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1,226 records · Page 69Linked to original sources
USGS2026

Range-wide relative abundance of Pyrgus centaureae wyandot (W.H. Edwards, 1863) (Appalachian Grizzled Skipper)

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the butterfly Pyrgus centaureae wyando t (Appalachian Grizzled Skipper [AGS]) to be at-risk, based on its declining populations and the lack of information on its status. Our objective was to conduct range-wide surveys to locate extant AGS colonies and to quantify the number of AGS observed at each location. From 2021 to 2024, we conducted 284 surveys in 25 unique (i.e., distinct) counties in 8 states (Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia). We found AGS in only 2 counties: Alleghany County, VA, and Greenbrier County, WV. AGS were observed 180 times in these counties. Our results can inform US Fish and Wildlife decisions about where and how future AGS conservation efforts can be implemented.

Northeastern Naturalists↗
USGS2026

Interspecific brood parasitism of a greater sage-grouse brood by chukar in Nevada

Greater sage-grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ; hereafter, sage-grouse) populations have declined across their range, resulting in high conservation concerns among state and federal wildlife managers. While interspecific nest parasitism by chukar ( Alectoris chukar ) on sage-grouse nests has been observed previously, the parasitic effects benefiting or harming the reproduction of either species are unknown. Additionally, while chukar eggs have been documented in sage-grouse nests previously, we know of no documented occurrences of chukar chicks parasitizing sage-grouse broods. Here, we report a novel observation of interspecific brood parasitism on a 9-day-old sage-grouse brood by a chukar chick in the Virginia Mountains of northwestern Nevada. Because chukar are an introduced exotic species whose western North American distribution largely overlaps sage-grouse distribution, understanding the dynamics and implications of brood parasitism may inform wildlife management strategies and conservation efforts for sage-grouse throughout their range.

Nevada↗