The bet365下载ios has recently approved a final recovery plan for the Three Forks springsnail, a freshwater snail found only in eastern Arizona. This species was listed as endangered in 2012, and the ultimate goal of the recovery plan is to help recover the springsnail so that it no longer needs protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Although extremely small, the Three Forks springsnail brings important biodiversity to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona. This snail species not only signifies a well-functioning ecosystem but also plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental health. Additionally, the springsnail serves as an indicator of ecosystem health via its sensitivity to environmental contamination. The springsnail ranges in color from tan to green to black and measures between 0.06 and 0.19 inches in length. The species is primarily found along a single drainage of less than four miles in length and completes all life stages within 10 feet of springheads, largely in bog-like habitats.
The overall recovery strategy for the Three Forks springsnail includes establishing self-sustaining populations at three geographically distinct complexes across its known range, establishing captive populations that can support springsnail releases into the wild, mitigating direct threats to the species, and restoring, maintaining and protecting its high-elevation spring habitats.
Recovery plans are not regulatory documents, and implementation actions are not required by the ESA. Instead, recovery plans serve as road maps with specific management actions to foster cooperation in conservation for listed species and their ecosystems. The final recovery plan for the Three Forks springsnail describes actions that are considered necessary for the species鈥 full recovery, establishes downlisting and delisting criteria, and estimates the time and cost to implement recovery actions.
An electronic copy of the final recovery plan is available on . To obtain a copy by mail, send a request to bet365下载ios, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 9828 North 31st Avenue, Suite C3, Phoenix, AZ 85051 or by phone 602-242-0210.
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