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Endangered Species Bulletins and Technical Reports (USFWS) US Fish & Wildlife Service

December 2004

Endangered Species Bulletin, December 2004 - Vol. XXIX No. 2

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One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is, “What can I do for endangered species?” This question has many answers, most of which involve minimizing the impacts of our daily activities on the December 2004 Vol. XXIX No. 2 environment. One thing we always advise is to “get your feet wet.” Get out and learn more about wildlife and environmental issues. If we are well informed, we can make wiser decisions about how to conserve our natural treasures. The Fish and Wildlife Service is developing educational activities aimed at making people aware of the environment and its associated problems, and giving them the knowledge to help address these problems. This edition of the Bulletin profiles some of these environ- mental education activities. U.S.U.S. FishFish && WildlifeWildlife ServiceService

Daniel Evans

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

Steve Williams, Director Claire Cassel, Chief, Division of Partnerships and Outreach (703)358-2390 Elizabeth H. Stevens, Acting Assistant Director for Patrick Leonard, Chief, Division of Consultation, HCPs, Recovery, and State Grants Endangered Species (703)358-2106 Patrick Leonard, Acting Deputy Assistant Director Chris L. Nolin, Chief, Division of Conservation and Classification (703)358-2105 Sam Rapphahn, 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 http://pacific.fws.gov/ of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the Pacific Trust Territories

California/Nevada Operations Steve Thompson, Operations Manager (916)414-6464 http://pacific.fws.gov/

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, Marvin Moriarty, 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/ IN THIS ISSUE

4 The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center 6 Reaching Out to “Save our Snakes” 8 Eider Journey 10 Slowing the Flow 12 Creative Partners, Creative Solutions

Telephone: (703)358-2390 Contributors Teaching the Children: A Hawaiian Fax: (703)358-1735 Teresa Jaskiewicz Lauren Slagel 14 E-mail: [email protected] Megan Seymour Maeveen Behan Tradition Neesha Wendling Karen Beshears Editor Philip Martin Mary Hake Michael Bender All it Takes is a Little Mussel Carrie Wright Ann Carlson 16 Associate Editor Barbara Simon Daniel R. Evans Susan D. Jewell Alan Lieberman Marisa Adler 18 Bird Watchers Flock to Michigan Jennifer Hand Ken Torkelson Editoral Assistance Chris Mensing Stephanie Eskins Rachel Parkin Emily Bergum Shelly Grow 20 The Year of the Fish Marissa Curtis Subscriptions Manager Theresa Jacobson Amy Gelatt Germaine Kargbo Randi Thompson 23 The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan Layout for Kids Lorraine Miller On the Cover 24 The Sewee Earth Stewards Biology students participate in a workshop sponsored by Cairo 26 This Bird is No Chicken High School and the Panama City Fishery Resources Office. The workshop provided classroom 28 In Our Dreams…. training on mussel biology and a field trip to examine water quality, Raising Awareness of Sea Turtle Habitat conduct a habitat analysis, and 30 survey aquatic species. Jennifer Hand, Cairo High School, Georgia 32 Sea Turtle Trails Opposite “Habitat Trunks” Delight Teachers Loss of nesting habitat to coastal 33 armoring, such as this rock revetment, is one of the greatest 34 Welcome to Wildlife University threats to Florida’s sea turtles. 35 Butterfly Conservation and Management Course The Endangered Species Bulletin welcomes manuscripts on a wide range of topics related to endangered species. We are particularly interested in news about 36 Celebrating Groundwater and recovery, habitat conservation plans, and cooperative ventures. Please contact the Editor before preparing a manuscript. We cannot guarantee publication. Cave Critters We also welcome your comments and ideas. Please e-mail them to us at [email protected]. 37 The Nature of Learning The Fish and Wildlife Service distributes the Bulletin primarily to Federal and State agencies, and official contacts of the Endangered Species Program. It also is 38 What a Difference Good Outreach Makes reprinted by the University of Michigan as part of its own publication, the Endangered Species UPDATE. To subscribe, write the Endangered Species UPDATE, Departments School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1115; or call (734) 763-3243. 40 Rulemaking Actions Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled and recyclable paper. If you do not keep back issues, please recycle the paper, pass them along to an Box Score interested person, or donate them to a local school or library. 44 The Prairie Wetlands by Teresa M. Jaskiewicz Learning Center

The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, located near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is a 325-acre (130-hectare) outdoor classroom operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is composed of native and restored prairie, more than two dozen wetlands, and an oak

USFWS savanna, but it is also a residential environmental edu- cation facility. The visitor center has classrooms, an exhibit area, breakout lounges, kitchen, and dining hall. A renovated barn and surrounding lawn area provide additional teaching space. The Center offers a wide variety of educational programs to over 11,000 students each year.

One of the Center’s more popular groups and landowners; and ways programs is on endangered species. The individuals can help endangered species. goals and objectives of the endangered The first part of the program covers species program are to enable students why animals become endangered to distinguish between endangered, (“HIPPO: Habitat loss, Introduced threatened, and “special concern” species, Pollution, Population growth, species; the current issues and the and Over-consumption”); what animals measures involved for the protection of are endangered in Minnesota, United these species; information on what roles States, and the entire world; and who is the Fish and Wildlife Service, National involved in the recovery of these Park Service, Forest Service, and other species. After discussing some endan- government agencies serve; the function gered species and why animals become of partnerships with private non-profit endangered, the educator hands out a puzzle piece to each student, and the students put together six separate puzzles. Each of the six puzzles is a logo for an agency or private group involved in the recovery of endangered species. On the back of the logo is a question to be answered by group discussion. The purpose of this activity is to show students that in order for endangered species to survive, many different groups Students use reference books to learn about endangered species, then make their own brochures and agencies have to work together. to share with the class. USFWS

4 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 In the second activity, the class sits in and research the species on that page. a circle on the floor, and the educator Normally, several students in the class randomly hands out a few pictures of will end up with lesser known species, endangered species to students. Students and this provides an opportunity for the pass a coffee can, covered with pictures other students and sometimes even the of endangered species, around the circle. educator to learn something new. The When the can gets to a student holding a educator provides them with a list of picture, the student places it in the can questions to aid in the investigation. The and identifies the animal to the class. If students are then asked, “Why save these the can is not dropped as it makes its species?” After a brief discussion, they way around the circle, all animals inside are asked to make a brochure that the can are saved. This shows how easy answers this question and then share the it can be to work together for a common information with the rest of the class. cause. Then, the educator explains that it The brochures are then placed on a big is not really always that easy, and to sheet of paper under the words, “Why demonstrate the potential difficulty, Save These Species?” This display is students then have to take off their shoes taken back to the school and put up in and pass the can with their feet. If the the hallway outside the classroom, thus can is dropped and an animal falls out, allowing everyone in the school to that animal is extinct. Students typically benefit from the students’ research. begin talking to each other, giving For more information on this and support and advice on how not to drop other programs, see the Prairie Wetlands the can. The group discussion is always Learning Center website at http:// very lively, and is a good introduction to midwest.fws.gov/pwlc. the next part of the program. Next, students are put into small groups or pairs. To learn what individu- Teresa M. Jaskiewicz, an environmen- als can do to help endangered species, tal education specialist at the Prairie each group receives a reference book on Wetlands Learning Center, can be endangered species of the world. The reached at [email protected] or students choose a random page number by telephone at 218-736-0938.

USFWS

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 5 Reaching Out to by Megan Seymour “Save our Snakes”

The Lake Erie watersnake is Upon arriving at any of the scenic U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded listed federally as threatened, and popular islands of western Lake that an intensive outreach campaign the state of Ohio and the Erie, visitors encounter an unusual could help. Service biologists reasoned Canadian province of Ontario message: “Watersnakes welcome here!” that focusing on the harmless nature of consider it endangered. Human persecution is the More than 200 signs describing a unique the snake and its significance to the most significant and well- creature, the Lake Erie watersnake islands’ natural heritage might curb documented cause for the (Nerodia sipedon insularum), are found human fear, and in turn limit snake decline of this snake in both on most of the U.S. islands of the Put-in- persecution. So began the campaign to, the U.S. and Canada. Bay archipelago. These signs are the as one local student described it, “Save most visible part of a diverse outreach Our Snakes!” A common public misconception that the snakes campaign to inform island residents and Even the most fervent nature lover are venomous, coupled with millions of yearly visitors of the might recoil when first encountering a an unfounded fear of snakes uniqueness and protected status of the LEWS. Although the snakes are harmless in general, led to widespread Lake Erie watersnake, or LEWS as it is and non-aggressive, their size (adult eradication efforts. often called. females may be up to 5 feet or 1.5 This snake is endemic to the islands meters in length) and occasional unwill- in the western Lake Erie basin of Ohio ingness to move out of the way can and Canada. Because of the snake’s very make them an unappreciated animal. In limited geographic distribution and the addition, the shoreline, where the snakes effects of intentional extermination, the bask in the summer, and the nearshore waters of the lake, where they forage for fish, are the major congregation areas for tourists, boaters, anglers, and swimmers, leading to human-snake encounters. This, coupled with the public’s general fear of snakes, has resulted in high human-induced mortality. Outreach efforts, so far, have at- tempted to inform people that the snake is harmless, unique to the Lake Erie islands, part of the natural heritage, and a protected species. The “Watersnakes welcome here” signs are just a small part of the Service’s outreach effort. Even more widely distributed than the signs is LEWS News, the biannual Lake Erie Watersnake Newsletter. Mailed to all island residents, partnering agencies, island parks, and other interested parties, LEWS News addresses issues such as ongoing research, habitat management, A Lake Erie watersnake basks before a “Water “problem” snakes, recovery progress, Snakes Welcome Here” sign. Dr. Jeffrey M. Reutter, Director, Ohio Sea Grant habitat conservation plans, and the

6 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 significance of biodiversity. A variety of issues, writes a regular “Ask the Island photos, games, and reader-submitted Snake Lady” column for the local paper, items complement the articles. operates an e-mail address for snake Reader submissions to the newsletter questions, and presents numerous LEWS have included winning entries from the presentations for various groups LEWS poster, poetry, and essay contests throughout the year. She has been held at the island schools. Students invaluable in promoting tolerance and submitted stories, drawings, and poems stewardship of the LEWS and its habitat describing why the snake is important. among island residents. Winners and participants received prizes The joint efforts of the Service, and recognition at an awards ceremony, ODNR, and researchers to inform and the winning picture was featured on islanders and visitors about the signifi- LEWS posters and brochures. By instill- cance of this unique animal are making ing a conservation ethic among the an impact. Populations fluctuated during young island residents, the Service hopes the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period to encourage an appreciation for the that coincides with intensive public snakes that will last into the next outreach efforts and the snake’s listing generation and beyond. under the Endangered Species Act, but As part of the effort to keep local in general the population is increasing. residents informed about current LEWS Awareness of the snake’s protected status issues, the Service and Ohio Department also appears to be increasing, as reports of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife of intentional killing of snakes have (ODNR) regularly issue press releases decreased. People continue to spread the and involve the media in emerging message: “Watersnakes welcome here!” topics of interest. Television shows such as “Wild Ohio,” radio broadcasts on WOSU and the Great Lakes Radio Megan Seymour, a wildlife biologist in Consortium, and articles in numerous the Service’s Reynoldsburg, Ohio, newspapers, magazines, and newsletters Ecological Services Field Office, can be contribute toward public awareness of reached at (614) 469-6923, ext. 16. the LEWS. The Service and ODNR have also published guidance to aid in planning development and land management activities. The Service’s “LEWS manage- ment guidelines for construction, development, and land management activities,” ODNR’s “Shore Structures and the LEWS,” and ODNR’s “LEWS—Make your boating experience more pleasant” document ways to avoid or minimize impacts to the snake and its habitat. The most significant outreach accom- plishment of the Service/ODNR partner- ship is the establishment of a permanent snake researcher on the islands. Kristin Stanford, the “Island Snake Lady” as she has come to be known, provides a personal contact for islanders, and helps bridge the gap between residents and agencies. She provides one-on-one, site- Female Lake Erie watersnake sunning on a log near the Lake Erie shoreline. specific guidance to islanders with snake Kristin Stanford, Northern Illinois University

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 7 Eider Journey by Neesha Wendling and Philip Martin

Eider Journey is a comprehensive builds on a collaboration among the U.S. education and stewardship program Fish and Wildlife Service (through the addressing conservation and manage- Fairbanks Fish and Wildlife Office and ment issues of the North American the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge), breeding population of Steller’s eiders Alaska North Slope Borough Department (Polysticta stelleri). It was developed to of Wildlife Management, Alaska North help educate the young people of Slope Borough School District, Barrow Barrow and Cold Bay, Alaska, about this Arctic Science Consortium (BASC), rare bird. Through classroom activities, National Science Foundation Office of fieldwork with biologists, and follow-up Polar Programs, Arctic Research Consor- Barrow High School student handles a Steller’s eider activities, students develop an increased tium of the United States (ARCUS), during the annual banding drives at Izembek National understanding of the needs of Steller’s Alaska Biological Research, Alaska Wildlife Refuge. Neesha Wendling eiders and the threats they face. As a Airlines, Federal Aviation Administration, result, the students become informed and Peninsula Airways. stewards of this precious natural re- Eider Journey highlights the signifi- source. The Eider Journey program cance of the species through local

