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PART 300—NATIONAL OIL AND duplication, GSA is removing the M&IE List of Subjects in 41 CFR Part 301–11 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES breakdown table from the FTR and Government employees, per diem POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN solely maintaining it on GSA’s Web site reimbursement, M&IE allowance, Travel at www.gsa.gov/mie. The table has been and transportation. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 300 on this Web site for several years and continues to read as follows: can be updated quickly and efficiently. Dated: July 9, 2015. Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(c)(2); 42 U.S.C. Changes to per diem reimbursement Denise Turner Roth, 9601–9657; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, rates for lodging and M&IE are currently Acting Administrator of General Services. 1991 Comp., p. 351; E.O. 12580, 52 FR 2923; publicized by FTR bulletins and rates 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 193. For the reasons set forth in the are published solely on GSA Web site’s. preamble, under 5 U.S.C. 5701–5707, Appendix B to Part 300—[Amended] Similarly, any future changes to the GSA is amending 41 CFR part 301–11, M&IE breakdown table will also be as set forth below: publicized in FTR Bulletins notifying ■ 2. Table 1 of Appendix B to part 300 agencies of updates to the per diem rates PART 301–11—PER DIEM EXPENSES is amended by removing ‘‘NJ’’, ‘‘Crown for lodging and M&IE. Vantage Landfill’’, ‘‘Alexandria ■ 1. The authority for part 301–11 B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 Township’’. continues to read as follows: Executive Orders (E.O.s.) 12866 and [FR Doc. 2015–18607 Filed 7–28–15; 8:45 am] Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs BILLING CODE 6560–50–P and benefits of available regulatory § 301–11.18 [Amended] alternatives, and if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory ■ 2. Amend § 301–11.18 by: GENERAL SERVICES approaches that maximize net benefits ■ A. Removing from paragraph (a) the ADMINISTRATION (including potential economic, phrase ‘‘in the chart in this section’’ and adding the phrase ‘‘at www.gsa.gov/ 41 CFR Part 301–11 environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and mie’’ in its place; and [FTR Amendment 2015–05; FTR Case 2015– equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the ■ B. Removing the table ‘‘Total M&IE’’ at 302; Docket No. 2015–0012; Sequence importance of quantifying both costs the end of paragraph (a). No. 1] and benefits, of reducing costs, of [FR Doc. 2015–18289 Filed 7–28–15; 8:45 am] RIN 3090–AJ62 harmonizing rules, and of promoting BILLING CODE 6820–14–P flexibility. This is not a ‘‘significant Federal Travel Regulation; Temporary regulatory action,’’ and therefore, was Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances not subject to review under section 6(b) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AGENCY: Office of Government-wide of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and Fish and Wildlife Service Policy (OGP), General Services Review, dated September 30, 1993. The Administration (GSA). final rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. This 50 CFR Part 17 ACTION: Final rule. final rule is not a major rule under 5 [Docket No. FWS–R9–ES–2009–0094; 450 SUMMARY: GSA is amending the Federal U.S.C. 804. 003 0115] Travel Regulation (FTR) by removing C. Regulatory Flexibility Act RIN 1018–AY64 the meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) breakdown table from the This final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a Endangered and Threatened Wildlife regulation. The table will continue to be and Plants; Listing the Honduran published on GSA’s Web site at substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Emerald ( www.gsa.gov/mie and any changes to luciae) the breakdown of M&IE reimbursement Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This rates will be publicized via FTR final rule is also exempt from AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Bulletins. Administrative Procedure Act per 5 Interior. U.S.C. 553(a)(2), because it applies to ACTION: Final rule. DATES: Effective: This rule is effective on agency management or personnel. July 29, 2015. Applicability date: This rule is D. Paperwork Reduction Act SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and applicable beginning October 1, 2015. Wildlife Service (Service), are listing the The Paperwork Reduction Act does Honduran emerald hummingbird FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. not apply because the changes to the (Amazilia luciae) as endangered under Marcerto Barr, Office of Government- Federal Travel Regulation do not the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as wide Policy (MAE), General Services impose recordkeeping or information amended (Act). This species is endemic Administration, at 202–208–7654 or collection requirements, or the to , and the population is email at [email protected] for collection of information from offerors, estimated to be between 5,000 and clarification of content. For information contractors, or members of the public 10,000 breeding pairs. Its suitable pertaining to status or publication that require the approval of the Office of habitat has decreased significantly in schedules, contact the Regulatory Management and Budget under 44 the past 100 years; habitat degradation, Secretariat at 202–501–4755. Please cite U.S.C. 3501, et seq. fragmentation, and loss have been FTR Amendment 2015–05, FTR case identified as the primary threats to the 2015–302. E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act continued survival of this species. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule is also exempt from DATES: This final rule is effective August A. Background Congressional review prescribed under 28, 2015. In order to be more efficient and 5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates solely to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: consistent, and in an effort to eliminate agency management and personnel. Janine Van Norman, Chief, Branch of

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Foreign Species, Ecological Services them to comment on the proposed population estimates. The estimated Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, listing in accordance with our peer number of Honduran emerald 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 420, review policy, described in the section in one study Arlington, VA 22203; telephone 703– below. We received five (5) comments (INGTELSIG 2013) was estimated to be 358–2171. If you use a during the comment period including larger than other estimates; however, telecommunications device for the deaf two from peer reviewers, one comment there were several aspects of the (TDD), call the Federal Information from the Petitioner, one comment methodology, assumptions, and study Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. containing three reports, and one non- design that were questioned by other SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: substantial comment. These comments scientists to the extent that we did not are available at http:// have confidence in the population Executive Summary www.regulations.gov in Docket No. estimate provided in the study I. Purpose of the Regulatory Action FWS–R9–ES–2009–0094. The (Anderson et al. 2013, pp. 9–14). The information in the comments provided second resource provided the most We are listing the Honduran emerald updated life history information about significant change; based on recent hummingbird as endangered under the the species, documented where this surveys, the population of this species Endangered Species Act (ESA or Act) species has been recently observed, and appears to be greater than was (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) as habitat provided an updated population previously believed. At the time our degradation, fragmentation, and loss estimate (5,000–10,000 breeding pairs). proposed rule published, the most have been identified as primary threats This information is described in the current population estimate was 200– to the continued survival of this species. Summary of Changes from Proposed 1,000 individuals; new information II. Major Provisions of the Regulatory Rule section below as well as provided during the public comment Action incorporated into the rule. period indicates that the population of Peer Review the Honduran emerald hummingbird is This action lists the Honduran likely between 5,000 to 10,000 pairs emerald hummingbird as endangered on In accordance with our policy, (Anderson et al. 2013, p. 10). The new the List of Endangered and Threatened ‘‘Notice of Interagency Cooperative information is incorporated into this Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11(h). Policy for Peer Review in Endangered final listing determination. There are Background Species Act Activities,’’ that was very few individuals studying and published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR working closely with this species, and The ESA was passed to prevent 34270), we sought the expert opinion of future studies are needed to obtain more extinction of species by providing three appropriate independent precise estimates of the Honduran measures to help alleviate the loss of specialists regarding this rule. The emerald hummingbird population. Our species and their habitats. Before a plant purpose of such review is to ensure determinations were based on the best or species can receive the listing decisions are based on available scientific and commercial protection provided by the ESA, it must scientifically sound data, assumptions, information. None of the information first be added to one of the Federal Lists and analysis. We sent copies of the obtained during the comment period of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife proposed rule to the peer reviewers changed our final listing determination. and Plants. Section 4 of the ESA and its immediately following publication in A list of literature used in finalizing this implementing regulations at part 424 of the Federal Register. We invited these determination and comments we title 50 of the Code of Federal peer reviewers to comment, during the received are available at http:// Regulations (CFR) set forth the public comment period, on the specific www.regulations.gov under Docket No. procedures for adding species to these assumptions and the data that were the FWS–R9–ES–2009–0094. lists. basis for our conclusions regarding the Species Information Previous Federal Actions proposal to list this species as endangered under the Act. We received On June 23, 2010, we published a 90- comments from two peer reviewers. day finding (75 FR 35746) on the We reviewed all comments we This hummingbird species was first petition announcing that we would received for substantive issues and new taxonomically described by Lawrence in initiate a status review to determine if information regarding the proposed 1867, and placed in the Trochilidae listing this species is warranted. On listing of this species; we address those family as Amazilia luciae (BLI 2013, p. January 2, 2013, we published a 12- comments in the section that follows. 1; Sibley and Monroe 1993, 1990). month finding and proposed rule (78 FR Comments that provided support or Common names for the species include 59) to list this species as endangered opposition without substantive Honduran emerald hummingbird, under the Act. information were noted, but not Ariane De Lucy (French), and in addressed in this final rule. Honduras it is commonly known as the Summary of Comments colibrı´ esmeralda Honduren˜ o (Spanish). We base this final rule on a review of Summary of Changes From Proposed BLI and the Convention on International the best scientific and commercial Rule Trade in Endangered Species of Wild information available, including all This final rule incorporates the Fauna and Flora (CITES) both recognize information we received during the comments we received on our proposed the species as Amazilia luciae (BLI public comment period. In the January listing and newly available scientific 2008, p. 1). We recognize this species as 2, 2013, proposed rule (78 FR 59), we and commercial information. Peer Amazilia luciae, which also follows the requested that all interested parties reviewers generally commented that the Integrated Taxonomic Information submit information that might proposed rule was thorough and System (ITIS 2013). ITIS is a database contribute to development of a final comprehensive. New reports relevant to maintained by a partnership of U.S., rule. The public comment period was the Honduran emerald hummingbird Canadian, and Mexican federal open for 60 days, ending March 4, 2013. and its habitat were submitted during government agencies, other We also contacted appropriate scientific the comment period. Two resources organizations, and taxonomic specialists experts and organizations, and invited were provided which provided new to provide taxonomic information.

