CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- For the first time in nearly four decades, a team of Illinois scientists reassessed the endangered or threatened status of plants in the state. The team, led by researchers from the University of Illinois, found that although three plant species have been wiped out in the Illinois, many others are faring better than previously thought.
Scientists from the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources began updating conservation status ranks -- also known as S-ranks -- two years ago. S-ranks are based on factors like rarity, threats, and trends. The last time Illinois updated S-ranks was 1987.
Brian Charles, an INHS scientists who led the effort, said the team began with data from a national network of scientists that work to preserve threatened species. The researchers also gathered records from regional conservation districts, interviewed local experts, and searched for rare species in the field.
"Going out to find historical records is kind of like a rare-plant treasure hunt," Charles told the University of Illinois News Bureau.
After collecting and analyzing the data, the team updated the S-ranks for each species. The team learned that the Laurentian fragile fern, the small whorled pogonia, and a plant known as goosefoot corn salad have been wiped out in Illinois. But, they also learned that 71 species are now less endangered than they were in 1987. Only three species are more endangered today, compared to 40 years ago.
The improved outlook for some of these plants could be attributed to better survey methods and documenting.
"There are a lot more folks on the ground looking, so of course, we're going to find more populations of these plants," Charles said. "Many species are still not doing well at the individual population level but are simply less rare overall than we previously thought. And some of the rare plants that are increasing are in areas that are being managed to preserve them, so their comeback is evidence that such approaches are working."
States often serve as the first line of defense in identifying declining or threatened plant population. And, the work states do to document the status of their plants help create federal threatened and endangered lists. Currently, eight Illinois plant species that are threatened or endangered are also listed at the federal level.
Charles said the list has important implications for the future. It can allow states to help each other save plants from extinction. If one state has a thriving population of a rare plant, it could share seeds with another state where the species is declining.
Charles also encouraged Illinois residents to volunteer with organizations dedicated to monitor and help endangered plants, like Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves or with Plants of Concern.
"I should note that this project was possible due to the regional, national and international expertise of the botanical team at INHS, including Paul Marcum, David Zaya, Greg Spyreas, Eric Ulaszek and Brenda Molano-Flores," Charles said.
You can read more about their research -- and see a full list of which species are on the threatened and endangered list -- here.