SANTA FE, N.M. – The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) introduced its resolution right this moment to checklist two distinct populations of the Lesser Prairie-Rooster underneath the Endangered Species Act. The species is managed individually within the northern and southern components of its vary, which incorporates parts of 5 states (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico).
“This resolution is crucial if we hope to save lots of the Lesser Prairie-Rooster from extinction,” stated Jon Hayes, govt director of Audubon Southwest and vp on the Nationwide Audubon Society. “Many individuals have labored by way of voluntary measures and agreements to keep away from this second however as everyone knows, you don’t put meals on the desk with effort, and what we’ve got carried out hasn’t been sufficient.”
Since formal nationwide fowl monitoring started within the Sixties, Lesser Prairie-Rooster populations have declined by 97 % throughout their vary. This decline is likely one of the most precipitous amongst all fowl life within the U.S. and can finally result in extinction if not addressed. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits anybody from harming an endangered species both immediately or not directly, it requires the event of a restoration plan for the species, and it typically requires the identification of important habitat.
“Guaranteeing the existence of this fowl for future generations will come at a value, however these prices don’t have to be accompanied by battle,” stated Hayes. “Actions like vitality manufacturing should be curtailed within the areas designated as important habitat for the fowl, however there are methods for the company and trade to work collectively.”
For instance, the Fish and Wildlife Service has taken steps to create an Incidental Take Allow that vitality corporations can apply for permitting them to mitigate their predicted influence by restoring and defending the Lesser Prairie-Rooster habitat. With rigorous accounting, we will be sure that mitigation helps restore the fowl’s populations. This concept of Conservation Banking may show to be the trail ahead that can assist to guard the fowl whereas additionally accommodating the wants of trade.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has additionally labored to make sure flexibility for landowners and land managers by providing regulatory certainty by way of voluntary packages for agriculture and sustainable ranching. New federal investments and incentives for landowners ensuing from right this moment’s resolution may even make our grassland more healthy, enhance the infiltration of groundwater, sequester carbon, and make the rangeland extra resilient total.
“Whether or not you’re a cow or a fowl, you want wholesome grass and soil,” stated Hayes. “That is our alternative to not solely save this species, however accomplish that whereas additionally bolstering rural economies and addressing the local weather disaster.”
Audubon’s Conservation Ranching program helps market incentives for ranchers that handle their rangeland for fowl habitat. Progressive partnerships like this present a win-win resolution for birds, just like the Lesser Prairie-Rooster, and beef producers.
The Lesser Prairie-Rooster was first proposed for ESA itemizing in 1995. Within the greater than 25 years since that unique petition, the fowl has been by way of a curler coaster of itemizing choices, courtroom orders, and failed restoration efforts, all whereas the populations proceed to plummet.
Learn extra from Jon Hayes: Collectively We will Save the Lesser Prairie-Rooster
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Media Contact: Matt Smelser, matt.smelser@audubon.org