Population Of Greater Prairie Chickens Research Articles

Nutrient Profiles of Wild and Captive Attwater's and Greater Prairie-Chicken Eggs

Abstract We determined reference levels of minerals, fatty acids, and fat-soluble micronutrients in eggs from wild Attwater's Tympanuchus cupido attwateri and two (Minnesota, Nebraska) greater prairie-chicken T. c. pinnatus populations for comparison with eggs produced by captive Attwater's prairie-chickens to help guide formulation and evaluation of captive diets. Levels of all minerals found in wild Attwater's prairie-chicken eggs were similar to those in at least one of the two greater prairie-chicken populations, but these levels frequently differed between the two greater prairie-chicken populations. Ratios for n-6:n-3 fatty acids were >3 times higher for Minnesota greater prairie-chickens, which had more access to waste grain than Attwater's or Nebraska greater prairie-chickens. Captive eggs had n-6:n-3 ratios 6.7 times the pooled wild samples, while wild eggs had higher levels of anhydrolutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and total carotenoids. More magnesium, zinc, and manganese were observed in wild eggs compared with those produced in captivity. Flaxseed was added to the captive breeder diet in an attempt to lower egg n-6:n-3 ratios, along with additional carotenoids found in marigold extract. These dietary modifications successfully lowered the n-6:n-3 ratio by 46%, but this ratio was still 3.6 times higher in captive eggs, consistent with the grain-based formulation of the breeder diet. Carotenoid additions successfully raised total carotenoids, but increases were primarily for lutein and not zeaxanthin or β-carotene as intended. Variability in egg nutrient composition among the three wild populations suggests that some tolerance exists in maternal diets, but impacts to offspring fitness are unknown. Given the purported importance of maternal nutrition to fitness of embryos and neonate chicks, we suggest additional research is needed to quantify the influence of key nutrient levels on offspring fitness for both captive and wild populations.

Greater prairie chickens have a compact MHC-B with a single class IA locus

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a central role in innate and adaptive immunity, but relatively little is known about the evolution of the number and arrangement of MHC genes in birds. Insights into the evolution of the MHC in birds can be gained by comparing the genetic architecture of the MHC between closely related species. We used a fosmid DNA library to sequence a 60.9-kb region of the MHC of the greater prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido), one of five species of Galliformes with a physically mapped MHC. Greater prairie chickens have the smallest core MHC yet observed in any bird species, and major changes are observed in the number and arrangement of MHC loci. In particular, the greater prairie chicken differs from other Galliformes in the deletion of an important class I antigen binding gene. Analysis of the remaining class IA gene in a population of greater prairie chickens in Wisconsin, USA revealed little evidence for selection at the region responsible for antigen binding.

Effects of recent population bottlenecks on reconstructing the demographic history of prairie‐chickens

Current methods of DNA sequence analysis attempt to reconstruct historical patterns of population structure and growth from contemporary samples. However, these techniques may be influenced by recent population bottlenecks, which have the potential to eliminate lineages that reveal past changes in demography. One way to examine the performance of these demographic methods is to compare samples from populations before and after recent bottlenecks. We compared estimates of demographic history from populations of greater prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) before and after recent bottlenecks using four common methods (nested clade analysis [NCA], Tajima's D, mismatch distribution, and MDIV). We found that NCA did not perform well in the presence of bottleneck events, although it did recover some genetic signals associated with increased isolation and the extinction of intermediate populations. The majority of estimates for Tajima's D, including those from bottlenecked populations, were not significantly different from zero, suggesting our data conformed to neutral expectations. In contrast, mismatch distributions including the raggedness index were more likely to identify recently bottlenecked populations with this data set. Estimates of population mutation rate (theta), population divergence time (t), and time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) from MDIV were similar before and after bottlenecks; however, estimates of gene flow (M) were significantly lower in a few cases following a bottleneck. These results suggest that caution should be used when assessing demographic history from contemporary data sets, as recently fragmented and bottlenecked populations may have lost lineages that affect inferences of their demographic history.

