Researchers at the University of Wyoming conducting a study to figure out whether sage grouse core areas provide benefits to other species.
The group’s Matt Kauffman says it’s commonly assumed that the answer is yes.
“This is part of what ecologists call the umbrella species concept – that by protecting one species you can protect other species that use a similar habitat,” Kauffman said.
Kauffman says that’s likely true to a certain extent, but animals that migrate only overlap with sage grouse habitat for part of the year. So protecting sage grouse habitat may not help other species as much as you might think.
The study is expected to be completed in two years.