Four Plants Given Endangered Species Act Protection

MAY 1985 Vol. X No. 5

Department of interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240 Four Plants Given Endangered Species Act Protection

During April 1985, the following four ized by Section 7 of the Endangered Spe- to start grass fires that could enter the plants were listed by tfie Fisfi and Wildlife cies Act. species' habitat and affect its chances for Service for protection under tfie Endan- The only potential Federal involvement survival. After these threats were recog- gered Species Act: known at this time that may have an ef- nized, the Service proposed listing the fect on the beautiful goetzea is that of the species as Endangered (see story in Goetzea elegans Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 6). In the event that highways adjacent to the Critical Habitat has been designated for Goetzea elegans (tfie beautiful species' sites are widened or resurfaced Amsinckia grandiflora to include one area goetzea), a very rare evergreen shrub or as they have been in the past, FHWA of approximately 160 acres (65 hectares) small tree that is found only in northern may be required under Section 7 to in San Joaquin County. This area ex- Puerto Rico, has been listed by the Serv- consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service ceeds the current range of the fiddleneck, ice as Endangered (F.R. 4/19/85). Road to avoid jeopardizing the species' sur- but it is believed to contain places suita- construction, periodic trimming of road- vival. A strong commitment will be ble for expansion or relocation of the spe- side vegetation, certain livestock grazing needed to protect G. Elegans' habitat cies that are needed for the plant's recov- practices, and potential limestone mining from substantial modification and, ulti- ery. With a steep west- and south-facing threaten this species' survival. mately, the extinction of the species. slope and light-textured soil, the Critical Fewer than 50 beautiful goetzea plants Habitat area satisfies the most immediate physiological needs of A. grandiflora. currently are known to exist. Two of the Amsinckia grandiflora three known sites where the species oc- Conserving this area would meet most of curs are separated by about one-quarter As a result of habitat modification for its requirements on a long-term basis. mile (0.4 kilometers) and are found along agricultural use, intensive livestock graz- The University of California's Lawrence the edge of a semi-evergreen seasonal ing, urban development, and other land Livermore Laboratory has been given forest on limestone in the Guajataca use activities that have extensively al- funding and authorization by DOE to con- Gorge area of Isabella, Puerto Rico. One tered the natural plant communities within duct various activities in the vicinity of the of these two sites is privately owned and its historic range, Amsinckia grandiflora large-flowered fiddleneck population and harbors only six plants; the other is (large-flowered fiddleneck) populations its Critical Habitat. These activities, which owned by the Commonwealth of Puerto have drastically declined over the years. include testing of chemical high explo- Rico's Department of Transportation and Currently, fewer than 50 individuals are sives, controlled burning, and construc- Public Works, and supports only one or known to exist. These low numbers, along tion, could adversely impact the two adult plants and three root suckers. with an extremely restricted range and fiddleneck and its habitat unless they are The third site, a phvately-owned remnant low reproductive potential, contribute to undertaken carefully. Consultation be- of undisturbed forest, is located about 3.5 the species' vulnerability. To reduce the tween the Service and DOE will be nec- miles (5.6 km) east of the other two sites possibility of its becoming extinct, the essary to ensure that such activities have on a ravine in the Municipality of Service has published a final rule listing no adverse effects. Quebradillas. Approximately 30 individu- Amsinckia grandiflora as Endangered als of the beautiful goetzea can be found and designating its Critical Habitat (F.R. here, including the only plant known to 5/8/85). Carex specuicola have produced flowers and fruit since The large-flowered fiddleneck has A perennial member of the sedge fam- 1936. bright green foliage covered with coarse, ily, Carex specuicola has a triangular On June 18, 1984, the Service pro- stiff hairs and red-orange flowers stem 25-40 centimeters (10-16 inches) posed to list G. elegans as an Endan- arranged in a fiddleneck-shaped inflores- high and thin, pale green leaves clustered gered species (see BULLETIN Vol. IX No. cence, as the species' common name de- near the base. This species is found only 7). Only two comments were received; scribes. Today, this annual plant is known around three seep-springs near Inscrip- see the final rule in the April 19, 1985, to survive only at a half-acre (.2 hectare) tion House Ruin on the Navajo Indian Federal Register for details. site on Department of Energy (DOE) land Reservation, Coconino County, Ahzona. Critical Habitat was not designated for near Livermore, California, in southwest- Each population occurs on an area of less G. elegans as part of the final rule, due ern San Joaquin County. The site is a than 200 square meters (2,150 square mostly to the possible threats to its exist- grassy, steep, west- and south-facing feet) along the outflow from its respective ence from collecting, taking, or vandalism. slope of a small ravine having light- seep-spring. It is estimated that all three The required publication of maps that are textured clay soil. Invasion of its habitats populations total fewer than 700 plants. part of a Critical Habitat designation by other, more aggressive Amsinckia The species was proposed for listing as would increase the beautiful goetzea's species and weedy exotic plants are Threatened with Critical Habitat on April I vulnerability and be detrimental to its sur- threatening the large-flowered fiddleneck. 11, 1984 (see story and drawing in BUL- vival. However, even without this formal In addition, testing of explosives by DOE, LETIN Vol. IX No. 5). designation, the species and its habitat although not conducted in the immediate will still receive all the protection author- vicinity of the population, has the potential (continued on page 10)

1 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) size of the aggregate. In addition to these adults, over 100 precocious cui-ui from the 1980 year class were caught and released along with 200 adult Lahontan cut- throat trout (Slamo clarki henshawi), all fish ranging In size from 5-13 pounds. * * « Region 2—The revised Whooping Crane Reovery Plan is currently being prepared for agency review, and a contingency plan is being reviewed by Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and State personnel. The contingency plan describes response actions for use whenever a sick or injured whooping crane (Grus americana) is sighted or when healthy whoopers are sighted in a hazardous situation (e.g., disease outbreak, high-risk hunting situation, environmental contaminants). The Bosque del Apache National Endangered Species Program regional monitoring the build-up of the offshore, Wildlife Refuge (NWR) flock is on its sum- staffers have reported the following prespawning aggregate. Cui-ui spawners mer grounds in Idaho and Wyoming. All activities for the month of April: should begin entering the Truckee River but one of the Aransas NWR whoopers Region 1—The cui-ui (Chasmistes by early May. Over 150 adult cui-ui have had departed for Wood Buffalo National cujus) migration season is at hand. The already been captured in the river delta Park in Canada by April 24. No mortalities Marble Bluff Fish Facility is operational with a merlin trap. These fish were have been reported during migration this and the Great Basin Complex field crew is marked and released for estimating the spring.

