U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
DANGERED Many people think of zoos and aquariums merely as places where wildlife is held for public enjoyment. Today's responsible zoos and aquariums, however, have BULLETIN been transformed from the menageries of ancient times May/June 1999 Vol. XXIV No. 3 to refugia or ^drks"for im- periled species. That transfor- L* mation contiinies as more institutions evolve into cen- ters for conservation, re- search, and education. An- other change has been the greater attention given to the amazing variety of wildlife native to North America. These species are not neces- sarily charismatic and do not always draw crowds, and in many cases the work of recov- ery goes on behind the scenes. Wis edition of the Bulletin /bc7/5(?5 not only on lesser known species but also on some of the zoos and aquariums whose efforts deserve to be known better WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE Washington, n.c. 20240
Jamie Rappaport :iark. Direclor c Nancy Gloman, (.'hicf. Division of HncUmnered Spccies (70.^)358-2171 C"iar>' Frazer, AssisU{nl Directorfor Ecolotiicul Serrices Martin Miller, Aclitii> lk'/>iity Chief. Division of ISndtnigered Species (703)358-217! Kathi Bangert. Chief. liranch oflnformciiion Minictgement (703)358-2390 Jo\" Nicholopoiilos, Chief Branch ofConserviUioti & Classificaiiun (703)358-2105 Charlie Scott, (.'hief. llr/iiich of Recovery & Delisting (703)358-21(X) Rick Sayens, Chief liranch of Consiiltciiion & HCl's (70.^)3 58-2 IOC)
REGION ONE Hustside Federal Comple.x. 911 X.E. 11th Are. Portland OR 97232
California. Hinvaii. Idaho. .\'evada. Oregon. Anne Baclgley, Regional Director (503)231-61J 8 Washington. American Samoet. Commomrealth http://\v\v\v.rl.t\v,s.g(n- of the Sortbern Mariatia Islands, (inani and the Pacific I'riisi I'erritories
REGION TWO P.O. Bo.x I.i06. Alhu(/iienjue. \M 87103
Arizona. New Mexico. Oklahoma. and'I'e.xas Nancy Kaiifman, Regional Director (505)248-(>282 http://ifw2irm2.irni 1 .ri.l'ws.gov/
REGION THREE l-eileral lildg.. Fl. Snellitig. Tiviii Ciiies ,l/,V 55111
llli)iois. Indictna. lotva. .Michigan. William Hartw ig. Regional Director ((U2)715-5.W1 Minnesota. .Missouri. Ohio, and W'lsconsiti http://\vww. I'ws .g( k/r.-^pao/
REGION FOUR 1875 Cetitniy Blvd.. Snile200. Atlanta. OA 30.i45
Alahanut. Arkansas. Louisiana. Ceorgia. Kentucky. Sam Hamilton, Regional Director (404)679-7086 .Mi.ssi.ssippi. .\orlh Carolina. .South Carolina. Florida, hllp://w\\\\',l\v,s.go\'/r4ea() Tettnessee. Puerto Rico, and the \'irgin Islands
REGION FIVE .^OO Westgate Center Drive, ffadley. MA 01035
Conuecticui. Delaivare. Maine. .Maiyland. Ronald H. Lanibert.son, Regional Director (413)25.^-8.V)0 .Ma.'i.'^achusetts. \eu- Hampshire. http://\\w\\-.fws.go\'/rSf\\s \etv Jersey. .\eiv York. Peitnsylvatiia. Rhode Island. \'ermonl. Mrginia. and West \'irgiuia
REGION SIX P.O. Bo.x 25486. Denver Federal Center. Denver CO 80225
Colorado. Kansas. Moniaua. Sebraska. Xorth Ralph (). .Morgenweck, Regional Director (303)2.^6-7920 Dakota. South Dakota. I tab. and Wyoming http://\\'WW.r6.rv\N.gov/
REGION SEVEN lOl l F. FudorRd.. Anchorage. AK 99503
Alaska Dave Allen. Regional Director (907)786-3542 t p ://w\vw. r7. fw.s .g< )v/ IN THIS ISSUE DANGERED 4 Partners for Species Recovery
^ On the Side of Life
6 The Tarantula's Tiny Cousin BULLETIN
•/ I'/epboiw: ( 70.VJ 5
An Director Budtly Fazio Paul I).Johnson l)a\icl Yeargin 12 Bog Turtles, Southern Style Robert S. Butler Brint Speneer Kim 1 )iekerson Ann I laas Mike Denilong 14 Return of a Native l.aRee Brosseau Lisa Arroyo
16 Conserving a Treasure of Diversity
On the Cover
The American bur\ ing beetle, a highly endangered insect, is being bred by the 18 The Wyoming Toad SSP R( )ger Williams Park Z( )o for
reinlrodiiction onto Nantucket Lsland.
Photo © M Gillis
20 Pesticides and the Wyoming Toad
22 Beyond Captive Propagation
The liiiilaiifierecl Sl>ecies Jltilletiii iivlcoiiies iiiaiiiiscnpts on it ivide rattle of topics related to endaufiered species. IVc are particularly iitlerested in iietis about recoiery. baljilal coiiseria- t ion plans, and coojieratiie rent u res. /ieasecontact the Jiditor he/ore prej>arini> a manitscript. \Vi' cannot t>iiaranteepublication. Departments
The Fish and Wildlife Sen-ice distributes the Iliilletin primarily to Federal and State agencies, and official contacts o/the Fndangered Sjiecies Program. It also is reprinted by the I'nifersity 25 Regional News and of .Michigan aspart of iisotrn publication, the Fndangered Species IP! )ATF. 7'o subscribe, ivrite Recovery Updates the Fndangered SjK'cies I PDATF.. School of .\atnral Kesonrces. I'nirersity of .Michigan. Ann Arbor. .\!148109-1115: or call (7.i4j 7(>.i-.iJli. 26 Listing Actions 27 On the Web Printed ivith tvgetable-based ink on recycled and recyclable paper. Ifyoti ilo not keep W jw back i.-isiies. please recycle the paper, pass them along to att interested pen-ioti. or 28 donate them to a local school or library. Box Score Partners for Species by janiie Rappaport Clark Recovery
'itli this issue of tiie Hndangered such admired c|ualities as strength, Specics Bulletin. I am reminded of the bravery, and speed. The effort to help editorial, reprinted on the opposing people Linderstand that toads, freshwa- page, that was written by the American ter clams, insects, and other animals and Zoo and Aquarium Association's plants are also worthy of saving is at Executi\e Director, Syd Ikitler Ihs times a daunting task. reflections on last year's anniversary of But then I think about a species stich the Kndangered Species Act and the as the Wyoming toad, and the many fnture of the Wyoming toad (Bufo friends of this amphibian who are lu'iiiiophrys haxich) speaks quite helping to save it. I take encouragement directly to the focus of this edition of from the knowledge that zoos and the Bulletin. ac|uariLims are undertaking similar The American Zoo and Aquarium efforts all across this nation for ail types .Association and its nearly 200 member of endangered species. As this issue of institutions ha\ e been partners in the the Bulletin will share with you, zoos Jamie Rappaport Clark, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conseivation and reco\ ery of endan- and aciuariums are not just about so- USFWS photo gered species with the fish and Wildlife called • charismatic" animals, nor are .Sen ice for a long time. Some of those they only about creatures from distant partnerships ha\ e been extraordinarily exotic lands. critical. They prcn ided the crticial Zoos and ac]uariums are also on the opportunity to turn species such as the cutting edge in fields such as conserva- California condor (Gynin()f>jp^ tion education. Through state-of-the-art ailifoniiaiiu.s). red wolf fCaiiis mfus). exhibits, hands-on encounters, distance and black-footed ferret (Musteki learning, school programs, and other ui^hpes) from almost certain extinction innovative means, the people who toward recovery. Though these efforts make up this community share their deserve our highest praise and appre- love, enthusiasm, and curiosity about ciation. they are, as Syd points out, only life on this planet with millions of us part of the story. The whole story every year. I extend my thanks and includes the efforts to sa\ e dozens and appreciation to the directors, profes- dozens of smaller, less \\ ell known sional .staff, technicians, volunteers, and species that ha\'e become imperiled by friends of our Nation's zoos and human activities. aquariums in their efforts to breed
The choice of the Wyoming toad for endangered sjiecies, conduct research, the cover of the AZA's March f99H issue and rekindle our fascination with the of Coininuniciiie pleased me as well. natural world. When I look at the list of more than 1.100 species of plants and animals Jamie Rappaport Clark is the Direclar protected by the lindangerecl Species of the r.,V. Fi.'ih and Wildlife Service. Act. it is easy to pick out the "popular" species, the ones that mo.st people know, feathered or furred, they are the stars of many nature documentaries and magazine covers. The\' often .symbolize
4 END.WOERKI) SPKCIKS HI I.U: i l\ MAV.JI'NE IW> VOU'MK XXIV NO. On the Side of Life
Last year, the Endangered Species Act megavertebrate, but I don't take up celebrated its 25th anniversary. Many of much space in the least populated state its advocates, including the American in the U.S. If I am disposable here, what Zoo and Aquarium Association, took are the prospects for tigers in India, a time to celebrate that event and to country with a billion people? In fact, reflect on the law's past and future. In what chance do any creatures have, March 1998. the following piece was including yourselves, in a world soon to published in the AZA 's publication have 8 billion people?" Communique by its executive director. just about now 1 .start getting discour- Dr. Sydney Butler. We have reprinted it aged. A hundred Wyoming toads left in here because it speaks to the AZA's the least populated state? Three thou- commitment for conserving not Just the sand tigers left in a country with a foreign or e.xotic species of greatest billion people? A world filled with 8.2 popularity but to the work, for species in billion humans by 2().-^()? Just what and our own "backyard." who is really endangered here? Toads? Dr. Sydney Butler, AZA Executive
I am particularly fond of the Commu- Tigers? Ourselves, our children, our Director nique covcr pliotograph this month. In grandchildren? Photo courtesy American Zoo and Aquarium Association this 25"' anniversary year of the Endan- But then I become grateliil, really gered Species Act. when other magazine grateful, for the Endangered Species covers will splendidly display eagles, Act. Not so much because of its legal wolves, and gray whales, we proLidly protections, btit because of its optimistic, present—the Wyoming toad. Just sitting consistent, and clarifying declaration there, showing its best side to the that all species are worthy. Without this camera. It doesn't soar. howl, breach (or declaration, fiercely protected, what is croak "Bud-wis-er"). beautiful becomes ugly. Toads become
But our cover star might tell us that silly, tigers become pests, wolves beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To become pelts, people become enemies. some, this toad would be just another The Act surely recognizes that nature ridiculous thing—in the family of snail isn't perfect, that balance and compro- darters and spotted owls—that is used mise are sometimes necessary. But by idealists to stop humanity's rightful underneath all. it declares that creatures progress. To others, like nine AZA shoLild live because life itself is the institutions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife overwhelming \'alue. Service, and lots of committed citizens, The Act's declaration for life has March 1998 Communique cover this toad is worth every instant of time, remarkable appeal. It drives zoos and effort, and dollars spent to conser\e it. ac]uarium professionals to keep study- One man's toad is another man's prince. ing and reintroducing Wyoming toads, But .surely some would say thai, in even when they know that few may the "grand scheme of things," some .sur\i\ e. And it inspires us by saying we lesser creatures have to give way to could put any endangered creatiu'e people. A national symbol like the bald (including ourselves) on the cover of a eagle is worth saving, but a toactf To magazine, and the message would still that argument our co\ er creature would be the same. Life should be on the side say. "Look. I may not be a regal of life, period.
