[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 217 (Wednesday, November 10, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69222-69294]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27686]
[[Page 69221]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Part III
Department of the Interior
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish and Wildlife Service
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Native Species
That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual
Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of
Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 217 / Wednesday, November 10, 2010 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 69222]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS-R9-ES-2010-0065; MO-9221050083-B2]
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Native
Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened;
Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description
of Progress on Listing Actions
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of review.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In this Candidate Notice of Review (CNOR), we, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (Service), present an updated list of plant and
animal species native to the United States that we regard as candidates
for or have proposed for addition to the Lists of Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended. Identification of candidate species can assist
environmental planning efforts by providing advance notice of potential
listings, allowing landowners and resource managers to alleviate
threats and thereby possibly remove the need to list species as
endangered or threatened. Even if we subsequently list a candidate
species, the early notice provided here could result in more options
for species management and recovery by prompting candidate conservation
measures to alleviate threats to the species.
The CNOR summarizes the status and threats that we evaluated in
order to determine that species qualify as candidates and to assign a
listing priority number (LPN) to each species or to determine that
species should be removed from candidate status. Additional material
that we relied on is available in the Species Assessment and Listing
Priority Assignment Forms (species assessment forms, previously called
candidate forms) for each candidate species.
Overall, this CNOR recognizes five new candidates, changes the LPN
for four candidates, and removes one species from candidate status.
Combined with other decisions for individual species that were
published separately from this CNOR in the past year, the current
number of species that are candidates for listing is 251.
This document also includes our findings on resubmitted petitions
and describes our progress in revising the Lists of Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife and Plants during the period October 1, 2009,
through September 30, 2010.
We request additional status information that may be available for
the 251 candidate species identified in this CNOR.
DATES: We will accept information on any of the species in this
Candidate Notice of Review at any time.
ADDRESSES: This notice is available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov and http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/cnor.html. Species assessment forms with information and references on
a particular candidate species' range, status, habitat needs, and
listing priority assignment are available for review at the appropriate
Regional Office listed below in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION or at the
Branch of Candidate Conservation, Arlington, VA (see address below), or
on our Web site (http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/pub/SpeciesReport.do?listingType=C&mapstatus=1). Please submit any new
information, materials, comments, or questions of a general nature on
this notice to the Arlington, VA, address listed below. Please submit
any new information, materials, comments, or questions pertaining to a
particular species to the address of the Endangered Species Coordinator
in the appropriate Regional Office listed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Endangered Species Coordinator(s)
in the appropriate Regional Office(s), or Chief, Branch of Candidate
Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive,
Room 420, Arlington, VA 22203 (telephone 703-358-2171; facsimile 703-
358-1735). Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-
8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We request additional status information
that may be available for any of the candidate species identified in
this CNOR. We will consider this information to monitor changes in the
status or LPN of candidate species and to manage candidates as we
prepare listing documents and future revisions to the notice of review.
We also request information on additional species to consider including
as candidates as we prepare future updates of this notice.
You may submit your information concerning this notice in general
or for any of the species included in this notice by one of the methods
listed in the ADDRESSES section.
Species-specific information and materials we receive will be
available for public inspection by appointment, during normal business
hours, at the appropriate Regional Office listed below under Request
for Information in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. General information we
receive will be available at the Branch of Candidate Conservation,
Arlington, VA (see address above).
Candidate Notice of Review
Background
The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.) (Act), requires that we identify species of wildlife and plants
that are endangered or threatened, based on the best available
scientific and commercial information. As defined in section 3 of the
Act, an endangered species is any species which is in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, and a
threatened species is any species which is likely to become an
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range. Through the Federal rulemaking
process, we add species that meet these definitions to the List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11 or the List of
Endangered and Threatened Plants at 50 CFR 17.12. As part of this
program, we maintain a list of species that we regard as candidates for
listing. A candidate species is one for which we have on file
sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to
support a proposal to list as endangered or threatened, but for which
preparation and publication of a proposal is precluded by higher
priority listing actions. We may identify a species as a candidate for
listing after we have conducted an evaluation of its status on our own
initiative, or after we have made a positive finding on a petition to
list a species, in particular we have found that listing is warranted
but precluded by other higher priority listing action (see the Petition
Findings section, below).
We maintain this list of candidates for a variety of reasons: To
notify the public that these species are facing threats to their
survival; to provide advance knowledge of potential listings that could
affect decisions of environmental planners and developers; to provide
information that may stimulate and guide conservation efforts that will
remove or reduce threats to these species and possibly make listing
unnecessary; to request input from interested parties to help us
identify those candidate species that may not
[[Page 69223]]
require protection under the Act or additional species that may require
the Act's protections; and to request necessary information for setting
priorities for preparing listing proposals. We strongly encourage
collaborative conservation efforts for candidate species, and offer
technical and financial assistance to facilitate such efforts. For
additional information regarding such assistance, please contact the
appropriate Regional Office listed under Request for Information or
visit our Web site, http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/cca.html.
Previous Notices of Review
We have been publishing candidate notices of review (CNOR) since
1975. The most recent CNOR (prior to this CNOR) was published on
November 9, 2009 (74 FR 57804). CNORs published since 1994 are
available on our Web site, http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/cnor.html. For copies of CNORs published prior to 1994, please contact
the Branch of Candidate Conservation (see ADDRESSES section above).
On September 21, 1983, we published guidance for assigning an LPN
for each candidate species (48 FR 43098). Using this guidance, we
assign each candidate an LPN of 1 to 12, depending on the magnitude of
threats, immediacy of threats, and taxonomic status; the lower the LPN,
the higher the listing priority (that is, a species with an LPN of 1
would have the highest listing priority). Section 4(h)(3) of the Act
(15 U.S.C. 1533(h)(3)) requires the Secretary to establish guidelines
for such a priority-ranking guidance system. As explained below, in
using this system we first categorize based on the magnitude of the
threat(s), then by the immediacy of the threat(s), and finally by
taxonomic status.
Under this priority-ranking system, magnitude of threat can be
either ``high'' or ``moderate to low.'' This criterion helps ensure
that the species facing the greatest threats to their continued
existence receive the highest listing priority. It is important to
recognize that all candidate species face threats to their continued
existence, so the magnitude of threats is in relative terms. For all
candidate species, the threats are of sufficiently high magnitude to
put them in danger of extinction, or make them likely to become in
danger of extinction in the foreseeable future. But for species with
higher magnitude threats, the threats have a greater likelihood of
bringing about extinction or are expected to bring about extinction on
a shorter time scale (once the threats are imminent) than for species
with lower magnitude threats. Since we do not routinely quantify how
likely or how soon extinction would be expected to occur absent
listing, we must evaluate factors that contribute to the likelihood and
time scale for extinction. We therefore consider information such as:
The number of populations and/or extent of range of the species
affected by the threat(s); the biological significance of the affected
population(s), taking into consideration the life-history
characteristics of the species and its current abundance and
distribution; whether the threats affect the species in only a portion
of its range, and if so the likelihood of persistence of the species in
the unaffected portions; the severity of the effects and the rapidity
with which they have caused or are likely to cause mortality to
individuals and accompanying declines in population levels; whether the
effects are likely to be permanent; and the extent to which any ongoing
conservation efforts reduce the severity of the threat.
As used in our priority-ranking system, immediacy of threat is
categorized as either ``imminent'' or ``nonimminent'' and is not a
measure of how quickly the species is likely to become extinct if the
threats are not addressed; rather, immediacy is based on when the
threats will begin. If a threat is currently occurring or likely to
occur in the very near future, we classify the threat as imminent.
Determining the immediacy of threats helps ensure that species facing
actual, identifiable threats are given priority for listing proposals
over those for which threats are only potential or species that are
intrinsically vulnerable to certain types of threats but are not known
to be presently facing such threats.
Our priority ranking system has three categories for taxonomic
status: Species that are the sole members of a genus; full species (in
genera that have more than one species); and subspecies and distinct
population segments of vertebrate species (DPS). We also apply this
last category to species that are threatened or endangered in only
significant portions of their ranges rather than their entire ranges.
The result of the ranking system is that we assign each candidate a
listing priority number of 1 to 12. For example, if the threat(s) is of
high magnitude, with immediacy classified as imminent, the listable
entity is assigned an LPN of 1, 2, or 3 based on its taxonomic status
(i.e., a species that is the only member of its genus would be assigned
to the LPN 1 category, a full species to LPN 2, and a subspecies, DPS,
or a species that is threatened or endangered in only a significant
portion of its range would be assigned to LPN 3). In summary, the LPN
ranking system provides a basis for making decisions about the relative
priority for preparing a proposed rule to list a given species. No
matter which LPN we assign to a species, each species included in this
notice as a candidate is one for which we have sufficient information
to prepare a proposed rule to list it because it is in danger of
extinction or likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
For more information on the process and standards used in assigning
LPNs, a copy of the 1983 guidance is available on our Web site at:
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/48fr43098-43105.pdf. For
more information on the LPN assigned to a particular species, the
species assessment for each candidate contains the LPN chart and a
rationale for the determination of the magnitude and immediacy of
threat(s) and assignment of the LPN; that information is summarized in
this CNOR.
This revised notice supersedes all previous animal, plant, and
combined candidate notices of review.
Summary of This CNOR
Since publication of the previous CNOR on November 9, 2009 (74 FR
57804), we reviewed the available information on candidate species to
ensure that a proposed listing is justified for each species, and
reevaluated the relative LPN assigned to each species. We also
evaluated the need to emergency-list any of these species, particularly
species with high priorities (i.e., species with LPNs of 1, 2, or 3).
This review and reevaluation ensures that we focus conservation efforts
on those species at greatest risk first.
In addition to reviewing candidate species since publication of the
last CNOR, we have worked on numerous findings in response to petitions
to list species, and on proposed and final determinations for rules to
list species under the Act. Some of these findings and determinations
have been completed and published in the Federal Register, while work
on others is still under way (see Preclusion and Expeditious Progress,
below, for details).
Based on our review of the best available scientific and commercial
information, with this CNOR we identify five new candidate species (see
New Candidates, below), change the LPN for four candidates (see Listing
Priority Changes in Candidates, below) and determine that a listing
proposal is not warranted for one species and thus remove it from
candidate status (see
[[Page 69224]]
Candidate Removals, below). Combined with the other decisions published
separately from this CNOR for individual species that previously were
candidates, a total of 251 species (including 110 plant and 141 animal
species) are now candidates awaiting preparation of rules proposing
their listing. These 251 species, along with the 18 species currently
proposed for listing (includes 1 species proposed for listing due to
similarity in appearance), are included in Table 1.
Table 2 lists the changes from the previous CNOR, and includes 55
species identified in the previous CNOR as either proposed for listing
or classified as candidates that are no longer in those categories.
This includes 54 species for which we published a final rule to list,
plus the 1 species that we have determined does not meet the definition
of endangered or threatened and therefore does not warrant listing. We
have removed this species from candidate status in this CNOR.
New Candidates
Below we present a brief summary of one new fish, one new snail,
one new crustacean, and two new plant candidates, which we are
recognizing in this CNOR. Complete information, including references,
can be found in the species assessment forms. You may obtain a copy of
these forms from the Regional Office having the lead for the species,
or from our Web site (http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/pub/SpeciesReport.do?listingType=C&mapstatus=1). For these species, we find
that we have on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability
and threats to support a proposal to list as endangered or threatened,
but that preparation and publication of a proposal is precluded by
higher priority listing actions (i.e., it met our definition of a
candidate species). We also note below that nine other species--
Sprague's pipit, greater sage-grouse, Bi-State DPS of greater sage-
grouse, Gunnison sage-grouse, least chub, upper Missouri River DPS of
Arctic grayling, Tucson shovel-nosed snake, Jemez Mountains salamander,
and Agave eggersiana--were identified as candidates earlier this year
as a result of separate petition findings published in the Federal
Register.
Birds
Sprague's pipit (Anthus spragueii)--We previously announced
candidate status for this species, and described the reasons and data
on which the finding was based, in a separate warranted-but-precluded
12-month petition finding published on September 14, 2010 (75 FR
56028).
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)--We previously
announced candidate status for this species, and described the reasons
and data on which the finding was based, in a separate warranted-but-
precluded 12-month petition finding published on March 23, 2010 (75 FR
13910).
Greater sage-grouse, Bi-State DPS (Centrocercus urophasianus)--We
previously announced candidate status for this species, and described
the reasons and data on which the finding was based, in a separate
warranted-but-precluded 12-month petition finding published on March
23, 2010 (75 FR 13910).
Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus)--We previously
announced candidate status for this species, and described the reasons
and data on which the finding was based, in a separate warranted-but-
precluded 12-month petition finding published on September 28, 2010 (75
FR 59803).
Reptiles
Tucson Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis klauberi)--We
previously announced candidate status for this species, and described
the reasons and data on which the finding was based, in a separate
warranted-but-precluded 12-month petition finding published on March
31, 2010 (75 FR 16050).
Amphibians
Jemez Mountains salamander (Plethodon neomexicanus)--We previously
announced candidate status for this species, and described the reasons
and data on which the finding was based, in a separate warranted-but-
precluded 12-month petition finding published on September 9, 2010 (75
FR 54822).
Fish
Least chub (Iotichthys phlegethontis)--We previously announced
candidate status for this species, and described the reasons and data
on which the finding was based, in a separate warranted-but-precluded
12-month petition finding published on June 22, 2010 (75 FR 35398).
Kentucky arrow darter (Etheostoma sagitta spilotum)--The following
summary is based on information in our files. The Kentucky arrow darter
is a rather large (total length of 4.6 inches (116 millimeters)),
brightly colored darter that is restricted to the upper Kentucky River
basin in eastern Kentucky. The species' preferred habitat consists of
pools or transitional areas between riffles and pools (runs and glides)
in moderate to high gradient streams with bedrock, boulder, and cobble
substrates. In most recent surveys, the Kentucky arrow darter has been
observed in streams ranging in size from first to third order, with
most individuals occurring in second order streams in watersheds
encompassing 7.7 square miles (20 square kilometers) or less. Kentucky
arrow darters feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates, but adults
feed predominantly on larval mayflies (order Ephemeroptera),
specifically the families Heptageniidae and Baetidae. Rangewide surveys
from 2007 to 2009 revealed that the Kentucky arrow darter has
disappeared from portions of its range. During these surveys, the
species was observed at only 33 of 68 historical streams and 45 of 100
historical sites.
The subspecies' habitat and range have been severely degraded and
limited by water pollution from surface coal mining and gas-exploration
activities; removal of riparian vegetation; stream channelization;
increased siltation associated with poor mining, logging, and
agricultural practices; and deforestation of watersheds. The threats
are high in magnitude because they are widespread across the
subspecies' range. In addition, the magnitude (severity or intensity)
of these threats, especially impacts from mining and gas-exploration
activities, is high because these activities have the potential to
alter stream water quality permanently throughout the range by
contributing sediment, dissolved metals, and other solids to streams
supporting Kentucky arrow darters, resulting in direct mortality or
reduced reproductive capacity. The threats are imminent because the
effects are manifested immediately and will continue for the
foreseeable future. Consequently, we assigned an LPN of 3 to this
subspecies.
Arctic grayling, Missouri River DPS (Thymallus arcticus)--We
previously announced candidate status for this species, and described
the reasons and data on which the finding was based, in a separate
warranted-but-precluded 12-month petition finding published on
September 8, 2010 (75 FR 54707).
Snails
Rosemont talussnail (Sonorella rosemontensis)--the following
summary is based on information in our files. The petition we received
on June 24, 2010, provided no new information beyond what we had
already included in our assessment of this species. The Rosemont
talussnail, a land snail in the family Helminthoglyptidae, is known
[[Page 69225]]
from three talus slopes in the Santa Rita Mountains, Pima County,
Arizona. The primary threat to Rosemont talussnail is hard rock mining.
The entire range of the species is located on patented mining claims
and can reasonably be expected to be subjected to mining activities in
the foreseeable future. Hard rock mining typically involves the
blasting of hillsides and the crushing of ore-laden rock. Such
activities would kill talussnails and render their habitats unsuitable
for occupation. Since mining may occur across the entire range of the
species within the foreseeable future, potentially resulting in
rangewide habitat destruction and population losses, the threats are of
a high magnitude. However, mining on patented mining claims, although a
reasonably anticipated action, is neither currently ongoing nor
imminent. Although the Rosemont Copper Mine is scheduled to commence as
soon as 2011, there exists uncertainty regarding its scope, and
therefore its potential effect on habitat of the Rosemont talussnail.
Accordingly, we find that overall threats to the Rosemont talussnail
are nonimminent and we assign an LPN of 5 to this species.
Crustaceans
Kenk's amphipod (Stygobromus kenki)--Amphipods of the genus
Stygobromus, occur in groundwater and groundwater-related habitats. In
the case of Kenk's amphipod, these include seeps, small springs, and
possibly wells. Kenk's amphipod is a small, eyeless, unpigmented
crustacean adapted for survival in subterranean habitats. It can be
found in dead leaves or fine sediment submerged in the waters of its
spring/seep outflows. The species is currently known only from five
spring or seep sites in Washington, DC, and Montgomery County,
Maryland. Four of these sites are within the Rock Creek drainage, and
the fifth is within the Northwest Branch drainage.
Within the limited area encompassing the current range of this
species, the vast majority of potential expanses of habitat large
enough to support this species have been significantly impacted or
completely destroyed by urban and suburban development. Kenk's amphipod
is now vulnerable because of its limited geographic distribution and
infringement of urban development on its habitat. Degradation of water
quality and modifications of hydrology are among the principal threats
to this species' spring or seep habitats. Specific threats include
toxic spills, non-point source pollution, sanitary sewer leaks,
excessive stormwater flows, and additional land disturbance. In
addition, climate change has the potential to adversely affect the
species, particularly if it results in a significant change in the
amount of precipitation in the Washington, DC, area.
Although all five known sites of occurrence face threats to the
hydrology and water quality of their springs, these threats are chronic
in nature and appear to be increasing only gradually and are not
currently resulting in major mortality events or impairment of
reproduction. Thus, the threats are moderate in magnitude. Several
threats are imminent because they are ongoing and expected to continue.
Therefore, we assigned this species LPN of 8.
Flowering Plants
Agave eggersiana (no common name)--We previously announced
candidate status for this species, and described the reasons and data
on which the finding was based, in a separate warranted-but-precluded
12-month petition finding published on September 22, 2010 (75 FR
57720).
Astragalus cusickii var. packardiae (Packard's milkvetch)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. This
plant is a narrow endemic located in northeastern Payette County,
Idaho. Its entire known range is only approximately 10 square miles (26
square kilometers). The light-colored, sparsely vegetated sedimentary
outcrops to which this species is restricted are found scattered
throughout the landscape, but are limited in extent. The size of
occupied outcrops ranges from less than 0.04 hectares (0.1 acre) to
approximately 1.2 hectares (3 acres). The entire population of A.
cusickii var. packardiae is currently estimated at 5,000 plants located
within 26 occurrences (17 on Bureau of Land Management, 4 on State, and
5 on private land).
The primary threats to Astragalus cusickii var. packardiae include
wildfire, nonnative invasive plant species, and more recently, off-road
vehicle (ORV) use. Vegetation within the range of A. cusickii var.
packardiae was originally sagebrush-steppe habitat; however, due to
habitat impacts from a century of wildfires, livestock use, and
invasive nonnative plant species, much of the area has been converted
to annual grassland dominated by two nonnative grass species, Bromus
tectorum (cheatgrass) and Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead).
Invasive nonnative plants affect A. cusickii var. packardiae directly
through competition and indirectly by providing continuous fine fuels
that contribute to the increased frequency and extent of wildfires.
ORV use, which is currently considered the most immediate threat to
Astragalus cusickii var. packardiae and its habitat, was not identified
as a threat during the original 1999 surveys for this species, but
monitoring conducted in 2008 and 2009 indicate it has since become a
widespread activity, occurring throughout the limited range of A.
cusickii var. packardiae. ORVs are traveling directly through outcrops
occupied by A. cusickii var. packardiae, as well as along the rims,
spur ridges, and slope bases that form the margins of the occupied
outcrops, with tracks ranging from single passage treads to major hill
climbing runways. Based on monitoring data, this use appears to be
increasing in scope and has resulted in the crushing of A. cusickii
var. packardiae plants, as well as accelerated erosion of the fine,
loose substrate occupied by this species.
Based on this information, the magnitude of the primary threats to
Astragalus cusickii var. packardiae and its habitat is high because ORV
use, wildfires, and nonnative invasive species affect the species
throughout its range, appear to be increasing in extent, and result in
severe and direct impacts to individuals and population levels.,
Because these threats are ongoing throughout A. cusickii var.
packardiae's limited range, these threats are imminent. Thus, we assign
an LPN of 3 to this plant variety.
Mimulus fremontii var. vandenbergensis (Vandenberg monkeyflower)--
Mimulus fremontii var. vandenbergensis is a small, short-lived annual
herb in the Phrymaceae family (no common family name). It ranges from
0.5 to 10 inches (1 to 20 centimeters) tall and produces flowers that
are bright yellow with reddish brown markings near the mouth. The seeds
are small and numerous, and seed is likely dispersed by the wind as the
seed pods open. As with other annual species that are sensitive to
annual levels of rainfall, germination of resident seed banks may be
low or nonexistent in unfavorable years, with little or no aboveground
expression of the species visible.
Mimulus fremontii var. vandenbergensis occurs only in western Santa
Barbara County, California, at lower elevations and closer to the
coast, in sandy openings of coastal scrub, chaparral, and woodlands on
an old dune sheet known as Burton Mesa. Seven populations occur across
the mesa over a distance of approximately 6 miles, generally in
alignment with the prevailing winds. Two populations
[[Page 69226]]
occur on Vandenberg Air Force Base, two occur on State Park lands at La
Purisima State Historic Park, two occur primarily on Department of Fish
and Game lands on Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve, and one occurs
primarily on private lands.
The threats currently facing Mimulus fremontii var. vandenbergensis
include alteration and destruction of habitat from development and
associated secondary impacts, including increased fragmentation,
alteration of hydrology, competition with nonnative species, and
alteration of fire regimes. The taxon is also threatened with
stochastic extinction due to small population size: Of the 7
populations, 3 have supported fewer than 100 individuals based on at
least 2 years of observations. We consider competition with nonnative
plant species to be the largest and most immediate threat: Veldt grass,
pampas grass, bromes, Sahara mustard, star thistle, Italian thistle,
and bull thistle are present at various sites where Mimulus fremontii
var. vandenbergensis occurs. Habitat for one population on private land
was graded in 2007 in preparation for construction of a housing
development. Construction has been stalled, and in the meantime, veldt
grass has become established in the graded lot and has increased the
rate at which this species is spreading in adjacent habitat for Mimulus
fremontii var. vandenbergensis, including the Burton Mesa Ecological
Reserve. Veldt grass is also present and rapidly spreading at
population sites on Vandenberg Air Force Base and La Purisima State
Historic Park.
The threats are of a high magnitude because all three of the
largest populations are at risk of being lost from the invasion of
nonnative species. The third largest population is also threatened by
secondary impacts from a planned development and firefighting
activities. Losses of some or all of the three largest populations will
increase the risk of extinction of the taxon as a whole because the
remaining populations are smaller and more vulnerable to stochastic
extirpation, which compounds the other threats these small populations
face. The threats are ongoing and, therefore, imminent. Consequently,
we have assigned a LPN of 3 to this plant variety.
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates
We reviewed the LPN for all candidate species and are changing the
numbers for the following species discussed below. Some of the changes
reflect actual changes in either the magnitude or immediacy of the
threats. For some species, the LPN change reflects efforts to ensure
national consistency as well as closer adherence to the 1983 guidelines
in assigning these numbers, rather than an actual change in the nature
of the threats.
Snails
Page springsnail (Pyrgulopsis morrisoni)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. The Page springsnail is
known to exist only within a complex of springs located within an
approximately 0.93-mi (1.5-km) stretch along the west side of Oak Creek
around the community of Page Springs, and within springs located along
Spring Creek, tributary to Oak Creek, Yavapai County, Arizona.
The primary threat to the Page springsnail is modification of
habitat by domestic, agricultural, ranching, fish hatchery, and
recreational activities. Many of the springs where the species occurs
have been subjected to some level of such modification. Based on recent
survey data, it appears that the Page springsnail is abundant within
natural habitats and persists in modified habitats, albeit at reduced
densities. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) management plans for
the Bubbling Ponds and Page Springs fish hatcheries include commitments
to replace lost habitat and to monitor remaining populations of
invertebrates such as the Page springsnail. The AGFD and the Service
recently entered into a Candidate Conservation Agreement with
Assurances that calls for evaluating the restoration and creation of
natural springhead integrity, including springs on AGFD properties. In
fact, several conservation measures have already been implemented.
Also, the National Park Service recently acquired Shea Springs, a site
that the Page springsnail occupied historically, and has expressed an
interest in restoring natural springhead integrity to that site.
Accordingly, implementation of the CCAA reduces the magnitude of
threats to a moderate level and greatly reduces the chances of
extirpation or extinction. The immediacy of the threat of groundwater
withdrawal is uncertain, due to conflicting information regarding
imminence. However, overall, the threats are imminent, because
modification of the species' habitat by threats other than groundwater
withdrawal is currently occurring. Therefore, we are changing the LPN
for the Page springsnail from a 2 to an 8.
Flowering Plants
Hibiscus dasycalyx (Neches River rose-mallow)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. This species,
found in eastern Texas, appears to be restricted to those portions of
wetlands that are exposed to open sun and normally hold standing water
early in the growing season, with water levels dropping during late
summer and fall. This habitat has been affected by drainage or filling
of floodplain depressions and oxbows, stream channelization, road
construction, timber harvesting, agricultural activities (primarily
mowing and grazing), and herbicide use. Threats that continue to affect
the species include wetland alteration, herbicide use, grazing, mowing
during the species' growing and flowering period, and genetic swamping
by other Hibiscus species.
A 1995 status survey of 10 counties resulted in confirmation of the
species at only three sites, but in three separate counties and three
different watersheds, suggesting a relatively wide historical range.
These three populations were all within highway rights-of-way and
vulnerable to herbicides and adjacent agricultural activities. As of
2005, only 20 plants remained at one of these sites. Additional surveys
for Hibiscus dasycalyx discovered new populations. About 300 plants
were found on land owned by Temple-Inland Corporation in east Trinity
County. Smaller plant numbers have been seen at this site and in 2005
no plants were observed. This site may be too dry to support this
species, possibly due to changes in the wetland's hydrology. Another
site discovered on land previously owned by Champion International
Corporation (near White Rock Creek in west Trinity County) once
supported 300-400 plants. This site was modified in 2007. In west
Houston County, a population of 300 to 400 plants discovered on private
land has been purchased by the Natural Area Preservation Association in
order to protect this land in perpetuity. In east Houston County, a
population discovered in Compartment 55 in Davy Crockett National
Forest numbered over 1,000 in 2006. In 2000, nearly 800 plants were
introduced into Compartments 16 and 20 of Davy Crockett National Forest
as part of a reintroduction effort. One population retained high
numbers (350 in 2006), but was subjected to high water conditions in
2007 and may have been adversely affected. The second site was affected
by a change in hydrology and had declined to 50 plants in 2006. In
2004, 200 plants were placed in a wetland in Compartment 11 of Davy
Crockett National Forest, but only 10 plants were seen in 2006. High
water from heavy spring and summer rains
[[Page 69227]]
prevented further assessment of these rose-mallow sites.
The threats to the species continue to be of a high magnitude
because all of the populations are severely affected by some
combination of the threats, and the effectiveness of the re-
introduction and preservation efforts has not been established. After
evaluating the current conditions of the species' habitat, we now find
that threats are imminent overall. Threats are currently occurring and
ongoing for nearly all of the populations (herbicides and adjacent
agricultural activities for the 3 populations identified in 1995, and
hydrology alteration and other modifications for the 2 populations in
east Trinity County and the 3 populations reintroduced in Davy Crockett
National Forest). Thus, in light of this information and to ensure
consistency in the application of our listing priority process we have
changed the LPN from a 5 to a 2 for the Neches River rose-mallow to
reflect imminent threats of high magnitude.
Linum arenicola (Sand flax)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. Sand flax is found in pine rockland
and marl prairie habitats, which require periodic wildfires in order to
maintain an open, shrub-free subcanopy and reduce leaf-litter levels.
Based upon available data, there are 11 extant occurrences of sand
flax; 11 others have been extirpated or destroyed. For the most part,
only small and isolated occurrences remain in low lying areas in a
restricted range of southern Florida and the Florida Keys. In general,
viability is uncertain for 9 of 11 occurrences.
Sand flax is threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to
development; climatic changes and sea-level rise, which ultimately are
likely to substantially reduce the extent of available habitat; fire
suppression and difficulty in applying prescribed fire; road
maintenance activities; exotic species; illegal dumping; natural
disturbances, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm surges;
and the small and fragmented nature of the current population. Reduced
pollinator activity and suppression of pollinator populations from
pesticides used in mosquito control and decreased seed production due
to increased seed predation in a fragmented wildland urban interface
may also affect sand flax; however, not enough information is known on
this species' reproductive biology or life history to assess these
potential threats. Some of the threats to the species--including fire
suppression, difficulty in applying prescribed fire, road maintenance
activities, exotic species, and illegal dumping--threaten nearly all
remaining populations. However, some efforts are under way to use
prescribed fire to control exotics on conservation lands where this
species occurs.
There are some circumstances that may mitigate the impacts of the
threats upon the species. For example, a survey conducted in 2009
showed approximately 74,000 plants on a non-conservation, public site
in Miami-Dade County; this is far more plants than was previously
known. Although a portion of the plants will be affected by
development, approximately 60,000 are anticipated to be protected and
managed through a Conservation Easement. Consequently, the majority of
the largest occurrence in Miami-Dade County is expected to be conserved
and managed. In addition, much of the pine rockland on Big Pine Key,
the location of the largest occurrence in the Keys, is protected from
development.
Nevertheless, due to the small and fragmented nature of the current
population, stochastic events, disease, or genetic bottlenecks may
strongly affect this species in the Keys. One example is Hurricane
Wilma, which inundated most of the species' habitat on Big Pine Key in
2005, and plants were not found 8-9 weeks post-storm; the density of
sand flax declined to zero in all management units at The Nature
Conservancy's preserve in 2006. In a 2007 post-hurricane assessment,
sand flax was found in northern plots, but not in any of the southern
plots on Big Pine Key. More current data are not available.
Overall, the magnitude of threats is high, because the threats
affect all 11 known occurrences of the species, and can result in a
precipitous decline to the population levels, particularly when
combined with the potential impacts from hurricanes or other natural
disasters. Because development is not immediate for the majority of the
largest population in Miami-Dade County and another population in the
Keys is also largely protected from development since much of it is
within public and private conservation lands, the threat of habitat
loss is now nonimminent. In addition, sea level rise is a long-term
threat since we do not have evidence that it is currently affecting any
population of sand flax. Therefore, based upon new information (new
survey date showing a much larger population of plants), and reduced
immediacy of threats, we changed the LPN of this species from a 2 to a
5.
Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis (White River beardtongue)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
the petition we received on October 27, 1983. This species is
restricted to calcareous soils derived from oil shale barrens of the
Green River Formation in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah and
adjacent Colorado. There are 14 occurrences known in Utah and 1 in
Colorado. Most of the occupied habitat of the White River beardtongue
is within developed and expanding oil and gas fields. The location of
the species' habitat exposes it to destruction from road, pipeline, and
well site construction in connection with oil and gas development.
Recreational off-road vehicle use, heavy grazing by livestock, and
wildlife and livestock trampling are additional threats. A future
threat (and potentially the greatest threat) to the species is oil
shale development.
In the 2009 CNOR, we found the threats were nonimminent and high
magnitude. However, traditional oil and gas energy development in the
area has expanded into habitat for this species, and therefore the
threat is now imminent. In addition, BLM has adopted a Special Status
Species policy and has included in its current Resource Management Plan
commitments to protect this species. These protections lessen the
extent of traditional oil and gas development impacts to this species,
so that the threat is now of moderate magnitude. The threat from off-
road vehicles is also moderate because BLM limited all vehicles to
designated routes, thus avoiding beardtongue habitat. Based on current
information, we are changing the LPN from a 6 to a 9 for this plant
variety.
Candidate Removals
As summarized below, we have evaluated the threats to the following
species and considered factors that, individually and in combination,
currently or potentially could pose a risk to this species and its
habitat. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial
data, we conclude that listing this species under the Endangered
Species Act is not warranted because the species is not likely to
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout
all or a significant portion of its' range. Therefore, we find that
proposing a rule to list it is not warranted, and we no longer consider
it to be a candidate species for listing. We will continue to monitor
the status of this species and to accept additional information and
comments concerning this finding. We will reconsider our determination
in the event that new information indicates that the threats to the
species is of a considerably greater magnitude or imminence than
identified through
[[Page 69228]]
assessments of information contained in our files, as summarized here.
Mammals
Palm Springs round-tailed ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus
tereticaudus chlorus)--The following summary is based on information
contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition
we received on May 11, 2004. The Palm Springs round-tailed ground
squirrel was believed to be limited in range to the Coachella Valley
region of Riverside County, California. The primary habitat in the
Coachella Valley for round-tailed ground squirrel is the dunes and
mesquite hummocks associated with Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana
(honey mesquite) and to a lesser extent those dunes and hummocks
associated with Larrea tridentata (creosote), or other vegetation. The
primary threat to X. t. chlorus in the Coachella Valley was from
habitat loss due to urban development and drops in the groundwater
table, which eliminated much of the honey mesquite in the Coachella
Valley and fragmented habitat occupied by this subspecies. The
Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) developed a Multiple
Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) that was reviewed and
approved by the Service in 2008. Habitat conservation and monitoring
actions that have been implemented since 2008 specifically for X. t.
chlorus have significantly eliminated the threat of urban development
to the taxon. To date, conservation for X. t. chlorus includes
protection of 244 acres of mesquite hummocks as a result of the MSHCP,
in addition to 104 acres of mesquite hummocks on conservation lands in
existence prior to permitting the MSHCP. Protection of additional
habitat (desert shrub communities and other sandy areas with
appropriate vegetation known to harbor the subspecies at lower
densities) is also anticipated in other portions of the plan area.
Although we do not rely upon future implementation of the additional
habitat protections anticipated in the MSHCP, we do expect conservation
actions specific to X. t. chlorus to continue as a result of the
commitment by CVAG and the MSHCP.
More significant than the ongoing conservation measures is the fact
that recent results of both morphological and genetic studies indicate
its range is substantially larger than previously believed. Analysis of
experimental samples show X. t. chlorus is found in Hinkley Valley and
Death Valley, expanding the range at minimum 150 miles northward.
Because X. t. chlorus is more widespread in its range than was
previously understood, and based on our review of the best available
information, we no longer conclude that threats across this newly
expanded range put the taxon in danger of extinction. Moreover, this
subspecies is not endangered or threatened in a significant portion of
the range because the conservation actions and current protections
provided in Death Valley make it so it is not endangered or threatened
in any portion of the range. In summary, the existing conservation
provided by MSHCP in the Coachella Valley, along with the data showing
the subspecies has an expanded range over which the threats are
nonsignificant to the taxon as a whole, we find listing of the Palm
Springs round-tailed ground squirrel (X. t. chlorus) throughout all or
a significant portion of its range is no longer warranted. The
subspecies no longer meets our definition of a candidate, and we have
removed it from candidate status.
Petition Findings
The Act provides two mechanisms for considering species for
listing. One method allows the Secretary, on his own initiative, to
identify species for listing under the standards of section 4(a)(1). We
implement this through the candidate program, discussed above. The
second method for listing a species provides a mechanism for the public
to petition us to add a species to the Lists. The CNOR serves several
purposes as part of the petition process: (1) In some instances (in
particular, for petitions to list species that the Service has already
identified as candidates on its own initiative), it serves as the
petition finding; (2) it serves as a ``resubmitted'' petition finding
that the Act requires the Service to make each year; and (3) it
documents the Service's compliance with the statutory requirement to
monitor the status of species for which listing is warranted-but-
precluded to ascertain if they need emergency listing.
First, the CNOR serves as a petition finding in some instances.
Under section 4(b)(3)(A), when we receive a listing petition, we must
determine within 90 days, to the maximum extent practicable, whether
the petition presents substantial information indicating that listing
may be warranted (a ``90-day finding''). If we make a positive 90-day
finding, we must promptly commence a status review of the species under
section 4(b)(3)(A); we must then make and publish one of three possible
findings within 12 months of the receipt of the petition (a ``12-month
finding''):
1. The petitioned action is not warranted;
2. The petitioned action is warranted (in which case we are
required to promptly publish a proposed regulation to implement the
petitioned action; once we publish a proposed rule for a species,
section 4(b)(5) and 4(b)(6) govern further procedures regardless of
whether we issued the proposal in response to a petition); or
3. The petitioned action is warranted but (a) the immediate
proposal of a regulation and final promulgation of a regulation
implementing the petitioned action is precluded by pending proposals to
determine whether any species is endangered or threatened, and (b)
expeditious progress is being made to add qualified species to the
lists of endangered or threatened species. (We refer to this third
option as a ``warranted-but-precluded finding.'')
We define ``candidate species'' to mean those species for which the
Service has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability
and threat(s) to support issuance of a proposed rule to list, but for
which issuance of the proposed rule is precluded (61 FR 64481; December
6, 1996). This standard for making a species a candidate through our
own initiative is identical to the standard for making a warranted-but-
precluded 12-month petition finding on a petition to list, and we add
all petitioned species for which we have made a warranted-but-precluded
12-month finding to the candidate list.
Therefore all candidate species identified through our own
initiative already have received the equivalent of substantial 90-day
and warranted-but-precluded 12-month findings. Nevertheless, we review
the status of the newly petitioned candidate species and through this
CNOR publish specific section 4(b)(3) findings (i.e., substantial 90-
day and warranted-but-precluded 12-month findings) in response to the
petitions to list these candidate species. We publish these findings as
part of the first CNOR following receipt of the petition. Since
publication of the CNOR in 2009, we received petitions to list three
candidate species, the Florida bonneted bat, headwater chub, and
Rosemont talussnail (we received this petition after we initiated our
assessment of this species for candidate status). We are making
substantial 90-day findings and warranted-but-precluded 12-month
findings for these species as part of this notice. We have identified
the candidate species for which we received petitions by the code
``C*'' in the category column on the left side of Table 1.
[[Page 69229]]
Second, the CNOR serves as a ``resubmitted'' petition finding.
Section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act requires that when we make a
warranted-but-precluded finding on a petition, we are to treat such a
petition as one that is resubmitted on the date of such a finding.
Thus, we must make a 12-month petition finding in compliance with
section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act at least once a year, until we publish a
proposal to list the species or make a final not-warranted finding. We
make these annual findings for petitioned candidate species through the
CNOR.
Third, through undertaking the analysis requires to complete the
CNOR, the Service determines if any candidate species needs emergency
listing. Section 4(b)(3)(C)(iii) of the Act requires us to ``implement
a system to monitor effectively the status of all species'' for which
we have made a warranted-but-precluded 12-month finding, and to ``make
prompt use of the [emergency listing] authority [under section 4(b)(7)]
to prevent a significant risk to the well being of any such species.''
The CNOR plays a crucial role in the monitoring system that we have
implemented for all candidate species by providing notice that we are
actively seeking information regarding the status of those species. We
review all new information on candidate species as it becomes
available, prepare an annual species assessment form that reflects
monitoring results and other new information, and identify any species
for which emergency listing may be appropriate. If we determine that
emergency listing is appropriate for any candidate we will make prompt
use of the emergency listing authority under section 4(b)(7). We have
been reviewing and will continue to review, at least annually, the
status of every candidate, whether or not we have received a petition
to list it. Thus, the CNOR and accompanying species assessment forms
constitute the Service's annual finding on the status of petitioned
species pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(i).
A number of court decisions have elaborated on the nature and
specificity of information that must be considered in making and
describing the findings in the CNOR. The previous CNOR, which was
published on November 9, 2009 (74 FR 57804), describes these court
decisions in further detail. As with previous CNORs, we continue to
incorporate information of the nature and specificity required by the
courts. For example, we include a description of the reasons why the
listing of every petitioned candidate species is both warranted and
precluded at this time. We make our determinations of preclusion on a
nationwide basis to ensure that the species most in need of listing
will be addressed first and also because we allocate our listing budget
on a nationwide basis (see below). Regional priorities can also be
discerned from Table 1, which includes the lead region and the LPN for
each species. Our preclusion determinations are further based upon our
budget for listing activities for unlisted species only, and we explain
the priority system and why the work we have accomplished does preclude
action on listing candidate species.
Pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(ii) and the Administrative Procedure
Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.), any party with standing may challenge the
merits of any not-warranted or warranted-but-precluded petition finding
incorporated in this CNOR. The analysis included herein, together with
the administrative record for the decision at issue (particularly the
supporting species assessment form), will provide an adequate basis for
a court to review the petition finding.
Nothing in this document or any of our policies should be construed
as in any way modifying the Act's requirement that we make a
resubmitted 12-month petition finding for each petitioned candidate
within 1 year of the date of publication of this CNOR. If we fail to
make any such finding on a timely basis, whether through publication of
a new CNOR or some other form of notice, any party with standing may
seek judicial review.
In this CNOR, we continue to address the concerns of the courts by
including specific information in our discussion on preclusion (see
below). In preparing this CNOR, we reviewed the current status of, and
threats to, the 166 candidates and 5 listed species for which we have
received a petition and for which we have found listing or
reclassification from threatened to endangered to be warranted but
precluded. We also reviewed the current status of, and threats to, the
Canada lynx in New Mexico for which we received a petition to add that
State to the listed range. We find that the immediate issuance of a
proposed rule and timely promulgation of a final rule for each of these
species has been, for the preceding months, and continues to be,
precluded by higher priority listing actions. Additional information
that is the basis for this finding is found in the species assessments
and our administrative record for each species.
Our review included updating the status of, and threats to,
petitioned candidate or listed species for which we published findings,
pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(B), in the previous CNOR. We have
incorporated new information we gathered since the prior finding and,
as a result of this review, we are making continued warranted-but-
precluded 12-month findings on the petitions for these species.
The immediate publication of proposed rules to list these species
was precluded by our work on higher priority listing actions, listed
below, during the period from October 1, 2009, through September 30,
2010. We will continue to monitor the status of all candidate species,
including petitioned species, as new information becomes available to
determine if a change in status is warranted, including the need to
emergency-list a species under section 4(b)(7) of the Act.
In addition to identifying petitioned candidate species in Table 1
below, we also present brief summaries of why each of these candidates
warrants listing. More complete information, including references, is
found in the species assessment forms. You may obtain a copy of these
forms from the Regional Office having the lead for the species, or from
the Fish and Wildlife Service's Internet Web site: http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/pub/SpeciesReport.do?listingType=C&mapstatus=1. As
described above, under section 4 of the Act we may identify and propose
species for listing based on the factors identified in section 4(a)(1),
and section 4 also provides a mechanism for the public to petition us
to add a species to the lists of threatened species or endangered
species under the Act. Below we describe the actions that continue to
preclude the immediate proposal and final promulgation of a regulation
implementing each of the petitioned actions for which we have made a
warranted-but-precluded finding, and we describe the expeditious
progress we are making to add qualified species to, and remove species
from, the lists of endangered or threatened species.
Preclusion and Expeditious Progress
Preclusion is a function of the listing priority of a species in
relation to the resources that are available and the cost and relative
priority of competing demands for those resources. Thus, in any given
fiscal year (FY), multiple factors dictate whether it will be possible
to undertake work on a listing proposal regulation or whether
promulgation of such a proposal is precluded by higher priority listing
actions.
The resources available for listing actions are determined through
the annual Congressional appropriations
[[Page 69230]]
process. The appropriation for the Listing Program is available to
support work involving the following listing actions: Proposed and
final listing rules; 90-day and 12-month findings on petitions to add
species to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
(Lists) or to change the status of a species from threatened to
endangered; annual ``resubmitted'' petition findings on prior
warranted-but-precluded petition findings as required under section
4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act; critical habitat petition findings; proposed
and final rules designating critical habitat; and litigation-related,
administrative, and program-management functions (including preparing
and allocating budgets, responding to Congressional and public
inquiries, and conducting public outreach regarding listing and
critical habitat). The work involved in preparing various listing
documents can be extensive, and may include, but is not limited to:
Gathering and assessing the best scientific and commercial data
available and conducting analyses used as the basis for our decisions;
writing and publishing documents; and obtaining, reviewing, and
evaluating public comments and peer-review comments on proposed rules
and incorporating relevant information into final rules. The number of
listing actions that we can undertake in a given year also is
influenced by the complexity of those listing actions; that is, more
complex actions generally are more costly. The median cost for
preparing and publishing a 90-day finding is $39,276; for a 12-month
finding, $100,690; for a proposed rule with critical habitat, $345,000;
and for a final listing rule with critical habitat, the median cost is
$305,000.
We cannot spend more than is appropriated for the Listing Program
without violating the Anti-Deficiency Act (see 31 U.S.C.
1341(a)(1)(A)). In addition, in FY 1998 and for each fiscal year since
then, Congress has placed a statutory cap on funds which may be
expended for the Listing Program, equal to the amount expressly
appropriated for that purpose in that fiscal year. This cap was
designed to prevent funds appropriated for other functions under the
Act (for example, recovery funds for removing species from the Lists),
or for other Service programs, from being used for Listing Program
actions (see House Report 105-163, 105th Congress, 1st Session, July 1,
1997).
Since FY 2002, the Service's budget has included a critical habitat
subcap to ensure that some funds are available for other work in the
Listing Program (``The critical habitat designation subcap will ensure
that some funding is available to address other listing activities''
(H.R. No. 107-103, 107th Congress, 1st Session, June 19, 2001)). In FY
2002 and each year until FY 2006, the Service has had to use virtually
the entire critical habitat subcap to address court-mandated
designations of critical habitat, and consequently none of the critical
habitat subcap funds have been available for other listing activities.
In FY 2007, we were able to use some of the critical habitat subcap
funds to fund proposed listing determinations for high-priority
candidate species. In FY 2009, while we were unable to use any of the
critical habitat subcap funds to fund proposed listing determinations,
we did use some of this money to fund the critical habitat portion of
some proposed listing determinations so that the proposed listing
determination and proposed critical habitat designation could be
combined into one rule, thereby being more efficient in our work. In FY
2010, we are using some of the critical habitat subcap funds to fund
listing actions with statutory deadlines.
We make our determinations of preclusion on a nationwide basis to
ensure that the species most in need of listing will be addressed first
and also because we allocate our listing budget on a nationwide basis.
Through the listing cap, the critical habitat subcap, and the amount of
funds needed to address court-mandated critical habitat designations,
Congress and the courts have in effect determined the amount of money
available for other listing activities nationwide. Therefore, the funds
in the listing cap, other than those needed to address court-mandated
critical habitat for already listed species, represent the resources we
must take into consideration when we make our determinations of
preclusion and expeditious progress.
Congress identified the availability of resources as the only basis
for deferring the initiation of a rulemaking that is warranted. The
Conference Report accompanying Public Law 97-304, which established the
current statutory deadlines and the warranted-but-precluded finding,
states that the amendments were ``not intended to allow the Secretary
to delay commencing the rulemaking process for any reason other than
that the existence of pending or imminent proposals to list species
subject to a greater degree of threat would make allocation of
resources to such a petition [that is, for a lower-ranking species]
unwise.'' Although that statement appeared to refer specifically to the
``to the maximum extent practicable'' limitation on the 90-day deadline
for making a ``substantial information'' finding, that finding is made
at the point when the Service is deciding whether or not to commence a
status review that will determine the degree of threats facing the
species, and therefore the analysis underlying the statement is more
relevant to the use of the warranted-but-precluded finding, which is
made when the Service has already determined the degree of threats
facing the species and is deciding whether or not to commence a
rulemaking.
