[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 94 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26757-26770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-12689]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AE22
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed
Endangered Status for 10 Plant Taxa From Maui Nui, Hawaii
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes
endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act), for 10 plant taxa: Clermontia samuelii (`oha wai),
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis (haha), Cyanea glabra (haha),
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora (haha), Dubautia plantaginea ssp.
humilis (na`ena`e), Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi (kopa),
Kanaloa kahoolawensis (kohe malama malama o Kanaloa), Labordia
tinifolia var. lanaiensis (kamakahala), Labordia triflora (kamakahala),
and Melicope munroi (alani). All 10 taxa are endemic to the Maui Nui
group of islands, in the Hawaiian Islands. This group includes Maui,
Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii
ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp.
hamatiflora, and Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis are endemic to the
island of Maui. Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi and Labordia
tinifolia var. lanaiensis are endemic to the island of Lanai. Kanaloa
kahoolawensis is endemic to the island of Kahoolawe, although pollen
studies indicate it may have been a dominant species on Oahu until 800
years ago. Labordia triflora is endemic to Molokai, and Melicope munroi
is found on Lanai but was also known historically from Molokai. The 10
plant taxa and their habitats have been variously affected or are
currently threatened by one or more of the following: Competition,
predation or habitat degradation from alien species, natural disasters,
and random environmental events. This proposal, if made final, would
implement the Federal protection provisions provided by the Act.
DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by July
14, 1997. Public hearing requests must be received by June 30, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be
sent to Robert P. Smith, Manager, Pacific Islands Ecoregion Office,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 6307,
P.O. Box 50167, Honolulu, Hawaii 96850. Comments and materials received
will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal
business hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert P. Smith, Manager, Pacific
Islands Ecoregion Office, see ADDRESSES section, or telephone 808-541-
2749 or FAX 808-541-2756.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea
glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, Dubautia plantaginea ssp.
humilis, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, Kanaloa kahoolawensis,
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, Labordia triflora, and Melicope
munroi are, or were, known from four Hawaiian Islands: Molokai, Lanai,
Maui, and Kahoolawe. The current and historical distribution by island
for each of the 10 taxa is presented in Table 1.
The Hawaiian archipelago includes eight large volcanic islands
(Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii), as
well as offshore islets, shoals, and atolls set on submerged volcanic
remnants at the northwest end of the chain. The archipelago covers a
land area of about 16,600 square kilometers (sq km) (6,400 sq miles
(mi)), extending roughly between latitude 18 deg.50' to 28 deg.15' N
and longitude 154 deg.40' to 178 deg.70' W, and ranging in elevation
from sea level to 4,200 meters (m) (13,800 feet (ft)) (Department of
Geography 1983). The regional geological setting is a mid-oceanic
volcanic island archipelago set in a roughly northwest to southeast
line, with younger islands to the southeast. The four main central
islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe are part of a large
volcanic mass of six major volcanoes, which were united as a single
island during times of lower sea level. This island, called Maui Nui,
covered about 5,200 sq km (2,000 sq m). The youngest island in this
group, Maui, consists of two volcanoes--the older West Maui, 1.3
million years old, and the younger Haleakala, 0.4 to 0.8 million years
old. The islands progress in age from Haleakala (or East Maui), through
Kahoolawe (1 million years old), West Maui, Lanai (1.2 to 1.5 million
years old), to Molokai. Molokai consists of three volcanoes: East
Molokai (1.3 to 1.5 million years old), West Molokai (1.5 to 1.8
million years old), and Kalaupapa Peninsula (1.2 million years old).
The older islands are increasingly eroded (Macdonald et al. 1986). The
topography of the Hawaiian Islands comprising Maui Nui is extremely
diverse. On the youngest part of the island of Maui, gently sloping
unweathered shield volcanoes with very poor soil development are
juxtaposed with older, heavily weathered valleys with steep walls,
well-developed streams, and gently sloped flood plains. The older
volcanoes, West Maui and Molokai, are generally more weathered. On a
typical older island, sea cliffs and large amphitheater-headed valleys
on the windward (northeast) side contrast with erosionally younger,
dissected slopes on the leeward (southwest) side (Department of
Geography 1983).
Table 1.--Summary of Island Distribution of the Proposed Species
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Island within Maui Nui
Species -------------------------------------------------------
M Mo L Ka
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Clermontia samuelii..................................... C ............ ............ ............
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis................... C ............ ............ ............
Cyanea glabra........................................... C ............ ............ ............
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora..................... C ............ ............ ............
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis....................... C ............ ............ ............
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana ssp. remyi.................. ............ ............ C ............
Kanaloa kahoolawensis................................... ............ ............ ............ C*
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis...................... ............ ............ C ............
[[Page 26758]]
Labordia triflora....................................... ............ C ............ ............
Melicope munroi......................................... ............ H C ............
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KEY
C = current; population last observed within the past 20 years.
H = historical; population not seen for over 20 years.
M-Maui
Mo-Molokai
L-Lanai
Ka-Kahoolawe
*Kanaloa kahoolawensis was most likely a dominant species in the lowland areas of Oahu, and possibly Maui, up
until 800 years ago, according to pollen records.
The climate of the Hawaiian Islands reflects the tropical setting
buffered by the surrounding ocean (Department of Geography 1983). The
prevailing winds are northeast trades with some seasonal fluctuation in
strength. There are also winter storm systems and occasional
hurricanes. Temperatures vary over the year an average of 5
deg.Celsius (C) (11 deg.Fahrenheit (F)) or less, with daily variation
usually exceeding seasonal variation in temperature. Temperature varies
with elevation and ranges from a maximum recorded temperature of 37.7
deg.C (99.9 deg.F), measured at 265 m (870 ft) elevation, to a minimum
of -12.7 deg.C (9.1 deg.F) recorded at 4,205 m (13,795 ft) elevation.
Annual rainfall varies greatly by location, with marked windward to
leeward gradients over short distances. Minimum average annual rainfall
is less than 250 millimeters (mm) (10 inches (in.)); the maximum
average precipitation is well in excess of 11,000 mm (450 in.) per
year. Precipitation is greatest during the months of October through
April. A dry season is apparent in leeward settings, while windward
settings generally receive tradewind-driven rainfall throughout the
year (Department of Geography 1983).
The native-dominated vegetation of the Hawaiian Islands varies
greatly according to elevation, moisture regime, and substrate. The
most recent classification of Hawaiian natural communities recognizes
nearly 100 native vegetation types. Within these types are numerous
island-specific or region-specific associations, comprising an
extremely rich array of vegetation types within a very limited
geographic area. Major vegetation formations include forests,
woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, herblands, and pioneer associations
on lava and cinder substrates (Gagne and Cuddihy 1990).
In Hawaii, lowland, montane, and subalpine forest types extend from
sea level to above 3,000 m (9,800 ft) in elevation. Coastal and lowland
forests are generally dry or mesic and may be open or closed-canopied.
The stature of lowland forests is generally under 10 m (30 ft). Three
of the taxa proposed for listing (Cyanea copelandii ssp.
haleakalaensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and Labordia
triflora) have been reported from lowland mesic forest habitat. Montane
wet forests, occupying elevations between 915 and 1,830 m (3,000 and
6,000 ft), occur on the windward slopes and summits of the islands of
Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. The forests may be open- to
closed-canopied, and may exceed 20 m (65 ft) in stature. Montane wet
forests are usually dominated by several species of native trees and
tree ferns. Four of the proposed taxa (Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea
copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, and Cyanea hamatiflora
ssp. hamatiflora) have been reported from montane wet forest habitat.
Hawaiian shrublands are also found from coastal to alpine
elevations. The majority of Hawaiian shrubland types are in dry and
mesic settings, or on cliffs and slopes too steep to support trees. One
of the proposed taxa, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, has been reported from
coastal dry shrubland on Kahoolawe. Two of the proposed taxa, Dubautia
plantaginea ssp. humilis and Melicope munroi, have been reported from
lowland wet shrublands, and Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi has
been reported from lowland mesic shrublands.
The land that supports these 10 plant taxa is owned by various
private parties, the State of Hawaii (including forest reserves and
natural area reserves), and the Federal government (Department of the
Interior, National Park Service).
Discussion of the 10 Plant Taxa
Clermontia samuelii
Clermontia samuelii, was first described by C.N. Forbes from a
collection he made in 1919 (Degener and Degener 1958, Forbes 1920).
Harold St. John described C. hanaensis in 1939, based on a specimen
collected by C.N. Forbes in 1920 (Degener and Degener 1960, St. John
1939). Later, St. John formally described C. gracilis, C.
kipahuluensis, and C. rosacea (St. John 1987a). In the most recent
treatment of this endemic Hawaiian genus, Lammers considers all four
species to be synonymous with C. samuelii, and divides the species into
two subspecies--ssp. hanaensis (including the synonyms C. hanaensis and
C. kipahuluensis) and ssp. samuelii (including C. gracilis and C.
rosacea) (Lammers 1989, 1990).
