Colorado acquires vast ranch to rescue declining prairie-chicken species

The Southern Plains Land Trust has completed the purchase of approximately 2,100 acres of ranchland in Colorado for just under $2 million, marking a significant conservation effort to reverse the decline of the lesser prairie-chicken species. The property, positioned strategically near an active breeding site, will undergo habitat restoration in collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to create suitable conditions for the threatened bird population.

The acquisition underscores the severity of the species' plight. The lesser prairie-chicken population has experienced a catastrophic decline, dropping from more than 80,000 individuals in 1975 to merely 89 breeding males recorded in 2024. This sharp contraction reflects broader habitat loss and environmental pressures affecting grassland ecosystems across the American plains.

Restoration efforts on the newly acquired land will focus on re-establishing native grassland vegetation and removing obstacles that inhibit the bird's breeding success. The proximity to existing breeding grounds positions the property as a vital extension of the species' remaining habitat, providing additional space and resources for population recovery.

The project demonstrates the commitment of regional conservation groups and state wildlife agencies to prevent further species decline through land acquisition and active habitat management. These coordinated efforts represent a critical intervention in the fight to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken population.