[Federal Register: June 24, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 121)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 33796-33800]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24jn99-12]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AD91

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To 
Remove the Plant ``Echinocereus lloydii'' (Lloyd's Hedgehog Cactus) 
From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are removing the plant 
Echinocereus lloydii (Lloyd's hedgehog cactus), from the Federal List 
of Endangered and Threatened Species under the authority of the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Lloyd's hedgehog 
cactus was listed as endangered on October 26, 1979, as a result of 
threats presented by collection and highway projects. Recent evidence 
indicates that Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is not a distinct species but 
rather a hybrid or cross which is not evolving independently of its 
parental species. Therefore, E. lloydii no longer qualifies for 
protection under the Act. Removing Lloyd's hedgehog cactus from the 
list constitutes our recognition of its hybrid status and removes 
Federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.

DATES: This rule is effective July 26, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection, 
by appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service's Austin Texas Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78758.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Kennedy, botanist, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 
78758, (telephone 512/490-0057; facsimile 512/490-0974).