Monday, November 9, 2009

Part III

Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR October 1, 2008, through September 30, for public inspection by appointment, 2009. during normal business hours, at the Fish and Wildlife Service We request additional status appropriate Regional Office listed below information that may be available for in under Request for Information in 50 CFR Part 17 the 249 candidate species identified in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. General [Docket No. FWS-R9-ES-2009-0075; MO- this CNOR. information we receive will be available 9221050083–B2] DATES: We will accept information on at the Branch of Candidate this Candidate Notice of Review at any Conservation, Arlington, VA (see Endangered and Threatened Wildlife time. address above). and Plants; Review of Native Species ADDRESSES: This notice is available on Candidate Notice of Review That Are Candidates for Listing as the Internet at http:// Endangered or Threatened; Annual www.regulations.gov, and http:// Background Notice of Findings on Resubmitted endangered.fws.gov/candidates/ The Endangered Species Act of 1973, Petitions; Annual Description of index.html. Species assessment forms as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) Progress on Listing Actions with information and references on a (Act), requires that we identify species particular candidate species’ range, AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, of wildlife and plants that are status, habitat needs, and listing priority Interior. endangered or threatened, based on the assignment are available for review at best available scientific and commercial ACTION: Notice of review. the appropriate Regional Office listed information. As defined in section 3 of SUMMARY: In this Candidate Notice of below in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION or the Act, an endangered species is any Review (CNOR), we, the U.S. Fish and at the Branch of Candidate species which is in danger of extinction Wildlife Service (Service), present an Conservation, Arlington, VA (see throughout all or a significant portion of updated list of plant and animal species address below), or on our Internet its range, and a threatened species is native to the United States that we website (http://endangered.fws.gov/ any species which is likely to become regard as candidates for or have candidates/index.html). Please submit an endangered species within the proposed for addition to the Lists of any new information, materials, foreseeable future throughout all or a Endangered and Threatened Wildlife comments, or questions of a general significant portion of its range. Through and Plants under the Endangered nature on this notice to the Arlington, the Federal rulemaking process, we add Species Act of 1973, as amended. VA, address listed below. Please submit species that meet these definitions to Identification of candidate species can any new information, materials, the List of Endangered and Threatened assist environmental planning efforts by comments, or questions pertaining to a Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11 or the List of providing advance notice of potential particular species to the address of the Endangered and Threatened Plants at 50 listings, allowing landowners and Endangered Species Coordinator in the CFR 17.12. As part of this program, we resource managers to alleviate threats appropriate Regional Office listed in maintain a list of species that we regard and thereby possibly remove the need to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. as candidates for listing. A candidate list species as endangered or threatened. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The species is one for which we have on file Even if we subsequently list a candidate Endangered Species Coordinator(s) in sufficient information on biological species, the early notice provided here the appropriate Regional Office(s) or vulnerability and threats to support a could result in more options for species Chief, Branch of Candidate proposal to list as endangered or management and recovery by prompting Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife threatened, but for which preparation candidate conservation measures to Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room and publication of a proposal is alleviate threats to the species. 420, Arlington, VA 22203 (telephone precluded by higher priority listing The CNOR summarizes the status and 703-358-2171; facsimile 703-358-1735). actions. A species may be indentified by threats that we evaluated in order to Persons who use a telecommunications us as a candidate for listing based on an determine that species qualify as device for the deaf (TDD) may call the evaluation of its status that we candidates and to assign a listing Federal Information Relay Service conducted on our own initiative, or as priority number (LPN) to each species, (FIRS) at 800-877-8339. a result of making a finding on a or to remove species from candidate SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We petition to list a species that listing is status. Additional material that we request additional status information warranted but precluded by other higher relied on is available in the Species that may be available for any of the priority listing action (see the Petition Assessment and Listing Priority candidate species identified in this Findings section, below). Assignment Forms (species assessment CNOR. We will consider this We maintain this list of candidates for forms, previously called candidate information in preparing listing a variety of reasons: to notify the public forms) for each candidate species. documents and future revisions to the that these species are facing threats to Overall, this CNOR recognizes five notice of review, as it will help us in their survival; to provide advance new candidates, changes the LPN for monitoring changes in the status of knowledge of potential listings that eight candidates, and removes four candidate species and in management could affect decisions of environmental species from candidate status. for conserving them. We also request planners and developers; to provide Combined with other decisions for information on additional species to information that may stimulate and individual species that were published consider including as candidates as we guide conservation efforts that will separately from this CNOR in the past prepare future updates of this notice. remove or reduce threats to these year, the current number of species that You may submit your information species and possibly make listing are candidates for listing is 249. concerning this notice in general or for unnecessary; to request input from This document also includes our any of the species included in this interested parties to help us identify findings on resubmitted petitions and notice by one of the methods listed in those candidate species that may not describes our progress in revising the the ADDRESSES section. require protection under the Act or Lists of Endangered and Threatened Species-specific information and additional species that may require the Wildlife and Plants during the period materials we receive will be available Act’s protections; and to request

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necessary information for setting and whether the effects are likely to be imminence of threat(s) and assignment priorities for preparing listing proposals. permanent. of the LPN; that information is We strongly encourage collaborative As used in our priority-ranking summarized in this CNOR. conservation efforts for candidate system, immediacy of threat is This revised notice supersedes all species and offer technical and financial categorized as either ‘‘imminent’’ or previous animal, plant, and combined assistance to facilitate such efforts. For ‘‘nonimminent’’ and is not a measure of candidate notices of review. how quickly the species is likely to additional information regarding such Summary of This CNOR assistance, please contact the become extinct if the threats are not appropriate Regional Office listed in addressed; rather, immediacy is based Since publication of the CNOR on SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION or visit our on when the threats will begin. If a December 10, 2008 (73 FR 75176), we Internet website, http:// threat is currently occurring or likely to reviewed the available information on endangered.fws.gov/candidates/ occur in the very near future, we candidate species to ensure that a index.html. classify the threat as imminent. proposed listing is justified for each Determining the immediacy of threats species, and reevaluated the relative Previous Notices of Review helps ensure that species facing actual, LPN assigned to each species. We also We have been publishing candidate identifiable threats are given priority for evaluated the need to emergency-list notices of review (CNOR) since 1975. listing proposals over those for which any of these species, particularly species The most recent CNOR (prior to this threats are only potential or species that with high priorities (i.e., species with CNOR) was published on December 10, are intrinsically vulnerable to certain LPNs of 1, 2, or 3). This review and 2008 (73 FR 75176). CNORs published types of threats but are not known to be reevaluation ensures that we focus since 1994 are available on our Internet presently facing such threats. conservation efforts on those species at greatest risk first. website, http://www.fws.gov/ Our priority ranking system has three In addition to reviewing candidate endangered/candidates/index.html. For categories for taxonomic status: species species since publication of the last copies of CNORs published prior to that are the sole members of a genus; full species (in genera that have more CNOR, we have worked on numerous 1994, please contact the Branch of findings in response to petitions to list ADDRESSES than one species); and subspecies and Candidate Conservation (see species, and on proposed and final section above). distinct population segments of vertebrate species. We also apply this determinations for rules to list species On September 21, 1983, we published last category to species that are under the Act. Some of these findings guidance for assigning an LPN for each threatened or endangered in only and determinations have been candidate species (48 FR 43098). Using significant portions of their ranges completed and published in the Federal this guidance, we assign each candidate rather than their entire ranges. Register, while work on others is still an LPN of 1 to 12, depending on the The result of the ranking system is under way (see Preclusion and magnitude of threats, immediacy of that we assign each candidate a listing Expeditious Progress, below, for details). threats, and taxonomic status; the lower priority number of 1 to 12. For example, Based on our review of the best the LPN, the higher the listing priority if the threat(s) is of high magnitude, available scientific and commercial (that is, a species with an LPN of 1 with immediacy classified as imminent, information, with this CNOR we would have the highest listing priority). the listable entity is assigned an LPN of identify five new candidate species (see Guidelines for such a priority-ranking 1, 2, or 3 based on its taxonomic status New Candidates, below), change the guidance system is required under (i.e., a species that is the only member LPN for eight candidates (see Listing section 4(h)(3) of the Act (15 U.S.C. of its genus would be assigned to the Priority Changes in Candidates, below) 1533(h)(3)). As explained below, in LPN 1 category, a full species to LPN 2, and determine that listing proposals are using this system we first categorize and a subspecies, DPS, or a species that not warranted for four species and thus based on the magnitude of the threat(s), is threatened or endangered in only a remove them from candidate status (see then by the immediacy of the threat(s), significant portion of its range would be Candidate Removals, below). Combined and finally by taxonomic status. assigned to LPN 3). In summary, the with the other decisions published Under this priority-ranking system, LPN ranking system provides a basis for separately from this CNOR for magnitude of threat can be either ‘‘high’’ making decisions about the relative individual species that previously were or ‘‘moderate to low.’’ This criterion priority for preparing a proposed rule to candidates, a total of 249 species helps ensure that the species facing the list a given species. No matter which (including 110 plant and 139 animal greatest threats to their continued LPN we assign to a species, each species species) are now candidates awaiting existence receive the highest listing included in this notice as a candidate is preparation of rules proposing their priority. It is important to recognize that one for which we have sufficient listing. These 249 species, along with all candidate species face threats to their information to prepare a proposed rule the 56 species currently proposed for continued existence, so the magnitude to list it because it is in danger of listing (includes 1 species proposed for of threats is in relative terms. When extinction or likely to become listing due to similarity in appearance), evaluating the magnitude of the threat(s) endangered within the foreseeable are included in Table 1. facing the species, we consider future throughout all or a significant Table 2 lists the changes from the information such as: the number of portion of its range. previous CNOR, and includes five populations and/or extent of range of For more information on the process species identified in the previous CNOR the species affected by the threat(s); the and standards used in assigning LPNs, as either proposed for listing or biological significance of the affected a copy of the guidance is available on classified as candidates that are no population(s), taking into consideration our website at: http://www.fws.gov/ longer in those categories. This includes the life-history characteristics of the endangered/policy/index.html. For one species for which we published a species and its current abundance and more information on the LPN assigned final rule to list, plus the four species distribution; whether the threats affect to a particular species, the species that we have determined do not warrant the species in only a portion of its range, assessment for each candidate contains preparation of a rule to propose listing and if so the likelihood of persistence of the LPN chart and a rationale for the and therefore have been removed from the species in the unaffected portions; determination of the magnitude and candidate status in this CNOR.

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New Candidates of occupied locations. Such factors may translucent with silvery white on the Below we present a brief summary of make recolonization unlikely if any site ventral side of the body and head and one new mammal, one new fish, one is extirpated and make the species has four wide olive-brown saddles on new mussel, and two new plant vulnerable to extinction due to genetic the back and upper side. The fish candidates, which we are recognizing in drift, inbreeding depression, extreme generally grows to between 73 to 77.3 this CNOR. Complete information, weather events, and random or chance millimeters (2.9 – 3.0 inches) in including references, can be found in changes to the environment. Where the standard length. The species is a benthic the species assessment forms. You may species occurs in or near human invertivore (feeds on invertebrates) that obtain a copy of these forms from the dwellings or structures, it is at risk to inhabits moderate to large warm-water persecution, removal, and disturbance. streams with moderate current and Regional Office having the lead for the Disturbance from humans, either clean sand and gravel substrates. species, or from our Internet website intentional or inadvertent, can occur at Historical records indicate that the (http://endangered.fws.gov/candidates/ any of the occurrences of this bat on diamond darter was distributed index.html). For these species, we find either private or conservation lands. throughout the Ohio River Basin and that we have on file sufficient Disturbance of maternity roosts is of that the range included the Muskingum information on biological vulnerability particular concern due to this species’ River, Ohio; the Ohio River, Ohio; the and threats to support a proposal to list low fecundity and small population. Green River, Kentucky; and the as endangered or threatened, but that Pesticide applications may be affecting Cumberland River Drainage, Kentucky preparation and publication of a its foraging base, especially in coastal and Tennessee. The species is currently proposal is precluded by higher priority areas. only known to exist within a 36- listing actions (i.e., it met our definition Due to its overall vulnerability, kilometer (km) (22.4-mile (mi)) section of a candidate species). We also note intense hurricanes are a significant of the lower Elk River in Kanawha and below that three other species, yellow- threat; this threat is expected to Clay Counties, West Virginia, and is billed loon, roundtail chub (Lower continue or increase in the future. considered extirpated from the Colorado River Basin population), and Intense storms can cause mortality remainder of the Ohio River Basin. Astragalus anserinus (Goose Creek during the storm, exposure to predation Survey results and independent milkvetch) were identified as candidates immediately following the storm, loss of publications indicate that the diamond earlier this year as a result of a separate roost sites, impacts on foraging areas darter is very rare and that the petition findings published in the and insect abundance, and disruption of remaining population within the Elk Federal Register. the maternal period. Although disease is River is likely very small. Despite Mammals a significant threat for other bat species, repeated and targeted survey efforts it is not known to be a threat for the within the species’ known range and Florida bonneted bat (Eumops Florida bonneted bat at this time. The preferred habitat in the Elk River, only floridanus) – The following summary is protection currently afforded the Florida 18 individuals have been collected in based on information in our files. bonneted bat is limited, provides little the last 29 years. Endemic to south Florida, this species is protection to the species’ occupied The primary threats to the diamond known to occur at 12 locations, 5 on habitat, and includes no provisions to darter are related to the present or private land and 7 on public land. The protect suitable but unoccupied habitat threatened destruction, modification, or entire population may number less than within the vicinity of known colony curtailment of its habitat or range. The a few hundred individuals. Recent sites. Overall, we find the magnitude of Elk River Watershed is threatened with results from a rangewide acoustical threats is high due to the severity of the ongoing water-quality degradation and survey found a small number of threats on this species. We find that habitat loss from activities such as coal locations where calls were recorded, most of the threats are currently mining, oil and gas development, and low numbers of calls were recorded occurring and, consequently, overall, siltation from these and other sources, at each location. Few active roost sites threats are imminent. Therefore, we and inadequate sewage and wastewater are known; all are artificial (i.e., bat assigned an LPN of 2 to this species. treatment. The impoundment of rivers houses). in the Ohio River Basin, such as the Occurrences are threatened by loss Birds Kanawha, Ohio, and Cumberland, has and conversion of habitat to other uses Yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii) – eliminated much of the species’ habitat and habitat alteration (e.g., removal of We previously announced candidate and isolated the existing population old trees with cavities, removal of status for this species in a separate from other watersheds that the species manmade structures with suitable warranted-but-precluded 12–month historically occupied. Invasive species roosting sites); this threat is expected to petition finding published on March 25, have the potential to affect the Elk River continue and increase. Although 2009 (74 FR 12931). Also, see summary and diamond darter habitat. The small occurrences on conservation lands are below under ‘‘Petition Findings.’’ size and restricted range of the inherently more protected than those on remaining diamond darter population private lands, habitat alteration during Fishes make it particularly susceptible to the management practices may affect Roundtail chub (Lower Colorado effects of genetic inbreeding, as well as natural roosting sites even on River Basin DPS) (Gila robusta) – We potential extirpation from spills and conservation lands because the previously announced candidate status other catastrophic events. The species is locations of any such sites are unknown. for this species in a separate warranted- vulnerable to overutilization for Therefore, occupied and potential but-precluded 12–month petition scientific purposes; however, the habitat on forested or wooded lands, finding published on July 7, 2009 (74 FR significance of this threat has been both private and public, continues to be 32351). reduced and can be further minimized at risk. The species is vulnerable to a Diamond darter (Crystallaria cincotta) through the administration of existing wide array of natural and human – The following summary is based on scientific collecting permit procedures. factors: low population size, restricted information contained in our files. The Existing Federal and State regulatory range, low fecundity, distance between diamond darter is a member of the mechanisms do not currently provide occupied locations, and small number Perch family (Percidae) that is generally protections for the species or its habitat.

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The threats to the diamond darter are range; thus, artificial propagation of the range of the variety. The effects of the high in magnitude, in that the entire rabbitsfoot to reestablish the species in threat are also permanent. Therefore, current range of the species is restored habitats and to maintain non- these threats are high in magnitude. potentially affected, and the effects of reproducing populations is not possible, These threats are imminent because the the threats severely affect the nor is focused conservation of its fish conversion from rural to residential land reproductive capacity and can result in host. Although there are ongoing use is ongoing. Consequently, we total mortality. The threats to the attempts to alleviate some of these assigned an LPN of 3 to this plant species are imminent and ongoing. threats at some locations, there appear variety. Activities that pose a threat to the to be no populations without significant Ferns and Allies species already exist within the threats and many threats are without watershed and are expected to continue. obvious or readily available solutions. Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Based on imminent threats of a high The threats described above have led to floridanum (Florida bristle fern) – The magnitude, we assigned an LPN of 2 to the species being intrinsically following summary is based on this species. vulnerable to extirpation. information in our files. The Florida Due to the number of extant bristle fern has been reduced to four, or Clams populations and relatively broad possibly five, small, isolated Rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica distribution, the threats to rabbitsfoot occurrences: Three occur in Miami- cylindrical) – The following summary is are of moderate magnitude. Although Dade County and two in Sumter County. based on information in our files. The some of the threats are nonimminent, In Miami-Dade County, it has been rabbitsfoot is a freshwater mussel native most are ongoing and, therefore, overall, found exclusively in solution holes in to Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, the threats are imminent. Thus, we oolitic limestone and rocky outcrops in Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, assigned an LPN of 9 to this subspecies. rockland hammocks. In Sumter County, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, plants occur in a mesic/hydric Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Flowering Plants hammock on shaded limestone Virginia. The species has disappeared Astragalus anserinus (Goose Creek boulders. from 5 of 6 rivers in the Lower Great milkvetch) – We previously announced Most sites where Florida bristle fern Lakes sub-basin, 47 of 64 rivers in the candidate status for this species in a once occurred in Miami-Dade County Ohio River system, 10 of 12 rivers in the separate warranted-but-precluded 12– have been lost; few rockland hammocks Cumberland River basin, 14 of 19 rivers month petition finding published on remains outside of Everglades National in the Tennessee River system, 2 of 5 September 10, 2009 (74 FR 46521). Park. Impacts from regional water rivers in the Lower Mississippi River Leavenworthia exigua var. laciniata drainage in Miami-Dade County are sub-basin, 3 of 12 rivers in the White (Kentucky gladecress) – The following severe, and currently occurring. River system, 4 of 8 rivers in the summary is based on information in our Regional drainage in remaining habitat Arkansas River system, and 4 of 11 files. Kentucky gladecress is a winter has probably been a stressor that has rivers in the Red River system, annual that is adapted to environments contributed to extirpations and representing approximately a 65-percent with shallow soils interspersed with population declines. Resulting drops in decline of its range. Total range flat-bedded limestones. The natural ambient humidity in the habitat may reduction (river miles) and overall habitat for Kentucky gladecress is cedar limit reproduction and health of population loss for the rabbitsfoot may glades, but the variety is also known populations over the longterm. Such approach, if not exceed, 90 percent. Of from overgrazed pastures, eroded changes in humidity may cause the 49 extant populations, 10 shallow-soil areas with exposed extirpations or make plants more populations are considered to be viable bedrock, and areas where the soil has vulnerable to other stressors (e.g., in the longterm. been scraped off the underlying periodic long-term droughts, Population declines continue in most bedrock. The variety does not appear to hurricanes). Climatic changes and sea- of the species’ range, and numerous compete well with other vegetation and level rise are future, long term threats threats, including water-quality is shade intolerant. Currently, there are that are expected to affect habitat and degradation, loss of stable substrates, approximately 55 occurrences in ultimately reduce the extent of available sedimentation, channelization, gravel Jefferson and Bullitt Counties, habitat in Miami-Dade County. mining, dredging, and impoundments, Kentucky, but at least 39 of these Agricultural conversion and are affecting the few remaining occurrences are of poor quality with low development are currently occurring in sustainable extant populations. The numbers of plants and degraded Sumter County, placing any small size of most of the remaining conditions. undocumented occurrences and suitable rabbitsfoot populations exacerbates the Populations of this variety are now habitat at risk. Since a full survey of threats and adverse effects of chance located primarily in modified habitats suitable habitats for the Florida bristle events to rabbitsfoot. such as pastureland, roadside rights of fern has never been conducted in Threats to the continued existence of way, and cultivated or plowed fields. Sumter County, we cannot determine rabbitsfoot include exotic species, These populations are threatened by the full extent of losses of this species especially zebra mussels; delivery and further habitat destruction (conversion due to habitat destruction and deposition of fine sediments; small from rural to residential land use), modification. All known extant population sizes; isolation of herbicide use, overgrazing, and occurrences are located on conservation populations; livestock grazing; competition. Some populations lands; however, there is potential, wastewater effluents; mine runoff; continue to occupy natural glade especially in Sumter County, for the unstable and coldwater flows habitats, but these habitats are remnant species to occur on private lands. downstream of dams; gravel mining; in nature and continue to be affected by Together, the extant occurrences contain and channel dredging. In addition, the agricultural and residential conversion. fewer than 1,000 plants. Many plants rabbitsfoot, like many other fresh-water The variety’s primary threat, habitat are probably clones, so there may be mussels, requires a fish host to transport destruction due to residential and limited genetic diversity within sites. it larvae, and the fish host of rabbitsfoot commercial development, is widespread Because there are few occurrences, is unknown for the eastern portion of its and has the potential to affect the entire populations contain few plants, and

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genetic variability is low, the species is detected only in the latter two. In the Fish inherently at risk due to stochastic Maricao Commonwealth Forest, 778 Pearl darter (Percina aurora) – Little events. Droughts, tropical storms, and elfin-woods warblers were recorded, is known about the specific habitat hurricanes are threats; Hurricane and in the El Yunque National Forest, requirements or natural history of the Andrew may have played a role in the 196 were recorded. Pearl darter. Pearl darters have been extirpation of the species from two sites. The elfin-woods warbler is threatened collected from rivers and streams with Since there are few occurrences by habitat modification. Destruction of a variety of attributes, but are mainly remaining, the species is threatened elfin forest and Podocarpus forest by the found over gravel-bottom substrate. This with extinction during these events. installation of infrastructure species is historically known only from Invasive exotic plants are also a threat, (telecommunication towers and localized sites within the Pascagoula but may be reduced due to active recreational facilities) threatens the and Pearl River drainages in two States. programs by Miami-Dade County and long-term survival of this species. Loss Currently, the Pearl darter is considered the State. The extent to which fungus is of this type of habitat has been curtailed extirpated from the Pearl River drainage a threat to wild populations is but potential for loss still exists due to and rare in the Pascagoula River unknown. Overall, the magnitude of Commonwealth agencies other than drainage. Since 1983, the range of the threats is high, and most threats are Department of Natural and Pearl darter has decreased by 55 occurring and are, therefore, imminent. Environmental Resources potentially percent. Consequently, we assigned this installing these structures. Furthermore, The Pearl darter is vulnerable to non- subspecies an LPN of 3. restoration of this habitat would take a point source pollution caused by Listing Priority Changes in Candidates few decades to complete. Present urbanization and other land use We reviewed the LPN for all regulatory processes, both activities; gravel mining and resultant candidate species and are changing the Commonwealth and Federal, promote changes in river geomorphology, numbers for the following species the protection of these areas. Conversion especially head cutting; and the discussed below. Some of the changes of elfin-woods warbler habitat of better possibility of water reductions casused reflect actual changes in either the quality (e.g., mature secondary forests, by the proposed Department of Energy magnitude or imminence of the threats. young secondary forests, and shade- Strategic Petroleum Reserve project and For some species, the LPN change coffee plantations) along the periphery a proposed dam on the Bouie River. reflects efforts to ensure national of the Maricao Commonwealth Forest to Additional threats are posed by the consistency as well as closer adherence marginal habitat (e.g., pastures, dry apparent lack of adequate State and to the 1983 guidelines in assigning these slope forests, residential rural forests, Federal water-quality regulations due to numbers, rather than an actual change gallery forests, and sun-coffee the continuing degradation of water in the nature of the threats. plantations) may result in ineffective quality within the species’ habitat. The corridors for dispersal and expansion of pearl darter’s localized distribution and Birds the elfin-woods warbler. Although there apparent low population numbers may Elfin-woods warbler (Dendroica is an effort to restore sun-coffee indicate a species with lower genetic angelae) – The elfin-woods warbler is a plantations to shade-coffee habitat, diversity and would also make this small entirely black and white warbler, other habitats adjacent to the Maricao species more vulnerable to catastrophic distinguished by its white eyebrow Forest may still be affected by events. Reevaluation of the threats stripe, white patches on ear covers and residential development. We previously affecting the pearl darter has indicated neck, incomplete eye ring, and black assessed the LPN as a 5 (high that a change in the Listing Priority crown. The elfin-woods warbler was at magnitude, nonimminent threats). Our Number is warranted. Threats affecting first thought to occur only in the high- analysis of the five listing factors the pearl darter are localized in nature, elevation dwarf or elfin forests of Puerto revealed that only factors A and D affecting portions of the population Rico, but has since been found at lower applied to the species. Although habitat within the drainage. Thus, a threat elevations including shade coffee modification is occurring, it is limited, magnitude of moderate to low is a more plantations and secondary forests. This as the species is found mostly on appropriate category in this situation. In species builds a compact cup nest, protected lands managed by the addition, since the identified threats are usually close to the trunk and well Commonwealth and Federal agencies. currently affecting this species in these hidden among the epiphytes of a small We found no indication that the two portions of its range, the threats are tree, and its breeding season extends populations of elfin-woods warbler are imminent. Therefore, we have changed from March to June. It forages in the declining in numbers. We also found the LPN from a 5 to an 8 to reflect this middle part of trees, gleaning insects that the species can thrive in disturbed reevaluation. from leaves in the outer portion of the and plantation habitats, and rebounds tree crown. The elfin-woods warbler has and recovers well, in a relatively short Clams been documented from four locations in time, from the damaging effects of Neosho mucket (Lampsilis Puerto Rico: Luquillo Mountains, Sierra hurricanes to the forest structure. rafinesqueana) – The Neosho mucket is de Cayey, and the Commonwealth Therefore, we have determined that the a freshwater mussel native to Arkansas, forests of Maricao and Toro Negro. magnitude of threats is moderate to low Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The However, it has not been recorded again because the severity of the threats on the species has been extirpated from in Toro Negro and Cayey since the species is not as great as we previously approximately 62 percent (835 river passing of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. In believed and most of the range of the miles) of its range, primarily in Kansas 2003 and 2004, surveys were conducted elfin-woods warbler is within protected and Oklahoma. The Neosho mucket for the elfin-woods warbler in the Carite lands. The threats are not currently survives in four river drainages, Commonwealth Forest, Toro Negro occurring in most of the warbler’s however, only one of these, the Spring Forest, Guilarte Forest, Bosque del habitat; therefore, the threats are River, currently supports a relatively Pueblo, Maricao Forest and the El nonimminent. As a result, we have large population. Yunque National Forest (Luquillo changed the LPN from a 5 to an 11 for Significant portions of the historical Mountains), but the species was this species. range have been inundated by the

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construction of at least 11 dams. early successional habitats such as the usage in association with right-of-way Channel instability downstream of these edges of tropical hardwood hammock, maintenance. The majority of the dams has further reduced suitable coastal berm forest, and along trails and Georgia population is protected due to habitat and mussel distribution. Range other open sunny areas, and historically its location within a conservation restriction and population declines have in pine rocklands. These habitats easement area; however, only 15 to 20 occurred due to habitat degradation provide host plants for larvae and nectar plants are estimated to occur at this site. attributed to urbanization, sources for adults in close proximity, as The remaining four sites are not impoundments, mining, sedimentation, the species requires. formally protected, but efforts have been and agricultural pollutants. Rapid Major threats to the butterfly include taken to abate threats associated with development and urbanization in the few occurrences, limited population highway right-of-way maintenance at Illinois River watershed will likely size and range, hurricanes, mosquito one Alabama population; and, despite continue to increase channel instability, control activities, and herbivory of past concerns about threats from timber sedimentation, and eutrophication to hostplants by iguanas. Damage to removal degrading H. verticillatus this river. The rapid collapse of the hostplants from iguanas at BHSP is a habitat, the other Alabama population entire mussel community, including new, ongoing, significant threat; has responded favorably to canopy Neosho mucket, since 2005 in the although active steps are being taken by removal that took place circa 2001. Arkansas portion of the Illinois River the State, this metapopulation is now at Because of this, the threats are of threatens to extirpate the species from risk. Climatic changes and sea-level rise moderate magnitude. The threats are approximately 30 river miles in the very are long-term threats that will reduce currently occurring, and therefore near future. The Illinois River once the extent of habitat. Accidental harm or imminent. To help ensure consistency represented one of the two viable habitat destruction and illegal collection in the application of our listing priority populations, but continued viability of may also pose threats to the survival process, we changed the LPN from a 5 this stream population is doubtful and due to small population sizes. Loss of to an 8 for this species. extirpation is imminent. The remaining genetic diversity within the small and Lesquerella globosa (Short’s extant populations are vulnerable to isolated populations may be occurring. bladderpod) – Short’s bladderpod is a random catastrophic events (e.g., flood The survival of the Miami blue depends perennial member of the mustard family scour, drought, toxic spills), land-use on protecting the species’ currently that occurs in Indiana (1 location), changes within the limited range, and occupied habitat from further Kentucky (6 locations), and Tennessee genetic isolation and the deleterious degradation and fragmentation; (22 locations). It grows on steep, rocky, effects of inbreeding. These threats have restoring potentially suitable habitat wooded slopes; talus areas, along cliff led to the species being intrinsically within its historical range; avoiding or tops and bases; and on cliff ledges. It is vulnerable to extirpation. Although removing threats from fire suppression, usually associated with south-to-west- State regulations limit harvest of this mosquito control, and accidental harm facing calcareous outcrops adjacent to species, there is little protection for from humans; increasing the current rivers or streams. Road construction and habitat. The threats are high in population in size; and establishing road maintenance have played a magnitude because of their severity on populations at other locations. The significant role in the decline of L. this species, and they occur throughout threats are high in magnitude and globosa. Specific activities that have the range. The majority of the threats are constitute a significant risk to the affected the species in the past and ongoing and thus imminent. Thus, we subspecies. Given that the new threat continue to threaten it include bank changed the LPN from a 5 to a 2 for this from iguanas and other threats stabilization, herbicide use, mowing species. (hurricanes, few occurrences, and small during the growing season, grading of population size) are ongoing, the threats road shoulders, and road widening or Insects are imminent. Therefore, we changed repaving. Sediment deposition during Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus the LPN from a 6 to a 3. road maintenance or from other thomasi bethunebakeri) – The Miami activities also potentially threatens the Flowering plants blue is endemic to south Florida. species. Because the natural processes Historically, it occurred throughout the Helianthus verticillatus (whorled that maintained habitat suitability and Florida Keys, north to Hillsborough and sunflower) – The whorled sunflower is competition from invasive nonnative Volusia Counties. It is presently located found in moist, prairie-like openings in vegetation have been interrupted at at two sites in the Keys. In 1999, a woodlands and along adjacent creeks. many locations, active habitat metapopulation was discovered at Bahia Despite extensive surveys throughout its management is necessary at those sites. Honda State Park (BHSP) on Bahia range, only five populations are known The threats from roadside maintenance Honda Key and in 2006 a second for this species. There are two and habitat alterations by invasive plant metapopulation was discovered on the populations documented for Cherokee encroachment are moderate in outer islands of Key West National County, Alabama; one population in magnitude, as they are not affecting all Wildlife Refuge (KWNWR). The BHSP Floyd County, Georgia; and one locations of this species. However, the metapopulation appears restricted to a population each in Madison and threats are currently occurring, and couple hundred individuals at most; the McNairy Counties, Tennessee. This therefore imminent. To help ensure KWNWR metapopulation was believed species appears to have restricted consistency in the application of our to be several hundred in 2006-2007, but ecological requirements and is listing priority process, we changed the appears to be lower in abundance now. dependent upon the maintenance of LPN from a 5 to an 8 for this species. Capacity to expand at either site or prairie-like openings for its survival. Physaria douglasii ssp. tuplashensis successfully emigrate from either site Active management of habitat is needed (White Bluffs bladderpod) – In previous appears to be very low due to the to keep competition and shading under Candidate Notices of Review, we sedentary nature of the butterfly and control. Much of its habitat has been referred to P. douglasii ssp. tuplashensis isolation of habitats. Reintroduction degraded or destroyed for agricultural, as P. tuplashensis. We have now efforts have not been successful. The silvicultural, and residential purposes. dropped that name because the paper Miami blue is predominantly a coastal Populations near roadsides or that recommended its use was never species, occurring in disturbed and powerlines are threatened by herbicide published. As a result, we are following

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the treatment of a 2002 published high. Currently, we know of no plans to levels, some type of active management scientific paper that recognized the expand or significantly modify the to prevent complete canopy closure is White Bluffs bladderpod as Physaria existing agriculture activities in areas required at most locations. Collecting douglassii ssp. tuplashensis. adjacent to the population. In addition, for commercial and other purposes is a White Bluffs bladderpod is a low- deliberate modification of the species’ potential threat. Herbivory (primarily by growing, herbaceous, short-lived immediate habitat is unlikely due to its deer) threatens the species at several perennial plant in the Brassicaceae location and 85 percent having Federal sites. Due to the alteration of habitat and (mustard) family. Historically and ownership. Even though off-road changes in natural conditions, currently, White Bluffs bladderpod (P. vehicle use is prohibited on the protection and recovery of this species douglasii ssp. tuplashensis) has been monument, intermittent, ongoing use is dependent upon active management known from only a single population does occur. However, these activities, rather than just preservation of habitat. that occurs along the White Bluffs of the although they are ongoing, are mainly Invasive, nonnative plants such as Columbia River in Franklin County, confined to the upper portion of the Japanese honeysuckle and kudzu Washington. The entire range of the White Bluffs where few P. tuplashensis threaten several sites. Upon review of species is a narrow band, approximately plants occur, so there is low to moderate current listing guidance and threats 33 feet (10 meters) wide by 10.6 miles threat to the species from these affecting the species, we have revised (17 km) long, at the upper edge of the activities. Invasive plants are present in the LPN to reflect the fact that threats bluffs. The species occurs only on the vicinity, but have not yet been are currently operating at most sites and cemented, highly alkaline, calcium described as a significant problem. are therefore imminent. While the carbonate paleosol (a ‘‘caliche’’ soil) and While P. douglasii ssp. tuplashensis is threats are widespread, however, the is believed to be a ‘‘calciphile.’’ inherently vulnerable because it is a impact of those threats on the species Approximately 35 percent of the narrow endemic, the magnitude of the survival is moderate in magnitude. known range of the species has been threats to the population is moderate. Several of the sites are protected to moderately to severely affected by The threats are currently occurring, and some degree from the threats by being landslides, an apparently permanent therefore imminent. To help ensure within State parks, national forests, destruction of the habitat. The entire consistency in the application of our wildlife management areas, or other population of the species is down slope listing priority process and to recognize protected land. As a result, we changed of irrigated agricultural land, the source the correct taxonomic name, we the LPN from a 5 to an 8 for this species. of the water seepage causing the mass changed the LPN from a 5 to a 9 for this Candidate Removals failures and landslides. However, the subspecies. southern portion is the closest to the Platanthera integrilabia (White As summarized below, we have agricultural land and the most affected fringeless orchid) – Platanthera evaluated the threats to the following by landslides. Other significant threats integrilabia is a perennial herb that four species and considered factors that, include use of the habitat by grows in partially but not fully shaded, individually and in combination, recreational off-road vehicles which wet, boggy areas at the heads of streams currently or potentially could pose a destroy plants, and the presence of and on seepage slopes in Alabama, risk to these species and their habitat. invasive nonnative plants that compete Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. After a review of the best available with P. douglassii ssp. tuplashensis for Historically, there were at least 90 scientific and commercial data, we resources (light, water, nutrients). populations of P. integrilabia. Currently conclude that listing these four species Additionally, the increasing presence of there are approximately 50 extant sites under the Endangered Species Act is not invasive nonnative plants may alter fire supporting the species. warranted because the species are not regimes and potentially increase the Several populations have been likely to become endangered species threat of fire to the P. douglasii ssp. extirpated due to road, residential, and within the foreseeable future throughout tuplashensis population. As a result of commercial construction and projects all or a significant portion of their range. a fire in 2007, there is a higher that altered soil and site hydrology such Therefore, for each of these species we probability that invasion of these that suitability for the species was find that proposing a rule to list it is not nonnatives will occur. We reanalyzed reduced. Several of the known warranted, and we no longer consider it the magnitude and imminence of the populations are in or adjacent to to be a candidate species for listing. We threats, which resulted in a change in powerline rights of way. Mechanical will continue to monitor the status of the LPN for P. douglasii ssp. clearing of these areas may benefit the these species, and to accept additional tuplashensis. The threats to the species by maintaining adequate light information and comments concerning population from landslides and the levels; however, the indiscriminant use this finding. We will reconsider our recreational off-road vehicle use are of herbicides in these areas could pose determination for each species in the currently occurring and will continue to a significant threat to the species. All- event that new information indicates occur in the future. In addition, terrain vehicles have damaged several that the threats to the species are of a invasion by nonnative plants is sites and pose a threat at most sites. considerably greater magnitude or currently occurring, and with the 2007 Most of the known sites for the species imminence than identified through fire that occurred in the area of the occur in areas that are managed assessments of information contained in existing population, invasive plants will specifically for timber production. our files, as summarized here. likely spread and increase throughout Timber management is not necessarily the burned area of the population. We incompatible with the protection and Snails have therefore determined that these management of the species, but care Fat-whorled pondsnail (Stagnicola threats are imminent. Although must be taken during timber bonnevillenis) – The fat-whorled approximately 35 percent of the management to ensure that the pondsnail, also known as the Bonneville population is severely affected by hydrology of the bogs that support the pondsnail, was thought to occur in only landslides in the southern portion of the species is not altered. Natural four spring pools north of the Great Salt range, the likelihood of the persistence succession can result in decreased light Lake in Box Elder County, Utah. of the population in the unaffected levels. Because of the species’ Additional surveys found Lymnaeid northern portion appears to be relatively dependence upon moderate to high light snails including S. bonnevillensis-like

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shells in springs throughout the playa. deposit aquifers in Mona Island that municipalities of Yauco and Sabana New information shows that shell have not yet been surveyed. Grande, in southwestern Puerto Rico. characteristics vary greatly with In 1995, the total population was This species is endemic to Puerto Rico, environmental conditions. Because the estimated to be close to 2,000 and was discovered in 1991 during a fat-whorled pondsnail was classified individuals; over 95 percent of these study of the flora of the Susua´ based only on the shell appearance, the were observed in one cave. Although no Commonwealth Forest; it was described taxonomy is questionable. Because of systematic censuses have been by Garcia´ and Kolterman in 1992. uncertainties surrounding the validity of conducted since 1995, the Service has Calliandra locoensis is found on S. bonnevillensis as a species, we recently documented the presence of the shallow, serpentine soils with low evaluated all Stagnicola sp. inhabiting species in all three mainland caves and nutrients, high drainage, and low the spring pools previously thought to obtained information from Puerto Rico fertility. In 2007, local botanists be occupied by S. bonnevillensis. The Commonwealth Forest personnel reported 3 populations with primary threat to these pools has been regarding two additional caves in which approximately 1,600 adult plants and chemical contamination of the the species may occur. numerous seedlings in 5 localities groundwater. Significant actions have In past reviews, we determined that indicating that the number of adult been taken to remediate this threat, the species was threatened by habitat individuals has doubled and the including implementing corrective disturbance, human-induced fires, number of localities has increased since actions to track and remediate hurricanes and floods. However, the surveys conducted in 1998. Gua´nica Commonwealth Forest and groundwater contamination, In previous reviews, we determined Mona Island Natural Reserve are implementation of a site management that the species was threatened by managed for conservation by the Puerto plan, and development of a groundwater forest-management practices (accidental Rico Department of Natural and model and risk assessment. The plan trampling, brush clearing, trail has been implemented, and Environmental Resources (DNER). Caves in the Gua´nica Forest are closed to maintenance), forest fires (natural or conservation measures are currently manmade), catastrophic natural events being monitored for effectiveness. These public visitors; therefore, habitat modification and disturbance, and (hurricanes, floods, mudslides), and efforts have been under way for a restricted distribution. We now find that sufficient period to effectively eliminate human-induced fires are not anticipated. Caves on Mona Island are this species is not currently threatened the threat from contamination. We know by forest management practices. The of no other threats to the springs in the seldom visited, and adverse effects to these areas have not been documented. species is currently considered as a range of S. bonnevillensis. Based on critical element under the Puerto Rico findings and analysis in our updated The species is located in pools inside caves, and underground waters; thus, Department of Natural and assessment, we conclude that this we do not anticipate impacts from Environmental Resources Natural species in not likely to become an hurricanes. Typhlatya monae was first Heritage Program; consequently endangered species within the described in Mona Island from el Pozo activities conducted in the forest are foreseeable future throughout all or a Del Portuguez and from a deep well generally scrutinized and measures to significant portion of its range, and close to the airport. At the present time, minimize or avoid impacts to species listing this species under the the use of this well is limited to DNER are recommended and implemented. Endangered Species Act is therefore not staff; therefore, additional extraction of The Susua´ Commonwealth Forest is also warranted. The species no longer meets underground waters is not expected. protected by Law #133 and has been our definition of a candidate, and we Currently, the DNER utilizes water designated as a Critical Wildlife Area. have removed it from candidate status. cisterns and commercial potable water We also previously indicated that this Crustaceans as alternate water sources. The species species was vulnerable to hurricanes is protected by Regulation #6766 and human-induced fires. Plants Troglobitic groundwater shrimp (‘‘Reglamento para Regir las Especies endemic to the Caribbean are naturally (Typhlatya monae) – Typhlatya monae Vulnerables y en Peligro de Extincio¨n adapted to the impact of hurricanes (the is a small subterranean small shrimp en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto species usually lose their leaves for a known from Puerto Rico, Barbuda, and Rico’’), adopted in 2004 by the certain period of time, but recover them the Dominican Republic. It is classified Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Under later). Although hurricanes are common as a troglobite, or obligatory cave Regulation #6766, T. monae is listed as occurrences in Puerto Rico, damage to organism, of which its most Critically Endangered (CR). Regulation this species by hurricanes has not been extraordinary feature is the reduction or #6766 prohibits collecting, killing, or reported in any of the currently known loss of vision and pigmentation. T. harming listed species. We conclude populations in the last decade. Surveys monae feeds on organic waste material that this species in not likely to become have indicated that despite hurricanes and debris, such as bat guano. Little is an endangered species within the occurring in the areas where C. known concerning the status of T. foreseeable future throughout all or a locoensis exists, the number of adult monae in either Barbuda or Dominican significant portion of its range, and individuals has doubled, the number of Republic and we are not aware of any listing this species under the localities has increased, evidence threats to this species in those locations. Endangered Species Act is not suggests that the species is successfully This species was discovered on Mona warranted. The species no longer meets reproducing. Thus, we have determined Island, in Puerto Rico but was later our definition of a candidate, and we that hurricanes are not a threat. The found on the Puerto Rico mainland in have removed it from candidate status. currently known populations are not three caves within the Gua´nica located near the roads of the forest, Commonwealth Forest in the Flowering Plants which are more vulnerable to fires and municipalities of Gua´nica, Yauco, and Calliandra locoensis (no common DNER implements a fire prevention Guayanilla. Although the species was name) – Calliandra locoensis is a spiny, plan within the forest, particularly not found on Mona Island during leguminous shrub currently known from during the dry season; therefore, fire is surveys conducted in 1974 and 1995, five localities within the Susua´ not a threat to the species. We conclude the species may still be found in the reef Commonwealth Forest in the that this species in not likely to become

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an endangered species within the Endangered Species Act is not 1996). Therefore, the standard for foreseeable future throughout all or a warranted. The species no longer meets making a species a candidate through significant portion of its range, and our definition of a candidate, and we our own initiative is identical to the listing this species under the have removed it from candidate status. standard for making a warranted-but- Endangered Species Act is not precluded 12–month petition finding on Petition Findings warranted. The species no longer meets a petition to list, and we add all our definition of a candidate, and we The Act provides two mechanisms for petitioned species for which we have have removed it from candidate status. considering species for listing. One made a warranted-but-precluded 12– Calyptranthes estremerae (no method allows the Secretary, on his month finding to the candidate list. common name) – Calyptranthes own initiative, to identify species for This publication provides notice of estremerae is a small tree from the listing under the standards of section substantial 90–day findings and the subtropical moist forest of northwestern 4(a)(1). We implement this through the warranted-but-precluded 12–month Puerto Rico, in the municipalities of candidate program, discussed above. findings pursuant to section 4(b)(3) for Camuy, Utuado, and Arecibo. The second method for listing a species candidate species listed on Table 1 that Calyptranthes estremerae was only provides a mechanism for the public to we identified on our own initiative, and known from several individuals found petition us to add a species to the Lists. that subsequently have been the subject near the recreation area adjacent to the Under section 4(b)(3)(A), when we of a petition to list. Even though all Rio´ Camuy Cave Park. At present time, receive such a petition, we must candidate species identified through our about 100 individuals of C. estremerae determine within 90 days, to the own initiative already have received the are estimated for the Camuy Cave Park maximum extent practicable, whether equivalent of substantial 90–day and area, Rio´ Abajo Commonwealth Forest the petition presents substantial warranted-but-precluded 12–month (managed by the Puerto Rico information that listing may be findings, we review the status of the Department of Natural and warranted (a ‘‘90–day finding’’). If we newly petitioned candidate species and Environmental Resources (DNER)), and make a positive 90–day finding, we through this CNOR publish specific a privately owned farm in Sabana must promptly commence a status section 4(b)(3) findings (i.e., substantial Hoyos, Arecibo. review of the species under section 90–day and warranted-but-precluded We have found that this species is no 4(b)(3)(A); we must then make and 12–month findings) in response to the longer threatened by the expansion of publish one of three possible findings petitions to list these candidate species. recreation facilities within Cavernas de within 12 months of the receipt of the We publish these findings as part of the Camuy Park and Rio´ Abajo petition (a ‘‘12–month finding’’): first CNOR following receipt of the Commonwealth Forest, as there are no 1. The petitioned action is not petition. plans to expand such facilities. In warranted; Pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the addition, the Rio´ Abajo Commonwealth 2. The petitioned action is warranted Act, once a petition is filed regarding a Forest has a management plan in place (in which case we are required to candidate species, we must make a 12– that emphasizes protection and promptly publish a proposed regulation month petition finding in compliance conservation of species classified under to implement the petitioned action; with section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act at least DNER as critical, threatened, or once we publish a proposed rule for a once a year, until we publish a proposal endangered and their habitat; C. species, section 4(b)(5) and 4(b)(6) to list the species or make a final not- estremerae is classified as a critical govern further procedures regardless of warranted finding. We make these element by DNER. Furthermore, actions whether we issued the proposal in annual findings for petitioned candidate that may affect such classified species response to a petition); or species through the CNOR. are generally scrutinized, and measures 3. The petitioned action is warranted Section 4(b)(3)(C)(iii) of the Act to minimize or avoid impacts to these but (a) the immediate proposal of a requires us to ‘‘implement a system to species are recommended and regulation and final promulgation of monitor effectively the status of all implemented. The Rio´ Abajo regulation implementing the petitioned species’’ for which we have made a Commonwealth Forest is also protected action is precluded by pending warranted-but-precluded 12–month by designation as a Critical Wildlife proposals, and (b) expeditious progress finding, and to ‘‘make prompt use of the Area. In previous assessments, we is being made to add qualified species [emergency listing] authority [under indicated that the small number of to the lists of endangered or threatened section 4(b)(7)] to prevent a significant individuals of C. estremerae in the two species. (We refer to this as a risk to the well being of any such populations, along with the species’ ‘‘warranted-but-precluded finding.’’) species.’’ The CNOR plays a crucial role limited distribution made this species Section 4(b)(3)(C) of the Act requires in the monitoring system that we have vulnerable to potential catastrophic that when we make a warranted-but- implemented for all candidate species natural (hurricanes) and manmade precluded finding on a petition, we are by providing notice that we are actively (fires) events. However, damage by to treat such a petition as one that is seeking information regarding the status hurricanes has not been reported in any resubmitted on the date of such a of those species. We review all new of the currently known populations. In finding. Thus, we are required to information on candidate species as it addition, because the species exists in publish new 12–month findings on becomes available, prepare an annual the subtropical moist forest life zone, these ‘‘resubmitted’’ petitions on an species assessment form that reflects the threat of human-induced fires is annual basis. monitoring results and other new low; further, the DNER implements an On December 5, 1996, we made a final information, and identify any species islandwide fire prevention plan in decision to redefine ‘‘candidate species’’ for which emergency listing may be public forests. Therefore, fires are to mean those species for which the appropriate. If we determine that currently not a threat to this species. We Service has on file sufficient emergency listing is appropriate for any conclude that this species in not likely information on biological vulnerability candidate, whether it was identified to become an endangered species within and threat(s) to support issuance of a through our own initiative or through the foreseeable future throughout all or proposed rule to list, but for which the petition process, we will make a significant portion of its range, and issuance of the proposed rule is prompt use of the emergency listing listing this species under the precluded (61 FR 64481; December 6, authority under section 4(b)(7). We have

