Range-wide greater sage-grouse hierarchical monitoring framework—Implications for defining population boundaries, trend estimation, and a targeted annual warning system

Antarctica A Keystone in a Changing World, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

First posted March 30, 2021 For additional information, contact: Director,Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. Geological Survey3020 State University Drive EastSacramento, California 95819 Incorporating spatial and temporal scales into greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) population monitoring strategies is challenging rarely implemented. Sage-grouse populations experience fluctuations in abundance that lead to oscillations, making trend estimation difficult. Accounting for stochasticity critical reliably estimate trends investigate variation related deterministic factors on the landscape, which are amenable management action. Here, we describe a novel, range-wide hierarchical framework centered four objectives: (1) create standardized database of lek counts, (2) develop structures by clustering leks, (3) at different extents based nadirs (troughs), (4) targeted annual warning system help inform decisions. Using automated repeatable methods (software), compiled (as 2019) contained 262,744 counts 8,421 unique locations from disparate state data. The units (clusters) included 13 nested levels, identifying biologically relevant structure minimized inter-cluster movements. With these products, identified spatiotemporal using Bayesian state-space models. We estimated 37.0, 65.2, 80.7-percent declines during short (17 years), medium (33 long (53 years) scales, respectively. However, some areas exhibited evidence increasing recent decades. Models predicted 12.3, 19.2, 29.6 percent (defined as clusters neighboring leks) consisted over 50-percent probability extirpation 19, 38, 56-year projections 2019, respectively, averaged rate change apparent across two, four, six oscillations (average period oscillation 9.4 years). At level, models 45.7, 60.1, 78.0 leks with probabilities same time periods, mostly located periphery species' range. automates identification local exhibiting asynchronous decline relative regional patterns simulated actions an optimization algorithm evaluating stabilization abundance. In approximately 3.2 2.0 were intervention range-wide.

Language: Английский

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Behavioural state‐dependent habitat selection and implications for animal translocations

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 59(2), P. 624 - 635

Published: Nov. 12, 2021

Abstract Post‐release monitoring of translocated animals is often used to inform future translocation protocols. Quantifying habitat selection individuals may help identify features that characterize good settlement and thus the choice release sites. However, undergo post‐release behavioural modification, their vary depending on underlying state. To investigate this, we analysed state‐dependent in female greater sage‐grouse Centrocercus urophasianus from Wyoming North Dakota, USA, using Hidden Markov Models combined with Integrated Step Selection Analysis. We segmented individual trajectories into phases corresponding an exploratory state, characterized by broad directed movements, a restricted short tortuous movements. Then, quantified each state while accounting for seasonality reproductive status. While exhibited natal preference induction selecting high sagebrush cover, which typical area but not Dakota. In selected gentle topography also adjusted constraints imposed needs herbaceous cover during brood rearing. Synthesis applications . Habitat differed between exploration phase. Features after settling, exploration, are likely indicative suitable habitat. Our results suggest areas well‐suited as sites summer, especially brood‐rearing females, be critical factor determining appropriateness findings highlight need consider behaviour when estimates

Language: Английский

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Adaptive monitoring for multiscale land management: Lessons learned from the Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) principles

Rangelands, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 44(1), P. 50 - 63

Published: Oct. 1, 2021

Language: Английский

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Divergent climate change effects on widespread dryland plant communities driven by climatic and ecohydrological gradients

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 27(20), P. 5169 - 5185

Published: June 30, 2021

Plant community response to climate change will be influenced by individual plant responses that emerge from competition for limiting resources fluctuate through time and vary across space. Projecting these requires an approach integrates environmental conditions species interactions result future climatic variability. Dryland communities are being substantially affected because their structure function closely tied precipitation temperature, yet impacts due heterogeneity, especially in topographically complex regions. Here, we quantified the effects of on big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) span 76 million ha western United States. We used individual-based simulation model represents intra- inter-specific water availability, which is represented a process-based soil balance model. For dominant functional types, changes biomass characterized agreement among 52 scenarios. then multivariate matching algorithm generate fine-scale interpolated surfaces type our study area. Results suggest geographically divergent (changes -20% +27%), declines perennial C3 grass forb most sites, widespread, consistent, sometimes large increases C4 grasses. The largest sagebrush, were simulated warm, dry sites. In contrast, no or cold, moist There was high scenarios biomass, except sagebrush. Collectively, results warming moisture-limited versus temperature-limited sites potential shifts relative importance some types resources.

Language: Английский

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Cgsim: An R Package for Simulation of Population Genetics for Conservation and Management Applications

Molecular Ecology Resources, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 9, 2025

Wildlife conservation and management increasingly considers genetic information to plan, understand evaluate implemented population interventions. These actions commonly include translocation reductions through removals. Change in variation response can be unintuitive due the influence of multiple interacting drivers (e.g. drift, life history traits, environmental stochasticity). Simulation is an excellent tool predicted consequences different proposed or actions. However, simulators that are robust a wide variety traits also have steep learning curve appropriately parameterize common To fill this gap, we developed cgsim, R package for simulating interventions populations wildlife species. We set functions specifically effects four main aspects managing small, declining isolated populations: loss diversity augmenting existing translocation), reduction targeted removals catastrophes driven by stochastic extrinsic forces. Our single simulation model individual-based, flexible range traits. Here validate cgsim comparison simulations theoretical expectations illustrate its applied utility focusing on recently published empirical example Greater Sage-Grouse. Cgsim available as at: https://doi.org/10.5066/P1BXBEXJ.

