I'm not usually one to take the spot light or be front and center but, since so many species have been asking, "Menzies' Wallflower, what is it like to be on the endangered species list?!", I thought that the sooner I respond, the sooner folks will stop asking and I can go back to my comfort zone.
I'm not going to lie, it really sucks being an endangered species. Rather than dwell on the negative though, I thought I would focus on the silver linings. So today I'm going to share three perks of being an endangered wallflower.
Confirmation that you're special: I always knew that I was different from the others. Nearby species recognized this as well. For instance, European Beachgrass regularly called me an "awkward perennial", because I grew "lop-sided" and liked to avoid crowds. I never felt comfortable holding my ground against this bully. Luckily, I didn't have to. Getting on the endangered species list confirmed that I do, in fact, matter; I'm special and unique. There is no one, or very few, out there like me. Literally. Wait, is that a good or bad thing? I don't know. Take it with a grain of sand.
People Help You Out: Like many species, I wasn't a big fan of people. Ok, that might be an understatement. So many trampled all over the dunes without looking where they stepped. Even worse, in 1901 they introduced me to their terrible beachgrass friend. You try surviving 100+ years with that bully. Once I got on the endangered species list though, it was like the start of a new season. People changed; they suddenly became caring. It's confusing. But nice. As long as they still give me some space.
I've Made Friends: Building off my last point - being thrown in the spotlight has, in a small way, been a blessing in disguise. Since I've gotten on the list, I've really bonded with Friends of the Dunes. This group is actively working to restore my home to the place it once was. I hope every species can meet a great group of people like these. I truly believe if more humans really got to know us, we would all be better off!
So, there you have it. Getting on the endangered species list is not fun, but still has a few perks. If you have any other questions, direct them to the species on the ICUN Red List. They can surely give you more insight.
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