January 1979, Vol. IV, No. I
ENDANGERED SPECIES w TECHNICAL BULLETIN
Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240 COMMITTEE EXEMPTS GRAYROCKS; DENIES EXEMPTION FOR TELLICO DAM In the first session of its kind, the nomic Advisors Chairman Schultze, or their Critical Habitats, and the proj- newly created Endangered Species Environmental Protection Agency Ad- ects are in the public interest. Committee met on January 23 and ministrator Costle, and National Oce- In the case of the Tellico project, the voted to deny an exemption for TVA's anic and Atmospheric Administration unanimous decision by the Committee nearly completed Tellico dam w/hile Administrator Frank attended the meet- essentially stops completion of the conditionally exempting the Grayrocks ing along with Secretary Andrus, all dam and reservoir, which would have project from compliance with Section voting in person as required by the impounded the Critical Habitat of the 7 of the Endangered Species Act. amendments. Wyoming's Governor Ed snail darter {Percina tanasi) along the Established through recent amend- Herschler and Nebraska's Assistant Little Tennessee River. In motioning ments to the 1973 Act (see October State Attorney General, Paul Snyder, for a Committee vote denying exemp- 1978 BULLETIN), the cabinet-level shared the vote on Grayrocks, while tion for the dam, Charles Schultze Committee was directed to consider William R. Willis, Jr., voted for Ten- questioned the cost-effectiveness of exempting the two projects, thereby nessee on the Tellico exemption. the Tellico project, saying "the costs I ruling on the fate of the Endangered As expressly mandated by the 1978 clearly outweigh the benefits. It would species with which they conflict. amendments. Committee members be difficult to say there are no reason- As defined by the new law. Interior were to exempt the Tellico and Gray- able and prudent alternatives to this Secretary Andrus serves as Committee rocks projects only if they determine project," Schultze added. chairman, with five additional voting that (1) there are no reasonable and A December 1978 TVA report puts (permanent) members and one collec- prudent alternatives to the projects forth two alternatives: (1) developing tive vote cast by the State represen- and (2) the benefits of the projects the reservoir and (2) removing part of tative(s) for the affected States(s). clearly outweigh the benefits of alter- the dam and developing the river. In Agriculture Secretary Bergland, Army native courses of action consistent its "Views and Recommendations," In- Secretary Alexander, Council of Eco- with conserving the affected species Continued on page 6
Secretary Andrus (center) chaired the first session of the cabinet-level Endangered Species Committee on January 23. Endangered Species Covered
One day soon, you may call your national extension education capabil- Education has already forwarded more "county agent" for advice on spraying ity. Taking full advantage of a tried than 200 special mailings of bulletins, fruit trees, and at the same time learn and proven administrative machinery news releases, and other publications about Endangered species you could and delivery system, the Fish and to NOAA's Sea Grant Program and the find in your own back yard. Wildlife Service is now exchanging in- Federal Extension Service for distribu- This kind of information will be formation on endangered species, ani- tion by State and county extension co- made available through the coopera- mal damage control, and other fish and operators. But maintaining a coopera- tive efforts of three Federal agencies— wildlife topics using the same network tive national system of fish and wild- our Service, the Department of Agri- that has for over 50 years brought life education is only part of its mis- cuiture's Federal Extension Service agricultural tips to farmers and, more sion, as the Office also strives to (1) (FES), and the Commerce Depart- recently, reached the many users of advise FES and Sea Grant's Marine ment's National Oceanic & Atmos- the Nation's marine resources. Advisory Service of fish and wildlife pheric Administration (NOAA)—that in Becoming fully operational this past programs appropriate for extension 1977 agreed to join hands to boost our May, the Service's Office of Extension education and (2) encourage the de- sign, development, and support of such programs and related educational materials in our own Service.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, Washington, D.C. 20240 NM 87103 (505-766-2321): W. O. Nel- A Growing Network son, Regional Director; Robert F. Ste- Lynn A. Greenwalt, Director phen, Assistant Regional Director; (202-343-4717) Jack B. Woody, Endangered Species The extension education concept Keith M. Schrelner, Specialist. arose from the needs of farmers for^ Associate Director and Endangered Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, information on scientific agricultura Species Program Manager Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500): knowledge and methods in the early (202-343-4646) Charles A. Hughlett, Acting Regional 1900's. Enacted in 1914, the Smith- Harold J. O'Connor, Director; Delbert H. Rasmussen, /As- Lever Act created the Federal Exten- Deputy Associate Director sistant Regional Director; James M. sion Service as a cooperative educa- (202-343-4646) Engel, Endangered Species Specialist. John Spinks, Chief, tional program oriented toward the Region 4, P.O. Box 95067, Atlanta, GA rural citizen, involving professional Office of Endangered Species 30347 (404-881-4671): Kenneth E. staff at the Federal, State, and local (703/235-2771) Black, Regional Director; Harold W. Richard Parsons, Chief, Benson, Assistant Regional Director; level. Administered by the Department Federal Wildlife Permit Office Alex B. Montgomery, Endangered of Agriculture, the Act also provided (703/235-1937) Species Specialist. for Federal matching fund assistance Clark R. Bavin, Chief, Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Cen- to