Steller’s eider Chris Dau

8 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 partnerships and an education program assess the health of the eelgrass beds, that reflects local needs and community which are critically important to Izembek issues. It exposes students to research Lagoon wildlife. Also in 2003, the field that addresses issues of conservation and studies exchange program expanded to management of wildlife populations. The include a student from Cold Bay who multifaceted and developing project has assisted with nest surveys in Barrow and four long-term goals: brought her new knowledge of the • inform the public about Steller’s eider’s arctic nesting habitat back for use eiders and involve communities in the at Cold Bay. decision-making processes related to Students have assisted with the eider conservation issues, outreach effort in their communities by A Barrow High School student helps a •provide first-hand experience in the giving numerous presentations at the Princeton University student with the Steller’s Eider Breeding Pair Survey field research that informs agency Iñupiat Heritage and Language Center, in in Barrow, Alaska. management decisions, elementary, middle, and high school Neesha Wendling •promote sciences, particularly wildlife classes, with science fair projects based sciences, as a career, and on the program, and on local radio. •provide quality resources and To complement the students’ field information for educators and experience, ARCUS and the Service are students. developing a curriculum guide for Since 1999, 17 students have partici- teachers that incorporates the concepts pated in the Eider Journey program (15 of endangered and threatened species, The North American population of Steller’s eiders from Barrow, one from Cold Bay, and stewardship, and ecological principles. is listed as threatened under one from Hawaii). In 1999 and 2000, The guide will be made available to the national Endangered students traveled to Izembek NWR to other schools near the eider’s nesting Species Act. At present, the assist with the annual eider banding and wintering areas, and can be used in only known regularly drives and other local research. In 2002, conjunction with field trips or as part of occupied nesting area of a partnership with BASC, a local non- a regular classroom study. Steller’s eiders in North America is near Barrow, the profit organization, allowed program This year, Eider Journey will gain largest rural community in expansion by hiring four student interns national prominence when it becomes a northern Alaska. Each fall, to assist the Service with eider surveys in featured program on Arctic Alive!, a Steller’s eiders migrate from Barrow. In 2003, two alumni returned for series of internet-based electronic field Barrow southwest to the a second year of summer work, and trips developed by ARCUS, in which Alaska Peninsula. Izembek three new students were hired as interns. students across the country can be Lagoon, about 40 miles (65 Students were assigned to three- or four- transported virtually to unique and kilometers) from the western end of the Alaska Peninsula, person teams responsible for searching a remote locations within the arctic region. is an important site for molting different area each day. Teams searched Activities for teachers will be posted in and wintering Steller’s eiders. large areas on foot, recording and the spring, and students across the The lagoon contains one of mapping all occurrences of Steller’s or country can follow along on an eider the largest eelgrass beds in spectacled eiders, as well as predators banding drive and eelgrass studies in the the world, providing habitat such as gulls, jaegers, and foxes. Stu- fall of 2004. for the small invertebrates dents learned to identify birds, orient eaten by the eiders. In Izembek Lagoon, the concern and map using aerial photos, and classify is to protect the shallow and habitat. Annual surveys provide data You can learn more about this Arctic biologically productive about year-to-year changes in Steller’s Alive program at: http://www.arcus.org/ waters from oil spills and eider breeding and information on the ArcticAlive/Eider/index.html. other pollution from vessels distribution in the Barrow area. traveling the Bering Sea. In addition to the annual eider For information on any aspect of banding drives in Izembek Lagoon, in Eider Journey or Steller’s eider conserva- 2002 and 2003, students assisted Dr. tion in general, contact Neesha Wendling Peter McRoy in gathering data on at 907-456-0297 in the Service’s eelgrass stands. The data will be com- Fairbanks Office or send an email to pared with a baseline from the 1980s to [email protected].

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 9 Slowing the Flow by Carrie Wright

Due to human activities, the salt marsh habitat in California’s San Francisco Bay area has undergone major changes in the past 150 years. Over 85 percent of these wetlands have been lost to infilling for land- fills, urbanization, and the construction of salt ponds. As a result, several species unique to these wetlands are now listed as threatened or endangered, including the salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris) and the California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus).

California clapper rail © B. Moose Peterson/Wildlife Research Photography

10 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 The salt marsh harvest mouse is a of clean freshwater effluent into the Refuge and the San Jose Environmental small nocturnal rodent that makes its Artesian Slough that runs through the Services Department for their dedicated home and all of its meals out of refuge. This release has altered the salt efforts in support of environmental and pickleweed (Salicornia virginica), a marsh to freshwater marsh, making it watershed education for the youth of native plant growing in the salt marshes. uninhabitable to some species. The Slow San Jose and our neighboring communi- The California clapper rail is a secretive the Flow program was created to ties in the South Bay.” This partnership marsh bird with a distinctive call. When heighten public awareness of this and has been beneficial both to the Wildlife the light is low, usually at dusk and at other water use issues in an effort to Society and the city of San Jose, and the dawn, this shy bird emerges from the slow the flow of freshwater effluent to Service hopes to establish similar cordgrass (Spartina folosia) at the edges the bay’s salt marshes and increase programs to build on this success. of the marsh to feed on invertebrates in viable habitat for endangered species. the mudflats during low tide. In the The Slow the Flow program incorpo- 1970s, Congress approved two wildlife rates field trips, classroom presentations, Carrie Wright was formerly the Slow refuges in the bay area, the Don weekend interpretive programs, outreach the Flow Program Coordinator at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National activities, and several annual special Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the San events. The San Jose grant includes Environmental Education Center. The Pablo Bay NWR. This was due in no funding for advertising and materials, new coordinator, Tina Simmons, can be small part to the hard work and perse- making it possible to provide programs reached at [email protected], verance of local groups of concerned to the public free of charge. The field or by telephone at (408) 262-5513, ext. citizens to protect wetland habitats in the trips include an in-depth hike through 104. San Francisco estuary. refuge habitats, allowing students to see At the Don Edwards San Francisco and learn firsthand about native wildlife Bay NWR Environmental Education and develop a greater sense of connec- Center in Alviso, California, Fish and tion with the salt marshes. Field trips Wildlife Service employees, Student also involve hands-on activities such as Conservation Association interns, and mud creature studies, water quality San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society testing, and salinity testing. Classroom employees work hard to provide presentations such as “Mysteries of educational opportunities and promote Wastewater Treatment” and “Reduce, awareness about the challenges facing Reuse, Refuge” were created to increase the salt marshes and their inhabitants. the program’s audience in response to One of these opportunities is the “Slow lack of school funding for transportation the Flow” environmental education to the refuge. The coordinator of the program, which is made possible by a Slow the Flow program also plans partnership among the city of San Jose, special events like Shark Day and the the Service, and the Wildlife Society. In International Migratory Bird Day celebra- 1999, San Jose provided a grant to the tions at the Environmental Education Wildlife Society to hire a program Center. The Slow the Flow program has coordinator who is based at the Don reached over 3,000 individuals from Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR. This January to October 2004 and continues partnership grew out of the Service’s to provide meaningful experiences to need to reach a wider audience and the students of all ages. city’s desire for an environmental On March 11, 2003, the partnership education program to help with issues involving the city of San Jose, the San involving water pollution control. Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, and the The Slow the Flow program focuses Service was honored at a ceremony in on watersheds, water conservation in San Jose. Mayor Ron Gonzales read a relation to the salt marshes at the refuge, proclamation celebrating the successes and the effects of the nearby San Jose/ of the Slow the Flow program and Santa Clara Water Pollution Control supporting the future of the partnership. Plant. The plant releases up to 120 He thanked “the dedicated staff of both Salt marsh harvest mouse million gallons (455 million liters) a day the Don Edwards National Wildlife © B. Moose Peterson/WRP

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 11 Creative Partners, by Barbara A. Simon Creative Solutions

The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex in southern California is continually chal- lenged to create programs that have a positive impact on a community whose human population is diverse and growing at an incredible pace. We’ve developed some nontraditional partnerships and interesting ideas to communicate the Refuge System’s message.

The Zoological Society of San Diego’s ous researcher, HD Hernandez, intro- Education Department and our refuge duces students and teachers to the Students arrive for the Sweetwater complex collaborate on many programs wonders of the refuge and endangered Safari “Backpack Adventure.” and events, but the Dr. Zoolittle endan- species in their own backyards through USFWS gered species and migratory bird shows, his fictitious, but accurate, field guide. “Disappearing Wildlife” and “The Great The science-based field experience for Migration,” are two of the most exciting. fourth grade students meets California These shows are interactive and fun for standards for language arts, science, and adults and children alike. The intrepid social studies, and was developed Zoolittle performed last year at 11 school through a grant from Chevron to the San assemblies that reached over 6,000 Diego Zoo’s Conservation Education students in traditionally underserved Department. The zoo’s education and areas. The shows were also presented at design departments created an exciting, the Children’s Zoo Theater several times self-guided backpack adventure, includ- daily during peak visitor months. We ing equipment for four rotations: estimate that, on average, the shows at plankton drag and identification, bird the Children’s Zoo reached 300 to 700 identification, evidence of animals, and people a day. This year, Zoolittle will be plant identification. As they participate in adding a third program, which focused each exercise, students draw plants, on insects. The first time the show was animals (or their signs), and plankton. presented, the audience was invited to Then they take their information and eat the crunchy creatures! drawings to the classroom for inclusion In addition to providing schools in a classroom journal and in individual access to the program, the refuge field journals. The students carry back- complex provides age-appropriate packs containing binoculars, field materials for teachers to use in their scopes, plankton nets, brightly colored classrooms. The Fish and Wildlife Service field guides, and other equipment from and the refuge are acknowledged at one station to another. each school performance. This program, like our other field “Sweetwater Safari” is another zoo/ trips, begins in the classroom with refuge collaboration and includes our teacher workshops developed and taught partners at the Chula Vista Nature Center by our partners and refuge staff. It’s on Sweetwater Marsh NWR. The humor- rewarding to have refuge ideas sup-

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 ported and expanded upon by the tion programs, and for the butterfly. Dr. creativity and expertise of the San Diego Alison Andersen from the Service’s Zoo, Chula Vista Nature Center, and Carlsbad Field Office provides informa- California State Parks. The backpack tion and her considerable expertise for field curriculum and organization also the Steele Canyon Science Club students owe much to the San Francisco Bay who participate in the program. education programs that have existed for We were granted the use of a green- many years. house at a residential facility for mentally At Seal Beach NWR (located within challenged adults where we propagate the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station), the butterfly’s host plant, Plantago when teachers and students cannot erecta. Local high school students, refuge come to us because of the security personnel, other volunteers, and eventu- precautions, we bring the refuge to them ally (we hope) the residents of the home in the form of the Pelican Van. The van will gather seeds from plants already on was developed by our Seal Beach Refuge the San Diego NWR. Friends group for use during the refuge Helping to perpetuate a strong system centennial through a challenge environmental ethic in such a large community is one of our goals, as it is cost share grant, with the idea that after The “Pelican Van” in the redwoods for our community partners. With strong the centennial year (2003), we’d have an during the Refuge Centennial. partners, we have an opportunity to eye-catching, roving classroom. Last year, USFWS the van traveled from the Salton Sea in create active stewards of our fragile California to Portland, Oregon, bringing coastal environment. Without such the refuge story to schools, other partners, we would, quite simply, be refuges, and stops along the way. The overwhelmed. techniques and messages developed on that trip helped the group create several school programs that now travel around Barbara Simon is the information and Orange and San Diego counties. education specialist for the San Diego “Habitat Heroes” is another curricu- NWR Complex, located at Sweetwater lum that, while funded this year by the Marsh NWR in Chula Vista, California Service, was developed with a local (619/691-1262; environmental organization. The Endan- [email protected]). gered Habitats League is helping us create a long-term exotic plant GIS mapping and restoration program for the elementary, middle, and high schools along the South San Diego Bay. Mentors for this field and classroom experience will come from Southwestern Commu- nity College and a local high school. The Multiple Species Conservation Program Outreach Committee, involving the refuge since its inception, decided to take a habitat restoration program for the endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) under its wing. The Quino restoration project is funded through Service recovery funds. Members of the outreach committee from the County of San Diego and private conservation organizations have helped us set up a program that encom- Dr. Zoolittle and the Endangered Species skit. USFWS passes many of the goals for our educa-

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 13 Teaching the Children: by Alan Lieberman A Hawaiian Tradition

“If you plan for a year, plant kalo. If you plan for ten years, plant koa. If you plan for 100 years, teach the children.” Hawaiian Proverb

The children understand that uch sentiments are found in many cultures, many they will play a part in S planning the future of their lands, and many languages, but they all speak to the island home, and they learn how each step toward same hope: if you want to make the world a better recovery of the islands’ health plays a part in our quality of place for all, begin by teaching your children well. In life. Hawai‘i, the incredible natural heritage of this island state has been well documented, both in the recent fossil record and in the observations of the first naturalists to visit the islands. The conservation story in this island paradise is one of unparalleled richness and, unfortunately, a story of endangerment and extinction.

