Juvenile greater sage‐grouse survival, movements, and recruitment in Colorado

Abstract

ABSTRACTJuvenile survival and recruitment has not been studied extensively for greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Because there is scant information on this vital rate, the implications of management actions on specific population demographics remain unknown. We re‐captured, radio‐marked, and monitored the survival and recruitment of 183 domestically hatched and wild‐hatched juvenile sage‐grouse from 1 September to 31 March 2005–2008 at 2 study areas in northwest Colorado, USA: Axial Basin and Cold Springs Mountain. Juvenile females had higher survival than juvenile males, and survival for each was higher in Axial Basin compared to Cold Springs Mountain. Domestically hatched juveniles had comparable survival to wild‐hatched juveniles. We documented differences in survival between adult females and juveniles from September to March. Juvenile survival was lowest during September and October, coinciding with brood independence and movements to winter range and integrated flocks. Average survival from hatch to recruitment into the natal breeding population (Mar) varied between areas. Our findings provide an estimate of juvenile survival and recruitment so managers can better understand and model sage‐grouse population dynamics. We recommend long‐term (≥3 yr) research to better understand spatial and temporal variation in demographic rates. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.