the States and initiated cooperation Division of Law Enforcement at local levels through a network of (202-343-9242) ter, Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617- 965-5100): Howard Larsen, Regional county agents and workers. As a re- Director; James Shaw, Assistant Re- sult, extension became an important TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF gional Director; Paul Nickerson, En- foundation of the agriculture industry, Dona Finnley, Editor dangered Species Specialist. and has played a role in the success (703/235-2407) Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Fed- of modern agriculture in the U.S. eral Center, Denver, CO 80225 (303- The Federal Extension Service ad- Regional Offices 234-2209): Harvey Willoughby, Re- dresses four program areas: (1) agri- Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500 BIdg., gional Director; Charles E. Lane, As- 500 N.E. Mulnomah St., Portland, OR sistant Regional Director; Don Rogers, culture, forestry, and natural re- 97232 (503-231-6118): R. Kahler Mar- Endangered Species Specialist. sources; (2) community resource de- tinson, Regional Director; Edward B. Alaska Area, 1101 E Tudor Rd., Anchor- velopment; (3) home economics; and Channberlain, Assistant Regional Di- age, AK 99057 (907-265-4864): Gordon (4) 4-H youth. Knowledge from expert rector; David B. Marshall, Endangered W. Watson, Area Director; Dan Ben- sources in these areas is made avail- Species Specialist. field, Endangered Species Specialist. able to the public through county agents as well as the State extension U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions service, an off-campus arm of Land Region 1: California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Pacific Trust Territories. Region 2: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Region 3: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minne- Grant universities generally associated sota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region 4: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, with the State agricultural experimen Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Region station and with university researc' 5: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont; Virginia and West Virginia. Region 6: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and resident teaching. Not only is th Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Alaska Area: Alaska. public reached through informational and educational materials and pro- The ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN is published monthly by th3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. grams, but State extension offices have special radio-teievision-press facilities. Whrough Extension Education
staffed with communicattdhs profes- as "reversible," in that we can also work on five Endangered species proj- sionals to reach the public en masse. be alerted to natural resource prob- ects under the Service's Extension In 1976, the entire cooperative ex- lems anywhere in the country in a very Education Program: tension system was financed at nearly short time, enabling a quicker re- • The Massachusetts Division of $500 million, with over $300 million sponse to local needs. Fish and Wildlife has drafted a bro- coming from State and local sources. Nearly all the credit for our Serv- chure on the Plymouth red-bellied tur- More than 12,000 county agents and ice's recent involvement in extension tle {Chrysemysrubriventris bangsi) workers are now employed to carry education goes to Jack H. Berryman, which the Service will print and dis- out the program, with 4,500 staffers chief of the Service's Office of Exten- tribute through the extension educa- working at Land Grant universities and sion Education until December 1978 tion network, once the turtle is listed. 200 positions at the Federal level. (when he retired from the Service to • New York State Cooperative Ex- Under separate authority, the Ma- serve as Executive Vice President of tension at Cornell University is pre- rine Advisory Service—a branch of the International Assn. of Fish and paring educational materials on the NOAA's Sea Grant Program—was ini- Wildlife Agencies). Berryman has long indiscriminate shooting of bald eagles, tiated in 1966 primarily to channel recognized the need for a closer work- peregrine falcons, and other raptors in educational materials (and technical ing relationship between wildlife man- hopes of reducing raptor shooting advice) to individuals involved in ma- agers and the concerned public, and losses. rine-related commercial activities. The believes that extension education may • The Florida Cooperative Extension Advisory Service has its own special- help bridge the gap, thus furthering Service is developing a publication on ists at the Federal level, and funds the goals of the Endangered Species the State's endangered plants. The ex- advisory personnel at Sea Grant uni- Program. Informative materials devel- tension service will also distribute the versities throughout the country under oped by the Service (as well as work- volume, scheduled for completion in plan similar to that accomplished shops and short courses sponsored September 1979. cooperatively through Land Grant and nder Agriculture. About 250 Sea • The Colorado Extension Service mGran t advisors and county "agents in Sea Grant universities) on Endangered plans to prepare, print, and distribute species legislation, implementing regu- hip boots" are employed in educa- a publication on the endangered, lations, misunderstood terms such as tional/advisory programs, distributing threatened, and rare fishes of the Up- "Critical Habitat," and on the listed per Colorado River Basin, to be di- species themselves—when made avail- rected toward water user groups, agri- able to local citizens—can promote a "/t's easy to understand our en- cultural interests, and energy develop- better understanding and support for thusiasm, when you realize