Movements and Radionuclide Concentrations of Sage Grouse in Southeastern Idaho
Connelly JW and Markham OD. 1983. Movements and Radionuclide Concentrations of Sage Grouse in Southeastern Idaho. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 47(1):169-177
Movements and radionuclide concentrations of sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) summering near nuclear facilities on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory in southeastern Idaho were studied from 1977 through 1980. From 10 July through 7 September, 95% of all locations (N = 131) of radiomarked grouse were within 2 km of their feeding areas on lawns surrounding the facilities. During October and November, 82% of all radiolocations (N = 22) were greater than 2 km from these areas. The maximum 1-way movement to winter range was 81 km. Radionuclide concentrations (primarily radiocesium) were higher (P = 0.05) in sage grouse summering near a facility with liquid radioactive waste storage than in grouse summering near a solid radioactive waste disposal area or in control areas. The short biological half-life of the ingested radionuclides and the timing of sage grouse movements from summering areas reduced any potential radiation dose to a person consuming 1 of these birds.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Connelly, John; Markham, O
- Units
- CRMO
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Radiation, Randionuclide, Sage Grouse (Centrocerus uraphasianus)