“It is outrageous that a common species inhabiting half of North America has been placed on the Endangered Species list,” said Rep. Lamborn. “For years Colorado and Wyoming have made the case that this listing was an error. Recent reports that the FWS is considering additional protection for this common species is outrageous and should not be an option. I urge a common sense approach to applying the Endangered Species Act, which does not include Preble.”

In 1998, the Preble’s Jumping Mouse was listed as threatened based on two basic theories, that this mouse was physically distinct from other subspecies of meadow jumping mice, and that the Preble’s population had declined over a large portion of its range. Both of these propositions have subsequently been proven false.

“For the FWS to continue listing the Preble’s as endangered is irresponsible, to do so by ignoring scientific data and stacking review panels violates the Endangered Species Act,” Rep. Lamborn argued. “By erroneously categorizing a healthy species as endangered, the FWS is unnecessarily using funds that would otherwise aid actual endangered species.”

The letter asks that Secretary Kempthorne have a briefing to fully explore the facts surrounding the Preble Jumping Mouse in its entirety before any final decisions are made.

* Text of the letter to Secretary Kempthorne is below.

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