October 1985 Vol. X No. 10

Department of interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240

New Notice Identifies Vertebrate Listing Candidates

In the September 18, 1985, Federal Register, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a "Review of Vertebrate Wildlife," replacing and updating an ear- lier version that appeared in 1982. The main purpose of the new notice is to identify those native U.S. vertebrate taxa—fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals—that are considered candidates for possible addition to the Federal List of Endangered and Threa- tened Wildlife, and to request comments and information that may assist in deter- mining whether or not to actually pro- pose such addition. The identified are placed in one of three categories that reflect their biological status: m Category 1 comprises taxa for which g the FWS currently has substantial a information on hand to support the S biological appropriateness of prop- osing to list as Endangered or Threatened. The golden-cheei

Protection Recommended for Three

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) The is a low growing perennial on three sides and posted it as closed to proposed during September to list three with small, oval, greenish-white leaves motor vehicles, ORVs still enter through plants as Endangered. All are restricted that are densely arranged in tight the unfenced side. The Steamboat buck- in range, and are thought to be vulnera- rosettes. It frequently forms large mats. wheat, having adopted to its unusual ble to extinction from habitat loss and The small flowers are white, often with a habitat, is sensitive to variations in mois- other factors. If the listing propoals are pink midrib on each , and are clus- ture, including the kinds of changesthat made final. Endangered Species Act tered at the ends of erect stems. can result from the ORV use and from protection will be extended to the fol- The plant has been collected only the refuse that has been dumped at lowing plants: from around Steamboat Hot Springs, some of the colonies. There also is the but it is thought to have been more potential threat that drilling of geother- widespread in the past. Development mal test wells may alter the habitat's Eriogonum ovalifolium var. activities in the area probably contrib- water regimes. Further causes for con- williamsiae uted to its decline. Due to its restricted cern are development of a park on BLM range, the buckwheat is vulnerable to land that is leasedtotheWashoeCounty Otherwise known as the Steamboat possible extinction from further habitat Parks and Recreation Department, the buckwheat, Eriogonum ovalifolium var. degradation. planned commercial development on williamsiae is known only from the vicin- Roads have been constructed through private land adjacent to one of the buck- ity of Steamboat Hot Springs in Washoe most of the Steamboat buckwheat colo- wheat colonies, and the possibility of County, Nevada. It grows there on a nies, and off-road vehicle (ORV) travel mining in the immediate area. loose, gravelly, sandy-clay soil derived has further disturbed the habitat and In light of these problems, theSteam- from a terrace of hot spring deposits. directly destroyed plants. The BLM gave boat buckwheat was proposed for listing Although the plant is locally common, some protection to a portion of the habi- as an Endangered species (F.R. with a total population of 10,000-15,000 tat by designating the main terrace, with 9/12/85). Since its habitat is so restricted Individuals, it is concentrated in several its active geothermal characteristics, as and accessible, the FWS decided that colonies on less than 100 acres (40.5 ha) an Area of Critical Environmental Con- pinpointing the colonies with a Critical of land. cern. Although the BLM fenced the area (continued on page 5)

1 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) Coincidentally, the proposed ditch would have dissected one of only two known populations of Point Reyes bird's-beak (Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. palustris) in the San Francisco Bay area, a Category 2 listing candidate. However, the MAD agreed to reroutethe ditch to avoid the population and to pre- clude public access, which under cur- rent conditions was resulting in significant trampling of the plant.

The SESO staff, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), participated in a site investigation of the Silver King Creek watershed in Alpine County, California. The purpose of the trip was to develop a grazing plan with Endangered Species Program regional recently conducted an on-site investiga- the grazing permittee that is compatible staffers have reported the following tion of a ditch proposed by the Masin- with recovery plan objectives for the activities for the month of September: Sonoma Mosquito Abatement District Threatened Paiute cutthroat trout (MAD) to improve drainage and elimi- (Salmo clarki seleniris). (See related Region 1—The Sacramento Endan- nate a potential mosquito breeding story in BULLETIN Vol. X No. 7.) A plan gered Species Office (SESO) staff source in a tidal marsh at Mill Valley. was developed that will remove cattle use from one tributuary, defer the sea- son of use in all other Paiute cutthroat trout habitats, reduce grazing intensity, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service James Johnson, Endangered Species Washington, D.C. 20240 Specialist. and fence off all degraded riparian corri- dors. There was a consensus within the F. Eugene Hester, Acting Director Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, Twin group that recovery plan objectives for (202-343-4717) Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500): Har- Rolf L. Wallenstrom fish numbers and habitat quality in the vey Nelson, Regional Director; John S. Silver King watershed will be met if the Associate Director and Popowski, Assistant Regional Director, recommended plan is implemented. Endangered Species Program Manager James M. Engel, Endangered Species (202)-343-4646) Specialist. John L. Spinks, Chief, Office of Endangered Species Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal BIdg., (703-235-2771) 75 Spring St., S.W., Atlanta GA 30303 The status of the Endangered San Thomas J. Parisot, Chief, (404-221-3583): James W. Pulliam, Clemente loggerhead shrike (Lanius f^ederal Wildlife Permit Office Regional Director-, John I. Christian, ludovicianus mearnsi) has remained rel- (703-235-1937) Assistant Regional Director-, Marshall Clark R. Bavin, Chief, P. Jones, Endangered Species Spe- atively stable since 1984. There have Division of Law Enforcement cialist. been 18 breeding attempts by 14 pairs, (202-343-9242) and 18 young fledged. Seven of the 18 Region 5, One Gateway Center, Suite 700, breeding attempts failed, and, in six of TECHNICAL BULLETIN Staff Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965- these cases, predation is suspected. At Michael Bender, Editor 5100): Howard Larsen, Regional Direc- least 2 breeding adults and over 20 tor-, Stephen W. Parry, Assistant Re- Denise Henne, Assistant Editor young were lost to predators, which (703-235-2407) gional Director-, Paul Nickerson, En- dangered Species Specialist. include cats and ravens. The shrike population continues to be Regional Offices Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal limited by predation and a lack of suita- Region 1, Lloyd 500 BIdg., Suite 1692, 500 Center, Denver, CO 80225 (303-236- ble nesting habitat. Feral goats have N.E. Multnomah St., Portland, OR 7920): Galen Buterbaugh, Regional Di- removed all suitable nesting habitat rector-. John D. Green, Assistant Re- 97232 (503-231-6118): Richard J. from about 50 percent of San Clemente gional Director-, Barry S. Mulder, En- Myshak, Regional Director; William F. Island and continue to degrade the Shake, Assistant Regional Director-, dangered Species Specialist. remaining shrike nesting locations. Wayne S. White, Endangered Species Region 7, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Specialist AK 99503 (907-786-3542): Robert E. Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM Gilmore, Regional Director-, Jon Nel- 87103 (505-766-2321): Michael J. son, Assistant Regional Director-, Spear, Regional Director; Conrad A. Dennis Money, Endangered Species The SESO staff completed a survey of Fjetland, Assistant Regional Director; Specialist two plant species, ramiosis- sima and Cuscuta californica, at the Los U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions Angeles International Airport's El Region 1: California, Hawaii, Idaho. Nevada, Oregon. Washington, and Pacific Trust Territories, Region 2: Arizona, New Segundo Dunes area. A report on the Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Region 3: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region 4: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, distribution of these plants on the dunes Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, Region 5: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, is being drafted. P. ramiosissima is the New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island. Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia, Region larval host plant for Henne's 6: Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, , and Wyoming. Region 7: Alaska. (Eucosma hennei), and C. califor- nica is the larval host plant for Lora The ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN is published monthly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sen/ice, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. Aborn's moth (Lorita abornana), two (continued on page 9)

