The Endangered Alberta and Saskatchewan Sage-Grouse
The greater sage-grouse, a physically striking bird, was once found in large numbers in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Researchers estimate that at the time of European exploration there were likely ten million sage-grouse in North America. Since that time, the population has decreased rapidly and it is now estimated that only 800 birds remain in Canada. The sage-grouse is classified as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. This rapid decline in the population is closely linked to habitat loss and degradation. Sage-grouse live in grasslands that have largely been converted to agricultural uses and rangeland.
In 2005, WWF-Canada and Environment Canada helped fund two research projects to help save these birds from extinction. Dr. Cynthia Paszkowski and Krissy Bush from the University of Alberta are examining genetic diversity in the sage-grouse.
In 2005, WWF-Canada and Environment Canada helped fund two research projects to help save these birds from extinction. Dr. Cynthia Paszkowski and Krissy Bush from the University of Alberta are examining genetic diversity in the sage-grouse.
Male Sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), western Canada.
In such a small population, inbreeding may occur, leading to a loss of genetic diversity and an increase in genetic disorders, which negatively affects the overall health of the birds. Researchers are studying the genetics of the Canadian population to better understand why their numbers have declined and to devise strategies to restore a healthy population. With this information, scientists can decide whether it is necessary to translocate birds from the northern Montana population to restore genetic diversity. Decreased genetic variability is also a sign of population fragmentation, which can direct scientists to certain habitat regions that need to be protected for the sage-grouse to survive in Canada.
In a second project, researchers are trying to understand the role that parasitism and disease may have in the declining sage-grouse population. Dr. Mark Boyce and Jennifer Carpenter from the University of Alberta are looking at the impact of West Nile virus. Introduced to North America in 1999, West Nile virus has spread widely and can cause high mortality in sage-grouse. Information collected during the study will help them better understand the impact of West Nile virus on sage-grouse populations, as it could be a major threat to this vulnerable population. The researchers capture birds to collect blood and other samples to test for diseases. Radio-collars are also placed on several birds to track their survival through the summer in relation to development of the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus. The information will be used to test whether a mosquito control program similar to those used to protect people could also help protect sage-grouse, and ultimately, help determine the best way to manage the disease.
In a second project, researchers are trying to understand the role that parasitism and disease may have in the declining sage-grouse population. Dr. Mark Boyce and Jennifer Carpenter from the University of Alberta are looking at the impact of West Nile virus. Introduced to North America in 1999, West Nile virus has spread widely and can cause high mortality in sage-grouse. Information collected during the study will help them better understand the impact of West Nile virus on sage-grouse populations, as it could be a major threat to this vulnerable population. The researchers capture birds to collect blood and other samples to test for diseases. Radio-collars are also placed on several birds to track their survival through the summer in relation to development of the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus. The information will be used to test whether a mosquito control program similar to those used to protect people could also help protect sage-grouse, and ultimately, help determine the best way to manage the disease.