Experts are now assessing the status of four wildlife species found in the Midwest to determine whether or not they should be included under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The United States environmental law, put into effect in the 1970s, is designed to protect “critically imperiled species from extinction.”
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT MAY OFFER PROTECTION
Included on this list are the wood turtle, the northern bog lemming, the regal fritillary butterfly and the rusty-patched bumble bee. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated status reviews in light of recent petitions calling for the protection of 25 species. Upon the completion of this review, the agency will decide whether a listing, either as “endangered” or “threatened,” is warranted for each species.
Prior to the decision, information regarding the current status of these species may be submitted to the agency from September 18, 2015 to Novermber 17, 2015.
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT: THE FOUR SPECIES
The northern bog lemming is a small rodent, found in North America – particularly in mossy forests, woodland bogs and wet subalpine meadows. They are characterized by cylindrical bodies, which are covered with long grey or brown fur. The species is currently threatened by timber and peat harvests, as well as climate change.
The regal fritillary is found in prairies and grasslands in the east-central United States. It is commonly mistaken for the Monarch butterfly due to its distinctive orange and black color. Due to the development and expanse of agricultural practices, the habitat of this butterfly is being destructed.
The rusty-patched bumble bee could become the first bee in United States history to potentially receive federal protection under the ESA. The species used to thrive throughout the east and upper Midwest of the United States. However, its population has declined by 87% in recent years. Major threats include pests, disease, habitat destruction, pesticides and climate change.
The wood turtle lives in woodland bogs and streams in the northern states. However, the destruction of its surrounding habitat has greatly reduced the number of wood turtles in the wild. Furthermore, humans have inadvertently impacted total population numbers through illegal collection, road kill related deaths, and farming accidents.
