The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today opened a public comment period to update information on the status of 28 species that occur in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. All are protected under the Endangered Species Act and. The reviews ensure the species are accurately classified as threatened or endangered.
Each review will result in a recommendation to maintain or change species classification, as well as in identification of information needs for subsequent reviews. Any change in Federal classification requires a separate rule-making process distinct from the status review with an opportunity for further public input.
The species under review include 9 plants: Arizona hedgehog cactus, Brady pincushion cactus, Hinckley oak, Kearney blue star, south Texas ambrosia, Terlingua Creek cat's-eye, Texas ayenia, Texas wild-rice, Tobusch fishhook cactus; 10 fishes: beautiful shiner, Big Bend gambusia, Clear Creek gambusia, fountain darter, Leon springs pupfish, San Marcos gambusia, Sonora chub, Yaqui catfish, Yaqui chub, Yaqui topminnow; 2 insects: Comal Springs dryopid beetle, Comal Springs riffle beetle; 2 crustaceans: Peck's Cave amphipod, Socorro isopod; 2 amphibians: San Marcos salamander, Texas blind salamander; 1 mammal: Sonoran pronghorn; 1 bird: southwestern willow flycatcher; and 1 snail: Socorro springsnail.
The Service is asking the public to provide any new information concerning the status of these species including biology, habitat, conservation measures, threats, and any other new data or information by June 18. More information can be found on the internet at http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments either electronically or through the mail
"This is an opportunity for the scientific community and the public to actively engage in the evaluation of the status of our nation's threatened and endangered species," said Benjamin N. Tuggle, Ph.D., the Service's Southwest Regional Director.
Categories of information requested include:
Species biology, including population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics.
Habitat conditions, including amount, distribution, and suitability.
Conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the species.
Threat status and trends.
In order for new information to be considered, it should be supported by documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, methods used to gather and analyze data, and copies of pertinent publications, reports, or letters by knowledgeable sources. However, the Service welcomes new information regarding any endangered species at any time.
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NOTE - Here is a state-by-state breakout of where the above species predominantly occur:
Arizona: Arizona hedgehog cactus, Brady pincushion cactus, Kearney blue star, southwestern willow flycatcher, Sonoran pronghorn, beautiful shiner, Sonora chub, Yaqui catfish, Yaqui chub, and Yaqui topminnow.
New Mexico: Socorro isopod and Socorro springsnail
Texas: Texas ambrosia, Terlingua Creek cat's-eye, Texas ayenia, Hinckley oak, Texas wild-rice, Tobusch fishhook cactus, Big Bend gambusia, Clear Creek gambusia, Leon springs pupfish, San Marcos gambusia, fountain darter, Comal Springs dryopid beetle, Comal Springs riffle beetle; 2 Peck's Cave amphipod, San Marcos salamander and Texas blind salamander.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit /www.fws.gov.
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