2 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) Seven Species Receive Protection

During September, three plants and serves Commission. The remaining four exotic fishes. Proposed by the FWS as four fishes were given final protection sites are located on private property. Endangered in May 1984 (see BUL- under the Endangered Species Act. All five populations of Short's golden- LETIN Vol. IX No. 6), the following three These species, listed as Endangered or rod (approximately 2,300 individual fishes will now receive final protection: Threatened, are as follows: plants) are being threatened by natural The White River spinedace (Lepi- and human-induced habitat alterations, domeda albivallis) is one of six species along with potential recreational activi- Maguire Daisy (Erigeron belonging to a unique tribe of fishes that ties. In light of the species' declining maguirei var. maguirei) are noted for their adaptations to small, numbers, these threats prompted the swiftwater desert streams. It is a rela- FWS to propose listing S. shortii as The Maguire daisy is a small perennial tively large species of Lepidomeda, Endangered on October 11, 1984 (see that grows upto5inches(12.7 centime- often attaining a length of 4 to 5 inches BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 11) and subse- ters) tall and has leafy, hairy, stems. In (10 to 13 cm), and can be distinguished quently to approve the final rule (F.R. mid-June, white to pinkish ray flowers from other members of its genus by var- 9/5/85). surrounding a yellow center of disc ious physical characteristics, including flowers appear. Only five individual distinctive body coloration. plants are currently known to exist, mak- San Mateo Thornmint {Acan- in 1960, L. albivallis was present in ing the Maguire daisy one of the rarest thomintha obovata ssp. large numbers throughout its range, but taxa in the United States. by 1979 it was considered rare. Five pop- First discovered in 1940, the Maguire duttonii) ulations of this species have already daisy appears to be extirpated at two of The San Mateo thornmint is an annual been eliminated and the remaining two, its three historically known sites. The herb of the mint family. It growsto about found in the Lund and Flag Springs sys- few remaining plants occur only at the 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) in height and tems, have been altered by channeliza- upper end of a sandstone canyon in bears upright inflorescenses with creamy tion and diversion structures, which Emery County, Utah, on land adminis- white flowers that have a rose to purplish were developed to make water available tered by the Bureau of Land Manage- pigment in their lower notched lip. Only for residential and agricultural uses. ment (BLM). There are mineral claims one small population of this species is Further channelization and diversion of for uranium, and oil and gas leases in known to survive, and is located at Edge- the water supply could pose a continu- this area, and surface disturbance asso- wood County Park near Redwood City, ing threat to the White River spinedace. ciated with exploration or assessment of California, in San Mateo County. This Competition and predation from exotic these claims and leases could easily population of approximately 1,000 to species, such as guppies (Poecilia retic- cause the Maguire daisy to become 2,000 individuals grows on a grassy ulata). mosquito fish(Gambusiaaffinis), extinct. Recreational motorcycle use of slope on soils derived from serpentine and goldfish (Carassius auratus), also the nearby canyon bottom may also rock. are serious problems for the native threaten the species' survival, as could Historically, the San Mateo thornmint spinedace. grazing, although the daisy's current was found at scattered locations in San As part of the September 12, 1985, site appears to be less accessible to cat- Mateo County, but most of these sites final rule. Critical Habitat was desig- tle than other areas where it was found have been destroyed, presumably by nated for the White River spinedace to previously. urban development, road construction, include three sites in Nevada: Preston On J uly 27,1984, the FWS proposed to and similar land uses. The single known Big Spring and Lund Spring (both list the Maguire daisy as Endangered remaining colony has been severely located in White Pine County) and Flag because of the severe threats to its exist- damaged by off-road vehicles (ORVs). Springs (Nye County). Although outside ence (see story in BULLETIN Vol. IX No. Although the existing plants still face the species current range, Preston Big 8). After a thorough evaluation of all threats from ORV use, damage has Spring is included in the Critical Habitat available information, and after consid- decreased since the site came under designation because it is part of the ering the species' extreme vulnerability county ownership. Nevertheless, a pro- spinedace's historical range and is con- due to the very low number of remaining posed recreation plan is now being con- sidered essential for the species' plants, a decision was made on Sep- sidered for Edgewood Park involving recovery. tember 5, 1985, to list the species as construction of an 18-hole golf course Endangered. and facilities for day camps, picnic The White River springfish (Crenich- areas, and expanded hiking and eques- thys baileyi baileyi) and Hiko White Short's Goldenrod (Solidago trian trails. All of these proposed activi- River springfish (C. b. grandis) are shortii) ties have the potential to further damage found in the Pahranagat Valley of Lin- the last population of the thornmint, or coln County, Nevada. The White River This member of the aster family, even to cause its extinction. springfish is currently known to occur only in Ash Springs, and the Hiko White endemic to the State of Kentucky, grows On June 18, 1984, the FWS proposed River springfish, extirpated from Hiko to slightly less than 39 inches (one to list the San Mateo thornmint as Springs, now exists as a,single, small meter) tall and bears yellow flowers Endangered (see BULLETIN Vol. IX No. population of fewer than 100 in Crystal between mid-August and early 7). The final rule protecting this impe- Springs. November. It is found in cedar glades riled species was published in the Sep- and openings in oak or hickory forests, tember 18, 1985, Federal Register. Habitats occupied by these two sub- in pastures, and along roadsides. Only species have been extensively altered five populations of Solidago shortii are Three White River Fishes for irrigation and public recreation. now known to exist, all in portions of These activities have changed the char- Robertson, Nicholas, and Fleming Three desert fishes that occur in rem- acter of the aquatic environments by Counties. The largest of these popula- nant waters of the pluvial White River eliminating vegetation, diverting the tions, located within Blue Licks Battle- system in eastern Nevada have been entire flow of some streams into pipes or field State Park, occurs within a 1.5-acre listed as Endangered. Populations of all cement canals, and manipulating water area that has been dedicated as a nature three are declining as a result of habitat within stream channels to facilitate irri- preserve by the Kentucky Nature Pre- destruction and the introduction of (continued on next page)

