September/December 1991 Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 = E^^

U.S. Department of the Interior Technical Bulletin Fish and Wildlife Service

Status of Endangered Species Recovery Program is Detailed in Report to Congress

The California condor (Gymnogyps and animals that were listed federally as is no longer any possibility of finding califomianus), southern sea otter (Enhydra Endangered or Threatened as of October survivors in the wild. lutris nereis), Lee pincushion cactus 1, 1990. According to the report, 38 The report shows that the majority of (Coryphantha sneedii var. leei), and percent of these listed species are still de- species considered improving are mam- Devil's Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon clining, while the exact status of about 19 mals, birds, or plants; bird and fish spe- diabolis) are among the 41 percent of our percent is unknown. cies are reported as most stable. Inverte- nations Endangered and Threatened spe- About two percent of the plants and brates, including snails, clams, insects, cies whose populations are now stable or animals listed are believed to be extinct. and crustaceans, are most prevalent increasing, according to a report to Con- Determining whether or not a species is among the species whose status is un- gress recently released by the Fish and extinct can be difficult, and most in that known. Freshwater mussels comprise 75 Wildlife Service. category were probably extinct before percent of the invertebrates known to be The report, "Endangered and Threat- passage of the Endangered Species Act. declining. ened Species Recovery Program," sum- Such species are proposed for removal (continued on page 9) marizes the status of the 581 U.S. plants from the list when scientists believe there

History on the Wing: California Condors Restored to Home Skies Ann Haas Following their October airlift: to a temporary cliffside residence, an achieve- ment that the Los Angeles Times termed "a momentous step toward the revival of an endangered species," two captive-bred California condors (Gymnogyps califor- nianus) were released on January 14 to the "rugged wilderness of Ventura County to reclaim their prehistoric heri- tage." The pair, Xewe, a 9-month-old female "How much longer?" young California condors Xewe and Chocuyens seemed to ask from inside the netted patio of their cliffside residence before their release January 14 less than hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo, and 100 miles from Los Angeles. The two Andean condor companions also shown here will be Chocuyens, an 8-month-old male recaptured prior to the next California condor release and sent to Colombia, South America, where they are native. (continued on page 15)

1 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) (Service) and Reclamation have devel- oped "reasonable and prudent alterna- tives" which, if carried out, would relieve the jeopardizing situadon. In order to protect the shortnose sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris) and the Lost River sucker (Deltistes luxatus). Reclamation has agreed to manage lake levels in recogni- tion of the biological needs of the species, aerate Clear Lake to ensure adequate dis- solved oxygen and open water during the winter, monitor water quality, and make structural changes to ensure enhanced survival and reproduction capabilities. As Regional endangered species special- resulting in a "jeopardy" Biological Opin- a result of implementing these alterna- ists have reported the following news: ion to two Endangered fish species from tives, there will be no current reduction Region 1 - After a consultation under the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath of irrigation flows from Upper Klamath Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Project, the Fish and Wildlife Service or Clear Lake. Both agencies expressed appreciation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, Twin to water users in the Klamath Basin for Washington, D.C. 20240 Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500); James the cooperation demonstrated through John Turner, Director C. Gritman, Regional Director: John Blanken- ship. Assistant Regional Director: Cra\g John- (202-208-4717) voluntary water conservation. These ini- son , Endangered Species Specialist Ralph O. Morgenweck tiatives made a difference in the formula- Assistant Director for Fish Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal BIdg., 75 tion of reasonable and prudent alterna- and Wildlife Enhancement Spring Street, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303 (404- tives for protecting the fish species. (202-208-4646) 331-3580); James W. Pulliam, Regional Di- Larry R. Shannon, Chief, rector: Tom Olds, Assistant Regional Direc- * * * Division of Endangered Species tor: David Flemming, Endangered Species The Oregon Military Department has (703-358-2171) Specialist William E. Knapp, Chief, obtained funds to monitor the Oregon Division of Habitat Conservation Region 5, One Gateway Center, Suite 700, silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene (703-358-2161) Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965-5100); Marshall P. Jones, Chief, Ronald E. Lambertson, Regional Director: hippolyta) and its habitat on Camp Rilea Office of f^anagement Authority Ralph Pisapia, Assistant Regional Director: from 1991 to 1993 and to develop a (703-358-2093) Paul Nickerson, Endangered Species Spe- John J. Doggett, Chief, cialist. management plan for this Threatened in- Division of Law Enforcement sect on the base. One sighting has al- (703-358-1949) Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal ready been reported, confirming the con- TECHNICAL BULLETIN Center; Denver, CO 80225 (303-236-7920); Michael Bender, Editor Galen Buterbaugh, Regional Director: Rob- tinued presence of the Clatsop Plain Ann Haas, Assistant Editor ert E. Jacobsen, Assistant Regional Director; population for 1991. The project is be- Larry Shanks, Endangered Species Special- (703-358-2166) ing accomplished under contract with Regional Offices ist. Region 1, Eastside Federal Complex, 911 Dr. Paul Hammond, who has been in- Region 7, 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK N.S.I 1th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181 volved in a significant amount of work (503-231-6118); Marvin Plenert, Region- 99503 (907-786-3542); Walter O. Stieglitz, Rowan Gould, alDirector; Dale Hall, Assistant Regional Regional Director; Assistant for the species. Regional Director; Ron Garrett, Endangered Director; Bob Ruesink, Endangered Species * * * Species Specialist Specialist Staff biologists from the Fish and Region 8, (FWS Research and Development Wildlife Services Sacramento, California, Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM nationwide), Washington, D.C. 20240; John 87103 (505-766-2321); Michael J. Spear, D. Buffington, Regional Director; Al Sherk, Field Office met with the Bureau of Rec- Regional Director, James A. Young, Assist- Endangered Species Specialist (703-358- lamation, the National Marine Fisheries ant Regional Director: Jamie Rappaport 1710). Clark, Endangered Species Specialist. Service, and the California Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions of Fish and Game to assist Reclamation

Region 1: California, Hawaii. Idaiio, Nevada, Oregon. Washington, American Samoa, Commonwealtli of the Northern Mariana in modifying a Central Valley Project to Islands, Guam, and the Pacific Trust Territories, Region 2: Arizona, New Mexico, OI