i:\i)ANC.i;ni:i> SFHCIHS Bi LuaiN MAY jr\E 1999 \<)i.rMi-: xxi\- \<). -i 5 The Tarantula's by David Hodge Tiny Cousin
Krormally. , when one tliinks of an from the moss they live in, which grows endangered species, tlie image of a in association with spruce fir trees in the "cliarismatic" species sucli as a bald mountains. It is this reliance on moss eagle (Haliaeetus Icucocephaliis) or a that has put the moss spider in danger tiger (Panthcm lii>hs) comes to mind of extinction. But some tiny creatures that few people In the early 1990 s, Joel Harp, a
Illustration above and photo opposite page by notice are also in trouble. Though small, scientist at the Oak Ridge National Joel Harp they are no less important to the Laboratory in Tennessee, began a study biological web that connects ail crea- of J/, montirciga populations. He found tures in a particular habitat. Among the the beginning of a rapid decline in the little noticed species is a rare spider that species' numbers and range; colonies lives in the mountains of North Carolina located earlier had disappeared in only and Tennessee. The spruce fir moss a few months. The reasons for the spider (Microhexiira niontivaga) is a decline have yet to be determined, primitive species in the suborder although it is probably a combination of Mygalemorphae. Mygalemorphs are threats. The main suspect is a tiny mite spiders that do not spin a web to that is attacking and killing mountaintop capture prey, but instead ambush their spruce trees. VC'ith the death of the trees, prey and stab it with their chelicerae much of the moss associated with them (fangs). Mygalemorphs are mostly was lost to desiccation and the moss ground dwelling, altlioiigh some live in mat spiders began to vanish. Other trees in the tropics. M. luonteuega is a possible reasons for the spider's decline tiny cousin of the more familiar large include the insecticide lindane, which spiders collecti\ ely known as tarantulas. was sprayed in an attempt to combat
'I'he spruce fir moss spider is a little the mites, and forest damage resulting different from a lot of its spider kin. from acid deposition. While many spiders are small, this Fearing the possible extinction of M. species reaches a maximum ol only 5 ivoiitercgci. Harp and the I'.S. Fish and millimeters (0.2 inches) at full growth. It Wildlife Sen-ice (FWS) contacted the also lives only at high altitudes in Louis\ ille Zoo to set tip a capti\ e habitat that is often cool, wet, and snow reproduction program. Because the first covered in the winter, contlitions that 12 specimens received were females, most spiders would not find veiy we couldn't reproduce them, but we suitable. In fact, temperatures in the were able to learn about maintaining winter often fall below freezing, yet the the spiders in captiv ity. They were little spiders still function under the housed in a petri dish with a moist snow co\er. Perhajris their blood towel and some moss for security. High contains some type of natural anti- moisture is very important because freeze, an advantage that is not un- these little spiders desiccate rather easily. known in other kinds of animals. The Temperatures were maintained on the spruce fir moss mat spider has a cool side at about S8 degrees F (14 relative, M. idahoanna. which occupies degrees C). Some of the spiders li\-ed to a similar habitat in the mountains of 6 years, which is amazing for such a Idaho. Moss spiders get their names tinv animal.
ENI>A.NGERKI> SPKCAKS III TXETIN .\UV .11-NK WW VOU ME XX1\" NO. After we received male spiders, matings were attempted. With its final molt, the male develops elongated legs and tibial spurs to hold the female's fangs back when they mate face to face. After copula- tion, the male departs in haste, hopefully to live tc5 mate again. To date, there has been some mating activity but no egg sack i7roductit)n. If we can produce spiderlings, the challenge will be to raise the veiy tiny offspring to matu- rity. The adult sjiiders are fed spring- tails and tiny crickets, but the diet of newly hatched young is .still unknown.
In 199S, the HW.S listed the spruce fir moss spider as an endangered species. Three months later, the FW.S and The Nature (Conser- vancy met to begin work on a plan to save the spider's habitat on Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, ihe last place the species was found at the time. Then in 1998, researchers di.scov- ered a moss spider popula- tion on Mount i.eCConte, Tennessee, a place where ihe little animals were thought lo have gone exiincl. 11 turns out that after the mo.ss vanished at this site, the .spiders found refuge in rocky areas with some plant cover anti enough moisture for the spiders to SLirvive. This population may make it possible to reestablish the species elsewhere in its depleted range. There is .still DNA and breeding re.search to be done, but we are hopeful that our efforts will .save this tiny .spider from the abyss of extinction.
Dctvid I lodge is a Kcv/kt irilh the
/.oiiisrillc /.(to in Keiiliicky.
i:\i>\\ TJL he Puertrtc' ) Rican crested toad selection to occur at a stage in which (Peltophiyue lemur), once endemic to large losses can be buffered by the Puerto Rico and the nearby island relatively high numbers of released of Virgin Gorda, is now only found on animals. To date, over 4,000 toadlets Puerto Rico where it occurs in two and 20,()(){) tadpoles have been released separate populations. It was the first to the wild. The small size of released amphibian to be considered for an AZA toadlets makes follow up on the success Species Survival Plan (SSP). The AZA of introductions or releases difficult. and the Fish and Wildlife (FWS) have Captive breeding activities are worked closely toward the reco\ eiy of complemented with field sttidies. For the crested toad for over 15 years. example, radiotracking post-reprodtic- Significant variations in mitochon- tive toads determined that individuals Photo by Miguel Canals drial DNA between northern and moved an average of about 110 feet southern populations suggest that the (125 meters) a night for the first 4 days two poptilations have been separated and traveled a maximum distance of 3 2 for some time. None of the northern miles (2 kilometers). After the initial breeding sites are protected. Despite period of intense movement, toads continuing searches, no adult toads moved no more than about 32 feet (10 have been seen in the north since 1988, m) and often returned to the same hole and some biologists consider the even after several nights of foraging. northern population to be extirpated. In I loles in limestone were preferred the south, there is a single breeding refuges, although deep crevices were The Species Survival Plan pond located in a former gra\'el parking used during the initial post-reproductive (SSP) program was originally conceived to area in Guanica State Forest. No more migration period. Other research efforts provide a blueprint for than 1,000 adult toads have ever been are focusing on nutritional and veteri- cooperative and efficient seen at this site. Over the past 15 years, naiy research in captive populations, as management of captive the southern population has declined to well as life history and habitat use. breeding programs within about 200 adtilts, not all of which Twenty zoos and aquariums in the North America, although breeding. Breeding in the wild is SSPs have been developed United States and Canada participate in stimulated b\' infrec|uent heavy rainfalls for many foreign species as the Puerto Rican toad SSP. They provide well. More recently, the SSP that pro\ ide enough water for the 18-21 resources, expertise, and funding for concept has expanded to days it takes for metamorphosis from recover}' as well as a genetically and include field conservation tadpole to toadlet. demographically diverse back-up efforts as an integral part of The long-term survival of P. lemur population in the e\ ent of a biological overall conservation and depends on protecting existing breeding catastrophe at the natural breeding site. recovery efforts. While Funding for implementing the SSP has captive breeding is not to be sites and establishing additional wild considered the sole solution populations. Captive breeding provides been provided by the F\X'S Caribbean to the recovery of an additional source of tadpoles and a Field Office, the AZA's Conservation endangered species, genetically diverse back-up population Fndowment Fund, the Canadian conservation biologists in the event of a disaster at the Guanica Museums Association and Canadian have recognized the need site. The release of tadpoles, rather than Departments of Foreign Affairs and for scientifically managed toadlets, is believed to increase the International Trade. Other contributions breeding programs in ha\'e been received from the Torontcs carefully selected cases for likelihocid of imprinting on the natal some time. pond habitat and allows natural Zoo's Endangered Species fund, the 8 I:NI),\\C,I:HI;I) M'I:(:II:S lin.i.ININ MA-I" irxi-: iwy \mr.\iE xxi\' \o. Philadelphia Zoo's "One Willi Nature" fund, the Columbus Zoo's Riverbanks Zoological Park and Botanical Garden (Conservation Fund, the Detroit Zoo, Omaha's Henr\' Doorly Zoo, the Sedgwick County Zoo. the Saint Louis Zoo, the Toledo Zoo. and the \'ancouver Aquarium. In collaboration with the FWS (Caribbean Field Office, the SSP working group recently drafted a propo.sal for an F'VCS, Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources, and AZA c(5nservation partnership in which the goals of the SSP are merged \\ ith reco\ eiy plan objective's. Our partnership focuses on fi\'e objectives: consenation education, pond construction for the release of captive bred toads, research related to captiv e breeding program can be Usually a light brown, this adult male capti\'e breeding and release, field established in Puerto Rico. Signs invites Puerto Rican crested toad exhibits re.search on important habitat, and zoo visitors to visit the Cuanica fore.st to brighter breeding colors Photo © Bob Johnson population and distribution suixeys. experience the toad's habitat, and Education is of critical importance to Guanica forest visitors will be invited to the recovers- of this amphibian species. visit the .Mayaguez Zoo to see the toad. The I-'WS and the AZA are working to .Also, for the first time non-breeding prepare and distribute identification toads are housed at the I'niversity of leaflets to schools and social centers Puerto Rico in l^io I'iedras. With public within the toad's hi.storical range, support and continued cooperation .additional materials include a field among agencies and AZA institutions, SSPs are cooperative breeding and conservation guide to tadpoles, toadlets, and toads: the chances for recover\- of the Puerto programs administered and life-size models of toadlets and toads: Rican toad will improve. managed by the American posters that highlight the importance of Zoo and Aquarium the remaining breeding sites and ISoh Johnson is the AZA Puerto Ricim Association (AZA) and its surrounding karst habitat: a slide Crested Toad SSP Species Coordinator at member institutions. When it program; and a video to help people the Toronto Zoo in Ontario. Canada. is established that a captive distinguish P. lemur from another toad, breeding program can aid in a species' recovery, an SSP Bitfo marinus. Bumper stickers, decals, .Acknowk-clgments: Ken Foole. Jim Oiantl. Su.s:in is often developed. The SSP refrigerator magnets, buttons designed Silanclcr; Harrelson. Mike llutchin.s; identifies appropriate mates and di.stributed by students, and a Ferniinilo Bird. .Miguel CiinaLs. Jo.se for each breeding pair and Ijne.sto H.streniera. .Miguel Garcia. ljiric|ue consenation activity book will also determines the number of Hernandez. Rafael joglar; Jenny I'ranuik; i:li increase the prolile ol this species across desired offspring to maintain Hryant-C;ava/()N. Diane Callaway. Cirahani the island. Community based conserva- genetic health within the Cniw shaw. Jeff iittling. Kegl k)\l.;\ndre\v l.entini. managed population. At tion initiati\'es will focus on the only Antlrew Oduni. IJaine Gabura. .Vndy Snider. present there are SSPs for known breeding localities for this .Andrew Short. Sean W e.seloh. the following North species. It is important to remember that American species; very few people in Puerto Rico ha\'e Attwater's prairie chicken, .seen this threatened species. black-footed ferret, Live P. leniiir drc on display at the California condor, Guam rail, jaguar, Mexican wolf, Mayaguez Zoo (with assistance from Micronesian kingfisher, Mayaguez liniversity) in Puerto Kico. Puerto Rican crested toad, The SSP team has prov ided eciuipment, red wolf, thick-billed parrot. life support systems for holding and Virgin Island boa and breeding toads, and training so that a Wyoming toad. I:\O.