November 1990 Vol. XV No. 11

Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Washington, D. C. 20240

Listing Action Proposed During October 1990 for Nine Species

Four and five plants were torically, the argali's range included the United States is prohibited except proposed by the Fish and Wildlife Ser- parts of Soviet Central Asia, southern by Federal permit lor certain conser- vice during October 1990 for listing Siberia, Mongolia, Nepal, north-cen- vation purposes. as Endangered or Threatened species. tral and western China (including Ti- In 1988, a legal dispute arose when If the proposals are approved, the fol- bet), and the Himalayan sections of trophies of argali killed in the Gansu lowing taxa will receive Endangered Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Ar- Province of China were confiscated by Species Act protection: gali generally forage in broad valleys, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law en- high pastures, or cold deserts, al- forcement agents at the San Francisco though they sometimes seek refuge in port of entry on the grounds that they Argali (Ovis ammon) adjacent mountains. were from the protected subspecies O. An Asian related to the In 1976, most taxa on Appendix I a. hodgsoni. This charge was chal- North American bighorn sheep (Ovis of the Convention on International lenged by the importers, who stated canadensis), the argali is the largest Trade in of Wild that the animals had belonged to a species of wild sheep in the world. An Fauna and Flora (CITES) were listed different, non-endangered subspecies. adult male argali can weigh up to 310 by the Service under the Endangered Although the importers ultimately re- pounds (140 kilograms) and stand 49 Species Act as Endangered. Among gained the trophies, the Service pub- inches (125 centimeters) high at the these was one subspecies of the argali, lished a notice in the November 24, shoulder. Its massive spiral horns are O. a. hodgsoni. Accordingly, the im- 1989, Federal Register stating that the up to 75 inches (190 cm) long and 20 portation of O. a. hodgsoni (including specimens had been correctly identi- inches (50 cm) in circumference. His- live animals, parts, and trophies) into fied as O. a. hodgsoni. At the same time, the Service published another notice that it was initiating a review of the , distribution, and status of all argali subspecies. Despite some disagreement, most comments received during the review indicated 1) that the species O. am- mon has experienced a general decline, 2) that some, if not all, populations are in serious jeopardy, and 3) that the argali is vulnerable to a number of problems, notably hunting and com- petition with rapidly expanding herds of livestock for the habitat's limited forage and water. Some comments in- dicated declines even in the heart of the species' range, within regions that were once considered too remote for significant human impacts. As a re- argali (continued on page 8)

1 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) mouth, and had numerous lacerations and several broken secondary feathers. The cause of her injuries was not de- termined. After the bird was treated and had recovered, she was released back into the backcountry of Ventura, California, in late October. Although she now appears to be healthy and is acting normally, her position in the condor social order has changed. Be- fore she was captured, this bird held the dominant position of the six Andean condors that were released earlier this year, but now she is Region 1 - On October 2, one of captured by Fish and Wildlife Service subordinant to all of the other birds. the free-flying female Andean condors biologists after she was discovered to * • + (Vultur gryphus) temporarily reintro- be acting abnormally. The biologists A collared 3 1/2-year-old female duced into southern California was re- found that she was bleeding from the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) from the Threatened Selkirk, Idaho, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, Twin population was illegally killed by Brit- Washington, D.C. 20240 Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500); James C. Gritman, Regional Director; Gerald R. Lowry, ish Columbia hunters in September. John Turner, Director Assistant Regional Director; William F. (202-208-4717) The bear was killed about 2 miles (3 Harrison, Acting Endangered Species Spe- Ralph O. Morgenweck cialist. kilometers) north of the U.S./Canada Assistant Director for Fish border along Maryland Creek. British and Wildlife Enhancement Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal BIdg., 75 Columbia officers apprehended the (202-208-4646) Spring Street, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303 (404- Larry R. Shannon, Chief, 331-3580); James W. Pulliam, Regional Di- hunters along with photos of the dead Division of Endangered Species rector; Tom Olds, Assistant Regional Direc- bear. (703-358-2171) tor; David Flamming, Endangered Species * * * William E. Knapp, Chief, Specialist. Division of Habitat Conservation The Service and the Smithsonian (703-358-2161) Region 5, One Gatew/ay Center, Suite 700, Marshall P. Jones, Chief, New/ton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965-5100); Institution's National Zoological Park Office of l^anagement Authority Ronald E. Lambertson, Regional Director; in Washington, D.C., signed a coop- (703-358-2093) Ralph Pisapia, Assistant Regional Director; Jerry Smith, Acting Chief, Paul Nickerson, Endangered Species Spe- erative agreement on September 25 to Division of Law Enforcement cialist. transfer captive Morro Bay kangaroo (703-358-1949) rats (Dipodomys heermanni morroensis) TECHNICAL BULLETIN Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Michael Bender, Editor Center; Denver, CO 80225 (303-236-7920); from the Service's San Simeon, Cali- Michael Rees, Assistant Editor Galen Buterbaugh, RegionalDirectonRobert E. fornia, Field Station (part of the Na- (703-358-2166) Jacobsen, Assistant Regional Director; Larry Regional Offices Shanks, Endangered Species Specialist. tional Ecology Research Center) to Region 1, Eastside Federal Complex, 911 the zoo. This agreement will enable N.S.I 1th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181 Region 7, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503 (907-786-3542); Walter O. Stieglitz, the zoo to conduct research on devel- (503-231-6118); Marvin Plenert, Regional Di- Regional Director; Rowan Gould, Assistant rector: Robert P. Smith, Assistant Regional oping a captive breeding program for Regional Director; Ron Garrett, Endangered Director; Bob Ruesink, Endangered Species Species Specialist. this Endangered kangaroo rat. The Specialist. animals were transferred on November Region 8, (FWS Research and Development Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM nationwide), Washington, D.C. 20240; John 19. * * * 87103 (505-766-2321); Michael J. Spear, D. Buftington, Regional Director; Al Sherk, Regional Director, James A. Young, Assistant Endangered Species Specialist (703-358- Service and California Department Regional Director; George Divine, Acting En- 1710). dangered Species Specialist. of Fish and Game biologists cooper- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions ated in a survey for the Endangered

Region 1: California, i-iawaii, idahio, Nevada, Oregon, Washington. American Samoa, Commonweailhi of thie Nortfiern f^ariana light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longir- islands, Guam, and tfie Pacific Trust Territories. Region 2: Arizona, New Mexico, Oi^iafioma, and Texas, Region 3: iiiinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region 4: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucl

2 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) The Exotic Zebra Mussel — A New Threat to Endangered Freshwater Mussels John R. P French III National Fisheries Research Center- -Great Lakes Ann Arbor, Michigan

