August 1980, Vol. V, No. 8

^—r;:^—" ENDANGERED FISH A WILDUFK NKRVK^K TECHNICAL BULLETIN

Department of the Interior • U S Fish and Wildlife Service • Program, Washmgton, D C 20240

Black Rhino Found Endangered

Hunted extensively for its valued horn, the African black (Diceros bicornis) has been determined by the Service to be an Endangered species (F.R. 7/14/80). Based on avail- able data, the Service believes there may be fewer than 15,000 black rhinos remaining in the world. One of five species of occurring in Africa and Southeast Asia, the black rhino is the most numerous of the world's rhinos and yet appears dangerously threatened with . In , probable losses over the last five to eight have been figured at 95 percent of the black rhino popula- tion in Tsavo National Park, 85 percent in Amboseli, and over 90 percent of those that once survived in Meru National Park. These dramatic losses are due pri- marily to trade in the species' parts and products. East African statistics on the legal export of rhino horn, which are carved into dagger handles or used mm in powdered form for medicinal pur- Kenya's Meru National Park, only two years ago considered a stronghold for the poses or as an aphrodisiac, show that black rhino, is now home to less than 20 specimens. 1.56 tons were exported annually from 1950-1971. From 1972-1976, legal ex- ports jumped to 4.2 tons annually. In supportive comments. The only non- tected under the Convention on Inter- one instance, a single rhino horn re- supporting comment came from Safari national Trade in Endangered Species portedly sold for approximately $15,000. Club International, which recommended of Wild Fauna and Flora (it is on Ap- The biology of the black rhino may Threatened status for the species pendix I), listing under the Endangered also be contributing to its demise. For throughout most of its range except Species Act will provide additional pro- a species that exists largely as solitary Kenya, where they agree the black hibitions against importing the species individuals at a naturally low density, rhino is Endangered. According to the or its parts and products into the U.S., the severe declines cause further prob- Service, the black rhino is in danger as well as restricting transportation or lems by reducing the probabilities of of extinction throughout all or a signi- sale in interstate or foreign commerce. reproduction. Also, the rhino is easy ficant portion of its range (the defnition Listing under the Act will also allow to stalk and those that are of Endangered under the Endangered the U.S. to provide, if requested, tech- left show evidence of extreme disturb- Species Act of 1973). Listing this nical expertise for establishing man- ance in response to harassment. rhino as Endangered in p:.rts of its agement and recovery programs and The proposal to list the black rhi- range and Threatened in others would funds to assist in the implementation of noceros (F.R. 10/1/79)—see the No- be inconsistent with the Act's intent. such programs by appropriate foreign vember 1979 BULLETIN) drew mainly Although the black rhinoceros is pro- governments. gatlon program is proving a success. So far 1.8 million fry have been re- leased in the lower Truckee River in Nevada. An expected 2 million fry will be released by season's end. The Oregon Native Plant Society and the Service sponsored a Threat- ened and Endangered Plant Symposium held in Ashland, Oregon. More than 200 attended. Region 2. Of the 41 pups born to the red wolf (Canis rufus) captive breed- ing program during 1980, 28 survived to 3 months of age, a 68 percent survival rate, the highest the program has achieved to date. Region 3. The Northern States Bald REGIONAL Eagle Revovery Team met in New York to view the hacking facilities at the BRIEFS Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, with which they were greatly impressed. The Kirtland's Warbler Recovery Endangered Species Program region- on the Island of Maui, and allowing for Team met to discuss updating the re- al staffers have reported the following future resale to the State. The resale covery plan. activities for the month of July. would be with the provision that the Region 4. State and Service person- Region 1. A cooperative agreement State showed management capability nel began a cooperative effort on July was signed with the Hawaii Department for the Hawaiian waterbirds occurring 21, 1980, to capture the four dusky of Land and Natural Resources, paving at the pond. seaside sparrows (Ammospiza maritima the way for purchase of Kaelia Pond The cui-ui (Chasmistes cuius) propa- nigrescens) sighted during an intensive survey conducted earlier this in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, Florida, Three have been captured so Washington, D.C. 20240 NM 87103 (505-766-2321): Jerry Steg- far, bringing the total number in cap- man. Acting Regional Director; Robert tivity to five. All six birds are known or F. Stephens, Assistant Regional Direc- Lynn A. Greenwalt, Director presumed to be males. Development of tor; Jack B. Woody, Endangered Spe- (202-343-4717) captive breeding and sperm preserva- cies Specialist. Ronald E. Lamberston tion techniques are currently in prog- Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, Associate Director and ress (see our April 1980 Special Re- Endangered Species Program Manager Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500); (202-343-4646) Harvey Nelson, Regional Director; port). Harold J. O'Connor Daniel H. Bumgarner, Assistant Re- A total of 417 snail darter (Percina Deputy Associate Director gional Director; James M. Engel, En- tanasi) juveniles captured last fall in dangered Species Specialist. (202-343-4646) the Tellico Dam project area, and held Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal John Spinks, Chief, over winter in the Morristown State Office of Endangered Species BIdg., 75 Spring St., S.W., Atlanta, GA Fish Hatchery, were stocked into the (703-235-2771) 30303 (404-221-3583): Kenneth E. Richard Parsons, Chief, Black, Regional Director; Harold W. Elk River, Giles County, Tennessee. federal Wildlife Permit Office Benson, Assistant Regional Director; The Elk is the third river to receive a (703-235-1937) Alex B. Montgomery, Endangered Spe- substantial number of snail darters cies Specialist. Clark R. Bavin, Chief, since the transplant program was Division of Law Enforcement Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Cen- started in 1975. (202-343-9242) ter, Newton Corner MA 02158 (617- 965-5100): Howard Larsen, Regional Region 5. Service personnel met with State officials, university profes- TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF Director; Gordon T. Nightingale, As- Morey Norkin, Acting Editor sistant Regional Director; Paul Nicker- sors, and representatives of The Na- son. Endangered Species Specialist. (703-235-2407) ture Conservancy to explore possible Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Fed- protection of segments of the St. Johns eral Center, Denver CO 80225 (303- River in Maine. Ongoing research on Regional Offices 234-2209); Don W. Minnich, Regional Director; Charles E. Lane, Assistant Furbish lousewort (Pedicularls furbi- Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500Bldg.,500 Regional Director; Don Rodgers, En- shiae) populations was reviewed and N.E. Multnomah St., Portland, OR dangered Species Specialist. population inventories conducted with 97232 (503-231-6118): R. Kahler Mar- Alaska Area, 1101 E. Tudor Rd., Anchor- U.S. and New Brunswick (Canada) of- tinson, Regional Director; Edward B. age, AK 99503 (907-276-3800, ext. 495): ficials. Keith M. Schreiner, Area Director; Jon Chamberlain, Assistant Regional Direc- Rhode Island has been declared eli- tor: David B. Marshall, Endangered Nelson, Ass't Area Director; Dan Ben- Species Specialist. field, Endangered Species Specialist. gible for Endangered Species Coopera- tive Agreements for plants and for fish U.S. Fish and Wildlife Regions and wildlife. They will be the 11th Region 1: Calltornia, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada. Oregon, Washington, and Pacific Trust Territories. Region 2: Arizona. New Mexico. Oklahoma, and Texas Region 3: Illinois. Indiana. Michigan. Minnesota. Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region State involved in the program once the 4: Alabama, Arkansas. Florida. Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana. Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, agreements are signed. Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Region 5: Connecticut, Delaware. Maine. Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey. New York. Pennsylvania. Rhode Island. Vermont. Virginia, and West Virginia. Region Region 6. The total population (seven 6: Colorado. Iowa. Kansas. Missouri. Montana, Nebraska. North Dakota. South Dakota. Utah, and Wyoming. Alaika plants) of Phacelia argillaceae, an En- Area: Alaska dangered plant in Utah, was reduced to The ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN is published monthly by the four plants in May because of trampling U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. by sheep. The remaining population is being fenced for protection. CAPTIVE-BRED ANDEAN CONDORS RELEASED IN PERU

