Case studies of building collaborative partnerships for conservation of endangered and threatened cacti in Texas

Abstract

Summary: Echinocereus fitchii subsp. albertii is a federally and state endangered cactus endemic to Texas that occurs exclusively on private lands. Sclerocactus brevihamatus subsp. tobuschii is a federally threatened and state endangered cactus occurring on private lands, as well as protected lands in Texas. Although listed under both federal and state laws, these laws give very limited protections to listed plants on private land. Nevertheless, section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires federal agencies to ensure that their actions do not harm listed species. This paper provides case studies demonstrating how section 7 consultations lead to collaborations of federal and state conservation agencies, environmental consultants, non-profit organisations, and private landowners to conserve cactus populations in Texas, USA. Establishing good working relationships with landowners is essential for these conservation efforts.