March 1977 Vol. II, No. 3
ENDANGERED
•ft * SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN
Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240
ES Treaty Permits Required May 23; Enforcement Starts
The United States will begin enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora on May 23, 1977. As of that date, permits or certificates will be required for international trade in all species listed in appendixes I, II, and III of the Convention. Regulations set- ting up a system for obtaining permits were published in the February 22,1977 Issue of the Federal Register. (Copies of the regulations are availa- ble from the Federal Wildlife Permit Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. 20240.) A list of all the species protected by the
Fish and Wildlife Service Photo by Don Reilly Convention is included with the permit regulations. This list is similar to the list of species protected by the Endangered Timber Wolf Reclassification Debated Species Act of 1973, but is not identical. Forexample, although Appendix II of the Management of the eastern timber Many of the biological issues concern- Convention lists all species of orchids, wolf (Canis lupus lycaon) has become a ing the future of the wolf have crystal- the act does not yet provide protection controversial issue in northern Minneso- lized with publicatiori of a draft recovery for plants. Furthermore, listing of more ta, the wolf's last stronghold in the Lower plan by the Eastern Timber Wolf Recov- than 1,850 plants under the act is 48 States. ery Team appointed by the Fish and pending, but only a few orchids are Local residents and the Minnesota Wildlife Service. The team, headed by included in this group. Department of Natural Resources are Ralph E. Bailey of the Michigan Depart- urging that the wolf be removed from the ment of Natural Resources, recom- General Policies list of Endangered species, contending mends reclassification of the wolf to that the wolves are depleting deer herds Threatened status in Minnesota. Its The regulations establish general U.S. and ranging into settled areas where (continued on page 3) policies for implementing the Conven- they are attacking livestock and house- tion. Important points include the fol- hold pets. Despite Federal penalties for lowing: killing Endangered wildlife, there is an Wolf Rulemaking Due •Some type of permit or documenta- increasing number of reports of wolves tion will be required for international Recommendations of the Eastern being illegally shot and trapped as trade in all species listed by the Conven- Timber Wolf Recovery Team do not predators by farmers and hunters. tion, even if the species originates in a necessarily represent the official Some conservation organizations, on country that is not a party to the position of the Fish and Wildlife Serv- the other hand, are opposed to any Convention. Currently, 34 nations are ice. Any final plan is subject to the change in the wolf's status on the party to the treaty, and the goal is to have approval of the director of the Serv- grounds that the low numbers of the as many countries as possible adopt the ice. As this issue of the BULLETIN species in the United States justify same set of trade requirements. goes to press, a proposed rulemaking continued complete protection. Other •Certificates of origin must be issued on the eastern timber wolf is being conservationists, though, favor a middle for species being reexported. This prepared by the Service for publica- course of reclassifying the species to requirement is intended to prevent the tion in the Federal Register. Future Threatened so that some wolves can be "laundering" of Endangered wildlife and issues of the BULLETINwill report on taken in the interests of better manage- plants through third countries. the disposition of this proposal. ment and fostering public tolerance. (continued on page 2) Permits (continued from page 1) is provided by the Fish and Wildlife Serv- ice. Treaty Improvements • Permits will be needed only for Under Consideration Convention species involved in interna- Combined Listing tional trade. Interstate shipments are not affected unless they involve species that The Fish and Wildlife Service currently A number of actions are being con- also are protected by U.S. law. is preparing a new combined list of all sidered to improve the implementation • In the case of species protected by species covered by various Federal laws. of the Convention on International both U.S. law and the Convention, a It is expected to be published later this Trade in Endangered Species of Wild single permit application will be suffi- year. Fauna and Flora. They pertain to the cient for both. Application requirements