Plumage and Internal Morphology of the "Prairie Grouse", <em>Tympanuchus cupido</em> × <em>phasianellus</em>, of Manitoulin Island, Ontario

I made comparisons among populations of Greater Prairie-Chickens, Sharp-tailed Grouse and their hybrids on Manitoulin Island of pinnae length, breast, flank and tail feather patterns, tail graduations, wing chord, and skeletal characteristics. Estimates of the proportion of hybrids from these individual characters ranged from 32% to 60%. Lek behaviour of hybrids was a mixture of the patterns of the parent species. The colour of the booming sacks varied and displayed the range between the parent species. There was a tendency with time for the characters of Prairie Chickens to decline coincident with an increase in Sharptailed Grouse characters. Both Prairie Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse are lek species in which an alpha male may consummate most of the the matings. The speed with which morphological change took place in Manitoulin Island is to be expected where a non-random mating system of this kind prevails.

The importance of control populations for the identification and management of genetic diversity.

A fundamental criterion for recognizing species or populations as potentially endangered is the presence/absence of genetic diversity. However, the lack of control populations in many studies of natural systems deprives one from unambiguous criteria for evaluating the genetic effects of small population size and its potential effects on fitness. In this study, I present an example of how the lack of adequate controls may lead to erroneous conclusions for understanding the role that population size may play in the preservation of genetic diversity and fitness of natural populations. The genetic analysis of a population of greater prairie chickens from Illinois, USA, between two time periods (1974-1987 and 1988-1993) in which the studied population experienced a substantial reduction in size and fitness showed no apparent associations between population size and genetic diversity. However, genetic analysis of museum specimens from early this century indicated that Illinois prairie chickens had originally higher levels of genetic diversity, which suggest the Illinois population was already bottlenecked by the 1970s. This study emphasizes the importance of using historical controls to evaluate the temporal dynamics of genetic variability in natural populations. The large number of museum collections worldwide may provide a valuable source of genetic information from past populations, particularly in species currently endangered as a result of human activities.

Tracking the long-term decline and recovery of an isolated population

Effects of small population size and reduced genetic variation on the viability of wild animal populations remain controversial. During a 35-year study of a remnant population of greater prairie chickens, population size decreased from 2000 individuals in 1962 to fewer than 50 by 1994. Concurrently, both fitness, as measured by fertility and hatching rates of eggs, and genetic diversity declined significantly. Conservation measures initiated in 1992 with translocations of birds from large, genetically diverse populations restored egg viability. Thus, sufficient genetic resources appear to be critical for maintaining populations of greater prairie chickens.

Simulation of reproductive stages limiting productivity of the endangered Attwater's prairie chicken

Particularly where ground-nesting birds are concerned, conservation biologists require simulation models that explicitly represent population parameters affecting the first year of life. For this reason, we developed and evaluated a computerized model that explicitly represents prairie chicken ( Tympanuchus cupido) clutch size, egg hatchability, nesting success, brood survival, survivorship of chicks within successful broods, and juvenile and adult survival. Sensitivity analyses of these variables suggest that the proportion of hens losing their entire brood would have the greatest influence on the number of prairie chickens in the subsequent spring breeding population. We then used the model to compare the relative importance of three reproductive parameters of endangered Attwater’s prairie chicken ( T. c. attwateri) populations that are known to be significantly less productive than those of the greater prairie chicken ( T. c. pinnatus). When long-term nesting success, brood survival, and number of chicks per brood prior to brood breakup were individually increased, values for each parameter had to be substantially greater than typically seen in greater prairie chicken populations before the decline in Attwater’s prairie chicken numbers was reversed. When these three variables were increased simultaneously, ≈90% of the difference between Attwater’s and greater prairie chicken values had to be closed before the decline in number was reversed.

