Preliminary analysis of Greater Sage-grouse reproduction in the Virginia Mountains of northwestern Nevada

Open-File Report 2011-1182
Prepared in cooperation with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Idaho State University, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
By: , and 

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Abstract

Relationships between habitat selection and population vital rates of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter sage-grouse), recently designated as a candidate species under the Endangered Species Act, within the Great Basin are not well-understood. The growing development of renewable energy infrastructure within areas inhabited by sage-grouse is thought to influence predator and vegetation communities. For example, common ravens (Corvus corax), a synanthropic sage-grouse nest predator, are increasing range-wide and select transmission lines and other tall structures for nesting and perching. In the Virginia Mountains of northwestern Nevada, we collected preliminary information of space-use, habitat selection, and population vital rates during the nesting and brood-rearing period over two years on 56 sage-grouse. Additionally, videography at nest sites (n = 22) was used to identify sage-grouse nest predators. The study area is a potential site for renewable energy developments (i.e., wind and solar), and we plan to continue monitoring this population using a before-after-control-impact study design. The results reported here are preliminary and further data are required before conclusions can be drawn from this population of sage-grouse.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Preliminary analysis of Greater Sage-grouse reproduction in the Virginia Mountains of northwestern Nevada
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2011-1182
DOI 10.3133/ofr20111182
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description vi, 32 p.
Country United States
State Nevada
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