What measure of spatial heterogeneity is most meaningful in assessing population dynamics?
LaMontagne, Jalene1, Irvine, Robyn*,2, 1 University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada2 University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada ABSTRACT- Sage grouse populations (Centrocercus urophasianus) in Utah are in decline. Sage grouse populations in Utah are estimated to occupy only 50% of the habitat they once did and their abundance is approximately half what it was in 1850. The strutting grounds (leks) for sage grouse are distributed throughout the state and these leks are situated at a wide range of vertical (approx. 1300 to 2800 meters above sea level) and horizontal (up to 1400 km apart) locations. Despite the increasing recognition of the role of habitat heterogeneity and environmental variability in driving population cycles, the role of altitude in conjunction with the role of the linear separation distance between populations has not been explored. Sage grouse in Utah are predicted to be listed as endangered within a year. It is therefore important to understand what drives