Clermontia samuelii, a member of the bellflower family
(Campanulaceae), is a terrestrial shrub 1.2 to 5 m (4 to 16 ft) tall.
The leaves are elliptical, sometimes broader at the tip, with blades 5
to 10 cm (2 to 4 in.) long and 1.8 to 4.5 cm (0.7 to 1.8 in.) wide. The
upper surfaces of the leaves are dark green, often tinged purplish, and
may be sparsely hairy. The lower surfaces of the leaves are pale green,
and sparsely to densely hairy. The leaf margins are thickened, with
shallow, ascending, rounded teeth. The tips and bases of the leaves are
typically sharply pointed. The inflorescences (flowering clusters) bear
2 to 5 flowers on a main stem that is 4 to 18 mm (0.2 to 0.7 in.) long.
The stalk of each individual flower is 12 to 28 mm (0.5 to 1.1 in.)
long. The hypanthium (cup-like structure at the base of the flower) is
widest on the top, 8 to 14 mm (0.3 to 0.6 in.) long, and 5 to 10 mm
(0.2 to 0.4 in.) wide. The sepals and petals are similar in color (rose
or greenish white to white), curved, and tubular. The flowers are 36 to
55 mm (1.4 to 2.2 in.) long and 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) wide. The
lobes of the sepals and petals are erect, and extend 0.2 to 0.5 times
beyond the tube. Berries of this species have not yet been observed. C.
samuelii ssp. hanaensis is differentiated from C. samuelii ssp.
samuelii by the greenish white to white flowers; longer, narrower
[[Page 26759]]
leaves with the broadest point near the base of the leaves; and fewer
hairs on the lower surface of the leaves. The species is separated from
other members of this endemic Hawaiian genus by the size of the flowers
and the hypanthium (Lammers 1990).
Historically, Clermontia samuelii has been reported from eight
locations on Haleakala, East Maui, from Keanae Valley on the windward
(northeastern) side to Manawainui on the more leeward (southeastern)
side of Haleakala (Hawaii Heritage Program (HHP) 1991a1 to 1991a4,
1991b1 to 1991b4; Medeiros and Loope 1989). Currently, C. samuelii ssp.
hanaensis is known from several populations limited to the northeastern
side of Haleakala, totaling fewer than 300 individuals. The populations
occur on State owned land, within a Natural Area Reserve and a Forest
Reserve (FR) (Arthur C. Medeiros, Biological Resources Division--U.S.
Geological Survey (BRD), pers. comm. 1995). C. samuelii ssp. samuelii
is known from 5 to 10 populations totalling 50 to 100 individuals. Most
of the populations occur on the back walls of Kipahulu Valley, within
Haleakala National Park, with 2 or 3 of the populations on adjacent
State owned land (Robert Hobdy, Hawaii Division of Forestry and
Wildlife (DOFAW) and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995). C. samuelii
ssp. hanaensis is found at, or below, 915 m (3,000 ft) elevation (A.C.
Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995), while C. samuelii ssp. samuelii is
typically found between 1,800 to 2,100 m (6,000 to 6,900 ft) elevation
(HHP 1991b1, 1991b2, 1991b4). Both taxa are found in montane wet forest
dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha (o`hi`a) with an understory of
Cibotium sp. (hapu`u) and various native shrubs. Associated plant taxa
include Dubautia sp. (na`ena`e), Clermontia sp. (`oha wai), Hedyotis
sp. (pilo), Vaccinium sp. (ohelo), Carex alligata, Melicope sp.
(alani), and Cheirodendron trigynum (`olapa) (HHP 1991a1, 1991a2,
1991b4).
Threats to Clermontia samuelii ssp. hanaensis include habitat
degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and
competition with alien plant taxa such as Tibouchina herbacea
(glorybush) and two species of Hedychium (ginger) (A.C. Medeiros, pers.
comm. 1995; Fredrick R. Warshauer, BRD, pers. comm. 1995). In addition,
two extremely invasive alien plant taxa, Miconia calvescens (velvet
tree) and Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), are found in nearby areas
and may invade this habitat if not controlled (A.C. Medeiros, pers.
comm. 1995). The habitat of Clermontia samuelii ssp. samuelii was
extensively damaged by pigs in the past, and pigs are still a major
threat to the populations on State owned lands. The populations of
Clermontia samuelii ssp. samuelii within the park have been fenced and
pigs have been eradicated. Due to the large populations of pigs in
adjacent areas, the park populations must constantly be monitored to
prevent further ingress (R. Hobdy and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms.
1995). Rats (mainly Rattus rattus) and slugs are known to eat leaves,
stems, and fruits of other members of this genus, and therefore are a
potential threat to both subspecies (Loyal Mehrhoff, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS), in litt. 1995).
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis
Cyanea haleakalaensis was first described in 1971 by St. John, from
a collection made by G.Y. Kikudome in 1951 (St. John 1971). In 1987,
St. John (St. John 1987b) merged the two genera Cyanea and Delissea,
formally recognizing only Delissea, the genus with priority. This
resulted in the combination D. haleakalaensis. Lammers retains both
genera in the currently accepted treatment of the Hawaiian members of
the family, and in 1988 he recognized C. haleakalaensis as a subspecies
of C. copelandii, publishing the new combination C. copelandii ssp.
haleakalaensis (Lammers 1988, 1990). C. copelandii ssp. copelandii was
previously listed as an endangered species (59 FR 10305).
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, a member of the bellflower
family, is a vine-like shrub 0.3 to 2 m (1 to 7 ft) tall, with
sprawling stems. The sap of this species is a tan latex. Stems are
unbranched or sparingly branched from the base. The leaves are
elliptical, 10 to 19 cm (4 to 7 in.) long, and 3.5 to 8.5 cm (1.4 to
3.3 in.) wide. The upper surfaces of the leaves have no hairs, while
the lower surfaces are hairy. The margins of the leaves are thickened,
with small, widely spaced, sharp teeth. The leaf stalks are 2.5 to 10
cm (1 to 4 in.) long. The inflorescences are 5 to 12-flowered and
hairy. The main inflorescence stalks are 20 to 45 mm (0.8 to 1.8 in.)
long. The hypanthium is oval and widest at the top, 6 to 10 mm (0.2 to
0.4 in.) long, about 5 mm (0.2 in.) wide, and hairy. The corolla
(petals collectively) is yellowish but appears pale rose in color due
to a covering of dark red hairs. The corolla is 37 to 42 mm (1.4 to 1.6
in.) long and about 5 mm (0.2 in.) wide. The corolla tube is gently
curved and the lobes spread about 0.25 times beyond the tube. The
berries are dark orange, oval, and 7 to 15 mm (0.3 to 0.6 in.) long.
This subspecies is differentiated from the other subspecies by the
elliptical leaves, which are also shorter. This species differs from
others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the vine-like stems and the
yellowish flowers that appear red due to the covering of hairs (Lammers
1990).
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis was historically reported
from six locations on the windward (northeastern) side of Haleakala,
East Maui, from Waikamoi to Kipahulu Valley (Chock and Kikudome (299)
1950; Forbes (1680.M) 1919, (1708.M) 1919, (2616.M) 1920, (2675.M)
1920; Hobdy (887) 1980; Kikudome (454) 1951; Lamoureux and DeWreede
(3917) 1967; Rock (25660b) 1954; St. John (24732) 1950; Warshauer and
Kepler (FRW 2698) 1980; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 2769) 1980;
Wagner et al. (5912) 1988). Currently, this taxon is known from two
populations: One population of about 200 individuals in Kipahulu
Valley, within Haleakala National Park; and one population of 35
individuals on lower Waikamoi flume, which is privately owned. Typical
habitat is stream banks and wet scree slopes in montane wet or mesic
forest dominated by Acacia koa (koa) and/or Metrosideros polymorpha
(Hobdy (887) 1980; Medeiros and Loope 1989; National Tropical Botanical
Garden (NTBG) 1994; Wagner et al. (5912) 1988; R. Hobdy and A.C.
Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995). C. copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis is
found at elevations between 730 and 1,340 m (2,400 and 4,400 ft) (Hobdy
(887) 1980; Wagner et al. (5912) 1988; Warshauer and Kepler (FRW 2698)
1980; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 2769) 1980; A.C. Medeiros, pers.
comm. 1995). Associated species include Perrottetia sandwicensis
(olomea), Psychotria hawaiiensis (kopiko `ula), Broussaisia arguta
(kanawao), and Hedyotis acuminata (au) (Wagner et al. (5912) 1988).
The major threats to Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis are
habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs and competition
with several alien plant taxa (Higashino et al. 1988; Hobdy (887) 1980;
NTBG 1994; R. Hobdy, A.C. Medeiros, and F.R. Warshauer, pers. comms.
1995). Rats (mainly Rattus rattus) and slugs (mainly Milax gagetes) are
known to eat leaves, stems, and fruits of other members of this genus,
and therefore are a potential threat to this species (L. Mehrhoff, in
litt. 1995). In addition, C. copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis is
threatened by random environmental events since it is known from only
two populations.
[[Page 26760]]
Cyanea glabra
Cyanea glabra was first collected on West Maui by Willam Hillebrand
who named it Cyanea holophylla var. obovata (Hillebrand 1888). In 1943,
F.E. Wimmer named it C. knudsenii var. glabra, based on a specimen
collected by Forbes on East Maui (Wimmer 1943). In 1981, St. John
elevated C. knudsenii var. glabra to full species status as C. glabra
(St. John 1981). Lammers, in the most recent treatment of the Hawaiian
members of the family, upheld the species name, and included C.
holophylla var. obovata as well as the following synonyms in C. glabra:
C. scabra var. variabilis, Delissea glabra, D. holophylla var. obovata,
and D. scabra var. variabilis (Lammers 1990, Rock 1919).
Cyanea glabra, a member of the bellflower family, is a branched
shrub. The leaves of juvenile plants are deeply pinnately lobed, while
those of the adult plants are more or less entire and elliptical. Adult
leaves are 23 to 36 cm (9 to 14 in.) long and 7 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in.)
wide. The upper surfaces of the leaves are green and hairless, while
the lower surfaces are pale green and hairless to sparsely hairy. The
margins of the adult leaves are thickened and shallowly toothed to
irregularly lobed. Six to eight flowers are borne in each
inflorescence. The main inflorescence stalk is 20 to 55 mm (0.8 to 2.2
in.) long, while the individual flower stalk is 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1.0
in.) long. The hypanthium is widest at the top, 7 to 10 mm (0.3 to 0.4
in.) long, and about 5 mm (0.2 in.) wide. The corolla is white, often
with a pale lilac tinge, 50 to 60 mm (2 to 2.4 in.) long, and about 8
mm (0.3 in.) wide. The tube of the corolla is curved. The lobes are
spreading, 0.25 to 0.33 times as long as the tube, and are covered by
small, sharp projections. The berries are yellowish orange, elliptical,
and 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in.) long. The calyx (sepals collectively)
persist on the berry. This species is differentiated from others in
this endemic Hawaiian genus by the size of the flower and the pinnately
lobed juvenile leaves (Lammers 1990).
Cyanea glabra has been reported historically from two locations on
West Maui (Hillebrand 1888; Steve Perlman, NTBG, pers. comm. 1992) and
five locations on Haleakala, East Maui (HHP 1991c1 to 1991c5). This
species is currently known from only two populations: One population of
12 individuals in Kauaula Gulch on West Maui, on privately owned land
(S. Perlman, pers. comm. 1995); and one scattered population of
approximately 200 individuals in Kipahulu Valley, within Haleakala
National Park (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). Typical habitat is wet
forest dominated by Acacia koa and/or Metrosideros polymorpha, at
elevations between 975 to 1,340 m (3,200 to 4,400 ft) (A.C. Medeiros,
pers. comm. 1995).
The primary threat to Cyanea glabra is slugs (A.C. Medeiros, pers.
comm. 1995). Additional threats are habitat degradation and/or
destruction by feral pigs, flooding, and competition with several alien
plant taxa (R. Hobdy and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995). Rats are a
potential threat to C. glabra, since they are known to eat plant parts
of other members of the bellflower family (L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995;
A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). Leaf damage in the form of stippling
and yellowing by the twospotted leafhopper (Saphonia rufofascia) has
been observed on other native species within the area of C. glabra on
West Maui and is a potential threat to this species (Kenneth Wood,
NTBG, pers. comm. 1995). Random environmental events are a threat to
this species, with only two populations remaining.
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora
Cyanea hamatiflora was first collected by Joseph Rock in 1910 and
described in 1913 (Rock 1913). In 1987, St. John (St. John 1987b)
merged the two genera Cyanea and Delissea, formally recognizing only
Delissea, the genus with priority. This resulted in the combination D.
hamatiflora. In 1988, Lammers upheld Cyanea as a separate genus and
combined C. carlsonii with this species, resulting in two subspecies:
The federally endangered C. hamatiflora ssp. carlsonii (59 FR 10305)
and the nominative C. hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora (Lammers 1988,
1990).
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, a member of the bellflower
family, is a palm-like tree 3 to 8 m (10 to 26 ft) tall. The latex is
tan in color. The leaves are elliptical with the broadest point at the
tip, or they may be narrowly oblong. The leaf blades are 50 to 80 cm
(20 to 30 in.) long, 8 to 14 cm (3 to 5.5 in.) wide, and have no stem.
The upper surface of the leaf is sparsely hairy to hairless and the
lower surface is hairy at least along the midrib and veins. The leaf
margins are minutely round-toothed. The inflorescence is 5 to 10
flowered with main stalks 15 to 30 mm (0.6 to 1.2 in.) long. The stalks
of individuals flowers are 5 to 12 mm (0.2 to 0.5 in.) long. The
hypanthium is widest at the top, 12 to 30 mm (0.5 to 1.2 in.) long, and
6 to 12 mm (0.2 to 0.5 in.) wide. The corolla is magenta in color, 60
to 80 mm (2 to 3 in.) long, 6 to 11 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in.) wide, and
hairless. The tube of the corolla is slightly curved, with lobes 0.25
to 0.5 times as long as the tube. The corolla lobes all curve downward,
making the flower appear one-lipped. The anthers (pollen-bearing
structures) are hairless except for the lower two, which have apical
tufts of white hairs. The fruit is a purplish red berry 30 to 45 mm
(1.2 to 1.8 in.) long and 20 to 27 mm (0.8 to 1.1 in.) wide. The berry
is crowned by persistent calyx lobes. This subspecies is differentiated
from the previously listed subspecies (C. hamatiflora ssp. carlsonii)
by its longer calyx lobes and shorter individual flower stalks. This
species is separated from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by
fewer flowers per inflorescence and narrower leaves (Lammers 1990).
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora was historically known from
eight locations on the windward (northeastern) side of Haleakala, on
Maui, stretching from Puu o Kakae to Manawainui (Degener (7977) 1927;
Forbes (1294.M) 1919, (1654.M) 1919, (2607.M) 1920; Higashino and
Haratani (10037) 1983; Higashino and Holt (9398) 1980; Higashino and
Mizuro (2850) 1976; Hobdy (2630) 1986; Rock (8514) 1918; St. John
(24730) 1951; Skottsberg (870) 1920; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW
2614) 1980; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 2876) 1980). Currently, this
taxon is known from two locations. Five or 6 populations totalling 50
to 100 individuals in Kipahulu Valley occur within Haleakala National
Park (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995), and 5 or 6 populations
totalling 20 to 25 widely scattered individuals occur in the Waikamoi-
Koolau Gap area on privately owned land (NTBG 1995; R. Hobdy, pers.
comm. 1995). Typical habitat for this taxon is montane wet forest
dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha, with a Cibotium sp. and/or native
shrub understory, from 975 to 1,500 m (3,200 to 4,920 ft) elevation
(NTBG 1995; Warshauer and McEldowney (FRW 2614) 1980; Warshauer and
McEldowney (FRW 2876) 1980). Associated native plant taxa include
Dicranopteris linearis (uluhe), Cheirodendron trigynum, Broussaisia
arguta, Cyanea solenocalyx (haha), Cyanea kunthiana (haha), Vaccinium
sp. (ohelo), Melicope sp., and Myrsine sp. (kolea) (Higashino and
Mizuro (2850) 1976; NTBG 1995).
The major threats to Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora are
habitat degradation and/or destruction by feral pigs, landslides, and
competition with the alien plant Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani)
(NTBG 1995; R. Hobdy and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995). Pig damage
in the form of peeled bark
[[Page 26761]]
has been observed on individuals of C. hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora
(A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). Rats and slugs are potential
threats, since other Hawaiian members of this family are known to be
eaten by rats and slugs (L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995). All populations
of this taxon are in areas where rats and slugs have been observed
(A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis was first described in 1985, from
specimens collected by Gerald Carr, Robert Robichaux, and Rene Sylva in
Black Gorge on West Maui (Carr 1985, Carr 1990).