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been reviewing and will continue to our inability to list candidate species, other form of notice, any party with review, at least annually, the status of requiring that we justify both our standing may seek judicial review. every candidate, whether or not we have preclusion findings and our In this CNOR, we continue to address received a petition to list it. Thus, the demonstration of expeditious progress the concerns of the courts by including CNOR and accompanying species by reference to listing proceedings for specific information in our discussion assessment forms constitute the unlisted species (California Native Plant on preclusion (see below). In preparing Service’s annual finding on the status of Society v. Norton, Civ. No. 03-1540 (JR) this CNOR, we reviewed the current petitioned species pursuant to section (D.D.C.)). The court further found that status of, and threats to, the 162 4(b)(3)(C)(i). we must adequately itemize priority candidates and 6 listed species for On June 20, 2001, the United States listings, explain why certain species are which we have received a petition and Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit of high priority, and explain why for which we have found listing or held that the 1999 CNOR (64 FR 57534; actions on these high-priority species reclassification from threatened to October 25, 1999) did not demonstrate preclude listing species of lower endangered to be warranted but that we fulfilled the second component priority. The court approved our precluded. We find that the immediate of the warranted-but-precluded 12– reliance on national rather than regional issuance of a proposed rule and timely month petition findings for the Gila priorities and workload in establishing promulgation of a final rule for each of chub and Chiracahua leopard frog preclusion and approved our basic these species has been, for the preceding (Center for Biological Diversity v. explanation that listing candidate months, and continues to be, precluded Norton, 254 F.3d 833 (9th Cir. 2001)). species may be precluded by statutorily by higher priority listing actions. The court found that the one-line mandated deadlines, court-ordered Additional information that is the basis designation in the table of candidates in actions, higher priority listing activities, for this finding is found in the species the 1999 CNOR, with no further and a limited budget. assessments and our administrative explanation, did not satisfy section In this CNOR we continue to record for each species. 4(b)(3)(B)(iii)’s requirement that the incorporate information that addresses Our review included updating the status of, and threats to, petitioned Service publish a finding ‘‘together with the courts’ concerns. We include a candidate or listed species for which we a description and evaluation of the description of the reasons why the published findings, pursuant to section reasons and data on which the finding listing of every petitioned candidate 4(b)(3)(B), in the previous CNOR. We is based.’’ The court suggested that this species is both warranted and precluded have incorporated new information we one-line statement of candidate status at this time. We make our gathered since the prior finding and, as also precluded meaningful judicial determinations of preclusion on a a result of this review, we are making review. nationwide basis to ensure that the On June 21, 2004, the United States continued warranted-but-precluded 12– species most in need of listing will be District Court for Oregon agreed that we month findings on the petitions for addressed first and also because we can use the CNOR as a vehicle for these species. allocate our listing budget on a making petition findings and that our We have identified the candidate reasoning for why listing is precluded nationwide basis (see below). Regional species for which we received petitions does not need to be based on an priorities can also be discerned from by the code ‘‘C*’’ in the category assessment at a regional level (as Table 1, which includes the lead region column on the left side of Table 1. The opposed to a national level) (Center for and the LPN for each species. Our immediate publication of proposed Biological Diversity v. Norton Civ. No. preclusion determinations are further rules to list these species was precluded 03-1111-AA (D. Or.)). However, this based upon our budget for listing by our work on higher priority listing court found that our discussion on why activities for unlisted species, and we actions, listed below, during the period listing the candidate species were explain the priority system and why the from October 1, 2008, through precluded by other actions lacked work we have accomplished does September 30, 2009. We will continue specificity; in the list of species that preclude action on listing candidate to monitor the status of all candidate were the subject of listing actions that species. species, including petitioned species, as precluded us from proposing to list Pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(ii) and new information becomes available to candidate species, we did not state the the Administrative Procedure Act (5 determine if a change in status is specific action at issue for each species U.S.C. 551 et seq.), any party with warranted, including the need to in the list and we did not indicate standing may challenge the merits of emergency-list a species under section which actions were court-ordered. any not-warranted or warranted-but- 4(b)(7) of the Act. On June 22, 2004, in a similar case, precluded petition finding incorporated In addition to identifying petitioned the United States District Court for the in this CNOR. The analysis included candidate species in Table 1 below, we Eastern District of California also herein, together with the administrative also present brief summaries of why concluded that our determination of record for the decision at issue these particular candidates warrant preclusion may appropriately be based (particularly the supporting species listing. More complete information, on a national analysis (Center for assessment form), will provide an including references, is found in the Biological Diversity v. Norton No. CV S- adequate basis for a court to review the species assessment forms. You may 03-1758 GEB/DAD (E.D. Cal.)). This petition finding. obtain a copy of these forms from the court also found that the Act’s Nothing in this document or any of Regional Office having the lead for the imperative that listing decisions be our policies should be construed as in species, or from the Fish and Wildlife based solely on science applies only to any way modifying the Act’s Service’s Internet website: http:// the determination about whether listing requirement that we make a resubmitted endangered.fws.gov/. As described is warranted, not the question of when 12–month petition finding for each above, under section 4 of the Act we listing is precluded. petitioned candidate within 1 year of may identify and propose species for On March 24, 2005, the United States the date of publication of this CNOR. If listing based on the factors identified in District Court for the District of we fail to make any such finding on a section 4(a)(1), and section 4 also Columbia held that we may not consider timely basis, whether through provides a mechanism for the public to critical habitat activities in justifying publication of a new CNOR or some petition us to add a species to the lists

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of species determined to be threatened month finding, without a proposed rule, determinations of preclusion and species or endangered species under the has ranged from approximately $11,000 expeditious progress. Act. Below we describe the actions that for one species with a restricted range Congress also recognized that the continue to preclude the immediate that requires a relatively uncomplicated availability of resources was the key proposal and final promulgation of a analysis to $305,000 for another species element in deciding, when making a 12– regulation implementing each of the that is wide-ranging and requires a month petition finding, whether we petitioned actions for which we have complex analysis. would prepare and issue a listing made a warranted-but-precluded We cannot spend more than is proposal or instead make a warranted- finding, and we describe the appropriated for the Listing Program but-precluded finding for a given expeditious progress we are making to without violating the Anti-Deficiency species. The Conference Report add qualified species to the lists of Act (see 31 U.S.C. § 1341(a)(1)(A)). In accompanying Pub. L. 97-304, which endangered or threatened species. addition, in FY 1998 and for each fiscal established the current statutory deadlines and the warranted-but- Preclusion and Expeditious Progress year since then, Congress has placed a statutory cap on funds which may be precluded finding, states (in a Preclusion is a function of the listing expended for the Listing Program, equal discussion on 90–day petition findings priority of a species in relation to the to the amount expressly appropriated that by its own terms also covers 12– resources that are available and for that purpose in that fiscal year. This month findings) that the deadlines were competing demands for those resources. cap was designed to prevent funds ‘‘not intended to allow the Secretary to Thus, in any given fiscal year (FY), appropriated for other functions under delay commencing the rulemaking multiple factors dictate whether it will the Act (for example, recovery funds for process for any reason other than that be possible to undertake work on a removing species from the Lists), or for the existence of pending or imminent proposed listing regulation or whether other Service programs, from being used proposals to list species subject to a promulgation of such a proposal is for Listing Program actions (see House greater degree of threat would make warranted but precluded by higher Report 105-163, 105th Congress, 1st allocation of resources to such a petition priority listing actions. Session, July 1, 1997). [that is, for a lower-ranking species] The resources available for listing unwise.’’ Recognizing that designation of actions are determined through the In FY 2009, expeditious progress is annual Congressional appropriations critical habitat for species already listed that amount of work that can be process. The appropriation for the would consume most of the overall achieved with $8,808,000, which is the Listing Program is available to support Listing Program appropriation, Congress amount of money that Congress work involving the following listing also put a critical habitat subcap in appropriated for the Listing Program actions: proposed and final listing rules; place in FY 2002, and has retained it (that is, the portion of the Listing 90–day and 12–month findings on each subsequent year to ensure that Program funding not related to critical petitions to add species to the Lists of some funds are available for other work habitat designations for species that are Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the Listing Program: ‘‘The critical already listed). Our process is to make and Plants (Lists) or to change the status habitat designation subcap will ensure our determinations of preclusion on a of a species from threatened to that some funding is available to nationwide basis to ensure that the endangered; annual determinations on address other listing activities’’ (House species most in need of listing will be th prior warranted-but-precluded petition Report No. 107 - 103, 107 Congress, 1st addressed first and also because we findings as required under section Session, June 19, 2001). In FY 2002 and allocate our listing budget on a 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act; critical habitat each year until FY 2006, the Service has nationwide basis. The $8,808,000 was petition findings; proposed and final had to use virtually the entire critical used to fund work in the following rules designating critical habitat; and habitat subcap to address court- categories: compliance with court orders litigation-related, administrative, and mandated designations of critical and court-approved settlement program-management functions habitat, and consequently none of the agreements requiring that petition (including preparing and allocating critical habitat subcap funds have been findings or listing determinations be budgets, responding to Congressional available for other listing activities. In completed by a specific date; section 4 and public inquiries, and conducting FY 2007, we were able to use some of (of the Act) listing actions with absolute public outreach regarding listing and the critical habitat subcap funds to fund statutory deadlines; essential litigation- critical habitat). The work involved in proposed listing determinations for related, administrative, and listing preparing various listing documents can high-priority candidate species; program-management functions; and be extensive, and may include, but is however, in subsequent FYs we were high-priority listing actions for some of not limited to: gathering and assessing unable to do this because all of the our candidate species. The allocations the best scientific and commercial data critical habitat subcap funds were for each specific listing action are available and conducting analyses used needed to address our workload for identified in the Service’s FY 2009 as the basis for our decisions; writing designating critical habitat. Allocation Table (part of our and publishing documents; and Thus, through the listing cap, the administrative record). obtaining, reviewing, and evaluating critical habitat subcap, and the amount In FY 2007, we had more than 120 public comments and peer review of funds needed to address court- species with an LPN of 2, based on our comments on proposed rules and mandated critical habitat designations, September 21, 1983, guidance for incorporating relevant information into Congress and the courts have in effect assigning an LPN for each candidate final rules. The number of listing determined the amount of money species (48 FR 43098). Using this actions that we can undertake in a given available for other listing activities. guidance, we assign each candidate an year also is influenced by the Therefore, the funds in the listing cap, LPN of 1 to 12, depending on the complexity of those listing actions; that other than those needed to address magnitude of threats (high vs. moderate is, more complex actions generally are court-mandated critical habitat for to low), immediacy of threats (imminent more costly. For example, during the already listed species, represent the or nonimminent), and taxonomic status past several years, the cost (excluding resources we must take into of the species (in order of priority: publication costs) for preparing a 12– consideration when we make our monotypic genus (a species that is the

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sole member of a genus); species; or part funding to work on a proposed listing As explained above, a determination of a species (subspecies, distinct determination. As we work on proposed that listing is warranted but precluded population segment, or significant and final listing rules for these 40 must also demonstrate that expeditious portion of the range)). The lower the candidates, we are applying the ranking progress is being made to add and listing priority number, the higher the criteria to the next group of candidates remove qualified species to and from listing priority (that is, a species with an with LPN of 2 and 3 to determine the the Lists of Endangered and Threatened LPN of 1 would have the highest listing next set of highest priority candidate Wildlife and Plants. (Although we do priority). Because of the large number of species. not discuss it in detail here, we are also high-priority species, we further ranked To be more efficient in our listing making expeditious progress in the candidate species with an LPN of 2 process, as we work on proposed rules removing species from the list under the by using the following extinction-risk for these species in the next several Recovery program, which is funded by type criteria: International Union for the years, we are preparing multi-species a separate line item in the budget of the Conservation of Nature and Natural proposals when appropriate, and these Endangered Species Program. As Resources (IUCN) Red list status/rank, may include species with lower priority explained above in our description of Heritage rank (provided by if they overlap geographically or have the statutory cap on Listing Program NatureServe), Heritage threat rank the same threats as a species with an funds, the Recovery Program funds and (provided by NatureServe), and species LPN of 2. In addition, available staff actions supported by them cannot be currently with fewer than 50 resources are also a factor in considered in determining expeditious individuals, or 4 or fewer populations. determining which high-priority species progress made in the Listing Program.) Those species with the highest IUCN will receive funding. Finally, proposed As with our ‘‘precluded’’ finding, rank (critically endangered), the highest rules for reclassification of threatened expeditious progress in adding qualified Heritage rank (G1), the highest Heritage species to endangered are lower species to the Lists is a function of the threat rank (substantial, imminent priority, since as listed species, they are resources available and the competing threats), and currently with fewer than already afforded the protection of the demands for those funds. Given that 50 individuals, or fewer than 4 Act and implementing regulations. limitation, we find that we made populations, comprised a group of Thus, we continue to find that expeditious progress in FY 2009 in the approximately 40 candidate species proposals to list the petitioned Listing Program. This progress included (‘‘Top 40’’). These 40 candidate species candidate species included in Table 1 preparing and publishing the following have had the highest priority to receive are all warranted but precluded. determinations:

FY 2009 COMPLETED LISTING ACTIONS

Publication Date Title Actions FR Pages

10/15/2008 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Least Chub Notice of 90–day Petition 73 FR 61007 61015 Finding, Substantial

10/21/2008 Listing 48 Species on Kauai as Endangered and Designating Proposed Listing, 73 FR 62591 62742 Critical Habitat Endangered; Proposed Critical Habitat

10/24/2008 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Sacramento Valley Notice of 90–day Petition 73 FR 63421 63424 Tiger Beetle as Endangered Finding, Not substantial

10/28/2008 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Dusky Tree Vole Notice of 90–day Petition 73 FR 63919 63926 (Arborimus longicaudus silvicola) as Threatened or Finding, Substantial Endangered

11/25/2008 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Northern Mexican Notice of 12 month 73 FR 71787 71826 Gartersnake (Thamnophis eques megalops) as Threatened petition finding, or Endangered With Critical Habitat; Proposed Rule Warranted but precluded

12/02/2008 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Black-tailed Prairie Notice of 90–day Petition 73 FR 73211 73219 Dog as Threatened or Endangered Finding, Substantial

12/05/2008 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Sacramento Notice of 90–day Petition 73 FR 74123 74129 Mountains Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas anicia Finding, Substantial cloudcrofti) as Endangered with Critical Habitat

12/18/2008 90-Day Finding on a Petition to Change the Listing Status of Notice of 90–day Petition 73 FR 76990 76994 the Canada Lynx Finding, Substantial

1/06/2009 Partial 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List 475 Species in the Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 419 427 Southwestern United States as Threatened or Endangered Finding, Not With Critical Habitat substantial

2/05/2009 Partial 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List 206 Species in the Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 6122 6128 in the Midwest and Western United States as Threatened or Finding, Not Endangered With Critical Habitat substantial

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FY 2009 COMPLETED LISTING ACTIONS—Continued

Publication Date Title Actions FR Pages

2/10/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Wyoming Pocket Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 6558 6563 Gopher as Threatened or Endangered With Critical Habitat Finding, Substantial

3/17/2009 Listing Phyllostegiahispida (No Common Name) as Final Listing Endangered 74 FR 11319 11327 Endangered Throughout Its Range

3/25/2009 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Yellow-Billed Loon Notice of 12 month 74 FR 12931 12968 as Threatened or Endangered petition finding, Warranted but precluded

4/09/2009 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the San Francisco Bay- Notice of 12 month 74 FR 16169 16175 Delta Population of the Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus petition finding, Not thaleichthys) as Endangered warranted

4/22/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Tehachapi Slender Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 18336 18341 Salamander (Batrachoseps stebbinsi) as Threatened or Finding, Substantial Endangered

5/07/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the American Pika as Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 21301 21310 Threatened or Endangered with Critical Habitat Finding, Substantial

5/19/2009 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Coaster Brook Trout Notice 12–month petition 74 FR 23376 23388 as Endangered finding, Not warranted

6/09/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List Oenothera acutissima Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 27266 27271 (Narrowleaf Evening-primrose) as Threatened or Finding, Not Endangered substantial

6/29/2009 Proposed Endangered Status for the Georgia Pigtoe Mussel, Proposed Listing, 74 FR 31113 31151 Interrupted Rocksnail, and Rough Hornsnail with Critical Endangered; Proposed Habitat Critical Habitat

7/01/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Northern Leopard Frog Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 31389 31401 (Lithobates [=Rana] pipiens) in the Western United States as Finding, Substantial Threatened

7/07/2009 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List a Distinct Population Notice of 12–month 74 FR 32351 32387 Segment of the Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta) in the Lower petition finding, Colorado River Basin Warranted but precluded

7/08/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Coqui Llanero Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 32510 32513 (Eleutherodactylus juanariveroi) as Endangered Finding, Substantial

7/08/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Susan’s purse-making Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 32514 32521 caddisfly (Ochrotrichia susanae) as Threatened or Finding, Substantial Endangered

7/08/2009 Proposed Endangered Status for Flying Earwig Hawaiian Proposed Listing, 74 FR 32490 32510 Damselfly (Megalagrion nesiotes) and Pacific Hawaiian Endangered Damselfly (M. pacificum) Throughout Their Ranges

7/09/2009 Listing Casey’s June Beetle (Dinacoma caseyi) as Endangered Proposed Listing, 74 FR 32857 32875 and Designation of Critical Habitat Endangered; Proposed Critical Habitat

7/22/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the White-Sided Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 36152 36158 Jackrabbit (Lepus callotis) as Threatened or Endangered Finding, Substantial

8/06/2009 Initiation of Status Review for Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium Notice of Status Review 74 FR 39268 39269 williamsoni) in the Big Lost River, Idaho

8/11/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Jemez Mountains Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 40132 40138 Salamander (Plethodon neomexicanus) as Threatened or Finding, Substantial Endangered With Critical Habitat

8/18/2009 Partial 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List 206 Species in the Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 41649 41662 Midwest and Western United States as Threatened or Finding, Not Endangered with Critical Habitat substantial (9 species); Notice 90–day Petition Finding, Substantial (29 species)

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FY 2009 COMPLETED LISTING ACTIONS—Continued

Publication Date Title Actions FR Pages

8/19/2009 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Ashy Storm-Petrel Notice of 12 month 74 FR 41832 41860 as Threatened or Endangered petition finding, Not warranted

8/28/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Sonoran Population of Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 44335 44344 Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agasizzii) as a Distinct Finding, Substantial Population Segment (DPS) With Critical Habitat

9/02/2009 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Sacramento Notice of 12 month 74 FR 45396 45411 Mountains Checkerspot Butterfly as Endangered with Critical petition finding, Not Habitat warranted

9/09/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Eastern Population of Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 46401 46406 the Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) as Threatened Finding, Substantial

9/10/2009 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List Astragalus anserinus Notice of 12 month 74 FR 46521 46542 (Goose Creek milkvetch) as Threatened or Endangered petition finding, War- ranted but precluded

9/10/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List Cirsium wrightii (Wright’s Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 46542 46547 marsh thistle) as Threatened or Endangered with Critical Finding, Substantial Habitat

9/10/2009 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Pacific Walrus as Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 46551 46557 Threatened or Endangered Finding, Substantial

9/10/2009 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Notice of 90–day Petition 74 FR 46548 46551 Finding on a Petition to List the Amargosa Toad (Bufo nelsoni) Finding, Substantial as Threatened or Endangered

Our expeditious progress also timelines, that is, timelines required they overlap geographically or have the included work on listing actions that we under the Act. Actions in the bottom same threats as the species with the funded in FY 2009 but have not yet section of the table are high-priority high priority. Including these species been completed to date. These actions listing actions. These actions include together in the same proposed rule are listed below. Actions in the top work primarily on species with an LPN results in considerable savings in time section of the table are being conducted of 2, and selection of these species is and funding as compared to preparing under a deadline set by a court. Actions partially based on available staff separate proposed rules for each of them in the middle section of the table are resources, and when appropriate, in the future. being conducted to meet statutory include species with a lower priority if

ACTIONS FUNDED IN FY 2009 BUT NOT COMPLETED IN FY 2009

SPECIES ACTION

ACTIONS SUBJECT TO COURT ORDER/SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

Slickspot peppergrass Final listing determination

Coastal cutthroat trout Final listing determination

Mono basin sage-grouse 12–month petition finding

Greater sage-grouse 12–month petition finding

SW bald eagle population 12–month petition finding

Black-tailed prairie dog 12–month petition finding

Lynx (include New Mexico in listing) 12–month petition finding

White-tailed prairie dog 12–month petition finding

American pika 12–month petition finding

Hermes copper butterfly 90–day petition finding

Thorne’s hairstreak butterfly 90–day petition finding

ACTIONS WITH STATUTORY DEADLINES

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ACTIONS FUNDED IN FY 2009 BUT NOT COMPLETED IN FY 2009—Continued

SPECIES ACTION

48 Kauai species Final listing determination

Black-footed albatross 12–month petition finding

Mount Charleston blue butterfly 12–month petition finding

Mojave fringe-toed lizard1 12–month petition finding

Pygmy rabbit (rangewide)1 12–month petition finding

Kokanee – Lake Sammamish population1 12–month petition finding

Delta smelt (uplisting) 12–month petition finding

Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl1 12–month petition finding

Tucson shovel-nosed snake1 12–month petition finding

Northern leopard frog 12–month petition finding

Tehachapi slender salamander 12–month petition finding

Coqui Llanero 12–month petition finding

Susan’s purse-making caddisfly 12–month petition finding

White-sided jackrabbit 12–month petition finding

Jemez Mountains salamander 12–month petition finding

29 of 206 species 12–month petition finding

Desert tortoise – Sonoran population 12–month petition finding

Gopher tortoise – eastern population 12–month petition finding

Wrights marsh thistle 12–month petition finding

Southeastern pop snowy plover & wintering pop. of piping plover 90–day petition finding

Berry Cave salamander1 90–day petition finding

Ozark chinquapin1 90–day petition finding

Smooth-billed ani 90–day petition finding

Bay Springs salamander1 90–day petition finding

Mojave ground squirrel1 90–day petition finding

32 species of snails and slugs 90–day petition finding

Calopogon oklahomensis 90–day petition finding

Striped newt 90–day petition finding

American dipper – Black Hills population 90–day petition finding

Sprague’s pipit 90–day petition finding

Southern hickorynut 90–day petition finding

5 Southwest mussel species 90–day petition finding

Chihuahua scarfpea 90–day petition finding

White-bark pine 90–day petition finding

Puerto Rico harlequin 90–day petition finding

Fisher – Northern Rocky Mtns. population 90–day petition finding

42 snail species (Nevada & Utah) 90–day petition finding

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ACTIONS FUNDED IN FY 2009 BUT NOT COMPLETED IN FY 2009—Continued

SPECIES ACTION

HI yellow-faced bees 90–day petition finding

475 Southwestern species (partially completed) 90–day petition finding

HIGH PRIORITY LISTING ACTIONS 3

19 Oahu candidate species (16 plants, 3 damselflies) (15 with LPN = 2, 3 with LPN = 3, 1 with LPN = 9) Proposed listing

17 Maui-Nui candidate species (14 plants, 3 tree snails) (12 with LPN = 2, 2 with LPN = 3, 3 with LPN = 8) Proposed listing

Sand dune lizard (LPN = 2) Proposed listing

2 Arizona springsnails (Pyrgulopsis bernadina (LPN = 2), Pyrgulopsis trivialis (LPN = 2)) Proposed listing

2 New Mexico springsnails (Pyrgulopsis chupaderae (LPN = 2), Pyrgulopsis thermalis (LPN = 11)) Proposed listing

2 mussels (rayed bean (LPN = 2), snuffbox No LPN) Proposed listing

2 mussels (sheepnose (LPN = 2), spectaclecase (LPN = 4),) Proposed listing

Ozark hellbender2 (LPN = 3) Proposed listing

Altamaha spinymussel (LPN = 2) Proposed listing

5 southeast fish (rush darter (LPN = 2), chucky madtom (LPN = 2), yellowcheek darter (LPN = 2), Cumberland Proposed listing darter (LPN = 5), laurel dace (LPN = 5))

8 southeast mussels (southern kidneyshell (LPN = 2), round ebonyshell (LPN = 2), Alabama pearlshell (LPN = Proposed listing 2), southern sandshell (LPN = 5), fuzzy pigtoe (LPN = 5), Choctaw bean (LPN = 5), narrow pigtoe (LPN = 5), and tapered pigtoe (LPN = 11))

3 Colorado plants (Pagosa skyrocket (Ipomopsis polyantha) (LPN = 2), Parachute beardtongue (Penstemon Proposed listing debilis) (LPN = 2), Debeque phacelia (Phacelia submutica) (LPN = 8)) 1 Funds for listing actions for these species were provided in previous FYs. 2 We funded a proposed rule for this subspecies with an LPN of 3 ahead of other species with LPN of 2, because the threats to the species were so imminent and of a high magnitude that we considered emergency listing if we were unable to fund work on a proposed listing rule in FY 2008. 3 Funds for these high-priority listing actions were provided in FY 2008 and 2009 3 Funds for these high-priority listing actions were provided in FY 2008 and 2009

We also funded work on resubmitted of these species through our Candidate Service contribute to the conservation of petitions findings for 162 candidate Conservation Program. The cost of these species. In particular, the species (species petitioned prior to the updating the species assessment forms Candidate Conservation program, which last CNOR). We did not include new and publishing the joint publication of is separately budgeted, focuses on information in our resubmitted petition the CNOR and resubmitted petition providing technical expertise for finding for the Columbia Basin findings is shared between the Listing developing conservation strategies and population of the greater sage-grouse in Program and the Candidate agreements to guide voluntary on-the- this notice, as we are considering new Conservation Program. ground conservation work for candidate information and will update our finding During FY 2009, we also funded work and other at-risk species. The main goal at a later date (see 73 FR 23170, April on resubmitted petition findings for of this program is to address the threats 29, 2008). We also did not include new uplisting six listed species, for which facing candidate species. Through this information in our resubmitted petition petitions were previously received. program, we work with our partners findings for the 48 candidate species for We have endeavored to make our (other Federal agencies, State agencies, which we are preparing proposed listing listing actions as efficient and timely as Tribes, local governments, private determinations; see summaries below possible, given the requirements of the landowners, and private conservation regarding publication of these relevant law and regulations, and organizations) to address the threats to determinations. We also funded revised constraints relating to workload and candidate species and other species at- 12–month petition findings for four personnel. We are continually risk. We are currently working with our candidate species that we are removing considering ways to streamline partners to implement voluntary from candidate status, which are being processes or achieve economies of scale, published as part of this CNOR (see such as by batching related actions conservation agreements for more than Candidate Removals). Because the together. Given our limited budget for 140 species covering 5 million acres of majority of these species were already implementing section 4 of the Act, the habitat. In some instances, the sustained candidate species prior to our receipt of actions described above collectively implementation of strategically a petition to list them, we had already constitute expeditious progress. designed conservation efforts assessed their status using funds from Although we have not been able to culminates in making listing our Candidate Conservation Program. resolve the listing status of many of the unnecessary for species that are We also continue to monitor the status candidates, several programs in the proposed or candidates for listing.

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Findings for Petitioned Candidate habitat loss, predation by introduced June 30, 2004, when we announced our Species species, and its small population size 90–day petition finding and initiation of Below are updated summaries for and distribution, which make the taxon a status review (69 FR 39395). We petitioned candidate for which we extremely vulnerable to extinction due received the petition on August 30, published findings, pursuant to section to typhoons and similar natural 2000. The New England cottontail (NEC) 4(b)(3)(B). We are making continued catastrophes. Thus, the threats are high is a medium-to large-sized cottontail warranted-but-precluded 12–month in magnitude. The Pacific sheath-tailed rabbit that may reach 1,000 grams in findings on the petitions for these bat may also by susceptible to weight, and is one of two species within species (for our revised 12–month disturbance to roosting caves. The LPN the genus Sylvilagus occurring in New for E. s. semicaudata is 3 because the petition findings for species we are England. New England cottontails are magnitude of the threats is high, the removing from candidate status, see considered habitat specialists, in so far threats are ongoing, and therefore, summaries above under ‘‘Candidate as they are dependent upon early- imminent, and the taxon is a distinct Removals’’). successional habitats typically population segment of a subspecies. described as thickets. The species is the Mammals Pacific Sheath-tailed Bat only endemic cottontail in New (Emballonura semicaudata rotensis), Pacific Sheath-tailed Bat, American England. Historically, the NEC occurred Guam and the Commonwealth of the Samoa DPS (Emballonura semicaudata in seven states and ranged from Northern Mariana Islands – The semicaudata) – The following summary southeastern New York (east of the following summary is based on is based on information contained in Hudson River) north through the information contained in our files. No our files. No new information was Champlain Valley, southern Vermont, new information was provided in the provided in the petition we received on the southern half of New Hampshire, petition we received on May 11, 2004. May 11, 2004. This small bat is a southern Maine and south throughout This small bat is a member of the member of the Emballonuridae, an Old Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Emballonuridae, an Old World bat World bat family that has an extensive Island. The current range of the NEC has family that has an extensive declined substantially and occurrences distribution, primarily in the tropics. distribution, primarily in the tropics. The Pacific sheath-tailed bat was once have become increasingly separated. The Pacific sheath-tailed bat was once The species’ distribution is fragmented common and widespread in Polynesia common and widespread in Polynesia and Micronesia and it is the only into five apparently isolated and Micronesia and it is the only metapopulations. The area occupied by insectivorous bat recorded from a large insectivorous bat recorded from a large part of this area. The species as a whole the cottontail has contracted from part of this area. E. s. rotensis is approximately 90,000 sq km to 12,180 (E. semicaudata) occurred on several of historically known from the Mariana the Caroline Islands (Palau, Chuuk, and sq km. Recent surveys indicate that the Islands and formerly occurred on Guam long term decline in NEC continues. For Pohnpei), Samoa (Independent and and in the CNMI on Rota, Aguiguan, American), the Mariana Islands (Guam example, surveys for the species in early Tinian (known from prehistoric records 2008 documented the presence of NEC and the CNMI), Tonga, Fiji, and only), Saipan, and possibly Anatahan Vanuatu. While populations appear to in 7 of the 23 New Hampshire locations and Maug. Currently, E. s. rotensis that were known to be occupied in 2002 be healthy in some locations, mainly in appears to be extirpated from all but one the Caroline Islands, they have declined and 2003. Similarly, surveys in Maine island in the Mariana archipelago. The found the species present in 12 of 57 substantially in other areas, including single remaining population of this sites identified in an extensive survey Independent and American Samoa, the subspecies occurs on Aguiguan, CNMI. that spanned the years 2000 to 2004. Mariana Islands, Fiji, and possibly Threats to this subspecies have not Tonga. Scientists recognize four changed over the past year. The primary Unlike the New Hampshire study, subspecies: E. s. rotensis, endemic to the threats to the subspecies are ongoing several new sites were documented in Mariana Islands (Guam and the habitat loss and degradation as a result Maine during 2008. Some have Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana of feral goat (Capra hircus) activity on suggested that the decline in NEC Islands (CNMI)); E. s. sulcata, occurring the island of Aguiguan and the taxon’s occurrences in 2008 may be attributed in Chuuk and Pohnpei; E. s. palauensis, small population size and limited to persistent snow cover throughout found in Palau; and E. s. semicaudata, distribution. Predation by nonnative northern New England during the occurring in American and Independent species and human disturbance are also winter of 2007-2008. Similar surveys Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu. This potential threats to the subspecies. The were conducted during the winter of candidate assessment form addresses subspecies is believed near the point 2009 in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode the distinct population segment (DPS) of where stochastic events, such as Island and New York. The results are E. s. semicaudata that occurs in typhoons, are increasingly likely to pending further analysis. We estimate American Samoa. affect its continued survival. The that less than one third of the occupied E. s. semicaudata historically disappearance of the remaining sites occur on conservation lands and occurred in American and Independent population on Aguiguan would result in fewer than 10 percent are being Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu. It is the extinction of the subspecies. Thus, managed for early-successional forest extant in Fiji and Tonga, but may be the threats are high in magnitude. The species. extirpated from Vanuatu and LPN for E. s. rotensis remains at 3 The primary threat to the New Independent Samoa. There is some because the magnitude of the threats is England cottontail is loss of habitat concern that it is also extirpated from high, the threats are ongoing, and through succession and alteration. American Samoa, the location of this therefore, imminent, and the taxon is a Isolation of occupied patches by areas of DPS, where surveys are currently subspecies. unsuitable habitat and high predation ongoing to ascertain its status. The New England cottontail (Sylvilagus rates are resulting in local extirpation of factors that led to the decline of this transitionalis) – The following summary New England cottontails from small subspecies and the DPS are poorly is based on information contained in patches. The range of the New England understood; however, current threats to our files and information received in cottontail has contracted by 75 percent this subspecies and the DPS include response to our notice published on or more since 1960 and current land

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uses in the region indicate that the rate southern Cascade Range in Oregon. The threats that have been identified of change, about two percent range loss There is also a high degree of genetic are excessive grazing pressure, water per year, will continue. Additional relatedness within some populations, use and management, highway threats include competition for food and and populations of native fisher in reconstruction, development, recreation, habitat with introduced eastern California are separated by four times and beaver removal. Surveys conducted cottontails and large numbers of native the species’ maximum dispersal in 2005 and 2006 documented a drastic white-tailed deer; inadequate regulatory distance. The above-listed factors all decline in the number of occupied mechanisms to protect habitat; and indicate that the likely extant fisher localities and suitable habitat across the mortality from predation. The populations are small and isolated from range of the species in New Mexico and magnitude of the threats continues to be one another. Arizona. Of the original 103 known high, because they occur rangewide, and Major threats that fragment or remove historical localities, 95 have been result in mortality or significantly key elements of fisher habitat include surveyed since the early to mid-1990s. reduce the reproductive capacity of the various forest-vegetation-management Of the historical localities surveyed, species. They are imminent because practices such as timber harvest and currently only 16 are extant, 9 in New they are ongoing. Thus, we retained an fuels reduction treatments. Other Mexico (including 1 that is contiguous LPN of 2 for this species. Conservation potential major threats in portions of the with the Colorado locality) and 7 in measures that address the threats to the range include: uncharacteristically Arizona. Moreover, the highly species are being developed. severe wildfire, changes in forest fragmented nature of its distribution is composition and structure related to the Fisher, West Coast DPS (Martes also a major contributor to the effects of climate change, urban and pennanti) – The following summary is vulnerability of this species and rural development, recreation based on information contained in our increases the likelihood of very small, development, and highways. Major files and in the Service’s initial isolated populations being extirpated. threats to fisher that lead to direct warranted-but-precluded finding The insufficient number of secure mortality and injury to fisher include: published in the Federal Register on populations, and the destruction, Collisions with vehicles; predation; and April 8, 2004 (68 FR 18770). The fisher modification, or curtailment of its viral borne diseases such as rabies, habitat, continue to pose the most is a carnivore in the family Mustelidae parvovirus, canine distemper, and immediate threats to this species. and is the largest member of the genus Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Existing Because the threats affect the jumping Martes. Historically, the West Coast regulatory mechanisms on Federal, mouse in all but two of the extant population of the fisher extended south State, and private lands affect key localities, and the populations in these from British Columbia into western elements of fisher habitat but do not localities are small, the threats are of a Washington and Oregon, and in the provide sufficient certainty that high magnitude. These threats are North Coast Ranges, Klamath-Siskiyou conservation efforts will be effective or currently occurring and, therefore, are Mountains, and Sierra Nevada in will be implemented. The magnitude of imminent. Thus, we continue to assign California. Because of a lack of threats is high as they occur across the an LPN of 3 to this subspecies. detections with standardized survey range of the DPS resulting in a negative Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys efforts over much of the fisher’s impact on fisher distribution and mazama ssp. couchi, douglasii, historical range, the fisher is believed to abundance, and since they significantly glacialis, louiei, melanops, pugetensis, be extirpated or reduced to scattered affect this species’ reproductive tacomensis, tumuli, yelmensis) – The individuals from the lower mainland of capacity. However, the threats are following summary is based on British Columbia through Washington nonimminent as the greatest long-term information contained in our files. No and northern Oregon and in the central risks to the fisher in its west coast range new information was provided in the and northern Sierra Nevada range in are the subsequent ramifications of the petition received December 11, 2002. California. Native populations of fisher isolation of small populations and their Seven of the nine subspecies of pocket currently occur in the North Coast interactions with the listed threats gopher are associated with glacial Ranges of California, the Klamath- which will affect the species over the outwash prairies in western Siskiyou Mountains of northern long-term. The three remaining areas Washington, an ecosystem of California and southern Oregon, and in containing fisher populations appear to conservation concern (T. m. melanops is isolated populations occurring in the be stable or not rapidly declining based found on alpine meadows in Olympic southern Sierra Nevada in California. on recent survey and monitoring efforts. National Park, and T. m. douglasii is Descendents of a fisher reintroduction Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 6 to found in prairies in extreme southwest effort also occur in the southern Cascade this population. Washington). Of these seven subspecies, Range in Oregon. In January of 2008, the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse five are likely still extant (couchi, Washington Department of Fish and (Zapus hudsonius luteus) – The glacialis, pugetensis, tumuli, and Wildlife began to implement their fisher following summary is based on yelmensis). Few of these glacial outwash recovery goals for the state through a information contained in our files and prairies remain in Washington today. reintroduction effort in the Olympic the petition we received October 15, Historically, such prairies were patchily National Park. Estimates of fisher 2008. The New Mexico meadow distributed, but the area they occupied numbers in native populations of the jumping mouse (jumping mouse) is totaled approximately 170,000 acres. West Coast DPS vary widely. A rigorous endemic to New Mexico, Arizona, and Now, residential and commercial monitoring program is lacking for the a small area of southern Colorado. The development and ingrowth of woody northern California/southern Oregon jumping mouse nests in dry soils but and/or nonnative vegetation have population making estimates of fisher uses moist, streamside, dense riparian/ reduced their numbers. In addition, numbers for this relatively large wetland vegetation. Recent genetic development in or adjacent to these population difficult. The monitoring studies confirm that the jumping mouse prairies has likely increased predation program of the southern Sierra Nevada is a distinct subspecies from other Z. on Mazama pocket gophers by dogs and population has provided preliminary hudsonius subspecies, confirming the cats. estimates. No estimates are available for currently accepted subspecies The magnitude of threat is high due the introduced population in the designation. to populations with patchy and isolated

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distributions in habitats highly desirable roads, and oil and gas development each The southern Idaho ground squirrel is for development and subject to a wide currently affect a small percentage of endemic to four counties in southwest variety of human activities that Gunnison’s prairie dog habitat. Plague is Idaho; its total known range is permanently alter the habitat. The threat significantly affecting the remaining approximately 425,630 hectares of invasive plant species to the quality small, isolated populations, and plague (1,051,752 acres). Threats to southern of a highly specific habitat requirement epizootics can extirpate populations Idaho ground squirrels include: habitat is high and constant. There are few there within a short timeframe (3 to 10 degradation and fragmentation; direct known populations of each subspecies. years). We have assigned an LPN of 3 to killing from shooting, trapping, or A limited dispersal capability, and the this species due to imminent threats of poisoning; predation; competition with loss and degradation of additional a high magnitude in a significant Columbian ground squirrels; and patches of appropriate habitat will portion of its range. inadequacy of existing regulatory further isolate populations and increase Palm Springs round-tailed ground mechanisms. Habitat degradation and their vulnerability to extinction. Loss of squirrel (Spermophilus tereticaudus fragmentation appear to be the primary any of the subspecies will reduce the chlorus) –The following summary is threats to the species. Nonnative genetic diversity and the likelihood of based on information contained in our annuals now dominate much of this continued existence of the Thomomys files. No new information was provided species’ range, have changed the species mazama subspecies complex in in the petition we received on May 11, composition of vegetation used as forage Washington. 2004. The Palm Springs round-tailed for the southern Idaho ground squirrel, The threats are imminent. Two of the ground squirrel is one of four and have altered the fire regime by subspecies (Cathlamet and Tacoma) are recognized subspecies of round-tailed accelerating the frequency of wildfire. likely extinct. The status of T. m. ground squirrels. This squirrel was Habitat deterioration, destruction, and douglasii is unknown, but its habitat is believed to be limited in range to the fragmentation contribute to the current threatened by encroaching Coachella Valley region of Riverside patchy distribution of southern Idaho development. Two gravel pits are County, California; however, results of ground squirrels. Based on recent operating on part of the remaining Roy both a morphological study and a genetic work, southern Idaho ground Prairie pocket gopher habitat. The genetic study indicate that its range may squirrels are subject to more genetic largest populations of two other be substantially larger. Upon receipt of drift and inbreeding than expected. subspecies (Shelton and Olympia) are a finalized report detailing the methods Two Candidate Conservation located on airports with planned and results of the genetic study, the Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs) development. Yelm pocket gophers are Service will make a determination as to have been completed for this species in also threatened by proposed whether listing of S. t. chlorus is still recent years. Both CCAAs include development. Due to its low genetic warranted. Primary habitat for the Palm conservation measures that provide diversity, isolation, and potential for Springs round-tailed ground squirrel is additional protection to southern Idaho natural habitat alterations in the future, the dunes and hummocks associated ground squirrels from recreational T. m. melanops (Olympic pocket with Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana shooting and other direct killing on gopher) is susceptible to stochastic (honey mesquite) and to a lesser extent enrolled lands, and also allow the State events and small population effects those dunes and hummocks associated of Idaho, the Service and BLM to such as genetic drift and founder effects. with Larrea tridentata (creosote), or investigate ways of restoring currently Thus, we assign an LPN of 3 to these other vegetation. Rapid growth of desert degraded habitat. At this time, the subspecies. cities such as Palm Springs and Palm acreage enrolled through these two Gunnison’s prairie dog (Cynomys Desert in the Coachella Valley has CCAAs is approximately 38,756 gunnisoni) – This species occurs in raised concerns about the conservation hectares (95,767 acres), or 9 percent of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and of the Palm Springs round-tailed ground the known range. While the ongoing Utah. However, it is threatened or squirrel. Urban development and drops conservation efforts have helped to endangered only in the significant in the groundwater table have reduce the magnitude of threats to portion of the range in the montane eliminated approximately 90 percent of moderate, habitat degradation remains portions of central and south central the honey mesquite in the Coachella the primary threat to the species Colorado and north central New Valley. Furthermore, urban throughout most of its range. This threat Mexico, and we anticipate that if and development has fragmented habitat is imminent due to the ongoing and when it is listed, only that significant occupied by this squirrel thereby increasing prevalence and dominance of portion of its range will be specified as isolating populations. The high rate of nonnative vegetation, and the current threatened or endangered. Within this urban development and associated patchy distribution of the species. Thus, portion of the range, plague has lowering of the groundwater table that we assign an LPN of 9 to this significantly reduced the number and was likely historically responsible for subspecies. size of populations. Populations within the high losses of honey mesquite sand Washington ground squirrel montane habitat have distinct dune/hummocks habitat continues (Spermophilus washingtoni) – The disadvantages in resisting the effects of today. We continue to assign the Palm following summary is based on plague due to a higher abundance of Springs ground squirrel subspecies an information contained in our files and fleas that spread plague, smaller LPN of 3 because the threats are ongoing in the petition we received on March 2, populations that cannot recover in and are of a high magnitude as they 2000. The Washington ground squirrel numbers from plague epizootics, and affect a large portion of its range and is endemic to the Deschutes-Columbia isolated populations that limit the significantly affect this subspecies’ Plateau sagebrush-steppe and grassland ability to recolonize. Poisoning and survival. communities in eastern Oregon and shooting continue to be threats to the Southern Idaho ground squirrel south-central Washington. Although Gunnison’s prairie dog within the (Spermophilus brunneus endemicus) – widely abundant historically, recent montane portion of its range and The following summary is based on surveys suggest that its current range contribute to the decline of the species information contained in our files. No has contracted toward the center of its when combined with the effects of new information was provided in the historical range. Approximately two- disease. Agriculture, urbanization, petition we received on May 11, 2004. thirds of the Washington ground