Students are encouraged to participate in the conservation center’s activities. Planting native species of plants helps the kids feel a connection to the forest and a sense of ownership for the recovering Hawaiian ecosystems. Mary Schwartz

14 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 In 1993, a conservation partnership Volcanoes National Park. Every sixth was formed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife grader eagerly looks forward to this Service, the Hawai‘i Division of Forestry adventure where they hike the park, and Wildlife, and The Peregrine Fund, learn about Hawaiian natural history, later joined by the Zoological Society of and visit the Keauhou Bird Conservation San Diego. The goal of this partnership Center. Here they see first hand what is was to establish self-sustaining captive being done to recover the endangered populations of the most endangered of avifauna of their Hawai‘i. The children Hawai‘i’s remaining species of honey- are amazed to hear how the world is creepers, thrushes, and a crow as a watching their tiny island home and how hedge against extinction and as genetic Hawai‘i presents a natural laboratory for Students are given the opportunity to reservoirs for the eventual reintroduction all the world to see. They better under- help feed the birds in the propagation of these species into habitat that is stand the process of speciation, adapta- program. Julie Williams identified for management and protec- tion, and extinction. Their eyes are tion. The partnership, now called the opened to the world of conservation. Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Since 1998, over 10,000 children have Program (HEBCP), operates the Keauhou visited the facilities, seeing bird species and Maui Bird Conservation Centers and they may have only heard about from has established an excellent record of their elders. They see first hand the captive propagation; breeding and dedication and effort being applied to rearing several species of endemic saving the last of the last, and they grow honeycreepers, such as the Maui to understand the role they play as parrotbill (Pseudonestor xanthophrys), future citizens of Hawai‘i. After a visit to the Hawai‘i ‘akepa (Loxops coccineus the breeding centers, the children are coccineus) and creeper (Oreomystis filled with the pride of knowing that mana), and the palila (Loxioides their home is unique and worth saving. bailleui), as well as the endemic puaiohi It is a cultural experience that is sure to or small Kaua‘i thrush (Myadestes last a lifetime for the students. We are palmeri) and the ‘alala or Hawaiian crow planning for 100 years…or even longer. (Corvus hawaiiensis). Although the We are teaching the children well. success of the breeding program is something to “crow” about, the real success of the program might be found Alan Lieberman is Program Director in something more subtle and less of the San Diego Zoo’s Hawaii Endan- splashy than the front page cuteness of a gered Bird Conservation Program nestling songbird being hand fed by an ([email protected]). attentive biologist. We take the Hawaiian proverb seriously and have tried to “plan for 100 years, teach the children.” In 1998, the HEBCP, recognizing that the true value of our efforts might lie in the educational opportunity it afforded the children of Hawai‘i, formed a new partnership with the Keakealani Outdoor Education Center (KOEC). The KOEC is a unique environmental education pro- gram sponsored by the Hawai‘i Depart- ment of Education that hosts every sixth Educators lead students through the different work grade student on the Big Island of areas at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, Hawai‘i for a three-day/two-night stay in including egg incubation and chick rearing rooms, video monitoring areas, propagation aviaries, and the remote rainforests near the Hawai‘i kitchens. Julie Williams

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 15 All it Takes is a by Jennifer Hand Little Mussel

Just as reducing the number of species on the endangered list seems to be an uphill battle for The endangered shinyrayed naturalists, closing the achievement gap that exists pocketbook, a freshwater mussel known from the Ochlockonee River between various groups of students can be an over- basin in Georgia and Florida. Phil DeGarmo whelming struggle for educators. The marriage of these two undesirable phenomena, however, can yield very positive results.

Last year, biology students at Cairo processes and concepts. They were also High School in southwest Georgia were better able to discern the connections taught using various EIC (Environment between what they learn in science and as an Integrating Context for learning) applications in the real world. strategies. EIC Model™ strategies are So, how was the EIC Model™ imple- summarized in the study, “Closing the mented at Cairo High School, and what Achievement Gap,” first published in does it have to do with endangered 1998 by the State Education and Environ- mussels? At the beginning of the school ment Roundtable, which is composed of year, students held a bake sale and 16 states working to improve student raised enough money to sponsor a learning by integrating the environment program with Sandy Beck from a into K-12 curricula and school reform Tallahassee, Florida, animal rehabilitation efforts. These strategies require students and conservation group, the St. Francis to apply fresh approaches to problem Wildlife Association. Mrs. Beck spent an solving, rather than passively listening entire day at the school, using live and taking notes. animals to teach students in each The EIC Model™ is not solely devoted biology class about the threats to, and to environmental awareness, but uses adaptations of, wildlife. Among these the school’s community and surround- animals were a barn owl that had been ings as a framework to meet the re- blinded by pesticides and a red-tailed quired curriculum objectives. The results hawk that had been hit by a car. Stu- of the 1998 study, based on 40 schools dents will probably never forget the in diverse natural and community hawk spreading his magnificent wings as settings, were promising: 1) better Mrs. Beck held him above her head. She performance on standardized tests; 2) explained that people attract rodents to fewer discipline problems; 3) increased the road when they throw litter out their enthusiasm for learning; and 4) greater car windows. As raptors like hawks and pride in accomplishments. The results owls prey on the rodents, they risk being specific to science indicate that EIC hit by a car. students more effectively master scien- Okay, so what about the mussels? tific knowledge and skills and achieve a Another school project focused on water deeper understanding of scientific quality. A local newspaper article carried

16 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 a story about Tallahassee, Florida, shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis problems were endangering mussel threatening to sue Cairo if a problem subangulata) are endangered. populations, fishing trips might become with Cairo’s wastewater treatment plant The students compiled their findings endangered as well. was not corrected. The plant was not on posters and placed them in the The past year was full of adventure able to adequately treat the city’s water school halls. On Earth Day, they handed and excitement. To top it off, not only supply, and effluent was running off into out questionnaires to all the administra- did the students’ enthusiasm and grades Tired Creek, which empties into the tors, faculty, staff, and students to improve, but they also received several Ochlockonee River. The Ochlockonee complete, using the posters to increase awards and recognition for their efforts: River flows through Tallahassee and is a awareness about Cairo’s water quality 1st Place from Keep Georgia Beautiful wonderful natural resource. Prompted by problem and the degradation of the (with an $1,800 grant to continue their the article, students undertook a compre- Ochlockonee River. The questionnaires efforts), 2nd Place from the Georgia hensive approach to learn about the were then entered into a drawing for $25 Conservancy (with another grant for problem and what our city was doing to or a gourmet dessert. It was an awesome $1,000), and the most exciting recogni- address it. The students 1) interviewed learning/teaching experience. Students tion was earning national recognition by the mayor and a civil engineer who realized that their understanding of winning the President’s Environmental specializes in wastewater treatment, 2) science was critical regardless of Youth Award! Sometime during the collected and tested water samples at whether or not they were going to spring of 2005, the students will be various locations with an Environmental become scientists. They learned that recognized in Washington, D.C. by the Protection Agency scientist, 3) invited a Cairo had become the victim of some Environmental Protection Agency. river management analyst from Florida faulty engineering and was in the President Bush has presented the award State University to speak to the biology process of trying to come up with the in person at the White House for the classes, 4) met with a representative of millions of dollars necessary to build a past three years, and the students are the Tall Timbers Research Station in new wastewater treatment plant. They hopeful that the tradition will continue. Tallahassee, 5) attended Tallahassee’s also learned that the river that many of In addition, the students were recog- Apalachee Audubon Society meetings them fished and boated on was becom- nized in the Apalachee Audubon Society, and interviewed Tallahassee’s water ing degraded and that its inhabitants Georgia Recycles, and Fish and Wildlife quality specialist, and 6) met with Holly were becoming endangered. The Service (Egrits) newsletters, the local Blalock-Herod of the U.S. Fish and students were amazed at how dependent newspaper, and at monthly board of Wildlife Service. Mrs. Blalock-Herod the mussels were on fish for their education meetings. conducted a workshop covering the reproductive cycle, and they gained All of these efforts took a lot of time, main reasons why mussels like the insight to the fact that, if water quality planning, and generous volunteers, but the goals of contributing to the protec- tion of endangered species and increas- ing student achievement were ultimately met by using “a little mussel!”

Jennifer Hand is a biology teacher at Cairo High School, Cairo, GA 39828 (229/377-4437). For more information about the State Education and Environ- ment Roundtable and the report “Closing the Achievement Gap: Using the Environ- ment as and Integrating Context for Learning,” contact http://www.seer.org.

The EIC Model™ was developed by, and is the property of, the State Education and Environment Roundtable. Biology students examining native and non-indigenous mussel species that they located during the field portion of the aquatics workshop. Jennifer Hand

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 17 Bird Watchers Flock by Chris Mensing to Michigan

The endangered Kirtland’s warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii) is a small, blue-grey and yellow bird that weighs less than half an ounce but has attracted the attention of bird watchers from all over the world to Kirtland’s warbler the two small northern Michigan towns of Grayling Ron Austing and Mio.

Annual cowbird control and The Kirtland’s warbler was first To further protect the warblers, habitat management has discovered near Cleveland, Ohio, in biologists annually trap and remove allowed the Kirtland’s warbler 1851. It was not until 1903 that its brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) population to increase from a nesting range was discovered near the from the nesting sites. Cowbirds are low of 167 singing males in 1987 Au Sable River in Crawford County, brood parasites that place their eggs in to a record high 1,341 singing males in 2004. This represents Michigan. Since then, all confirmed the nests of a variety of host species, about a 700 percent increase in reports of nesting Kirtland’s warblers including Kirtland’s warbler. The host the warbler population in less have occurred in the Upper Peninsula bird then raises the cowbird chicks at than 20 years. Even with the and northern Lower Peninsula of the expense of the host chicks. Cowbirds dramatic population increase, Michigan. were not present in the warbler’s nesting habitat management and The Kirtland’s warbler’s nesting range prior to the late 19th century cowbird control must be maintained on an annual basis habitat consists of young jack pine settlement and subsequent logging of to provide the Kirtland’s (Pinus banksianna) ranging in size from Michigan. As a result, Kirtland’s warblers warblers with the protection 5 to 20 feet (1.5 to 6 meters) in large have no known defense against cowbird needed to ensure their survival. stands over 200 acres (80 hectares). parasitism. Before the initiation of Historically, these stands would regener- cowbird control in 1972, 70 percent of ate after periodic wild fires; however, warbler nests contained at least one modern fire control has suppressed cowbird egg and an average of less than natural regeneration and limited the one Kirtland’s warbler chick fledged per amount of young jack pine available to nest. After cowbird control was initiated, Kirtland’s warblers. To compensate for warbler production increased to an the loss of natural forest regeneration, average of 2.7 Kirtland’s warbler fledg- managers artificially create suitable lings per nest. habitat by direct seeding or planting jack Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife pine seedlings in the appropriate density Service and the U.S. Forest Service and distribution. Currently, over 150,000 provide the public an opportunity to see acres (60,703 ha) of public forest land one of the nation’s rarest songbirds. The are set aside as Kirtland’s Warbler agencies conduct guided tours from mid- Management Areas. These lands are May through July 4. A total of 1,204 regulated for sustained yield of warbler people from 43 states, the District of nesting habitat and timber production. Columbia, and 10 foreign countries

18 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 participated in guided tours in 2004. survey respondents, 251 were from Since 1966, more then 36,000 people Michigan and only 21 were from the have traveled to northern Michigan for local Grayling, Michigan, community. In the chance to see a Kirtland’s warbler. addition, 88 percent of the participants These tours are the best opportunity to were visiting the Grayling area primarily view this endangered songbird, since to attend a Kirtland’s warbler tour. Some Kirtland’s warbler nesting areas in of these participants traveled hundreds, northern Michigan are closed and posted if not thousands, of miles for the tour. Chris Mensing against public entry during the nesting The continued survival and recovery season. The tours begin with a short of endangered species depend in part on At the conclusion of the 2004 slide presentation on the Kirtland’s outreach programs like the Kirtland’s tours, the participants were warbler recovery program. Participants warbler tours. For more information on asked to complete a short survey. The results showed are then led to nesting sites where they the tours, contact Chris Mensing with the that the participants were have an opportunity to view Kirtland’s Fish and Wildlife Service’s East Lansing overwhelmingly satisfied with warblers. While on the tour, the partici- Field Office ([email protected]) or the tour. The guide was rated pants receive more information about Joe Gomola with the Forest Service’s on knowledge of Kirtland’s Kirtland’s warbler biology, habitat District Ranger Station in Mio, Michigan warbler, knowledge of the requirements and management, the ([email protected]). warbler management program, general bird cowbird control project, and the flora identification and information, and fauna of the jack pine ecosystem. professionalism, friendliness, The Kirtland’s warbler tours present Chris Mensing is a fish and wildlife and overall effectiveness. an opportunity for people from all over biologist with the Service’s East Lansing These qualities received an the world to experience the beauty of Office ([email protected]; telephone average rating of 4.920 out of northern Michigan. Out of the 644 517/351-8316). 5. Likewise, the slide presentation was rated on the detail about Kirtland’s warbler, detail about the warbler management program, quality U.S. Participation in USFWS Kirtland’s Warbler 2004 Tour of sound, quality of pictures, and overall effectiveness. These aspects rated an average of 4.633 out of 5. Included with the survey was a section where people could provide additional comments. One of the most frequent comments was that programs such as the Kirtland’s warbler tours are an invaluable resource to the public and definitely should be continued.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 19 The Year of the Fish by Emily Bergum, Marissa Curtis, Amy Gelatt, and Lauren Slagel

