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Stevens BS, Conway CJ, Tisdale CA, Denny KN, Meyers A, Makela P. Backpack satellite transmitters reduce survival but not nesting propensity or success of greater sage-grouse. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10820. [PMID: 38111920 PMCID: PMC10726286 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Telemetry technology is ubiquitous for studying the behavior and demography of wildlife, including the use of traditional very high frequency (VHF) radio telemetry and more recent methods that record animal locations using global positioning systems (GPS). Satellite-based GPS telemetry allows researchers to collect high spatial-temporal resolution data remotely but may also come with additional costs. For example, recent studies from the southern Great Basin suggested GPS transmitters attached via backpacks may reduce the survival of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) relative to VHF transmitters attached via collars that have been in use for decades. While some evidence suggests GPS backpacks reduce survival, no studies have examined the effects of GPS backpacks on breeding behavior and success. Therefore, we compared survival, breeding behavior, and nest success of sage-grouse hens marked with both VHF collars and GPS backpack transmitter over a 7-year period in central Idaho, USA. GPS backpacks reduced spring-summer survival of sage-grouse hens relative to hens with VHF collars, where daily mortality probability was 68%-82% higher from March 1 to August 1. Yet satellite GPS backpacks did not consistently affect nest success or the likelihood or timing of nest initiation relative to VHF collars. Daily nest survival varied annually and with timing of nest initiation and nest age, but marginal effects of transmitter type were statistically insignificant and interactions between transmitter type and study year produced no meaningful patterns. Our results corroborate recent studies for the effect of satellite GPS backpacks on sage-grouse survival, but also suggest that these transmitters do not appear to affect components of fecundity. Our results therefore add important context to recent debate surrounding the effects of GPS backpacks on sage-grouse, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of different transmitter types for understanding behavior and population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan S. Stevens
- Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
- Present address:
Pacific Northwest Research StationU.S. Forest ServiceLa GrandeOregonUSA
| | - Courtney J. Conway
- U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research UnitUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Cody A. Tisdale
- Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Kylie N. Denny
- Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
- Present address:
School of the EnvironmentWashington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonUSA
| | - Andrew Meyers
- Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish and Wildlife SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
- Present address:
Oregon Department of Fish and WildlifeThe DallesOregonUSA
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2
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Wann GT, Van Schmidt ND, Shyvers JE, Tarbox BC, McLachlan MM, O’Donnell MS, Titolo AJ, Coates PS, Edmunds DR, Heinrichs JA, Monroe AP, Aldridge CL. A regionally varying habitat model to inform management for greater sage-grouse persistence across their range. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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3
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O'Donnell MS, Edmunds DR, Aldridge CL, Heinrichs JA, Monroe AP, Coates PS, Prochazka BG, Hanser SE, Wiechman LA. Defining biologically relevant and hierarchically nested population units to inform wildlife management. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9565. [PMID: 36466138 PMCID: PMC9712811 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife populations are increasingly affected by natural and anthropogenic changes that negatively alter biotic and abiotic processes at multiple spatiotemporal scales and therefore require increased wildlife management and conservation efforts. However, wildlife management boundaries frequently lack biological context and mechanisms to assess demographic data across the multiple spatiotemporal scales influencing populations. To address these limitations, we developed a novel approach to define biologically relevant subpopulations of hierarchically nested population levels that could facilitate managing and conserving wildlife populations and habitats. Our approach relied on the Spatial "K"luster Analysis by Tree Edge Removal clustering algorithm, which we applied in an agglomerative manner (bottom-to-top). We modified the clustering algorithm using a workflow and population structure tiers from least-cost paths, which captured biological inferences of habitat conditions (functional connectivity), dispersal capabilities (potential connectivity), genetic information, and functional processes affecting movements. The approach uniquely included context of habitat resources (biotic and abiotic) summarized at multiple spatial scales surrounding locations with breeding site fidelity and constraint-based rules (number of sites grouped and population structure tiers). We applied our approach to greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a species of conservation concern, across their range within the western United States. This case study produced 13 hierarchically nested population levels (akin to cluster levels, each representing a collection of subpopulations of an increasing number of breeding sites). These closely approximated population closure at finer ecological scales (smaller subpopulation extents with fewer breeding sites; cluster levels ≥2), where >92% of individual sage-grouse's time occurred within their home cluster. With available population monitoring data, our approaches can support the investigation of factors affecting population dynamics at multiple scales and assist managers with making informed, targeted, and cost-effective decisions within an adaptive management framework. Importantly, our approach provides the flexibility of including species-relevant context, thereby supporting other wildlife characterized by site fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David R. Edmunds
- U.S. Geological SurveyFort Collins Science CenterFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | | | - Julie A. Heinrichs
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science CenterColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Adrian P. Monroe
- U.S. Geological SurveyFort Collins Science CenterFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Peter S. Coates
- U.S. Geological SurveyWestern Ecological Research CenterDixonCaliforniaUSA
| | - Brian G. Prochazka
- U.S. Geological SurveyWestern Ecological Research CenterDixonCaliforniaUSA
| | - Steve E. Hanser
- U.S. Geological SurveyFort Collins Science CenterFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Lief A. Wiechman
- U.S. Geological SurveyEcosystems Mission AreaFort CollinsColoradoUSA
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4
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Monroe AP, Heinrichs JA, Whipple AL, O'Donnell MS, Edmunds DR, Aldridge CL. Spatial scale selection for informing species conservation in a changing landscape. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian P. Monroe
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Julie A. Heinrichs
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Ashley L. Whipple
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | | | - David R. Edmunds
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Cameron L. Aldridge
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
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5
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Bauld JT, Abernethy KA, Newton J, Lehmann D, Jones IL, Bussière LF. Can diet niche partitioning enhance sexual dimorphism? Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9599. [PMID: 36545364 PMCID: PMC9760898 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Classic evolutionary theory suggests that sexual dimorphism evolves primarily via sexual and fecundity selection. However, theory and evidence are beginning to accumulate suggesting that resource competition can drive the evolution of sexual dimorphism, via ecological character displacement between sexes. A key prediction of this hypothesis is that the extent of ecological divergence between sexes will be associated with the extent of sexual dimorphism. As the stable isotope ratios of animal tissues provide a quantitative measure of various aspects of ecology, we carried out a meta-analysis examining associations between the extent of isotopic divergence between sexes and the extent of body size dimorphism. Our models demonstrate that large amounts of between-study variation in isotopic (ecological) divergence between sexes is nonrandom and may be associated with the traits of study subjects. We, therefore, completed meta-regressions to examine whether the extent of isotopic divergence between sexes is associated with the extent of sexual size dimorphism. We found modest but significantly positive associations across species between size dimorphism and ecological differences between sexes, that increased in strength when the ecological opportunity for dietary divergence between sexes was greatest. Our results, therefore, provide further evidence that ecologically mediated selection, not directly related to reproduction, can contribute to the evolution of sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T. Bauld
- Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of StirlingStirlingUK
| | - Katharine A. Abernethy
- Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of StirlingStirlingUK
- Institut de Recherche en Ecologie TropicaleCENARESTLibrevilleGabon
| | - Jason Newton
- National Environmental Isotope FacilityScottish Universities Environmental Research CentreEast KilbrideUK
| | - David Lehmann
- Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN)LibrevilleGabon
| | - Isabel L. Jones
- Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of StirlingStirlingUK
| | - Luc F. Bussière
- Biology and Environmental Sciences and Gothenburg Global Biodiversity CentreUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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6
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Hennig JD, Scasta JD, Pratt AC, Wanner CP, Beck JL. Habitat selection and space use overlap between feral horses, pronghorn, and greater sage‐grouse in cold arid steppe. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D. Hennig
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - J. D. Scasta
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Aaron C. Pratt
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Caitlyn P. Wanner
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming 1000 E. University Avenue Laramie WY 82071 USA
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7
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Schuyler EM, Hagen CA, Anthony CR, Foster LJ, Dugger KM. Temporal mismatch in space use by a sagebrush obligate species after large‐scale wildfire. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Schuyler
- Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon USA
| | - Christian A. Hagen
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon USA
| | | | - Lee J. Foster
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Salem Oregon USA
| | - Katie M. Dugger
- U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon USA
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8
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Burkholder BO, Harris RB, DeCesare NJ, Boccadori SJ, Garrott RA. Winter habitat selection by female moose in southwestern Montana and effects of snow and temperature. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wlb3.01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Braden O. Burkholder
- Dept of Ecology, Montana State Univ. Bozeman MT USA
- Montana Natural Heritage Program Helena MT USA
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9
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O'Donnell MS, Edmunds DR, Aldridge CL, Heinrichs JA, Monroe AP, Coates PS, Prochazka BG, Hanser SE, Wiechman LA. Defining fine‐scaled population structure among continuously distributed populations. Methods Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David R. Edmunds
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Cameron L. Aldridge
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Julie A. Heinrichs
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Adrian P. Monroe
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Peter S. Coates
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center Dixon Field Station Dixon California USA
| | - Brian G. Prochazka
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center Dixon Field Station Dixon California USA
| | - Steve E. Hanser
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Lief A. Wiechman
- U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area Fort Collins Colorado USA
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10
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Dyson ME, Slattery SM, Fedy BC. Multiscale nest‐site selection of ducks in the western boreal forest of Alberta. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9139. [PMID: 35923935 PMCID: PMC9339759 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited data regarding the nesting ecology of boreal ducks and their response to industrial development, despite this region being an important North American breeding area. We investigated how landcover and oil and gas development affect third‐order nest‐site selection of boreal ducks. We located duck nests in Alberta's western boreal forest between 2016 and 2018. We used multiscale analysis to identify how scale affects the selection of a resource using generalized linear mixed‐effects models and determined what scale‐optimized combination of landscape features were most important in describing where ducks nest. We located 136 nests of six species of upland nesting ducks between 2016 and 2018. The magnitude, direction, and best spatial scale varied by resource. For landcover, ducks selected nest‐sites associated with mineral wetlands (300 m) and open water (300 m). Ducks avoided greater densities of seismic lines (300 m) and pipelines (2500 m) but selected nest‐sites associated with borrow pits (300 m) and roads (1000 m). We used our models to predict important duck nesting habitat in the boreal forest, which can support conservation and management decisions. We recommend conservation actions target the conservation of mineral wetlands and associated habitats within this working landscape. Further research is necessary to understand the adaptive consequences of nest‐site selection and how industrial development influences important nest predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Dyson
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability University of Waterloo Waterloo Ontario Canada
- Institute for Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Ducks Unlimited Canada Stonewall Manitoba Canada
| | - Stuart M. Slattery
- Institute for Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Ducks Unlimited Canada Stonewall Manitoba Canada
| | - Bradley C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability University of Waterloo Waterloo Ontario Canada
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11
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Germino MJ, Anthony CR, Kluender CR, Ellsworth E, Moser AM, Applestein C, Fisk MR. Relationship of greater sage‐grouse to natural and assisted recovery of key vegetation types following wildfire: insights from scat. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Germino
- U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 970 S. Lusk Street Boise ID 83706
| | - Christopher R. Anthony
- U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 970 S. Lusk Street Boise ID 83706
| | - Chad R. Kluender
- U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 970 S. Lusk Street Boise ID 83706
| | - Ethan Ellsworth
- Bureau of Land Management Idaho State Office, 1387 S. Vinnell Way Boise ID 83709
| | - Ann M. Moser
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game 600 S. Walnut, P.O. Box 25 Boise ID 83707
| | - Cara Applestein
- U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 970 S. Lusk Street Boise ID 83706
| | - Matthew R. Fisk
- U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 970 S. Lusk Street Boise ID 83706
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12
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Parsons L, Jenks J, Runia T, Gregory A. Comparing Methods of Defining Priority Areas for Greater Sage-Grouse. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.896023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife managers delineate priority areas for species to define critical habitat and to prioritize management efforts. Each method used to identify priority areas involves data that can be unavailable or expensive to obtain. Therefore, it is of interest to compare spatial efficiency between methods used for defining priority areas. We compared priority areas created using different methods and data types. We used resource selection function (RSF) models to predict areas of high use and generated a map depicting ≥ 90% predicted use in three seasons; it was 1,143 km2, encompassed 91% of nests, 68% of summer locations, and 71% of winter locations. We compared the RSF priority area to priority areas developed using two alternative methods: (1) modified conservation buffer, and (2) utilization distribution (UD) models. The modified conservation buffer method was used by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks in 2014 to delineate a priority area by buffering active lek sites by 6.4 km, including connectivity corridors defined via expert opinion, and known high use areas. The priority area generated by the modified conservation buffer method was 3,977 km2, encompassed 95% of nest locations, 92% of spring/summer locations, and 99% of winter locations. Lastly, we developed a priority area using combined UDs from radio-tracking data gathered during spring/summer, and winter and included a lek buffer encompassing 90% of known nest-sites. This priority area was 3,498 km2, encompassed 99% of nests, 98% of spring/summer locations, and 97% of winter locations. The priority area generated by RSF models was the smallest and encompassed the least number of nests and spring/summer and winter locations but was considered the most spatially efficient; it had the most nests, spring/summer locations, and winter locations per 100 km2. The UD and modified conservation buffer methods created priority areas that were similar in size and spatial efficiency. The modified conservation buffer method encompassed >90% of known sage-grouse locations and nests, indicating that in the absence of detailed movement data and more sophisticated modeling, the method can be sufficient in developing an adequate priority area.
