Habitat Protections Proposed for Endangered New Mexico Butterfly
Habitat Protections Proposed for Endangered New Mexico Butterfly Center for Biological Diversity
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Designation of Critical Habitat for the Endangered Sacramento Mountains Checkerspot Butterfly
CLOUDCROFT, N.M.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed designating nine areas in New Mexico, totaling 1,637 acres, as critical habitat for the endangered Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly.
Very few of these strikingly patterned orange and dark brown butterflies have been seen in recent years. In 2021, just 23 butterflies were found in two high-elevation meadows in their namesake southern New Mexico mountain range. Most of their habitat has been degraded by grazing, development, and motorized recreation.
The Service refused to protect the butterfly under the Endangered Species Act after the Center petitioned for it to be listed in 1999 and 2007, allowing its numbers to decline to such a low level. The butterflies were finally protected in 2023, following a third petition.
“These beautiful and irreplaceable butterflies are barely clinging to existence because of bad decisions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Michael Robinson, senior conservation advocate at the Center. “I’m so glad they’re finally getting protection for their habitat. I hope it’s not too late.”
The proposed critical habitat comprises 1,094 acres in the Lincoln National Forest, 521 acres of private land, and 22 acres owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. The Endangered Species Act prohibits federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service from harming or destroying critical habitat.
Peer-reviewed research shows that species with protected critical habitat are almost twice as likely to be moving toward recovery than species without it.
Scientists estimate that worldwide at least 10% of insects are vulnerable to extinction. Butterflies are one of the most at-risk groups, with nearly 20% of U.S. species facing extinction.
“The Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly and other local wildlife found nowhere else are part of what make the Land of Enchantment enchanting,” said Robinson.
Proposed Critical Habitat Details:
- 1,094 acres in the Lincoln National Forest
- 521 acres of private land
- 22 acres owned by the Mescalero Apache Tribe
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis:
- Goal 15: Life on Land – The designation of critical habitat for the endangered Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By preserving the butterfly’s habitat, efforts are being made to conserve biodiversity and ensure the survival of this species.
- Goal 14: Life Below Water – Although the article focuses on land-based conservation efforts, it is important to note that protecting the butterfly’s habitat indirectly contributes to SDG 14. By safeguarding terrestrial ecosystems, the interconnectedness between land and water ecosystems is recognized, promoting overall ecosystem health.
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The degradation of the butterfly’s habitat mentioned in the article highlights the need for responsible consumption and production practices. By addressing issues such as grazing, development, and motorized recreation, sustainable land management practices can be implemented to minimize negative impacts on biodiversity.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
- Indicator: Number of species protected under the Endangered Species Act or similar legal instruments.
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 15: Life on Land, which focuses on protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. The proposed designation of critical habitat for the endangered Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly aligns with Target 15.5, which aims to reduce habitat degradation, prevent species extinction, and protect threatened species. The article mentions that the butterfly’s habitat has been degraded by grazing, development, and motorized recreation, leading to a decline in their numbers. The protection of critical habitat is a measure to address this issue and prevent further harm to the species.
The indicator mentioned in the article is the number of species protected under the Endangered Species Act or similar legal instruments. The Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly was finally protected in 2023 after a third petition, indicating progress towards the target of protecting threatened species. The designation of critical habitat is a key step in ensuring the conservation and recovery of the butterfly population.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Number of species protected under the Endangered Species Act or similar legal instruments. |
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Source: biologicaldiversity.org
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