3 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) Warner sucker was very abundant, but receive the protection authorized by the Seven Species now it is known to occur only in portions Endangered Species Act. Among the (continued from previous page) of Crump and Hart Lakes, the spillway conservation measures provided to canal north of Hart Lake, and portions of listed species are the increased recogni- gation. Not only do these alterations a few nearby creeks. Because of this tion of their precarious status, the reduce habitat for the two fishes, they species' decline, the FWS proposed to requirement for the FWS to develop and lead to declines in populations of inver- list the Warner sucker as Threatened on implement recovery plans, the possibil- tebrates that the fish use for food. The May21, 1984 (see BULLETIN Vol. IX No. ity of Federal aid to State conservation introduction of exotic species into the 6). programs, and prohibitions against cer- Pahranagat Valley during the past 50 The conversion of stream flows into tain practices. years has also contributed to reduced lakes by water diversion structures has The prohibitions, in part, make it ille- populations of the spring fishes through significantly changed the Warner gal to engage in interstate or interna- predation ar^d competition for food and sucker's habitat, and prevents the tional trafficking in listed species space. stream-spawning sucker from reaching without a permit. For the Endangered The September 27, 1985, rule listing its spawning and rearing areas. In addi- fishes, prohibitions against take without these two fishes as Endangered tion, channelization of streams and a permit are now in effect. In the case of included a designation of Critical Habi- overgrazing have disturbed soils in the the Warner sucker, which is listed as tat for each. Critical Habitat for the watershed and degraded streams even Threatened, the listing includes a spe- White River springfish includes Ash further through siltation of the gravel cial rule that allows for take of Threat- Springs and its associated outflow in beds needed by the fish for spawning. ened species as necessary and Pahranagat Valley. For the Hiko White The introduction of exotic fishes intothe advisable for their conservation. Such River springfish, it includes Crystal and Warner Valley lakes has also contrib- taking of this species Is allowed without Hiko Springs and their associated open uted to the decline of C. warnerensis. a Federal permit/7a State collection per- outflows, also in Pahranagat Valley. Critical Habitat for the Warner sucker mit is obtained and all State wildlife reg- These designated areas satisfy all has been designated for portions of the ulations are satisfied. However, taking known criteria for both subspecies' eco- following streams in Lake County, will be allowed only forscientific, propa- logical, behavioral, and physiological Oregon: Twelvemile Creek, Twentymile gation, educational, or other purposes requirements. Creek, Snyder Creek, Honey Creek, and consistent with the Endangered Species Approximately 0.1 acre of the desig- parts of the spillway canal north of Hart Act. Incidental catch of the Warner nated Critical Habitat fortheWhiteRiver Lake. A 50-foot riparian zone on each sucker by licensed anglers will not be springfish is located on land adminis- side of the streams was included to pro- subject to prosecution, as long as the tered by the BLfVI, which will be prepar- tect the quality of the stream ecosystem, fish are immediately returned to the ing a Habitat Management Plan and and it is considered essential to the con- water. Recreational Management Plan for the servation of this species. Complete Crit- Under the Act, the rules for take of area. These management plans are ical Habitat descriptions and maps are listed plants are different. It is unlawful expected to becompatiblewiththeCriti- included in theSeptember27,1985, final to remove Endangered plants from only cal Habitat designation. listing rule. those lands that are under Federal juris- Some of the area designated as Criti- diction. This protection, authorized by cal Habitat for the Warner sucker is Section 9 of the Act, will extend to the under the jurisdiction of the BLM and Maguire daisy, since the site of its single Warner Sucker (Catostomus the U.S. Forest Service. Development of remaining population is under BLM warnerensis) habitat or forest management plans jurisdiction. involving these two Federal agencies Section 7 of the Act requires Federal The Warner sucker, endemic to the could require consultation with the FWS agencies to consult with the FWS to streams and lakes oftheWarnerBasin in if their implementation may affect the ensure that any actions they fund, auth- south-central Oregon, reaches a maxi- species' survival. orize, or carry out will not jeopardizethe mum length of about 20 inches (51 cm). survival of any listed animals or plants, or adversely modify their Critical Habi- It is part of a relict fauna isolated in Available Conservation Measures waters remaining from a large Pleisto- tats. These Section 7 requirements cene lake that previously covered much As Endangered or Threatened spe- apply even when Critical Habitat has not of the basin floor. Historically, the cies, each of these plants and fishes will been designated.

Comment Period Reopened on Bay Checkerspot

The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) The bay checkerspot has been pened for the fourth time to allow for the has published a notice (F.R. 9/13/85) reduced both in population size and submission of additional information reopening the public comment period geographical range. Of 16 colonies for- and comments. Indications of substan- on the pending proposal to list the bay merly known, 11 have recently become tial scientific disagreement about the checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas edi- extirpated. Colonies were eliminated as status of the bay checkerspot and the tha bayensis) as Endangered and to a result of freeway construction, subdi- threats it faces prompted the latest designate its Critical Habitat. Additional vision construction, the introduction of extension, which is authorized under comments and information regarding exotic plants, and livestock overgrazing Section 4(b)(6)(B)(i) of the Act. Before the status of this butterfly can besubmit- coupled with drought. On September the new March 11, 1986, deadline for a ted to the Regional Director, Region 1 11, 1984, the FWS proposed giving the decision on listing, a panel of FWS (address on BULLETIN page 2), until butterfly and its habitat protection under scientists will review all available data November 12, 1985. The new deadline the Endangered Species Act (story in and furnish recommendations on for a final decision on the proposal is BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 10.) whether or not to proceed with the pro- March 11, 1986. The original 60-day public comment posed action. period has now been extended or reo-

4 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) may not yet be at seed-bearing age and total fewer than 1,900 individuals, and Three Plants the groves could be extirpated. Conver- are in decline because of widespread (continued from page 1) sely, the absence of fire for too long a habitat degradation. On September 5, time apparently results in lowered 1985, the species was proposed for list- Habitat designation could make the reproductive capability and, therefore, a ing as Endangered. buckwheat more vulnerable to vandal- more vulnerable population. G. suffrutescens survives with several Ism and overcollecting. The habitat The proposal to list the Santa Cruz other endemic plants on scattered nevertheless would receive protection cypress as an Endangered species did knolls and benches of a calcareous from adverse Federal activities under not identify Critical Habitat, sincesuch a shale that is strongly resistant to ero- Section 7 of the Endangered Species designation would publicize the exact sion. The sites resemble small, Act. Currently, the only known Federal locations of the groves and make them extremely dry desert islands surrounded activity that may affect the species isthe more vulnerableto vandalism. (The larg- by sagebrush or pinyon-juniper proposed recreational development on est tree in the Bonny Doon population woodlands. land leased from BLM. Development of was cut down recently.) Even without a Most of the plants are on property such a recreation area would morelikely formal Critical Habitat designation, administered by the Bureau of Land include measures for protection of the however, the Section 7 protection Management (BLM). Part of the largest buckwheat if the plant is listed. The BLM against jeopardy to listed species from G. suffrutescens population is on the has already expressed a willingness to Federal activities still applies. Inthecase Department of Energy's Naval work with the public and the private of the Santa Cruz cypress, the only Fed- Reserve No. II, where BLM is responsi- landowner to develop conservation and eral action that could affect the species ble for surface management; the management programs. Such programs involves oil and gas production at remainder of the population is on the might include the development of a Butano Ridge, since issuance of leases Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation, cooperative agreement with the land- and approval of drilling arethe responsi- which is owned by the Ute Indian Tribe. owner or, possibly, a land exchange. bility of the BLM. Ifthecypress becomes The other seven populations are on Comments on the listing proposal are listed and is likely to be affected by dril- lands under BLM, Indian, State, or pri- welcome, and should be sent to the ling, the BLM would be required to con- vate ownership. Regional Director, Region 1 (addresson sult with the FWS on ways to avoid Since the discovery of G. suffrutes- page 2), by November 12, 1985. •jeopardy. cens 50 years ago, its habitat has been Comments on the listing proposal are declining. In fact, the species has been welcome, and should be sent to the extirpated from its type locality, proba- Cypressus abramsiana Regional Director, Region 1 (addresson bly due to heavy grazing and the remov- page 2), by November 12, 1985. al of stone for use in building. Large, Only five small populations of this linear flagstones are, or were, common tree, commonly known as the Santa Glaucocarpum suffrutescens in the species' habitat, and populations Cruz cypress, are known to exist. Por- appear denser and more vigorous where tions of each have been destroyed or are A member of the mustard family, these tuff fragments or clasts, which are threatened by residential development, Glaucocarpum suffrutescens (toad-flax in great demand, have not been land clearing for agriculture, logging, cress) is the only species in its genus. It removed. An even greater threat to G. and/or alteration of the natural fire Is endemic to shale barrens in the Uinta suffrutescens could result from energy cycles upon which the species depends. Basin of northeastern Utah, in or adja- development, unless the species' needs One of the populations also faces cent to the Hill Creek drainage in south- are adequately considered during pro- threats from oil and gas drilling. Accord- ern Uintah County and at the baseofthe ject planning. Its entire range is under- ingly, the FWS proposed listing Cypres- Badland Cliffs in nearby Duchesne lain by oil shale, which is likely to be sus abramsiana as Endangered (F.R. County. The eight known populations (continued on next page) 9/12/85). C. abramsiana is an erect, coniferous tree that reaches approximately 34 feet (10 meters) in height and has a compact, symmetrical, pyramidal crown. The five known populations are found within a two-county area of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Four of the groves are in Santa Cruz County; the fifth is at Butano Ridge in San Mateo County, a portion of which is included in Pescadero Creek County Park. Except forthe parkland, all of the sites are privately owned, and are subject to the threats mentioned earlier. For example, more than half of the habi- tat at the largest grove (at Bonny Doon, Santa Cruz County) could be lost to a proposed vineyard development. Fire has an important role in theSanta Cruz cypress life-cycle. Areas wherethe cypress grows historically were subject to periodic wildfires, and the species depends on these fires occurring at nat- , .It ^ \ ural intervals. Cypress trees are "obli- gate seeders"; that is, they do not resprout from stumps after a fire, and thus depend completely on seeds for Among the factors threatening Glaucocarpum suffrutescens has been habitat dis- post-fire regeneration. If fire breaks out turbance resulting from collection of flagstones around the plants for use in at too short an interval, the new trees construction.

