1. Sagebrush Steppe

2. What is a steppe? Normally dry grassy plans Warm summers cold winters
Semiarid approximately 25 cm annual rainfall
Are we the only steppe found in the world?

3. Where do we find steppes?

4. But our sagebrush ecosystem is unique in its own right

5. Climate of the Steppe Semiarid – Semi annual rainfall
Majority of our precipitation occurs by snow and spring/fall rains
Climate in relation to sub- regions of the steppes
Sagebrush Steppe (Northern)
Sagebrush Shrubland (Southern)

6. Producers in the Sagebrush Steppe
Sagebrush Steppe (Eastern Idaho)
Co-dominate Grass/Forbs and Brush
Sagebrush shrublands (Great Basin)
In these areas sagebrush is the DOMINATE plants species

7. Consumers of the Sagebrush Steppe
Very iconic animals within our sagebrush ecosystem
Mammals
Reptiles
Amphibians
Invertebrates
Birds
What trophic levels do these fall into?
Consumers of the Sagebrush Steppe

8. Threats to the Sagebrush Steppe
Habitat loss
Fragmentation
Towns, roadways, power lines
Renewable Energy
Agriculture
Farm
Ranch
Fire
Habitat Loss
Invasive Plant Species
Cheatgrass and medusa head
Conifer Encroachment (juniper) px

9. Threats = Less Biodiversity
Number of DIFFERENT Species in an area

10. Clark County are considered “Critically Imperiled” or “Imperiled”
11 %
Of the species found in
Clark County are considered
“Critically Imperiled” or “Imperiled”

11. So why do we care?
Write a short persuasive essay explaining why we should or shouldn’t care about our local sagebrush ecosystem