The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a draft recovery plan for the endangered Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly, which is found in New Mexico’s Sacramento Mountains.
The plan’s goal is to recover the butterfly so it no longer needs Endangered Species Act protections. The plan is not a regulatory document, but guides actions to recover the species, establish downlisting and delisting criteria, and estimate recovery time and cost. The plan’s strategy is to use captive rearing to expand wild populations, reintroduce butterflies, engage with partners to develop conservation plans and conduct further research.
To view the draft plan and submit comments by Oct. 23, visit ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1546.