Michael Bender formed four pairs, scientists discovered actions with the wild birds. Before their The first release of Endangered, cap- ways to double, and in some cases even release, the introduced condors were tive-bred Andean condors (Vultur quadruple, normal egg production. The fitted with small solar-powered radio gryphus) into wild habitat has been resulting chicks became part of a small, transmitters which will allow researchers an apparent success. Shortly after the self-sustaining captive population from to track them through the remote moun- six young vultures were set free several which the six juveniles were selected tains for up to 5 years. Under contract weeks ago, they joined a small exist- for the reintroduction effort. with the Service, Dr. Stanley Temple ing population in the coastal mountains On July 11, the young condors were and Michael Wallace of the University of Peru, soaring alongside the older flown from Dulles International Airport, of Wisconsin are directing the release birds and adopting their feeding habits. Virginia, to Lima, Peru. They were ac- and monitoring activities. This encouraging news follows a 13- companied on their 8-hour flight by The six young condors now in Peru year experimental condor breeding proj- Dr. James Carpenter, endangered range in age from one to three years. ect conducted by the U.S. Fish and species research veterinarian at the Another group of five nestlings—one Wildlife Service's Patuxent Wildlife Re- Patuxent Center. Upon transfer of the from Patuxent and four from the Bronx search Center near Laurel, Maryland birds to the release sight on the Sechura Zoo—will be released later this year. (see the November 1976 BULLETIN). Peninsula, they were placed temporarily Through the use of different age groups, Although the Andean condor is the in enclosures until they became ac- scientists hope to learn the most suc- immediate beneficiary, the ultimate goal customed to their new surroundings. cessful procedures for reintroducing is to gain new information for saving Researchers from the Patuxent Center captive-bred condors to the wild. This its more critically Endangered relative— (and its field station in California), the information, along with new capture and the California condor (Gymnogyps National Audubon Society, the Univer- radio-tracking techniques, may give calitornianus). sity of Wisconsin, the Bronx Zoo, and biologists a better chance to insure The Andean condor program began the Crandon Park Zoo in Florida, along survival of both the Andean and the in late 1966, when nine immature wild with Peruvian biologists, are cooperating California condor. (For a fuller explana- birds were captured in the Argentinian on the Andean release project. The tion of the California Condor Recovery highlands and brought to the Patuxent next phase is to observe the young Program, see the May 1979 Special Center. Eventually, after the condors condors' movements and their inter- Edition of the BULLETIN.)

These Andean condors are part of the captive breeding program at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, which led to the successful reintroduction in South America. CRACK DOWN RESULTS IN of Mexico and the Gulf of California were listed as Endangered in 1978. TWO SEA TURTLE INDICTMENTS Elsewhere, the species is listed as Threatened. The adult Pacific Ridley weighs an average of 85 pounds and yields about 12 pounds of meat per . The Clare Senecal the shipments. Dermatemys mawii is a meat, oil, and eggs of this species are Grand juries in Brownsville, Texas, Mexican fresh-water species of turtle in high demand, the prized meat going and Miami, Florida, recently returned whose importation into the States at into the restaurant market and the eggs indictments on a number of seafood present is legal. used in cooking and eaten as an aphro- firms and associated individuals for Both the Brownsville and Miami cases disiac. In addition, the hides of the illegal trade in Endangered Pacific are part of a larger Federal crackdown Ridley can be tanned and fashioned (olive) Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) by five agencies aimed at curbing the into shoes, handbags, and belts. sea turtles. The indictments follows year booming illegal trade in endangered Collectively, the four species of sea long and 18 month investigations, re- species products in the United States. turtle most heavily exploited for illegal spectively, by government wildlife and The participating agencies are Interior's trade (green, hawksbill, Atlantic Ridley, customs agents. Fish and Wildlife Service, National and Pacific Ridley) represent the most A 12-count indictment was handed Marine Fisheries Service in the Depart- profitable wild animal on the internation- down on July 22, 1980, in Brownsville ment of Commerce, U.S. Customs al market today. Raw tortoise-shell, for on two seafood firms and their owners Service in the Department of Treasury, example, now exceeds the prices paid for illegally importing and receiving the Animal and Plant Health Inspection for elephant ivory. Over 50 percent of a over eight tons of endangered sea turtle Service in the Department of Agricul- sea turtle—meat, shell, skin, and oil— meat. Service officials estimate that ture, and the Department of Justice. is marketable in some form. about 1,300 individuals had to be It is a violation of the Act to import Criminal violations of the Act carry slaughtered to obtain the eight tons of any of sea turtle products, includ- a maximum fine of $20,000 and a jail filet tips, and chunks of turtle meat im- ing meat, into the United States. This sentence of up to 1 year. Criminal ported by the Texas and Pennsylvania country banned all imports of sea turtle violations of customs law carry a maxi- firms. products in 1978. The breeding colonies mum fine of $10,000 and a jail sentence Two of the individuals were charged of the Ridley turtle on the Pacific coast of up to 5 years. with illegally receiving, concealing, and selling the protected meat which they knew had been imported into the United States in violation of the En- dangered Species Act of 1973. One of them was also charged with import- ing meat fraudulently labeled as fish filets. The Miami indictment, handed down SERVICE PROPOSES CHANGES TO on August 7, 1980, involves four men and six corporations for illegally im- porting 45 tons of meat from the En- The Service has issued a proposal hides are tanned. The Service would dangered Pacific Ridley into this coun- which would allow nationwide sale of closely regulate the activities of buy- try, and is the largest case in the American alligator (Alligator mississip- ers and tanners so that only lawfully- Nation's history involving the smuggling piensis) meat and parts, except hides taken hides are tanned. of sea turtle products. A 13-count in- (F.R. 8/8/80). The proposal would re- The Service has also been requested dictment charges the defendants with vise the special rule on the American by the State of Louisiana to allow conspiracy, transporting sea turtle meat alligator which now requires buyers, nationwide sale of meat and parts, with fraudulent documents, or importing tanners, and fabricators who handle other than hides, from lawfully-taken turtle meat in violation of the Act and American alligator hides to obtain a American alligators. Under the proposal, the Convention on International Trade permit. The States of Louisiana and American alligator meat and parts, other in Endangered Species (CITES). Service Florida have requested that the Service than hides, may be sold or otherwise officials estimate that about 7,500 indi- eliminate the need for fabricators to ob- transferred anywhere in the United viduals from Mexico had to be tain a permit, if possible. States, if the items are sold in accord- slaughtered to obtain the 89,572 pounds In the process of becoming manu- ance with the laws and regulations of of meat tips, chunks, and filets that were factured products, American alligator both the State in which the taking oc- illegally imported into Miami Internation- hides, as well as the hides of other curs, and the State in which the sale al Airport between January 1978 and crocodilians, are funneled through a occurs. June 1979. limited number of tanners worldwide Although the Service has not re- In the Miami indictments, two Mexi- who are capable of fully tanning mar- quired any particular form of State can nationals and three Mexican com- ketable hides. At the end of this bottle- control over the sale of meat and parts panies were named. neck numerous fabricators await who from lawfully-taken American alligators, All but one of these individuals and are capable of manufacturing market- the Service continues to oppose un- companies were involved in a con- able products from the hides. Eliminat- regulated sale. The following conditions spiracy, the indictment charges. Ac- ing the permit requirement for fabricat- may be imposed: (1) persons buying or cording to it, the defendants agreed to ors would enable the Service to reselling meat or parts must have a use the term "chunked turtle meat— concentrate its enforcement efforts State license or permit, (2) current Dermatemys mawii" on the various cus- where they are likely to be most effec- records of transactions must be main- toms entry documents accompanying tive—at the point where the alligator tained, (3) State officials, upon notice The Florida Game and Fresh Water turbance or to absence of the proper Fish Commission has begun a one-year host plants, as they occur in areas DALLAS - FT. WORTH study of its two Threatened butterflies, which have not been recently disturbed PROPOSED AS the Bahaman (PapiUo andraemon bon- and in which host plant abundances are hotei Sharpe) and Schaus (P. aristode- high. The first quantitative data on egg DESIGNATED PORT mus ponceanus Schaus) swallowtails, and larval densities are being accumu- with funding assistance from the Fish lated as part of the study, along with and Wildlife Service. The study was information concerning the sources and Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas, was initiated on April 1, 1980, and will cul- intensity of mortality during the immature proposed (F.R. 7/14/80) to be- minate in the preparation of a Recovery stages. It is hoped that this information come the ninth Federally desig- Plan for the two species. will serve as a baseline for future in- nated port-of-entry for wildlife and Ongoing habitat destruction, coupled vestigations of P. aristodemus pon- wildlife products. Conferring port with severely restricted geographic ceanus population dynamics. More de- status on Dallas-Ft, Worth would ranges and possibly intense collecting tailed data concerning the butterfly's allow the importation and ex- pressure, motivated the listing of these basic habitat requirements are also portation of fish and wildlife and butterflies as Threatened under the En- being sought. related products through the dangered Species Act in April 1976, world's seventh largest airport, serving both the metropolitan area and the south-central and south- Bahaman Swallowtail western United States. Currently designated ports-of-entry are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Schaus Swallowtail Unlike the Schaus swallowtail, the Miami, San Francisco, New Orle- Bahaman Swallowtail, P. andraemon ans, Seattle, and Honolulu. Under bonhotei is not thought to have main- Federal law, most wildlife products P. aristodemus ponceanus presently tained breeding populations in North must be routed through one of occurs in portions of the upper Florida America during the present century. these ports for inspection by the Keys, Its former range extended south Rather, the butterfly has traditionally Fish and Wildlife Service. to the middle (and perhaps lower) Keys been considered an accidental visitor. and as far north as the Miami area. Other Sporadic sightings in Florida have been of P. aristodemus occur on dismissed as representing dispersing Cuba, Hispaniola, and the Bahamas. individuals or temporary unsuccessful Although data concerning fluctuations colonization attempts. in population size and geographic range P, andraemon is an Antillean species, are not available, habitat destruction with separate subspecies known from appears to be a major factor in the cur- Cuba, Grand Cayman, and the Baha- rent range contraction. mas, A Cuban subspecies colonized This swallowtail is a forest insect, Jamaica during the 1940's and is re- known only from upland "tropical hard- ported to be an occasional pest of ALLIGATOR RULES wood hammocks" in which its host citrus there, P, andraemon bonhotei plants (Amyris elemilera and Zanthoxy- occurs on several islands in the Baha- lum tagara \Rutaceae]) occur. Selective mas, where the larvae feed on Citrus and subject to applicable limitations of logging and farming, followed by inten- spp, and other members of the Ruta- law, must have an opportunity to ex- sive commercial development, have ceae. amine inventory of meat or parts and severely disrupted the native hammocks The inclusion of this butterfly on the records, and to copy records, and (4) in many areas of the Keys. Recent sight- Federal list of Endangered and Threat- meat sold in interstate commerce must ings of the butterfly have been restricted ened species has been criticized by be prepackaged and bear an identi- to the islands within Biscayne National some lepidopterists, on the grounds fying insignia or notation. Monument and portions of northern Key that the status of the insect within the Public comments on this proposed Largo, where habitat disruption has been U,S, has not yet been adequately deter- rule were due by September 8, 1980. less severe. However, a new freshwater mined, Two unworn individuals col- pipeline planned for northern Key Largo lected near Miami during the 1940's may allow more intensive development have been cited as evidence of suc- to occur there, posing a threat to both cessful reproduction within Florida, as the forest and the butterfly. has a reported sighting of large num- Anecdotal accounts in the literature bers of adults within Biscayne National suggest the P. aristodemus ponceanus Monument in 1972, On the other hand, population sizes can fluctuate a great adults have been collected infrequently FLORIDA deal from year to year. Relatively high in Florida, leading several authorities densities within certain portions of its to suggest that only temporary breeding UNDERTAKES range were reported during 1969-1972. populations become established fol- In general, however, the butterfly ap- lowing periodic colonization from the THREATENED pears to have been rare throughout itr, Bahamas, The butterfly has not been BUTTERFLY range during much of the present cen- sighted in Biscayne National Monument tury. Unusually low densities were re- in recent years, and conclusive evi- STUDY ported during 1973-1975, and the dence of a breeding population has not present study indicates similarly low been obtained. Such evidence is now densities during the 1980 reproductive being sought, although no individuals submitted by Ceroid Morrison. Florida period. However, low numbers during of this species have yet been sighted Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission 1980 cannot be attributed to habitat dis- during the study. DEVIL'S HOLE PUPFISH RECOVERY APPROVED