In FY 2010, $10,471,000 is the amount of money that Congress
appropriated for the Listing Program (that is, the portion of the
Listing Program funding not related to critical habitat designations
for species that are already listed). Therefore, a proposed listing is
precluded if pending proposals with higher priority will require
expenditure of at least $10,471,000, and expeditious progress is the
amount of work that can be achieved with $10,471,000. Since court
orders requiring critical habitat work will not require use of all of
the funds within the critical habitat subcap, we are using $1,114,417
of our critical habitat subcap funds in order to work on as many of our
required petition findings and listing determinations as possible. This
brings the total amount of funds we have for listing action in FY 2010
to $11,585,417.
The $11,585,417 is being used to fund work in the following
categories: Compliance with court orders and court-approved settlement
agreements requiring that petition findings or listing determinations
be completed by a specific date; section 4 (of the Act) listing actions
with absolute statutory deadlines; essential litigation-related,
administrative, and listing program-management functions; and high-
priority listing actions for some of our candidate species. In 2009,
the responsibility for listing foreign species under the Act was
transferred from the Division of Scientific Authority, International
Affairs Program, to the Endangered Species Program. Therefore, starting
in FY 2010, a portion of our funding is being used to work on the
actions described above as they apply to listing actions for foreign
species. This has the potential to further reduce funding available for
domestic listing actions. Although there are currently no foreign
species issues included in our high-priority listing actions at this
time, many actions have statutory or court-approved settlement
deadlines, thus increasing their priority. The budget allocations for
each specific listing action are identified in the Service's FY
[[Page 69231]]
2010 Allocation Table (part of our administrative record).
Based on our September 21, 1983, guidance for assigning an LPN for
each candidate species (48 FR 43098), we have a significant number of
species with an LPN of 2. Under this guidance, we assign each candidate
an LPN of 1 to 12, depending on the magnitude of threats (high or
moderate to low), immediacy of threats (imminent or nonimminent), and
taxonomic status of the species (in order of priority: Monotypic genus
(a species that is the sole member of a genus), species, or part of a
species (subspecies, distinct population segment, or significant
portion of the range)). The lower the listing priority number, the
higher the listing priority (that is, a species with an LPN of 1 would
have the highest listing priority).
Because of the large number of high-priority species, we have
further ranked the candidate species with an LPN of 2 by using the
following extinction-risk type criteria: International Union for the
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red list status/
rank, Heritage rank (provided by NatureServe), Heritage threat rank
(provided by NatureServe), and species currently with fewer than 50
individuals, or 4 or fewer populations. Those species with the highest
IUCN rank (critically endangered), the highest Heritage rank (G1), the
highest Heritage threat rank (substantial, imminent threats), and
currently with fewer than 50 individuals, or fewer than 4 populations,
originally comprised a group of approximately 40 candidate species
(``Top 40''). These 40 candidate species have had the highest priority
to receive funding to work on a proposed listing determination. As we
work through proposed and final listing rules for those 40 candidates,
we apply the ranking criteria to the next group of candidates with LPNs
of 2 and 3 to determine the next set of highest priority candidate
species. Finally, proposed rules for reclassification of threatened
species to endangered are lower priority, since as listed species, they
are already afforded the protection of the Act and implementing
regulations. However, for efficiency reasons, we may choose to work on
a proposed rule to reclassify a species to endangered if we can combine
this with work that is subject to a court-determined deadline.
With our workload so much bigger than the amount of funds we have
to accomplish it, it is important that we be as efficient as possible
in our listing process. Therefore, as we work on proposed rules for the
highest priority species in the next several years, we are preparing
multi-species proposals when appropriate, and these may include species
with lower priority if they overlap geographically or have the same
threats as a species with an LPN of 2. In addition, we take into
consideration the availability of staff resources when we determine
which high-priority species will receive funding to minimize the amount
of time and resources required to complete each listing action.
Based on these prioritization factors, we continue to find that
proposals to list the petitioned candidate species included in Table 1
are all warranted but precluded.
As explained above, a determination that listing is warranted but
precluded must also demonstrate that expeditious progress is being made
to add and remove qualified species to and from the Lists of Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. As with our ``precluded'' finding,
the evaluation of whether progress in adding qualified species to the
Lists has been expeditious is a function of the resources available for
listing and the competing demands for those funds. Given the limited
resources available for listing, we find that we made expeditious
progress in FY 2010 in the Listing Program. (Although we do not discuss
it in detail here, we are making expeditious progress in removing
species from the list under the Recovery program in light of the
resource available for delisting, which is funded by a separate line
item in the budget of the Endangered Species Program. During FY 2010,
we have completed two proposed delisting rules and two final delisting
rules.) Progress in adding qualified species to the list included
preparing and publishing the following determinations:
FY 2010 Completed Listing Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Publication date Title Actions FR pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/08/2009.................. Listing Lepidium papilliferum Final Listing 74 FR 52013-52064.
(Slickspot Peppergrass) as a Threatened.
Threatened Species Throughout
Its Range.
10/27/2009.................. 90[dash]day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 55177-55180.
Petition To List the American Petition Finding,
Dipper in the Black Hills of Not substantial.
South Dakota as Threatened or
Endangered.
10/28/2009.................. Status Review of Arctic Notice of Intent to 74 FR 55524-55525.
Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) Conduct Status
in the Upper Missouri River Review for Listing
System. Decision.
11/03/2009.................. Listing the British Columbia Proposed Listing 74 FR 56757-56770.
Distinct Population Segment Threatened.
of the Queen Charlotte
Goshawk Under the Endangered
Species Act: Proposed rule.
11/03/2009.................. Listing the Salmon-Crested Proposed Listing 74 FR 56770-56791.
Cockatoo as Threatened Threatened.
Throughout Its Range with
Special Rule.
11/23/2009.................. Status Review of Gunnison sage- Notice of Intent to 74 FR 61100-61102.
grouse (Centrocercus minimus). Conduct Status
Review for Listing
Decision.
12/03/2009.................. 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 74 FR 63343-63366.
to List the Black-tailed petition finding,
Prairie Dog as Threatened or Not warranted.
Endangered.
12/03/2009.................. 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 74 FR 63337-63343.
to List Sprague's Pipit as Petition Finding,
Threatened or Endangered. Substantial.
12/15/2009.................. 90-Day Finding on Petitions To Notice of 90-day 74 FR 66260-66271.
List Nine Species of Mussels Petition Finding,
From Texas as Threatened or Substantial.
Endangered With Critical
Habitat.
12/16/2009.................. Partial 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 66865-66905.
Petition to List 475 Species Petition Finding,
in the Southwestern United Not substantial and
States as Threatened or Substantial.
Endangered With Critical
Habitat Critical Habitat.
[[Page 69232]]
12/17/2009.................. 12-month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 74 FR 66937-66950.
To Change the Final Listing petition finding,
of the Distinct Population Warranted but
Segment of the Canada Lynx To precluded.
Include New Mexico.
1/05/2010................... Listing Foreign Bird Species Proposed Listing 75 FR 605-649.
in Peru and Bolivia as Endangered.
Endangered Throughout Their
Range.
1/05/2010................... Listing Six Foreign Birds as Proposed Listing 75 FR 286-310.
Endangered Throughout Their Endangered.
Range.
1/05/2010................... Withdrawal of Proposed Rule to Proposed rule, 75 FR 310-316.
List Cook's Petrel. withdrawal.
1/05/2010................... Final Rule to List the Final Listing 75 FR 235-250.
Galapagos Petrel and Threatened.
Heinroth's Shearwater as
Threatened Throughout Their
Ranges.
1/20/2010................... Initiation of Status Review Notice of Intent to 75 FR 3190-3191.
for Agave eggersiana and Conduct Status
Solanum conocarpum. Review for Listing
Decision.
2/09/2010................... 12-month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 6437-6471.
to List the American Pika as petition finding,
Threatened or Endangered. Not warranted.
2/25/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 8601-8621.
To List the Sonoran Desert petition finding,
Population of the Bald Eagle Not warranted.
as a Threatened or Endangered
Distinct Population Segment.
2/25/2010................... Withdrawal of Proposed Rule To Withdrawal of 75 FR 8621-8644.
List the Southwestern Proposed Rule to
Washington/Columbia River List.
Distinct Population Segment
of Coastal Cutthroat Trout
(Oncorhynchus clarki clarki)
as Threatened.
3/18/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 13068-13071.
to List the Berry Cave Petition Finding,
salamander as Endangered. Substantial.
3/23/2010................... 90[dash]Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 75 FR 13717-13720.
Petition to List the Southern Petition Finding,
Hickorynut Mussel (Obovaria Not substantial.
jacksoniana) as Endangered or
Threatened.
3/23/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 13720-13726.
to List the Striped Newt as Petition Finding,
Threatened. Substantial.
3/23/2010................... 12-Month Findings for Notice of 12-month 75 FR 13910-14014.
Petitions to List the Greater petition finding,
Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus Warranted but
urophasianus) as Threatened precluded.
or Endangered.
3/31/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 16050-16065.
to List the Tucson Shovel- petition finding,
Nosed Snake (Chionactis Warranted but
occipitalis klauberi) as precluded.
Threatened or Endangered with
Critical Habitat.
4/5/2010.................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 17062-17070.
To List Thorne's Hairstreak Petition Finding,
Butterfly as threatened or Substantial.
Endangered.
4/6/2010.................... 12-month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 17352-17363.
To List the Mountain petition finding,
Whitefish in the Big Lost Not warranted.
River, Idaho, as Endangered
or Threatened.
4/6/2010.................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 17363-17367.
to List a Stonefly (Isoperla Petition Finding,
jewetti) and a Mayfly Not substantial.
(Fallceon eatoni) as
Threatened or Endangered with
Critical Habitat.
4/7/2010.................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 17667-17680.
to Reclassify the Delta Smelt petition finding,
From Threatened to Endangered Warranted but
Throughout Its Range. precluded.
4/13/2010................... Determination of Endangered Final Listing 75 FR 18959-19165.
Status for 48 Species on Endangered.
Kauai and Designation of
Critical Habitat.
4/15/2010................... Initiation of Status Review of Notice of Initiation 75 FR 19591-19592.
the North American Wolverine of Status Review
in the Contiguous United for Listing
States. Decision.
4/15/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 19592-19607.
to List the Wyoming Pocket petition finding,
Gopher as Endangered or Not warranted.
Threatened with Critical
Habitat.
4/16/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 19925-19935.
to List a Distinct Population Petition Finding,
Segment of the Fisher in Its Substantial.
United States Northern Rocky
Mountain Range as Endangered
or Threatened with Critical
Habitat.
4/20/2010................... Initiation of Status Review Notice of Initiation 75 FR 20547-20548.
for Sacramento splittail of Status Review
(Pogonichthys macrolepidotus). for Listing
Decision.
4/26/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 21568-21571.
to List the Harlequin Petition Finding,
Butterfly as Endangered. Substantial.
4/27/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 22012-22025.
to List Susan's Purse-making petition finding,
Caddisfly (Ochrotrichia Not warranted.
susanae) as Threatened or
Endangered.
4/27/2010................... 90-day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 22063-22070.
to List the Mohave Ground Petition Finding,
Squirrel as Endangered with Substantial.
Critical Habitat.
5/4/2010.................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 23654-23663.
to List Hermes Copper Petition Finding,
Butterfly as Threatened or Substantial.
Endangered.
6/1/2010.................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 30313-30318.
To List Castanea pumila var. Petition Finding,
ozarkensis. Substantial.
[[Page 69233]]
6/1/2010.................... 12-month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 30338-30363.
to List the White-tailed petition finding,
Prairie Dog as Endangered or Not warranted.
Threatened.
6/9/2010.................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 32728-32734.
To List van Rossem's Gull- Petition Finding,
billed Tern as Endangered or Substantial.
Threatened.
6/16/2010................... 90-Day Finding on Five Notice of 90-day 75 FR 34077-34088.
Petitions to List Seven Petition Finding,
Species of Hawaiian Yellow- Substantial.
faced Bees as Endangered.
6/22/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 35398-35424.
to List the Least Chub as petition finding,
Threatened or Endangered. Warranted but
precluded.
6/23/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 35746-35751.
to List the Honduran Emerald Petition Finding,
Hummingbird as Endangered. Substantial.
6/23/2010................... Listing Ipomopsis polyantha Proposed Listing 75 FR 35721-35746.
(Pagosa Skyrocket) as Endangered.
Endangered Throughout Its Proposed Listing
Range, and Listing Penstemon Threatened.
debilis (Parachute
Beardtongue) and Phacelia
submutica (DeBeque Phacelia)
as Threatened Throughout
Their Range.
6/24/2010................... Listing the Flying Earwig Final Listing 75 FR 35990-36012.
Hawaiian Damselfly and Endangered.
Pacific Hawaiian Damselfly As
Endangered Throughout Their
Ranges.
6/24/2010................... Listing the Cumberland Darter, Proposed Listing 75 FR 36035-36057.
Rush Darter, Yellowcheek Endangered.
Darter, Chucky Madtom, and
Laurel Dace as Endangered
Throughout Their Ranges.
6/29/2010................... Listing the Mountain Plover as Reinstatement of 75 FR 37353-37358.
Threatened. Proposed Listing
Threatened.
7/20/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 42033-42040.
to List Pinus albicaulis Petition Finding,
(Whitebark Pine) as Substantial.
Endangered or Threatened with
Critical Habitat.
7/20/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 42040-42054.
to List the Amargosa Toad as petition finding,
Threatened or Endangered. Not warranted.
7/20/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 42059-42066.
to List the Giant Palouse Petition Finding,
Earthworm (Driloleirus Substantial.
americanus) as Threatened or
Endangered.
7/27/2010................... Determination on Listing the Final Listing 75 FR 43844-43853.
Black-Breasted Puffleg as Endangered.
Endangered Throughout its
Range; Final Rule.
7/27/2010................... Final Rule to List the Medium Final Listing 75 FR 43853-43864.
Tree-Finch (Camarhynchus Endangered.
pauper) as Endangered
Throughout Its Range.
8/3/2010.................... Determination of Threatened Final Listing 75 FR 45497-45527.
Status for Five Penguin Threatened.
Species.
8/4/2010.................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 46894-46898.
To List the Mexican Gray Wolf Petition Finding,
as an Endangered Subspecies Substantial.
With Critical Habitat.
8/10/2010................... 90[dash]Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 75 FR 48294-48298.
Petition to List Petition Finding,
Arctostaphylos franciscana as Substantial.
Endangered with Critical
Habitat.
8/17/2010................... Listing Three Foreign Bird Final Listing 75 FR 50813-50842.
Species from Latin America Endangered.
and the Caribbean as
Endangered Throughout Their
Range.
8/17/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 50739-50742.
to List Brian Head Petition Finding,
Mountainsnail as Endangered Not substantial.
or Threatened with Critical
Habitat.
8/24/2010................... 90-Day Finding on a Petition Notice of 90-day 75 FR 51969-51974.
to List the Oklahoma Grass Petition Finding,
Pink Orchid as Endangered or Substantial.
Threatened.
9/1/2010.................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 53615-53629.
to List the White-Sided petition finding,
Jackrabbit as Threatened or Not warranted.
Endangered.
9/8/2010.................... Proposed Rule To List the Proposed Listing 75 FR 54561-54579.
Ozark Hellbender Salamander Endangered.
as Endangered.
9/8/2010.................... Revised 12-Month Finding to Notice of 12-month 75 FR 54707-54753.
List the Upper Missouri River petition finding,
Distinct Population Segment Warranted but
of Arctic Grayling as precluded.
Endangered or Threatened.
9/9/2010.................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 54822-54845.
to List the Jemez Mountains petition finding,
Salamander (Plethodon Warranted but
neomexicanus) as Endangered precluded.
or Threatened with Critical
Habitat.
9/15/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 56028-56050.
to List Sprague's Pipit as petition finding,
Endangered or Threatened Warranted but
Throughout Its Range. precluded.
9/22/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 57720-57734.
to List Agave eggersiana (no petition finding,
common name) as Endangered. Warranted but
precluded.
9/28/2010................... Determination of Endangered Final Listing 75 FR 59645-59656.
Status for the African Endangered.
Penguin.
9/28/2010................... Determination for the Gunnison Notice of 12-month 75 FR 59803-59863.
Sage[dash]grouse as a petition finding,
Threatened or Endangered Warranted but
Species. precluded.
[[Page 69234]]
9/30/2010................... 12-Month Finding on a Petition Notice of 12-month 75 FR 60515-60561.
to List the Pygmy Rabbit as petition finding,
Endangered or Threatened. Not warranted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our expeditious progress also included work on listing actions that
we funded in FY 2010 but have not yet been completed to date. These
actions are listed below. Actions in the top section of the table are
being conducted under a deadline set by a court. Actions in the middle
section of the table are being conducted to meet statutory timelines,
that is, timelines required under the Act. Actions in the bottom
section of the table are high-priority listing actions. These actions
include work primarily on species with an LPN of 2, and, as discussed
above, selection of these species is partially based on available staff
resources, and when appropriate, include species with a lower priority
if they overlap geographically or have the same threats as the species
with the high priority. Including these species together in the same
proposed rule results in considerable savings in time and funding,
compared to preparing separate proposed rules for each of them in the
future.
Actions Funded in FY 2010 But Not Yet Completed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Subject to Court Order/Settlement
Agreement
6 Birds from Eurasia.................... Final listing determination.
Flat-tailed horned lizard............... Final listing determination.
Mountain plover \3\..................... Final listing determination.
6 Birds from Peru....................... Proposed listing determination.
Sacramento splittail.................... 12-month petition finding.
Pacific walrus.......................... 12-month petition finding.
Wolverine............................... 12-month petition finding.
Solanum conocarpum...................... 12-month petition finding.
Desert tortoise--Sonoran population..... 12-month petition finding.
Thorne's Hairstreak butterfly \3\....... 12-month petition finding.
Hermes copper butterfly \3\............. 12-month petition finding.
Actions with Statutory Deadlines
Casey's june beetle..................... Final listing determination.
Georgia pigtoe, interrupted rocksnail, Final listing determination.
and rough hornsnail.
7 Bird species from Brazil.............. Final listing determination.
Southern rockhopper penguin--Campbell Final listing determination.
Plateau population.
5 Bird species from Colombia and Ecuador Final listing determination.
Queen Charlotte goshawk................. Final listing determination.
5 species southeast fish (Cumberland Final listing determination.
darter, rush darter, yellowcheek
darter, chucky madtom, and laurel dace).
Salmon crested cockatoo................. Proposed listing determination.
CA golden trout......................... 12-month petition finding.
Black-footed albatross.................. 12-month petition finding.
Mount Charleston blue butterfly......... 12-month petition finding.
Mojave fringe-toed lizard \1\........... 12-month petition finding.
Kokanee--Lake Sammamish population \1\.. 12-month petition finding.
Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl \1\........ 12-month petition finding.
Northern leopard frog................... 12-month petition finding.
Tehachapi slender salamander............ 12-month petition finding.
Coqui Llanero........................... 12-month petition finding.
Dusky tree vole......................... 12-month petition finding.
3 MT invertebrates (mist forestfly 12-month petition finding.
(Lednia tumana), Oreohelix sp. 3,
Oreohelix sp. 31) from 206 species
petition.
5 UT plants (Astragalus hamiltonii, 12-month petition finding.
Eriogonum soredium, Lepidium ostleri,
Penstemon flowersii, Trifolium
friscanum) from 206 species petition.
2 CO plants (Astragalus microcymbus, 12-month petition finding.
Astragalus schmolliae) from 206 species
petition.
5 WY plants (Abronia ammophila, Agrostis 12-month petition finding.
rossiae, Astragalus proimanthus,
Boechere (Arabis) pusilla, Penstemon
gibbensii) from 206 species petition.
Leatherside chub (from 206 species 12-month petition finding.
petition).
Frigid ambersnail (from 206 species 12-month petition finding.
petition).
Gopher tortoise--eastern population..... 12-month petition finding.
Wrights marsh thistle................... 12-month petition finding.
67 of 475 southwest species............. 12-month petition finding.
Grand Canyon scorpion (from 475 species 12-month petition finding.
petition).
Anacroneuria wipukupa (a stonefly from 12-month petition finding.
475 species petition).
Rattlesnake-master borer moth (from 475 12-month petition finding.
species petition).
3 Texas moths (Ursia furtiva, 12-month petition finding.
Sphingicampa blanchardi, Agapema
galbina) (from 475 species petition).
2 Texas shiners (Cyprinella sp., 12-month petition finding.
Cyprinella lepida) (from 475 species
petition).
3 South Arizona plants (Erigeron 12-month petition finding.
piscaticus, Astragalus hypoxylus,
Amoreuxia gonzalezii) (from 475 species
petition).
[[Page 69235]]
5 Central Texas mussel species (3 from 12-month petition finding.
475 species petition).
14 parrots (foreign species)............ 12-month petition finding.
Berry Cave salamander \1\............... 12-month petition finding.
Striped Newt \1\........................ 12-month petition finding.
Fisher--Northern Rocky Mountain Range 12-month petition finding.
\1\.
Mohave Ground Squirrel \1\.............. 12-month petition finding.
Puerto Rico Harlequin Butterfly......... 12-month petition finding.
Western gull-billed tern................ 12-month petition finding.
Ozark chinquapin (Castanea pumila var. 12-month petition finding.
ozarkensis).
HI yellow-faced bees.................... 12-month petition finding.
Giant Palouse earthworm................. 12-month petition finding.
Whitebark pine.......................... 12-month petition finding.
OK grass pink (Calopogon oklahomensis) 12-month petition finding.
\1\.
Southeastern pop snowy plover & 90-day petition finding.
wintering pop. of piping plover \1\.
Eagle Lake trout \1\.................... 90-day petition finding.
Smooth-billed ani \1\................... 90-day petition finding.
Bay Springs salamander \1\.............. 90-day petition finding.
32 species of snails and slugs \1\...... 90-day petition finding.
42 snail species (Nevada & Utah)........ 90-day petition finding.
Red knot roselaari subspecies........... 90-day petition finding.
Peary caribou........................... 90-day petition finding.
Plains bison............................ 90-day petition finding.
Spring Mountains checkerspot butterfly.. 90-day petition finding.
Spring pygmy sunfish.................... 90-day petition finding.
Bay skipper............................. 90-day petition finding.
Unsilvered fritillary................... 90-day petition finding.
Texas kangaroo rat...................... 90-day petition finding.
Spot-tailed earless lizard.............. 90-day petition finding.
Eastern small-footed bat................ 90-day petition finding.
Northern long-eared bat................. 90-day petition finding.
Prairie chub............................ 90-day petition finding.
10 species of Great Basin butterfly..... 90-day petition finding.
6 sand dune (scarab) beetles............ 90-day petition finding.
Golden-winged warbler................... 90-day petition finding.
Sand-verbena moth....................... 90-day petition finding.
404 Southeast species................... 90-day petition finding.
High-Priority Listing Actions \3\ ..................................................................
19 Oahu candidate species \2\ (16 Proposed listing.
plants, 3 damselflies) (15 with LPN =
2, 3 with LPN = 3, 1 with LPN =9).
19 Maui-Nui candidate species \2\ (16 Proposed listing.
plants, 3 tree snails) (14 with LPN =
2, 2 with LPN = 3, 3 with LPN = 8).
Dune sagebrush lizard (formerly Sand Proposed listing.
dune lizard) \3\ (LPN = 2).
2 Arizona springsnails \2\ (Pyrgulopsis Proposed listing.
bernadina (LPN = 2), Pyrgulopsis
trivialis (LPN = 2)).
New Mexico springsnail \2\ (Pyrgulopsis Proposed listing.
chupaderae (LPN = 2)).
2 mussels \2\ (rayed bean (LPN = 2), Proposed listing.
snuffbox No LPN).
2 mussels \2\ (sheepnose (LPN = 2), Proposed listing.
spectaclecase (LPN = 4)).
Altamaha spinymussel \2\ (LPN = 2)...... Proposed listing.
8 southeast mussels (southern Proposed listing.
kidneyshell (LPN = 2), round ebonyshell
(LPN = 2), Alabama pearlshell (LPN =
2), southern sandshell (LPN = 5), fuzzy
pigtoe (LPN = 5), Choctaw bean (LPN =
5), narrow pigtoe (LPN = 5), and
tapered pigtoe (LPN = 11)).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Funds for listing actions for these species were provided in previous FYs.
\2\ Although funds for these high-priority listing actions were provided in FY 2008 or 2009, due to the
complexity of these actions and competing priorities, these actions are still being developed.
\3\ Partially funded with FY 2010 funds; also will be funded with FY 2011 funds.
We also funded work on resubmitted petitions findings for 162
candidate species (species petitioned prior to the last CNOR). We did
not include new information in our resubmitted petition finding for the
Columbia Basin population of the greater sage-grouse in this notice, as
the significance of the Columbia Basin DPS to the greater sage-grouse
will require further review and we will update our finding at a later
date (see 75 FR 13909; March 23, 2010). We also did not include new
information in our resubmitted petition findings for the 43 candidate
species for which we are preparing proposed listing determinations; see
summaries below regarding publication of these determinations (these
species will remain on the candidate list until a proposed listing rule
is published). We also funded a revised 12-month petition finding for
the candidate species that we are removing from candidate status, which
is being published as part of this CNOR (see Candidate Removals).
Because the majority of these species were already candidate species
prior to our receipt of a petition to list them, we had already
assessed their status using funds from our Candidate Conservation
Program. We also continue to monitor the status of these species
through our Candidate Conservation Program. The cost of updating the
species assessment forms and publishing the joint publication of the
CNOR and resubmitted petition findings is shared
[[Page 69236]]
between the Listing Program and the Candidate Conservation Program.
During FY 2010, we also funded work on resubmitted petition
findings for uplisting six listed species, for which petitions were
previously received.
We have endeavored to make our listing actions as efficient and
timely as possible, given the requirements of the relevant law and
regulations, and constraints relating to workload and personnel. We are
continually considering ways to streamline processes or achieve
economies of scale, such as by batching related actions together. Given
our limited budget for implementing section 4 of the Act, the actions
described above collectively constitute expeditious progress.
Although we have not been able to resolve the listing status of
many of the candidates, several programs in the Service contribute to
the conservation of these species. In particular, the Candidate
Conservation program, which is separately budgeted, focuses on
providing technical expertise for developing conservation strategies
and agreements to guide voluntary on-the-ground conservation work for
candidate and other at-risk species. The main goal of this program is
to address the threats facing candidate species. Through this program,
we work with our partners (other Federal agencies, State agencies,
Tribes, local governments, private landowners, and private conservation
organizations) to address the threats to candidate species and other
species at-risk. We are currently working with our partners to
implement voluntary conservation agreements for more than 140 species
covering 5 million acres of habitat. In some instances, the sustained
implementation of strategically designed conservation efforts
culminates in making listing unnecessary for species that are
candidates for listing or for which listing has been proposed.
Findings for Petitioned Candidate Species
Below are updated summaries for petitioned candidates for which we
published findings, pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(B). We are making
continued warranted-but-precluded 12-month findings on the petitions
for these species (for our revised 12-month petition findings for
species we are removing from candidate status, see summaries above
under ``Candidate Removals'').
Mammals
Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus)--The following summary is
based on information in our files. No new information was presented in
the petition received on January 29, 2010. Endemic to south Florida,
this species has been found at 12 locations, 5 on private land and 7 on
public land. The entire population may number less than a few hundred
individuals. Results from a rangewide acoustical survey found a small
number of locations where calls were recorded, and low numbers of calls
were recorded at each location. Few active roost sites are known; all
are artificial (i.e., bat houses). Prolonged cold temperatures in
January and February 2010 affected one active roost; it is not clear
what effect the prolonged cold had on the species. Efforts are under
way to confirm presence at all previously documented sites.
Occurrences are threatened by loss and conversion of habitat to
other uses and habitat alteration (e.g., removal of old trees with
cavities, removal of manmade structures with suitable roosting sites);
this threat is expected to continue and increase. Although occurrences
on conservation lands are inherently more protected than those on
private lands, habitat alteration during management practices may
affect natural roosting sites even on conservation lands if Florida
bonneted bats are present but undetected. Therefore, occupied and
potential habitat on forested or wooded lands, both private and public,
continues to be at risk. The species is vulnerable to a wide array of
natural and human factors: Low population size, restricted range, low
fecundity, large distances between occupied locations, and small number
of occupied locations. Such factors may make recolonization unlikely if
any site is extirpated and may make the species vulnerable to
extinction due to genetic drift, inbreeding depression, extreme weather
events, and random or chance changes to the environment. Where the
species occurs in or near human dwellings or structures, it is at risk
to persecution, removal, and disturbance. Disturbance from humans,
either intentional or inadvertent, can occur at any of the occurrences
of this bat on either private or conservation lands. Disturbance of
maternity roosts is of particular concern due to this species' low
fecundity and small population. Pesticide applications may be affecting
its foraging base, especially in coastal areas.
Due to its overall vulnerability, intense hurricanes are a
significant threat; this threat is expected to continue or increase in
the future. Intense storms can cause mortality during the storm,
exposure to predation immediately following the storm, loss of roost
sites, impacts on foraging areas and insect abundance, and disruption
of the maternal period. Prolonged periods of cold temperatures may have
severe impacts on the population and increase risks from other threats
by weakening individuals, extirpating colonies, or further reducing
colony sizes. Although disease is a significant threat for other bat
species, it is not known to be a threat for the Florida bonneted bat at
this time. The protection currently afforded the Florida bonneted bat
is limited, provides little protection to the species' occupied
habitat, and includes no provisions to protect suitable but unoccupied
habitat within the vicinity of known colony sites. Overall, we find the
magnitude of threats is high due to the severity of the threats on this
species. We find that most of the threats are currently occurring and,
consequently, overall, threats are imminent. Therefore, we assigned an
LPN of 2 to this species.
Pacific Sheath-tailed Bat, American Samoa DPS (Emballonura
semicaudata semicaudata)--The following summary is based on information
contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition
we received on May 11, 2004. This small bat is a member of the
Emballonuridae, an Old World bat family that has an extensive
distribution, primarily in the tropics. The Pacific sheath-tailed bat
was once common and widespread in Polynesia and Micronesia and it is
the only insectivorous bat recorded from a large part of this area. The
species as a whole (E. semicaudata) occurred on several of the Caroline
Islands (Palau, Chuuk, and Pohnpei), Samoa (Independent and American),
the Mariana Islands (Guam and the CNMI), Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
While populations appear to be healthy in some locations, mainly in the
Caroline Islands, they have declined substantially in other areas,
including Independent and American Samoa, the Mariana Islands, Fiji,
and possibly Tonga. Scientists recognize four subspecies: E. s.
rotensis, endemic to the Mariana Islands (Guam and the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)); E. s. sulcata, occurring in Chuuk
and Pohnpei; E. s. palauensis, found in Palau; and E. s. semicaudata,
occurring in American and Independent Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
The candidate assessment form addresses the distinct population segment
(DPS) of E. s. semicaudata that occurs in American Samoa.
E. s. semicaudata historically occurred in American and Independent
Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu. It is extant in Fiji and Tonga, but
may be extirpated from Vanuatu and Independent Samoa. There is some
[[Page 69237]]
concern that it is also extirpated from American Samoa, the location of
this DPS, where surveys are currently ongoing to ascertain its status.
The factors that led to the decline of this subspecies and the DPS are
poorly understood; however, current threats to this subspecies and the
DPS include habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and its
small population size and distribution, which make the taxon extremely
vulnerable to extinction due to typhoons and similar natural
catastrophes. Thus, the threats are high in magnitude. The Pacific
sheath-tailed bat may also by susceptible to disturbance to roosting
caves. The LPN for E. s. semicaudata is 3 because the magnitude of the
threats is high, the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent, and
the taxon is a distinct population segment of a subspecies.
Pacific Sheath-tailed Bat (Emballonura semicaudata rotensis), Guam
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
This small bat is a member of the Emballonuridae, an Old World bat
family that has an extensive distribution, primarily in the tropics.
The Pacific sheath-tailed bat was once common and widespread in
Polynesia and Micronesia and it is the only insectivorous bat recorded
from a large part of this area. E. s. rotensis is historically known
from the Mariana Islands and formerly occurred on Guam and in the CNMI
on Rota, Aguiguan, Tinian (known from prehistoric records only),
Saipan, and possibly Anatahan and Maug. Currently, E. s. rotensis
appears to be extirpated from all but one island in the Mariana
archipelago. The single remaining population of this subspecies occurs
on Aguiguan, CNMI.
Threats to this subspecies have not changed over the past year. The
primary threats to the subspecies are ongoing habitat loss and
degradation as a result of feral goat (Capra hircus) activity on the
island of Aguiguan and the taxon's small population size and limited
distribution. Predation by nonnative species and human disturbance are
also potential threats to the subspecies. The subspecies is believed
near the point where stochastic events, such as typhoons, are
increasingly likely to affect its continued survival. The disappearance
of the remaining population on Aguiguan would result in the extinction
of the subspecies. Thus, the threats are high in magnitude. The LPN for
E. s. rotensis remains at 3 because the magnitude of the threats is
high, the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent, and the taxon
is a subspecies.
New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files and information
received in response to our notice published on June 30, 2004, when we
announced our 90-day petition finding and initiation of a status review
(69 FR 39395). We received the petition on August 30, 2000. The New
England cottontail (NEC) is a medium-to-large sized cottontail rabbit
that may reach 1,000 grams in weight, and is one of two species within
the genus Sylvilagus occurring in New England. New England cottontails
are considered habitat specialists, in so far as they are dependent
upon early-successional habitats typically described as thickets. The
species is the only endemic cottontail in New England. Historically,
the NEC occurred in seven States and ranged from southeastern New York
(east of the Hudson River) north through the Champlain Valley, southern
Vermont, the southern half of New Hampshire, southern Maine, and south
throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The current
range of the NEC has declined substantially and occurrences have become
increasingly separated. The species' distribution is fragmented into
five apparently isolated metapopulations. The area occupied by the
cottontail has contracted from approximately 90,000 sq km to 12,180 sq
km. Recent surveys indicate that the longterm decline in NEC continues.
For example, surveys for the species in early 2008 documented the
presence of NEC in 7 of the 23 New Hampshire locations that were known
to be occupied in 2002 and 2003. Similarly, surveys in Maine found the
species present in 12 of 57 sites identified in an extensive survey
that spanned the years 2000 to 2004. Unlike the New Hampshire study,
several new sites were documented in Maine during 2008. Some have
suggested that the decline in NEC occurrences in 2008 may be attributed
to persistent snow cover throughout northern New England during the
winter of 2007-2008. Similar surveys were conducted during the winter
of 2009 in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and New York. The
results are pending further analysis. It is estimated that less than
one-third of the occupied sites occur on lands in conservation status
and fewer than 10 percent are being managed for early-successional
forest species.
The primary threat to the New England cottontail is loss of habitat
through succession and alteration. Isolation of occupied patches by
areas of unsuitable habitat and high predation rates are resulting in
local extirpation of New England cottontails from small patches. The
range of the New England cottontail has contracted by 75 percent or
more since 1960 and current land uses in the region indicate that the
rate of change, about 2 percent range loss per year, will continue.
Additional threats include competition for food and habitat with
introduced eastern cottontails and large numbers of native white-tailed
deer; inadequate regulatory mechanisms to protect habitat; and
mortality from predation. The magnitude of the threats continues to be
high, because they occur rangewide, and have a severe negative effect
on the survival of the species. They are imminent because they are
ongoing. Thus, we retained an LPN of 2 for this species. Conservation
measures that address the threats to the species are being developed.
Fisher, West Coast DPS (Martes pennanti)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files and in the Service's
initial warranted-but-precluded finding published in the Federal
Register on April 8, 2004 (68 FR 18770). The fisher is a carnivore in
the family Mustelidae and is the largest member of the genus Martes.
Historically, the West Coast population of the fisher extended south
from British Columbia into western Washington and Oregon, and in the
North Coast Ranges, Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains, and Sierra Nevada in
California. Because of a lack of detections with standardized survey
efforts over much of the fisher's historical range, the fisher is
believed to be extirpated or reduced to scattered individuals from the
lower mainland of British Columbia through Washington and northern
Oregon and in the central and northern Sierra Nevada in California.
Native extant populations of fisher are isolated to the North Coast of
California, the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains of northern California and
southern Oregon, and the southern Sierra Nevada in California.
Descendents of a fisher reintroduction effort also occur in the
southern Cascades in Oregon. The Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife in conjunction with the Olympic National Park has completed
the third year of a reintroduction effort as the State's first step in
implementing their recover goals for fisher. The California Department
of Fish and Game and other collaborators began the first year of their
translocation efforts into the northern Sierra Nevada during the winter
of 2009-2010.
Estimates of fisher numbers in native populations of the West Coast
DPS vary
[[Page 69238]]
widely. A rigorous monitoring program is lacking for the northern
California southern Oregon and southern Oregon Cascades populations,
making estimates of fisher numbers for these two populations difficult.
The fisher monitoring program in the southern Sierra Nevada population
has provided preliminary estimates indicating no decline in the index
of abundance within the monitored portion of the population. There is a
high degree of genetic relatedness within some populations. The two
populations of native fisher in the northern California southern Oregon
and southern Sierra Nevada are separated by four times the species'
maximum dispersal distance. The extant fisher populations are either
small (southern Sierra Nevada and southern Oregon Cascades) and are
isolated from one another or both.
Major threats that fragment or remove key elements of fisher
habitat include various forest vegetation management practices such as
timber harvest and fuels-reduction treatments. Other potential major
threats in portions of the range include: Large stand-replacing
wildfires, changes in forest composition and structure related to
climate change effects, forest and fuels management, and urban and
rural development. Threats to fishers that lead to direct mortality and
injury include: Collisions with vehicles; predation; and viral borne
diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, and canine distemper. Existing
regulatory mechanisms on Federal, State, and private lands do not
provide sufficient protection for the key elements of fisher habitat,
or the certainty that conservation efforts will be effective or
implemented. The magnitude of threats is high as they occur across the
range of the DPS resulting in a negative impact on fisher distribution
and abundance. However, the threats are nonimminent as the greatest
long-term risks to the fisher in its west coast range are the
subsequent ramifications of the isolation of small populations and
their interactions with the listed threats. The three remaining areas
containing fisher populations appear to be stable or not rapidly
declining based on recent survey and monitoring efforts. Therefore, we
assigned an LPN of 6 to this DPS.
New Mexico meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
the petition we received October 15, 2008. The New Mexico meadow
jumping mouse (jumping mouse) is endemic to New Mexico, Arizona, and a
small area of southern Colorado. The jumping mouse nests in dry soils
but uses moist, streamside, dense riparian/wetland vegetation. Recent
genetic studies confirm that the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is a
distinct subspecies from other Zapus hudsonius subspecies, confirming
the currently accepted subspecies designation.
The threats that have been identified are excessive grazing
pressure, water use and management, highway reconstruction,
development, recreation, and beaver removal.
Since the early to mid-1990s over 100 historical localities have
been surveyed. Currently only 24 are extant, 11 in New Mexico
(including one that is contiguous with the Colorado locality) and 13 in
Arizona. Moreover, the highly fragmented nature of its distribution is
also a major contributor to the vulnerability of this species and
increases the likelihood of very small, isolated populations being
extirpated. The insufficient number of secure populations, and the
destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat, continue to
pose the most immediate threats to this species. Because the threats
affect the jumping mouse in all but two of the extant localities, the
threats are of a high magnitude. These threats are currently occurring
and, therefore, are imminent. Thus, we continue to assign an LPN of 3
to this subspecies.
Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama ssp. couchi, douglasii,
glacialis, louiei, melanops, pugetensis, tacomensis, tumuli,
yelmensis)--The following summary is based on information contained in
our files. No new information was provided in the petition received
December 11, 2002. Seven of the nine subspecies of pocket gopher are
associated with glacial outwash prairies in western Washington (T. m.
melanops is found on alpine meadows in Olympic National Park, and T. m.
oregonus is found in extreme southwest Washington). Of these seven
subspecies, five are likely still extant (couchi, glacialis,
pugetensis, tumuli, and yelmensis). Few of these glacial outwash
prairies remain in Washington today. Historically, such prairies were
patchily distributed, but the area they occupied totaled approximately
170,000 acres (Stinson 2005). Now, residential and commercial
development and in-growth of woody and/or nonnative vegetation have
further reduced their numbers. In addition, development in or adjacent
to these prairies has likely increased predation on Mazama pocket
gophers by dogs and cats.
The magnitude of threat is high due to populations with patchy and
isolated distributions in habitats highly desirable for development and
subject to a wide variety of human activities that permanently alter
the habitat. The threat of invasive plant species to the quality of a
highly specific habitat requirement is high and constant. There are few
known populations of each subspecies. A limited dispersal capability,
and the loss and degradation of additional patches of appropriate
habitat will further isolate populations and increase their
vulnerability to extinction. Loss of any of the subspecies will reduce
the genetic diversity and the likelihood of continued existence of the
T. mazama subspecies complex in Washington.
The threats are imminent. Two of the subspecies (Cathlamet and
Tacoma) are likely extinct. The status of T. m. douglasii is unknown,
but its location in a matrix of towns means it's threatened by
encroaching development. Two gravel pits are operating on part of the
remaining Roy Prairie pocket gopher habitat, and another one occurs in
the area of the Tenino pocket gopher. The largest populations of two
other subspecies (Shelton and Olympia) are located on airports with
planned development. Yelm pocket gophers are also threatened by
proposed development. Due to its low genetic diversity, isolation, and
potential for natural habitat alterations in the future, T. m. melanops
(Olympic pocket gopher) is susceptible to stochastic events and small
population effects such as genetic drift and founder effects. Thus, we
assign an LPN of 3 to these subspecies.
Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni)--This species occurs in
Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. However, only the significant
portion of the range in the montane portions of central and south
central Colorado and north central New Mexico is included on our list
of candidates. Within this portion of the range, plague has
significantly reduced the number and size of populations, resulting in
considerable effects to the species. Populations within montane habitat
have distinct disadvantages in resisting the effects of plague due to a
high abundance of fleas that spread plague, small populations that
cannot recover in numbers from plague epizootics, and isolated
populations that limit the ability to recolonize. Poisoning and
shooting continue to be threats to the Gunnison's prairie dog within
the montane portion of its range and contribute to the decline of the
species when combined with the effects of disease. Agriculture,
urbanization, roads, and oil and gas development each currently affect
a small percentage of Gunnison's prairie dog habitat. Plague is
significantly affecting the remaining
[[Page 69239]]
small, isolated populations. Plague epizootics can extirpate
populations there within a short timeframe (3 to 10 years). We have
assigned an LPN of 3 to this species due to imminent threats of a high
magnitude in a significant portion of its range.
Southern Idaho ground squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus endemicus)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files.
No new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. The southern Idaho ground squirrel is endemic to four counties in
southwest Idaho; its total known range is approximately 425,630
hectares (1,051,752 acres). Threats to southern Idaho ground squirrels
include: Habitat degradation and fragmentation; direct killing from
shooting, trapping, or poisoning; predation; competition with Columbian
ground squirrels; and inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms.
Habitat degradation and fragmentation appear to be the primary threats
to the species. Nonnative annuals now dominate much of this species'
range, have changed the species composition of vegetation used as
forage for the southern Idaho ground squirrel, and have altered the
fire regime by accelerating the frequency of wildfire. Habitat
deterioration, destruction, and fragmentation contribute to the current
patchy distribution of southern Idaho ground squirrels. Based on recent
genetic work, southern Idaho ground squirrels are subject to more
genetic drift and inbreeding than expected.
Two Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs) have
been completed for this species in recent years. Both CCAAs include
conservation measures that provide additional protection to southern
Idaho ground squirrels from recreational shooting and other direct
killing on enrolled lands, and also allow the State of Idaho, the
Service, and BLM to investigate ways of restoring currently degraded
habitat. At this time, the acreage enrolled through these two CCAAs is
38,756 ha (95,767 ac), or 9 percent of the known range approximately.
While the ongoing conservation efforts have helped to reduce the
magnitude of threats to moderate, habitat degradation remains the
primary threat to the species throughout most of its range. This threat
is imminent due to the ongoing and increasing prevalence and dominance
of nonnative vegetation, and the current patchy distribution of the
species. Thus, we assign an LPN of 9 to this subspecies.
Washington ground squirrel (Spermophilus washingtoni)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and in
the petition we received on March 2, 2000. The Washington ground
squirrel is endemic to the Deschutes-Columbia Plateau sagebrush-steppe
and grassland communities in eastern Oregon and south-central
Washington. Although widely abundant historically, recent surveys
suggest that its current range has contracted toward the center of its
historical range. Approximately two-thirds of the Washington ground
squirrel's total historical range has been converted to agricultural
and residential uses. The most contiguous, least-disturbed expanse of
suitable habitat within the species' range occurs on a site owned by
Boeing, Inc. and on the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility near
Boardman, Oregon. In Washington, the largest expanse of known suitable
habitat occurs on State and Federal lands.
Agricultural, residential, and windpower development, among other
forms of development, continue to eliminate Washington ground squirrel
habitat in portions of its range. Throughout much of its range,
Washington ground squirrels are threatened by the establishment and
spread of invasive plant species, particularly cheatgrass, which alter
available cover and food quantity and quality, and increase fire
intervals. Additional threats include habitat fragmentation,
recreational shooting, genetic isolation and drift, and predation.
Potential threats include disease, drought, and possible competition
with related species in disturbed habitat at the periphery of their
range. In Oregon, some threats are being addressed as a result of the
State listing of this species, and by implementation of the Threemile
Canyon Farms Multi-Species Candidate Conservation Agreement with
Assurances (CCAA). In Washington, there are currently no formal
agreements with private landowners or with State or Federal agencies to
protect the Washington ground squirrel. Additionally, no State or
Federal management plans have been developed that specifically address
the needs of the species or its habitat. Since current and potential
threats are widespread and, in some cases, severe, we conclude the
magnitude of threats remains high. The Washington ground squirrel has
both imminent and nonimminent threats. At a range-wide scale, we
conclude the threats are nonimminent based largely on the following:
The CCAA addressed the imminent loss of a large portion of habitat to
agriculture, there are no other large-scale efforts to convert suitable
habitat to agriculture, and windpower project impacts can be minimized
through compliance with the Oregon State Endangered Species Act (OESA)
and/or the Columbia Basin Ecoregion wind energy siting and permitting
guidelines. We also consider the potential development of shooting
ranges on the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility as nonimminent
because the proposed action is still being developed, making us unable
to assess its timing and impact, which could be minimized through
compliance with the OESA. We, therefore, have retained an LPN of 5 for
this species.
Birds
Spotless crake, American Samoa DPS (Porzana tabuensis)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. Porzana tabuensis is a small, dark, cryptic rail found in
wetlands and rank scrub or forest in the Philippines, Australia, Fiji,
Tonga, Society Islands, Marquesas, Independent Samoa, and American
Samoa (Ofu, Tau). The genus Porzana is widespread in the Pacific, where
it is represented by numerous island-endemic and flightless species
(many of which are extinct as a result of anthropogenic disturbances)
as well as several more cosmopolitan species, including P. tabuensis.
No subspecies of P. tabuensis are recognized.
The American Samoa population is the only population of spotless
crakes under U.S. jurisdiction. The available information indicates
that distinct populations of the spotless crake, a species not noted
for long-distance dispersal, are definable. The population of spotless
crakes in American Samoa is discrete in relation to the remainder of
the species as a whole, which is distributed in widely separated
locations. Although the spotless crake (and other rails) have dispersed
widely in the Pacific, island rails have tended to reduce or lose their
power of flight over evolutionary time and so become isolated (and
vulnerable to terrestrial predators such as rats). The population of
this species in American Samoa is therefore distinct based on
geographic and distributional isolation from spotless crake populations
on other islands in the oceanic Pacific, the Philippines, and
Australia. The American Samoa population of the spotless crake links
the Central and Eastern Pacific portions of the species' range. The
loss of this population would result in an increase of roughly 500
[[Page 69240]]
miles (805 kilometers) in the distance between the central and eastern
Polynesian portions of the spotless crake's range, and could result in
the isolation of the Marquesas and Society Islands populations by
further limiting the potential for even rare genetic exchange. Based on
the discreteness and significance of the American Samoa population of
the spotless crake, we consider this population to be a distinct
vertebrate population segment.
