A Letter from Biologists to the United States Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act

M a r c h 2 0 0 6 The Endangered Species Act is scientifically sound and its goals are important to human well-being. We should improve its performance, not reduce its protections.

Jane Lubchenco, Marine Ecologist Valley Professor of Marine Biology and Distinguished Professor of Zoology, Oregon State University; member, National Academy of Sciences; MacArthur Fellow; past president, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Ecological Society of America, and International Council for Science

As children, small creatures endlessly fascinate us; as adults, we can protect them so as to inspire future children.

Les E. Watling, Marine Ecologist Professor of Biological Oceanography and former director, Darling Marine Center, University of Maine; Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation; and past president, Crustacean Society

Scientists know we must protect species because they are working parts of our life-support system.

Paul Ehrlich, Entomologist, Population Biologist Bing Professor of Population Studies and president, Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, California; member, National Academy of Sciences; MacArthur Fellow; and Crafoord Prize winner in Bioscience

For what DNA literacy if we have extinguished the books?

Daniel H. Janzen, Evolutionary Ecologist Professor of Biology, University of Pennsylvania; member, National Academy of Sciences; MacArthur Fellow; and Crafoord Prize winner in Bioscience

To weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act is to doom more species to extinction.

Walter V. Reid, Ecologist Consulting professor, Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, California; former director, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment; and past board member, Society for Conservation Biology A Letter from Biologists to the United States Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act

M a r c h 2 0 0 6 March 2006

A Letter from 5,738 Biologists to the United States Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act

Dear Senators: e are writing as biologists with expertise in a variety of scientific disciplines that concern biological diversity and the loss of species. With the Senate considering W policies that could have long-lasting impacts on this nation’s species diversity, we ask that you take into account scientific principles that are crucial to species conservation. Biological diversity provides food, fiber, medicines, clean water, and myriad other ecosystem products and services on which we depend every day. If we look only at well-studied species groups, nearly one-third of native species in the United States are at risk of disappearing. Extinction is truly irreversible — once gone, individual species and all of the services that they provide us cannot be brought back. On December 8, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) with the goal of conserving endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems on which they depend. For species that have been listed and provided protection under the ESA, much of that purpose has been achieved. According to an article in the September 30, 2005, edition of Science, less than one percent of listed species have gone extinct since 1973, while 10 percent of candidate species still waiting to be listed have suffered that fate. In addition to the hundreds of species that the Act has protected from extinction, listing has contributed to population increases or the stabilization of populations for at least 35 percent of listed species, and perhaps significantly more, as well as the recovery of such signature species as the peregrine falcon. While complete recovery has been realized for just two percent of species listed, given the precarious state of most species when listed, this represents significant progress. one of the great strengths of the Endangered Species Act is its foundation in sound scientific principles and its reliance on the best available science. Unfortunately, recent legislative proposals would critically weaken this foundation. For species conservation to continue, it is imperative both that the scientific prin- ciples embodied in the Act are maintained, and that the Act is strengthened, fully implemented, and adequately funded.

➤ L i s t i n g Objective scientific information and methods should be used in listing species, subspecies, and distinct population segments as endangered or threatened under the Act. While non-scientific factors may appropri- ately be considered at points later in the process of protecting species, their use in listing decisions is incon- sistent with biologically defensible principles. Due to the fragile state of many of those species that require the Act’s protections, the listing process needs to proceed as promptly as possible; otherwise, species will go extinct while waiting to be listed.

➤ H a b i t a t Habitat provides the unique food, shelter, and other complex requirements that each species needs for its survival; habitat loss and degradation are the principal reasons for the decline of most species at risk. Habi- tat protection is essential if species are to be conserved and the goals of the ESA are to be met. The relation- ship between species, their habitats, and the threats they face can be exceedingly complex. Therefore, the chances of species recovery are maximized when habitat protection is based on sound scientific principles, and when the determinations of the biological needs of at-risk species are scientifically well informed.

1 From NatureServe, an international network of scientists cataloguing biological diversity. 2 The National Academy of Science’s National Research Council said in its seminal 1995 report, Science and the Endangered Species Act: “...there has been a good match between science and the ESA...[and] the ESA is based on sound scientific principles.” The obligation for federal agencies to consult with the appropriate wildlife agency and its biologists when federal actions could affect habitat for listed species is an indispensable provision in the ESA. It pro- vides the means for science to inform decisions about the habitat-dependent survival and recovery of species at-risk. The designation of critical habitat places further obligations on the federal government to, among other things, protect the habitat essential to species recovery. It is far more effective, far easier, and far less expensive to protect functioning natural habitats than it is to recreate them once they are gone.

