Abstract
Researchers often rely on intensive field methods to gather information on Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations, including GPS transmitters and radio telemetry. These methods are not only time-consuming, but require extensive training, considerable effort, and significant funds. Pellet counts are a non-invasive alternative for examining habitat use, but provide limited information compared to more invasive techniques. Trail cameras may be an alternative to pellet surveys that would allow researchers to gather more detailed information about sage-grouse habitat use and occupancy during the brood-rearing season. We sought to examine whether the use of motion-triggered trail cameras could be substituted for, or used in addition to, non-invasive pellet surveys to determine sage-grouse habitat use. Our research was conducted at nine sites in southcentral Idaho as part of a study of herbicidal effects on vegetation and wildlife. From May through August 2023, we collected pellet data along transects (1=48 transects) and grouse observations using trail cameras (n = 45 cameras; Bushnell Aggressor Trophy Cam HD 20 MP Low-Glow Trail Cameras, model 119874C) across our sites. We determined the detection and occupancy probability of sage-grouse using each method and evaluated environmental covariates at sampling sites to illustrate patterns of habitat use. We then interpreted these results considering recommendations for managers and researchers hoping to effectively gather multi-season data on this key rangeland species and determined which method is most appropriate given limited time and resources for assessing habitat use by sage-grouse. All results are preliminary.