Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To List the Mississippi Gopher Frog Distinct Population Segment of Dusky Gopher Frog as Endangered

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, determine the Mississippi gopher frog (Rana capito sevosa) distinct population segment of the gopher frog (Rana capito) as an endangered species under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Historically, the Mississippi gopher frog distinct population segment is believed to have occurred in at least nine counties or parishes across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, ranging from east of the Mississippi River in Louisiana to the Mobile River delta in Alabama. Today, it is known from only one site in Harrison County, Mississippi. The greatest threat to this last surviving population is the low number of adult frogs in the population and their vulnerability to environmental stressors, both natural and human-induced. Human-induced threats are a result of habitat destruction and degradation in the area adjacent to the frog's only known breeding site. Habitat changes are occurring due to construction associated with a proposed housing development and the construction and expansion of two highways. This action extends the Act's protection to the Mississippi gopher frog distinct population segment.