Only 1500 birds left in the state
Habitat destruction and fragmentation has caused a severe reduction in sage grouse numbers in South Dakota. Livestock grazing and energy development, especially wind, is a serious threat to the remaining birds there. The birds are behaviorally disposed to avoid tall vertical structures because they provide perches to predators.
Sage grouse disappearing in S.D.
JOHN POLLMANN • FOR THE ARGUS LEADER
Comments
1500 birds!
And how big is South Dakota? And how many tiny little pockets of 100 grouse are there?
With how many wind mills in between?
And what number of birds does it take to make a “viable” inter-connected population?