ETWP; Proposed Rule to Delist the Dismal Swamp Southeastern Shrew (Sorex longirostris fisheri)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to remove the Dismal Swamp southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris fisheri Merriam) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The Dismal Swamp southeastern shrew was listed as a threatened species in 1986 under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). New data indicate that this species is more widely distributed than previously believed, is fairly abundant within its range, occurs in a wide variety of habitats, and is genetically secure. The Service concludes that the data supporting the original classification were incomplete and that the new data indicate removing the Dismal Swamp southeastern shrew from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife is warranted.