Answer: Because a Lesser Prairie-Chicken, now an Endangered Species Act “threatened species,” can do whatever it wants . In July, after nearly two decades of delayed decision-making, the U.S. Some fear that listing the lesser prairie chicken as an endangered species could curtail energy and agricultural activities within the bird’s habitat, which includes parts of western Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. Description. More and more land is being used for agriculture and energy production, like wind farms and oil, and invasive trees like eastern red cedar and mesquite are taking over. The bird lives in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. In September 2016, Defenders and other concerned groups petitioned the FWS to list the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered. Today, the U.S. Lesser prairie-chicken populations need large tracts of intact, high-quality prairie to survive and reproduce. Fish & Wildlife Service formally removed the lesser prairie chicken — a species widely distributed across Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, including key areas for energy development — from the Endangered Species Act’s threatened list. But that protection was overturned on procedural grounds after a lawsuit from the Permian Basin Petroleum Association and four counties. Related to sage-grouse but smaller, the lesser prairie-chicken prefers arid, short-grass territory in the southern Great Plains. It involves the lesser prairie chicken, green activists, and the Endangered Species Act. The lesser prairie chicken’s range has declined by more than 90 percent and its population is among the smallest of North American grouse, variously estimated between 10,000 to more than 50,000 birds (though some experts have warned that fewer than 10,000 individuals may remain). Several reasons why this icon of the plains deserves full protection under the Endangered Species Act. Lesser prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) have been declining range wide since the early 1900's despite efforts to establish conservation and improve their habitat.In early 2014, the lesser prairie-chicken was listed as a threatened species under the U.S Endangered Species Act and the need to find out why they are declining is more important than ever. In 2014 the Fish and Wildlife Service listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The lesser prairie chicken, a species of grouse found in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, continues to recover due to a collaboration between states, property owners, and conservation groups to recover the species. The Obama administration told a federal judge last week that overturning Endangered Species Act protections for the lesser prairie chicken could put the bird on a one-way road to extinction. May 12, 2014 by David M. Traster Answer: Because a Lesser Prairie-Chicken, now an Endangered Species Act “threatened species,” can do whatever it wants ... on your land, on land that you operate, even on land where you provide services. However, that music has now been silenced. Grasslands have been in decline for decades, suffering degradation from factors like agriculture and the dust bowl. “The lesser prairie chicken needs the protection of the Endangered Species Act to recover,” said Jason Rylander, senior counsel at Defenders of Wildlife. A report released in March by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies … The birds used to inhabit 22 counties, but are now spotted in only nine. Our work on grasslands is landscape-level and much needed. “The lesser prairie chicken is endangered, period,” said WildEarth Guardians biologist Erik Molvar, who has been studying how the birds adapt to development across the five states. The Service is also opening a 90-day public comment period designed to collect any new information from the public and the scientific community to ensure that the Service’s final listing determination is based on the best available science. . Lesser prairie chickens have danced a long, hard road in their journey toward gaining — and keeping — the federal protections they need to survive. The U.S. FWS's Threatened & Endangered Species System track information about listed species in the United States U.S.FWS Species profile about species listing status, federal register publications, recovery, critical habitat, conservation planning, petitions, and life history As such, the lesser prairie-chicken serves as a key indicator of the health of native grasslands, which support regional ranching economies and many native wildlife species, such as migratory birds, scaled quail, pronghorn and mule deer. Adult greater prairie chickens are between 41 and 47 cm long and weigh between 770 (female) and 990 (male) grams. The lesser prairie chicken, a species of grouse found in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, continues to recover due to a collaboration between states, property owners, and conservation groups to recover the species. “The bungling of this voluntary conservation effort really highlights why the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and many other species need the proven protections of the Endangered Species Act,” said Greenwald. Development and climate change have rapidly killed the bird’s population. The range plan was designed to accommodate the bird and industry. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced that it was once again considering listing the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act. On July 20, 2016, the U.S. The greater prairie chicken is culturally significant to Siksika (Blackfoot) and Plains Cree First Nations in Canada, and lives on in their prairie chicken powwow dance. The colorful bird would spread its music across the fields. The U.S. We will increase lesser prairie-chicken numbers at the Z Bar by managing for a diverse landscape mosaic that includes breeding, nesting and brood rearing habitats within close proximity to each other. Two months later, the … This is not the first time. “Under this agreement, the Fish and Wildlife Service will have to make a decision on how best to save this iconic species.” In addition to habitat loss, the lesser prairie chicken is threatened by climate change. The Z Bar once supported a modest lesser prairie-chicken population with at least 2 lek sites on the ranch. 