49878 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 158 / Thursday, August 15, 2013 / Proposed Rules

* * * * * DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR butterflies as endangered species under Dated: August 6, 2013. the Endangered Species Act. If we Fish and Wildlife Service finalize this rule as proposed, it would Michael Bean, extend the Act’s protections to these Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 50 CFR Part 17 species. The effect of these regulations for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. is to conserve the Florida leafwing and [Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2013–0084; [FR Doc. 2013–19793 Filed 8–14–13; 8:45 am] Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak under the BILLING CODE 4310–55–C RIN 1018–AZ08 Act. DATES: We will accept comments Endangered and Threatened Wildlife received or postmarked on or before and Plants; Endangered Status for the October 15, 2013. Comments submitted Florida Leafwing and Bartram’s Scrub- electronically using the Federal Hairstreak Butterflies eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, section, below) must be received by Interior. 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. We must receive requests for ACTION: Proposed rule. public hearings, in writing, at the SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and address shown in FOR FURTHER Wildlife Service (USFWS), propose to INFORMATION CONTACT by September 30, list the Florida leafwing (Anaea 2013. troglodyta floridalis) and Bartram’s ADDRESSES: You may submit comments scrub-hairstreak (Strymon acis bartrami) by one of the following methods:

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(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal regulation has until now been precluded (2) The factors that are the basis for eRulemaking Portal: http:// by other higher priority listing activities. making a listing determination for a www.regulations.gov. In the search box, This rule reassesses all available species under section 4(a) of the Act, enter FWS–R4–ES–2013–0084, which is information regarding status of and which are: the docket number for this rulemaking. threats to both butterfly subspecies. (a) The present or threatened You may submit a comment by clicking The basis for our action. Under the destruction, modification, or on ‘‘Comment Now’’. Act, we can determine that a species is curtailment of their habitat or range; (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail an endangered or threatened species (b) Overutilization for commercial, or hand-delivery to: Public Comments based on any of five factors: (A) The recreational, scientific, or educational Processing, Attn: FWS–R4–ES–2013– present or threatened destruction, purposes; 0084; Division of Policy and Directives modification, or curtailment of its (c) Disease or predation; Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife habitat or range; (B) overutilization for (d) The inadequacy of existing Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS commercial, recreational, scientific, or regulatory mechanisms; or 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203. educational purposes; (C) disease or (e) Other natural or manmade factors We request that you send comments predation; (D) the inadequacy of affecting their continued existence. (3) Biological, commercial trade, or only by the methods described above. existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) other relevant data concerning any We will post all information received on other natural or manmade factors threats (or lack thereof) to these species http://www.regulations.gov. This affecting its continued existence. and regulations that may be addressing generally means that we will post any We have determined the threats to those threats; including the use and personal information you provide us both subspecies fall under all five effects of pesticides to control (see the Public Comments section below factors, and consist of a lack of adequate mosquitos and other insects considered for more information). fire management, small population size, pests. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: isolation from habitat loss and (4) The use of prescribed fire or other Larry Williams, Field Supervisor, U.S. fragmentation, loss of genetic diversity, management tools to simulate historical Fish and Wildlife Service, South Florida inadequate regulatory mechanisms, natural disturbances to restore or Ecological Services Office, 1339 20th pesticide applications, poaching, maintain the species habitat. Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960, by hurricanes and storm surge, and sea (5) Additional information concerning telephone 772–562–3909, or by level rise. the historical and current status, range, facsimile 772–562–4288. Persons who We will seek peer review. We are distribution, and population size of use a telecommunications device for the seeking comments from knowledgeable these species, including the locations of deaf (TDD) may call the Federal individuals with scientific expertise to any additional populations of these Information Relay Service (FIRS) at review our analysis of the best available species. 800–877–8339. science and application of that science (6) Current or planned activities in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and to provide any additional scientific areas occupied by these species and information to improve this proposed possible impacts of these activities on Executive Summary rule. Because we will consider all these species. Why we need to publish a rule. Under comments and information received Please note that submissions merely the Act, if a species is determined to be during the comment period, our final stating support for or opposition to the an endangered or threatened species determinations may differ from this action under consideration without throughout all or a significant portion of proposal. providing supporting information, its range, we are required to promptly Information Requested although noted, will not be considered publish a proposal in the Federal in making a determination, as section Register and make a determination on We intend that any final action 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that our proposal within 1 year. Critical resulting from this proposed rule will be determinations as to whether any habitat shall be designated, to the based on the best scientific and species is an endangered or threatened maximum extent prudent and commercial data available and be as species must be made ‘‘solely on the determinable, for any species accurate and as effective as possible. basis of the best scientific and determined to be an endangered or Therefore, we request comments or commercial data available.’’ threatened species under the Act. information from the public, other You may submit your comments and Listing a species as an endangered or concerned governmental agencies, materials concerning this proposed rule threatened species and designations of Native American tribes, the scientific by one of the methods listed in critical habitat can be completed only community, industry, or any other ADDRESSES. We request that you send by issuing a rule. Elsewhere in today’s interested parties concerning this comments only by the methods Federal Register, we propose to proposed rule. We particularly seek described in ADDRESSES. designate critical habitat for the Florida comments concerning: If you submit information via http:// leafwing butterfly and Bartram’s scrub (1) Both species’ biology, range, and www.regulations.gov, your entire hairstreak butterfly under the Act. population trends, including: submission—including any personal This rule consists of: A proposed rule (a) Habitat requirements for feeding, identifying information—will be posted to list the Florida leafwing butterfly breeding, and sheltering; on the Web site. If your submission is (Anaea troglodyta floridalis) and the (b) Genetics and taxonomy; made via a hardcopy that includes Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak butterfly (c) Historical and current range personal identifying information, you (Strymon acis bartrami) as endangered including distribution patterns; may request at the top of your document species. Both butterflies are candidate (d) Historical and current population that we withhold this information from species for which we have on file levels, and current and projected trends; public review. However, we cannot sufficient information on biological and guarantee that we will be able to do so. vulnerability and threats to support (e) Past and ongoing conservation We will post all hardcopy submissions preparation of a listing proposal, but for measures for the species, their habitat, on http://www.regulations.gov. Please which development of a listing or both. include sufficient information with your

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comments to allow us to verify any agreement with one of the agency’s most margins than the males. The butterfly scientific or commercial information frequent plaintiffs, the Service filed a also has seasonal forms (Comstock 1961, you include. work plan with the U.S. District Court pp. 44–45; Salvato and Hennessey 2003, Comments and materials we receive, for the District of Columbia. The work p. 244). Comstock (1961, pp. 44–45) as well as supporting documentation we plan will enable the agency to, over a employed the terms ‘‘summer’’ and used in preparing this proposed rule, period of 6 years, systematically review ‘‘winter’’ morph to differentiate between will be available for public inspection and address the needs of more than 250 seasonal forms within the genus. The on http://www.regulations.gov, or by species listed within the 2010 Candidate length of photoperiod exposure appointment, during normal business Notice of Review, including the Florida experienced by fifth-instar larvae (larvae hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak, several days prior to pupation), as well Service, South Florida Ecological to determine if these species should be as the influence of seasonal moisture, Services Office (see FOR FURTHER added to the Federal Lists of have been identified as key factors in INFORMATION CONTACT). Endangered and Threatened Wildlife determining the seasonal forms within Previous Federal Actions and Plants. This work plan will enable members of the Anaea genus of leafwing the Service to again prioritize its butterflies (Riley 1980, p. 333; 1988a, p. The Florida leafwing and Bartram’s workload based on the needs of 266; 1988b, p. 226; Salvato and scrub-hairstreak (previously known as candidate species, while also providing Hennessey 2003, p. 246). The summer the Bartram’s hairstreak) butterflies have State wildlife agencies, stakeholders, form (wet-season or long-day form), the same history of being candidates for and other partners clarity and certainty occurring in late May to September, listing under the Act. Both butterflies about when listing determinations will tends to have forewing margins that are were first recognized as candidates on be made. On July 12, 2011, the Service blunt and hind-wings with a less May 22, 1984 (49 FR 21664). We reached an agreement with a frequent pronounced tail; colors also tend to be assigned both species a listing priority plaintiff group and further strengthened brighter. The winter form (dry-season or number (LPN) of 2. Candidate species the workplan, which will allow the short-day form), occurring in October to are assigned LPNs based on immediacy agency to focus its resources on the early May, tends to have the opposing and magnitude of threats, as well as species most in need of protection characters, with pronounced tails and taxonomic status. The lower the LPN, under the Act. These agreements were crescent-shaped forewings (Comstock the higher priority that species is for us approved on September 9, 2011. The 1961, pp. 44–45; Salvato 1999, p. 118; to determine appropriate action using timing of this proposed listing is, in Salvato and Hennessey 2003, p. 246). our available resources (September 21, part, therefore, an outcome of the The Florida leafwing has only one 1983; 48 FR 43100). Category 2 species workplan. were defined as species for which we The Service’s decision to propose known hostplant, the pineland croton had information that proposed listing listing of the Florida leafwing and (Croton linearis) (Euphorbiaceae). The was possibly appropriate, but Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak resulted from immature stages of this butterfly feed on conclusive data on biological our careful review of the status of these pineland croton for development. As in vulnerability and threats were not butterflies and assessments of their the adult butterfly stage, the larval available to support a proposed rule at threats. development of the leafwing also the time. Both species remained on the Elsewhere in today’s Federal Register, displays a cryptic mimicry of the host candidate list, as published in what is we propose to designate critical habitat plant. The first three instars now known as the Candidate Notice of for the Florida leafwing and Bartram’s (developmental life stages) of a five Review (CNOR), as category 2 species scrub-hairstreak butterflies under the instar larval development begin what until 1994 (January 6, 1989, 54 FR 572; Act. continues throughout larval November 21, 1991, 56 FR 58830). Both development to be a cryptic mimicry of species were removed from the Status Assessment for the Florida the hostplant. These stages appear like candidate list from 1996 to 2005 Leafwing and Bartram’s Scrub- dead leaves, with a brown color and because we did not have sufficient Hairstreak Butterflies resting on a dead part of the plant information on the species’ biological Florida Leafwing during the day (Salvato 1999, p. 118; vulnerability and threats to support 2003, p. 244). Early instars tend to eat issuance of a proposed rule. Both General Biology the leaves to the mid-vein and then species were added to the candidate list The Florida leafwing butterfly is a dangle from them in camouflage. They in the 2006 CNOR and assigned an LPN medium-sized butterfly approximately dangle by creating a frass chain (strings of 3 (September 12, 2006, 71 FR 53760). 76 to 78 millimeters (mm) (2.75 to 3.00 composed of silk and feces) for An LPN of 3 meant that the magnitude inches (in)) in length with a forewing protection from predators (Salvato and of threats remained high and immediate length of 34 to 38 mm (1.3 to 1.5 in) and Salvato 2008, p. 327). Briefly, a frass with recognition of their taxonomic an appearance characteristic of its genus chain is created when the larvae attach status as subspecies. Both species (Comstock 1961, p. 44; Pyle 1981, p. their fecal pellets to the mid-vein of a remained on the candidate list as 651; Opler and Krizek 1984, p. 172; partially eaten croton leaf with silk published in the CNORs from 2007 to Minno and Emmel 1993, p. 153). The (Minno et al. 2005, p. 115). The larvae 2012 with the LPN of 3 (72 FR 69034, upper-wing (or open wing) surface color crawl to the terminus of the strands to December 6, 2007; 73 FR 75176, is red to red-brown. The underside avoid predation. The two later instars December 10, 2008; 74 FR 578040, (closed wings) is gray to tan, with a are light green in color, with a tapering November 9, 2009; 75 FR 69222, tapered outline, cryptically looking like body from the cephalad (head capsule) November 10, 2010; 76 FR 66370, a dead leaf or the bark of slash pine to the caudal end (posterior), so that, October 26, 2011; and November 21, trees (Pinus elliottii var. densa) when when at rest, it also appears like a 2012, 77 FR 69994). the butterfly is at rest. The Florida croton leaf in the spiral fashion of the On May 10, 2011, the Service leafwing exhibits sexual dimorphism terminal end of the leaf (Worth et al. announced a work plan to restore (male and female are different from each 1996, p. 64). The head capsule during biological priorities and certainty to the other), with females being slightly larger all stages bears many tiny setae Service’s listing process. As part of an and with darker coloring along the wing (bristles), presenting the granular

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appearance of croton seeds (Worth et al. Salvato and Salvato 2010a, p. 96). alba), shrub verbena (Lantana camara), 1996, p. 64). Minno (pers. comm. 2009) and Salvato and false mallow (Malvastrum and Salvato (2010a, p. 96) noted that corchorifolium) within a weedy, Taxonomy males are generally more territorial. The disturbed area on the extreme southern The Florida leafwing butterfly (Anaea Florida leafwing is multivoltine (i.e., border of Long Pine Key in ENP. troglodyta floridalis) was first described produces multiple generations per year), Lenczewski (1980, p. 17) observed by Johnson and Comstock in 1941. with an entire life cycle of about 2 to 3 adults at the edges of mud puddles. Anaea troglodyta floridalis is a taxon months (Hennessey and Habeck 1991, p. Salvato and Hennessey (2003, p. 248) considered to be both endemic to south 17) and maintains continuous broods also observed this puddling behavior by Florida and clearly derived from throughout the year (Salvato 1999, p. adult male Florida leafwings on Big Antillean stock (the islands of the West 121). The precise number of broods per Pine Key and in ENP. Indies except for the Bahamas, year remains unknown, but the leafwing separating the Caribbean Sea from the has been recorded in every month Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak Atlantic Ocean) (Comstock 1961, p. 45; (Baggett 1982, p. 78; Opler and Krizek General Biology Brown and Heineman 1972, p. 124; 1984, p. 172; Minno and Emmel 1993, The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak is a Minno and Emmel 1993, p. 153; Smith p. 153; Salvato and Hennessey 2003, p. small butterfly approximately 25 mm (1 et al. 1994, p. 67; Salvato 1999, p. 117; 247; Salvato and Salvato 2010a, p. 96; in) in length with a forewing length of Hernandez 2004, p. 39; Pelham 2008, p. 2010c, p. 140). Salvato and Salvato 10.0 to 12.5 mm (0.4 to 0.5 in) and has 393). Some authors (Comstock 1961, p. (2010a, p. 93) and Land (Everglades an appearance (i.e., dark gray-colored on 44; Miller and Brown 1981, p. 164; National Park (ENP), pers. comm. Smith et al. 1994, p. 67; Hernandez 2012b) encountered the butterfly the upper (open) wings, light gray- 2004, p. 39) placed the Florida leafwing throughout the year, but the majority of colored under (closed) wings, small as a distinct species, A. floridalis. observations occurred from late fall to size, body shape, distinctive white Others (Brown and Heineman 1972, p. spring in ENP. By contrast, Salvato and barring or dots on underwings, and 124; Minno and Emmel 1993, p. 153; Salvato (2010c, p. 139) reported finding tailed hindwings) characteristic of the Salvato 1999, p. 117; Opler and Warren the butterfly on Big Pine Key, genus (Pyle 1981, p. 480; Opler and 2003, p. 40) considered the Florida abundantly throughout the year, Krizek 1984, pp. 107–108; Minno and leafwing as a subspecies of Anaea particularly during the summer months. Emmel 1993, p. 129). As with the troglodyta Fabricius. Smith et al. (1994, Eggs are spherical and light cream- Florida leafwing, pineland croton is the p. 67) suggested that further comparison yellow in color (Worth et al. 1996, p. only known hostplant for the Bartram’s between immature stages of the Florida 64). Females lay eggs singly on both the scrub-hairstreak (Minno and Emmel leafwing and its Antillean relatives may upper and lower surface of the host 1993, p. 129; Smith et al. 1994, p. 118). aid in determining whether or not the (croton plant) leaves, normally on The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak does not Florida leafwing is distinct at the developing racemes (flowers) (Baggett exhibit sexual or seasonal dimorphism, species or subspecies level. Opler and 1982, p. 78; Hennessey and Habeck but does show some sexual differences Warren (2003, p. 40) and Pelham (2008, 1991, p. 16; Worth et al. 1996, p. 64; in coloration. The abdomen of the male p. 393) considered Anaea troglodyta Salvato 1999, p. 120). Worth et al. is bright white, while females are gray floridalis, not A. floridalis, as the (1996, p. 64) and Salvato (1999, p. 120) (Minno and Emmel 1993, p. 129; Minno scientific name for the Florida leafwing. visually estimated that females may fly and Minno 2009, p. 70). The Integrated Taxonomic more than 30 meters (m) (98 feet (ft)) in Eggs are laid singly on the flowering Information System (ITIS) (2013, p. 1) search of a suitable host plant and racemes of pineland croton (Worth et uses the name Anaea troglodyta usually require less than a minute to al., 1996, p. 62; Salvato and Hennessey floridalis (F. Johnson and W. Comstock, oviposit (lay) each egg. 2004, p. 225). The immature stages of 1941) and indicates that this subspecies’ Adult Florida leafwings will feed on this butterfly feed on pineland croton taxonomic standing is valid. The Florida tree sap, take minerals from mud, and for development. First and second Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) (2012, occasionally visit flowers. Adults have instars remain well camouflaged p. 19) uses the name A. t. floridalis. also been observed feeding on rotting amongst the white croton flowers, while fruit and dung (Baggett 1982, p. 78; the greenish later stages occur more on Life History Opler and Krizek 1984, p. 172; Minno the leaves. Salvato and Hennessey Numerous authors have observed and and Emmel 1993, p. 153), senescent (2004, p. 225) reported approximate documented the behavior and natural (older) flowers of saw palmetto (Serenoa body lengths of 2, 4, 6, and 11 mm (0.8, history of the Florida leafwing repens) (Hennessey and Habeck 1991, p. 0.16, 0.24, and 0.43 in) for Bartram’s (Lenczewski 1980, p. 17; Pyle 1981, p. 13), a sliced orange (Salvato 1999, p. scrub-hairstreak for the second through 651; Baggett 1982, pp. 78–79; Opler and 121), sap of willow bustic (Sideroxylon fifth instar larvae, respectively. Krizek 1984, p. 172; Schwartz 1987, p. salicifolium) excreted from feeding Taxonomy 22; Hennessey and Habeck 1991, pp. holes created by yellow-bellied 13–17; Smith et al. 1994, p. 67; Worth sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus varius) The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak et al. 1996, pp. 4–6; Salvato 1999, pp. (Salvato and Salvato 2008, p. 326), and butterfly (Strymon acis bartrami) was 116–122; Salvato and Hennessey 2003, sap from slash pines and wild tamarind first described by Comstock and pp. 243–249; Salvato and Salvato 2008, (Lysiloma latisiliquum) (Salvato and Huntington in 1943. Seven subspecies pp. 323–329; 2010a, pp. 91–97). Adults Salvato 2008, p. 326; Salvato and of Strymon acis have been described are rapid, wary fliers and have strong Salvato 2010a, p. 96). Adults are not (Smith et al. 1994, p. 118). Smith et al. flight abilities and are able to disperse frequently attracted to flowers (Baggett (1994, p. 118) indicated that perhaps no over large areas. The butterfly is 1982, p. 78; Opler and Krizek 1984, p. other butterfly in the West Indies has extremely territorial, with both sexes 172; Worth et al. 1996, p. 65). However, evolved as many distinct island flying out to pursue other leafwings, as Salvato and Salvato (2010a, p. 96) subspecies as S. acis. Each group of well as other butterfly species (Baggett observed freshly emerged adults taking Antillean islands appears to have its 1982, p. 78; Worth et al. 1996, p. 65; nectar from a variety of plants, own particular set of S. acis hairstreaks, Salvato and Hennessey 2003, p. 246; including Spanish needles (Bidens and these have been classified into two

