Importance of grouse research in ecology and conservation biology

Mark S. Boyce

Boyce, M.W. 1997: Importance of grouse research in ecology and conservation biology. - Wildl. Biol. 3: 282.

Ecology and conservation biology textbooks were surveyed for references to grouse research as evidence of the significance of grouse studies in our broader understanding of ecology and conservation biology. Grouse have proven to be exceptional subjects for parasite research because they tend to harbour a diversity of parasites and diseases which may have substantial consequences to ecology and evolution in some populations. Because several grouse species have lek mating systems, they have been subjects of basic research that has shaped our fundamental understanding of sexual selection. Likewise, studies of territoriality in red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus and willow ptarmigan L. lagopus have helped us to better understand the role of this behaviour in population regulation. Studies on several grouse species have demonstrated that predation can be a significant factor in population limitation and regulation, while evidence for ultimate population consequences of food limitation and nutritional ecology have not been convincing. Ecosystem management using burning and grazing has been practised on the moors of the British Isles for well over 100 years to enhance habitat for red grouse and red deer Cervus elaphus. Similarly, aspen Populus spp. management using clearcutting and burning is commonly practised to enhance ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus, white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus and moose Alces alces in North America. The heath hen Tympanuchus cupido cupido in New England is a textbook example of an extinction vortex. The Attwater's prairie-chicken T. c. attwateri is undergoing the same process. Future studies on conservation genetics may enhance our ability to ensure persistence of fragmented populations of several grouse species. Much research on grouse remains descriptive; studies on captive birds and experimental field studies will help to develop reliable knowledge.

Key words: conservation biology, ecology, grouse-research

Mark S. Boyce, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481, USA