GREATER SAGE-GROUSE CHICK SURVIVAL WITHIN A POST-FIRE LANDSCAPE | |||
Belle J Malley; University of California, Davis; U.S. Geological Survey; bmalley@usgs.gov; Peter S. Coates, Steven R. Mathews, Michael P. Chenaille, Gail L. Patricelli | |||
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) are an ecological indicator species of the sagebrush steppe ecosystem and have declined substantially across their range, mainly attributed to habitat loss and degradation. Wildfire is a leading cause of habitat loss throughout the western portion of sage-grouse range, resulting in adverse effects on population growth rates (λ). Recent studies attributed declines in λ to decreased adult and nest survival following wildfire. However, the relationship between wildfire and chick survival remains unclear. Here, we estimated chick survival at two post-wildfire sites in Nevada and California. We divided chicks into two groups: inside the burn perimeter (n=21) and on edges of the burn perimeter (within a 200m buffer; n=9). We found that chicks within the burn had a survival estimate of 0.35 (95% CRI = 0.23 – 0.49), while chicks at the burn edge had a survival estimate of 0.49 (95% CRI = 0.26 – 0.73). Thus, interiors of burned areas may lead to reduced chick survival, while edges may constitute important habitat for sage-grouse broods in a post-fire site. Future research exploring microhabitat differences between burned interior and its edges could provide valuable insights. These findings are preliminary, subject to change, and provided for best timely science. | |||
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