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squirrel’s total historical range has been assess its timing and impact, which population in American Samoa is converted to agricultural and residential could be minimized through threatened by small population size, uses. The most contiguous, least- compliance with the OESA. We, limited distribution, predation by disturbed expanse of suitable habitat therefore, have retained an LPN of 5 for nonnative mammals, continued within the species’ range occurs on the this species. development of wetland habitat, and natural catastrophes such as hurricanes. privately owned Threemile Canyon Birds Farms and on the Naval Weapons The co-occurrence of a known predator Systems Training Facility near Spotless crake, American Samoa DPS of ground-nesting birds, the Norway rat Boardman, Oregon. In Washington, the (Porzana tabuensis) – The following (Rattus norvegicus), along with the largest expanse of known suitable summary is based on information extremely restricted observed habitat occurs on State and Federal contained in our files. No new distribution and low numbers, indicate lands. information was provided in the that the magnitude of the threats to the petition we received on May 11, 2004. Agricultural, residential, and wind American Samoa DPS of the spotless Porzana tabuensis is a small, dark, power development, among other forms crake continues to be high, because the cryptic rail found in wetlands and rank of development, continue to eliminate threats significantly affect the species scrub or forest in the Philippines, Washington ground squirrel habitat in survival. The threats are ongoing, and Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Society Islands, portions of the species’ range. therefore imminent. Based on this Marquesas, Independent Samoa, and assessment of existing information Throughout much of their range, American Samoa (Ofu, Tau). The genus Washington ground squirrels are about the imminence and high Porzana is widespread in the Pacific, magnitude of these threats, we assigned threatened by the establishment and where it is represented by numerous spread of invasive plant species, the spotless crake an LPN of 3. island-endemic and flightless species Yellow-billed cuckoo, western U.S. particularly cheatgrass, which alter (many of which are extinct as a result DPS (Coccyzus americanus) – The available cover, food quantity and of anthropogenic disturbances) as well following summary is based on quality, and increases fire intervals. as several more cosmopolitan species, information contained in our files and Additional threats include habitat including P. tabuensis. No subspecies of the petition we received on February 9, fragmentation, recreational shooting, P. tabuensis are recognized. The 1998. See also our 12–month petition genetic isolation and drift, and American Samoa population is the only finding published on July 25, 2001 (66 predation. Potential threats include population of spotless crakes under U.S. FR 38611). The yellow-billed cuckoo disease, drought, and possible jurisdiction. The available information (Coccyzus americanus) is a medium- competition with related species in indicates that distinct populations of the sized bird of about 12 inches (30 disturbed habitat at the periphery of spotless crake, a species not noted for centimeters) in length with a slender, their range. In Oregon, some threats are long-distance dispersal, are definable. long-tailed profile and a fairly stout and being addressed as a result of the State The population of spotless crakes in slightly down-curved bill. Plumage is listing of this species, and by American Samoa is discrete in relation grayish-brown above and white below, implementation of the Threemile to the remainder of the species as a with rufous primary flight feathers with Canyon Farms Multi-Species Candidate whole, which is distributed in widely the tail feathers boldly patterned with Conservation Agreement with separated locations. Although the black and white below. Western Assurances (CCAA). In Washington, spotless crake (and other rails) have cuckoos breed in large blocks of riparian there are currently no formal agreements dispersed widely in the Pacific, island habitats (particularly woodlands with with private landowners or with State or rails have tended to reduce or lose their cottonwoods (Populus fremontii) and Federal agencies to protect the power of flight over evolutionary time willows (Salix sp.). Dense understory Washington ground squirrel. and so become isolated (and vulnerable foliage appears to be an important factor Additionally, no State or Federal to terrestrial predators such as rats). The in nest-site selection, while cottonwood management plans have been developed population of this species in American trees are an important foraging habitat that specifically address the needs of the Samoa is therefore distinct based on in areas where the species has been species or its habitat. Since current and geographic and distributional isolation studied in California. We consider the potential threats are widespread and, in from spotless crake populations on yellow-billed cuckoos that occur in the some cases, severe, we conclude the other islands in the oceanic Pacific, the western United States as a distinct magnitude of threats remains high. The Philippines, and Australia. The population segment (DPS). The area for Washington ground squirrel has both American Samoa population of the this DPS is generally west of the crest imminent and nonimminent threats. At spotless crake links the Central and of the Rocky Mountains. a rangewide scale, we conclude the Eastern Pacific portions of the species’ The threats to the yellow-billed threats are nonimminent based largely range. The loss of this population would cuckoo include habitat loss, on the following: The CCAA addressed result in an increase of roughly 500 overgrazing, and pesticide application. the imminent loss of a large portion of miles (805 kilometers) in the distance Principal causes of riparian habitat habitat to agriculture, there are no other between the central and eastern losses are conversion to agricultural and large-scale efforts to convert suitable Polynesian portions of the spotless other uses, dams and river flow habitat to agriculture, and wind power crake’s range, and could result in the management, stream channelization and project impacts can be minimized isolation of the Marquesas and Society stabilization, and livestock grazing. through compliance with the Oregon Islands populations by further limiting Available breeding habitats for cuckoos State Endangered Species Act (OESA) or the potential for even rare genetic have also been substantially reduced in the Columbia Basin Ecoregion wind exchange. Based on the discreteness and area and quality by groundwater energy siting and permitting guidelines. significance of the American Samoa pumping, and the replacement of native The potential development of shooting population of the spotless crake, we riparian habitats by invasive nonnative ranges on the Naval Weapons Systems consider this population to be a distinct plants, particularly salt-cedar (Tamarisk Training Facility is nonimminent vertebrate population segment. sp.). Overuse by livestock has been a because the proposed action is still Threats to this population have not major factor in the degradation and being developed, making us unable to changed over the past year. The modification of riparian habitats in the

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western United States. The effects are the primary threats to the population is estimated to more than include changes in plant-community subspecies. Of these, predation by 500 birds. structure and species composition and nonnative species is thought to be The streaked horned lark’s breeding in relative abundance of species and occurring now and likely has been habitat continues to be threatened by plant density. These changes are often occurring for several decades. This loss and degradation due to conversion linked to more widespread changes in predation may be an important of native grasslands to other uses (such watershed hydrology. Livestock grazing impediment to increasing the as agriculture, homes, recreational areas, in riparian habitats typically results in population. Predation by introduced and industry), encroachment of woody reduction of plant-species diversity and species has played a significant role in vegetation, and invasion of nonnative density, especially of palatable reducing, limiting, and extirpating plant species (e.g., Scot’s broom, sod- broadleaf plants like willows and populations of island birds, especially forming grasses, and beachgrasses). cottonwood saplings, and is one of the ground-nesters, in the Pacific and other Native prairies have been nearly most common causes of riparian locations worldwide. Nonnative eliminated throughout the range of the degradation. In addition to destruction predators known or thought to occur in species. It is estimated that less than 1 and degradation of riparian habitats, the range of the friendly ground-dove in to 3 percent of the native grassland and pesticides may affect cuckoo American Samoa are feral cats (Felis savanna remains. And those areas that populations. In areas where riparian catus), Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans), remain have been invaded by nonnative habitat borders agricultural lands, e.g., black rats (R. rattus), and Norway rats sod-forming grasses. Coastal nesting in California’s central valley, pesticide (R. norvegicus). areas have suffered the same fate. A use may indirectly affect cuckoos by In January 2004 and February of 2005, recent purchase of prairie lands in reducing prey numbers, or by poisoning hurricanes virtually destroyed the Washington has secured habitat that nestlings if sprayed directly in areas habitat of G. stairi in an area on Olosega would have been developed. Its status where the birds are nesting. A group Island where the species had been most as suitable lark nesting habitat is comprised of Federal, State, and non- frequently recorded. Although this unknown. governmental agencies organized by the species has coexisted with severe storms Wintering habitats are seemingly few, Service is in the process of completing for millennia, this example illustrates and are susceptible to unpredictable a range wide conservation assessment the potential for natural disturbance to conversion to unsuitable overwintering and strategy for the Western yellow- exacerbate the effect of anthropogenic habitat, plant succession, and invasion billed cuckoo. The assessment is in disturbance on small populations. by nonnative plants. Where larks early stages of development with work Consistent monitoring using a variety of inhabit manmade habitats similar in beginning on a conservation strategy methods over the last 5 years yielded structure to native prairies (such as sometime in 2010. We retained an LPN few observations and no change in the airports, military reservations, of 3 for this population of yellow-billed the relative abundance of this taxon in agricultural fields, and dredge-formed cuckoo; the threats are ongoing and American Samoa. The total population islands), or where they occur adjacent to therefore imminent, and they are of a size is poorly known, but is unlikely to human habitation, they are subjected to high magnitude, because ongoing number more than a few hundred pairs. a variety of unintentional human habitat degradation significantly affects The distribution of the friendly ground- disturbances such as mowing, the survival and reproductive capacity dove is limited to steep, forested slopes recreational and military activities, of the DPS rangewide. with an open understory and a substrate plowing, flooding, and dredge material Friendly ground-dove, American of fine scree or exposed earth; this deposition during the nesting season, as Samoa DPS (Gallicolumba stairi) – The habitat is not common in American well as intentional disturbances such as following summary is based on Samoa. The threats are ongoing and, at the McChord Air Forece Base (AFB) information contained in our files. No therefore imminent and the magnitude where falcons and dogs are used to haze new information was provided in the is moderate because the relative birds in order to avoid aircraft petition we received on May 11, 2004. abundance has remained the same for collisions. In some areas, however, The genus Gallicolumba is distributed several years. Thus, we assign this landowners have taken steps to improve throughout the Pacific and Southeast subspecies an LPN of 9. habitat for streaked horned lark nesting. Asia. The genus is represented in the Streaked horned lark (Eremophila The magnitude of threat is high due oceanic Pacific by six species: Three are alpestris strigata) – The following to small populations with low genetic endemic to Micronesian islands or summary is based on information diversity, rapidly declining populations, archipelagos, two are endemic to island contained in our files. No new and patchy and isolated habitats in groups in French Polynesia, and G. information was provided in the areas desirable for development, many stairi is endemic to Samoa, Tonga, and petition we received on December 11, of which remain unsecured. The threat Fiji. Some authors recognize two 2002. The streaked horned lark occurs of invasive plant species is high and subspecies of the friendly ground-dove, in Washington and Oregon, and is constant, aside from a few restoration one, slightly smaller, in the Samoan thought to be extirpated from British sites. The numbers of individuals are archipelago (G. s. stairi), and one in Columbia, Canada. The streaked horned low and the numbers of populations are Tonga and Fiji (G. s. vitiensis), but lark nests on bare ground in sparsely few. Overwintering birds are because morphological differences vegetated sites in short-grass dominated concentrated in larger flocks and subject between the two are minimal, we are habitats, such as native prairies, coastal to unpredictable wintering habitat loss not recognizing separate subspecies at dunes, fallow agricultural fields, (especially in Oregon), potentially this time. seasonal wetlands, moderately to affecting a large portion of the In American Samoa, the friendly heavily grazed pastures, seasonal population at one time. In Washington, ground-dove has been found on the mudflats, airports, and dredge known populations occur on airports, islands of Ofu and Olosega (Manua deposition sites in and along the tidal military bases, coastal beaches, and Group). Threats to this subspecies have reach of the Columbia River. In Columbia River islands, where not changed over the past year. Washington, surveys show that there are management, training activities, Predation by nonnative species and approximately 330 remaining breeding recreation, and dredge material natural catastrophes such as hurricanes birds. In Oregon, the breeding deposition continue to negatively

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impact streaked horned lark breeding The Delaware Bay area (in Delaware ASMFC also adopted other restrictions and wintering (although current work and New Jersey) is the largest known applicable to Maryland and Virginia. In being conducted by The Nature spring migration stopover area, with far September 2008, the ASMFC Horseshoe Conservancy may lessen this last threat). fewer migrants congregating elsewhere Crab Management Board approved an In Oregon, breeding and wintering sites along the Atlantic coast. The addendum extending harvest occur on Columbia River islands, in concentration in the Delaware Bay area restrictions through October 31, 2009. cultivated grass fields, grazed pastures, occurs from the middle of May to early New Jersey established regulations in fallow fields, roadside shoulders, June, corresponding to the spawning 2006 which superseded ASMFC Christmas tree farms, seasonal wetlands, season of horseshoe crabs. The knots restrictions; resulting in a moratorium restored wet prairie, and wetland feed on horseshoe crab eggs, rebuilding on all horseshoe crab harvest in New mudflats. Such areas continue to be energy reserves needed to complete Jersey from May 15, 2006, through June subject to negative impacts such as migrations to the Arctic and arrive on 7, 2008. In March 2008, New Jersey dredge material deposition, the breeding grounds in good condition. passed legislation imposing an open- development, plowing, mowing, In the past, horseshoe crab eggs at ended moratorium on horseshoe crab pesticide and herbicide applications, Delaware Bay were so numerous that a harvest or landing within the State until trampling, vehicle traffic, and knot could eat enough in two to three such time as the red knot has fully recreation. weeks to double its weight. recovered. In February 2007, Delaware Threats are imminent, as a result of Surveys at wintering areas and at imposed a 2–year moratorium, effective continued loss of suitable lark habitat, Delaware Bay during spring migration January 1, 2007, on harvest of horseshoe high nest-predation rates, and low adult indicate a substantial decline in the red crabs within Delaware lands or waters. survival. Loss of habitat is a result of knot in recent years. At the Delaware In June 2007, following litigation by two plans for development on and adjacent Bay area, peak counts between 1982 and businesses involved in the harvesting to several of its nesting areas, including 1998 were as high as 95,360 individuals. and sale of horseshoe crabs, Delaware’s planned and/or continued expansions of Counts may vary considerably between moratorium was overturned. the Fort Lewis Gray Army Airfield West years. Some of the fluctuations can be Consequently Delaware developed Ramp and the Olympia Airport. attributed to predator-prey cycles in the regulations allowing for a male-only Wintering populations are at risk in breeding grounds, and counts show that horseshoe crab harvest, consistent with Oregon due to the manner in which knots rebound from such reductions. restrictions adopted by ASMFC. In April Research shows that since 1998, a high larks gather in large flocks that are 2009, the Maryland Department of proportion of red knots leaving the vulnerable to stochastic events, and also Natural Resources implemented a 2:1 Delaware Bay failed to achieve due to the fact that their wintering male to female horseshoe crab harvest threshold departure masses needed to habitat occurs on privately owned ratio within Maryland waters. fly to breeding grounds and survive an agricultural lands that are subject to initial few days of snow cover, and this The reductions in commercial harvest unpredictable conversion. Other corresponded to reduced annual since 1999 are substantial: In 1999 in ongoing threats include the use of survival rates and reduced reproductive Delaware and New Jersey, 726,660 falcons and dogs to haze breeding birds success. Recently, peak counts at the horseshoe crab landings for bait were at McChord AFB, the annual Air Force Delaware Bay area have been lower than reported, compared to 173,177 in 2004 military training Rodeo event on in the past and do not show a rebound. and a preliminary 2007 report of 76,663 McChord AFB which included The peaks were 13,315 in 2004; 15,345 crabs landed for bait in Delaware and no firebombing on top of lark nesting in 2005; 13,455 in 2006; 12,375 in 2007; horseshoe crabs landed in New Jersey as habitat, and the Air Expo on McChord and 15,395 in 2008. Counts in recent a result of the State-imposed harvest AFB. These two events usually occur in years at the principal wintering areas in moratorium. However, scientists do not alternate years. Based on imminent South America also are substantially know whether horseshoe crab threats of a high magnitude, we lower than in the past. populations will rebuild or how long a continue to assign an LPN of 3 to this The primary factor threatening the red lag time there may be in increased subspecies. knot is destruction and modification of availability of eggs, as the species needs Red knot (Calidris canutus rufa) – The its habitat, particularly the reduction in 8-10 years to reach sexual maturity, and following summary is based on key food resources resulting from other key information for estimating information contained in our files and reductions in horseshoe crabs, which population response is lacking. Surveys information provided by petitioners. are harvested primarily for use as bait in Delaware Bay of horseshoe crab Four petitions to emergency list the red and secondarily to support a biomedical spawning activity following knot have been received: one on August industry. Commercial harvest increased implementation of additional harvest 9, 2004, two others on August 5, 2005, substantially in the 1990s. Since 1999, restrictions show that female horseshoe and the most recent on February 27, a series of timing restrictions and crab spawning activity in Delaware Bay 2008. The rufa subspecies is one of six substantially lower harvest quotas have has been stable for the overall period of recognized subspecies of red knot and been adopted by the Atlantic States 1999 through 2007 and male horseshoe one of three subspecies occurring in Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), crab spawning increased during that North America. This subspecies makes as well as by the States of New Jersey period. Spawning was likely suppressed one of the longest distance migrations and Delaware. In May 2006, the ASMFC in 2008 by low water temperatures known in the animal kingdom, as it adopted restrictions effective from resulting from a coastal storm. travels between breeding areas in the October 1, 2006, through September 30, Preliminary information for 2009 central Canadian Arctic and wintering 2008, including a prohibition on harvest indicates that a high proportion of red areas that are primarily in southern and landing of horseshoe crabs in New knots at the Delaware Bay stopover South America along the coast of Chile Jersey and Delaware from January 1 attained threshold weight gains and and Argentina. They migrate along the through June 7; harvest of males only birds left the Delaware Bay stopover in Atlantic coast of the United States, from June 8 through December 31; and good condition. This weight gain where they may be found from Maine to harvest limited to no more than 100,000 indicates that red knots found sufficient Florida. horseshoe crabs per State per year. The horseshoe crab eggs or alternate forage

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resources during the 2009 stopover. concentrated and are subject to the negative population trend estimates However, it remains to be seen if this subsistence harvest that at current levels that have been previously reported. will be a long-term trend. appears to be unsustainable, based on Threats to Kittlitz’s murrelets include The numbers of red knots at key the best available information; the large-scale processes such as global wintering areas in South America population could decline substantially climate change and marine climate remained relatively steady from 2005 if such harvest continues. Future regime shift. These large-scale processes through 2007, inspiring some optimism subsistence harvests in Alaska, by may influence Kittlitz’s murrelet that the declining trend may have themselves, constitute a threat to the survival and reproduction. Glacial ceased or slowed. In 2008, counts of red species rangewide. This subsistence retreat, a global phenomenon that affects knots within principal wintering areas harvest is occurring despite the species many of the glaciers where Kittlitz’s showed an all-time low of only 14,800 being closed to hunting under the murrelets are found, is associated with red knots, but then increased to 17,780 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In addition, changing forage fish availability and in 2009, similar to numbers found up to several hundred yellow-billed may result in increased predation. Other during 2005-2007. Presence of an ongoing threats include oil spills, loons may be taken annually on Russian increased number of juveniles and an bycatch in commercial gillnet fisheries, breeding grounds, and small numbers of overall increase in red knots in and disturbance by tour boats. Kittlitz’s yellow-billed loons are reported in principal wintering areas likely murrelets are believed to have been indicates a good breeding season in the harvests in other areas in Alaska outside seriously affected by the Exxon Valdez Arctic in summer 2008. However, the of the subsistence harvet area and in oil spill in Prince William Sound in long-term trend of counts of red knots Canada. Other risk factors evaluated, 1989. Catastrophic events such as oil within the principal wintering areas in including oil and gas development (i.e., spills could have a significant negative Chile and Argentina shows a decline of disturbance, changes in freshwater effect on the population of this already nearly 75 percent from 1985 to 2009. chemistry and pollutant loads, and diminished species. Susceptibility to Other identified threat factors include changes in freshwater hydrology); mortality as bycatch in commercial habitat destruction due to beach erosion pollution; overfishing; climate change; fishing could be a significant factor in and various shoreline protection and vessel traffic; commercial- and their population decline; Kittlitz’s stabilization projects that are affecting subsistence-fishery bycatch; and murrelets are caught in gillnets in areas used by migrating knots for contaminants other than those numbers disproportionate to their foraging, the inadequacy of existing associated with oil and gas, were not density. Tour boat visitation to glacial regulatory mechanisms, human found to be threats to the species. fjords is a growing industry, and this disturbance, and competition with other Although these other risk factors may activity may increasingly disrupt species for limited food resources. Also, not rise to the level of a threat Kittlitz’s murrelet feeding behavior; tour the concentration of red knots in the individually, when taken collectively boats may also provide artificial perch Delaware Bay areas and at a relatively with the effects of subsistence hunting sites for avian predators. small number of wintering areas makes in other areas, they may reduce the Based on the observed population the species vulnerable to potential large- rangewide population even further. One trajectory and the severity of ongoing scale events such as oil spills or severe or more of the threats discussed above threats (rapid glacial retreat, acute and weather. Overall, we conclude that the is occurring throughout the range of the chronic oil spills, commercial gillnet threats, in particular the modification of yellow-billed loon, either in its breeding fishing, and human disturbance from habitat through harvesting of horseshoe or wintering grounds, or during tour boats), the threats to this species crabs, are severe enough to put the migration; therefore, the threats are are high in magnitude and imminent. viability of the knot at substantial risk imminent. The magnitude of the Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 2 to and is therefore of a high magnitude. primary threat to the species, this species. The threats are currently occurring, and subsistence harvest, is moderate. Xantus’s murrelet (Synthliboramphus therefore imminent because of Although subsistence harvest is hypoleucus) – The following summary continuing suppressed horseshoe-crab- ongoing, the numbers taken have varied is based on information contained in egg forage conditions for red knot substantially between years. Thus, we our files and the petition we received on within the Delaware Bay stopover. assigned the yellow-billed loon an LPN April 16, 2002. The Xantus’s murrelet is Based on imminent threats of a high of 8. a small seabird in the Alcid family that magnitude, we retain an LPN of 3 for occurs along the west coast of North this species. Kittlitz’s murrelet (Brachyramphus America in the United States and Yellow-billed loon (Gavia adamsii) – brevirostris) – The following summary is Mexico. The species has a limited The following summary is based on based on information contained in our breeding distribution, nesting only on information contained in our files and files and the petition we received on the Channel Islands in southern the petition we received on April 5, May 9, 2001. Kittlitz’s murrelet is a California and on islands off the west 2004. The yellow-billed loon is a small diving seabird whose entire North coast of Baja California, Mexico. migratory bird with solitary pairs American population, and most of the Although data on population trends are breeding on lakes in the arctic tundra of world’s population, inhabits Alaskan scarce, the population is suspected to the United States, Russia, and Canada coastal waters discontinuously from have declined greatly over the last from June to September. During the Point Lay south to northern portions of century, mainly due to introduced remainder of the year, the species Southeast Alaska. Kittlitz’s murrelets predators such as rats (Rattus sp.) and winters in more southern coastal waters are associated with tidewater glaciers. feral cats (Felis catus) to nesting islands, of the Pacific Ocean and the Norway The current population estimate for with possible extirpations on three and North Seas. During most of the year, Kittlitz’s murrelets in Alaska is islands in Mexico. A dramatic decline individual yellow-billed loons are so approximately 19,578 birds. Kittlitz’s (up to 70 percent) from 1977 to 1991 widely dispersed that high adult murrelets in Alaska have declined at a was detected at the largest nesting mortality from any single factor is rate of up to 18 percent per year from colony in southern California, possibly unlikely. However, during migration, 1989 to 2000 and new survey due to high levels of predation on eggs yellow-billed loons are more information supports and strengthens by the endemic deer mouse (Peromyscus

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maniculatus elusus). Identified threats impacts would be expected to be more Consequently, we have assigned an LPN include introduced predators at nesting significant, these facilities would of 2 to this species. colonies, oil spills and oil pollution, include bright lights at night and lights Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus reduced prey availability, human from visiting tanker vessels, noise from urophasianus), Columbia Basin DPS – disturbance, and artificial light the facilities and from helicopters For the reasons discussed below, we pollution. visiting the facilities, and potential oil have not included new information in Although substantial declines in the spills associated with visiting tanker our finding with regard to the Columbia Xantus’s murrelet population likely vessels. However, these facilities are Basin DPS of the greater sage-grouse in occurred over the last century, some of early in complex and long-term this notice. On May 14, 1999, we the largest threats are being addressed, planning processes, and it is possible received a petition requesting the listing and, to some degree, ameliorated. that none of these facilities will be built. of the Washington population of the Declines and possible extirpations at In summary, the remaining threats to western sage grouse (C. u. phaios). On several nesting colonies were thought to the species are of high magnitude since May 7, 2001, we concluded that listing have been caused by nonnative they have the potential to result in the Columbia Basin DPS of western sage predators, which have been removed mortality for a large portion of the grouse was warranted, but precluded by from many of the islands where they species’ range. However, the threats are higher priority listing actions (66 FR once occurred. Most notably, since nonimminent since they are not 22984); this population was historically 1994, Island Conservation and Ecology currently occurring at most of the found in northern Oregon and central Group has systematically removed rats, murrelet nesting sites. Therefore, we Washington. Following our May 7, cats, and dogs from every murrelet retained an LPN of 5 for this species. 2001, finding, the Service received nesting colony in Mexico, with the additional petitions requesting listing Lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus exception of cats and dogs on actions for various other greater sage- pallidicinctus) - The following summary Guadalupe Island. In 2002, rats were grouse populations, including one for is based on information contained in eradicated from Anacapa Island in the nominal western subspecies, dated our files and the petition received on southern California, which has resulted January 24, 2002, and three for the October 5, 1995. Additional information in improvements in reproductive entire species, dated June 18, 2002, and can be found in the 12–month finding success at that island. In southern March 19 and December 22, 2003. The published on June 7, 1998 (63 FR California, there are also plans to Service subsequently found that the 31400). Biologists estimate that the remove rats from San Miguel Island, and petition for the western subspecies did to restore nesting habitat on Santa occupied range has declined by 92 not present substantial information (68 Barbara Island through the Montrose percent since the 1800s. The most FR 6500), and that listing the greater Settlements Restoration Project, which serious threats to the lesser prairie- sage-grouse throughout its historical may benefit the Xantus’s murrelet chicken are loss of habitat from range was not warranted (70 FR 2244). population at those islands. conversion of native rangelands to Legal actions are still pending for these Artificial lighting from squid fishing introduced forages and cultivation, latter findings, which have been and other vessels, or lights on islands, conversion of suitable restored habitat remanded to the Service for further remains a potential threat to the species. in the Conservation Reserve Program to consideration. In response, we initiated Bright lights make Xantus’s murrelets cropland, cumulative habitat a new rangewide status review for the more susceptible to predation, and they degradation caused by severe grazing, entire species (73 FR 10218). We will can also become disoriented and and energy development, including update our candidate assessment and exhausted from continual attraction to wind, oil, and gas development. publish a new finding for the Columbia bright lights. Chicks can become Additional threats are woody plant Basin DPS in the Federal Register disoriented and separated from their invasion of open prairies due to fire following completion of the new range parents at sea, which could result in suppression, herbicide use (including wide status review for the greater sage- death of the dependent chicks. High- resumption of herbicide use in shinnery grouse. wattage lighting on commercial market oak habitat), and habitat fragmentation Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hawaii squid (Loligo opalescens) fishing vessels caused by structural and transportation DPS (Oceanodroma castro) – The used at night to attract squid to the developments. Many of these threats following summary is based on surface of the water in the Channel may exacerbate the normal effects of information contained in our files and Islands was the suspected cause of periodic drought on lesser prairie- the petition we received on May 8, unusually high predation on Xantus’s chicken populations. In many cases, the 1989. No new information was provided murrelets by western gulls and barn remaining suitable habitat has become in the second petition received on May owls at Santa Barbara Island in 1999. To fragmented by the spatial arrangement 11, 2004. The band-rumped storm-petrel address this threat, in 2000, the of these individual threats. Habitat is a small seabird that is found in California Fish and Game Commission fragmentation can be a threat to the several areas of the subtropical Pacific required light shields and a limit of species through several mechanisms: and Atlantic Oceans. In the Pacific, 30,000 watts per boat; it is unknown if Remaining habitat patches may become there are three widely separated this is sufficient to reduce impacts. smaller than necessary to meet the breeding populations – one in Japan, While squid fishing has not occurred at requirements of individuals and one in Hawaii, and one in the a particularly noticeable level near any populations, necessary habitat Galapagos. Populations in Japan and the of the colonies in the Channel Islands heterogeneity may be lost to areas of Galapagos are comparatively large and since 1999, this remains a potential homogeneous habitat structure, and the number in the thousands, while the future threat. probability of recolonization decreases Hawaiian birds represent a small, A proposal to build three liquid as the distance between suitable habitat remnant population of possibly only a natural gas facilities near the Channel patches expands. We have determined few hundred pairs. Band-rumped storm- Islands could cause impacts to the that the overall magnitude of threats to petrels are most commonly found in nesting colonies. Although, none of the lesser prairie-chicken throughout its close proximity to breeding islands. The these facilities would be directly range is high, and that the threats are three populations in the Pacific are adjacent to nesting colonies where their ongoing, and thus imminent. separated by long distances across the

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ocean where birds are not found. as communication towers and utility listing this species is warranted-but- Extensive at-sea surveys of the Pacific lines are also threats. Erosion of nest precluded as of the date of publication have revealed a broad gap in sites caused by the actions of nonnative of this notice. However, we are working distribution of the band-rumped storm- ungulates is a potential threat in some on a proposed listing rule that we petrel to the east and west of the locations. Efforts are under way in some expect to publish prior to making the Hawaiian Islands, indicating that the areas to reduce light pollution and next annual resubmitted petition 12– distribution of birds in the central mitigate the threat of collisions, but month finding. Pacific around Hawaii is disjunct from there are no large-scale efforts to control Eastern massasauga rattlesnake other nesting areas. The available nonnative predators in the Hawaiian (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) – The information indicates that distinct Islands. The threats are imminent following summary is based on populations of band-rumped storm- because they are ongoing, and they are information contained in our files. No petrels are definable and that the of a high magnitude because they can new information was provided in the Hawaiian population is distinct based significantly affect the survival of this petition received on May 11, 2004. The on geographic and distributional DPS. Therefore, we assign this distinct eastern massasauga is one of three isolation from other band-rumped population segment an LPN of 3. recognized subspecies of massasauga. It storm-petrel populations in Japan, the Elfin-woods warbler (Dendroica is a small, thick-bodied rattlesnake that Galapagos, and the Atlantic Ocean. A angelae) – See above in ‘‘Listing Priority occupies shallow wetlands and adjacent population also can be considered Changes in Candidates.’’ The above upland habitat in portions of Illinois, discrete if it is delimited by summary is based on information Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, international boundaries that have contained in our files. No new Missouri, New York, Ohio, differences in management control of information was provided in the Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ontario. the species. The Hawaiian population of petition we received on May 11, 2004. Although the current range of S. c. catenatus resembles the subspecies’ the band-rumped storm-petrel is the Reptiles only population within U.S. borders or historical range, the geographic Northern Mexican Gartersnake under U.S. jurisdiction. Loss of the distribution has been restricted by the (Thamnophis eques megalops) – The Hawaiian population would cause a loss of the subspecies from much of the following summary is based on significant gap in the distribution of the area within the boundaries of that range. information contained in our files. The band-rumped storm-petrel in the Approximately 40 percent of the northern Mexican gartersnake generally Pacific, and could result in the complete counties that were historically occupied occurs in three types of habitat: (1) isolation of the Galapagos and Japan by S. c. catenatus no longer support the ponds and cienegas; (2) lowland river populations without even occasional subspecies. S. c. catenatus is currently riparian forests and woodlands; and (3) listed as endangered or threatened in genetic exchanges. Therefore, the upland stream gallery forests. Within every State and province in which it population is both discrete and the United States, the distribution of the occurs, except for Michigan, where it is significant, and constitues a DPS. northern Mexican gartersnake has been designated as a species of special The band-rumped storm-petrel reduced by close to 90 percent and it concern. Each State and Canadian probably was common on all of the occurs in fragmented populations province across the range of S. c. main Hawaiian Islands when within the middle/upper Verde River catenatus has lost more than 30 percent, Polynesians arrived about 1,500 years drainage, middle/lower Tonto Creek, and the majority more than 50 percent, ago, based on storm-petrel bones found and the upper Santa Cruz River, as well of their historical populations. in middens on the island of Hawaii and as in a small number of isolated wetland Furthermore, less than 35 percent of the in excavation sites on Oahu and habitats in southeastern Arizona; its remaining populations are considered Molokai. Nesting colonies of this status in New Mexico is uncertain. secure. Approximately 59 percent of the species in the Hawaiian Islands Within Mexico, the northern Mexican remaining S. c. catenatus populations currently are restricted to remote cliffs gartersnake is distributed along the occur wholly or in part on public land, on Kauai and Lehua Island and high- Sierra Madre Occidental and the and Statewide or site-specific Candidate elevation lava fields on Hawaii. Mexican Plateau in the Mexican states Conservation Agreements with Vocalizations of the species were heard of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Assurances (CCAAs) are currently being in Haleakala Crater on Maui as recently Coahila, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Nayarit, developed for many of these areas in as 2006; however, no nesting sites have Hidalgo, Jalisco, San Luis Potosı´, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. been located on the island to date. The Aguascalientes, Tlaxacala, Puebla, In 2004, a Candidate Conservation significant reduction in numbers and Me´xico, Michoaca´n, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Agreement (CCA) with the Lake County range of the band-rumped storm-petrel and Quere´taro. The primary threat to the Forest Preserve District in Illinois was is due primarily to predation by northern Mexican gartersnake is completed, and in 2005, a CCA with the nonnative predators introduced by competition and predation from Forest Preserve District of Cook County humans, including the domestic cat nonnative species such as sportfish, in Illinois was completed. In 2006, a (Felis catus), small Indian mongoose bullfrogs, and crayfish. Degradation and CCAA with the Ohio Department of (Herpestes auropunctatus), common elimination of its habitat and native Natural Resources Division of Natural barn owl (Tyto alba), black rat (R. prey base are also significant threats. Areas and Preserves was completed for rattus), Polynesian rat (R. exulans), and Threats, particularly competition and Rome State Nature Preserve in Norway rat (R. norvegicus), which occur predation by nonnative species, are high Ashtabula County. throughout the main Hawaiian Islands, in magnitude since they result in direct The magnitude of threats is moderate with the exception of the mongoose, mortality or reduced reproductive at this time. However, populations soon which is not established on Kauai. capacity and may be irreversible. The to be under CCAs and CCAAs have a Attraction of fledglings to artificial threats are ongoing and, therefore, low-to-moderate likelihood of persisting lights, which disrupts their night-time imminent. Thus, we retained an LPN of and remaining viable. Other populations navigation, resulting in collisions with 3 for this subspecies. are likely to suffer additional losses in building and other objects, and Sand dune lizard (Sceloporus abundance and genetic diversity and collisions with artificial structures such arenicolus) – We continue to find that some will likely be extirpated unless

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threats are removed in the near future. within west-central Louisiana and matrix between populations, there is Declines have continued or may be extreme east-central Texas. Most of the little potential for dispersal among accelerating in several States. Thus we historical longleaf pine habitat of the remnant populations or for the natural are monitoring the status of this species Louisiana pine snake has been recolonization of vacant habitat patches. to determine if a change in listing destroyed or degraded due to logging, Thus, the loss of any remnant priority is warranted. Furthermore, we fire suppression, roadways, short- population is likely to be permanent. are working with several experts and rotation silviculture, and grazing. In the Other factors affecting the Louisiana partners in the development of an absence of recurrent fire, suitable pine snake throughout its range include extinction risk model for the subspecies, habitat conditions for the Louisiana low fecundity, which magnifies other and the results of this work may pine snake and its primary prey, the threats and increases the likelihood of indicate that a change in listing priority Baird’s pocket gopher (Geomys local extirpations, and vehicular number is appropriate. Threats of breviceps), are lost due to vegetative mortality, which may significantly affect habitat modification, habitat succession, succession. The loss and fragmentation Louisiana pine snake populations. incompatible land management of the longleaf pine ecosystem has While the extent of Louisiana pine practices, illegal collection for the pet resulted in extant Louisiana pine snake snake habitat loss has been great in the trade, and human persecution are populations that are isolated and small. past and much of the remaining habitat ongoing and imminent threats to many Trapping and occurrence data indicate has been degraded, habitat loss does not remaining populations, particularly the Louisiana pine snake is currently represent an imminent threat, primarily those inhabiting private lands. We restricted to seven disjunct populations; because the rate of habitat loss appears retained an LPN of 9 for this subspecies. five of the populations occur on Federal to be declining on public lands. Black pine snake (Pituophis lands and two occur mainly on private However, all populations require active melanoleucus lodingi) – The following industrial timberlands. Currently habitat management, and the lack of summary is based on information occupied habitat in Louisiana and Texas adequate habitat remains a threat for contained in our files. No new is estimated to be approximately several populations. The potential information was provided in the 163,000 acres, with 53 percent occurring threats to a large percentage of extant petition we received on May 11, 2004. on public lands and 47 percent in Louisiana pine snake populations, There are historical records for the black private ownership. coupled with the likely permanence of pine snake from one parish in All remnant Louisiana pine snake these effects and the species’ low Louisiana, 14 counties in Mississippi, populations have been affected by fecundity and low population sizes and 3 counties in Alabama west of the habitat loss and all require active habitat (based on capture rates and occurrence Mobile River Delta. Black pine snake management. A Candidate Conservation data), lead us to conclude that the surveys and trapping indicate that this Agreement (CCA) was completed in threats have significant effect on the species has been extirpated from 2003 to maintain and enhance occupied survival of the species and therefore Louisiana and from four counties in and potential habitat on public lands, remain high in magnitude. Based on Mississippi. Moreover, the distribution and to protect known Louisiana pine nonimminent, high-magnitude threats, of remaining populations has become snake populations. On Federal lands, we assigned a LPN of 5 to this species. highly restricted due to the destruction signatories of the Louisiana pine snake and fragmentation of the remaining CCA currently conduct habitat Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon longleaf pine habitat within the range of management (i.e., prescribed burning sonoriense longifemorale) – The the subspecies. Most of the known and thinning) that is beneficial to the following summary is based on Mississippi populations are Louisiana pine snake. This proactive information contained in our files. No concentrated on the DeSoto National habitat management has likely slowed new information was provided in the Forest. Populations occurring on or reversed the rate of Louisiana pine petition we received on May 11, 2004. properties managed by State and other snake habitat degradation on many The Sonoyta mud turtle occurs in a governmental agencies as gopher portions of Federal lands. The largest spring and pond at Quitobaquito tortoise mitigation banks or wildlife extant Louisiana pine snake population Springs on Organ Pipe Cactus National sanctuaries represent the best exists on private industrial timberlands. Monument in Arizona, and in the Rio opportunities for long-term survival of Although two conservation areas are Sonoyta and Quitovac Spring of Sonora, the subspecies in Alabama. Other managed to benefit Louisiana pine Mexico. Loss and degradation of stream factors affecting the black pine snake snakes on the private property, the habitat from water diversion and include vehicular mortality and low majority of the neighboring occupied groundwater pumping, along with its reproductive rates, which magnify the habitat is threatened by land very limited distribution, is the primary threats from destruction and management activities (habitat threat to the Sonoyta mud turtle. fragmentation of longleaf pine habitat conversion to short-rotation pine Sonoyta mud turtles are highly aquatic and increase the likelihood of local plantations) that decrease habitat and depend on permanent water for extinctions. Due to the imminent threats quality. survival. The area of southwest Arizona of high magnitude caused by the past Three of the remnant Louisiana pine and northern Sonora where the Sonoyta destruction of most of the longleaf pine snake populations may be vulnerable to mud turtle occurs is one of the driest habitat of the black pine snake, and the decreased demographic viability or regions of the southwest. Due to continuing persistent degradation of other factors associated with low continuing drought, irrigated what remains, we assigned an LPN of 3 population sizes and demographic agriculture, and development in the to this subspecies. isolation. Although these remnant region, surface water in the Rio Sonoyta Louisiana pine snake (Pituophis Louisiana pine snake populations are can be expected to dwindle further and ruthveni) – The following summary is intrinsically vulnerable and thus therefore have a significant impact on based on information contained in our threatened by these factors, it is not the survival of this subspecies, which files and the petition we received on known if they are presently actually may also be vulnerable to aerial July 19, 2000. The Louisiana pine snake affected by these threats. Because all spraying of pesticides on nearby historically occurred in the fire- extant populations are currently isolated agricultural fields. We retained an LPN maintained longleaf pine ecosystem and fragmented by habitat loss in the of 3 for this subspecies because threats

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are of a high magnitude and continue to overall, the magnitude of the threats is removing introduced trout since 2001. date, and therefore are imminent. moderate. Based on ongoing, and Over 18,000 introduced trout have been therefore, imminent threats of moderate removed from 11 lakes since the project Amphibians magnitude, we assigned a LPN of 9 to started in 2001. The lakes are Columbia spotted frog, Great Basin this DPS of the Columbia spotted frog. completely-to-mostly fish-free, and DPS (Rana luteiventris) – The following Mountain yellow-legged frog, Sierra substantial mountain yellow-legged frog summary is based on information Nevada DPS (Rana muscosa) – The population increases have resulted. The contained in our files and the petition following summary is based on California Department of Fish and Game we received on May 1, 1989. Currently, information contained in our files and has also removed or is in the process of Columbia spotted frogs appear to be the petition received on February 8, removing nonnative trout from a total of widely distributed throughout 2000. Also see our 12–month petition between 10 and 20 water bodies in the southwestern Idaho, southeastern finding published on January 16, 2003 Inyo, Humboldt-Toiyabe, Sierra, and El Oregon, and northeastern and central (68 FR 2283) and our amended 12– Dorado National Forests. In the El Nevada but local populations within month petition finding published on Dorado National Forest golden trout this general area appear to be small and June 25, 2007 (72 FR 34657). The were removed from Leland Lakes, and isolated from each other. Recent work mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana attempts have been made to remove by researchers in Idaho and Nevada has mucosa) inhabits the high-elevation trout from two sites near Gertrude Lake, documented the loss of historically lakes, ponds, and streams in the Sierra three lakes in the Pyramid Creek known sites, reduced numbers of Nevada Mountains of California, from watershed, and a tributary of Cole individuals within local populations, near 4,500 feet (ft) (1,370 meters (m)) to Creek; no data showing increase in and declines in the reproduction of 12,000 ft (3,650 m). The distribution of mountain yellow-legged frogs at these those individuals. the mountain yellow-legged frog is from sites were available. Small highly fragmented populations, Butte and Plumas Counties in the north In California, chytridiomycosis, more characteristic of the majority of existing to Tulare and Inyo Counties in the commonly known as chytrid fungus populations of Columbia spotted frogs south. A separate population in (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), has in the Great Basin, are highly southern California is already listed as been detected in many amphibian susceptible to extinction processes. Poor endangered (67 FR 44382). species, including the mountain yellow- management of Columbia spotted frog Based on mitochondrial DNA, and legged frog within the Sierra Nevada. habitat, including water development, morphological, and acoustic studies, Recent research has shown that this improper grazing, mining activities and scientists recently recognized two pathogenic fungus is widely distributed nonnative species, have and continue to distinct species of mountain yellow- throughout the Sierra Nevada, and that contribute to the degradation and legged frog in the Sierra Nevada, R. infected mountain yellow-legged frogs fragmentation of habitat. Emerging muscosa and R. sierrae. This taxonomic die soon after metamorphosis. Several fungal diseases such as distinction has been recently adopted by infected and uninfected populations chytridiomycosis and the spread of the American Society of Ichthyologists were monitored in Sequoia and Kings parasites are contributing factors to and Herpetologists, the Herpetologists’ Canyon National Parks over multiple Columbia spotted frog population League, and the Society for the Study of years, documenting dramatic declines declines throughout portions of its Amphibians and Reptiles. The recent and extirpations in infected but not in range. Effects of climate change such as study determined that two species exist, uninfected populations. In the summer drought and stochastic events such as as described by Camp, but have of 2005, of 43 populations assayed in fire often have detrimental effects to different geographical ranges than first Yosemite National Park, 39 were small isolated populations and can often described. Camp described R. muscosa positive for chytrid fungus. exacerbate existing threats. A 10–year as only occurring in southern California. The current distribution of the Sierra Conservation Agreement/Strategy was A recent study determined that R. Nevada mountain yellow-legged frog is signed in September 2003 for both the muscosa also occurs in the southern restricted primarily to publicly managed Northeast and the Toiyabe portion of the Sierra Nevada and R. lands at high elevations, including subpopulations in Nevada. The goals of sierrae occurs both in the southern and streams, lakes, ponds, and meadow the conservation agreements are to northern portions of the Sierra Nevada wetlands located on national forests, reduce threats to Columbia spotted frogs with no range overlap. It is the including wilderness and and their habitat to the extent necessary population of R. muscosa found in the nonwilderness on the forests, and to prevent populations from becoming southern portion of the Sierra Nevada national parks. In several areas where extirpated throughout all or a portion of that is a candidate for listing. R. sierrae detailed studies of the effects of chytrid their historical range and to maintain, is not a candidate. fungus on the mountain yellow-legged enhance, and restore a sufficient Predation by introduced trout is the frog are on-going, substantial declines number of populations of Columbia best-documented cause of the decline of have been observed over the past several spotted frogs and their habitat to ensure the Sierra Nevada mountain yellow- years. For example, in 2007 surveys in their continued existence throughout legged frog, because it has been Yosemite National Park, mountain their historical range. Additionally, a repeatedly observed that nonnative yellow-legged frogs were not detectable Candidate Conservation Agreement with fishes and mountain yellow-legged frogs at 37 percent of 285 sites where they Assurances was completed in 2006 for rarely co-exist. Mountain yellow-legged had been observed in 2000-2002; in the Owyhee subpopulation at Sam frogs and trout (native and nonnative) 2005 in Sequoia and Kings Canyon Noble Springs, Idaho. While some do co-occur at some sites, but these co- National Parks, mountain yellow-legged threats to the species and its habitat occurrences probably are mountain frogs were not detected at 54 percent of (habitat modification and fragmentation, yellow-legged frog populations with sites where they had been recorded 3 to nonnative species, inadequate negative population growth rates in the 8 years earlier. A compounding effect of regulatory mechanisms, and climate absence of immigration. To help reverse disease-caused extinctions of mountain change) occur rangewide but at various the decline of the mountain yellow- yellow-legged frogs is that intensities, other threats (disease and legged frog, the Sequoia and Kings recolonization may never occur, because mining) affect only local populations; Canyon National Parks have been streams connecting extirpated sites to

