Statement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
On the release of the Evaluation of the Taxonomic Status of the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse

July 24, 2006

Contact:  Diane Katzenberger 303-236-4578 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released a report developed by Sustainable Ecosystems Institute (SEI) analyzing the results of several genetic studies seeking to determine whether the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse is a valid subspecies.  

The report is one component of information that will be evaluated and taken into consideration as the Service makes its final decision on whether to delist the mouse. We will also take into consideration all scientific research relating to this issue, as well as peer reviews and public comments. 

This report is available on the Service’s web site at: http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/preble/PEER/PEERindex.htm 

Dr. Rob Roy Ramey and Dr. Tim King led separate investigations on the genetics of meadow jumping mice that reached differing conclusions on whether the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse constituted a valid subspecies. The Service subsequently contracted SEI to convene an expert panel of scientists to analyze, assess, and weigh the reasons why the conclusions of King et al differed from the conclusions of Ramey et al. 

To ensure an open and transparent process, the panel discussions, presentations by scientists, and question and answer periods were conducted in a public forum.  The role of SEI and the expert panel was to provide an impartial evaluation of the two studies.  SEI was chosen because they have an established reputation for scientific excellence, and experience in using science review panels to resolve endangered species issues.  

The Service believes this process resulted in a valuable report. The Service appreciates the work of the expert panel and SEI, and has confidence in the integrity of this deliberative process in providing a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of the available science.