May 1979, Vol. IV, No. 5

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN

Department of the Interior • U S Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C 20240

SERVICE SETS GUIDELINES FOR RECOVERY PLANNING

Revised guidelines have been ap- Part three describes the implemen- Finally, the appendix carries appro- proved by the Service for the develop- tation of the plan. Agency assign- priate documentation, maps, and let- ment and implemenatlon of recovery ments, priorities, and estimated fund- ters of comment or concurrence from plans, which are required under 1978 ing for the actions described in the affected agencies and organizations. amendments to the Endangered Spe- second part are identified here. This The length of recovery plans will cies Act. The guidelines also spell third section must be updated annu- vary depending on the complexity of out the responsibilities and limitations ally to maintain a 3-year assignment the issues at hand. The species' geo- of recovery teams, when it is neces- and anticipated funding schedule. Continued on page 3 sary for one to be appointed to ad- dress the needs of individual species. Under the 1978 amendments, a re- kcovery plan must be developed for Stamps Commemorate Endangered Flora every listed Endangered and Threat- ened species, except when the Secre- Four Endangered plants have been ily, is found only within a four-mile tary determines that "such a plan beautifully captured in a block of four area of northern Georgia and South will not promote the conservation of 15-cent stamps to be issued June 7, Carolina. Efforts are being made to the species." at a convention of The Garden Club propagate the species. A recovery plan is a guide which of America in Milwaukee. Existence of the Hawaiian wild recommends essential actions to All of the species being commemo- broad-bean {Vicia menziesii) is re- secure or restore an Endangered or rated occur in extremely limited habi- garded as precarious. This rare plant Threatened species as a self-sustain- tats. The persistent trillium {Trillium is thought to contain L-dopa, a chemi- ing member of its ecosystem. It pro- persistans), a member of the lily fam- cal used in the treatment of Parkin- vides the means for a coordinated ef- son's disease. fort between various agencies and Both the Contra Costa wallflower organizations, generally aimed at re- (Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum) classification of a species from En- and Antioch Dunes evening-primrose dangered to Threatened status, or a (Oenothera deltoides ssp. howellii) are complete delisting. Although delisting found on the Antioch Dunes, which is the ultimate goal of all recovery formerly covered about 500 acres on plans, immediate actions may be rec- the south bank of the Sacramento-San ommended to prevent a species' ex- Joaquin River in Contra Costa County, tinction. California. The dunes have been re- duced by 90 percent due to agricul- Recovery Plan Format tural and industrial activities. To insure continuity, the guidelines Philatelists interested in obtaining suggest a format that contains three first day cancellations may do so by parts and an appendix for each plan. buying the stamps at their own post The first part is an introduction, to in- offices and sending stamped, self- clude information on the species' addressed envelopes with a remit- habitat needs, current and historic tance, preferably by personal check range, population limiting factors, (no cash), of 15 cents for each stamp status, and conservation efforts. or 60 cents for each block to be affixed The second part outlines the plan's by the Postal Service. Send these to objectives and subobjectives, and "Endangered Flora Stamps" at the should be reviewed as new informa- same address. Requests must be post- tion is obtained. marked no later than June 22. crane {Grus americana) was observed at the Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Idaho) on April 30. It appears that all four young whoopers in this experimental flock (three from the 1975 transplant and one placed there in 1976) will summer at Grays Lake again this year. Displays of Endangered Oregon plants were assembled by the Portland Regional Office and shown at the Na- tional Plant Society of Oregon's an- nual meeting as well as at the Native Plant Flower Show in Portland. Infor- mation packages containing county lists of Endangered and Threatened REGIONAL plants, with material on the Endan- gered Species Program, were also dis- BRIEFS tributed. (Additionally, the region has completed its status survey of MirabiUs macfarlanei, an Oregon plant, which Endangered Species Program re- provide brood stock for hatchery prop- may soon be recommended for list- gional staffers have reported the fol- agation. (About 60 adults have been ing.) lowing