The lesser prairie chicken, a unique bird known for its ostentatious courtship rituals, faces the elimination of federal protections under the Trump administration, a move that could have dire consequences for the species.
Trump Administration Moves to Remove Protections for Lesser Prairie Chicken
Trump Administration Moves to Remove Protections for Lesser Prairie Chicken
Action taken amidst continuously declining population due to habitat loss.
The Trump administration has initiated steps to rescind federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, an extravagant grouse renowned for its male courtship rituals involving tail feather displays and dynamic jumping. This decision comes as the species' population plummets from historical figures of several hundred thousand or possibly even millions to a concerning estimate of only 30,000 today.
In a court submission on May 8, 2025, officials argued that the Fish and Wildlife Service had made an error by placing the lesser prairie chicken on the endangered species list during the Biden administration. This action is part of a wider strategy by the White House to roll back environmental regulations that interfere with energy development and agricultural expansion, reflecting Trump's "drill, baby, drill" policies.
The decline of the lesser prairie chicken has been primarily attributed to habitat loss resulting from agricultural headway and energy projects in southern and central U.S. grasslands. The recent court filing, made in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, stated that the Bird’s status would be reassessed by November 30, 2026. During this interim period, it would lose its protections under the Endangered Species Act; however, the administration noted the existence of at least sixteen conservation programs aimed at supporting the species, managed by a mixture of state, federal, and private organizations.
In a court submission on May 8, 2025, officials argued that the Fish and Wildlife Service had made an error by placing the lesser prairie chicken on the endangered species list during the Biden administration. This action is part of a wider strategy by the White House to roll back environmental regulations that interfere with energy development and agricultural expansion, reflecting Trump's "drill, baby, drill" policies.
The decline of the lesser prairie chicken has been primarily attributed to habitat loss resulting from agricultural headway and energy projects in southern and central U.S. grasslands. The recent court filing, made in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, stated that the Bird’s status would be reassessed by November 30, 2026. During this interim period, it would lose its protections under the Endangered Species Act; however, the administration noted the existence of at least sixteen conservation programs aimed at supporting the species, managed by a mixture of state, federal, and private organizations.
