Microhabitat Characteristics Relative to Lek Abandonment by Greater Sage Grouse in the Dakotas

Abstract

We compared peripheral microhabitat characteristics to identify possible reasons for greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) lek abandonment in North Dakota and South Dakota. Comparisons of active leks in the Dakotas were made with active leks in eastern Montana. We systematically selected 12 sample sites at equidistant points from each other within 1.5 km of the lek center. Only non-tilled areas were sampled, but tillage generally comprised< 5 percent of sample sites and was evaluated in a separate landscape-level study. We detected no differences (P > 0.10) between sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) cover or density around active leks compared to the same attributes around historically active but now inactive leks in orth and South Dakota. However, big sagebrush (A. tridentata) height, forb cover, and bare ground were greater (P < 0.10) around active leks compared to inactive leks in North Dakota. The area within 1.5 km of active leks in eastern Montana had much greater (P < 0.10) cover and density of sagebrush than active leks in either North or South Dakota. Sagebrush characteristics, i.e., coverage, density, and height, peripheral to active leks in the western Dakotas appeared desirable for sage grouse nesting sites compared to nesting habitat described in other areas of more classic habitat in Montana or Idaho. The substantial forb and grass cover association with marginal sagebrush coverage in the Dakotas apparently provides adequate nesting and brood rearing habitat.