May-June 1997

Home , Refuge (ecology)

por many people, the term JL or "endangered species" tradition- ally has conjured up images of bald eagles, grizzly bears, whales, and other charismatic species. To be sure, these mag- L L E T I nificent creatures do need help

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE iu many paHs of their ranges, MAY/JUNE 1997 VOL. XXII NO. 3 and protecting their habitat benefits other species at the same time. But as knowledge of ecology and the importance of biodiversity has grown, so has our understanding of the vital roles played by invertebrates, plants, and a host of other lesser- known species. One far-sighted aspect of the Endangered Species Act is that it offers protection to virtually all plant and animal taxa that are in danger of extinction, without regard to their esthetic appeal or utility to people. This edition of the Endangered Species Bulletin provides some examples of lesser-known species, the importance of which might not always be obvious. -ji » I _

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I5 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service a

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

John Rogers, Acting Director E. La Verne Smith, Chief, Division of Endangered Species (703)358-2171 Jamie Rappaport Clark, Assistant Director for Ecological Senices Ren Lohoefener, Deputy Chief Division of Endangered Species (703)358-2171 Lesli Gray, Acting Chief. Branch of Information Management (703)358-2171 Jay Slaclc, Chief Branch of Conservation and Classification (703)358-2105 Richard Hannan, Chief Branch of Recovery & Consultation (703)358-2106

REGION ONE Eastside Federal Complex, 911 N.E.I 1th Ave, Portland OR 97232

California. Haivaii. Idaho. Nevada. Oregon. Michael J. Spear, Regional Director (503)231-6118 Washington. American Samoa. Commomvealth http://WWW. r 1. fws. gov of the Northern Mariana Islands. Guam and the Pacific Trust Territories

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

Arizona, New Mexico. Oklahoma, and Texas Nancy Kaufman, Regional Director (505)248-6282 http://sturgeon.irml.r2.fws.gov

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

Illinois. Indiana. Iowa. Michigan. William Hartwig, Regional Director (612)725-3500 Minnesota. Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin http://www.fws.gov/~r3pao/r3home.html

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

Alabama. Arkansas. Louisiana. Georgia. Kentucky. Noreen Clough, Regional Director (404)679-4000 Mississippi, North Carolina. South Carolina. Florida, http://www.fws.gov/~r4eao Tennessee. Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgi?i Islands

REGION FIVE 300 Westgate Center Drive. Hadley, MA 01035

Connecticut. Delaware. District of Columbia, Ronald E. Lambertson, Regional Director (413)253-8659 Maine. Mar^'land, Massachusetts. New Hampshire, http://www.fws.gov/~r5fws New fersey. New York. Pennsylvania. Rhode Island. Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia

REGION SIX P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver CO 80225

Colorado. Kansas. Montana. Nebraska. North Ralph O. Morgenweck, Regional Director (303)236-792^^ Dakota. South Dakota. Utah, and Wyoming http://www.r6.fws.gov/www/fw^^

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

Alaska Dave Allen, Regional Director (907)786-3542 http://www.fws.gov/~r7hpirm IN THIS ISSUE

4 A "Living Fossil' in California

U L L E T I N

Telephone: (703)358-2390 Contributors Fax: (703)358-1735 Bradley Goettle 6 Life in a Stone Pool Internet: Gary Norquist [email protected] Richard Biggins Return of the Riversnails http://wivu'.fws.gov/~r9endspp/endspp.html Steven A. Ahlstedt 8 Diane Pupek Editor Martha Balis-Larsen 10 Navy Michael Bender Tim Sutterfield Protects Mike Bender Island Associate Editor Earl Possardt Monarch Jennifer Greiner Linda Andreasen Buddy Jensen Editorial Assistance Art Director Martha Balis-Larsen David Yeargin

Scott Krueger

12 Big-Eared Bat Bounces Back

14 Seeking an Accord with Rattlesnakes

18 Freshwater Fauna Posters

On the Cover With its shield-like shell, dorsally-fused eyes, and twin tail filaments, the vernal pool tadpole shrimp is a fascinating if not widely known creature. It swims the vernal pools (opposite page) of central California. Photo by Larry Serpa

ne Endangered Species Bulletin welcomes manuscripts on a ivide range of topics related to endangered species. We areparticidarly interested in news about recovery, habitat conserva- Departments tion plans, and cooperative ventures. Please contact the Editor before preparing a manuscript. We cannot guarantee publication. 16 Spotlight on Hatcheries: The Fish and Wildlife Sen.ice distributes the Bulletin primarily to Federal and State agencies, Dexter National Fish Hatchery and and official contacts of the Endangered Species Program. It also is reprinted by the University Technology Center o/Michigan as part of its own publication, the Endangered Species UPDA TE. To subscribe, write Jhc Endangered Species UPDATE, School of Natural Resources, University of Michigan, Ann 'Arbor, MI 48109-1115: or call 313/763-3243. 20 Regional News and Recovery Updates

Printed ivith t vgetable-based ink on recycled and recyclable paper. If you do not keep 22 Rulemaking Actions back issues, please recycle the paper, pass them along to an interested person, or a donate them to a local school or library. by Bradley Goettle A "Living Fossil" in California

How many "living fossils" can you name? A living fossil is basically an organism living today that appears identical to specimens in the fossil record. The most famous example is probably the coelacanth, a primi- tive fish known only from fossils until a live individual was recov- ered by a deep- \ sea trawler in 1938, virtually un- changed from its | fossil ancestors of approximately 70 million years ago. The tadpole shrimp is a present- day example. A freshwater crustacean "living fossil," it' derives its name from looking somewhat like a frog or toad tadpole at first glance. The general body characteristics of shallow depressions underiain by soil tadpole shrimp have remained the same types that restrict the downward for millions of years. They include a percolation of water. In California, shield-like carapace (shell), a dorsally- ephemeral pools are typically referred

Illustration fused pair of eyes, a segmented abdo- to as vernal (spring) pools because the by J. W. men, paired tail filaments, and paired pools are filled and wet during the Martin ventral appendages called phyllopods winter and spring rainy season, and are ("leaf plus feet"), which beat in a dry the rest of the year. wavelike motion from front to back. Vernal pools, considered highly- They act as propulsion for the animal unique freshwater ecosystems, are and effectively funnel microscopic food typically dry seven to eight months out Vernal pool tadpole shrimp particles up to its mouth. The vernal of the year. They provide habitat for may reach an inch and a pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus invertebrate animals such as crusta- half in length, are typically packardi) is the only species in the ceans, flatworms, snails, and insects, as olive or grey colored, and genus Lepidurus found in the vernal or swim or scoot along muddy well as such vertebrates as amphibians, or rocky bottom sediments. springtime pools of California's Central birds, and even mammals. Vernal pools This coloration is Valley and the San Francisco Bay area. are important breeding sites for frogs sometimes mottled and Vernal pools are ephemeral wetlands, and salamanders, as well as feeding and provides good camouflage, typically clustered into pool "com- resting sites for migrating waterfowl. helping them blend in with plexes," which form in areas where a Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (like the aquatic plants or when they Mediterranean climate (a moderate related "fairy shrimp" species) only live burrow into the muddy bottom sediments. climate with distinct and regular wet in these ephemeral freshwater habitats, and dry seasonality) combines with an environment with few aquatic

