Insect Communities and Richness Differences in Treated vs. Untreated Sagebrush Wet Meadows, Year 1

Authors: Sophia Reggiani, Susan Washko

Year: 2024

Abstract

Sagebrush wet meadows are small, ephemeral wetlands that collect surface water from the surrounding dry sagebrush ecosystem during spring snowmelt and monsoon rains. Due to human actions on the landscape, sagebrush wet meadows are often degraded and subject to erosion, limiting their capacity to store water and support wetland vegetation. The restoration of these habitats is part of the conservation management of the threatened Gunnison sage grouse. The birds rear their young in these habitats due to the high quality of vegetation and insect food available. Since the restoration of wet meadows began in the Gunnison Basin in 2012, there has been a notable difference in vegetation growth in restored sites compared to unrestored sites. Yet, how the restoration has impacted the insect community, which is necessary for sage grouse chick development, is unknown. We have been collecting terrestrial insects from five treated wet meadow sites and five untreated wet meadow sites monthly since June 2024, and plan to share preliminary results. This study will help inform management and conservation practitioners in the Gunnison basin about whether wet meadow restoration increases terrestrial invertebrate abundance and biodiversity, thereby improving habitat quality.