Accidental or deliberate introduc- ety of native mussels, including the tions of exotic species can have devas- federally-listed white cat's paw tating impacts on native ecosystems. (Epioblasma sulcata delicata) and the One of the latest biological invaders State-listed northern riffleshell to arrive in the United States is the (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana), club- zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). shell (Pleurobema clava), salamander This small, freshwater mollusk has the mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua), rayed potential to spread throughout much bean (Villosa fabalis), and purple of North America and create serious lilliput (Toxolasma lividus), possibly problems for various aquatic organ- threatening their survival in the Great isms, particularly native endangered Lakes. Effective dispersal capabilities mussels. may enable the zebra mussel to invade The problem most likely began in other drainage basins and imperil rare 1986 with the accidental discharge of native mussels throughout the United free-swimming zebra mussel larvae, States. known as veligers, into southern Lake The zebra mussel is native to fresh- St. Clair (a Great Lakes interconnect- water drainages ol the Black, Caspian, ing channel) in ballast water from Eu- and Azov Seas. It invaded northern zebra mussel showing byssal threads used ropean freighters. By June 1988, ze- Europe after canals connecting rivers for attachment to native moilusks and other firm substrates bra mussels were found encrusted on in the watersheds of the Baltic Sea and native mussels collected from Lake St. Black-Caspian-Azov Seas were con- 40 mm long, 20 mm high, and 25 Clair. High densities of zebra mussels structed in the early eighteenth cen- mm wide. They typically are marked are now found attached to a variety of tury. This species is sensitive to salin- with zebra-like patterns of white to firm surfaces from Lake St. Clair ity of over 6 parts per thousand. cream background and green to dark through Lake Erie. Shells of the zebra mussel are similar brown rays. Because zebra mussels are Zebra mussels have since been dis- to those of the marine blue mussel filter feeders with voracious appetites, covered encrusting the shells of a vari- (Mytilus edulis), but smaller: less than they remove a great deal of phyto- plankton from the water, thereby af- fecting food web dynamics and com- peting with herbivorous zooplankton, certain fish, and native mussels for food. Zebra mussels disperse at larval, ju- venile, and adult stages of their life cycle. A female has a relatively high fecundity of about 35,000 eggs per year. After being fertilized externally, eggs develop into veligers that drift freely in water for 10 to 15 days. This method enables the species to disperse downstream and throughout lakes. The veligers develop quickly into the settled (post-veliger) stage and produce numerous filaments (byssal threads) to attach themselves to any firm surface on which they settle. Al- native mussel encrusted with zebra mussels (continued on page 4)

3 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Zebra Mussell (continued from page 3) though calcareous materials, such as limestone, concrete, and the shells of other mussels, are preferred substrates, they can also encrust other surfaces, including hulls of fishing boats and ships. In this manner, juvenile and adult zebra mussels can be carried up- stream into other parts of the Great Lakes and into major tributaries of the Mississippi and Hudson River systems by way of connecting channels. They can also survive out of water for sev- eral days, and thus potentially can be transported to inland lakes and other river systems on trailered boats and even on the feet of waterfowl. Since their accidcntal introduction into North America, zebra mussels Distribution of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes. have colonized the waters between bra mussels. Zebra mussels form suc- Zebra mussels have been found en- Lake St. Clair and western Lake cessive layers 3-5 cm thick at an aver- crusted on crayfish, snails, and sub- Ontario. Populations have also been age of 6,500 individuals per individual mersed aquatic plants. The Service found in eastern Lake Ontario, the St. native mussel. The thickest portions of recommends that firm surfaces of en- Lawrence River, the westernmost por- these layers occur on the posterior ends dangered aquatic organisms, such as tion of Lake Superior, and at several of the native mussel shells, close to the mollusks, , turtles, and locations in Lakes Michigan and Hu- incurrent siphons where water is plants be checked for the presence of ron. Further, the zebra mussel is now drawn in for filter feeding. The zebra zebra mussels. Please report any geo- established in the Erie Canal from mussels appear to remove particles graphic range extensions of the zebra Buffalo, New York, as far east as from water currents being drawn into mussel to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Palmyra. In addition, small dead ze- native mussels, thus depriving them of Service, National Fisheries Research bra mussels have been found attached food. All 38 freshwater mussels in the Center—Great Lakes, 1451 Green to a boat hull with an Ohio license in United States listed by the Service as Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee. Endangered or Threatened face pos- (telephone 313/994-3331 or FTS Fish and Wildlife Service biologists sible extinction if zebra mussels suc- 378-1331). have collected both live and freshly cessfully invade their habitats and dead native mussels encrusted with ze- colonize in high densities. Leaders Named for Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Team The Department of the Interior re- rior, as Team Coordinator. The team Secretary Lujan has invited the cently took the first step toward devel- will be directed to develop a plan to Governors of California, Oregon, and opment of a recovery plan for the restore the northern spotted owl to a Washington to each nominate a repre- northern spotted owl (Strix occident- secure status. sentative to serve on the recovery alis caurina), which was listed June As Team Leader, Mr. Plenert will team. Similar requests went to the 26, 1990, as Threatened (see feature have the primary responsibility for Secretary of Agriculture; the Assistant in BULLETIN Vol. XV, No. 7). On managing the team, preparing a work Secretaries of the Interior for Fish and November 21, Secretary of the Inte- plan, coordinating staffing and ad- Wildlife and Parks, Land and Miner- rior Manuel Lujan named Marvin ministration, drafting the recovery als Management, and Policy Manage- Plenert, the Fish and Wildlife Service's plan, and ensuring public participa- ment and Budget; the Interior Portland Regional Director, as Team tion. Mr. Knowles, as Team Coordi- Department's Office of the Solicitor; Leader for the Northern Spotted Owl nator, will be Secretary Lujan's repre- and the Directors of the Fish and Recovery Team, and Donald Knowles, sentative and provide policy guidance Wildlife Service, National Park Ser- Deputy Under Secretary of the Inte- to the team. (continued on page 12)

4 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Research on the Okaloosa Darter Focuses on Competition and Habitat Use Noel M. Burkhead and James D. Williams National Fisheries Research Center Gainesville, Florida

