New Research Data to Improve Greater Sage-Grouse Population
November 16, 2017
Cedar City, UT
A local SUU student recently assisted in research dedicated to the Greater-sage grouse population throughout Southern Utah. The majority of the research was done this summer by visiting various Sage-grouse habitats and recording nesting and brood behavior in hens.
Greater-sage grouse have been a threatened species, especially in Southern Utah for years. Since this is their southernmost border, it’s important to keep the habitat conserved. Some habitat has been altered to return it back to it’s original condition and make it more habitable for Sage-grouse, among other species.
The goal of this research was to record vegetation data for the nest sites that hens selected and where they raised their chicks. The research will be used by land managers, to determine if the changes that have made to the landscape, have been helping Sage-grouse populations. If the hens can successfully hatch and raise chicks to a juvenile stage, it is a good indication that the vegetation in the area provides good coverage from predation as well as good food sources for the birds.
This research was done through Utah State University under the direction of Nicki Frey. If there are questions about the project and further research please contact Ethan McBride.
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Ethan McBride
(928) 965-7081
454 W 1950 N
Cedar City, UT 84721