we can ment interests. conservation efforts. "For this reason," now tap into a multi-million dollar • An information package on the en- Berryman explains, "extension educa- dangered species of South Dakota is communications network that tion considerations should be included in preparation by the South Dakota reaches people in every county in in all recovery planning for Endan- Cooperative Extension Service. the Nation." gered and Threatened species." Also under consideration is the de- velopment of publications on Idaho's information on everything from gill endangered plants and on the whoop- netting to fish cookery. ing crane (Grus americana) in Idaho, State Agreements/Projects Through our recent agreements with on Washington's endangered plants, Agriculture and Commerce, materials and on salt marsh values for Californ- on an endless array of fish and wild- The entire extension system now ia's endangered species, all to be pre- life management topics can now be aims to serve all people, with services pared and distributed through the Co- shunted through these established ex- in the 50 States, Puerto Rico, Guam, operative Extension Service. tension and marine advisory networks, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Passage of the Renewable Re- where they will be readily accessible Columbia. Regional endangered spe- sources Extension Act of 1978 on June to the interested public. cies specialists are reviewing existing 30 has reaffirmed Congressional sup- Dan Stiles, acting chief of our Serv- agreements with Land Grant and Sea port for an effective extension educa- ice's Extension Education Office, be- Grant universities and State Extension tion system. The legislation authorizes lieve's "it's easy to understand our Service personnel in an effort to nego- the appropriation of $15 million annu- enthusiasm, when you realize we can tiate "updated" versions, so that fish ally for 10 years, and includes fish and now tap into a multi-million dollar and wildlife extension education may wildlife as a full partner (with other ^communications network that reaches be provided throughout the network. renewable resources) within the Fed- beople in every county in the Nation. Memoranda of understanding on ex- eral extension network. Although ap- 'Good natural resource-oriented educa- tension education have been signed propriations have not yet been made tional information we offer LISDA's ma- with 24 States and one territory thus under the Act, we remain hopeful that chine can be effortlessly magnified a far, and others are in various stages of this shot in the arm may also boost thousand fold and delivered to the negotiation. Endangered species conservation- people." Stiles also sees the system Cooperative States are already at through more and better education. parrots), the bird maneuvered a 30- meter flight in its first try. Puerto Rican Parrot One of the four wild nests failed during the incubation stage. The fe- male parrot laid three eggs—two that, were broken in the nest, and a "runt'f On the Upswing egg. All were taken into the aviary for' artificial incubation, and dummy eggs were substituted in the wild nest. The first egg had been badly crushed, and the embryo soon died from moisture loss. The other broken egg was re- At the close of its eleventh year, Help for Mother Nature paired and hatched, and the chick was the results of this season's Puerto fostered into another active nest as Rican parrot research program have its own had been deserted by the adult Under the watchful eyes of Wiley given biologists renew/ed hope that pair. (It fledged successfully with its and Forest Service biologists, three of this critically Endangered species may foster siblings.) While the pair did lay the nesting pairs (including the new yet recover. Tallies from the Service's a second clutch, they again left their pair) were successful in fledging Puerto Rico Field Station reveal in- nest unattended, and the embryos per- young: one nest fledged two, one creases in the wild population of ished during the overnight chill. (Wiley fledged three, and one fledged four. Puerto Rican parrots from 19 in 1977 cites this as the second documented (Eleven of the 14 eggs laid in the wild to as many as 28 birds in 1978, with case of Puerto Rican parrots laying hatched.) the fledging of a record 9 chicks— replacement clutches, suggesting that evidence that the tireless, innovative Without emergency treatment, one double clutching may prove useful as efforts of Fish and Wildlife Service brood probably would not have fledged a management tool in the future.) and U.S. Forest Service workers may at all, as their feathers became thor- finally be paying off. oughly matted with a gooey muck that The Thrasher Problem Inhabiting the island's Luquillo accumulated on the inner surface of Mountains within the Caribbean Na- their nest when it sprung a leak late This year, all wild breeding parrots tional Forest, the Puerto Rican parrot in the season. After several crash were also helped along in their nest- (Amazona vittaia) population reached landings upon fledging attempts, field ing efforts with artificial and improved a low point of just 13 birds in 1975. staffers discovered the goo at the natural sites, which proved completely (The species has been threatened by bottom of the nest hollow, and rushed effective in preventing nest predation habitat and nest destruction (the latter the birds to the aviary for a toothbrush by pearly-eyed thrashers {Margarops by honey harvesters, who rob empty scrubbing and "blow dry" in the fuscatus). In previous years, thrasher cavities often occupied by bees), tak- brooder. The three chicks were then predation was regarded as the majo| ing as pets, parasitism, predation, and slipped back into their home cavity cause of egg and chick losses. shooting.) Although its numbers have (which had been cleaned and lined to The U.S. Forest Service (responsible been building since that time, they prevent further accumulations), and for the