Okaloosa darters (Etheostoma oka- loosae) are small, freshwater fish that are found only in six small stream sys- tems that empty into Choctawatchee Bay in the western part of the Florida panhandle. Because of threats to this restricted habitat from the effects of siltation and small impoundments, the Okaloosa darter was listed in 1973 as an Endangered species. These small fish, members of the family Percidae, grow only 1.2 to 1.6 inches (30 to 40 millimeters) in total length and live no more than 2 years. They are not as spectacularly colored as many other darters. Adults usually have brown blotches and flecks on their sides, sometimes with reddish or greenish tints. Their diet consists pri- marily of immature aquatic , Etheostoma okaloosae notably midge fly larva. Streams inhabited by the Okaloose centrating on distribution patterns, Rocky Bayou tributaries and gradually darter are 4 to 40 feet (1.2 to 12.2 spawning, and interactions with the displaced the Okaloosa darter. Collec- meters) wide with sandy bottoms, low introduced brown darter (Etheostoma tion records of both darters at some to moderate gradients, persistent edwini). stream sites revealed that displacement groundwater discharge, and clear to occurred over 3 to 4 years. The elimi- slightly tea-colored water. Because of nation of Okaloosa darters from the strong, consistent groundwater dis- Competition lower Rocky Bayou drainage is the charges, most of the streams are cool, In the 1950's and early 1960s, the species' most significant loss of habi- fluctuate relatively little in water tem- blackbanded darter (Percina nigro- tat. The ways by which Okaloosa perature, and have moderate current. fasciata) was the only other darter darters are displaced by brown darters Sunlit stream reaches usually have known to exist in the range of the have not yet been identified, nor have beds of aquatic macrophytes (sub- Okaloosa darter. (Native to this area, the reasons that this displacement has merged aquatic plants), making these the blackbanded darter poses no so far been confined to the lower areas better Okaloosa darter habitat. threat to the Okaloosa darter.) In reaches of the Rocky Bayou drainage. Shaded reaches lack macrophytes, al- 1964, however, the brown darter was The two most likely hypotheses for though they often have detritus and discovered there for the first time. the displacement are (1) ecological woody debris along stream margins. This species was probably introduced competition (i.e., competition for The darters require habitat with cover to the range of the Okaloosa darter in spawning sites, living space, food) and (macrophytes and detritus), shallow the early 1960's by anglers releasing (2) habitat degradation that is intoler- depths, and moderate current. bait fish from buckets. Since that able to the Okaloosa darter but not to Studies of the Okaloosa darter are time, competition from the brown the brown darter. The first hypothesis an important part of the endangered darter has become one of the main is supported by the finding that most species research program at the U.S. threats to the survival of the Okaloosa of the available habitat where the Fish and Wildlife Service's National darter. Okaloosa darter has been displaced by Fisheries Research Center in Gaines- The brown darter has spread the brown darter, as well as where the ville, Florida. Current studies are con- throughout the lower reaches of the (continued on page 6)

5 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Okaloosa Darter (continued from page 5) darters coexist, is of good to moderate quality. It is further reinforced by the absence of both darters from one moderately degraded stream reach and by a seemingly high overlap of" the darters in microhabitats. The threat by the introduced brown darter to the Okaloosa darter is com- pounded by the absence of techniques V £th9oitom» ehalootsa to selectively eradicate one fish species B CthmoMtoma m^wlnl without harming others. O Symp»Wc

Habitat Degradation Almost all oi" the Okaloosa darter's range is on Eglin Air Force Base. The base encompasses most of Okaloosa Choclawhatchee Bay and Walton Counties. Soil erosion parisons indicate no differences be- tion of such a shift is expected to dis- from borrow pits, road crossings, old tween reproductive behaviors in the close a specific feature of competition. railroad beds, and denuded areas on field and in a 4' x 8' tank in the lab. Displacement of the Okaloosa darter the base has degraded Okaloosa darter The habitat the Okaloosa darter uses may not be a function of competition habitat. At some sites, heavy rainfall for spawning is the same it uses for over habitat. However, the habitat washes large amounts of silt into feeding and shelter. The reproductive overlap and fluctuating ratios of the streams. Eglin Air Force Base is one of behavior of the brown darter and its two species in sympatry suggest the the largest non-nuclear weapons-test- comparison with the reproductive be- importance of examining habitat pref- ing facilities in the world, and por- havior of the Okaloosa darter are still erence. tions of several streams inhabited by under investigation. Data gathered in these research pro- Okaloosa darters are in weapons-test- Future research will examine the grams will provide a vital baseline for ing areas. Chemicals from spent ex- microhabitats of both species in evaluating future population trends plosives may periodically contaminate stream reaches where they occur sepa- and for developing plans to address the streams. Runoff from insecticides rately and where they coexist. In par- the continuing threats to the Oka- and herbicides, and the application of ticular, we will be looking for shifts by loosa darter. The ultimate goal of the liquified sewage on sprayfields in the one of the darters in the use of one or research is to improve the status of headwaters of several streams within more specific habitat features where this fish and bring about its recovery. the Okaloosa darter's range, also may the darters occur together. The detec- degrade the aquatic habitat. The Services' Panama Citv, Florida, Field Office and the Gainesville Na- Final Rule Published for the Cahaba Shiner tional Fisheries Research Center have survival of the species. The shiner assisted the Air Force in identifying The Cahaba shiner {Notropis and its habitat have been adversely af- and mitigating some of the habitat cahabae) is a small, silvery fish about fected by sewage flows from water loss in streams that are inhabitated by 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters) long. It treatment plants; runoff from surface the Okaloosa darter. is known to occur only in the Cahaba River in central Alabama, where it is mining and limestone quarries; silt- found in large shoal areas of the main ation from construction, agriculture, Research Activities channel. Small, scattered populations and forestry activities; and wastewater Research on Okaloosa darters is tak- of the shiner are found along 60 miles discharges from methane gas wells. ing place in both the field and the (97 kilometers) of the river, with the The Service proposed to list the laboratory. Because of good water greatest number of fish surviving in a Cahaba shiner as Endangered in the clarity, biologists can use snorkling 15-mile (24-km) stretch. Water pol- March 19, 1990, Federal Register (see equipment to ob.serve spawning in the lution has reduced the historic range BULLETIN Vol. XV, No. 4), and the streams. Spawning has been recorded of the C^ahaba shiner by over 20 per- final rule was published October 25. on videotape, and preliminary com- cent and continues to threaten the

6 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) In an effort to assist the Fish and National Zoological Park in Washing- recovery effort can be obtained by Wildlife Service's red wolf- (Canis ton, D.C. The presentation coincided contacting the Red Wolf Recovery rufus) recovery effort, nationally rec- with the opening of the zoo's red wolf Project, Alligator River National ognized wildlife artist Steve Jackson exhibit. (The National Zoological Wildlife Refuge, RO. Box 1969, recently donated 500 signed and Park is the 19th zoo to participate in Manteo, North Carolina 27954 (tele- numbered prints from his original the red wolf captive breeding pro- phone: 919/473-1131). Individtials painting of this Endangered animal. gram.) In accepting the print, Secre- interested in purchasing the red wolf This is a limited edition color print, tary Lujan said, "The red wolf recov- print should send a check for $110 measuring 20 by 26 inches (51 by 74 ery program is an excellent example of (which includes $10 for postage and centimeters). The first 500 of the what can be accomplished when Fed- tax) to the same address. The check 1,000 prints in the limited edition are eral, State, and local governments, pri- should be made out to the Coastal being made available to the red wolf vate organizations, and the public Wildlife Refuge Society and should recovery program. Proceeds from the pitch in to restore one of our Nation's note on the left corner that it is for sale of the prints, expected to net Endangered wildlife species. By mak- the red wolf print. $50,000, will be matched by a ing these generous contributions to * * * $40,000 challenge grant from the Na- the program, Mr. Jackson and the The red wolf recovery effort contin- tional Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Foundation are displaying the Ameri- ues to progress. (For the last general The funds will be dedicated solely to can spirit of stewardship so vital in update of the recovery effort, see the red wolf recovery effort. meeting the many environmental BULLETIN Vol. XIV, Nos. 11-12). Secretary of the Interior Manuel challenges facing us today." As of November 8, there were a total Lujan accepted print number one An information packet and bro- of 130 red wolves in the world. Six- from the artist on October 16 at the chure on the red wolf painting and (continued on page 8)

