2003 Hart Mountain Sage Grouse Lek Survey Results

Based on surveys of sage grouse leks on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge known have been active within the past 13 years, the refuge's sage grouse population was estimated at 2,600 birds in 2003. The grouse counted in 2003 represented a 43% percent increase over those seen in 2002 and a 193% increase since 2000. Refuge biologists attribute the population increase to "mild winters, sufficient forb quality and quantity for pre-laying hens, mild weather during the nesting and brood rearing season, and low coyote numbers." To these factors, one could add overall increase in ground cover (grasses, forbs), which helps conceal and protect hens and chicks from the sun, wind and predators; rapidly recovering riparian areas; and more diversity of habitats resulting from both prescribed spot burns and natural wildfire. These changes on the landscape, in addition to sufficient forb quality and quantity for pre-laying hens as cited by refuge biologists, are the result of removing all domestic livestock from the refuge in 1994.

Source: ____. Memorandum from Wildlife Biologist through Refuge Manager to Project Leader, Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, re: 2003 Hart Mountain Sage Grouse Lek Survey Results. undated. Available from Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, PO Box 111 Lakeview, Oregon 97630.

2003 Hart Mountain Pronghorn Survey Results

"During the 18 July 2003 survey, 2444 pronghorn were counted, setting a record number of pronghorn observed on the refuge during the summer census. In 1998, the Refuge acquired lands in the South Study Area near Jacobs Resevoir; this area contributed 274 pronghorn to the totals in 2003."

"The lack of water outside of the refuge boundaries may have contributed to the high numbers of pronghorn on Hart Mountain during the 2003 summer survey."

Source: ____. Memorandum from Wildlife Biologist through Refuge Manager to Project Leader, Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, re: 2003 Summer Pronghorn Herd Composition Sruvey. (Aug. 11, 2003). Available from Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, PO Box 111 Lakeview, Oregon 97630.