activities for the month of April. collected.) The U.S. Geological Survey Region 2. Nearly 250 woundfin (P/a- Region 1. Monitoring of the Cui-ui installed a staff gauge in the lower gopterus argentissimus) were collected {Chasmister cujus) spawning popula- Truckee River, which allows better from the Virgin River by the Woundfin tion in Pyramid Lake (Nevada) has be- control of the fishway operation. Recovery Team, consultants, and area gun—an operation also intended to One additional subadult whooping and regional office representatives. The fish were transported to Dexter National Fish Hatchery for propagation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, and eventual reintroduction within Washington, D.C. 20240 NM 87103 (505-766-2321): W. O. Nel- their historic range. son, Regional Director; Robert F. Ste- The Houston toad (Bufo houstonen- Lynn A. Greenwalt, Director phen, Assistant Regional Director; sis) spawned in the Houston Zoo for (202-343-4717) Jack B. Woody, Endangered Species the second year. (The largest single Harold J. O'Connor Specialist. Acting Associate Director and concentration of breeding adults in the Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, wild was located during April on pri- Endarjgered Species Program Manager Twin Cities, MN 5511 (612-725-3500); (202-343-4646) Harvey Nelson, Regional Director; vate land in Bastrop County, Texas.) C. Phillip Agee Delbert H. Rasmussen, Assistant Re- No individuals were located in the Acting Deputy Associate Director gional Director; James M. Engel, En- latest U.S./Mexican attempts to live- (202-343-4646) dangered Species Specialist. capture Mexican gray wolves {Canis John Spinks, Chief, Region 4, P.O. Box 95067, Atlanta, GA lupus baileyi) in Mexico for captive Office of Endangered Species 30347 (404-881-4671): Kenneth E. breeding in the U.S. to bolster recov- (703/235-2771) Black. Regional Director; Harold W. ery of this subspecies (see March 1979 Richard Parsons, Ctiief, Benson, Assistant Regional Director; BULLETIN). Federal Wildlife Permit Office Alex B. Montgomery, Endangered (703/235-1937) Species Specialist. Service biologists and field crew ar- Clark R. Bavin, Chief, Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Cen- rived at Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, to Division of Law Enforcement ter, Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617- assist Mexican biologists and marines (202-343-9242) 965-5100): Howard Larsen, Regional for the second year in their efforts to Director; Gordon T. Nightingale, As- protect Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepi- TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF sistant Regional Director; Paul Nick- dochelys kempii). All eggs laid have Dona Finnley, Editor erson. Endangered Species Specialist. been transplanted to a central "cor- Morey Norkin, Editorial Asst. Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Fed- ral," adult females have been tagged, (703/235-2407) eral Center, Denver, CO 80225 (303- and hatchlings are being escorted on 234-2209): Harvey Willoughby, Re- their scurry to the Gulf. (Biologists Regional Offices gional Director; Charles E. Lane, >As- will also conduct drift surveys, radio- Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500 BIdg., sistant Regional Director; Don Rogers, 500 N.E. Multnomah St.. Portland, OR Endangered Species Specialist. track offshore females, survey aerially 97232 (503-231-6118): R. Kahler Mar- Alaska Area, 1101 E Tudor Rd., Anchor- for additional nesting sites and distri- tinson, Regional Director; Edward B. age, AK 99057 (907-276-3800, ext. 495): bution of offshore turtles, and collect Chamberlain, Assistant Regional Di- Keith M. Schrelner, Acting Area Direc- 2,000 eggs for a reestablishment at- rector: David B. Marshall, Endangered tor, Dan Benfield, Endnagered Spe- tempt on Padres Island National Sea- Species Specialist. cies Specialist. shore, Texas.) Of the 100 females U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions tagged since they began nesting on Region 1: California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Pacific Trust Territories. April 13, fourteen wore tags from the Region 2; Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Region 3: Illinois, Indiana, f^ichigan, Minne- previous year. Over 20,000 eggs were sota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region 4: Alabama. Arltansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentuclty, Louisiana, t^^ississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Region collected from 200 nests during April. 5: Connecticut. Delaware. I^aine, t^aryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Region 3. Regional staffers are very Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont; Virginia and West Virginia. Region 6: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, pleased with cooperation received tvlissouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Alaska Area: Alaska. from Minnesota Air National Guard The ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN is published monthly by th^ personnel for their efforts to protect U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. nesting bald eagles {Haliaeetus leuco- cephalus) in the Chippewa National to and from the island in response to primarily in the Upper Colorado River Forest, in response to a Service in- the turtle nesting season. Basin by a study team to be organized quiry, the Air Base agreed to modify An onsite inspection in late April by the Service, with the participation future fiight patterns through the re- revealed that a major portion of the and cooperation of the Colorado Divi routing of fiights and/or the termina- North Carolina population of the pro- sion of Wildlife and the Utah Division tion of flights during the birds' prime posed endangered plant Sagittaria fas- of Wildlife Resources. (A cooperative incubation period, and by flying at ciculata has been destroyed as the re- agreement was executed with Utah in higher altitudes, precluding the possi- sult of railroad right-of-way mainte- April under Section 6 of the Endan- ble disturbance of breeding eagles nance work. gered Species Act.) (and the need for formal Section 7 Region 5. Bald eagle chicks raised Alaska Area. Preparations are under- consultation). at the Service's Patuxent Center were way for this summer's field efforts to The Northern States Bald Eagle Re- introduced into two nests in Maine and band fledging peregrine falcons {Faico covery Team met in Bangor, Maine, in one nest in Pennsylvania. All of the peregrinus tundrius) and to sample April along with representatives from chicks were adopted by the adult birds. prey species for pesticide analysis. various Northeastern States and other Field surveys for threatened and en- Four major nesting areas will be Federal agencies. (Team members dangered plants have begun in New studied: Colville River, Porcupine hope to have a recovery plan in draft Jersey. (Ail 13 States in the Boston River, Yukon River (lower and upper form this Fall.) Region have now initiated studies on sections). The studies will be per- Responsibility for the handling of the status of their rare plants.) formed through contracts with raptor- livestock depredations by gray wolves Region 6. An agreement for the biologists as well as by Service biolo- {Canis lupus) in Minnesota has been study of endangered fishes of the gists. transferred to the Service's Division of Colorado River has been signed by Aleutian Canada geese (Branta can- Research (under the direction of L. Interior's Bureau of Reclamation and adensis leucopareia) have begun the David Mech) in an effort to improve the Fish and Wildlife Service. The spring migration from their wintering overall effectiveness of ongoing wolf agencies will cooperate in a 2-year grounds in California to the Aleutian research as well as control operations. effort to determine habitat require- Islands. Summer field activities on the Consideration is still being given to ments, monitor existing habitats, ex- Aleutian Islands National Wildlife Ref- relocating depredating wolves to por- pand life history information, and uge will include a nesting survey of tions of their former range. In the gather biological data on the Endan- the wild population on Buldir Island, meantime, full scientific use will be gered Colorado River squawfish (Pty- propagation operations on Amchitka made of all wolf specimens taken. Ef- chocheilus lucius) and humpback chub Island, and release efforts on Agattu forts are also underway to minimize {Gila cypha). Field work will be done Island. wolf damage and to monitor wolf num- bers in the State. Region 4. Cooperative extension services, fish and game agencies, and other interested agencies in Tennes- The Service has since prepared a see, Kentucky, and the Carolinas are RECOVERY 3-page abbreviated plan calling for cooperating with the Service in the the acquisition of Sandy Point Beach publication of a booklet and develop- to protect the leatherback's nesting ment of a slide program for the gen- PLANNING area. The plan was approved by the eral public on endangered species of Continued from page 1 Endangered Species Program Man- the area. Extension education pro- ager. (The National Marine Fisheries grams are expected to serve as the graphic distribution, and the number Service, in cooperation and consulta- primary means through which this in- of agencies, organizations, or indi- tion with our Service's Atlanta Re- formation will be conveyed. viduals involved, are all factors in gional Office, recently appointed a A bald eagle chick, being