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Description (endemic), and Opuntia hondurensis Thorn et al. (2000, p. 23) observed that The Honduran emerald hummingbird (endemic) (House 2004, p. 15). The habitat with abundant flowers, red in is one of more than 325 hummingbird flowering of Opuntia hondurensis particular, appeared to be a critical species. Hummingbirds exhibit a wide coincides with the nesting period of the characteristic for suitable habitat. range of flight-related morphology and Honduran emerald hummingbird Additionally, suitable habitat behavior based on ecological factors (House 2004, p. 23). Large clusters of requirements include similar ecological (Altshuler and Dudley 2002, p. 2,325). three species of orchids, Myrmecophila conditions such as access to nectar and As do all hummingbirds, the Honduran wendlandii, Laelia rubescens, and insects, rainfall, humidity and emerald hummingbird exhibits slight Encyclia nematocaulon, were found temperature. During one field study in growing on cacti within the habitat Santa Barbara, Honduran emerald sexual dimorphism (physical (House 2004, p. 16). The trees and hummingbirds were observed hunting differences between the females and shrubs found in one study of its habitat arthropods about 50 percent of their males), which is demonstrated in the were almost 100 percent deciduous time (Stiles 1985). coloring of its plumage. This species is (House 2004, p. 15). In larger, more Hummingbirds are known to a medium-sized hummingbird with an mature trees, some bromeliads (when ‘‘disperse’’ rather than ‘‘migrate’’ in the average length of 9.5 centimeters (3.7 blooming are sources of nectar and sense that they do not follow routine, inches) (BLI 2008, p. 2). The male has energy) were found. Although epiphytes standard, round-trip movements; they an iridescent blue-green throat and (plants that grow non-parasitically on follow sources of food availability upper chest and occasionally has a grey another plant, such as a tree) are usually (Berthold et al. 2003, pp. 40–41). mottled coloring. Its back is an emerald rare in this habitat type, some epiphytes Hummingbirds are the most specialized green color, the ventral (underneath) are well adapted to the extremes of this nectar-feeding in the New World side of the is pale grey with mottled environment. (Graham et al. 2009, p. 19,673). green sides, and the tail is bright green In Honduras, this habitat occurs Hummingbirds quickly shift to the best with a bronze hint on the upper tail primarily along the Gulf of Fonseca, in available sources of nectar; their choice coverts (BLI 2008, p. 1). The plumage of the Agalta Valley in the Olancho of habitat may change concurrent with the female is less brilliant (BLI 2008, p. Department, and in the Agua´n Valley in loss of their preferred food sources (Gill 2). The tail of the female contains a grey the Department (for a map of the 1987, p. 785; Montgomerie et al. 1984). tip, and the band of distinctive color on Honduran emerald populations, see our When a hummingbird’s habitat does not the throat of the female hummingbird is proposed rule, 78 FR 63). This species provide its required resources, research narrower, with pale edges (BLI 2008, p. tends to be found in similar altitudes, indicates that they tend to abandon a 2; Monroe 1968, p. 183). Juveniles have although it has recently been observed territory and move to more productive grayish throats spotted with turquoise at higher elevations (Germer 2013, pp. areas (Feinsinger and Colwell 1978; (BLI 2008, p. 2). 1–2). Most of the hummingbird’s Kodric-Brown and Brown 1978 in Hummingbird bills vary among occurrences have been noted at Justino et al. 2012, p. 194). Emerald species and are adapted for specialized elevations between 150 and 600 meters hummingbirds are habitat generalists in feeding. The bill of the Honduran (492 and 1,968.5 feet (ft)) above sea the sense that they do not rely emerald hummingbird is black and level; however, other observations were exclusively on a single species of plant slightly curved with a red mandible and recorded at 845 and 1,220 meters (2,772 for nourishment; rather, they utilize a dark tip and is slightly longer and more and 4,003 ft) (Germer 2012; pp. 55–56; wide variety of nectar-producing plants decurved (downward curving) bill than Sanchez et al. 2011, p. 69). to meet their nutritional requirements the closely related species A. candida The Honduran emerald hummingbird (Graham et al. 2009, p. 19,675). (Monroe 1968, p. 182). The curvature of nests in March and April, and its nest Helicteres guazumaefolia, which its bill is associated with foraging for has been observed in a Guayabillo tree produces nectar all year (as opposed to nectar in plant species within its habitat (Eugenia lempana) (Espinal and seasonally), was observed to be a (Gill 1987, p. 780). Marineros 2008, p. 1). Its nests are made preferred food source for the Honduran Biology of cobwebs, lichens, and mosses, and it emerald hummingbird in Santa Barbara usually lays two eggs which hatch in (Komar et al. 2013, pp. 25–26). This The Honduran emerald hummingbird 21⁄2 weeks (Germer 2011, p. 52). species has been observed actively historically has preferred arid interior Emerald hummingbirds are somewhat foraging mid-morning, concurrent with valleys of thorn forest and shrubs. The aggressive and territorial (Collar et al. the time during the day when nectar is Agua´n River Valley area rarely receives 1992, p. 493; Howell and Webb 1989, p. most plentiful. For example, energy more than 76 centimeters (30 inches) of 643), due to competition with other present in Heliconia stilesii flowers rain per year (Perez and Thorn 2012, hummingbird species for resources. averaged 200 to 300 joules per flower in pers. comm.; Gallardo 2010, http:// This species has been observed feeding the early morning and 300 to 500 joules www.birdsofhonduras.com). Due to the at heights between 0.5 to 10 meters (2 per flower by midmorning (Gill 1987, arid climate, many of the plant species to 32 ft) (Howell and Webb 1989, p. pp. 781–782). are adapted to retain water and are 643). Some aspects of this species’ Germer (2011) found that during the succulents or contain spines as behavior remain unclear, such as how dry season, the Honduran emerald protection from herbivores. Many of the far individuals disperse, what habitats hummingbird can be found in gallery plants lose all their leaves in the dry are important for dispersal, and how the forests (forests that grow in corridors season, and Honduran emerald populations are linked genetically along wetlands or rivers, projecting into hummingbird habitat may appear (Perez and Thorn 2012 pers. comm.; sparsely treed areas), or near bodies of almost lifeless. Typical plants within its Anderson et al. 2010, p. 7). water where humidity and abundance of habitat include cacti, acacias, and other As with all hummingbird species, the small arthropods is greater. Its use of succulents. Three species of arborescent Honduran emerald hummingbird relies these areas is believed to reduce its (tree-like) cacti have been associated on nectar-producing flowers for food metabolic cost and escape heat during with the Honduran emerald and energy, and relies on insects and the driest seasons (pp. 52–53). High hummingbird’s habitat: Pilosocereus spiders as sources of protein (Germer variability between detections was maxonii, Stenocereus yunckeri 2012, p. 2; Collar et al. 1992, p. 494). observed, which could imply that the

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species is not evenly distributed across utilized by Honduran emerald higher than previously believed. One the available habitat (Germer 2011, pp. hummingbirds is available in our study, published in 2013, suggested that 52–53); it may move seasonally in proposed rule, 78 FR 63. the population of Honduran emerald search of food sources. hummingbirds was significantly larger, Population In Yoro, the Honduran emerald estimated to be between 50,000 and hummingbird uses the species In our proposed rule (78 FR 59), we 106,000 individuals (INGTELSIG 2013). Pedilanthus camporum, which produces noted that several attempts have been We find this to be an overestimate due flowers year-round, and Nopalea made to estimate the population status to several erroneous assumptions in the hondurensis, which flowers generally of the Honduran emerald. In 2007, the study design and sampling between February and April, 90 percent total population was estimated to be methodology, which were described in of the time observed. In the Coyoles area between 200 and 1,000 individuals Anderson et al. (2013, pp. 10–12). More in the Agua´n Valley, the thorn forest is (Anderson et al. 2007, p. 1). At the time recent studies and research suggests that primarily comprised of Mimosaceae of the publication of our proposed rule, there are between 5,000 and 10,000 (herbaceous and woody species), the best estimate suggested a population breeding pairs spread across seven Cactaceae (cactus species), and of approximately 200–1000 individuals separate populations (Anderson et al. Euphorbiaceae (herbs, shrubs, trees, and (BLI 2012, unpaginated; Perez and 2013, p. 2). Table 1 provides the current some succulent species) (Collar et al. Thorn pers. comm. 2012). population estimate for each of the 1992, p. 494). In western Honduras, 90 During the public comment period, populations based upon the best percent of foraging observations were on we received additional information available scientific and commercial Aphelandra scabra and Helicteres indicating that the total population information submitted by researchers guazaumifolia. A list of plant species estimate for Honduran emerald may be working with the species.

