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May 2003

Endangered Species Bulletin, May/June 2003 - Vol. XXVIII No. 3

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Human beings are the only living things that care about lines on a map. Wild animals and plants know no borders, and they are unaware of the social and economic forces that deter- mine their future. Because May/June 2003 Vol. XXVIII No. 3 many of these creatures are migratory or distributed across the artificial bound- aries that we humans have drawn, they cannot be con- served without the coopera- tion of government, private sector, and scientific partners in each of the affected coun- tries. Such wide-scale partici- pation is essential for apply- ing an ecosystem approach to wildlife conservation. This edition of the Bulletin features some examples of cooperative activities for the survival and recovery of rare plants and animals in Mexico and bordering areas of the United States. U.S.U.S. FishFish && WildlifeWildlife ServiceService

WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE Washington, D.C. 20240

Steve Williams, Director Claire Cassel, Chief, Division of Partnerships and Outreach (703)358-2390 Gary Frazer, Assistant Director for Endangered Species Patrick Leonard, Chief, Division of Consultation, HCPs, Recovery, and State Grants Elizabeth H. Stevens, Deputy Assistant Director (703)358-2106 Chris L. Nolin, Chief, Division of Conservation and Classification (703)358-2105 Kathy Walker, Chief, Office of Program Support (703)358-2079 http://endangered.fws.gov/

PACIFIC REGION—REGION ONE Eastside Federal Complex, 911 N.E. 11th Ave, Portland OR 97232

California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, David B. Allen, Regional Director (503)231-6118 Washington, American Samoa, Commonwealth Steve Thompson, Manager, California/Nevada Office (916)414-6464 of the Northern Mariana Islands, http://pacific.fws.gov/ Guam and the Pacific Trust Territories

SOUTHWEST REGION—REGION TWO P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, NM 87103

Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas H. Dale Hall, Regional Director (505)248-6282 http://southwest.fws.gov/

MIDWEST REGION—REGION THREE Federal Bldg., Ft. Snelling, Twin Cities MN 55111

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Robyn Thorson, Regional Director (612)715-5301 Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin http://midwest.fws.gov/

SOUTHEAST REGION—REGION FOUR 1875 Century Blvd., Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30345

Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Sam Hamilton, Regional Director (404)679-7086 Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, http://southeast.fws.gov/ Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

NORTHEAST REGION—REGION FIVE 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Mamie Parker, Regional Director (413)253-8300 Massachusetts, New Hampshire, http://northeast.fws.gov/ New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia

MOUNTAIN-PRAIRIE REGION—REGION SIX P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver CO 80225

Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Ralph O. Morgenweck, Regional Director (303)236-7920 Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/

ALASKA REGION—REGION SEVEN 1011 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503

Alaska Rowan Gould, Regional Director (907)786-3542 http://alaska.fws.gov/ 2 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE

4 Conserving Wildlife of the Americas: Mexico’s Strategic Role

6 Conservation Along the Border

7 The Kemp’s Ridley: Recovery in the Making

10 Conserving Cacti in México Telephone: (703)358-2390 Contributors Fax: (703)358-1735 Victor Lichtinger Douglas M. Krofta E-mail: [email protected] Susan D. Jewell Denise Stockton 12 Black-footed Ferrets Glen Knowles Ariel Rojo Editor Tracy A. Scheffler Eduardo Peters Thrive in Mexico Michael Bender Bryan Arroyo Rodrigo A. Medellín Patrick Burchfield Steve Walker Associate Editor Luis Jaime Peña Sarah E. Rinkevich 14 California Condors Susan D. Jewell Les Hodgson Keith Bashum Return to Mexico Patricia Luevano Mac Donaldson Layout Ben Ikenson Brian Czech Dennis & Sackett Design, Inc. J. Michael Lockhart 16 Nightly Wings, Nectar Sips Jesus Pacheco Subscriptions Manager Rurik List Germaine Kargbo Gerardo Ceballos 18 California Red-legged Frog: Jumping to Survival

On the Cover A lesser long-nosed bat 20 Binational Conservation feeds on the nectar of a saguaro cactus flower, at Grows from the Ground Up the same time gathering and depositing pollen for the next seed crop. 22 Aquatic Life in the Sonoran Desert Photo © Merlin D. Tuttle, Bat Conservation International 24 Jaguar Conservation in the Opposite page Borderlands The pond at Quitobaquito provides vital desert wetland habitat for unique 26 Corridors for Migration fish, turtle, and snail species. Photo by Sue Rutman/NPS 27 Pronghorn Races Against Extinction

30 The Masked Bobwhite at The Endangered Species Bulletin welcomes manuscripts on a wide range of topics related to Buenos Aires NWR endangered species. We are particularly interested in news about recovery, habitat conserva- tion plans, and cooperative ventures. Please contact the Editor before preparing a manuscript. We cannot guarantee publication. Departments We also welcome your comments and ideas. Please e-mail them to us at [email protected].

The Fish and Wildlife Service distributes the Bulletin primarily to Federal and State agencies, 31 Regional News and and official contacts of the Endangered Species Program. It also is reprinted by the University Recovery Updates of Michigan as part of its own publication, the Endangered Species UPDATE. To subscribe, write the Endangered Species UPDATE, School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1115; or call (734) 763-3243. 32 Box Score

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ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 3 Conserving Wildlife by Victor Lichtinger of the Americas: Mexico’s Strategic Role

Mexico’s geography is one of the keys to under- standing why it comes fourth on the list of the world’s biologically “megadiverse” nations–around a dozen countries, mostly in the tropics, that harbor some 70 percent of all the world’s biological diversity (ecosystems, species, and genes). With its northern half bordering the marine life). Deep marine trenches with United States, Mexico shares arid deserts, thermal vent ecosystems independent of Mediterranean scrub, and temperate solar energy add to the enormous forests with continental North America. complexity of our biodiversity. In the south, tropical rainforests have And it is precisely because Mexico’s penetrated northwards from South biodiversity is derived from this mix of America. This arises because Mexico elements from geographically distant straddles two floristic kingdoms: the regions that we are strategically placed Boreal (or Nearctic), which extends to conserve an important share of the across North America, Europe, and ecology and wildlife of the Americas. Russia, and the Neotropical, centered We are committed to act as a bridge in primarily on the Amazon basin and the many ways. Andean foothills. To this end, Mexico’s Environment Between these extremes of latitude, Ministry has implemented special tropical dry forests and montane cloud programs to conserve the ecology and forests grow in climatic zones that favor environment of the northern states unique combinations of species from bordering the U.S., in active coordination both north and south. Cacti and tropical with similar programs enacted by the trees dominate in the former, while oaks U.S. government. In our southern and sweetgums shelter tree ferns, brome- states, the Mexican program of the liads, and epiphytic orchids in the latter. Mesoamerican Biological Corridor seeks Marine biodiversity is also extremely to ensure that the ecological functional- high, as Mexico’s coastline is washed by ity of tropical ecosystems shared with both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans Central America is conserved intact, (with their particular complement of along with the huge diversity of wildlife whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and fish), for which they provide a habitat. as well as the Caribbean Sea (where These programs, together with our Mexico is host to the second largest increasingly effective system of Protected coral barrier reef in the world), and the Natural Areas (totaling nearly 40 million Gulf of California (“the aquarium of the acres (16,187,480 ha) in all ecosystem world,” with its unique ecology and types), our efforts to promote sustainable

4 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 forestry and fishing activities, and our The establishment of “sister” parks, full implementation of international the return of the California condor to the agreements (such as the Ramsar Conven- Baja Peninsula, the comeback of the tion on wetland conservation), guarantee Kemp´s ridley sea turtle, working across the conservation not only of those broad landscapes to conserve species of species unique to Mexico or resident in common conservation concern, expan- our country, but also migratory species sion of our protected wetland systems, from the U.S. and Central and South bird monitoring and capacity building— America that depend on refuges in these are but a few examples of how the Mexico for their continued survival. biodiversity of the Americas can be The United States and Mexico are better conserved through collaboration proud of a very fruitful tradition of now and in the near future to guarantee cooperation for the conservation of long-term success. ecosystems and their biodiversity, a tradition that began decades ago with Victor Lichtinger is the Secretary for migratory birds and sea turtles, long the Environment and Natural Resources before Mexico reformed and strength- in Mexico. ened its national institutions charged with conserving nature. In the next few years, we anticipate this cooperation will become yet broader and closer, and that our achievements will be plentiful.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 5 Conservation by Susan D. Jewell Along the Border

Flying, running, hopping, and countries together to ease the sometimes horn, and sometimes we depend on swimming–back and forth daily or complicated task of working across them to lead recovery efforts for local annually, they pay no heed to that political boundaries, particularly between species at risk. For example, the Arizona imaginary line we know as the U.S.- Mexico and the U.S. With Canada, Game and Fish Department is planning Mexican border. That describes many communication and travel across the to reintroduce the Tarahumara frog into species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, border have minimal complications, Arizona from stock collected in Mexico. and an insect (the monarch butterfly) since we share a common language and Although this frog was extirpated from that migrate across this border, and an unfortified border. the U.S., it is not on the federal endan- countless more with geographic ranges The Trilateral meets once a year to gered species list and is not a recovery that straddle it. All of these species face report on progress of conservation priority for the Service. Here the State the usual hazards we hear so much activities and to bring new issues to the biologists are playing an important role about: development, pollution, overhar- table. During the rest of the year, the real in restoring native fauna. vesting, disease, and nonnative invaders work continues. Some of the accom- Although homeland security remains to name a few. But the ones that cross plishments that have occurred through a national priority, federal and state the border also face different conserva- the Trilateral have helped species that agencies on both sides of the border, as tion laws and different cultures. In the were critically imperiled in our south- well as private landowners, volunteers, pages that follow, you’ll see how some western border region, such as the Tribes, and organizations, will continue of these species are faring and how their black-footed ferret and the California to find ways to work together within the best chances for survival will be from a condor. Our biologists are working with given limits. contingent of caring humans on both Mexican and American partners now to sides of the border. recover the light-footed clapper rail, the Susan Jewell is a biologist in the Conservation was a part of both Quino checkerspot butterfly, the ocelot, Service’s Endangered Species Program federal governments long before “endan- and many other species. We hope to in Arlington, Virginia, office and the gered species” became household words. report good news with these species in U.S. co-chair of the Trilateral Committee’s The Convention for the Protection of the coming years. Shared Species Working Table Migratory Birds and Game Mammals was Of critical importance in working ([email protected]). established between Mexico and the across the border is the role of the State United States in 1936. In 1975, the conservation agencies. The California Mexico-U.S. Joint Committee on Wildlife Department of Fish and Game, Arizona and Plant Conservation was formed to Game and Fish Department, New Mexico facilitate cooperation. This was consoli- Department of Game and Fish, and dated with a committee that included Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Canada into one Memorandum of represent the States that hug the Mexican Understanding in 1996 that established border. These agencies maintain close the Canada/Mexico/United States working relationships with the Mexican Trilateral Committee for Ecosystem and border states: Baja California, Sonora, Wildlife Conservation and Management Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and (see “One Continent for All” in Bulletin Tamaulipas. Frequently, they work with Vol.XXIV No. 5). The Trilateral, as we the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service toward call it, has brought biologists and land recovery of species that are on our managers of the three North American priority list, such as the Sonoran prong-

