Prairie-Chickens Booted from Endangered List by Court Mandate
Published Date: 2/26/2026
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing the northern and southern groups of the lesser prairie-chicken from the endangered and threatened species list, following a court order. This means these birds no longer have special protections under the Endangered Species Act, effective February 26, 2026, though the court’s decision took effect earlier. This change affects conservation rules and could impact land use and wildlife management in their habitats.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Protections Removed
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the northern and southern distinct population segments (DPSs) of the lesser prairie-chicken from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, so Endangered Species Act protections no longer apply to those DPSs. The published rule is effective February 26, 2026, and the court orders that vacated the prior protections had legal effect when filed on March 29, 2025, and August 12, 2025.
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