June 1980, Vol. V, No. 6
ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL BULLETIN
Department of the Interior • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.C. 20240
BORAX LAKE CHUB PROTECTED UNDER EMERGENCY RULE
Acting to safeguard this species from the destruction of its aquatic habitat, the Service has listed the Borax Lal
Region 4. Survey work to locate the remaining dusky seaside sparrows ^mmospiza maritima nigrescens) has een completed on all of the potential habitat, and some of the more promis- ing areas have been surveyed a sec- ond time. The four duskies found to date have all been males. No evidence of reproductive behavior or of females has been observed. A total of 13 male duskies were counted in 1979, three of which were taken into captivity for possible use in a captive breeding program. One of the captive birds was found dead on April 21, 1980. Region 5. The Service met with landowners in West Virginia to discuss fencing and gating the entrances to caves containing Indiana bats (Myotis ivi sodalis) and Virginia big-eared bats (Plecotus townsendii virginianus). Region 6. The Service is optomistic about its efforts to propagate the greenback cutthroat trout {Salmo clarki stomias). In 1977. greenbacks were transported from Como Creek, Colorado, to the Fish Cultural Develop- to scattered sightings in Montana, comparison of skull measurements and ment Center in Bozeman, Montana. In Wyoming, and Idaho. The decline of other data collected with other sub- 1978, limited success resulted in a few the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf has species or geographic races of wolves young greenbacks. In 1979, both sexes been attributed to land development, will help update the classification of pawned simultaneously, and approxi- loss of habitat, poisoning, trapping, wolves. The historical distribution and ately 500 fry were hatched. It is hunting, and the wolf's inability to relative abundance of the Northern oped that 1,000 fry can be hatched adapt to most of man's development Rocky Mountain wolf needs to be de- min 1980 . activities. termined to provide a reference point The wolf developed a reputation for against which the present status can preying on domestic livestock in the be contrasted. According to the recov- late 19th Century when hunters deci- ery team, "The present existence of mated herds of buffalo and other un- wolves in the known historical distri- gulates which were prey for wolves. bution of the Northern Rocky Moun- Northern Rocky Wolves had to turn to alternate prey tain wolf is documented, but tenuous." and thus came into direct conflict with Management of existing wolf popu- man. Buffalo hunters turned to hunting lations will involve tasks such as mini- Mountain Wolf wolves to protect their livestock. mizing direct, human-caused mortality, The objective of the recovery plan a concerted law enforcement effort, is to re-establish and maintain at least minimizing wolf-human conflicts, regu- Plan OK'd two populations of Northern Rocky lating predator control programs, and Mountain wolf within its former range. an intensive 3 to 4 year survey in all To achieve this objective, the plan lists areas of occupied and suspected The Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf three major sub-objectives which must Northern Rocky Mountain wolf habitat. (Canis lupus irremotus), a subspecies also be reached: (1) The current status This would be used to determine en- of the gray wolf, is slated for efforts and distribution of the subspecies vironmental requirements of the sub- to improve its status as outlined in a must be determined, (2) perpetuation species and measures to protect or Service-approved recovery plan. (Al- of the wolf in its present range must enhance those requirements. The team though the entire species, Canis lupus, be insured (through protection of also recommends radio tagging wolves is federally protected throughout the wolves and their habitat), and (3) pop- to learn more about territory sizes, 48 contiguous States, this recovery ulations must be re-established within seasonal patterns of use, and relation- plan only deals with the subspecies the subspecies' historic range in areas ships to prey ranges and areas of irremotus. For a discussion of recov- where viable populations do not now human use. ery efforts for other populations of exist. Areas for transplanting populations gray wolf, see the August 1978 BUL- The team suggests that a clarifica- will be selected based on existing and ETIN.) tion of the taxonomic status of C.I. planned land use, vegetation, availabil- Historically this subspecies occurred irremotus would simplify management ity of prey, and impact on human ac- Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Mon- planning. Examination of wolf skulls tivity. Public atttiudes will play a key tana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and por- found in and around the subspecies' role in the final selection of transplant tions of Alberta and British Columbia former range, body measurements on sites. Therefore, a public information in Canada. Its range has been reduced future mortalities in that area, and Continued on page 4 Continued from page 3 campaign to gather support in affected ALERT: CITES Notices areas is an essential element of this recovery plan.
A number of notices are being pub- piensis.) (Public comment invited on lished in the Federal Register with re- procedural regs, and to be later invited gard to U.S. actions under the Con- on subsequent notice of proposed ex- vention on International Trade in En- port findings, to be published shortly dangered Species of Wild Fauna and after the advance notice.) STATE Flora (CITES) and the upcoming meet- ing of CITES Parties in New Delhi. MOU While we do not have the space to de- ENDANGERED vote to lengthy summaries of all re- Finally, a Memorandum of Under- cently published notices, we call your standing has been signed between the SPECIES AID attention to the following which may recently established International Con- be of interest: vention Advisory Commission (ICAC) • Agenda, Third Conference of the and the Secretary of the Interior (act- RE-AUTHORIZED Parties. The Service's Wildlife Permit ing as U.S. Scientific Authority) setting Office (WPO) has published a provi- forth certain procedural policies under sional agenda, with explanation of a CITES. On May 23, President Carter signed number of items and draft resolutions The forthcoming notices (inclusive a bill authorizing funding to continue —for the Third meeting of CITES Par- of preliminary U.S. prooosa's) will be the Federal Endangered Species ties in New Delhi, India, February 2-13, featured in the July 1980 BULLETIN. Grant-in-Aid Program for another two 1981. Kindly consult the May 9, 1980, years. Federal Register for details. P.L. 96-246 provides for the appro- • Proposed revised implementation priation of up to $12 million for Fiscal rules. WPO has published a proposal Years 1981 and 1982 under Section 6 to "regularize" the processes through of the Endangered Species Act of which the public and concerned agen- U.S. Proposes 