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 4 predators, especially fish. Tadpole of the demand for essentially flat lands shrimp and fairy shrimp are not found in near metropolitan areas for develop- marine, estuarine, or riverine systems, and ment. Vernal pools also are subject to ^hey become easy prey if a connection such threats as invasions of aggressive develops between the vernal pool and non-native plant species, gravel mining, more permanent waters containing fish. fertilizer and pesticide contamination, A key adaptation to this alternately overgrazing, off-road vehicle use, and wet and dry environment is the female contaminated stormwater runoff. tadpole shrimp's ability to produce One way to give these remarkably thousands of drought-resistant cysts well-adapted and virtually defenseless (encapsulated eggs) during her lifespan, animals a chance to survive another some of which hatch out during the million years is through the Habitat same wet season. However, for reasons Conservation Plan (HCP) approach. An that remain unclear, a large portion of HCP can be designed for a project or a the cysts produced in any given wet region, such as an entire watershed or a season will hatch only after the pool county, and generally can help accom- dries and subsequently refills, possibly modate the resource needs and eco- several years later. These cysts can nomic needs of all interests, including remain dormant and viable while the project proponents, regulatory Photo by J. L. King embedded in vernal pool soil sediments agencies, and, of course, the wildlife. for up to 10 years while waiting to Efforts already underway to help hatch. Reaching sexual maturity in as protect vernal pool tadpole shrimp and The vernal pool tadpole shrimp is a species found little as three weeks allows the tadpole their habitat include conservation only in California. The shrimp to hatch, mature, and produce easements with landowners, consulta- shrimp ranges in the Central cysts quickly after the pools refill, using tions with Federal agencies to avoid or Valley from the Redding ^to their advantage a short-lived environ- reduce effects on threatened or endan- area (Shasta County) in the 'iient to which few predator species gered species, and research on the north to around Visalia have adapted. rearing and reproduction of this (Tulare County) in the south. The easternmost known The main threat to the survival of the endangered crustacean. Success in these location is around 3,500 feet vernal pool tadpole shrimp, as well as efforts will provide future generations (1,065 meters) in elevation almost all other vernal pool species, is the opportunity to marvel at a remark- in the central Sierra Nevada the continuing loss of pools due to able living fossil. foothills (Merced County), residential/commercial development with the westernmost and land conversion to agricultural uses. Bradley Goettle is a Wildlife Biologist known locations in the San Vernal pool habitat is rapidly diminish- in the Endangered Species Division of Francisco Bay Area (Alameda County). The two ing throughout California. Current the FWS Sacramento Field Office. Bay Area locations comprise estimates of this habitat in California's the only known population Central Valley range from 65 to 90 of the vernal pool tadpole percent of its former extent. This shrimp outside of the decline is expected to continue because Central Valley. Although the shrimp may be locally A biologist abundant in some places, it examines tadpole is globally rare. The vernal shrimp from a pool tadpole shrimp was vernal pool on Big listed by the FWS as Table Mountain in endangered on September Fresno County. 19, 1994, due to its very Photo by limited distribution, the Bradley Goettle small number of remaining populations, and the threats to its survival.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 5 by Gary Norquist Life in a Stone Poo

Scattered across the Piedmont range, extending from eastern Alabama region of the southeastern United States, through Georgia into South Carolina. from eastern Alabama to North Carolina, There are an estimated 57 populations lies a plant community that attracts the of this species, most of which occur attention of botanists and ecologists due within Georgia. to its unique flora and high degree of The black-spored and mat-forming endemism (species not found else- quillwort are members of the family where). These communities are found Isoetaceae, a group of non-flowering on granite outcrops, unusual structures plants related to the ferns. As with all that occur either as mountains of rock quillworts, their leaves are hollow and rising high above the surface or as linear in shape, giving them a gra.ss-like smooth, rolling "flatrocks." The outcrops appearance. Quillworts reproduce by are best developed in Georgia and specialized spores that are contained in range in size from several meters in structures at the base of the leaves. The The black-spored quillwort, diameter up to hundreds of acres. They leaves of the black-spored quillwort one of the rare granite superficially resemble one another, and arise from a short, two-lobed, corm-like outcrop plants of Georgia's many have similar vegetation, but they stem. They are spirally arranged (in vernal pools. can be geologically distinct in composi- Illustration by Vicky Holifield mature plants) and several inches in tion. Vegetation at these sites is limited length. The mat-forming quillwort is to species that can survive on the bare perhaps the most distinctive species in rock surface or in the small, shallow the genus. Its leaves are distichously depressions that dot the granitic arranged (two-ranked), rather than the outcrops. These depressions, also usual spiral arrangement, and its mat- known as solution pits, weathering pits, forming growth habit is unique among or vernal pools, are "islands" of vegeta- quillworts. During the growing season, tion on the bare rock and are home to the mat-forming quillwort has the the rarest of the granite outcrop plants, appearance of "turf grass" due to this the black-spored quillwort (Isoetes unusual growth habit. melanospora), mat-forming quillwort The little amphianthus is a flowering (Isoetes tegetiformans), and little plant in the fig-wort family amphianthus (Amphianthns pusillus). (Scrophulariaceae). It is a highly The geographic center of distribution specialized species with no close for these listed species is in Georgia. In relatives, as evidenced by its monotypic fact, the endangered black-spored status (a genus with only one species). quillwort and the mat-forming quillwort This small, fibrous-rooted aquatic are only known to occur in Georgia. annual has both floating and submerged The black-spored quillwort historically leaves that are less than one centimeter was found in South Carolina as well, but (0.4 inch) in length. Diminutive white it has not been located in that State in flowers occur in the axils of both kinds recent years. Currently, there are eight of leaves. sites known for the black-spored The vernal pools on the outcrops quillwort and nine for the mat-forming vary in depth and other characteristics, quillwort. The little amphianthus, which and in turn support various types of is listed as threatened, has a wider vegetation. The three listed species