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separate groups. The Type A subspecies and December, despite an extensive West Indies (FNAI 2010a, p. 1). Many of are larger, darker colored and are found annual survey. Subsequent research by these species vary in height depending in the more southeastern Antillean Hennessey and Habeck (1991, pp. 17– on fire frequency, getting taller with islands. The Type B subspecies, to 19), Emmel et al. (1995, pp. 14–15), and time since fire. These include saw which the Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak Minno and Minno (2009, pp. 70–76) palmetto (Serenoa repens), cabbage belongs, are smaller, more surface-grey reported occurrences of Bartram’s scrub- palm (Sabal palmetto), silver palm colored. hairstreak on Big Pine Key throughout (Coccothrinax argentata), brittle thatch The ITIS (2013, p. 1) uses the name the year with varying peaks in seasonal palm (Thrinax morrisii), wax myrtle Strymon acis bartrami and indicates abundance. Salvato and Salvato (Myrica cerifera), myrsine (Rapanea that this subspecies’ taxonomic standing (unpublished data) have reported punctata), poisonwood (Metopium is valid. FNAI (2012, p. 21) uses the finding the butterfly abundant toxiferum), locustberry (Byrsonima name S. a. bartrami. throughout the year on Big Pine Key, lucida), varnishleaf (Dodonaea viscosa), Life History particularly during the late spring. tetrazygia (Tetrazygia bicolor), rough Salvato (1999, p. 47) suggests the velvetseed (Guettarda scabra), The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak is a butterfly can occur in high numbers marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides), sedentary butterfly rarely encountered during any season if suitable habitat and mangrove berry (Psidium longipes), more than 5 m (16.4 ft) from its host conditions are present. Service Biologist willow bustic (Sideroxylon plant (Schwartz 1987, p. 16; Worth et al. Chad Anderson (pers. comm. 2012a) has salicifolium), winged sumac (Rhus 1996, p. 65; Salvato and Salvato 2008, found them most active when the copallinum). Short-statured shrubs p. 324). Females oviposit on the average temperature is consistently near include running oak (Quercus elliottii), flowering racemes of pineland croton 27 degrees Celsius (°C) (80 degrees white indigoberry (Randia aculeata), (Worth et al. 1996, p. 62; Salvato and Fahrenheit (°F)), which can occur at any Christmas berry (Crossopetalum Hennessey 2004, p. 225). Eggs are laid time of year. In addition, reference plots ilicifolium), redgal (Morinda royoc), and singly on the developing flowers. and random survey transects on Big snowberry (Chiococca alba). Hennessey and Habeck (1991, p. 18) Pine Key have consistently indicated Grasses, forbs, and ferns make up a observed a female oviposit three eggs that peak relative abundances can differ diverse herbaceous layer ranging from over the course of 5 minutes. This long among subpopulations within the same mostly continuous in areas with more duration of oviposition likely enables year (Anderson, pers. comm. 2012b). soil development and little exposed females to serve as one of the major rock to sparse where more extensive pollinating species for the host plant Florida Leafwing and Bartram’s Scrub- outcroppings of rock occur. Typical (Salvato 2003, p. 57). Hairstreak herbaceous species include bluestems The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak is most Habitat (Andropogon spp., Schizachyrium often observed visiting pineland croton gracile, S. rhizomatum, and S. flowers for nectar, but has also been The Florida leafwing and Bartram’s sanguineum), arrowleaf threeawn observed using the flowers of other scrub-hairstreak occur only within pine (Aristida purpurascens), lopsided species, including: Pine acacia (Acacia rocklands, specifically those that retain indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum), pinetorum), Spanish needles, saw their mutual and sole hostplant, hairawn muhly (Muhlenbergia palmetto (Serenoa repens), button sage pineland croton. Adult butterflies will capillaris), Florida white-top sedge (Lantana involucrata), Bloggett’s also make use of rockland hammock (Rhynchospora floridensis), pineland swallowwort (Cynanchum blodgettii), vegetation when interspersed within the noseburn (Tragia saxicola), devil’s Everglades Key false buttonwood pine rockland habitat. potato (Echites umbellata), pineland (Spermacoce terminalis), locustberry Pine Rockland croton, several species of sandmats (Byrsonima lucida), and starrush (Chamaesyce spp.), partridge pea whitetop (Rhynchospora colorata) Pine rockland is characterized by an (Chamaecrista fasciculata), coontie (Minno and Emmel 1993, p. 129; Worth open canopy of South Florida slash pine (Zamia pumila), maidenhair pineland et al. 1996, p. 65; Calhoun et al. 2002, (Pinus elliottii var. densa) with a patchy fern (Anemia adiantifolia), Bahama p. 14; Salvato and Hennessey 2004, p. understory of tropical and temperate brake (Pteris bahamensis), and lacy 226; Salvato and Salvato 2008, p. 324; shrubs and palms and a rich herbaceous bracken (Pteridium aquilinum var. C. Anderson, pers. comm. 2010). layer of mostly perennial species caudatum) (FNAI 2010a, p. 1). The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak has including numerous species endemic to Pine rockland occurs on relatively been observed during every month on South Florida. Outcrops of weathered flat, moderately to well drained terrain Big Pine Key and ENP; however, the oolitic (small rounded particles or from 2 to 7 m (6.5 to 23 ft) above sea exact number of broods appears to vary grains) limestone, known locally as level (FNAI 2010a, p. 2). The oolitic sporadically from year to year (Salvato pinnacle rock, are common, and limestone is at or very near the surface, and Hennessey 2004, p. 226; Salvato solution holes may be present. This and there is very little soil development. and Salvato 2010b, p. 156). Baggett subtropical, pyrogenic flatland can be Soils are generally composed of small (1982, p. 81) indicated that the mesic or xeric depending on landscape accumulations of nutrient-poor sand, Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak seemed most position and associated natural marl, clayey loam, and organic debris in abundant October–December. Salvato communities. There are differences in depressions and crevices in the rock and Salvato (2010b, p. 156) encountered species composition between the pine surface. Organic acids occasionally the butterfly most often during March rocklands found in the Florida Keys and dissolve the surface limestone causing through June within ENP. Land (pers. the mainland (FNAI 2010a, p. 1). collapsed depressions in the surface comm. 2012b) has noted the butterfly to Pine rockland has an open canopy of rock called solution holes (FNAI 2010a, be most abundant in the spring and South Florida slash pine, generally with p. 1). Drainage varies according to the summer months. One of the earliest multiple age classes. The diverse, open porosity of the limestone substrate, but reports of S. a. bartrami phenology from shrub and subcanopy layer is composed is generally rapid. Consequently, most Big Pine Key was provided by Schwartz of more than 100 species of palms and sites are wet for only short periods (1987, p. 16) who encountered the hardwoods (FNAI 2010a, p. 1), most following heavy rains. During the rainy butterfly only during April, November, derived from the tropical flora of the season, however, some sites may be

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shallowly inundated by slow-flowing the shrub layers within rockland instances associated rockland hammock surface water for up to 60 days each hammock include several species of vegetation interspersed within this year (FNAI 2010a, p. 1). Eugenia (stoppers), Thrinax morrisii and habitat. Adult leafwings prefer the Pine rockland is maintained by T. radiata (thatch palms), Amyris transitional zones between pineland and regular fire, and susceptible to other elemifera (sea torchwood), Ardisia hammock and will disperse and roost natural disturbances such as hurricanes, escallonioides (marlberry), Psychotria within the pine rockland canopy and frost events, and sea-level rise (Ross et nervosa (wild coffee), Chrysophyllum associated rockland hammock al. 1994). Fires historically burned on oliviforme (satinleaf), Sabal palmetto, vegetation (Minno, pers. comm. 2009; an interval of approximately every 3 to Guaiacum sanctum (lignum-vitae), Salvato and Salvato 2008, p. 246; 2010a, 7 years (FNAI 2010a, p. 3) and were Ximenia americana (hog plum), p. 96). The leafwing, with its strong typically started by lightning strikes Colubrina elliptica (soldierwood), flight abilities, can disperse to make use during the frequent summer Pithecellobium unguis-cati and of available habitat throughout pine thunderstorms (FNAI 2010a, p. 3). Pithecellobium keyense, Coccoloba rockland and associated rockland Presently, prescribed fire must be uvifera, and Colubrina arborescens hammock habitat in ENP. Leafwing periodically introduced into pine (greenheart). Vines can be common and dispersed similarly into these habitats rocklands to sustain community include Toxicodendron radicans on Big Pine Key until it was extirpated. structure, prevent invasion by woody (eastern poison ivy), Smilax auriculata The hairstreak prefers more open pine species, maintain high herbaceous (earleaf greenbrier), Smilax havanensis rocklands and is more sedentary than diversity (Loope and Dunevitz 1981, pp. (Everglades greenbrier), Parthenocissus the leafwing with adults rarely 5–6; FNAI 2010a, p. 3), and prevent quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), encountered more than 5 m (16 ft) from succession to rockland hammock. The Hippocratea volubilis (medicine vine), the hostplant. amount of woody understory growth is and Morinda royoc (redgal). The Historical Ranges directly related to the length of time typically sparse short shrub layer may since the last fire. Herbaceous diversity include Zamia pumila (coontie), and The Florida leafwing and Bartram’s declines with time since last fire. The Acanthocereus tetragonus (dildoe scrub-hairstreak are endemic to south ecotone between pine rockland and cactus). Herbaceous species are Florida including the lower Florida rockland hammock is abrupt when occasionally present and generally Keys. The butterflies were locally regular fire is present in the system. sparse in coverage. Characteristic common within pine rockland habitat However when fire is removed, the species include Lasiacis divaricata that once occurred within Miami-Dade ecotone becomes more gradual and (smallcane), Oplismenus hirtellus and Monroe Counties and were less subtle as hammock hardwoods encroach (woodsgrass) and many species of ferns common and sporadic within croton- into the pineland (FNAI 2010a, p. 3). (FNAI 2010b, p. 1). bearing pinelands in Collier, Martin (leafwing only), Palm Beach, and Rockland hammock Rockland hammock occurs on a thin layer of highly organic soil covering Broward Counties (Comstock and Rockland hammock is a species-rich limestone on high ground that does not Huntington 1943, p. 65; Kimball 1965, tropical hardwood forest on upland sites regularly flood, but it is often dependent pp. 45–46; Baggett 1982, p. 78; Smith et in areas where limestone is very near upon a high water table to keep al. 1994, p. 67; Salvato 1999, p. 117; the surface and often exposed. The humidity levels high. Rockland Salvato and Hennessey 2003, p. 243; forest floor is largely covered by leaf hammocks are frequently located near 2004, p. 223). litter with varying amounts of exposed wetlands; in the Everglades they can There is little evidence that these limestone and has few herbaceous occur on organic matter that butterflies ventured further north than species. Rockland hammocks typically accumulates on top of the underlying southern Miami-Dade County to make have larger, more mature trees in the limestone; in the Florida Keys they use of localized, relict populations of interior, while the margins can be occur inland from tidal flats (FNAI hostplants that still persist as far north almost impenetrable in places with 2010b, p. 1). as Martin County (Salvato 1999, p. 117; dense growth of smaller shrubs, trees, Rockland hammock is susceptible to Salvato and Hennessey 2003, p. 243; and vines. Typical canopy and fire, frost, canopy disruption, and 2004, p. 223). Although these butterflies subcanopy species include, Bursera ground water reduction. Rockland were widely reported from several simaruba, Lysiloma latisiliquum (false hammock can be the advanced locations in southern Miami until the tamarind), Coccoloba diversifolia successional stage of pine rockland, mid-20th century (Smith et al. 1994, pp. (pigeon plum), Sideroxylon especially in cases where rockland 67; 118), Salvato (1999, p. 117) found foetidissimum (false mastic), Ficus hammock is adjacent to pine rockland. few documented field sighting records aurea (strangler fig), Piscidia piscipula In such cases, when fire is excluded or museum collection specimens from (Jamaican dogwood), Ocotea coriacea from pine rockland for 15 to 25 years it areas north of Monroe and Miami-Dade (lancewood), Drypetes diversifolia, can succeed to rockland hammock Counties, suggesting that they may not Simarouba glauca (paradisetree), vegetation. Historically, rockland have been common further north Sideroxylon salicifolium (willow hammocks in South Florida evolved historically (Salvato and Hennessey bustic), Krugiodendron ferreum (black with fire in the landscape, fire most 2003, p. 243; 2004, p. 223). ironwood), Exothea paniculata often extinguished near the edges when (inkwood), Metopium toxiferum, and it encountered the hammock’s moist Current Ranges Swietenia mahagoni (West Indies microclimate and litter layer. However, Populations of Florida leafwing and mahogany). rockland hammocks are susceptible to Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak have become Mature hammocks can be open damage from fire during extreme increasingly localized as pine rockland beneath a tall well-defined canopy and drought or when the water table is habitat has been lost or altered through subcanopy. More commonly, in less lowered. In these cases fire can cause anthropogenic activity (Lenczewski mature or disturbed hammocks, dense tree mortality and consume the organic 1980, p. 43; Baggett 1982, p. 78; woody vegetation of varying heights soil layer (FNAI 2010b, p. 2). Hennessey and Habeck 1991, p. 4; from canopy to short shrubs is often The lifecycle of both butterflies occur Schwarz et al. 1996, p. 59; Salvato and present. Species that generally make up in the pine rocklands, and in some Hennessey 2003, p. 243; Salvato and

