Grassland Grouse and Their Conservation
Grassland Grouse and Their Conservation

Author: Paul A. Johnsgard

Publisher: Smithsonian Institution

Published: 2014-12-03

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 1935623672

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Paul Johnsgard, one of the world's leading ornithologists, has written this book as a call to action. Conservationists have seen a marked decline in the populations of North American grouse, particularly the grassland-adapted species. Unless action is taken swiftly, at least one species -- Attwater's prairie-chicken -- is certain to follow the heath hen into extinction. Johnsgard begins with the tragic history of the heath hen, which became extinct in 1932. He devotes a chapter each to the greater and lesser prairie-chickens, greater and Gunnison sage-grouse, and sharp-tailed grouse. Johnsgard argues that habitat loss and excessive hunting are major factors contributing to the decline of each species, particularly the lesser prairie-chicken and the Gunnison sage-grouse, which have been proposed for threatened federal status. This narrative history is troubling but not without hope. Johnsgard discusses places where populations exist that have yet to be preserved, and outlines the steps necessary to conserve these species. A possible future does exist for grassland grouse, and Johnsgard's book points the way toward securing it.

The North American Grouse: Their Biology and Behavior
The North American Grouse: Their Biology and Behavior

Author: Paul Johnsgard

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 1609620879

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The ten currently recognized species of grouse in North America have played an important role in America's history, from the famous but ill-fated heath hen, a primary source of meat for the earliest New England immigrants, to the ruffed grouse, currently one of the most abundant and soughtafter upland game birds in more than 40 states and provinces. This book summarizes the ecology, reproductive biology, and social behavior of all ten of the extant North American grouse species. It also describes the current status of grouse populations, some of which are perilously close to extinction. The social behavior of grouse is of special biological interest because among these ten species there is a complete mating system spectrum, from seasonally monogamous pair-bonding to highly promiscuous mating patterns. The latter group illustrates the strong structural and behavioral effects of sexual selection resulting from nonmonogamous mating. These influences reach a peak in the development by some grouse species of engaging in mating "leks," arena-like competitions performed by males while attempting to attract fertile females, and also provide opportunities for females to select optimum mating partners. These sexual competitions also promote strong differences evolving in sexual signaling behaviors ("displays") among closely related species. Nevertheless, a relatively high incidence of mating errors and resulting hybridization often occurs in spite of these marked behavioral differences. In addition to a text of 101,000 words, the book includes 16 range maps, 37 line drawings, and 38 photographs by the author, as well as nearly 1,400 literature citations.

Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Author: Lance B. McNew

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-09-01

Total Pages: 1017

ISBN-13: 303134037X

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This open access book reviews the importance of ecological functioning within rangelands considering the complex inter-relationships of production agriculture, ecosystem services, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat. More than half of all lands worldwide, and up to 70% of the western USA, are classified as rangelands—uncultivated lands that often support grazing by domestic livestock. The rangelands of North America provide a vast array of goods and services, including significant economic benefit to local communities, while providing critical habitat for hundreds of species of fish and wildlife. This book provides compendium of recent data and synthesis from more than 100 experts in wildlife and rangeland ecology in Western North America. It provides a current and in-depth synthesis of knowledge related to wildlife ecology in rangeland ecosystems, and the tools used to manage them, to serve current and future wildlife biologists and rangeland managers in the working landscapes of the West. The book also identifies information gaps and serves as a jumping-off point for future research of wildlife in rangeland ecosystems. While the content focuses on wildlife ecology and management in rangelands of Western North America, the material has important implications for rangeland ecosystems worldwide.