Students Help Restore Populations of Ancient Fish Our first thought about raising fish was, “We’re going to raise what?” We were one of 10 lucky class- Colorado students are helping to restore populations of rooms chosen to raise the endangered razorback ancient fish through a unique education program sponsored sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) as part of a program to by the Colorado Division of help save native Colorado River species. Wildlife (CDOW). Since 2000, elementary and high school On the day the fish arrived, we were day Stan Johnson, the education coordi- classes in western Colorado all jumping in anticipation, waiting for nator for the Colorado Division of have raised endangered razorback suckers or our new class pets to arrive. “How big Wildlife, delivered our 12 tiny fish. We Colorado pikeminnows in are they going to be?” “What do they all huddled around the tank as Stan took classroom aquariums during look like?” “How long are we going to the fish from a water-filled plastic bag the school year and released have them?” These were some of the and placed them into our tank, one by them into the river. many questions buzzing around our one. He stayed and talked with us about classroom. the nitrogen cycle and how to take good “This is a fabulous program,” At last, the day we had all been care of our razorbacks. And so began says fifth-grade teacher Cary Atwood from Scenic waiting for was here. August 30 was the “the year of the fish.” Elementary in Grand Junction, Colorado. “Having razorback suckers in our classroom greatly increased my students’ interest in learning about endangered species, the river system, and water quality. They also assumed the responsibility for feeding the fish, testing their water, and monitoring their growth. My students definitely developed a greater understanding of how people have affected the delicate balance of native and nonnative species in the river system.”

At the start of the school year, CDOW Education Specialist Stan Johnson brings the aquarium and fish to each classroom and provides instruction to the students. At over 6-feet-tall, he towers Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Patty Schrader Gelatt (left) and her daughter, Amy, listen attentively as above the students as he Colorado Division of Wildlife Education Coordinator Stan Johnson explains how to record measurements of the explains that when they are razorback sucker that Amy and her classmates will release to the river. taking care of the endangered Tom Czapla

20 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 Learning about Razorbacks Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus Once the fish arrived, our class had lucius). That day we saw more than more to do than we had thought. That 60,000 fish! Wow! same week we started research. We learned that razorbacks live on the Care and Feeding bottom of the river where they eat Each week, a new “tank team” took zooplankton, bugs, and river bottom care of the fish. The tank team had ooze off the rocks and mud. The hump various jobs to do and each was just as on their back helps them stay on the important as the others. Everyone really fish, “they are no longer bottom of the river when the current liked testing the pH and recording the students — they are young pushes against it. They usually live in data for the class on the overhead scientists.” water 3 feet deep, and they mate at the projector. When we tested ammonia and With that said, these young age of 3 or 4. They can live longer than nitrites, we went through the same scientists understand that 40 years. These are some cool fish! process as the pH test, except we had to what they are doing is serious To learn more about the fish and the wait 20 minutes before the color of the business. environment they live in, our class went vial told the truth about the water on some field trips. Our first was to a quality. “There are very few of these bird-banding station that was close to Sometimes the ammonia, nitrites, or fish left,” Stan tells the students. “You have an the Colorado River. We went to the river pH levels were too high or too low and important job to do. You need we had to do special things about that. and took water samples so we could test to take care of these fish so the pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels. The The tank team also had to replace they’ll grow large enough to water wasn’t much different from our evaporated water and change the tank survive in the river when we classroom tank. filters. Even though we changed the release them in the spring.” Another trip was to the fish hatchery. filters weekly, they were often very Stan and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grimy. When we showed the filters to the Cary believes the hands-on experience of raising employee gave us a tour. Not only did class, everyone said “Eeewww!” endangered fish instills her we see razorbacks, but we also saw students with a greater sense of how their decisions can affect the world they live in. “It’s more than just learning to test water quality and to take care of a living being,” she says. “My students learn that the decisions they make about their environment can have consequences. I think they have gained knowledge from their year with the razorbacks that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.”

Editor’s note: The Recovery Program appreciates CDOW’s efforts to raise awareness of our efforts to recover the endangered fishes. The Recovery Program supports this program by providing fish from its hatchery near Grand Junction. Starting this fall, the Recovery Program will cost- Colorado students are participating in a unique education program that enables them to learn about endangered share aquarium expenses. For species. Fifth-graders from Scenic Elementary in Grand Junction, Colorado, take care of young razorback more information, contact suckers in their classroom throughout the school year. Each spring, they release fish into the river. Stan Johnson at 970-255-6191, Cary Atwood ([email protected]).

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 21 When the tank team fed the fish, they Once Stan got a good grip on a fish, also measured the water temperature he would take the needle and inject the and counted the fish. We raised 12 fish PIT tag into the fish’s belly. When this all year. Sadly, the week before we was done, he would hand the fish to a released them, one of the smallest died. person wearing white gloves who, while handling the fish carefully, would Releasing the Fish measure it for the recorder. Kellen Keisling shows off an As the day came for us to say farewell Each tagged fish was placed into a endangered bonytail he helped raise . to the fish, we were filled with anxiety clear bucket of river water, carried down Quent Bradwisch, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and sadness. On May 5, our class walked to the riverbank, and released. Many down to the Colorado River State Park at “good-byes,” and “have a great life,” and Connected Lakes, located very near our “live long and prosper” were said that Science Class Leads school. day to our departing fish. to Career Path Stan gathered us around, made an On the bus ride home, there was talk opening speech, and asked us what we of who had measured the biggest fish Kellen Keisling met his first learned throughout the year. “These fish and what it looked like. Raising these razorback sucker (Xyrauchen are fragile” and “We learned to be more razorbacks was something that really texanus) during a science class at Page High School. responsible” were two of the many changed our fifth-grade year and made it responses of our classmates. a great memory. Students worked with Soon Stan organized us into teams biologists from the Utah and showed us the jobs we needed to Division of Wildlife do to release our razorbacks. The first Emily Bergum, Marissa Curtis, Amy Resources’ (UDWR) job was scanning the PIT (passive Gelatt, and Lauren Slagel were students Wahweap Fish Hatchery to raise the fish in public golf integrated transponder) tag that would in Mrs. Atwood’s Fifth-Grade Class at course ponds. They fed, make it possible to track the fish. Once Scenic Elementary in Grand Junction, weighed, and measured the the scanner came up with the number, Colorado. razorback suckers and the recorder logged the nine-digit recorded research data. They number. The scanner then handed the Editor’s note: Amy is the daughter of also tagged the fish and tiny tag to the disinfector, who inserted it Service biologist Patty Schrader Gelatt. released them into the into a needle and cleaned it. Patty has been involved with recovery of Colorado River as part of an effort to restore populations the endangered fishes for 20 years. that can reproduce in the wild. Now in its eighth year, this unique, award-winning science course is a partnership involving the school, the UDWR, the City of Page (Utah), and the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program.

The experience led Kellen to pursue his dream of becoming a biologist. He recently completed his fourth summer working for the UDWR. His duties have included working at the Wahweap Fish Hatchery, where he helped FPO raise sportfish to stock in Utah lakes.

Kellen, 20, is now a senior at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado, where his Fifth-grade classmates released 11 young razorback suckers into the Colorado River. The students raised the major is biology. endangered fish in their classroom throughout the school year. Tom Czapla

22 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan for Kids by Maeveen Behan

participated in a companion project, the Desert Kids web page at http:// Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan for www.co.pima.az.us/cmo/sdcp/kids.html. Kids. The Kids Plan is the result of a In terms of public process, the Kids broad cooperative effort on the part of Plan has been a wonderful model. schools, non-profit organizations, During a recent Teen Summit, when bus volunteers, and, primarily, the kids loads of students who did not speak themselves. English showed up at the last minute, For several decades, Pima County in Kids have been in the lead as the the kids figured out how to overcome southern Arizona has experienced rapid organizers of the annual Teen Summit, a communication problems: everyone was population growth. At the same time, the student-led fair involving area high paired with a bilingual teen from Sonoran Desert is identified by the schools that encourages and facilitates Tucson. No NEPA guidelines are needed Nature Conservancy as one of the community services, continuing educa- to instruct these innovators how to be world’s most important ecological tion, and career opportunities in natural inclusive and open. Enthusiasm and their regions. Due to the correlation between resource conservation. love of the subject carry the project. growth and the consumption of natural There is a Sonoran Desert Kids Club From lessons learned through the resources, the Pima County Board of for the younger participants, who create Kids’ Plan, the Sonoran Desert Supervisors decided in 1998 to launch a art and work with coloring books, fact Conservation Plan process has learned Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. sheets, and games based on information more about how the community can The area to be covered in the plan, from the Sonoran Desert Conservation become knowledgeable and empowered nearly 6 million acres (2.4 million Plan, translated for this audience. in natural and cultural resource protec- hectares), includes the Tucson metro- The Kids Plan includes workshops tion issues. We recommend inviting kids politan area, two major eco-regions (the and field trips, which are organized and into the planning process as participants “Sky Islands” and the Sonoran Desert), conducted by the head of the Sonoran and advisors as early as possible. the second largest Native American Desert Conservation Plan for Kids, nation, and 850,000 residents from Wendy Burroughs. Ms. Burroughs diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. launched and developed the Kids Plan, Maeveen Behan, Assistant to the Pima Because of the numerous endangered, and it owes its success to her energy and County Administrator, is the Project threatened, and vulnerable plant and ideas, combined with the efforts of her Director for the Sonoran Desert animal species in this area, the effort is many collaborators. Conservation Plan. She can be reached being designed to incorporate a multi- Kids are in charge of the graphic at [email protected] or species habitat conservation plan and designs and images of the Sonoran by calling 520/740-8015. incidental take permit under section 10 Desert Conservation Plan for Kids. The of the Endangered Species Act. web-based art gallery includes habitat More than 400 experts in various maps and species illustrations by the disciplines, 80 members of a steering participants. The lead artist is Austin committee, and 14 government agencies Fetter, a high school student who has collaborated to gather scientific data that worked as part of Pima County’s Sum- led to the adoption of the Sonoran mer Youth Program for a number of Desert Conservation Plan as part of Pima years. He has created over 100 images County’s land use plan in 2001. In 2004, and cartoons that capture the spirit and we completed the draft Pima County fun of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Multi-Species Conservation Plan. Plan for Kids, including the ones But that’s only half of the story. Since accompanying this article. To see his 2001, more than 10,000 kids have images and a lot more, visit the Sonoran

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 23 The Sewee Earth Stewards by Karen Beshears

We’ve all seen children enthralled when someone brings out an educational animal or when they have the chance to explore on our public lands. They get that wide-eyed look of discovery and you sense that During the initial trip to I’on Swamp, students define their “Kingdom” and this experience will stay with them for a long time. The record everything they see in it to refine their observation skills. Sewee Earth Stewards program is reaching out to stu- SEWEE Association dents along the coast of South Carolina to give them “discovery moments” and, we hope, an understanding and respect for the mission of the national wildlife refuges (NWRs) found in their own backyards.

