February 1983 Vol. VIII No. 2 Department of interior. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical Bulletin Endangered Species Program, Washington, D.c. 20240 highly toxic to bufonids, and there is Wyoming Toad Proposed as Endangered evidence that diesel fuel alone is harmful to amphibians. Predation is another significant threat An extemely rare subspecies of population occurred within a 40-acre due to the reduced population. The Cali- amphibian, tlie Wyoming toad (Bufo area and was estimated to consist of no fornia gull (Larus californicus) popula- hemiophrys baxteri), has been pro- more than 25 individuals. Surveys in tion in the area has increased posed by the Service for listing as 1981 revealed only one male and one dramatically in recent years. Local Endangered (F.R. 1/27/83). This toad female at the site, and no toads were ranchers report that their fields are liter- was formerly abundant throughout the located in 1982. ally white in spring from gulls. Other Laramie Basin, but currently no popula- predators, including raccoons, foxes, tions are known to exist. Although the and skunks, also have shown increases. cause of its steep decline is not yet Threats to the Population determined, habitat alteration and the Several factors are suspected in the Effects of the Proposal use of various biocides may be signifi- decline of the Wyoming toad. Drainage cant factors. of the plains adjacent to the Little Lara- If the proposed rule is approved, the The Wyoming toad was discovered by mie River for irrigation and other pur- Wyoming toad would receive the protec- Dr. George T. Baxter in 1946. It is the poses may have resulted in the drying of tion authorized under the Endangered only toad in the Laramie Basin, and is habitat and interfered with tadpole Species Act. All prohibitions under 50 thought to be a relict population left development. Certain uses of herbicides CFR 17.21, including those on taking behind as glaciers receded. Since its and insecticides could prove to be and interstate/international trafficking, discovery. Dr. Baxter has taken Univer- another threat. Atrazene, a herbicide, is would apply. Certain exceptions could sity of Wyoming students during known to decimate populations of Bufo, be allowed under special permit, in summers to observe the toad, and and can be introduced into watersheds accordance with 50 CFR 17.22 and known breeding sites have been visited in sufficient levels to kill Bufo eggs or 17.23, for conservation and economic regularly for more than 30 years. Dr. tadpoles. This chemical is widely avail- hardship. The toad would also receive Baxter's field notes indicate that the able throughout the Laramie Basin. protection under Section 7 of the Act, toad was common in the Laramie Basin Other herbicides, such as Tordon, are which directs all Federal agencies to through the early 1970's. Since 1975, more commonly used, and their effects ensure that any actions they fund, auth- however, researchers have noted a on amphibians are largely unknown. orize, or carry out are not likely to jeo- decline in the population. Toads These chemicals are used for control of pardize a listed species or degrade its became extremely rare between 1976 "noxious weeds" along roadside ponds habitat. Since breeding sites have not and 1978, and in 1979 none were seen and field edges typically used by the been located recently, and because only although one was heard calling. Wyoming toad. In addition, basin-wide a relatively small amount of the potential An intensive survey conducted aerial application of Baytex (Fenthion) habitat in the Laramie Basin has been throughout the Laramie Basin in 1980 with diesel fuel began in 1975 for mos- surveyed, the Service believes it would resulted in the discovery of one small quito control. This technique may be Continued on page 4 population on private land in Albany County, southeastern Wyoming. The Service Proposes Seventeen Reptiles The Service has proposed Endan- loss of this vegetation is thought to have gered or Threatened status under the resulted in loss of available habitat for Endangered Species Act of 1973 for 17 thisspecies. Predation isalsothoughtto species of foreign reptiles (F.R. have contributed to the species' scar- 1/20/83). If finalized, this proposed rule city. There are estimated to be between will provide additional protection to wild 3,600 and 4,500 lizards remaining. populations of these species (listed • Bahama species of Cyclura—The below) and allow cooperative research main threats to the continued survival of programs to be undertaken in their all these species include habitat des- behalf. truction for resort development and the • Serpent Island gecko—This lizard is introduction of feral animals. Intro- restricted to Round Island (151 hec- duced mongooses, cats, and dogs prey tares) where it is rare and Serpent Island upon the iguanas, especially the young (20 hectares) where it is considered very and juveniles, and destroy nests. Intro- rare; both islands are near Mauritius. duced goats may compete for