Master's Theses

Department

Biology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The summer habitat of sharp-tailed grouse was studied in the Nebraska Sandhills during the summers of 1964 and 1965 to determine the importance of physiographic exposures, climatological factors, and vegetation to sharp- tailed grouse habitat preferences. Vegetation samples were taken where sharp- tailed grouse were observed and in areas of uniform vegetation on certain physiographic exposures. Climatological data were obtained from four stations during the summer of /1965. Sharp-tailed grouse appear to select habitat types in the Sandhills that are most like their northern habitats. Displaying sharp- tailed grouse prefer open areas on relatively level ground; nesting sharp-tailed grouse pick rough topography with an abundance of previous years' vegetation; brooding sharp-tailed grouse select level or gentle terrain; and loafing sharp-tailed grouse choose steep slopes with half-shrubs in abundance. This study is of value for formulating management plans concerning this upland game bird in an area of moderate sharp-tailed grouse population density.

Keywords

Nebraska, Sandhills (Neb.), Birds, Grouse, Habitat (Ecology), Animal habitations, Weather

Advisor

Dr. Gary K. Hulett

Date of Award

Spring 1966

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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