Sagebrush steppe

[3] It is key habitat for declining flora and fauna species, such as greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis).

It was once prevalent in the regions that form the Intermountain West such as the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau.

[2] Steppe has been overgrown with introduced species and has changed to an ecosystem resembling pine and juniper woodland, which has changed the fire regime of the landscape, increasing fuel loads and increasing the chance of unnaturally severe wildfires.

[5] Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is also an important introduced plant species that increases fire risk in this ecosystem.

[3] Besides severe fire, consequences of the breakdown of sagebrush steppe include increased erosion of the land and sedimentation in local waterways, decreased water quality, decreased quality of forage available for livestock, and degradation of habitat for wildlife and game animals.