Seven Plants in Southern U.S. Proposed for Listing

Home , Gouania hillebrandii, Pityopsis, Pityopsis ruthii

December 1984 Vol. IX No. 12

Department of interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240 Seven Plants in Southern U.S. Proposed for Listing Seven plants occurring in the southern United States were proposed by the Service during Novennber for listing as Endangered and Threatened species. These plants all face the possibility of extinction, but may benefit from protection authorized by the Endangered Spe- cies Act. Pityopsis ruthii Pityopsis ruthii, a plant endemic to Polk County, Tennessee, was first collected In the late 1800s by Albert Ruth, a Knoxville botanist, near the Hlwassee River. Commonly referred to as Ruth's golden aster, this plant is a fibrous- rooted perennial that grows only in the soil-filled cracks of phyllite boulders in and adjacent to the Ocoee and Hlwas- see Rivers. Its stems range from one to three decimeters tall and bear long nar- row leaves covered with silvery hairs. Yellow flowers appear in a paniculate Inflorescence in late August and Sep- tember, and fruits develop a few weeks after the flowers fade. Pityopsis ruthii is being threatened by water quality degradation, toxic chemical spills, and water flow regime manipulations. The two known populations of this species occur on short reaches of Pityopsis ruthii (Ruth's golden aster) rivers In which water regimes are con- trolled by upstream dams operated by river result in frequent high flow condi- the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). tions that naturally would occur only a Natural water flows in the Hlwassee few times per year. Although periodic River, through the area where the high flows appear to be essential for golden aster occurs, have been practi- maintaining suitable habitat, regular cally eliminated since construction of high flows may be exceeding the spe- Pityopsis ruthii is being threatened by the Appalachia Dam In 1943. With the cies' capability to withstand this nor- water quality degradation and water elimination of natural flow cycles, an- mally beneficial action. Better water flow manipulations. nual scouring of the boulders on which management techniques that fall more Pityopsis ruthii grows cannot occur. In line with the needs of Pityopsis ruthii ment of Conservation. This recognition, The result is that more competitive spe- are needed If the species Is to survive in however. Is only a first step toward cies now are able to Invade the boul- this location. The U.S. Forest Service ensuring the survival of this species. ders, and encroach and overshadow the and the TVA have jurisdiction over this With only two populations known to ex- riverbanks. Pityopsis ruthii has little plant's habitat or essential habitat com- ist, Ruth's golden aster would definitely shade tolerance, and Is replaced by ponents. Federal activities that could benefit from the protection of the En- other species when sunlight Is reduced have an impact on the species include dangered Species Act If the proposal to by 50 percent. If current trends con- certain water flow management prac- list it as Endangered (F.R. 11/20/84) Is tinue, it would appear that this species tices, timber harvesting, and recrea- made final. will eventually be displaced from the tional development. Comments on this proposal are in- Hlwassee River. Although'there Is no legislation In the vited and should be sent by January 22, The Ocoee River population of fewer State of Tennessee that provides pro- 1985, to Mr. Warren T. Parker, Field Su- than 500 plants appears to be subject to tection for Pityopsis ruthii, the Commit- pervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, detrimental impacts of artificially high tee for Tennessee Rare Plants recog- 100 Otis Street, Room 224, Ashevllle, flows during the growing season. Pres- nizes the species as an endangered North Carolina 28801. ent water management practices on the plant, as does the Tennessee Depart- continued on page 6

1 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) able for public distribution from the Regional (Vlanager, Region 4, California Department of Fish and Game, 1234 E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno, California 93710. * * * Peregrine falcons {Faico peregrinus) have been released in Idaho for the third consecutive year. Of the 13 released at 3 hack sites, 12 fledged successfully and were still at their respec- tive sites after one month. An experiment was conducted recently to see if a one year-old peregrine would adopt a hack site where other falcons of the year had been released. The Peregrine Fund of Ft. Collins, Colo- rado, provided a male peregrine to Rich Howard, an FWS biologist. This bird ini- tially had been released in 1983 at an Endangered Species Program re- aguabonita whitei) was recently revised Idaho hack site and retrapped after it gional staffers hiave reported the fol- and approved by the Fish and Wildlife was observed with a broken leg. The lowing activities for the month of Service (FWS), the California Depart- leg was subsequently repaired and the November: ment of Fish and Game, the Sequoia bird was held at Ft. Collins until Febru- National Forest, and the Sequoia Na- ary 1984. Howard then worked with the Region 1—The management plan for tional Park. It set forth a program to re- bird until it gained enough strength to fly the Little Kern golden trout (Salmo cover this Threatened fish, and is avail- and hunt for itself. It was released about 2 weeks after four falcons-of-the-year had been released at the hack site. Dur- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service James Johnson, Endangered Species ing this hacking effort, another male fal- Washington, D.C. 20240 Specialist. con appeared at the hack site. With six Robert A. Jantzen. Director Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling peregrines then at the site, there was (202-343-4717) Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500) some concern that one older male Robert E. Gilmore Harvey Nelson, Regional Director would drive the other male away. At the Associate Director and John S. Popowski, Assistant Regiona end of August 1984, however, all six Endangered Species Program Manager Director: James M. Engel, Endangered Species Specialist. birds remained in the area. (202-343-4646) * * * John L. Spinks, Chief, Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal The American Peregrine Falcon Re- Office of Endangered Species BIdg., 75 Spring St., S.W., Atlanta, GA (703-235-2771) 30303 (404-221-3583): James W.Pulliam, covery Team for the Pacific Coast re- Thomas J. Parisot, Chief. Regional Director: John I. Christian, cently reported that the number of ac- Federal Wildlife Permit Office Assistant Regional Director: Alex B. tive eyries observed during the 1984 (703-235-1937) Montgomery, Endangered Species Spe- breeding season was 64 in California Clark R. Bavin, Chief. cialist. and 4 in Washington. No active eyries Division of Law Enforcement were observed in Idaho, Nevada, or (202-343-9242) Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Center, TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965- Oregon in 1984. 5100): Howard Larsen, Regional Direc- * * « Michael Bender, Editor tor: Stephen W. Parry, Assistant Regional Denise Henne, Assistant Editor A 1984 census conducted by the Director: Paul Nickerson, Endangered (703-235-2407) California Department of Fish and Species Specialist. Game revealed 277 pairs of light-footed Regional Offices Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal clapper rails {Rallus longirostris Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500 BIdg., Center, Denver, CO 80225 (303-234- levipes) using 19 marshes; 931 to 1,001 500 N.E. Multnomah St. Portland. OR 2209): Galen Buterbaugh, Regional breeding pairs (42 percent fewer than 97232 (503-231-6118): Richard J. My- Director: John D Green, Assistant 1983 levels) of California least terns shak. Regional Director-. William F. Regional Director: Barry S. Mulder, Endan- {Sterna antillarum browni) that pro- Shake. Assistant Regional Director. gered Species Specialist. Wayne 8. White, Endangered Species duced 510 to 527 fledglings (20 percent Region 7, 1101 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, fewer than 1983 levels); 848 breeding Specialist. AK 99503 (907-786-3542): Robert E pairs of California brown pelicans Region 2, P.O. Box 1306. Albuquerque, Putz, Regional Director: Jon Nelson, (Pelecanus occidentalis) in the South- NM 87103 (505-766-2321): Michael J. Assistant Regional Director: Dennis Spear. Regional Director: Conrad A, Money, Endangered Species Special- ern Bight that produced 584 fledglings Fjetland. Assistant Regional Director: ist. with a productivity rate of 0.69; and 1,535 southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions Region 1: California. Hawaii. Idaho. Nevada. Oregon. Washinglon, and Pacific Trust Territories Region 2: Arizona. Region 2—Gerald Burton, an FWS New Mexico. Oklahoma, and Texas Region 3: Illinois. Indiana. Iowa, Michigan. Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin Region 4: Alabanna, Arkansas. Florida. Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana. Mississippi, North Carolina. South Endangered Species Biologist, repre- Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Region 5: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine. Maryland, Massa- sented the Service at the 16th Annual chusetts, New Hampshire New Jersey. New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island. Vermont. Virginia, and West Virginia Desert Fishes Council (DFC) meeting Region 6: Colorado. Kansas. Montana. Nebraska. North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming Region 7: Alaska held recently in San Luis Potosi, The ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN is published monthly by the Mexico. Numerous papers were pre- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Department of the Interior. Washington, D.C. 20240. sented on the status of Endangered and continued on page 10