Partial Migration in a Population of Greater Prairie-Chickens in Northeastern Colorado

-Seasonal movements of radio-marked Greater Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) were examined in northeastern Colorado during 1986-1989. Many birds migrated between breeding and winter areas; all appeared to display fidelity to both breeding and winter sites. The average date of migration from winter to breeding areas was 20 February for males and 27 March for females. The average date of migration from breeding to winter areas was 4 July for females and 28 July for males. Much of the variability in timing of migration from breeding areas for females was related to brood status; average date of migration was 10 June for females without broods and 26 August for females with broods. Average migration distance between winter and breeding ranges differed significantly by sex: 9.2 km for females and 2.7 km for males. When migration samples were expanded to include distances between breeding and late summer ranges (as suggested by timing of movements), females migrated an average distance of 10.6 km, while males migrated 2.9 km. Seasonal movements of Greater Prairie-Chickens appear to represent partial migration with both obligatory and facultative components. Received 3 June 1991, accepted 23 February 1992. MIGRATION has been defined as a regular round trip within life-span of the individual (Sinclair 1983:241), while patterns of migration have been categorized as annual, partial, or differential (Terrill and Able 1988). Species of Tetraoninae are particularly variable with respect to migration patterns. While some species such as Willow and Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus and L. mutus) may be annual migrants in certain regions (Weeden 1964, Irving et al. 1967), most are considered either nonmigrants or partial migrants with only some individuals migrating. However, extensive research on movements of Blue Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus; Wing 1947, Mussehl 1960, Zwickel et al. 1968), Spruce Grouse (D. canadensis; Herzog and Keppie 1980, Schroeder 1985), White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus; Hoffman and Braun 1975), and Common Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus; Rolstad 1989) indicate that patterns of partial migration may be the rule rather than the exception, particularly among females. Explanations for partial migration include seasonal and/or sexual differences in habitat selection, and dispersal differences due to ag3 Present address: Washington Department of Wildlife, P.O. Box 1077, Bridgeport, Washington 98813, USA. gressive interactions, breeding success, and/or heritability (Lack 1944, Biebach 1983, Smith and Nilsson 1987). For example, Blue Grouse migration has been attributed to elevational and/ or seasonal differences in habitat selection (Wing 1947, Mussehl 1960, Zwickel et al. 1968), and Spruce Grouse migration appears to be related to fidelity to specific winter and breeding areas, and to variability in dispersal movements during their first spring (Herzog and Keppie 1980, Schroeder 1985, 1988). Despite similarities in patterns of movement for Blue Grouse, Spruce Grouse, White-tailed Ptarmigan, and Common Capercaillie, possible explanations for movement have not been thoroughly examined in other species of Tetraoninae. Greater Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) are among the most mobile of the species in the Tetraoninae, with seasonal movements up to 170 km (Hamerstrom and Hamerstrom 1949). Early reports indicated that Greater Prairie-Chicken movements were particularly extensive among females and typically related to seasonal differences in habitat selection (Schmidt 1936, Hamerstrom and Hamerstrom 1949) and regional food availability, such as the abundance of acorns (Quercus spp.; Cooke 1888, Gross 1930, Leopold 1931). However, Gross (1930) suggested that introduction of corn throughout the range of Greater Prairie-Chick-

