A rare desert flower that once lived in southern New Mexico received protection this week as an endangered species, following numerous petitions and a lawsuit filed by advocates against the federal government.
With the protections provided by the Endangered Species Act, conservationists and federal wildlife managers hope to restore the species to its historic range, meaning it may return to New Mexico.
The Arizona Eringo was once known throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Mexico, but today there are only four population zones according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Two population zones were in southern Arizona, two were in Mexico, while this flower lived around the southwestern Boutille area of New Mexico, but was believed to be extinct in the state.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has designated about 13 acres of Arizona wetlands as important habitat, meaning that land may be further restricted from development to provide the environment for species to grow and increase in population.
According to the American Fish and Wildlife News press release, other areas may be sought for further population growth in the future.
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Growth is allowed in critical habitat areas, but federal approval with testing is required to prevent further damage to the species.
Amy Luthers, regional director for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, said the agency would work with landowners to protect the Eringo from extinction.
“The partnership will be critical in addressing the threats to Arizona Eringo and putting it on the path to recovery.”
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What is it and why is it threatened?
The Arizona Eringo can grow up to 5 feet tall and is known for its cream-colored, rounded flowers.
It belongs to the carrot family, also known as the RibbonLeave Button Snareroot.
Eringo grows in wetlands fed by natural springs called synegas and is threatened by pumping and diversion of groundwater needed for agriculture and other industries.
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Other threats according to the Fish and Wildlife Service are invasive species and severe and widespread drought.
The agency says conserving flowers means protecting these wetlands, which support a myriad of plants, insects, fish and other wildlife.
Read the agency report that says “healthy native aquatic ecosystems have the highest biodiversity in the Southwest.” “Efforts to conserve the synagogue-dependent Arizona Eringo will benefit aquatic communities for future generations to enjoy.”
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List of endangered species after years of legal battles
Following a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity in 2018, the federal government decided to identify the Arizona Eringo as endangered.
This was followed by a lawsuit filed in May alleging that the Fish and Wildlife Service failed to make a decision on the Eringo and another native New Mexico flower, the Wright’s Marsh Thistle.
Robin Silver of the Center for Biological Diversity said protecting Eringo habitat is important to protecting the environment in the southwestern US.
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“I am very happy that these large, beautiful plants and the rare Sineca habitats they inhabit are receiving this poor protection,” Silver said. “Eringo gives us one more reason to save the San Pedro River.”
In its May case, the center noted 11 species, including eringo and thistle, noting that fish and wildlife “failed” to provide results for the following petitions. They are archived.
The entire process of cataloging a species, according to the Endangered Species Act, takes no more than two years, while the center now charges an average of 12 years.
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The center estimates that 47 species have become extinct pending government action.
“The Fish and Wildlife Service must be at the forefront of the fight against endangered species.
“Safety delays have real consequences, leading to landslides and destruction. It is sad that this agency has not been able to come together to make timely safety decisions.
Contact Adrian Hayden at 575-628-5516, [email protected] O @AdrianHedden And Twitter.
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