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 6 typically occur in pools with an intact rock rim, which allows the retention of water for several weeks and an accumu- Jation of soil. These pools usually are 'found on the crests and flatter slopes of the outcrops where surface flow is minimized. Typically circular, these pools can be several meters in diameter or larger where adjoining pits coalesce. The quillworts typically begin growth in late fall, when the pools are filled with water, and attain maximum growth by May. At this time, the spores mature and are shed. The leaves quickly die once the soil is desiccated. However, the underground stems are perennial and they can endure long periods of drought. Revegetation is stimulated when there is ample mc^isture in the Photo by Cary Norquist soil, such as after heavy summer populations of the black-spored thunderstorms. quillwort, and another has a population The greatest threat to these species is of the mat-forming quillwort. Five of habitat destruction from quarrying. these six sites are in Georgia. Additional Quarrying destroyed a number of protection is afforded to these sites historical populations and continues to under State law, which regulates the Few species can withstand .pose a threat since most populations are removal of these plants on State lands the extreme environmental 'on private land, including several active and prevents their removal from private conditions of the outcrop quarries. Granite outcrops also are land without the owner's permission. pools. The soils are acidic popular recreational sites, but overuse Vehicular traffic and other recreational and low in nutrients. The of such sites has resulted in damage to abuses continue to be a problem, pools are likely to be filled the geologic structures and vegetation. however, even at these "protected" sites. with ice in winter and completely desiccated by Vehicular traffic damages the pools by In response to such disturbances, the drought in summer, uprooting and crushing plants and populations of black-spored quillwort although they fluctuate in displacing soil from the pools. Pools and amphianthus were placed behind moisture many times during have been further impacted by exces- fences at Stone Mountain State Park. late spring to early fall. sive foot traffic and such activities as fire Protection of additional sites is being Species have developed building and littering. The outcrops are pursued by Nature Conservancy field structural and functional regarded as "waste places" by many offices, in coordination with State adaptations to combat these harsh conditions. The people, and as such have been used as heritage programs. amphianthus survives as an dumping grounds or cow pasture. The Granitic outcrops provide an excel- annual, completing its life concentration of cattle causes direct lent opportunity for studying such cycle when moisture damage to the plants through trampling, important ecological principles as conditions are most and eutrophication of the pools from speciation, primary succession, and suitable for growth. It begins germinating with the animal waste allows more competitive competition. If the true significance of onset of cooler weather in species to become established. these communities becomes more the fall, and flowering Six of the over 50 granite outcrops, widely recognized, the notion that begins in February or March with populations of one or two of the outcrops are of no value will become a and continues until the listed species, are afforded some thing of the past. plants die with the spring 'protection due to public ownership (5 drought. The seeds persist in the soil during the sites) or their occurrence on a Nature Cary Norquist is a Botanist with the drought-prone summer. Conservancy Preserve (1 site). All six FWS Endangered Species Field Office in sites support populations of the little Jackson, Mississippi. amphianthus, two of these also have

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 7 by Richard G. Biggins and The Return of the Steven A. Ahlstedt Riversnails

T 1 he spiny riversnail (lo Jluvialis), which inhabits swift water on shallow shoals, is one of North America's largest freshwater snails, growing to more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length. Its shell is long and tapered at both ends, varies in color from dark brown to olive green, and is well armored with spines. Females attach their eggs to smooth rocks and mussel shells from late May to eariy June. Their slate gray eggs, which are pink when first released, hatch in about 15 days and the snail then lives for more than 10 years. The spiny riversnail feeds by scraping algae and other organic material from rocks. Historically, the spiny riversnail was tance from tlie TVA, Tennessee Wildlife distributed throughout much of the Resources Agency, and The Nature upper Tennessee River and its major Conservancy, collected 600 individuals tributaries, but widespread habitat from the Clinch River, an upper Tennes- degradation eadier this century- see River tributary in Hancock County, primarily due to water pollution, Tennessee. The snails were marked with siltation, and the conversion of free- a permanent numbered tag, measured, flowing streams to impoundments- and released into two stretches of eliminated the species from much of its historic Tennessee River system habitat: former range. The spiny riversnail the upfjer Holston River in Hancock existed in only three river systems by County, Tennessee, above the Cherokee the mid-1970's, and it was considered Reservoir; and the lower French Broad for Endangered Species Act protection.. River in Knox County, Tennessee, below But in the late 1970's and mid-1980's, the Douglas Reservoir Both rivers once the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) supported a diverse freshwater mussel and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and aquatic snail fauna. reintroduced the species into the North Fortunately, the physical habitat in Fork Holston River, Virginia, where it the unimpounded reaches of these has now established reproducing rivers remained intact, and over the last populations. Based on these successes few years, water quality and aquatic and the species' improved status, it was biological communities have signifi- withdrawn from consideration for listing. cantly improved in both rivers. These Another big step forward in the improvements have primarily resulted recovery of the spiny riversnail began in from: (1) the efforts of Federal and State August 1996, when the U.S. Geological agencies, local communities, and Survey, with FWS funding and assis- industry through Clean Water Act

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 8 legislation to reduce toxic discharges; have worked to restore the rivers' The spiny riversnails at and (2) the efforts of the TVA to modify habitat quality. These rivers now the left and right are dead, bleached shells from the reservoir discharges to benefit water provide better fishing, more recreational main stem of the quality and the rivers' aquatic organ- opportunities, and the many other Tennessee River. This isms. Reintroduction of the spiny benefits of a clean, healthy river. species grew much larger riversnail is part of a multi-agency in the main river than in cooperative attempt to restore historic Richard Biggins is a Wildlife Biologist its tributaries. The live biodiversity to these rivers. The tech- with the FWS Asheville, North Carolina, snail in the center was one niques learned by reintroducing the Field Office and Steven Ahlstedt is a of the reintroduced snails. Photo by Richard Biggins spiny riversnail could eventually enable Biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey the recovery of a more imperiled in Knoxville, Tennessee. species, the endangered Anthony's riversnail (Athearnia anthonyi). Anthony's riversnail once coexisted with the spiny riversnail in both the Holston and French Broad Rivers. Anthony's riversnail now exists in only a few river reaches in the southern bend area of the Tennessee River in Alabama and Tennessee. This species' recovery kwill require reestablishing it in other 'areas within its historic range. If current reintroduction efforts for the spiny riversnail prove successful over time, credit should go to all of the agencies, industries, and individuals that

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 9 By Martha Balis-Larsen and Navy Protects Tim Sutterfield Island Monarch