The Devil's Hole pupfish (Cyprino- capacity that will not adversely affect According to the plan, the Hoover don diabolis), which occurs naturally Devil's Hole. Dam population can be used for re- only in Devil's Hole, a deep, water- It is the goal of the recovery effort search procedures such as habitat filled, limestone cavern in Ash Mead- that Devil's Hole will eventually be re- manipulation in the form of changing ows, Nye County, Nevada, stands to stored to its natural water level of 1.4. water temperature, food availability, benefit from a Service-approved recov- (Measured in feet, water levels in substrate, and a variety of other fac- ery plan. Because of its restricted habi- Devil's Hole are designated by distance tors. The determination of the effects tat, the Devil's Hole pupfish was de- below a U.S. Geological Survey datum that such manipulations have on the clared an Endangered species (F.R. point installed on the rock wall above pupfish will aid in the preservation of 3/11/67). maximum water level.) This is not feas- the species. The spring pool of Devil's Hole is ible at present, thus an interim level of Another recommendation by the re- located approximately 15 meters below 2.7 percent has been shown to provide covery team is the establishment of new the land surface where a shallow rock sufficient habitat for the survival of the populations of Devil's Hole pupfish. shelf approximately 2 by 4 meters is species. The Amargosa Pupfish Station has located. Just beyond the shelf, the At Devil's Hole, management should been constructed for this purpose. The spring descends to an unknown depth be directed toward maintaining a popu- number of fish to be transplanted will (more than 80 meters) into a myriad of lation which corresponds to natural not pose a threat to the native Devil's chasms, mostly unexplored. Most of habitat conditions. Under such condi- Hole population. the pupfish reproductive and feeding tions, populations are estimated to have The recovery plan calls for an edu- activity takes place on the shallow been not less than 300 fish during late cational and public information pro- shelf. winter and maximum of not less than gram to include signs posted at the Population numbers of this pupfish 700-900 fish during the late summer and habitat sites, slide shows, and even fluctuate between the summer and early fall. displays at public aquaria. winter months because of the amount of sunlight which penetrates their cav- ern habitat. Population numbers are higher during the summer when ap- oroximately 4 hours of sunlight pene- trates the cavern daily. In winter, no direct sunlight reaches the water sur- face. A transplanted population of Cyprino- don diabolis was established in 1972 in the Hoover Dam Refugium, an arti- ficial refuae below Hoover Dam, Clark County. Nevada. This is now a repro- ducing population with numbers fluctu- ating from 48 to 69. The transplant DODulation exhibits an overall increase in body size from the original Devil's '-'o'e population. •""he major threat to the pupfish is the reduction or comolete loss of water needed to maintain its essential habi- *at. Other potential threats include sur- face runoff carrying sand, silt, and other habitat degrading elements, vandalism and accidents, and major land use chances in the surrounding area. The primary objective of the recovery plan is to restore and maintain the Devil's Hole pupfish as a Threatened species in its natural habitat. According to the recovery team, the preservation of Devil's Hole in a natural condition is of the utmost importance in guaran- teeing the survival of this species. The plan recommends on-site patrols of Devil's Hole. Personnel could moni- tor the condition of the site, and their presence would discourage vandals. To deal with the immediate threat of agricultural pumping on the water level, the plan calls on government and pri- vate interests to develop a plan for the The Devil's Hole Pupfish Recovery Plan calls for the protection of this deep Ash Meadows area based on a carrying cavern, the only site where the species naturally occurs. THE INCREDIBLE PEREGRINE ON THE REBOUND?

