September 1984 Vol. IX No. 9

Department of interior. U.S. Fisn and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240 Nine Mariana Islands Species Listed as Endangered Seven and two bats native to the Although once considered common, ally disappeared from two islands Territory of Guam and the Common- the Mlcronesian kingfisher now is within its former range and is thought w/ealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, restricted to less than one-fourth of to be declining on at least two of the both part of an island group in the west- its original range, and its decline is other three. ern Pacific, have been listed by the Ser- continuing. • bridled white-eye (Zosterops conspi- vice as Endangered (F.R. 8/27/84). All • Guam rail (Rallus owstoni). This cillata conspicillata). As late as 1981, nine have declined drastically in flightless , which is also endemic it was estimated that about 2,000 both numbers and distribution, and sev- to Guam and was once very numer- individuals of this small, yellowish eral appear to be on the verge of extinc- ous, has suffered a precipitous drop songbird remained in northern Guam. tion. It is hoped that they now will benefit in range and numbers. Fewer than 50 Since then, however, its numbers are from the provisions of the Endangered are thought to remain, distributed in thought to have plunged to fewer Species Act. several small groups in extreme north- than 50 individuals. The sharp decline The islands of Micronesia, including ern Guam. The species was tempor- may still be in progress, making this arily listed as Endangered, on an the Mariana group, support relatively subspecies one of the most critically few native vertebrate animals, and emergency basis, in April 1984 when endangered birds under U.S. jurisdic- unique species or subspecies often are the habitat of one of the largest sur- continued on page 5 restricted to a single island. Because of viving groups was jeopardized by pro- their limited range and specialized eco- posed land clearing activities at An- logical needs, island animals and plants dersen Air Force Base (see BULLETIN generally prove to be highly vulnerable Vol. VIII No. 5). Protection for the to , especially as their range is Guam rail became permanent with invaded by people and associated habi- the August 27, 1984, final listing rule. tat disturbances, domesticated animals, There is some hope forthis species introduced predators, and diseases. All in captivity. A pairof Guam railsatthe of these factors probably contributed to National Zoological Park's facility at the decline of the following native Front Royal, Virginia, have produced animals: three young that, at last report, are • Guam flycatcher or broadbill (Myia- doing well. Several adult rails that are gra freycineti). This small bird for- being held in captivity by Guam wild- merly occurred throughout all for- life officials also show promise for ested areas of Guam, but now is breeding success. restricted to only about 373 acres at • Vanikoro or gray swiftlet (Aerodra- the northern end of the island. It is mus vanikorensis bartschi). This bird, extremely rare and on the brink of a small, insectivorous, cave-nesting extinction. species in the swift family, has virtu-. Guam flycatcher (Miagra freycineti) • Mariana crow (Corvus kubaryi). Sim- ilar in appearance and habits to the common crow (C. brachyrhynchos) of North America, this bird occurs in / reduced numbers only on the islands of Guam and Rota. • Mariana gallinule or moorhen (Gal- linula chloropus guami). This dark, long-legged bird is a victim of habitat degradation by drainage of wetlands. Its numbers on Guam had declined to 100-200 birds by 1983, and there are small, very restricted populations on three other islands. • Mlcronesian kingfisher (Halcyon cin- namomina cinnamomlna). Despite its common name, this bird does not catch fish like other members of its family, but forages in the forest for small land animals. It is another of the \ > Guam endemics that has suffered significantly from habitat destruction. Mariana crow (Corvus kubaryi)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN VOL. IX No. 9 nnetabolite of DDT) continues to be a chronic problem with this peregrine pop- ulation. An additional 24 captive-bred peregrines were released at 8 California hack sites and 4 were cross-fostered to two pairs of prairie falcon (Faico mexi- canus) parents.

Four bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocepha- lus) nestlings were taken from northern California for release on Santa Catalina Island, which is off the State's southern coast. These eagles have successfully fledged from release sites to join the 8 to 10 eagles remaining on the island from the 16 released therein previous years. There are two known pair bonds among the earlier released birds, but these birds are still too young to breed.