2 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) Listing Proposed for Four Animals

Two Flying Squirrels Two subspecies of the northern flying squirrel {Glaucomys sabrinus), which survive on a few mountain tops in the southern Appalactiian Mountains, have been proposed by the Service for listing as Endangered (F.R, 11/21/84). Both are evidently very rare, and are jeopard- ized by habitat loss, human disturbance, and competition with (as well as lethal parasites carried by) the far more common southern flying squirrel {Glau- comys volans). So-called flying squirrels do not actually fly, but are capable of extensive and maneuverable gliding by means of a furred, sheet-like membrane along the sides of the body between the hind and fore limbs. Only two species occur in North America: the southern flying squirrel, found in extreme southern Canada, the eastern United States, Mexico, and Central America; and the northern flying squirrel, found mainly in Canada, Alaska, and the western and northern sections of the conterminous U.S. The northern species was not Two subspecies of the northern flying squirrel (above) are facing habitat loss known to occur south of New York until and a competing squirrel species. 1936, when G. S. Miller, Jr., described the subspecies G. s. fuscus, based on tracting since the last Ice Age. In the fit from the conservation measures au- specimens collected in the Appalachian southern States, it now has only relic- thorized under the Endangered Species Mountains of West Virginia. Later, in tual distribution, and is restricted to iso- Act. Taking, possessing, and interstate 1953, C. O. Handley, Jr., described an- lated areas at high elevations, sepa- or international trading in these animals other subspecies, G. s. coloratus, from rated by vast stretches of unsuitable without a permit will be prohibited. The specimens taken in the Appalachians of habitat. The northern flying squirrels Service also will develop a plan for their eastern Tennessee and western North and their habitat in these last occupied recovery to a secure status. Further, Carolina. Subsequently, G. s. fuscus zones face increasing pressure from Federal grants may become available also was found in southwestern Vir- logging and development of such recre- under Section 6 of the Act to Virginia, ginia. It is these two subspecies of the ational facilities as ski resorts. West Virginia, North Carolina, and Ten- northern flying squirrel that the Service Forest regrowth after clearing, if any nessee for their activities to conserve has proposed for listing as Endangered. does occur, is usually composed of the the squirrels. Shortly after their discovery, it be- deciduous trees favored by G. volans, The Service believes that a formal came apparent that the survival of the the southern flying squirrel. This spe- designation of Critical Habitat for the squirrels may be in jeopardy. A total of cies, which is expanding into the range two G. sabrinus subspecies is not pru- 30 specimens are known to have been of G. sabrinus, is more aggressive, dent at this time. Flying squirrels in gen- collected from only eight localities, and more active in territorial defense, and eral are popular as pets, and publishing recent efforts have failed to find these dominant in competition for nesting precise Critical Habitat maps could ex- squirrels at most of the previous collec- areas. When the two species meet, G. pose the rare subspecies to increased tion sites. Over a recent 40-month pe- volans would be expected to force G. disturbance and collecting. Moreover, riod, researcher D. W. Linzey placed sabrinus into less favorable habitat. In the nest boxes placed during the recent 490 nest boxes at 35 sites in 5 States. addition to its competitive behavior, G. status survey are still being used for The boxes were checked regularly and volans unwittingly employs a form of study, and the squirrels occupying the occupants identified; unfortunately, "biological warfare." It carries a para- these boxes could easily be taken dur- however, only three individual northern site, the nematode Strongyloides, to ing their diurnal period of inactivity. flying squirrels were found during the which it apparently has developed natu- Even without the Critical Habitat desig- course of study. ral immunity. When the two species nation, however, the squirrels and their According to Peter D. Weigl of Wake come into contact and the parasite is habitat would receive the full protection Forest University, G. s. fuscus and transferred to G. sabrinus, which has authorized under Section 7 of the Act G. s. coloratus occur primarily in the no immunity, the results can be lethal. from any adverse effects of Federal ecotone, or vegetation transition zone, actions. between coniferous and northern hard- Available Conservation No specific Federal actions are wood forests. Both forest types provide Measures known that may jeopardize the squir- food, and the hardwoods are needed for rels. Much of the region they inhabit is nesting sites. Since the northern flying If the listing becomes a final rule, on national forest land. Therefore, cer- squirrel is adapted to cold, boreal condi- G. s. fuscus and G. s. coloratus will be tain activities of the U.S. Forest Service, tions, its range has probably been con- classified as Endangered and will bene- continued on page 4

