[Federal Register: November 9, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 215)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 57803-57878]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09no09-23]
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Part III
Department of the Interior
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Fish and Wildlife Service
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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
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS-R9-ES-2009-0075; 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.
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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 remove species
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 eight candidates, and removes four 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 249.
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, 2008,
through September 30, 2009.
We request additional status information that may be available for
the 249 candidate species identified in this CNOR.
DATES: We will accept information on this Candidate Notice of Review at
any time.
ADDRESSES: This notice is available on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov, and http://endangered.fws.gov/candidates/
index.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 Internet website (http://endangered.fws.gov/candidates/
index.html). 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 in preparing listing
documents and future revisions to the notice of review, as it will help
us in monitoring changes in the status of candidate species and in
management for conserving them. 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 in 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. A species may be indentified by us as a
candidate for listing based on an evaluation of its status that we
conducted on our own initiative, or as a result of making a finding on
a petition to list a species 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 require protection under
the Act or additional species that may require the Act's protections;
and to request
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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 in
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION or visit our Internet website, http://
endangered.fws.gov/candidates/index.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
December 10, 2008 (73 FR 75176). CNORs published since 1994 are
available on our Internet website, http://www.fws.gov/endangered/
candidates/index.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). Guidelines for such a
priority-ranking guidance system is required under section 4(h)(3) of
the Act (15 U.S.C. 1533(h)(3)). 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. When
evaluating the magnitude of the threat(s) facing the species, we
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; and whether the effects are
likely to be permanent.
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. 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 guidance is available on our website at: http://
www.fws.gov/endangered/policy/index.html. 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 imminence 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 CNOR on December 10, 2008 (73 FR 75176),
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 eight candidates (see
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates, below) and determine that
listing proposals are not warranted for four species and thus remove
them from candidate status (see Candidate Removals, below). Combined
with the other decisions published separately from this CNOR for
individual species that previously were candidates, a total of 249
species (including 110 plant and 139 animal species) are now candidates
awaiting preparation of rules proposing their listing. These 249
species, along with the 56 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 five
species identified in the previous CNOR as either proposed for listing
or classified as candidates that are no longer in those categories.
This includes one species for which we published a final rule to list,
plus the four species that we have determined do not warrant
preparation of a rule to propose listing and therefore have been
removed from candidate status in this CNOR.
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New Candidates
Below we present a brief summary of one new mammal, one new fish,
one new mussel, 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
Internet website (http://endangered.fws.gov/candidates/index.html). 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 three
other species, yellow-billed loon, roundtail chub (Lower Colorado River
Basin population), and Astragalus anserinus (Goose Creek milkvetch)
were identified as candidates earlier this year as a result of a
separate petition findings published in the Federal Register.
Mammals
Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) - The following summary is
based on information in our files. Endemic to south Florida, this
species is known to occur at 12 locations, 5 on private land and 7 on
public land. The entire population may number less than a few hundred
individuals. Recent 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).
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 because the
locations of any such sites are unknown. 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, distance between occupied locations, and small number of
occupied locations. Such factors may make recolonization unlikely if
any site is extirpated and 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. 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.
Birds
Yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii) - We previously announced
candidate status for this species in a separate warranted-but-precluded
12-month petition finding published on March 25, 2009 (74 FR 12931).
Also, see summary below under ``Petition Findings.''
Fishes
Roundtail chub (Lower Colorado River Basin DPS) (Gila robusta) - We
previously announced candidate status for this species in a separate
warranted- but-precluded 12-month petition finding published on July 7,
2009 (74 FR 32351).
Diamond darter (Crystallaria cincotta) - The following summary is
based on information contained in our files. The diamond darter is a
member of the Perch family (Percidae) that is generally translucent
with silvery white on the ventral side of the body and head and has
four wide olive-brown saddles on the back and upper side. The fish
generally grows to between 73 to 77.3 millimeters (2.9 - 3.0 inches) in
standard length. The species is a benthic invertivore (feeds on
invertebrates) that inhabits moderate to large warm-water streams with
moderate current and clean sand and gravel substrates.
Historical records indicate that the diamond darter was distributed
throughout the Ohio River Basin and that the range included the
Muskingum River, Ohio; the Ohio River, Ohio; the Green River, Kentucky;
and the Cumberland River Drainage, Kentucky and Tennessee. The species
is currently only known to exist within a 36-kilometer (km) (22.4-mile
(mi)) section of the lower Elk River in Kanawha and Clay Counties, West
Virginia, and is considered extirpated from the remainder of the Ohio
River Basin. Survey results and independent publications indicate that
the diamond darter is very rare and that the remaining population
within the Elk River is likely very small. Despite repeated and
targeted survey efforts within the species' known range and preferred
habitat in the Elk River, only 18 individuals have been collected in
the last 29 years.
The primary threats to the diamond darter are related to the
present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its
habitat or range. The Elk River Watershed is threatened with ongoing
water-quality degradation and habitat loss from activities such as coal
mining, oil and gas development, siltation from these and other
sources, and inadequate sewage and wastewater treatment. The
impoundment of rivers in the Ohio River Basin, such as the Kanawha,
Ohio, and Cumberland, has eliminated much of the species' habitat and
isolated the existing population from other watersheds that the species
historically occupied. Invasive species have the potential to affect
the Elk River and diamond darter habitat. The small size and restricted
range of the remaining diamond darter population make it particularly
susceptible to the effects of genetic inbreeding, as well as potential
extirpation from spills and other catastrophic events. The species is
vulnerable to overutilization for scientific purposes; however, the
significance of this threat has been reduced and can be further
minimized through the administration of existing scientific collecting
permit procedures. Existing Federal and State regulatory mechanisms do
not currently provide protections for the species or its habitat.
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The threats to the diamond darter are high in magnitude, in that
the entire current range of the species is potentially affected, and
the effects of the threats severely affect the reproductive capacity
and can result in total mortality. The threats to the species are
imminent and ongoing. Activities that pose a threat to the species
already exist within the watershed and are expected to continue. Based
on imminent threats of a high magnitude, we assigned an LPN of 2 to
this species.
Clams
Rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrical) - The following
summary is based on information in our files. The rabbitsfoot is a
freshwater mussel native to Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois,
Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The species has
disappeared from 5 of 6 rivers in the Lower Great Lakes sub-basin, 47
of 64 rivers in the Ohio River system, 10 of 12 rivers in the
Cumberland River basin, 14 of 19 rivers in the Tennessee River system,
2 of 5 rivers in the Lower Mississippi River sub-basin, 3 of 12 rivers
in the White River system, 4 of 8 rivers in the Arkansas River system,
and 4 of 11 rivers in the Red River system, representing approximately
a 65-percent decline of its range. Total range reduction (river miles)
and overall population loss for the rabbitsfoot may approach, if not
exceed, 90 percent. Of the 49 extant populations, 10 populations are
considered to be viable in the longterm.
Population declines continue in most of the species' range, and
numerous threats, including water-quality degradation, loss of stable
substrates, sedimentation, channelization, gravel mining, dredging, and
impoundments, are affecting the few remaining sustainable extant
populations. The small size of most of the remaining rabbitsfoot
populations exacerbates the threats and adverse effects of chance
events to rabbitsfoot.
Threats to the continued existence of rabbitsfoot include exotic
species, especially zebra mussels; delivery and deposition of fine
sediments; small population sizes; isolation of populations; livestock
grazing; wastewater effluents; mine runoff; unstable and coldwater
flows downstream of dams; gravel mining; and channel dredging. In
addition, the rabbitsfoot, like many other fresh-water mussels,
requires a fish host to transport it larvae, and the fish host of
rabbitsfoot is unknown for the eastern portion of its range; thus,
artificial propagation of the rabbitsfoot to reestablish the species in
restored habitats and to maintain non-reproducing populations is not
possible, nor is focused conservation of its fish host. Although there
are ongoing attempts to alleviate some of these threats at some
locations, there appear to be no populations without significant
threats and many threats are without obvious or readily available
solutions. The threats described above have led to the species being
intrinsically vulnerable to extirpation.
Due to the number of extant populations and relatively broad
distribution, the threats to rabbitsfoot are of moderate magnitude.
Although some of the threats are nonimminent, most are ongoing and,
therefore, overall, the threats are imminent. Thus, we assigned an LPN
of 9 to this subspecies.
Flowering Plants
Astragalus anserinus (Goose Creek milkvetch) - We previously
announced candidate status for this species in a separate warranted-
but-precluded 12-month petition finding published on September 10, 2009
(74 FR 46521).
Leavenworthia exigua var. laciniata (Kentucky gladecress) - The
following summary is based on information in our files. Kentucky
gladecress is a winter annual that is adapted to environments with
shallow soils interspersed with flat-bedded limestones. The natural
habitat for Kentucky gladecress is cedar glades, but the variety is
also known from overgrazed pastures, eroded shallow-soil areas with
exposed bedrock, and areas where the soil has been scraped off the
underlying bedrock. The variety does not appear to compete well with
other vegetation and is shade intolerant. Currently, there are
approximately 55 occurrences in Jefferson and Bullitt Counties,
Kentucky, but at least 39 of these occurrences are of poor quality with
low numbers of plants and degraded conditions.
Populations of this variety are now located primarily in modified
habitats such as pastureland, roadside rights of way, and cultivated or
plowed fields. These populations are threatened by further habitat
destruction (conversion from rural to residential land use), herbicide
use, overgrazing, and competition. Some populations continue to occupy
natural glade habitats, but these habitats are remnant in nature and
continue to be affected by agricultural and residential conversion. The
variety's primary threat, habitat destruction due to residential and
commercial development, is widespread and has the potential to affect
the entire range of the variety. The effects of the threat are also
permanent. Therefore, these threats are high in magnitude. These
threats are imminent because the conversion from rural to residential
land use is ongoing. Consequently, we assigned an LPN of 3 to this
plant variety.
Ferns and Allies
Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum (Florida bristle fern) - The
following summary is based on information in our files. The Florida
bristle fern has been reduced to four, or possibly five, small,
isolated occurrences: Three occur in Miami-Dade County and two in
Sumter County. In Miami-Dade County, it has been found exclusively in
solution holes in oolitic limestone and rocky outcrops in rockland
hammocks. In Sumter County, plants occur in a mesic/hydric hammock on
shaded limestone boulders.
Most sites where Florida bristle fern once occurred in Miami-Dade
County have been lost; few rockland hammocks remains outside of
Everglades National Park. Impacts from regional water drainage in
Miami-Dade County are severe, and currently occurring. Regional
drainage in remaining habitat has probably been a stressor that has
contributed to extirpations and population declines. Resulting drops in
ambient humidity in the habitat may limit reproduction and health of
populations over the longterm. Such changes in humidity may cause
extirpations or make plants more vulnerable to other stressors (e.g.,
periodic long-term droughts, hurricanes). Climatic changes and sea-
level rise are future, long term threats that are expected to affect
habitat and ultimately reduce the extent of available habitat in Miami-
Dade County. Agricultural conversion and development are currently
occurring in Sumter County, placing any undocumented occurrences and
suitable habitat at risk. Since a full survey of suitable habitats for
the Florida bristle fern has never been conducted in Sumter County, we
cannot determine the full extent of losses of this species due to
habitat destruction and modification. All known extant occurrences are
located on conservation lands; however, there is potential, especially
in Sumter County, for the species to occur on private lands. Together,
the extant occurrences contain fewer than 1,000 plants. Many plants are
probably clones, so there may be limited genetic diversity within
sites. Because there are few occurrences, populations contain few
plants, and
[[Page 57808]]
genetic variability is low, the species is inherently at risk due to
stochastic events. Droughts, tropical storms, and hurricanes are
threats; Hurricane Andrew may have played a role in the extirpation of
the species from two sites. Since there are few occurrences remaining,
the species is threatened with extinction during these events. Invasive
exotic plants are also a threat, but may be reduced due to active
programs by Miami-Dade County and the State. The extent to which fungus
is a threat to wild populations is unknown. Overall, the magnitude of
threats is high, and most threats are occurring and are, therefore,
imminent. Consequently, we assigned this subspecies an LPN of 3.
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 imminence 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.
Birds
Elfin-woods warbler (Dendroica angelae) - The 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 of Puerto Rico,
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,
Sierra de Cayey, and the Commonwealth forests of Maricao and Toro
Negro. However, it has not been recorded again in Toro Negro and Cayey
since 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 Forest, Guilarte Forest, Bosque del Pueblo, Maricao
Forest and the El Yunque National Forest (Luquillo Mountains), but the
species was detected only in the latter two. In the Maricao
Commonwealth Forest, 778 elfin-woods warblers were recorded, and in the
El Yunque National Forest, 196 were recorded.
The elfin-woods warbler is threatened by habitat modification.
Destruction of elfin forest and Podocarpus forest by the installation
of infrastructure (telecommunication towers and 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 Department of Natural
and Environmental Resources potentially installing these structures.
Furthermore, restoration of this habitat would take a few 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 shade-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 sun-coffee plantations) may result in ineffective
corridors for dispersal and expansion of the elfin-woods warbler.
Although 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. We previously assessed the LPN
as a 5 (high magnitude, nonimminent threats). 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 the species 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, we
have determined that the magnitude of threats is moderate to low
because the severity of the threats on the species is not as great as
we previously believed and most of the range of the elfin-woods warbler
is within protected lands. The threats are not currently occurring in
most of the warbler's habitat; therefore, the threats are nonimminent.
As a result, we have changed the LPN from a 5 to an 11 for this
species.
Fish
Pearl darter (Percina aurora) - Little is known about the specific
habitat requirements or natural history of the Pearl darter. Pearl
darters have been collected from rivers and streams with a variety of
attributes, but are mainly found 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 reductions casused by 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 and would
also make this species more vulnerable to catastrophic events.
Reevaluation of the threats affecting the pearl darter has indicated
that a change in the Listing Priority Number is warranted. Threats
affecting the pearl darter are localized in nature, affecting portions
of the population within the drainage. Thus, a threat magnitude of
moderate to low is a more appropriate category in this situation. In
addition, since the identified threats are currently affecting this
species in these portions of its range, the threats are imminent.
Therefore, we have changed the LPN from a 5 to an 8 to reflect this
reevaluation.
Clams
Neosho mucket (Lampsilis rafinesqueana) - 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) of its range, primarily 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 historical range have been inundated by
the
[[Page 57809]]
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 to
this river. The rapid collapse of the entire mussel community,
including Neosho mucket, since 2005 in the Arkansas portion of the
Illinois River threatens to extirpate the species from approximately 30
river miles 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 because of their severity on this
species, and they occur throughout the range. The majority of the
threats are ongoing and thus imminent. Thus, we changed the LPN from a
5 to a 2 for this species.
Insects
Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) - The Miami
blue is endemic to south Florida. Historically, it occurred throughout
the Florida Keys, 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, and along trails and other open sunny areas, and
historically in pine rocklands. These habitats provide host plants 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 hostplants from iguanas
at BHSP is a new, ongoing, significant threat; although active steps
are being taken by the State, 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, mosquito control, and accidental harm from humans;
increasing the current population in size; and establishing populations
at other locations. The threats are high in magnitude and constitute a
significant risk to the subspecies. Given that the new threat from
iguanas and other threats (hurricanes, few occurrences, and small
population size) are ongoing, the threats are imminent. Therefore, we
changed the LPN from a 6 to a 3.
Flowering plants
Helianthus verticillatus (whorled sunflower) - 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 area; 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 habitat, the other Alabama
population has responded favorably to canopy removal that took place
circa 2001. Because of this, the threats are of moderate magnitude. The
threats are currently occurring, and therefore imminent. To help ensure
consistency in the application of our listing priority process, we
changed the LPN from a 5 to an 8 for this species.
Lesquerella globosa (Short's bladderpod) - 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; 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 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. The threats from roadside maintenance and
habitat alterations by invasive plant encroachment are moderate in
magnitude, as they are not affecting all locations of this species.
However, the threats are currently occurring, and therefore imminent.
To help ensure consistency in the application of our listing priority
process, we changed the LPN from a 5 to an 8 for this species.
Physaria douglasii ssp. tuplashensis (White Bluffs bladderpod) - In
previous Candidate Notices of Review, we referred to P. douglasii ssp.
tuplashensis as P. tuplashensis. We have now dropped that name because
the paper that recommended its use was never published. As a result, we
are following
[[Page 57810]]
the treatment of a 2002 published scientific paper that recognized the
White Bluffs bladderpod as Physaria douglassii ssp. tuplashensis.
White Bluffs bladderpod is a low-growing, herbaceous, short-lived
perennial plant in the Brassicaceae (mustard) family. Historically and
currently, White Bluffs bladderpod (P. douglasii ssp. tuplashensis) has
been known from only 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 km) 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. However, the southern
portion 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 destroy plants, and the presence
of invasive nonnative plants that compete with P. douglassii ssp.
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 ssp.
tuplashensis population. As a result of a fire in 2007, there is a
higher probability that invasion of these nonnatives will occur. We
reanalyzed the magnitude and imminence of the threats, which resulted
in a change in the LPN for P. douglasii ssp. tuplashensis. 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 and 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 relatively 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 85 percent having Federal ownership.