7 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Red Wolf Recovery Tennessee, Zoo and the Tennessee week, the adult female successfully (continued from page 7) Valley Authority's (TVA) Land-Be- swam across to Alligator River Na- teen red wolves are in the wild at Alli- tween-the-Lakes National Recreation tional Wildlife Refuge, where she is gator River National Wildlife Refuge, Area, by the end of the winter there now. Her three pups then attempted of which 15 have radio collars or im- will be 21 red wolf captive breeding to leave the island, but two of the planted radio transmitters. The signs facilities in the country. The wolves pups drowned and the third is pre- of another pup have been observed at on most of the island propagation sumed dead. Biologists do not know the refuge, although it has not actually sites are doing well. There are two why the wolves left the island. An- been seen. Of particular significance, free-ranging wolves on Bulls Island, other attempt will be made to place 6 of the wolves are extensively using South Carolina, four on Horn Island, wolves there next year. private lands adjacent to the refuge on Mississippi, and four on St. Vincent Acclimation pens are now being which the Service has conservation National Wildlife Refuge, Florida. built in Great Smoky Mountains Na- easements. No problems have been In October, all of the red wolves tional Park in North Carolina for the reported by the private landowners. from the Durant Island, North Caro- second mainland release of red wolves. Nine more wolves are being accli- lina, propagation site died or left the Two pairs of red wolves are expected mated in pens at the refuge's captive island. This privately owned island is to be brought into the park at the end breeding facility. off the coast of the Alligator River Na- of January 1991 (see BULLETIN Vol. The red wolf captive propagation tional Wildlife Refuge. The adult XV, No. 6). One of those pairs and program is also continuing to expand. male attempted to swim to the main- their pups should be released into the With the addition of the Knoxville, land and drowned. The following wild by the end of the summer.

Listing Proposals October 5, 1990, listing proposal, the known popularly as the silver rice rat (continued from page 1J Service issued a call for information and is considered by some zoologists suit, the Service has proposed to on how, and to what extent, countries to be a distinct species, Oryzomys change and expand its classification of within the argali's range could use argentatus. The small rodent has a the argali under the Endangered Spe- managed sport hunting programs to generalized rat-like appearance but cies Act (ER. 10/5/90). Instead of benefit the species. Any suggestions can be distinguished by its silver-col- one subspecies, O. a. hodgsoni, being on the advisability and enforceability ored fur and elongated nasal bones. listed as Endangered, the entire spe- of a special rule to allow the importa- Unlike the common rats (Rattus spp.j cies would be classified rangewide as tion of argali are welcome as well. If found in urban areas, the silver rice rat Threatened. However, alternative the data indicate that regulated sport requires undeveloped mangrove for- classifications are being considered, hunting benefits the species as a ests and salt marsh habitat. including designation of several popu- whole, a special rule permitting the The ancestors of the silver rice rat lations, or the entire species, as En- importation of trophies may be pub- may have colonized the Florida Keys dangered. lished. On the other hand, the Ser- during the Pleistocene, when sea levels Excessive commercial and subsis- vice emphasizes that further review of were lower than at present. Later, ris- tence hunting of argali for meat has the situation may lead to a final rule ing seas isolated these and other ani- been blamed by some people for that lists the entire species O. amnion mals on small islands, where natural much of the species' decline. There as Endangered and places a total ban selection resulted in a number of dis- have also been reports of uncontrolled on importation. tinct taxa. In recent decades, exten- killing of argali by military forces after Comments and information regard- sive commercial and residential devel- the Chinese occupation of Tibet. ing the argali proposal should be sent opment in the Florida Keys has However, the Service recognized in to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sharply reduced the already limited the listing proposal that there is a rea- Office of Scientific Authority, ARLSQ amount of wildlife habitat. Among sonable argument for the proposition 725, Washington, D.C. 20240, by the vulnerable animals on these is- that regulated sport hunting may pro- February 4, 1991. lands that are already listed as Endan- vide economic incentives for conserv- gered are the Key deer (Odocoileus ing certain wildlife populations. virginianus clavium) and the Lower These incentives may be direct, by Silver Rice Rat Keys rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris generating funding for essential con- The lower Florida Keys population hefneri). servation measures through licensing of the rice rat (Oryzomys palustris Federal protection for the silver rice fees, or indirect, by focusing govern- natator) was proposed by the Service rat first became an issue in 1980, mental attention on the need to pro- on October 25, 1990, for listing as tect species of economic value. In its Endangered. This population is (continued on next page)

