Endangered and Threatened Species: Status for Ghost Orchid
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to officially protect the ghost orchid, a rare wildflower found mainly in Florida, by listing it as an endangered species. This protection would restrict activities that harm the plant or its wetland habitat, and the public has until August 5, 2025, to comment on whether this protection should happen.
Key Points
- 1The ghost orchid, a rare flower that blooms only at night, is at risk of disappearing due to habitat loss and over-collection by plant enthusiasts.
- 2If approved, endangered species protection would make it illegal to pick, dig up, or intentionally harm ghost orchids or damage the swamps where they grow.
- 3Property owners and developers in areas with ghost orchids may face restrictions on construction or land-use activities to protect the plant's habitat.
- 4The public can submit written comments about this proposal until August 5, 2025, and the Fish and Wildlife Service will review all feedback before making a final decision.
- 5This is a proposed rule, meaning it has not yet become final and could change based on public input and scientific evidence.
Key Dates
June 5, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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