/ November 1979, Vol. IV, No. 11 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN

Department of the Interior • U S Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program. Washington. D C 20240 SERVICE LISTS 32 PLANTS

Acting to protect some of the world's rarest plant species, the Service has added 30 native and 2 foreign plants to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Species. Most of the U.S. plants (listed be- tween October 2 and November 7) are cacti—generally prized by collectors for their unique beauty, and threatened by domestic and international com- merce (as well as other factors) which will be more readily controlled under Endangered Species Act provisions. As with most endangered species, plants are especially vulnerable once they are distinguished for their rarity— a label that sometimes boosts their value (until they are sufficiently propa- gated and available in cultivation), The practice of cactus rustling, as seen here, poses severe problems for the exis- making their protection difficult. Inter- tence of many species. national commerce in cacti (all of which are protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild among 1,783 plant taxa proposed for respective final listings. General com- Fauna and Flora, or CITES) and other Endangered classification in the June ments on the native plants were con- plant species remains lucrative, and 16, 1976, Federal Register. This pro- tained in the Service's final rules de- massive taking of these plants for the posal was based in large part on the tailing permit regulations for protected world market has seriously diminished January 9, 1975, report of the Secre- plants (F.R. 6/24/77) and with the list- their numbers in the wild. tary of the Smithsonian Institution, ing of 13 plants last year (F.R. 4/26/78). According to the Agriculture Depart- which cited over 3,100 U.S. vascular ment's Animal and Plant Health In- plant taxa considered endangered, Native Plants spection Service (APHIS)—having threatened, or extinct. (On July 1, 1975, Twenty-one of the recently listed import/export enforcement responsi- , the Service published a notice of re- plants are members of the cactus fam- bility for plants, some 6.8 million speci- view indicating acceptance of the ily. The status and distribution of all mens of cacti and succulents were Smithsonian report as a petition, and 30 native taxa (as well as threats to shipped into the U.S. during Fiscal soliciting data on these plants. This their existence) are discussed below Year 1978. The Fish and Wildlife Serv- notice remains in effect, with com- by family. ments sought.) ice's Wildlife Permit Office recorded Asteraceae (Aster family): the lawful export of over 5,000 cacti Two foreign species, the Guate- • Lipochaeta venosa—This shrubby, from the U.S. during calendar 1978. malan fir and Chilean false larch, were sunflower-like plant, belonging to a In addition to exploitation by collec- proposed separately for listing (F.R. genus that has evolved extensively in tors and dealers, entire plant commu- 9/26/75) after the Fund for Animals the Hawaiian Islands, has been listed nities are often obliterated by urban petitioned the Service to provide Fed- as Endangered (F.R. 10/30/79). Once I A " development, strip mining, land drain- eral protection to all species included more widespread on the Island of Ha- ' ge, flooding, habitat erosion, fire, on Appendix I of CITES. waii, Lipochaeta venosa is now con- grazing, and ORVs (off-road vehicles). Public hearings were held on all of fined to Kipuka Kalawamauna on the All of the native plants protected in the proposed plant listings, and com- "Big Island" (on the western flank of the Service's recent rulings were ments have been summarized in the Continued on page 5 Clemente sage sparrows (Amphispiza belli clementae) were observed during the 2-day survey. Region 2. Jack Woody was part of a group invited to review the maricul- ture operation (PIOSA) of Sr. Antonio, Suarez in Oaxaca, Mexico. Sr. Suarez' requested the review to receive com- ments on his comrhercial use of Olive Ridley sea turtles {Lepedochelys oli- vacea). The group, which included sea turtle biologists from the U.S. and Mexico, saw every phase of the opera- tion—nesting beaches, catching of turtles, slaughterhouse, and pack- aging. It was agreed that discussions should continue in order that the turtles be maintained as a viable part of Mexican wildlife. Region 4. With the closure of Tel- lico Dam expected around the first of Endangered Species Program regional only two native species—'Apapane the year, a concerted