October 1990 Vol. XV No. 10

Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Washington, D. C. 20240 Forty-six and Animals Proposed During September for Endangered Act Protection Forty-six plants and animals were pro- Fifty-two Hawaiian plants were pro- posed by the Fish and Wildlife Service posed for listing in fiscal year 1990, 43 of during September 1990 for listing as them in September. The latest proposals Endangered or Threatened species. These have been grouped by geographic area: taxa—43 Hawaiian plants, 1 Puerto Rico , and 2 New Mexico snails—will Wahiawa Drainage Basin, Island of receive Act protec- Kaua'i (5 plants) - These plants are known tion if the following proposals are ap- only from the Wahiawa drainage basin, proved: an area of high floristic endemism that includes bogs, permanent streams, ridge summits, and one of the most diverse 43 Hawaiian Plants montane wet forests in the Hawaiian Under the terms of a settlement agree- Islands. On September 17, the Service ment reached with the Sierra Club Legal proposed to list these species as Endan- Defense Fund, which acted on behalf of gered: the Conservation Council for Hawaii • undulata is an unbranch- and other conservation groups, the Ser- ed in the bellflower family vice announced in July that it would () that grows up to 12 propose 186 Hawaiian plant taxa for feet (3.6 meters) tall with narrowly ellip- addition to the Federal List of Endan- tic leaves and yellowish, hairy flowers. gered and Threatened Species during This species is currently known from a fiscal years 1990-1992, including at least single population of three or four plants. 50 by September 30, 1990. These 186 • pauciflorula is a sprawl- taxa are all of the Hawaiian plants iden- ing to erect shrub in the aster family tified as Category 1 listing candidates in () that reaches about 10 feet (3 the Service's February 21, 1990, Notice m) in height and has narrow leaves clus- of Review for Plants (see BULLETIN tered at the ends of the branches. It Vol. XV, No. 3). Because the Service produces open that bear now believes that 30 of these taxa are up to 500 flowering heads, each contain- extinct, the number ultimately listed may ing 2 to 4 yellow florets. Only three be reduced to 156, in accordance with populations are known, totalling 30 to the terms of the agreement. 40 plants. The settlement resulted from a De- • Hesperomannia lydgatei, another cember 1989 lawsuit charging that de- list of candidate species on a firmer bio- member of the aster family, is a small tree lays in the listing of these plants consti- logical foundation, the Service agreed to that rarely grows over 10 feet tall. Its tuted a violation of the Endangered hire more botanists and provide more nodding flower heads are composed of Species Act. With the publication this funding to accelerate the listing program. yellow, lobed florets enclosed by circles year of the Manual of the FloweringPlants In May 1990, the legal settlement was of overlapping bracts (the outer ones ofHawai'i (see New Publications notice approved by the U.S. District Court in brown or purplish, the inner ones silver). in this BULLETIN), which placed the Hawaii. (continued on page 4)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 1 in habitat occupied by the Endangered Stephens' kangaroo (Dipodomys stephensi) outside of proposed reserves for the species. The reserves will be financed by the county through a devel- opment tax on new home construction in the area.

* • • Region 2 - Biologists have been con- cerned for some time about the effect of shoreline erosion along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Texas on whooping crane (Grus americana) habi- tat. About a 30-mile (48-kilometer) Region 1 - On August 3, the Fish and County, California, and 5 other cities in stretch of the Waterway crosses desig- Wildhfe Service issued a 2-year inciden- the county as part of a Habitat Conserva- nated Critical Habitat, including the tal take permit under Section 10(a) of tion Plan. The permit allows develop- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. the Endangered Species Act to Riverside ment and other lawful activities to occur Freshwater ponds and marshes in this area provide a rich supply of invertebrat- es, frogs, clams, and crustaceans for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, Twin Washington, D.C. 20240 Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500); James C. whooping cranes. However, traffic on Gritman, Regional Director: Gera\6 R. Lowry, John Turner, Director the Waterway, wind-generated waves, Assistant Regional Director: William F. (202-208-4717) Harrison, Acting Endangered Species Spe- and dredged material disposal operations Ralph O. Morgenweck cialist. Assistant Director for Fish are eroding the crane's habitat at an av- and Wildlife Enhancement Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal BIdg., 75 erage rate of 2 acres (0.8 hectares) per (202-208-4646) Spring Street, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303 (404- year. Erosion of the shoreline also has Larry R. Shannon, Chief. 331-3580); James W. Pulliam, Regional Di- Division of Endangered Species rector: Tom Olds, Assistant Regional Direc- enabled saltwater to enter some freshwater (703-358-2171) tor: David Flemming, Endangered Species ponds, which in turn have become less William E. Knapp, Chief, Specialist. Division of Habitat Conservation productive habitat for the cranes. (703-358-2161) Region 5, One Gateway Center, Suite 700, hi 1989, 7,800 bags of concrete were Marshall P. Jones, Chief, Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965-5100); placed along the shoreline of the Gulf Office of f^anagement Authority Ronald E. Lambertson, Regional Director: (703-358-2093) Ralph Pisapia, Assistant Regional Director: Intracoastal Waterway to protect 800 Jerry Smith, Acting Chief, Paul Nickerson, Endangered Species Spe- linear feet (240 meters) of shoreline in Division of Law Enforcement cialist. (703-358-1949) the crane's Critical Habitat. On August TECHNICAL BULLETIN Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal 18-19, 1990, an additional 1,600 linear Center; Denver, CO 80225 (303-236-7920); Michael Bender, Editor feet (490 m) of critical whooping crane Michael Rees, Assistant Editor Galen Buterbaugh, RegionalDirectorRoben E. (703-358-2166) Jacobsen, Assistant Regional Director: Larry habitat was protected through the use of Endangered Species Specialist Regional Offices Shanks, 10,000 sacks of concrete. The concrete Region 1, Eastside Federal Complex, 911 Region 7, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK N.S.11 th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181 was unloaded from several barges at 99503 (907-786-3542); Walter O. Stieglitz, (503-231-6118); Marvin Plenert, Regional Di- designated sites and then carried by about Regional Director: Rowan Gould, Assistant rector: Robert P. Smith, Assistant Regional Regional Director: Ron Garrett, Endangered 125 volunteers to the Waterway. Steel Director: Endangered Species Bob Ruesink, Species Specialist Speciaiist. reinforcing rods were then driven through Region 8, (FWS Research and Development the bags to anchor them to the shoreline. Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM nationwide), Washington, D.C. 20240; John Many groups have assisted in the Aran- 87103 (505-766-2321); Michael J. Spear, D. Buffington, Regional Director: Al Sherk, Regional Director, Assistant James A. Young, Endangered Species Specialist (703-358- sas shoreline preservation effort over the Regional Director: George Acting En- Divine, 1710). dangered Species Specialist. past 2 years. The Service's Corpus Christi, Texas, Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, State Region 1: California, Hawaii, Idaho. Nevada, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa. Commonwealth of the Northern f^^ariana Islands, Guam, and the Pacific Trust Territories. Region 2: Arizona, New f^^exico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Region 3: Illinois, Indiana, resource agencies, and conservation Iowa, fvlichigan, fvlinnesota. Missoun, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region 4: Alabama. Arkansas. Florida. Georgia, Kentucky. Louisiana, f^ississippi. North Carolina. South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Region 5: Connecticut. Delaware. groups provided personnel and equip- Distnct of Columbia, f^aine, fvlaryland, Ivlassachusetts. New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York. Pennsylvania. Rhode Island. ment. All of the concrete, as well as Vermont, , and . Region 6: Colorado. Kansas, f^ontana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Region 7: Alaska. Region 8: Research and Development nationwide. Region 9: Washington, D C.. Office. lunches, supplies, barges, tugs, cranes, work barges, gloves, and other items, The Endangered Species Technical Bulletin is published on recyclable paper. (continued on page 12)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 2 Reintroducing the American Burying Beetle Michael Amaral and Linda Morse New England Field Office