5 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) Three Plants The Snail Kite, an Imperiled Floridian (continued from previous page) by Robin H. Fields also feed infrequently on an introduced Jacksonville Endangered Species Field snail, Pomacea bridges!.) A snail kite will mined when conditions become eco- Station hover over an apple snail and then cap- nomically favorable. ture it by extending feet and talons into The Florida snail kite, formerly known the water. Some captures are initiated The proposal to list G. suffrutescens as the Everglade kite, is one of the from a low perch. as Endangered included a provision for State's most vulnerable species. Histori- Despite the critical importance of the designating Critical Habitat. Eight areas cally, this raptor occurred in areas apple snail as the food source for the totalling 7,360 acres (2,980 hectares) throughout peninsular Florida, but Endangered kite, comparatively little is within the were identified. widespread habitat modification known of the apple snail's ecological They include^ the species' entire range reduced its range and numbers to the relationship to south Florida's wetlands. except for a small, newly discovered point that it was listed in 1967 as When marshes begin to dry, applesnails population in Duchesne County that has Endangered. burrow into the mud to aestivate. Their not yet been adequately mapped. The Slightly smaller than a red-shouldered ability to survive through drought is proposed Critical Habitats are remote, hawk, snail kites are 15 to 18 inches (38 essential, not only to themselves but to about 2.5 hours over dirt roads from the to 46 centimeters) in length and have an the kite. In the southern Everglades, nearest town. A Critical Habitat designa- average wingspread of 45 inches (114 work has been done to determine the tion would not necessarily prohibit any cm). Adult males are dark slate gray, impacts of various water conditions on kind of activity, but it would require Fed- while adult females are brown above apple snail production. Marshes in this eral agencies to ensure that their activi- with buff below. Both have a square tail area typically experience seasonal ties are not likely to adversely modify the with a white patch at the base, which water level fluctuations, and are usually Critical Habitat. Current management is from a distance resembles that of a without surface water during the latter not likely to be affected to any major marsh hawk. Females are slightly larger part of the dry season. There are years, extent. than males. Immature kites of both however, when water remains through sexes resemble adult females except all seasons. Comments on the listing proposal are that their eyes are brown ratherthan red. In an Everglades study by Dr. James welcome, and should be sent to the The snail kite's scientific name, Rost- A. Kushlan (1975 ), itseemedthat higher Regional Director, Region 6 (address on rhamus sociabilis plumbeus, is derived snail populations were attained under BULLETIN page 2), by November 4, from Latin terms that describe the kite's more permanent high water conditions, 1985. characteristics: rostrum meaning beak, in contrast to conditions in which sur- hamus meaning hook, sociabilis mean- face water reaches low levels in dry sea- ing a sharer, and plumbum meaning sons. There appears to be a differential lead (colored). survival of large snails through dry peri- The Snail Kite and its Prey ods, and increased juvenile recruitment Available Conservation Measures in constantly high water. Thus, the aver- If the listing proposals are made final, This bird has the most specialized age snail size was greater under condi- all four species and their habitats will known eating habit of any raptor in the tions of fluctuating water levels, receive the full protection authorized for world. It uses the fine long hook on its although total snail numbers may be plants under the Endangered Species distinctively decurved bill to remove fewer than if water levels were constant. Act. Among the available conservation snails from their whorled shells. After It can be concluded that marshes along measures are the prohibitions on inter- holding ashell in its talons until the snail more permanent water bodies such as state or international trafficking in begins to emerge, the kite spears the canal edges, impoundments, and lake Endangered plants without a permit and snail and pulls it the rest of the way out of edges may have higher snail popula- the requirement for the FWS to develop the shell. tions than the Everglades. and implement plans for their recovery. In Florida, the snail kite feeds almost Further, under Section 7 of the Act, Fed- exclusively on the apple snail (Pomacea Snail Kite Distribution eral agencies are required to ensurethat paludosa) , a freshwater mollusk that any actions they fund, authorize, or inhabits shallow open water areas within Snail kites are gregarious and carry out are not likely to jeopardize the marshes. (There is some evidence to nomadic, and during mid-day often soar survival of listed species or adversely indicate that snail kites in Florida may (continued on next page) modify their Critical Habitat.

Section 9 of the Act makes it illegal to "remove and reduce to possession" Endangered plants from lands under Federal jurisdiction, and this provision would apply to parts of the remaining Glaucocarpum suffrutescens and Eriog- onum ovalitolium var. williamsiae popu- lations. Federal aid to State wildlife agencies for their own endangered spe- cies programs is available (through Sec- tion 6 of the Act) if they have approved Endangered Species Cooperative Agreements with the FWS; to date, Cali- fornia is among the States with such an agreement for Endangered plants, and it could apply for funds to aid in Cypres- sus abramsiana conservation if the spe- cies is listed. snail kite feeding its young

