Aquilegia laramiensis

Until 2003, only 12 occurrences of this species were known, and since then, surveys of suitable habitat have been conducted and many more occurrences were discovered, for a total of 43. Aquilegia laramiensis is endemic to the Laramie Range in Wyoming and only is found in shaded spots of mostly granitic outcrops. Theses shaded microsites are typically crevices, the bases of rock outcrops, soil pockets and ledges. Threats to the species are not extensive given the difficulty in accessing the habitat. There are a number of potential threats though, including collection for the garden trade, extirpation from private lands, fire and most significantly climate change. Little information about this species' biology (reproductive, community, pollination, and other areas) is known and more research is needed to draw more specific conclusions about how to best manage and conserve the species.

Endemic to the Laramie Range of southeast Wyoming (Albany and Converse counties).

There are 43 documented occurrences of this species (Marriott and Pokorny 2006), most relocated since 2003 (last observed in 2010) and 2 historical records (most recently in 1926). In 2012, 49 extant occurrences were recorded by the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database.

Most populations are unthreatened at present due to their rugged and difficult to access habitat. Populations near trails and campgrounds could be threatened by over-collection for garden use, but this is a potential threat and not one observed. Intentional extirpation from individuals who own private land where this species occurs is also a potential threat, however, as of 2006 some landowners expressed positive interest in the plant (Marriott and Pokorny 2006). Fire may be a concern at a few sites where shade is provided by trees, or if severe crown-fire ignites all organic material in the landscape, but most populations are on rock outcrops with little fuel. Finally, climate change could be a threat to this species (Marriott and Pokorny 2006), in addition to grazing, trampling and off road vehicles (pers. comm. B. Heidel 2012).