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extant populations now contain Mead and Black Canyon below Lake Travis County, Texas. Primary threats to introduced fishes, which act as barriers Mead. These two areas comprise a small this species are degradation of water to frog movement within fraction of the historical distribution of quality due to expanding urbanization. metapopulations. The most recent the species, which included springs, The Austin blind salamander depends assessment of the species status in the streams, and wetlands within the Virgin on a constant supply of clean water Sierra Nevada indicates that mountain- River drainage downstream from the from the Edwards Aquifer that yellow legged frogs occur at less than 8 vicinity of Hurricane, Utah; along the discharges from Barton Springs for its percent of the sites from which they Muddy River in Nevada; and along the survival. Urbanization dramatically were historically observed. A group of Colorado River from its confluence with alters the normal hydrologic regime and prominent scientists further predict a the Virgin River downstream to Black water quality of an area. Increased 10-percent decline per year in the Canyon below Lake Mead in Nevada impervious cover caused by number of remaining Rana mucosa and Arizona. development increases the quantity and populations. Based on threats that are Suggested factors contributing to the velocity of runoff that leads to erosion imminent (because they are ongoing) decline of the species include alteration and greater pollution transport. and high-magnitude (because they affect of aquatic habitat due to agriculture and Pollutants and contaminants that enter the survival of the DPS rangewide), we water development, including the Edwards Aquifer are discharged in continue to assign the population of regulation of the Colorado River, and salamander habitat at Barton Springs mountain yellow-legged frog in the the introduction of exotic predators and and have serious morphological and Sierra Nevada an LPN of 3. competitors. In 2005, the National Park physiological effects to the salamander. Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) – Service, in cooperation with the Service The Texas Commission on The following summary is based on and various other Federal, State, and Environmental Quality adopted the information contained in our files and local partners, developed a conservation Edwards Rules in 1995 and 1997, which the petition we received on May 4, agreement and strategy that is intended require a number of water quality 1989. Historically, the Oregon spotted to improve the status of the species protection measures for new frog ranged from British Columbia to the through prescribed management actions development occurring in the recharge Pit River drainage in northeastern and protection. Conservation actions and contributing zones of the Edwards California. Based on surveys of identified for implementation in the Aquifer. However, Chapter 245 of the historical sites, the Oregon spotted frog agreement and strategy include captive Texas Local Government Code permits is now absent from at least 76 percent rearing of tadpoles for translocation and ‘‘grandfathering’’ of state regulations. of its former range. The majority of the refugium populations, habitat and Grandfathering allows developments to remaining Oregon spotted frog natural history studies, habitat be exempted from any new local or state populations are small and isolated. enhancement, population and habitat requirements for water quality controls The threats to the species’ habitat monitoring, and translocation. and impervious cover limits if the include development, livestock grazing, Conservation is proceeding under the developments were planned prior to the introduction of nonnative plant species, agreement; however, additional time is implementation of such regulations. As vegetation succession, changes in needed to determine whether or not the a result of the grandfathering law, very hydrology due to construction of dams agreement will be effective in few developments have followed these and alterations to seasonal flooding, eliminating or reducing the threats to ordinances. New developments are still lack of management of exotic vegetation, the point that the relict leopard frog can obligated to comply with regulations predators, and poor water quality. be removed from candidate status. that were applicable at the time when Additional threats to the species are However, because of these conservation project applications for development predation by nonnative fish and efforts, the magnitude of existing threats were first filed. In addition, it is introduced bullfrogs; competition with is moderate to low. These threats remain significant that even if they were bullfrogs and nonnative fish for habitat; nonimminent since there are no followed with every new development, and diseases, such as oomycete water pending projects or actions that would these ordinances do not span the entire mold Saprolegnia and chytrid fungus adversely affect frog populations or watershed for Barton Springs. infections. The magnitude of threat is threaten surface water associated with Consequently, development occurring high for this species because this wide known sites occupied by the frog. outside these jurisdictions can have range of threats to both individuals and Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 11 to negative consequences on water quality their habitats could seriously reduce or this species. and thus have an impact on the species. eliminate any of these isolated Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus Water quality impacts threaten the populations and further reduce the alleganiensis bishopi) – We continue to continued existence of the Austin blind species’ range and potential survival. find that listing this species is salamander by altering physical aquatic Habitat restoration and management warranted-but-precluded as of the date habitats and the food sources of the actions have not prevented population of publication of this notice. However, salamander. The threats are imminent declines. The threats are imminent we are working on a proposed listing because urbanization is ongoing and because each population is faced with rule that we expect to publish prior to continues to expand over the Barton multiple ongoing and potential threats making the next annual resubmitted Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer as identified above. Therefore, we petition 12–month finding. and water quality continues to degrade. retained an LPN of 2 for the Oregon Austin blind salamander (Eurycea Although the City of Austin and many spotted frog. waterlooensis) – The following other partners are actively working on Relict leopard frog (Rana onca) – The summary is based on information conservation of the Barton Springs following summary is based on contained in our files. No new salamander, and the Austin blind information contained in our files and information was provided in the salamander benefits from all of the the petition we received on May 9, petition received on May 11, 2004. The ongoing conservation actions that are 2002. Natural relict leopard frog Austin blind salamander is known to being conducted for the Barton Springs populations are currently only known to occur in and around three of the four salamander, these efforts have not yet occur in two general areas in Nevada: spring sites that comprise the Barton been successful in improving water Near the Overton Arm area of Lake Springs complex in the City of Austin, quality. In addition, the existence of the

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species continues to be threatened by protection measures for development in ‘‘grandfathering’’ of state regulations. occasional hazardous chemical spills the Edwards Aquifer region of Texas; Grandfathering allows developments to within the Barton Springs Segment of however, it is unknown if these be exempted from any new local or state the Edwards Aquifer, which could measures will be implemented requirements for water quality controls result in direct mortality. Because the throughout a large portion of the and impervious cover limits if the Austin blind salamander is known from watershed or if they will be effective in developments were planned prior to the only three clustered spring sites and maintaining or improving water quality. implementation of such regulations. As must rely on clear, clean spring Therefore, we do not rely on the a result of the grandfathering law, very discharges from the Edwards Aquifer for protection measures in our assessment few developments have followed these its survival, degraded water quality of threats. ordinances. New developments are still poses a threat to the entire population, Development occurring outside the obligated to comply with regulations and is therefore a high-magnitude TCEQ’s jurisdiction can have negative that were applicable at the time when threat. Thus, we retain an LPN of 2 for consequences on water quality and thus project applications for development this species. affect the species. Water quality impacts were first filed. In addition, it is Georgetown salamander (Eurycea threaten the continued existence of the significant that even if they were naufragia) – The following summary is Georgetown salamander by altering followed with every new development, based on information contained in our physical aquatic habitats and the food these ordinances do not span the entire files. No new information was provided sources of the salamander. The threats watershed for the Edwards Aquifer. The in the petition received on May 11, are imminent because urbanization is TCEQ has developed voluntary water 2004. The Georgetown salamander is ongoing and continues to expand over quality protection measures for known from spring outlets along five the Northern Segment of the Edwards development in the Edwards Aquifer tributaries to the San Gabriel River and Aquifer. However, Williamson County region of Texas; however, it is unknown one cave in the City of Georgetown, and the Williamson County if these measures will be implemented Williamson County, Texas. The Conservation Foundation are actively throughout a large portion of the Georgetown salamander has a very working to protect habitat and acquire watershed or if they will be effective in limited distribution and depends on a land within the contributing watershed maintaining or improving water quality. constant supply of clean water from the for the Georgetown salamander. These Water quality impacts currently Northern Segment of the Edwards conservation actions reduce the threaten the continued existence of the Aquifer for its survival. magnitude of the threat to the Jollyville Plateau salamander by altering Primary threats to this species are Georgetown salamander to a moderate physical aquatic habitats and the food degradation of water quality due to level by reducing the amount of sources of the salamander, producing expanding urbanization. Increased development occurring in the portion of negative population responses. Such impervious cover by development the watershed that affects the species. responses have been documented at increases the quantity and velocity of Thus, we assigned an LPN of 8 for this both the individual level (mortalities runoff that leads to erosion and greater species. and deformities) and the population pollution transport. Pollutants and Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea level (significant declines in abundance contaminants that enter the Edwards tonkawae) – The following summary is over the last 10 years and extirpation at Aquifer are discharged from spring based on information gathered during a one site). We find the overall negative outlets in salamander habitat and have status review of this species (72 FR response by the salamander to be at a serious morphological and physiological 71039, December 13, 2007). The moderate level because deformities and effects to the species. The Texas Jollyville Plateau salamander occurs in deaths of salamanders have been limited Commission on Environmental Quality the Jollyville Plateau and Brushy Creek in scope to a few localities and only one (TCEQ) adopted the Edwards Rules in areas of the Edwards Plateau in Travis location may have experienced an 1995 and 1997, which require a number and Williamson Counties, Texas. This extirpation. Otherwise, the current of water quality protection measures for species has a limited distribution and range of the salamander changed little new development occurring in the depends on a constant supply of clean from the known historical range. Thus, recharge and contributing zones of the water from the Northern Segment of the we retain an LPN of 8 for this species. Edwards Aquifer. However, Chapter 245 Edwards Aquifer for its survival. Salado salamander (Eurycea of the Texas Local Government Code Primary threats to this species are chisholmensis) – The following permits ‘‘grandfathering’’ of state degradation of water quality due to summary is based on information regulations. Grandfathering allows expanding urbanization. Increased contained in our files. No new developments to be exempted from any impervious cover by development information was provided in the new local or state requirements for increases the quantity and velocity of petition we received on May 11, 2004. water quality controls and impervious runoff that leads to erosion and greater The Salado salamander is historically cover limits if the developments were pollution transport. Pollutants and known from two spring sites, Big planned prior to the implementation of contaminants that enter the Edwards Boiling Springs and Robertson Springs, such regulations. As a result of the Aquifer are discharged from spring near Salado, Bell County, Texas. We grandfathering law, very few outlets in salamander habitat and have have received only one anecdotal report developments have followed these serious morphological and physiological of a salamander sighting in Big Boiling ordinances. New developments are still effects on the species. Springs in 2008; prior to that, the Salado obligated to comply with regulations The Texas Commission on salamander had not been sighted there that were applicable at the time when Environmental Quality adopted the since 1991. Robertson Springs is on project applications were first filed. In Edwards Rules in 1995 and 1997, which private land and access to the site has addition, it is significant that even if require a number of water quality not been granted. The last survey at they were followed with every new protection measures for new Robertson Springs was in the early development, these ordinances do not development occurring in the recharge 1990s. span the entire watershed for the and contributing zones of the Edwards Primary threats to this species are Edwards Aquifer. The TCEQ has Aquifer. However, Chapter 245 of the habitat modification and degradation of developed voluntary water quality Texas Local Government Code permits water quality due to expanding

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urbanization. The Salado salamander elevational range of the Yosemite toad is therefore retained an LPN of 11 for the depends on a constant supply of clean 1,460 to 3,630 m (4,790 to 11,910 ft). Yosemite toad. water from the Northern Segment of the The threats to the Yosemite toad Black Warrior waterdog (Necturus alabamensis) – The following summary Edwards Aquifer for its survival. include cattle grazing, timber is based on information contained in Pollutants and contaminants that enter harvesting, recreation, disease, and our files. No new information was the Edwards Aquifer discharge in climate change. Inappropriate grazing salamander habitat and have provided in the petition we received on has been shown to cause loss in May 11, 2004. The Black Warrior morphological and physiological effects vegetative cover and destroying peat on the salamander. We do not know waterdog is a salamander that inhabits layers in meadows, which lowers the streams above the Fall Line within the how likely spills are to occur within the groundwater table and summer flows. contributing watersheds of the springs Black Warrior River Basin in Alabama. This may increase the stranding and There is very little specific locality that support this species. However, mortality of tadpoles, or make these several groundwater incidents have information available on the historical areas completely unsuitable for distribution of the Black Warrior occurred within Salado salamander Yosemite toads. Grazing can also waterdog since little attention was given habitat in recent years. The salamander degrade or destroy moist upland areas to this species between its description is vulnerable to catastrophic hazardous used as non-breeding habitat by the in 1937 and the 1980s. At that time, materials spills, groundwater Yosemite toad and collapse rodent there were a total of only 11 known contamination from the Northern burrows used by Yosemite toads as historical records from 4 Alabama Segment of the Edwards Aquifer, and cover and hibernation sites. Timber counties. Two of these sites have now impacts to its surface habitat. In harvesting and associated road been inundated by impoundments. addition, Big Boiling Springs is located development could severely alter the Extensive survey work was conducted near Interstate Highway 35 and in the terrestrial environment and result in the in the 1990s to look for additional center of the Village of Salado. Traffic reduction and occasional extirpation of populations. Currently, the species is and urbanization is likely to increase amphibian populations in the Sierra known from 14 sites in 5 counties. the threat of contamination of spills, Nevada. Some of these threats result in Water-quality degradation is the higher levels of impervious cover, and gaps in habitat which may act as biggest threat to the continued existence subsequent impacts to groundwater. dispersal barriers and contribute to the of the Black Warrior waterdog. Most These threats significantly affect the fragmentation of Yosemite toad habitat streams that have been surveyed for the survival of this species, and and populations. Trails (foot, horse, waterdog showed evidence of pollution groundwater contamination and impacts bicycle, or off-highway motor vehicle) and many appeared biologically to surface habitat are ongoing. compact soil in riparian habitat, which depauperate. Sources of point and Moreover, we do not have information increases erosion, displaces vegetation, nonpoint pollution in the Black Warrior that the magnitude or imminence of the and can lower the water table. River Basin have been numerous and threats to the species has changed since Trampling or the collapsing of rodent widespread. Pollution is generated from our previous assessment when we burrows by recreationists, pets, and inadequately treated effluent from concluded there are ongoing, and vehicles could lead to direct mortality of industrial plants, sanitary landfills, therefore, imminent threats of a high all life stages of the Yosemite toad and sewage treatment plants, poultry magnitude. Therefore, we retained an disrupt their behavior. Various diseases operations, and cattle feedlots. Surface mining represents another threat to the LPN of 2 for this species. have been confirmed in the Yosemite biological integrity of waterdog habitat. Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus) – The toad. Mass die-offs of amphibians have Runoff from old, abandoned coal mines following summary is based on been attributed to: chytrid fungal generates pollution through information contained in our files and infections of metamorphs and adults; acidification, increased mineralization, the petition we received on April 3, Saprolegnia fungal infections of eggs; and sediment loading. The North River, 2000. See also our 12–month petition iridovirus infection of larvae, Locust Fork, and Mulberry Fork, all finding published on December 10, 2002 metamorphs, or adults; and bacterial streams that this species inhabits, are on (67 FR 75834). The Yosemite toad is a infections. The Yosemite toad is likely the Environmental Protection Agency’s moderately sized toad with females exposed to a variety of pesticides and list of impaired waters. An additional having black spots edged with white or other chemicals throughout its range. threat to the Black Warrior waterdog is cream that are set against a grey, tan, or Environmental contaminants could the creation of large impoundments that brown background. Males have a nearly negatively affect the species by causing have flooded thousands of square uniform coloration of yellow-green to direct mortality; suppressing the hectares (acres) of its habitat. These olive drab to greenish brown. The immune system; disrupting breeding impoundments are likely marginal or Yosemite toad is most likely to be found behavior, fertilization, growth or unsuitable habitat for the salamander. in areas with thick meadow vegetation development of young; and disrupting While the water-quality threat is or patches of low willows near or in the ability to avoid predation. There is pervasive and problematic, the overall water, and use rodent burrows for no indication that any of these threats magnitude of the threat is moderate, overwintering and temporary refuge are ongoing or planned and the threats reflected by the fact that there has not during the summer. Breeding habitat are therefore nonimminent. In addition, been a steep rate of decline in the includes the edges of wet meadows, since there are a number of substantial population of this species. Water quality slow flowing streams, shallow ponds populations and these threats tend to degradation in the Black Warrior basin and shallow areas of lakes. The have localized effects, the threats are is ongoing; therefore, the threats are historical range of the Yosemite toad in moderate to low in magnitude. In imminent. We assigned an LPN of 8 to the Sierra Nevada occurs from the Blue addition, almost all of the species’ range this species. Lakes region north of Ebbetts Pass occurs on Federal land, which protects (Alpine County) to south of Kaiser Pass the species from private development Fishes in the Evolution Lake/Darwin Canyon and facilitates management of the Headwater chub (Gila nigra) – The area (Fresno County). The historical species by Federal agencies. We following summary is based on

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information contained in our files and enhancement of extant populations and nonimminent since groundwater the 12–month finding published in the restoration of historical headwater-chub pumping is declining and development, Federal Register on May 3, 2006 (71 FR populations. The recovery and spills, and runoff are not currently 26007). The headwater chub is a conservation actions prescribed by affecting the species rangewide. Thus, moderate-sized cyprinid fish. The range Arizona and New Mexico plans, which we are retaining an LPN of 11 for the of the headwater chub has been reduced we believe will reduce and remove Arkansas darter. by approximately 60 percent. Sixteen threats to this species, will require Cumberland darter (Etheostoma streams (125 miles (200 kilometers) of further discussions and authorizations susanae) – We continue to find that stream) are thought to be occupied out before they can be implemented, listing this species is warranted-but- of 19 streams (312 miles (500 although some actions have been precluded as of the date of publication kilometers) of stream) formerly completed and several are planned for of this notice. However, we are working occupied in the Gila River Basin in the immediate future. Although threats on a proposed listing rule that we Arizona and New Mexico. All remaining are ongoing, new information indicates expect to publish prior to making the populations are fragmented and isolated long-term persistence and stability of next annual resubmitted petition 12– and threatened by a combination of existing populations. Currently 10 of the month finding. factors. 16 extant populations are considered Pearl darter (Percina aurora) – See Headwater chub are threatened by stable based on abundance and evidence above in ‘‘Listing Priority Changes in introductions of nonnative fish that prey of recruitment. Based on our Candidates.’’ The above summary is on them and compete with them for assessment, threats (nonnative species, based on information contained in our food. These nonnative fish are difficult habitat loss from land uses) remain files. to eliminate and, therefore, pose an imminent and are of a moderate Rush darter (Etheostoma ongoing threat. Habitat destruction and magnitude. Thus, we retained an LPN of phytophilum) – We continue to find that modification have occurred and 8 for this species. listing this species is warranted-but- continue to occur as a result of precluded as of the date of publication Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini) dewatering, impoundment, of this notice. However, we are working – The following summary is based on channelization, and channel changes on a proposed listing rule that we information contained in our files. No caused by alteration of riparian expect to publish prior to making the new information was provided in the vegetation and watershed degradation next annual resubmitted petition 12– petition we received on May 11, 2004. from mining, grazing, roads, water month finding. pollution, urban and suburban The Arkansas darter is a small fish in Yellowcheek darter (Etheostoma development, groundwater pumping, the perch family native to portions of moorei) – We continue to find that and other human actions. Existing the Arkansas River basin. The species’ listing this species is warranted-but- regulatory mechanisms do not appear to range includes sites in extreme precluded as of the date of publication be adequate for addressing the impact of northwestern Arkansas, southwestern of this notice. However, we are working nonnative fish and also have not Missouri, and northeastern Oklahoma, on a proposed listing rule that we removed or eliminated the threats that within the Neosho River watershed. It expect to publish prior to making the continue to be posed through habitat also occurs in a number of watersheds next annual resubmitted petition 12– destruction or modification. The and isolated streams in eastern month finding. fragmented nature and rarity of existing Colorado, south-central and Chucky madtom (Noturus crypticus) – populations makes them vulnerable to southwestern Kansas, and the Cimarron We continue to find that listing this other natural or manmade factors, such watershed in northwest Oklahoma. The species is warranted-but-precluded as of as drought and wildfire. Climate change species is most often found in small the date of publication of this notice. is predicted to worsen these threats spring-fed streams with sand substrate However, we are working on a proposed though increased aridity of the regions, and aquatic vegetation. It appears stable listing rule that we expect to publish thus reducing stream flows and at most sites where spring flows persist. prior to making the next annual warming aquatic habitats, which makes It has declined in areas where spring resubmitted petition 12–month finding. them more suitable to nonnative flows have decreased or been Grotto sculpin (Cottus sp., sp. nov.) – species. eliminated. We estimate that currently The following summary is based on The Arizona Game and Fish there are approximately 148 locality information contained in our files. No Department has finalized the Arizona occurrences of the Arkansas darter new information was provided in the Statewide Conservation Agreement for distributed across the 5 States and that petition we received on May 11, 2004. Roundtail Chub (G. robusta), Headwater a minimum of 12 populations or The Grotto sculpin, a small fish, is Chub, Flannelmouth Sucker population groups (metapopulations) restricted to two karst areas (limestone (Catostomus latipinnis), Little Colorado now exist. Threats to the species regions characterized by sink holes, River Sucker (Catostomus spp.), include stream dewatering resulting abrupt ridges, caves, and underground Bluehead Sucker (C. discobolus), and from groundwater pumping in the streams): the Central Perryville Karst Zuni Bluehead Sucker (C. discobolus western portion of the species’ range, and Mystery-Rimstone Karst in Perry yarrowi). The New Mexico Department and potential development pressures in County, southeast Missouri. Grotto of Game and Fish recently listed the portions of its eastern range. Spills and sculpins have been documented in only headwater chub as endangered and runoff from confined animal feeding 5 caves (Burr et al. 2001, p. 284). The created a recovery plan for the species: operations also potentially affect the current overall range of the grotto Colorado River Basin Chubs (Roundtail species rangewide. The magnitude of sculpin has been estimated to Chub, Gila Chub (G. intermedia), and threats facing this species is moderate to encompass approximately 260 square Headwater Chub) Recovery Plan, which low, given the number of different kilometers (100 square miles). was approved by the New Mexico State locations where the species occurs and The small population size and Game Commission on November 16, the fact that no single threat or endemism of the grotto sculpin make it 2006. Both the Arizona Agreement and combination of threats affects more than vulnerable to extinction due to genetic the New Mexico Recovery Plan a portion of the widespread population drift, inbreeding depression, and recommend preservation and occurrences. Overall, the threats are random or chance changes to the

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environment. The species’ karst habitat upstream of Possum Kingdom Reservoir makes it vulnerable to catastrophic is located down-gradient of the city of is apparently stable, while the events such as the introduction of Perryville, Missouri, which poses a population downstream of the reservoir competitive species or prolonged potential threat if contaminants from may only exist in remnant populations drought. State law does not provide this urban area enter cave streams in areas of suitable habitat, or may be protection for the smalleye shiner. The occupied by grotto sculpins. Various completely extirpated, representing a magnitude of threat is high since the agricultural chemicals, such as reduction of approximately 69 percent major threat of reservoir development ammonia, nitrite/nitrate, chloride, and of its historical range. within the species’ current range may potassium have been detected at levels The most significant threat to the render its remaining habitat unsuitable. high enough to be detrimental to aquatic existence of the sharpnose shiner is The threats are nonimminent because life within the Perryville Karst area. potential reservoir development within major reservoir projects are not likely to More than half of the sinkholes in Perry its current range. The current water plan occur in the near future and there is County contain anthropogenic refuse, for Texas provides several reservoir potential for implementing other water ranging from household cleansers and options that could be implemented supply options that could preclude sewage to used pesticide and herbicide within the Brazos River drainage. reservoir development. For these containers. As a result, potential water Additional threats include irrigation reasons, we assigned a LPN of 5 to this contamination from various sources of and water diversion, sedimentation, species. point and non-point pollution poses a desalination, industrial and municipal Zuni bluehead sucker (Catostomus significant threat to the grotto sculpin. discharges, agricultural activities, in- discobolus yarrowi) – The following Of the 5 cave systems documented to stream sand and gravel mining and the summary is based on information have grotto sculpins, populations in one spread of invasive saltcedar. The current contained in our files. No new cave system were likely eliminated, limited distribution of the sharpnose information was provided in the presumably as the result of point-source shiner within the Upper Brazos River petition we received on May 11, 2004. pollution. When the cave was searched Basin makes it vulnerable to The Zuni bluehead sucker is a colorful in the spring of 2000, a mass mortality catastrophic events such as the fish less than 8 inches long. The range of grotto sculpin was noted, and introduction of competitive species or of the Zuni bluehead sucker has been subsequent visits to the cave have failed prolonged drought. State law does not reduced by over 90 percent. The Zuni to document a single live grotto sculpin. provide protection for the sharpnose bluehead sucker currently occupies 9 Thus, the species appears to have shiner. The magnitude of threat is high river miles (15 kilometers) in 3 since the major threat of reservoir suffered a 20 percent decrease in the headwater stream of the Rio Nutria in development within the species’ current number of populations from the single New Mexico, and potentially occurs in range may render its remaining habitat event. Predatory fish such as common 27 miles in (43 kilometers) the unsuitable. The threats are carp, fat-head minnow, yellow bullhead, Kinlichee drainage of Arizona. nonimminent because the most green sunfish, bluegill, and channel However, the number of occupied miles significant threat - major reservoir catfish occur in all of the caves in Arizona is unknown and the genetic projects - are not likely to occur in the occupied by grotto sculpin. These composition of these fish is still under near future, and there is potential for potential predators may escape surface investigation. farm ponds that unexpectedly drain implementing other water supply options that could preclude reservoir Zuni bluehead sucker range reduction through sinkholes into the underground development. For these reasons, we and fragmentation is caused by cave systems and enter grotto sculpin assigned an LPN of 5 to this species. discontinuous surface water flow, habitat. No regulatory mechanisms are Smalleye shiner (Notropis buccula) – introduced species, and habitat in place that would provide protection The following summary is based on degradation from fine sediment to the grotto sculpin. Current threats to information contained in our files. No deposition. Zuni bluehead sucker the habitat of the grotto sculpin may new information was provided in the persist in very small creeks that are exacerbate potential problems petition we received on May 11, 2004. subject to very low flows and drying associated with its low population The smalleye shiner is a small, pallid during periods of drought. Because of numbers and increase the likelihood of minnow endemic to the Brazos River climate change (warmer air extinction. Thus, the magnitude of Basin in Texas. The population of temperatures), stream flow is predicted threats is high. The threats are ongoing smalleye shiners within the Upper to decrease in the Southwest, even if and, therefore, are imminent. Thus, we Brazos River drainage (upstream of precipitation were to increase assigned this species an LPN of 2. Possum Kingdom Reservoir) is moderately. Warmer winter and spring Sharpnose shiner (Notropis apparently stable. However, the shiner temperatures cause an increased oxyrhynchus) – The following summary may be extirpated downstream from the fraction of precipitation to fall as rain, is based on information contained in reservoir, representing a reduction of resulting in a reduced snow pack, an our files. No new information was approximately 54 percent of its earlier snow melt, and a longer dry provided in the petition we received on historical range. season leading to decreased stream flow May 11, 2004. The sharpnose shiner is The most significant threat to the in the summer and a longer fire season. a small, slender minnow, endemic to existence of the smalleye shiner is These changes would have a negative the Brazos River Basin in Texas. potential reservoir development within effect on Zuni bluehead sucker. Another Historically, the sharpnose shiner its current range. Additional threats major impact to populations of Zuni existed throughout the Brazos River and include irrigation and water diversion, bluehead sucker was the application of several of its major tributaries within sedimentation, desalination, industrial fish toxicants through at least two dozen the watershed. It has also been found in and municipal discharges, agricultural treatments in the Nutria and Pescado the Wichita River (within the Red River activities, in-stream sand and gravel rivers between 1960 and 1975. Large Basin), where it may have once mining and the spread of invasive numbers of Zuni bluehead suckers were naturally occurred but has since been saltcedar. The current limited killed during these treatments. The Zuni extirpated. Current information distribution of the smalleye shiner bluehead sucker is most likely indicates that the population within the within the Upper Brazos River Basin extirpated from Rio Pescado as none

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have been collected from that river since response to climate change. Research is remain imminent. Thus, we maintained 1993. occurring to assess the effects of climate a LPN of 8 for this species. The New Mexico Department of Game change on this subspecies and agencies Fluted kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus and Fish developed a recovery plan for are working to restore historically subtentum) – The following summary is Zuni bluehead sucker which was occupied streams. The threats are of based on information contained in our approved by the New Mexico State moderate magnitude because there is files. No new information was provided Game Commission on December 15, good distribution and a comparatively in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. The recovery plan recommends large number of populations across the 2004. The fluted kidneyshell is a preservation and enhancement of extant landscape; some populations have few freshwater mussel endemic to the populations and restoration of historical threats present, and in other areas, Cumberland and Tennessee River Zuni bluehead sucker populations. We management actions are taken to help systems in Alabama, Kentucky, believe the recovery actions prescribed control the threat of nonnative trout. Tennessee, and Virginia. It requires by the recovery plan will reduce and Overall, the threats are ongoing and, shoal habitats in free-flowing rivers to remove threats to this subspecies, but therefore, imminent. Based on imminent survive and successfully recruit new they will require further discussions threats of moderate magnitude, we individuals into its populations. and authorizations before they can be assigned an LPN of 9 to this subspecies. This species has been extirpated from implemented and threats are reduced. Clams numerous regional streams and is no Because of the ongoing threats of high longer found in the State of Alabama. magnitude, including loss of habitat Texas hornshell (Popenaias popei) – Habitat destruction and alteration (e.g., (historical and current from beaver The following summary is based on impoundments, sedimentation, and activity), degradation of remaining information contained in our files and pollutants) are the chief factors that habitat (nonnative species and land information provided by the New contributed to its decline. The fluted development), drought, fire, and climate Mexico Department of Game and Fish kidneyshell was historically known change, we maintained an LPN of 3 for and Texas Parks and Wildlife from at least 37 streams but is currently this subspecies. Department. No new information was Rio Grande cutthroat trout restricted to no more than 12 isolated provided in the petition received on populations. Current status information (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis) – The May 11, 2004. The Texas hornshell is a following summary is based on for most of the 12 populations deemed freshwater mussel found in the Black information contained in our files and to be extant is available from recent River in New Mexico, and the Rio our status review published on May 14, periodic sampling efforts (sometimes Grande and the Devils River in Texas. 2008 (73 FR 27900). Rio Grande annually) and other field studies, Until March 2008, the only known cutthroat trout is one of 14 subspecies particularly in the upper Tennessee extant populations were in New of cutthroat trout found in the western River system. Some populations in the Mexico’s Black River and one locality in United States. Populations of this Cumberland River system have had the Rio Grande near Laredo, Texas. In subspecies are in New Mexico and recent surveys as well (e.g., Wolf, Little March 2008, two new localities were Colorado in drainages of the Rio Grande, Rivers; Little South Fork; Horse Lick, confirmed in Texas – one in the Devils Pecos, and Canadian rivers. Although Buck Creeks). Populations in Buck once widely distributed in connected River and one in the mainstem Rio Creek, Little South Fork, Horse Lick stream networks, Rio Grande cutthroat Grande in the Rio Grande Wild and Creek, Powell River, and North Fork trout populations now occupy about 10 Scenic River segment downstream of Holston River have clearly declined percent of its historical habitat and the Big Bend National Park. over the past two decades. Based on populations are fragmented and isolated The primary threats to this species are recent information, the overall from one another. The majority of habitat alterations such as stream bank population of the fluted kidneyshell is populations occur in high elevation channelization, impoundments, and declining rangewide. At this time, the streams. diversions for agriculture and flood species remains in large numbers in just Major threats include: Loss of suitable control; contamination of water by oil the Clinch River/Copper Creek, habitat that has occurred and is likely to and gas activity; alterations in the although smaller, viable populations continue occurring due to water natural riverine hydrology; and remain (e.g., Wolf, Little, North Fork diversions, dams, stream drying, habitat increased sedimentation from prolonged Holston Rivers; Rock Creek). Most other quality degradation, and changes in overgrazing and loss of native populations are of questionable or hydrology; introduction of nonnative vegetation. Although riverine habitats limited viability, with some on the verge trout and ensuing competition, throughout the species’ known occupied of extirpation (e.g., Powell River; Little predation, and hybridization; and range are under constant threat from South Fork; Horse Lick, Buck, Indian whirling disease. In additiona, average these ongoing or potential activities, Creeks). Newly reintroduced air temperatures in the Southwest have numerous conservation actions that will populations in the Little Tennessee, increased about 1°C (2.5°F) in the past benefit the species are underway in New Nolichucky, and Duck Rivers may begin 30 years and they are projected to Mexico, including the completion of a to reverse the downward population increase by another 1.2 to 2.8°C (3 to state recovery plan for the species and trend of this species. The threats are 7°F) by 2050. Because trout require the drafting of a Candidate Conservation high in magnitude, since the majority of coldwater and water temperatures Agreement with Assurances, and are populations of this species are severely depend in large part on air temperature, beginning in Texas on the Big Bend affected by numerous threats there is concern that the habitat of Rio reach of the Rio Grande. In addition, (impoundments, sedimentation, small Grande cutthroat trout will further previously unknown locations where population size, isolation of decrease in response to warmer water the species persists were found in Texas populations, gravel mining, municipal temperatures caused by climate change. in 2008. Due to these ongoing pollutants, agricultural runoff, nutrient Wildfire and drought (stream drying) are conservation efforts and the discovery of enrichment, and coal processing additional threats to Rio Grande new locations, the magnitude of the pollution) that result in mortality or cutthroat trout populations that are threats is moderate. However, the reduced reproductive output. Since the likely to increase in magnitude in threats to the species are ongoing, and threats are ongoing, they are imminent.

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We assigned an LPN of 2 to this mussel severely affected by numerous threats storms will lead to the extinction of species. (impoundments, sedimentation, small populations or species that rely on the Neosho mucket (Lampsilis population size, isolation of remaining canopy forest. In an effort to rafinesqueana) – See above in ‘‘Listing populations, gravel mining, municipal eradicate the giant African snail Priority Changes in Candidates.’’ The pollutants, agricultural runoff, nutrient (Achatina fulica), the alien rosy above summary is based on information enrichment, and coal processing carnivore snail (Euglandia rosea) was contained in our files. No new pollution) that result in mortality or introduced in 1980. The rosy carnivore information was provided in the reduced reproductive output. Since the snail has spread throughout the main petition we received on May 11, 2004. threats are ongoing, they are imminent. island of Tutuila. Numerous studies Alabama pearlshell (Margaritifera We assigned an LPN of 2 to this mussel show that the rosy carnivore snail feeds marrianae) – We continue to find that species. on endemic island snails including the listing this species is warranted-but- Altamaha spinymussel (Elliptio sisi, and is a major agent in their precluded as of the date of publication spinosa) – We continue to find that declines and extirpations. At present, of this notice. However, we are working listing this species is warranted-but- the major threat to long-term survival of on a proposed listing rule that we precluded as of the date of publication the native snail fauna in American expect to publish prior to making the of this notice. However, we are working Samoa is predation by nonnative next annual resubmitted petition 12– on a proposed listing rule that we predatory snails. These threats are month finding. expect to publish prior to making the ongoing and are therefore imminent. Slabside pearlymussel (Lexingtonia next annual resubmitted petition 12– Since the threats occur throughout the dolabelloides) – The following summary month finding. entire range of the species and have a is based on information contained in Snails significant effect on the survival of the our files. No new information was snails, they are of a high magnitude. provided in the petition we received on Sisi snail (Ostodes strigatus) – The Therefore we assigned this species an May 11, 2004. The slabside following summary is based on LPN of 2. pearlymussel is a freshwater mussel information contained in our files. No Diamond Y Spring snail endemic to the Cumberland and new information was provided in the (Pseudotryonia adamantina) and Tennessee River systems in Alabama, petition we received on May 11, 2004. Gonzales springsnail (Tryonia Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It The sisi snail is a ground-dwelling circumstriata) – The following summary requires shoal habitats in free-flowing species in the Potaridae family, and is is based on information contained in rivers to survive and successfully recruit endemic to American Samoa. The our files. No new information was new individuals into its populations. species is now known from a single provided in the petition we received on Habitat destruction and alteration population on the island of Tutuila, May 11, 2004. Diamond Y Spring snail (e.g., impoundments, sedimentation, American Samoa. and Gonzales springsnail are small and pollutants) are the chief factors This species is currently threatened aquatic snails endemic to Diamond Y contributing to the decline of this by habitat loss and modification and by Spring in Pecos County, Texas. The species, which has been extirpated from predation from nonnative predatory spring, its outflow channels, and the numerous regional streams and is no snails. The decline of the sisi in land surrounding them are owned and longer found in Kentucky. The slabside American Samoa has resulted, in part, managed by The Nature Conservancy. pearlymussel was historically known from loss of habitat to forestry and These snails are primarily threatened from at least 32 streams, but is currently agriculture and loss of forest structure to with habitat loss due to springflow restricted to no more than 10 isolated hurricanes and alien weeds that declines from drought, pumping of stream segments. Current status establish after these storms. All live sisi groundwater, and potentially climate information for most of the 10 snails have been found in the leaf litter change. Additional threats include populations deemed to be extant is beneath remaining intact forest canopy. water contamination from accidental available from recent periodic sampling No snails were found in areas bordering releases of petroleum products, as their efforts (sometimes annually) and other agricultural plots or in forest areas that habitat is in an active oil and gas field. field studies. Comprehensive surveys were severely damaged by three Also, a nonnative aquatic snail have taken place in the Middle and hurricanes (1987, 1990, and 1991). (Melanoides sp.) was recently North Forks Holston River, Paint Rock Under natural historical conditions, loss introduced into the native snails’ habitat River, and Duck River in the past of forest canopy to storms did not pose and may compete with endemic snails several years. Based on recent a great threat to the long-term survival for space and resources. The magnitude information, the overall population of of these snails; enough intact forest with of threats is high because limited the slabside pearlymussel is declining healthy populations of snails would distribution of these narrow endemics rangewide. Of the five streams in which support dispersal back into newly makes any impact from increasing the species remains in good numbers regrown canopy forest. However, the threats (e.g., loss of springflow, (e.g., Clinch, North and Middle Forks presence of alien weeds such as mile-a- contaminants, and nonnative species) Holston, Paint Rock, Duck Rivers), the minute vine (Mikania micrantha) may likely to result in the extinction of the Middle and upper North Fork Holston reduce the likelihood that native forest species. These species occur in one Rivers have undergone drastic recent will re-establish in areas damaged by location in an arid region currently declines, while the Clinch population the hurricanes. This loss of habitat to plagued by drought and ongoing aquifer has been in a longer-term decline. Most storms is greatly exacerbated by withdrawals, making the eventual loss of the remaining five populations (e.g., expanding agriculture. Agricultural of spring flow an imminent threat of Powell River, Big Moccasin Creek, plots on Tutuila have spread from low total habitat loss. Thus, we maintain the Hiwassee River, Elk River, Bear Creek) elevation up to middle and some high LPN of 2 for both species. have doubtful viability, and several if elevations, greatly reducing the forest Fragile tree snail (Samoana fragilis) – not all of them may be on the verge of area and thus reducing the resilience of The following summary is based on extirpation. native forests and its populations of information contained in our files. No The threats remain high in magnitude, native snails. These reductions also new information was provided in the since all populations of this species are increase the likelihood that future petition we received on May 11, 2004.

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A tree-dwelling species, the fragile tree snail, above). On Guam, open massive volcanic explosions of the snail is a member of the Partulidae agricultural fields and other areas prone island beginning in 2003 and still family of snails, and is endemic to the to erosion were seeded with continuing, and the resulting loss of up islands of Guam and Rota (Mariana tangantangan (Leucaena leucocephala) to 95 percent of the vegetation on the Islands). Requiring cool and shaded by the U.S. Military. Tangantangan island. Predation by the alien rosy native forest habitat, the species is now grows as a single species stand with no carnivore snail (Euglandina rosea) and known from one population on Guam substantial understory. The the alien Manokwar flatworm and from one population on Rota. microclimatic condition is dry with (Platydemus manokwari) is a serious This species is currently threatened little accumulation of leaf litter humus threat to the survival of the humped tree by habitat loss and modification and by and is particularly unsuitable as Guam snail (see summary for the fragile tree predation from nonnative predatory tree snail habitat. In addition, native snail, above). The magnitude of threats snails and flatworms. Large numbers of forest cannot reestablish and grow is high because these alien predators Philippine deer (Cervus mariannus) where this alien weed has become cause significant population declines to (Guam and Rota), pigs (Sus scrofra) established. Because all of the threats the humped tree snail rangewide. These (Guam), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) occur rangewide and have a significant threats are ongoing and thus are (Guam), and cattle (Bos taurus) (Rota) effect on the survival of this snail imminent. Therefore, we assigned this directly alter the understory plant species, they are high in magnitude. The species an LPN of 2. community and overall forest threats are also ongoing and thus are Lanai tree snail (Partulina microclimate, making it unsuitable for imminent. Therefore, we assigned this semicarinata) – We continue to find that snails. Predation by the alien rosy species an LPN of 2. listing this species is warranted-but- carnivore snail (Euglandina rosea) and Humped tree snail (Partula gibba) – precluded as of the date of publication the Manokwar flatworm (Platydemus The following summary is based on of this notice. However, we are working manokwari) is a serious threat to the information contained in our files. No on a proposed listing rule that we survival of the fragile tree snail. Field new information was provided in the expect to publish prior to making the observations have established that the petition we received on May 11, 2004. next annual resubmitted petition 12– rosy carnivore snail and the Manokwar A tree-dwelling species, the humped month finding. flatworm will readily feed on native tree snail is a member of the Partulidae Lanai tree snail (Partulina variabilis) Pacific island tree snails, including the family of snails, and was originally – We continue to find that listing this Partulidae, such as those of the Mariana known from the island of Guam and the species is warranted-but-precluded as of Islands. The rosy carnivore snail has Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana the date of publication of this notice. caused the extirpation of many Islands (islands of Rota, Aguiguan, However, we are working on a proposed populations and species of native snails Tinian, Saipan, Anatahan, Sarigan, listing rule that we expect to publish throughout the Pacific islands. The Alamagan, and Pagan). Most recent prior to making the next annual Manokwar flatworm has also surveys revealed a total of 13 resubmitted petition 12–month finding. contributed to the decline of native tree populations on the islands of Guam, Langford’s tree snail (Partula snails, in part due to its ability to ascend Rota, Aguiguan, Sarigan, Saipan, langfordi) – The following summary is into trees and bushes that support Alamagan, and Pagan. Although still the based on information contained in our native snails. Areas with populations of most widely distributed tree snail files. No new information was provided the flatworm usually lack partulid tree endemic in the Mariana Islands, in the petition we received on May 11, snails or have declining numbers of remaining population sizes are often 2004. A tree-dwelling species, snails. Because all of the threats occur small. Langford’s tree snail is a member of the rangewide and have a significant effect This species is currently threatened Partulidae family of snails, and is on the survival of this snail species, by habitat loss and modification and by known from one population on the they are high in magnitude. The threats predation from nonnative predatory island of Aguiguan. This species is are also ongoing and thus are imminent. snails and flat worms. Throughout the currently threatened by habitat loss and Therefore, we assigned this species an Mariana Islands, feral ungulates (pigs modification and by predation from LPN of 2. (Sus scrofa), Philippine deer (Cervus nonnative predatory snails. In the Guam tree snail (Partula radiolata) – mariannus), cattle (Bos taurus), water 1930s, the island of Aguiguan was The following summary is based on buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), and goats mostly cleared of native forest to information contained in our files. No (Capra hircus)) have caused severe support sugar cane and pineapple new information was provided in the damage to native forest vegetation by production. The abandoned fields and petition we received on May 11, 2004. browsing directly on plants, causing airstrip are now overgrown with alien A tree-dwelling species, the Guam tree erosion, and retarding forest growth and weeds. The remaining native forest snail is a member of the Partulidae regeneration. This in turn reduces the understory has greatly suffered from family of snails and is endemic to the quantity and quality of forested habitat large and uncontrolled populations of island of Guam. Requiring cool and for the humped tree snail. Currently, alien goats and the invasion of weeds. shaded native forest habitat, the species populations of feral ungulates are found Goats (Capra hircus) have caused severe is now known from 22 populations on on the islands of Guam (deer, pigs, and damage to native forest vegetation by Guam. water buffalo), Rota (deer and cattle), browsing directly on plants, causing This species is primarily threatened Aguiguan (goats), Saipan (deer, pigs, erosion, and retarding forest growth and by predation from nonnative predatory and cattle), Alamagan (goats, pigs, and regeneration. This in turn reduces the snails and flatworms. In addition, the cattle), and Pagan (cattle, goats, and quantity and quality of forested habitat species is also threatened by habitat loss pigs). Goats were eradicated from for Langford’s tree snail. Predation by and degradation. Predation by the alien Sarigan in 1998 and the humped tree the alien rosy carnivore snail rosy carnivore snail (Euglandina rosea) snail has increased in abundance on (Euglandina rosea) and by the and the alien Manokwar flatworm that island, likely in response to the Manokwar flatworm (Platydemus (Platydemus manokwari) is a serious removal of all the goats. However, the manokwari) (see summary for the fragile threat to the survival of the Guam tree population of humped tree snails on tree snail, above) is also a serious threat snail (see summary for the fragile tree Anatahan is likely extirpated due to the to the survival of Langford’s tree snail.

