John,
Found only in parts of Florida and Cuba, hauntingly beautiful ghost orchids have been the subject of countless articles, books, and films. Despite their fame, the flowers are barely surviving as poaching and wetland destruction take a devastating toll on their habitat — and their future.
Thankfully we have a chance, right now, to help save them.
Following a Center petition and court victory, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed protecting these specters of the swamps as an endangered species. Listing ghost orchids under the Endangered Species Act would give them a fighting chance by increasing important safeguards, strengthening federal penalties for poaching, and kicking off a comprehensive recovery plan for the species.
But the Service’s proposal doesn't include strengthening habitat protections — crucial for making sure commercial and residential development don't doom the ghost orchids to a ghastly fate.
Don't let the feds ghost these rare plants: Tell the Service to protect them as endangered and safeguard the places where they live.
