( ( !i June 1982 Vol. vn NO.6 --- ( ------
Department of Interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife service Technical BUlletin Endangered Species program, washington, D.C. 20240 Emergency Protection Approved for Two Ash Meadows Fishes
An emergency rule listing as Endan age that has occurred to the fragile area dace as Endangered therefore extends gered two fishes that occur only in Ash in recent years, Ash Meadows is still protection to all three levels of springs. Meadows, Nevada, was published in considered a relatively lush oasis in Protection did not come in time, how the May 10 Federal Register and took what is now one 01 the most arid re ever, for the Ash Meadows killifish effect immediately. The Ash Meadows gions of the world (average annual rain (Empetrichthys merriami), which is now Amargosa pupfish (Cyprinodon neva fall 70 mm). Hundreds of plant and ani extinct. The Ash Meadows killifish was densis mionectes) and Ash Meadows mal species, many of them endemic to restricted to the same lower-elevation speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus the area, are associated with the wet springs that contain the two emergency nevadansis) depend on maintenance of lands and depend on them for sUlvival. listed fishes, but it was eliminated by their fragile spring habitat in the Mohave Both the Ash Meadows speckled predation from exotic species. Other Desert. A large residential and agricul dace and Ash Meadows Amargosa members of the genus Empetrichthys tural development in the area poses an pupfish are restricted to the area's have also been extirpated from their imminent threat to the species' survival. larger warmwater (24° to 30°C) springs Nevada spring habitats. The Pahrump Under the temporary listing, protection and related outflows, Unfortunately, killifish (Empetrichthys latos latos), also for the fishes and their habitats will ex many of the area's aquatic habitats an Endangered species, is the only sur tend for 240 days (until January 5, have been degraded or lost altogether viving member of the genus. Develop ( 1983), giving the Service time to pro in recent years. Another Ash Meadows ment of Pahrump Valley, which is next ceed with a permanent rulemaking. species, the Devils Hole pupfish (Cypr to Ash Meadows, caused the failure of inodon diabolis), is endemic to a water the only spring containing the Pahrump Unique and Diverse Ecosystem filled limestone cavern and was listed killifish and it now exists only in refugia. Ash Meadows, an intermontane val· as Endangered in 1967. Three years The Ash Meadows region also has an ley located about 110 kilometers north later, the Warm Springs pupfish (Cypr extraordinarily diverse freshwater mol west of las Vegas, is a unique and di inodon nevadensis pectoralis), which lusk fauna, which is currently being verse desert wetland ecosystem made inhabits the small middle-elevation studied by Dr. Dwight Taylor of Tiburon, up of several dozen springs and seeps springs, joined it on the Endangered list. California. Of special interest are two dotting an irregular north-south contour Listing the Ash Meadows Amargosa species complexes of snails which are line for approximately 16 km. During the pupfish and Ash Meadows speckled Con tinued on page 3 Pleistocene Epoch, the area was cov ered by an extensive system of inter connecting rivers and lakes. As the cli House and Senate Pass mate changed and the surface waters gradually receded, the fishes and other Reauthorization Bills aquatic species of the region were left stranded in the remaining springs and their associated outflows. These springs Two bills which further amend and • streamline the exemption process; were isolated in three stages. Devil's reauthorize the Endangered Species • establish new criteria for the ex Hole, located at the highest elevation, Act of 1973 were passed by the U.S. port of Appendix II species under was isolated first, followed by a series House of Representatives and the the Convention on International of small middle-elevation springs, The U.S. Senate on June 8 and 9, 1982, Trade in Endangered Species of larger, lower-elevation springs were iso respectively. H.R. 6133 and 8.2309 Wild Fauna and Flora; and lated last, and it is these springs that will next go to a Congressional Joint provide habitat for the two fishes cov Committee for resolution of dif • reauthorize the Act for 3 years. ered by the emergency rule. All of these