The Service does not intend to list as shipment of living specimens, establish- for U.S. Endangered and Threatened Endangered or Threatened every spe- ment of animal rescue centers, ex- species permits generally are stricter cies that is listed by the Convention, change of marine specimens, identifica- than for Convention permits. This pro- because the criteria for adding species tion of specimens, and amendments to cedural simplification also extends to to U.S. listings are not the same as those the Convention's Appendix I and Appen- species protected by both the Conven- of the Convention. Species will be dix II listings. tion and the U.S. Marine Mammal examined on an individual basis to An agenda of issues was drawn up at a Protection Act. determine if those listed under one five-nation steering committee session system qualify for the other. held February 21-22 at Morges, Switzer- Application Approval land. Treaty nations will meet at a special Background session in October at Geneva to formu- Rules have been established for the late recommendations to be acted upon approval of permit applications. Certain U.S. permit regulations were promul- by the full Convention next year. Richard findings must be made by a so-called gated following a meeting of treaty M. Parsons, chief of the Federal Wildlife management authority and a scientific nations in Berne, Switzerland, last Permit Office, represented the United authority in each country before the November to bring about rapid imple- States on the steering committee. Rep- management authority can issue a mentation of the treaty. Negotiated in resentatives also were present at the permit. In the United States, the man- 1973, the treaty is intended to eliminate meeting from Canada, Equador, Ghana, agement authority is the chief of the commercial trade as a cause of the and Switzerland. Federal Wildlife Permit Office and the decline in any species scientific authority is a Federal intera- To date, permit regulations have been gency organization created by Execu- drawn up and put into effect by Switzer- Pelican Recovery Team tive Order 11911 (1976) and supported land, the United Kingdom, Canada, and by an executive secretary and a staff that West Germany. Seeks Assistance
The Eastern Brown Pelican Recovery Team is trying to determine the role played by the persistent and toxic U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3, Federal BIdg. Fort Snelling, pesticide Endrin in the demise of the Washington, D.C. 20240 Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725- brown pelican on the Louisiana-Texas 3500); Jack Hemphill, Regional Di- coast during the late 1950's and early Lynn A. Greenwalt, Director rector; Delbert H. Rasmussen, Asst. 1960's. (202-343-4717) Regional Director; James M. Engel, The team is aware of some Endrin Keith M. Schreiner, Endangered Species Specialist. Associate Director and Endangered Region 4, 17 Executive Park Drive, NE, pollution in the lower Mississippi River Species Program Manager Atlanta, GA 30323 (404-526-4671): during that period, but it has not yet (343-4646) Kenneth E. Black, Regional Director; found direct evidence of high Endrin Harold J. O'Connor, Harold W. Benson, Asst. Regional levels in pelicans or their eggs along the Endangered Species Category Director; Alex B. Montgomery, En- Gulf coast in those years. Coordinator dangered Species Specialist. Having learned recently that it is (343-4646) Region 5, One Gateway Center, Suite feasible to analyze museum specimens John Spinks, Chief, Office of 700, Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617- for Endrin residues, the recovery team Endangered Species (343-5687) 965-5100): Howard Larsen, Regional currently is attempting to locate brown Richard Parsons, Chief, Federal Director; James Shaw, Asst. Region- Wildlife Permit Office (634-1496) al Director; Paul Nickerson, Endan- pelican eggshells and skins that were gered Species Specialist. obtained during the 1957-62 period TECHNICAL BULLETIN Staff: Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver along the gulf coast between Dauphin Marshall P. Jones, Editor Federal Center, Denver CO 80225 Island, Alabama, and Tampico, Mexico. Clare Senegal, Assistant Editor (303-234-2209); Harvey Willoughby, Says team leader Lovett E. Williams, (343-7814) Regional Director; Charles E. Lane, Jr.: "Specimens made available to us will Regional Offices Asst. Regional Director; John R. not be destroyed. The insides of the eggs Davis, Endangered Species Special- will be rinsed with acetone and hexane. Region 1, P.O. Box 3737, Portland OR ist. With regard to skins, small pieces of skin 97208 (503-234-3361): R. Kahler Alaska Area, 813 D Street, Anchorage, and muscle will be taken in such a way Martinson, Regional Director; Ed- AK 99501 (907-265-4864): Gordon ward B. Chamberlain, Asst. Regional W. Watson, Area Director; Henry A. that the appearance and scientific value Director: Philip A. Lehenbauer, En- Hansen, Endangered Species Spe- of each specimen will not be seriously dangered Species Specialist. cialist. altered." Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, He urges anyone with knowledge of NM 87103 (505-766-2321); W. O. such specimens to write to him at the Nelson, Regional Director; Robert F. The TECHNICAL BULLETIN is pub- following address: Lovett E. Williams, Stephen, Asst. Regional Director; lished monthly by the U.S. Fish and Jr., Eastern Brown Pelican Recovery Jack B. Woody, Endangered Species Wildlife Service, Department of the Specialist. Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. Team, Wildlife Research Laboratory, 4005 South Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601. Debating Biological Needs of the Eastern Timber Wolf
(continued from page 1) population, with the Minnesota Depart- revised to drastically alter land use, the report offers a plan for containing the ment of Natural Resources casting the wolf could then be returned to the wolf in its primary and peripheral ranges, lone dissenting vote. The department appropriate list. plus increasing the availability of wild says the wolf should be declassified The Defenders of Wildlife and nine prey. entirely in the State. other national conservation organiza- The recovery team's rationale for tions are opposed to reclassifying the Population Estimates recommending Threatened status is Minnesota wolves as Threatened. They that, while the wolf has survived (despite argue that this step "runs counter" to the The plan is based upon there being an bounties and year-round hunting and purpose of the law to "insure to the estimated population of 1,000-to-1,200 trapping in former times), the future is extent possible, restoration of endan- wolves in Minnesota (according to a unpredictable. Says the team: gered species to the point where they are 1975-76 count by L. David Mech of the "For example, widespread industriali- no longer endangered or threatened." Fish and Wildlife Service). This estimate zation, mineral exploitation, and general But the National Wildlife Federation indicates that the population may have development could threaten much of the supports the reclassification, except for largely recovered from a 40-percent wolf's remaining range. . . . Additional the Zone 1 northeastern population, decline in 1971-72 and that the wolf is in roads, railroads, power lines, mines, and which it suggests could be retained as no immediate danger of extinction in tourist facilities could further carve up Endangered. The basis for this recom- that State. much of northern Minnesota." mendation is the recovery team's prop- Outside of Minnesota, northwestern But the Minnesota Department of osal to allow wolf numbers in Zone 1 to Wisconsin and Michigan's upper penin- Natural Resources feels that the trend in fluctuate naturally. sula are believed to harbor a few the northeastern part of the State is The Minnesota regional office of the individuals, and Isle Royal National Park "toward more environmental protection, National Audubon Society endorses the in Lake Superior has a stable population not less."The department points outthat change to Threatened because it makes of about 40. A vast population of eastern much of the wolf's range is public land "good sense," but adds that this classifi- timber wolves—perhaps as many as and protected, thereby ruling out signifi- cation for the wolf should be reviewed 10,000—survives in the forests of south- cant changes in land use; if laws are every two years. ern Ontario and Quebec. (continued on page 5)
Management Zones Proposed Timber Wolf Management Zones in Minnesota In the recovery plan, the team has identified five management zones, each coextensive with a portion of the wolf's Minnesota habitat. They are shown on the accompanying map and are de- scribed as follows: •Zones 1 and 2 include parts of Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Together, these zones constitute about 4,300 square miles of primary range that contain between 530 and 615 wolves—about half of Minnesota's total wolf population. •Zone 3, which includes the Beltrami Island Wildlife Management Area, con- sists of about 3,400 square miles of primary range. Its wolf population is estimated at 205. • Zone 4 is characterized as a peri- pheral zone. Covering nearly 21,000 square miles, it is believed to contain between 280 and 410 wolves. •Zone 5 covers the rest of the State, including the principal areas of human settlement.
