Octoberl98l vol. VI NO. 10

Department of interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240 Recovery Plan Completed For Commanche Springs Pupfish The Commanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans), listed as Endan- gered in 1967, is expected to benefit from the Service's approved Commanche Springs Pupfish Recovery Plan, signed September 2, 1981. The plan identifies three major threats to this west Texas species and prescribes ac- tions to be taken to prevent or mitigate these threats. Mining of underground waters for municipal and agricultural purposes has severely altered the habitat of the spe- cies. The fish occurred historically in two isolated spring-systems 190 km apart in the Pecos River drainage of southwestern Texas; now its habitat consists mostly of irrigation canals near t • ^ Balmorhea, Reeves County, Texas. The large flow of Commanche Springs (up to 66 cfs), which the species used to inhabit, was utilized as early as 1875 to irrigate more than 6,000 acres I 0- of farmland in Pecos County. The The Commanche Springs pupfish pictured above is part of the captive population pupfish was extirpated from its type lo- being held by the Service at the Dexter National Fish Hatchery. This species ex- cality when Commanche Springs went hibits wide ecological characteristics: (1) it feeds mostly on the bottom, but also at the surface and at other levels in the water column; (2) based on consistent occur- rence of small specimens, it apparently breeds during most months of the year; (3) it spawns in areas of flowing water as well as stagnant ponds; and (4) it can sur- vive and reproduce in both stenothermal spring outflows and in eurythermal pools.

dry in 1955. Human alteration of the pupfish habitat is principally in private system of artesian springs near Bal- ownership, and proposed improvements morhea began in the early 1900's. The must first consider the owners' needs. pupfish is sparse in most of the canal Construction of a pupfish refugium ca- system, concentrated into certain nal through Balmorhea State Recrea- optimal or permanent water reaches (up tion Area has been very successful in to 200 young-of-the-year and adults in producing C. elegans, and a second ca- single seine hauls). nal through a dry portion of Phantom Lake is recommended by the Plan as a Plan Addresses Threats method of expanding existing habitat. In addition to habitat loss from declin- The refugium canal would empty water ing springflow and reduced surface back into the present irrigation canal waters, competition with introduced and thus not reduce the natural flow to species and degradation of genetic in- the irhgation system. tegrity caused by hybridization with in- Effective management of the area will troduced congeners are also threats to depend on cooperative management the species. The recovery plan ad- agreements with the private landowners dresses these problems, outlining ways and government agencies involved in to improve the quality of presently land ownership. Many diverse interests occupied habitat, to increase the quanti- will have to be consulted in the develop- Cyprinodon elegans survives in the irri- ty of suitable habitat, and to establish a ment and implementation of any com- gation canal system pictured above sound management program. prehensive management plan. which is located near Phantom Cave. The existing Commanche Springs Continued on page 3 along with the five out of six eagles translocated in 1980, bring the total number of eagles on the island to ten. A transmitter signal from one of the 1980 birds was recorded near the mainland; neither the bird nor the transmitter has since been found. The Service has awarded a contract to J. L. Dobbins and Associates to map potential California southern sea otter {Enhydra lutris nereis) habitat on the west coast. The maps will be used by Federal and State agencies to imple- ment the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan which is now in the agency review draft stage. The maps will include the location of kelp beds and traffic lanes of petroleum carriers—information which could also be helpful for fisheries and other Federal and State programs. Region 2—Recovery teams were Endangered Species Program re- this year from Washington to Santa Cat- formed to direct the preparation of re- gional staffers have reported the fol- alina Island, California, was found shot. covery plans for plant species in Ari- lowing activities for the month of Each of the eagles had been fitted with zona, New Mexico, and Texas which September: radio transmitters—the dead bird was are listed under the Endangered Spe- located through the radio signal which cies Act of 1973. These teams will serve Region 1—One of the six bald eagles led researchers to a dumping area on as advisory/review boards; the actual Haliaeetus leucocephalus) transferred the island. The remaining five birds. plan preparation will be accomplished by scientists under contract to the Serv- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Robert F. Stephens, Assistant Re- ice. Washington, D.C. 20240 gional Director; Jack B. Woody, En- The MEX-U.S. Gulf meeting, attended dangered Species Specialist by members of the Fish and Wildlife F. Eugene Hester, Acting Director Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, (202-343-4717) Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725- Service, National Marine Fisheries Ronald E. Lambertson 3500); James W. Pulliam, Acting Re- Service, and the Mexican Fisheries De- Associate Director and gional Director; Daniel H. Bumgarner, partment, was held in New Orleans in Endangered Species Program Manager Assistant Regional Director; James early September. The group reviewed (202-343-4646) M. Engel, Endangered Species Spe- past international cooperative programs Harold J. O'Connor cialist. and planned future activities, placing Deputy Associate Director Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal special emphasis on sea turtle manage- (202-343-4646) BIdg., 75 Spring St., S.W., Atlanta, GA ment and protection. John L. Spinks, Chief, 30303 (404-221-3583): Walter O. Office of Endangered Species Stieglitz, Acting Regional Director; The Service stocked 8,100 additional (703-235-2771) John Christian, Assistant Regional Di- razorback suckers (Xyrauchen texanus) Richard Parsons, Chief, rector; Alex B. Montgomery, Endan- in Arizona streams, bringing the total to Federal Wildlife Permit Office gered Species Specialist. 