Cape Romain NWR joined the U.S. (Canis rufus). The SEWEE Association Fish and Wildlife Service’s Earth Stew- hired a teacher to put together the After finding many species in I’on ards program in 1998, and over the past curriculum for this program and guide us Swamp, this student from Boulder six years the refuge has made Sewee through the initial classes with our Bluff Elementary uses a microscope Earth Stewards a vibrant, growing students. Two years later, after many to identify one of the creatures. environmental education project in days of fun and pitfalls, we were able to SEWEE Association conjunction with the Sewee Visitor & create a solid set of cross-curriculum Environmental Education Center in lesson plans and figure out how to take Awendaw (a joint venture of Cape up to 50 students into a swamp for Romain and Francis Marion National hands-on learning activities. Since 2000, Forest) and the SEWEE (South Eastern the program has grown from the initial Wildlife and Environment Education) school with about 50 students to 8 Association, the cooperating association elementary schools with about 650 for Cape Romain, Waccamaw, and ACE students and one middle school with 60 Basin NWR’s. The Ashepoo, Combahee, students for this school year. and Edisto rivers, which give the ACE So, what do our Sewee Earth Stew- Basin its name, combine to create one of ards do? Throughout the eight-week the largest undeveloped estuaries on the curriculum, they read books on animals Atlantic Coast. and their habitats; write stories and Our initial project focus was on fifth- poems; learn mathematical concepts grade students in a local rural school. through measuring mounted alligators After looking at the state educational and calculating water absorption rates in standards for that age, we decided to wetlands experiments; discover animal focus on the freshwater wetland habitats adaptations and behaviors; and identify abundant in the coastal plain. These interdependent wetland flora and fauna. areas are important for many migratory Since Cape Romain is comprised of salt birds and our endangered red wolves marsh and barrier islands and must be

24 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 reached by boat, we have partnered with and create a new curriculum focusing on the Francis Marion National Forest salt marsh and barrier island habitats. (where the Sewee Center is located) and These students are able to use the use a swamp trail on the mainland as concessionaire’s ferry to study on Bulls our study site. Students have an initial Island within Cape Romain and experi- visit to I’on Swamp and use multiple ence one of the few undeveloped islands activities to heighten their observation along our coast. In 2003, Waccamaw skills. This visit also gives them the NWR asked the SEWEE Association to context for the activities over the expand the elementary program into its following weeks on the animals and region, and we are now hosting the first plants they found there. At mid-term, the students to this relatively new refuge students and teachers spend a day at the with few modifications. Sewee Center, where they study several Since 1999, nearly 1,700 students have of the habitats found in the coastal plain. become Sewee Earth Stewards, and more They learn about the Red Wolf Recovery than 700 others will be in the program Project and the role that Cape Romain this year. That’s a lot of students, plays in that by visiting our Red Wolf teachers, and parents who have had an enclosure. They experience the raptors incredible learning experience with Cape of our area by participating in a program Romain and Waccamaw NWR’s and have by the South Carolina Center for Birds of a better understanding of the role of the Prey. At the end of their studies, they refuge system as it relates to South revisit I’on Swamp for their “research” Carolina. trip, where they find and identify macroinvertebrate aquatic species. By the end of the term, our students know Karen Beshears is the Executive more about alligators, turtles, snakes, red Director of the SEWEE Association, the wolves, migratory birds, birds of prey, cooperating association for the National invertebrate species, and freshwater Wildlife Refuges of Coastal South wetland habitats. Carolina. She can be reached at Two years ago, we were able to [email protected]. expand this program to seventh-graders

Students from Belle Hall simulated tracking red wolves by using a tracking receiver to look for a radio collar placed in the brush at the Sewee Center. Students then walked back to the wolf enclosure to see the red wolves that live at the Center. SEWEE Association

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 25 This Bird is No Chicken by Mary Hake

“Piping Plover: Tastes Like Chicken” reads a bumper sticker affixed to a four-wheel drive vehicle in my home town of Eastham, Massachusetts. Here on Cape Cod, the piping plover (Charadrius melodus) is loved by most, but to some people this small shorebird symbolizes an unwelcome change in beach management.

The piping plover’s main It’s not the first time piping plovers began regulating or even closing defense is camouflage. While have been in hot water. They were vehicular use of nesting beaches. These this strategy for evading nearly driven to extinction in the 19th new restrictions created tension with predators worked well for century due to excessive hunting, mainly some user groups, and the plover millennia, it didn’t work well with the increasing numbers for the millinery trade. The Migratory bashing began. of humans. Most beachgoers Bird Treaty Act of 1918 afforded their That’s where I stepped in. In the would be hard pressed to pick populations an opportunity to recover, course of my 20 years with the National out an adult plover on the but after World War II the decline Park Service, most of it spent working beach, much less their sandy- resumed. With increased development with piping plovers, I came to realize colored eggs that blend and recreational use in coastal habitats, that protecting nesting birds and their perfectly with the open sand, or the chicks, which are people began building, driving, and young was not enough. Gaining public flightless for a month. As a playing on the wild beaches that piping support is important to their recovery. result, eggs and chicks were plovers once pretty much had to them- Since the plovers couldn’t speak out, I being accidentally stepped on selves. Not only did the piping plover had to do so on their behalf. This could or run over. Moreover, the have to contend with natural predators, mean taking the time to show a visitor wrack line, a mixture of plant high tides, and storms, it now also had how vulnerable a plover chick is to an detritus and invertebrates the to deal with shrinking habitat and unleashed dog, or just how well con- plovers feed on, historically washed up freely along the increasing numbers of people competing cealed a plover nest really is. One by shoreline. Now it was for the beaches that plovers needed to one, you could see visitor attitudes increasingly being removed to survive. The plover had its hands (make change. They now realize the battles the “tidy” up the beach. The wild that wings) full. plover face are real. nature of the beach was By 1986, the piping plover population In the early 1990’s, Barbara Beers disappearing and so were along the Atlantic coast had fallen to from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service piping plovers. fewer than 800 pairs, making it necessary developed a wonderful piping plover to list the population as threatened. lesson plan. It included slides and a Many areas along the coast began script outlining the habitat, life history, intensively managing the piping plover. and threats to piping plovers, along with Sections of upper beach were fenced to classroom activities. The lesson plan protect nests, and regulations limiting inspired me to take it on the road. Each some recreational activities were posted year since 2000, I’ve been starting my and enforced. State and federal agencies season at Cape Cod National Seashore

26 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 by visiting local schools, preaching the with these amazing birds. While endan- gospel of plovers. I created my own gered species management must be slide presentation, incorporating some of based in science, education is also a the slides and ideas from the Fish and critical component of effective recovery. Wildlife Service plan, and off I went. Through this program we are sowing the I speak mainly to 5th graders. It’s a seeds of concern for the piping plover, perfect age; they are open minded and which we hope will bear fruit as support enthusiastic. My favorite part comes after for plover management in the next viewing the slide presentations. We generation. move all the desks to the sides of the classroom and the room becomes a beach, with the students as piping Mary Hake, a biological technician plovers. The students enact three with Cape Cod National Seashore, can be scenarios; the first, a wild undisturbed contacted at mary@hake_nps.gov or 508/ beach, the second, a beach with human 255-2112, ext. 14. disturbance, and third, a beach with a predator trying to eat plover chicks. In each scenario, the plovers are trying to run down their designated lane to the intertidal zone where they can feed on marine invertebrates (represented by dry beans). If there is a threat in their designated lane, the plovers (students) must run back to a safe zone. As you can imagine, it’s easy for the first group of plovers, but increasingly difficult for the latter two groups. Many are out of breath, sprawled out on the floor. They love the game. The hands-on activity allows the kids to feel what it might be like to be a plover, leading to a better understanding of the issues. Not only is it their minds, the plight of the piping plover is now in their hearts. In past years, I handed out “I’m a Plover Protector” buttons to the kids. They all wore them like a medal of honor. I get hand drawn pictures and letters from kids thanking me for what I do and reassuring me that they will now help protect the plover on their beaches. One girl wrote “I learned a lot from the plovers-they have a hard life to live.” I know not everyone will love plovers. I am reminded of this every time I see that bumper sticker. But I hope the more than 3,500 students and teachers that I have spoken to over the past few years have a better understanding of the challenges faced by piping plovers and a greater willingness to share the beach Brittney Whitman

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 27 In Our Dreams…. by Ann Carlson

If one were to dream up a list of the ming pool, and many of the other attributes of an outstanding environmen- wonderful things we love to look at from tal education partner, it might include: the safety of a glass window or a • an ability to reach a large audience; viewing platform. But the Oregon Zoo •experts in species life history, habitat, has much more than that. and conservation; Our zoo has a mission for wildlife •a professional public relations staff; that includes captive propagation for Pygmy rabbit • hands-on programs for children; endangered and threatened species. It is courtesy Washington Department of Fish and •a wide range of established helping us save a grand bird, a tiny Wildlife partnerships; rabbit, and two butterfly species and •a proven history of fund raising; their host plants, all of which were once • leadership in establishing conserva- abundant in the Pacific Northwest. tion education consortiums; The endangered California condor •facilities and programs dedicated to (Gymnogyps californianus), seen soaring conservation of species; and above Oregon’s Columbia River by Lewis •a mission of inspiring the community and Clark in 1805, is now part of a to create a better future for wildlife. captive-rearing program at one of the In the Pacific Northwest, the U.S. Fish Oregon Zoo’s off-site breeding facilities. and Wildlife Service has such a partner: It opened in November 2003 and houses the Oregon Zoo! Yes, our zoo has lions 6 breeding pairs, or 12 of the 219 and tigers and bears on display. It also California condors that exist today. has a snake house, a polar bear swim- Within four months of taking up resi- dence in Oregon, Tama and Mandan, an established breeding pair, produced an egg. When this egg was removed for artificial incubation, Tama laid a second egg. Both eggs hatched; the proud parents are raising hatchling number one, while number two is being reared at the Los Angeles Zoo. This early success of the Oregon Zoo’s Condor Creek Conservation Facility has brought tremendous support for completing the flight aviary where young condors can learn survival skills. Even though the remote facility is designed to minimize the exposure of condors to people, a practice that facilitates release to the wild, the Oregon Zoo ensures that people hear the news, see the pictures, and thereby participate in condor Adult California condor in flight Noel Snyder conservation activities.

28 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 The Columbia Basin distinct popula- silverspot’s rare host plant. The kids then tion segment of Washington’s pygmy get to view the rearing process, from rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) was eggs in petri dishes to larvae that look emergency listed in 2001 as endangered. like tiny caterpillars under a microscope. Only 30 individuals were known to The Oregon Zoo is also contributing to remain in the wild. These rabbits are the the conservation of the endangered smallest in North America, weighing less Fender’s blue butterfly (Icaricia than half a kilogram or about one icarioides fenderi) by raising its host pound. Unlike cottontails and jackrab- plant, the Kincaid’s lupine (Lupinus bits, pygmy rabbits dig burrows, the only sulphureus spp. kincaidii), itself a American rabbit that does so. The threatened species. Oregon Zoo developed husbandry “This conservation effort is serving as techniques to breed pygmy rabbits in a model for rebuilding an ecosystem,” captivity. One of the species’ few known says Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo Director. needs is big sagebrush (Artemisia “We want to involve children in the tridentata), a shrub used for both food protection of endangered butterflies so and cover. With large swaths of sage- they care about the future of all plants brush country being developed or and animals.” converted to agriculture, the pygmy The captive breeding programs rabbit is losing ground throughout its developed by the Oregon Zoo have led Great Basin historic range. The Oregon to plenty of environmental education Zoo is growing its own sagebrush for opportunities, from videos of animal rabbit feed – five seedlings a day per releases to science projects for school rabbit. Two litters of pygmy rabbits were classrooms. In March of this year, the born at the breeding facility in May of Oregon Zoo hosted the first Northwest this year. A video feed of the rabbits’ Zoo Conservation Education Consortium. secluded, hand-built habitat can be quite Eight zoos and aquariums sent represen- dull until suddenly a brown blur hops tatives to compare conservation and up into the air – boing! The first releases education programs and develop to protected habitat in central Washing- partnerships. ton should occur next year. “Everyone knows the animals in the In addition to building habitats for big tropical rainforest are in trouble,” says Oregon silverspot larvae and adult butterflies. birds and little rabbits, the Oregon Zoo Vecchio. “Unfortunately, most people photos by Rich Szlemp created a scientifically-planned butterfly don’t realize there are many endangered conservation lab where they hatch eggs species right here in the Pacific North- into larvae, and then grow the larvae west. Our goal is to gather zoo and into pupae to be released into the wild. aquarium educators and scientists to The Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria develop strategies for informing our zerene hippolyta), a threatened species, combined nearly five million annual was the first to be raised at the lab. Once visitors about the plight of animals in found in coastal grasslands from north- our own backyards.” ern California to southern Washington, this species is now reduced in range to a few spots on the Oregon coast. Last year, Ann Carlson, a recovery biologist in the Oregon Zoo released 293 butterfly the Portland Regional Office, can be pupae at the Cascade Head Preserve, a reached at 503-231-2374 or site managed by The Nature Conser- [email protected]. vancy and the one remaining stronghold for the species. The zoo brings in fifth graders from a local school to plant western blue violets (Viola adunca), the

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 29 Raising Awareness of Sea by Daniel R. Evans Turtle Habitat

Florida’s natural coastal environments are being put under increasing pressure as the population in coastal communities grows and development encroaches on wildlife habitats. Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts pro- vide vital nesting habitat for the threatened loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), while Florida’s Atlantic coast provides vital nesting habitat for endangered green (Chelonia mydas) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles. Coastal areas also contain some of the most fragile ecosystems in Florida.

