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Commission adopts state endangered classification for Island Marble butterfly
Summary
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted Dec. 12 to adopt staff-recommended state endangered classification for the Island Marble butterfly, citing a single known population on San Juan Island and an estimated 300–500 individuals; staff said federal protections already exist and tools are in place to work with private landowners.
Chair Anderson opened discussion on the Island Marble butterfly after a staff presentation and the commission voted to adopt a state endangered classification as presented by staff.
Taylor Cotton, conservation assessment section manager with the Wildlife Diversity Division, told commissioners the species is now known from a single population on San Juan Island and that listing decisions are based "solely on the biological status and preponderance of available scientific data." She said the species’ restricted range, low abundance and high risk of extinction drove the recommendation: "due to restricted range, low abundance, and high risk of extinction, we recommend that the marble be listed or classified as endangered in Washington." Cotton said staff received 14 written public comments (13…
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