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Betting on a Beetle: Agencies Team Up to Help Save the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle
IRelative to its body size, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle (Cicindela albissima) is estimated to run approximately 20 times faster than a human-being, making it a formidable predator in the insect world... Read More
Dime-sized Daisy Recovers
In January 2011, conservationists involved in the 25-year Maguire daisy (Erigeron maguirei) recovery effort had reason to celebrate. With the best scientific information available... Read More
Featured Species in Utah
Coral pink sand dunes tiger beetle
This rare beetle is only found within the dune system from where it gets its common name, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, in southern Utah in the United States.
Coral pink sand dunes tiger beetle.
Photo credit: Chris Wirth
Canada lynx
While their name suggests otherwise, the historic range of Canada lynx extended across the border into northern parts of the contiguous United States from Washington to Maine and down into the Rocky Mountains. A variety of factors contributed to lynx reduced range, notably land use changes with human expansion and a warming climate as possible contributing factors. More »
Canada lynx.
Photo credit: Michael Zahra
Maguire daisy
In 2011, conservationists involved in the 25-year Maguire daisy (Erigeron maguirei) recovery effort had reason to celebrate. The best scientific information available indicates the perennial herb has recovered to the point that it no longer needs the protection of the Endangered Species Act.
Maguire daisy.
Photo credit: Michelle Dela Cruz, National Park Service
Southwestern willow flycatcher
Because of river flow reductions and habitat alteration and loss, the southwestern willow flycatcher teeters on the brink of extinction.
Southwestern willow flycatcher.
Photo credit: Jim Rorabaugh, USFWS
Black-footed ferret
The black-footed ferret was considered extinct or nearly extinct when a small population was located in Mellette County, South Dakota in 1964. Still, the black-footed ferret remains one of the most endangered mammals in North America.
Black-footed ferret.
Photo credit: Ryan Hagerty, USFWS
Partnership Stories in Utah
Big-River Fish Recovery
The Upper Colorado River Basin is home to 14 native fish species, including the endangered humpback chub (Gila cypha), bonytail (Gila elegans), Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). More »
Unique to Utah
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Prairie dogs live in colonies, called “towns” and are quite socially integrated, even communicating with each other using vocalizations. Historically, the Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens) was poisoned and shot to prevent livestock from getting injured, but today it is threatened by habitat loss and degradation and plague outbreaks.
Photo credit: Laura Romin and Larry Dalton -
First discovered near Last Chance Creek in 1966, the last chance townsendia (Townsendia aprica) only occurs in Sevier, Wayne, and Emery Counties. This perennial flowering plant is part of the aster family and is also called the last chance townsend daisy. The greatest current threats come from mineral and energy development, road building and livestock trampling.
Photo credit: USFWS