Greater sage-grouse : ecology and conservation of a landscape species and its habitats /

This work, edited by Knick (US Geological Survey) and Connelly (Idaho Department of Fish and Game), lays the foundation for conservation efforts for the greater sage grouse, an icon of the American West. This bird is vulnerable because of historical habitat loss due to agriculture, mining, ranching, future threats from energy development, and its wide range on public and private lands. The book succeeds in its goal of providing an unbiased source of current information; the volume's 24 papers comprehensively document the ecology of the species and its habitat and analyze population trends in response to habitat variables. Contributions range from discussions of such current concerns as the impact of West Nile virus on population dynamics to controversial ones, such as the influence of feral horses on sagebrush ecosystems. All the authors discuss the conservation implications of their scientific findings. This is critical information, useful for a wide audience. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers/faculty in conservation biology as well as professional biologists, land-use policy makers, and energy development professionals. M. Z. Khan Ripon College