2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
9/25/2018 | 1:25 PM - 1:40 PM | Effects of Rangeland Management on the Ecology of Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Mixed-Grass Prairies | Eccles Conference Center Auditorium
Effects of Rangeland Management on the Ecology of Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Mixed-Grass Prairies
Temperate grasslands, particularly mixed-grass prairies, suffer from the greatest levels of habitat loss and degradation of any ecosystem, which can have cascading negative effects. Grazing is the predominant land use across western North America and directly affects the structure, composition, and productivity of native grasslands. While certain grazing regimes can negatively affect wildlife habitat, properly managed grazing can be compatible with wildlife conservation and is preferable to other land uses that destroy or fragment native grasslands. With large home ranges and differing requirements for nesting and winter habitat, sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) require large and complex areas of habitat, making them an ideal indicator species for grassland habitats. Poor range management has been implicated in the decline of sharp-tailed grouse throughout North America, but the effects of specific grazing regimes on grouse populations have not been studied. Therefore, a better understanding of the ecological impacts of different grazing systems is required to develop effective conservation strategies. We monitored radio-collared sharp-tailed grouse in eastern Montana to assess the effects of grazing management on grouse ecology and evaluate whether specific grazing regimes are appropriate methods for improving wildlife habitat. In our evaluation of three population parameters, we have found no evidence for an effect of grazing system on sharp-tailed grouse ecology. By assessing the influence of different grazing management practices on multiple aspects of sharp-tailed grouse ecology, this project will develop specific management recommendations for the conservation of sharp-tailed grouse.
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Presenters/Authors
Megan Milligan
(), megan.milligan11@gmail.com;
Animal and Range Sciences
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -
Lance McNew
(), lance.mcnew@montana.edu;
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -
Lorelle Berkeley
(), Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, LBerkeley@mt.gov;
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -