Sage-grouse and indirect interactions: Potential implications of coyote control on sage-grouse populations

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are lethally controlled throughout the range of Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and it has been suggested that such control may benefit sage-grouse. However, the perceived benefits of control are based on the direct effects of coyotes on sage-grouse and largely ignore potential indirect interactions. Here, we summarize some of the evidence for direct effects in a simplified food web including coyotes and sage-grouse. There is very little evidence to suggest that coyotes have much of a direct negative effect on sage-grouse, but there is considerable evidence supporting direct interactions that would lead to positive indirect effects between coyotes and sage-grouse. The three...

Categories: Publication; Types: Citation, Journal Citation; Tags: Canis latrans, Centrocercus urophasianus, Condo, apparent competition, exploitative competition, All tags... indirect effects, mesopredator release, predator control, Fewer tags