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Dakota Skipper and Poweshiek SkipperlingCritical Habitat
The Dakota skipper and Poweshiek skipperling are butterflies native to tallgrass prairies of north-central United States and south-central Canada. Critical Habitat will be designated in the Oct. 1, 2015, Federal Register. The Service designated about 19,900 acres of critical habitat in 38 units in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota for the threatened Dakota skipper, and about 25,900 acres in 56 units in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin for the endangered Poweshiek skipperling. Of the total 33,742 acres of critical habitat, about 12,050 acres is common to both species.
The Endangered Species Act defines critical habitat as an area that contains habitat features that are essential for the survival and recovery of a listed species, which may require special management considerations or protections. Regulation of critical habitat is limited to the requirement that federal agencies consult with the Service on any actions that may affect critical habitat. The Service can then recommend ways to minimize adverse effects to the habitat.
![]() Critical habitat for Dakota Skippers and Poweshiek skipperlings are the highest quality remants of tallgrass prairie and fens. Photo courtesy of Erik Runquist/Minnesota Zoo
Critical Habitat MapsText Descriptions of Final Critical Habitat Units
Dakota Skipper Critical Habitat Maps
Poweshiek Skipperling Critical Habitat Maps
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Last updated:
July 20, 2016
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