Oregon conservation organizations plan to file lawsuit over red tree vole protection

The red tree vole, a small hamster-like species native to Oregon’s coastal old-growth forests, has recently become the center of attention due to a legal battle between conservation groups and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Four conservation groups, including Cascadia Wildlands, the Bird Alliance of Oregon, Oregon Wild, and the Center for Biological Diversity, have filed a notice of intent to sue the US Fish & Wildlife Service for failing to protect the red tree vole.

In 2011, the US Fish & Wildlife Service determined that the red tree vole’s protection was warranted but did not extend its endangered or threatened status due to higher priority species. However, in 2019, the agency abruptly changed course and designated the vole’s protection status as „not warranted.“ This decision was challenged in court, leading to an agreement to reassess the species‘ protection status. Unfortunately, in February 2024, the protection of the red tree vole was once again designated as „not warranted.“

Noah Greenwald, the endangered species director for the Center for Biological Diversity, shed light on the unique characteristics of the red tree vole. These small rodents are red in color and closely associated with old-growth forests in Western Oregon and Northern California. They are arboreal mammals, spending most of their lives in trees and feeding primarily on conifer needles. However, due to habitat loss from logging and increased fire risks related to climate change, the red tree vole’s population has been significantly impacted.

The legal battle surrounding the protection of the red tree vole highlights the challenges faced by conservationists in advocating for the preservation of endangered species. Despite scientific evidence supporting the need for protection, political and economic factors often influence decisions made by regulatory agencies. The Endangered Species Act is intended to prioritize the best available science in determining protection status, but loopholes and delays can hinder the process.

The lawsuit filed by the conservation groups aims to hold the US Fish & Wildlife Service accountable for its failure to protect the red tree vole. By advocating for the species‘ conservation and habitat preservation, these groups are working towards ensuring the survival of the red tree vole and other species dependent on old-growth forests. The outcome of this legal battle will have implications for the future of wildlife conservation efforts in Oregon and beyond.