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13
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Gelling EL, Pratt AC, Beck JL. Linking microhabitat selection, range size, reproductive state, and behavioral state in greater sage‐grouse. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Gelling
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Dept 3354, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
| | - Aaron C. Pratt
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Dept 3354, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Dept 3354, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
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14
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Row JR, Holloran MJ, Fedy BC. Quantifying the temporal stability in seasonal habitat for sage‐grouse using regression and ensemble tree approaches. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Row
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability University of Waterloo Waterloo Ontario Canada
| | | | - Bradley C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability University of Waterloo Waterloo Ontario Canada
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15
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Zimmerman SJ, Aldridge CL, Hooten MB, Oyler-McCance SJ. Scale-dependent influence of the sagebrush community on genetic connectivity of the sagebrush obligate Gunnison sage-grouse. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3267-3285. [PMID: 35501946 PMCID: PMC9325045 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation and degradation impacts an organism's ability to navigate the landscape, ultimately resulting in decreased gene flow and increased extinction risk. Understanding how landscape composition impacts gene flow (i.e., connectivity) and interacts with scale is essential to conservation decision‐making. We used a landscape genetics approach implementing a recently developed statistical model based on the generalized Wishart probability distribution to identify the primary landscape features affecting gene flow and estimate the degree to which each component influences connectivity for Gunnison sage‐grouse (Centrocercus minimus). We were interested in two spatial scales: among distinct populations rangewide and among leks (i.e., breeding grounds) within the largest population, Gunnison Basin. Populations and leks are nested within a landscape fragmented by rough terrain and anthropogenic features, although requisite sagebrush habitat is more contiguous within populations. Our best fit models for each scale confirm the importance of sagebrush habitat in connectivity, although the important sagebrush characteristics differ. For Gunnison Basin, taller shrubs and higher quality nesting habitat were the primary drivers of connectivity, while more sagebrush cover and less conifer cover facilitated connectivity rangewide. Our findings support previous assumptions that Gunnison sage‐grouse range contraction is largely the result of habitat loss and degradation. Importantly, we report direct estimates of resistance for landscape components that can be used to create resistance surfaces for prioritization of specific locations for conservation or management (i.e., habitat preservation, restoration, or development) or as we demonstrated, can be combined with simulation techniques to predict impacts to connectivity from potential management actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna J Zimmerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Cameron L Aldridge
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mevin B Hooten
- Department of Statistics and Data Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Sara J Oyler-McCance
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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16
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Monroe AP, Nauman TW, Aldridge CL, O’Donnell MS, Duniway MC, Cade BS, Manier DJ, Anderson PJ. Assessing vegetation recovery from energy development using a dynamic reference approach. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8508. [PMID: 35222945 PMCID: PMC8855019 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian P. Monroe
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Travis W. Nauman
- U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center Moab Utah USA
| | - Cameron L. Aldridge
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Michael S. O’Donnell
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Michael C. Duniway
- U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center Moab Utah USA
| | - Brian S. Cade
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Daniel J. Manier
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Patrick J. Anderson
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado USA
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17
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Balancing model generality and specificity in management-focused habitat selection models for Gunnison sage-grouse. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Dinkins JB, Lawson KJ, Beck JL. Influence of environmental change, harvest exposure, and human disturbance on population trends of greater sage-grouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257198. [PMID: 34559848 PMCID: PMC8462709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hunter harvest of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter “sage-grouse”) has been regulated by wildlife agencies during most of the past century. Hunting season regulations were maintained with the intention of providing sustainable hunting opportunities. Sage-grouse populations oscillate over time, and population growth can be influenced by seasonal weather and habitat disturbance. From 1995–2013, we compared sage-grouse lek trends from 22 relatively distinct sage-grouse population segments in 9 western U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. We stratified these populations into 3 broad categories (non-hunted [n = 8], continuously hunted [n = 10], and hunting season discontinued between 1996–2003 [n = 4]) with 8 different regulation histories to evaluate the potential impact of harvest on sage-grouse populations. Concomitantly, we assessed the effects of proportion burned, forested and cropland habitat; winter, spring, and summer precipitation; and human population, road, and oil and gas well densities on initial and time-varying lek counts. Density-dependent models fit lek trend data best for all regulation histories. In general, higher proportions of burnt, forested, and cropland habitat; and greater human population and oil and gas well densities were associated with lower equilibrium abundance (K). We found mixed results regarding the effect of hunting regulations on instantaneous growth rate (r). The cessation of harvest from 1996–2001 in approximately half of the largest sage-grouse population in our analysis was associated with higher r. Continuously harvested sage-grouse populations with permit hunting seasons had higher r during years with higher proportion of area exposed to permitted hunting rather than general upland game seasons. However, more liberal hunting regulations were positively associated with higher r in populations continuously harvested under general upland game hunts. Our results suggest that discontinuing harvest in the largest population resulted in greater population growth rates; however, this was not consistently the case for smaller populations. To no surprise, not all sage-grouse populations were influenced by the same environmental change or human disturbance factors. Our results will assist managers to understand factors associated with K, which provides the best targets for conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B. Dinkins
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kirstie J. Lawson
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
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Doherty KE, Boyd CS, Kerby JD, Sitz AL, Foster LJ, Cahill MC, Johnson DD, Sparklin BD. Threat‐Based State and Transition Models Predict Sage‐Grouse Occurrence while Promoting Landscape Conservation. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad S. Boyd
- USDA Agricultural Research Service & Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Burns OR 97720 USA
| | | | - Angela L. Sitz
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service Bend OR 97701 USA
| | - Lee J. Foster
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Hines OR 97738 USA
| | | | - Dustin D. Johnson
- Oregon State University & Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Burns OR 97720 USA
| | - Bill D. Sparklin
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service Great Falls MT 59404 USA
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20