8 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Listing Proposals (continued from previous page) when the Service was petitioned by the Center for Action on Endangered Species to list the animal as Endan- gered. From 1982 through 1988, the Service published annual findings that a listing proposal for the silver rice rat was "warranted but precluded" by other listing actions of higher priority. At that time, the Service treated the animal as a fiill species. However, af- ter receiving a report questioning the specific identity of the silver rice rat, the Service announced in 1989 that it was no longer considering the animal for Endangered Species Act protec- tion. Later that year, the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, Inc., filed a suit challenging the Service's decision and Uncompahgre fritillary charging that the option of listing the silver rice rat as a "distinct vertebrate by the Bureau of Land Management males. This butterfly's sedentary na- population" had not been adequately (BLM). Reports of two other colonies ture, weak flying ability, and tendency addressed. As a result, the Service have not been confirmed. to fly low to the ground make it easy agreed to reconsider its earlier deci- The Uncompahgre fritillary is a to collect. Biologists monitoring the sion. Although there is continuing small butterfly, with a wingspan of species estimate that up to 20 percent disagreement as to whether or not the only 1 inch (2.5 centimeters). Males of the Mount Uncompahgre popula- silver rice rat is a valid species or sub- have rusty brown wings criss-crossed tion was taken by collectors in 1981 species, the Service now believes that with black bars, and the females are alone. it does qualify for a listing proposal as somewhat lighter in color. These but- The Uncompahgre fritillary butter- a distinct population. terflies inhabit sites above 13,200 feet fly faces several other potential dan- (4,040 meters) in elevation, and all gers, including climatic change. This The silver rice rat is already listed by known colonies are associated with species, which exists only on the Florida as endangered, but its habitat large patches of snow willow (Salix northeast-facing slopes of the highest, does not receive protection under nivalis), the species' larval food plant. wettest peaks in southwestern Colo- State law. If the Service's listing pro- The apparently have a 2- rado, apparently requires a cool, moist posal is approved, the animal and its year life cycle. microhabitat. Results of 1987-1988 habitat will be protected from jeop- Field surveys during 1987 and 1988 surveys indicate that several recent ardy by any action funded, approved, indicate that the species' numbers years of drought have stressed the or carried out by a Federal agency. have declined precipitously since overall population. When a species is 1978. The current population is esti- reduced to such low numbers, long- Uncompahgre Fritillary Butterfly mated to total well under 1,000 indi- term genetic viability is yet another ( acrocnema) viduals. Both the USFS and BLM concern. Discovered on Mount Uncom- have eliminated livestock grazing on In 1984, the USFS and BLM signed pahgre, Colorado, in 1978, this the two known sites, and there are no an interagency agreement to conserve has the smallest known range of any logging or mining operations in these the Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly, North American butterfly species. It areas. Collecting is the main threat. but funding for its implementation has been verified from only two sites Because it is rare and one of the few has been limited. Although the Fish in the San Juan Mountains of south- butterfly species discovered in the past and Wildlife Service has been working western Colorado. The type locality half-century, the Uncompahgre fritil- with both agencies since 1987 on re- on Mount Uncompahgre is managed lary is very attractive to many collec- search and monitoring, these efforts by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), tors. Specimens of B. acrocnema have have not removed threats to the and the other colony (whose location been offered for sale at prices of over butterfly's survival. Accordingly, the is not widely known) is administered $100 for males and even more for fe- (continued on page 12)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) 9 Listing Proposals mid, and shady forests of the Luquillo are associated with thin-bedded lime- fcontinued from page 9) Mountains. This plant, which reaches stone outcrops that support cedar Service has proposed to list the only 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) in glade plant communities. The three Uncompahgre fritillary as an Endan- height, has reddish flowers and slen- currently known populations are in der, sheathed stems that are termi- Rutherford County. A fourth Ruther- gered species (F.R. 10/15/90). nated by a single leaf The species has ford County population, and another been reported from only three sites. in Davidson County, are believed to Cumberland Pigtoe Mussel Although this is an inconspicuous or- be extirpated. All three of the surviv- (Pleurobema gibberum) chid, illegal collectors have apparently ing populations are near the rapidly This small freshwater mussel, which extirpated one colony. The two growing city of Murfreesboro. Resi- rarely exceeds 2.4 inches (60 millime- known remaining populations are be- dential, commercial, and industrial ters) in length, has a shell that is a lieved to number about 140 individu- development in the area could dark mahogany color on the outer als. All three sites are within the Car- threaten the species' remaining habi- surface and peach to orange on the in- ibbean National Forest (managed by tat. Competition by encroaching side. Like many mussels, little is the USFS), where collecting is not plants for light and the limited water known about the Cumberland pigtoe permitted, but these remote areas are and nutrients available in cedar glades mussel's life history. It is endemic to difficult to monitor. is another problem at all three sites. the Caney Fork River system, a tribu- • Cranichis ricartii, a terrestrial or- Livestock grazing and off-road ve- tary of the Cumberland River, in cen- chid, grows in the moist serpentine hicles also are potential threats to the tral Tennessee. The mussel is found scrub forests of Maricao National For- habitat. primarily in riffle areas with sand and est in the mountains of western gravel, where it fdters food from the Puerto Rico. This species reaches up flowing water. to 10.5 inches (27 cm) in height, with The Service has proposed that the small basal leaves and an inflorescence Cumberland pigtoe mussel be listed as bearing numerous tiny, green flowers. Endangered because of its restricted Plants have been reported from three range and the vulnerability of the re- locations but are not seen at every site maining populations (F.R. 10/15/90). every year. A total of only 30 plants Although the species may once have have been observed. The forest habi- been widely distributed in the Caney tat was damaged in 1989 by Fiurri- Fork system, it is now known to occur cane Hugo. in short reaches of only four tributar- Althotigh both species are found in ies of the Caney Fork: the Barren Fork protected areas, certain forest manage- Guthrie's ground-plum in Warren County, Calfkiller River in ment practices (e.g., the establishment Walker's Manioc (Manihot White County, Cane Creek in Van and maintenance of tree plantations) Buren County, and Collins River in could affect their habitat. Their low walkerae) Warren and Grundy Counties. The numbers and restricted ranges make Fhis perennial herb, a member of mollusk's decline is due to the con- the loss of any individuals critical. the family Euphorbiaceae, is related to struction ot impoundments, and to cassava (Manihot esculenta), a staple siltation and water pollution caused food crop in many parts of the trop- Guthrie's Ground-plum (Astraga- by coal mining, poor land use prac- ics. Because Walker's manioc may tices, and waste discharges. The re- lus bibullatus) contain genes that provide resistance maining populations are vulnerable to This perennial plant, a member of to salt, drought, cold, or plant disease, continuing declines in water quality. the pea family (Fabaceae), was named and compounds that are useful for after Milo J. Guthrie of the Tennessee treating human diseases, it is of special Department of Conservation, who re- interest to botanists, plant breeders, Two Puerto Rico Orchids discovered the species' type locality in and drug companies. If Walker's Two species of orchids native to the 1980. It has stems that rise up to 6 manioc and cassava can be interbred, island of Puerto Rico were proposed inches (6 cm) high from a taproot, it may be possible to expand the range on October 10 for listing as Endan- compound leaves composed of about over which cassava can be grown, gered: 24 small leaflets, and an inflorescence which would help feed more people. • Lepanthes eltorensis is a small epi- with up to 16 purple flowers. Unfortunately, however. Walker's phytic orchid. It grows on moss-cov- Guthrie's ground-plum is endemic manioc appears to be in danger of ex- ered tree trunks in the very rainy, hu- to Tennessee's central basin. All sites tinction. (continued on next page)

