The effect of fire on forbs varies greatly and may depend on time elapsed since burning. The effect of grazing on native forbs may be compounded by invasion of nonnative species and differs depending on grazing intensity. Forbs provide cover for Greater Sage-Grouse individuals at their lekking, nesting, and brood-rearing sites, and the species has a positive relationship with arthropod presence. The diets transition to sagebrush in fall and winter. Our results indicated that in the spring and summer, Greater Sage-Grouse diets consist of forbs (particularly species in the Asteraceae family), arthropods, and lesser amounts of sagebrush. We searched for relevant literature including journal articles and state and federal agency reports. We also sought to identify research gaps and needs concerning forbs in big sagebrush plant communities. Our objective was to synthesize information about forbs and their importance to Greater Sage-Grouse diets and habitats, how rangeland management practices affect forbs, and how forbs respond to changes in temperature and precipitation. The grass component is well described in the literature, but the composition, abundance, and habitat role of forbs in these communities is largely unknown. The understory of big sagebrush plant communities is composed of grasses and forbs that are important sources of cover and food for wildlife. Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) ecosystems provide habitat for sagebrush-obligate wildlife species such as the Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).
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