Sage grouse and cows can coexist on the same land without declines in greater sage grouse nest success or insect abundance, according to a 10-year University of Idaho study.
In fact, according to the research, there are upshots for grouse living side-by-side with cows.
“Nesting success doesn’t seem to be affected by low to moderate levels of cattle grazing, and insect biomass increases with grazing,” said Courtney Conway, U of I professor of wildlife sciences.
The idea for an extensive grouse and cattle grazing research project was spurred by opposition to spring cattle grazing on…
