Reclassification of Stephens' Kangaroo Rat From Endangered To Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to reclassify the Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act (Act). This proposed action is based on a thorough review of the best scientific and commercial data available, which indicates that the Stephens' kangaroo rat no longer meets the definition of endangered under the Act. If this proposal is finalized, the Stephens' kangaroo rat would remain protected as a threatened species under the Act. We also propose a rule under section 4(d) of the Act that provides for the conservation of the Stephens' kangaroo rat. This document constitutes our proposed rule.