HOUSTON â€�&²Ô²ú²õ±è;After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined the Texas screwstem, an herbaceous plant, does not meet the definition of an endangered or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
The Service evaluated threats to the Texas screwstem, including habitat loss, 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 severe weather associated with flooding and drought. After a thorough review, it was determined these threats are not impacting the screwstem enough to justify ESA protection.
The Texas screwstem is represented by multiple high-resiliency populations that cover much of the historical range of the species. Over half of the populations occur on protected lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and private conservation organizations. These areas are more likely to preserve habitat quality and size due to conservation efforts, including sustainable timber harvest practices in the forests where these plants grow.
The Texas screwstem is a small, wiry plant, usually growing less than a foot tall. It depends on baygall wetlands found within the pine forests of eastern Texas and northwestern Louisiana. Baygalls maintain continuous moisture, feature elevated mounds or shallow swales, and consist mainly of sweetbay and holly (or gallberry) plants.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expanding partnerships to support at-risk species. Collaborative efforts among federal agencies, states, Tribes and private landowners have helped conserve many species and avoid federal protection.
Although federal protection is not warranted, the Service will continue supporting partners� conservation and research efforts. For more information on the Service’s decision, please visit or and search docket number FWS–R2–ES�2024�0109.
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