Since the American butying beetle tablishing another population would af- pot. By the following day, the beetles had (Nicrophorus americanus) was listed as ford the species a significant measure of completely buried 15 of the 25 carcasses Endangered (see BULLETIN Vol. XIV, security. It would also provide scientists and had partially buried 9 ofthe remaining No. 8 and BULLETIN Vol. XIII, Nos. an opportunity to closely monitor the 10. If things were going well under the 11-12), interest in reversing the cata- beetle's life cycle and help to identify the soil, the female would have laid eggs and strophic decline of this species has been factors influencing its survival. small larvae would be visible within a few growing. A captive population of N. americanus days. After feeding on the carcass for Once inhabiting 32 States, the Dis- that has been maintained at Boston Uni- several days, the larvae would crawl off trict of Columbia, and 3 Canadian versity for several years provided a source into the soil to pupate. From 45 to 60 provinces, the American burying beetle of beetles for the reintroduction. Using days after burial of the carcass, the now survives in only 2 locations: a small laboratory-produced specimens has been transformed larvae emerge as adult island off the coast of New England and an important consideration; if the members of the largest carrion beetle a site in eastern Oklahoma. Much re- reintroduction attempt fails, there will species in North America. search needs to be done to understand be no loss to the species in the wild. Onjuly 13, Andrea Kozol andMichael the reasons for its widespread decline and During the week of June 25, 1990, Amaral of the Service's New England the reasons why the species survives in biologists from five different private and Field Office returned to Penikese Island these last two sites. public agencies visited the islands of to monitor the reproduction attempt by Much of what is known about the life Nashawena, Cuttyhunk, and Penikese in exhuming some of the carcasses. Healthy history of this curious insect stems from the Elizabeth Islands of Buzzards Bay, larvae were found on 65 percent of the 17 field and laboratory studies by Andrea Massachusetts, to determine if any rem- carrion checked. (The eight carcasses not Kozol, a doctoral candidate at Boston nant populations of the American bury- exhumed had been deeply buried.) Al- University. Individual beetles are at- ing beetle existed there. Five days of though these preliminary results are very tracted to carrion, and a single male and beetle trapping resulted in the capture of promising, proof of success will come female will roll it into a ball and bury it over 3,300 carrion beetles of 8 different only when we can determine that enough below ground by gradually excavating species, but no N. americanus were found. young beetles are produced and survive soil out from under the dead animal. A similar trapping effort conducted by the winter to reemerge and repeat the Then they work in unison to prepare the Dr. Tom French of the Massachusetts cycle in future summers. carcass. First, the fur or feathers are Division of Fisheries and Wildlife on removed and the carcass is cleaned of any Penikese during 1989 also demonstrated fly larvae or other organisms. Next, the the apparent absence of N. americanus beetles coat the carrion with secretions on the island. Thus, the stage was set for that slow decomposition and preserve releasing laboratory-raised pairs of the carcass in a semi-mummified state. American burying beetles on Penikese. The beetle eggs are then laid in a tunnel This island was chosen not only because adjacent to the embalmed carrion, and it formerly supported the species but also their larvae hatch with ready access to because it is owned by the Massachusetts food. Brood size appears to be directly Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and is related to carcass size, with a maximum managed as a bird sanctuary. Further- number of young raised on carcasses from more, Penikese's relative accessibility about 5.3 to 7.7 ounces (150 to 220 would make monitoring the beetles' ac- grams). tivity easier. While researching the causes for its On July 3-4, Andrea Kozol, along with decline, concerned biologists have also Anne Hecht of the Fish and Wildlife been considering the feasibility of rein- Service's Region 5 Office, journeyed to troducing the beetle on an Adantic Coast Penikese to release 25 pairs of N. amer- island that was one of its historic loca- icanus Ixom the lab population. Pairs of tions. Because the species is known to beetles were placed on carrion of suitable American burying beetle (Nicrophorus exist at only two sites, successfully rees- size and covered with an inverted flower americanus)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 3 46 Plants and Animals (continued from previous page) Between 150 and 190 individuals are • Viola helenae is an erect, un- known to exist in 4 populations. branched shrub in the violet family (Violaceae). This plant, which reaches only 2.5 feet (80 centimeters) in height, has small, pale lavender or white flowers and can be distinguished from similar species by its lance-shaped leaves. About 13 individuals are known from 2 popula- tions. Habitat degradation and competition from introduced species are the main threats to these plants. Most of the Wahiawa drainage basin is owned by a sugar company, with a small section be- ' longing to the State. Although there has been relatively little disturbance to the basin in the past, several aggressive spe- cies of exotic plants have invaded the area. Their spread is being aided by feral (Sus scrofa), which root up native plants and distribute the of exotic • Dubautia latifolia is a highly species, and by typhoons that open up branched, woody vine in the aster family the habitat. Other non-native animals, • Labordia lydgatei is a highly with stems up to 26 feet (8 m) long and such as , may threaten the rare plants branched shrub or small tree in the 3 inches (7 cm) in diameter. It has oval, by eating seeds and vegetative parts. strychnine family (Loganiaceae) with el- net-veined leaves and produces clusters liptical, finely haired leaves and small, of small, yellow flowered heads. An Koke'e Region, Island of Kaua'i (6 funnel-shaped, yellow flowers. Its Ha- estimated 40 individuals of this species Plants) - Koke'e refers to a region of waiian name is kamakahala. This species are known from 6 populations. northwestern Kaua'i roughly 15 square currently is known from a single popula- miles (40 square kilometers) in size. It tion of about three plants. lies just above the northern reaches of Waimea Canyon, with the Alaka'i Swamp to the east, the high cliffs of the Na Pali coast to the north, and drier lee- ward ridges to the west. Because of the Koke'e region's abrupt topography and climatic gradients, the native vegetation of this area—primarily mesic to wet forests—is quite diverse with a high pro- portion of locally endemic species. Six plant species restricted to the Koke'e region were proposed on September 26 for listing as Endangered: • Chamaesyce halemanui is a climb- ing shrub in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) with stems up to 13 feet (4 m) in length, oval- to lance-shaped leaves, and compact, nearly spherical flower clusters. The 3 known popula- tions of this species total fewer than 25 plants. (continued on next page)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 46 Plants and Animals additional plants, including some males. like plant in the sedge family (continued from previous page) Feral cattle (Bostaurus), pigs, and (Cyperaceae). This species is known • Poa sandvicensis, also called Ha- (Capra hircus) have degraded the vegeta- from a single population of 15 or 16 waiian bluegrass, is a perennial grass in tion and habitats of the Koke'e region for individual clumps. the family with densely tufted over a century. Goats (which are man- • Phyllostegia glabra var. lanaiensis stems growing to a height of 3.3 feet (1 aged by the State as a game species) and is a large, robust, perennial herb in the m). Currently, this species is known to pigs are believed to pose continuing mint family. This plant has narrow, number 40 plants in 4 populations. threats by eating the plants, eroding their lance-shaped leaves that often have red • Poa siphonoglossa, another peren- fragile habitat, and promoting the spread veins or are otherwise tinged with red. Its nial grass, grows taller, producing masses of aggressive, non-native plants. Black- flowers, borne in clusters of 6 to 10 per of stems up to 13 feet (4 m) long. Two tailed (Odocoileus hemionus leaf axil, are white (occasionally with a populations of fewer than 30 individuals columbianus), which were introduced to touch of purple). The last sighting of this are known. the forests of western Kaua'i in 1961, are plant was that ol a single individual in the adding to these problems. Although the late 1980's. remaining populations of the rare Koke'e • remyi, a small, plants are on lands designated as State densely branched shrub in the aster fam- forest reserves, parks, and wilderness pre- ily, grows only to about 15 inches (40 serves, their habitat remains vulnerable cm) tall. The single flower produced per to damage. branch has yellow ray and white disk florets. One population of this species is Lana'ihale Area, Island of Lana'i (6 known; it consists ol only 35 plants within Plants) - Lana'ihale, the highest point on an area about 50 feet (15 m) square. It Lana'i, gives its name to a ridge built by once also grew on west Maui but is volcanic eruptions along the island's believed to be extirpated from that is- principal rift zone. On September 17, land. the Service proposed to list six plants • Viola lanaiensis, another small endemic to Lana'i as Endangered. The shrub, is a sparingly branched plant in only remaining populations of these spe- the violet family. It has lance-shaped cies known are found on the summit, leaves and small white flowers that are \. i ) . ' slopes, or valleys of Lana'ihale on private tinged with purple. Two small popula- land. tions of this species are known, but their • Abutilon eremitopetalum is a shrub total numbers are uncertain. in the mallow family (Malvaceae) with Most ol the native vegetation of Lana'i, densely hairy, grayish-green, heart- which was once covered by forests and shaped leaves. It produces flowers with shrublands, has been destroyed by catde

