GREATER SAGE GROUSE: A Comprehensive Study of Ecology, Behavior, and Modern Conservation of the Greater Sage-Grouse Across Western North America - Softcover

FRANCIS, RAPH

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798271507496

Publisher: Independently published, 2025

Synopsis

Step into the heart of the American West and discover the story of a remarkable bird whose fate mirrors that of an entire ecosystem. The Greater Sage-Grouse: Ecology, Behavior, and the Future of Western Conservation is a definitive and educational handbook that unites cutting-edge science, cultural heritage, and modern technology to illuminate the life and preservation of one of North America’s most iconic species.

Spanning sixteen deeply researched chapters, this comprehensive volume explores the evolutionary origins, anatomy, feeding ecology, reproductive biology, and complex behaviors of the Greater Sage-Grouse. It delves into the ecological web of the sagebrush steppe—an ancient landscape supporting hundreds of species—and analyzes how human expansion, energy development, and climate change are reshaping this fragile biome.

Written in a professional, accessible, and authoritative tone, the book presents the latest advances in conservation biology, including:

• Genomic sequencing and landscape genetics for monitoring population resilience.

• Drone and bioacoustic technologies for non-invasive lek and habitat assessment.

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) and AI-driven modeling for habitat mapping and population forecasting.

• Citizen-science integration through platforms like eBird and iNaturalist to engage communities in long-term stewardship.

• Climate-adaptive management strategies that promote resilience across the sagebrush ecosystem.

Beyond science, the book celebrates the grouse’s cultural and historical importance, from Indigenous traditions and Western folklore to its symbolism in art, photography, and conservation ethics. Each chapter reveals how this species embodies the enduring connection between land, wildlife, and people.

Perfect for wildlife biologists, conservationists, ecologists, land managers, and educators, this volume also inspires general readers passionate about nature, sustainability, and the future of the American West.

Richly detailed, visionary, and grounded in scientific integrity, The Greater Sage-Grouse: Ecology, Behavior, and the Future of Western Conservation stands as a testament to the power of knowledge, collaboration, and ethical stewardship. It is more than a field guide—it is a blueprint for coexistence and ecological renewal in the Anthropocene.

Discover the bird that defines a landscape—and the hope it brings for the future of Western biodiversity.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798271507496
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 275