Even though off-road vehicle use is prohibited on the monument,
intermittent, ongoing use does occur. However, these activities,
although they are ongoing, are mainly confined to the upper portion of
the White Bluffs where few P. 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 described as
a significant problem. While P. douglasii ssp. tuplashensis is
inherently vulnerable because it is a narrow endemic, the magnitude of
the threats to the population is moderate. The threats are currently
occurring, and therefore imminent. To help ensure consistency in the
application of our listing priority process and to recognize the
correct taxonomic name, we changed the LPN from a 5 to a 9 for this
subspecies.
Platanthera integrilabia (White fringeless orchid) - Platanthera
integrilabia is a perennial herb that grows in partially but not fully
shaded, wet, boggy areas at the heads of streams and on seepage slopes
in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Historically, there were
at least 90 populations of P. integrilabia. Currently there are
approximately 50 extant sites supporting the species.
Several populations have been extirpated due to road, residential,
and commercial construction and 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 that the hydrology of the bogs that support 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 by 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 threaten several sites. Upon review of current
listing guidance and threats affecting the species, we have revised the
LPN to reflect the fact that threats are currently operating at most
sites and are therefore imminent. While 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 the threats by being within State parks, national forests,
wildlife management areas, or other protected land. As a result, we
changed the LPN from a 5 to an 8 for this species.
Candidate Removals
As summarized below, we have evaluated the threats to the following
four species and considered factors that, individually and in
combination, currently or potentially could pose a risk to these
species and their habitat. After a review of the best available
scientific and commercial data, we conclude that listing these four
species under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted because the
species are not likely to become endangered species within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their
range. Therefore, for each of these species 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 these species, and to accept additional information and comments
concerning this finding. We will reconsider our determination for each
species in the event that new information indicates that the threats to
the species are of a considerably greater magnitude or imminence than
identified through assessments of information contained in our files,
as summarized here.
Snails
Fat-whorled pondsnail (Stagnicola bonnevillenis) - The fat-whorled
pondsnail, also known as the Bonneville pondsnail, was thought to occur
in only four spring pools north of the Great Salt Lake in Box Elder
County, Utah. Additional surveys found Lymnaeid snails including S.
bonnevillensis-like
[[Page 57811]]
shells in springs throughout the playa. New information shows that
shell characteristics vary greatly with environmental conditions.
Because the fat-whorled pondsnail was classified based only on the
shell appearance, the taxonomy is questionable. Because of
uncertainties surrounding the validity of S. bonnevillensis as a
species, we evaluated all Stagnicola sp. inhabiting the spring pools
previously thought to be occupied by S. bonnevillensis. The primary
threat to these pools has been chemical contamination of the
groundwater. Significant actions have been taken to remediate this
threat, including implementing corrective actions to track and
remediate groundwater contamination, implementation of a site
management plan, and development of a groundwater model and risk
assessment. The plan has been implemented, and conservation measures
are currently being monitored for effectiveness. These efforts have
been under way for a sufficient period to effectively eliminate the
threat from contamination. We know of no other threats to the springs
in the range of S. bonnevillensis. Based on findings and analysis in
our updated assessment, we conclude that this species in not likely to
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout
all or a significant portion of its range, and listing this species
under the Endangered Species Act is therefore not warranted. The
species no longer meets our definition of a candidate, and we have
removed it from candidate status.
Crustaceans
Troglobitic groundwater shrimp (Typhlatya monae) - Typhlatya monae
is a small subterranean small shrimp known from Puerto Rico, Barbuda,
and the Dominican Republic. It is classified as a troglobite, or
obligatory cave organism, of which its most extraordinary feature is
the reduction or loss of vision and pigmentation. T. monae feeds on
organic waste material and debris, such as bat guano. Little is known
concerning the status of T. monae in either Barbuda or Dominican
Republic and we are not aware of any threats to this species in those
locations. This species was discovered on Mona Island, in Puerto Rico
but was later found on the Puerto Rico mainland in three caves within
the Gu[aacute]nica Commonwealth Forest in the municipalities of
Gu[aacute]nica, Yauco, and Guayanilla. Although the species was not
found on Mona Island during surveys conducted in 1974 and 1995, the
species may still be found in the reef deposit aquifers in Mona Island
that have not yet been surveyed.
In 1995, the total population was estimated to be close to 2,000
individuals; over 95 percent of these were observed in one cave.
Although no systematic censuses have been conducted since 1995, the
Service has recently documented the presence of the species in all
three mainland caves and obtained information from Puerto Rico
Commonwealth Forest personnel regarding two additional caves in which
the species may occur.
In past reviews, we determined that the species was threatened by
habitat disturbance, human-induced fires, hurricanes and floods.
However, the Gu[aacute]nica Commonwealth Forest and Mona Island Natural
Reserve are managed for conservation by the Puerto Rico Department of
Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER). Caves in the Gu[aacute]nica
Forest are closed to public visitors; therefore, habitat modification
and disturbance, and human-induced fires are not anticipated. Caves on
Mona Island are seldom visited, and adverse effects to these areas have
not been documented. The species is located in pools inside caves, and
underground waters; thus, we do not anticipate impacts from hurricanes.
Typhlatya monae was first described in Mona Island from el Pozo Del
Portuguez and from a deep well close to the airport. At the present
time, the use of this well is limited to DNER staff; therefore,
additional extraction of underground waters is not expected. Currently,
the DNER utilizes water cisterns and commercial potable water as
alternate water sources. The species is protected by Regulation
6766 (``Reglamento para Regir las Especies Vulnerables y en
Peligro de Extinci[ouml]n en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto
Rico''), adopted in 2004 by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Under
Regulation 6766, T. monae is listed as Critically Endangered
(CR). Regulation 6766 prohibits collecting, killing, or
harming listed species. We conclude that this species in not likely to
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout
all or a significant portion of its range, and listing this species
under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted. The species no
longer meets our definition of a candidate, and we have removed it from
candidate status.
Flowering Plants
Calliandra locoensis (no common name) - Calliandra locoensis is a
spiny, leguminous shrub currently known from five localities within the
Susu[aacute] Commonwealth Forest in the municipalities of Yauco and
Sabana Grande, in southwestern Puerto Rico. This species is endemic to
Puerto Rico, and was discovered in 1991 during a study of the flora of
the Susu[aacute] Commonwealth Forest; it was described by Garci[aacute]
and Kolterman in 1992. Calliandra locoensis is found on shallow,
serpentine soils with low nutrients, high drainage, and low fertility.
In 2007, local botanists reported 3 populations with approximately
1,600 adult plants and numerous seedlings in 5 localities indicating
that the number of adult individuals has doubled and the number of
localities has increased since surveys conducted in 1998.
In previous reviews, we determined that the species was threatened
by forest-management practices (accidental trampling, brush clearing,
trail maintenance), forest fires (natural or manmade), catastrophic
natural events (hurricanes, floods, mudslides), and restricted
distribution. We now find that this species is not currently threatened
by forest management practices. The species is currently considered as
a critical element under the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and
Environmental Resources Natural Heritage Program; consequently
activities conducted in the forest are generally scrutinized and
measures to minimize or avoid impacts to species are recommended and
implemented. The Susu[aacute] Commonwealth Forest is also protected by
Law 133 and has been designated as a Critical Wildlife Area.
We also previously indicated that this species was vulnerable to
hurricanes and human-induced fires. Plants endemic to the Caribbean are
naturally adapted to the impact of hurricanes (the species usually lose
their leaves for a certain period of time, but recover them later).
Although hurricanes are common occurrences in Puerto Rico, damage to
this species by hurricanes has not been reported in any of the
currently known populations in the last decade. Surveys have indicated
that despite hurricanes occurring in the areas where C. locoensis
exists, the number of adult individuals has doubled, the number of
localities has increased, evidence suggests that the species is
successfully reproducing. Thus, we have determined that hurricanes are
not a threat. The currently known populations are not located near the
roads of the forest, which are more vulnerable to fires and DNER
implements a fire prevention plan within the forest, particularly
during the dry season; therefore, fire is not a threat to the species.
We conclude that this species in not likely to become
[[Page 57812]]
an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range, and listing this species under the
Endangered Species Act is not warranted. The species no longer meets
our definition of a candidate, and we have removed it from candidate
status.
Calyptranthes estremerae (no common name) - Calyptranthes
estremerae is a small tree from the subtropical moist forest of
northwestern Puerto Rico, in the municipalities of Camuy, Utuado, and
Arecibo. Calyptranthes estremerae was only known from several
individuals found near the recreation area adjacent to the Rio Camuy
Cave Park. At present time, about 100 individuals of C. estremerae are
estimated for the Camuy Cave Park area, Rio Abajo Commonwealth Forest
(managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental
Resources (DNER)), and a privately owned farm in Sabana Hoyos, Arecibo.
We have found that this species is no longer threatened by the
expansion of recreation facilities within Cavernas de Camuy Park and
Rio Abajo Commonwealth Forest, as there are no plans to expand such
facilities. In addition, the Rio Abajo Commonwealth Forest has a
management plan in place that emphasizes protection and conservation of
species classified under DNER as critical, threatened, or endangered
and their habitat; C. estremerae is classified as a critical element by
DNER. Furthermore, actions that may affect such classified species are
generally scrutinized, and measures to minimize or avoid impacts to
these species are recommended and implemented. The Rio Abajo
Commonwealth Forest is also protected by designation as a Critical
Wildlife Area. In previous assessments, we indicated that the small
number of individuals of C. estremerae in the two populations, along
with the species' limited distribution made this species vulnerable to
potential catastrophic natural (hurricanes) and manmade (fires) events.
However, damage by hurricanes has not been reported in any of the
currently known populations. In addition, because the species exists in
the subtropical moist forest life zone, the threat of human-induced
fires is low; further, the DNER implements an islandwide fire
prevention plan in public forests. Therefore, fires are currently not a
threat to this species. We conclude that this species in not likely to
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout
all or a significant portion of its range, and listing this species
under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted. The species 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. Under section 4(b)(3)(A),
when we receive such a petition, we must determine within 90 days, to
the maximum extent practicable, whether the petition presents
substantial information 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 regulation
implementing the petitioned action is precluded by pending proposals,
and (b) expeditious progress is being made to add qualified species to
the lists of endangered or threatened species. (We refer to this as a
``warranted-but-precluded finding.'')
Section 4(b)(3)(C) 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 are required to publish new 12-month findings on these
``resubmitted'' petitions on an annual basis.
On December 5, 1996, we made a final decision to redefine
``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). Therefore, the 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.
This publication provides notice of substantial 90-day findings and
the warranted-but-precluded 12-month findings pursuant to section
4(b)(3) for candidate species listed on Table 1 that we identified on
our own initiative, and that subsequently have been the subject of a
petition to list. Even though all candidate species identified through
our own initiative already have received the equivalent of substantial
90-day and warranted-but-precluded 12-month findings, 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.
Pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act, once a petition is
filed regarding a candidate species, 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.
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, whether it was
identified through our own initiative or through the petition process,
we will make prompt use of the emergency listing authority under
section 4(b)(7). We have
[[Page 57813]]
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).
On June 20, 2001, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth
Circuit held that the 1999 CNOR (64 FR 57534; October 25, 1999) did not
demonstrate that we fulfilled the second component of the warranted-
but-precluded 12-month petition findings for the Gila chub and
Chiracahua leopard frog (Center for Biological Diversity v. Norton, 254
F.3d 833 (9\th\ Cir. 2001)). The court found that the one-line
designation in the table of candidates in the 1999 CNOR, with no
further explanation, did not satisfy section 4(b)(3)(B)(iii)'s
requirement that the Service publish a finding ``together with a
description and evaluation of the reasons and data on which the finding
is based.'' The court suggested that this one-line statement of
candidate status also precluded meaningful judicial review.
On June 21, 2004, the United States District Court for Oregon
agreed that we can use the CNOR as a vehicle for making petition
findings and that our reasoning for why listing is precluded does not
need to be based on an assessment at a regional level (as opposed to a
national level) (Center for Biological Diversity v. Norton Civ. No. 03-
1111-AA (D. Or.)). However, this court found that our discussion on why
listing the candidate species were precluded by other actions lacked
specificity; in the list of species that were the subject of listing
actions that precluded us from proposing to list candidate species, we
did not state the specific action at issue for each species in the list
and we did not indicate which actions were court-ordered.
On June 22, 2004, in a similar case, the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of California also concluded that our
determination of preclusion may appropriately be based on a national
analysis (Center for Biological Diversity v. Norton No. CV S-03-1758
GEB/DAD (E.D. Cal.)). This court also found that the Act's imperative
that listing decisions be based solely on science applies only to the
determination about whether listing is warranted, not the question of
when listing is precluded.
On March 24, 2005, the United States District Court for the
District of Columbia held that we may not consider critical habitat
activities in justifying our inability to list candidate species,
requiring that we justify both our preclusion findings and our
demonstration of expeditious progress by reference to listing
proceedings for unlisted species (California Native Plant Society v.
Norton, Civ. No. 03-1540 (JR) (D.D.C.)). The court further found that
we must adequately itemize priority listings, explain why certain
species are of high priority, and explain why actions on these high-
priority species preclude listing species of lower priority. The court
approved our reliance on national rather than regional priorities and
workload in establishing preclusion and approved our basic explanation
that listing candidate species may be precluded by statutorily mandated
deadlines, court-ordered actions, higher priority listing activities,
and a limited budget.
In this CNOR we continue to incorporate information that addresses
the courts' concerns. 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, 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 162 candidates and 6 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 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.
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. 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, 2008, through September
30, 2009. 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 these particular
candidates warrant 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 website:
http://endangered.fws.gov/. 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
[[Page 57814]]
of species determined to be 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 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 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 proposed
listing regulation or whether promulgation of such a proposal is
warranted but precluded by higher priority listing actions.
The resources available for listing actions are determined through
the annual Congressional appropriations 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
determinations 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. For example, during the past
several years, the cost (excluding publication costs) for preparing a
12-month finding, without a proposed rule, has ranged from
approximately $11,000 for one species with a restricted range that
requires a relatively uncomplicated analysis to $305,000 for another
species that is wide-ranging and requires a complex analysis.
We cannot spend more than is appropriated for the Listing Program
without violating the Anti-Deficiency Act (see 31 U.S.C. Sec.
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, 105\th\ Congress, 1st Session, July
1, 1997).
Recognizing that designation of critical habitat for species
already listed would consume most of the overall Listing Program
appropriation, Congress also put a critical habitat subcap in place in
FY 2002, and has retained it each subsequent year 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'' (House Report No. 107 -
103, 107\th\ 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;
however, in subsequent FYs we were unable to do this because all of the
critical habitat subcap funds were needed to address our workload for
designating critical habitat.
Thus, 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. 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 also recognized that the availability of resources was the
key element in deciding, when making a 12-month petition finding,
whether we would prepare and issue a listing proposal or instead make a
warranted-but-precluded finding for a given species. The Conference
Report accompanying Pub. L. 97-304, which established the current
statutory deadlines and the warranted-but-precluded finding, states (in
a discussion on 90-day petition findings that by its own terms also
covers 12-month findings) that the deadlines 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.''
In FY 2009, expeditious progress is that amount of work that can be
achieved with $8,808,000, which 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). Our process is to 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. The
$8,808,000 was 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. The
allocations for each specific listing action are identified in the
Service's FY 2009 Allocation Table (part of our administrative record).
In FY 2007, we had more than 120 species with an LPN of 2, based on
our September 21, 1983, 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
(high vs. 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
[[Page 57815]]
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
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,
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 on
proposed and final listing rules for these 40 candidates, we are
applying the ranking criteria to the next group of candidates with LPN
of 2 and 3 to determine the next set of highest priority candidate
species.
To be more efficient in our listing process, as we work on proposed
rules for these 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, available staff
resources are also a factor in determining which high-priority species
will receive funding. 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.
Thus, 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. (Although we do not discuss it in
detail here, we are also making expeditious progress in removing
species from the list under the Recovery program, which is funded by a
separate line item in the budget of the Endangered Species Program. As
explained above in our description of the statutory cap on Listing
Program funds, the Recovery Program funds and actions supported by them
cannot be considered in determining expeditious progress made in the
Listing Program.) As with our ``precluded'' finding, expeditious
progress in adding qualified species to the Lists is a function of the
resources available and the competing demands for those funds. Given
that limitation, we find that we made expeditious progress in FY 2009
in the Listing Program. This progress included preparing and publishing
the following determinations:
FY 2009 Completed Listing Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Publication Date Title Actions FR Pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/15/2008 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 73 FR 61007 61015
Petition To List the Least Petition Finding,
Chub Substantial
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/21/2008 Listing 48 Species on Kauai Proposed Listing, 73 FR 62591 62742
as Endangered and Endangered; Proposed
Designating Critical Critical Habitat.
Habitat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/24/2008 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 73 FR 63421 63424
Petition to List the Petition Finding, Not
Sacramento Valley Tiger substantial...........
