Nesting and brood rearing ecology of plains sharp-tailed grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesi, in a mixed-grass/fescue ecoregion of Southern Alberta

Abstract

The primary use of prairie lands across sharp-tailed grouse range is livestock production. As such, the health of sharp-tailed grouse populations is closely associated with the intensity of cattle grazing. Indeed, poor range management has been implicated in the reduction of sharp-tailed grouse populations in both the United States and Canada. Populations inhabiting the prairie regions of Alberta have not escaped such declines due to the predominance of the cattle industry within this portion of the province. In an effort address these issues a research project was undertaken to evaluate the nesting (chapter 2) and brood rearing (chapter 3) habitat requirements of sharp-tailed grouse in the Milk River Ridge Region. Management recommendations resulting from this study (chapter 4) could then be utilized to evaluate and enhance the reproductive habitats in areas where sharp-tailed grouse populations are in decline. In order to effectively and efficiently manage for sharp-tailed grouse reproductive habitats, a methodology to identify critical reproductive areas was developed. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)