John W. Connelly

Long-term changes in sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus populations in western North America

Available data indicate that sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus have declined throughout their range. This species presently occurs in 11 U.S. States and in two Canadian provinces. In nine states having long-term data, breeding populations have declined by 17–47% ( = 33%) from the longterm average. Six states have long-term information on sage grouse production. In five of these states, production has declined by 10–51% ( = 25%) from the long-term average. Habitat deterioration, loss, and fragmentation have reduced the quantity and quality of nesting and early brood-rearing habitat causing population declines. Factors appearing to be largely responsible for the changes in habitats and, ultimately, sage grouse populations over wide areas of western North America are discussed, and hypotheses that could be tested to provide better insight into sage grouse population declines are suggested. Once these changes are better understood, conservation strategies that address protection and rehabilitation of sagebrush Artemisia spp. rangelands should be developed and implemented in each state and province to halt the decline of sage grouse and initiate recovery.

Adaptive Strategies and Population Ecology of Northern Grouse

Adaptive Strategies and Population of Northern Grouse was first published in 1988. Minnesota Archive Editions uses digital technology to make long-unavailable books once again accessible, and are published unaltered from the original University of Minnesota Press editions.The first volume contains eleven studies of eight grouse species; the second contains primarily the work of Bergerud, which utilizes the evidence in the first volume to advance theories of behavior and offer new demographic insights.This second volume contains primarily the work of Bergerud, which utilizes the evidence in the first volume to advance theories of behavior and offer new demographic insights.

A meta-analysis of greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus nesting and brood-rearing habitats

Abstract The distribution and range of the greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus have been reduced by 56% since the European settlement of western North America. Although there is an unprecedented effort to conserve the species, there is still considerable debate about the vegetation composition and structure required for nesting and brood-rearing habitat. We conducted a meta-analysis of vegetation characteristics recorded in studies at nest sites (N  =  24) and brood habitats (N  =  8) to determine if there was an overall effect (Hedges d) of habitat selection and to estimate average canopy cover of sagebrush Artemisia spp., grass and forbs, and also height of grass at nest sites and brood-rearing areas. We estimated effect sizes from the difference between use (nests and brood areas) and random sampling points for each study, and derived an overall effect size across all studies. Sagebrush cover (d++  =  0.39; 95% C.I.: 0.19-0.54) and grass height (d++ =  0.28; 95% C.I.: 0.13-0.42) were greater at nest sites than at random locations. Vegetation at brood areas had less sagebrush cover (d++  =  -0.17; 95% C.I.: -0.44 - +0.18), significantly taller grasses (d++  =  0.31; 95% C.I.: 0.14-0.45), greater forb (d++  =  0.48; 95% C.I.: 0.30-0.67) and grass cover (d++ =  0.17; 95% C.I.: 0.08-0.27) than at random locations. These patterns were especially evident when we examined early (< 6 weeks post hatching) and late brood-rearing habitats separately. The overall estimates of nest and brood area vegetation variables were consistent with those provided in published guidelines for the management of greater sage-grouse.

