Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse prefer bunchgrass prairies interspersed with stream bottoms containing deciduous shrubs and trees.
Limiting factors
Historically, significant habitat loss from conversion of bunchgrass prairie to cropland (pre-1915) led to extirpation of this species from Oregon. The small, declining, reintroduced population north of Enterprise is limited by drought, fire, fence strikes, predation, and availability of winter habitat.
Data gaps
Assess habitat suitability for Oregon sites. Identify additional candidate sites for restoration and reintroduction. Address limiting factors to stabilize or increase the reintroduced population.
Conservation actions
Monitor leks and wintering areas. Work with landowners to enhance habitat and minimize impacts of grazing. Manage and protect large expanses of suitable habitat and establish connectivity between occupied and candidate sites.
