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Welcome to the Mountain-Prairie Region
The Mountain-Prairie Region consists of 8 states in the heart of the American west including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
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Science
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Science
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long tradition of scientific excellence and always uses the best-available science to inform its work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat for the benefit of the American public.
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National Wildlife Refuges
Where Wildlife Comes First
Created in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, today's National Wildlife Refuge System protects habitats and wildlife across the country, from the Alaskan tundra to subtropical wetlands. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System's 560-plus refuges cover more than 150 million acres and protect nearly 1,400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
While national wildlife refuges were created to protect wildlife, they are for people too. Refuges are ideal places for people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural world. We invite you to learn more about and visit the national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. - Visit a Refuge or District
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Ecological Services
The Mountain-Prairie Region's Office of Ecological Services (ES) works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, ES personnel work with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to avoid, minimize, and mitigate threats to our Nation's natural resources.
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Migratory Birds
Providing leadership in the conservation of migratory bird habitat through partnerships, grants, and outreach for present and future generations. The Migratory Bird Program is responsible for maintaining healthy migratory bird populations for the benefit of the American people.
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Fish and Aquatic Conservation
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program in the Mountain-Prairie Region helps conserve, protect, and enhance aquatic resources and provides economically valuable recreational fishing to anglers across the country. The program comprises 12 National Fish Hatcheries.
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Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. The Office of Law Enforcement contributes to Service efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation.
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External Affairs
External Affairs staff in the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides support to the regional office and field stations to communicate and facilitate information about the Service's programs to the public, media, Congress, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders in the 8-state region.
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Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly
Resources: Candidate Conservation Agreements | Consultation | Habitat Conservation Plans | Permits | Safe Harbor Agreements | Species List
Jump to a section: Recent actions & links | « Back to invertebrates
Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly (Boloria acrocnema)
The Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly (Boloria acrocnema) was discovered on Mount Uncompahgre in Colorado in 1978. The Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly is a small butterfly with a 2 – 3 centimeter (1 inch) wingspan. Males have rusty brown wings criss-crossed with black bars; females’ wing are somewhat lighter. Underneath, the forewing is light ochre and the hind wing has a bold, white jagged bar dividing the crimson brown inner half from the purple-grey scaling on the outerwing surface. The body has rusty brown thorax and a brownish black abdomen.
The Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly has one of the smallest ranges of North American butterflies. Its habitat is limited to 11 verified sites in the San Juan Mountains. All known populations are associated with large patches of snow willow (Salix nivalis) above 3,658 meters (12,000 feet), which provide food and cover. The species is found primarily on northeast-facing slopes, which are the coolest and wettest microhabitat available in the San Juan Mountains. Females lay their eggs on snow willow, which is also the larval food plant, while adults take nectar from a wide range of flowering alpine plants.
At the time of listing, threats to the species include, collection, trampling by humans or livestock, small population size, low genetic variablility, lack of protective regulations, and adverse climate conditions.
The Service was petitioned to list the species in 1979. Subsequently, the Service included the Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly in a notice of petition findings in 1984 (49 FR 2485), which stated that listing butterfly was warranted but precluded. The butterfly was then listed as endangered in 1991 (56 FR 28712), because of its small geographic range and the declining population. The recovery plan was published in 1994.
