SAGE-GROUSE MAPPING AND PRIORITY HABITATS - Primer # 3 - Notes from the Lek

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

SAGE-GROUSE MAPPING AND PRIORITY HABITATS - Primer # 3 - Notes from the Lek explains how defining Greater sage-grouse range and classifying habitats supports conservation planning. It reviews range-wide mapping approaches, including a breeding bird density “Thunderstorm map” and derivative products built from species experts’ habitat identification tied to seasonal needs. The primer summarizes distribution estimates, Sage-grouse Management Zones, and a breeding density map derived from lek count data, then links to state and BLM priority habitat or core habitat maps that can be updated.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Distribution: Pre-settlement and Current

Sage-grouse Management Zones

Breeding Sage-grouse Density Map

Sage-grouse Priority or Core Habitats by State

SAGE-GROUSE MAPPING AND PRIORITY HABITATS Notes from the Lek Greater Sage-grouse Conservation Primer Series Primer \# 3 Greater sage-grouse conservation on a range-wide scale depends upon defining the range of the species and the identification and classification of habitats. The classification of habitats allows conservationists to focus on important habitats with defined risks that can be addressed by a suite of conservation measures. Atthe present time we have two mapping products that can provide insight for directing conservation efforts. First, we have a breed bird density map often referred to as the “Thunderstorm map”. The other products or series of products are derivatives ofthe thunderstorm map and use species experts’ identification of important habitats as they relate to seasonal or yearlong needs of populations. Framing the geographical parameters, this primer will display the historic and current range of sage-grouse (Figure 1) Sage-grouse Management Zones (Figure 2), and the breeding bird density map (Figure 3) . Priority habitat maps are state and BLM products and we have provided links to those maps that are cut on state boundaries. At the present time state and federal biologists are beginning the process of edge matching priority habitat across state boundaries. This exercise is expected to be completed by mid-summer, 2012. Distribution: Pre-settlement and Current The current and pre-settlement map of Greater sage-grouse was developed by state and federal sage-grouse experts in 2005 (Schroeder, et al., 2005) . The pre-settlement distribution of Greater sage-grouse is estimated to be 463,509 miles2. The estimate of current distribution is 258,075 miles2 or about 56% of the pre-settlement number. Figure 1 Pre-settlement Potential Habitat and Current distribution (Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy) SAGE-GROUSE MAPPING AND PRIORITY HABITATS Notes from the Lek Greater Sage-grouse Conservation Primer Series Primer \# 3 Sage-grouse Management Zones The Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy developed sage-grouse management zones determined by sage-grouse populations and sub-populations identified within seven floristic provinces. Floristic provinces (identified by Connelly et al. 2004) were used to delineate Management Zones because they reflect ecological and biological issues and similarities, not political boundaries. In addition, the vegetation communities found in the floristic provinces, as well as the management challenges, within a Management Zones are similar and sage-grouse and their habitats are likely responding similarly to environmental factors and management actions. Figure 2. Sage-grouse Management Zones with Populations and sub-populations. Breeding Sage-grouse Density Map The BLM funded and coordinated the project and worked with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Montana and The Nature Conservancy to make it happen. The range-wide breeding sage-grouse density map was developed by Doherty, et al. in 2010. The data used to generate the map were collected in the states during lek counts. Lek counts are conducted to measure trends in populations. SAGE-GROUSE MAPPING AND PRIORITY HABITATS Notes from the Lek Greater Sage-grouse Conservation Primer Series Primer \# 3 Figure 3. Sage-grouse breeding densities. [http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/fish__wildlife_and/sage-grouse-conservation/bird_density.print.html](http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/fish__wildlife_and/sage-grouse-conservation/bird_density.print.html) [Sage-grouse Priority or Core Habitats by State:](Sage-grouse Priority or Core Habitats by State:) The BLM, FWS, and WAFWA determined that the “Thunderstorm Map”, while helpful in focusing attention on important geographical boundaries for conservation efforts on a range-wide scale, it did not address seasonal ranges, areas tha

FAQs

What is the purpose of habitat classification in Greater sage-grouse conservation?

Habitat classification helps conservationists focus on important habitats with defined risks that can be addressed with a suite of conservation measures.

What are the two main mapping products discussed in the primer?

A breeding bird density map, often called the “Thunderstorm map,” and derivative products/series based on expert identification of important habitats related to seasonal or yearlong population needs.

How were the breeding density map data collected?

Data used to generate the range-wide breeding sage-grouse density map were collected in the states during lek counts, which measure population trends.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel