[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 7, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-21964]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 7, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

 

Availability of a Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Sonoran 
Pronghorn for Review and Comment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of document availability and public comment period.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the 
availability for public review of a draft revised recovery plan for the 
Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) which the Service 
listed as an endangered species on March 11, 1967 (32 FR 4001). This 
animal's population is estimated to be less than 800 animals; less than 
300 in the United States and no more than 500 in the State of Sonora, 
Mexico. Distribution is limited primarily to Sonoran desert habitats. 
Factors that limit population growth are not well understood. However, 
loss of habitat due to drying of extended reaches of the Gila and 
Sonoyta Rivers, competition from domestic livestock, and human 
encroachment are believed to be limiting factors. Illegal hunting and 
predation on fawns may also limit growth of some populations. The 
Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft plan.

DATES: Comments on the draft recovery plan must be received on or 
before November 7, 1994, to receive consideration by the Service.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the draft recovery plan may obtain 
a copy by contacting the Refuge Manager, Cabeza Prieta National 
Wildlife Refuge, 1611 North Second Avenue, Ajo, Arizona 85321. Written 
comments and materials regarding the plan should be addressed to the 
Refuge Manager. Comments and materials received are available on 
request for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business 
hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura A. Thompson-Olais, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service Biologist, (602) 387-6483, or at the above address.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Restoring an endangered or threatened plant or animal to the point 
that it is again a secure, self-sustaining member of its ecosystem is a 
primary goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered species 
program. To help guide the recovery effort, the Service is working to 
prepare recovery plans for most of the listed species native to the 
United States. Recovery plans describe site-specific management actions 
considered necessary for conservation and survival of the species, 
establish objective, measurable criteria for the recovery levels for 
downlisting or delisting species, and estimate time and cost for 
implementing the recovery measures needed.
    The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) requires the development of recovery plans for listed 
species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a 
particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act, as amended in 1988, 
requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and 
comment be provided during recovery plan development. The Service will 
consider all information presented during a public comment prior to 
approval of each new or revised recovery plan. The Service and other 
Federal agencies will also take these comments into account in the 
course of implementing approved recovery plans.
    Sonoran pronghorn habitat in the United States consists of broad 
alluvial valleys separated by blocked-faulted mountains. Creosote and 
white bursage are the dominate vegetation in these valleys. Sonoran 
pronghorn are found in the creosote-bursage plant association 
throughout the year, but utilize areas containing palo verde-mixed 
cacti plant associations during spring and summer months. The 
requirement of water for drinking has not been verified. In Mexico, 
Sonoran pronghorn are found in areas where permanent water is not 
available, and there is no evidence of them traveling long distances to 
obtain water. The Recovery Plan has been revised to include research 
results obtained since the original recovery plan was completed in 1982 
and to reflect recovery objectives that reflect current information 
known about the species.
    The Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Plan has been reviewed by the 
appropriate Service staff in the Southwest Region. The plan will be 
finalized and approved following incorporation of comments and 
materials received during this comment period.

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service solicits written comments on the recovery plan 
described. All comments received by the date specified above will be 
considered prior to the approval of the plan.

Authority

    The Authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered 
Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f).

    Dated: August 30, 1994.
Lynn B. Starnes,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 94-21964 Filed 9-6-94; 8:45 am]
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