Phoenix – Following a rigorous review of the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the Bartram’s stonecrop as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with a 4(d) rule, which grants it many of the protections afforded to endangered plants.
The ESA defines “threatened” as any species which is likely to become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Federal protections for this succulent plant will raise greater awareness about the threats to it and inspire diverse partnerships on its behalf.
“The Service looks forward to working with our conservation partners in Arizona to protect and recover this rare native plant,” said Regional Director Amy Lueders. “Partnerships with state and federal agencies, private landowners and conservation groups are critical to our success.”
The Bartram’s stonecrop is a succulent perennial plant found in the isolated mountain ranges known as “sky islands” that rise dramatically above the surrounding desert floor in southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Growing at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 6,800, Bartram’s stonecrop occurs on rocky outcrops in deep, narrow canyons in heavy cover of share and near streambeds, springs and seeps. This microhabitat provides cooler temperatures and higher humidity than nearby uplands. The primary threats to the plant species are loss of habitat from reduction in water availability and altered fire regimes, as well as small population size exacerbating all stressors to the species.
The 4(d) rule for the Bartram’s stonecrop applies most protections given to endangered plants, including prohibitions on buying and selling it, and certain acts related to removing, damaging, and destroying it.
The rule becomes effective September 30th, 2021 and is available at https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8382.
