The island marble butterfly isn't the only species in Washington state that is a candidate for federal protection. The Washington ground squirrel, the whitebark pine and the northern wormwood are also on the list, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In April, the island marble butterfly, found clinging to life on south San Juan Island, was added as a candidate for listing. According to the Federal Register, all four are nominees to receive federal Endangered Species Act protection.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife says the Washington ground squirrel's population has disappeared from a number of Washington counties.
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The squirrel is traditionally found in parts of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. It can no longer be found Columbia, Garfield, Spokane or Whiteman counties, U.S. Fish and Wildlife said.
The squirrels love to live in deep underground burrows, but increased agricultural growth often destroys their homes.
The squirrels typically weigh between 120 and 300 grams — about the size of two medium-sized tomatoes.
In Washington, populations can still be found in Adams, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Lincoln and Walla Walla counties, among others.
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The w
pine mostly grows in mountainous regions. Populations can be found in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming.
The tree's population has declined because of increased competition, global warming and the introduction of new diseases and bugs, such as pine blister rust and pine beetles, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The tree is a food source for a number of birds and small mammals.
The northern wormwood is found in parts of Washington and Oregon.
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The species is restricted to basalt, compacted cobble and sand on the banks of the Columbia River. In Washington, it is only known to occur in
[ Klickitat and Grant counties ]
.
Habitat loss, altered hydrology, competition from exotic weeds and the development of
[ riparian ]
habitats have chipped away at plant's population, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
The Washington ground squirrel and the Northern wormwood became candidates for protection in 1999. The w
pine became a candidate in 2011.
Here is how you can help, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Supervisor Ann Froschauer.
1. Learn about the endangered species in your area and talk to others about the wildlife, fish and plants that live in our area.
2. Visit a national or state wildlife refuge, park or forest.
3. If you have a yard or property, provide a wildlife habitat by planting native plants.
4. Volunteer.
Read more on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
[ website ]
, or reach out to the agency on
[ Facebook ]
or
[ Twitter ]
.