This release was issued under a previous government.

Alberta Lek

Male Sage-grouse display on a lek

The transfer involved a team of biologists from Alberta Environment and Parks and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The birds were captured in Montana and have been released at three mating sites in southeastern Alberta.

“Alberta is grateful to Montana for this international co-operation and the opportunity to share knowledge and resources that will give the sage-grouse an opportunity to thrive in our province. This initiative is vital to Alberta’s continued species-at-risk recovery efforts.”

Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks

“We are pleased to assist Alberta with their sage-grouse conservation work, especially given the trans-boundary nature of the species. We all benefit from rebuilding sage-grouse habitat and populations across their range.”  

Jeff Hagener, Director, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

The sage-grouse will continue to be monitored with GPS transmitters to make sure they are adapting to their new surroundings and provide data on their movements, including breeding, nesting, and brood rearing.

Sage-grouse are an endangered species in Alberta and the province has a recovery plan designed to increase their numbers.