Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 173 / Thursday, September 7, 1995 / Proposed Rules 46569 Requested Action May Be Warranted

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 173 / Thursday, September 7, 1995 / Proposed Rules 46569 Requested Action May Be Warranted Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 173 / Thursday, September 7, 1995 / Proposed Rules 46569 requested action may be warranted. The been fenced to restrict access, and the ssp. verecunda in chaparral and mixed 90-day finding was published in the other two populations are expected to evergreen plant communities is an Federal Register on August 19, 1992 (57 be protected by fencing when indication that this taxon may be more FR 37513). A status review was ownership of the Presidio is transferred widely distributed and have broader continued for this category 2 candidate from the Department of Army to the habitat affinities than previously species (58 FR 51186; September 30, National Park Service. Invasive non- believed. Chaparral covers an extensive 1993). native vegetation is encroaching on portion of the Coast Ranges in the San Silene verecunda ssp. verecunda is a some populations of S. verecunda ssp. Francisco Bay area. Consequently, the perennial herb in the pink family verecunda. On the Presidio, however, unknown overall status of the taxon (Caryophyllaceae) that grows from 10 to there are ongoing efforts to remove the makes any assumptions about 70 centimeters (4 to 28 inches) tall. Each invasive species. There is no vulnerability of S. verecunda ssp. flower has five pink to rose colored quantitative trend data to assess the verecunda to current threats notched petals, and the purplish sepals extent to which S. verecunda ssp. unsupportable at this time. are united into a tube, making the verecunda has or will be impacted by The Service has reviewed the petition, flower look bell-shaped. non-native plants. Therefore, such other available literature and Silene verecunda ssp. verecunda threat to this species is not known to be information, and consulted with previously was reported to occupy open immediate or imminent. The known biologists and researchers familiar with grassy areas in sandy to rocky soils in populations of S. verecunda ssp. Silene verecunda ssp. verecunda. On coastal strand, coastal prairie, and verecunda that occur on the Presidio are the basis of the best scientific and coastal scrub plant communities ranging unlikely to be affected by toxic waste commercial information available from San Francisco south to Santa Cruz site studies and clean-up. This species regarding S. verecunda ssp. verecunda, County (Young 1979). Recently, S. does not occur near the area where these the Service finds that the petitioned verecunda ssp. verecunda has been activities most likely would occur (Peter action is not warranted at this time reported to occur in chaparral and Lacivita, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, because there is insufficient information mixed evergreen forest plant pers. comm. 1993). Neither disease, about the taxon's status and its communities (Skinner and Pavlik 1994; predation, or overutilization are known vulnerability to threats. The Service will Lion Baumgartner, Thomas Reid to be a threat to S. verecunda ssp. Associates, in litt. 1994). Historical continue to maintain S. verecunda ssp. verecunda. verecunda as a species of concern. The populations from Lake Merced and Stochastic (random) and natural Service encourages all interested parties Mission Dolores in San Francisco have events can cause population to investigate the population status of S. been extirpated due to commercial and fluctuations or even population verecunda ssp. verecunda and its residential development. Currently extirpations but are not usually a vulnerability to threats, with particular there are about 2,000 known individuals concern until the number of individuals reference to the southern and central of S. verecunda ssp. verecunda found or geographic distribution become primarily on private or non-Federal vulnerably small. A combination of portions of its range and populations land, including about 700 plants on San remnant small populations, a narrow occurring in chaparral and mixed Bruno Mountain (Lion Baumgartner, in range, and restricted habitat, could evergreen plant communities. If litt. 1994). Three populations, totaling make all or a significant part of any additional data becomes available in the seven hundred plants according to a population susceptible to destruction future, the Service may reassess the 1993 census, occur on the Presidio in from stochastic natural events, such as listing priority for this species or the San Francisco. It is not known how flood, drought, disease, or other natural need for listing. much potential habitat, or numbers of occurrences (Shaffer 1981, Primack Author individuals may occur from Montara 1993) such as genetics and reproductive Mountain in San Mateo County to success. The primary author of this document Rancho Del Oso in Santa Cruz County. No demographic studies exist to is Kirsten Tarp (see ADDRESSES section). The northern range of Silene indicate that the reproductive success of Authority verecunda ssp. verecunda overlaps a Silene verecunda ssp. verecunda is rapidly urbanizing portion of the San threatened, or is vulnerable to adverse The authority for this action is the Francisco Bay area. Most of the habitat impacts from random events. There is Endangered Species Act of 1973, as within the northern part of the range of no evidence at this time to suggest that amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) S. verecunda ssp. verecunda has been reproductive capacity is a factor posing Dated: July 24, 1995. disturbed or eliminated except for areas a threat to the survival of the species. John G. Rogers, on San Bruno Mountain that are Low seed production in perennial Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service. protected for the conservation of the plants is not necessarily a trait that endangered mission blue butterfly makes a species vulnerable to [FR Doc. 95±22172 Filed 9±6±95; 8:45 am] (Icaricia icarioides missionensis). extinction. Huenneke (1986) indicates BILLING CODE 4310±55±P Implementation of the San Bruno that low genetic diversity in plants is Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan rarely seen as a threat to their survival. 