MUSSENTUCHIT GILIA

Species Description: The Mussentuchit gilia (Gilia tenuis), found only in Utah, is a strikingly beautiful plant with pale blue trumpet-shaped flowers. The flower is named after the Mussentuchit (pronounced Musn't-touch-it) Desert north of Capitol Reef National Park. The Mussentuchit gilia is known to exist in only 17 locations along the western slope of the San Rafael Swell. Fewer than 2,500 plants remain in these locations.

Threats: The primary, immediate threat to the future survival of this species is the dramatic increase in oil and gas exploration and drilling which destroys the plants and degrades their habitat. In addition to oil and gas development, Mussentuchit gilia is also threatened by off-road vehicle damage and overgrazing.

Recent Actions:

Federal Register Notice - January 26, 2006 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Mussentuchit Gilia as Threatened or Endangered
Press Release - January 26, 2006 U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Will Not Conduct In-Depth Review to Consider Listing the Mussentuchit Gilia

Last updated: October 15, 2008