USFWS initiating several endangered species status reviews

On Apr. 17, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is initiating five-year status reviews for eight endangered species, including the Kirtland’s warbler, the Ozark hellbender, and the Karner blue butterfly. Kirtland’s warblers (Setophaga kirtlandii) and Ozark hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) are especially rare—each are known to occur in only two states. The Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) can be found in portions of several states, but is dependent on wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) for reproduction and feeding. Wild lupine, a perennial plant in the pea family, has been disappearing from its historical range due to habitat loss and modification. USFWS is required to review the status of each listed species under the Endangered Species Act every five years to determine whether the species’ current listing status is appropriate or whether it needs to be updated. As part of the status review process, USFWS is requesting written information on each species, accompanied by supporting documentation, by June 16.

Read more at the Federal Register.