Butterflies, darter fish among species up for review

Results of Endangered Species Act reviews for five species could determine whether endangered and threatened species will remain subject to import and export restrictions.    The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is announcing active five-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the Dakota skipper and Poweshiek skipperling butterflies, the Higgins’ eye pearlymussel, the Hine’s emerald dragonfly and the Niangua darter fish.
   The Dakota skipper and Niangua darter currently are listed as threatened species, while the others under review are listed as endangered.
   The ESA generally prohibits the import and export of listed species.
   To ensure consideration, FWS is advising stakeholders to send written information related to the endangered status of the reviewed species before June 25.
   The ESA requires the government review listed species’ status at least once every five years.