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Hennessey 2004, p. 223; Salvato and Navy Wells Pineland Preserve (Navy locate the plant from any island other Salvato 2010a, p. 91; 2010b, p. 154). Wells) (owned and managed by Miami- than Big Pine Key. The staff at National Long Pine Key in ENP retains the largest Dade County), which is approximately Key Deer Refuge (NKDR) estimated that undisturbed tracts of pine rockland 120 ha (296 ac) in size. The hairstreak approximately 243 ha (600 ac) of croton- habitat totaling an estimated 2,313 retains breeding populations on Big bearing pineland exist on public lands hectares (ha) (5,716 acres (ac)) on the Pine Key, on Long Pine Key in ENP, and on Big Pine Key (C. Anderson, pers. mainland (Salvato 1999, p. 3; Service within a number of pine rockland comm. 2012a). However, surveys 1999, p. 173; Salvato and Hennessey fragments adjacent to ENP, the smallest indicate that only about 13 ha (32 ac) 2004, p. 223). Hennessey and Habeck of which is approximately 7 ha (18 ac) are regularly occupied by Bartram’s (1991, p. 4) and Salvato (1999, p. 3) in size. It is possible that leafwings scrub-hairstreak (C. Anderson, pers. estimated that approximately 1,068 ha require relatively larger patches of comm. 2013). In addition, many of the (2,638 ac) of appropriate croton-bearing croton-bearing pine rockland habitat to plants in these areas show signs of pine rockland habitat occur within Long persist than do hairstreaks. Although senescence (growing older) (C. Pine Key. More recently, ENP fire effects larger patches of habitat may be more Anderson, pers. comm. 2013). Although staff have been systematically mapping suitable for these butterflies, the current pineland croton abundance, relationship between habitat patch size the Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak is extant distribution, and health throughout and suitability is not completely on Big Pine Key, the Florida leafwing Long Pine Key (Land, pers. comm. understood. has not been seen on the island since 2012a; Sadle, pers. comm. 2013c). As of A geographic information system 2006 (Minno and Minno 2009, pp. v, 9; early 2013, approximately 12.5 (GIS) analysis conducted by the Service Salvato and Salvato 2010c, p. 139). kilometers (km) (7.7 miles (mi)) of pine using data collected by The Institute for Population Estimates and Status rocklands have been evaluated and the Regional Conservation (IRC) in 2004 hostplant has been documented indicates that 65 pine rockland Florida Leafwing consistently throughout Long Pine Key. fragments (of various sizes but at least In Miami-Dade County, outside of 1 hectare) containing pineland croton Based on results of all historical ENP, approximately 375 pine rockland remain in private ownership in Miami- (Baggett 1982, p. 78; Schwartz 1987, p. habitat fragments remain totaling Dade County totaling approximately 190 22; Hennessey and Habeck 1991, p. 17; approximately 1,780 ha (4,398 ac) in ha (470 ac) (IRC 2006, page numbers not Worth et al. 1996, p. 62; Schwarz et al. 1999 (Service 1999, p. 173). Several of applicable). Another 12 fragments 1996, p. 59) and recent surveys and these fragments, particularly those totaling 180 ha (446 ac) contain the natural history studies (Salvato 1999, p. adjacent to ENP, such as Navy Wells croton and are in public ownership (IRC 1; 2001, p. 8; 2003, p. 53; Salvato and and Richmond Pine Rocklands (a 2006, page numbers not applicable). In Hennessey 2003, p. 243; Salvato and mixture of publically and privately 2012, the Service funded Fairchild Salvato 2010a, p. 91), the Florida owned lands), maintain localized Tropical Botanic Gardens (FTBG) to leafwing is extant in ENP and, until populations of pineland croton as well conduct extensive surveys of Miami- recently, had occurred on Big Pine Key as small or sporadic occurrences of Dade pine rockland fragments in order and historically in pineland fragments Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak (Salvato to determine current pineland croton in mainland Miami-Dade County (Smith 1999, p. 123; Salvato and Hennessey abundance and distribution. Initial et al. 1994, p. 67; Salvato and Salvato 2004, p. 223; Salvato and Salvato 2010b, results from these surveys are expected 2010a, p. 91; 2010c, p. 139). Schwartz p. 154). However, Salvato and in 2013. (1987, pp. 1–19), Hennessey and Habeck Hennessey (2003, p. 243) and Salvato In the lower Florida Keys, Big Pine (1991, pp. 1–75), Emmel et al. (1995, pp. Key retains the largest undisturbed (pers. comm. 2008) have generally failed 5–7), and Salvato (1999, pp. 1–168) tracts of pine rockland habitat totaling to observe the Florida leafwing in these searched the lower Florida Keys or other relict (surviving remnant) pine an estimated 560 ha (1,382 ac) (Zhang extensively for the Florida leafwing, rockland areas outside ENP. During June et al. 2010, p. 15; Roberts, pers. comm. only encountering the butterfly on Big 2007, one adult leafwing was observed 2012). At present, within the Florida within Navy Wells (Salvato, pers. Keys pineland croton is known to occur Pine Key. The butterfly’s only remaining comm. 2008); however, no evidence of only on Big Pine Key. The last reports metapopulation (a series of small larval activity was encountered of the hostplant from other keys were populations that have some level of suggesting this observation was a stray from those adjacent to Big Pine Key on interactions) at Long Pine Key within occurrence. In addition, no leafwing No Name Key in 1992 (Carlson et al. ENP has been well documented, have been recorded outside of ENP 1993, p. 923) and Little Pine Key in (Hennessey and Habeck 1991, pp. 1–75; since that time. 1988 (Hennessey and Habeck 1991, p. Smith et al. 1994, p. 67; Emmel et al. Breeding Florida leafwing 4). Recent surveys of relict pineland 1995, pp. 5–7; Salvato and Salvato populations have not been documented throughout the lower Florida Keys by 2010a, pp. 91–97). Results from all in pine rockland fragments adjacent to Hennessey and Habeck (1991, p. 4), known historical surveys are provided ENP for the past 25 years. The smallest Emmel et al. (2005, p. 6), and Salvato in table 1. More recent studies are of the former breeding populations was (1999, p. 28; pers. comm. 2008) failed to discussed below.

TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF HISTORIC FLORIDA LEAFWING SURVEYS

Size or density Population Ownership Years numbers of adult Source butterflies

National Key Deer Refuge—Big Pine Key ...... Federal—USFWS ...... 1985–1986 34 observed or col- Schwartz (1987, p. 25). lected. National Key Deer Refuge—Watson Ham- Federal—USFWS ...... 1988–1989 3.7 per ha (1.5 per Hennessey and Habeck mock. acre). (1991, pp. 1–75).

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TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF HISTORIC FLORIDA LEAFWING SURVEYS—Continued

Size or density Population Ownership Years numbers of adult Source butterflies

Everglades National Park—Long Pine Key ..... Federal—NPS ...... 1988–1989 3.7 per ha (1.5 per Hennessey and Habeck acre). (1991, pp. 1–75). Everglades National Park—Long Pine Key ..... Federal—NPS ...... 1994–1995 22 observed ...... Emmel et al. (1995, p. 14). National Key Deer Refuge—Big Pine Key ...... Federal—USFWS ...... 1994–1995 19 observed ...... Emmel et al. (1995, p. 14). National Key Deer Refuge—Watson Ham- Federal—USFWS ...... 1997–1998 3.1 per ha (1.2 per Salvato (1999, p. 52). mock. acre). Everglades National Park—Long Pine Key ..... Federal—NPS ...... 1997–1998 2.4 per ha (1 per acre) Salvato (1999, p. 52).

Surveys by Salvato and Salvato response to prescribed burns (Land, studies of the leafwing by Salvato and (2010c, pp. 139–140) indicate the pers. comm. 2012a). Ongoing surveys Salvato (Salvato, pers. comm. 2012) average number of adult Florida conducted by ENP staff from 2005 to designed to evaluate mortality factors leafwings recorded annually on Big Pine present have encountered amongst the butterfly’s immature stages Key declined from a high of 11 per ha approximately 34 and 216 leafwing have identified a suite of predators, (4.4 per ac) in 1999 to 0 from late 2006 adults and larvae, respectively, parasitoids, and pathogens that may onward, based on monthly (1999 to throughout Long Pine Key (Land, pers. substantially influence annual 2006) or quarterly (2007 to 2012) comm. 2012a; Sadle, pers. comm. variability. surveys. Similar studies in Long Pine 2013b). Key indicated that the average number No leafwings have been documented Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak of leafwings recorded annually ranged on Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys from a high of 22.5 per ha (9 per ac) since 2006 (Salvato and Salvato 2010c, Based on the results of historic (1999) to 1.5 per ha (0.6 per ac) (2005), p. 139). On the mainland, Salvato (pers. (Baggett 1982, p. 80; Schwartz 1987, p. based on monthly surveys conducted comm. 2012) has found that the extant 16; Hennessey and Habeck 1991, pp. from 1999 through 2008 (Salvato and leafwing population within ENP is 117–119; Smith et al. 1994, p. 118; Salvato 2010a, p. 93). maintained at several hundred or fewer, Emmel et al. 1995, pp. 1–24; Worth et Ongoing surveys conducted by although it varies greatly depending al. 1996, pp. 62–65; Schwarz et al. 1996, Salvato (pers. comm. 2012) from 2009 to upon season and other factors. However, pp. 59–61) and recent (Salvato 1999, p. 2012 have recorded an average Minno (pers. comm. 2009) estimated the 1; 2001, p. 8; 2003, p. 53; Salvato and abundance of 2.6 adult Florida extant leafwing population size at less Hennessey 2004, p. 223; Minno and leafwings per ha (1 per ac), in Long Pine than 100 at any given period. Minno 2009, p. 76; Salvato and Salvato Key in ENP. In addition, Salvato and In ENP, the butterfly is most often 2010b, p. 154; C. Anderson pers. comm. Salvato (2010a, p. 96) and Salvato (pers. encountered from late fall through 2012a; Land pers. comm. 2012a) surveys comm. 2012) have encountered leafwing spring, and less abundantly during the and natural history studies, there are summer (Salvato and Salvato 2010a, p. populations elsewhere within Long Pine extant Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak Key as well as adjacent habitats within 95; Land, pers. comm. 2012b). However, metapopulations in ENP and locally ENP (Palma Vista Hammock and several the leafwing appeared to maintain a within pineland fragments in mainland former agricultural and military lands) consistent year-round phenology during 2005 to 2012. ENP staff also (reproductive life cycle) when it Miami-Dade County, and on Big Pine monitors leafwing larval densities at occurred on Big Pine Key (Salvato and Key in Monroe County. Results from all several transects within Long Pine Key Salvato 2010a, p. 95; 2010c, p. 140), known historical surveys are provided monthly as part of studies on the with a slight peak in abundance during in table 2. More recent studies are recovery time of pineland croton in the summer. Ongoing natural history discussed below.

TABLE 2—SUMMARY OF HISTORIC BARTRAM’S SCRUB-HAIRSTREAK SURVEYS

Size or density Population Ownership Years numbers of adult Source butterflies

National Key Deer Refuge—Big Pine Key ...... Federal—USFWS ...... 1985–1986 20 observed or col- Schwartz (1987, p. 16). lected. National Key Deer Refuge—Big Pine Key ...... Federal—USFWS ...... 1988–1989 3.9 per ha (1.6 per ac) Hennessey and Habeck (1991, pp. 49–50). Everglades National Park—Long Pine Key ..... Federal—NPS ...... 1988–1989 0.5 per ha (0.2 per ac) Hennessey and Habeck (1991, pp. 49–50). Everglades National Park—Long Pine Key ..... Federal—NPS ...... 1994–1995 7 observed ...... Emmel et al. (1995, p. 14). National Key Deer Refuge—Big Pine Key ...... Federal—USFWS ...... 1994–1995 9 observed ...... Emmel et al. (1995, p. 14). National Key Deer Refuge—Big Pine Key ...... Federal—USFWS ...... 1997–1998 4.3 per ha (1.7 per ac) Salvato (1999, p. 52). Everglades National Park—Long Pine Key ..... Federal—NPS ...... 1997–1998 0 per ha (0 per ac) ..... Salvato (1999, p. 60).

Ongoing surveys by Salvato and Big Pine Key has declined considerably, (1999–2006) or quarterly (2007 to 2012) Salvato (unpublished data) indicate the from a high of 19.3 per ha (7.7 per ac) surveys. Minno and Minno (2009, p. 76) average number of adult Bartram’s in 1999 to a low of less than 1 per ha recorded an average of 35 adults scrub-hairstreaks recorded annually on (0.3 per ac) in 2011, based on monthly annually on Big Pine Key during

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monthly surveys conducted from 2006 ENP, Salvato and Salvato (2010b, p. and Plants. Under section 4(a)(1) of the to 2009. Recent annual North American 159) and Salvato (pers. comm. 2012) Act, we may list a species based on any Butterfly Association (NABA) ‘‘Fourth have encountered as many as 6.3 adult of the following five factors: (A) The of July’’ counts on Big Pine Key reported Bartram’s scrub-hairstreaks per ha (2.5 present or threatened destruction, zero and one individual hairstreaks per acre) annually from 1999 to 2012, modification, or curtailment of its during 2011 and 2012, respectively. based on monthly surveys in Long Pine habitat or range; (B) overutilization for In order to more frequently survey Key. In addition, Salvato and Salvato commercial, recreational, scientific, or hairstreak populations within NKDR, (2010b, p. 156) and Salvato (pers. educational purposes; (C) disease or the Service, from 2010 to 2012, has comm. 2012) have also monitored predation; (D) the inadequacy of implemented a standardized monitoring populations of the Bartram’s scrub- existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) method to monitor the butterfly at three hairstreak elsewhere within Long Pine other natural or manmade factors core pine rockland locations across Big Key during 2005–2012 and encountered affecting its continued existence. Listing Pine Key (C. Anderson, pers. comm. similar densities. Ongoing surveys actions may be warranted based on any 2012a). Since that time, the mean conducted by ENP staff from 2005 to of the above threat factors, singly or in monthly count across sites has ranged present have encountered a total of combination. Each of these factors is from 0.0 to 2.8 (with a standard error of approximately 24 and 30 hairstreak discussed below. ± 0.33) adult hairstreaks per ha (C. adults and larvae, respectively, A. The Present or Threatened Anderson, pers. comm. 2012a). The throughout Long Pine Key (Land, pers. Destruction, Modification, or maximum adult counts were 15 and 8 comm. 2012a; Sadle, pers. comm. Curtailment of Its Habitat or Range adults per ha for 2010 and 2011, 2013b). respectively; however, the means were Additional pine rockland fragments Habitat Loss not significantly different between years within Miami-Dade County that are (C. Anderson, pers. comm. 2012a). known to maintain small, localized The Florida leafwing and Bartram’s These densities are much higher than populations of pineland croton and scrub-hairstreak have experienced those encountered by Salvato and sporadic occurrences of Bartram’s scrub- substantial destruction, modification, Salvato (unpublished data) in 2010 and hairstreak, based on limited survey and curtailment of their habitat and 2011; this disparity may be due to the work, include: Navy Wells (120 ha (297 range (see Status Assessment section). fact that NKDR has established survey acres)), Camp Owaissa Bauer (39 ha (99 The pine rockland community of south transects at locations with more optimal ac)) (owned and managed by Miami- Florida, on which both butterflies and hostplant abundance, where the latter Dade County), and several parcels their hostplant depend, is critically studies continue to monitor long-term within the Richmond Pine Rocklands, imperiled globally (FNAI 2012, p. 27). transects (15 to 25 years) that were including: Larry and Penny Thompson Destruction of the pinelands for historic strongholds for the butterfly, Memorial Park (109 ha (270 ac)), Miami economic development has reduced this but have since become degraded. In Metro Zoo Preserve (300 ha (740 ac)), habitat community by 90 percent on other words, NKDR is monitoring at Martinez Pineland Park (53 ha (132 ac)), mainland south Florida (O’Brien 1998, what may be current strongholds, while and Coast Guard lands in Homestead p. 208). All known mainland Salvato and Salvato are documenting (29 ha (72 ac)) (Minno and Minno 2009, populations of the Florida leafwing and the butterfly’s status at former pp. 70–76; J. Possley, FTBG, pers. Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak occur on strongholds. Since early 2012, North comm. 2010). publicly or privately owned lands that Carolina State University personnel are managed for conservation (table 3). have collaborated with the Service to Summary of Factors Affecting the However, any unknown extant access detection probabilities, estimate Species populations of these butterflies or abundances, and measure vegetation Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), suitable habitat that may occur on characteristics associated with butterfly and its implementing regulations at 50 private land or nonconservation public populations on NKDR. CFR part 424, set forth the procedures land, such as within the Richmond Pine Due in large part to the benefits of an for adding species to the Federal Lists Rocklands, are vulnerable to habitat effective and systematic burn plan in of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife loss.