2 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Regional News at least 400,000 acres (161,880 ha) of (continued from previous page) conserved desert tortoise habitat in outly- through mid-August, 58.5° F (14.7° C) ing areas of Clark County. Developers Notice in late August, and 59° F (15° C) in Sep- will pay the County a fee of $550 per We regret that, due to a staffing short- tember. Because the winter-run chinook acre to fiand the mitigation program and age, production of the Endangered spawned earlier and farther upstream "tortoise management areas." Elected of- Species Technical Bulletin has been ex- than usual, this objective should provide ficials applauded the plan for conserving periencing delays. Your patience while successful incubation and rearing condi- desert tortoise habitat and enabling eco- we deal with this difficult situation is tions for winter-run salmon eggs and fry nomic development in Las Vegas Valley. appreciated. in the upper Sacramento River. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) plans * * * to buy 5 or 6 ranches from willing sellers With representatives from other af- in southern Nevada and transfer the system. Jim Moore added, "These are fected agencies, biologists from the properties to Clark County at cost. The envisioned as in-perpetuity acquisitions Service's Sacramento office participated county will then lease the lands to TNC. to preserve not only viable populations of in negotiaring sessions about the Lower Management will be accomplished by the desert tortoises, but all other Mojave Mokelumne River Hydroelectric Project, National Park Service and the Bureau of Desert endemics as well." with the goal of establishing interim and Land Management primarily, along with * * * long-term measures to protect chinook a county-formed oversight group that in- The Service's Reno, Nevada, Field Of- salmon in the river. Because of contin- cludes TNC. fice has issued a non-jeopardy biological ued habitat degradation and the decline To date, TNC has bought the grazing opinion on the Bureau of Land of salmon runs to fewer than 300 fish privileges, water rights, and improve- Management's (BLM) proposed licensing during the past 2 years, the Federal En- ments on a 425,000-acre (172,000 ha) of livestock use on public land in desert ergy Regulatory Commission is moving ranch that is entirely on public land ad- tortoise habitat in southern Nevada. to reopen the license for this project ministered by the Bureau of Land Man- BLM proposes to implement two ways of based in part on information that the agement. Located in the Piute Valley, the managing livestock grazing within tor- Service provided. California Department ranch includes 160,000 acres (64,750 ha) toise habitat. Prescription 1 restricts graz- of Fish and Game stafi- also participated of the highest quality desert tortoise habi- ing during the spring (March 1 to June in negotiations. tat in the State. 14) to reduce the trampling of desert tor- * * * Acting primarily as acquisition agent, toises by horses, cattle, and sheep, and The West Coast clapper rail recovery TNC is purchasing and retiring the privi- reduce their competition for forage. Pre- team met at San Francisco Bay National leges for grazing these lands, an activity scription 2 includes no seasonal restric- Wildlife Refuge to develop means to that has the widest-ranging impact on the tion on grazing. manage predators; protect, improve, and tortoises in the Threatened Mojave Grazing Prescription 1 will manage restore habitat; and develop a trial captive Desen population. As a grazing entity, 1,798,000 acres (726,390 ha) of desert breeding program for the 470 light- which counties are not, TNC can be tortoise habitat to maintain or achieve vi- footed clapper rails (Rallus longirostris granted the "non-use" of grazing allot- able tortoise populations. Prescription 2 obsoletus) and 400 California clapper ments on public lands. James Moore, the will manage 1,376,000 acres (557,085 rails (Rallus longirostris levipes) in the organization's Desert Tortoise Habitat ha) of desert tortoise habitat for the pur- United States. Conservation Plan Coordinator in Las pose of ensuring that tortoise recruitment * * * Vegas, termed public and private sector is sufficient to maintain stable tortoise Following the approval of a Mojave cooperation in the long-term recovery populations. Although the incidental desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) habi- goal a "conservation accomplishment" in- take of tortoises is unquantifiable, the tat conservation plan, the Service issued a volving agency personnel and ranchers, opinion will allow the degradation of 3-year permit under Section 10 of the miners, hunters, off-road vehicle users, 3,174,000 acres (1,284,520 ha) of tor- Endangered Species Act to Clark County, developers, and environmentalists. toise habitat. Nevada, and the cities of Las Vegas, Negotiations are under way for two * * * North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boul- other properties that include approxi- Region 2 - A second year of drought in der City, to allow the taking of 3,710 mately 310,000 acres (125,460 ha) of the Northwest Territories, Canada, has tortoises incidental to development ac- desert tortoise habitat. Once the south- taken its toll on whooping crane (Grus tivities. Under the terms of the permit ern tortoise preserve is established, TNC americana) chick numbers, discouraging and habitat conservation plan, Clark will begin work for a northern preserve, nesting even by experienced pairs and County is authorized to license the devel- as part of the long-term Habitat Conser- making eggs and hatchlings more acces- opment of 22,352 acres (9,045 ha) in Las vation Plan now under development. sible to predators. Vegas Valley, in exchange for establishing The goal is to encompass an entire eco- (continued on page 9)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Fifty-six Animals and Plants Proposed in August-October 1991 for Endangered Species Act Protection

Fifty-six species — 7 animals and 49 plants — were proposed by the Fish and Wildlife Service during August through October 1991 for listing as Endangered or Threatened. If these proposals become final, Endangered Species Act protection will be extended to the following:

Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica califomica) The coastal California gnatcatcher, an insectivorous, non-migratory songbird, occurs only in several distinctive subasso- ciations of the coastal sage scrub plant community in southern California and northwestern Baja California, Mexico. As late as the 1940 s, the California gnat- catcher was considered locally common, but by the 1960 s biologists noted drastic California gnatcatcher population declines, due primarily to habitat loss. Today, fewer than 2,300 breeding pairs are estimated to remain in California, and the subspecies has been proposed by the Service for listing rangewide as Endangered (RR. 9/17/91). In the United States, published data indicate that up to 90 percent of the veg- etation upon which the California gnat- catcher depends — low-growing, sum- mer deciduous and succulent plants — has been lost to urban and agricultural Delta smelt development. In fact, the coastal sage ment, and it is likely to be years before As recently as the early 1970's, the scrub community is considered one of they are completed, fiinded, and imple- delta smelt was one of the most common the most depleted habitat types in the mented. In the meantime, habitat loss and abundant pelagic fish caught by Cali- United States, and its status is declining and fragmentation continue. fornia Department of Fish and Game in Mexico as well. As a result, 1 animal trawl surveys in the Delta. Over the past associated with sage scrub, the Stephens' 20 years, however, its population has kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi), was Delta Smelt (Hypomesus plummeted nearly 90 percent, due pri- listed in 1988 as Endangered, and over transpacificus) marily to extensive habitat modification 40 other animal and plant taxa depen- The Delta smelt, a small, nearly trans- and loss. Contributing to the decline are dent on this habitat are being considered lucent fish with a 1-year life cycle, is re- the diversion of freshwater from river sys- for listing. stricted to Suisun Bay and the Sacra- tems that supply water to the Delta habi- Several land-use planning efforts that mento/San Joaquin River estuary (the tat, California's prolonged drought, the address, in part, the issue of conserving Delta) near San Francisco Bay. It is the presence of non-native aquatic species coastal sage scrub habitat in California only smelt endemic to California and the that disrupt the smelt's food chain, and have been initiated at the State, county, only true native estuarine fish found in degradation of water quality. and local levels. The Service is participat- the Delta. This species is adapted to the The annual export of approximately 6 ing in these efforts and supports their seawater/freshwater mixing zone within a million acre-feet of fresh water away from conservation objectives; however, these salinity range of 2 to 12 parts per thou- (continued on next page) plans are in the early stages of develop- sand.

