Translocations of sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus in North America

Abstract

Sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus have been translocated in at least seven states and one Canadian province, but little published information documents the success of these attempts. Historical and recent efforts at translocations are reviewed, their success evaluated and recommendations for future translocations are provided. Over 7,200 sage grouse have been translocated in at least 56 attempts to augment or reestablish populations since 1933. Only efforts in Colorado, Idaho, and Utah appear successful, however, breeding populations in these areas remain small. Common features of successful sage grouse translocations are: 1) reproductively-active birds were captured on leks at night in March and April, 2) birds were transported rapidly and released the morning following capture, and 3) release sites were isolated, islands of habitat surrounded by inhospitable cover distant from capture areas. Translocation of sage grouse is recommended only after careful evaluation of the release area for year-round habitat, and only if agencies commit resources adequate to monitor birds immediately post-release to assess short-term survival, and to monitor long-term population abundance to assess continued fate of the translocation. Translocations presently should be viewed as experimental and not as a viable strategy to restore extirpated populations of sage grouse.