Recent studies of conifer encroachment into sagebrush steppe have documented negative impacts on demographic rates of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), but few specific mechanisms have been tested. �Conifer densities may be positively related to predation risk, potentially altering time spent feeding by grouse, and closed conifer canopies can reduce floral food resources for sage-grouse.� Altered habitat characteristics resulting from conifer encroachment may influence body condition for grouse, which has implications for individual fitness.� Therefore, we evaluated the relationship of conifer canopy cover and stem density on body condition of sage-grouse during spring and summer of 2017 in southwestern Idaho.� Body condition was assessed using body mass and plasma protein levels, both of which are influenced by protein consumption. �We established two study sites from which we captured grouse, one with high levels of conifer encroachment and one with low encroachment. �We captured male and female grouse, fitted females with VHF radio-collars, and collected habitat data at known-use locations. �We collected 22 blood samples (n=12 hens and 6 males in high-encroachment sites and n=4 hens in low-encroachment sites). �High-encroachment use locations were characterized by average conifer stem densities of 2.08 stems (� 1.56, n = 24) at the 10-m scale, and 15.09 stems (� 15.32, n =44) at the 100-m scale.� Low-encroachment use locations had no conifers within 10 or 100 m.� Average plasma protein for females and males at high-encroachment sites was 4.99 g/dl (� 1.73) and 4.63 g/dl (� 1.17), respectively, and was 5.41 g/dl (� 1.47) for females at low-encroachment sites.� We will evaluate relationships of mass, accounting for body size, with conifer canopy cover and stem density at multiple spatial scales.� Results from this work will help elucidate specific mechanisms responsible for observed demographic rates and inform management efforts aimed at juniper removal in support of greater sage-grouse.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.