This topic provides an overview of the conservation challenges facing the sagebrush steppe ecosystem and describes the current trends and threats across the range of the Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), including the status of Greater Sage-Grouse populations, conifer expansion, invasive annual grasses, wildfire, urban development, agricultural expansion, and others. The discussion includes an introduction to Greater Sage-Grouse habitat needs, big sagebrush biology, and patterns of ecological Resilience and Resistance. Also included is an overview of different classes of highly valued sage-grouse habitats, such as Priority Habitat Management Areas, Priority Areas for Conservation, sagebrush focal areas, FIAT assessment areas, and concentration areas.
Begin by watching this short video describing the importance of sagebrush to Greater Sage-Grouse survival.
This lesson will guide you through the vegetation management problems facing the sagebrush ecosystem, overview threats to the Greater Sage-Grouse, and introduce the science behind specific practices we can use to abate these threats to be presented in other lessons in the series.
Select Science to continue, or select a section in the navigation above. You may complete the sections in order,
or you may visit each in any order you choose.
Number of species
of conservation concern
associated with sagebrush
Maximum lifespan in years
of sagebrush
Percent of current
occupied sage-grouse
range on BLM administered lands