Shivwits milkvetch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shivwits milkvetch |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Astragalus
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| Species: |
ampullarioides
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The Astragalus ampullarioides, also known as the Shivwits milkvetch, is a very rare plant. It is a type of milkvetch, which is a large group of plants in the pea family. This special plant only grows in one small area of the world.
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What is the Shivwits Milkvetch?
The Shivwits milkvetch is a plant that lives for many years. It can grow up to about half a meter tall, which is like the height of a small dog. This plant produces beautiful flowers, usually around 45 of them, on a tall stem. Bees help the plant make seeds by moving pollen from one flower to another. This process is called pollination.
Where Does the Shivwits Milkvetch Live?
This plant is found only in Washington County, Utah, in the United States. When a plant or animal lives in just one specific place, it is called endemic. Scientists have found only seven groups of these plants in the wild. There are an estimated 1,000 to 4,200 individual Shivwits milkvetch plants in total. They grow in desert areas and woodlands, especially on a type of rock formation called the Chinle Formation.
Why is the Shivwits Milkvetch Endangered?
The Shivwits milkvetch is on the list of endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. Many things threaten this plant:
- Losing its Home: New buildings and farms are being built where the plant lives. This takes away its natural habitat.
- Animals Eating It: Wild animals like rabbits and farm animals like cattle eat the plant. This is called herbivory or grazing.
- Human Activities: People using off-road vehicles can damage the plants and their habitat. Also, digging for rocks and minerals, called quarrying, destroys the land where the plants grow.
- New Plants: Some plants that are not native to the area are brought in by people. These introduced plants can take over the space and resources that the Shivwits milkvetch needs to survive.
Protecting the Shivwits Milkvetch
A big part of where the Shivwits milkvetch grows is protected. It can be found inside Zion National Park and on lands belonging to the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, a Native American tribe. These protected areas help keep the plant safe. However, some parts of its habitat are not protected, making the plant more vulnerable to threats. Scientists and conservationists are working to protect this rare and important plant for the future.
