Condor (continued fronn page 3) with cranes. Her system requires the make releases to the wild should not taking up contaminants from other drawing of only a single drop of blood for overlook the possibility that some of the sources. There have been several docu- a smear on a slide, and the analysis can condor's former range, which extended mented cases of condor sickness, and be completed in a few hours. She will be through northern California, Oregon, one death, from birds feeding on poi- applying the test this summer to the and Washington to Puget Sound, may be soned rodents and other mammals. Andean condors at the Patuxent center more free of environmental problems Regardless of the source, Wilbur does in an experiment to see if the technique and give better promise of successful not believe the contamination problem is applicable to California condors. reestablishment than southern Califor- can be identified and corrected in time to Another problem to be solved is the nia, where the condor is declining. help the condors. absence of an absolutely safe method of Studies to determine the suitability of In response to suggestions that con- capturing condors. Condors are hardy the northern Sierra Nevada, Cascades, dors should be captured to take tissue birds, and prior experience with captur- and the Coast Range in the three Pacific samples for pesticide analysis and for ing Andean condors and turkey vultures Coast States should be an integral part marking and release to study their range has shown they can be taken with of the research preceding actual re- habits prior to capturing for propaga- minimal risk of injury. However, the total leases of California condors produced in tion, Wilbur says such programs could safety factor is required because a large captivity, he said. Meanwhile, release be carried out at the same time birds are number of birds may have to be captured experimentation in South America with trapped for the breeding program. He to obtain enough for breeding. Andean condors now being produced at says time is too limited, and the chances A decision still has to be made on the Patuxent center will provide guid- of uncovering pertinent new information whether immature birds or adults would ance concerning the methods of re- too slim, to justify such a separate make the best breeding stock. lease most likely to succeed with the project. The Patuxent center has had breeding California condor. In sum, Wilbur says there are enough success with all of its Andean condor condors now for six or seven breeding stock, including birds captured at stages pairs, yet only at most two young are ranging from one year to adult. The Artificial Nest Sites being produced each year. To replace taking of young birds could be advisable birds dying from old age or accident, an if air pollution is a factor, because they The team's proposal to build two or estimated four or five young are needed would be less likely to have accumulated three artificial nest sites—to be located annually just to maintain a total popula- contaminants in their tissues. in the Tehachapi Mountains, one of the tion of fifty birds. condor's main feeding areas—is in- Location of Breeding Pens tended to enhance propagation in the Sexing Barrier wild. The nest sites would be construct- Another undecided question is the ed of fiberglass or other materials to The team recommends that, if captive location of breeding facilities. California simulate sandstone cliffs and would be breeding is approved, trapping should Fish and Game Department officials, located much nearer to reliable food begin in thefall of 1978. This would allow who have tentatively endorsed captive sources than present nesting sites. It is time for resolving problems associated propagation as a last resort, believe the the recovery team's belief that the with the methods to be used and breeding should be done in California— absence of condor activity around obtaining the necessary permits. both because of public sentiment to suitable existing nest sites may be part of One of the main barriers is the lack of a keep the birds close to home and to the reason for decreased nesting. reliable sexing technique. Unlike the avoid the need to acclimate the birds to If artificial cliffs are erected, the team Andean condor, the California condor is be released. feels they may be used by condors. But not sexually dimorphic, and a chemical Ray Erickson has suggested that there is no evidence that condors have in test is needed to differentiate male from some of the breeding stock be moved to the past pioneered new nesting habitats. female. A steroid sexing procedure the Patuxent center, where operational Thus this proposal is considered much developed by the San Diego Zoo, using production of Andean condors has been less significant, although admittedly chemical analysis of droppings, deter- achieved in a thoroughly tested (11 also less risky, than captive breeding. mined that Topatopa was a female. But years) facility, with experienced person- The value of artificial nest structures, the procedure subsequently has been nel, and where full productivity of the however, may become evident when found to be reliable only during the birds now shows no evidence of environ- captive-bred condors born in these breeding season, and it is not known if it mental contamination. He believes that a structures in captivity recognize and use can be used to sex immature condors. measure of insurance would be provided them when they encounter them in the Dr. Ellen Rasch of Marquette Universi- by locating at least one California wild. ty is developing a method for determin- condor breeding unit outside areas All of the issues are under careful ing sex by measuring the weight of DNA where dangerous pollution has already review by the Fish and Wildlife Service. in blood cells (female sex chromosomes been found to be a serious problem. The Service plans to develop a course of are lighter) that already has worked well Erickson also suggests that plans to action in the next few months that will help encourage, insofar as is feasible with available resources, the continued Key Meeting on Wildlife Survival Set for June survival of the condor.