"The Peregrine falcon is, per haps, the most highly specialized Cade, director of The Peregrine Fund, and superlatively well developed flying organism on our planet to- about the newly-hatched young. "This is day, combining in a marvelous degree the highest powers what we've been waiting to see, proving at speed and aerial adroitness with massive, warlike strength. that our techniques work. The final A powerful, wild, majestic, independent bird, living on the hurdle was what has just been accom- choicest o1 clean, carnal food, plucked fresh from the air plished—namely, that these captive- or the surface of the waters, rearing its young in the bred peregrines can reproduce on their nooks of dangerous mountain cliffs, claiming all own." the atmosphere as its domain and fearing neither New Jersey Successes beast that walks nor bird that flies, it is the embodiment ol noble rapacity and lonely freedom, The success this year in New Jersey it has its legitimate and important place in the marks the first time in over 20 years great scheme of things, and by its that peregrine falcons have been known extinction, if that shoufd ever come, to fledge their own young from eyries the whole world would be impoverished in the Eastern U.S. and dulled." Early in March, six captive-reared peregrines that had paired in 1979 were G. H, Thayer, 1904, Bird Lore sighted by State biologists near their release sites in New Jersey's coastal Three subspecies of peregrines marshes. By the first week in April, two are found in North America— females had apparently laid eggs and the Artie peregrinefFa/co were no longer leaving their nests. peregrinus tundrius) in Around May 3rd, a lone, long- Alaska and Canada, awaited female emerged from its egg Peale's peregrine CF. p. atop a man-made tower on the Serv- pealei) in the Pacific ice's Brigantine National Wildlife Northwest, and the Photo by Fridrik Fridriksson Refuge on the Jersey coast. (The American peregrine grine was on the verge of extinction hatchling was the product of a female (F. p. anatum) throughout the' United States. Since the released just 2 years earlier at Mana- in the rest of the mid-1960's biologists had failed to hawkin, and a male also released in continent. identify a single wild individual in the 1978 from Barnegat Bay—^a third New Peregrines have never been U.S. east of the Rockies. But, this Jersey reintroduction site.) numerous in this country. During the spring, thanks to the devoted efforts of The second triumphant pair pro- 1940's, there were an estinated 500 ornithologists, falconers, and conserva- duced two male hatchlings and a fe- to 1,000 breeding pairs. By the early tionists, four young peregrines were male sometime around May 7 at Mana- 1960's, there were no nesting peregrines hatched in the wild in the East—bring- hawkin, on property owned by the A.T. left east of the Rockies. Less than 150 ing with them renewed hope for the & T. Long Lines Division (and man- pairs were still nesting in the survival of this unique species in North aged by the Barnegat National Wildlife mountainous areas of the west from America. Refuge). The female parent was re- Washington to New Mexico. The successful parents—themselves leased at Barnegat Bay in 1978, while Meanwhile, the Arctic peregrine also captive-bred by The Peregrine Fund of the male adult was apparently released suffered a serious but less catastrophic Cornell University in a cooperative pro- from the same site in 1975. decline. gram with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Both nests were supplemented with Service, State fish and wildlife agencies, an additional female chick in an effort Reduced to precarious lows, the and conservation orqanizations—had to improve this year's rearing success American and Arctic peregrine falcons been released as part of ari intense and promote increased numbers for were listed for protection campaign to restore the depleted pere- breeding in future years. All of the as "Endangered" species in 1970, grine as a nesting bird in the Eastern fledglings had tested their wings by when the effort to boost their re- United States. June and, within another month, had covery was begun in earnest. Although shooting and habitat loss learned to take their own prey. have taken their toll on the peregrine, Through its Division of Fish, Game, the species' dramatic decline in this and Wildlife, New Jersey was one of country was mainly the result of the Dona Finnley the first States to cooperate with Cor- widespread, indiscriminate use of DDT nell's Peregrine Fund in the restoration Revered as one of the world's most and other persistent pesticides in the of the peregrine by "hacking" them to magnificent birds of prey, the pere- 1950's and 60's, man-made towers. A technique used for grine falcon is a gifted and graceful Biologists are now encouraged that centuries by falconers, hacking is the flier—prized since ancient times for its self-sustaining populations of the pere- painstakingly delicate process of wean- strength, beauty, and aerial skills as a grine may indeed be re-established in ing nestling raptors back to the wild. symbol of avian nobility. the East. "This is the final test, the proof Whether on specially-erected towers A decade ago, the American pere- of the pudding." said Dr. Thomas J. Continued on page 8 Continued from page 6

or at natural cliff sites, nestlings are placed in a hack box where they are fed unobtrusively by humans until they are about to fledge. The birds are then allowed to wander on their own, gradu- ally learning to fly and hunt for them- selves (under watchful human eyes) until they become fully self-sufficient. With two-thirds Federal matching fund assistance from our Service, New Jer- sey's recovery program began when the first hacking tower was erected near Barnegat Light in 1975, with a second, third, and fourth tower built in subse- quent years. (Including the 6 released in 1980, more than 60 captive-produced young have been hacked from towers on New Jersey's coast in the past 5 years.) Paul D. "Pete" McLain, who super- vises the State's Endangered and Non- game Species Projest, says the towers were i mmed iately successf u I i n ^ttracti ng the adults back to the sites where they were hacked. "We were so very hopeful in 1979, when a pair laid and attempted to incubate three eggs that were later found broken on the Manahawkin tower. But we are now especially grati- fied by our 1980 success," adds Mc- Lain, "largely the result of the com- bined dedication of our own endangered species biologists and the personnel of The Peregrine Fund."

Eastern Reintroductions and The Fund

From 1975 through 1980, 272 captive-reared peregrine falcons have been released at 20 locations in nine eastern States under the cooperative program between Federal and State Clustered to the left are three of the first peregrine falcons hatched in the wild in agencies, supporting organizations, and the Eastern U.S. in more than 20 years. (The fourth chick was later added to the The Peregrine Fund. brood.) All have since fledged from this hack station in l\/lanahawkin, New In 1970, Cornell University launched Jersey, erected as part of the Cornell/New Jersey reintroduction project- its pioneering program with the con- where one of the successful nesting peregrines was released only 2 years ago. struction of its "hawk barn"—a unique chamber designed to house and propa- gate peregrines on a large scale. Tom Cade, a long-time falconer and raptor dogist who has directed Cornell's been raised by adult falcons, with ex- Personnel at the Fund had always Peregrine Fund since its inception, posure to humans kept at a minimum. considered their reintroduction efforts started the program out of his own Viewed through one-way glass sur- "experimental" in nature, with the basic devotion to restoring the peregrine to rounding Cornell's breeding chambers, objectives of developing release tech- the wild in the East. Cade hired James mating is generally preceded and fol- niques and determining whether or not D, Weaver to head up the propagation lowed by an elaborate ritual. Actual the hacking process offers a reliable effort in 1971. Using various approaches copulation is accomplished in about 4 way of re-establishing breeding pere- including artificial insemination, Weaver seconds, with the male alighting on the grines. But this year's success should and Cade have raised nearly 400 birds female's back, and should result in a bring the Fund and its supporters closer for use in the release program, with fertile peregrine egg in 18 hours. to their eventual aim of building up an their original breeding stock contributed The eggs are then placed in one of entire self-sustaining peregrine popu- by falconers (or birds that had them- 10 incubators, where they develop for lation on the east coast. selves been bred in captivity since they about 5 weeks before hatching. Housed Working toward this goal, release were nestlings). tor up to 3 weeks in aluminum pans, sites have been carefully located either As the young birds derive important the hatchlings are eventually returned in close proximity or along geographic behavioral traits from association with to an adult pair for another week or features such as river drainages and the parent birds, ail Cornell chicks in- two. Then they are taken from the barn, coastlines to increase the likelihood tended for breeding in the wild have and the process of hacking is begun. that released birds will find one another.

