ABSTRACT
Abstract. Lesser Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) are subject to predation from a suite of opportunistic predators. Predation risk is associated with local environmental and landscape conditions, vegetation composition, and the predator community, all of which are influenced by human actions. Few studies have specifically assessed the relationships among Lesser Prairie-Chickens and their predators. I review the body of knowledge on predation as it relates to seasonality and life stages of Lesser Prairie-Chickens. Few quantitative data are available but some general patterns emerge. Predation is usually greater during the breeding season compared to the nonbreeding season. Seasonality in mortality risk appears to be associated with different predation pressures, with mammalian and avian predation rates similar during the breeding season, whereas raptors pose a greater threat during the nonbreeding season. All age classes of Lesser Prairie-Chickens may experience relatively constant year-round risk and risk to nests from mammals, with seasonal variation in mortality risk to nests from ravens (Corvus spp.), to both nests and young birds from snakes, and to juveniles and adults from raptors. A challenge for the study of predation of Lesser Prairie-Chickens is that accurate identification of the predator often is not possible, and predators are often lumped into
taxonomic guilds without clarity as to which species are responsible for the impacts. Predator management has not been attempted or advocated as a conservation tool for the Lesser Prairie-Chickens but is more often considered in the context of managing for habitat quantity and quality. If predation poses population-level influences, it is likely through direct impacts on nest and brood survival, two of the most critical population parameters for the species. It remains unknown whether predation has a population-level effect on Lesser PrairieChickens, or what the frequency and impact of any one predator species may be. Last, increased predation rates may or may not be the proximate result of human actions. Changes in predation risk are especially relevant in the context of land cover changes due to increased livestock grazing and other anthropocentric activities or to changes in environmental conditions such as drought. Intensive population studies are still needed for a better understanding of the community-habitat influences on predator-prey relationships of prairie grouse and for the development of improved management strategies for the conservation of Lesser Prairie-Chickens.
