Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 1988 |
Authors: | Connelly, JW, Browers, HW, Gates, RJ |
Journal: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
Volume: | 52 |
Issue: | 1 |
Date Published: | 1988 |
ISBN Number: | 0022541X |
Keywords: | Centrocercus, Centrocercus urophasianus, Phasianidae |
Abstract: | We studied seasonal movements of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) on, and adjacent to, the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) in southeastern Idaho from summer 1977 through fall 1983. The study area included a mountain valley and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) lowlands. Sage grouse used contiguous areas for wintering and breeding but moved as far as 82 km from winter and breeding areas to summer range. Juvenile sage grouse (n = 32) moved a mean distance of 14.9 km from summer to winter ranges and adult grouse (n = 33) moved a mean distance of 11.3 km. Male sage grouse from the mountain-valley population moved farther to summer range than did mountain-valley females and both sexes from lowland populations (P < 0.05). Movements by male and female sage grouse during fall were generally slow and meandering. Movements by females during spring were also slow and meandering compared to the relatively rapid and direct movements by males. Distances moved were not entirely influenced by the proximity of seasonal habitats, suggesting that seasonal movements tend to be traditional. Sage grouse populations should be defined on a temporal and geographic basis. Protection of sagebrush habitats within a 3.2 km radius of leks may not be sufficient to ensure the protection of year-long habitat requirements. |
URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/3801070 |
Short Title: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
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