Endangered Species Program regional to hatch their eggs, and 5 didn't lay, for staffers have reported the following ac- an average of 1.4 young per active site. tivities for the month of August: Twenty-six of the forty-seven successful Chevron LI,S,A. and the Sacramento sites had their eggs removed for captive Endangered Species Office are cooper- Region 1—There were 64 active pere- incubation and return of the chicks to ating on a rehabilitation program for a grine falcon (Faico peregrinus) nesting the nest. Forty-four of the 91 young that 1.5-acre remnant of sand dune habitat pairs in California in 1984. Forty-seven fledged to the wild were reared in captiv- located within Chevron's El Segundo successfully fledged 91 young, 12 failed ity. Eggshell thinning caused by DDE (a Refinery. The dune remnant provides habitat for the Endangered El Segundo blue butterfly (Euphilotes (=Shijimiae- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service James Johnson, Endangered Species oides) battoides allyni). The majority of Washington, D.C. 20240 Specialist. the butterfly's habitat is found on approx- Robert A. Jantzen, Director Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, imately 90 acres of dunes along the (202-343-4717) TviJin Cities. MN 55111 (612-725-3500): western border of Los Angeles Interna- Robert E Giimore Harvey Nelson, Regional Director-. tional Airport. At the refinery site, the John S. Popowski, Assistant Regional Associate Director and Service has provided seedlings of the Endangered Species Program Manager Director, James M. Enge\, Endangered butterfly's foodplant, and Chevron is (202-343-4646) Species Specialist. John L Spinks, Chief. planting the seedlings, monitoring their Region 4, Richard B.. Russell Federal growth, and removing any competing Office of Endangered Species BIdg., 75 Spring St , S.W., Atlanta, GA plants. Initial results have been success- (703-235-2771) 30303 (404-221-3583): James W.Pulliam, Thomas J. Parisot, Chief, Regional Director, John I. Christian, ful and have expanded feeding and egg- Federal Wildlife Permit Office Assistant Regional Director, Alex B. laying sites for the butterfly on this small (703-235-1937) Montgomery, Endangered Species Spe- "island" of habitat. Clark R. Bavin, Chief. cialist. Division of Law Enforcement (202-343-9242) Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Center, TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965- 5100): Howard Larsen, Regional Direc- Michael Bender. Editor tor, Stephen W. Parry, Assistant Regional Of the 40 least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii Denise Mello, Assistant Editor Director: Paul Nickerson, Endangered pusillus) nests checked along the San (703-235-2407) Species Specialist. Luis Rey, Sweetwater, and San Diego Rivers in 1984, over 95 percent had been Regional Offices Region 6, P O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500 BIdg., Center, Denver, CO 80225 (303-234- parasitized by brown-headed cowbirds 500 N.E. Multnomah St. Portland, OR 2209): Galen Buterbaugh, Regional (Molothrus ater). Parasitized nests sel- 97232 (503-231-6118): Richard J My- Director John D. Green, Assistant dom produce any vireo young. It appears shak, Regional Director. William F. Regional Director: Barry S. Mulder, Endan- that a systematic cowbird trapping pro- Shake, Assistant Regional Director, gered Species Specialist. gram will be necessary to preserve many Larry Safley, Acting Endangered Spe- Region 7, 1101 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, remaining subpopulations and to re- cies Specialist. AK 99503 (907-786-3542): Robert E. cover the vireo from its precarious sta- Region 2, P.O. Box 1306. Albuquerque, Putz, Regional Director. Jon Nelson, tus. A listing package is currently under NM 87103 (505-766-2321); Michael J. Assistant Regional Director: Dennis review for this Category 1 candidate Spear, Regional Director, Conrad A. Money, Endangered Species Special- bird. Fjetland, Assistant Regional Director, ist.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard Region 1: California, Hawaii, Idaho. Nevada. Oregon. Washinglon, and Pacific Trust Territories Region 2: Arizona. (Lima Inornata) Habitat Conservation New Mexico. Oklahoma, and Texas Region 3: Illinois. Indiana. Iowa. Michigan. Minnesota, Missouri. Ohio, and Plan (HCP) is nearing the final draft Wisconsin Region 4: Alabama. Arkansas. Florida. Georgia. Kentucky. Louisiana. Mississippi, North Carolina. South Carolina. Tennessee. Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Region 5; Connecticut, Delaware. Maine, Maryland. Massa- stage. The Steering Committee drafted chusetts. New Hampshire. New Jersey. New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island. Vermont. Virginia, and West Virginia. and released a summary of the HCP on Region 6: Colorado. Kansas. Montana. Nebraska. North Dakota. South Dakota. Utah, and Wyoming Region 7: Alaska. July 27,1984. The summary is available The ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN is published monthly by the to all interested parties through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. regional office. To date, one preserve

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN VOL. IX No. 9 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 381-580 has been established and the Bureau of either side of the stream. All of the com- One of the ten Sonoran pronghorn (Anti- Land Management (BLM) is recommend- ments from these meetings will be sum- locapra americana sonoriensis) radio- ing the establishment of a second pre- marized and addressed in the final list- collared last October was found dead in serve on land it administers. Actions to ing package. July. The "mortality" transmitter on the 'establish the third and largest preserve Dr. Glen Clemmer (FWS, Fort Collins, failed to function, so by the time are also progressing. The BLM and The Colorado) has begun a small survey for the remains were recovered it was not Nature Conservancy are effecting a land the other subspecies of bluntnose shiner, possible to determine the exact cause of swap, Congress is acting on a request to N. s. simus, which is found only in the death. However, all indications point to appropriate funds for a land purchase, Rio Grande