Science to Solutions: Private Land Vital to Conserving Wet Areas for Sage Grouse Summer Habitat.

摘要

In the arid West, life follows water. Habitats near water – streamsides, wet meadows and wetlands — support the greatest variety of animal and plant life, and attract wildlife during their daily and seasonal movements. In a water-scarce landscape, these lush habitats are also where people have naturally settled. A recent groundbreaking study reveals a strong link between wet sites, which are essential summer habitat for sage grouse to raise their broods,and the distribution of sage grouse breeding areas or leks. The authors found 85% of leks were clustered within 6 miles of these wet summer habitats. Moreover, although wet habitats cover less than 2% of the western landscape, more than 80% are located on private lands. This study makes it clear that successful sage grouse conservation will greatly depend on cooperative ventures with private landowners, ranchers and farmers to help sustain vital summer habitats.