50 CFR Part 17 (HCP) developed under sections Intrinsically, most rare plants are likely 10(a)(1)(B) and 10(a)(2)(A) of the Act has to have genetic systems enabling them Endangered and Threatened Wildlife conserved habitat for the butterfly, and to cope with the genetic consequences and Plants; 90-Day Finding for a indirectly benefits S. verecunda ssp. of rarity. Petition to List the Mohave Ground verecunda by maintaining the habitat in The population status of S. verecunda Squirrel as Threatened which both species occur. On federally ssp. verecunda and its vulnerability to owned land on the Presidio in San threats in the central part of its range AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Francisco, increased human access and (i.e., Montara Mountain in San Mateo Interior. activities potentially threatened three County to Rancho del Oso in Santa Cruz ACTION: Notice of 90-day petition populations of S. verecunda ssp. County) are not known at this time. finding. verecunda. One of these populations has Moreover, the discovery of S. verecunda 46570 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 173 / Thursday, September 7, 1995 / Proposed Rules SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife not currently available indicating that found. Without precise habitat Service (Service) announces the 90-day listing as endangered or threatened is information, it is difficult to assess the finding on a petition to list the Mohave warranted. severity of habitat loss. In addition, ground squirrel (Spermophilus The Mohave ground squirrel ranges insufficient data are available on mohavensis) under the Endangered throughout the northwest portion of the specific habitat requirements to Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. Mojave Desert of California. The species precisely delineate the acreage of The Service finds that the petition did spends about 7 months a year, usually Mohave ground squirrel habitat. not present substantial information from August to February, estivating in Specific information on habitat indicating that the petitioned action burrows. Timing of estivation is requirements would also facilitate the may be warranted. presumably related to sufficient rating of areas based on habitat quality. DATES: The finding announced in this accumulation of fat reserves In making a finding as to whether a document was made on August 4, 1995. (Bartholomew and Hudson 1960, Ingles petition presents substantial commercial Comments and materials related to this 1965, Tomich 1982). Entrance into and scientific information to indicate petition finding may be submitted to the estivation may begin from June to the petitioned action may be warranted, Field Supervisor at the address listed September. In years with abundant food the Service must consider whether the below. supplies, adults may enter estivation in petition is accompanied by a detailed ADDRESSES: Information, data, late June and juveniles may enter in late narrative justification [50 CFR comments, or questions concerning the July. Adults are more likely than § 424.14(b)(2)(ii)]. The regulations status of the petitioned species should juveniles to enter estivation early require the Service to ``consider whether be submitted to the Field Supervisor, because adults do not need to gain as such petition * * * [p]rovides Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Field much weight as juveniles to survive the information regarding the status of the Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, long estivation underground (Gustafson species over all or a significant portion Ventura, California
Recommended publications
  • Improving Habitat Restoration for Native Pollinators in San Francisco Tyrha Delger [email protected]
    The University of San Francisco USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center Master's Projects and Capstones Theses, Dissertations, Capstones and Projects Spring 5-18-2018 Improving Habitat Restoration for Native Pollinators in San Francisco Tyrha Delger [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone Recommended Citation Delger, Tyrha, "Improving Habitat Restoration for Native Pollinators in San Francisco" (2018). Master's Projects and Capstones. 739. https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/739 This Project/Capstone is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses, Dissertations, Capstones and Projects at USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master's Projects and Capstones by an authorized administrator of USF Scholarship: a digital repository @ Gleeson Library | Geschke Center. For more information, please contact [email protected]. This Master’s Project Improving Habitat Restoration for Native Pollinators in San Francisco by Tyrha Delger is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements or the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Management at the University of San Francisco Submitted: Received: ……………………………. …………………………….... Your Name Date Allison Luengen, Ph.D. Date Name: Tyrha Delger USF MSEM Master’s Project Spring 2018 Final Paper Table of Contents List of Tables………………………………………………………………………………………....1 List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………………..2 Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………….3
