Kansas Proposes New Status for 3 Species After Major Population Gains

Karmactive Staff

Major signs of improvement have been reported for three Kansas species by state wildlife officials on January 15th.

Photo Credit: Greg Kramos / USFWS (CC BY 2.0)

Status changes were proposed for northern map turtle, shoal chub and broad-headed skink after extensive population research.

Photo Source: Courtney Celley/USFWS (CC BY 2.0)

Reviews of these species were begun in July 2023 under Kansas Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act.

Photo Source: Dmitry Bogdanov (CC BY 3.0)

Public meetings were conducted in 2024 where testimony about species status changes was gathered.

Photo Source: M.L. Haen (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A recommendation for shifting these species to Species In Need of Conservation status has been made by KDWP Secretary Chris Kennedy.

Photo Source: Christopher Kennedy (Linkedin)

Higher population numbers were found through KDWP's increased efforts and improved sampling methods.

Photo Source: Jimmy Emerson (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Public comments about the proposed changes are being accepted through Jordan Hofmeier until the commissioner voting date.

Photo Source: Corey Seeman (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)