Q: Pinguicula: conservation
P. caerulea
P. lutea
P. fiorii
P. ionantha
A: The butterworts face the same conservation stresses that other carnivorous plants the
world over are contending with---habitat loss, changes in hydrology, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.
Fortunately, many of the species have wide ranges and so are relatively secure in the wild. However, some species are
moderately to highly endangered. For example, P. ionantha occurs only in a small area in
Florida. Many of the species of temperate Pinguicula occur in exceedingly small ranges, perhaps limite
to a few mountain slopes. Some of the Cuban species are similarly restricted in range. Such situations are very vulnerable to
damage.
Significant plant poaching has been reported at the few Pinguicula poldinii sites.
Page citations: Rice, B. 2006a; Schlauer, J. 2002;
US Fish & Wildlife Service, 1973.
