The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is proposing to protect the western spadefoot as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Spadefoots are small amphibians that live primarily underground through much of California and Baja California, Mexico. USFWS is proposing to protect both northern and southern populations of the species.
“These fascinating amphibians are being pushed to the brink by poorly planned sprawl and agricultural development, and climate change is heightening their risk of extinction,” said Sofia Prado-Irwin of the Center for Biological Diversity.
Comments are being accepted on the proposal through Feb. 5, 2024, and can be submitted by searching for docket ID FWS–R8–ES–2023–0095 at regulations.gov.