15,000 individuals. (703-235-1937) Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Cen- The Service began moving the en- Clark R. Bavin. Chief, ter, Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617- dangered fish species being held at Division of Law Enforcement 965- 5100): Howard Larsen, Regional Willow Beach, Arizona, in order to con- (202-343-9242) Director; Gordon T. Nightingale, As- centrate the entire endangered fish TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF sistant Regional Director; Paul propagation program at the Dexter Na- Nickerson, Endangered Species Spe- Clare Senecal Kearney, Editor tional Fish Hatchery, New Mexico. (703-235-2407) cialist. Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Fed- Region 3—Endangered Species eral Center, Denver, CO 80225 Regional Offic«s Coordinator, Jim Engel, made on-site (303-234-2209); Don W. Minnich, Re- visits with U.S. Forest Service person- Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500 BMg., gional Director; Charles E. Lane, As- nel to various areas within the region to 500 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland, OR sistant Regional Director; Don 97232 (503-231-6118): Richard J. Rodgers, Endangered Species Spe- review their wildlife policies and proj- Myshak, Regional Director; Edward B. cialist. ects. Cooperative efforts and ongoing Chamberlain, Assistant Regional Di- Region 7, 1101 E. Tudor Rd., Anchor- Forest Service activities were dis- rector, Sanford R. Wilbur, Endan- age, AK 99503 (907-276-3800, ext. cussed. The Forest Service has done gered Species Specialist. 495): Keith M. Schreiner, Regional Di- extensive work in the region with the Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, rector; Jon Nelson, Assistant Region- Kirtland's warbler {Dendroica kirtlandii), NM 87103 (505-766-2321): Jerry al Director; Dennis Money, Acting En- timber wolf (Canis lupus), Indiana bat Stegman, Acting Regional Director; dangered Species Specialist. (Myotis sodalis), bald eagle {Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and with plant surveys. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Regions Region 4—Surveys are presently Region 1: California. Hawaii. Idaho. Nevada. Dragon. Washington, and Pacific Trust Territories. Region 2: Arizona. New Mexico. Oklahoma, and Texas. Ragiofi 3: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota. Missouri, undenway to better determine the status Ohio, and Wisconsin. Region 4: Alabama. Arkansas. Florida. Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and distribution of the snail darter. On North Carolina, South Carolina. TetHiessee. Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Region S: Connecticut, Dela- ware. Maine. Maryland. Massachusetts. New Hampshire. New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, September 9, 1981, a Service crew was Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Region 6: Colorado. Kansas. Montana, Nebraska. North Dakota, South seining at approximately river mile 16 of Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Region 7: Alaska. the Paint Rock River in Alabama and The ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN is published monthly by the found the first snail darter ever collected U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. in that State. In a subsequent trip to the / Paint Rock River, four more of the fish to comply with the notice and public Canada Goose Recovery Team leader, were collected from the vicinity of river participation provisions of the Adminis- reported 150-250 geese flying strongly mile 19. Present plans call for returning trative Procedures Act. On August 13, both over Alaid-Nizki, the release is- to Alabama in October for a survey of the U.S. Attorney filed a Motion For Re- lands, and nearby Shemya Island. This the Flint River, another Tennessee Riv- consideration Of Order, which included report is favorable since it confirms that er tributary farther to the west. new information not previously available large numbers of geese are now flight In other surveys, the Tennessee Val- to the court. Since then, the plaintiffs capable, that they have successfully re- ley Authority checked the status of have filed a Memorandum In Response verted to natural food, and that they are transplanted snail darter populations in To Motion For Reconsideration of Order exhibiting pre-migration restlessness. It the Hiwassee and Elk Rivers. The and the U.S. Attorney has filed a Memo- will be important to determine how Hiwassee population, now about 6 randum In Reply to Plaintiffs' Response many of the released birds complete the years old, appears to be doing extreme- To Motion For Reconsideration. No final fall migration to California. ly well. No evidence was found of the judgment has been issued. snail darters that