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Sclerocactus glaucus. Deposit Photos
Sclerocactus glaucus. Deposit Photos
Colorado hookless cactus removed from endangered list
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 29, 2025//
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially removed the Colorado hookless cactus from the federal list of endangered and threatened plants.
The decision affects Garfield, Mesa, Montrose and Delta counties, where the cactus is found in the Colorado and Gunnison river basins.
The move follows recent taxonomic studies that identified the Colorado hookless cactus as two distinct species: Sclerocactus glaucus and Sclerocactus dawsoniae.
Officials said the decision was based on scientific reviews showing threats to the cactus have been reduced or eliminated, and the species no longer meets the criteria for protection.
As a result, Endangered Species Act protections and conservation measures will no longer apply. Local land management and conservation efforts in the affected counties may be adjusted accordingly.
The rule will take effect June 30, 2025, giving local agencies time to adapt to the change in conservation status.
The Fish and Wildlife Service said it will implement a post-delisting monitoring plan to ensure the species remains secure and does not face future risk of extinction.
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