Boise, Idaho • Idaho’s sage grouse population has dropped 52% since the federal government decided not to list the birds as an endangered species in the fall of 2015.
It's not yet clear whether the three-year decline is part of a cyclical pattern or indicative of a more serious issue, but the Idaho Statesman reports the trend could force state and federal wildlife and land managers to take a closer look at how sage grouse are faring in Idaho and other states in the U.S. West.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little said more information is needed before sounding any alarms, and that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the governor's Office of Species Conservation are working to gather data.