Threats to this population have not changed over the past year. The
population in American Samoa is threatened by small population size,
limited distribution, predation by nonnative mammals, continued
development of wetland habitat, and natural catastrophes such as
hurricanes. The co-occurrence of a known predator of ground-nesting
birds, the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), along with the extremely
restricted observed distribution and low numbers, indicate that the
magnitude of the threats to the American Samoa DPS of the spotless
crake continues to be high, because the threats significantly affect
the species survival. The threats are ongoing, and therefore imminent.
Based on this assessment of existing information about the imminence
and high magnitude of these threats, we assigned the spotless crake an
LPN of 3.
Yellow-billed cuckoo, western U.S. DPS (Coccyzus americanus)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
the petition we received on February 9, 1998. See also our 12-month
petition finding published on July 25, 2001 (66 FR 38611). The yellow-
billed cuckoo is a medium-sized bird of about 12 inches (30
centimeters) in length with a slender, long-tailed profile and a fairly
stout and slightly down-curved bill. Plumage is grayish-brown above and
white below, with rufous primary flight feathers with the tail feathers
boldly patterned with black and white below. Western cuckoos breed in
large blocks of riparian habitats (particularly woodlands with
cottonwoods (Populus fremontii) and willows (Salix sp.). Dense
understory foliage appears to be an important factor in nest-site
selection, while cottonwood trees are an important foraging habitat in
areas where the species has been studied in California. We consider the
yellow-billed cuckoos that occur in the western United States as a
distinct population segment (DPS). The area for this DPS is west of the
crest of the Rocky Mountains.
The threats currently facing the yellow-billed cuckoo include
habitat loss, over-grazing, and pesticide application. Principal causes
of riparian habitat losses are conversion to agricultural and other
uses, dams and river-flow management, stream channelization and
stabilization, and livestock grazing. Available breeding habitats for
cuckoos have also been substantially reduced in area and quality by
groundwater pumping and the replacement of native riparian habitats by
invasive nonnative plants, particularly tamarisk. Overuse by livestock
has been a major factor in the degradation and modification of riparian
habitats in the western United States. The effects include changes in
plant community structure and species composition and in relative
abundance of species and plant density. These changes are often linked
to more widespread changes in watershed hydrology. Livestock grazing in
riparian habitats typically results in reduction of plant species
diversity and density, especially of palatable broadleaf plants like
willows and cottonwood saplings, and is one of the most common causes
of riparian degradation. In addition to destruction and degradation of
riparian habitats, pesticides may affect cuckoo populations. In areas
where riparian habitat borders agricultural lands-- e.g., in
California's Central Valley-- pesticide use may indirectly affect
cuckoos by reducing prey numbers, or by poisoning nestlings if sprayed
directly in areas where the birds are nesting. A group comprised of
Federal, State, and nongovernmental agencies organized by the Service
(Region 8, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office) is in the process of
completing a rangewide conservation assessment and strategy for the
Western yellow-billed cuckoo. The assessment is in early stages of
development, with work beginning on a conservation strategy expected in
2011. The LPN for the yellow-billed cuckoo remains a 3, with imminent
threats of high magnitude.
Friendly ground-dove, American Samoa DPS (Gallicolumba stairi)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. The genus Gallicolumba is distributed throughout the Pacific and
Southeast Asia. The genus is represented in the oceanic Pacific by six
species: Three are endemic to Micronesian islands or archipelagos, two
are endemic to island groups in French Polynesia, and G. stairi is
endemic to Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji. Some authors recognize two
subspecies of the friendly ground-dove, one, slightly smaller, in the
Samoan archipelago (G. s. stairi), and one in Tonga and Fiji (G. s.
vitiensis), but because morphological differences between the two are
minimal, we are not recognizing separate subspecies at this time.
In American Samoa, the friendly ground-dove has been found on the
islands of Ofu and Olosega (Manua Group). Threats to this subspecies
have not changed over the past year. Predation by nonnative species and
natural catastrophes such as hurricanes are the primary threats to the
subspecies. Of these, predation by nonnative species is thought to be
occurring now and likely has been occurring for several decades. This
predation may be an important impediment to increasing the population.
Predation by introduced species has played a significant role in
reducing, limiting, and extirpating populations of island birds,
especially ground-nesters like the friendly ground-dove, in the Pacific
and other locations worldwide. Nonnative predators known or thought to
occur in the range of the friendly ground-dove in American Samoa are
feral cats (Felis catus), Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans), black rats
(R. rattus), and Norway rats (R. norvegicus).
In January 2004 and February of 2005, hurricanes virtually
destroyed the habitat of G. stairi in the area on Olosega Island that
the species had been most frequently recorded. Although this species
has coexisted with severe storms for millennia, this example
illustrates the potential for natural disturbance to exacerbate the
effect of anthropogenic disturbance on small populations. Consistent
monitoring using a variety of methods over the last 5 years yielded few
observations and no change in the relative abundance of this taxon in
American Samoa. The total population size is poorly known, but is
unlikely to number more than a few hundred pairs. The distribution of
the friendly ground-dove is limited to steep, forested slopes with an
open understory and a substrate of fine scree or exposed earth; this
habitat is not common in American Samoa. The threats are ongoing and,
therefore, imminent and the magnitude is moderate because the relative
abundance has remained the same for several years. Thus, we assign this
subspecies an LPN of 9.
Streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on December 11,
2002. The streaked horned lark occurs in Washington and Oregon, and is
thought to be extirpated in British
[[Page 69241]]
Columbia, Canada. The streaked horned lark nests on bare ground in
sparsely vegetated sites in short-grass dominated habitats, such as
native prairies, coastal dunes, fallow and active agricultural fields,
seasonal wetlands, moderately- to heavily-grazed pastures, seasonal
mudflats, airports, and dredge-deposition sites in and along the tidal
reach of the Columbia River. In Washington, surveys show that there are
approximately 330 remaining breeding birds. In Oregon, the breeding
population is estimated to be over 500 birds.
The streaked horned lark's breeding habitat continues to be
threatened by loss and degradation due to conversion of native
grasslands to other uses (such as agriculture, homes, recreational
areas, and industry), encroachment of woody vegetation, invasion of
nonnative plant species (e.g., Scot's broom, sod-forming grasses, and
beachgrasses), and dredging-related activities. Native prairies have
been nearly eliminated throughout the range of the species. It is
estimated that less than 1 to 3 percent of the native grassland and
savanna remains. And those that remain have been invaded by nonnative
sod-forming grasses. Coastal nesting areas have suffered the same fate.
A recent purchase of prairie lands in Washington has secured habitat
that would have been developed. Its status as suitable lark nesting
habitat is unknown.
Wintering habitats are seemingly few, and are susceptible to
unpredictable conversion to unsuitable over-wintering habitat, plant
succession, and invasion by nonnative plants. Where larks inhabit
manmade habitats similar in structure to native prairies (such as
airports, military reservations, agricultural fields, and dredge-formed
islands), or where they occur adjacent to human habitation, they are
subjected to a variety of unintentional human disturbances. These
include mowing, recreational and military activities, plowing,
flooding, and dredge-material deposition during the nesting season, as
well as intentional disturbances such as at the Joint Base Lewis-
McChord Field where falcons and a dog are used to haze birds in order
to avoid aircraft collisions, and the biennial (but opposite year)
RODEO and Air Expo events that occur on or adjacent to lark nesting
habitat. In some areas, landowners have taken steps to improve streaked
horned lark nesting habitat.
The magnitude of threat is high due to small populations with low
genetic diversity, rapidly declining populations, and patchy and
isolated habitats in areas desirable for development, many of which
remain unsecured. The threat of invasive plant species is high and
constant, aside from a few restoration sites. The numbers of
individuals are low and the numbers of populations are few. In
addition, estimates of lambda using data from all Washington sites
suggest a rapidly declining population. Over-wintering birds are
concentrated in larger flocks and subject to unpredictable wintering
habitat loss (especially in Oregon), potentially affecting a large
portion of the population at one time. In Washington, known populations
occur on airports, military bases, coastal beaches, and Columbia River
islands, where management, training activities, recreation, and dredge-
material deposition continue to negatively impact streaked horned lark
breeding and wintering (although current work being conducted by TNC
may ultimately lessen this last threat). In Oregon, breeding and
wintering sites occur on Columbia River islands, in cultivated grass
fields, grazed pastures, fallow fields, roadside shoulders, Christmas
tree farms, seasonal wetlands, restored wet prairie, and wetland
mudflats. Such areas continue to be subject to negative impacts such as
dredge material deposition, development, plowing, mowing, pesticide and
herbicide applications, trampling, vehicle traffic, and recreation.
The threats are imminent, as a result of continued loss of suitable
lark habitat, high nest-predation rates, low adult survival, and low
fecundity. Low adult survival and fecundity rates in the Puget lowlands
are of particular concern. Loss of habitat is being caused by
development on and adjacent to several of its nesting areas, including
continued expansions of the Fort Lewis Gray Army Airfield West Ramp and
the Olympia Airport. Wintering populations are at risk in Oregon due to
the manner in which larks gather in large flocks that are vulnerable to
stochastic events, and also due to the fact that their wintering
habitat occurs on privately owned agricultural lands that are subject
to unpredictable conversion. Other ongoing threats include those
occurring on the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Field (hazing birds off the
airfields, RODEO, and Air Expo). Based on imminent threats of a high
magnitude, we continue to assign an LPN of 3 to this subspecies.
Red knot (Calidris canutus rufa)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files and information provided by
petitioners. Four petitions to emergency list the red knot have been
received: One on August 9, 2004, two others on August 5, 2005, and the
most recent on February 27, 2008. The rufa subspecies is one of six
recognized subspecies of red knot, and one of three subspecies
occurring in North America. This subspecies makes one of the longest-
distance migrations known in the animal kingdom, as it travels between
breeding areas in the central Canadian Arctic and wintering areas that
are primarily in southern South America along the coast of Chile and
Argentina. They migrate along the Atlantic coast of the United States,
where they may be found from Maine to Florida.
The Delaware Bay area (in Delaware and New Jersey) is the largest
known spring migration stopover area, with far fewer migrants
congregating elsewhere along the Atlantic coast. The concentration in
the Delaware Bay area occurs from the middle of May to early June,
corresponding to the spawning season of horseshoe crabs. The knots feed
on horseshoe crab eggs, rebuilding energy reserves needed to complete
migrations to the Arctic and arrive on the breeding grounds in good
condition. In the past, horseshoe crab eggs at Delaware Bay were so
numerous that a knot could dependably eat enough in two to three weeks
to double its weight.
Surveys at wintering areas and at Delaware Bay during spring
migration indicate a substantial decline in the red knot in recent
years. At the Delaware Bay area, peak counts between 1982 and 1998 were
as high as 95,360 individuals. Counts may vary considerably between
years. Some of the fluctuations can be attributed to predator-prey
cycles in the breeding grounds, and counts show that knots rebound from
such reductions. Peak counts of red knots observed during aerial
surveys flown in Delaware Bay from 2004 to 2008 were consistently below
16,000 birds, with an alltime low of only 12,375 red knots found in
2007. In recent years, the highest concentrations of red knots at the
Delaware Bay stopover have been within Mispillion Harbor, Delaware, an
area that has likely been undercounted during past aerial surveys.
Beginning in 2009, a new survey methodology was implemented for the
Delaware Bay stopover area to include ground counts that more
accurately reflect concentrations of red knots using Mispillion Harbor
and to include aerial surveys of red knots using Atlantic coastal
marshes near Stone Harbor, New Jersey. The highest count using the new
methodology showed 27,187 red knots in Delaware and 900 in New Jersey,
for a total count of 28,087 birds. Poor weather conditions in 2009
prevented aerial surveys during the period when red knots were thought
to be at a peak, so no comparison with the past aerial
[[Page 69242]]
survey peak count method was possible. While the number of red knots
using Delaware Bay likely increased in 2009, much of the increase is
attributed to improved survey methods and an expanded area of coverage.
Counts in recent years in South America also are substantially
lower than in the past. In the mid-1980s, an estimated 67,500 red knots
were observed from Tierra del Fuego, Chile and along the coast of
Argentina to northern Patagonia. Since 2003, the largest concentrations
of red knots have occurred at the principal wintering areas in Bahia
Lomas and other portions of Tierra del Fuego and southern Patagonia,
with few birds found further north along the coast of Argentina. More
than 50,000 red knots were counted in the principal winter areas in
1985 and 2000. Since 2005, fewer than 18,000 have been counted within
the same area, with only 16,260 red knots observed in 2010.
The primary threat to the red knot has been attributed to
destruction and modification of its habitat, particularly the reduction
in key food resources resulting from reductions in horseshoe crabs,
which are harvested primarily for use as bait and secondarily to
support a biomedical industry. Commercial harvest increased
substantially in the 1990s. Research shows that since 1998, a high
proportion of red knots leaving the Delaware Bay failed to achieve
threshold departure masses needed to fly to breeding grounds and
survive an initial few days of snow cover, and this corresponded to
reduced annual survival rates and reduced reproductive success. Since
1999, to protect the Atlantic coast population of the horseshoe crab
and to increase availability of horseshoe crab eggs in Delaware Bay for
hemispheric migratory shorebird populations, a series of timing
restrictions and substantially lower harvest quotas have been adopted
by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, as well as by the
States of New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. In March 2008, New Jersey
passed legislation imposing a moratorium on horseshoe crab harvest or
landing within the State until such time as the red knot has fully
recovered.
The reductions in commercial horseshoe crab harvest by Atlantic
coastal States since 1999 are substantial. From 2004 to 2009, annual
landings of horseshoe crabs have been reduced by over 70 percent from
the reference period landings of the mid- to late-1990s. For Delaware
and New Jersey, the decline in horseshoe crab landings for bait has
decreased from 726,660 reported in 1999 to a preliminary number of
102,659 crabs landed in Delaware in 2009 and no crabs harvested in New
Jersey. No horseshoe crabs have been landed for bait in New Jersey
since 2007 as a result of the State-imposed harvest moratorium. In the
Delaware Bay area, continued recruitment of small horseshoe crabs has
been observed, with a substantial increase in numbers of the smallest
sizes of immature males and females in 2009 over previous years. The
continued increase in immature males and females would be expected in a
recovering population and suggests recent harvest restrictions may be
having the desired effect, but it may be several more years until this
increase is realized in spawning age adults, as horseshoe crabs need 8
to10 years to reach sexual maturity.
Other identified threat factors include habitat destruction due to
beach erosion and various shoreline protection and stabilization
projects that are affecting areas used by migrating knots for foraging,
the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms, human disturbance,
and competition with other species for limited food resources. Also,
the concentration of red knots in the Delaware Bay areas and at a
relatively small number of wintering areas makes the species vulnerable
to potential large-scale events such as oil spills or severe weather.
Overall, we conclude that the threats, in particular the modification
of habitat through harvesting of horseshoe crabs, are severe enough to
put the viability of the knot at substantial risk and is therefore of a
high magnitude. The threats are currently occurring, and therefore
imminent because of continuing suppressed horseshoe-crab-egg forage
conditions for red knot within the Delaware Bay stopover. Based on
imminent threats of a high magnitude, we retain an LPN of 3 for this
subspecies.
Yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files and the petition we received on
April 5, 2004. The yellow-billed loon is a migratory bird. Solitary
pairs breed on lakes in the arctic tundra of the United States, Russia,
and Canada from June to September. During the remainder of the year,
the species winters in more southern coastal waters of the Pacific
Ocean and the Norway and North Seas. During most of the year,
individual yellow-billed loons are so widely dispersed that high adult
mortality from any single factor is unlikely. However, during
migration, yellow-billed loons are more concentrated and are subject to
subsistence harvest that at current levels appears to be unsustainable,
based on the best available information; the population could decline
substantially if such harvest continues. Future subsistence harvests in
Alaska, by themselves, constitute a threat to the species rangewide.
This subsistence harvest is occurring despite the species being closed
to hunting under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In addition, up to
several hundred yellow-billed loons may be taken annually on Russian
breeding grounds, and small numbers of yellow-billed loons are reported
in harvests in other areas in Alaska outside of the subsistence harvest
area and in Canada.
Other risk factors evaluated, including oil and gas development
(i.e., disturbance, changes in freshwater chemistry and pollutant
loads, and changes in freshwater hydrology); pollution; overfishing;
climate change; vessel traffic; commercial- and subsistence-fishery
bycatch; and contaminants other than those associated with oil and gas,
were not found to be threats to the species. Although these other risk
factors may not rise to the level of a threat individually, when taken
collectively with the effects of subsistence hunting in other areas,
they may reduce the rangewide population even further. One or more of
the threats discussed above is occurring throughout the range of the
yellow-billed loon, either in its breeding or wintering grounds, or
during migration; therefore, the threats are imminent. The magnitude of
the primary threat to the species, subsistence harvest, is moderate.
Although subsistence harvest is ongoing, the numbers taken have varied
substantially between years. In addition, we have concerns about the
precision of the numbers reported. Thus, we assigned the yellow-billed
loon an LPN of 8.
Kittlitz's murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition
we received on May 9, 2001. Kittlitz's murrelet is a small diving
seabird whose entire North American population, and a majority of the
world's population, inhabits Alaskan coastal waters discontinuously
from Point Lay south to northern portions of Southeast Alaska. Most
Kittlitz's murrelets are associated with tidewater glaciers, but some
occur in areas not currently influenced by glaciers. Genetic analyses
suggest very low rates of immigration and emigration between Kittlitz's
murrelets in the western Aleutian Islands, where there are no extant
glaciers, and birds occupying mainland fjords, where there are glaciers
today. For 2010, we estimate
[[Page 69243]]
the world-wide abundance of Kittlitz's murrelets to be between 30,900
and 56,800 individuals. In some regions of Alaska, Kittlitz's murrelets
have declined at a rate of up to 20 percent between two decadal periods
(1988-1999 and 2004-2007).
Threats to Kittlitz's murrelets include large-scale processes such
as global climate change and marine regime shifts. These large-scale
processes may influence Kittlitz's murrelet survival and reproduction.
Glacial retreat is a global phenomenon that affects many of the
glaciers with which Kittlitz's murrelets are associated. This glacial
retreat may be changing forage fish availability, and may contribute to
loss of nesting habitat and increased predation on Kittlitz's
murrelets. Other threats include oil spills, bycatch in commercial
gillnet fisheries, and disturbance by tour boats. Catastrophic events
such as oil spills could have a significant negative effect on the
population of this already diminished species. Kittlitz's murrelets are
believed to have been negatively affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill
in Prince William Sound in 1989. Mortality as bycatch in commercial
fishing may be a significant factor in their population decline. Tour
boat visitation to glacial fjords is a growing industry, and this
activity may increasingly disrupt Kittlitz's murrelet feeding behavior;
tour boats may also provide artificial perch sites for avian predators.
Based on the observed population trajectory and the severity of
ongoing threats (rapid glacial retreat, acute and chronic oil spills,
commercial gillnet fishing, and human disturbance from tour boats), the
threats to this species are high in magnitude and imminent. Therefore,
we assigned an LPN of 2 to this species.
Xantus's murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition
we received on April 16, 2002. The Xantus's murrelet is a small seabird
in the family Alcidae that occurs along the west coast of North America
in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The species has a limited
breeding distribution, only nesting on the Channel Islands in southern
California and on islands off the west coast of Baja California,
Mexico. Although data on population trends are scarce, the population
is suspected to have declined greatly over the last century, mainly due
to introduced predators such as rats (Rattus sp.) and feral cats (Felis
catus) to nesting islands, with possible extirpations on three islands
in Mexico. A dramatic decline (up to 70 percent) from 1977 to 1991 was
detected at the largest nesting colony in southern California, possibly
due to high levels of predation on eggs by the endemic deer mouse
(Peromyscus maniculatus elusus). Identified threats include introduced
predators at nesting colonies, oil spills and oil pollution, reduced
prey availability, human disturbance, and artificial light pollution.
Although substantial declines in the Xantus's murrelet population
likely occurred over the last century, some of the largest threats are
being addressed, and, to some degree, ameliorated. Declines and
possible extirpations at several nesting colonies were thought to have
been caused by nonnative predators, which have been removed from many
of the islands where they once occurred. Most notably, since 1994,
Island Conservation and Ecology Group has systematically removed rats,
cats, and dogs from every murrelet nesting colony in Mexico, with the
exception of cats and dogs on Guadalupe Island. In 2002, rats were
eradicated from Anacapa Island in southern California, which has
resulted in improvements in reproductive success at that island. In
southern California, efforts to restore nesting habitat on Santa
Barbara Island through the Montrose Settlements Restoration Project may
benefit the Xantus's murrelet population at that island.
Artificial lighting from squid fishing and other vessels, or lights
on islands, remains a potential threat to the species. Bright lights
make Xantus's murrelets more susceptible to predation, and they can
also become disoriented and exhausted from continual attraction to
bright lights. Chicks can become disoriented and separated from their
parents at sea, which could result in death of the dependent chicks.
High-wattage lights on commercial market squid (Loligo opalescens)
fishing vessels used at night to attract squid to the surface of the
water in the Channel Islands was the suspected cause of unusually high
predation on Xantus's murrelets by western gulls (Larus occidentalis)
and barn owls (Tyto alba) at Santa Barbara Island in 1999. To address
this threat, in 2000, the California Fish and Game Commission required
light shields and a limit of 30,000 watts per boat; it is unknown if
this is sufficient to reduce impacts. Since 1999, no significant squid
fishing has occurred near any of the colonies in the Channel Islands;
however, this remains a potential future threat.
A proposal to build three liquid natural gas facilities near the
Channel Islands could affect the nesting colonies due to bright lights
at night from the facility and visiting tanker vessels, noise from the
facilities or from helicopters visiting the facilities, and the threat
of oil spills associated with visiting tanker vessels. However, these
facilities are early in the complex and long-term planning processes,
and it is possible that none of these facilities will be built. In
addition, none of them are directly adjacent to nesting colonies, where
their impacts would be expected to be more significant. The remaining
threats to the species are of a high magnitude but nonimminent.
Therefore, we retained an LPN of 5 for this species.
Lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition
received on October 5, 1995. Additional information can be found in the
12-month finding published on June 7, 1998 (63 FR 31400). Biologists
estimate that the occupied range has declined by 92 percent since the
1800s. The most serious threats to the lesser prairie-chicken are loss
of habitat from conversion of native rangelands to introduced forages
and cultivated crops; conversion of suitable restored habitat in the
Conservation Reserve Program to cropland; cumulative habitat
degradation caused by severe grazing; and energy development, including
transmission, and wind, oil, and gas development. Additional threats
are woody plant invasion of open prairies due to fire suppression,
herbicide use (including resumption of herbicide use in shinnery oak
habitat), and habitat fragmentation caused by structural and
transportation developments. Many of these threats may exacerbate the
normal effects of periodic drought on lesser prairie-chicken
populations. In many cases, the remaining suitable habitat has become
fragmented by the spatial arrangement of these individual threats.
Habitat fragmentation can be a threat to the species through several
mechanisms: Remaining habitat patches may become smaller than necessary
to meet the requirements of individuals and populations, necessary
habitat heterogeneity may be lost to areas of homogeneous habitat
structure, and the probability of recolonization decreases as the
distance between suitable habitat patches expands. We have determined
that the overall magnitude of threats to the lesser prairie-chicken
throughout its range is high, and that the threats are ongoing, and
thus imminent. Consequently, we have retained an LPN of 2 for this
species.
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), Columbia Basin
DPS--The following summary is based on information in our files and a
petition,
[[Page 69244]]
dated May 14, 1999, requesting the listing of the Washington population
of the western sage-grouse (C. u. phaios). On May 7, 2001, we concluded
that listing the Columbia Basin DPS of the western sage-grouse was
warranted, but precluded by higher-priority listing actions (66 FR
22984); this population was historically found in northern Oregon and
central Washington. Following our May 7, 2001, finding, the Service
received additional petitions requesting listing actions for various
other greater sage-grouse populations, including one for the nominal
western subspecies, dated January 24, 2002, and three for the entire
species, dated June 18, 2002, and March 19 and December 22, 2003. The
Service subsequently found that the petition for the western subspecies
did not present substantial information (68 FR 6500), and that listing
the greater sage-grouse throughout its historical range was not
warranted (70 FR 2244). These latter findings were remanded to the
Service for further consideration. In response, we initiated a new
range-wide status review for the entire species (73 FR 10218). On March
5, 2010, we found that listing of the greater sage-grouse was warranted
but precluded by higher priority listing actions (75 FR 13909; March
23, 2010), and it was added to the list of candidates. We also found
that the western subspecies of the greater sage-grouse, the taxonomic
entity we relied on in our DPS analysis for the Columbia Basin
population, was no longer considered a valid subspecies. In light of
our conclusions regarding the invalidity of the western sage-grouse
subspecies, the significance of the Columbia Basin DPS to the greater
sage-grouse will require further review. As priorities allow the
Service intends to complete an analysis to determine if this population
continues to warrant recognition as a DPS in accordance with our Policy
Regarding the Recognition of Distinct Population (61 FR 4722; February
7, 1996). Until that time, the Columbia Basin DPS will remain a
candidate for listing as a separate population of greater sage-grouse.
Even if this population does not meet our DPS policy, the greater sage-
grouse population in the Columbia Basin will remain a candidate for
listing as part of the greater sage-grouse entity.
Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hawaii DPS (Oceanodroma castro)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
the petition we received on May 8, 1989. No new information was
provided in the second petition received on May 11, 2004. The band-
rumped storm-petrel is a small seabird that is found in several areas
of the subtropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. In the Pacific, there
are three widely separated breeding populations--one in Japan, one in
Hawaii, and one in the Galapagos. Populations in Japan and the
Galapagos are comparatively large and number in the thousands, while
the Hawaiian birds represent a small, remnant population of possibly
only a few hundred pairs. Band-rumped storm-petrels are most commonly
found in close proximity to breeding islands. The three populations in
the Pacific are separated by long distances across the ocean where
birds are not found. Extensive at-sea surveys of the Pacific have
revealed a broad gap in distribution of the band-rumped storm-petrel to
the east and west of the Hawaiian Islands, indicating that the
distribution of birds in the central Pacific around Hawaii is disjunct
from other nesting areas. The available information indicates that
distinct populations of band-rumped storm-petrels are definable and
that the Hawaiian population is distinct based on geographic and
distributional isolation from other band-rumped storm-petrel
populations in Japan, the Galapagos, and the Atlantic Ocean. A
population also can be considered discrete if it is delimited by
international boundaries that have differences in management control of
the species. The Hawaiian population of the band-rumped storm-petrel is
the only population within U.S. borders or under U.S. jurisdiction.
Loss of the Hawaiian population would cause a significant gap in the
distribution of the band-rumped storm-petrel in the Pacific, and could
result in the complete isolation of the Galapagos and Japan populations
without even occasional genetic exchanges. Therefore, the population is
both discrete and significant, and constitutes a DPS.
The band-rumped storm-petrel probably was common on all of the main
Hawaiian Islands when Polynesians arrived about 1,500 years ago, based
on storm-petrel bones found in middens on the island of Hawaii and in
excavation sites on Oahu and Molokai. Nesting colonies of this species
in the Hawaiian Islands currently are restricted to remote cliffs on
Kauai and Lehua Island and high-elevation lava fields on Hawaii.
Vocalizations of the species were heard in Haleakala Crater on Maui as
recently as 2006; however, no nesting sites have been located on the
island to date. The significant reduction in numbers and range of the
band-rumped storm-petrel is due primarily to predation by nonnative
predators introduced by humans, including the domestic cat (Felis
catus), small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus), common barn
owl (Tyto alba), black rat (R. rattus), Polynesian rat (R. exulans),
and Norway rat (R. norvegicus), which occur throughout the main
Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of the mongoose, which is not
established on Kauai. Attraction of fledglings to artificial lights,
which disrupts their night-time navigation, resulting in collisions
with building and other objects, and collisions with artificial
structures such as communication towers and utility lines are also
threats. Erosion of nest sites caused by the actions of nonnative
ungulates is a potential threat in some locations. Efforts are under
way in some areas to reduce light pollution and mitigate the threat of
collisions, but there are no large-scale efforts to control nonnative
predators in the Hawaiian Islands. The threats are imminent because
they are ongoing, and they are of a high magnitude because they can
severely affect the survival of this DPS leading to a relatively high
likelihood of extinction. Therefore, we assign this distinct population
segment an LPN of 3.
Elfin-woods warbler (Dendroica angelae)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Dendroica
angelae, or elfin-woods warbler, is a small entirely black and white
warbler, distinguished by its white eyebrow stripe, white patches on
ear covers and neck, incomplete eye ring, and black crown. The elfin-
woods warbler was at first thought to occur only in the high elevation
dwarf or elfin forests, but has since been found at lower elevations
including shade coffee plantations and secondary forests. This species
builds a compact cup nest, usually close to the trunk and well hidden
among the epiphytes of a small tree, and its breeding season extends
from March to June. It forages in the middle part of trees, gleaning
insects from leaves in the outer portion of the tree crown. The elfin-
woods warbler has been documented from four locations in Puerto Rico:
Luquillo Mountains (El Yunque National Forest), Sierra de Cayey, and
the Commonwealth forests of Maricao and Toro Negro. However, it has not
been recorded again in Toro Negro and Cayey, following the passing of
Hurricane Hugo in 1989. In 2003 and 2004, surveys were conducted for
the elfin-woods warbler in the Carite Commonwealth Forest, Toro Negro
[[Page 69245]]
Forest, Guilarte Forest, Bosque del Pueblo, Maricao Forest and the El
Yunque National Forest, but only detected the species in the latter
two. In the Maricao Commonwealth Forest, 778 elfin woods warblers were
recorded, and in the El Yunque National Forest, 196 elfin-woods
warblers were recorded.
The elfin-woods warbler is currently threatened by habitat
modification. Destruction of elfin forest and Podocarpus forest by the
installation of infrastructure (e.g., telecommunication towers,
recreational facilities) threatens the long-term survival of this
species. Loss of this type of habitat has been curtailed but potential
for loss still exists due to Commonwealth agencies other than DNER.
Furthermore, restoration of this habitat would take decades to
complete. Present regulatory processes, both Commonwealth and Federal,
promote the protection of these areas. Conversion of elfin-woods
warbler habitat of better quality (e.g., mature secondary forests,
young secondary forests, and shaded-coffee plantations) along the
periphery of the Maricao Commonwealth Forest to marginal habitat (e.g.,
pastures, dry slope forests, residential rural forests, gallery
forests, and un-shaded coffee plantations) may result in ineffective
corridors for dispersal and expansion of elfin-woods warbler
populations. While there is an effort to restore sun-coffee plantations
to shade-coffee habitat, other habitats adjacent to the Maricao Forest
may still be affected by residential development.
The listing priority number was originally assessed as a 5 (high
magnitude, non-imminent threats). This was changed during the 2009
CNOR. Our analysis of the five listing factors revealed that only
factors A and D applied to the species. Although habitat modification
is occurring, it is limited, as the species is found mostly on
protected lands managed by the Commonwealth and Federal agencies. We
found no indication that the two populations of elfin-woods warbler are
declining in numbers. We also found that it can thrive in disturbed and
plantation habitats, and rebounds and recovers well, in a relatively
short time, from the damaging effects of hurricanes to the forest
structure. Therefore, the magnitude of threats is moderate to low.
These threats are not imminent, because most of the range of the elfin-
woods warbler is within protected lands. As a result, we assigned an
LPN of 11 to this species.
Reptiles
Northern Mexican Gartersnake (Thamnophis eques megalops)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. The
northern Mexican gartersnake generally occurs in three types of
habitat: (1) Ponds and cienegas; (2) lowland river riparian forests and
woodlands; and (3) upland stream gallery forests. Within the United
States, the distribution of the northern Mexican gartersnake has been
reduced by close to 90 percent and it occurs in fragmented populations
within the middle/upper Verde River drainage, middle/lower Tonto Creek,
and the upper Santa Cruz River, as well as in a small number of
isolated wetland habitats in southeastern Arizona; its status in New
Mexico is uncertain. Within Mexico, the northern Mexican gartersnake is
distributed along the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Mexican Plateau
in the Mexican states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Coahila,
Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Hidalgo, Jalisco, San Luis
Potos[iacute], Aguascalientes, Tlaxacala, Puebla, M[eacute]xico,
Michoac[aacute]n, Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Quer[eacute]taro. The primary
threat to the northern Mexican gartersnake is competition and predation
from nonnative species such as sportfish, bullfrogs, and crayfish.
Degradation and elimination of its habitat and native prey base are
also significant threats, most notably in areas where nonnative species
co-occur. Threats, particularly competition and predation by nonnative
species, are high in magnitude since they result in direct mortality or
reduced reproductive capacity and may be irreversible in complex
habitat resulting in a relatively high likelihood of extinction. The
threats are ongoing and, therefore, imminent. Thus, we retained an LPN
of 3 for this subspecies.
Sand dune lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus)--We continue to find that
listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
The eastern massasauga is one of three recognized subspecies of
massasauga. It is a small, thick-bodied rattlesnake that occupies
shallow wetlands and adjacent upland habitat in portions of Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ontario.
Although the current range of S. c. catenatus resembles the
subspecies' historical range, the geographic distribution has been
restricted by the loss of the subspecies from much of the area within
the boundaries of that range. Approximately 40 percent of the counties
that were historically occupied by S. c. catenatus no longer support
the subspecies. S. c. catenatus is currently listed as endangered in
every State and province in which it occurs, except for Michigan where
it is designated as a species of special concern. Each State and
Canadian province across the range of S. c. catenatus has lost more
than 30 percent, and for the majority more than 50 percent, of their
historical populations. Furthermore, less than 35 percent of the
remaining populations are considered secure. Approximately 59 percent
of the remaining S. c. catenatus populations occur wholly or in part on
public land, and Statewide and/or site-specific Candidate Conservation
Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs) are currently being developed for
many of these areas in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In
2004, a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) with the Lake County
Forest Preserve District in Illinois was completed. In 2005, a CCA with
the Forest Preserve District of Cook County in Illinois was completed.
In 2006, a CCAA with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division
of Natural Areas and Preserves was completed for Rome State Nature
Preserve in Ashtabula County. The magnitude of threats is moderate at
this time. However, populations soon to be under CCAs and CCAAs have a
low to moderate likelihood of persisting and remaining viable. Other
populations are likely to suffer additional losses in abundance and
genetic diversity and some will likely be extirpated unless threats are
removed in the near future. Declines have continued or may be
accelerating in several states. Thus, we are monitoring the status of
this species to determine if a change in listing priority is warranted.
Furthermore, we are working with several experts and partners in the
development of an extinction risk model for the subspecies, and the
results of this work may indicate that a change in listing priority
number is appropriate. Threats of habitat modification, habitat
succession, incompatible land management practices, illegal collection
for the pet trade, and human persecution are ongoing and imminent
threats to many
[[Page 69246]]
remaining populations, particularly those inhabiting private lands. We
conclude that emergency listing is not warranted and have kept the LPN
at 9 for this subspecies.
Black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
There are historical records for the black pine snake from one parish
in Louisiana, 14 counties in Mississippi, and 3 counties in Alabama
west of the Mobile River Delta. Black pine snake surveys and trapping
indicate that this species has been extirpated from Louisiana and from
four counties in Mississippi. Moreover, the distribution of remaining
populations has become highly restricted due to the destruction and
fragmentation of the remaining longleaf pine habitat within the range
of the subspecies. Most of the known Mississippi populations are
concentrated on the DeSoto National Forest. Populations occurring on
properties managed by State and other governmental agencies as gopher
tortoise mitigation banks or wildlife sanctuaries represent the best
opportunities for long-term survival of the subspecies in Alabama.
Other factors affecting the black pine snake include vehicular
mortality and low reproductive rates, which magnify the threats from
destruction and fragmentation of longleaf pine habitat and increase the
likelihood of local extinctions. Due to the imminent threats of high
magnitude caused by the past destruction of most of the longleaf pine
habitat of the black pine snake, and the continuing persistent
degradation of what remains, we assigned an LPN of 3 to this
subspecies.
Louisiana pine snake (Pituophis ruthveni)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files and the petition we
received on July 19, 2000. The Louisiana pine snake historically
occurred in the fire-maintained longleaf pine ecosystem within west-
central Louisiana and extreme east-central Texas. Most of the
historical longleaf pine habitat of the Louisiana pine snake has been
destroyed or degraded due to logging, fire suppression, roadways,
short-rotation silviculture, and grazing. In the absence of recurrent
fire, suitable habitat conditions for the Louisiana pine snake and its
primary prey, the Baird's pocket gopher (Geomys breviceps), are lost
due to vegetative succession. The loss and fragmentation of the
longleaf pine ecosystem has resulted in extant Louisiana pine snake
populations that are isolated and small. Trapping and occurrence data
indicate the Louisiana pine snake is currently restricted to seven
disjunct populations; five of the populations occur on federal lands
and two occur mainly on private industrial timberlands. Currently
occupied habitat in Louisiana and Texas is estimated to be
approximately 163,000 acres, with 53 percent occurring on public lands
and 47 percent in private ownership.
All remnant Louisiana pine snake populations have been affected by
habitat loss and all require active habitat management. A Candidate
Conservation Agreement (CCA) was completed in 2003 to maintain and
enhance occupied and potential habitat on public lands, and to protect
known Louisiana pine snake populations. On Federal lands, signatories
of the Louisiana pine snake CCA currently conduct habitat management
(i.e., prescribed burning and thinning) that is beneficial to the
Louisiana pine snake. This proactive habitat management has likely
slowed or reversed the rate of Louisiana pine snake habitat degradation
on many portions of federal lands. The largest extant Louisiana pine
snake population exists on private industrial timberlands. Although two
conservation areas are managed to benefit Louisiana pine snakes on this
property, the majority of the intervening occupied habitat is
threatened by land management activities (habitat conversion to short-
rotation pine plantations) that decrease habitat quality.
Three of the remnant Louisiana pine snake populations may be
vulnerable to decreased demographic viability or other factors
associated with low population sizes and demographic isolation.
Although these remnant Louisiana pine snake populations are
intrinsically vulnerable and thus threatened by these factors, it is
not known if they are presently actually facing these threats. Because
all extant populations are currently isolated and fragmented by habitat
loss in the matrix between populations, there is little potential for
dispersal among remnant populations or for the natural re-colonization
of vacant habitat patches. Thus, the loss of any remnant population is
likely to be permanent. Other factors affecting the Louisiana pine
snake throughout its range include low fecundity, which magnifies other
threats and increases the likelihood of local extirpations, and
vehicular mortality, which may significantly affect Louisiana pine
snake populations.
While the extent of Louisiana pine snake habitat loss has been
great in the past and much of the remaining habitat has been degraded,
habitat loss does not represent an imminent threat, primarily because
the rate of habitat loss appears to be declining on public lands.
However, all populations require active habitat management, and the
lack of adequate habitat remains a threat for several populations. The
potential threats to a large percentage of extant Louisiana pine snake
populations, coupled with the likely permanence of these effects and
the species' low fecundity and low population sizes (based on capture
rates and occurrence data), lead us to conclude that the threats have
significant effect on the survival of the species and therefore remain
high in magnitude. Thus, based on nonimminent, high-magnitude threats,
we assign a listing priority number of 5 to this species.
Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. The Sonoyta mud turtle occurs in a spring and pond at
Quitobaquito Springs on Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona,
and in the Rio Sonoyta and Quitovac Spring of Sonora, Mexico. Loss and
degradation of stream habitat from water diversion and groundwater
pumping, along with its very limited distribution, is the primary
threat to the Sonoyta mud turtle. Sonoyta mud turtles are highly
aquatic and depend on permanent water for survival. The area of
southwest Arizona and northern Sonora where the Sonoyta mud turtle
occurs is one of the driest regions of the southwest. Continuing
drought, irrigated agriculture, and development in the region, is
expected to cause surface water in the Rio Sonoyta to dwindle further
and therefore have a significant impact on the survival of this
subspecies, which may also be vulnerable to aerial spraying of
pesticides on nearby agricultural fields. We retained an LPN of 3 for
this subspecies because threats are of a high magnitude and continue to
date, and therefore are imminent.
Amphibians
Columbia spotted frog, Great Basin DPS (Rana luteiventris)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
the petition we received on May 1, 1989. Currently, Columbia spotted
frogs appear to be widely distributed throughout southwestern Idaho,
southeastern Oregon, northeastern and central Nevada, but local
populations within this general area appear to be small and isolated
from each other. Recent work
[[Page 69247]]
by researchers in Idaho and Nevada have documented the loss of
historically known sites, reduced numbers of individuals within local
populations, and declines in the reproduction of those individuals.
Small, highly fragmented populations, characteristic of the majority of
existing populations of Columbia spotted frogs in the Great Basin, are
highly susceptible to extinction processes.
Poor management of Columbia spotted frog habitat--including water
development, improper grazing, mining activities, and nonnative
species--has and continues to contribute to the degradation and
fragmentation of habitat. Emerging fungal diseases such as
chytridiomycosis and the spread of parasites may be contributing
factors to Columbia spotted frog population declines throughout
portions of its range. Effects of climate change, such as drought, and
stochastic events such as fire often have detrimental effects to small
isolated populations and can often exacerbate existing threats. A 10-
year Conservation Agreement and Strategy was signed in September 2003
for both the Northeast and the Toiyabe subpopulations in Nevada. The
goals of the conservation agreements are to reduce threats to Columbia
spotted frogs and their habitat to the extent necessary to prevent
populations from becoming extirpated throughout all or a portion of
their historical range and to maintain, enhance, and restore a
sufficient number of populations of Columbia spotted frogs and their
habitat to ensure their continued existence throughout their historical
range. Additionally, a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances
was completed in 2006 for the Owyhee subpopulation at Sam Noble
Springs, Idaho. Several habitat enhancement projects have been
conducted throughout their range which have benefitted these
populations. Based on imminent threats of moderate magnitude, we
assigned a listing priority number of 9 to this DPS of the Columbia
spotted frog.
Mountain yellow-legged frog, Sierra Nevada DPS (Rana muscosa)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
the petition received on February 8, 2000. Also see our 12-month
petition finding published on January 16, 2003 (68 FR 2283) and our
amended 12-month petition finding published on June 25, 2007 (72 FR
34657). The mountain yellow-legged frog inhabits the high-elevation
lakes, ponds, and streams in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California,
from near 4,500 feet (ft) (1,370 meters (m)) to 12,000 ft (3,650 m).
The distribution of the mountain yellow-legged frog is from Butte and
Plumas Counties in the north to Tulare and Inyo Counties in the south.
A separate population in southern California is already listed as
endangered (67 FR 44382). Based on mitochondrial DNA, morphological,
and acoustic studies, Vredenburg et al. recently recognized two
distinct species of mountain yellow-legged frog in the Sierra Nevada,
R. muscosa and R. sierrae. This taxonomic distinction has been recently
adopted by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists,
the Herpetologists' League, and the Society for the Study of Amphibians
and Reptiles. The Vredenburg study determined that two species exist,
as described by Camp, but have different geographical ranges than first
described. Camp described R. muscosa as only occurring in southern
California. A recent study determined that R. muscosa also occurs in
the southern portion of the Sierra Nevada, and R. sierrae occurs both
in the southern and northern portions of the Sierra Nevada, with no
range overlap. At this time, we have not adopted this taxonomic
distinction of two species and continue to recognize mountain yellow-
legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California as R. muscosa
and as the candidate entity.
Predation by introduced trout is the best-documented cause of the
decline of the Sierra Nevada mountain yellow-legged frog, because it
has been repeatedly observed that fishes and mountain yellow-legged
frogs rarely co-exist. Mountain yellow-legged frogs and trout (native
and nonnative) do co-occur at some sites, but these co-occurrences
probably are mountain yellow-legged frog populations with negative
population growth rates in the absence of immigration. To help reverse
the decline of the mountain yellow-legged frog, the Sequoia and Kings
Canyon National Parks have been removing introduced trout since 2001.
Over 18,000 introduced trout have been removed from 11 lakes since the
project started in 2001. The lakes are completely-to-mostly fish-free
and substantial mountain yellow-legged frog population increases have
resulted. The California Department of Fish and Game has also removed
or is in the process of removing nonnative trout from a total of
between 10 and 20 water bodies in the Inyo, Humboldt-Toiyabe, Sierra,
and El Dorado National Forests. In the El Dorado National Forest golden
trout were removed from Leland Lakes, and attempts have been made to
remove trout from two sites near Gertrude Lake, three lakes in the
Pyramid Creek watershed, and a tributary of Cole Creek; no data showing
increase in mountain yellow-legged frogs at these sites is available.
In California, chytridiomycosis, more commonly known as chytrid
fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) or Bd, has been detected in
many amphibian species, including the mountain yellow-legged frog
within the Sierra Nevada. Recent research has shown that this
pathogenic fungus has become widely distributed throughout the Sierra
Nevada, and that infected mountain yellow-legged frogs often die soon
after metamorphosis. Several infected and uninfected populations were
monitored in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks over multiple
years, documenting dramatic declines and extirpations in infected but
not in uninfected populations. In the summer of 2005, 39 of 43
populations assayed in Yosemite National Park were positive for chytrid
fungus.
The current distribution of the Sierra Nevada mountain yellow-
legged frog is restricted primarily to public lands at high elevations,
including streams, lakes, ponds, and meadow wetlands located on
national forests, including wilderness and non-wilderness on the
forests, and national parks. In several areas where detailed studies of
the effects of chytrid fungus on the mountain yellow-legged frog are
on-going, substantial declines have been observed over the past several
years. For example, in 2007 surveys in Yosemite National Park, mountain
yellow-legged frogs were not detectable at 37 percent of 285 sites
where they had been observed in 2000-2002; in 2005 in Sequoia and Kings
Canyon National Parks, mountain yellow-legged frogs were not detected
at 54 percent of sites where they had been recorded 3 to 8 years
earlier. A compounding effect of disease-caused extinctions of mountain
yellow-legged frogs is that recolonization may never occur, because
streams connecting extirpated sites to extant populations now contain
introduced fishes, which act as barriers to frog movement within
metapopulations. The most recent assessment of the species status in
the Sierra Nevada indicates that mountain-yellow legged frogs occur at
less than 8 percent of the sites from which they were historically
observed. A group of prominent scientists further suggest a 10 percent
decline per year in the number of remaining Rana mucosa populations is
likely. Based on threats that are imminent (because they are ongoing)
and high-magnitude (because they significantly affect the survival of
the DPS throughout its range), we continue
[[Page 69248]]
to assign the population of mountain yellow-legged frog in the Sierra
Nevada an LPN of 3.
Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files and the petition we received on
May 4, 1989. Historically, the Oregon spotted frog ranged from British
Columbia to the Pit River drainage in northeastern California. Based on
surveys of historical sites, the Oregon spotted frog is now absent from
at least 76 percent of its former range. The majority of the remaining
Oregon spotted frog populations are small and isolated.
The threats to the species' habitat include development, livestock
grazing, introduction of nonnative plant species, vegetation
succession, changes in hydrology due to construction of dams and
alterations to seasonal flooding, lack of management of exotic
vegetation, predators, and poor water quality. Additional threats to
the species are predation by nonnative fish and introduced bullfrogs;
competition with bullfrogs and nonnative fish for habitat; and
diseases, such as oomycete water mold Saprolegnia and chytrid fungus
infections. The magnitude of threat is high for this species because
this wide range of threats to both individuals and their habitats could
seriously reduce or eliminate any of these isolated populations and
further reduce the species' range and potential survival. Habitat
restoration and management actions have not prevented population
declines. The threats are imminent because each population is faced
with multiple ongoing and potential threats as identified above.
Therefore, we retain an LPN of 2 for the Oregon spotted frog.