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O'Donnell MS, Edmunds DR, Aldridge CL, Heinrichs JA, Monroe AP, Coates PS, Prochazka BG, Hanser SE, Wiechman LA, Christiansen TJ, Cook AA, Espinosa SP, Foster LJ, Griffin KA, Kolar JL, Miller KS, Moser AM, Remington TE, Runia TJ, Schreiber LA, Schroeder MA, Stiver SJ, Whitford NI, Wightman CS. Synthesizing and analyzing long-term monitoring data: A greater sage-grouse case study. ECOL INFORM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2021.101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Lazenby KD, Coates PS, O’Neil ST, Kohl MT, Dahlgren DK. Nesting, brood rearing, and summer habitat selection by translocated greater sage-grouse in North Dakota, USA. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:2741-2760. [PMID: 33767833 PMCID: PMC7981223 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human enterprise has led to large-scale changes in landscapes and altered wildlife population distribution and abundance, necessitating efficient and effective conservation strategies for impacted species. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter sage-grouse) are a widespread sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) obligate species that has experienced population declines since the mid-1900s resulting from habitat loss and expansion of anthropogenic features into sagebrush ecosystems. Habitat loss is especially evident in North Dakota, USA, on the northeastern fringe of sage-grouse' distribution, where a remnant population remains despite recent development of energy-related infrastructure. Resource managers in this region have determined a need to augment sage-grouse populations using translocation techniques that can be important management tools for countering species decline from range contraction. Although translocations are a common tool for wildlife management, very little research has evaluated habitat following translocation, to track individual behaviors such as habitat selection and fidelity to the release site, which can help inform habitat requirements to guide selection of future release sites. We provide an example where locations from previously released radio-marked sage-grouse are used in a resource selection function framework to evaluate habitat selection following translocation and identify areas of seasonal habitat to inform habitat management and potential restoration needs. We also evaluated possible changes in seasonal habitat since the late 1980s using spatial data provided by the Rangeland Analysis Platform coupled with resource selection modeling results. Our results serve as critical baseline information for habitat used by translocated individuals across life stages in this study area, and will inform future evaluations of population performance and potential for long-term recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kade D. Lazenby
- Department of Wildland ResourcesJack H. Berryman InstituteS. J. Quinney College of Natural ResourcesUtah State UniversityLoganUTUSA
| | - Peter S. Coates
- Western Ecological Research CenterDixon Field StationU.S. Geological SurveyDixonCAUSA
| | - Shawn T. O’Neil
- Western Ecological Research CenterDixon Field StationU.S. Geological SurveyDixonCAUSA
| | - Michel T. Kohl
- Department of Wildland ResourcesJack H. Berryman InstituteS. J. Quinney College of Natural ResourcesUtah State UniversityLoganUTUSA
| | - David K. Dahlgren
- Department of Wildland ResourcesJack H. Berryman InstituteS. J. Quinney College of Natural ResourcesUtah State UniversityLoganUTUSA
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22
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Apa AD, Aagaard K, Rice MB, Phillips E, Neubaum DJ, Seward N, Stiver JR, Wait S. Seasonal habitat suitability models for a threatened species: the Gunnison sage-grouse. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextThe Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) has experienced range-wide declines and has been listed as Threatened by the USA Fish and Wildlife Service to receive protections under the USA Endangered Species Act. A draft Recovery Plan was recently completed. No seasonal habitat models have been developed for the small isolated populations.
AimsTo develop a habitat suitability model that was collaboratively developed between modellers and conservation practitioners to predict the probability of use by Gunnison sage-grouse during the breeding and summer seasons in designated occupied critical habitat, and extrapolate to adjacent designated unoccupied critical habitat.
MethodsWe captured, marked and tracked Gunnison sage-grouse in nine different studies spanning 25 years. We used a suite of biotic, abiotic and vegetation local-level and population-scale covariates in a use-available resource selection function to develop models that predict the probability of use by Gunnison sage-grouse.
Key resultsWe used 9140 Gunnison sage-grouse locations from 406 individual birds to develop nine resource selection models for occupied habitat and extrapolated model predictions to adjacent unoccupied critical habitat in five small isolated Gunnison sage-grouse populations. A majority of our models validated well.
ConclusionsWe report the first two-season resource use-based habitat suitability models for five of six small isolated Gunnison sage-grouse populations. Because of the unique habitat use by Gunnison sage-grouse in each population, we recommend that resource managers strategically target management actions in individual populations and avoid ‘one-size-fits-all’ habitat management prescriptions.
ImplicationsOur models will assist managers in the identification of seasonal habitats within populations to target management actions for Gunnison sage-grouse recovery.
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23
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Kirol CP, Smith KT, Graf NE, Dinkins JB, Lebeau CW, Maechtle TL, Sutphin AL, Beck JL. Greater Sage‐Grouse Response to the Physical Footprint of Energy Development. J Wildl Manage 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P. Kirol
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Kurt T. Smith
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Nicholas E. Graf
- Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Jonathan B. Dinkins
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
| | - Chad W. Lebeau
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. 200 South 2nd St., Suite B Laramie WY 82070 USA
| | | | - Andrew L. Sutphin
- Big Horn Environmental Consultants 730 E. Burkitt Sheridan WY 82801 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82071 USA
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Walker BL, Neubaum MA, Goforth SR, Flenner MM. Quantifying habitat loss and modification from recent expansion of energy infrastructure in an isolated, peripheral greater sage-grouse population. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 255:109819. [PMID: 31756579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
New technologies and increasing energy demand have contributed to rapid expansion of unconventional oil and gas development in the U.S. in the past two decades. Quantifying the effects of energy infrastructure on land cover and wildlife habitat is essential for informing land-use policy, developing wildlife conservation strategies, and projecting impacts of future development. The greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; GrSG) is a species of concern in sagebrush ecosystems of the western U.S. and Canada and the focus of widespread conservation and management efforts. Increasing energy development within GrSG range has prompted the need to quantify and predict impacts of energy infrastructure on their habitat and populations. We mapped the annual distribution, surface type, and activity level of energy and non-energy infrastructure in the Parachute-Piceance-Roan (PPR), a small, peripheral greater sage-grouse population in Colorado with expanding oil and gas development, from 2005 to 2015. During that time, the footprint of energy infrastructure more than doubled to 3,275 ha (+108.6%), including 195 new well pads, 930 ha of new pipelines, and 230 km of new roads. In contrast, non-energy infrastructure decreased to 532 ha (-8.3%). The majority of energy infrastructure present each year (77-84%) was supporting infrastructure (i.e. facilities, roads, pipelines) rather than well pads, with an average of 2.24 ± 0.52 SE ha of supporting infrastructure per ha of well pad. Pipelines comprised 74-80% of reclaimed surface and roads comprised 54-69% of disturbed surface across years. By 2015, anthropogenic infrastructure covered 2.70% of occupied range and 2.93% of GrSG habitat, and energy infrastructure covered 2.50% and 10.79% of two priority habitat management area zones in the PPR. Three land cover classes most affected by energy infrastructure were also those strongly selected by GrSG. Topographic constraints appear to concentrate energy infrastructure in areas with gentler topography that also have the highest GrSG use. Together, these patterns suggest that future energy development will cause substantial additional loss and modification of GrSG habitat in the PPR. Our findings are valuable for assessing surface disturbance caps for land-use management and projections of energy infrastructure effects on wildlife habitat in this and other expanding oil and gas fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett L Walker
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, CO, 81505, United States.
