The Heller Cave springtail, a small cave-dwelling invertebrate known only from one Pennsylvania cave, may need protection under federal law as a threatened or endangered animal, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today.
This announcement, called a 90-day petition finding, is the first step in the Service’s scientific process to determine whether the springtail warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Service was petitioned in October 2011 by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Juniata Valley Audubon Society to list the springtail under the ESA.
For the next step, the Service seeks biological information on the springtail. Information will be used in an extensive status review that will determine whether the Service will propose extending ESA protection to the Heller Cave springtail.
The Heller Cave springtail, a wingless, insect-like animal presumed to be adapted to cave survival, is an example of the remarkable diversity living in the Appalachian’s underground landscape. The petition states that this springtail only exists in one cave in central Pennsylvania. The cave, the site of a proposed limestone quarry in Catharine Township, is also home to a wintering colony of the eastern small-footed bat, which is similarly under review for protection under the ESA.
The 90-day petition finding is based solely on information in the petition and in the Service’s files. Any new information or developments following the petition’s submission cannot be considered for this finding, but it can be included in the upcoming review and subsequent 12-month finding.
The Service invites information to be submitted from now through Jan. 14, 2013, in the following methods:
- Online at the Federal Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting information on docket number FWS-R5-ES-2012-0054.
- Through U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R5-ES-2012-0054; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, Virginia 22203.
Please note that the 90-day finding is available for public inspection on Nov. 13, 2012, and on the Federal Rulemaking Portal beginning Nov. 14, 2012.
More:
- What are the petition process and the ESA listing process (PDF)?
- Endangered Species Act glossary
- Eastern small-footed bat 90-day petition finding
