Western Subspecies of Sage Grouse Does Not Warrant Listing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today found that a petition to list the western subspecies of sage grouse (also known as western sage grouse) as endangered or threatened does not provide sufficient information showing that the species is distinct from other sage grouse populations.

Based on that finding the Service concluded in a 90-day finding that the grouse is not eligible for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The Institute for Wildlife Protection petitioned the agency to list western sage grouse wherever they are found in northern California, Oregon and Washington, as well as any that still occur in parts of Idaho. The 90-day finding appears in today