[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 97 (Friday, May 20, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-12280]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 20, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

 

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding and 
Commencement of Status Review for a Petition To List the Alexander 
Archipelago Wolf

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of petition finding and status review.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 90-
day finding for a petition to add the Alexander Archipelago wolf (Canis 
lupus ligoni) to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The 
Service finds that the petition presents substantial information 
indicating the requested action may be warranted. Through issuance of 
this notice, the Service is commencing a formal review of the status of 
this species. Information regarding this species is requested.

DATES: The finding announced in this notice was made May 13, 1994. 
Comments and materials related to this petition finding may be 
submitted to the Field Supervisor at the address below and must be 
received by July 19, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Data, information, comments or questions concerning the 
status of the petitioned species described below should be submitted to 
the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological 
Services, 3000 Vintage Blvd., suite 201, Juneau, Alaska 99801. The 
petition, findings, and supporting data are available for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Lindell, Endangered Species 
Biologist (see ADDRESSES above) (907/586-7240).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544) (Act), requires that the Service make a 
finding on whether a petition to list, delist, or reclassify a species 
presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating 
that the petitioned action may be warranted. To the maximum extent 
practicable, this finding is to be made within 90 days of the receipt 
of the petition, and the finding is to be published promptly in the 
Federal Register. If the Service finds that a petition presents 
substantial information indicating that the requested action may be 
warranted, then the Service initiates a status review on that species. 
Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Service to make a finding as 
to whether or not the petitioned action is warranted within one year of 
receipt of a petition that presents substantial information.
    On December 13, 1993, the Biodiversity Legal Foundation, Eric Holle 
and Martin J. Bergoffen submitted a petition to the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service to list the Alexander Archipelago wolf as threatened 
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The petition was received on 
December 17, 1993.
    This finding is based on various documents, including published and 
unpublished studies and reports, agency files, field survey records, 
and consultations with Service, other Federal agencies, and State 
personnel. All documents are on file in the Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Ecological Services Office in Juneau, Alaska.
    The petitioners contend that the Alexander Archipelago wolf should 
be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 
1553(a)(1)) because of the following factors:
    1. Present and threatened destruction, modification, and 
curtailment of habitat because of the reduction, and long-term 
degradation of habitat for Sitka black-tailed deer, the wolf's primary 
prey, by clearcut logging;
    2. Inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms because of 
increased human access through an extensive road system that will 
facilitate increased shooting and trapping of wolves;
    3. Other factors, including inbreeding within insular populations 
that may reduce genetic fitness, adaptability, and long-term viability.
    With this notice, the Service announces a positive 90-day finding 
on the petition to list the Alexander Archipelago wolf (Canis lupus 
ligoni) as threatened and hereby initiates a review of the species' 
status.
    As a part of the status review, the Service will further evaluate 
the taxonomic status of the Alexander Archipelago wolf as a subspecies 
or population segment, the issue of genetic differentiation of groups 
within the Alexander Archipelago, and determine if listing is warranted 
for either the subspecies rangewide or certain distinct population 
segments.
    The Service would appreciate any additional data, comments and 
suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the 
scientific community, industry, or any other parties concerning the 
status of the Alexander Archipelago wolf, Canis lupus ligoni.
    The following issues are of particular interest to the Service:
    1. The genetic, morphologic, and ecological differences of the 
wolves occupying southeast Alaska from those found in adjacent areas; 
variation within and between groups of wolves occupying southeast 
Alaska; and the occurrence or effects of genetic isolation and small 
breeding groups on long-term persistence of wolves.
    2. The occurrence or extent of genetic exchange between wolves 
within southeast Alaska and wolves from adjacent areas.
    3. Additional historic and current population data which may assist 
in determining long-term population trends.
    4. The interrelationship between the wolf and prey base 
populations, particularly during periods of reduced primary prey 
abundance.
    5. The effects of long-term habitat conversion and fragmentation of 
mature forest habitat on Sitka black-tailed deer and wolf populations 
in southeast Alaska.
    6. The effects of increased road construction on wolf populations 
in southeast Alaska.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in the 90-day finding is 
available upon request (see Addresses section).

Authors

    The authors of this notice are John Lindell and Ed Grossman, of 
the Juneau, Alaska, Ecological Services Office. (see Addresses 
section).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.

    Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; unless 
otherwise noted.

    Dated: May 13, 1994.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 94-12280 Filed 5-19-94; 8:45 am]
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