1973, allowing States now participating cies may participate in the develop- in the 2-to-1 matching fund program to ment of negotiating positions at meet- carry out ongoing conservation activi- ings of the parties (F.R. 5/20/80). (A Primates, Cacti ties for their Endangered and Threat- tentative schedule of meetincs is ened species. (As of May 1, 1980, 35 available from the Service's Wildlife for Appendix I States had entered into cooperative Permit Office—Attention: Mrs. Joan agreements with the Service for the Anthony.) The Service has finalized a management and protection of endan- • Proposed Findings of nondetriment U.S. proposal to place three pri- gered fish and wildlife, while another in response to U.S. District Court In- mates and seven cacti on Appen- 4 are now involved in cooperative junction on (1979-80) export of Bobcats dix I of the Convention on Inter- agreements to assist listed plants— (Lynx rufus). Due to the necessarily national Trade in Endangered allowed under 1978 amendments to the short comment period provided on the Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Act.) The increased authorization subject notice (F.R. 5/21/80), we shall (CITES), to further promote the should also allow a number of addi- reserve space for a full report on the protection of these species from tional States to receive Federal match- Service's notice of "final" findings, exploitation through international ing fund assistance under recently re- likely to be published by July 1, in our trade (F.R. 5/22/80). laxed eligibility requirements designed July issue. (Final approval of such ex- All ten species—the Diana to bring otherwise "disqualified" States ports (for the 1979-80 taking season) monkey {Cercopithecus diana), into the grant-in-aid program (see the will depend on a favorable ruling by yellow-tailed woolly monkey (La- January 1978 and June 1979 BULLE- the courts.) gothrix flavicauda), mandrill (Pa- TINS). pio (=Mandrillus) spinx), and President Carter had previously Upcoming Notices seven cacti {Ariocarpus aga- signed legislation authorizing an addi- voides, A. scapharostrus, Akte- tional $2 million to keep participating Interested parties should look for kium ritteri, Echinocereus lind- State programs on their feet through the following notices—upon which the sayi, Obregonia denegrii, Pele- FY 1980, when only $3 million in ap- Service seeks active public involve- cyphora aselliformis, and P. stro- propriations (out of an estimated $5 ment—in the Federal Register before biliformis) were the subjects of million needed) were originally re- July 1: a January 4, 1980, notice an- quested. (See our feature on the grant- • Preliminary notice of species un- nouncing their consideration for in-aid program in the December 1979 der consideration for U.S. proposals to transfer from the less restrictive BULLETIN). amend the Appendices lists at the Appendix II to Appendix I of This latest amendment restates the Third Conference of the Parties. CITES. (Kindly refer to the Feb- authorization through FY 1980 (not to • Proposed Scientific Authority pro- ruary 1980 BULLETIN for details exceed $12 million for the period be- cedural regulations under CITES and on the status of and threats to ginning October 1, 1977, through Sep- Advance notice of proposed findings these species.) tember 30, 1980—thereby accommo- for export (1980-81 taking season) of The subject proposal has been dating that amount already authorized bobcat, lynx {Lynx canadensis), Ameri- submitted to the Convention Sec- and appropriated together with the $2 can ginseng {Panax quinquefalius), retariat for consideration by the million add-on) and authorizes an ad- Alaskan brown bear {Ursos arctos), Party nations through postal pro- ditional $12 million to carry Section 6 Alaskan gray wolf {Canis lupus), and cedures provided under CITES. funding through September 30, 1982. American alligator {Alligator nfiississip- Special Report
HABITAT ACQUISITION: Costly but Necessary to the Recovery of Many Endangered Species
By far the greatest threat to the continued existence of wildlife and plants is the destruction of their na- tive habitats. Since the colonists ar- rived on our shores more than 350 years ago, more than 500 species and subspecies of animals and plants have become extinct in the U.S.—largely the result of industrial, agricultural, residential, and recreational develop- ment. As our population continues to grow, the accelerating competition for remaining undeveloped areas will make these lands even more valuable to humans as well as wildlife. Esti- mates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicate that up to 2 million acres will be developed each year in the U.S. between now and the year 2000. Habitat protection has long been considered the key to the conservation f endangered animals and plants. Much habitat has been acquired and managed in recent years by private conservation organizations, State agen- cies, and concerned individuals. In still other cases, voluntary cooperative efforts have effectively protected en- dangered species habitat without the need for outright fee title acquisition. When no other means is available, and habitat preservation is essential to the survival of an animal or plant. Service recovery plans often call for the Federal acquisition of lands and This habitat in California's Tehachapi Mountains is typical of that recently waters necessary to the conservation approved for acquisition to protect areas essential to the California Condor of Endangered or Threatened species. Drafters of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 recognized the critical in- terrelationship between plants and ani- mals and their environment, and so designed this legislation to provide "a protected and maintained as part of plished utilizing nearly $2 million In means whereby the ecosystems upon the National Wildlife Refuge System. LWCFs to acquire 55 acres of Cali- i which endangered species depend As of March 1980, 248 National Wild- fornia's vulnerable Antioch Dunes— may be conserved, protected, or re- life Refuges were providing haven for see the April 1980 BULLETIN.) stored." As amended in 1978, the 1973 58 Endangered and Threatened spe- The overwhelming majority of wild- Act now authorizes the use of Land cies. While not all of these areas were life and plant habitat is not controlled and Water Conservation Funds (estab- established specifically for endan- by Federal or State agencies, making lished under the Land and Water Con- gered wildlife, nearly 70,220 acres had protection of all essential areas by fee servation Fund Act of 1965 and fi- been acquired for Endangered and purchase an impossibility. Many other (nanced by receipts from Outer Con- Threatened species utilizing $39,866,- avenues for protection — such as inental Shelf mineral leasing, the tax 608 in Land and Water Conservation through easements, leases, or man- on outboard motor fuel, and surplus Funds (LWCF's) through Fiscal Year agement agreements—are investigated property sales) for habitat acquisition 1979. (The first acquisition to benefit before areas are acquired outright. for listed animals as well as plants. two listed plant species and an Endan- Unfortunately, often the more valuable Once acquired, all of this habitat is gered insect was recently accom- Continued on page 6 Continued from page 5 natural areas are those imminently slated for development—and there- fore the most expensive to acquire due The Land to these competing interests. With the limited funds available, the Service must focus its acquisition planning on only the most crucial needs—and then Acquisition only after all other habitat preservation alternatives have been explored and exhausted. Process: Acquisition Criteria
