Conservation
The plant has been a listed Threatened species in the United States since 2002, however it is not as yet listed by the IUCN.
The desert yellowhead is threatened by human activities, including potential oil and gas field development on two leases that encompass the plant’s habitat. The plant may also be threatened by the search for and extraction of uranium and zeolites – minerals with properties useful in water softening, pollution control and removal of radioactive products from radioactive waste. Other threats include recreational off-road vehicle use in the area and non-native species.
Because of the desert yellowhead’s small population and limited geographic range, even small-scale habitat degradation could make it vulnerable to extinction. However, recent surveys indicate that the desert yellowhead population appears stable and current conditions appear favorable to the species and its habitat.
Read more about this topic: Yermo Xanthocephalus
Famous quotes containing the word conservation:
“A country grows in history not only because of the heroism of its troops on the field of battle, it grows also when it turns to justice and to right for the conservation of its interests.”
—Aristide Briand (1862–1932)
“The putting into force of laws which shall secure the conservation of our resources, as far as they may be within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, including the more important work of saving and restoring our forests and the great improvement of waterways, are all proper government functions which must involve large expenditure if properly performed.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)