Disturbance of lekking Lesser Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) by Ring-necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

Authors

R. Douglas Holt, Texas Tech University, LubbockFollow
Matthew J. Butler, Texas Tech University, LubbockFollow
Warren B. Ballard, Texas Tech University, LubbockFollow
Curtis A. Kukal, Texas Tech University, LubbockFollow
Heather Whitlaw, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Lubbock

Abstract

Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) populations have experienced dramatic rangewide declines (up to 92%) since settlement of the Great Plains. This decline has been attributed to changes in land-use practices, such as conversion of native rangelands to intensive agriculture and increased grazing pressure. These changes may increase the impact of interspecific competition on populations. We documented disturbance of lekking Lesser Prairie-Chickens by Ring-necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Future management and research should take into account possible impacts to Lesser Prairie-Chickens during the breeding season.

Recommended Citation

Holt, R. Douglas; Butler, Matthew J.; Ballard, Warren B.; Kukal, Curtis A.; and Whitlaw, Heather (2010) "Disturbance of lekking Lesser Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) by Ring-necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 70: No. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol70/iss2/12