were stocked in the Region 7—Final results have been Elk River in July 1980, but additional tabulated for peregrine falcon {Faico surveying is planned for early October. peregrinus) survey and banding efforts RECOVERY PLAN Information gathered during these sur- for 1981. Eight rivers were examined in Continued from page 1 veys will be used in revising the draft Alaska, including the Colville, Saga- The Service is maintaining a genetic Snail Darter Recovery Plan, and also by vanirktok, and Kogosukruk Rivers in the stock of C. elegans at the Dexter Na- the recovery team for making a recom- range of the Arctic peregrine (F. p. tional Fish Hatchery. Dexter, New Mexi- mendation relative to the species' ap- tundrius) and the Yukon, Kuskokwim, co. The original stock consisted of propriate classification under the En- Porcupine, Tanana, and Charlie Rivers about 30 individuals from an irrigation dangered Species Act of 1973. in the range of the American peregrine ditch fed by Giffin Springs. The pupfish Region 5—The first recorded bald (F. p. anatum). A total of 238 young at Dexter are t>eing held there to pro- eagle nest in recent history was docu- were recorded of which 200 were vide fish for reintroduction efforts should mented in West Virginia this year. It pro- banded. The upward trend exhibited by a catastrophic loss of the natural popu- duced two young. most Alaskan populations of peregrines lation occur, and as a stock from which The agency review draft of the Vir- is very encouraging. NOTE: In the Au- research specimens may be taken with- ginia Round-leaf Birch (Betula uber) gust 1981 BULLETIN, we incorrectly re- out affecting the wild population. This Recovery Plan has been completed and ported news of only F. p. tundrius, species has done extremely well at Dexter, distributed. when actually both F. p. tundrius and F. the population reaching tens of thousands The Service has initiated a long-term p. anatum occur in Alaska. of individuals during the summer. recovery program for the Furbish louse- As reported in the August 1981 BUL- The recovery plan also suggests a wort (Pedicularis furbishiae) in an effort LETIN, 357 Aleutian Canada geese public information program to inform the to establish additional populations of (Branta canadensis leucopareia) from public of the uniqueness of this species. the species on the upper reaches of the the Patuxent and Northern Prairie Implementation of the recovery tasks St. John River in northern Maine. Wildlife Research Centers were re- will be initiated by the Service's Albu- Region 6—On the night of Septem- leased last month in the western Aleu- querque Regional Director and carried ber 25, 1981, a black-footed ferret tians. The Service is attempting to out through the Albuquerque Regional (Mustela nigripes) was killed by dogs reestablish breeding colonies on se- Endangered Species Office. Further in- on a ranch 11 miles southwest of lected fox-free release islands. A spot- formation on the Commanche Springs Meeteetse, Wyoming, on the Greybull check made during mid-September by pupfish recovery effort can be obtained River. This is about 30 miles south of Aleutian Island Refuge personnel con- by contacting the Regional Director, Cody. Prior to this recovery, the last firmed that large numbers of geese U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box confirmed sighting of a black-footed fer- have thus far survived the release. John 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103, ret was in Todd County, South Dakota, Martin, refuge manager and Aleutian (505/766-2321). on March 27, 1979. On September 15, 1981, approxi- mately 10,000 to 12,000 greenback cut- throat trout {Salmo clarki stomias), hatched in 1981 at the Bozeman Cultur- al Development Center in Montana, were transplanted into Rocky Mountain National Park. The Park is within the fish's historic range. On August 3, 1981, the United States District Court for Colorado issued a Memorandum Opinion And Order re- garding the lawsuit brought by the Colo- rado River Water Conservation District and other plaintiffs against the Depart- ment of the Interior and Colorado. The Memorandum Opinion And Order or- dered that summary judgment be en- tered for the plaintiff river districts declaring that the designation and list- ing of the Colorado squawfish {Ptycho- cheilus lucius) and humpback chub (Gila cypha) as Endangered species is invalid and void. This was based on the Barry Reiswig, Assistant Manager of the Aleutian Islands National Wildlife Refuge, belief that when the two fishes were and Teresa Mercurio, a volunteer from Anchorage, releasing Aleutian Canada listed the Secretary of the Interior failed geese on Alaid-Nizki Islands during August. RULEMAKING ACTIONS Endangered Species \ September 1981 List Corrections Leopard Comment Period Reopened Published

