Search Results for keywords:"endangered species"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed a petition to classify the Rio Grande cutthroat trout as endangered or threatened but found that it is not warranted at this time. This trout, which inhabits high-altitude streams in New Mexico and Colorado, faces threats such as hybridization with nonnative trout and habitat threats like wildfires and climate change. However, current conservation efforts, including a multi-agency agreement, have helped improve its population's resiliency. As a result, the Service concludes that the trout is not currently in danger of extinction throughout its range, nor is it likely to become endangered soon.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from Freeport Minerals for a survival permit supported by the Eagle Creek Multi-Species Conservation Benefit Agreement in Greenlee and Graham Counties, Arizona. This plan aims to protect endangered species such as the spikedace, loach minnow, and Gila chub, and the threatened narrow-headed gartersnake by constructing a fish barrier on Eagle Creek to prevent invasion by non-native species. The public is invited to comment on this proposal by February 3, 2025, and the documents are available online for review. The project is a collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation, which will help with the barrier's design and maintenance.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a rule to list several Caribbean skink species as endangered or threatened. The Puerto Rican skink, Lesser Virgin Islands skink, and Virgin Islands bronze skink are proposed as endangered, while the Culebra skink is proposed as threatened. The proposal also includes designating critical habitats for these species to aid in their conservation. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until February 18, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a 12-month finding regarding a petition to classify and remove the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) grizzly bear population as a separate group from the endangered species list. After reviewing scientific data, they concluded that the NCDE grizzly bears do not qualify as a distinct population segment under the Endangered Species Act, which means they are not eligible for separate classification or delisting. The decision was based on the fact that the grizzly bear population in the area is growing and expanding its range, with bears moving beyond the proposed boundaries. Therefore, the action to establish and remove the NCDE group from protection is not warranted at this time.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the big red sage, a plant species from central Texas, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision is based on threats including habitat changes, herbivory by deer and other animals, collection, inappropriate propagation, and climate change, which have all contributed to a decline in plant populations and genetic diversity. Although recognizing these threats, the Service has determined that designating critical habitat for the big red sage is imprudent, as it might increase the threat of collection. The proposal highlights the urgent need for conservation actions to protect and recover the species.