ferences. A complete analysis of the final wetlands are fed by a local aquifer Both bills contain amendments to: 1982 Amendments of the Endan consisting of "fossil water" that entered • speed up the listing process, gered Species Act will be given in a the ground-water system more than • allow for "experimental pop future issue of the BULLETIN, For 10,000 years ago. ulations;" background information on the ( The organisms of the region evolved • provide for more involvement of amendments listed above, consult in isolated waters, adapting to their indi permit and license applicants in the January, March, and May 1982 vidual habitats and undergoing a high the consultation process; issues of the BULLETIN. degree of speciation. Despite the dam- ( I Hab"dl Conservation Plan and Endan gered Species section 1O(a) Permit, San Mateo County, California (F.R. 4/6182). The proposed Federal permit would be for taking of Endangered mis- ( .1'1.., sion blue butterflies (Plebejus incarj , , .,(---;;:;;:,-- does missionensis) incidental to imple , ' , , ....u..-.. mentation of a conservation plan, which , , Includes construction of residential , housing on San Bruno Mountain. The ., habitat conservation plan is incorpo • rating various commitments from private -. landowners, local governments, and the Federal Government. It is designed to conserve and enhance as much of the --. remaining habitat as possible lor the mission blue and other species of con cern in the area, while allowing limited development that would not have signif Endangered Species Program re pair, and are optimistic about nesting icant adverse effects on the species. gional staffers have reported the fol behavior exhibited by a third pair some Key elements of the plan will set aside lowing activities for the month 01 45 miles away thai indicates the possi habitat favored by the bUllerfly, foster May: ble existence of another chick. The nesl the growth 01 the bu1terlly's host plants. Region 1-The California condor 01 the third pair is in a cave and cannot reverse the invasion of competing brush (Gymnogyps californianus) is in the be seen well from the observation post, species, alter the initial construction news again. After witnessing the loss of but the biologists hope 10 be able 10 plans, and establish research/monitor two eggs this season from one breeding confirm the possible chick in the future. ing programs. pair, biologists with the Condor Re The Service has published a notice of On April 26th, the Fish and Wildlile search Center have confirmed the pres inlent to prepare an Environmental As Service and University of California ence of a chick produced by a second sessment on the San Bruno Mountain Berkeley botanists and pedologists (soil scientists) inspected the China Hat lor U.S. Fi.h .nd Wlldllle service Region 3. Federal Bldg.. Fort Snelling, mation north of Merced in Merced hlngton, 20240 W.. D.C. Twin Cities. MN 55111 (612-725 County. This formation contains some 3500): Harvey Nelson, Regional DI Robert A. Jantzen. Director of the oldest soils in California, nearly 3 (202-343·4717) ractor; Daniel H. Bumgarner, Assist· Ronald E. Lambertson ant Regional Direc/or; James M. million years in age. Moreover, China ( Associate Director and Engel, Endangered Species Hat has a mutlitude of mima mounds ) Endangered Species Program Manager Specialist. and vernal pools; the laller are season (202)343-4646) Aegion 4, Richard B. Russell Federal ally wet depressions that harbor a John L Spinks, Chief, Bldg., 75 Spring 51., S.W., Allanta. GA unique llora. Approximately 15 poolS Omce of Endangered Species 30303 (404-221-3583): James W. contained succulent owl's clover (Or (703-235-2771 ) Pulliam, Regional Director; John thorcarpus campestris var. succulen Christian, Assistant Regional Direc Richard Parsons, Chief, tus), a Federal candidate lor listing and Federal Wildlife Permit Office lor; AJex B. Montgomery, Endangered a State-listed endangered plant spe (703-235·1937) Species Specialist. Clark R. Bavin. Chief. Region 5, Suite 700. One Gateway Cen cies. This discovery significantly in Division of Law Enlorcement ler. Newlon Corner. MA 02158 creased the known range of the plant. 1202-343·9242) (617-965-5100): Howard Larsen. Re U.C.