An experimental assessment of the potential effects of human disturbance on Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in the North Pennines, England

In the United Kingdom, Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix have declined in range and abundance during the 20th century. In England at present, birds are largely found only on the margins of managed grouse moors in the north, where more than 80% of birds are confined to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Black Grouse is one of a group of species potentially at risk from increased human recreational disturbance owing to their threatened status and their use of habitats to which a statutory right of human recreational access has recently been granted. To assess the likely impact of increased disturbance to Black Grouse, 77 were caught and radiotagged between 2002 and 2004, and each was randomly assigned to one of three experimental disturbance categories: no disturbance (low), fortnightly disturbance (moderate) or twice weekly disturbance (high). Birds that were disturbed more regularly flushed at greater distances, especially in spring and winter when birds exposed to high disturbance flushed at 32% greater distances than those in moderate disturbance treatments. There were no differences in fecundity (clutch size, hatching success, breeding success) or survival between disturbance treatments. Winter survival was 78% and summer survival 92%. There was no age-related difference in survival. The disturbance regimes imposed had no discernible impact upon Black Grouse population dynamics. However, in the absence of appropriate data to indicate likely changes in patterns and levels of human recreation resulting from open access, we cannot be sure whether the levels we applied will be representative in the future. Should actual disturbance levels be higher than those we used in this study, we list visitor management options that may help reduce any conflict that arises.     

Seasonal differences in habitat selection by Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in the northern Pennines, England

Between-season differences in habitat use by Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix were studied on four moors in the northern Pennines between 1989 and 1992. Heather moor and bogs were preferred at all times of the year, apart from during the breeding season. In spring, large quantities of Cotton-grass Eriophorum vaginatum flowers were consumed, whereas in autumn and winter Heather Calluna vulgaris was more important. Enclosed fields on the edge of the moors were regularly used in autumn and winter by large flocks of cock birds, and hens were found in smaller groups. Where present, overgrazed grass moorland was generally avoided, apart from during the summer. Similarly, enclosed rough grazing allotments rich in rushes were favoured during the summer months by breeding hens and moulting cocks.     

Age-specific reproductive performance of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix females

As part of a demographic study of Black Grouse in the southern French Alps, we estimated variations in reproductive parameters in relation to age of females. Both yearlings and adults initiated a clutch, but adults raised about eight times more young (yearlings 0.25 chicks/females, adults 1.85 chicks/female). Yearlings laid significantly fewer eggs and initiated incubation later than older females. Success of nests did not differ between the two age classes, but yearlings tended to re-nest less frequently and exhibited higher chick loss than older females. The lower reproductive success of yearlings was primarily due to their lower ability to raise young. At nest sites, nest concealment, as well as vertical and horizontal structure and density of the vegetation, did not differ between yearling and older females, which is consistent with the similarity in nesting success in the two age classes. Results support the hypothesis that the extent of the difference in number of young raised by yearling and older females increases with predation pressure.     

Habitat associations of young Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix broods

Capsule: In the Scottish Highlands, Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix females with young broods selected areas rich in wet flushes, grasses and Sphagnum mosses.

Aims: To identify associations between young Black Grouse broods and habitat characteristics.

Methods: We located brood-rearing Black Grouse females in four areas of moorland-forest mosaic in the Scottish Highlands. Each brood was paired with a random reference location 100?m away. We recorded cover of different habitats and fine-scale vegetation and structure within squares of 1 and 0.25?ha, respectively. Associations between brood occurrence and habitat and vegetation variables were examined at the two scales.

Results: Black Grouse broods were positively associated with wet flushes (1?ha), and with Heather Calluna vulgaris, sedges Carex spp., grasses, Sphagnum mosses and taller vegetation with intermediate levels of height variability (0.25?ha).

Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of wet habitats for young Black Grouse chicks. In addition, relatively tall field-layer vegetation comprising Heather, sedges, grasses over a layer of Sphagnum mosses attracted brood-rearing Black Grouse females. Many management practices associated with peatland restoration, including drain-blocking, Sphagnum re-establishment and the avoidance of burning on deep peat soils, are therefore consistent with favourable habitat management for Black Grouse.     