Relict leopard frog (Lithobates onca)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files and the petition we
received on May 9, 2002. Natural relict leopard frog populations are
currently only known to occur in two general areas in Nevada: Near the
Overton Arm area of Lake Mead and Black Canyon below Lake Mead. These
two areas comprise a small fraction of the historical distribution of
the species, which included: springs, streams, and wetlands found
within the Virgin River drainage downstream from the vicinity of
Hurricane, Utah; along the Muddy River, Nevada; and along the Colorado
River from its confluence with the Virgin River downstream to Black
Canyon below Lake Mead, Nevada and Arizona.
Suggested factors contributing to the decline of the species
include alteration of aquatic habitat due to agriculture and water
development, including regulation of the Colorado River, and the
introduction of exotic predators and competitors. In 2005, the National
Park Service, in cooperation with the Service and various other
Federal, State, and local partners, developed a conservation agreement
and strategy intended to improve the status of the species through
prescribed management actions and protection. Conservation actions
identified for implementation in the agreement and strategy include
captive rearing of tadpoles for translocation and refugium populations,
habitat and natural history studies, habitat enhancement, population
and habitat monitoring, and translocation. New sites within the
historical range of the species have been successfully established with
captive-reared frogs. Conservation is proceeding under the agreement
and strategy; however, additional time is needed to determine whether
or not the agreement and strategy will be effective in eliminating or
reducing the threats to the point that the relict leopard frog can be
removed from candidate status. However, because of these conservation
efforts, the magnitude of existing threats is low to moderate. These
threats remain nonimminent since there are no pending projects or
actions that would adversely affect frog populations or threaten
surface water associated with known sites occupied by the frog.
Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 11 to this species.
Austin blind salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The
Austin blind salamander is known to occur in and around three of the
four spring sites that comprise the Barton Springs complex in the City
of Austin, Travis County, Texas. Primary threats to this species are
degradation of water quality due to expanding urbanization. The Austin
blind salamander depends on a constant supply of clean water in the
Edwards Aquifer discharging from Barton Springs for its survival.
Urbanization dramatically alters the normal hydrologic regime and water
quality of an area. Increased impervious cover caused by development
increases the quantity and velocity of runoff that leads to erosion and
greater pollution transport. Pollutants and contaminants that enter the
Edwards Aquifer are discharged in salamander habitat at Barton Springs
and could have serious morphological and physiological effects to the
salamander.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality adopted the Edwards
Rules in 1995 and 1997, which require a number of water quality
protection measures for new development occurring in the recharge and
contributing zones of the Edwards Aquifer. However, Chapter 245 of the
Texas Local Government Code permits ``grandfathering'' of State
regulations. Grandfathering allows developments to be exempted from any
new local or State requirements for water quality controls and
impervious cover limits if the developments were planned prior to the
implementation of such regulations. As a result of the grandfathering
law, very few developments have followed the Edwards Rules. New
developments are still obligated to comply with regulations that were
applicable at the time when project applications for development were
first filed. In addition, it is significant that even if they were
followed with every new development, the Edwards Rules do not span the
entire watershed for Barton Springs. Consequently, development
occurring outside these jurisdictions can have negative consequences on
water quality and thus have an impact on the species.
Water-quality impacts threaten the continued existence of the
Austin blind salamander by altering physical aquatic habitats and the
food sources of the salamander. We consider the threats to be imminent
because urbanization is ongoing and continues to expand over the Barton
Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer and water quality continues to
degrade. While the City of Austin and many other partners are actively
working on conservation of the Barton Springs salamander, and the
Austin blind salamander benefits from all of the ongoing conservation
actions that are being conducted for the Barton Springs salamander,
these efforts have not yet been successful in improving water quality.
In addition, the existence of the species continues to be threatened by
hazardous chemical spills within the Barton Springs Segment of the
Edwards Aquifer, which could result in direct mortality. Because the
Austin blind salamander is known from only three clustered spring sites
and must rely on clear, clean spring discharges from the Edwards
Aquifer for its survival, degraded water quality poses a severe threat
to the entire population, and is therefore a high-magnitude threat.
Thus, we maintained the LPN of 2 for this species.
Georgetown salamander (Eurycea naufragia)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Georgetown
salamander is known from spring outlets along five tributaries to the
San Gabriel River and
[[Page 69249]]
one cave in the City of Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas. The
Georgetown salamander has a very limited distribution and depends on a
constant supply of clean water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards
Aquifer for its survival.
Primary threats to this species are degradation of water quality
due to expanding urbanization. Increased impervious cover by
development increases the quantity and velocity of runoff that leads to
erosion and greater pollution transport. Pollutants and contaminants
that enter the Edwards Aquifer are discharged from spring outlets in
salamander habitat and have serious morphological and physiological
effects to individuals of the species.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality adopted the Edwards
Rules in 1995 and 1997, which require a number of water quality
protection measures for new development occurring in the recharge and
contributing zones of the Edwards Aquifer. New developments are still
obligated to comply with regulations that were applicable at the time
when project applications were first filed. However, Chapter 245 of the
Texas Local Government Code permits ``grandfathering'' of state
regulations. Grandfathering allows developments to be exempted from any
new local or state requirements for water quality controls and
impervious cover limits if the developments were planned prior to the
implementation of such regulations. As a result of the grandfathering
law, very few developments have followed the Edwards Rules. In
addition, it is significant that even if they were followed with every
new development, the Edwards Rules do not span the entire watershed for
the Edwards Aquifer. The TCEQ has developed voluntary water-quality
protection measures for development in the Edwards Aquifer region of
Texas; however, it is unknown if these measures will be implemented
throughout a large portion of the watershed or if they will be
effective in maintaining or improving water quality.
Development occurring outside the TCEQ's jurisdiction can have
negative consequences on water quality and thus affect the species.
Water-quality impacts threaten the continued existence of the
Georgetown salamander by altering physical aquatic habitats and the
food sources of the salamander. The threats are imminent because
urbanization is ongoing and continues to expand over the Northern
Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. However, Williamson County and the
Williamson County Conservation Foundation are actively working to
protect habitat and acquire land within the contributing watershed for
the Georgetown salamander. Also, they are conducting monitoring and
data collecting activities in an effort that is expected to lead to the
development of a conservation strategy for this species. These
conservation actions reduce the magnitude of the threat to the
Georgetown salamander to a moderate level by reducing the amount of
development occurring in the portion of the watershed that affects the
species. Thus, we maintained the LPN of 8 for this species.
Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea tonkawae)--The following
summary is based on information gathered during a status review of this
species (72 FR 71039, December 13, 2007). The Jollyville Plateau
salamander occurs in the Jollyville Plateau and Brushy Creek areas of
the Edwards Plateau in Travis and WilliamsonCounties, Texas. This
species has a limited distribution and depends on a constant supply of
clean water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer for its
survival. The primary threat to this species is degradation of water
quality due to expanding urbanization. Increased impervious cover by
development increases the quantity and velocity of runoff that leads to
erosion and greater pollution transport. Pollutants and contaminants
that enter the Edwards Aquifer are discharged from spring outlets in
salamander habitat and have serious morphological and physiological
effects on individual of the species.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality adopted the Edwards
Rules in 1995 and 1997, which require a number of water quality
protection measures for new development occurring in the recharge and
contributing zones of the Edwards Aquifer. However, Chapter 245 of the
Texas Local Government Code permits ``grandfathering'' of state
regulations. Grandfathering allows developments to be exempted from any
new local or state requirements for water quality controls and
impervious cover limits if the developments were planned prior to the
implementation of such regulations. As a result of the grandfathering
law, very few developments have followed the Edwards Rules. New
developments are still obligated to comply with regulations that were
applicable at the time when project applications for development were
first filed. In addition, it is significant that even if they were
followed with every new development, the Edwards Rules do not span the
entire watershed for the Edwards Aquifer. The TCEQ has developed
voluntary water quality protection measures for development in the
Edwards Aquifer region of Texas; however, it is unknown if these
measures will be implemented throughout a large portion of the
watershed or if they will be effective in maintaining or improving
water quality.
Water-quality impacts threaten the continued existence of the
Jollyville Plateau salamander by altering physical aquatic habitats and
the food sources of the salamander, producing negative population
responses. Such responses have been documented at both the individual
level (mortalities and deformities) and the population level
(significant declines in abundance over the last 10 years and
extirpation at one site). We find the overall negative response by the
salamander to be at a moderate level because deformities and deaths of
salamanders have been limited in scope to a few localities and only one
location may have experienced an extirpation. Otherwise, the current
range of the salamander changed little from the known historical range.
Thus, we maintained the LPN of 8 for this species.
Salado salamander (Eurycea chisholmensis)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The Salado
salamander is historically known from two spring sites, Big Boiling
Springs and Robertson Springs, near Salado, Bell County, Texas. We have
received only one anecdotal report of a salamander sighting in Big
Boiling Springs in 2008; prior to that, the salamander had not been
sighted there since 1991. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been
conducting regular surveys at Robertson Springs since June 2009 and has
rediscovered the Salado salamander at this site.
Primary threats to this species are habitat modification and
degradation of water quality due to expanding urbanization. The Salado
salamander depends on a constant supply of clean water from the
Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer for its survival. Pollutants
and contaminants that enter the Edwards Aquifer discharge in salamander
habitat and have morphological and physiological effects on the
salamander. We do not know how likely spills are to occur within the
contributing watersheds of the springs that support this species.
However, several groundwater incidents have occurred within Salado
salamander habitat in recent years. The salamander is reasonably
expected to be vulnerable to catastrophic hazardous materials spills,
groundwater contamination from
[[Page 69250]]
the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer, and impacts to its surface
habitat. In addition, Big Boiling Springs is located near Interstate
Highway 35 and in the center of the Village of Salado. Traffic and
urbanization is likely to increase the threat of contamination of
spills, higher levels of impervious cover, and subsequent impacts to
groundwater. These threats significantly affect the survival of this
species, and groundwater contamination and impacts to surface habitat
are ongoing. Moreover, we do not have information that the magnitude or
imminence of the threats to the species has changed since our previous
assessment when we concluded there are ongoing, and therefore, imminent
threats of a high magnitude. Therefore, we maintained the LPN of 2 for
this species.
Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files and the petition we received on
April 3, 2000. See also our 12-month petition finding published on
December 10, 2002 (67 FR 75834). Yosemite toads are moderately sized
toads, with females having black spots edged with white or cream that
are set against a grey, tan, or brown background. Males have a nearly
uniform coloration of yellow-green to olive drab to greenish brown.
Yosemite toads are most likely to be found in areas with thick meadow
vegetation or patches of low willows near or in water, and use rodent
burrows for overwintering and temporary refuge during the summer.
Breeding habitat includes the edges of wet meadows, slow-flowing
streams, shallow ponds, and shallow areas of lakes. The historical
range of Yosemite toads in the Sierra Nevada occurs from the Blue Lakes
region north of Ebbetts Pass (Alpine County) to south of Kaiser Pass in
the Evolution Lake/Darwin Canyon area (Fresno County). The historical
elevational range of Yosemite toads is 1,460 to 3,630 m (4,790 to
11,910 ft).
The threats currently facing the Yosemite toad include cattle
grazing, timber harvesting, recreation, disease, and climate change.
Inappropriate grazing has been shown to cause loss in vegetative cover
and destroys peat layers in meadows, which lowers the groundwater table
and summer flows. This may increase the stranding and mortality of
tadpoles, or make these areas completely unsuitable for Yosemite toads.
Grazing can also degrade or destroy moist upland areas used as non-
breeding habitat by Yosemite toads and collapse rodent burrows used by
Yosemite toads as cover and hibernation sites. Timber harvesting and
associated road development can severely alter the terrestrial
environment and result in the reduction and occasional extirpation of
amphibian populations in the Sierra Nevada. They also create habitat
gaps that may act as dispersal barriers and contribute to the
fragmentation of Yosemite toad habitat and populations. Trails (foot,
horse, bicycle, or off-highway motor vehicle) compact soil in riparian
habitat, which increases erosion, displaces vegetation, and can lower
the water table. Trampling or the collapsing of rodent burrows by
recreationists, pets, and vehicles could lead to direct mortality of
all life stages of the Yosemite toad and disrupt their behavior.
Various diseases have been confirmed in Yosemite toads. Mass die-offs
of amphibians have been attributed to: chytrid fungal infections of
metamorphs and adults; Saprolegnia fungal infections of eggs;
iridovirus infection of larvae, metamorphs, or adults; and bacterial
infections. Yosemite toads probably are exposed to a variety of
pesticides and other chemicals throughout their range. Environmental
contaminants could negatively affect the species by causing direct
mortality; suppressing the immune system; disrupting breeding behavior,
fertilization, growth or development of young; and disrupting the
ability to avoid predation.
There is no indication that any of these threats are ongoing or
planned and the threats are therefore nonimminent. In addition, since
there are a number of substantial populations and these threats tend to
have localized effects, the threats are moderate to low in magnitude.
In addition, almost all of the species' range occurs on Federal land,
which protects the species from private development and facilitates
management of the species by Federal agencies. We therefore retained an
LPN of 11 for the Yosemite toad.
Black Warrior waterdog (Necturus alabamensis)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
The Black Warrior waterdog is a salamander that inhabits streams above
the Fall Line within the Black Warrior River Basin in Alabama. There is
very little specific locality information available on the historical
distribution of the Black Warrior waterdog since little attention was
given to this species between its description in 1937 and the 1980s. At
that time, there were a total of only 11 known historical records from
4 Alabama counties. Two of these sites have now been inundated by
impoundments. Extensive survey work was conducted in the 1990s to look
for additional populations. As a result of that work, the species was
documented at 14 sites in 5 counties.
Water-quality degradation is the biggest threat to the continued
existence of the Black Warrior waterdog. Most streams that have been
surveyed for the waterdog showed evidence of pollution and many
appeared biologically depauperate. Sources of point and nonpoint
pollution in the Black Warrior River Basin have been numerous and
widespread. Pollution is generated from inadequately treated effluent
from industrial plants, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment plants,
poultry operations, and cattle feedlots. Surface mining represents
another threat to the biological integrity of waterdog habitat. Runoff
from old, abandoned coal mines generates pollution through
acidification, increased mineralization, and sediment loading. The
North River, Locust Fork, and Mulberry Fork, all streams that this
species inhabits, are on the Environmental Protection Agency's list of
impaired waters. An additional threat to the Black Warrior waterdog is
the creation of large impoundments that have flooded thousands of
square hectares of its habitat. These impoundments are likely marginal
or unsuitable habitat for the salamander. Suitable habitat for the
Black Warrior waterdog is limited and available data indicate extant
populations are small and their viability is questionable. This
situation is pervasive and problematic; water quality issues are
persistent and regulatory mechanisms are not ameliorating these
threats, though we have no indication of population declines, at
present. We hope additional surveys may clarify the status of
populations in face of existing threats. Therefore, the overall
magnitude of the threat is moderate. Water quality degradation in the
Black Warrior basin is ongoing; therefore, the threats are imminent. We
assigned an LPN of 8 to this species.
Fishes
Headwater chub (Gila nigra)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files, the 12-month finding published in
the Federal Register on May 3, 2006 (71 FR 26007), and in the petition
received November 9, 2009. The headwater chub is a moderate-sized
cyprinid fish. The range of the headwater chub has been reduced by
approximately 60 percent. Seventeen streams (125 miles (200 kilometers)
of stream) are thought to be occupied out of 27 streams (312 miles (500
kilometers) of stream) formerly
[[Page 69251]]
occupied in the Gila River Basin in Arizona and New Mexico. All
remaining populations are fragmented and isolated and threatened by a
combination of factors.
Headwater chub are threatened by introduced nonnative fish that
prey on them and compete with them for food. Habitat destruction and
modification have occurred and continue to occur as a result of
dewatering, impoundment, channelization, and channel changes caused by
alteration of riparian vegetation and watershed degradation from
mining, grazing, roads, water pollution, urban and suburban
development, groundwater pumping, and other human actions. Existing
regulatory mechanisms do not appear to be adequate for addressing the
impact of nonnative fish and also have not removed or eliminated the
threats that continue to be posed through habitat destruction or
modification. The fragmented nature and rarity of existing populations
makes them vulnerable to other natural or manmade factors, such as
drought and wildfire. Climate change is predicted to worsen these
threats though increased aridity of the region, thus reducing stream
flows and warming aquatic habitats, which makes them more suitable to
nonnative species.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has finalized the Arizona
Statewide Conservation Agreement for Roundtail Chub (G. robusta),
Headwater Chub, Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), Little
Colorado River Sucker (Catostomus spp.), Bluehead Sucker (C.
discobolus), and Zuni Bluehead Sucker (C. discobolus yarrowi). The New
Mexico Department of Game and Fish recently listed the headwater chub
as endangered and created a recovery plan for the species: Colorado
River Basin Chubs (Roundtail Chub, Gila Chub (G. intermedia), and
Headwater Chub) Recovery Plan, which was approved by the New Mexico
State Game Commission on November 16, 2006. Both the Arizona Agreement
and the New Mexico Recovery Plan recommend preservation and enhancement
of extant populations and restoration of historical headwater-chub
populations. The recovery and conservation actions prescribed by
Arizona and New Mexico plans, which we predict will reduce and remove
threats to this species, will require further discussions and
authorizations before they can be implemented, although some actions
have been completed and several are planned for the immediate future.
Although threats are ongoing, existing information indicates long-term
persistence and stability of existing populations. Currently 10 of the
17 extant stream populations are considered stable based on abundance
and evidence of recruitment. Based on our assessment, threats
(nonnative species, habitat loss from land uses) remain imminent and
are of a moderate magnitude. Thus, we have retained an LPN of 8 for
this species.
Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta) Lower Colorado River Distinct
Population Segment--The following summary is based on information
contained in our files and the 12-month finding published in the
Federal Register on July 7, 2009 (74 FR 32352). The roundtail chub is a
moderate to large cyprinid fish. The range of the roundtail chub has
been reduced by approximately 68 to 82 percent. Thirty-three streams
are currently occupied, representing approximately 18 to 32 percent of
the species' former range, or 800 km (500 miles) to 1350 km (840 mi) of
3050 km (1895 mi) of formerly occupied streams in the Gila River Basin
in Arizona and New Mexico. Most of the remaining populations are
fragmented and isolated, and all are threatened by a combination of
factors.
Roundtail chub are threatened by introduced nonnative fish that
prey on them and compete with them for food. Habitat destruction and
modification have occurred and continue to occur as a result of
dewatering, impoundment, channelization, and channel changes caused by
alteration of riparian vegetation and watershed degradation from
mining, grazing, roads, water pollution, urban and suburban
development, groundwater pumping, and other human actions. Existing
regulatory mechanisms do not appear to be adequate for addressing the
impact of nonnative fish and also have not removed or eliminated the
threats that continue to be posed through habitat destruction or
modification. The fragmented nature and rarity of existing populations
makes them vulnerable to other natural or manmade factors, such as
drought and wildfire. Climate change is predicted to worsen these
threats though increased aridity of the region, thus reducing stream
flows and warming aquatic habitats, which makes them more suitable to
nonnative species.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has finalized the Arizona
Statewide Conservation Agreement for Roundtail Chub, Headwater Chub (G.
nigra), Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), Little Colorado
River Sucker (Catostomus spp.), Bluehead Sucker (C. discobolus), and
Zuni Bluehead Sucker (C. discobolus yarrowi). The New Mexico Department
of Game and Fish lists the roundtail chub as endangered and has created
a recovery plan for the species: Colorado River Basin Chubs (Roundtail
Chub, Gila Chub (G. intermedia), and Headwater Chub) Recovery Plan,
which was approved by the New Mexico State Game Commission on November
16, 2006. Both the Arizona Agreement and the New Mexico Recovery Plan
recommend preservation and enhancement of extant populations and
restoration of historical roundtail-chub populations. The recovery and
conservation actions prescribed by Arizona and New Mexico plans, which
we predict will reduce and remove threats to this species, will require
further discussions and authorizations before they can be implemented,
although some actions have been completed and several are planned for
the immediate future. Although threats are ongoing, existing
information indicates long-term persistence and stability of existing
populations. Currently 9 of the 33 extant stream populations are
considered stable based on abundance and evidence of recruitment. Based
on our assessment, threats (nonnative species, habitat loss from land
uses) remain imminent and are of a moderate magnitude. Thus, we have
retained an LPN of 9 for this distinct population segment.
Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. This fish species
occurs in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The
species is found most often in sand- or pebble-bottomed pools of small,
spring-fed streams and marshes, with cool water and broad-leaved
aquatic vegetation. Its current distribution is indicative of a species
that once was widely dispersed throughout its range, but has been
relegated to isolated areas surrounded by unsuitable habitat that
prevents dispersal. Factors influencing the current distribution
include: Surface and groundwater irrigation resulting in decreased
flows or stream dewatering; the dewatering of long reaches of riverine
habitat necessary for species movement when surface flows do occur;
conversion of prairie to cropland which influences groundwater recharge
and spring flows; water quality degradation from a variety of sources;
and the construction of dams which act as barriers preventing
emigration upstream and downstream through the reservoir pool. The
magnitude of threats facing
[[Page 69252]]
this species is moderate to low, given the number of different
locations where the species occurs and the fact that no single threat
or combination of threats affects more than a portion of the widespread
population occurrences. Overall, the threats are nonimminent since
groundwater pumping is declining and development, spills, and runoff
are not currently affecting the species rangewide. Thus, we are
retaining an LPN of 11 for the Arkansas darter.
Pearl darter (Percina aurora)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. Little is known about the specific
habitat requirements or natural history of the Pearl darter, a small
fish in the Percidae family. Pearl darters have been collected from a
variety of river/stream attributes, mainly over gravel bottom
substrate. This species is historically known only from localized sites
within the Pascagoula and Pearl River drainages in two states.
Currently, the Pearl darter is considered extirpated from the Pearl
River drainage and rare in the Pascagoula River drainage. Since 1983,
the range of the Pearl darter has decreased by 55 percent.
The Pearl darter is vulnerable to non-point-source pollution caused
by urbanization and other land use activities; gravel mining and
resultant changes in river geomorphology, especially head cutting; and
the possibility of water quantity decline from the proposed Department
of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve project and a proposed dam on the
Bouie River. Additional threats are posed by the apparent lack of
adequate State and Federal water quality regulations due to the
continuing degradation of water quality within the species' habitat.
The Pearl darter's localized distribution and apparent low population
numbers may indicate a species with lower genetic diversity which would
also make this species more vulnerable to catastrophic events. Threats
affecting the Pearl darter are localized in nature, affecting portions
of the population within the drainage, thus, we assigned a threat
magnitude of moderate to low for this species. In addition, the threats
are imminent since the identified threats are currently impacting this
species in some portions of its range. Therefore, we have assigned a
listing priority number of 8 for this species.
Grotto sculpin (Cottus sp., sp. nov.)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The Grotto
sculpin, a small fish, is restricted to two karst areas (limestone
regions characterized by sink holes, abrupt ridges, caves, and
underground streams), the Central Perryville Karst and Mystery-Rimstone
Karst in Perry County, southeast Missouri. Grotto sculpins have been
documented in only five cave systems (Burr et al. 2001, p. 284). The
current overall range of the grotto sculpin has been estimated to
encompass approximately 260 square kilometers (100 square miles).
The small population size and endemism of the grotto sculpin make
it vulnerable to extinction due to genetic drift, inbreeding
depression, and random or chance changes to the environment (Smith
1974, p. 350). The species' karst habitat is located down-gradient of
the city of Perryville, Missouri, which poses a potential threat if
contaminants from this urban area enter cave streams occupied by grotto
sculpins. Various agricultural chemicals, such as ammonia, nitrite/
nitrate, acetochlor, dieldrin, and atrazine have been detected at
levels high enough to be detrimental to aquatic life within the
Perryville Karst area. Many of the sinkholes in Perry County contain
anthropogenic refuse, ranging from household cleansers and sewage to
used pesticide and herbicide containers. As a result, potential water
contamination from various sources of point and non-point pollution
poses a significant threat to the grotto sculpin. Of the five cave
systems documented to have grotto sculpins, populations in two cave
systems have had fish kills in recent times. Predatory fish such as
common carp, fat-head minnow, yellow bullhead, green sunfish, bluegill,
and channel catfish occur in all of the caves occupied by grotto
sculpin. These potential predators may escape surface farm ponds that
unexpectedly drain through sinkholes into the underground cave systems
and enter Grotto sculpin habitat. No regulatory mechanisms are in place
that would provide protection to the grotto sculpin. Current threats to
the habitat of the grotto sculpin may exacerbate potential problems
associated with its low population numbers and increase the likelihood
of extinction. Due to the high magnitude of ongoing, and thus imminent,
threats we assigned this species an LPN of 2.
Sharpnose shiner (Notropis oxyrhynchus)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The sharpnose
shiner is a small, slender minnow, endemic to the Brazos River Basin in
Texas. Historically, the sharpnose shiner existed throughout the Brazos
River and several of its major tributaries. It has also been found in
the Wichita River (within the Red River Basin), where it may have once
naturally occurred but has since been extirpated. Current information
indicates that the population upstream of Possum Kingdom Reservoir is
apparently stable, while the population downstream of the reservoir may
be extirpated, representing a reduction of approximately 69 percent of
its historical range.
The most significant threat to the existence of the sharpnose
shiner is potential reservoir development within its current range. The
current water plan for Texas provides several reservoir options that
could be implemented within the Brazos River drainage. Additional
threats include irrigation and water diversion, sedimentation,
desalination, industrial and municipal discharges, agricultural
activities, in-stream sand and gravel mining, and the spread of
invasive saltcedar. The current limited distribution of the sharpnose
shiner within the Upper Brazos River Basin makes it vulnerable to
catastrophic events such as the introduction of competitive species or
prolonged drought. State law does not provide protection for the
sharpnose shiner. The magnitude of threat is considered high since
reservoir development within the species' current range may render
remaining habitat unsuitable. The threats are nonimminent because the
most significant threat--major reservoir projects--is not likely to
occur in the near future, and there is potential for implementing other
water-supply options that could preclude reservoir development. For
these reasons, we assigned an LPN of 5 to this species.
Smalleye shiner (Notropis buccula)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided
in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The smalleye shiner is a
small, pallid minnow endemic to the Brazos River Basin in Texas. The
population of smalleye shiners within the Upper Brazos River drainage
(upstream of Possum Kingdom Reservoir) is apparently stable. However,
the shiner may be extirpated downstream from the reservoir,
representing a reduction of approximately 54 percent of its historical
range.
The most significant threat to the existence of the smalleye shiner
is potential reservoir development within its current range. The
current water plan for Texas provides several reservoir options that
could be implemented within the Brazos River drainage. Additional
threats include irrigation
[[Page 69253]]
and water diversion, sedimentation, desalination, industrial and
municipal discharges, agricultural activities, in-stream sand and
gravel mining, and the spread of invasive saltcedar. The current
limited distribution of the smalleye shiner within the Upper Brazos
River drainage makes it vulnerable to catastrophic events such as the
introduction of competitive species or prolonged drought. State law
does not provide protection for the smalleye shiner. The magnitude of
threat is high since the major threat of reservoir development within
the species' current range may render its remaining habitat unsuitable.
The threats are nonimminent because major reservoir projects are not
likely to occur in the near future and there is potential for
implementing other water-supply options that could preclude reservoir
development. For these reasons, we assigned a LPN of 5 to this species.
Zuni bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus yarrowi)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
The Zuni bluehead sucker is a colorful fish less than 8 inches long.
The range of the Zuni bluehead sucker has been reduced by over 95
percent. The Zuni bluehead sucker currently occupies 3 river miles (4.8
kilometers) in three headwater streams of the Rio Nutria in New Mexico,
and potentially occurs in 27.5 miles in (44 kilometers) the Kinlichee
drainage of Arizona. However, the number of occupied miles in Arizona
is unknown and the genetic composition of these fish is still under
investigation.
Zuni bluehead sucker range reduction and fragmentation is caused by
discontinuous surface-water flow, introduced species, and habitat
degradation from fine sediment deposition. Zuni bluehead sucker persist
in very small creeks that are subject to very low flows and drying
during periods of drought. Because of climate change (warmer air
temperatures), stream flow is predicted to decrease in the Southwest,
even if precipitation were to increase moderately. Warmer winter and
spring temperatures cause an increased fraction of precipitation to
fall as rain, resulting in a reduced snow pack, an earlier snow melt,
and a longer dry season leading to decreased stream flow in the summer
and a longer fire season. These changes would have a negative effect on
Zuni bluehead sucker. Another major impact to populations of Zuni
bluehead sucker was the application of fish toxicants through at least
two dozen treatments in the Nutria and Pescado rivers between 1960 and
1975. Large numbers of Zuni bluehead suckers were killed during these
treatments. The Zuni bluehead sucker is most likely extirpated from Rio
Pescado as none have been collected from that river since 1993.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish developed a recovery
plan for Zuni bluehead sucker which was approved by the New Mexico
State Game Commission on December 15, 2004. The recovery plan
recommends preservation and enhancement of extant populations and
restoration of historical Zuni bluehead sucker populations. We predict
that the recovery actions prescribed by the recovery plan will reduce
and remove threats to this subspecies, but they will require further
discussions and authorizations before they can be implemented and
threats are reduced. Because of the ongoing threats of high magnitude,
including loss of habitat (historical and current from beaver
activity), degradation of remaining habitat (nonnative species and land
development), drought, fire, and climate change, we maintained an LPN
of 3 for this subspecies.
Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
our status review published on May 14, 2008 (73 FR 27900). Rio Grande
cutthroat trout is one of 14 subspecies of cutthroat trout found in the
western United States. Populations of this subspecies are in New Mexico
and Colorado in drainages of the Rio Grande, Pecos, and Canadian
Rivers. Although once widely distributed in connected stream networks,
Rio Grande cutthroat trout populations now occupy about 10 percent of
historical habitat, and the populations are fragmented and isolated
from one another. The majority of populations occur in high elevation
streams.
Major threats include the loss of suitable habitat that has
occurred and is likely to continue occurring due to water diversions,
dams, stream drying, habitat quality degradation, and changes in
hydrology, introduction of nonnative trout and ensuing competition,
predation, and hybridization, and whirling disease. In addition,
average air temperatures in the southwest have increased about 1 [deg]C
(2.5 [deg]F) in the past 30 years, and they are projected to increase
by another 1.2 to 2.8 [deg]C (3 to 7 [deg]F) by 2050. Because trout
require cold water, and water temperatures depend in large part on air
temperature, there is concern that the habitat of Rio Grande cutthroat
trout will further decrease in response to warmer water temperatures
caused by climate change. Wildfire and drought (stream drying) are
additional threats to Rio Grande cutthroat trout populations that are
likely to increase in magnitude in response to climate change. Research
is occurring to assess the effects of climate change on this
subspecies, and agencies are working to restore historically occupied
streams. The threats are of moderate magnitude because there is good
distribution and a comparatively large number of populations across the
landscape, some populations have few threats present, and in other
areas management actions are being taken to help control the threat of
nonnative trout. Overall, the threats are ongoing and, therefore,
imminent. Based on imminent threats of moderate magnitude, we assigned
an LPN of 9 to this subspecies.
Clams
Texas hornshell (Popenaias popei)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files and information provided by the
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department. No new information was provided in the petition received on
May 11, 2004. The Texas hornshell is a freshwater mussel found in the
Black River in New Mexico, and the Rio Grande and the Devils River in
Texas. Until March 2008, the only known extant populations were in New
Mexico's Black River and one locality in the Rio Grande near Laredo,
Texas. In March 2008, two new localities were confirmed in Texas--one
in the Devils River and one in the mainstem Rio Grande in the Rio
Grande Wild and Scenic River segment downstream of Big Bend National
Park.
The primary threats to this species are habitat alterations such as
stream bank channelization, impoundments, and diversions for
agriculture and flood control; contamination of water by oil and gas
activity; alterations in the natural riverine hydrology; and increased
sedimentation and flood pulses from prolonged overgrazing and loss of
native vegetation. Although riverine habitats throughout the species'
known occupied range are under constant threat from these ongoing or
potential activities, numerous conservation actions that will benefit
the species are under way in New Mexico, including the completion of a
State recovery plan for the species and the drafting of a Candidate
Conservation Agreement with Assurances, and are beginning in Texas on
the Big Bend reach of the Rio Grande. Due to these ongoing conservation
efforts, the
[[Page 69254]]
magnitude of the threats is moderate. However, the threats to the
species are ongoing, and remain imminent. Thus, we maintained the LPN
of 8 for this species.
Fluted kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus subtentum)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
The fluted kidneyshell is a freshwater mussel (Unionidae) endemic to
the Cumberland and Tennessee River systems (Cumberlandian Region) in
Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It requires shoal habitats
in free-flowing rivers to survive and successfully recruit new
individuals into its populations.
This species has been extirpated from numerous regional streams and
is no longer found in the State of Alabama. Habitat destruction and
alteration (e.g., impoundments, sedimentation, and pollutants) are the
chief factors that contributed to its decline. The fluted kidneyshell
was historically known from at least 37 streams but is currently
restricted to no more than 12 isolated populations. Current status
information for most of the 12 populations deemed to be extant is
available from recent periodic sampling efforts (sometimes annually)
and other field studies, particularly in the upper Tennessee River
system. Some populations in the Cumberland River system have had recent
surveys as well (e.g., Wolf, Little Rivers; Little South Fork; Horse
Lick, Buck Creeks). Populations in Buck Creek, Little South Fork, Horse
Lick Creek, Powell River, and North Fork Holston River have clearly
declined over the past two decades. Based on recent information, the
overall population of the fluted kidneyshell is declining rangewide. At
this time, the species remains in large numbers and is viable in just
the Clinch River/Copper Creek, although smaller, viable populations
remain (e.g., Wolf, Little, North Fork Holston Rivers; Rock Creek).
Most other populations are of questionable or limited viability, with
some on the verge of extirpation (e.g., Powell River; Little South
Fork; Horse Lick, Buck, Indian Creeks). We hope that newly reintroduced
populations in the Little Tennessee, Nolichucky, and Duck Rivers will
begin to reverse the downward population trend of this species. The
threats are high in magnitude, since the majority of populations of
this species are severely affected by numerous threats (impoundments,
sedimentation, small population size, isolation of populations, gravel
mining, municipal pollutants, agricultural runoff, nutrient enrichment,
and coal processing pollution) which result in mortality or reduced
reproductive output. Since the threats are ongoing, they are imminent.
We assigned an LPN of 2 to this mussel species.
Neosho mucket (Lampsilis rafinesqueana)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The Neosho mucket
is a freshwater mussel native to Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and
Oklahoma. The species has been extirpated from approximately 62 percent
(835 river miles (1,334 river kilometers)) of its range. Most of this
decline has occurred in Kansas and Oklahoma. The Neosho mucket survives
in four river drainages; however, only one of these, the Spring River,
currently supports a relatively large population.
Significant portions of the historic range have been inundated by
the construction of at least 11 dams. Channel instability downstream of
these dams has further reduced suitable habitat and mussel
distribution. Range restriction and population declines have occurred
due to habitat degradation attributed to urbanization, impoundments,
mining, sedimentation, and agricultural pollutants. Rapid development
and urbanization in the Illinois River watershed will likely continue
to increase channel instability, sedimentation, and eutrophication. The
recent rapid decline of the entire mussel community in the Arkansas
portion of the Illinois River, including Neosho mucket, is alarming,
and it is possible the species will be extirpated from approximately 30
river miles (48 river kilometers) in the very near future. The Illinois
River once represented one of the two viable populations, but continued
viability of this stream population is doubtful and extirpation is
imminent. The remaining extant populations are vulnerable to random
catastrophic events (e.g., flood scour, drought, toxic spills), land
use changes within the limited range, and genetic isolation and the
deleterious effects of inbreeding. These threats have led to the
species being intrinsically vulnerable to extirpation. Although state
regulations limit harvest of this species, there is little protection
for habitat. The threats are high in magnitude as they occur throughout
the range of this species, and the majority of these threats are
ongoing and imminent. Thus, we assigned a listing priority number of 2
to this species.
Alabama pearlshell (Margaritifera marrianae)--We continue to find
that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Slabside pearlymussel (Lexingtonia dolabelloides)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
The slabside pearlymussel is a freshwater mussel (Unionidae) endemic to
the Cumberland and Tennessee River systems (Cumberlandian Region) in
Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It requires shoal habitats
in free-flowing rivers to survive and successfully recruit new
individuals into its populations.
Habitat destruction and alteration (e.g., impoundments,
sedimentation, and pollutants) are the chief factors contributing to
the decline of this species, which has been extirpated from numerous
regional streams and is no longer found in Kentucky. The slabside
pearlymussel was historically known from at least 32 streams, but is
currently restricted to no more than 10 isolated stream segments.
Current status information for most of the 10 populations deemed to be
extant is available from recent periodic sampling efforts (sometimes
annually) and other field studies. Comprehensive surveys have taken
place in the Middle and North Forks Holston River, Paint Rock River,
and Duck River in the past several years. Based on recent information,
the overall population of the slabside pearlymussel is declining
rangewide. Of the five streams in which the species remains in good
numbers (e.g., Clinch, North and Middle Forks Holston, Paint Rock, Duck
Rivers), the Middle and upper North Fork Holston Rivers have undergone
drastic recent declines, while the Clinch population has been in a
longer-term decline. Most of the remaining five populations (e.g.,
Powell River, Big Moccasin Creek, Hiwassee River, Elk River, Bear
Creek) have doubtful viability, and several if not all of them may be
on the verge of extirpation.
The threats remain high in magnitude, since all populations of this
species are severely affected in numerous ways (impoundments,
sedimentation, small population size, isolation of populations, gravel
mining, municipal pollutants, agricultural runoff, nutrient enrichment,
and coal processing pollution) which result in mortality or reduced
reproductive output leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction. We assigned an LPN of 2 to this mussel species.
[[Page 69255]]
Snails
Phantom Cave snail (Cochliopa texana) and Phantom springsnail
(Tryonia cheatumi)--The following summary is based on information
contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition
we received on May 11, 2004. Phantom Cave snail and Phantom springsnail
are small aquatic snails that occur in three spring outflows in the
Toyah Basin in Reeves and Jeff Davis Counties, Texas.
The primary threat to both species is the loss of surface flows due
to declining groundwater levels from drought, pumping for agricultural
production, and potentially climate change. Much of the land
immediately surrounding their spring habitat is owned and managed by
The Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Reclamation, and Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department. However, the water needed to maintain their
habitat has declined due to a reduction in spring flows, possibly as a
result of private groundwater pumping in areas beyond that controlled
by these landowners. As an example, Phantom Lake Spring, one of the
sites of occurrence, has already ceased flowing and aquatic habitat is
artificially supported only by a pumping system. The magnitude of the
threats is high because spring flow loss would result in complete
habitat destruction and permanent elimination of all populations of the
species. The immediacy of the threats is imminent, as evidenced by the
drastic decline in spring flow at Phantom Lake Spring that is currently
happening and may extirpate these populations in the near future.
Declining spring flows in San Solomon Spring are also becoming evident
and will affect that spring site as well within the foreseeable future.
Thus, we maintained the LPN of 2 for both species.
Sisi snail (Ostodes strigatus)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The sisi snail is a ground-
dwelling species in the Potaridae family, and is endemic to American
Samoa. The species is now known from a single population on the island
of Tutuila, American Samoa.
This species is currently threatened by habitat loss and
modification and by predation from nonnative predatory snails. The
decline of the sisi in American Samoa has resulted, in part, from loss
of habitat to forestry and agriculture and loss of forest structure to
hurricanes and alien weeds that establish after these storms. All live
sisi snails have been found in the leaf litter beneath remaining intact
forest canopy. No snails were found in areas bordering agricultural
plots or in forest areas that were severely damaged by three hurricanes
(1987, 1990, and 1991). Under natural historical conditions, loss of
forest canopy to storms did not pose a great threat to the long-term
survival of these snails; enough intact forest with healthy populations
of snails would support dispersal back into newly regrown canopy
forest. However, the presence of alien weeds such as mile-a-minute vine
(Mikania micrantha) may reduce the likelihood that native forest will
re-establish in areas damaged by the hurricanes. This loss of habitat
to storms is greatly exacerbated by expanding agriculture. Agricultural
plots on Tutuila have spread from low elevation up to middle and some
high elevations, greatly reducing the forest area and thus reducing the
resilience of native forests and its populations of native snails.
These reductions also increase the likelihood that future storms will
lead to the extinction of populations or species that rely on the
remaining canopy forest. In an effort to eradicate the giant African
snail (Achatina fulica), the alien rosy carnivore snail (Euglandia
rosea) was introduced in 1980. The rosy carnivore snail has spread
throughout the main island of Tutuila. Numerous studies show that the
rosy carnivore snail feeds on endemic island snails including the sisi,
and is a major agent in their declines and extirpations. At present,
the major threat to long-term survival of the native snail fauna in
American Samoa is predation by nonnative predatory snails. These
threats are ongoing and are therefore imminent. Since the threats occur
throughout the entire range of the species, have a severe effect on the
survival of the snails, leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction, they are of a high magnitude. Therefore we assigned this
species an LPN of 2.
Diamond Y Spring snail (Pseudotryonia adamantina) and Gonzales
springsnail (Tryonia circumstriata)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Diamond Y Spring snail and
Gonzales springsnail are small aquatic snails endemic to Diamond Y
Spring in Pecos County, Texas. The land surrounding the spring and its
outflow channels are owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.
These snails are primarily threatened with habitat loss due to
springflow declines from drought, pumping of groundwater, and
potentially of climate change. Additional threats include water
contamination from accidental releases of petroleum products, as their
habitat is in an active oil and gas field. Also, a nonnative aquatic
snail (Melanoides sp.) was introduced into the native snails' habitat
and may compete with endemic snails for space and resources. The
magnitude of threats is high because limited distribution of these
narrow endemics makes any impact from increasing threats (e.g., loss of
springflow, contaminants, and nonnative species) likely to result in
the extinction of the species. These species occur in one location in
an arid region currently plagued by drought and ongoing aquifer
withdrawals, making the eventual loss of spring flow an imminent threat
of total habitat loss. Thus, we maintained the LPN of 2 for both
species.
Fragile tree snail (Samoana fragilis)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling
species, the fragile tree snail is a member of the Partulidae family of
snails, and is endemic to the islands of Guam and Rota (Mariana
Islands). Requiring cool and shaded native forest habitat, the species
is now known from one population on Guam and from one population on
Rota.
This species is currently threatened by habitat loss and
modification and by predation from nonnative predatory snails and
flatworms. Large numbers of Philippine deer (Cervus mariannus) (Guam
and Rota), pigs (Sus scrofra) (Guam), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
(Guam), and cattle (Bos taurus) (Rota) directly alter the understory
plant community and overall forest microclimate, making it unsuitable
for snails. Predation by the alien rosy carnivore snail (Euglandina
rosea) and the Manokwar flatworm (Platydemus manokwari) is a serious
threat to the survival of the fragile tree snail. Field observations
have established that the rosy carnivore snail and the Manokwar
flatworm will readily feed on native Pacific island tree snails,
including the Partulidae, such as those of the Mariana Islands. The
rosy carnivore snail has caused the extirpation of many populations and
species of native snails throughout the Pacific islands. The Manokwar
flatworm has also contributed to the decline of native tree snails, in
part due to its ability to ascend into trees and bushes that support
native snails. Areas with populations of the flatworm usually lack
partulid tree snails or have declining numbers of
[[Page 69256]]
snails. Because all of the threats occur rangewide, have a significant
effect on the survival of this snail species, leading to a relatively
high likelihood of extinction, they are high in magnitude. The threats
are also ongoing and thus are imminent. Therefore, we assigned this
species an LPN of 2.
Guam tree snail (Partula radiolata)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided
in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling species,
the Guam tree snail is a member of the Partulidae family of snails and
is endemic to the island of Guam. Requiring cool and shaded native
forest habitat, the species is now known from 22 populations on Guam.
This species is primarily threatened by predation from nonnative
predatory snails and flatworms. In addition, the species is also
threatened by habitat loss and degradation. Predation by the alien rosy
carnivore snail (Euglandina rosea) and the alien Manokwar flatworm
(Platydemus manokwari) is a serious threat to the survival of the Guam
tree snail (see summary for the fragile tree snail, above). On Guam,
open agricultural fields and other areas prone to erosion were seeded
with tangantangan (Leucaena leucocephala) by the U.S. Military.
Tangantangan grows as a single species stand with no substantial
understory. The microclimatic condition is dry with little accumulation
of leaf litter humus and is particularly unsuitable as Guam tree snail
habitat. In addition, native forest cannot reestablish and grow where
this alien weed has become established. Because all of the threats
occur rangewide, have a significant effect on the survival of this
snail species, leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction,
they are high in magnitude. The threats are also ongoing and thus are
imminent. Therefore, we assigned this species an LPN of 2.
Humped tree snail (Partula gibba)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided
in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling species,
the humped tree snail is a member of the Partulidae family of snails,
and was originally known from the island of Guam and the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands (islands of Rota, Aguiguan, Tinian,
Saipan, Anatahan, Sarigan, Alamagan, and Pagan). Most recent surveys
revealed a total of 13 populations on the islands of Guam, Rota,
Aguiguan, Sarigan, Saipan, Alamagan, and Pagan. Although still the most
widely distributed tree snail endemic in the Mariana Islands, remaining
population sizes are often small.
This species is currently threatened by habitat loss and
modification and by predation from nonnative predatory snails and flat
worms. Throughout the Mariana Islands, feral ungulates (pigs (Sus
scrofa), Philippine deer (Cervus mariannus), cattle (Bos taurus), water
buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), and goats (Capra hircus)) have caused severe
damage to native forest vegetation by browsing directly on plants,
causing erosion, and retarding forest growth and regeneration. This in
turn reduces the quantity and quality of forested habitat for the
humped tree snail. Currently, populations of feral ungulates are found
on the islands of Guam (deer, pigs, and water buffalo), Rota (deer and
cattle), Aguiguan (goats), Saipan (deer, pigs, and cattle), Alamagan
(goats, pigs, and cattle), and Pagan (cattle, goats, and pigs). Goats
were eradicated from Sarigan in 1998 and the humped tree snail has
increased in abundance on that island, likely in response to the
removal of all the goats. However, the population of humped tree snails
on Anatahan is likely extirpated due to the massive volcanic explosions
of the island beginning in 2003 and still continuing, and the resulting
loss of up to 95 percent of the vegetation on the island. Predation by
the alien rosy carnivore snail (Euglandina rosea) and the alien
Manokwar flatworm (Platydemus manokwari) is a serious threat to the
survival of the humped tree snail (see summary for the fragile tree
snail, above). The magnitude of threats is high because these alien
predators cause significant population declines to the humped tree
snail rangewide. These threats are ongoing and thus are imminent.
Therefore, we assigned this species an LPN of 2.
Lanai tree snail (Partulina semicarinata)--We continue to find that
listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted petition 12-month finding.
Lanai tree snail (Partulina variabilis)--We continue to find that
listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted petition 12-month finding.
Langford's tree snail (Partula langfordi)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling
species, Langford's tree snail is a member of the Partulidae family of
snails, and is known from one population on the island of Aguiguan.
This species is currently threatened by habitat loss and
modification and by predation from nonnative predatory snails. In the
1930s, the island of Aguiguan was mostly cleared of native forest to
support sugar cane and pineapple production. The abandoned fields and
airstrip are now overgrown with alien weeds. The remaining native
forest understory has greatly suffered from large and uncontrolled
populations of alien goats and the invasion of weeds. Goats (Capra
hircus) have caused severe damage to native forest vegetation by
browsing directly on plants, causing erosion, and retarding forest
growth and regeneration. This in turn reduces the quantity and quality
of forested habitat for Langford's tree snail. Predation by the alien
rosy carnivore snail (Euglandina rosea) and by the Manokwar flatworm
(Platydemus manokwari) (see summary for the fragile tree snail, above)
is also a serious threat to the survival of Langford's tree snail. All
of the threats are occurring rangewide and no efforts to control or
eradicate the nonnative predatory snail species or to reduce habitat
loss are being undertaken. The magnitude of threats is high because
they result in direct mortality or significant population declines to
Langford's tree snail rangewide. A survey of Aguiguan in November 2006
failed to find any live Langford's tree snails. These threats are also
ongoing and thus are imminent. Therefore, we assigned this species an
LPN of 2.