Seasonal Movements of Sage Grouse in Southeastern Idaho

We studied seasonal movements of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) on, and adjacent to, the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) in southeastern Idaho from summer 1977 through fall 1983. The study area included a mountain valley and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) lowlands. Sage grouse used contiguous areas for wintering and breeding but moved as far as 82 km from winter and breeding areas to summer range. Juvenile sage grouse (n = 32) moved a mean distance of 14.9 km from summer to winter ranges and adult grouse (n = 33) moved a mean distance of 11.3 km. Male sage grouse from the mountainvalley population moved farther to summer range than did mountain-valley females and both sexes from lowland populations (P < 0.05). Movements by male and female sage grouse during fall were generally slow and meandering. Movements by females during spring were also slow and meandering compared to the relatively rapid and direct movements by males. Distances moved were not entirely influenced by the proximity of seasonal habitats, suggesting that seasonal movements tend to be traditional. Sage grouse populations should be defined on a temporal and geographic basis. Protection of sagebrush habitats within a 3.2 km radius of leks may not be sufficient to ensure the protection of year-long habitat requirements. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 52(1):116-122 Sage grouse occupy seasonal habitats, using mesic areas during summer (Klebenow 1969, Wallestad 1971) and sagebrush habitats during winter (Eng and Schladweiler 1972, Beck 1977, Remington and Braun 1985). Grouse occupying sagebrush habitats at relatively low elevation are sometimes nonmigratory (Wallestad 1975), and sage grouse inhabiting mountain valleys or areas with distinct elevational gradients are often migratory (Dalke et al. 1960, Connelly 1982). However, information on the timing and distance of seasonal movements and the spatial relationships of seasonal ranges to migration routes and breeding complexes is often lacking. Only Dalke et al. (1963) and Berry and Eng (1985) attempted to delineate these relationships. This information is necessary for defining sage grouse populations, identifying population habitats, and evaluating impacts of land use changes on this species; thus, allowing meaningful management practices to be implemented. The INEL and adjacent lands in southeastern Idaho contain mountain-valley and sagebrushlowland areas that differ in topography and precipitation (Connelly 1982, Gates 1983). Recognizing these differences, we hypothesized that seasonal movements of sage grouse occupying these areas might differ. Thus, we compared seasonal ranges and movement patterns of sage grouse using separate breeding ranges in mountain-valley and lowland areas. Our objectives were to (1) describe sage grouse seasonal movements; (2) define sage grouse seasonal ranges with respect to each other and to breeding complexes, and migration routes in both mountainvalley and lowland areas; and (3) suggest an approach to defining migratory sage grouse populations. This study was supported by the Office of Health and Environmental Research, U.S. Department of Energy. Technical assistance was supplied by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. We thank all of the individuals from the above agencies who contributed to this effort. We are especially grateful to O. D. Markham and W. J. Arthur for administrative guidance, advice, and field assistance. Field assistance was also provided by D. K. Halford and J. C. Hoag during various portions of this study. Earlier drafts of this manuscript were reviewed by R. E. Autenrieth, I. J. Ball, W. B. Sidle, L. D. Flake, and R. L. Present address: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 5205 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83204. 2 Present address: Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901.

Long-term effects of fire on sage grouse habitat.

This study documented the long-term (> 10 years) impact of fire on sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus Bonaparte) nesting and brood-rearing habitats on the Upper Snake River Plain in southeastern Idaho. The habitat of the study area is primarily mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata vaseyana Rydb.)grassland. Twenty different-aged burns were sampled from 1996 to 1997, ranging from wildfires which burned during the 1960s to prescribed fires set during the 1990s. Canopy coverage and height of vegetation, and relative abundance of invertebrates, were estimated at burned and unburned sites within burns. Fourteen years after burning, sagebrush had not returned to preburn conditions. No difference was detected in forb abundance between different-aged burns. Relative abundance of ants and beetles was significantly greater in the 1-year old burn category but had returned to unburned levels by 3-5 years postburn. No benefits for sage grouse occurred as a result of burning sage grouse nesting and brood-rearing habitats. Burning created a long-term negative impact on nesting habitat because sagebrush required over 20 years of postburn growth for percent canopy cover to become sufficient for nesting.

