Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule To List the Columbia Basin Distinct Population Segment of the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) as Endangered

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Columbia Basin distinct population segment of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) as endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). An emergency rule listing this population segment as endangered for a period of 240 days is published concurrently in this issue of the Federal Register. Historically, the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit occurred in dense, shrub steppe habitats in five central Washington counties. Currently, this population segment is known from a single wild colony totaling fewer than 50 individuals in Douglas County, Washington, and a small captive population. Due to its small population, the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit is imminently threatened by the combined influence of catastrophic environmental events, habitat/resource failure, disease, predation, and loss of genetic heterogeneity. We solicit additional information and data that may assist us in making a final decision on this proposed listing, as well as determining critical habitat for the rabbit.