Ruffed grouse-habitat preference in the central and southern Appalachians |
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| Authors: | John M Tirpak William M Giuliano Thomas J Allen Steve Bittner John W Edwards Scott Friedhof Craig A Harper William K Igo Dean F Stauffer Gary W Norman |
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| Institution: | 1. Louis Calder Center–Biological Field Station, Fordham University, Armonk, NY 10504, USA;2. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, P.O. Box 110430, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;3. WV Division of Wildlife Resources, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241, USA;4. MD Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division, Blairs Valley Road, Clear Spring, MD 21722, USA;5. Division of Forestry, P.O. Box 6125, WV University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;6. KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Box 110, Blaine, KY 41124, USA;g Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;h WV Division of Wildlife Resources, Route 2, Box 296G, Lewisburg, WV 24901, USA;i Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, VA Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;j VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, P.O. Box 996, Verona, VA 24482, USA |
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| Abstract: | Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus; hereafter grouse) populations in the central and southern Appalachians (CSA) are declining due to widespread maturation of forest cover. Effective management of this species requires a sex- and age-specific understanding of habitat preferences at multiple temporal and spatial scales. We used multivariate logistic regression models to compare habitat within 1440 grouse home ranges and 1400 equally sized buffered random points across 7 CSA study areas. On most sites, grouse home ranges were positively associated with roads and young forest (<20 years old). Sex and age status affected habitat preference. In general, males used younger forest than females, likely because of differences in habitat use during reproductive periods. Juveniles had fewer vegetation types preferred by adult grouse and more of the avoided vegetation types within their home ranges, indicative of competitive exclusion. Adult females had the greatest specificity and selectivity of habitat conditions within their home ranges. Habitat selection varied among seasons and years on most sites. Winter habitat use reflected behavior that maximized energy conservation, with open vegetation types avoided in the winter on the northernmost study areas, and topography important on all areas. Summer habitat selection reflected vegetation types associated with reproductive activities. Scale influenced habitat preference as well. Although roads and forest age predominantly influenced grouse home range location within the landscape, mesic forest types were most important in determining core area use within the home range. This was likely a result of increased food availability and favorable microclimate. Habitat management efforts should attempt to maintain ∼3–4% of the landscape in young forest cover (<20 years old), evenly distributed across management areas. Roads into these areas should be seeded as appropriate to enhance brood habitat and provide travel corridors connecting suitable forest stands. |
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| Keywords: | Age Appalachian Bonasa umbellus Habitat Ruffed grouse Sex |
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