6 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 The Kemp’s Ridley: by Bryan Arroyo, Patrick Burchfield, Luis Jaime Recovery in the Making Peña, Les Hodgson, and Patricia Luevano

The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) received legal protection in Mexico in the 1960s and in 1970 in the United States. As is often the case, this species’ decline began many years before receiving legal protection. A 1951 article in Zoologica by John solving the mystery of where Kemp’s Werler included notes on Kemp’s ridley ridleys came ashore to nest. About nesting on the Gulf Coast at North Padre 40,000 turtles crawled ashore during that Island, Texas, in 1950. Investigating that massive nesting aggregation known as account, the late famed naturalist Archie an “arribada.” The site was at Barra Carr contacted Werler’s source–Jessie Coma, a sand bar roughly 2 km (1.2 mi) Lawrence–and determined that Lawrence from the small cattle ranching commu- had also previously observed a nesting nity of Rancho Nuevo in Tamaulipas, ridley in 1948 on Padre Island’s Big Mexico. Shell Bank. Also in 1963, a building contractor These represented the only scientifi- from Brownsville, Texas, and his associ- cally documented Kemp’s ridley nests ates from the Brownsville Sportsman until 1963, when Henry Hildebrand of Club brought ridley eggs from Rancho Corpus Christi, Texas, screened a 1947 Nuevo to South Padre Island and buried film at a conference of herpetologists, them in the sand to establish a second

A Kemp’s ridley returns to the sea after nesting. Photos by Bryan Arroyo

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 7 The number of protected nests and hatchlings doubled that first season due to increased help and equipment. Simultaneously, a second nesting beach in the U.S. at Padre Island National Seashore was established by transferring eggs there to hatch. Once experimentally imprinted on that beach, the hatchlings were gathered up and “headstarted” (raised to larger size) at the Galveston National Marine Fisheries Service Lab for several months to lessen the number of predators that are able to eat them. The first few years of work were disappointing, with the numbers of nests declining to an all time low of 702 nests for 1985 (estimated 270 females). This species requires between 10 and 15 years to reach maturity. Almost the entire nesting population of Kemp’s ridleys nested in this small, isolated stretch of beach near Rancho Nuevo. The effort began with five students led by Dr. Marquez and Dr. Peter Pritchard of the Florida Audubon Society. The Gladys Porter Zoo of Brownsville assumed responsibility for the U.S. crew in 1981, one of the few times that a nongovern- mental entity has taken the lead for recovery implementation of an endan- gered species. The population now appears to be expanding and is probably using historic nesting sites. Accordingly, the Mexican and U.S. teams now operate six camps in Above and following page: Artisans nesting colony. This was the first time Tamaulipas and one in Veracruz, and from the community of Tepehuajes, the Kemp’s received help outside of the collectively patrol more than 100 miles Mexico, produce quality ceramics agencies and nongovernmental conser- (166 km) of coastline several times daily inspired by sea turtles, giving them vation groups. to protect nesting females and eggs. In pride in protecting these vulnerable animals. In 1966, biologists Humberto Chavez, 2002, we protected more than 6,300 Martin Contreras, and Dr. Rene Marquez nests. We are on our way to achieving (of Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Pesca) our goal of establishing the downlisting went to Rancho Nuevo to survey the criteria of 10,000 females (as identified in remaining Kemp’s ridley population and the 1992 Recovery Plan). to establish a conservation effort for the Regardless of the legal protections diminishing population. In 1978, experts and the potential for violation enforce- from Mexico and the U.S. determined ment, recovery can only be achieved that without drastic steps, the species through the cooperation and commit- would disappear. Students and biologists ment of the Tamaulipas communities. In from the U.S. were sent to Rancho the past, some local residents poached Nuevo to assist their Mexican counter- sea turtle eggs to sell in the lucrative parts at the primary nesting beach. black market for their supposed magical

8 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 and aphrodisiac powers. To deal with Partners in the seafood industry and at The Turtles’ Friends this, the traditional approach was to Ocean Trust are helping with the This project represents a increase law enforcement. But such marketing plans and development of unique partnership of federal, approaches can cause local resentment online catalogs to serve as outlets. After state and local government without effectively dealing with the almost two years of training and many agencies in both countries; industry; conservation NGO’s; problem. Instead, we pursued a nontra- trials, the artisans from Tepehuajes are and the people of the ditional approach: addressing the need producing quality ceramics. When Tamaulipas coastline: of the residents for a source of revenue visiting their facility, pride shines in their Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de to survive. eyes and their commitment is unmistak- Ecología - SEMARNAT • State Thus was sparked the entrepreneurial able. No longer do they steal turtle eggs, Government of Tamaulipas- spirit of the local residents. With the fearful of prosecution and guilt. SEDUE • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • National Marine help of partners, the community created The community is also engaged in Fisheries Service • National a beneficial economic venture that educational efforts with children. At the Park Service • Texas Parks makes more money by protecting the La Pesca Camp, a natural history mu- and Wildlife Department • U.S. turtles than by harming them. seum was built with contributions from Geological Survey • Gladys The project blends the peoples’ partners. Exhibits on sea turtles empha- Porter Zoo • Sea Turtle Inc. • heritage with art and tourism in the size Kemp’s ridleys, or tortuga lora as San Antonio Zoo • Aquarium community of Tepehuajes in the State of they are known in Mexico. The children of the Americas • Help Endangered Animals-Ridley Tamaulipas. The people learned how to are learning that their beaches hold the Turtles (HEART) • Center for make ceramic items in turtle shapes and future of the Kemp’s ridleys. The Marine Conservation • designs, such as salt and pepper shakers, children will become the leaders and CANAINPES • National wine coolers, and napkin holders. The residents of these communities, and with Fisheries Institute • Texas local jurisdiction donated the lands to their commitment to the natural environ- Shrimp Association • Gulf build the physical structure. The state ment, the Kemp’s ridley and other States Marine Fisheries donated the construction materials, species will survive. Commission • Marco Sales • Ocean Trust • fishing and engineering, and labor. Mexican univer- shrimping industries of sity ceramic art experts spent three Bryan Arroyo, Assistant Regional Mexico and U.S. • Darden months training the local residents to Director/ Ecological Services, Region 2; Restaurants • Penguin Frozen make ceramic creations. The University Dr. Patrick Burchfield and Luis Jaime Foods • Contessa Foods • of Texas at Brownsville sent expert kiln Peña, both Gladys Porter Zoo; Les Ocean Garden Products • operator Nancy Sclight to teach the Hodgson, Conservation Director, Na- Campeche Sea Food Products • Bubba Gump Shrimp people how to use their equipment and tional Fisheries Institute; and Dr. Patricia Company • Zimco Marine • helped with the selection of clays. Luevano, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Eastern Fish • American Honda Motor Company, Inc. • H.E.B. • Phillips Petroleum • API Altamira • Universidad del Noreste • Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás Hidalgo

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 9 Conserving Cacti by Ariel Rojo and Eduardo Peters in México

Some of the most attractive plants States. This ecoregion is considered one in the world are the cacti. These plants of the most biologically rich and diverse are associated mainly with deserts, deserts in the world, with 3,500 plant though they can also be found in species, many of them endemic. temperate forests and even in tropical zones. Their adaptations have caught the Threats attention of many naturalists and The cactus family is faced with scientists all around the world, and growing environmental threats, including collectors appreciate enormously the urban sprawl, expansion of the agricul- The boojum (Fouquieria columnaris) great variety in their forms and flowers. tural frontier, introduction of exotic has an appearance that fires the The family Cactaceae, endemic to the species, overgrazing by cattle, uncon- imagination. For most of the year it is Western Hemisphere, contains about trolled tourism, and poaching driven by leafless and looks like a giant 1,800 species. Although its origins may the demand of exotic plant markets. All upturned carrot. Its common name be in the Caribbean, diversification of of these threats are particularly harmful was coined by the explorer Godfrey cactus taxa has reached a peak in to cactus species because many of them Sykes, who found it in 1922 and said “It must be a boojum!” He was México, where 48 genera (73 percent have small populations, making them referring of the strange and mythical endemic) and 850 species (85 percent very vulnerable to extinction. Many of creature that the author Lewis Carroll endemic) are found. the genera are included on CITES called a boojum in his children’s One of the most amazing places (Convention on International Trade in book, The Hunting of the Snark. The where cacti have diversified is in the Endangered Species) Appendix 1, and Spanish common name for this plant north of the country in the Chihuahuan the entire family is on Appendix 2. Also, is cirio, referring to its candle-like Desert, the largest desert in North 34 percent of the species are included in appearance. It is not a cactus but a stem succulent. America, of which 80 percent is in the Plant Red List from IUCN (Interna- Photo by Michael Bender México and 20 percent is in the United tional Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). The IUCN includes 286 species and the Méxican Government includes 257 species in the NOM-ECOL-059 (México’s endangered species law).

