Lesser Prairie Chicken Listed As Threatened, Could Impact Energy Industry
The lesser prairie chicken has been officially listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The listing could impact the Southwest’s oil and gas industry.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says rapid population decline was behind the decision to list the bird as threatened.
The lesser prairie chicken is a small bird that lives in grasslands across the west. It has had some protections by range conservation efforts run in individual states.
Steve Henke is the president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. He says the listing has the potential to limit drilling on some oil and gas fields, and could put the matter up to legal interpretation in federal courts.
"The fact that it’s been added to the list provides the opportunity for continuing challenge by the radical environmental community to say whatever has been done under the range wide plan is not enough, is not being implemented fast enough," Henke said.
Environmentalists are praising the decision, but have also expressed disappointment.
Erik Molvar, a wildlife biologist with Wild Earth Guardians, says the bird should have seen a more comprehensive “endangered” listing.
"This is something that is completely irresponsible in the context of how imminently in danger of extinction this bird really is," Molvar said.
At last count, about 17,000 birds remain in the wild.
In recognition of the conservation efforts that are already in place, the Fish and Wildlife Service will allow the five states — including Colorado, Texas and New Mexico — to continue using their own regulations.