➤ S c i e n t i f i c T o o l s The current Endangered Species Act standard of “best available science” has worked well and has been flexible enough over time to accommodate evolving scientific information and practice. Failure to keep the ESA open to the use of scientific information from the best available research and monitoring, and to rely on impartial scientific experts, will contribute to delays in species recovery and to species declines and ex- tinctions. Critical scientific information should not only include current empirical data, but also, for exam- ple, historic habitat and population information, population surveys, habitat and population modeling, and taxonomic and genetic studies. Use of scientific knowledge should not be hampered by administrative requirements that overburden or slow the Act’s implementation, or by limiting consideration of certain types of scientific information.

➤ R e c o v e r y P l a n s Recovery plans must be science-based documents that are developed with the input of scientists and are responsive to new information. Recovery plans must be based on the best possible information about the specific biology of each species, must identify threats to each species and address what is needed to mitigate those threats, and must predict how species are likely to respond to mitigation measures that may be adopted. To be most effective, recovery plans need to incorporate scientific principles of adaptive management, so they can be updated as new information on species and their habitats becomes available. Changes to the ESA that would delay completion of recovery plans, or provide for inflexible recovery goals that cannot be informed by new or additional scientific knowledge, should be avoided.

➤ S c i e n t i f i c A dvances and N e w I s s u e s The scientific community has contributed significant new information on imperiled species, their uses of habitats, and threats to those resources since the ESA was first passed into law. Serious, new, and as yet insufficiently addressed issues, such as global warming and invasive species, have emerged as primary environmental concerns that affect the fate of our native species diversity. We urge Congress to initiate thorough studies to consider the foremost problems that drive species toward extinction. Losing species means losing the potential to solve some of humanity’s most intractable problems, in- cluding hunger and disease. The Endangered Species Act is more than just a law — it is the ultimate safety net in our life support system. As Earth has changed and as science has progressed since the Endangered Species Act was authorized in 1973, the ESA has served our nation well, largely because of its flexibility and its solid foundation in science. It is crucial to maintain these fundamental principles. The challenges of effective implementation of the Act should not be interpreted to require substantive rewriting of this valuable, well-functioning piece of legislation.

Thank you very much for taking our concerns into account. We are available to discuss any and all of the issues we have raised.

Sincerely, 5,738 Scientific Experts Concerned About Endangered Species and Their Habitats Signatories to the Letter from Biologists to the U.S. Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act Alabama