8 phia. In some ways, the city environment is perfectly suited for the raptor— providing an abundance of pigeons, starlings, and other birds on which to feed, as well as protection from hunters. It is also relatively free from nest preda- tors, like the ubiquitous great horned owl so often found at natural eyries. A city release was sponsored by the Fund and our Service last year in the Nation's capital, when four young peregrines were hacked into the wild from the roof of the Department of the Interior. (Peregrines were known to nest in the Washington, D.C. area along the Potomac River in the mid-1930's. A second release project in Washing- ton was conducted by The Peregrine Fund this summer from the Smithsonian Institution. Six hatchlings approximately 6 weeks old were placed on one of the "Castle" towers in June, and have since adapted to the "wild" around the Smith- sonian mall and Capitol Hill. Perhaps the best known city dweller of the East, however, is Scarlett—the Cornell-reared peregrine who adopted Baltimore's tallest building as her home after her countryside release 2 years ear- lier in the U.S. Army's Aberdeen Prov- ing Ground in Maryland. Last year, she was aooarently stimulated into breeding behavior by her own reflection in the glass of U.S. Guaranty and Fidelity's 33rd floor, and laid three infertile eggs. Four nestlings were promptly sent by Cornell as substitute's for the eggs, and Scarlett proved a model mother. This spring, a 2-year old male named Rhett was brought to Baltimore with great hopes that the two would pair and breed. They took to each other right away—the first successful effort to establish a pair bond between a wild and a trained falcon. (Unfortunately, they met too late to mate in 1980, al- though the pair together raised Cornell- "Scarlett," a Cornell-bred peregrine, with two of the chicks she adopted and introduced chicks this year.) raised last year atop Baltimore's tallest building. Late in July, peregrines were re- turned to New York City after a 35-year absence. Three "eyases" were placed pair, and breed. Steven Sherrod, in and Chincoteague and Fisherman's atop the Manhattan Life Insurance Com- charge of tine Fund's eastern reintro- Island in Virginia. pany building on 57th Street as part of duction program, said the past 3 years' the Cornell program (this time with releases have been concentrated in City Sites additional financial support from the three regions: coastal New Jersey the World Wildlife Fund-U.S.). Their new Chesapeake Bay, and New England. Not only are man-made towers con- home includes a view of Central Park "In effect, we've been trying to satu- sidered ideal for the hacking of pere- where pigeons abound, and it is hoped rate each region to build up three popu- grine falcons; tall city buildings are that they will one day return to the Big lation centers," he said. Releases in also looked to as promising release City to breed. New Jersey and the Chesapeake Bay sites under the right circumstances. In a fourth cooperative venture—be- have been fronn artificial sites, while The nesting of peregrines atop sky- tween Cornell, The College of William those in New England have been from scrapers—as their own preferred al- and Mary (with matching funds from natural cliffs where records indicate a ternative to cliffs—is not without prece- the Service through Virginia's grant-in- history of preregrine occupancy. dence. The birds have in the past been aid program), and the Virginia National Four refuges in the Service's 412- observed occupants of city buildi^^gs in Bank—six young peregrines were in- unit chain of National Wildlife Refuges Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, as troduced to a hack box on the 7-story are currently hosting release projects: well as in North American cities such Royster Building in Norfolk. Hacking Brigantine and Barnegat in New Jersey, as Montreal, New York, and Philadel- Continued on page 16 Rulemaking Actions. July 1980 SERVICE DETERMINES STATUS, CRITICAL HABITAT FOR FOUR SAN MARCOS RIVER SPECIES

In a final rule, the Service has listed has been listed with special rules which public meeting and hearing were sub- the San Marcos salamander (Eurycea allow taking in accordance with Texas sequently held on the proposal). nana) and the San Marcos gambusla State law. The Texas wild rice and fountain (Gambusia georgei) as Thretened and The San Marcos salamander and darter are both already listed as En- Endangered species, respectively, and gambusia were proposed for listing with dangered (F.R. 4/26/78) and their has determined Critical Habitat for these Critical Habitat on July 14, 1978 (see Critical Habitats were proposed for the 4 two species and that of the Texas wild the August 1978 BULLETIN). On March first time in the March 19, 1980, notice. rice (Zizania texana) and fountain darter 6, 1979, the Service withdrew all pend- The greatly restricted distribution of (Etheostoma ionticola) (F.R. 7/14/80). ing Critical Habitat proposals in com- these four species, only known from the These species will receive full protection pliance with 1978 amendments to the San Marcos River system in Hays under the Endangered Species Act of Endangered Species Act. Critical Habi- County, Texas, and apparent intolerance 1973, as amended, with the single ex- tat was reproposed for these two spec- of habitat conditions outside the im- ception that the San Marcos salamander ies on March 19, 1980 (and both a mediate vicinity of this spring system.

i I

The Endangered San Marcos gambusia is found only in a 1-mile stretch of the San Marcos River

Spring Lake in Hays County, Texas is part of the area determined to be Critical Habitat for the San Marcos salamander, Texas wild rice, and fountain darter

10 gives evidence to their vulnerability. to ensure that populations can be main- (These species were listed under the Anticipated increased use of ground- tained. However, the lowering of the 1969 Endangered Species Conservation vi/ater and the probability of contami- water tables in the area such that Act, which had separate procedures and nants as a result of real estate develop- Spring Lake could become dry or in- separate lists for foreign and domestic ment activity over aquifer recharge termittent could destroy the species' species. When the 1973 Endangered zones constitute serious potential only habitat. Because of a large popu- Species Act repealed the 1969 Act, threats to the continued existence of lation size, take is not seen as a these species were placed on the 1973 the species. A series of drought years threat to the species, hence the special combined list without completing the similar to 1956 conditions, coupled rule. procedures for listing species which with the effects of increasing human occur in the U.S. It had always been impact, could bring about the extirpa- Fountain Darter the intention of the Service to list as tion of these species from major seg- Endangered all individuals of the above ments if not all of their currently known Populations of this fish species could seven species, both foreign and domes- ranges. be reduced or eliminated by the tic.) destruction or significant reduction of The northern swift fox (Vulpes velox San Marcos Gambusia aquatic vegetation in Spring Lake and hebes) is not being proposed for list- the San Marcos River. The preferred ing in the U.S. at this time because of The San Marcos gambusia is found habitat of adult and young fountain uncertainties regarding its taxonomic only in a 1-mile stretch of the San darters are areas with rooted aquatic status and distribution. These uncer- Marcos River. The areas inhabited by vegetation which grows close to the tainties are being investigated, and a this fish are open areas away from the substrate with filamentous algae pres- proposal to list the species may be stream banks with a minimum of aquatic ent. The darter could also be affected forthcoming when studies are com- vegetation over a mud bottom with by impoundments, excessive withdrawal pleted, The wood bison (Bison bison little current. The habitat is also charac- of water, and pollution. An impound- aihabascae) is not being proposed be- terized by thermal constancy. Any ment on the lower portion of the San cause no pure-bred individuals are actions which would increase vegeta- Marcos River apparently eliminated the known to occur in the U.S. The Yellow- tion, disrupt the mud bottom, or alter species in that section of the river. stone bison herd, which is basically the temperature regime could easily The Comal River population of fountain wood bison in genetic makeup, is eliminate the species. darter was extirpated when its habitat known to be mixed with plains bison was reduced to isolated pools after ex- stock (B. b. bison) and thus contains cessive removal of water. Critical Habi- Texas Wild Rice hybrid individuals. tat includes only the fountain darter's The factors affecting the proposed present range in the San Marcos River. A limited range, apparent inability to species are outlined below: reproduce sexually in its native habitat, Because each of these species oc- • Short-tailed albatross (Diomedea habitat destruction, and the possibility cupies an extremely restricted range, albatrus)—In the late 1800's and early of hybridization are the major threats and is, therefore, highly susceptible to 1900's, plume hunters virtually elimi- to the continued existence of this plant. changes in habitat, the Service has nated the species. Formerly an abun- Texas wild rice is adapted to condi- designated the entire known respective dant bird throughout the North Pacific, tions of clear water, uniform annual ranges of these species, within the the total population (which may have flow rate, and constant year-round San Marcos River system, as Critical numbered over a million in prehistoric temperature. The plants do not survive Habitat. times) is now thought to be less than in stagnant water. Any action which 150 birds. Even when abundant, this would significantly alter the flow or wa- bird approached land no closer than ter quality of the San Marcos River, Five Species two miles except when nesting. where it occurs, could adversely modify • Thick-billed parrot (Rhynchopsitta the Critical Habitat. The Critical Habitat Proposed as pachyrhyncha—This parrot nests in the for the Texas wild rice includes Spring Sierra Madre Occidental of northwestern Lake and the San Marcos River down- Endangered in U.S. Mexico and wanders north over the stream to its confluence with the Blanco central plateau to the State of Michoac- River. Because of an inadvertent oversight, an. Large flights into southern Arizona individuals of the short-tailed albatross, and probably southwestern New Mexico San Marcos Salamander thick-billed parrot, wood bison, northern occurred up to 1919. The parrot appears swift fox, jaguar, margay, and ocelot to be totally dependent on mature Threatened status is due mainly to which may occur in the United States highland pine forests for food (pine a limited range coupled with the threat are not officially listed as Endangered seeds) and nest sites (abandoned of lowered water tables affecting Spring species, although all such individuals woodpecker holes or natural cavities). Lake, the headwaters of the San Marcos occurring in foreign countries are now Because of cutting of the Mexican River. The owner of Spring Lake, so listed. The Service is proposing to forests, the bird has rarely been seen Aquarena Springs, has taken care to list five of these species as Endangered in the last several decades, even in safeguard the animals in the lake and in their U.S. ranges to correct the over- Mexico. The last verified U.S. reports has cooperated with biologists from sight which led to their exclusion from were in the 1930's. the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department the list. (F.R. 7/25/80). Continued on page 12 11 Rulemaking Actions Continued