Poa siphonoglossa bright green that are enclosed and sheep ranching, feral livestock, the within the calyx (the leaves at the base of clearing ofland for pineapple cultivation, • Stenogyne campanulata is a hairy the flower). The distribution of this and the introduction of exotic ungulates vine in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its plant, which historically was widely for recreational hunting. Over the years, flowers have a straight, white tube about scattered on the island, has been reduc- the feral livestock have been removed, 0.5 inch (13 millimeters) long with short, ed to a single population of 30 to 70 but the State still manages axis deer (Axis purple lobes. This species is known from individuals. axis) and mouflon sheep (Ovis musimon) only a single population growing on a • Cyanea macrostegia var. gibsonii is as game animals. Both threaten the cliff at the upper rim of Kalalau Valley. a small, palm-like tree in the bellflower island's rare plants by browsing and • Xylosma crenatum is a tree in the family with a single, unbranched trunk erosion. Invasions of exotic plants are family Flacourtiaceae that grows up to 46 up to 23 feet (7 m) in height. This variety another serious threat to native species feet (14 m) tall and has coarsely toothed, has elliptical or oblong leaves that grow on Lana'i, as well as those on the other oval leaves. A dioecious (unisexual) spe- to 31 inches (80 cm) long, and it bears Hawaiian Islands. cies, this tree bears male and female flow- inflorescences of 5 to 15 flowers that are Almost the entire island of Lana'i, ers on separate plants. The three known blackish-purple externally and white or including all of Lana'ihale, is owned by a historical populations have been reduced pale lilac inside. It is restricted to three private company. The economic base of to one female individual, which poses gulches on Lana'ihale. Lana'i is being converted from pineapple obvious reproductive problems. Bota- • Gahnia lanaiensis is a tall (up to 10 production to tourism, and it is antici- nists hope that future searches will reveal feet, or 3 meter), tufted, perennial, grass- {continued on page 6)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 46 Plants and Animals the entire length of the Wai'anae Moun- is known to survive at only 2 locations (continued from previous page) tains, but today only 7 populations with containing a total of about 13 plants. pated that increased development will a total of 300 to 400 plants are known to further modify the remaining natural remam. habitat.

Wai'anae Mountain Range, O'ahu (26 species) - The island of O'ahu was created by two large shield volcanoes, the Wai'anae volcano and the younger Ko'olau volcano to the east. Their origi- nal shape has been lost as a result of extensive erosion. Today, the remains of these volcanoes form mountain ranges characterized by long, narrow ridges. All 26 of the Hawaiian plant species proposed on September 28 for listing as Endangered are either endemic to, or • Centaurium sebaeoides, known in have their largest or best populations in, Hawaiian as 'awiwi, is an annual herb in the Wai'anae Mountains. Several also • Alsinidendron obovatum, a small the gentian family (Gentianaceae). It have restricted distributions in the shrub in the pink family (Caryo- grows to about 8 inches (20 cm) tall with Ko'olau Mountains of O'ahu and on the phyllaceae) that reaches 3 feet (1 m) in small, rather fleshy leaves and white or islands ofMaui, Moloka'i, and Kaua'i. If height, has somewhat fleshy leaves and pale pink flowers. Five populations, to- approved, the Endangered listings would produces congested clusters of 7 to 12 tallingfewer than 1,000 plants, are known apply to these species throughout their white and green flowers. The two known to exist on 4 islands: Kaua'i (2), O'ahu ranges: populations total approximately 100 in- (1), Maui (1), and Moloka'i (1). • Abutilon sandwicense, a member of dividual plants. • Chamaesyce celastroides var. the mallow family, is a shrub that grows • Abinidendron trinerve is similar in kaenana, also called ' akoko, is a shrub in up to 10 feet (3 m) tall with heart-shaped appearance to A. obovatum but grows in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). This leaves and greenish, pendulous flowers. wetter habitat and has leaves with three plant, which can reach 5 feet (1.5 m) in This species once occurred along almost prominent veins. Alsinidendron trinerve height, drops its leaves in the dry season to conserve water. The 5 known popula- tions that remain contain fewer than 300 individuals. • Chamaesyce kuwaleana, another 'akoko, is smaller, growing only 36 inches (90 cm) tall. Its known range has been rcduced to one site containing several hundred plants. • Cyanea pinnatifida, known in Ha- waiian as haha, is a member of the bell- flower family. Its stem, usually un- branched, grows to about 10 feet (3 m) high and bears long, deeply lobed leaves. Clusters of 8 to 15 greenish-white flow- ers with purple stripes arise from the leaf axils. The single population known to remain consists of only three individuals. • Diellia falcata is a fern in the family Polypodiaceae. Its fronds, which are up to 40 inches (100 cm) long by 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide, have as many as 45 divisions per side. H istorically known from almost Viola lanaiensis (continued on next page)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 46 Plants and Animals leathery leaves that are uniform in shape flowering heads with numerous yellow (continued from previous page) and clusters of tubular white flowers. disk and ray florets. The 400 to 600 the entire length of the Wai'anae Moun- Once known from the central and south- known individuals are distributed over tains, this species has been reduced to 7 ern Wai'anae Mountains, this plant has 7 populations. populations with an estimated 3,000 in- not been seen for several years; however, • niihauensis, as its name dividuals. because this species inhabits inaccessible implies, was described from a specimen cliffs, the chances that it survives some- collected on the privately-owned island where in the area are considered good. of Ni'ihau, where it is no longer known • , a small, to occur. This member of the bellflower shrubby tree in the aster family, grows to family is a low shrub that produces clus- about 11 feet (3.3 m) in height. It bears ters of magenta flowers. Currently, 19 clusters of erect flowering heads, each populations are known to survive on made up of many yellow to yellow-brown O'ahu and Kaua'i. florets. There are 2 known populations on O'ahu and one on Maui, with a total of about 50 individuals. • Lipochaeta lobata var. leptophylla, another member of the aster family, is a low and somewhat woody perennial herb with arched or nearly prostrate stems that can be up to 59 inches (150 cm) long. Its lanced-shaped leaves are closely spaced along the stem. This plant, called nehe in Hawaiian, produces flower heads with many yellow disk and ray florets. The • Dubautia herbstobatae, or na 'ena 'e, two known populations contain 25 to 50 is a spreading shrub in the aster family individuals. that grows to about 20 inches (50 cm) • Lipochaeta tenuifolia, also called tall. Its leaves are shiny and leathery. nehe, is another low-growing perennial • Neraudia angulata, a member of There are as many as 15 flower heads in herb. Its oppositely arranged leaves are the nettle family (Urticaceae), is an erect an , each composed of up to divided into three lobes so deeply that shrub up to 10 feet (3 m) tall with sepa- 20 yellowish-orange, tubular florets. they appear to be six leaves, and each rate male and female flowers growing on Currently, there are 8 known popula- lobe is further divided to the midrib into different plants. Once occurring along tions with a total of fewer than 100 fine segments. This species also bears almost the entire length of the Wai'anae individuals. (continued on page 8) • meyenii, a shrub in the buckhorn family (), reaches approximately 7 feet (2.2 m) in height. Its broadly oval leaves are smooth and papery in texture, and the flowers may be functionally unisexual, with male and female flowers on the same plant. The 4 known populations of this species con- tain about 75 individuals. • Hedyotis degeneri, a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae), is a prostrate shrub with peeling, corky bark, clusters of small, trumpet-shaped flowers, and leaves that are quite variable in shape. The single known population of this species contains about six plants. • Hedyotis parvula, a related species, is a heavily branched shrub that grows either upright or sprawling. It has small. Gouania meyenii