Newcomb's tree snail (Newcombia cumingi)--We continue to find that
listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted petition 12-month finding.
Tutuila tree snail (Eua zebrina)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling species, the
Tutuila tree snail is a member of the Partulidae family of snails, and
is endemic to American Samoa. The species is known from 32 populations
on the islands of Tutuila, Nuusetoga, and Ofu.
This species is currently threatened by habitat loss and
modification and by predation from nonnative predatory
[[Page 69257]]
snails and rats. All live Tutuila tree snails were found on understory
vegetation beneath remaining intact forest canopy. No snails were found
in areas bordering agricultural plots or in forest areas that were
severely damaged by three hurricanes (1987, 1990, and 1991). (See
summary for the sisi snail, above, regarding impacts of alien weeds and
of the rosy carnivore snail.) Rats (Rattus spp) have also been shown to
devastate snail populations, and rat-chewed snail shells have been
found at sites where the Tutuila snail occurs. At present, the major
threat to the long-term survival of the native snail fauna in American
Samoa is predation by nonnative predatory snails and rats. The
magnitude of threats is high because they result in direct mortality or
significant population declines to the Tutuila tree snail rangewide.
The threats are also ongoing and thus are imminent. Therefore, we
assigned this species an LPN of 2.
Chupadera springsnail (Pyrgulopsis chupaderae)--We continue to find
that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted petition 12-month finding.
Elongate mud meadows springsnail (Pyrgulopsis notidicola)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
Pyrgulopsis notidicola is endemic to Soldier Meadow, which is located
at the northern extreme of the western arm of the Black Rock Desert in
the transition zone between the Basin and Range Physiographic Province
and the Columbia Plateau Province, Humboldt County, Nevada. The type
locality, and the only known location of the species, occurs in four
separate stretches of thermal (between 45[deg] and 32[deg] Celsius,
113[deg] and 90[deg] Fahrenheit) aquatic habitat. The first stretch is
the largest at approximately 600 m (1,968 ft) long and 2 m (6.7 ft)
wide. The other stretches where P. notidicola occurs are less than 6 m
(19.7 ft) long and 0.5 m (1.6 ft) wide. Pyrgulopsis notidicola occurs
only in shallow, flowing water on gravel substrate. The species does
not occur in deep water (i.e., impoundments) where water velocity is
low, gravel substrate is absent, and sediment levels are high.
The species and its habitat are threatened by recreational use in
the areas where it occurs as well as the ongoing impacts of past water
diversions and livestock grazing and current off-highway vehicle
travel. Conservation measures implemented by the Bureau of Land
Management include the installation of fencing to exclude livestock,
wild horses, burros and other large mammals; closing of access roads to
spring, riparian, and wetland areas and the limiting of vehicles to
designated routes; the establishment of a designated campground away
from the habitats of sensitive species; the installation of educational
signage; and, increased staff presence, including law enforcement and a
volunteer site steward during the 6-month period of peak visitor use.
These conservation measures have reduced the magnitude of threat to the
species to moderate to low; all remaining threats are nonimminent and
involve long-term changes to the habitat for the species resulting from
past impacts. Until a monitoring program is in place that allows us to
assess the long-term trend of the species, we have assigned an LPN of
11.
Gila springsnail (Pyrgulopsis gilae)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files and the petition we
received on November 20, 1985. Also see our 12-month petition finding
published in the Federal Register on October 4, 1988 (53 FR 38969). The
Gila springsnail is an aquatic species known from 13 populations in New
Mexico. Surveys conducted in 2008 and 2009 located 14 additional
populations bringing the total known to 27. Given the new population
information, as well as new information on threats, we are currently
assessing the status of this species.
The long-term persistence of the Gila springsnail is contingent
upon protection of the riparian corridor and maintenance of flow to
ensure continuous, oxygenated flowing water within the species'
required thermal range. Occupied Gila springsnail localities on Federal
lands surveyed in 2008 and 2009 are subject to light levels of
recreational use only at the thermal springs, and overall, recreational
activities do not appear to be affecting springsnail populations. The
level of recreational impacts at thermal springs on private lands is
unknown. Sites visited in 2008 were excluded from grazing. Although elk
use at some of the springs was evident, the level of impact was low. Of
greatest concern are the very small size of the isolated occupied
habitats and the potential effects of climate change. Although the
effect climate change will have on the springs of the Southwest is
unpredictable, mean annual temperature in New Mexico has increased by
0.6 degrees per decade since 1970. Higher temperatures lead to higher
evaporation rates, increased evapotranspiration, and decreased soil
moisture which may reduce the amount of groundwater recharge.
Widespread, long-term drought could affect spring flow quantity and
quality, negatively affecting the springsnail populations. Based on
these nonimminent threats that are currently of a low magnitude, we
retained a listing priority number of 11 for this species.
Gonzales springsnail (Tryonia circumstriata)--See summary above
under Diamond Y Spring snail (Pseudotryonia adamantina).
Huachuca springsnail (Pyrgulopsis thompsoni)--The following is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The Huachuca
springsnail inhabits approximately 16 springs and cienegas at
elevations of 4,500 to 7,200 feet in southeastern Arizona (14 sites)
and adjacent portions of Sonora, Mexico (2 sites). The springsnail is
typically found in the shallower areas of springs or cienegas, often in
rocky seeps at the spring source. Ongoing threats include habitat
modification and destruction through catastrophic wildfire; drought;
streamflow alteration; and, potentially, grazing, recreation, military
activities, and timber harvest. Overall, the threats are moderate in
magnitude because threats are not occurring throughout the range of the
species uniformly and not all populations would likely be affected
simultaneously by any of the known threats. In addition, multiple
landowners (U.S. Forest Service, Fort Huachuca, and The Nature
Conservancy) are including consideration for the springsnail or other
co-occurring listed species in their activities (reducing fuel loads,
avoiding occupied sites during military operations). The threats are
ongoing and, thus, imminent. Therefore, we have assigned an LPN of 8 to
this species.
New Mexico springsnail (Pyrgulopsis thermalis)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition
received on November 20, 1985. Also see our 12-month petition finding
published on October 4, 1988 (53 FR 38969). In addition, we have
received new information on populations and threats to the species,
which we are currently assessing. The New Mexico springsnail is an
aquatic species known from twelve separate populations associated with
a series of spring-brook systems along the Gila River in the Gila
National Forest in Grant County, New Mexico.
The long-term persistence of the New Mexico springsnail is
contingent upon protection of the riparian corridor immediately
adjacent to springhead and
[[Page 69258]]
springrun habitats. Although the New Mexico springsnail populations may
be stable, the sites inhabited by the species are subject to levels of
recreational use and livestock grazing that can negatively affect this
species. If these uses remain at the current or lower levels, they will
not pose an imminent threat to the species. Of greater concern is
drought, which could affect spring discharge and increases the
potential for fire. Although the effect global climate change may have
on streams and forests of the Southwest is unpredictable, mean annual
temperature in New Mexico has increased by 0.6 degrees per decade since
1970. Higher temperatures lead to higher evaporation rates which may
reduce the amount of runoff and groundwater recharge. Increased
temperatures may also increase the extent of area influenced by drought
and fire. Large fires have occurred in the Gila National Forest and
subsequent floods and ash flows have severely affected aquatic life in
streams. If the drought continues or worsens, the imminence of threats
from decreased discharge and fire will increase. Based on these
nonimminent threats of a low magnitude, we retain an LPN of 11 for this
springsnail.
Page springsnail (Pyrgulopsis morrisoni)--See above in ``Listing
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on
information contained in our files.
Phantom springsnail (Tyronia cheatumi)--See summary above under
Phantom Cave snail (Cochliopa texana).
Three Forks springsnail (Pyrgulopsis trivialis)--We continue to
find that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the
date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the
next annual resubmitted petition 12-month finding.
Insects
Wekiu bug (Nysius wekiuicola)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The wekiu bug belongs to the
true bug family, Lygaeidae, and is endemic to the island of Hawaii.
This species only occurs on the summit of Mauna Kea and feeds upon
other insect species which are blown to the summit of this large
volcano. The wekiu bug is primarily threatened by the loss of its
habitat from astronomy development. In 2004 and early 2005, surveys
found multiple new locations of the wekiu bug on cinder cones on the
Mauna Kea summit. Several of these cinder cones within the Mauna Kea
Science Reserve, as well as two cinder cones located in the State Ice
Age Natural Area Reserve, are not currently undergoing development nor
are they the site of any planned development. Thus, the threats,
although ongoing, do not occur across the entire range of the wekiu
bug. Because there are occupied locations that are not subject to the
primary threat of astronomy development, the overall magnitude of the
threat is moderate. The immediacy of the threats is imminent because
there are still significant parts of the wekiu bug's range where
development is occurring. Therefore, we assigned this species an LPN of
8.
Mariana eight spot butterfly (Hypolimnas octucula mariannensis)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files.
No new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. The Mariana eight spot butterfly is a nymphalid butterfly species
that feeds upon two host plants, Procris pedunculata and Elatostema
calcareum. Endemic to the islands of Guam and Saipan, the species is
now known from ten populations on Guam. This species is currently
threatened by predation and parasitism. The Mariana eight spot
butterfly has extremely high mortality of eggs and larvae due to
predation by alien ants and wasps. Because the threat of parasitism and
predation by nonnative insects occurs rangewide and can cause
significant population declines to this species, they are high in
magnitude. The threats are imminent because they are ongoing.
Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 3 for this subspecies.
Mariana wandering butterfly (Vagrans egestina)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
The Mariana wandering butterfly is a nymphalid butterfly species which
feeds upon a single host plant species, Maytenus thompsonii. Originally
known from and endemic to the islands of Guam and Rota, the species is
now known from one population on Rota. This species is currently
threatened by alien predation and parasitism. The Mariana wandering
butterfly is likely predated by alien ants and parasitized by native
and nonnative parasitoids. Because the threats of parasitism and
predation by nonnative insects occur rangewide and can cause
significant population declines to this species, leading to a
relatively high likelihood of extinction, they are high in magnitude.
These threats are imminent because they are ongoing. Therefore, we
assigned an LPN of 2 for this species.
Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and in
the petition we received on June 15, 2000. Historically, the Miami blue
was most common on the south Florida mainland and the Florida Keys,
with a range extending north to Hillsborough and Volusia Counties. It
is presently located at two sites in the Keys. In 1999, a
metapopulation was discovered at Bahia Honda State Park (BHSP) on Bahia
Honda Key, and in 2006 a second metapopulation was discovered on the
outer islands of Key West National Wildlife Refuge (KWNWR). The BHSP
metapopulation appears restricted to a couple hundred individuals at
most; the KWNWR metapopulation was believed to be several hundred in
2006-2007, but appears to be lower in abundance now. Capacity to expand
at either site or successfully emigrate from either site appears to be
very low due to the sedentary nature of the butterfly and isolation of
habitats. Reintroduction efforts have not been successful. The Miami
blue is predominantly a coastal species, occurring in disturbed and
early successional habitats such as the edges of tropical hardwood
hammock, coastal berm forest, coastal prairie, and along trails and
other open sunny areas, and historically in pine rockland. These
habitats provide hostplants for larvae and nectar sources for adults in
close proximity, as the species requires.
Major threats to the butterfly include few occurrences, limited
population size and range, hurricanes, mosquito control activities, and
herbivory of hostplants by iguanas. Damage to host plants from iguanas
at BHSP is an ongoing and significant threat; although active steps are
being taken by the State and partners to reduce this threat, this
metapopulation is now at risk. Climatic changes and sea level rise are
long-term threats that will reduce the extent of habitat. Accidental
harm or habitat destruction and illegal collection may also pose
threats to the survival due to small population sizes. Loss of genetic
diversity within the small and isolated populations may be occurring.
The survival of the Miami blue depends on protecting the species'
currently occupied habitat from further degradation and fragmentation;
restoring potentially suitable habitat within its historical range;
avoiding or removing threats from fire suppression, iguanas, mosquito
control, accidental harm from humans; increasing the current population
in size; and establishing populations at other locations. Exotic
predatory ants and
[[Page 69259]]
parasitoids may also be potential threats, given the species' small
population size and few occurrences. Most threats are high in
magnitude, because they constitute a significant risk to the
subspecies, leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction; most
threats are imminent. As a result, we retained an LPN of 3 for this
subspecies.
Sequatchie caddisfly (Glyphopsyche sequatchie)--The following
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The Sequatchie
caddisfly is known from two spring runs that emerge from caves in
Marion County, Tennessee--Owen Spring Branch (the type locality) and
Martin Spring run in the Battle Creek system. In 1998, biologists
estimated population sizes at 500 to 5,000 individuals for Owen Spring
Branch and 2 to 10 times higher at Martin Spring, due to the greater
amount of apparently suitable habitat. In spite of greater amounts of
suitable habitat at the Martin Spring run, Sequatchie caddisflies are
more difficult to find at this site, and in 2001 (the most recent
survey) the Sequatchie caddisfly was ``abundant'' at the Owen Spring
Branch location, while only two individuals were observed at the Martin
Spring. Threats to the Sequatchie caddisfly include siltation, point
and nonpoint discharges from municipal and industrial activities, and
introduction of toxicants during episodic events. These threats,
coupled with the extremely limited distribution of the species, its
apparent small population size, the limited amount of occupied habitat,
ease of accessibility, and the annual life cycle of the species, are
all factors that leave the Sequatchie caddisfly vulnerable to
extirpation. Therefore, the magnitude of the threat is high. These
threats are gradual and not necessarily imminent. Based on high-
magnitude, nonimminent threats, we assigned this species a listing
priority number of 5.
Clifton Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus caecus)--The following
summary is based upon information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Clifton Cave beetle is a small, eyeless, reddish-brown predatory insect
that feeds upon small cave invertebrates. It is cave dependent, and is
not found outside the cave environment. Clifton Cave beetle is only
known from two privately owned Kentucky caves. Soon after the species
was first collected in 1963 in one cave, the cave entrance was enclosed
due to road construction. We do not know whether the species still
occurs at the original location or if it has been extirpated from the
site by the closure of the cave entrance. Other caves in the vicinity
of this cave were surveyed for the species during 1995 to 1996 and only
one additional site was found to support the Clifton Cave beetle. The
limestone caves in which the Clifton Cave beetle is found provide a
unique and fragile environment that supports a variety of species that
have evolved to survive and reproduce under the demanding conditions
found in cave ecosystems. The limited distribution of the species makes
it vulnerable to isolated events that would only have a minimal effect
on the more wide-ranging insects. Events such as toxic chemical spills,
discharges of large amounts of polluted water or indirect impacts from
off-site construction activities, closure of entrances, alteration of
entrances, or the creation of new entrances could have serious adverse
impacts on this species. Therefore, the magnitude of threat is high for
this species. The threats are nonimminent because there are no known
projects planned that would affect the species in the near future. We
therefore have assigned a listing priority number of 5 to this species.
Icebox Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus frigidus)--The following
summary is based upon information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Icebox Cave beetle is a small, eyeless, reddish-brown predatory insect
that feeds upon small cave invertebrates. It is not found outside the
cave environment, and is only known from one privately owned Kentucky
cave. The limestone cave in which this species is found provides a
unique and fragile environment that supports a variety of species that
have evolved to survive and reproduce under the demanding conditions
found in cave ecosystems. The species has not been observed since it
was originally collected, but species experts believe that it may still
exist in the cave in low numbers. The limited distribution of the
species makes it vulnerable to isolated events that would only have a
minimal effect on the more wide-ranging insects. Events such as toxic
chemical spills or discharges of large amounts of polluted water, or
indirect impacts from off-site construction activities, closure of
entrances, alteration of entrances, or the creation of new entrances,
could have serious adverse impacts on this species. Therefore, the
magnitude of threat is high for this species because it is limited in
distribution and the threats would result in a high level of mortality
or reduced reproductive capacity. The threats are nonimminent because
there are no known projects planned that would affect the species in
the near future. We therefore have assigned an LPN of 5 to this
species.
Inquirer Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus inquisitor)--The following
summary is based upon information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
The Inquirer Cave beetle is a fairly small, eyeless, reddish-brown
predatory insect that feeds upon small cave invertebrates. It is not
found outside the cave environment, and is only known from one
privately owned Tennessee cave. The limestone cave in which this
species is found provides a unique and fragile environment that
supports a variety of species that have evolved to survive and
reproduce under the demanding conditions found in cave ecosystems. The
species was last observed in 2006. The limited distribution of the
species makes it vulnerable to isolated events that would only have a
minimal effect on the more wide-ranging insects. The area around the
only known site for the species is in a rapidly expanding urban area.
The entrance to the cave is protected by the landowner through a
cooperative management agreement with the Service, The Nature
Conservancy and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; however, a
sinkhole that drains into the cave system is located away from the
protected entrance and is near a highway. Events such as toxic chemical
spills, discharges of large amounts of polluted water, or indirect
impacts from off-site construction activities, could severely affect
the species and the cave habitat. The magnitude of threat is high for
this species because it is limited in distribution and the threats
would have severe impacts on its continued existence. The threats are
nonimminent because there are no known projects planned that would
affect the species in the near future and it receives some protection
under a cooperative management agreement. We therefore have assigned a
listing priority number of 5 to this species.
Louisville Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus troglodytes)--The
following summary is based upon information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. The Louisville Cave beetle is a small, eyeless, reddish-brown
predatory insect that feeds upon cave invertebrates. It is not found
outside the cave environment, and is only known from two privately
owned Kentucky caves. The limestone
[[Page 69260]]
caves in which this species is found provide a unique and fragile
environment that supports a variety of species that have evolved to
survive and reproduce under the demanding conditions found in cave
ecosystems. The limited distribution of the species makes it vulnerable
to isolated events that would only have a minimal effect on the more
wide-ranging insects. Events such as toxic chemical spills, discharges
of large amounts of polluted water or indirect impacts from off-site
construction activities, closure of entrances, alteration of entrances,
or the creation of new entrances could have serious adverse impacts on
this species. The magnitude of threat is high for this species, because
it is limited in distribution and the threats would have severe
negative impacts on the species. The threats are nonimminent because
there are no known projects planned that would affect the species in
the near future. We therefore have assigned an LPN of 5 to this
species.
Tatum Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus parvus)--The following summary
is based upon information contained in our files. No new information
was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Tatum Cave
beetle is a small, eyeless, reddish-brown predatory insect that feeds
upon cave invertebrates. It is not found outside the cave environment,
and is only known from one privately owned Kentucky cave. The limestone
cave in which this species is found provides a unique and fragile
environment that supports a variety of species that have evolved to
survive and reproduce under the demanding conditions found in cave
ecosystems. The species has not been observed since 1965, but species
experts believe that it still exists in low numbers. The limited
distribution of the species makes it vulnerable to isolated events that
would only have a minimal effect on the more wide-ranging insects.
Events such as toxic chemical spills or discharges of large amounts of
polluted water, or indirect impacts from off-site construction
activities, closure of entrances, alteration of entrances, or the
creation of new entrances could have serious adverse impacts on this
species. The magnitude of threat is high for this species, because its
limited numbers mean that any threats could severely affect its
continued existence. The threats are nonimminent because there are no
known projects planned that would affect the species in the near
future. We therefore have assigned an LPN of 5 to this species.
Taylor's (Whulge, Edith's) checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha
taylori)--The following summary is based on information contained in
our files and in the petition received on December 11, 2002.
Historically, the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly was known from 70
locations: 23 in British Columbia, 34 in Washington, and 13 in Oregon.
Based on the results of surveys during the 2009 flight period,
butterflies were detected at just 9 populations. No reports were
received for the Canada sites. The total number of Taylor's checkerspot
butterflies was considerably reduced in current surveys with
approximately 2,500 individuals observed rangewide. The latest decline
observed was from the Joint Base Lewis McChord population where fewer
than 200 butterflies were counted in 2008; only 77 adult butterflies
were detected during 2009 surveys. Currently, just seven populations
had adult butterflies flying in Washington, two in the Willamette
Valley of Oregon, and one on Denman Island, British Columbia, Canada. A
new population (meta-population) was observed on the Olympic National
Forest. During 2009, six additional locations have been found on
suitable habitat on Olympic National Forest land; at one location 69
butterflies were detected and the remainder had up to 40 butterflies
with several of the sites having fewer than 5 adult butterflies.
Threats include degradation and destruction of native grasslands
due to agriculture; residential and commercial development;
encroachment by nonnative plants; succession from grasslands to native
shrubs and trees; and fire. The threat of military training has greatly
increased during this last assessment period and the site where
Taylor's checkerspot were known to thrive on Fort Lewis was severely
affected by Armored Vehicle training. The result of that training on
the population at the site will not be determined until after this
year's monitoring has been completed.
The grassland ecosystem on which this subspecies depends requires
annual management to maintain suitable grassland habitat for the
species. Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstake (Btk) was routinely
applied for Asian gypsy moth control in Pierce County, Washington for
many years. This pesticide is documented to have deleterious effects on
non-target lepidopteron species, including all moths and butterflies.
Because of the timing and close proximity of the Btk application to
native prairies where Taylors' checkerspot adults, or their larvae,
were historically known to occur, it is likely that the spraying
contributed to the extirpation of the subspecies at three locations in
Pierce County, Washington.
Threats also include the loss of prairies to development or the
conversion of native grasslands to agriculture; the threat of vehicle
and foot traffic that crushes larvae and larval host plants on roads
where host plants have become established, thus acting as a mortality
sink (this has occurred at several of the north Olympic Peninsula
sites). Other important threats include changes to the structure and
composition of prairie habitat brought on by the invasion of shrubs and
trees (Scot's broom and Douglas-fir) or nonnative pasture grasses that
quickly invade onto prairies when processes like fire, or its surrogate
mowing, are not implemented.
These changes to prairie habitat threaten Taylor's checkerspot by
degrading prairie habitat and making it unsuitable for the butterfly.
The threats that lead to habitat degradation and loss are ubiquitous,
occurring rangewide, and severely affect the survival of the
subspecies, leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction.
Therefore, the threats are high in magnitude. The threats are imminent
because they are ongoing and occur simultaneously at all of the known
locations for the subspecies. Based on the high magnitude and the
imminent nature of threats, we retain an LPN of 3 for the Taylor's
checkerspot butterfly.
Blackline Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion nigrohamatum
nigrolineatum)--We continue to find that listing this species is
warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of this notice.
However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we expect to
publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month petition
finding.
Crimson Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion leptodemas)--We continue to
find that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the
date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the
next annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Oceanic Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion oceanicum)--We continue to
find that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the
date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the
next annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion xanthomelas)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
[[Page 69261]]
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. The Orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly is a stream-dwelling species
endemic to the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai,
and Hawaii. The species no longer is found on Kauai, and is now
restricted to 16 populations on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai,
Lanai, and Hawaii. This species is threatened by predation from alien
aquatic species such as fish and predacious insects, and habitat loss
through dewatering of streams and invasion by nonnative plants.
Nonnative fish and insects prey on the naiads of the damselfly, and
loss of water reduces the amount of suitable naiad habitat available.
Invasive plants (e.g., California grass (Brachiaria mutica)) also
contribute to loss of habitat by forming dense, monotypic stands that
completely eliminate any open water. Nonnative fish and plants are
found in all the streams the Orangeblack damselfly occur in, except the
Oahu location, where there are no nonnative fish. We assigned this
species an LPN of 8 because, although the threats are ongoing and
therefore imminent, they affect the survival of the species in varying
degrees throughout the range of the species and are of moderate
magnitude.
Picture-wing fly (Drosophila digressa)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004, but new
information was provided by one Drosophila expert in 2006. This
picture-wing fly, a member of the family Drosophilidae, feeds only upon
species of Charpentiera, and is endemic to the Hawaiian Island of
Hawaii. Never abundant in number of individuals observed, D. digressa
was originally known from 5 population sites and may now be limited to
as few as 1 or 2 sites. Due to the small population size of the species
and its small known habitat area, Drosophila researchers believe this
species and its habitat are particularly vulnerable to a myriad of
threats. Feral ungulates (pigs, goats, and cattle) degrade and destroy
D. digressa host plants and habitat by directly trampling plants,
facilitating erosion, and spreading nonnative plant seeds. Nonnative
plants degrade host plant habitat and compete for light, space, and
nutrients. Direct predation of D. digressa by nonnative social insects,
particularly yellow jacket wasps, is also a serious threat.
Additionally, this species faces competition at the larval stage from
nonnative tipulid flies, which feed within the same portion of the
decomposing host plant area normally occupied by the D. digressa larvae
during their development with a resulting reduction in available host
plant material. Because the threats to the native forest habitat of D.
digressa, and to individuals of this species, occur throughout its
range and are expected to continue or increase unless efforts at
control or eradication are undertaken, they are high in magnitude. In
addition, because of the limited distribution and small population of
the species, any of the threats would significantly impair survival of
the species. The threats are also imminent, because they are ongoing.
No known conservation measures have been taken to date to specifically
address these threats, and we have therefore assigned this species an
LPN of 2.
Stephan's riffle beetle (Heterelmis stephani)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The
Stephan's riffle beetle is an endemic riffle beetle found in limited
spring environments within the Santa Rita Mountains, Pima County,
Arizona. The beetle is known from Sylvester Spring in Madera Canyon,
within the Coronado National Forest. Threats to that spring are largely
from habitat modification, from recreational activities in the springs,
and potential changes in water quality and quantity due to catastrophic
natural events and climate change. The threats are of low to moderate
magnitude based on our current knowledge of the permanence of threats
and the likelihood that the species will persist in areas that are
unaffected by the threats. Although the threats from climate change are
expected to occur over many years, the threats from recreational use
are ongoing. Therefore, the threats are imminent. Thus, we retained an
LPN of 8 for the Stephan's riffle beetle.
Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files, including information from the
petition received on May 12, 2003. The Dakota skipper is a small- to
mid-sized butterfly that inhabits high-quality tallgrass and mixed-
grass prairie in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the
provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada. The species is
presumed to be extirpated from Iowa and Illinois and from many sites
within occupied States.
The Dakota skipper is threatened by degradation of its native
prairie habitat by overgrazing, invasive species, gravel mining, and
herbicide applications; inbreeding, population isolation, and
prescribed fire threaten some populations. Prairie succeeds to
shrubland or forest without periodic fire, grazing, or mowing; thus,
the species is also threatened at sites where such disturbances are not
applied. The Service and other Federal agencies, State agencies, the
Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, and some private organizations (e.g.,
The Nature Conservancy) protect and manage some Dakota skipper sites.
Proper management is always necessary to ensure its persistence, even
at protected sites. The species may be secure at a few sites where
public and private landowners manage native prairie in ways that
conserve Dakota skipper, but approximately half of the inhabited sites
are privately owned with little or no protection. A few private sites
are protected from conversion by easements, but these do not prevent
adverse effects from overgrazing. Overall, the threats are moderate in
magnitude because they are not occurring rangewide and have a moderate
effect on the viability of the species. They are, however, ongoing and
therefore imminent, particularly on private lands. Thus, we assigned an
LPN of 8 to this species.
Mardon skipper (Polites mardon)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files and the petition we received on
December 24, 2002. The Mardon skipper is a northwestern butterfly with
a disjunct range. Currently this species is known from four widely
separated regions: South Puget Sound region, southern Washington
Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon, and coastal
northwestern California/southern Oregon. The number of documented
locations for the species has increased from fewer than 10 in 1997 to
more than 130 rangewide in 2010. New site locations have been
documented in each year that targeted surveys have been conducted since
1999. In the past 9 years, significant local populations have been
located in the Washington Cascades and in Southern Oregon, with a few
local sites supporting populations of hundreds of Mardon skippers.
The Mardon skipper spends its entire life cycle in one location,
often on the same grassland patch. The dispersal ability of Mardon
skipper is restricted. The greatest threats currently posed to Mardon
skippers are stochastic events such as a catastrophic wildfire or
unseasonable weather events. Other threats to the Mardon skipper
include direct impacts to individuals and local populations by
livestock grazing, pesticide drift, and off-road-vehicle use. Habitat
destruction or modification
[[Page 69262]]
through conifer encroachment, invasive nonnative plants, roadside
maintenance, and grassland/meadow management activities such as
prescribed burning and mowing are also threats. However, these threats
have been substantially reduced due to protections provided by State
and Federal special status species programs. The magnitude of the
threats is moderate because current regulatory mechanisms associated
with State and Federal special status species programs afford a
relatively high level of protection from additional habitat loss or
destruction across most of the species' range. Threats are imminent
because all sites within the species' range currently have one or more
identified threats that are resulting in direct impacts to individuals
within the populations, or a gradual loss or degradation of the
species' habitats. Mardon skippers face a variety of threats that may
occur at any time at any of the locations. Low numbers of individuals
have been found at most of the known locations. Only a few locations
are known to harbor greater than 100 individuals, and specific
locations could easily be lost by changes in vegetation composition or
from the threat of wildfire. The great distances between the known
locations for the species would not allow for dispersal of the species
between populations; thus, loss of any population could lead to
extirpation of the species at any of these locations. However, the
discovery of new populations and the wide geographic range for the
Mardon skipper provides a buffer against threats that could destroy all
existing habitat simultaneously or jeopardize the continued existence
of the species. Thus, based on imminent threats of moderate magnitude,
we retain an LPN of 8 to this species.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle (Cicindela limbata albissima)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files,
including information from the petition we received on April 21, 1994.
This species of beetle occurs only at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. This
area is approximately 7 miles west of Kanab, Kane County, in south-
central Utah. It is restricted to approximately 234 hectares (577
acres) of protected habitat within the dune field, situated at an
elevation of about 1,820 meters (6,000 feet). Continuing drought is
negatively affecting tiger beetle populations. Drought conditions have
suppressed the beetle's reproductive capabilities. The continued
survival of the beetle depends on the preservation of its habitat and
favorable rainfall amounts. In addition, the beetle's habitat is being
adversely affected by ongoing, recreational off-road-vehicle use that
is limiting expansion of the species. The two agencies that manage the
dune field, the Utah Department of Parks and Recreation and the BLM,
have restricted recreational off-road vehicle use in some areas, which
reduces impacts. However, continued drought may prevent the population
from increasing in size. The beetle's population also is vulnerable to
over-collecting by professional and hobby tiger beetle collectors. We
retained an LPN of 2 due to the high magnitude and imminence of drought
conditions.
Highlands tiger beetle (Cicindela highlandensis)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
The Highlands tiger beetle is narrowly distributed and restricted to
areas of bare sand within scrub and sandhill on ancient sand dunes of
the Lake Wales Ridge in Polk and Highlands Counties, Florida. Adult
tiger beetles have been most recently found at 40 sites at the core of
the Lake Wales Ridge. In 2004-2005 surveys, a total of 1,574 adults
were found at 40 sites, compared with 643 adults at 31 sites in 1996,
928 adults at 31 sites in 1995, and 742 adults at 21 sites in 1993. Of
the 40 sites in the 2004-2005 surveys with one or more adults, results
ranged from 3 sites with large populations of over 100 adults, to 13
sites with fewer than 10 adults. Results from a limited removal study
at four sites and similar studies suggest that the actual population
size at some survey sites can be as much as two times as high as
indicated by the visual index counts. If assumptions are correct and
unsurveyed habitat is included, then the total number of adults at all
survey sites might be 3,000 to 4,000.
Habitat loss and fragmentation and lack of fire and disturbances to
create open habitat conditions are serious threats; remaining patches
of suitable habitat are disjunct and isolated. Populations occupy
relatively small patches of habitat and are small and isolated;
individuals have difficulty dispersing between suitable habitats. These
factors pose serious threats to the species. Although significant
progress in implementing prescribed fire has occurred over the last ten
years through collaborative partnerships and the Lake Wales Ridge
Prescribed Fire Team, a backlog of long-unburned habitat within
conservation areas remains. Overcollection and pesticide use are
additional concerns. Because this species is narrowly distributed with
specific habitat requirements and small populations, any of the threats
could have a significant impact on the survival of the species, leading
to a relatively high likelihood of extinction. Therefore, the magnitude
of threats is high. Although the majority of its historical range has
been lost, degraded, and fragmented, numerous sites are protected and
land managers are implementing prescribed fire at some sites; these
actions are expected to restore habitat and help reduce threats and
have already helped stabilize and improve the populations. Overall, the
threats are nonimminent. Therefore, we assigned the Highlands tiger
beetle an LPN of 5.
Arachnids
Warton's cave meshweaver (Cicurina wartoni)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Warton's Cave
meshweaver is an eyeless, cave-dwelling, unpigmented, 0.23-inch-long
invertebrate known only from female specimens. This meshweaver is known
to occur in only one cave (Pickle Pit) in Travis County, Texas. Primary
threats to the species and its habitat are predation and competition
from fire ants, surface and subsurface effects from runoff from an
adjacent subdivision, unauthorized entry into the area surrounding the
cave, modification of vegetation near the cave from human use, and
trash dumping that may include toxic materials near the feature. The
magnitude of threats is high because the single location for this
species makes it highly vulnerable to extinction. The threats are
imminent because fire ants are known to occur in the vicinity of the
cave, and impacts to the cave from runoff and human activities are an
imminent threat. Thus, we retain an LPN of 2 for this species.
Crustaceans
Anchialine pool shrimp (Metabetaeus lohena)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Metabetaeus
lohena is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of shrimp belonging to
the family Alpheidae. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands
and is currently known from populations on the islands of Oahu, Maui,
and Hawaii. The primary threats to this species are predation by fish
(which do not naturally occur in the pools inhabited by this species)
and habitat loss from degradation (primarily from illegal trash
dumping). The pools where this species
[[Page 69263]]
occurs on the islands of Maui and Hawaii are located within State
Natural Area Reserves (NAR) and in a National Park. Both the State NARs
and the National Park prohibit the collection of the species and the
disturbance of the pools. However, enforcement of collection and
disturbance prohibitions is difficult, and the negative effects from
the introduction of fish are extensive and happen quickly. On Oahu, one
pool is located in a National Wildlife Refuge and is protected from
collection and disturbance to the pool, however, on State-owned land
where the species occurs, there is no protection from collection or
disturbance of the pools. Therefore, threats to this species could have
a significant adverse effect on the survival of the species, leading to
a relatively high likelihood of extinction, and are of a high
magnitude. However, the primary threats of predation from fish and loss
of habitat due to degradation are nonimminent overall, because on the
islands of Maui and Hawaii no fish were observed in any of the pools
where this species occurs and there has been no documented trash
dumping in these pools. Only one site on Oahu had a trash dumping
instance, and in that case the trash was cleaned up immediately and the
species subsequently observed. No additional dumping events are known
to have occurred. Therefore, we assigned this species an LPN of 5.
Anchialine pool shrimp (Palaemonella burnsi)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Palaemonella
burnsi is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of shrimp belonging to
the family Palaemonidae. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian
Islands and is currently known from 3 pools on the island of Maui and
22 pools on the island of Hawaii. The primary threats to this species
are predation by fish (which do not naturally occur in the pools
inhabited by this species) and habitat loss due to degradation
(primarily from illegal trash dumping). The pools where this species
occurs on Maui are located within a State Natural Area Reserve (NAR).
Hawaii's State statutes prohibit the collection of the species and the
disturbance of the pools in State NARs. On the island of Hawaii, the
species occurs within a State NAR and a National Park, and collection
and disturbance are also prohibited. However, enforcement of these
prohibitions is difficult, and the negative effects from the
introduction of fish are extensive and happen quickly. Therefore,
threats to this species could have a significant adverse effect on the
survival of the species, leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction, and are of a high magnitude. However, the threats are
nonimminent, because surveys in 2004 and 2007 did not find fish in the
pools where these shrimp occur on Maui or the island of Hawaii. Also,
there was no evidence of recent habitat degradation at those pools. We
assigned this species an LPN of 5.
Anchialine pool shrimp (Procaris hawaiana)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Procaris hawaiana
is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of shrimp belonging to the
family Procarididae. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands,
and is currently known from two pools on the island of Maui and
thirteen pools on the island of Hawaii. The primary threats to this
species are predation from fish (which do not naturally occur in the
pools inhabited by this species) and habitat loss due to degradation
(primarily from illegal trash dumping). The pools where this species
occurs on Maui are located within a State Natural Area Reserve (NAR).
Hawaii's State statutes prohibit the collection of the species and the
disturbance of the pools in State NARs. Twelve of the pools on the
island of Hawaii are also located within a State NAR. However,
enforcement of these prohibitions is difficult and the negative effects
from the introduction of fish are extensive and happen quickly. In
addition, there are no prohibitions for either removal of the species
or disturbance to the pool for the one pool located outside a NAR on
the island of Hawaii. Therefore, threats to this species could have a
significant adverse effect on the survival of the species, leading to a
relatively high likelihood of extinction, and thus remain at a high
magnitude. However, the threats to the species are nonimminent because,
during 2004 and 2007 surveys, no fish were observed in the pools where
these shrimp occur on Maui, and no fish were observed in the one pool
on the island of Hawaii during a site visit in 2005. In addition, there
were no signs of trash dumping or fill in any of the pools where the
species occurs. Therefore, we assigned this species an LPN of 5.
Anchialine pool shrimp (Vetericaris chaceorum)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Vetericaris chaceorum is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of
shrimp belonging to the family Procarididae; it is the only species in
its genus. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, and is only
known from one population in a single pool on the island of Hawaii. The
primary threats to this species are predation from nonnative fish and
habitat degradation (primarily by contamination from illegal trash
dumping). This species would be highly vulnerable to predation by any
intentionally or accidentally introduced fish, or contamination from
illegal dumping into its single known location. This pool lies within
lands administered by the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home
Lands. The threats to V. chaceorum from habitat degradation and
destruction, as well as from predation by nonnative fish are of high
magnitude, because this species occurs in only one pool; thus, the
threats could significantly impair the survival of the species, leading
to a relatively high likelihood of extinction. All individuals of this
species may be severely affected by a single dumping of trash or
release of nonnative fish in the species' only known pool. However, the
threats are nonimminent, as fish have not been introduced into the pool
(nor is there any reason to believe that introduction is imminent) and
a site visit in early 2005 showed there were no signs of dumping or
fill. Therefore we assigned this species an LPN of 4 because the
threats are of high magnitude but nonimminent, and the species is in a
monotypic genus.
Flowering Plants
Abronia alpina (Ramshaw Meadows sand-verbena)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Abronia alpina is known from one main population center in Ramshaw
Meadow and a smaller population in adjacent Templeton Meadow on the
Kern Plateau of the Sierra Nevada, Inyo National Forest, in Tulare
County, California. The total estimated area occupied is approximately
6 hectares (15 acres). The population fluctuates from year to year
without any clear trends. Population estimates from 1985-1994 range
from a low of 69,652 plants in 1986 to 132,215 plants in 1987. Surveys
conducted since 1994 indicate that no significant changes have occurred
in population size or location, although, the 2003 survey showed
population numbers to be at the low end of the range. The population
was last monitored in 2009, and results from those studies are still
being analyzed.
[[Page 69264]]
The factors currently threatening Abronia alpina include natural
and human habitat alteration, hydrologic changes to the water table,
and recreational use within meadow habitats. Lodgepole pine
encroachment has altered the meadow, and trees are becoming established
within A. alpina habitat. Lodgepole pine encroachment may alter soil
characteristics by increasing organic matter levels, decreasing
porosity, and moderating diurnal temperature fluctuations thus reducing
the competitive ability of A. alpina to persist in an environment more
hospitable to other plant species. The Ramshaw Meadow ecosystem is
subject to potential alteration by lowering of the water table due to
downcutting of the South Fork of the Kern River (SFKR). The SFKR flows
through Ramshaw Meadow, at times coming within 15 m (50 ft) of A.
alpina habitat, particularly in the vicinity of five subpopulations.
The habitat occupied by A. alpina directly borders the meadow system
supported by the SFKR. Drying out of the meadow system could
potentially affect A. alpina pollinators and/or seed dispersal agents.
Established hiker, packstock, and cattle trails pass through A.
alpina subpopulations. Two main hiker trails pass through Ramshaw
Meadow, but were rerouted out of A. alpina subpopulations where
feasible, in 1988 and 1997. Remnants of cattle trails that pass through
subpopulations in several places receive occasional incidental use by
horses and sometimes hikers. Cattle use, however, currently is not a
threat due to the 2001 implementation of a 10-year moratorium on the
Templeton allotment which prohibits cattle from all A. alpina
locations. The Service is funding studies to determine appropriate
conservation measures and working with the U.S. Forest Service on
developing a conservation strategy for the species. The threats are of
a low magnitude and nonimminent because of the conservation actions
already implemented. The LPN for A. alpina remains an 11, with
nonimminent threats of moderate to low magnitude.
Arabis georgiana (Georgia rockcress)--The following summary is
based on information in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The Georgia rockcress grows
in a variety of dry situations, including shallow soil accumulations on
rocky bluffs, ecotones of gently sloping rock outcrops, and in sandy
loam along eroding river banks. It is occasionally found in adjacent
mesic woods, but it will not persist in heavily shaded conditions.
Currently, 17 populations are known from the Gulf Coastal Plain,
Piedmont, and Ridge and Valley physiographic provinces of Alabama and
Georgia. Populations of this species typically have a limited number of
individuals over a small area.
Habitat degradation, more than outright habitat destruction, is the
most serious threat to the continued existence of this species.
Disturbance, associated with timber harvesting, road building, and
grazing has created favorable conditions for the invasion of exotic
weeds, especially Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), in this
species' habitat. A large number of the populations are currently or
potentially threatened by the presence of exotics. The heritage
programs in Alabama and Georgia have initiated plans for exotic control
at several populations. The magnitude of threats to this species is
moderate to low due to the number of populations (17) across multiple
counties in two states and due to the fact that several sites are
protected. However, since a number of the populations are currently
being affected by nonnative plants, the threat is imminent. Thus, we
assigned an LPN of 8 to this species.
Argythamnia blodgettii (Blodgett's silverbush)--The following
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Blodgett's
silverbush occurs in Florida and is found in open, sunny areas in pine
rockland, edges of rockland hammock, edges of coastal berm, and
sometimes in disturbed areas at the edges of natural areas. Plants can
be found growing from crevices on limestone, or on sand. The pine-
rockland habitat where the species occurs in Miami-Dade County and the
Florida Keys requires periodic fires to maintain habitat with a minimum
amount of hardwoods. There are approximately 22 extant occurrences, 12
in Monroe County and 10 in Miami-Dade County; many occurrences are on
conservation lands. However, 4 to 5 sites are recently thought to be
extirpated. The estimated population size of Blodgett's silverbush in
the Florida Keys, excluding Big Pine Key, is roughly 11,000; the
estimated population in Miami-Dade County is 375 to 13,650 plants.
Blodgett's silverbush is threatened by habitat loss, which is
exacerbated by habitat degradation due to fire suppression, the
difficulty of applying prescribed fire to pine rocklands, and threats
from exotic plants. Remaining habitats are fragmented. Threats such as
road maintenance and enhancement, infrastructure, and illegal dumping
threaten some occurrences. Blodgett's silverbush is vulnerable to
natural disturbances, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm
surges. Climatic change, particularly sea-level rise, is a long-term
threat that is expected to continue to affect pine rocklands and
ultimately substantially reduce the extent of available habitat,
especially in the Keys. Overall, the magnitude of threats is moderate
because not all of the occurrences are affected by the threats. In
addition, land managers are aware of the threats from exotic plants and
lack of fire, and are, to some extent, working to reduce these threats
where possible. While a number of threats are occurring in some areas,
the threat from development is nonimminent since most occurrences are
on public land, and sea level rise is not currently affecting this
species. Overall, the threats are nonimminent. Thus, we assigned an LPN
of 11 to this species.
Artemisia campestris var. wormskioldii (Northern wormwood)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. Historically known from eight sites, northern wormwood is
currently known from two populations in Klickitat and Grant Counties,
Washington. This plant is restricted to exposed basalt, cobbly-sandy
terraces, and sand habitat along the shore and on islands in the
Columbia River. The two populations are separated by 200 miles (322
kilometers) of the Columbia River and three large hydroelectric dams.
The Klickitat County population is declining; the status is unclear for
the Grant County population; however, both are vulnerable to
environmental variability. Surveys have not detected any additional
plants.
Threats to northern wormwood include direct loss of habitat through
regulation of water levels in the Columbia River and placement of
riprap along the river bank; human trampling of plants from recreation;
competition with nonnative invasive species; burial by wind- and water-
borne sediments; small population sizes; susceptibility to genetic
drift and inbreeding; and the potential for hybridization with two
other species of Artemisia. Ongoing conservation actions have reduced
trampling, but have not eliminated or reduced the other threats at the
Grant County site. Active conservation measures are not currently in
place at the Klickitat County site. The magnitude of threat is high for
this subspecies because, although the two remaining populations are
widely separated and distributed, one or both populations
[[Page 69265]]
could be eliminated by a single disturbance. The threats are imminent
because recreational use is ongoing, invasive nonnative species occur
at both sites, erosion of the substrate is ongoing at the Klickitat
County site, and high water flows are random, naturally occurring
events that may occur unpredictably in any year. Therefore, we have
retained an LPN of 3 for this subspecies.
Astragalus anserinus (Goose Creek milkvetch)--The following summary
is based on information in our files and in the petition received on
February 3, 2004. The majority (over 80 percent) of Astragalus
anserinus sites in Idaho, Utah, and Nevada occur on Federal lands
managed by the BLM. The rest of the sites occur as small populations on
private and State lands in Utah and on private land in Idaho and
Nevada. A. anserinus occurs in a variety of habitats, but is typically
associated with dry tuffaceous soils from the Salt Lake Formation. The
species grows on steep or flat sites, with soil textures ranging from
silty to sandy to somewhat gravelly. The species tolerates some level
of disturbance, based on its occurrence on steep slopes where downhill
movement of soil is common. Threats to remaining A. anserinus
individuals include future habitat degradation and modifications to the
ecosystem in which it occurs because of an altered wildfire regime.
Approximately 98 percent of the individual plants that were previously
documented in the areas burned by a 2007 wildfire were killed. Other
factors that may threaten A. anserinus to a lesser extent include
livestock use and the inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms. Climate
change effects to Goose Creek drainage habitats are possible, but we
are unable to predict the specific impacts of this change to A.
anserinus at this time. Threats are high in magnitude since these
threats have the potential to destroy whole populations. The threats
are nonimminent since they may occur in the foreseeable future but not
in the near future. Thus, we have assigned A. anserinus an LPN of 5.
Astragalus tortipes (Sleeping Ute milkvetch)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Sleeping Ute
milkvetch is a perennial plant that grows only on the Smokey Hills
layer of the Mancos Shale Formation on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian
Reservation in Montezuma County, Colorado. In 2000, 3,744 plants were
recorded at 24 locations covering 500 acres within an overall range of
64,000 acres. Available information from 2000 indicates that the
species remains stable. Previous and ongoing threats from borrow pit
excavation, off-highway vehicles, irrigation canal construction, and a
prairie dog colony have had minor impacts that reduced the range and
number of plants by small amounts. Off-highway-vehicle use of the
habitat has reportedly been controlled by fencing. Oil and gas
development is active in the general area, but the Service has received
no information to indicate whether there is development within plant
habitat. The Tribe reported that the status of the species remains
unchanged, the population is healthy, and that a management plan for
the species is currently in draft form. Despite these positive
indications, we have no documentation concerning the current status of
the plants, condition of habitat, and terms of the species management
plan being drafted by the Tribe. Thus, at this time, we cannot
accurately assess whether populations are being adequately protected
from previously existing threats. The threats are moderate in
magnitude, since they have had minor impacts. Based on information we
have, the population appears to be stable. Until the management plan is
completed and made available, there are no regulatory mechanisms in
place to protect the species. Overall, we conclude threats are
nonimminent. Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 11 to this species.
