Date of Award:

12-2013

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Committee Chair(s)

Julie K. Young

Committee

Julie K. Young

Committee

Frank P. Howe

Committee

Mary M. Conner

Abstract

The decline of greater sage-grouse distribution and population densities across western North America has led conservation, research, and management objectives to focus efforts on understanding sage-grouse populations across their range. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of direct and indirect predation effects on hen survival and nest success of sage-grouse. The project was conducted in Hot Springs and Park Counties in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming. The study had three main objectives: 1) obtain and quantify the types and impacts of predators on sage-grouse hen survival and nest success, 2) compare the effect predator removals on hen survival and nest success, and 3) evaluate sage-grouse habitat selection and movement relative to predator removal.

In a two-year study (2011-2012) the effects of predation and predator removal on sage-grouse ecology were tested via a field experiment. Project costs to study sagegrouse from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2013 were supported through funding for supplies and in-kind support worth $225,000. Research was carried out by Utah State University and USDA-WS-National Wildlife Research Center-Predator Research Facility in cooperation with USDA-Wildlife Services, Meeteetse Conservation District, and Wyoming Game and Fish. Survival of hens over the period removal occurred (nesting) was higher at sites with coyote removal, but not annually. No differences were detected in the survival rates of nests, but observed nest success was significantly higher at sites without coyote removal. Sage-grouse home range size, seasonal movement, and habitat selection were affected by management and anthropogenic features such that short-term alterations to management, like those associated with predator removal, appear to disturb sage-grouse behavior during critical life stages.

This research quantified the impacts of predators and predator removal on two important sage-grouse vital rates (hen survival and nest success), developed a framework for monitoring changes in both sage-grouse and predator populations, and evaluated the influences anthropogenic features and predator management can have on sage-grouse populations. This information will enhance sage-grouse conservation and management decisions.

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