Date of Award:

12-2025

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Wildland Resources

Committee Chair(s)

Mark W. Chynoweth (Chair), Julie K. Young (Co-Chair)

Committee

Mark W. Chynoweth

Committee

Julie K. Young

Committee

Steve J. Slater

Abstract

Predation and the perceived risk of predation can have major impacts on prey populations. Golden Eagles are considered one of the main predators of adult greater sage-grouse. Sage-grouse populations have been declining for decades throughout the West and wildlife managers are concerned about the impacts of golden eagles on sage-grouse. We investigated the nonconsumptive effects of golden eagles on sage-grouse by conducting observational surveys for golden eagles, sage-grouse, and other predators at sage-grouse lek sites near Vernal, Utah during the sage-grouse breeding season from 2022–2024. Additionally, we examined the prevalence of sage-grouse in golden eagle diet using DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples, dissection of pellet samples, and the installation of nest camera traps. The presence of flying golden eagles had a significant effect on lek counts and reduced the count by 56.5%. Sage-grouse flushing events were strongly associated with golden eagles and golden eagles were responsible for 48.4% of the flushing events that occurred. Golden eagles also caused more ceased strutting events than other predators. Our results from the three methods investigating golden eagle diet were in agreement that sage-grouse is not prevalent in the diet of golden eagles. Sage-grouse were present in 18.2% of fecal samples and 8.6% of pellet samples, but no sage-grouse were delivered to nests. Our results support previous literature that mammals, specifically lagomorphs and rodents, represent the largest proportion in golden eagle diet. Although golden eagle significantly impacted sage-grouse lek counts and behavior, they were only present 14.22% of the total time surveyed. Sage-grouse and golden eagles evolved alongside one another and given the lek period occurs for several weeks, it is likely a daily disturbance doesn’t limit reproductive success.

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