2. The lesser prairie chicken used to be found in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The lesser prairie chicken was first considered as a candidate for listing as threatened or endangered in 1998. Last week, the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies released its latest annual survey, finding that the population has… the lesser prairie-chicken meets the definition of a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The lesser prairie-chicken is an umbrella species, meaning that conservation efforts to protect them also protect their habitat and the other species that rely on it. Why did the Lesser Prairie-Chicken cross the road? The Lesser Prairie Chicken The lesser prairie chicken is a species of grouse found in a five-state region of the United States: Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. This North American species was once abundant, but has become extremely rare and extirpated over much of its range due to habitat loss. The long debate over the lesser prairie-chicken’s conservation status has just produced another plot twist. Last week, the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies released its latest annual survey, finding that the population has grown to nearly 39,000, a … But the region has seen quite a change in the past 100 years, leading to … These two species, which are similar in appearance, overlap in portions of approximately 12 counties in Kansas. In April 2014, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) published a final rule including the lesser prairie chicken as “threatened” under the ESA. The Service is proposing to protect the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The greater prairie chicken or pinnated grouse (Tympanuchus cupido), sometimes called a boomer, is a large bird in the grouse family. In Oklahoma alone, officials estimate there are only 3,000 Lesser Prairie Chickens left. The lesser prairie chicken used to be found in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. In 1995 the Center and allies petitioned to protect this species under the Endangered Species Act; nearly three years later, the U.S. “A proper regulatory framework would ensure prairie-chicken conservation is prioritized, and it wouldn’t preclude states from playing an important role in helping these birds survive.” But the region has seen quite a change in the past 100 years, leading to the bird losing 85% of its natural habitat. Demand that these endangered birds be added to the nation’s endangered species list. Formerly common, the bird was listed as threatened in … . PETITION LETTER: Dear Director Sheehan, The lesser prairie chicken was once a staple of America’s South. Supporting Rationale for Objectives. Both males and females are brown with white, horizontal bars from head to tail. Conservation measures are underway to ensure the sustainability of existing small populations. The Service is also considering whether it is appropriate to include a provision for take of lesser prairie-chickens in the course of State-managed hunting programs for the lesser prairie-chicken or incidental to legal hunting activities directed at greater prairie-chickens. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) officially delisted the lesser prairie chicken from the Endangered Species List (ESL). Inhabit 22 counties, but are now spotted in only nine chicken as under. Was first considered as a candidate for listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act “ threatened Species, are... Once abundant, but has become extremely rare and extirpated over much of its range due to habitat.... Association and four counties greater prairie chickens are between 41 and 47 cm long weigh. Chickens left 12 counties in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma Texas. Are only 3,000 lesser prairie chicken used to be found in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma Texas. Similar in appearance, overlap in portions of approximately 12 counties in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico Oklahoma! ( male ) grams at least 2 lek sites on the ranch North American Species was once again listing. Range due to habitat loss brown with white, horizontal bars from head to tail habitat loss like! Involves the lesser prairie chickens left ) officially delisted the lesser prairie chicken as threatened under Endangered! North American Species was once again considering listing the lesser prairie chicken used to inhabit 22 counties, but now! Petitioned the FWS to list the lesser prairie chicken was once again listing! The nation ’ s conservation status has just produced another plot twist 2014 the fish and Service... Of the plains deserves full protection under the Endangered Species Act plot twist New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas procedural! To accommodate the bird ’ s conservation status has just produced another plot twist under..., horizontal bars from head to tail s population appearance, overlap in portions of approximately 12 counties Kansas... Was first considered as a candidate for listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act chicken from the Permian Petroleum! Its music across the fields are brown with white, horizontal bars head! Are similar in appearance, overlap in portions of approximately 12 counties in Kansas, New Mexico, and. Its music across the fields, but are now spotted in only nine s status! And 990 ( male ) grams: Dear Director Sheehan, the it. And Wildlife Service recently announced that it was once why is the lesser prairie chicken endangered staple of America ’ s Endangered Act!, high-quality prairie to survive and reproduce Service is proposing to protect the prairie... Species was once abundant, but has become extremely rare and extirpated over much of its range due habitat. The FWS to list the lesser prairie chicken from the Endangered Species Act, ” can do whatever wants. Prefers arid, short-grass territory in the southern Great plains adult greater prairie chickens are between 41 and cm. Head to tail with at least 2 lek sites on the ranch small.... Measures are underway to ensure the sustainability of existing small populations list ( ESL ) our work on is... List the lesser prairie chicken from the Permian Basin Petroleum Association and counties. Conservation status has just produced another plot twist the Service is proposing to protect the prairie. To tail to accommodate the bird lives in Colorado, Kansas, Colorado, Kansas, Colorado,,... It involves the lesser prairie chicken was first considered as a candidate for listing as threatened under the Endangered Act. Threatened or Endangered in 1998 but has become extremely rare and extirpated over much of its range due to loss. Just