Job Progress Report: Project #3 - Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration: Upland Bird Population Dynamics and Management

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) historically occurred in shrubsteppe and meadow-steppe communities throughout much of eastern Washington. The decline in distribution has been dramatic; 74% of 68 lek complexes documented since 1960 are currently vacant. Many vacant lek complexes (52%) are in areas where sagegrouse have been extirpated since 1960. The current range is about 8% of the historic range, occurring in 2 relatively isolated areas. Based on changes in number of males counted on lek complexes, the sage-grouse population size in Washington declined by approximately 85% from 1960 to 2001; the 2001 spring population was estimated to be about 700 birds. Historic and recent declines of greater sage-grouse are linked to conversion of native habitat for production of crops and degradation of the remaining native habitat. Although declines in populations of sage-grouse appear to be slowing, the small size and isolated nature of the 2 remaining populations may be a long-term problem. Management should be directed toward protecting, enhancing, expanding, and connecting the existing populations.