US Fish & Wildlife Service Proposes To List Regal Fritillary Butterfly As Endangered; Habitat At Fort Indiantown Gap In Lebanon County

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the eastern Regal Fritillary butterfly as an endangered species and list the western regal fritillary butterfly as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The only population of the rare regal fritillary butterfly in the eastern United States at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.  Read more here.

The agency determined that the eastern regal fritillary is endangered due to the loss and fragmentation of its remaining grassland habitats from invasive plants and woody encroachment and periodic disturbances, such as fire, military operations, and other management activities if they are too large, frequent, or intense. 

These threats are exacerbated by the ongoing effects of drought and climate change.

The agency determined that the western regal fritillary is threatened due to the expected continued loss and fragmentation of large, intact native grasslands through conversion by agriculture and development; invasive plants and woody vegetation; the reduction of violets and nectar sources from the broadcast application of herbicides; and periodic disturbances from fire, mowing, and haying that are too large, frequent, or intense. 

These threats are all exacerbated by the ongoing and expected effects of drought and climate change. 

Comments will be accepted on the proposed listing until October 7.

Click Here for more information and information on how to submit comments.

NewsClip:

-- PennLive: Proposal Would Put Rare Butterfly At Fort Indiantown Gap On Endangered Species List

[Posted: August 8, 2024]  PA Environment Digest