The 2nd Symposium on Endangered Stewart Udall, former Secretary of the North American Wildlife and Habitat is Interior; Marlin Perkins, zoologist, tele- Correction scheduled to be held In St. Louis, Mo., on vision personality, and acting directorof The title of a new Alabama Museum June 1-5, 1977. WCSRC; and Keith M. Schreiner, asso- of Natural History publication was Entitled "Wildlife Survival: Orientation ciate director of the U.S. Fish and incomplete as printed in the De- for Action," the June meeting is to be Wildlife Service and manager of the cember-January issue of the BUL- devoted to exploring what can be done Service's Endangered Species Program. LETIN. The full title is Endangered about a worsening situation. The sym- Schreiner will speak on recovery teams and Threatened Plants and Animals posium, to be sponsored by Mutual of and plans and their role in Endangered of Alabama. The publication is availa- Omaha, will be hosted by the Wild Canid species conservation. ble for $5 from the Alabama Museum Survival and Research Center. For further information on the sympo- of Natural History, P.O. Box 5897, Among the more than 60 guest speak- sium, write to WCSRC, Box 16204, St. University, Alabama 35486. ers and panelists will be keynote speaker Louis, Missouri 63105. Condor (continued from page 2) have expressed similarsentiments. Toby uge, acquired as a condor refuge and Cooper of the Defenders of Wildlife has supplemental feeding area. The Govern- California at Berkeley, a member of the noted that his organization could sup- ment has not yet acquired mineral rights Forest Service Condor Advisory Com- port the captive breeding plan only if on the ranchlands. mittee, has reservations as to the ability there is "no erosion of the strength of the Condors have not been feeding as of condors to breed better in captivity commitment to protect natural habitat." much on livestock and deer carcasses than in the wild. He notes: 4. Is the project economically sound?: set out for them as in prior years. This • If wild condors are so touchy about The team has not yet estimated the costs low condor activity could be associated disturbance near the nest, "it seems of a captive breeding program. But the with increased oil drilling in the area, or it unlikely that they would be less so in a building and maintenance of facilities may be due to a change in the condor's pen." and the care of birds over several range. Condors may fly 50 miles in • Wild birds carrying a burden of DDT or decades could total several million search of carrion. After eating, they may other pesticide "would not lose it in dollars. A Service review committee, perch awhile nearby and later return to captivity." which visited the team and the condor's their evening roost or nest—all in a • "Random pairing of birds in pens habitat in March, has raised the question period of about five hours. might or might not lead to romance. I of whether it would be more prudent to would suppose the chances of a compat- invest this sum of money in the preserva- The Pesticide Question ible pair meeting would be greater in a tion of other species that may have a free population." better chance of survival. Wilbur said the effects of pesticides • It is possible many of the condors are that have been used in the condor's beyond the age of reproduction. "They Dwindling Options range may have been severe enough to won't get any younger in pens." account for breeding reduction in the Observations in the field indicate that The review committee explored with 1960's. Wilbur has found evidence of wild condors achieve adult plumage at team leader Wilbur the advisability of significant eggshell thinning in eggs five or six years of age. Whetherthey will pursuing more research—as advocated dating back to this period; in addition, reproduce at that age in captivity has by Koford—before deciding to proceed moderate-to-high levels of chlorinated recently come under question through with captive breeding. Wilbur said there hydrocarbons have been found in dead observations of Topatopa at the Los is little chance that an additional year of condors, including one bird that died Angeles Zoo. This bird is now 11 years study would change the prognosis on after being shot last year. old, but only last year began exhibiting the condor's fate or produce data to The discovery of pesticide residues courting behavior. The bird's develop- refute the need for captive breeding. was something of a surprise, in that ment may have been slowed by many He pointed out that most of the condors feed for the most part on years of captivity, where exercise, diet, recovery plan elements already carried livestock, which normally are not heavily or lack of contact with other condors out have had little noticeable beneficial contaminated. Wilbur speculates that may have hindered development. effect. the condor may have some unusual 3. Is captive breeding already too Nesting and roosting sites have been metabolic process that leads to in- late?: The recovery team estimates it closed to human activities of all types, creased pesticide concentration in its would be "at least five to ten years" and disturbance does not now appear to tissues, perhaps associated with its before California condors bred in captiv- be a significant problem. The team, "boom or bust" feeding habits—gorging ity would be available for release back to however, is concerned about additional one day and fasting for the next two-to- the wild. The observations of Topatopa oil drilling and pumping near and in the four days. It is also possible condors are indicate that it could be as long as 20-to- Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Ref- (continued on page 4) 30 years, if the first generation of birds is kept as breeding stock and only the second and later generations are re- leased to the wild. The length of time required to produce concrete results is one of the principal arguments for early implementation of the proposal. As the natural population continues to decline, the odds will steadily shift against any plan of action. However, if 10-to-20 years must pass before any release can start, there is the chance that the wild population will already have dropped below the critical U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Photo point. California Condor {Gymnogyps Cailfornianus) Some biologists also fear that over this period much of the present condor The California condor {Gymnogyps californianus), a member of the family Cathartidae of New habitat may be lost to human encroach- World carrion-eating vultures, ranks as the largest land bird in North America. The adult condor is almost 4 feet long, weighs about 20 pounds, and has a wingspread of about 9 feet. ment and development of mineral re- The average lifespan of the condor is believed to be about 20 years, with individuals attaining sources. Moreover, it is possible that the the age of 40 or more. Sexes are nearly identical in appearance (consequently the male-female condor is declining because of environ- ratio of the remaining 40-50 birds is undetermined). In the wild, condors assume their adult mental conditions that cannot be re- plumage at approximately 6 years of age, and they begin breeding some time thereafter. versed. Hence, even if captive breeding Paired birds court as early as October and lay eggs between February and May. They do not succeeds, the birds released to the wild build nests. Rather, they simply lay their eggs on the sandy floor or in a crevice of a natural cave may be doomed because of environmen- set in sandstone cliffs. A clutch consists of only one egg, and incubation takes between 42 and 60 tal deterioration. days. The recovery team recognizes the The young bird remains confined to the cave for about 5 months. After that, being still unable to fly any significant distance, it stays in the vicinity of the cave for an additional period of about 10 possibility of continued habitat degrada- weeks. After fledging, the immature bird continues to depend upon its parents for several tion,and itemphasizesthatthefull range months. of habitat protection called for in the Because of this lengthy young-rearing process, condors usually cannot breed every year. recovery plan must accompany captive Nevertheless, breeding in consecutive years may occur at times when there is an abundant food breeding. Other conservation groups supply and an absence of competition for food between the young birds and adult birds. April 1977 Vol. II, No. 4

