Using GPS satellite transmitters to estimate survival, detectability on leks, lek attendance, inter-lek movements, and breeding season habitat use of male greater sage-grouse in northwestern Colorado

Using GPS satellite transmitters to estimate survival, detectability on leks, lek attendance, inter-lek movements, and breeding season habitat use of male greater sage-grouse 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 (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations has increased both range-wide and in Colorado due to historical population declines, range contraction, continued loss and degradation of sagebrush habitat, and recent federal listing of the species as warranted but precluded under the Endangered Species Act in 2010. Despite untested assumptions, lek-count data continue to be widely used as an index of abundance by state and federal 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 lek 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 reducing disturbance to male sage-grouse and their habitat during the breeding season.

Walker, Brett L.

Greater sage-grouse

Northwestern Colorado

Wildlife management

various pages

2014-2016

Text

application/pdf

English

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