Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)

Browse

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat in central Montana
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Agriculture, 2006) Woodward, Jennifer Kristy; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Carl Wambolt.
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat was studied in central Montana primarily on Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis) dominated rangeland. The primary objective was to compare shrub and herbaceous parameters within (use, random or non-use) and between seasonal habitats (nest, brood, winter). Nesting occurred in areas with greater total shrub cover (15v13%) and height (28v26 cm), and taller live (12v11 cm) and residual grass (9v8 cm) than randomly available. The shrubs under which hens nested were taller (50v44 cm) and more productive (61v51 g) than random shrubs. Due to increased precipitation in 2005, total herbaceous (18v13%), grass (15v12%), and forb cover (7v3%), and live grass height (13v10 cm) were greater in 2005 than 2004. Brood and paired random sites were similar for all parameters. There was greater shrub height (29v25 cm), total herbaceous cover (19v16%), forb cover (15v13%), and live grass height (17v11cm) in 2005 than 2004. Shrub density (1.5v1.1/m2) and residual grass height (9v5 cm) were greater in 2004.