Beetle as Endangered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/28/2008 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 73 FR 63919 63926
Petition To List the Dusky Petition Finding,
Tree Vole (Arborimus Substantial
longicaudus silvicola) as
Threatened or
Endangered.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11/25/2008 12-Month Finding on a Notice of 12 month 73 FR 71787 71826
Petition To List the petition finding,.....
Northern Mexican Warranted but
Gartersnake (Thamnophis precluded.
eques megalops) as
Threatened or Endangered
With Critical Habitat;
Proposed Rule
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12/02/2008 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 73 FR 73211 73219
Petition To List the Black- Petition Finding,
tailed Prairie Dog as Substantial
Threatened or Endangered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12/05/2008 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 73 FR 74123 74129
Petition To List the Petition Finding,
Sacramento Substantial
Mountains Checkerspot
Butterfly (Euphydryas
anicia cloudcrofti) as
Endangered with Critical
Habitat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12/18/2008 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 73 FR 76990 76994
Petition to Change the Petition Finding,
Listing Status of the Substantial
Canada Lynx
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1/06/2009 Partial 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 419 427
Petition To List 475 Petition Finding, Not
Species in the substantial...........
Southwestern United States
as Threatened or
Endangered With Critical
Habitat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2/05/2009 Partial 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 6122 6128
Petition To List 206 Petition Finding, Not
Species in the in the substantial...........
Midwest and Western United
States as Threatened or
Endangered With Critical
Habitat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57816]]
2/10/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 6558 6563
Petition To List the Petition Finding,
Wyoming Pocket Substantial
Gopher as Threatened or
Endangered With Critical
Habitat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/17/2009 Listing Phyllostegiahispida Final Listing 74 FR 11319 11327
(No Common Name) as Endangered
Endangered Throughout Its
Range.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3/25/2009 12-Month Finding on a Notice of 12 month 74 FR 12931 12968
Petition to List the petition finding,.....
Yellow-Billed Loon as Warranted but
Threatened or Endangered precluded.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/09/2009 12-Month Finding on a Notice of 12 month 74 FR 16169 16175
Petition to List the San petition finding, Not.
Francisco Bay-Delta warranted.............
Population of the Longfin
Smelt (Spirinchus
thaleichthys) as
Endangered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/22/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 18336 18341
Petition To List the Petition Finding,
Tehachapi Slender Substantial
Salamander (Batrachoseps
stebbinsi) as Threatened
or
Endangered.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5/07/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 21301 21310
Petition To List the Petition Finding,
American Pika as Substantial
Threatened or Endangered
with Critical Habitat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5/19/2009 12-Month Finding on a Notice 12-month 74 FR 23376 23388
Petition to List the petition finding, Not
Coaster Brook Trout as warranted
Endangered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6/09/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 27266 27271
Petition To List Oenothera Petition Finding, Not
acutissima (Narrowleaf substantial...........
Evening-primrose) as
Threatened or
Endangered.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6/29/2009 Proposed Endangered Status Proposed Listing, 74 FR 31113 31151
for the Georgia Pigtoe Endangered; Proposed..
Mussel, Interrupted Critical Habitat......
Rocksnail, and Rough
Hornsnail with Critical
Habitat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/01/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 31389 31401
Petition to List the Petition Finding,
Northern Leopard Frog Substantial
(Lithobates [=Rana]
pipiens) in the Western
United States as
Threatened
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/07/2009 12-Month Finding on a Notice of 12-month 74 FR 32351 32387
Petition To List a petition finding,.....
Distinct Population Warranted but
Segment of the Roundtail precluded.
Chub (Gila robusta) in the
Lower Colorado River Basin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/08/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 32510 32513
Petition to List the Coqui Petition Finding,
Llanero (Eleutherodactylus Substantial
juanariveroi) as
Endangered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/08/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 32514 32521
Petition to List the Petition Finding,
Susan's purse-making Substantial
caddisfly (Ochrotrichia
susanae) as Threatened or
Endangered.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/08/2009 Proposed Endangered Status Proposed Listing, 74 FR 32490 32510
for Flying Earwig Hawaiian Endangered............
Damselfly (Megalagrion
nesiotes) and Pacific
Hawaiian Damselfly (M.
pacificum) Throughout
Their Ranges
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/09/2009 Listing Casey's June Beetle Proposed Listing, 74 FR 32857 32875
(Dinacoma caseyi) as Endangered; Proposed..
Endangered and Designation Critical Habitat......
of Critical Habitat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/22/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 36152 36158
Petition To List the White- Petition Finding,
Sided Substantial
Jackrabbit (Lepus callotis)
as Threatened or
Endangered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8/06/2009 Initiation of Status Review Notice of Status 74 FR 39268 39269
for Mountain Whitefish Review
(Prosopium williamsoni) in
the Big Lost River, Idaho
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8/11/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 40132 40138
Petition To List the Jemez Petition Finding,
Mountains Substantial
Salamander (Plethodon
neomexicanus) as
Threatened or.
Endangered With Critical
Habitat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8/18/2009 Partial 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 41649 41662
Petition To List 206 Petition Finding, Not
Species in the Midwest and substantial (9
Western United States as species); Notice 90-
Threatened or day Petition Finding,
Endangered with Critical Substantial (29
Habitat. species).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57817]]
8/19/2009 12-Month Finding on a Notice of 12 month 74 FR 41832 41860
Petition To List the Ashy petition finding,.....
Storm-Petrel as Threatened Not warranted.........
or Endangered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8/28/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 44335 44344
Petition To List the Petition Finding,
Sonoran Population of Substantial
Desert Tortoise (Gopherus
agasizzii) as a Distinct
Population Segment (DPS)
With Critical Habitat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/02/2009 12-Month Finding on a Notice of 12 month 74 FR 45396 45411
Petition To List the petition finding, Not.
Sacramento warranted.............
Mountains Checkerspot
Butterfly as Endangered
with Critical Habitat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/09/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 46401 46406
Petition to List the Petition Finding,
Eastern Population of the Substantial
Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus
polyphemus) as Threatened
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/10/2009 12-Month Finding on a Notice of 12 month 74 FR 46521 46542
Petition to List petition finding,
Astragalus anserinus Warranted but
(Goose Creek milkvetch) as precluded.
Threatened or Endangered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/10/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 46542 46547
Petition to List Cirsium Petition Finding,
wrightii (Wright's marsh Substantial
thistle) as Threatened or
Endangered with Critical
Habitat
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/10/2009 90-Day Finding on a Notice of 90-day 74 FR 46551 46557
Petition to List the Petition Finding,
Pacific Walrus as Substantial
Threatened or Endangered
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9/10/2009 Endangered and Threatened Notice of 90-day 74 FR 46548 46551
Wildlife and Plants; 90- Petition Finding,
Day Substantial
Finding on a Petition to
List the Amargosa Toad
(Bufo nelsoni) as
Threatened or Endangered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our expeditious progress also included work on listing actions that
we funded in FY 2009 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 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 as compared to
preparing separate proposed rules for each of them in the future.
Actions funded in FY 2009 but not completed in FY 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Subject to Court Order/Settlement Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Slickspot peppergrass Final listing
determination
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal cutthroat trout Final listing
determination
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mono basin sage-grouse 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater sage-grouse 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SW bald eagle population 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black-tailed prairie dog 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lynx (include New Mexico in listing) 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
White-tailed prairie dog 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
American pika 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hermes copper butterfly 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thorne's hairstreak butterfly 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions with Statutory Deadlines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57818]]
48 Kauai species Final listing
determination
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black-footed albatross 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mount Charleston blue butterfly 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mojave fringe-toed lizard\1\ 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pygmy rabbit (rangewide)\1\ 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kokanee - Lake Sammamish population\1\ 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delta smelt (uplisting) 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl\1\ 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tucson shovel-nosed snake\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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan's purse-making caddisfly 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
White-sided jackrabbit 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jemez Mountains salamander 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
29 of 206 species 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Desert tortoise - Sonoran population 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gopher tortoise - eastern population 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wrights marsh thistle 12-month petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southeastern pop snowy plover & wintering pop. of 90-day petition
piping plover finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berry Cave salamander\1\ 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ozark chinquapin\1\ 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smooth-billed ani 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay Springs salamander\1\ 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mojave ground squirrel\1\ 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
32 species of snails and slugs 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calopogon oklahomensis 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Striped newt 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
American dipper - Black Hills population 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprague's pipit 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southern hickorynut 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Southwest mussel species 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chihuahua scarfpea 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
White-bark pine 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico harlequin 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fisher - Northern Rocky Mtns. population 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
42 snail species (Nevada & Utah) 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57819]]
HI yellow-faced bees 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
475 Southwestern species (partially completed) 90-day petition
finding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Priority Listing Actions \3\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 Oahu candidate species (16 plants, 3 damselflies) Proposed listing
(15 with LPN = 2, 3 with LPN = 3, 1 with LPN = 9)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Maui-Nui candidate species (14 plants, 3 tree Proposed listing
snails) (12 with LPN = 2, 2 with LPN = 3, 3 with LPN
= 8)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sand dune lizard (LPN = 2) Proposed listing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Arizona springsnails (Pyrgulopsis bernadina (LPN = Proposed listing
2), Pyrgulopsis trivialis (LPN = 2))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 New Mexico springsnails (Pyrgulopsis chupaderae Proposed listing
(LPN = 2), Pyrgulopsis thermalis (LPN = 11))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 mussels (rayed bean (LPN = 2), snuffbox No LPN) Proposed listing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 mussels (sheepnose (LPN = 2), spectaclecase (LPN = Proposed listing
4),)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ozark hellbender\2\ (LPN = 3) Proposed listing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Altamaha spinymussel (LPN = 2) Proposed listing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 southeast fish (rush darter (LPN = 2), chucky Proposed listing
madtom (LPN = 2), yellowcheek darter (LPN = 2),
Cumberland darter (LPN = 5), laurel dace (LPN = 5))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 southeast mussels (southern kidneyshell (LPN = 2), Proposed listing
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))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Colorado plants (Pagosa skyrocket (Ipomopsis Proposed listing
polyantha) (LPN = 2), Parachute beardtongue
(Penstemon debilis) (LPN = 2), Debeque phacelia
(Phacelia submutica) (LPN = 8))
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Funds for listing actions for these species were provided in
previous FYs.
\2\ We funded a proposed rule for this subspecies with an LPN of 3 ahead
of other species with LPN of 2, because the threats to the species
were so imminent and of a high magnitude that we considered emergency
listing if we were unable to fund work on a proposed listing rule in
FY 2008.
\3\ Funds for these high-priority listing actions were provided in FY
2008 and 2009
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
we are considering new information and will update our finding at a
later date (see 73 FR 23170, April 29, 2008). We also did not include
new information in our resubmitted petition findings for the 48
candidate species for which we are preparing proposed listing
determinations; see summaries below regarding publication of these
determinations. We also funded revised 12-month petition findings for
four candidate species that we are removing from candidate status,
which are 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 between the Listing
Program and the Candidate Conservation Program.
During FY 2009, 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 proposed
or candidates for listing.
[[Page 57820]]
Findings for Petitioned Candidate Species
Below are updated summaries for petitioned candidate 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
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.
This 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
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 long term 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. We estimate that less
than one third of the occupied sites occur on conservation lands 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
[[Page 57821]]
uses in the region indicate that the rate of change, about two 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 result in mortality or significantly reduce the
reproductive capacity 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 range in
California. Native populations of fisher currently occur in the North
Coast Ranges of California, the Klamath- Siskiyou Mountains of northern
California and southern Oregon, and in isolated populations occurring
in the southern Sierra Nevada in California. Descendents of a fisher
reintroduction effort also occur in the southern Cascade Range in
Oregon. In January of 2008, the Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife began to implement their fisher recovery goals for the state
through a reintroduction effort in the Olympic National Park. Estimates
of fisher numbers in native populations of the West Coast DPS vary
widely. A rigorous monitoring program is lacking for the northern
California/southern Oregon population making estimates of fisher
numbers for this relatively large population difficult. The monitoring
program of the southern Sierra Nevada population has provided
preliminary estimates. No estimates are available for the introduced
population in the southern Cascade Range in Oregon. There is also a
high degree of genetic relatedness within some populations, and
populations of native fisher in California are separated by four times
the species' maximum dispersal distance. The above-listed factors all
indicate that the likely extant fisher populations are small and
isolated from one another.
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: uncharacteristically severe
wildfire, changes in forest composition and structure related to the
effects of climate change, urban and rural development, recreation
development, and highways. Major threats to fisher that lead to direct
mortality and injury to fisher include: Collisions with vehicles;
predation; and viral borne diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, canine
distemper, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Existing regulatory
mechanisms on Federal, State, and private lands affect key elements of
fisher habitat but do not provide sufficient certainty that
conservation efforts will be effective or will be 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,
and since they significantly affect this species' reproductive
capacity. 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 which will affect the species over
the long-term. 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
population.
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 jumping mouse is a distinct subspecies
from other Z. 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. Surveys conducted in 2005
and 2006 documented a drastic decline in the number of occupied
localities and suitable habitat across the range of the species in New
Mexico and Arizona. Of the original 103 known historical localities, 95
have been surveyed since the early to mid-1990s. Of the historical
localities surveyed, currently only 16 are extant, 9 in New Mexico
(including 1 that is contiguous with the Colorado locality) and 7 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, and
the populations in these localities are small, 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, an ecosystem of
conservation concern (T. m. melanops is found on alpine meadows in
Olympic National Park, and T. m. douglasii is found in prairies 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. Now,
residential and commercial development and ingrowth of woody and/or
nonnative vegetation have 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
[[Page 57822]]
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
Thomomys 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 habitat is threatened by encroaching development. Two gravel
pits are operating on part of the remaining Roy Prairie pocket gopher
habitat. 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, it is threatened or
endangered only in the significant portion of the range in the montane
portions of central and south central Colorado and north central New
Mexico, and we anticipate that if and when it is listed, only that
significant portion of its range will be specified as threatened or
endangered. Within this portion of the range, plague has significantly
reduced the number and size of populations. Populations within montane
habitat have distinct disadvantages in resisting the effects of plague
due to a higher abundance of fleas that spread plague, smaller
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 small, isolated populations, and
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.
Palm Springs round-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus
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 is one of four recognized subspecies of round-tailed ground
squirrels. This squirrel was believed to be limited in range to the
Coachella Valley region of Riverside County, California; however,
results of both a morphological study and a genetic study indicate that
its range may be substantially larger. Upon receipt of a finalized
report detailing the methods and results of the genetic study, the
Service will make a determination as to whether listing of S. t.
chlorus is still warranted. Primary habitat for the Palm Springs round-
tailed ground squirrel is the dunes and 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. Rapid growth of desert cities such as
Palm Springs and Palm Desert in the Coachella Valley has raised
concerns about the conservation of the Palm Springs round-tailed ground
squirrel. Urban development and drops in the groundwater table have
eliminated approximately 90 percent of the honey mesquite in the
Coachella Valley. Furthermore, urban development has fragmented habitat
occupied by this squirrel thereby isolating populations. The high rate
of urban development and associated lowering of the groundwater table
that was likely historically responsible for the high losses of honey
mesquite sand dune/hummocks habitat continues today. We continue to
assign the Palm Springs ground squirrel subspecies an LPN of 3 because
the threats are ongoing and are of a high magnitude as they affect a
large portion of its range and significantly affect this subspecies'
survival.
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
approximately 38,756 hectares (95,767 acres), or 9 percent of the known
range. 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
[[Page 57823]]
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 the privately
owned Threemile Canyon Farms 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 wind power development, among other
forms of development, continue to eliminate Washington ground squirrel
habitat in portions of the species' range. Throughout much of their
range, Washington ground squirrels are threatened by the establishment
and spread of invasive plant species, particularly cheatgrass, which
alter available cover, food quantity and quality, and increases 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 rangewide 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 wind power project impacts can be minimized
through compliance with the Oregon State Endangered Species Act (OESA)
or the Columbia Basin Ecoregion wind energy siting and permitting
guidelines. The potential development of shooting ranges on the Naval
Weapons Systems Training Facility is 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 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 (Coccyzus americanus) 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 generally
west of the crest of the Rocky Mountains.
The threats to the yellow-billed cuckoo include habitat loss,
overgrazing, 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 salt-cedar (Tamarisk sp.). Overuse by livestock
has been a major factor in the degradation and modification of riparian
habitats in the
[[Page 57824]]
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 non-
governmental agencies organized by the Service is in the process of
completing a range wide 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 sometime in
2010. We retained an LPN of 3 for this population of yellow-billed
cuckoo; the threats are ongoing and therefore imminent, and they are of
a high magnitude, because ongoing habitat degradation significantly
affects the survival and reproductive capacity of the DPS rangewide.
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, 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 an area on Olosega Island where
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 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 from British 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 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 more
than 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, and invasion of
nonnative plant species (e.g., Scot's broom, sod-forming grasses, and
beachgrasses). 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 areas 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 overwintering 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 such as
mowing, recreational and military activities, plowing, flooding, and
dredge material deposition during the nesting season, as well as
intentional disturbances such as at the McChord Air Forece Base (AFB)
where falcons and dogs are used to haze birds in order to avoid
aircraft collisions. In some areas, however, landowners have taken
steps to improve habitat for streaked horned lark nesting.