Because the Service has received lieve that the leopard should be consid- A list of 30 technical corrections to new data on the leopard (Panthera ered Threatened. The Kenyan experi- the U.S. List of Endangered and Threat- pardus), the comment period on the ence, he says, has shown what can ened Wildlife and Plants was published Service's March 24, 1980, proposed happen to an abundant leopard popula- by the Service (F.R. 9/30/81). These rulemaking to reclassify the species in tion within the short period of 10-years changes constitute amendments to 50 sub-Saharan Africa was reopened. The (1965-1975). The virtual elimination of CFR, Part 17, 11 and 12. new data, a report by P. H. Hamilton on leopards from North Africa and parts of In some instances scientific names the status of the leopard in Africa, is southern Africa should serve, according have been updated to reflect current us- summarized in the Septembers, 1981, to Hamilton, as a warning to any who age. In making these determinations, Federal Register. believe that this species can always the Service relies to the extent practic- Mr. Hamilton, a Kenyan citizen and survive no matter what the impact of able on the International Code of Zool- recognized authority on both the leop- man. Hamilton feels there is no ade- ogical Nomenclature and the Interna- ard and cheetah in Africa, was funded quate system in effect to provide the tional Code of Botanical Nomenclature, by the Service to do the report. Mr. needed controls and safeguards for and the scientific community. In cases Hamilton was asked by the Service to resuming commercial trade and is, in which more than one name are com- generalize as far as possible from the therefore, strongly opposed to resump- monly used for a taxon, synonyms have Kenya data about the status of the leop- tion of any sort of commercial trade in been provided to avoid ambiguity. His- ard In the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. leopard skins. toric ranges for some listed taxa have His report, entitled, "The Leopard Pan- Comments and opinions made per- been updated. thera pardus and Cheetah Acinonyx taining to the reclassification of the The Service is preparing an updated jubatus in Kenya," was submitted to the leopard in light of the Hamilton report version of the entire U.S. List of Endan- Service in August 1981. were received by the Service until Octo- gered and Threatened Wildlife and ber 8, 1981. For additional information Plants which will incorporate the revi- on the reasons for the species' decline sions mentioned above. This list will be Recommendations and protection afforded it under CITES available in late November 1981 from and the Endangered Species Act of the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and Hamilton's recommendation is that 1973, consult the April 1980 issue of the Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. the United States Government reclas- BULLETIN. 20240. sify the leopard in Africa to Threatened status, but continue to insist on retain- ing the species on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Sea Turtle Resuscitation Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to protect against com- Procedures Finalized mercial exploitation. He further recom- mends that the U.S. lift its present ban The National Marine Fisheries Serv- hindquarter several inches for a period on the importation of leopards legiti- ice (NMFS) has amended by final rule of up to 24-hours. The new regulations, mately shot in Africa by American sport the resuscitation procedures for Threat- which became effective immediately hunters. He states that the ban on ened sea turtles (F.R. 9/2/81). This ac- upon publication, also allow relocation importing the legitimately acquired leop- tion essentially implements an earlier of turtles to non-shrimping areas and ard trophies has not served any useful emergency rule effected to mitigate the establish a method of releasing the sea purpose. The number of leopards in- loss of Threatened sea turtles (F.R. turtles from vessels. volved has been relatively small and the 10/7/80). ban, he says, runs counter to the con- Procedures established In 1979 in 50 cept of giving the leopard monetary CFR 227.72(e)(1)(i) required fishermen Reference Note value which will help to justify its contin- to attempt resuscitation of comatose ued existence in Africa. Threatened sea turtles accidentally All Service notices and proposed caught in commercial fishing opera- and final rulemakings are published tions. The technique provided in the in the Federal Register in full detail. Status Report 1979 rule consisted of turning the sea The parenthetical references given in turtle on its back and pumping its breast the BULLETIN—for example: (F.R. Hamilton reports that leopards have plate (plastron) by hand or foot. The fi- 9/4/81)—identify the month, day, and declined generally in Kenya since the nal regulations add an alternative re- year in which the relevant notice or 1960's, but that there is evidence that suscitation technique—placing the rulemaking was published in the this trend has been halted and reversed turtle on Its breastplate and elevating its Federal Register now in some areas. He states in his re- port that he would be surprised if Ken- ya's leopard population numbers less CITES Conference Report Available than 6,000 or more than 18,000 ani- mals. He believes that 10,000 to 12,000 A notice of availability of the official report may be requested from the is probably the closest approximation, report of the United States' Representa- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and feels that, as a species, the leopard tive to the third regular meeting of the Permit Office (WPO), Washington, D.C. cannot be considered Endangered in conference of CITES parties held In 20240. Due to the small quantity of re- the true meaning of the word in Kenya New Delhi, India, February 25-March 8, ports produced, requests should be lim- or in sub-Saharan Africa at the present 1981, was recently published by the ited to one copy per person or organiza- time. He does, however, certainly be- Service (F.R. 9/15/81). Copies of the tion. amendment (F.R. 4/7/81) resulted in ground on the amendment and informa- CITES NEWS 1,171 responses, 688 opposing a reser- tion on the U.S. decision not to take a vation and 483 requesting that the U.S. reservation, see the September 4, September 1981 enter a reservation. For more back- 1981, Federal Register.