| | - Melissa A Neubaum
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, CO, 81505, United States
| | - Suzanne R Goforth
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 711 Independent Ave., Grand Junction, CO, 81505, United States
| | - Michelle M Flenner
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 317 West Prospect Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526, United States
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25
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Johnson HE, Golden TS, Adams LG, Gustine DD, Lenart EA. Caribou Use of Habitat Near Energy Development in Arctic Alaska. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E. Johnson
- U.S. Geological SurveyAlaska Science Center 4210 University Drive Anchorage AK 99508 USA
| | - Trevor S. Golden
- U.S. Geological SurveyAlaska Science Center 4210 University Drive Anchorage AK 99508 USA
| | - Layne G. Adams
- U.S. Geological SurveyAlaska Science Center 4210 University Drive Anchorage AK 99508 USA
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26
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Dahlgren DK, Messmer TA, Crabb BA, Kohl MT, Frey SN, Thacker ET, Larsen RT, Baxter RJ. Sage‐grouse breeding and late brood‐rearing habitat guidelines in Utah. WILDLIFE SOC B 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David K. Dahlgren
- Jack H. Berryman Institute, Department of Wildland ResourcesUtah State University Logan UT 84322 USA
| | - Terry A. Messmer
- Jack H. Berryman Institute, Department of Wildland ResourcesUtah State University Logan UT 84322 USA
| | - Benjamin A. Crabb
- Remote Sensing/GIS Laboratory, Quinney College of Natural ResourcesUtah State UniversityLogan UT 84322 USA
| | - Michel T. Kohl
- Jack H. Berryman Institute, Department of Wildland ResourcesUtah State University Logan UT 84322 USA
| | - Shandra N. Frey
- Jack H. Berryman Institute, Department of Wildland ResourcesUtah State University Logan UT 84322 USA
| | - Eric T. Thacker
- Jack H. Berryman Institute, Department of Wildland ResourcesUtah State University Logan UT 84322 USA
| | - Randy T. Larsen
- The Monte L. Bean Life Sciences MuseumBrigham Young University Provo UT 84602 USA
| | - Rick J. Baxter
- Department of Plant and Wildlife SciencesBrigham Young University Provo Utah 84602 USA
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27
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Barlow NL, Kirol CP, Doherty KE, Fedy BC. Evaluation of the Umbrella Species Concept at Fine Spatial Scales. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Barlow
- University of Waterloo 200 University Avenue West Waterloo ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | | | - Kevin E. Doherty
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 134 Union Blvd 400 Lakewood CO 80228 USA
| | - Bradley C. Fedy
- University of Waterloo 200 University Avenue West Waterloo ON N2L 3G1 Canada
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28
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Dunk JR, Woodbridge B, Lickfett TM, Bedrosian G, Noon BR, LaPlante DW, Brown JL, Tack JD. Modeling spatial variation in density of golden eagle nest sites in the western United States. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223143. [PMID: 31568505 PMCID: PMC6768475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to contribute to conservation planning efforts for golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in the western U.S., we developed nest site models using >6,500 nest site locations throughout a >3,483,000 km2 area of the western U.S. We developed models for twelve discrete modeling regions, and estimated relative density of nest sites for each region. Cross-validation showed that, in general, models accurately estimated relative nest site densities within regions and sub-regions. Areas estimated to have the highest densities of breeding golden eagles had from 132-2,660 times greater densities compared to the lowest density areas. Observed nest site densities were very similar to those reported from published studies. Large extents of each modeling region consisted of low predicted nest site density, while a small percentage of each modeling region contained disproportionately high nest site density. For example, we estimated that areas with relative nest density values <0.3 represented from 62.8-97.8% ([Formula: see text] = 82.5%) of each modeling area, and those areas contained from 14.7-30.0% ([Formula: see text] = 22.1%) of the nest sites. In contrast, areas with relative nest density values >0.5 represented from 1.0-12.8% ([Formula: see text] = 6.3%) of modeling areas, and those areas contained from 47.7-66.9% ([Formula: see text] = 57.3%) of the nest sites. Our findings have direct application to: 1) large-scale conservation planning efforts, 2) risk analyses for land-use proposals such as recreational trails or wind power development, and 3) identifying mitigation areas to offset the impacts of human disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Dunk
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, United States of America
| | - Brian Woodbridge
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Todd M. Lickfett
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey Bedrosian
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Barry R. Noon
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | | | - Jessi L. Brown
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, United States of America
| | - Jason D. Tack
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
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29
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O'Donnell MS, Edmunds DR, Aldridge CL, Heinrichs JA, Coates PS, Prochazka BG, Hanser SE. Designing multi‐scale hierarchical monitoring frameworks for wildlife to support management: a sage‐grouse case study. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. O'Donnell
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
| | - David R. Edmunds
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University, in cooperation with the Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
| | - Cameron L. Aldridge
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Colorado State University, in cooperation with the Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
| | - Julie A. Heinrichs
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University, in cooperation with the Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
| | - Peter S. Coates
- U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center Dixon California 95620 USA
| | - Brian G. Prochazka
- U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center Dixon California 95620 USA
| | - Steve E. Hanser
- U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area Reston VA 20192 USA
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30
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Heinrichs JA, O'Donnell MS, Aldridge CL, Garman SL, Homer CG. Influences of potential oil and gas development and future climate on Sage-grouse declines and redistribution. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01912. [PMID: 31310420 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiple environmental stressors impact wildlife populations, but we often know little about their cumulative and combined influences on population outcomes. We generally know more about past effects than potential future impacts, and direct influences such as changes of habitat footprints than indirect, long-term responses in behavior, distribution, or abundance. Yet, an understanding of all these components is needed to plan for future landscapes that include human activities and wildlife. We developed a case study to assess how spatially explicit individual-based modeling could be used to evaluate future population outcomes of gradual landscape change from multiple stressors. For Greater Sage-grouse in southwest Wyoming, USA, we projected oil and gas development footprints and climate-induced vegetation changes 50 years into the future. Using a time-series of planned oil and gas development and predicted climate-induced changes in vegetation, we recalculated habitat selection maps to dynamically modify future habitat quantity, quality, and configuration. We simulated long-term Sage-grouse responses to habitat change by allowing individuals to adjust to shifts in habitat availability and quality. The use of spatially explicit individual-based modeling offered a useful means of evaluating delayed indirect impacts of landscape change on wildlife population outcomes. The inclusion of movement and demographic responses to oil and gas infrastructure resulted in substantive changes in distribution and abundance when cumulated over several decades and throughout the regional population. When combined, additive development and climate-induced vegetation changes reduced abundance by up to half of the original size. In our example, the consideration of only a single population stressor the final possible population size by as much as 50%. Multiple stressors and their cumulative impacts need to be broadly considered through space and time to avoid underestimating the impacts of multiple gradual changes and overestimating the ability of populations to withstand change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Heinrichs
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Cameron L Aldridge
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Steven L Garman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, CO
- National Operations Center, Bureau of Land Management, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO
| | - Collin G Homer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS), SiouxFalls, SD
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31
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Henderson EB, Bell DM, Gregory MJ. Vegetation mapping to support greater sage‐grouse habitat monitoring and management: multi‐ or univariate approach? Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie B. Henderson
- Institute for Natural Resources Oregon State University Portland Oregon 97207 USA
| | - David M. Bell
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station Corvallis Oregon 97331 USA
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32
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Smith IT, Rachlow JL, Svancara LK, McMahon LA, Knetter SJ. Habitat specialists as conservation umbrellas: Do areas managed for greater sage‐grouse also protect pygmy rabbits? Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Thomas Smith
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Janet L. Rachlow
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Leona K. Svancara
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game Moscow Idaho 83843 USA
| | - Laura A. McMahon
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences University of Idaho Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Rhinelander Wisconsin 54501 USA
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33
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Mitchell LJ, White PCL, Arnold KE. The trade-off between fix rate and tracking duration on estimates of home range size and habitat selection for small vertebrates. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219357. [PMID: 31291318 PMCID: PMC6619758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in technology, there are still constraints on the use of some tracking devices for small species when gathering high temporal and spatial resolution data on movement and resource use. For small species, weight limits imposed on GPS loggers and the consequent impacts on battery life, restrict the volume of data that can be collected. Research on home range and habitat selection for these species should therefore incorporate a consideration of how different sampling parameters and methods may affect the structure of the data and the conclusions drawn. However, factors such as these are seldom explicitly considered. We applied two commonly-used methods of home range estimation, Movement-based Kernel Density Estimation (MKDE) and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) to investigate the influence of fix rate, tracking duration and method on home range size and habitat selection, using GPS tracking data collected at two different fix rates from a small, aerially-insectivorous bird, the European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus. Effects of tracking parameters varied with home range estimation method. Fix rate and tracking duration most strongly explained change in MKDE and KDE home range size respectively. Total number of fixes and tracking duration had the strongest impact on habitat selection. High between- and within-individual variation strongly influenced outcomes and was most evident when exploring the effects of varying tracking duration. To reduce skew and bias in home range size estimation and especially habitat selection caused by individual variation and estimation method, we recommend tracking animals for the longest period possible even if this results in a reduced fix rate. If accurate movement properties, (e.g. trajectory length and turning angle) and biologically-representative movement occurrence ranges are more important, then a higher fix rate should be used, but priority habitats can still be identified with an infrequent sampling strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Mitchell
- Department of Environment and Geography, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Piran C L White
- Department of Environment and Geography, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn E Arnold
- Department of Environment and Geography, Wentworth Way, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C. Pratt
- Ecosystem Science and ManagementUniversity of Wyoming1000 E University AvenueLaramieWY 82071USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Ecosystem Science and ManagementUniversity of Wyoming1000 E University AvenueLaramieWY 82071USA
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35
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Bélanger É, Leblond M, Côté SD. Habitat selection and population trends of the Torngat Mountains caribou herd. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Édouard Bélanger
- Caribou Ungava, Université Laval, Département de biologie, Pavillon Alexandre‐Vachon1045 av. de la MédecineQuebecQCG1V 0A6Canada
| | - Mathieu Leblond
- Caribou Ungava, Université Laval, Département de biologie, Pavillon Alexandre‐Vachon1045 av. de la MédecineQuebecQCG1V 0A6Canada
| | - Steeve D. Côté
- Caribou Ungava, Université Laval, Département de biologie, Pavillon Alexandre‐Vachon1045 av. de la MédecineQuebecQCG1V 0A6Canada
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36
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Prioritizing seasonal habitats for comprehensive conservation of a partially migratory species. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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37
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Dyson ME, Schummer ML, Barney TS, Fedy BC, Henry HAL, Petrie SA. Survival and habitat selection of wood duck ducklings. J Wildl Manage 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Dyson
- Department of Biology; Western University; London ON N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Michael L. Schummer
- Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Program/Bird Studies Canada; Port Rowan ON N0E 1M0 Canada
| | - Ted S. Barney
- Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Program/Bird Studies Canada; Port Rowan ON N0E 1M0 Canada
| | - Bradley C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability; University of Waterloo; Waterloo ON N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Hugh A. L. Henry
- Department of Biology; Western University; London ON N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Scott A. Petrie
- Department of Biology; Western University; London ON N6A 5B7 Canada
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38
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Gibson D, Blomberg EJ, Atamian MT, Espinosa SP, Sedinger JS. Effects of power lines on habitat use and demography of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). WILDLIFE MONOGRAPHS 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wmon.1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gibson
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; University of Nevada Reno; Mail Stop 186 Reno NV 89557 USA
| | - Erik J. Blomberg
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology; University of Maine; 5755 Nutting Hall Room 210 Orono ME 04469 USA
| | - Michael T. Atamian
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; 2315 North Discovery Place Spokane Valley WA 99216 USA
| | - Shawn P. Espinosa
- Nevada Department of Wildlife; 6980 Sierra Center Parkway, Suite 120 Reno NV 89511 USA
| | - James S. Sedinger
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; University of Nevada Reno; Mail Stop 186 Reno NV 89557 USA
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Zeller KA, Wattles DW, DeStefano S. Incorporating Road Crossing Data into Vehicle Collision Risk Models for Moose (Alces americanus) in Massachusetts, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 62:518-528. [PMID: 29744581 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-1058-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife-vehicle collisions are a human safety issue and may negatively impact wildlife populations. Most wildlife-vehicle collision studies predict high-risk road segments using only collision data. However, these data lack biologically relevant information such as wildlife population densities and successful road-crossing locations. We overcome this shortcoming with a new method that combines successful road crossings with vehicle collision data, to identify road segments that have both high biological relevance and high risk. We used moose (Alces americanus) road-crossing locations from 20 moose collared with Global Positioning Systems as well as moose-vehicle collision (MVC) data in the state of Massachusetts, USA, to create multi-scale resource selection functions. We predicted the probability of moose road crossings and MVCs across the road network and combined these surfaces to identify road segments that met the dual criteria of having high biological relevance and high risk for MVCs. These road segments occurred mostly on larger roadways in natural areas and were surrounded by forests, wetlands, and a heterogenous mix of land cover types. We found MVCs resulted in the mortality of 3% of the moose population in Massachusetts annually. Although there have been only three human fatalities related to MVCs in Massachusetts since 2003, the human fatality rate was one of the highest reported in the literature. The rate of MVCs relative to the size of the moose population and the risk to human safety suggest a need for road mitigation measures, such as fencing, animal detection systems, and large mammal-crossing structures on roadways in Massachusetts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Zeller
- Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - David W Wattles
- Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Stephen DeStefano