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All of the threats are occurring next annual resubmitted petition 12– 2 m (6.7 ft) wide. Pyrgulopsis notidicola rangewide and no efforts to control or month finding. occurs only in shallow, flowing water eradicate the nonnative predatory snail Tutuila tree snail (Eua zebrina) – The on gravel substrate. The species does species or to reduce habitat loss are following summary is based on not occur in deep water (i.e., being undertaken. The magnitude of information contained in our files. No impoundments) where water velocity is threats is high because they result in new information was provided in the low, gravel substrate is absent, and direct mortality or significant petition we received on May 11, 2004. sediment levels are high. population declines to Langford’s tree A tree-dwelling species, the Tutuila tree The species and its habitat are snail rangewide. A survey of Aguiguan snail is a member of the Partulidae threatened by recreational use in the in November 2006 failed to find any live family of snails, and is endemic to areas where it occurs as well as the Langford’s tree snails. These threats are American Samoa. The species is known ongoing impacts of past water also ongoing and thus are imminent. from 32 populations on the islands of diversions and livestock grazing and Therefore, we assigned this species an Tutuila, Nuusetoga, and Ofu. current off-highway vehicle travel. LPN of 2. This species is currently threatened Conservation measures implemented Phantom Cave snail (Cochliopa by habitat loss and modification and by recently by the Bureau of Land texana) and Phantom springsnail predation from nonnative predatory Management include the installation of (Tryonia cheatumi) – The following snails and rats. All live Tutuila tree fencing to exclude livestock, wild summary is based on information snails were found on understory horses, burros and other large mammals; contained in our files. No new vegetation beneath remaining intact closing of access roads to spring, information was provided in the forest canopy. No snails were found in riparian, and wetland areas and the petition we received on May 11, 2004. areas bordering agricultural plots or in limiting of vehicles to designated routes; Phantom Cave snail and Phantom forest areas that were severely damaged the establishment of a designated springsnail are small aquatic snails that by three hurricanes (1987, 1990, and campground away from the habitats of occur in three spring outflows in the 1991). (See summary for the sisi snail, sensitive species; the installation of Toyah Basin in Reeves and Jeff Davis above, regarding impacts of alien weeds educational signage; and increased staff Counties, Texas. and of the rosy carnivore snail.) Rats presence, including law enforcement The primary threat to both species is (Rattus spp) have also been shown to and a volunteer site steward during the the loss of surface flows due to devastate snail populations, and rat- 6–month period of peak visitor use. declining groundwater levels from chewed snail shells have been found at These conservation measures have drought, pumping for agricultural sites where the Tutuila snail occurs. At reduced the magnitude of threat to the production, and potentially climate present, the major threat to the long- species to moderate to low; all change. Much of the land immediately term survival of the native snail fauna remaining threats are nonimminent and surrounding their spring habitat is in American Samoa is predation by involve long-term changes to the habitat owned and managed by The Nature nonnative predatory snails and rats. The for the species resulting from past Conservancy, Bureau of Reclamation, magnitude of threats is high because impacts. Until a monitoring program is and Texas Parks and Wildlife they result in direct mortality or in place that allows us to assess the Department. However, the water needed significant population declines to the long-term trend of the species, we have to maintain their habitat has declined Tutuila tree snail rangewide. The threats assigned this species an LPN of 11. due to a reduction in spring flows, are also ongoing and thus are imminent. Gila springsnail (Pyrgulopsis gilae) – possibly as a result of private Therefore, we assigned this species an The following summary is based on groundwater pumping in areas beyond LPN of 2. information contained in our files and that controlled by these landowners. As Chupadera springsnail (Pyrgulopsis the petition we received on November an example, Phantom Lake Spring, one chupaderae) – We continue to find that 20, 1985. Also see our 12–month of the sites of occurrence, has already listing this species is warranted-but- petition finding published in the ceased flowing and aquatic habitat is precluded as of the date of publication Federal Register on October 4, 1988 (53 artificially supported only by a pumping of this notice. However, we are working FR 38969). The Gila springsnail is an system. The magnitude of the threats is on a proposed listing rule that we aquatic species known from 13 high because spring flow loss would expect to publish prior to making the populations in New Mexico. Surveys result in complete habitat destruction next annual resubmitted petition 12– conducted in 2008 located three and permanent elimination of all month finding. additional populations bringing the total populations of the species. The Elongate mud meadows springsnail known to 16. immediacy of the threats is imminent, (Pyrgulopsis notidicola) – The following The long-term persistence of the Gila as evidenced by the drastic decline in summary is based on information springsnail is contingent upon spring flow at Phantom Lake Spring that contained in our files. No new protection of the riparian corridor and is currently happening and may information was provided in the maintenance of flow to ensure extirpate these populations in the near petition received on May 11, 2004. continuous, oxygenated flowing water future. Declining spring flows in San Pyrgulopsis notidicola is endemic to within the species’ required thermal Solomon Spring are also becoming Soldier Meadow, which is located at the range. Occupied Gila springsnail evident and will affect that spring site northern extreme of the western arm of localities on Federal lands surveyed in as well within the foreseeable future. the Black Rock Desert in the transition 2008 are subject to light levels of Thus, we maintained the LPN of 2 for zone between the Basin and Range recreational use only at the thermal both species. Physiographic Province and the springs, and overall, recreational Newcomb’s tree snail (Newcombia Columbia Plateau Province, Humboldt activities do not appear to be affecting cumingi) – We continue to find that County, Nevada. The type locality, and springsnail populations. The level of listing this species is warranted-but- the only known location of the species, recreational impacts at thermal springs precluded as of the date of publication occurs in a stretch of thermal (between on private lands is unknown. Sites of this notice. However, we are working 45o and 32o Celsius, 113o and 90o visited in 2008 were excluded from on a proposed listing rule that we Fahrenheit) aquatic habitat that is grazing. Although elk use at some of the expect to publish prior to making the approximately 600 m (1,968 ft) long and springs was evident, the level of impact

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was low. Of greatest concern are the Page springsnail (Pyrgulopsis Insects very small size of the isolated occupied morrisoni) – The following summary is Wekiu bug (Nysius wekiuicola) – The habitats and the potential effects of based on information contained in our following summary is based on climate change. Although the effect files. No new information was provided information contained in our files. No climate change will have on the springs in the petition received on May 11, new information was provided in the of the Southwest is unpredictable, mean 2004. The Page springsnail is known to petition we received on May 11, 2004. annual temperature in New Mexico has exist only within a complex of springs The wekiu bug belongs to the true bug increased by 0.6 degrees per decade located within an approximately 0.93- family, Lygaeidae, and is endemic to the since 1970. Higher temperatures lead to mi (1.5-km) stretch along the west side island of Hawaii. This species only higher evaporation rates, increased of Oak Creek around the community of occurs on the summit of Mauna Kea and evapotranspiration, and decreased soil Page Springs, and within springs feeds upon other insect species which moisture which may reduce the amount located along Spring Creek, tributary to are blown to the summit of this large of groundwater recharge. Widespread, Oak Creek, Yavapai County, Arizona. volcano. The wekiu bug is primarily long-term drought could affect spring The primary threat to the Page threatened by the loss of its habitat from flow quantity and quality, negatively springsnail is modification of habitat by astronomy development. In 2004 and affecting the springsnail populations. domestic, agricultural, ranching, fish early 2005, surveys found multiple new Based on these nonimminent threats hatchery, and recreational activities. locations of the wekiu bug on cinder that are currently of a low magnitude, Many of the springs where the species cones on the Mauna Kea summit. we retained a listing priority number of occurs have been subjected to some Several of these cinder cones within the 11 for this species. level of such modification. Arizona Mauna Kea Science Reserve, as well as Gonzales springsnail (Tryonia Game and Fish Department management two cinder cones located in the State Ice circumstriata) – See summary above plans for the Bubbling Ponds and Page Age Natural Area Reserve, are not under Diamond Y Spring snail currently undergoing development nor (Pseudotryonia adamantina). Springs fish hatcheries include commitments to replace lost habitat and are they the site of any planned Huachuca springsnail (Pyrgulopsis development. Thus, the threats, thompsoni) – The following is based on to monitor remaining populations of invertebrates such as the Page although ongoing, do not occur across information contained in our files. No the entire range of the wekiu bug. springsnail. A draft Candidate new information was provided in the Because there are occupied locations Conservation Agreement with petition we received on May 11, 2004. that are not subject to the primary threat Assurances was published and available The Huachuca springsnail inhabits of astronomy development, the overall for public review and comment on approximately 16 springs and cienegas magnitude of the threat is moderate. The at elevations of 4,500 to 7,200 feet in January 28, 2008. This Agreement immediacy of the threats is imminent southeastern Arizona (14 sites) and should be finalized during 2009, at because there are still significant parts adjacent portions of Sonora, Mexico (2 which time we will reassess the LPN to of the wekiu bug’s range where sites). The springsnail is typically found ensure the magnitude and immediacy of development is occurring. Therefore, we in the shallower areas of springs or threats are still appropriately described. assigned this species an LPN of 8. cienegas, often in rocky seeps at the Based on recent survey data, it appears Mariana eight spot butterfly spring source. Ongoing threats include that the Page springsnail is abundant (Hypolimnas octucula mariannensis) – habitat modification and destruction within natural habitats and persists in The following summary is based on through catastrophic wildfire; drought; modified habitats, albeit at reduced information contained in our files. No streamflow alteration; and, potentially, densities. The magnitude of threats is new information was provided in the grazing, recreation, military activities, high because limited distribution of this petition we received on May 11, 2004. and timber harvest. Overall, the threats narrow endemic makes any detrimental The Mariana eight spot butterfly is a are moderate in magnitude because effects from threats likely to result in nymphalid butterfly species that feeds threats are not occurring throughout the extirpation or extinction. The upon two host plants, Procris range of the species uniformly and not immediacy of the threat of groundwater pedunculata and Elatostema calcareum. all populations would likely be affected withdrawal is uncertain due to Endemic to the islands of Guam and simultaneously by any of the known conflicting information regarding Saipan, the species is now known from threats. In addition, multiple imminence. However, overall, the ten populations on Guam. This species landowners (Forest Service, Fort threats are imminent because is currently threatened by predation and Huachuca, The Nature Conservancy) are modification of the species’ habitat by parasitism. The Mariana eight spot including consideration for the threats other than groundwater butterfly has extremely high mortality of springsnail or other co-occurring listed withdrawal is currently occurring. eggs and larvae due to predation by species in their activities (e.g., reducing Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for alien ants and wasps. Because the threat fuel loads, avoiding occupied sites the Page springsnail. of parasitism and predation by during military operations). The threats Phantom springsnail (Tyronia nonnative insects occurs rangewide and are ongoing and, thus, imminent. cheatumi) – See summary above under can cause significant population Therefore, we have assigned an LPN of declines to this species, they are high in Phantom Cave snail (Cochliopa texana). 8 to this species. magnitude. The threats are imminent New Mexico springsnail (Pyrgulopsis Three Forks springsnail (Pyrgulopsis because they are ongoing. Therefore, we thermalis) – We continue to find that trivialis) – We continue to find that assigned an LPN of 3 for this subspecies. listing this species is warranted-but- listing this species is warranted-but- Mariana wandering butterfly (Vagrans precluded as of the date of publication precluded as of the date of publication egestina) – The following summary is of this notice. However, we are working of this notice. However, we are working based on information contained in our on a proposed listing rule that we on a proposed listing rule that we files. No new information was provided expect to publish prior to making the expect to publish prior to making the in the petition we received on May 11, next annual resubmitted petition 12– next annual resubmitted petition 12– 2004. The Mariana wandering butterfly month finding. month finding. is a nymphalid butterfly species which

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feeds upon a single host plant species, information contained in our files. No numbers. The limited distribution of the Maytenus thompsonii. Originally known new information was provided in the species makes it vulnerable to isolated from and endemic to the islands of petition we received on May 11, 2004. events that would only have a minimal Guam and Rota, the species is now Clifton cave beetle is a small, eyeless, effect on the more wide-ranging insects. known from one population on Rota. reddish-brown predatory insect that Events such as toxic chemical spills or This species is currently threatened by feeds upon small cave invertebrates. It discharges of large amounts of polluted alien predation and parasitism. The is cave dependent, and is not found water, or indirect impacts from off-site Mariana wandering butterfly is likely outside the cave environment. Clifton construction activities, closure of predated on by alien ants and cave beetle is only known from two entrances, alteration of entrances, or the parasitized by native and nonnative privately owned Kentucky caves. Soon creation of new entrances, could have parasitoids. Because the threat of after the species was first collected in serious adverse impacts on this species. parasitism and predation by nonnative 1963 in one cave, the cave entrance was Therefore, the magnitude of threat is insects occurs rangewide and can cause enclosed due to road construction. We high for this species because it is significant population declines to this do not know whether the species still limited in distribution and the threats species, they are high in magnitude. occurs at the original location or if it has would result in mortality or reduced These threats are imminent because been extirpated from the site by the reproductive capacity. The threats are they are ongoing. Therefore, we closure of the cave entrance. Other nonimminent because there are no assigned an LPN of 2 for this species. caves in the vicinity of this cave were known projects planned that would Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus surveyed for the species during 1995 affect the species in the near future. We thomasi bethunebakeri) – See above in to1996 and only one additional site was therefore have assigned an LPN of 5 to ‘‘Priority Changes in Candidates.’’ The found to support the Clifton Cave beetle. this species. above summary is based on information The limestone caves in which the Inquirer cave beetle contained in our files and in the petition Clifton cave beetle is found provide a (Pseudanophthalmus inquisitor) – The we received on June 15, 2000. unique and fragile environment that Sequatchie caddisfly (Glyphopsyche following summary is based upon supports a variety of species that have information contained in our files. No sequatchie) – The following summary is evolved to survive and reproduce under based on information in our files. No new information was provided in the the demanding conditions found in cave petition we received on May 11, 2004. new information was provided in the ecosystems. The limited distribution of petition we received on May 11, 2004. The inquirer cave beetle is a fairly the species makes it vulnerable to small, eyeless, reddish-brown predatory The Sequatchie caddisfly is known from isolated events that would only have a two spring runs that emerge from caves insect that feeds upon small cave minimal effect on the more wide- invertebrates. It is not found outside the in Marion County, Tennessee - Owen ranging insects. Events such as toxic Spring Branch (the type locality) and cave environment, and is only known chemical spills, discharges of large Martin Spring run in the Battle Creek from one privately owned Tennessee amounts of polluted water or indirect system. In 1998, biologists estimated cave. The limestone cave in which this impacts from off-site construction population sizes at 500 to 5000 species is found provides a unique and activities, closure of entrances, individuals for Owen Spring Branch fragile environment that supports a alteration of entrances, or the creation of and 2 to 10 times higher at Martin variety of species that have evolved to new entrances could have serious Spring, due to the greater amount of survive and reproduce under the adverse impacts on this species. apparently suitable habitat. In spite of demanding conditions found in cave Therefore, the magnitude of threat is greater amounts of suitable habitat at the ecosystems. The species was last high for this species. The threats are Martin Spring run, Sequatchie observed in 2006. The limited caddisflies are more difficult to find at nonimminent because there are no distribution of the species makes it this site, and in 2001 (the most recent known projects planned that would vulnerable to isolated events that would survey) the Sequatchie caddisfly was affect the species in the near future. We only have a minimal effect on the more ‘‘abundant’’ at the Owen Spring Branch therefore have assigned a listing priority wide-ranging insects. The area around location, while only two individuals number of 5 to this species. the only known site for the species is in were observed at the Martin Spring. Icebox cave beetle a rapidly expanding urban area. The Threats to the Sequatchie caddisfly (Pseudanophthalmus frigidus) – The entrance to the cave is protected by the include siltation, point and nonpoint following summary is based upon landowner through a cooperative discharges from municipal and information contained in our files. No management agreement with the industrial activities and introduction of new information was provided in the Service, The Nature Conservancy, and toxicants during episodic events. These petition we received on May 11, 2004. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; threats, coupled with the extremely Icebox cave beetle is a small, eyeless, however, a sinkhole that drains into the limited distribution of the species, its reddish-brown predatory insect that cave system is located away from the apparent small population size, the feeds upon small cave invertebrates. It protected entrance and is near a limited amount of occupied habitat, is not found outside the cave highway. Events such as toxic chemical ease of accessibility, and the annual life environment, and is only known from spills, discharges of large amounts of cycle of the species, are all factors that one privately owned Kentucky cave. polluted water or indirect impacts from leave the Sequatchie caddisfly The limestone cave in which this off-site construction activities could vulnerable to extirpation. Therefore, the species is found provides a unique and adversely affect the species and the cave magnitude of the threat is high. These fragile environment that supports a habitat. The magnitude of threat is high threats are gradual and not necessarily variety of species that have evolved to for this species because it is limited in imminent. Based on high-magnitude, survive and reproduce under the distribution and the threats would have nonimminent threats, we assigned this demanding conditions found in cave negative impacts on its continued species a listing priority number of 5. ecosystems. The species has not been existence. The threats are nonimminent Clifton cave beetle observed since it was originally because there are no known projects (Pseudanophthalmus caecus) – The collected, but species experts believe planned that would affect the species in following summary is based upon that it may still exist in the cave in low the near future and it receives some

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protection under a cooperative indirect impacts from off-site subspecies at three locations in Pierce management agreement. We therefore construction activities, closure of County, Washington. have assigned a listing priority number entrances, alteration of entrances, or the The grassland ecosystem on which of 5 to this species. creation of new entrances could have this subspecies depends requires annual Louisville cave beetle serious adverse impacts on this species. management to maintain suitable (Pseudanophthalmus troglodytes) – The The magnitude of threat is high for this grassland habitat for the species. following summary is based upon species, because its limited numbers Important threats include changes to the information contained in our files. No mean that any threats could affect its structure and composition of prairie new information was provided in the continued existence. The threats are habitat brought on by the invasion of petition we received on May 11, 2004. nonimminent because there are no shrubs and trees (Scot’s broom and The Louisville cave beetle is a small, known projects planned that would Douglas-fir) or nonnative pasture grasses eyeless, reddish-brown predatory insect affect the species in the near future. We that quickly invade prairies when that feeds upon cave invertebrates. It is therefore have assigned an LPN of 5 to processes like fire, or its surrogate not found outside the cave environment, this species. mowing, do not take place. Threats also and is only known from two privately Taylor’s (Whulge, Edith’s) include the loss of prairies to owned Kentucky caves. The limestone checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas development or the conversion of native caves in which this species is found editha taylori) – The following summary grasslands to agriculture. Vehicle and provide a unique and fragile is based on information contained in foot traffic that crushes larvae and larval environment that supports a variety of our files and in the petition received on host plants on roads where host plants species that have evolved to survive and December 11, 2002. Historically, the have become established are also reproduce under the demanding Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly was threats; these areas act as a mortality conditions found in cave ecosystems. known from 70 locations: 23 in British sink at several of the north Olympic The limited distribution of the species Columbia, 34 in Washington, and 13 in Peninsula sites. makes it vulnerable to isolated events Oregon. Based on the results of surveys These changes to prairie habitat that would only have a minimal effect during the 2008 flight period, butterflies threaten Taylor’s checkerspot by on the more wide-ranging insects. were detected in just 8 populations. The degrading prairie habitat and making it Events such as toxic chemical spills, total number of Taylor’s checkerspot unsuitable for the butterfly. The threats discharges of large amounts of polluted butterflies was considerably reduced in that lead to habitat degradation and loss water or indirect impacts from off-site current surveys with approximately are ubiquitous, occurring rangewide, construction activities, closure of 2,300 individuals observed rangewide. and affect the survival of the subspecies. entrances, alteration of entrances, or the The latest decline observed was from Therefore, the threats are high in creation of new entrances could have the Fort Lewis population where fewer magnitude. The threats are imminent serious adverse impacts on this species. than 200 butterflies were counted. because they are ongoing and occur The magnitude of threat is high for this Currently, just five populations had simultaneously at all of the known species, because it is limited in butterflies in flight in Washington, two locations for the subspecies. Based on distribution and the threats would have in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, and the high magnitude and the imminent negative impacts on the species. The one on Denman Island, British nature of threats, we continue to assign threats are nonimminent because there Columbia, Canada. A new population the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly a are no known projects planned that was observed on the Olympic National listing priority number of 3. would affect the species in the near Forest. Blackline Hawaiian damselfly future. We therefore have assigned an Threats include degradation and (Megalagrion nigrohamatum LPN of 5 to this species. destruction of native grasslands due to nigrolineatum) – We continue to find Tatum Cave beetle agriculture, residential and commercial that listing this species is warranted- (Pseudanophthalmus parvus) – The development, encroachment by but-precluded as of the date of following summary is based upon nonnative plants, succession from publication of this notice. However, we information contained in our files. No grasslands to native shrubs and trees, are working on a proposed listing rule new information was provided in the and fire. The threat of military training that we expect to publish prior to petition we received on May 11, 2004. has greatly increased during the past making the next annual resubmitted Tatum Cave beetle is a small, eyeless, year and the site where Taylor’s petition 12–month finding. reddish-brown predatory insect that checkerspot were known to thrive on Crimson Hawaiian damselfly feeds upon cave invertebrates. It is not Fort Lewis was severely affected by (Megalagrion leptodemas) – We found outside the cave environment, Armored Vehicle training. The outcome continue to find that listing this species and is only known from one privately of the training’s effect will not be is warranted-but-precluded as of the owned Kentucky cave. The limestone determined until after this year’s date of publication of this notice. cave in which this species is found monitoring has been completed. However, we are working on a proposed provides a unique and fragile Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstake listing rule that we expect to publish environment that supports a variety of (Btk) was routinely applied for Asian prior to making the next annual species that have evolved to survive and gypsy moth control in Pierce County, resubmitted petition 12–month finding. reproduce under the demanding Washington for many years. This Oceanic Hawaiian damselfly conditions found in cave ecosystems. pesticide is documented to have (Megalagrion oceanicum) – We continue The species has not been observed since deleterious effects on non-target to find that listing this species is 1965, but species experts believe that it lepidopteron species, including all warranted-but-precluded as of the date still exists in low numbers. The limited moths and butterflies. Because of the of publication of this notice. However, distribution of the species makes it timing and close proximity of the Btk we are working on a proposed listing vulnerable to isolated events that would application to native prairies where rule that we expect to publish prior to only have a minimal effect on the more Taylors’ checkerspot adults, or their making the next annual resubmitted wide-ranging insects. Events such as larvae, were historically known to petition 12–month finding. toxic chemical spills or discharges of occur, it is likely that the spraying Orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly large amounts of polluted water, or contributed to the extirpation of the (Megalagrion xanthomelas) – The

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following summary is based on stage from nonnative tipulid flies, inbreeding, population isolation, and information contained in our files. No which feed within the same portion of prescribed fire threatens some new information was provided in the the decomposing host plant area populations. Prairie succeeds to petition we received on May 11, 2004. normally occupied by the D. digressa shrubland or forest without periodic The orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly is larvae during their development with a fire, grazing, or mowing; thus, the a stream-dwelling species endemic to resulting reduction in available host species is also threatened at sites where the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Oahu, plant material. Because the threats to such disturbances are not applied. The Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii. The the native forest habitat of D. digressa, Service and other federal agencies, state species no longer is found on Kauai, and and to individuals of this species, occur agencies, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux is now restricted to 16 populations on throughout its range and are expected to Tribe, and some private organizations the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, continue or increase unless efforts at (e.g., The Nature Conservancy) protect Lanai, and Hawaii. This species is control or eradication are undertaken, and manage some Dakota skipper sites. threatened by predation from alien they are high in magnitude. In addition, Proper management is always necessary aquatic species such as fish and because of the limited distribution and to ensure its persistence, even at predacious insects, and habitat loss small population of the species, any of protected sites. The species may be through dewatering of streams and the threats would significantly impair secure at a few sites where public and invasion by nonnative plants. Nonnative survival of the species. The threats are private landowners manage native fish and insects prey on the naiads of also imminent, because they are prairie in ways that conserve Dakota the damselfly, and loss of water reduces ongoing. No known conservation skipper, but approximately half of the the amount of suitable naiad habitat measures have been taken to date to inhabited sites are privately owned with available. Invasive plants (e. g., specifically address these threats, and little or no protection. A few private California grass (Brachiaria mutica)) we have therefore assigned this species sites are protected from conversion by also contribute to loss of habitat by an LPN of 2. easements, but these do not prevent forming dense, monotypic stands that Stephan’s riffle beetle (Heterelmis adverse effects from overgrazing. completely eliminate any open water. stephani) – The following summary is Overall, the threats are moderate in Nonnative fish and plants are found in based on information contained in our magnitude because they are not all the streams the orangeblack files. No new information was provided occurring rangewide and have a damselfly occur in, except the Oahu in the petition received on May 11, moderate effect on the viability of the location, where there are no nonnative 2004. The Stephan’s riffle beetle is an species. They are, however, ongoing and fish. We assigned this species an LPN of endemic riffle beetle found in limited therefore imminent, particularly on 8 because, although the threats are spring environments within the Santa private lands. Thus, we assigned a LPN ongoing and therefore imminent, they Rita Mountains, Pima County, Arizona. of 8 to this species. affect the survival of the species in The beetle is known from Sylvester Mardon skipper (Polites mardon) – varying degrees throughout the range of Spring in Madera Canyon, within the The following summary is based on the species and are of moderate Coronado National Forest. Threats to information contained in our files and magnitude. that spring are largely from habitat the petition we received on December modification – from recreational 24, 2002. The Mardon skipper is a Picture-wing fly (Drosophila digressa) activities in the springs and potential northwestern butterfly with a disjunct – The following summary is based on changes in water quality and quantity range. Currently this species is known information contained in our files. No due to catastrophic natural events and from four widely separated regions: new information was provided in the climate change. The threats are of low south Puget Sound region, southern petition we received on May 11, 2004, to moderate magnitude based on our Washington Cascades, Siskiyou but new information was provided by current knowledge of the permanence of Mountains of southern Oregon, and one Drosophila expert in 2006. This threats and the likelihood that the coastal northwestern California/ picture-wing fly, a member of the family species will persist in areas that are southern Oregon. The number of Drosophilidae, feeds only upon species unaffected by the threats. Although the documented locations for the species of Charpentiera, and is endemic to the threats from climate change are has increased from fewer than 10 in Hawaiian Island of Hawaii. Never expected to occur over many years, the 1997 to more than 130 rangewide in abundant in number of individuals threats from recreational use are 2009. New site locations have been observed, D. digressa was originally ongoing. Therefore, the threats are documented in each year that targeted known from 5 population sites and may imminent. Thus, we retained an LPN of surveys have been conducted since now be limited to as few as 1 or 2 sites. 8 for the Stephan’s riffle beetle. 1999. In the past 9 years, significant Due to the small population size of the Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae) – local populations have been located in species and its small known habitat The following summary is based on the Washington Cascades and in area, Drosophila researchers believe this information contained in our files, Southern Oregon, with a few local sites species and its habitat are particularly including information from the petition supporting populations of hundreds of vulnerable to a myriad of threats. Feral received on May 12, 2003. The Dakota Mardon skippers. ungulates (pigs, goats, and cattle) skipper is a small- to mid-sized butterfly The Mardon skipper spends its entire degrade and destroy D. digressa host that inhabits high-quality tallgrass and life cycle in one location, often on the plants and habitat by directly trampling mixed grass prairie in Minnesota, North same grassland patch. The dispersal plants, facilitating erosion, and Dakota, South Dakota, and the provinces ability of Mardon skipper is restricted. spreading nonnative plant seeds. of Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Threats to the Mardon skipper include Nonnative plants degrade host plant Canada. The species is presumed to be direct impacts to individuals and local habitat and compete for light, space, and extirpated from Iowa and Illinois and populations by off-road vehicle use, nutrients. Direct predation of D. from many sites within occupied States. livestock grazing, and pesticide drift. digressa by nonnative social insects, The Dakota skipper is threatened by Habitat destruction or modification particularly yellow jacket wasps, is also degradation of its native prairie habitat through conifer encroachment, invasive a serious threat. Additionally, this by overgrazing, invasive species, gravel nonnative plants, roadside maintenance, species faces competition at the larval mining, and herbicide applications; and grassland/meadow management

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activities such as prescribed burning use that is limiting expansion of the Arachnids and mowing are also threats. However, species. The two agencies that manage Warton’s cave meshweaver (Cicurina these threats have been substantially the dune field, the Utah Department of wartoni) – The following summary is reduced due to protections provided by Parks and Recreation and the Bureau of based on information contained in our State and Federal special status species Land Management, have restricted files. No new information was provided programs. The magnitude of the threats recreational off-road vehicle use in some in the petition received on May 11, is moderate because current regulatory areas, which reduces impacts. However, 2004. Warton’s Cave meshweaver is an mechanisms associated with State and continued drought may prevent the eyeless, cave-dwelling, unpigmented, Federal special status species programs population from increasing in size. The 0.23-inch-long invertebrate known only afford a relatively high level of beetle’s population also is vulnerable to from female specimens. This protection from additional habitat loss over-collecting by professional and meshweaver is known to occur in only or destruction across most of the hobby tiger beetle collectors. We have one cave (Pickle Pit) in Travis County, species’ range. Threats are imminent retained an LPN of 2 for this species Texas. Primary threats to the species because all sites within the species’ primarily due to the high magnitude and its habitat are predation and range currently have one or more and imminence of drought conditions. competition from fire ants, surface and identified threats that are resulting in Highlands tiger beetle (Cicindela subsurface effects from runoff from an direct impacts to individuals within the highlandensis) – The following adjacent subdivision, unauthorized populations, or a gradual loss or summary is based on information entry into the area surrounding the cave, degradation of the species’ habitats. contained in our files. No new modification of vegetation near the cave Mardon skippers face a variety of threats information was provided in the from human use, and trash dumping that may occur at any time at any of the petition we received on May 11, 2004. that may include toxic materials near locations. Low numbers of individuals The Highlands tiger beetle is narrowly the feature. The magnitude of threats is have been found at most of the known distributed and restricted to areas of high because the single location for this locations. Only a few locations are bare sand within scrub and sandhill on species makes it highly vulnerable to known to harbor greater than 100 ancient sand dunes of the Lake Wales extinction. The threats are imminent individuals, and specific locations because fire ants are known to occur in could easily be lost by changes in Ridge in Polk and Highlands Counties, Florida. Adult tiger beetles have been the vicinity of the cave, and impacts to vegetation composition or from the the cave from runoff and human threat of wildfire. The great distances found at 40 sites from near Haines City south to Josephine Creek. In 2004–2005 activities are an imminent threat. Thus, between the known locations for the we retain a LPN of 2 for this species. species would not allow for dispersal of surveys, a total of 1,574 adults were the species between populations; thus, found at 40 sites, compared with 643 Crustaceans adults at 31 sites in 1996, 928 adults at loss of any population could lead to Anchialine pool shrimp (Metabetaeus extirpation of the species at any of these 31 sites in 1995, and 742 adults at 21 sites in 1993. Of the 40 sites in the lohena) – The following summary is locations. However, the discovery of based on information contained in our 2004–2005 surveys with one or more new populations and the wide files. No new information was provided adults, results ranged from 3 sites with geographic range for the Mardon skipper in the petition we received on May 11, large populations of over 100 adults, to provides a buffer against threats that 2004. Metabetaeus lohena is an 13 sites with fewer than 10 adults. could destroy all existing habitat anchialine pool-inhabiting species of Results from a limited removal study at simultaneously or jeopardize the shrimp belonging to the family four sites suggest that the actual continued existence of the species. Alpheidae. This species is endemic to population size at the various survey Thus, based on imminent threats of the Hawaiian Islands and is currently sites is likely to be as much as two times moderate magnitude, we assigned an known from populations on the islands as high as indicated by the visual index LPN of 8 to this species. of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. The counts. Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle primary threats to this species are (Cicindela limbata albissima) – The Lack of fire to create open sand, predation by fish (which do not following summary is based on habitat loss and fragmentation, and naturally occur in the pools inhabited information contained in our files, small and isolated populations pose by this species) and habitat loss from including information from the petition serious threats to this species. Over- degradation (primarily from illegal trash we received on April 21, 1994. The collection and pesticide use are dumping). The pools where this species Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle additional concerns. Because this occurs on the islands of Maui and occurs only at the Coral Pink Sand species is narrowly distributed with Hawaii are located within State Natural Dunes, approximately 7 miles west of specific habitat requirements and small Area Reserves (NAR). Hawaii’s State Kanab, Kane County, in south-central populations, any of the threats could statutes prohibit the collection of the Utah. It is restricted to approximately have a significant impact on the survival species and the disturbance of the pools 234 hectares (577 acres) of protected of the species. Therefore, the magnitude in State NARs. However, enforcement of habitat within the dune field, situated at of threats is high. Although the majority collection and disturbance prohibitions an elevation of about 1,820 meters of its historical range has been lost, is difficult, and the negative effects from (6,000 feet). Continuing drought is degraded, and fragmented, numerous the introduction of fish are extensive negatively affecting tiger beetle sites are protected and land managers and happen quickly. In addition, the populations. Drought conditions have are implementing prescribed fire at pools where this species occurs on the suppressed the beetle’s reproductive some sites; these actions are expected to island of Oahu do not receive protection capabilities. The continued survival of restore habitat and help reduce threats from collection of the species or the beetle depends on the preservation and have already helped stabilize and disturbance of the pools. Therefore, of its habitat and favorable rainfall improve the populations. Overall, the threats to this species could have a amounts. In addition, the beetle’s threats are nonimminent. Therefore, we significant adverse effect on the survival habitat is being adversely affected by assigned the Highlands tiger beetle an of the species, and are of a high ongoing, recreational off-road vehicle LPN of 5. magnitude. However, the primary

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threats of predation from fish and loss threats to this species are predation its only known pool. However, the of habitat due to degradation are from fish (which do not naturally occur threats are nonimminent, as fish have nonimminent overall, because on the in the pools inhabited by this species) not been introduced into the pool (nor islands of Maui and Hawaii no fish were and habitat loss due to degradation is there any reason to believe that observed in any of the pools where this (primarily from illegal trash dumping). introduction is imminent) and a site species occurs and there has been no The pools where this species occurs on visit in early 2005 showed there were no documented trash dumping in these Maui are located within a State Natural signs of dumping or fill. Therefore we pools. Only one site on Oahu had a Area Reserve (NAR). Hawaii’s State assigned this species an LPN of 4 trash dumping instance, and in that case statutes prohibit the collection of the because the threats are of high the trash was cleaned up immediately species and the disturbance of the pools magnitude but nonimminent, and the and the species subsequently observed. in State NARs. However, enforcement of species is in a monotypic genus. No additional dumping events are these prohibitions is difficult and the Flowering Plants known to have occurred. Therefore, we negative effects from the introduction of assigned this species an LPN of 5. fish are extensive and happen quickly. Abronia alpina (Ramshaw Meadows Anchialine pool shrimp In addition, there are no conservation sand-verbena) – The following summary (Palaemonella burnsi) – The following efforts underway to alleviate the is based on information contained in summary is based on information potential for any of these threats in the our files. No new information was contained in our files. No new one pool on the island of Hawaii. provided in the petition we received on information was provided in the Therefore, threats to this species could May 11, 2004. Abronia alpina is a small petition we received on May 11, 2004. have a significant adverse effect on the perennial herb, 2.5 to 15.2 centimeters Palaemonella burnsi is an anchialine survival of the species, and thus remain (1 to 6 inches) across forming compact pool-inhabiting species of shrimp at a high magnitude. However, the mats with lavender-pink, trumpet- belonging to the family Palaemonidae. threats to the species are nonimminent shaped, and generally fragment flowers. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian because, during 2004 and 2007 surveys, Abronia alpina is known from one main Islands and is currently known from no fish were observed in the pools population center in Ramshaw Meadow three populations on the island of Maui where these shrimp occur on Maui, and on the Kern Plateau of the Sierra and one population on the island of no fish were observed in the one pool Nevada, California and from one Hawaii. The primary threats to this on the island of Hawaii during a site subpopulation found in adjacent Templeton Meadow. The total estimated species are predation by fish (which do visit in 2005. In addition, there were no area occupied is approximately 6 not naturally occur in the pools signs of trash dumping or fill in any of hectares (15 acres). The population inhabited by this species) and habitat the pools where the species occurs. fluctuates from year to year without any loss due to degradation (primarily from Therefore, we assigned this species an clear trends. Population estimates from illegal trash dumping). The pools where LPN of 5. this species occurs on Maui are located 1985-1994 range from a low of 69,652 within a State Natural Area Reserve Anchialine pool shrimp (Vetericaris plants in 1986 to 132,215 plants in (NAR). Hawaii’s State statutes prohibit chaceorum) – The following summary is 1987. Surveys conducted since 1994 the collection of the species and the based on information contained in our indicate that no significant changes disturbance of the pools in State NARs. files. No new information was provided have occurred in population size or On the island of Hawaii, the species in the petition we received on May 11, location, although, the 2003 survey occurs within a National Park, and 2004. Vetericaris chaceorum is an showed population numbers to be at the collection and disturbance are also anchialine pool-inhabiting species of low end of the range. The population prohibited. However, enforcement of shrimp belonging to the family was last surveyed in 2007. these prohibitions is difficult, and the Procarididae; it is the only species in its The factors currently threatening negative effects from the introduction of genus. This species is endemic to the Abronia alpina include natural and fish are extensive and happen quickly. Hawaiian Islands, and is only known human habitat alteration, hydrologic Therefore, threats to this species could from one population in a single pool on changes to the water table, and have a significant adverse effect on the the island of Hawaii. The primary recreational use within meadow survival of the species, and are of a high threats to this species are predation habitats. Lodgepole pine encroachment magnitude. However, the threats are from nonnative fish and habitat has altered the meadow and trees are nonimminent, because surveys in 2004 degradation (primarily by becoming established within A. alpina and 2007 did not find fish in the pools contamination from illegal trash habitat. Lodgepole pine encroachment where these shrimp occur on Maui or dumping). This species would be highly may alter soil characteristics by the island of Hawaii. Also, there was no vulnerable to predation by any increasing organic matter levels, evidence of recent habitat degradation at intentionally or accidentally introduced decreasing porosity, and moderating those pools. We assigned this species an fish, or contamination from illegal diurnal temperature fluctuations thus LPN of 5. dumping into its single known location. reducing the competitive ability of A. Anchialine pool shrimp (Procaris This pool lies within lands alpina to persist in an environment hawaiana) – The following summary is administered by the State of Hawaii more hospitable to other plant species. based on information contained in our Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The Ramshaw Meadow ecosystem is files. No new information was provided The threats to V. chaceorum from subject to potential alteration by in the petition we received on May 11, habitat degradation and destruction, as lowering of the water table due to 2004. Procaris hawaiana is an well as from predation by nonnative fish downcutting of the South Fork of the anchialine pool-inhabiting species of are of high magnitude, because this Kern River (SFKR). The SFKR flows shrimp belonging to the family species occurs in only one pool; thus through Ramshaw Meadow and at times Procarididae. This species is endemic to the threats could significantly impair comes within 15 m (50 ft) of A. alpina the Hawaiian Islands, and is currently the survival of the species. All habitat, particularly in the vicinity of known from two populations on the individuals of this species may be five subpopulations. The habitat island of Maui and one population on adversely affected by a single dumping occupied by A. alpina directly borders the island of Hawaii. The primary of trash or release of nonnative fish in the meadow system supported by the

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SFKR. Drying out of the meadow system protected. However, since a number of information contained in our files. No could potentially affect A. alpina the populations are currently being new information was provided in the pollinators and seed dispersal agents. affected by nonnative plants, the threat petition we received on May 11, 2004. Established hiker, packstock, and cattle is imminent. Thus, we assigned an LPN Historically known from eight sites, trails pass through A. alpina of 8 to this species. northern wormwood is currently known subpopulations. Two main hiker trails Argythamnia blodgettii (Blodgett’s from two populations in Klickitat and pass through Ramshaw Meadow, but silverbush) – The following summary is Grant Counties, Washington. This plant were rerouted out of A. alpina based on information in our files. No is restricted to exposed basalt, cobbly- subpopulations, where feasible, in 1988 new information was provided in the sandy terraces, and sand habitat along and 1997. Remnants of cattle trails that petition we received on May 11, 2004. the shore and on islands in the pass through subpopulations in several Blodgett’s silverbush occurs in Florida Columbia River. The two populations places receive occasional incidental use and is found in open, sunny areas in are separated by 200 miles (322 by horses and sometimes hikers. Cattle pine rockland, edges of rockland kilometers) of the Columbia River and use, however, currently, is not a threat hammock, edges of coastal berm, and three large hydroelectric dams. The due to the 2001 implementation of a sometimes disturbed areas at the edges Klickitat County population is ten-year moratorium on the Templeton of natural areas. Plants can be found declining; the status is unclear for the allotment that prohibits cattle from all growing from crevices on limestone, or Grant County population; however, both A. alpina locations. The Service is on sand. The pine rockland habitat are vulnerable to environmental funding studies to determine where the species occurs in Miami-Dade variability. Surveys have not detected appropriate conservation measures and County and the Florida Keys requires any additional plants. working with the U.S. Forest Service on periodic fires to maintain habitat with a Threats to northern wormwood developing a conservation strategy for minimum amount of hardwoods. There include direct loss of habitat through the species. The threats are of a low are approximately 27 extant regulation of water levels in the magnitude and nonimminent because of occurrences, 12 in Monroe County and Columbia River and placement of riprap the conservation actions already 15 in Miami-Dade County; many along the river bank; human trampling implemented. We continue to assign an occurrences are on conservation lands. of plants from recreation; competition LPN of 11 for A. alpina based on However, 4–5 sites are recently thought with nonnative invasive species; burial nonimminent threats of moderate to low to be extirpated. The estimated by wind- and water-borne sediments; magnitude. population size of Blodgett’s silverbush small population sizes; susceptibility to in the Florida Keys, excluding Big Pine genetic drift and inbreeding; and the Arabis georgiana (Georgia rockcress) – Key, is roughly 11,000; the estimated potential for hybridization with two The following summary is based on population in Miami-Dade County is other species of Artemisia. Ongoing information in our files. No new 375 to 13,650 plants. conservation actions have reduced information was provided in the Blodgett’s silverbush is threatened by trampling, but have not eliminated or petition we received on May 11, 2004. habitat loss, which is exacerbated by reduced the other threats at the Grant The Georgia rockcress grows in a variety habitat degradation due to fire County site. Active conservation of dry situations, including shallow soil suppression, the difficulty of applying measures are not currently in place at accumulations on rocky bluffs, ecotones prescribed fire to pine rocklands, and the Miller Island site. The magnitude of of gently sloping rock outcrops, and in threats from exotic plants. Remaining threat is high for this subspecies sandy loam along eroding river banks. It habitats are fragmented. Threats such as because, although the two remaining is occasionally found in adjacent mesic road maintenance and enhancement, populations are widely separated and woods, but it will not persist in heavily infrastructure, and illegal dumping distributed, one or both populations shaded conditions. Currently, threaten some occurrences. Blodgett’s could be eliminated by a single approximately 20 populations are silverbush is vulnerable to natural disturbance. The threats are imminent known from the Gulf Coastal Plain, disturbances, such as hurricanes, because recreational use is ongoing, Piedmont, and Ridge and Valley tropical storms, and storm surges. invasive nonnative species occur at both physiographic provinces of Alabama Climatic change, particularly sea-level sites, erosion of the substrate is ongoing and Georgia. Populations of this species rise, is a long-term threat that is at the Klickitat County site, and high typically have a limited number of expected to continue to affect pine water flows are random, naturally individuals over a small area. Habitat rocklands and ultimately reduce the occurring events that may occur degradation, rather than outright habitat extent of available habitat, especially in unpredictably in any year. Therefore, destruction, is the most serious threat to the Keys. Overall, the magnitude of we have retained an LPN of 3 for this the continued existence of this species. threats is moderate because not all of subspecies. Disturbance associated with timber the occurrences are affected by the Astragalus tortipes (Sleeping Ute harvesting, road building, and grazing threats. In addition, land managers are milkvetch) – The following summary is has created favorable conditions for the aware of the threats from exotic plants based on information contained in our invasion of exotic weeds, especially and lack of fire, and are, to some extent, files. No new information was provided Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera working to reduce this threat where in the petition we received on May 11, japonica), in this species’ habitat. A possible. While some of the threats are 2004. Sleeping Ute milkvetch is a large number of the populations are occurring in some areas, the threat from perennial plant that grows only on the currently or potentially threatened by development is nonimminent since Smokey Hills layer of the Mancos Shale the presence of exotics. The heritage most occurrences are on public land, Formation on the Ute Mountain Ute programs in Alabama and Georgia have and sea-level rise is not currently Indian Reservation in Montezuma initiated plans for exotic control at affecting this species. Overall, the County, Colorado. In 2000, 3,744 plants several populations. The magnitude of threats are nonimminent. Thus, we were recorded at 24 locations covering threats to this species is moderate to low assigned an LPN of 11 to this species. 500 acres within an overall range of due to the number of populations (20) Artemisia campestris var. 64,000 acres. Available information across multiple counties in two states wormskioldii (Northern wormwood) – from 2000 indicates that the species and due to the fact that several sites are The following summary is based on remains stable. Previous and ongoing

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threats from borrow pit excavation, off- Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla management of privately owned pine highway vehicles, irrigation canal (Kookoolau) – The following summary rockland habitats in Miami-Dade construction, and a prairie dog colony is based on information contained in County and projects to restore suitable have had minor impacts that reduced our files. No new information was habitat and reintroduce and establish the range and number of plants by small provided in the petition we received on new populations of the plants in pine amounts. Off-highway vehicle use of the May 11, 2004. This subspecies is an rocklands. The Service is also pursuing habitat has reportedly been controlled erect, perennial herb found in open additional habitat restoration projects, by fencing. Oil and gas development is mixed shrubland to dry Metrosideros which could help further improve the active in the general area, but the (ohia) forest on the island of Hawaii, status of the species. Because of these Service has received no information to Hawaii. This subspecies is endemic to efforts, the overall magnitude of threats indicate whether there is development the island of Hawaii, where wild is moderate. The threats are ongoing and within plant habitat. The Tribe reported populations are restricted to an area of thus imminent. We assigned this species this year that the status of the species less than 10 square miles (26 square an LPN of 8. remains unchanged, the population is kilometers). Bidens micrantha ssp. Calamagrostis expansa (Maui healthy, and that a management plan for ctenophylla is known from four wild reedgrass) – The following summary is the species is currently in draft form. and four outplanted populations based on information contained in our Despite these positive indications, we totaling approximately 130 to 140 files. No new information was provided have no documentation concerning the individuals, the majority of which occur in the petition we received on May 11, current status of the plants, condition of in only two (wild) populations. This 2004. This species is a robust, short- habitat, and terms of the species subspecies is threatened by fire and rhizomatous perennial found in wet management plan being drafted by the nonnative plants, and two populations forest, open bogs, and bog margins on Tribe. Thus, at this time we cannot are threatened by residential and the islands of Maui and Hawaii, Hawaii. accurately assess whether populations commercial development. The threats to Historically rare, C. expansa was are being adequately protected from B. micrantha ssp. ctenophylla from fire restricted to wet forest and bogs on previously existing threats. The threats and nonnative plants are of a high Maui. Its historical status is unknown are moderate in magnitude, since they magnitude and imminent because they on Hawaii. Currently, this species is have had minor impacts and, based on are occurring rangewide, they threaten known from 11 populations totaling information we have, the population the continued existence of the species, approximately 230 individuals on Maui, appears to be stable. Until the and no efforts for their control have and was recently discovered in nine management plan is completed and been undertaken. Therefore, we retained populations totaling approximately 350 made available, there are no regulatory an LPN of 3 for this subspecies. individuals on the island of Hawaii. mechanisms in place to protect the Calamagrostis expansa is threatened by Brickellia mosieri (Florida brickell- species. Overall, we conclude threats pigs that degrade and destroy habitat bush) – The following summary is based are nonimminent. Therefore, we and by nonnative plants that on information contained in our files. assigned an LPN of 11 to this species. outcompete and displace it. Feral pigs Bidens amplectens (Kookoolau) – We No new information was provided in have been fenced out of most of the west continue to find that listing this species the petition we received on May 11, Maui populations, and nonnative plants is warranted-but-precluded as of the 2004. This species is restricted to pine have been reduced in the fenced areas. date of publication of this notice. rocklands of Miami-Dade County, However, the threats are not controlled However, we are working on a proposed Florida. This habitat requires periodic and are ongoing in the remaining listing rule that we expect to publish prescribed fires to maintain the low unfenced populations on Maui and at prior to making the next annual understory and prevent encroachment all of the populations on the island of resubmitted petition 12–month finding. by native tropical hardwoods and exotic Hawaii. Therefore, overall the threats Bidens campylotheca ssp. pentamera plants, such as Brazilian pepper. Only from feral pigs and nonnative plants are (Kookoolau) – We continue to find that one large population is known to exist; of a high magnitude and imminent for listing this species is warranted-but- 15 other occurrences contain less than C. expansa, and we retained an LPN of precluded as of the date of publication 100 individuals. Eleven occurrences are 2 for this species. of this notice. However, we are working on conservation lands. Climatic changes Calamagrostis hillebrandii on a proposed listing rule that we and sea-level rise are long-term threats (Hillebrand’s reedgrass) – The following expect to publish prior to making the that will reduce the extent of habitat. summary is based on information next annual resubmitted petition 12– This species is threatened by habitat contained in our files. No new month finding. loss, which is exacerbated by habitat information was provided in the Bidens campylotheca ssp. waihoiensis degradation due to fire suppression, the petition we received on May 11, 2004. (Kookoolau) – We continue to find that difficulty of applying prescribed fire to Calamagrostis hillebrandii is a slender, listing this species is warranted-but- pine rocklands, and threats from exotic short-rhizomatous perennial found in precluded as of the date of publication plants. Remaining habitats are Metrosideros-Machaerina (ohia-uki) of this notice. However, we are working fragmented. The species is vulnerable to montane wet bog or Metrosideros- on a proposed listing rule that we natural disturbances, such as Rhynchospora-Oreobolus (ohia- expect to publish prior to making the hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm kuolohia-oreobolus) mixed bog on Maui, next annual resubmitted petition 12– surges. Due to its restricted range and Hawaii. This species is known from two month finding. the small sizes of most isolated populations of fewer than 2,000 Bidens conjuncta (Kookoolau) – We occurrences, this species is vulnerable individuals, restricted to the bogs of continue to find that listing this species to environmental (catastrophic west Maui. There is an unconfirmed is warranted-but-precluded as of the hurricanes), demographic (potential report of C. hillebrandii from central date of publication of this notice. episodes of poor reproduction), and Molokai. This species is currently However, we are working on a proposed genetic (potential inbreeding threatened by pigs that degrade and listing rule that we expect to publish depression) threats. Ongoing destroy habitat and nonnative plants prior to making the next annual conservation efforts include projects that outcompete and displace it. A resubmitted petition 12–month finding. aimed at facilitating restoration and portion of one population is protected

