After its seventh update in nearly 50 years, the Michigan list of threatened and endangered plants and animals grew to include 407 species.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Monday 58 species were added to the list and 36 were removed. People from universities, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, other conservation organizations and the DNR recommended the changes based on recent data.
“When people come together to collaborate on conservation, we can recover rare species,” DNR endangered species specialist Jennifer Kleitch said in a Monday statement. “For instance, trumpeter swans were just removed from Michigan’s threatened and endangered species list. Their populations have grown as a result of significant conservation efforts by many partners over decades.”
The trumpeter swan remains federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
While 36 species were removed from the list, others still need our help, Kleitch said.
Three bat species – little brown, northern long-eared (pictured here) and tri-colored – have been listed as threatened in Michigan due to significant population declines resulting from white-nose syndrome.
Photo provided/Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Three bat species – little brown, northern long-eared (pictured here) and tri-colored – have been listed as threatened in Michigan due to significant population declines resulting from white-nose syndrome.
Photo provided/Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Photos provided/Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The bat species added to the list face white-nose syndrome.
First documented in the U.S. in 2006, the disease has infected 12 types of bats and killed millions. The northern long-eared bat is among the hardest hit, with estimated declines of 97% or higher in affected populations. The bat is found in 37 eastern and north-central states, plus Washington, D.C., and much of Canada.
“White-nose syndrome is decimating cave-dwelling bat species like the northern long-eared bat at unprecedented rates,” Martha Williams, director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, said in a 2022 statement.
It is called white-nose syndrome because bats develop fuzzy white patches of fungus on their noses, wings and other hairless areas, according to reporting by The Associated Press. The disease also dehydrates bats and wakes them from winter hibernation, using energy that they can’t replace because the insects they eat aren’t flying around.
Rusty-patched bumblebees and American bumblebees were also added to the endangered species list because, like many pollinator species, their populations are seeing large declines.
“Many threatened and endangered species rely on high-quality natural areas that benefit all of us by providing clean water, clean air and places for us to enjoy nature,” Kleitch said. “When species are struggling, it can indicate declines in the functioning of those natural areas, which in turn can impact our quality of life.”
A full list of the state’s threatened and endangered plants and animals is available on the Michigan Natural Features Inventory website. This website also provides additional information on what each species needs to survive and thrive.
“I encourage everyone to take an interest in rare plants and animals — they are fascinating,” Kleitch added. “Learn more and support conservation efforts. Whether it be planting a native flower garden for pollinators or donating to a local land conservancy, we can all play a part.”