Attwater's Prairie Chicken Captive Breeding

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The Attwater’s prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) (APC) is a critically endangered grouse found in the coastal prairies of Texas. Currently, fewer than 100 birds exist at three locations. Efforts to propagate and release APCs into the wild have been ongoing since 1992 and 1996, respectively. In an effort to attain the goals established in the draft APC Recovery Plan, captive breeding needs to continue in order to increase numbers in the wild. APC breeding facilities must have a proven track record that shows that they are capable of breeding and rearing APCs and must be AZA accredited. Facilities must also have 24-hr veterinary services capable of treating sick or injured APCs. Facilities should be within 12-hours driving distance from APC release sites located along the mid- to upper Texas coast. Since funding for this project is from a challenge cost share source, facilities will need to match (1:1 ratio)the total funding with non-federal dollars (i.e., $110,000).

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