Swale Paintbrush Proposed Endangered | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Press Release

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Listing Swale Paintbrush under Endangered Species Act, Seeks Public Input

Jun 7, 2023

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Albuquerque, N.M. – After comprehensive analyses as part of a species status assessment, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [Service] is proposing to list the swale paintbrush as endangered under the Endangered Species Act [ESA]. The Service seeks public input during the 60-day public comment period on the proposed listing.

Four long leafed stalks topped with yellow to white tipped leaves in the foreground with green and grey grass in the background — The swale paintbrush is an herbaceous annual flowering plant. It is native to grasslands, and is hemi-parasitic, relying on the root systems of other plants, mainly grass species, to survive. This species is also known as the glowing Indian paintbrush due to its bright yellowish flowers. These flowers produce nectar and support pollinators.

The swale paintbrush is an herbaceous annual flowering plant. It is native to grasslands, and is hemi-parasitic, relying on the root systems of other plants, mainly grass species, to survive. This species is also known as the glowing Indian paintbrush due to its bright yellowish flowers. These flowers produce nectar and support pollinators.

“Partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, private landowners, and conservation groups are critical to conserving imperiled species,” said Regional Director Amy Lueders. “We look forward to receiving public comments on the proposal to list the swale paintbrush.”

The species is only known to occur at one site in Hidalgo County in the southwest corner of New Mexico. The species historically occurred at an additional site in Hidalgo County and 11 sites in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain region of the states of Chihuahua and Durango in Mexico.

The swale paintbrush is threatened by small population size, habitat loss and fragmentation, drought, altered water flows, growing season fires, excessive growing season grazing, and a warming climate.

The ESA defines “endangered” as any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. If found necessary, Federal ESA protections for this plant would raise greater awareness about the threats to it and inspire diverse partnerships on its behalf.

The draft rule will publish in the Federal Register on June 8, 2023. Comments must be received by August 7, 2023. Information on how to submit comments will be available at www.regulations.gov by searching under docket number FWS-R2-ES-2022-0173. Information on how to request a hearing is also included in the Federal Register notice.