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) on Maui and the others on O'ahu. They total 1,500 to 3,000 plants. • PhyUostegia mollis is a densely hairy, non-aromatic, perennial herb in the mint family. It produces sma'l, white flowers with fused . This s^iecies once was found in both the Wai'anat and Ko'olau ranges on O'ahu, and on the islands of Moloka'i and Maui. Two populations are known to remain, both of them in the Wai'anae Mountains. They contain a total of fewer than 30 individuals. • mariversa, an herb in the parsley family (), produces a single, branched stem ap lo 28 inches (70 cm) tall. Its numerous leaves are leathery and have heart or kidney shapes. Each inflorescence contains a cluster of up to 20 yellow flowers. The two known populations contain fewer than 100 plants. • Schiedea kaalae is a short-stemmed perennial in the pink family. It can be Hedyotis parvula distinguished from related species by its stems and by its thick leaves, which have one conspicuous vein. The 7 known populations — 5 in the Wai'anae Moun- tains and 2 in the Ko'olau Mountains — contain a total of fewer than 100 indi- viduals.

Hesperomannia arbuscula

46 Plants and Animals in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). The stems and young leaves ot this plant (continued from page 7) are covered with short hairs, and its stalk- Mountains, the known range of this plant less flowers are arranged in a spike at the • Sileneperlmanii, another perennial has been reduced to 5 populations, which ends of the stems. Historically, this in the pink family, is heavily branched total fewer than 15 individuals. species was found along the entire length from its base and often forms clumps. Its • Nototrichium humile, or kulu'i in of the Wai'anae Mountains and in east stems are up to 20 inches (50 cm) long, Hawaiian, is an upright to trailing shrub Maui. Eleven populations remain, one (continued on next page)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 8 46 Plants and Animals (continued from previous page) the leaves are in the shape of a narrow ellipse, and the few white flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems. This species was not discovered until 1987. One population of 10 to 20 plants is known. • Tetramolopium filiforme, a dwarf shrub in the aster family, grows to only 6 inches (15 cm) high. Its flower heads are composed of as many as 52 white or pale lavender ray florets in a circle around up to 30 maroon (or occasionally yellow) disk florets. The ray florets are female, while the disk florets function as male flowers. These separate male and female flowers on the same plant are one of this species' distinguishing features. The 5 known populations are estimated to Silene perlmanii contain fewer than 500 individuals. It is a small tree, growing up to 23 feet property. • Tetramolopium lepidotum ssp. (7 m) tall with pale green, thin, heart- Like all species with severely reduced lepidotum, a related plant, is a larger shaped leaves. The flowers, which are numbers and ranges, these native plants shrub, reaching 14 inches (36 cm) in either male or female, may grow on the are vulnerable to rapid extinction from height. The florets of this subspecies are same or different plants. This species has various natural events (e.g., typhoons, either female or bisexual, with both oc- been reduced to 3 known populations fires) as well as human-related activities. curring on the same plant. Each flower with no more than 19 plants. Those with a single population—such as head contains up to 40 white to pinkish- • Viola chamissoniana ssp. Cyanea pinnatifida (3 plants), Hedyotis lavender ray florets and 11 maroon to chamissoniana, or pamakani in Hawai- degeneri (6 plants), Silene perlmanii (10 salmon disk florets. Once found along ian, is a shrub in the violet family. This to 20 plants), and Chamaesycekuwaleana almost the entire length of the Wai'anae plant is distinguished by its small, trian- (several hundred plants)—are particu- Mountains, this taxon has been reduced gular-oval to heart-shaped leaves and its larly at risk. A diminished gene pool also in known range to 3 sites with a total of white, purple-tinged flowers. The 3 may depress their reproductive vigor. fewer than 100 individuals. known populations contain only about 16 individuals. Schoepfia arenaria The native vegetation of the Wai'anae This small evergreen tree, a member of Mountains and adjacent areas has under- the olax family (Olacaceae), is endemic gone extreme alteration as a result of to the coastal forests ot northern Puerto certain land management practices, some Rico. It grows up to 20 feet (7 meters) tall of which continue. Among those most and has several trunks up to 4 inches (10 harmful to the native flora (and fauna) centimeters) in diameter that arise from have been the deliberate introductions of the base. Industrial and urban develop- non-native plants and animals, large-scale ment has eliminated the species from agricultural development, and military most of its former range, and it survives activities. At present, the greatest threats only at a few sites in low elevation ever- to the rare Wai'anae plants are the degra- green and semi-evergreen forests on dation of habitat by introduced animals limestone hills. The tree is known to (feral pigs and goats, free-roaming do- occur in the Isabela area (about 100 mestic cattle) and competition from ag- individuals), Pinones Commonwealth gressive exotic plants. The land inhab- Forest (about 30 mature plants and nu- ited by the recently proposed plants is a merous saplings and seedlings), and the • Urera kaalae, a member of the net- mixture of Federal (military). City and Fajardo area (about 50 trees). One plant tle family, is known in Hawaiian as opuhe. County of Honolulu, State, and private (continued on page 10)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 9 46 Plants and Animals occupied habitat is a tiny spring less than and carry out recovery plans; the autho- (continued from previous page) 11 square feet (1 square meter) in size and rization to seek land purchases or ex- was also reported in the Rio Abajo Com- about 8 feet (2.5 m) of an outflow ditch. changes for important habitat; and Fed- monwealth Forest in 1985. The total number of Socorro spring- eral aid to State and Commonwealth Loss of native habitat threatens the snails is estimated to be 5,000. conservation departments that have ap- remaining S. arenaria populations. The proved cooperative agreements with the Isabela site is in an area under intense Service. Listing also lends greater recog- pressure for tourism, urban, and rural nition to a species' precarious status, development. Illegal acquisition of land which encourages other conservation ef- for residential development also threat- forts by State and local agencies, inde- ens the Pinones Commonwealth Forest pendent organizations, and concerned population. Because plants of all sizes individuals. and ages have been observed and natural Section 7 of the Act directs Federal reproduction of the plant appears to be agencies to use their legal authorities to offsetting some losses, the Service has further the purposes of the Act by carry- proposed that S. arenaria be listed as ing out conservation programs for listed Threatened rather than Endangered (F.R. species. It also requires these agencies to 9/17/90). ensure that any actions they fund, auth- orize, or carry out are not likely to jeop- Two Springsnails ardize the survival of any Endanger- The Alamosa springsnail (Tryonia ed or Threatened species. If an agency alamosae) and Socorro springsnail finds that one of its activities may affect (Pyrgulopsis neomexicana)-Axt two small a listed species, it is required to consult aquatic mollusks that are known only with the Service on ways to avoid jeop- from within Socorro County in central ardy. For species that are proposed for New Mexico. Both of these gill-breath- listing and for which jeopardy is found, ing species are found in the slow-moving Federal agencies are required to "confer" outflows of thermal springs. The Alamo- Both springsnails are extremely vul- with the Service, although the results of sa springsnail has a thin, translucent, nerable to loss or alteration of their such a conference are not legally binding. broadly conical shell up to 0.1 inches habitat. Any reductions in water flow Additional protection is authorized (3-0 millimeters) long. It is known only resulting from impoundments, pump- by Section 9 of the Act, which makes it from one thermal spring complex, which ing, or water diversions, or other illegal to take, possess, transport, or en- consists of five individual springs that changes in the stream environments (e.g., gage in interstate or international traf- flow together. The largest thermal spring water pollution, channel modifications), ficking in listed animals except by is about 6 by 10 feet (2 by 3 meters) across could cause either species to become ex- permit for certain conservation purposes. and 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) deep. The tinct. The Service therefore has propos- For plants, the rules regarding "take" are species occurs in all of the springs and ed that the Alamosa and Socorro different. It is unlawful to collect or in the outflows, close to the source. springsnails be listed as Endangered (F.R. maliciously damage any Endangered The Socorro springsnail has an elon- 9/18/90). plant on lands under Federal jurisdic- gate-ovate shell that is light tan in color, tion. Removing or damaging listed short-spired, and up to 0.1 inch (2.5 Available Conservation Measures plants on State and private lands in mm) long. Currently, the species is Among the conservation benefits au- knowing violation of State law or in the known to occur in only one thermal thorized for Threatened and Endangered course of violating a State criminal spring system, where it was found in plants and animals under the Endan- tresspass law also is illegal under the Act. 1979. Although the principal source of gered Species Act are: protection from In addition, some States have more re- the spring has been impounded, the adverse effects of Federal activities; re- strictive laws of their own specifical- Socorro springsnail continues to survive strictions on take and trafficking; the ly against the take of State or federally in another small source for the spring. Its requirement for the Service to develop listed plants and animals.