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.
Overwintering 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
[[Page 57825]]
impact streaked horned lark breeding and wintering (although current
work being conducted by The Nature Conservancy may 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.
Threats are imminent, as a result of continued loss of suitable
lark habitat, high nest-predation rates, and low adult survival. Loss
of habitat is a result of plans for development on and adjacent to
several of its nesting areas, including planned and/or 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 the use of
falcons and dogs to haze breeding birds at McChord AFB, the annual Air
Force military training Rodeo event on McChord AFB which included
firebombing on top of lark nesting habitat, and the Air Expo on McChord
AFB. These two events usually occur in alternate years. 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 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. 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. Recently, peak counts
at the Delaware Bay area have been lower than in the past and do not
show a rebound. The peaks were 13,315 in 2004; 15,345 in 2005; 13,455
in 2006; 12,375 in 2007; and 15,395 in 2008. Counts in recent years at
the principal wintering areas in South America also are substantially
lower than in the past.
The primary factor threatening the red knot is 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. Since 1999, a series of timing restrictions and substantially
lower harvest quotas have been adopted by the Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), as well as by the States of New Jersey
and Delaware. In May 2006, the ASMFC adopted restrictions effective
from October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2008, including a
prohibition on harvest and landing of horseshoe crabs in New Jersey and
Delaware from January 1 through June 7; harvest of males only from June
8 through December 31; and harvest limited to no more than 100,000
horseshoe crabs per State per year. The ASMFC also adopted other
restrictions applicable to Maryland and Virginia. In September 2008,
the ASMFC Horseshoe Crab Management Board approved an addendum
extending harvest restrictions through October 31, 2009. New Jersey
established regulations in 2006 which superseded ASMFC restrictions;
resulting in a moratorium on all horseshoe crab harvest in New Jersey
from May 15, 2006, through June 7, 2008. In March 2008, New Jersey
passed legislation imposing an open-ended moratorium on horseshoe crab
harvest or landing within the State until such time as the red knot has
fully recovered. In February 2007, Delaware imposed a 2-year
moratorium, effective January 1, 2007, on harvest of horseshoe crabs
within Delaware lands or waters. In June 2007, following litigation by
two businesses involved in the harvesting and sale of horseshoe crabs,
Delaware's moratorium was overturned. Consequently Delaware developed
regulations allowing for a male-only horseshoe crab harvest, consistent
with restrictions adopted by ASMFC. In April 2009, the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources implemented a 2:1 male to female
horseshoe crab harvest ratio within Maryland waters.
The reductions in commercial harvest since 1999 are substantial: In
1999 in Delaware and New Jersey, 726,660 horseshoe crab landings for
bait were reported, compared to 173,177 in 2004 and a preliminary 2007
report of 76,663 crabs landed for bait in Delaware and no horseshoe
crabs landed in New Jersey as a result of the State-imposed harvest
moratorium. However, scientists do not know whether horseshoe crab
populations will rebuild or how long a lag time there may be in
increased availability of eggs, as the species needs 8-10 years to
reach sexual maturity, and other key information for estimating
population response is lacking. Surveys in Delaware Bay of horseshoe
crab spawning activity following implementation of additional harvest
restrictions show that female horseshoe crab spawning activity in
Delaware Bay has been stable for the overall period of 1999 through
2007 and male horseshoe crab spawning increased during that period.
Spawning was likely suppressed in 2008 by low water temperatures
resulting from a coastal storm. Preliminary information for 2009
indicates that a high proportion of red knots at the Delaware Bay
stopover attained threshold weight gains and birds left the Delaware
Bay stopover in good condition. This weight gain indicates that red
knots found sufficient horseshoe crab eggs or alternate forage
[[Page 57826]]
resources during the 2009 stopover. However, it remains to be seen if
this will be a long-term trend.
The numbers of red knots at key wintering areas in South America
remained relatively steady from 2005 through 2007, inspiring some
optimism that the declining trend may have ceased or slowed. In 2008,
counts of red knots within principal wintering areas showed an all-time
low of only 14,800 red knots, but then increased to 17,780 in 2009,
similar to numbers found during 2005-2007. Presence of an increased
number of juveniles and an overall increase in red knots in principal
wintering areas likely indicates a good breeding season in the Arctic
in summer 2008. However, the long-term trend of counts of red knots
within the principal wintering areas in Chile and Argentina shows a
decline of nearly 75 percent from 1985 to 2009.
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
species.
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 with solitary
pairs breeding 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 harvet
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.
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 most of the world's
population, inhabits Alaskan coastal waters discontinuously from Point
Lay south to northern portions of Southeast Alaska. Kittlitz's
murrelets are associated with tidewater glaciers. The current
population estimate for Kittlitz's murrelets in Alaska is approximately
19,578 birds. Kittlitz's murrelets in Alaska have declined at a rate of
up to 18 percent per year from 1989 to 2000 and new survey information
supports and strengthens the negative population trend estimates that
have been previously reported.
Threats to Kittlitz's murrelets include large-scale processes such
as global climate change and marine climate regime shift. These large-
scale processes may influence Kittlitz's murrelet survival and
reproduction. Glacial retreat, a global phenomenon that affects many of
the glaciers where Kittlitz's murrelets are found, is associated with
changing forage fish availability and may result in increased
predation. Other ongoing threats include oil spills, bycatch in
commercial gillnet fisheries, and disturbance by tour boats. Kittlitz's
murrelets are believed to have been seriously affected by the Exxon
Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound in 1989. Catastrophic events
such as oil spills could have a significant negative effect on the
population of this already diminished species. Susceptibility to
mortality as bycatch in commercial fishing could be a significant
factor in their population decline; Kittlitz's murrelets are caught in
gillnets in numbers disproportionate to their density. 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 Alcid family that occurs along the west coast of North America
in the United States and Mexico. The species has a limited breeding
distribution, nesting only 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
[[Page 57827]]
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, there are also plans to remove rats from San
Miguel Island, and to restore nesting habitat on Santa Barbara Island
through the Montrose Settlements Restoration Project, which may benefit
the Xantus's murrelet population at those islands.
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 lighting 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 and barn owls 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.
While squid fishing has not occurred at a particularly noticeable level
near any of the colonies in the Channel Islands since 1999, this
remains a potential future threat.
A proposal to build three liquid natural gas facilities near the
Channel Islands could cause impacts to the nesting colonies. Although,
none of these facilities would be directly adjacent to nesting colonies
where their impacts would be expected to be more significant, these
facilities would include bright lights at night and lights from
visiting tanker vessels, noise from the facilities and from helicopters
visiting the facilities, and potential oil spills associated with
visiting tanker vessels. However, these facilities are early in complex
and long-term planning processes, and it is possible that none of these
facilities will be built.
In summary, the remaining threats to the species are of high
magnitude since they have the potential to result in mortality for a
large portion of the species' range. However, the threats are
nonimminent since they are not currently occurring at most of the
murrelet nesting sites. 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 cultivation, conversion of suitable restored habitat in the
Conservation Reserve Program to cropland, cumulative habitat
degradation caused by severe grazing, and energy development, including
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 assigned an LPN of 2 to this species.
Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), Columbia Basin DPS
- For the reasons discussed below, we have not included new information
in our finding with regard to the Columbia Basin DPS of the greater
sage-grouse in this notice. On May 14, 1999, we received a petition
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 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). Legal actions are still pending for these latter findings, which
have been remanded to the Service for further consideration. In
response, we initiated a new rangewide status review for the entire
species (73 FR 10218). We will update our candidate assessment and
publish a new finding for the Columbia Basin DPS in the Federal
Register following completion of the new range wide status review for
the greater sage-grouse.
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
[[Page 57828]]
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 constitues 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
significantly affect the survival of this DPS. Therefore, we assign
this distinct population segment an LPN of 3.
Elfin-woods warbler (Dendroica angelae) - See above in ``Listing
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
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 Potosi,
Aguascalientes, Tlaxacala, Puebla, Mexico, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Veracruz,
and Queretaro. 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. 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. 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 petition 12-month 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 or
threatened 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 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 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, and 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
[[Page 57829]]
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 remaining populations, particularly those inhabiting
private lands. We retained an LPN of 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 the
private property, the majority of the neighboring 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 affected by 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
recolonization 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. Based on nonimminent, high-magnitude threats, we
assigned a LPN 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. Due to continuing
drought, irrigated agriculture, and development in the region, surface
water in the Rio Sonoyta can be expected 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
[[Page 57830]]
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, and northeastern and central Nevada but local
populations within this general area appear to be small and isolated
from each other. Recent work by researchers in Idaho and Nevada has
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, have and continue to
contribute to the degradation and fragmentation of habitat. Emerging
fungal diseases such as chytridiomycosis and the spread of parasites
are 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/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. While some threats to the species and its habitat
(habitat modification and fragmentation, nonnative species, inadequate
regulatory mechanisms, and climate change) occur rangewide but at
various intensities, other threats (disease and mining) affect only
local populations; overall, the magnitude of the threats is moderate.
Based on ongoing, and therefore, imminent threats of moderate
magnitude, we assigned a LPN 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 (Rana mucosa) 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, and morphological, and acoustic
studies, scientists 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 recent 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. It is the population of R. muscosa found in the southern
portion of the Sierra Nevada that is a candidate for listing. R.
sierrae is not a candidate.
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 nonnative 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
were available.
In California, chytridiomycosis, more commonly known as chytrid
fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), 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 is
widely distributed throughout the Sierra Nevada, and that infected
mountain yellow-legged frogs 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, of 43 populations assayed in
Yosemite National Park, 39 were positive for chytrid fungus.
The current distribution of the Sierra Nevada mountain yellow-
legged frog is restricted primarily to publicly managed lands at high
elevations, including streams, lakes, ponds, and meadow wetlands
located on national forests, including wilderness and nonwilderness 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
[[Page 57831]]
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
predict a 10-percent decline per year in the number of remaining Rana
mucosa populations. Based on threats that are imminent (because they
are ongoing) and high-magnitude (because they affect the survival of
the DPS rangewide), we continue 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 retained an LPN of 2 for the Oregon spotted frog.
Relict leopard frog (Rana 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 within the
Virgin River drainage downstream from the vicinity of Hurricane, Utah;
along the Muddy River in Nevada; and along the Colorado River from its
confluence with the Virgin River downstream to Black Canyon below Lake
Mead in 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 that is 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. Conservation is
proceeding under the agreement; however, additional time is needed to
determine whether or not the agreement 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 moderate to
low. 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.
Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) - 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.
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 from the
Edwards Aquifer that discharges 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 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 these ordinances. 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, these ordinances 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. The threats are imminent because
urbanization is ongoing and continues to expand over the Barton Springs
Segment of the Edwards Aquifer and water quality continues to degrade.
Although 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
[[Page 57832]]
species continues to be threatened by occasional 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 threat to the entire population, and is
therefore a high-magnitude threat. Thus, we retain an 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 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 the species. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TCEQ) 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 these ordinances. New developments are still
obligated to comply with regulations that were applicable at the time
when project applications were first filed. In addition, it is
significant that even if they were followed with every new development,
these ordinances 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. Therefore, we do not rely on
the protection measures in our assessment of threats.
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. 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 assigned an 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 Williamson Counties, 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. 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 on 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 these ordinances. 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, these ordinances 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 currently 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 retain an 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 Salado salamander had not
been sighted there since 1991. Robertson Springs is on private land and
access to the site has not been granted. The last survey at Robertson
Springs was in the early 1990s.
Primary threats to this species are habitat modification and
degradation of water quality due to expanding
[[Page 57833]]
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 vulnerable to catastrophic hazardous materials spills,
groundwater contamination from 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 retained an 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). The Yosemite toad is a moderately
sized toad 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. The Yosemite toad is 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 the Yosemite toad 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 the Yosemite toad is 1,460 to 3,630
m (4,790 to 11,910 ft).
The threats to 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 destroying
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 the Yosemite toad and collapse rodent burrows used by Yosemite toads
as cover and hibernation sites. Timber harvesting and associated road
development could severely alter the terrestrial environment and result
in the reduction and occasional extirpation of amphibian populations in
the Sierra Nevada. Some of these threats result in gaps in habitat
which 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 the Yosemite toad. 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. The Yosemite toad is
likely exposed to a variety of pesticides and other chemicals
throughout its 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. Currently, the species is known from 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 (acres) of its habitat. These impoundments are likely
marginal or unsuitable habitat for the salamander. While the water-
quality threat is pervasive and problematic, the overall magnitude of
the threat is moderate, reflected by the fact that there has not been a
steep rate of decline in the population of this species. 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
[[Page 57834]]
information contained in our files and the 12-month finding published
in the Federal Register on May 3, 2006 (71 FR 26007). The headwater
chub is a moderate-sized cyprinid fish. The range of the headwater chub
has been reduced by approximately 60 percent. Sixteen streams (125
miles (200 kilometers) of stream) are thought to be occupied out of 19
streams (312 miles (500 kilometers) of stream) formerly 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 introductions of nonnative fish
that prey on them and compete with them for food. These nonnative fish
are difficult to eliminate and, therefore, pose an ongoing threat.
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 regions, 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 believe 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, new information indicates long-term
persistence and stability of existing populations. Currently 10 of the
16 extant 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 retained an LPN of 8 for this species.
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. The Arkansas
darter is a small fish in the perch family native to portions of the
Arkansas River basin. The species' range includes sites in extreme
northwestern Arkansas, southwestern Missouri, and northeastern
Oklahoma, within the Neosho River watershed. It also occurs in a number
of watersheds and isolated streams in eastern Colorado, south-central
and southwestern Kansas, and the Cimarron watershed in northwest
Oklahoma. The species is most often found in small spring-fed streams
with sand substrate and aquatic vegetation. It appears stable at most
sites where spring flows persist. It has declined in areas where spring
flows have decreased or been eliminated. We estimate that currently
there are approximately 148 locality occurrences of the Arkansas darter
distributed across the 5 States and that a minimum of 12 populations or
population groups (metapopulations) now exist. Threats to the species
include stream dewatering resulting from groundwater pumping in the
western portion of the species' range, and potential development
pressures in portions of its eastern range. Spills and runoff from
confined animal feeding operations also potentially affect the species
rangewide. The magnitude of threats facing 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.
Cumberland darter (Etheostoma susanae) - 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.
Pearl darter (Percina aurora) - See above in ``Listing Priority
Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information
contained in our files.
Rush darter (Etheostoma phytophilum) - 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.
Yellowcheek darter (Etheostoma moorei) - 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.
Chucky madtom (Noturus crypticus) - 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.
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 5 caves (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
[[Page 57835]]
environment. 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, chloride, and potassium have been detected at levels high
enough to be detrimental to aquatic life within the Perryville Karst
area. More than half 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 5 cave systems
documented to have grotto sculpins, populations in one cave system were
likely eliminated, presumably as the result of point-source pollution.
When the cave was searched in the spring of 2000, a mass mortality of
grotto sculpin was noted, and subsequent visits to the cave have failed
to document a single live grotto sculpin. Thus, the species appears to
have suffered a 20 percent decrease in the number of populations from
the single event. 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. Thus, the magnitude
of threats is high. The threats are ongoing and, therefore, are
imminent. Thus, 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 within the watershed. 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 within
the upstream of Possum Kingdom Reservoir is apparently stable, while
the population downstream of the reservoir may only exist in remnant
populations in areas of suitable habitat, or may be completely
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 high since the major threat of
reservoir development within the species' current range may render its
remaining habitat unsuitable. The threats are nonimminent because the
most significant threat - 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 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. 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 smalleye 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 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 90
percent. The Zuni bluehead sucker currently occupies 9 river miles (15
kilometers) in 3 headwater stream of the Rio Nutria in New Mexico, and
potentially occurs in 27 miles in (43 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
[[Page 57836]]
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 believe
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
its historical habitat and the populations are fragmented and isolated
from one another. The majority of populations occur in high elevation
streams.
Major threats include: 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 additiona, 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 coldwater
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 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 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
underway 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. In addition, previously unknown locations
where the species persists were found in Texas in 2008. Due to these
ongoing conservation efforts and the discovery of new locations, the
magnitude of the threats is moderate. However, the threats to the
species are ongoing, and remain imminent. Thus, we maintained a 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 endemic to the Cumberland
and Tennessee River systems 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 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). Newly reintroduced populations in the
Little Tennessee, Nolichucky, and Duck Rivers may 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) that result in mortality or reduced
reproductive output. Since the threats are ongoing, they are imminent.
[[Page 57837]]
We assigned an LPN of 2 to this mussel species.
Neosho mucket (Lampsilis rafinesqueana) - See above in ``Listing
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in
the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
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 petition 12-month 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 endemic to the
Cumberland and Tennessee River systems 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 by numerous threats (impoundments,
sedimentation, small population size, isolation of populations, gravel
mining, municipal pollutants, agricultural runoff, nutrient enrichment,
and coal processing pollution) that 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.
Altamaha spinymussel (Elliptio spinosa) - 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.
Snails
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 and have a significant
effect on the survival of the snails, 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 spring, its outflow channels, and
the land surrounding them 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 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 recently 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 maintain 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.