of New Mexico. Last located natural mortality. The skeletal remains and local government agencies are col- in 1964 by Dr. Clemmer, the Rio Grande of the male pronghorn will be sent to the lecting fees to acquire part of the pre- subspecies was not included in the National Museum to be added to the serve. A projected date for completion of Pecos bluntnose shiner listing package taxonomic collection. the effort is August 1985. because there is a possibility that it is extinct. Due to the difficulty in deter- mining if an organism istrulyextinct. Dr. During July and August, three more oce- Clemmer's work is only the first phase of The plans for creating additional stream lots (Felis pardalis) were captured on a two-phase project in cooperation with private lands in south Texas—an adult habitat on the Moapa National Wildlife the New Mexico Department of Game Refuge were recently completed. The male, an adult female, and a 5-pound and Fish to survey the historic range of male kitten that was accompanying the rehabilitation plans would add 460 feet the Rio Grande bluntnose shiner. of stream to the 600 feet of suitable female. Both adults were radio-collared. Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea) habitat continued on page 1 already on the refuge. Bid solicitation for the proposed work will be released soon, and channel construction should begin shortly thereafter. Miccosukee Gooseberry Proposed for The Service's Great Basin Office in Nevada is conducting a survey of the Listing as Threatened Muddy River system to determine the distribution and relative abundance of The Miccosukee gooseberry (Ribes Further research is needed on the spe- the Moapa dace. With the survey approx- echinellum), a rare and vulnerable plant cies' biology to determine what kind of imately 35 percent complete, dace have known only from two locations in Flor- management it needs. The long-term been found in three spring systems off ida and South Carolina, has been pro- prospects for the survival of Ribes echi- refuge property, accounting for an esti- posed by the Service for listing as a nellum in Florida are more problemati- mated 500 adults. Threatened species (F.R. 8/31/84). Its cal. This population is on privately limited habitat could be damaged by owned land and the site has some poten- potential development and logging activ- tial for development. Although the cur- ities. rent owner has no such plans for the site, A Regional Brief item in BULLETIN Vol. The plant was first discovered in 1924, future owners could decide to use it for IX No. 6 to the effect that o'opu alamo'o growing along the shore of Lake Micco- recreational or residential development. (Lentlpes concolor), a native fish that is sukee in Jefferson County, Florida. It Logging of the hardwood trees asso- a Category 2 candidate for future listing, was more than 30 years later that the ciated with the habitat also could jeop- have been discovered spawning in Ho'o- only other known population was found ardize the population. Some nearby kele'kele Stream on the Island of Hawai'i about 200 miles to the northeast in areas have already been logged. was in error. In the Draft Coordination McCormick County, South Carolina. Act ReportfortheWailuku-Honolii Hydro- If the preposed rule is made final, (Botanists consider the South Carolina power Study, authored by John Ford Ribes echinellum will receive the protec- location to contain one of the most and Andy Yuen of the Service's Hono- tion authorized underthe ActforThreat- unusual assemblages of plants in the lulu office, it states that no evidence of ened plants. Interstate and international Carolinas.) spawning, recruitment, or egg masses trafficking in this plant will be prohib- were found in the affected reach. Yuen Ribes echinellum is a unique shrub ited, except for properly documented did find what appeared to be a single that reaches one meter in height and seeds of cultivated specimens. (Permits gravid female; however, the fish was not forms patches that often measure sev- to carry out otherwise prohibited activi- caught and its reproductive status could eral meters in diamter. It has spiny stems ties could be available for certain con- not conclusively be established. Ford and three-lobed leaves 1-2 centimeters servation purposes.) Further, under Sec- and Yuen suspect that they found egg in length. The small flowers are greenish tion 7 of the Act, Federal agencies will be massess of Lentipes concolor in upper white. Gooseberries are cultivated for required to ensure that any actions they Hanawi Stream on Maui during an in- their ornamental appearance and their authorize, fund, or carry out are not stream flow study in April 1984, but the edible fruit. Although Ribes echinellum likely to jeopardize the species' survival spawning of this species remains an elu- currently is not in commercial demand, by directly affecting the plants or by sive event to document. the proposed listing could helptoensure adversely modifying their habitat. Sec- long-term protection. tion 7 protection will apply even though The potential for habitat degradation the vulnerability of Ribes echinellum to is the main threat to Ribes echinellum. collection for its fruit-bearing and orna- Region 2—Two public meetings were Its localized range at only two sites mental values makes it imprudent to held for the listing of the Pecos blunt- makes the species particularly vulnera- publicize the population sites with a nnost e shiner (Notropis simus pecosen- ble to any human-related habitat distur- formal designation of Critical Habitat. is) in Artesia and Albuquerque, New bances. The South Carolina population These conservation measures will com- WM exico. Questions from the 26 partici- occurs on lands managed as a nature plement the protection already given the pants ranged from how the designation preserve by South Carolina, but in- species under Florida's own endangered might affect bait fish seining in the creased visitation to the area could jeop- species legislation, which prohibits tak- Pecos Riverto why the proposed Critical ardize the plant by increasing the risks ing, transport, and sale of the plant but Habitat area extended 15 meters on of trampling and accidental destruction. does not control habitat degradation.

