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Integration of Genetic and Demographic Data to Assess the Relative Importance of Connectivity and Habitat in Sage-Grouse Populations Active

By Fort Collins Science Center July 12, 2020

Using the existing rangewide genetic and demographic data, scientists from the USGS, USDA Forest Service, and University of Waterloo will assess the relative contributions of habitat and genetic connectivity to lek size and stability.

The integration of genetic and demographic data can provide multiple levels of insight into the patterns of distribution and abundance of species. Local demographic trends and population persistence are strongly influenced by patterns of regional connectivity. However, the relative contributions of connectivity, habitat amount, and habitat quality to patterns of abundance for sage-grouse is unknown. This makes it challenging to prioritize management aimed at increasing species abundance. Using the existing rangewide genetic and demographic data, scientists from the USGS, USDA Forest Service, and University of Waterloo will assess the relative contributions of habitat and genetic connectivity to lek size and stability. Additionally, given the extent of available data the research team will assess whether the importance of connectivity varies over the range. This research can help identify which components of habitat configuration and connectivity have the largest influence on population abundance and how these factors vary regionally. These results can help facilitate targeted and regionally relevant management actions.

Using the existing rangewide genetic and demographic data, scientists from the USGS, USDA Forest Service, and University of Waterloo will assess the relative contributions of habitat and genetic connectivity to lek size and stability.

The integration of genetic and demographic data can provide multiple levels of insight into the patterns of distribution and abundance of species. Local demographic trends and population persistence are strongly influenced by patterns of regional connectivity. However, the relative contributions of connectivity, habitat amount, and habitat quality to patterns of abundance for sage-grouse is unknown. This makes it challenging to prioritize management aimed at increasing species abundance. Using the existing rangewide genetic and demographic data, scientists from the USGS, USDA Forest Service, and University of Waterloo will assess the relative contributions of habitat and genetic connectivity to lek size and stability. Additionally, given the extent of available data the research team will assess whether the importance of connectivity varies over the range. This research can help identify which components of habitat configuration and connectivity have the largest influence on population abundance and how these factors vary regionally. These results can help facilitate targeted and regionally relevant management actions.