-Berkeley researchers are at TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF gional Director; Gordon T. Nightin· tempting to preserve a portion of this Clare Senecal Kearney, Editor gale. Assistant Regional Director; unique area. Michael Bender, Assistant Editor Paul Nickerson, Endangered Species Region 2-For the second time in 2 (703-235·2407) Specialist. years. the captive famale Mexican woll ReglonalOfflca. Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Fed (Canis lupus bai/eyi) al the Wild Canid Region 1. Suite 1692. Lloyd 500 Bldg., eral Center, Denver, CO 80225 Survival and Research Center at SI. 500 N.E. Murtnomah $1., Portland, OR (303-234-2209); Gaten Buterbaugh, louis, Missouri, has produced a titter of 97232 (503-231-6118): Aichard J. Regional Director; Chartes E. Lane, pups. This year's liner includes 2 fe Myshak. Regional Director; Edward B. AsslslaOf Regional Director; Don Chamberlain, Assistant Regional Di males, bringing the total number 01 Rodgers, Endangered Species Mexican wolves in captivity to 12, half 01 rector, Sanlord R. Wilbur. Endan Specialist. gered Species Specialist. which are females. Region 2. P.O. Box 1306. Albuquerque, Region 7. 1101 E. Tudor Rd .. Anchor· The red woll (Canis rufus) captive NM 87103 (505-766·2321): Michael J. age. AK 99503 (907-276-3800. ext. breeding program has produced three Spear. Regional Director; Robert F. 495): Keith M. Schreiner. Regional DI· more litlers 01 pups this year, bringing Stephens. Assistant Regional Direc rector; Jon Nelson, Assistant Region the total number in captivity to 56. tor; Jack B. Woody. Endangered Spe al Director; DenniS Money, Endan gered Species Specialist. Region 4-The Florida Game and cies Specialist. Fresh Water Fish Commission, in U.S. Ash and Wlldllle Region. cosponsorship with the U.S. Forest ...... I, Colilomie.. _1l.1clItIo.,..... Or'9O'l. WMl>ington.•'" PKific n .... T_,""""" z: Alizofw. .- Iok.ato. ~ _ T.... ~ J: .~..... Nl..... 10.... Mic~ "'_. 101-..1. or.io.•..., Service, Gull Coast Community Wi$CONln. ~ 4: .....t...... Am_.. A_.~KMlIUtl ASH MEADOWS eral Register. These species are the vole (Microtus montanus nevadensis), spring-loving centaury (Centaurium has not been reported in over 20 years namophilum var. namophilum), Amar and is probably extinct because of habi Continued from page 1 gosa niterwort (Nitrophila mohavensis), tat disturbance. In 1980, the Service Ash Meadows gum plant (Grindelia pUblished a separate Notice of Review found within a 5-mile radius in Ash fraxinopratensis), Ash Meadows stick on a related mammal, the Amargosa Meadows, and contribute to the area leal (Mentzelia leucophylla), Ash Mead vole (Microtus ca/ifornicus scirpensis). containing the highest concentration of ows milk-vetch (Astraga/us phoenix), This candidate for listing is thought to endemic animal species in the continen King ivesla (Ivesia eremica), and Corru inhabit the general region just south tal United States. Most of these mol gated sunray (Enceliopsis nudicaulis west of Ash Meadows. lusks have not been scientifically de· var. corrugatum). Two other candidate scribed and named. The same factors plants included in the Notice of Review that jeopardized the desert fishes, pri Threats to the Habitat occur in Ash Meadows and elsewhere; marily groundwater pumping and the in these species are the Tecopa bird's Although early attempts at agricUlture troduction 01 exotic species, led the beak (Cordy/anthus tecopensis) and i1 Ash Meadows failed because of the Service in 1976 to propose the Ash the alkali mariposa my (Calochortus area's satty, clay soils, there was re Meadows turban snail (F/uminicola striatus). The Astragalus and Mentzelia newed interest in the late 1960's and erythropoma) as Threatened. In 1979, are currently listed by the State of early 1970's. Large tracts of land were the proposal was withdrawn because 01 Nevada as threatened with extinction. plowed, and groundwater pumps and di the listing schedule deadlines specilied One small endemic mammal once version ditches were installed to support in the 1978 Amendments to the Endan found in the area, the Ash Meadows an agriCUltural operation. This activity gered Species Act. Current evidence in dicates that F. erythropoma, as pro· posed, comprised more than one A view of Point of Rocks Springs, Ash Meadows, before (below) and afrer (right) species. The Service is now evaluating development. The pool and its outflow once were habitat for both of 'he recently tfitf'§t'aTus-'""ol 'at least 12 Ash Meadows listed fishes. snail species, and expects to include them in a general Notice of Review on animals which will be