effort was made staffers have reported the following ac- (Himatione sanguines sanguines) and during October to remove all remain- tivities for the month of October. Pueo (Asio fismmens ssndwichensis)— ing snail darters (Percina tanasi) from Region 1. The results of this past were found; neither is Endangered. the Little Tennessee River. A very low summer's Hawaiian forest bird survey The California Department of Fish catch rate at month's end indicated indicate that the Hawaiian hawk and Game assisted in a survey of birds that few fish were left. As of October (Buteo solitarius) is more widely dis- of San Clemente Island. Five San 31, 410 adults had been captured and tributed on the "Big Island" than had Clemente loggerhead shrikes (Lsnius stocked in the Holston River, 5 pairs been expected. On the Island of Lanai, ludovicisnus mesrnsi) and 15 San of adults were kept at TVA facilities for development of propagation tech- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, niques, and 324 young of the year Washington, D.C. 20240 NM 87103 (505-766-2321): W. O. Nel- were placed in the Morristown State son, Regional Director Robert F. Ste- Hatchery for further rearing. These Lynn A. Greenwalt, Director phens, Assistant Regional Director', latter fish are to be stocked in the (202-343-4717) Jack B. Woody, Endangered Species Holston River upon reaching adult Harold J. O'Connor Specialist. Acting Associate Director and Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, size. (See October 1979 BULLETIN.) Endangered Species Program Manager Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500); Region 5. Public hearings/meet- (202-343-4646) Harvey Nelson, Regional Director', ings on proposed Critical Habitat for C. Phillip Agee Delbert H. Rasmussen, Assistant Re- the Virginia big-eared bat (Plecotus Acting Deputy Associate Director gional Director, James M. Engel, En- townsendii virginianus) and the Ply- (202-343-4646) dangered Species Specialist. mouth red-bellied turtle (Chrysemys John Spinks, Chief, Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal BIdg., Office of Endangered Species 75 Spring St., S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303 rubriventris bangsi) were held in El- (703/235-2771) (404-221-3583): Kenneth E. Black, Re- kins, West Virginia, and Plymouth, Richard Parsons, Ctiief, gional Director, Harold W. Benson, Massachusetts, respectively. Federal Wiidiife Permit Office Assistant Regional Director, Alex B. Region 6. A contract has been (703/235-1937) Montgomery, Endangered Species Spe- awarded to Mr. Wayne Winter to use Clark R. Bavin, Chief, cialist. three Labrador retrievers to search a Division of Law Enforcement Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Cen- minimum of 10,000 acres of prairie dog (202-343-9242) ter, Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617- colonies for black-footed ferrets (Mus- 965-5100): Howard Larsen, Regional TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF Director, Gordon T. Nightingale, As- tela nigripes). Most of the work will be Dona Finnley, Editor sistant Regional Director, Paul Nick- conducted in South Dakota, but provi- Morey Norkin, Editorial Asst. erson, Endangered Species Specialist. sions are included for searches out- (703/235-2407) Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Fed- side the State. eral Center, Denver, CO 80225 (303- A year-old member of the Gray's Regional Offices 234-2209): James Gritman, Acting Re- Lake whooping crane flock was ob- gional Director, Charles E. Lane, As- served on the eastern side of the Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500 BIdg., sistant Regional Director, Don Rodgers, Rockies near Longmont, Colorado, and 500 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland, OR Endangered Species Specialist. later at Monte Vista National Wildlife 97232 (503-231-6118): R. Kahler Mar- Alaska Area, 1101 E Tudor Rd., Anchor- tinson, Regional Director, Edward B. age, AK 99057 (907-276-3800, ext. 495): Refuge, a stopover spot for this flock. Chamberlain, Assistant Regional Di- Keith M. Schreiner, Area Director', The siting relieved concerns that the rector. David B. Marshall, Endangered Dan Benfield, Endangered Species Spe- bird might join the Canada-Aransas Species Specialist. cialist. flock, whose members occasionally migrate through eastern Colorado. