Endangered Species Protections Sought for Rare Las Vegas-Area Sunflower – Center for Biological Diversity

Report on the Petition to Protect the Red Rock Sunflower under the Endangered Species Act

Introduction

The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a petition with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking federal protection for the Red Rock sunflower, a rare wildflower species found exclusively around three desert springs in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas. This action aligns with global efforts to promote biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15: Life on Land.

Current Status of the Red Rock Sunflower

• The Red Rock sunflower is an endemic species with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining.
• The species inhabits one of the busiest areas of Red Rock Canyon, which attracts up to 3 million visitors annually.
• The plant currently grows on public lands, which are protected from development but vulnerable to human disturbance.

Threats to the Red Rock Sunflower

1. Visitor Impact: Heavy foot traffic has resulted in numerous unofficial hiking trails that damage the sunflower’s habitat by compacting soil and hindering seedling growth.
2. Invasive Species: Introduction of invasive plants by horses and hikers threatens the native ecosystem.
3. Environmental Challenges: Climate change and excessive groundwater pumping threaten to eliminate the small patches of habitat essential for the sunflower’s survival.
4. Additional Risks: Wild burros and increasing wildfires pose further risks to the species.

Conservation Efforts and Partnerships

• The Center for Biological Diversity advocates for immediate federal protection under the Endangered Species Act to prevent extinction.
• Save Red Rock, an official conservation partner of Red Rock Canyon NCA, supports the petition and emphasizes the need for a dedicated network of advocates and stewards to ensure the species’ long-term survival.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 15: Life on Land – Protecting the Red Rock sunflower contributes to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing climate change impacts on the sunflower’s habitat supports broader climate resilience efforts.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration between conservation organizations exemplifies effective partnerships for sustainable development.

Conclusion

The petition to protect the Red Rock sunflower under the Endangered Species Act represents a critical step toward preserving this rare species and its fragile habitat. This initiative supports the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting biodiversity conservation, mitigating environmental threats, and fostering collaborative stewardship efforts. Immediate and sustained action is essential to ensure that the Red Rock sunflower continues to thrive for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on protecting the Red Rock sunflower, a rare plant species, highlighting the importance of conserving terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Climate change is mentioned as a threat to the sunflower’s habitat, connecting the issue to the need for climate action to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Excessive groundwater pumping is identified as a threat, linking the issue to sustainable water management.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. 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 endangered species.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. For SDG 15 Targets:
   • Number of endangered species protected under legal frameworks such as the Endangered Species Act (implied by the petition to protect the Red Rock sunflower).
   • Population size of the Red Rock sunflower (fewer than 1,000 plants remain, indicating monitoring of species population).
   • Extent of habitat degradation, including soil compaction and presence of invasive species (implied by the mention of unofficial trails and invasive plants).
2. For SDG 13 Target:
   • Measures of habitat resilience and adaptation to climate change impacts (implied by concerns over climate change threatening habitat).
3. For SDG 6 Target:
   • Levels of groundwater extraction and sustainability of water use in the area (implied by the threat from excessive groundwater pumping).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: biologicaldiversity.org