Using an Ultraviolet Light Test to Improve Sagebrush Identification and Predict Forage Quality for Wildlife

Sagebrush identification can be improved by using a relatively easy ultraviolet (UV) light test on specimens. produces variety of water-soluble polyphenols called coumarins, which fluoresce blue color under UV and help differentiate species, subspecies, hybrids. We tested 16 different sagebrush taxa (including species subspecies) from herbarium specimens found 3 (low sagebrush, Artemisia arbuscula; Wyoming A. tridentata wyomingensis; basin t. tridentata) that were often misidentified. show the greatly improve these species. Moreover, given UV+ chemicals discriminate are also considered an indirect biomarker palatability for some herbivores, used to predict forage quality threatened like sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.) pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). Collecting voucher at wildlife study sites comparing their intensity historical could identify both current changing availability palatable wildlife. even >80 years old still light.