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis, a member of the aster family
(Asteraceae), is a dwarfed shrub less than 80 cm (30 in.) tall. The
stems are hairless or occasionally strigullose (having straight hairs
pressed against the stem). The leaves are opposite, narrow, 8 to 15 cm
(3 to 6 in.) long, and 0.7 to 4.5 cm (0.3 to 1.8 in.) wide. The leaves
usually have five to nine nerves, and are hairless or moderately
strigullose. The leaf margins are toothed from the apex to near the
middle. Between 20 to 90 flowering heads are found in each
inflorescence, which is about 20 cm (8 in.) long and 28 cm (11 in.)
wide. Eight to 20 florets (small flower that is part of a dense
cluster) are found in each head, borne on a flat receptacle. The bracts
on the receptacle are about 5 mm (0.2 in.) long, sharply toothed, and
fused together. The corolla is yellow, and may purple with age. The
fruit is an achene (a dry, one-celled, indehiscent fruit) 2.5 to 4 mm
(0.08 to 0.2 in.) long. The taxon is self-incompatible, meaning flowers
must be pollinated by pollen from a different plant. This subspecies
differs from the other two subspecies (D. plantaginea ssp. magnifolia
and D. plantaginea ssp. plantaginea) by having fewer heads per
inflorescence but more florets per head. The species differs from other
Hawaiian members of the genus by the number of nerves in the leaves and
by the close resemblance of the leaves to the genus Plantago (Carr
1985, 1990).
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis has only been reported from two
locations in Iao Valley, on West Maui. Both populations are on
privately owned land, and the two populations total fewer than 300
individuals. Typical habitat is wet, barren, wind-blown cliffs, between
350 to 400 m (1,150 to 1,300 ft) elevation. Associated native plant
taxa include Metrosideros polymorpha, Pipturus albidus (mamaki),
Eragrostis variabilis (kawelu), Carex sp., Hedyotis formosa, Lysimachia
remyi, Bidens sp. (ko`oko`olau), Pritchardia sp. (loulu), and the
federally endangered Plantago princeps (`ale) (Hawaii Plant
Conservation Center 1990; HHP 1991d1, 1991d2; R. Hobdy, pers. comm.
1995).
Threats to Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis include landslides and
several alien plant taxa (HPCC 1990; HHP 1991d1; R. Hobdy, pers. comm.
1995). Random environmental events are also a threat, with only two
known populations less than a half mile apart within the same valley.
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi
Hillebrand described a new species, Kadua remyi, based on
collections on Lanai and East Maui by Reverend John Lydgate (Hillebrand
1888). F. Raymond Fosberg combined the genus Kadua with Hedyotis in
1943, and combined K. remyi with Hedyotis schlechtendahliana. Fosberg
considered the Lanai plants different enough from the Maui plants to
create a separate variety, H. schlechtendahliana var. remyi. This
variety has been upheld in the most recent revision of the Hawaiian
members of this genus (Wagner et al. 1990).
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, a member of the coffee
family (Rubiaceae), is a few branched subshrub from 60 to 600 cm (24 to
240 in.) long, with weakly erect or climbing stems that may be somewhat
square, smooth, and glaucous (with a fine waxy coating that imparts a
whitish or bluish hue to the stem). The leaves are opposite, glossy,
thin or somewhat thickened, egg-shaped or with a heart-shaped base and
a very pointed tip, and 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in.) long. The margins of
the leaves curl under. The veins of the leaves are impressed on the
upper surface with hairs along the veins and raised on the lower
surface. The lower surface of the leaves are usually glaucous, like the
stems. The leaf stalks are up to 1 cm (0.4 in.) long, slightly fused to
the stem, and bear stipules (appendages on the base of the leaf
stalks).
The inflorescence stalks are 2 to 15 mm (0.1 to 0.6 in.) long,
square, usually glaucous, and borne at the ends of the stems. The
flowers have either functional male and female parts or only functional
female parts. Leaf-like bracts are found at the base of each flower.
The hypanthium is top-shaped and 1.5 to 2.2 mm (0.06 to 0.09 in.) wide.
The calyx lobes are usually leaf-like and oblong to broadly egg-shaped,
2 to 8 mm (0.08 to 0.3 in.) long, and 1.5 to 2.5 mm (0.08 to 0.09 in.)
wide, enlarging somewhat in fruit. The corolla is cream-colored,
fleshy, usually glaucous, trumpet-shaped, with a tube 6 to 17 mm (0.2
to 0.7 in.) long and lobes 1.5 to 10 mm (0.06 to 0.4 in.) long when the
anthers are ripe. The stamens reach only to 1 to 3 mm (0.04 to 0.1 in.)
below the sinuses of the corolla lobes. The styles are woolly on the
lower portions, and two to four lobed. The fruits are top-shaped to
sub-globose capsules 2 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in.) long and 3 to 7 mm (0.1
to 0.3 in.) in diameter. The fruits break open along the walls of the
cells within the fruit. Seeds are dark brown, irregularly wedge-shaped
and angled, and darkly granular. This variety is distinguished from the
other variety by the leaf shape, narrow flowering stalks, and flower
color. It is distinguished from others in the genus by the distance
between leaves and the length of the sprawling or climbing stems
(Wagner et al. 1990).
Historically, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi was known from
five locations on the northwestern portion of Lanaihale on the island
of Lanai (Degener et al. (24193) 1957; Forbes (33.L) 1913, (315.L)
1917); Fosberg (12463) 1939; HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; Hillebrand 1888;
Hillebrand and Lydgate (s.n.) n.d.; Munro (s.n.) 1913, (s.n.) 1914,
(257, 335) 1928, (506) 1930; Nagata and Ganders (2524) 1982; Rock
(8116) 1910; St. John and Eames (18738) 1938; Wagner et al. 1990).
Currently, this species is known from six individuals in three
populations on Kaiholeha-Hulupoe ridge, Kapohaku drainage, and Waiapaa
drainage on Lanaihale (HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; R. Hobdy, pers. comm.
1995). H. schlechtendahliana var. remyi typically grows in mesic
windswept shrubland with a mixture of dominant plant taxa that may
include Metrosideros polymorpha, Dicranopteris linearis, and/or
Styphelia tameiameiae (pukiawe) at elevations between 730 and 900 m
(2,400 to 3,000 ft). Associated plant taxa include Dodonaea viscosa
(`a`al`ii), Sadleria sp. (`ama`u), Dubautia sp. (na`ena`e), Myrsine
sp., and several others (HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; Lau (2866) 1986; Nagata
and Ganders (2524) 1982).
The primary threats to Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi are
habitat degradation and/or destruction by axis deer (Axis axis);
competition with alien plant taxa such as Psidium cattleianum, Myrica
faya (firetree), Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand tea), and Schinus
terebinthifolius (Christmas berry); and random environmental events
and/or reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of remaining
individuals and populations (HHP 1994e1 to 1991e3; Joel Lau, The Nature
Conservancy of Hawaii, pers. comm. 1995).
[[Page 26762]]
Kanaloa kahoolawensis
Kanaloa kahoolawensis was previously unknown to science until its
discovery by Steve Perlman and Ken Wood in 1992 on a steep rocky spire
on the coast of Kahoolawe. David Lorence and Wood have determined that
this plant represents a new genus, and have named the species Kanaloa
kahoolawensis (Lorence and Wood 1994).
Kanaloa kahoolawensis, a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), is
a densely branched shrub 0.75 to 1 m (2.5 to 3.5 ft) tall. The branches
are sprawling and 0.75 to 1.5 m (2.5 to 5 ft) long. New growth is
densely covered with brown and white hairs. The twigs are brown, ribbed
or angled, and become whitish gray with corky fissures. The leaves are
clustered near twig tips and have two persistent stipules. The leaf
stalk is 6 to 24 mm (0.2 to 0.9 in.) long. The leaves are divided into
three pairs of leaflets, with a leaf nectary (nectar-bearing gland) at
the joint between each pair of leaflets. The leaflet pairs are 22 to 55
mm (0.8 to 2 in.) long. The main stalk of the leaf terminates in a
short, brown appendage. The leaflets are egg-shaped, unequal-sided, 1.4
to 4.2 cm (0.6 to 1.7 in.) long, and 0.9 to 3.2 cm (0.4 to 1.3 in.)
wide. One to three inflorescences are found in the leaf axils (joint
between leaf and stem), developing with the flush of new leaves. The
main stalk of the inflorescence is 8 to 30 mm (0.3 to 1.2 in.) long.
The inflorescence is a globose head 6 to 8 mm (0.3 to 0.3 in.) in
diameter, with small bracts 1 to 1.5 mm (0.04 to 0.06 in.) long at the
base. Each inflorescence has 20 to 54 white flowers. The calyx of the
male flowers has limbs that are wider at the tip; densely covered with
long, white hairs; and have lobes that overlap when the flower is in
bud. The corolla lobes also overlap when the flower is in bud, and the
petals are 1.5 to 1.8 mm (0.06 to 0.07 in.) long. The petals are hairy
on the outside at the tip, and are not fused at the base. Ten stamens
are found in the male flowers, fused at the base. Male flowers have
only vestigial female parts. Female flowers have not been observed. The
fruit is borne on a stalk about 5 mm (0.2 in.) long. Up to four fruit
develop in each flowering head. The fruit is egg-shaped to subcircular,
compressed, hairy at the base, and open along two sides. One slender,
brown seed, about 2 mm (0.08 in.) long, is found in each fruit. There
is no other species of legume in Hawaii that bears any resemblance to
this species or genus (Lorence and Wood 1994).
