

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have been declining both spatially and numerically throughout their range because of anthropogenic disturbance and loss and fragmentation of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats. Understanding how sage-grouse respond to these habitat alterations and disturbances, particularly the types of disturbances and extent at which they respond, is critical to designing management actions and prioritizing areas of conservation. To address these needs, we developed statistical models of the relationships between occurrence and abundance of greater sage-grouse and multi-scaled measures of vegetation, abiotic, and disturbance in the Wyoming Basins Ecoregional Assessment (WBEA) area. Sage-grouse occurrence was strongly related to the amount of sagebrush within 1 km for both roost site and general use locations. Roost sites were identified by presence of sage-grouse fecal pellet groups whereas general use locations had single pellets. Proximity to anthropogenic disturbance including energy development, power lines, and major roads was negatively associated with sagegrouse occurrence. Models of sage-grouse occurrence correctly predicted active lek locations with >75% accuracy. Our spatially explicit models identified areas of high occurrence probability in the WBEA area that can be used to delineate areas for conservation and refine existing conservation plans. These models can also facilitate identification of pathways and corridors important for maintenance of sage-grouse population connectivity.

Authors

Hanser, S. E., C. L. Aldridge, M. Leu, M. M. Rowland, S. E. Nielsen, and S. T. Knick

Year Published

2011

Publication

Sagebrush Ecosystem Conservation and Management

Locations
Additional Information:

http://sagemap.wr.usgs.gov/Docs/WBEA/wbea_chap_5_sagegrouse_2mb.pdf

Saving sage-grouse from the trees: A proactive solution to reducing a key threat to a candidate speciesBaruch-Mordo, Sharon2013

Saving sage-grouse from the trees: A proactive solution to reducing a key threat to a candidate species

Keywords

Conifer encroachment; Ecological economics; Juniperus occidentalis; Proactive management; Random forest models; Sage-Grouse Initiative; Spatial wavelet analysis

Abstract

Conservation investment in management of at-risk species can be less costly than a delay-and-repair approach implemented after species receive legal protection. The United States Endangered Species Act candidate species designation represents an opportunity to implement proactive management to avoid future listing. Such efforts require substantial investments, and the challenge becomes one of optimization of limited conservation funds to maximize return. Focusing on conifer encroachment threats to greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), we demonstrated an approach that links species demographics with attributes of conservation threats to inform targeting of investments. We mapped conifer stand characteristics using spatial wavelet analysis, and modeled lek activity as a function of conifer-related and additional lek site covariates using random forests. We applied modeling results to identify leks of high management potential and to estimate management costs. Results suggest sage-grouse incur population-level impacts at very low levels of encroachment, and leks were less likely to be active where smaller trees were dispersed. We estimated costs of prevention (treating active leks in jeopardy) and restoration (treating inactive leks with recolonization potential) management across the study area (2.5 million ha) at a total of US$17.5 million, which is within the scope of landscape-level conservation already implemented. An annual investment of US$8.75 million can potentially address encroachment issues near all known Oregon leks within the next decade. Investments in proactive conservation with public and private landowners can increase ecosystem health to benefit species conservation and sustainable land uses, replace top-down regulatory approaches, and prevent conservation reliance of at-risk species.

Authors

Reese, Kerry P., Naugle, David E., Evans, Jeffrey S., Hagen, Christian A., Baruch-Mordo, Sharon, Severson, John P., Maestas, Jeremy D., Kiesecker, Joseph M. and Falkowski, Michael J.

Year Published

2013

Publication

Biological Conservation

Locations
DOI

10.1016/j.biocon.2013.08.017

Forb Nutrient Density for Sage Grouse Broods in Mountain Big Sagebrush Communities, MontanaWhitehurst, William2013

Forb Nutrient Density for Sage Grouse Broods in Mountain Big Sagebrush Communities, Montana

Keywords

mountain big sagebrush, forbs, sage grouse, sage grouse brood survival, forb nutrient density, sagebrush canopy cover, sagebrush composition by weight, total digestible nutrients, crude protein, calcium, phosphorus

Abstract

Sage grouse and grazing livestock numbers have both decreased dramatically over the last half of the 20th century. Forb density is critical for preincubating sage grouse hens and survival of young broods. Although sagebrush is needed for sage grouse cover and winter feed, recommended canopy cover levels may be too high to create a forb-rich herbaceous understory. Higher forb nutrient density for breeding hens and young broods could be achieved with targeted cattle grazing and selective thinning of mature mountain big sagebrush stands.