Sage grouse use of nest sites in southeastern Idaho

We investigated nest site selection by sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in southeastern Idaho from 1987 to 1989. During 3 breeding seasons, 79% of 84 nest sites were found under sagebrush (Artemisia spp.). Nest success averaged 53% for grouse that used sagebrush and 22% for birds that used nonsagebrush nest sites. Total vegetative cover for sagebrush and nonsagebrush nest sites was similar. However, grass height was shorter (P = 0.01) at sagebrush compared to nonsagebrush nest sites. Herbaceous cover was important to nesting sage grouse but the relatively low nest success of nonsagebrush nest sites indicated they might provide less than optimal nesting habitat. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 55(3):521-524 Most studies that have examined sage grouse nest site selection reported that >90% of nests were found under sagebrush (Patterson 1952: 114, Gill 1965, Wallestad and Pyrah 1974, Braun et al. 1977, Gates 1983). Other species of shrubs commonly grow in sagebrush habitats (Tisdale and Hironaka 1981) but are seldom used by nesting sage grouse. Only Hulet et al. (1984) reported a relatively high incidence (34%) of sage grouse use of shrubs other than sagebrush (hereafter called nest shrub species) for nest sites. Unfortunately, Hulet et al. (1984) did not address the relationship of nest shrub species to habitat quality and nesting success. Our purpose is to describe the use of nest shrub species by sage grouse in southeastern Idaho and to test the hypothesis that nesting success for grouse nesting under sagebrush is greater than that of grouse nesting under other plant species. We thank E. F. Cassirer, J. F. Kennedy, R. R. Spahr, C. M. Stinson, and D. W. Stinson for aid in collecting nest data. We also acknowledge the support of the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This manuscript was improved by reviews provided by J. J. Beecham, C. E. Braun, J. A. Crawford, R. L. Eng, T. P. Hemker, J. W. Hupp, T. E. Remington, and an anonymous referee. This paper is a contribution from Idaho Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-160-R and contribution No. 560 of the Idaho Forest, Wildlife, and Range Experiment Station.

Movements and Survival of Juvenile Greater Sage‐Grouse in Southeastern Idaho

Abstract Low recruitment has been suggested as a primary factor contributing to declines in greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations. We evaluated movements and survival of 58 radiomarked juvenile greater sage-grouse from 1 September (≥10 weeks of age) to 29 March (≥40 weeks of age) during 1997–1998 and 1998–1999 in lowland and mountain valley study areas in southeastern Idaho, USA. Juvenile sage-grouse captured in the mountain valley area moved an average of 2.2 km (20%) farther (x̄ = 13.0 km, SE = 1.2 km) from autumn to winter ranges than juvenile grouse captured in the lowland area (x̄ = 10.8 km, SE = 1.2 km). Ten of 11 deaths occurred from September to December. Fifty percent of deaths in the lowland population were attributable to human-related mortality including power-line collisions and legal harvest, while 33% and 17% of deaths were attributable to mammalian predators and unknown cause, respectively. All deaths in the mountain valley population were attributed to avian or mammalian predators. Survival was relatively high for birds from both populations, but was higher across years in the lowland (Ŝ = 0.86, SE = 0.06, n = 43) than in the mountain valley population (Ŝ = 0.64, SE = 0.13, n = 14). In our study juvenile sage-grouse that moved farther distances to seasonal ranges experienced lower survival than juveniles from a more sedentary population. Moreover, high juvenile survival in our study suggests that if low recruitment occurs in sage-grouse populations it may be due to other factors, especially poor nesting success or low early chick survival.

Movements, survival, and reproduction of sage grouse translocated into central Idaho

The success of translocations to restore sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations remains equivocal. Thus, we translocated 196 sage grouse to the Sawtooth Valley, Idaho, during March-April 1986-87 to determine whether translocated birds would survive and reproduce. Movements of 44 radio-tagged birds were extensive during the first 3-6 weeks post-release, and average distances from the release site for 10 females (5.3 ± 0.9 km) were greater (P < 0.05) than those for 5 males (3.2 ± 1.0 km). Four of 17 (24%) radio-tagged birds in 1986 and 11 of 27 (41%) in 1987 survived into the summer

Biochemical and behavioral characterization of the double transgenic mouse model (APPswe/PS1dE9) of Alzheimer’s disease