The Service's Office of the Scientific Authority (OSA)—replacing the Endan- Export Findings Proposed For gered Species Scientific Authority (ESSA)—functions as staff to the U.S. Appendix II Species Scientific Authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Proposed export findings for seven of intent (F.R. 5/26/81). Comments on (CITES). OSA reviews applications to Appendix II species have been issued this proposal were received by the export and import species protected by the Service (F.R. 9/10/81). Please Service until September 25, 1981. under the Convention, reviews the sta- refer to the Federal Register cited tus of wild animals and plants impacted above for the complete listing of States by trade, makes certain findings con- to which the Service has proposed to Two New cerning housing and care of protected grant, or not to grant, export approval specimens, and advises on trade con- for these species. trols. If finalized, the proposed findings will CITES Parties affect the 1981-82 harvest of bobcat, The number of nations party to CITES U.S. Voices Concern Regarding lynx, river otter, Alaskan gray wolf, now totals 73. The two newest parties CITES Amendment Alaskan brown bear, American alligator, are the Republic of the Phillipines and Although the U.S. seriously consid- and American ginseng, all species pro- the Republic of Columbia whose agree- ered entering a reservation on the re- tected in trade by CITES. The Service's ments will enter into force on Novem- cent amendment to the CITES Appendix findings are based on biological data ber 16, 1981, and November 29, 1981, II which now lists all but three species of provided by the States, the existence of respectively. the order Psittaciformes not othen«ise various State management abilities, and A complete list of CITES parties is listed, a decision was made against this the criteria described in its earlier notice printed below: consideration (F.R. 9/4/81). Instead, the U.S. decided to inform other countries of its displeasure with the listing through Party Nations Date of Party Nations Date of diplomatic channels which was done in entry entry into force into force late August. At the Conference of Parlies in New Delhi, India, where the Psittaciformes amendment was voted on by the CITES 1. Argentina 4/8/81 38. Monaco 7/18/78 parties, the U.S. expressed its concern 2. Australia 10/27/76 39. Morocco 1/14/76 about the traffic of the species and 3. Bahamas 9/18/79 40. Mozambique 6/23/81 4. made proposals for listing a number of Bolivia 10/4/79 41. Nepal 9/16/75 5. Botswana 2/12/78 Nicaragua 11/4/77 the species. However, the U.S. also ex- 42. 6. Brazil 11/4/75 43. Niger 12/7/75 pressed a great concern with the admin- 7, Cameroon, United 9/3/81 44, Nigeria 7/1/75 istrative capability of all parties to issue Republic of 45, Norway 10/25/76 meaningful permits for the export of 8. Canada 7/9/75 46, Pakistan 7/19/76 these birds, and to enforce the Conven- 9. Central African Republic 11/25/80 47, Panama 11/15/78 tion properly in their regard. In addition, 10. Ctiile 7/1/75 48, Papua New Guinea 3/11/76 the U.S. stated its belief that the "look- 11. Columbia, Republic of 11/29/81 49. Paraguay 2/13/77 alike" listing was not fully justified in 12. Costa Rica 9/28/75 50. Peoples' Republic of 4/8/81 many cases. (The Psittaciformes 13. Cyprus 7/1/75 China amendment was made largely on the 14, Denmark 10/24/77 51. Peru 9/25/75 basis of Article II, paragraph 2(B) of 15. Ecuador 7/1/75 52. Phillipines, Republic of 11/16/81 16. 3/11/81 CITES—known as the "look-alike" pro- Egypt 4/4/78 53. Portugal 17. Finland 8/8/76 54, Rwandese Republic 1/18/81 vision.) 18. France 8/9/78 55. Senegal 11/3/77 The U.S. expressed in its formal com- 19. Gambia 11/24/77 56, Seychelles 5/9/77 munication to the CITES parties that it 20. German Democratic 1/7/76 57. South Africa 10/13/75 chose not to enter a reservation on the Republic 58. Sri Lanka 8/2/79 amendment, believing that better ways 21. Germany, Federal 6/20/76 59. Suriname 2/15/81 are available to resolve the existing dif- Republic of 60. Sweden 7/1/75 22, Ghana 2/12/76 Switzerland 7/1/75 ferent points of view. Entering reserva- 61. 