Authors

Whitehurst, William and Marlow, Clayton

Year Published

2013

Publication

Rangelands

Locations
DOI

10.2111/RANGELANDS-D-13-00002.1

Grazing for Fuels Management and Sage Grouse Habitat Maintenance and Recovery A Case Study From Squaw Valley RanchFreese, Erica2013

Grazing for Fuels Management and Sage Grouse Habitat Maintenance and Recovery A Case Study From Squaw Valley Ranch

Keywords

wildfire, livestock, federal land, private land

Abstract

Properly applied grazing management may reduce fire frequency in annual grass–invaded sagebrush communities. Grazing can be a cost-effective tool for reducing fire potential and protecting sage grouse habitat from burning. Squaw Valley Ranch has been able to reduce fire frequency through preventive practices, which include intensive, appropriate livestock management on private lands. Publicly managed lands associated with the ranch have experienced large and frequent fires, a hindrance to improving or maintaining sage grouse habitat.

Authors

Freese, Erica, Stringham, Tamzen, Simonds, G and Sant, Eric

Year Published

2013

Publication

Rangelands

Locations
DOI

10.2111/RANGELANDS-D-13-00008.1

Additional Information:

http://srmjournals.org/doi/full/10.2111/RANGELANDS-D-13-00008.1

Ecology and management of sage-grouse and sage-grouse habitatCrawford, John A.2004

Ecology and management of sage-grouse and sage-grouse habitat

Keywords

population dynamics, habitat, fire ecology, livestock grazing, herbicide, landscape ecology

Abstract

Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus and C. minimus) historically inhabited much of the sagebrush-dominated habitat of North America. Today, sage-grouse populations are declining throughout most of their range. Population dynamics of sage-grouse are marked by strong cyclic behavior. Adult survival is high, but is offset by low juvenile survival, resulting in low productivity. Habitat for sage-grouse varies strongly by life-history stage. Critical habitat components include adequate canopy cover of tall grasses (≥ 18 cm) and medium height shrubs (40–80 cm) for nesting, abundant forbs and insects for brood rearing, and availability of herbaceous riparian species for late-growing season foraging. Fire ecology of sage-grouse habitat changed dramatically with European settlement. In high elevation sagebrush habitat, fire return intervals have increased (from 12–24 to > 50 years) resulting in invasion of conifers and a consequent loss of understory herbaceous and shrub canopy cover. In lower elevation sagebrush habitat, fire return intervals have decreased dramatically (from 50–100 to < 10 years) due to invasion by annual grasses, causing loss of perennial bunchgrasses and shrubs. Livestock grazing can have negative or positive impacts on sage-grouse habitat depending on the timing and intensity of grazing, and which habitat element is being considered. Early season light to moderate grazing can promote forb abundance/availability in both upland and riparian habitats. Heavier levels of utilization decrease herbaceous cover, and may promote invasion by undesirable species. At rates intended to produce high sagebrush kill, herbicide-based control of big sagebrush may result in decreased habitat quality for sage-grouse. Light applications of tebuthiuron (N-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N′-dimethylurea) can decrease canopy cover of sagebrush and increase grass and forb production which may be locally important to nesting and foraging activities. The ability of resource managers to address sage-grouse habitat concerns at large scales is aided greatly by geomatics technology and advances in landscape ecology. These tools allow unprecedented linkage of habitat and population dynamics data over space and time and can be used to retroactively assess such relationships using archived imagery. The present sage-grouse decline is a complex issue that is likely associated with multiple causative factors. Solving management issues associated with the decline will require unprecedented cooperation among wildlife biology, range science, and other professional disciplines.