Certain forms of development on beaches that have a local sea turtle nesting beaches discourage female sea conservation group available, and turtles from nesting and increase turtle willing, to participate. It is divided into hatchling mortality. To minimize these three parts: 1) providing local sea turtle impacts, it is essential that citizens and groups with printed educational materi- tourists become more informed about als for distribution to coastal businesses; The educational material how their activities affect sea turtles and 2) acknowledging businesses that are developed by STSL includes how people can support sea turtle “sea turtle friendly” through an awards “Do Not Disturb” door-hang conservation. program; and 3) providing online tags, three-sided “table top In 2002, the Sea Turtle Survival educational resources for the public. tents,” and double-sided placemat coloring sheets. League (STSL), a program of the non- The STSL provided local sea turtle Each cooperating group has profit Caribbean Conservation Corpora- conservation groups with educational received 3,000 to 5,000 of each tion, initiated the Sea Turtle Nesting material for distribution to beachfront item for local distribution. In Habitat Awareness Campaign to promote hotels, restaurants, condominiums, retail addition to a colorful photo, a greater understanding of the impacts stores, and realtors. It also coordinated the door-hang tags have that coastal residents, businesses, and the recognition of those businesses county-specific information visitors can have on sea turtle nesting working to benefit sea turtle nesting about sea turtles and the coastal ecosystem, habitat. The campaign was an expansion habitat through the “sea turtle friendly” suggestions on how to reduce of STSL’s 1999 Coastal Awareness Pilot awards. To date, the Campaign has been the impact of visitor activities, Campaign and its ongoing Sea Turtle conducted in Brevard, Collier, Indian and contact information for Migration-Tracking and Coastal Habitat River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Palm Beach, the local group(s) taking part Education Program, which began Pinellas, Sarasota, St. Johns, Volusia, and in the Campaign. The table top operation in 1996. Walton counties. tents contain similar information. The coloring The Campaign has focused on The “sea turtle friendly” awards sheets provide additional sea Florida’s counties with sea turtle nesting program provides a great opportunity to turtle information and graphics, such as a sea turtle size chart, puzzles, and games.

30 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 recognize coastal businesses for going welcomed more than 220,000 new the extra mile to protect Florida’s sea visitors, for an average of more than 610 turtles and their nesting beaches. The new visitors per day. (Note: these are public is encouraged to support these new, distinct visitors, not “hits.”) businesses, thereby giving others an The CCC was founded in 1959. Based incentive to join the effort. in Gainesville, Florida, it is the oldest Since the Campaign began, nearly 800 organization in the world dedicated coastal businesses have been ap- solely to the research and conservation proached to receive the educational of marine turtles and their habitats. In materials with nearly 89 percent of these 1993, the CCC established the Sea Turtle Marine Turtle businesses accepting one of the materi- Survival League program to address Conservation Act als. “Sea turtle friendly” awards have issues affecting sea turtles and their vital of 2004 been given to nearly 60 coastal busi- nesting beaches in Florida. nesses in 11 of the 12 counties. The Marine Turtle The online component of the Cam- Conservation Act of 2004 was paign expanded the STSL section of the Daniel R. Evans is the Education signed into law on July 2. This bill was created to assist in Caribbean Conservation Corporation Coordinator for the Caribbean Conserva- the conservation of marine th (CCC) website at www.cccturtle.org to tion Corporation, 4424 NW 13 St, Suite turtles and the nesting include additional coastal habitat A-1, Gainesville, FL 32609, (352) 373- habitats of marine turtles in information, and coverage of issues 6441, (352) 375-2449, foreign countries. The bill related to the State’s coastal management [email protected]. would accomplish this by policies. During 2003, the CCC website creating a Multinational Species Conservation Fund to support conservation of imperiled marine turtle species, such as loggerhead, green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, olive ridley, and leatherback. As of September 2004, no funds have been appropriated for the implementation of this Act.

Daniel Evans, STSL Education Coordinator, presents a “Sea Turtle Friendly” award to Tiara by the Sea beachfront motel owner Joyce Gerlak. Janet Hochella

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 31 Sea Turtle Trails by Marisa Adler

The barrier islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks provide important nesting habitat for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Each year, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) offers sanctuary to Loggerhead sea turtle Patrick D. Hagan many of these threatened turtles. The staff and volunteers of Pea Island take great interest in the reproductive success of loggerheads.

Like other sea turtle species, Since sea turtles spend all their lives The transmitters record water tempera- loggerheads face a number of in the water, except when nesting, the ture and location, then relay the informa- threats. Lights along nesting refuge’s involvement in their life cycle is tion back to receivers when the turtle beaches can cause turtle limited but important: providing undis- surfaces for air. Since the start of this hatchlings to become turbed nesting beaches and protecting project in 2003, four loggerheads have disoriented, attracting them to nesting turtles, eggs in the nests, and been tagged, fitted with transmitters, and roads or buildings instead of the ocean. Tire ruts on the hatchlings as they find their way to the released. Ten more are expected to be beach also capture hatchlings ocean. The refuge also monitors the released soon. or direct them away from the beach for live stranded turtles, or those Staff and volunteers at Pea Island water. Litter on the beach can that are stunned and immobilized by a NWR are eager to follow information entangle turtles and attract quick drop in water temperature, and from Turtle Trails and learn of rescue turtle egg predators, and collects information from dead and release success rates as they con- plastic bags or other trash in the water often appear to sea strandings. When a live stranded turtle is tinue their own conservation and public turtles as food, resulting in found, it is often brought to a rehabilita- outreach activities. Refuge efforts include great harm to their digestive tion center for recovery and eventual Turtle Patrols to locate and monitor tracts. The public can assist release. The North Carolina Aquarium at nests, Turtle Watches to help hatchlings turtle conservation by: Roanoke Island runs one such rehabilita- reach the water safely, and Turtle Talks • respecting closed beach tion center, working with the refuge to to educate the public about sea turtles. areas, handle turtles found on local beaches. More information on Turtle Trails and • turning off lights on beachfront houses, Researchers at the North Carolina the North Carolina Aquarium can be • avoiding nighttime Aquarium have designed a tracking found at www.ncaquariums.com/ activities on the beach, system to both monitor the success rates turtletrails or by calling Joanne Harcke, • picking up trash, and of their recovery and release efforts and Conservation and Research Coordinator, • refraining from driving on to help determine what causes the turtles at 252-473-3494. Information on Pea the beach during nesting to become stunned by the cold. Funded Island NWR recovery efforts and out- seasons. by a grant from the Institute of Museum reach can be found at http:// and Library Services, and operated in peaisland.fws.gov/ or by calling Ann conjunction with the Network for Marie Salewski, wildlife interpretive Endangered Sea Turtles (NEST), the specialist, at 252-987-1118. program, called “Turtle Trails,” aims to monitor released loggerhead sea turtles through the use of satellite transmitters. Marisa Adler is an intern at Pea Island NWR in North Carolina.

32 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 “Habitat Trunks” Delight Teachers by Ken Torkelson

What does it take to put a smile Wetland Management District Office. The on the face of a fourth-grade teacher? committee wanted to provide teachers Well, there are more than 350 smiling and students with information on the fourth-grade teachers in classrooms values of habitat for wildlife and people. around North Dakota, thanks to a project A series of meetings with teachers spearheaded by the Education Commit- told committee members they were on tee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s the right track, and that it wouldn’t be North Dakota Outreach Team. cheap. “The bottom line was $153,000, Committee members and other so we started writing grants and looking Teachers at Naughton School leave the U.S. Fish and Wildlife offices with Service staff distributed free “wildlife for partners,” recalls Kreil. “We were smiles and Wildlife Trunks. The habitat trunks” to every North Dakota fortunate to enlist support from the Service is distributing 375 of the school with a fourth-grade classroom, North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, Wildlife Trunks to all the state’s completing the first phase of a plan to three state agencies – Game and Fish fourth grade teachers. help the state’s young people explore Department, Department of Public Bismarck Tribune the habitats and wildlife that surround Instruction, and the Health Department. them. The trunks are stuffed with Other partners were the Rocky Mountain mammal skulls and skins, hide samples Elk Foundation, NoDak Sportsmen’s of big game animals, track and plant Club, the state chapter of The Wildlife replicas, a wing, a turtle shell, wildlife Society, and Prairie Pothole Partners. and habitat photos, plant identification Without them, this project wouldn’t have cards, several posters featuring species happened.” found in the state, wildlife activities, craft These efforts were worthwhile, projects, maps, and, most importantly, judging from teacher reactions during the North Dakota Wildlife Habitat trunk distribution and training sessions Educator’s Guide. at 35 locations. “The teachers were “The trunk items are used to reinforce thrilled and were really looking forward concepts taught from the educator’s to having their students explore the guide,” explains committee member items in the trunks,” says Knutsen. Jackie Jacobson, Outdoor Recreation The project is not yet complete. Once Planner at Audubon National Wildlife the students critique the trunks, commit- Refuge. “They provide students with tee members will compile and assess hands-on materials, which is always a their comments, along with those from benefit in the learning process.” the teachers, to help determine possible But the trunks didn’t just magically updates. appear; they are the result of a three- Then, maybe the committee members year effort begun during a brainstorming will have a chance to sit back and do a session by Jacobson and committee little smiling of their own. members Karen Kreil, a biologist with the Service’s Ecological Services pro- gram; Kristine Askerooth, a biologist at Ken Torkelson, a writer/editor with the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge; and Service’s North Dakota Wetland Habitat Lynda Knutsen, an Outdoor Recreation Office in Bismarck, can be contacted at Planner stationed at the Valley City 701/355-8528

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 33 Welcome to by Stephanie Eskins Wildlife University

How do salmon find their way back to the streams where they were born? Why are endangered species called “nature’s fire alarms”? Does the Houston toad actually live in Houston? How is the Karner blue butterfly connected to the wild lupine? Now you don’t need a degree in wildlife biology to find out. The an- swers to these and many more questions about wildlife and wild places can be found at Wildlife University, an online learning program developed by the National Wildlife Federation. Wildlife University offers interac- tive courses, downloadable study guides, presentations from wildlife experts, and information exchange “study lounges.” Best of all, this university is tuition free.

Currently, there are two series of Blue Butterfly and Other Imperiled courses: “Creating Places for Wildlife” Pollinators.” This 30-minute course and “Endangered Species.” The Creating explores the role of pollinators in the Places courses teach the basic guidelines natural world and describes the plight of for making landscapes more hospitable one endangered pollinator, the Karner to wildlife, whether these places are in blue. Course participants learn about this backyards, schoolyards, or throughout species’ natural history, threats to its communities. The Endangered Species survival, and efforts to save it from series, developed with support from the extinction. Participants also learn how Surdna Foundation, contains courses that they can contribute to the species’ provide in-depth looks at the issues recovery. facing endangered and threatened All of the courses at Wildlife Univer- species including the gray wolf, Kemp’s sity are designed for people who have a ridley sea turtle, whooping crane, Florida basic understanding of conservation and panther, chinook salmon, and Houston at least a 10th grade reading level. Check toad. Other courses now available or it out at www.nwf.org/wildlifeuniversity. under development investigate the causes of species loss and decline, the reasons for protecting imperiled species, For more information, contact and the Endangered Species Act. Stephanie Eskins at [email protected] or One of the newest additions to the 703-438-6343. Endangered Species series is “The Karner

34 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 Butterfly Conservation and Management Course by Shelly Grow

Twenty-two butterfly species are Members and partners of the Butterfly federally listed as endangered or threat- Conservation Initiative (BFCI) developed ened in the United States. There are also this course in response to concerns that candidates for federal listing and others many people with a strong interest in that have been identified as species of butterfly conservation need specialized Lange’s metalmark butterfly state concern in their native ranges. Most training in order to be truly effective Dr. Edward S. Ross of the habitat upon which these species partners in recovery efforts. The BFCI is depend is severely fragmented and/or a coalition of 49 AZA-accredited zoos degraded, and the need for active and aquariums and six partners: the conservation efforts is great. “Techniques AZA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for Butterfly Conservation and Environmental Defense, McGuire Center Management” is a three-day workshop for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Na- designed to increase the number of tional Wildlife Federation (NWF), and skilled professionals and volunteers Xerces Society. The BFCI is dedicated to available to support butterfly recovery. the conservation of threatened, endan- The American Zoo and Aquarium gered, and vulnerable North American Association (AZA) approved course is butterflies and their habitats, with a appropriate for government wildlife focus on recovery, research, and public biologists; zoo, aquarium, and nature education. center personnel; environmental educa- BFCI partners and members have tors; volunteers; and others interested in developed other educational material as butterfly conservation. well. The AZA and NWF developed a In order to address the needs of Butterfly Activity Guide, which can be people both new and experienced in downloaded from the BFCI web site butterfly conservation, course topics (http://www.aza.org/ConScience/bfci). include: Butterfly Diversity and Evolu- This guide includes activities appropriate tion; Ecology and Behavior; Captive for children in grades K-8. The Xerces Propagation Basics; Host Plant Care; Society and BFCI produced summaries Genetic Management; Case Studies in of the life histories and recovery needs Butterfly Conservation; Field and Lab of all endangered and threatened Techniques; Introduction to Recovery butterflies in the U.S. These species Planning; Permitting 101; Habitat profiles can be accessed at http:// Restoration; Exhibitry; Establishing www.aza.org/ConScience/ Population Monitoring Networks; BFCI_SpeciesProfiles/. Butterfly Conservation Networks; and If you have questions about the BFCI, Integrating Butterflies into Educational Techniques for Butterfly Conservation and Conservation Programs. and Management course, Butterfly The course will be offered April 28- Activity Guide, or species profiles, please 30, 2005, at the McGuire Center for contact Shelly Grow, BFCI Program Lepidoptera and Biodiversity in Coordinator, at [email protected] or 301- Gainesville, Florida. Information on the 562-0777 x263. course can be found at http:// www.aza.org/prodev/.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 35 Celebrating Groundwater by Theresa Jacobson and Cave Critters