23. Guatemala 2/5/80 62. Tanzania, United Republic 2/27/80 tions complicates CITES administration 24, Guyana 8/25/77 of for management authorities and en- 25. India 10/18/76 63. Togo 1/21/79 forcement officers and complicates 26. Indonesia 3/28/79 64. Tunisia 7/1/75 compliance with CITES by persons in- 27. Iran 11/1/76 65. Union of Soviet Socialist 12/8/76 volved in legitimate trade. The commu- 28. Israel 3/17/80 Republics nication to CITES nations urged consid- 29, Italy 12/31/79 66. United Arab Emirates 7/1/75 eration of U.S. concerns in the 10-year 30, Japan 11/4/80 67. United Kingdom 10/31/76 review of the appendices called for at 31. Jordan 3/14/79 68, United States of America 7/1/75 New Delhi and in the preparation for the 32. Kenya 3/13/79 69. Uruguay 7/1/75 33. Liberia 6/9/81 1/22/78 fourth meeting of the Conference of par- 70, Venezuela 34, Liectitenstein 2/28/80 7i: Zaire 10/18/76 ties. 35. Madagascar 11/18/75 72, Zambia 2/22/81 Inquiry regarding the position of the 36, Malaysia 1/18/78 73. Zimbabwe 8/17/81 U.S. public on the Psittaciformes 37. Mauritius 7/27/75 Data Support Removing Bobcat From CITES List Section 6 Funds Cease; State Program Summarized

September 30, the final day of fiscal year 1981, also marked the end of a 5 year grant-in-aid program under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Termination of this program to assist States in endangered species conservation efforts was effected by Congress as part of the 1982 budget- trimming procedures. A summary of the program is contained in the following text and accompanying chart. Nearly $24 million in matching Feder- al funds was given over the 5 year peri- od to 38 States having Cooperative Agreements with the Fish and Wildlife Service. These dollars were spent on 88 federally listed species and 173 State listed or candidate species. The federal listed species included 17 mammals, 17 birds, 12 reptiles, 3 amphibians, 10 fish, 19 mollusks, and 10 arthropods (insects Currently 11 States list the bobcat as protected against taking and 37 States allow a regulated harvest. The above picture was taken in Nevada. and crustaceans). The $11.8 million in- vested for federally listed species was distributed as follows: 46 percent of the The Service announced in a prelimi- proposal to list all Felidae on Appendix funds were for birds, 23 percent for nary notice (F.R, 9/14/81) a proposal to II except those already listed on Appen- mammals, 15 percent for reptiles and delist the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in the dix I and the common house cat (Fells amphibians, 8 percent for fish, 4 per- United States and Canada since it was catus). Since the U.S. generally op- cent for invertebrates (mollusks and in- inappropriately Included in Appendix II poses the taking of reservations on any sects), and 1 percent for plant surveys. of the Convention on International species, it refrained from doing so in The balance of the grant funds were Trade in Endangered Species of Wild this case. utilized for State listed species, law en- Fauna and Flora (CITES). The notice in- In 1979, the parties adopted a resolu- forcement, educational efforts, endan- vites comments from the public which tion to allow the correction of this situa- gered species surveys, and program will be considered in determining wheth- tion involving species which have been planning and administration. er or not the United States should sub- included on Appendices I and II without In terms of funds allocated, the 10 top mit, by postal procedures, the proposal having the appropriate supporting data. species were 1) peregrine falcon, 2) for CITES parties to review regarding In an attempt to strengthen the scientific bald eagle, 3) Kirtland's warbler, 4) the bobcat's removal from Appendix II. validity of the appendices, the parties blunt-nosed leopard lizard, 5) West Indi- The bobcat is found throughout mucti decided that species included on Ap- an manatee, 6) Indiana bat, 7) southern of the U.S., north to the Canadian bor- pendices I and II prior to the First Con- sea otter, 8) American alligator, 9) red- der, crossing into British Columbia in ference of Parties may be proposed for cockaded woodpecker, and 10) logger- the west and Nova Scotia in the east deletion or for transfer from Appendix I head turtle. The 88 federally listed and south into Mexico. The degree of to Appendix II, or vice versa, "if a care- species which were assisted by the Pro- protection now given to the Central ful review of all available information on gram are listed in the accompanying Mexican subspecies (Fells rufus es- the status of the species does not lead chart, along with the amount of funds al- cuinape), which is listed in Appendix I of to the conclusion that the species would located for them and the States carrying CITES and as Endangered under the be eligible for retention in its present