3 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) Comments on the listing proposal are nesting beaches. Without protection, Flying Squirrels welcome from all interested agencies, the Atlantic Coast breeding population continued from page 3 organizations, and individuals, and could continue to decline and become such as timber sales, spraying of insec- should be sent to the Director (OES), extirpated in many other areas; there- ticides, or development of recreational U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wash- fore, it has been proposed for listing as facilities, may be subject to interagency ington, D.C. 20240 by January 22, Threatened. consultation. 1985. The situation facing the Great Lakes breeding population, where fewer than 20 breeding pairs are known to remain, Saskatchewan and North Dakota, the is even more serious, and it was pro- Piping Plover extensive damming and channelization posed for listing as Endangered. (It The piping plover {Charadrius me- of rivers in the midwestern U.S. has should be emphasized that the classifi- lodus) has been proposed by the Serv- eliminated open sandbar nesting habitat cations of "Threatened" and "Endan- ice for protection under the Endangered along hundreds of miles of rivers in gered" under the Endangered Species Species Act (F.R. 11/8/84). This once Nebraska, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Much Act reflect different degrees of vulnera- very abundant bird is now uncommon of the riverine habitat in the midwest bility to extinction; unless special rules over most of its range, due principally to was very similar to that used by the in- accompany a Threatened listing, the le- disturbance and habitat loss, and it has terior least tern (Sterna antillarum gal protection given Threatened and disappeared from many historical nest- athalassos), which was proposed for Endangered species is effectively the ing areas. listing as Endangered on May 29, 1984. same.) Piping plovers occupy their breeding Within the breeding ranges of the The Canadian Committee on the Sta- grounds from late March to August. Great Lakes and Atlantic Coast popula- tus of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Nest sites are along Great Lakes and tions, the loss of sandy beach habitat (COSEWIC), an organization of special- Atlantic Ocean beaches, bare areas on due to recreational and commercial de- ists from government agencies and pri- dredge and natural alluvial islands in velopments has been responsible for vate conservation organizations, cited the upper Missouri River system, and part of the decline in piping plover num- an "alarming decline " in the piping salt-encrusted, bare patches of sand, bers. Some habitat that remains is un- plover throughout the Great Lakes re- gravel, or pebbly mud on interior alkali usable for breeding plovers because of gion and the Maritime Provinces, and lakes of the Dakotas, Montana, and Ca- disturbances by people and their pets. assigned to it the status of "threat- nadian prairie provinces. The nests Human presence can disrupt feeding ened." In the U.S., Iowa, Illinois, Michi- themselves are shallow, scraped de- and incubation or can separate chicks gan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, pressions, sometimes lined with small from their parents. Foot traffic and dune Virginia, and Wisconsin already list the pebbles, and they usually contain four buggies can directly crush eggs and piping plover within their borders as eggs. After breeding ends, the birds chicks. Unleashed pets, feral dogs and threatened or endangered, and Massa- winter along the U.S. coast (from North cats, and certain wild animals (such as chusetts plans to add the plover to its Carolina to Florida and on to Mexico) raccoons, skunks, and gulls) that tend threatened list. At a few nesting sites, and in the Bahamas and Greater An- to expand into developed areas some- human intrusion into nesting grounds is tilles. times prey on birds and their eggs, and prohibited during the breeding season. Two of the piping plover's three can cause adults to abandon nesting areas. breeding populations are proposed for Available Conservation listing as Threatened. One of them, the There are estimated to be 900 piping northern plains population, is scattered plover breeding pairs along the Atlantic Measures throughout Alberta to Manitoba in Can- Coast of North America, about two- The limited protection already giving ada and Montana to Nebraska in the thirds of them in the U.S. This number is the piping plover will be supplemented if U.S. Although some good nesting habi- down sharply from historical levels, and the Federal listing proposal becomes fi- tat remains at remote saline wetlands in the bird is absent from many former nal. Although the often ephemeral nature of the plover's nesting habitat and its widely scattered distribution preclude a formal designation of Critical Habitat for the species, all conservation measures authorized under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act will apply. Federal agencies will be required to ensure that any actions they fund, authorize, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the survival of the piping plover by directly affecting the birds or by degrading their habitat. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are the two Federal agencies that might expect to be affected to some degree by Sec- tion 7 requirements. Routine management of existing water control systems and the development of some beaches is likely to affect plover habitat. Al- though no single authorized project known to the Service would imperil the species, the listing proposal points out Piping plovers need undisturbed open habitat, such as this pebbly shore on a that it is the loss of "one pair of plovers North Dal

4 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) the aggregate, the principal threat to the acres of available riparian scrub near species' continued existence." Through springs on, or in the vicinity of, the the Section 7 consultation process, the China Lake Naval Weapons Center. All Service will attempt to work with other but a tiny portion of this land (about 31 Federal agencies to find ways of al- acres) is administered by the U.S. Navy lowing project goals to be met while and the Bureau of Land Management conserving the plover. (BLM). Both agencies control the use of Taking, harassing, and trading in pip- lands under their jurisdiction. If the listing plovers are already prohibited under ing proposal is made final, these and all the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. other Federal agencies will be required 703 et seq.), and these protective to ensure that any actions they fund, measures would be reinforced under authorize, or carry out are not likely to Section 9 of the Endangered Species jeopardize the survival of the Inyo Act. Other benefits of a listing include brown towhee or adversely modify its the requirement for the Service to de- Critical Habitat. Preliminary contacts velop a recovery plan for the species with BLM and the Navy have not re- and the possibility of Federal aid for vealed any current or proposed pro- cooperating State conservation programs that would adversely affect the grams. habitat. Both agencies are planning a Comments on the piping plover listing cooperative program to conserve ripar- proposal are invited from all interested ian habitat on lands under their jurisdic- agencies, organizations, and individu- tion. als, and should be sent to Region 3's Other benefits to the Inyo brown tow- Endangered Species Coordinator (ad- hee of a Threatened listing would in- dress on page 2) by January 7, 1985. clude the increased recognition of its vulnerable status, possible Federal aid to cooperative State conservation pro- Desert-Dwelling Bird grams, and restrictions on such activi- A rare songbird, the Inyo brown tow- ties as taking, harassing, or trading in hee {Pipilo fuscus eremophilus), has been the birds. proposed by the Service for listing as Comments on the listing proposal are Threatened (F.R. 11/23/84). Such protec- welcome from all interested agencies, tion for the subspecies, which occurs only organizations, and individuals, and at a few sites in the western part of the should be sent to the Regional Director Research on the Inyo brown towhee shows Mojave Desert, may be necessary to con- (SE), Region 1 (address on page 2), by its vulnerability to degradation of desert serve its very limited riparian habitat. January 22, 1985. riparian habitat. The Inyo brown towhee is completely isolated geographically from other brown towhee subspecies, and has be- Two Animals and One Plant Added come adapted to the rigorous desert en- to List of Threatened and Endangered vironment. Its entire available habitat consists of about 2,700 acres scattered Species within a circle approximately 11 miles in diameter in the Argus Mountains, Inyo Amargosa vole and destruction from a variety of land County, California. Inyo brown towhees Twice since its discovery in 1900, the uses. Marshland at the type locality are restricted to the proximity of dense very rare Amargosa vole (Microtus near Shoshone, for example, was riparian scrub vegetation, particularly californicus scirpensis) was feared to burned in the early 1900s and turned arroyo willow {Salix lasiolepis), at have become extinct. Fortunately, how- into a hog pasture, and the spring feed- springs and along water courses. This ever, a small population found in the ing it was diverted for construction of a habitat provides a source of food (in- 1970s still survives in marshes near swimming pool. Within the currently sects and seeds) and cover for nesting, Tecopa, California. This small mammal occupied range, development of the roosting, and escape from predators. has now been listed as Endangered Tecopa Hot Springs area for mineral Desert riparian ecosystems are, by (F.R. 11/15/84), an action that will give baths, together with the spread of their very nature, fragile, and are vul- protection to both the vole and its habi- mobile-home courts, has greatly nerable to damage from a number of tat. modified or even eliminated a significant amount of suitable habitat. Burning and human-related activities. Diversion of The Amargosa vole is a small, mostly livestock grazing threaten the remaining the water supply for livestock grazing, gray, mouse-like rodent. It was first col- marshlands. recreation, mining, or any other use lected from a marsh near the town of could have a severe impact on riparian Shoshone in southeastern Inyo County, In recognition of these threats, the vegetation. Feral burros {Equus asinus) California. Marsh vegetation, primarily Service published in the August 29, pose an additional threat; in fact, they bulrush (Scirpus oineyi), is particularly 1983, Federal Register a proposal to have already damaged some of the ri- important to the vole since it provides list the Amargosa vole as Endangered parian habitat by grazing and trampling. cover for escape from predators and and to designate its Critical Habitat (see The towhee population is estimated to serves as a food source. BULLETIN Vol. VIII No. 9). Most of the number fewer than 175 individuals. Be- The vole occurs in an extremely arid five comments received in response to cause the remaining habitat is so re- part of California, and bulrush marsh the proposed rule, including those of stricted, further degradation could result habitat is restricted to the vicinities of two California State agencies, sup- in serious population losses. springs or sections of the intermittent ported the proposed actions, and are summarized in the November 15, 1984, The proposal to list the Inyo brown Amargosa River that have permanent final rule. towhee as Threatened includes a desig- flow. This limited amount of habitat is nation of Critical Habitat for the 2,700 extremely vulnerable to modification continued on page 6