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN VOL. IX No. 9 talis), which was listed as Endan- and the beautiful shiner, a special rule Protection Given to gered in 1967. The establishment of has been included to allow take of these exotic fish species in Mexico may also species for educational, scientific, or Three Rio Yaqui result in intense competitive pressure on conservation purposes if done in accor- existing populations of the Yaqui chub. dance with Arizona State laws and regu- Fishes On July 15, 1983, the Service pub- lations. Although neither otthese spe-( Three species of fish, once found lished a proposed rule to list the three cies is known to survive in Arizona throughout the Rio Yaqui Basin which fishes with Critical Habitat (see BUL- waters, the special rule will apply if any drains southeastern Arizona and adja- LETIN Vol. VIII No. 8). Five responses to reintroductions are made. cent areas in Mexico, have been added the proposal were received, all from U.S. to the list of Endangered and Threat- State and Federal agencies and the Gov- ened species. The Service has listed the ernment of Mexico, supporting the addi- Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea) as Endan- tion of the fishes to the list of Endan- Critical Habitat gered, and the Yaqui catfish (Ictalurus gered and Threatened species. No com- pricei) and beautiful shiner (Notropis ments in opposition were received. Designated for formosus) as Threatened (F.R. 8/31/84). The area designated as Critical Habi- All three fishes will now receive protec- tat for the Rio Yaqui fishes consists of all Maryland Darter tion under the Endangered Species Act. the aquatic habitats of the San Bernar- Short sections of two small streams in Thethree Rio Yaqui species are serious- dino National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Cochise County, Arizona. These habi- eastern Maryland have been designated ly affected by a variety of habitat modifi- as Critical Habitat for the Endangered cations. These fishes existed in San tats provide areas for the remaining Yaqui chub population to expand and Maryland darter (F.R. 8/31/84). This Bernardino Creek, Arizona, until the small member of the freshwater perch spring flows supporting the creek dimin- recover, and are considered by the Ser- vice to be prime U.S. reintroduction sites family was listed as an Endangered spe- ished and the remaining aquatic habitat cies in 1967. One small population is was destroyed by cattle. Diverting stream for the beautiful shiner and the Yaqui catfish. known from one to two miles of lower headwaters, constructing impound- Deer Creek, which was designated by As listed species, all three fishes and ments, and excessive pumping of under- the State of Maryland in 1973asascenic their habitat will receive the protection ground aquifers are respon- river. A short stretch of a nearby stream, authorized under the Endangered Spe- sible for the reduction in the species' Gashey's Run (or Gashey's Creek), also cies Act. This includes recognition of stream habitat. The remaining U.S. pop- may support a breeding population. The their precarious status, development of ulations of Yaqui chub are limited to a Maryland darter has specific habitat plans for their recovery, and possible few springs on San Bernardino National needs, requiring clean, shallow, well- Federal aid to State conservation pro- Wildlife Refuge and to Leslie Creek, oxygenated riffle areas. It seldom has grams. both in southeastern Arizona. The shiner been seen in even the nearby quiet sec- and Yaqui catfish have been extirpated Under Section 7 of the Act, Federal tions of the stream channels. from the United States, but they are still agencies are required to consult with the found in Mexico. These populations are The Critical Habitat designation wasi being affected by the modification of Photo by John N. Rinne originally proposed in 1978, but was' river systems for irrigation agriculture. delayed because of changes in the pro- cedural requirements for making such Another serious threat to the fishes is designations. The final Critical Habitat the introduction into their habitat of rule, which was based on the recom- closely related exotic species. Future mendations of the State of Maryland, the releases of the red shiner (Notropis lu- Maryland Darter Recovery Team, and trensis) into the Rio Yaqui system may Fish and Wildlife Service biologists, de- cause a reduction in beautiful shiner lineates 2.8 miles of the two streams that populations through competition or appear sufficient for population growth genetic swamping. The Yaqui catfish and normal behavior. The Critical Habi- may be similarly affected by the expand- tat designation reemphasizes the habi- ing channel catfish (Ictalurus puncta- tat protection that the darter already tus) and blue catfish (I. furcatus) popu- beautiful shiner (Notropis formosus) benefitted from under Section 7 of the lations that have been introduced and Endangered Species Act. Federal agen- are already established in the Rio Yaqui Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that cies are required to ensure that any drainage. This type of interaction has any actions they fund, authorize, or actions they fund, authorize, or carry out proven to be detrimental to other native carry out are not likely to jeopardize the are not likely to jeopardize the survival of fishes found in the same drainage, as survival of any listed species or adver- the Maryland darter or adversely modify shown by the rapid elimination of the sely affect their habitats. The only pos- its Critical Habitat. Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis occiden- sible Federal activity that may affect these species or their habitat is that of geothermal exploration on property ad- ministered by the Bureau of Land Man- agement in San Bernardino Valley. This Reference Note activity is beyond the boundaries of the All Service notices, along with final and San Bernardino NWR, but it could affect proposed rulemakings, are published in [ciel underground aquifers supplying surface full detail in the Federal Register. The bee waters to the Critical Habitat. parenthetical references given in the In addition, other regulations make it BULLETIN—for example, (F.R. 8/20/84)— illegal to take, possess, sell, or engage in identify the date that the notice or rul interstate or international trafficking in making action appeared in the Feder Endangered or Threatened species, ex- Register. cept under permit. For the two fishes Yaqui catfish (Ictalurus pricei) listed as Threatened, the Yaqui catfish

