News Release

Tamara Ward

703/358-2512
tamara_ward@fws.gov

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published in the Federal Register a final rule to list the Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) previously referred to as (Pterodroma phaeopygia phaeopygia); and the Heinroth’s shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This rule implements the Federal protections provided by the Act for these two foreign seabird species Primary factors found to cause population declines in both species include predation by introduced rats, cats, pigs, and dogs and non-native invasive plants.

“This proposal is aimed at providing support for imperiled species and their habitats in areas of the Pacific Ocean,” said Service Director Sam Hamilton.

The Galápagos petrel is a large, long-winged gadfly petrel that is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.  The Heinroth’s shearwater is a small, dark brown shearwater that occurs from the Bismarck Archipelago and the seas around Bougainville Island to the east of Papua New Guinea and the island of Kolombangara in the Solomon Islands.

The addition of a foreign species to the Federal list of threatened and endangered species places restrictions on the importation of either the animal or its parts.  Listing also serves to heighten awareness of the importance of conserving these species among foreign governments, conservation organizations and the public.

The Service will accept comments and information concerning the species from all interested parties for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted at the Federal eRulemaking Portal, http://www.regulations.gov.  (Follow the instructions on the Web page for submitting comments).  To deliver written comments by U.S. mail or hand-delivery, address to:  Public Comments Processing, Attn: RIN 1018-AV75; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. The Service is not able to accept email or faxes.  All comments will be posted on http://www.regulations.gov.  Comments, along with personal identifying information such as an address, telephone number, email address or other such personal information will be posted along with your comments.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov

-FWS-