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) Final Listing Rules Approved for 14 Species

During September 1990, the Fish and der-pod be listed as Threatened (see tures and other environmental condi- WildHfe Service published final hsting BULLETIN Vol. XV, No. 5), and the tions necessary for the fish's survival. rules for 14 species—2 plants, 1 mussel, final rule was published September 28. Commercial fishing also has probably 1 fish, 4 monkeys, and 6 birds. Endan- played a role in the decline. Another gered Species Act protection is now avail- threat to the species' survival is an appar- Inflated Heelsplitter (Potamilus able to the following: ent lack of reproduction. Potential threats inflatus) include water pollution, interbasin The inflated heelsplitter is a medium- transfers of water, hybridization of the Barneby Ridge-cress (Lepidium sized, freshwater mussel with a distinc- species with the more abundant shovel- bamebyanum) tive wing-like ridge where the two shells nose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus plator- This perennial herb, a member of the join. Historically, the mussel occurred in ynchus), and continuing alteration of re- mustard family (), is endemic the Amite and Tangipahoa Rivers in maining spawning or nursery areas. The to three ridgelines in northeastern Utah. Louisiana, the Pearl River in Mississippi, Service proposed the pallid sturgeon for It grows up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) and the Tombigbee, Black Warrior, listing as an Endangered species on Au- tall, usually forms raised clumps or Alabama, and Coosa Rivers in Alabama. gust 30,1989 (see BULLETIN Vol. XIV, cushions up to 8 inches (20 cm) wide, The construction of flood control levees Nos. 9-10), and the final rule was pub- and has cream-colored flowers. The and impoundments, river channelization, lished September 6, 1990. species' total population, estimated at dredging, water pollution, and sedi- about 5,000 individuals, occupies fewer mentation from surface mining have ex- than 500 acres (200 hectares). Motor- tirpated the inflated heelsplitter from all Six Foreign Birds cycles and other off-road vehicles are but short stretches of the Amite, The Service proposed the following six damaging the habitat in which the Tombigbee, and Black Warrior Rivers. foreign bird species as Endangered on Barneby ridge-cress occurs. Continued Gravel mining, proposed flood control January 16, 1990 (see BULLETIN Vol. off-road vehicle use and development of improvements, navigation dredging, and XV, No. 2), and the final rule was pub- oil and gas resources threaten the species' water pollution continue to threaten the lished September 28. These species have survival. The Service proposed to list the species and its habitat. The Service pro- all experienced significant declines in Barneby ridge-cress as Endangered in the posed that the inflated heelsplitter be numbers and/or habitat in recent years, November 27, 1989, Federal Register listed as a Threatened species in the Octo- and are vulnerable to human exploitation (see BULLETIN Vol. XIV, Nos. 11-12), ber 27, 1989, Federal Register (see BUL- and disturbance. They are all listed on and the final rule was published Sep- LETIN Vol. XIV, Nos. 11-12); the final Appendix I of the Convention on Inter- tember 28, 1990. rule was published September 28, 1990. national Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). • The northern bald ibis (Geronticus Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Lyrate Bladder-pod (Lesquerella eremita) originally occurred across much lyrata) albus) of southern Europe, southwestern Asia, Another member of the mustard fam- The pallid sturgeon is one of the larg- and northern Africa. However, climatic ily, the lyrate bladder-pod is an annual est fish found in the Missouri, Missis- changes, hunting, disturbance of the ibis' that grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) high sippi, and lower Yellowstone Rivers. This nesting sites, habitat modification, and and has yellow flowers. Two populations bottom-dwelling fish has a distinctive widespread applications of toxic pesti- of the plant are known to occur within flattened, shovel-shaped snout. The cides have reduced its numbers to only a disturbed cedar glades in northwest species has experienced a dramatic decline few small breeding populations in Mo- Alabama. Much of the habitat suitable throughout its approximately 3,550-mile rocco (which support a total of about 180 for lyrate bladder-pod has been lost due (5,725-kilometer) range over the past 20 individuals) and possibly one breeding to urban and agricultural development. years. Almost all of the pallid sturgeon's population each in Algeria and Turkey. Both of the remaining populations are habitat has been modified through river Pesticide use is a primary threat to the on privately owned lands and have de- channelization, construction of im- remaining birds. Poaching and nest clined in recent years due to plant succes- poundments, and related changes in- predation by ravens also are adversely sion. (The species requires periodic dis- flow regimes. These changes have blocked affecting the species. turbance of its surroundings, such as the pallid sturgeon's movements, de- • The white-winged guan (Penelope light grazing, to perpetuate the open stroyed or altered its spawning areas, albipennis) is endemic to a small part of habitat it needs.) The Service proposed reduced its food sources or its ability to northwestern Peru. This species' forest on April 25, 1990, that the lyrate blad- obtain food, and altered water tempera- (continued on page 12)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 11 Final Listing Rules and New Caledonia in the southwest- in the world. All four are on Appendix I (continued from page 11) ern Pacific. Once very common locally, of CITES. The Tonkin snub-nosed habitat is rapidly being destroyed for it is now among the world's most criti- monkey is endemic to the mountain charcoal production. Hunting also is cally endangered birds: there are only forests of northern Viet Nam, and the responsible for the guan's decline. The about 30 individuals in the wild and 10 others are endemic to China's high species was said to be locally common in in captivity. Its decline is due to de- mountain forests. The range and num- the mid-19th century, but today only an struction of forest habitat; competition bers of all four species have declined estimated 300 individuals remain. with the crimson rosella (Platycercus substantially in recent years, primarily • Originally found in the Himalayan elegans), an introduced bird species, for due to habitat loss and modification. foothills of Pakistan, India, and Nepal, nest sites; avian disease; killing for agri- Slash-and-burn agriculture in particular the cheer pheasant (Catreus ivallichii) cultural pest control; and predation by has destroyed much of the forests where today occurs only in small, fragmented introduced cats and rats. the monkeys occur. Hunting of the populations. Its decline has resulted in • Only a few specimens have been monkeys for food, pelts, and medicinal part Irom agricultural activity and other collected of the Madagascar red owl purposes also has contributed to their human modifications of the forests and (Tyto soumagnei), which inhabits the decline. Only about 10,000 to 15,000 meadows on which the bird depends. eastern rainforests of Madagascar. This Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, 600 to The pheasant has also been relentlessly area is being cleared for agriculture and is 800 Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, 200 hunted. subject to other human disturbance. to 670 Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys, • I he red-tailed parrot (Amazona and 880 Tonkin snub-nosed monkeys brasiliensis) occurs only in the coastal are thought to survive. The Service Four Snub-nosed Monkeys forests ot southeastern Brazil. Most of proposed to list the four snub-nosed Four mammals native to China and these forests have been destroyed in recent monkey species as Endangered on January Viet Nam have been listed as Endangered. decades by human development. Today, 16, 1990 (see BULLETIN Vol. XV, No. The Sichuan or golden snub-nosed no more than 4,000 individuals survive. 2). (The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana), The remaining birds are threatened by was listed by the Service as Threatened in Yunnan or black snub-nosed monkey illegal collection for the pet trade. 1976, but was proposed for reclassifica- (R. bieti), Guizhou or gray snub-nosed tion to Endangered, which more accu- • The Norfolk Island parakeet monkey (R. brelichi), and Tonkin snub- rately reflects its current status.) The (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae cookii) nosed monkey (R. avunculus) "^xt among final rule was published in the September isendemictoa l4-squaremile (35-square the most critically endangered primates 27, 1990, Federal Register. kilometer) island between New Zealand

Regional News The new funds will be used to finance in July and by mid-September native (continuedfrom page 2) recovery actions such as habitat recla- prairie grasses had returned, which should were donated, primarily by Conoco In- mation and a public awareness campaign. increase the small population of prairie- corporated, Hollywood Marine Incor- The idea for the fund was initiated by chickens at this site. The other site, porated, Texas Waterways Operator's Conoco, which made $5,000 contribu- which is adjacent to Attwater's Prairie Association, Raymond Dugat Company, tions to the recovery program in 1988 Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, is and Mr. Harry Sloat and the "Lucky and 1989. Those wishing to contribute covcrcd with Mcartney rose (Rosa Day." This year, Mr. Ted Appell's boat may send checks payable to the National bracteata), an introduced plant that has and facilities at the Sand Dollar Pavilion Fish and Wildlife Foundation/APC Re- invaded the area. The State will treat this Marina in Fulton Beach were also used. covery Fund to the APC Recovery Fund, site with herbicides, which should re- Mr. Tom Serota from the Service's Cor- P.O. Box 519, Eagle Lake, Texas 77434. store the prairie-chicken's habitat and pus Christi Field Office coordinated the All contributions are tax-deductible to increase the potential for grazing. Resto- project. the extent allowed by law. ration of habitat on this site will link * * * The Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart- several disjunct prairie-chicken popula- Increased efforts to protect the Endan- ment has signed management agree- tions. gered Attwater's greater prairie-chicken ments with ranchers in Victoria and Fhe Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) began Austin Counties to remove cattle from Glen Rose, Texas, has begun an Attwat- recently. Conoco, Inc., and the National two sites in order to restore Attwater's er's greater prairie-chicken propagation Fish and Wildlife Foundation have es- greater prairie-chicken habitat. The State project. To identify appropriate propa- tablished an Attwater's Prairie-chicken is using Endangered Species Act (Section gation techniques, the Center will use Recovery Fund. Each has offered $5,000 6) funds to acquire limited grazing rights greater prairie-chickens of a different, to match the first $10,000 in contribu- in these areas. Cattle were taken off the non-Endangered subspecies, Tympanu- severely overgrazed Victoria County site tions from individuals and corporations. (continued on next