trans- determining the length of a recovery recovery team to develop a compre- ported from Ohio to Maine, was fed by plan. The plan can be relatively sim- hensive plan for the recovery and man- regional staffers during a scheduled ple, providing only for habitat protec- agement of all six listed marine turtles, stop in Atlanta. The chick was pro- tion and management, or it can be including the leatherback.) duced by captive eagles at the Serv- extraordinarily complex, such as the Abbreviated plans must go through ice's Patuxent Wildlife Research Cen- multi-faceted approach to saving the the same channels for approval as the ter and unsuccessfully introduced to a critically Endangered California con- more lengthy plans. It is therefor rec- nest in Ohio. Before continuing to dor . ommended to plan developers that the Maine, where another introduction at- use of abbreviated plans be the ex- tempt will be made, the chick dined on Abbreviated Plans ception rather than the rule. diced catfish. Occasionally, an advanced abbrevi- A 1978 survey of the sea turtle nest- ated plan may be developd for imple- Plan Preparation ing area on the Cape Romain National menting immediate actions to prevent A recovery plan can be developed Wildlife Refuge (South Carolina) re- the extinction of a species. Such is the either by a recovery team, an assigned vealed raccoon predation on nearly case with the leatherback sea turtle agency, institution, or conservation 100 percent of the turtle nests. With (Dermochelys coriacea) which faces organization, or an individual who is more than 2,000 loggerhead {Caretta an immediate threat from illegal egg knowledgeable in a particular species. caretta) nests annually. Capers Island poaching and development of hotels In the latter case, the individual's is considered one of the most impor- and condominiums on a major nesting services may be obtained on a volun- tant nesting beaches known for this area in the Virgin Islands. During the tary or contractual basis, with the plan species. A trapping program initiated 1977 nesting season, 86 leatherback being assigned to an agency for co- this spring has thus far removed 65 nests were discovered on a narrow ordination. raccoons. Although the catch rate is strip of Sandy Point Beach, St. Croix, The method of plan preparation is now quite low, trapping will continue and the Service designated the area as generally selected by the appropriate to determine if raccoons are migrating Critical Habitat (F.R. 9/26/78). Continued on page 4 to develop plans. The teams consist of • Determine Critical Habitat. The RECOVERY three to seven people, usually State team may volunteer guidance on es- and Federal Government employees sential habitat or be requested to and professionals from the academic recommend Critical Habitat designa- PLANNING or conservation communities. Team tions to the Service. Continued from page 3 members and leaders (one for each • Inform a party that Its actions may team) are, in most cases, nominated have an adverse Impact on a species regional director based on the spe- by the regional director in consulta- or its habitat. (This is the responsibility cies' range (limited vs. extensive), tion with the States, involved orga- of the Secretary of the Interior as complexity of anticipated recovery ef- nizations, and the Office of Endan- stated In Section 7 of the Endangered forts, number of organizations in- gered Species. Final decisions on Species Act.) volved, availability of personnel, and selection, appointment, removal, and • Act through the news imedia, con- expertise of available personnel. replacement are made by the Service servation organizations. State or Fed- An example of a recovery plan to Director. eral legislators, or other parties to in- be prepared without the appointment Team members are selected based fluence agency decisions, or in any of a recovery team is the one for the on their agency's or organization's way act as a pressure group for a grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilus), responsibilities for the species, ex- particular point of view. which will be drafted by a specialist pertise with respect to the species, IVlinutes of team meetings are to be hired by the Service for that purpose. and knowledge of the agency's re- kept and distributed to cooperating Also, the Portland Regional Office has sponsibilities and capabilities. parties, agencies, and affected States. drafted a unique plan for three species The guidelines contain a list of do's It is Important to maintain a free flow In the Antioch Dunes area of Contra and don'ts for recovery teams. A of information and ideas to and from Costa County, California—Lange's recovery team does: the team. Anyone should feel free to metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mor- • Draft a recovery