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by an ungulate exclosure fence while The combination of restricted range, subject to large variations in annual the second population may indirectly extremely low numbers (five plants) in abundance and an accurate current benefit from conservation actions for one of three disjunct populations, poor population estimate is not available. ungulate control and control of competitive ability, short seed dispersal Monitoring indicates that reproductive nonnative plants conducted in a nearby distance, slow growth rates, low seed stems per plant and plant density preserve. The threats are imminent production, apparently poor survival declined between 1995 and 2007. because they are ongoing in one of the rates in some years, herbivory, and The primary threat to the species is two known populations. The threats are competition from exotic plants threaten the nonnative invasive plant smooth high in magnitude because they result the continued existence of this species. brome (Bromus inermis). Despite in direct mortality or significantly These threats are of high magnitude cooperative Forest Service and Service negatively affect the reproductive because of their potential to negatively efforts to control smooth brome in 2005, capacity of this species. Therefore, we affect the overall survival of the species. 2006, and 2007, it still persists and has retained an LPN of 2 for this species. Because the threats of competition from increased in some C. christii habitats. Calochortus persistens (Siskiyou exotic plants are being addressed, they Other threats to C. christii from mariposa lily) – The following summary are not anticipated to overwhelm a large recreational use and livestock trespass is based on information contained in portion of the species’ range in the appear to be mostly seasonal and affect our files and the petition we received on immediate future, and the threats from only a small portion of the population, September 10, 2001. The Siskiyou low seed production and survival are although they too are imminent. The mariposa lily is a narrow endemic that longer-term threats, overall the threats magnitude of the threats to this species is restricted to three disjunct ridge tops are nonimminent. Therefore, we is moderate at this time because in the Klamath-Siskiyou Range on the assigned a listing priority number of 5 although the smooth brome control California-Oregon border. The southern- to this species. efforts have not eliminated the invasive most occurrence of this species is Canavalia pubescens (Awikiwiki) – plant, the Service and Forest Service are composed of nine separate sites on The following summary is based on continuing their efforts in order to approximately 10 hectares (ha) (24.7 information contained in our files. No protect this potentially large population acres (ac)) of Klamath National Forest new information was provided in the of plants. The threat from smooth brome and privately owned lands that stretch petition we received on May 11, 2004. is imminent because the threat still for 6 kilometers (km) (3.7 miles (mi)) Awikiwiki is a perennial climber found persists at a level that affects the native along the Gunsight-Humbug Ridge, in open lava fields and lowland dryland plant communities that provide habitat Siskiyou County, California. In 2007, a forest on Maui and Lanai, and is for C. christii. Thus, we assign an LPN new occurrence was confirmed in the possibly on the island of Niihau, of 8 to this species. locality of Cottonwood Peak and Little Hawaii. This species is known from five Chamaecrista lineata var. keyensis Cottonwood Peak, Siskiyou County, populations totaling a little over 200 (Big Pine partridge pea) –The following where several populations are individuals. This species is threatened summary is based on information distributed over 164 ha (405 ac) on four by development (Maui), goats (Maui) contained in our files. No new individual mountain peaks in the and axis deer (Maui and Lanai) that information was provided in the Klamath National Forest and on private degrade and destroy habitat, and by petition we received on May 11, 2004. lands. The northern-most occurrence nonnative plants that outcompete and This pea is endemic to the lower Florida consists of not more than five Siskiyou displace native plants (both islands). Keys, and restricted to pine rocklands, mariposa lily plants that were Fire is a possible threat at the Keokea hardwood hammock edges, and discovered in 1998, on Bald Mountain, population on Maui. An ungulate roadsides and firebreaks within these west of Ashland, Jackson County, exclosure fence protects six individuals ecosystems. Historically, it was known Oregon. of C. pubescens, and weed control is from Big Pine, Cudjoe, No Name, Major threats include competition and ongoing at this location on Maui. This Ramrod, and Little Pine Keys (Monroe shading by native and nonnative species species is represented in two ex situ County, Florida). In 2005, a small fostered by suppression of wild fire; collections. Threats to this species from population was detected on lower increased fuel loading and subsequent feral goats, axis deer, and nonnative Sugarloaf Key, but this population was risk of wild fire; fragmentation by roads, plants are ongoing, or imminent, and of apparently extirpated later in 2005, due fire breaks, tree plantations, and radio- high magnitude because they to the effects of Hurricane Wilma. It tower facilities; maintenance and significantly affect the species presently occurs on Big Pine Key, with construction around radio towers and throughout its range. Fire is a a very small population on Cudjoe Key. telephone relay stations located on nonimminent threat. Therefore, we It is fairly well distributed in Big Pine Gunsight Peak and Mahogany Point; and retained an LPN of 2 for this species. Key pine rocklands, which encompass soil disturbance, direct damage, and Castilleja christii (Christ’s paintbrush) approximately 580 hectares (1,433 exotic weed and grass species – The following summary is based on acres), approximately 360 hectares (890 introduction as a result of heavy information contained in our files and acres) of which are within the Service’s recreational use and construction of fire the petition we received on January 2, National Key Deer Refuge (NKDR). Over breaks. Dyer’s woad (Isatis tinctoria), an 2001. Castilleja christii is found in one 80 percent of the population probably invasive, nonnative plant that may population covering approximately 85 exists on NKDR, with the remainder prevent germination of Siskiyou ha (220 ac) on the summit of Mount distributed among State, County, and mariposa lily seedlings, is now found Harrison in Cassia County, Idaho. This private properties. Hurricane Wilma throughout the southern-most California endemic species is considered a (October 2005) resulted in a storm surge occurrence, affecting 75 percent of the hemiparasite (dependent on the health that covered most of Big Pine Key with known lily habitat on Gunsight-Humbug of their surrounding native plant sea water. The surge reduced the Ridge. Forest Service staff and the community), and it grows in association population by as much as 95 percent in Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center cite with subalpine meadow and sagebrush some areas. competition with dyer’s woad as a habitats. The population may be large Pine rockland communities are significant and chronic threat to the (greater than 10,000 individual plants); maintained by relatively frequent fires. survival of Siskiyou mariposa lily. however, the species is considered to be In the absence of fire, shrubs and trees

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encroach on pine rockland and this fragments in urban areas. However, the encroach on pine rockland and the subspecies is eventually shaded out. threats of fire suppression and exotics subspecies is eventually shaded out. NKDR has a prescribed fire program, are reduced on lands managed by the NKDR has a prescribed fire program, although with many constraints on National Park Service. Another threat is although with many constraints on implementation. Habitat loss due to hydrology changes. Hydrology has been implementation. Habitat loss due to development was historically the altered within Long Pine Key due to development was historically the greatest threat to the pea. Much of the artificial drainage, which lowered greatest threat to the wedge spurge. remaining habitat is now protected on ground water, and construction of roads, Much of the remaining habitat is now public lands. Absence of fire now which either impounded or diverted protected on public lands. Absence of appears to be the greatest of the water. Regional water management fire now appears to be the greatest of the deterministic threats. Given the recent intended to restore the Everglades could deterministic threats. Given the recent increase in hurricane activity, storm negatively affect the pinelands of Long increase in hurricane activity, storm surges are the greatest of the stochastic Pine Key. At this time, we do not know surges are the greatest of the stochastic threats. The small range and patchy whether the proposed restoration and threats. The small range and patchy distribution of the subspecies increases associated hydrological modifications distribution of the subspecies increases risk from stochastic events. Climatic will have a positive or negative effect on risk from stochastic events. Climatic changes and sea-level rise are serious pineland sandmat. This narrow endemic changes and sea-level rise are serious long-term threats. Models indicate that may be vulnerable to catastrophic long-term threats. Models indicate that even under the best of circumstances, a events and natural disturbances, such as even under the best of circumstances, a significant proportion of upland habitat hurricanes. Overall, the magnitude of significant proportion of upland habitat will be lost on Big Pine Key by 2100. threats to this species is moderate, since will be lost on Big Pine Key by 2100. Additional threats include restricted by applying regular prescribed fire, the Additional threats include restricted range, invasive exotic plants, roadside National Park Service has kept Long range, invasive exotic plants, roadside dumping, loss of pollinators, seed Pine Key’s pineland vegetation intact dumping, loss of pollinators, seed predators, and development. We and relatively free of exotic plants, and predators, and development. We maintain the previous assessment that the extent to which proposed restoration maintain the previous assessment that hurricane storm surges, lack of fire, and will negatively affect this subspecies are low fire return intervals plus hurricane- limited distribution results in a unclear. Overall, the threats are related storm surges, in combination moderate magnitude of threat because a nonimminent since fire management at with a limited, fragmented distribution large part of the range is on conservation the largest occurrence is regularly and threats from sea-level rise, results in lands wherein threats are being conducted, and sea-level rise and a moderate magnitude of threat, in part, controlled, although fire management is hurricanes are longer-term threats. because a large part of the range is on at much slower rate than is required. Therefore, we assigned a LPN of 12 to conservation lands wherein some The immediacy of hurricane threats is this subspecies. threats can be substantially controlled. difficult to characterize. Sea-level rise Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp. serpyllum The immediacy of hurricane threats is remains uncontrolled, but overall, is (Wedge spurge) – The following difficult to categorize. Sea-level rise nonimminent. Overall, the threats from summary is based on information remains uncontrolled, but over much of limited distribution and inadequate fire contained in our files. No new the range is nonimminent compared to management are imminent since they information was provided in the other prominent threats. Threats petition we received on May 11, 2004. are ongoing. Therefore, we retained an resulting from limited fire occurrences Systematic surveys of publicly owned LPN of 9 for Big Pine partridge pea. are imminent. Since major threats are Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp. pinetorum pine rockland throughout this plant’s ongoing, overall, the threats are (Pineland sandmat) – The following range were conducted during 2005-2006 imminent. Therefore, we retained an summary is based on information and 2007-2008 to determine population LPN of 9 for this subspecies. contained in our files. No new size and distribution. Wedge spurge is a information was provided in the small prostrate herb. It was historically, Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina petition we received on May 11, 2004. and remains, restricted to pine (San Fernando Valley spineflower) – The pineland sandmat in only known rocklands on Big Pine Key in Monroe The following summary is based on from Miami-Dade County, Florida. The County, Florida. Pine rocklands information contained in our files and largest occurrence, estimated at more encompass approximately 580 hectares the petition we received on December than 10,000 plants, is located on Long (1,433 acres) on Big Pine Key, 14, 1999. Chorizanthe parryi var. Pine Key within Everglades National approximately 360 hectares (890 acres) fernandina is a low-growing herbaceous Park. All other occurrences are smaller of which are within the Service’s annual plant in the buckwheat family. and are in isolated pine rockland National Key Deer Refuge (NKDR). Most Germination occurs following the onset fragments in heavily urbanized Miami- of the species’ range falls within the of late-fall and winter rains and Dade County. NKDR, with the remainder on State, typically represents different cohorts Occurrences on private lands and on County, and private properties. It is not from the seed bank. Flowering occurs in one county-owned parcel are at risk widely dispersed within the limited the spring, generally between April and from development and habitat range. Occurrences are sparser in the June. Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina degradation and fragmentation. southern portion of Big Pine Key, which grows up to 30 centimeters in height Conditions related to climate change, contains smaller areas of NKDR lands and 5 to 40 centimeters across. The particularly sea-level rise, will be a than does the northern portion. Wedge plant currently is known from two factor over the long-term. All spurge inhabits sites with low woody disjunct localities: the first is in the occurrences of the species are cover (e.g., low palm and hardwood southeastern portion of Ventura County threatened by habitat loss and densities) and usually, exposed rock or on a site within the Upper Las Virgenes degradation due to fire suppression, the gravel. Canyon Open Space Preserve, formerly difficulty of applying prescribed fire, Pine rockland communities are known as Ahmanson Ranch, and the and exotic plants. These threats are maintained by relatively frequent fires. second is in an area of southwestern Los severe within small and unmanaged In the absence of fire, shrubs and trees Angeles County known as Newhall

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Ranch. Investigations of historical drought, or erosion. The primary threat 2004. The Florida semaphore cactus is locations and seemingly suitable habitat from habitat destruction by endemic to the Florida Keys, and was within the range of the species have not development is nonimminent due to the discovered on Big Pine Key in 1919, but revealed any other occurrences. ongoing development of a CCA. We that population was extirpated as a The threats currently facing San retained a listing priority number of 6 result of road building and poaching. Fernando Valley spineflower include for Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina This cactus grows close to salt water on threatened destruction, modification, or due to a high magnitude of bare rock with a minimum of humus curtailment of its habitat or range, and nonimminent threats. soil cover in or along the edges of other natural or manmade factors. The Chromolaena frustrata (Cape Sable hammocks near sea level. The species is threats to Chorizanthe parryi var. thoroughwort) – The following known to occur naturally only in two fernandina from habitat destruction or summary is based on information areas, Swan Key within Biscayne modification are slightly less than they contained in our files. No new National Park and Little Torch Key. were several years ago. One of the two information was provided in the Outplantings have been attempted in populations (Upper Las Virgenes petition we received on May 11, 2004. several locations in the upper and lower Canyon Open Space Preserve) is in This species is found most commonly in Keys; however, success has been low. permanent, public ownership and is open sun to partial shade at the edges Few plants remain in the population at being managed by an agency that is of rockland tropical hammock and in The Nature Conservancy’s Torchwood working to conserve the plant; however, coastal rock barrens. There are nine Hammock Preserve on Little Torch Key. the use of adjacent habitat for filming extant occurrences located at five During monitoring work conducted in movies is a recently identified threat to islands in the Florida Keys; two 2005, a total of 655 plants were the species, and the potential impacts to occurrences are within Everglades documented at the Swan Key Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina have National Park (ENP). The plant has been population. In 2008 the population was not yet been fully evaluated. We will be extirpated from half of the islands estimated by Biscayne National Park working with the landowners to manage where it occurred. Prior to Hurricane staff to consist of at least 600 plants. The the site for the benefit of Chorizanthe Wilma in 2005, the population was cactus does not propagate sexually, and parryi var. fernandina. The other estimated at roughly 5,000 individuals, asexual reproduction is the main life- population (Newhall Ranch) is under with all but 500 occurring on one history strategy of this species. Recent the threat of development; however, a privately owned island. More recently, genetic studies have shown no variation Candidate Conservation Agreement an estimate of 1,500 plants was given for within populations and very limited (CCA) is being developed with the areas within ENP. variation between populations. Findings landowner, and it is possible that the This species is threatened by habitat support the conclusion that the Swan remaining plants can also be conserved. loss and modification, even on public Key (upper Keys), Little Torch Key, and Until such an agreement is finalized, the lands, and habitat loss and degradation Big Pine Key (outplanting; lower Keys) threat of development and the potential due to threats from exotic plants at populations are clonally derived and damage to the Newhall Ranch almost all sites. The species is genetically distinct from each other. population still exists, as evidenced by vulnerable to natural disturbances, such Studies examining the reproductive the destruction of some plants during as hurricanes, tropical storms, and biology of the species indicate that all installation of an agave farm. storm surges. While these factors may extant wild and cultivated plants are Furthermore, cattle grazing on Newhall also work to maintain coastal rock male. Ranch may be a current threat. Cattle barren habitat in the long-term, The causes for the population decline grazing may harm Chorizanthe parryi Hurricane Wilma appeared to have had of this species include destruction or var. fernandina by trampling plants and severe impacts, at least in the short- modification of habitat, predation from compacting soil. Grazing activity could term. Occurrences probably declined nonnative Cactoblastis cactorum moths also alter the nutrient content of the due to inundation of its coastal barren and disease, poaching and vandalism, soils through fecal inputs, which in turn and rockland hammock habitats in the sea-level rise, and hurricanes. Sea level may favor the growth of other plant short-term; long-term effects on this rise is considered a serious threat to the species that would otherwise not grow species are unknown. Sea-level rise is species and its habitat; all extant so readily on the mineral-based soils. considered a major threat over the long- populations are located in low-lying Over time, changes in species term. Potential effects from other areas. All remaining populations are composition may render the sites less changes in freshwater deliveries and the under threat of predation from the favorable for the persistence of construction of the Buttonwood Canal exotic moth and are susceptible to Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina. are unknown. Problems associated with crown rot disease. Because of low Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina may small population size and isolation are population numbers, lack of variation be threatened by invasive nonnative likely major factors, as occurrences may between and within populations, and plants, including grasses, which could not be large enough to be viable; this reproductive problems, the threats are of potentially displace it from available narrowly endemic plant has uncertain high magnitude. The numerous threats habitat; compete for light, water, and viability at most locations, especially are ongoing and therefore, are nutrients; and reduce survival and following Hurricane Wilma. Thus, these imminent. Thus, we assigned this establishment. factors constitute a high magnitude of species an LPN of 2. The threats to this plant are high in threat. The threats of small population Cordia rupicola (no common name) – magnitude since Chorizanthe parryi var. size, isolation, and uncertain viability The following summary is based on fernandina is particularly vulnerable to are imminent because they are ongoing. information contained in our files. No extinction due to its concentration in As a result, we assigned an LPN of 2 to new information was provided in the two isolated areas. The existence of only this species. petition we received on May 11, 2004. two areas of occurrence, and a relatively Consolea corallicola (Florida Cordia rupicola, a small shrub, has been small range, makes the variety highly semaphore cactus) – The following described from southwestern Puerto susceptible to extinction or extirpation summary is based on information in our Rico, Vieques Island, and Anegada from a significant portion of its range files. No new information was provided Island (British Virgin Islands). All sites due to random events such as fire, in the petition we received on May 11, lay within the subtropical dry forest life

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zone overlying a limestone substrate. Cyanea lanceolata (Haha) – We individuals. There is some question as Cordia rupicola has a restricted continue to find that listing this species to the true identity of the Maui distribution. Currently, approximately is warranted-but-precluded as of the populations, which do not fit the 226 individuals are known from 3 date of publication of this notice. description of the species precisely. If, locations in Puerto Rico: Pen˜ uelas and However, we are working on a proposed upon further taxonomic study, the Maui Gua´nica Commonwealth Forests and listing rule that we expect to publish populations are determined not to be Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. prior to making the next annual this species, then it is even rarer, with Additionally, the species is reported as resubmitted petition 12–month finding. only the Molokai populations of a few common on Anegada Island. Cyanea obtusa (Haha) – We continue individuals remaining. Cyrtandra filipes This species is threatened by to find that listing this species is is threatened by pigs, goats, and deer maintenance of trails and power line warranted-but-precluded as of the date that degrade and destroy habitat and right-of-ways in the Gua´nica of publication of this notice. However, may prey upon it, by nonnative plants Commonwealth Forest, residential we are working on a proposed listing that outcompete and displace it, and development in Pen˜ uelas, and rule that we expect to publish prior to potentially by predation by rats and residential and commercial making the next annual resubmitted slugs. Landslides are a likely threat to development in Anegada Island. This petition 12–month finding. two populations. Feral pigs have been species is also vulnerable to natural Cyanea tritomantha (1Aku) – The fenced out of one population of C. (e.g., hurricanes) or manmade (e.g., following summary is based on filipes on Maui, and strategic fencing for human-induced fires) threats. information contained in our files. No axis deer is under construction on west Approximately 68 percent of the new information was provided in the Maui, but deer are able to jump over currently known reproductive adults are petition we received on May 11, 2004. most pig exclusion fences, so they are located in the Gua´nica Commonwealth Cyanea tritomantha is a palm-like tree still considered a threat. Nonnative Forest where, due to the difficulty in found in Metrosideros-Cibotium (ohia- plants are being reduced in the identifying this species, it may be hapuu) montane wet forest on the island population that is fenced but all threatened by management and of Hawaii. This species is known from populations are potentially threatened maintenance activities; another 32 16 populations with a total of by rats and slugs. The threats from pigs approximately 300 to 400 individuals. percent of the currently known and nonnative plants are of a high Cyanea tritomantha is threatened by reproductive adults are located on magnitude because of their severity and pigs and cattle that degrade and destroy privately owned property where habitat the fact that they occur in eight of the habitat, and nonnative plants that destruction or modification may affect 10 known populations. In addition, outcompete and displace it. Potential this species. Since threats may these threats are imminent because they threats to this species include predation significantly affect the majority of the are ongoing. Therefore, we retained an by feral pigs, cattle, rats, and slugs that reproducing population, the magnitude LPN of 2 for this species. may directly prey upon and defoliate Cyrtandra kaulantha (Haiwale) – We of the threats is high. The population of individuals, and human trampling of continue to find that listing this species C. rupicola on Anegada Island is individuals located near trails. Feral is warranted-but-precluded as of the currently in good condition and the pigs and cattle have been fenced out of date of publication of this notice. threats this species faces there are ones three outplanted populations of C. However, we are working on a proposed that will arise in the future, if tritomantha, and nonnative plants have listing rule that we expect to publish conservation measures are not been reduced in the fenced areas; prior to making the next annual implemented and long-term impacts are however, there are no efforts to control resubmitted petition 12–month finding. not averted. For these reasons, the the ongoing and imminent threats to the Cyrtandra oxybapha (Haiwale) – We threats to the species as a whole are other 13 populations. The threats continue to find that listing this species nonimminent. Therefore we have continue to be of a high magnitude to is warranted-but-precluded as of the assigned a LPN of 5 to this species. C. tritomantha because they date of publication of this notice. Cyanea asplenifolia (Haha) – We significantly affect the species resulting However, we are working on a proposed continue to find that listing this species in direct mortality or reduced listing rule that we expect to publish is warranted-but-precluded as of the reproductive capacity. They are ongoing prior to making the next annual date of publication of this notice. and therefore imminent for more than resubmitted petition 12–month finding. However, we are working on a proposed seventy-five percent of the population Cyrtandra sessilis (Haiwale) – We listing rule that we expect to publish where no control measures have been continue to find that listing this species prior to making the next annual implemented. Because the threats is warranted-but-precluded as of the resubmitted petition 12–month finding. continue to be of a high magnitude and date of publication of this notice. Cyanea calycina (Haha) – We are imminent for the unmanaged However, we are working on a proposed continue to find that listing this species populations, we retained an LPN of 2 for listing rule that we expect to publish is warranted-but-precluded as of the this species. prior to making the next annual date of publication of this notice. Cyrtandra filipes (Haiwale) – The resubmitted petition 12–month finding. However, we are working on a proposed following summary is based on Dalea carthagenensis ssp. floridana listing rule that we expect to publish information contained in our files. No (Florida prairie-clover) – The following prior to making the next annual new information was provided in the summary is based on information resubmitted petition 12–month finding. petition we received on May 11, 2004. contained in our files. No new Cyanea kunthiana (Haha) – We Haiwale is a shrub found in lowland to information was provided in the continue to find that listing this species montane wet forest on Maui and petition we received on May 11, 2004. is warranted-but-precluded as of the Molokai, Hawaii. Historically rare, C. Dalea carthagenensis var. floridana date of publication of this notice. filipes was found in southeastern occurs in Big Cypress National Preserve However, we are working on a proposed Molokai and west Maui. Currently, this (BCNP) in Monroe and Collier Counties, listing rule that we expect to publish species is known from 10 populations, Florida. It is also known from small prior to making the next annual 3 on Molokai and 7 on west Maui, populations in Miami-Dade County. resubmitted petition 12–month finding. totaling approximately 2,000 There are a total of nine extant

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occurrences, most of which are on known sites could result in a serious Overall, the magnitude of threats is high conservation land. protraction of the species’ range. because only two occurrences remain, Existing occurrences are extremely However, the most immediate and and various threats exist. Impacts from small and may not be viable, especially severe of the threats to this species (i.e., climate change and sea-level rise are those in Miami-Dade County. ditching of the Laboundsky Pond site, expected to be severe in the future. The Remaining habitats are fragmented. and encroachment of aggressive majority of threats are nonimminent as Climatic changes and sea-level rise are vegetative competitors) have been they are long-term in nature (water long-term threats that are expected to curtailed or are being actively managed management, hurricanes, and sea-level reduce the extent of habitat. This plant by The Nature Conservancy at one New rise). Therefore, we assigned an LPN of is threatened by habitat loss and Jersey site and by the Delaware Division 5 for this species. degradation due to fire suppression, the of Fish and Wildlife and Delaware Echinomastus erectocentrus var. difficulty of applying prescribed fire to Natural Heritage Program at the acunensis (Acuna cactus) – The pine rocklands, and threats from exotic Assawoman Pond, Delaware site. Based following summary is based on plants. Damage to plants by off-road on nonimminent threats of a high information contained in our files and vehicles is a serious threat within the magnitude, we retain an LPN of 5 for the petition we received on October 30, BCNP; the threat from illegal mountain this species. 2002. The Acuna cactus is known from biking at the R. Hardy Matheson Digitaria pauciflora (Florida pineland six sites on well-drained gravel ridges Preserve has been reduced. One location crabgrass) – The following summary is and knolls on granite soils in Sonoran within BCNP is threatened by changes based on information contained in our Desert scrub association at 1300 to 2000 in mowing practices; this threat is low files. No new information was provided feet elevation. in magnitude. This species is being in the petition we received on May 11, Habitat destruction has been a threat parasitized by the introduced insect 2004. Pine rocklands in Miami-Dade in the past and is a potential future lobate lac scale at some localities (e.g., County have largely been destroyed by threat to this species. New roads and R. Hardy Matheson Preserve), but we do residential, commercial, and urban illegal activities have not yet directly not know the extent of this threat. This development and agriculture. With most affected the cactus populations at Organ plant is vulnerable to natural remaining habitat having been Pipe Cactus National Monument, but disturbances, such as hurricanes, negatively altered, this species has been areas in close proximity to these known tropical storms, and storm surges. Due extirpated from much of its historical populations have been altered. Cactus to its restricted range and the small sizes range, including extirpation from all populations located in the Florence area of most isolated occurrences, this areas outside of National Parks. Two have not been monitored and these species is vulnerable to environmental large occurrences remain within populations may be in danger of habitat (catastrophic hurricanes), demographic Everglades National Park and Big loss due to recent urban growth in the (potential episodes of poor Cypress National Preserve. Although area. Urban development near Ajo, reproduction), and genetic (potential privately owned pine rocklands and Arizona, as well as that near Sonoyta, inbreeding depression) threats. The prairies are at risk to development, the Mexico, is a significant threat to the magnitude of threats is high, and threats plants on Federal lands are protected Acuna cactus. Populations of the Acuna are imminent because of the limited from this threat. However, extant cactus within the Organ Pipe Cactus number of occurrences and the small occurrences are in low-lying areas and National Monument have shown a 50 number of individual plants at each will be affected by climate change and percent mortality rate in recent years. occurrence. In addition, even though rising sea level. The reason(s) for the mortality are not many sites are on conservation lands, This species is threatened by habitat known, but continuing drought these plants still face significant loss and degradation due to fire conditions are thought to play a role. ongoing threats. Therefore, we have suppression, the difficulty of applying The Arizona Plant Law and the assigned an LPN of 3 to this subspecies. prescribed fire to pine rocklands, and Convention on International Trade in Dichanthelium hirstii (Hirsts’ panic exotic plants. Since the only remaining Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and grass) – The following summary is based populations are on lands managed by Flora provide some protection for the on information contained in our files. the National Park Service, the threats of Acuna cactus. However, illegal No new information was provided in fire suppression and exotics are collection is a primary threat to this the petition we received on May 11, somewhat reduced. The presence of the cactus variety and has been documented 2004. D. hirstii is a perennial grass that exotic Old World climbing fern is of on the Organ Pipe Cactus National produces erect leafy flowering stems particular concern due to its ability to Monument in the past. The threats from May to October. D. hirstii occurs in spread rapidly. In Big Cypress National continue to be of a high magnitude. The coastal plain intermittent ponds, usually Preserve, plants have been threatened threats are imminent, mainly due to the in wet savanna or pine barren habitats by off-road vehicle use. Another threat continued decline of the species, most and is found at only two sites in New is hydrology changes. Hydrology has likely from effects from the on-going Jersey, one site in Delaware, and one been altered within Long Pine Key due drought. Conditions in 2006 to 2008 site in North Carolina. While all four to artificial drainage, which lowered worsened, and the drought is prevalent extant D. hirstii populations are located ground water, and construction of roads, throughout the range of this variety. For on public land or privately owned which either impounded or diverted this reason, drought as the main threat conservation lands, natural threats to water. Regional water management is on-going and is a significant threat to the species from encroaching vegetation intended to restore the Everglades has the long-term viability of this variety. and fluctuations in climatic conditions the potential to affect the pinelands of Therefore, we assigned an LPN of 3 to remain of concern and may be Long Pine Key, where a large population this cactus variety. exacerbated by anthropomorphic factors occurs. At this time, it is not known Erigeron lemmonii (Lemmon fleabane) occurring adjacent to the species’ whether Everglades restoration will – The following summary is based on wetland habitat. Given the low numbers have a positive or negative effect. This information contained in our files and of plants found at each site, even minor narrow endemic may be vulnerable to the petition we received in July 1975. changes in the species’ habitat could catastrophic events and natural The species is known from one site in result in local extirpation. Loss of any disturbances, such as hurricanes. a canyon in the Fort Huachuca Military

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Reservation (Fort Huachuca) of the currently known threats. Because mining are very likely to occur in the southeastern Arizona. In the 1990s, the population is small, limited to a future, they are not expected to happen surveys found approximately 450 single site, and sensitive to fire and in the immediate future, and thus, the plants. A survey in 2006 found disturbance, the species remains threats are nonimminent. Accordingly, approximately 950 plants; occupied vulnerable to the identified threats. The we assigned the Las Vegas buckwheat habitat encompasses about 1 square magnitude of threats is high because, an LPN of 6. kilometer. given the limited range of the species, Eriogonum kelloggii (Red Mountain The threats to this species are from any of the threats could adversely affect buckwheat) – The following summary is catastrophic wildfire in the canyon and its continued existence. The threats are based on information contained in our on-going drought conditions. We do not ongoing and, therefore, imminent. files and information provided by the know if this species has any adaptations Because the species continues to be California Department of Fish and to fire. Due to its location on cliffs, we vulnerable to these threats, we retained Game. No new information was suspect that fires that may have an LPN of 2 for this species. provided in the petition we received on occurred at more regular intervals and Eriogonum corymbosum var. nilesii May 11, 2004. Red Mountain buckwheat burned at low intensities may have had (Las Vegas buckwheat) – The following is a perennial herb endemic to little to no effect on this species. Lack summary is based on information serpentine habitat of lower montane of fire and the accumulated fuel load contained in our files and the petition forests found between 1,900 and 4,100 that lead to high fire intensity and we received on April 23, 2008. The Las feet. Its distribution is limited to the Red associated heat may now damage or kill Vegas buckwheat is a woody perennial Mountain and Little Red Mountain areas plants on adjacent cliffs, especially near shrub up to 4 feet high with a mounding of Mendocino County, California, where the ground. Plants that are much higher shape. The flowers of this plant are it occupies in excess of 81 acres, and on the cliff face would probably not be numerous, small and yellow with small 900 square feet, respectively. Occupied affected. We consider the magnitude of bract-like leaves at the base of each habitat at Red Mountain is scattered threats to be moderate rather than high flower. The Las Vegas buckwheat is very over 4 square miles. Total population because we believe that not all of the conspicuous when flowering in late size has not been determined, but a population would be adversely affected September and early October. It is preliminary estimate suggests the by a wildfire or drought. The threats are restricted to gypsum soil outcroppings population may be in excess of 63,000 still imminent because the likelihood of in Clark and Lincoln Counties, Nevada. plants, occupying more than 44 discrete a fire is high. The LPN for Lemmon Only recently has the taxonomy been habitat polygons. Intensive monitoring fleabane remains an 8 due to moderate, verified using molecular genetic of permanent plots on three study sites imminent threats. analyses. in Red Mountain suggests considerable Eriogonum codium (Umtanum Desert Loss of habitat from development is a annual variation in plant density and buckwheat) – The following summary is significant threat with over 95 percent reproduction, but no discernable based on information contained in our of the historical range and potential population trend was evident in two of files. No new information was provided habitat of the subspecies lost to three study sites. One study site showed in the petition we received on May 11, development. In 2005, the Las Vegas a 65 percent decline in plant density 2004. This species is a long-lived, slow- buckwheat was known from 9 locations over 11 years. growing, woody perennial plant that on approximately 1,150 acres. However, The primary threat to this species is forms low dense mats. The species since that time, approximately 290 acres the potential for surface mining for occupies a single location on the were or soon will be developed, and the chromium and nickel. Virtually the Hanford National Monument in current distribution of the plant entire distribution of Red Mountain Washington State. It is found only on an occupies about 890 acres. In addition, buckwheat is either owned by mining exposed basalt ridge; we do not know if off-highway vehicle activity and other interests, or is covered by existing this association is related to the public land uses (casual public use, mining claims, none of which are chemical or physical characteristics of mining, and illegal dumping) directly currently active. Surface mining would the bedrock or other factors. Individual and indirectly threaten over half of the destroy habitat suitability for this plants may exceed 100 years of age, remaining habitat. To date, regulatory species. The species is also believed based on counts of annual growth rings. mechanisms to protect the Las Vegas threatened by tree and shrub A count in 1997 reported 5,228 buckwheat are inadequate. Its encroachment into its habitat, in individuals; by 2005 the figure had designation as a Bureau of Land absence of fire. Some 42 percent of its dropped to 4,418, declining 15 percent Management (BLM) special status known distribution occurred within the over eight years. A population viability species and limited resource and law boundary of the Red Mountain Fire of analysis in 2006 based on 9 years of enforcement personnel have not June, 2008. However, the extent and demographic data estimated that that provided adequate protection on lands manner in which Eriogonum kelloggii there is a 72 percent chance of a decline managed by the BLM. The Las Vegas and its habitat were affected by that fire of 50 percent within the next 100 years. buckwheat is not protected by the State is not yet known. The single population Another analysis is expected in 2009, of Nevada or any other regulatory located at Little Red Mountain appears based on 12 years of demographic mechanisms on other federal lands. to have been impacted, and perhaps monitoring. Conservation measures are being eliminated by fire control efforts. The The major threats to the species are developed that could reduce the risks to primary threat of surface mining is high wildfire, firefighting activities, occupied habitat, but we believe it in magnitude because it could extirpate trampling, and invasive weeds. would be premature to consider these the species in the majority of its range. However, the relationship between the measures sufficiently complete as to That threat is nonimminent because decline in population numbers and the remove these threats. The magnitude of none of the mining claims are active. known threats is not understood at this threats is high since the more significant Because of the high-magnitude, time. With the possible exception of threats (development and surface nonimminent threat to the small, wildfire, the observed decline in mining) would result in direct mortality scattered populations, we assigned a population numbers and recruitment of the plants in over half of its known listing priority number of 5 to this since 1997 is not directly attributable to habitat. While both development and species.

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Festuca hawaiiensis (no common 1977, respectively. A great amount of prior to making the next annual name) – The following summary is potentially suitable habitat in Coahuila resubmitted petition 12–month finding. based on information contained in our has never been surveyed. The potential Geranium hillebrandii (Nohoanu) – files. No new information was provided threats to Guadalupe fescue include We continue to find that listing this in the petition we received on May 11, changes in the wildfire cycle and species is warranted-but-precluded as of 2004. This species is a cespitose vegetation structure, trampling from the date of publication of this notice. (growing in dense, low tufts) annual humans and pack animals, grazing, trail However, we are working on a proposed found in dry forest on the island of runoff, fungal infection of seeds, small listing rule that we expect to publish Hawaii. Festuca hawaiiensis is known sizes and isolation of populations, and prior to making the next annual from four populations totaling limited genetic diversity. The Service resubmitted petition 12–month finding. approximately 1,000 individuals in and and the National Park Service Gonocalyx concolor (no common around the Pohakuloa Training Area established a Candidate Conservation name) – The following summary is (PTA). Historically, this species was Agreement in 2008 to provide based on information contained in our also found on Hualalai and Puu additional protection for the Chisos files. No new information was provided Huluhulu on Hawaii and possibly Mountains population, and to promote in the petition we received on May 11, Ulupalakua on Maui, but it no longer cooperative conservation efforts with 2004. Gonocalyx concolor is a small, occurs at these sites. Festuca U.S. and Mexican partners. The threats evergreen, epiphytic or terrestrial shrub hawaiiensis is threatened by pigs, goats, to Guadalupe fescue are of moderate endemic to Puerto Rico. Currently, G. mouflon, and sheep that degrade and magnitude, and are not imminent, due concolor is known from two destroy habitat; fire; military training to the provisions of the Candidate populations: one at Cerro La Santa and activities; and nonnative plants that Conservation Agreement and other other at Charco Azul, both in the Carite outcompete and displace it. Feral pigs, conservation efforts, as well as the Commonwealth Forest. The forest is goats, mouflon, and sheep have been likelihood that other populations exist located in the Sierra de Cayey and fenced out of a portion of the in mountains of Coahuila that have not extends through the municipalities of populations of F. hawaiiensis, and been surveyed. We have assigned a LPN Guayama, Cayey, Caguas, San Lorenzo, nonnative plants have been reduced in of 11 to this species. and Patillas in southeastern Puerto Rico. the fenced areas but the majority of this Gardenia remyi (Nanu) – The The population previously reported in population is still affected by threats following summary is based on the Caribbean National Forest is from fire and will require long-term information contained in our files. No apparently no longer extant. In 1996, monitoring and management. The new information was provided in the approximately 172 plants were reported threats are imminent because they are petition we received on May 11, 2004. at Cerro La Santa. However, in 2006 only 25 individuals were reported at not controlled and are ongoing in the Nanu is a tree found in mesic to wet Cerro La Santa and four individuals remaining, unfenced populations. forest on the islands of Kauai, Molokai, located at Charco Azul. Firebreaks have been established at two Maui, and Hawaii, Hawaii. Gardenia remyi is known from 20 populations The species is threatened by habitat other populations but again fire is an disturbance related to the maintenance imminent threat to the other two totaling between 77 and 104 individuals. This species is threatened of existing telecommunication facilities populations that have no firebreaks. The at Cerro La Santa, limited distribution threats are of a high magnitude because by pigs, goats, and deer that degrade and destroy habitat and possibly prey upon (two sites), low population numbers they could adversely affect the majority the species, and by nonnative plants (less then 30 individuals total ), and of F. hawaiiensis populations resulting that outcompete and displace it. It is hurricanes. Although the species is in direct mortality or reduced also threatened by landslides on the located in the Carite Commonwealth reproductive capacity. Therefore, we island of Hawaii. This species is Forest, a public forest managed by retained an LPN of 2 for this species. represented in ex situ collections. Feral DNER, applicable laws and regulations Festuca ligulata (Guadalupe fescue) – pigs have been fenced out of the west are not always effectively enforced and The following summary is based on Maui populations of G. remyi, and Service personnel have documented information obtained from the original nonnative plants have been reduced in some damage to the population located species petition, received in 1975, and those areas. However, these threats are adjacent to existing communication from our files, on-line herbarium not controlled and are ongoing in the towers at the forest. Because of databases, and scientific publications. remaining, unfenced populations, and extremely low population numbers and Five small populations of Guadalupe are, therefore, imminent. In addition, the vulnerability to threats fescue, a member of the Poaceae (grass the threat from goats and deer is (maintenance activities and hurricanes), family), have been documented in ongoing and imminent throughout the the magnitude of current threats on the mountains of the Chihuahuan desert in range of the species, because no goat or species is high. Overall, threats are Texas and in Coahuila, Mexico. Only deer control measures have been nonimminent since G. concolor is two extant populations have been undertaken for any of the populations of located in the Carite Commonwealth confirmed in the last five years, in the G. remyi. All of the threats are of a high Forest, administered and managed by Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National magnitude because habitat destruction, the DNER for conservation and Park, Texas, and in the privately owned predation, and landslides could recreation, and actions that may affect Maderas del Carmen protected natural signifcantly affect the entire species such species are generally scrutinized area in Coahuila. Despite intensive resulting in direct mortality or reduced and measures to minimize or avoid searches, a population known from reproductive capacity. Therefore, we impacts to these species are Guadalupe Mountains National Park, retained an LPN of 2 for this species. recommended and implemented. Texas has not been found since 1952 Geranium hanaense (Nohoanu) – We Therefore, we have assigned a listing and is presumed extirpated. Two continue to find that listing this species priority number of 5 to this species. additional Mexican populations, near is warranted-but-precluded as of the Hazardia orcuttii (Orcutt’s hazardia) – Fraile in southern Coahuila, and the date of publication of this notice. The following summary is based on Sierra de la Madera in central Coahuila, However, we are working on a proposed information contained in our files and have not been monitored since 1941 and listing rule that we expect to publish the petition we received on March 8,

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2001. Hazardia orcuttii is an evergreen are a potential threat to populations on protect this land in perpetuity. In east shrubby species in the Asteraceae Kauai. This species is represented in ex Houston County, a population (sunflower family). The erect shrubs are situ collections; however, there are no discovered in Compartment 55 in Davy 50-100 centimeters (20-40 inches) high. other conservation actions implemented Crockett National Forest numbered over The only known extant native for this species. We retained an LPN of 1000 in 2006. In 2000, nearly 800 plants occurrence of this species in the U.S. is 2 because the severity of the threats to were introduced into Compartments 16 in the Manchester Conservation Area in the species is high and the threats are and 20 of Davy Crockett National Forest northwestern San Diego County, ongoing and, therefore, imminent. as part of a reintroduction effort. One California. This site is managed by Helianthus verticillatus (Whorled population retained high numbers (350 Center for Natural Lands Management. sunflower) – See above in ‘‘Listing in 2006), but was subjected to high Hazardia orcuttii also occurs at a few Priority Changes in Candidates.’’ The water conditions in 2007 and may have coastal sites in Mexico, where it has no above summary is based on information been adversely affected. The second site conservation protections. The contained in our files. No new was affected by a change in hydrology occurrences in Mexico are threatened by information was provided in the and had declined to 50 plants in 2006. coastal development from Tijuana to petition we received on May 11, 2004. In 2004, 200 plants were placed in a Ensenada. There are approximately 668 Hibiscus dasycalyx (Neches River wetland in Compartment 11 of Davy native adult plants and 50 seedlings rose-mallow) – The following summary Crockett National Forest, but only 10 remaining in the U.S., and the is based on information contained in plants were seen in 2006. High water population in Mexico is estimated to be our files. No new information was from heavy spring and summer rains 1300 plants. Because the extant provided in the petition received on prevented further assessment of these population in the U.S. is within an area May 11, 2004. This species, found in rose-mallow sites. that receives a great deal of public use, eastern Texas, appears to be restricted to The threats to the species continue to trampling, dumping, and other those portions of wetlands that are be of a high magnitude because they can unintentionally destructive impacts are exposed to open sun and normally hold severely affect the survival and affecting these Hazardia orcuttii plants. standing water early in the growing reproductive capacity of the species. This species has a very low season, with water levels dropping Overall the threats are nonimminent reproductive output, although the during late summer and fall. This since they are not currently affecting or causes are as-yet unknown. Competition habitat has been affected by drainage or likely to affect the majority of the from invasive nonnative plants may filling of floodplain depressions and populations of this species in the pose a threat to the reproductive oxbows, stream channelization, road immediate future. Thus, we have potential of this species. In one study, construction, timber harvesting, retained an LPN of 5 for the Neches agricultural activities (primarily 95 percent of the flowers examined were River rose-mallow. mowing and grazing), and herbicide use. Ivesia webberi (Webber ivesia) – The damaged by insects or fungal agents or Threats that continue to affect the following summary is based on aborted prematurely, and insects or species include wetland alteration, information contained in our files. No fungal agents damaged 50 percent of the herbicide use, grazing, mowing during new information was provided in the seeds produced. However, if low seed the species’ growing and flowering petition we received on May 11, 2004. production is because of ecosystem period, and genetic swamping by other Ivesia webberi is a low, spreading, disruptions, such as loss of effective Hibiscus species. perennial herb that occurs very pollinators, there could be additional A 1995 status survey of 10 counties infrequently in Lassen, Plumas, and threats that need to be addressed. resulted in confirmation of the species Sierra Counties in California, and in Overall, the threats to Hazardia orcuttii at only three sites, but in three separate Douglas and Washoe Counties, Nevada. are of a high magnitude because they counties and three different watersheds, The species is restricted to sites with have the potential to significantly suggesting a relatively wide historical sparse vegetation and shallow, rocky reduce the reproductive potential of this range. These three populations were all soils composed of volcanic ash or species. The threats are nonimminent within highway rights-of-way and derived from andesitic rock. Occupied overall because although trampling and vulnerable to herbicides and adjacent sites generally occur on mid-elevation other recreational impacts are ongoing, agricultural activities. As of 2005, only flats, benches, or terraces on mountain the most significant threats (invasive 20 plants remained at one of these sites. slopes above large valleys along the nonnative plants and low reproductive Additional surveys for Hibiscus transition zone between the eastern edge output) are nonimminent and long-term dasycalyx discovered new populations. of the northern Sierra Nevada and the in nature. This species faces high- About 300 plants were found on land northwestern edge of the Great Basin. magnitude nonimminent threats so we owned by Temple-Inland Corporation in Currently, the global population is have assigned this species a listing east Trinity County. A Candidate estimated at approximately 4.8 million priority of 5. Conservation Agreement was developed individuals at 14 known sites. The Hedyotis fluviatilis (Kamapuaa) – The for this site, but smaller plant numbers Nevada sites support nearly 98 percent following summary is based on have been seen in recent years, possibly of the total number of individuals (4.7 information contained in our files. No due to changes in the wetland’s million) on about 30 acres (12 hectares) new information was provided in the hydrology. Another site discovered on of occupied habitat. The California sites petition we received on May 11, 2004. land previously owned by Champion are larger in area, totaling about 156 Kamapuaa is a scandent shrub found in International Corporation (near White acres (63 hectares), but support fewer mixed shrubland to wet lowland forest Rock Creek in west Trinity County) once individuals (approximately 115,000). on Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii. This supported 300-400 plants. This site was The primary threats to I. webberi species is known from 12 populations modified in 2007 and will be reassessed include urban development, authorized totaling 1,000 to 1,400 individuals. in the near future. In west Houston and unauthorized roads, off-road Hedyotis fluviatilis is threatened by pigs County, a population of 300 to 400 vehicle activities and other dispersed and goats that degrade and destroy plants discovered on private land has recreation, livestock grazing and habitat, and by nonnative plants that been purchased by the Natural Area trampling, fire and fire suppression outcompete and displace it. Landslides Preservation Association in order to activities including fuels reduction and

