Protected prairies still lose grassland bird species, study finds

A 16-year survey of 40 protected tallgrass prairie sites in western Minnesota reveals that grassland bird populations are declining even in conservation areas. Species such as the upland sandpiper and Savannah sparrow have become less common, and even generalists like mourning doves are affected. The study, published in Ecological Applications, suggests that unpredictable weather and other factors are undermining protection efforts.