[[Page 57838]]
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 snails. Because all
of the threats occur rangewide and have a significant effect on the
survival of this snail species, 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 and have a significant effect on the survival of this
snail species, 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.
[[Page 57839]]
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.
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.
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 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 a
stretch of thermal (between 45\o\ and 32\o\ Celsius, 113\o\ and 90\o\
Fahrenheit) aquatic habitat that is approximately 600 m (1,968 ft) long
and 2 m (6.7 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 recently 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 this species 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 located three additional populations
bringing the total known to 16.
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 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
[[Page 57840]]
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 (Forest Service, Fort Huachuca, The Nature Conservancy) are
including consideration for the springsnail or other co-occurring
listed species in their activities (e.g., 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) - 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.
Page springsnail (Pyrgulopsis morrisoni) - 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 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. Arizona Game and Fish
Department 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. A draft Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances
was published and available for public review and comment on January
28, 2008. This Agreement should be finalized during 2009, at which time
we will reassess the LPN to ensure the magnitude and immediacy of
threats are still appropriately described. 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. The magnitude of threats is high because limited
distribution of this narrow endemic makes any detrimental effects from
threats likely to result in 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
retained an LPN of 2 for the Page springsnail.
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
[[Page 57841]]
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 on by alien ants and parasitized by native
and nonnative parasitoids. 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. These threats are imminent because they are ongoing.
Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 2 for this species.
Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) - See above
in ``Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on
information contained in our files and in the petition we received on
June 15, 2000.
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 5000 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 to1996 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 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 adversely 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 negative 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
[[Page 57842]]
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 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 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 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 2008 flight period,
butterflies were detected in just 8 populations. The total number of
Taylor's checkerspot butterflies was considerably reduced in current
surveys with approximately 2,300 individuals observed rangewide. The
latest decline observed was from the Fort Lewis population where fewer
than 200 butterflies were counted. Currently, just five populations had
butterflies in flight in Washington, two in the Willamette Valley of
Oregon, and one on Denman Island, British Columbia, Canada. A new
population was observed on the Olympic National Forest.
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 the past year and the site where Taylor's checkerspot
were known to thrive on Fort Lewis was severely affected by Armored
Vehicle training. The outcome of the training's effect will not be
determined until after this year's monitoring has been completed.
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.
The grassland ecosystem on which this subspecies depends requires
annual management to maintain suitable grassland habitat for the
species. 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 prairies when processes like fire, or its surrogate
mowing, do not take place. Threats also include the loss of prairies to
development or the conversion of native grasslands to agriculture.
Vehicle and foot traffic that crushes larvae and larval host plants on
roads where host plants have become established are also threats; these
areas act as a mortality sink at several of the north Olympic Peninsula
sites.
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 affect the survival of the subspecies.
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 continue to assign the Taylor's
checkerspot butterfly a listing priority number of 3.
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 petition 12-month
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 petition 12-month 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 petition 12-month finding.
Orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion xanthomelas) - The
[[Page 57843]]
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 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 threatens 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 a
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 2009. 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. Threats to the Mardon skipper include direct
impacts to individuals and local populations by off-road vehicle use,
livestock grazing, and pesticide drift. Habitat destruction or
modification through conifer encroachment, invasive nonnative plants,
roadside maintenance, and grassland/meadow management
[[Page 57844]]
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 assigned 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.
The Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle occurs only at the Coral Pink
Sand Dunes, 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 Bureau
of Land Management, 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 have retained an LPN of 2 for this species
primarily 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 found at 40 sites from near Haines City south
to Josephine Creek. 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 suggest that the actual population size at the various
survey sites is likely to be as much as two times as high as indicated
by the visual index counts.
Lack of fire to create open sand, habitat loss and fragmentation,
and small and isolated populations pose serious threats to this
species. Over-collection 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. 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 a 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 occurs on the islands of Maui
and Hawaii are located within State Natural Area Reserves (NAR).
Hawaii's State statutes prohibit the collection of the species and the
disturbance of the pools in State NARs. However, enforcement of
collection and disturbance prohibitions is difficult, and the negative
effects from the introduction of fish are extensive and happen quickly.
In addition, the pools where this species occurs on the island of Oahu
do not receive protection from collection of the species or disturbance
of the pools. Therefore, threats to this species could have a
significant adverse effect on the survival of the species, and are of a
high magnitude. However, the primary
[[Page 57845]]
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 three populations on the
island of Maui and one population 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 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, 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 populations on the island of Maui and
one population 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. 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 conservation efforts underway to alleviate the potential
for any of these threats in the one pool on the island of Hawaii.
Therefore, threats to this species could have a significant adverse
effect on the survival of the species, 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. All
individuals of this species may be adversely affected by a single
dumping of trash or release of nonnative fish in its 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 a small perennial herb, 2.5 to 15.2 centimeters (1 to
6 inches) across forming compact mats with lavender-pink, trumpet-
shaped, and generally fragment flowers. Abronia alpina is known from
one main population center in Ramshaw Meadow on the Kern Plateau of the
Sierra Nevada, California and from one subpopulation found in adjacent
Templeton Meadow. 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 surveyed in 2007.
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 and at times comes 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
[[Page 57846]]
SFKR. Drying out of the meadow system could potentially affect A.
alpina pollinators and 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 ten-year moratorium on the Templeton allotment that
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. We continue to assign an
LPN of 11 for A. alpina based on 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, approximately 20 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,
rather 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 (20) 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 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 27 extant occurrences, 12 in
Monroe County and 15 in Miami-Dade County; many occurrences are on
conservation lands. However, 4-5 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 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 this threat where possible. While
some of the 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 Miller Island 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 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 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
[[Page 57847]]
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 this year 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 and, 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
petition 12-month 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 petition 12-month 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 petition 12-month 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
petition 12-month 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.
This subspecies is an erect, perennial herb found in open mixed
shrubland to dry Metrosideros (ohia) forest on the island of Hawaii,
Hawaii. This subspecies is endemic to the island of Hawaii, where wild
populations are restricted to an area of less than 10 square miles (26
square kilometers). Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla is known from
four wild and four outplanted populations totaling approximately 130 to
140 individuals, the majority of which occur in only two (wild)
populations. This subspecies is threatened by fire and nonnative
plants, and two populations are threatened by residential and
commercial development. The threats to B. micrantha ssp. ctenophylla
from fire and nonnative plants are of a high magnitude and imminent
because they are occurring rangewide, they threaten the continued
existence of the species, and no efforts for their control have been
undertaken. 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 population is
known to exist; 15 other occurrences contain less than 100 individuals.
Eleven occurrences are on conservation lands. 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 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 privately owned
pine rockland habitats in Miami-Dade County and projects to restore
suitable habitat and reintroduce and establish new populations of the
plants in pine rocklands. 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. This species is a
robust, short-rhizomatous perennial found in wet forest, open bogs, and
bog margins on the islands of Maui and Hawaii, Hawaii. Historically
rare, C. expansa was restricted to wet forest and bogs on Maui. Its
historical status is unknown on Hawaii. Currently, this species is
known from 11 populations totaling approximately 230 individuals on
Maui, and was recently discovered in nine populations totaling
approximately 350 individuals on the island of Hawaii. Calamagrostis
expansa is threatened by pigs that degrade and destroy habitat and by
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. Feral pigs have been
fenced out of most of the west Maui populations, 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 and at all of the populations on the island of Hawaii. Therefore,
overall the threats from feral pigs and nonnative plants are of a high
magnitude and imminent for C. expansa, and we retained an LPN of 2 for
this species.
Calamagrostis hillebrandii (Hillebrand's 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 hillebrandii is a slender, short-rhizomatous perennial
found in Metrosideros-Machaerina (ohia-uki) montane wet bog or
Metrosideros-Rhynchospora-Oreobolus (ohia-kuolohia-oreobolus) mixed bog
on Maui, Hawaii. This species is known from two populations of fewer
than 2,000 individuals, restricted to the bogs of west Maui. There is
an unconfirmed report of C. hillebrandii from central Molokai. This
species is currently threatened by pigs that degrade and destroy
habitat and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. A portion
of one population is protected
[[Page 57848]]
by an ungulate exclosure fence while the second population may
indirectly benefit from conservation actions for ungulate control and
control of nonnative plants conducted in a nearby preserve. The threats
are imminent because they are ongoing in one of the two known
populations. The threats are high in magnitude because they result in
direct mortality or significantly negatively affect the reproductive
capacity of this species. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this
species.
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 southern-
most 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 four
individual mountain peaks in the Klamath National Forest and on private
lands. The northern-most 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 southern-most 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, and
competition from exotic plants threaten the continued existence of this
species. These threats are of high magnitude because of their potential
to negatively affect 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. Awikiwiki is a perennial
climber found in open lava fields and lowland dryland forest on Maui
and Lanai, and is possibly on the island of Niihau, Hawaii. This
species is known from five populations totaling a little over 200
individuals. This species 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. An ungulate exclosure fence protects six individuals of C.
pubescens, and weed control is ongoing at this location on Maui. This
species is represented in two 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 significantly affect
the species throughout its range. 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.
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 2005, 2006, and 2007, it
still persists and has increased in some 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, although they too are imminent. 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
protect this potentially large population of plants. 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
[[Page 57849]]
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
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 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. 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. 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 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. Another threat is hydrology
changes. 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 could negatively affect
the pinelands of Long Pine Key. 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, since 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 the extent to which
proposed restoration will negatively affect this subspecies are
unclear. Overall, the threats are nonimminent since fire management at
the largest occurrence is regularly conducted, and sea-level rise and
hurricanes are longer-term threats. Therefore, we assigned a 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 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, results in a moderate magnitude of threat, in part,
because a large part of the range is on conservation lands wherein some
threats can be substantially controlled. The immediacy of hurricane
threats is difficult to categorize. 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. Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina grows up to
30 centimeters in height and 5 to 40 centimeters across. 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
[[Page 57850]]
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 San Fernando Valley spineflower
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 several 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 is a recently identified threat to the species, and
the potential impacts to Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina have not
yet been fully evaluated. 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 evidenced by the destruction of some plants
during installation of an agave farm. Furthermore, cattle grazing on
Newhall Ranch may be a current threat. Cattle grazing may harm
Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina by trampling plants and compacting
soil. Grazing activity could also alter the nutrient content of the
soils 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.
The threats to this plant are high in magnitude since 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, or
erosion. The primary threat from habitat destruction by development is
nonimminent due to the ongoing development of a CCA. We retained a
listing priority number of 6 for Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina due
to a 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 at five islands in the Florida
Keys; two occurrences are within Everglades National Park (ENP). 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. More recently, an estimate of 1,500 plants was given for
areas 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 appeared to have had severe
impacts, at least in the short-term. Occurrences probably declined due
to inundation of its coastal barren and rockland hammock habitats in
the short-term; long-term effects on this species are unknown. 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, especially following
Hurricane Wilma. Thus, these factors constitute a high magnitude of
threat. The threats of small population size, isolation, and uncertain
viability 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 the
population was estimated by Biscayne National Park staff to consist of
at least 600 plants. The cactus does not propagate sexually, and
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), Little Torch Key, and Big
Pine Key (outplanting; lower Keys) populations are clonally derived and
genetically distinct from each other. 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 crown rot
disease. Because of low population numbers, lack of variation between
and within populations, and reproductive problems, the threats are of
high magnitude. 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
[[Page 57851]]
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 Guanica Commonwealth
Forests and Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, the species
is reported as common on Anegada Island.
This species is threatened by maintenance of trails and power line
right-of-ways in the Guanica 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 Guanica Commonwealth Forest where, due to the
difficulty in identifying this species, it may be threatened by
management and maintenance activities; another 32 percent of the
currently known reproductive adults are located on privately owned
property where habitat destruction or modification may affect this
species. Since threats may significantly affect the majority of the
reproducing population, the magnitude of the threats is high. The
population of C. rupicola on Anegada Island is currently in good
condition and the threats this species faces there are ones that will
arise in the future, if conservation measures are not implemented and
long-term impacts are not averted. For these reasons, the threats to
the species as a whole are nonimminent. Therefore we have assigned a
LPN of 5 to this species.
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 petition
12-month 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 petition
12-month 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 petition
12-month 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 petition
12-month finding.
Cyanea tritomantha ([revaps]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. This species is known from 16
populations with a total of approximately 300 to 400 individuals.
Cyanea tritomantha is threatened by 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 that may directly prey upon and defoliate
individuals, and human trampling of individuals 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 other 13 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. They are ongoing and therefore imminent
for more than seventy-five 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) - 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. Haiwale is a shrub found in
lowland to montane wet forest on Maui and Molokai, Hawaii. Historically
rare, C. filipes was found in southeastern Molokai and west Maui.
Currently, this species is known from 10 populations, 3 on Molokai and
7 on west Maui, totaling approximately 2,000 individuals. There is some
question as to the true identity of the Maui populations, which do not
fit the description of the species precisely. If, upon further
taxonomic study, the Maui populations are determined not to be this
species, then it is even rarer, with only the Molokai populations of a
few individuals remaining. Cyrtandra filipes is threatened by pigs,
goats, and deer that degrade and destroy habitat and may prey upon it,
by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it, and potentially by
predation by rats and slugs. Landslides are a likely threat to two
populations. Feral pigs have been fenced out of one population of C.
filipes on Maui, and strategic fencing for axis deer is under
construction on west Maui, but deer are able to jump over most pig
exclusion fences, so they are still considered a threat. Nonnative
plants are being reduced in the population that is fenced but all
populations are potentially threatened by rats and slugs. The threats
from pigs and nonnative plants are of a high magnitude because of their
severity and the fact that they occur in eight of the 10 known
populations. In addition, these threats are imminent because they are
ongoing. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for this species.
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
petition 12-month 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
petition 12-month 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
petition 12-month 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, Florida. It is
also known from small populations in Miami-Dade County. There are a
total of nine extant
[[Page 57852]]
occurrences, most of which are on conservation land.
Existing occurrences are extremely small and may not be viable,
especially those 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; the threat from 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 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, and threats are imminent because of
the limited number of occurrences and the small number of individual
plants at each occurrence. In addition, 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. D. hirstii is a
perennial grass that produces erect leafy flowering stems from May to
October. D. 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 protraction of the species' range.
However, the most immediate and severe of the threats to this species
(i.e., ditching of the Laboundsky 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. Although privately owned pine rocklands and prairies
are at risk to development, the plants on Federal lands are protected
from this threat. However, extant occurrences are in low-lying areas
and will be affected by climate change and rising sea level.
This species is threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to
fire suppression, the difficulty of applying prescribed fire to pine
rocklands, and exotic plants. Since the only remaining populations 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
have been threatened by off-road vehicle use. Another threat is
hydrology changes. 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 because only two occurrences
remain, and various threats exist. Impacts from climate change and sea-
level rise are 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 1300 to 2000 feet
elevation.
Habitat 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. The threats are imminent,
mainly due to the continued decline of the species, most likely from
effects from the on-going drought. Conditions in 2006 to 2008 worsened,
and the drought is prevalent throughout the range of this variety. For
this reason, drought as the main threat is on-going and is a
significant threat to the long-term viability 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
[[Page 57853]]
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. We consider the magnitude of
threats to be moderate rather than high because we believe 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 eight 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
2009, 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 be 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. The Las Vegas buckwheat 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. The Las Vegas buckwheat is very
conspicuous when flowering in late September and early October. It is
restricted to gypsum soil outcroppings in Clark and Lincoln Counties,
Nevada. Only recently has the taxonomy been verified using molecular
genetic analyses.
Loss of habitat from development is a significant threat with over
95 percent of the historical range and potential habitat of the
subspecies lost to development. In 2005, the Las Vegas buckwheat was
known from 9 locations on approximately 1,150 acres. However, since
that time, approximately 290 acres were or soon will be developed, and
the current distribution of the plant occupies about 890 acres. In
addition, off-highway vehicle activity and other public land uses
(casual public use, mining, and illegal dumping) directly and
indirectly threaten over half of the remaining habitat. To date,
regulatory mechanisms to protect the Las Vegas buckwheat are
inadequate. Its designation as a Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
special status species and limited resource and law enforcement
personnel have not provided adequate protection on lands managed by the
BLM. The Las Vegas buckwheat is not protected by the State of Nevada or
any other regulatory mechanisms on other federal lands. Conservation
measures are being developed that could reduce the risks to occupied
habitat, but we believe it would be premature to consider these
measures sufficiently complete as to remove these threats. The
magnitude of threats is high since the more significant threats
(development and surface mining) would result in direct mortality of
the plants in over half of its 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 the Las Vegas buckwheat 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 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, in 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
impacted, and perhaps eliminated by fire control efforts. The primary
threat of surface mining is high in magnitude because it could
extirpate the species in the majority of its range. That threat is
nonimminent because none of the mining claims are active. Because of
the high-magnitude, nonimminent threat to the small, scattered
populations, we assigned a listing priority number of 5 to this
species.