6 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) peninsula was covered with surface benefited the snail kite population by Snail Kite water during much of the year. The sin- flooding some or all of the area for sev- (continued from previous page) gle most important factor responsible eral years. But the demands for fresh for the snail kite decline in Florida has water for agricultural, municipal, and to great heights on thermals. They will been the loss of suitable freshwater industrial uses are so great that there is often nest in loose colonies. Some dis- marsh habitat resulting from drainage. not enough fresh water left to maintain persal can be expected following the From 1881 to 1894, a number of drain- large areas of flooded habitat suitable nesting season, and dispersal is very age projects were initiated, and since for kites on a long-term basis. pronounced during and after droughts. 1905, major construction projects have In addition, large areas of marsh have When disturbed, kites often circle low been undertaken intermittently. Wide- become infested with the exotic water several times before flying away. spread drainage has permanently hyacinth (Eicl^hornia crassipes), which Snail kites require freshwater marshes lowered the water table as much as 4.9 forms dense mats of vegetation obscur- with a distant horizon and a low vegeta- feet (1.5 m) in parts of south Florida and ing the marshes where snail kites hunt. tive profile. Their preferred habitat con- up to 6.9 feet (2 m) in the headwaters of The exotic Australian punk tree (Mela- sists of extensive areas of open surface the St. Johns River. Vast expanses of leuca quinquenervia) is also invading water 4 feet (1.2 meter) deep or less, like freshwater marshes have been com- the native sawgrass (Cladium) prairies, that in sloughs, spikerush (Eleocharis) pletely destroyed, and much of the completely changing the prairies to flats, or wet prairies that retain some remaining marsh has been modified to swamps that are unsuitable for kite use. water throughout most years. Such the extent that it is no longer suitable Characteristically, as cyclic droughts areas are usually found within a larger habitat for snail kites. occur, snail kites disperse to the small marsh of sawgrass (Cladium jamaicen- In the late 1940's, the U.S. Army Corps isolated wetlands and canal systems sis) or cattails (Typha domingensis and of Engineers began to develop the Cen- surrounding the Everglades, particu- T. latifolia) with scattered shrubs or tral and Southern Florida Flood Control larly those to the north, that still have small trees that serve as perches and Project to control freshwater runoff from water. Even these critically important nesting sites. the Everglades. In 1949, the Central and drought related habitats, however, are The main nesting season is January Southern Florida Flood Control District, disappearing as they are drained for through August, although nests have today known as the South Florida Water development. been found in every month. Kites gener- Management District, was created. Flow ally nest in coastal-plain willow (Salix of water to the sea was controlled, and caroiiniana). Kites will nest in cattails three conservation areas were created in End of part one. Next month's conclu- over water when preferred trees or the Everglades. These conservation sion discusses snail kite protection shrubs are unavailable; however, these areas are freshwater storage sites regu- under the Endangered Species Act, nests are usually unsuccessful because lated by levees and canals. Creation of implementation of the recovery plan, the cattails cannot support the weight of the conservation areas secondarily and habitat management strategies. the nest. Their nests, usually con- structed only 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 m) above the water, are loose structures of dried sticks lined with fine green plant stems and leaves. The average clutch size is three. Renesting upon the loss of a nest is common: double brooding occurs when nesting begins early in the nesting season and snails are abundant. Early snail kite population estimates are not available, but there were men- tions of scattered populations of approximately 100 birds through the 1920's. In 1945, Alexander Sprunt, Jr., was the first to report that the kite was in Annual Snail Kite Census Results for Florida serious trouble; he estimated that there were only 50 to 100 snail kites remain- 1969-1985 ing. He had observed a steady decline at Year Total Number Severe Droughts Lake Okeechobee and atotal disappear- Of Kites ance from the headwaters of the St. Johns River. The kite population has 1969 98 fluctuated dramatically, declining pre- 1970 120 cipitously in years of drought. In recent 1971 72 1971 years, the annual census has ranged 1972 65 from 65 in 1972 to 668 in 1984 (see 1973 95 chart). In the 1980's, a series of droughts 1974 81 caused serious declines in the popula- 1975 110 tion. Despite the December 1984 survey 1976 142 figure of 668 kites, south Florida's 1977 152 serious drought in spring 1985 may 1978 267 result once again in a drastically 1979 431 reduced snail kite population. 1980 651 1981-1982 1981 109 Habitat Modification 1982 312 1983 437 Snail kites once ranged over a wide 1984 668 expanse of habitat in peninsular Florida. 1985 (to be conducted) 1985 Historically, morethan one-fourth of the

7 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) Development of U.S. Export Programs for Repetitious Trade in CITES Appendix II Species

by Ronald Singer rufus), lynx {Lynx canadensis), river CITES export program should Federal Wildlife Permit Office otter {Lutra canadensis), and American rely upon State-applied tags as ade- ginseng {Panax quinquifolius). quate proof that a specimen has quali- In 1973, representatives of 80 coun- Developing an export program for fied for export. Since 1978, States tries met in Washington, D.C., to these species that would satisfy CITES seeking generic export approval for develop the Convention on International requirements involved the following CITES-listed resident species have Trade in Endangered Species of Wild considerations: developed and managed an FWS- Fauna and Flora (CITES), which took approved tagging program, and have effect on July 1, 1975, after the tenth • Even though the export of these laws mandating the tagging of all legally nation signed the treaty. There are now/ species from the U.S. is controlled taken CITES-listed animals before the 88 CITES member countriesthat control by Federal law, it is FWS policy animals or their skins are moved from species listed on one of three CITES that individual States are the the State. Tagging skins prior to ship- Appendices. Species included on any of appropriate managers of resident ping them from the State of origin is the three Appendices are internationally native species. This is based on necessary; once skins move in interstate traded and area) threatened w/ith extinc- the broad trustee and policy pow- commerce, are accumulated by dealers tion (Appendix I); b) may become so ers of States to control and regu- and exporters, and sold through various threatened (Appendix II); or c) are listed late the taking and possession of sales or auctions, it is virtually impossi- on Appendix III for protection within the resident species within their ble to differentiate one unmarked skin country of origin. CITES-listed species boundaries. from another. are subject to certain trade regulations • The SA decided that, for high- The MA developed a standardized that include a permit requirement for trade Appendix II species, it was export tag and legend, and began order- imports, exports, and reexports. more practical to develop ing tags for export-approved States in CITES member countries are required "generic" findings for all exports 1982. This eased the tag ordering pro- to designate one or more Management of a particular species from the cess for the individual States and, Authorities (MA) to issue permits autho- U.S. rather than multiple findings because of the quantity ordered, rizing international trade for listed spe- for each individual export. Also, reduced the cost of tags to the States. cies and to communicate with other permit applicants normally could Beginning in 1983, the MA decided to members and the Convention Secreta- not provide the information on both order and pay for CITES export riat on CITES matters. Member coun- which to make individual nondetri- tags in order to eliminate this cost to the tries are also required to designate one ment findings States. Once properly tagged, CITES or more Scientific Authorities (SA) to • The MA decided that the time animal species are exported through an make scientific decisions on interna- required to process and grant mul- FWS-designated port where CITES doc- tional trade impacts. In the United tiple individual export permits for uments are checked, validated, and col- States, the U.S. Department of the Inte- repetitious exports would be dis- lected if necessary. rior is both theMAandtheSA.The Fed- ruptive to the normal movement of eral Wildlife PermitOffice (FWPO) of the these species in international The attachment of a tag to an animal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) commerce. skin is a relatively simple and easy acts as the MA for the Department, and method of certifying a specimen for the FWS Office of Scientific Authority With these factors in mind, the SA export. But how does one handle the acts as the SA. decided to grant generic nondetriment export of plant material like roots of CITES specifies that, among other findings for those States that have an American ginseng? These roots are rel- things, the MA may not issue an export adequate resource base to support atively small, and may number 100-300 permit for a wild specimen of a listed export and to manage the species for per pound when dried and ready for species until the SA has advised that continued survival. export. With more than 700,000 pounds such exportwill not be detrimental tothe The MA examined State wildlife man- of dried ginseng roots exported each survival of the species. Once this advice agement programs and found certain year, the total number of individual roots has been given, the MA must be satisfied features common to all programs: boggles the mind. After due considera- that the specimen being exported was tion, the MA decided that, because most • harvest was usually controlled by legally obtained and that the specimen bulk agricultural products are sold by an established taking season; is being exported in accordance with weight, a State export program and cer- • hunters or trappers usually had to CITES regulations. tification system reporting legal take. be licensed by the State; State of origin, and weight of roots The MA may also issue a Certificate of • harvested animals had to be Artificial Propagation for plants or a would satisfy the export requirements marked in some manner to identify mandated by CITES. Certificate of Captive Breeding for thespecies, where and when itwas animals, when there is proof that the taken, and the hunter or trapper; Actual export of the State-certified specimens being exported were pro- and ginseng occurs through a U.S. Depart- duced by these methods. Normally, no ment of Agriculture-designated port, • the taker had to report the harvest SA finding of nondetriment to the spe- where the CITES export document, of certain species to the State. cies is required in order to issue such shipping waybill. State certificates of documentation. A working group of experts from the origin, and shipment contents are exam- While many CITES Appendix II spe- Federal and State governments was ined by Agriculture port inspectors. If cies are native to the U.S., seven species assembled by the FWS to determine the shipment is in order, the CITES in particular are exported from this what biological and management pro- export document is validated bytheport country in significant quantities. These grams were needed to insure appro- inspector, and waybills and State docu- species are: Alaskan brown or grizzly priate CITES export decisions. ments are collected for return totheMA. bear (Ursus arctos), Alaskan gray wolf In consideration of its own study find- The MA then reviews all documents and {Canis lupus). American alligator {Alli- ings and the working group recommen- returns certificates to the State of issu- gator mississippiensis), bobcat (Lynx dations, the MA decided that the U.S. ance for final verification.