* * * The annual Kemp's ridley sea turtle U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service James Johnson, Endangered Species Washington, D.C. 20240 Specialist. (Lepidochelys kempii) project at Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, is currently under way. Robert A. Jantzen, Director Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, On April 11, the American contingent (202-343-4717) Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500) joined its Mexican counterpart at the Rolf E. Wallenstrom Harvey Nelson, Regional Director beach to set up camp. Fifteen turtles Associate Director and John S. Popow/ski, Assistant Regiona Endangered Species Program Manager Director: James M. Engel, Endangered arhved on the beach to nest on April 15, (202-343-4646) Species Specialist. followed by 25 more on April 20. These John L. Spinks, Chief. numbers are typical of the slow nesting Office of Endangered Species Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal start for this species. The Secretaria de (703-235-2771) BIdg., 75 Spring St., S.W., Atlanta, GA Pesca (Mexico's Secretary of Fisheries) Thomas J. Parisot, Chief, 30303 (404-221 -3583) :JamesW.Pulliam, generously donated to the U.S. 3,000 Regional Director. John I. Christian, Federal Wildlife Permit Office Kemp's ridley eggs, as compared to previ- Assistant Regional Director; Marshall P. (703-235-1937) ous donations of 2,000 eggs. These eggs Clark R. Bavin, Chief, Jones, Endangered Species Specialist. will be used to augment the imprinting Division of Law Enforcement Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Center, (202-343-9242) program conducted by the National Park Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965- TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF Service at Padre Island National Sea- 5100): Howard Larsen, Regional Direc- Michael Bender, Editor shore and the headstart program at tor, Stephen W. Parry, Assistant Regional Galveston National Laboratory (National Denise Henne, Assistant Editor Director: Paul Nickerson, Endangered Marine Fisheries Service) in Texas. The (703-235-2407) Species Specialist. increase in donated eggs reflects a major Regional Offices Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal increase in commitment to the project by Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500 BIdg., Center, Denver, CO 80225 (303-236- agencies in Mexico and the United 500 N.E. Multnomah St. Portland, OR 7920): Galen Buterbaugh, Regional Direc- States. 97232 (503-231-6118): Richard J. My- tor; John D. Green, Assistant Regional shak, Regional Director, William F. Director; Barry S. Mulder, Endangered * * * Shake, Assistant Regional Director. Species Specialist. A recent helicopter survey located a Wayne S. White,Endangered Species legion 7, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, new bald eagle (Haliaeetus leuco- Specialist. AK 99503 (907-786-3542): Robert E. cephalus) nest in a cottonwood tree in Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, Putz, Regional Director, Jon Nelson, west-central Arizona along the Bill NM 87103 (505-766-2321); Michael J. Assistant Regional Director, Dennis Williams River drainage on Bureau of Spear, Regional Director, Conrad A. Money, Endangered Species Special- Land Management (BLM) land. At the Fjetland, Assistant Regional Director, ist. time of discovery, the grove of trees in which the nest was found was on fire. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sereice Regions Survey personnel and BLM firefighters were able to save the tree and the nest, Region 1: California, Hawaii, Idaho. Nevada, Oregon. Washington, and Pacific Trust Territories, Region 2: Arizona, New Mexico, Oltlahoma, and Texas, Region 3: Illinois. Indiana. Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and which contained two chicks that were Wisconsin. Region 4: Alabama, Arkansas. Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South about 8 or 9 weeks old. The adult female Carolina, Tennessee. Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Region 5: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massa- chusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont. Virginia, and West Virginia bald eagle was found carrying a radio Region 6: Colorado. Kansas. Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, Region 7: Alaska backpack, indicating that she was fledged The ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN is published monthly by the from the Southwest bald eagle population | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Department of the Interior. Washington, D.C. 20240. along the Salt and Verde Rivers (Arizona) in the late 1970s. Currently, there are 15 (continued on page 8)

2 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) Two Plants Proposed for Listing as Endangered

Two rare species of plants were pro- Achyranthes rotundata Historically, A. rotundata may have posed by the Fish and Wildlife Service re- been abundant all along the arid and cently for listing as Endangered. One is a As has happened to so many of the semi-arid lowlands of the Wai'anae Coast wildflower endemic to Minnesota, and the plant species endemic to the Hawaiian Is- on the island of O'ahu. After an apparent other is a shrub native to one of the Ha- lands, Achyranthes rotundata has de- 88-percent reduction in range, A. waiian Islands. If, after further considera- clined drastically from habitat loss and rotundata can be found today only at op- tion, these listing proposals are made fi- competition from exotic plants. This low posite ends of the coast. One population, nal, both plants will receive protection shrub reaches up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) in which occurs on a military reserve at under the Endangered Species Act. height and is covered with short, silvery Ka'ena Point, consists of only two individ- hairs. Although the flowers themselves uals. Approximately 2,000 plants are are small and inconspicuous, the known from the Barbers Point population, Minnesota Trout Lily inflorescenses and leaves are valued in at the opposite end of the species' histori- making traditional leis. cal range. The only known species of plant that is found only in the State of Minnesota, the (continued on page 4) Minnesota trout lily (Erythronium propullans), appears to be in danger of extinction. Only 14 sites are known, all 1-3 acres (.4 to 1.2 hectares) in size with a total of a few hundred plants in Rice and Goodhue Counties. These colonies are vulnerable to habitat loss resulting from construction of housing projects and other forms of urban development. The lily-like plant is about 15 centimeters (6 inches) tall, with one pair of mot- tled green, pointed leaves arising from near the base. A single small, nodding, bell-shaped flower is borne at the end of a slender, leafless stalk. Its recurved petals are pink or roseate. A spring ephemeral, it blooms in April or May, and then the ae- rial parts of the plant disintegrate after the canopy of its deciduous forest habitat fills out in early June. E. propullans grows on the north-facing slopes of wooded valleys along the Can- non and Zumbro Rivers. All occur on privately owned land. Several large historical colonies located 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the city of Faribault have been eliminated by conversion of pastureland to cropland. Road construction near Faribault also has eliminated several colonies, and another within the city limits has been destroyed by motorcy- cle use. Most of the remaining urban sites face these same threats. Fortunately, two Minnesota trout lily sites are owned by the Minnesota Chapter of The Nature Con- servancy and are being managed for the species' benefit. The proposal to list E. propullans as Endangered was published in the Federal Register on May 3, 1985. A designation of Critical Habitat was not included since publicizing the sites with maps and de- tailed habitat descriptions would increase the vulnerability of this rare wildflower to overcollection. One of the sites was severely damaged in the early 1970s when a large number of plants were removed for replanting in a landscape arboretum. Comments on the listing proposal are welcome from all interested agencies, organizations, and individuals, and are due to the Endangered Species Division, Re- gion 3 (see page 2 of the BULLETIN for address) by July 2, 1985. Minnesota trout lily, with flowers and capsule

