Help Protect Southwest Wildlife: Your Input Matters for 14 Species Reviews

You might care about this because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now reviewing the status of 14 animal and plant species in the Southwest. These species are currently listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Service does a check like this at least every five years. They want the best and most current scientific and business information available. This information helps them decide if a species still needs protection, if its status should change, or if it can be removed from the list. They are asking for new information that has come up since their last reviews. This includes details about species numbers, where they live, their homes, conservation efforts, and any ongoing threats. If you have any new information, please send it by April 10, 2026, for it to be considered in this current review. However, you can always send in new information about any listed species at any time. What is particularly interesting about this notice is the ongoing commitment to protecting species that are at risk. The Endangered Species Act is a strong law that aims to prevent animals and plants from going extinct. These regular five-year reviews are a key part of how the law works. They ensure that decisions about species protection are based on the latest facts, not old data. Public participation is very important in this process. By asking for new information, the Service makes sure that its decisions reflect current conditions. This helps conservation efforts be as effective as possible. It also allows for species that have recovered to be delisted, freeing up resources for others that need it more. These reviews make sure the law is applied fairly and thoughtfully, adapting to changes in the environment and in species populations. People who would be most interested in this legal document include environmental groups and conservation organizations that work to protect wildlife. Scientists, researchers, and academics who study these specific species or broader ecological issues in the Southwest will find it highly relevant. Landowners and developers in areas where these species live might also be very interested, as their activities can be affected by species protection laws. State and local government agencies that manage natural resources or development projects will need to know about these reviews. Lastly, any member of the public who cares about wildlife conservation or the natural environment of the Southwest should pay attention. Your observations and knowledge can directly help these species.