    [Show full text]
  • Species Account MISSION BLUE BUTTERFLY Icaricia Icarioides Missionensis
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office Species Account MISSION BLUE BUTTERFLY Icaricia icarioides missionensis CLASSIFICATION: Endangered Federal Register 41:22041; June 1, 1976 http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr99.pdf CRITICAL HABITAT: None designated RECOVERY PLAN: Final Recovery Plan for San Bruno Elfin and Mission Blue Butterflies. October 10, 1984 (This plan is now out of date. Contact us if you need a copy.) 5-YEAR REVIEW: Completed February 2010. No change recommended. www.fws.gov/ecos/ajax/docs/five_year_review/doc3216.pdf Mission Blue Butterfly (285 KB) David Wright, USFWS DESCRIPTION The mission blue ( Icaricia icarioides missionensis ) is a small, delicate butterfly in the Lycaenidae (gossamer-winged butterfly) family. Wingspan is about 2.5 to 3.6 centimeters. (1 to 1.5 inch). The upper wing surfaces of the male are iridescent blue and lavender with black margins fringed with long white hair-like scales. There are no spots on the upper surfaces of the wings. In males, the ventral surfaces of the wings are whitish with small circular gray spots in the submarginal areas and larger circular black spots located in post-median and submedian areas of the fore and hind wings. The body of the male is dark bluish brown. Females have dark brown upper wing surfaces marked with blue basal areas. The margins and wing fringe are similar to the male. Female underwings are stone gray with a dot pattern similar to the males'. The adult flight season extends from late March to early July, depending on the location and microclimatic conditions. Females lay eggs throughout the mating flight.
    [Show full text]
  • A Survey of the Grasslands of The
    A Survey of the Grasslands of the Northeast Ridge (Guadalupe Hills) as Habitat for the Mission Blue Butterfly (Icaricia icarioides missionensis) and the Callippe Silverspot (Speyeria callippe callippe) For San Bruno Mountain Watch 44 Visitacion Avenue Brisbane, California 94005 May 14, 2007 By Thomas Y. Wang Biologist San Francisco, California Introduction The Mission Blue butterfly Icaricia icarioides missionensis and Callippe Silverspot Speyeria callippe callippe are two endangered butterfly species that live on San Bruno Mountain. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Mission Blue in 1976 (New 1993), and the Calllippe Silverspot was listed in 1997 (USFWS 2007). Both have a restricted range due mainly to urbanization and their particular ecology. The Mission Blue butterfly lays eggs only on several species of lupines, and has an association with specific ant species for a part of its lifecycle (Cushman and Murphy 1993). The Callippe Silverspot also has a restricted host plant – Viola pedunculata. It oviposits in the vicinity of Viola pedunculata (Thomas Reed Associates 1982) or on them (Arnold 1981). The host plants for both butterflies are plants of the grasslands – a scarce plant community of the Franciscan peninsula due to urbanization. The Habitat Conservation Plan of 1983 allowed for take of Mission Blue lands in exchange for land preserved elsewhere and restoration of butterfly habitat. Parts of the Northeast Ridge became the San Bruno Mountain County and State Park. Other parts of it were slated for development and miscellaneous open space. As part of the Habitat Conservation Plan, mark-release-recapture studies were performed on the Callippe Silverspot and the Mission Blue.
    [Show full text]
  • And Mission Blue Butterfly Populations Found at Milagra Ridge and the Mission Blue Butterfly Population at Marin Headlands Are Managed by the GGNRA
    San Bruno Elfin Butterfly (Callophrys mossii bayensis) and Mission Blue Butterfly (Icaricia icarioides missionensis) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation Photo by Patrick Kobernus: Adult male mission blue butterfly. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Field Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sacramento, California February 2010 5-YEAR REVIEW San Bruno Elfin Butterfly (Callophrys mossii bayensis) and Mission blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides missionensis) I. GENERAL INFORMATION Purpose of 5-Year Reviews: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is required by section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) to conduct a status review of each listed species at least once every 5 years. The purpose of a 5-year review is to evaluate whether or not the species’ status has changed since it was listed (or since the most recent 5-year review). Based on the 5-year review, we recommend whether the species should be removed from the list of endangered and threatened species, be changed in status from endangered to threatened, or be changed in status from threatened to endangered. Our original listing of a species as endangered or threatened is based on the existence of threats attributable to one or more of the five threat factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act, and we must consider these same five factors in any subsequent consideration of reclassification or delisting of a species. In the 5-year review, we consider the best available scientific and commercial data on the species, and focus on new information available since the species was listed or last reviewed.