3 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) species would have originally been found under Federal jurisdiction, would apply to Two Plants on Lana'i and Moloka'i, as well as on the A. rotundata plants on Federal land. (continued from page 3) O'ahu, emphasizing the historical decline (Further, under Hawaii's own endangered in range. species legislation, a Federal listing would A. rotundata appears to be in danger A designation of Critical Habitat was automatically put the species on the over the remaining 12 percent of its his- not included in the proposed listing rule State's list, and take would be prohibited torical habitat, a remnant that itself has al- because publicizing the population sites under State law.) There is the possibility, ready been altered to an extent. The two could subject them to greater taking pres- through Section 6 of the Act, of Federal plants at Ka'ena Point could be over- sure. As already mentioned, the plant has funding to States that have Endangered whelmed by thickets of exotic plants. At been used for making leis. Due to its rare Species Cooperative Agreements with the Barbers Point, the population consists of status, A. rotundata also could be sought Fish and Wildlife Service. (Currently, three distinct sub-populations. One of after by collectors of rare plants or by Hawaii is among the States with such an them contains 80 percent of the species' vandals. agreement for plants.) known total numbers and occurs on pri- Comments on this proposal are invited Under Section 7, Federal agencies are vately owned lands that are proposed for and are due to the Regional Director, Re- required to ensure that any actions they development as an industrial site. The region 1 (address on page 2), by June 21, fund, authorize, or carry out are not likely maining two small colonies are on Fed- 1985. to jeopardize the survival of Endangered eral lands managed by the U.S. Army and * * * species, even when Critical Habitat has Coast Guard. A variety of introduced not been designated. Of the two plants Available Conservation Measures plants at Barbers Point threaten to crowd proposed for listing in April, this provision out A. rotundata and alter the open, If the proposals to list Erythronium would probably apply mainly to A. sunny habitat it needs. Because of the propullans and Achyranthes rotundata as rotundata, since it occurs on Federal decline and continuing threats to its sur- Endangered are made final, both plants lands at the Ka'ena Military Reserve, vival, Achyranthes rotundata was pro- will receive protection under the Endan- Camp Malakole, and the Barbers Point posed for listing as an Endangered spe- gered Species Act. One of the conserva- Lighthouse grounds. Plans are being con- cies (F.R. 4/22/85). tion measures authorized by the Act is a sidered to declare these lands, in whole Research now in progress indicates prohibition against interstate or interna- or in part, as excess and thus eligible for that two additional species of tional trafficking in Endangered plant spe- disposal. Cooperation among the Fish Achyranthes, now believed to be extinct, cies without a permit. Another, which and Wildlife Service and the appropriate may in fact be synonymous with A. makes it illegal to remove and reduce to Federal agencies will be needed to con- rotundata. Should this prove true, the possession Endangered plants from lands serve the species' remaining habitat. Recovery Plan for Smith's Blue Butterfly On November 9, 1984, the Fish and terfly with a wingspan of slightly less than and a very hairy appearance of the body. Wildlife Service approved a recovery plan one inch. Males are bright lustrous blue The Smith's blue butterfly is separated to assist in the recovery of the Endan- on the upper wing surfaces, and females from other subspecies of E. enoptes by its gered Smith's blue butterfly. This plan, are brown with a band of red-orange light undersurface ground color with when funded and carried out, may help markings across the hind wings. The un- prominent overlying black markings. restore this species to a more secure dersides of both males and females are This butterfly is endemic to a number of status. whitish-gray and speckled with black dots. inland and coastal sand dunes, serpen- Both sexes also have prominently check- tine grasslands, and cliffside chaparral The Smith's blue butterfly (Euphilotes ered fringes on both fore wings and hind communities along the central California enoptes smithi) is a relatively small but- wings, but males have wide black borders coast in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Mateo Counties. When the species was listed as Endangered on June 1, 1976, it was known primarily from remnant, partially stabilized sand dunes around Monterey Bay. Since its listing, additional colonies of the butterfly have been discovered in other locations and habitat types, including the ancient beach sands at Zayante Sand Hills and a serpentine grassland in San Mateo County. The Smith's blue and other members of the genus Euphilotes are intimately de- pendent on their host plants, seacliff buckwheat and coastal buckwheat. The buckwheats are used as larval and adult food plants—the larvae eat the flowerheads and the adults obtain nectar from the flowers. Adult butterflies of both sexes use the same plants not only as their primary nectar source, but also as sites for resting, sunning, mate location, and copulation. The primary factor that limits the populations of the Smith's blue is the occurrence of its host plants; however, presence of these host plants does not always indicate that the butterfly will The Endangered Smith's blue butterfly faces threats primarily from recreational activities. (continued on next page)

4 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) contributor to the direct destruction of this Act, the California Coastal Zone Protec- Butterfly species' habitat. In 1983, Smith's blue tion Act, the Federal Coastal Zone Man- (continued from page 4) butterflies were discovered at two loca- agement Act, the National Environmental tions in Santa Cruz County. One of these Policy Act, and the California Environ- be present in an area since the plants are inland dune habitats is an active quarry. mental Quality Act. Effective law enforce- much more widely distributed than the The amount of natural dune habitat re- ment is needed to reduce unauthorized butterfly. maining at this site has been reduced by ORV traffic on coastal sand dunes and in- Adult butterflies are univoltine (a single sand mining operations, and the size and land dune parklands, and is also needed generation per year) and emerge from extent of distribution of the butterfly col- for activities that result in the taking of this their pupal cases in a single extended ony there is not known. The other known butterfly. Such activities include sand min- flight season from mid-June to early Sep- inland dune habitat has experienced ing, grading, and various development tember, a period synchronized with the some surface disturbance, but a much projects in the coastal and inland sand peak flowering period of the buckwheats. greater proportion of the native vegetation dunes. is still intact. Individual adults live for only about one The populations at Marina State Beach week; however, individual emergences Smith's blue butterfly colonies are also are extremely vulnerable, so a manage- are staggered over the long summer flight found in sites not associated with sand ment plan for this area must be devel- period. This long flight period is partially dunes. They are found on steep coastal oped and implemented. As previously the result of microclimatic differences cliffs in the Big Sur region, in woodlands stated, recreation in the form of among the habitats and differences in the somewhat inland at Vasquez Knob, and unrestricted foot traffic, hang-gliding, and flowering time of the host plants, which in road cuts along Cove Peak Road. occasional ORV traffic on the dunes themselves can be significantly affected Many of these sites appear relatively se- threaten the survival of the colonies here by annual climatic variation. cure because they are inaccessible and by destroying dune vegetation and The Seaside-Marina dune complex unsuitable for human development. How- causing substrate compaction. A man- contains patches of suitable habitat for ever, in unseasonably wet years such as agement plan is needed to give direction the Smith's blue. Even though this dune 1982, some of these sites experienced to the State Park staff for managing these system has been drastically altered in re- slope failure and slumping. Road mainte- habitats. Reserves should also be set up cent times, it is still one of the largest and nance and rebuilding threatens the integ- to protect the two large colonies at the best preserved dune systems in central rity of some of these habitats. beach. The reserves should include the California. This dune complex has been These butterflies have also been col- areas where the colonies now occur and severely affected by housing develop- lected from near Crystal Springs Reser- include reasonable buffer strips. ments, highway construction, off-road ve- voir in San Mateo County. The habitat The active blow-out at Marina State hicle (ORV) use, foot traffic, urbanization, type there is referred to as serpentine Beach threatens to move across Highway sand mining, military activities, and the in- grassland and is located on water com- 1. If this occurs, sand would be removed troduction of exotic plants. More than 50 pany lands within the San Francisco Bay to maintain the road and that sand would percent of the dunes have been de- watershed. There are no known threats to be lost to the dune system. Stabilizing this stroyed or significantly altered. the butterflies at Crystal Springs Reser- blow-out is a high priority recovery task. The long-term survival of the Smith's voir; however, most of the other serpen- Native plants should be used to stabilize blue butterfly colonies in coastal dune tine grasslands in the San Francisco Bay the sand and increase host plant availa- habitats depends on continuous area have been developed or are vulnerability. Iceplant and Holland dune grass, recruitment of the native plants produced ble to development. If any other butterfly widely used in California to stabilize sand by dynamic sand dune succession. This colonies are discovered in these other dunes and highway rights-of-way, tend to I natural successional sequence has been serpentine grasslands, they will more exclude native flora. Replacing them with a^ ltered in many of the dunes in the than likely be vulnerable, too. native dune species would provide addi- St 9aside-Marina system by the introduc- tional habitat for the Smith's blue and help tio n of Holland dune grass (Ammophlla to secure the colonies at Marina State are,'naria) and iceplant (Carpobrotus ssp.) Recovery Actions Beach. for S and dune stabilization. These two The primary objective of the recovery planrs disrupt the natural successional plan for the Smith's blue butterfly is to The Salinas River National Wildlife Ref- procdss and tend to out-compete many of prevent extinction of the species and to uge is cooperatively managed by the the native plants in this system. accomplish its recovery by conserving the Service and the California Department of Piecreational activities are also often ecosystems upon which it depends for Fish and Game. Some colonies of Smith's dejstructive to sand dune vegetation. The survival. This objective will be achieved blue butterflies occur in remnant sand ufje of dunes by hikers and hang-gliders when either of the following conditions dunes on the refuge. However, exotic i'o destructive to sand dune vegetation, have been met: (1) when colonies at all plants have invaded the dunes and ORV /disturbing both plants and seeds. The the 18 known sites have viable, self- use has degraded the area. The same construction of parking lots for dune users sustaining populations that have been control measures need to be taken for the ' also destroys habitat by covering the maintained for a period of 10 consecutive butterfly here as at Marina State Beach. dunes with pavement and by increasing years with no foreseeable threats to the The U.S. Army has designated one of the foot traffic in nearby areas. Another future survival of the colonies, or (2) when the sand dune areas at Fort Ord as a pre- major threat to the butterfly colonies in an equivalent number of butterfly colonies serve for the Smith's blue butterfly. coastal dune habitats is ORV traffic. The have been made secure at comparable Patrols are needed at both the north and destructive effects of this activity are well- alternative sites that will ensure the spe- south dune areas to control ORV use. documented at Marina State Beach and cies survival. If, after 10 consecutive Iceplant is also a problem here despite re- on dune systems throughout the west years, a total of 18 sites appear to be percent attempts by the Youth Conservation coast. Urbanization has also played a ma- manently protected, then the Smith's blue Corps to remove this exotic plant. The ef- jor role in reducing habitat quality in butterfly would qualify for delisting. fort should be continued and a manage- coastal sand dunes. To accomplish the plan's primary objec- ment plan should be prepared for the but- Other causes of the decline of Smith's tive, it is important that appropriate Fed- terfly preserve to give direction and blue habitat include the military activities eral and State agencies vigorously en- continuity to military activities in adjacent at Fort Ord in Monterey County, although force all laws and regulations that may areas. Fort Ord does maintain a preserve for the affect the survival of the species. These butterfly. Sand mining also is a significant laws include, the Endangered Species (continued on page 6)

