Drought causing decrease in some wildlife populations in South Dakota
5/17/2022 1:45:01 AM
CATEGORIES:
Plants & Wildlife
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Lyman County, SD
Start Date: 1/1/2022
- End Date: 5/16/2022
The grouse population in the Fort Pierre National Grassland has decreased by 15% in 2022, largely due to drought, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The total grouse population has averaged around 300 since the mid-1980s.
Drought in 2021 did not permit extensive grass growth, which is useful in the spring of the following year before new grass growth occurs. Grouse begin laying eggs in April and need the dead grass from the previous year as cover, without which, the birds are more exposed to predators.
Drought and little water are expected to reduce the duck and fish populations.
Associated Press News (New York), May 16, 2022
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