Montana Field Guide

DRAFT: Requesting feedback on the 2026 revised rank, factors, and State Rank Reason outlined below and in the Conservation Status Rank Report.
Oxytropis lagopus var. conjugans is relatively rare in Montana, occurring primarily in areas of central and southwest Montana east of the Continental Divide and from a few areas west of the Divide. It occurs in low to moderate elevation habitats, which have often been subject to alteration, degradation and development. Approximately 40% of the known observations/collections are pre-1950 and only a few observations are from the past 25 years. The available observation data lack quantitative estimates of population size. It appears highly likely that it has declined over the long-term, though populations have likely been relatively stable more recently or experienced only minor declines. Surveys of the previous observation/collection sites are needed to gather data on its current status at each location. Data on population size and extent, habitat quality and potential threats need to be collected. Surveys of areas of potentially suitable habitat are needed to look for additio