TABLE 1—POPULATION ESTIMATES BY VALLEY [Anderson 2013, pp. 2, 14]

Honduran department Location of population Population estimate

Santa Barbara Department ...... Tencoa Valley ...... 2,500–5,000 breeding pairs. Jicatuyo Valley Quimista´n Valley ...... Agua´n Valley ...... 1,000–2,000 breeding pairs. ...... Agalta Valley ...... 1,000–2,000 breeding pairs. Telica Valley 500–1,000 breeding pairs. Valley (Valle de Olancho) Extirpated.

Historic Distribution Between 1950 and 1988 there were no hectares (ha) (12 and 148 acres) each. It recorded observations of the Honduran The Honduran emerald hummingbird is estimated that the population in the emerald hummingbird. In 1988, the is the only known endemic bird species Santa Barbara Department is species was described as common in in Honduras (Anderson and Devenish approximately 200 km (124 miles) west and Coyoles, which are 2009, p. 258; Portillo 2007, p. 17; Thorn of the nearest known population in the located 16 km (9 miles) apart (BLI 2008, et al. 2000, p. 3; Collar et al. 1992, p. Agua´n Valley (Anderson 2010, p. 5). p. 2). In 1991, between 22 and 28 493; Monroe 1968, p. 182). Based on The Honduran emerald hummingbird individuals were found in a patch of specimen data, the species was density within the Santa Barbara habitat measuring 500 by 50 meters originally known to occur in four Department has been estimated to be (1,640 x 164 ft) near Olanchito (Howell departments (which are similar to between 76 and 167 individuals per km2 and Webb 1992, pp. 46–47). In 1996, the ‘‘states’’ in the United States): Corte´s (29–64 mi2) (Sanchez et al. 2011, p. 5), bird was found in the Agalta Valley on and Santa Barbara in the west and Yoro but its density varies based on food less than 1 km2 (247 acres or .39 square and Olancho in the northeast. The availability. BLI reports that its range is miles (mi2)) of suitable habitat (BLI Honduran emerald hummingbird was 400 km2 (154 mi2). However, local 2008, p. 3). likely a forest inhabitant and described experts believe its actual extent of as locally common (Howell 1989, p. Current Distribution occurrence may be closer to 150 km2 (58 642). The locations and dates where this Prior to its 1988 rediscovery in mi2) (Perez and Thorn pers. comm. species has been documented are as Olanchito and Coyoles, it was thought 2012). Observations of the Honduran follows: emerald hummingbird have been • that habitat loss had restricted the , Olancho (1937 and Honduran emerald hummingbird to recently reported in western Honduras 1991) (Howell and Webb 1992, pp. 46– isolated patches of arid thorn-forest and in the Quimista´n Valley (in the Rı´o 47; Monroe 1968, p. 182). scrub of the interior valleys of northern Chameleco´n watershed) and Tencoa • Cofradı´a, Cortes (1933) (Monroe Honduras. Between 2007 and 2013, this Valley (Rı´o Ulu´ a watershed), in the 1968, p. 182). species was documented in seven Santa Barbara Department where it had • Coyoles, Yoro (1948 and 1950) valleys in Honduras (Anderson et al. not been recorded since 1935. The (Monroe 1968, p. 182). 2013, p. 2; Germer 2012, pp. 52–60; westernmost occurrence of the species • El Boquero´n, Olancho (recorded Anderson 2010, p. 4) (see Fig. 1). In the is in the Oro River Valley, near Sula in September 1937) (Monroe 1968, p. 182). Tencoa Valley (Santa Barbara), the municipality of Macuelizo. The • Olanchito, Yoro (1988) (Howell and researchers found individuals in five northernmost site is in the Valley of Webb 1989, pp. 642–643). habitat patches, each separated by at Azacualpa, also in the municipality of • Santa Ba´rbara, Santa Ba´rbara (1935) least 5 km (3 miles). These habitat Macuelizo. (Monroe 1968, p. 182). fragments were between 5 and 60

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Agalta Valley (Olancho Department) smaller ecosystems are surrounded by 2013, this species has been observed In 2007, this species was observed in human-dominated landscapes. One utilizing four habitats (dry forest, dry the Agalta Valley and in the Telica estimate indicated that between 2,428 scrubland, wooded pasture, and Valley, both in the Olancho Department and 3,237 ha (6,000–8,000 acres) of lowland pine/oak forest). suitable habitat remains in the Agua´n (Anderson and Hyman 2007, p. 6). The Conservation Status Agalta Valley is described as a remote Valley, most of which is privately owned (Gallardo 2010, p. 186); however, The Honduran emerald hummingbird region in the mountains of eastern is listed as endangered by the IUCN Honduras containing over 1,000,000 ha other estimates indicate that the species has even less suitable habitat available (2012). The category of this species was (2,471,054 acres) of land characterized reclassified as endangered from as dry basin. Here, the Honduran than the above estimate (Perez and Thorn 2012 pers. comm.). critically endangered following its emerald hummingbird’s habitat The lands along the Agua´n River have recent discovery in the western part of primarily is on large, privately owned periodically been devastated by banana Honduras, which increased its known cattle ranches that have restricted access diseases, floods, and hurricanes, range (BLI 2012, pp. 1–2). Its IUCN (Anderson et al. 2010, p. 3). The species particularly Hurricane Fifi in 1974 and classification is based on its very small has been known to occur in this valley Hurricane Mitch in 1998 (NOAA 2012, and severely fragmented range and since the mid-1990s (Anderson et al. p. 2; Winograd 2006; USGS 2002, p. 5). population. However, this status under 1998, p. 181). Although this species This valley is on the south side of the IUCN conveys no actual protections to exists in the Agalta Valley, very little Nombre de Dios Mountain Range, the species. The Honduran emerald information regarding the factors primarily in the Yoro Department hummingbird has been listed in affecting this species in this area are (Gallardo 2010, p. 185). The Agua´n Appendix II of CITES since October 22, known. Reports indicate that areas that River Watershed is 10,546 km2 (4,072 1987, at which time all hummingbird contain suitable habitat characteristics mi2 or 2,605,973 acres), is delimited by species not previously listed in the for the Honduran emerald hummingbird the tributaries of the Agua´n River, and Appendices were listed in Appendix II. are being cleared for rice cultivation extends across the departments of Yoro, Honduras and the United States are both (Hyman 2012, pers. comm.; Bonta 2011, Colon, Atla´ntida, and Olancho (WWF Parties to CITES, an international treaty pers. comm.). Several of the remaining 2008, p. 12; see Map 5, Map of among 180 nations through which habitat patches are connected by narrow Honduras, Agua´n Valley at http:// member countries, called Parties, work corridors of habitat along property lines www.regulations.gov under Docket No. together to ensure that international and waterways, but most of the patches FWS–R9–ES–2009–0094). This valley trade in CITES-listed and plants of remaining habitat are ‘‘islands’’ experiences a unique microclimate in is not detrimental to the survival of wild within cattle pasture, which comprises which most of the rain falls between populations. This goal is achieved by approximately 90 percent of the Valley’s June and November (Gallardo 2010, p. regulating import, export, and re-export area (Bonta 2011, pers. comm.). 185). The land in the Agua´n Valley is of CITES-listed animal and plant species Agua´n Valley (Yoro Department) rich and fertile, and therefore, highly and their parts and products through a likely to be converted into agricultural permitting system (http:// This hummingbird species is known lands fields, particularly in a country www..org). Appendix II includes in the Agua´n Valley, Yoro Department, with a high poverty index that relies species which although not necessarily in the areas of Olanchito and Coyoles, strongly on its land for agriculture now threatened with extinction may and is reported as relatively common, (WWF 2008, p. 2). become so unless trade in specimens of but only within its remaining suitable such species is subject to strict habitat (Gallardo 2010, p. 186; Thorn et Western Honduras regulation in order to avoid utilization al. 2000, pp. 22–23). This species has In 2000, a survey was conducted for incompatible with their survival; and also been observed in New Valle del Rio the Honduran emerald hummingbird other species which must be subject to de Oro, Valle de Azacualpa, and Rio and concluded that it occurs in dry regulation in order that trade in Jicatuyo in the vicinity of San Luis. The tropical forest (Anderson and Hyman specimens of certain species threatened Honduran emerald hummingbird’s 2007, pp. 1–4; Thorn et al. 2000, pp. 1– with extinction which are or may be habitat formerly encompassed a large 5). Upon the recent rediscovery of the affected by trade may be brought under extent of the Agua´n Valley, a once species in western Honduras, effective control (CITES Article II(2)). pristine plain of nearly 4,662 km2 (1,800 researchers determined that the species International trade in specimens of mi2). Ninety percent of its original was also residing in areas with different Appendix II species may be authorized habitat no longer exists in its original ecological characteristics (Anderson et through a system of permits or form due to the conversion of its habitat al. 2010). Sites occupied by the certificates under certain circumstances, to banana plantations and cattle pasture. Honduran emerald hummingbird in and must be in accordance with CITES Much of the Honduran emerald western Honduras are best described as Article IV. For example, export may hummingbird’s habitat is on privately semi-deciduous woodland, a habitat only be authorized when: (1) The CITES owned land and is often planted with that has not previously been associated Scientific Authority of the country of nonnative grasses for cattle grazing with the species. Canopy height in this export has determined that the export (Perez and Thorn 2012, pers. comm.; area averages 15 meters (49 ft), will not be detrimental to the survival Anderson pers. comm. 2008 in Petition dominated by semi-deciduous broad- of the species; (2) the CITES 2008, p. 11). In some cases, it is planted leaved tree species, principally Eugenia Management Authority of the country of with invasive grass species (http:// oerstediana, Bursera simaruba, and export has determined that the www.birdlist.org/cam/honduras/hn_ Tabebuia rosea, that form a relatively specimens to be exported were legally ecosystems.htm, accessed May 22, closed tree canopy. Common understory acquired; and (3) the CITES 2012). Today, due to decades of species are Agave parvidentata, Management Authority of the country of unregulated and expanding cattle Tillandsia fasciculata, Bromelia export has determined that any living ranching, the hummingbird’s dry forest pinguin, Bromelia plumieri, and specimen will be so prepared and range is limited to a few small, isolated Acanthocereus pentagonus (Anderson shipped as to minimize the risk of islands of habitat. Its increasingly 2010, p. 5). According to Komar et al. injury, damage to health or cruel