5 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) these areas that support the butterfly are All additional sites where Smith's blue Butterfly protected, the species w^ill lose its valua- colonies are found may be more difficult (continued from page 5) ble habitat here. Habitat management to manage and secure because many of For the Smith's blue colony in the plans also are needed for the colonies them are privately owned and some have Zayante Sand Hills, a land protection plan that occur In the several cliffside chapar- already been proposed for development. should be developed to identify an effec- ral communities and serpentine grass- Nevertheless, the Service will explore tive means for protecting this colony lands (Crystal Spring Reservoir, Big possible ways to maintain and protect which inhabits areas held in reserve for Creek Preserve, Burns Creek, Vasquez these habitats. future sand mining activities. Unless Knob, and Cove Peak Road).

Progress in the Robbins' Cinquefoil (Potentilla robbinsiana) Recovery Program

by Dr. Kenneth D. Kimball expansion, and establish four new self- In 1973, and again in 1983, the popula- Director, Research Department sustaining populations within the species' tion was counted by Dr. Raymond Graber Appalachian Mountain Club presumed historical range. of the U.S. Forest Service. A slight de- Due to its reduced numbers, P. cline was obsen/ed, which may represent The Robbins' or dwarf cinquefoil (Po- robbinsiana is threatened by potential natural annual variations in population tentilla robbinsiana Oakes) is a small per- drought from two natural environmental size. Funded through the Fish and ennial flower endemic to the alpine zone stresses, wind desiccation and frost- Wildlife Service, the AMC Research De- of the White Mountain National Forest, heaving. Trampling by hikers, however, partment (under my direction) began re- New Hampshire. It was listed as Endan- may be the most sehous threat. In 1979, search on the species' demography, habi- gered under the Endangered Species Act efforts to protect P. robbinsiana's habitat tat requirements, and reproductive on September 17, 1980 (see story in from hikers began with the construction of biology in 1984. Drs. Tom Lee (of the Uni- BULLETIN Vol. V No. 10). P. robbinsiana, a screen wall to clearly define the route of versity of New Hampshire) and Charlie a member of the rose family, is a very the hiking path and discourage off-trail ex- Cogbill (of the Center for Northern Stud- low, almost stemless plant. Mature plants cursions by hikers into the species' es- ies) have been working with the AMC are no larger than a half-dollar, with a sential habitat. Since 1981, the AMC Re- study. The objective of the continuing dense tuft of leaves above ground and search Department has been monitoring project is to assess the potential genetic deep tap root underneath. During mid- causes of trespass into the habitat. In ad- variability within the parent population June, P. robbinsiana supports one to dition, the AMC has been conducting pro- prior to the selection of seed stock to be thirty slender flowering stems, each bear- grams at the LOC hut to educate hikers used in establishing new populations. ing a single, complete yellow flower. The and botanists on their roles in the species' Though the flower has both male and fe- species is associated with an open, ex- conservation. The Crawford Path was di- male reproductive organs, ongoing stud- posed alpine habitat, where competition verted out of the plant's habitat, and the ies suggest that P. robbinsiana produces from other plants is low. essential habitat was legally closed to seed through apomixix, i.e. reproduction without fertilization. Pollination does ap- Historically, the plant was known to oc- public use in 1983. Several P. pear to be necessary, however, as a cata- cur in three or four sites, but, after the robbinsiana have been transplanted into a lyst for embryo formation. i 1960s, it was known to survive at only a viewing garden adjacent to the LOC hut In his review of the historical data o n single location, the Monroe Flats on Mt. for observation and education. These on- the P. robbinsiana population and the st a- Washington, at about 1,550 meters going efforts have greatly reduced the po- bility of its current habitat. Dr. Cogloill (5,086 feet) in elevation. This population tential stress to the population from (continued on page 11) is comprised of approximately 1,600 ma- trampling. ture plants occupying an area less than one hectare (2.5 acres) in size. The Monroe Flats population is adjacent to the heavily hiked Crawford Path, part of the Appalachian Trail, and is within 300 meters (328 yards) of the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) Lakes of the Clouds (LOC) Hut, which can host 90 overnight guests. In 1984, another adult and one deceased plant, surrounded by several juvenile plants, were found in the White Mountains at the site of a population once thought to be extirpated. Because P. robbinsiana's survivability is contingent on the conservation of the Monroe Flats population, protection and recovery efforts for the species are closely coordinated among the AMC's Research Department, the Fish and Wildlife Service's Region 5 Endangered Species Office, and the U.S. Forest Serv- ice. The primary objectives of the Rob- bins' Cinquefoil Recovery Plan (approved July 22, 1983) are to protect this popula- Potentilla robbinsiana occupies protected niches between small stones in the ex- tion in its entirety, encourage its natural posed alpine habitat of the Monroe Flats on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire.