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prescribed fires, and displacement by reproductive capacity of the majority of Leavenworthia texana was noxious weeds. Despite the high populations of this species. The threats historically recorded at eight sites, all in numbers of individuals, observations in are ongoing, and thus are imminent. a narrow region along north San 2002 and 2004 confirmed that direct Therefore, we retained an LPN of 3 for Augustine and Sabine Counties. All and indirect impacts to the species and this subspecies. sites are on private land. Three sites its habitat, specifically from urban Korthalsella degeneri (Hulumoa) – We have been lost to glauconite mining and development and off-highway vehicle continue to find that listing this species two sites are currently closed to visitors. activity remain high and are likely to is warranted-but-precluded as of the The Sabine County site supported 1000 increase. However, the U.S. Forest date of publication of this notice. plants within 9 square meters (97 square Service has committed to develop a However, we are working on a proposed feet) in 2007. The Tiger Creek site in conservation strategy and monitoring listing rule that we expect to publish San Augustine County (less than 0.1 program to protect this species on prior to making the next annual hectare (.2 acre) in size) was found to National Forest lands where most resubmitted petition 12–month finding. have about 200 plants in 2007. The population are found, and the State of Leavenworthia crassa (Gladecress) – Kardell site (less than 9 square meters Nevada has listed the species as The following information is based on (97 square feet)) has supported 400-500 critically endangered, which provides a information contained in our files. No plants in past years, but none in 2005. mechanism to track future impacts on new information was provided in the An introduced population in private lands. In addition, both the U.S. petition we received on May 11, 2004. Nacogdoches County numbered about Forest Service and State of Nevada have This species of gladecress is a 1000 within an area of about 18 square agreed to coordinate closely with the component of glade flora, occurring in meters (194 square feet) in 2007. Fish and Wildlife Service on all association with limestone Historical habitat has been affected by activities that may affect this species. In outcroppings. Leavenworthia crassa is highway construction, residential light of these conservation endemic to a 13-mile radius area in development, conversion to pasture and commitments, we have determined that north central Alabama in Lawrence and cropland, widespread use of herbicide, the threats to Webber ivesia are Morgan Counties, Alabama, where only overgrazing, and glauconite mining. nonimminent and retained an LPN of 5 six populations of this species are However, the primary threat to existing for this species. documented. Glade habitats today have Leavenworthia texana populations is been reduced to remnants fragmented the invasion of nonnative and weedy Joinvillea ascendens ssp. ascendens by agriculture and development. shrubs and vines (primarily Macartney (Ohe) – The following summary is based Populations of this species are now rose (Rosa bracteata) and Japanese on information contained in our files. located in glade-like areas exhibiting honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). All No new information was provided in various degrees of disturbance including known sites are undergoing severe the petition we received on May 11, pastureland, roadside rights-of-way, and degradation by the incursion of 2004. Ohe is an erect herb found in wet cultivated or plowed fields. The most nonnative shrubs and vines, which to mesic Metrosideros polymorpha- vigorous populations of this species are restrict both growth and reproduction of Acacia koa (ohia-koa) forest on the located in areas which receive full, or the gladecress. Brushclearing carried out islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, near full, sunlight with limited in 1995 resulted in the reappearance of and Hawaii, Hawaii. Ohe is known from herbaceous competition. The magnitude L. texana after a 10–year absence at one 38 widely scattered populations totaling of threat is high for this species, because site. However, nonnative shrubs have approximately 180 individuals with the limited number of populations, again invaded this area. More effective throughout its range. Plants are typically the threats could result in direct control measures, such as burning and found as only one or two individuals, mortality or reduced reproductive selective herbicide use, need to be with miles between populations. This capacity of the species. This species tested and monitored. The small subspecies is threatened by destruction appears to be able to adjust to periodic number of known sites also makes L. or modification of habitat due to pigs, disturbances and the potential impacts texana vulnerable to extreme natural goats, and deer, and by nonnative plants to populations from competition, disturbance events. A severe drought in that outcompete and displace native exotics, and herbicide use are 1999 and 2000 had a pronounced plants. Predation by pigs, goats, deer, nonimminent. Thus, we assigned an adverse effect on L. texana and rats is a likely threat to this species. LPN of 5 to this species. reproduction. Since the threat from Landslides are a potential threat to Leavenworthia texana (Texas golden nonnative plants severely affects all populations on Kauai and Molokai. gladecress) – The following summary is known sites, the magnitude is high. The Seedlings have rarely been observed in based on information contained in our threats are imminent since they are the wild. Seeds germinate in cultivation, files. No new information was provided ongoing. Therefore, we retain an LPN of but most die soon thereafter. It is in the petition we received on May 11, 2 for L. texana. uncertain if this rarity of reproduction is 2004. Leavenworthia texana occurs only Lesquerella globosa (Desvaux) Watson typical of this subspecies, or if it is on the Weches outcrops of east Texas in (Short’s bladderpod) – See above in related to habitat disturbance. Feral pigs San Augustine and Sabine counties. The ‘‘Listing Priority Changes in have been fenced out of a few of the Weches geologic formation consists of a Candidates.’’ The above summary is populations of this subspecies, and layer of calcareous sediment, lying based on information contained in our nonnative plants have been reduced in above a layer of glauconite clay files. No new information was provided a few populations that are fenced. deposited up to 50 million years ago. in the petition we received on May 11, However, these threats are not Erosion of this complex has produced 2004. controlled and are ongoing in the many topography of steep, flat-topped hills Linum arenicola (Sand flax) – The remaining, unfenced populations. This and escarpments, as well as the unique following summary is based on species is represented in ex-situ ecology of Weches glades: islands of information contained in our files. No collections. The threats are of high thin, loamy, seepy, alkaline soils that new information was provided in the magnitude because habitat degradation, support open-sun, herbaceous, and petition we received on May 11, 2004. nonnative plants, and predation result highly diverse and specialized plant Sand flax is found in pine rockland and in mortaility or adversely affect the communities. marl prairie habitats which require

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periodic wildfires in order to maintain fewer than 100 individuals are located totaling approximately 58 individuals an open, shrub free subcanopy and on 3 county-owned preserves. A site on Kauai and from 8 populations reduce leaf litter levels. Based upon with more than 100 plants is owned by totaling between 73 and 83 individuals available data, there are 11 extant the U.S. government, but the site is not in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu. occurrences of sand flax; 11 others are managed for conservation. Climatic Myrsine fosbergii is threatened by feral extirpated or destroyed. Only small and changes and sea-level rise are long-term pigs and goats that degrade and destroy isolated occurrences remain in low- threats that will likely reduce the extent habitat and may prey upon the plant, lying areas in a restricted range of of habitat. The 9 existing occurrences and nonnative plants that compete for southern Florida and the Florida Keys. are small and vulnerable to habitat loss, light and nutrients. This species is Habitat loss and degradation due to which is exacerbated by habitat represented in an ex situ collection. development is a major threat; most of degradation due to fire suppression, the Although there are plans to fence and the remaining occurrences are on difficulty of applying prescribed fire to remove ungulates from the Helemano private land or non-conservation public pine rocklands, and threats from exotic area of Oahu, which may benefit this land. However, much of the pine plants. Remaining habitats are species, no conservation measures have rockland on Big Pine Key, the location fragmented. Non-compatible been taken to date to alleviate these of the largest occurrence, is protected management practices are also a threat threats for this species. Feral pigs and from development. Climatic changes at most protected sites; several sites are goats are found throughout the known and sea-level rise are long-term threats mowed during the flowering and range of M. fosbergii, as are nonnative that are expected to affect the species fruiting season. The species is plants. The threats from feral pigs, goats, and ultimately reduce the extent of vulnerable to natural disturbances, such and nonnative plants are of a high available habitat. Nearly all remaining as hurricanes, tropical storms, and magnitude because they pose a severe populations are threatened by fire storm surges. This species exists in such threat throughout the limited range of suppression, difficulty in applying small numbers at so few sites, that it this species, and they are ongoing and prescribed fire, road maintenance may be difficult to develop and therefore imminent. We retained an LPN activities, exotic species, or illegal maintain viable occurrences on the of 2 for this species. dumping. However, some efforts are available conservation lands. Although Myrsine vaccinioides (Kolea) – We underway to use prescribed fire to no population viability analysis has continue to find that listing this species control exotics on conservation lands been conducted for this plant, is warranted-but-precluded as of the where this species occurs. Sand flax is indications are that existing occurrences date of publication of this notice. vulnerable to natural disturbances, such are at best marginal, and it is possible However, we are working on a proposed as hurricanes, tropical storms, and that none are truly viable. As a result, listing rule that we expect to publish storm surges. Hurricane Wilma the magnitude of threats is high. The prior to making the next annual inundated most of its habitat on Big threats are ongoing, and thus are resubmitted petition 12–month finding. Pine Key in 2005, and plants were not imminent. Therefore, we assigned an Narthecium americanum (Bog found 8–9 weeks post-storm; the density LPN of 3 to this plant variety. asphodel) – The following summary is of sand flax declined to zero in all Melicope christophersenii (Alani) – based on information contained in our management units at The Nature We continue to find that listing this files. No new information was provided Conservancy’s preserve in 2006. In a species is warranted-but-precluded as of in the petition we received on May 11, 2007 post-hurricane assessment, sand the date of publication of this notice. 2004. Bog asphodel is a perennial herb flax was found in northern plots, but not However, we are working on a proposed that is found in savannah areas, usually in any of the southern plots on Big Pine listing rule that we expect to publish with water moving through the Key. Due to the small and fragmented prior to making the next annual substrate, as well as in sandy bogs along nature of the current population, resubmitted petition 12–month finding. streams and rivers. The historical range stochastic events, disease, or genetic Melicope hiiakae (Alani) – We of bog asphodel included New York, bottlenecks may strongly affect this continue to find that listing this species New Jersey, Delaware, North Carolina, species. Reduced pollinator activity and is warranted-but-precluded as of the and South Carolina, but it is now only suppression of pollinator populations date of publication of this notice. found within the Pine Barrens region of from pesticides used in mosquito However, we are working on a proposed New Jersey. control and decreased seed production listing rule that we expect to publish As an obligate wetland species, N. due to increased seed predation in a prior to making the next annual americanum is threatened by loss of fragmented wildland urban interface resubmitted petition 12–month finding. habitat due to filling or draining of may also affect sand flax; however, not Melicope makahae (Alani) – We wetlands, changes in hydrology, and enough information is known on this continue to find that listing this species indirect impacts from development in species’ reproductive biology or life is warranted-but-precluded as of the adjacent uplands. The Pine Barrens history to assess these potential threats. date of publication of this notice. savannahs that support bog asphodel Overall, the magnitude of threats is However, we are working on a proposed provide a scarce, specialized habitat that high; most threats are ongoing and thus listing rule that we expect to publish has declined from several thousand are imminent. Therefore, we assigned an prior to making the next annual acres around 1900 to only a thousand LPN of 2 to this species. resubmitted petition 12–month finding. acres in recent decades. Within its Linum carteri var. carteri (Carter’s Myrsine fosbergii (Kolea) – The savannah habitats, bog asphodel appears small-flowered flax) – The following following summary is based on limited to a relatively narrow range of summary is based on information information contained in our files. No hydrologic and topographic conditions contained in our files. No new new information was provided in the that make this species particularly information was provided in the petition we received on May 11, 2004. sensitive to hydrologic changes, such as petition we received on May 11, 2004. Myrsine fosbergii is a branched shrub or those resulting from filling or draining This plant occupies open and disturbed small tree found in cloud swept ridges of wetlands, flooding as a result of sites in pinelands of Miami-Dade and lowland mesic and wet forest on reservoir construction, water extractions County, Florida. Currently, there are 9 Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii. This species is or diversions, and conversion of natural known occurrences. Occurrences with currently known from 11 populations wetlands to commercial cranberry bogs.

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Most bog asphodel occurs in New nonnative plants have been reduced in including historical ones. The species is Jersey’s regulated Pinelands Area, in some populations that are fenced. located on Bureau of Land Management which development of wetlands or However, these ongoing conservation (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, tribal, and uplands is prohibited unless designed to efforts for this species benefit only a few possibly State lands. Recent reports avoid irreversible adverse impacts upon of the known populations. The threats from the BLM and Navajo Nation the survival of any local populations of are not controlled and are ongoing in describe populations of the species as federally or State-listed plant or animal the remaining unfenced populations. In being in decline. The main human- species. However, exemptions are addition, little regeneration is observed induced threats to this cactus are granted for cranberry production and in this species. The threats are of a high activities associated with road other agricultural uses, and illegal magnitude, since they are severe enough maintenance, off-road vehicles, and wetland filling has occurred. Outside to affect the continued existence of the trampling associated with livestock the Pinelands Area, wetlands and species. The threats are imminent, since grazing. Monitoring data has detected wetland buffers are State-regulated, but they are ongoing. Therefore, we retained mortality associated with livestock many activities in uplands are not. an LPN of 2 for this species. grazing. Illegal collection of this species Cumulative effects of upland Ochrosia haleakalae (Holei) – The has been noted in the past, but we do development impact wetlands through following summary is based on not know if it is a continuing threat. The sedimentation, non-point source information contained in our files. No populations that have been monitored pollution, changes in pH, and lowered new information was provided in the have been affected, in part, by the water tables. petition we received on May 11, 2004. continuing drought. There has been very Of the known extant populations of Holei is a tree found often on lava and low recruitment, and rabbits and bog asphodel, at least 55 occur on State- in dry to mesic forest on the islands of rodents have consumed adult plants owned lands, 4 occur on federally Hawaii and Maui, Hawaii. This species since there is reduced forage available owned lands, and at least 13 occur on is currently known from 11 populations during these dry conditions. Given that private lands. Bog asphodel occurrences totaling fewer than 130 individuals. there are only a few known populations, on public lands receive the highest Ochrosia haleakalae is threatened by that the range of this taxon is limited, levels of protection, but lack of fire; feral pigs, goats, and cattle that and that the majority of the known enforcement regarding off-road vehicles degrade and destroy habitat and may populations on BLM lands and the is a problem on both public and private directly prey upon it; and nonnative Navajo Nation are experiencing lands. Over-collection, as well as plants that compete for light and declines, we conclude that the threats trampling, erosion, and siltation caused nutrients. This species is represented in are of a high magnitude. The threats are by recreational activities, may also affect ex situ collections. Feral pigs, goats, and ongoing and, therefore, are imminent. some populations. Natural threats to bog cattle have been fenced out of one wild Thus, we have retained an LPN of 3 for asphodel at some sites include beaver- and one outplanted population on this plant variety. induced flooding, succession of private lands on the island of Maui and Penstemon debilis (Parachute savannahs to Atlantic white cedar one outplanted population in Hawaii beardtongue) – We continue to find that swamps, and suppression of natural Volcanoes National Park on the island listing this species is warranted-but- wildfires. The threats are moderate in of Hawaii. Nonnative plants have been precluded as of the date of publication magnitude since many occurrences reduced in the fenced areas. The threat of this notice. However, we are working receive some level of protection from from fire is of a high magnitude and on a proposed listing rule that we some threats. The threats are imminent imminent because no control measures expect to publish prior to making the because conversion to cranberry bogs, have been undertaken to address this next annual resubmitted petition 12– natural succession, wildfire threat that could adversely affect O. month finding. suppression, recreational impacts, and haleakalae as a whole. The threats from Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis erosion are all ongoing. Overall, based feral pigs, goats, and cattle are ongoing (White River beardtongue) - The on these imminent, moderate threats, to the unfenced populations of O. following summary is based on we retain a listing priority number of 8 haleakalae. The threat from nonnative information contained in our files and for this species. plants is ongoing and imminent and of the petition we received on October 27, Nothocestrum latifolium (1Aiea) – The a high magnitude to the wild 1983. The White River beardtongue is following summary is based on populations on both islands, and restricted to calcareous soils derived information contained in our files. No adversely affects the survival and from oil shale barrens of the Green River new information was provided in the reproductive capacity of the majority of Formation in the Uinta Basin of petition we received on May 11, 2004. the species. Therefore, we retained an northeastern Utah and adjacent Aiea is a small tree found in dry to LPN of 2 for this species. Colorado. There are 14 occurrences mesic forest and diverse mesic forests Pediocactus peeblesianus var. known in Utah and 1 in Colorado. Most on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and fickeiseniae (Fickeisen plains cactus) – of the occupied habitat of the White Lanai, Hawaii. Nothocestrum latifolium The following summary is based on River beardtongue is within developed is known from 20 steadily declining information contained in our files. No and expanding oil and gas fields. The populations totaling fewer than 1,100 new information was provided in the location of the species’ habitat can individuals. This species is threatened petition we received on May 11, 2004. expose it to destruction from road, by feral pigs, goats, and axis deer that The Fickeisen plains cactus is a small pipeline, and well-site construction in degrade and destroy habitat and may cactus known from the Gray Mountain connection with oil and gas prey upon it; by nonnative plants that vicinity to the Arizona strip in development. Recreational off-road compete for light and nutrients; and by Coconino, Navajo, and Mohave vehicle use, heavy grazing by livestock, the loss of pollinators that negatively counties, Arizona. The cactus grows on and wildlife and livestock trampling are affect the reproductive viability of the exposed layers of Kaibab limestone on additional threats. A future threat and species. This species is represented in canyon margins and well-drained hills potentially the greatest threat to the an ex situ collection. Ungulates have in Navajoan desert or grassland. In 1999, species is oil shale development. The been fenced out of some areas where N. the Arizona Game and Fish Department threats are of high magnitude because latifolium currently occurs, and noted 23 occurrences for the species, they involve habitat destruction that

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could adversely affect the majority of populations reduce the severity of the throughout its limited range. Therefore, the occurrences of this plant variety. threats. The threats are ongoing in the we retained an LPN of 2 for this species. The threats are nonimmient because unfenced portions and must be Pleomele forbesii (Hala pepe) – We threats associated with oil and gas and constantly managed in the fenced continue to find that listing this species oil shale development will probably not portions. Therefore, the threats are is warranted-but-precluded as of the be increasing substantially within the imminent. We retained an LPN of 8 date of publication of this notice. near future. Oil shale development because the threats are of moderate However, we are working on a proposed remains uncertain within the species’ magnitude and are imminent for the listing rule that we expect to publish habitat, and is not expected to be a majority of the populations. prior to making the next annual significant factor in the near term. Physaria douglasii ssp. tuplashensis resubmitted petition 12–month finding. Therefore, based on current information, (White Bluffs bladder-pod) – See above Potentilla basaltica (Soldier Meadow we retained an LPN of 6. in ‘‘Listing Priority Changes in cinquefoil or basalt cinquefoil) – The Peperomia subpetiolata (1Ala 1ala wai Candidates.’’ The above summary is following summary is based on nui) – We continue to find that listing based on information contained in our information contained in our files; the this species is warranted-but-precluded files. No new information was provided petition we received on May 11, 2004, as of the date of publication of this in the petition we received on May 11, provided no additional information on notice. However, we are working on a 2004. the species. Potentilla basaltica is a low proposed listing rule that we expect to Platanthera integrilabia (Correll) Leur growing, rhizomatous, herbaceous publish prior to making the next annual (White fringeless orchid) – See above in perennial that is associated with alkali resubmitted petition 12–month finding. ‘‘Listing Priority Changes in meadows, seeps, and occasionally Phacelia submutica (DeBeque Candidates.’’ The above summary is marsh habitats bordering perennial phacelia) – We continue to find that based on information contained in our thermal springs, outflows, and meadow listing this species is warranted-but- files. No new information was provided depressions. In Nevada, the species is precluded as of the date of publication in the petition we received on May 11, known only from Soldier Meadow in of this notice. However, we are working 2004. Humboldt County. In northeastern on a proposed listing rule that we Platydesma cornuta var. cornuta (no California, a single population occurs in expect to publish prior to making the common name) – We continue to find Lassen County. At Soldier Meadow, next annual resubmitted petition 12– that listing this species is warranted- there are 11 discrete known occurrences month finding. but-precluded as of the date of within an area of about 24 acres (9.6 Phyllostegia bracteata (no common publication of this notice. However, we hectares) that support about 130,000 name) – We continue to find that listing are working on a proposed listing rule individuals. The California population this species is warranted-but-precluded that we expect to publish prior to occurs on private and public land and as of the date of publication of this making the next annual resubmitted supports fewer than 1,000 plants. The notice. However, we are working on a petition 12-month finding. public land has been designated as an proposed listing rule that we expect to Platydesma cornuta var. decurrens Area of Critical Environmental Concern publish prior to making the next annual (no common name) – We continue to by the Bureau of Land Management. resubmitted petition 12–month finding. find that listing this species is The species and its habitat are Phyllostegia floribunda (no common warranted-but-precluded as of the date threatened by recreational use as well as name) – The following summary is of publication of this notice. However, the impacts of past water diversions, based on information contained in our we are working on a proposed listing livestock grazing, and off-road vehicle files. No new information was provided rule that we expect to publish prior to travel. Conservation measures in the petition we received on May 11, making the next annual resubmitted implemented recently by the Bureau of 2004. This species is an erect subshrub petition 12–month finding. Land Management in Nevada include found in mesic to wet forest on the Platydesma remyi (no common name) the installation of fencing to exclude island of Hawaii, Hawaii. This species – The following summary is based on livestock, wild horses, burros, and other is known from 10 locations totaling information contained in our files. No large mammals; the closure of access fewer than 270 wild and outplanted new information was provided in the roads to spring, riparian, and wetland individuals on State, private, and petition we received on May 11, 2004. areas and the limiting of vehicles to Federal lands. Phyllostegia floribunda is Platydesma remyi is a shrub or shrubby designated routes; the establishment of threatened by feral pigs that degrade tree found in wet forests on old volcanic a designated campground away from the and destroy habitat, and nonnative slopes on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. habitats of sensitive species; the plants that compete for light and This species is known from two installation of educational signage; and nutrients. The National Park Service, populations totaling fewer than 50 an increased staff presence, including The Nature Conservancy, and the State individuals. Platydesma remyi is law enforcement and a volunteer site have outplanted more than 170 threatened by feral pigs and cattle that steward during the 6–month period of individuals at Olaa Forest Reserve, Kona degrade and destroy habitat, nonnative peak visitor use. In California, public Hema, and Waiakea Forest Reserve plants that compete for light and land management actions include (more than 50, 20 individuals, and 100 nutrients, reduced reproductive vigor, prohibiting livestock salting in the individuals, respectively). Fences and stochastic extinction due to vicinity of springs, a proposed long-term protect approximately five populations naturally occurring events. This species monitoring plot, limitations on camping on private, State, and National Park is represented in an ex situ collection, near springs, withdrawal from salable lands. Nonnative plants have been and by one individual included in a rare mineral leasing, and recommendations reduced in these fenced areas. However, plant exclosure in the Laupahoehoe to withdrawal the land from mineral no conservation efforts have been Natural Area Reserve. The threats are entry. These conservation measures implemented for the unfenced ongoing and therefore imminent, and of have reduced the magnitude of threat to populations. This species is represented a high magnitude because of their the species to moderate; all remaining in ex situ collections. Overall, the severity; the threats cause direct threats are nonimminent and involve threats are moderate because mortality or significantly reduce the long-term changes to the habitat for the conservation efforts for over half of the reproductive capacity of the species species resulting from past impacts.

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Until a monitoring program is in place Ranunculus hawaiensis is an erect or benefit only the Maui and Molokai that allows us to assess the long-term ascending perennial herb found in individuals, and absent conservation trend of the species, we have assigned mesic to wet forest dominated by efforts for the Kauai individuals, the a LPN of 11. Metrosideros polymorpha and Acacia threats continue to be of a high Pseudognaphalium (Gnaphalium) koa with scree substrate (loose stones or magnitude on Kauai. Therefore, since sandwicensium var. molokaiense rocky debris on a slope) on Maui and half of the individuals are found on (Enaena) – The following summary is the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. Kauai, threats to the species overall are based on information contained in our Populations formerly within Haleakala also of a high magnitude because these files. No new information was provided National Park have been extirpated. threats significantly reduce the in the petition we received on May 11, This species is currently known from reproductive capacity and thus, the 2004. Pseudognaphalium fewer than 15 individuals in four survival of this species. In addition, the sandwicensium var. molokaiense is a populations: three wild populations threats are imminent because they are perennial herb found in strand occur on Hawaii totaling 11 individuals, ongoing in the Kauai and the majority vegetation in dry consolidated dunes on and a Maui population (Kukui planeze) of the Maui populations. Therefore, we Molokai and Maui, Hawaii. This variety which was not relocated on a survey retained an LPN of 2 for this species. is known from five populations totaling conducted in 2006. In addition, one Rorippa subumbellata (Tahoe yellow approximately 10,000 to 20,000 wild population at Waikamoi (on Maui) cress) – The following summary is based individuals (depending upon rainfall) in was last observed in 1995. Ranunculus on information contained in our files the Moomomi area on the island of hawaiensis is threatened by direct and the petition we received on Molokai, and from two populations of a predation by slugs, feral pigs, goats, December 27, 2000. Rorippa few individuals at Waiehu dunes and at cattle, mouflon, and sheep; by pigs, subumbellata is a small perennial herb Puu Kahulianapa on west Maui. goats, cattle, mouflon and sheep that known only from the shores of Lake Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium var. degrade and destroy habitat; and by Tahoe in California and Nevada. Data molokaiense is threatened by feral goats nonnative plants that compete for light collected over the last 25 years generally and axis deer that degrade and destroy and nutrients. Three populations have indicate that species occurrence habitat and possibly prey upon it, and been outplanted into protected fluctuates yearly as a function of both by nonnative plants that compete for exclosures; however, feral ungulates and lake level and the amount of exposed light and nutrients. Potential threats nonnative plants are not controlled in habitat. Records kept since 1900 show a also include collection for lei and off- the remaining, unfenced populations. In preponderance of years with high lake road vehicles that directly damage addition, the threat from introduced levels that would isolate and reduce R. plants and degrade habitat. Weed slugs is of a high magnitude because subumbellata occurrences at higher control protects one population on slugs occur throughout the limited range beach elevations. Less favorable peak Molokai; however, no conservation of this species and no effective measures years have occurred almost twice as efforts have been initiated to date for the have been undertaken to control them or often as more favorable low-level years. other populations on Molokai or for the prevent them from causing significant Annual surveys are conducted to individuals on Maui. This species is adverse impacts to this species. Overall, determine population numbers, site represented by an ex situ collection. The the threats from pigs, goats, cattle, occupancy, and general disturbance ongoing threats from axis deer, cattle, mouflon, sheep, slugs, and nonnative regime. During the 2003 and 2004 annual survey period, the lake level was nonnative plants, collection, and off- plants are of a high magnitude, and road vehicles are of a high magnitude approximately 6,224 ft (1,898 m); 2004 ongoing (imminent) for R. hawaiensis. because no control measures have been was the fourth consecutive year of low We retained an LPN of 2 for this species. undertaken for the Maui population and water. Rorippa subumbellata was the threats result in direct mortality or Ranunculus mauiensis (Makou) – The present at 45 of the 72 sites surveyed (65 significantly reduce reproductive following summary is based on percent occupied), up from 15 sites (19 capacity for the majority of the information contained in our files. No percent occupied) in 2000 when the populations. Therefore, we retained an new information was provided in the lake level was high at 6,228 ft. LPN of 3 for this plant variety. petition we received on May 11, 2004. Approximately 25,200 stems were Psychotria hexandra ssp. oahuensis Ranunculus mauiensis is an erect to counted or estimated in 2003, whereas var. oahuensis (Kopiko) – We continue weakly ascending perennial herb found during the 2000 annual survey, the to find that listing this species is in open sites in mesic to wet forest and estimated number of stems was 4,590. warranted-but-precluded as of the date along streams on the islands of Maui, Lake levels began to rise again in 2005 of publication of this notice. However, Kauai, and Molokai, Hawaii. This and less habitat was available. Lake we are working on a proposed listing species is currently known from 13 levels began to drop again in 2006 rule that we expect to publish prior to locations totaling fewer than 170 though 2008 leading to an increase in making the next annual resubmitted individuals. Ranunculus mauiensis is both occupied sites and estimated stem petition 12–month finding. threatened by feral pigs, goats, mule counts. Lake levels are expected to Pteralyxia macrocarpa (Kaulu) – We deer and axis deer, and slugs that continue to drop in 2009. continue to find that listing this species consume it; by habitat degradation and Many Rorippa subumbellata sites are is warranted-but-precluded as of the destruction by feral pigs, goats and deer; intensively used for commercial and date of publication of this notice. and by nonnative plants that compete public purposes and are subject to However, we are working on a proposed for light and nutrients. This species is various activities such as erosion listing rule that we expect to publish represented in ex situ collections. Feral control, marina developments, pier prior to making the next annual pigs have been fenced out of the Maui construction, and recreation. The U.S. resubmitted petition 12–month finding. populations of R. mauiensis, and Forest Service, California Tahoe Ranunculus hawaiensis (Makou) – nonnative plants have been reduced in Conservancy, and California Department The following summary is based on the fenced areas. One individual occurs of Parks and Recreation have information contained in our files. No in the Kamakou Preserve on Molokai, management programs for R. new information was provided in the managed by The Nature Conservancy. subumbellata that include monitoring, petition we received on May 11, 2004. However, ongoing conservation efforts fenced enclosures, and transplanting

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efforts when funds and staff are Schiedea salicaria (no common name) National Park (Puna area) on the island available. Public agencies (including the – We continue to find that listing this of Hawaii. It appears that a naturally Service), private landowners, and species is warranted-but-precluded as of occurring population at Kipuka Ki in environmental groups collaborated to the date of publication of this notice. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is develop a conservation strategy coupled However, we are working on a proposed reproducing by seeds, but seeds have with a Memorandum of Understanding/ listing rule that we expect to publish not been successfully germinated under Conservation Agreement. The prior to making the next annual nursery conditions. This species is conservation strategy, completed in resubmitted petition 12–month finding. threatened by feral pigs, cattle, and 2003, contains goals and objectives for Sedum eastwoodiae (Red Mountain mouflon sheep that degrade and destroy recovery and survival, a research and stonecrop) – The following summary is habitat, and nonnative plants that monitoring agenda, and serves as the based on information contained in our compete for light and nutrients. This foundation for an adaptive management files and information provided by the species is represented in ex situ program. Because of the continued California Department of Fish and collections. Feral pigs have been fenced commitments to conservation Game. The petition we received on May out of some of the areas where S. demonstrated by regulatory and land 11, 2004 provided no new information macrophyllus currently occurs, but the management agencies participating in on the species. Red Mountain stonecrop fences do not exclude sheep. Nonnative the conservation strategy, we have is a perennial succulent which occupies plants have been reduced in the determined the threats to R. relatively barren, rocky openings and populations that are fenced. However, subumbellata from various land uses cliffs in lower montane coniferous the threats are not controlled and are have been reduced to a moderate forests, between 1,900 and 4,000 feet ongoing in the remaining, unfenced magnitude. In high lake level years such elevation. Its distribution is limited to populations, and are, therefore, as 2005, however, recreational use is Red Mountain, Mendocino County, imminent. Similarly the threat from concentrated within R. subumbellata California, where it occupies in excess sheep is ongoing and imminent in all habitat, and we consider this threat in of 54 acres scattered over 4 square populations, because the current fences particular to be ongoing and imminent. miles. Total population size has not do not exclude sheep. In addition, all of Therefore, we have maintained an LPN been determined, but a preliminary the threats are of a high magnitude of 8 for this species. estimate suggests the population may be because habitat degradation and in excess of 29,000 plants, occupying Schiedea pubescens (Maolioli) – The competition from nonnative plants more 27 discrete habitat polygons. present a risk to the species, resulting in following summary is based on Intensive monitoring suggests information contained in our files. No direct mortality or significantly considerable annual variation in plant reducing the reproductive capacity. new information was provided in the seedling success and inflorescence petition we received on May 11, 2004. Therefore, we retained an LPN of 2 for production. The primary threat to the this species. Schiedea pubescens is a reclining or species is the potential for surface weakly climbing vine found in diverse mining for chromium and nickel. The Solanum nelsonii (popolo) – The mesic to wet forest on Maui, Molokai, entire distribution Red Mountain following summary is based on and Hawaii. Currently, this species is stonecrop is either owned by mining information contained in our files. No known from six populations totaling interests, or is covered by mining new information was provided in the between 29 and 71 individuals on Maui, claims, none of which are currently petition we received on May 11, 2004. from four populations totaling 25 active. Surface mining would destroy Solanum nelsonii is a sprawling or individuals on Molokai, and from one habitat suitability for this species. The trailing shrub found in coral rubble or population of 4 to 6 individuals on the species is also believed threatened by sand in coastal sites. This species is island of Hawaii. Schiedea pubescens is tree and shrub encroachment into its known from populations in Molokai threatened by feral pigs and goats that habitat, in the absence of fire. Some 25 (approximately 300 plants), the island of consume it and degrade and destroy percent of its known distribution Hawaii (5 plants), and the northwestern habitat, and by nonnative plants that occurred within the boundary of the Hawaiian Islands (NWHI): The current compete for light and nutrients. Feral Red Mountain Fire of June 2008. populations in the NWHI are found on: ungulates have been fenced out of the However, the extent and manner in Midway (approximately 260 plants), population of S. pubescens on Hawaii. which Red Mountain stonecrop and its Laysan (approximately 490 plants), Feral goats have been fenced out of a habitat were affected by that fire is not Pearl and Hermes (unknown number of few of the west Maui populations of S. yet known. Given the high magnitude individuals), Nihoa (8,000 to 15,000 pubescens. Nonnative plants have been and nonimminent threats to the small, adult plants). On Molokai, S. nelsonii is reduced in the populations that are scattered populations of this plant moderately threatened by ungulates that fenced on Maui. However, the threats species, we assigned an LPN of 5 to Red degrade and destroy habitat, and may are not controlled and are ongoing in Mountain stonecrop. eat S. nelsonii. On Molokai and the the remaining unfenced populations on Sicyos macrophyllus (1Anunu) – The northwestern Hawaiian Islands this Maui and the three populations on following summary is based on species is threatened by nonnative Molokai. Fire is a potential threat to the information contained in our files. No plants that outcompete and displace it, Hawaii Island population. In light of the new information was provided in the and by predation by a nonnative extremely low number of individuals of petition we received on May 11, 2004. grasshopper. This species is represented this species, the threats from goats and Sicyos macrophyllus is a perennial vine in ex situ collections. Ungulate nonnative plants are of a high found in wet Metrosideros polymorpha exclusion fences, routine fence magnitude because they result in (ohia) forest and subalpine Sophora monitoring and maintenance, and weed mortaility and reduced reproductive chrysophylla-Myoporum sandwicense control protect the population of S. capacity for the majority of the (mamane-naio) forest on the island of nelsonii on Molokai. Limited weed populations. The threats are imminent Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is known control is conducted in the because they are ongoing with respect to from 11 populations totaling fewer than northwestern Hawaiian Islands. These most of the populations. Therefore, we 50 individuals in the Kohala and Mauna threats are of moderate magnitude retained an LPN of 2 for this species. Kea areas and in Hawaii Volcanoes because of the relatively large number of

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plants, and are imminent for the herbicide application. The threats publish prior to making the next annual majority of the populations because they described above are currently occurring resubmitted petition 12–month finding. are ongoing and are not being and are therefore, imminent. These Huperzia stemmermanniae controlled. We therefore retained an threats are expected to operate (Waewaeiole) – The following summary LPN of 8 for this species. throughout the range of the species; is based on information contained in Stenogyne cranwelliae (no common however data on the frequency, timing, our files. No new information was name) – The following summary is and consequences of these threats are provided in the petition we received on based on information contained in our lacking. Based upon data on other rare May 11, 2004. This species is an files. No new information was provided plant species, some of which are epiphytic pendant clubmoss found in in the petition we received on May 11, federally listed, occurring in similar mesic to wet Metrosideros polymorpha- 2004. Stenogyne cranwelliae is a habitats and possessing similar life Acacia koa (ohia-koa) forests on the creeping vine found in wet forest histories, we do not currently expect islands of Maui and Hawaii, Hawaii. dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha that these threats are likely to be Only four populations are known, on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. irreversible (e.g., to result in the totaling 19 to 29 individuals on Hawaii Stenogyne cranwelliae is known from 11 extirpation of populations) in the near and Maui. Huperzia stemmermanniae is populations totaling fewer than 100 future. Therefore, the magnitude of threatened by feral pigs, goats, cattle, individuals. This species is threatened threats is moderate to low. Thus we and deer that degrade and destroy by feral pigs that degrade and destroy assigned an LPN of 8 to this species. habitat, and by nonnative plants that habitat, and nonnative plants that Zanthoxylum oahuense (Ae) – We compete for light, space, and nutrients. compete for light and nutrients. In continue to find that listing this species It is also threatened by randomly addition, this species is potentially is warranted-but-precluded as of the occurring natural events due to its small threatened by rats that may directly prey date of publication of this notice. population size. One individual at upon it, and by randomly occurring However, we are working on a proposed Waikamoi Preserve may benefit from natural events such as hurricanes and listing rule that we expect to publish fencing for deer and pigs. This species landslides. This species is represented prior to making the next annual is represented in ex situ collections. The in an ex situ collection. All of the resubmitted petition 12–month finding. threats from pigs, goats, cattle, deer, and threats are ongoing rangewide, and no nonnative plants are of a high Ferns and Allies efforts for control or eradication are magnitude because they are sufficiently being undertaken for the pigs, nonnative Christella boydiae (no common name) severe to adversely affect the species plants, or rats. These threats – The following summary is based on throughout its limited range, resulting significantly affect the entire species information contained in our files. No in direct mortality or significantly particularly in light of its small new information was provided in the reducing reproductive capacity. The population size. We retained an LPN of petition we received on May 11, 2004. threats are imminent because they are 2 because these imminent threats are of This species is a small- to medium-sized ongoing. Therefore, we retained an LPN a high magnitude. Symphyotrichum georgianum fern found in mesic to wet forest along of 2 for this species. (Georgia aster) – The following streambanks on Oahu and Maui, Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis summary is based on information Hawaii. Historically, this species was (Palapalai) – The following summary is contained in our files. No new also found on the island of Hawaii, but based on information contained in our information was provided in the it has been extirpated there. Currently, files. No new information was provided petition we received on May 11, 2004. this species is known from five in the petition we received on May 11, Georgia aster currently occurs in the populations totaling 316 individuals. 2004. Palapalai is a terrestrial fern found states of Alabama, Georgia, North This species is threatened by feral pigs in mesic to wet forests. It is currently Carolina and South Carolina. The that degrade and destroy habitat and found on the islands of Maui, Hawaii, species is presumed extant in three may eat this plant, nonnative plants that and Oahu, from at least 10 populations counties in Alabama, ten counties in compete for light and nutrients, and totaling at least 46 individuals. There is Georgia, nine counties in North stream diversion. Feral pigs have been a possibility that the range of this plant Carolina, and eleven counties in South fenced out of the largest population on variety could be larger and include the Carolina. The species appears to have Maui, and nonnative plants have been other main Hawaiian Islands. been eliminated from Florida. reduced in the fenced area. No Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis is Georgia aster is a relict species of post conservation efforts are under way to threatened by feral pigs that degrade oak savannah/prairie communities that alleviate threats to the other two and destroy habitat, and nonnative existed in the southeast prior to populations on Maui, or for the two plants that compete for light and widespread fire suppression and populations on Oahu. This species is nutrients. Pigs have been fenced out of extirpation of large native grazing represented in an ex situ collection. The areas on east and west Maui, and on animals. Most remaining populations magnitude of the threats acting upon the Hawaii, where M. strigosa var. survive adjacent to roads, utility rights currently extant populations is mauiensis currently occurs, and of way, and other openings where moderate because the largest population nonnative plants have been reduced in current land management mimics is protected from pigs, and nonnative the fenced areas. However, the threats natural disturbance regimes. Most plants have been reduced in this area. are not controlled and are ongoing in populations are small (10-100 stems), The threats are ongoing and therefore the remaining unfenced populations on and since the species’ main mode of imminent. Therefore, we retained an Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu. Therefore, the reproduction is vegetative, each isolated LPN of 8 for this species. threats from feral pigs and nonnative population may represent only a few Doryopteris takeuchii (no common plants are imminent. The threats are of genotypes. Many populations are name) – We continue to find that listing a high magnitude because they are threatened by one or more of the this species is warranted-but-precluded sufficiently severe to adversely affect following factors: woody succession due as of the date of publication of this the species throughout its range, to fire suppression, development, notice. However, we are working on a resulting in direct mortality or highway expansion/improvement, and proposed listing rule that we expect to significantly reducing reproductive

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capacity. We therefore retained an LPN existence of any endangered or Cascade, the Cabinet-Yaak, or the of 3 for M. strigosa var. mauiensis. threatened species. Selkirk Ecosystems constitute a Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) significant portion of the grizzly bear’s Petitions To Reclassify Species Already North Cascades ecosystem, Cabinet- range. Listed Yaak, and Selkirk populations (Region On April 18, 2007, the Service We previously made warranted-but- 6) – We have not updated the initiated a 5-year review to evaluate the precluded findings on six petitions information in our uplisting findings current status of grizzly bears in the seeking to reclassify threatened species with regard to the grizzly bear (Ursus lower 48 States outside of the Greater to endangered status. The taxa involved arctos horribilis) populations in the Yellowstone Area (72 FR 19549-19551). are three populations of the grizzly bear North Cascade, the Cabinet-Yaak, or the This status review will fully evaluate (Ursus arctos horribilis), the spikedace Selkirk Ecosystems in this notice. the status of each population and (Meda fulgida), the loach minnow Between 1991 and 1999, we issued determine if any of the populations (Tiaroga cobitis), and Sclerocactus warranted-but-precluded findings to warrant endangered status. We expect brevispinus (Pariette cactus). Because reclassify grizzly bears as endangered in this 5-year review to be completed in these species are already listed under the North Cascades (56 FR 33892– late 2009. the Act, they are not candidates for 33894, July 24, 1991; 63 FR 30453– Spikedace (Meda fulgida) (Region 2) listing and are not included in Table 1. 30454, June 4, 1998), the Cabinet-Yaak (see 59 FR 35303, July 11, 1994, and the However, this notice and associated (58 FR 8250–8251, February 12, 1993; species assessment form (see species assessment forms also constitute 64 FR 26725-26733, May 17, 1999), and ADDRESSES) for additional information the resubmitted petition findings for the Selkirk Ecosystems (64 FR 26725– on why reclassification to endangered is these species. For the three grizzly bear 26733, May 17, 1999). However, none of warranted-but-precluded) – The populations, we have not updated the these findings included a formal spikedace, a small fish species in a information in our assessments through analysis under our 1996 Policy monotypic genus, is found in moderate- this notice as explained below. Regarding the Recognition of Distinct to-large perennial waters, where it Although, we are completing an ongoing Vertebrate Population Segments (DPS) inhabits shallow shear zones, sheet review of the status of the grizzly bear under the Endangered Species Act (61 flow, and eddies with sand, gravel, and in the lower 48 States outside of the FR 4722-4725, February 7, 1996). Under rubble substrates, and moderate-to-swift Greater Yellowstone Areas (see below), this policy a formal analysis of currents and swift pools over sand or we continue to find that reclassification discreteness and significance is gravel substrates. This species is now to endangered for each of the three necessary to determine if the petitioned common only in Aravaipa Creek and populations (described below) is entity is a ‘‘listable entity’’ and, portions of the upper Gila River in New warranted but precluded by work therefore, if the petitioned action Mexico. Smaller, less stable populations indentified above (see ‘‘Petition remains warranted-but-precluded. occur in some areas of the upper Gila, Findings for Candidate Species’’). For While our 1999 revised 12-month and possibly the Verde River. Spikedace the spikedace, loach minnow, and finding included a preliminary DPS have been translocated into Hot Springs Sclerocactus brevispinus, our updated analysis, it appears to have incorrectly and Redfield Canyon (San Pedro River assessments are provided below. We analyzed significance to the listed entity tributaries), Fossil Creek (Verde River find that reclassification to endangered (i.e., grizzly bears in the lower 48 States) tributary), Bonita Creek (Gila River status for the spikedace, loach minnow, instead of significance to the taxon tributary), and the San Francisco River and Sclerocactus brevispinus is (Ursus arctos horribilis) as required by (in New Mexico). Should these currently warranted but precluded by our DPS policy (64 FR 26725–26733, populations become self-sustaining, work identified above (see ‘‘Petition May 17, 1999; 61 FR 4722-4725, they will ultimately contribute to Findings for Candidate Species’’). One February 7, 1996; National Association species recovery. of the primary reasons that the work of Home Builders v. Norton, 340 F. 3d The threats to this species are identified above is considered higher 835, 852 (9th Cir. 2003)). Additionally, primarily from nonnative aquatic priority is that the grizzly bear emerging biological information now species and water withdrawals, populations, spikedace, loach minnow, suggests increasing levels of including groundwater pumping. Other and Sclerocactus brevispinus are connectivity among some of these threats include improper livestock currently listed as threatened, and populations casting doubt on their grazing, road construction, and therefore already receive certain discreteness. recreation. Spikedace occur in only 5 to protections under the Act. The Service Also relevant is the March 16, 2007, 10 percent of their historical range, and promulgated regulations extending take Department of the Interior Office of the threats occur over the majority of their prohibitions for endangered species Solicitor memorandum (available at: range, to varying degrees. Threats are under section 9 to threatened species http://www.doi.gov/solicitor/ exacerbated by ongoing drought. In (50 CFR 17.31). Prohibited actions M37013.pdf) regarding the meaning of addition, different threats can interact under section 9 include, but are not ‘‘significant portion of [a species] with each other to further cause decline. limited to, take (i.e., to harass, harm, range.’’ This memorandum states that For example, drought and water pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, ‘‘whenever the Secretary concludes withdrawals may decrease the amount capture, or collect, or attempt to engage because of the statutory five-factor of habitat available to all species within in such activity). For plants, prohibited analysis that a species is ‘in danger of a given stream, forcing natives and actions under section 9 include extinction throughout... a significant nonnatives into closer proximity to one removing or reducing to possession any portion of its range,’ it is to be listed and another. Effects from nonnative species listed plant from an area under Federal the protections of the ESA applied to introductions are permanent, unless jurisdiction (50 CFR 17.61). Other the species in that portion of its range.’’ streams are actively renovated and/or protections include those under section The memorandum goes on to say ‘‘the barriers installed to preclude further 7(a)(2) of the Act whereby Federal Secretary has broad discretion in recolonization by nonnatives. Grazing agencies must insure that any action defining what portion of a range is pressures have eased as Federal they authorize, fund, or carry out is not ‘significant.’ ’’ To date, the Service has agencies remove cattle from streams likely to jeopardize the continued not determined whether the North directly, but upland conditions continue

