Greater Sage Grouse Welfare and Sagebrush Ecosystem

The greater sage grouse is a flagship species for the sagebrush ecosystem of the American West, with populations declining due to energy development, invasive cheatgrass, and drought.

Key Facts

Sage grouse populations have declined by approximately 80% over the last century
They depend on intact sagebrush habitat for food, shelter, and elaborate lek display sites
Male sage grouse inflate yellow air sacs and make booming sounds at traditional lek sites
Invasive cheatgrass fuels high-intensity fires that convert sagebrush to annual grassland
Oil and gas development disturbs leks and causes birds to abandon traditional display sites
The Bureau of Land Management manages much of the sagebrush habitat on federal land

Welfare Considerations

Sage grouse welfare is tied directly to sagebrush ecosystem integrity. Energy infrastructure near leks causes birds to abandon traditional sites and reduces reproductive success. Cheatgrass fires convert sagebrush to habitat that sage grouse cannot use, fragmenting populations. Drought exacerbated by climate change reduces insect availability for chicks, causing high chick mortality in dry years. Sage grouse are a useful umbrella species: managing land for sage grouse welfare benefits dozens of other sagebrush-dependent species including pronghorn, pygmy rabbits, and Brewer sparrows.

What You Can Do

Support sage grouse conservation programmes through The Nature Conservancy and similar organisations
Advocate for responsible energy siting standards that protect lek sites
Donate to cheatgrass control and sagebrush restoration programmes
Engage with Bureau of Land Management public comment processes on sagebrush management plans
Raise awareness about the sagebrush biome as a critically important and threatened ecosystem