TABLE 3—LAND OWNERSHIP OF EXTANT FLORIDA LEAFWING AND BARTRAM’S SCRUB-HAIRSTREAK POPULATIONS

Location Ownership Size

Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak

Big Pine Key ...... Public—Fish and Wildlife Service ...... 559 ha (1,382 ac). Public—Monroe County. Public—FDEP, FWC. Private. Everglades National Park—Long Pine Key ...... Federal—National Park Service ...... 8,029 ha (19,840 ac). Navy Wells Pineland Preserve ...... Public—Miami-Dade County ...... 142 ha (353 ac). Camp Owaissa Bauer ...... Public—Miami-Dade County ...... 40 ha (99 ac). Richmond Pine Rocklands ...... Public—Federal (Coast Guard) ...... 359 ha (889 acres).

Public—Miami-Dade County (Larry and Penny Thomp- son Memorial Park, Martinez Pineland Park, Miami Metro Zoo Preserve). Private–University of Miami.

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TABLE 3—LAND OWNERSHIP OF EXTANT FLORIDA LEAFWING AND BARTRAM’S SCRUB-HAIRSTREAK POPULATIONS— Continued

Location Ownership Size

Florida Leafwing

Everglades National Park—Long Pine Key ...... Federal—National Park Service ...... 8,029 ha (19,840 ac).

Similarly, most of the ecosystems on 2005, p. 1; Salvato and Salvato 2010b, similar adult leafwing densities pre- and the Florida Keys have been impacted by p. 154). Resprouting after burns is the postburn throughout their 10-year study humans, through widespread clearing of primary mechanism allowing for the within Long Pine Key, suggesting the habitat in the 19th century for farming, persistence of perennial shrubs, leafwing can quickly recolonize pine or building of homes and businesses; including pineland croton, in pine rocklands following a fire. Surveys extensive areas of pine rocklands have habitat (Olson and Platt 1995, p. 101). conducted shortly after burns often been lost (Hodges and Bradley 2006, p. Without fire, successional climax from found adult leafwings actively exploring 6). Overall, the human population in tropical pineland to hardwood the recently burned locations in search Monroe County is expected to increase hammock is rapid, and displacement of of new hostplant growth (Land, pers. from 79,589 to more than 92,287 people native species by invasive nonnative comm. 2009; Salvato and Salvato 2008, by 2060 (Zwick and Carr 2006, p. 21). plants often occurs. p. 326; 2010a, p. 95). In most instances All vacant land in the Florida Keys is Prescribed fire is used throughout the croton returned to the burned parts of projected to be developed by then, pine rocklands of Long Pine Key (ENP) Long Pine Key within 1 to 3 months including lands currently inaccessible and has been consistently used for the postburn; however, it may take up to 6 for development, such as islands not past 50 years (Loope and Dunevitz 1981, months before the leafwing will use the attached to the Overseas Highway (US p. 5; Salvato and Salvato 2010b, p. 154). new growth for oviposition (Lenczewski 1) (Zwick and Carr 2006, p. 14). Little is known about the fire history in 1980, p. 35; Land, pers. comm. 2009; However, during 2006, Monroe County ENP prior to 1947, and initially fires Salvato and Salvato 2010a, p. 95). Land implemented a Habitat Conservation were suppressed (Slocum et al. 2003, p. (pers. comm. 2009) indicated that 96 Plan (HCP) for Big Pine and No Name 93). Fire was reintroduced in the late percent of pineland croton burned Keys. Subsequently, development on 1950s, but its role remained poorly during prescribed fires on Long Pine these islands has to meet the understood (Slocum et al. 2003, p. 93). Key had resprouted within a few requirements of the HCP with the However, many of the prescribed burns months. Although Salvato and Salvato resulting pace of development changed conducted in Long Pine Key during this (2010a, p. 96) occasionally encountered accordingly. Furthermore, in order to earlier time period were quite extensive, signs of leafwing reproduction within fulfill the HCP’s mitigation with several large areas treated recently burned Long Pine Key locations requirements, the County has been simultaneously. ENP is currently in the at approximately 6 weeks postburn, the actively acquiring parcels of high- process of updating its Fire Management majority of their observations indicated quality pine rockland, such as The Plan (FMP) and Environmental that oviposition and larval activity Nature Conservancy’s 20-acre Terrestris Assessment, which will assess the increased at about 3 to 6 months Tract on Big Pine Key, and managing impacts of fire on various postburn. Similarly, Land (pers. comm. them for conservation. However, land environmental factors, including listed, 2009) reported finding leafwing larval development pressure and habitat losses proposed, and candidate species (Land, activity on resprouting croton at 6 may resume when the HCP expires in pers. comm. 2011; Sadle, pers. comm. months postburn. This finding suggests 2023. If the HCP is not renewed, 2013a). Since 2001, ENP fire staff has there may be some lag time between residential or commercial development used partial and systematic prescribed hostplant resurgence and compatibility could increase to pre-HCP levels. burns to treat the Long Pine Key pine with recolonization. Consequently, remaining suitable rocklands in their entirety over a 3-year habitat for Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak window burning adjacent habitats The influence of prescribed burns on and potential habitat for the Florida alternately (National Park Service (NPS) the status and distribution of the leafwing could be at significant risk to 2005, p. 27). Although this has resulted hairstreak and croton is being evaluated habitat loss and modification. Further in restoration of species-rich, by ENP throughout Long Pine Key. The losses will seriously affect the herbaceous-dominated pine rocklands effects of new burn techniques on the hairstreak’s ability to persist in the wild in many areas, including resurgence of Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak within Long and decrease the possibility of recovery pineland croton, populations of this Pine Key were not immediately obvious or recolonization by the leafwing. hostplant appear fragmented (Salvato (Salvato and Salvato 2010b, p. 159). The and Hennessey 2004, p. 223). hairstreak is rarely encountered more Fire Management Cyclic and alternating treatment of than 5 m (16.4 ft) from its hostplant The threat of habitat destruction or burn units may have benefited the (Schwartz 1987, p. 16; Worth et al. modification is further exacerbated by a Florida leafwing throughout Long Pine 1996, p. 65; Salvato and Salvato 2008, lack of adequate fire management Key (Salvato and Salvato 2010a, pp. 91– p. 324). Salvato and Hennessey (2004, p. (Salvato and Salvato 2010a, p. 91; 97). The leafwing, with its strong flight 224) and Salvato and Salvato (2010b, p. 2010b, p. 154; 2010c, p. 139). abilities, can disperse to make use of 159) indicate that if the hairstreak is Historically, lightning-induced fires adjacent patches of hostplant and then unable to disperse adequately during were a vital component in maintaining quickly recolonize burned areas fire events, then only adults at the native vegetation within the pine following hostplant resurgence (Salvato periphery of burned areas are likely to rockland ecosystem, including pineland 1999, p. 5; 2003, p. 53; Salvato and escape to adjacent pine rocklands. croton (Loope and Dunevitz 1981, p. 5; Salvato 2010a, p. 95). Salvato and Ideally, as a result of cyclic burns and Slocum et al. 2003, p. 93; Snyder et al. Salvato (2010a, p. 95) encountered multiyear treatment intervals, the

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hairstreaks will move from the burned Fire management of pine rocklands in ownership. However, NKDR is taking location to adjacent refugia (i.e., NKDR is hampered by the pattern of steps to monitor croton before and after unburned areas of croton hostplant) and land ownership and development; fire, provide refugia during treatments, then back to burned area in numbers residential and commercial properties and ensure that appropriate corridors equal to or greater than before the fire. are embedded within or in close are maintained during burns (C. Starting in the fall of 2004 and proximity to pineland habitat (Snyder et Anderson, pers. comm. 2010). Given the continuing into early 2006, the al. 2005, p. 2; C. Anderson, pers. comm. difficulties in prescribed fire hairstreak appeared to have benefited 2012a). As a result, hand or mechanical implementation on Big Pine Key, other with population densities greater than vegetation management may be options have been explored to increase those recorded in any previous studies necessary at select locations on Big Pine the amount of available hostplant for (Salvato and Salvato 2010b, p. 159), and Key (Emmel et al. 1995, p. 11; Minno, extant Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak this trend has continued subsequently pers. comm. 2009; Service 2010, pp. 1– populations, as well as to restore (Land pers. comm. 2011, 2012a; Salvato 68) to maintain or restore pine formerly occupied Florida leafwing pers. comm. 2012). rocklands. Clearing, such as that used to habitat on Big Pine Key. For example, ENP is actively coordinating with the create firebreaks, can result in high NKDR currently is growing pineland Service, as well as other members of the croton densities. Anderson et al. (2012, croton for use in habitat enhancement Imperiled Butterfly Working Group to page numbers not applicable) showed activities across the Refuge (more than review and adjust the prescribed burn that croton densities were significantly a thousand have been planted to date) practices outlined in the FMP to help higher in a fire break with annual (C. Anderson pers. comm. 2012b). maintain or increase Florida leafwing mechanical treatments than adjacent Climate Change and Sea Level Rise and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak areas with no management. However, Related to Habitat Loss and Alteration population sizes, protect pine even within fire breaks, hostplant Climatic changes, including sea level rocklands, expand or restore remnant density across NKDR has declined rise, are major threats to south Florida, patches of hostplants and ensure that considerably in some areas over the past including the Florida leafwing and short-term negative effects from fire (i.e., decade. Salvato and Salvato Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak. Our analyses loss of hostplants, loss of eggs and (unpublished data) have noted as much under the Act include consideration of larvae) can be avoided or minimized. as a 100 percent loss of pineland croton from several of their long-term survey ongoing and projected changes in Outside of the ENP, Miami-Dade climate. The terms ‘‘climate’’ and transects, which occur within both County has implemented various ‘‘climate change’’ are defined by the firebreaks and forested pine rocklands. conservation measures, such as burning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate These losses are believed to be due to in a mosaic pattern and on a small scale, Change (IPCC). The term ‘‘climate’’ a combination of mowing activity, during prescribed burns in order to refers to the mean and variability of habitat modification, and a lack of protect the butterflies (Maguire, pers. different types of weather conditions adequate fire management. Mechanical comm. 2010). Miami-Dade County Parks over time, with 30 years being a typical treatments may be less beneficial than and Recreation staff has burned several period for such measurements, although fire because they do not quickly convert of their conservation lands on a fire shorter or longer periods also may be debris to nutrients, and remaining leaf return interval of approximately 3 to 7 used (IPCC 2007a, p. 78). The term years. In addition, prescribed burns on litter may suppress croton seedling ‘‘climate change’’ thus refers to a change large conservation areas, such as Navy development; fire has also been found to in the mean or variability of one or more Wells, have been conducted in a cyclic stimulate seedling germination (C. measures of climate (e.g., temperature or and systematic pattern, which has Anderson, pers. comm. 2010). Because precipitation) that persists for an provided refugia within or adjacent to mechanical treatments may not provide extended period, typically decades or treatment areas. As a result, the the same ecological benefits as fire, longer, whether the change is due to Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak has retained NKDR continues to focus efforts on natural variability, human activity, or populations within many of these conducting prescribed fire where both (IPCC 2007a, p. 78). County-managed conservation lands. possible (C. Anderson, pers. comm. Scientific measurements spanning Recent natural or prescribed fire 2012a). several decades demonstrate that activity on Big Pine Key and adjacent The NKDR is attempting to increase changes in climate are occurring, and islands within NKDR appears to be the density of hostplants within their that the rate of change has been faster insufficient to prevent loss of pine pine rockland habitat through the use of since the 1950s. Examples include rockland habitat (Carlson et al. 1993, p. prescribed fire. However, the majority of warming of the global climate system, 914; Bergh and Wisby 1996, pp. 1–2; pine rocklands within NKDR are several and substantial increases in O’Brien 1998, p. 209; Snyder et al. 2005; years departed from the ideal fire return precipitation in some regions of the Bradley and Saha 2009, pp. 28–29; interval (5–7 years) suggested for this world and decreases in other regions. Bradley et al. 2011, pp. 1–16). As a ecosystem (Synder et al. 2005, p. 2, (For these and other examples, see IPCC result, many of the pine rocklands, Bradley and Saha 2011, pp. 1–16). Tree 2007a, p. 30; and Solomon et al. 2007, across NKDR are being compromised by ring and sediment data show that pine pp. 35–54, 82–85). Results of scientific succession to hardwood hammock rocklands in the lower Keys have analyses presented by the IPCC show (Bradley and Saha 2009, pp. 28–29; burned at least every 5 years and that most of the observed increase in Bradley et al. 2011, pp. 1–16). Pineland sometimes up to three times per decade global average temperature since the croton, which was historically historically (Albritton 2009, pp. 123, mid-20th century cannot be explained documented from No Name and Little Horn et.al., 2013, pp. 1–67, Harley 2012, by natural variability in climate, and is Pine Keys (Dickson 1955, p. 98; pp. 1–246). Prescribed fire ‘‘very likely’’ (defined by the IPCC as 90 Hennessey and Habeck 1991, p. 4; implementation in the lower Keys has percent or higher probability) due to the Carlson et al. 1993, p. 923), is now been hampered largely due to a shortage observed increase in greenhouse gas absent from these locations (Emmel et of resources, technical challenges, and (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere al. 1995, p. 6; Salvato and Salvato expense of conducting prescribed fire in as a result of human activities, 2010c, p. 139). a matrix of public and private particularly carbon dioxide emissions

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from use of fossil fuels (IPCC 2007a, pp. the type, magnitude, and rate of climate The Nature Conservancy (TNC) 5–6 and figures SPM.3 and SPM.4; change and variation to which a species modeled several scenarios for the Solomon et al. 2007, pp. 21–35). Further is exposed, its sensitivity, and its Florida Keys, and predicted that sea confirmation of the role of GHGs comes adaptive capacity (IPCC 2007a, p. 89; level rise will first result in the from analyses by Huber and Knutti see also Glick et al. 2011, pp. 19–22). conversion of habitat, and eventually (2011, p. 4), who concluded it is There is no single method for the complete inundation of habitat. In extremely likely that approximately 75 conducting such analyses that applies to the best-case scenario, by the year 2100, percent of global warming since 1950 all situations (Glick et al. 2011, p. 3). We a rise of 18 cm (7 in) would result in the has been caused by human activities. use our expert judgment and inundation of 745 ha (1,840 ac) (34 Scientists use a variety of climate appropriate analytical approaches to percent) of Big Pine Key and the loss of models, which include consideration of weigh relevant information, including 11 percent of the island’s upland habitat natural processes and variability, as uncertainty, in our consideration of (TNC 2010, p. 1). In the worst-case well as various scenarios of potential various aspects of climate change. scenario, a rise of 140 cm (4.6 ft would levels and timing of GHG emissions, to Global climate projections are result in the inundation of about 2,409 evaluate the causes of changes already informative, and, in some cases, the ha (5,950 ac) (96 percent) and the loss observed and to project future changes only or the best scientific information of all upland habitat on the Key (TNC in temperature and other climate available for us to use. However, 2010, p. 1). Extant populations of conditions (e.g., Meehl et al. 2007, projected changes in climate and related Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak in the pine entire; Ganguly et al. 2009, pp. 11555, impacts can vary substantially across rocklands on Big Pine Key are located 15558; Prinn et al. 2011, pp. 527, 529). and within different regions of the just slightly above mean sea level, and All combinations of models and world (e.g., IPCC 2007a, pp. 8–12). saturation or increase in salinity of the emissions scenarios yield very similar Therefore, we use ‘‘downscaled’’ soil would correspondingly change the projections of increases in the most projections when they are available and vegetation and habitat structure making common measure of climate change, have been developed through the butterfly’s survival at this location average global surface temperature appropriate scientific procedures, in the Keys very unlikely. In addition, (commonly known as global warming), because such projections provide higher the Florida leafwing also occurred on until about 2030. Although projections resolution information that is more Big Pine Key until 2006, within the of the magnitude and rate of warming relevant to spatial scales used for same locations as extant Bartram’s differ after about 2030, the overall analyses of a given species (see Glick et scrub-hairstreak populations. Re- trajectory of all the projections is one of al. 2011, pp. 58–61, for a discussion of establishment of the Florida leafwing to increased global warming through the downscaling). this island will be a major component end of this century, even for the With regard to our analysis for the in recovering the butterfly. The loss of projections based on scenarios that Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- this portion of the Florida leafwing’s assume that GHG emissions will hairstreak, downscaled projections range will further reduce their overall stabilize or decline. Thus, there is strong suggest that sea level rise is the largest resiliency to threats and limit their scientific support for projections that climate-driven challenge to low-lying capacity for survival and recovery. warming will continue through the 21st coastal areas and refuges in the Hydrology has a strong influence on century, and that the magnitude and subtropical ecoregion of southern plant distribution in these and other rate of change will be influenced Florida (U.S. Climate Change Science coastal areas (IPCC 2008, p. 57). Such substantially by the extent of GHG Program (CCSP) 2008, pp. 5–31, 5–32). communities typically grade from salt to emissions (IPCC 2007a, pp. 44–45; The long-term record at Key West shows brackish to freshwater species. From the Meehl et al. 2007, pp. 760–764 and 797– that sea level rose on average 0.224 1930s to 1950s, increased salinity of 811; Ganguly et al. 2009, pp. 15555– centimeters (cm) (0.088 in) annually coastal waters contributed to the decline 15558; Prinn et al. 2011, pp. 527, 529). between 1913 and 2006 (National of cabbage palm forests in southwest See IPCC (2007b, p. 8), for a summary Oceanographic and Atmospheric Florida (Williams et al. 1999, pp. 2056– of other global projections of climate- Administration (NOAA) 2008, p. 1). 2059), expansion of mangroves into related changes, such as frequency of This equates to approximately 22.3 cm adjacent marshes in the Everglades heat waves and changes in (8.76 in) over the last 100 years (NOAA (Ross et al. 2000, pp. 9, 12–13), and loss precipitation. Also see IPCC 2011 2008, p. 1). IPCC (2008, p. 28) of pine rockland in the Keys (Ross et al. (entire) for a summary of observations emphasized it is very likely that the 1994, pp. 144, 151–155). Furthermore, and projections of extreme climate average rate of sea level rise during the Ross et al. (2009, pp. 471–478) events. 21st century will exceed that rate, suggested that interactions between sea Various changes in climate may have although it was projected to have level rise and pulse disturbances (e.g., direct or indirect effects on species. substantial geographical variability. storm surges) can cause vegetation to These effects may be positive, neutral, Other processes to be affected by change sooner than projected based on or negative, and they may change over projected warming include sea level alone. Alexander (1953, pp. time, depending on the species and temperatures, rainfall (amount, seasonal 133–138) attributed the demise of other relevant considerations, such as timing, and distribution), and storms pinelands on northern Key Largo to interactions of climate with other (frequency and intensity). The salinization of the groundwater in variables (e.g., habitat fragmentation) Massachusetts Institute of Technology response to sea level rise. Patterns of (IPCC 2007, pp. 8–14, 18–19). (MIT) modeled several scenarios human development will also likely be Identifying likely effects often involves combining various levels of sea level significant factors influencing whether aspects of climate change vulnerability rise, temperature change, and natural communities can move and analysis. Vulnerability refers to the precipitation differences with persist (IPCC 2008, p. 57; CCSP 2008, p. degree to which a species (or system) is population, policy assumptions, and 7–6). susceptible to, and unable to cope with, conservation funding changes. All of the Drier conditions and increased adverse effects of climate change, scenarios, from small climate change variability in precipitation associated including climate variability and shifts to major changes, indicate with climate change are expected to extremes. Vulnerability is a function of significant effects on the Florida Keys. hamper successful regeneration of