Greater Prairie Chicken Ranges, Movements, and Habitat Usage in Kansas

Telemetry equipment was used to track 70 (34 males, 31 females, and 5 unsexed) individual greater prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) in northeastern Kansas. A total of 3,214 locations was recorded and 2,229 successive days of location data were obtained during 1964-1968. These data were used to calculate ranges of individual birds, and the distances between locations of birds on successive days were used to determine movement activity. Between 1966 and 1968, a total of 2,019 locations of 49 of the 70 birds (26 males and 23 females) was analyzed according to habitat usage. Ranges of birds were > 200 acres during the late summer and < 500 acres during fall and spring. Adult cocks exhibited the largest monthly range (1,267 acres) in March and the smallest (79 acres) in August. Ranges of juveniles were similar to those of adult males. Movement data reflected the same trends as did the range data. Occasional inter-booming ground movements were recorded for both males and females. Extensive movements (2.7-6.7 miles) of juveniles during October and November may represent population dispersal and may serve as a population regulatory mechanism. Attempts to correlate vegetation density with seasonal changes in habitat usage were futile. The shallow range site was used more by prairie chickens than were the limestone breaks and claypan vegetation complexes on the study area. Use of booming grounds was greater in spring and use of grain sorghum fields extensive in winter. Intensive use was made of booming ground areas in the morning, limestone breaks range site in midday, and wheat and oats fields in evening. At one time the greater prairie chicken was the leading upland game bird of the grasslands of central North America. Today it provides hunting in only a few areas. Even though this bird provides limited hunting opportunities and its range has been considerably reduced in recent years, the greater prairie chicken has continued to 1 Contribution No. 1056 Division of Biology, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Kansas State University, Manhattan, 66502. 2Present address: Extension Service, Colorado State University, Glenwood Springs, 81601. 3 Present address: 11519 W. 61st Place, Arvada, Colorado 80002. 4Present address: Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 62901. 5 Present address: Arizona Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Arizona, Tucson, 85721. 6 Present address: Minnesota Department of Conservation, Warroad, 56763. 286 receive the attention of several biologists. The literature contains more reports of studies conducted on remnant rather than large greater prairie chicken populations; Hamerstrom (1939), Schwartz (1945), Hamerstrom and Hamerstrom (1949 and 1955), Hamerstrom et al., (1957), Ammann (1957), Yeatter (1943), and Berger et al. (1963) to mention but a few. To obtain basic data from a large, stable population of greater prairie chickens, an extensive research program was initiated in northeastern Kansas in 1964. The determination of home range sizes and mobility patterns were two primary objectives of the original research. This paper presents data on greater prairie chicken home range and mobility gathered between 1964 and 1968. A habitable range for greater prairie This content downloaded from 157.55.39.92 on Wed, 22 Jun 2016 07:02:07 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms PRAIRIE CHICKEN HABITAT AND MOVEMENTS * Robel et al. 287 chickens is almost invariably defined as an extensive grassland area. Areas of extensive grasslands in the prairie regions of central North America have decreased in recent years and thus, suitable habitat for greater prairie chickens has experienced considerable attrition (Aldrich 1963:537). Much has been written about the reduction of range originally occupied by greater prairie chickens (Bennitt and Nagel 1937: 48, Schwartz 1945:90, Mohler 1952:9, Christisen 1967:182). The reduction of habitat has caused increased interest in habitat studies of greater prairie chickens (Jones 1963). To better understand habitat requirements of greater prairie chickens in a central portion of their range, bird location data from radio-tagged birds in northeastern Kansas were analyzed for habitat usage. The authors are indebted to John and the late Grover Simpson, owners of the property on which this study was conducted, for unlimited cooperation during the course of the study. This study was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Penrose Fund of the American Philosophical Society.

An Apparent Lack of Salmonella in Liver and Spleens of Greater Prairie Chickens in Kansas