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions bird is somewhat of an eccentric, as Region 1: California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Pacific Trust Territories. Region 2: Arizona. New it did not summer at Gray's Lake and Mexico, Gidahoma, and Texas. Region 3: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region 4: Alabama. Arlextinction. Over the last five to eight dix I of the Convention on International applications under the Act. years, probable losses of black rhinos Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Comments on this proposed rule have been estimated at up to 95 per- Fauna and Flora (CITES). (The Peo- were accepted by the Director (OES), cent in Kenya's Tsavo National Park, ple's Republic of China—one of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Depart- 85 percent in Amboseli, and over 90 world's largest rhino horn markets— ment of the Interior, Washington, D.C. percent in Meru National Park. Two recently signed CITES, and will now 20240 through November 30, 1979. years ago Meru National Park could have been considered the last strong- hold of rhinos in northern Kenya; to- day, it has less than 20 individuals. Based on available evidence, the Service believes there are fewer than 1,500 black rhinos in Kenya, less than 10 percent of the numbers only 10 years ago. Fewer than 15,000 black rhinos may remain in all of Africa. There have been marked declines of the species in African parks—70 per- cent in Ngorongoro, 70-80 percent in Ruaha, 80 percent in Tarangire, and 80-85 percent in Manyara over the last 10 years. The major reason for the dramatic decline in the species is trade in its parts and products, especially rhino horn. Legal exports of rhino horn from East Africa have quadrupled since The black rhinoceros, pursued for its valuable horn, has suffered drastic declines in 1971 to over 4 tons in 1976. In one im- the last decade. porting country, official statistics show that rhino horn imports averaged 7.6 tons per year during 1976 and 1977. A horn typically weighs about 3.5 kilos, or nearly 8 pounds, which means at least 4,000 rhinos were killed in WARNmO that 2-year period to meet the demand in that country alone. Illegal poaching has become a TO DIVERS MANATEE lucrative business as prices for rhino horn have jumped from $23 per kilo in PROTECTION 1969, to $112 in 1976. Rhino horns are carved into dagger handles which sell for as much as $6,000. In the Far East, AREAS powdered horn is sold for medicinal purposes and as an aphrodisiac, al- AUTHORIZED though there is no known scientific -TheManatMltan basis for these uses. In some markets end«nQ«r«d ipACies. It is ftitty protected rhino horn sells for as much as $350 l»y state and federal To protect the Florida manatee from laws. Divert and per ounce. swimmers may boat injuries and other human-related otwerveartd Another factor that may be contrib- er^mese docile animals only in a threats, the Service has finalized regu-^fc uting to the decline in the species is manner wtiicft does not result In their lations allowing the establishment of^B a low reproductive rate. A female distwt>ance. special protection areas for this rhinoceros produces only one calf Endangered marine mammal (F.R. every four years, and the infant may 10/22/79). Under the new Service ruling (pro- PLANTS • Coryphantha sneedii var. leei— posed January 23, 1979), two types of Continued from page 1 Found only in a few populations in protection areas—sanctuaries and ref- Carlsbad Caverns National Park uges—may now be designated where Mauna Kea). Its decline has been at- (southeastern New Mexico), the risk of water-related activities need to be re- tributed to grazing by feral animals, damage to the Lee pincushion cactus • stricted or prohibited to prevent in- competition with exotic vegetation, from illegal collecting is so great that ' juries to manatees. Upon the establish- and human disturbance. Threatened classification is warranted ment of a manatee "refuge," specified Berberidaceae (Barberry family): (F.R. 10/25/79). A small plant with activities likely to harass, injure, or • Berberis sonnei—Known from white spines and pink flowers suffused kill a manatee may be limited. (Restric- only two small patches along the with brown, this cactus was first dis- tions may affect boating, swimming, Truckee River in California, where it is covered in 1924 (and described in snorkeling, and other water activities.) vulnerable to vandalism, horticultural 1933), and has also been called Esco- All waterborne—and possibly other collecting, and changing land uses, the baria leei. It can be readily cultivated, water-related activities would be pro- Truckee barberry has been listed as so that wild populations need not be hibited in areas designated as "sanc- Endangered (F.R. 11/6/79). This small