plan for a spe- express their thoughts on the recov- mo langei), Contra Costa wallflower cies based on all available biological ery of a species to a team leader or (Erysimum capitatum var. angusta- information. member. tum), and the Antioch Dunes evening- • Seek technical input for the plan primrose (Oenothera deltoides ssp. from acknowledged experts by dis- howellii). The Antioch Dunes Recovery Priority System tributing technical review drafts. If While the Service, as far as prac- Plan (a suggested working title) Is, necessary. (Technical review drafts more or less, a plan designed to sta- ticable, alms to plan for the recovery represent the team's concepts and of all listed species, a draft system has bilize this delicate ecosystem. (Nor- views and do not necessarily represent mally, a multi-species recovery plan been developed to rank species for the views of the Fish and Wildlife Serv- purposes of listing and recovery. The involves species which are close taxo- ice or any other agency. As with ap- nomically, such as Hawaiian water- listing priority Is based on three fac- proved plans, drafts are subject to tors—an estimate of the degree of birds or marine turtles, or have similar change.) needs.) threat, the current availability of suf- • Send technical review draft to ficient information to complete a rule- regional director. making, and the taxonomic status. Recovery Teams • As requested by the regional di- The recovery priority system is struc- In many cases, it is necessary for rector, assist In coordinating imple- tured in the same way, except that it the Service to appoint recovery teams mentation of the approved plan. includes recovery potential of the tax- • Alert the regional director to any on Instead of availability of rulemaking emergencies affecting the species, Information. Correction even before plan preparation or ap- These factors are based on three as- proval. sumptions: In our discussion of bald eagle • Provide assistance, as requested, (1) The first step In saving any spe- recovery on page 3 of the April to the Director or regional director in cies is to prevent its extinction. Thus, 1979 issue, the third paragraph determining ecological or other bio- the species with the highest degree should have read: logical responsibilities of the Service of threat has the highest priority for William Clark, Director of the toward the species. listing and recovery. A species can be National Wildlife Federation's • Assist other agencies with eco- put in either a high, medium, or low Raptor Information Center, who logical or other biological matters In- category, which represents the degree also attended the conference, volving the species, as requested and of threat. The high category means cited a study showing evidence in consultation with the regional di- extinction is almost certain In the Im- that color marking may have an rector. (This may be done only If the mediate future because of a rapid adverse effect on the breeding team is willing to do so, in which population decline or habitat destruc- success of raptors. Following the case its assistance represents team tion. Medium means the species will visual marking of six adult golden members' views, and not the views of not face extinction if listing and re- eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), rep- their agencies.) covery are temporarily held off, al- resenting five territories in Wyo- • Keep interested parties Informed though there is a continual popula- ming/IViontana and Idaho, obser- of its activities through team minutes tion decline or threat to habitat. A vations revealed only one appar- or by Inviting observers to team meet- species in the low category is rare, ent breeding attempt, with no ings, as advisable. or is facing a population decline which eggs incubated. (All marked ea- Recovery teams do not: may be a short-term, self-correcting gles have since left their previ- • Distribute draft plans for other fluctuation, or the Impacts of threats ously active nesting territories.) than technical Input. to the species' habitat are not fully These preliminary findings (soon • Implement recovery actions. known. to be published) indicate that a • Consult with anyone on socio- (2) Within the above categories, re- change in overall appearance economic, political, or administrative sources should be used In the most may break the pair bond. issues Involving recovery of the spe- cost-effective manner. Priority for re- cies. covery efforts will go to species and Lange's metalmark butterfly is one target of a multi-species recovery plan being developed for the Antioch Dunes area in California. projects with the greatest potential Picoides (=Dendrocopos) borealis, The State may select any method to for success. Recovery potential is Okaloosa darter (Etheostoma