Conservation This risky situation has prompted conservation actions at the federal, state, and local levels. Perhaps the most favorable action was the recognition of Natural Protected Areas, of which many exist in México. Along the México-U.S. border, the Pinacate and Altar Desert Biosphere Reserve, a marvelous volcanic region adjacent to Arizona, and the Cañon de Santa Elena in Chihuahua and Maderas del Carmen in Coahuila, both of them in neighboring Texas, are desig- nated as Flora and Fauna Protection

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 Areas. Within interior regions we can Uses find some other examples of protected Because of their unusual morphology areas with cacti relevance: the Vizcaíno and their attractive flowers, cacti are very Biosphere Reserve in Baja California Sur; attractive and many species have been the Colorado River Delta and Upper Gulf commercialized intensively. In addition of California; and the Valley of the to their ornamental value, species have Cirios, one of the best-conserved natural other uses, depending on places and treasures on Earth (with one of the most cultures. Based on archaeological fascinating plants in the world, the Cirio evidence–fossilized feces–it has been or Boojum Tree) in Baja California. Near shown that cacti were consumed by México City, the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán humans at least 9,000 years ago. Even Biosphere Reserve in the states of Puebla today, people use them as food in a and Oaxaca contains a great diversity of great variety of dishes and presentations, columnar cacti. for forage and fodder, as construction These actions seem to be the best material to build fences, for medicinal Species in the cactus genus approach because they encourage in- purposes, and even in religious rituals. Ariocarpus are often called “living situ conservation. However, they do not There are some very specific uses for rocks” for their inconspicuous appearance. Most are endemic to include all the places a conservationist cacti. For instance, the Aztecs prized the México, but A. fissuratus (above) would like, and many endangered rich red color extracted from the dried extends northward from México into species do not inhabit these protected bodies of insects that were raised on parts of southwestern Texas. regions. Therefore, the Méxican govern- cladodes (leaf-like branches) of many Photo by Michael Bender ment has been promoting, since about species of prickly-pear cacti. The five years ago, the System of Units for cochineal dye of the Aztecs became Conservation and Management of highly prized in Europe. In the sixteenth Wildlife, known as UMAs. These units century, Cortés was instructed to send as intend to revalue the wildlife–mainly its much of the pigment as possible back to use, management, and sustainable Spain. appropriation of the resources. They are based on a management plan that Future incorporates activities such as censuses In México, there is an increasing need of the populations and demographic to take urgent actions to protect cacti research about particular species. The and their environments. Federal and underlying idea is to conserve the state governments, research institutions, natural habitat and, at the same time, conservation groups, conscientious obtain some rewards from doing it. This private-sector leaders, and ecotourism scheme operates very well with regard operators have been contributing to to creating opportunities for hunting growing appreciation of the environment mule deer, turkeys, pigeons, and other and recognizing the need for concrete game. The UMAs are focused on ani- conservation action. The challenge is to mals, but as an added value they concentrate these efforts into real, long- conserve cacti and other species. By the standing sustainability. year 2000, the UMAs strategy had incorporated almost 3,200 units that Ariel Rojo and Eduardo Peters are represent about 28 million acres with the Instituto Nacional de Ecologia, (11,330,000 ha), mainly in the north of México, which has the mission of generat- the country. ing technical and scientific information Hopefully, the increasing conservation about environmental problems, provid- efforts will be able to withstand the ing human resources training, providing environmental degradation that the information, supporting decision deserts in México have been suffering, making, encouraging environmental and reduce the threats to their long-term protection, and promoting the sustain- sustainability. able use of natural resources.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 11 Black-footed Ferrets by J. Michael Lockhart, Jesus Pacheco, Rurik List, and Gerardo Ceballos Thrive in Mexico

In September of 2002, biologists 2002 surveys, of which nine were wild- from the University of Mexico (UNAM) born. Observations of 23 additional were unexpectedly treated to a thrilling “unknown” ferrets suggest that survival sight: the discovery of the first wild-born and production levels may be higher black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) kits than detected. in Mexico. These kits were the offspring All captive-bred reintroduced ferrets of captive-reared ferrets reintroduced are tagged with two passive integrated into northern Chihuahua, Mexico, in the transponder chips under the skin of their fall of 2001 (see “Black-footed Ferrets necks and rumps, and are therefore Return to Mexico” in Bulletin Vol. XXVII individually identifiable. Transponder A captive-reared black-footed No. 2). They are an exciting and highly reader devices are placed over the ferret peeks out of her new burrow significant step in the recovery of this burrow entrances in which ferrets are home after release in northern critically endangered species. found. The ferrets that were observed Chihuahua, Mexico. Photo by J. Michael Lockhart/FWS The black-footed ferret is a carnivore passing through working transponder that requires relatively large, healthy readers and displaying no numerical prairie dog colonies for survival. Few readings were judged to be wild born high quality reintroduction areas remain kits, which lack transponder tags. Many anywhere in North America, and the other ferrets did not pass through black-tailed prairie dog complexes found transponder readers, or may have passed near Janos, Chihuahua, are among the through them when biologists were not best. The El Cuervo prairie dog colony present, and they constitute the un- alone is more than 15,000 hectares known ferrets. (37,065 acres) in size and overlays part Monitoring, trapping, and tagging will of a large grassland basin on the eastern be intensified in 2003 to get more edge of the spectacular Sierra Madre accurate data on survival and reproduc- range. It is the largest contiguous colony tion of the Mexican ferret population. The of black-tailed prairie dogs found in Mexico project is the eighth ferret Far right: Dianne Devison (Curator, Toronto Zoo, Canada) and Jesus North America today. reintroduction effort in North America. Pacheco (Biologist, University of In all, 91 ferrets were released in Since 1991, seven other reintroduction Mexico) release captive-reared northern Chihuahua in 2001, and an programs have occurred across six black-footed ferrets on the “El additional 69 were reintroduced on western states. Thus far, the success of Cuervo” prairie dog colony in adjacent areas of the El Cuervo complex those efforts has been mixed. In Montana northern Chihuahua, Mexico, in in 2002. Follow-up population surveys and Wyoming, the introduced disease November 2002. Photo by J. Michael Lockhart/FWS were conducted in September 2002 (to sylvatic plague has compromised reintro- document long term survival and duction success and only small numbers production of ferrets released in 2001) of ferrets persist. However, on two and December 2002 (to examine short- reintroduction areas in South Dakota, term survival of additional ferrets where sylvatic plague is not present, released in October and November of black-footed ferret populations appear to 2002). The El Cuervo colony is vast, and be relatively large and self-sustaining, much associated habitat was not acces- with no fewer than 250 animals in the sible during the 2002 surveys. Still, initial wild today. Another reintroduction effort survey results were promising, with at on lands overlying an area of western least 26 ferrets documented during the Colorado and eastern Utah also appears

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 to be making good progress, with a essential to species recovery. “Excess” Many helping hands minimum of 34 animals detected on one kits produced in South Dakota and The development of a black-footed ferret core release area in 2002 and docu- Mexico could soon help start ferret reintroduction project in Mexico (and mented wild production every year since populations in other recovering habitat elsewhere) is possible only through the 2000. Yet another reintroduction effort in areas across the Great Plains and desert combined efforts and contributions of a myriad of program partners in Canada, northwestern Arizona has had moderate grasslands of the western U.S. and Mexico, and the U.S. Black-footed ferrets success in recent years and has experi- Canada. Fostering the establishment and available for release are primarily enced at least two successive generations growth of wild ferret populations while produced at six Species Survival Plan of wild born kits. simultaneously improving habitat facilities, including: the Toronto Zoo, Although the black-footed ferret conditions to promote future recovery Canada; the National Zoo’s Conservation recovery program has experienced opportunities is the foundation of a and Research Center, Virginia; the Louisville Zoo, Kentucky; the Cheyenne remarkable success since 1987 (when pending revision of the Black-footed Mountain Zoo, Colorado; the Phoenix Zoo, Ferret Recovery Plan, scheduled for only 18 animals were known to exist), Arizona; and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ultimate recovery of the species is far completion in 2003. Service’s National Black-footed Ferret from certain. Black-footed ferret recovery Conservation Center in Wyoming. Excess depends on the successful establishment J. Michael Lockhart, National Black- ferrets released in Mexico were provided of viable populations spread over the footed Ferret Conservation Center, by all SSP facilities and an experimental species’ historical range. Few suitable USFWS, Laramie, WY. pen breeding facility in New Mexico operated by the Turner Endangered Species reintroduction areas exist today, prima- Jesus Pacheco, Instituto de Ecologia, Fund. The El Paso Zoo provided logistical rily due to habitat loss resulting from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de support and staff to assist in the release of conversion of native prairies into México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, ferrets in Mexico. In addition, many agency cultivated lands and extensive prairie Ap. Postal 70-275, México D. F, 04510, and private partners associated with the dog poisoning programs over the last México. Black-footed Ferret Recovery century. Sylvatic plague is perhaps the Rurik List, Instituto de Ecologia, Implementation Team provided technical greatest obstacle to ferret recovery, with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de and field assistance to the Mexico program. Field reintroduction and monitoring efforts devastating impacts on both prairie dogs México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, in Mexico are accomplished through the and ferrets. Only a few potential ferret Ap. Postal 70-275, México D. F, 04510, help of many staff biologists and students reintroduction sites in South Dakota and México. from the University of Mexico. Finally, the Chihuahua are currently isolated from Gerardo Ceballos, Instituto de cooperation of the Jeffers Ranch and the the effects of plague. Ecologia, Universidad Nacional peoples and Ejidos of El Cuervo, Casa de Establishment of a wild ferret popula- Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Janos, and San Pedro in northern Chihuahua have been essential to the tion in Mexico, and in the other best Universitaria, Ap. Postal 70-275, México successful implementation of this recovery remaining habitats of North America, is D. F, 04510, México. effort in Mexico.