Natal dispersal and its consequences in Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix

Data on dispersal distances of juveniles are important for understanding the genetic structure of populations, population regulation processes and the effects of landscape ecology on metapopulation dynamics. We studied dispersal in juvenile Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in the French Alps between 1990 and 1998, by radiotracking 39 young grouse captured in August or autumn in a study area of 836 ha. Natal dispersal occurred in two discrete phases, autumn (October) and spring (mid-April to early May), with periods of reduced mobility between. The mean distance travelled by females exceeded that of males in autumn but not in spring. The natal dispersal distance of females was greater than that of males, and resulted in 81% of females leaving the study area to nest 5–29 km from their site of capture. This emigration must have been compensated for by immigrants because the number of hens in the study area increased during the study. Males were more philopatric. By the summer after capture, only 9% had emigrated from the study area. Despite the longer dispersal distances of females, there was no difference in the survival functions of the sexes between the ages of 6 weeks and 13 months.     

The habitat use and diet of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in the Pennine hills of northern England

The habitat and dietary preferences of Black Grouse were studied from 1989 to 1991 in a largely treeless habitat within a 17 km² area of the Pennine hills of northern England using radiotelemetry. Grassland habitats were preferred by 84% of 19 birds for much of the year and heather moorland was selected in winter; the other birds, all females, remained in heather habitats all year. Most females reared broods in damp, rushy grass moorlands, but one of six broods used hay fields. Diet closely reflected seasonal plant availability in selected habitats and the leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of a wide variety of plants were eaten. Cotton-grass Eriophorum vaginatum was important in spring, grassland herbs, grasses, sedges and rushes in summer and autumn and Ling Heather Calluna vulgaris in late autumn and winter. Males fed substantially more on heather in winter than females which partially replaced heather in their diet with the leaves of grasses and herbs. Young chicks showed considerable preference for Sawfly (Symphyta) larvae. Suggested management recommendations include the regulation of sheep-grazing, encouragement of wet flush areas and the late cutting of hay fields.     

Effects of density on lek-site selection by Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in the Alps

Capsule: The Black Grouse is a primarily lekking species, but low population density and lack of suitable habitat can lead to the establishment of non-lekking populations.

Aims: To understand if differences in density could be related to differences in the lekking system, if there were differences in lek-site selection, and if there was a direct effect of habitat on the lek size.

Methods: We compared lek sizes between two Black Grouse populations with different male population densities as estimated by distance sampling. We considered land-cover categories, landscape metrics and orographic variables and computed the Ivlev’s Electivity Index to evaluate habitat selection of males in the two study areas. A general linear model was used to assess the relationship between lek size and habitat variables.

Results: We could not demonstrate the direct effect of density on the displaying behaviour but we found strongly different patterns of lek-site selection and different effects of habitat on lek size according to the population density.

Conclusions: We concluded that habitat normally considered as high quality and habitat complexity may play different roles in selection by solitary versus lekking males when different population densities are considered.     

Seasonal and between-sex differences in the diet of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix

Capsule Dietary differences between sexes and seasons reflected diversity in plant availability and habitat preferences.

Aims To analyse Black Grouse diet through the identification of plant and invertebrate material found in the crop.

Methods Crops were dissected and the content categorized into plant species and components (i.e. leaf, stem, flower, fruit and seed). Multivariate analysis was used to test for seasonal, sex- or location-related differences in the diet.

Results Plant fragments accounted for 98% of the diet and included 53 plant species or taxa. Invertebrates made up the remaining 2%. Diet varied significantly between seasons and sexes. Both sexes ate more ericaceous shrubs in autumn and winter, with females eating more than males. The plant parts eaten varied seasonally. In summer, fruits, flowers and seeds were favoured over leaves, which dominated in winter.

Conclusions With few trees, birds were reliant upon Heather in autumn and winter.     

Rain, breeding success and distribution of Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in Scotland

The number of chicks reared by Capercaillie was inversely related to the number of days with rain during and just after their hatching. However, rain had no detectable effect on the breeding success of Black Grouse on the same study area. The breeding distribution of Capercaillie in Scotland is more limited than that of Black Grouse, which extends into rainier areas. It is speculated that sexual selection for large size in Capercaillie has indirectly caused their chicks to be more vulnerable to rain and, consequently, has limited their distribution to less rainy areas.     