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN

Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240 The Gamble Will Captive Breeding Save California Condor? In legends passed down from ancient times by the Chumash and other Indian tribes of the Far West, there is clear disagreement about the California con- dor. Some tales portray the carrion-eater with the huge wingspan as a symbol of good; in others, an appearance of the bird circling in the skies is a portent of bad times ahead. Today, Gymnogyps californianus is at the center of another kind of "good" and "bad" conflict. Wildlife biologists gener- ally agree that the largest land bird in North America is slipping slowly toward extinction. Less than fifty individuals remain, including one in captivity, and the California Condor Recovery Team estimates that the population is produc- ing fewer than two young per year—not enough to maintain the present popula- tion level. But there is disagreement over what could or should be done to preserve the condor. The focus of the controversy is a recommendation by the recovery team, in a "contingency plan" proposed last year, to initiate a captive breeding program in the fall of 1978.

Background of the Plan

The idea of a contingency plan—a last-ditch effort to save the condor by taking some individuals from the wild, breeding them in captivity, and eventual- ly returning the progeny to the wild- was first brought up in the original condor recovery plan, approved in 1975. The plan itself, the prime objective of which was maintenance of a wild popu- lation of at least fifty individuals produc- ing at least four young per year, did not (continued on page 2)

Pending Rulemakings With this issue of the BULLETIN, we are starting a new feature de- signed to provide our readers with advance notice of proposed and final rulemakings that are anticipated during the next 90 days. For the first U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Photo by Fred C. Sibley such listings, turn to page 6. Roosting condors at Sespe Condor Sanctuary (see map page 5). Condor (continued from page 1) tions endorsing the general principle of This would mean an approximately 15 advocate captive breeding. Rather, it captive breeding as an essential step for percent reduction in the wild population; specified detailed steps to maintain condor survival. should captive breeding fail, this could adequate nesting, roosting, and feeding On the other hand, prominent wildlife speed up the process of extinction. conditions, to minimize annual mortal- biologists A. Starker Leopold and Carl Ray C. Erickson, assistant director for ity, and to increase public awareness of Koford have questioned the proposal, endangered wildlife research at the the bird's problems. calling it premature and full of risks. Service's Patuxent Wildlife Research However, the plan noted the recom- Other groups have indicated they will Center, believes "an absolute minimum" mended steps may not suffice to save the support the plan if, and only if, its of nine condors should be captured to condor "if numbers have fallen below adoption does not lead to the weakening form a breeding pool of five pairs. This that 'minimum population density' of efforts to protect the bird's natural would permit greater geographical dis- needed to sustain the species, or if some habitat. tribution of breeding facilities to help unidentified limiting factor continues to The recovery team itself has admitted provide greater protection against re- operate against it." Thus the plan also that the proposal represents a gamble- gional air pollution. (Periodic analyses called for continued study of new but without it, the team argues, extinc- of Topatopa's feathers by Patuxent methods to increase reproductive suc- tion of the species is inevitable. researchers have shown a steady in- cess and, if the situation becomes crease in heavy metal concentration, desperate, to implement a contingency Major Issues apparently as a consequence of air plan to artificially increase productivity. pollution in'the bird's environment.) In mid-1976, after reviewing all evid- Discussions of the team's proposal Strong opposition to captive breeding ence of the bird's continuing decline, the have centered on four major issues: has come from Carl B. Koford of the team decided to prepare its contin- 1. Is captive breeding too big a University of California at Berkeley. gency plan. gamble at this time?: The team, headed Having done condor research in the This plan was not to be a substitute for by Sanford R. Wilbur of the Fish and 1940's and authored a comprehensive implementation of the original recovery Wildlife Service, maintains that captive monograph on the bird for the National plan but rather a supplement to it. It propagation, plus installation of the Audubon Society, he