Three threatened Kansas species show major signs of improvement

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas wildlife officials are sharing some good news this week as they report three of the state's native species are showing signs of increasing population numbers.

Laura Rose Clawson with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) said in a press release on Jan. 15 that three native species are showing signs of major improvements. These include the northern map turtle, shoal chub and broad-headed skink, all of which are currently listed as threatened species in Kansas.

The KDWP began a review process for these three species in July 2023 and consulted with the latest evidence on their current population numbers. This effort was conducted under the Kansas Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act which requires the KDWP to review its lists of endangered, threatened and species in need of conservation (SINC) lists every five years.

Clawson said that KDWP officials conducted numerous public meetings in 2024 to gather public testimony as part of this process and to help with the deliberations on which species should have their status changed. Secretary of the KDWP, Chris Kennedy, is now recommending the northern map turtle, shoal chub and broad-headed skink be taken from threatened status and instead be recognized as SINC.

Wildlife which are on the SINC list, while still facing threats to their respective populations, are recognized as being in less danger of extinction than those which are considered endangered or threatened. The KDWP's increased efforts and improvements in sampling methods led biologists to find higher numbers of these three species in the wild.

People are invited to weigh in on the proposals to move the three species off the threatened lists by contacting Jordan Hofmeier at jordan.hofmeier@ks.gov or by going to 512 Southeast 25th Avenue in Pratt, KS. Comments will be taken in until the KDWP commissioners vote on the proposed changes at a later date. You can learn more about the Kansas Nongame and Endangered Species Act by clicking here.

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