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Ruffed Grouse Population Drop Remains A Mystery

en.wikipedia.org Mad tinman

The population of a popular sports hunting bird is down, and researchers are considering why that is the case.

Roadside ruffed grouse surveys completed this spring showed statewide drumming activity decreased 34 percent from a year ago. This decline does not follow the generally predictable grouse population cycle, but a DNR resarcher says this year's drumming observations do fall within the normal range of variability of the grouse cycle. The down turn was seen in both the central and northern forest regions of the state. These two areas comprise the primary grouse range in Wisconsin.

DNR upland wildlife ecologist Mark Witecha says the downturn was a bit of a surprise... 

"...The decline was not expected as part of their cycle. We anticipated the population to be increasing over the next couple of years. Usually the populations peak in years that end in zero. 2000, 2010. We anticipate the next cycle to peak sometime around 2020. So the decline over the last year was a bit unexpected...."

Witecha says even after years of study, he says they don't have a real clear reason what drives the up and down population cycle...

"....Beyond the 10-year cycle we know there are a number of factors that impact grouse populations. Nesting conditions, wintering conditions and snow depth, food availability, habitat quality and disease as well. At this point in time we can't point to any factor or combination of factors to say that is definitely the cause of the decline...."

Earlier this month, Witecha said the DNR is studying a possible link between West Nile Virus and grouse population decline.

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