Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 1963 |
Authors: | Bump, G |
Journal: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
Volume: | 27 |
Issue: | 4 |
Date Published: | 1963 |
ISBN Number: | 0022541X |
Keywords: | Lyrurus, Lyrurus tetrix, Phasianidae, Tetrao, Tetrao urogallus |
Abstract: | There has been considerable interest in the acclimatization of Old World Tetraonidae into North America. Between 1883 and 1950, 23 trials encompassing four species are recorded. Of these, 12 were releases of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and 10 of black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix). Only one of these attempts was based on any scientific study, and none met all of the requirements currently considered to be the minimum necessary for an adequate test. All ended in failure. Source of stock, number of individuals released, their physical condition, and the year of liberation in relation to the cyclic abundance of grouse, both in the region of release and in the native range from which the stock was secured, are discussed. A description of habitat characteristics, food preferences, and climatic conditions in the range of capercaillie and black grouse in Europe and Asia is presented to facilitate comparison with conditions existing in the regions in which these species were released. Of 40 genera of plants commonly taken as food by these grouse, all are found in the United States. Average maximum and minimum temperatures in relation to precipitation, analyzed by months for the European range of capercaillie and black grouse, when compared with similar data for much of the northern United States and Canada, suggest a close relationship. |
URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/3798500 |
Short Title: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
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