Bidens amplectens (Kookoolau)--We continue to find that listing
this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication
of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that
we expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-
month petition finding.
Bidens campylotheca ssp. pentamera (Kookoolau)--We continue to find
that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Bidens campylotheca ssp. waihoiensis (Kookoolau)--We continue to
find that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the
date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the
next annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Bidens conjuncta (Kookoolau)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla (Kookoolau)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla is a perennial herb found in open
mixed shrubland to dry Metrosideros (ohia) forest, and in recently
deposited a`a lava, on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. This subspecies is
known from 4 populations totaling approximately 360 individuals. Bidens
micrantha ssp. ctenophylla is threatened by competition with nonnative
plants, and is potentially threatened by habitat loss due to urban
development and fire. One wild population of 5 individuals is protected
by an exclosure, and three outplanted populations are protected by
exclosures. The remaining natural populations are not protected or
managed and are subject to development. The threats are high in
magnitude because the largest population of this subspecies is highly
threatened by urban development and all populations are threatened by
fire and nonnative plants, leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction. Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla is represented in ex situ
collections. Threats to this subspecies from competition with nonnative
plants are imminent. Urban development and fire are potential threats
and are non-imminent. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 3 for this
subspecies.
Brickellia mosieri (Florida brickell-bush)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. This species is
restricted to pine rocklands of Miami-Dade County, Florida. This
habitat requires periodic prescribed fires to maintain the low
understory and prevent encroachment by native tropical hardwoods and
exotic plants, such as Brazilian pepper. Only one large occurrence is
known to exist; 15 other occurrences contain less than 100 individuals.
Eleven occurrences are on conservation lands, while the rest of the
extant populations are on private land and are currently vulnerable to
habitat loss and degradation.
Climatic changes and sea-level rise are long-term threats that will
reduce the extent of habitat. This species is threatened by habitat
loss, which is exacerbated by habitat degradation due to fire
suppression, the difficulty of applying prescribed fire to pine
rocklands, and threats from exotic plants. Remaining habitats are
[[Page 69266]]
fragmented. The species is vulnerable to natural disturbances, such as
hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm surges. Due to its restricted
range and the small sizes of most isolated occurrences, this species is
vulnerable to environmental (catastrophic hurricanes), demographic
(potential episodes of poor reproduction), and genetic (potential
inbreeding depression) threats. Ongoing conservation efforts include
projects aimed at facilitating restoration and management of public and
private lands in Miami-Dade County and projects to reintroduce and
establish new populations at suitable sites within the species'
historical range. The Service is also pursuing additional habitat
restoration projects, which could help further improve the status of
the species. Because of these efforts, the overall magnitude of threats
is moderate. The threats are ongoing and thus imminent. We assigned
this species an LPN of 8.
Calamagrostis expansa (Maui reedgrass)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Calamagrostis
expansa is a perennial grass found in wet forest and bogs, and in bog
margins, on the islands of Maui and Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is
known from 13 populations totaling fewer than 750 individuals.
Calamagrostis expansa is threatened by habitat degradation and loss by
feral pigs, and by competition with nonnative plants. Predation by
feral pigs is a potential threat to this species. All of the known
populations of C. expansa on Maui occur in managed areas. Pig exclusion
fences have been constructed and control of nonnative plants is ongoing
within the exclosures. On the island of Hawaii, fencing is planned for
the population in the Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve. This species is
represented in an ex situ collection. Threats to this species from
feral pigs and nonnative plants are ongoing, or imminent, and of high
magnitude because they significantly affect the species throughout its
range, leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction. Predation
is a nonimminent threat. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this
species.
Calamagrostis hillebrandii (Hillebrand's reedgrass)--We continue to
find that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the
date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the
next annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Calochortus persistens (Siskiyou mariposa lily)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition
we received on September 10, 2001. The Siskiyou mariposa lily is a
narrow endemic that is restricted to three disjunct ridge tops in the
Klamath-Siskiyou Range on the California-Oregon border. The
southernmost occurrence of this species is composed of nine separate
sites on approximately 10 hectares (ha) (24.7 acres (ac)) of Klamath
National Forest and privately owned lands that stretch for 6 kilometers
(km) (3.7 miles (mi)) along the Gunsight-Humbug Ridge, Siskiyou County,
California. In 2007, a new occurrence was confirmed in the locality of
Cottonwood Peak and Little Cottonwood Peak, Siskiyou County, where
several populations are distributed over 164 ha (405 ac) on three
individual mountain peaks in the Klamath National Forest and on private
lands. The northernmost occurrence consists of not more than five
Siskiyou mariposa lily plants that were discovered in 1998, on Bald
Mountain, west of Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon.
Major threats include competition and shading by native and
nonnative species fostered by suppression of wild fire; increased fuel
loading and subsequent risk of wild fire; fragmentation by roads, fire
breaks, tree plantations, and radio-tower facilities; maintenance and
construction around radio towers and telephone relay stations located
on Gunsight Peak and Mahogany Point; and soil disturbance, direct
damage, and exotic weed and grass species introduction as a result of
heavy recreational use and construction of fire breaks. Dyer's woad
(Isatis tinctoria), an invasive, nonnative plant that may prevent
germination of Siskiyou mariposa lily seedlings, is now found
throughout the southernmost California occurrence, affecting 75 percent
of the known lily habitat on Gunsight-Humbug Ridge. Forest Service
staff and the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center cite competition with
dyer's woad as a significant and chronic threat to the survival of
Siskiyou mariposa lily.
The combination of restricted range, extremely low numbers (five
plants) in one of three disjunct populations, poor competitive ability,
short seed dispersal distance, slow growth rates, low seed production,
apparently poor survival rates in some years, herbivory, habitat
disturbance, and competition from exotic plants threaten the continued
existence of this species. These threats are of high magnitude because
of their potential to severely reduce the overall survival of the
species. Because the threats of competition from exotic plants are
being addressed, they are not anticipated to overwhelm a large portion
of the species' range in the immediate future, and the threats from low
seed production and survival are longer-term threats, overall the
threats are nonimminent. Therefore, we assigned a listing priority
number of 5 to this species.
Canavalia pubescens (Awikiwiki)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Canavalia pubescens is a
perennial climber found in open lava fields and lowland dryland forest
in Hawaii on the island of Maui, last observed on the island of Lanai
in 1998, and was last observed on the island of Niihau in 1949. This
species is known from 5 populations totaling 360 to 500 individuals.
Canavalia pubescens is threatened by development (Maui), goats (Maui)
and axis deer (Maui and Lanai) that degrade and destroy habitat, and by
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace native plants (both
islands). Fire is a possible threat at the Keokea population on Maui.
Ungulate exclosure fences protect 6 individuals of C. pubescens at
Papaka Kai and 20 to 30 individuals at Ahihi-Kinau NAR, and weed
control is ongoing at these locations on Maui. This species is
represented in ex situ collections. Threats to this species from feral
goats, axis deer, and nonnative plants are ongoing, or imminent, and of
high magnitude because they severely affect the species throughout its
range, leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction. Fire is a
nonimminent threat. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this
species.
Castilleja christii (Christ's paintbrush)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files and the petition we
received on January 2, 2001. Castilleja christii is found in one
population covering approximately 85 ha (220 ac) on the summit of Mount
Harrison in Cassia County, Idaho. This endemic species is considered a
hemiparasite (dependent on the health of their surrounding native plant
community), and it grows in association with subalpine-meadow and
sagebrush habitats. The population may be large (greater than 10,000
individual plants); however, the species is considered to be subject to
large variations in annual abundance and an accurate current population
estimate is not available. Monitoring indicates that reproductive stems
per plant and plant density declined between 1995 and 2007.
Fluctuations have occurred since
[[Page 69267]]
2007, with slight increases in reproductive output and density in 2008
and decreases in 2009.
The primary threat to the species is the nonnative invasive plant
smooth brome (Bromus inermis). Despite cooperative Forest Service and
Service efforts to control smooth brome in 2007, 2008, and 2009, it
still persists in C. christii habitats. Other threats to C. christii
from recreational use and livestock trespass appear to be mostly
seasonal and affect only a small portion of the population, and may not
occur every year. The magnitude of the threats to this species is
moderate at this time because, although the smooth brome control
efforts have not eliminated the invasive plant, the Service and Forest
Service are continuing their efforts in order to conserve this species.
The threat from smooth brome is imminent because the threat still
persists at a level that affects the native plant communities that
provide habitat for C. christii. Thus, we assign an LPN of 8 to this
species.
Chamaecrista lineata var. keyensis (Big Pine partridge pea)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. This pea is endemic to the lower Florida Keys, and restricted to
pine rocklands, hardwood hammock edges, and roadsides and firebreaks
within these ecosystems. Historically, it was known from Big Pine,
Cudjoe, No Name, Ramrod, and Little Pine Keys (Monroe County, Florida).
In 2005, a small population was detected on lower Sugarloaf Key, but
this population was apparently extirpated later in 2005, due to the
effects of Hurricane Wilma. It presently occurs on Big Pine Key, with a
very small population on Cudjoe Key. It is fairly well distributed in
Big Pine Key pine rocklands, which encompass approximately 580 hectares
(1,433 acres), approximately 360 hectares (890 acres) of which are
within the Service's National Key Deer Refuge (NKDR). Over 80 percent
of the population probably exists on NKDR, with the remainder
distributed among State, County, and private properties. Hurricane
Wilma (October 2005) resulted in a storm surge that covered most of Big
Pine Key with sea water. The surge reduced the population by as much as
95 percent in some areas.
Pine rockland communities are maintained by relatively frequent
fires. In the absence of fire, shrubs and trees encroach on pine
rockland and this subspecies is eventually shaded out. NKDR has a
prescribed fire program, although with many constraints on
implementation. Habitat loss due to development was historically the
greatest threat to the pea. Much of the remaining habitat is now
protected on public lands. Absence of fire now appears to be the
greatest of the deterministic threats. Given the recent increase in
hurricane activity, storm surges are the greatest of the stochastic
threats. The small range and patchy distribution of the subspecies
increase risk from stochastic events. Climatic changes and sea level
rise are serious long-term threats. Models indicate that even under the
best of circumstances, a significant proportion of upland habitat will
be lost on Big Pine Key by 2100. Additional threats include restricted
range, invasive exotic plants, roadside dumping, loss of pollinators,
seed predators, and development.
We maintain the previous assessment that hurricane storm surges,
lack of fire, and limited distribution results in a moderate magnitude
of threat because a large part of the range is on conservation lands
wherein threats are being controlled, although fire management is at
much slower rate than is required. The immediacy of hurricane threats
is difficult to characterize, but imminence is considered high given
that hurricanes (and storm surges) of various magnitudes are frequent
and recurrent events in the area. Sea-level rise remains uncontrolled,
but overall, is nonimminent. Overall, the threats from limited
distribution and inadequate fire management are imminent since they are
ongoing. In addition, the most consequential threats (hurricanes, storm
surges) are frequent, recurrent, and imminent. Therefore, we retained
an LPN of 9 for Big Pine partridge pea.
Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp. pinetorum (Pineland sandmat)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. The pineland sandmat in only known from Miami-Dade County,
Florida. The largest occurrence, estimated at more than 10,000 plants,
is located on Long Pine Key within Everglades National Park. All other
occurrences are smaller and are in isolated pine rockland fragments in
heavily urbanized Miami-Dade County.
Occurrences on private (non-conservation) lands and on one County-
owned parcel are at risk from development and habitat degradation and
fragmentation. Conditions related to climate change, particularly sea-
level rise, will be a factor over the long term. All occurrences of the
species are threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to fire
suppression, the difficulty of applying prescribed fire, and exotic
plants. These threats are severe within small and unmanaged fragments
in urban areas. However, the threats of fire suppression and exotics
are reduced on lands managed by the National Park Service. Hydrologic
changes are considered to be another threat. Hydrology has been altered
within Long Pine Key due to artificial drainage, which lowered ground
water, and by the construction of roads, which either impounded or
diverted water. Regional water management intended to restore the
Everglades could negatively affect the pinelands of Long Pine Key in
the future. At this time, we do not know whether the proposed
restoration and associated hydrological modifications will have a
positive or negative effect on pineland sandmat. This narrow endemic
may be vulnerable to catastrophic events and natural disturbances, such
as hurricanes. Overall, the magnitude of threats to this species is
moderate; by applying regular prescribed fire, the National Park
Service has kept Long Pine Key's pineland vegetation intact and
relatively free of exotic plants, and partnerships are in place to help
address the continuing threat of exotics on other pine rockland
fragments. Overall, the threats are non-imminent since fire management
at the largest occurrence is regularly conducted and sea-level rise and
hurricanes are longer-term threats. Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 12
to this subspecies.
Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp. serpyllum (Wedge spurge)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Systematic surveys of publicly owned pine rockland throughout this
plant's range were conducted during 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 to
determine population size and distribution. Wedge spurge is a small
prostrate herb. It was historically, and remains, restricted to pine
rocklands on Big Pine Key in Monroe County, Florida. Pine rocklands
encompass approximately 580 hectares (1,433 acres) on Big Pine Key,
approximately 360 hectares (890 acres) of which are within the
Service's National Key Deer Refuge (NKDR). Most of the species' range
falls within the NKDR, with the remainder on State, County, and private
properties. It is not widely dispersed within the limited range.
Occurrences are sparser in the southern portion of Big Pine Key, which
contains smaller areas of NKDR lands than does the northern portion.
Wedge spurge inhabits sites with low woody cover (e.g., low palm and
hardwood
[[Page 69268]]
densities) and usually, exposed rock or gravel.
Pine rockland communities are maintained by relatively frequent
fires. In the absence of fire, shrubs and trees encroach on pine
rockland and the subspecies is eventually shaded out. NKDR has a
prescribed fire program, although with many constraints on
implementation. Habitat loss due to development was historically the
greatest threat to the wedge spurge. Much of the remaining habitat is
now protected on public lands. Absence of fire now appears to be the
greatest of the deterministic threats. Given the recent increase in
hurricane activity, storm surges are the greatest of the stochastic
threats. The small range and patchy distribution of the subspecies
increases risk from stochastic events. Climatic changes and sea-level
rise are serious long-term threats. Models indicate that even under the
best of circumstances, a significant proportion of upland habitat will
be lost on Big Pine Key by 2100. Additional threats include restricted
range, invasive exotic plants, roadside dumping, loss of pollinators,
seed predators, and development.
We maintain the previous assessment that low fire return intervals
plus hurricane-related storm surges, in combination with a limited,
fragmented distribution and threats from sea level rise, result in a
moderate magnitude of threat, in part, because a large part of the
range is on conservation lands, where some threats can be substantially
controlled. The immediacy of hurricane threats is difficult to
categorize, but in this case threats are imminent given that hurricanes
(and storm surges) of various magnitudes are frequent and recurrent
events in the area. Sea level rise remains uncontrolled, but over much
of the range is nonimminent compared to other prominent threats.
Threats resulting from limited fire occurrences are imminent. Since
major threats are ongoing, overall, the threats are imminent.
Therefore, we retained an LPN of 9 for this subspecies.
Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina (San Fernando Valley
spineflower)--The following summary is based on information contained
in our files and the petition we received on December 14, 1999.
Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina is a low-growing herbaceous annual
plant in the buckwheat family. Germination occurs following the onset
of late-fall and winter rains and typically represents different
cohorts from the seed bank. Flowering occurs in the spring, generally
between April and June. The plant currently is known from two disjunct
localities: The first is in the southeastern portion of Ventura County
on a site within the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve,
formerly known as Ahmanson Ranch, and the second is in an area of
southwestern Los Angeles County known as Newhall Ranch. Investigations
of historical locations and seemingly suitable habitat within the range
of the species have not revealed any other occurrences.
The threats currently facing Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina
include threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its
habitat or range, and other natural or manmade factors. The threats to
Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina from habitat destruction or
modification are slightly less than they were 6 years ago. One of the
two populations (Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve) is in
permanent, public ownership and is being managed by an agency that is
working to conserve the plant; however, the use of adjacent habitat for
filming movies was brought to our attention last year; while we are
monitoring the situation, we have not yet completed our evaluation of
the potential impacts to Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina. We will be
working with the landowners to manage the site for the benefit of
Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina. The other population (Newhall
Ranch) is under the threat of development; however, a Candidate
Conservation Agreement (CCA) is being developed with the landowner, and
it is possible that the remaining plants can also be conserved. Until
such an agreement is finalized, the threat of development and the
potential damage to the Newhall Ranch population still exists, as shown
by the destruction of some plants during installation of an agave farm.
Furthermore, cattle grazing on Newhall Ranch may be current threat.
Cattle grazing may harm Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina by trampling
and soil compaction. Grazing activity could also alter the nutrient
content of the soils Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina habitat through
fecal inputs, which in turn may favor the growth of other plant species
that would otherwise not grow so readily on the mineral-based soils.
Over time, changes in species composition may render the sites less
favorable for the persistence of Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina.
Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina may be threatened by invasive
nonnative plants, including grasses, which could potentially displace
it from available habitat; compete for light, water, and nutrients; and
reduce survival and establishment.
Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina is particularly vulnerable to
extinction due to its concentration in two isolated areas. The
existence of only two areas of occurrence, and a relatively small
range, makes the variety highly susceptible to extinction or
extirpation from a significant portion of its range due to random
events such as fire, drought, erosion, or other occurrences. We
retained a listing priority number of 6 for Chorizanthe parryi var.
fernandina due to high magnitude of nonimminent threats.
Chromolaena frustrata (Cape Sable thoroughwort)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
This species is found most commonly in open sun to partial shade at the
edges of rockland tropical hammock and in coastal rock barrens. There
are nine extant occurrences located on five islands in the Florida Keys
and one small area in Everglades National Park (ENP). In the Keys, the
plant has been extirpated from half of the islands where it occurred.
Prior to Hurricane Wilma in 2005, the population was estimated at
roughly 5,000 individuals, with all but 500 occurring on one privately
owned island. An estimated 1,500 plants occur on the mainland within
ENP.
This species is threatened by habitat loss and modification, even
on public lands, and habitat loss and degradation due to threats from
exotic plants at almost all sites. The species is vulnerable to natural
disturbances, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm surges.
While these factors may also work to maintain coastal rock barren
habitat in the long term, Hurricane Wilma affected occurrences and
habitat, at least in the short term. Occurrences probably initially
declined due to inundation of its coastal barren and rockland hammock
habitats; long-term effects on this species are unknown. Cape Sable
thoroughwort appears to be vulnerable to cold temperatures. It is not
known to what extent cold temperatures in January 2010 may have
affected the species at most locations, or what, if any, long-term
effect this may have on the population. Sea level rise is considered a
major threat over the long term. Potential effects from other changes
in freshwater deliveries and the construction of the Buttonwood Canal
are unknown. Problems associated with small population size and
isolation are likely major factors, as occurrences may not be large
enough to be viable; this narrowly endemic plant has uncertain
viability at most locations. Thus, these factors constitute a high
magnitude of threat. The threats of small population size, isolation,
and uncertain viability
[[Page 69269]]
are imminent because they are ongoing. As a result, we assigned an LPN
of 2 to this species.
Consolea corallicola (Florida semaphore cactus)--The following
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The Florida
semaphore cactus is endemic to the Florida Keys, and was discovered on
Big Pine Key in 1919, but that population was extirpated as a result of
road building and poaching. This cactus grows close to salt water on
bare rock with a minimum of humus soil cover in or along the edges of
hammocks near sea level. The species is known to occur naturally only
in two areas, Swan Key within Biscayne National Park and Little Torch
Key. Outplantings have been attempted in several locations in the upper
and lower Keys; however, success has been low. Few plants remain in the
population at The Nature Conservancy's Torchwood Hammock Preserve on
Little Torch Key. During monitoring work conducted in 2005, a total of
655 plants were documented at the Swan Key population. In 2008 and 2009
the population was estimated by Biscayne National Park staff to consist
of approximately 600 individuals. Asexual reproduction is the main life
history strategy of this species. Recent genetic studies have shown no
variation within populations and very limited variation between
populations. Findings support the conclusion that the Swan Key (upper
Keys) and Little Torch Key (lower Keys) populations and an individual
plant from Big Pine Key (single plant in ex situ collection; lower
Keys) are clonally derived. Studies examining the reproductive biology
of the species indicate that all extant wild and cultivated plants are
male.
The causes for the population decline of this species include
destruction or modification of habitat, predation from nonnative
Cactoblastis cactorum moths and disease, poaching and vandalism, sea
level rise, and hurricanes. Sea level rise is considered a serious
threat to the species and its habitat; all extant populations are
located in low-lying areas. All remaining populations are under threat
of predation from the exotic moth and are susceptible to root-rot
disease. Competition from invasive exotic plants is a threat at Swan
Key; however, efforts by Biscayne National Park are underway to address
this threat. This species is inherently vulnerable to stochastic
losses, especially at its smaller populations. A lack of variation and
limited sexual reproduction makes the remaining small population even
more susceptible to natural or manmade factors. Overall, the magnitude
of threats is high. The numerous threats are ongoing and therefore, are
imminent. Thus, we assigned this species an LPN of 2.
Cordia rupicola (no common name)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Cordia rupicola, a small
shrub, has been described from southwestern Puerto Rico, Vieques
Island, and Anegada Island (British Virgin Islands). All sites lay
within the subtropical dry forest life zone overlying a limestone
substrate. Cordia rupicola has a restricted distribution. Currently,
approximately 226 individuals are known from 3 locations in Puerto
Rico: Pe[ntilde]uelas and Gu[aacute]nica Commonwealth Forests and
Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. The species is reported as common in
Anegada.
This species is threatened by maintenance of trails and power line
right-of-ways in the Gu[aacute]nica Commonwealth Forest, residential
development in Pe[ntilde]uelas, and residential and commercial
development in Anegada Island. This species is also vulnerable to
natural (e.g., hurricanes) or manmade (e.g., human-induced fires)
threats. Approximately 68 percent of the currently known reproductive
adults are located in the Gu[aacute]nica Commonwealth Forest where, due
to the difficulty in identifying this species, it is threatened by
management and maintenance activities; another 32 percent of the
currently known reproductive adults in Puerto Rico are located on
privately owned property currently threatened by habitat destruction or
modification. For these reasons, we conclude that the magnitude of the
current threats is high. The threats this species faces are ones that
are likely to increase in the future if conservation measures are not
implemented and long-term impacts are not averted. For these reasons,
we conclude threats to the species as a whole are nonimminent, and
therefore have assigned an LPN of 5.
Cyanea asplenifolia (Haha)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Cyanea calycina (Haha)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted petition
12-month finding.
Cyanea kunthiana (Haha)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Cyanea lanceolata (Haha)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Cyanea obtusa (Haha)--We continue to find that listing this species
is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of this
notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Cyanea tritomantha ('Aku)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Cyanea tritomantha is a palm-
like tree found in Metrosideros-Cibotium (ohia-hapuu) montane wet
forest on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is known from 16
populations totaling fewer than 300 individuals. Cyanea tritomantha is
threatened by feral pigs and cattle that degrade and destroy habitat,
and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. Potential threats
to this species include predation by feral pigs, cattle, rats, and
slugs, and human trampling of plants located near trails. Feral pigs
and cattle have been fenced out of three outplanted populations of C.
tritomantha, and nonnative plants have been reduced in the fenced
areas; however, there are no efforts to control the ongoing and
imminent threats to the remaining populations. The threats continue to
be of a high magnitude to C. tritomantha because they significantly
affect the species resulting in direct mortality or reduced
reproductive capacity, leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction. They are ongoing and therefore imminent for more than 75
percent of the population where no control measures have been
implemented. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and
are imminent for the unmanaged populations, we retained an LPN of 2 for
this species.
Cyrtandra filipes (Haiwale)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the
[[Page 69270]]
date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the
next annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Cyrtandra kaulantha (Haiwale)--We continue to find that listing
this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication
of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that
we expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-
month petition finding.
Cyrtandra oxybapha (Haiwale)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Cyrtandra sessilis (Haiwale)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Dalea carthagenensis ssp. floridana (Florida prairie-clover)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. Dalea carthagenensis var. floridana occurs in Big Cypress
National Preserve (BCNP) in Monroe and Collier Counties and at six
locations within Miami-Dade County, Florida, albeit mostly in limited
numbers. There are a total of nine extant occurrences, seven of which
are on conservation lands.
Existing occurrences are extremely small and may not be viable,
especially some of the occurrences in Miami-Dade County. Remaining
habitats are fragmented. Climatic changes and sea-level rise are long-
term threats that are expected to reduce the extent of habitat. This
plant is threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to fire
suppression, the difficulty of applying prescribed fire to pine
rocklands, and threats from exotic plants. Damage to plants by off-road
vehicles is a serious threat within the BCNP; damage attributed to
illegal mountain biking at the R. Hardy Matheson Preserve has been
reduced. One location within BCNP is threatened by changes in mowing
practices; this threat is low in magnitude. This species is being
parasitized by the introduced insect lobate lac scale (Paratachardina
pseudolobata) at some localities (e.g., R. Hardy Matheson Preserve),
but we do not know the extent of this threat. This plant is vulnerable
to natural disturbances, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm
surges. Due to its restricted range and the small sizes of most
isolated occurrences, this species is vulnerable to environmental
(catastrophic hurricanes), demographic (potential episodes of poor
reproduction), and genetic (potential inbreeding depression) threats.
The magnitude of threats is high because of the limited number of
occurrences and the small number of individual plants at each
occurrence. The threats are imminent; even though many sites are on
conservation lands, these plants still face significant ongoing
threats. Therefore, we have assigned an LPN of 3 to this subspecies.
Dichanthelium hirstii (Hirsts' panic grass)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Dichanthelium
hirstii is a perennial grass that produces erect leafy flowering stems
from May to October. Dichanthelium hirstii occurs in coastal plain
intermittent ponds, usually in wet savanna or pine barren habitats and
is found at only two sites in New Jersey, one site in Delaware, and one
site in North Carolina. While all four extant D. hirstii populations
are located on public land or privately owned conservation lands,
natural threats to the species from encroaching vegetation and
fluctuations in climatic conditions remain of concern and may be
exacerbated by anthropomorphic factors occurring adjacent to the
species' wetland habitat. Given the low numbers of plants found at each
site, even minor changes in the species' habitat could result in local
extirpation. Loss of any known sites could result in a serious
contraction of the species' range. However, the most immediate and
severe of the threats to this species (i.e., ditching of the Labounsky
Pond site, and encroachment of aggressive vegetative competitors) have
been curtailed or are being actively managed by The Nature Conservancy
at one New Jersey site and by the Delaware Division of Fish and
Wildlife and Delaware Natural Heritage Program at the Assawoman Pond,
Delaware site. Based on nonimminent threats of a high magnitude, we
retain an LPN of 5 for this species.
Digitaria pauciflora (Florida pineland crabgrass)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Pine rocklands in Miami-Dade County have largely been destroyed by
residential, commercial, and urban development and agriculture. With
most remaining habitat having been negatively altered, this species has
been extirpated from much of its historical range, including
extirpation from all areas outside of National Parks. Two large
occurrences remain within Everglades National Park and Big Cypress
National Preserve; plants on Federal lands are protected from the
threat of habitat loss due to development. However, any unknown plants,
indefinite occurrences, and suitable habitat remaining on private or
non-conservation land are threatened by development. Continued
development of suitable habitat diminishes the potential for
reintroduction into its historical range. Extant occurrences are in
low-lying areas and will be affected by climate change and rising sea
level.
Fire suppression, the difficulty of applying prescribed fire to
pine rocklands, and threats from exotic plants are ongoing threats.
Since the only known remaining occurrences are on lands managed by the
National Park Service, the threats of fire suppression and exotics are
somewhat reduced. The presence of the exotic Old World climbing fern is
of particular concern due to its ability to spread rapidly. In Big
Cypress National Preserve, plants are threatened by off-road-vehicle
use. Changes to hydrology are a potential threat. Hydrology has been
altered within Long Pine Key due to artificial drainage, which lowered
ground water, and construction of roads, which either impounded or
diverted water. Regional water management intended to restore the
Everglades has the potential to affect the pinelands of Long Pine Key,
where a large population occurs. At this time, it is not known whether
Everglades restoration will have a positive or negative effect. This
narrow endemic may be vulnerable to catastrophic events and natural
disturbances, such as hurricanes. Overall, the magnitude of threats is
high. Only two known occurrences remain and the likelihood of
establishing a sizable population on other lands is diminished due to
continuing habitat loss. Impacts from climate change and sea level rise
are currently low, but expected to be severe in the future. The
majority of threats are nonimminent as they are long-term in nature
(water management, hurricanes, and sea-level rise). Therefore, we
assigned an LPN of 5 for this species.
Echinomastus erectocentrus var. acunensis (Acuna cactus)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
the petition we received on October 30, 2002. The Acuna cactus is known
from six sites on well-drained gravel ridges and knolls on granite
soils in Sonoran Desert scrub association at 1,300 to 2,000 feet in
elevation. Habitat
[[Page 69271]]
destruction has been a threat in the past and is a potential future
threat to this species. New roads and illegal activities have not yet
directly affected the cactus populations at Organ Pipe Cactus National
Monument, but areas in close proximity to these known populations have
been altered. Cactus populations located in the Florence area have not
been monitored and these populations may be in danger of habitat loss
due to recent urban growth in the area. Urban development near Ajo,
Arizona, as well as that near Sonoyta, Mexico, is a significant threat
to the Acuna cactus. Populations of the Acuna cactus within the Organ
Pipe Cactus National Monument have shown a 50-percent mortality rate in
recent years. The reason(s) for the mortality are not known, but
continuing drought conditions are thought to play a role. The Arizona
Plant Law and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora provide some protection for the Acuna
cactus. However, illegal collection is a primary threat to this cactus
variety and has been documented on the Organ Pipe Cactus National
Monument in the past. The threats continue to be of a high magnitude
because drought, as the main threat, severely affects the long-term
viability of this variety. The threats are imminent, mainly due to the
continued decline of the species, most likely from effects from the
ongoing drought. Conditions in 2006 to 2008 worsened, and the drought
is prevalent throughout the range of this variety. Therefore, we
assigned an LPN of 3 to this cactus variety.
Erigeron lemmonii (Lemmon fleabane)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files and the petition we received in
July 1975. The species is known from one site in a canyon in the Fort
Huachuca Military Reservation (Fort Huachuca) of southeastern Arizona.
In the 1990s, surveys found approximately 450 plants. A survey in 2006
found approximately 950 plants; occupied habitat encompasses about 1
square kilometer. The threats to this species are from catastrophic
wildfire in the canyon and on-going drought conditions. We do not know
if this species has any adaptations to fire. Due to its location on
cliffs, we suspect that fires that may have occurred at more regular
intervals and burned at low intensities may have had little to no
effect on this species. Lack of fire and the accumulated fuel load that
lead to high fire intensity and associated heat may now damage or kill
plants on adjacent cliffs, especially near the ground. Plants that are
much higher on the cliff face would probably not be affected. The
magnitude of threats is moderate rather than high because it is likely
that not all of the population would be adversely affected by a
wildfire or drought. The threats are still imminent because the
likelihood of a fire is high. The LPN for Lemmon fleabane remains an 8
due to moderate, imminent threats.
Eriogonum codium (Umtanum Desert buckwheat)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. This species is a
long-lived, slow-growing, woody perennial plant that forms low dense
mats. The species occupies a single location on the Hanford National
Monument in Washington State. It is found only on an exposed basalt
ridge; we do not know if this association is related to the chemical or
physical characteristics of the bedrock or other factors. Individual
plants may exceed 100 years of age, based on counts of annual growth
rings. A count in 1997 reported 5,228 individuals; by 2005 the figure
had dropped to 4,418, declining 15 percent over 8 years. In the summer
of 2011, another full population census will likely be undertaken,
providing a useful measure of change over the last 14 years.
A population viability analysis in 2006 based on 9 years of
demographic data estimated that that there is a 72 percent chance of a
decline of 50 percent within the next 100 years. Another analysis is
expected in 2010, based on 12 years of demographic monitoring.
The major threats to the species are wildfire, firefighting
activities, trampling, and invasive weeds. However, the relationship
between the decline in population numbers and the known threats is not
understood at this time. With the possible exception of wildfire, the
observed decline in population numbers and recruitment since 1997 is
not directly attributable to the currently known threats. Because the
population is small, limited to a single site, and sensitive to fire
and disturbance, the species remains vulnerable to the identified
threats. The magnitude of threats is high because, given the limited
range of the species, any of the threats could adversely affect its
continued existence. The threats are ongoing and, therefore, imminent.
Because the species continues to remain vulnerable to these threats, we
retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Eriogonum corymbosum var. nilesii (Las Vegas buckwheat)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files and
the petition we received on April 23, 2008. Eriogonum corymbosum var.
nilesii is a woody perennial shrub up to 4 feet high with a mounding
shape. The flowers of this plant are numerous, small, and yellow with
small bract-like leaves at the base of each flower. Eriogonum
corymbosum var. nilesii is very conspicuous when flowering in late
September and early October. It is restricted to gypsum soil
outcroppings in Clark County, Nevada. In 2004, morphometrics (the study
of variation and change in the form (size and shape) of organisms) were
used to classify this plant as the unique variety nilesii, and its
unique taxonomy was verified using molecular genetic analyses in 2007.
Eriogonum corymbosum var. nilesii was added to the candidate list
in December 2007 due to continued loss of habitat from development of
over 95 percent of its core historical range and potential habitat. In
addition, off-highway vehicle activity and other public-land uses
(casual public use, mining, and illegal dumping) directly threaten over
95 percent of the remaining habitat. It was petitioned for listing in
April 2008 and a warranted-but-precluded determination was made in
December 2008. To date, regulatory mechanisms to protect E. corymbosum
var. nilesii are inadequate. Its designation as a Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) special status species has not provided adequate
protection on lands managed by BLM. Eriogonum corymbosum var. nilesii
is not protected by the State of Nevada or any other regulatory
mechanisms on other Federal lands. We have determined that candidate
status is warranted for this variety as a result of threats to the
remaining habitat and inadequate regulatory mechanisms. Conservation
measures are being developed that could reduce the risks to occupied
habitat, but these measures are not sufficiently complete as to remove
these threats. The magnitude of threats is high since the more
significant threats (urban development and surface mining) would result
in direct mortality of the plants in over half of the known habitat.
While both development and mining are very likely to occur in the
future, they are not expected to happen in the immediate future, and
thus, the threats are nonimminent. Accordingly, we assigned E.
corymbosum var. nilesii an LPN of 6.
Eriogonum kelloggii (Red Mountain buckwheat)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files and information provided
by the California Department of Fish and
[[Page 69272]]
Game. No new information was provided in the petition we received on
May 11, 2004. Red Mountain buckwheat is a perennial herb endemic to
serpentine habitat of lower montane forests found between 1,900 and
4,100 feet. Its distribution is limited to the Red Mountain and Little
Red Mountain areas of Mendocino County, California, where it occupies
in excess of 81 acres, and 900 square feet, respectively. Occupied
habitat at Red Mountain is scattered over 4 square miles. Total
population size has not been determined, but a preliminary estimate
suggests the population may be in excess of 63,000 plants, occupying
more than 44 discrete habitat polygons. Intensive monitoring of
permanent plots on three study sites in Red Mountain suggests
considerable annual variation in plant density and reproduction, but no
discernable population trend was evident in two of three study sites.
One study site showed a 65-percent decline in plant density over 11
years.
The primary threat to this species is the potential for surface
mining for chromium and nickel. Virtually the entire distribution of
Red Mountain buckwheat is either owned by mining interests, or is
covered by existing mining claims, none of which are currently active.
Surface mining would destroy habitat suitability for this species. The
species is also believed threatened by tree and shrub encroachment into
its habitat, due to the absence of fire. Some 42 percent of its known
distribution occurred within the boundary of the Red Mountain Fire of
June, 2008. However, the extent and manner in which Eriogonum kelloggii
and its habitat were affected by that fire is not yet known. The single
population located at Little Red Mountain appears to have been
affected, and perhaps eliminated by fire-control efforts. The known
species distribution by ownership is described as follows: Federal
(Bureau of Land Management), 83 percent; private, 17 percent; State of
California, less than 1 percent. Given the magnitude (high) and
immediacy (nonimminent) of the threat to the small, scattered
populations, and its taxonomy (species), we assigned a listing priority
number of 5 to this species.
Festuca hawaiiensis (no common name)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. This species is a
cespitose (growing in dense, low tufts) annual found in dry forest on
the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. Festuca hawaiiensis is known from 4
populations totaling approximately 1,000 individuals in and around the
Pohakuloa Training Area. Historically, this species was also found on
Hualalai and Puu Huluhulu, but it no longer occurs at these sites.
Festuca hawaiiensis is threatened by pigs, goats, mouflon, and
sheep that degrade and destroy habitat; fire; military training
activities; and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. Feral
pigs, goats, mouflon, and sheep have been fenced out of a portion of
the populations of F. hawaiiensis, and nonnative plants have been
reduced in the fenced area, but the majority of the populations are
still affected by threats from ungulates. The threats are imminent
because they are not controlled and are ongoing in the remaining,
unfenced populations. Firebreaks have been established at two
populations, but fire is an imminent threat to the remaining
populations that have no firebreaks. The threats are of a high
magnitude because they could adversely affect the majority of F.
hawaiiensis populations resulting in direct mortality or reduced
reproductive capacity, leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Festuca ligulata (Guadalupe fescue)--The following summary is based
on information obtained from the original species petition, received in
1975, and from our files, on-line herbarium databases, and scientific
publications. Six small populations of Guadalupe fescue, a member of
the Poaceae (grass family), have been documented in mountains of the
Chihuahuan desert in Texas and in Coahuila, Mexico. Only two extant
populations have been confirmed in the last 5 years, in the Chisos
Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Texas, and in the privately owned
Area de Protecci[oacute]n de Flora y Fauna (Protected Area for Flora
and Fauna--APFF) Maderas del Carmen in northern Coahuila. Despite
intensive searches, a population known from Guadalupe Mountains
National Park in Texas has not been found since 1952 and is presumed
extirpated. In 2009, Mexican botanists confirmed Guadalupe fescue at
one site in APFF Maderas del Carmen, but could not find the species at
the original site, known as Sierra El Jard[iacute]n, which was first
reported in 1973. Two additional Mexican populations, near Fraile in
southern Coahuila, and the Sierra de la Madera in central Coahuila,
have not been monitored since 1941 and 1977, respectively. A great
amount of potentially suitable habitat in Coahuila has never been
surveyed. The potential threats to Guadalupe fescue include changes in
the wildfire cycle and vegetation structure, trampling from humans and
pack animals, grazing, trail runoff, fungal infection of seeds, small
sizes and isolation of populations, and limited genetic diversity. The
Service and the National Park Service established a Candidate
Conservation Agreement in 2008 to provide additional protection for the
Chisos Mountains population, and to promote cooperative conservation
efforts with U.S. and Mexican partners. The threats to Guadalupe fescue
are of moderate magnitude, and are not imminent, due to the provisions
of the Candidate Conservation Agreement and other conservation efforts,
as well as the likelihood that other populations exist in mountains of
Coahuila that have not been surveyed. Thus, we maintained the LPN of 11
for this species.
Gardenia remyi (Nanu)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Gardenia remyi is a tree
found in mesic to wet forest on the islands of Kauai, Molokai, Maui,
and Hawaii, Hawaii. Gardenia remyi is known from 19 populations
totaling between 85 and 87 individuals.
This species is threatened by pigs, goats, and deer that degrade
and destroy habitat and possibly prey upon the species, and by
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. Gardenia remyi is
also threatened by landslides on the island of Hawaii. This species is
represented in ex situ collections. Feral pigs have been fenced out of
the west Maui populations of G. remyi, and nonnative plants have been
reduced in those areas. However, these threats are not controlled and
are ongoing in the remaining, unfenced populations, and are, therefore,
imminent. In addition, the threat from goats and deer is ongoing and
imminent throughout the range of the species, because no goat or deer
control measures have been undertaken for any of the populations of G.
remyi. All of the threats are of a high magnitude because habitat
destruction, predation, and landslides could significantly affect the
entire species, resulting in direct mortality or reduced reproductive
capacity, leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction.
Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Geranium hanaense (Nohoanu)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
[[Page 69273]]
Geranium hillebrandii (Nohoanu)--We continue to find that listing
this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication
of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that
we expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-
month petition finding.
Gonocalyx concolor (no common name)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided
in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Gonocalyx concolor is a
small evergreen epiphytic or terrestrial shrub. Currently, G. concolor
is known from two populations in Puerto Rico: One at Cerro La Santa and
the other at Charco Azul, both in the Carite Commonwealth Forest. The
forest is located in the Sierra de Cayey and extends through the
municipalities of Guayama, Cayey, Caguas, San Lorenzo, and Patillas in
southeastern Puerto Rico. The population previously reported in the
Caribbean National Forest is apparently no longer extant. In 1996,
approximately 172 plants were reported at Cerro La Santa. However, in
2006 only 25 individuals were reported at Cerro La Santa and 4
individuals located at Charco Azul.
The species is currently threatened by habitat disturbance related
to the maintenance of existing telecommunication facilities at Cerro La
Santa, limited distribution (2 sites) and low population numbers (less
than 30 individuals total), and hurricanes. Although the species is
located in the Carite Commonwealth Forest, a public forest managed by
DNER, applicable laws and regulations are not effectively enforced and
Service personnel has documented damages to the population located
adjacent to existing communication towers at the forest. Because of
extremely low population numbers and the vulnerability to current
threats (maintenance activities and hurricanes), the magnitude of
current threats on the species is high. Overall, threats are
nonimminent since G. concolor is only known from the Carite
Commonwealth Forest, administered and managed by the DNER for
conservation and recreation. Therefore, we have assigned a listing
priority number of 5 for the Gonocalyx concolor.
Hazardia orcuttii (Orcutt's hazardia)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files and the petition we
received on March 8, 2001. Hazardia orcuttii is an evergreen shrubby
species in the Asteraceae (sunflower family). The erect shrubs are 50-
100 centimeters (20-40 inches) high. The only known extant native
occurrence of this species in the U.S. is in the Manchester
Conservation Area in northwestern San Diego County, California. This
site is managed by Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM). Using
material derived from the native population, the CNLM facilitated the
establishment of test populations at five additional sites in northwest
San Diego County, California, including a second site in the Manchester
Conservation Area, Kelly Ranch Habitat Conservation Area, Rancho La
Costa Habitat Conservation Area, San Elijo Lagoon, and San Diego
Botanical Garden. Hazardia orcuttii also occurs at a few coastal sites
in Mexico, where it has no conservation protections. The total number
of plants at the only native site in the United States is approximately
668 native adult plants and 50 seedlings. The five additional test
populations collectively support approximately 500 adult plants and 350
seedlings.
The population in Mexico is estimated to be 1300 plants. The
occurrences in Mexico are threatened by coastal development from
Tijuana to Ensenada. The native population in the U.S. is within an
area that receives public use; however, management at this site has
minimized impacts from trampling, dumping, and other unintentionally
destructive impacts. This species has a very low reproductive output,
although the causes are as-yet unknown. Competition from invasive
nonnative plants may pose a threat to the reproductive potential of
this species. In one study, 95 percent of the flowers examined were
damaged by insects or fungal agents or aborted prematurely, and insects
or fungal agents damaged 50 percent of the seeds produced. All of the
populations in the U.S. are small and two of the test populations are
declining. Small populations are considered subject to random events
and reductions in fitness due to low genetic variability. Threats
associated with small population size are further exacerbated by the
limited range and low reproductive output of this species. However, if
low seed production is because of ecosystem disruptions, such as loss
of effective pollinators, there could be additional threats that need
to be addressed. Overall, the threats to Hazardia orcuttii are of a
high magnitude because they have the potential to significantly reduce
the reproductive potential of this species. The threats are nonimminent
overall because the most significant threats (invasive, nonnative
plants and low reproductive output) are nonimminent and long-term in
nature. This species faces high-magnitude nonimminent threats;
therefore, we assigned this species a listing priority of 5.
Hedyotis fluviatilis (Kamapuaa)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Hedyotis fluviatilis is a
scandent shrub found in mixed shrubland to wet lowland forest on the
islands of Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii. This species is known from 11
populations totaling between 400 and 900 individuals. Hedyotis
fluviatilis is threatened by pigs and goats that degrade and destroy
habitat, and by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it.
Landslides are a potential threat to populations on Kauai. Predation by
pigs and goats is a likely threat. This species is represented in an ex
situ collection; however, there are no other conservation actions
implemented for this species. We retained an LPN of 2 because the
severity of the threats to the species is high and the threats are
ongoing and, therefore, imminent.
Helianthus verticillatus (Whorled sunflower)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The whorled
sunflower is found in moist, prairie-like openings in woodlands and
along adjacent creeks. Despite extensive surveys throughout its range,
only five populations are known for this species. There are two
populations documented for Cherokee County, Alabama; one population in
Floyd County, Georgia; and one population each in Madison and McNairy
Counties, Tennessee. This species appears to have restricted ecological
requirements and is dependent upon the maintenance of prairie-like
openings for its survival. Active management of habitat is needed to
keep competition and shading under control. Much of its habitat has
been degraded or destroyed for agricultural, silvicultural, and
residential purposes. Populations near roadsides or powerlines are
threatened by herbicide usage in association with right-of-way
maintenance. The majority of the Georgia population is protected due to
its location within a conservation easement; however, only 15 to 20
plants are estimated to occur at this site. The remaining four sites
are not formally protected, but efforts have been taken to abate
threats associated with highway right-of-way maintenance at one Alabama
population; and, despite past concerns about threats from timber
removal degrading H. verticillatus
[[Page 69274]]
habitat, the other Alabama population has responded favorably to canopy
removal that took place circa 2001. Therefore, threats are of moderate
magnitude, though imminent because they are ongoing. Thus, we assigned
this species an LPN of 8.
Hibiscus dasycalyx (Neches River rose-mallow)--See above in
``Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based
on information contained in our files.
Ivesia webberi (Webber ivesia)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Ivesia webberi is a low,
spreading, perennial herb that occurs very infrequently in Lassen,
Plumas, and Sierra Counties in California, and in Douglas and Washoe
Counties, Nevada. The species is restricted to sites with sparse
vegetation and shallow, rocky soils composed of volcanic ash or derived
from andesitic rock (a gray, fine-grained volcanic rock). Occupied
sites generally occur on mid-elevation flats, benches, or terraces on
mountain slopes above large valleys along the transition zone between
the eastern edge of the northern Sierra Nevada and the northwestern
edge of the Great Basin. Currently, the global population is estimated
at approximately 5 million individuals at 16 known sites. The Nevada
sites support nearly 98 percent of the total number of individuals (4.9
million) on about 27 acres (11 hectares) of occupied habitat. The
California sites are larger in area, totaling about 157 acres (63
hectares), but support fewer individuals (approximately 120,000).
The primary threats to I. webberi include urban development,
authorized and unauthorized roads, off-road-vehicle activities and
other dispersed recreation, livestock grazing and trampling, fire and
fire suppression activities including fuels reduction and prescribed
fires, and displacement by noxious weeds. Despite the high numbers of
individuals, observations in 2002 and 2004 confirmed that direct and
indirect impacts to the species and its habitat, specifically from
urban development and off-highway-vehicle activity remain high and are
likely to increase. However, the U.S. Forest Service has developed a
conservation strategy that commits to management, monitoring, and
research to protect this species on National Forest lands where most
populations are found, and the State of Nevada has listed the species
as critically endangered, which provides a mechanism to track future
impacts on private lands. In addition, both the U.S. Forest Service and
State of Nevada have agreed to coordinate closely with the Fish and
Wildlife Service on all activities that may affect this species. In
light of these conservation commitments, we have determined that the
threats to I. webberi are nonimminent and are maintaining the LPN of 5.
