Utah State University

Title

The Effect of Sagebrush Reduction Practices on Sharp-Tailed Grouse Use in Southeastern Idaho

Author

Barry Anthony McArdle, Utah State University

Date of Award:

1977

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department name when degree awarded

Wildlife Science

Advisor/Chair:

Gar W. Workman

Abstract

The effects of vegetation-manipulative practices on habitat use by sharp-tailed grouse (Pedioecetes phasiane11us columbianus) were studied during the period 1974-1975 in Curlew National Grasslands, Oneida County, Idaho. Vegetational transects were run twice each month during the growing season of May-August, 1974-1975, to assess vegetational differences between treatments. Transects were run ~ to estimate sharp-tailed grouse use on the eight study areas .twice monthly. Vegetational plots were used at each sharp-tailed grouse observation site to determine correlates of vegetation types and grouse use. Chained areas were used heaviest by grouse during the study period suggesting that chaining created the most preferred habitat. Cover, edge, and slope were also important factors at sites of sharp-tailed grouse occurrence.

Recommendations are made on manipulative methods and other means to improve sharp-tailed grouse use of habitat.

Comments

This thesis made electronically available on May 1st, 2012

Recommended Citation

McArdle, Barry Anthony, "The Effect of Sagebrush Reduction Practices on Sharp-Tailed Grouse Use in Southeastern Idaho" (1977). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1193.
http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/1193