No doubt a wide swath of Wyoming’s residents breathed a collective sigh of relief Tuesday when sage grouse was officially excluded from the Endangered Species List.
People ranging from Wyoming Governor Matt Mead to workers in the oil and gas industry probably felt a weight lifted from their shoulders with the announcement.
The decision not to list sage grouse is one that will benefit Sweetwater County and other energy-producing counties in the state. The decision allows the state to move forward with its core habitat strategy in mitigating impacts on the bird. Development of future mineral extraction sites, regardless of if it’s for natural gas, oil or even lithium, won’t be hindered as much as it would if the birds were considered an endangered species.
Yet, while this is definitely a win for the county and state economy, the birds will face further pressure unless the federal government decides to create a plan to control raven populations. Ravens are protected birds under the Migratory Bird Act, and have been known to feed on sage grouse eggs. Studies conducted by Idaho State University, which utilized hidden cameras to spy on sage grouse nests, have shown ravens to be a major contributor to lower sage grouse populations.
Ravens are also very common near man-made structures, often using them to seek food.
The Southwest Wyoming Sage Grouse Conservation Plan, published November 2013, claims human activities have allowed raven populations to increase by roughly 1,500 percent since the 1960s in some areas.
A core habitat plan designed to protect sage grouse won’t be as effective at protecting the species without a plan limiting raven impact on sage grouse eggs. The conservation plan does list some suggestions to limit predation, it doesn’t go far enough in addressing ravens and their impact on sage grouse. A plan to artificially limit and observe raven populations should be in place.
While the birds are protected, it is possible through permits to trap or kill ravens. A plan that identifies raven populations near sage grouse core areas and either relocates the birds or limits their populations would have a better impact on improving sage grouse populations.
We’re happy with the decision not to list sage grouse as an endangered species.
However, without strict controls on ravens and other predators, the core area strategy the state uses to protect sage grouse may ultimately prove to be a fruitless endeavor.
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