NM basically looked at the fact that alterna are popular, that the trade is locality-driven, and the "fringe" populations like the Huecos are in high demand, and then wrote that statement.

Any time you list something as T&E, you have to list "threats" (even possible ones). This is a peripheral species in NM that in reality, given the remoteness and inaccessibility of its habitat, is not "threatened" in any real, measureable way - even if every single one found were collected, the vastness of its habitat (even in a peripheral area like NM) assures its survival. Habitat destruction is the only real threat to species. My brother worked for NMG&F when they listed alterna, and told them so . . . but minds had already been made up to list it.

That said, there are some peripheral species with specialized, sensitive habitats (like TX's Speckled Racer, found basically in two tiny preserves in Cameron Co) that ought to be protected . . . but that case is nothing like a super-secretive rock crevice dweller in Chihuahuan Desert Mountains.

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