HONOLULU, Hawaii – Facing threats from habitat loss and degradation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to add 49 species from Hawaii to the Endangered Species Act. The Service will not be designating Critical Habitat areas for these species at this time due to insufficient information.
These plants and animals are at risk of extinction due to invasive, non-native species, recreational activities, small population size, and threats from erosion, landslides and fire. The listing of these species will not only boost ongoing conservation efforts to address these threats and prevent extinction, but will improve the ecological health of the islands. This will have long-term benefits for all Hawaiians.
The 49 species occur in 11 different habitat types, with 48 of them occurring nowhere on Earth except Hawaii. Twenty-two of the plants and animals occur on the main island of Hawaii and one or more of the other islands. Nine of the plants are found only on Kauai.
One bird species proposed for listing – the band-rumped storm-petrel – occurs in Japan, Hawaii, the Galapagos and subtropical areas of the Atlantic. The Service is proposing to list only the Hawaii population, found on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Lehua.
“These species are facing tremendous challenges with shrinking habitat and the onslaught of invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species ,” said Kristi Young, the Service’s acting field supervisor for the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. “Implementing an ecosystem-based approach to the proposed listing allows the Service to better prioritize and focus conservation and recovery actions in Hawaii.”
For a complete list of the species in this proposed listing, visit http://www.fws.gov/pacificislands/.
The proposed rule will publish in the Federal Register on Sept. 30, 2015. Comments and information can be submitted electronically at the eRulemaking portal www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R1-ES-2015-0125, which is the docket number for this rule.
Written comments and information can also be submitted by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2015-0125; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. The Service is accepting comments through Dec. 1, 2015.
Requests for a public hearing must be submitted in writing to Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96850. Hearing requests must be received by Nov. 16, 2015.