As with many endangered species, progress and eventual success of the black-footed ferret recovery program hinges on the considerable talent, energy, and committed resources represented in the many involved agencies, Tribes, conservation organizations, zoos, and other private interests. Only through such combined partnerships is there hope of restoring such an elegant and integral species to the North American grasslands and desert plateaus in which it belongs.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 13 California Condors by Denise Stockton Return to Mexico

After a lengthy absence, California Ecología and the Comisión Nacional de condors (Gymnogyps californianus) have Áreas Naturales Protegidas, and the returned to Baja California. The largest nongovernmental organization, Centro bird in North America is now soaring the de Investigación Científica y de skies over Mexico for the first time in Educación Superior de Ensenada more than 60 years. The site chosen for (CICESE). The Baja site is being man- this historic event is situated approxi- aged by these cooperating Mexican mately 125 miles (210 kilometers) south organizations and assisted by the San of the California border in a remote area Diego Zoological Society. of the Sierra San Pedro de Martir Na- “Day after day we hear about species tional Park at an altitude of about 8,200 that are endangered or become extinct. A condor given the name Xewe dines feet (2,500 meters). Very few times do we receive news of a on some road kill in its flight cage in Mexico prior to its release. The first three birds were released on recuperation and conservation effort,” Photo by John Stockton October 9, 2002, with approximately 70 said Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra, President of dignitaries, including biologists, zoolo- the Instituto Nacional de Ecología. “This gists, and other interested parties from is why this day gives us reason to both sides of the border, watching rejoice; 60 years have passed without excitedly. However, the birds decided it condors in Mexico, and today we will was not a good day to fly. They remained see these birds open their wings where in the flight pen oblivious to the open their ancestors once did.” door and freedom. With only a handful of “Working hand in hand, across biologists present, the next day turned international boundaries with our out to be a better one in which to take Mexican partners, our effort to reintro- wing. This release is the first step in a duce California condors into Mexico long-term effort to reestablish condors in represents a truly binational, holistic Mexico. It is also a step closer to the goal approach to restoring an endangered of the California Condor Recovery species throughout its historical range. Program, which is to establish additional The strong commitment of the condor self-sustaining populations in historic management community in the U.S. and condor range through the release of Mexico will help to insure the success of captive-reared birds. this long-term project,” states Marc The California Condor Recovery Weitzel, Project Leader for the Service’s Program is managed by the U.S. Fish and Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Wildlife Service in cooperation with the Refuge Complex and a member of U.S. Forest Service, the California SEMARNAT’s Technical Committee for the Department of Fish and Game, the Reintroduction of the California Condor. Zoological Society of San Diego, the Los California condors are scavengers that Angeles Zoo, the Peregrine Fund, and have soared over mountainous areas of the Ventana Wilderness Society. They are California since prehistoric times, but now joined by their Mexican partners, their numbers declined drastically in the which include the Mexican federal 20th century. This was due in part to government office of the Secretary of the habitat loss, shooting, lead poisoning, Environment and Natural Resources and toxic substances used to poison (SEMARNAT), the Instituto Nacional de predators. Condors were listed as an

14 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 endangered species in 1967. In 1982, the biologists face as they get this infant Mountain in early February 2003 and condor population reached its lowest program off the ground. A steady supply joined refuge biologists in observing, level of 22 birds, prompting Service of carcasses to feed the condors is still feeding, and tracking condors on refuge biologists to start collecting chicks and being worked out, so in the meanwhile and at off-refuge sites. From time to time eggs for a captive breeding program. In road kill and the occasional dead horse over the next few years, refuge biologists 1992, the Service, through the Hopper or steer donated from a neighboring will travel south to give technical Mountain Refuge, began releasing ranch will have to do. The steep terrain, support to the program in Baja. California condors back into the wild. while perfect habitat for the condors, is Hopper Mountain NWR has been Currently, the Service and its partners proving to be a problem for the biolo- managing California condors for more manage 74 condors living in the wild in gists on the ground trying to track the than 10 years, and has worked closely California, Arizona, and now Baja movements of the released birds. This with recovery program partners to California, Mexico. There are 126 birds in became evident when the newly re- develop and refine condor management captivity at the breeding facilities for a leased birds moved down low into areas methods. It is this wealth of firsthand total of 200 condors in existence. where the biologists couldn’t follow, and knowledge that the refuge biologists will Hopper Mountain has an agreement they became concerned when the be sharing with their Mexican counter- with the reintroduction project in Baja condors were not coming back up to the parts. Stockton was greatly impressed for the long-term loan of surplus field feeding site. It was decided to trap all of with the people he met during his stay equipment. Mike Stockton, one of the the birds even though one of them was in Mexico, “Everyone is 100 percent refuge’s condor biologists, drove the first adjusting well to the area. They plan to behind returning the California condor to of the much needed equipment (scopes, rerelease them for short periods of time this part of their historic range, from the tripods, backpacks, etc.) down to Baja until they become accustomed to the local ranchers to the dedicated profes- the last week of October. Stockton’s area. Two all-terrain vehicles that the sionals and everyone else I came in arrival coincided with the delivery of a Hopper Mountain Refuge sent should contact with. I look forward to working travel trailer that had been in use by assist considerably with this situation. with them again.” Hopper Mountain field biologists and Stockton spent the rest of the week was no longer needed. The Mexican with biologists sharing condor manage- Denise Stockton is an Information & biologists had been living out of tents for ment experiences and extending an Education Specialist at the Hopper months and were very pleased with their invitation to visit the Hopper Mountain Mountain NWR Complex (telephone 805/ new accommodations. NWR Complex. Juan Julian Vargas 644-5185 or email Stockton was able to experience Velazco and Maria Catalina Porras Pena, [email protected]). firsthand the challenges that the Mexican the Mexican biologists, came to Hopper

Service biologist John Stockton and Mexican biologist Juan Julian Vargas Velazco track released condors in Mexico. Photo by John Stockton

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 15 Nightly Wings, Nectar Sips by Rodrigo A. Medellín and Steve Walker

We reached the cave entrance at around 5:00 p.m. At that time, hardly anyone was around the impressive cliff, with striking overhanging vegetation, that contained one of the most species-rich caves in all of México. A young boy approached us and asked for one peso in exchange of him telling us about los murciélagos que viven en la gruta (the bats that live in the grotto). Lesser long-nosed bats are important pollinators for saguaros and agaves, One of us hurriedly dug for the coins and gave them such as this Agave palmeri. to the self-confident child. Photo © Merlin D. Tuttle, Bat Conservation International The boy started telling us about how Estados Unidos (PCMM), or Program for important bats are to maintaining the the Conservation of Bats of México and surrounding forest by pollinating the the United States. She also explained flowers of the ceiba trees, morning glory how, as recently as two years ago, trees, agaves, and many other species, children used to throw rocks at the bats and dispersing the seeds of some soft- and sell fossils (limestone imprints of fleshed fruits, including those of the vegetation) to tourists, and how this garambullo columnar cactus activity slowly but steadily was destroy- (Myrtillocactus geometrizans). The bright- ing the cliff the people in town are so eyed boy also emphasized the impor- proud of. Today, the children earn tance of some of the other bat species in money by telling tourists about bats and the cave, such as the insectivorous their important ecological roles and Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida economic benefits. brasiliensis) that roost there by the La Gruta, near the western México thousands. He mentioned not only that town of Ciudad Hidalgo, in the same bats feed on important insect agricultural region as the world-famous monarch pests, but also that they provide rich butterfly winter roosts, is one of the 15 organic fertilizer in the form of guano. lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris After the 10-minute lecture, the boy’s curasoae) roosts the PCMM has been mother joined us. She explained that she monitoring for up to seven years. The and her son, together with a few other lesser long-nosed bat is listed by the U.S. people from the nearby town, had been as endangered and by México as designated cave stewards after having threatened. Although the species can be participated in an environmental educa- found roosting in groups of up to tion program presented by a coalition of 200,000 in some of the summer mater- scientists and educators from the nity colonies in the Sonoran Desert (see National University of México and a U.S.- “A Bat Boom at Fort Huachuca” in based organization, Bat Conservation Bulletin Vol.XXV, No. 6), many colonies International. She was referring to the have been dramatically depleted. This is Programa para la Conservación de los primarily due to lack of knowledge Murciélagos Migratorios de México y about their role as pollinators and seed

16 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 Rodrigo Medellín (right) explains to 5th and 6th graders at Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacán, México, about the bats at La Gruda, the cave near their school. Photo by Brian Keeley, Bat Conservation International

dispersers on which so many plant Migration is not a clear-cut pattern in management plans in place, and all species depend, or about the destruction which all bats move as a flock from one caves we have been monitoring show of their habitat (which includes primarily location to the other. Rather, migration is signs of bat population stability, a good dry tropical forests and deserts). an evolutionarily adaptive response to initial step toward monitoring improve- The PCMM works on a combination selective pressures that are determined ments in the population status through- of research, environmental education, by when and where food is available. All out the species’ range. The first results and conservation actions (such as the habitats go through seasonal peaks of are encouraging, both in terms of the protection of roost sites) to determine food availability. In some habitats, like biology of the species and the response and counter the causes that have harmed the Sonoran Desert, food is virtually of local inhabitants that have adopted the bats. Eleven teams from universities, absent during the winter. But other the cause of bat conservation. We hope nongovernmental organizations, and habitats, such as dry tropical forests, the future will be one of plentiful, government agencies are working to contain food throughout the year in continuous, and widespread resources document the biology of this and other variable abundance, depending on the and undisturbed roosts for the welfare of migratory species, and to determine their year, the region, and certain aspects of our shared bat species, ecosystems, and conservation needs. Some of the ques- the habitat. That way, in the summer, ecological processes. tions that we are addressing are: How far when resources are scarce in the dry do the bats migrate each summer? What tropical forest, some bats are able to Rodrigo A. Medellín (medellin@ are the geographical/ecological factors remain behind while others carry out the miranda.ecologia.unam.mx) is a determining their reproductive patterns? long migration to the north, where such professor and researcher at the Institute Do all lesser long-nosed bats migrate? foods as the flowers and fruits of the of Ecology, National University of México, This last question has sparked an saguaro, cardon, and organ pipe giant and Director of the Program for the interesting debate. We know there are cacti are plentiful. Conservation of Mexican Bats. Steve two reproductive pulses in this species: This rather complex ecological cycle Walker was Executive Director of Bat one in the summer in the northern part is slowly being pieced together with Conservation International when the of the species’ distribution (the Sonoran other conservation components as part article was written and is now Director Desert), and one in the winter in the dry of the species’ recovery plan. Environ- of Resources, México Program, for The tropical forests of western and southern mental education is a key long-term Nature Conservancy ([email protected]). México. We also know that at least some component that yields results soon after bats remain behind in central and its initial application, but it needs to be southern México when most females are extended in time to reach successive giving birth in Sonora and Arizona. generations of people. Some caves have

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 17 California Red-legged Frog: by Douglas M. Krofta Jumping to Survival