area inhabited by Puerto Rican have until this year consisted mainly two soon managed to fly from their parrots) has boosted nest enhance- of immature and non-breeding birds, nest in the company of parent birds. ment efforts by providing five poly- with the number of breeders actually But the third again plummeted from vinyl chloride nest boxes this past declining to only 3 pairs during 1976 the nest in its airborne attempts, with year, constructed according to designs and 1977. For James W. Wiiey, wildlife feathers too damaged to carry its developed by project biologists. To biologist in charge of the Service's weight. After a complete transplant of discourage entry by the thrashers, ex- parrot research program in Puerto the chick's tail and flight feathers isting nest hollows were also deepened Rico, the year's most significant event (grafting in feathers molted by captive and reinforced, increasing the number was the increase in the wild to four breeding parrot pairs, all of which laid eggs (the new pair adopting a nest site it had been inspecting in 1977). Additional pairs were observed inspecting nesting areas during 1978, and may also settle down to breed during the next couple of years. Initiated by Dr. Frank H. Wadsworth of the Forest Service's Institute of Tropical Forestry, research on the Puerto Rican parrot was at first funded by both the Wofld Wildlife Fund and the Forest Service, with a Fish and Wildlife Service biologist assigned to the station (at first Cam Kepler, fol- lowed by Noel Snyder in 1972, and then Wiley). The Fish and Wildlife Service now oversees all research ef- forts on behalf of the parrot, while the Forest Service provides the Puerto Rico station aviary, building mainte- nance, logistical support, and a staff of experienced biologists. Puerto Rican parrot chick with feathers matted from mucl< in its nesting hollow. of suitable nesting sites for the wild perimental use of two pesticides, Py- ping" stage but died just after the first parrots. Some were modified with baf- rethrin and Dermatron, in a number of effort to peck out of its shell. (The fles and angles, making the parrot thrasher nests was shown to be effec- fourth egg was infertile.) The produc- eggs more difficult to spot by the tive, with treated chicks having higher tive female sat on the dummy eggs predators. survival and fledgling rates. (None of for about 33 days before abandoning Nest boxes especially designed for the untreated, larvae-infested thrasher the nest. thrashers were also placed within 6-20 chicks survived, while Pyrethrin- A total of 15 Puerto Rican parrots are meters of active parrot nests to lure ttgated nests were found 100 percent now housed at the Puerto Rico Field the robbers away from parrot cavities more successful and Dermatron- Station aviary for use in the captive and decrease interactions between treated broods showed a 63 percent breeding program. (In September 1977, the two species. Using the provided higher rate of survival.) the two parrots kept at the Service's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in box, the territorially resident thrasher One of the three parrot nests with Maryland were transferred to Puerto effectively defends the parrot nests as chicks was parasitized twice during Rico, and one additional nestling par- well as its own against other thrasher the year by warble flies, but neither rot from a wild nesting pair was taken pairs that might otherwise prey on the infection resulted in chick debilitation. contents of the parrot cavity. These into captivity this year when the adults innovations were apparently success- failed to feed it.) Success with Captives ful, as none of the parrot nests was One of the most frustrating problems seriously threatened by the predators Also this year, fertile eggs were for researchers dealing with the cap- during the 1977 and 1978 breeding produced for the first time by a cap- tive flock has been sex determination, season. tive Puerto Rican parrot pair. In an as the Puerto Rican parrot is mono- The thrashers were also used this attempt to insure hatching and proper morphic. Karyotype and nuclear den- year as "guinea pigs" in an attempt to care of the eggs, all were removed sity techniques have been tried in the develop techniques for the control of from the nest (with dummy eggs sub- past, but results proved inconclusive. warble fly (Philornis pici) parasitism stituted), and placed in the aviary in- In December 1977, research biologists on parrot chicks. (Thrashers were se- cubator, where three appeared to be Nancy Czekala and Arden Bercovitz lected as they are generally heavily developing normally. Unfortunately, from San Diego Zoo began analyzing infested by warble fly larvae and also two of the embryos died just prior to steroids in the fecal samples of cap- nest in cavities like the parrots.) Ex- hatching, and a third got to the "pip- tive parrots with excellent results. (Findings for nearly all birds over one year old agreed with known sexes of the aviary parrots.) In 1978, the team continued its attempts to identify sexes of the younger birds, for which inter- mediate estrogen-testosterone values had been obtained earlier. Their re- sults revealed a biased captive sex ratio of nine females to four males (with the sexes of two of the young captives remaining undetermined). Subsequent to their initial sexing, the captive birds were separated into three heterosexual pairs, with the positive reproductive results discussed earlier. (Mistaken matching in parrots can re- sult in the development of strong homosexual bonds, making later re- pairings difficult.) Field station staffers also received training during February in artificial insemination techniques from Dr. George Gee, research physiologist at Patuxent. It is hoped that the produc- tivity of captives may be increased by distributing semen from the four males among the nine females (including the five "spinsters"). During the coming year, Wiley and his assistants will study the parrot's food habits, as well as limiting factors within the rain forest. Possible release sites for the introduction of a second Puerto Rican parrot population (in case of the spread of disease) will also be investigated. Fish and Wildlife and Forest Service biologists are now at work on a com- prehensive manuscript on Puerto Rican parrot biology (to include management Its feathers replaced by molted feathers of captive birds, the chick successfully recommendations), which will be fledged. drafted by Spring. Committee Exempts Grayrocks; Denies Exemption ForTellico Dam