The only known location of Kanaloa kahoolawensis is a rocky stack
on the southern coast of the island of Kahoolawe, which is owned by the
State of Hawaii (Lorence and Wood 1994). While there are no previous
records of the plant, pollen core studies on the island of Oahu
revealed a legume pollen that could not be identified until this
species was discovered. The pollen cores indicate that K. kahoolawensis
was a codominant with Dodonaea viscosa and Pritchardia sp. from before
1210 B.C. to 1565 A.D., at which point K. kahoolawensis disappeared
from the pollen record and D. viscosa and Pritchardia sp. declined
dramatically (Athens et al. 1992, Athens and Ward 1993, Lorence and
Wood 1994). Only two living individuals and 10 to 12 dead individuals
are known (D. Lorence, NTBG, pers. comm. 1995). The only known habitat
is mixed coastal shrubland on steep rocky talus slopes at 45 to 60 m
(150 to 200 ft) elevation. Associated native plant taxa include Sida
fallax (`ilima), Senna gaudichaudii (kolomona), Bidens mauiensis
(ko`oko`olau), Lipochaeta lavarum (nehe), Portulaca molokinensis
(`ihi), and Capparis sandwichiana (pua pilo). In addition, the area is
also a nesting site for Bulwer's petrel (Bulweria bulwerii) and wedge-
tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) (Lorence and Wood 1994).
The major threats to Kanaloa kahoolawensis are landslides and the
alien plant taxa Emelia fosbergii, Chloris barbata (swollen finger
grass), and Nicotiana glauca (tobacco tree) (Lorence and Wood 1994).
Goats (Capra hircus) played a major role in the destruction of
vegetation on Kahoolawe before they were removed (Cuddihy and Stone
1990), and K. kahoolawensis probably survived only because the rocky
stack is almost completely separated from the island and inaccessible
to goats (Lorence and Wood 1994). Rats are a potential threat to this
species, since it has seeds similar in appearance and presentation to
the federally endangered Caesalpinia kavaiensis, which is eaten by
rats. Rats may have been the cause of the decline of this species 800
years ago (L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995). Random environmental events
and/or reduced reproductive vigor are also a threat to this species,
because only two individuals are known.
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis
Hillebrand determined, but did not name, a new variety of Labordia
tinifolia based on specimens he collected on the islands of Kauai, West
Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii. E.E. Sherff named the variety L. tinifolia
var. lanaiensis in 1938 (Sherff 1938). In the revision of the Hawaiian
members of this family, Wagner et al. (1990), retained the
nomenclature, but included only those plants from Lanai and Mapulehu on
Molokai (previously considered L. triflora) as L. tinifolia var.
lanaiensis. This endemic Hawaiian genus is currently being revised, and
only the Lanai populations are included in L. tinifolia var.
lanaiensis, while L. triflora is being resurrected for the Molokai
population (see discussion of the next taxon, below) (Motley, in
press).
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, a member of the logan family
(Loganiaceae), is an erect shrub or small tree 1.2 to 15 m (4 to 49 ft)
tall. The stems branch regularly into two forks of nearly equal size.
The leaves are medium to dark green, oval to narrowly oval, 3.8 to 21
cm (1.5 to 8.3 in.) long, and 1.4 to 7.3 cm (0.6 to 2.9 in.) wide. The
leaf stalks are 2.2 to 4 cm (0.9 to 1.6 in.) long. The stipules are
fused together, forming a sheath around the stem that is 1 to 4 mm
(0.04 to 0.2 in.) long. Three to 19 flowers are found in each
inflorescence, and the entire inflorescence is pendulous and has a
stalk 9 to 22 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in.) long. The flowers have a semen-like
fragrance, and are borne on stalks 8 to 11 mm (0.3 to 0.4 in.) long.
The corolla is pale yellowish green or greenish yellow, narrowly urn-
shaped, and 6.5 to 19 mm (0.2 to 0.7 in.) long. The fruit is broadly
oval, 8 to 17 mm (0.3 to 0.7 in.) long, 2 to 3 valved, and has a beak
0.5 to 1.5 mm (0.02 to 0.06 in.) long. The seeds are brown and about
1.8 mm (0.06 in.) long. This subspecies differs from the other two
subspecies and other species in this endemic Hawaiian genus by having
larger capsules and smaller corollas (Motley, in press; Wagner et al.
1990).
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis was historically known from the
entire length of the summit ridge of Lanaihale, on the island of Lanai
(HHP 1991f1 to 1991f12; Motley, in press; Sherff 1938). Currently, L.
tinifolia var. lanaiensis is known from only one population at the
southeastern end of the summit ridge of Lanaihale. This population is
on privately owned land and totals 300 to 1,000 scattered individuals.
The typical habitat of L. tinifolia var. lanaiensis is lowland mesic
forest, associated with such native species as Dicranopteris linearis
and Scaevola chamissoniana (naupaka kuahiwi), at elevations between 760
and 915 m (2,500 and 3,000 ft) (HHP 1991f3; Motley, in press; R. Hobdy
and J. Lau, pers. comms. 1995).
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis is threatened by deer and
several alien plant taxa (R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1994;
[[Page 26763]]
J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995). The single population is also threatened by
random environmental factors.
Labordia triflora
Hillebrand named Labordia triflora based on a specimen he collected
on Molokai in the early 1800s (Hillebrand 1888). Wagner et al.
considered this species to be synonymous with L. tinifolia var.
lanaiensis (Wagner et al. 1990). Timothy Motley of the University of
Hawaii (UH) is revising this endemic Hawaiian genus, and has
resurrected L. triflora as a valid species (Motley, in press).
Labordia triflora, a member of the logan family, is very similar to
L. tinifolia var. lanaiensis, described above, except in the following
characteristics. Stems of L. triflora are climbing. The leaf stalks are
only 1 to 3 mm (0.04 to 0.1 in.) long. The inflorescence stalks are 40
to 50 mm (1.6 to 2 in.) long. Each flower stalk is 10 to 25 mm (0.4 to
1 in.) long (Motley, in press).
Until 1990, Labordia triflora was known only from the type
collection at Mapulehu, on the island of Molokai. This collection was
made by Hillebrand in 1870 (Motley, in press). In 1990, Joel Lau of The
Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, rediscovered the species in Kua Gulch on
Molokai (Motley, in press; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995). Only 10
individuals are known, all occurring on privately owned land (J. Lau,
pers. comm. 1995). Of these individuals, only two are male plants
(Timothy Motley, University of Hawaii, pers. comm. 1993). This species
occurs in mixed lowland mesic forest, at an elevation of 800 m (2,600
ft). Associated species include Pouteria sandwicensis (`ala `a), the
federally endangered Cyanea mannii (haha), and Tetraplasandra sp.
(`ohe) (Motley, in press).
The threats to Labordia triflora include habitat degradation and/or
destruction by pigs and goats, rats that eat seeds, and competition
with the alien plant species Schinus terebinthifolius (Motley in press;
T. Motley, pers. comm. 1993). Random environmental events and reduced
reproductive vigor also threaten this species, as only 10 individuals
remain in one population.
Melicope munroi
In 1944, St. John described Pelea munroi, based on a collection by
George C. Munro in 1915 (St. John 1944). The genus Pelea has since been
submerged with Melicope, creating the combination M. munroi (Hartley
and Stone 1989).
Melicope munroi, a member of the citrus family (Rutaceae), is a
sprawling shrub up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. The new growth of this species
is minutely hairy. The leaves are opposite, broadly elliptical, 6 to 11
cm (2.4 to 4.3 in.) long, and 3.5 to 7.5 cm (1.4 to 3.0 in.) wide. The
veins of the leaf are parallel, in 8 to 12 pairs, and are connected by
arched veins near the margin of the leaf. The margins of the leaves are
sometimes rolled under. The leaf stalks are 4 to 12 mm (0.2 to 0.5 in.)
long. The inflorescence is found in the axil of the leaf and contains
one to three flowers. The inflorescence stalk is 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to
0.5 in.) long, and the individual flower stalk is 15 to 35 mm (0.6 to
1.4 in.) long. Male flowers have not been reported. Female flowers have
ovoid sepals about 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) long and deltate petals about 8 mm
(0.3 in.) long. The fruit is about 18 mm (0.7 in.) wide, and the 4
carpels (egg-bearing structures) are fused about one-third of their
length. This species differs from other Hawaiian members of the genus
in the shape of the leaf and the length of the inflorescence stalk
(Stone et al. 1990).