exploited. tuaries," where substantial evidence evergreen shrub, described as "the • Corpyhantha sneedii var. sneedii— has shown the manatees to be highly phantom plant of the Sierras" was the Occurring in the mountains east of Las vulnerable. subject of intense searching until its Cruces, New Mexico, and north of El The State of Florida, which passed rediscovery in 1973 by a high school Paso, Texas, in the northern Chihua- a Manatee Sanctuary Act in 1978, has biology student in Truckee, California. huan Desert, the Sneed pincushion already established manatee sanctua- Originally discovered in the 1880's, it cactus has been listed as Endangered ries in 10 counties under similar regu- had been "lost" for nearly 90 years. (F.R. 11/7/79). C. sneedii var. sneedii, lations (now enforceable by both Fed- Cuttings have been taken from this with its many branches forming clumps eral and State agents—see November stand and the species may be suc- a foot or more across and bearing 1978 BULLETIN). The Florida Marine cessfully propagated for reintroduction small pink to pale rose flowers, has Patrol also operates a manatee hotline into the wild. been heavily coliected since its dis- (toll-free 800-342-1821) to report Cactaceae (Cactus family): covery in 1921. The plant has also de- manatee harassment or injuries. • Ancistrocactus tobuschii—Found clined from past road construction Properly called the West Indian in the Hill Country of central Texas, on between Las Cruces and El Paso, while manatee (Trichechus manatus), this the escarpment of the Edwards Pla- general urban expansion and use of sirenian has continued to decline in teau, with fewer than 200 remaining portions of the Organ Mountains on the U.S., where its remaining numbers specimens, the Tobusch fishhook Fort Bliss as an artillery impact area (estimated at under 1,000) are pro- cactus has been listed as Endangered are probable threats to some speci- tected under both the Marine Mammal (F.R. 11/7/79). This cactus is found mens. Protection Act of 1972 and the Endan- in an unusual habitat—on the banks of • Echinocactus horizonthalonius var. gered Species Act of 1973. streams and on loose, water-deposited nicholii—The Nichols turks head cac- Manatees occur primarily in Flor- gravel bars, where it has been reduced tus, a native of Arizona now restricted ida's inland and coastal waters (occa- by flooding and stream bank erosion. to two adjacent counties, has been sionally moving into neighboring (The 100-year flood of August 1978 listed as Endangered (F.R. 10/26/79). States), where they are threatened by destroyed one of the two known popu- This turks head cactus is blue to yel- human activities, especially the use of lations of significance.) lowish-green, with a single stem, bear- motor boats—identified as the major • Coryphantha minima—Now con- ing pink flowers and fruits. The plant cause of manatee injury and mortality fined to a single ranch in Texas, the has been overcollected throughout its in recent years. (Almost all living man- Nellie cory cactus has been listed by range, and its habitat is currently atees bear scars or deformities from the Service as Endangered (F.R. threatened by mining operations, ur- boat propellers.) Manatees have also 11/7/79). This and another listed cac- ban development, and ORV use. been injured in water control struc- tus, the Davis' green pitaya, were • Echinocereus engelmannii var. tures and by fishing gear, and may be known from a single mineral outcrop purpureus—Occurring in small num- harassed or unintentionally chased by in northern Brewster County on two bers only in the arid, sandy soil of the boaters, scuba divers, snorklers, or large adjacent ranches. C. minima was Mojave Desert in southwestern Utah, swimmers into intolerably cold waters. completely extirpated from one ranch the purple-spined hedgehog cactus (The animals are in greatest danger in during the 1960's when the owner al- has been listed as Endangered (F.R. the winter months, when they congre- lowed cacti collectors free access to 10/11/79). This spiny plant usually gate near natural warmwater springs his land. This species is greatly threat- displays its purplish flowers on a soli- and power plant thermal discharges, ened by further taking, and is vulnera- tary cylindrical spire, although it some- making them even more vulnerable to ble to any alteration of its habitat times forms clumps. This species is boat strikes and harassment.) through range management or mining widely sought by amateur and profes- Emergency Provision of its mineral base. sional cactus growers, and its exist- Under the new