Abstract
Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a species of concern, and accurate population data are needed to monitor conservation management efforts. Conventional, ground-based lek counts are labor-intensive, expensive, and have several sources of potential error and bias, including the practical limits on number and distribution of leks counted. We tested aerial methods for photographing multiple leks during a single morning. We completed 14 aerial approaches to 6 leks in 2 different years using 2 different airplanes and altitudes. Grouse flushed from leks on 12 approaches when the airplane was within 200–300 m of the lek. In 2 instances, strutting grouse crouched and stayed on the lek. Our highest-resolution images increased our confidence in grouse identification but also decreased field-of-view coverage to the detriment of count accuracy. The methods we tested do not allow sage-grouse to be accurately counted, but the results provide information about sage-grouse responses to low-altitude airplane approaches and about useful image resolutions and fields of view.
Recommended Citation
Booth, D. T.; Cox, S. E.; Simonds, G. E.; and Elmore, B.
(2009)
"Efficacy of two variations on an aerial lek-count method for Greater Sage-Grouse,"
Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 69:
No.
3, Article 19.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol69/iss3/19