okalo- implement its program and exercise based on how well biological and eco- osae), Red Hills salamander (Phaeog- complete control over it. It is the Serv- logical limiting factors and threats to nathus hubrichti), and Rydberg milk- ice's responsibility under the Act to the species' existence are understood, vetch (Astragalus perianus). periodically review the State's pro- and how much management is need- gram and take any necessary correc- ed. Every "high threat" species will State Recovery Programs tive actions. receive at least the minimum efforts As an alternative to the procedures which will stabilize its status. After described thus far, recovery plans Finalized Recovery Plans this has been accomplished, the re- may be designed and implemented by To date, 22 recovery plans have mainder of the recovery work needed a State, subject to Service review and been approved by the Service and to achieve reclassification or delisting the Director's approval, under certain another 28 are in the final review will be evaluated under the same re- conditions. The species to be recov- stages. They have all gone through a covery potential criteria. ered must reside entirely within the similar process: a draft is first pre- (3) Taxa which are most genetically State, and the State must qualify un- pared, then sent by the team to ap- distinct should receive priority within der the Endangered Species Act to propriate individuals for input on bio- any given category of degree of threat. "conserve" the species and to "take logical or ecological factors affecting Full species will be given priority over the lead" for its recovery. the species (technical review draft); subspecies or populations. A State would qualify if it has en- it is then reviewed by the regional of- Examples of high priority species tered into a cooperative agreement fice for biological, economic, and (again, based on degree of threat, re- with the Service, or if it expresses (in sociological adequacy and, upon a covery potential of the taxon, and writing) its desire, to the appropriate satisfactory finding by the regional taxonomic status) are: Puerto Rican regional director, to conduct a recov- director, is sent to all cooperating parrot (Amazon vittata), snail darter ery program for a species. The letter organizations for review of suggested Percina tanasi), Socorro isopod (Exo- should also show that the State recog- actions relating to their responsibili- sphaeroma thermophilus), and Hawai- nizes the overall responsibility of the ties (agency review draft). The finai ian wild broad-bean (Viola menziesii). Service toward the species and that step is approval by the Service Direc- Among the species to receive medium the State has the authority to carry tor. priority are: San Joaquin kit fox out a conservation program for the Approved recovery plans are dis- (Vulpes marcotis mutica), Kirtland's species. cussed in some detail in the BUL- warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii), Arizona If State action does not occur within LETIN. Those requiring more informa- trout {Salmo apache), and American a 1-year period or is unsatisfactory, tion on specific plans may obtain alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). coordination of the recovery effort will copies of approved plans from the Some of the low priority species are: revert to the Service. Fish and Wildlife Reference Service, southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris State recovery programs may or may 3840 York Street, Unit I, Denver, Colo- nereis), red-cockaded woodpecker, not involve the use of recovery teams. rado 80205. Rulemaking Actions April 1979

CHAPMAN RHODODENDRON ENDANGERED

A rare rhododendron, known from only three locations in Florida, has been listed by the Service as an En- danger species (F.R. 4/24/79). Rhododendron chapmanii—a mem- ber of the heath family {Ericaceae), was first recommended for Federal protection in the Smithsonian Institu- tion's report to Congress (published as a petition, F.R. 7/1/75). This rho- dodendron was proposed for Endan- gered status in a subsequent notice (F.R. 6/16/76), where it was referred to as Rhododendron minus var. chap- manii, based on a 1962 study which reduced it to infra-specific rank. (A concensus of more recent biological opinion recognizes the Florida plant Habitat destruction and overcollection have endangered Rhododendron chap- as a full, distinct species, and it has manii. been so classified on the Federal list.) This evergreen shrub can now be found in its natural habitat only in Florida's Clay and Gulf Counties, and on the Gadsden-Liberty County line. Less than 50 specimens are known BOLSON TORTOISE from Clay County, where the popula- tion occurs within a National Guard LISTED AS ENDANGERED installation. (The remaining plants oc- cur