Ongoing Research
1) Genetic Structure of Canadian Sage-Grouse
Collaborative research project between the following Individuals/Organizations:
- Krista L. Bush, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta Research Lead (Ph.D. Project)
- Cameron L. Aldridge, U.S. Geological Survey & NREL Colorado State University
- Cindy Paszkowski, Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
- Dave Coltman, Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
- Mark S. Boyce, Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
- Curtis Strobeck, Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
Link to Canadian Sage-Grouse Genetics Research Web Page
New Publication:
Bush, K.L., M.D. Vinsky, C.L. Aldridge, and C.A. Paszkowski. 2005. A comparison of sample types varying in invasiveness for use in DNA sex determination in an endangered population of greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Conservation Genetics 6:876-870.
Genetics Project Description
Conservation Genetics Article (2005)
2) Winter Habitat Use and Survival by Sage-Grouse in Alberta
Collaborative research project between the following Individuals/Organizations:
- Cameron L. Aldridge, U.S. Geological Survey & NREL Colorado State University Research Lead
- Paul Jones, Alberta Conservation Association
- Joel Nicholson, Non-Game Biologist, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division
- Randy Lee, Alberta Conservation Association
- Mark S. Boyce, Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
Winter Project
Report
3) West Nile Virus Impacts on Sage-Grouse Survival
This is a collaborative research project with several researchers in Alberta, Montana and Wyoming. We are currently completing detailed analyses on the impacts of West Nile Virus on Sage-Grouse survival in the inaugural summer of infection (2003).
Collaborative research project between the following Individuals/Organizations:
- Dave E. Naugle, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Research Paper Lead
- Cameron L. Aldridge, U.S. Geological Survey & NREL Colorado State University
- Brett L. Walker, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana
- Todd E. Cornish, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming
- Brendan J. Moynahan, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana
- Matt J. Holloran, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, University of Wyoming
- Kimberley Brown, Thunderbird Wildlife Consulting, Inc., Wright , WY
- Many other Collaborators
Naugle, D.E., C.L. Aldridge, B.L. Walker, K.E. Doherty, M.R. Matchett, J. McIntosh, T.E. Cornish, and M.S. Boyce. 2005. Update on West Nile virus and sage-grouse: What more have we learned? Wildlife Society Bulletin 33:616-623.
Ecology Letters 2004 Sage-Grouse WNv Article
Wildlife Society Bulletin 2005 WNv Sage-Grouse Article
4) Sage-Grouse & Mosquitos: Vectors and transmission of WNv
This is a collaborative research project with many organizations in Alberta. We are currently sampling mosquitoes within the range of sage-grouse in southern Alberta, in an attempt to better understand the vector ecology of West Nile virus. This virus represents a very serious threat to the species, range-wide, especially given that sage-grouse appear to have no resistance to the virus. We are testing the efficacy of mosquito larviciding (small scale treatments) at controlling mosquito numbers, and thus, reducing virus transmission to sage-grouse and inevitable mortalities.
Collaborative research project between the following Individuals/Organizations:
- Cameron L. Aldridge, U.S. Geological Survey & NREL Colorado State University
- Mark S. Boyce, Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
- Jen Carpenter, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta
- Jock McIntosh, Pesticide Specialist, Alberta Environment
- Margo J. Pybus, Wildlife Disease Specialist, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division
- Dale Eslinger, Medicine Hat Area Wildlife Biologist, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division
- Joel Nicholson, Non-Game Biologist, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division
- Many other Collaborators
Mosquito WNv Sampling & Treatment Design