Evaluating lek-based monitoring and management strategies for greater sage-grouse in the Parachute-Piceance-Roan population in northwestern Colorado

Evaluating lek-based monitoring and management strategies for greater sage-grouse in the Parachute-Piceance-Roan population in northwestern Colorado

Implementing effective monitoring and mitigation strategies is crucial for conserving populations of sensitive wildlife species. Concern over the status of greater sage-grouse populations has increased range-wide and in Colorado due to population declines, range contraction, loss and degradation of sagebrush habitat, and potential for listing the species under the Endangered Species Act. Despite untested assumptions, lek counts are widely used as an index of abundance by state agencies to monitor sage-grouse populations. Lek locations are also commonly used to identify and protect important sage-grouse habitat. However, the use of lek counts and locations to monitor and manage sage-grouse populations remains controversial because it is unknown how closely lek-count data track actual changes in male abundance from year to year or if lek buffers are effective at protecting habitat for male sage-grouse during the breeding season.

Walker, Brett L.

Greater sage-grouse

Parachute-Piceance-Roan (PPR) region

Wildlife management

Northwestern Colorado

various pages

2014-2016

Text

application/pdf

English

Cost Center 3420 Avian Research. Work Package 0660 Greater Sage-grouse conservation