(AP) -- Two conservation groups have asked the federal government to impose new restrictions on oil and gas development in the West to protect the greater sage grouse, a popular game bird on the decline.
Related stories:
Grouse may rival owl's economic effect
Whether to declare the sage grouse an endangered species has pit environmentalists against ranchers in the northwestern United States.
Sage grouse taken off endangered list
The rare sage-grouse is fighting for survival in Colorado, but because of a recent spurt in numbers the birds will not be listed as an endangered species.
Satellite phones make cowboys wildfire sentinels
(AP) -- The craggy gullies where Idaho cowboy Paul Nettleton runs 1,200 head of cattle are often precious minutes from reliable cell phone coverage. That could spell disaster in this region where sudden summertime storms howl in from eastern Oregon, bringing dry lightning that can ignite fast-moving wildfires on sage- and juniper-covered hillsides. Unchecked, the flames could quickly turn this old mining town's historic wooden buildings to ashes.
Satellite phones make cowboys wildfire sentinels
(AP) -- The craggy gullies where Idaho cowboy Paul Nettleton runs 1,200 head of cattle are often precious minutes from reliable cell phone coverage. That could spell disaster in this region where sudden summertime storms howl in from eastern Oregon, bringing dry lightning that can ignite fast-moving wildfires on sage- and juniper-covered hillsides. Unchecked, the flames could quickly turn this old mining town's historic wooden buildings to ashes.
Complete 'family tree' of all British birds gives clues about which species might be endangered next
A new complete evolutionary 'family tree' showing how all British bird species are related to each other may provide clues about which ones are at risk of population decline, according to new research published today (11 June) in
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
Early California: A killing field
Research shatters utopian myth, finds Indians decimated bird
"The wild geese and every species of water fowl darkened the surface of every bay � in flocks of millions�. When disturbed, they arose to fly. The sound of their wings was like that of distant thunder."
Sage grouse drops near drilling sites
A study found the population of sage grouse declined sharply in breeding habitat near oil and gas exploration fields in western Wyoming.
Scientists call for trial of 'hen harrier ceiling'
As the grouse shooting season gets under way, two scientists involved in high-profile studies of hen harriers and red grouse at Langholm Moor in Scotland have called for field trials of a "ceiling" on harrier numbers in an attempt to end the long running conflict between conservationists and grouse managers.