6 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) Status Review on Ivory-billed Woodpecker

The Service has initiated a status re- than do the mature trees of a very old or understandable, this approach also review on the ivory-billed woodpecker virgin forest. Large stands of such trees sults in a lack of knowledge for those (Campephilus principalis) to determine if are necessary; the home range of a pair agencies that could manage the habitat to this species is extinct and should be re- of ivory-bills is estimated at 6 to 17 benefit the species. moved from the U.S. List of Endangered square miles (15 to 44 square Any person, organization, or agency and Threatened Wildlife (F.R. 4/10/85). kilometers). with biological information on the current The ivory-billed woodpecker is the There has been little solid evidence status of this bird, if it still exists, is en- largest North American woodpecker, over the last 30 years that the ivory-billed couraged to write to the Regional Direc- averaging 20 inches (51 centimeters) in woodpecker still exists. From time to time, tor, Region 2 (address on page 2) by Au- length. Its plumage is shiny black, with a the Service has received reports of gust 8, 1985. Photographs and other white stripe down the neck from the sightings, but most are clearly of the com- confirming materials are especially solic- cheek to the back. The outer halves of the mon pileated woodpecker. Others ited; however, all reports are welcome. secondaries (inner major flight feathers) seemed to indicate some possibility that Visual observations without supporting are white and form a large triangular one or more ivory-bills were wandering descriptions of the bird(s), its behavior, patch across the lower back when the around the southeastern U.S. during the the habitat, and general locale would be bird Is perched. Females have a black 1950s and, perhaps, later decades. To of little value to the Service. crest; males have a red crest. Its large bill the Service's knowledge, however, there The Service will consider all data that it is the distinctive color of pale ivory. has been no unanimously accepted report now has, as well as any new information The ivory-bill is often confused with the of live ivory-bills since the early 1950s. obtained as a result of this review. De- smaller pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus In the past, data on possible ivory-billed pending upon what is indicated by the pileatus), which is about 17 inches (43 woodpecker sightings have been withheld data, further surveys could be initiated, a cm) long. Pileated woodpeckers, how- by some individuals on the assumption workshop held to discuss the findings, or ever, show no white across their backs that the birds would be better protected if a rulemaking prepared to delist one or when resting. In flight, pileated no one learned of their presence. While both subspecies because of extinction. woodpeckers show white on the forward rather than the rear portion of the wing (as in the ivory-bill). Both male and female pileated woodpeckers have a red crest (the male's is more extensive) and a black bill. Two subspecies of the ivory-bill are rec- ognized by the American Ornithologists' Union: the American ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis principalis) and the Cuban ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis bairdii). Both subspecies may be extinct and are being considered under this notice of status review. Differences between the two subspecies are minute and can only be seen in the hand. The Cuban subspecies was last reported from the pine forests of the eastern mountains of Cuba, but was known to occur historically over most of Cuba, including the Isle of Pines. The American ivory-billed woodpecker formerly occupied bottomland and swamp forests from northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, northeastern Arkansas, southeastern Illinois, southern Indiana, and southeastern North Carolina; southward to southern Florida; and west through the Gulf States to the Brazos River, Texas. Early accounts gave no ac- curate or definite statements of abun- dance, but indicated that the ivory-bill was never common. Its numbers and distribution began to decrease in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The primary reason for the decrease in ivory-bill numbers appears to be a reduction in suitable habitat from logging of old- grov»rth cypress swamps and bottomland forests. Young trees apparently provide much fewer of the food insects (wood- boring larvae) that the ivory-bill needs The ivory-billed woodpecker: extinct?

7 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) Research during the past winter Service Announces Petition Findings months has found 11 Endangered Kirtland's warblers (Dendroica kirtlandii) The Service has announced findings on listed as Endangered or Threatened in in the Bahamas and islands to the south. four petitions, three that recommended different parts of the State. Again, the This species is also believed to be ex- adding certain species to the U.S. List of Service found that the petition con- isting as far south as Haiti and possibly in Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and tained substantial information that the Cuba. Plants and one that advocated a delisting. petitioned action may be warranted. The cowbird control program for the 1. A petition from the American 4. A petition from the National Audubon Kirtland's warbler began on April 15, Malacological Union, received by the Society to list the McKay's bunting 1985. The program will set out to remove Service on August 22, 1984, requested (Plectrophenax hyperboreus) and St. the cowbirds (Molothrus ater ater) from an Endangered or Threatened classifi- Matthew vole (Microtus abbreviatus warbler nesting areas in order to increase cation for the spiny river snail (lo fisheri) as Endangered was judged by fledgling success for this Endangered fluvialis) of Tennessee and Virginia. the Sen/ice as not containing substan- bird. In the 1970s, cowbirds caused close The Service found that this petition tial data that such a listing is warranted. to a 100 percent loss of warbler produc- presents substantial information that Both animals are found on St. Matthew tion. It has been proven that with an effec- the requested action may be warranted. Island, Alaska, where a development tive cowbird control program, fledgling project has been proposed. Information success can once again be great. 2. A joint petition from Defenders of * * * available to the Service indicates that, Wildlife, the National Resources De- at most, 5 percent of the island would fense Council, and the Environmental Research has been undertaken to de- be affected. Defense Fund, received September 11, termine the extent of parvo virus in 1984, requests that the Service list the Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Endangered wolves (Canis lupus) in Minnesota. As a desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) as Species Act requires that, within 12 first step, researchers are trying to deter- Endangered throughout its entire U.S. months of receipt of a petition found to mine the extensiveness of this intestinal range (California, Arizona, and Nevada, present substantial information, a finding disease and its ramifications. Parvo virus except for Utah where it already is be made as to whether the petitioned ac- is fatal in domestic dogs (Canis listed as Threatened). The Service tion is; not warranted; warranted and a familiaris), but not necessarily fatal in coy- finds that this petition also contains listing proposal should be published; or otes (Canis latrans), and thought to have substantial information that the re- some degree of fatality in wolves. warranted but publication of a listing pro- * * • quested action may be warranted. posal is precluded by other listing activity. All comments and information received in 3. The South Carolina Wildlife and Ma- Dr. Steven Kellert has completed his response to the status reviews of the rine Resources Department, in a peti- comprehensive study on Minnesota resi- spiny river snail, American alligator, and tion received August 15, 1984, re- dents and wolves. This study, funded by desert tortoise will be considered in mak- quested that the American alligator the FWS, the U.S. Forest Service, several ing such findings. (Alligator mississippiensis) be conservation organizations, and a grant reclassified within that State to "Threat- Information can be submitted to the As- from the Mardag Foundation, was con- ened due to similarity of appearance," a sociate Director—Federal Assistance ducted to determine the various opinions classification that now applies to the (OES), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and degrees of knowledge among people species in Louisiana and Texas. Cur- Washington, D.C. 20240, until further about the wolf. Data obtained from the rently, alligators in South Carolina are notice. study will be used to develop education programs to better inform people about A minimum of five adult pairs of pere- the facts and myths concerning this often Regional Briefs grine falcons (Faico peregrinus) are re- misunderstood animal. (continued from page 2) ported nesting in west Texas this year. Other active bald eagle nests in Ahzona Three additional pairs are nesting on the Region 4—The FWS Jacksonville, this year with 24 chicks. If these fledge, Mexico side of the Rio Grande and hatch- Florida, Endangered Species Field Sta- this year will be another record year for ing has been confirmed at one eyrie tion recently concluded a formal Section 7 bald eagle production in Arizona. there. Pesticide analysis of potential pere- consultation with the Federal Highway Six bald eagle chicks from Florida eggs grine prey found in the area (doves, swal- Administration (FHWA) on the upgrading are currently being hacked in eastern lows, phoebes, etc.) is in progress. Fol- of Alligator Alley, a road that extends from Oklahoma in the Sequoyah NWR. Radio lowing the nesting season, prey remains Naples to Fort Lauderdale, to Interstate transmitters have been attached to these and eggshell fragments will be retrieved 75. The FWS determined that precautions birds to monitor their movements. It is from all nests to determine prey utilization provided in the biological assessment hoped that these eagles will return to the and the degree of eggshell thinning. This prepared by the FHWA were not suffi- refuge to nest in 4-5 years. project is being conducted through the co- cient, and the project as planned would * * * operative efforts of the Texas Parks and likely jeopardize the survival of the Florida Plans are under way to begin masked Wildlife Department, FWS, National Park panther (Felis concolor coryi). bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) Service, and The Peregrine Fund. chick reintroductions on the newly ac- * * * The major issue in this consultation quired Buenos Aires NWR in southern was providing enough wildlife crossings Arizona. The FWS will take possession of Region 3—In April, regional office per- under Interstate 75 at known or sus- the refuge on August 1, 1985, and stock- sonnel participated in two FWS Habitat pected panther crossing points to allow ing should begin that same month, using Preservation field station evaluations in this species the opportunity to move birds produced at Patuxent Wildlife Re- regard to Section 7 consultation. The northward and southward without being search Center in Laurel, Maryland. The evaluations were held at field stations in killed on the highway. Highway fatalities Patuxent masked bobwhites will be Green Bay, Wisconsin, and East Lansing, have claimed 10 panthers over the last "foster-parented" by wild caught, stehlized Michigan, and were conducted to ensure several years, three of them occurring Texas bobwhites (C. v. texanus). Biolo- the efficiency and adequacy of the En- within the last 6 months on a one-mile gists are optimistic that a new population dangered Species Program. Field station stretch of Alligator Alley. will quickly become established from personnel were found to be doing an ex- Three alternatives were determined to these releases. cellent job. be feasible, with the stipulation that the (continued on next page)