says: "Current called for action on two fronts: Estab- artificial nest sites, "should insure that biological knowledge of condors is lishment of a captive breeding program the condors are given the best chance of inadequate to justify captures which will and construction of artificial nest struc- survival." Delay in implementing the further endanger the wild population tures in the Tehachapi Mountains to plan, contends Wilbur, will only de- through reduction of numbers, and it is attract breeding condors to the abund- crease its chances of success. not certain that condors will breed better ant food supplies there. The main element of risk involves in cages than in the wild." The proposal has received both sup- removal of seven condors from the wild Koford rejects the team's claim that a port and opposition. The World Wildlife over a two-year period to form four rapid decision on captive breeding is Fund, the National Audubon Society, breeding pairs. One of them would be critical to condor survival. Instead, he and the National Wildlife Committee of paired with Topatopa, the lone captive advocates "an impartial scientific review the Sierra Club have adopted resolu- condor, a female at the Los Angeles Zoo. of evidence concerning the present status and welfare of the condor"; he feels that the Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, and the team have not made recent field Washington, D.C. 20240 NM 87103 (505-766-2321)": W. O. Nelson, data available to independent ornitholo- Regional Director; Robert F. Stephen, gists to review. In addition, to pinpoint Lynn A. Greenwalt, Assistant Regional Director; Jack B. the causes of reproductive failure, he Director Woody, Endangered Species Specialist. calls for two-to-three years of intensive Region 3, Federal BIdg. Fort Snelling, (202-343-4717) field and laboratory studies of such Keith M. Schreiner, Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500); factors as condor reproductive behavior, Associate Director and Eridangered Jack Hemphill, Regional Director; Del- Species Program Manager bert H. Rasmussen, Assistant Regional food and water availability (especially in (202-343-4646) Director; James M. Engel, Endangered light of the recent Western drought), Harold J. O'Connor, Species Specialist. pesticide and rodenticide burdens, and Endangered Species Category Region 4, 17 Executive Park Drive, NE, competition with golden eagles. From Coordinator Atlanta, GA 30323 (404-526-4671): Ken- these studies, Koford maintains, less (202-343-4646) neth E. Black, Regional Director; Haro\6 drastic means of saving the condor may John Spinks, W. Benson, Assistant Regional Director; be determined. Chief, Office of Alex B. Montgomery, Endangered Spe- 2. Will captive breeding succeed?: Endangered Species cies Specialist. The recovery team believes that the (202-343-5687) Region 5, One Gateway Center, Suite 700, Richard Parsons, Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965- successful breeding of Andean condors Chief, Federal 5100); Howard Larsen, Regional Direc- (Vultur gryphus) at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Permit Office tor; James Shaw, Assistant Regional and the Patuxent Wildlife Research (202-634-1496) Director; Paul Nickerson, Endangered Center (see November 1976 issue of the Species Specialist. BULLETIN), plus the fact that two TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF: Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal female California condors produced a Marshall P. Jones, Editor Center, Denver CO 80225 (303-234- (202-343-7814) dozen eggs between them at the Nation- 2209); Harvey Willoughby, Regional al Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., Director; Charles E. Lane, Assistant Clare Senecal, Assistant Editor in the early 1900's, indicates the species (202-343-5687) Regional Director; John R. Davis, En- dangered Species Specialist. will breed in captivity. Alaska Area, 813 D Street, Anchorage, AK By taking eggs and young from the 99501 (907-265-4864): Gordon W. \Nai- parents, production may be doubled or Regional Offices son. Area Director; Henry A. Hansen, even tripled in captivity over what could Endangered Species Specialist. reasonably be expected from their wild Region 1, P.O. Box 3737, Portland OR counterparts. In the wild, condors seem 97208 (503-234-3361): R. Kahler Martin- The Et^DANGERED SPECIES TECHNI- to lay a single egg no more frequently son, Regional Director; Edviord B. CAL BULLETIN is published monthly by Chamberlain, Assistant Regional Direc- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Depart- than every other year. tor; David B. Marshall, Endangered ment of the Interior, Washington, D.C. A. Starker Leopold of the University of Species Specialist. 20240. (continued on page 3) Counting Condors: Annual Survey Performed Since 1965