Once a species is listed, Federal acquisition is considered only after a Endangered Recovery Plan pinpointing the need to purchase and protect certain areas has been approved by the Director. Species (In situations where the degree of threat is such that there is little ques- tion of the need for land acquisition, an abbreviated or draft Recovery Plan focusing on acquisition is acceptable.) The final decision as to the appro- priateness of land or w/ater acquisition will depend largely on (1) the needs of the species, (2) the area's vulner- ability to destruction, and (3) the availability of development, operation, and maintenance funds—once the area becomes a part of the refuge sys- tem. (The initial purchase expense is only one concern in deciding what lands the Service can afford. The long- term costs of maintaining land and water areas as a refuge can cut heav- ily into other Program costs as time PLANNING goes on.) The Endangered Species Recovery Listing Priority System is applied in determin- (Critical Habitat ing the general order in which species (October 1977) designation) will be awarded recovery funds, in- cluding those proposed for acquisi- tion. The priorities are (1) species ex- periencing a high degree of threat over species facing lesser threats; (2) Draft Recovery species with high recovery potential Plan over a lower recovery potential; and (3) species over subspecies. Acquisi- tions benefitting two or more high pri- ority species take precedence over those benefitting only one speciea Essential or Critical Habitat areas that Recovery Plan are in jeopardy for any reason (for Approval high priority species) will take prece- dence over acquisitions of areas that are in no danger of being lost. Decision Document: i The Process Ascertainment Reports The land acquisition planning and EA or EIS (January 1980) implementation process is a compli- Section 7 consultation cated one, involving a series of evalua- tions and approvals which, in total, can take longer than 6 years. All in all, the entire event—from initial planning stages to actual acqui- (October 1979) Regional Director's Program Mana sition—can involve hundreds of dis- Approval recommendaf crete steps, with many carried out at a regional level. We will attempt to I Continued on page 8 6 •with opportunity for agency review of passbacks Continued from page 6 Endangered or Threatened species (or ranked Service request for Land and summarize this lengthy process, as it its Critical Habitat) in the affected Water Conservation Fund monies. may be applied to a critically Endan- area. The entire list Is submitted to the gered (fictitious) species, the Schnoz- [In accordance with NEPA, the Serv- Heritage Conservation and Recreation zola-billed turkey—see the accom- ice notifies the affected State clearing- Service (HCRS), an Interior agency panying flowchart. houses, Congressional delegations, designed to coordinate (among other^ Once abundant and widely distrib- and Federal agencies early in the habi- things) the financing of all Federal ac uted, the Schnozzola-billed turkey tat protection planning stages. There quisition needs (using LWCF's) pri- (Turkus nasallogus) is now confined is opportunity for public comment marily for recreational purposes. The to the southern timber swamps of the throughout the planning process, with Schnozzola-bill request—along with State of Minnetucky, where lumbering public meetings and/or hearings held all other acquisition needs—is then has reduced its habitat to about 500 on pending acquisition proposals scrutinized by the Interior Depart- acres. Former population numbers whenever public interest warrants.] ment's Land Planning Group (LPG), were substantial, but no more than In the case of the Schnozzola-bill, and consolidated with all other Interior 100 individuals survive today. This all- all decision documents are favorably and U.S. Forest Service requests for but-flightless bird is particularly vul- received by the Regional Director in LWCF's. HCRS may then re-rank the nerable to human intrusion, hopping October 1979, who recognizes the agency lists using its own priority sys- along the ground and attempting to critical nature of this acquisition re- tem, and will return its consolidated jump to low-lying branches when dis- quest and forwards the decision docu- list to the respective agencies for their turbed. The turkey's available breeding ment through the Washington Realty further review. When agreement on a habitat has been shrinking steadily, Office to the Endangered Species Pro- final ranking has been reached, the list is then submitted (around October and is imminently threatened by the gram Manager for his consideration. plans of an oil mogul to buy and con- Once in hand, the Schnozzola package 1980) to the Office of Management and vert this unique area to a ski resort. is again promptly reviewed and an ap- Budget (0MB) as part of Interior's bud- [For our purposes, recovery of this proval memorandum with the decision get request for FY 1982, and from Endangered species is a top Service document is then passed along to the there is referred to Congress. priority.] Service's specially-appointed Land Acquisition Committee (LAC) for its • Acquisition • Planning review. Once the LAC is assured that all the necessary preparations are in Optimistically speaking, we shall as- A recovery team was appointed by line with Service policy and priorities, sume that both 0MB and Congress the Service to develop a recovery plan it refers the package to the Director, agree to the need for protection of especially for the Schnozzola-billed together with any appropriate recom- Schnozzola-billed turkey habitat turkey shortly after the species was mendations. through acquisition. The President then listed for protection under the Endan- When the Director approves the ac- signs the bill authorizing the appro- gered Species Act in October 1977 (at quisition proposal, the project is com- priation of LWFC monies for this pur- which time its Critical Habitat was also mitted to the Service's "program ad- pose (sometime in the summer o' designated). More than a year later, vice"—necessary to authorize the 1981), and the acquisition process the Schnozzola-Billed Turkey Recov- allocation of funds through the region, then begins in earnest. ery Plan—calling for the acquisition should they be made available. At this Once approved, HCRS sends the and protection of remaining Schnoz- point, the approved Schnozzola pack- list of authorized projects to Interior zola