B. the end of Worid W;ir II, most percent of the island today. Yet this of the small Pacific island of Tinian had fragment remains the preferred habitat been bombed, burned, or cleared. But for most endemic species. limited military use of the island since the war has allowed for the natural The Tinian Monarch restoration of Tinian flora and fauna. In Probably because of the island's many ways, this semi-protected environ- small human population and its geo- ment has become a shelter for many graphic isolation, little basic research species previously found only within has been conducted on Tinian's flora the Marianas, including a little-known and fauna. The Tinian monarch, a bird known as the Tinian monarch flycatcher endemic to the island, is a (Monarcha takatsiikasae). fine example. While it is considered the Tinian is one of the 15 islands in the second-most abundant bird on Tinian, Marianas Islands Archipelago. The there is very limited published material northern 14 islands form the Common- on the species. This lack of basic wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands biological information has made it (CNMI), which is politically affiliated difficult for land and natural resource with the United States, while Guam, the managers from the Navy, the U.S. Fish The U.S. Navy leases southernmost island, is a U.S. territory. and Wildlife Service, and the CNMFs approximately two-thirds of Tinian is a small island, only 20 kilome- Division of Fish and Wildlife, Depart- the island of Tinian for ters (12 miles) long and 8 km (5 miles) ment of Land and Natural Resources, military training exercises. at maximum, but it is the second largest and Division of Coastal Resource This area supports several Management to determine the best species of wildlife that are island in the CNMI. Nearly the entire federally or locally listed as population of Tinian, or approximately policies for use of the land while threatened or endangered, 2,000 people, live in San Jose Village on protecting endemic species. many of which are endemic the southwest coast. The northern two- As a result, in 1994, the Navy to the area. The Fish and thirds is leased to the U.S. Navy from established an intensive year-and-a-half Wildlife Service has the CNMI government. The Navy does survey of five species of concern: the completed a 16-month not maintain an active presence on research effort on the Tinian monarch, Mariana moorhen Tinian, but uses the island intermittently. threatened and endangered (Galliniila chloropus), Micronesian species of Tinian to assist Between 1900 and 1940, Japanese megapode (Megapodius laperouse), the Navy in minimizing settlers destroyed much of the native green turtle (Chelonia mydas), and impacts on these species vegetation to develop the island for Marianas faiit bat (Pteropus from military activities. sugar cane production. Construction of mariannus). The primary goal of the Prior to this study, very roads, airfields, and other infrastructure Navy survey was to obtain information little was known about the distribution, abundance, to support a military presence during on the Tinian monarch. Listed as nesting, foraging patterns, Worid War II reduced the remaining endangered in 1970 on the basis of a seasonal movements, and native limestone forest on Tinian to less 1945 report that estimated the total habitat use of these species than four percent by 1945. The lime- population at 40-50 birds, this species on Tinian. Results of the stone forest community is unique to the was found to have grown much more study have shown that Navy Mariana Islands. Once the dominant abundant (over 39,300 birds) during a leasing of the area has been vegetation type on Tinian, the native survey done in 1982. The 1945 survey beneficial to most of the had been conducted just after much of species due to regrowth of woody plants and trees growing on the the native forest canopy. limestone substrate cover less than five Tinian's forest had been destroyed.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 10 More recent findings have noted the naturally or as a result of military monarch's adaptability to the recovering training. But researchers found that the forest patches. Following the 1982 main source of nestling mortality was sur\c\-. the Tinian monarch was reclassi- inclement weather. Tropical storms and fied to the less critical status of threat- typhoons were responsible for falling ened. In 1994, the FWS, with Navy trees and branches, destroying monarch funding, replicated the 1982 Tinian nests. Fire and typhoons caused the forest bird survey to determine current most destniction in forest habitat. population levels. An increase in the This research has revealed the population to over 52,000 monarchs importance of remnant native forest to was indicated. The survey was repeated the Tinian monarch. Preservation of the again in 1996, but results from this late.st remaining limestone forest habitat on study are still being determined. All Tinian should receive high priority as three studies examined sites in the three CNMI and Navy resource managers plan major forest types that occur on Tinian: for future use of Tinian's land. The native limestone forest, secondary recovery of the Tinian monarch sug- forest, and tangantangan (Leiicaena gests that the island's other limestone leucocephala) forest. forest habitat-dependent flora and fauna have also benefited from the Navy/CNMl Reliance on Native Habitat lease arrangement. A total of 116 Tinian monarch nests were located during the 1994 and 1995 Martha Balis-Larsen is with the FWS field seasons. Over 60 percent of the Division of Endangered Species in nests were found in native tree species. Washington, D.C., and provides edito- While the Tinian monarch is assumed to rial assistance for the Enda ngered Tinian monarch (above and Ibiccd year round, the research found Species Bulletin. Tim Sutterfield is a opposite) that there was pronounced seasonality Regional Natural Resources Specialist Photos by Scott Krueger in nesting activity and nesting success. with the Pacific Division of the Naval Nest construction demonstrated a direct Facilities Engineering Command located correlation to the amount of rainfall. in Honolulu. Hawaii. Lack of nesting occurred during periods of low rainfall; once the rains resumed,

so did nest building. Aerial view of Tinian, the The study also showed the important second largest of the role that the native limestone forest Northern Mariana Islands. Photo by Scott Krueger plays in the survival of Tinian monarchs. Nesting success in the limestone forest was unrivaled by the other two forest habitats, probably due to the higher availability of insects. Monarchs in non-limestone forest habitats had to travel four to five times as far to obtain prey. Overall, the data indicate that there are more monarchs in the 5 percent of Tinian that is native forest than there are in the 19 percent that is secondary forest, and almost as rruiny as in ^the 38 fxircent that is tangantangan forest. Nests in the remnant limestone forest areas also had higher survival rates against fire and inclement weather. Some nest destruction was attributed to dry-season fires that originated either

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 11 By Diane PLipek Big-Eared Bat Bounces Back

JL he Future is ]o()l\ing brighter for the endangered Virginia i^ig-eared bat (Corynoriiinus townsendii virginianus), thanks to the protection of caves it depends on for sheker tkiring winter and summer montiis. hT winter, these The Virginia big-eared bat bats hibernate in caves that provide is restricted to tlie cold, but above I'reezing, temperatures. southern Appalachian Mountains. Populations Most Virginia iiig-earetl ixits hilx'rnate exist in Virginia, West in oni\' three caves in West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia, and Kentucky. During the North Carolina. The bats summer, females congregate in warm forage in a variety of maternity caves to rai.se tiieir young. I lowever. habitats, including old Some cok)nies gatiier in small domes in Hndangered fields, hay fields, and forested areas. Radio- the cave ceiling w here tiieir body heat Si^ecies Act telemetry studies in West is trapped, creating a pocket of warm protection is still Virginia have shown that air. Males disperse into smaller groups nece.ssary since the these bats travel up to .separate from the females during the total |iopulation is 10.5 kilometers (6.5 summer. The location of mo.st males probably less that 20,000 miles) from the cave roost during the summer is not known. bats. To protect the species, to feed. Individual bats critical caves are now closed to often return to the same The number of N'irginia big-eared feeding area night after bats declined sharply from the f9S()'s to the public while the bats are night. Like most bats of the early 19f^()'s, mostly becau.se people present. Entrances to several caves the United States, the disrupted the animals in their cave have gates or fences to keep [people Virginia big-eared bat roosts. The.se bats are very sensitive to from di.sttirbing the bats. forages exclusively on disturbance. In winter, they are easily The full recoveiy of this species will insects. Small moths awakened from hibernatkjn. Becau.se depend on the continuing protection of make up the largest part the bats mu.st survive the winter on a of its diet. roosting caves, including cooperative limited amotint of .stcjred fat, each efforts with private landowners to protect arousal tises up some of the fat reserve habitats on their property. The increase in they need to survive. If Virginia big- the po]")ulation of the Virginia big-eared eared bats are disturbed repeatedly bat is encouraging evidence that recovery throughout the winter, they starve to wtjrk is moving fcjrward. death before spring arri\'es. In summer, di.sturbance of maternity colonies cau.ses Diane /'iipck is a Biolecbiiiciaii in Ihc the females to panic. Young bats may drop t'WS Norlheasi Regional (yfice in l/aclley to the caw H(X)r and not recover, and the Massachiisells. site may Iv abandoned altogether. fortunately, the Virginia big-eared bat has slowly increa.sed in numbers since the earh' 198()s. Populations in .some caves in West Virginia grew as much Photo by Merlin D. Tuttle, as .^50 percent from 1983 to 1995. Bat Conservation International

12 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 12 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO. 3 By Mike Bender and Seeking an Accorc. Earl Possardt With Rattlesnakes

en it comes to animals with a public image problem, snakes are near the top of the list, and the animosity faced by venomous snakes is often fierce. Of course, such attitudes are not new. In 1712, the Royal Society in London received a letter from Cotton Mather, the celebrated witch hunter, that clearly indicated the attitudes of colonizing Europeans towards New England's only resident rattler, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): "The Rattle-snakes have

Timber rattlesnake their Winter-habitations on our Hills, in hideous Caves, Photo above and right by Earl Possardt and the Clefts of Inaccessible Rocks. In Spring they come forth and lie Sunning themselves, but still in pretty feeble circumstances. Our Trained Bands in some of our Country towns take this time to carry on a War with the Snakes, and make the killing of them a part of their Discipline."