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forests and cause shifts in vegetation human population. In the worst-case Conservation Efforts To Reduce the types through time (Wear and Greis scenario, which assumes high sea level Present or Threatened Destruction, 2011, p. 58). Climate changes are rise, low financial resources, a Modification, or Curtailment of Its forecasted to extend fire seasons and the ‘‘business as usual’’ approach to Habitat or Range frequency of large fire events throughout planning, and a doubling of human The National Wildlife Refuge System the Coastal Plain (Wear and Greis 2011, population, the habitat at Big Pine Key Improvement Act of 1997 and the Fish p. 65). Increases in the scale, frequency, and Long Pine Key may be lost and the and Wildlife Service Manual (601 FW 3, or severity of wildfires could also have loss of habitat at Long Pine Key 602 FW 3) require maintaining severe ramifications on the Florida resulting in the complete extirpation of biological integrity and diversity, leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak, the Florida leafwing. Under the worst- comprehensive conservation planning considering their dependence on pine case scenario, pine rockland habitat for each refuge, and set standards to rocklands and general vulnerability due would remain within both Navy Wells ensure that all uses of refuges are to their reduced population size, and the Richmond Pine Rocklands, both compatible with their purposes and the restricted range, few colonies, low Refuge System’s wildlife conservation fecundity, and relative isolation (see of which currently retain Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak populations. Actual mission. The comprehensive Factor E). conservation plans (CCP) address The ranges of recent projections of impacts may be greater or less than conservation of fish, wildlife, and plant global sea level rise (Pfeffer et al. 2008, anticipated based upon high variability resources and their related habitats, p. 1340; Vermeer and Rahmstorf 2009, of factors involved (e.g., sea level rise, while providing opportunities for p. 21530; Grinsted et al. 2010, pp. 469– human population growth) and compatible wildlife-dependent 470; Jevrejeva et al. 2010, Global assumptions made. recreation uses. An overriding Climate Change Impacts in the United Everglades Restoration consideration reflected in these plans is States 2009, pp. 25–26) all indicate that fish and wildlife conservation has substantially higher levels than the Projects designed to restore the projection by the IPCC in 2007, first priority in refuge management, and historic hydrology of the Everglades and that public use be allowed and suggesting that the impact of sea level other natural systems in southern rise on south Florida could be even encouraged as long as it is compatible Florida (collectively known as the with, or does not detract from, the greater than indicated above. These Comprehensive Everglades Restoration recent studies also show a much larger Refuge System mission and refuge Project (CERP)) may produce collateral purpose(s). The CCP for the Lower difference (approximately 0.9 to 1.2 m impacts to extant pine rockland within (3 to 4 ft)) from the low to the high ends Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Long Pine Key. Salvato (pers. comm. of the ranges, which indicates that the (NKDR, Key West National Wildlife 2012) noted substantial flooding of pine magnitude of global mean sea level rise Refuge, and Great White Heron National at the end of this century is still quite rocklands at the gate 11 nature trail in Wildlife Refuge) provides a description uncertain. Long Pine Key following Hurricane of the environment and priority Isaac (August 2012) and subsequent resource issues that were considered in Alternative Future Landscape Models above-average rainfall in the region. developing the objectives and strategies Various model scenarios developed at Although Long Pine Key has that guide management over the next 15 MIT have projected possible trajectories experienced storm damages in the years. The CCP promotes the of future transformation of the south recent past (Salvato and Salvato 2010a, enhancement of wildlife populations by Florida landscape by 2060 based upon p. 96), none of the prior activity maintaining and enhancing a diversity four main drivers: climate change, shifts produced the level (several feet) or and abundance of habitats for native in planning approaches and regulations, duration (more than 2 months) of plants and animals, especially imperiled human population change, and inundation noted in the aftermath of species that are found only in the variations in financial resources for Isaac. However, by mid-December 2012, Florida Keys. The CCP also provides for conservation (Vargas-Moreno and Salvato noted no apparent lasting obtaining baseline data and monitoring Flaxman 2010, pp. 1–6). The Service influence on croton health or abundance indicator species to detect changes in used various MIT scenarios in from the inundation. Sadle (pers. comm. ecosystem diversity and integrity related combination with extant and historic 2012) suggests various CERP projects to climate change. In the Lower Key Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- (C–111 spreader canal; L–31N seepage Refuges, CCP management objective no. hairstreak occurrences and remaining barrier), specifically the operation of 11 provides specifically for maintaining and restoring butterfly populations of hostplant-bearing pine rocklands to pumps and associated detention areas predict what may occur to the special conservation concern, including along the ENP boundary, may influence butterflies and their habitat. the Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak and select portions of eastern Long Pine Key, In the best-case scenario, which Florida leafwing butterflies. assumes low sea level rise, high including pineland croton populations As Federal candidates, the Florida financial resources, proactive planning, at gate 11. However, Pace (pers. comm. leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak and only trending population growth, 2013) attributed the pine rockland are afforded some protection through analyses suggest that the Big Pine Key flooding event of late 2012 more to sections 7 and 10 of the Act and population of the Bartram’s scrub- localized and above-average rainfall associated policies and guidelines. hairstreak may be lost or greatly patterns than to a change in water Service policy requires candidate reduced. Based upon the above management practices. Analysis of the species be treated as proposed species assumptions, extant butterfly hydrology associated with operation of for purposes of intra-Service populations on Big Pine Key (Bartram’s these CERP-related structures along the consultations and conferences where scrub-hairstreak) and Long Pine Key Everglades boundary will be conducted the Service’s actions on National (Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- following the initial years of operation. Wildlife Refuges may affect candidate hairstreak) appear to be most However, Service and NPS biologists species. Federal action agencies (e.g., susceptible for future losses, with losses realize the need to assess this potential Service, NPS) are to consider the attributed to increases in sea level and threat. potential effects (e.g., prescribed fire,

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pesticide treatments) to these butterflies habitats that are unsuitable for these throughout southern Miami-Dade and their habitat during the consultation butterflies and their host plant. Routine County, collecting likely exerted little and conference process. Applicants and land management activities (e.g., pressure on these butterfly populations. action agencies are encouraged to prescribed fire) may also cause impacts At present, even limited collection from consider candidate species when to hostplant abundance and availability the small, remaining populations could seeking incidental take for other listed of nectar sources. Environmental effects have deleterious effects on reproductive species and when developing habitat resulting from climatic change, and genetic viability and thus could conservation plans. However, candidate including sea level rise, are occurring contribute to their eventual extinction species do not receive the same level of now and are expected to become severe (see Factor E—Effects of Few, Small protection that a listed species would in the future, resulting in additional Populations and Isolation, below). under the Act. habitat losses. Although efforts are being Collection, which is prohibited on The NPS is also currently preparing a made to conserve natural areas and conservation lands, could occur (e.g., revised General Management Plan for apply prescribed fire, the long-term ENP, NKDR, State or County owned ENP (Sadle, NPS, pers. comm. 2013a). effects of large-scale and wide-ranging lands) without being detected, because ENP’s current Management Plan habitat modification, destruction, and these areas are all not actively patrolled (initiated in 1979) serves to protect, curtailment will last into the future. (see Factor D—The Inadequacy of restore, and maintain natural and Existing Regulatory Mechanisms, cultural resources at the ecosystem level B. Overutilization for Commercial, below). Similarly, in some areas such as (NPS 2000, p. 10). The current GMP is Recreational, Scientific, or Educational on Big Pine Key, where numerous pine not regulatory and its implementation is Purposes rockland parcels within NKDR are not mandatory. In addition, this GMP Collection interspersed among residential areas, does not specifically address either the there is no signage indicating that Rare butterflies and moths are highly Florida leafwing or Bartram’s scrub- collection is prohibited (Salvato, pers. prized by collectors, and an hairstreak. comm. 2012). Consequently, the international trade exists in specimens Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens potential for collection of eggs, larvae, for both live and decorative markets, as (FTBG), with the support of various pupae, and adult butterflies exists, and well as the specialist trade that supplies Federal, State, local and nonprofit such collection could go undetected, organizations, has established the hobbyists, collectors, and researchers despite the protection provided on ‘‘Connect to Protect Network.’’ The (Collins and Morris 1985, pp. 155–179; Federal or other public lands. objective of this program is to encourage Morris et al. 1991, pp. 332–334; We have direct evidence of interest in widespread participation of citizens to Williams 1996, pp. 30–37). The the collecting, as well as proposed create corridors of healthy pine specialist trade differs from both the live commercial sale, of the Florida leafwing rocklands by planting stepping-stone and decorative market in that it and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak. Salvato gardens and rights-of-way with native concentrates on rare and threatened (pers. comm. 2011) has also been pine rockland species, and restoring species (U.S. Department of Justice contacted by several individuals isolated pine rockland fragments. By (USDJ) 1993, pp. 1–3; United States v. requesting specimens of the Florida doing this, FTBG hopes to increase the Skalski et al., Case No. CR9320137, U.S. leafwing, as well as information probability that pollinators can find and District Court for the Northern District regarding locations where both transport seeds and pollen across of California (USDC) 1993, pp. 1–86). In butterflies may be collected in the field. developed areas that separate pine general, the rarer the species, the more Salvato (pers. comm. 2012) observed rocklands fragments to improve gene valuable it is; prices can exceed $25,000 several individuals collecting butterflies flow between fragmented plant for exceedingly rare specimens. For at Navy Wells during 2005, including populations and increase the likelihood example, during a 4-year investigation, times when Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak that these species will persist over the special agents of the Service’s Office of was present at this site. long term. Although this project may Law Enforcement executed warrants We are also aware of multiple Web serve as a valuable component toward and seized more than 30,000 sites that offer or have offered the conservation of pine rockland endangered and protected butterflies specimens of south Florida butterflies species, it is dependent on continual and beetles, with a total wholesale for sale that are candidates for listing funding, as well as participation from commercial market value of about under the Act (Minno, pers. comm. private landowners, both of which may $90,000 in the United States (USDJ 2009; Nagano, pers. comm. 2011; Olle, vary through time. 1995, pp. 1–4). In another case, special pers. comm. 2011). Until recently, one agents found at least 13 species Web site offered male and female Summary of Factor A protected under the Act, and another Florida leafwing specimens for Ö110.00 We have identified a number of 130 species illegally taken from lands and Ö60.00 (euros), respectively threats to the habitat of the Florida administered by the Department of the (approximately $144 and $78). It is leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak Interior and other State lands (USDC unclear from where the specimens that have operated in the past, are 1993, pp. 1–86; Service 1995, pp. 1–2). originated or when they were collected, impacting the butterflies now, and will Law enforcement agents routinely see but this butterfly is now mainly continue to impact these butterflies in butterfly species protected under the restricted to ENP where collection is the future. Habitat loss, fragmentation, Convention on International Trade in prohibited. The same Web site currently and degradation and associated Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and offers specimens of Bartram’s scrub- pressures from increased human Flora (CITES) during port inspections in hairstreak for Ö10.00 ($13). It is unclear population are major threats; these Florida, often without import from where these specimens originated threats are expected to continue, placing declarations or the required CITES or when they were collected. The these butterflies at greater risk. Both permits (McKissick, Service Law hairstreak can be found on private lands butterflies may be impacted when pine Enforcement, pers. comm. 2011). on Big Pine Key and perhaps locally rocklands are converted to other uses or In the past, when the Florida leafwing within Miami-Dade County. However, when lack of fire causes the conversion and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak were given that the majority of known to hardwood hammocks or other widespread on Big Pine Key and populations of both butterflies now