[[Page 57854]]
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. Festuca hawaiiensis is known from four
populations totaling approximately 1,000 individuals in and around the
Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). Historically, this species was also
found on Hualalai and Puu Huluhulu on Hawaii and possibly Ulupalakua on
Maui, 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 areas but the majority
of this population is still affected by threats from fire and will
require long-term monitoring and management. The threats are imminent
because they are not controlled and are ongoing in the remaining,
unfenced populations. Firebreaks have been established at two other
populations but again fire is an imminent threat to the other two
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. 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. Five 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 five years, in the
Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Texas, and in the privately
owned Maderas del Carmen protected natural area in Coahuila. Despite
intensive searches, a population known from Guadalupe Mountains
National Park, Texas has not been found since 1952 and is presumed
extirpated. 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. We have assigned a LPN of 11 to
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. Nanu is a tree found in mesic
to wet forest on the islands of Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii,
Hawaii. Gardenia remyi is known from 20 populations totaling between 77
and 104 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. It 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 signifcantly affect the
entire species resulting in direct mortality or reduced reproductive
capacity. 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 petition
12-month finding.
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
petition 12-month 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 endemic
to Puerto Rico. Currently, G. concolor is known from two populations:
one at Cerro La Santa and 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 four individuals located at Charco Azul.
The species is threatened by habitat disturbance related to the
maintenance of existing telecommunication facilities at Cerro La Santa,
limited distribution (two sites), low population numbers (less then 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 always effectively enforced and
Service personnel have documented some damage to the population located
adjacent to existing communication towers at the forest. Because of
extremely low population numbers and the vulnerability to threats
(maintenance activities and hurricanes), the magnitude of current
threats on the species is high. Overall, threats are nonimminent since
G. concolor is located in the Carite Commonwealth Forest, administered
and managed by the DNER for conservation and recreation, and actions
that may affect such species are generally scrutinized and measures to
minimize or avoid impacts to these species are recommended and
implemented. Therefore, we have assigned a listing priority number of 5
to this species.
Hazardia orcuttii (Orcutt's hazardia) - The following summary is
based on information contained in our files and the petition we
received on March 8,
[[Page 57855]]
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. Hazardia orcuttii also occurs at a
few coastal sites in Mexico, where it has no conservation protections.
The occurrences in Mexico are threatened by coastal development from
Tijuana to Ensenada. There are approximately 668 native adult plants
and 50 seedlings remaining in the U.S., and the population in Mexico is
estimated to be 1300 plants. Because the extant population in the U.S.
is within an area that receives a great deal of public use, trampling,
dumping, and other unintentionally destructive impacts are affecting
these Hazardia orcuttii plants. 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. 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 although trampling
and other recreational impacts are ongoing, 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 so we have 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. Kamapuaa is a scandent shrub
found in mixed shrubland to wet lowland forest on Oahu and Kauai,
Hawaii. This species is known from 12 populations totaling 1,000 to
1,400 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. This species is represented in ex situ
collections; 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) - See above in
``Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided
in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Hibiscus dasycalyx (Neches River rose-mallow) - The following
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 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. A Candidate Conservation Agreement was developed for this site,
but smaller plant numbers have been seen in recent years, 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 and will be reassessed in the near future. 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 1000 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 prevented further assessment
of these rose-mallow sites.
The threats to the species continue to be of a high magnitude
because they can severely affect the survival and reproductive capacity
of the species. Overall the threats are nonimminent since they are not
currently affecting or likely to affect the majority of the populations
of this species in the immediate future. Thus, we have retained an LPN
of 5 for the Neches River rose-mallow.
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. 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 4.8 million
individuals at 14 known sites. The Nevada sites support nearly 98
percent of the total number of individuals (4.7 million) on about 30
acres (12 hectares) of occupied habitat. The California sites are
larger in area, totaling about 156 acres (63 hectares), but support
fewer individuals (approximately 115,000).
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
[[Page 57856]]
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 committed to develop a conservation strategy and monitoring
program to protect this species on National Forest lands where most
population 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 Webber ivesia are nonimminent and retained an LPN of 5 for
this species.
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. Ohe is an erect
herb found in wet to mesic Metrosideros polymorpha-Acacia koa (ohia-
koa) forest on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii,
Hawaii. Ohe is known from 38 widely scattered populations totaling
approximately 180 individuals throughout its range. Plants are
typically found as only one or two individuals, with miles between
populations. This subspecies is threatened by destruction or
modification of habitat due to 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 a few populations that are fenced. However, these threats are not
controlled and are ongoing in the many 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 mortaility or adversely affect the reproductive
capacity of the majority of populations of this species. 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
petition 12-month 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,
Alabama, 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. 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 1000 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. An introduced
population in Nacogdoches County numbered about 1000 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) - See
above in ``Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was
provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
Linum arenicola (Sand 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. Sand flax is found in pine
rockland and marl prairie habitats which require
[[Page 57857]]
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 are extirpated or destroyed.
Only small and isolated occurrences remain in low-lying areas in a
restricted range of southern Florida and the Florida Keys.
Habitat loss and degradation due to development is a major threat;
most of the remaining occurrences are on private land or non-
conservation public land. However, much of the pine rockland on Big
Pine Key, the location of the largest occurrence, is protected from
development. Climatic changes and sea-level rise are long-term threats
that are expected to affect the species and ultimately reduce the
extent of available habitat. Nearly all remaining populations are
threatened by fire suppression, difficulty in applying prescribed fire,
road maintenance activities, exotic species, or illegal dumping.
However, some efforts are underway to use prescribed fire to control
exotics on conservation lands where this species occurs. Sand flax is
vulnerable to natural disturbances, such as hurricanes, tropical
storms, and storm surges. Hurricane Wilma inundated most of its 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. Due to the small and
fragmented nature of the current population, stochastic events,
disease, or genetic bottlenecks may strongly affect this species.
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. Overall, the magnitude of threats is high;
most threats are ongoing and thus are imminent. Therefore, we assigned
an LPN of 2 to this species.
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 9 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 9 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. The species 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 petition 12-month 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 petition
12-month 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 petition
12-month 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 cloud swept ridges and lowland
mesic and wet forest on Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii. This species is
currently known from 11 populations totaling approximately 58
individuals on Kauai and from 8 populations totaling between 73 and 83
individuals in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu. Myrsine fosbergii is
threatened by feral pigs and goats that degrade and destroy habitat and
may prey upon the plant, and 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
petition 12-month finding.
Narthecium americanum (Bog asphodel) - 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. Bog asphodel is a
perennial herb that is found in savannah 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, but it is now
only found within the Pine Barrens region of New Jersey.
As an obligate wetland species, N. americanum is threatened by loss
of habitat due to filling or draining of wetlands, changes in
hydrology, and indirect impacts from development in adjacent uplands.
The Pine Barrens savannahs 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. Within its
savannah habitats, bog asphodel appears limited to a relatively narrow
range of hydrologic and topographic conditions that make this species
particularly sensitive to hydrologic changes, such as those resulting
from filling or draining of wetlands, flooding as a result of reservoir
construction, water extractions or diversions, and conversion of
natural wetlands to commercial cranberry bogs.
[[Page 57858]]
Most bog asphodel occurs in New Jersey's regulated Pinelands Area, in
which development of wetlands or uplands is prohibited unless designed
to avoid irreversible adverse impacts upon the survival of any local
populations of federally or State-listed plant or animal species.
However, exemptions are granted for cranberry production and other
agricultural uses, and illegal wetland filling has occurred. Outside
the Pinelands Area, wetlands and wetland buffers are State-regulated,
but many activities in uplands are not. Cumulative effects of upland
development impact wetlands through sedimentation, non-point source
pollution, changes in pH, and lowered water tables.
Of the known extant populations of bog asphodel, at least 55 occur
on State-owned lands, 4 occur on federally owned lands, and at least 13
occur on private lands. Bog asphodel occurrences on public lands
receive the highest levels of protection, but lack of enforcement
regarding off-road vehicles is a problem on both public and private
lands. Over-collection, as well as trampling, erosion, and siltation
caused by recreational activities, may also affect some populations.
Natural threats to bog asphodel at some sites include beaver-induced
flooding, succession of savannahs to Atlantic white cedar swamps, and
suppression of natural wildfires. The threats are moderate in magnitude
since many occurrences receive some level of protection from some
threats. The threats are imminent because conversion to cranberry bogs,
natural succession, wildfire suppression, recreational impacts, and
erosion are all ongoing. Overall, based on these imminent, moderate
threats, we retain a listing priority number of 8 for this species.
Nothocestrum latifolium ([revaps]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. Aiea is a small
tree found in dry to mesic forest and diverse mesic forests on Kauai,
Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, Hawaii. Nothocestrum latifolium is
known from 20 steadily declining populations totaling fewer than 1,100
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 some 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. 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. Holei is a tree found often
on lava and in dry to mesic forest on the islands of Hawaii and Maui,
Hawaii. This species is currently known from 11 populations totaling
fewer than 130 individuals. Ochrosia haleakalae is threatened by fire;
feral pigs, goats, and cattle that degrade and destroy habitat and may
directly prey upon it; and 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, and
adversely affects the survival and reproductive capacity of the
majority of the species. 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. The Fickeisen plains cactus 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 since 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 debilis (Parachute beardtongue) - 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.
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. The White River
beardtongue 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 can expose 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. The threats are of high magnitude because they
involve habitat destruction that
[[Page 57859]]
could adversely affect the majority of the occurrences of this plant
variety. The threats are nonimmient because threats associated with oil
and gas and oil shale development will probably not be increasing
substantially within the near future. Oil shale development remains
uncertain within the species' habitat, and is not expected to be a
significant factor in the near term. Therefore, based on current
information, we retained an LPN of 6.
Peperomia subpetiolata ([revaps]Ala [revaps]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 petition 12-month finding.
Phacelia submutica (DeBeque phacelia) - 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.
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 petition 12-month 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 10 locations totaling fewer than 270
wild and outplanted individuals on State, private, and Federal lands.
Phyllostegia floribunda is threatened by feral pigs that degrade and
destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that compete for light and
nutrients. The National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the
State have outplanted more than 170 individuals at Olaa Forest Reserve,
Kona Hema, and Waiakea Forest Reserve (more than 50, 20 individuals,
and 100 individuals, respectively). Fences protect approximately five
populations on private, State, and National Park lands. Nonnative
plants have been reduced in these fenced areas. However, no
conservation efforts have been implemented for the unfenced
populations. This species is represented in ex situ collections.
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) -
See above in ``Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above
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 (Correll) Leur (White fringeless orchid) -
See above in ``Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new
information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004.
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 petition 12-month 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 petition 12-month 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 two
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. 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
petition 12-month 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 as
well as the 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 and a volunteer
site steward during the 6-month period of peak visitor use. In
California, public land management actions include prohibiting
livestock salting in the vicinity of springs, a proposed long-term
monitoring plot, limitations on camping near springs, withdrawal from
salable mineral leasing, and recommendations to withdrawal the land
from mineral entry. 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.
[[Page 57860]]
Until a monitoring program is in place that allows us to assess the
long-term trend of the species, we have assigned a 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
Molokai and Maui, Hawaii. This variety is known from five populations
totaling approximately 10,000 to 20,000 individuals (depending upon
rainfall) in the Moomomi area on the island of Molokai, and from two
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 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 by an ex situ collection. The ongoing threats from axis
deer, cattle, nonnative plants, collection, and off-road vehicles are
of a high magnitude because no control measures have been undertaken
for the Maui population and the threats result in direct mortality or
significantly reduce reproductive capacity for the majority of the
populations. 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 petition 12-month 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
petition 12-month 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 and Acacia koa with scree
substrate (loose stones or rocky debris on a slope) on Maui and the
island of Hawaii, Hawaii. Populations formerly within Haleakala
National Park have been extirpated. This species is currently known
from fewer than 15 individuals in four populations: three wild
populations occur on Hawaii totaling 11 individuals, and a Maui
population (Kukui planeze) which was not relocated on a survey
conducted in 2006. In addition, one wild population at Waikamoi (on
Maui) was last observed in 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 13 locations
totaling fewer than 170 individuals. Ranunculus mauiensis is threatened
by feral pigs, goats, mule deer and 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 the Maui populations of R. mauiensis, and nonnative
plants have been reduced in the fenced areas. One individual occurs in
the Kamakou Preserve on Molokai, managed by The Nature Conservancy.
However, ongoing conservation efforts benefit only the Maui and Molokai
individuals, and absent conservation efforts for the Kauai individuals,
the threats continue to be of a high magnitude on Kauai. Therefore,
since half of the individuals are found on Kauai, threats to the
species overall are also of a high magnitude because these threats
significantly reduce the reproductive capacity and thus, the survival
of this species. In addition, the threats are 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. 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 ft (1,898 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. 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. Lake levels are expected to continue
to drop in 2009.
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
[[Page 57861]]
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 have maintained 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 Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii. Currently, this species is known from six
populations totaling between 29 and 71 individuals on Maui, from four
populations totaling 25 individuals on Molokai, and from one 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 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 three 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 mortaility and reduced reproductive capacity for the majority of the
populations. 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 petition 12-month 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 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 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 the 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. Given the high magnitude and nonimminent
threats to the small, scattered populations of this plant species, we
assigned an LPN of 5 to Red Mountain stonecrop.
Sicyos macrophyllus ([revaps]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 on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is
known from 11 populations totaling fewer than 50 individuals in the
Kohala and Mauna Kea areas and in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Puna
area) on the island of 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
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 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. 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 in Molokai (approximately
300 plants), the island of Hawaii (5 plants), and the northwestern
Hawaiian Islands (NWHI): The current populations in the NWHI are found
on: Midway (approximately 260 plants), Laysan (approximately 490
plants), Pearl and Hermes (unknown number of individuals), 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 northwestern Hawaiian Islands this
species is threatened by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace
it, and by predation by a nonnative grasshopper. 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 northwestern Hawaiian Islands. These threats are of moderate
magnitude because of the relatively large number of
[[Page 57862]]
plants, and 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.
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 on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. Stenogyne
cranwelliae is known from 11 populations totaling fewer than 100
individuals. This species is threatened by feral pigs that degrade and
destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that compete for light and
nutrients. In addition, this species is potentially threatened by 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 the
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 May 11, 2004. Georgia aster
currently occurs in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and
South Carolina. The species is presumed extant in three counties in
Alabama, ten counties in Georgia, nine counties in North Carolina, and
eleven counties in South Carolina. The species appears to have been
eliminated from Florida.
Georgia aster is a relict species of post oak savannah/prairie
communities that existed in the southeast prior to widespread fire
suppression and extirpation of large native grazing animals. 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 threatened by one or more of the following factors:
woody succession due to fire suppression, development, highway
expansion/improvement, and herbicide application. The threats described
above are currently occurring and are therefore, imminent. These
threats are expected to operate throughout the range of the species;
however data on the frequency, timing, and consequences of these
threats are lacking. Based upon data on other rare plant species, some
of which are federally listed, occurring in similar habitats and
possessing similar life histories, we do not currently expect that
these threats are likely to be irreversible (e.g., to result in the
extirpation of populations) in the near future. Therefore, the
magnitude of threats is moderate to low. Thus we assigned an LPN of 8
to 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 petition
12-month 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
streambanks on 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 five populations totaling 316
individuals. This species is threatened by feral pigs that degrade and
destroy habitat and may eat this plant, nonnative plants that compete
for light and nutrients, and stream diversion. 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 petition 12-month 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 four populations are known, totaling 19 to 29
individuals on Hawaii and Maui. Huperzia stemmermanniae is threatened
by feral pigs, goats, cattle, and deer that degrade and destroy
habitat, and by nonnative plants that compete for light, space, and
nutrients. It is also threatened by randomly occurring natural events
due to its small population size. One individual at Waikamoi Preserve
may benefit from fencing for deer and pigs. This species is represented
in ex situ collections. The threats from pigs, goats, cattle, 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. 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.
Palapalai is a terrestrial fern found in mesic to wet forests. It is
currently found on the islands of Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu, from at least
10 populations totaling at least 46 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
nonnative plants that compete for light and nutrients. Pigs have been
fenced out of 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, Hawaii, and Oahu. 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
[[Page 57863]]
capacity. We therefore retained an LPN of 3 for M. strigosa var.
mauiensis.
Petitions To Reclassify Species Already Listed
We previously made warranted-but-precluded findings on six
petitions seeking to reclassify threatened species to endangered
status. The taxa involved are three populations of the grizzly bear
(Ursus arctos horribilis), 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 indentified above (see ``Petition Findings for
Candidate Species''). For the spikedace, loach minnow, and Sclerocactus
brevispinus, our updated assessments are provided below. We find that
reclassification to endangered status for the spikedace, loach minnow,
and Sclerocactus brevispinus is 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,
spikedace, loach minnow, and Sclerocactus brevispinus are currently
listed as threatened, and therefore already receive certain protections
under the Act. The Service 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 33892-33894,
July 24, 1991; 63 FR 30453-30454, June 4, 1998), the Cabinet-Yaak (58
FR 8250-8251, February 12, 1993; 64 FR 26725-26733, May 17, 1999), and
the Selkirk Ecosystems (64 FR 26725-26733, May 17, 1999). However, none
of these findings included a formal analysis under our 1996 Policy
Regarding the Recognition of Distinct Vertebrate Population Segments
(DPS) under the Endangered Species Act (61 FR 4722-4725, February 7,
1996). Under this policy a formal analysis of discreteness and
significance is necessary to determine if the petitioned entity is a
``listable entity'' and, therefore, if the petitioned action remains
warranted-but-precluded. While our 1999 revised 12-month finding
included a preliminary DPS analysis, it appears to have incorrectly
analyzed significance to the listed entity (i.e., grizzly bears in the
lower 48 States) instead of significance to the taxon (Ursus arctos
horribilis) as required by our DPS policy (64 FR 26725-26733, May 17,
1999; 61 FR 4722-4725, February 7, 1996; National Association of Home
Builders v. Norton, 340 F. 3d 835, 852 (9th Cir. 2003)). Additionally,
emerging biological information now suggests increasing levels of
connectivity among some of these populations casting doubt on their
discreteness.
