ETWP; Endangered Status for the Buena Vista Lake Shrew (Sorex Ornatus Relictus)

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for the Buena Vista Lake shrew (Sorex ornatus relictus). This subspecies is endemic to Kern County, California, and is currently known from only four locations. This subspecies is imperiled primarily by habitat loss and modification due to agricultural activities, unnatural 1 hydrological conditions, incompatible water management practices, the possible toxic effects of selenium poisoning, modification or loss of genetic integrity from introgression (hybridization), and the loss of populations caused by random naturally occurring events. This final rule extends the Federal protection and recovery provisions of the Act for the Buena Vista Lake shrew.