Biologists Developing Plan to Protect Lesser Prairie Chicken

A public meeting is scheduled Monday to discuss ways to protect the lesser prairie chicken.

Representatives from state and federal agencies will be on hand to discuss a management plan developed by wildlife biologists from Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

The goal is to protect habitat to keep the birds from becoming a threatened species.

Some ranchers, wind farms and others have worried that listing the bird as threatened could hurt their operations by leading to more regulations on the bird's habitat.

The lesser prairie chicken has feathered feet and a stout build. Males display brilliant yellow-orange eye combs and reddish-purple air sacs during courtship displays.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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