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occur within protected Federal, State, Summary of Factor B (Papilio cresphontes) from imported red and County lands, it is highly likely that Collection interest of imperiled fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) predation in some specimens are being poached. butterflies is high, and there are ample experimental trials and suggested other butterflies in southern Florida might Scientific Research examples of collection pressure contributing to extirpations. Although also be influenced. Some techniques (e.g., capture, we do not have information indicating Additional predators of immature handling) used to understand or the extent to which the Florida leafwing Florida leafwings include spiders monitor the leafwing and hairstreak and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak are being (Rutkowski 1971, p. 137; Glassberg et al. butterflies have the potential to cause collected, we have evidence of both 2000, p. 99; Salvato and Salvato 2010e, harm to individuals or habitat. Visual being recently offered for sale. Even p. 6; 2011a, p. 103; 2012c, p. 3), ambush surveys, transect counts, and netting for limited collection from the remaining bugs (Salvato and Salvato 2008, p. 324), identification purposes have been metapopulations could have deleterious and possibly mites (Salvato and Salvato performed during scientific research effects on reproductive and genetic 2010e, p. 6). Salvato and Salvato and conservation efforts with the viability of both butterflies and could (unpublished data) have examined the potential to disturb or injure individuals contribute to their extinction. Although bite marks on wings of numerous adults or damage habitat. Mark–recapture, a the effects of various scientific studies in the field suggesting a variety of birds common method used to determine on butterflies vary amongst species, we and lizards are among the predators of population size, has been used by some do have limited information to suggest this butterfly. researchers to monitor Florida leafwing A number of parasites have been that techniques such as mark–recapture and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak documented to impact Florida leafwings may have deleterious impacts to the populations (Emmel et al. 1995, p. 4; throughout their life cycle. Hennessey Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- Salvato 1999, p. 24). This method has and Habeck (1991, p. 16) and Salvato hairstreak. We consider collection, received some criticism. While mark– and Hennessey (2004, p. 247) noted that including for scientific research, to be a recapture may be preferable to other leafwing egg mortality within ENP and significant threat to both butterflies due sampling estimates (e.g., count-based Big Pine Key, from trichogrammid wasp to the few remaining metapopulations, transects) in obtaining demographic (Trichogramma sp. near (nr) pretiosum) reduced population sizes, restricted data when used in a proper design on parasitism, ranged from 70 to 100 range, and because collection could appropriate species, such techniques percent. Salvato and Salvato (2011b, p. potentially occur at any time. may also result in deleterious impacts to 2) continually encounter leafwing eggs captured butterflies (Mallet et al. 1987, Factor C. Disease or Predation that have been attacked by pp. 377–386; Murphy 1988, pp. 236– Trichogramma sp. nr pretiosum, Florida Leafwing 239; Haddad et al. 2008, pp. 929–940). suggesting this wasp remains a Although effects may vary depending A number of predators have been consistent parasitoid for the leafwing upon taxon, technique, or other factors, documented to impact Florida leafwings within ENP. some studies suggest that marking may throughout their life cycle. One of the Caldas (1996, p. 89), Muyshondt damage (wing damage) or kill butterflies earliest natural history accounts of the (1974, pp. 306–314), DeVries (1987, p. or alter their behaviors (Mallet et al. leafwing (Matteson 1930, p. 8) reported 21) and Salvato and Hennessey (2003, p. 1987, pp. 377–386; Murphy 1988, pp. ants as predators of leafwing eggs in 247) each indicated high parasitism 236–239). Salvato (pers. comm. 2012) Miami. On Big Pine Key, Hennessey and rates from tachinid flies for larvae of ceased using mark-recapture shortly Habeck (1991, p. 17) encountered a Anaea or similar genera. Hennessey and after initiating his long-term leafwing pupa of the Florida leafwing being Habeck (1991, p. 17) and Salvato et al. studies when he realized how much the consumed by ants. Land (pers. comm. (2009, p. 101) each encountered Florida tagging altered from the butterflies’ 2009) observed a native twig ant leafwing larvae within ENP that had cryptic (camouflage) underside as (Pseudomyrmex pallidus) carrying a been parasitized by Chetogena individuals alit (rested) on pineland young leafwing larva in Long Pine Key. scutellaris (Diptera: Tachinidae). foliage. Murphy (1988, p. 236) and Salvato and Salvato (2012, p. 3) Ongoing studies of leafwing larvae in Mattoni et al. (2001, p. 198) indicated witnessed an older leafwing larva Long Pine Key have indicated that C. that studies on various lycaenids (small repelling P. pallidus attacks while scutellaris serves as a consistent butterflies known as hairstreaks and attempting to pupate. Minno (pers. mortality factor to the butterfly in this blues) have demonstrated mortality and comm. 2009) noted that the larger part of its range (Salvato et al. 2009, p. altered behavior as a result of marking. nonnative graceful twig ant 101; Salvato and Salvato 2010a, p. 95). Conversely, other studies have found (Pseudomyrmex gracilis) is also known Current studies suggest that leafwing that marking did not harm individual to consume immature butterflies and mortality from the fly can vary butterflies or populations (Gall 1984, moths. Salvato and Salvato (2012, p. 3) considerably from year to year, thereby pp. 139–154; Orive and Baughman have observed a graceful twig ant also influencing overall population 1989, p. 246; Haddad et al. 2008, p. attempting to capture a young leafwing numbers of the butterfly. In 2011, nearly 938). Emmel et al. (1995, p. 4) larva. Cannon (2006, pp. 7–8) reported all leafwing larvae observed to be conducted mark-recapture studies on high mortality of giant and Bahamian (P. parasitized by C. scutellaris, died prior the hairstreak and noted no detrimental a. andraemon) swallowtail eggs from a to pupation. Conversely, in winter of effects. In addition several individuals nonnative species of twig ant 2012, three of four leafwing larvae were re-encountered (recaptured) during (Pseudomyrmex spp.) on Big Pine Key, observed to be heavily parasitized by the days following marking. However, within habitat formerly occupied by the the fly were found to successfully researchers currently studying the Florida leafwing. Both native and pupate and emerge (Salvato and Salvato populations of the endangered Miami nonnative Pseudomyrmex ants are 2012, p. 3). blue in the Florida Keys have opted not abundant within Long Pine Key and are Salvato et al. (2008, p. 237) observed to use mark–release–recapture frequently encountered patrolling the a biting-midge, Forcipomyia techniques due to the potential for racemes of pineland croton. Forys et al. (Microhelea) fuliginosa (Diptera: damage to this small, fragile lycaenid (2001, p. 257) found high mortality Ceratopogonidae), feeding on a young (Haddad and Wilson 2011, p. 3). among immature giant swallowtails Florida leafwing larva within ENP.

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Ongoing studies of F. (M.) fuliginosa Summary of Factor C the Florida leafwing and Bartram’s and a second biting midge F. (M.) scrub-hairstreak butterflies. eriophora (Salvato et al. 2012, p. 232) At this time, it is not known to what Existing regulatory mechanisms that indicate they consistently parasitize extent predation, parasitism, or disease could provide some protection for the leafwing larvae within Long Pine Key may act as threats to the Florida Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- throughout their development. leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak. hairstreak butterflies include: (1) the Salvato and Salvato (2012, p. 1) have Studies have documented a wide array National Park Service Organic Act and monitored Florida leafwing immature of predators and parasitoids and, in its implementing regulations; (2) the development in the field for several some cases, high levels of mortality National Wildlife Refuge System years at Long Pine Key. To date these amongst immature leafwings, Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd– studies have measured mortality rates of throughout development. Although ee) as amended, and the Refuge more than 70 percent for immature many of the mortality factors of Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k–460k–4) leafwing, individuals dying from immature leafwing have also been and their implementing regulations. shown to influence the hairstreak, to various parasites, predators, and other Federal factors such as fungal pathogens date, these studies have been limited. (Salvato and Salvato 2012, p. 1). The Disease, in the form of viruses or fungal National Park Service (NPS) majority of mortality noted thus far in pathogens, is known to cause mortality regulations at 36 CFR 2.1 and 2.2 these studies has occurred in the of the young leafwing larvae; these prohibit visitors from harming or earliest, immature stages. factors may also influence the young removing wildlife, listed or otherwise, hairstreak larvae. Given the leafwing from ENP. In addition, NPS regulation Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak and hairstreak butterflies’ low numbers 36 CFR 2.5 prohibits visitors from Native parasites and predators have and few occurrences, and limited conducting research or collecting been documented to impact Bartram’s distributions, it is unclear how the specimens without a permit. Although scrub-hairstreaks. Hennessey and leafwing and hairstreak will respond to ENP was not able to provide specific Habeck (1991, p. 19) collected an older these factors. information concerning poaching of butterflies or enforcement of NPS hairstreak larva on Big Pine Key from D. The Inadequacy of Existing regulations protecting the butterflies which a single braconid wasp emerged Regulatory Mechanisms during pupation. During 2010, Salvato and their habitats from harm the et al. (2012, p. 113) encountered a Under this factor, we examine apparent online sales of the butterflies hairstreak larva within Long Pine Key whether existing regulatory mechanisms suggests that poaching could be that had been parasitized by C. are inadequate to address the threats to occurring. Insufficient implementation scutellaris. These are the only known the species discussed under the other or enforcement could become a threat to records for a larval parasitoid on this factors. Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act the two butterflies in the future if they butterfly. Tracking the fate of hairstreak requires the Service to take into account continue to decline in numbers. Special Use Permits (SUPs) are issued pupae is extremely difficult because ‘‘those efforts, if any, being made by any by the Refuges as authorized by the they pupate in the ground litter (Worth State or foreign nation, or any political National Wildlife Refuge System et al. 1996, p. 63). Collection of other subdivision of a State or foreign nation, Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd– parasitized hairstreak larvae is needed to protect such species. . . .’’ In ee) as amended, and the Refuge to determine the influence of parasitism relation to Factor D, we interpret this Recreation Act. The Service’s South on its early stages (Salvato and language to require the Service to Florida Ecological Services Office and Hennessey 2004, p. 225). consider relevant Federal, State, and NKDR coordinate annually on potential Salvato and Salvato (2010d, p. 71) Tribal laws, plans, regulations, and other such mechanisms that may impacts to the Florida leafwing and observed erythraeid larval mite parasites Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak prior to on an adult Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak minimize any of the threats we describe in threat analyses under the other four issuance of a SUP to the FKMCD (see in Long Pine Key. Although mite Factor E—Pesticides, below). In predation on butterflies is rarely fatal factors, or otherwise enhance conservation of the species. We give addition, as discussed above (Factor A— (Treat 1975, pp. 1–362), the role of Conservation Efforts to Reduce the parasitism by mites in the natural strongest weight to statutes and their implementing regulations and to Present or Threatened Destruction, history of the hairstreak requires further Modification, or Curtailment of Its study. Salvato and Salvato (2008, p. management direction that stems from those laws and regulations. An example Habitat or Range), the CCP for the Lower 324) have observed dragonflies Key Refuges provides specifically for (Odonata) preying on adult hairstreaks. would be State governmental actions enforced under a State statute or maintaining and restoring butterfly Crab spiders, orb weavers, ants, and populations within NKDR, including number of other predators discussed as constitution, or Federal action under statute. the Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak and mortality factors for the leafwing have Florida leafwing butterflies. also been frequently observed on croton Having evaluated the significance of during hairstreak surveys and may also the threat as mitigated by any such State prey on hairstreak adults and larvae conservation efforts, we analyze under The Florida leafwing and Bartram’ (Salvato and Hennessey 2004, p. 225; Factor D the extent to which existing scrub-hairstreak butterflies are not Salvato, pers. comm. 2012). NKDR regulatory mechanisms are inadequate currently listed by the State of Florida biologists have witnessed nonnative to address the specific threats to the ESA, so there are no existing regulations Cuban anoles (Anolis equestris) species. Regulatory mechanisms, if they designated to protect them. attempting to prey on adult Bartram’s exist, may reduce or eliminate the scrub-hairstreaks (C. Anderson, pers. impacts from one or more identified Local comm. 2013). Minno and Minno (2009, threats. In this section, we review Under Miami-Dade County ordinance p. 72) also cite nonnative predators such existing State and Federal regulatory (Section 26–1), a permit is required to as ants as a major threat to both mechanisms to determine whether they conduct scientific research (Rule 9) on butterflies. effectively reduce or remove threats to county environmental lands. In

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addition, Rule 8 of this ordinance (Euphydryas editha bayensis)) (Schulz and Hennessey, p 223) and their provides for the preservation of habitat and Hammond 2003, pp. 1374–1375). fragmentation, it is unlikely there is any within County parks or areas operated Schultz and Hammond (2003, pp. genetic exchange between locations. by the Parks and Recreation 1372–1385) used population viability Another south Florida lycaenid, the Department. We have no information to analyses to develop quantitative Miami blue (Cyclargus thomasi suggest that other counties within the recovery criteria for insects whose bethunebakeri), also appears to have range of the leafwing and hairstreak population sizes can be estimated and been impacted by relative isolation have regulatory mechanisms that applied this framework in the context of similar to that of the hairstreak. Over the provide any protections for these the Fender’s blue (Icaricia icarioides past decade, this blue butterfly was butterflies. fenderi), a butterfly listed as endangered known from only two contemporary in 2000 due to the threats on the populations, Bahia Honda Key and Key Summary of Factor D remaining reduced population and West National Wildlife Refuge. Saarinen limited remaining habitat. They found In summary, existing regulatory (2009, p. 79) suggested that the the Fender’s blue to be at high risk of mechanisms that help conserve the separation of genetic exchange between extinction due to agriculture practices, Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- these extant populations was only development activities, forestry recent (within the past few decades). hairstreak are present on Federal lands practices, grazing, roadside (ENP and NKDR) and within Miami- Despite fluctuations in annual and maintenance, and commercial seasonal population sizes, the Bahia Dade County conservation areas. The Christmas tree farming. butterflies are provided limited or no Honda blue population was thought to Losses in diversity within populations have retained an adequate amount of protections on State of Florida or of the Florida leafwing and Bartram’s Monroe County lands. Despite the genetic diversity to maintain the scrub-hairstreak may have already butterfly. However, as of 2010, the existing regulatory mechanisms, habitat occurred (Salvato, pers. comm. 2012). loss and modification, inconsistent fire Miami blue population on the island The leafwing and hairstreak have been was extirpated. management, poaching, and pesticide extirpated from several locations where Extant hairstreak populations are applications suggest that existing they were previously recorded (Baggett likely experiencing a similar lack of regulatory mechanisms have not been 1982, pp. 78–81; Salvato and Hennessey continuity in genetic exchange given sufficient to provide for the 2003, p. 243; 2004 p. 223). Initially conservation of either species. described from Brickell Hammock in their current fragmented distribution. Coral Gables, Florida (present day Based upon modeling with a different E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors butterfly species, Fleishman et al. (2002, Affecting Its Continued Existence Vizcaya Museum and Gardens), in the 1940s (Salvato, pers. comm. 2012), pp. 706–716) argued that factors such as Effects of Few, Small Populations and mainland populations of the leafwing habitat quality may influence Isolation have subsequently retreated with the metapopulation dynamics, driving loss, fragmentation and degradation of extinction and colonization processes, The Florida leafwing and Bartram’s native pine rocklands throughout especially in systems that experience scrub-hairstreak are vulnerable to Miami-Dade County (Baggett 1982, pp. substantial natural and anthropogenic extinction due to their severely reduced 78–81; Salvato and Hennessey 2003, p. environmental variability (see range, reduced population size, lack of 243). At present, the leafwing is extant Environmental Stochasticity below). If metapopulation structure, few only within ENP, and ongoing surveys only one or a few metapopulations remaining populations, and relative suggest the butterfly actively disperses remain, it is absolutely critical that isolation. Abundance of the Florida throughout the Long Pine Key region of remaining genetic diversity and gene leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak the Park (Salvato and Salvato 2010, p. flow are retained. Conservation is not known, but each butterfly is 91; 2010c, p. 139). Once locally decisions to augment or reintroduce estimated to number in the hundreds, common at Navy Wells and the populations should not be made and at times, possibly much lower. Richmond Pine Rocklands (which occur without careful consideration of habitat Although highly dependent on approximately 8 and 27 km (5 and 17 availability, genetic adaptability, the individual species considered, a mi) to the northeast of ENP, potential for the introduction of population of 1,000 has been suggested respectively), leafwings are not known maladapted genotypes, and other factors as marginally viable for an insect to have bred at either location in more (Frankham 2008, pp. 325–333; Saarinen (Schweitzer, TNC, pers. comm. 2003). than 25 years (Salvato and Hennessey et al. 2009, p. 36; See Factors A–D Schweitzer (pers. comm. 2003) has also 2003, p. 243; Salvato pers. comm. 2012). above). suggested that butterfly populations of In the lower Florida Keys, the leafwing In general, isolation, whether caused less than 200 adults per generation had maintained a stronghold for many by geographic distance, ecological would have difficulty surviving over the decades on Big Pine Key, within NKDR, factors, or reproductive strategy, will long term. In comparison, in a review of until 2006 when that population likely prevent the influx of new genetic 27 recovery plans for listed insect disappeared due to a variety of factors material and can result in a highly species, Schultz and Hammond (2003, (Salvato and Salvato 2010c, pp. 139– inbred population with low viability or p. 1377) found that 25 plans broadly 140). fecundity (Chesser 1983, p. 68). Natural specified metapopulation features in The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak is fluctuations in rainfall, hostplant vigor, terms of requiring that recovery include extant within ENP, Navy Wells, Camp or predation may weaken a population multiple population areas (the average Owaissa Bauer, Richmond Pine to such an extent that recovery to a number of sites required was 8.2). The Rocklands, as well as on Big Pine Key viable level would be impossible. three plans that quantified minimum (Baggett 1982, pp. 80–81; Smith et al. Isolation of habitat can prevent population sizes as part of their 1994, pp. 118–119; Salvato and Salvato recolonization from other sites and recovery criteria for butterflies ranged 2010b, p. 154). However, given the result in extinction. The leafwing and from 200 adults per site (Oregon limited dispersal abilities of this hairstreak are restricted to one silverspot (Speyeria zerene hippolyta)) butterfly, the distance between these (leafwing) or a few small (hairstreak) to 100,000 adults (Bay checkerspot sites, (Worth et al. 1996, p. 63; Salvato localized populations. The extent of

