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<p align="left"><span>OVER 30 SCIENTISTS ASK THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO SUPPORT THE CONSERVATION OF AN ENDANGERED BUTTERFLY</span></p>
<p>The Laguna Mountain skipper (<i>Pyrgus ruralis lagunae)</i> is one of the most highly endangered butterflies in North America. It was designated as a federal Endangered Species in January of 1997. More than a decade later, the butterfly continues to decline. Recent surveys have determined that the Laguna Mountain skipper is extirpated from the Laguna Mountains (it namesake) and there are now only 5 meadows on the neighboring Palomar Mountain that support populations of this species.<br>
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Without continued conservation, this butterfly is faced with imminent extinction due to risks associated with global climate change, such as increased wildfire and the drying out of its wet meadow habitat. Ecologists and lepidopterists from across the US have signed on to a letter asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to begin captive propagation immediately, work to prepare sites for reintroduction, and continue to monitor the existing populations. </p>
<p>These actions are vital to ensure the long term survival of this butterfly.<br>
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<a href="http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/letter_in_support_of_laguna_mountains_skipper1.pdf" target="_blank">Read the letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</a> >><br>
<a href="http://www.xerces.org/laguna-mountains-skipper/" target="_blank">Read more about the Laguna Mountains skipper</a> >> <br>
<a href="http://www.xerces.org/butterfly-conservation/" target="_blank">Browse the Xerces Society butterfly conservation program</a> >><br>
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<p><span>ABOUT THE XERCES SOCIETY</span><br>
The Xerces Society is an international, nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. For over three decades, the Society has been at the forefront of invertebrate conservation, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs.<br>
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<span>FOR MORE INFORMATION</span><br>
Contact <a href="mailto:sblack@xerces.org" target="_blank">Scott Hoffman Black</a>, Executive Director, The Xerces Society, 503-449-3792.<br>
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<span>PHOTO</span><br>
Laguna Mountains skipper (<i>Pyrgus ruralis lagunae</i>) by Tyler Grant, USFWS. </p>
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