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Listing Proposals that Walker's manioc be listed as En- to explain why the Penland alpine fen (continued from previous page) dangered (ER. 10/01/90). mustard is separated by such long dis- Manihot walkerae is profusely tances from its nearest relatives. One theory is that the plant migrated south branched, grows up to 1.6 feet (0.5 Penland Alpine Fen Mustard meters) tall, and has five-lobed alter- from the Arctic in front of advancing (Eutrema penlandii) nate leaves and tubular-shaped white ice sheets during the Pleistocene ep- flowers. It is endemic to Tamaulipan och, and was left stranded in small brushland, a unique ecosystem found pockets of alpine habitat when the ice only in the Rio Grande Plains of sheets retreated. Another is that the southern Texas and northeastern plant is a relic of a more widespread Mexico. Other Endangered species northern hemisphere interior flora found in this brushland community present in the Tertiary period, over 5 include the ocelot (Felis pardalis), jag- million years ago, which moved uarundi {Felis yagouaroundi), ashy northward into the Arctic with the re- dogweed (Thymophylla tephroleuca), treating ice sheets. and Johnston's frankenia (Frankenia Most of the remaining populations johnstonii). are on Federal land managed by the Walker's manioc has been collected U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of from only seven localities, in Starr and Land Management. The Forest Ser- Hidalgo Counties, Texas, and the vice has proposed the Hooser Ridge State of Tamaulipas, Mexico. The site, which is the type locality and ac- Penland alpine fen mustard species is nearly extinct because of ex- counts for about half the species' total tensive habitat loss. Since the early The Penland alpine fen mustard is population, as a Research Natural 1900's, 95 percent of native Tamau- the only representative of this prima- Area. Nearly all the other popula- lipan brushland in the United States rily Asiatic genus in the conterminous tions, however, are threatened by rec- has been cleared for cultivation, graz- 48 States. A small, herbaceous peren- reational and mining activities. ing, urban development, and recre- nial in the family Brassicaceae, this Ditches and ruts, formed by off-road ation. Much of the land that remains plant grows up to 7.0 inches (17.8 vehicles and mining activity, can dry in native vegetation is used for cattle centimeters) tall, has shiny green, up or alter the water flows that main- grazing and is often severely over- heart-shaped basal leaves on stems, tain the Penland alpine fen mustard's grazed. The species was believed to be and bears clusters of small, white fragile habitat. Drainage from mine extirpated in this country unnl it was flowers. The taxon is closely related tailings also can acidify the fens, re- recently rediscovered near La Joya, to Eutrema edwardsii, which occurs sulting in a loss of plants. Ditching Texas (see BULLETIN Vol. XV, No. throughout the Arctic but is separat- and acid mine drainage are believed 8). At present, this remains the only ed from E. penlandii by more than responsible for the loss of two small known population of the species in 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers). subpopulations of the species, which the wild. Plants are being cultivated As its name implies, the Penland have not been seen since 1980. Be- at the University of Texas, Austin, and alpine fen mustard only grows at el- cause of the limited range of this spe- the San Antonio Botanical Gardens in evations above 12,500 feet (3,810 cies and the vulnerability of its fragile Texas. Other natural populations may meters) on small, moss-covered, peat wetland habitat, the Fish and Wildlife survive along the Rio Grande in suit- fens (wetland) over calcareous bedrock Service has proposed that the Penland able brush habitat, particularly on the with constantly flowing water. The alpine fen mustard be listed as 'Fhreat- lands of the Lower Rio Grande Valley species is known from a 25-mile (40- ened (ER. 10/15/90). and Santa Ana National Wildlife Ref- km) stretch of the Continental Divide uges. Natural populations also may in the Mosquito Range of central still exist in Mexico, but their pres- Colorado. Its habitat contains persis- Available Conservation Measures ence has not been verified. Any exist- tent snowfields, which are necessary Among the conservation benefits ing Mexican populations are under se- to maintain the water flows feeding authorized for Threatened and En- vere threat because the region is the high-altitude fens. There are an dangered plants and animals under heavily grazed and cultivated. estimated 5,200 plants distributed in the Endangered Species Act are: pro- Because of this species' limited dis- 8 small populations over a total of 62 tection from adverse effects of Federal tribution and its vulnerability to hu- acres (25 hectares). activities; restrictions on take and traf- man threats, the Service has proposed Different theories have been offered (continued on page 12)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) 11 Listing Proposal Spotted Owl Recovery ing and implementing plans for the (continued from page 11) (continuedfrom page 4) recovery of Endangered and Threat- Ticking; the requirement for the Ser- vice. Bureau of Land Management, ened species. In carrying out this vice to develop and carry out recovery and U.S. Forest Service. Nominations duty for the northern spotted owl, plans; the authorization to seek land are expected soon. Secretary Lujan said that a number of purchases or exchanges for important The intent is to establish a team factors will be taken into account, in- habitat; and Federal aid to State and that has the ability and time to handle cluding potential community and re- Commonwealth conservation depart- this complex and controversial re- gional socioeconomic impacts; fiscal ments that have approved cooperative source issue. Nominations have been effects at the local. State, and Federal agreements with the Service. Listing requested for individuals that have es- levels; compatibility with other legal also lends greater recognition to a spe- tablished experience and credentials in mandates; concerns related to other cies' precarious status, which encour- such areas as wildlife and population Endangered, Threatened, and poten- ages other conservation efforts by ecology, forest ecology, and forestry. tially vulnerable species; and broader State and local agencies, independent Team membership will be important ecological considerations. organizations, and concerned indi- to the success of this effort. The team At this point, the Secretary esti- viduals. is also expected to consider related re- mates that a draft recovery plan will Section 7 of the Act directs Federal source issues and other listing candi- be completed and issued for public agencies to use their legal authorities dates with the intent of investigating comment by December 31, 1991, and to further the purposes of the Act by an ecosystem approach to resolving that a final version will be available carrying out conservation programs future problems in Northwest forests. for approval and implementation by for listed species. It also requires these It is expected that the initial phase of June 30, 1992. These dates, however, agencies to ensure that any actions the recovery planning process will re- are subject to change once the as- they fund, authorize, or carry out are quire a full-time commitment of 6 to sembled team fully determines the not likely to jeopardize the survival of 9 months. scope of work needed to accomplish any Endangered or Threatened spe- The Endangered Species Act makes its assignment. cies. If an agency finds that one of its the Secretary responsible for develop- activities may affect a listed species, it is required to consult with the Service Regional News vice representative, at the Service's on ways to avoid jeopardy. For species (continued from page 2) Ventura Field Station, 2291-A Portola that are proposed for listing and for highest number of rails recorded at Road, Ventura, California 93003 which jeopardy is found. Federal this site since 1975, when formal (telephone: 805/644-1766; FTS 983- agencies are required to "confer" with counts began. 6040). the Service, although the results of * * * * * * such a conference are not legally bind- Of the 193 bald eagle (Haliaeetus The Service is continuing to work ing. leucocephalus) breeding territories sur- with the Army Corps of Engineers' Additional protection is authorized veyed by the Service in Oregon in Regulatory Branch to stop unautho- by Section 9 of the Act, which makes 1990, 175 were occupied. The eagles rized activities in wetlands occupied it illegal to take, possess, transport, or had an average of 0.91 young per site, by the Endangered least Bell's vireo engage in interstate or international higher than the 5-year average of 0.87. (Vireo bellii pusillus) in the Prado Ba- trafficking in listed animals except by I he bald eagle recovery goal for Or- sin of southern California. The in- permit for certain conservation pur- egon is 206 occupied breeding territo- stallation of a pipeline in willow poses. For plants, the rules regarding ries with a 5-year average of 1.0 young woodland along Chino Creek this "take" are different. It is unlawful to per territory. September, in violation of the terms of collect or maliciously damage any En- * * * the utilir)?'s permit, destroyed at least dangered plant on lands under Federal The Desert Tortoise Recovery Team 2 to 3 acres (0.8 to 1.2 hectares) of jurisdiction. Removing or damaging held its first meeting October 16 and wetland vegetation and at least one listed plants on State and private lands 17 in Ventura, California. Team nesting locale used by a pair of vireos in knowing violation of State law or in members got acquainted and discuss- during the 1990 breeding season. Un- the course of violating a State criminal ed team objectives and recovery fortunately, this is the sixth incident tresspass law also is illegal under the timeframes. Dr. Peter Brussard, from in the past 5 years involving the de- Act. In addition, some States have the University of Nevada-Reno, is the struction of occupied least Bell's vireo more restrictive laws of their own spe- team leader. People wishing to con- habitat within the Prado Basin. cifically against the take of State or tact the team should contact Ms. Judy * * * federally listed plants and animals. Hohman, the team secretary and Ser- (continued on page 15)

