235 species in New Mexico need protection [View all]

Authors of New Mexico's draft Wildlife Action Plan say the Gunnison's prairie dog is in such dire straits that it is one of several wildlife species in need of immediate conservation measures. A codependent species of the prairie dog, the burrowing owl, is one step down on the priority list, although its populations near Santa Fe are in serious decline due to development.

In all, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish listed 235 "species of greatest conservation need," including dozens of other mammals, birds and amphibians. The Mexican gray wolf, the centerpiece of a decadelong political fight involving ranchers, environmentalists, the state and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is included in the plan.

The state agency recently issued the 397-page draft, and the public has until Aug. 31 to review and comment on the document. The plan includes about half the number of species listed in a plan issued 11 years ago. A total of 241 were removed from the original list for a variety of reasons, while 24 new ones were added.

The new draft lays out a road map for how the state should manage and protect nongame wildlife species and habitat, but it lacks legal teeth. What the plan does is qualify the state for about $1 million a year in federal money to help protect some wildlife that aren't hunted or fished game species.

Read more: http://www.daily-times.com/story/life/outdoors/2016/08/10/235-species-new-mexico-need-protection/88516242/