Pinyon JAY gymnorhinus cyanocephalus populations have declined by 83 5 with an additional 50 decline anticipated by 2035 as a result, pinyon jays have recently been proposed for federal listing as…

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) awarded South Dakota State University $111,402.93 under the Threatened and Endangered Species cooperative agreement program (CFDA 15.246) from September 2022 through September 2026. The university will identify current nesting colonies and habitat use of the pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocaphalus), a species that has declined 83.5% with an additional 50% decline anticipated by 2035. Field work will provide information on habitat features selected by nesting colonies, abundance, and the bird's response to various land management activities. This will ensure BLM management activities do not unintentionally impact pinyon jay populations, particularly in critical nesting or foraging areas. Results will guide ongoing and future agency actions consistent with the species' recovery and preventing the need for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act.

Pinyon JAY gymnorhinus cyanocephalus populations have declined by 83 5 with an additional 50 decline anticipated by 2035 as a result, pinyon jays have recently been proposed for federal listing as threatened or endangered and listed as a species of conservation interest by state, federal, and non profit agencies, including imminent consideration as a colorado BLM sensitive species management to reduce the extent and density of their primary habitat, pinon juniper woodlands, is common throughout their range to improve habitat for other wildlife species, increase diversity, improve grazing, and reduce fuels, including on BLM lands however, these management activities may have adverse impacts on pinyon JAY populations, particularly when situated in critical nesting or foraging habitat identifying current pinyon JAY nesting colonies, habitat features selected by nesting colonies, habitat use, abundance, and response to management activities have been identified as critical priorities for the pinyon JAY conservation effort to ensure management activities are consistent with species recovery and ensure that the species will not need to be federally listed on the endangered species act the proposed project will provide information necessary guide ongoing and future BLM management activities and ensure they do not have unintended adverse impacts to pinyon jays