Endangered Species

After a wildfire, rivers and streams can take years to recover. Native plants and wildlife are often crowded out by invasive species in the aftermath. But in Nevada’s Virgin River watershed, a collaboration between federal agencies and conservation groups is pointing to early signs of recovery.

The world’s smallest rabbit is at the center of a new legal fight that conservation groups say could have broad implications for sagebrush ecosystems across the Mountain West.

Conservationists and tribes in the Mountain West say they intend to sue the federal government if it doesn’t take steps to protect a rare snail that is threatened by a proposed lithium mine.

Conservation groups say they intend to sue the federal government if it doesn’t take steps to protect the world’s smallest rabbit, which is found across the Mountain West.

A small freshwater fish may be listed under the Endangered Species Act, according to a proposal submitted on Aug. 7 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The FWS is seeking public comment to determine its protection status.

Wildlife agencies are purchasing 3,345 acres of ranchland in the Mountain West that serves as a critical habitat for several species, including a threatened Western fish.

Bees, butterflies and other insects are not considered wildlife in many Western states, including some in the Mountain West. That can affect bugs – and humans.

Two different populations of a prairie bird that lives in parts of the Mountain West were listed under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Conservationists are trying to protect a rare springsnail in the Mountain West before its habitat is impacted by a proposed lithium mine.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a regulation change under the Endangered Species Act that would allow some species to be introduced outside their historical ranges. With more flexibility some endangered and threatened species could be moved to other suitable habitats.