procedures, protec- • Coryphantha ramillosa—Also na- ence is further threatened by urban tion areas may be immediately estab- tive to Texas, the bunched cory expansion and ORVs. lished through emergency ruling upon cactus—listed by the Service as • Echinocereus kuenzleri—Discov- (1) the publication of such notice in Theatened—occurs on dry desert ered in 1961 and only described as a a general circulation newspaper in an lands in two Texas counties overlap- unique species in 1976, the Kuenzler affected county, (2) the posting of area ping into Mexico (F.R. 11/6/79). C. ra- hedgehog cactus—listed as Endan- boundaries, and (3) the publication— millosa is a spherical cactus bearing gered (F.R. 10/26/79)—is found only to the extent practicable—of emer- pinkish to rose-purple colored flowers. in one general area on the eastern gency designation in the Federal Although its range had been con- edge of the Sacramento Mountains in ^Register. Areas established under sidered remote, this species is now the Central Highlands of New Mexico. emergency provisions will be so des- threatened by further development Fewer than 200 specimens of this cac- ignated for 120 days, after which the which could modify its habitat and tus are known in nature, as most of areas must be protected through make specimens more readily accessi- the original population was destroyed standard rulemaking procedures. ble to collectors. Continued on page 6 PLANTS Continued from page 5 by highway maintenance. The species (an unbranched or few-branched plant with cup-shaped, purplish-pink flowers) is now mostly threatened by collectors. • Echinocereus lloydii—Found in only one Texas county, Lloyd's hedge- hog cactus has been listed as Endan- gered (F.R. 10/26/79). This species' range was reduced when a strip of its habitat was destroyed during highway widening. Its numbers have continued to decline primarily due to overcollect- Ing. First collected in 1909, Lloyd's hedgehog usually occurs in clusters, having large beautiful flowers with scarlet petals and greenish-orange fruits. • Echinocereus reichenbachii var. alberta—Commonly called the black Abandoned alerce sawmill, Vicente Perez Resales National Park, Chile. lace cactus for its dark purple, black- tipped spines, this native Texas plant has been listed as Endangered (F.R. from one ranch in the 1960's, and is small, globular cactus (with pinkish 10/26/79). It has a rose-pink flower, now nearly confined to one protected flowers) is overcollecting. is cylindrical and generally single- ranch area. Overcollection as well as • Pediocactus peeblesianus var. stemmed, occurring in the undisturbed possible future mineral and oil explora- peeblesianus—A desert species of the brush community of the south Texas tion and extraction threaten Its con- Colorado Plateau, the Peebles Navajo coastal bend. The black lace cactus is tinued existence. cactus (listed as Endangered, F.R. ecologically interesting because it Is • Neolloydia mariposensis—Occur- 10/26/79) occurs only in Navajo adapted for living in this "juncture" ring on dry desert land in one Texas County, in northern Arizona. This is a community at an extreme edge where county (and possibly extending into small and globular cactus (with yellow no other lace cacti can survive. The Mexico, as its known range is within to yellow-green flowers) that pulls plant is threatened by brush clearing one mile of the border), Lloyd's Mari- down underground during the dry sea- for range improvement (known popula- posa cactus has been listed as Threat- son. Although available in cultivation, tions have been reduced by 50 per- ened (F.R. 11/6/79). Most of the range it is greatly threatened by overcollect- cent) as well as overcollecting. of this plant (a spherical to egg- ing. Road construction has destroyed • Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. shaped cactus with pinkish flowers) is much of its habitat, and a gravel pit arizonicus—Known only from a few very remote, although future residen- operation poses an additional threat. locations in the rugged mountainous tial development (followed by in- Only a few hundred individuals of Pee- country of central Arizona, the Arizona creased accessibility) could threaten bles Navajo cactus are known to re- hedgehog cactus has been listed as the species. main in nature. Endangered (F.R. 10/25/79). Remain- • Pediocactus bradyi—Confined to • Pediocactus sileri—Listed as En- ing individuals (about 1,000) are sought an area of about 20 square kilometers dangered (F.R. 10/26/79), the Siler by collectors, attracted by the plant's in one Arizona county, the Brady