Continued from page 1
terior officials suggested postpone- ment of the Tellico dam as one alter- native and liquidation of landholdings as another. (Both of these options would likely be subsumed under the more general alternative of river de- velopment.) As reasoned in the Staff Report to the Committee, it appears that river development—which would maintain the Critical Habitat of the snail darter—is TVA's most feasible and economic alternative to the Tellico project. (Also, partial removal of the earthen dam structure, which now pre- vents migration of the darters, will al- low the yearling fish to move upstream to spawning areas.) REGIONAL BRIEFS In their unanimous exemption of the Endangered Species Program re- Region 2: Regional staffers met with Grayrocks Dam and Reservoir Project, gional staffers have reported the fol- representatives from Arizona Game Committee members specified the lowing activities for the month of De- and Fish, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau adoption of mitigation and enchance- cember: of Land Management, and the Navajo ment measures consistent with the Nation to finalize plans for completion provisions of an out-of-court agree- Region 1: Bald eagles (Haliaeetus of a survey of Arizona's nesting pere- ment (see December 1978 BULLETIN) leucocephalus) began returning to the grine falcon {Faico peregrinus anatum) to insure maintenance of the Critical Bear Valley roost near Klamath Falls population. Habitat of the whooping crane {grus in October with increasing numbers americana). The December 1978 noted during the latter part of the re- Region 3: Coincident with the an- agreement—recommended by Gray- porting period. Counts are now being nual Midwest Fish and Wildlife Con- rocks' sponsor, the Missouri Basin made of the eagles in the three roost ference in Columbus, Ohio, State en- Electric Power Cooperative, and sup- areas. dangered species coordinators for the ported by the National Wildlife Federa- Approximately 1,200 Aleutian Can- Great Lakes States met to discuss fu- tion, State of Nebraska, and National ada geese (Branta canadensis leuco- ture planning. Participants from pri- Audubon Society (as plaintiffs) as well pareia) have been recorded in the vate industry, as well as representa- as the Rural Electrification Adminis- Faith-Mapes Ranch area of the San tives from Region 4 and 6 and other tration (REA) and Army Corps of En- Joaquin Valley. Thirteen of the blue Federal agencies, attended the ses- gineers (defendants)—provides for the neck-collared guidebirds from the sion.) following: Agattu Island release have been re- Region 5: On December 21, the corded (see Regional Briefs in Octo- Boston Regional Director issued a bio- • The maximum annual water use ber 1978 BULLETIN), but to date none logical opinion to the Environmental by the Grayrocks project will be lim- of the propagated Aleutians from the Protection Agency on the proposed ited to 23,250 acre-feet/year. Agattu release have been sighted on Pittston Oil Refinery and Marine Termi- • The project agrees to certain re- the California wintering grounds. nal. The consultation involved two En- leases of water during various periods Realty appraisals were received on dangered species, the Arctic peregrine of the year. five tracts of land inhabited by the falcon (Faico peregrinus tundrius) and • The project will replace up to blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Crotaphy- the bald eagle. Region 5 found that 11,250 acre-feet (subject to certain ad- tus silus) in California. (One owner of impacts of the project on the falcon justments) withdrawn by the Corn 80 acres had planned to level his tract were expected to be negligible, but Creek Irrigation District. for irrigation in January, and the re- that the operation of the refinery (and • The project will establish a trust gion was to attempt purchase prior to the likelihood of debilitating oil spills) fund of $7.5 million for the mainten- that time.) would likely jeopardize the continued ance and enhancement of the cranes' A meeting was attended in Honolulu existence of the eagle. (Two alterna- Critical Habitat. by Hawaii State Fish and Game, Na- tive construction sites were suggested The mitigation and enhancement tional Marine Fisheries Service, and in the opinion: Portland, Maine, and measures (required upon the exemp- Fish and Wildlife Service agents to dis- Penobscot Bay, Maine.) tion of any project from compliance cuss overlapping State and Federal Pittston submitted on application for with Section 7 of the Act) will serve to sea turtle regulations and related en- exemption from compliance with Sec- partially compensate for the impacts forcement problems. tion 7 of the Endangered Species Act of water depletion anticioated on com- The Sacramento Area Office Is com- to the Secretary of the Interior on pletion of Grayrocks, thereby provid- piling and annotating a series of to- January 26—the first received since ing for some maintenance of the pographic maps of California and Ne- exemption consideration was allowed crane's essential stopover points vada showing current distributional in- under the 1978 amendments to the along the Platte River. formation on Endangered and Threat- Act. (Details on the Pittston opinion The Committee expects to issue its ened animal and plant species in the will be provided in the February 1978 decisions in writing prior to the Feb- area. BULLETIN.) ruary 7 exemption deadline.
