Feds studying whether to protect SC species

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is studying 46 types of plants and animals in South Carolina to determine whether they should be given special protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The State newspaper reports (http://bit.ly/rVgoQG ) that the study is being done after a request by environmentalists who say the review could preserve dwindling species. But the state Department of Natural Resources says that if dozens of new species are considered endangered, it could restrict development and cost South Carolina money.

Caroline Rhodes, chairwoman of the agency’s board, says she’ll wait for the outcome of the review, but doubts that many species need special protected status.

The list of species under review includes 25 plants, four kinds of crayfish, two kinds of fish and numerous insects.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com