Joinvillea ascendens ssp. ascendens (Ohe)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Joinvillea
ascendens ssp. ascendens is an erect herb found in wet to mesic
Metrosideros polymorpha-Acacia koa (ohia-koa) lowland and montane
forest on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii,
Hawaii. This subspecies is known from 43 widely scattered populations
totaling fewer than 200 individuals. Plants are typically found as only
one or two individuals, with miles between populations. This subspecies
is threatened by destruction or modification of habitat by pigs, goats,
and deer, and by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace native
plants. Predation by pigs, goats, deer, and rats is a likely threat to
this species. Landslides are a potential threat to populations on Kauai
and Molokai. Seedlings have rarely been observed in the wild. Seeds
germinate in cultivation, but most die soon thereafter. It is uncertain
if this rarity of reproduction is typical of this subspecies, or if it
is related to habitat disturbance. Feral pigs have been fenced out of a
few of the populations of this subspecies, and nonnative plants have
been reduced in those populations that are fenced. However, these
threats are not controlled and are ongoing in the remaining, unfenced
populations. This species is represented in ex situ collections. The
threats are of high magnitude because habitat degradation, nonnative
plants, and predation result in mortality or severely affect the
reproductive capacity of the majority of populations of this species,
leading to a relatively high probability of extinction. The threats are
ongoing, and thus are imminent. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 3 for
this subspecies.
Korthalsella degeneri (Hulumoa)--We continue to find that listing
this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication
of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that
we expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-
month petition finding.
Leavenworthia crassa (Gladecress)--The following information is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. This species of
gladecress is a component of glade flora, occurring in association with
limestone outcroppings. Leavenworthia crassa is endemic to a 13-mile
radius area in north central Alabama in Lawrence and Morgan Counties,
where only six populations of this species are documented. Glade
habitats today have been reduced to remnants fragmented by agriculture
and development. Populations of this species are now located in glade-
like areas exhibiting various degrees of disturbance including
pastureland, roadside rights-of-way, and cultivated or plowed fields.
The most vigorous populations of this species are located in areas
which receive full, or near full, sunlight with limited herbaceous
competition. The magnitude of threat is high for this species, because
with the limited number of populations, the threats could result in
direct mortality or reduced reproductive capacity of the species,
leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction. This species
appears to be able to adjust to periodic disturbances and the potential
impacts to populations from competition, exotics, and herbicide use are
nonimminent. Thus, we assigned an LPN of 5 to this species.
Leavenworthia texana (Texas golden gladecress)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Leavenworthia texana occurs only on the Weches outcrops of east Texas
in San Augustine and Sabine counties. The Weches geologic formation
consists of a layer of calcareous sediment, lying above a layer of
glauconite clay deposited up to 50 million years ago. Erosion of this
complex has produced topography of steep, flat-topped hills and
escarpments, as well as the unique ecology of Weches glades: Islands of
thin, loamy, seepy, alkaline soils that support open-sun, herbaceous,
and highly diverse and specialized plant communities.
Leavenworthia texana was historically recorded at eight sites, all
in a narrow region along north San Augustine and Sabine Counties. All
sites are on private land. Three sites have been lost to glauconite
mining and two sites are currently closed to visitors. The Sabine
County site supported 1,000 plants within 9 square meters (97 square
feet) in 2007. The Tiger Creek site in San Augustine County (less than
0.1 hectare (.2 acre) in size) was found to have about 200 plants in
2007. The Kardell site (less than 9 square meters (97 square feet)) has
supported 400-500 plants in past years, but none in 2005.
[[Page 69275]]
An introduced population in Nacogdoches County numbered about 1,000
within an area of about 18 square meters (194 square feet) in 2007.
Historical habitat has been affected by highway construction,
residential development, conversion to pasture and cropland, widespread
use of herbicide, overgrazing, and glauconite mining. However, the
primary threat to existing Leavenworthia texana populations is the
invasion of nonnative and weedy shrubs and vines (primarily Macartney
rose (Rosa bracteata) and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). All
known sites are undergoing severe degradation by the incursion of
nonnative shrubs and vines, which restrict both growth and reproduction
of the gladecress. Brushclearing carried out in 1995 resulted in the
reappearance of L. texana after a 10-year absence at one site. However,
nonnative shrubs have again invaded this area. More effective control
measures, such as burning and selective herbicide use, need to be
tested and monitored. The small number of known sites also makes L.
texana vulnerable to extreme natural disturbance events. A severe
drought in 1999 and 2000 had a pronounced adverse effect on L. texana
reproduction. Since the threat from nonnative plants severely affects
all known sites, the magnitude is high. The threats are imminent since
they are ongoing. Therefore, we retain an LPN of 2 for L. texana.
Lesquerella globosa (Desvaux) Watson (Short's bladderpod)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. Short's bladderpod is a perennial member of the mustard family
that occurs in Indiana (1 location), Kentucky (6 locations), and
Tennessee (22 locations). It grows on steep, rocky, wooded slopes; on
talus areas; along cliff tops and bases; and on cliff ledges. It is
usually associated with south to west facing calcareous outcrops
adjacent to rivers or streams. Road construction and road maintenance
have played a significant role in the decline of L. globosa. Specific
activities that have affected the species in the past and may continue
to threaten it include bank stabilization, herbicide use, mowing during
the growing season, grading of road shoulders, and road widening or
repaving. Sediment deposition during road maintenance or from other
activities also potentially threatens the species. Because the natural
processes that maintained habitat suitability and competition from
invasive nonnative vegetation have been interrupted at many locations,
active habitat management is necessary at those sites. While threats
associated with roadside maintenance activities and habitat alterations
by invasive plant encroachment are imminent because they are ongoing,
this threat is of moderate magnitude as they are not affecting all
locations of this species at this time. Therefore, we assigned an LPN
of 8 to this species.
Linum arenicola (Sand flax)--See above in ``Listing Priority
Changes in Candidates.'' That summary is based on information contained
in our files.
Linum carteri var. carteri (Carter's small-flowered flax)--The
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No
new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. This plant occupies open and disturbed sites in pinelands of
Miami-Dade County, Florida. Currently, there are nine known
occurrences. Occurrences with fewer than 100 individuals are located on
3 county-owned preserves. A site with more than 100 plants is owned by
the U.S. government, but the site is not managed for conservation.
Climatic changes and sea level rise are long-term threats that will
likely reduce the extent of habitat. The nine existing occurrences are
small and vulnerable to habitat loss, which is exacerbated by habitat
degradation due to fire suppression, the difficulty of applying
prescribed fire to pine rocklands, and threats from exotic plants.
Remaining habitats are fragmented. Non-compatible management practices
are also a threat at most protected sites; several sites are mowed
during the flowering and fruiting season. In the absence of fire,
periodic mowing can, in some cases, help maintain open, shrub-free
understory and provide benefits to this plant. However, mowing can also
eliminate reproduction entirely in very young plants, delay
reproductive maturation, and kill adult plants. With flexibility in
timing and proper management, threats from mowing practices can be
reduced or negated. Carter's small-flowered flax is vulnerable to
natural disturbances, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm
surges. This species exists in such small numbers at so few sites, that
it may be difficult to develop and maintain viable occurrences on the
available conservation lands. Although no population viability analysis
has been conducted for this plant, indications are that existing
occurrences are at best marginal, and it is possible that none are
truly viable. As a result, the magnitude of threats is high. The
threats are ongoing, and thus are imminent. Therefore, we assigned an
LPN of 3 to this plant variety.
Melicope christophersenii (Alani)--We continue to find that listing
this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication
of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that
we expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-
month petition finding.
Melicope hiiakae (Alani)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Melicope makahae (Alani)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted-but-precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Myrsine fosbergii (Kolea)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Myrsine fosbergii is a
branched shrub or small tree found in lowland mesic and wet forest, on
watercourses or stream banks, on the islands of Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii.
This species is currently known from 14 populations totaling a little
more than 100 individuals. Myrsine fosbergii is threatened by feral
pigs and goats that degrade and destroy habitat and may prey upon the
plant, and by nonnative plants that compete for light and nutrients.
This species is represented in an ex situ collection. Although there
are plans to fence and remove ungulates from the Helemano area of Oahu,
which may benefit this species, no conservation measures have been
taken to date to alleviate these threats for this species. Feral pigs
and goats are found throughout the known range of M. fosbergii, as are
nonnative plants. The threats from feral pigs, goats, and nonnative
plants are of a high magnitude because they pose a severe threat
throughout the limited range of this species, and they are ongoing and
therefore imminent. We retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Myrsine vaccinioides (Kolea)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted-but-precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Narthecium americanum (Bog asphodel)--The following summary is
[[Page 69276]]
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Bog asphodel is a
perennial herb that is found in savanna areas, usually with water
moving through the substrate, as well as in sandy bogs along streams
and rivers. The historical range of bog asphodel included New York, New
Jersey, Delaware, North Carolina, and South Carolina, although the
taxonomic identity of the historic North Carolina specimens is now in
question. Extant populations of bog asphodel are now only found within
the Pine Barrens region of New Jersey.
Curtailment of its historical range is a primary threat to bog
asphodel, representing a loss of habitat and genetic diversity and
leaving the species vulnerable to localized threats, natural disasters,
and climate change. The Pine Barrens savannas that support bog asphodel
provide a scarce, specialized habitat that has declined from several
thousand acres around 1900 to only a thousand acres in recent decades.
This species has been lost from at least 3 States, and now occurs on
less than 80 acres of land confined to an area only about 30 miles in
diameter. Of the 14 New Jersey watersheds that historically supported
bog asphodel, the species is extirpated from six watersheds and
persists in four additional watersheds only as a single occurrence. The
4 remaining watersheds are unevenly distributed among the 3 river
systems supporting the species, with nearly 88 percent of bog asphodel
(by area) concentrated in the greater Mullica River drainage.
Other significant threats include unauthorized use of off-road
vehicles, future increases in water extraction for human use, natural
succession possibly accelerated by fire suppression, and potentially
climate change. Lesser threats include indirect effects of upland
development, impacts from recreational activities, collection,
herbivory, and beaver activity. Because the range of bog asphodel is
currently limited to New Jersey's Pinelands Area and Coastal Zone,
regulatory protections are generally adequate. More than 75 percent of
bog asphodel occurs on protected lands, although enforcement of illegal
activity can be lacking. Outright habitat destruction from wetland
filling, draining, flooding, and conversion to commercial cranberry
bogs likely contributed to the curtailment of this species' range, but
these historical threats to bog asphodel are generally no longer
occurring.
Current threats to bog asphodel are low to moderate in magnitude.
Several threats are imminent because they are ongoing and expected to
continue. Overall, based on these imminent, moderate threats, we retain
a listing priority number of 8 for this species.
Nothocestrum latifolium ('Aiea)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Nothocestrum latifolium is a
small tree found in dry to mesic forest on the islands of Kauai, Oahu,
Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, Hawaii. Nothocestrum latifolium is known from
17 steadily declining populations totaling fewer than 1,200
individuals.
This species is threatened by feral pigs, goats, and axis deer that
degrade and destroy habitat and may prey upon it; by nonnative plants
that compete for light and nutrients; and by the loss of pollinators
that negatively affect the reproductive viability of the species. This
species is represented in an ex situ collection. Ungulates have been
fenced out of four areas where N. latifolium currently occurs, and
nonnative plants have been reduced in some populations that are fenced.
However, these ongoing conservation efforts for this species benefit
only a few of the known populations. The threats are not controlled and
are ongoing in the remaining unfenced populations. In addition, little
regeneration is observed in this species. The threats are of a high
magnitude, since they are severe enough to affect the continued
existence of the species, leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction. The threats are imminent, since they are ongoing.
Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Ochrosia haleakalae (Holei)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Ochrosia haleakalae is a tree
found in dry to mesic forest, often on lava, on the islands of Hawaii
and Maui, Hawaii. This species is currently known from 8 populations
totaling between 64 and 76 individuals.
Ochrosia haleakalae is threatened by fire; by feral pigs, goats,
and cattle that degrade and destroy habitat and may directly prey upon
it; and by nonnative plants that compete for light and nutrients. This
species is represented in ex situ collections. Feral pigs, goats, and
cattle have been fenced out of one wild and one outplanted population
on private lands on the island of Maui and one outplanted population in
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii. Nonnative
plants have been reduced in the fenced areas. The threat from fire is
of a high magnitude and imminent because no control measures have been
undertaken to address this threat that could adversely affect O.
haleakalae as a whole. The threats from feral pigs, goats, and cattle
are ongoing to the unfenced populations of O. haleakalae. The threat
from nonnative plants is ongoing and imminent and of a high magnitude
to the wild populations on both islands as this threat adversely
affects the survival and reproductive capacity of the majority of the
species, leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction.
Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Pediocactus peeblesianus var.fickeiseniae (Fickeisen plains
cactus)--The following summary is based on information contained in our
files. No new information was provided in the petition we received on
May 11, 2004. Pediocactus peeblesianus var. fickeiseniae is a small
cactus known from the Gray Mountain vicinity to the Arizona strip in
Coconino, Navajo, and Mohave Counties, Arizona. The cactus grows on
exposed layers of Kaibab limestone on canyon margins and well-drained
hills in Navajoan desert or grassland. In 1999, the Arizona Game and
Fish Department noted 23 occurrences for the species, including
historical ones. The species is located on Bureau of Land Management
(BLM), U.S. Forest Service, tribal, and possibly State lands. Recent
reports from the BLM and Navajo Nation describe populations of the
species as being in decline. The main human-induced threats to this
cactus are activities associated with road maintenance, off-road
vehicles, and trampling associated with livestock grazing. Monitoring
data has detected mortality associated with livestock grazing. Illegal
collection of this species has been noted in the past, but we do not
know if it is a continuing threat. The populations that have been
monitored have been affected, in part, by the continuing drought. There
has been very low recruitment, and rabbits and rodents have consumed
adult plants because there is reduced forage available during these dry
conditions. Given that there are only a few known populations, that the
range of this taxon is limited, and that the majority of the known
populations on BLM lands and the Navajo Nation are experiencing
declines, we conclude that the threats are of a high magnitude. The
threats are ongoing and, therefore, are imminent. Thus, we have
retained an LPN of 3 for this plant variety.
Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis (White River beardtongue)--See
above in ``Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' That summary is
based on information contained in our files.
[[Page 69277]]
Peperomia subpetiolata (`Ala `ala wai nui)--We continue to find
that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Phyllostegia bracteata (no common name)--We continue to find that
listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Phyllostegia floribunda (no common name)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. This species is
an erect subshrub found in mesic to wet forest on the island of Hawaii,
Hawaii. This species is known from 7 populations totaling fewer than 25
individuals. Phyllostegia floribunda is threatened by feral pigs that
degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that compete for
light and nutrients. This species is represented in ex situ
collections. The National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the
State have fenced and outplanted more than 170 individuals at Olaa
Forest Reserve, Kona Hema, and Waiakea Forest Reserve (more than 50, 20
individuals, and 100 individuals, respectively). Nonnative plants have
been reduced in these fenced areas. However, no conservation efforts
have been implemented for the unfenced populations. Overall, the
threats are moderate because conservation efforts for over half of the
populations reduce the severity of the threats. The threats are ongoing
in the unfenced portions and must be constantly managed in the fenced
portions. Therefore, the threats are imminent. We retained an LPN of 8
because the threats are of moderate magnitude and are imminent for the
majority of the populations.
Physaria douglasii ssp. tuplashensis (White Bluffs bladder-pod)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files.
No new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. White Bluffs bladder-pod is a low-growing, herbaceous, short-
lived, perennial plant in the Brassicaceae (mustard) family.
Historically and currently, White Bluffs bladder-pod is only known from
a single population that occurs along the White Bluffs of the Columbia
River in Franklin County, Washington. The entire range of the species
is a narrow band, approximately 33 feet (10 meters) wide by 10.6 miles
(17 kilometers) long, at the upper edge of the bluffs. The species
occurs only on cemented, highly alkaline, calcium carbonate paleosol (a
``caliche'' soil) and is believed to be a ``calciphile.''
Approximately 35 percent of the known range of the species has been
moderately to severely affected by landslides, an apparently permanent
destruction of the habitat. The entire population of the species is
down-slope of irrigated agricultural land, the source of the water
seepage causing the mass failures and landslides, but the southern
portion of the population is the closest to the agricultural land and
the most affected by landslides. Other significant threats include use
of the habitat by recreational off-road vehicles which destroys plants,
and the presence of invasive nonnative plants that compete with P.
douglasii tuplashensis for resources (light, water, nutrients).
Additionally, the increasing presence of invasive nonnative plants may
alter fire regimes and potentially increase the threat of fire to the
P. douglasii tuplashensis population. The threats to the population
from landslides and the recreational off-road-vehicle use are currently
occurring and will continue to occur in the future. In addition,
invasion by nonnative plants is currently occurring, and with the 2007
fire that occurred in the area of the existing population, invasive
plants will likely spread or increase throughout the burned area of the
population. We have therefore determined that these threats are
imminent. Although approximately 35 percent of the population is
severely affected by landslides in the southern portion of the range,
the likelihood of the persistence of the population in the unaffected
northern portion appears to be fairly high. Currently, we know of no
plans to expand or significantly modify the existing agriculture
activities in areas adjacent to the population. In addition, deliberate
modification of the species' immediate habitat is unlikely due to its
location and ownership (85 percent federal). Intermittent use of off-
road vehicles does occur on the Monument, although it is prohibited.
These activities are mainly confined to the upper portion of the White
Bluffs where few P. douglasii tuplashensis plants occur, so there is
low to moderate threat to the species from these activities. Invasive
plants are present in the vicinity, but have not yet been determined to
be a significant problem. As a result of the 2007 fire, there is a
higher probability that invasion of these nonnatives will occur. While
P. douglasii tuplashensis is inherently vulnerable because it is a
narrow endemic, the magnitude of the ongoing threats to the population
is moderate; therefore we retain an LPN of 9 for this species.
Platanthera integrilabia (Correll) Leur (White fringeless orchid)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files.
No new information was provided in the petition we received on May 11,
2004. Platanthera integrilabia is a perennial herb that grows in
partially, but not fully, shaded, wet, boggy areas at the head of
streams and on seepage slopes in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Historically, there were at
least 90 populations of P. integrilabia. It is presumed extirpated from
North Carolina and Virginia. Currently there are about 50 extant sites
supporting the species.
Several populations have been destroyed due to road, residential,
and commercial construction, and to projects that altered soil and site
hydrology such that suitability for the species was reduced. Several of
the known populations are in or adjacent to powerline rights-of-way.
Mechanical clearing of these areas may benefit the species by
maintaining adequate light levels; however, the indiscriminant use of
herbicides in these areas could pose a significant threat to the
species. All-terrain vehicles have damaged several sites and pose a
threat at most sites. Most of the known sites for the species occur in
areas that are managed specifically for timber production. Timber
management is not necessarily incompatible with the protection and
management of the species, but care must be taken during timber
management to ensure the hydrology of bogs supporting the species is
not altered. Natural succession can result in decreased light levels.
Because of the species dependence upon moderate-to-high light levels,
some type of active management to prevent complete canopy closure is
required at most locations. Collecting for commercial and other
purposes is a potential threat. Herbivory (primarily deer) threatens
the species at several sites. Due to the alteration of habitat and
changes in natural conditions, protection and recovery of this species
is dependent upon active management rather than just preservation of
habitat. Invasive, nonnative plants such as Japanese honeysuckle and
kudzu also threaten several sites. The threats are widespread; however,
the impact of those threats on the species survival is moderate in
magnitude. Several of the sites are protected to some degree from
[[Page 69278]]
the threats by being within State parks, national forests, wildlife
management areas, or other protected land. The threats however are
imminent since they are ongoing, and we have therefore assigned an LPN
of 8 to this species.
Platydesma cornuta var. cornuta (no common name)--We continue to
find that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the
date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the
next annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Platydesma cornuta var. decurrens (no common name)--We continue to
find that listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the
date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the
next annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Platydesma remyi (no common name)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided
in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Platydesma remyi is a
shrub or shrubby tree found in wet forests on old volcanic slopes on
the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is known from 2 populations
totaling fewer than 50 individuals. Platydesma remyi is threatened by
feral pigs and cattle that degrade and destroy habitat, nonnative
plants that compete for light and nutrients, reduced reproductive
vigor, and stochastic extinction due to naturally occurring events.
This species is represented in an ex situ collection, and by one
individual included in a rare plant exclosure in the Laupahoehoe
Natural Area Reserve. The threats are ongoing and therefore imminent,
and of a high magnitude because of their severity; the threats cause
direct mortality or significantly reduce the reproductive capacity of
the species throughout its limited range, leading to a relatively high
likelihood of extinction. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this
species.
Pleomele forbesii (Hala pepe)--We continue to find that listing
this species is warranted-but-precluded as of the date of publication
of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that
we expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-
month petition finding.
Potentilla basaltica (Soldier Meadow cinquefoil or basalt
cinquefoil)--The following summary is based on information contained in
our files; the petition we received on May 11, 2004, provided no
additional information on the species. Potentilla basaltica is a low
growing, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial that is associated with
alkali meadows, seeps, and occasionally marsh habitats bordering
perennial thermal springs, outflows, and meadow depressions. In Nevada,
the species is known only from Soldier Meadow in Humboldt County. In
northeastern California, a single population occurs in Lassen County.
At Soldier Meadow, there are 11 discrete known occurrences within an
area of about 24 acres (9.6 hectares) that support about 130,000
individuals. The California population occurs on private and public
land and supports fewer than 1,000 plants. The public land has been
designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern by the Bureau
of Land Management.
The species and its habitat are threatened by recreational use in
the areas where it occurs as well as the ongoing impacts of past water
diversions, livestock grazing, and off-road-vehicle travel.
Conservation measures implemented recently by the Bureau of Land
Management in Nevada include the installation of fencing to exclude
livestock, wild horses, burros, and other large mammals; the closure of
access roads to spring, riparian, and wetland areas and the limiting of
vehicles to designated routes; the establishment of a designated
campground away from the habitats of sensitive species; the
installation of educational signage; and, an increased staff presence,
including law enforcement, a volunteer site steward during the 6-month
period of peak visitor use, and noxious weed control. In California,
public land management actions include not allowing livestock salting
in the vicinity of springs, a proposed long-term monitoring plot,
limitations on camping near springs, withdrawal from salable mineral
leasing, recommendations to withdrawal the land from mineral entry, and
noxious weed control treatments. These conservation measures have
reduced the magnitude of threat to the species to moderate; all
remaining threats are nonimminent and involve long-term changes to the
habitat for the species resulting from past impacts. Until a monitoring
program is in place that allows us to assess the long-term trend of the
species, we have assigned an LPN of 11.
Pseudognaphalium (Gnaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense
(Enaena)--The following summary is based on information contained in
our files. No new information was provided in the petition we received
on May 11, 2004. Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense is a
perennial herb found in strand vegetation in dry consolidated dunes on
the islands of Molokai and Maui, Hawaii. This variety is known from 5
populations totaling approximately 200 to 20,000 individuals (depending
upon rainfall) in the Moomomi area on the island of Molokai, and from 2
populations of a few individuals at Waiehu dunes and at Puu Kahulianapa
on west Maui. Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. molokaiense is
threatened by feral goats and axis deer that degrade and destroy
habitat and possibly prey upon it, and by nonnative plants that compete
for light and nutrients. Potential threats also include collection for
lei-making, and off-road vehicles that directly damage plants and
degrade habitat. Weed control protects one population on Molokai;
however, no conservation efforts have been initiated to date for the
other populations on Molokai or for the individuals on Maui. This
species is represented in an ex situ collection. The ongoing threats
from feral goats, axis deer, nonnative plants, collection, and off-road
vehicles are of a high magnitude because no control measures have been
undertaken for the Maui population or for the Molokai populations, and
the threats result in direct mortality or significantly reduce
reproductive capacity for the majority of the populations, leading to a
relatively high likelihood of extinction. Therefore, we retained an LPN
of 3 for this plant variety.
Psychotria hexandra ssp. oahuensis var. oahuensis (Kopiko)--We
continue to find that listing this species is warranted-but-precluded
as of the date of publication of this notice. However, we are working
on a proposed listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making
the next annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Pteralyxia macrocarpa (Kaulu)--We continue to find that listing
this species is warranted-but-precluded as of the date of publication
of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that
we expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-
month petition finding.
Ranunculus hawaiensis (Makou)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Ranunculus hawaiensis is an
erect or ascending perennial herb found in mesic to wet forest
dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia) and Acacia koa (koa) with
scree substrate (loose stones or rocky debris on a slope) on the
islands of Maui and Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is currently known
from 20 individuals in 5 populations on
[[Page 69279]]
the island of Hawaii. One population on Maui (Kukui planeze) was not
relocated on a survey conducted in 2006. In addition, one wild
population at Waikamoi (also on Maui) has not been observed since 1995.
Ranunculus hawaiensis is threatened by direct predation by slugs, feral
pigs, goats, cattle, mouflon, and sheep; by pigs, goats, cattle,
mouflon, and sheep that degrade and destroy habitat; and by nonnative
plants that compete for light and nutrients. Three populations have
been outplanted into protected exclosures; however, feral ungulates and
nonnative plants are not controlled in the remaining, unfenced
populations. In addition, the threat from introduced slugs is of a high
magnitude because slugs occur throughout the limited range of this
species and no effective measures have been undertaken to control them
or prevent them from causing significant adverse impacts to this
species. Overall, the threats from pigs, goats, cattle, mouflon, sheep,
slugs, and nonnative plants are of a high magnitude, and ongoing
(imminent) for R. hawaiensis. We retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Ranunculus mauiensis (Makou)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Ranunculus mauiensis is an
erect to weakly ascending perennial herb found in open sites in mesic
to wet forest and along streams on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and
Molokai, Hawaii. This species is currently known from 14 populations
totaling 198 individuals. Ranunculus mauiensis is threatened by feral
pigs, goats, mule deer, axis deer, and slugs that consume it; by
habitat degradation and destruction by feral pigs, goats, and deer; and
by nonnative plants that compete for light and nutrients. This species
is represented in ex situ collections. Feral pigs have been fenced out
of one Maui population of R. mauiensis, and nonnative plants have been
reduced in the fenced area. One individual occurs in the Kamakou
Preserve on Molokai, managed by The Nature Conservancy. However,
ongoing conservation efforts benefit only two populations. The threats
are of high magnitude and imminent because they are ongoing in the
Kauai and the majority of the Maui populations. Therefore, we retained
an LPN of 2 for this species.
Rorippa subumbellata (Tahoe yellow cress)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files and the petition we
received on December 27, 2000. Rorippa subumbellata is a small
perennial herb known only from the shores of Lake Tahoe in California
and Nevada. Data collected over the last 25 years generally indicate
that species occurrence fluctuates yearly as a function of both lake
level and the amount of exposed habitat. Records kept since 1900 show a
preponderance of years with high lake levels that would isolate and
reduce R. subumbellata occurrences at higher beach elevations. From the
standpoint of the species, less favorable peak years have occurred
almost twice as often as more favorable low-level years. Annual surveys
are conducted to determine population numbers, site occupancy, and
general disturbance regime. During the 2003 and 2004 annual survey
period, the lake level was approximately 6,224 feet (ft) (1,898 meters
(m)); 2004 was the fourth consecutive year of low water. Rorippa
subumbellata was present at 45 of the 72 sites surveyed (65 percent
occupied), up from 15 sites (19 percent occupied) in 2000 when the lake
level was high at 6,228 ft (1,898 m). Approximately 25,200 stems were
counted or estimated in 2003, whereas during the 2000 annual survey,
the estimated number of stems was 4,590. Lake levels began to rise
again in 2005 and less habitat was available. Lake levels began to drop
again in 2006 though 2008 leading to an increase in both occupied sites
and estimated stem counts. During very low lake levels in 2009, an
estimated 27,522 stems were observed at 47 sites, equal to the highest
number of occupied sites previously recorded.
Many Rorippa subumbellata sites are intensively used for commercial
and public purposes and are subject to various activities such as
erosion control, marina developments, pier construction, and
recreation. The U.S. Forest Service, California Tahoe Conservancy, and
California Department of Parks and Recreation have management programs
for R. subumbellata that include monitoring, fenced enclosures, and
transplanting efforts when funds and staff are available. Public
agencies (including the Service), private landowners, and environmental
groups collaborated to develop a conservation strategy coupled with a
Memorandum of Understanding-Conservation Agreement. The conservation
strategy, completed in 2003, contains goals and objectives for recovery
and survival, a research and monitoring agenda, and serves as the
foundation for an adaptive management program. Because of the continued
commitments to conservation demonstrated by regulatory and land
management agencies participating in the conservation strategy, we have
determined the threats to R. subumbellata from various land uses have
been reduced to a moderate magnitude. In high-lake-level years such as
2005, however, recreational use is concentrated within R. subumbellata
habitat, and we consider this threat in particular to be ongoing and
imminent. Therefore, we are maintaining an LPN of 8 for this species.
Schiedea pubescens (Maolioli)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Schiedea pubescens is a
reclining or weakly climbing vine found in diverse mesic to wet forest
on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii, Hawaii. It is presumed
extirpated from Lanai. Currently, this species is known from 8
populations totaling between 30 and 32 individuals on Maui, from 4
populations totaling between 21 and 22 individuals on Molokai, and from
1 population of 4 to 6 individuals on the island of Hawaii. Schiedea
pubescens is threatened by feral pigs and goats that consume it and
degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that compete for
light and nutrients. Feral ungulates have been fenced out of the
population of S. pubescens on the island of Hawaii. Feral goats have
been fenced out of a few of the west Maui populations of S. pubescens.
Nonnative plants have been reduced in the populations that are fenced
on Maui. However, the threats are not controlled and are ongoing in the
remaining unfenced populations on Maui and the four populations on
Molokai. Fire is a potential threat to the Hawaii Island population. In
light of the extremely low number of individuals of this species, the
threats from goats and nonnative plants are of a high magnitude because
they result in mortality and reduced reproductive capacity for the
majority of the populations, leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction. The threats are imminent because they are ongoing with
respect to most of the populations. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2
for this species.
Schiedea salicaria (no common name)--We continue to find that
listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Sedum eastwoodiae (Red Mountain stonecrop)--The following summary
is based on information contained in our files and information provided
by the California Department of Fish and Game. The petition we received
on May
[[Page 69280]]
11, 2004 provided no new information on the species. Red Mountain
stonecrop is a perennial succulent which occupies relatively barren,
rocky openings and cliffs in lower montane coniferous forests, between
1,900 and 4,000 feet elevation. Its distribution is limited to Red
Mountain, Mendocino County, California, where it occupies in excess of
54 acres scattered over 4 square miles. Total population size has not
been determined, but a preliminary estimate suggests the population may
be in excess of 29,000 plants, occupying more than 27 discrete habitat
polygons. Intensive monitoring suggests considerable annual variation
in plant seedling success and inflorescence production.
The primary threat to the species is the potential for surface
mining for chromium and nickel. The entire distribution Red Mountain
stonecrop is either owned by mining interests, or is covered by mining
claims, none of which are currently active. Surface mining would
destroy habitat suitability for this species. The species is also
believed threatened by tree and shrub encroachment into its habitat, in
absence of fire. Some 25 percent of its known distribution occurred
within the boundary of the Red Mountain Fire of June 2008. However, the
extent and manner in which Red Mountain stonecrop and its habitat were
affected by that fire is not yet known. The species distribution by
ownership is described as follows: Federal (Bureau of Land Management),
95 percent; private, 5 percent. Given the magnitude (high) and
immediacy (non-imminent) of the threat to the small, scattered
populations, and its taxonomy (species), we assigned a listing priority
number of 5 to this species.
Sicyos macrophyllus (`Anunu)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Sicyos macrophyllus is a
perennial vine found in wet Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia) forest and
subalpine Sophora chrysophylla-Myoporum sandwicense (mamane-naio)
forest. This species is known from 10 populations totaling between 24
and 26 individuals in the Kohala and Mauna Kea areas, and in Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park (Puna area) on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. It
appears that a naturally occurring population at Kipuka Ki in Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park is reproducing by seeds, but seeds have not
been successfully germinated under nursery conditions.
This species is threatened by feral pigs, cattle, and mouflon sheep
that degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that compete
for light and nutrients. This species is represented in ex situ
collections. Feral pigs have been fenced out of some of the areas where
S. macrophyllus currently occurs, but the fences do not exclude sheep.
Nonnative plants have been reduced in the populations that are fenced.
However, the threats are not controlled and are ongoing in the
remaining, unfenced populations, and are, therefore, imminent.
Similarly the threat from mouflon sheep is ongoing and imminent in all
populations, because the current fences do not exclude sheep. In
addition, all of the threats are of a high magnitude because habitat
degradation and competition from nonnative plants present a risk to the
species, resulting in direct mortality or significantly reducing the
reproductive capacity, leading to a relatively high likelihood of
extinction. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Solanum nelsonii (popolo)--The following summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Solanum nelsonii is a
sprawling or trailing shrub found in coral rubble or sand in coastal
sites. This species is known from populations on Molokai (approximately
300 plants), the island of Hawaii (5 plants), and the northwestern
Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), Hawaii. The current populations in the NWHI
are found on Midway (approximately 260 plants), Laysan (approximately
490 plants), Pearl and Hermes (unknown number of individuals), and
Nihoa (8,000 to 15,000 adult plants). On Molokai, S. nelsonii is
moderately threatened by ungulates that degrade and destroy habitat,
and may eat S. nelsonii. On Molokai and the NWHI, this species is
threatened by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. Solanum
nelsonii is threatened by predation by a nonnative grasshopper in the
NWHI. This species is represented in ex situ collections. Ungulate
exclusion fences, routine fence monitoring and maintenance, and weed
control protect the population of S. nelsonii on Molokai. Limited weed
control is conducted in the NWHI. These threats are of moderate
magnitude because of the relatively large number of plants, and the
fact that this species is found on more than one island. The threats
are imminent for the majority of the populations because they are
ongoing and are not being controlled. We therefore retained an LPN of 8
for this species.
Sphaeralcea gierischii (Gierisch mallow)--The following information
is based on information contained in our files, including site visits
by species experts. There are nine known populations of this species on
a combined total of approximately 59.5 ac (24.12 ha) in Arizona and
Utah. Seven populations are found on approximately 55 ac (22.3 ha)
managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Arizona. One population
occurs on approximately 2 ac (0.81 ha) on land managed by the Arizona
State Land Department. One population occurs on approximately 2.5 ac
(1.01 ha) in Utah. The primary threat to the species in Arizona is
ongoing gypsum mining and associated activities. The primary threat to
the species in Utah is potential impacts from off-road vehicle use. The
threats are high in magnitude, since survival of the species is
threatened throughout its entire range in Arizona by gypsum mining,
with the two largest populations in active mining operations. Loss of
those two populations would significantly reduce the total number of
individuals throughout the range, threatening the long-term viability
of this species. The threats are imminent, since they are ongoing in
Arizona. Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 2 to this species.
Stenogyne cranwelliae (no common name)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Stenogyne
cranwelliae is a creeping vine found in wet forest dominated by
Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia) on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii.
Stenogyne cranwelliae is known from 10 populations totaling fewer than
110 individuals. This species is threatened by feral pigs that degrade
and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that compete for light and
nutrients. In addition, S. cranwelliae is potentially threatened by
feral pigs and rats that may directly prey upon it, and by randomly
occurring natural events such as hurricanes and landslides. This
species is represented in an ex situ collection. All of the threats are
ongoing rangewide, and no efforts for control or eradication are being
undertaken for feral pigs, nonnative plants, or rats. These threats
significantly affect the entire species particularly in light of its
small population size. We retained an LPN of 2 because these imminent
threats are of a high magnitude.
Symphyotrichum georgianum (Georgia aster)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on
[[Page 69281]]
May 11, 2004. Georgia aster is a relict species of post oak savanna/
prairie communities that existed in the southeast prior to widespread
fire suppression and extirpation of large native grazing animals.
Georgia aster currently occurs in the States of Alabama, Georgia, North
Carolina and South Carolina. The species is presumed extant in 8
counties in Alabama, 22 counties in Georgia, 9 counties in North
Carolina, and 15 counties in South Carolina. The species appears to
have been eliminated from Florida.
Most remaining populations survive adjacent to roads, utility
rights-of-way and other openings where current land management mimics
natural disturbance regimes. Most populations are small (10-100 stems),
and since the species' main mode of reproduction is vegetative, each
isolated population may represent only a few genotypes. Many
populations are currently threatened by one or more of the following
factors: Woody succession due to fire suppression, development, highway
expansion or improvement, and herbicide application. However, the
species is still relatively widely distributed, and recent information
indicates the species is more abundant than when we initially
identified it as a candidate for listing. Taking into account its
distribution and abundance, the magnitude of threats is moderate. Thus
we assigned an LPN of 8 for this species.
Zanthoxylum oahuense (Ae)--We continue to find that listing this
species is warranted-but-precluded as of the date of publication of
this notice. However, we are working on a proposed listing rule that we
expect to publish prior to making the next annual resubmitted 12-month
petition finding.
Ferns and Allies
Christella boydiae (no common name)--The following summary is based
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided
in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. This species is a small-
to medium-sized fern found in mesic to wet forest along stream banks on
the islands of Oahu and Maui, Hawaii. Historically, this species was
also found on the island of Hawaii, but it has been extirpated there.
Currently, this species is known from 7 populations totaling
approximately 300 individuals. This species is threatened by feral pigs
that degrade and destroy habitat and may eat this plant, and by
nonnative plants that compete for light and nutrients. Feral pigs have
been fenced out of the largest population on Maui, and nonnative plants
have been reduced in the fenced area. No conservation efforts are under
way to alleviate threats to the other two populations on Maui, or for
the two populations on Oahu. This species is represented in an ex situ
collection. The magnitude of the threats acting upon the currently
extant populations is moderate because the largest population is
protected from pigs, and nonnative plants have been reduced in this
area. The threats are ongoing and therefore imminent. Therefore, we
retained an LPN of 8 for this species.
Doryopteris takeuchii (no common name)--We continue to find that
listing this species is warranted but precluded as of the date of
publication of this notice. However, we are working on a proposed
listing rule that we expect to publish prior to making the next annual
resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Huperzia stemmermanniae (Waewaeiole)--The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. This species is
an epiphytic pendant clubmoss found in mesic-to-wet Metrosideros
polymorpha-Acacia koa (ohia-koa) forests on the islands of Maui and
Hawaii, Hawaii. Only 3 populations are known, on Maui and Hawaii,
totaling approximately 30 individuals. The Maui population has not been
relocated since 1995. Huperzia stemmermanniae is threatened by feral
pigs, goats, cattle, and axis deer that degrade and destroy habitat,
and by nonnative plants that compete for light, space, and nutrients.
Huperzia stemmermanniae is also threatened by randomly occurring
natural events due to its small population size. One individual at
Waikamoi Preserve may benefit from fencing for axis deer and pigs. This
species is represented in ex situ collections. The threats from pigs,
goats, cattle, axis deer, and nonnative plants are of a high magnitude
because they are sufficiently severe to adversely affect the species
throughout its limited range, resulting in direct mortality or
significantly reducing reproductive capacity, leading to a relatively
high likelihood of extinction. The threats are imminent because they
are ongoing. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis (Palapalai)--The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis is a terrestrial fern found in
mesic-to-wet forests. It is currently found in Hawaii on the islands of
Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii, from at least 9 populations totaling at least
50 individuals. There is a possibility that the range of this plant
variety could be larger and include the other main Hawaiian Islands.
Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis is threatened by feral pigs that
degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that compete for
light and nutrients. Pigs have been fenced out of some areas on east
and west Maui, and on Hawaii, where M. strigosa var. mauiensis
currently occurs, and nonnative plants have been reduced in the fenced
areas. However, the threats are not controlled and are ongoing in the
remaining unfenced populations on Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii. Therefore,
the threats from feral pigs and nonnative plants are imminent. The
threats are of a high magnitude because they are sufficiently severe to
adversely affect the species throughout its range, resulting in direct
mortality or significantly reducing reproductive capacity, leading to a
relatively high likelihood of extinction. We therefore retained an LPN
of 3 for M. strigosa var. mauiensis.
Petitions To Reclassify Species Already Listed or Add to the Listed
Range
We previously made warranted-but-precluded findings on seven
petitions seeking to reclassify threatened species to endangered
status, and one petition seeking to add New Mexico to the listed range
of the Canada lynx. The taxa involved in the reclassification petitions
are three populations of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis),
delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), the spikedace (Meda fulgida),
the loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis), and Sclerocactus brevispinus
(Pariette cactus). Because these species are already listed under the
Act, they are not candidates for listing and are not included in Table
1. However, this notice and associated species assessment forms also
constitute the resubmitted petition findings for these species. For the
three grizzly bear populations, we have not updated the information in
our assessments through this notice as explained below. Although we are
completing an ongoing review of the status of the grizzly bear in the
lower 48 States outside of the Greater Yellowstone Areas (see below),
we continue to find that reclassification to endangered for each of the
three populations (described below) is warranted but precluded by work
identified above (see ``Petition Findings for Candidate Species''). We
also have not updated the information in our assessments for the
spikedace and loach minnow through this notice as explained below. For
delta smelt, we
[[Page 69282]]
have not updated the information included in the 12-month finding
(published April 7, 2010), which serves as our assessment; we are
currently conducting a 5-year review, which will provide updated
information when we complete it later this year. For Sclerocactus
brevispinus and Canada lynx in New Mexico, our updated assessments are
provided below. We find that reclassification to endangered status for
the delta smelt, spikedace, loach minnow, and Sclerocactus brevispinus
and adding New Mexico to the listed range of the Canada lynx are all
currently warranted but precluded by work identified above (see
``Petition Findings for Candidate Species''). One of the primary
reasons that the work identified above is considered higher priority is
that the grizzly bear populations, delta smelt, spikedace, loach
minnow, and Sclerocactus brevispinus are currently listed as
threatened, and therefore already receive certain protections under the
Act. We promulgated regulations extending take prohibitions for
endangered species under section 9 to threatened species (50 CFR
17.31). Prohibited actions under section 9 include, but are not limited
to, take (i.e., to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill,
trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in such activity). For
plants, prohibited actions under section 9 include removing or reducing
to possession any listed plant from an area under Federal jurisdiction
(50 CFR 17.61). Other protections include those under section 7(a)(2)
of the Act whereby Federal agencies must insure that any action they
authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of any endangered or threatened species.
Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) North Cascades ecosystem,
Cabinet-Yaak, and Selkirk populations (Region 6)--We have not updated
the information in our uplisting findings with regard to the grizzly
bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) populations in the North Cascade, the
Cabinet-Yaak, or the Selkirk Ecosystems in this notice. Between 1991
and 1999, we issued warranted-but-precluded findings to reclassify
grizzly bears as endangered in the North Cascades (56 FR 33892, July
24, 1991; 63 FR 30453, June 4, 1998), the Cabinet-Yaak (58 FR 8250,
February 12, 1993; 64 FR 26725, May 17, 1999), and the Selkirk
Ecosystems (64 FR 26725, May 17, 1999).
On April 18, 2007, We initiated a 5-year review to evaluate the
current status of grizzly bears in the lower 48 States (72 FR 19549-
19551). This status review will fully evaluate the biological
conservation status of each population according to the 5 factors in
Section 4 of the Act. Although there is sufficient evidence to support
multiple DPSs within the lower 48 State listing, we do not intend to
complete a DPS analysis of each of these populations individually
within the 5-year review. Instead, any DPS analyses would be completed
prior to or concurrent with any rulemakings. We expect this 5-year
review to be completed in late 2010.
Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) (Region 8) (see 75 FR 17667;
April 7, 2010, for additional information on why reclassification to
endangered is warranted but precluded)--In March 2004, we completed a
5-year review for delta smelt in which we determined a change in status
from threatened to endangered was not recommended. While none of the
threats, other than apparent abundance, show significant differences
from 2004, we now have strong evidence, not available at the time of
our 5-year review, that at least some of those factors are endangering
the species. The primary evidence is the continuing downward trend in
delta smelt abundance indices since a significant decline that occurred
in 2002. The most recent fall midwater trawl abundance index is the
lowest ever recorded--less than one-tenth the level it was in 2003. In
addition, a 2005 population viability analysis calculated a 50-percent
likelihood that the species could reach effective extinction (8,000
individuals) within 20 years.
There are many primary threats to the species including: Direct
entrainments by State and Federal water export facilities; summer and
fall increases in salinity and water clarity, and effects from
introduced species. Additional threats are predation by striped and
largemouth bass and inland silversides, entrainment into power plants,
contaminants, and small population size. Existing regulatory mechanisms
have not proven adequate to halt the decline of delta smelt since the
time of listing as a threatened species.
As a result of our analysis of the best available scientific and
commercial information, we have assigned uplisting the delta smelt an
LPN of 2, based on high magnitude and immediacy of threats. The
magnitude of the threats is high, because they occur rangewide and
result in mortality or significantly reduce the reproductive capacity
of the species, leading to a relatively high likelihood of extinction.
They are imminent because these threats are ongoing and, in some cases
(e.g., nonnative species), considered irreversible.
Spikedace (Meda fulgida) (Region 2)--We continue to find that
uplisting this species to endangered is warranted but precluded as of
the date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed uplisting rule, in combination with a proposed designation of
critical habitat, that we expect to publish prior to making the next
annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis) (Region 2)--We continue to find that
uplisting this species to endangered is warranted but precluded as of
the date of publication of this notice. However, we are working on a
proposed uplisting rule, in combination with a proposed designation of
critical habitat, that we expect to publish prior to making the next
annual resubmitted 12-month petition finding.
Sclerocactus brevispinus (Pariette cactus) (Region 6) (see 72 FR
53211, September 18, 2007, and the species assessment form (see
ADDRESSES) for additional information on why reclassification to
endangered is warranted but precluded)--The Pariette cactus is
restricted to clay badlands of the Wagon Hound member of the Uinta
Formation in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah. The species is
restricted to one population with an overall range of approximately 10
miles by 5 miles in extent. The species' entire population is within a
developed and expanding oil and gas field. The location of the species'
habitat exposes it to destruction from road, pipeline, and well-site
construction in connection with oil and gas development. The species
may be collected as a specimen plant for horticultural use.
Recreational off-road vehicle use and livestock trampling are
additional potential threats. The species is currently federally listed
as threatened by its previous inclusion within the species Sclerocactus
glaucus. Based on current information, we are assigning the Pariette
cactus the LPN of 6 for uplisting to endangered. The threats are of a
high magnitude since any one of the threats has the potential to
severely affect this species because it is a narrow endemic species
with a highly limited range and distribution, but the threats are not
currently ongoing.
Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) within the State of New Mexico--In
our finding of December 17, 2009 (74 FR 66937), we determined that lynx
in New Mexico were warranted for listing due to their presence in the
state as a result of the Colorado reintroduction effort and we assigned
an LPN of 12 to amending the listing of lynx to include New Mexico in
the listing. We reconfirm that
[[Page 69283]]
assigning an LPN of 12 is appropriate based on nonimminent threats of a
low magnitude to the lynx DPS. Human-caused mortality does not occur at
a level such that it creates a significant threat to lynx in the
contiguous United States. The magnitude of threats to the lynx DPS,
inclusive of those lynx in New Mexico, is low. The threats occur
infrequently and are nonimminent. We do not consider lynx in New Mexico
to be essential to the survival or recovery of the DPS. Furthermore,
the amount of suitable habitat for lynx in New Mexico is considered
negligible relative to the amount of habitat within the listed range.
Potential impacts to the habitat have not been documented to threaten
lynx, either in New Mexico or outside of it. The areas outside the
currently listed area are not essential to the conservation of the
species. The majority of lynx habitats within the contiguous United
States are already protected by the Act. Because lynx in the lower 48
are listed as a DPS, the appropriate LPN for this level of magnitude
and immediacy of threats is 12.
Current Notice of Review
We gather data on plants and animals native to the United States
that appear to merit consideration for addition to the Lists of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. This notice identifies
those species that we currently regard as candidates for addition to
the Lists. These candidates include species and subspecies of fish,
wildlife, or plants and DPSs of vertebrate animals. This compilation
relies on information from status surveys conducted for candidate
assessment and on information from State Natural Heritage Programs,
other State and Federal agencies, knowledgeable scientists, public and
private natural resource interests, and comments received in response
to previous notices of review.
