Differential seasonal avoidance of anthropogenic features and woody vegetation by Lesser Prairie-Chickens

The influence of seasonal variation on animal behavior is a critical component of habitat selection analyses. To examine this relationship, we conducted multi-scale analyses of Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) habitat selection in relation to anthropogenic infrastructure associated with oil and gas development, mesquite, and trees during the spring and summer at home range and lek area scales. We tracked 159 Lesser Prairie-Chickens using VHF radiotelemetry or PTT-GPS transmitters in the sand shinnery oak prairie region of eastern New Mexico, USA. We used discrete choice models and logistic regression to assess seasonal patterns of habitat selection at home range and lek area scales, respectively. The static habitat features we examined allowed us to observe differential patterns of habitat selection between the two seasons, revealing an overall increase in the degree of avoidance following the spring season. Results of our home range scale analysis indicate that utility pole density, mesquite cover, and proximity to active well pads, private roads, and mesquite have significant negative effects on habitat selection during both seasons. Avoidance of high utility pole densities was significantly greater during the summer compared to spring. Lek area habitat selection results were similar, but differences in sensitivity to features between seasons were stronger. Avoidance of high mesquite cover and utility pole and tree densities, in particular, was significantly greater in the summer. The effects of density and cover of these features, which have previously been understudied in Lesser Prairie-Chicken research, provide critical information for future conservation practices. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of accounting for potential seasonal patterns of study species to best examine habitat selection. Lay Summary center dot Populations of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) have declined dramatically over the past century. center dot Anthropogenic infrastructure and non-native or invasive woody vegetation reduce the quality of grassland habitat and are increasingly common in the southern Great Plains of North America. center dot The effects of density and cover of these new habitat features on Lesser Prairie-Chicken habitat selection and how it may vary over seasons is not well documented. center dot We examined seasonal habitat selection by Lesser Prairie-Chickens in relation to anthropogenic infrastructure, mesquite, and trees in eastern New Mexico, USA. center dot Our results indicate that Lesser Prairie-Chickens avoid high densities of several common anthropogenic infrastructure and trees, and areas with high mesquite cover. center dot Overall, Lesser Prairie-Chickens tended to avoid these features to a greater degree in the summer compared to spring.