Language: Английский

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Conservation translocation immediately reverses decline in imperiled sage-grouse populations

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 304, P. 110986 - 110986

Published: Feb. 20, 2025

Language: Английский

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A targeted annual warning system developed for the conservation of a sagebrush indicator species

Ecological Indicators, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 148, P. 110097 - 110097

Published: March 20, 2023

A fundamental goal of population ecologists is to identify drivers responsible for temporal variation in abundance. Understanding whether associated with environmental stochasticity or anthropogenic disturbances, which are more amenable management action, crucial yet difficult achieve. Here, we present a hierarchical monitoring framework that models rates change abundance from spatially structured populations and identifies when local declines fall out synchrony trends at larger spatial scales. Importantly, the provides signals alert managers categorical significance observed while avoiding where result operating scales (e.g., periodic reductions primary productivity owing drought). We demonstrate utility through application rapidly declining sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) indicator species (greater sage-grouse; Centrocercus urophasianus) using 30 years (1990–2019) count data collected greater than 4,400 leks (habitual breeding sites) distributed across western United States. Results revealed declines, immediately preceding triggers (2–4-year period), ranging between 58 68%. Conversely, unassociated showed little-to-no sign decline. Retrospective indicated an average annual rate 1.7% 1.3% neighborhood clusters (lek aggregations) would have required intervention reverse range-wide stabilize U.S. as whole.

Language: Английский

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Refurbishing used GPS transmitters improves performance for subsequent deployments on greater sage‐grouse

Wildlife Society Bulletin, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 16, 2025

Abstract Global Positioning Systems (GPS) radio transmitters are increasingly used across taxa to monitor animal populations. However, GPS can be susceptible malfunctions that may result in location errors or data loss causing potential inferential bias have important implications for monitored species. Research using on greater sage‐grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse) has increased, but few studies evaluated performance. Because management been subject intense legal and political scrutiny with consequential economic implications, reliable acquisition is central informed decision‐making the We differences performance of 2 commonly solar‐powered (Microwave Telemetry, Inc. [MTI], Columbia, MD, USA GeoTrak, Inc., Apex, NC, USA) deployed throughout Wyoming from 2011 2017 Utah 2013 2019. Our investigation included daily fix inefficiency, number 1‐day gaps, transmitter rate. also functionality during nesting period including error distance mean standard deviation (i.e., accuracy precision), direction. New refurbished MTI outperformed GeoTrak inefficiency day gaps most seasons. Cumulatively redeployed did not perform differently than transmitters. Transmitter loss, nest precision vary significantly between performed better all latitudes (40–45° N). The direction ranged 105° 135° 155° MTI. recommend refurbishing following deployment retain higher efficiency cumulatively redeploying

Language: Английский

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Greater sage‐grouse seasonal habitat associations: A review and considerations for interpretation and management applications

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 26, 2025

Abstract Habitat features needed by wildlife can change in composition throughout the year, particularly temperate ecosystems, leading to distinct seasonal spatial‐use patterns. Studies of species‐habitat associations therefore often focus on understanding relationships within discrete periods with common goals prediction (e.g., habitat mapping) and inference interpreting model coefficients). Across range greater sage‐grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) western North America, increasing use high‐frequency tracking devices has led a surge association studies covering multiple temporal spatial extents. We reviewed literature for corresponding second third orders selection (Johnson 1980). Our objectives were summarize methodological approaches used estimate aid cross‐study comparisons identify reported as selected or avoided different periods. 71 second‐ third‐order published from 2007–2023 that evaluated covariates collected geographic information system (GIS) modeled probability intensity use. The most study design single level (third‐order) was multi‐scale (i.e., measured at varying grains). approach estimated using resource functions (RSFs) fit logistic regression. mostly focused breeding winter, but all seasons annual cycle covered. There clear support sagebrush avoidance trees rugged terrain across seasons, strong mesic conditions summer. However, mixed, proportionally equivalent reported, even same seasons. Different factors hampered comparisons, including variation design, additional contributors likely included important context‐dependent associations, such functional responses changing availability. suggest collaborative leveraging datasets help improve removing effects variable designs.

Language: Английский

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The effects of breeding status on common raven movement, home range, and habitat selection

Journal of Wildlife Management, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 31, 2025

Abstract Anthropogenic infrastructure has contributed to increasing common raven ( Corvus corax ) abundance across the Great Basin region of United States, particularly in sagebrush ecosystems, where high densities are correlated with reduced sage‐grouse Centrocercus urophasianus nest survival. Our understanding how reproductive behavior affects predation is limited, especially considering their overlapping breeding seasons. Understanding differences space use and resource selection between non‐breeding ravens could help identify high‐use areas corresponding risk for nests. We analyzed n = 13) 32) global positioning system (GPS)‐marked Nevada, USA (2017–2022) during season (1 March–31 June). compared home‐range size, core area step lengths, within a Bayesian framework inference made by comparing credible intervals (CRI). generated home range estimates using autocorrelated kernel density methods. did not find difference size (469.33 km 2 , 95% CRI 228.79–709.45 (525.26 410.71–654.10 ravens. However, had smaller (10.77 3.16–35.78 shorter lengths (1,160.33 m/hr, 1,087.78–1,277.17 m/hr) than (core 279.50 206.77–363.72 ; length 1,953.74 1,898.42–2,009.56 m/hr). Ravens both classes selected normalized vegetation index (NDVI) low annual grass shrub cover, but showed stronger cover areas. found strong 6 our 9 covariates: distance road, solar radiation, natural water, forest edge, percent cover. Non‐breeding concentrated activity near edges, water sources, anthropogenic features, whereas focused close findings suggest that management be more effective if it targeted NDVI anthropogenically modified landscapes prevented establishment prey populations concern.

Language: Английский

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