Distribution of California Condors The current population estimate of between 40 and 50 California condors is based upon a survey made October 13-14, 1976. Condor studies have been conducted annually in October since 1965 and have yielded a fairly consistent number of sightings. One of the major survey difficulties is the vastness of the mountainous terrain used by the condors. An important variable is the weather. Condors tend to fly on warm days, leaving their nest sites and roosts after the sun has heated the air, and subsequently soaring on ther- mals. In last fall's survey, 12 observation stations were manned by 36 watchers from noon until 5 p.m. on each day. Seven of the stations had been prebaited with goat or deer carcasses to attract as many condors as possible to the sta- tions. The weather on both days was fair, with scattered clouds, light-to-moderate winds, and temperatures in the 70's and 80's, depending on the elevation of the stations. Sightings Total 160 The first day produced 60 individual condor sightings by the watches. These were reduced by analysis to a probable actual total of 18 condors (14 adults, 3 subadults, and 1 unclassified as to age). California Department of Fisfi and Game Map Four of the birds were spotted at the Sespe Condor Sanctuary (see map), 2 U-shaped range is believed to contain all remaining California condors, divided into adults in the Santa Barbara County fwo populations. The Sespe population nests year-long near Ojai and also ranges mountains, and the remainder at the inland along the Sierra Mountains May-September. Coast range population based in Tejon Ranch in Kern County. Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties has an August-December seasonal About 100 sightings were made on the range north to San Jose. second day. This was reduced to a probable total of 22 different birds (17 These sessions were to acquaint ob- notice of clarification stating that the adults and 5 subadults). Again most of servers with the biology of the condor wild burro is not an Endangered species the sightings were at the Tejon Ranch, and its flight characteristics compared under the terms of the Endangered which is a major feeding ground for the with those of the golden eagle, turkey Species Act of 1973 (F.R. 3/24/77). birds. vulture, and other raptors inhabiting the The confusion stemmed from the fact The largest single group seen either area. The observers also were taken into that, since 1970, the African wild ass day consisted of 10 condors. The survey the field to enable them to become (Equus asinus) has been listed as included only a few individual sightings, familiar with the local topography. Endangered in its natural range of and there was good correlation between Thereafter, the training of observers was Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Sudan (F.R. stations. Thus the estimated two-day undertaken prior to each survey. 6/2/70). total of 40 birds was considered by the Basic Technique The original listing of the African wild California Condor Recovery Team to be In performing the survey, observers ass came under the Endangered Species "very close to the actual numbers of use report forms on which are recorded Conservation Act of 1969, which pro- condors using the survey area." the time condor sightings are made, vided for separate native and foreign Background direction in which the birds are flying, lists. At that time, the species was The survey was initiated in 1965 by the and other such pertinent comments as included only on the foreign list. The California Department of Fish and apparent age and plumage characteris- subsequent Endangered Species Act of Game, which formed a California Con- tics. These data are then reduced to 1973 abolished the distinction between dor Survey Committee composed of eliminate duplicate sightings by two or the two lists, and the first combined list representatives of the State, U.S. Fish more stations; this is done by triangulat- published after passage of the new act and Wildlife Service, National Audubon ing flights path on a large map. (F.R. 9/26/75) failed to note that only the Society, U.S. Forest Service, and the African populations of the species were California Division of Forestry. listed. The committee established a survey Service Clarifies When the list is next republished in the protocol that has been followed since Federal Register, the entry for Equus then with some refinements. The first Status of Wild Burro asinus will clearly indicate that the year, 70 observation stations were To settle recent confusion about the listing applies only to the wild popula- selected, including many fire lookout legal status of the wild burro, a feral form tions in Africa. This is considered to be posts. Observers were given two training of Equus asinus occurring in many purely correction of a clerical error, not a sessions each of four days duration. Western States, the Service has issued a change in the status of the wild burro. RULEMAKING ACTION MARCH 1977 BOX SCORE OF SPECIES LISTINGS Number of Number of Black Toad Category Endangered Species Threatened Species