4 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Listing Proposals Endangered on June 25, 1991, under the Due to its rare status, reduced habitat, (continued from previous page) emergency listing provisions of the En- and vulnerability to commercial dangered Species Act. (See feature in overexpoitation, the Goliath frog has the estuary by Federal and State projects, Bulletin Vol. XVI, Nos. 7-8.) In the been proposed for listing as Threatened with an additional 2 to 3 million acre-feet September 11, 1991, Federal Register, the (FR. 9/12/91). diverted by private Delta water users, has Service proposed to give this butterfly allowed the intrusion of higher-salinity long-term protection as Endangered. Three Foreign Butterflies seawater into Delta marshes. This has Surveillance of breeding sites during the restricted the delta smelts spawning and butterfly's annual 3-week flight season to On September 10, the Service pro- nursery areas to less favorable river chan- prevent unauthorized collecting began posed to list three foreign species of swal- nel habitat. Additionally, the rates at following the emergency listing and will lowtail butterflies as Endangered: which water is exported from the Delta be essential to the survival of the • Homerus swallowtail (Papilio by the Federal Central Valley Project and Mitchell's satyr. The Service also will be- homerus) - This butterfly has a wingspan the State Water Project pumping stations gin working with private kindowners to of about 6 inches (150 millimeters). Its actually cause some Delta channel waters preserve existing fens tised by this butterfly. wings are black or dark brown, the upper to reverse direction and flow upstream, surfaces having broad yellow bands and which can seriously disrupt fish migrations the lower surfaces having narrower yellow and cause larval and juvenile fish to die. Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath) bands and blue spots. The species is Because the factors that have reduced The aptly named Goliath frog of cen- known only from the island of Jamaica in the delta smelt's habitat pose a continuing tral Africa is the largest species of frog in the West Indies. threat, the Service has proposed to list the world. Specimens weighing up to 7.2 • Corsican swallowtail (Papilio this fish as a Threatened species (FR. 10/ pounds (3.3 kilograms) with a total hospiton) - This short-tailed species of 3/91). In addition, the Service proposed length of 32 inches (81 centimeters) have butterfly is smaller, with a wingspan of to designate the following areas as Critical been recorded, and there are reports of about 3 inches (75 mm). It is primarily Habitat for the delta smelt: all water and even larger individuals. This species is black and yellow in color, with blue and submerged lands below the high tide avidly hunted by people who consider red markings. As indicated by its com- mark in Suisun Bay, the length of the meat a delicacy. mon name, the Corsican butterfly is Montezuma Slough, portions of the Sac- Goliath frogs are found along major found only on the Mediterranean islands ramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and rivers traversing dense tropical rainforest of Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy). portions of the Delta and adjacent wa- in parts of Equatorial Guinea and south- • Luzon peacock swallowtail ters. (See map of the proposed area in western Cameroon. Within this range, (Papilio chikae) - A long-tailed butterfly, the October 3, 1991, Federal Register.) If the frogs reportedly are rare and have ex- beautiftilly marked in green-black, red, the listing and Critical Habitat proposals tremely selective ecological requirements: and purple, this species has a forewing are approved. Federal agencies will be re- rapids and cascades with a sandy bottom length of about 2 inches (55 mm). It is quired not only to avoid activities that and very clean, slightly tannic, oxygen- known from the island of Luzon in the might jeopardize the smelt's survival but rich water. Deforestation in the region Philippines. also those that might adversely modify its has degraded or reduced this type of Habitat destruction is a problem af- Critical Habitat. habitat. fecting all three species. Excessive collec- A new problem, and one that is caus- tion by butterfly enthusiasts and com- ing much of the immediate concern, is mercial dealers is another serious threat. Mitchell's Satyr (Neonympha the capture and export of live Goliath For example, a female Homerus butterfly mitchellii mitchellii) frogs. Because of its huge size, the frog is was advertised for sale several years ago Now one of the most geographically becoming increasingly popular as a curi- for $2,800. If these species are listed un- restricted butterflies in North America, osity for public exhibition and private der the Endangered Species Act, it will be the Mitchell's satyr once occurred at ap- collecting. Advertisements have shown illegal to import them into the United proximately 30 locations in 4 States. an asking price of up to $2,500 for adult States without a Federal permit. Overcollection and loss of its unusual fen Goliath frogs. One U.S. dealer report- habitat have reduced its range to 15 sites edly imported 50 individuals and at- 16 Moloka'i Plants in southern Michigan and northern Indi- tempted to enter some in the well-known ana. Butterfly numbers at several sites are Frog Jump Jubilee in Calaveras County, Sixteen species of plants native to the believed to be very low, and these popula- California. Imports and exports of the island of Moloka'i in the Hawaiian Is- tions may not be viable. Goliath frog are not regulated by the the lands were proposed for listing protection Due to the threat of imminent extinc- Convention on International Trade in in the September 20, 1991, Federal Regis- tion from overcollection, Mitchell's satyr Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and ter. All but one are found only on was temporarily listed (for 240 days) as Flora (CITES). (continued on page 6)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Listing Proposals • Canavalia molokaiensis, or (continued from page 5) 'awikiwiki — a perennial climbing herb in the pea family (Fabaceae) with 7 Moloka'i; the other species also occurs on known populations totalling about 50 the island of Hawai'i (the "Big Island"). plants. The island of Moloka'i, fifth largest in • Clermontia oblongifolia ssp. the Hawaiian archipelago, consists brevipes, or 'oha wai — a shrub or small mainly of the remnants of three shield tree in the bellflower family with a single volcanoes. Its gently sloping to very steep known surviving individual. topography supports a variety of habitat • Cyanea mannii, or haha — a types, and the 16 recently proposed taxa branched, woody shrub in the bellflower are found in areas ranging from coastal family with 6 known populations total- dunes and clifft through dry shrublands ling approximately 40 individuals. to wet montane forests. • Cyanea procera — an unbranched, The unique native vegetation of the palm-like tree with only two known sur- Hawaiian Islands has undergone extreme viving individuals. alteration as a result of ranching activities, • Hedyotis mannii, or pile — a small deliberate and accidental introductions of perennial in the coffee family non-native plants and animals, and agri- (Rubiaceae), also with only two known cultural development. Competition widi surviving plants. alien plants and continuing habitat modi- • Hibiscus arnottianus ssp. fication or destruction due to feral ani- immaculatus, or koki'o ke'oke'o — a mals are currently the main threats facing small tree in the mallow family Silene lanceolata the following taxa: (Malvaceae) with 50 known individuals • Bidens wiehkei, known in the Ha- in 4 popiilanons. critical classification was proposed for the waiian language as ko'oko'olau — a pe- • Melicope reflexa, or alani — a following: rennial herb in the aster family sprawling shrub in the citrus family • Tetramalopium rockii — a pros- (Asteraceae). The 5 known populations (Rutaceae). trate shrub in the aster family that forms of this species total no more than 60 indi- • Phylloste^ mannii — a non-aro- complexly branching mats. Because the vidual plants. matic member of the mint family range and numbers of this species have • Brighamia rockii, or pua 'ala — a (Lamiaceae), growing as a climbing vine not been reduced as much as those of the member of the bellflower family with a known population of four plants. other 15 taxa, T. rockii was proposed for (Campanulaceae) with an unbranched, • Pritchardia munroi, or loulu — a listing as Threatened rather than Endan- thickened, succulent stem and fleshy tree in the palm family (Arecaceae) with a gered; however, the protection it would leaves. single known surviving specimen in the receive under this classification would be wild. essentially the same. • Schiedea lydgatei—alow-growing perennial in the pink family 23 Kaua'i Plants (Caryophyllaceae). The problems facing the above • Sikne alexandri — another peren- Moloka'i plants also threaten another 23 nial in the pink family, with a known Hawaiian species that were proposed Oc- population of 10 individuals. tober 30 for listing as Endangered. Six- • Silene lanceolata — a related pe- teen of this group are endemic to the is- rennial plant. It is the only species land of Kaua'i; the other seven are or among the 16 proposed taxa in this were found on Kaua'i and the islands of group that is currently found on an is- Ni'ihau, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Maui, and/or land other than Moloka'i; 3 populations Hawai'i. survive on the island of Hawai'i. Kaua'i is the northernmost and oldest • Stenogyne bifida — a non-aro- of the eight major Hawaiian Islands. matic perennial herb in the mint family, This highly eroded island, characterized now known from 3 populations contain- by deeply dissected canyons and steep ing only about 10 individuals. ridges, was formed about 6 million years The 15 taxa above were proposed for ago by a single shield volcano. Because of Brighamia rockii listing as Endangered. A somewhat less (continued on next page)

