Delisting of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken

Biden-Era Listing:  In 2023, US Fish and Wildlife Service protected the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The southern population of the bird was listed as endangered in New Mexico and parts of Texas. The northern population was listed as threatened in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and other areas of Texas.

Lawsuits Follow:  The state of Texas and energy industry groups filed suit contesting the listing on the grounds that it harmed cattle grazing and oil drilling. 

Trump-Era Reversal:  On May 7 2025, the Trump administration filed a motion in court to vacate Endangered Species Act protections for the lesser prairie-chicken.

Court Defeat, Appeal:  On August 12 2025,  a judge removed ESA protection from the lesser prairie-chicken. On September 8, the Center for Biological Diversity and Texas Campaign for the Environment filed an appeal challenging the decision.

Habitat Loss:  The lesser prairie-chicken — a grassland bird known for its dancing mating rituals — has lost approximately 85% of its available habitat due to oil and gas drilling, agriculture, and development. 

Sharp Population Decline:  The lesser prairie-chicken's population has dropped to around 30,000 birds - a 97% decline since 1800. 

American Bird Conservancy is leading the advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts to protect and recover the lesser prairie-chicken. Please follow them on social media and support their efforts any way you can.