\\C.I:RKI) SPKCIHS lU'U.i'riN .\IAV/JR\i-: i'»y VOUMI: XXI\' NO. 9 One Zoo, Two Islands, by Michael Amaral and Ming Lee X. Prospero and a Beetle T Ihe spectacle of nature is alivays new, for she is always renewing the specters. Life is her most exquisite invention, and death is her expert contrivance to get plenty of it. —Goethe In the decade since the American recovery. In addition, any reco\-er\- biining iieetie fXicrophonis effort recjuiring reintroduction must americcDius) was added to the endan- have support from cooperators as well gered species list, an impressive number as a continuous source of animals for and \ ariety of cooperators have stepped relea.se. Block Island, 12 miles (19 forward to participate in the recoven* of kilometers) off the .southern coast of this unusual species. What's the attraction? Rhode Island, is the only remaining After all. this creature, which makes a natural occurrence of the American living on the dead and decaying flesh burying beetle east of the Mississippi Photo by Andrea Kozol of vertebrate animals, is not typically River. But before Block Island beetles thought of as a charismatic species. could be used in a reintroduction effort, Wiiy tiie American buiying iieetle biologists had to be certain that remo\'- disappeared from more tiian 90 percent ing scmie of the beetles for capti\ e of its historic range is another question. propagation would not endanger the The answer is not clear. Biologists do island's population. know tiiat, compared to other members To address this need, U.S. Fish and of the genus Xicrophorus. tiie American Wildlife Serv ice (FWS) biologists joined buiying beetle requires the largest the Rhode Island Division of Fish and vertebrate carcass (e.g.. an animal the Wildlife, The Nattire Conservancy, size of a mourning den e) for successful Boston University, and private landown- reproduction. The beetles fly about at ers in establishing a population monitor- night seeking odors that indicate a ing protocol for the American burying recentU" deceased animal. If it is the beetle on Block Island. With monitoring right size (2.8 to 7 otinces, or 80 to 200 in place, the FWS and several coopera- grams), the beetles pair up and buiy the tors moved forward with an ambitious carcass, preser\ ing it with special plan to restore the American buiying secretions, and the female lays her eggs beetle to Nantucket Island, one of the in the brood chamber. The carcass last historic localities for the species in becomes food for the lar\'ae. Biologists Mas,sachu,setts. suspect that the American bur\ ing key player in the Nantucket beetle's decline may be due to a reintroduction effort is the Roger decreasing availability of suitable Williams Park Zoo, located in Provi- carrion and increasing competition for dence, Rhode Island. The zoo joined carcas.ses by other species. the .American buiying beetle recovers' In the eastern Tnited States, reestab- effort in 1994 and began rearing beetles lishing populations of American buiying from lan'ae taken cjn Block Island. beetles in selected areas of their historic I'sing nominal start-up financial support range is essential for the species' from the FNJC'S, the zoo prcn ides space 10 KM).\NGKRI;I5SI'i:C:II:snri.i.ETiN M.^Y jr\E iw) VOUMK xxiv NO, 3 and care for the captive breeding work were featured in colony tlirough(3ut the year. Zoo staff a "Wild Discovery" are able to bring their animal husbandry television program, expertise to the beetle project. In turn, entitled "Weird staff members gain \ aluable experience Worlds," Many of the in field research techniques and release close-up shots of the methods that can be applied to other beetles tending their conservation endea\'ors. In the past 5 larvae were obtained years, the Zoo has successfully reared by the Powderhouse more than 20 generations of beetles. Productions film crew With the Massachusetts Division of at the Roger Williams Fisheries and Wildlife and a private Park Zoo, cooperating land owner, the Massachti- The partnership be- setts Audubon Society, the FWS has tween the FWS and reititroduced more than 350 American the zoo can serve as a burying beetles raised at the Providence model for other insti- Zoo to Nantucket Island, a jilace tutions to collaborate on conservation famous for its colonial whaling histoiy efforts like the American burying and popular as a summer beach beetle. With our State, private conserva- \ acation destination. tion agency, and zoo cooperators, FWS To stimulate the beetles to breed, biologists are hopeful that these efforts zookeepers painstakingly provide pairs (and similar ones in other parts of the of beetles with all the necessary country) will restore the American Ming Lee Prospero checks brood of ingredients and their own honeymoon burying beetle as the ultimate vertebrate American burying beetles recycler in the insect world. suite. This entails preparing individual Photo above and below by Grant West/Roger buckets with compact soil, a fresh ciuail Williams Park Zoo carcass, the right temperature, and a bit Michael J. AmamI of matchmaking. If all goes well, larvae is the Senior Endan- w ill hatch after a few days and be gered Species tended by their parents. The young Specialist with I he larvae cannot eat on their own and will FWS Xeiv England solicit feeding from the adults by Field Office and stroking their parents mandibles. When Ming Lee N. Prospero the larvae are 12-15 days old, they is an Animal Keeper tunnel farther into the ground where at the Roger Will- they enter a pupal stage for about 6 to 8 iams Park Zoo in weeks. After the ptipal stage is com- Providence, Rhode plete, they emerge above ground as Island. shiny red and black adult beetles. The popular conception of conserva- tion biology evokes an image of a lone biologist working in a distant land, such as a tropical rain forest. The Roger Williams Park Zoo understands that there are also many projects that need our attention and support in our own backyard. From the zoo's perspective, the beetle project is an excellent way to contribute to the consen ation of a local endangered species. In December 1998, the American burying beetle became a celebrity insect. The beetle and the FWS recoveiT KNDANCiHRED SI'EaES lU LLKTlX -M.-K".' .rrXE 1999 VOU'MI-: XXIV NO. 3 11 Bog Turtles, Southern Style bv Bern 'Vi'. Tryon A.Lnyon e who lias visited the Great Society enlisted Robert T. Zapjialorti, Smoky Mountains on the North Caro- then of the Staten Island Zoo, to lina-Tennessee border or driven along conduct a series of surveys in western the Blue Ridge i^arkway in North North Carolina. Accompanying Carolina and Virginia can appreciate the Zappalorti on some of these trips was vast, rugged, natural beauty of the Dave Collins, then of the Burnet Park Scjuthern Appalachians. It is also a Zoo in Syracuse, New York, and now region of outstanding biological Curator of Fore.sts at the Tennessee diversity in which new scientific Ac]uarium. Zappalorti, Collins, and their disco\'eries continue to be made, I'itting colleagues found a number of impor- together the pieces of the ecological tant turtle sites. Although some of these puzzle for any rare species can be a sites no longer exist, others have been time consuming and often frustrating used over the years to document process, one sometimes compounded in problems for bog turtles such as Photo by R. G. Tuck, Jr. these mountains by the rugged terrain vegetational succession in the habitat, and increasing development. bog destruction due to development, An example of these challenges is and turtle poaching. Zappalorti's 1975 the case of the bog turtle (Clenunys book. Ail Amateur Zooh\i>ist 's Ciuklc to niuhlenhergiij. The northern population 'fiirtk'S and Crocodilicius (Stackpole of this elusive species, fV)und at isolated Books), includes photos of bog turtles sites scattered from New '^ork and from some of these early surveys. •Massachusetts to Maiyland, was listed in A name synonymous with bog turtles 1997 as threatened. The southern in North Carolina, and indeed through- poptilation, which is not considered by out the species' southern range, is the I'ish and Wildlife Sen ice to be in Dennis Herman, who for over two danger of extinction, is listed as threat- decades as a herpetologist at Zoo ened due to its similarity of appearance Atlanta established himself as not only to the northern bog turtle. In the south, the region's leading expert but also a bog turtles are restricted to small champion for turtle and habitat protec- remnants of wetland habitat tucked tion. Herman picked up where away in the mountains and I^iedmont of Zappalorti left off, and in the years North and South Carolina, Virginia, since then he and his associates have GecMgia, and Tennessee. Most of what been responsible for documenting bog is now known of the bog turtle in the turtles in over half of the 20 North south was brought to light only during Carolina counties known to harbor the the past several decades. For this species. In 1995, in an effort to unify species, zoo personnel and their field studies within the State, Herman associates have played an integral role founded Project Bog Turtle, sponsored in putting the pieces of the puzzle by the North Carolina Herpetological together. Society and the North Carolina State ,\lthough the bog turtle was first Museum of Natural Sciences, where he found here in the 1880's, it wasn't until is now Curator of Living Collections. the early 197() s that surveys were This important initiative has combined initiated in North (Carolina, now consid- statewide efforts for the species, ered the stronghold for the species in maintains a data base for bog turtles in the south. The Highlands Biological the south, and has been instrumental in Station and the National Audubon assisting the conservation efforts of 12 I-:M).\\GI:HI:I) SPI:(:I1'S m i.i.irns M.