- U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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40
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Row JR, Doherty KE, Cross TB, Schwartz MK, Oyler‐McCance SJ, Naugle DE, Knick ST, Fedy BC. Quantifying functional connectivity: The role of breeding habitat, abundance, and landscape features on range-wide gene flow in sage-grouse. Evol Appl 2018; 11:1305-1321. [PMID: 30151042 PMCID: PMC6099827 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional connectivity, quantified using landscape genetics, can inform conservation through the identification of factors linking genetic structure to landscape mechanisms. We used breeding habitat metrics, landscape attributes, and indices of grouse abundance, to compare fit between structural connectivity and genetic differentiation within five long-established Sage-Grouse Management Zones (MZ) I-V using microsatellite genotypes from 6,844 greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) collected across their 10.7 million-km2 range. We estimated structural connectivity using a circuit theory-based approach where we built resistance surfaces using thresholds dividing the landscape into "habitat" and "nonhabitat" and nodes were clusters of sage-grouse leks (where feather samples were collected using noninvasive techniques). As hypothesized, MZ-specific habitat metrics were the best predictors of differentiation. To our surprise, inclusion of grouse abundance-corrected indices did not greatly improve model fit in most MZs. Functional connectivity of breeding habitat was reduced when probability of lek occurrence dropped below 0.25 (MZs I, IV) and 0.5 (II), thresholds lower than those previously identified as required for the formation of breeding leks, which suggests that individuals are willing to travel through undesirable habitat. The individual MZ landscape results suggested terrain roughness and steepness shaped functional connectivity across all MZs. Across respective MZs, sagebrush availability (<10%-30%; II, IV, V), tree canopy cover (>10%; I, II, IV), and cultivation (>25%; I, II, IV, V) each reduced movement beyond their respective thresholds. Model validations confirmed variation in predictive ability across MZs with top resistance surfaces better predicting gene flow than geographic distance alone, especially in cases of low and high differentiation among lek groups. The resultant resistance maps we produced spatially depict the strength and redundancy of range-wide gene flow and can help direct conservation actions to maintain and restore functional connectivity for sage-grouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Row
- School of Environment, Resources and SustainabilityUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooONCanada
| | | | - Todd B. Cross
- Rocky Mountain Research StationUSDA Forest ServiceNational Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish ConservationMissoulaMTUSA
- College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
| | - Michael K. Schwartz
- Rocky Mountain Research StationUSDA Forest ServiceNational Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish ConservationMissoulaMTUSA
| | | | - Dave E. Naugle
- College of Forestry and ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMTUSA
| | - Steven T. Knick
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyBoiseIDUSA
- Present address:
2140 White Pine Pl.BoiseID83706USA
| | - Bradley C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and SustainabilityUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooONCanada
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41
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Burkhalter C, Holloran MJ, Fedy BC, Copeland HE, Crabtree RL, Michel NL, Jay SC, Rutledge BA, Holloran AG. Landscape-scale habitat assessment for an imperiled avian species. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - B. C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability; University of Waterloo; West Waterloo ON USA
| | | | | | | | - S. C. Jay
- Yellowstone Ecological Research Center; Bozeman MT USA
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42
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Watchorn RT, Maechtle T, Fedy BC. Assessing the efficacy of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) for mosquito control. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194304. [PMID: 29649226 PMCID: PMC5896899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes function as important vectors for many diseases globally and can have substantial negative economic, environmental, and health impacts. Specifically, West Nile virus (WNv) is a significant and increasing threat to wildlife populations and human health throughout North America. Mosquito control is an important means of controlling the spread of WNv, as the virus is primarily spread between avian and mosquito vectors. This is of particular concern for avian host species such as the Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), in which WNv negatively impacts fitness parameters. Most mosquito control methods focus on the larval stages. In North America, control efforts are largely limited to larvicides, which require repeated application and have potentially negative ecological impacts. There are multiple potential advantages to using indigenous fish species as an alternative for larval control including lowered environmental impact, decreased costs in terms of time and financial inputs, and the potential for the establishment of self-sustaining fish populations. We tested the efficacy of using fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) as biological control for mosquito populations in livestock reservoirs of semiarid rangelands. We introduced minnows into 10 treatment reservoirs and monitored an additional 6 non-treated reservoirs as controls over 3 years. Adult mosquitoes of species known to transmit WNv (e.g., Culex tarsalis) were captured at each site and mosquito larvae were also present at all sites. Stable isotope analysis confirmed that introduced fathead minnows were feeding at the mosquito larvae trophic level in all but one treatment pond. Treatment ponds demonstrated suppressed levels of mosquito larva over each season compared to controls with a model-predicted 114% decrease in larva density within treatment ponds. Minnows established self-sustaining populations throughout the study in all reservoirs that maintained sufficient water levels. Minnow survival was not influenced by water quality. Though minnows did not completely eradicate mosquito larvae, minnows are a promising alternative to controlling mosquito larvae density within reservoirs. We caution that careful site selection is critical to avoid potential negative impacts, but suggest the introduction of fathead minnows in reservoirs can dramatically reduce mosquito larva abundance and potentially help mitigate vector-borne disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan T. Watchorn
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Maechtle
- Big Horn Environmental Consultants, Sheridan, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Bradley C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Doherty KE, Hennig JD, Dinkins JB, Griffin KA, Cook AA, Maestas JD, Naugle DE, Beck JL. Understanding biological effectiveness before scaling up range-wide restoration investments for Gunnison sage-grouse. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob D. Hennig
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management; University of Wyoming; Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
| | - Jonathan B. Dinkins
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences; Oregon State University; Corvallis Oregon 97331 USA
| | | | - Avery A. Cook
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; Salt Lake City Utah 84116 USA
| | - Jeremy D. Maestas
- Natural Resources Conservation Service; West National Technology Support Center; Portland Oregon 97232 USA
| | - David E. Naugle
- Wildlife Biology Program; University of Montana; Missoula Montana 59812 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management; University of Wyoming; Laramie Wyoming 82071 USA
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White KS, Gregovich DP, Levi T. Projecting the future of an alpine ungulate under climate change scenarios. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:1136-1149. [PMID: 28973826 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Climate change represents a primary threat to species persistence and biodiversity at a global scale. Cold adapted alpine species are especially sensitive to climate change and can offer key "early warning signs" about deleterious effects of predicted change. Among mountain ungulates, survival, a key determinant of demographic performance, may be influenced by future climate in complex, and possibly opposing ways. Demographic data collected from 447 mountain goats in 10 coastal Alaska, USA, populations over a 37-year time span indicated that survival is highest during low snowfall winters and cool summers. However, general circulation models (GCMs) predict future increase in summer temperature and decline in winter snowfall. To disentangle how these opposing climate-driven effects influence mountain goat populations, we developed an age-structured population model to project mountain goat population trajectories for 10 different GCM/emissions scenarios relevant for coastal Alaska. Projected increases in summer temperature had stronger negative effects on population trajectories than the positive demographic effects of reduced winter snowfall. In 5 of the 10 GCM/representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios, the net effect of projected climate change was extinction over a 70-year time window (2015-2085); smaller initial populations were more likely to go extinct faster than larger populations. Using a resource selection modeling approach, we determined that distributional shifts to higher elevation (i.e., "thermoneutral") summer range was unlikely to be a viable behavioral adaptation strategy; due to the conical shape of mountains, summer range was expected to decline by 17%-86% for 7 of the 10 GCM/RCP scenarios. Projected declines of mountain goat populations are driven by climate-linked bottom-up mechanisms and may have wide ranging implications for alpine ecosystems. These analyses elucidate how projected climate change can negatively alter population dynamics of a sentinel alpine species and provide insight into how demographic modeling can be used to assess risk to species persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S White