The black toad (Bufo exsul) has been U.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total proposed for Threatened status and its Mammals 36 227 263 2 17 19 range in Inyo County, Calif., has been Birds 66 144 210 1 1 proposed for listing as Critical Habitat Reptiles 8 46 54 1 1 (F.R. 3/11/77). Amphibians 4 9 13 1 1 This species occurs only in Deep Fishes 30 10 40 4 4 Springs Valley, where its habitat con- 1 1 sists of small areas in the vicinity of 22 2 24 Antelope Springs and Buckhorn Crustaceans Springs. Suitable habitat in these areas Insects 6 6 2 2 covers only 9,300 square meters (about Plants 2.3 acres). Total 172 439 611 11 17 28 The chief threat to the black toad is Number of species currently proposed: 92 animals represented by man's need for water. 1850 plants (approx.) Periodic recanalizing of the stream Number of Critical Habitats proposed: 39 channels at Buckhorn Springs to pro- Number of Critical Habitats listed: 6 vide water for livestock and irrigation Number of Recovery Teams appointed: 57 1Marc • 1 1 h1 T 3W 0W f 1971 W » 71 lowers the water table in the marshlands Number of Recovery Plans approved; 8 where the toads breed. This causes parts Number of Cooperative Agreements signed with States: 17 of the marshlands to dry out, which can have a severe effect on the toad popula- Pending Rulemakings tion if it occurs after oviposition but before the tadpoles have metamor- The Service expects to issue rulemak- ened) phosed into toads. ings on the subjects listed below during • St. Croix ground lizard (Endangered) Overcollection is also a threat to the the next 90 days. Final decisions on • Giant anole (Endangered) species. Noted for its attractive colora- these anticipated actions will depend • San Clemente Island species (Endan- tion, the black toad has long been a upon completion of the analysis of gered) favorite with amphibian collectors. In the comments received and/or new data • 14 plants (Endangered and Threat- 1960's, for example, the toad population made available, with the understanding ened) in the easternmost area around Buck- that such analysis may result in modifi- • Florida everglade kite (Critical Habi- horn Springs declined as a result of cation of the content or timing of the tat) overcollecting. original proposal, or the rendering of a • Peregrine falcon, California (Critical The Buckhorn Springs areas were negative decision. Habitat) closed to the public in 1971, but the The status or action being considered • Palila, Hawaii (Critical Habitat) Antelope Springs areas are still readily for the following is given in parentheses: • Cape Sable sparrow, Florida (Critical accessible. Final Rulemakings Habitat) The Service believes that Threatened • Dusky seaside sparrow, Florida (Criti- status would further discourage collec- • Plant regulations cal Habitat) tors, in addition to the protection pro- • Captive self-sustaining populations • Morro Bay kangaroo rat, California vided by the State of California, which regulations (Critical Habitat) already prohibits thetaking, possession, • Bald eagle (modification of status in Proposed Rulemakings or sale of black toads. Lower 48 States) The areas proposed for Critical Habi- • Marianas mallard (Endangered) • Ozark big-eared bat (Endangered) tat consist of a major area of marshlands • Leopard darter (Threatened) • Virginia big-eared bat (Endangered) in the vicinity of Buckhorn Springs and a • Slackwater darter, Alabama cavefish, • African elephant (similarity of appear- relatively small area of marshlands at spotfin chub, slender chub, yellowfin ance to Asian elephant) nearby Antelope Springs. madtom (Endangered) • Timber wolf (modification of status in Comments are due by May 13, 1977. • 26 snails (Endangered and Threat- Lower 48 States)

ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL us. MAC. BULLETIN POSTAGE AND FEES PAID US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

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

April 1977 Vol. II, No. 4