U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Endangered Status for Nevada's Rare Bleached Sandhill Skipper

In northern Nevada's arid regions, the bleached sandhill skipper, a rare butterfly with a golden-orange hue, is facing increasing threats to its survival. The U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed that the species be protected under the Endangered Species Act. This decision comes in response to concerns over the butterfly's declining population, which is attributed to factors such as habitat degradation due to climate change and human activities. The proposed protections for the bleached sandhill skipper mark the beginning of a 60-day public comment period starting today.



The potential risks to the butterfly’s habitat include declining groundwater levels due to agricultural practices and a geothermal energy project, as well as habitat disturbance from livestock grazing, according to the Center for Biological Diversity . Surveys show that fewer than a thousand individuals are identified each year, raising concerns about the species' survival. In Nevada, where water is a critical resource for both humans and wildlife, these challenges are particularly notable.

Restricted to a mere 14-mile radius in Humboldt County, northeast of Reno, The bleached sandhill skipper is closely tied to the fragile alkali wetland ecosystem. Lara Enders, a biologist with the USFWS in Reno, observed the urgency of the situation, stating, "It is a beautiful little butterfly, found in just a few quiet places in Nevada," and highlighting a significant population decline over the past decade, as reported by News3LV . The call for federal intervention represents a larger effort to protect the region's ecological balance, which encompasses preserving groundwater essential for the survival of not only the skipper but also a variety of wildlife and local human communities.

"The bleached sandhill skipper is a miracle in the desert, and this is a big step toward preserving a unique butterfly adapted to the harsh conditions of alkali wetlands," Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director, told the Center for Biological Diversity ..