Ruffed grouse-habitat preference in the central and southern Appalachians

• Published in: Forest ecology and management Vol. 260; no. 9; pp. 1525 - 1538
• Main Authors: Tirpak, John M., Giuliano, William M., Allen, Thomas J., Bittner, Steve, Edwards, John W., Friedhof, Scott, Harper, Craig A., Igo, William K., Stauffer, Dean F., Norman, Gary W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 30.09.2010; [Amsterdam]: Elsevier Science; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adults; Age; animal age; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Appalachian; Biological and medical sciences; Bonasa umbellus; competitive exclusion; developmental stages; Females; foraging; forest habitats; forest roads; Forestry; Forests; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; gender differences; Habitat; habitat conservation; habitat preferences; Habitats; intraspecific competition; Landscapes; Management; microclimate; nesting sites; Phasianidae; Populations; Roads; Ruffed grouse; seasonal variation; Sex; Synecology; temperate forests; Terrestrial ecosystems; topography; tree age; Vegetation; vegetation cover; wild birds; wildlife habitats; wildlife management; winter habitats; young forests; North Carolina; Appalachian region; West Virginia; Maryland; Virginia; Pennsylvania; Appalachians; North America; America; Bonasa umbellus; Habitat; Ruffed grouse; Appalachian; Age; Sex; Forest ecology; Physical environment; Habitat selection; Temperate zone; Vertebrata; Mountain; Forestry; Aves
• ISSN: 0378-1127; 1872-7042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2010.07.051

▶ Ruffed grouse in many parts of their range are declining. ▶ Declining grouse populations are the result of habitat changes. ▶ There is a lack of appropriate knowledge of grouse-habitat relationships. ▶ Generally, grouse were associated with young forest (<20 years old) and roads. ▶ Management should focus on creating and enhancing young forest and road areas. 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.