Influences of livestock grazing on sage grouse habitat

Livestock grazing has been identified as one factor associated with the wid espread decline and degradation of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat. We identified n=17 positive and negative impacts of livestock on s age grouse and habitat. Little information is currently available concernin g the directs impacts of livestock grazing on sage grouse habitat. Indirect impacts are better understood than direct impacts. Chemical and mechanical treatments intended to provide increased quantities of grass forage for li vestock have indirectly reduced the acceptability of sagebrush (Artemisia s pp.) rangelands for sage grouse. Our paper examines: 1) potential mechanism s whereby livestock grazing in big sagebrush (A, tridentata) communities ca n modify sage grouse habitat and 2) the indirect influences of livestock pr oduction on sage grouse habitat. Overall, livestock grazing appears to most affect productivity of sage grouse populations. Residual grass cover follo wing grazing is essential to conceal sage grouse nests from predators. Futu re research needs are identified and management implications related to liv estock grazing in sage grouse habitats are included.