on private lands owned by a paper company, where habitat destruction To give additional protection to this The Bolson tortoise is also pro- may continue to result from mechani- declining Mexican species, the Serv- tected under the Convention on Inter- cal site preparation techniques and ice has listed the Bolson tortoise national Trade in Endangered Species from drainage of the species' habitat (Gopherus tiavomarginatus) as Endan- of Wild Fauna and Flora. Parties to to increase pine production. Although gered (F.R. 4/17/79). this treaty recently voted to move the one area has been reserved to protect As noted in the Service's September tortoise to the more restrictive Ap- the rhododendron, the Gadsden-Lib- 26, 1978, proposal (see November pendix I (see April 1979 BULLETIN), erty Counties population has already 1978 BULLETIN), several factors where its international trade will be been reduced in size due to logging threaten this largest of North Ameri- strictly limited. activities. can land reptiles. Increased plowing Both the Bolson and desert tortoise Overcollection of this appealing and irrigation throughout the species' {Gopherus agassizii) will likely be the horticultural plant is also a threat to range in the Mexican States of Chi- subjects of research in the coming the species' continued existence. huahua, Coahuila, and Durango are year under the U.S.-Mexico coopera- Once a population is discovered, all major threats which could accelerate tive agreement. Studies are needed to plants have been known to be re- extinction of the tortoise. (Irrigation determine population parameters of moved. For this reason. Critical Habi- has also encouraged increased graz- these species in Mexico, to assess tat was not designated for the Chap- ing by cattle and goats, destroying trends and changes due to man's ac- man rhododendron, as detailed infor- browse as well as the tortoise's bur- tivities, and to determine the species' mation on its location would likely rows and cover sites.) habitat needs in order to make sound make it even more vulnerable to col- Hunting of this large reptile (adults management recommendations. lecting. (Although Florida law now lim- have measured more than a yard in (Critical Habitat was not considered its taking of the plant, the Endangered length) has also contributed to its de- for this species, which does not occur Species Act does not prohibit the cline, as has overcollecting by pri- within the territorial boundaries of taking of Endangered plants.) vate individuals, zoos, and museums. the United States.) in the plan include converting se- RECOVERY OUTLINED lected impoundment areas on Merritt Island back to natural marsh and con- FOR DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROW ducting transplants as needed (ini- tially transplanting duskies from the St. Johns to Merritt Island). The dusky seaside sparrow (Ammo- development of captive propagation The recovery plan was prepared by spiza maritima nigrescens), one of techniques to bring the dusky back the Service-appointed Dusky Seaside North America's rarest birds, will from its critically low population level. Sparrow Recovery Team. Serving on hopefully benefit from a recovery plan Knowledge about the dusky's basic the team are: Dr. James L. Baker, approved by the Service in April. The life history is limited. The plan out- Leader, U.S. Fish and Wiidlife Service; dusky's current distribution is re- lines the need to determine the bird's Dr. Herbert W. Kale, III, Florida Audu- stricted to the cordgrass marshes food and habitat requirements as well bon Society; and Lovett E. Williams, along the St. John's River in east- as the optimum carrying capacity of Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish central Florida. According to the plan, specific sites. Other jobs mentioned Commission. this narrow distribution will limit the bird's recovery to the St. Johns marshes and Merritt Island, where the duskies numbered as many as 4,000 prior to the 1950's. (The species no longer exists on Merritt Island.) CLARIFICATION OF ing the text of the recommendation The primary reason for the extirpa- adopted by the Parties: "The Conven- tion of the dusky from Merritt Island CONVENTION DECISIONS tion recommends (a) that a subspecies has been the diking of marshes for should be proposed for inclusion in mosquito control. Mosquito impound- the appendices only if it is a valid ments have destroyed areas of cord- In response to comments on our taxon; (b) that where there are identi- grass, saltgrass, saltwort, and rush, article about Convention actions in fication difficulties, the problem should which provide suitable habitat for the April 1979 BULLETIN, we wish to be approached by including the entire the dusky. (Subsequently, the Service clarify the record on two significant