habitat—was finalized and ap- age is referred back to the Regional agencies, and the amount appropri- proved by the Service Director. Director, who must formally request ated is then earmarked in the Fish and At this point, a number of "decision the use of (in this case) Land and Wildlife Service budget. Final apprais- documents" sufficient in scope and Water Conservation Fund monies for als are next conducted by the regional depth to guide acquisition planning are the acquisition. realty staff, and negotiations with land- needed for the sake of project review owners may then be initiated. and budgeting. First, regional staffers In FY 1982, purchase of tracts from prepare a decision document addres- • Budgeting owners of the approved area can be- sing biological values, engineering gin, with acquisition of contiguous feasibility, realty cost data and other At this time (around January 1980), refuge units slated for completion gen- related information necessary to justify we have completed the preliminary erally within 3 years. When specific the acquisition plan to protect the steps necessary to effect acquisition. tracts present problems, or all reason- turkey. All reasonable alternatives to But, unless drastic measures are war- able attempts to negotiate purchase fee title acquisition would also be dis- ranted—in which case we would go with landowners fail, the Service may cussed in this document. If the acqui- directly to Congress with an urgent then initiate condemnation proceed- sition will displace persons from their request that it authorize the emer- ings. (This last-resort measure is un- dwellings, or businesses, a preliminary gency reprogramming of acquisition dertaken only after all other efforts to relocation plan will also be developed. monies—we must go through at least protect the area have proven futile.) An integral part of the decision doc- as many steps again before the Now that his habitat is secured, the ument is an Environmental Assessment Schnozzola-billed turkey is assured of Schnozzola-bill can at long last look (and, if necessary, an Environmental habitat protection. forward to living out his years on the Impact Statement) in compliance with As a next step, the Regional Direc- Service's Schnozzola-Billed Turkey the National Environmental Policy Act tor will prepare and submit a request National Wildlife Refuge. of 1969 (NEPA). Also, as required un- for the authorization of LWCF's for der the Endangered Species Act of Fiscal Year 1982. Once approved by Acquisition nears Completion for the Endangered Species Program 1973, an intra-Service "Section 7 con- Mississippi Sandhills sultation" must be undertaken to in- Manager, and then by the LAC, the re- sure that the acquisition action is not quest is then approved by the Direc- As one can see, the process of pre- likely to jeopardize the existence of an tor as part of the composite, priority- serving essential habitat—even for
8 the highest priority species—can be da's west coast, were the subject of for the Endangered reptile. At least 25 painstakingly long. As a case in point, an acquisition proposal approved in adult crocodiles are thought to be our Service is now in the final phase January 1980 to protect the West In- present within this area, with seven of acquiring some 1,600 acres toward dian (Florida) manatee {Trichechus active nests identified in 1978. (Com- completion of the Mississippi Sandhill manatus). Designated as Critical Habi- mercial and residential development iCrane National Wildlife Refuge for tat for the manatee on August 11, as well as municipal uses such as hich funds were first allocated in 1977, Crystal River is the major winter- dumps and landfills are serious threats ^^^ -(1976C . Situated in Jackson County, ing area for nearly 100 of the marine to remaining crocodile habitat.) protection of this entire area—desig- mammals—or about 10 percent of the The acquisition of about 7,100 acres nated as Critical Habitat for the crane surviving population—where they are of mangrove swamps and adjacent under an emergency ruling in June attracted to warm-water springs that areas sufficient to allow for the reason- 1975 and later finalized (with a some- shelter the animals from lethal winter able expansion of the crocodile—and what smaller area delineated) on Au- temperatures. to protect several other listed species gust 8, 1977—is absolutely vital to the Boat traffic and disturbance by skin occurring in the area—was approved survival of this subspecies. and scuba divers are serious threats by the Director in April 1980 at a Numbering only 40 in the wild, the to the manatee in this area, which has projected (1981) cost of $9 million. Mississippi sandhill crane {Grus cana- also been designated for special pro- Members of the Service-appointed re- densis pulla) was the subject of the tection during winter months under covery team for the crocodile believe first case involving an Endangered Federal and State regulations (see the Federal ownership of this habitat (al- species to reach the U.S. Supreme January 1980 BULLETIN). Acquisition lowing control of public access to and Court. Late in 1976, the high court of the approximately 50-acre area is through the mangroves) is the only ruled in favor of halting construction considered the only recourse to pre- hope for protecting this vulnerable of an interchange on Interstate High- clude continued development of the species, which is known to have little way 10, destined to destroy the pri- King's Bay islands, which will increase tolerance of human activity. mary range of the remaining cranes. boat traffic and other water activities Acting to avert certain jeopardy to (At that time, Mississippi's Governor that could prove disastrous to the win- the species. The Nature Conservancy Clifford Finch recommended Service tering manatee population. recently purchased (for eventual re- acquisition of the nearly 2,000 acres Although the estimated $400,000 sale to the Service) 18 acres of upland in the area of the proposed inter- needed to purchase the islands has buffer property adjacent to important change to insure protection of the land not been made available through the nesting habitat that was imminently from developer's interests.) budget process, The Nature Conser- threatened. Much of this essential habitat was vancy is now negotiating purchase of Once established, the Crocodile bought from a prospective developer, the islands in an attempt to protect the Lake National Wildlife Refuge will pro- and is today being managed to restore area before turning it over to our vide protection for up to one-quarter and maintain the crane's nesting, feed- Service for establishment of the Crys- of the entire remaining population of ing, and roosting habitat. tal River National Wildlife Refuge American crocodiles—now estimated when funds can be allocated. (See ac- at between 100-400 individuals. companying article on the Conservan- While most habitats for Endangered Crystal River, Key Largo among cy's habitat protection efforts.) and Threatened species are acquired Recent Approvals Key Largo—an island of mangroves, (utilizing Land and Water Conservation open water, and highly threatened up- Funds) under authority of the Endan- lands off the southeastern tip of Flor- gered Species Act of 1973, several In recent months, the Director has ida—is home to one of the largest other Federal laws authorize the use given the "go-ahead" for major Serv- populations of American crocodiles of federally-appropriated monies for ice acquisitions in Florida, and in sev- {Crocodylus acutus) in existence in the habitat protection purposes. (They in- eral other areas, destined to protect U.S. today. Designated as Critical Hab- clude the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1965, critically Endangered species. itat on August 11, 1977, the south- the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, Nine small islands in King's Bay, the western side of North Key Largo con- headwaters of Crystal River on Flori- tains prime nesting and feeding areas Continued on page 10