Robert Angus, Ph.D. Steven Ginzbarg, M.A. Daniel J. McGarvey, M.S. Joseph Scanlan, M.D. Professor Department of Biological Sciences Doctoral Candidate Pike Road, AL Department of Biology The University of Alabama Department of Biology University of Alabama, Birmingham Tuscaloosa, AL University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Paul M. Stewart, Ph.D. Birmingham, AL Tuscaloosa, AL Professor Rosine W. Hall, Ph.D. Department of Biological and Michael Barbour, M.S. Associate Professor and Michael W. Mullen, M.S. Environmental Sciences Science Information Associate Dean Director Troy University Program Manager Department of Biology Department of Biological and Troy, AL Alabama Natural Heritage Program Auburn University, Montgomery Environmental Sciences Montgomery, AL Montgomery, AL Center for Environmental Jeffrey A. Stratford, Ph.D. Research and Service Department of Biological Sciences David R. Bayne, Ph.D. Robert W. Hastings, Ph.D. Troy University Auburn University Professor Prattville, AL Troy, AL Auburn, AL Department of Fisheries Auburn University Alan Hitch, M.S. David H. Nelson, Ph.D. Robert W. Thacker, Ph.D. Auburn, AL Doctoral Candidate Associate Professor Assistant Professor School of Forestry and Department of Biology Department of Biology Joel A. Borden, M.S. Wildlife Sciences University of South Alabama University of Alabama, Birmingham Mobile, AL Auburn University Mobile, AL Birmingham, AL Auburn, AL Virginia N. Brown, M.S. John O’Brien, Ph.D. Lindsey Timmerman, M.S. Program Administrator Joseph Daniel Husband Assistant Professor Mobile, AL Department of Biology Doctoral Candidate Department of Biology Vulcan Materials Dauphin Island, AL University of South Alabama Michael Welker Environmental Center Mobile, AL Master’s Candidate Samford University Ronald L. Jenkins, Ph.D. Department of Biological Sciences Birmingham, AL Professor Kristina Pendergrass, M.S. University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Department of Biology Research Associate Tuscaloosa, AL David C. Campbell, Ph.D. Samford University Auburn, AL Department of Biological Sciences Birmingham, AL Philip A. Wood, D.V.M., PhD University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Stephen Perrett, Ph.D. Professor Tuscaloosa, AL Bernard Kuhajda, Ph.D. Birmingham, AL Birmingham, AL Department of Biological Sciences Dennis R. DeVries, Ph.D. University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Monica Powers, M.S. Jessica Wooten, M.S. Professor Tuscaloosa, AL Research Technician Doctoral Candidate Department of Fisheries and Department of Marine Sciences Department of Biological Sciences Allied Aquacultures Robert O. Lawton, Ph.D. University of South Alabama University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Auburn University Department of Biological Sciences Dauphin Island, AL Tuscaloosa, AL Auburn, AL University of Alabama, Huntsville Huntsville, AL Katharine Redman, M.S. Jennifer Estes, M.S. Bangor, UK, AL Division of Ecology and Evolution Brian Lowe, M.S. University of Alabama, Birmingham Department of Biological Sciences Leslie Rissler, Ph.D. Birmingham, AL Auburn University Assistant Professor Auburn, AL Tuscaloosa, AL Jeffrey T. Garner, M.S. Mussel Management Supervisor Clinton S. Major, M.S. Donald W. Salter, Ph.D. Florence, AL Mobile, AL Professor Department of Biological and William R. Gates, M.S. Kelly Major, Ph.D. Environmental Sciences Certified Wildlife Biologist Assistant Professor University of West Alabama Madison, AL Department of Biological Sciences Livingston, AL University of South Alabama Mobile, AL

I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y Signatories to the Letter from Biologists to the U.S. Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act Alaska