6 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Listing Proposals • Lipochaeta tvaimeaensis — the • Nothocestrum peltatum, or 'aiea — (continued from previous page) third Kaua'i endemic in this genus, with a small tree in the nightshade family fewer than 10 known plants scattered (Solanaceae) with 7 known populations its age and relative isolation, levels of flo- over a small site on the rim ofWaimea totalling 12 individuals. ristic diversity and endemism are higher Canyon. • Peucedanum sandwicense, or on Kaua'i than on any other island in the • Lysimachia filifolia — a small makou — an erect or sprawling herb in Hawaiian archipelago. The following 23 shrub in the primrose family the parsely family (Apiaceae) with com- species proposed for listing as Endan- (Primulaceae) that also occurs on the is- pound leaves and hollow stems that arise gered are distributed throughout Kaua'i land of O'ahu. from a short, perennial stem. Small and grow in a variety of vegetation com- • Melicope haupuensis, or alani — a populations of this species are found on munities (grassland, shrubland, and for- tree in the citrus family with only two the islands of Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Maui, ests), elevational zones (coastal to mon- known surviving individuals. and O'ahu. tane), and moisture regimes (dry to wet): • Melicope knudsenii — a related • Phyllostegia waimeae — a non- • Brighamia insignis, or 'olulu — an species that was considered "very com- aromatic perennial in the mint family. unbranched plant with a tapering, succu- mon" in the 1920s but now numbers One of the two historically known popu- lent stem topped by a rosette of fleshy only 23 to 33 trees. lations has not been seen in 40 years, and leaves. This species was once found on • Melicope paUida — another similar the other consists of a single plant. the privately owned island of Ni'ihau but species, which also occurs on the island of • Pteralyxia kauaiensis, or kauJu — may now be extirpated there. O'ahu and totals about 75 known trees. a tree in the dogbane family • Cyanea assarifolia, or haha — a • Melicope quadrangular is — the (Apocynaceae), one of only two species in sparsely branched shrub bearing heart- fourth Melicope species from Kaua'i re- this endemic Hawaiian genus. shaped leaves, with a sole known popula- cently proposed for listing, M. • Schiedea spergulina — a tall sub- tion of fewer than 20 individuals. quadrangularis was considered exrinct un- shrub with two recognized varieties (S. s. • Cyrtandra limahuliensis, or til one adult plant and two seedlings were var. spergulina and S. s. leiopoda). ha'iwale — an unbranched to sparsely found in the Wahiawa Bog area of • Solanum sandwicense, or branched shrub in the African violet fam- Kaua'i. popob'aiakeakua — a large, sprawling ily (Gesneriaceae). shrub in the nightshade family. This spe- • Delissea rhytidosperma — a shrub cies once occurred on O'ahu but now ap- in the bellflower family with one known parently survives only on Kaua'i, where population consisting of five plants. there are about 15 known individuals. • Diellia laciniata — a fern in the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae) that grows in tufts of three or four light-green, Seven Coastal California Plants lance-shaped fronds. Seven plant taxa from along the Cali- • Exocarpos luteolus, or heau — a fornia coast were proposed for listing pro- shrub in the sandalwood family tection in two separate groups during (Santalaceae). September and October. Two of the • Hedyotis cookiana, or 'awiwi — a plants are restricted to coastal freshwater small, highly branched shrub that has ap- marsh habitat: parently been extirpated from the islands • marsh sandwort (Arenaria of Hawai'i, Moloka'i, and O'ahu. One paludicola) — a slender perennial herb in population is believed to survive on the pink family. Historically, this species Kaua'i. occurred in four areas of California and • Hisbiscus clayi — a shrub or tree in the State of Washington, but today with dark red flowers borne singly at the there is only one known population of ends of the branches. about 10 individuals at a site in San Luis • Lipochaeta fauriei, or nehe — a Obispo County, California. Wells perennial herb in the aster family with Munroidendron racemosum planned to provide drinking water for a fewer than 70 known individuals in 5 proposed housing development could al- populations. • Munroidendron racemosum — a ter the hydrological conditions needed • Lipochaeta micrantha — a related tree in the ginseng family (Araliaceae), for this water-dependent plant. plant that can be distinguished from the this species is the only member of its ge- • Gambel's watercress (Rorippa two other Lipochaeta species endemic to nus, which is endemic to the island of gambellii) — an herbaceous perennial in Kaua'i by the smaller number of disk florets. Kaua'i. (continued on page 8)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Listing Proposals their habitat has been destroyed or de- (continued from page 5) graded by urbanization, agricultural de- velopment, introductions of non-native the mustard family (Brassicaceae) that plants for dune stabilization, and military produces dense inflorescences of white activity at Fort Ord. flowers. It was reported historically from about a dozen locations in southern Cali- fornia and from near Mexico City, but American Chaffseed (Schwalbea only three populadons are known to re- americana) main, all within San Luis Obispo This plant, a tall herb in the figwort County. One of these populations occurs family (Scrophulariaceae), is the only spe- at the sole remaining A. paludicola site cies in its genus. It is distinguished by its and faces the same threat. Another R. large, showy, purplish-yellow flowers that gambellii population is in danger of en- are borne on a spike-like raceme. Once a croachment by nearby sand dunes that widely distributed species, the American were eroded from off-road vehicle use. chaff-seed was known historically from 78 The third population depends on water sites in 15 States. Habitat modification, that is used for agriculture. however, has reduced its known range to Because of these threats, A. paludicola 18 sites in 6 States (North Carolina, and R. gambellii were proposed on Sep- South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Missis- tember 30 for listing as Endangered spe- sippi, and New Jersey). The species is cies. apparently extirpated in Massachusetts, Morefield's leather-flower A few weeks later, on October 24, the Connecticut, New York, Delaware, Service proposed to list another five Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, west-facing slopes of mountains in Madi- coastal California plants for listing as En- and Alabama. son County, Alabama. dangered. These taxa have been reduced The American chaffseed grows in Morefield's leather flower was first col- in range to sedimentary deposits in Santa sandy, acidic soils within habitat generally lected in the early 1980's. Since then, Cruz and Monterey Counties. Four of described as open, moist pine flatwoods, three of the eight reported populations the five of the plants are spineflowers in savannas, and grasssedge systems. This have already been destroyed by road the genus Chorizanthe, which is part of shade-intolerant species depends on fac- building, site clearing, and herbicide use the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae): tors such as fire, mowing, or fluctuating associated with residential development. • Ben Lomond spineflower (C. water tables to maintain the crucial open Only two of the remaining populations pungens var. hartwegiana); to partly-open conditions it requires. are considered to be of significant size. • Monterey spineflower (C. pungens Wildfire suppression has eliminated one Additional development poses an immi- var. pungens); of the most important natural means by nent threat to several sites containing over • Scott's Valley spineflower (C. ro- which open habitat was maintained, and half of the species' total numbers. For busta var. hartwegii); and vegetational succession is overwhelming this reason, Morefield's leather flower was • robust spineflower (C. robusta some populations. Other sites have been proposed October 21 for listing as En- var. robusta). lost to urbanization and incompatible dangered. The fifth plant, the Ben Lomond wall- forestry or agricultural practices. Because flower (Erysium teretifolium), is a dis- of continuing threats to the species, the Lousiana Quillwort (Isoetes tinctly thread-leaved, yellow-flowered American chaffseed was proposed Sep- louisianensis) member of the mustard family tember 11 for listing as Endangered. (Brassicaceae). A grass-like aquatic herb in the family Three of the five taxa (C. pungens var. Isoetaceae, the Louisiana quillwort is hartwegiana, C. robusta var. hartwegii, Morefield's Leather Flower closely related to ferns and reproduces by and E. teretifolium) grow only on sand- (Clematis morefieldii) spores. This species occurs in four small stone and mudstone soils in the Santa A perennial climbing vine in the but- streams in the Bogue Chitto River drain- Cruz Mountains. Sand mining and resi- tercup family (Ranunculaceae), age, Washington Parish, Louisiana. Two dential development are the main threats Morefield's leather flower can grow to a populations are known, one of which to these plants. The other two (C. length of 16'feet (5 meters). This species consists of only four individuals. pungens var. pungens and C. robusta var. is distinguished by its attractive pinkish, The slender, quill-like leaves of the robusta) are restricted to sandy soils along urn-shaped flowers. It is known only Louisiana quillwort arise from a short, the coast in southern Santa Cruz and from a few small sites within rocky lime- fleshy stem that is shallowly rooted in a northern Monterey Counties. Much of stone woods on the south- and south- (continued on next page)

8 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Listing Proposals Regional News scarce and predators find it easy to cap- (continued from previous page) (continued from page 3) ture the young, flightless birds. coarse sand or gravel substrate. Activities During spring nesting surveys at Wood In the captive whooping crane flocks, that affect the hydrology, water quality, or Buffalo National Park, Canadian biolo- one chick survived at the International substrate stability of its stream habitat are gist Ernie Kuyt found 32 nests and re- Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wiscon- the main threat to its survival. Such im- ported that 6 experienced breeding pairs sin, and two survived at the Patuxent pacts could result from sand and gravel did not nest, apparently in response to Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, dredging, stream channelization, and ero- the poor habitat conditions. Visiting 20 Maryland. Both projects are making ef- sion from clear-cut logging of adjacent nests, Canadian and U.S. biologists forts to promote natural copulation by forests, which are occurring within the checked eggs, collecting 16 and leaving at young pairs. One of the Patuxent chicks species' range. Because of these threats, least one viable egg in each nest. This is a product of suc;h mating—a "first" at the Service has proposed to list the Loui- technique ensures a greater hatching suc- the Center. * * * siana quillwort as an Endangered species cess but results in fewer viable eggs for (F.R. 10/21/91). transfer to captivity. By the May 28 pick- In the third consecutive year of a up date, predators had destroyed 4 nests. whooping crane habitat preservation ef- Of the 16 eggs collected, 6 were infer- fort, more than 300 volunteers con- tile or the embryo was dead at the time of structed shoreline erosion protection at pick-up. Of the 10 viable eggs, 6 Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas. hatched and 4 survived. Mid-June sur- Volunteers placed 11,300 bags of cement veys at the Canadian nest sites indicated at 9 sites to protect 1,875 linear feet (570 that 21 chicks survived, and one nest had meters) of shoreline from natural wave 2 eggs yet to hatch. By mid-August, only action and boat wakes, especially from 9 to 12 chicks survived, a decline charac- barge traffic, in critical marsh habitat. teristic of drought years when food is (continued on page 13)