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treatment (CITES Article IV(2)). In the conversion to plantations and cattle et al. 2011, p. 1,671). In agricultural United States, CITES is implemented ranches (see Fig. 1; Perez and Thorn landscapes, hummingbirds were through the Act and implementing pers. comm. 2012). Due to habitat observed traveling longer distances and regulations at 50 CFR part 23. destruction/degradation rates in Santa took more circuitous routes than in Barbara, no suitable habitat for the forested landscapes. Overall, movement Factors Affecting the Species Honduran emerald hummingbird may paths were strongly linked to areas that Introduction remain by the year 2025 (Anderson et al. contained higher forest cover (Hadley & The most serious threat affecting this 2013, p. 5). Betts 2009, p. 209). In the last ∼100 years, the Agua´n Nectar is the primary source of species is the continued degradation region has experienced three periods of carbohydrates for hummingbirds, and and fragmentation of existing habitat, agricultural economic growth (WWF insects or pollen is the primary sources and the complete loss of habitat 2008, p. 11). Thorn forests were initially of protein for hummingbirds (Arau´ jo et (estimated to be 90 percent) over the cleared in the Agua´n Valley to create al. 2011, p. 827; Hegland et al. 2009, p. past 100 years due to land conversion banana and plantain plantations and 188). Although studies of nutritional from prime thorn forest habitat to rice farms, as well as pasture for cattle requirements have been conducted with banana plantations, agriculture, and (Stattersfield and Capper 2000, p. 311). respect to other hummingbird species, cattle pastures (Komar et al. 2013, p. 28; However, after an outbreak of Panama the home range required to support the Perez and Thorn 2012, pers. comm.). disease occurred in bananas, the Agua´n breeding, feeding, and nesting Studies published in 2013 indicate that Valley was largely abandoned, and requirements for each pair of Honduran in Santa Barbara, the area that contains much of the land reverted to pasture or emerald hummingbirds is unknown. the most suitable habitat for the forest. As a result of the agricultural Hadley noted in 2012 that plant Honduran emerald hummingbird, reforms of the 1960s and 1970s, densities, flower abundance, and flower agriculture, cattle grazing, coffee Honduran campesinos (farmers) quality (e.g., number of inflorescences, cultivation, mining, dam construction, received farmland in the Agua´n Valley display size) can all be affected by and fires are the primary factors and proceeded to clear and develop the landscape configuration such as edge contributing to the degradation, Valley that was previously forested into effects (changes in population or fragmentation and loss of habitat an agricultural region. In the late 1970s, community structures occurring at the (Komar et al. 2013, p. 37; Anderson et lands were again cultivated with boundaries of two habitats) due to al. 2013, pp. 1–3). This loss of habitat disease-resistant varieties of bananas. In factors such as light and humidity interacts with the ecologically the Agua´n Valley, 10,319 ha (25,500 ac) levels; therefore, hummingbird foraging deleterious factors associated with palm now consist of banana plantations in an behavior is likely sensitive to oil production, land ownership, area known as the Barisma farm (Dole fragmentation (Hadley 2012, pp. 23–35). pesticides and fertilizers, roads, 2011, p. 67). One of the best patches of Efforts by Pico Bonito National Park hydroelectric and development projects, optimal Honduran emerald Foundation (Fundacio´n Parque international trade, disease and hummingbird habitat in the Agua´n Nacional Pico Bonito (FUPNAPIB)) and predation, small and declining Valley has practically disappeared due others have attempted to preserve populations, and other factors in to its proximity to a nearby town (Thorn important parts of this species’ habitat; affecting the Honduran emerald 2012, pers. comm.). Now, only a single however, even the areas designated as hummingbird’s habitat. These factors forest remnant larger than 100 ha (247 protected are experiencing habitat are discussed in detail below. ac) that is suitable for this species is degradation (Hyman 2013, pp. 1–2). known to exist in this valley (Anderson Habitat Degradation and Fragmentation Land Ownership 2010, p. 6). Habitat suitable for Honduras has been steadily losing Honduran emerald hummingbirds Because approximately 84 percent of thorn forest cover, particularly since the continues to be cleared by private the Honduran emerald’s suitable habitat early 1960s, mostly due to the landowners in order to plant pasture is privately owned, it is difficult to conversion of thorn forest areas to grass for grazing cattle (Hyman 2012 provide protections to this species agricultural areas, such as cattle pers. comm.). (Steiner 2012 pers. comm.; FAO 2010, p. pastures and coffee, bean, corn, and Several hummingbird species have 238). In many cases, the only sites in banana plantations (World Wildlife persisted in fragmented tropical Honduras that have maintained a viable Fund 2008, p. 11; Anderson pers. landscapes (Stouffer & Bierregaard 1995 ecosystem in somewhat of a natural comm. 2008 in Petition 2008, p. 11; in Hadley & Betts 2009, p. 207). state are places with irregular Portillo 2007, p. 75). In Yoro, there are However, hummingbird persistence at topography. Subsequently, these areas only four large patches of suitable the landscape scale does not indicate have become protected or private nature habitat for this species remaining (Perez that the population is at the same level reserves (Portillo 2007, p. 75). Much of and Thorn 2012, pers. comm.; Anderson it was prior to deforestation (Hadley & this species’ original habitat, thorn 2010). The four largest fragments are Betts 2009, p. 207). Flight paths used by forest, has been cleared for housing, between 360 and 476 ha (890 and 1,176 the green hermit hummingbird towns, agriculture, and cattle grazing acres), for a combined total of 1,704 ha (Phaethornis guy) indicate that gaps in (Stattersfield and Capper 2000, p. 311; (4,210 acres) (Anderson 2010, p. 6). In suitable habitat alter hummingbird Thorn et al. 2000, p. 4). This species’ the Agua´n Valley, as of 2000, suitable movement pathways (Hadley 2012, p. remaining habitat in the Agua´n Valley habitat for the Honduran emerald had 48; Hadley & Betts 2009, p. 209). Due to (Yoro Department) and Agalta Valley reduced in size to an estimated 8,495 ha the fragmentation of their habitat, (Olancho Department) is primarily (20,991 acres) from 16,000 ha (39,537 Honduran emeralds and other privately owned as large haciendas acres) in 1977, and 30,000 ha (74,132 hummingbird species are forced to (plantations or farms), where cattle acres) in 1938 (Thorn et al. 2000, p. 25). expend more energy moving between grazing, clearing for cattle, and Even with the rediscovery of the species suitable habitat patches to breed, feed, plantation agriculture continues to in Santa Barbara and the extension of its and nest; the flight of hummingbirds is occur (Stattersfield and Capper 2000, p. range in Olancho, the species’ habitat one of the most energetically demanding 311). In the lower river valley, has been reduced due to habitat forms of animal locomotion (Buermann agricultural cooperatives are raising

