Gunnison Sage-Grouse Chick Survival and Landscape Population Modeling

Research Task: 832508P.2.30
Task Manager: Cameron Aldridge

Gunnison Sage-Grouse (Centrocerus minimus) populations are declining, primarily due to habitat alteration, conversion, and fragmentation. Past studies and long-term data on the closely related Greater Sage-Grouse—also undergoing population declines—indicate that there may be changes in chick survival and productivity that are limiting population sustainability and recovery. Data on nesting/brood-rearing locations and habitat use for Gunnison Sage-Grouse are limited, however, and chick survival remains unevaluated. More than half of the estimated 4,500 remaining Gunnison Sage-Grouse inhabit the Gunnison Basin of west-central Colorado. Two National Park Service units provide crucial habitat for the species: Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Since 2003, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service—in cooperation with private landowners—have implemented small projects to improve Gunnison Sage-Grouse habitat; however, effectiveness of these treatments for Gunnison Sage-Grouse has not been evaluated. This task entails using recently collected and new movement data from radio-marked Gunnison Sage-Grouse hens and chicks to improve our understanding of their survivorship and develop a habitat-selection model. The model will provide a stronger basis for identifying key resources needing conservation and areas suitable for habitat improvements.

 For more information contact Cameron Aldridge