Photo credit: Daniela Roth

Aztec gilia (Gilia formosa) | ESA status:Petitioned

Aztec gilia

This imperiled plant is threatened by rampant oil and gas development in northwestern New Mexico.

Aztec gilia habitat

The Aztec gilia is found only in San Juan County in New Mexico, in a geological formation called the Nacimiento Formation. Unfortunately for the flower, this formation is also the site of intensive oil and gas exploration and development.

What are the threats to the Aztec gilia?

The main threat to the Aztec gilia is intensive oil and gas development, which is pervasive throughout the flower’s range. The population has declined steeply since 1995. The plant is also threatened by offroad vehicle use and predation by moth larvae.

What WildEarth Guardians is doing to protect the Aztec gilia

Guardians submitted a scientific petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describing why the agency must protect the Aztec gilia under the Endangered Species Act. Guardians has long been fighting oil and gas development on public lands in order to fight climate change.

Historical Significant Actions

Wildlife Press: Aztec gila

Press Releases

Positive step in defense of rare New Mexico plants threatened by fracking

May 11, 2021

Guardians seeks Endangered Species Act protection for imperiled Aztec gilia and Clover’s cactus found only in the Greater Chaco Landscape of northwestern New Mexico

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WildEarth Guardians protects and restores the wildlife, wild places, wild rivers, and health of the American West.

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