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Awareness Grows on the Problems of Trading Live Birds and Other Live Wildlife Susan S. Lieberman Office of Management Authority Washington, D.C. Although few Americans are aware of it, millions of live wild birds, rep- tiles, and mammals are imported into the United States every year for com- mercial purposes.' The U.S. imports more live wildlife than any other country. Approximately 700,000 wild birds, 25 million aquarium fish, 1.2 million live reptiles, and 15,000 pri- mates are imported into this country every year. Taking these animals from the wild threatens the survival of some of these species, and the conditions under which they are shipped are all •i^'' ''ii f I ^ 'T''"' too often cruel and inhumane, with thousands of animals dying in transit. tf •• • f* I,. • • '.rJ^ The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild kk% ' ' ' I Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the international trade of species that When birds and other animals are shipped in improper or inhumane conditions, disease or are or may be threatened with extinc- even death is often the result. These Indian ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) were found dead upon arrival. tion. Species listed in Appendix I of the treaty, which are threatened with mortality data and improve transport trade: 33 species accounted for more extinction, cannot be traded for pri- conditions. (For more information on than 5,000 birds apiece, and 10 of marily commercial purposes. Species the October 1989 CITES Conference, these species accounted for more than listed in Appendix II, which could be- see BULLETIN Vol. XV, No. 5.) 25,000 birds apiece. Virtually all of come threatened with extinction if the wild birds imported into this their trade is not brought under con- country are for the commercial pet trol, may be traded for commercial Wild Bird Trade trade. purposes only if export permits are From 1986 to 1988, more than 1.9 The Fish and Wildlife Service is obtained stating that trade will not be million wild birds were legally im- very concerned that high levels of detrimental to the species in the wild. ported into the United States, ol trade in psittacines may be detrimen- The CITES Parties (member coun- which approximately 850,000 were tal to the survival of some species in tries) have been addressing the prob- parrots (psittacines) and other species the wild, in spite of apparently valid lems of the shipment of live animals listed in the CITES appendices. In export documents that state other- since the inception of the treaty. The 1988, the most recent year for which wise. Many exporting countries are welfare of individual animals in transit there are complete statistics, four unable to undertake the critical scien- is specifically covered in the CITES countries—Argentina, Senegal, Tanza- tific studies necessary to address the text, which requires Parties to ensure nia, and Indonesia, in order of export effects of trade on wild populations that "any living specimen will be so volumes—each legally exported more and to appropriately manage commer- prepared and shipped as to minimize than 30,000 wild birds to the United cially valuable species. At the urging the risk of injury, damage to health or States. An additional tens of thou- of the Service, the CITES Parties now cruel treatment." At the last CITES sands of birds (particularly parrots) recognize "significant trade species"— meeting, in October of 1989, the Par- were smuggled into this country, but those species traded in large quantities ties again recognized the problem of it is difficult to accurately quantify or about which there is insufficient bio- transport-induced deaths, and recom- even estimate this illegal trade. logical information available and for mended that more be done to collect Psittacine species dominated the legal (continued on page 14)

13 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Bird Trade Problems munity Commission, and eight non- wild birds does not harm populations (continued from page 13) governmental organizations. The in the wild. which trade may indeed be detrimen- meeting focused attention on the pet tal. The Service is funding several trade in live wild birds. The CITES Humane Transport Regulations studies dealing with significant trade Working Group agreed that the en- In addition to the requirements in species, including a project on Indo- forcement of existing trade regulations the CITES treaty and recommenda- nesian psittacines, and will be discuss- and resolutions, and the training of tions in the CITES resolutions, the ing issues pertaining to significant people involved in the export of live United States has its own strict regula- trade species at a meeting of the wildlife (particularly in Africa and tions concerning the transport of live CITES Animals Committee. The In- Latin America), are high priorities. It animals. The Lacey Act Amendments ternational Union for the Conserva- also agreed to consider adopting reme- of 1981 (PL. 87-79, 95 Stat. 1073) tion of Nature and Natural Resources dial measures for those species par- required the Secretary of the Interior (lUCN) has also made a commitment ticularly sensitive to injury and death to prescribe requirements for the hu- to study these significant trade spe- during transport. mane and healthful transport of wild cies. animals to the United States. A final Mortality and morbidity in the Cooperative Working Group on rule for the transport of wild mam- transport of wild birds continues to be Bird Trade mals and birds, published in the No- a problem. For example, from 1986 In 1988, the World Wildlife Fund vember 10, 1987, Federal Register, to 1988, 16.4 percent of the birds began sponsoring a Cooperative took effect February 8, 1988. On Oc- shipped (more than 324,000 birds) Working Group on Bird Trade. Rep- tober 15, 1990, the Service proposed were either dead on arrival in this resentatives of various non-govern- amendments to these regulations to country or dead within the required mental organizations, including con- further promote the humane transport 30-day quarantine period (not all of servation, zoological, veterinary, orni- of live animals into this country, which may have been transport-re- thological, humane, avicultural, and clarify the regulations, and strengthen lated). Much of the death and illness trade groups, have participated in its enforcement efforts. The Service still during transport is due to improper or discussions. After studying the inter- is analyzing public comments on these inhumane preparation and shipping of national trade of wild birds for pets, proposals. This is the first of several the birds. the non-governmental Cooperative regulatory changes anticipated by the Working Group concluded this year Service in order to reduce transport- CITES Transport Working that the pet trade is contributing to associated deaths. Group the decline of some species in the Working together with the CITES Both governmental and non-gov- wild, and that mortality remains unac- Parties, the CITES Transport Work- ernmental organizations are concerned ceptably high for many species. The ing Group, the Cooperative Working with the conservation problems asso- group recommended that the United Group on Bird Trade, and other inter- ciated with the transport of live ani- States encourage captive breeding of ested organizations, the Service is act- mals. Two groups have been formed birds for the pet trade and phase out ing to ensure the humane transport of to address these problems: the CITES the trade of wild birds within 5 years. live animals into the United States Transport Working Group and the The Cooperative Working Group is and throughout the world. We are non-governmental Cooperative Work- now trying to translate its recommen- also committed to controlling the ing Group on Bird Trade. dations into legislation. trade of live animals that are or may The CITES Working Group was The Service, along with the Depart- be threatened with extinction and to created to improve international trans- ment of Agriculture's Animal and reducing the transport-induced mor- port and shipment guidelines and Plant Health Inspection Service talities of all animals that are brought regulations, reduce transport-associ- (APHIS), recently accepted the World into this countrv'. In these ways, we ated mortalities, and help the CITES Wildlife Fund's invitation to attend hope to ensure the conservation of Parties comply with existing require- the cooperative group meetings as an wildlife populations in their native ments and resolutions. In September observer. The Service is still studying habitat. 1990, the Service attended the first the group's findings and has not yet international meeting of the CITES taken a position on the recommenda- ' Sources of data: Fish and Wildlife Service Working Group in London. Other tions. However, we look forward to (CITES Annual Report, Law Enforcement infor- mation, 3-177 forms, CITES permits), U.S. De- attendees included representatives of working with this organization with partment of Agriculture, WWF/TRAFFIC (U.S.). five countries, the CITES Secretariat the goal of ensuring that the trade of Animal Welfare Institute. in Switzerland, the European Com-