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to affect watersheds in general. are permanent, unless streams are These candidates include species and Groundwater withdrawals or exchanges actively renovated and/or barriers subspecies of fish, wildlife, or plants that affect streamflow are not reversible. installed to preclude further and DPSs of vertebrate animals. This For these reasons, the magnitude of the recolonization by nonnatives. Grazing compilation relies on information from threat to this species is high. In pressures have eased as Federal status surveys conducted for candidate addition, most of the threats to this agencies remove cattle from streams assessment and on information from species are already ongoing, in directly, but upland conditions continue State Natural Heritage Programs, other particular grazing, water withdrawals, to affect watersheds in general. State and Federal agencies, nonnative stocking programs, Groundwater withdrawals or exchanges knowledgeable scientists, public and recreational use, and drought. Because that affect streamflow are not reversible. private natural resource interests, and threats have gone on for many years in For these reasons, the magnitude of the comments received in response to the past, are associated with irreversible threats to this species is high. In previous notices of review. commitments (i.e., water exchanges), or addition, most of the threats to this Tables 1 and 2 list animals arranged are not easily reversed (i.e., nonnative species are already ongoing, in alphabetically by common names under stocking and impacts from grazing), the particular grazing, water withdrawals, the major group headings, and list threats to the species are imminent. nonnative stocking programs, plants alphabetically by names of Therefore, we assigned this species an recreational use, and drought. Because genera, species, and relevant subspecies LPN of 1 for uplisting to endangered. threats have gone on for many years in and varieties. Animals are grouped by Loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis) the past, are associated with irreversible class or order. Plants are subdivided (Region 2) (see 59 FR 35303, July 11, commitments (i.e., water exchanges), or into two groups: (1) flowering plants 1994, and the species assessment form are not easily reversed (i.e., nonnative and (2) ferns and their allies. Useful (see ADDRESSES) for additional stocking and impacts from grazing), the synonyms and subgeneric scientific information on why reclassification to threats to this species are imminent. names appear in parentheses with the endangered is warranted-but-precluded) Therefore, we assigned this species an synonyms preceded by an ‘‘equals’’ – This small fish, the only species LPN of 1 for uplisting to endangered. sign. Several species that have not yet within the genus, is found in small-to- Sclerocactus brevispinus (Pariette been formally described in the scientific large perennial streams and uses cactus) (Region 6) (see 72 FR 53211, literature are included; such species are shallow, turbulent riffles with primarily September 18, 2007, and the species identified by a generic or specific name cobble substrate and swift currents. This assessment form (see ADDRESSES) for (in italics), followed by ‘‘sp.’’ or ‘‘ssp.’’ species is now common only in additional information on why We incorporate standardized common Aravaipa Creek and the Blue River in reclassification to endangered is names in these notices as they become Arizona, and in limited portions of the warranted-but-precluded) – The Pariette available. We sort plants by scientific San Francisco, upper Gila, and Tularosa cactus is restricted to clay bad-lands of name due to the inconsistencies in rivers in New Mexico. Smaller, less the Wagon Hound member of the Uinta common names, the inclusion of stable populations occur in some areas Formation in the Uinta Basin of vernacular and composite subspecific of the upper Gila, such as the Middle northeastern Utah. The species is names, and the fact that many plants Fork and in small areas of several restricted to one population with an still lack a standardized common name. tributary streams to Aravaipa Creek and overall range of approximately 10 miles Table 1 lists all candidate species, the Blue and Tularosa rivers, such as by 5 miles in extent. The species’ entire plus species currently proposed for Pace, Frieborn, and Negrito creeks. population is within a developed and listing under the Act. We emphasize Small populations are also present in expanding oil and gas field. The that in this notice we are not proposing Eagle Creek and the Black River. Loach location of the species’ habitat exposes to list any of the candidate species; minnow have been translocated into Hot it to destruction from road, pipeline, rather, we will develop and publish Springs and Redfield Canyon (San and well-site construction in connection proposed listing rules for these species Pedro River tributaries), Fossil Creek with oil and gas development. The in the future. We encourage State (Verde River tributary), and Bonita species is collected as a specimen plant agencies, other Federal agencies, and Creek (Gila River tributary). Should for horticultural use. Recreational off- other parties to give consideration to these populations become self- road vehicle use and livestock trampling these species in environmental sustaining, they will ultimately are additional threats. The species is planning. contribute to species’ recovery. currently federally listed as threatened In Table 1, the ‘‘category’’ column on The threats to this species are by its previous inclusion within the the left side of the table identifies the primarily from nonnative aquatic species Sclerocactus glaucus. The status of each species according to the species and water withdrawals, ongoing threats are of a high magnitude following codes: including groundwater pumping. Other since any one of the threats has the PE - Species proposed for listing as threats include improper livestock potential to severely affect this species endangered. Proposed species are those grazing, road construction, and because it is a narrow endemic species species for which we have published a recreation. Loach minnow occur in only with a highly limited range and proposed rule to list as endangered or 10 to 15 percent of their historical range, distribution. Thus, we assigned this threatened in the Federal Register. This and threats occur over the majority of species an LPN of 2 for uplisting to category does not include species for their range, to varying degrees. Threats endangered. which we have withdrawn or finalized are exacerbated by ongoing drought. In Current Notice of Review the proposed rule. addition, different threats can interact PT - Species proposed for listing as with each other to further cause decline. We gather data on plants and animals threatened. For example, drought and water native to the U.S. that appear to merit PSAT – Species proposed for listing withdrawals may decrease the amount consideration for addition to the Lists of as threatened due to similarity of of habitat available to all species within Endangered and Threatened Wildlife appearance. a given stream, bringing natives and and Plants. This notice identifies those C - Candidates: Species for which we nonnatives into closer contact. Effects species that we currently regard as have on file sufficient information on from nonnative species introductions candidates for addition to the Lists. biological vulnerability and threats to

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support proposals to list them as Rp - Species we removed from the (8) noting any mistakes, such as errors endangered or threatened. Issuance of candidate list because we have in the indicated historical ranges. proposed rules for these species is withdrawn the proposed listing. Submit information, materials, or precluded at present by other higher The second column indicates why we comments regarding a particular species priority listing actions. This category no longer regard the species as a to the Regional Director of the Region includes species for which we made a candidate or proposed species using the identified as having the lead 12–month warranted-but-precluded following codes (not all of these codes responsibility for that species. The finding on a petition to list. We made may have been used in this CNOR): regional addresses follow: new findings on all petitions for which A - Species that are more abundant or Region 1. Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, we previously made ‘‘warranted-but- widespread than previously believed Washington, American Samoa, Guam, precluded’’ findings. We identify the and species that are not subject to the and Commonwealth of the Northern species for which we made a continued degree of threats sufficient to warrant Mariana Islands. Regional Director (TE), warranted-but-precluded finding on a continuing candidate status, or issuing a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside resubmitted petition by the code ‘‘C*’’ proposed or final listing. Federal Complex, 911 N.E. 11th in the category column (see ‘‘Findings F - Species whose range no longer Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181 (503/ for Petitioned Candidate Species’’ includes a U.S. territory. 231-6158). section for additional information). I - Species for which we have Region 2. Arizona, New Mexico, The ‘‘Priority’’ column indicates the insufficient information on biological Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional Director LPN for each candidate species which vulnerability and threats to support (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 we use to determine the most issuance of a proposed rule to list. Gold Avenue SW., Room 4012, appropriate use of our available L - Species we added to the Lists of Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505/248- resources. The lowest numbers have the Endangered and Threatened Wildlife 6920). highest priority. We assign LPNs based and Plants. Region 3. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, on the immediacy and magnitude of M - Species we mistakenly included Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, threats as well as on taxonomic status. as candidates or proposed species in the and Wisconsin. Regional Director (TE), We published a complete description of last notice of review. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop our listing priority system in the N - Species that are not listable Henry Whipple Federal Building, One Federal Register (48 FR 43098, entities based on the Act’s definition of Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111- September 21, 1983). ‘‘species’’ and current taxonomic 4056 (612/713-5334). The third column, ‘‘Lead Region,’’ understanding. Region 4. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, identifies the Regional Office to which U - Species that are not subject to the Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, you should direct information, degree of threats sufficient to warrant Mississippi, North Carolina, South comments, or questions (see addresses issuance of a proposed listing or Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and under Request for Information at the continuance of candidate status due, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional end of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION part or totally, to conservation efforts Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife section). that remove or reduce the threats to the Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite Following the scientific name (fourth species. 200, Atlanta, GA 30345 (404/679-4156). column) and the family designation X - Species we believe to be extinct. Region 5. Connecticut, Delaware, (fifth column) is the common name The columns describing lead region, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, (sixth column). The seventh column scientific name, family, common name, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New provides the known historical range for and historical range include information Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode the species or vertebrate population (for as previously described for Table 1. Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West vertebrate populations, this is the Virginia. Regional Director (TE), U.S. historical range for the entire species or Request for Information Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate subspecies and not just the historical We request you submit any further Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589 range for the distinct population information on the species named in (413/253-8615). segment), indicated by postal code this notice as soon as possible or Region 6. Colorado, Kansas, Montana, abbreviations for States and U.S. whenever it becomes available. We are Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, territories. Many species no longer particularly interested in any Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Director occur in all of the areas listed. information: (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Species in Table 2 of this notice are (1) indicating that we should add a P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, those we included either as proposed species to the list of candidate species; Denver, CO 80225-0486 (303/236-7400). species or as candidates in the previous (2) indicating that we should remove Region 7. Alaska. Regional Director CNOR (published December 10, 2008) a species from candidate status; (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, that are no longer proposed species or (3) recommending areas that we 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK candidates for listing. Since December should designate as critical habitat for a 99503-6199 (907/786-3505). 10, 2008, we listed one species and species, or indicating that designation of Region 8. California and Nevada. removed four species from candidate critical habitat would not be prudent for Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and status for the reasons indicated by the a species; Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, codes. The first column indicates the (4) documenting threats to any of the Suite W2606, Sacramento, CA 95825 present status of each species, using the included species; (916/414-6464) following codes (not all of these codes (5) describing the immediacy or We will provide information received may have been used in this CNOR): magnitude of threats facing candidate in response to the previous CNOR to the E - Species we listed as endangered. species; Region having lead responsibility for T - Species we listed as threatened. (6) pointing out taxonomic or each candidate species mentioned in the Rc - Species we removed from the nomenclature changes for any of the submission. We will likewise consider candidate list because currently species; all information provided in response to available information does not support (7) suggesting appropriate common this CNOR in deciding whether to a proposed listing. names; and propose species for listing and when to

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undertake necessary listing actions personal identifying information in your Authority (including whether emergency listing submission, be advised that your entire pursuant to section 4(b)(7) of the Act is submission – including your personal This notice is published under the appropriate). Information and comments identifying information – may be made authority of the Endangered Species Act we receive will become part of the publicly available at any time. Although (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). administrative record for the species, you can ask us in your submission to Dated: October 29, 2009 which we maintain at the appropriate withhold from public review your Christine E. Eustis Regional Office. personal indentifying information, we Before including your address, phone cannot guarantee that we will be able to Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service number, e-mail address, or other do so.

TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS) Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

MAMMALS

C 2 R4 Eumops floridanus Molossidae Bat, Florida bonneted U.S.A. (FL)

C* 3 R1 Emballonura semicaudata Emballonuridae Bat, Pacific sheath-tailed U.S.A. (GU, rotensis (Mariana Islands CNMI) subspecies)

C* 3 R1 Emballonura semicaudata Emballonuridae Bat, Pacific sheath-tailed U.S.A. (AS), Fiji, semicaudata (American Samoa DPS) Independent Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu

C* 2 R5 Sylvilagus transitionalis Leporidae Cottontail, New England U.S.A. (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT)

C* 6 R8 Martes pennanti Mustelidae Fisher (west coast DPS) U.S.A. (CA, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD,ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY), Can- ada

C* 3 R2 Zapus hudsonius luteus Zapodidae Mouse, New Mexico U.S.A. (AZ, CO, meadow jumping NM)

C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, Shelton U.S.A. (WA) couchi

C 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, U.S.A. (WA) douglasii Brush Prairie

C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, Roy Prairie U.S.A. (WA) glacialis

C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama louiei Geomyidae Pocket gopher, Cathlamet U.S.A. (WA)

C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, Olympic U.S.A. (WA) melanops

C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, Olympia U.S.A. (WA) pugetensis

C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, Tacoma U.S.A. (WA) tacomensis

C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama tumuli Geomyidae Pocket gopher, Tenino U.S.A. (WA)

C* 3 R1 Thomomys mazama Geomyidae Pocket gopher, Yelm U.S.A. (WA) yelmensis

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 3 R6 Cynomys gunnisoni Sciuridae Prairie dog, Gunnison’s U.S.A. (CO, NM) (central and south-central Colorado, north-central New Mexico SPR)

C* 3 R8 Spermophilus tereticaudus Sciuridae Squirrel, Palm Springs (= U.S.A. (CA) chlorus Coachella Valley) round- tailed ground

C* 9 R1 Spermophilus brunneus Sciuridae Squirrel, Southern Idaho U.S.A. (ID) endemicus ground

C* 5 R1 Spermophilus washingtoni Sciuridae Squirrel, Washington U.S.A. (WA, OR) ground

BIRDS

PE – R1 Loxops caeruleirostris Fringillidae Akekee (honeycreeper) U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Oreomystis bairdi Fringillidae Akikiki (Kauai creeper) U.S.A. (HI)

C* 3 R1 Porzana tabuensis Rallidae Crake, spotless (American U.S.A. (AS), Aus- Samoa DPS) tralia, Fiji, Inde- pendent Samoa, Mar- quesas, Phil- ippines, Society Islands, Tonga

C* 3 R8 Coccyzus americanus Cuculidae Cuckoo, yellow-billed U.S.A. (Lower 48 (Western U.S. DPS) States), Can- ada, Mexico, Central and South America

C* 9 R1 Gallicolumba stairi Columbidae Ground-dove, friendly U.S.A. (AS), Inde- (American Samoa DPS) pendent Samoa

C* 3 R1 Eremophila alpestris Alaudidae Horned lark, streaked U.S.A. (OR, WA), strigata Canada (BC)

C* 3 R5 Calidris canutus rufa Scolopacidae Knot, red U.S.A. (Atlantic coast), Canada, South America

C* 8 R7 Gavia adamsii Gaviidae Loon, yellow-billed U.S.A. (AK), Can- ada, Norway, Russia, coastal waters of southern Pa- cific and North Sea

C* 2 R7 Brachyramphus Alcidae Murrelet, Kittlitz’s U.S.A. (AK), Rus- brevirostris sia.

C* 5 R8 Synthliboramphus Alcidae Murrelet, Xantus’s U.S.A. (CA), Mex- hypoleucus ico

C* 2 R2 Tympanuchus Phasianidae Prairie-chicken, lesser U.S.A. (CO, KA, pallidicinctus NM, OK, TX)

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 6 R1 Centrocercus Phasianidae Sage-grouse, greater U.S.A. (AZ, CA, urophasianus (Columbia Basin DPS) CO, ID, MT, ND, NE, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY), Can- ada (AB, BC, SK)

C* 3 R1 Oceanodroma castro Hydrobatidae Storm-petrel, band-rumped U.S.A. (HI), Atlan- (Hawaii DPS) tic Ocean, Ec- uador (Gala- pagos Islands), Japan

C* 11 R4 Dendroica angelae Emberizidae Warbler, elfin-woods U.S.A. (PR)

REPTILES

C* 3 R2 Thamnophis eques Colubridae Gartersnake, northern U.S.A. (AZ, NM, megalops Mexican NV), Mexico

C* 2 R2 Sceloporus arenicolus Iguanidae Lizard, sand dune U.S.A. (TX, NM)

C* 9 R3 Sistrurus catenatus Viperidae Massasauga U.S.A. (IA, IL, IN, catenatus (=rattlesnake), eastern MI, MO, MN, NY, OH, PA, WI), Canada

C* 3 R4 Pituophis melanoleucus Colubridae Snake, black pine U.S.A. (AL, LA, lodingi MS)

C* 5 R4 Pituophis ruthveni Colubridae Snake, Louisiana pine U.S.A. (LA, TX)

C* 3 R2 Kinosternon sonoriense Kinosternidae Turtle, Sonoyta mud U.S.A. (AZ), Mex- longifemorale ico

AMPHIBIANS

C* 9 R8 Rana luteiventris Ranidae Frog, Columbia spotted U.S.A. (AK, ID, (Great Basin DPS) MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY), Canada (BC)

C* 3 R8 Rana muscosa Ranidae Frog, mountain yellow- U.S.A (CA, NV) legged (Sierra Nevada DPS)

C* 2 R1 Rana pretiosa Ranidae Frog, Oregon spotted U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Canada (BC)

C* 11 R8 Rana onca Ranidae Frog, relict leopard U.S.A. (AZ, NV, UT)

C* 3 R3 Cryptobranchus Crytobranchidae Hellbender, Ozark U.S.A. (AR, MO) alleganiensis bishopi

C* 2 R2 Eurycea waterlooensis Plethodontidae Salamander, Austin blind U.S.A. (TX)

C* 8 R2 Eurycea naufragia Plethodontidae Salamander, Georgetown U.S.A. (TX)

C* 8 R2 Eurycea tonkawae Plethodontidae Salamander, Jollyville U.S.A. (TX) Plateau

C* 2 R2 Eurycea chisholmensis Plethodontidae Salamander, Salado U.S.A. (TX)

C* 11 R8 Bufo canorus Bufonidae Toad, Yosemite U.S.A. (CA)

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C 3 R2 Hyla wrightorum Hylidae Treefrog, Arizona U.S.A. (AZ), Mex- (Huachuca/Canelo DPS) ico (Sonora)

C* 8 R4 Necturus alabamensis Proteidae Waterdog, black warrior U.S.A. (AL) (=Sipsey Fork)

FISHES

C* 8 R2 Gila nigra Cyprinidae Chub, headwater U.S.A. (AZ, NM)

C* 9 R2 Gila robusta Cyprinidae Chub, roundtail (Lower U.S.A. (AZ, CO, Colorado River Basin NM, UT, WY) DPS)

C 5 R4 Phoxinus saylori Cyprinidae Dace, laurel U.S.A. (TN)

C* 11 R6 Etheostoma cragini Percidae Darter, Arkansas U.S.A. (AR, CO, KS, MO, OK)

C* 5 R4 Etheostoma susanae Percidae Darter, Cumberland U.S.A. (KY, TN)

C 2 R5 Crystallaria cincotta Percidae Darter, diamond U.S.A. (KY, OH, TN, WV)

C* 8 R4 Percina aurora Percidae Darter, Pearl U.S.A. (LA, MS)

C* 2 R4 Etheostoma phytophilum Percidae Darter, rush U.S.A. (AL)

C* 2 R4 Etheostoma moorei Percidae Darter, yellowcheek U.S.A (AR)

C* 2 R4 Noturus crypticus Ictaluridae Madtom, chucky U.S.A. (TN)

C 5 R4 Moxostoma sp. Catostomidae Redhorse, sicklefin U.S.A. (GA, NC, TN)

C* 2 R3 Cottus sp. Cottidae Sculpin, grotto U.S.A. (MO)

C* 5 R2 Notropis oxyrhynchus Cyprinidae Shiner, sharpnose U.S.A. (TX)

C* 5 R2 Notropis buccula Cyprinidae Shiner, smalleye U.S.A. (TX)

C* 3 R2 Catostomus discobolus Catostomidae Sucker, Zuni bluehead U.S.A. (AZ, NM) yarrowi

PSAT N/A R1 Salvelinus malma Salmonidae Trout, Dolly Varden U.S.A. (AK, WA), Canada, East Asia

C* 9 R2 Oncorhynchus clarki Salmonidae Trout, Rio Grande U.S.A. (CO, NM) virginalis cutthroat

CLAMS

C 5 R4 Villosa choctawensis Unionidae Bean, Choctaw U.S.A. (AL, FL)

C 2 R3 Villosa fabalis Unionidae Bean, rayed U.S.A. (IL, IN, KY, MI, NY, OH, TN, PA, VA, WV), Can- ada (ON)

C 2 R4 Fusconaia rotulata Unionidae Ebonyshell, round U.S.A. (AL, FL)

C* 8 R2 Popenaias popei Unionidae Hornshell, Texas U.S.A. (NM, TX), Mexico

C* 2 R4 Ptychobranchus subtentum Unionidae Kidneyshell, fluted U.S.A. (AL, KY, TN, VA)

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C 2 R4 Ptychobranchus jonesi Unionidae Kidneyshell, southern U.S.A. (AL, FL)

C* 2 R4 Lampsilis rafinesqueana Unionidae Mucket, Neosho U.S.A. (AR, KS, MO, OK)

C 2 R3 Plethobasus cyphyus Unionidae Mussel, sheepnose U.S.A. (AL, IA, IL, IN, KY, MN, MO, MS, OH, PA, TN, VA, WI, WV)

C* 2 R4 Margaritifera marrianae Margaritiferidae Pearlshell, Alabama U.S.A. (AL)

C* 2 R4 Lexingtonia dolabelloides Unionidae Pearlymussel, slabside U.S.A. (AL, KY, TN, VA)

C 5 R4 Pleurobema strodeanum Unionidae Pigtoe, fuzzy U.S.A. (AL, FL)

PE 2 R4 Pleurobema hanleyianum Unionidae Pigtoe, Georgia U.S.A. (AL, GA, TN)

C 5 R4 Fusconaia escambia Unionidae Pigtoe, narrow U.S.A. (AL, FL)

C 11 R4 Fusconaia (=Quincuncina) Unionidae Pigtoe, tapered U.S.A. (AL, FL) burkei

C 9 R4 Quadrula cylindrica Unionidae Rabbitsfoot U.S.A. (AL, AR, cylindrica GA, IN, IL, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, OK, OH, PA, TN, WV)

C 5 R4 Hamiota (=Lampsilis) Unionidae Sandshell, southern U.S.A. (AL, FL) australis

C 4 R3 Cumberlandia monodonta Margaritiferidae Spectaclecase U.S.A. (AL, AR, IA, IN, IL, KS, KY, MO, MN, NE, OH, TN, VA, WI, WV)

C* 2 R4 Elliptio spinosa Unionidae Spinymussel, Altamaha U.S.A. (GA)

SNAILS

PE 2 R4 Pleurocera foremani Pleuroceridae Hornsnail, rough U.S.A. (AL)

C 8 R4 Elimia melanoides Pleuroceridae Mudalia, black U.S.A. (AL)

PE 2 R4 Leptoxis foremani (= Pleuroceridae Rocksnail, Interrupted (= U.S.A. (GA, AL) downei) Georgia)

C* 2 R1 Ostodes strigatus Potaridae Sisi snail U.S.A. (AS)

C* 2 R2 Pseudotryonia adamantina Hydrobiidae Snail, Diamond Y Spring U.S.A. (TX)

C* 2 R1 Samoana fragilis Partulidae Snail, fragile tree U.S.A. (GU, MP)

C* 2 R1 Partula radiolata Partulidae Snail, Guam tree U.S.A. (GU)

C* 2 R1 Partula gibba Partulidae Snail, Humped tree U.S.A. (GU, MP)

C* 2 R1 Partulina semicarinata Achatinellidae Snail, Lanai tree U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Partulina variabilis Achatinellidae Snail, Lanai tree U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Partula langfordi Partulidae Snail, Langford’s tree U.S.A. (MP)

C* 2 R2 Cochliopa texana Hydrobiidae Snail, Phantom cave U.S.A. (TX)

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 2 R1 Newcombia cumingi Achatinellidae Snail, Newcomb’s tree U.S.A. (Hl)

C* 2 R1 Eua zebrina Partulidae Snail, Tutuila tree U.S.A. (AS)

C* 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis chupaderae Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Chupadera U.S.A. (NM)

C* 11 R8 Pyrgulopsis notidicola Hydrobiidae Springsnail, elongate mud U.S.A. (NV) meadows

C* 11 R2 Pyrgulopsis gilae Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Gila U.S.A. (NM)

C* 2 R2 Tryonia circumstriata Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Gonzales U.S.A. (TX) (=stocktonensis)

C* 8 R2 Pyrgulopsis thompsoni Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Huachuca U.S.A. (AZ), Mex- ico

C* 11 R2 Pyrgulopsis thermalis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, New Mexico U.S.A. (NM)

C* 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis morrisoni Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Page U.S.A. (AZ)

C* 2 R2 Tryonia cheatumi Hydrobiidae Springsnail (=Tryonia), U.S.A. (TX) Phantom

C 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis bernardina Hydrobiidae Springsnail, San U.S.A. (AZ), Mex- Bernardino ico (Sonora)

C* 2 R2 Pyrgulopsis trivialis Hydrobiidae Springsnail, Three Forks U.S.A. (AZ)

INSECTS

C* 8 R1 Nysius wekiuicola Lygaeidae Bug, Wekiu U.S.A. (HI)

C 3 R4 Strymon acis bartrami Lycaenidae Butterfly, Bartram’s U.S.A. (FL) hairstreak

C 3 R4 Anaea troglodyta floridalis Nymphalidae Butterfly, Florida leafwing U.S.A. (FL)

C* 3 R1 Hypolimnas octucula Nymphalidae Butterfly, Mariana eight- U.S.A. (GU, MP) mariannensis spot

C* 2 R1 Vagrans egistina Nymphalidae Butterfly, Mariana U.S.A. (GU, MP) wandering

C* 3 R4 Cyclargus thomasi Lycaenidae Butterfly, Miami blue U.S.A. (FL), Ba- bethunebakeri hamas

C* 5 R4 Glyphopsyche sequatchie Limnephilidae Caddisfly, Sequatchie U.S.A. (TN)

C 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Baker Station U.S.A. (TN) insularis (= insular)

C* 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Clifton U.S.A. (KY) caecus

C 11 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Coleman U.S.A. (TN) colemanensis

C 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Fowler’s U.S.A. (TN) fowlerae

C* 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, icebox U.S.A. (KY) frigidus

C 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Indian Grave U.S.A. (TN) tiresias Point (= Soothsayer)

C* 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, inquirer U.S.A. (TN) inquisitor

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Louisville U.S.A. (KY) troglodytes

C 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Noblett’s U.S.A. (TN). paulus

C* 5 R4 Pseudanophthalmus Carabidae Cave beetle, Tatum U.S.A. (KY) parvus

C* 3 R1 Euphydryas editha taylori Nymphalidae Checkerspot butterfly, U.S. A. (OR, Taylor’s (= Whulge) WA), Canada (BC)

C* 9 R1 Megalagrion Coenagrionidae Damselfly, blackline Ha- U.S.A. (HI) nigrohamatum waiian nigrolineatum

C* 2 R1 Megalagrion leptodemas Coenagrionidae Damselfly, crimson Hawai- U.S.A. (HI) ian

PE 2 R1 Megalagrion nesiotes Coenagrionidae Damselfly, flying earwig U.S.A. (HI) Hawaiian

C* 2 R1 Megalagrion oceanicum Coenagrionidae Damselfly, oceanic Hawai- U.S.A. (HI) ian

C* 8 R1 Megalagrion xanthomelas Coenagrionidae Damselfly, orangeblack U.S.A. (HI) Hawaiian

PE 2 R1 Megalagrion pacificum Coenagrionidae Damselfly, Pacific U.S.A. (HI) Hawaiian

PE 2 R8 Dinacoma caseyi Scarabidae June beetle, Casey’s U.S.A. (CA)

C 5 R8 Ambrysus funebris Naucoridae Naucorid bug (=Furnace U.S.A. (CA) Creek), Nevares Spring

PE 2 R1 Drosophila attigua Drosophilidae fly, Hawaiian picture-wing U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Drosophila digressa Drosophilidae fly, Hawaiian Picture-wing U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R2 Heterelmis stephani Elmidae Riffle beetle, Stephan’s U.S.A. (AZ)

C* 8 R3 Hesperia dacotae Hesperiidae Skipper, Dakota U.S.A. (MN, IA, SD, ND, IL), Canada

C* 8 R1 Polites mardon Hesperiidae Skipper, Mardon U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA)

C* 2 R6 Cicindela albissima Cicindelidae Tiger beetle, Coral Pink U.S.A. (UT) Sand Dunes

C* 5 R4 Cicindela highlandensis Cicindelidae Tiger beetle, highlands U.S.A. (FL)

ARACHNIDS

C* 2 R2 Cicurina wartoni Dictynidae Meshweaver, Warton’s U.S.A. (TX) cave

CRUSTACEANS

C 2 R2 Gammarus hyalleloides Gammaridae Amphipod, diminutive U.S.A. (TX)

C* 5 R1 Metabetaeus lohena Alpheidae Shrimp, anchialine pool U.S.A. (HI)

C* 5 R1 Palaemonella burnsi Palaemonidae Shrimp, anchialine pool U.S.A. (HI)

C* 5 R1 Procaris hawaiana Procarididae Shrimp, anchialine pool U.S.A. (HI)

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 4 R1 Vetericaris chaceorum Procaridae Shrimp, anchialine pool U.S.A. (HI)

FLOWERING PLANTS

C* 11 R8 Abronia alpina Nyctaginaceae Sand-verbena, Ramshaw U.S.A. (CA) Meadows

C* 8 R4 Arabis georgiana Brassicaceae Rockcress, Georgia U.S.A. (AL, GA)

C* 11 R4 Argythamnia blodgettii Euphorbiaceae Silverbush, Blodgett’s U.S.A. (FL)

C* 3 R1 Artemisia campestris var. Asteraceae Wormwood, northern U.S.A. (OR, WA) wormskioldii

PE 2 R1 Astelia waialealae Liliaceae Pa1iniu U.S.A. (HI)

C* 5 R1 Astragalus anserinus Fabaceae Milkvetch, Goose Creek U.S.A. (ID, NV, UT)

C* 11 R6 Astragalus tortipes Fabaceae Milkvetch, Sleeping Ute U.S.A. (CO)

C* 2 R1 Bidens amplectens Asteraceae Ko1oko1olau U.S.A. (HI)

C* 3 R1 Bidens campylotheca Asteraceae Ko1oko1olau U.S.A. (HI) pentamera

C* 3 R1 Bidens campylotheca Asteraceae Ko1oko1olau U.S.A. (HI) waihoiensis

C* 8 R1 Bidens conjuncta Asteraceae Ko1oko1olau U.S.A. (HI)

C* 3 R1 Bidens micrantha Asteraceae Ko1oko1olau U.S.A. (HI) ctenophylla

C* 8 R4 Brickellia mosieri Asteraceae Brickell-bush, Florida U.S.A. (FL)

C* 2 R1 Calamagrostis expansa Poaceae Reedgrass, Maui U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Calamagrostis hillebrandii Poaceae Reedgrass, Hillebrand’s U.S.A. (HI)

C* 5 R8 Calochortus persistens Liliaceae Mariposa lily, Siskiyou U.S.A. (CA, OR)

PE 2 R1 Canavalia napaliensis Fabaceae 1Awikiwiki U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Canavalia pubescens Fabaceae 1Awikiwiki U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R1 Castilleja christii Scrophulariaceae Paintbrush, Christ’s U.S.A. (ID)

C* 9 R4 Chamaecrista lineata var. Fabaceae Pea, Big Pine partridge U.S.A. (FL) keyensis

C* 12 R4 Chamaesyce deltoidea Euphorbiaceae Sandmat, pineland U.S.A. (FL) pinetorum

C* 9 R4 Chamaesyce deltoidea Euphorbiaceae Spurge, wedge U.S.A. (FL) serpyllum

PE 2 R1 Chamaesyce eleanoriae Euphorbiaceae 1Akoko U.S.A. (HI)

PE 3 R1 Chamaesyce remyi var. Euphorbiaceae 1Akoko U.S.A. (HI) kauaiensis

PE 3 R1 Chamaesyce remyi var. Euphorbiaceae 1Akoko U.S.A. (HI) remyi

PE 2 R1 Charpentiera densiflora Amaranthaceae Papala U.S.A. (HI)

C* 6 R8 Chorizanthe parryi var. Polygonaceae Spineflower, San Fer- U.S.A. (CA) fernandina nando Valley

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 2 R4 Chromolaena frustrata Asteraceae Thoroughwort, Cape Sable U.S.A. (FL)

C* 2 R4 Consolea corallicola Cactaceae Cactus, Florida semaphore U.S.A. (FL)

C* 5 R4 Cordia rupicola Boraginaceae No common name U.S.A. (PR), Anegada

C* 2 R1 Cyanea asplenifolia Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyanea calycina Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Cyanea dolichopoda Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Cyanea eleeleensis Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Cyanea kolekoleensis Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Cyanea kuhihewa Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyanea kunthiana Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyanea lanceolata Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyanea obtusa Campanulaceae Haha U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyanea tritomantha Campanulaceae 1Aku U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyrtandra filipes Gesneriaceae Ha1iwale U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyrtandra kaulantha Gesneriaceae Ha1iwale U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Cyrtandra oenobarba Gesneriaceae Ha1iwale U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyrtandra oxybapha Gesneriaceae Ha1iwale U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Cyrtandra paliku Gesneriaceae Ha1iwale U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Cyrtandra sessilis Gesneriaceae Ha1iwale U.S.A. (HI)

C* 3 R4 Dalea carthagenensis var. Fabaceae Prairie-clover, Florida U.S.A. (FL) floridana

C* 5 R5 Dichanthelium hirstii Poaceae Panic grass, Hirsts’ U.S.A. (DE, GA, NC, NJ)

C* 5 R4 Digitaria pauciflora Poaceae Crabgrass, Florida U.S.A. (FL) pineland

PE 3 R1 Dubautia imbricata Asteraceae Na1ena1e U.S.A. (HI) imbricata

PE – R1 Dubautia kalalauensis Asteraceae Na1ena1e U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Dubautia kenwoodii Asteraceae Na1ena1e U.S.A. (HI)

PE 3 R1 Dubautia plantaginea Asteraceae Na1ena1e U.S.A. (HI) magnifolia

PE 2 R1 Dubautia waialealae Asteraceae Na1ena1e U.S.A. (HI)

C* 3 R2 Echinomastus Cactaceae Cactus, Acuna U.S.A. (AZ), Mex- erectocentrus var. ico acunensis

C* 8 R2 Erigeron lemmonii Asteraceae Fleabane, Lemmon U.S.A. (AZ)

C* 2 R1 Eriogonum codium Polygonaceae Buckwheat, Umtanum U.S.A. (WA) Desert

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 6 R8 Eriogonum corymbosum Polygonaceae Buckwheat, Las Vegas U.S.A. (NV) var. nilesii

C 5 R8 Eriogonum diatomaceum Polygonaceae Buckwheat, Churchill U.S.A (NV) Narrows

C* 5 R8 Eriogonum kelloggii Polygonaceae Buckwheat, Red Mountain U.S.A. (CA)

C* 2 R1 Festuca hawaiiensis Poaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 11 R2 Festuca ligulata Poaceae Fescue, Guadalupe U.S.A. (TX), Mex- ico

C* 2 R1 Gardenia remyi Rubiaceae Nanu U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R1 Geranium hanaense Geraniaceae Nohoanu U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R1 Geranium hillebrandii Geraniaceae Nohoanu U.S.A. (HI)

PE 5 R1 Geranium kauaiense Geraniaceae Nohoanu U.S.A. (HI)

C* 5 R4 Gonocalyx concolor Ericaceae No common name U.S.A. (PR)

C 2 R4 Harrisia aboriginum Cactaceae Pricklyapple, aboriginal U.S.A. (FL) (shellmound applecactus)

C* 5 R8 Hazardia orcuttii Asteraceae Orcutt’s hazardia U.S.A. (CA), Mex- ico

C* 2 R1 Hedyotis fluviatilis Rubiaceae Kampua1a U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R4 Helianthus verticillatus Asteraceae Sunflower, whorled U.S.A. (AL, GA, TN)

C* 5 R2 Hibiscus dasycalyx Malvaceae Rose-mallow, Neches U.S.A. (TX) River

C 2 R6 Ipomopsis polyantha Polemoniaceae Skyrocket, Pagosa U.S.A. (CO)

C* 5 R8 Ivesia webberi Rosaceae Ivesia, Webber U.S.A. (CA, NV)

C* 3 R1 Joinvillea ascendens Joinvilleaceae 1Ohe U.S.A. (HI) ascendens

PE 2 R1 Keysseria erici Asteraceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE 8 R1 Keysseria helenae Asteraceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Korthalsella degeneri Viscaceae Hulumoa U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Labordia helleri Loganiaceae Kamakahala U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Labordia pumila Loganiaceae Kamakahala U.S.A. (HI)

C* 5 R4 Leavenworthia crassa Brassicaceae Gladecress, unnamed U.S.A. (AL)

C 3 R4 Leavenworthia exigua var. Brassicaceae Gladecress, Kentucky U.S.A. (KY) laciniata

C* 2 R2 Leavenworthia texana Brassicaceae Gladecress, Texas golden U.S.A. (TX)

PE – R1 Lepidium papilliferum Brassicaceae Peppergrass, slickspot U.S.A. (ID)

C* 8 R4 Lesquerella globosa Brassicaceae Bladderpod, Short’s U.S.A. (IN, KY, TN)

C* 2 R4 Linum arenicola Linaceae Flax, sand U.S.A. (FL)

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 3 R4 Linum carteri var. carteri Linaceae Flax, Carter’s small- U.S.A. (FL) flowered

PE 8 R1 Lysimachia daphnoides Myrsinaceae Lehua makanoe U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Lysimachia iniki Myrsinaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Lysimachia pendens Myrsinaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Lysimachia scopulensis Myrsinaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Lysimachia venosa Myrsinaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Melicope christophersenii Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Melicope degeneri Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Melicope hiiakae Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Melicope makahae Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Melicope paniculata Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Melicope puberula Rutaceae Alani U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Myrsine fosbergii Myrsinaceae Kolea U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Myrsine knudsenii Myrsinaceae Kolea U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Myrsine mezii Myrsinaceae Kolea U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Myrsine vaccinioides Myrsinaceae Kolea U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R5 Narthecium americanum Liliaceae Asphodel, bog U.S.A. (DE, NC, NJ, NY, SC)

C* 2 R1 Nothocestrum latifolium Solanaceae 1Aiea U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Ochrosia haleakalae Apocynaceae Holei U.S.A. (HI)

C* 3 R2 Pediocactus peeblesianus Cactaceae Cactus, Fickeisen plains U.S.A. (AZ) var. fickeiseniae

C* 2 R6 Penstemon debilis Scrophulariaceae Beardtongue, Parachute U.S.A. (CO)

C* 6 R6 Penstemon scariosus var. Scrophulariaceae Beardtongue, White River U.S.A. (CO, UT) albifluvis

C* 2 R1 Peperomia subpetiolata Piperaceae 1Ala 1ala wai nui U.S.A. (HI)

C 5 R8 Phacelia stellaris Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia, Brand’s U.S.A. (CA), Mex- ico

C* 8 R6 Phacelia submutica Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia, DeBeque U.S.A. (CO)

C* 2 R1 Phyllostegia bracteata Lamiaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R1 Phyllostegia floribunda Lamiaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Phyllostegia renovans Lamiaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 9 R1 Physaria douglasii Brassicaceae Bladderpod, White Bluffs U.S.A. (WA) tuplashensis

PE 2 R1 Pittosporum napaliense Pittosporaceae Ho1awa U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R4 Platanthera integrilabia Orchidaceae Orchid, white fringeless U.S.A. (AL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA)

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 3 R1 Platydesma cornuta var. Rutaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI) cornuta

C* 3 R1 Platydesma cornuta var. Rutaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI) decurrens

C* 2 R1 Platydesma remyi Rutaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Platydesma rostrata Rutaceae Pilo kea lau li1i U.S.A. (HI)

C 2 R1 Pleomele fernaldii Agavaceae Hala pepe U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Pleomele forbesii Agavaceae Hala pepe U.S.A. (HI)

C* 11 R8 Potentilla basaltica Rosaceae Cinquefoil, Soldier U.S.A. (NV) Meadow

PE 2 R1 Pritchardia hardyi Asteraceae Lo1ulu U.S.A. (HI)

C* 3 R1 Pseudognaphalium Asteraceae 1Ena1ena U.S.A. (HI) (=Gnaphalium) sandwicensium var. molokaiense

PE 2 R1 Psychotria grandiflora Rubiaceae Kopiko U.S.A. (HI)

C* 3 R1 Psychotria hexandra ssp. Rubiaceae Kopiko U.S.A. (HI) oahuensis var. oahuensis

PE 2 R1 Psychotria hobdyi Rubiaceae Kopiko U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Pteralyxia macrocarpa Apocynaceae Kaulu U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Ranunculus hawaiensis Ranunculaceae Makou U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Ranunculus mauiensis Ranunculaceae Makou U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R8 Rorippa subumbellata Brassicaceae Cress, Tahoe yellow U.S.A. (CA, NV)

PE 2 R1 Schiedea attenuata Caryophyllaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Schiedea pubescens Caryophyllaceae Ma1oli1oli U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Schiedea salicaria Caryophyllaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 5 R8 Sedum eastwoodiae Crassulaceae Stonecrop, Red Mountain U.S.A. (CA)

C* 2 R1 Sicyos macrophyllus Cucurbitaceae 1Anunu U.S.A. (HI)

C 12 R4 Sideroxylon reclinatum Sapotaceae Bully, Everglades U.S.A. (FL) austrofloridense

C* 8 R1 Solanum nelsonii Solanaceae Popolo U.S.A. (HI)

C 8 R4 Solidago plumosa Asteraceae Goldenrod, Yadkin River U.S.A. (NC)

C 2 R2 Sphaeralcea gierischii Malvaceae Mallow, Gierisch U.S.A. (AZ, UT)

C* 2 R1 Stenogyne cranwelliae Lamiaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE 2 R1 Stenogyne kealiae Lamiaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 8 R4 Symphyotrichum Asteraceae Aster, Georgia U.S.A. (AL, FL, georgianum GA, NC, SC)

PE – R1 Tetraplasandra Araliaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI) bisattenuata

PE – R1 Tetraplasandra flynnii Araliaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

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TABLE 1. - CANDIDATE NOTICE OF REVIEW (ANIMALS AND PLANTS)—Continued Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Status Lead region Scientific name Family Common name Historical range Category Priority

C* 2 R1 Zanthoxylum oahuense Rutaceae A1e U.S.A. (HI)

FERNS AND ALLIES

C* 8 R1 Christella boydiae (= Thelypteridaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI) Cyclosorus boydiae var. boydiae + Cyclosorus boydiae kipahuluensis)

PE – R1 Diellia mannii Aspleniaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Doryopteris angelica Pteridaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

C* 2 R1 Doryopteris takeuchii Pteridaceae No common name U.S.A. (HI)

PE – R1 Dryopteris crinalis var. Dryopteridaceae Palapalai aumakua U.S.A. (HI) podosorus

C* 2 R1 Huperzia (= Lycopodiaceae Wawae1iole U.S.A. (HI) Phlegmariurus) stemmermanniae

C* 3 R1 Microlepia strigosa var. Dennstaedtiaceae Palapalai U.S.A. (HI) mauiensis (= Microlepia mauiensis)

C 3 R4 Trichomanes punctatum Hymenophyllaceae Florida bristle fern U.S.A. (FL) floridanum

TABLE 2. ANIMALS AND PLANTS FORMERLY CANDIDATES OR FORMERLY PROPOSED FOR LISTING Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.

Historical range Status Lead Scientific Family Common name region name Code Expl.

SNAILS

Rc A R6 Stagnicola bonnevillensis Lymnaeidae Pondsnail, fat-whorled U.S.A. (UT) (=Bonneville)

CRUSTACEANS

Rc A R4 Typhlatya monae Atyidae Shrimp, troglobitic U.S.A. (PR), groundwater Barbuda, Do- minican Re- public

FLOWERING PLANTS

Rc A R4 Calliandra locoensis Mimosaceae No common name U.S.A. (PR)

Rc A R4 Calyptranthes estremerae Myrtaceae No common name U.S.A. (PR)

E L R1 Phyllostegia hispida Lamiaceae No Common Name U.S.A. (HI)

[FR Doc. E9–26841 Filed 11–6–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–S

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