Status of Recovery Program Recovery Status (continued f am page 1) All Listed Species Declining-219 Once a plant or animal is listed, the 37.7% Service's goal is to reverse the species' de- stable - 181 cline and neutralize the threats to its sur- 31.2% vival so that its long-term survival in na- ture is ensured. The first step is usually to develop a species recovery plan. Of the 581 species covered in the report, 352 Extinct -11 have approved recovery plans, and plans 1.9% are currently being developed for an addi- Improving - 57 Unknown -113 tional 130 species. For the most part, 9.8% 19.4% species that have been on the list less than 3 years do not yet have approved recovery (581 species total) plans. The 40 species that warrant recov- ery plans but have been listed over 3 years without one (about 7 percent of the spe- organizations, and individuals in under- eral background information, and a syn- cies covered in the report) constitute the taking programs to enhance listed species. opsis for each species showing its current actual recovery planning backlog. The The report, the first of its kind, is re- status and briefly describing past and Service is placing a high priority on devel- quired under a 1988 amendment to the planned recovery activies. oping plans for these species. Endangered Species Act directing the Copies of the report (stock number Recovery plans are practical, working Secretary of the Interior to report to 024010-00691-9) are available for guidelines that oudine specific research Congress every 2 years on the status of $24.00 from the U.S. Government Print- and management tasks for species recov- endangered species and recovery plans. ing Office, Superintendent of Docu- ery. Although carrying no legal authority, This 406-page illustrated document in- ments, Washington, D.C. 20402. Credit they provide a blueprint for use by a vari- cludes a list of approved recovery plans, a card holders can order the report by tele- ety of Federal and State agencies, private list of species occurrences by State, gen- phone by calling 202-783-3238.

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Fifty-six Species Added to List of Threatened and Endangered Species in August-October 1991

By coincidence, just as 56 species were • Cat Island turtle (Trachemys • Abutilon sandwicense - a shrub in the proposed in August-October 1991 for terrapen) - known only from Cat Island mallow family (Malvaceae) with heart- listing as Threatened or Endangered, final in the Bahamas. shaped leaves and greenish flowers. This rules listing another 56 —11 animals and • Inagua Island turtle (Trachemys species and the following 25 O'ahu plants 45 plants — were published in the Fed- stejnegeri malonei) - known only from were listed October 29, 1991. eral Register by the Fish and Wildlife Ser- Great Inagua Island in the Bahamas. • Alsinidendron obovatum - a small vice during the same time period. En- • South American red-lined turtle shrub in the pink family (Caryophyl- dangered Species Act protection now (Trachemys scripta callirostris) -also laceae). applies to the following: known as the Colombian slider; occurs in • Alsinidendron trinerve - a related Caribbean drainages of northern Colom- species distinguished by its less compact ANIMALS bia and northwestern Venezuela. inflorescence. • razorback sucker (Xyrauchen • Centaurium sebaeoides - known texanus) - a fish occurring in low numbers PLANTS in the Hawaiian language as 'awiwi; an within parts of the Colorado River basin in • Guthrie's ground-plum (Astragalus annual herb in the gentian family Mexico, Califomia, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, bibuUatids) - a perennial plant in the pea (Gendanaceae). New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming; family (Fabaceae); known only from ce- • Chamaesyce celastroides var. kaenana listed as Endangered (ER. 10/23/91). dar glades of central Tennessee; Endan- - also known as 'akoko; a woody shrub in • Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxy- gered (ER. 9/26/91). the spurge family. rhynchns desotoi) - a large, anadromous • white irisette (Sisyrinchium • Chamaesyce kuwaleana - a species re- fish that occurs in scattered locations dichotomum) - a small, white-flowered pe- lated to the above variety. from Louisiana (east of the Mississippi rennial herb in the iris family (Iridaceae); en- • Cyanea pinnatifida - known in Ha- River) to Tampa Bay, Florida; Threatened demic to piedmont of North Carolina; waiian as haha; a usually unbranched (ER. 9/30/91). Endangered (ER. 9/26/91). shrub in the bellflower family with deeply • Ouachita rock-pocketbook (Arkatisia • Texas trailing phlox (Phlox nivalis lobed leaves. (=Arcidem) wheeUri) - a firshwater mussel ssp. texensis) - a short, clump-forming • Diellia fakata - a member of the fern that has been reduced in range to segments perennial in the family Polemoniaceae; family (Aspleniaceae). of two rivers in Arkansas and Oklahoma; occurs in eastern Texas; Endangered (ER. • Dubautia herbstobatae - also known Endangered (ER. 10/23/91). 9/30/91). as na'ena'e; a small, spreading shrub in • Terlingua Creek cat's-eye the aster family (Asteraceae). • Gouania meyenii - a shrub belonging Two New Mexico Snails - both (Cryptantha crassipes) - a silvery desert to the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). Endangered (F.R. 9/30/91) perennial in the family Boraginaceae; known only from Brewster County, west • Hedyotis degeneri - a prostrate shrub • Alamosa springsnail (Tryonia Texas; Endangered (ER. 9/30/91). in the coffee family (Rubiaceae) with alamosae) and • alker's manioc (Manihot ivalkerae) - four-sided stems and peeling, corky bark. • Socorro springsnail (Pyrgulopsis a perennial herb in the spurge family • Hedyotis parvula - a small, highly- neomexicana) - both species are small, (Euphorbiaceae); endemic to the Lower branched shrub that can sprawl or grow aquatic snails restricted to several thermal Rio Grande Valley of south Texas and upright. spring systems. northeastern Mexico; Endangered (ER. • Hesperomannia arbuscula - a small, 10/2/91). shrubby tree in the aster family. Six Foreign Reptiles - all Endan- • Lipochaeta bbata var. leptophylla - gered (F.R. 9/30/91) also known as nehe; a low-growing pe- Hawaiian Plants (all Endangered) • Maria Island ground lizard rennial herb in the aster family with A. Island of O'ahu - The following (Cnemidophorus vanzoi) and lance-shaped leaves. species are endemic to, or have their larg- • Maria Island snake (Liophus • Lipochaeta tenuifolia - a related plant est or best known populations in, the omatus) - both species once probably oc- that can be distinguished by its five- Wai'anae Mountain Range. curred on the island of St. Lucia in the parted disk florets and deeply cut, stalk- • Cyanea superba - an unbranched pe- Caribbean Ocean, but now are known less leaves. rennial in the bellflower family only from several nearby islets. • Lobelia niihauensis - a low, branched (Campanulaceae) with a terminal rosette • Brazilian sideneck turtle (Phrynops shrub in the bellflower family. of large leaves and pendent inflorescences hogei) - known only from two river of large, white flowers (ER. 9/11/91). (continued on next page) drainages in southeastern Brazil.

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Determination of Factors Limiting the California Condor Oliver H. Pattee Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland

The California condor is a member of been in apparent decline over the past Recovery efforts to establish a new wild the family Cathartidae, or New World 150 years. The causes of this decline are population will concentrate in areas used vultures. They feed primarily on large numerous and include climatic as well as by the remnant populations of the carcasses that they locate visually. His- human-related changes. Human activi- 1980s. However, the California Condor torically (after 1800), California condors ties, particularly wanton shootings, egg Recovery Plan is being revised to include were reported as year-round residents and specimen collecting, poisoning (both consideration of additional release sites from British Columbia south to Baja intentional and inadvertent), and habitat outside southern California (e.g.. Grand California, but they were rare north of modifications (including the extirpation Canyon, Pacific Northwest). California after 1850. All confirmed nest of most of the native ungulates), have un- doubtedly contributed to the species' de- sites occurred south of San Francisco Bay Food Resources and north of Baja California; however, cline, upsetting the delicate balance be- Because condors feed primarily on the historical records suggest California con- tween mortality and natality. carcasses of large mammals located in dors once nested as far north as British Until the January 14, 1992, release of fairly open terrain, domestic catde are an Columbia and south into Baja California. two young California condors, the spe- important food source. Consequently, There were also reported sightings of cies survived only in two captive breeding the survival of any new condor popula- condors in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, flocks. The current (as of the release tions may be closely tied to the local and Texas. date) population consists of 52 birds, in- cattle industry. Changes in ranch man- Although localized concentrations oc- cluding 9 breeding pairs. From 1987, agement practices that reduce or elimi- curred, the California condor has always when the last wild bird was captured, un- nate carcasses on open rangeland would been a rare bird with a relatively small til the end of 1991, 26 young were pro- population. The wild population has duced in captivity, including 13 in 1991. (continued on page 12)