cac- pincushion cactus occurs in scattered large, red flowers. In addition to over- tus has been listed as an Endangered areas along the Utah-Arizona border, collection, this cactus may become species (F.R. 10/26/79). A small semi- where it is restricted to a specific soil threatened by the expansion of copper globose cactus with usually one stem, type (gypsiferous clays and sands). mining. P. bradyii retracts into the soil during Small, solitary, and globose, this cac- • Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. dry, hot periods. It is restricted to a tus is prized for its maroon and yellow inermis—The spineless hedgehog cac- specific soil type, and factors limiting flowers, and bears greenish-yellow tus, known from four populations in its distribution are not well understood. fruits. The species' survival is threat- western Colorado and eastern Utah, Populations have been reduced by ened by gypsum strip-mining opera- has been listed as Endangered (F.R. both highway and powerline construc- tions and ORV use, and Utah popula- 11 /7/79). While the major threat to this tion and maintenance activities, and tions could be impacted by the Warner cactus is overcollection (cacti enthu- the use of ORVs on National Park Valley Power Project. Some plants siasts are attracted by its scarlet red Service land. Overcollection of the have also been lost to grazing, al- flowers and its curious spinelessness), species—prized as one of the most though overcollection is by far the remaining individuals may be threat- desirable ornamental plants—is the greatest threat to the species. ened by future mineral and oil explora- major threat to its survival. • Sclerocactus glaucus—Found on tion and extraction as well as in- • Pediocactus knowltonii—The mesas of the Colorado Plateau of far creased recreational use of the high Knowlton cactus, discovered when un- western Colorado and eastern Utah, desert. earthed by a bulldozer in 1958 and the Uinta Basin bookless cactus has • Echinocereus viridiflorus var. da- known from only one general location been listed as a Threatened species visii—Davis' green pitaya, found to- in northeastern New Mexico (and per- (F.R. 10/11/79). The species is known gether with the Nellie cory cactus on haps barely extending into Colorado), from only eight sites (mostly on fed- a single mineral outcrop in Brewster has been listed as Endangered (F.R. erally-owned land), and numbers about County, Texas, has been listed as En- 10/29/79). Most of the plant's original 15,000 individuals. Valued for its I dangered (F.R. 11/7/79). Occurring range was flooded by the Navajo magenta-colored flowers, overcollec- primarily on two large adjacent Reservoir. Although readily available in tion is the major threat to this other- ranches, this cactus was extirpated cultivation, the greatest threat to this wise nondescript "ball" cactus (which Lamiaceae (Mint family): aged lands. However, one population • Haplostachys haplostachya var. is adjacent to a main hiking trail along angustifolia—This last living represen- the Snake River—recently designated tative of an entire genus that was once a National Recreation Area, where rec- widespread on the Hawaiian Islands reational use is expected to increase. has been listed for protection as En- Taking would also pose a serious dangered (F.R. 10/30/79). H. Iiaplos- threat to the species (which has a tachya var. angustifolia is found to- showy pink flower), considering the gether with two other listed species critically small number of remaining (Stenogyne angustifolia var. angusti- individuals. folia and Lipochaeta venosa) in a Papaveraceae (Poppy family): single patch of forest on the "Big Is- • Arctomecon humilis—One of a land," within the U.S. Army's Poha- genus of three species known only kuloa Training Area (on the western from the southwestern U.S., the dwarf „ flank of Mauna Kea). Extirpation of his- bear-poppy of Utah has been listed as I toric populations of this mint is appar- Endangered (F.R. 11/6/79). The build- I ently due to human disturbance as well ing of the city of Bloomington, Utah, I as the impacts of feral animals and apparently eliminated about a third of I introduced weedy vegetation. the plant's known habitat, and it is now % • Stenogyne angustifolia var. an- confined to Washington County. Be- I gustifolia—Another member of the cause of its exacting soil requirements, £ mint family, this plant (listed as Endan- the species does not survive in cultiva- Kokia cookei, the last remaining specimen. gered, F.R. 10/30/79) also belongs to tion. Collecting for home gardens re- a genus found only