William S. Armbruster, Ph.D. Frederick Dean, Ph.D. Charles B. Johnson, M.S. Scott Meyer, M.S. Institute of Arctic Biology Fairbanks, AK Senior Scientist Fishery Biologist University of Alaska, Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK Homer, AK Fairbanks, AK George Divoky, Ph.D. Institute of Arctic Biology Evan S. Kane, M.S. Christa Mulder, Ph.D. Joshua J. Bacon University of Alaska Department of Forest Soils Institute of Arctic Biology Biologist Fairbanks, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK Wildlife Management Fairbanks, AK North Slope Borough Jerry S. Dixon, M.S. Edward C. Murphy, Ph.D. Barrow, AK Biologist Steve Kendall, M.A.T Professor Science Advisory Committee Wildlife Biologist Department of Biology and Wildlife Edgar P. Bailey, M.S. Alaska SeaLife Center Fairbanks, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks Homer, AK Seward, AK Fairbanks, AK David R. Klein, Ph.D. Alan R. Batten, M.S. Sean Farley, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus David F. Murray, Ph.D. Collections Manager Wildlife Biologist Institute of Arctic Biology Museum Herbarium Wildlife Conservation University of Alaska, Fairbanks University of Alaska, Fairbanks University of Alaska Museum Alaska Department of Fairbanks, AK Fairbanks, AK of the North Fish and Game Fairbanks, AK Anchorage, AK Brian E. Lawhead, M.S. Lee O’Brien, M.S. Fairbanks, AK Soldotna, AK Jennifer H. Boisvert, M.S. Erich H. Follmann, Ph.D. Research Biologist Professor Julie Maier, Ph.D. David E. Orabutt, Jr., M.S. ABR, Inc. Institute of Arctic Biology Assistant Professor Fisheries Biologist Anchorage, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks Department of Science Homer, AK Fairbanks, AK Interior-Aleutians Campus, University Richard D. Boone, Ph.D. of AlaskA. Fairbanks Keith Pahlke, M.S. Associate Professor James L. Fox Fairbanks, AK Fishery Biologist Institute of Arctic Biology Fairbanks, AK Department of Fish and Game University of Alaska, Fairbanks Varsha Mathrani, M.P.H. State of Alaska Fairbanks, AK Nancy Fresco, M.S. Environmental Health Coordinator Douglas, AK Biology and Wildlife Anchorage, AK Marion S. Bret-Harte, Ph.D. University of Alaska, Fairbanks Brian T. Person, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor Fairbanks, AK Craig O. Matkin, M.S. Wildlife Biologist Institute of Arctic Biology North Gulf Oceanic Society Barrow, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks Elizabeth Green Homer, AK Fairbanks, AK Master’s Candidate Alex Prichard, M.S. Department of Biology and Wildlife Colleen Matt, M.S. Research Biologist Abel Bult-ito, Ph.D. University of Alaska, Fairbanks Chief Fairbanks, AK Associate Professor Fairbanks, AK Natural Resources Institute of Arctic Biology Lake Clark National Park and Erik R. Pullman, Ph.D. University of Alaska, Fairbanks David Gustine, M.S. Preserve Fairbank, AK Fairbanks, AK Department of Biology and Wildlife Anchorage, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks Martha K. Raynolds, M.S. F. S. Chapin III, Ph.D. Fairbanks, AK Carol L. McIntyre, Ph.D. Research Associate Professor Fairbanks, AK Institute of Arctic Biology Department of Biology and Wildlife Lee Hammarstrom University of Alaska, Fairbanks University of Alaska, Fairbanks Fisheries Biologist Robert Bruce Medhurst Fairbanks, AK Fairbanks, AK Homer, AK Master’s Candidate Department of Biology and Wildlife Mari Reeves Heather Anne Coletti, M.S. Derek Hildreth, M.S. University of Alaska, Fairbanks U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist King Salmon, AK Fairbanks, AK Anchorage, AK Alaska Science Center U.S. Geological Survey Duane Howe, D.V.M. Rose Meier, Ph.D. Douglas Reynolds Anchorage, AK Homer, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks Anchorage, AK Fairbanks, AK Anthony P. Crupi, M.S. Falk Huettmann, Ph.D. Robert Joseph Ritchie, M.S. Juneau, AK Assistant Professor Brad Meiklejohn, M.S. Senior Scientist Department of Biology and Wildlife Alaska Representative Fairbanks, AK Institute of Arctic Biology Eagle River, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK

I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y Signatories to the Letter from Biologists to the U.S. Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act Alaska

Deborah D. Rudis, M.S. Pamela Seiser, M.S. Paddy Sullivan, Ph.D. Claramarie M. Walker, M.S. Juneau, AK Research Biologist Post-doctoral Fellow Watershed Specialist Fairbanks, AK Anchorage, AK Alaska Department of Fish Jessica A. Ryan, M.S. and Game Science Writer David Shaw David Tallmon, Ph.D. Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Geophysical Institute Master’s Candidate Assistant Professor Homer, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks Department of Biology and Wildlife Department of Biology Fairbanks, AK University of Alaska, Fairbanks University of Alaska, Southeast Ann Wildman, M.S. Fairbanks, AK Juneau, AK Research Biologist Eva L. Saulitis, M.S. Fairbanks, AK Marine Biologist Richard T. Shideler, M.S. Sherry Tamone, Ph.D. North Gulf Oceanic Society Alaska Department of Fish Assistant Professor Sadie Wright, M.S. Homer, AK and Game Juneau, AK Juneau, AK Fairbanks, AK John W. Schoen, Ph.D. Nancy G. Tankersley, M.S. Alison York, Ph.D. Senior Scientist Michael Smolen, Ph.D. Anchorage, AK Fairbanks, AK National Audubon Society Anchorage, AK Anchorage, AK Martha Tomeo, M.S. Richard G. Steiner, M.S. Denali Park, AK Professor University of Alaska, Anchorage Anchorage, AK

I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y Signatories to the Letter from Biologists to the U.S. Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act Arizona

A. Elizabeth Arnold, Ph.D. Debbie A. Brewer, M.S. Mark L. Daniels, M.S. Kristin J. Gade Assistant Professor Wildlife Biologist Ecological Restoration Institute Doctoral Candidate Tucson, AZ Elgin, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Tempe, AZ