    [Show full text]
  • Mission Blue DRAFT Recovery Plan
    http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/WWW/esis/lists/e501011.htm (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species BUTTERFLY, BLUE, MISSION Species Id ESIS501011 Date 13 MAR 96 TAXONOMY NAME - BUTTERFLY, BLUE, MISSION OTHER COMMON NAMES - BUTTERFLY, BLUE, MISSION; BLUE and MISSION ELEMENT CODE - CATEGORY - Terrestrial Insects PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - ARTHROPODA, CLASS AND SUBCLASS - INSECTA, ORDER AND SUBORDER - LEPIDOPTERA, FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - LYCAENIDAE, GENUS AND SUBGENUS - ICARICIA, SPECIES AND SSP - ICARIOIDES, MISSIONENSIS SCIENTIFIC NAME - ICARICIA ICARIOIDES MISSIONENSIS AUTHORITY - TAXONOMY REFERENCES - COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - Mission Blue Butterfly Icaricia icarioides missionensis (Hovanitz, 1937) KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Insect PHYLUM: Arthropoda CLASS: Insecta ORDER: Lepidoptera FAMILY: Lycaenidae The taxon Icaricia (Plebejus) icarioides missionensis appears to be a phenotypic intermediate between darkly marked "inland" populations referred to as subspecies I. i. pardalis and populations on the immediate coast which sport extremely pale ventral wing surfaces called subspecies I. i. pheres. Because pardalis phenotypes effectively surround the original distribution of I. i. pheres (now extinct in San Francisco), the subspecies I. i. missionensis may well be polyphylectic in origin, having arisen independently north and south of the center of I. i. pheres distribution. Thus the present "continuous" distribution of the Mission blue is an artifact of the disappearance of I. i. pheres. This taxon may be identified by comparison with illustrations of Icaricia (Plebejus) icarioides missionensis on Plate 59 (Fig.1 and 2) of "The butterflies of North America" (03). The black spotting of the ventral aspect of the male is slightly more intense than average. The Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species BUTTERFLY, BLUE, MISSION Species Id ESIS501011 Date 13 MAR 96 following is the original description of the Mission blue butterfly (02,04): "Upper surface of wings: Male, blue with black border and white fringes; anal angle and body clothed with white hair.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of Butterfly Survey Data and Methodology from San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan (1982–2000)
    Analysis of Butterfly Survey Data and Methodology from San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan (1982–2000). 2. Survey Methodology Travis Longcore University of Southern California GIS Research Laboratory Technical Report No. 2 Prepared for: Thomas Reid Associates 560 Waverly Street, Suite 201 Palo Alto, California 94301 Cover Photo: Mission blue butterfly at San Bruno Mountain, March 2003 (T. Longcore) Preferred Citation: Longcore, T. 2004. Analysis of Butterfly Survey Data and Methodology from San Bruno Moun- tain Habitat Conservation Plan (1982–2000). 2. Survey Methodology. University of Southern California GIS Research Laboratory and Center for Sustainable Cities, Los Angeles, Cali- fornia. Introduction The butterfly monitoring scheme for the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan from 1982 to 2000 was plagued with a number of methodological difficulties. These included a haphazard rather than random survey design, no repeatability between years, and varying geographic coverage. While some information can be extracted from the “wandering surveys” conducted on San Bruno Mountain, a more rigorous survey design is necessary to allow managers to draw statistically significant inferences about the status of the butterflies and their responses to management actions. Indeed, since 1998, standardized transects have been established to monitor butterflies at San Bruno Mountain. This report discusses the factors that should be considered in the further development of a new monitoring protocol. While it provides as detailed guidance as possible, the ultimate survey design must incorporate the considerations of those who will imple- ment the surveys. Feasibility on paper does not always translate well to the field. This report draws on the analysis of mission blue butterfly and Callippe silverspot but- terfly survey data completed by USC.
