Photo credit: Robert Sivinski

Clover’s cactus (Sclerocactus cloverae) | ESA status:Petitioned

Clover’s cactus

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

Clover’s cactus habitat

Clover’s cactus is found only in Rio Arriba, Sandoval and San Juan counties in New Mexico, in a geological formation called the Nacimiento Formation. Unfortunately for the cactus, this formation is also the site of intensive oil and gas exploration and development.

What are the threats to the Clover’s cactus?

The main threat to Clover’s cactus is intensive oil and gas development, which has been poorly managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Freedom of Information Act requests to the BLM revealed internal strife, oil and gas companies failing to comply with their Conditions of Approval and monitoring requirements, and poor record-keeping in regards to transplanted cacti and their survival rates.

What WildEarth Guardians is doing to protect the Clover’s cactus

Guardians submitted a scientific petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describing why the agency must protect the Clover’s cactus 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: Clover’s cactus

Press Releases

Petitions Filed to Defend Rare New Mexico Plants Threatened by Fracking

Jun 2, 2020

Guardians Seeks Endangered Species Act Protections for Clover’s Cactus and Aztec Gilia