Recovery Plan Issues
Major issues addressed in the plan are (1) classification, (2) creation of sanctu- aries, (3) control measures, (4) enhance- ment of the wolf's natural food supply, and (5) reestablishment. 1. Classification Change Questioned: The recovery team's vote was 8-0 to recommend retention of the Endan- gered classification for Lower 48 wolf populations outside Minnesota. It was 7-1 on recommending a change to Threatened status for the Minnesota Howard Associates Map Wolf (continued from page 3) of our northern residents as well as the the practice, and asks how the team 2. Are Sanctuaries Needed?: Under the deer hunting opportunity of many citi- arrived at the estimate of 60 and how it recovery plan, Zone 1 would become a zens is jeopardized, the attitude of the would ensure no more than that would wilderness sanctuary where wolf packs majority, now cautiously supportive or at be taken illegally. could develop a natural social structure least noncommital, could be pushed into 4. Feeding the Wolves?: White-tailed and be allowed to vary in numbers the anti-wolf ranks and 25 years of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are the without population management. They progress would be lost." most important prey of the wolf, along would be afforded complete protection, Neither the recovery plan draft nor any with moose (Alces alces) and beaver with very little, if any, taking of individu- of the comments provide data on the {Castor canadensis). In recent years, al animals. actual losses of livestock and other deer numbers have declined in northern Zones 2 and 3 would become "man- domestic animals to wolves. Nor have Minnesota owing to winter severity plus aged sanctuaries" with the initial objec- any public opinion polls regarding the deterioration of habitat caused by forest tive of increasing the population from wolf been made available in connection maturation and succession. There are the present estimated 1 wolf per 12-17 with this discussion. some indications wolves also have square miles to 1 wolf per 10 square 3. Control Measures At Issue: In the contributed to the decline. miles. This would bring the population peripheral Zone 4, the recovery plan As the number of wolves has re- up to about 530 wolves total for the two would set a goal of 1 wolf per 50 square bounded and deer herds have gone zones. miles, or approximately 400 wolves. down, the possibility has arisen that The plan recognizes that, during Excess wolves, according to the plan, wolves will increasingly disperse from severe winters, wolves can contribute to would be controlled through a legal the primary and peripheral ranges into the depletion of local deer herds. To hunting and trapping harvest. The settled areas and prey upon livestock keep deer and wolf numbers high, the recovery team estimates that 100 wolves and domestic animals. This, in turn, plan calls for consideration of artificially could be harvested in the first year of could lead to increased public hostility reducing wolf numbers in the event the management. In addition, the team toward the wolf, thereby swaying public deer herd declines below the number estimates 60 wolves would be taken opinion against conservation of the required to maintain the 1 per 10 square under a damage control program and species. miles wolf ratio. Populations of wolf- another 60 would be killed illegally, for a Consequently, the recovery team lists prey would be monitored annually and total annual take of 220 wolves. as one of its most important recommen- goals revised if necessary. The Defenders of Wildlife objects to dations the improvement of deer habitat The Minnesota Department of Natural the sport harvest as being contrary to the to increase prey for the wolf. If recom- Resources is not in favor of the Zone 3 Endangered Species Act because the mends rejuvenation of mature forests sanctuary, claiming an increase in plan does not offer alternative methods through cutting and/or fire. This prac- wolves to 1 per 10 square miles would of reducing wolf numbers. It requests tice, while expensive, would also im- "greatly intensify depredation of live- that the harvest idea be stricken from the prove habitat for other types of wildlife, stock and other domestic animals as well plan. Likewise, the conservation organi- game, and non-consumptive recreation- as depress the now stable deer popula- zation believes that the damage control al uses. tion." Most of the adjacent land is used program should employ better livestock (continued on page 7) for livestock raising. The department management, livetrapping, and trans- adds: planting techniques instead of relying "Let us not forget the timber wolf is a on the killing of wolves. large and effective carnivore with a high Regarding illegal killing, theorganiza- reproductive capability. If the livelihood tion says the plan "in effect encourages"
Eastern Timber Wolf (Canis Lupus Lycaon) Adult eastern timber wolves weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds, with males heavier on average than females. Their coats usually are mixed gray fur, but some specimens have been noted that are predominantly black or white. Most wolves live in family groups or packs consisting of two-to-eight members, although packs of up to twenty members have been reported. Each pack inhabits an area of 50-to- 120 square miles or more and tends to be territorial. Within each pack there is a dominance hierarchy, and usually only the top-ranked male and female breed. Pups are produced in late April or early May. Litters average five pups under good conditions, and some packs may be even more productive. With one litter of six pups, a wolf pack of two-to-six animals can theoretically double or triple its size annually, allowing wolf populations to build rapidly. A study in Alaska by L. David Mech has demonstrated that at least 50 percent of the wolf population must be taken each year just to maintain the previous density.
