Date: Wed, 13 May 98 14:07:19 -0500 From: marj_boyer@mail.agr.state.nc.us To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg1631$foo@default> Subject: Sarracenia seed collection
Alarm bells sounded at Aaron Ellison's May 12 request for
"wild-collected" seeds of Sarracenia oreophila and S. rubra.
S. oreophila is a federally-listed endangered plant and so are S.
rubra ssp. jonesii and ssp. alabamensis; they're protected under the
U.S. Endangered Species Act. Nobody should even THINK of collecting
seeds from wild populations of these plants.
Under the Act, it's illegal to collect endangered plants, and the
definition of "plant" includes "seeds, roots, and other parts
thereof." US Fish & Wildlife can issue permits for activities "for
scientific purposes or for enhancing the propagation and survival of
endangered plants" if, and only if, you go through the proper
application procedure.
It's dismaying to see a casual-seeming call for wild-collected seeds
put out to a wide audience without any mention of the endangered
status of the plants. There is already a coordinated program to
conserve the wild populations of these pitcher plants. The efforts
include some VERY delicate dealings with landowners, and some life
history, ecologic and genetic studies. Anyone who wants to work with
the wild plants (including seeds) needs to coordinate with the overall
conservation program through Fish & Wildlife Service. Otherwise, even
with the best of intentions, you may seriously interfere with ongoing
work and be a very real threat yourself. Not to speak of being
outside the law.
Marj Boyer
Botanist, Plant Conservation Program
North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services
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