Once made famous by Mark to predation during the preceding Twain in “The Celebrated Jumping Frog winter. The partnership team began of Calaveras County,” the California red- discussing options for recovering this legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) is population, which included evaluating considered the largest native frog in the translocation of frogs from other California. During the mid to late 1800s, extant populations. their large size and abundance led these Concurrently with these recovery frogs to become a regular on restaurant efforts, Dr. Brad Shaffer of the University menus. As overharvesting decreased the of California at Davis, in cooperation California red-legged frog population, non-native bullfrogs were with the Biological Resource Division of Russell Smith, Los Angeles Zoo imported to subsidize the human the U. S. Geological Survey, analyzed appetite for frog legs. Once naturalized, tissue samples of red-legged frogs the bullfrogs voraciously consumed any collected from many of the known living organism around, including red- populations throughout California and legged frog tadpoles, metamorphs, and Oregon to investigate the across- adults. In addition to predation by subspecies and inter-subspecific genetic bullfrogs and other non-native species, relationships. From Dr. Shaffer’s prelimi- red-legged frog populations continued to nary results, we learned that the popula- decline in over 70 percent of their tion on the Reserve was significantly historic range from habitat loss and different genetically from any other alteration due to urban and agricultural population sampled in California. development. Consequently, the Califor- Our sights turned to two recently nia red-legged frog was listed as feder- confirmed populations of red-legged ally threatened on May 23, 1996. frogs in north-central Baja California, In 1997, a partnership developed to Mexico, near the town of Colonet, save the remaining population of approximately 250 kilometers (156 miles) southern California red-legged frogs, all south of the border and approximately located on The Nature Conservancy’s 410 kilometer (256 miles) from our Russell Smith (left) handles a Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve population at the Reserve. Based on California red-legged frog collected (Reserve) in southern California. The ecological information collected at these from Rio Santo Domingo in Baja primary members included Carole Bell, sites, we believed that these populations California, Mexico, while Eric reserve manager for The Nature Conser- warranted further investigation, including Mellink (right) assists. vancy; Russell Smith, Curator of Reptiles tissue collection for a genetic analysis. In Douglas Krofta, USFWS for the Los Angeles Zoo; and the U. S. the spring of 2000, we began developing Fish and Wildlife Service. Our team is a plan to obtain approval from the working with many other scientists and Mexican government for a two-part nonscientists to facilitate the non-native study. The first phase would be to species eradication program and red- survey, obtain population estimates, legged frog recovery effort. collect tissue samples from the two Following the El Niño event in the documented populations, and survey for winter of 1998, the frog population, additional populations. The tissue would which once numbered in the hundreds, then be analyzed, and if it genetically had dwindled to three individuals–all matched the population at the Reserve, males. The last female was believed lost we would start the second phase. This

18 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 Russell Smith (left), Erik Mellink (center), and a graduate student (right) prepare to survey for frogs in Rio San Telmo in Baja California, Mexico. Douglas Krofta, USFWS

phase would include collecting live frogs localities along Rio San Telmo, south of ascertain population estimates; 2) to bring back to the Los Angeles Zoo Colonet, and documented a sizable new collecting and exporting live specimens and Reserve, raise them in captivity for population in Rio Santo Domingo, near to raise at the Los Angeles Zoo and the several months to quarantine them, grow the town of Colonia Vincente Guerrero. Reserve; 3) releasing the collected them to maximize survivability size, and We collected a total of eight tissue specimens into the wild once they have then release them into the wild popula- samples from the three populations. been sufficiently quarantined and grown; tion on the Reserve. Dr. Mellink was instrumental in this and 4) repeating the effort annually until As part of the process to gain ap- survey and collection effort by: 1) the resident U.S. population is self- proval from the Mexican government, we gathering historical and current informa- sustaining. presented our proposal to the Canada/ tion concerning frog localities for This survey and recovery effort in Mexico/United States Trilateral Commit- northern Baja California to focus our southern California and Baja California tee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conserva- survey; 2) accompanying us on our for this beleaguered frog would not be tion and Management in 2000, and then survey and allowing us to work under possible without the collaborative efforts updated in 2001 and 2002. The Trilateral his general scientific Mexican collection of the partner institutions in both Committee endorsed our proposal and permit; 3) housing the tissue at his countries. With this continued coopera- we were granted preliminary approval to laboratory at CICESE; and 4) obtaining tion, we have a chance to recover at begin the permitting process. To facilitate the necessary permits to export the least the population and genetic line of our proposed project, we forged a tissue from Mexico. the California red-legged frog on the partnership with Dr. Eric Mellink of the The tissue samples were imported Sant Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, Center for Scientific Research and Higher into California in April of 2002 and sent and work toward recovering the subspe- Education (CICESE) in Ensenada, Baja to Dr. Shaffer’s laboratory for genetic cies as a whole in southern California. California, who expressed an interest in analysis. In December, the tissue was our project and wanted to join our team. analyzed with the results suggesting that Douglas M. Krofta is a biologist in the Dr. Mellink had previously worked on the three populations in Mexico were Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered many cross-border projects, including genetically similar to the population at Species Program in Arlingtion, Virginia several with the Fish and Wildlife the Reserve. ([email protected]). He was Service, and was able to bring valuable We are now focusing on the second formerly the Branch Chief for Listing in assistance and knowledge to the team. phase of the project for the Fall of 2003. the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office in In August of 2001, Russ Smith and I This phase, if endorsed by the Trilateral Carlsbad, California. met with Dr. Mellink in Ensenada to start Committee and Mexican government, the first phase. We confirmed and will include: 1) conducting more detailed surveyed the two previously documented surveys of the populations in Mexico to

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 19 Binational Conservation by Tracy A. Scheffler Grows from the Ground Up

As the survey team moves slowly U.S. and Mexico. This species, however, through the brush, it appears to be is still considered rare and vulnerable stalking an imaginary lizard. Instead, its to extinction. members are looking for the star cactus In the wild, the star cactus is threat- (Astrophytum asterias), an endangered ened by both too much and too little plant found in the low elevation semi- attention. Cactus smuggling is the most arid thorn shrub of the lower Rio direct threat. According to Benito Grande valley in the United States and Trevino, a native plant expert in Starr Mexico. Surveys for the star cactus are County, star cactus specimens from the difficult; it is well camouflaged in its wild are worth $500 to unscrupulous rocky surroundings by its small size, collectors in international markets, even

The star cactus produces a yellow dull green color, and low growth form. though legal and inexpensive specimens flower, green to grayish-red fruits, Botanists from the U.S. and Mexico are readily available from nurseries that and glossy dark brown seeds. survey for the star cactus to gather grow the species from seed. Accidental Photo by Charlie McDonald/USDA Forest information about the species’ abun- collection by licensed peyote Service dance, range and distribution, biology, (Lophophora williamsi) harvesters also ecology, and threats. They will use this poses some danger to the star cactus due information to determine appropriate to the two species being somewhat management strategies for the species. similar in appearance. Another major In doing so, these botanists are foster- concern is habitat modification. Root ing the beginning of a collaborative plowing, road construction, and oil and binational effort to recover the star gas seismic exploration and pipeline cactus. construction can kill the cactus directly M.C. (Master en Ciencias) Jose Guadalupe Martinez Avalos, The star cactus is one in a diverse or fragment its populations. Trampling of Universidad Autónoma de assemblage of species that spans the star cactus by cattle may increase the Tamaulipas, surveying for star cactus border between the U.S. and Mexico risk of potentially lethal fungal infec- in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Through his within the Tamaulipan biotic province. tions, and competition with invasive leadership, botanists in Mexico and This cactus typically grows in gravelly exotic grasses planted for cattle forage the United States are conducting clay or loam soils, partially shaded by may occur. In addition, the suppression binational surveys. other plants or rocks. Although histori- of natural fire cycles has altered star Photo by Chris Best/USFWS cal records are scarce and somewhat cactus habitat by allowing encroachment controversial, most botanists agree that by brushy vegetation. the species once occurred in Hidalgo, Information sharing between the U.S. Starr, Zapata, and possibly Cameron and Mexico is critical to an overall counties in South Texas, and in the conservation strategy for borderland States of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas species like the star cactus. During the in northern Mexico. In 1993, when the past decade, informal binational surveys species was listed as endangered, one by botanists in federal and state agen- population was known in Starr County, cies, non-governmental organizations, Texas, and one in Tamaulipas, Mexico. and academic institutions have been The federal listing, followed by the conducted. Building on these efforts, State of Texas listing in 1997, led to rare plant experts from the Texas Parks additional surveys that located several and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and previously unknown populations in the Wildlife Service, Nature Conservancy,

20 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 The star cactus is a greenish-brown, slightly dome-shaped, smooth, spineless plant that grows up to about 15 centimeters in diameter and up to 7 cm in height. Photo by Chris Best/USFWS

Valley Land Fund, Native Plant Project, For the star cactus, a multi-faceted Recovery of an endangered species is Valley Nature Center, Texas Department approach to recovery is taking shape. a complex process, and the star cactus of Transportation, Texas A&M University, While surveys and plans for a recovery will not be an exception. Even if it were, University of Texas, South Texas team are advancing, progress will also there is still the simple biological reality Community College, English Nature, be made developing seed banks and that most members of the cactus family Pronatura Noreste, Biotica A.C., populations of star cactus in botanic are known for their slow growth rates. Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas, gardens to provide security against This means that no matter what we do, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, extinction in the wild. These populations star cactus recovery cannot happen and Universidad Autónoma Agraria may also be used for genetic, population overnight. Fortunately for this elusive Antonio Narro attended a Lower Rio biology, and community ecology re- little desert gem, there are partners on Grande plant conference in Brownsville, search, as well as for experimentation on both sides of the border who are Texas, in 2002, to advance cross-border transplantation and reintroduction interested in star cactus conservation. conservation efforts. methodologies. In both countries, For this species, binational collaboration Meanwhile, Loretta Pressly of the promoting conservation on private land is not just a fancy idea, it is a seed that Service has spent the past year and a will be an important component of has already been planted. half tackling a recovery plan for star recovery. Misconceptions about the cactus. When information on an endan- implications of the Endangered Species Tracy A. Scheffler is an Endangered gered or threatened species is scarce, a Act on private lands are slowly being Species Recovery Biologist in the Service’s recovery plan is crucial to synthesize reversed in southern Texas as state, Albuquerque Regional Office (email information gaps about the species’ federal, and non-governmental agency [email protected]; phone 505/248- biology, ecology, and threats; identify personnel work with landowners who 6665). Information for this article was partners and stakeholders; mobilize value rare plants. Upgraded educational provided by the Draft Star Catus Recovery funds and staff; guide consultations on programs for interested landowners will Plan and by Chris Best (Fish and Wildlife federal projects within the species’ include information on federal and state Service); Loretta Pressly (Fish and range; inform the general public; and laws, species identification, and volun- Wildlife Service); Dana Price (Texas provide an initial recovery strategy. The tary programs available to assist land- Parks and Wildlife Department, and plan will also provide a springboard for owners in conserving listed species on Benito Trevino, a Starr County native making the U.S./Mexico collaboration their land. Increased local law enforce- plant expert. formal through the formation of what ment to protect star cactus from illegal the Service plans to be a binational harvesting is also necessary. In Mexico, borderland plant recovery team that will community projects that offer economic focus on a variety of listed, candidate, incentives to local residents may advance and rare species. conservation on private land.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 21 Aquatic Life in the by Glen Knowles Sonoran Desert