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 12 Regional News had levels greater than one-half the con- this summer using night-scoping tech- (continued from previous page) centration shown to be associated with niques. For unknown reasons, the chus cupido pinnatus, as a surrogate for mortality in an earlier study. Most aqua- populations in these caves were down 1.7 theAttwater'sgreaterprairie-chieken. Dr. tic and terrestrial insect samples also percent from 1989 levels. Nova Silvy from Texas A & M Univer- * * * were contaminate*d wit* h •organochlorines . sity is also using Section 6 funds to work Over the past 3 years, the West Vir- on reintroduction techniques. It is hoped Region 4 - During the Labor Day ginia Division of Natural Resources and that these techniques eventually will be weekend, the Service's Asheville, North the U.S. Forest Service have been build- used to release the Center's captive-raised Carolina, Field Office, in cooperation ing nest boxes for the Endangered north- birds on unoccupied habitat. with The Nature Conservancy and vol- ern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabriniis An annual brood count conducted on unteers from the American Cave Conser- fuscus) in the Monongahela National the Attwater's Prairie-chicken National vation Association, built a gate at the Forest. From July 1, 1989, to June 30, Wildlife Refuge from June 27 to July 10 entrance to Tennessee's Tabaccoport 1990, personnel from these agencies and suggests that production of young birds Cave to protect a population of gray bats. students from West Virginia University is down in spite of relatively favorable Phis cave is an hibernation site for the captured, measured, tagged, and released habitat conditions. Twenty-four adult species and supports a bachelor colony of 106 squirrels. The squirrels were captured birds and 8 young were flushed, indicating approximately 30,000 gray bats during at 21 sites, including 9 new localities for an average brood size of 2.7 birds. The the summer. The Nature Conservancy the subspecies. reason for the poor production is not obtained permission from the land- • * * known, although rainfall patterns or fire owner to build the gate and provided Botanists from the West Virginia ants (Solenopsis invicta) may be respon- funds for construction. The Service pro- Natural Heritage Program stirveyed the sible. Smaller and fewer broods this vided equipment and miscellaneous State's harperella (Ptilimnium nodosum) summer probably mean that the material for the project, and reimbursed populations this summer. Funds for the Attwater's greater prairie-chicken popu- the Association's volunteers for their ex- survey were provided by the Fish and lation will be lower in 1991. The state- penses. Wildlife Service under Section 6 of the wide estimated population for adult birds The cave gate incorporates two large Endangered Species Act. The only known in the spring of 1990 was also revised doors that can be left open during the populations of this Endangered biennial summer while the bachelor colony is in the State occur along Sleepy Creek and downward from* 49 4* to* 470 birds. present. The doors will be closed during the Cacapon River in Morgan County. Region 3 - Although the use of or- the winter to protect the hibernation The 1990 survey found that the Sleepy ganochlorine pesticides was banned at colony from human disturbance. The Creek population contained as many as least a decade ago, a recent study by the doors were required because gray bats one million individuals scattered along Missouri Department of Conservation will not use summer caves with entrances 20 miles (32 kilometers). The Cacapon confirmed that the pesticides are con- that are completely covered by a gate. River population contained approxi- tinuing to affect Endangered gray bats * * * mately 100,000 individuals in 20 sub- (Myotis grisescens) and their insect prey Region 5 - Thirteen captive-bred pere- populations distributed over 20 river base in central and east-central Missou- grine falcons {Falco peregrinus) were re- miles. Both populations were as viable ri. Gray bats do much of their foraging leased in West Virginia this summer at a and vigorous as they were in 1988 when here in agricultural areas and are ingest- hack site in the New River Gorge. Since they were last surveyed. Twenty miles of ing organochlorine pesticides and their 1987, 54 peregrine falcons have been potential habitat along the Cacapon by-products. Pesticide-induced mortal- released in West Virginia. Although no River were searched for new popula- ity of gray bats has been documented in breeding pairs were documented in the tions, but none were found. The most the past at several caves in Missouri. In State this year, biologists expect at least serious threats to the harperella con- the 1990 study, which was funded by the tinue to be the loss of habitat due to one breeding pai*r to* b e *presen t by 1991. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered siltation, changes in water level fluctua- species and contaminant programs, in- West Virginia's two active bald eagle tion patterns, and development. sects, gray bat guano, and bat carcasses (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests pro- * • + were collected from five caves and the duced a total of five eaglets this season. Five new populations of running buf- vicinity of a sixth cave in three counties. One of the nests, in Hampshire County, falo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum), an Two dead juvenile bats had levels of had not been use* d fo* r severa* l years. Endangered perennial, were discovered organochlorines that were high enough in West Virginia in June and July. This to cause their deaths. All of the guano The nine known colonies of Virginia plant is believed to have been dependent samples contained detectable levels of big-eared bats (Plecotus townsendii vir- to some extent on the buffalo (Bison bison at least two organochorines, and several ginianus) in West Virginia were censused (continued on page 