Sage grouse
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
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.
Suggested Citation
Zimmerman, S., Timmer, J.M., Aldridge, C.L., Oyler-McCance, S.J., Braun, C.E., Young, J.R., 2017, Sage grouse, chap. of Colorado Encyclopedia, HMTL Document.
| 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 |