Threatened and Endangered Spedes • Viola chamissoniana ssp. chamis- flower heads. (continued from previous page) soniana - also known as pamakani; a • Labordia lydgatei - also known as shrub in the violet family (Violaceae) kamakahala; a shrub or small tree in the • Neraudia anguLtta - an erect shrub with white, purple-tinged flowers. strychnine family (Loganiaceae). in the netde family (Urticaceae). B. Island of Kaua'i - The first two • Viola helenae - a small, erect shrub in • Nototrichium humile - also known as plants in this section are found along the the violet family. kulu'i; an upright to trailing shrub in the rugged Na Pali coast, which is character- C. Island of Lana'i - The following family Amaranthaceae. ized by high cliffs and narrow valleys. were listed on September 20: • Phyllostegia mollis - a densely hairy, The other five are endemic to the • Abutilon eremitopetalum - a shrub in non-aromatic, perennial herb in the mint Wahiawa drainage basin, an area of bogs, the mallow family (Malvaceae) with family (Lamiaceae). streams, ridge summits, and diverse wet densely hairy, heart-shaped leaves. • SanicuLi mariversa - an herb in the montane forests. • Cyanea maerostegia ssp. gibsonii - a parsely family (Apiaceae) with leathery, • Hedyotis st.-johnii - a succulent pe- small, unbranched tree in the bellflower lobed leaves. rennial herb in the coffee family; listed family. • Schiedea kaalae - a perennial in the September 30. • Gahnia lanaiensis - a tall, perennial, pink family that grows from a short, • Schiedea apokremnos - a low, branch- grass-like plant in the sedge family woody caudex. ing shmb in die pink fknily; (FR 9/30/91). (Cyperaceae). • Silene perlmanii - a perennial in the • Cyanea undulata - an unbranched • Phyllostegia glabra var. lanaiensis - a pink family with white flowers and stems shrub in the bellflower family; this species robust perennial herb in the mint that are woody at the base. and the following four Wahiawa basin family. • Tetramolopium filiforme - a dwarf plants were listed on September 20. • Tetramolopium remyi - a shrub in shrub in the aster family. • Dubautia paueiflorula - a somewhat the family Asteraceae. • Tetramolopium lepidotum ssp. sprawling to erect shrub in the family • Viola lanaiensis - a small, erect shrub lepidotum - a related but larger plant. Asteraceae. in the violet family with white, purple- • Urera kaalae - a shrub or small tree • Hesperomannia lydgatei - a small tree tinged flowers. in the nettle family; also known as opuhe. in the family Asteraceae with pendent

11 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) California Condor Condor Releases airplane parks, spending considerable pe- riods of time over-flying urban areas (continued from page 11) The reestablishment of a wild popula- (such as downtown Ventura), and in- affect the chances for survival of a re- tion of California condors depends on specting oil well rigs and power lines as leased condor population. Such changes the continued success of the captive possible perching sites. Several people, could reduce the available food base and propagation program and the subsequent including climbers, reported that the necessitate foraging over a wider area or reintroduction of birds into the wild. Andean condors flew over them at close abandoning a portion of the range. Re- Criteria established by the California range—as close as 20 meters (65 feet), cent interest in reestablishing extirpated Condor Recovery Team for release of demonstrating a lack of wariness that native ungulates on parts of the former condors require: three pairs of captive could contribute to the shooting prob- range (e.g., Bitter Creek National Wild- birds to be producing offspring; 96 per- lem. Condors are curious and may asso- life Reftige) and encouraging the mainte- cent of the genetic material of the ciate people with interesting activity, de- nance of cattle on some public lands founder lines represented by the released veloping an acclimation that reduces their could significantly aid the recovery of the birds to be present in the captive popula- fear of humans. Before the next release of California condor. tion; and a reasonable probability for re- California condors, the two young lease in subsequent years following the Andean condors recently released in Cali- initial releases. The current captive popu- fornia will be captured for re-release in Habitat lation met these conditions in 1991. their native South American habitat. Habitat loss continues to pose a major Considerable progress has been made long-term problem. Because the condor on strategies to raise and release captive- requires large tracts of land in which to reared birds. Successful releases of Future Releases find food resources that are few in num- Andean condors in Peru were followed by Contaminants such as lead, predacides, ber but large in biomass, recent land use temporary experimental releases of and rodenticides appear to present a con- trends in the California condors range Andean condors in California, beginning tinued hazard to future populations of tend to be detrimental. Conversion of in 1988. Releases of Andean condors in California condors. The current Califor- rangelands to agriculture or home sites, California enabled us to refine the tech- nia condor release plan is designed to ad- gas and oil development, and other ac- niques necessary for the reintroduction of dress these problems but it does not tivities associated with an industrialized, California condors. These experimental eliminate the hazards. It involves protect- urbanized human population result in releases provided information for use in ing key nesting, roosting, and foraging less suitable habitat for the California improving release site selection criteria, areas, which would be connected by rela- condor. Condors ranged over 11 million descriptive information concerning be- tively hazard-free corridors. Extensive acres (4.5 million hectares) during the havioral differences associated with pup- supplemental feeding would minimize 1970's, yet the most recent range encom- pet-rearing and parent-rearing protocols, hazards associated with foraging. If such passed only 6 million acres (2.5 million and data to assist in developing release a feeding program is needed indefinitely, ha). The long-term ouriook for condor protocols. however, the species will never be self- habitat is not good. During the 4-year experimental sustaining and trtily recovered. project, 13 Andean condors were released Habitat degradation promises to pose in California. The last 4 of these 13 birds long-term threats to the recovery effort. Contaminants were captured before the January 14, There is no single agency that evaluates, In addition to habitat loss, direct mor- 1992, release of two captive-bred Califor- tracks, and comments on the diverse hu- tality and environmental contaminants nia condors (along with 2 new Andean man activities that affect condor habitat continue to pose a hazard. Three of the condor companions). Of the other and, subsequently, the recovery effort. last four adult California condor deaths Andean condors released during the ex- Such activities as oil and gas develop- were attributed to lead poisoning. An- perimental program, one died following a ment, power line additions, wind genera- other condor died of presumed cyanide collision with a power line, two failed to tor farms, off-road vehicle traffic, real es- poisoning and five vanished due to un- develop behaviorally—that is, they re- tate development, and public use cotild known causes. High levels of DDE (a fused to fly—and were removed for their adversely affect the future suitability of metabolite of the pesticide DDT) found own safety, two were removed from the condor habitat. Monitoring and manag- in the shell membrane of an egg laid in wild for health reasons, and the other ing these impacts will be critical if the 1986 suggest that localized "hot spots" of four were removed to prevent the transfer California condor is to survive outside of contamination may still pose hazards. of unfavorable behavioral patterns to captivity. Other contaminants, such as compound other birds. Inappropriate behavior in- 1080 and organophosphate pesticides, cluded begging for food from people, represent theoretical hazards of unknown soaring with hang gliders, visiting model magnitude.

