The greater sage grouse, which once numbered in the thousands in Western Canada, is coming perilously close to vanishing from the Prairies, new government research shows.
Known for its unusual mating dance, the species — found in areas where sagebrush grows — has been endangered for decades.
The round-bodied bird is among the species most at risk in Canada. The latest data from government conservationists provides little hope for their future.
Mark Boyce, a University of Alberta ecology professor and Alberta Conservation Association endowed chair in fisheries and wildlife, said populations are on the brink.
“It’s desperate,” said Boyce, who has researched sage grouse for