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citrus fruits, corn (maize), rice, and nurseries, palm oil collecting sites, and To provide perspective on the African palm for oil (WWF 2008, p. 12). other infrastructure. Honduras’ palm oil magnitude of the production in this Because most of this species’ habitat is industry exported over $21 million U.S. valley, the Agua´n Valley Palm unprotected, the species is likely to dollars’ worth of palm oil in 2004, and Producers Association (APROVA) is a continue to experience habitat Honduras is expected to increase its cooperative of 154 oil palm farmers degradation through conversion of its production of palm oil for biofuel (USDA 2012, pp. 1–3). In 2009, habitat to other uses such as cattle (Silvestri 2008, pp. ii–iii). Other APROVA opened its first palm oil grazing and agricultural plantations. countries are encouraging Honduras to processing plant, which processes up to increase production of palm oil, which five tons of palm oil per day (USDA Palm Oil Production would likely affect the Agua´n River 2012, pp. 1–3); there are now five Although palm oil plantations in the Basin (Silvestri 2008, pp. 47; WWF processing plants. As of 1938, within Agua´n River Basin have not been 2008, pp. 37–38). These changes in land the Agua´n Valley 30,000 ha (74,131 ac) directly implicated as the cause of use have had an environmental cost were the arid, thorn forest preferred by Honduran emerald habitat loss, palm oil (WWF 2008, pp. 30, 53–54), such as the Honduran emerald (Tierra America plantations have replaced pasture lands land degradation through deforestation 2012, pp. 1–2). By 1977, suitable habitat that were left behind after the banana and exposure to fertilizers and for the Honduran emerald hummingbird plantations diminished from their initial pesticides, which are discussed below. had been reduced to 16,000 ha (39,537 success during the first part of the 20th Although the conversion to palm oil ac), and in 2000, only 8,495 ha (20,991 century (WWF 2008, p. 30). The palm plantations may not be occurring ac) remained. Of that area, only 3,900 ha oil production in the Agua´n River Basin directly in Honduran emerald (9,637 ac) can be considered preserved is concentrated between Sava and hummingbird habitat, its effects may well enough to sustain significant Tumbaderos (WWF 2008, p. 17) and impact this species via the development populations of the Honduran emerald covers 28,082 ha (69,392 ac.). The area of roads, habitat conversion, and hummingbird (Mejı´a pers. comm. in includes plantations, processing plants, settlements. Tierra America 2012).

TABLE 1—LAND REDUCTION IN THE AGUA´N VALLEY

Agua´n Valley Year Hectares Acres

Tropical Dry Forest ...... 1938 30,000 74,131 Tropical Dry Forest ...... 1977 16,000 39,537 Tropical Dry Forest ...... 2000 8,495 20,991 Source: Thorn et al. 2000.

Pesticides and Fertilizers (Acevedo et al. 2008, p. 1). The most productive agricultural areas of the agricultural sector is the most important country due to poor road infrastructure. The World Wide Fund for Nature of the Honduran economy (Acevedo et The road improvement project (Central (WWF) notes that agricultural al. 2008, p. 1); however, this sector is Road, Route no. 23) is funded by the production yield level can only be limited by difficulties of transportation World Bank through the ‘‘Second increased with the use of agrochemicals and access to many of the productive Reconstruction and Improvement such as fertilizer and pesticides, which areas of the country due to poor road Project Road’’ (World Bank 2013, pp. 1– in turn all have an environmental infrastructure (Quintero et al. 2007, pp. 3; World Bank 2011, pp. 1–3; Proceso impact. Before palm oil tree canopies 15–18; Winograd 2006, pp. 1–5). Digital 2010). The road improvement fully develop, sunlight is able to Existing roads have been negatively project will likely bring more traffic, penetrate the ground resulting in impacted by hurricanes, flooding, and which will increase land speculation aggressive weed growth and frequent neglect after the crash of the banana and settlement of homes along the road, weed control is needed. Mechanical industry. The Agua´n and Agalta valleys, ultimately impacting surrounding weed mowers hauled by agricultural which contain this species’ preferred Honduran emerald hummingbird tractors are used to keep weeds at a habitat, are some of the most productive habitat (Perez and Thorn 2012, pers. manageable height in between rows. agricultural areas of the country, and comm.; Steiner and Coto 2011, pp. 1–2). Before the canopy is fully developed, this change in land use has decreased Roads through prime Honduran emerald areas around young plants are kept free the available suitable habitat for the hummingbird habitat, which is of competing weeds mostly by chemical Honduran emerald hummingbird presently affected by cultivation of herbicides and by manually removing (Acevedo et al. 2008, p. 1). These bananas and plantains, link the river them (WWF 2008, pp. 24–25). However, agricultural areas of the country are in valley to the ports at Tela, , these plantations are approximately 161 the departments of Atlantida (Agua´n Trujillo, and Puerto Corte´s. km (100 miles) north of the Honduran Valley) and Olancho (Agalta and There are plans to pave the road emerald hummingbird’s habitat, and are Guayape valleys) and include bananas, between Olanchito (Yoro Department) not known to directly affect this species coffee, palm oil, corn, beans, edible and San Lorenzo ( (Hyman 2012, pers. comm.). Therefore, vegetables, fruits, and other crops. The (southcentral Honduras)), an we do not find pesticides and fertilizers improvement and development of roads approximately 57-km (35-mile) stretch to be a threat to the continued existence to transport agricultural products to that currently passes through the Agua´n of this species. economic hubs is being considered by Valley, which will further impact this Roads the Government of Honduras, which species’ habitat (Hyman 2012; pers. may affect the Honduran emerald comm.; World Bank 2011, pp. 1–3; Honduras is ranked among the hummingbird’s habitat. Anderson pers. comm. 2008 in Petition countries with the lowest development Growth in this economic sector is 2008; Hyman 2007, p. 10). This project of road networks in Central America impeded by the lack of access to the has been contingent on several factors,