in Hawaii. Fewer mains a major threat, however, along than 100 individuals of this variety are with general land development and contracts underground to become known to persist in the wild within the heavy ORV activity. Strip mining of nearly invisible during long dry sea- Pohakuloa Training Area, where their gypsum deposits and the routing of sons). The species may also be threat- existence is threatened by grazing and roads and powerlines through the ened by future mineral and oil explora- browsing, human trampling, and exotic plant's general habitat also threaten tion and increasing recreational use of weedy plants. the species. the high desert. Liliaceae (Lily family): • Sclerocactus mesae-verdae—The • Harperocallis flava—Known to oc- Foreign Plants Mesa Verde cactus—a grayish-green, cur in three locations of the Apala- Cupressaceae (Cypress family): globular plant found in southwestern chicola National Forest in Florida's • Fitzroya cupressoides—The alerce Colorado and northwestern New Mex- panhandle, Harper's beauty has been or Chilean false larch, a long-lived ico (primarily on the Navajo Indian listed as Endangered (F.R. 10/2/79). evergreen conifer of southern Chile kReservation)—has been listed as No more than 100 individuals of this and southwestern Argentina, has been FThreatened (F.R. 10/30/79). Although species—a perennial herb bearing yel- listed as Threatened (F.R. 11/7/79). known to be difficult to maintain in cul- low flowers—are believed to survive, Found in lowland and highland areas tivation because of its unusual and ex- making it very vulnerable to accidental from Valdivia, Chile, and Lake Nahuel acting soil requirements, this species loss. The Forest Service is actively Huapi, Argentina, to a little south of is greatly threatened by hobby and managing two of the lily's known loca- Rio Corcovado in Chile, it is the only commercial collectors. Portions of its tions to enhance perpetuation of this species in its genus. The false larch habitat have also been damaged by monotypic genus. However, changes may grow to over 150 feet tall and live highway construction and ORV activity. in current land management, vandal- over 3,000 years. It has been exploited • Sclerocactus wrightiae—The ism, and overcollection could easily since 1599 for its wood, which has re- Wright fishhook cactus—so named threaten the existence of this species. markable durability and resistance to because its spines look like fish- Malvaceae (Mallow family): fungal and insect attack. (The tree was hooks—has been listed as Endangered • Kokia cookei—Once native to the nearly eliminated from all accessible (F.R. 10/11/79). First discovered in Hawaiian Islands, Cooke's kokio has sites by 1900.) The species' habitat 1961, it occurs only at five sites in the been listed as Endangered (F.R. has also been lost with colonization, Navajoan Desert (in two Utah coun- 10/30/79). The last wild individuals of involving clearing and burning in one ties), where its habitat is threatened by this species—a small tree with showy of the most massive and rapid defore- mineral exploration, potential indus- red flowers which originally grew in stations ever recorded in Latin Amer- trial use, and ORVs. As with all other the dry hilly country of western Molo- ica until recent times. cacti, overcollecting poses the most kai—died early in this century. Only a Pinaceae (Pine family): serious direct threat to this species. single specimen now exists in an • Abies guatemalensis—Also a Ericaceae (Heath family): arboretum, where it was grown from long-lived evergreen conifer (primarily • Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. ra- a branch grafted onto a rootstock of of the temperate highlands of south- venii—Occurring on the U.S. Army's a closely related species. Leaves western Mexico and western Guate- Presidio in San Francisco County, taken from this last individual have mala), the Guatemalan fir or pinabete Raven's manzanita has been listed as been used to establish tissue cultures has been listed as a Threatened spe- Endangered (F.R. 10/26/79). Only a of the species, which may eventually cies (F.R. 11/8/79). This tree may single individual of this subspecies is lead to successful propagation. grow to over 130 feet tall, with a trunk known to remain in the wild, where it Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock family): diameter of 3 feet, occurring between is extremely vulnerable to destruction. • MirabiUs macfarlanei—Known from elevations of 5,500 and 12,000 feet. It Competition from nonnative plants only two populations with a total of has been exploited for its wood and kalso poses a threat to this and other 20-25 individual plants, the MacFar- has lost much of its habitat to agricul- ^mdigenous plants on the Presidio. lane's four o'clock has been listed as ture since at least the time of the (Specimens of Raven's manzanita are Endangered (F.R. 10/26/79). Occur- Mayan Empire (prior to 1524). Increas- held by several botanical gardens in ring in Idaho and Oregon, surviving ing land use pressures from growing the U.S.) specimens are within federally-man- Continued on page 8