food and Rabbits and goats were introduced onto humans kill them for food or sport. Round Island in 1840 and these animals Nearly all these iguanas have very small Currently, no populations of the Wyo- have destroyed the island's vegetation ranges; many are limited to a single ming toad are known to exist. so that severe erosion has resulted. The Continued on page 3 The Buenos Aires Ranch, in south- eastern Arizona, is believed to contain the only suitable masked bobwhite {Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) habitat remaining in the U.S. Past Service efforts have reintroduced the Endan- gered masked bobwhite to the ranch and worked with the owner to improve bobwhite habitat by limiting grazing. The ranch was sold in November, and the Service is currently trying to work out a similar agreement with the new owner to limit grazing on about 5,000 acres of key bobwhite habitat. The survival of the subspecies in the wild likely depends upon how well that key habitat is protected. Personnel involved in implementing the U.S./Mexico Agreement for the Kemp's ridley sea turtle {Lepidochelys Endangered Species Program 1982. Mortality occurs in large part when kempii) met, in conjunction with the Sea regional staffers have reported the fol- birds are flying between roosting and Turtle Workshop, at Texas A&M Univer- lowing activities for the month of feeding areas. This represented the third sity to plan activities for the next nesting January: whooping crane powerline mortality season. This was the last meeting Jack Region 2—Powerline mortality con- recorded since 1981. The total world- Woody attended as Region 2 Staff Spe- tinues to be a significant drain on migra- wide (captive and free-flying) whooping cialist for Endangered Species. After tory whooping cranes {Grus crane population now stands at 115, more than 8 years in Endangered Spe- americana), with the most recent loss down slightly from the recorded high of cies, Jack has accepted a position as occurring near Waco, Texas, in October 119 in 1980. Deputy Assistant Regional Director (DARD) for Wildlife Resources in Region 2. Jack's knowledge and exper- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jacl< B. Woody, Endangered Species tise in Endangered Species will be Washington, D.C. 20240 Specialist. missed. Robert A Jantzen, Director Region 3, Federal BIdg., Fort Snelling, On January 27-28, a joint meeting of (202-343-4717) Twin Cities, MN 55111 (612-725-3500): the Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas Ronald E. Lambertson Harvey Nelson, Regional Director; Associate Director and John S. Popowski, Assistant Regional Plant Recovery Teams was held in Albu- Er)dartgered Species Program Manager Director; James M. Engel, Endangered querque. The meeting was attended by (202-343-4646) Species Specialist. 25 botanists and other interested par- John L. Splnl<s, Chief, Region 4, Richard B. Russell Federal ties. After general sessions, each team Office of Endangered Species BIdg., 75 Spring St., S.W.. Atlanta, GA met separately and discussed the spe- (703-235-2771) 30303 (404-221-3583): James W. Pulliam, cies recommended for listing through Richard Parsons, Ctiief, Regional Director; John I. Christian, completed status reports. Each team Federal Wildlife Permit Office Assistant Regional Director; Alex B. (703-235-1937) developed priorities for listing, and dis- Montgomery, Endangered Species Spe- Clarl< R. Bavin, Chief. cussed additions and deletions to the cialist. Division of Law Enforcement candidate lists. Draft recovery plans for (202-343-9242) Region 5, Suite 700, One Gateway Center, several cacti were also reviewed. TECHNICAL BULLETIN STAFF Newton Corner, MA 02158 (617-965- Region 3—Regional personnel will Clare Seneca! Kearney, Editor 5100): Howard Larsen, Regional Direc- sponsor a training program on emer- Michael Bender, Assistant Editor tor; Stephen W. Parry, Assistant Regional gency care and handling of ill and (703-235-2407) Director; Paul Nickerson, Endangered Species Specialist. injured raptors for State representatives at the University of Minnesota's School Regional Offices Region 6, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal of Veterinary Medicine-Raptor Rehabili- Region 1, Suite 1692, Lloyd 500 BIdg., Center, Denver, CO 80225 (303-234- 500 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland, OR 2209): Galen Buterbaugh, Regional tation Center on March 3-4. 97232 (503-231-6118): Richard J. My- Director; John D. Green, Assistant Region 5—On January 10, New York shak, Regional Director; William F. Regional Director; Don Rodgers, Endan- State biologists captured an adult male Shal<e, Assistant Regional Director, gered Species Specialist. bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Sanford R. Wilbur, Endangered Species Region 7, 1101 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, which was released in 1978 at Monte- Specialist. AK 99503 (907-276-3800, ext. 495): Keith zuma National Wildlife Refuge (New Region 2, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, M.