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau, AK, USA
| | - David P Gregovich
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau, AK, USA
| | - Taal Levi
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Row JR, Fedy BC. Spatial and temporal variation in the range-wide cyclic dynamics of greater sage-grouse. Oecologia 2017; 185:687-698. [PMID: 29052009 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-3970-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Periodic changes in abundance, or population cycles, are common in a variety of species and is one of the most widely studied ecological phenomena. The strength of, and synchrony between population cycles can vary across time and space and understanding these patterns can provide insight into the mechanisms generating population cycles and their variability within and among species. Here, we used wavelet and spectral analysis on a range-wide dataset of abundance for the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) to test for regional differences in temporal cyclicity. Overall, we found that most populations (11 of 15) were cyclic at some point in a 50-year time series (1965-2015), but the patterns varied over both time and space. Several peripheral populations demonstrated amplitude dampening or loss of cyclicity following population lows in the mid-1990s. Populations through the core of the range in the Great and Wyoming Basins had more consistent cyclic dynamics, but period length appeared to shorten from 10-12 to 6-8 years. In one time period, where cyclicity was greatest overall, increased pairwise population synchrony was correlated with cycle intensity. Our work represents a comprehensive range-wide assessment of cyclic dynamics and revealed substantial variation in temporal and spatial trends of cyclic dynamics across populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Row
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Bradley C Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Heinrichs JA, Aldridge CL, O’Donnell MS, Schumaker NH. Using dynamic population simulations to extend resource selection analyses and prioritize habitats for conservation. Ecol Modell 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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47
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Improving Identification of Areas for Ecological Restoration for Conservation by Integrating USLE and MCDA in a GIS-Environment: A Pilot Study in a Priority Region Northern Mexico. ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/ijgi6090262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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48
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Monroe AP, Aldridge CL, Assal TJ, Veblen KE, Pyke DA, Casazza ML. Patterns in Greater Sage-grouse population dynamics correspond with public grazing records at broad scales. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 27:1096-1107. [PMID: 28329422 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Human land use, such as livestock grazing, can have profound yet varied effects on wildlife interacting within common ecosystems, yet our understanding of land-use effects is often generalized from short-term, local studies that may not correspond with trends at broader scales. Here we used public land records to characterize livestock grazing across Wyoming, USA, and we used Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) as a model organism to evaluate responses to livestock management. With annual counts of male Sage-grouse from 743 leks (breeding display sites) during 2004-2014, we modeled population trends in response to grazing level (represented by a relative grazing index) and timing across a gradient in vegetation productivity as measured by the Normalized Vegetation Difference Index (NDVI). We found grazing can have both positive and negative effects on Sage-grouse populations depending on the timing and level of grazing. Sage-grouse populations responded positively to higher grazing levels after peak vegetation productivity, but populations declined when similar grazing levels occurred earlier, likely reflecting the sensitivity of cool-season grasses to grazing during peak growth periods. We also found support for the hypothesis that effects of grazing management vary with local vegetation productivity. These results illustrate the importance of broad-scale analyses by revealing patterns in Sage-grouse population trends that may not be inferred from studies at finer scales, and could inform sustainable grazing management in these ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian P Monroe
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University in cooperation with the US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526, USA
| | - Cameron L Aldridge
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University in cooperation with the US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526, USA
| | - Timothy J Assal
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526, USA
| | - Kari E Veblen
- Department of Wildland Resources and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 84322, USA
| | - David A Pyke
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - Michael L Casazza
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon, California, 95620, USA
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49
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Row JR, Knick ST, Oyler‐McCance SJ, Lougheed SC, Fedy BC. Developing approaches for linear mixed modeling in landscape genetics through landscape-directed dispersal simulations. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:3751-3761. [PMID: 28616172 PMCID: PMC5468135 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dispersal can impact population dynamics and geographic variation, and thus, genetic approaches that can establish which landscape factors influence population connectivity have ecological and evolutionary importance. Mixed models that account for the error structure of pairwise datasets are increasingly used to compare models relating genetic differentiation to pairwise measures of landscape resistance. A model selection framework based on information criteria metrics or explained variance may help disentangle the ecological and landscape factors influencing genetic structure, yet there are currently no consensus for the best protocols. Here, we develop landscape-directed simulations and test a series of replicates that emulate independent empirical datasets of two species with different life history characteristics (greater sage-grouse; eastern foxsnake). We determined that in our simulated scenarios, AIC and BIC were the best model selection indices and that marginal R2 values were biased toward more complex models. The model coefficients for landscape variables generally reflected the underlying dispersal model with confidence intervals that did not overlap with zero across the entire model set. When we controlled for geographic distance, variables not in the underlying dispersal models (i.e., nontrue) typically overlapped zero. Our study helps establish methods for using linear mixed models to identify the features underlying patterns of dispersal across a variety of landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Row
- School of Environment, Resources and SustainabilityUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooONCanada
| | - Steven T. Knick
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyBoiseIDUSA
| | | | | | - Bradley C. Fedy
- School of Environment, Resources and SustainabilityUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooONCanada
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50
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Newton RE, Tack JD, Carlson JC, Matchett MR, Fargey PJ, Naugle DE. Longest sage-grouse migratory behavior sustained by intact pathways. J Wildl Manage 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Newton
- Wildlife Biology Program; University of Montana; 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - Jason D. Tack
- Wildlife Biology Program; University of Montana; 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
| | - John C. Carlson
- Montana/Dakotas State Office; Bureau of Land Management; 5001 Southgate Drive Billings MT 59101 USA
| | - Marc R. Matchett
- Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 333 Airport Road Lewistown MT 59457 USA
| | - Pat J. Fargey
- Alberta Fish and Wildlife Policy Branch; Edmonton Alberta T5K 2M4 Canada
| | - David E. Naugle
- Wildlife Biology Program; University of Montana; 32 Campus Drive Missoula MT 59812 USA
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