8 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) Restoring the Colorado Squawfish to Arizona Waters by James Johnson, Albuquerque Regional Office On August 26, 1985, Colorado squaw- waters. After extensive review, the Ariz- vided varying degrees of protection for fish (Ptychocheilus lucius) came back to ona Game and Fish Department recom- reintroduced populations. (See story in Arizona. North America's largest min- mended two areas for reintroduction: BULLETIN Vol. IX No. 9.) Non-essential now (there are records of specimens 6 the Salt and Verde Rivers. Sections of populations arethosethat are not vital to feet long and 80 pounds in weight), these rivers still appear to contain suita- the survival or recovery of the species, squawfish were once so plentiful in Ari- ble habitat. Brood fish were obtained and therefore are not subject to most zona waters that early settlers pitch- from the Green River and artificial Section 7 regulations. While regulations forked them out of irrigation canals for spawning efforts started at Willow for the experimental population concept fertilizer. Many of those same settlers Beach and Dexter National Fish Hat- were developed in Washington, D C., preferred squawfish as a food fish over cheries (NFH). Region 2 geared up at Dexter NFH. The the nativetrouts, and described the flesh In the late 1970's, the Fish and Wildlife proposal to reintroduce Colorado as "white, flaky, and sweet." Service (FWS) began to discuss the rein- squawfish into Arizona as a non- Beginning in the early 1900's, damson troduction of squawfish with land and essential experimental population in the the Salt, Verde, Gila, and Colorado Riv- resource managers in Arizona. Surpris- Salt and Verde Rivers was published on ers in Arizona began to alter riverine ingly strong opposition to reintroduc- April 10, 1984. (See BULLETIN Vol. IX habitats. Changes in water tempera- tion came from groups interested in No. 5.) The final rule was published July tures, dewatering of many reaches, loss further water development, and from 27, 1985, and took effect 30 days later. of flood flows, and the increase in non- grazing and mining interests within the On August 26, 1985, 296 squawfish native fish species may have been the watershed. The most common concern were released into the Verde River near factors that led to the decline of the among these special interest groups Perkinsville, Arizona. The fish were over squawfish. By the time the Colorado was the possibility that the FWS might 4 years old and ranged from 12 to 16 squawfish was listed as an Endangered reintroduce an Endangered fish into inches in length. Two days later, 200 species (1967), it had already been waters from which it had been extir- one-year-old squawfish and 30,000 fry almost extirpated from Arizona. The last pated, and then use its presence to stop were placed into the Salt River. Releases Colorado squawfish from the Gila River proposed or ongoing actions by invok- of squawfish in Arizona will continue drainage was found in a tributary (the ing Section 7 of the Endangered Species under the experimental designation for Salt River) above Roosevelt Lake in Act, which bars Federal agencies from up to the next 10 years in an attempt to 1951, and the last one from any Arizona any actions likely to jeopardize listed reestablish viable populations of this waters came from below Glen Canyon species. Comments were also made large, good-eating minnow back in its Dam in 1969. that, once the fish had been reintro- historical waters. The Arizona Game Today, wild populations of squawfish duced, the FWS could declare Critical and Fish Department will monitor the survive only in parts of the upper Colo- Habitat in those streams, further block- success of the effort. The released rado River basin, especially intheGreen ing development. squawfish, we hope, will prosper in the and Colorado Rivers of Colorado and In 1982, the Act was amended to Salt and Verde Rivers and aid in the Utah. The Colorado Squawfish Recov- include the category of "experimental eventual recovery of this unique ery Plan, signed in 1979, called for rein- populations." Two subcategories, species. troducing the species back into Arizona "essential" and "non-essential," pro-

gency closure. The CDFG hopes that July 15-24 by FWS and Hawaii Division Regional Briefs this latest closure will significantly of Forestry and Wildlife staff members. (continued from page 2) reduce sea otter mortality. Preliminary analyses resulted in a popu- lation estimate of 1,867 birds, plus or that are the subject of a listing minus 676. This represents a 42-percent petition recently received by the FWS. The State of Hawaii's Division of Fore- increase from the 1984-1985 winter esti- stry and Wildlife has announced that it mate and an 8-percent decrease from summer 1984. Hopefully, this recent On August 25, the CDFG invoked an intends to move its Endangered species increase represents a real recovery from emergency closure of the gill and tram- captive breeding project from Pohaku- the all-time population low during win- mel net fishery out to 20-fathoms loa on the island of Hawai'i to Olinda on ter 1984-1985. between Cape San Martin and Point the island of Maui. The proximity of the Piedras Blancas. This closure expands Pohakuloa facility to U.S. Army ord- the area previously closed to gill and nance and aircraft training areas may be trammel net fishermen by an emergency having a detrimental effect on the Of the 23 whooping crane(Grus amer- order on January 27, 1985, and perman- behavior of breeding birds. It is hoped icana) eggs translocated to Grays Lake ent legislation enacted on May 24, 1985. that modifications to a now unused pri- National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Idaho The new closure encompasses 17 miles son at Olinda will be completed by this from the breeding grounds in Canada, of coastline and nearshore waters out to December so that captive Hawaiian 20 hatched and 3 were infertile. Eleven the 20-fathom contour. crows or 'alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) can of the 20 chicks have been banded. The previous 15-fathom closure be moved there prior to their spring Whether or not the remaining birds sur- apparently did not eliminate the entan- breeding season. Captive individuals of vived was not known by early October. glement of southern sea oWers (Enhydra other Endangered species, such as the lutris nereis) in gill and trammel nets. nene or Hawaiian goose (Nesochen Since the 15-fathom closure went into sandvicensis), and the koloa-maoli or Region 2—Dr. Rod Drewien reported effect, 10 of the Threatened otters have Hawaiian duck (Anas wyvilliana), will be that the Rocky Mountain whoopers' fall drowned in nets set legally outside 15- moved subsequently. staging activities were about 2 weeks fathoms. Seven of the ten otters earlier than normal. During such staging drowned off Ragged Point, the area now periods, the whoopers concentrate in closed to gill andtrammel net fishing out The 1985 summer palila (Loxioides grainland-wetland complexes with to 20-fathoms by the August 25 emer- bailleui) count was conducted during (continued on next page)