5 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) Sinkholes in the soluble limestone flowers are small, fragrant, nearly white, Additions to List bedrock of the Springfield Plateau drain and number 3-5 on each inflorescence. continued from page 5 surface waters that are vulnerable to Introduced feral and domestic live- chemical spills, landfill or dump dis- As an Endangered species, the stock (cattle and goats) probably have charges, or human and animal waste Amargosa vole will receive the protec- been the greatest threat historically to disposal. Another threat to the cavefish, tion authorized under the Endangered the habitat of Gouania hillebrandii. that of overcollecting, is complicated by Species Act. Taking, possessing, and These animals browse the plant and the species' confined habitat and inabil- interstate or international trafficking in compact the surrounding soil, which ity to elude captors. There are several this mammal are now prohibited, except promotes erosion and favors the spread documented instances of collectors tak- under permit. These restrictions rein- of competing exotic plants. Accidentally ing large numbers. As far as commer- force the actions already taken by the introduced insects also are taking a toll. cial exploitation, offers to purchase State of California under its own endan- The insect herbivore Pinnaspis stra- cavefish have appeared in various pub- gered species legislation, which prohib- chani (hibiscus snow scale) has weak- lications, and pet stores often feature its direct taking but does not protect ened or killed many of the plants, and blind cavefish as curiosities. habitat. Since California has an endan- unknown chewing insects have caused gered species cooperative agreement The Ozark cavefish was proposed by extensive leaf damage in others. with the Service, it is possible that Fed- the Service for listing as a Threatened The Service proposed listing Gouania eral funding through Section 6 of the species on January 31, 1984 (see BUL- hillebrandii as an Endangered species Act could become available to the State LETIN Vol. IX No. 2). Twenty-six com- on September 7, 1983 (see BULLETIN for Amargosa vole research and recov- ments on the proposal were received. Vol. VIII No. 10), and the proposal was ery work. In addition, because it is now Among those in support of the listing subsequently endorsed by the Hawaii listed, the Service is responsible for de- were the State conservation or wildlife Department of Land and Natural Re- veloping a recovery plan for the vole. agencies of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. These comments are sum- sources and the Maui County Council. Under Section 7 of the Endangered marized in the November 1 final rule. Included in the listing was a designation Species Act, Federal agencies must en- As a Threatened species, the Ozark of Critical Habitat for four small areas sure that any actions they fund, author- cavefish will receive the same protec- totalling about 112 acres in the Lahaina ize, or carry out are not likely to jeop- tion under the Endangered Species Act District (see final listing notice for map). ardize the survival of the Amargosa vole as the Amargosa vole. A formal desig- Within the area are the dry, exposed or adversely modify its Critical Habitat. nation of Critical Habitat for the cavefish ridge crests and north-facing slopes The marshes and associated areas des- was not published because pointing out where the surviving populations occur. ignated as Critical Habitat are scattered the localities where it occurs could facil- Only those sites have freedom from within an overall zone of 4,520 acres in itate illegal collecting; however, its habi- unrestricted grazing and the specific southeastern Inyo County (see final rule tat will receive the full protection author- wind, soil, and drainage characteristics for map). Approximately 2,060 acres ized under Section 7 of the Act. A needed to discourage harmful plants within this zone are administered by the recovery plan for the species will now and insects. Bureau of Land Management. An analy- be developed. In addition, because sis of potential economic effects of a Regulations for listed plants differ Arkansas and Missouri have Section 6 Critical Habitat designation revealed under the Endangered Species Act from agreements with the Service, Federal that there should be no significant those for listed animals. Section aid to protection and recovery programs impacts. 9(a)(2)(B) of the Act makes it illegal to in these States may become available. remove and reduce to possession En- Ozark cavefish dangered plants from areas under Fed- A true troglobitic species, the Ozark eral jurisdiction; however all known indi- cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae) is blind Gouania hillebrandii viduals of Gouania hillebrandii occur on and nearly devoid of pigment. After ap- Due primarily to the effects of grazing State lands. Fortunately, taking the parently disappearing from more than and invasions of exotic plants and in- plant is prohibited under Hawaii's own 40 percent of its historical range, this sects, Gouania hillebrandii, a species endangered species legislation. Inter- species has been listed by the Service of shrub known only from a few sites on state and international trade in this as Threatened (11/1/84). The small (av- the Island of Maui in the Hawaiian Is- plant, though not anticipated, is prohib- erage total length 50 mm) fish currently lands, is on the verge of extinction and ited under the Federal Act. The species is known to survive within 14 caves in 6 has been listed as Endangered (F.R. will also receive Section 7 protection counties of the Springfield Plateau of 11/9/84). Gouania hillebrandii is one of against potential harmful impacts of southwest Missouri, northwest Arkan- the few remaining Hawaiian species in Federal actions. Further, since the State sas, and northeast Oklahoma. Habitat its genus. of Hawaii has an endangered species alteration, primarily in the form of This plant, which grows up to 6 feet in cooperative agreement for plants with groundwater pollution, and overcollec- height, has slender branches covered the Service, there is now the possibility tion appear to be the primary reasons with a rust or ash-colored fuzz and oval of Federal funding for State conserva- for the decline. leaves that are dark green on top. The tion programs.

