Laura Bies Posted January 27, 2023 Share Posted January 27, 2023 This news and analysis are provided by the Ornithological Council, a consortium supported by ornithological societies. Join or renew your membership in your ornithological society if you value the services these societies provide to you, including OrnithologyExchange and the Ornithological Council. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that it will delay the implementation of the rule listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) under the Endangered Species Act. The agency will use the 60-day delay to ensure that livestock grazing plans and other voluntary protection measures are in place. The rule was originally scheduled to go into effect on Tuesday, January 24. Under the rule, the southern distinct Lesser Prairie Chicken population in eastern New Mexico and the southwestern Texas Panhandle will be listed as an endangered species. The northern distinct population in the northeastern Texas Panhandle, southeastern Colorado, south-central Kansas and western Oklahoma will be listed as a threatened species. Under the final rule, a provision for the threatened population section allows FWS to exempt certain agricultural activities, livestock grazing and controlled fires from a provision barring incidentally killing, harming or harassing prairie chickens, if those engaging in such activities commit to certain conservation practices. However, according to the agency’s announcement this week, so far only one entity has developed an applicable livestock grazing plan. The USFWS is working to put more conservation agreements in place before the rule goes into effect on March 24. About the Ornithological Council The Ornithological Council is a consortium of scientific societies of ornithologists; these societies span the Western Hemisphere and the research conducted by their members spans the globe. Their cumulative expertise comprises the knowledge that is fundamental and essential to science-based bird conservation and management. The Ornithological Council is financially supported by our member societies and the individual ornithologists who value our work. If the OC’s resources are valuable to you, please consider joining one of our member societies or donating directly at Birdnet.org. Thank you for your support! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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