published in the Federal Register later this year. Another Ash Meadows endemic that may appear on the same Notice of Re view is the Point 01 Rocks Spring naucorid (Ambrysus amargosus); un fortunately, this insect may already be extinct because of the diversion 01 water from its single spring habitat. The Ash Meadows rillie beelle (Stenelmis calidae calidae) also is restricted to only one aquatic habitat, Devil's Hole, but it benefits from the habitat protec tion given to the Devils Hole pupfish. l Seven ptant species endemic to Ash Meadows are considered candidates lor future listing, and were included in the general Notice of Review on plants pub lished in the December 15, 1980, Fed- 3 destroyed many plant and animal popu ( Construction activities in Ash Mead lations, along with their wetland habitat, ows would clear large tracts of essential by altering the land surface and lower habitat, extirpate many plant and animal ing the water table. In 1976, a series of p:>pulations, and alter surface drainage negotiations and court cases culmin patterns. Utilization of surface water ated in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court from springs, along with pumping the ( decision limiting the amount of ground aquifer, would eliminate most surface water pumping in the Devil's Hole area flows, lower the water table, and Inter of Ash Meadows to protect vital water fere with the very slow groundwater re levels in the only known habitat of the charge, all of which would destroy Subspecies of the Amargosa pupfish Devils Hole pupfish. The Supreme downgradient wetlands. The Initial de (above) and speckled dace (below), Court saved the habitat of the Devils velopment phase has already begun, occurring only in a few Ash Meadows Hole pupfish by recognizing the prior and some habitat has been modified. springs, were listed in the emergency PEG has constructed roads in the area, rule. water right of the 40-acre disjunct Iliult.ltion. by c ••ol MOt1en.en portion of Death Valley National Monu several of whch connect different ment surrounding Devil's Hole. The springs, and it has substantially altered court decision was not based on endan surface flows and spring hole mor gered species protection, but instead on phometry at these sites. Several springs water rights. Although the Ash Mead have been excavated by heavy equip ows wetlands are interconnected by the ment. (PEC has applied for permission same aquifer that feeds Devil's Hole, from the State of Nevada to divert water the effects of groundwater pumping on Irom many of the other Ash Meadows Effects of the Rule springs.) In addition, approKimately the water table vary according to loca In ils emergency rule. the Service de tion; therelore, the 1976 Supreme Court 1,000 acres of cotton ha"ve been termined that "development of the Ash decision did not necessarily preclude planted. These events complement the Meadows residenlial community will destruction of habilat which has oc pumping in other areas 01 Ash Mead cause the extirpation at the Ash Mead curred since the advent 01 agricultural ows. ows biological community." To help In 1977, the agricullural interest sold activities at Ash Meadows. forestall further damage, the listing of approximately 14,000 acres of land in the Ash Meadows Amargosa pupfish Ash Meadows to a real estate develop Habitat loss Is not the only factor and the Ash Meadows speckled dace jeopardizing the Ash Meadows endemic er, Preferred Equities Corporation became effective immediately upon the (PEG). The imminent threat to the eKist species. As is the case with many other date of the Federal Register publica ence of the Ash Meadows species is the "island" ecosystems, the introduction of tion, May 10, 1982. This action gives proposed development of the area by eKolic organisms has had a serious im protection to the habitat most immedi PEC for residential, recreational, Indus pact. Competition from the mosquito ately jeopardized by development, and fish (Gambusia affinus) and sailtin trial, and agricultural purp:>ses, an 01 is expected to help conserve other en ( ) which would require great quantities 01 molly (Poeci/ia latipinna), as well as demic species in lhe area. water. Although the Bureau of Land predation by bullfrogs (Rana cates A formal designalion of Critical Habi Management is the principal landowner biana) and crayfish (Procambarus tat for the fishes was not included in the n the 40,OOO-acre Ash Meadows