Sage‐Grouse Habitat Selection During Winter in Alberta

Abstract

ABSTRACTGreater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are dependent on sagebrush (Artemisiaspp.) for food and shelter during winter, yet few studies have assessed winter habitat selection, particularly at scales applicable to conservation planning. Small changes to availability of winter habitats have caused drastic reductions in some sage‐grouse populations. We modeled winter habitat selection by sage‐grouse in Alberta, Canada, by using a resource selection function. Our purpose was to 1) generate a robust winter habitat‐selection model for Alberta sage‐grouse; 2) spatially depict habitat suitability in a Geographic Information System to identify areas with a high probability of selection and thus, conservation importance; and 3) assess the relative influence of human development, including oil and gas wells, in landscape models of winter habitat selection. Terrain and vegetation characteristics, sagebrush cover, anthropogenic landscape features, and energy development were important in top Akaike's Information Criterion‐selected models. During winter, sage‐grouse selected dense sagebrush cover and homogenous less rugged areas, and avoided energy development and 2‐track truck trails. Sage‐grouse avoidance of energy development highlights the need for comprehensive management strategies that maintain suitable habitats across all seasons.