Also relevant is the March 16, 2007, Department of the Interior
Office of the Solicitor memorandum (available at: http://www.doi.gov/
solicitor/M37013.pdf) regarding the meaning of ``significant portion of
[a species] range.'' This memorandum states that ``whenever the
Secretary concludes because of the statutory five-factor analysis that
a species is `in danger of extinction throughout... a significant
portion of its range,' it is to be listed and the protections of the
ESA applied to the species in that portion of its range.'' The
memorandum goes on to say ``the Secretary has broad discretion in
defining what portion of a range is `significant.' '' To date, the
Service has not determined whether the North Cascade, the Cabinet-Yaak,
or the Selkirk Ecosystems constitute a significant portion of the
grizzly bear's range.
On April 18, 2007, the Service initiated a 5-year review to
evaluate the current status of grizzly bears in the lower 48 States
outside of the Greater Yellowstone Area (72 FR 19549-19551). This
status review will fully evaluate the status of each population and
determine if any of the populations warrant endangered status. We
expect this 5-year review to be completed in late 2009.
Spikedace (Meda fulgida) (Region 2) (see 59 FR 35303, July 11,
1994, and the species assessment form (see ADDRESSES) for additional
information on why reclassification to endangered is warranted-but-
precluded) - The spikedace, a small fish species in a monotypic genus,
is found in moderate-to-large perennial waters, where it inhabits
shallow shear zones, sheet flow, and eddies with sand, gravel, and
rubble substrates, and moderate-to-swift currents and swift pools over
sand or gravel substrates. This species is now common only in Aravaipa
Creek and portions of the upper Gila River in New Mexico. Smaller, less
stable populations occur in some areas of the upper Gila, and possibly
the Verde River. Spikedace have been translocated into Hot Springs and
Redfield Canyon (San Pedro River tributaries), Fossil Creek (Verde
River tributary), Bonita Creek (Gila River tributary), and the San
Francisco River (in New Mexico). Should these populations become self-
sustaining, they will ultimately contribute to species recovery.
The threats to this species are primarily from nonnative aquatic
species and water withdrawals, including groundwater pumping. Other
threats include improper livestock grazing, road construction, and
recreation. Spikedace occur in only 5 to 10 percent of their historical
range, and threats occur over the majority of their range, to varying
degrees. Threats are exacerbated by ongoing drought. In addition,
different threats can interact with each other to further cause
decline. For example, drought and water withdrawals may decrease the
amount of habitat available to all species within a given stream,
forcing natives and nonnatives into closer proximity to one another.
Effects from nonnative species introductions are permanent, unless
streams are actively renovated and/or barriers installed to preclude
further recolonization by nonnatives. Grazing pressures have eased as
Federal agencies remove cattle from streams directly, but upland
conditions continue
[[Page 57864]]
to affect watersheds in general. Groundwater withdrawals or exchanges
that affect streamflow are not reversible. For these reasons, the
magnitude of the threat to this species is high. In addition, most of
the threats to this species are already ongoing, in particular grazing,
water withdrawals, nonnative stocking programs, recreational use, and
drought. Because threats have gone on for many years in the past, are
associated with irreversible commitments (i.e., water exchanges), or
are not easily reversed (i.e., nonnative stocking and impacts from
grazing), the threats to the species are imminent. Therefore, we
assigned this species an LPN of 1 for uplisting to endangered.
Loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis) (Region 2) (see 59 FR 35303, July
11, 1994, and the species assessment form (see ADDRESSES) for
additional information on why reclassification to endangered is
warranted-but-precluded) - This small fish, the only species within the
genus, is found in small-to-large perennial streams and uses shallow,
turbulent riffles with primarily cobble substrate and swift currents.
This species is now common only in Aravaipa Creek and the Blue River in
Arizona, and in limited portions of the San Francisco, upper Gila, and
Tularosa rivers in New Mexico. Smaller, less stable populations occur
in some areas of the upper Gila, such as the Middle Fork and in small
areas of several tributary streams to Aravaipa Creek and the Blue and
Tularosa rivers, such as Pace, Frieborn, and Negrito creeks. Small
populations are also present in Eagle Creek and the Black River. Loach
minnow have been translocated into Hot Springs and Redfield Canyon (San
Pedro River tributaries), Fossil Creek (Verde River tributary), and
Bonita Creek (Gila River tributary). Should these populations become
self-sustaining, they will ultimately contribute to species' recovery.
The threats to this species are primarily from nonnative aquatic
species and water withdrawals, including groundwater pumping. Other
threats include improper livestock grazing, road construction, and
recreation. Loach minnow occur in only 10 to 15 percent of their
historical range, and threats occur over the majority of their range,
to varying degrees. Threats are exacerbated by ongoing drought. In
addition, different threats can interact with each other to further
cause decline. For example, drought and water withdrawals may decrease
the amount of habitat available to all species within a given stream,
bringing natives and nonnatives into closer contact. Effects from
nonnative species introductions are permanent, unless streams are
actively renovated and/or barriers installed to preclude further
recolonization by nonnatives. Grazing pressures have eased as Federal
agencies remove cattle from streams directly, but upland conditions
continue to affect watersheds in general. Groundwater withdrawals or
exchanges that affect streamflow are not reversible. For these reasons,
the magnitude of the threats to this species is high. In addition, most
of the threats to this species are already ongoing, in particular
grazing, water withdrawals, nonnative stocking programs, recreational
use, and drought. Because threats have gone on for many years in the
past, are associated with irreversible commitments (i.e., water
exchanges), or are not easily reversed (i.e., nonnative stocking and
impacts from grazing), the threats to this species are imminent.
Therefore, we assigned this species an LPN of 1 for uplisting to
endangered.
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 bad-lands 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 is
collected as a specimen plant for horticultural use. Recreational off-
road vehicle use and livestock trampling are additional threats. The
species is currently federally listed as threatened by its previous
inclusion within the species Sclerocactus glaucus. The ongoing 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. Thus, we assigned this
species an LPN of 2 for uplisting to endangered.
Current Notice of Review
We gather data on plants and animals native to the U.S. 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
[[Page 57865]]
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
December 10, 2008) that are no longer proposed species or candidates
for listing. Since December 10, 2008, we listed one species and removed
four species from candidate status for the reasons indicated by the
codes. 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 ``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
N.E. 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
[[Page 57866]]
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 29, 2009
Christine E. Eustis
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 U.S.A. (FL)
bonneted
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Emballonura Emballonuridae Bat, Pacific U.S.A. (GU, CNMI)
semicaudata sheath-tailed
rotensis (Mariana Islands
subspecies).......
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Emballonura Emballonuridae Bat, Pacific U.S.A. (AS), Fiji,
semicaudata sheath-tailed Independent
semicaudata (American Samoa Samoa, Tonga,
DPS) Vanuatu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R5 Sylvilagus Leporidae Cottontail, New U.S.A. (CT, MA,
transitionalis England ME, NH, NY, RI,
VT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 6 R8 Martes pennanti Mustelidae Fisher (west coast U.S.A. (CA, CT,
DPS) IA, 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,
luteus meadow jumping NM)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA)
couchi Shelton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA)
douglasii Brush 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, U.S.A. (WA)
tacomensis Tacoma
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA)
tumuli Tenino
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA)
yelmensis Yelm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57867]]
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* 3 R8 Spermophilus Sciuridae Squirrel, Palm U.S.A. (CA)
tereticaudus Springs (=
chlorus Coachella Valley)
round-tailed
ground
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R1 Spermophilus Sciuridae Squirrel, Southern U.S.A. (ID)
brunneus Idaho ground
endemicus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R1 Spermophilus Sciuridae Squirrel, U.S.A. (WA, OR)
washingtoni Washington ground
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIRDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Loxops Fringillidae Akekee U.S.A. (HI)
caeruleirostris (honeycreeper)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Oreomystis bairdi Fringillidae Akikiki (Kauai U.S.A. (HI)
creeper)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Porzana tabuensis Rallidae Crake, spotless U.S.A. (AS),
(American Samoa Australia, Fiji,
DPS) Independent
Samoa, Marquesas,
Philippines,
Society Islands,
Tonga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R8 Coccyzus Cuculidae Cuckoo, yellow- U.S.A. (Lower 48
americanus billed (Western States), Canada,
U.S. DPS) Mexico, Central
and South America
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R1 Gallicolumba Columbidae Ground-dove, U.S.A. (AS),
stairi friendly Independent Samoa
(American Samoa
DPS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Eremophila Alaudidae Horned lark, U.S.A. (OR, WA),
alpestris streaked Canada (BC)
strigata
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R5 Calidris canutus Scolopacidae Knot, red U.S.A. (Atlantic
rufa coast), Canada,
South America
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R7 Gavia adamsii Gaviidae Loon, yellow- U.S.A. (AK),
billed Canada, Norway,
Russia, coastal
waters of
southern Pacific
and North Sea
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R7 Brachyramphus Alcidae Murrelet, U.S.A. (AK),
brevirostris Kittlitz's Russia.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R8 Synthliboramphus Alcidae Murrelet, Xantus's U.S.A. (CA),
hypoleucus Mexico
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Tympanuchus Phasianidae Prairie-chicken, U.S.A. (CO, KA,
pallidicinctus lesser NM, OK, TX)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57868]]
C* 6 R1 Centrocercus Phasianidae Sage-grouse, U.S.A. (AZ, CA,
urophasianus greater CO, ID, MT, ND,
(Columbia Basin NE, NV, OR, SD,
DPS). UT, WA, WY),
Canada (AB, BC,
SK)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Oceanodroma castro Hydrobatidae Storm-petrel, band- U.S.A. (HI),
rumped (Hawaii Atlantic Ocean,
DPS) Ecuador
(Galapagos
Islands), Japan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R4 Dendroica angelae Emberizidae Warbler, elfin- U.S.A. (PR)
woods
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPTILES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R2 Thamnophis eques Colubridae Gartersnake, U.S.A. (AZ, NM,
megalops northern Mexican NV), Mexico
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Sceloporus Iguanidae Lizard, sand dune U.S.A. (TX, NM)
arenicolus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R3 Sistrurus Viperidae Massasauga U.S.A. (IA, IL,
catenatus (=rattlesnake), IN, MI, MO, MN,
catenatus eastern NY, OH, PA, WI),
Canada
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R4 Pituophis Colubridae Snake, black pine U.S.A. (AL, LA,
melanoleucus MS)
lodingi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Pituophis ruthveni Colubridae Snake, Louisiana U.S.A. (LA, TX)
pine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R2 Kinosternon Kinosternidae Turtle, Sonoyta U.S.A. (AZ),
sonoriense mud Mexico
longifemorale
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMPHIBIANS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R8 Rana luteiventris Ranidae Frog, Columbia U.S.A. (AK, ID,
spotted (Great MT, NV, OR, UT,
Basin DPS) WA, WY), Canada
(BC)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R8 Rana muscosa Ranidae Frog, mountain U.S.A (CA, NV)
yellow-legged
(Sierra Nevada
DPS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Rana pretiosa Ranidae Frog, Oregon U.S.A. (CA, OR,
spotted WA), Canada (BC)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R8 Rana onca Ranidae Frog, relict U.S.A. (AZ, NV,
leopard UT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R3 Cryptobranchus Crytobranchidae Hellbender, Ozark U.S.A. (AR, MO)
alleganiensis
bishopi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Eurycea Plethodontidae Salamander, Austin U.S.A. (TX)
waterlooensis blind
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R2 Eurycea naufragia Plethodontidae Salamander, U.S.A. (TX)
Georgetown
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R2 Eurycea tonkawae Plethodontidae Salamander, U.S.A. (TX)
Jollyville
Plateau...........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Eurycea Plethodontidae Salamander, Salado U.S.A. (TX)
chisholmensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R8 Bufo canorus Bufonidae Toad, Yosemite U.S.A. (CA)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57869]]
C 3 R2 Hyla wrightorum Hylidae Treefrog, Arizona U.S.A. (AZ),
(Huachuca/Canelo Mexico (Sonora)
DPS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R4 Necturus Proteidae Waterdog, black U.S.A. (AL)
alabamensis warrior (=Sipsey
Fork)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FISHES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R2 Gila nigra Cyprinidae Chub, headwater U.S.A. (AZ, NM)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R2 Gila robusta Cyprinidae Chub, roundtail U.S.A. (AZ, CO,
(Lower Colorado NM, UT, WY)
River Basin DPS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 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)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Etheostoma susanae Percidae Darter, Cumberland U.S.A. (KY, TN)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 2 R5 Crystallaria Percidae Darter, diamond U.S.A. (KY, OH,
cincotta TN, WV)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R4 Percina aurora Percidae Darter, Pearl U.S.A. (LA, MS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Etheostoma Percidae Darter, rush U.S.A. (AL)
phytophilum
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Etheostoma moorei Percidae Darter, U.S.A (AR)
yellowcheek
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Noturus crypticus Ictaluridae Madtom, chucky U.S.A. (TN)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R4 Moxostoma sp. Catostomidae Redhorse, U.S.A. (GA, NC,
sicklefin TN)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R3 Cottus sp. Cottidae Sculpin, grotto U.S.A. (MO)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R2 Notropis Cyprinidae Shiner, sharpnose U.S.A. (TX)
oxyrhynchus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R2 Notropis buccula Cyprinidae Shiner, smalleye U.S.A. (TX)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R2 Catostomus Catostomidae Sucker, Zuni U.S.A. (AZ, NM)
discobolus bluehead
yarrowi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSAT N/A R1 Salvelinus malma Salmonidae Trout, Dolly U.S.A. (AK, WA),
Varden Canada, East Asia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R2 Oncorhynchus Salmonidae Trout, Rio Grande U.S.A. (CO, NM)
clarki virginalis cutthroat.........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLAMS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R4 Villosa Unionidae Bean, Choctaw U.S.A. (AL, FL)
choctawensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 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, U.S.A. (AL, KY,
subtentum fluted TN, VA)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57870]]
C 2 R4 Ptychobranchus Unionidae Kidneyshell, U.S.A. (AL, FL)
jonesi southern
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Lampsilis Unionidae Mucket, Neosho U.S.A. (AR, KS,
rafinesqueana MO, OK)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 2 R3 Plethobasus Unionidae Mussel, sheepnose U.S.A. (AL, IA,
cyphyus IL, IN, KY, MN,
MO, MS, OH, PA,
TN, VA, WI, WV)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Margaritifera Margaritiferidae Pearlshell, U.S.A. (AL)
marrianae Alabama
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Lexingtonia Unionidae Pearlymussel, U.S.A. (AL, KY,
dolabelloides slabside TN, VA)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R4 Pleurobema Unionidae Pigtoe, fuzzy U.S.A. (AL, FL)
strodeanum
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R4 Pleurobema Unionidae Pigtoe, Georgia U.S.A. (AL, GA,
hanleyianum TN)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Unionidae Rabbitsfoot U.S.A. (AL, AR,
cylindrica GA, IN, IL, KS,
cylindrica KY, LA, MS, MO,
OK, OH, PA, TN,
WV)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R4 Hamiota Unionidae Sandshell, U.S.A. (AL, FL)
(=Lampsilis) southern
australis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 4 R3 Cumberlandia Margaritiferidae Spectaclecase U.S.A. (AL, AR,
monodonta IA, IN, IL, KS,
KY, MO, MN, NE,
OH, TN, VA, WI,
WV)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Elliptio spinosa Unionidae Spinymussel, U.S.A. (GA)
Altamaha
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNAILS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R4 Pleurocera Pleuroceridae Hornsnail, rough U.S.A. (AL)
foremani
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 8 R4 Elimia melanoides Pleuroceridae Mudalia, black U.S.A. (AL)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R4 Leptoxis foremani Pleuroceridae Rocksnail, U.S.A. (GA, AL)
(= downei) Interrupted (=
Georgia)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 U.S.A. (GU, MP)
tree
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Achatinellidae Snail, Lanai tree U.S.A. (HI)
variabilis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Partula langfordi Partulidae Snail, Langford's U.S.A. (MP)
tree
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Cochliopa texana Hydrobiidae Snail, Phantom U.S.A. (TX)
cave
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57871]]
C* 2 R1 Newcombia cumingi Achatinellidae Snail, Newcomb's U.S.A. (Hl)
tree
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Eua zebrina Partulidae Snail, Tutuila U.S.A. (AS)
tree
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, U.S.A. (NM)
chupaderae Chupadera
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R8 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, U.S.A. (NV)
notidicola elongate mud
meadows
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R2 Pyrgulopsis gilae Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Gila U.S.A. (NM)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Tryonia Hydrobiidae Springsnail, U.S.A. (TX)
circumstriata Gonzales
(=stocktonensis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R2 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, U.S.A. (AZ),
thompsoni Huachuca Mexico
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R2 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, New U.S.A. (NM)
thermalis Mexico
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Page U.S.A. (AZ)
morrisoni
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Tryonia cheatumi Hydrobiidae Springsnail U.S.A. (TX)
(=Tryonia),
Phantom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, San U.S.A. (AZ),
bernardina Bernardino Mexico (Sonora)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Three U.S.A. (AZ)
trivialis Forks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSECTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R1 Nysius wekiuicola Lygaeidae Bug, Wekiu U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 3 R4 Strymon acis Lycaenidae Butterfly, U.S.A. (FL)
bartrami Bartram's
hairstreak
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 3 R4 Anaea troglodyta Nymphalidae Butterfly, Florida U.S.A. (FL)
floridalis leafwing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Hypolimnas Nymphalidae Butterfly, Mariana U.S.A. (GU, MP)
octucula eight-spot
mariannensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Vagrans egistina Nymphalidae Butterfly, Mariana U.S.A. (GU, MP)
wandering.........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R4 Cyclargus thomasi Lycaenidae Butterfly, Miami U.S.A. (FL),
bethunebakeri blue Bahamas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Glyphopsyche Limnephilidae Caddisfly, U.S.A. (TN)
sequatchie Sequatchie
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Baker U.S.A. (TN)
insularis Station (=
insular)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, U.S.A. (KY)
caecus Clifton
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 11 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, U.S.A. (TN)
colemanensis Coleman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, U.S.A. (TN)
fowlerae Fowler's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, U.S.A. (KY)
frigidus icebox
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, U.S.A. (TN)
tiresias Indian Grave
Point (=
Soothsayer)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, U.S.A. (TN)
inquisitor........ inquirer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57872]]
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, Canada (BC)
Taylor's (=
Whulge).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae Damselfly, U.S.A. (HI)
nigrohamatum blackline
nigrolineatum Hawaiian
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae Damselfly, crimson U.S.A. (HI)
leptodemas Hawaiian
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae Damselfly, flying U.S.A. (HI)
nesiotes earwig Hawaiian
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae Damselfly, oceanic U.S.A. (HI)
oceanicum Hawaiian
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae Damselfly, U.S.A. (HI)
xanthomelas orangeblack
Hawaiian
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae Damselfly, Pacific U.S.A. (HI)
pacificum Hawaiian..........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R8 Dinacoma caseyi Scarabidae June beetle, U.S.A. (CA)
Casey's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R8 Ambrysus funebris Naucoridae Naucorid bug U.S.A. (CA)
(=Furnace Creek),
Nevares Spring
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Drosophila attigua Drosophilidae fly, Hawaiian U.S.A. (HI)
picture-wing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Drosophila Drosophilidae fly, Hawaiian U.S.A. (HI)
digressa Picture-wing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R2 Heterelmis Elmidae Riffle beetle, U.S.A. (AZ)
stephani 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 Cicindelidae Tiger beetle, U.S.A. (UT)
albissima Coral Pink Sand
Dunes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Cicindela Cicindelidae Tiger beetle, U.S.A. (FL)
highlandensis highlands
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARACHNIDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Cicurina wartoni Dictynidae Meshweaver, U.S.A. (TX)
Warton's cave
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUSTACEANS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 2 R2 Gammarus Gammaridae Amphipod, U.S.A. (TX)
hyalleloides diminutive
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R1 Metabetaeus lohena Alpheidae Shrimp, anchialine U.S.A. (HI)
pool
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R1 Palaemonella Palaemonidae Shrimp, anchialine U.S.A. (HI)
burnsi pool
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R1 Procaris hawaiana Procarididae Shrimp, anchialine U.S.A. (HI)
pool
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57873]]
C* 4 R1 Vetericaris Procaridae Shrimp, anchialine U.S.A. (HI)
chaceorum pool
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLOWERING PLANTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R8 Abronia alpina Nyctaginaceae Sand-verbena, U.S.A. (CA)
Ramshaw Meadows
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Asteraceae Wormwood, northern U.S.A. (OR, WA)
campestris var.