ObjectiveThe double transgenic mouse model (APPswe/PS1dE9) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been widely used in experimental studies. β-Amyloid (Aβ) peptide is excessively produced in AD mouse brain, which affects synaptic function and the development of central nervous system. However, little has been reported on characterization of this model. The present study aimed to characterize this mouse AD model and its wild-type counterparts by biochemical and functional approaches.MethodsBlood samples were collected from the transgenic and the wild-type mice, and radial arm water maze behavioral test was conducted at the ages of 6 and 12 months. The mice were sacrificed at 12-month age. One hemisphere of the brain was frozen-sectioned for immunohistochemistry and the other hemisphere was dissected into 7 regions. The levels of Aβ1–40, Aβ1–42 and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in blood or/and brain samples were analyzed by ELISA. Secretase activities in brain regions were analyzed by in vitro assays.ResultsThe pre-mature death rate of transgenic mice was approximately 35% before 6-month age, and high levels of Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42 were detected in these dead mice brains with a ratio of 1:10. The level of blood-borne Aβ at 6-month age was similar with that at 12-month age. Besides, Aβ1–40 level in the blood was significantly higher than Aβ1–42 level at the ages of 6 and 12 months (ratio 2.37:1). In contrast, the level of Aβ1–42 in the brain (160.6 ng/mg protein) was higher than that of Aβ1–40 (74 ng/mg protein) (ratio 2.17:1). In addition, the levels of Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42 varied markedly among different brain regions. Aβ1–42 level was significantly higher than Aβ1–40 level in cerebellum, frontal and posterior cortex, and hippocampus. Secretase activity assays did not reveal major differences among different brain regions or between wild-type and transgenic mice, suggesting that the transgene PS1 did not lead to higher γ-secretase activity but was more efficient in producing Aβ1–42 peptides. 8-OHdG, the biomarker of DNA oxidative damage, showed a trend of increase in the blood of transgenic mice, but with no significant difference, as compared with the wild-type mice. Behavioral tests showed that transgenic mice had significant memory deficits at 6-month age compared to wild-type controls, and the deficits were exacerbated at 12-month age with more errors.ConclusionThese results suggest that this mouse model mimics the early-onset human AD and may represent full-blown disease at as early as 6-month age for experimental studies.摘要目的阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer’s disease, AD) APPswe/PS1dE9双转基因小鼠已被广泛运用于各种实验研究。 AD小鼠脑内产生过量的β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ), 后者会影响突触功能和中枢神经系统的发育。 然而, 该转基因小鼠模型的生化和行为学特征却未见报道。 本研究旨在对该小鼠模型的病理从生化和行为学角度进行检测。方法对6月和12月龄转基因和野生型小鼠取血约100 μL, 1 200 g离心后, 分离血清。 在小鼠6月和12月龄时, 进行为期15天的辐射状六臂水迷宫实验。 ELISA法检测血清和大脑中Aβ1–40和Aβ1–42的含量, 以及血清中8-羟基脱氧鸟苷的含量。 比较转基因和野生型小鼠大脑不同部位中α-, β- 和 γ-分泌酶活性的差异。结果在6月龄之前, APPswe/PS1dE9双转基因小鼠的死亡率约为35%, 这些死亡的小鼠脑内Aβ1–40和Aβ1–42水平较高, 两者比例约为1:10。 在6月和12月龄时, 转基因小鼠血清中Aβ1–40水平均显著高于Aβ1–42水平, Aβ1–40与Aβ1–42比例为 2.37:1。 在12月龄时, 转基因小鼠大脑中Aβ1–42水平显著高于Aβ1–40水平, 两者比例约为2.17: 1, 并且在不同脑区中, Aβ1–42和Aβ1–40含量变化较大。 在小脑、 前、 后部皮质层以及海马中, Aβ1–42水平显著高于Aβ1–40。 分泌酶活性在转基因和野生型小鼠之间以及在不同脑部位之间没有很大的差异, 这提示PS1转基因并没有导致高γ-分泌酶活性, 该基因可能使 γ-分泌酶更有效的切割和产生Aβ1–42。 此外, 转基因小鼠血清中8-羟基脱氧鸟苷含量较野生型小鼠升高, 但没有显著性差异。 行为学结果显示, 在6月龄时, 转基因小鼠与野生型相比呈现出显著的记忆障碍, 到12月龄时, 这种障碍变得更为严重, 表现为水迷宫实验中产生更多的错误。结论APPswe/PS1dE9双转基因小鼠最早在6月龄时就能很好地模拟早发性AD, 可用于实验研究。

