ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT PROFILE

PROTECTION STATUS: Not listed

PETITIONED: 2005

RANGE: The Mono Basin area in northeastern California and northwestern Nevada

THREATS: Habitat loss and fragmentation from development, livestock grazing, off-road vehicle use, and increased fire frequency and intensity; the spread of invasive plants; drought; and continued hunting in California

POPULATION TREND: Overall, the greater sage grouse’s range and distribution have been reduced by 56 percent, and populations have declined by as much as 93 percent from presumed historic levels. The Mono Basin area sage grouse has suffered an even greater reduction in range than sage grouse across the West, with current populations having declined significantly from historic estimates. Habitat in the California portion of the grouse’s range has been reduced by more than 70 percent and continues to shrink.