Landscape-scale research for effective conservation of the Greater Sage-grouse and its habitat

Greater Sage-grouse (GSG) is described as a landscape species because it relies on the large, interconnected expanses of sagebrush that are broadly distributed across the western US.  Multiple threats to sagebrush habitat, such as land use changes, wildfires, and invasive species, have led to range-wide declines in GSG populations, such that GSG is a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act.  Conservation efforts are underway across 11 western states to reduce threats and promote recovery of GSG and the sagebrush ecosystems on which it depends.  U.S Geological Survey scientists are engaged in research to help resource managers assess risks to the species and its habitats, and to identify landscape-scale management strategies that maximize conservation effectiveness.  Examples include, 1) a landscape-scale assessment tool that uses indicators of sagebrush resilience to support spatial predictions about GSG persistence and the likelihood of achieving restoration objectives; 2)  a range-wide connectivity study that integrates genetic and habitat information to identify core areas and priority populations for management activities; and 3) an analysis of wildfire patterns and trends across the GSG range, and an evaluation of potential future fire scenarios to determine how fire dynamics and changing sagebrush distributions will impact habitat viability and conservation investments.