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such as a loan from the World Bank and projects may be underway in the Agalta Disease and Predation implementation of measures to mitigate Valley (Bonta 2012, pers. comm.). Bonta The Intergovernmental Panel on the impact on the environment. A 2007 indicates that the following projects, Climate Change (2014, pp. 1530–1532) World Bank report indicated that during which can be located at http:// suggests that the distribution of some the project planning stage, the scope of www.hondurasopenforbusiness.com, are disease vectors may change as a result the project changed so that the road likely to affect the Honduran emerald of climate change. However, after segment passing through vital habitat hummingbird’s habitat. conducting a status review of the • AGR112: Production of Transgenic for the Honduran emerald hummingbird Honduran emerald hummingbird and Certified Maize, was not implemented (Quintero 2007, consulting with experts, we have no pp. 14–16). In this report, the World • AGR126: Cultivation of Pin˜ o´n, information at this time to suggest that Bank indicated that payments for an Jatropha curcas, for biodiesel (5,000 ha any specific diseases are or may become environmental services plan, if in the Agalta Valley), problematic to this species. successfully implemented, could lead to • AGR401: Cultivation of Pin˜ o´n the long-term protection of an (5,000 ha in the Agalta Valley), Small and Declining Population • AGR402: Cultivation of Pin˜ o´n, additional 1,000–2,000 ha (2,474–4,942 • In our proposed rule (78 FR 59), we acres) of Honduran emerald FOR204: Teak (Tectona grandis) plantation: 20,000 ha in three valleys; found that the species’ small population hummingbird habitat on private lands. size (at the time of our proposal, This, in turn, would address estimate of 4,000 to 8,000 ha in the Agalta Valley. estimated to be 200–1,000 individuals) environmental concerns associated with combined with its highly restricted and the proposed paving of the Olanchito- Although highway construction, agricultural development, and resulting severely fragmented range, increased the San Lorenzo road (Quintero et al. 2007, species’ vulnerability to adverse natural p. 15). The original plans for this project infrastructure is likely to occur in the Agalta Valley, it is unclear how these events. The species’ potential exposure included a target completion date of to extreme weather events such as December 2014 (World Bank 2013, pp. activities would negatively affect the hurricanes, extended periods of 1–2); however, the best available Honduran emerald hummingbird in this drought, or flooding, in combination information indicates that the closing valley. To mitigate the effects of with habitat loss and degradation was date of the loan has been extended to development in this area, a Honduran believed to be affecting the continued May 31, 2015 and implementation emerald hummingbird conservation existence of the species throughout its progress on the proposed infrastructure strategy paper for the Agalta Valley was range. was rated as moderately successful funded by the Inter-American During the public comment period, (World Bank 2015, unpaginated; World Development Bank (IADB) and partially we received new information indicating Bank 2014, p. 1–6). developed by the American Bird The Agalta Valley is traversed by a Conservancy. In the area of influence of that the population estimates were highway that has been proposed to be IADB project HO–L1003, the strategy much higher than previously believed repaved (Inter-American Development paper identified 20 remaining fragments (5,000–10,000 breeding pairs) (see Bank 2013, pp. 1–2; Hyman 2012, pers. of suitable Honduran emerald Population Estimates). Based upon this comm). This region is an area with a hummingbird habitat; all but one of updated estimate, we have re-evaluated high rate of poverty, and this highway these fragments is located on private whether the populations are susceptible is, in part, intended to improve the land. The paper recommended to the risks associated with small and economic conditions in this region. This development of a payments-for- declining populations as described in region contains approximately 50,000 ecosystem-services scheme (PES detail below. human inhabitants. The highway will scheme) as the most viable conservation Endemic to Honduras, Honduran complete the second paved transit route option. This concept would compensate emeralds hummingbirds have been between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans landowners for conserving or restoring found in seven populations. In the Santa in Honduras. The road is being Honduran emerald hummingbird Barbara Department (western improved in order to provide a better habitat found on their land in the Agalta Honduras), they have been found in link between and the Valley; however, it is unclear whether three separate valleys, Tencoa Valley, Atlantic coast of Honduras and will this has been implemented (IADB 2013, Jicatuyo/Ulua river valley, and the better connect the Departments of pp. 1–2). Quimistan Valley. Anderson et al. ´ (2013, p. 14) estimates a combined Francisco Morazan, Olancho, and International Trade Colo´n. It is unclear how this highway population for these three valleys to be will affect the remaining 5,000 ha Data obtained from the United roughly 2,500–5,000 breeding pairs; (12,355 ac) of this species’ habitat Nations Environment Programme— however, the researcher notes that no (Bonta 2011, pers. comm.) in this valley. World Conservation Monitoring Center comprehensive, peer-reviewed (UNEP–WCMC) show that, since its population estimate has been completed Hydroelectric and Development Projects listing in CITES Appendix II in 1987, for this area and as such, there is no The construction of several only two Honduran emerald current information indicating how the development projects could possibly hummingbird specimens have been populations are distributed between the affect this species’ habitat (Bonta 2012, recorded in international trade, three separate valleys. Anderson et al. pers. comm.) in the Agalta Valley and involving two carcasses of unknown (2010, p. 258) stated that during the Tencoa Valley. At least two origin from Germany to the United research in Tencoa Valley alone, they hydroelectric projects have become States in 1996 (UNEP–WCMC 2009b). found individuals in five habitat operational in recent years (Bonta 2012, Therefore, international trade is not a fragments, each fragment measuring pers. comm.). These projects could factor influencing the species’ status in between 5 to 60 hectares (ha), separated likely result in more infrastructure the wild. We are not aware of any other from each other by at least 5 km. A development in the Valley, which could information that indicates that single individual was found in a 40 ha also affect the Honduran emerald collection or overutilization of the forest fragment in Quimistan Valley hummingbird’s habitat. Additionally, Honduran emerald hummingbird is (Anderson et al. 2010, p. 258). In the several agricultural development affecting this species. Yoro Department, a single population

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exists in the Agua´n Valley, a utilization of foraging techniques that ‘‘climate change’’ refers to a change in considerable distance from other known maximize the amount of nectar (energy) the mean, variability, or seasonality of populations; Anderson et al. (2010, p. at a minimum cost. The degradation, climate variables over time periods of 259) estimates that the Santa Barbara fragmentation, and loss of habitat cause decades or hundreds of years populations are 200 km west of the the species to expend more energy and (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate population in the Agua´n Valley. resources in search of its basic Change (IPCC) 2014b, p. 5). Forecasts of Anderson et al. (2013, p. 14) estimates nutritional requirements (Justino et al. the rate and consequences of future a population of 1,000–2,000 breeding 2012, pp. 194–195; Hadley and Betts climate change are based on the results pairs within the Agua´n Valley. In the 2009, p. 207). Habitat degradation, of extensive modeling efforts conducted Olancho Department, Honduran fragmentation, and loss can separate by scientists around the world (Solman emeralds are found in three separate populations to the point where 2011, p. 20; Laurance and Useche 2009, valleys, Agalta, Tilica, and Guayape. individuals can no longer disperse and p. 1,432; Nun˜ ez et al. 2008, p. 1; Anderson et al. (2013, p. 14) estimates breed among habitat patches, causing a Margeno 2008, p. 1; Meehl et al. 2007, a population of 1,000–2,000 breeding shift in the demographic characteristics p. 753). pairs within Agalta Valley. In Guayape, of a population and a reduction in Climate change models, like all other the species is believed to have been genetic fitness (Gilpin and Soule´ 1986, scientific models, produce projections extirpated. In 2012 and 2013, p. 31). A small, declining population that have some uncertainty because of researchers were unable to detect a makes the species vulnerable to genetic the assumptions used, the data single individual within this valley. stochasticity (random changes in the available, and the specific model Connected to Guayape Valley through a genetic composition of a population) features. The science supporting climate habitat corridor, it is believed the due to inbreeding depression and model projections, as well as models remaining population in the Tilica genetic drift (random changes in gene assessing their impacts on species and Valley may have historically been a part frequency). This, in turn, compromises habitats, will continue to be refined as of the now-extirpated population a species’ ability to adapt genetically to more information becomes available. (Anderson et al. 2013, p. 13). In Tilica, changing environments (Frankham While projections from regional climate the population is estimated to be 1996, p. 1,507), reduces fitness, and model simulations are informative, between 500–1,000 breeding pairs. increases extinction risk (Reed and various methods to downscale Despite the increased total population Frankham 2003, pp. 233–234). projections to more localized areas in estimate of 5,000–10,000 breeding pairs, Although new population estimates which the species lives are still research suggests the individual have increased the worldwide imperfect and under development populations are small, including one population estimate from 200–1,000 (Solman 2011, p. 20; Nun˜ ez et al. 2008, population that is presumably individuals to 5,000 to 10,000 breeding p. 1; Marengo 2008, p. 1). extirpated. Research illustrates that the pairs, the individual populations of Honduras appears to have entered a populations are both geographically and Honduran emerald are small and more active period of hurricane activity genetically isolated from one another. declining. Additionally, the species (Pielke et al. 2003, p. 102). Studies of According to Anderson et al. (2013, p. range is restricted within Honduras and natural events in the last 100 years 3), there has been no evidence to date the individual populations are indicate that Honduras is highly of Honduran emeralds being found geographically and genetically isolated vulnerable to an increase in frequency between any of the seven valleys, from one another. The Honduran and intensity in the future not only indicating that while there is the emeralds small and declining hurricanes, but also landslides, potential for gene flow between the populations combined with their highly flooding, and drought (S¸ekerciog˘lu et al. populations, the probability is minimal. restricted and severely fragmented range 2011; Gasner et al. 2010, p. 1250; Species endemic to a few, widely increase the species’ vulnerability to Winograd 2006, p. 1). Due to its location dispersed locations are inherently more adverse natural events and are affecting and the biophysical traits of the region, vulnerable to extinction than the continuing existence of the species Honduras is likely to be affected every widespread species because of the throughout its range. 3 to 4 years by climate-related events, higher risks from genetic bottlenecks, such as drought-related fires, floods, random demographic fluctuations, Extreme Weather Events and landslides (Winograd 2006, p. 1). climate change, and localized Small, declining populations can also Winograd notes that 50 percent of catastrophes such as hurricanes, be especially vulnerable to Honduras is at risk of landslides, 30 landslides, and drought (Lande 1988, p. environmental disturbances such as percent is at risk of severe droughts, and 1,455; Mangel and Tier 1994, p. 607; flooding, drought, or hurricanes 25 percent is at risk of flooding, Pimm et al. 1988, p. 757). Small (O’Grady 2004, pp. 513–514). The particularly agricultural areas. populations can be more affected by Honduran emerald relies on arid, thorn Arid-zone species are assumed to be factors such as demographic forest habitat to provide nectar- more resilient to high temperatures and stochasticity (variability in population producing plant species for energy and low humidity (S¸ekerciog˘lu et al. 2012, growth rates arising from random insects for protein in order to meet the p. 5). However, species such as the differences among individuals in biological requirements for breeding, Honduran emerald hummingbird are survival and reproduction within a feeding, and nesting. In 2012, Honduras exposed to very dry conditions and are season), local catastrophes, and was determined to be one of the likely dependent on seasonal rains, as inbreeding (Pimm et al. 1988, pp. 757, countries most affected by climate well as seasonal and permanent 773–775). Due primarily to the current change due to its geographic location, waterholes and rivers (Schneider and rate of habitat fragmentation, which is in the direct path of many Griesser 2009 in S¸ekerciog˘lu et al. 2011, degradation, and loss, each Honduran tropical storms and hurricanes p. 5). Even small temperature increases emerald population is considered to be (Harmeling 2012, pp. 5–6). Research and can greatly increase the amount of birds’ declining within their individual modeling have explored how changes in evaporative water loss (S¸ekerciog˘lu et locales. Hummingbirds’ flight and climate might affect areas such as al. 2011, p. 5). Warmer weather due to hovering abilities require a large amount Honduras (Gasner et al. 2010, p. 1,250; climate change is expected to impact the of energy; this necessitates the Winograd 2002, p. 11). The term ability of birds in arid regions to sustain

