WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN (Lagopus leucurus) ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIAWHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN (Lagopus leucurus) ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA
White-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus), smallest of the grouse Family Tetraonidae, live primarily in alpine habitats at or above timberline. The species occurs only in North America, and its range closely corresponds to the distribution of alpine tundra in western North America, with populations extending from south-central Alaska to northern New Mexico. Currently, five subspecies of white-tailed ptarmigan are recognized (Johnsgard 1983); however, these subspecific taxonomic designations are probably inappropriate (Braun et al. 1993) and require validation of physical, behavioral, and genetic differences. One purpose of this study was to compare morphological data of Colorado and Vancouver Island white-tailed ptarmigan subspecies in order to determine the validity of L. l. saxatilis taxonomic status. A second goal of this study was to determine the appropriateness of L. l. saxatilis current conservation status. Presently, white-tailed ptarmigan (L. leucurus) are experiencing loss and degradation of their alpine habitats due to road, water, and recreational development as well as logging practices (Braun et al. 1993, Braun et al. 1994). A major concern for the Vancouver Island subspecies (L. l. saxatilis) is the degree to which such activitites could lead to serious impacts on summer production and winter survival. The results of this study indicate significant differences in morphological traits between the Colorado and Vancouver Island subspecies suggesting that they are not as closely related as predicted. Ptarmigan on Vancouver Island are significantly heavier and have other morphological differences than those found in Colorado.