March to June, then appear sporadically ual plants are on private property, and Seven Plants thereafter depending upon the rainfall. the third is on an adjacent State high- continued from page 1 Commonly known as the slender rush- way right-of-way. pea, this plant is historically known from The most serious threat to Hoffman- three localities in Nueces and Kleberg Hoffmanseggia tenella seggia tenella is habitat alteration. Hab- Counties, Texas, but it now exists as itat for this species in the Texas Gulf A perennial member of the bean fam- only one population with three individual Coastal Prairie has been severely lim- ily, Hoffmanseggia tenella has stems plants. This population is found in the ited because non-native grasses, such that grow from 8 to 15 centimeters tall Blackland Prairie Area of the Gulf as King Ranch bluestem and bermuda and terminate into a 3 to 5-flowered in- Coastal Prairie, where it grows in the grass, have escaped into uncultivated florescence. The flowers are orange hard clay soil of creek banks and asso- areas. As a result, native plants are be- and usually begin blooming from early ciated barren areas. Two of the individ- ing eliminated by these encroaching

6 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) • Galactia smallii (Small's milkpea) is a small vine with compound leaves and pinkish flowers. The former range of this species is poorly known, but it is currently known from only two sites near Homestead. • Polygala smallii (tiny polygala) is an erect biennial herb with short branched or unbranched stems that end with clusters of small yellow-green flowers. This species formerly ranged from southeastern Broward County to the Cutler area in Dade County, but is now known to exist at only two sites in the Cut- ler area. • Amorpha crenulata (crenulate lead-plant) formerly occurred throughout the pinelands in the Miami-Coral Gables area. This shrub grows up to 1.5 meters tall, has compound leaves that bear 25-33 leaflets, and bears flowers with a single petal only 6 millime- ters long. At present, only two highly restricted sites within the Mi- ami city limits are known to support Hoffmanseggia tenella (the slender rush-pea) this species. Euphorbia garberi (Garber's species. In addition, private and public Formerly, pine rockland plants were spurge), which is proposed for listing as landowners have altered the natural widely distributed along the south a Threatened species, is a prostrate habitat to prevent soil erosion, improve Florida limestone ridge, an area about continued on page 10 rangeland, and control prairie fires. 65 miles long extending from southeast- These practices have destroyed the ern Broward County to Long Pine Key in natural characteristics of the Texas Gulf Everglades National Park. The ridge Coast Prairie and, in turn, greatly dis- reaches 3 to 5 meters in elevation and turbed the slender rush-pea's habitat. provides a markedly different habitat for With only one tiny population in exist- plants and animals than the marshes ence, this species is extremely vulnera- and wet prairies that dominate the sur- ble and subject to extinction if there is rounding areas. The substrate consists further modification of its habitat. of porous limestone, known as Miami Since there are currently no Federal oolite, covered by poorly developed or State laws protecting Hoffmanseggia soils that are mainly a thin layer of tenella, the Service has proposed to list sand. Erosion of the limestone results in it as an Endangered species (F.R. frequent holes and jagged surface fea- 11/21/84). With only one known popula- tures, and many plants thriving in these tion trying to survive in the midst of rap- pine rocklands are rooted in crevices in idly diminishing habitat, the protection the limestone. authorized by the Endangered Species Residential and commercial develop- Act may be the only way to rescue the ment of the pinelands began early in the slender rush-pea. twentieth century and accelerated after Comments on the proposal to list this 1930. A recent survey estimated that 98 species are invited and should be sent percent of the Dade County pinelands by January 22, 1985, to the Regional outside of Everglades National Park Director, Region 2 (address on page 2). have been destroyed. This vast reduction in habitat greatly contributed to the Five Florida Plants decline of the following four species, which now are proposed for listing as Five Florida pine rockland plants in Endangered: Dade and Monroe Counties also have been proposed by the Service for listing under the Endangered Species Act • Euphorbia deltoidea ssp. del- (F.R, 11/7/84). Four of these plants, toidea (spurge) is a prostrate her- proposed as Endangered, have already baceous plant with thin wiry stems, been extirpated over most of their his- deltoid to ovate-shaped leaves, toric range and could easily become ex- and unisexual flowers. This spe- tinct in the near future. The fifth species formerly occurred throughout cies, which is proposed as Threatened, the pinelands but is now restricted has been largely extirpated throughout to eight sites in the vicinity of Cutler its former range and is now in danger at Ridge and Perrine and two near one or more of its five remaining sites. Homestead. Polygala smallii (tiny polygala)

7 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) Special Report: Recent Advances in the California Condor Research and Recovery Program

by tablishment of self-sustaining popula- In 1982, when the photographic cen- Robin B. Goodloe tions through releases of captive-reared susing technique first was used exten- Endangered Species birds; identifying mortality factors; and sively, 13 adult and 7 immature condors locating essential condor habitat. were identified in the wild. The following Research Branch Studies at the Condor Research Cen- year, an additional adult condor not Patuxent Wildlife Research ter (CRC) in Ventura, California, are identified in the 1982 photographs was Center conducted by Project Leader Dr. J. Mi- located, and estimates of total popula- chael Scott and Dr. Noel F. R. Snyder, tion size in 1982 were increased to in- both of the FWS; John C. Ogden and clude between 21 and 25 individuals. By other NAS biologists and technicians; late March 1984, however, only 15 adult The California condor (Gymnogyps and Steve Kimple of the CDFG; with and 2 ring-necked condors (birds 3 to 4 californianus), a New World vulture that general supervision by Dr. H. Randolph years of age) were known to exist in the weighs approximately nine kilograms Perry, Jr., Alexander Sprunt, IV, and wild. One condor, a dark-headed male and has an average wingspan of three Ronald Jurek of, respectively, the that fledged in 1981, was taken into meters, is one of the world's most en- FWS's Patuxent Wildlife Research Cen- captivity in 1982, and three other con- dangered species. The condor may ter (PWRC) in Maryland, the NAS, and dors are known or assumed to have never have been abundant, although the CDFG. died since the 1982 census. fossil records indicate that the species' Research efforts by the cooperating historical distribution extended from the agencies have led to major advances in Pacific Northwest south to northern the development of accurate censusing Research on Surrogates Mexico and as far east as Texas and and radio-telemetry techniques, estab- possibly Florida. lishment of a captive flock for the breed- other aspects of the FWS/NAS con- California condor numbers and range ing program, and identification of impor- dor research program, particularly te- have declined sharply since the early tant condor nesting, roosting, and lemetry of radioed birds, captive propa- 1900s, despite more than 40 years of foraging areas. gation, and release of captive-bred research and management efforts. Cur- California condors, require "hands-on " rently, the wild population in southern activities with live animals; therefore, California is thought to number 17 to 19 Condor Population Size preliminary research on closely-related free-flying birds, with an estimated net surrogate species was conducted to de- loss of about 2 individuals annually. The Estimates of population size in the velop or define safe and effective meth- causes of the species' decline at vari- early and mid-1900s were based on ods for handling and manipulating large ous periods may include shooting, in- comparisons of flock sizes and simulta- vultures. advertent and deliberate poisoning, neous counts of birds from prominent Extensive surrogate studies on An- collisions with powerlines, habitat de- lookouts in known areas of condor con- dean condors (Vultur gryphus), a spe- struction, and reduced productivity centration. These estimates varied con- cies from South America that then was (possibly due to nest disturbance, envi- siderably and yielded little information not considered endangered, began at ronmental contaminants, a skewed sex on absolute numbers, population com- PWRC in 1966. These research efforts, ratio, or loss of genetic diversity). These position, or rates of decline. In 1982, currently under the direction of Dr. factors, or factors yet unknown, have however, Snyder, in cooperation with James W. Carpenter, have refined resulted in levels of mortality that far ex- Dr. Eric Johnson of California Polytech- methods to increase condor egg pro- ceed the species' natural productivity. nic State University at San Luis Obispo, duction and annual breeding by remov- During the past few years, research refined a censusing technique that ing eggs and chicks from wild nests at by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) identifies individual condors in photo- specified times. Other techniques have and National Audubon Society (NAS) graphs taken throughout the species' been devised to cross-foster eggs and personnel, in cooperation with the range from mid-summer to early fall. chicks between pairs, stimulate breed- California Department of Fish and Bird identification is based on unique ing in previously inactive pairs, and rear Game (CDFG), U.S. Forest Service, molt patterns in the primary feathers, chicks by hand. In addition, the surro- U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the which do not normally overlap signifi- gate research has allowed preliminary San Diego and Los Angeles Zoos, and cantly in flight; known individuals, there- evaluation of capture, marking, banding, other cooperating agencies, has fo- fore can be counted, and the total and telemetry techniques for large vul- cused on increasing condor productivity population size and structure can be es- tures, and provided information on con- in the wild; efforts toward future rees- timated with reliability. dor husbandry and biology.

