Why This Bird is Thriving in South Dakota But Endangered in Iowa

Things sure can change quick in the grand scheme of things. Back in the 1880s, the Great Prairie Chicken was the most abundant

It's one of the more puzzling stories in the Midwest Animal Kingdom - Why is the Great Prairie Chicken abundant and thriving in South Dakota yet almost non-existent in Iowa? Soil

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The Greater Prairie Chicken Loves Wide Open Spaces

The Greater Prairie Chicken is often referred to as an "Umbrella Species", meaning their protection ensures the protection of several other species of animals and ultimately tells you how healthy the local ecosystem is.

At one time, Iowa was considered a hub for Prairie Chickens, with some estimates in the hundreds of thousands. But, with progress, sometimes comes side effects.

Iowa has some of the most rich and fertile soil on the planet, and if you've spent any amount of time in the Hawkeye State, you know that it takes full advantage of that soil. Recent estimates show that nearly 84% of the state is dedicated to farming. With that comes plenty of benefits, including to the state's economy. For example, in 2022, Iowa gained around $46.5 Billion in agricultural cash receipts. But, with all that farmland, there are also some side effects, and one of them is the lack of space for native species.

In short, Iowa has very little space (in the wild) for the Greater Prairie Chicken to thrive. They generally need between 2,000 - 10,000 acres to maintain long-term viable populations. South Dakota, on the other hand, has proven to be the perfect spot for the Prairie Chicken.

In its central and southern counties have proven to be the ideal place for the Prairie Chicken, despite the fact that at one time, the bird was almost non-existent in the Mount Rushmore State. The tall grass and vast stretches of prairie is exactly what the Greater Prairie Chicken is looking for.

Additionally, there is also a substantial population of the Sharp Tailed Grouse within the state's borders, a bird that's very similar to the Greater Prairie Chicken.

While the odds may be in South Dakota's favor at the moment, there's still hope for the bird's resurgence in Iowa. The Kellerton Grasslands Bird Conservation Area and others are working hard to improve the bird's chances within the Hawkeye State.

The Male Greater Prairie Chicken's also have a very unique way of courting the females. Basically, the break out the dance moves. Take a look at the video in the YouTube link below for a better idea.