Why wildlife managers coat raven eggs with oil to protect sage grouse

A new study has found that coating common raven eggs with non-toxic mineral oil can reduce raven reproduction and improve the survival of vulnerable greater sage-grouse. Researchers reported that sage-grouse nest survival more than doubled, while their relative abundance increased by 44% in treated areas. However, they said long-term conservation also requires protecting habitat and addressing human activities that boost raven populations

By TOI SCIENCE DESK