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
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