The bet365下载ios recently evaluated the need to protect the Venus flytrap as an endangered or threatened species. Based on a review of the best available science, it was determined that the carnivorous plant is not facing an imminent threat of extinction now or in the foreseeable future and therefore does not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While the Venus flytrap occupies a narrow geographic range 鈥 growing wild only in North and South Carolina 鈥 the species is predicted to remain stable, because protection and active management is expected to remain unchanged. Venus flytrap still remains a state threatened species in North Carolina and all populations are protected, making it a felony to poach them.
鈥淗abitat protection and management, abundant partner involvement, academic research and data from a new status survey helped inform these findings,鈥 stated Mike Oetker, Acting Regional Director for the Southeast Region. 鈥淲ith 98% of the known Venus flytrap plants occurring in healthy populations, projections indicate it can thrive under current conditions well into the future,鈥 he added.
Venus flytrap grows in longleaf pine wetlands in the coastal plain and sandhills of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.鈥 The Nature Conservancy, along with state and federal agencies are conserving the best Venus flytrap populations.鈥疶he Service gathered data about our partner鈥檚 efforts, scientific literature, reports and other information to understand the plant鈥檚 current conditions, then developed scenarios of what the plant鈥檚 future could look like.
鈥淲e found that two-thirds of all known plants occur in the three largest populations. These healthy populations are managed with prescribed fire and are expected to remain in good condition for the foreseeable future,鈥 explained Dale Suiter, Service botanist in the Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office.
Land protection, management with prescribed fire, voluntary conservation partnerships, and working with private landowners to help them manage their land are just a few conservation tools employed to ensure the success for the Venus flytrap. For example, Bret Beasley, biologist with the Service鈥檚 Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, is working with private landowners to restore habitat across 500 acres in South Carolina where close to 1,000 plants were discovered in May of 2021.
The Species Status Assessment informed the Service鈥檚 12-month finding on the petition to list Venus flytrap under the ESA. Supporting information for the decision can be found at the under the following docket number: bet365下载ios-R4-ES-2023-0041. 鈥
The bet365下载ios works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at , follow our tweets at , watch our YouTube Channel at and download photos from our Flickr page at .鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;