AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Analysis of Spruce Grouse Habitat in North-Central Washington

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1984
Authors:Ratti, JT, Mackey, DL, J. Alldredge, R
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:48
Issue:4
Date Published:1984
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Dendragapus, Dendragapus canadensis, Falcipennis, Falcipennis canadensis, Phasianidae
Abstract:Spruce grouse (Dendragapus canadensis) habitat use was measured during the summer and early autumn of 1982 in Okanogon Country, Washington. Grouse most commonly occured in equally mixed stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) nad Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii). Basal area of pine and spruce represented 63% and 31% of the study area. Grouse observations were associated with sites having deadfall logs, a slope of 12-28%, shrub density of less than 10,000 stems/ha, and with trees having the lowest live limb at heights ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 m. The means for only two variables were different (P < 0.05) between grouse and control plots. However, variances were different (P < 0.05) for six variables. These variance differences indicate habitat selection not detectable by more commonly applied statistical tests of mean values. Discriminant analysis indicated that Engelmann spruce density, subalpine fir density, and deadfall log dispersion correctly classified 74 (73%) of 102 plots. Larger than average lodgepole pine trees were used as activity trees for feeding and/or loafing-roosting (P < 0.03). Discriminant function analysis correctly classified 90 (75%) of 120 activity trees.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3801780
Short Title:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Taxonomic name: 
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