8 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) habitat of saw palmettos, woody shrubs, ruary 13, 1985. Within five minutes, all Regional Briefs and sparse brush grass. It is a small bird, mice had settled down and found refuge (continued from page 8) about 5 inches (13 cm) in length, colored under vegetation. selection of one would eliminate the jeop- mostly black and gray, and lightly Beach mice are normally most active at ardy situation. The first was to elevate the streaked with brown on the nape and up- night and by early the next morning, five roadway over four of the major wetland per back. The song of this sparrow is one burrows had been excavated in the pri- areas that are critical to the panther; the of the weakest of any North American mary dune. No mice were on the surface second was to build 25 wildlife crossings song bird, having more the quality of an and they were presumed to be in the new and modify 13 bridges to allow wildlife to insect's buzz. During the breeding sea- burrows. From the amount of excavated move under the interstate; and the third son, the Florida grasshopper sparrow material outside the burrows, it was be- was for the FHWA to initially accept a re- feeds on insects, spiders, and seeds. No lieved that three of the burrows were not duced number of wildlife crossings with information is available on its winter diet. dug very deep and possibly were escape the intent of funding an accelerated re- According to the contract report, the burrows, while two burrows were dug search program to better define other principal reason for the decline of this much deeper and probably were nesting panther crossing points. sparrow and the greatest threat to its sur- chambers. The enclosure was then vival is habitat loss due to pasture devel- removed. Knowing that this consultation was go- opment and/or improvement for livestock. ing to be controversial and that a great Use of the enclosure was felt to be an Data contained in the report, which were deal more work was going to be required, asset in this successful release because obtained over a 4-year period, indicate field station personnel video-taped that the mice were restricted to one small area not only that the range of the species has segment of Alligator Alley within essential that probably conserved energy and re- decreased, but that the total number of panther habitat. The video film showed duced stress, they were forced to dig bur- birds may now be less than 250. Most re- where the wildlife crossings were to be lo- rows in close proximity (thereby enhanc- maining populations are on privately cated and proved invaluable during ing the chances of forming a family owned lands, but one population is known briefings in Washington, D.C. group), and protection was provided from to occur on Federal land at the U.S. Air predation during the initial burrowing Force's Avon Park Bombing Range in activity. On March 7, 1985, the Jacksonville Polk and Highlands Counties. Field Station hosted a meeting to discuss * * * preliminary recovery plans for the Endan- Region 5—Recovery continues for the gered wood stork (Mycteria americana). The Arkansas Game and Fish Commis- peregrine falcon (Faico peregrinus) in the Representatives from Federal and State sion has proposed to protect 36 caves Northeast as evidenced by the 34 pairs of agencies, water management districts, that provide habitat for gray bats (Myotis peregrines found nesting or attempting to and conservation organizations, along grisescens) against human disturbance nest this spring. Several pairs were even with other concerned biologists, met to by placing warning signs at entrances and found at some northern mountain sites. discuss wood stork recovery goals and by use of management structures to pre- These numbers indicate a substantial in- the procedures that must be implemented vent human entry at an additional 11 crease over last year's approximate 16 to achieve those goals. Discussions fo- caves. This is a timely proposal as a re- pairs of nesting peregrines. cused on securing habitat for the entire cent study by Dr. Michael J. Harvey, un- * * * life cycle of the wood stork, developing der contract to the Commission, indicates that there has been a 9-percent decline in One of the last two bald eagle models for population dynamics and (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests located movement of wood storks, and devel- the summer gray bat population in at Hemlock Lake in New York State has oping public awareness of the species Arkansas between the period 1979-1981 produced at least one eaglet. This eaglet and wetland problems. A technical draft of (mean population size 120,700) and is the first one hatched since 1970. State a wood stork recovery plan will be devel- 1982-1984 (mean population size biologists feel that this successful produc- oped by the Jacksonville office by the end 109,300). tion is due to the help of a new female ea- of this fiscal year. gle that replaced the old one which was The U.S. breeding population of the In October 1984, the FWS began an ef- badly contaminated with DDT. species was listed as Endangered under fort to live-trap Perdido Key beach mice the Endangered Species Act on February (Peromyscus pollonotus trissyllepsis), a Region 6—The whooping crane spring 28, 1984. This rule provides protection for subspecies proposed for listing, from a migration began in April from Aransas wood storks occurring in Florida, Georgia, small coastal area of private land in Bald- NWR on the Texas Gulf Coast and will Alabama, and South Carolina. The de- win County, Alabama, that was scheduled terminate 2,600 miles north at Wood Buf- cline in the U.S. breeding population is for development. Over 4,000 trap nights falo National Park in Canada. There are due to inadequate reproduction attributed resulted in the capture of three beach currently 84 birds in this main flock, 69 to the reduction in the food base (mostly mice, which were transported to a re- adults and 15 young. In addition, there small fish) necessary to support breeding search facility for housing in a small- are 35 birds held in captivity and 30 birds colonies. The reduction in the food base mammal laboratory. in the foster-parent flock that migrates be- is attributed to loss of wetland habitat as After months of planning and field work, tween New Mexico and Idaho. This En- well as changes in hydroperiods of re- a decision was reached to release the dangered bird continues its slow but maining wetlands. three captive beach mice back into natu- steady comeback from near extinction ral habitat. The location chosen was Gulf with a total of 149 birds from only 18 wild The Jacksonville Endangered Species State Park in Baldwin County, Alabama, birds in 1983. Field Station is currently analyzing data an area approximately one mile (1.609 contained in a recently received contract km) west of where the mice were origi- A grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) report on the Florida grasshopper spar- nally captured. The release was a com- habitat symposium, sponsored by the In- row (Ammodramus savannarum bined effort between the National Park teragency Grizzly Bear Committee and floridanus) in preparation for a proposed Service and the FWS. the University of Montana, was held at the rulemaking to add this bird to the Federal In order to enhance the chances for a University of Montana in Missoula during list of endangered wildlife. The Florida successful release, an enclosure was the week of April 29. The purpose was to grasshopper sparrow is non-migratory placed one foot (.3048 m) deep on a pri- help participants gain a common under- and occurs only in the prairie region of mary sand dune. The beach mice were standing of current grizzly bear habitat south-central Florida. It prefers low brush placed into the enclosure at dusk on Feb- (continued on page 10)