6 STATE REPORT
WISCONSIN UPS ITS PROTECTION OF NATIVE ANIMALS AND PLANTS
Department of Natural Resources
A pioneer in endangered species munications specialist, and adminis- dance of native species will serve to conservation, Wisconsin has recog- trative assistant. Hale explains that his identify those areas where the life nized tlie importance of protecting its real function is to develop and coordi- support system has been damaged declining wildlife since 1971, wfien it nate conservation programs for en- and, at the same time, to guide the undertook a review of its native non- dangered and threatened species with attitudes and actions of public and game animals. The Wisconsin Legisla- the assistance of other bureaus under private interests toward better manag- ture passed the State's Endangered the Department's Division of Resource ing the total ecosystem. This concept Species Act in 1972, calling for the Management and DNR field staff. is especially paramount in the admin- development of a list of endangered Wisconsin's Endangered Species istration of Wisconsin's program—that wildlife and mandating protection of Committee (formerly active in admin- the State is working for the benefit of State listed species as well as those istering the State program) now serves the whole biotic system, not just indi- Ion the Federal list. in a scientific advisory capacity to vidual species. A State endangered species pro- the Office of Endangered and Non- To meet program objectives, Hale's gram soon began to take shape to game Species. Chaired by Dr. Ruth L. office operates on an annual State implement the new law, and an eight- Hine, the Committee provides exper- budget of $91,500, more than half of member Endangered Species Commit- tise in different areas of specialization which is derived from the general rev- tee was established to coordinate pro- to insure the soundness of proposed enue, with the remaining $45,000 com- gram efforts in their infancy. research and listing activities and oth- ing from hunting, fishing, and trapping In March 1978, former Wisconsin erwise assists in the gathering of bio- licenses. District field staff time (or its Governor Martin Schreiber asked that logical data on the State's animals equivalent worth) is then applied as greater attention be given nongame and plants. part of the State's one-third matching and endangered species. Wisconsin's fund share, enabling Wisconsin to re- Natural Resources Board endorsed this Wisconsin's Endangered Species ceive greater Federal Endangered Spe- proposal, instituting the Office of Non- Program was created in the hope of cies grant-in-aid assistance to boost game and Endangered Species ex- not only determining the status and program efforts. (For Fiscal Year 1979, pressly to coordinate and administer distribution of endangered and non- Wisconsin is slated to receive $175,300 the program in the Department of game species, but also to direct the in Federal matching funds.) Natural Resources. In May, the State restoration and management of habitat Legislature acted to further strengthen to benefit endemic species, to pre- and extend the State's authority for serve natural areas, and to reintroduce Species Lists jeopardized and other nongame spe- declining or extirpated native species cies by providing for the protection of to the State. In line with the program's newly a "threatened" category of animals as Becoming operative this past Octo- mandated responsibility for threatened well as both endangered and threat- ber, the separate Office of Endangered species, Hale's office has proposed ened plants. and Nongame Species was established candidates for a State threatened spe- with a view toward applying the "eco- cies list as well as revisions to its system approach" in the conservation present list of endangered species. Program Mission/Philosophy of endangered species. Its goal is to The Natural Resources Board recently Wisconsin's endangered species maintain populations of all native ani- approved the office's recommenda- program is now becoming more for- mals and plants, not only for their tions for public hearings on the pro- malized under the direction of James scientific and aesthetic value, but also posed list. (The public hearing on the B. Hale, a wildlife researcher who has for their own intrinsic worth in nature's posed list. (A hearing on the posposal >served on the State's Endangered Spe- scheme. The program was founded on is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on March 16 cies Committee since its formation. the principle that knowledge of the at the State DNR building in Madison.) Assisted by a research biologist, com- changes in the distribution and abun- Continued on page 8 STATE REPORTContinued from page 7
Currently, Wisconsin protects the nitus noveboracense). gered Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica following 19 species of animals as l
Although the osprey remains on Wisconsin's endangered list, the species has been increasingly productive with the help of artificial nesting platforms.
