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. Synthyris missurica is rare in Montana, where the species reaches its eastern extent. In Montana, it is known only on granitics in the southern end of the Bitterroot Mountains. Occurrences are in relatively remote areas with at least one population occurring within designated wilderness. The remote habitat limits the potential for negative impacts, and no significant and widespread threats to the species are known besides potential impacts associated with climate change. Population levels are poorly documented, and trends are unknown though populations have likely been relatively stable in the recent past or experienced only minor declines. All available data for the species in Montana was collected at least 25 years ago, leading to increased uncertainty about the status of the populations. Climate change may negatively affect this species over the next several decades. However, the timing and magnitude of potential impacts are largely unknown. Although climate change is listed as a potential threat to the species, it does not affect the overall threat rank or scoring, or the final subnational rank. Survey and monitoring data are needed to be able to determine population levels, assess condition and for assessing population trends. Surveys in potentially suitable habitat are likely to document additional occurrences.