Continued from page 11 • Jaguar {Panthera onca) There are probably no resident or breeding popu- lations left in the U.S., but occasional stragglers wander into New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas, where they are generally shot as unwanted predators. Jaguars have not been reported in the wild from New Mexico since 1904, from Arizona since 1971, and from Texas since 1948. • Ocelot {Felis pardalis)—The pri- mary distribution of this species is Central and South America. Formerly, the ocelot was known to occur in parts of Arizona and Texas. Today, popula- tions are known to exist only in the Rio Grande area of southeastern Texas, Ha/s Spring amphipod, which occurs only in a small spring in the Nation's where signs indicate their presence in Capital, is proposed as an Endangered species. eastern Cameron County, and scat- tered portions of Willacy and Kennedy Counties. The Ocelot is threatened by habitat destruction in the form of brush Endangered Status Proposed for clearing for growing citrus crops, vege- tables, and cotton. By 1940, most suit- Hay's Spring Amphipod able ocelot habitat in Texas was gone. Predator control operations in Arizona and Texas have also helped extirpate The Hay's spring amphipod (Stygo- If construction activities are not care- or reduce ocelot populations. bromus hayi), an aquatic crustacean fully carried out, they could easily re- • Margay {Felis wiedii)—The margay occurring only in a small spring within sult in the elimination of the spring is known in the United States from a the National Zoological Park in Wash- habitat. Such activities have eliminated single specimen taken at Eagle Pass, ington, D.C., is being proposed by the most of Washington's springs during Maverick County, Texas. There are al- Service as an Endangered species the last 100 years. A fence now sur- most certainly no resident populations (F.R. 7/25,/80). rounds the spring, but this is not ade- in the U.S. now, but it is possible that Originally proposed for Endangered quate protection from heavy equipment an individual may wander into Texas status on January 12, 1977, and subse- moving even slightly onto the hillside from Mexico as was probably the case quently withdrawn on December 10, from which the spring flows. with the U.S. specimen. 1979, because of 1978 amendments to Because the species is so rare, pos- All of the above species are known the Endangered Species Act which sub- sible collection for scientific or other to be Endangered in the areas of their stantially modified procedures for list- purposes could pose a threat to the primary distribution and abundance ing species, the Hay's spring amphipod continued existence of the Hay's spring outside of the United States. Because is being reproposed based on sig- amphipod. U.S. populations are only peripheral to nificant new information. (This species Interested persons or organizations the main populations of these species, was originally proposed under the com- are requested to submit comments to the extreme precariousness of the U.S. mon name Hay's spring scud.) Because the Director (OES), U.S. Fish and Wild- populations is emphasized. Critical of the threat of elimination of its only life Service, Department of the Interior, Habitat is not being proposed for any known habitat through pollution, con- Washington, D.C. 20240. Comments of these species at this time because struction activities, and other disrup- from the public must be received by such a determination is impossible tions, this species is in danger of September 23, 1980. given the migrating nature of these extinction. species. Eyeless and unpigmented, the Hay's The Service is soliciting any com- spring amphipod is found only in a ments or suggestions concerning any small spring in the National Zoological Service Lists or all of the species in this proposal Park. The spring emerges from the from the public, other concerned gov- rocky western wall of Rock Creek Val- Two Butterflies ernmental agencies, the scientific com- ley and flows about 35 meters into munity, industry, private interests, or Rock Creek. The portion of the spring Two butterflies, the Palos Verdes blue any other interested party. Comments inhabited by the amphipod is less than (Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdes- should be sent to the Director (OES), 1 meter wide, The small size of the ensis) and Oregon silverspot (Speyeria U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Depart- habitat makes the species extremely zerene hippolyta), have been listed by ment of the Interior, Washington, D.C. vulnerable to construction activities the Service as Endangered and Threat- 20240, and should be received by Sep- which have already drastically reduced ened species, respectively, with Critical tember 23, 1980. the number of springs in Washington. Habitat determined (F.R. 7/2/80).