Authors

Schroeder, Michael A., Crawford, John A., Miller, Richard F., Boyd, Chad S., Mosley, Jeffrey C., Gregg, Michael A., OLSON, RICH A., WEST, NEIL E. and WHITSON, TOM D.

Year Published

2004

Publication

Rangeland Ecology & Management

Locations
    DOI

    10.2111/1551-5028(2004)057[0002:EAMOSA]2.0.CO;2

    SUSCEPTIBILITY OF GREATER SAGE-GROUSE TO EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH WEST NILE VIRUSClark, Larry2006

    SUSCEPTIBILITY OF GREATER SAGE-GROUSE TO EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION WITH WEST NILE VIRUS

    Keywords

    Centrocercus urophasianus, experimental infection, greater sage-grouse, vaccine, West Nile virus, WNV

    Abstract

    Populations of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) have declined 45– 80% in North America since 1950. Although much of this decline has been attributed to habitat loss, recent field studies have indicated that West Nile virus (WNV) has had a significant negative impact on local populations of grouse. We confirm the susceptibility of greater sage-grouse to WNV infection in laboratory experimental studies. Grouse were challenged by subcutaneous injection of WNV (103.2 plaque-forming units [PFUs]). All grouse died within 6 days of infection. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for 50% survival was 4.5 days. Mean peak viremia for nonvaccinated birds was 106.4 PFUs/ml (±100.2 PFUs/ml, standard error of the mean [SEM]). Virus was shed cloacally and orally. Four of the five vaccinated grouse died, but survival time was increased (50% survival=9.5 days), with 1 grouse surviving to the end-point of the experiment (14 days) with no signs of illness. Mean peak viremia for the vaccinated birds was 102.3 PFUs/ml (±100.6 PFUs/ml, SEM). Two birds cleared the virus from their blood before death or euthanasia. These data emphasize the high susceptibility of greater sage-grouse to infection with WNV.

    Authors

    Klenk, Kaci, Bowen, Richard, Clark, Larry, Hall, Jeffrey, McLean, Robert, Dunbar, Michael and Smeraski, Cynthia A.

    Year Published

    2006

    Publication

    Journal of Wildlife Diseases

    Locations
    DOI

    10.7589/0090-3558-42.1.14

    Additional Information:

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699144

    Liver Metal Concentrations in Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)Dailey, Rebecca N.2008

    Liver Metal Concentrations in Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)

    Keywords

    Centrocercus urophasianus, ICP-MS, liver, metals, Sage-grouse

    Abstract

    Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are a species of concern due to shrinking populations associated with habitat fragmentation and loss. Baseline health parameters for this species are limited or lacking, especially with regard to tissue metal concentrations. To obtain a range of tissue metal concentrations, livers were collected from 71 Greater Sage-grouse from Wyoming and Montana. Mean±SE metal concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) in liver were determined for vanadium (V) (0.12±0.01), chromium (Cr) (0.50±0.02), manganese (Mn) (2.68±0.11), iron (Fe) (1,019±103), nickel (Ni) (0.40±0.04), cobalt (Co) (0.08±0.02), copper (Cu) (6.43±0.40), mercury (Hg) (0.30±0.09), selenium (Se) (1.45±0.64), zinc (Zn) (59.2±4.70), molybdenum (Mo) (0.93 ± 0.07), cadmium (Cd) (1.44 ± 0.14), barium (Ba) (0.20 ± 0.03), and lead (Pb) (0.17 ± 0.03). In addition to providing baseline data, metal concentrations were compared between sex, age (juvenile/adult), and West Nile virus (WNv) groups (positive/negative). Adult birds had higher concentrations of Ni and Cd compared to juveniles. In addition, Zn and Cu concentrations were significantly elevated in WNv-positive birds.

    Authors

    Dailey, Rebecca N., Raisbeck, Merl F., Siemion, Roger S. and Cornish, Todd E.