    [Show full text]
  • Monitoring Endangered Butterflies on San Bruno Mountain
    J Insect Conserv DOI 10.1007/s10841-010-9263-9 ORIGINAL PAPER Extracting useful data from imperfect monitoring schemes: endangered butterflies at San Bruno Mountain, San Mateo County, California (1982–2000) and implications for habitat management Travis Longcore • Christine S. Lam • Patrick Kobernus • Eben Polk • John P. Wilson Received: 29 April 2009 / Accepted: 7 January 2010 Ó The Author(s) 2010. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract Managers surveyed for sensitive butterfly spe- indicates that those areas with declines in occupancy for cies in the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan these species experienced native coastal scrub succession area between 1982 and 2000 using an opportunistic and a corresponding loss in grassland butterfly habitat, ‘‘wandering transect’’ method. To extract as much valuable while positive trending and stable cells had stable grassland information as possible from the data collected by this proportions. Habitat managers at San Bruno Mountain method we analyzed patterns of surveys and butterfly should therefore incorporate programs for protecting presence and absence within 250 m square cells gridded grassland butterfly habitat not only from invasive weeds across the area within a Geographic Information System. but also from succession to native coastal scrub. This While estimates of butterfly abundance were not possible, approach illustrates the feasibility of using occupancy as an the data could be tested for trends in butterfly occupancy. indicator to track butterfly status in a protected area even For those cells surveyed during at least 10 years, no trends when suboptimal data collection methods are used, but the in the total number of occupied cells was evident for either difficulties of using these data also reinforces the need for Callippe silverspot or mission blue butterfly.
    [Show full text]
  • Mission Blue Butterfly Habitat Restoration in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior San Francisco Bay Area Network Inventory and Monitoring Program Resource Brief February 2011 Mission Blue Butterfly Habitat Restoration in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Importance: Maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems is critical to the continued survival of the federally endangered mission blue butterfly in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Mission blue butterfly habitat consists of coastal grassland or a mix of coastal grassland and scrub where silver lupine (Lupinus albifrons var. collinus), summer lupine (Lupinus formosus) or varied lupine (Lupinus variicolor) are present. These three species are the only plants that mission blue caterpillars can eat, though silver lupine is the mission blue’s preferred host plant. Adult butterflies must lay their eggs on one of these lupines so Above: Mission blue they cannot stray far. butterfly habitat dotted with lupines in the Unfortunately, vast portions of mission blue habitat have already Marin Headlands. Left: Mission blue but- been lost to development. The grassland fragments that remain terflies on silver lupine, include parts of the GGNRA, Twin Peaks, San Bruno Mountain, Ryan Jones Ryan their favored host plant. and the San Francisco Penninsula Watershed. These habitat patches are threatened by invasions of non-native trees and other plants and by a lack of natural disturbances such as historic elk grazing and wildfires that would normally prevent scrubland from taking over. French broom, (Genista monspessulana), Pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata and C. pampas ), Cape ivy (Delairea odorata), and thoroughwort (Ageratina adenophora) are some of the invasive plants that commonly threaten mission blue habitat in the GGNRA.
    [Show full text]
  • Mission Blue Butterfly
    Insecta Mission Blue Butterfly www.calacademy.org Class Order Family Species Insecta Lepidoptera Lycaenidae Plebejus icarioides missionensis Range Reproduction Special Adaptations San Bruno Growth: complete metamorphosis Many of the Mountain in San Egg: laid on the leaves or terminal buds of the lupine from late caterpillars in this Mateo County, Fort March to early July. Hatch soon after being laid (in about 4-7 family of butterflies Baker (at the north days) depending on temperature). posses glands which end of the Golden Larva: feed on the food plant for a short time, when they are about secrete sweet Gate Bridge) in half grown they crawl to the base of the plant where they substances that Marin County and spin a silken chamber. They remain in a dormant condition attract ants. The ants on Twin Peaks in throughout the winter. In February to April they come out feed on the sweet San Francisco, and continue to eat until full grown. substance and in California. Pupa: about 2 weeks return protect the Adult: emerges in late March to early July to mate and repeat they caterpillars from cycle. Only one generation per year. predation. The Habitat Mission Blue has these glands but the Temperate regions Physical Characteristics degree to which they are associated with Adult Caterpillar ants is not known. Niche Mouthparts: siphoning/sucking chewing The caterpillars of Wings: 2 pair none Sources the Mission Blue Legs: 3 pair 3 pair, 5 pair fleshy prolegs feed only on lupine Larva: green (23) (38) (39) (40) (41) plants. The species requires very Adult: Wingspan of 25mm.
