Conservation and Management Challenges for a Poorly Understood Declining Species - February 8, 2024

Webinar given by Scott Somershoe of the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Pinyon Jays are an iconic species of piñon-juniper woodlands across the Intermountain West. Since the late 1960’s, the species has experienced significant, long-term population declines and is now under review for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act. Despite their noisy and gregarious nature, Pinyon Jays are poorly understood, and the specific drivers of decline are unknown. As partners begin research on Pinyon Jay demographics and habitat use, we are also beginning to investigate how impacts of climate change on piñon-juniper woodlands could affect jay populations. Through bringing together an understanding of Pinyon Jay biology, natural woodland dynamics, effects of anthropogenic change, climate change, among others, we can begin to strive for success with both jay and piñon-juniper woodland conservation. Pinyon Jay conservation is dependent on managing a climate resilient, ecologically functional woodland ecosystem into the future.