Ocmulgee Skullcap Federally Protected

Contact:  Denise Rowell, denise_rowell@fws.gov, 251-206-0056 

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After reviewing public comments concerning the proposed threatened status of the Ocmulgee skullcap, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined the plant needs more protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and meets the criteria of an endangered species.

In June of 2022, the Service proposed to list the plant as threatened with exemptions, and designate critical habitat. However, at the conclusion of the comment period, biologists reviewed new scientific information indicating the Ocmulgee skullcap is on the brink of extinction and should be listed as an endangered species.

“We are very grateful to our co-collaborators who submitted new evidence on threats to the Ocmulgee skullcap, leading us to upgrade its status to endangered,” said Michele Elmore, biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We plan to work hand-in-hand with our partners on the ground, and together, we will provide a solid framework to recover this beautiful plant.”

A rare plant, the Ocmulgee skullcap is not found anywhere else in the world except in the watersheds of the Ocmulgee River and Savannah River. The primary threats to the plant are development and urbanization, competition from non-native invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species , and herbivory by white-tailed deer. Of the remaining 19 populations, most are small with few individuals. 

Based on updated information received during the comment period, the Service will also add an additional sub-unit of 84 acres to the critical habitat. The critical habitat units consist of 6,661 acres within 10 counties in Georgia (Bibb, Bleckley, Burke, Columbia, Houston, Monroe, Pulaski Pulaski
The Pulaski is a special hand tool used in wildland firefighting. The tool combines an axe and an adze in one head, similar to that of the cutter mattock, with a rigid handle of wood, plastic, or fiberglass. The Pulaski is a versatile tool for constructing firebreaks, as it can be used to both dig soil and chop wood.

Learn more about Pulaski , Richmond, Screven, and Twiggs counties) and two counties in South Carolina (Aiken and Edgefield counties). 

Critical habitat does not prevent development or other activities. It will only impact activities that require a federal permit or funding and are likely to destroy or adversely modify critical habitat.

The Service will capture a vision of what the Ocmulgee skullcap's recovered state looks like in a Recovery Plan. It will also create a separate "stepped-down" Recovery Implementation Strategy (RIS). The public will have an opportunity to review and comment on the Recovery Plan. The RIS is a more flexible operational document that outlines how, when, and with whom recovery actions will be implemented.

For more information, please visit the Ocmulgee skullcap profile page or the Federal Register.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov/program/southeast-region. Connect with us on social media: Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Flickr, and YouTube.  

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