14)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 13 Regional News on six shale barrens throughout the spe- cut River in Vermont and the other in the (continued from page 13) cies' range. Its purpose is to examine the Ashuelot River in New Hampshire. Chris bison) herds that once migrated along population dynamics of the shale barren Fichtel of the Vermont Natural Heritage trails in the eastern U.S. With Section 6 rock-cress and assess the effects of deer Program and Larry Master of The Na- funding, the West Virginia Natural browsing. ture Conservancy led discussions on the Heritage Program created a map of his- * * * natural history of the dwarf wedge mus- toric bison trails in the State in 1989 The Service's New England Field Of- sel and other fresh water mussel fauna in using historical references to bison, elk, fice in Concord, New Hampshire, orga- New England. and large mammal trails. With the map nized a meeting of nongame biologists * * * and ecological information, six botanists involved with peregrine falcon and bald Region 6 - Although over 1,000 bald were sent out in search of the plant. All eagle recovery programs in Massachu- eagles winter in Utah, only 4 birds are of the populations discovered this sum- setts, New York, New Hampshire, Ver- known to nest in the State at 2 sites along mer were along old roads on ridges or mont, and Maine early in September. the Colorado River. One eaglet survived sides of mountains in Randolph County. This was the first time in recent years that in one of the nests this summer. Wildlife The largest population contained 209 biologists from all of these States have enthusiasts and river expedition compa- plants, none of which were found in met to discuss problems and successes in nies, under the supervision of the Utah flower; the other populations varied in the recovery efforts. The departure of the Division of Wildlife Resources, helped size from 1 to 50 individuals. Despite Peregrine Fund from the East and the the other pair of nesting eagles raise their extensive searches, no new populations need for the northeastern States to as- three eaglets by bringing carp to the nest. were found in the Ohio, Little Kanawha, sume even greater responsibility in their Unfortunately, only one eaglet in this and Kanawha River valleys, or near peregrine recovery programs were noted. nest survived. Lewisburg where savannas were once re- Although the number of territorial per- The Service's Salt Lake City, Utah, ported. These areas have been heavily egrine pairs in the Northeast continues Fish and Wildlife Enhancement and Law farmed since the 18th century, which to slowly increase (now up to 41 pairs), Enforcement Offices, along with the Utah the productivity of the birds was only 1.1 Division of Wildlife Resources, also may explain the *absenc * *e of the plant. young per pair—a level below that ob- worked with the private landowner to Since the final rule listing the shale served in many other recovering per- minimize disturbance of the second nest. barren rock-cress ( serotina) as egrine populations. The landowner had planned to dig a Endangered was published in August The results of the 1990 bald eagle ditch line underneath the nest tree to 1989, five more populations have been breeding season were also discussed at prepare the land for cultivation, but agreed discovered in shale barrens of West the meeting. The bald eagle population to delay construction until after the cru- Virginia and Virginia. Thirty-one popu- in the Northeast is continuing to make cial egg hatching period. The landowner lations of this herb are now known, sev- progress toward recovery. In Maine, 123 also has agreed to consider the eagles' eral of which have fewer than 10 plants. pairs of eagles produced 98 young, a presence when conducting future op- Botanists with the West Virginia Natural modest increase over 1989. However, erations. In addition, the landowner has Heritage Program, who have been moni- Maine biologists suspect a contaminant permitted the State to build an alternate toring the shale barren rock-cress popu- problem may be lowering the productiv- nest for the eagles in a stronger tree. This lations for 6 years, began two 5-year ity of the eagles. New Hampshire's single nest is shaded, which will better protect research projects in 1990. In coopera- pair of eagles produced 2 chicks this year the eaglets from the intense summer heat. tion with the Department of Defense (see BULLETIN Vol, XV, No. 8), New • * * and the Fish and Wildlife Service, the York's 14 territorial pairs produced 15 At least 14 Endangered least tern Heritage Program botanists are studying chicks, and Massachusett's 4 pairs pro- (Sterna antillarum) and Threatened pip- a population at the U.S. Naval Radio duced 3 chicks. ing plover (Charadrius melodus) nests on Station at Sugar Grove, West Virginia, to * * * a sand bar in the Missouri River near learn more about the species' life history. Because of the number of inquiries Running Water, South Dakota, were This population, one of the largest known, regarding the dwarf wedge mussel destroyed by vandals this summer. Two was discovered in 1989 after the final (Alasmidonta heterodon). New England research technicians from the South Da- rule was published. A permanent 19,700 Field Office endangered species biolo- kota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Re- square yard (16,500 square meter) grid gists hosted a "Meet the Mussel" educa- search Unit discovered the devastation was erected to carry out this study. The tional field day on September 8 for the on July 16 during a routine check of the other study is being conducted in coop- general public. This was an "in the river" site. Although the island was posted to eration with the West Virginia Division presentation on the various fresh water prevent public access, the technicians of Natural Resources, the Virginia Divi- mussel species of New England. Two found signs of two people and a dog on sion of Natural Heritage, and the Service sessions were held, one in the Connecti- (continued on next page)