Tables 1 and 2 list animals arranged alphabetically by common names
under the major group headings, and list plants alphabetically by names
of genera, species, and relevant subspecies and varieties. Animals are
grouped by class or order. Plants are subdivided into two groups: (1)
Flowering plants and (2) ferns and their allies. Useful synonyms and
subgeneric scientific names appear in parentheses with the synonyms
preceded by an ``equals'' sign. Several species that have not yet been
formally described in the scientific literature are included; such
species are identified by a generic or specific name (in italics),
followed by ``sp.'' or ``ssp.'' We incorporate standardized common
names in these notices as they become available. We sort plants by
scientific name due to the inconsistencies in common names, the
inclusion of vernacular and composite subspecific names, and the fact
that many plants still lack a standardized common name.
Table 1 lists all candidate species, plus species currently
proposed for listing under the Act. We emphasize that in this notice we
are not proposing to list any of the candidate species; rather, we will
develop and publish proposed listing rules for these species in the
future. We encourage State agencies, other Federal agencies, and other
parties to give consideration to these species in environmental
planning.
In Table 1, the ``category'' column on the left side of the table
identifies the status of each species according to the following codes:
PE--Species proposed for listing as endangered. Proposed species
are those species for which we have published a proposed rule to list
as endangered or threatened in the Federal Register. This category does
not include species for which we have withdrawn or finalized the
proposed rule.
PT--Species proposed for listing as threatened.
PSAT--Species proposed for listing as threatened due to similarity
of appearance.
C--Candidates: Species for which we have on file sufficient
information on biological vulnerability and threats to support
proposals to list them as endangered or threatened. Issuance of
proposed rules for these species is precluded at present by other
higher priority listing actions. This category includes species for
which we made a 12-month warranted-but-precluded finding on a petition
to list. We made new findings on all petitions for which we previously
made ``warranted-but-precluded'' findings. We identify the species for
which we made a continued warranted-but-precluded finding on a
resubmitted petition by the code ``C*'' in the category column (see
``Findings for Petitioned Candidate Species'' section for additional
information).
The ``Priority'' column indicates the LPN for each candidate
species, which we use to determine the most appropriate use of our
available resources. The lowest numbers have the highest priority. We
assign LPNs based on the immediacy and magnitude of threats as well as
on taxonomic status. We published a complete description of our listing
priority system in the Federal Register (48 FR 43098, September 21,
1983).
The third column, ``Lead Region,'' identifies the Regional Office
to which you should direct information, comments, or questions (see
addresses under Request for Information at the end of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section).
Following the scientific name (fourth column) and the family
designation (fifth column) is the common name (sixth column). The
seventh column provides the known historical range for the species or
vertebrate population (for vertebrate populations, this is the
historical range for the entire species or subspecies and not just the
historical range for the distinct population segment), indicated by
postal code abbreviations for States and U.S. territories. Many species
no longer occur in all of the areas listed.
Species in Table 2 of this notice are those we included either as
proposed species or as candidates in the previous CNOR (published
November 9, 2009) that are no longer proposed species or candidates for
listing. Since November 9, 2009, we listed 54 species and removed 1
species from candidate status for the reason indicated by the code. The
first column indicates the present status of each species, using the
following codes (not all of these codes may have been used in this
CNOR):
E--Species we listed as endangered.
T--Species we listed as threatened.
Rc--Species we removed from the candidate list because currently
available information does not support a proposed listing.
Rp--Species we removed from the candidate list because we have
withdrawn the proposed listing.
The second column indicates why we no longer regard the species as
a candidate or proposed species using the following codes (not all of
these codes may have been used in this CNOR):
A--Species that are more abundant or widespread than previously
believed and species that are not subject to the degree of threats
sufficient to warrant continuing candidate status, or issuing a
proposed or final listing.
F--Species whose range no longer includes a U.S. territory.
I--Species for which we have insufficient information on biological
vulnerability and threats to support issuance of a proposed rule to
list.
L--Species we added to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plants.
M--Species we mistakenly included as candidates or proposed species
in the last notice of review.
N--Species that are not listable entities based on the Act's
definition of
[[Page 69284]]
``species'' and current taxonomic understanding.
U--Species that are not subject to the degree of threats sufficient
to warrant issuance of a proposed listing or continuance of candidate
status due, in part or totally, to conservation efforts that remove or
reduce the threats to the species.
X--Species we believe to be extinct.
The columns describing lead region, scientific name, family, common
name, and historical range include information as previously described
for Table 1.
Request for Information
We request you submit any further information on the species named
in this notice as soon as possible or whenever it becomes available. We
are particularly interested in any information:
(1) Indicating that we should add a species to the list of
candidate species;
(2) Indicating that we should remove a species from candidate
status;
(3) Recommending areas that we should designate as critical habitat
for a species, or indicating that designation of critical habitat would
not be prudent for a species;
(4) Documenting threats to any of the included species;
(5) Describing the immediacy or magnitude of threats facing
candidate species;
(6) Pointing out taxonomic or nomenclature changes for any of the
species;
(7) Suggesting appropriate common names; and
(8) Noting any mistakes, such as errors in the indicated historical
ranges.
Submit information, materials, or comments regarding a particular
species to the Regional Director of the Region identified as having the
lead responsibility for that species. The regional addresses follow:
Region 1. Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa, Guam,
and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Regional Director
(TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, 911 NE.
11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181 (503/231-6158).
Region 2. Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional
Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue, SW.,
Room 4012, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505/248-6920).
Region 3. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, One Federal Drive, Fort
Snelling, MN 55111-4056 (612/713-5334).
Region 4. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico,
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30345
(404/679-4156).
Region 5. Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate
Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589 (413/253-8615).
Region 6. Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO
80225-0486 (303/236-7400).
Region 7. Alaska. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503-6199 (907/786-3505).
Region 8. California and Nevada. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W2606, Sacramento, CA
95825 (916/414-6464).
We will provide information received in response to the previous
CNOR to the Region having lead responsibility for each candidate
species mentioned in the submission. We will likewise consider all
information provided in response to this CNOR in deciding whether to
propose species for listing and when to undertake necessary listing
actions (including whether emergency listing pursuant to section
4(b)(7) of the Act is appropriate). Information and comments we receive
will become part of the administrative record for the species, which we
maintain at the appropriate Regional Office.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or
other personal identifying information in your submission, be advised
that your entire submission--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. Although you
can ask us in your submission to withhold from public review your
personal indentifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so.
Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the
Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: October 22, 2010.
Rowan W. Gould,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
Table 1--Candidate Notice of Review (Animals and Plants)
[Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status
------------------------------------------- Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range
Category Priority
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAMMALS:
C*......................... 2 R4 Eumops floridanus.... Molossidae........... Bat, Florida bonneted U.S.A. (FL).
C*......................... 3 R1 Emballonura Emballonuridae....... Bat, Pacific sheath- U.S.A. (GU, CNMI).
semicaudata rotensis. tailed (Mariana
Islands subspecies).
C*......................... 3 R1 Emballonura Emballonuridae....... Bat, Pacific sheath- U.S.A. (AS), Fiji,
semicaudata tailed (American Independent Samoa,
semicaudata. Samoa DPS). Tonga, Vanuatu.
C*......................... 2 R5 Sylvilagus Leporidae............ Cottontail, New U.S.A. (CT, MA, ME,
transitionalis. England. NH, NY, RI, VT).
[[Page 69285]]
C*......................... 6 R8 Martes pennanti...... Mustelidae........... Fisher (west coast U.S.A. (CA, CT, IA,
DPS). ID, IL, IN, KY, MA,
MD, ME, MI, MN, MT,
ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH,
OR, PA, RI, TN, UT,
VA, VT, WA, WI, WV,
WY), Canada.
C*......................... 3 R2 Zapus hudsonius Zapodidae............ Mouse, New Mexico U.S.A. (AZ, CO, NM).
luteus. meadow jumping.
C*......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA).
couchi. Shelton.
C.......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, Brush U.S.A. (WA).
douglasii. Prairie.
C*......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, Roy U.S.A. (WA).
glacialis. Prairie.
C*......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA).
louiei. Cathlamet.
C*......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA).
melanops. Olympic.
C*......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA).
pugetensis. Olympia.
C*......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, Tacoma U.S.A. (WA).
tacomensis.
C*......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, Tenino U.S.A. (WA).
tumuli.
C*......................... 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae............ Pocket gopher, Yelm.. U.S.A. (WA).
yelmensis.
C*......................... 3 R6 Cynomys gunnisoni.... Sciuridae............ Prairie dog, U.S.A. (CO, NM).
Gunnison's (central
and south-central
Colorado, north-
central New Mexico
SPR).
C*......................... 9 R1 Spermophilus brunneus Sciuridae............ Squirrel, Southern U.S.A. (ID).
endemicus. Idaho ground.
C*......................... 5 R1 Spermophilus Sciuridae............ Squirrel, Washington U.S.A. (WA, OR).
washingtoni. ground.
BIRDS:
C*......................... 3 R1 Porzana tabuensis.... Rallidae............. Crake, spotless U.S.A. (AS),
(American Samoa DPS). Australia, Fiji,
Independent Samoa,
Marquesas,
Philippines, Society
Islands, Tonga.
C*......................... 3 R8 Coccyzus americanus.. Cuculidae............ Cuckoo, yellow-billed U.S.A. (Lower 48
(Western U.S. DPS). States), Canada,
Mexico, Central and
South America.
C*......................... 9 R1 Gallicolumba stairi.. Columbidae........... Ground-dove, friendly U.S.A. (AS),
(American Samoa DPS). Independent Samoa.
C*......................... 3 R1 Eremophila alpestris Alaudidae............ Horned lark, streaked U.S.A. (OR, WA),
strigata. Canada (BC).
C*......................... 3 R5 Calidris canutus rufa Scolopacidae......... Knot, red............ U.S.A. (Atlantic
coast), Canada,
South America.
C*......................... 8 R7 Gavia adamsii........ Gaviidae............. Loon, yellow-billed.. U.S.A. (AK), Canada,
Norway, Russia,
coastal waters of
southern Pacific and
North Sea.
C*......................... 2 R7 Brachyramphus Alcidae.............. Murrelet, Kittlitz's. U.S.A. (AK), Russia.
brevirostris.
C*......................... 5 R8 Synthliboramphus Alcidae.............. Murrelet, Xantus's... U.S.A. (CA), Mexico.
hypoleucus.
[[Page 69286]]
C*......................... 2 R6 Anthus spragueii..... Motacillidae......... Pipit, Sprauge's..... U.S.A. (AL, AR, AZ,
CA, GA, LA, MA, MI,
MN, MS, MT, ND, OH,
OK, SC, SD, TX),
Canada, Mexico.
PT......................... -- R6 Charadrius montanus.. Charadriidae......... Plover, mountain..... U.S.A. (AZ, CA, CO,
KS, MT, ND, NE, NM,
NN, OK, SD, TX, UT,
WY), Canada (AB,
SK), Mexico.
C*......................... 2 R2 Tympanuchus Phasianidae.......... Prairie-chicken, U.S.A. (CO, KA, NM,
pallidicinctus. lesser. OK, TX).
C*......................... 8 R6 Centrocercus Phasianidae.......... Sage-grouse, greater. U.S.A. (AZ, CA, CO,
urophasianus. ID, MT, ND, NE, NV,
OR, SD, UT, WA, WY),
Canada (AB, BC, SK).
C*......................... 3 R8 Centrocercus Phasianidae.......... Sage-grouse, greater U.S.A. (AZ, CA, CO,
urophasianus. (Bi-State DPS). ID, MT, ND, NE, NV,
OR, SD, UT, WA, WY),
Canada (AB, BC, SK).
C*......................... 6 R1 Centrocercus Phasianidae.......... Sage-grouse, greater U.S.A. (AZ, CA, CO,
urophasianus. (Columbia Basin DPS). ID, MT, ND, NE, NV,
OR, SD, UT, WA, WY),
Canada (AB, BC, SK).
C*......................... 2 R6 Centrocercus minimus. Phasianidae.......... Sage-grouse, Gunnison U.S.A. (AZ, CO, NM,
UT).
C*......................... 3 R1 Oceanodroma castro... Hydrobatidae......... Storm-petrel, band- U.S.A. (HI), Atlantic
rumped (Hawaii DPS). Ocean, Ecuador
(Galapagos Islands),
Japan.
C*......................... 11 R4 Dendroica angelae.... Emberizidae.......... Warbler, elfin-woods. U.S.A. (PR).
REPTILES:
C*......................... 3 R2 Thamnophis eques Colubridae........... Gartersnake, northern U.S.A. (AZ, NM, NV),
megalops. Mexican. Mexico.
C*......................... 2 R2 Sceloporus arenicolus Iguanidae............ Lizard, sand dune.... U.S.A. (TX, NM).
C*......................... 9 R3 Sistrurus catenatus Viperidae............ Massasauga U.S.A. (IA, IL, IN,
catenatus. (=rattlesnake), MI, MO, MN, NY, OH,
eastern. PA, WI), Canada.
C*......................... 3 R4 Pituophis Colubridae........... Snake, black pine.... U.S.A. (AL, LA, MS).
melanoleucus lodingi.
C*......................... 5 R4 Pituophis ruthveni... Colubridae........... Snake, Louisiana pine U.S.A. (LA, TX).
C*......................... 3 R2 Chionactis Colubridae........... Snake, Tucson shovel- U.S.A. (AZ).
occipitalis klauberi. nosed.
C*......................... 3 R2 Kinosternon Kinosternidae........ Turtle, Sonoyta mud.. U.S.A. (AZ), Mexico.
sonoriense
longifemorale.
AMPHIBIANS:
C*......................... 9 R8 Rana luteiventris.... Ranidae.............. Frog, Columbia U.S.A. (AK, ID, MT,
spotted (Great Basin NV, OR, UT, WA, WY),
DPS). Canada (BC).
C*......................... 3 R8 Rana muscosa......... Ranidae.............. Frog, mountain yellow- U.S.A. (CA, NV).
legged (Sierra
Nevada DPS).
C*......................... 2 R1 Rana pretiosa........ Ranidae.............. Frog, Oregon spotted. U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA),
Canada (BC).
C*......................... 11 R8 Lithobates onca...... Ranidae.............. Frog, relict leopard. U.S.A. (AZ, NV, UT).
PE......................... 3 R3 Cryptobranchus Crytobranchidae...... Hellbender, Ozark.... U.S.A. (AR, MO).
alleganiensis
bishopi.
C*......................... 2 R2 Eurycea waterlooensis Plethodontidae....... Salamander, Austin U.S.A. (TX).
blind.
[[Page 69287]]
C*......................... 8 R2 Eurycea naufragia.... Plethodontidae....... Salamander, U.S.A. (TX).
Georgetown.
C*......................... 2 R2 Plethodon Plethodontidae....... Salamander, Jemez U.S.A. (NM).
neomexicanus. Mountains.
C*......................... 8 R2 Eurycea tonkawae..... Plethodontidae....... Salamander, U.S.A. (TX).
Jollyville Plateau.
C*......................... 2 R2 Eurycea chisholmensis Plethodontidae....... Salamander, Salado... U.S.A. (TX).
C*......................... 11 R8 Bufo canorus......... Bufonidae............ Toad, Yosemite....... U.S.A. (CA).
C.......................... 3 R2 Hyla wrightorum...... Hylidae.............. Treefrog, Arizona U.S.A. (AZ), Mexico
(Huachuca/Canelo (Sonora).
DPS).
C*......................... 8 R4 Necturus alabamensis. Proteidae............ Waterdog, black U.S.A. (AL).
warrior (=Sipsey
Fork).
FISHES:
C*......................... 8 R2 Gila nigra........... Cyprinidae........... Chub, headwater...... U.S.A. (AZ, NM).
C*......................... 7 R6 Iotichthys Cyprinidae........... Chub, least.......... U.S.A. (UT).
phlegethontis.
C*......................... 9 R2 Gila robusta......... Cyprinidae........... Chub, roundtail U.S.A. (AZ, CO, NM,
(Lower Colorado UT, WY).
River Basin DPS).
PE......................... 5 R4 Phoxinus saylori..... Cyprinidae........... Dace, laurel......... U.S.A. (TN).
C*......................... 11 R6 Etheostoma cragini... Percidae............. Darter, Arkansas..... U.S.A. (AR, CO, KS,
MO, OK).
PE......................... 5 R4 Etheostoma susanae... Percidae............. Darter, Cumberland... U.S.A. (KY, TN).
C.......................... 2 R5 Crystallaria cincotta Percidae............. Darter, diamond...... U.S.A. (KY, OH, TN,
WV).
C.......................... 3 R4 Etheostoma sagitta Percidae............. Darter, Kentucky U.S.A. (KY).
spilotum. arrow.
C*......................... 8 R4 Percina aurora....... Percidae............. Darter, Pearl........ U.S.A. (LA, MS).
PE......................... 2 R4 Etheostoma Percidae............. Darter, rush......... U.S.A. (AL).
phytophilum.
PE......................... 2 R4 Etheostoma moorei.... Percidae............. Darter, yellowcheek.. U.S.A. (AR).
C*......................... 3 R6 Thymallus arcticus... Salmonidae........... Grayling, Arctic U.S.A. (AK, MI, MT,
(upper Missouri WY), Canada,
River DPS). northern Asia,
northern Europe.
PE......................... 2 R4 Noturus crypticus.... Ictaluridae.......... Madtom, chucky....... U.S.A. (TN).
C.......................... 5 R4 Moxostoma sp......... Catostomidae......... Redhorse, sicklefin.. U.S.A. (GA, NC, TN).
C*......................... 2 R3 Cottus sp............ Cottidae............. Sculpin, grotto...... U.S.A. (MO).
C*......................... 5 R2 Notropis oxyrhynchus. Cyprinidae........... Shiner, sharpnose.... U.S.A. (TX).
C*......................... 5 R2 Notropis buccula..... Cyprinidae........... Shiner, smalleye..... U.S.A. (TX).
C*......................... 3 R2 Catostomus discobolus Catostomidae......... Sucker, Zuni bluehead U.S.A. (AZ, NM).
yarrowi.
PSAT....................... N/A R1 Salvelinus malma..... Salmonidae........... Trout, Dolly Varden.. U.S.A. (AK, WA),
Canada, East Asia.
C*......................... 9 R2 Oncorhynchus clarki Salmonidae........... Trout, Rio Grande U.S.A. (CO, NM).
virginalis. cutthroat.
CLAMS:
C.......................... 5 R4 Villosa choctawensis. Unionidae............ Bean, Choctaw........ U.S.A. (AL, FL).
PE......................... 2 R3 Villosa fabalis...... Unionidae............ Bean, rayed.......... U.S.A. (IL, IN, KY,
MI, NY, OH, TN, PA,
VA, WV), Canada
(ON).
C.......................... 2 R4 Fusconaia rotulata... Unionidae............ Ebonyshell, round.... U.S.A. (AL, FL).
C*......................... 8 R2 Popenaias popei...... Unionidae............ Hornshell, Texas..... U.S.A. (NM, TX),
Mexico.
C*......................... 2 R4 Ptychobranchus Unionidae............ Kidneyshell, fluted.. U.S.A. (AL, KY, TN,
subtentum. VA).
C.......................... 2 R4 Ptychobranchus jonesi Unionidae............ Kidneyshell, southern U.S.A. (AL, FL).
C*......................... 2 R4 Lampsilis Unionidae............ Mucket, Neosho....... U.S.A. (AR, KS, MO,
rafinesqueana. OK).
C.......................... 2 R3 Plethobasus cyphyus.. Unionidae............ Mussel, sheepnose.... U.S.A. (AL, IA, IL,
IN, KY, MN, MO, MS,
OH, PA, TN, VA, WI,
WV).
C*......................... 2 R4 Margaritifera Margaritiferidae..... Pearlshell, Alabama.. U.S.A. (AL).
marrianae.
[[Page 69288]]
C*......................... 2 R4 Lexingtonia Unionidae............ Pearlymussel, U.S.A. (AL, KY, TN,
dolabelloides. slabside. VA).
C.......................... 5 R4 Pleurobema strodeanum Unionidae............ Pigtoe, fuzzy........ U.S.A. (AL, FL).
C.......................... 5 R4 Fusconaia escambia... Unionidae............ Pigtoe, narrow....... U.S.A. (AL, FL).
C.......................... 11 R4 Fusconaia Unionidae............ Pigtoe, tapered...... U.S.A. (AL, FL).
(=Quincuncina)
burkei.
C.......................... 9 R4 Quadrula cylindrica Unionidae............ Rabbitsfoot.......... U.S.A. (AL, AR, GA,
cylindrica. IN, IL, KS, KY, LA,
MS, MO, OK, OH, PA,
TN, WV).
C.......................... 5 R4 Hamiota (=Lampsilis) Unionidae............ Sandshell, southern.. U.S.A. (AL, FL).
australis.
PE......................... - R3 Epioblasma triquetra. Unionidae............ Snuffbox............. U.S.A. (IN, MI, NY,
OH, PA, WV), Canada
(ON).
C.......................... 4 R3 Cumberlandia Margaritiferidae..... Spectaclecase........ U.S.A. (AL, AR, IA,
monodonta. IN, IL, KS, KY, MO,
MN, NE, OH, TN, VA,
WI, WV).
PE......................... 2 R4 Elliptio spinosa..... Unionidae............ Spinymussel, Altamaha U.S.A. (GA).
SNAILS:
C.......................... 8 R4 Elimia melanoides.... Pleuroceridae........ Mudalia, black....... U.S.A. (AL).
C*......................... 2 R1 Ostodes strigatus.... Potaridae............ Sisi snail........... U.S.A. (AS).
C*......................... 2 R2 Pseudotryonia Hydrobiidae.......... Snail, Diamond Y U.S.A. (TX).
adamantina. Spring.
C*......................... 2 R1 Samoana fragilis..... Partulidae........... Snail, fragile tree.. U.S.A. (GU, MP).
C*......................... 2 R1 Partula radiolata.... Partulidae........... Snail, Guam tree..... U.S.A. (GU).
C*......................... 2 R1 Partula gibba........ Partulidae........... Snail, Humped tree... U.S.A. (GU, MP).
C*......................... 2 R1 Partulina Achatinellidae....... Snail, Lanai tree.... U.S.A. (HI).
semicarinata.
C*......................... 2 R1 Partulina variabilis. Achatinellidae....... Snail, Lanai tree.... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Partula langfordi.... Partulidae........... Snail, Langford's U.S.A. (MP).
tree.
C*......................... 2 R2 Cochliopa texana..... Hydrobiidae.......... Snail, Phantom cave.. U.S.A. (TX).
C*......................... 2 R1 Newcombia cumingi.... Achatinellidae....... Snail, Newcomb's tree U.S.A. (Hl).
C*......................... 2 R1 Eua zebrina.......... Partulidae........... Snail, Tutuila tree.. U.S.A. (AS).
C*......................... 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, U.S.A. (NM).
chupaderae. Chupadera.
C*......................... 11 R8 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, elongate U.S.A. (NV).
notidicola. mud meadows.
C*......................... 11 R2 Pyrgulopsis gilae.... Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, Gila.... U.S.A. (NM).
C*......................... 2 R2 Tryonia circumstriata Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, Gonzales U.S.A. (TX).
(=stocktonensis).
C*......................... 8 R2 Pyrgulopsis thompsoni Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, Huachuca U.S.A. (AZ), Mexico.
C*......................... 11 R2 Pyrgulopsis thermalis Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, New U.S.A. (NM).
Mexico.
C*......................... 8 R2 Pyrgulopsis morrisoni Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, Page.... U.S.A. (AZ).
C*......................... 2 R2 Tryonia cheatumi..... Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail U.S.A. (TX).
(=Tryonia), Phantom.
C.......................... 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, San U.S.A. (AZ), Mexico
bernardina. Bernardino. (Sonora).
C*......................... 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis trivialis Hydrobiidae.......... Springsnail, Three U.S.A. (AZ).
Forks.
C*......................... 5 R2 Sonorella Helminthoglyptidae... Talussnail, Rosemont. U.S.A. (AZ).
rosemontensis.
INSECTS:
C*......................... 8 R1 Nysius wekiuicola.... Lygaeidae............ Bug, Wekiu........... U.S.A. (HI).
C.......................... 3 R4 Strymon acis bartrami Lycaenidae........... Butterfly, Bartram's U.S.A. (FL).
hairstreak.
C.......................... 3 R4 Anaea troglodyta Nymphalidae.......... Butterfly, Florida U.S.A. (FL).
floridalis. leafwing.
C*......................... 3 R1 Hypolimnas octucula Nymphalidae.......... Butterfly, Mariana U.S.A. (GU, MP).
mariannensis. eight-spot.
C*......................... 2 R1 Vagrans egistina..... Nymphalidae.......... Butterfly, Mariana U.S.A. (GU, MP).
wandering.
C*......................... 3 R4 Cyclargus thomasi Lycaenidae........... Butterfly, Miami blue U.S.A. (FL), Bahamas.
bethunebakeri.
[[Page 69289]]
C*......................... 5 R4 Glyphopsyche Limnephilidae........ Caddisfly, Sequatchie U.S.A. (TN).
sequatchie.
C.......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, Baker U.S.A. (TN).
insularis. Station (= insular).
C*......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, Clifton. U.S.A. (KY).
caecus.
C.......................... 11 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, Coleman. U.S.A. (TN).
colemanensis.
C.......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, Fowler's U.S.A. (TN).
fowlerae.
C*......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, icebox.. U.S.A. (KY).
frigidus.
C.......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, Indian U.S.A. (TN).
tiresias. Grave Point (=
Soothsayer).
C*......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, inquirer U.S.A. (TN).
inquisitor.
C*......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, U.S.A. (KY).
troglodytes. Louisville.
C.......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, U.S.A. (TN).
paulus. Noblett's.
C*......................... 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae............ Cave beetle, Tatum... U.S.A. (KY).
parvus.
C*......................... 3 R1 Euphydryas editha Nymphalidae.......... Checkerspot U.S.A. (OR, WA),
taylori. butterfly, Taylor's Canada (BC).
(= Whulge).
C*......................... 9 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae....... Damselfly, blackline U.S.A. (HI).
nigrohamatum Hawaiian.
nigrolineatum.
C*......................... 2 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae....... Damselfly, crimson U.S.A. (HI).
leptodemas. Hawaiian.
C*......................... 2 R1 Megalagrion oceanicum Coenagrionidae....... Damselfly, oceanic U.S.A. (HI).
Hawaiian.
C*......................... 8 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae....... Damselfly, U.S.A. (HI).
xanthomelas. orangeblack Hawaiian.
PE......................... 2 R8 Dinacoma caseyi...... Scarabidae........... June beetle, Casey's. U.S.A. (CA).
C.......................... 5 R8 Ambrysus funebris.... Naucoridae........... Naucorid bug U.S.A. (CA).
(=Furnace Creek),
Nevares Spring.
C*......................... 2 R1 Drosophila digressa.. Drosophilidae........ fly, Hawaiian Picture- U.S.A. (HI).
wing.
C*......................... 8 R2 Heterelmis stephani.. Elmidae.............. Riffle beetle, U.S.A. (AZ).
Stephan's.
C*......................... 8 R3 Hesperia dacotae..... Hesperiidae.......... Skipper, Dakota...... U.S.A. (MN, IA, SD,
ND, IL), Canada.
C*......................... 8 R1 Polites mardon....... Hesperiidae.......... Skipper, Mardon...... U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA).
C*......................... 2 R6 Cicindela albissima.. Cicindelidae......... Tiger beetle, Coral U.S.A. (UT).
Pink Sand Dunes.
C*......................... 5 R4 Cicindela Cicindelidae......... Tiger beetle, U.S.A. (FL).
highlandensis. highlands.
ARACHNIDS:
C*......................... 2 R2 Cicurina wartoni..... Dictynidae........... Meshweaver, Warton's U.S.A. (TX).
cave.
CRUSTACEANS:
C.......................... 2 R2 Gammarus hyalleloides Gammaridae........... Amphipod, diminutive. U.S.A. (TX).
C.......................... 8 R5 Stygobromus kenki.... Crangonyctidae....... Amphipod, Kenk's..... U.S.A. (DC, MD).
C*......................... 5 R1 Metabetaeus lohena... Alpheidae............ Shrimp, anchialine U.S.A. (HI).
pool.
C*......................... 5 R1 Palaemonella burnsi.. Palaemonidae......... Shrimp, anchialine U.S.A. (HI).
pool.
C*......................... 5 R1 Procaris hawaiana.... Procarididae......... Shrimp, anchialine U.S.A. (HI).
pool.
C*......................... 4 R1 Vetericaris chaceorum Procaridae........... Shrimp, anchialine U.S.A. (HI).
pool.
FLOWERING PLANTS:
C*......................... 11 R8 Abronia alpina....... Nyctaginaceae........ Sand-verbena, Ramshaw U.S.A. (CA).
Meadows.
[[Page 69290]]
C*......................... 8 R4 Agave eggersiana..... Agavaceae............ No common name....... U.S.A. (VI).
C*......................... 8 R4 Arabis georgiana..... Brassicaceae......... Rockcress, Georgia... U.S.A. (AL, GA).
C*......................... 11 R4 Argythamnia Euphorbiaceae........ Silverbush, U.S.A. (FL).
blodgettii. Blodgett's.
C*......................... 3 R1 Artemisia campestris Asteraceae........... Wormwood, northern... U.S.A. (OR, WA).
var. wormskioldii.
C*......................... 5 R1 Astragalus anserinus. Fabaceae............. Milkvetch, Goose U.S.A. (ID, NV, UT).
Creek.
C.......................... 3 R1 Astragalus cusickii Fabaceae............. Milkvetch, Packard's. U.S.A. (ID).
var. packardiae.
C*......................... 11 R6 Astragalus tortipes.. Fabaceae............. Milkvetch, Sleeping U.S.A. (CO).
Ute.
C*......................... 2 R1 Bidens amplectens.... Asteraceae........... Ko`oko`olau.......... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 3 R1 Bidens campylotheca Asteraceae........... Ko`oko`olau.......... U.S.A. (HI).
pentamera.
C*......................... 3 R1 Bidens campylotheca Asteraceae........... Ko`oko`olau.......... U.S.A. (HI).
waihoiensis.
C*......................... 8 R1 Bidens conjuncta..... Asteraceae........... Ko`oko`olau.......... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 3 R1 Bidens micrantha Asteraceae........... Ko`oko`olau.......... U.S.A. (HI).
ctenophylla.
C*......................... 8 R4 Brickellia mosieri... Asteraceae........... Brickell-bush, U.S.A. (FL).
Florida.
C*......................... 2 R1 Calamagrostis expansa Poaceae.............. Reedgrass, Maui...... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Calamagrostis Poaceae.............. Reedgrass, U.S.A. (HI).
hillebrandii. Hillebrand's.
C*......................... 5 R8 Calochortus Liliaceae............ Mariposa lily, U.S.A. (CA, OR).
persistens. Siskiyou.
C*......................... 2 R1 Canavalia pubescens.. Fabaceae............. `Awikiwiki........... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 8 R1 Castilleja christii.. Scrophulariaceae..... Paintbrush, Christ's. U.S.A. (ID).
C*......................... 9 R4 Chamaecrista lineata Fabaceae............. Pea, Big Pine U.S.A. (FL).
var. keyensis. partridge.
C*......................... 12 R4 Chamaesyce deltoidea Euphorbiaceae........ Sandmat, pineland.... U.S.A. (FL).
pinetorum.
C*......................... 9 R4 Chamaesyce deltoidea Euphorbiaceae........ Spurge, wedge........ U.S.A. (FL).
serpyllum.
C*......................... 6 R8 Chorizanthe parryi Polygonaceae......... Spineflower, San U.S.A. (CA).
var. fernandina. Fernando Valley.
C*......................... 2 R4 Chromolaena frustrata Asteraceae........... Thoroughwort, Cape U.S.A. (FL).
Sable.
C*......................... 2 R4 Consolea corallicola. Cactaceae............ Cactus, Florida U.S.A. (FL).
semaphore.
C*......................... 5 R4 Cordia rupicola...... Boraginaceae......... No common name....... U.S.A. (PR), Anegada.
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyanea asplenifolia.. Campanulaceae........ Haha................. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyanea calycina...... Campanulaceae........ Haha................. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyanea kunthiana..... Campanulaceae........ Haha................. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyanea lanceolata.... Campanulaceae........ Haha................. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyanea obtusa........ Campanulaceae........ Haha................. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyanea tritomantha... Campanulaceae........ `Aku................. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyrtandra filipes.... Gesneriaceae......... Ha`iwale............. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyrtandra kaulantha.. Gesneriaceae......... Ha`iwale............. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyrtandra oxybapha... Gesneriaceae......... Ha`iwale............. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Cyrtandra sessilis... Gesneriaceae......... Ha`iwale............. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 3 R4 Dalea carthagenensis Fabaceae............. Prairie-clover, U.S.A. (FL).
var. floridana. Florida.
C*......................... 5 R5 Dichanthelium hirstii Poaceae.............. Panic grass, Hirsts'. U.S.A. (DE, GA, NC,
NJ).
C*......................... 5 R4 Digitaria pauciflora. Poaceae.............. Crabgrass, Florida U.S.A. (FL).
pineland.
C*......................... 3 R2 Echinomastus Cactaceae............ Cactus, Acuna........ U.S.A. (AZ), Mexico.
erectocentrus var.
acunensis.
C*......................... 8 R2 Erigeron lemmonii.... Asteraceae........... Fleabane, Lemmon..... U.S.A. (AZ).
C*......................... 2 R1 Eriogonum codium..... Polygonaceae......... Buckwheat, Umtanum U.S.A. (WA).
Desert.
C*......................... 6 R8 Eriogonum corymbosum Polygonaceae......... Buckwheat, Las Vegas. U.S.A. (NV).
var. nilesii.
C.......................... 5 R8 Eriogonum diatomaceum Polygonaceae......... Buckwheat, Churchill U.S.A. (NV).
Narrows.
[[Page 69291]]
C*......................... 5 R8 Eriogonum kelloggii.. Polygonaceae......... Buckwheat, Red U.S.A. (CA).
Mountain.
C*......................... 2 R1 Festuca hawaiiensis.. Poaceae.............. No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 11 R2 Festuca ligulata..... Poaceae.............. Fescue, Guadalupe.... U.S.A. (TX), Mexico.
C*......................... 2 R1 Gardenia remyi....... Rubiaceae............ Nanu................. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 8 R1 Geranium hanaense.... Geraniaceae.......... Nohoanu.............. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 8 R1 Geranium hillebrandii Geraniaceae.......... Nohoanu.............. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 5 R4 Gonocalyx concolor... Ericaceae............ No common name....... U.S.A. (PR).
C.......................... 2 R4 Harrisia aboriginum.. Cactaceae............ Pricklyapple, U.S.A. (FL).
aboriginal
(shellmound
applecactus).
C*......................... 5 R8 Hazardia orcuttii.... Asteraceae........... Orcutt's hazardia.... U.S.A. (CA), Mexico.
C*......................... 2 R1 Hedyotis fluviatilis. Rubiaceae............ Kampua`a............. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 8 R4 Helianthus Asteraceae........... Sunflower, whorled... U.S.A. (AL, GA, TN).
verticillatus.
C*......................... 2 R2 Hibiscus dasycalyx... Malvaceae............ Rose-mallow, Neches U.S.A. (TX).
River.
PE......................... 2 R6 Ipomopsis polyantha.. Polemoniaceae........ Skyrocket, Pagosa.... U.S.A. (CO).
C*......................... 5 R8 Ivesia webberi....... Rosaceae............. Ivesia, Webber....... U.S.A. (CA, NV).
C*......................... 3 R1 Joinvillea ascendens Joinvilleaceae....... `Ohe................. U.S.A. (HI).
ascendens.
C*......................... 2 R1 Korthalsella degeneri Viscaceae............ Hulumoa.............. U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 5 R4 Leavenworthia crassa. Brassicaceae......... Gladecress, unnamed.. U.S.A. (AL).
C.......................... 3 R4 Leavenworthia exigua Brassicaceae......... Gladecress, Kentucky. U.S.A. (KY).
var. laciniata.
C*......................... 2 R2 Leavenworthia texana. Brassicaceae......... Gladecress, Texas U.S.A. (TX).
golden.
C*......................... 8 R4 Lesquerella globosa.. Brassicaceae......... Bladderpod, Short's.. U.S.A. (IN, KY, TN).
C*......................... 5 R4 Linum arenicola...... Linaceae............. Flax, sand........... U.S.A. (FL).
C*......................... 3 R4 Linum carteri var. Linaceae............. Flax, Carter's small- U.S.A. (FL).
carteri. flowered.
C*......................... 2 R1 Melicope Rutaceae............. Alani................ U.S.A. (HI).
christophersenii.
C*......................... 2 R1 Melicope hiiakae..... Rutaceae............. Alani................ U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Melicope makahae..... Rutaceae............. Alani................ U.S.A. (HI).
C.......................... 3 R8 Mimulus fremontii Phrymaceae........... Monkeyflower, U.S.A. (CA).
var. vandenbergensis. Vandenberg.
C*......................... 2 R1 Myrsine fosbergii.... Myrsinaceae.......... Kolea................ U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Myrsine vaccinioides. Myrsinaceae.......... Kolea................ U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 8 R5 Narthecium americanum Liliaceae............ Asphodel, bog........ U.S.A. (DE, NC, NJ,
NY, SC).
C*......................... 2 R1 Nothocestrum Solanaceae........... `Aiea................ U.S.A. (HI).
latifolium.
C*......................... 2 R1 Ochrosia haleakalae.. Apocynaceae.......... Holei................ U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 3 R2 Pediocactus Cactaceae............ Cactus, Fickeisen U.S.A. (AZ).
peeblesianus var. plains.
fickeiseniae.
PT......................... 2 R6 Penstemon debilis.... Scrophulariaceae..... Beardtongue, U.S.A. (CO).
Parachute.
C*......................... 9 R6 Penstemon scariosus Scrophulariaceae..... Beardtongue, White U.S.A. (CO, UT).
var. albifluvis. River.
C*......................... 2 R1 Peperomia Piperaceae........... `Ala `ala wai nui.... U.S.A. (HI).
subpetiolata.
C.......................... 5 R8 Phacelia stellaris... Hydrophyllaceae...... Phacelia, Brand's.... U.S.A. (CA), Mexico.
PT......................... 8 R6 Phacelia submutica... Hydrophyllaceae...... Phacelia, DeBeque.... U.S.A. (CO).
C*......................... 2 R1 Phyllostegia Lamiaceae............ No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
bracteata.
C*......................... 8 R1 Phyllostegia Lamiaceae............ No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
floribunda.
C*......................... 9 R1 Physaria douglasii Brassicaceae......... Bladderpod, White U.S.A. (WA).
tuplashensis. Bluffs.
C*......................... 8 R4 Platanthera Orchidaceae.......... Orchid, white U.S.A. (AL, GA, KY,
integrilabia. fringeless. MS, NC, SC, TN, VA).
C*......................... 3 R1 Platydesma cornuta Rutaceae............. No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
var. cornuta.
C*......................... 3 R1 Platydesma cornuta Rutaceae............. No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
var. decurrens.
C*......................... 2 R1 Platydesma remyi..... Rutaceae............. No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
C.......................... 2 R1 Pleomele fernaldii... Agavaceae............ Hala pepe............ U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Pleomele forbesii.... Agavaceae............ Hala pepe............ U.S.A. (HI).
[[Page 69292]]
C*......................... 11 R8 Potentilla basaltica. Rosaceae............. Cinquefoil, Soldier U.S.A. (NV).
Meadow.
C*......................... 3 R1 Pseudognaphalium Asteraceae........... `Ena`ena............. U.S.A. (HI).
(=Gnaphalium)
sandwicensium var.
molokaiense.
C*......................... 3 R1 Psychotria hexandra Rubiaceae............ Kopiko............... U.S.A. (HI).
ssp. oahuensis var.
oahuensis.
C*......................... 2 R1 Pteralyxia macrocarpa Apocynaceae.......... Kaulu................ U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Ranunculus hawaiensis Ranunculaceae........ Makou................ U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Ranunculus mauiensis. Ranunculaceae........ Makou................ U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 8 R8 Rorippa subumbellata. Brassicaceae......... Cress, Tahoe yellow.. U.S.A. (CA, NV).
C*......................... 2 R1 Schiedea pubescens... Caryophyllaceae...... Ma`oli`oli........... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Schiedea salicaria... Caryophyllaceae...... No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 5 R8 Sedum eastwoodiae.... Crassulaceae......... Stonecrop, Red U.S.A. (CA).
Mountain.
C*......................... 2 R1 Sicyos macrophyllus.. Cucurbitaceae........ `Anunu............... U.S.A. (HI).
C.......................... 12 R4 Sideroxylon Sapotaceae........... Bully, Everglades.... U.S.A. (FL).
reclinatum
austrofloridense.
C*......................... 8 R1 Solanum nelsonii..... Solanaceae........... Popolo............... U.S.A. (HI).
C.......................... 8 R4 Solidago plumosa..... Asteraceae........... Goldenrod, Yadkin U.S.A. (NC).
River.
C*......................... 2 R2 Sphaeralcea Malvaceae............ Mallow, Gierisch..... U.S.A. (AZ, UT).
gierischii.
C*......................... 2 R1 Stenogyne cranwelliae Lamiaceae............ No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 8 R4 Symphyotrichum Asteraceae........... Aster, Georgia....... U.S.A. (AL, FL, GA,
georgianum. NC, SC).
C*......................... 2 R1 Zanthoxylum oahuense. Rutaceae............. A`e.................. U.S.A. (HI).
FERNS AND
ALLIES:
C*......................... 8 R1 Christella boydiae (= Thelypteridaceae..... No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
Cyclosorus boydiae
var. boydiae +
Cyclosorus boydiae
kipahuluensis).
C*......................... 2 R1 Doryopteris takeuchii Pteridaceae.......... No common name....... U.S.A. (HI).
C*......................... 2 R1 Huperzia (= Lycopodiaceae........ Wawae`iole........... U.S.A. (HI).
Phlegmariurus)
stemmermanniae.
C*......................... 3 R1 Microlepia strigosa Dennstaedtiaceae..... Palapalai............ U.S.A. (HI).
var. mauiensis (=
Microlepia
mauiensis).
C.......................... 3 R4 Trichomanes punctatum Hymenophyllaceae..... Florida bristle fern. U.S.A. (FL).
floridanum.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2--Animals and Plants Formerly Candidates or Formerly Proposed for Listing
[Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status
------------------------------------------------ Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range
Code Expl.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAMMALS:
Rc........................ A, U R8 Xerospermophilus Sciuridae........... Squirrel, Palm U.S.A. (CA).
tereticaudus Springs (=
chlorus. Coachella Valley)
round-tailed ground.
BIRDS:
E......................... L R1 Loxops Fringillidae........ Akekee U.S.A. (HI).
caeruleirostris. (honeycreeper).
E......................... L R1 Oreomystis bairdi... Fringillidae........ Akikiki (Kauai U.S.A. (HI).
creeper).
CLAMS:
E......................... L R4 Pleurobema Unionidae........... Pigtoe, Georgia..... U.S.A. (AL, GA, TN).
hanleyianum.
SNAILS:
[[Page 69293]]
E......................... L R4 Pleurocera foremani. Pleuroceridae....... Hornsnail, rough.... U.S.A. (AL).
E......................... L R4 Leptoxis foremani (= Pleuroceridae....... Rocksnail, U.S.A. (GA, AL).
downei). Interrupted (=
Georgia).
INSECTS:
E......................... L R1 Megalagrion nesiotes Coenagrionidae...... Damselfly, flying U.S.A. (HI).
earwig Hawaiian.
E......................... L R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae...... Damselfly, Pacific U.S.A. (HI).
pacificum. Hawaiian.
E......................... L R1 Drosophila attigua.. Drosophilidae....... Fly, Hawaiian U.S.A. (HI).
picture-wing.
FLOWERING PLANTS:
E......................... L R1 Astelia waialealae.. Liliaceae........... Pa`iniu............. U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Canavalia Fabaceae............ `Awikiwiki.......... U.S.A. (HI).
napaliensis.
E......................... L R1 Chamaesyce Euphorbiaceae....... `Akoko.............. U.S.A. (HI).
eleanoriae.
E......................... L R1 Chamaesyce remyi Euphorbiaceae....... `Akoko.............. U.S.A. (HI).
var. kauaiensis.
E......................... L R1 Chamaesyce remyi Euphorbiaceae....... `Akoko.............. U.S.A. (HI).
var. remyi.
E......................... L R1 Charpentiera Amaranthaceae....... Papala.............. U.S.A. (HI).
densiflora.
E......................... L R1 Cyanea dolichopoda.. Campanulaceae....... Haha................ U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Cyanea eleeleensis.. Campanulaceae....... Haha................ U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Cyanea kolekoleensis Campanulaceae....... Haha................ U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Cyanea kuhihewa..... Campanulaceae....... Haha................ U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Cyrtandra oenobarba. Gesneriaceae........ Ha`iwale............ U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Cyrtandra paliku.... Gesneriaceae........ Ha`iwale............ U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Dubautia imbricata Asteraceae.......... Na`ena`e............ U.S.A. (HI).
imbricata.
E......................... L R1 Dubautia Asteraceae.......... Na`ena`e............ U.S.A. (HI).
kalalauensis.
E......................... L R1 Dubautia kenwoodii.. Asteraceae.......... Na`ena`e............ U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Dubautia plantaginea Asteraceae.......... Na`ena`e............ U.S.A. (HI).
magnifolia.
E......................... L R1 Dubautia waialealae. Asteraceae.......... Na`ena`e............ U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Geranium kauaiense.. Geraniaceae......... Nohoanu............. U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Keysseria erici..... Asteraceae.......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Keysseria helenae... Asteraceae.......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Labordia helleri.... Loganiaceae......... Kamakahala.......... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Labordia pumila..... Loganiaceae......... Kamakahala.......... U.S.A. (HI).
T......................... L R1 Lepidium Brassicaceae........ Peppergrass, U.S.A. (ID).
papilliferum. slickspot.
E......................... L R1 Lysimachia Myrsinaceae......... Lehua makanoe....... U.S.A. (HI).
daphnoides.
E......................... L R1 Lysimachia iniki.... Myrsinaceae......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Lysimachia pendens.. Myrsinaceae......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Lysimachia Myrsinaceae......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
scopulensis.
E......................... L R1 Lysimachia venosa... Myrsinaceae......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Melicope degeneri... Rutaceae............ Alani............... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Melicope paniculata. Rutaceae............ Alani............... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Melicope puberula... Rutaceae............ Alani............... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Myrsine knudsenii... Myrsinaceae......... Kolea............... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Myrsine mezii....... Myrsinaceae......... Kolea............... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Phyllostegia Lamiaceae........... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
renovans.
E......................... L R1 Pittosporum Pittosporaceae...... Ho`awa.............. U.S.A. (HI).
napaliense.
E......................... L R1 Platydesma rostrata. Rutaceae............ Pilo kea lau li`i... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Pritchardia hardyi.. Asteraceae.......... Lo`ulu.............. U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Psychotria Rubiaceae........... Kopiko.............. U.S.A. (HI).
grandiflora.
E......................... L R1 Psychotria hobdyi... Rubiaceae........... Kopiko.............. U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Schiedea attenuata.. Caryophyllaceae..... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Stenogyne kealiae... Lamiaceae........... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Tetraplasandra Araliaceae.......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
bisattenuata.
E......................... L R1 Tetraplasandra Araliaceae.......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
flynnii.
E......................... L R1 Diellia mannii...... Aspleniaceae........ No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
E......................... L R1 Doryopteris angelica Pteridaceae......... No common name...... U.S.A. (HI).
[[Page 69294]]
E......................... L R1 Dryopteris crinalis Dryopteridaceae..... Palapalai aumakua... U.S.A. (HI).
var. podosorus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. 2010-27686 Filed 11-9-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P