8 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) Dr. Stanley Temple and Michael with a lithium battery attachment before birth from calving; and deer or wild pig Wallace of the University of Wisconsin release; the female, however, was re- gut piles. The birds were observed conducted additional research on An- leased without marking. The fourth bird, soaring, roosting, and feeding with other dean condors in Peru from 1979 to 1982 a dark-headed male that was under- condors, and their interactions with to develop techniques to capture and weight when trapped in early Decem- golden eagles, turkey vultures, and handle cathartid vultures, release cap- ber, lost weight steadily while being other species at carcasses were docu- tive-reared condors (which were pro- held for sex identification, and ultimately mented. Telemetry enabled intermittent vided by PWRC, the Bronx Zoo, and was retained at the Los Angeles Zoo to observation of the relationships be- other facilities), and monitor survival add genetic diversity to the captive tween the radioed adult male, his mate, and movements of the released birds flock. An additional seven birds (includ- and their 1982 fledgling. It also made through radio-telemetry. Temple and ing the mate of the radioed adult male, possible observation of the relatively Wallace's data were supplemented by two males, and a female from three rapid change in the immature radioed studies on trapping and handling of other pairs, an unmated adult male, and male's head coloration from ring-necked lappet-faced vultures (Torgos tracheli- two immature ring-necked birds) were in fall 1982 to fully orange-pink color by otus) in Africa and turkey vultures (Ca- trapped, radioed, and released in Octo- fall 1983. thartes aura) in California. In addition, ber, November, and December 1984. Documentation of the seasonal pat- research on surrogate species by per- The movements of the radioed con- terns of land use by condors has iden- sonnel at the San Diego Zoo led to dors have been monitored since the tified foraging and roosting habitat that refinement of white blood cell chromo- birds' releases through the combined should be protected from development some analyses to sex California con- efforts of mobile ground crews, an aerial or other changes in land use practices, dors, which, unlike Andean condors, tracking team, and, most recently, an and has located suitable sites for future show no sexual dimorphism. automatic tracking tower system. Only releases of captive-reared condors. Ra- one radioed bird, the immature condor dioed birds exhibited seasonal use of Radio-telemetry trapped in 1982, has died since the te- several foraging areas, feeding exten- lemetry program began; the bird's func- sively, at different times of the year, on Research on surrogate species en- tional radio greatly assisted in recovery the Carrizo Plains in San Luis Obispo abled the FWS and NAS to initiate a te- of the carcass for immediate necropsy County, on the Hudson and Snedden lemetry program for the California con- and determination of death. The seven Ranches in southern Kern County, and dor during the past 2 years. In late other radioed birds appear healthy, and in the upper Santa Ynez Valley. Roosts 1982, four free-flying California condors their transmitters have caused no no- used by the radioed birds were located were captured with cannon nets at ticeable behavioral changes. near the foraging grounds or in Santa baited trap sites in the condor's foraging The two birds radioed in 1982 have Barbara County. In addition, the imma- range. The first, a ring-necked male, provided extensive data on condor ecol- ture male made extended trips into was trapped in mid-October, equipped ogy, behavior, habitat use, and limiting northern Kern County near Glennville with patagial tags and solar-powered ra- factors that, in combination with data and into the foothills of central Tulare dio transmitters, and released two days collected in the future, will allow for County southeast of Lake Kaweah after capture. Two adult condors were more effective management of the con- where other immature condors also trapped a month later and identified dor population and reduction of major were observed. These northern areas through feather patterns as the only pair mortality factors. Both radioed birds fed were not known to support a number of to fledge a chick in 1982. The male was approximately two to three times per condors during the winter; however, the tagged and fitted with one solar- week, generally on the carcasses of Kern County area apparently was used powered radio and a second solar radio cattle (calves), deer, and sheep; after- as a primary winter foraging area by most of the immature condors in the wild population.

Mortality Factors The immature male radioed in 1982 was found dead in the Blue Ridge roosting area of Tulare County in March 1984. Rapid recovery of the carcass shortly after death was possible only because of the bird's functional trans- mitter and the skill of tracking crew members Larry Riopelle and Jesse Grantham of the NAS. Death was found to be due to chronic lead poisoning. The bird had elevated concentrations of lead in the blood and body tissues, and a misshapen piece of lead that was part of a copper-coated lead bullet was found in the gizzard. A second fresh condor carcass, identified as the yearling that fledged from the nest in Santa Barbara County in September 1982, was found on the boundary of the Los Padres National Forest in November 1983. The bird, which necropsy revealed was a female, had been independent of its parents Research on the closely-related Andean Condor has allowed development of techniques used in the California condor and recovery program. continued on page 10