-\Y JI \t: iw) \OI,IME XXIV XCX ,-> private landowners through easements, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program) habitat maintenance, and edtication. have joined forces to establish the bog As part of Project Bog Ttirtle, I lerman turtle as a flagship species for a rapidly and his colleagues continue to play a disappearing wetland ecosystem. Only large role in identifying new turtle sites three percent of the State's naturally throughout the species' southern range. occurring wetlands are found in ea.stern In the early f990's, Herman and I Tennessee and a joined forces with George Amato and tiny fraction of this John Hehler of the Wildlife Conser\ a- includes bog turtle tion Society/15ronx Zoo in a study of habitat. Through the tLirtle genetics. In a 2-year period, we combined efforts of were able to cc)llect blood samples from these organizations, 64 bog ttirtles representing all 5 .States in especially TNC, a the southern range as well as samples 65-acre (26-hectare) from Maiyland and Delaware. An habitat restoration examination of mitochondrial DNA project now under- showed no differentiation among way in rural Ten- populations, but additional analysis will nessee may help to soon be underway. I^rovide a bright fu- My own program had its start when ture for bog turtles Herman, along with Jim Warner (a bog in this State. turtle expert from Connectictit), discov- 1/1/, ered the first bog turtle in I'ennessee in Bc/yi 'Djoii is Curator of the Depart- Photo by Bern Tryon May f986. We quickly identified the nic'iil of HcrpetoIo^Y at the Knoxville Zoo. only two turtle sites in Tennessee known to date. The Tennessee project Rt;FFRi;\c;Hs has not only encompas.sed 14 seasons Amiito. c;.. J. L. liehlcr. B. W. Tryon. and 1), W, of field Vv'ork but a captive breeding Herman. 1997. .MolecLilar v ariation in the bog turtle. (Jcnniiysiniiljlenl>crgii. In: Proceedings. element as well. In late 1986. a large, t",onser\ ation. Restoration, and Management of naturalistic outdoor bog exhibit was Tortoises and Turtles-An International Confer- constrticled at the Knox\ ille Zoo. ence. Pp. 2S9-2()2. NY Turtle and Tortoise providing an attractive facility for Society. environmental education and for raising Herman. 1). W.. and B. W. 'lYyon. 199^. Land fsc. bog turtles. (The American Zoo and Development, and XatLiral Succession and Their Aquarium Association awarded the Effects on Hog Turtle Habitat in the Southeast- ern United States. In: Proceedings. (;()nser\ a- Knoxville Zoo its .Signihcant Achieve- tion. Restoration, and Management of Tortoises ment Award for this exhibit in 1989.) and Turtles-An International Conference. Pp. The Knoxville Zoo's captive breeding .-i64-,-)7f. XY Turtle and Tortoise Society. program has produced 103 bog turtles Tryon. B. W. 1990. Bog Turtles (Ctemmys since 1988. Working with the Tennessee niiiljleiilH'rgii) in the South - A Question of \X'ildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). the Sur\ i\'al. Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 25(4): 57-66. zoo developed a head-start/release Tryon. B. W.. and 1). W. Herman. f990. Status. Conserv ation, and Management of the Bog program. .Since 1991, 84 captive-bred Turtle, (,'leiinuys mnljiciibergii. in the South- turtles have been released into a large eastern I'nited States. In: Proceedings, First site in a neighboring county. International Symposium on 'I'urtles and Tor- hi any wildlife endeavor, the value toises: (;onser\alion and (Captive Husbandry. of partnerships cannot be underesti- Pp. ,-)6-52. c;hapnian I Iniversity and the Califor- nia Turtle and Tortoise Clulx mated. Here in Tennessee, the Knox- ville Zoo. TWRA. The Nature Conser- vancy of Tennessee (TNC), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (with support and funding from Asheville. North Carolina. Field Office through the i-;\i),,\\c,i:iii:i) si'h:(:ii:s nri,i,t:ri\ ,M,,\V/JI N1': 1999 VOI,CME xxtv \o, .-i 13 Return of a Native by Peter j. Tolson, Mitcliell L. Magdieh, Terry Seidel, Gaiy A. Haase, and Buddy Fazio T 7 he Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) has suffered catastrophic population de- clines in the past 100 years, disappearing from almost 99 percent of its historical range. It is now extirpated in Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Ontario. The Fish and Wildlife Sei-vice (FWS) listed the Karner blue as endangered in 1992. This living jewel is a signature species of the oak savanna ecosystem, an endangered habitat characterized by meadows of prairie plants dispersed among stands of widely spaced oaks. Oak ,sa\ anna in Oiiio is limited to a time, TNG began extensive habitat small region of northwestern Ohio restoration efforts that cleared woody known as "the Oak Openings." This vegetation and exotic plants from Kitty region lias special relevance to the State Todd Pre.ser\ e, allowing stands of wild of Ohio because it contains more lupine to regenerate. By 1995, restora- endangered species than any other part tion of the oak savanna at Kitty Todd Karner blue butterfly catepillar Photo by Ann B. Swengel of the State. Certain agricultural prac- had proceeded to the point that a tices. fire suppression activities, and release of the butterfly was feasible. Our drainage projects have severely modi- partnership then made a detailed study fied this area, allowing encroachment of microhabitat recjuirements at the on open areas by trees and exotic Allegan State Game Area in Michigan to plants. These habitat changes extirpated ensure that habitat in the Kitty Todd many rare and unicjue taxa, including Preserve could support populations of the Karner blue butterfly, which recjuires the Karner blue. Statistical analysis of oak savanna habitat with extensive these data indicated that target release patches of wild lupine (lAil)iiius areas on the Kitty Todd Preserve did not peivniiis). The Karner blue was last differ significantly from the localities in seen in Ohio in 1988 within the Oak the Allegan State Game Area that Openings region. supported large flights of the Karner Since 1992, in a partnership with the blue, at least in terms of microhabitat Ohio Department of Natural Resources environments and densities of lupine (OI)XR) and the Michigan Department and nectar plants. of Natural Resources (Mi:)NR), the FWS, We elected to use breeding and Toledo Zoological Gardens (TZG), and release rather than translocation as a The Nature Conseivancy (TNG) have strategy for reintroduction of the Karner been preparing for a reintroduction of blue, as we believed that we could the Karner blue to the Oak Openings of release many more butterflies on the Lucas County, Ohio. This long-term preserve after breeding them in a zoo. effort began with propagation of more The Melissa blue butterfly (Lycaeides than 5,000 wild lupine, the host plant Dielissa melissa) was selected as a for Karner blue lar\ ae. At the same model species to perfect breeding 14 I:M).\\C,KRI:I) .si'Kcii-s iiru.["n\ M,\V JCNK 1999 N'OUME XXIV NO. RS tecliniques, and it successfully bred and collected additional Karner blues in overwintered at the TZCi with no May and June of this year, and weJl apparent problems. In May and June continue through 2002 to bolster the 199H. adult female Karner blues were numbers and genetic di\'ersity of the collected by MDNR, ODNR, and TZG reintroduced population. staff from the Allegan State Game Area The dedication to restore the Karner for breeding. From these indi\'iduals, blue to Ohio is shared by an active S92 eggs were produced in the zoo's coalition (jf consen ation partners. With butterfly-breeding facility, resulting in luck, additional habitat management, 341 adults. and the additional releases planned We transported potted lupine plants over the next S years, it is our hope that containing lan.-ae and pupae (protected the Karner blue butterfly will again with netting) to the Kitty Todd Preserve become a permanent resident of Ohio's in late June 1998. A total of 164 adults Oak Openings. metamorphosed from this group and were released from June 29 through Peter J. Tolsoii is the Co)isen'citio)i July 199H. The release coincided Biologist at the Toledo Zoological with the peak flowering of New Jersey Gardens and Mitchell L. Magdich is the tea (Ceanothus aniehc(iinis) on the Curator of Education. Terry Seidel is the presen e, and the newly released Oak Openings Program Coordinator for butterflies were seen feeding in the the Ohio Chapter of The Xature Conser- extensive stands of this important nectar vancy and Gary Uaase is the plant. We observed the first eggs laid in Conseivancy 's Oak Openings Land the wild on July 21,1998, and in May Steward. Buddy Fazio is a Biologist 1999 wild-bred Karner blues were flying with the FWS Ecological Seri'ices Field again at the Kitty Todd Preserve. \X'e Office in Reynoldsburg. Ohio. Photo by Joel Trick H\l).\N(;KKKI)Sl'KCII>HrU,KTI\ .\l,\l JI NK iw \(ju'.\n: xxi\- \o .I 15 Conserving a Treasure by Paul D. Johnson and Rol^ert S. Butler of Diversity TIh.hee .southeastern I'nited States is poptilations of native freshwater the global epicenter of heshwater mussels, the I'ish and Wildlife Service's molluscan di\ersity. Altiiough they are (FWS) Asheville. North Carolina, Field not the most eiiarisniatie creatures, Office has initiated a significant mtis.sel hesliwater snails and mussels represent recovery program. Tntil now, this an enormous proportion of our Nation's program focused on the recoven,' of the ac|Liatic \\ ildlife. Becatise these animals Cumberlandian Region mussel fauna, are long-lived (up to 100 years for some which includes species from both the mussel species) and very sensiti\'e to Tennessee and Ctimberland river environmental im|:)acts. they are systems. This region contains more excellent indicators of short-term and species of freshwater mussels than any long-term water quality. Mollusks are other drainage in the world. In coopera- Young captive propagated tan found throughout the .Mississippi River tion with the Geological Survey's riffleshells, an endangered mollusk (in Hask), about to be released into basin and the Atlantic Coast drainages, Biological Resources Division (BRD) the Hiwassee River in east but the center of their North American (Cooperative Research Units at Virginia Tennessee distribution is a region that encompasses Tech llniversity in Blacksburg, \'irginia, Photo by Richard Biggins/USFWS the CLimberland. Tennessee, and Mobile and 'I'ennessee Tech University in river drainages. 