Endangered Grouse population making a comeback!

For years the North American Grouse has been a species on the decline, but thanks to new conservation efforts their population is starting to make a comeback!

The Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Prairie Chicken are all part of the grouse family and have seen their populations drop significantly in recent years. Causes for the decline include habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, predation, and climate change.

In an effort to help these birds make a come back, organizations like the National Grouse Association have launched conservation programs aimed at protecting grouse populations and their habitats. These programs include restoring and protecting vital habitats, working with landowners to create wildlife corridors, increasing predator control, and conducting research on how best to protect grouse from the impacts of climate change.

The success of these programs is evident in recent population surveys which show that many grouse populations are beginning to rebound. In fact, some species such as the Ruffed Grouse are now considered stable or increasing in many parts of their range.

This resurgence in grouse populations is great news not only for these birds themselves, but also for the wider ecosystems they inhabit. Grouse are an important part of these ecosystems, helping to modulate populations of predators and prey while also dispersing seeds essential for forest regeneration.

With continued conservation efforts we can hope to see grouse populations continue to increase throughout their ranges. This would not only be great news for these iconic birds, but also for the health of our forests and the other wildlife that depends on them.

Researchers baffled as grouse mysteriously die in large numbers

Every year since the early 2000s, populations of grouse in the United States and Canada have been mysteriously dying in large numbers. The die-offs typically happen in late winter or early spring, before the birds migrate to their breeding grounds.

Scientists have proposed a variety of hypotheses to explain the die-offs, including avian malaria, lead poisoning, and predation by ravens. But they still don't know what's causing the grouse to die.

This year is no exception. In March 2019, dozens of grouse were found dead at a preserve in British Columbia. And in February 2019, more than 100 grouse died near Wasilla, Alaska.

"It's been really puzzling for us because we really don't know what's going on," said Paula 7eding, a research biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Some researchers have suggested that climate change may be responsible for the die-offs, as changes in temperature and precipitation could be affecting the grouse's food supply or making their habitat less hospitable.

But so far there isn't any concrete evidence to support this hypothesis.

Theories about what might be causing the grouse deaths continue to evolve as scientists gather more data. But one thing is clear: we still have a lot to learn about these enigmatic birds.

Grouse populations exploding in the west

There has been a significant increase in the grouse populations in the Western United States in recent years. Grouse are a game bird and their population explosion is great news for hunters. There are now more than 50 million grouse in the Western U.S., up from about 15 million in the late 1990s.

The cause of the population explosion is not fully understood, but appears to be linked to changing land use and land management practices, including warmer winters, fire suppression, and introduction of new predators such as wolves and mountain lions.

Grouse populations are cyclical, and it is not clear how long this current population boom will last. But for now, it's good news for hunters and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors in the western U.S.

Forest Service considers limiting hunting of grouse to help population growth

The Forest Service is considering limiting hunting of grouse to help the population growth.

There has been a decline in the population of Greater sage-grouse in the last 10 years. The grouse are sensitive to human disturbance, so the agency wants to reduce hunting pressure on them.

The proposal would apply to grouse in the 11 Western states where they live. The states are Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, California, Wyoming and Arizona.

Hunting is currently allowed year-round in all of those states. The proposal would limit hunting to certain times of year in different states. It would also allow for higher bag limits in some areas.

Grouse populations have declined as trees were cleared for energy development and wildfires increased. The birds also need large areas of undisturbed land with sagebrush and other grasses to survive.

"We want to make sure we provide every opportunity possible for these populations to grow and thrive into the future," said Brian Kurzel with the Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Region.

Grouse could soon be taken off the endangered species list

Grouse, a type of game bird, could soon be taken off the endangered species list in the United States. The grouse population has been in decline for many years, but recent conservation efforts have led to a rebound in some areas.

There are several different types of grouse, including the ruffed grouse, the sharp-tailed grouse, and the ptarmigan. All of these birds are native to North America. Grouse are hunted for sport in many parts of the continent, and they are also a popular game bird for backyard birders.

The main cause of grouse decline is habitat loss. Grouse need large areas of forested land with plenty of trees and understory to survive. They also require ample ground cover for feeding and protection from predators. As forests have been cleared for development and other uses, the grouse's habitat has dwindled.

Another factor that has contributed to the decline of grouse populations is the introduction of predators such as coyotes and foxes into their range. These predators can prey on young grouse or steal their eggs.

Fortunately, there are several organizations that are working to help conserve grouse populations. One example is the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS), which is dedicated to protecting ruffed grouse and their habitats. The RGS operates a number of programs aimed at preserving grouse populations, including research, land management, education, and outreach.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is also taking steps to help conserve grouse populations. In 2017, they announced a plan to list the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This would provide federal protection for this species and help ensure its future survival.

The plight of the American grouse underscores the importance of wildlife conservation. By working together to preserve critical habitats and protect vulnerable species, we can help ensure that these animals will continue to thrive for generations to come.