The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is 890 square miles of important
habitat for many wildlife species.
ESER periodically monitors these many of these
species.
Big-Game Counts- Semi-annual aerial surveys of big game species are
conducted in January and June. ESER biologists conduct
aerial surveys of the INL from a small airplane flown at
half-mile intervals. During the flights, biologists count the
number of pronghorn antelope, elk, and mule deer that can be
seen from the plane. In addition, they count game in
agricultural fields adjacent to the INL. The results of
these counts are entered into a computer program to estimate
populations for the entire INL.
A study was conducted to
track the movement of elk on and near the INL to determine
their seasonal and daily movement patterns and their selection
of different habitat types and to study the effects of elk
depredation on farm and range land adjacent to INL. In March
1998, 17 elk were captured and fitted with radio collars.
Another six elk were captured and fitted in January 1999.
Radio-collared elk movement from March
1998 to August 1999.
Sage Grouse Counts - ESER monitors sage grouse leks on
the INL. Known leks are repeatedly surveyed. There,
birds are counted throughout the breeding season. As many as
60 leks existed on and near the INL in the late
1970s...though there seem to be fewer active display areas now
than in past decades. Once a lek has been established, it is
usually used year after year. Fire, construction, and other
human disturbances can render an area unsuitable as a lek.
ESER biologists observe the grouse's mating ritual each
morning throughout the spring for about two hours after
sunrise.
Predatory bird
counts are also conducted on and around the INL in January
of each year. Birds of prey are at the top of the food
chain and are important indicators of ecological and
environmental change.
Breeding bird surveys are
conducted on the site every spring in cooperation with the U.S. Geological
Survey.