Kings Bay of Crystal River is shown with numbered islands approved for acquisition. Water area behind Islands 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 is the major manatee concentration area. Continued from page 9 and the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962.) Although not specifically authorized under the Endangered Species Act, the acquisition of nearly 4,000 acres of forest in Klamath County, Oregon (ap- proved by the Director in April 1980) will provide protection to the bald THE NATURE CONSERVANCY eagle {Haliaeetus leucocephalus), listed as Threatened in this State. To- gether with 240 acres of timberland already acquired (through condemna- tion) to forestall logging of the area's By Anne M. Byers State natural heritage programs are ponderosa pines (see the July 1978 exemplified by the programs in BULLETIN), eventual completion of the The primary and most pervasive South Carolina and Ohio, where the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge cause of disappearing plants and heritage inventories have rediscov- will one day secure this largest known animals is habitat disruption and ered scored of plant species previ- roosting habitat for the species in the destruction. The Nature Conser- ously thought to have been ex- lower 48 States. vancy, a publicly supported na- tirpated. Other proposals recently approved tional, nonprofit conservation organ- The Conservancy then protects for future Service acquisition include: ization, recognizes that only by pro- natural areas, usually through direct tecting remaining habitats can we acquisition, either by purchasing • California condor (Gymnogyps cali- hope to save rare and dwindling land or by accepting donations of fornianus)—1,700 acres in Tulare species from total eradication. The land from both individuals and cor- County, California, known to pro- organization is devoted to preserv- porations. Protection is also accom- vide roosting habitat (and within ing ecologically and environmen- plished by assisting State and gov- the designated Critical Habitat) tally significant natural lands, giving ernment agencies and other conser- for this critically Endangered bird first priority to those areas that vation groups to preserve natural were approved in December 1979 safeguard endangered, threatened, areas. Finally, by using volunteer for acquisition to protect the area and rare plant and animal species. land stewards and professional from recreational development. Its activities are made possible staff, the Conservancy manages • Watercress darter (Etheostoma through contributions, foundation over 670 of its own sanctuaries. To nuchale)—Two Alabama springs grants, membership dues, and re- date. The Nature Conservancy has essential to the survival of this covery of expenses. established or helped to establish Endangered fish—with a declining Since preserving its first area in over 140 preserves harboring fed- population estimated at less than 1953, the Conservancy has saved erally Endangered or Threatened 500 individuals—have been ear- over 1.6 million acres of prairies, species. Descriptions of several of marked for acquisition upon the wetlands, islands, forests, and des- these areas and their inhabitants Director's December 1979 ap- erts in all 50 States, Canada, follow. proval to protect them from con- Latin America, and the Caribbean. Manatee: Although currently pro- tinued habitat degradation. (The The organization works in three tected by the Federal Marine Mam- Atlanta Regional Office reports ways. First, it identifies the lands mal Protection Act of 1972, the 1973 that options have been secured on that contain the best examples of Endangered Species Act, and more 7 acres of land containing one all the components of the natural recently by the Florida Manatee spring in Bessemer, Alabama.) A world, finding out what is rare and Sanctuary Act of 1978, the gentle third spring may receive protec- where it exists. Identification is ac- West Indian (Florida) manatee (Tri- tion through a cooperative man- complished through natural heritage chechus manatus) remains on the agement agreement. programs, which are usually under- verge of extinction in Florida, where • Brown pelican (Pelecanus occi- taken in cooperation with State gov- its numbers have dwindled to some- dentalis)—Six of the North Rock- ernments. The inventory of a heri- where between 600 and 1,000 scat- Shell Castle Islands and about 30 tage program provides a continuing tered individuals. It is particularly acres of Beacon Island in North process for ascertaining the out- vulnerable to human activities— Carolina's Pamlico Sound were standing and vital natural areas in a manatee deaths and injuries are approved in April 1980 for acqui- State or region. By using the infor- most often caused by the prooellers sition to protect the Endangered mation collected and classified by a of speeding power boats. While the pelican's northernmost nesting heritage inventory, land protection Service has finalized regulations for habitat. Owners of the island priorities can be set and unique en- establishing special protection areas group (exclusive of Beacon Island) vironmental elements—such as rare for the Endangered marine mam- apparently wish to donate their ecosystems and species' habitats— mal, The Nature Conservancy has land to The Nature Conservancy can be protected before they are acquired or assisted other agencies —eventually to be a part of the further imperiled. Since 1974, the in acquiring land for some nine Service's Cedar Island National Conservancy has established 23 areas known to harbor manatees. Wildlife Refuge—to insure protec- natural heritage programs—22 with These refuges include Rookery Bay, tion of these natural areas. States, and another with the Ten- Manatee Springs State Park, Jack nessee Valley Authority. Of these Island, Osborn Sanctuary, Blowing We will attempt to highlight future numbers, half the programs have Rocks, and Shired Island, lying at acquisition approvals as we learn of been fully transferred, as intended, the mouth of the Suwannee River. them in forthcoming issues of the to State governments Results of Another tract of 490 acres on Jupi- Bulletin.