GPO 311-311 PLANTS Continued from page 7 BOX SCORE OF SPECIES LISTINGS human populations continue to take Number of Number of their toll on this tree, which has de- Category Endangered Species Threatened Species clined so rapidly in Guatemala since the 1940's that it is in imminent danger U.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total of extirpation from the country. The fir's wood has been used locally for Mammals 33 251 284 3 21 24 lumber, and saplings cut as Christmas Birds 67 145 212 3 3 trees for local residents. Sheep and Reptiles 11 48 59 10 10 Amphibians 5 9 14 2 2 other livestock grazing prevents regen- Fishes 29 11 40 12 12 eration of the tree, which reproduces Snails 2 1 3 5 5 poorly in the southern portion of its Clams 23 2 25 range. It is also severely attacked by Crustaceans 1 1 a coleopteran insect. Insects 6 6 2 2 Listing of these foreign evergreens Plants 42 42 5 5 will supplement protection now af- Total 219 467 686 42 21 63 forded them under CITES (both are Number of species currently proposed: 161 animals listed on Appendix I) and the Conven- 1,830 plants (approx.) tion on Nature Protection and Wildlife Number of Critical Habitats listed: 34 Preservation in the Western Hemi- Number of Recovery Teams appointed: 66 sphere (both are on its Annex). Number of Recovery Plans approved: 29 Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: Federal Protection 31 (fish & wildlife) While not prohibiting their direct 1 (plants) taking from the wild (when Section 7 October 31, 1979 is not involved), the Endangered Spe- cies Act of 1973 affords protection to ing them extra protection under provisions of Section 7 of the Act, listed plants on several other fronts. Endangered Species Act mandates. which may include taking controls.) Under Service regulations, a permit Section 7 of the law requires all Fed- Funding is now available to the system has been established to con- eral agencies to insure that actions Service through the Land and Water trol trade in plants listed under the they fund, authorize, or carry out do Conservation Fund program to acquire 1973 Act (as well as under CITES), not jeopardize the continued existence and protect Endangered and Threat- while generally allowing legitimate of Endangered or Threatened species ened plant habitat. Also, the Service is commerce in cultivated specimens and or adversely modify or destroy their now authorized to enter into coopera- seeds—thereby discouraging trade in Critical Habitats. (Moreover, the Act tive agreements with the States fori field-collected plants. (Permit condi- calls upon all Federal agencies to the purpose of furthering plant con-' tions differ with listing categories, pur- carry out conservation programs for servation and protection under the poses of interstate commerce and listed animals and plants.) Federal Endangered Species grant-in- import/export, and origin of the plant. Because of their extreme vulnerabil- aid program. Connecticut recently be- Kindly consult the June 24, 1977, Fed- ity, the Service has determined that came the first State to sign such a eral Register for details, or order a designation of Critical Habitat—and matching fund agreement with the copy of Service plant regulations from accompanying publication of maps de- Service, and many more States are the Wildlife Permit Office, U.S. Fish tailing the location of remaining popu- now developing active programs for and Wildlife Service, Department of lations—would only serve to jeo- their protected plants. the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.) pardize the recently listed native For foreign plants, there are meas- Many listed plants occur on feder- plants. (Nevertheless, these plant taxa ures for international cooperation un- ally-owned or managed lands, afford- are protected through the jeopardy der Section 8 of the Act.

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL U&MAIL BULLETIN POSTAGE AND FEES PAID US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program. Washington, D.C. 20240 Int 423

November 1979, Vol. IV, No. 11