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN VOL. IX No. 9 pleted, the Service expects to publish a Final Action on Rules Affecting Four final determination within the near future after potential economic and other im- Florida Keys Animals pacts are considered. Critical Habitat for the Schaus swallowtail was not desig- nated since the butterfly is popular with The Service has completed action on by the Fish and Wildlife Service under collectors, and pinpointing its territory two separate rules affecting a total of Section 6 of the Endangered Species could place it in even greater jeopardy. four animals that occur in the Florida Act. The Commission found that the Collecting of the protected butterfly Keys. The Key Largo woodrat and cot- Bahama swallowtail is only an occa- and mammals, as well as possessing, ton mouse, which earlier had been pro- sional migrant to south Florida from a transporting, and interstate/internation- tected under a temporary emergency stable, non-subspecifically distinct popu- al trade in these animals, is prohibited, action, were given final protection as lation found throughout the Bahama except under permit. Although the Endangered species (F.R. 8/31/84). Islands, and therefore is not in need of Schaus swallowtail already was covered Another rule, published the same day, (or eligible for) continued protection under these protective measures, re- reclassified the Schaus swallowtail but- under the Act. Unfortunately, the status classifying it to Endangered will allow terfly from Threatened to Endangered of the Schaus swallowtail, which is a dis- the Service to give increased priority to and removed another subspecies, the tinct U.S. resident, was discovered to its recovery needs. The final rule also Bahama swallowtail butterfly, from the have deteriorated to the brink of extinc- removes the non-endangered Bahama list of species protected under the En- tion, due primarily to habitat loss. After swallowtail from protection under the dangered Species Act (F.R. 8/31/84). reviewing the data, the Service proposed Act. on August 29,1983, to delist the Bahama swallowtail and reclassify the Schaus Key Largo Woodrat and swallowtail undertheAct to Endangered. Cotton Mouse The final rule was published on August Mariana Islands 31, 1984. This is the first time that the Both the Key Largo woodrat (Neo- continued from page 1 legal status of any fedeially listed spe- toma floridana smalli) and cotton mouse cies has been changed from Threatened (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola) • Mariana fruit bat (Pteropus marian- to the more critical classification of En- are distinct subspecies native to Key nus mariannus). Due to over-exploita- dangered. Largo in Monroe County, Florida. They tion for consumption as a human formerly occurred throughout forested delicacy, the Guam population of this areas on the island, but widespread devel- relatively large bat has declined to opment has restricted them to remnant One of the main purposes of the En- only about 500 individuals and has habitat on the northern end. (A small dangered Species Act, as stated in Sec- been listed as Endangered. Popula- population of the woodrat has been tion 2, is "to provide a means whereby tions on other islands in the northern lestablished on Lignumvitae Key, where the ecosystems upon which endangered Marianas apparently are not in danger 'it is not native.) Both species avoid species and threatened species depend of extinction at this time. humans and developed areas, and have may be conserved " One of our • little IVIariana fruit bat (P. tokudae). not been implicated in spreading any nation's most unique ecosystem types is This bat is endemic to Guam, and is human diseases. the tropical hardwood hammock; it also subject to the same problems facing Due to their reduced range, specific is one of the most limited and vulnera- the larger fruit bat. No specimens of habitat requirements, and low numbers, ble. Once found throughout the Keys the little Mariana fruit bat are known I both rodents are extremely vulnerable. and into peninsular Florida, these ham- to have been collected since the They were first listed as Endangered on mocks have been extensively modified 1960s, but it is difficult to identify in September 21,1983 (see BULLETIN Vol. or destroyed through residential and the field. VIII No. 10), on a 240-day emergency recreational development, and those on Habitat loss has probably played a basis after it was learned that a proposed north Key Largo represent some of the part in the decline of all nine animals; electrical delivery system could result in largest remaining tracts. These consti- however, the rapidity and severity of the development of their remaining habitat. tute the only tropical upland plant com- most recent decline, along with the A proposal to make the listing perman- munities in the continental U.S., and presence of some suitable but currently ent was published in the February 9, many rare plants and animals depend on unoccupied habitat, indicates