The Trump administration has taken legal action to revoke federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, a vibrant bird whose unique courtship rituals are at risk due to habitat destruction spurred by agricultural and energy pursuits.
Trump Administration Seeks to Roll Back Protections for Lesser Prairie Chicken
Trump Administration Seeks to Roll Back Protections for Lesser Prairie Chicken
The move aims to benefit agricultural and energy interests in the region as the bird's population faces severe threats.
The lesser prairie chicken, whose population has plummeted from historic figures of hundreds of thousands to approximately 30,000, has been caught in the crosshairs of ongoing environmental battles. In a recent court filing, the Trump administration argued that the Fish and Wildlife Service mistakenly included the lesser prairie chicken on the endangered species list during the Biden administration. This legal move is part of a broader strategy to dismantle environmental regulations that clash with President Trump's energy policies.
Federal court filings indicate that there may be a re-evaluation of the bird's status projected for late 2026. Should the court grant the administration's request, the lesser prairie chicken would lose its protections under the Endangered Species Act until that time. However, the administration noted that numerous conservation efforts are underway by various organizations to help the species.
The lesser prairie chicken is known for its distinctive mating behaviors, including elaborate displays where males stamp their feet and fan out their feathers. Critics warn that revoking protections could further endanger the already vulnerable population and disrupt ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting this unique species.
Federal court filings indicate that there may be a re-evaluation of the bird's status projected for late 2026. Should the court grant the administration's request, the lesser prairie chicken would lose its protections under the Endangered Species Act until that time. However, the administration noted that numerous conservation efforts are underway by various organizations to help the species.
The lesser prairie chicken is known for its distinctive mating behaviors, including elaborate displays where males stamp their feet and fan out their feathers. Critics warn that revoking protections could further endanger the already vulnerable population and disrupt ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting this unique species.