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Regional News lated that it could have been vandalism, heelsplitters found—20 live and 15 (continued from page 9) "a cheap, easy way to get plants for a pri- dead—is encouraging, since only three vate prairie garden," or a possible black had ever been collected in the area. Of Participants included staff from the Fish market for Mead's milkweed just because the live mollusks, nearly all were juve- and Wildlife Service, U. S. Army Corps the species is rare. Concentrated within niles, indicating that the species has a of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and a half-acre site, the plants were either good local population. Texas resource agencies, as well as private carefully dug up or cut off with a razor Continuing the survey, divers con- citizens, representatives of conservation blade. Monitoring the population firmed a range extension for the groups, and private sector businesses such weekly, botanists at the National Forest heelsplitters about 25 miles (40 kilome- contacted the Fish and Wildlife Service's ters) downstream of Selden Dam when as Conoco and •Hollywoo • d• Marine. Division of Law Enforcement in the they found three more—two fresh dead Region 3 - In a case that has botanists Twin Cities within 2 hours of discovering and one live. concerned about disclosing the sites of that the plants were gone. Undl the 1991 discoveries. Service bi- protected plant species, the Shawnee Na- Mead's milkweed is a remnant of the ologists had collected two shells of in- tional Forest in Illinois is offering a tallgrass prairie that was once prevalent in flated heelsplitters in 1989 in the Black $5,000 reward for information leading to the midwest but has been lost through Warrior bendway downstream of Selden the arrest and conviction of whoever stole habitat conversion for urbanization and Dam and a single shell in the mid-1970's the 6 specimens—one entire popula- agriculture. With its latest loss, the plant from the main stem just below the tion—of Mead's milkweed (Asclepias is now restricted to 80 populations in 23 bendway. In 1980, a graduate student meadii) in mid-June. counries in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and may have collected a specimen and Calling the theft "exceptionally un- Illinois. The small number of plants at misidentified it as Leptodea laevissima. usual" in that it involved federally pro- each site and the species' poor reproduc- During the most recent survey, biologists tected plants taken from a remote area, tive success threaten its continued exist- generally found the species in slow cur- Dr. Chris Topik, National Endangered ence. rent areas with soft substrate at water Plant Program Manager for the U. S. Mead's milkweed is one of 28 Endan- depths of up to 40 feet (12 m). Forest Service, commented, "Nobody gered and Threatened plants and animals Listed in 1990, the inflated heelsplitter dreamed this could happen—finding the in the upper midwest targeted for recov- is also known to occur in the Amite River Mead's milkweed was no mean task. ery by the year 2000. The recovery ini- in Louisiana and in the Tombigbee River This event emphasizes the dichotomy be- tiative is a cooperative effort involving in Alabama. Although the mussel once tween the openness of discourse and the Federal and State agencies and private inhabited parts of seven rivers in Ala- need for data security-protecting infor- landowners, including the Forest Service, bama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, exten- mation about locations. We are showing the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Morton sive habitat alteration has eliminated the and interpreting such species through Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, and the Illi- species from most of its historical range. partnerships and public education. At nois Department of Conservation. Sand and gravel mining, along with the same time, we have to be very careful A perennial plant that grows as a soli- channel maintenance, are the primary about how we encourage public access to tary stalk up to 16 inches (40 centime- threats. The heelsplitters best popula- rare plants." ters) tall, the Mead's milkweed has tions occur in the Amite River. The population consisted of both wild broadly ovate opposite leaves with a whit- * * * specimens and young, introduced stock ish, waxy covering, topped by a cluster of The Jackson Field Office is working recendy planted in a joint effort to rees- greenish to cream-colored flowers. Any- with major timberland owners in the tablish Mead's milkweed in its historic one who has information about the theft South to develop habitat conservation range. One of only six places where the should call Jim SchiJl, the Special Agent plans to benefit federally listed species, an Threatened species was known to exist conducdng the investigation, at Shawnee important initiative in view of the fact that 91 percent of timberland in the area east of the Mississippi River, Shawnee National Forest* (618-253-7114)* * . National Forest was considered the pre- is privately owned. These forests are mier site for reintroducing the plant into Region 4 - During a July survey, divers home to a variety of rare wildlife includ- its native habitat. from the Fish and Wildlife Service's Jack- ing the red-cockaded woodpecker The Forest Service has one of the larg- son, Mississippi, Field Office discovered (Picoides borealis). Red Hills salamander est endangered species conservation pro- several specimens of the inflated heel- (Phaeognathus hubrichti), and gopher grams in the midwest, with involvement splitter (Potamilus inflatus) in the main tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Such of virtually every National Forest. Dr. stem of the Black Warrior River in Ala- habitat conservation plans are designed to Larry Stritch, Chief Botanist at Shawnee bama, only the third discovery of this benefit endangered species as well as meet National Forest, said he does not know Threatened freshwater mussel in the river the needs of timberland owners. why the plants were stolen, but he specu- since the mid-1970's. The number of (continued on page 14)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) 13 Regional News first year all known colonies were sur- provided by the Service's Leetown, West (continued from page 13) veyed. All the colonies are now protected Virginia, facility complete with Adantic by gates, fences, or landowner agree- salmon (Salmo salar) from Tunison Lab. As a first step in developing silvicul- ments. Other Service staff members from the tural strategies to promote the conserva- * * * New York Field Office and Montezuma tion of the Red Hills salamander and the Radio-tracking of 4 Virginia big-eared National Wildlife Refiige also attended. harvest and regeneration of timber, the bats in Pendleton County, West Virginia, * * * International Paper Company is fianding for 2 weeks in May resulted in good in- In what is believed to be the first an assessment of population densities for formation about their habits, including successful nesting of peregrine falcons this monotypic species in various timber territorial foraging behavior. Bats foraged (Falco peregrinus) on Lake George in at types and slopes. over both fields and woods. While least 25 years, the New York State De- The Scott Paper Company is discuss- telemetered bats foraged in various areas, partment of Environmental Conserva- ing a similar project, and Georgia Pacific's individuals foraged in the same areas tion (NYSDEC) reported that 2 eyries habitat conservation plans for the gopher night after night, routinely traveling 3 to each fledged 2 young. The total number tortoise and the red-cockaded wood- 5 miles from the cave to the chosen sites. of young peregrines hatched in the State pecker are almost ready for consideration For several consecutive nights, biologists during 1991 was 29, including 14 young of an incidental take permit. Georgia Pa- followed a single bat from the time it left: from 8 pairs in the Adirondack Moun- cific and Cavengham Companies, as well the cave in the evening until it returned tains and 15 young from 10 pairs in the as the State of Mississippi, also are dis- the next morning. Although some of the New York City area. Three of the New cussing habitat conservation plans for 10 bats involved in the project lost their York City fledglings are knovm to have property occupied by gopher tortoises. transmitters eariy in the tracking period, died. Under the habitat conservation plan pro- researchers recovered the transmitters and * * * cess, the Fish and Wildlife Service negoti- placed them on different bats. The NYSDEC also reported 16 terri- ates with major timberland owners who, * * * torial bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) once the plans are formulated and ap- Biologists conducting freshwater mus- pairs in the State during the 1991 season, proved, have responsibility for implementing sel surveys at 21 sites on the Elk River in an increase from 14 pairs in 1990. the timber management praaices. West Virginia during July and August lo- Eleven pairs produced 18 eagles, al- * * * cated 1 of their 2 targeted species. though 2 of the young died before fledg- Region 5 - Fortunately, the roseate Pleurobema cLzva, a Federal listing candi- ing. tern (Sterna dougalii cbugalii) breeding date, was found at 6 of 10 historic sites * * * season in New England ended in early and at 3 new locations. The other candi- Region 6 - Because of the success of a August this year, avoiding the impact of date, Epioblasma torulosa rangiana, was 5-year captive-breeding program for Hurricane Bob. Altogether, 3,611 pairs not found at any site. Altogether, biolo- black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), nested at 18 colonies in 4 States. As in gists identified 23 mussel species during the Fish and Wildlife Service and the previous years, the roseate's reproductive the surveys. Wyoming Game and Fish Department success was good at the protected large * * * released 49 of the Endangered animals on colonies and poor or lacking at the Researchers live-trapped, ear-tagged, the native grasslands of Shirley Basin, smaller colonies. In general, roseate terns and released eastern woodrats (Neotoma Wyoming, during September and Octo- are maintaining their population levels, floridana magister) at 12 sites in West ber to begin establishing the first experi- with the majority of the population in Virginia between June and September, mental population for the species. This two or three large colonies. Massachu- collecting population data on this Federal event generated national news and fo- setts had 1,778 nesting pairs in 5 colo- listing candidate. In addition, 30 of the cused favorable attention on the agencies. nies, New York followed with 1,522 pairs animals were supplied to the New York The first two ferrets freed from their cage in 6 colonies, Connecticut had 185 pairs Department of Environmental Conserva- after an acclimation period on the prairies in one colony, and Maine had 128 pairs tion in an effort to reestablish a popula- scampered 3 miles and 5 miles before in 6 colonies. Rhode Island had no nest- tion at one of the species' historic loca- finding homes in a prairie dog town. ing roseate terns this year. tions. Volunteers and State and Federal biolo- * * * * * * gists have been monitoring the ferrets, Biologists who took a census of 9 sum- Representatives from several Service of- which were outfitted with radio collars. mer colonies of Virginia big-eared bats fices created and staffed an "Extinction is Some of the captive-bred ferrets have (Pkcotus toivnsendii virginianus) in West Forever" exhibit at the New York State been confirmed as taking prairie dogs, in- Virginia caves tallied 4,455 bats, a 15 Fair, which attracts about 900,000 people dicating that they were adapting to the percent increase from the 1990 count each year. Focusing on endangered spe- wild; others were not. As of January and a 20 percent increase from 1984, the cies, the display featured a living stream (continued on next page)

