COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

​​​​​Overview

 The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse is believed to have a current range of eight states and one Canadian province. They used to live across much of western Colorado but the birds have disappeared from many West Slope counties because of diminished range. Fortunately, the population in northwest Colorado is doing quite well.​ ​​​  ​

Why Are​ Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Important?

The unique native habitat required by Columbian sharp-tailed grouse is limited. The mid-elevation native mountain shrub/grasslands have been degraded by overuse and development. The diminished range for this species is causing concern among the conservation community​ and sparking action plans. Retired farmland (e.g., Conservation Reserve Program) and reclaimed surface mines have provided alternate habitat for grouse and other grassland species.​​

What Are The Associated Challenges?

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What Is CPW doing?

CPW is involved in an extensive trap-and-translocation effort throughout western Colorado. Biologists are working to restore the native​ range of the species. Transplanted birds have formed leks, or congregations of males, in Middle Park and the northwest region. So far, these leks are healthy. The cooperation from biologists statewide has been key to the program's success. CPW  conducts studies to determine nesting success and chick survival in northwest Colorado.​