PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is updating taxonomy of four wildlife species and 50 plant species under the Endangered Species Act. This rule is effective Sept. 21, 2015.
The Service is making the revisions to accurately reflect the current scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of these species. The updated names will make it easier for biologists and the public to stay updated on specific species, and will eliminate potential confusion when researching the species. The changes do not affect the listing status or geographic range of any of the listed species.
The scientific names are being revised for Urocitellus brunneus (northern Idaho ground squirrel), Gallinula galeata sandvicensis (Hawaiian common gallinule), Todiramphus cinnamominus (Guam kingfisher), Pterodroma sandwichensis (Hawaiian petrel), Cyanea crispa (haha), Cyanea rivularis (haha), Erigeron decumbens (Willamette daisy), Euphorbia celastroides var. kaenana (‘akoko), Euphorbia deppeana (‘akoko), Euphorbia eleanoriae (‘akoko), Euphorbia halemanui (‘akoko), Euphorbia herbstii (‘akoko), Euphorbia kuwaleana (‘akoko), Euphorbia remyi var. kauaiensis (‘akoko), Euphorbia remyi var. remyi (‘akoko), Euphorbia rockii (‘akoko), Euphorbia skottsbergii var. skottsbergii (‘Ewa Plains ‘akoko), Kadua cookiana (‘awiwi), Limnanthes pumila ssp. grandiflora (large-flowered woolly meadowfoam), Polyscias gymnocarpa (‘ohe‘ohe), Pritchardia maideniana (lo‘ulu), Schiedea lychnoides (kuawawaenohu), Sicyos albus (‘anunu), and the following with no common name: Cyperus fauriei, Kadua st-johnii, Lobelia koolauensis, Polyscias bisattenuata, Polyscias flynni, Polyscias lydgatei, Polyscias racemosa, Schiedea viscosa, Asplenium dielfalcatum, Asplenium dielmannii, Asplenium dielpallidum, and Asplenium unisorum.
Common names of three additional species are also being revised to reflect currently accepted usage: Cyanea platyphylla (‘aku‘aku), Dubautia latifolia (koholapehu), and Geranium arboreum (nohoanu). Family assignments of 16 species are being revised: Flueggea neowawraea (mehamehame), Korthalsella degeneri (hulumoa), Lysimachia daphnoides (lehua makanoe), Myrsine juddii (kolea), M. knudsenii (kolea), M. linearifolia (kolea), M. mezii (kolea), M. vaccinioides (kolea), Pleomele hawaiiensis (hala pepe), Adenophorus periens (pendent kihi fern), and the following with no common name, L. iniki, L. pendens, L. scopulensis , L. venosa, Xylosma crenatum, and Diplazium molokaiense.
The public may submit comments on the revisions by the following methods:
- Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. FWS–R1–ES–2015–0031.
- U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R1–ES–2015–0031; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.