area, clarki), were at least partially responsi emergency rule because vandalism of PEC owns the majority of surface water ble lor the eKtinction of the Ash Mead the restricted and very vulnerable habi rights. A recent rejXlrt prepared for the ows killifish, and continue to threaten tats could occur if detailed maps of the Attorney General 01 Nevada (The Sta the Warm Springs pupfish, Ash Mead springs were published. The emergency tus and Future of Ash Meadows, Nye ows Amargosa puplish, and Ash Mead rule carries the lull protection of the En County, Nevada; Sid F. Cook and Cyn ows speckled dace. An introduced dangered Species Act, including the thia D. Williams, 1982) estimates that aquatic snail (Me/anoides) has reduced prohibition of "taking" and of adverse 368.4 percent of the total discharge populations of native snails in several habitat modification by Federal agen springs. The introduced species may water available In Ash Meadows would cies. During the 240-day course of the also be having an impact on other be necessary if the development was temporary listing, the Service will pre completed. aquatic endemics in lhe area. pare a prop:>sal to extend permanent protective slatus 10 the two lishes, and Critical Habitat might be included at Ihat lime il it is shown to be beneficial to the species' survival. The condition of the other Ash Meadows endemic: species also will be evaluated to determine the need tor including them in the prop:>sal for a final rule. NOTE Since June 1981, tree distribution of the BULLETIN has been limited to Federal employees only. This note is to assure you that the Service in- tends to continue free distribution 10 ( all who are now receiving the BUL LETIN. and to any Federal employee who might wish to receive it in the future. 4 REGIONAL BRIEFS ( on bald eagles in the lower 48 State{ completing a final report. Although sig New York State's endangered spe nificant information on the life history Continued from page 2 cies unit plans to return to Alaska in requirements of the species was collect interested in attending or participating July to obtain 21 more bald eagle ed, certain conclusions and recommen should contact Don Wood, Division of chicks. All 21 collected last year and dations made in the report are prelimi Wildlife, Florida Game and Fresh Waler taken to the hacking site at Oak Or nary and warrant further refinement or Fish Commission, 620 South Meridian chard, New York, fledged successfully. verification. In order to obtain the addi Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (lei· Region 6-ln October 1981, during tional information that is needed, BA ephone 904/488-3831). fall migration, a group of four whooping and the Service have entered into a Bald eagles (Haffaeetus laueo cranes (Grus americana) were ob Memorandum of Understanding to carry cephalus) have nes.le8 lor the 'irst lime served at Quivira National Wildlife Ref out a Colorado River Fishery Monitoring in over 30 years in Arkansas. The nest uge in central Kansas. One week later, Program (CAFMP) until March 31, is located on the White River National after the group of four had migrated fur 1985. The three objectives olthe Wildlife Refuge; the pair of eagles using ther south, the refuge was visited by a CRFMP are (1) to expand information this nest layed two eggs and both have group of six whoopers. These 10 birds on the distribution and movement of hatched, although only one hatchling represent 13 percenl of the JXlPulation adult squawfish to and from spawning has survived as 01 May 26. of 79 birds that started the migration site locations with the use of radio· One of the Florida panthers (Felis south from the breeding grounds in tagging, (2) to verify flow requirements cancolar coryi), radio collared in Febru Wood Buffalo National Park, Northwest of adult squawfish in relation to spawn ary 1982 has been found dead. Daily Territories, Canada, to the wintering ing success and survival of larval aerial monitoring since the date of cap grounds along the coast of southern squawfish, and (3) to determine effects lure indicated thai the animal had been Texas. Because of past use of whoop of flow fluctuation at Flaming Gorge stationary since early April. A ground ing cranes, the refuge was designated Reservoir on the survival and rearing of search was made, and on April 16 the as Critical Habitat on May 15, 1978. young-of-the-year and juvenile squaw remains of the male