9 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) September, a 2-week-old female ocelot endangered species program coordina- Regional Briefs kitten was located on the Laguna Atas- tors has taken place annually for the last (continued from previous page) cosa NWR in south Texas. Linda Laack, 10 years. Agenda topics this year a graduate student at Texas A&l Univer- included the Endangered Species Act, sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis). sity, discovered the "den" site contain- bald eagle restoration, and nongame where they feed on waste grains that ing the kitten as part of her ocelot programs. The attendees also had an remain after harvest. ecological studies on the refuge. The opportunity to exchange information on After several weeks on the staging den consisted of a barren earth depres- State programs. Region 3 States repres- areas, the whooping cranes begin their sion under a bush in a very dense thorn ented at the meeting included Illinois, migration into the San Luis Valley of forest. The kitten was examined and Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado. The whoopers' early staging photographed, and appeared to be in Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Also in activities may betheconsequenceofthe good health. Radio telemetry data indi- attendance were representatives from summer drought, hard frosts in mid- cate that the mother is caring for the Ontario, Canada, and the endangered August that killed the insects used as kitten. This is the first den site located species coordinator from New York food, and an early, cool fall. These and documented for this Endangered State. cranes seldom migrate before October species. The kitten also represents the Winous Point Shooting Club, a man- 1, but this year only five to six whoopers third generation of ocelots involved in aged hunting club on one of Lake Erie's and several hundred sandhill cranes this ongoing study. prime marshes, hosted this year's meet- remained at Grays Lake NWR on that ing in cooperation with the Ohio Depart- date. ment of Natural Resources' Division of A juvenile whooping crane that struck Wildlife and the FWS. The club has been One hundred and four individual a powerline about 20 miles southeast of a long-time supporter of endangered plants of Knowlton's cactus (Pediocac- Grays Lake NWR was found on Sep- wildlife and nongame management. tus knowitonii) were reintroduced into tember 23. He was treated for several the species' historic range in northwest- days in a veterinary clinic in Pocatello, ern New Mexico in early September. In Idaho, and then transferred to Patuxent the wild, the species is known from only Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) in one location, where an estimated 7,000 Region 4—In two unrelated incidents, Laurel, Maryland. The likelihood of rec- plants grow in an area of less than 25 federally listed Endangered species overy is slim due to severe leg and acres. The reintroduced plants were were taken recently in Florida. The first abdominal injuries. taken as cuttings from wild plants last case involved a commercial fisherman Two other whooping cranes decided spring and reared in a greenhouse until found with a butchered West Indian to migrate separately this fall, east of the they had developed to the point that they manatee (Trichechus manatus) calf in Rockies. The first, which summered in could survive in the wild. his boat on May 16, 1985, intheSt. Lucie western Wyoming near Danielsville, River. FWS Special Agents and Florida The reintroduced plants will be moni- appeared near Hudson, Colorado, on Marine Patrol officers conducted an tored carefully to determine if this is a September 10 and remained there investigation that led to the arrest of four valid recovery technique. The project is through the month. Local landowners men. All four were indicted on Federal a cooperative effort between the FWS, were contacted, and other steps were charges of possessing and killing a the State of New Mexico, and The taken to ensure the bird's safety. The manatee. Charges were dropped Nature Conservancy. The Bureau of second whooper, which summered 15 to against three, but one man received a Land Management just concluded a 2- 20 miles from the first, was reported near $750 fine and one-year prison sentence. year field survey of Knowlton cactus Severance, Colorado, on September 24. An initial plea bargain for probation was potential habitat and was unable to It was using an area of about onesquare rejected after three previous fishing locate additional populations. mile, consisting of three waterfowl hunt- convictions were uncovered. ing club leases. Approximately a 3- In the other incident, a Key West man square mile area was closed informally was arrested after a road chase and was to hunting through cooperation of the Release of masked bobwhites (Coii- found to possess a dead Key deerfOdo- clubs and landowners for a period fol- nus virginianus ridgwayi) on Buenos coileus virgianus ciavium). The dead lowing the opening of the Canada goose Aires NWR appears to be going very animal, a pregnant doe, had been shot (Branta canadensis) and sandhill crane well. Final acquisition of the property in three times. Carrots and a .22-caliber hunting season, which began Sep- southern Arizona was completed on rifle were also found in the truck. The tember 28. These two whoopers were August 1, 1985, and by mid-September, Federal Government plans to press only the second and third of the Grays 363 masked bobwhites had been charges under the Endangered Species Lake flock confirmed to be migrating released. Fifty-three sterilized male Act (and possibly the Lacy Act), and the east of the Rocky Mountains since the Texas bobwhites, a non-endangered State of Florida plans to charge the sus- flock was established taxon, have adopted masked bobwhite pect for violation of State law. chicks, but 14 rejected their foster off- spring. The wild Texas birds teach their young wards something about survival, An aerial survey of whooping cranes but cannot contaminate the masked conducted over part of the breeding bobwhite gene pool. Over 1,000 masked On July 1, 1985, the Florida Depart- grounds at Wood Buffalo National Park bobwhite chicks have been received ment of Natural Resources (DNR) on September 20 by the Canadian Wild- from the PWRC; an estimated 2,500 assumed responsibility for the Manatee life Service confirmed the survival of at masked bobwhites will be received in Salvage Program from the FWS. The least 15 of the 16 young-of-the-year total and released by mid-October. Florida DNR will initially operate the birds banded there during mid-August. program with Federal support from Early migrants had moved into Saskat- Endangered Species Act (Section 6) chewan by the survey date. Region 3—Wildlife managers and funds. Personnel from Sea World of researchers throughout the Midwest Florida and the University of Miami will met in Ohio during the week of Sep- cooperate with DNR biologists in sal- Based on radio telemetry of an adult tember 23 to discussthe management of vage and necropsies. female ocelot (Felis pardalis) in early endangered wildlife. This meeting of (continued on next page)