Richard A. Bailowitz, M.S. Judith L. Bronstein, Ph.D. Rachel Davies Erika L. Geiger, Ph.D. Tucson, AZ Professor Master’s Candiate Research Associate Department of Ecology and School of Life Sciences School of Natural Resources Randy K. Bangert, Ph.D. Evolutionary Biology Arizona State University University of Arizona Flagstaff, AZ University of Arizona Tempe, AZ Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ Bridget Barker, M.S. J. Christopher Deegan Leslie Gilmore University of Arizona Paul D. Brooks, Ph.D. Master’s Candidate Master’s Candidate Tucson, AZ University of Arizona Department of Entomology Department of Biology Tucson, AZ University of Arizona Northern Arizona University Joseph R. Barnett Tucson, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Biological Science Technician Christine A. Brown U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Master’s Candidate Ryan G. Drum Manuela Gonzalez, Ph.D. Cibola, AZ Department of Master’s Candidate Doctoral Candidate Environmental Sciences Environmental Science and Policy School of Life Sciences Greg Barron-Gafford, M.S. Northern Arizona University Northern Arizona University Arizona State University Research Specialist Flagstaff, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Tempe, AZ Tucson, AZ Carol Chambers, Ph.D. Terri L. Eagan, M.S. Amy Greer Roger A. Barthelson, Ph.D. Associate Professor Owner Doctoral Candidate Assistant Research Scientist School of Forestry Geo Environmental Management School Of Life Sciences Department of Plant Sciences Northern Arizona University Lake Havasu City, AZ Arizona State University University of Arizona Flagstaff, AZ Tempe, AZ Tucson, AZ Brian J. Enquist, Ph.D. Peter L. Chesson, Ph.D. Associate Professor Shannon Grubbs Robert A. Behrstock, M.S. Professor Department of Ecology and Graduate Research Assistant Owner Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology School of Natural Resources Naturewide Images Evolutionary Biology University of Arizona University of Arizona Hereford, AZ University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ Paul Beier, Ph.D. Anne Estes Raul Gutierrez, Ph.D. Conservation Biologist Michael Childs, M.S. Doctoral Candidate School of Life Sciences Northern Arizona University Cornville, AZ Department of Ecology and Arizona State University Flagstaff, AZ Evolutionary Biology Tempe, AZ Joseph M. Cicero, Ph.D. University of Arizona Melinda Bell, M.A. Department of Plant Sciences Tucson, AZ John A. Hall, Ph.D. Flagstaff, AZ University of Arizona Sonoran Desert Program Manager Tucson, AZ Chester R. Figiel, Jr., Ph.D. Department of Conservation Bonnie M. B. Bennetsen, Ph.D. Project Leader The Nature Conservancy Flagstaff, AZ Matthew J. Clark, M.S. Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery Tucson, AZ Conservation Ecologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Carolyn Bergstrom, Ph.D. School of Forestry Willow Beach, AZ Trevor Hare, M.S. Tempe, AZ Northern Arizona University Tucson, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Thomas L. Fleischner, PhD Alice Boyle Professor Annita D. Harlan, Ph.D. Doctoral Candidate Richard J. Clark, Ph.D. Department of Environmental Research Associate Department of Ecology and Professor (Retired) Studies Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology York College of Pennsylvania Prescott College Evolutionary Biology University of Arizona Prescott, AZ Prescott, AZ University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ Neil S. Cobb, Ph.D. Bobby H. Fokidis, Ph.D. Brad Boyle, Ph.D. Director Department of Life Sciences Rebecca S. Harms, M.S. Department of Ecology and Flagstaff, AZ Arizona State University Research Assistant Evolutionary Biology Tempe, AZ Center for Sustainable Environments University of Arizona Melanie Culver, Ph.D. Northern Arizona University Tucson, AZ Assistant Professor Michael J. Frank, Ph.D. Flagstaff, AZ Department of Natural Resources Assistant Professor Clait E. Braun, Ph.D. University of Arizona Department of Psychology Director Tucson, AZ and Neuroscience Grouse Inc. University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ

I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y Signatories to the Letter from Biologists to the U.S. Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act Arizona