Historically known from the Lanaihale summit ridge of Lanai and
above Kamalo on Molokai, Melicope munroi is currently known from only
the Lanaihale summit ridge (HHP 1991g1 to 1991g10). The one widely
scattered population totals an estimated 300 to 500 individuals (J.
Lau, pers. comm. 1995). M. munroi is typically found in lowland mat
fern shrubland, at elevations of 790 to 1020 m (2,600 to 3,350 ft).
Associated native plant taxa include Diplopterygium pinnatum,
Dicranopteris linearis, Metrosideros polymorpha, Cheirodendron
trigynum, Coprosma sp. (pilo), Broussaisia arguta, Melicope sp., and
Machaerina angustifolia (`uki) (HHP 1991g3 to 1991g10).
The major threats to Melicope munroi are deer and the alien plant
taxa Leptospermum scoparium and Psidium cattleianum (HHP 1991g3 to
1991g10; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995). Random environmental events also
threaten the one remaining population.
Previous Federal Action
Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of
the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), which directed the
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on plants
considered to be endangered or threatened in the United States. This
report, designated as House Document No. 94-51, was presented to
Congress on January 9, 1975. One of the 10 proposed taxa, Cyanea glabra
(as C. scabra var. variabilis) was considered to be endangered in that
document. One taxon, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, was considered
to be threatened and two taxa, L. triflora and Melicope munroi (as
Pelea munroi), were considered to be extinct. On July 1, 1975, the
Service published a notice in the Federal Register (40 FR 27823) of its
acceptance of the Smithsonian report as a petition within the context
of section 4(c)(2) (now section 4(b)(3)) of the Act, and giving notice
of its intent to review the status of the plant taxa named therein. As
a result of that review, on June 16, 1976, the Service published a
proposed rule in the Federal Register (41 FR 24523) to determine
endangered status pursuant to section 4 of the Act for approximately
1,700 vascular plant species. The list of 1,700 plant taxa was
assembled on the basis of comments and data received by the Smithsonian
Institution and the Service in response to House Document No. 94-51 and
the July 1, 1975, Federal Register publication.
General comments received in response to the 1976 proposal are
summarized in an April 26, 1978, Federal Register publication (43 FR
17909). In 1978, amendments to the Act required that all proposals over
two years old be withdrawn. A one-year grace period was given to
proposals already over two years old. On December 10, 1979, the Service
published a notice in the Federal Register (44 FR 70796) withdrawing
the portion of the June 16, 1976, proposal that had not been made
final, along with four other proposals that had expired. The Service
published an updated notice of review for plants on December 15, 1980
(45 FR 82479), September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39525), February 21, 1990 (55
FR 6183), and September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144). Six of the species in
this proposal (including synonymous taxa) were at one time or another
considered category 1 or category 2 candidates for Federal listing.
Category 1 species were those for which the Service had on file
substantial information on biological vulnerability and threats to
support preparation of listing proposals but for which listing
proposals had not yet been published because they were precluded by
other listing activities. Category 2 species were those for which
listing as endangered or threatened was possibly appropriate, but for
which sufficient data on biological vulnerability and threats were not
currently available to support proposed rules. Two taxa, Labordia
tinifolia var. lanaiensis and L. triflora, were considered category 2
species in the 1980 and 1985 notices of review. Melicope munroi (as
Pelea munroi) was considered a category 1* in
[[Page 26764]]
the 1980 and 1985 notices. Category 1* species were those that could
possibly be extinct.
In the 1990 and 1993 notices, Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis,
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi, and Melicope munroi were
considered category 2 species. Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis was
considered more abundant than previously thought and moved to category
3C in the 1990 notice. Category 3C species were those that had proven
to be more abundant or widespread than previously believed and/or were
not subject to any identifiable threat. Labordia triflora was
considered a synonym of L. tinifolia var. lanaiensis in the 1990
notice. As published in the Federal Register (61 FR 7596) on February
28, 1996, the Service discontinued the designation of category 2 and
category 3 candidate species.
Since the last notice, new information suggests that the numbers
and distribution are sufficiently restricted and the taxa are
imminently threatened for the previously designated category 2 and
category 3C species mentioned above, as well as six additional taxa
(Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea
glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, the newly discovered
Kanaloa kahoolawensis, and the resurrected Labordia triflora), to
warrant listing.
The processing of this proposed listing rule conforms with the
Service's final listing priority guidance for fiscal year 1997,
published in the Federal Register on December 5, 1996 (61 FR 64475-
64481). The guidance clarifies the order in which the Service will
process rulemakings following two related events: (1)The lifting, on
April 26, 1996, of the moratorium on final listings imposed on April
10, 1995 (Public Law 104-6); and (2) the restoration of significant
funding for listing through passage of the omnibus budget
reconciliation law on April 26, 1996, following severe funding
constraints imposed by a number of continuing resolutions between
November 1995 and April 1996. The guidance calls for giving highest
priority to handling emergency situations (Tier 1) and second highest
priority (Tier 2) to resolving the listing status of the outstanding
proposed listings. Tier 3 includes the processing of new proposed
listings for species facing high magnitude threats. This proposed rule
for 10 plant taxa from Maui Nui in the Hawaiian Islands falls under
Tier 3. The Pacific Islands Ecoregion currently has no outstanding Tier
1 or 2 species, therefore processing of Tier 3 activities is encouraged
under the Listing Priority Guidance. This proposed rule has been
updated by the Pacific Islands Ecosystem Office to reflect any changes
in distribution, status and threats since the expiration date of the
listing moratorium.
Summary of Factors Affecting the Species
Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act and regulations (50 CFR
part 424) promulgated to implement the listing provisions of the Act
set forth the procedures for adding species to the Federal lists of
endangered and threatened species. A species may be determined to be an
endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five factors
described in section 4(a)(1). The threats facing the 10 taxa in this
proposed rule are summarized in Table 2. The factors and their
application to Clermontia samuelii C. Forbes (`oha wai), Cyanea
copelandii Rock ssp. haleakalaensis (St. John) Lammers (haha), Cyanea
glabra (F. Wimmer) St. John (haha), Cyanea hamatiflora Rock ssp.
hamatiflora (haha), Dubautia plantaginea Gaud. ssp. humilis G. Carr
(na`ena`e), Hedyotis schlechtendahliana Steud. var. remyi (Hillebr.)
Fosb. (kopa), Kanaloa kahoolawensis Lorence & K.R. Wood (kohe malama
malama o Kanaloa), Labordia tinifolia A. Gray var. lanaiensis Sherff
(kamakahala), Labordia triflora Hillebr. (kamakahala), and Melicope
munroi (St. John) B. Stone (alani) follow.
Table 2.--Summary of Threats
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alien mammals
Species -------------------------------------------------------- Alien plants Invertebrates Substrate Limited Nos*
Pigs Goats Deer Rats loss
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clermontia samuelii.............. X ............ ............ P X P ............ ..................
Cyanea copelandii ssp. X ............ ............ P P P ............ X1
haleakalaensis.
Cyanea glabra.................... X ............ ............ P X X X X1
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. X ............ ............ P X P X ..................
hamatiflora.
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis ............ ............ ............ ............ X ............. X X1
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. ............ ............ X ............ X ............. ............ X1,2
remyi.
Kanaloa kahoolawensis............ ............ ............ ............ P X ............. X X1,2
Labordia tinifolia var. ............ ............ X ............ X ............. ............ X1
lanaiensis.
Labordia triflora................ X X ............ X X ............. ............ X1,2
Melicope munroi.................. ............ ............ X ............ X ............. ............ X1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
X = Immediate and significant threat.
P = Potential threat.
* = No more than 100 individuals and/or no more than 5 populations; 1 = No more than 5 populations; 2 = No more than 10 individuals.
A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment
of Its Habitat or Range
Native vegetation on all of the main Hawaiian Islands has undergone
extreme alteration because of past and present land management
practices including ranching, deliberate alien animal and plant
introductions, and agricultural development (Cuddihy and Stone 1990,
Wagner et al. 1985). The primary threats facing the 10 plant taxa
included in this ruling are ongoing and threatened destruction and
adverse modification of habitat by feral animals and competition with
alien plants (see Factor E).
Eight of the 10 taxa in this rule are variously threatened by feral
animals (See Table 2). Animals such as pigs,
[[Page 26765]]
goats, axis deer, and cattle were introduced either by the early
Hawaiians or more recently by European settlers for food and/or
commercial ranching activities. Over the 200 years following their
introduction, their numbers increased and the adverse impacts of feral
ungulates on native vegetation have become increasingly apparent.
Beyond the direct effect of trampling and grazing native plants, feral
ungulates have contributed significantly to the heavy erosion still
taking place on most of the main Hawaiian islands (Cuddihy and Stone
1990).