The drastic reduction of the eastern timber wolf has occurred mainly as a result of direct Fish and Wildlife Service Photo by C. J. Bayer eradication accompanying the settlement of the land. Three other subspecies of wolf that have historically occurred in the Lower 48 States are currently listed as Endangered. The status of the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf {Canis lupus irremotus) is underlain—individuals are seen occasionally in the subspecies' historical range Reference Note from southern Alberta to Utah and Colorado, but these could be individuals that have escaped or been released from captivity. A remnant population of the Mexican wolf (C. /. baileyi) Is All Service notices and proposed and apparently hanging on in northern Mexico, but the Texas wolf (C. I. monstrabilis) is probably final rulemakings are published in the extinct. The red wolf (Canis rufus) is a distinct species from the southeastern United States that is Federal Register in full detail. The also on the verge of extinction. parenthetical references—i.e., (F.R. Other subspecies of wolves in Canada and Alaska are faring much better. The 5,OOO-to-10,000 3/14/77)—given in the BULLETIN list Alaskan wolves still occupy most of their original habitat and are not considered Endangered or the month, day, and yearthatthe rule- Threatened. In Canada, wolves are also holding their own in most provinces. Only in the Northwest Territories is there a bounty; unlimited taking is permitted in all provinces except making was published in the Federal Alberta and British Columbia, which regulate the hunting and trapping of wolves. Register. Bureau of Land Management Aerial Photo Wind curving off the Last Chance Mountains (in background) the moisture to support the dune grass, which stabilizes the has created the Eurei The massively contoured Eureka Sand designating the dunes as an "outstand- the current management plan, the dunes Dunes, one of California's unique desert ing natural area" to encourage more are being kept open to all forms of ecosystems, are being protected from scientific study and protection. Under recreation, except vehicles. Residents the further effects of dune buggies by a report that, since closure, ORVs occa- recent Bureau of Land Management BLM Issues ES Policy Manual sionally have invaded the area and that (BLM) vehicle closure order. enforcement of the vehicle ban needs to Two candidate Endangered species of be improved. The Bureau of Land Management endemic plants—Eureka dune grass (BLM) has published a new manual (Swallenia alexandrae) and the Eureka Damage to Slopes containing the agency's internal evening primrose (Oenothera avita ssp. procedural guidelines for protecting eurekensis)—grow on the dunes along Conservationists have become in- Endangered and Threatened species with a number of flowering annuals, creasingly concerned about the once- of wildlife listed by the Federal including the Eureka locoweed (Astra- solitary dunes in that the area has grown government and by the States. galus lentiginosus var. micans), which is in popularity since the 1960's as a place regarded as endangered by the Califor- The guidelines apply to all pro- to run buggies, motorcycles, and other nia Native Plant Society. grams and actions related to the ORVs. What makes the dunes attractive national resource lands, the Federal Recently, four new insects have been for ORV sport is their steep slopes. Over subsurface mineral estate, and the discovered in the dunes, which are lo- the millenia, wind curving off of the Last submerged lands of the outer contin- f cated on BLM national resource lands in Chance Mountains has piled sand into ental shelf administered by the BLM. remote Eureka Valley near the north- an oblong ridge that is three miles long, Also covered by the guidelines are the west corner of Death Valley National about a mile wide, and up to 680 feet habitats of wildlife considered by Monument. These still undescribed spe- high. States to be extinction-prone and in cies, as well as others already identified, As ORVs have grown more powerful need of protection or enhancement. may eventually be listed as Endangered and able to negotiate the steepest The policies do not specifically cover by the Service. slopes, they have become