Stephen C. Hart, Ph.D. Bryan Kluever Jeremy E. McClain Mark Ogonowski, M.S. Professor Graduate Assistant Master’s Candidate School of Natural Resources School of Forestry Department of Natural Resources Northern Arizona University University of Arizona Northern Arizona University University of Arizona Flagstaff, AZ Tucson, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Tucson, AZ Kim McCreery, Ph.D. Kerry M. Oliver, Ph.D. Christine Hass, Ph.D. George W. Koch, Ph.D. Tucson, AZ Research Associate Research Specialist and Principal Professor Department of Entomology Office of Institutional Research Department of Biological Sciences Mia McNulty, M.S. University of Arizona and Evaluation Northern Arizona University Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ University of Arizona Flagstaff, AZ Tucson, AZ Guy R. McPherson, Ph.D. Bret Pasch, M.S. Thomas E. Kolb, Ph.D. Professor Research Specialist Carter T. Holbrook Professor School of Natural Resources, School of Natural Resources Doctoral Candidate School of Forestry Department of Ecology and University of Arizona School of Life Sciences Northern Arizona University Evolutionary Biology Tucson, AZ Arizona State University Flagstaff, AZ University of Arizona Tempe, AZ Tucson, AZ Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman, Anne Kretschmann Ph.D. Patrick B. Holton, M.S. Master’s Candidate Melissa J. Merrick, M.S. Department of Ecology Environmental Sciences Tucson, AZ Wildlife Biologist and Evolutionary Biology Northern Arizona University School of Natural Resources University of Arizona Flagstaff, AZ Sarah Lantz, M.S. University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Tucson, AZ Andrew T. Holycross, Ph.D. Angela M. Picco School of Life Sciences Owen Leiser C. O. Minckley, Ph.D Master’s Candidate Arizona State University Doctoral Candidate Parker, AZ School of Life Sciences Tempe, AZ Arizona State University Arizona State University Tempe, AZ Jessica Mohler Tempe, AZ Peter Hubbell, M.A. Master’s Candidate Tucson, AZ Juan-Carlos Lerman, Ph.D. School of Life Sciences John W. Prather, Ph.D. Tucson, AZ Arizona State University Center for Environmental Sciences Ronald Hubert, M.S. Tempe, AZ and Education Flagstaff, AZ Robert Luce Northern Arizona University Vista, AZ W. Linn Montgomery, Ph.D. Flagstaff, AZ Martha S. Hunter, Ph.D. Professor Associate Professor Bethany Lund Department of Biological Sciences Sarah Reed, M.S. Department of Entomology Master’s Candidate Northern Arizona University Department of Environmental University of Arizona Tempe, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Science and Policy Tucson, AZ Northern Arizona University John M. Lynch, Ph.D. Nathan I. Morehouse Flagstaff, AZ Phil D. Jenkins, M.S. Honors Faculty Fellow Doctoral Candidate Herbarium Curator Barrett Honors College School of Life Sciences Peter Reinthal, Ph.D. Department of Plant Sciences Arizona State University Arizona State University Director University of Arizona Tempe, AZ Tempe, AZ Department of Ecology and Tucson, AZ Evolutionary Biology Elizabeth Makings, M.S. Axhel Munoz, M.A. University of Arizona Brian Keeley, Ph.D. Collections Manager Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ Conservation Director School of Life Sciences Flagstaff, AZ and Herbarium Tischa Munoz, M.S. Jennifer A. Riddell, M.S. Arizona State University Northern Arizona University School of Life Sciences Suzanne E. Kelly, M.S. Tempe, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Arizona State University Senior Research Specialist Tempe, AZ Tucson, AZ Meghan L. Maloney Shawn Newell, M.S. Master’s Candidate College of Engineering and Natural Roxanne C. Rios Ann P. Kinzig, Ph.D. Tucson, AZ Sciences Master’s Candidate Associate Professor Northern Arizona University School of Life Sciences School of Life Sciences Emil B. McCain Flagstaff, AZ Arizona State University Arizona State University Master’s Candidate Phoenix, AZ Tempe, AZ Borderlands Jaguar Detection Project Erika M. Nowak, M.S. Amado, AZ Doctoral Candidate Amy L. Russell, Ph.D. Wildlife Biologist Division of Biotechnology Studies Flagstaff, AZ University of Arizona Tucson, AZ

I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y Signatories to the Letter from Biologists to the U.S. Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act Arizona