The role of forest maturation in causing the decline of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix

Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix in Britain have declined through the 20th century, and most birds are now in Scotland. Many causes for this decline have been suggested, notably agricultural intensification, increased grazing levels and moorland afforestation. We examine habitat correlates of Black Grouse distribution and population change from a 700-km² area in the core of the Scottish range, where the numbers of lekking male Black Grouse declined by an estimated 70% to 270 between 1990 and 2002. Habitat data were derived from satellite imagery, in combination with map and field-collected data. Lek occurrence, lek size and changes in lek size were all correlated with forest structure, either positively with the amount of pre-thicket forest cover, or negatively with closed canopy cover. Additional effects of the cover of grass moor and dry heath suggest that Black Grouse are most likely to occur where moorland comprises Heather Calluna vulgaris and grass mosaics. Analysis of the change in Black Grouse abundance within 1.5 km of discrete forest blocks suggests that forest maturation, which has been the dominant habitat change during the course of the study, alone accounts for 58–78% of the decline. Given the close association of Black Grouse and the occurrence of woodland (and particularly conifer plantation) throughout much of their British range, these findings can be used to inform the design of management schemes for the recovery of Black Grouse.     

The invertebrate diet of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix chicks: a comparison between northern England and the Scottish Highlands

Capsule: Conservation programmes for Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix need to consider managements that increase invertebrates for chicks.

Aims: To compare invertebrates in chick diet between habitat and region and to relate abundance of preferred invertebrates to Black Grouse breeding success.

Methods: Chick faeces were collected from roosts in the Pennines (northern England) and Perthshire (Scottish Highlands) to identify invertebrates eaten. Larval abundance was determined by sweep netting (Pennines) and related to Black Grouse breeding success.

Results: Invertebrates were recovered out of 98 faecal samples from 63 broods. Ants were more numerous in chick diet in Perthshire, with larvae (both sawflies and moths) more numerous in the Pennines. Sawfly larval abundance was positively correlated with Black Grouse breeding success in the Pennines.

Conclusions: Management for Black Grouse should promote high invertebrate abundance to maintain high breeding success. This may be achieved through creating low-intensity grazed moorland fringes to encourage Bilberry, and associated moth caterpillars, adjacent to areas of higher grazing intensity to retain grasses and rushes that host sawfly larvae.     

Seasonal variation in lek attendance and lekking behaviour by male Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix

Eleven Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix leks in the Scottish Highlands were visited at dawn once every week for a year. Apart from July and three leks which were unoccupied in winter, males visited leks throughout the year. Total numbers of males attending leks peaked in March in one study area (six leks) and in April in the second (five leks). The number of males present and the proportion of leks occupied varied seasonally. The proportion of males at leks was at a maximum in April (80% of males) when all leks were attended, with a secondary peak in September when 60% of leks had males present. Males spent the most time displaying in April. The optimal conditions for attendance were calm, dry mornings just after dawn. Most reliable counts of numbers of males were those made between the last week of March and the end of the first week of May.     

Timing of breeding in Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix and Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and distribution of insect food for the chicks

In Perthshire (Scotland), Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix broods less than 3 weeks old preferred herb-rich grassy flushes with Bog Myrtle Myrica gale , whereas in the northern Pennines (England), all broods were found on grass-dominated moorland or enclosed rough grazing habitats chiefly of grass and rushes. In both areas, broods used habitats with taller vegetation that had more invertebrates, particularly moth caterpillars and sawfly larvae (Sym-phyta, Hymenoptera). Within preferred habitats, broods were found in vegetation containing more flies (Diptera), plant bugs (Hemiptera) and ichneumon flies (Hymenoptera) than at randomly chosen sites. The main hatch of Black Grouse chicks in Perthshire coincided with the peak availability of moth caterpillars preferred by chicks. Broods in the Pennines hatched 1 week later than those in Scotland, and this later breeding in the south may be an adaptation to utilize the later peak biomass of sawfly larvae, the chief insect prey there. Data collected for Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus suggest a similar degree of synchronization between their peak hatch and the availability of moth caterpillars on Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus.     

The role of habitat change in driving Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix population declines across Scotland

Capsule Black Grouse declines across Scotland were greatest on less heterogeneous moorland, at low to intermediate altitudes and, more weakly, around post-thicket woodland.

Aims To examine correlates of change in abundance of Black Grouse across Scotland.

Methods Changes in abundance within 5-km squares between national surveys in 1995/96 and 2005 were modelled in relation to measures of habitat cover and woodland age derived from satellite imagery.

Results Populations across Scotland were most stable where unenclosed moorland comprised rough grassland, intermediate heather cover and at higher altitude. Declines tended to be greatest in squares which had transitioned from pre-thicket to closed-canopy woodland.