9 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) Region 7—The trapping of a female from Washington State to Central and Regional Briefs American peregrine falcon (Faico South America. The most recent return (continued from page 9) peregrlnus anatum) along the Tanana was that of a bird banded as a nestling on management activities; present recent de- River on April 19 marked the earliest cap- the Colville River in 1983 and recovered velopments and describe current condi- ture date for peregrines in Alaska. The in southeastern Brazil In November 1984. tions in grizzly bear habitat management; trapping, in conjunction with an extensive The Bureau of Land Management and the describe grizzly bear mapping techniques banding program, provides information on National Park Service will cooperate with and levels of technology; and describe movements, longevity, and health of the the FWS in 1985 to survey and band per- the cumulative effects analysis process. peregrines. This particular female was egrine falcons along approximately 2,000 Proceedings from the symposium will be banded as a nestling in 1981, approxi- miles of Alaska's rivers. published as a U.S. Forest Service mately 125 miles from the trap site. Intermountain Research Station General The peregrine banding program has Report later in 1985. yielded numerous band returns ranging

colonies unless the roads are properly exempt from these prohibitions if a state- Four Plants planned and constructed. The population ment of "cultivated origin" appears on (continued from page 1) on BLM-administered land occurs on an their containers. However, the Service an- Because of its low numbers and re- allotment under moderate cattle grazing ticipates that few if any trade permits will stricted distribution, C. specuicola is sus- use. Some of the plants could be tram- be sought or granted since none of the ceptible to threats from water develop- pled and their habitat eroded if grazing four newly listed plants is common in the ment and livestock grazing or trampling. levels are increased. Wildfires and certain wild or in cultivation. Livestock already are being watered at recreational uses of the area have been Other benefits to the plants of a listing two of the water sources near the plants. mentioned as other possible dangers to include the requirement for the Service to Accordingly, the species was listed as the plant. Because of these threats, E. develop plans for their recovery and the Threatened in a final rule published in the rhizomatus was proposed for listing as a possibility of Section 6 funding to States May 8, 1985, Federal Register. Threatened species on April 24, 1984 and U.S. Territories with Endangered The Fish and Wildlife Service does not (see story In BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 5). Species Cooperative Agreements. Cur- anticipate that use of the seep-spring for The final listing rule was published in the rently, California and Puerto Rico have livestock watering will affect, or be af- April 26, 1985, Federal Register. such agreements for plants. fected by, the Critical Habitat designation A Critical Habitat designation for £. since the actual watering sites are located rhizomatus was not included In the final far enough away from the site where C. rule. The species occurs only on U.S. specuicola is found. The Bureau of Indian Forest Service and BLM lands, and these Affairs has informed the Service that it agencies are aware of their conservation plans to monitor the habitat as part of a responsibilities; therefore, no additional plan to develop an Informal monitoring protection would be extended in this case Ferret Survey system for the resources under its by making a formal Critical Habitat desig- jurisdiction. nation. Section 7 of the Act requires both Training Program agencies to refrain from any action that is Erigeron rhizomatus likely to jeopardize the species' survival. The Wyoming Cooperative Fishery and Plans to reactivate the uranium opera- Wildlife Research Unit at the University of A perennial herb in the aster family, tions or increase grazing, for example, Wyoming recently conducted two pro- Erigeron rhizomatus (rhizome fleabane) would not necessarily be prohibited, but grams to train persons working for public grows in clumps from underground stems, the appropriate agency would be required and private agencies to properly survey or rhizomes. Each clump can reach 25-45 to consult with the Fish and Wildlife areas for presence of the Endangered cm (10-18 Inches) high and up to 30 cm Service. black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). (12 inches) across. Its leaves are narrow, Workshops lasted one day and consisted only up to one cm (.4 inch) long, and dark of classroom and field exercises. Partici- green. The plants usually reproduce As stated above, all four of the newly pants were instructed in methods to sur- clonally rather than by seed. listed plants will receive protection under vey ferrets in the daytime as well as at £ rhizomatus is restricted to 20 small Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. night, and discussions of surveys in differ- populations scattered over the Datil and Federal agencies are required to ensure ent seasons took place. Instructors also Sawtooth Mountains in northern New that any actions they fund, authorize, or presented information on State and Fed- Mexico. Some occur in McKinley and carry out are not likely to jeopardize the eral laws that must be complied with Catron Counties on the Cibola Natural survival of listed species or adversely when conducting searches. Forest, and some on Bureau of Land modify their Critical Habitats. Participants were certified so that they Management (BLM) property In Catron Under Section 9, it is illegal to "remove can conduct these surveys in areas County. Given its limited distribution and and reduce to possession" Endangered where it Is assumed that black-footed fer- low numbers (about 200 known individu- plants, such as Amsinckia grandiflora, rets are likely to occur. Instructors were als), E. rhizomatus Is particularly vulnera- from lands under Federal jurisdiction. from the Wyoming Game and Fish De- ble to habitat disturbance. Regulations are being developed to ex- partment, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Most of the populations are located tend similar protection for plants classified the University of Wyoming, and private close to Inactive uranium claims. The as Threatened. When they are com- agencies. plants could be jeopardized if these pleted, Section 9 will apply as well to all If there Is interest in this course being claims are reactivated and developed known Carex specuicola and Erigeron offered again, notify Angela Brummond at without planning for the species' conser- rhizomatus populations. the Wyoming Cooperative Research Unit, vation. Road construction and the re- Interstate and International trafficking In Box 3166, University Station, Laramie, sulting erosion could also have an ad- listed plants Is prohibited, except under Wyoming 82071; telephone verse impact on some £. rhizomatus permit. Seeds of Threatened plants are 307/766-5415.

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) Listing Proposals for Two Western Plants are Withdrawn