    Year Published

    2008

    Publication

    Journal of Wildlife Diseases

    Locations
    DOI

    10.7589/0090-3558-44.2.494

    Sage-grouse Habitat in Idaho: A Practical Guide For Land Owners and ManagersGillan, Jeffrey K.2010

    Sage-grouse Habitat in Idaho: A Practical Guide For Land Owners and Managers

    Keywords

    No keywords available

    Abstract

    The greater sage-grouse is a species in decline across the western United States, including Idaho. As implied by the name, greater sage-grouse depend on sagebrush dominated landscapes for their forage, cover, nesting habitat, and ultimate survival. The deterioration of sagebrush landscapes in the West has been crucial factor in the decline of the greater sage-grouse, which is currently a candidate species under the federal Endangered Species Act. State and federal government land managers, researchers, private landowners, and concerned citizens are leading efforts to conserve this species in Idaho. This book is largely an illustrated synthesis of the 2006 Conservation Plan for Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho, produced by the Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee. Although the information in the 2006 Conservation is based on scientific research, the guidebook is meant to extend what is known about sage-grouse and their habitat to land owners and managers but is not meant to be cited as a science document itself. The intent of this guidebook is to help land owners and managers recognize characteristics of productive and unfavorable sage-grouse habitat throughout the different life stages, prompting better informed approaches to management and conservation. The focus is clearly on ranching, as opposed to other land use activities, because livestock grazing is the major land use that occurs on sage-grouse habitat. The guidebook provides information to recognize and evaluate sage-grouse habitat, but does not recommend specific grazing or land management practices. Those who manage and live within sagebrush landscapes can play a significant role in conserving sage-grouse and the habitat the depend on. This book is just a small part of the larger commitment that is being made to conserve this species.

    Authors

    Gillan, Jeffrey K. and Strand, Eva K.

    Year Published

    2010

    Publication

    Idaho College of Natural Resources

    Locations
    Additional Information:

    http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/range/pubs/sage-grouse_guide.pdf

    Recent Articles

    The Secret Sex Lives of Sage-Grouse: Multiple Paternity and Intraspecific Nest Parasitism Revealed Through Genetic Analysis

    by Bird, Krista, Aldridge, Cameron, Carpenter, Jennifer, Paszkowski, Cynthia, Boyce, Mark and Coltman, David

    In lek-based mating systems only a few males are expected to obtain the majority of matings in a single breeding season and multiple mating is believed to be rare. We used 13 microsatellites to genotype greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) samples from 604 adults and 1206 offspring from 191 clutches (1999-2006) from Alberta, Canada, to determine paternity and polygamy (males and fema...

    published 2013 in Behavioral Ecology

    Seasonal Reproductive Costs Contribute to Reduced Survival of Female Greater Sage-grouse

    by Blomberg, Erik, Sedinger, James, Nonne, Daniel and Atamian, Michael

    Tradeoffs among demographic traits are a central component of life history theory. We investigated tradeoffs between reproductive effort and survival in female greater sage-grouse breeding in the American Great Basin, while also considering reproductive heterogeneity by examining covariance among current and future reproductive success. We analyzed survival and reproductive histories from 328 i...

    published 2013 in Journal of Avian Biology


    Greater Sage-Grouse and Severe Winter Conditions: Identifying Habitat for Conservation

    by Dzialak, Matthew, Webb, Stephen, Harju, Seth, Olson, Chad, Winstead, Jeffrey and Hayden Wing, Larry

    d Developing sustainable rangeland management strategies requires solution-driven research that addresses ecological issues within the context of regionally important socioeconomic concerns. A key sustainability issue in many regions of the world is conserving habitat that buffers animal populations from climatic variability, including seasonal deviation from long-term precipitation or temperat...

    published 2013 in Rangeland Ecology & Management

    Using Spatial Statistics and Point-Pattern Simulations to Assess the Spatial Dependency Between Greater Sage-Grouse and Anthropogenic Features

    by Gillan, Jeffrey K., Strand, Eva K., Karl, Jason W., Reese, Kerry P. and Laninga, Tamara

    The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage-grouse), a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act, has experienced population declines across its range in the sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) steppe ecosystems of western North America. One factor contributing to the loss of habitat is the expanding human population with associated development and infrast...

    published 2013 in Wildlife Society Bulletin