Conclusion Moorland will be most beneficial where it is heterogeneous in composition, and the role of woodland maturation in driving regional declines has support, albeit more weakly, at a national scale.     

Variations in Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix winter survival in a year with prolonged snow cover

Capsule Low Black Grouse survival rate in northern England during a severe winter with prolonged snow was attributed to limited availability and proximity of woodland.

Aims To compare the impact of the severe winter weather on Black Grouse in an open treeless landscape in northern England with more wooded landscapes in Scotland.

Methods We assessed the impact of severe winter conditions in relation to previous milder winters at a sample of leks counted annually in northern England and the Scottish Highlands between 2001 and 2012. In addition, following the severe winter in 2009/10 Black Grouse were surveyed at all leks in 2010 where they were surveyed the previous year. We assessed woodland habitat extent within 1 km of leks and related this to indices of Black Grouse over-winter survival.

Results Black Grouse in northern England were severely affected by the severe winter of 2009/10, declining by 38% in comparison to a 23% increase in the Scottish Highlands. Leks in northern England were at higher altitudes and had less tree cover than those in Scotland.

Conclusion The lack of woodland cover around leks in northern England implies that availability of above snow forage, shelter and cover from predators was too low for Black Grouse to survive during prolonged deep snow. Measures are required to provide emergency food sources in periods of prolonged snow, such as the provision of supplementary food at leks, the cultivation of seed-rich arable crops, and the establishment of pockets of woodland.     

Numbers and breeding success of Capercaillies Tetrao urogallus and Black Grouse T. tetrix at Abernethy Forest,Scotland

Capsule In most years, changes in numbers are associated with variations in breeding success.

Aims To describe the annual variation in numbers and breeding success of Capercaillies Tetrao urogallus and Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix at Abernethy Forest, and their inter‐relationships.

Methods Numbers and breeding success of Capercaillies and Black Grouse were recorded annually at Abernethy Forest (a Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris forest comprising ancient native, or semi‐natural, pinewood and plantations) during 1989–2009. Indices of abundance and densities of Capercaillies were obtained along transects, while counts of males at leks were obtained for both species. Breeding success (number of chicks per female) was obtained using dogs to locate females and chicks.

Results Capercaillie: the index of abundance increased to a peak in winter 1996/97 (2.7 times greater than in 1992/93) and then declined. There was no long‐term trend. In winters 2003/04 and 2004/05, the mean density was 4.2 per km² (95% CLs 3.1–5.7). The total number was 140 (95% CLs 100–220) for 2003/04 and 170 (95% CLs 110–280) for 2004/05, comprising about 8% of the Scottish population. The number of males at leks peaked in 1995 (to 46 males) and again in 2004 (41 males), and there was no long‐term trend. The annual breeding success varied from 0 to 2.93 chicks per female (mean = 0.64). The mean was within the 95% CLs of an independent estimate of the productivity required to maintain numbers. In a free‐running model, annual breeding success and survival rates (which were assumed to improve when mortality owing to fence collisions was removed) largely accounted for the annual variation in the index of abundance, as measured from winter counts along transects during 1990/91 to 2002/03. If mortality associated with collisions with fences had continued, the index would have declined, assuming no immigration.

Black Grouse: The number of male birds at leks increased to a peak in 1997 (to 165 males), before falling back to a smaller number (about 50 males) in the early 2000s. There was a smaller peak in 2007. The annual breeding success varied from 0 to 4.71 chicks per female (mean = 1.76).

Conclusion Numbers of Capercaillies and Black Grouse varied over a 19‐year period at Abernethy Forest, but did not show either upward or downward trends, while the national population of Capercaillies dipped to a low level in 1998/99, and the Black Grouse population continued to decline. In most years, changes in numbers of both species were associated with variation in breeding production. Mortality caused by collisions with fences would have led to a decline in Capercaillie numbers if fences had not been removed.     

Juvenile sex ratio in relation to breeding success in Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and Black Grouse T. tetrix

We examined the relationship between breeding success and juvenile sex ratio in two gamebirds with differing degrees of sexual size dimorphism. We used breeding success as an indicator of the level of environmental stress the birds had experienced. Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and Black Grouse T. tetrix wing samples were collected from hunters in northern Sweden during 1977-86. In both species, annual juvenile sex ratio (percentage of males) increased with annual breeding success, i.e. with reduced environmental stress. We attribute this to the higher energy requirements during growth, vulnerability to environmental stress, and mortality of juvenile males compared with females, especially under adverse conditions. Moreover, the relationship between breeding success and juvenile sex ratio was stronger in Capercaillie than in Black Grouse. This reflects the higher degree of sexual size dimorphism in Capercaillie, and consequent larger mortality difference between juvenile males and females.     