Elizabeth Ruther, M.S. Edward J. Shadrick, M.S. Dennis M. Stone, M.S. David L. Ward, M.S. Center for Environmental Sciences Senior Ecologist Fisheries Biologist Arizona Department of Game and Education Mesa, AZ Flagstaff, AZ and Fish Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Flagstaff, AZ David S. Silverberg, Ph.D. Nathan G. Swenson, M.S. Professor Doctoral Candidate Michael D. Weiser, Ph.D. Damien Salamone Tucson, AZ Department of Ecology and Research Associate Research Assistant Evolutionary Biology Tucson, AZ Center for Infectious Disease Thomas D. Sisk, Ph.D. University of Arizona The BioDesign Institute Northern Arizona University Tucson, AZ Laura E. Williams, M.S. Tempe, AZ Flagstaff, AZ Department of Biology Heather L. Throop, Ph.D. Northern Arizona University Tracy Scheinkman, M. S. Michael F. Smith, M.S. Research Scientist Flagstaff, AZ Adjunct Facuty Pueblo High Magnet School School of Natural Resources Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ University of Arizona J. Judson Wynne, M.S. Tucson, AZ Doctoral Candidate Justin O. Schmidt, Ph.D. Candan Soykan Department of Biological Sciences Research Biologist Doctoral Candidate Paul Torrence, Ph.D. Northern Arizona University Southwestern Biological Institute School of Life Sciences Professor Flagstaff, AZ Tucson, AZ Graduate Program Department of Chemistry Arizona State University and Biochemistry Glenda S. Zahner, M.S. Andrew A. Schultz, M.S. Tempe, AZ Northern Arizona University Tucson, AZ Doctoral Candidate Flagstaff, AZ Tucson, AZ Scott C. Stark, B.S. Robert Zahner, Ph.D. Doctoral Candidate David R. Van Haverbeke, M.S. Professor Emeritus Department of Ecology and Fisheries Biologist Tucson, AZ Evolutionary Biology Flagstaff, AZ University of Arizona Tucson, AZ

I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y I n s t i t u t i o n al A f f ilia t i o n f o r I d e n t i f ica t i o n P u r p o ses O n l y Signatories to the Letter from Biologists to the U.S. Senate Concerning Science in the Endangered Species Act Arkansas

Ginny Adams, Ph.D. William J. Etges, Ph.D. John E. Marshall, M.S. Cynthia L. Sagers, Ph.D. Assisstant Professor Professor Program Coordinator and Instructor Associate Professor Department of Environmental Department of Biological Sciences Environmental/Safety Technology Department of Biological Sciences Science and Biology University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Pulaski Technical College University of Arkansas, Fayetteville University of Central Arkansas Fayetteville, AR North Little Rock, AR Fayetteville, AR Conway, AR Melissa Fierke, M.S. Glenn Marvin, Ph.D. David W. Stahle, Ph.D. Christopher M. Bare, M.S. Department of Entomology Conway, AR Tree-Ring Laboratory Department of Biological Sciences University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Department of Geosciences University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Fayetteville, AR William B. Melchior, Jr., Ph.D. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Fayetteville, AR Division of Biochemical Toxicology Fayetteville, AR Umadevi I. Garimella, Ph.D. National Center for Toxicological Robert J. Beyers, Ph.D. Department of Biology Research Tammy Tintjer, Ph.D. Mobile, AR University of Central Arkansas Jefferson, AR Department of Biology Conway, AR Hendrix College Nick Brown, Ph.D. Carol J. Patterson Conway, AR Endangered Species Coalition Linda Gatti-Clark, Ph.D. Doctoral Candidate Conway, AR Visiting Assistant Professor Eureka Springs, AR Robin R. Whitekiller, Ph.D. Conway, AR Lecturer Betty G. Crump, M.S. Glenn Piercey, M.S. Conway, AR Hot Springs, AR Gary Huxel, Ph.D. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Fayetteville, AR Fayetteville, AR Robert N. Wiedenmann, Ph.D. Donald E. Culwell, Ph.D. Department Head Professor Douglas L. Jeffries, Ph.D. Andy Radomski, Ph.D. Department of Entomology Department of Biology Professor Research Wildlife Biologist University of Arkansas, Fayetteville University of Central Arkansas Department of Biology Agricultural Research Service Fayetteville, AR Conway, AR University of the Ozarks U.S. Department of Agriculture Clarksville, AR Stuttgart, AR Beth Wright, M.S. Mike Eggleton, Ph.D. Cotton Plant, AR Assistant Professor Frank M. Knight, Ph.D. Aldemaro Romero, Ph.D. Aquaculture/Fisheries Center Professor Professor and Chair Susan Ziegler, Ph.D. University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff Department of