Attwater's Prairie Chicken
Colton Kissell
Where it is Found
Texas
Why it's Endangered
- Originally the Attwater Prairie Chicken was indigenous to both Louisiana and Texas, however brush species invaded the prairies and reduced the population solely to Texas
- Vast expansion of industries and cities limited prairie space
- Farmers plowing native grasslands for crops
- The chicken had no where to grow, therefore the population significantly decreased to about 8,700 in 1937
- In 1967 and 1973, the bird was enlisted on the Endangered species list and is no longer eligible to be hunted as a game bird
Importance
Ecologically
- Diet consists insects, primarily grasshoppers in the summer. Which aid farmers in reducing crops being infested and eaten from these pests
- Is an indicator species for coastal prairie ecosystems
Economically
- Ecotourism is becoming popular, the chicken attracts visitors from all over the U.S.
- Initially a game bird