12 Both species had been proposed for The effective date of the rulemaking an export permit has been granted and listing in the July 3, 1978, Federal listing the Oregon silverspot butterfly that the importation is not for primarily Register (see the August 1978 BULLE- as Threatened with Critical Habitat is commercial purposes, and unless the TIN), and on March 26, 1980, Critical October 15, 1980, U,S, Scientific Authority has advised Habitat was reproposed for the Oregon that the importation is for purposes silverspot and proposed for the first which are not detrimental to the sur- time for the Palos Verdes blue butterfly vival of the species,) (see the April 1980 BULLETIN). Key Mud Turtle All comments and materials must be received no later than November 24, Palos Verdes Blue Proposal Withdrawn 1980, by the Director (OES), U,S, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Occurring at only three sites on the In line with 1978 amendments to the Interior, Washington, D,C, 20240, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Endangered Species Act, the Service County, California, this lycaenid butter- is withdrawing its proposal to list as fly is threatened by weed control prac- Endangered with Critical Habitat the KANGAROO tices that adversely affect its larval Key mud turtle (Kmosternon bauri foodplant, a locoweed (Astragalus bauri) (F,R, 7/16/80), COMMENT PERIOD trichopodus leucopsis), and in one loca- Under the amendments, a proposed tion, recreational development. The rule which has not been finalized within REOPENED Palos Verdes blue butterfly was original- two years of its publication in the ly known from only one site, where it Federal Register must be withdrawn, The comment period on the Service's was extirpated by housing development. (The amended Act also authorized a proposal to permit commercial impor- A public meeting and a public hear- 1-year suspension of all withdrawals tation of the red (Megaleia rata), east- ing were held on the Critical Habita; until November 10, 1979,) The time ern gray (Macropus giganteus), and proposal for this species on April 18 limit has expired for listing the Key mud western gray (M. tuliglnosus) kangaroos and May 12, 1980, respectively, turtle, originally proposed with the Plym- will be reopened between September outh red-bellied turtle (F,R, 5/19/78— 16 and October 1, 1980 (F,R, 8/22/80), Oregon Silverspot see the June 1978 BULLETIN), This The Service will also hold a public turtle may only be reproposed for list- hearing on this proposal. The public An orange and brown butterfly with ing if it is determined that sufficient hearing will be held Tuesday, Septem- silver spots on the underwings, the new information is available to warrant ber 16, 1980, at 9:00 a,m, in Room Oregon silverspot formerly occurred such a proposal. The Plymouth red- 8068, Main Interior Department Build- along the coasts of Oregon and Wash- bellied turtle (Chrysemys rubiventris ing, 18th and C Streets, N,W,, Washing- ington, but most of the colonies have bangsl) was listed as Endangered with ton, D,C, been extirpated due to housing and Critical Habitat on April 2, 1980, park development. At present, only one healthy colony is known. The butterfly, Silver Rice Rat which belongs to the family Nympha- lidae, is threatened with housing de- Leopard Comment Reviewed velopment and increased recreational use of the coastal areas to which it is Period Extended restricted. The Service has accepted a petition This species is found only in the The proposal to reclassify the leop- to list a small , the silver rice salt spray meadows along the extreme ard would also permit the importation rat (Oryzomys argentatus), as either an edge of the Pacific Coast, It has been into the United States of legally-taken, Endangered or Threatened species reported from one site in Washington sport-hunted trophies under the terms (F,R, 7/14/80), Only recently discov- and seven sites in Oregon, The only and conditions specified by the Con- ered during the winter of 1972-73 on healthy colony is the one occurring at vention on International Trade in En- Cudjoe Key, Florida, the silver rice rat the Rock Creek-Big Creek site in Lane dangered Species of Wild Fauna and is threatened by loss of habitat due to County, Oregon, This area has been Flora (CITES), (The leopard is listed on drainage and filling for commercial designated as Critical Habitat, Appendix I of CITES, which means that development, road construction, and The only apparent Federal involve- a valid export permit from the country mosquito control. ment affecting the designated Critical of origin would be required, and a valid Known from only four specimens Habitat is the Forest Service's manage- permit must be issued by the U,S, Man- (the two collected on Cudjoe Key and ment of portions of Siuslaw National agement Authority for the Convention, two more collected in 1976 and 1980 on Forest, The Forest Service intends to before a trophy could be imported. An nearby Raccoon Key), it is possible that protect the Oregon silverspot butterfly export permit will not be granted by a the species occurs on several other and its habitat. nation party to the Convention unless islands, but its rarity and secretive Both a public meeting and a public its Scientific Authority finds that such nature make it difficult to locate. hearing were held on the reproposal export will not be detrimental to the The Service is now assembling sup- of Critical Habitat for the Oregon silver- survival of the species. The U.S, Man- porting information to determine if the spot butterfly on April 15 and April 29, agement Authority will not issue an im- species warrants a proposal for listing 1980, respectively. port permit unless it determines that and Critical Habitat determinations.

13 ^Rulemaking Actions Continued

(Polygonaceae), this small, erect, her- Service Reviews baceous perennial, measuring about 8 Todsens Pennyroyal inches high, is restricted to gypsum Key Largo Woodrat, soils. The plant's entire range is limited Proposed As to a 130-acre area in the Seven Rivers Cotton Mouse Hills of Eddy County, New Mexico, at Endangered elevations from 3,290 to 3,450 feet. Two small , the Key Largo The area occupied by Eriogonum gyp- Todsens Pennyroyal (Hedeoma tod- woodrat (Neotoma tlorldana smalli) and sophilum is managed by the Bureau of senii), a native plant of New Mexico, Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus Land Management (BLM) and the Water has been proposed by the Service for gossypinus allapaticola) have been and Power Resources Service. The area listing as an Endangered Species with recommended, through a petition to proposed as Critical Habitat—semi- Critical Habitat. (F.R. 7/25/80), A mem- the Service, for addition to the U.S. List arid with an average annual precipita- ber of the mint family (Lamiaceae), of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. tion of 14 inches—is on land adminis- Todsens pennyroyal occurs in only (F.R. 7/28/80). tered entirely by BLM. two known populations on steep, grav- Both species formerly occurred Historically, the species has been elly gypsum limestone on the White throughout Key Largo, Florida, in ma- known from this one locality for nearly Sands Missile Range in Sierra County. ture tropical hammock-type forest. They 70 years. Construction of U.S. Highway First discovered in 1978, Todsens are now restricted to an area northeast 285 reduced the eastern portion of the pennyroyal is a perennial herb meas- of where U.S. Highway 1 enters the Key plant's range. Other actions which pose uring 4-8 inches in height and is some- from the mainland. Both species have threats to the species are increased what woody at the base. Its orange-red been artificially introduced on Lignum grazing, off-road vehicle use, and the flowers are solitary along the stem and Vitae Key, a much smaller island south- proposed Brantley Dam project. Accord- are about 2 inches long. west of Key Largo. ing to the Environmental Statement pre- The two populations of this plant On Key Largo, destruction of native pared on the project, the dam itself is number about 750 individuals. The re- tropical forest for commercial and resi- expected to have only a minor impact productive potential, as measured by dential development has already elim- on the plant. The lowest elevation at seed set, is low with an average seed inated the woodrat and cotton mouse which the plants are estimated to occur yield of 0.22 seeds per flower. from the southern part of the island. is 3,290 feet, 10 feet above the hypo- The remoteness of the two popula- Planned construction of a fresh-water thetical project flood level of the dam. tions and the restricted nature of the pipeline from the mainland through If a flood should occur above this level, White Sands Missile Range provide the northern Key Largo would contribute to it should be of very short duration and species with considerable protection. intensive development in the area and is predicted to be harmless unless the However, the fragile habitat and small the probable loss of the last significant plants are in flower, in which case re- number of individuals leaves the species blocks of suitable habitat for both duced seed set would be expected. extremely vulnerable and in need of species—and therefore to possible ex- It is possible that the stability of the protection. It is unlikely that the plants tinction. Even without the pipeline, the gypsum may be affected near the reser- would be hit by a missile, but even habitat is limited to only a few hundred voir, as it has been on the east side minor changes in the usage of its pro- acres, leaving the woodrat and cotton of Lake McMillan where slumping of tected canyons could potentially mouse vulnerable to various environ- gypsum bluffs has occurred. This could threaten the continued existence of the mental disruptions. The Service is now result in several hundred plants out of species Construction activities or in- assembling supporting information to an estimated population of 2,800 being creased ground traffic in the Critical determine if the Key Largo woodrat and affected by new patterns of erosion and Habitat could jeopardize the species' Key Largo cotton mouse warrant a pro- changes in microhabitat. The Water and habitat without proper planning for its posal to be listed and have Critical Power Resources Service believes that protection. Habitat determined. the plants and the dam can co-exist Critical Habitat for Todsens penny- and note that the plant's well-being has royal includes the entire area in New been included in the project's planning Mexico where the species is known to Threatened Status process. They also point out that the occur. This area encompasses 2 square Brantley Dam has been relocated kilometers of the White Sands Missile Sought for Gypsum south-southwest of the closest popula- Range, which is administered by the tion of this species, Department of the Army. Wild Buckwheat A public meeting on this proposal A public meeting was held on this was held on August 27, 1980. Com- proposed rule on August 26, 1980. The Service has proposed to list ments from the public must be re- Comments are solicited from the pub- gypsum wild buckwheat (Eriogonum ceived by September 23, 1980, and lic and must be received by September gypsophilum) as a Threatened species should be sent to the Director (OES), 23, 1980. Address all correspondence and to determine its Critical Habitat U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Depart- to the Director (OES), U.S. Fish and (F.R. 7/25/80). ment of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Wildlife Service, Department of the In- A member of the knotweed family, 20240. terior, Washington, D.C. 20240.