that other 1984, Federal Register. Comments re- the particular ecological conditions in problems are more severe. Avian dis- ceived in response to the proposal, along these areas. Conservation of the rem- eases, spread by an introduced tropical with the Service's replies, are summar- nant hammocks is vital to the survival of mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus), ized in the August 31, 1984, final listing the Schaus swallowtail butterfly and the have been a major problem in some rule. Key Largo cotton mouse and woodrat. areas, and this factor is being investi- gated by the Guam Aquatic and Wildlife Resources Division with Fish and Wild- Two Swallowtail Butterflies Available Conservation Measures life Service funding. Predation by intro- The Schaus (Heraclides (Papilio)aris- As Endangered species, the Schaus duced animals may be the most serious itodemus ponceanus) and Bahama (Her- swallowtail butterfly and the Key Largo reason for the recent devastation of aclides (Papilio) andraemon bonhotei) woodrat and cotton mouse will receive native Guam birds. The vallowtail butterflies are representa- the full habitat protection authorized (Boiga irregularis), also known as the tive^°' tropical species that reach their under Section 7 of the Federal Endan- Philippine rat snake, has become wide- northV''" distribution in south- gered Species Act. (All three species spread on Guam. This arboreal snake could easily prey on eggs, hatchlings, ern F^t'''''^^ (Dade and Monroe Coun- were already recognized by Florida as and roosting birds. An indication of the -pgg^ ""sre in t»ie U.S., and were endangered and receive some protec- explosive growth in the population of Misted as Threatened. tion under its own endangered species legislation, but State law does not pro- this predacious species is the greatly Additi\n3l research toward the recov- increasing number of power outages ery of tl^vbutterflies was recently car- vide for habitat conservation.) Although a formal Critical Habitat designation for caused when the snakes ascend power- ried out by w»e Florida Game and Fresh line poles and accidentally short-circuit Water Fish Commission, funded in part the two rodents has not yet been com-

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN VOL. IX No. 9 the transmission cables; the ground un- derneath is littered by dead snakes. A variety of other exotic animals also may threaten native birds, particularly the flightless rail. The nine Guam species were proposed for listing as Endangered in the Novem- ber 29, 1983, Federal Register. For more information on the problems facing Guam's wildlife, see the proposed rule, the August 27, 1984, final rule, or BUL- LETIN Vol VIII Nos. 1 and 12.

Available Conservation Measures Since the Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mari- ana Islands are under U.S. jurisdiction, all nine of the animals listed in the August 27, 1984, final rule will receive the full protection authorized under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The benefits conferred by such a listing include an increased awareness of the species' plight, the requirement for developing a recovery Mariana fruit bat (Pteropus mariannus plan, the possibility of Federal aid to mariannus) local conservation programs, and pro- hibitions against certain practices. Among the implementing regulations in Endangered Status for 50 CFR 17.21 are general prohibitions against such practices as taking, pos- Three Western Plants sessing, transporting, and interstate or international trade in Endangered spe- The protection of the Endangered private land. Scattered individuals can cies, except under permit. Species Act has been extended to three also be found in a few other areas, but A formal designation of Critical Habi- plants found in the western United these plants apparently do not repro- tat for the nine Guam animals was not States. Two species native to southern duce and are expected to die out. The' made at the time of listing; nevertheless, California, Thelypodium stenopetaium slender-petaled mustard is known to these taxa and their habitat will receive (the slender-petaled mustard) and Si- grow in four locations, three of which the full protection authorized under Sec- dalcea pedata (the pedate checker-mal- are privately owned. The fourth site, at tion 7 of the Act. Federal agencies must low), along with Franl

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN VOL. IX No. 9 ing as an Endangered species (BUL- In the past, plans to reestablish Endan- prises the only remaining habitat in the LETIN VOL VIM NO. 8), Of the six com- gered and Threatened species in unoc- U.S. for the masked bobwhite (Colinus ments received on the listing proposal, cupied parts of their historical ranges virginianus ridgwayi). Approximately none opposed the action. The Texas sometimes met with local opposition be- 100 people attended the Tucson hear- kParks and Wildlife Department was cause of the legal prohibitions associated ing, with comments for and against the 'among the supporters, and the final rule with listed species. In 1982, Congress proposal evenly divided. In Sasabe, a listing Frankenia johnstonii as Endan- recognized the problem and authorized small border town southwest of Tucson gered was published by the Service on the experimental population concept. An and just south of the ranch, approxi- August 7, 1984. experimental population is defined as a mately 60 people attended with the reintroduced population (including off- majority of comments favoring the pro- spring) of a listed species that is geo- posed action. The environmental as- graphically isolated from the non-experi- sessment is now being finalized. Available Conservation Measures mental populations of the same species As Endangered species, all three