14 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) Regional News rancher near Stanley, in northwestern densities of several of the species in the (continued from previous page) North Dakota, also shot what he thought early 1980's now appears to be devoid of was a large coyote. Both animals were the butterflies. 1992, 6 ferrets are known dead—all as a wolves; the first, probably from Minne- result of predation by coyotes and bad- sota, and the second, probably from gers. Canada. History on the Wing State and Federal biologists utilized ex- In addition to these shootings, uncon- (continued from page 1) cellent snow tracking conditions in No- firmed wolf sightings have been increas- vember to estimate that about 10 animals ing steadily, particularly in the north-cen- hatched at the San Diego Wild Animal have survived in the wild, although a few tral part of the State, where a large block Park, flew to freedom from a holding pen others could exist undetected because of of forest habitat supports a healthy deer in the Los Padres National Forest's Sespe the expanse of the range. After determin- population, and in the southeast corner Condor Sanctuary, about 75 miles north- ing that most of the batteries on radio of the State, which is characterized by east of Los Angeles. transmitters had been expended, biolo- rolling prairie and contains the Sheyenne Occurring 5 years after the last Califor- gists removed the telemetry collars from National Grasslands. nia condor was removed from the wild in the remaining ferrets. The scientists will The objectives of the program are to an unprecedented effort to save the spe- depend on snow-tracking and use light- provide guidance to government person- cies from extinction, the release of the ing at night, when the animals are most nel, protect non-problem wolves, develop vultures marked the second success in a active, to monitor the population a mechanism for removing problem 10-year effort to reintroduce the birds through the winter months. wolves, monitor the species' population, into their historic range. The first success The agencies will analyze information predict its trend in North Dakota, and was breeding the condors in captivity, a from the release to prepare and refine a challenge never undertaken before. implement a publi* c awarenes* * s strategy. strategy for the fall. During the next 10 To learn about California condor hab- years, scientists will continue to identify The Service has hired a private con- its, the Fish and Wildlife Service con- sites in Wyoming and other western tractor to collect data on the status of ducted a 4-year experimental project, re- States suitable for releasing additional eight species of butterflies in North Da- leasing captive-produced Andean condor young produced by captive-breeding kota and South Dakota that are suspected (Vultur gryphus) chicks into California populations which, as of January 1992, of declining because of habitat fragmen- skies. The goal of the Andean condor total about 300 animals. tation and degradation. They are the project was to develop release techniques * * * powesheik skipper (Oarisma powesheik), for the related California condor by The Denver Regional Director has ap- arogos skipper (Atrytone arogos), mulberry monitoring the daily movements and proved a new recovery plan for the Colo- wing (Poanes massasoit), broad-winged feeding behavior of the Andean species as rado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius). skipper (Poanes viator), Dakota skipper a surrogate. All 13 of the Andean con- This revision of the original 1978 plan (Hesperia dacotae), dion skipper (Euphyes dors released as part of the experiment incorporates new information on the sta- dion), tawny crescent (Phyciodes batesii), have been recaptured. tus of the species, including its distribu- and regal fritillary (Speyeria idalia). For three months, Xewe and tion and biological requirements. Two The powesheik skipper, arogos skipper, Chocuyens and two Andean condor public reviews of the plan were com- Dakota skipper, and regal fritillary appear chicks were in a condor "halfway house," pleted after biologists found squawfish in to require virgin mesic prairie. Most of a large enclosure nestled into the side of a the San Juan River and focused attention their remaining habitat consists of small 150-foot (46-meter) cliff. This tempo- on the importance of this river to the tracts of private land. The mulberry rary residence featured a 30-foot by 30- species' recovery. wing, broad-winged skipper, and dion foot (9 m by 9 m) patio with soft netting * * * skipper inhabit sedge marshes with shal- where they took short flights and prac- Fish and Wildlife Service biologists are low water. Oxbows provide the typical ticed "hop-flaps," straight up-and-down developing an Interim Gray Wolf (Canis habitat in North Dakota. The tawny take-offs and landings. The birds got a lupus) Program for North Dakota, recog- crescent inhabits open areas near wood- feel for the winds and acclimated them- nizing that expanding populations of lands. selves to their natural surroundings. The wolves from Minnesota and Canada are All species except the regal fritillary ap- removal of the net completed the accli- dispersing the animals into the State. In pear to have senescent, stagnant distribu- mation process. The Andean condors ac- North Dakota, the gray wolf is listed as tions that are remnants of their former companying Xewe and Chocuyens Endangered. range. The remaining habitat is sensitive helped create a group typical of wild In 1990, an aerial hunter shot what he to the effects of land management, such populations. The South American birds thought was a coyote (Canis latrans) near as grazing and pesticides that eliminate will be recaptured before the next release Ashley, North Dakota, in the southeast- nectar sources. Public land in southeast- of California condors. ern part of the State. A year later, a ern North Dakota that supported high (continued on page 16)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991) 15 History on the Wing (continued from page 15) BOX SCORE When they are fully mature, Xewe and Chocuyens will weigh 20 pounds (9 kilo- LISTINGS AND RECOVERY PLANS grams) and have 10-foot (3-m) wing- ENDANGERED 1 THREATENED 1 LISTED SPECIES spans as representatives of North Category Foreign i Foreign i SPECIES WITH America's largest species of soaring birds. U.S. Only 1 U.S. Only 1 TOTAL PLANS

The 50 California condors in the cap- Mammals 56 249 1 9 22 1 336 33 tive-breeding flocks live at the Los Ange- Birds 73 153 1 12 0 1 238 69 les Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Reptiles 16 64 1 18 14 1 112 27 Amphibians 6 8 5 0 19 7 Park. These zoos are partners with the Fishes 55 11 1 34 0 1 100 51 Fish and Wildlife Service in the recovery Snails 7 1 1 6 0 1 14 7 Clams 40 2 2 0 44 33 effort, along with the U.S. Forest Service Crustaceans 8 0 1 2 0 1 10 5 and the California Department of Fish Insects 13 1 1 9 0 1 23 13 Arachnids 3 0 ' 0 3 0 and Game. Biologists hope to release ad- 0 Plants 243 1 1 64 2 1 310 137 ditional birds each year in the goal of re- 1 establishing a viable wild poptilation. TOTAL 520 490 1 161 38 ' 1209* 382** 1 In prehistoric times, California con- Total U.S. Endangered 520 (277 animals, 243 plants) dors ranged throughout the coastal re- Total U.S. Threatened 161 (97 animals, 64 plants) gions of North America, from British Total U.S. Listed 681 (374 animals, 307 plants) Columbia to Baja California, east to Separate populations of a species that are listed both as Endangered and Threatened are Florida and north to New York. By tallied twice. Those species are the leopard, gray wolf, grizzly bear, bald eagle, piping plover, roseate tern, Nile crocodile, green sea turtle, and olive ridley sea turtle. For the purposes 1967, however, they were reduced in of the Endangered Species Act, the term "species" can mean a species, subspecies, or range to a small region of California and distinct vertebrate population. Several entries also represent entire genera or even families. were listed as Endangered. The Fish and There are 311 approved recovery plans. Some recovery plans cover more than one species, Wildlife Service adopted a recovery plan and a few species have seperate plans covering different parts of their ranges. Recovery in 1975. In 1980, the Service and the plans are drawn up only for listed species that occur in the United States. National Audubon Society established Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States and Territories: 53 fish & wildlife the Condor Research Center in Ventura, 39 plants California, to coordinate field investiga- Number of Cooperative Grant Agreements signed for the African Elephant Conservation Act: 7 tions in the condor's last remaining habi- Number of CITES Party Nations: 112 tat in Kern and Ventura Counties. January 31, 1992 By 1987, the loss of habitat, lead poi- soning from ingesting bullet fragments birds and began breeding them in captiv- peregrine falcons and provides continu- from deer carrion, and illegal shooting ity. The reintroduction effort follows ing evidence of the conservation benefits had reduced the number of wild condors similar successes involving bald eagles and of the Endangered Species Act. to 27. Biologists captured the remaining

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Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Washington, D. C. 20240

TAKE" PRIDE IN I AMERICA I

16 ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN Vol. XVI Nos. 9-12 (1991)