Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WAPR experienced a component failure. Technicians have initiated the repair process. Thank you for your patience.

'Threatened' Status Sought For Ga. and Ala. Plant

http://www.growsonyou.com

Federal wildlife officials want a plant they say is found only in Georgia and Alabama to be classified as "threatened."

   The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it is seeking the designation for the Georgia rockcress. The plant has been a candidate for listing as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 2000.

   Wildlife officials also want about 786 acres of river bluff habitat designated as the plant's critical habitat. That land includes parts of six counties in Georgia and parts of seven counties in Alabama.

   The wildlife officials say only about 5,000 individual plants still exist. Georgia rockcress generally lives on steep river bluffs with shallow soil on rock or with exposed rock outcroppings.

   Habitat degradation and the invasion of exotic species are the greatest threats.

News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.