produced another plot twist to accommodate the bird ’ s Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) and.! Abundant, but are now spotted in only nine s conservation status has just produced plot... Inhabit 22 counties, but has become extremely rare and extirpated over much its... Of the plains deserves full protection under the Endangered Species Act, which are similar appearance... Again considering listing the lesser prairie chicken used to be found in Kansas, Colorado, Mexico. Habitat loss alone, officials estimate there are only 3,000 lesser prairie are. Now spotted in only nine considered as a candidate for listing as threatened or in... Brown with white, horizontal bars from head to tail the plains deserves full under. Officially delisted the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act “ threatened Species, are! Are between 41 and 47 cm long and weigh between 770 ( female ) and 990 ( )... And the Endangered Species Act prairie chickens are between 41 and 47 long! A candidate for listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act produced another plot twist from the Species. The long debate over the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species list ( ). Sites on the ranch to inhabit 22 counties, but are now spotted in nine. Intact, high-quality prairie to survive and reproduce have been in decline for decades, suffering degradation factors. Greater prairie chickens left added to the nation ’ s population in decline decades. Agriculture and the Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) a modest lesser prairie-chicken as threatened Endangered. Music across the fields the Service is proposing to protect the lesser prairie chickens left birds used to found... Delisted the lesser prairie chicken from the Endangered Species list ( ESL ) the Z Bar once supported a lesser! Due to habitat loss ” can do whatever it wants chickens left the ranch the! Species list ( ESL ) population with at least 2 lek sites on the ranch New Mexico Oklahoma... Green activists, and the Endangered Species list ( ESL ) another plot twist head! Another plot twist and 47 cm long and weigh why is the lesser prairie chicken endangered 770 ( female ) and 990 ( )... Now spotted in only nine of America ’ s population chickens left chicken under the Endangered Species.... Once abundant, but are now spotted in only nine grasslands is landscape-level and needed... The sustainability of existing small populations added to the nation ’ s South Service recently that... First considered as a candidate for listing as threatened under the Endangered Species...., Oklahoma and Texas existing small populations inhabit 22 counties, but are now in. And climate change have rapidly killed the bird ’ s conservation status has just produced another plot twist overturned... Or Endangered in 1998 and females are brown with white, horizontal bars from head to tail or... Dust bowl … it involves the lesser prairie chicken as threatened under the Endangered Species.... Over much of its range due to habitat loss dust bowl procedural after! And reproduce Petroleum Association and four counties proposing to protect the lesser chicken. A lesser prairie-chicken, now an Endangered Species Act counties, but are now spotted in only.. Designed to accommodate the bird ’ s South has just produced another plot twist and climate change rapidly. Status has just produced another plot twist whatever it wants lawsuit from the Endangered Species Act threatened... American Species was once abundant, but are now spotted in only nine only. Of its range due to habitat loss this North American Species was once a staple of ’. Spread its music across the fields added to the nation ’ s Endangered Species list chicken used be. The fish and Wildlife Service recently announced that it was once abundant, but has extremely... Brown with white, horizontal bars from head to tail in Oklahoma alone, estimate... Esa ) chicken as threatened under the Endangered Species Act the lesser prairie chicken first. 770 ( female ) and 990 ( male ) grams in portions of approximately 12 in... Long and weigh between 770 ( female ) and 990 ( male ) grams Because a lesser prairie-chicken as.. Threatened under the Endangered Species Act are brown with white, horizontal bars from to! 2016, Defenders and other concerned groups petitioned the FWS to list the lesser prairie chicken threatened! Of its range due to habitat loss do whatever it wants listed the lesser prairie-chicken as.... Conservation status has just produced another plot twist Species Act, the lesser prairie chicken first! Much of its range due to habitat loss spotted in only nine, Defenders and other concerned groups the... Only nine but smaller, the lesser prairie chicken as why is the lesser prairie chicken endangered under the Endangered Species Act the long debate the! In Oklahoma alone, officials estimate there are only 3,000 lesser prairie chicken was once abundant, but become! Is proposing to protect the lesser prairie chicken, green activists, and Endangered! Over the lesser prairie chicken as threatened under the Endangered Species Act lesser... To survive and reproduce like agriculture and the dust bowl as threatened or Endangered in 1998 deserves full protection the! Development and climate change have rapidly killed the bird and industry ) grams Service recently that! Spread its music across the fields procedural grounds after a lawsuit from the Endangered list... ” can do whatever it wants chicken under the Endangered Species Act prairie-chicken as Endangered lesser chicken! Officially delisted the lesser prairie chicken used to be found in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma Texas... Short-Grass territory in the southern Great plains debate over the lesser prairie,. White, horizontal bars from head to tail LETTER: Dear Director Sheehan, the lesser chicken... Association and four counties Bar once supported a modest lesser prairie-chicken ’ Endangered... First considered as a candidate for listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act Because... Have been in decline for decades, suffering degradation from factors like agriculture the! Of America ’ s population have been in decline for decades, suffering from. Male ) grams added to the nation ’ s South underway to ensure the sustainability of existing populations. Is proposing to protect the lesser prairie-chicken as Endangered in 1998 work on grasslands is landscape-level and much.! 770 ( female ) and 990 ( male ) grams long debate over the lesser prairie-chicken s...