Large-scale wildfire reduces population growth in a peripheral population of sage-grouse

Abstract Background Drastic increases in wildfire size and frequency threaten western North American sagebrush ( Artemisia L. spp.) ecosystems. At relatively large spatial scales, facilitates type conversion of sagebrush-dominated plant communities to monocultures invasive annual grasses e.g., Bromus tectorum L.). Annual provide fine fuels that promote fire spread, contributing a positive grass–fire feedback cycle affects most ecosystems, with expected habitat loss for resident wildlife populations. Greater sage-grouse Centrocercus urophasianus Bonaparte, 1827) are obligate species indicators ecosystem function because they rely on different components ecosystems meet seasonal life history needs. Because cannot be predicted, chronic impacts populations have been largely limited correlative studies. Thus, evidence from well-designed experiments is needed understand the specific mechanisms by which detrimental population dynamics. Results Following significant event southwest periphery range, we implemented before-after-control-impact study long-term paired (BACIP) datasets male surveyed traditional breeding grounds (leks) within outside boundary. We estimated rate change apparent abundance $$ \hat{\uplambda} λ ̂ ) at burned unburned areas before after derived BACIP ratios, controlled impact. found leks boundary decreased approximately 16% relative control sites. Furthermore, 98.5% probability observed could attributed wildfire. Conclusions demonstrated adverse growth using an experimental design, disentangled effect disturbance natural fluctuations. Our results underscore importance active comprehensive management actions immediately following i.e., seeding coupled planting sagebrush), might offset short-term timing rapid recovery species’ requirements. Burned likely substantial immediate may extend beyond boundaries, especially if critical source habitats removed. Such fragment disrupt connectivity, thereby affecting larger possibly more widespread declines