1 lowever, this region c;ookeville, Tennessee, FWS recovery has seen major riverway modifications, efforts with the Cumberlandian Region habitat alterations, and in\ asive species mussel fauna are well underway. introductions that have taken their toll Resource managers often Recently, a new partner signed on to face difficult challenges on our native freshwater mollu.sks. assist with mussel recovery efforts: the dealing with the effects of Nearly ^0 percent of the 297 species Southeast Acjuatic Research Instittite modern development on of freshwater mussels nati\ e to North (SARI), which is associated with the wildlife and its habitat. America are listed as extinct, endan- Tennessee Ac]uarium. located in While most of these gered. threatened, or of special concern. Chattanooga. Tennes.see. At present. challenges are involve "high-profile" vertebrate To date. 30 species are considered SARI's efforts are focused on artificial species, a major extinct and many others ha\ e not been propagation and related research that conservation effort is seen in years. While several biologists will benefit the mussel fauna of the underway to preserve an are working hard to as.sess the conser- ui^l^er Coosa River system, a portion of entire group of highly \'ation needs of freshwater mussels, few the greater .Mobile River basin. The threatened invertebrate are studying the conseixation status of c;oosa River system may be the site of animals. Freshwater another large mollusk resource: native the largest recent mass extinction event mollusks are the most in U.S. history. It is thought that no threatened taxonomic group freshwater snails. The recent loss of in United States today, and freshwater snail diversity in North fewer than 12 species of mussels and 2S they are beginning to ••Xmerica is truly stunning; 42 species of species csf freshwater gastropods were receive the attention that nati\-e freshwater gastropods are lost when the river was dammed and they deserve. considered to be extinct. This includes modified. Initially, 10 species of mussels all s|iecies belonging to the genera endemic to the Coo.sa River Basin have C'laj)/)ia. Clyrolonui. Aiul>hig\'ra. and been targeted by SARI and the FWS for Seoplaiiorhis. all of which were potential restoration, endemic to the Mobile River basin. .Most of S.'VRI's field work has been in To help deal with the challenges of the Conasauga River section of the habitat destruction and dwindling Lipper Coo.sa River ,system in north 76 I-:\I)A\GFRI:I> spi-:i:II:s BI U.R NX M.-W JI \K IVW vou VIH .wiv NO. Georgia and adjacent Tennessee. this increasingly threatened watershed, Numerous stakeholders, including the located at the northern fringes of rapidly FWS, .SARI, The Nature Conser\ancy, growing greater Atlanta. The Etowah Conasauga River Alliance, and the River provides habitat for 13 species of Limestone Valley Resource Conser\'ation federally protected mussels and fishes, and Development Council, have formed including two species of darters found a unicjiie partnership For riparian habitat nowhere else in the world. restoraticjn and niLissel recovery. In its Another mollusk recovery effort hrst year, the program is constructing the initiated by the FWS Jackson Ofhce and facilities needed to hold and artificially SARI involves the plicate rocksnail propagate freshwater mussels. With the (Lepto.xisplicala). Listed in 1998 as additional support of the BRD "Spccies- endangered, this small snail is known to At-Risk" program and the FWS Jackson, occur on a few shoals along an II-mile Mississippi, I-ield Office, a large-scale (18-kil()meter) stretch of the Locust Fork mollu.sk .s'un ey project of the of Black Warrior River abcne Conasauga River is underway. This Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a portion of the survey has boosted the propagation Mobile River Basin. The Mobile Ri\ er * program by i^roviding locality data that basin contains the most diverse temper- can help identify where potential ate freshwater snail fauna in the world, The federally endangered rough broodstock is now located and suitable but some .39 species in the basin have rabbitsfoot mussel survives in a few locations where artificially propagated disappeared in recent times. F'or the first tributaries of the upper Tennessee mussels might be reintroduced. Indeed, time, researchers are attempting to River system in southwestern one of the largest impediments to establish a captive breeding population Virginia and eastern Tennessee. mussel recover}' efforts in the upper of riverine snails. If successful, juvenile Photo by Richard Biggins/USFWS Coosa River system has been the snails produced by the parent stock will absence of up-to-date sur\ ey data. be used to establish new populations in Getting the word out to a diverse the species' former range. Two captive array of citizens about freshwater colonies of plicate rocksnails have been mollusk and riverine habitat conser\a- held since September 1998. To date, the tion initiatives has always been a snails are displaying good survivorship challenge. Recently, the FWS Jackson and growth in their artificial environ- Office, SARI, the Tennes.see Aciuarium, ment, and we hope they will begin to and the University of Georgia's Institute reproduce soon. In the meantime, of Hcology (UGIE) teamed up to researchers intend to study the specific produce A Stakeholders' Guide to the habitat rec|uirements of the plicate Coiicisauga Hirer. The stakeholders' rocksnail in preparation for selecting guide focuses on the values and possible reintroduction sites. qualities of healthy flowing streams and Along with habitat restoration and the conditions that threaten them. The public awareness efforts, breakthroughs guide informs stakeholders about how in propagation techniques provide hope they can protect riverine resources, not for the reversal of biodiversity lo.^s for just for the sake of nature, but to North American's freshwater mussels improve the quality of human life as and snails. Together, SARI, the Tennes- well. To date, thousands of the guides see Aciuarium, and the FWS are have been distributed. working hard to assist this unique A similar guide is also being pro- regional natural resource duced by SARI, UGIE, and the FWS Asheville Office for the Etowah River in Paul D. fohiisoi! is with the Tennes- northern Cleorgia, another upper Coosa see Aquarium aud Southeast Aquatic Ri\'er tributary. This guide is being Research Institute i)i Chattanooga, produced in cooperation with the newly Tennessee. a)id Robert S. Butler is a formed Upper-Etowah River .Alliance. Wildlife Biologist in the FWS Asheiille. The Alliance is dedicated to protecting North Carolina. Field Office. KM)..\XC,KRED SI'ECn:S BULUrnN .MAY/ll 'M-; 1999 \-( jl.CME XXI\ \() 17 The Wyoming Tdad SSP by Brint Spencer T^^oming toads (Bufo hemiophrys baxteri) were once abundant in the wetlands and irrigated meadows of Wyoming's southeastern plains. However, by the 1970's the population had declined drastically and was confined to privately owned lands surrounding Mortenson Lake. In 1984, the Fish and Wildlife Ser- vice (FWS) recognized the species' precarious status USFWS photo by listing the Wyoming toad as endangered. To pro- tect the last population. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) stepped in and purchased the lake and sur- rounding lands, totaling approximately 1,800 acres (730 hectares). But populations continued to decline, and by 1994 the species was extinct in the wild. Only captive populations remained. In December of 1996, the American more intensive capti\-e breeding Mortenson NWR Zoo and Aciuarium .Association (AZA) program was initiated. The captive USFWS photo approved a Species Survival Plan (SSP) population greatly increased by 1995, that formalized a cooperative program with the help of several AZA affiliated of the AZA, FWS, and Wyoming Game zoos and the WGF facilities. and Fish Department (WGF). This Wyoming toads are now housed at lirogram was designed to restore the eight AZA affiliated zoos: Central Park The origin of the Wyoming NX'yoming toad, one of the most (NY), Cincinnati (OH), Detroit (MI), toad can be traced to about endangered amphibians in the United Heniy Dooriy (NE), Houston (TX), 10,000 years ago when it States, to a secure status in the wild. Sedgwick County (KS), St, Louis (MO), became isolated from its The reintroduction story began in and Toledc5 (OH), Two government ancestral stock, the 1988, when a small number of toads facilities, the Saratoga National Fish Manitoba or Canadian toad Hatcheiy (W^') and Sybille Wildlife (Bufo hemiophrys), around were taken from Mortenson Lake to the end of the Pleistocene WGF facilities for capti\ e breeding. In Research Center (WY), also have Epoch. The ranges of the 1992, the FWS purchased some of the captive populations. Diane Callaway of two species are separated \Xyoming toad's last habitat from TNC the Henry Dooriy Zoo maintains a by approximately 500 miles and established the .Mortenson National species studbook to manage the (800 kilometers). The Wildlife Refuge (NWR). That same year, genetics of the entire captive breeding Wyoming toad currently is tadpoles and toadlets were released at population. Neariy 6OO toads now exist found only in the States Lake George and Rush Lake on Hutton in captivity and there are over 3,000 Laramie Basin. This burrowing animal inhabits NWR in an effort to establish a second historical records in the studbook. Fach floodplains, ponds, and wild population. By 1994, it was spring, a number of the offspring ditches in the short grass apparent that emergency measures were produced that year are held back for regions of the basin. needed. In an effort to prevent the the captive breeding program. The rest animal from becoming extinct, the la.st are returned to Wyoming, where they remaining toads were captured and a are released as tadpoles or toadlets. 18 END,.\\<;F.HI:D spix:n-S BIXLETIX .\I.\Y II'NI': 1999 VOUMI! XXIV NO. I Since 1996. tlie pro- gram lias proclLiced ap- proxiiiiateh' 10,000 toads For reintroduc- tion into the Laramie basin. Most of the re- lease efforts iia\ e fo- cused on Mortenson Lake. Once a \iable population has been established there, we will concentrate on other lakes in the area. So far, only a small number of toads have survived to breed. By the spring of 199S, several two-year-old captive hatched and released animals were heard calling at Mortenson Lake. The calls indicated breed- ing activity in native habitat for the first time since the Wyomig toad was declared extinct in the wild. The AZA has also been invoked in expressed interest in participating in the The Wyoming toad is dark brown, se\'eral research projects on the Wyo- captive breeding program. Upcoming gray, or greenish in color with small dark blotches. Adult Wyoming toads ming toad. A radiotelemetry field study research projects will include studies on average 2.2 inches (55 millimeters) in was funded by the AZA Consenation the effects of temperature and the length, with the females slightly duration of hibernation, field work to Endowment Fund (CEF) and a Chal- larger than the males. lenge Cost Share .Agreement from the identify toad hibernation sites, and a Photo © Jeff Vanuga FWS was initiated last year to look at genetic analysis of capti\ e \ ersus wild microhabitat Lise. In addition, the Center bred populations. for the Reproduction of Endangered Each facet of the Wyoming Toad SSP ^'ildlife at the Cincinnati Zoo received and reco\'er\' program is an integral i^art a CFF grant to study the feasibility of in our plan to restore this endangered cryopreser\ ing toad sperm. Further, the amphibian to a secure status. With Nutrition Department of the Wildlife continuing cooperation among AZA Consen ation Society is re.searching the in.stitutions. the FWS, and WCiF. this diets of Wyoming toads li\ ing in effort is achie\'ing promising results. It is capti\-ity and in the wild. an excellent example of how dedicated Future goals for the recovery' effort i^iologists and resource managers can include increasing the publics aware- work together to save a critically ne.ss of the Wyoming toad's critical endangered species. status, expansion of the captive breed- ing program, and additional research. Bri)it Spencer is the Animal Curator ,\n outreach coordinator has been at the John Ball Zoo and serivs as the identified to initiate education programs SSP Coordinator for the Wyoming Toad. to reach adults and students in local schools. Tw(5 additional AZA zoos have EMXWC.KRKD •'i'i:(:ii:s M I,I.I:N\ .M.