survey showed a 17 percent decline tion has increased to 1.20 young per nesting platforms has contributed to in blacl< terns (Chlidonias niger) since active territory since 1975. In 1978, the bird's reproductive success in the 1971. Inventories of nesting marshes 129 osprey were produced in Wiscon- past several years. In 1976, for exam- are now underway in an effort to de- sin (more than double the number pro- ple, production on artificial platforms termine the current status of and duced in 1973), making endangered averaged 1.86 young per active nest, threats to this species. species personnel even more optimis- significantly higher than production Wisconsin specialists have identified tic about the potential success of their averages on natural sites. Hog's and Barker's Islands as ideal planned management efforts. experimental management sites to de- Ospreys continue to be threatened Fishes velop and test habitat restoration tech- by pesticide contamination (causing niques for potential use by nesting eggshell thinning and reproductive Seven species of fish are now in- shorebirds and terns. failure), nest predation, human dis- cluded on Wisconsin's endangered The osprey has been listed as en- turbance, direct loss from shooting list, but available information on their dangered in Wisconsin since 1972. Os- and the destruction of nest trees, and status is considered inadequate. preys once nested throughout the the lack of suitable nesting habitat in To rectify this situation, State spe- State, but are now limited to the heav- the State. In hopes of boosting osprey cialists in 1977 embarked on a study ily forested lake region of northern populations to a level of stability in of the distribution and abundance of Wisconsin, central Wisconsin along Wisconsin, program biologists are Wisconsin fishes. Their preliminary the Wisconsin River, and rarely along gathering population information findings have led them to recommend the Mississippi River. Although down through aerial surveys and improving complete revision of the Wisconsin, to .80 young per active territory (or and protecting existing osprey nesting fish list. Species now listed as en-| less) from 1966-1974, osprey produc- sites. The increased use of manmade dangered are proposed for transfer to
10 The meat is of Mexican origin, and PROTECTION it is believed that the importer may have been unaware of the sea turtles' AREAS TO BE protected status when the shipment was made. All sea turtles occurring in AUTHORIZED North American waters now receive protection under the Endangered Spe- cies Act of 1973 (with the recent ad- FOR MANATEE dition of the green {Chelonia mydas), olive ridley {Lepidochelys olivacea), either the threatened, extirpated, or The Service has joined the State of and loggerhead {Caretta caretta) to the "watch list," while the gravel chub Florida in proposing the establishment Federal list, effective September 6, (Hvbopsis x-Dunctata), strioed shiner of protected areas especially for the 1978.) {Notroois chrvsoceohalus). slender Endangered manatee (F.R. 1/23/79). Prior to the seizure, several sales madtom {Noturus exiUs), starhead top- Through these proposed regulations, were apparently made from the Los minnow {Fundulus notti), crystal darter the Service is seeking to provide the Angeles warehouse, and some turtle (Ammocrypta asprella), gilt darter procedural means for establishing meat may have reached local retail {Percina evides), and bluntnose darter manatee protection areas, within which markets. (NMFS is now attempting to {Etheostoma chlorosomum) are now certain waterborne activities such as recover this meat.) recommended as endangered, and an- boating and swimming could be re- Prosecution in this case awaits com- other 10 fish species (including two stricted to forestall disturbance of the pletion of the investigation, and sub- now listed as endangered) are pro- marine mammals. sequent action by NOAA's Office of posed for the threatened list. Protected under both the Endan- General Counsel. Under a separate project activity, gered Species Act of 1973 and the Wisconsin specialists have also been Marine Mammal Protection Act of attempting to determine the distribu- 1972, the West Indian manatee (Triche- tion, abundance, age, and species chus manatus) continues to decline in Iowa Publication composition of the chub stock in Lake the State of Florida, where it is vul- Superior. Folir of the seven fishes now nerable to human activities and espe- listed by Wisconsin are coregonids cially power boats—identified last year A November 1978 report on which—although formerly common in as the greatest cause of manatee mor- Endangered and Threatened Iowa the deep water of Lake Superior— tality and injury. Plants is now available. Co- were drastically decreased as the re- The proposed regulations would au- authored by Dean M. Roosa and sult of overfishing, competition from thorize the Director to establish neces- Lawrence J. Eilers, this "Special alewives, and decimation by lampreys. sary protection areas within inland or Report No. 5" may be ordered 3ased on preliminary findings, both coastal waters under U.S. jurisdiction, from the State Preserves Advis- ^the longjaw and shortnose ciscos are where boating and other human water- ory Board, State Conservation now believed extirpated (and so have borne activities could be restricted (in Commission, Wallace State Office been proposed for transfer to this cate- "refuge" areas) or prohibited (within Building, Des Moines, Iowa gory). This study also aims to deter- designated "sanctuaries"). 