14 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 14 It appears that the war on the timber rattlesnake was well underway soon after the Europeans arrived on the continent. This attitude of fear and intolerance, backed up in many cases by bounties, followed as the Europeans colonized the snake's habitat westward. But although its numbers and habitat have been greatly reduced, the timber rattlesnake can still be found within a large part of the forested uplands of the eastern United States and the forested river bluffs that penetrate the prairies of the upper midwest. Populations now, however, are highly fragmented in the northeast and midwest, although still fairly continuous in the southern and middle Appalachians. Because of their denning requirements, most timber Winchester. This group of rattlesnake Timber rattlesnakes den rattlesnakes occur at mountainous sites under large, flat rocks. experts will develop a Timber Rattle- or along rivers with rock bluffs. Photo by Earl Possardt snake Conservation Action Plan to Winter denning requirements, long identify the problems and conservation age to sexual maturity (7-11 years for needs for each of the 27 States with The fear many people have females in the northern part of its upland timber rattlesnake populations. of timber rattlesnakes is (The plan does not address the coastal range), long birthing intervals (3-4 simple: it is the fear of years), and small litter size (6-14) make plain canebrake rattlesnake, which is being poisoned. But how the timber rattlesnake particularly recognized by some scientists as a dangerous is this species to vulnerable to a variety of threats separate subspecies.) When complete, people? Unlike some other throughout the 27 States it currently the plan will provide a guide for rattlesnake species, the timber rattler has a docile inhabits. Persecution, collecting for the specific conservation actions needed at manner, and it will seldom live animal trade, exploitation for hides, State and regional levels and, we hope, strike unless stepped on or foster increased conservation efforts highway mortality, and habitat loss and directly provoked. When the fragmentation cumulatively pose serious throughout the species' range. The snakes are encountered in rangewide threats to the timber rattle- timber rattlesnake is not considered a the wild, it is easy to give snake. It has been extirpated from candidate for Federal listing under the them the right of way, leave Maine, Rhode Island, Michigan, and Endangered Species Act, and successful them alone, and keep out of Canada. Its distribution and numbers implementation of this plan will be the their striking range. The rare deaths attributed to have been drastically reduced in at least best assurance to avoid a need for the timber rattlesnake 20 other States, primarily those in the listing action in the future. usually have resulted from northeast and midwest. Future editions of the Endangered individuals picking up Due to a growing concern that Species Bulletin will provide updates on snakes when intoxicated or handling snakes for current levels of awareness, protection, the Timber Rattlesnake Conservation religious purposes and and conservation efforts are not Action Plan as it develops. For addi- refusing treatment for bites. adequate to prevent the eventual tional information, call Eari Possardt of In such cases, death could extirpation of the timber rattlesnake the Fish and Wildlife Service's Northeast probably have been avoided from much of its range, the U.S. Fish Regional Office at 413-253-8526. if timely medical treatment and Wildlife Service-through its had been obtained. Like all Northeast Region's Federal Aid Office- Earl Possardt is a Wildlife Biologist in species, the timber rattlesnake has an recently sponsored a meeting of the FWS Northeast Regional Office and ecological role to play, and concerned Federal and State biologists, Mike Bender is Editor of the Endangered ensuring the future of this university scientists, and other rattle- Species Bulletin. fascinating creature poses snake experts at the University of little risk to the people who Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm in share its remaining range.

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 15 SPOTLIGHT ON HATCHIRIES

by Linda Andreasen and Buddy Jensen Dexter National Fish Hatchery anc. Technology Center

Gila topminnow TIhQ. h e waters of the Southwest have working to restore populations of native Photo by Jim Johnson changed dramatically in the past 100 species (several of which could provide years. Rivers in this arid region have recreational fishing opportunities upon been dammed and diverted extensively their recovery). Few other facilities in to meet the demands of human settle- the world house as many rare and ment and development. In the process, endangered fish. On-going research and scores of unique freshwater ecosystems recovery projects include establishing were altered or destroyed, and many captive gene pools of imperiled species, organisms dependent upon them have developing techniques for the The National Fish declined in both numbers and range. A cryopreservation (freezing) of fish Hatchery System and number of others have disappeared sperm, refining spawning and culture the Recovery of forever. From the small, live-bearing fish methods, conducting diet studies, Listed Fishes of the family Poecilidae to the 80-pound establishing captive broodstock popula- Colorado squawfish. North America's tions, performing genetic fingerprinting Many of the fishes of North largest minnow, habitat destruction and of fish stocks, and producing imperiled America are moving toward the introduction of nonnative species fish for re introduction into the wild. extinction. Over the past has taken a heavy toll on many unique decade, the number of Dexter National Fish Hatchery and federally listed threatened native fishes. Technology Center is located in the or endangered aquatic It became apparent from surveys Pecos River Valley of southeastern New species has nearly doubled. conducted in the 1970's that the Mexico, on the northern fringe of the There are currently 107 Southwest had a significant number of Chihuahuan Desert. Although Dexter is threatened and endangered imperiled fishes that needed conserva- located within the Pecos River ecosys- fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act tion attention. Of the 107 threatened or tem, it also has biological and coordina- (ESA), comprising nearly 30 endangered fish species found in the tion responsibilities for four other percent of the total animal United States, approximately one-third ecosystems in the Fish and Wildlife species listed within the occurred in the Southwest. To address Service's (FWS) Southwest Region: 1) continental United States. this critical issue. Dexter National Fish the Upper/Middle Rio Grande; 2) the If shellfish (i.e., mussels and Hatchery began work on the recovery Lower Rio Grande; 3) the Gila, Salt, and clams) are included, the of listed fish species in 1978, and this Verde Rivers; and 4) the Lower Colorado overall percentage of River. These 4 ecosystems have shared aquatic species increases effort continues today. to 46 percent. Originally established to meet the watersheds and common endangered demands for warmwater game fish species concerns with Mexico. As the number of listed and throughout the Southwest, the hatchery Currently, 15 listed species are held imperiled species has began operations in 1932. Since that and cultured at Dexter (see table). These grown, so has the search for time, Dexter's role in fishery science fish come from nine different U.S. States ways of reversing their and management has changed dramati- (TX, NM, AZ, CA, NV, UT, CO, WY, and decline and ensuring the long-term welfare of our cally from a hatchery that stocked OR) and two Mexican States (Chihuahua Nation's ecosystems. nonnative game fish to a facility that is and Sonora). For most of these species,

16 ENDANGEREt) SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO. 3 SPOTLIGHT ON HATCHIRIES conditions in the wild have degraded to Dexter to preserve these species and the point that their survival is imperiled. their genetic diversity. These genetic Colorado River fishes, which evolved "refuges" are intended as short-term strange humped or ridged backs, solutions until habitat restoration and winglike fins, and streamlined bodies to the eradication of non-indigenous swim the once-muddy, turbulent waters, species make reintroduction into the must now compete with over 100 wild possible. nonnative species that are better For example, the Chihuahua chub adapted to the dammed reservoirs and was thought to be extirpated in the U.S. connecting clear streams that have come until biologists discovered a small to characterize the Colorado River. Fish remnant population in the Archuleta/ species that evolved in desert springs Moreno Springs of New Mexico. are also losing habitat as the pumping Through Dexter's captive propagation of ground water lowers water tables and and stocking efforts, another population often dries the springs. In the face of of this fish has been reestablished Razorback sucker (above) and bonytail chub these and other threats, captive fish nearby. Meanwhile, the extant popula- Illustrations by populations have been established at tion in Chihuahua, Mexico, continues to Or, Robert J. Behnke

