U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Initiates Process to Consider Lesser Prairie-Chicken As "Threatened" Species Under the Endangered Species Act.

                             Important Announcement

     Based on scientific evidence that the lesser prairie-chicken and its habitat are in decline, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to list the Lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Lesser prairie-chicken is a grassland bird known from southeastern Colorado, western Kansas, eastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle.

     "Regardless of whether the lesser prairie-chicken ultimately requires protection under the ESA, its decline is a signal that our native grasslands are in trouble," said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, Regional Director for the Service's Southwest Region. "We know that these grasslands support not only dozens of native migratory bird and wildlife species, but also farmers, ranchers and local communities across the region."

     The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is seeking information and comments from the public regarding the lesser prairie-chicken and this proposed rule. Members of the public and scientific community are therefore encouraged to review and comment on the proposal during the 90-day public comment period beginning November 30, 2012.

     For more detailed information regarding the proposed rule to list the Lesser prairie-chicken as threatened; and, to view the public hearings roster, see LPC_ProposedListingFAQsFinal pdf (2).pdf.