Sage grouse

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Abstract

Sage grouse are a group of chicken-sized birds with a unique breeding behavior and dependence on sagebrush shrubs (genus Artemisia) for food and shelter throughout their life cycle. In the last century, human population expansion throughout western North America has reduced the amount of sagebrush and degraded and fragmented the remaining areas. Vanishing sagebrush has resulted in sage grouse (genus Centrocercus) population declines and elevated conservation concern. Western Colorado is home to both species of sage grouse: greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Gunnison sage grouse (Centrocercus minimus). Populations in the state, and throughout their range, have declined sufficiently to warrant consideration for federal protection for both species under the Endangered Species Act.
Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Sage grouse
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher Colorado Encyclopedia
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description HMTL Document
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Title Colorado Encyclopedia
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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