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Phillips of the fvluseum of Northern in BULLETIN Vol. VIII No. 9), it was has withdrawn proposals to list two west- Arizona, revealed the presence of a sec- thought to be jeopardized by quarrying, ern plants, Hedeoma diffusum (Flagstaff ond population center 7 miles southwest grazing, and recreational development at pennyroyal) and Phlox pilosa var. of the one previously known population Quartz Mountain State Park. Later, in longipilosa (long-haired phlox), as Threat- center. The survey brought the total num- May 1984, a team of Federal, State, and ened (F.R. 3/26/85). New data indicate ber of known Hedeoma diffusum sites to academic volunteers conducted an inten- that both plants are more abundant and over 100, with more than 50 sites having sive survey of known habitat on U.S. Bu- that the threats they face are not as seri- at least 100 plants each and 5 sites hav- reau of Reclamation land (which is leased ous as previously thought. For these rea- ing over 1,000 plants. f\/lost of them are to Oklahoma for use as the State park). sons, the FWS determined that neither on USFS-administered lands (Coconino Data gained during this survey, together plant needs, nor is eligible for, protection National Forest), and several are within with the findings of a 1984 status survey under the terms of the Endangered Spe- the Red Rock-Secret Mountain by I.H. Butler, indicate that Phlox pilosa cies Act. Wilderness Area. The USFS already pro- var. longipilosa is thriving. An estimated Hedeoma diffusum, a perennial herb in tects Hedeoma diffusum and other spe- 14,000 to 20,000 plants occur on Federal the mint family, was proposed for listing cies on its "Sensitive Plant List," and has lands, and the suspected threats do not as a Threatened species on June 29, developed a management plan for its appear to be as great as once thought. 1983 (see story in BULLETIN Vol. VIII No. conservation. For these reasons. Phlox pilosa var. 7). At that time, the plant was believed to Phlox pilosa var. longipilosa also had longipilosa does not seem to be in any be restricted to 10 locations in the Flag- been proposed for listing as Threatened danger of extinction. Should its status de- staff, Arizona, area and threatened by (F.R. 8/29/83). This plant is endemic to teriorate in the future, however, it may be habitat loss from urban development. A the Quartz t\/lountain area of the Wichita proposed again for listing. subsequent survey, contracted by the Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma. At U.S. Forest Service (USPS) to Dr. B.G. the time of its proposed listing (see story

reestablished populations will reduce the Cinquefoll chances of the species' extinction should (continued from page 6) the Monroe Flats population be lost—due, Recovery Plan found that both have been relatively sta- for example, to such a random event as ble over the past 48 years. The collection the unauthorized landing of a military heli- Update pressure for herbariums that occurred copter in the habitat during 1983. To date, during the late 18G0s to early 1900s is no this project has enjoyed strong support Two recovery plans were ap- longer a serious threat. Ongoing research from the AMC, Fish and Wildlife Service, proved in April: the McKittrick Pen- on microhabitat requirements of the plant, and U.S. Forest Service, and it has the nyroyal Recovery Plan (4/12/85) paralleling the reproductive biology study, advantage of a recovery plan that is prac- and the Woodland Caribou Recov- will be used in the selection of sites for tical and straight-forward. ery Plan (4/12/85). Copies of recov- establishment of new reproducing colo- Because of these cooperative efforts, ery plans become available for pur- nies in potential historical habitats. The there is increasing optimism for the future chase about 6 months from their presence of newly established or of the Robbins' cinquefoil. date of approval. Requests should be made to the Fish and Wildlife Reference Sen/ice, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, Maryland 20852; telephone 800/582-3421. NOTE: In Bulletin Vol. X No. 4, we indicated that the Bald Eagle- Pacific States Recovery Plan was approved. This plan has not yet been approved and we apologize for the error.

Attention Readers If you are receiving a duplicate copy of the BULLETIN, or if your office continues to receive copies addressed to individuals no longer employed by ypur agency, please let us know so that we can eliminate these entries.^frdm our mailing list. Please refer to th6 zip code as well as to the addressee when you call or write regarding changes in the mail- Rose Paul, Research Assistant with the Appalachian Mountain Club Research De- ing list. Thank you. partment, surveying the habitat preferences and demograph of P. robbinsiana on f^t. Washington. In the background is the Crawford Path, part of the Appalachian Trail. —The E

11 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985) New Publications BOX SCORE OF LISTINGS/RECOVERY PLANS Species of Special Concern in ENDANGERED 1 THREATENED 1 SPECIES Pennsylvania, edited by H.H. Genoways Category U.S. U.S. & Foreign 1 U.S. U.S. & Foreign I SPECIES' HAVING and F.J. Brenner, is a "blueprint for action Only Foreign Only Only Foreign Only 1 TOTAL PLANS in saving the most endangered and Mammals 20 19 234 ^ 0 22 1 299 23 threatened portions of the flora and fauna Birds 59 13 144 1 220 54 of the Commonwealth." This 430-page Reptiles 8 8 60 1 8 4 13 99 16 book, intended as a reference for use by Amphibians 5 0 8 1 3 0 0 1 16 6 anyone interested in conserving Fishes 30 4 11 1 17 3 0 1 65 37 Pennsylvania's biological resources, con- Snails 3 0 1 0 9 7 1 ® " 1 tains many distribution maps, black and Clams 22 0 2 0 24 18 white photographs, and six full-page color Crustaceans 3 0 0 1 0 4 1 plates. To order a copy, send $30.00, Insects 8 0 0 1 4 0 0 12 9 plus $3.00 for shipping/handling, to the Plants 69 5 1 1 13 2 2 1 92 41 Publications Secretary, Carnegie TOTAL 227 47 461 1 58 10 37 1 840 212" Museum of Natural History, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213. •Separate populations of a species, listed both as Endangered and Threatened, are tallied (Pennsylvania residents should add 6% twice. Species which are thus accounted for are the gray wolf, bald eagle, American alligator, States sales tax.) green sea turtle, Olive ridley sea turtle, and leopard. Threatened and Endangered Plants **More than one species may be covered by some plans, and a few species have more and Animals of Maryland, the proceed- than one plan covering different parts of their ranges. ings of a symposium held at Towson Number of Recovery Plans approved: 178 State University in September 1981, is Number of species currently proposed for listing: 29 animals now available for purchase. The 40 plants 476-page volume includes 22 papers pre- Number of Species with Critical Habitats determined: 71 sented at the symposium, along with 8 Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: 42 fish & wildlife others invited subsequently. All were fully revised and updated as of 1984. The Mays, 1985 P'^"'® price per copy is $13.00 (tax and postage included). Send a check or money order Atlas free-of-charge from the Rare and 2-day ferret workshop last fall at the Uni- to the Maryland Department of Natural Endangered Plants Project, Botany Divi- versity of Wyoming in Laramie. Federal, Resources, Fiscal and Supportive Serv- Sfon, National Museum of Natural Sci- State, university, and private interests ices Office, Tawes State Office Building, ences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A were represented. Among the topics ad- Annapolis, Maryland 21401-9974. 0M8. dressed were: ferret detection and man- Part 3 of the Atlas of the Rare Vascular New England's Rare, Threatened, and agement techniques; habitat evaluation Plants of Ontario is now available. This in- Endangered Plants, written by Garrett E. procedures; landowner relations; captive stallment, edited by G.W. Argus and C.J. Crow, focuses attention on and provides propagation and reintroduction possibili- Keddy, covers more than 160 species in a comprehensive assessment of 101 of ties; genetics; the various State and Fed- 25 families, including the Brassicaceae, the rarest plants in New England. A lim- eral laws protecting the species; and a Ericaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Ro- ited number of copies of this invaluable variety of other material valuable to per- saceae. The first and second parts of the report are available free upon request sons interested in the recovery of the Atlas were published in 1982 and 1983, from the FWS Region 5 office (see ad- black-footed ferret. Copies of the pro- and are still available. Part 4, the final in- dress on page 2). ceedings can be purchased for $10.00 stallment, should be available in 1986, The Black-footed Ferret Workshop Pro- (post-paid) from the Wyoming Game and and will automatically be sent to those ceedings are now available. This publica- Fish Department, Special Publications- receiving the earlier sections. Order the tion contains 32 papers presented at a BFF, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002.

MAY 1985 VOL X No. 5 FIRST CLASS POSTAGE AND FEES PAID A =11^ = S = ^S^S^SSR U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT NO. G-77

Dl lIlA^in [department of interior. U.S. Fish and wildlife Service 1 cwririlccll DUIIdin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 5 (1985)