| It has been noted that Greater Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) has been disappearing from its previously observed range. This study uses remote sensing technology to look at sage grouse lek habitat in Elko County, Nevada, and to apply the findings on a landscape scale. Using image classification, groups of vegetation used by sage grouse were mapped in three study areas. The results of statistical analysis of buffers drawn around lek points were used to locate other potential lek habitat within the county borders. The grouse tended to use areas with a combination of low sagebrush at over 40%, big sagebrush at under 40%, and grasses/forbs at under 20%. Riparian zones were not found to be critical to lek activities. An image produced using GIS technology, was the end result of this study and may help future investigators locate more sage grouse habitat. |