14 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) Regional News a Section 6 agreement with the Service has withdrawn its application, a pri- vate citizen recently announced plans (continuedfrom page 12) covering animals*, plants* *, or both. Region 2 - The Yuma clapper rail for another public boat ramp on the (Ralliis longirostris yumanensis) nests in Region 5 - The Service's New York south side of the James River, imme- dense cattail and reed stands in fresh- Field Office is working with the Town diately adjacent to the area that the water marshes, where it keds prima- ot Brookhaven, New York, to protect Service is planning to buy from The rily on crayfish. In the U.S., this En- sandplain gerardia (Agalinis acuta) on Nature Conservancy as a new national dangered bird is found primarily in a site owned by the town. Although wildlife refuge. This proposed boat early successional cattail marshes this site has been disturbed by activi- ramp also could affect the eagle roost- along the banks of the Colorado River ties related to a pipeline project, sev- ing area. * * * and associated tributaries in Arizona eral ot the Endangered plants are still and California. growing in the area. A highway that Region 8 - In late September, the For over 17 years, an annual spring would cross the area has been pro- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's calling count survey has been con- posed by the town, but the town has Minnesota Research Group conducted ducted during the rail's nesting and agreed to sign a cooperative agreement a field demonstration of a remote- breeding season, l^his year, the Ser- that protects the plants and provides controlled wolf capture collar for a vice, Bureau of Land Management, for The Nature Conservancy to man- delegation of scientists from the Soviet Bureau of Reclamation, Arizona Game age the site. Union. The gray wolf (Canis lupus) * • * and Fish Department, California De- had been wearing the collar in the partment of Fish and Game, and local The number of nesting bald eagles wild for one month. After the wolf National Audubon Society chapters continues to increase in Region 5. was successfully captured, the radio- participated in the calling count sur- This year, 380 pairs nested in the re- triggered tranquilizer syringes in the vey along the Colorado River and in gion, up from 232 pairs in 1986, and collar were refilled and the wolf was the other isolated areas where the rail they produced 452 young. released. * * * * • + is known to occur. The number of responses to taped calls was approxi- Last spring, the death of hundreds Region 9 - In fiscal year 1990, the mately twice the figure for the 3 previ- of songbirds and waterfowl in the Fish and Wildlife Service obligated ous years (673 compared to 272-350 Delmarva Peninsula area was attrib- $350,000 from the African Elephant in 1987-1989). The population may uted to the use of granular carbofuran, Conservation Fund to seven projects. be increasing due to stabilizing habitat a pesticide primarily used to control The involved nations and non-govern- conditions. The increase also is at- insects in corn fields. During the past mental conservation organizations are tributed to additional areas being sur- several years, a number of bald eagles also contributing to the funding of veyed and more time being invested in in the Chesapeake Bay area have been these African elephant (Loxodonta the survey. The Service hopes the in- known to have been poisoned by this africana) conservation projects, bring- crease indicates that the Yuma clapper pesticide. The Service has urged the ing the total to over $800,000. The grants are being used for anti-poach- rail's status is improving. Virginia Pesticide Control Board to * * * prohibit the use ol granular ing activities in Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Gabon, Region 4 - The Alabama Depart- carbofuran within the State, and has Tanzania, and Zambia; overall plan- ment of Conservation and Natural repeatedly urged the Environmental ning and coordination work by the in- Resources and the Louisiana Depart- Protection Agency to cancel the regis- ternational African Elephant Conser- ment of Wildlife and Fisheries recent- tration of this pesticide. * * * vation Coordinating Group; and es- ly signed Cooperative Agreements tablishing a TRAFFIC/World Wildlife with the Service under Section 6 of Based on the opposition of the Ser- Fund office for east and southern Af- the Endangered Species Act. Their re- vice, State agencies, and conservation rica. spective agreements cover 56 federally groups, Charles City County, Vir- * * * listed animal species in Alabama and ginia, has withdrawn its request for a 26 animal species in Louisiana. Fed- permit from the Army Corps of Engi- The Secretariat of the Convention eral matching funds can now be pro- neers to build a public boat ramp at on International Trade of Endangered vided to the two States for their ef- Wilcox Wharf on the James River. Species of Wild Fauna and Flora forts to monitor, study, and recover This boat ramp would have been in (CITES) has informed the 108 Parties these species. With the signing of the middle of the largest summer b;dd to the treaty that China has with- these cooperative agreements, every eagle concentration area in the eastern drawn its reservation on the African State in the Southeast Region now has United States. Although the county elephant, effective January 11, 1991. (continued on page 12)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990) 15 Regional News (continuedfrom page 15) After that date, China will comply BOX SCORE with the decision of the CITES Par- ties to place the African elephant on LISTINGS AND RECOVERY PLANS Appendix I, which prohibits commer- cial trade of species threatened with ENDANGERED 1 THREATENED 1 LISTED SPECIES Category Foreign Foreign i SPECIES WITH extinction. The United Kingdom U.S. Only 1 U.S. Only 1 TOTAL PLANS withdrew its reservation for Hong Mammals 53 248 1 8 22 1 331 29 Kong on July 18, 1990. Only five Birds 74 153 1 11 0 1 238 69 southern African countries still have Reptiles 16 58 1 14 1 105 25 reservations on the African elephant. Amphibians 6 8 5 0 19 6 Fishes 54 11 1 33 0 1 98 44 In addition, Singapore withdrew its Snails 3 1 1 6 0 1 10 7 reservations on two Appendix I spe- Clams 37 2 2 0 41 29 Crustaceans 8 0 1 2 0 1 10 5 cies, the saltwater crocodile (Croco- Insects 11 1 1 9 0 1 21 12 dylus porosus) and the New Guinea Arachnids 3 0 ' 0 0 ' 3 0 Plants 179 1 1 60 242 120 crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae). 2 1 1 TOTAL 444 483 1 153 38 ' 1118* 351** 1 Total U.S. Endangered 444 (265 animals. 179 plants) Total U.S. Threatened 153 (93 animals. 60 plants) Total U.S. Listed 597 (358 animals, 239 plants)

Separate populations of a species that are listed both as Endangered an Threatened are tallied twice. Those species are the leopard, gray wolf, grizzly bear, bald eagle, piping plover, roseate tern, Nile crocodile, green sea turtle, and olive ridley sea turtle. For the purposes of the Endangered Species Act, the term "species" can mean a species, subspecies, or distinct vertebrate population. Several entries also represent entire genera or even families.

There are 276 approved recovery plans. Some recovery plans cover more than one species, and a few species have separate plans covering different parts of their ranges. Recovery plans are drawn up only for listed species that occur in the United States.

Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States and Territories: 53 fish & wildlife 39 plants

November 30, 1990

Vol. XV No. 11 November 1990 FIRST CLASS POSTAGE AND FEES PAID A Rs^ ^ I U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT NO. G-77

Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Washington, D. 0. 20240

TAKE" PRIDE IN I AMERICA I

16 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XV No. 11 (1990)