Cooperative conservation actions improve sage-grouse population performance within the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment

Rangeland Ecology & Management
By: , and 

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Abstract

Developing a robust monitoring framework that integrates efficacy assessments of cooperative conservation and restoration actions in relation to population viability is critical for successful long-term recovery of target ecosystems and species. However, often it is difficult to quantify conservation action efficacy because of the complex, dynamic nature of ecosystem processes and practical limitations associated with assessing target species’ population dynamics. Here, we present an analytical framework that allows for quantification of conservation action efficacy using greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage-grouse) within the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment which borders Nevada and California. This framework utilizes web-based repositories of conservation efforts carried out in sagebrush ecosystems and readily fits within contemporary sagebrush conservation design strategies. We employed a state-space model within a Bayesian framework to estimate abundance (N) as inputs for a progressive change before-after-control-impact paired series (BACIPS) design. Count data from 57 leks (monitored between 2003–2021) coupled with 85 unique actions (initiated between 2012–2019) provided clear evidence that conservation actions increased population abundance, on average, by 4.4% annually across the study area, resulting in a 37.4% cumulative increase since 2012. Population gains varied by the type of conservation action and according to the number of lag years following its implementation.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Cooperative conservation actions improve sage-grouse population performance within the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment
Series title Rangeland Ecology & Management
DOI 10.1016/j.rama.2024.08.007
Volume 97
Issue 1
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 11 p.
First page 135
Last page 145
Country United States
State California, Nevada
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