In many areas sage grouse populations are experiencing steep declines. Populations in Washington state and Colorado have been petitioned for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Montana has lost sage grouse from about 25 percent of the historic habitat, mostly due to widespread conversion of sage-steppe grasslands to agriculture. Much of the habitat that remains is degraded by livestock over-grazing and invasions of exotic weeds. State agencies in Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming are leading efforts to develop conservation plans for sage grouse there.
Most agencies lack adequate staff to monitor grouse populations.
Because it takes so many people to count leks, our volunteers are on the front line in efforts to save this remarkable bird and its grasslands habitat. All rights reserved.