Feds Aim to Save Florida's Mysterious Ghost Orchid from Extinction
Published Date: 6/5/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to officially protect the ghost orchid, a rare and mysterious flower found in Florida and Cuba, by listing it as endangered. This means the ghost orchid will get special care to help it survive, but no new protected areas will be set up right now. If approved, this change will happen soon and help save this unique plant from disappearing forever.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Ghost Orchid Proposed Endangered Listing
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to list the ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. If finalized, the species would be added to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants and the Act's protections would extend to the ghost orchid in the United States, where it is found in southwestern Florida.
No Critical Habitat Designation Now
The Service finds that designating critical habitat for the ghost orchid is not prudent, so the rule would not designate critical habitat for the species at this time. That means the agency is proposing protections for the species without identifying or setting aside critical habitat areas now.
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