panther were found The March 1982 BULLETIN reported fish. Dr. Bill Miller, the Service biologist with the radio collar. The cause of death on the recovery plan that was approved at Salt Lake City, Utah, who was project has not been determined. The skeletal for the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos leader for CRFP, will also head the remains have been deposited at the horribilis). The plan has been printed, CAFMP. Florida State Museum, University of and copies are available from the Intensive night spotlight surveys con Florida, at Gainesville. This is the first Denver Regional Office or the Billings ducted in the Meeteetse, Wyoming, radio collared panther that has died. It Area Office. area last November by the Service re was estimated to have been about 7 The May 1979 BULLETIN related that sulted in at least nine different black years old and was known to be alive as the Bureau of Reclamation (BA) and the footed ferrets (Mustefa nigripes) being 'recently as late March. Service had agreed to a study of the en sighted. Extensive snow tracking efforts Region 5-on May 19, the Director dangered Colorado squawfish (Prycho this past winter by Idaho State Univer approved the Chesapeake Bay Bald Ea cheilus lucius) and humpback chub sity/Biota Research and Consulting, gle Recovery Plan, commending the re (Gila cypha). Later, the August 1981 is· Inc., biologists resulted in evidence that covery team, headed by Gary Taylor of sue reported that additional studies indicated there may be 11 or more addi the Maryland Department of Natural Re were being conducted and that the tional individuals in the area. Work will sources, and the regional endangered bonytail chub (Gila elegans) was also continue on the ferrets this summer, species stall on the accomplishment. being studied. The Colorado Aiver Fish and probably next winter, to determine The plan is the first approved of five re ery Project (CRFP) completed field the number of individuals and their gional recovery plans being developed studies in the fall of 1981, and is distribution. Recovery Plans Approved for Clay Phacelia and Eastern Indigo Snake The Director of the Service has ap but ion have jeopardized the species. the Utah Department of Transportation, proved two additional plans to aid in Both the railroad and its maintenance both of which manage parts of the site, sp.ecie$. rg.coyery: tile Clay Phacelia road bisect the only known P. a(glll will encourage each to assist in con (Phacelia arg/llacea) Recovery Plan, acea JXlPulation, and most of the plants serving the habitat. signed April 12, t982, and the Eastern are situated on privately owned land Since P. argillacea historically was Indigo Snake Recovery Plan, signed which could be further modified in the known from two locations, an intensive April 22, 1982. future. Sheep have moved through the survey of similar habitat in the region is population area, trampling some of the recommended to locate any additional Clay Phacella plants, and rock squirrels have chewed existing POPulations. The plants and The clay phacelia (Phacelia argill branches on some of the remaining their habitat are to be monitored period acea) is a winter annuat whose known individuals. ically to insure adequate conservation. current distribution consists of one The objective of the recovery plan is Another part of the plan outlines studies small population of about 200 plants to establish a self-sustaining population needed on the species' biology and along a railroad right-ol-way in Utah of 2,000-3,000 individuals on 120 acres habitat requirements. Careful harvest of County, Utah. It was lirst collected in of protected habitat, and possibly to es a small portion of the annual seed pro 1883, but there was little knowledge of tablish at least one additional popUla duction could enable experimentation the species until its rediscovery by N.D. tion. An initial recovery phase will be to on germination, substrate needs, and Atwood in 1971. The plant was des give the existing population more direct survival techniques. Long-term storage cribed and named as a new species by protection; this may be accomplished of seeds at the USDA-National Seed Atwood in 1973. and was listed by the through better control of animal damage Storage Laobratory in Fort Collins, Col Service as Endangered in 1978. and through acquisition of a portion of orado, is mentioned in the plan as a Destruction of portions of the P. the habitat by a private conservation or possibility to preserve the plant's gene argillacea population and modification ganization, The Nature Conservancy. pool. of habitat within its very restricted distri- Liaison with the railroad company and Continued on page 6 5 RECOVERY PLANS ( ------i( Con tinued from page 5 BOX SCORE OF SPECiES LISTINGS Eastern Indigo Snake ENDANGERED THREATENED SPECIES· CategolY U.S. U.S. & Foreilln U.S. U.S. & foreign TOTAL The easlern indigo snake (Dry Only Foreign Only Only foreign Only (' marchon corais couperi) historically Mammals 15 17 22. 