Endangered Species Protection Sought for Vanishing Great Basin Flower – Center for Biological Diversity

Petition to Protect Barren Valley Collomia under the Endangered Species Act

Introduction

The Center for Biological Diversity has officially petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Barren Valley collomia, a rare plant species, under the Endangered Species Act. This action aligns with the global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, which emphasizes the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

Species Overview

• Scientific and Physical Characteristics: The Barren Valley collomia is a small annual plant producing tiny blue-white flowers in late spring.
• Geographical Distribution: Historically found in limited sites across southeastern Oregon and northeastern Nevada.
• Current Status: Not observed in over a decade, with the last photographs dating back to 1983; however, experts believe the species persists.

Threats to Survival

The survival of the Barren Valley collomia is jeopardized by multiple environmental pressures, which directly relate to SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on Land:

1. Climate Change: Altered weather patterns and temperature shifts threaten its arid steppe habitat.
2. Livestock Grazing: Grazing disrupts native vegetation and soil integrity.
3. Invasive Grasses and Wildfire: These factors degrade the ecosystem balance.
4. Pollution: Proximity to highways in Nevada exposes populations to pollution stress.

Habitat Description

The Barren Valley collomia inhabits rocky soil outcrops within the northeastern Great Basin, commonly found among sagebrush and juniper. These arid steppe ecosystems are fragile and vital for biodiversity conservation, reflecting the goals of SDG 15.

Conservation Importance and Legal Framework

• The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a critical legal instrument designed to protect both well-known and lesser-known species, such as the Barren Valley collomia.
• Under the ESA, 99% of protected species have survived, with many on the path to recovery, demonstrating the effectiveness of conservation policies aligned with SDG 15.
• The petition emphasizes the necessity of extending ESA protections to this species to prevent extinction and promote ecosystem resilience.

Call to Action

Gwendolyn McManus, associate scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, highlights the urgency of protecting the Barren Valley collomia, stating that the Endangered Species Act is the “single best tool to save life on Earth.” This call supports the broader international agenda to halt biodiversity loss and combat the extinction crisis, in line with SDG 15 and SDG 13.

Conclusion

The petition to safeguard the Barren Valley collomia under the Endangered Species Act represents a significant step toward fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals related to biodiversity conservation and climate action. Protecting this species will contribute to preserving fragile ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management practices.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on protecting the Barren Valley collomia, a plant species at risk of extinction, which directly relates to conserving terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article mentions climate change as one of the threats pushing the species to the brink of extinction, linking the issue to climate action efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. Under SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and protect threatened species.
2. Under SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 15 Targets:
   • Number of threatened species protected under national legislation such as the Endangered Species Act.
   • Population trends of the Barren Valley collomia, including sightings and surveys (e.g., last sightings in 2008 in Nevada and 2014 in Oregon).
   • Extent of habitat degradation due to factors like livestock grazing, invasive species, wildfire, and pollution.
2. Indicators related to SDG 13 Target:
   • Assessment of climate change impacts on species survival and habitat conditions.
   • Implementation of adaptive measures to mitigate climate change effects on vulnerable species.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: biologicaldiversity.org