14 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 14 Regional News lished nesting populations range from 2 Region 9 - In September, the Fish and (continued from previous page) pairs on the most recent translocation Wildlife Service published its Wedands the island. The dog's tracks, which site at Little Kiska Island to over 50 pairs Action Plan. The Action Plan, which showed it was in pursuit of small birds, on Agattu Island. The results of the was prepared in response to President and the presence of new-born birds bur- nesting survey support the Service's pro- Bush's call for no net loss of the Nation's ied in the sand near the nests indicated posal to reclassify the Aleutian Canada wetlands, provides a working definition that the nests had been intentionally goose from Endangered to Threatened of what "no net loss of wetlands" means destroyed. (Rising water levels in the and how the Service is going to pursue (seeBULLETINVol* *. XIV,Nos* . 11-12). river later removed this evidence.) A this goal. "No net loss" is defined as $1,000 reward for information leading Region 8 - In July, carcasses of three meaning that wetlands losses must be to the identity and conviction of the Endangered species, the Hawaiian coot offset by wetlands gains in terms of actual vandals was announced on local radio or 'alae-ke'oke'o {Fulica americana alai), acreage and, to the extent possible, eco- and TV stations. Hawaiian stilt or ae'o (Himantopus system fijnction. Drawing on the Service's * * * mexicanus knudseni), and Hawaiian duck existing legislative authorities, regula- Region 7 - The Aleutian Canada goose or koloa (Anas wyvilliana), were found at tions, and directives, the Action Plan (Branta canadensis leucopareia) is con- Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge on the identifies the Service's current and future tinuing to expand its range in the western island of Kaua'i. Forty dead birds were strategies for wetlands protection, resto- Aleutian Islands as a result of recovery found in the refuge, the majority of which ration, enhancement, management, re- activities. Surveys this past summer indi- were koloas. Carcasses of the dead birds search, information, and education. cate that the Endangered goose now nests and serum samples from the koloas were Twenty-three appendices to the Action on eight islands in the Aleutian chain, up sent to the National Wildlife Health Plan address specific wetlands issues and from three at the start of recovery efforts. Research Center in Madison, Wiscon- Service wetland programs. An intensive translocation program has sin. The koloas were determined to be Copies of the Wetlands Action Plan successfully reestablished nesting on is- positive for avian botulism. The cause of can be requested from the Service's Pub- lands formerly occupied by Aleutian geese death of the other birds had not been lications Unit, Room 130 - ARLSQ, prior to the fox farming era. Reestab- determined as of October 19. Washington, D.C. 20240.

New Publications

Manual of the Flowering Plants of and rare species; literature citations; Indexed Bibliography on the Flowering Hawai'i, co-authored by Warren L. and nomenclatural and taxonomic syn- Plants of Hawai'i, by Susan W. Mill, Wagner, Derral R. Herbst (a botanist onyms. The 246 pages of plates illustrate Donald P. Cowing, Derral R. Herbst, with the Fish and Wildlife Service), and all genera of flowering plants in Hawaii and Warren L. Wagner, was published S.H. Sohmer, with the collaboration and more than half of the species. The in conjunction with the Manual It is a of more than 50 specialists, is the first Manual also contains chapters on the comprehensive bibliography of the sub- complete manual of the flowering plants project history and methods, geography ject, covering worldwide publications of Hawaii produced since 1888. This and climate, and endangered and threat- from the 1784 accounts of Captain 2-volume, 1,853-page work contains ened plants (including an accurate cen- Cook's voyages through 1986. The In- detailed information on the archipe- sus of all protected plants). The Manual dex is available from the University of lago's native and naturalized plants, in- is available for $85.00 from the Uni- Hawaii Press for $25.00. cluding: keys and physical descriptions; versity of Hawaii Press, Order Depart- Include $3.00 for shipping the first statements of geographical and ecolo- ment, 2840 Kolowalu Street, Honolulu, Manual or Index, and $1.00 for each gical range; an evaluation of extinct Hawaii 96822. additional book or set.

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 15 BOX SCORE LISTINGS AND RECOVERY PLANS

ENDANGERED 1 THREATENED 1 LISTED SPECIES Category Foreign i Foreign i SPECIES WITH U.S. Only 1 U.S. Only 1 TOTAL PLANS

Mammals 53 248 1 8 22 1 331 29 Birds 74 153 1 11 0 1 238 69 Reptiles 16 58 1 17 14 1 105 25 Amphibians 6 8 5 0 1 19 6 Fishes 53 11 1 33 0 1 97 44 Snails 3 1 1 6 0 1 10 7 Clams 37 2 2 0 41 29 Crustaceans 8 0 1 2 0 1 10 5 Insects 11 1 1 9 0 1 21 12 Arachnids 3 0 ' 0 0 3 0 Plants 179 1 1 60 2 1 242 120 1 TOTAL 443 483 ' 153 38 1 1117* 351** 1 Total U.S. Endangered 443 (264 animals, 179 plants) Total U.S. Threatened 153 (93 animals, 60 plants) Total U.S. Listed 596 (357 animals, 239 plants)

Seperate populations of a species that are listed both as Endangered an Threatened are tallied twice. Those species are the leopard, gray wolf, grizzly bear, bald eagle, piping plover, roseate tern, Nile crocodile, green sea turtle, and olive ridley sea turtle. For the purposes of the Endangered Species Act, the term "species" can mean a species, subspecies, or distinct vertebrate population. Several entries also represent entire genera or even families.

There are 276 approved recovery plans. Some recovery plans cover more than one species, and a few species have seperate plans covering different parts of their ranges. Recovery plans are drawn up only for listed species that occur In the United States.

Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States and Territories: 53 fish & wildlife 39 plants

October 31, 1990

October 1990 Vol. XV No. 10 FIRST CLASS POSTAGE AND FEES PAID A ^ E^ £? Ei: ^^ U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT NO. G-77

Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Washington, D. C. 20240

TAKE" PRIDE IN I AMERICA I

16 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 10 (1990) 16