A rare California wildflower is no longer endangered, but still needs protection

The US Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to reclassify the rough popcornflower from endangered to threatened. This means the plant is no longer in immediate danger of extinction, but still faces long-term risks.

Moving a species from endangered to threatened is rare. It means conservation efforts have worked well enough to improve the plant's status. However, the plant still needs specific rules to protect it from future harm.