GREATER SAGE-GROUSE SELECTION AND SURVIVAL ACROSS REPRODUCTIVE LIFE STAGES IN THE BI-STATE DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT

Megan C Milligan; U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center; mmilligan@usgs.gov; Peter S. Coates, Shawn T. O'Neil, Brianne E. Brussee, Steven R. Mathews, Shawn Espinosa, Scott Gardner, Michael L. Casazza

Habitat selection is often assumed to be an adaptive behavior, with individuals selecting specific features to maximize their fitness, but can become maladaptive when individuals select areas that ultimately decrease survival or reproductive success. Evaluating where habitat selection is adaptive for species of conservation concern can guide large-scale conservation efforts. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) obligate and is often used as an indicator species for health of sagebrush ecosystems. We mapped both selection and survival across multiple reproductive life stages to better understand sage-grouse distribution and more accurately depict habitat quality in the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment, a genetically distinct and geographically isolated population on the edge of the sage-grouse’s range. Across all life stages, environmental features related to strong selection were not always correlated with high survival, which was largely driven by trade-offs between different life stages (e.g., nesting vs. brood-rearing). Limited time and resources necessitate that managers prioritize high-quality habitats to meet specific conservation and management objectives. Given that habitat selection is not always adaptive, understanding the link between selection and demographic performance is likely critical for effective conservation. These findings are preliminary, are provided for timely science communication, and are subject to change.

Habitat Use, Occupancy and Population Trends of Nevada Wildlife  InPerson Presentation