List and status of species held at Dexter NFHTC

Species Scientific name Federal status Fishery managers are increasingly being aslced to Family Catostomidae protect and restore depleted fish stocks. The National Razorback sucker Xyrauchentexanus E Fish Hatchery System is Warner sucker Catostomus wamerensis E working to provide * ** Yaqui sucker Catostomus bemardini 9 innovative tools for conserving genetic diversity Family Cyprinidae and, ultimately, recovering Colorado squawfish Ptychocheilus lucius E listed fishes, such as Bonytail chub Gila elegans E establishing refugia, captive Chihuahua chub Gila nigrescens T propagation, and Pahranagat roundtail chub Gila robusta jordani E cryopreservation (freezing) Virgin River roundtail chub Gila robusta seminuda E of fish sperm. Woundfin Plagopterus argentissimus E Guzman beautiful shiner Cyprineila f. formosa ** The System is comprised of 65 Hatcheries, 5 Fish Family Ictaluridae Technology Centers, and 9 Yaqui catfish Ictalurus pricei T** Fish Health Centers. Thirty- three of these facilities are Family Cyprinodontidae working on coordinated Leon Springs pupfish Cyprinodon bovinus E restoration efforts for 39 Desert pupfish Cyprinodon macuiarius E imperiled species. Fish Technology Centers and Family Poeciliidae Fish Health Centers play an Gila topminnow Poeciilopsls o. occidentaiis E important role in Big Bend gambusia Gambusia galgei E conservation by providing leadership and technical support to fish hatcheries and other Federal, State, E = Endangered T = Threatened and private sector * - species of concern ** = species extirpated from U.S participants in the recovery of listed fishes.

17ENDANGEREt )SPECIE S BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO. 3 SPOTLIGHT ON HATCHIRIES

decline due to habitat loss. Similarly, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, numerous populations of the desert and the FWS worked together to pupfish and Gila topminnow have been construct an earthen dam around a reestablished successfully at sites in headspring containing the last wild Arizona over the last 10 years using fish population of the Leon Springs pupfish. reared at Dexter. For recovery programs The dam was intended to protect this in Colorado and Utah, the FWS and the population, located in the middle of an States have cooperatively established active oil and gas production field, from genetically diverse captive broodstocks oil spills. Dexter also established a of Colorado squawfish. Many of the refugia population to ensure the individuals recently stocked into the San species' survival in case something were Juan River (NM, CO, UT) have success- to happen to the wild population in its fully overwintered. Monitoring studies limited habitat. In 1995, the wild

Yaqui catfish carried out by Utah Division of Wildlife population of Leon Springs pupfish was Photo by Kevin Cobble Resources iiave shown greater survival hybridized when someone illegally than expected, with the fish eating and introduced the nonnative sheepshead growing well. Such introductions hold minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus). The much promise for the future of these Dexter facility now maintains the last and other imperiled fish species. remaining population of pure Leon

Dexter cooperates and coordinates Springs pupfish. endangered fish recovery with the FWS, As human activities continue to have other Federal agencies, the States, and, an enormous impact on the aquatic internationally, with the Mexican States ecosystems of the Southwest, future of Chihuahua and Sonora. Other success in the recovery of this region's partners in recovery and habitat native fishes depends on attaining a restoration include Tribal, university, balance between the human demands and private sector participants. In one for water and the habitat needs of fish example of a cooperative recovery and wildlife. Through public outreach Buddy Jensen and Troy effort, private landowners, an oil and partnerships, support is increasing Winhaur, of Dexter NFHTC, company, a gas company, the Natural for the work at Dexter. While the examining fertilized eggs of Resources Conservation Service, the southwest is the focus of the Dexter the razorbacif sucker. Photo by Don Hales facility, this program has broad implica- tions for endangered fishes management and recovery throughout the United States.

Linda Andreasen is a Fishery Biologist with the FWS Division of Fish Hatcheries in Washington, D.C., and Buddy Jensen is Manager of the Dexter National Fish Hatchery and Fish Technology Center. Dexter s visitor 's center is open to the public, and tours can be arranged by calling the facility at (505)734-5910.

18 ENDANGEREt) SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO. 3 Freshwater Fauna Posters

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s'om e of the unique but little- images by accomplished photographers poster to Extension Distribution Center, known creatures of America's rivers and and depicts a sample (25-41 species) of Virginia Polytechnic and State Univer- streams are depicted on a set of full- each faunal group, showing the richness sity, 112 Landsdowne Street, Blacksburg, color, 24- by 36-inch posters available of colors, shapes, and varieties inherent Virginia 24061-0512. Make checks from Virginia Tech University. Three in these seldom-seen species. A brief payable to Virginia Tech Treasurer. All posters — one each on non-game fishes, narrative relates the plight of each proceeds from poster sales will be used peariy mussels, and crayfishes - portray group and the need for conservation. to reprint and distribute free posters to the beauty and diversity of native To order, please send $5.00 (plus secondary schools. species. Each poster features original $2.50 for shipping and handling) per

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 JS^ REGIONAL NEWS & RECOVERY UPDATES

land caribou has, through reproduction and augmenta- It also ensures that the different habitat types and tion, doubled to approximately 59- The three herds attributes found in Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems comprising this population are in the Selkirk Mountains will be provided, over time, across the landscape. Special in Idaho, Washington, and southern British Columbia, habitat types, such as riparian and wetland areas, caves, Canada. This spring, in the second phase of a 3-year and talus slopes, have also been addressed by provisions international transplant effort, 13 caribou were cap- of the HCP tured in western Canada and released in the eastern Washington part of the Selkirk Mountain Recovery Area. Region 2 Caribou have a low reproductive rate, and augmenta- tion is believed necessary to achieve recovery since the effort started with so few animals. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) partners in this project are the British Region 1 Columbia Ministry of Environment, U.S. Forest Service, Washington Department of Fish and Game, and Idaho Fish and Game Department.

Habitat Conservation Plan Onjanuary 30, the FWS, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and Washington State's Department of Natural Resources signed an implementation agreement for the largest Habitat Conserva-

tion Plan (HCP) of its kind on forested lands. The 70- to Mexican gray wolf 100-year HCP is designed to protect over 285 species of FWS photo listed and non-listed wildlife on 1.6 million acres (647,500 hectares) of State-managed forests. The Department of Mexican Gray Wolf Canis lupus baileyi) On March Natural Resources joins four large private timber har- 4,1997, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt signed the Hawaiian geese vesting companies that have completed similar agree- Record of Decision authorizing reintroduction of the FWS photo by Glen Smart ments resulting in a total of 2.135 million acres (864,035 Mexican wolf or lobo to part of its former range in the ha) of northwest forested land managed for both long- southwestern United States. Companion documents were fieneoTH?LV^angoose(Nesochensandvicensis)k term habitat conservation and timber harvest. For the signed by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Deputy pair of captive-propagated nene released in March at Department of Natural Resources, it means a compre- Assistant Secretary of the Army because recovery areas Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big hensive plan for State trust lands that allows timber include national forests and a missile range. In 1998, Island of Hawai'i are nesting. They weren't the adults harvesting and other income-generating activities while captive-reared Mexican wolves will be reintroduced into expected to nest, but a pair of young birds! Recently a emphasizing wildlife conservation and ecosystem health. the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area in the Apache Na- biologist from the U.S. Geological Survey found a nest tional Forest in Arizona and allowed to disperse onto with three eggs under the comer of a refuge cabin. public lands in the adjacent Gila National Forest in New Refuge staff are monitoring the nest and keeping people Mexico. A second recovery area, the White Sands Missile away from the site. The refuge plans on measures to Range, could be used in the future if it is necessary to control the mongoose (a non-native predator) in the achieve the recovery objective of 100 Mexican wolves in area to hold down losses of nene eggs and goslings the wild. (when the eggs hatch). Of the 10 nene released last year, 6 are still seen in the refuge administrative complex and Three family groups of wolves will be moved to the location of the others is not known. temporary holding pens in the Apache National Forest in early 1998 and released after an acclimation period of several weeks. Annual releases into the Blue Range area will occur over the next 5 years, or until natural repro- Woodland Caribou (Rangifertarandus caribou) duction is adequate to sustain the population.