out the projects. Endangered Species Act of 1973, would appendix under the adopted criteria." not be affected by this proposal. controlling international trade in other Status of Bobcat Felidae. Background Following the inclusion of all Felidae Since 1976, all of the States which al- species in Appendix II of CITES, all In 1976, at the time of the First Con- low a bobcat harvest have taken posi- States allowing a harvest of bobcats ference of CITES Parties, criteria for tive steps to determine the status of have had to meet standards set up by listing and delisting CITES species were their respective bobcat populations. At the U.S. Scientific Authority in order to established. Many species had been least 5 years of harvest data and popu- export bobcat pelts. These criteria re- placed on the appendices prior to this lation information have been gathered quire'the States annually to furnish har- meeting, however, without having the on a national basis. From these studies, vest figures (numbers taken, number of appropriate supporting evidence which it is evident that the bobcat is not a cur- trappers, and prices paid for pelts), pop- the criteria (Berne, 1976) later called rently threatened or a potentially threat- ulation estimates and trends, habitat as- for. The bobcat is among the species ened species. It is further evident that sessment (trends), and management listed in this manner. removal of this species from Appendix II plans. Population estimates arrived at Inclusion of the bobcat on Appendix II will have little adverse effect on its sur- by the various States having bok>cats in- occurred when the parties adopted a vival or on the effectiveness of CITES in Continued on page 8 ENDANGERED SPECIES GRANTS For Federal Listed Species

Federal Federal Funds Funds Species ($1,000's) States Species ($1,000's) States

MAMMALS REPTILES (con.) Indiana bat 443.1 AR, lA, MA, MD, Loggerhead sea turtle 349.6 FL, GA, NC, SC Ml, MO, NJ, NY, Leatherback sea turtle 19.0 VI VA, Wl Blunt-nosed leopard lizard 556.0 CA Gray bat 31.1 AR, MO Island night lizard 25.1 CA Ozark big-eared bat 11.7 AR, MO Atlantic saltmarsh snake 7.1 FL Grizzly bear 60.0 CO, ID, WY San Francisco garter snake 55.9 CA Black-footed ferret 124.2 CO, NB, NM, SD, Eastern indigo snake 66.3 FL, GA UT, WY Southern sea otter 410.0 CA TOTAL 1, 614.4 Gray wolf 127.8 ID, Ml, MN, NM, NY, Wl, WY AMPHIBIANS San Joaquin kit fox 188.8 CA Florida panther 97.7 FL Desert slender salamander 55.9 CA Eastern cougar 66.6 AR, GA, NY, VA Santa Cruz long-toed 55.9 CA Delmarva fox squirrel 137.4 DE, MD, VA salamander Utah prairie dr.xj 23.3 UT Pine barrens treefrog 23.5 FL, NJ, SC Monro Bay kangaroo rat 226.0 CA Salt marsh harvest mouse 18.2 CA TOTAL 135.5 West Indian manatee 518.9 FL Columbian white-tailed 109.2 WA FISH deer Key deer 2.0 FL Greenback cutthroat 108.1 CO Humpback chub 67.2 CO, UT, WY TOTAL 2, 596.0 Bon)^ail Chub 5.7 UT Mohave chub 135.9 CA BIRDS Woundfin 7.5 UT Colorado River squawfish 310.1 CA, CO, UT Aleutian Canada goose 49.6 CA Owens pupfish 195.9 CA Brown pelican 213.2 FL, NC, SC, VA, Tecopa pupfish 43.0 CA VI, CA Okaloosa darter 44.9 FL California condor 185.1 CA Unarmored three-spine 55.9 CA Everglade kite 23.5 FL stickleback BakI eagle 1,468.5 CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, TOTAL 974.2 MA, MD, ME, Ml, MN, MT, NB, NH, INVERTEBRATES NJ, NM, NY, PA, Rl, SC, TN, UT, Mollusks VA, WA, Wl Peregrine fateon 1, 859.8 CA, CO, FL, GA, Chittenango ovate 18.3 NY ID, MA, MD, Ml, amber snail MT, NB, NJ, NM, Iowa pleistocene snail 8.6 lA NY, PA, Rl, SC, Curtis pearly mussel 34.0 MO SD, TN, UT, VA, Fresh water mussels 141.0 TN, VA, Wl WA (16 species) San Clemente 18.2 CA k>ggertiead shrike TOTAL 201.9 Whooping crane 59.6 CO, FL, KS, NB California clapper 22.6 CA Arthropods ICUrailI Yuma cl2ipper rail 16.1 CA El Segundo blue 37.3 CA Light-footed clapper 45.5 CA butterfly rail Lotis blue butterfly 37.3 CA Califomia least tern 73.1 CA Mission blue 37.3 CA Red-cockaded 369.4 AR, FL, GA, MD butterfly woodpecker NC, TN, VA Smith's blue butterfly 37.3 CA Kirtland's warbler 874.6 FL, Ml, Wl Palos Verdes blue 12.9 CA Reed Wartjler 32.5 GU butterfly San Clemente sage 18.6 CA Lange's metalmark 37.3 CA span^ow butterfly Dusky seaside sparrow 103.0 FL San Bmno elfin butterfly 37.3 CA TOTAL 5,432.9 Kem primrose sphinx moth 12.9 CA Valley eklert>en7 longhom 12.9 CA REPTILES beetle Delta ground beetle 12.9 CA American crocodile 34.2 FL TOTAL 275.4 American alligator 422.9 AR, FL, GA, NC, PLANTS OIPw Plymouth red-bellied 