Assisted colonization has been proposed as a conservation strategy for species with poor dispersal abilities currently located in modified landscapes that will be subject to the effects of climate change. An important policy concern is that assisted colonization is already being used by individuals and citizen groups to conserve endangered species. Current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations under the Endangered Species Act prohibit assisted colonization for most animals, but do not restrict assisted colonization of endangered plants that can be transplanted if ‘privately owned’. Plants are privately owned if originating on private property or acquired through permits from the USFWS; once privately owned, federal regulations do not prevent purchase, transport, and planting on another piece of private property.

To assess commercial trade of endangered plants in the U.S., we determined which of the 753 plants listed as threatened and endangered under the Endangered Species Act can be purchased online from retailers, nurseries, auction sites, or message boards. We 1) identify endangered plant species available for online purchase, 2) review applicable state endangered species laws, 3) use this information to address conservation arguments for and against the trade of endangered plants, and 4) offer potential policy solutions.

Results/Conclusions

For plants listed under the Endangered Species Act, we found that 73 of the 753 (nearly 10%) are either available for online purchase or advertised online and available at retail locations. One of these endangered species is the endangered Florida Torreya pine, a well-known example of assisted colonization efforts, as it has been cultivated and planted outside of its native range. The movement of endangered plants is not new; Torreya pines have been planted outside their historic range on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, for decades. However, the internet and increased shipping efficiency further enables global distribution of rare plants like the Torreya, including the Tennessee coneflower, the Virginia round-leaf birch, and the Hawaiian palm. 

Commercial distribution of rare and endangered species could increase the risk of ecological and economic harm through potential introduction of alien species. Without proactive planning and management, the endangered species of today could become the invasive species of tomorrow. Conversely, creating markets for endangered species could help conservation efforts by reducing demand for rare species. Early recognition of potential invasive pathways, such as the online sale of endangered species, helps inform policymakers of potential threats under current regulations.