Rare Wildflower Discovered in Nevada Has Been Classified as an Endangered Species

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (702 Times, NV Globe) – A unique wildflower found only in Nevada is officially listed as endangered.

The Tiehm’s buckwheat has been designated as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

It also designates 910 acres of important habitat in Esmeralda County’s Rhyolite Ridge section of the Silver Peak Range.

According to federal officials, the essential habitat would not impact property ownership or other protected zones.

“Habitat loss is pushing more and more limited-range species like Tiehm’s buckwheat to the brink of extinction,” Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams said in a statement. “We look forward to working with our partners on this conservation effort to protect this rare plant and its habitat.”

Tiehm’s buckwheat is a low-growing perennial plant that can only be found in Nevada.

According to Fish and Wildlife, it is threatened by mineral extraction, road expansion, and off-highway vehicle activities, cattle grazing, climate change, herbivory, and a tiny population size.

The Center for Biological Diversity applauded the news, stating that the government’s safeguards are critical for Tiehm’s buckwheat’s survival. The organization has claimed that a proposed lithium mine in the region will endanger the facility.