HABITAT PROBLEMS AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 



Any evaluation of potential habitat conflicts resulting from increased human 

 activity and development must consider the basic biology and general ecology 

 of the species involved. Very little data is available in these areas for 

 the majority of nongame species observed on this area. It Is recommended, 

 therefore, that species-specific studies be initiated to more precisely describe 

 biological and ecological parameters of the nongame species occurring on the 

 area. The specific species found on the area which are most desperately in need 

 of such basic studies, generally, are those listed as being of "special interest 

 or concern" for Montana. A particular need is to better understand the black- 

 tailed prairie dog and animals associated with them (i.e., burrowing owls, black- 

 footed ferrets). Also, the ecological requirements of raptors on the area need 

 to be further defined. Four species in need of immediate attention are the 

 prairie falcon, bald and golden eagles, and Ferriginous hawk. Studies should 

 be directed at determining food habits, territorial requirements, behavior (espe- 

 cially the tolerance to man-made disturbances), etc. Evidence from the observation 

 of numerous nongame species suggests that a variety of vegetation types are re- 

 quired to sustain them. For example, protection of raptor nest sites without 

 consideration of other aspects of the biology of the animal may be meaningless 

 if foraging areas, territorial requirements, etc. are compromised. 



Once such species-specific information is available it will be possible to 

 better evaluate the potential impacts of various land use decisions, and to make 

 decisions which will permit the maintenance and/or enhancement of nongame wild- 

 life. When the impacts of various land use decisions are evaluated, care should 

 be taken not to overlook the insidious aspects of habitat conflicts (i.e., distur- 

 bance factors, etc.). 



Because data on nongame species are so limited, it is difficult to determine 

 the potential impacts of the various types of land uses. Data from this study 

 shows that extreme drought conditions has adverse impacts on many species of 

 nongame wildlife. Heavy livestock grazing during such periods probably increases 

 the impacts of drought. Consideration should be given to reduced or restricted 

 grazing during periods of drought to lessen impacts on nongame wildlife. Obser- 

 vations during this study have also shown that even a small increase in human 

 activity can adversely affect some nongame species. In view of this, current 

 energy exploration (seismograph work, test wells, etc.) should be confined to 

 the period of October through March to minimize impacts on nongame wildlife. 

 Also, work should be conducted in such a manner so as to prevent disturbance of 

 wintering bald eagles on the Yellowstone River. 