Nestled in one of the driest parts the Rio Sonoyta; many springs occurred of the Sonoran desert, a pair of unique at what is now the town of Sonoyta. and fragile aquatic ecosystems straddles Today, permanent surface water occurs the border between the United States only in a few short reaches of no longer and Mexico: Quitobaquito Springs and than a mile (1.6 km) over about 20 miles the Rio Sonoyta. These permanent water (32.2 km) of stream course. sources have been a focal point of The Quitobaquito spring snail is a human migration and occupation for tiny, 0.06 inch long (1.5 mm) aquatic Sonoyta mud turtle. thousands of years and still are today. snail that belongs to the Hydrobiidae Photo by Jim Rorabaugh/USFWS Biologists in the U.S. and Mexico are family. The Hydrobiidae is composed of working together to protect a unique numerous endemic populations in aquatic fauna that depends on these springs and seeps throughout the ecosystems. southwestern U.S. The Quitobaquito The Quitobaquito spring snail spring snail is found only in (Tryonia quitobaquitae), the Quitobaquito and two nearby springs. Quitobaquito pupfish (Cyprinodon Little is known about the snail, although eremus), and the Sonoyta mud turtle it appears to require hard substrates and (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) moderately flowing water. Quitobaquito are endemic to the aquatic ecosystems of Springs offers both these requirements in the Rio Sonoyta basin, where they persist the manmade channel that flows from as small remnant populations. These the spring source to the pond. ecosystems include the springs and pond The endangered Quitobaquito pupfish at Quitobaquito, stream habitat in the Rio is a small fish, typically about 1.2 inches Sonoyta, and another spring complex (3 cm) long, that can live up to 3 years. south of the Rio Sonoyta at Quitovac. Silvery in color, with darker vertical bars Quitobaquito Springs flows from on their sides, males turn an iridescent fractured granite and gneiss rock of the light- to sky-blue during the spring Quitobaquito Hills in Organ Pipe Cactus breeding season. Pupfish are well suited National Monument, just on the Arizona to desert environments, where high Biologists from the U.S. and Mexico side of the U.S./Mexico border. The two evaporation rates can create water with collecting data on Sonoyta mud largest springs are capped and con- high salinity levels and high tempera- turtles in the Rio Sonoyta. ducted into a manmade stream channel, tures. They can tolerate salinity levels Photo by Ami Pate/NPS which flows about 800 feet (244 meters) ranging from normal tap water to water south to a small pond about a half acre twice as salty as seawater and water (0.2 hectares) in size. About a mile (1.6 temperatures as high as 113 degrees kilometers) south across the border from Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). They Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, occur only in the pond and channel at in the Mexican state of Sonora, lies the Quitobaquito Springs, and in a short Rio Sonoyta. The Rio Sonoyta drainage perennial reach of the Rio Sonoyta about originates on Tohono O’odham tribal a mile (1.6 km) long, just across the lands in Arizona and Sonora and ends at border from the pond at Quitobaquito, the Sea of Cortez near the town of on the Pinacate and Gran Desierto Rocky Point, Sonora. In the 1800s, water Biosphere Reserve. Organ Pipe Cactus was probably much more extensive in National Monument monitors the

22 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 population in Quitobaquito, estimated to be stable at about 3,500 fish. No popula- tion data exists for pupfish in the Rio Sonoyta, though they appear to be abundant where they occur. Highly aquatic, Sonoyta mud turtles spend a good deal of time creeping slowly and methodically along the bottom of pools looking for food. They eat algae, aquatic insects, fish, and frogs. Sonoyta mud turtles may live as long as 40 years and take 5 to 6 years to mature. Small but reproducing populations occur in the pond at Quitobaquito, two reaches of the Rio Sonoyta (one near the town of Sonoyta and another near the village of El Papalote just across the border from Quitobaquito) and in a spring complex to the south of the Rio Sonoyta at Quitovac. Like so many aquatic habitats in the southwest, the Rio Sonoyta and Quitobaquito are threatened ecosystems. Service, the National Park Service (Organ The major threat to these systems is Pipe Cactus National Monument), the groundwater withdrawal. The Rio Pinacate and Gran Desierto Biosphere Sonoyta valley has extensive amounts of Reserve, the Institute of Environment irrigated agriculture that utilizes water and Sustainable Development in Sonora, from underground wells. Likewise, most and the University of Arizona. Together, of the water supply for the town of the group is developing a conservation Sonoyta, as well as the nearby border strategy and agreement for Quitobaquito town of Lukeville, comes from the and the Rio Sonoyta. Because the snail, groundwater aquifer. Continued ground- pupfish, and turtle are all dependent on water pumping could completely dry the the same habitat, the group is develop- Top: The pond at Quitobaquito river. The introduction of exotic species, ing a habitat-based strategy that ad- Springs. agricultural pesticide use, and destruc- dresses the conservation of all three Photo by John Crossley www.americansouthwest.net tion from ever-increasing human activi- species. The agreement will focus on ties related to illegal border traffic are addressing the threats to the ecosystem, Bottom: Male Quitobaquito pupfish also threats. Hydrologic investigations of continuing research, and expanding in breeding colors. Quitobaquito Springs indicate that educational outreach. Through this Photo by Martin Ravn Tversted groundwater pumping miles away in the collaborative effort, the team hopes to Rio Sonoyta valley could lower water preserve these unique aquatic habitats tables and ultimately drain the pond. for generations to come. In 2002, the Arizona Game and Fish Department began working to develop a Glen Knowles is a Fish and Wildlife conservation agreement for the Sonoyta Biologist in the Arizona Ecological mud turtle, which is a candidate for Services Office in Phoenix. He can be listing under the Endangered Species contacted at 602/242-0210, or Act. The Department formed the [email protected]. Quitobaquito and Rio Sonoyta Working Group to help develop the agreement. The working group consists of represen- tatives from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 23 Jaguar Conservation in by Sarah E. Rinkevich and Keith Bashum the Borderlands

It may surprise many people that the jaguar (Panthera onca), the largest cat found in the Western Hemisphere, is native to the United States as well as Central and South America. It was believed to be extirpated from this country until 1996, when rancher Warner Glenn photographed an adult jaguar in the extreme southwestern part of New Mexico. After the

Rancher Warner Glenn photographed sighting, local ranchers, other stakeholders, and state this jaguar near the New Mexico/ Arizona border, proving the presence and federal resource managers formed an innovative of the species within its original group called the Jaguar Conservation Team. The team range in the United States. Photo © Warner Glenn meets twice a year to discuss recent sightings, manage- ment issues, education, and jaguar research. Studies of the current distribution of provide crucial information for efforts to jaguars in the Mexican State of Sonora conserve jaguars and their habitats in the have identified three populations. The United States. northernmost population is located Jaguars occupy a diverse habitat approximately 135 miles (218 kilometers) ranging from tropical rain forests to arid south of the international border. deserts. Specifically, this feline inhabits Because these animals are capable of brush, forested areas, jungles, swamps, moving considerable distances, it is very and arid mountainous scrub. Its historical likely that jaguars will continue to range extends from southwestern North wander north into New Mexico and/or American (Arizona, New Mexico, and Arizona as long as the northern Sonora Texas) through central Mexico to Central population remains viable. Livestock and South America, as far south as ranching is the main source of income in northern Argentina. The Jaguar Conser- Sonora, and its ranching community has vation Team is developing a document the perception that jaguars are the main that identifies important habitat areas cause of cattle mortality. At the same and characteristics within the U.S. time, jaguars are considered a priority A more recent sighting confirmed that species for conservation by the Mexican jaguars can still be found in the south- government. Researchers are extremely west. On January 25, 2002, the Fish and interested in reducing jaguar mortalities Wildlife Service was informed that while developing a strategy for sustain- another jaguar had been detected and able ranching. Thus, an ecological study photographed in southern Arizona using the capture and radio-collaring of approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of jaguars to monitor their movements and the U.S./Mexico border. Jack Childs, a interactions with cattle has been initi- lion tracker who holds a federal Endan- ated. This type of research should gered Species Permit for collecting

24 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 photographs and hair samples, said the recently in January 2003 in Wilcox, picture was taken on December 9, 2001. Arizona. The team was treated to a When the story broke in the local presentation by a local elementary class newspapers, ranchers in southern on their knowledge of jaguar biology and Arizona expressed concern that the conservation efforts. These fourth graders federal government would begin to had just finished a four-week module on restrict land use practices. Hearing of the jaguar developed by the education these concerns, the Jaguar Conservation subgroup of the Jaguar Conservation Team formed an outreach subcommittee. Team. The Service considers the Jaguar The subcommittee conducted 10 out- Conservation Team’s emphasis on reach meetings in various communities education activities to be extremely throughout Arizona and New Mexico in valuable to the conservation of this November of 2002. Its aim was to locate species in the American Southwest. landowners who might fear changes due to the presence of the jaguar, answer Sarah Rinkevich is an Endangered their questions, and solicit their advice Species Biologist in the Service’s Albu- and assistance in creating strategies for querque Regional Office (email Adult male jaguars weigh an average conserving the jaguar. The meetings sarah_rinkevich or call 505/248-6663). of 200 pounds, but they may exceed featured a video presentation by Jack Keith Bashum, a participant in the 300 pounds. Females weigh an average of 150 pounds. The name Childs, followed by a panel discussion Student Career Experience Program “jaguar” is derived from an American among various members of the Jaguar (SCEP), is in the U.S. Army Reserves, and Indian word meaning “the killer that Conservation Team and other stakehold- since co-writing this article he has been takes its prey in a single bound.” ers. Each meeting featured ample time deployed to the Middle East. Corel Corp. photo for open discussions aimed at encourag- ing participation by local residents. When the jaguar was originally listed as an endangered species, it was believed to be extirpated from the U.S. and therefore was not given protection in this country under the Endangered Species Act. A year after the 1996 sighting, the Service extended the endangered status to the jaguar through- out its range, including the American Southwest. Rangewide, the reasons for the decline of this species were deliber- ate persecution, excessive and illegal hunting, over-exploitation for the fur industry, and predator control programs. Further, timber and brush clearing have degraded and destroyed jaguar habitat. Continued clearing of habitat, destruc- tion of riparian areas, and fragmentation or blocking of corridors could prevent jaguars from recolonizing previously inhabited areas. In Arizona, the jaguar’s gradual decline was concurrent with predator control associated with the settlement of land and the development of cattle industry. The Jaguar Conservation Team continues to meet twice a year, most

