6 Amazing Animals That Are Endangered and Living In Utah

Given the fact that Utah is home to a variety of climates and ecosystems, how many endangered animals are there in this state? According to the IUCN Red List, there are quite a few endangered animals in Utah, including a species of insect only found in a specific state park! With sand dunes, forested regions, and huge swathes of mountain peaks, Utah gives many different types of animals a safe place to live.

In this article, we’ll discuss 6 of the most interesting and fantastic endangered animals currently found in the great state of Utah. We’ll go over what these animals are as well as why they are potentially threatened, including whether or not their populations are stable or still decreasing. Let’s get started and learn all about these precious and rare animals now.

1. Mojave Desert Tortoise

Weighing up to 15 pounds and capable of surviving temperatures in excess of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the Mojave desert tortoise is critically endangered. Classified as Gopherus agassizii, the desert tortoise is most threatened by human interference in their habitat as well as a number of predators, including Gila monsters. Young tortoises are always in danger given the weakness of their shells. However, desert tortoises escape both the heat and predation by spending most of their lives in burrows!

2. Suckley Cuckoo Bumble Bee

Declining more than 70% over the past few decades, the Suckley cuckoo bumble bee is considered critically endangered by the IUCN. This particular bee species differs from other types of bumble bees in that it invades the hive of other types of bees. Given the fact that this bee relies on other endangered bees in order to survive, it only makes sense that the Suckley cuckoo bumble bee is also in danger!

3. Utah Prairie Dog

Endemic to Utah and classified as Cynomys parvidens, the Utah prairie dog is a protected species in its home state. Because of a loss of habitat and a variety of diseases including sylvatic plague, this particular prairie dog is considered threatened. However, the Utah prairie dog is detrimental to the habitats that it is a part of. It improves soil and generally maintains edible plant populations.

4. Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle

Another species only found in Utah, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle is beautiful. Classified as Cicindela albissima, this beetle only exists in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Capable of digging burrows for its own protection and shelter, this tiger beetle is thankfully only found in protected regions of Utah. The Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park estimates that these beetles occupy less than 20% of the park. Plus, the population of this beetle is likely less than 3000!

5. Thickshell Pondsnail

Only found in Lake Utah, the thickshell pondsnail may in fact be extinct. There have been zero living pondsnails found in Utah since roughly the 1930s, at which time it was considered a rare creature. Also endemic to Utah and classified as Stagnicola utahensis because of that, the thickshell pondsnail breathes air and thrives in fresh water- at least, in theory! If any were to be found, their shells would be extremely beautiful and intricate.

6. Roundtail Chub

With a stable population only ten years ago, the roundtail chub is now considered threatened and endangered, depending on the state its found in. In Utah, the roundtail chub is largely pursued by nonnative fish. It is also harmed by continued habitat loss. However, both of these factors are not enough to explain the decline of this freshwater fish. More research is being performed to determine what is happening to the roundtail chub population in Utah.

Conclusion

No matter where you go in the world, there are endangered animals. However, Utah is unique in that it has at least two endangered animals that are only found within its borders. Whether you choose to visit Utah for its ski resorts or sand dunes, take a moment to both appreciate and respect its endangered species, both large and small!

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