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their water balance; this species has 2007, p. 63; Vreugdenhil et al. 2002, pp. (1,609 ac) of dry forest habitat remaining been observed at higher elevations 6, 11, 20–25). Although the government that is suitable for the Honduran (Germer 2012); which may indicate a of Honduras has shown initiative in emerald hummingbird (Perez and Thorn response to warmer temperatures. protecting the species, implementation 2012, pers. comm.; Thorn et al. 2000 in Climate models are not always able to and enforcement seem to be lacking. Anderson 2010, p. 6). The Honduran predict the possible effects of ecological Additionally, development projects are Emerald Reserve is guarded by interactions, adaptation, or how species, still occurring, such as the hydroelectric Honduran Air Force soldiers, who particularly pollinators, might disperse projects in Santa Barbara. Privately patrol the reserve and do not allow in response to climate change owned land continues to be sold to land visitors into the protected area without (Buermann et al. 2011, p. 1,671; Burkle speculators and converted from prior permission (Hyman 2012 pers. and Alarco´n 2011, p. 528; Pearson and Honduran emerald hummingbird comm.). However, cattle from Dawson 2003, p. 361). Honduras is habitat to other uses, such as agriculture neighboring land owners are frequently clearly in the path of hurricanes or cattle pastures. found grazing uncontrolled on the (Winograd 2006, 2002; Pielke et al. property within Honduran emerald NGO Involvement and the Honduran 2003, pp. 101–103). While additional habitat (Steiner 2011, p. 1; House 2004, Emerald Reserve research is still needed to determine p. 30). Despite conservation efforts, land how changes in climate may affect In Honduras, several NGOs, such as owners around the protected area want species such as the Honduran emerald The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the to expand their properties and are hummingbird, studies indicate that Honduran Biodiversity Research cutting more suitable habitat in order to Honduras is highly vulnerable to an Coalition, are participating in the plant grass for cattle grazing (Hyman increase in frequency and intensity in conservation and management of this and Steiner 2012, pers. comm.). Because hurricanes, landslides, flooding, and species. One protected area, the encroachment and livestock grazing drought (S¸ekerciog˘lu et al. 2011; Gasner Honduran Emerald Reserve (Reserve), continue to occur both around and in et al. 2010, p. 1250; Hegland et al. 2009, was established by the Honduran the protected area, and this species p. 184; Winograd 2006, p. 1). As the Government in 2005, with support from requires more suitable habitat than what Honduran emerald has a restricted range TNC. TNC has provided both technical exists in this protected area, this area is within Honduras, and the seven and financial support to the government insufficient to provide adequate suitable remaining populations are small and and local community groups to habitat for this species. declining, we find that that the complete a 10-year management plan for Another entity working towards Honduran emeralds potential exposure the Reserve. This Reserve was conservation of the Honduran emerald to extreme weather events, in established in connection with funding is the Honduran Biodiversity Research combination with habitat loss and from the World Bank to finish building Coalition, which is a group of scientists degradation, is affecting the continued the main highway linking the capital and conservationists established in 2011 existence of the species throughout its with Olanchito, Yoro, via Cedros that undertakes and promotes range. Francisco Moraza´n (Steiner and Coto biodiversity research and conservation 2011, pp. 1–2) (refer to Roads, above). in Honduras. The American Bird Conservation Measures in Place Some aspects of TNC’s involvement Conservancy is another NGO working to Several mechanisms are in place have included marking the official protect this species. One of its current which are intended to provide reserve boundaries and providing goals is to work towards the protections to the Honduran emerald training to partners in the management development of a payment for hummingbird. These protections of reserves and protected areas. ecosystems services project in the include involvement by In 2009, the National Conservation Agalta Valley to restore and protect nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and Forestry Institute (ICF) began a Honduran emerald hummingbird wildlife protection laws, and a reserve management plan for the protected area habitat. designated to protect its habitat. These specifically for the Honduran emerald. In conclusion, Honduras is improving mechanisms are described below. This was with the participation of its management of its resources (Food nearby municipalities, Arenal and Agriculture Organization of the Laws and Regulatory Mechanisms Olanchito, the department of Yoro, United Nations 2010). However, most of Honduras has made significant SOPTRAVI Honduras Armed Forces the habitat required by the Honduran progress in conservation of its natural (HAF), the Ministry of Education emerald hummingbird is privately resources (Portillo 2007, p. 60; through the Regional Environmental owned, and the thorn forests are being Vreugdenhil et al. 2002, pp. 6, 11, 20– Education Center, CREATE, the converted to other uses that are not 25). In the past 30 years, protected areas Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of suitable for this species. Despite the have increased from fewer than 20 Environment and Natural Resources progress made in Honduras with respect protected areas to approximately 600 (Steiner and Coto 2011, pp. 1–2; Portillo to laws and regulatory mechanisms in areas with nationally protected status 2007, p. 99). The Interagency Technical place to protect the Honduran emerald (Portillo 2007, p. 60). Between 1974 and Committee for Monitoring and hummingbird, the species continues to 1987, meetings were held with regional Honduran Emerald Hummingbird face habitat degradation and authorities in order to promote the Habitat Management Area was formed. fragmentation. conservation of the natural and cultural In 2010, the ICF, with financial support heritage of Honduras (Portillo 2007, p. from TNC, finalized the management Finding (Listing Determination) 60). In 2003, the First Mesoamerican plan for the protected area (Resolution A species is ‘‘endangered’’ for Congress on Protected Areas was held in No. DE–MP–147–2010). purposes of the Act if it is in danger of Managua, Nicaragua. In 2010, Honduras This reserve is located 34 km (21 extinction throughout all or a significant began an initiative to recover degraded miles) west of the city Olanchito in the portion of its range. A species is areas and denuded forests (ECOLEX Agua´n Valley. The reserve encompasses ‘‘threatened’’ for purposes of the Act if 2012). However, in some cases, these 1,217 ha (3,007 ac) and spans elevations it is likely to become an endangered protected areas have not been managed between 220 and 800 meters (722 and species within the foreseeable future effectively, as described below (Portillo 2,625 ft). As of 2012, there were 651 ha throughout all or a significant portion of

