Effects of aspen succession on Sharp-tailed Grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus, in the Interlake Region of Manitoba

Abstract

Habitat around 12 leks of prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus campestris) in Manitoba was examined.Analysis of 21 years (1965 to 1986) of aerial photographs revealed that 36% of the area within | km of leks changed from prairie to closed aspen forest.Seven of 12 study leks were abandoned during this period, three remained active, and two new leks became active.In 1976, at least 12 leks existed within the study area, but by 1986 only five remained.Leks were abandoned when aspen forest increased beyond 56% and prairie fell below 15% of the total area within 1 km of the lek.A reduction in the population of Sharp-tailed Grouse on the study area appeared to be associated with loss of prairie habitat.A model associating lek abandonment and prairie cover values was developed to be used as a management tool.