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habitat fragmentation makes these with a 5 to 10 percent wind increase. that year, when temperatures were at or butterflies vulnerable to extinction. This is due to more hurricane energy barely above freezing (2.2 °C; 36 °F) and available for intense hurricanes. frost was on the ground. Frost in winter Environmental Stochasticity However, hurricane frequency is 2010 resulted in substantial dieback of The climate of southern Florida and expected to drop because more wind native plants, including damage and the Florida Keys is driven by a shear will impede initial hurricane widespread defoliation of the croton in combination of local, regional, and development. In addition to climate Long Pine Key (Sadle, pers. comm. global events, regimes, and oscillations. change, weather variables are extremely 2010; Land, pers. comm. 2010; Hallac et There are three main ‘‘seasons’’: (1) The influenced by other natural cycles, such al. 2010, pp. 2–3). Fifty percent of the wet season, which is hot, rainy, and as El Nin˜ o Southern Oscillation with a individual leafwing larvae were humid from June through October, (2) frequency of every 4 to 7 years, solar impacted by the cold and observed to be the official hurricane season that cycle (every 11 years), and the Atlantic dead or without nearby food supplies extends 1 month beyond the wet season Multi-decadal Oscillation. All of these within Long Pine Key (Hallac et al. (June 1 through November 30) with peak cycles influence changes in Floridian 2010, p. 3). Although Salvato and season being August and September, weather. The exact magnitude, Salvato (2011, p. 2) did not record and (3) the dry season, which is drier direction, and distribution of all of these increased butterfly larval mortality on and cooler from November through changes at the regional level are difficult their survey sites in ENP during early May. In the dry season, periodic surges to project. 2010, they did encounter larvae on frost- of cool and dry continental air masses The Florida leafwing and Bartram’s killed plants and indicated those larvae influence the weather with short- scrub-hairstreak have adapted over time unable to successfully reach healthier duration rain events followed by long to the influence of tropical storms and adjacent hostplants likely perished. periods of dry weather. other forms of adverse weather During late 2010, Salvato and Salvato According to the Florida Climate conditions (Minno and Emmel 1994, p. (2011, p. 2) noted increased larval Center, Florida is by far the most 671; Salvato and Salvato 2007, p. 154). leafwing mortality on their survey sites vulnerable State in the United States to However, given the substantial due to a number of factors, including hurricanes and tropical storms (http:// reduction in the historic range of these cold. Sadle (pers. comm. 2011) also coaps.fsu.edu/climate_center/ butterflies in the past 50 years, the observed significant leaf and stem tropicalweather.shtml). Based on data threat and impact of tropical storms and damage to croton during the same time gathered from 1856 to 2008, Klotzbach hurricanes on their remaining period. A single dead leafwing larva was and Gray (2009, p. 28) calculated the populations is much greater than when observed on a frost-damaged croton climatological and current-year their distribution was more widespread plant, though it is unclear if the probabilities for each State being (Salvato and Salvato 2010a, p. 96; mortality was a direct or indirect impacted by a hurricane and major 2010b, p. 157; 2010c, p. 139). consequence of the freezing hurricane. Of the coastal States During late October 2005, Hurricane temperatures (Sadle, pers. comm. 2011). analyzed, Florida had the highest Wilma caused substantial damage to the Salvato and Salvato (2011, p. 2) climatological probabilities, with a 51 pine rocklands of northwestern Big Pine examined several (n = 4) dark, percent probability of a hurricane and a Key (Salvato and Salvato 2010c, p. 139), apparently frozen leafwing larvae 21 percent probability of a major specifically within the Watson during this time period, but later hurricane over a 52-year time span. Hammock region of NKDR, the historic determined these had likely been killed Florida had a 45 percent current-year stronghold for the Florida leafwing on from tachinid fly parasitism prior to the probability of a hurricane and an 18 the island. In historical instances when freeze. Sadle (pers. comm. 2011) and percent current-year probability of a leafwing and hairstreak population Salvato and Salvato (2011, p. 2) noted major hurricane (Klotzbach and Gray numbers were larger on Big Pine, such living larvae following the late 2010 2009, p. 28). Given the Florida leafwing as following Hurricane Georges in 1998, freeze, largely in areas unaffected by the and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreaks’ low these butterflies appeared able to frost. From these observations, Sadle population sizes and few isolated recover soon after a storm (Salvato and (pers. comm. 2011) suggested that frost occurrences within locations prone to Salvato 2010c, p. 139). In ENP, where damage may produce similar effects to storm influences, these butterflies are at leafwing and hairstreak densities loss of aboveground plant parts that substantial risk from hurricanes, storm remained stable, these butterflies were results from fire. It is not clear what the surges, or other extreme weather. minimally affected by the 2005 short- or long-term impacts of prolonged Depending on the location and intensity hurricane season (Salvato and Salvato cold periods may be on leafwing or of a hurricane or other severe weather 2010a, p. 96, 2010b, p. 157). However, hairstreak populations; however, it is event, it is possible that the leafwing for the leafwing, given its substantial likely that prolonged cold periods have and hairstreak could become locally decline on Big Pine Key prior to Wilma, some negative impacts on both the extirpated or extinct as a result of one it is possible that the impact of this butterflies and their hostplant (Sadle, event. storm served to further hinder and pers. comm. 2010; Land, pers. comm. Other processes to be affected by reduce extant populations of the 2010). climate change include temperatures, butterfly on the island (Salvato and As described above (see Factor C), rainfall (amount, seasonal timing, and Salvato 2010c, p. 139). ongoing natural history studies by distribution), and storms (frequency and Environmental factors have likely Salvato and Salvato (2012c, p. 1) intensity). Temperatures are projected to impacted both butterflies and their indicate that the extant leafwing rise from 2 °C to 5 °C (3.6 °F to 9 °F) habitat within their historical and population within Long Pine Key for North America by the end of this current ranges. For example, unusually experiences up to 80 percent mortality century (IPCC 2007, pp. 7–9, 13). Based cold temperatures were encountered amongst immature larval stages. A upon modeling, Atlantic hurricane and throughout southern Florida during the similarly high mortality has been noted tropical storm frequencies are expected winters of 2009 and 2010. Sadle (pers. for the endangered Schaus swallowtail to decrease (Knutson et al. 2008, pp. 1– comm. 2009) noted frost damage on in southern Florida (Emmel 1997, p. 11). 21). By 2100, there should be a 10 to 30 croton at ENP on Long Pine Key in late Such high levels of mortality may percent decrease in hurricane frequency 2009, but observed living larvae earlier explain why leafwing population

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densities vary considerably from year to target areas with residues that persisted Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak did not year. As with the influence of tropical for weeks. Naled, applied by plane, was follow this pattern. Salvato (2001, p. 14) storms, population-level recoveries from also found to drift into nontarget areas suggested that butterflies, such as the high rates of parasitism or other factors but was much less persistent, exhibiting leafwing, were particularly vulnerable at a select location would historically be a half-life of approximately 6 hours. To to aerial applications based on their offset from less-affected adjacent expand this work, Pierce (2011, pp. 6– tendency to roost within the pineland populations. Opportunities for such 11) conducted an additional deposition canopy, an area with maximal exposure population-level recovery are now study in 2010 focusing on permethrin to aerial treatments. Because roosting severely restricted (see ‘‘Effects of Few, drift from truck spraying and again sites for the Bartram’s hairstreak are not Small Populations and Isolation’’ in this documented low but measurable well documented, more study is needed section). amounts of permethrin in nontarget to assess their potential exposure. The areas. In 2009, Bargar (pers. comm. role of vegetation in limiting exposure is Pesticides 2011) conducted two field trials on unknown, but could be important when Efforts to control mosquitoes and NKDR that detected significant naled considering that spraying operations are other insect pests have increased as residues at locations within nontarget conducted during early morning and human activity and population have areas on the Refuge that were up to 402 late evening hours when, presumably, increased in south Florida. To control meters (440 yards) from the edge of nontarget butterflies would be mosquito populations, organophosphate zones targeted for aerial applications. occupying roost sites (C. Anderson, (naled) and pyrethroid (permethrin) After this discovery, the Florida Key pers. comm. 2013). adulticides are applied by mosquito Mosquito Control District recalibrated Toxicity data on Florida native control districts throughout south the on-board model (Wingman©). Naled butterflies exposed to permethrin and Florida. In a rare case in upper Key deposition was reduced in some of the naled in the laboratory (Hoang et al. Largo, another organophosphate nontarget zones following recalibration 2011, pp. 997–1005) were used to (malathion) was applied in 2011 when (Bargar 2012b, p. 3). calculate hazard quotients the number of permethrin applications In addition to mosquito control (concentrations in the environment— reached its annual limit. All three of chemicals entering nontarget areas, the concentrations causing an adverse these compounds have been toxic effects of mosquito control effect) in order to assess the risk that characterized as being highly toxic to chemicals to nontarget organisms have concentrations of naled and permethrin nontarget insects by the U.S. also been documented. Lethal effects on found in the field pose to butterflies. A Environmental Protection Agency (2002, nontarget moths and butterflies have hazard quotient where the p. 32; 2006a, p. 58; 2006b, p. 44). The been attributed to fenthion and naled in environmental concentration is greater use of such pesticides (applied using both south Florida and the Florida Keys than the concentration known to cause both aerial and ground-based methods) (Emmel 1991, pp. 12–13; Eliazar and an adverse effect (mortality in this case), for mosquito control presents a potential Emmel 1991, pp. 18–19; Eliazar 1992, indicates significant risk to the risk to nontarget species, such as the pp. 29–30). Zhong et al. (2010, pp. organism. Environmental exposures for Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- 1961–1972) investigated the impact of naled and permethrin were taken from hairstreak. single aerial applications of naled on the Zhong et al. (2010, pp. 1961–1972) and The potential for mosquito control endangered Miami blue butterfly larvae Pierce (2009, pp. 1–17), respectively, chemicals to drift into nontarget areas in the field. Survival of butterfly larvae and represent the highest concentrations and persist for varying periods of time in the target zone was 73.9 percent, of each chemical that were quantified has been documented. Hennessey and which was significantly lower than in during field studies in the Florida Keys. Habeck (1989, pp. 1–22; 1991, pp. 1–68) both the drift zone (90.6 percent) and When using the lowest median lethal and Hennessey et al. (1992, pp. 715– the reference (control) zone (100 concentrations from the laboratory 721) illustrated the presence of percent), indicating that direct exposure study, the hazard quotients for mosquito spray residues long after to naled poses significant risk to Miami permethrin and naled indicated application in habitat of the federally blue larvae. Fifty percent of the samples potential acute hazards to butterflies. endangered Schaus swallowtail (Papilio in the drift zone also exhibited Bargar (2012a, pp. 5–6) also conducted aristodemus ponceanus),), as well as the detectable concentrations, once again a probabilistic risk assessment using Florida leafwing, Bartram’s scrub- exhibiting the potential for mosquito naled deposition values from NKDR and hairstreak, and other imperiled species control chemicals to drift into nontarget estimated that field-measured naled in both the upper (Crocodile Lake NWR, areas. Bargar (pers. comm. 2011) concentrations did pose a risk to adult North Key Largo) and lower Keys observed cholinesterase activity butterflies of some species, particularly (NKDR). Residues of aerially applied depression, to a level shown to cause for species with large surface area to naled were found 6 hours after mortality in the laboratory, in great weight ratios. application in a pineland area that was southern white and Gulf fritillary Based on these studies, it can be 750 meters (820 yards) from the target butterflies exposed to naled during an concluded that mosquito control area; residues of fenthion (an adulticide application on NKDR in both target and activities that involve the use of both no longer used in the Keys) applied via nontarget zones. aerial and ground-based spraying truck were found up to 50 meters (55 In the lower Keys, Salvato (2001, pp. methods have the potential to deliver yards) downwind in a hammock area 15 8–14) suggested that declines in pesticides in quantities sufficient to minutes after application in adjacent populations of the Florida leafwing cause adverse effects to nontarget target areas (Hennessey et al. 1992, pp. were also partly attributable to mosquito species in both target and nontarget 715–721). control chemical applications. Salvato areas. It should be noted that many of More recently, Pierce (2009, pp. 1–17) (2001, p. 14; 2002, pp. 56–57) found the studies referenced above dealt with monitored naled and permethrin relative populations of the Florida single application scenarios and deposition following application in and leafwing, when extant on Big Pine Key examined effects on only one to two around NKDR from 2007 to 2009. within NKDR, to increase during drier butterfly life stages. Under a realistic Permethrin, applied by truck, was found years when adulticide applications over scenario, the potential exists for to drift considerable distances from the pinelands decreased, although exposure to all life stages to occur over

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multiple applications in a season. In the residential areas and roadsides across mosquito control applications and drift case of a persistent compound like Big Pine Key are treated with residues remain a threat to both permethrin where residues remain on permethrin (ground-based applied butterflies. vegetation for weeks, the potential exists adulticide) (Salvato 2001, p. 10). Summary of Factor E for nontarget species to be exposed to Therefore, the hairstreak and, if extant, multiple pesticides within a season the leafwing and their habitat on Big Based on our analysis of the best (e.g., permethrin on vegetation coupled Pine Key may be directly or indirectly available information, we have with aerial exposure to naled). (via drift) exposed to adulticides used identified several natural and manmade Spraying practices by the Florida for mosquito control at some unknown factors affecting the continued existence Keys Mosquito Control District level. Although there is evidence that of the Florida leafwing and Bartram’s (FKMCD) at NKDR have changed to mosquito control practices may scrub-hairstreak. Effects of small reduce pesticide use over the years. In influence butterfly species, limited population size, isolation, and loss of addition, larvicide treatments to information currently exists about genetic diversity are likely significant surrounding islands have significantly population-level impacts. Actual threats. Given the existing few reduced adulticide use on Big Pine Key, impacts to the Florida leafwing and populations and small size of the No Name Key, and the Torch Keys since Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak from populations, environmental 2003 (FKMCD 2012, p. 11). According to mosquito control are unknown at this stochasticity may also contribute to the Special Use Permit issued by the time; however, additional research is imperilment. Other natural (e.g., Service, the number of aerially applied under way to quantify risk. changes to habitat) and anthropogenic naled treatments allowed on NKDR has The Service will ensure compliance factors (e.g., pesticides, fire, processes been limited since 2008 (FKMCD 2012, with our Pest Management Policy and affected by climate change) are also pp. 10–11). the Act. We anticipate the need to identifiable threats. The Service’s Integrated Pest expand existing buffer and no spray Management (IPM) Policy (569 FW 1) zones to include all hostplant- Cumulative Effects of Threats Under establishes procedures and containing areas on the NKDR, as well Factor E responsibilities for pest management as implement other measures (e.g., use The limited distributions and small activities on and off Service lands. more larvicides and less adulticides) to population sizes of the Florida leafwing These may include (1) Preparing prevent adverse impacts to the and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak make pesticide use proposals (PUPs) for butterflies and their habitat (on and off them extremely susceptible to habitat approval before applying pesticides; (2) NKDR). Any changes to the pesticide loss, degradation, and modification and entering pesticide usage information application protocol will be closely other anthropogenic threats. annually into the online IPM and coordinated with FKMCD. In addition, Mechanisms leading to the decline of Pesticide Use Proposal System (PUPS) field monitoring may be required to the Florida leafwing and Bartram’s database; (3) conducting Endangered demonstrate that application of scrub-hairstreak, as discussed above, Species Act consultations; and (4) pesticides in areas adjacent to Florida range from local (e.g., a lack of adequate following National Environmental leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak fire management, fragmentation, Protection Act policies. Since these habitat does not result in drift into the poaching), to regional (e.g., butterflies have been on the candidate no spray zones, as has been documented development, pesticides), to global list, the Service’s South Florida in previous studies. influences (e.g., climate change, sea Ecological Services Office and NKDR In general Long Pine Key in ENP does level rise). The synergistic (interaction coordinate annually on potential not appear to be regularly impacted by of two or more components) effects of impacts to the Florida leafwing and mosquito control practices, except for threats (such as hurricane effects on a Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak prior to the use of adulticides (e.g., Sumithrin species with a limited distribution issuance of a PUP to the FKMCD. Based (Anvil)) in Park residential areas and consisting of just a few small on this consultation, 478 ha (1,180 ac) campgrounds. Housing areas, populations) make it difficult to predict (705 ha (1,741 ac) of pine rockland) in maintenance areas, outside work areas population viability. While these the NKDR have been designated no- for park maintenance staff and stressors may act in isolation, it is more spray zones by agreement (as of May contractors, and areas near buildings probable that many stressors are acting 2012) between the Service and FKMCD have been sprayed in the past (Perry, simultaneously (or in combination) on that includes the core habitat used by pers. comm. 2007). Spraying occurred Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- pine rockland butterflies (C. Anderson, within ENP following hurricanes in hairstreak populations. pers. comm. 2012a; Service 2012, p. 32). 2005 (Perry, pers. comm. 2008). In addition, several linear miles of pine Subsequently, however, no spraying has Cumulative Effects: Factors A Through rockland habitat within the Refuge- been conducted in or near Long Pine E neighborhood interface were excluded Key. Populations of these butterflies Florida Leafwing from truck spray applications in the occurring adjacent to and outside ENP most sensitive habitats. These in suitable and potential habitat within The Florida leafwing has been exclusions and buffer zones encompass Miami-Dade County are also vulnerable extirpated (no longer in existence) from over 95 percent of extant croton to the lethal and sublethal effects of nearly 96 percent of its historical range; distribution on Big Pine Key, and adulticide applications. However, the only known extant population include the majority of known extant mosquito control pesticide use within occurs within ENP in Miami-Dade and historical Florida leafwing and Miami-Dade County pine rockland areas County. Threats of habitat loss and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak population is limited (approximately 2 to 4 times fragmentation, including climatic centers on the island (Salvato, pers. per year, and only within a portion of change (Factor A), poaching (Factor B), comm. 2012). However, some areas of proposed critical habitat) (Vasquez, parasitism, predation (Factor C), small pine rocklands within NKDR are still pers. comm. 2013) population size, restricted range, and sprayed with naled (aerially applied In summary, although substantial influence of chemical pesticides used adulticide), and buffer zones remain at progress has been made in reducing for mosquito control (Factor E), still risk from drift; additionally, private impacts, the potential effects of exist for the only remaining population.