What do endangered cave and Alabama cave fish (Speoplatyrhimus critters, drinking water, and fourth poulsoni). graders have in common? They are all Students also learn that groundwater linked by a two-day festival held each is an important source of drinking water spring in Madison County, Alabama. for people in Alabama as well as other For the past six years, the U.S. Fish areas of our country. Clean groundwater and Wildlife Service has teamed up with supports a diversity of aquatic cave the Huntsville Grotto and U.S. Army’s animals. Cave fish and cave shrimp living Redstone Arsenal to present “Hungry in groundwater streams and pools are Cave Critters,” an activity involving indicators of water quality. If aquatic endangered cave species, to excited cave species suddenly disappear from fourth graders attending the festival. their environment, that’s a warning of Fourth graders learn about Hungry Students play the roles of various cave possible groundwater contamination. Cave Critters. critters, including cave crayfish, cave Before the students leave, they watch USFWS shrimp, and cave salamander. Crawling a video clip taken from inside a cave on on the carpet floor of a darkened room, the Redstone Arsenal. Tiny, translucent the students search for food cards. Alabama cave shrimp swim in a pool Competition for food is fierce; their along with ghostly-white cave crayfish critter won’t survive if the students can’t and pink-tinged cave fish in their find enough food. underground world. In about 25 minutes, Bats play a key role in a cave’s food the fourth graders have learned about chain due to their droppings, called endangered cave critters and how their guano. Bat guano is an important food drinking water and the groundwater source in caves and is eaten by micro- below their feet are all interconnected in scopic invertebrates, cave insects, cave the fragile karstlands of north Alabama. crayfish, and cave fish. During the second round of the Hungry Critters activity, our imaginary cave has been Theresa Jacobson, a wildlife biologist vandalized, causing the endangered bats and outreach specialist in the Service’s Students search for “food cards” to abandon the cave and thereby Jackson, Mississippi, Field Office, can be during a role playing activity. upsetting the amount of available food. reached at [email protected] or USFWS Many more cave critters die in the game (601) 321-1129. because of the missing guano in the food chain. For more information about the After two quick rounds of food Madison County Drinking Water Festival, gathering, the students learn about the visit the web site at http:// variety of animal species that live www.hsvutil.org/drinkingwaterfestival/ underground and glean insight into their index.htm. fragile cave habitat. Water festival educators emphasize the four endan- The activity “Hungry Cave Critters” is The Alabama cave shrimp is a small, colorless crustacean. gered cave animals that live in northern published in Project Underground, a USFWS Alabama: the gray bat (Myotis grisecens), natural resource education guide. (http:/ Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), Alabama /www.dcr.state.va.us/underground.htm). cave shrimp (Palaemonias alabamae),

36 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 The Nature of Learning

“The Nature of Learning” is an education partnership involving the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Conservation Training Center, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and the Keystone Center. It supports community- based environmental education programs, using national wildlife refuges as outdoor classrooms, and seeks to promote a greater understanding of conservation issues while enhancing student academic achievement.

Central to each Nature of Learning this initiative. After building an under- site is a partnership among a neighbor- standing of conservation issues, students hood school, natural resource profes- are encouraged to identify tasks that put sionals, and community members. These their awareness into action and enhance members use Nature of Learning meth- their community. odology to create site-specific goals and The Nature of Learning framework an action plan. Using the standards- assists teams with local site workshops based curriculum from collaborating to meet professional development needs. schools, teams of teachers and resource Partnerships with organizations that have specialists blend the resources from the similar missions are highly recom- classroom with existing activities and mended. In addition, the National programs used on public lands. The Conservation Training Center and The framework guides educators in a Keystone Center offer many courses that standards-based instructional process can be directly applied to the Nature of that encourages an interdisciplinary Learning initiative. approach. For more information, visit http:// Community projects are planned and refuges.fws.gov/educaton/ implemented as a culminating activity of natureOfLearning/index.html.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 37 What a Difference Good by Randi Thompson Outreach Makes

“You are going to destroy a very migratory fish, it would swim upstream lucrative recreational fishery,” said Tom from Pyramid Lake via the Truckee River Smith, president of the Truckee River Fly to Lake Tahoe, a 120-mile (190-kilome- Fishermen. “You consider the fish that ter) trip. Lahontan cutthroat trout were are in the river now as invasive species; popular with early settlers, who consid- well, we consider you federal employees ered them quite tasty, and anglers

Lahontan cutthroat trout invasive species, invading our state sometimes caught fish weighing up to 40 Pete Rissler fishery.” That sentiment was shared by pounds (18 kilograms). By 1940, how- most of the people attending a public ever, the fish was gone from the meeting held several years ago to discuss Truckee, primarily due to overfishing the Fish and Wildlife Service’s plan to and the completion of Derby Dam, restore the native stock of the Lahontan which blocked fish passage. In 1970, the cutthroat trout (Oncorthynchus clarki Service listed the fish as threatened. henshawi) to the Truckee River system in Although the states of California and Nevada and California. Nevada did some recovery work for this By the fall of 2003, however, Tom’s fish, there was little interest in tackling concern had changed a bit. “So when restoration in the Truckee River due to can we have cutthroat trout eggs for our multiple conflicts. The river is not only a streamside incubation boxes?” popular recreational fishery for both Why the change? Communication. states, due to decades of stocking Tom and hundreds like him participated nonnative rainbow (Oncorhynchus in the process to help scientists on the mykiss) and brown (Salmo trutta) trout, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Recovery but it is the water source for Reno. It’s Implementation Team develop the action also used by kayakers and rafters, is a plans for restoring this fish. Their water source for irrigation, and has over participation gave them the opportunity 40 different dams and diversions that to be part of the process, and that block fish passage. inclusion helped them understand our We understood the states’ reluctance goals and objectives. We, in turn, heard and the public’s resistance to the their concerns and developed actions to restoration effort. The plan was per- address them. ceived as adversely impacting a popular How we got here is a story of and lucrative recreational fishery. People persistence and consistency. We were weren’t afraid that we would halt fishing, persistent in communicating with the but that we would change it. It was the public, and our message stayed consis- unknown that concerned them. tent. This approach was vital for facing We knew we had two big obstacles to resistance and reluctance. Many anglers overcome. One, some people did not were extremely resistant to changing trust us. Two, they did not understand their fishery, and the states were reluc- our intentions. To overcome these tant to take on such a huge task. A little barriers would take communication on history explains why. both a broad and personal level. The Lahontan cutthroat trout is the We needed to involve anyone who only trout native to the Truckee River was interested or would be impacted by system of Nevada and California. A the actions — anglers, environmentalists,

38 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 kayakers, landowners, and governmental released, and monitored. We also brown and rainbow trout that they agencies. We developed a mailing list showed crumbling river banks and would like to see remain that way. and sent out meeting notices and letters, explained that repairing these areas While the meetings met our goals of each time requesting other names to add would benefit water quality, water obtaining useful information, we soon to the list. A quarterly newsletter we quantity, water users, birds, mammals, learned that people were not going to created provided notice of future and, yes, fish. We were doing more than feel they were a part of the process meetings, minutes from past meetings, restoring a fish; we were improving a unless they got to interact directly with proposed action items, websites with river system that would directly benefit decision makers. They had to get to more information, and a list of contact people, too. know us as individuals if they were to persons. We also explained different To keep people engaged in the trust us. After several meetings, we were elements of the Endangered Species Act planning process, we provided them no longer “federal employees”; we were and reproduced newspaper articles from opportunities to be involved in ways that Lisa, Bob, and Randi. the late 1800s and early 1900s. These worked for them. For those who could I’m proud to have been part of this stories told how thousands of pounds of not attend meetings, we developed a process, but I’m more proud of Lisa fish were brought to market in one day, website giving meeting minutes, maps, Heki, the Project Leader for the Fishery but they also covered the impacts that proposed action items, emails, and Program, and Bob Williams, Field old papers mills had on the river and its phone numbers and mailing addresses Supervisor for the Nevada Fish and fish. Such historical information provided for comments. Wildlife Office. They took criticism, a long-term perspective, reminding us all Our early public meetings were looked folks in the eye, and explained of what we once had and lost. workshops facilitated by a contractor. our intentions. In doing so, they gained To reach the general public, we Sessions on Saturdays and mid-week support, friends, and partners for engaged the media. We worked with evenings accommodated various sched- conservation. reporters to not only inform people of ules. Large maps displayed around the upcoming meetings, but to talk about meeting room allowed local citizens to the planning process, its goals, and its help us identify streams that needed Randi Thompson was a public affairs impacts. Simple events, such as stocking restoration or that would be good for specialist with the Service’s Nevada Fish Lahontan cutthroat trout for recreational stocking and monitoring Lahontan and Wildlife Office until leaving recently fishing, became media events that cutthroat trout. They also showed us to pursue other interests. illustrated how fish are reared, tagged, areas that were trophy fishing areas for

Will Cowan, a fisheries biologist with the Service’s Reno office, interviews an angler fishing the Truckee River to determine response to the stocking of Lahontan cutthroat trout. USFWS

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXIX NO. 2 39 RULEMAKING ACTIONS

From January through April of 2004, the Fish nized in 2002, the southcentral and southeast ease, or contaminants are involved. There also is and Wildlife Service published the following stocks, are believed to be stable or increasing and no evidence that entanglement in commercial proposed and final rules in accordance with are not included in the proposed listing rule. fishing gear or competition with fishermen for the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The full prey species is playing a significant role in the text of each action can be found on the Between the mid 1700s and the early 1900s, com- decline, and annual subsistence harvest by Alaska internet at: http://endangered.fws.gov/ mercial hunting of sea otters brought the entire Natives is believed to be too low to contribute federalregister/2004/index.html. species to the brink of extinction. When they be- significantly to the decline. Some evidence points came protected from commercial harvest in 1911 to increased predation on sea otters by killer Proposed Listing under the International Fur Seal Treaty, only 13 whales, which in turn may be the result of changes small remnant populations were known to exist, in the ecosystem. However, additional research Northern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) including six in southwest Alaska. Following this will be needed before the cause of the decline can On February 11, sea otters occurring in south- protection, otters from 11 populations gradually be determined. western Alaska were proposed by the Service for recovered and recolonized their former range in listing as threatened. These animals comprise the southwest Alaska and some other portions of their Final Listings Southwestern Alaska Distinct Population Segment historic range. (DPS) of northern sea otters. Survey data indicate Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) On April 21, the that this population, which once contained more In the Aleutians, there were approximately 55,000 Service listed the beluga sturgeon as a threatened than half of the world’s sea otters, has declined at to 74,000 sea otters in the mid-1980s. Aerial sur- species. Female beluga sturgeon are considered least 56 to 68 percent since the mid-1980s, and veys since that time, however, indicate a progres- the world’s most valuable commercially harvested there is no indication that the decline has ceased. sive decline in the Aleutians to less than 9,000 fish because they supply beluga caviar, one of the animals. Survey results also show substantial de- most highly prized delicacies in the world. The proposed rule describes the Southwestern clines have occurred in the Alaska Peninsula, Alaska DPS of northern sea otters as those occur- where the counts of otters have declined by more Unregulated overfishing, loss of spawning habi- ring in nearshore waters from the Aleutian Is- than 65 percent since the mid 1980s. In the Kodiak tat, and poaching to supply the black market lands to Cook Inlet, including waters adjacent to archipelago, surveys indicate the number of ot- beluga caviar trade have contributed to a notable the Aleutians, the Alaska Peninsula, and the ters has declined more than 55 percent since the decrease in the wild beluga sturgeon population. Kodiak archipelago. This corresponds to the range late 1980s. Listing beluga sturgeon as threatened under the of the southwest stock of sea otters recognized in Endangered Species Act brings this country’s con- 2002 by the Service in accordance with provisions The cause of the population decline is not clear. servation requirements in line with existing in- of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Two other Production of young does not appear to be re- ternational measures for the species under the stocks of sea otters in Alaska that also were recog- duced, nor is there evidence that starvation, dis- Convention on International Trade in Endan- gered Species (CITES). The Service will soon con- sider the development of a proposed special rule for beluga sturgeon to address measures it deems necessary to ensure the conservation of the spe- cies consistent with the provisions of CITES.

Beluga sturgeon are long-lived and slow to ma- ture. On average, male fish mature between 10 and 16 years of age and spawn once every 4 to 7 years. Females mature between 14 and 20 years of age and reproduce only once every 4 to 8 years.