species in Appendix I or Appendix II, entered into an agreement with the procedural actions (both on page 4, where inclusion in Appendix III is in National Aeronautics and Space Ad- second column). The decision by the appropriate; (c) that proposals for do- ministration for management rights to Parties to annotate species not ob- ing so should indicate for the record Merritt Island.) served for 50 years as "p.e." (possibly which subspecies were considered to Habitat destruction has occurred extinct) was based on a suggestion be under actual or potential threat, along the St. Johns because of drain- by Bill Clark, Vice President of Friends and which were proposed to be in- age, housing developments, conver- of Animals, Inc. Australia had raised cluded because of the need to effec- sion of marsh to improved pasture, the issue by stating that it may be tively control trade in other species ' and highway construction. Also, inappropriate to regard species not or subspecies; (d) that the Secretariat ranchers burn cordgrass annually for recorded during some standardized request the Parties to volunteer ex- cattle grazing purposes. These ranch period of time as extinct, but that there perts to consider, in accordance with fires frequently become wildfires that should be some way of immediately points (a)-(c) above, the subspecies spread through the dusky's range. Ac- reinstating them in the appendices if remaining on the appendices with a cording to the plan, "these birds are they are rediscovered. view in each case to recommend the sedentary and have narrow habitat With regard to the listing of sub- Parties to act on the issue not later preferences," and higher mortality species, the brief summary in the than at the third meeting of the Con- rates could therefore result because BULLETIN is best clarified by reprint- ference of the Parties." of displacement by wildfires if suit- able habitat is not close by. These factors have reduced the St. Johns population from an estimated 894 singing males in 1968, to 12 counted ENDANGERED SPECIES this year. No females have been seen in the last three years. (The males sing to indicate to one another that SCIENTIFIC AUTHORITY they have established their own terri- tory. Because they are easy to spot, Notices-April 1979 trade, monitors their trade, makes cer- singing males provide a reliable tain findings concerning housing and method for making population esti- Composed of representatives from care of protected specimens, and ad- mates.) seven Federal agencies, the Endan- vises on trade controls. To meet its prime objective of re- gered Species Scientific Authority storing the species to a point where (ESSA) was established by Executive ESSA Readying Procedures/Findings it no longer faces extinction, the Dusky order to insure the scientific sound- for 1979-80 Seaside Sparrow Recovery Plan rec- ness of governmental decisions con- In line with its responsibility to in- ommends maintenance and develop- cerning trade in endangered species sure that export of U.S. species listed ment of existing and potential habitat. of animals and plants. As the U.S. under the Convention's Appendix II The plan calls for "management rights Scientific Authority for the Convention will not be detrimental to their con- on sufficient land to serve as perma- on International Trade in Endangered tinued survival, ESSA is developing nent, secure refuge." Specifically, the Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, policies and procedures and gathering plan suggests the completion of the ESSA reviews applications to export data on which to base findings during and import species protected under 1979-80. V St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge ^^ acquisitioac n to help insure the species' the Convention, reviews the status of Seven species are now the subjects recovery. The plan also calls for wild animals and plants impacted by Continued on page 8 \ GPO 281-326 Scientific Authority

Continued from page 7 BOX SCORE OF SPECIES LISTINGS Number of Number of Category Endangered Species Threatened Species of special review by ESSA: the Ameri- can alligator (Alligator mississippien- U.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total sis), moved to the less restrictive Ap- Mammals 33 227 260 3 18 21 pendix II at the second meeting of Birds 67 144 211 3 3 CITES parties this past March (see Reptiles 11 48 59 10 10 April 1979 BULLETIN), bobcat {Lynx Amphibians 5 9 14 2 2 rufus), lynx {Lynx canadensis), river Fishes 29 10 39 12 12 otter {Lutra canadensis), Alasl

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN postage and fees paid Department of the Interior • U S Ftsh and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program. Washmgton, D C 20240 us department of the INTEHIOB Int423

May 1979, Vol. IV, No. 5 /