The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that greater sage-grouse and Mono Basin sage-grouse were "warranted, but precluded" for listing as "threatened" or "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act in March 2010. The greater sage-grouse and Mono Basin sage grouse are now candidate species under the Act.

Media Release:	Greater Sage-grouse Warranted...but Precluded from ESA Protection
Media Release:	Mono Basin Area Sage Grouse Need Federal Protection

Sage-grouse are a striking and charismatic bird that lives in sagebrush-steppe. First described by Lewis and Clark in 1805, nineteenth century travelers and settlers reported seeing huge flocks of sage-grouse that darkened the sky as they lifted from valley floors.

The historic range of greater sage-grouse closely conformed to the distribution of sagebrush in what became thirteen western states and three Canadian provinces. However, since 1900 sage-grouse populations have declined. Greater sage-grouse distribution has decreased by half, while rangewide abundance has been reduced between 69-99 percent.

The sage-grouse are both an indicator and umbrella species for the Sagebrush Sea. The Sagebrush Sea Campaign and partners have sought to protect sage-grouse and their habitat for almost ten years.

Sage-Grouse Video

Sage-Grouse Images

Greater Sage-Grouse Factsheet

Sagebrush Sea Factsheet Facts and figures on the Sagebrush Sea.

Maps

The Sagebrush Sea Booklet The Sagebrush Sea Campaign has published a twenty-page color booklet describing the geography, ecology, flora and fauna, uses and abuses of the Sagebrush Sea.

The Shrinking Sagebrush Sea Energy development, livestock grazing, and cheatgrass affect more than 80 percent of sage-grouse habitat, while less than three percent of sage-grouse range benefits from some level of federal protection.

Sage-Grouse Recovery Blueprint Expert recommendations designed to increase sage-grouse abundance by 33 percent by 2015 and increase sage-grouse distribution by 20 percent by 2030.

"Secrets of the Sagebrush Sea" WildEarth Guardians' newsletter featuring the Sagebrush Sea.

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