Historically, beluga sturgeon inhabited a wide range throughout eastern Europe and central Asia. Now, remaining wild beluga sturgeon popula- tions are found only in the Black and Caspian Sea basins. In 1998, beluga and all other previously unlisted sturgeons and paddlefish were included Northern sea otter © B. Moose Peterson/WRP in CITES Appendix II. An Appendix II listing al-

40 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXXIX NO. 2 RULEMAKING ACTIONS lows sustainable and controlled international with the other two species, but in developing the nonnative mammals such as sheep, goats, rab- trade for commercial and noncommercial pur- final rule has reconsidered its status. Because bits, deer, elk, cattle, and horses adds to fox mor- poses through a system of permits. All sturgeon there is no indication that T. pandacaqui is en- tality. The Service is participating in a long-term and paddlefish and their byproducts must be ac- dangered or threatened throughout all or a sig- study of bald eagles that are being reintroduced to companied by valid CITES documentation to be nificant portion of its range, and because T. the islands. Bald eagles, which historically nested legally imported into, or exported from, the U.S. rotensis does not appear to be a separate species, on the islands, are territorial and, if reestab- the Service does not believe there is a basis for lished, could keep golden eagles away from the listing at this time. islands. Bald eagles feed primarily on marine mammals and fish, and would not be a threat to California Island Foxes Four subspecies of a the foxes. The bald eagle population on the is- tiny, docile fox inhabiting four of the Channel lands became extinct by 1960 because of the egg- Islands off the southern California coast were shell-thinning effects of the pesticide DDT. Pro- Beluga sturgeon listed on March 5 as endangered. The Santa Cruz grams to breed foxes in captivity for eventual © Tennessee Aquarium Island fox (Urocyon littoralis santacruzae), reintroduction also are underway. Two Mariana Island Plants Two plant species, Santa Rosa Island fox (Urocyon l. santarosae), Nesogenes rotensis and Osmoxylon San Miguel Island fox (Urocyon l. littoralis), Rota Bridled White-eye (Zosterops rotensis) mariannense, found only on the island of Rota and Santa Catalina Island fox (Urocyon l. This small forest bird, distinguished by a ring of in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana catalinae) occupy separate islands. Populations white feathers around its eyes, was designated on Islands, were listed April 8 as endangered. A third of the island foxes have dropped dramatically January 22 as an endangered species. Found in species, Tabernaemontana rotensis, was with- since 1994. the Mariana archipelago of the western Pacific, drawn from consideration for listing. This species the Rota bridled white-eye exists only on the is- occurs on Rota and in the Territory of Guam The primary cause for the decline of foxes on San land of Rota in the Commonwealth of the North- Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz islands is ern Mariana Islands. Once numerous, the esti- Only 34 N. rotensis plants and eight O. predation by golden eagles, which were initially mated population has declined dramatically since mariannense plants remain on Rota. Perhaps drawn to the islands due to the presence of non- the early 1980s, when there were nearly 11,000 because they are so rare, neither plant has a native pigs. The main cause for the decline of birds. Today, fewer than 1,100 birds are thought to common name. N. rotensis is an herbaceous plant foxes on Santa Catalina Island is the rapid spread remain on Rota. in the verbena family (Verbenaceae) with small, of canine distemper, which is transmitted by dogs. coarsely toothed leaves and small white flowers. Exact causes for the sharp decline in Rota bridled O. mariannense is a spindly, soft-wooded tree in While eagle predation and disease are direct white-eye populations are unknown. Possible fac- the ginseng family (Araliaceae). threats to these foxes, habitat degradation from tors include degradation or loss of habitat due to

Both species are threatened by habitat degrada- tion and loss caused by development in forested areas. They also are imperiled because of en- croachment of nonnative plants that compete for space and nutrients. Grazing and trampling by feral pigs and deer, road construction and main- tenance activities, recreational activities, alleged vandalism, reduced reproductive vigor due to ex- tremely small population sizes, and probable seed predation by insects, mice, or rats are also threats. The small geographic areas the plants occupy make them vulnerable to extinction from natu- rally occurring events such as typhoons.

Although T. rotensis is recognized as endemic on Guam and Rota, published work has identified it as part of the widespread species T. pandacaqui. California island fox The Service originally proposed listing T. rotensis © B. Moose Peterson/WRP

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXXIX NO. 2 41 RULEMAKING ACTIONS development, agricultural activities, and natu- made two determinations: 1) there is not strong sify the status of the Pahrump poolfish rally occurring events such as typhoons; preda- evidence of a negative population trend for the (Empetrichthys latos) from endangered to threat- tion by rats and black drongos (an introduced species, and 2) conservation efforts will reduce ened. The species will remain listed as endan- bird species from Taiwan); and use of pesticides. risk to the species to a level that would not meet gered, as it has since 1967. the need for Endangered Species Act protection. Final Delisting Rules In 1993, it appeared that the species’ status had The slickspot peppergrass, which resembles the improved enough for it to be reclassified as threat- Two Mariana Island Birds Two bird species garden flower sweet alyssum, is conserved by three ened, so the Service proposed the reclassification. endemic to the Mariana Islands were removed different conservation measures: But soon, the Service learned about new develop- from Endangered Species Act protection on Feb- ments that were adversely affecting the species. ruary 23 on the grounds that they are extinct: • a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) developed by the Bureau of Land Management, The Pahrump poolfish is historically found at The Mariana mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) once State of Idaho, Idaho Army National Guard, and only one location, a warm alkaline spring on inhabited the islands of Guam, Tinian, Saipan, several private property owners who hold BLM private land at the Manse Ranch in southern Nye and Rota. It was listed as endangered by the Trust grazing permits. Agreements have been estab- County, Nevada. In anticipation that ground wa- Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1976 and by the lished between the State of Idaho and several ter pumping would cause the natural spring to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1977. The species private landowners to conserve the species on dry up, biologists transplanted poolfish in the was probably never abundant, since the Mariana private land. early 1970s to three federal and state managed Islands have few freshwater marshes and lakes. locations in Nevada. By 1975, the spring went dry There have been no confirmed sightings of the • Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans and poolfish living in the native spring died off, Mariana mallard since it was last observed on of the U.S. Air Force, which were updated to ad- leaving only the transplanted populations. Saipan in 1979, despite extensive surveys con- dress the protection and conservation of slickspot ducted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife of the peppergrass. By 1993, the three transplanted populations were Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, stable and recovery objectives were being met, the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources of • conservation activities being implemented by which led the Service to propose reclassifying the Guam, and the Service. The exact causes for the the Idaho Air National Guard. species as threatened. However, soon after publi- extinction of the Mariana mallard are unknown. cation of the proposed rule, the Service learned Possible factors contributing to its decline in- The slickspot peppergrass grows in sagebrush that habitat modifications at the state-managed clude the massive loss of suitable wetland habitat steppe habitats in southwestern Idaho, including site would adversely impact the species. Thus, the and years of unregulated hunting. the Snake River Plain, Owyhee Plateau, and adja- proposal to change the status of the poolfish was cent foothills in Ada, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, halted while actions were taken to secure that The Guam broadbill (Myiagra freycineti), a small Owyhee, and Payette counties. It has many tiny, population’s survival. flycatcher that occurred only on the island of white flowers that resemble the garden flower Guam, was listed as endangered in 1984. At the sweet alyssum. Slickspot peppergrass typically By the late 1990s, the population was secure at the time, fewer than 100 individuals remained. There grows in “slickspots,” which are small areas of state-managed site, but the poolfish at the federal have been no confirmed sightings of the Guam sparse vegetation within sagebrush habitats. site were decimated by the illegal introduction of broadbill since 1984, despite surveys conducted crayfish, a nonnative aquatic predator. An iso- by Guam biologists. Predation by the nonnative Among the conservation measures to be under- lated pool was recently built at this federal site brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is likely the taken for the slickspot peppergrass are increased and a small number of poolfish were reintro- major factor contributing to its extinction. wildfire protection and minimum impact fire sup- duced in the summer of 2003. Surveys at the other pression and rehabilitation practices, treatment federal site in 2003 indicate that there has been a Withdrawn Listing Proposal of noxious weeds, adjustments to grazing prac- significant decrease in the poolfish population at tices, and measures to reduce ground disturbance this transplanted location. The cause for the de- Slickspot Peppergrass (Lepidium in and around slickspots. cline is unknown and is being investigated. papilliferum) On January 22, the Service with- drew its 2002 proposal to list this Idaho species, Withdrawn Reclassification Critical Habitat an herbaceous annual or biennial plant in the Proposal mustard family (Brassicaceae), as endangered. Critical habitat, as defined in the ESA, is a regu- After reanalyzing information and evaluating re- Pahrump Poolfish (Empetrichthys latos) On latory term for a specific area that contains physi- cently formalized conservation plans, the Service April 2, the Service withdrew a proposal to reclas- cal and biological factors that are essential for

42 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXXIX NO. 2 RULEMAKING ACTIONS the conservation of a listed species. Critical habi- California Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora tat designations do not establish a wildlife refuge, draytonii) On April 13, the Service proposed to wilderness area, or any other type of conservation designate 4.1 million acres (1.67 million ha) in reserve, nor do they affect actions of a purely 28 California counties as critical habitat for the private nature. They are intended to delineate threatened California red-legged frog, the species areas in which federal agencies must consult with that is believed to have inspired Mark Twain’s the Service to ensure that actions these agencies short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of authorize, fund, or carry out do not destroy or Calaveras County.” adversely modify the designated critical habitat. Arroyo toad Within designated critical habitat boundaries, Lane Mountain Milk-vetch (Astragalus © B. Moose Peterson/WRP federal agencies are required to consult except in jaegerianus) On April 6, the Service proposed to areas that are specifically excluded, such as designate 29,520 acres (11,945 ha) of critical developed areas within the boundaries that no habitat for the endangered Lane Mountain milk- longer contain suitable habitat. Maps and more vetch in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino specific information on critical habitats actions County, California. listed below are contained in the specific Federal Register notice designating each area. Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) To meet a court order, the Service simultaneously Final Critical Habitat Rules published on February 26 a temporary emergency critical habitat designation for a fish, the Santa La Graciosa Thistle (Cirsium loncholepis) Ana sucker, and a separate proposal for long-term Riverside fairy shrimp © B. Moose Peterson/WRP On March 17, the Service designated approxi- critical habitat protection. The designation cov- mately 41,090 acres (16, 630 hectares) in coastal ers approximately 21,130 acres (8,550 ha) of areas of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara coun- streams in Los Angeles and San Bernardino coun- ties as critical habitat for La Graciosa thistle, an ties, California. endangered native California plant. California tiger salamander (Ambystoma Desert Yellow head (Erma xanthocephalus) californiense) On January 22, the Service pro- On March 16, the Service designated about 360 posed to designate approximately 13,920 acres acres (145 ha) in Fremont County, Wyoming, as (5,630 ha) as critical habitat for the endangered critical habitat for a threatened plant, the desert Santa Barbara County population of the Califor- yellowhead. nia tiger salamander.

Proposed Critical Habitat Rules

California red-legged frog Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus) On April 28, © B. Moose Peterson/WRP the Service proposed to designate approximately 138,715 acres (56,135 ha) in Monterey, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties, California, as critical habitat for the endangered arroyo toad.

Riverside Fairy Shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni) On April 27, the Service proposed to designate about 5,795 acres (2,345 ha) of land in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties as critical habitat for the endan- California tiger salamander gered Riverside fairy shrimp, a small, freshwater © B. Moose Peterson/WRP aquatic crustacean that inhabits vernal pools.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN DECEMBER 2004 VOLUME XXXIX NO. 2 43 BOX SCORE Listings and Recovery Plans as of November 1, 2004 ENDANGERED THREATENED TOTAL U.S. SPECIES GROUP U.S. FOREIGN U.S. FOREIGN LISTINGS W/ PLANS MAMMALS 69 251 9 17 346 55

BIRDS 77 175 13 6 271 76

REPTILES 14 64 22 15 115 33

AMPHIBIANS 11 8 10 1 30 15

FISHES 71 11 43 1 126 95

SNAILS 21 1 11 0 33 23

CLAMS 62 2 8 0 72 69

CRUSTACEANS 18 0 3 0 21 13

INSECTS 35 4 9 0 48 31

ARACHNIDS 12 0 0 0 12 5

ANIMAL SUBTOTAL 390 516 128 39 1,074 415

FLOWERING PLANTS 571 1 144 0 716 579

CONIFERS 201252

FERNS AND OTHERS 26 0 2 0 28 28

PLANT SUBTOTAL 599 1 147 2 749 609

GRAND TOTAL 989 517 275 42 1,823* 1,024

TOTAL U.S. ENDANGERED: 989 (390 animals, 599 plants) tern, green sea turtle, saltwater crocodile, and olive ridley sea turtle. TOTAL U.S. THREATENED: 275 (128 animals, 147 plants) For the purposes of the Endangered Species Act, the term “species” TOTAL U.S. LISTED: 1,264 (518 animals**, 746 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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