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its range. Thus, in the context of the of nectar and insects. In order to meet and increased periods of drought (Factor Act, the Service interprets an its energy and nutritional requirements, E)) are impacting this species’ habitat. ‘‘endangered species’’ to be one that is this species needs access to intact, The species’ small population size presently in danger of extinction. A suitable habitat with a diversity of plant (Factor E), combined with its restricted ‘‘threatened species,’’ on the other hand, species that contain abundant energy and severely fragmented range (factor is not presently in danger of extinction, sources throughout the year. A), increase the species’ vulnerability to but is likely to become so in the We find that habitat loss due to adverse natural events (Factor E) that foreseeable future. In other words, the conversion to agricultural development destroy individuals and their habitat. primary statutory difference between a and cattle pastures is the main factor The species’ potential exposure to threatened and endangered species is affecting the Honduran emerald extreme weather events, such as the timing of when a species may be in hummingbird throughout its range hurricanes, extended periods of danger of extinction, either presently (Factor A) (Komar et al. 2013, p. 40; drought, or flooding, in combination (endangered) or in the foreseeable future Anderson et al. 2013, pp. 1–15; Bonta with habitat degradation and (threatened). The statute requires us to 2012 pers. comm.; Perez and Thorn fragmentation, is currently affecting the determine whether any species is 2012 pers. comm.). Habitat degradation continued existence of the species endangered or threatened as a result of and loss continue to occur and affect the throughout its range now and in the any one or combination of the following species throughout its range. future. five factors in section 4(a)(1) of the Act: Uncontrolled clearing of the Honduran In conclusion, we have carefully (A) The present or threatened emerald’s dry forest habitat for pastures assessed the best scientific and destruction, modification, or or plantation agriculture has restricted commercial information available curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) the species to a few small, isolated regarding the past, present, and future overutilization for commercial, ‘‘islands’’ of suitable dry forest habitat threats affecting this species. We have recreational, scientific, or educational surrounded by banana plantations or identified multiple factors that have purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) cattle ranches (Perez and Thorn 2012, interrelated impacts on this species. the inadequacy of existing regulatory pers. comm.). Its current occupied and These factors occur at a scale sufficient mechanisms; or (E) other natural or suitable range has been greatly reduced to affect the status of the species now manmade factors affecting its continued and is severely fragmented. This and in the future. The most significant existence. In considering what factors hummingbird species is expending threat is habitat degradation and might constitute threats to a species, we more energy in order to find food fragmentation due to conversion from must look beyond the mere exposure of sources to meet its nutritional needs, thorn forest to agriculture and cattle the species to the factor to evaluate and as its suitable habitat becomes more pastures. Both biotic and abiotic whether the species may respond to the scarce and fragmented, these habitat ecological interactions influence factor in a way that causes actual islands are growing farther apart. species’ distributions (Jankowski et al. impacts to the species. If there is Historically, the Honduran emerald 2010, pp. 1877–1883; Dunn et al. 2009, exposure to a factor and the species hummingbird existed in more pp. 3037–3041). This species requires responds negatively, the factor may be continuous, connected habitat. Its an environment that contains particular a threat and we attempt to determine suitable habitat has become increasingly temperature and humidity levels, how significant a threat it is. The threat limited, and it is not likely to expand in nectar, and insects. As a species’ status is significant if it drives, or contributes the future. This species’ population is continues to decline, the species to, the risk of extinction of the species estimated to be between 5,000 and becomes increasingly vulnerable to such that the species may warrant 10,000 breeding pairs distributed over other impacts. The species’ small listing as endangered or threatened as population size, its reproductive and those terms are defined in the Act. seven valleys in Honduras. A lack of a Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act requires us sufficient number of individuals in a life-history traits, combined with its to make this determination based solely local area or a decline in their highly restricted and severely on the best available scientific and individual or collective fitness may fragmented range, increases this species’ commercial data available after cause a decline in the population size, vulnerability to one or more stochastic conducting a review of the status of the despite the presence of suitable habitat (random or unpredictable) events, such species and taking into account any patches. In cases where populations are as hurricanes, drought, or flooding. efforts being made by States or foreign small, effects on the species are These factors, in combination, are governments to protect the species. exacerbated. Any loss of potentially believed to be affecting the continued In assessing whether the Honduran reproducing individuals could have a existence of the species throughout its emerald hummingbird meets the devastating effect on the ability of the range now and in the future. definition of an endangered species or a population to increase. Based on our evaluation of the best threatened species, we considered the A species may be affected by more available scientific and commercial five factors in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. than one factor, and these factors can act information and given the significant We conducted a review of the status of in combination. The most significant loss, degradation, and fragmentation of this species and assessed whether the factor affecting the Honduran emerald suitable habitat, we have determined the Honduran emerald hummingbird is hummingbird is the degradation, species is in danger of extinction endangered or threatened throughout all fragmentation, and loss of suitable throughout all of its range and thus or a significant portion of its range. We habitat (Factor A). Fragmentation and meets the definition of an endangered also reviewed all information we isolation of populations can decrease species. Because the species is in danger received during the public comment the fitness and reproductive potential of of extinction now, as opposed to likely period. We have assessed the best the species, which exacerbate other to become an endangered species within scientific and commercial information threats. Changes in Honduras’ climate the foreseeable future, the Honduran available regarding the past, present, are acting in combination with other emerald hummingbird meets the and future threats affecting this species. factors to affect this species’ habitat. definition of an endangered species This species requires a constant Extreme weather events (an increase in rather than a threatened species. source of energy, primarily in the form the severity and frequency in hurricanes Therefore, we are listing the Honduran

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emerald hummingbird as endangered to all endangered and threatened determination in the Federal Register under the Act. wildlife. These prohibitions, at 50 CFR on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244). 17.21 and 17.31, in part, make it illegal Available Conservation Measures References Cited for any person subject to the jurisdiction Conservation measures provided to of the United States to ‘‘take’’ (includes A complete list of all references cited species listed as endangered or harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, in this rule is available on the Internet threatened under the Act include wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or at http://www.regulations.gov or upon recognition, requirements for Federal to attempt any of these) within the request from the Branch of Foreign protection, and prohibitions against United States or upon the high seas; Species, Ecological Services Program, certain practices. Recognition through import or export; deliver, receive, carry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see FOR listing results in public awareness, and transport, or ship in interstate FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). encourages and results in conservation commerce in the course of commercial Author actions by Federal and State activity; or sell or offer for sale in governments, private agencies and interstate or foreign commerce any The primary author of this rule is the interest groups, and individuals. endangered wildlife species. It also is staff of the Branch of Foreign Species, Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, illegal to possess, sell, deliver, carry, Ecological Services Program, U.S. Fish and as implemented by regulations at 50 transport, or ship any such wildlife that and Wildlife Service. CFR part 402, requires Federal agencies has been taken in violation of the Act. List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17 to evaluate their actions within the Certain exceptions apply to agents of the United States or on the high seas with Service and State conservation agencies. Endangered and threatened species, respect to any species that is proposed Permits may be issued to carry out Exports, Imports, Reporting and or listed as endangered or threatened otherwise prohibited activities recordkeeping requirements, and with respect to its critical habitat, involving endangered and threatened Transportation. if any is being designated. However, wildlife species under certain Regulation Promulgation given that the Honduran emerald circumstances. Regulations governing hummingbird is not native to the United permits for endangered species are Accordingly, we amend part 17, States, we are not designating critical codified at 50 CFR 17.22. With regard to subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the habitat for this species under section 4 endangered wildlife, a permit may be Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth of the Act. issued for the following purposes: For below: Section 8(a) of the Act authorizes the scientific purposes, to enhance the PART 17—[AMENDED] provision of limited financial assistance propagation or survival of the species, for the development and management of and for incidental take in connection ■ 1. The authority citation for part 17 programs that the Secretary of the with otherwise lawful activities. continues to read as follows: Interior determines to be necessary or useful for the conservation of National Environmental Policy Act Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361–1407; 1531– endangered and threatened species in (NEPA) 1544; 4201–4245, unless otherwise noted. foreign countries. Sections 8(b) and 8(c) We have determined that ■ 2. Amend § 17.11(h) by adding a new of the Act authorize the Secretary to environmental assessments and entry for ‘‘Hummingbird, Honduran encourage conservation programs for environmental impact statements, as emerald’’ in alphabetical order under foreign endangered species and to defined under the authority of the BIRDS to the List of Endangered and provide assistance for such programs in National Environmental Policy Act of Threatened Wildlife to read as follows: the form of personnel and the training 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not of personnel. be prepared in connection with § 17.11 Endangered and threatened The Act and its implementing regulations adopted under section 4(a) wildlife. regulations set forth a series of general of the Act. We published a notice * * * * * prohibitions and exceptions that apply outlining our reasons for this (h) * * *

Species Vertebrate popu- Historic lation where endan- Status When Critical Special Common name Scientific name range gered or threatened listed habitat rules

******* BIRDS

******* Hummingbird, Hon- Amazilia luciae ...... Honduras ...... Entire ...... E 805 NA NA duran emerald.

*******

* * * * * Dated: July 15, 2015. James Kurth, Acting Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2015–18602 Filed 7–28–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

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