Masters Theses

Ruth A. Boyd

Date of Award

5-1990

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Major Professor

Ralph W. Dimmick

Committee Members

Michael R. Pelton, Ronald L. Hay

Abstract

Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) population density and habitat utilization were studied on the Tellico Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest in eastern Monroe County, Tennessee. The overall objective of the project, which was initiated in 1984, was to determine how ruffed grouse populations are affected by clearcutting small stands of Southern Appalachian hardwoods. Population densities were estimated by drumming censuses conducted each spring from 1984-1988 on 2 study units. The Big Cove unit contained 9 small regenerating clearcuts, which comprised 18% of the unit and ranged in age from 2 to 9 years at the initiation of the project. Except for 1 clearcut made in 1986, the Sugar Cove unit lacked early successional vegetation until late 1987. Average spring density on the Big Cove unit was estimated at 2.9 grouse per 100 ha, which was significantly higher than density on the Sugar Cove unit, estimated at 1.2 grouse per 100 ha. Drumming activity began in late March, peaked in mid-April, and continued until mid-May. Twenty-six grouse were captured in interception traps, 9 in mirror traps. Mirror traps were more efficient (1 capture per 37.5 trap-nights) than interception traps (1 capture per 50.9 trap-nights). Thirty-one of the 35 captured grouse were fitted with radiocollars and monitored by radiotelemetry. Transmittered grouse were located 3-4 times per day, 3 days per week by triangulation and/or homing. Twenty-one of the grouse were monitored long enough for home range to be measured. Male home ranges averaged 23.9 ha; female home ranges averaged 36.9 ha. Home range sizes varied seasonally. The smallest ranges were measured during winter, when the grouse were very sedentary, the largest during autumn, when they made large movements while searching for fattening foods and a suitable wintering range. Radio-telemetry monitoring yielded 1017 grouse locations; 690 of these were used in the analysis of habitat utilization. Each location was mapped and assigned to 1 of 8 habitat types based upon structural characteristics, and to 1 of 7 topographical position categories. Habitat preference was determined by a utilization-availability analysis. The single habitat type utilized more than expected based on its availability was regenerating clearcuts. Forested areas with open understories, and pine or pine-hardwood stands were generally underutilized. Mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets were utilized heavily, but not more than expected due to their almost ubiquitous presence. The radiocollared grouse utilized different habitat types and topographical positions according to season. Home range size and habitat utilization were influenced by seasonal changes within habitat types.

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