Reclassifying the American Burying Beetle From Endangered to Threatened on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife With a 4(d) Rule

Under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to reclassify the American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) from endangered to threatened on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List). This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the threats to this species have been reduced to the point that it no longer meets the definition of an endangered species under the Act, but is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. We are also proposing a rule under section 4(d) of the Act to provide for the conservation of the species. Many routine activities in the species' range will not be regulated if this proposal is finalized because these practices will not affect the overall viability of the American burying beetle. We are soliciting additional data and information that may assist us in making a final decision on this proposed action. This document also serves as the 12- month finding on a petition to remove this species from the List.