Teams work to save native Montana plant

BUTTE, Mont. — The Center for Biological Diversity in Montana is working to protect the thick-leaf bladder pod, a plant that lives in southern Montana's Pryor Desert.

Experts explained the small species only lives in that area, in part due to its sensitivity when it comes to changes in its environment.

Future gypsum mining is expected and has already been approved in the area, so the center wants to get the thick-leaf bladder pod added to the endangered species list.

"(We have) a preliminary finding that our petition shows that the species could be under threat and could be listed as threatened or endangered," explained Kristine Akland, staff attorney for the Center of Biological Diversity. "So now the next step is for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to fully consider what's going on with the species and determine whether or not listing is warranted."

Gypsum is often used for plaster of Paris and plant fertilizer. However, if the plant species is added to the endangered species list, the project will need to be reconsidered.

USFWS is currently reviewing the case, but it's unclear when a decision will be made.

You can read the entire petition here.