Direct Identification of Northern Sage-grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus, Nest Predators Using Remote Sensing Cameras

Authors

  • Matthew J. Holloran Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Box 3166 University Station, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071
  • Stanley H. Anderson Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Box 3166 University Station, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v117i2.804

Keywords:

Centrocercus urophasianus, Sage-grouse, Cervus canadensis, American Elk, ground squirrel, predator

Abstract

The status and apparent decline of Sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.) has been of increasing concern and lower nesting success could be contributing to population declines. Our objective was to directly identify Sage-grouse nest predators. Following visual confirmation of radio-marked Sage-grouse nest establishment in 1997-1999, we installed automatic 35 mm cameras controlled by an active infrared monitor. Of 26 nests monitored by cameras, 22 successfully hatched and four were unsuccessful. American Elk (Cervus canadensis), Badger (Taxidea taxus), and Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia) destroyed three of the four unsuccessful nests, and domestic cattle caused abandonment of the fourth. Richardson’s (Spermophilus richardsonii) and Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels (S. tridecemlineatus) were recorded at nests, but were not detected in predation.

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Issue

Vol. 117 No. 2 (2003)

Section

Notes

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