Consequences of Treating Wyoming Big Sagebrush to Enhance Wildlife Habitats

Abstract Sagebrush (Artemisia L.) taxa historically functioned as the keystone species on 1 090 000 km2 of rangeland across the western United States, and Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young) is or was dominant on a substantial amount of this landscape. Wyoming big sagebrush provides habitat for numerous wildlife species. Nevertheless, Wyoming big sagebrush communities are commonly manipulated to decrease shrub cover and density and increase the productivity and diversity of herbaceous plants. We examined relationships between management-directed changes in Wyoming big sagebrush and greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), elk (Cervus elaphus), pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), species commonly associated with these ecosystems. We focused on herbicide applications, mechanical treatments, and prescribed burning, because they are commonly applied to large areas in big sagebrush communities, often with the goal to improve wildlife habitats. Specifically, our objective was to identify treatments that either enhance or imperil sagebrush habitats for these wildlife species. The preponderance of literature indicates that habitat management programs that emphasize treating Wyoming big sagebrush are not supported with respect to positive responses by sage-grouse habitats or populations. There is less empirical information on ungulate habitat response to Wyoming big sagebrush treatments, but the value of sagebrush as cover and food to these species is clearly documented. A few studies suggest small-scale treatments (≤ 60-m width) in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana [Rydb.] Beetle) may create attractive foraging conditions for brooding sage-grouse, but these may have little relevance to Wyoming big sagebrush. Recommendations or management programs that emphasize treatments to reduce Wyoming big sagebrush could lead to declines of wildlife species. More research is needed to evaluate the response of sagebrush wildlife habitats and populations to treatments, and until that time, managers should refrain from applying them in Wyoming big sagebrush communities. Resumen Sagebrush (Artemisia L.) históricamente ha funcionado como un especie clave en 1 090 000 km2 de pastizales a través del oeste de los Estados Unidos y Wyoming big sagebrush (A. tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young) es o fue dominante en una gran área de este paisaje. En Wyoming big sagebrush provee hábitat para una gran cantidad de especies de fauna silvestre. Sin embargo, en Wyoming las comunidades de big sagebrush son comúnmente manipuladas para disminuir su cobertura y densidad para incrementar la productividad y diversidad de plantas herbáceas. Se examinó la relación entre los cambios debidos al manejo dirigido en Wyoming big sagebrush y las especies de sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), elk (Cervus elaphus), berrendo (Antilocapra americana) y venado mula (Odocoileus hemionus), comúnmente asociadas con estos ecosistemas. Nos enfocamos en la aplicación de herbicidas, tratamientos mecánicos, y fuego prescrito, ya que ellos son se aplican comúnmente en áreas extensas de comunidades de big sagebrush, frecuentemente con la meta de mejorar el hábitat para fauna silvestre. Específicamente, nuestro objetivo fue identificar los tratamientos que mejoran o ponen en riesgo los hábitats de sagebrush para estas especies silvestres. La preferencia de la literatura indica que los programas de manejo de hábitat que enfatizan el tratamiento de big sagebrush en Wyoming no están apoyados con respecto a las respuestas positivas por los hábitats o poblaciones de sage-grouse. Existe información menos empírica acerca de la respuesta del hábitat de ungulados a los tratamientos de Wyoming big sagebrush, pero el valor de sagebrush como fuente de cobertura y alimentación para estas especies está claramente documentada. Pocos estudios sugieren tratamientos a pequeña escala (≤ 60 m ancho) en mountain big sagebrush (A. t. ssp. vaseyana [Rydb.] Beetle) podrían crear condiciones atractivas forrajeras para el anidamiento de sage-grouse, pero éstas podrían tener poca relevancia para Wyoming big sagebrush. Recomendaciones o programas de manejo que enfoquen sus tratamientos en la reducción de Wyoming big sagebrush podrían conducir a la reducción de especies silvestres. Más investigación es necesaria para evaluar en mejor manera la respuesta de los hábitats de sagebrush para fauna silvestre y sus poblaciones a estos tratamientos y hasta entonces, manejadores deben abstenerse de aplicarlas en las comunidades de big sagebrush en Wyoming.