MI Adds 58 Species To Threatened And Endangered List

MICHIGAN — State officials added 58 species to Michigan’s threatened and endangered plant and animals list, bringing the total to 407, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The updated list includes three bat species – little brown, northern long-eared and tricolored. They are considered threatened due to significant population declines in the Michigan resulting from white-nose syndrome, officials said.

Rusty-patched bumblebees and American bumblebees were also added to the endangered species list, because like many pollinator species, their populations are seeing large declines, officials said.

"Many threatened and endangered species rely on high-quality natural areas that benefit all of us by providing clean water, clean air and places for us to enjoy nature," DNR endangered species specialist Jennifer Kleitch said. "When species are struggling, it can indicate declines in the functioning of those natural areas, which in turn can impact our quality of life."

While the overall endangered species list grew, officials also removed 36 species from the list. Among those removed include trumpeter swans, (but they are still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act).

"When people come together to collaborate on conservation, we can recover rare species," Kleitch said. "For instance, trumpeter swans were just removed from Michigan’s threatened and endangered species list. Their populations have grown as a result of significant conservation efforts by many partners over decades."

It was the seventh update to Michigan’s list of threatened and endangered species in nearly 50 years.

See a full list of the state’s threatened and endangered plants and animals on the Michigan Natural Features Inventory website.