<p class="emsd"><span lang="EN-GB">Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat characteristics were studied in central Montana primarily on Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) dominated rangeland. The primary objective was to compare shrub and herbaceous parameters within (use, random or non-use) and between seasonal habitats (nest, brood, winter). Two study sites (Musselshell and Golden Valley counties), and 2 years (2004 and 2005) were compared. Nest, brood, and random sites were compared for herbaceous cover, and grass height (n = 648). Nest, brood, random, winter use and winter non-use sites were evaluated for shrub cover, density, and height. All differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. Sage-grouse nested in areas with greater total shrub cover and height, and taller live and residual grass than was randomly available. No differences were found between brood and paired random sites for any of the herbaceous or shrub parameters measured. Shrub cover and density were greater at winter use sites than non-use sites. Winter use sites had less shrub cover than nest sites. The nest and brood habitat had similar shrub cover, density, and height on the study area. Sage-grouse habitats should be managed to include sagebrush, forbs, and grass. Herbaceous vegetation was more important during nesting and brood rearing than during the winter. Therefore, some portions of <span>sage-</span>grouse habitat may benefit from management for greater herbaceous cover, but not at the expense of removing sagebrush. Sagebrush cover from 10 to 15 percent was the most consistent component of sage-grouse habitat.</span></p>
Vegetative characteristics of 146 greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) nest sites and 48 brood rearing sites were compared with paired random sites to determine if hens were selecting sites with certain vegetative attributes at three study areas in central Montana in 2003 and. Ninety-seven percent of all nest locations and 92% of all brood rearing locations were in Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) plants. Therefore, only attributes of Wyoming big sagebrush plants were analyzed. Shrub characteristics such as percent cover, density (shrubs/m 2 ), average shrub height (cm), nest shrub height (cm) and nest shrub production (g/shrub) were recorded. Herbaceous measurements such as forb cover (%), grass cover (%), total cover (%) and grass height (cm) were recorded. Sage-grouse hen nest sites had greater (P ≤ 0.05) average shrub height (36 vs 31 cm) and more (P ≤ 0.05) nest shrub production (55 vs 48 g/shrub) than random sites. There were no differences in sagebrush cover density or nest shrub height or any herbaceous characteristics between nest and random sites. Fifty percent of all nests were successful. Successful nest sites were not different from unsuccessful nest sites in any shrub or herbaceous component. There were no differences in shrub or herbaceous measurements between yearling and adult nest sites. Shrub and herbaceous characteristics of brood sites did not differ from random sites. Average shrub height was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for adult brood rearing sites compared to yearling sites (35 vs 31 cm). Brood site shrub cover was less (P < 0.05) than nest shrub cover (14 vs 21%). Our results suggest that even though nesting sage-grouse hens selected for taller and more productive Wyoming big sagebrush plants, these attributes did not improve nesting success. Grazing guidelines suggested to increase herbaceous vegetation may not improve nesting or brood rearing success. Although brood rearing vegetative characteristics were lower (P 0.05) in sagebrush cover and production than nesting sites, managers should not reduce Wyoming big sagebrush cover or production to emphasize one stage of sage-grouse production since this plant is vital for all life phases.
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