wormskioldii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Astelia waialealae Liliaceae Pa[revaps]iniu U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R1 Astragalus Fabaceae Milkvetch, Goose U.S.A. (ID, NV,
anserinus Creek UT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R6 Astragalus Fabaceae Milkvetch, U.S.A. (CO)
tortipes Sleeping Ute
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Bidens amplectens Asteraceae Ko[revaps]oko[reva U.S.A. (HI)
ps]olau
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Bidens Asteraceae Ko[revaps]oko[reva U.S.A. (HI)
campylotheca ps]olau
pentamera
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Bidens Asteraceae Ko[revaps]oko[reva U.S.A. (HI)
campylotheca ps]olau
waihoiensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R1 Bidens conjuncta Asteraceae Ko[revaps]oko[reva U.S.A. (HI)
ps]olau
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Bidens micrantha Asteraceae Ko[revaps]oko[reva U.S.A. (HI)
ctenophylla ps]olau
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R4 Brickellia mosieri Asteraceae Brickell-bush, U.S.A. (FL)
Florida
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Calamagrostis Poaceae Reedgrass, Maui U.S.A. (HI)
expansa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Canavalia Fabaceae [revaps]Awikiwiki U.S.A. (HI)
napaliensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Canavalia Fabaceae [revaps]Awikiwiki U.S.A. (HI)
pubescens
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R1 Castilleja Scrophulariaceae Paintbrush, U.S.A. (ID)
christii Christ's
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R4 Chamaecrista Fabaceae Pea, Big Pine U.S.A. (FL)
lineata var. partridge
keyensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 12 R4 Chamaesyce Euphorbiaceae Sandmat, pineland U.S.A. (FL)
deltoidea
pinetorum
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R4 Chamaesyce Euphorbiaceae Spurge, wedge U.S.A. (FL)
deltoidea
serpyllum
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Chamaesyce Euphorbiaceae [revaps]Akoko U.S.A. (HI)
eleanoriae
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 3 R1 Chamaesyce remyi Euphorbiaceae [revaps]Akoko U.S.A. (HI)
var. kauaiensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 3 R1 Chamaesyce remyi Euphorbiaceae [revaps]Akoko U.S.A. (HI)
var. remyi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Charpentiera Amaranthaceae Papala U.S.A. (HI)
densiflora
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 6 R8 Chorizanthe parryi Polygonaceae Spineflower, San U.S.A. (CA)
var. fernandina Fernando Valley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57874]]
C* 2 R4 Chromolaena Asteraceae Thoroughwort, Cape U.S.A. (FL)
frustrata Sable
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Consolea Cactaceae Cactus, Florida U.S.A. (FL)
corallicola semaphore
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Cordia rupicola Boraginaceae No common name U.S.A. (PR),
Anegada
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Cyanea Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)
asplenifolia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Cyanea calycina Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Cyanea dolichopoda Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Cyanea eleeleensis Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Cyanea Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)
kolekoleensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Cyanea kuhihewa 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 [revaps]Aku U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Cyrtandra filipes Gesneriaceae Ha[revaps]iwale U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Cyrtandra Gesneriaceae Ha[revaps]iwale U.S.A. (HI)
kaulantha
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Cyrtandra Gesneriaceae Ha[revaps]iwale U.S.A. (HI)
oenobarba
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Cyrtandra oxybapha Gesneriaceae Ha[revaps]iwale U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Cyrtandra paliku Gesneriaceae Ha[revaps]iwale U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Cyrtandra sessilis Gesneriaceae Ha[revaps]iwale U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R4 Dalea Fabaceae Prairie-clover, U.S.A. (FL)
carthagenensis Florida
var. floridana
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R5 Dichanthelium Poaceae Panic grass, U.S.A. (DE, GA,
hirstii Hirsts' NC, NJ)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Digitaria Poaceae Crabgrass, Florida U.S.A. (FL)
pauciflora pineland..........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 3 R1 Dubautia imbricata Asteraceae Na[revaps]ena[reva U.S.A. (HI)
imbricata ps]e
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Dubautia Asteraceae Na[revaps]ena[reva U.S.A. (HI)
kalalauensis ps]e
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Dubautia kenwoodii Asteraceae Na[revaps]ena[reva U.S.A. (HI)
ps]e
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 3 R1 Dubautia Asteraceae Na[revaps]ena[reva U.S.A. (HI)
plantaginea ps]e
magnifolia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Dubautia Asteraceae Na[revaps]ena[reva U.S.A. (HI)
waialealae ps]e
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R2 Echinomastus Cactaceae Cactus, Acuna U.S.A. (AZ),
erectocentrus Mexico
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57875]]
C* 6 R8 Eriogonum Polygonaceae Buckwheat, Las U.S.A. (NV)
corymbosum var. Vegas
nilesii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R8 Eriogonum Polygonaceae Buckwheat, U.S.A (NV)
diatomaceum Churchill
Narrows...........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R8 Eriogonum Polygonaceae Buckwheat, Red U.S.A. (CA)
kelloggii Mountain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Festuca Poaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
hawaiiensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Geraniaceae Nohoanu U.S.A. (HI)
hillebrandii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 5 R1 Geranium kauaiense Geraniaceae Nohoanu U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Gonocalyx concolor Ericaceae No common name U.S.A. (PR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 2 R4 Harrisia Cactaceae Pricklyapple, U.S.A. (FL)
aboriginum aboriginal
(shellmound
applecactus)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R8 Hazardia orcuttii Asteraceae Orcutt's hazardia U.S.A. (CA),
Mexico
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Hedyotis Rubiaceae Kampua[revaps]a U.S.A. (HI)
fluviatilis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R4 Helianthus Asteraceae Sunflower, whorled U.S.A. (AL, GA,
verticillatus TN)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R2 Hibiscus dasycalyx Malvaceae Rose-mallow, U.S.A. (TX)
Neches River
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 2 R6 Ipomopsis Polemoniaceae Skyrocket, Pagosa U.S.A. (CO)
polyantha
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R8 Ivesia webberi Rosaceae Ivesia, Webber U.S.A. (CA, NV)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Joinvillea Joinvilleaceae [revaps]Ohe U.S.A. (HI)
ascendens
ascendens
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Keysseria erici Asteraceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 8 R1 Keysseria helenae Asteraceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Korthalsella Viscaceae Hulumoa U.S.A. (HI)
degeneri
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Labordia helleri Loganiaceae Kamakahala U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Labordia pumila Loganiaceae Kamakahala U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 5 R4 Leavenworthia Brassicaceae Gladecress, U.S.A. (AL)
crassa unnamed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 3 R4 Leavenworthia Brassicaceae Gladecress, U.S.A. (KY)
exigua var. Kentucky
laciniata
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R2 Leavenworthia Brassicaceae Gladecress, Texas U.S.A. (TX)
texana golden
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Lepidium Brassicaceae Peppergrass, U.S.A. (ID)
papilliferum slickspot
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R4 Lesquerella Brassicaceae Bladderpod, U.S.A. (IN, KY,
globosa Short's TN)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R4 Linum arenicola Linaceae Flax, sand U.S.A. (FL)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57876]]
C* 3 R4 Linum carteri var. Linaceae Flax, Carter's U.S.A. (FL)
carteri small-
flowered..........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 8 R1 Lysimachia Myrsinaceae Lehua makanoe U.S.A. (HI)
daphnoides
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Lysimachia iniki Myrsinaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Lysimachia pendens Myrsinaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Lysimachia Myrsinaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
scopulensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Lysimachia venosa Myrsinaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Melicope Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)
christophersenii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Melicope degeneri Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Melicope hiiakae Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Melicope makahae Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Melicope Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)
paniculata
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Melicope puberula Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Myrsine fosbergii Myrsinaceae Kolea U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Myrsine knudsenii Myrsinaceae Kolea U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Myrsine mezii Myrsinaceae Kolea U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Myrsine Myrsinaceae Kolea U.S.A. (HI)
vaccinioides
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R5 Narthecium Liliaceae Asphodel, bog U.S.A. (DE, NC,
americanum NJ, NY, SC)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Nothocestrum Solanaceae [revaps]Aiea U.S.A. (HI)
latifolium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Ochrosia Apocynaceae Holei U.S.A. (HI)
haleakalae
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R2 Pediocactus Cactaceae Cactus, Fickeisen U.S.A. (AZ)
peeblesianus var. plains
fickeiseniae
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R6 Penstemon debilis Scrophulariaceae Beardtongue, U.S.A. (CO)
Parachute
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 6 R6 Penstemon Scrophulariaceae Beardtongue, White U.S.A. (CO, UT)
scariosus var. River
albifluvis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Peperomia Piperaceae [revaps]Ala U.S.A. (HI)
subpetiolata [revaps]ala wai
nui
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 5 R8 Phacelia stellaris Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia, Brand's U.S.A. (CA),
Mexico
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Phyllostegia Lamiaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
renovans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 9 R1 Physaria douglasii Brassicaceae Bladderpod, White U.S.A. (WA)
tuplashensis Bluffs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Pittosporum Pittosporaceae Ho[revaps]awa U.S.A. (HI)
napaliense
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R4 Platanthera Orchidaceae Orchid, white U.S.A. (AL, GA,
integrilabia fringeless KY, MS, NC, SC,
TN, VA)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57877]]
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)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Platydesma Rutaceae Pilo kea lau U.S.A. (HI)
rostrata li[revaps]i
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 2 R1 Pleomele fernaldii Agavaceae Hala pepe U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Pleomele forbesii Agavaceae Hala pepe U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 11 R8 Potentilla Rosaceae Cinquefoil, U.S.A. (NV)
basaltica Soldier
Meadow............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Pritchardia hardyi Asteraceae Lo[revaps]ulu U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Pseudognaphalium Asteraceae [revaps]Ena[revaps U.S.A. (HI)
(=Gnaphalium) ]ena
sandwicensium
var. molokaiense
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Psychotria Rubiaceae Kopiko U.S.A. (HI)
grandiflora
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Psychotria Rubiaceae Kopiko U.S.A. (HI)
hexandra ssp.
oahuensis var.
oahuensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Psychotria hobdyi Rubiaceae Kopiko U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Pteralyxia Apocynaceae Kaulu U.S.A. (HI)
macrocarpa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Ranunculus Ranunculaceae Makou U.S.A. (HI)
hawaiensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Ranunculus Ranunculaceae Makou U.S.A. (HI)
mauiensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R8 Rorippa Brassicaceae Cress, Tahoe U.S.A. (CA, NV)
subumbellata yellow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Schiedea attenuata Caryophyllaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Schiedea pubescens Caryophyllaceae Ma[revaps]oli[reva U.S.A. (HI)
ps]oli
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Cucurbitaceae [revaps]Anunu U.S.A. (HI)
macrophyllus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Lamiaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
cranwelliae
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE 2 R1 Stenogyne kealiae Lamiaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R4 Symphyotrichum Asteraceae Aster, Georgia U.S.A. (AL, FL,
georgianum GA, NC, SC)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Tetraplasandra Araliaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
bisattenuata
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Tetraplasandra Araliaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
flynnii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57878]]
C* 2 R1 Zanthoxylum Rutaceae A[revaps]e U.S.A. (HI)
oahuense
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERNS AND ALLIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 8 R1 Christella boydiae Thelypteridaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
(= Cyclosorus
boydiae var.
boydiae +
Cyclosorus
boydiae
kipahuluensis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Diellia mannii Aspleniaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Doryopteris Pteridaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
angelica
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Doryopteris Pteridaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)
takeuchii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE - R1 Dryopteris Dryopteridaceae Palapalai aumakua U.S.A. (HI)
crinalis var.
podosorus
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 2 R1 Huperzia (= Lycopodiaceae Wawae[revaps]iole U.S.A. (HI)
Phlegmariurus)
stemmermanniae
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C* 3 R1 Microlepia Dennstaedtiaceae Palapalai U.S.A. (HI)
strigosa var.
mauiensis (=
Microlepia
mauiensis)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 3 R4 Trichomanes Hymenophyllaceae Florida bristle U.S.A. (FL)
punctatum fern
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical range
Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name ---------------------------------------
Code Expl.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNAILS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc A R6 Stagnicola Lymnaeidae Pondsnail, fat- U.S.A. (UT)
bonnevillensis whorled
(=Bonneville)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUSTACEANS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc A R4 Typhlatya monae Atyidae Shrimp, U.S.A. (PR),
troglobitic Barbuda,
groundwater Dominican
Republic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLOWERING PLANTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc A R4 Calliandra Mimosaceae No common name U.S.A. (PR)
locoensis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc A R4 Calyptranthes Myrtaceae No common name U.S.A. (PR)
estremerae
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E L R1 Phyllostegia Lamiaceae No Common Name U.S.A. (HI)
hispida
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. E9-26841 Filed 11-6-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-S