Two cave species will not get federal protection, despite public requests

The US Fish and Wildlife Service decided not to list two cave-dwelling species as endangered or threatened. This means the cannulate cave isopod and the Dry Fork Valley cave beetle will not receive special federal protections for their habitats.

The Endangered Species Act protects species and their habitats, which can affect land use and development around those areas. When a species is not listed, it means fewer restrictions on activities like construction, mining, or agriculture in its habitat. This decision means developers and landowners in areas where these species live will not face new federal regulations.