more comments on subspecies and protection

[HpAzures at aol.com]

Lep-listers:

In response to my statement:

<<
However, in many cases, subspecific rank, based on even the most minimal 
traits, may be the only means by which small populations of butterflies 
receive any recognition for protection.
>>

James Kruse stated:

<<
This is not true. The law requires only that a population may be distinct 
somehow, and does not even have to be named. The rank of subspecies is 
unnecessary for protection.
>>

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I have not heard of this, at least at the 
Federal level.  Maybe you can cite an example.  Are there any examples on the 
list of Federally Endangered Species?  Certainly states can protect their 
portion of the range of a species.  Is this what you are referring to?

As far as I know, the eastern U.S. population of Speyeria idalia exists in 
only a very few remnant colonies.  U.S. Fish & Wildlife has not listed it 
yet, as far as I know, because the species is not yet endangered in the 
plains, where it can be rather common in some places.  For the eastern 
population to be protected, it needs to be differentiated from the plains 
populations by name.  

Anybody...help us out here.

Harry Pavulaan
Herndon, VA.
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