Ecoscraps

In an unusual move for an administration that cares little for endangered species, the U.S. Department of the Interior proposed adding 48 species found only in Hawaii to the federal endangered species list this week.  The administration claimed to be using a “newly developed, ecosystem-based approach to species conservation,” even though the Clinton administration used such an approach.  In related news, the Center for Biological Diversity filed five lawsuits regarding Bush Administration political interference in designations for six western species, including the California tiger salamander, southwestern willow flycatcher, and western snowy plover.  Noah Greenwald, science director for the Center for Biological Diversity stated:

The Bush administration has the worst record protecting endangered species of any administration since passage of the landmark Endangered Species Act. In the case of these six species, the administration’s malfeasance resulted in the removal of protection for over 300,000 acres of habitat in seven western states.

Maybe these species should move to Hawaii.

Via: World-Wire

Image: US Fish & Wildlife Service

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