SPECIES: Scientific [common] Acrolophitus pulchellus [Idaho point-headed ] Forest: Salmon-Challis National Forest Forest Reviewer: Mary Friberg Date of Review: 4/23/2018 Forest concurrence (or No recommendation if new) for inclusion of species on list of potential SCC: (Enter Yes or No)

FOREST REVIEW RESULTS:

1. The Forest concurs or recommends the species for inclusion on the list of potential SCC: Yes___ No__X_

2. Rationale for not concurring is based on (check all that apply): Species is not native to the plan area ______Species is not known to occur in the plan area ___X____ Species persistence in the plan area is not of substantial concern ______

FOREST REVIEW INFORMATION:

1. Is the Species Native to the Plan Area? Yes_X__ No___

If no, provide explanation and stop assessment.

2. Is the Species Known to Occur within the Planning Area? Yes___ No__X_

If no, stop assessment. Table 1. All Known Occurrences, Years, and Frequency within the Planning Area Year Number of Location of Observations (USFS Source of Information Observed Individuals District, Town, River, Road Intersection, HUC etc.) 1965 6 (1) Lost River Ranger District? IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish (unknown) and Game). 2017a. Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017). Data on file at Salmon-Challis National Forest. Salmon, ID.

a. Are all Species Occurrences Only Accidental or Transient?

Yes_X__ No___

If yes, document source for determination and stop assessment.

A species must be established and extant on and native to the Forest to be considered as a potential species of conservation concern. Two records for the Idaho point-headed grasshopper on the Forest was identified by clipping the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (IFWIS, IDFG 2017a) data to the Salmon-Challis administrative boundary. The species is ranked G1G3 and S2 in NatureServe, which would trigger a detailed assessment if the species is thought to be extant on the Forest (USFS 2018).

The Idaho point-headed grasshopper is endemic to east central Idaho and occurs in low sagebrush habitats below 2100 m (IDFG 2017b; Waterbury 2014). It was speculated to be extinct (Baker 2003) but was rediscovered in surveys in 2010 in the Birch Creek and Big Lost River drainages on Bureau of Land Management lands (Waterbury 2014). These are the only known contemporary populations.

Thus the species is native to the area, but of the two known records for the species on the Forest, one has an unknown observation date and the other is very old (1965). In addition, the location precision estimates for both occurrences are low and Beth Waterbury of the IDFG suspects the coordinates are erroneous and may not be on the Forest (Waterbury 2017, personal communication). Habitat for this species is also generally thought to be off the Forest at lower elevations (Waterbury 2014).

Thus, there is not adequate evidence to conclude the Idaho point-headed grasshopper is extant on the Salmon-Challis National Forest and it therefore does not meet the minimum criterion for consideration as a potential SCC.

References:

Baker, C. 2003. Idaho point-headed grasshopper surveys: 2002 and 2003. Report to the Bureau of Land Management, Boise District Office. U.S. Department of Interior.

IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Game). 2017a. Idaho Fish and Wildlife Information System (January 2017). On file at Salmon-Challis National Forest. Salmon, ID.

IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Game). 2017b. Idaho State Wildlife Action Plan, 2015. Boise, ID.

Waterbury, B. A. 2014. Rediscovered populations of the Idaho point-headed grasshopper, Acrolophitus pulchellus (Bruner), 1890 (: ). Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 74: No. 3.