10 ter Is'and, which was donated to the Landmark, Banks Lake is currently bered only 60 individuals in 1914. Conservancy bv the Hobe Sound leased to the Service. Now protected from hunting under Company in 1976, was transferred Mississippi sandhill crane: In 1972 the Marine Mammal Protection Act to the Fish and Wildlife Service for the Service authorized a refuge in and federally listed as a Threatened inclusion in the Hobe Sound Na- Jackson County. Mississippi, for the species, the sea otter has made a onal Wildlife Refuqe. Endangered Mississippi sandhill substantial comeback: a copulation Plymouth red-beliied turtle: It is crane {Grus canadensis puHa). a of between 1,000 and 2,000 animals believed that less than 200 of the long-legged, 3V2-foot-tall bird with exists off the coast of northern Cali- large Plymouth red-bellied turtles gray plummage and a red crown. fornia. Landels Hill-Big Creek on (Chrysemys rubriventris banpsi) re- Unlike others in the crane family, the Big Sur coast is a 4,000-acre main, their extreme rarity attributed the Mississippi sandhill does not Conservancy sanctuary that in- to draining or polluting of their bogs migrate, so it cannot find suitable cludes a four-mile stretch of coast- and ponds and to vandalism. The habitat along an extended flyway. line where the protected sea otters l 11 RULEMAKING ACTIONS May 1980 Leon Creek, in Pecos County are in- CRITICAL HABITAT REPROPOSED FOR cluded in the proposed Critical Habitat TWO TEXAS FISHES determination. Public Meetings/Comments Solicited The Service proposes to designate the damming, diversion, and poisoning The public was invited to attend Critical Habitat for two species of fish of the spring), and was thought extinct. public meetings on the subject pro- —the Devil's River minnow {Dionda A separate population was rediscov- posals on June 12 and 13, 1980. (Ad- diaboli) and the Leon Springs pupfish ered in Diamond Y Spring (and its out- vance notice was provided in the May (Cyprinodon bovinus)—vulnerable to flow into Leon Creek) north of Fort 1980 BULLETIN.) habitat destruction within their remain- Stockton in 1965, and appears in fairly The Service has drafted an impact ing range (F.R. 5/16/80). good condition. analysis, and believes at this time that The minnow and pupfish were re- This remaining pupfish population is economic and other impacts of this spectively proposed for listing as threatened by potentially devastating proposed action are non-significant Threatened and Endangered, with Crit- spills from nearby oil refineries, dimin- (under provisions of the 1978 Amend- ical Habitat, on August 15, 1978. How- ishing stream flows through excessive ments and other applicable Federal ever, the Critical Habitat portions of groundwater removal, and the intro- laws). Upon completion, a final impact the listing proposals were withdrawn duction of harmful exotic fishes. (The analysis will serve as the basis for a on March 6, 1979, subsequent to pro- release of sheepshead minnows (Cyp- determination as to whether exclusion cedural changes under 1978 amend- rinodon variegatus) into Leon Creek in of any area from Critical Habitat des- ments to the Endangered Species Act 1974 resulted in widespread hybridiza- ignation is warranted (for economic or of 1973. tion with the closely-related C. bovin- other reasons). us, threatening the genetic purity of Comments, as well as biological and Devil's River minnow the pupfish. All of the sheepshead min- economic data, in response to thesi nows have since been removed, al- proposals should be submitted by Jul Historically known from the Devil's though the pupfish habitat remains 15, 1980, to the Director (OES), U. River, San Felipe Creek, and Las Moras accessible and vulnerable to the re- Fish and Wildlife Service, DepartmenMt Creek in Val Verde and Kinney Coun- lease of exotics.) of the Interior, Washington, D.C. ties, the Devil's River minnow is now Diamond Y Spring and its outflow, 20240. restricted to remaining free-flowing portions of its original habitat due to modifications for flood control, agri- cultural, and recreational purposes. SERVICE REVIEWS Dunes evening-primrose {Oenothera (The species is no longer known from deltoides ssp. howellii), and Contra Las Moras Creek.) ANTIOCH INSECTS Costa wallflower {Erysimum capitatum The minnow population in the lower The Service is reviewing the status var. angustatum). See the April 1980 portion of Devil's River was eliminated of nine insect species known from the BULLETIN.] The Antioch robber fly and following the construction of Amistad Antioch Dunes in Contra Costa County, vespid wasp are last known to have Reservoir in 1968, while the population California. They are: Middlekauff's been collected in 1939; the Antioch at the headwaters of Devil's River was katydid {Idiostatus middlekauffi), Anti- weevil, tiphiid wasp, and sphecid wasp extirpated as the result of groundwater och weevil {Dysticheus rotundicollis), in the 1950's; the Middlekauff's katy- removal. Antioch robber fly {Cophura hurdi), did in 1965; the Valley mydas fly in The surviving population of Devil's Valley mydas fly {Raphiomydas trochi- 1974; and the Antioch and yellow- River minnow in San Felipe is now lus), Antioch vespid wasp {Leptochilus banded andrenid bees in 1977. Two threatened by the implementation of arenicoius), Antioch tiphiid wasp {Myr- species of insects found only at Anti- Federally sponsored flood control mosa pacifica), Antioch sphecid wasp och Dunes are believed to be already measures (potentially calling for Sec- {Philanthus nasalis), Antioch andrenid extinct. The Antioch katydid {Nebuda tion 7 Consultation under the 1973 bee {Perdita scitula antiochensis), and extincta) is known from a single speci- Act). Any future excessive groundwa- the yellow-banded andrenid bee {Per- men collected in 1937. Despite ter pumping or surface diversion could dita hirticeps luteocincta). searches, no other specimens of this also threaten remaining numbers by The Antioch Dunes ecosystem, species or of the Antioch anthicid limiting flows in the Devil's River. which supports or formerly supported beetle {Anthicus antiochensis), which these nine species, has been almost was last collected in 1953, have been Leon Springs pupfish completely destroyed by industrializa- obtained. tion. [The Service recently acquired Interested parties may submit fa Although originally known from Leon more than 55 acres of this ecosystem tual information on these species to' Springs west of Fort Stockton, Texas, to protect three native Endangered the Office of Endangered Species, U.S. the Leon Springs pupfish disappeared species: Lange's metalmark butterfly Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, from this locality prior to 1938 (due to {Apodemia mormo langei), Antioch D.C. 20240, by September 1, 1980. 