-W JI NI: 1999 \<)UMI: XXI\' NO. IS) Pesticides and tlie bv Kim Dicker,son Wyoming Toac T jLhe preceding article on efforts to recover the Wyoming toad highlights the captive breeding and release program. However, the reintroduction of this species is not enough to secure its future. Until we understand and address the reasons for its decline, the Wyoming toad's survival in the wild is far from Wyoming Toad Stamp guaranteed. Possible causes include climate change, Sends a Conservation Message increased predation, changes in agricultural practices, by Ann Haas disease, and pesticide use. For more lh;in a decade, iiiologi.st.s tered with the Em ironmental Protection Stamps of 15 endangered have looked into po,s,sihie en\ironmen- Agency after 1992 for irse as a inos- species, including the tal caLi,se,s of the toad s decline. Studies c]uilocide and therefore was taken off Wyoming toad, representing amphibians, were among conducted at Mortenson Xationai the market. It was replaced with the most popular with Wildlife Refuge (K\>; R) by our Chey- malathion, which is \-ciy to.xic to fish, collectors in 1997, enne, Wyoming. Field Office's Environ- amphibians, and aquatic in\ertebrates. according to the U.S. Postal mental Contaminants I)i\ isi<)n during although le.ss so than fenthion, Coinci- Service. Hobbyists saved 28 1989-1991 showed that concentrations dentally. the last toad population was million of the endangered of trace elements in water, sediment, I'ound in 1987 on lands of the future species set. and vegetation were below levels .Mortenson XWR adjacent to a ranch The other endangered harmful to the Wyoming toad. Studies that did not spray for m<)sc|uit(X's, species depicted on the 32- conducted by the Wyoming Game and To tietermine if aerial drift was cent stamps are the black- I'ish Department revealed that preda- occurring and what effects malathion footed ferret, thick-billed tion. habitat modification, and .soil and would ha\e on Wyoming toads in their parrot, Hawaiian monk seal, hydrologic conditions were not identi- natural en\ ironment. we used a non- American crocodile, ocelot, fied as serious threats to the toad. The endangered species, Woodhouse's toad Schaus swallowtail Wyoming State Veterinarian Laboratory fliufo irooclhousii), as a surrogate for butterfly, brown pelican, California condor, Gila trout, confirmed that the bacterial disease research purposes. Becau.se side effects San Francisco garter snake, "reclleg " was present in the Wyoming of a non-lethal dose of malathion woodland caribou, Florida toad population, but the lab was unable include lethargy, intoxication, and panther, piping plover, and to determine if this disease was a cau.se paralysis, it is important to know if the West Indian manatee. The for the drastic population decline, pesticide is affecting the toad's ability to range of wildlife—birds, hi 1998, our Cheyenne office escape predation. T(5 have a basis for mammals, and marine camparison before and after the non- mammals, along with a fish, conducted a study to determine if a reptile, an insect and an pesticides were entering .Mortenson lethal dose, we conducted behavioral amphibian—illustrate the NWR through aerial drift and affecting tests called ' rigliting trials." in which the importance of a variety of the Wyoming toad. During the 197()'s toads are tlipped onto their backs to see initiatives to conserve our and eariy I98()'s. fenthion (Baytex) was how long it takes to right themselves. land and water to ensure sprayed for mosciuito control on lands We also took blood samples from some biological diversity. The adjacent to Mortenson N'WR, This of the toads to compare the le\'el of Fish and Wildlife Service cholinesterase activitv in toads before and the National Marine pesticide was subsecjuently not reregis- 20 KN[).\\C,I:KI-I) SPKCII S HIXLETIN M'.IRM' IW; XOUMI- XXIV NO. ,-I and after spraying. Cliolinesterase is an aerial drift. Therefore, we submitted the Fisheries Service work cn/.ymc essential tor normal nen e filter paper spray cards to a laboratory closely with State and Federal agencies and function. Certain pesticides, such as for analysis of malathion concentration. private organizations to malathion, inhibit cholinesterase activity. We also submitted the filter paper spray conserve endangered A significant decrease in the enzyme's cards from the reference site. A canv as species. activ ity usually leads to tmcontrolled of our study areas revealed no dead or tremors, convulsions, and iiltiniately dying insects. We then repeated our In simultaneous ceremonies death, i'esticides tlpt affect cholinest- collections of terrestrial and acjuatic in California and Mexico City erase activity attack the nen oiis .systems inv ertebrates and submitted them for celebrating Stamp- of all animals.- analysis of malathion, \X'e al.so collected Collecting Month, October 1996, the San Diego Zoo and It was also important to determine if the surrogate toads and repeated the the Mexican Postal righting trials. Results of the post- the adult Wyoming toad's food source Administration jointly spraying righting trials did not differ was being reduced by aerial drift of initiated distribution of pesticides. Adult Wyoming toads significantly from those seen prior to the endangered species stamps primarily eat ants and beetles, but they spraying. Alter weighing the toads, we highlighting the theme, will also consume acjuatic insects. To took blood samples and sent them "Collect and Protect." In this country, the Postal Service collect terrestrial in.sects, we placed along with the toads to the laboraton' issued 223 million of the insect pitfall traps at sampling sites for analysis of cholinesterase inhibition. stamps featuring overnight for two consecutive nights Although we are still awaiting the photographs by James Balog prior to spraying. Pitfall traps are analy.ses, we are hopeful that the data of Boulder, Colorado, whose containers set into the soil so that their v\ ill be useful for gtiiding management work has been published in tops are Hush with the surrounding decisions regarding pesticide use on the National Geographic magazine, among others. ground. Insects fall into the trap but are lands bordering Mortenson XWR and unable to get out. We also collected thereby help make toad reintroduction Ann Haas is a Writer/Editor acjuatii' invertebrates from each site. We efforts successful. The I-WS Environ- with the FWS Division of recorded the species and c]uantity of mental Contaminants Division plays a Endangered Species in terrestrial and acjuatic insects captured significant role in this cooperative effort Arlington, Virginia. to estimate the total abundance of among the FWS, Wyoming Game and insects and the number of individual Fish, and AZA members. Through the species. In.sects were submitted for combined efforts of these partners, the chemical analysis prior to the spraying outlook for the endangered Wyoming so that results can be compared to toad is now promising, chemical levels found in insects col- lected after the pesticide spraying. Kim Dickersoi! is a W'ildlife Biologist On the day prior to spraying acti\ i- wilh the FWS C'heyoiiie. \\yoi)ii}ig Office. Photo © Jeff Vanuga ties, we attached pe.sticide indicator strips and filter paper spray cards to fence posts at each sampling site and at a control site where we knew aerial drift of pesticides would not occtir. Indicator strips are used to detect pesticide exposure and filter paper spray cards are used to determine the concentration of pesticide drift entering the site. Immediately before spraying began, we put the surrogate Woodhouse's toads in wire mesh enclosures and placed them alongside the same fence posts as the indicator strips and filter paper spray cartls. We also set insect pitfall traps. After the spraying v\ as completed, we gathered the material. Eleven of 80 indicator strips showed evidence of i:\I).\M,i:RI;I) si'ixnns IU LLKI IN \I,\V ji \i: 1999 \ou .MK X\I\ NO. .•( 21 Beyond Captive by Mike Denilong Propagation E. or native species iii-ce the black- This is an informal group with diverse footed Ferret (Mustcla nigiipesj. membership including Federal and State California condor (Cyniuogyps agencies, university researchers, and califoniiauiis). and Mexican wolf non-governmental facilities .such as the (Cam's lupus haikyi). the role of zoos Phoenix Zoo. In addition to reco\'eiy // and aquariums in partnership recovery- planning, zoo staff have been fortunate efforts seems fairly straightforward. Our to participate in habitat and populatk)n roles include propagating animals for surv eys and the translocation of snails reintroduction to native habitats and to new sites in the Grand Canyon. interpreting the plight of these species One role of The Phoenix Zoo in and their ecosystems for our millions of supporting the recovery plan has been visitors. But our efforts extend well to create and maintain a refugia beyond captive propagation and \ isitor population. Although there are no plans awareness. Zoo and acjLiaria staff to u.se the capti\'e animals for future throughout North America also contrib- reintroduction, the option exists should ute to the recovery of native species by a rare catastrophe eliminate the Grand Shell of the Kanah amhersnail participating in habitat rencn ation, Photo by Jeff Sorenson/Arizona Game and (Canyon population. Staff from the zoo Fish Department population sun'eys, basic research, and Arizona Game and Fish Department control of non-nati\ e species, interpre- designed and created two cuitdoor tive materials design, and maintaining refugia, complete with a dripping genetic refugia. The Phoenix Zoo has spring, host plants collected from the been acti\ e in many of these areas, canyon, and the appropriate sandstone some examples of which follow: substrate. A public exhibit with interpre- tative information is scheduled to open Kanab Ambersnail in the fall of 2000. The Kanab ambersnail (Oxyloma haydeni kanahciisis) is an endangered Native Fish terrestrial mollusk with only three 'I'he introduction of exotic sport fish known populations, all in the American and the diversion or impoundment of Southwest. Two populations inhabit southwestern rivers has contributed to privately owned wetlands in southern the extirpation, or .some ca.ses extinc- I'tah, and the third lives at a large tion, of many native fish species. The spring along the Colorado River in Phoenix Zoo grounds contain a .series Grand Canyon National Park. Human of artificial lakes, ironically filled activities such as groundwater pumping, decades ago with water diverted from a commercial development, and livestock now dry river that once flourished with grazing potentially degrade the snail's native fish species. In partnership with habitat on private land, while large biologists from Arizona State University, water releases from ("ilen Canyon Dam the American Zoo and Aquarium could threaten the (irand Canyon Association's Freshwater Fish Taxon population. To promote the reco\'ery of Advisory Group, the Fish and W ildlife this snail and protect it from future Sen ice (F'^X'S), and the Arizona Ciame human-related threats, the Kanab and Fish Department, zoo staff created .'\mbersnail Working Group was formed. 