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 25 Corridors for Migration by Mac Donaldson

The beautiful Cienega Valley in Probably the most publicized large southern Arizona is a perfect example of mammal that uses these migratory paths is a viable international wild1ife corridor. the jaguar (Panthera onca), which models Located within 20 miles (32 kilometers) well the necessity for wildlife corridors. of the U.S./Mexico border, it boasts a 9- This large cat has been photographed in mile (15-km) long perennial stream and recent years in Arizona near the Mexico is home to a rich variety of plants and and New Mexico borders. Although the animals, including five endangered jaguar’s closest established population is species, three threatened species, and in northern Mexico, a large amount of innumerable migratory birds. The heart suitable habitat exists in the southwestern of this corridor is the newly created Las U.S. The ability of these cats to travel Cienegas National Conservation Area. distances through habitat corridors could This intermountain grassland has enable them to repopulate parts of important ties to habitats in northern Arizona and New Mexico, restoring a part Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico of our wildlife heritage that has been through a similarity of soils, elevation, missing from this region for over 50 years. and annual rainfall. Unfortunately, such migratory path- In the 1980s, under the visionary ways can be blocked by large structures leadership of the then Bureau of Land such as railroad lines, interstate highway Management director for Arizona, Dean systems, and sprawling housing develop- Bibles, a series of land exchanges took ments. At present, the Cienega drainage place to protect the landscape between from the Canelo Hills to the Pantano the Coronado National Forest along the drainage at the base of the Rincon Mexico border and the Catalina/Rincon Mountains has few of these potential mountain forest complex from commer- impediments. Housing development cial development. The result was a around the towns of Sonoita and Elgin migratory corridor of mountains and here in southern Arizona is still kept valleys with hydrological reserves in dispersed enough by the existence of place to facilitate the movement of a viable cattle ranching operations. The great variety of species. Today, this Union Pacific Railroad and Interstate 10 The Las Cienegas National public land is used for wildlife conserva- run parallel to one another with high Conservation Area conserves grassland and riparian habitats used tion and compatible ranching and bridges over two distinct canyons that by a variety of wildlife. recreational activities. facilitate the movement of wildlife. Photos courtesy of Bureau of Human migration is one of many The borderlands in the southwestern Land Management factors at work in the Cienega Valley. United States have unique habitats, International smuggling of contraband wildlife, and opportunities. Those and undocumented workers does have opportunities can be enhanced or impacts upon the landscape. In this part degraded as mankind so chooses. Let’s of Arizona, few of these impacts are hope the larger vision will prevail. expected to be detrimental to wildlife and their habitat over the long term. Mac Donaldson and his family Human migration has occurred in this operate the Empire and Cienega Ranches region for a long time, just as wildlife in southern Arizona under a permit from crosses the same international borders. the Bureau of Land Management.

26 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 Pronghorn Races Against Extinction by Ben Ikenson

At the U.S./Mexico border in southwestern Arizona, the old “Peligroso/Danger” signs dangling from the barbed wire facing Mexico do little to stop a furtive flood of foot traffic through the unforgiving Sonoran Desert. In fact, this was the grim scene where 14 undocumented immigrants tragically perished in A pronghorn fawn rests among May 2001. broken joints of cholla cactus. Although humans are ill equipped for biologist John Morgart tracks and Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department the harsh conditions of the desert, monitors the herd. Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra Creatures that occupy the Sonoran americana sonoriensis) may be even less Desert have evolved over time to survive equipped for the widespread conse- under notoriously austere conditions. To quences of human activity in a region travel long distances following rainfall where moisture is already a rare com- across a landscape teeming with hungry modity. In conjunction with habitat predators, the pronghorn adapted two fragmentation and degradation, extended distinctive survival techniques: great periods of low rainfall are presenting speed and a pair of large eyes positioned serious problems for the Sonoran for a wide-ranging view of potential pronghorn, which was listed as endan- predators. However, these evolutionary gered in 1967. attributes may not be enough; the A goat-like animal often mistaken dwindling pronghorn who gaze with for a relative of the African antelope, such vision upon the landscape are blind the Sonoran pronghorn is one of to an onslaught of threats that may be five subspecies within the unique impossible to outrun. Antilocapridae family. As much an icon All three populations of Sonoran of the Sonoran Desert as the buffalo was pronghorn have been forced to contend of the prairie grasslands, thousands of with roads, fencing, and railroad tracks. pronghorn likely once graced the Border fencing and Mexico’s Highway 2, landscape in small bands, roaming vast which parallels the border, have divided expanses of the Sonoran Desert. the U.S. population from Mexico’s Because of overhunting in the early northernmost population on the El 20th century, along with livestock Pinacate Biosphere Reserve. Farther overgrazing, new diseases introduced south, the largest population of around through cattle, and ever-increasing 300 individuals–more than 60 percent of habitat fragmentation, the subspecies the pronghorn’s entire number–is isolated now numbers fewer than 500. There are by the Gulf of California on one side and three isolated populations: two in Mexico’s Highway 8 on the other. Mexico and one confined to federal Border-dwelling pronghorn are lands in the United States, including challenged by the ongoing legacy of Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in human and drug trafficking. Not only are Arizona, where Fish and Wildlife Service the animals disturbed, but also a net-

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 27 work of makeshift roads now litter both very slow, and heavily used roads will sides of the border. John Hervert, a effectively divert moisture away from wildlife program manager for the lower level vegetation.” In short, prong- Arizona Game and Fish Department, has horn forage dies where roads cut across observed some of the long-lasting the land. deterioration caused by these illegal Additionally, livestock overgrazing has roads. “On more heavily used roads, the taken a toll on native vegetation, hydrology is being altered to the detri- particularly in Mexico’s El Pinacate ment of plants,” he says. “At first glance, Reserve, where hungry livestock deplete you can see how a road crushes plants the greenery and make the inland soils or cuts through the natural flow of especially vulnerable to erosion. Much of vegetation. But even worse is what you the native vegetation that pronghorn cannot see right away. The movement of graze is fading away at an accelerating Corel Corp. photo water in slightly sloping desert valleys is pace. “We suspect that livestock grazing can significantly alter the equilibrium of the plant community, evidence of which exists on both sides of the border,” says Hervert.” The dominance of creosote in certain areas is a good example of how the relative balance in the native plant ecology has been upset.” Even hearty desert critters need a minimum of water for survival. Although adult pronghorn can absorb moisture from a variety of plants, growth of their preferred nutrient- and moisture-rich forage coincides with the rainfall the animals would instinctively follow if not for the barrage of obstacles now scat- tered throughout their range. The region’s prolonged drought has significantly diminished the animal’s success at nurturing young. The better forage a mother can access, the more nutrients she can divert to her fetus. After birth, the mother is better equipped to provide nutritious milk during the critical nursing stage. If malnourished, a fawn is likely to die. Unfortunately, the Sonoran pronghorn is now running neck-and-neck with extinction. Along with range fragmenta- tion and habitat degradation, continued drought conditions have seriously exacerbated problems for the pronghorn. The most recent aerial survey, conducted in December 2002, puts pronghorn numbers in the U.S. at only about 21 individuals, down from an estimated 138 a year earlier. While over 8 years of monitoring have shown that dry conditions often result in low fawn recruitment, 2002 was the first

28 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 year adult animals have died in large numbers due to drought. From the first of June to mid-August 2002, 80 percent of the radio-collared pronghorn died from drought related causes. To prevent the pronghorn’s extinc- tion and eventually restore it to a secure status, Morgart heads a recovery team that includes scientists from both sides of the border. In the U.S., the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Bureau of Land Management, Air Force, Marine Corps, and University of Arizona are working for the pronghorn. Recovery team members from Mexico include the El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and the Instituto del Medio Ambiente y el Desarrollo Sustentable de Estatio de Final Revised Sonoran Pronghorn In the past, before Sonoran pronghorn Sonora. The team’s ultimate goals are Recovery Plan. The recovery plan is numbers became so low, the to increase Sonoran pronghorn num- posted at http://endangered.fws.gov, subspecies could survive periods with little rain, but now it needs bers and to improve and expand their and a draft copy of the 2002 Supplement supplementary water to survive current range. and Amendment is found at http:// extended droughts. “It’s all been a cooperative effort,” arizonaes.fws.gov. USFWS photo Morgart says. “We’re collaring animals to There is now an emergency recovery track them. We’re working with our strategy in place: 1) new wells and counterparts in Mexico. We’re sharing existing wells will be used to provide our research and discussing ideas.” water for an above-ground sprinkler Experimental techniques are also part system to create small areas of forage of the process. For example, John enhancement; 2) part of the population Hervert and his colleagues from the will be placed in a semi-captive breeding Arizona Game and Fish Department have enclosure where they will be protected been hauling water tubs to remote areas from predators and provided water and on the wildlife refuge, where they have forage (every attempt will be made to tracked pronghorn activity. Carrying prevent habituation to humans); and 3) large containers of water across the water will be deposited in temporary desert in 105-degree temperatures is structures in key areas during future proof of their dedication. droughts. The adjacent Barry M. Goldwater “It may be a long, hard road to Range, a military training ground used recovery ahead,” says Morgart, “but the by the Air Force, plans to fund a forage shorter road leads only to extinction.” enhancement project on its land. It is negotiating with the Bureau of Recla- Ben Ikenson is a Public Affairs mation to drill two test wells as a Specialist in the Service’s Washington, source of water for the forage enhance- D.C., Office (telephone 202/208-5634; ment project. By supplying moisture email [email protected]). during below-average rainfall, biolo- gists hope to increase the quantity and quality of forage. The recovery team has proposed several additional actions in a recent Supplement and Amendment to the 1998