14 location is critical to the maintenance of a healthy manatee population in Kings Bay. It is immediately adjacent PUBLIC MEETINGS/HEARINGS to the main spring and includes a large secondary warm water spring. The area Due to the often unavoidable short notice in scheduling public meetings also contains an abundance of pre- and hearings (in compliance with 1978 Amendments to the Endangered ferred manatee food plants. Diving and Species Act) for certain listing and Critical Habitat proposals, we regret that boating activities are common in this we cannot always relay adequate notice to our readers. Until further notice, area. The proposed sanctuary will not we will attempt to provide available information through this column. Due to include areas, such as the main spring, space limitations and uncertainty of Federal Register publication dates, which are essential for the continuation summaries of pertinent proposed rulemakings may not necessary accompany of certain diving activities. When divers, meeting notices, but may be included in a subsequent issue of the Bulletin. swimmers, and boaters enter the main spring area, the manatees retreat, Affected Locations of usually to the proposed sanctuary. Species/Action State(s) Meetings/Hearings Date Time (2) Sunset Shores Sanctuary—Lo- cated directly south of the main spring, MD Meeting: Dickson 9/30/80 7:00 p.m. Maryland darter: Repro- this sanctuary includes at least three posed C.H. Hall, Building 3074, known secondary warm water springs. Raritan Ave., Aberdeen All but the most tolerant manatees are Proving Ground forced out of the spring area by inten- sive waterborne activities, depriving Kangaroo: Proposed com- Hearing: Room 8068, 9/16/80 9:00a.m. them of this warm water refuge. Desig- mercial import Main Interior Dept. nation of this area, as well as the E—Endangered Bulding, 18th and Banana Island site, as a manatee sanc- T—Threatened C Streets, N.W., tuary, prohibiting all waterborne activity C.H.—Critical Habitat Washington, D.C. during the winter months, is expected to be beneficial to divers and to mana- tees. More manatees will be able to remain in the vicinity of the main spring near Banana Island, providing more op- portunities for divers to see them. (The two proposed sanctuaries at Banana Island and Sunset Shores will be designated by posting of signs and PERMANENT PROTECTION AREAS a floating line of sealed plastic (PVC) pipe sections. Openings will be pro- PROPOSED FOR MANATEE vided in the Sunset Shores sanctuary to allow the entry of boats for access by residents. Both sanctuaries will pro- The service has proposed the estab- actually seek contact with them, most vide access for emergency and law lishment of three permanent protection manatees will leave areas associated enforcement boats.) areas for the Endangered West Indian with human activity. (3) Magnolia Springs Sanctuary— manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Under regulations promulgated by the This sanctuary is located in a section Kings Bay, Crystal River, Florida (F.R. Service (F.R. 10/22/79), manatee pro- of canal within the Springs O'Paradise 8/12/80). This proposal follows the tection areas may be established subdivision in Crystal River. A warm emergency establishment of a manatee "whenever there is substantial evidence water spring, known as Magnolia refuge, in the same area, which was that there is imminent danger of a Spring or the Alligator Hole, is within effective January 11 through March 31, taking of one or more manatees, and the proposed sanctuary. Because of the 1980 (see the January 1980 BULLE- that such action is necessary to prevent confines of the canal, their is an in- TIN). such taking." This includes showing creased danger of manatees being struck The manatee, a marine mammal, de- that such action is necessary to pre- by boats. Private residents will be al- pends upon warm water sources for vent the harassment of manatees. Ac- lowed access to their property by boats, survival during the winter months when cording to Service personnel, manatees but will be required to maintain idle cold water temperatures prevail. The are being harassed to such an extent speed within the sanctuary. headwaters of the Crystal River in that their normal use of the warm The area adjacent to Warden Key, Kings Bay is one of only six natural water areas around the springs at the which was previously designated as an warm water areas used by the manatee headwaters of Crystal River is being emergency manatee sanctuary, is not during the winter months. Over 100 in- disrupted. Boating, swimming, and being proposed as a permanent sanc- dividual manatees have been known to diving (both SCUBA and snorkle div- tuary because of the absence of any use this area in recent years. The entire ing), may be directly affecting the warm water springs. Florida manatee population is estimated manatees breeding and calf-rearing ac- A public meeting was held on this at 1,000 animals. tivities. Recreational activities also force proposal on August 26, 1980. Com- Kings Bay is used extensively for manatees to use colder waters, sub- ments from the public on this proposal recreational activities such as boating, jecting them to cold-related stress and must be received by September 12, diving, and swimming. One of the main disease. 1980. They should be submitted to the attractions to this area is the presence A description of the three proposed Area Manager, Area Office, U.S. Fish of manatees. Although some manatees manatee protection areas follows: and Wildlife Service, 15 North Laura become accustomed to divers and will (1) Banana Island Sanctuary—This Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202.

GPO 311-311 15 Peregrine on the Rebound BOX SCORE OF SPECIES LISTINGS starting with this issue, we will use a new format for presenting listing tallies in the Box Score. As below, a new "Species Total" column indicates the actual Continued from page 9 number of species represented under the other four categories, rather than the total of the columns. A few species are counted, for example, under both En- began on July 16, and the birds have dangered and Threatened categories, and several are counted as both U.S. and since flown freely and should soon dis- Foreign, Under the new Species Total, however, "double listings" are counted only perse from the area. (Like all other once. city-hacked chicks, these birds were equipped with miniature radio transmit- Category Endartgered Threatened Species Total ters to monitor their movements after U.S. Foreign U.S. Foreign fledging until they become fully inde- Mammals 32 242 3 20 279 pendent.) Biologists also hope that one Birds 66 158 3 0 213 of the five males in this troop will mate Reptiles 13 61 10 4 75 with the lonely female that has wintered Amphibians 5 8 3 0 16 the past 3 years atop the 22-story Vir- Fishes 33 15 12 0 56 ginia National Bank, just across from Snails 2 1 5 0 8 the Royster Building. Clams 23 2 0 0 25 Crustaceans 1 0 0 0 1 Insects 7 0 4 1 11 East and West: Efforts Continue Plants 49 2 7 3 58

Large-scale propagation efforts will TOTAL 231 489 47 28 742 have to be maintained at Cornell's Number of species currently proposed: 59 animals hawk barn, according to the experts, if (6 plants) the peregrine falcon is ever to recover Number of Critical Habitats listed: 42 to a stable status. Number of Recovery Teams appointed: 68 The original eastern population of Number of Recovery Plans approved: 39 about 250 pairs is now considered an Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: unlikely goal, even if the required num- 36 (fish & wildlife) 6 (plants) ber of birds are hacked to the wild, as July 31, 1980 much of the habitat once suitable for the peregrine has been altered. The been underway in the western States Service-appointed Eastern Peregrine where some 150 pairs of nesting pere- Falcon Recovery Team hopes, however, grines still exist (inclusive of the Pacific NEW PUBLICATION that perhaps 100 breeding pairs may be Coast). A branch of The Peregrine Fund The U.S. Forest Service has restored to the east coast through co- also supported by the Service with operative Cornell/Federal/State efforts, sponsorship from the Colorado Depart- published a pamphlet entitled, ultimately requiring the release of more ment of Natural Resources and other The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker: than 1,000 falcons. (Of the number re- organizations has been set up at Ft. Notes on Life History and Man- leased thus far, about 30 percent are Collins, Colorado, under the manage- agement. This colorful publica- thought to have survived to breeding ment of William A. Burnham. Ornitholo- tion is available free from the age.) gists there are concentrating mainly on Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, P.O. Box 2570, Asheville, While the major focus has been on "stuffing" and "fostering" at active North Carolina 28802. restoring this species to the eastern eyries in the hope of bolstering pere- part of the country, other efforts have grine recovery throughout the Nation.

• ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN POSTAGE AND FEES PAID

Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program, Washington. D.C. 20240 U s DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Int 423 August 1980, Vol. V, No. 8