Greater Sage-Grouse
Facts
-
NT
Status
Near Threatened
-
Population
100,000 to 500,000
-
Scientific Name
Centrocercus urophasianus
-
Height
2 feet
-
Weight
2-7 pounds
-
Length
21-30 inches
-
Habitats
Grasslands
Greater sage-grouse were once found across 13 western U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces. Unfortunately, because of oil and gas development, conversion of land for agricultural use, climate change and human development, sage-grouse only inhabit half their historic range. Well known for their spectacular mating dances performed on specific mating grounds called "leks," these large birds are icons in the western U.S. and Canada.
- Places
Ranchers of the Northern Great Plains provide a safe haven for grassland birds
WWF’s Northern Great Plains program has begun to look more closely at the role that grassland songbirds play on ranchland throughout the region.
Why They Matter
-
Sage-grouse are indicators of healthy, intact sagebrush habitat. The protection of sage-grouse impacts the other species that share the same habitat, such as pronghorn and songbirds.
Threats
- Population 100,000 to 500,000
-
Extinction Risk Near Threatened
-
EX
Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
-
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
-
CR
Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
EN
Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
VU
Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
-
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
-
LC
Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened
-
EX
Oil and gas development disrupts the landscape and the sage-grouse's ability to reproduce. Predators often perch on the energy towers which is intimidating for the birds. Loud sounds from the towers also disrupt the grouse's ability to call for mates.
What WWF Is Doing
WWF conducts research to understand how climate change conditions will affect the greater sage-grouse and its habitat in the future. The information will help to identify ways to conserve sage-grouse populations in the Northern Great Plains.
Plains Bison
Black-footed Ferret
Pronghorn
Mountain Plover
Swift Fox