9 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) this time. A listing alone highlights the Condor Seven Plants rarity of a species and, along with the continued from page 9 continued from page 7 required publication of detailed location maps that are part of such a designa- (the radioed adult male and its mate) herb with hairy stems, ovate leaves, tion, the plants would become vulnera- since late March 1983 and was flying and inconspicuous flowers. It is found in ble to taking by collectors and to van- and foraging without apparent difficulty. transitional areas between hammocks dalism. The Federal agencies (U.S. Tissue samples contained no strychnine and rock pinelands, and on beach Forest Service; TVA; U.S. Army, Navy, or Compound 1080, and only low levels ridges in saline coastal areas. This spe- and Coast Guard; and the National Park of various metals and organochlorines. cies formerly occurred from the Miami Service) involved in managing the habi- However, fluorescent particles similar or area to the lower Florida Keys. The only tat of some of these species have been identical to the tracerite added to M-44 known remaining populations occur at informed of their locations and are cyanide capsules used for coyote con- four sites in Everglades National Park aware of the importance of protecting trol were present in the condor's oral (Dade County) and one site on Big Pine them. cavity, and tissues contained cyanide Key (Monroe County). Habitat destruc- levels higher than those in the tissues of tion or modification threatening Euphor- the condor that died of lead poisoning. bia garberi has been caused by resi- Effects of the Listings dential and commercial development, if Approved increased competition and shading-out Nest Observations by more aggressive plant species, and If these proposals are made final, all FWS/NAS condor research includes storms or hurricanes. seven plants will receive the protection observation of the species' reproductive Two of these five Florida rockland authorized by the Endangered Species behavior to determine breeding chronol- plants. Euphorbia deltoidea ssp. del- Act of 1973, as amended. Conservation ogy and removal of eggs and chicks toidea and Euphorbia garberi, could be measures provided to species listed as from wild nests to increase productivity. affected by Federal activities. The Endangered and Threatened under the Four active condor pairs were known to former occurs on or near lands under Act include recognition of their precari- exist in the wild when intensive nest ob- the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army, Navy, ous status, recovery actions, require- servations began in 1980. Two addi- and Coast Guard. Any future activities ments for Federal protection, and prohi- tional pairs were located in late 1980 undertaken by these agencies involving bitions against certain practices. Under and May 1983, and a seventh pair that modification or removal of pineland hab- Section 7 of the Act, Federal agencies previously had been observed only in itat in Dade County could have a detri- would be required to consult with the photographs was found nesting in a tree mental effect on this vulnerable plant. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that cavity by Forest Service personnel in Euphorbia garberi occurs in Everglades any action they fund, authorize, or carry March 1984. This represents only the National Park where park management out is not likely to jeopardize the sur- second instance of tree cavity nesting includes prescribed burning of pine- vival of the listed species by directly af- documented for California condors. lands in areas where the species is lo- fecting them or by degrading their cated. This habitat management tech- habitats. Two of the pairs located in 1980 ei- nique is aimed at maintaining pinelands In addition, interstate and interna- ther lost a member or separated be- by preventing vegetational succession tional trafficking in these plants without tween 1982 and 1983. Both pairs expe- to hardwoods, and current burning a permit will be prohibited, with certain rienced difficulties copulating and failed schedules should benefit the species. exceptions, if they are listed. For the to produce eggs during the observation No monitoring of £. garberi is currently species proposed as Threatened, prop- period. Observations of the nesting ac- being done in the park, but listing this erly documented seeds of cultivated tivities of the three other condor pairs species will focus increased attention specimens are exempt from this prohibi- known to be reproductively active from on its status. tion. Section 9 of the Act makes it un- 1980 to 1982 proved that California lawful to remove and reduce to posses- condors often produce replacement Comments on this proposal are wel- sion Endangered plants from lands eggs if earlier clutches are lost, and that come and should be sent to the Endan- under Federal jurisdiction, and this pro- they can breed in the year following gered Species Field Station, U.S. Fish tection will be extended to Threatened successful fledging of a chick. In the lat- and Wildlife Service, 2747 Art Museum plants once implementing regulations ter case, however, eggs produced the Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, by are completed. The species that occur second year generally are laid late in January 7, 1985. on lands under Federal jurisdiction that the breeding season and only in years are part of these proposals are after early fledging of young. These Critical Habitat Pityopsis ruthii, Euphorbia deltoidea observations have encouraged condor Critical Habitat is not being desig- ssp. deltoidea, and Euphorbia garberi. researchers to selectively remove first- nated for any of these seven plants at clutch eggs and, when warranted, second clutch eggs and pre-flight nestlings bacterial infection in the ears and air from wild nests to stimulate production. Regional Briefs sacs. The infection has now been diag- continued from page 2 nosed as a form of fowl cholera. Some - end of part one - acute strains of cholera are responsible Threatened fish species in both the for large die-offs of waterfowl, but this United States and Mexico. more chronic form offers good opportu- nity for recovery. The crane is now un- On October 14, a sick whooping dergoing treatment at the Rio Grande Next month's BULLETIN will con- crane (Grus americana) was observed Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and clude this special report on current by Dr. Rod Drewien on the Bosque del appears to be responding well. Plans efforts to conserve the California Apache National Wildlife Refuge are to release the bird when it recovers. condor. Advances in increasing (NWR). The bird did not feed for 2 An injured whooping crane was cap- condor production and building a weeks and FWS personnel decided to tured near Linton, North Dakota, in early captive-breeding flock will be capture it on November 28. After its November by Dr. Drewien and person- capture, a veterinarian's examination nel from the FWS regional office in summarized. yielded a preliminary diagnosis of a Denver, Colorado, and the North Da-