12 Coachella Valley Lizard Continued from page 1 itus and Threats Although the lizard is historically known from a 324-square mile area in Riverside County, habitat destruction resulting from urban and agricultural growth has restricted the species' range to approximately 200 square miles, of which less than 100 now provide suitable habitat. Since 1940, the human population of Coachella Valley has grown from 12,000 to over 100,000, and is projected to reach more than 150,000 by 1990. None of the lizard's habitat in the valley has been permanently preserved, and a review of current zoning plans indi- cates that all of its remaining range could eventually be developed. The species has also been threat- ened by increasing off-road vehicle use—an activity that has been shown to significantly affect the density and biomass of lizard populations. Addi- tionally, sand deposits in the area are being invaded by dense stands of Rus- sian thistle (Salsola iberica), an intro- Critical Habitat for the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard comprises approx- duced noxious weed, and the lizard's imately 11,920 acres in Riverside County, California. Clumps of Russian thistle, covering the area pictured above, may be having a detrimental impact on the nahabitai t has been further altered by the janting of Tamarisk trees {Tamarix blow-sand habitat of the lizard. thylla)—collectively used as wind reaks to protect developed areas. Several activities involving Federal agencies (and potentially calling for consultation with our Service as re- quired under Section 7 of the Endan- gered Species Act) are presently known which may have an impact on the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. Proposed Area The area proposed for determination as Critical Habitat includes approxi- mately 11,920 acres (18 5/8 square miles) of privately owned land in Riv- erside County, bounded by Washington Street, Hidden Palms, and Thousand Palms Oasis and Canyon. Included in the area are wind-blown sand deposits that provide adequate shelter for the lizards as well as suitable habitat for Tiny projections on I thethe toestoes ofof thethe 4-4- toto 5-inch5-inch longlong CoachellaCoachella ValleyValley fringe-toefringe-toed their feeding, nesting, and hibernation. lizard—a desert reptile•\tila evolutionarilyaxf^li lii^na ril\/ relatedralafari to*r\ Colorador^r\lr\raHr\ andanH fVlojavehArtiaua fringe-toedfrinno.tna. The Service has drafted an impact lizards—allow it to run easily over the sand. The lizard's body is flat, reducing analysis, and believes at this time that wind resistance and enabling it to evade predators by "swimming" beneath the economic and other impacts of this surface of the sand when threatened. proposed action are not significant (under provisions of the 1978 Amend- ments and other applicable Federal Public Meetings/Comments Solicited Comments, as well as biological and ws). Upon completion, a final impact economic data, in response to this pro- nalysis will serve as the basis for a The public was invited to attend a posal should be submitted no later # determination as to whether exclusion public meeting on the subject proposal than July 28, 1980, to the Director of any area from Critical Habitat desig- on June 20 and a public hearing on (OES), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nation is warranted (for economic or July 7, 1980. (Advance notice was pro- Department of the Interior, Washing- other reasons). vided in the May 1980 BULLETIN.) ton, D.C. 20240. 13 Rulemaking Actions CRITICAL HABITAT REPROPOSED FOR THREE CALIFORNIA BEETLES Striving to protect the last remain- species' host plant would threaten the (potentially requiring Section 7 consul- ing range of these rare insects from survival of the insect. tation under the Endangered Species changing land use practices, the Serv- This reproposal contains two areas Act). ice has proposed the determination of not included in the initial Critical Habi- Critical Habitat for the delta green tat proposal where two of the largest Public Meetings/Comments Solicited ground beetle {Elaphrus viridis), the known colonies of the species occur. Mojave rabbitbrush longhorn beetle (Most of the land contained in the The public was invited to attend (Crossidius mojavensis mojavensis), Critical Habitat proposal is owned by public meetings on the subject pro- and the California elderberry longhorn the County of Sacramento, which has posals on May 22 and 23, and public beetle {Desmocerus californicus di- indicated its willingness to protect the hearings on June 12 and 13, 1980. (Ad- morphus) (F.R. 5/2/80). beetle and its riparian habitat.) vance notice was provided in the All three of the California beetles April 1980 BULLETIN.) had been proposed for listing with Delta green ground beetle The Service has drafted an impact designation of Critical Habitat on analysis, and believes at this time that August 10, 1978. How/ever, In line with Threatened status was proposed for economic and other impacts of this substantive amendments to the Endan- this unique predacious beetle which proposed action are non-significant gered Species Act, the Critical Habitat occurs in vernal pools in Solano (under provisions of the 1978 Amend- portions of these proposals were with- County, California. The insect is lim- ments and other applicable Federal drawn on March 6, 1979. (The subject ited to the grassy edges of only two laws). Upon completion, a final impact notices comply with all procedural re- vernal pools south of Dixon, where it analysis will serve as the basis for a quirements under the 1978 amend- is threatened by potential agricultural determination as to whether exclusion ments.) conversion, drainage, and pipeline of any area from Crtical Habitat desig- construction. nation is warranted (for economic im- Mojave rabbitbrush longhorn Recent bulldozing has modified the pact or other reasons). area around one of the vernal pools, Comments, as well as biological and Proposed for Endangered classifica- and two projects (a water supply aque- economic data, in response to these tion, the Mojave rabbitbrush longhorn duct and wastewater treatment plant) proposals should be submitted to thle — beetle now occurs at only one of five involving Federal funding and/or au- Director (OES), U.S. Fish and Wildlif# localities where it was previously thorization are planned that could pos- Service, Department of the Interio known. Land-clearing and urbanization sibly impact essential habitat areas Washington, D.C. 20240. within the insect's range in Los Ange- les County have accounted for the de- cline of this species. Adult beetles feed on the pollen of, and mate on, flowers of composite shrubs. Changing land-use practices which could destroy the species' host plants within its restricted range will TWO FISHES UNDER REVIEW continue to threaten the survival of the insect unless its habitat is protected from loss. Two fishes, the orangefin madtom main as threats, especially in the rap- {Noturus gilberti) and the Roanoke idly developing Roanoke-Salem Metro- California elderberry longhorn logperch (Percina rex), are being re- politan Area. viewed by the Service to determine if The Roanoke logperch occurs in Much of the riparian environment in they should be proposed as Endan- four small and widely separate popu- the lower Sacramento and upper San gered or Threatened species and if lations in the Virginia section of the Joaquin Valleys formerly inhabited by Critical Habitat should be designated. Roanoke River system. This species is the California elderberry longhorn The Service published a notice of re- threatened by pollution and stream beetle has been destroyed by stream view for both species in the March 18, alteration. The largest of the four pop- channelization, levee construction, and 1975, Federal Register, but believes it ulations, found in the upper Roanoke development of riverfront properties. is now necessary to solicit any new River mainstream, is subject to indus- Proposed for listing as a Threatened information which has been gathered trial pollution, accidental chemical species, this beetle is now known only since then. spills, and increases in toxic urban from the American River near its con- The orangefin madtom is thought to run-off resulting from suburban ex- fluence with the Sacramento River, be restricted to the upper portion of pansion. and from Putah Creek, Sonoma County. the Roanoke River system in Virginia Comments and data should be sub- Critical Habitat designation will help and North Carolina and the Craig mitted to the Regional Director, U.S. to protect areas containing stands of Creek system in the James River wa- Fish and Wildlife Service, Department| the elderberry, Sambucus spp., the tershed in Virginia. The species' range of the Interior, One Gateway Center, plants upon which the beetle feeds has been reduced by impoundments, Suite 700, Newton Corner, Massachu- and lays its eggs. Any alteration of riv- turbidity, sedimentation, sewage, and setts 02158, on or before August 11, erside habitat that could destroy the chemical pollutants—all of which re- 1980. 