From a low of approximately 25 individuals when listed Woodland caribou as endangered in 1984, the Selkirk population of wood- Photo by Bob Summerfield

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 20 REGIONAL NEWS & RECOVERY UPDATES

The FWS is preparing the final rule to designate falcon nests along the Delaware River did not have ' reintroduced Mexican wolves and their offspring as a elevated PCB levels. This difference may be attributable "nonessential experimental" population. This rule will to varying diets between the Atlantic coast and Delaware delineate recovery areas and experimental population River birds. boundaries, define guidelines for management agencies, and specify the circumstances in which citizens are Dioxin concentrations in eggs from the Atlantic permitted to harass or kill a problem wolf. coast were among the highest ever documented in peregrine falcon eggs, and the mean mercury concentra- Region 3 tion at Atlantic coast eyries was more than 30 times greater than Delaware River eyries. The concentrations Eastern Gray Wolf In Wisconsin, eastern gray wolf of PCBs, dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, DDE numbers continue to increase. The 1996-97 late-winter (a breakdown product of the pesticide DDT), and mer- wolf survey documented about 150 wolves, compared to cury in many eggs were theoretically sufficient to affect about 100 documented during the 1995-96 surveys. Wolf peregrine falcon reproduction. However, productivity number in Wisconsin have increased steadily since the and eggshell thinning data do not indicate that per- 1984-85 winter survey Additionally, the 1996-97 winter egrines in New Jersey are experiencing reproductive was the diird successive year that wolf numbers in Wis- impairment due to persistent contaminants. The overall consin were over 80, which means that the criterion in effects of persistent contaminants appear to be relatively the current recovery plan for reclassifying wolves in that minor when compared to other influences, such as nest State from endangered to threatened has been met. location (i.e., bridges), disturbance, and predation. It should be noted that peregrine falcons are more resis- However, wolf numbers did not increase in Michi- tant to some contaminants than other species, which gan; instead, there was a small decline. About 112 ani- may be harmed by these substances at current levels. The 'mals were documented, compared to 116 during the study's sample size also was small; only eight peregrine 1995-96 winter survey This was the first decline since nests were examined. In addition, some recent peregrine wolves were noted to have returned to Michigan's Upper falcon deaths in the United States are linked to various Peninsula in the winter of 1988-89. The decline may be contemporary, short-lived pesticides, including fenthion, due to mange and the effects of the 1995-96 and 1996- parathion, and 4-aminopyridine. To date, there have 97 harsh winter conditions on deer populations. It is been no systematic assessments of the effects of these likely that reproduction in both deer and wolves will shorter-lived pesticides on peregrine falcon populations. continue to decline for at least another year, which means that the amount of time needed for wolf numbers to rebound will increase. Even with the decline, however, wolf numbers in Michigan have been at 80 or above for three consecutive years.

Region 5

Peregrine Falcon (/Wco/>e»«g««««)TheFVCSNew Jersey Field Office and the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife recently completed a joint study of contaminant levels in nonviable eggs collected in 1991 and 1992 from eight peregrine falcon eyries in New Jersey The investigators measured levels of mercury (a toxic heavy metal) and several persistent organochlo- Irine compounds. Eggs from Atlantic coast eyries contained elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These elevated levels indicate that PCBs were the most likely contributors to hatching failure on the Atlan- Peregrine falcon tic coast. In contrast, eggs collected from peregrine FWS photo

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO, 3 21 RULEMAKING ACTIONS

During March and April of 1997, the Fish and Wild- it also is vulnerable to overcollection by hobbyists and Final Listing Rules life Service (FWS) published the following Endangered commercial traders of rare insects. Final rules added eight plants and two animals to Species Act (ESA) listing actions in the Federal Register. the list of threatened and endangered species: Preble'sMeadowJumpingMouse^Z(i^«Mib«/«a!so«««$ Proposed Listing Rules prehlei) This small, nocturnal mouse inhabits wetmead- Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium Blackburn's sphinx moth (Mandnca hlackbumi) ows and riparian habitats along the eastern edge of the brasilianum cactorum) The Arizona population of On April 2, the FWS proposed to list Blackburn's sphinx Colorado Front Range and similar habitats in south- this small, fomierly-abundant bird was listed on March moth as endangered. It is not only the first Hawaiian eastern Wyoming. Surveys conducted during the past 5 10 as endangered. Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls once insect ever proposed for ESA protection but also Hawaii's years have found very few individuals in Wyoming and occurred in large numbers in streamside thickets, wood- largest native insect, with a wing span of up to 5 inches failed to find any at many historical locations in Colo- lands, diomscrub, and desert scrub habitats in central (12 centimeters). rado. Habitat loss and degradation caused by agricul- and southern Arizona, and they were common through- Once, this unusual species of modi could be found on tural, residential, commercial, and industrial develop- out die southern tip of Texas dirough northern Mexico. the islands of Mau'i, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, and ment imperil its survival, and the mouse was proposed But widespread and severe loss of streamside habitats in Hawai'i (the "Big Island"), but it has disappeared from on March 25 for listing as endangered. Arizona, which constituted the main portion of the bird's most of its range. Few individuals have been sighted since Currently, Preble's meadow jumping mice are known U.S. range, reduced the State's known pygmy-owl 1940. Staff of the B.R Bishop Museum in Honolulu were to occur in Jefferson, Boulder, Douglas, and El Paso population to a mere 19 individuals by 1996. Three of unable to find any Blackburn's sphinx moths during a Counties in Colorado, and in Albany and Laramie Coun- the owls live on Organ Pipe National Monument along systematic search in the late 1970's and the species was ties, Wyoming. Four of the areas where the mouse is the Mexican border, and the odier 16 survive on private feared to be extinct, but a single population was discovered found are Federal facilities, including the Air Force lands in the Tucson area. The FWS will offer landowners on public land on Mau'i in 1984. Its survival is imperiled Academy and Rocky Flats Environmental Technology assistance in designing Habitat Conservation Plans to by the same factors that led to die species' decline: loss of Site in Colorado, and Warren Air Force Base and the protect the birds while allowing compatible land uses to the preferred native host plant, the 'aiea (Nothocestrum Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming. The FWS is proceed. The FVi'S decided not to list the Texas pygmy- latifoliumj] predation by accidentally introduced ants; working with die Colorado Department of Natural Re- owl population, which is not facing imminent threats and non-native insects (wasps and flies) that were intro- sources and other partners to set up voluntary conserva- to its habitat. duced deliberately for biological control of other insect tion efforts on both public and private lands for Preble's species. Because Blackburn's sphinx moth is now so rare. meadow jumping mouse and other vulnerable species. Barton Springs Salamander (Euryceasosorum) This small amphibian exists nowhere but in Barton Blackburn's sphinx moth (opposite) has grayish-brown mottled wings and a gray Springs, located widiin the city of Austin, Texas. A com- abdomen with five orange spots along each side. The larva (below) is a large pletely aquatic species, the Barton Springs salamander "homworm" caterpillar, either bright green or grayish in color. The caterpillars retains external gills diroughout its life, making it par- feed on native 'aiea trees (Nothocentrum spp.), native popolo shrubs (Solanum ticularly sensitive to changes in water quality. Aside from spp.), and other plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Photos by Adam Asqutth its restricted range, die primary threats to diis salamander are water pollution and overpumping of the aquifer that feeds the springs. The FWS had been working with the State of Texas to implement a conservation agreement designed to pre- clude the need for ESA protection, but die species was listed as endangered on April 30 to comply with a court order. As a recovery plan for the Barton Springs salamander is developed, die FWS will continue to work widi the State and local interests to minimize die effects on area activities. Protecting water quality for die salamander will also ensure high-quality water for die people of the region, as die Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer is the sole source of drinking water for over 35,000 citizens in two counties.

