Following a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the prostrate milkweed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The conservation group alleges there are only 24 populations of the plant in south Texas and northern Mexico, largely a result of competition from livestock forages and human development.
“I’m hopeful that Endangered Species Act protection will keep the prostrate milkweed flowering in south Texas for generations to come,” said Michael Robinson, senior conservation advocate at the Center. “This fascinating plant long ago secured a sunny niche in tough landscapes, but it’s being driven to the edge of extinction by human development. Federal action is crucial.”
The proposed decision also designates 691 acres in Starr and Zapata counties as critical habitat.
Contrary to the Center’s assertion, USFWS said in its proposed decision: “Livestock, including cattle, sheep and horses, graze preferentially on grasses and forbs (broad-leaved herbaceous plants), including buffelgrass, and nontoxic herbaceous plants, and therefore reduce competition with prostrate milkweed from these plants.”
In addition, the agency said livestock may reduce competition by trampling other plants. Prostrate milkweed seems to be tolerant of trampling, and the effect is minimal, the notice read.
“In south Texas, overgrazed rangelands typically become invaded by woody plants, reducing the habitat suitability for prostrate milkweed,” USFWS said. “Hence, management practices that promote sustainable grazing of native grasses are beneficial to prostrate milkweed.”
USFWS will be accepting public comments through April 18. Comments may be submitted at federalregister.gov by searching for docket number 2022-02544 or by mail to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R2-ES-2021-0041, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. — Anna Miller,WLJ managing editor