黑琴鸡北方亚种mtDNA D-loop遗传多样性初步研究

黑琴鸡(Tetrao tetrix)为国家Ⅱ级保护动物,但近年来种群数量不断减少。因此,了解不同种群的遗传变异情况,可为制定保护管理策略提供依据,以便恢复野外种群的数量。本文测定加格达奇(42个个体)和呼伦贝尔市扎兰屯(76个个体)两个黑琴鸡种群的共118个个体的mtDNA D-loop 序列,共发现25个变异位点,定义了33个单倍型,整体的平均核苷酸差异数(K)为2.608,核苷酸多样性(π)为0.228%,种群的遗传多样性偏低,两个种群有一定的基因交流,N_m为14.63,群体间无显著的遗传分化。Tajima's D和Fu&Li's D的估算结果表明,这两个黑琴鸡种群相对于中性的歧异度并没有明显的偏离(P>0.1),两个种群可能未经过大规模的种群扩张过程。     

The influence of sample size on two approaches to estimate Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix population size using non-invasive sampling methods

Population size is an important parameter to monitor for species conservation and management. This is especially important for rare and endangered species, as declines can give information about anthropogenic impacts and the need for new conservation measures. To estimate population size, various methods of analysis can be used, for which sample size is an important factor. Sample size is particularly important to consider when applying non-invasive sampling strategies such as sampling faeces or feathers/hairs as a source of DNA, as a means to limit disturbance and stress for the species of concern. We investigated a Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix population in the eastern part of the Alps, in East Tyrol (Austria), and estimated population size using two approaches: capture–recapture and rarefaction. With a set of 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers, we identified genotypes from faeces and feathers (backed up with 23 tissue samples) and checked for population substructure and gene flow among sampling sites. We estimated population size using four different models from the two approaches (molecular capture–recapture: TIRM, TIRMpart; rarefaction: hyperbolic function – Kohn, exponential function – Eggert). To evaluate the impact of sample size on the estimations, we used the full dataset of 500 samples (‘complete’ dataset) and half the dataset of 250 samples (‘half’ dataset). We also estimated the population size for each sex separately using complete and half datasets to check for sex-specific differences in population size. We found similar results in three of four models (capture–recapture: capwire TIRM, capwire TIRMpart; rarefaction: rarefaction Kohn). Using just half of the data increased the uncertainties in the estimation of population size in all models used and deviations were particularly large in females, which indicated a sex bias. Only the complete dataset of males had an observation rate of more than two observations/individual, and this observation rate meets the recommendation for using the capwire models. This indicates that, for species with different sex-specific detectability, larger sample sizes do not generally imply higher observation rates. We conclude that calculating the observation rates and population-size estimations for each sex separately can improve overall population-size estimation, especially in species with biased sex ratios and those that exhibit sex-specific behaviour.     

Physiological costs enforce the honesty of lek display in the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix)

Females may use condition-dependent sexual traits as reliable cues of male “quality” if the costs of the expression of such traits vary with male “quality”, and if there is positive genetic correlation between male traits and condition. However, there are multiple ways of measuring the changes in body condition which reflect physiological costs meaning that the multifaceted nature of the physiological costs associated with the expression of sexual traits has rarely been thoroughly examined. In the lekking black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), mating success is highly skewed towards males defending central territories and having high survival rates to the following year, but the mechanisms underpinning such superior performance remain unclear. In this study, we quantified the changes in five measures of body condition before and after the mating season and related these changes to male lek performance (fighting rate, territory centrality and mating success) to understand the physiological costs of male reproductive effort. Between the two capture sessions, male body mass decreased significantly, blood parasite counts and plasma carotenoid concentration increased substantially while the total immunoglobulin concentration tended to increase. There was no overall impairment of individual body condition as the changes in the five measures of body condition were unrelated. Male fighting rate was unrelated to changes in the condition measures but males losing more body mass defended central territories and had high mating success. Therefore, females preferring central, dominant males may select males better able to afford the energetic costs of lek performance thereby effectively enforcing the honesty of male display.