Sage grouse are an important part of the web of life in the West . When we protect habitat for sage grouse, we protect habitat for hundreds of other animals including elk, deer, and antelope, creating a cascade effect for conservation.
What do sage-grouse do for the environment?
Sage Grouse Is an Umbrella Species
Studies have shown that conservation efforts for sage grouse help 350 other species of plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals inhabiting the sagebrush sea , like mule deer and songbirds.
Why is sage-grouse a keystone species?
The Greater Sage-Grouse is considered a keystone species for the entire sagebrush ecosystem , since sufficient conservation efforts for the bird would in effect protect an additional 350 species of wildlife as well as the viability of the agricultural landscape.
Why should the greater sage-grouse be protected?
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.
How can we save the greater sage-grouse?
- Providing science and research to identify the best places to conserve sage-grouse habitat.
- Teaming with ranchers to improve range health.
- Purchasing land and voluntary conservation agreements to set aside critical habitat.
How do you protect sage-grouse?
Hold federal agencies, states and local jurisdictions accountable for conserving sage-grouse species. Remove fences , and mark remaining fences with highly visible flags to help prevent sage-grouse from colliding into them. Manage your land through conservation easements.
What is the lifespan of the greater sage-grouse?
The birds are found at elevations ranging from 4,000, to over 9,000 feet and are dependent on sagebrush for cover and food. The greater sage-grouse has an average life span of 1 1⁄2 years, however they have been seen to live up to 9 years .
How can we protect keystone species?
Instead of using harmful products such as herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides, try using natural alternatives in your home gardens . Cultivate native plants – Many native bee species are declining due to lack of nourishment.
What makes a flagship species?
A flagship species is a species selected to act as an ambassador, icon or symbol for a defined habitat, issue, campaign or environmental cause . ... Flagship species are usually relatively large, and considered to be ‘charismatic’ in western cultures.
Does the greater sage-grouse have any predators?
From the ground, the birds have to watch for coyotes, foxes , and bobcats. Even more predators are attracted to sage grouse nests, including badgers, weasels, ravens, crows, magpies, and snakes.
What is the greater sage-grouse habitat?
Habitat: The breeding habitat for the greater sage-grouse is sagebrush country in the western United States and southern Alberta and Saskatchewan . They nest on the ground under sagebrush or grass patches.
Why is the greater sage-grouse endangered?
Greater sage-grouse are adversely affected by energy development and infrastructure , even when mitigative measures are implemented. The species is affected by direct habitat loss, fragmentation of important seasonal habitats by roads, pipelines and power lines, and human and vehicle-related disturbance.
Why is it important to protect umbrella species?
Umbrella species are species selected for making conservation-related decisions , typically because protecting these species indirectly protects the many other species that make up the ecological community of its habitat.
What are wildlife working lands?
Working Lands for Wildlife focuses conservation dollars and wildlife expertise on the recovery of certain at-risk, threatened or endangered wildlife species . The partnership has three primary goals: Restore populations of declining wildlife species; Provide landowners with regulatory predictability; and.
Where are such endangered species found?
This species is endemic to the Western Ghats hill ranges in southwestern India from the Kalakkadu Hills north to Anshi Ghat in the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The forests of Kerala host up to 1,216 adult lion-tailed macaques, according to a large study using estimates from forest sightings.