The spleen and liver of 71 greater prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) collected in Kansas during 1965 were tested for the presence of Salmonella spp. and other pathogenic bacteria. All tested samples were negative for Salmonella and other pathogenic bacteria. Cultures did yield growths of Aerobacter aerogenes (12), Escherichia coli (5), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1), Proteus morganii (1), and Proteus sp. (1). Even though changes in habitat appear to have a more serious impact on greater prairie chicken populations than do diseases (Yeatter 1963: 753), diseases can still pose a threat to populations (Edminster 1954:184, Herman 1963:854). No studies have been conducted on losses due to diseases in large stable populations of greater prairie chickens (Herman 1963:850). Because greater prairie chickens in Kansas have relatively large home ranges (Cebula 1966, Viers 1967), the possibility of birds becoming infected with and spreading pathogenic organisms is greater than for more sedentary species. Greater prairie chickens often feed among domestic poultry, especially during severe winter conditions (Schwartz 1945:72). This behavior favors the transmission of pathogens between domestic poultry and greater prairie chickens. Since domestic poultry constitute the largest single source of Salmonella existing in nature (Hull 1963:214, Williams 1965:260) and salmonellosis is not uncommon in Galliformes (Halloran 1955:360), one would expect greater prairie chickens might also harbor this highly pathogenic group. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Salmonella in the viscera of greater prairie chickens in Kansas. The genus Salmonella is composed of approximately 800 serological types belonging to the paratyphoid group in the large family Enterobacteriaceae except for S. pullorum and S. gallinarum (Williams 1965:260261). Salmonella infections cause enteritis in birds and can result in Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, Vol. 70, No. 3, 1967. Published January 12, 1968. 1 Contribution No. 445 Department of Bacteriology, Contribution No. 399 Department of Zoology, and the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Serial No. 343, Department of Zoology, Kansas State University, Manhattan.

Booming territory size and mating success of the greater prairie chicken ( Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus)

Summary Greater prairie chickens are social birds in which males gather and perform a group display on a mating area during the spring. On these mating areas (booming grounds) male birds establish territories. This study was initiated to determine the relationship between booming territory size and mating success of individual birds. Observations were made during fifty-three mornings at one booming ground in northeastern Kansas during 1964 and 1965. Exact locations for eight tagged males were determined at 15 min intervals during the period of study. From these location data, territories were determined for each marked male with concentric rings drawn to delineate areas of more intensive bird activity. Sixty-nine copulations were tabulated as a measure of mating success. Two males, both of which controlled large booming ground territories, accounted for 72·5 per cent of the matings observed during this study period. The size of the inner portion of the territory and the total territory size appear to be directly related to mating success in booming populations of greater prairie chickens.

Quantitative Indicies to Activity and Territoriality of Booming Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus in Kansas

The greater prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) is characteristic of climax grasslands of North America. Its distribution has been reduced drastically by changes in land use and management (Aldrich, 1963). Attrition of suitable habitat has resulted in reduced prairie chicken populations throughout most of their present range. Such a reduction in numbers has generated concern for their well-being by conservation minded biologists of North America. Many data have been collected of greater prairie chicken population dynamics, habitat requirements and preferences, distribution, food habits, and other such facts of a general nature. Most studies have been confined to areas where greater prairie chicken numbers are moderate to low. Greatest efforts are often found where populations near extinction. Few studies have been made in areas where greater prairie chicken populations are high and stable. Greater prairie chickens are social birds that exhibit a breeding display during spring months. The display involves primarily males and the area on which the display is conducted is termed a booming or dancing ground. Such a group display by male birds is similar to leks of black cocks (Lyrurus tetrix) (Selous, 1909), hooting grounds of sharptailed grouse (Pedioecetes phasianellus) (Scott, 1950), and strutting grounds of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) (Dalke, et al., 1963). Territorial behavior displayed on leks, strutting grounds, hooting grounds and booming grounds is an integral force in the natural regulation of Tetraonid populations (Tinbergen, 1957; Wynn-Edwards, 1962). An early descriptive study of greater prairie chicken booming activity was made by Brickenridge (1929). More thorough and complete studies have followed, e.g., Hamerstrom (1941), Schwartz (1945) and Hamerstorm and Hamerstrom (1955). Most recent greater prairie chicken studies have involved primarily population changes or other such management related aspects of a recreational and endangered species. This study was conducted to obtain basic quantitative data on booming ground activity and territoriality of booming ground participants in a large and stable population of greater prairie chickens.