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) kota State Game and Fish Department. in 1983 totalled 546 with 681 young pro- Palm Beach County by a hunter in a The bird was transported to the National duced. In 1984, there were 599 nests, tree stand. The individual was later ar- Zoo in Washington, D.C., for treatment but the number of young produced was rested by the Florida Game and Fresh of a compound fracture in the mid- 657. In Minnesota, the number of active Water Fish Commission. section of its left wing, an injury that nests was the highest recorded since may have occurred from a collision with the counts began in 1973. Populations of Dicerandra immacu- some object. The crane is recovering • * * lata (Lakela's mint) continue to decline satisfactorily at the Patuxent Wildlife Region 4—A team of biologists with due to commercial and residential de- Research Center in Laurel, Maryland, the Service and the Alabama Depart- velopment. Dicerandra immaculata oc- but veterinarians believe it is unlikely ment of Conservation and Natural Re- curs only at a few sites in Indian River that the injured bones will heal suffi- sources recently made an unprece- and St. Lucie Counties, Florida. A pri- ciently to permit a safe release of the dented effort to save Perdido Key beach vate research organization has ex- bird back into the wild. mice (Peromyscus polionotus trissyl- pressed an interest in working with The As of late November, the whooping lepsis) living on a 4-acre, privately Nature Conservancy, the FWS, and The crane population at Aransas NWR in owned beach area of Perdido Key in Florida Native Plant Society to conserve Texas totalled 81 birds, including 14 Baldwin County, Alabama. The property Lakela's mint. Personnel from the Serv- young. In mid-November, a dead is soon to be bulldozed for condomin- ice's Jacksonville, Florida, Endangered whooping crane was recovered on the ium development. Between October 15 Species Field Station will be working refuge. The cause of death may have and October 24, the team set over 600 with the research organization's land been an avian predator, possibly a live traps nightly among the sea oats on manager. This species was proposed great horned owl. An aerial survey on primary sand dunes in an effort to safely for listing on July 23, 1984. November 28 of the other wild whoop- remove the mice before the bulldozers ing crane population, the Grays Lake arrived. Despite the team's efforts, to- The single known locality for Clema- NWR/Bosque del Apache NWR flock, talling over 4000 "trap-nights," only tis socialis was recently visited by the located a minimum of 29 whooping three beach mice (two young females FWS botanist in the Jackson, Missis- cranes in New Mexico, 13 of which were and one young male) were trapped; 25 sippi, Endangered Species Field Office. on Bosque del Apache NWR, and sev- cotton rats and two house mice also This recent addition to the candidate eral were believed to be still in were taken but released. The beach plant list is represented by only a few Colorado. mice were taken to the University of known colonies located on and adjacent Mississippi's Rodent Lab where they to a roadside right-of-way in northeast Jack B. Woody, FWS National Sea are being kept pending a decision by Alabama. The population has previously Turtle Coordinator, went to Cancun, the Service on whether the animals been affected by mechanical/herbicide Mexico, in early November to partici- should be released into a safe habitat in use in routine roadside maintenance. pate in the 9th Annual MEXUS-Gulf re- the wild or kept at the lab for breeding Additional threats to the species include search meeting to discuss current and purposes. During its stay at the lab, one the encroachment of residential devel- future plans for management and con- of the young females gave birth to two opment on contiguous lands, and its ex- servation of international fishery re- young that unfortunately died several treme vulnerability due to its small pop- sources in the Gulf of Mexico. The days later. ulation size and restricted range. A status review will be undertaken to de- interagency/international Kemp's Ridley The Perdido Key beach mouse was termine if a listing proposal is sea turtle {Lepidochelys kempii) project proposed for listing as Endangered on warranted. is a major activity of MEXUS-Gulf. June 7, 1984. It is known to occur only on the Alabama end of Perdido Key, Region 3—A very successful fresh- where no more than 26 are thought to Region 6—The peregrine falcon re- water mussel workshop was recently or- survive. covery program continues to move for- ganized by the Michigan Nature Con- ward. More peregrine falcons were servancy and directed by Dr. David The effort to recover the Florida pan- hatched and raised last spring and sum- Stansbery of Ohio State University. ther (Felis concolor coryi) suffered a mer than ever before. The Peregrine Attendees included biologists from the setback recently. On November 2, a Fund, Inc., hatched 134 peregrines at Michigan Department of Natural Re- young adult male was struck by a vehi- Fort Collins, Colorado, and successfully sources and other Michigan and Fed- cle on the Tamiami Trail, which runs be- raised 131 birds. Of those 131 birds, eral agencies. Special emphasis was tween Naples and Miami. The panther 120 were released into the Rocky placed on mussel identification, survey suffered two broken hind legs and one Mountains. Many returning peregrines methods, conservation strategies, and broken hind foot, and was taken to the have been reported, and some released survey needs. Species of both State School of Veterinary Medicine at the birds produced the first known wild and Federal concern were discussed, University of Florida in Gainesville young for many years in Montana and as well as potential additions to the where it will recuperate for about 8 Wyoming. Federal candidate species list. The nu- weeks. Current plans are to release the merous non-malacologists present were animal with a radio-collar in the area The Interagency Grizzly Bear Com- noticeably interested in the discussions, where it was found. An interesting note mittee (IGBC) met in Denver on October and arrangements were made to pro- is that the highway and habitat condi- 31 and November 1, 1984, to discuss vide follow-up field training in survey tions on this stretch of the Tamiami Trail the following topics: ongoing and pro- techniques. It is anticipated that distri- are similar to those on State Road 29, posed research activities; reports from bution and status data will increase as a just east of Naples, where several other the various committee chairmen; a re- result of these sessions. panthers have been hit by automobiles. view of the 1984 bear sighting data, There are plans to correct some of mortalities, and management actions; Preliminary bald eagle {Haliaeetus these problems on State Road 29 to the need for future revision of the recov- leucocephalus) production counts in the help eliminate similar highway fatalities. ery plan; a review of the report on this Region 3 States indicate that a greater On October 20, the opening day of year's human fatality in Yellowstone Na- number of eagles attempted to nest this muzzle-loader hunting season, a female tional Park; and the grizzly bear habitat year, but also that the number of young panther was shot and killed in the symposium being proposed by the For- produced declined slightly. Active nests Corbett Wildlife Management Area of continued on page 12

11 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984) Regional Briefs continued from page 11 BOX SCORE OF LISTINGS/RECOVERY PLANS ENDANGERED THREATENED SPECIES Category U.S. U.S. & Foreign U.S. U.S. & Foreign SPECIES- HAVING est Service. An update on the intera- Only Foreign Only Only Foreign Only TOTAL PLANS gency law enforcement effort and a Mammals 19 19 233 4 0 22 297 21 demonstration of a computer modeling Birds 59 13 144 3 1 0 220 53 program were also presented to the Reptiles 8 6 60 8 4 13 99 16 IGBC. The model is intended to deter- 5 mine the cumulative effects associated Amphibians 0 8 3 0 0 16 6 with changes in habitat and manage- Fishes 29 4 11 14 3 0 62 36 ment for free-ranging grizzly bears Snails 3 0 1 5 0 0 9 7 Clams 22 0 2 0 0 0 24 14 More grizzly sightings were reported Crustaceans 3 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 in the Yellowstone National Park area Insects 8 0 0 4 0 0 12 9 during 1984 than in any of the past 10 Plants 66 5 1 9 2 2 85 33 years (over 1,236 sightings of a popula- TOTAL 223 47 460 51 10 37 828 196" tion believed to number fewer than 250 bears), but biologists agree that the "Separate populations of a species, listed both as Endangered and Threatened, are tallied number of bear-human encounters oc- twice. Species which are thus accounted for are the gray wolf, bald eagle, American alligator, curring there this year has not been green sea turtle, Olive ridley sea turtle, and leopard. unusual. "More than one species may be covered by some plans, and a few species have more News media interest in the grizzly has than one plan covering different parts of their ranges. greatly intensified in recent years, and Number of Recovery Plans approved: 164 has made bear-human encounters Number of species currently proposed for listing: 32 animals much more visible. Biologists also at- tribute grizzly sightings to the fact that 37 plants bears have moved into different areas Number of Species with Critical Habitats determined: 66 this year due to a scarcity of such natu- Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: 41 fish & wildlife ral food sources as white bark pine nuts 14 plants and berries. More grizzly sightings have November 30, 1984 also been noted this year in British Co- lumbia, north of Glacier National Park, than in the past 30 years, and more projects. One such study has indicated tact Dave Fleming (FTS 776-7531 or than 30 grizzlies were killed this year in that nonmotorized recreation does have commercial 303/236-7531) in the Re- that province. a significant effect on the movement of gion 6 office. Increased interagency law enforce- grizzly bears. Results of another study ment seems to be paying off in the show that temporary baiting of grizzly Region 7—An American peregrine Yellowstone ecosystem. To date, no bears away from problem areas is not a falcon banded as a fledgling last sum- case of illegal take of a grizzly bear is panacea and may actually create more mer on the Porcupine River was recap- known for 1983 or 1984 within the problems. Because of the grizzly's ap- tured in October at Back Bay NWR in ecosystem, although two grizzly deaths parently long memory, it is probable that Virginia. Of 1,089 fledglings banded in remain under investigation. The IGBC bears will return to the previously baited Alaska since 1979, 60 have been recov- hopes soon to see similar intensive area the following year in their search ered (34 during migration and 26 on the patrolling efforts in the northern eco- for food. Alaska nesting areas). This is the first system in Montana. Persons with any questions or a need recovery of an Alaskan-banded Ameri- The IGBC also received verbal report for additional information on the grizzly can peregrine falcon east of the Missis- updates on several ongoing research bear protection effort are invited to con- sippi River.

December 1984 Vol. IX No. 12 FIRST CLASS POSTAGE AND FEES PAID U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT NO. G-77

Department of interior u.S Fish ana wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D C. 20240

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 12 (1984)