For the conservation of native birds, other wildlife, and their habitats...
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nyone who has been to a Greater Sage-Grouse lek and seen the elaborate (and rather goofy) courtship display undoubtedly thinks, “Wow—what a sight.” And considering the effort it can take to get to the viewing spot, you might also say “Whoa—what a site.” Sage-grouse leks (the area where these birds congregate for courtship) aren’t just found anywhere. They are generally found in large, unfragmented healthy expanses of sagebrush habitat, sometimes with cows, fences, and even a few 2-track roads. Add too many fences, roads—and just about any energy development—and the birds disappear from the area.
Populations of Greater Sage-Grouse have declined severely over the last century. In fact, these grouse have entirely disappeared from their historic range in six western states and provinces. This grouse has been petitioned for protection under the Endangered Species Act; currently it is considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to be “warranted but precluded” from listing because of higher conservation priorities. The USFWS will review this status in 2014. In the meantime, we are using this time to strengthen our partnerships, enhance successful monitoring efforts, and develop new strategies for conservation. Montana still harbors healthy sage-grouse populations—and we’d like to keep it that way.
Montana Threats and Solutions The most significant and immediate threat to sage-grouse is habitat loss, either from the conversion of native habitat to tilled agriculture, or from energy development projects. Indeed, across the West, we are facing unprecedented energy extraction demands—from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Habitat can also be degraded by unsustainable grazing practices or the invasion of non-native plant species like continued on page 4
Support Montana Shares! Montana Audubon is a member of Montana Shares, your source for workplace giving through payroll deductions. Montana Shares is a partnership of 42 Montana-based nonprofit groups devoted to improving the quality of life in communities throughout the state. We greatly appreciate your support of Montana Audubon through this program! Watching a sage-grouse lek. Steve Sherman. Lonewolf Photography. Fall 2012