Dams built across many Southwestern river corridors have wiped out much of this species historic cottonwood-willow breeding grounds. Land along rivers and streams also has been lost to farming, water diversion, stream channelization projects to straighten the rivers, and livestock grazing. Groundwater pumping and non-native plant invasions also have taken their toll on the streamside habitats that western Yellow-billed Cuckoos depend on. Extended drought and predicted climate change further jeopardize the western population of this species. The FWS proposal to protect critical habitat will promote the implementation of water and land management practices that will allow for the recovery of the streamside habitats that cuckoos need to survive.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 03:38:05 +0000
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