14.9 MA Plant Surveys 482.4 CA, CO, GA, OH, turtle Rl, SC, WA, WY Green sea turtle 43.2 FL Hawksbill sea turtle 20.2 VI TOTAL 11, 713.3 GPO 361-580 BOBCAT Continued from page 6 BOX SCORE OF SPECIES LISTINGS dicate that currently there are between 725,000 and 1,020,000 bobcats with a mean of 871,000 in the Continental U.S. ENDANGERED THREATENED SPECIES Category U.S. U.S. & Foreign U.S. U.S. & Foreign TOTAL Many States have management plans Only Foreign Only Only Foreign Only to annually harvest 10 to 20 percent of the bobcat population. Few exceed this Mammals 15 17 224 3 0 21 280 Birds 52 14 144 3 0 0 213 percentage in actual take. In the past 5 Reptiles 7 6 55 8 4 0 80 years, the annual take of bobcats has Amphibians 5 0 8 3 0 0 16 averaged 91,000—or less than 10 per- Fishes 29 4 11 12 0 0 56 cent of the calculated available popula- Snails 3 0 1 5 0 0 9 tion. Clams 23 0 2 0 0 0 25 Crustaceans 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 insects 7 0 0 4 2 0 13 Trade Status and Protection Plants 51 2 0 7 1 2 63 TOTAL 193 43 445 45 7 23 756 While trappers take bobcats primarily for the fur trade, which is largely an ex- * Separate populations of a species, listed both as Endangered and Threatened, are tallied port market, hunters shoot them for twice. Species which are thus accounted for are the gray wolf, bald eagle, American alligator, sport and do not regularly sell the pelts. green sea turtle, and Olive rldley sea turtle. (In addition to commercial and sport harvests, a number of animals are re- Number of species currently proposed: 17 animals moved annually because of their threat 8 plants to livestock and poultry.) Available data Number of Critical Habitats listed: 50 show that in many States, approximate- Number of Recovery Teams appointed: 68 ly 55 percent of the bobcats harvested Number of Recovery Plans approved: 41 are taken by trappers and 45 percent by Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: 38 fish & wildlife hunters. Around 45 percent of the bob- 10 plants September 30, 1981 cat pelts harvested are exported annu- ally. Therefore, it appears that, even without regulation by CITES, bobcats tected species. Currently (1980-81 sea- The lynx is the only animal whose pelt probably would continue to be har- son) 11 States list the bobcat as might be mistaken for that of a bobcat. vested in many States at nearly the protected against taking and 37 States While somewhat similar in appearance present level. allow a regulated harvest. All States al- to the Canadian lynx {Lynx cana- Even with the tremendous rise in fur lowing a bobcat harvest have the popu- densis), the bobcat differs from It and is prices, especially in 1978-79, the har- lation data and the management ability sufficiently distinct so that there is no vest of bobcats and the numbers of needed to regulate that harvest by reasonable need to regulate bobcat ex- pelts exported did not rise significantly. means of seasons, bag limits, and man- ports In order to effectively control trade This is probably because only prime datory tagging and reporting. in lynx or other species of cats. pelts are utilized in trade and the num- Since each State that allows a bobcat The Service will consider all informa- ber required by the European market is harvest has established a management tion and comments received by Novem- limited. program for the species, the Service ber 13, 1981, in determining whether It Before 1976, the bobcat was listed as finds there is no biological basis for es- should submit the proposal to the party a predator by many States which paid a tablishing additional legal protection. nations. Correspondence concerning bounty for their removal; few States had Approximately 55 percent of the U.S. the September 14, 1981, notice should closed seasons or management plans bobcat harvest is utilized within the U.S. be sent to the Office of the Scientific for the species. Now, no State pays a and the elimination of CITES export re- Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv- bounty and all States manage the bob- quirements would have little impact on ice, Washington, D.C. 20240. (202/653- cat as a game animal, furbearer, or pro- the current or future harvest of species. 5948).

October 1981 vol. VIlMo. 10

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Department of interior. U.S. Fish and wildlife Service POSTAGE AND FEES PAID Technical Bulletin Endangered Species program, Washington, D.C. 20240 us DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Int423