Western Regal Fritillary butterfly in Oklahoma proposed as threatened, Federal Wildlife officials say

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced proposed protections are being sought for the regal fritillary, large non-migratory butterfly with orange and black markings.

Currently, the regal fritillary found in 14 states in the eastern and western subspecies is being recommended to be listed as a threatened species, according to Federal wildlife officials.

The risk is of extinction is not immediate but according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials, the concern reveals the species suffering from habitat loss because of agricultural and urban development, pesticides and climate change, among other issues.

Across its range, the species’ prevalence has declined as much as 99.9%, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report. The wildlife service’s latest report says it’s “likely to become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future.”

The service is seeking protections for the species which would include the following:

• Including prohibiting anyone from importing or exporting
• Harming, killing or trapping
• Possessing or transporting
• Selling the butterflies.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal triggers a 60-day public comment period on the proposed listing of the butterfly.

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