Endangered Species Act Lists Rare Wildflower in Central Texas as Threatened
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has listed the bracted twistflower as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. This rare annual wildflower is native to the southeastern edge of the Edwards Plateau in Central Texas and blooms in spring with showy, lavender-purple flowers that provide nectar and pollen for native bee species.
The bracted twistflower is found in vegetation communities consisting of Ashe juniper, plateau live oak, Texas mountain laurel, Texas red oak, and other trees and shrubs along the rocky slopes of the Balcones Escarpment from Austin to Garner State Park. However, the species is facing several threats, including habitat destruction from urban and residential land development, browsing by white-tailed deer and livestock, reduced light levels from an increased density of woody plant cover, small population sizes, and lack of genetic diversity.
To protect the bracted twistflower, the FWS has announced a special 4(d) rule that adapts protections for the plant and critical habitat, which designates 1,596 acres in four Texas counties: Travis, Bexar, Medina, and Uvalde. Critical habitat identifies geographic areas containing features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species, and which may require special management considerations or protection. The nine occupied areas designated for bracted twistflower are already managed for conservation of the species, including approximately 345 acres on state land at Garner State Park; approximately 714 acres on lands managed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and City of Austin Water Utility; approximately 513 acres on lands managed by the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, and approximately 23 acres on private land that is voluntarily managed for conservation.
The proposed section 4(d) rule would provide for the conservation of bracted twistflower by prohibiting removing, cutting, digging up, or damaging or destroying the species on non-federal lands in knowing violation of any state law or regulation, or in the course of violating state criminal trespass law.
The Endangered Species Act defines a threatened species as “any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” By listing the bracted twistflower as threatened and implementing a 4(d) rule, the FWS is taking an important step towards the conservation and protection of this rare and beautiful wildflower. It is hoped that these measures will help safeguard the species and ensure its survival for generations to come. Should you need assistance in the field, Westward’s biologists provide complete ecology services that assist landowners and businesses navigate complex rules and compliance.
Photo credit: Dr. Norma Fowler