potentially Endangered and Threatened plants. more damaging Wheels churning Included in the 56-page document Enforcement A Problem through the sand cut the dune grass is a discussion of the methods the rhizomes that enable the grass to spread BLM is to employ in complying with The presence of Endangered flora and and stabilize the slopes. With increasing the Endangered Species Act of 1973 fauna figured prominently in the BLM breakage of the surface by wheels, it also and a statement of the responsibilities decision to close the dunes to off-road was feared the dunes would dry out and of BLM officials in this regard. Copies vehicles (ORVs) last October. It was the lose their plentiful vegetation and the of BLM Manual Section 6840— first time the agency has closed such an fauna dependent upon it. (The grass Threatened and Endangered Wildlife area to protect Endangered plants; for affords shelter to the endemic blue- may be obtained by writing to Bureau some time the agency has had policies green weevil (Miloderes nelsoni), and of Land Management, U.S. Depart- and guidelines for protecting Endan- the grass' large grains are consumed by ment of the Interior, Washington, gered wildlife (see box). some of the fauna.) D.C. 20240. The BLM is giving consideration to (continued on page 6) Dunes (continued from page 3) The dunes are able to support a large flora despite the arid climate, because they apparently catch enough rainfall from eastward-moving storms. The dunes' structure creates an unusual water table, which allows water to percolate just below the surface. Another strong argument for banning vehicles is the presence near the base of the dunes of fragile archeological sites containing the artifacts of ancient Indian culture. There is evidence that Indians once irrigated an alluvial plain and maintained some habitations here. In addition to the Endangered endem- ics, there is an abundant and varied flora on the dune borders that receive the greatest amount of moisture. An almost pure strand of Indian rice grass (Oryzop- sis hymenoides), covering some 40 acres, is located on the eastern side. A Botanist's View The dunes have been extensively Photo by Mary DeDecker investigated by botanist Mary DeDecker Importance of the Eureka Dune grass to the dunes' ecology has made it a of Independence, Calif., who represent- candidate Endangered species. ed the California Native Plant Society on the BLM committee that inventoried the area for the new land use plan. She reports: "The showiest flower displays are the fields of desert-mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) and woolly desert-marigold (Baileya pleniradiata). The richly col- ored fields of desert-mallow are best developed around the northeast corner of the dunes. A walk through them will reveal evening-primroses and a variety of other plants. Far to the south, about midway on the east side of the dunes, may be seen an extensive field of yellow, the woolly desert-marigold. This is well worth a hike to see it. "Coldenia plicata, a small perennial, is common on the lower slopes and bordering sandy flats. Its geometric pattern makes a pretty groundcover, but instead of stabilizing the sand it moves with it. Ittravelswiththewindasfarasits long, threadlike foot will allow, anchored by a deeply buried 'capsule' While many of the dune plants come from the southern deserts, Chaetadelphia wheeleri comes from the north and may Photo by Mary DeDecker reach its southerly limit here. Another Eureka evening primrose, another Endangered candidate, is one of the dunes' surprising resident is the least snapdrag- showiest flowers. on (Antirrhinum kingii), a dainty annual found among the mallow. Many species are to be expected here, such as the fans to meet it. Dotted dalea (Dalea to develop a management plan. The common brown-eyed evening-primrose polyadenia) is common with an occa- committee to study the area was formed (Camissonia claviformis subsp. fune- sional Fremont dalea (Dalea fremontil). in 1974. In January 1976, the BLM issued rea), and sand-verbena (Abronia turbi- The form of the prince's plume found a proposed land use plan that would nata), kidney-leaved buckwheat (Eriog- here (Stanleya pinnata subsp. inyoen- have allowed ORVs to use the high onum reniforme), Spanish needle sis) is a distinct shrub. Its type locality is ridge part of the dunes and close the (Palafoxia linearis), yellow-flowered the north end of the dunes." remainder. This plan was opposed by spurge (Euphorbia oceliata var. arenico- conservationists and members of the i la), and Cleome sparsifolia. Bacl