3 D 21 281 occurred throughout the southeastern Birds 52 14 144 3 D D 213 United Slales coaslal plain, from South RepUies 7 55 8 D SO Carolina to Florida and wesllo southern Amphillians 5 •D 8 3 DD• 16 louisiana. After habitat loss and Fishes 2B 11 12 DD 55 overcolleclion for the pet trade, howev Snails 3 •D 1 5 DD 9 er, only southeastern Georgia and pen Clams 23 D 2 DD D 25 insular Florida are thought to support Cruslaceans 2 D 0 0 D D 2 sizeable populations. Both States give Insects 7 D 0 2 D 13 Plants 52 2 D 7• the snake full protection, and it was 1 2 64 TOTAL 43 445 7 24 758 listed by the Service in 1978 as a 19' .. Threatened species. • Separate populations of a species, listed both as Endangered and Threatened, are tallied One of the major recommendations of twice. Species which are thus accounted for are the gray wolf, bald eagle, American alligator, the recovery plan is 10 conduct addition green sea turtle, and Olive ridley sea turtle. al field studies 10 locate eastern indigo Number of species currently proposed: 10 animals populations and delineate their habitat. 8 plants Number of Critieal Habitats listed: 50 In Georgia, the snake is strongly asso Number of Recovery Teams appointed: 69 ciated with xeric sandridge habilat, and Number ot Recovery Plans approved: 54 depends on gopher tortoise (Gopherus Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: polyphemus) burrows for refuge and 38 fish & wildlife overwintering sites. Once suitable habi 11 plants May 31, 1982 tat is located, the plan calls for acquisi tion and/or management of areas nec New Publications "International Trade in Plants-Focus essary to maintain viable populations. on U.S. Exports and Imports," by Thom Additional legal protection on the State "Rare Plants of New York Stale," by as Gibson, Niall McCarten, Faith level for both the eastern indigo snake Richard S. Mitchell and Charles T. Thompson Campbell, and linda Mc and the gopher tortoise is advocated: Sheviak, 1981, is available lor $8.00. Mahan is now available from Traffic Captive propagation and monitored This New York State Museum publica (U.S.A.) for $9.50. Order a copy by reintroduction efforts are another impor tion (Bull. 445) has 96 pages and 55 il sending a check (payable 10 World tant part of the plan. The Alabama Co lustrations. To order, make your check Wildlife Fund-U.S.) to Traffic (U.S.A.),( ) operative Wildlife Research Unit is al payable to New York State Library and 1601 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Wash·\ ready in the fourth year of an eastern mail to Gift and Exchange Department, ington, D.C. 20009. indigo propagation/restocking program. New York Stale Library, Albany, New "Amphibians and Reptiles in Pennsyl (For details regarding the unit's activi York 12230. vania Checklist, Bibliography, and Atlas ties on the eastern indigo, see the No A cumulative index of the Endan of Distribution," by C.J. McCoy, March vember 1981 BULLETIN.) gered Species Technical Bulletin (July 1982, is available for $4.00. This Spe 1976-December 1981) is now avail cial Publication of Carnegie Museum of able. Copies may be requested by writ Natural History (No.6) has 91 pages Copies of recovery plans are avail ing the Office of Endangered Species, and 74 maps. Order copies from the able from the Fish and Wildlife Refer U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 18th and Carnegie Museum of Natural History, ence Service, Unit i, 3840 York Street, C Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Penn Denver, Colorado 80205. 20240. sylvania 15213. June 1982 Vor. VONo. 6 ------~~!!!! ~;:~~%~------'------~~==!!!!~ ------~-: -;;~i~~ ",cal BUllet",n Department Of In~erior. u.S. Fish and wilOlife service Techn Enoangered Species program. washington. D.C. 20240 POSTAGE AND FEES PAID US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Int 423 c