14 RAZORBACK SUCKER PROPOSAL WITHDRAWN In accord with 1978 amendments to he Endangered Species Act, the Serv- ice has withdrawn an expired proposal to list as Threatened without Critical Habitat, the razorback sucker {Xyrau- chen texanus, F.R. 5/27/80). Under the amendments, a final rule to list a spe- cies must be published in the Federal Register no later than two years after the publication of the notice of the proposed rule. The amended Act also authorized a one-year suspension of all withdrawals until November 10, 1979. The razorback sucker, known from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, was originally proposed on April 24, 1978, along with the bonytail chub {Gila elegans), which was listed as Endangered in a final rulemaking on April 23, 1980. The ra- zorback sucker may not be reproposed for listing unless sufficient new infor- mation is available to warrant the proposal of a regulation. THREATENED STATUS, RITICIAL HABITAT mROPOSE D FOR MOUNTAIN GOLDEN-HEATHER Hudsonia montana, a low perennial shrub with needle-leaves and yellow flowers, is proposed as Threatened with Critical Habitat. The Service proposes to list as Threatened, and to designate Critical Habitat for, mountain golden-heather {Hudsonia montana), a rare North The proposed Critical Habitat in- Public Meetings/Comments Solicited Carolina plant (F.R. 5/29/80). cludes all known populations of the The public was invited to attend All known specimens of this low Hudsonia montana in North Carolina, public meetings on the subject pro- perennial shrub occur on or near Table along with adjacent suitable habitat to posal on July 1, 1980 (as announced Rock in the Pisgah National Forest, allow for natural expansion. in the May 1980 BULLETIN). where the plant was first discovered in H. montana was included in a July The Service has drafted an impact 1816. Today, Hudsonia montana and 1, 1975, notice of review on the basis analysis, and believes at this time that the fragile plant communities in which of the Smithsonian Report to Congress economic and other impacts of this it occurs are threatened by human listing this plant as one of those con- proposed action are non-significant trampling, which has caused recent sidered to be endangered, threatened, (under provisions of the 1978 Amend- declines in the numbers of at least two or extinct. Subsequently, the species ments and other applicable Federal populations. was among approximately 1,700 vascu- laws). Upon completion, a final impact The U.S. Forest Service is now in lar plants proposed for listing as En- analysis will serve as the basis for a the process of developing a monitor- dangered on June 16, 1976. (This pro- determination as to whether exclusion ing and habitat management plan for posal was later withdrawn, as it was of any area from Critical Habitat desig- the species. While Forest Service reg- not finalized within time limits imposed nation is warranted (for economic or ulations prohibit the removal or de- under 1978 amendments to the Act. other reasons). truction of Threatened, Endangered, While both the notice of review and Comments, as well as biological and re, or unique species from its lands, proposal included this species as economic data, in response to these sting of the mountain golden-heather Hudsonia ericoides ssp. montana, re- proposals should be submitted by July under the Endangered Species Act will cent morphological, cytological, and 28, 1980, to the Director (GES), U.S. offer additional protection to the population studies have confirmed H. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department species. montana as a distinct species. of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. GPO 311-311 15 Rulemaking Actions ENDANGERED AND BOX SCORE OF SPECIES LISTINGS THREATENED SPECIES Number of Number of LISTS REPUBLISHED Category Endangered Species Threatened Species The Service has issued a repub- U.S. Foreign Total U.S. Foreign Total lication of the lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, Mammals 35 251 286 3 21 24 inclusive of all species listed as of Birds 67 145 212 3 3 Reptiles 12 55 67 10 10 May 10, 1980 (F.R. 5/20/80) Tech- Amphibians 5 9 14 2 2 nical errors from the last republi- Fishes 31 11 42 12 12 cation (January 17, 1979) have been Snails 2 1 3 5 5 corrected and the lists have also Clams 23 2 25 been restructured. Crustaceans 1 1 A column has been added to in- insects 6 6 3 2 dicate whether or not Critical Habi- Plants 49 49 7 2 9 Totai 231 474 705 45 23 68 tat has been designated for the species. Another column that has Number of species currently proposed: 35 animals been added to the lists of wildlife (1 plant) and plants is "Historic Range," Number of Critical Habitats listed: 36 which replaces the old "Known Dis- Number of Recovery Teams appointed: 68 tribution." This column indicates, Number of Recovery Plans approved: 36 for informational purposes, the gen- Number of Cooperative Agreements signed witfi States: eral known distribution of the spe- 36 (fish & wildlife) 4 (plants) cies or subspecies as reported in May 31, 1980 the scientific literature. A column headed "Vertebrate Population where Endangered or Threatened" has been added to the wildlife list only, because populations of In- NEW PUBLICATIONS vertebrates and plants may not be listed under the Act. (For a discus- sion of the regulations governing The California Native Plant Society The Rare and Endangered Plants Proj- listing of species and the new for- has come out with an Inventory of ect, Botany Division, National Museum mat of the U.S. Lists, see the March Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of Natural Sciences, Ottawa, K1A 0M8. 1980 BULLETIN.) of California, Special Publication No. Copies of the previously published 1 (2nd Edition). Over 1,300 plants are lists for Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Comments concerning this repub- listed in this book. The cost is $7.50 and Saskatchewan are also available. lication should be sent to the Direc- plus tax for California residents. Write The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occi- tor (OES), U.S. Fish and Wildlife to the California Native Plant Society dentalis): A Bibliography is available, Service, Department of the Interior, at 2380 Ellsworth, Suite D, Berkeley, for $3.00 prepaid, by writing to R.W. Washington, D.C. 20240. (Copies California 94704. Schreiber, Natural History Museum, are also available, in limited supply, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, from the Service's Office of Publi- Free copies of The Rare Vascular California 90007. This reference con- cations at the same address.) Plants of f^anitoba are available from tains over 900 citations. ENDANGERED SPECIES TECHNICAL 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 Int 423 June 1980, Vol. V, No. 6