Declining populations of greater prairie chickens in central Wisconsin have started many movements to save the highly researched species. In 1954, conservation efforts have completely changed the population dynamics in Portage County. Similar to a grouse, greater prairie chickens thrive in tall grasslands, many of which are disappearing into agricultural lands and residential housing. Buena Vista Grasslands are home to some of the last surviving populations from what was once a great, thriving species. Now, efforts are being made to acquire as much land as possible to create a suitable habitat and breeding grounds for prairie chickens. With the help of the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources, private lands and farm lands were converted into nesting and brooding areas, and other areas were cleared for wide open ranges. These areas, called leks, are used by the prairie chickens to showcase their amazing dance moves and vocalizations. This behavior attracts females during the spring, and so starts the breeding season. Due to the decline and bottleneck in population numbers, many prairie chickens have been brought to the Milwaukee area to breed with populations there to increase the genetic diversity.
There are several potential causes for the declining population in the state of WI. As mentioned before, the converting of booming grounds into agricultural fields and livestock pastures is a primary concern. The invasion of exotic species is also of great concern. Native grasslands can fall victim to unnatural disturbance, which in turn can allow for invasive species to take hold. Garlic mustard, reed canary grass, as well as Wisconsin native species such as the many species of aspen (a pioneer species) can transform a perfect booming ground into something entirely different. There have been movements throughout the state to prevent the spread of invasive species, but I would like to find out how to do more or increase my knowledge of these potential invaders.
Lastly there is an exotic competitor within Wisconsin that has had a potential affect on the greater prairie chicken’s habitat, nesting grounds, and food supply. I have read small opinion articles stating there may be some potential concern with the interactions between Greater Prairie Chickens and the exotic Ring necked pheasant. I could ramble on about how this game birds supplies countless dollars to Wisconsin economy, but if there is a slight chance that this exotic species may have some detrimental affect on an indigenous species then action may have to be taken on the proper farming of pheasants within the state.
I would like to reiterate that this is just an opinion and I am in search of more knowledge about Greater Prairie Chicken conservation and the potential threats that threaten our native species.
3 comments:
This was an informative blog. Scientists continue to discover just how detrimental invasive species are. The hard part is getting rid of them. I found it interesting that WI has mixed 2 separate prairie chicken populations in order to increase genetic diversity. While in South Africa, I learned the same thing is done for cheetahs.
Invasive species are very hard to get rid of- every year Schmeekle does buckthorn removal and it is still everywhere! It would be interesting to see a volunteer group that assists in invasive removals. It could be a yearly activity for some of the natural resources groups on campus, and could easily be turned into community education. Many people are interested in prairie chickens, so maybe an educational workshop at the Prairie Chicken Festival could help raise invasive awareness?
OOh! I would be interested in hearing about your adventures. I am a big fan of genetics and find it fascinating! I would like to look more into doing some research regarding bottleneck genetic populations.
I am a fan of pheasants, however, I think they need to be monitored and managed efficiently to make sure they are not detrimental to native species. It would be a shame to lose a species due to a chosen hunting past time.
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