Soon to be extinct? Schaus swallowtail butterflies

Only 4 Florida Butterflies Found; Texas Oil Tycoons Applaud Lizards Denial for Protection

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK, Fla. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has issued an emergency authorization for the collection and captive rearing of Schaus swallowtail butterflies in an effort to save the “endangered” species from extinction.

     As a result of that authorization on June 8 — within two days after surveyors observed only three to five Schaus swallowtail butterflies at Biscayne National Park during their current flight season — the USFWS, National Park Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the University of Florida initiated an on-going emergency action to collect up to four female Schaus Swallowtail butterflies within BNP.  The surveys are continuing.

photo of dune sagebrush lizard by: Steve Jurvetson

SLEAZY WEST TEXAS OIL FIELDS, Tex. –A lizard whose habitat includes the West Texas oilfields will not be added to the endangered species list, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided

The oil and gas industry and state officials are applauding the move, which removes, for the moment, a potentially significant obstruction for the West Texas oil boom.

“This is a huge win for the Texas economy,” said Comptroller Susan Combs,  “it’s a huge win for private property rights, and I think it’s a big win for [the] species.”