{"id":28419,"date":"2026-02-26T23:31:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T04:31:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/federal-officials-remove-lesser-prairie-chicken-from-endangered-list\/"},"modified":"2026-02-26T23:31:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T04:31:28","slug":"federal-officials-remove-lesser-prairie-chicken-from-endangered-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/federal-officials-remove-lesser-prairie-chicken-from-endangered-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Federal Officials Remove Lesser Prairie Chicken from Endangered List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"627\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772166687333.webp?resize=836%2C627&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-28418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772166687333.webp?w=836&amp;ssl=1 836w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772166687333.webp?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772166687333.webp?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Federal wildlife officials have officially removed two distinct populations of the lesser prairie chicken from endangered species protections, completing the delisting process on Thursday.<\/p><p>The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the completion of regulations that strip Endangered Species Act protections from the two prairie chicken populations, representing a major shift in the conservation approach for these birds.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Two distinct populations of the lesser prairie chicken have been officially removed from federal endangered species protections. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed the delisting process on Thursday, marking a significant change in conservation status for the bird species.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":28418,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[838],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-science"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772166687333.webp?fit=836%2C627&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-7on","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":27987,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/federal-protections-stripped-from-lesser-prairie-chicken-after-industry-challenge\/","url_meta":{"origin":28419,"position":0},"title":"Federal Protections Stripped from Lesser Prairie Chicken After Industry Challenge","author":"Admin","date":"February 26, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The Trump administration has officially removed federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, a ground-dwelling bird known for its elaborate mating dances. The decision follows successful legal challenges by three states and oil and cattle industry groups who argued the species was improperly listed for protection.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Science&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Science","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/science\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772127207102.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772127207102.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772127207102.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/news-1772127207102.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":44693,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/federal-agencies-may-skip-wildlife-protections-for-oil-operations-citing-security\/","url_meta":{"origin":28419,"position":1},"title":"Federal Agencies May Skip Wildlife Protections for Oil Operations Citing Security","author":"Admin","date":"March 30, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The federal government is considering allowing oil companies to bypass environmental protections for endangered Gulf of Mexico animals by invoking national security concerns. While the \"God Squad\" committee has never been convened for national security reasons, other agencies have already used \"energy emergency\" justifications to circumvent wildlife protection regulations.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Science&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Science","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/science\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774901170446.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774901170446.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774901170446.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774901170446.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774901170446.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":43480,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/federal-judge-allows-tuesday-meeting-on-gulf-oil-drilling-species-exemption\/","url_meta":{"origin":28419,"position":2},"title":"Federal Judge Allows Tuesday Meeting on Gulf Oil Drilling Species Exemption","author":"Admin","date":"March 27, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A federal judge has denied a request to halt a controversial Tuesday meeting where officials will consider exempting Gulf of Mexico oil drilling from endangered species protections. The meeting, requested by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for national security reasons, could impact the critically endangered Rice's whale with only 50 remaining.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Science&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Science","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/science\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774633845924.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774633845924.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774633845924.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1774633845924.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15339,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/delaware-sees-increased-wildlife-activity-amid-development-and-seasonal-changes\/","url_meta":{"origin":28419,"position":3},"title":"Delaware Sees Increased Wildlife Activity Amid Development and Seasonal Changes","author":"admin","date":"June 2, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Sussex County, Delaware\u00a0 \u2014 Sussex County is experiencing more wildlife sightings as weather shifts and development expands across the region. Delaware\u2019s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) monitors many species, while agencies like the Department of Agriculture manage pest populations, such as the damaging spotted lanternfly. Anthony Gonzon,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gray-fox-in-a-lush-green-meadow-2025-02-09-01-32-40-utc-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gray-fox-in-a-lush-green-meadow-2025-02-09-01-32-40-utc-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gray-fox-in-a-lush-green-meadow-2025-02-09-01-32-40-utc-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gray-fox-in-a-lush-green-meadow-2025-02-09-01-32-40-utc-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/gray-fox-in-a-lush-green-meadow-2025-02-09-01-32-40-utc-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19607,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/salisbury-zoo-introduces-first-herd-of-endangered-chacoan-peccaries\/","url_meta":{"origin":28419,"position":4},"title":"SALISBURY ZOO INTRODUCES FIRST HERD OF ENDANGERED CHACOAN PECCARIES","author":"admin","date":"December 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"SALISBURY Md. \u2013 The Salisbury Zoo has introduced five Chacoan peccaries to its collection, marking the first time the endangered species has been displayed at the facility, according to information released by zoo officials. Chacoan peccaries are native to the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina. Although commonly\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pigs-at-zoo.jpg?fit=1200%2C1001&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":71512,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/new-dna-technology-helps-track-endangered-species-in-rwandas-national-parks\/","url_meta":{"origin":28419,"position":5},"title":"New DNA Technology Helps Track Endangered Species in Rwanda&#8217;s National Parks","author":"Admin","date":"May 25, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Scientists in Rwanda are using environmental DNA technology to monitor endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys by analyzing genetic material left in soil and water. The innovative approach complements traditional wildlife tracking methods in the challenging terrain of Volcanoes National Park.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Science&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Science","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/science\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779694627161.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779694627161.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779694627161.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779694627161.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28419"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28419\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28418"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}