Stories from - COLORADO
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A Rocky Mountain Success Story
Thirteen years ago, the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) returned to its native range within the state of Colorado. Through a committed state-led initiative, this elusive cat has made a remarkable resurgence within a part of... Read More
Stories from - COLORADO
View All StoriesBackyard Ponds Grow Razorback Sucker
It's an odd-looking, reclusive and rare fish. The razorback sucker is one of four fishes native to the Colorado River system that are currently listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Read More
Featured Species in Colorado
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
Whooping crane
The whooping crane is one of the most, if not the most, endangered birds in North America. A combination of hunting and habitat loss nearly drove the species to extinction in the 1940s. Thanks to the hard work of federal, state, and nongovernmental groups, there are now about 250 whooping cranes living in the wild and another 150 whoopers in captivity. More »
Whooping crane.
Photo credit: USFWS
Canada lynx
The Canada lynx is a medium-sized cat, similar to the bobcat. It has longer legs and very large well-furred paws, impressive adaptations for maneuvering through deep winter snow. While their name suggests otherwise, the historical and present North American range of the Canada lynx includes Alaska, Canada, and many of the other northern 48 states. More »
Canada lynx.
Photo credit: Michael Zahra
Partnership Stories in Colorado
A History of Black-footed Ferrets
This video chronicles the rediscovery of black-footed ferrets in Wyoming 30 years ago. At that time, black-footed ferrets were thought to be extinct. The rediscovery set in motion one of the most successful conservation efforts in history.More »
Unique to Colorado
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Penland beardtongue (Penstemon penlandii), a showy perennial, is unique to Colorado. It is known only from only one site, which lies about 10 miles east of Kremmling, in Grand County. It is estimated the species occupies less than 1,500 acres. The plant is threatened by development, off-highway vehicle recreation, oil and gas exploration, and livestock grazing.
Photo credit: USFWS -
The Pawnee montane skipper (Hesperia leonardus montana) is a rare butterfly that occurs only on the Pikes Peak Granite Formation in the South Platte River drainage system in Colorado, involving portions of Jefferson, Douglas, Teller, and Park Counties. Because of the limited habitat and range of the species, unexpected environmental, random events could have a major deleterious effect on the population.
Photo credit: Craig Hansen, USFWS