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Because there is only one small extant curtailment will last into the future. significant portion of its range’’ and a population of this butterfly, and limited Based on our analysis of the best threatened species as any species ‘‘that law enforcement, collection has and available information, there is no is likely to become endangered continues to be a significant threat to evidence to suggest that vulnerability to throughout all or a significant portion of this butterfly. Existing regulatory collection and risks associated with its range within the foreseeable future.’’ mechanisms (Factor D) are inadequate scientific or conservation efforts will We find that the Florida leafwing to protect this butterfly. The leafwing change and, instead, are likely to butterfly is presently in danger of may be impacted when pine rocklands continue into the future. At this time, extinction throughout its entire range are converted to other uses or when lack we consider predation, parasitism, and based on the severity and immediacy of of fire causes the conversion to habitats disease to be threats to both butterflies threats currently impacting the that are unsuitable for this butterfly. due to their current tenuous statuses. subspecies. The overall range has been Because the remaining population is We have no information to suggest that significantly reduced; the remaining isolated and the butterfly has a limited vulnerability to these threats will habitat and population is threatened by ability to recolonize historically change in the future. Based on our a variety of factors acting in occupied habitats that are now highly analysis of the best available combination to reduce the overall fragmented, it is vulnerable to natural or information, we find that existing viability of the subspecies. The risk of human-caused changes in its habitats. regulatory mechanisms, due to their extinction is high because the remaining As a result, impacts from increasing inherent limitations and constraints, are population is small, isolated, and the threats, singly or in combination, are inadequate to address threats to these potential for recolonization is limited likely to result in the extinction of the butterflies throughout their ranges. We based on habitat loss and fragmentation, butterfly as there is no redundancy of have no information to indicate that mosquito control, poaching, parasitism, populations. poaching, inconsistent fires, pesticide predation, and climatic change. use, or habitat loss will be ameliorated Bartram’s Scrub-Hairstreak The Florida leafwing and Bartram’s in the future by enforcement of existing scrub-hairstreak butterflies are highly The Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak has regulatory mechanisms. restricted in their ranges and threats been extirpated from nearly 93 percent Therefore, we find it reasonably likely occur throughout their ranges. of its historical range; only five isolated that the effects on the Florida leafwing Therefore, we assessed the status of the metapopulations remain on Big Pine and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak will species throughout their entire ranges. Key in Monroe County, Long Pine Key continue at current levels or potentially The threats to the survival of the species in ENP, and relict pine rocklands increase in the future. Effects of small occur throughout the species’ ranges adjacent to the Park in Miami-Dade population size, isolation, and loss of and are not restricted to any particular County. All 5 of these populations are, genetic diversity are likely significant significant portion of those ranges. in part, on protected lands. Threats of threats as well as natural changes to Accordingly, our assessment and habitat loss and fragmentation from lack habitat and anthropogenic factors (e.g., proposed determination applies to both of fire (Factor A), poaching (Factor B), pesticides, fire, processes affected by the species throughout their entire disease, predation (Factor C), small climate change). Collectively, these ranges. population size, restricted range, threats have impacted the butterflies in influence of chemical pesticides used the past, are impacting these butterflies Therefore, on the basis of the best for mosquito control, and sea level rise now, and will continue to impact these available scientific and commercial (Factor E) still exist for the remaining butterflies in the future. information, we propose listing the populations. Because there are only five Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak butterfly as small populations of the hairstreak, and Determination endangered in accordance with sections limited law enforcement, collection has We have carefully assessed the best 3(6) and 4(a)(1) of the Act. We find that and continues to be a significant threat scientific and commercial information a threatened species status is not to this butterfly. Existing regulatory available regarding the past, present, appropriate for the Bartram’s scrub- mechanisms (Factor D) are inadequate and future threats to the Florida hairstreak butterfly because of the to protect this butterfly from poaching. leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak severity and immediacy of the threats, Because populations are isolated and butterflies. As described in detail above, its restricted range (93 percent loss), the butterfly has a limited ability to both butterflies are currently at risk threats are occurring rangewide and are recolonize historically occupied habitats throughout all of their respective ranges not localized, its five small populations, that are now highly fragmented, it is due to the immediacy, severity, and and because the threats are ongoing and vulnerable to natural or human-caused scope of threats from habitat destruction expected to continue into the future. changes in its habitats. The remaining and modification (Factor A), Available Conservation Measures populations become less resilient and overutilization (Factor B), disease or are not capable of recovering from the predation (Factor C), inadequacy of Conservation measures provided to threats. As a result, impacts from existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor species listed as endangered or increasing threats, singly or in D), and other natural or manmade threatened under the Act include combination, are likely to result in the factors affecting their continued recognition, recovery actions, extinction of the hairstreak. existence (Factor E). These stressors requirements for Federal protection, and Habitat loss, fragmentation, and have had profound adverse effects on prohibitions against certain practices. degradation, and associated pressures Florida leafwing and Bartram’s scrub- Recognition through listing results in from increased human population are hairstreak populations and the pine public awareness and conservation by major threats; these threats are expected rockland habitat. As a result, impacts Federal, State, Tribal, and local to continue, placing these butterflies at from increasing threats, singly or in agencies; private organizations; and greater risk. Although efforts are being combination, are likely to result in the individuals. The Act encourages made to conserve natural areas and extinction of these butterflies. cooperation with the States and requires apply prescribed fire, the long-term The Act defines an endangered that recovery actions be carried out for effects of large-scale and wide-ranging species as any species that is ‘‘in danger all listed species. The protection habitat modification, destruction, and of extinction throughout all or a required by Federal agencies and the

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prohibitions against certain activities accomplished solely on Federal lands of Defense, National Park Service, and are discussed, in part, below. because their range may occur primarily U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; The primary purpose of the Act is the or solely on non-Federal lands. To construction and maintenance of roads conservation of endangered and achieve recovery of these species or highways by the Federal Highway threatened species and the ecosystems requires cooperative conservation efforts Administration; flood insurance and upon which they depend. The ultimate on private, State, and Tribal lands. disaster relief efforts conducted by the goal of such conservation efforts is the If these butterflies are listed, funding Federal Emergency Management recovery of these listed species, so that for recovery actions will be available Agency; and pesticide treatments they no longer need the protective from a variety of sources, including required by the U.S. Department of measures of the Act. Subsection 4(f) of Federal budgets, State programs, and Agriculture or Florida Department of the Act requires the Service to develop cost-share grants for non-Federal Agriculture and Consumer Services in and implement recovery plans for the landowners, the academic community, the event of emergency pest outbreak. conservation of endangered and and nongovernmental organizations. In The Act and its implementing threatened species. The recovery addition, under section 6 of the Act, the regulations set forth a series of general planning process involves the State of Florida would be eligible for prohibitions and exceptions that apply identification of actions that are Federal funds to implement to all endangered wildlife. The necessary to halt or reverse the species’ management actions that promote the prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, decline by addressing the threats to its protection and recovery of Florida codified at 50 CFR 17.21 for endangered survival and recovery. The goal of this leafwing and Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak wildlife, in part, make it illegal for any process is to restore listed species to a butterflies. Information on our grant person subject to the jurisdiction of the point where they are secure, self- programs that are available to aid United States to take (includes harass, sustaining, and functioning components species recovery can be found at: harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, of their ecosystems. http://www.fws.gov/grants. trap, capture, or collect; or to attempt Recovery planning includes the Although Florida leafwing and any of these), import, export, ship in development of a recovery outline Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak are only interstate commerce in the course of shortly after a species is listed and proposed for listing under the Act at commercial activity, or sell or offer for preparation of a draft and final recovery this time, please let us know if you are sale in interstate or foreign commerce plan. The recovery outline guides the interested in participating in recovery any listed species. Under the Lacey Act immediate implementation of urgent efforts for these butterflies. (18 U.S.C. 42–43; 16 U.S.C. 3371–3378), recovery actions and describes the Additionally, we invite you to submit it is also illegal to possess, sell, deliver, process to be used to develop a recovery any new information on these butterflies carry, transport, or ship any such plan. Revisions of the plan may be done whenever it becomes available and any wildlife that has been taken illegally. to address continuing or new threats to information you may have for recovery Certain exceptions apply to agents of the the species, as new substantive planning purposes (see FOR FURTHER Service and State conservation agencies. information becomes available. The INFORMATION CONTACT). recovery plan identifies site-specific Section 7(a) of the Act requires We may issue permits to carry out management actions that set a trigger for Federal agencies to evaluate their otherwise prohibited activities review of the five factors that control actions with respect to any species that involving endangered and threatened whether a species remains endangered is proposed or listed as endangered or wildlife species under certain or may be downlisted or delisted, and threatened and with respect to its circumstances. Regulations governing methods for monitoring recovery critical habitat, if any is designated. permits are codified at 50 CFR 17.22 for progress. Recovery plans also establish Regulations implementing this endangered species, and at 17.32 for a framework for agencies to coordinate interagency cooperation provision of the threatened species. With regard to their recovery efforts and provide Act are codified at 50 CFR part 402. endangered wildlife, a permit must be estimates of the cost of implementing Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires issued for the following purposes: for recovery tasks. Recovery teams Federal agencies to confer with the scientific purposes, to enhance the (comprising species experts, Federal Service on any action that is likely to propagation or survival of the species, and State agencies, nongovernmental jeopardize the continued existence of a and for incidental take in connection organizations, and stakeholders) are species proposed for listing or result in with otherwise lawful activities. often established to develop recovery destruction or adverse modification of The Service acknowledges that it plans. When completed, the recovery proposed critical habitat. If a species is cannot fully address some of the natural outline, draft recovery plan, and the listed subsequently, section 7(a)(2) of threats facing the Florida leafwing and final recovery plan will be available on the Act requires Federal agencies to Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak (e.g., our Web site (http://www.fws.gov/ ensure that activities they authorize, hurricanes, tropical storms) or even endangered), or from our South Florida fund, or carry out are not likely to some of the other significant, long-term Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR jeopardize the continued existence of threats (e.g., climatic changes, sea level FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). the species or destroy or adversely rise). However, through listing, we Implementation of recovery actions modify its critical habitat. If a Federal provide protection to the known generally requires the participation of a action may affect a listed species or its population(s) and any new population broad range of partners, including other critical habitat, the responsible Federal of these butterflies that may be Federal agencies, States, Tribes, agency must enter into consultation discovered (see section 9 of Available nongovernmental organizations, with the Service. Conservation Measures below). With businesses, and private landowners. Federal agency actions within these listing, we can also influence Federal Examples of recovery actions include butterflies’ habitat that may require actions that may potentially impact habitat restoration (e.g., restoration of conference or consultation or both as these butterflies (see section 7 below); native vegetation), research, captive described in the preceding paragraph this is especially valuable if they are propagation and reintroduction, and include management and any other found at additional locations. With this outreach and education. The recovery of landscape-altering activities on Federal action, we are also better able to deter many listed species cannot be lands administered by the Department illicit collection and trade.

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Our policy, as published in the Questions regarding whether specific (5) Use lists and tables wherever Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR activities would constitute a violation of possible. 34272), is to identify to the maximum section 9 of the Act should be directed If you feel that we have not met these extent practicable at the time a species to the Field Supervisor of the Service’s requirements, send us comments by one is listed, those activities that would or South Florida Ecological Services Office of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES would not constitute a violation of (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). section. To better help us revise the section 9 of the Act. The intent of this Requests for copies of regulations rule, your comments should be as policy is to increase public awareness of regarding listed species and inquiries specific as possible. For example, you the effect of a proposed listing on about prohibitions and permits should should tell us the numbers of the proposed and ongoing activities within be addressed to the U.S. Fish and sections or paragraphs that are unclearly the range of species proposed for listing. Wildlife Service, Ecological Services written, which sections or sentences are We estimate that the following activities Division, Endangered Species Permits, too long, the sections where you feel would be likely to result in a violation 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA lists or tables would be useful, etc. of section 9 of the Act; however, 30345 (Phone 404–679–7140; Fax 404– National Environmental Policy Act possible violations are not limited to 679–7081). these actions alone: (NEPA) (1) Unauthorized possession, Peer Review We have determined that collecting, trapping, capturing, killing, In accordance with our joint policy on environmental assessments and harassing, sale, delivery, or movement, peer review published in the Federal environmental impact statements, as including interstate and foreign Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), defined under the authority of the commerce, or harming or attempting we will seek the expert opinions of at National Environmental Policy Act of any of these actions, of the Florida least three appropriate and independent 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not leafwing or Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak specialists regarding this proposed rule. be prepared in connection with listing butterflies (research activities where the The purpose of peer review is to ensure a species as an endangered or Florida leafwing or Bartram’s scrub- that our listing designation is based on threatened species under the hairstreak are handled, captured (e.g., scientifically sound data, assumptions, Endangered Species Act. We published netted, trapped), marked, or collected and analyses. We have invited these a notice outlining our reasons for this will require authorization pursuant to peer reviewers to comment during this determination in the Federal Register the Act). public comment period. on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244). (2) Incidental take of the Florida We will consider all comments and References Cited leafwing or Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak information received during this without authorization pursuant to comment period on this proposed rule A complete list of references cited in section 7 or section 10(a)(1)(B) of the during our preparation of a final this rulemaking is available on the Act. determination. Accordingly, the final Internet at http://www.regulations.gov (3) Sale or purchase of specimens of decision may differ from this proposal. and upon request from the South these taxa, except for properly Florida Ecological Services Field Office documented antique specimens at least Public Hearings (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). 100 years old, as defined by section Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for Authors 10(h)(1) of the Act. one or more public hearings on this (4) Unauthorized destruction or proposal, if requested. Requests must be The primary authors of this proposed alteration of the Florida leafwing or received within 45 days after the date of rule are the staff members of the South Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak habitat publication of this proposed rule in the Florida Ecological Services Field Office (including unauthorized grading, Federal Register. Such requests must be (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). leveling, plowing, mowing, burning, sent to the address shown in FOR List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17 herbicide spraying, or pesticide FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. We will application) in ways that kills or injures schedule public hearings on this Endangered and threatened species, individuals by significantly impairing proposal, if any are requested, and Exports, Imports, Reporting and these butterflies’ essential breeding, announce the dates, times, and places of recordkeeping requirements, foraging, sheltering, or other essential those hearings, as well as how to obtain Transportation. life functions. reasonable accommodations, in the Proposed Regulation Promulgation (5) Unauthorized use of pesticides or Federal Register and local newspapers Accordingly, we propose to amend herbicides resulting in take of the at least 15 days before the hearing. Florida leafwing or Bartram’s scrub- part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title hairstreak butterflies. Required Determinations 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below: (6) Unauthorized release of biological Clarity of the Rule control agents that attack any life stages of these taxa. We are required by Executive Orders (7) Unauthorized removal or 12866 and 12988 and by the destruction of pineland croton, the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, PART 17—[AMENDED] hostplant utilized by the Florida 1998, to write all rules in plain ■ leafwing or Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak language. This means that each rule we 1. The authority citation for part 17 butterflies, within areas used by the publish must: continues to read as follows: butterflies that result in harm to the (1) Be logically organized; Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361–1407; 16 U.S.C. butterflies. (2) Use the active voice to address 1531–1544; 16 U.S.C. 4201–4245; unless (8) Release of nonnative species into readers directly; otherwise noted. occupied Florida leafwing and (3) Use clear language rather than ■ 2. In § 17.11(h) add new entries for Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak habitat that jargon; ‘‘Butterfly, Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak’’ may displace the butterflies or their (4) Be divided into short sections and and ‘‘Butterfly, Florida leafwing’’ to the native host plants. sentences; and List of Endangered and Threatened

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Wildlife in alphabetical order under § 17.11 Endangered and threatened (h) * * * Insects to read as set forth below: wildlife. * * * * *

Species Vertebrate population Historic range where Status Family When listed Critical Special Common name Scientific name endanged or habitat rules threatened

******* INSECTS

******* Butterfly, Bar- Strymon acis U.S.A. (FL) ...... Entire ...... E Lycaenidae ...... NA tram’s scrub- bartrami. hairstreak.

******* Butterfly, Flor- Anaea U.S.A. (FL) ...... Entire ...... E Nymphalidae ...... NA ida leafwing. troglodyta floridalis.

*******

Dated: August 2, 2013. Rowan W. Gould, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2013–19794 Filed 8–14–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

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