during specific periods of time. plants will receive all the protection Experimental populations can be A recently completed status survey on authorized under the Endangered Spe- classified in one of two categories, the Texas Henslow's sparrow (Ammo- cies Act, including recognition of their "essential" or "nonessential." An essen- dramus henslowii houstonensis) indi- precarious status, development of plans tial experimental population is one cates that this subspecies may be ex- for their recovery, and the possible avail- whose loss would appreciably reduce tinct. Henslow's sparrow occurred in ability of Federal aid to fund cooperative the likelihood of the survival of the spe- grassy fields near Houston in Harris State conservation activities. In addition, cies in the wild. All other experimental County, Texas. In 1973, at least 71 birds under Section 9 of the Act, it is illegal to populations would be classified as non- were recorded, but only a single sparrow remove and reduce to possession Endan- essential, and it is anticipated that most was heard in 1983. A further search in gered plants from areas under Federal would fall into this category. 1984 by Dr. Keith Arnold (Texas A & M jurisdiction. This prohibition now ap- Under the experimental population University) failed to locate any of these plies to the slender-petaled mustard on designation, listed species would be birds. Forest Service lands in the Holcomb Val- treated as Threatened, a classification ley. Further, Section 9 also prohibits that allows for more exceptions to the interstate or international trafficking in taking prohibitions through special reg- Endangered plants. Permits for these ulations (50CFR 17.84-.86) for the man- An interim status report by Joe Marshall, otherwise prohibited activities are avail- agement of each individual population. Roger Clapp, and Joseph Crzybowski of able, under certain circumstances, for the Service on the status of the black- Section 7(a)(2) prohibits Federal approved scientific orconservation pur- capped vireo (Vireo atricapillus), a Cate- agencies from authorizing, funding, or poses. gory 2 candidate for listing, indicates carrying out any activity that would be that this species is in serious trouble in Critical Habitat is not being desig- likely to jeopardize the survival of an Oklahoma. Only two nesting pairs were ^nated for any of the three plants at this Endangered orThreatened species. This recorded from a single site this year. lime. Such a designation might encour- provision would continue to apply for Further information will be forthcoming age vandalism or private or commercial essential experimental populations and concerning this species' status in Texas. collecting, especially since a Critical all experimental populations (both es- However, past records indicate that its Habitat designation requires the publi- sential and nonessential) located on current range may be less than half the cation of range maps and detailed des- National Wildlife Refuges or National range reported in the late 1950s. criptions of population sites. Neverthe- Parks. It would no longer apply to other less, they will receive the full protection nonessential experimental populations. authorized under Section 7 of the Act, However, Federal agencies would still which requires Federal agencies to en- be asked to confer (a non-binding pro- Region 4—The Jacksonville, Florida, sure that any action they fund, autho- cess) with the Service and to treat non- Endangered Species Field Station has rize, or carry out is not likely to jeopard- essential experimental populations as if been working closely with the Jackson- ize the survival of the species or adverse- they were species proposed for listing ville District of the U.S. Army Corps of ly modify their habitat. under Section 7(a)(4). Engineers in an attempt to better define The experimental population regula- direct and indirect impacts of marina tions were proposed in the January 9, development on the Endangered West 1984, Federal Register. Several minor Indian manatee in Florida (Trichechus Experimental changes were made in response to some manatus). The Fish and Wildlife Service of the comments received; see the is concerned that increased marina Population August 27, 1984, final rule for details. development in manatee Critical Habitat may increase the number of manatees kegulatidnis'^Vg^ killed as a result of boat collisions. There are many areas in the State where the T^pproved Regional Briefs Service does not have adequate infor- continued from page 3 mation on manatee distribution or im- Procedures for establishing and deeig- portant manatee resources such as warm and all three animals were released. The ^iting^certain populations of listed spe- water outflow, grassbeds, and shallow total number of ocelots captured and as "experimental populations" have and fresh water. As a result of these con- examined by the ongoing south Texas approved by the Service (F.R. cerns and the increase in the number of study now stands at 18. 7^7/RJ4). The new regulations imple- permit applications for marinas, the Ser- » ment S»?ction 10 (j) of the Endangered vice has been working with the Corps on Secies Act, as amended in 1982, "and developing a series of studies to attempt Irelntended to encourage greater State On July 24 and 25, public hearings were to answer some of these distribution and local participation in species recov- held in Tucson and Sasabe, Arizona, on questions and to better define critical ery efforts by increasing the flexibility in the draft environmental assessment con- areas or "hot spots" in Florida where management of newly established popu- cerning the proposed acquisition of the marina development would not be in the lations. Buenos Aires Ranch. This ranch com- best interest of the manatee.