To protect remaining populations of 6. El Segundo blue butterfly {Shiji- This area has also been proposed as six species of butterflies, several areas of miaeoides battoides allyni): Area in Los Critical Habitat for l^ange's metalmark coastal California have been proposed Angeles County on the western undeve- butterfly (see accompanying story). by the Service for listing as Critical loped portion of Los Angeles Interna- Comments are due by April 8, 1977. Habitat (F.R. 2/8/77). tional Airport, and a two-acre area of All six species have been listed as natural sand dunes adjoining El Segun- Endangered since 1976 (see July 1976 do Boulevard (also in Los Angeles Caribbean Monk Seal issue of BULLETIN). They inhabit coas- County). tal areas that are being encroached on In proposing Critical Habitat status for The Caribbean monk seal (Monachus by economic and residential develop- these areas, the Service emphasizes that tropicalis) has been proposed for En- ment. Critical Habitat determination is additional areas may be proposed for dangered status in a joint notice of considered essential to the species' listing in the future. rulemaking by the National Marine survival, w^hich depends on the mainte- Comments on this proposed rulemak- Fisheries Service and the Fish and nance of sufficiently large areas contain- ing are due by April 8, 1977. Wildlife Service (F.R. 2/16/77). ing their caterpillar-stage food plants The species already may be extinct, and adult-stage nectar plants. Service Propos^ but the proposed rulemaking is intended The species and areas are as follows; Critical Habitat to provide protection in the event that 1. Lotis blue butterfly (Lycaeides for Two Plants surviving members are discovered. argyrognomon lotis): Area in Mendoci- The Caribbean monk seal formerly no County near Pine Grove. An area along the San Joaquin River in was found on the shores and islands of 2. Lange's metalmarl< butterfly Contra Costa County, California, has the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean (Apodemia mormo langei): Area along been proposed for listing as Critical Sea. Sluggish on land and not easily the San Joaquin River in Contra Costa Habitat for two plants that live in the alarmed or fearful of man, it was suc- County. same habitat as the Endangered Lange's cessfully hunted for its hide and oil by 3. San Bruno elfin butterfly (Calloph- metalmark butterfly (F.R. 2/8/77). early Spanish colonists and later gener- rys mossii bayensis): Portion of San The Contra Costa wallflower (Erysi- ations. Bruno Mountains, in San Mateo County. mum capitatum var. angustatum) and By 1952, its known occurence was 4. Mission blue butterfly (Icaricia the Antioch Dunes evening primrose limited to Jamaican waters and Seran- icarioides missionensis): Twin Peaks {Oenothera deltoides ssp. howellii), illa Bank in the western Caribbean. zone in San Francisco County, plus a which are proposed for Endangered Indiscriminate killing was a major large portion of the San Bruno Moun- status (F.R. 6/16/76), are native to an factor in the decline of the species. A tains, in San Mateo County. area that has been subject to major contributing factor was human en- 5. Smith's blue butterfly {Shiji- industrial development. croachment on the species' feeding miaeoides enoptes smithi): Elongate The plants' survival depends upon grounds, hauling-out beaches, and strip of coastal sand dunes along shore maintenance of sufficiently large areas pupping areas. Although the seal was of Monterey Bay between Del Rey Creek of the proper soil type and exposure, as seemingly tame and tolerant of brief and the Salinas River, in Monterey well as the presence of appropriate County. insect pollinators. (continued on page 7) GPO 915-906
ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL POSTAGE AND FEES PAID BULLETIN US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR y
Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240
March 1977 Vol. II, No. 3