Dissertation
Greater sage-grouse reproductive ecology and response to experimental management of mountain big sagebrush on Parker Mountain, Utah
(2006)
Abstract
I evaluated the effects of 2 mechanical treatments that may be used to manage greater sage-grouse (C. urophasianus) habitat. Dixie harrow and Lawson aerator treatments were conducted in replicated plots that contained (> 38% canopy cover) stands of mountain big sagebrush (Â Artemisia tridentata vaseyana). I monitored shrub and herbaceous vegetation response. Both treatments effectively reduced shrub canopy to guidelines for sage-grouse brood-rearing habitat (10-25%). Dixie harrow responded with an increase in herbaceous cover. Additionally, I added Tebuthiuron plots and monitored sage-grouse use within all plots. Sage-grouse, and broods specifically, preferred Tebuthiuron plots compared to mechanical or control. I monitored sage-grouse hens during their reproductive efforts in 2003 and 2004 (n = 25 and 9, respectively). In 2003 and 2004, nest initiation rates were 95% and 56%, nest success was 50% and 80%, and mortality was 36% and 22%, respectively. Brood sites exhibited 20.1% shrub and 16.5% herbaceous cover.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2006
Degree
Master of Science
Field of study
Wildlife Biology
Department
Forestry, Range, and Wildlife Sciences
Advisors
Terry A. Messmer
Citation Information
David K. Dahlgren. "Greater sage-grouse reproductive ecology and response to experimental management of mountain big sagebrush on Parker Mountain, Utah" (2006) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/terry-messmer/413/