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 29 The Masked Bobwhite at by Brian Czech Buenos Aires NWR

The masked bobwhite (Colinus not appear to be occupied by the virginianus ridgwayi) is a subspecies of bobwhite. The carrying capacity for northern bobwhite found primarily in quail at Buenos Aires is probably in the grassy, level areas in the Mexican state of thousands in a typical year. However, Sonora and in the Altar and Santa Cruz the Sonoran region is characterized by Valleys of southern Arizona. It may never great variability in annual precipitation, have had a wide distribution in Arizona, which is one of the most important being limited to desert grasslands in the factors affecting quail populations southern part of the state, but it was (Guthery 1988). Carrying capacity is probably present in other valleys and at also affected by fire. In some years, higher densities prior to the conversion therefore, carrying capacity at Buenos of grasslands to desert scrub caused by Aires might be higher or lower by an overgrazing of cattle (Hollon 1966). The order of magnitude. species has been imperiled throughout Kuvelsky estimates the refuge’s its range for most of the past century. current population at 500. Historically, Endangered Species Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge reproduction at Buenos Aires has been on the National in southern Arizona was established practically negligible, with most of the Wildlife Refuge System primarily for the purpose of masked population consisting of survivors from bobwhite conservation, and it encom- the ongoing raise-and-release program. The National Wildlife Refuge passes nearly the entire remaining U.S. However, there are recent indications of System Improvement Act of 1997 states that the Refuge range of this bird. Conservation efforts reproductive success. If this trend System will provide for the on the refuge have included the release continues, with the habitat provided on conservation of “biological of pen-reared chicks and subadults, the Buenos Aires NWR, the masked integrity, diversity, and livestock removal, and habitat improve- bobwhite will have a relatively secure environmental health.” This ment with encouraging results. future in the United States. law complements the Population estimates are hard to come Endangered Species Act (ESA), which called for the by for the masked bobwhite, partly Literature Cited conservation of species and because of the diminutive size and Guthery, F. S. 1988. Line transect sampling of the ecosystems upon which cryptic habits of the bird, but also bobwhite density on rangeland: evaluation they depend. Pursuant to the because quail biologists in the Southwest and recommendations. Wildlife Society Bulle- tin 16(2):193-203. ESA, 57 national wildlife do not typically discuss populations in Hollon, W. E. 1966. The great American desert: refuges have been created terms of individuals. Instead, they expressly for the purpose of then and now. Oxford University Press, New discuss population status as numbers of conserving federally listed York, New York. 284pp. threatened and endangered coveys, according to Ron Engel-Wilson, species. Many more of the 536 Gamebird Specialist with Arizona Game Brian Czech is a Conservation refuges also play a significant and Fish Department. The recovery goal, Biologist in the National Wildlife Refuge role in species conservation, however, is to establish and maintain a System’s Division of Natural Resources and approximately 181 listed viable self-sustaining population of at in Arlington, Virginia (703-358-2485; animals in the United States least 500 birds on the refuge. [email protected]). reside in whole or in part on Bill Kuvelsky, Wildlife Biologist at refuge lands. In this edition of the Bulletin, we launch a Buenos Aires NWR, says refuge biolo- series of features on selected gists classify about 127,000 acres (59,690 endangered and threatened hectares) as bobwhite habitat, including animals found on refuges. about 55,000 acres (22,260 ha) that do

30 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 REGIONAL NEWS & RECOVERY UPDATES

Holy Ghost Ipomopsis (Ipomopsis sancti- haul roads, ferrying barges, and construction ac- spiritus) The final recovery plan for the Holy Ghost tivities for this $2.4 billion project will adversely ipomopsis, an endangered plant known from only affect a nesting pair of bald eagles within the one site in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of north- project action area. The FHWA initiated consulta- central New Mexico, became available to the public tion with the Service in September 1999 and a on February 4, 2003. This plant is a short-lived her- biological opinion (BO) was rendered in April 2000. baceous perennial plant in the family Polemoniaceae. The FHWA’s implementation of the “reasonable It grows to about 2 feet (0.6 meter) in height and has and prudent measures” provided in the BO, in beautiful, showy pink flowers. A single population of concert with terms and conditions required by the an estimated 2,500 plants survives on about 200 Service after consultation with the Army Corps of acres (80 hectares) along a U.S. Forest Service road. Engineers on an interrelated project (National Har- Regional and field office endangered species Impacts from road maintenance, recreation, and bor), allowed for the successful nesting and rear- staffers have provided the following news: catastrophic forest fire are immediate concerns for ing of 10 young by this eagle pair over four con- the small population. Much of the ipomopsis’s remain- secutive years. The FHWA also implemented a bald Region 2 ing suitable habitat is threatened by the direct and eagle conservation program designed to conserve indirect effects of residential development and main- nesting and foraging habitat for these eagles by Sonoran Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tenance projects in the Santa Fe National Forest. conveying 84 acres (34 ha) of shoreline and shal- tigrinum stebbinsi) A recovery plan for this en- low-open water habitat from the Correctional Cor- dangered salamander was completed and made avail- The final recovery plan calls for restoring the Holy poration of America to the National Park Service able to the public in January 2003. The Sonoran tiger Ghost ipomopsis to a secure status through contin- for the long term protection of bald eagles. salamander, which is endemic to the San Rafael ued federal protection and management, research to Valley of southeastern Arizona, is threatened by intro- understand its biological and ecological needs, and The FHWA reinitiated consultation with the duced exotic predators (such as nonnative bullfrogs) establishment of four more populations in suitable Service on December 19, 2002, to assess the and other subspecies of tiger salamander, a virulent habitat in the upper Pecos River Basin. The final plan impacts of the bridge project on bald eagles after disease caused by an iridovirus, small population was signed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. new information was obtained pertaining to nest size, limited distribution, and other factors. The key Forest Service, and state of New Mexico, and they are relocation, increased nest productivity, and recovery actions recommended in the plan include already working together to select the first site for design plan changes. The Service completed a maintaining and enhancing habitat, control of ex- reintroduction. The plan is posted on the Services’s second and final BO in February 2003. otic predators, reducing disease transmission, limit- southwest regional web site at http://southwest.fws.gov. ing the collection of salamanders, public education, Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa and continued coordination among interested and Reported by Wendy Brown, Endangered Species samuelis). The Service’s New York Field Office affected parties. Recovery Biologist. completed formal ESA section 7 consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the The recovery plan was developed in partnership Region 5 Saratoga County Airport Master Plan Update. The with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Saratoga County Airport is the site of the largest leading experts on the salamander, in close coordi- Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The population of the endangered Karner blue butter- nation with a Participation Team composed of Service’s Chesapeake Bay Field Office in Annapolis, fly in New York. The 5-year Master Plan Update ranchers and other residents in the areas where the Maryland, completed formal consultation with the includes a variety of projects associated with air- salamander occurs, agency biologists and repre- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the port operations and maintenance. Part of the sentatives, environmentalists, and other interested replacement of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in ac- plan involves clearing about 70 acres (28 ha) for or affected parties. The Participation Plan describes cordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species obstruction removal, and these cleared areas will ways in which recovery actions should be imple- Act (ESA). This federally owned bridge is part of the be reseeded with native grasses and flowers to mented and coordinated to ensure recovery of the I-95/495 interstate highway or Capital Beltway link- create additional habitat for the butterflies. The salamander while minimizing economic and ing Maryland and Virginia over the Potomac River. plan also includes management agreements with social costs. The Sonoran Tiger Salamander Recov- The bridge serves to transport hundreds of thou- the New York State Department of Environmental ery Plan is available at http://arizonaes.fws.gov. sands of local commuters in the Washington met- Conservation to avoid and minimize adverse im- ropolitan area to work each day, and it is an essen- pacts on the butterfly and its habitat. Reported by Jim Rorabaugh in the Fish and tial transportation corridor for travelers and inter- Wildlife Service’s Phoenix, Arizona, Ecological state commerce between Maine and Florida. The Reported by Mary Ratnaswamy of the Service’s Field Office. Service has determined that land clearing, use of Chesapeake Bay Field Office.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 2003 VOLUME XXVIII NO. 3 31 BOX SCORE Listings and Recovery Plans as of April 14, 2003 ENDANGERED THREATENED TOTAL U.S. SPECIES GROUP U.S. FOREIGN U.S. FOREIGN LISTINGS W/ PLANS MAMMALS 65 251 9 17 342 52

BIRDS 78 175 14 6 273 77

REPTILES 14 64 22 15 115 32

AMPHIBIANS 12 8 9 1 30 14

FISHES 71 11 44 0 126 96

SNAILS 21 1 11 0 33 22

CLAMS 62 2 8 0 72 57

CRUSTACEANS 18 0 3 0 21 13

INSECTS 35 4 9 0 48 29

ARACHNIDS 12 0 0 0 12 5

ANIMAL SUBTOTAL 388 516 129 39 1,072 397

FLOWERING PLANTS 570 1 144 0 715 572

CONIFERS 201252

FERNS AND OTHERS 26 0 2 0 28 28

PLANT SUBTOTAL 598 1 147 2 748 602

GRAND TOTAL 986 517 276 41 1,820* 999

TOTAL U.S. ENDANGERED: 986 (388 animals, 598 plants) tern, green sea turtle, saltwater crocodile, and olive ridley sea turtle. TOTAL U.S. THREATENED: 276 (129 animals, 147 plants) For the purposes of the Endangered Species Act, the term “species” TOTAL U.S. LISTED: 1,262 (517 animals**, 745 plants) can mean a species, subspecies, or distinct vertebrate population. Several entries also represent entire genera or even families. * Separate populations of a species listed both as Endangered and Threatened are tallied once, for the endangered population only. Those species are the ** Nine animal species have dual status in the U.S. argali, chimpanzee, leopard, Stellar sea lion, gray wolf, piping plover, roseate

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