Endangered Species Law & Policy

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recently announced that it has proposed listing two butterfly species under the Endangered Species Act because of "steep population declines."  The two species are the Poweshiek skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek) and the Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae).  The notice issued by the Service states that "[b]oth butterfly species use prairie habitat and are threatened by degradation or changes to their habitat."  The Dakota skipper, which is proposed to be listed as a threatened species, is found in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Canada.  The Poweshiek skipperling, which is proposed to be listed as an endangered species, is found in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Canada,  In addition to listing the species, the Service also proposed designating critical habitat for both species.  According to the notice issued by the Service, comments will be accepted on the proposed listings and critical habitat designations throughout December 23, 2013.