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) staff was involved in revising recovery supply, future water demands, and Regional Briefs plans for three Endangered species: the existing legal requirements. Members of (continued from previous page) Plymouth red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys the Instream Flow Group at WELUT rubriventris bangsl), the Maryland dar- have been assisting in most phases of The Manatee Salvage Program has ter {Etheostoma seliare), and the Virgi- the process for establishing these flow been, and continues to be, a crucial nia round-leaf birch {Betuia uber). and temperature recommendations. source of data for evaluating human These revised plans will more accurately Much of the evaluation revolves around impacts on manatees. Since 1974, 931 identify the recovery needs of each of the use of "Network Habitat Analysis" carcasses have been recovered. the three species, based on the most techniques, which interrelate the effects Approximately one-third of the deaths recently acquired biological data. that alternative water management sce- were found to be human-related; 210 of narios have on flows, temperatures, and them were attributed to boat or barge the components of aquatic microhabi- collisions. Thus far, the 1985 mortality Region 7—With a small population of tat, such as the water's depth and rate is similar to the 1984 rate, which Aleutian Canada geese {Branta cana- velocity. resulted in the highest annual mortality densis leucoparela) now established on Results of the analysis will be for- documented (131). Agattu Island, transplant efforts are warded to the interagency Colorado being directed to Amchitka Island. Dur- River Coordinating Committee, chaired ing August, the staff of the Aleutian by the FWS. The results will be used to develop biologically based, legally The U.S. District Court for the District Islands Unit NWR successfully trans- defensible recommendations for water of Columbia has made a ruling concern- planted 124 geese from Buldir Island to management in the basin. ing the propriety of cutting timber for Amchitka. Annual transplants to southern pine beetle control in four wil- Amchitka of 100 to 150 geese will con- tinue until a self-sustaining population derness areas—the Black Creek and The FWS Office of Habitat Resources is established. Based on efforts to rees- Leaf Wilderness Areas in Desota has provided $200,000 to complete fenc- tablish geese on Agattu, at least three National Forest, Mississippi: Caney ing on the upper Hanawi watershed on transplants to Amchitka will be needed. Creek Wilderness Area in Ouachita Maui. The watershed contains nearly 25 National Forest, Arkansas; and Kisat- percent of the habitat of the critically chie Hills Wilderness Area in Kisatchie Endangered po'ouli (Meiamprosops National Forest, Louisiana. The Sierra The FWS and cooperating agencies in phaeosoma) and is also the central point Club sought a preliminary injunction Alaska have banded more than 1,200 of distribution of the Endangered Maui based on alleged violations of the peregrine falcons (Faico peregrinus) parrotbill {Pseudonestor xanthophrys) National Environmental Policy Act and since the initiation of a comprehensive and 'akohekohe or crested honey- the Endangered Species Act. The court banding program in 1979. Band returns creeper (Palmeria doiei). The fencing recognized that cutting may be neces- from Mexico, El Salvador, Brazil, and project will exclude non-native pigs sary to prevent harm to the red- Argentina, and from the States of from an enclosed area and allow PWRC cockaded woodpecker {Picoides Washington, Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, biologists to study the response of borealis), and allowed that cutting could and Georgia, have provided valuable native birds and vegetation as part of take place in wilderness areas for the insight into the migration and wintering ongoing research in the Hawaiian sole purpose of preventing harm to this habits of peregrines nesting in Alaska. Islands. species, provided that it is done in strict The most recent return is the first from accordance with the U.S. Forest Service western South America: a peregrine wildlife habitat management manual. banded as a nestling on Alaska's Charlie One of three Puerto Rican parrot The FWS must also be notified in writing River in 1984 was shot in Ecuador in (Amazona vittata) chicks that are being of the need for cutting in wilderness March 1985. radio-monitored by PWRC biologists to areas. determine post-fledging movements and survival was found dead 5 weeks after fledging. Since fledging, this par- Region 8 (Research)—Over the past rot, along with its two nest mates, had The results of field surveys and status year and a half, personnel from the remained within the nest valley, gener- reviews conducted by FWS biologists in Western Energy and Land Use Team ally within 200 to 400 meters from the Jackson, Mississippi, indicate that the (WELUT) have been helping to evaluate nest cavity. The radio transmitter, some ringed sawback turtle {Graptemys ocu- the consequences of water development feathers, and a few bone fragments were lifera) warrants a listing proposal, while activities on Endangered fish habitat in recovered under atree root mass, appar- the yellow-blotched sawback (G. fiavi- the Upper Colorado River Basin. The ently where a scavenger had carried the maculata) does not. The ringed sawback Colorado squawfish [Ptychocheilus body before consuming it. Because of is endemic to areas of the Pearl River lucius) and humpback chub (Gila the scant remains, cause of death could and a tributary, the Bogue Chitto River. cypha) are the species of principal con- not be positively determined. A listing proposal for this species is war- cern. Their habitat has been signifi- ranted duetothreatsfrom potential hab- cantly altered by the construction of itat modification expected to result from more than 20 major dams in the basin, A karyotyping technique to determine numerous projects that are authorized, and water development activities con- the sex of Endangered whooping cranes planned, or proposed by the U.S. Army tinue to be proposed to support urban is now being used at the PWRC. The Corps of Engineers. expansion, irrigation, and electrical technique, a modification of the proce- The yellow-blotched sawback turtle, power generation. dure developed attheSan DiegoZoofor endemic to the Pascagoula River system The FWS has been charged to develop sexing California condors, involves in Mississippi, was found abundantly in river flow and temperature recommen- identification of the sex chromosomes the riverand its many bayous. Nosignifi- dations for important stream reaches in avian lymphocytes. In 1985, 16 cant threats to this species surfaced dur- throughout the basin, primarily the whooping cranes and 15 Mississippi ing the status review. Colorado and Green Rivers and their sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pulia) major tributaries. These recommenda- were sexed using this technique. This tions must provide for the maintenance information will be used in the pairing of Region 5—During September, the of Endangered fish habitat and must subadult cranes for captive Region 5 Endangered Species office operate within the constraints of water propagation.

11 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985) Recovery Plan Update BOX SCORE OF LISTINGS/RECOVERY PLANS The following recovery plans were recently approved: San Francisco ENDANGERED 1 THREATENED SPECIES Garter Snake Recovery Plan Category U.S. U.S. & Foreign 1 U.S. U.S. & Foreign SPECIES* HAVING (9/11/85); Coachella Valley Fringe- Only Foreign Only ] Only Foreign Only TOTAL PLANS toed Lizard Recovery Plan (9/11/85); Mammals 25 19 234 4 0 22 304 23 Delta Green Ground Beetle/Solano Birds 60 13 141 1 3 1 0 218 54 Grass Recovery Plan (9/11/85); and Reptiles 8 6 60 1 8 4 13 99 18 Leon Springs Pupfish Recovery Plan Amphibians 5 0 8 1 3 0 0 16 6 (8/14/85). Fishes 37 4 11 1 19 3 0 74 39 Copies of recovery plans become Snails 3 0 1 1 5 0 0 9 7 available for purchase about 6 Clams 23 0 2 1 0 0 0 25 19 months from their date of approval. Crustaceans 3 0 1 0 0 4 1 Requests for copies should be made Insects 8 0 "° 1 5 0 0 13 10 to the Fish and Wildlife Reference Plants 82 5 1 23 2 2 115 43 Service, 6011 Executive Boulevard, TOTAL 254 47 458 ! 71 10 37 877 220" Rockville, Maryland 20852; telephone 'Separate populations of a species, listed both as Endangered and Threatened, are tallied 800/582-3421. twice. Species which are thus accounted for are the gray wolf, bald eagle, American alligator, green sea turtle, Olive ridley sea turtle, and leopard.

**More than one species may be covered by some plans, and a few species have more New Notice than one plan covering different parts of their ranges. (continued from page 1) Number of Recovery Plans approved: 185 Category 2 comprises taxa for which Number of species currently proposed for listing: 18 animals information now in possession of the 29 plants FWS indicates that proposing to list is Number of Species with Critical Habitats determined: 91 possibly appropriate, but for which Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: 42 fish & wildlife conclusive data on biological vulner- 17 plants ability and threats to their survival are not currently available to support September 30, 1985 proposed rules. Further research and field study may be needed to ascer- The notice requests information con- and comments may be sent to the Direc- tain the status of the taxa in Category cerning the status, , and distri- tor (OES), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2, and it is likely that many will be bution of the identified taxa; Washington, D.C. 20240. Copies of the found to not warrant listing. recommendations concerning possible notice may be obtained by writing to this designation of Critical Habitat; docu- same address. The list of candidate taxa Category 3 comprises taxa that were mentation of threats; and nominations will be amended periodically to reflect once being considered for listing, but for additional candidates. Information new information. that are not currently receiving such consideration because they are Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Total thought to be extinct (Category 3A), taxonomically invalid (Category 3B), Fish 17 111 20 148 or no longer subject to identifiable Amphibians 1 52 9 62 threats (Category 3C). Reptiles 4 49 19 72 A total of 594 species, subspecies, and Birds 8 44 13 65 vertebrate populations are covered by Mammals 5 224 18 247 the review, and are categorized as shown in the following table: Total 35 480 79 594

October 1985 Vol. X No. 10 FIRST GLASS POSTAGE AND FEES PAID U-S DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT NO. G-77 — - — Dl ill A^in [^^P^rtment of interior u S Fish and wildlife Service 1 cvrirllval DUIICLin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D C. 202^0

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. X No. 10 (1985)