22 I-:\I)A\GKHKi) si'ix;II;s lii I.u'nx .M.-X'I' IIM' IW) NOUMK XXIV NO 3 a plan to use one of tlie lakes as a National Wildlife rcfugium for endangered native fis Refuge to establish The zoo's main lake was ciiosen cine another refugium to its central location (a natural foca population. point for our \'isitors) and size (approxi- mately IS acre-feet). F\X'S fishery Southwestern biologists assessed the lake and found it Frogs suitable as long-term habitat for a population of endangered bonytail chubs (Ciila clegaus) and razorback stickers (Xynmcheii te.xciiNisJ. Our objectives were to create a genetic or broodstock refugium anti to "head start" juvenile fish in a semi-natural environ- ment. The plight of native fish in the wild and the zoo's role in their recoveiA" are explained on large inter[)retive i)anels around the lake. Each of the panels dis- |ilays life-size sculptures of the fish that inhabit the lake. Before jtivenile natix'e fish were Staff from Dexter National Fish released, the exotic sportfish in Hatchery releasing juvenile the main lake were remcn'ed to endangered fish, such as the other Lirban lakes. The lake was then in the consen ation and management of razorback sucker (inset), into zoo's drained and refilled with water filtered four nati\ e southwestern ac|uatic frogs. main lake through a passive gravel bed to impede Other partners include the FW.S, Arizona Above: Photo by Dick George/The Phoenix Zoo inset: USFWS photo the reinfestation of sportfish. Approxi- Ciame and Fish Department, I'.S. Forest mately 200 bonytail chub and 5.000 Ser\ ice, Department of the Army, razorback suckers reared at Dexter Bureau of Land Management. The National Fish Hatchery and Willow Nature Con.ser\'ancy, and private Beach National Fish I latcheiy were landowners. Species of concern include released into the lake in the summer of the Tarahumara frog (R. tamhiinicinie) 1996. By the fall of 1998, some of the and the (^hiricahua (Rcinci I'ish had reached a predator safe, chiiiccihiu'i/sis), northern (R. /)i/)C)isJ. sexually mature size and o\'er 100 and Ramsey (Canyon leopard frogs (R. razorbacks were returned to their siihaqiiaroccilis). The TaraliLimara frog historic range in the Colorado River. has been extirpated from the State and .•\nother release of fish head-started at the other species are experiencing the zoo is planned for this year. severe declines. The Phoenix Zoo's In addition to bonytail chubs anti conservation efforts with leopard frogs razorback stickers, the zoo also main- are as diverse as the ])artnenships, and tains three other ponds for desert they range from recovery planning to pupfish ((Aprinodon niaciilahus) and capti\ e rearing. Gila toimiinnows fPoecili(>/)sis One conservation strategy the zoo occicloilcilisj. Although these species has helped refine is a head-starting were originally established at the zoo as technic|ue. Due to high predation and refugia or research populations, the mortality of frog embryos and laiTae, pupfish and topminnow also provide small portions of egg masses are the unexpected benefit of nattiral remo\ed from the wild and cared for at mos(|uito control for the zoo. Also, a the zoo's Montane Anuran Conser\ ation small group of adult and juvenile Center (MAC,C) until they metamor- puphsh will be mo\ ed to Cibola phose. The MACC; was built from two i:\l)A\C,FRED SPECIKN HI l.l.irriN M.W JI NE 1999 \()i r.\ll-: \XI\' \(), 23 recycled ocean cargo trailers that have been fitted with air conditioning, banks of full-spectrum lighting, and a series (jf plastic pools with separate filtration and aeration systems. These buildings are treated as quarantine facilities and are cared for primarily by a group csf volunteers known as "The Tadpole 'I'askforce." Frogs reared in the center are toe-clipped for future identification and returned to the original egg collection site. Sun ivorship from embn'o to newly-developed frog at the facility is remarkable high, over 90 percent, and the staff have produced (Right) Phoenix Zoo volunteer and released over 3.000 animals (as of releasing a head-started Ramsey spring f999) to supplement severely Canyon leopard frog into Ramsey Creek on property owned by The declining wild populations. Thus far. at Nature Conservancy least two animals head-started at the zoo Photo by Teresa Aziato/The Phoenix Zoo have reproduced at one release site. Rearing frogs for wild release is only a small part of the zoo's effort to protect rates, stocking densities, and life stipport native frogs and their ecosystems. Staff system design. and volunteers spend considerable time Our most important contribution to participating in population monitoring, frog conservation is creating public habitat renovation, non-native species awareness of the precarious plight removal (e.g. bullfrogs), making facing amphibians locally and globally. community presentations, and recovery We engage zoo visitors and the general planning. Additionally, staff ha\e made public using color posters at environ- significant discoveries about capti\'e mental fairs, print and video media An adult Ramsey Canyon leopard frog husbandry, dietary needs, larval growth interviews, community presentations, Arizona Game and Fish Department photo behind-the-scenes tours of the conser\'a- tion center, \ icieo production, and an interactive box of interpretive material available for loan to schools. Whether it's a snail, fish, or frog, our nation's zoos and aciuaria often do much more for w ildlife than captive propagation, just ask us! Mike Demloug. formerly the Ecto- thcrm Curator al the Phoenix Zoo. is now the Ampbihians and Reptiles Program Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. 24 |:M),-\\C,HRED Sl'KCIKS lil l.l.l-TlX M,-\Y,Jl \H I'W) V< jl.l Mi: XXIN \o. REGIONAL NEWS & RECOVERY UPDATES and 4) with the Oxnard Police Department, we are developing a training video and enforcement proto- cols for protection of the tern colony a: iS a Some of the funding for these activities comes from partnerships with the Ventura County Fish and Game Commission, City of Oxnard Redevelopment Com- mittee, and Southern California Edison through an FWS Challenge Cost-share Grant. The Ormond Beach Observers, a citizen's group, organizes outreach ef- forts. Other State and federally listed species that will Po'ouli Photo by Paul Baker Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regional en- benefit from these efforts include the western snowy dangered species staffers have reported the fol- plowT fChamdriusalexandrnuLunrosus J.Mdmgi is found only in a restricted area of the island's lowing news: savanna sparrow fPassercidus sandwichensis). and remaining rainforest. This species has been declining salt marsh bird's beak (Cordyhndhus maritimus since its discovery in 1973, and the total population Region 1 ssp. marilimus), an annual plant. may number no more than three individuals. From the six management proposals considered, we selected Humboldt Bay NWR Outreach efforts involving Threats to the habitat include impacts from industry, aconibined alternative: continue and intensify habi- the control of noxious weeds continue at Ihiinholdt recreation, and development. The Southern Califor- tat management to reduce or eliminate threats to the Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWK), l^efuge Ecolo- nia Wetlands Partnership (formerly known as Wet- birds in the action area and, if necessary and feasible, gist Andrea Pickart, Biological Technician Abe Walstoii, lands Clearinghouse), a cooperative State/Federal ef- conduct translocation(s) in an attempt to bring iso- and volunteer Kyle Wear recently participated in "Alien fort to restore and preserve southern California wet- lated birds together to form a breeding pair Invaders Day" at the ArcataNatural History Museum. lands, now lists Ormond Beach as a high priority In Walston produced a display on biodiversity and Pickart addition to participating with the Clearinghouse, our Reported by Lcdiee Hrosseau ojlhe l-WS Pordand produced "Wanted: Dead Not Alive" flyers for the "dirty Ventura Office has been involved in several Ormond Regional Office. dozen" non-native species. Beach conservation efforts with a multitude of coop- erating partners, including: the Oxnard City Corps Region 5 Approximately 40 students from the Universities of (teens and young adults volunteering in the commu- Montana and I'tah recently spent a day on iceplant nity). Southern California Edison and Houston Indus- Bats In cooperation with the New Jersey Division of (CarpobrotiiS t'didis! control at the Lanphere Dunes tries (landowners and generating station operators at Fish, Game, and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Unit of Humboldt Bay NVi'I^ as part of their week-long Ormond Beach), California Lutheran University Species Program, the FWS New Jersey Field Office alternative spring break program, "Breakaway" They Ventura County Fish and Game Commission, and conducted a bat survey of the Hibernia Mine in .Morris also worked a day under Pickart's direction on the California Department of Fish and Game. County A total of 18 endangered Indiana bats (Myoiis control of eastern beachgrass (Ammojihild sodalis) were found hibernating at the site. Non- hmiligulata). another non-native plant. San Luis NWR Complex This spring, our Partners endangered bats also were found: 59 eastern pipistrelles for Fish and Wildlife Program began its 1999 con- (l'ipislrellusnid)Jlariis),21 northern long-eared bats Habitat Conservation Staff from the i'WS Ventura, struction season at the San Luis NWR Complex. Two (Myoiissepiei/lrioiudisJ. ihighmv,'nh-AlsfEptesicus California, Office have been working with several major restoration efforts are on the San Felipe Ranch fuscus), and 28,088 little brown bats (MyoHs public and private partners over the past few months and on the Kulwant Somal property The San Felipe liicijiigus). The surveyors observed bands on three of to conserve coastal wetlands, dunes, and endangered project will restore 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of Owens the little brown bats. Researchers had banded 2 of the species habitat in the Ormond Beach area of Ventura Creek and associated flood plain. The Somal project bats in the summer of 1997 within 5 miles (8 kilome- County Some highlights follow: 1) with help from will restore 180 acres (7,^ hectares) of seasonal wet- ters) of the Hibernia Mine while evaluating summer the Boy Scouts, we removed dilapidated fencing at the lands and associated uplands in the North Grasslands. habitat use on and adjacent to the Picatinny Arsenal site of a nesting colony of endangered California least in Morris County New Jersey The th i rd bat was banded terns (Slcnia antillanim broivni)\ 2) with Oxnard Po'ouli fMelam/m>so/>s phaeosoma) In an the same summer during a research project at the City Corps (a youth development group), we will be effort to prevent the extinction of this severely endan- Durham Mine in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. installing a new and mobile protective barrier around gered Hawaiian forest bird, the I'WS and State of the tern colony; 5) with California Lutheran Univer- Hawaii are proposing intensive habitat management Repoiied by Lisa Arroyo of the FWS New Jersey sity, we are studying environmental contaminants, and the translocation of one or more individuals. field Office. soils, and vegetation at estuarine restoration areas; Endemic to the island of Maui, the po'ouli currently I:\I).