    [Show full text]
  • MBB Report 2008
    Survey of the endangered Mission blue butterfly in the Marin Headlands Spring 2008 Susie Bennett Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy 201 Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123 SUMMARY 2008 Field Season In the spring of 2008, seventeen permanent transects distributed among five monitoring regions in the Marin Headlands (north of San Francisco) were monitored for Mission blue butterflies. Weather permitting, surveys were performed every 7 to 10 days from February 25, 2008 through June 6, 2008. Thirteen surveys were completed during this time frame, and Mission blue butterflies were seen on six of the thirteen surveys. During the surveys, 40 Mission blues were observed on transects and 107 were seen off transect. Locations of butterflies seen off transect were recorded using a handheld GPS device whenever possible. The first adult Mission blue observed during these surveys was seen on March 26, 2008 and the last observed butterfly was seen on May 16, resulting in a 52 day flight season. Most butterflies were observed early in the flight season, with a peak of 22 butterflies seen on transect (88 on and off transect) observed in a single day (on and off transect) on April 11. Males comprised 72% of the transect observations and 64% of off transect observations. Several pairs of butterflies were observed interacting, including four instances of male-male interactions, two instances of apparent courting between males and females, and one observation of a male and a female mating. Mission blue butterflies were observed at four of the five monitoring regions. No butterflies were seen at Battery Duncan and only one butterfly was seen at Wolfback Ridge.
    [Show full text]
  • Progress Report for the Mission Blue Butterfly (Icaricia Icarioides Missionensis) at Twin Peaks Natural Area
    Progress Report For The Mission Blue Butterfly (Icaricia icarioides missionensis) At Twin Peaks Natural Area Stuart B. Weiss, Ph.D. Christal Niederer Creekside Center for Earth Observation Lisa Wayne Kirra Swenerton San Francisco Recreation and Park Department November 8 , 2012 Executive Summary In May 2012, a total of 11 female and 5 male Mission blue butterflies were transferred from San Bruno Mountain to Twin Peaks Natural Area. These butterflies were used to supplement the existing small population, and to further reintroduction efforts from 2009 and 2011. Both post diapause larvae and adult butterflies were noted at Twin Peaks before the additional butterflies were translocated, indicating success from the previous releases. The number of adults translocated was below our permitted quota of 40 females and 20 adults. Adults were difficult to find this year at San Bruno Mountain. Butterfly numbers were down at some other sites, and high winds and fog limited success on scheduled field days. A new collection protocol was initiated, which increased collection area and streamlined capture time, while preventing overcollecting. As in previous years, all butterflies were released on a robust Lupinus albifrons or L. variicolor host plant the same day at Twin Peaks. In many cases, butterflies were released under a mesh enclosure attached to the lupine, in order to encourage oviposition and to prevent butterflies from leaving the site. On cool days, when butterflies were inactive, this step was skipped to minimize handling. Adults were again released at Mission Ridge and Gardenside. No releases were made at Mission Flats based on low number of released individuals this year, and high numbers of releases there in previous years.
    [Show full text]
  • January-February 2002
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The writer Wallace Stegner, who served as Assistant Secre­ tary of the Interior in the Kennedy Administration, once called national parks “the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, abso­ lutely democratic, they reflect January/February 2002 Vol. XXVII No. 1 us at our best....” Since Yellow- stone National Park was established in 1872, the Na­ tional Park System has grown to encompass 83 million acres (34 million hectares) in 385 areas within 49 States, the District of Columbia, Ameri­ can Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its mission is “to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural re- sources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Conserving endangered species is an important part of that mission. U.S.U.S. FishFish && WWildlifildlifee SerServicevice Corel Corp. photo WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE Washington, D.C. 20240 Marshall Jones, Acting Director Ren Lohoefener, Chief, Division of Consultation, HCPs, and Recovery (703)358-2106 Gary Frazer, Assistant Director for Endangered Species Chris L. Nolin, Chief, Division of Conservation and Classification (703)358-2105 Kathy Walker, Chief, Office of Program Support (703)358-2079 REGION ONE Eastside Federal Complex, 911 N.E. 11th Ave, Portland OR 97232 California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Anne Badgley, Regional Director (503)231-6118 Washington, American Samoa, Commonwealth http://pacific.fws.gov/ of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the Pacific Trust Territories REGION TWO P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103 Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas H.
    [Show full text]