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN VOL. IX No. 9 Region 5^The Service's Region 5 Office and the Eastern Regional Office of The BOX SCORE OF LISTINGS/RECOVERY PLANS Nature Conservancy have recently en- ENDANGERED THREATENED 1 SPECIES tered into an agreement to conduct Calegory US US & Foreign US U.S. & Foreign j SPECIES- HAVING range-wide status surveys on 13 plant Only Foreign Only Only Foreign Only 1 TOTAL PLANS candidates and one invertebrate, the Mammals 18 19 233 4 0 22 ; 296 21 dw/arf wedge mussel (Alasmidonta hete- Birds 59 13 144 3 1 0 1 220 50 rodon). which occur in the eastern and Reptiles 8 6 60 8 4 13 ; 99 10 southeastern United States. The project Amphibians 5 0 8 3 0 0 4 will be initiated this fall and continue 1 1® 4 through the 1985 field season. The re- Fishes 29 11 13 3 0 1 60 30 gional endangered species staff plans to Snails 3 0 1 5 0 0 ; 9 6 Clams 22 0 2 0 0 0 3 expand the project to include additional 1 ^^ candidate species as funds become Crustaceans 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 1 available. Insects 8 D 0 4 0 0 1 12 5 Plants 64 5 1 9 2 2 ; 83 27 The initial phase of the project will TOTAL 219 47 460 50 10 37 1 823 157" primarily focus on those plants asso- ciated with two habitat types that are *Separate populations of a species, listed both as Endangered and Threatened, are tallied under ever increasing pressure from twice. Species which are thus accounted for are the gray wolf, bald eagle, American development: intermittent ponds (also alligator, green sea turtle, Olive ridley sea turtle, and leopard. called Delmarva bays) of the Mid-Atlan- **More than one species may be covered by some plans, and a few species have more tic coastal plain and pine barrens plant than one plan covering different parts of their ranges. communities (which include bogs and Number of Recovery Plans approved: 136 wetlands). The intermittent freshwater ponds are often ditched and drained to Number of species currently proposed for listing: 29 animals increase agricultural production. The 30 plants Chesapeake Bay region has been par- Number of Species with Critical Habitats determined: 63 ticularly affected by agricultural drain- Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: 40 fish & wildlife age. The coastal pine barrens of Cape 13 plants Cod. Massachusetts, Long Island, New August 31,1984 York, and southern New Jersey have likewise been impacted by increasing Service, the Wyoming Game and Fish Hopefully, some of the young geese development and suburban sprawl. Department, and Biota Research and from this and prior transplants will join The Nature Conservancy, along with Consulting, Inc. This is a continuation of the small breeding population that has each individual State Heritage Program's studies that were inflated in 1982 to become reestablished there this year. existing data base and field personnel, determine the ecological requirements, Elsewhere in the western Aleutians, a will play a significant role in the project. population dynamics, movements, etc. 5-week effort by two animal damage Botanists from New Hampshire to Geor- of the black-footed ferret. control personnel from Region 6 suc- gia are expected to be involved. The The annual summer census of the ceeded in eliminating introduced Arctic information developed from the cooper- population has been completed. This foxes (Alopex lagopus)Uovn 6,800-acre ative project will be used to support the year, the population has been estimated Rat Island. listing of those plants that are currently at 124 ferrets, with 24 litters. This is an In the eastern Aleutians, a banding under Federal review or to drop them increase from last year, when the popu- efforton Chagulak Island resulted in the from further consideration, whichever is lation was estimated to be 88 ferrets, capture and banding of 20 geese. These appropriate. Those seeking further infor- with 16 litters. In addition, 11 ferrets birds were banded with green leg bands mation on the project should contact were fitted with radio collars this year. to facilitate their identification and track- Dick Dyer at the Service's regional ing in their wintering ground. It is esti- office, telephone number (617)965-5100, mated that over 100 birds are present on extension 316. Region 7—Eighty-six Aleutian Canada this mountainous island, which is about geese (Branta canadensis leucoparela) 550 rUrte's f[£)nxthe,Buldir Island popula- Region 6—Research activities continue were captured on Buldir Island last tion.Ne'sTb^'Amukta Island was made on the black-footed ferret (Mustela month and successfully released on fox-free last summer, and a small num- nigripes) population near Meeteetse, nearby Agattu Island. This makes ap- ber of Aleutian geese are already using Wyoming. These activities are being con- proximately 400 birds that have been this 12,400-acre island for loafing and ducted jointly by the Fish and Wildlife transplanted to this island since 1980.

Vol. IX No. 9 September 1984 FIRST CLASS POSTAGE AND FEgg' PAID, I4.S, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT NO. G-77 . jf '^ . , Department of interior. U.S. Fish and wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN VOL. IX No. 9