\\<;I;KI:I> M'I:(:II;S HI i.i.r.TIN .MAY./II'NF I'W \OI.R,\IR. xxi\" \o, ^ LISTING ACTIONS During February and March of 1999. the Fish rivers, as well as stretches of the Tombigbee River in and Wildlife Service (FWS) published the fol- Mississippi. It has disappeared, however, from approxi- lowing proposed and final Endangered Species mately 85 percent of its historic range in the Alabama Act (F,SA) listing actions in the Federal Register. and Tombigbee rivers and their major tributaries in Mississippi and Alabama. Since 19Si, all confirmed Listing Proposals captures have been restricted to a short, free-flowing Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus) reach of the Alabama River in Clarke, .Monroe, and Despite its common name, the mountain plover is not Wilcox counties, Alabama. a mountain-dwelling bird but a species of short-grass prairies and shrub-steppe landscapes. Short vegeta- Diu'ing the jmst 2 years, FWS biologists have worked tion. bare ground, and a flat topography are needed by with the Alabama Department of Conservation and mountain plovers at both their breeding and winter- Natural Resources, the Alabama-Tombigbee Rivers ing locales. I-;xtensive changes in these habitats have (^oal i tion (a group of private busi nesses and i ndustries led to a decline of more than 60 percent in the with economic interests in these rivers), and other mountain plover's population since 1966. One factor Mountain plover parUierson efforts aimed at increasing the numbers of likely to he responsible for the plover's vulnerable Photo by Fritz Knopf/USGS-BHD Alabama sturgeon. As a part of these efforts, the status is the widespread conversion of grasslands to Biologists are trying to determine if spring tilling and Marion State Fish Hatchery has been modified to agricultural and urban lands. Another is the decline planting on the drylands of southern Wyoming, east- maintain and propagate Alabama stiu'geon, and ef- of prairie dogs, which provide ideal habitat conditions ern Colorado, southwestern Kansas, and northwestern forts to collect brood stock have been initiated. Biolo- for mountain plovers. Due to the species' vulnerable Oklahoma may be contributing to the plover's de- gists also are seeking to identify important habitats status, the FWS proposed on February 16 to list the cline. The possible impacts of pesticide exposure will for the species in the Alabama River and to develop mountain plover as threatened. also be examined. FWS biologists will work with strategies for protection and management. landowners to develop recommendations as to how land uses can be modified, if necessary to benefit both The decline of the sturgeon is believed to be due to farmers and mountain plovers. If the species is listed overfishing, the loss and fragmentation of habitat as as threatened, it should not have an impact on graz- a result of navigation related development, and deg- ing. in fact, grazing can be beneficial to mountain radation of water qualit\'. T()da\', the species' popula- plovers by maintaining open areas within short-grass tion has been reduced to the point where, if no conser- habitats: mountain plovers evolved in association vation measures are taken, its chances for recover}- are with bison and other grazing animals. slim. The numbers of surviving sturgeon may be too low for natural reproduction to restore a sustainable Alabama Sturgeon (Scaphirhyncbus suHkusi) population in the wild. The Alabama sturgeon, a freshwater fish that histori- cally inhabited some 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) The FWS originally proposed the Alabama sturgeon for of the Mobile River system in Alabama, was once so endangered status on june 1S, 199.3. Because of a lack abundant that it was caught and sold commercially of proof that the species still existed, the proposal was But today it is among the rarest of North American fish. withdrawn on December IS, 199i. Since then, how- ever, six fish have been caught by State, Federal, and The Alabama sturgeon is long and slender, growing to commercial and recreational fishermen, events that about .^0 inches in length, and is a golden- yellow confirm its continued existence. Prairie dog color A mature fish weighs 2-3 pounds. The head is Corel Corp. photo broad and flattened, shovel-like at the snout. Bony The FWS and U.S. Arm\' Corps of Engineers have Bird species endemic to North American grasslands plates cover the head, back and sides. The body narrows examined river activities and potential conflicts that have declined more rapidly than other species in this abruptly to the rear to form a narrow stalk between might arise from listing the Alabama sturgeon. This region, with the mountain plover falling the fastest. body and tail. The upper lobe of the tail fin is elon- study resulted in a joint determination that current The mountain plover breeds in the Rocky Mountain gated and ends in a long filament. activities in the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers, in- States from Canada to Mexico, primarily in .Montana, cluding the annual navigation channel maintenance Colorado, and Wyoming. .Most of the birds winter on Within the Mobile River system, the Alabama stur- dredging programs, will have no impact on the stur- grasslands orsimilarhabitatsin California, although geon inhabited the Black Warrior, Tombigbee, ,\la- geon and will not need to be eliminated or modified some spend the season in Arizona. Texas, and .Mexico. bama, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Mobile, Tensaw, and Cahaba should the species be listed. Both waterways already 26 i:M).\\(ii:ui:i) m'i:i:ii;s iti i.i.ivnx may jr\i-: iw vouMi: xxiv \o. .i LISTING ACTIONS ON THE WEB protected by the U.S. Navy under a long-term lease. The Internet is a great source of information on Because of the recovery of this bird and its habitat, the the activities of zoos and other institutions to FWS proposed on l-ebrtiary 22, 1999, to remove the recover endangered species. Here are some sites Tinian monarch from the list of threatened and to get you started: endangered species. The [i.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Fndangered Final Listing Rules Species Recover)- and Del isting Program has a website Sacramento Splittail (Pogonichthys macro- with information on cooperative efforts with zoos: lepidotus) A fish found only in California's Sac- http://fws.gov/r9endspp/recoven/partner3.htm ramento-San Joaquin Delta and Central Valley rivers, the Sacramento splittail is a silvery-gold member of You can reach the American Zoo and Aquarium the minnow family that can grow up to 16 inches (40 Association (AZA) at centimeters) in length. Us upper tail is enlarged and http://www.aza.org Alabama sturgeon appears to be split, giving the fish its common name. Photo by Dr. Elise Irwin/NBS Historically, it occurred in the Sacramento River as far /\ZA institutions mentioned in this edition of the contain habitat forfour listed mussel and fish species, north as Redding and in the Sanjoaquin River almost Bullelin include: and their presence has not resulted in any use restric- as far south as I'resno. This fish has declined by 62 tions on the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers. percent over the past 1S years due to water diversions, The Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, Arizona) periodic prolonged droughts, loss of shallow water http://www.phoenixzo().org/ Delisting Proposals breeding habitats, introduced aquatic species, and Tinian Monarch (Monarcha takcitsukasae) agricultural and industrial pollutants, Becauseof the Knoxville Zoo (Knoxville, Kentucky) This creature is not true royalty or a butterfly but a Sacramento splittail's vulnerable status, the HWS http://wwwknoxville-z()o.com/ small forest bird endemic to the island of Tinian in the proposed on February 8 to list it as threatened. Mariana archipelago of the western Pacific Ocean. It Louisville Zoo, (Louisville Kentucky) was listed in 1970 as endangered because its popula- Cateshaea melanocarpa This rare Caribbean http://www.iglou.com/louzoo/ tion was believed to be critically low due to the plant, which has no common name, is a small, spiny destruction of native forests by pre-World War 11 agri- shrub in the family Rubiaceae. It has been reported John Ball Zoological (iarden (Grand Rapids, Michigan) cultural development and military action diu'ing the from Barbuda, Antigua, and Guadeloupe of the Lesser http://www.c(). ken t.m i. us/zoo/ war. Based on forest bird surveys conducted in 1982, Antilles and, in the U.S., from Puerto Rico and St. which resulted in a population estimate of 40,0(10 Croix (U.S. \ irgin Islands). Much of its preferred dry Toledo Zoological Gardens (Toledo, Ohio) monarchs, the FWS reclassified this species in 1987 to forest habitat on these islands has been eliminated by http://www.t()ledozoo.or^ the less critical category of threatened. A 1996 survey agricultural and urban development. Due to the threats indicated a population gain to about 5,'^,()00 mon- posed by continuing habitat loss, the FWS listed C. Roger Williams ParkZoo (Providence, Rhode Island) archs and noted significant reforestation. Most of the mehuiocarlHi on March 17 as endangered. http://users.ids.net/~rwpz/ forest renewal has occurred on land managed and Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga, Tennessee) http://www.tennis.()rg/ The Metro Toronto Zoo (Ontario, Canada) http://ww'w.torontoz()o.com/ Tinian monarch Photo by Jaan Kaiwanu Lepson i:\i),\N(:i:nKi) SI'KCIKS ISI LLETIN ir\i: iw) voi.i MI; .\\I\ NO. 27 Listings and Reco\ er\- Plans as ofjune 30,1999 ENDANGERED THREATENED TOTAL U.S. SPECIES GROUP U.S. FOREIGN U.S. FOREIGN LISTINGS W/PLANS** MAMMALS 61 251 8 16 336 48 BIRDS 75 178 15 6 274 77 REPTILES 14 65 21 14 114 30 # AMPHIBIANS 9 8 8 1 26 11 FISHES 69 11 41 0 121 88 SNAILS 18 1 10 0 29 20 CLAMS 61 2 8 0 71 45 CRUSTACEANS 17 0 3 0 20 12 w INSECTS 28 4 9 0 41 27 mARACHNID S 5 0 0 0 5 5 ANIMAL SUBTOTAL 357 520 123 37 1,037 363 FLOWERING PLANTS 540 1 135 0 676 494 A CONIFERS 2 0 1 2 5 2 X FERNS AND OTHERS 26 0 2 0 28 26 PLANT SUBTOTAL 568 1 138 2 709 522 GRAND TOTAL 925 521 261 39 1,746* 885 TOTAL U.S. ENDANGERED: 925 (357 animals. 568 plants) purpose.s of the Endangered Species Act, the term "species" can mean a species, subspecies, or distinct vertebrate population. TOTAL U.S. THREATENED: 26l (123 animals, 138 plants) Several entries also represent entire genera or even families. TOTAL U.S. LISTED: 1186 (480 animals***, 706 plants) **There are S19 approved recovery plans. Some recovery plans co\ er •Separate population.s of a specie.s listed both as Endangered and Threatened more than one species, and a few species have separate plans are tallied once, for the endangered population only. Tho.se species are the covering different parts of their ranges. Recovery plans are drawn up argali, chimpanzee, leopard. Stellar sea lion, gray wolf, piping plo\er, roseate only for listed species that occur in the llnited States. tern, green sea turtle, saltwater crocodile, and olive ridley sea turtle. For the ***Nine animal species have dual status in the U.S. FIR.ST CLASS POSTAGE AND FEES PAID • ANGERED U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR )pecies PERMIT NO. G-77 JLBULLETIN U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Senice Washington, D.C. 20240