Eight Vernal Pool Plants Eight rare plant species endemic to vernal pools in Califomia's Central Valley gained ESA protection through a final listing rule pub-

22 ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO. 3 RULEMAKING ACTIONS

lished in the March 26 Federal Register. The three most Agencies Propose a "No Both Federal agencies began implementing die "No 'imperiled plants, all tufted annuals in the grass family Surprises" Policy Surprises" policy for HCPs in 1994 and credit die policy (Poaceae), were classified as endangered: with protecting habitat on more than one million acres A "No Suprises" policy to provide assurances to of private land, that is not required under die Endan- • hairy Orcutt grass (Orcuttia pilosaj, landowners who are participating in habitat conserva- gered Species Act, and attracting hundreds of private • Sacramento Orcutt grass (Orcuttia tnscida), and tion plans for endangered species was officially proposed landowners to die table to establish HCPs for endangered • Greene's tuctoria (Tuctoria greenei). as a regulation on May 29 by the Interior Department's species. More than 200 such plans have been established U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Commerce and another 200-1- are being developed. Because the five other species are vulnerable but not Department's National Marine Fisheries Service. In 1982, Congress authorized habitat conserva- in immediate danger of extinction, they were classified The policy, which was codified in response to a suit tion plans, designed to protect a species while allowing under the ESA as threatened: filed in 1996 by die Spirit of the Sage Council and settled economic development and encouraging "creative part- last March, says that the Federal government will not nerships" when it became apparent diat die Endangered • San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass (Orcuttia require landowners who are complying in good faith Species Act lacked such a mechanism. An HCP allows inaequalis), with the temis of an HCP pemiit to provide additional both agencies to permit "taking" of endangered or direat- • slender Orcutt grass fOcM/to/ewMtt^^, land or financial compensation for species covered un- ened species on private land incidental to otherwise • Colusa grass (Neostapfm colusana), der a properly functioning HCR Neither Federal agency lawful acUvities when die land has been studied by • fleshy owl's-clover (Castilleja campestris ssp. will seek any any other form of additional mitigation qualified scientists as part of an HCP planning process succulenta) - an annual herb in the snapdragon except under unforeseen circumstances. and habitat conservaUon areas or odier midgadon mea- family (Scrophulariaceae), and "Landowners with private or commercial land have sures have been taken to protect species under the En- • Hoover's spurge (Chamaesyce hooveri) - an an- a legitimate concern," said Interior Secretary Bruce dangered Species Act. nual herb in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Babbitt. "They want some assurance that, once diey Written comments will be accepted during a 60-day agree to be a party to an HCP and to mitigate the effects public comment period and may be mailed to Chief, Vernal pools are seasonal wedands that fill during of their activities on listed species, we won't come back Endangered Species Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- Ftlie fall and winter rains and dry out through die spring later for a second bite from die apple. "No Surprises" vice (452 ARLSQ), 1849 C St. NW., Washington, DC 20240, and summer months. Most of die Central Valley's vernal addresses diat concern in a very concrete way: like its or to Chief, Endangered Species Division, NaUonal Marine pool habitats have been altered or destroyed by urban name, it signifies that a deal is a deal and that diere will Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 and landfill development, conversion of natural lands to be no surprises down die road." East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. agriculture, competition from non-native plants, aggre- gate mining, overgrazing by livestock, off-road vehicle use, and odier activities that alter wedand hydrology.

Withdrawal Ortegon (Coccoloba rugosa) A1993 proposal to list this evergreen tree as threatened was withdrawn by the FWS on March 4, 1997. A species native to Puerto Rico, die ortegon is no longer believed to be vulnerable to extinction because additional populations have been discovered.

Blackburn's sphinx moth

ENDANGERED SPECIES BULLETIN MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO. 3 23 Listings and Recovery Plans as of May 31,1997 ENDANGERED THREATENED TOTAL SPECIES GROUP U.S. FOREIGN U.S. FOREIGN LISTINGS W/ PLANS

MAMMALS 55 252 8 16 39

BIRDS .: 75 178 14 6 273 72

REPTILES 15 64 18 14 111 31

AMPHIBIANS 9 8 6 1 24 11

FISHES 67 11 40 0 74

SNAILS 15 1 7 0 23 18

64 CLAMS 56 2 6 0 44

CRUSTACEANS 15 0 3 0 18 6

0 21 w INSECTS 24 4 9 37

m ARACHNIDS 5 0 0 0 5 4

ANIMAL SUBTOTAL 336 520 111 37 1,004 320

* FLOWERING PLANTS 495 1 110 0 606 313 • CONIFERS 2 0 0 2 4 1 FERNS AND OTHERS 26 0 2 0 28 19

PLANT SUBTOTAL 523 1 112 2 638 333

GRAND TOTAL 859 521 223 39 1,642* 653*

TOTAL U.S. ENDANGERED: 859 (336 animals, 523 plants) of the Endangered Species Act, the term "species" can mean a species, subspecies, or distinct vertebrate population. Several TOTAL U.S. THREATENED: 223 (111 animals, 112 plants) entries also represent entire genera or even families. TOTAL U.S. LISTED: 1082 (447 animals***, 635 plants) **There are 454 approved recovery plans. Some recovery plans •Separate populations of a species listed both as Endangered and Threatened cover more than one species, and a few species have separate are tallied once, for the endangered population only. Those species are the plans covering different parts of their ranges. Recovery plans are argali, leopard, gray wolf, piping plover, roseate tern, chimpanzee, green drawn up only for listed species that occur in the United States. sea turtle, saltwater crocodile, and olive ridley sea turtle. For the purposes ***Four animals have dual status in the U.S..

FIRST CLASS DANGERED POSTAGE AND FEES PAID U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT NO. G-77

U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Washington, D.C. 20240

MAY/JUNE 1997 VOLUME XXII NO. 3