Movements and Radionuclide Concentrations of Sage Grouse in Southeastern Idaho
- 1 January 1983
- journal article
- research article
- Published by JSTOR in The Journal of Wildlife Management
- Vol. 47 (1), 169-177
- https://doi.org/10.2307/3808063
Abstract
Movements and radionuclide concentrations of sage grouse (C. urophasianus) summering near nuclear facilities on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory in southeastern Idaho were studied from 1977-1980. From July 10-Sept. 7, 95% of all locations (131) of radiomarked grouse were within 2 km of their feeding areas on lawns surrounding the facilities. During Oct. and Nov. 82% of all radiolocations (22) were > 2 km from these areas. The maximum 1-way movement to winter range was 81 km. Radionuclide concentrations (primary radiocesium) were higher (P = 0.05) in sage grouse summering near a facility with liquid radioactive waste storage than in grouse summering near a solid radioactive waste disposal area or in control areas. The short biological half-life of the ingested radionuclides and the timing of sage grouse movements from summering areas reduced any potential radiation dose to a person consuming these birds.This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Radionuclide Concentrations in Waterfowl Using a Liquid Radioactive Waste Disposal Area and the Potential Radiation Dose to ManHealth Physics, 1981
- 90Sr and 137Cs in Coyote Scats From the Hanford ReservationHealth Physics, 1979
- Radiation Dosimetry of Small Mammals Inhabiting a Liquid Radioactive Waste Disposal AreaEcology, 1978