50319. mine the impact of existing fisheries The regulations would also prohibit on these species to facilitate appro- persons from engaging in any water- priate management recommendations borne activities prohibited by State on behalf of declining coregonids. laws or regulations promulgated for Endangered the protection of manatees. (Florida Molluscs has recently proposed and held hear- ings on the establishment of 10 areas Plant Although an inventory of the clams as manatee sanctuaries.) in large Wisconsin waters has been Comments on the proposed regula- initiated, supplementary information is Symposium tions should be submitted to the Di- needed to round out the survey effort rector (LE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife and determine the true status and dis- Service, P.O. Box 19183, Washington, tribution of Wisconsin molluscs. In The New England Botanical D.C. 20036, no later than February 22, addition to compiling a potential list of Club has organized a symposium 1979. endangered and threatened clams and on "Rare and Endangered Plant delineating their essential habitats, Species in New England," to be specialists will evaluate transplanta- held May 4 and 5, 1979, at Har- tion as a possible management tech- vard University. In addition to nique (thus far never attempted with keynote addresses, sessions on clams). SEA TURTLE the biology of endangered spe- The Higgin's eye pearly mussel is cies, plant conservation concerns now on the State and Federal endan- in New England, and conserving gered species list, and perhaps five MEAT SEIZED rare plants and their habitats are additional Mississippi River clams are planned. in need of protection. A completed For further information, con- survey of inland shallow waters and Special agents of NOAA's National tact Dr. Garrett E. Crow, Depart- Istreams indicates that ten molluscs Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and ment of Botany and Plant Pathol- the Fish and Wildlife Service have re- ogy, University of New Hamp- Continued on page 12 ported the seizure of 12,500 pounds shire, Durham, New Hampshire of illegal sea turtle meat on December 03824. 22 from a cold-storage facility in east Los Angeles.
GPO 281-326 11 STATE REPORT BOX SCORE OF SPECIES LISTINGS Number of Number of Category Endangered Species Threatened Species
Continued from page 11 U.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total appear to be rare in Wisconsin. Mammals 33 227 260 3 18 21 Birds 67 144 211 3" 3 Plants Reptiles 11 47 58 10 10 Amphibians 5 9 14 2 2 Some plants proposed for Wiscon- Fishes 29 10 39 12 12 sin's endangered species list repre- Snails 2 1 3 5 5 sent remnant populations persisting Clams 23 2 25 since glacial ice advances, such as Crustaceans 1 1 the alpine milkvetch {Astratalus al- Insects 6 6 2 2 Plants 20 20 2 2 pinus). Wisconsin has 32 terrestrial Total 197 440 637 39 18 57 vegetation types, ranging from prairie to deciduous forest to coniferous for- Number of species currently proposed: 158 animals est. Land use practices have made 1,850 plants (approx.) many of these native vegetation types Number of Critical Habitats proposed: 73 rare, however. Number of Critical Habitats listed: 33 Plants associated with rare habitats Number of Recovery Teams appointed: 64 Number of Recovery Plans approved: 18 are especially subject to harm. The Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: 22 prairie white-fringed orchid (Habenaria December 31, 1978 leupophaea), for example, is proposed for the State's threatened list because of the loss of its prairie habitat. This scarce orchid is also being considered for protection as a federally Threat- to inform Wisconsin citizens of the agement and natural history of pro- ened species. status of State wildlife and their re- tected species and a fourth colorful Wisconsin's program includes pro- sponsibility to it. The office's informa- booklet emphasizing the habitat needs tection of undisturbed native habitat. tion-education program is based on of endangered species. the philosophy that the first step in Other awareness activities include getting people to take care of some- a multi-media slideshow/narration for^ Public Awareness thing is to help them appreciate it. As use at public lectures and workshops!! Wisconsin's Office of Endangered part of a comprehensive communica- teaching aids, and an exhibit on en- and Nongame Species is especially tions effort, the office plans a series dangered species, as well as radio concerned with public support. Many of three booklets called "Life Tracks" documentaries and magazine and media projects are now in the works discussing Wisconsin's program man- newspaper articles.
ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN
POSTAGE AND rtES PAID Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program. Washington. D.C. 20240 US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERION Int 423
January 1979, Vol. IV, No. I