Lesser Prairie Chicken's Status To Be Settled
Associated Press - Mon 08:43 AM 09/03/2012
Lesser prairie chickens have been considered a candidate under the Endangered Species Act since 1998
Experts with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are considering whether the lesser prairie chicken needs federal protection.
The Kansas State Research and Extension service says the agency has until September 30th to decide whether to propose listing the bird as a threatened or endangered species.
The bird's range and numbers have been declining for years — everywhere except Kansas.
The western part of the state is now home to at least half of the world's lesser prairie chicken population. The other birds live in nearby areas of Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas.
The area where the birds dwell is less than 8 percent of their historic range. And more than 90 percent of that current habitat is private property.
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Associated Press information from: The Manhattan Mercury
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SimpleMan
Monday 3 September 2012 10:23 Report this comment
Most likely just setting the stage for a huge land grab.
troy
Monday 3 September 2012 16:34 Report this comment
Prairie Chicken season opens on Sept 15th. In addition to the regular hunting license a $2.50 stamp is required.
jimdingo
Monday 3 September 2012 18:57 Report this comment
That's why they call it the Lesser Prairie Chicken, there will be less and less as my freezer sees more and more. I do agree with the land grab statement, anything the enviro-wackos can get they will go for. Farm ground or farm resources is high on their list of stuff to grab it seems.