[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 171 (Tuesday, September 6, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-21865]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 6, 1994]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

 

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 90-Day 
Finding on Petition to List the Colton Sand Dune Jerusalem Cricket as 
Endangered

agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

action: Notice of petition finding.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

summary: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 90-day 
petition finding to list the Colton sand dune Jerusalem cricket 
(Stenopelmatus sp.) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (Act). The Service finds that substantial information 
has not been presented to indicate that the requested action may be 
warranted.

dates: The finding announced in this notice was made on August 23, 
1994. Comments and materials regarding this petition finding may be 
submitted to the Field Supervisor at the address listed below until 
further notice.

addresses: Information, comments, or questions regarding this petition 
finding should be submitted to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Field Office, 2730 Loker Avenue West, 
Carlsbad, California 92008. The petition, the Service's finding, and 
additional information are available for public inspection, by 
appointment, during normal business hours at the above address.

for further information contact: Marjorie Nelson, biologist, at the 
above address (telephone 619/431-9440).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), requires that the Service make a 
finding on whether a petition to list, delist, or reclassify a species 
presents substantial scientific or commercial information to indicate 
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.
    On January 11, 1994, the Service received a petition to list the 
Colton sand dune Jerusalem cricket (Stenopelmatus sp.) as endangered 
from Dr. David Weissman of the California Academy of Sciences. The 
letter from Dr. Weissman, dated January 4, 1994, clearly identified 
itself as a petition and contained the names, signature, and address of 
the petitioner. A letter acknowledging receipt of the petition by the 
Service was sent to the petitioner on January 31, 1994.
    The petitioner stated that the Colton sand dune Jerusalem cricket 
merits protection under the Act because of: (1) Threats to its habitat, 
(2) information indicating that this insect is known from only two sand 
dune areas in southwestern San Bernardino County, California, and (3) 
the cricket occurs in the same habitat as the federally listed 
endangered species Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas 
terminatus abdominalis).
    The Service's finding is based on information contained in the 
petition, conversations with the petitioner, and additional information 
provided to the Service by the petitioner in a letter dated March 29, 
1994. All documents are on file in the Carlsbad Field Office (see 
ADDRESSES section).
    Adequate rangewide surveys have not been completed for the Colton 
sand dune Jerusalem cricket. The Service lacks evidence of specific 
threats to the petitioned insect, especially any threat associated with 
a population decline. The insect covered by this petition may be 
sensitive to ecological perturbations resulting from the impacts of 
human activities. However, information was not presented to show 
correlations between the insect's ecological sensitivity and population 
trends. No information exists to support an assumption that the Colton 
sand dune Jerusalem cricket has been substantially depleted or is 
subject to serious threats throughout all or a significant portion of 
its range. Moreover, given that the insect has yet to be formally 
described, the taxonomic distinctiveness or validity of the species has 
not been determined.
    The Service has carefully reviewed the petition. On the basis of 
the best scientific and commercial information currently available, the 
Service has determined that the petition does not present substantial 
information indicating that the requested action may be warranted. 
However, the Service is interested in any additional information about 
the Colton sand dune Jerusalem cricket that may be available. Please 
submit any additional information to the Carlsbad Field Office (see 
ADDRESSES section).

Author

    This notice was prepared by Marjorie Nelson (see ADDRESSES 
section).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544.

    Dated: August 23, 1994.
Bruce Blanchard,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 94-21865 Filed 9-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M