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An Abstract of the Thesis Of AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Vanessa Schroeder for the degree of Master of Science in Wildlife Science presented on December 3, 2020. Title: The Role of Grazing and Weather in Nest Predator-Prey Dynamics and Reproductive Success of Sagebrush-obligate Songbirds Abstract approved: ________________________________________________________________ Jonathan B. Dinkins, W. Douglas Robinson Livestock grazing occurs worldwide, spanning over 25% of land globally. Effective conservation of biodiversity relies upon understanding the interactions of agricultural management practices and increasingly variable weather associated with climate change. I evaluated grazing, weather and predator-prey interactions within a grazing experiment in the sagebrush ecosystem of southeastern Oregon. I studied key weather variables, nest predator activity and the nest success rates of two species of sagebrush-obligate songbirds, Brewer’s sparrow (Spizella breweri) and sagebrush sparrow (Artemisiospiza nevadensis) under dormant season grazing, rotational grazing and a no-graze control. I found that while weather was an important factor explaining nest success for both songbird species, nest success for sagebrush sparrows increased in grazed pastures relative to no grazing. Grazing influenced the nest predator community of these songbirds and was likely one mechanism explaining the increase in sagebrush sparrow nest success relative to a no-graze control. Nest predator activity was lower for most predators in rotationally grazed pastures relative to no grazing, and lower rodent and badger activity was associated with higher songbird nest success. Ten species, predominately birds and snakes were documented on camera depredating failed Brewer’s sparrow and sagebrush sparrow nests. My results suggest that reductions in screening cover caused by grazing within the range of reductions observed in my study do not present a threat to these birds, and conservation should focus on management to mitigate the negative effects of extreme weather on the sagebrush ecosystem and associated wildlife. Grazing can have unexpected indirect effects on wildlife population dynamics, and it is important for managers to understand the mechanisms behind grazing effects. Effective conservation will also rely on understanding how land management interacts with other ecosystem issues such as predator-prey dynamics and increasingly variable weather associated with climate change. ©Copyright by Vanessa Schroeder December 3, 2020 All Rights Reserved The Role of Grazing and Weather in Nest Predator-Prey Dynamics and Reproductive Success of Sagebrush-obligate Songbirds by Vanessa Schroeder A THESIS submitted to Oregon State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Presented December 3, 2020 Commencement June 2021 Master of Science thesis of Vanessa Schroeder presented on December 3, 2020 APPROVED: Co-Major Professor, representing Wildlife Science Co-Major Professor, representing Wildlife Science Head of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Dean of the Graduate School I understand that my thesis will become part of the permanent collection of Oregon State University libraries. My signature below authorizes release of my thesis to any reader upon request. Vanessa Schroeder, Author ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to extend sincere thanks to the many individuals who made this thesis possible. My research was funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Oregon Beef Council. I also received project and travel support from Oregon State University Extension Service and Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees from Oregon State University (IACUC-2020-0088) approved protocols. When embarking upon a graduate degree, the process in terms of learning, personal growth and enjoyment is steered less by the subject and more by one’s advisors. I found the perfect complementary pair of advisors in Jonathan Dinkins and Doug Robinson. Jon taught me how to speak the language of statistics and helped me learn how to think quantitatively. His endless ideas brought my thinking and projects to new heights, sparking a curiosity and drive to understand not only the what, but also the how behind every pattern and result. Doug taught me how to focus ecological ideas and themes into one clear, concise and impactful story. His vast ornithological and writing experience improved my research project and how it was communicated. He taught me the importance of stepping back and ensuring that my science is both understandable and approachable. Together they provided me with the freedom to implement my own project, the support to ensure my success and the flexibility to complete a degree while living hundreds of miles from campus. I want to thank my colleagues at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center who were partners and supporters of this project from the very beginning, particularly my supervisor, Dustin Johnson. Dustin provided, and continues to provide, unparalleled mentorship that has allowed me to succeed both as an employee and a graduate student. His guidance in study design, grant writing, leadership and technician supervision were critical in the success of this project. I look forward to working with Dustin for years to come. I also want to thank David Bohnert for his leadership and guidance on the project and with all thing’s cattle. This project would never have succeeded without the help of Lynn Carlon and Skip Nyman. Thank you for your patience and expert help implementing the grazing portion of this project. Kirk Davies and Chad Boyd provided input on initial study design and vegetation monitoring. Travis Miller helped spark the idea for this research by bringing a land manager’s perspective. Travis helped assess and implement the grazing treatments in a consistent and thoughtful manner. I want to thank Roxanne Rios for acting as a continued sounding board for my ideas, analyses and field work dilemmas. This work would not have been possible without my amazing field crews, especially the 2020 crew who survived the first ever Covid-19 field season. Thank you Cara Christensen, Devan Wade, Sarah Letham, Corinna Holfus, Sierra Lammi, Lina Vu, Lily Morin, Kathryn Sliwa, Jenn Ruthruff, Megan Chandler, Katie Bird, Joe Black and Nathan Ward for putting in hundreds of miles during the field season amidst freezing to sweltering temperatures, rattlesnakes and no-see-ems. To my fellow lab mates, Lindsey Perry, Lindsey Sanders, Claire Revekant, Terrah Owens, Kayla Ruth and particularly Alan Harrington, thank you for your excellent advice, input and support through this entire process and making me feel like a part of the team despite our varied geographies. Thank you to my graduate committee: Jim Rivers and Lisa Ellsworth, and David Shaw for serving as my Graduate Council Representative at my defense. Lisa provided critical feedback and support, and without Jim I would never have learned the effectiveness of a nest-card or a flush stick. Jim’s interest, passion and knowledge for the songbirds in the sagebrush ecosystem helped shape me as an avian researcher and contributed greatly to the success of this project. I would love to thank my incredible family for their support. To my parents who instilled in me a love of the outdoors and passion for nature and wildlife and even helped check nests once or twice, thank you for always providing an interested and loving ear. Finally, my amazing husband Brandon listened to every woe and championed every success, gamely helping check nests on weekends and providing the extra love and support when I put in too many long hours. His love, advice and friendship have made this endeavor possible. CONTRIBUTION OF AUTHORS Jonathan Dinkins contributed to almost every aspect of this project, including grant writing to acquire funding, assisting with study design and development, data analysis and editorial review of chapters. Dustin Johnson was involved in idea creation, grant writing and study design and development. Doug Robinson contributed to in-depth review of the chapters and helped refine field monitoring protocols. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CHAPTER 1................................................................................................................................. 1 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 6 CHAPTER 2............................................................................................................................... 10 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 11 METHODS .......................................................................................................................................... 12 Study Area ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Study Design and Grazing Treatment Application ........................................................................ 13 Field Methods: Nest Searching and Monitoring ............................................................................ 14 Weather Data ................................................................................................................................ 14 Analyses ........................................................................................................................................
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