Date of Award:

5-2015

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Committee Chair(s)

Michael R. Conover

Committee

Michael R. Conover

Committee

Shandra N. Frey

Committee

Julie K. Young

Abstract

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations have been declining throughout the western United States over the past 3 decades. Habitat loss within the range sagebrush steppe ecosystem is a major factor leading to sage-grouse population decline. Understanding the use of microhabitats by hen sage-grouse may provide data that will allow managers to reduce the decline in the sage-grouse population.

My objective was to determine the factors lead to site selection by hen sage-grouse hens. This was accomplished by addressing several questions regarding the interactions of habitat selection and predator avoidance among sage-grouse hens. I examined if (1) sites occupied by sage-grouse hens with broods differ from random sites, (2) sites occupied by sage-grouse hens with broods differ from sites occupied by sage-grouse hens without broods, (3) sites occupied by sage-grouse hens with young broods differ from sites occupied by sage-grouse hens with old broods, and (4) sites where hen sage-grouse were killed differ from sites occupied by live sage-grouse hens or random sites.

Previous studies have looked at microhabitat selection by hen sage-grouse with active broods. To my knowledge, there have been no studies that have determined if hen sage-grouse will select the same habitat if they are not accompanied by a brood.

I determined that hen sage-grouse select area with high total shrub cover throughout the summer regardless of their reproductive status. By avoiding predators and selecting areas with high shrub cover, hens with broods can reduce the risk of their chicks being depredated.

Hen sage-grouse may avoid otherwise suitable habitat based on perceived risk due to higher densities of avian predators. I recommend that managers should focus efforts on maintaining and increasing shrub cover in sage-grouse habitat and refrain from practices that lead to reduce shrub cover within sage-grouse habitat.

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