Thesis
Gunnison sage-grouse winter and summer ecology in San Juan County, Utah
(2007)
Abstract
An isolated population of Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) exists in southeastern Utah. Little information is available on Gunnison sage-grouse winter and summer ecology in Utah for application in management. More information is needed regarding summer use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands and how arthropod abundance and diversity may influence habitat use. Movements and habitat use of 29 radio-collared birds were monitored for 2 winters, from 2002-2004. Sage-grouse preferred to roost in black sagebrush even when snow depths were greater in 2003-2004 compared to 2002-2003. No information is available regarding use of CRP lands by Gunnison sage-grouse relative to arthropod abundance and diversity. CRP lands exhibited a greater abundance of arthropods; in addition, more insect families were identified in CRP fields. My results suggest that greater forb cover increased arthropod abundance and diversity. This combination was apparent in CRP fields and appears to have influenced Gunnison sage-grouse habitat use patterns.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2007
Degree
Master of Science
Field of study
Wildlife Biology
Department
Wildland Resources
Advisor
Terry A. Messmer
Citation Information
Sharon Ward. "Gunnison sage-grouse winter and summer ecology in San Juan County, Utah" (2007) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/terry-messmer/410/