Pigs (Sus scrofa), originally native to Europe, Africa, and Asia,
were introduced to Hawaii by the Polynesian ancestors of Hawaiians, and
later by western immigrants. The pigs escaped domestication and invaded
primarily wet and mesic forests of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and
Hawaii. Pigs pose an immediate threat to one or more populations of
five of the proposed taxa in wet and mesic habitats. While foraging,
pigs root and trample the forest floor, encouraging the establishment
of alien plants in the newly disturbed soil. Pigs also disseminate
alien plant seeds through their feces and on their bodies, accelerating
the spread of alien plants through native forests (Cuddihy and Stone
1990, Stone 1985). Pigs are vectors of Psidium cattleianum (strawberry
guava) and Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry), which threaten
several of the proposed taxa (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith 1985, Stone
1985). On Maui, pigs threaten both subspecies of Clermontia samuelii,
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, the only known population of
Cyanea glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, and the only known
population of Labordia triflora (NTBG 1994; A.C. Medeiros, R. Hobdy,
and J. Lau, pers. comms. 1995; F.R. Warshauer, pers. comm. 1995).
Goats (Capra hircus), native to the Middle East and India, were
first successfully introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1792. Feral
goats now occupy a wide variety of habitats from lowland dry forests to
montane grasslands on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, where
they consume native vegetation, trample roots and seedlings, accelerate
erosion, and promote the invasion of alien plants (Scott et al. 1986,
Stone 1985, van Riper and van Riper 1982). On Molokai, goats threaten
the only known population of Labordia triflora (T. Motley, pers. comm.
1993).
In 1920, a group of 12 axis deer (Axis axis) was introduced to the
island of Lanai and about 60 years later the population was estimated
at 2,800 (Tomich 1986). Axis deer degrade habitat by trampling and
overgrazing vegetation, which removes ground cover and exposes the soil
to erosion. Extensive red erosional scars caused by decades of deer
activity are evident on Lanai (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). Activity of
axis deer threatens all populations of Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var.
remyi, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and Melicope munroi on Lanai
(HHP 1991g8 to 1991g10; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995).
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or
Educational Purposes
Unrestricted collecting for scientific or horticultural purposes or
excessive visits by individuals interested in seeing rare plants could
result from increased publicity. This is a potential threat to all of
the proposed taxa, but would seriously impact the eight taxa whose low
numbers and/or few populations make them especially vulnerable to
disturbances (Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra,
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var.
remyi, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis,
Labordia triflora, and Melicope munroi).
C. Disease and Predation
Disease is not known to be a significant threat to any of the
proposed taxa. None of the 10 proposed taxa are known to be unpalatable
to pigs, deer, or goats. Feral pigs not only destroy native vegetation
through their rooting activities and dispersal of alien plant seeds
(see Factor A), but they also feed on plants, preferring the pithy
interior of large tree ferns and fleshy-stemmed plants from the
bellflower family (Stone 1985, Stone and Loope 1987). There is direct
evidence of pigs eating bark off individuals of Cyanea hamatiflora ssp.
hamatiflora (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995), and predation is a
possible threat to other members of the bellflower family (Clermontia
samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, and Cyanea glabra).
Predation is also a possible threat to the one other taxon, Labordia
triflora, known from areas where pigs have been reported (A.C. Medeiros
and R. Hobdy, pers. comms. 1995; F.R. Warshauer, pers. comm. 1995).
Two rat species, the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the Polynesian
rat (Rattus exulans), and to a lesser extent other introduced rodents,
eat large, fleshy fruits and strip the bark of some native plants,
particularly fruits of the native plants in the bellflower family
(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Tomich 1986, Wagner et al. 1985). It is
possible that rats eat the fruits of Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea
copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, and Cyanea hamatiflora
ssp. hamatiflora, which produce fleshy fruits and stems, and grow in
areas where rats occur (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995; L. Mehrhoff,
in litt. 1995). Rats also eat the seeds of Labordia triflora (T.
Motley, pers. comm. 1993). Rats are a potential threat to Kanaloa
kahoolawensis, which has seeds of a type preferred by rats (L.
Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995).
Slugs (including Milax gagates) are widespread in Hawaii and a
serious threat to many native plant taxa, in addition to possibly being
an attractant to pigs (Howarth 1985). Slugs feed preferentially on
plants with fleshy leaves, stems, and fruits, including all taxa in the
family Campanulaceae in Hawaii (L. Mehrhoff, in litt. 1995). Slugs are
the primary threat to Cyanea glabra. All recent observations of this
species have shown slug damage on both juveniles and adults (A.C.
Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). Slugs are also a potential threat to the
following proposed taxa with fleshy tissues: Clermontia samuelii,
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, and Cyanea hamatiflora ssp.
hamatiflora (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995; L. Mehrhoff, in litt.
1995).
Twospotted leafhopper (Sophonia rufofascia) is a recently
introduced insect that feeds on leaves, damaging them typically in the
form of stippling and chlorosis. In addition to mechanical feeding
damage, this insect may be a vector of a plant virus and is suspected
of causing severe dieback of the native fern Dicranopteris linearis
(uluhe), and economic damage to crops and ornamental plants in Hawaii.
The twospotted leafhopper is a potential threat to all native taxa,
since it has shown no host preference. It is a particularly grave
threat to Cyanea glabra, since leafhoppers have been observed near the
West Maui population (Adam Asquith, USFWS, pers. comm. 1994; K. Wood,
pers. comm. 1995).
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
Of the 10 proposed taxa, 8 have populations located on private
land, 2 on State land, and 4 on Federal land within Haleakala National
Park. While four of the taxa occur in more than one of those four
ownership categories, five are known only from private land, and
Kanaloa kahoolawensis is found only on State land.
Sections 2(c)(1) and 7(a)(1) of the Act direct Federal agencies to
seek to conserve all listed endangered and
[[Page 26766]]
threatened plants, but requires no such activities if the plants are
not federally listed. There are no State laws or existing regulatory
mechanisms at the present time to protect or prevent further decline of
these plants on private land, except for minimal protection offered to
those that occur on land classified as a conservation district.
Populations of one of the proposed taxa, Clermontia samuelii, occur
in a State Natural Area Reserve, which has rules and regulations for
the protection of resources (HRS, sect. 195-5).
The majority of the populations of the 10 proposed taxa are located
on land classified within conservation districts and owned by the State
of Hawaii or private companies or individuals. Regardless of the owner,
lands in these districts are regarded as necessary for the protection
of endemic biological resources and the maintenance or enhancement of
the conservation of natural resources. Activities permitted in
conservation districts are chosen by considering how best to make
multiple use of the land (HRS, sect. 205-2). Some uses, such as
maintaining animals for hunting, are based on policy decisions, while
others, such as preservation of endangered species, are mandated by
both Federal and State laws. Due to lack of staff and funding, land
uses within conservation districts are rarely adequately enforced. In
addition, requests for amendments to district boundaries or variances
within existing classifications can be made by government agencies and
any person with a property interest in the land (HRS, sect. 205-4).
Before decisions about these requests are made, the impact of the
proposed reclassification on ``preservation or maintenance of important
natural systems or habitat'' (HRS, sects. 205-4, 205-17) as well as the
maintenance of natural resources is required to be taken into account
(HRS, sects. 205-2, 205-4). Before any proposed land use that will
occur on State land, is funded in part or whole by county or State
funds, or will occur within land classified as conservation district,
an environmental assessment is required to determine whether or not the
environment will be significantly affected (HRS, chapt. 343). If it is
found that an action will have a significant effect, preparation of a
full Environmental Impact Statement is required. Hawaii environmental
policy, and thus approval of land use, is required by law to safeguard
``* * * the State's unique natural environmental characteristics * *
*'' (HRS, sect. 344-3(1)) and includes guidelines to ``protect
endangered species of individual plants and animals * * *'' (HRS, sect.
344-4(3)(A)). Federal listing, because it automatically invokes State
listing, would also implement these other State regulations protecting
the plants.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence
All 10 of the taxa proposed for listing are threatened by
competition with one or more alien plant taxa (see Table 2). The most
significant of these appear to be Psidium cattleianum (strawberry
guava), Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry), Rubus rosifolius
(thimbleberry), Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), Miconia calvescens
(velvet tree), Myrica faya (firetree), Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo
grass), Psidium guajava (common guava), Casuarina equisetifolia
(ironwood tree), Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand tea), and
Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani). There are a number of other alien
plant taxa that pose a significant threat to populations of the
proposed plants.
Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava), an invasive shrub or small
tree native to tropical America, has become widely naturalized on all
of the main islands, forming dense stands that exclude other plant
species in disturbed areas (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). This alien plant
grows primarily in mesic and wet habitats and is dispersed mainly by
feral pigs and fruit-eating birds (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990). P.
cattleianum is considered to be one of the greatest alien plant threats
to Hawaiian rain forests and is a threat on Maui to one of two known
populations of Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis and Cyanea glabra
(Higashino et al. 1988; A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). On Lanai,
this invasive alien plant threatens all populations of Hedyotis
schlechtendahliana var. remyi, the only two known populations of
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and the only known population of
Melicope munroi (HHP 1991e1 to 1991e3; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1994; J.
Lau, pers. comm. 1995).
Schinus terebinthifolius (Christmas berry), introduced to Hawaii
before 1911, is a fast-growing tree or shrub invading most mesic to wet
lowland areas of the major Hawaiian Islands (Wagner et al. 1990). S.
terebinthifolius is distributed mainly by feral pigs and fruit-eating
birds and forms dense thickets that shade out and displace other plants
(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Smith 1985, Stone 1985). This species is a
threat to one population of Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi,
both populations of Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and the only
known population of Labordia triflora (HHP 1991e2; R. Hobdy, pers.
comm. 1994; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995).
Rubus rosifolius (thimbleberry), native to Asia, is naturalized in
disturbed mesic to wet forest on all of the main Hawaiian Islands and
is perhaps the most widespread of all species of Rubus introduced to
Hawaii (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). On Maui, this species threatens one of
two populations of Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as
Cyanea glabra (NTBG 1994; A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
Clidemia hirta (Koster's curse), a noxious shrub native to tropical
America, is found in mesic to wet forests on at least six islands in
Hawaii (Almeda 1990, Hawaii Department of Agriculture 1981, Smith
1992). C. hirta was first reported on Oahu in 1941 and had spread
through much of the Koolau Mountains by the early 1960s. This noxious
plant forms a dense understory, shading out other plants and hindering
plant regeneration (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). This prolific alien plant
has recently spread to five other islands and, on Maui is a potential
threat to Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis
and Cyanea glabra (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
Miconia calvescens (velvet tree) is a recently naturalized species
native to tropical America. This species has become invasive in the
Hilo and Pahoa areas of the island of Hawaii, and has become
established on East Maui. This species has the potential to be very
disruptive, as it has become an understory dominate where introduced to
similar habitat in Tahiti (Almeda 1990, Cuddihy and Stone 1990). This
species occurs on Maui near populations of Clermontia samuelii and
poses a potential threat (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
Myrica faya (firetree), native to the Azores, Madeira, and the
Canary Islands, was introduced to Hawaii before 1900 for wine-making,
firewood, or an ornamental. Trees were planted in forest reserves in
the 1920s. By the mid-1980s M. faya had infested over 34,000 hectares
(83,980 acres) throughout the State, with the largest infestations on
the island of Hawaii. It is now considered a noxious weed (Cuddihy and
Stone 1990, DOA 1981). M. faya can form a dense stand with no ground
cover beneath the canopy. This lack of ground cover may be due to dense
shading or to chemicals released by the tree that prevent other species
from growing. M. faya also fixes nitrogen and increases nitrogen levels
in Hawaii's typically nitrogen-poor volcanic soils. This may encourage
the invasion of alien plants that would not normally be
[[Page 26767]]
able to grow as well as native species in the low-nitrogen soils of
Hawaii (Cuddihy and Stone 1990). On Lanai, this species threatens
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi and Labordia tinifolia var.
lanaiensis (HHP 1991e3; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1994).
Paspalum conjugatum (Hilo grass) is naturalized in moist to wet
disturbed areas on all of the main Hawaiian Islands except Niihau and
Kahoolawe, and produces a dense ground cover (Cuddihy and Stone 1990).
In Maui's Kipahulu Valley, this grass threatens one of two populations
of Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as Cyanea glabra (NTBG
1994; A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995). On West Maui, P. conjugatum
threatens Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis (HPCC 1990).
Psidium guajava (common guava), a shrub or small tree native to the
New World tropics, is naturalized on all of the main islands, except,
perhaps, Niihau and Kahoolawe (Wagner et al. 1990). P. guajava is a
serious weed that invades disturbed sites, forming dense thickets in
dry as well as mesic and wet forests (Smith 1985, Wagner et al. 1990).
On Maui, this species threatens one of the two known populations of
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as Cyanea glabra, and
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis (HPCC 1990; Higashino et al. 1988;
A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
Casuarina equisetifolia (ironwood) is a large, fast-growing tree
that reaches up to 20 m (65 ft) in height (Wagner et al. 1990). This
large tree shades out other plants, takes up much of the available
nutrients, and possibly releases a chemical agent that prevents other
plants from growing beneath it (Neal 1965, Smith 1985). C.
equisetifolia is invading the wet cliffs of Iao Valley and is a threat
to Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis (HPCC 1990; HHP 1991d1; R. Hobdy,
pers. comm. 1995).
Leptospermum scoparium (New Zealand tea), brought to Hawaii as an
ornamental plant and now naturalized in disturbed mesic to wet forest
on three islands, threatens Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi,
Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, and Melicope munroi (Wagner et al.
1990; J. Lau, pers. comm. 1995).
Ageratina adenophora (Maui pamakani), native to tropical America,
has become naturalized in dry areas to wet forest on Oahu, Molokai,
Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii (Wagner et al. 1990). This noxious weed forms
dense mats with other alien plants and prevents regeneration of native
plants (Anderson et al. 1992). On Maui, one of the two known
populations of Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as Cyanea
glabra, and Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora are threatened by this
species (NTBG 1995; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1995).
Rubus argutus (prickly Florida blackberry) was introduced to the
Hawaiian Islands in the late 1800s from the continental U.S. (Haselwood
and Motter 1983). The fruits are easily spread by birds to open areas
such as disturbed mesic or wet forests, where the species forms dense,
impenetrable thickets (Smith 1985). One of two known populations of
Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis as well as Cyanea glabra are
threatened by this species (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995).
Hedychium coronarium (white ginger) was introduced to Hawaii in the
late 1800s, probably by Chinese immigrants. It escaped from cultivation
and is found in wet and mesic forests on most of the main Hawaiian
islands. The large, vigorous herbs mainly reproduce vegetatively,
forming very dense stands that exclude all other growth. H.
gardnerianum (kahili ginger) was introduced to Hawaii before 1940 from
the Himalayas, and now has major infestations on the islands of Hawaii,
Maui, and Kauai. This species is considered a more serious threat to
native forests because it produces abundant fruit (Cuddihy and Stone
1990, Wagner et al. 1990). Both species of Hedychium threaten
Clermontia samuelii (A.C. Medeiros, pers. comm. 1995), and H.
gardnerianum is a threat to Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis (R.
Hobdy, pers. comm. 1994).
Tibouchina herbacea (glorybush), a relative of Koster's curse,
first became established on the island of Hawaii in the late 1970s and,
by 1982, was collected in Lanilili on West Maui (Almeda 1990). Although
the disruptive potential of this alien plant is not fully known, T.
herbacea appears to be invading mesic and wet forests of Hawaii and
Maui (Cuddihy and Stone 1990), and is considered a threat to Clermontia
samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, and Cyanea glabra (R.
Hobdy and A.C. Medeiros, pers. comms. 1995).
Sporobolus africanus (smutgrass) was introduced from Africa and has
become naturalized on all the main islands of Hawaii except Niihau and
Kahoolawe. It is typically found in disturbed areas such as road sides
and pastures (O'Connor 1990), and on Maui is a threat to Dubautia
plantaginea ssp. humilis (HPCC 1990).
Pluchea symphytifolia (sourbush) is native to Mexico, the West
Indies, and northern South America. This species is naturalized in dry
forests and ranges into mesic and wet forests on all the main Hawaiian
islands (Wagner et al. 1990). It is a fast growing shrub and can form
dense thickets (Smith 1985). P. symphytifolia is a threat to Dubautia
plantaginea ssp. humilis on West Maui (HPCC 1990).
Emelia fosbergii is a pantropical weed of unknown origin. In Hawaii
it is a common weed in disturbed lowland dry habitats on all the main
islands (Wagner et al. 1990). E. fosbergii is a threat to the only
known population of Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Lorence and Wood 1994).
Nicotiana glauca (tree tobacco) was brought to Oahu as an
ornamental from Argentina in the 1860s. It is now naturalized in all
warm temperate regions of the world. On Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and
Kahoolawe, this species is naturalized in disturbed open, dry habitats
(Symon 1990). N. glauca is a threat to the only known population of
Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Lorence and Wood 1994).
Chloris barbata (swollen finger grass) is native to Central
America, the West Indies, and South America. In Hawaii it is
naturalized in disturbed dry areas on all the main islands, and is a
threat to the only known population of Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Lorence
and Wood 1994, O'Connor 1990).
Erosion, landslides, rockslides, and flooding due to natural
weathering result in the death of individual plants as well as habitat
destruction. This especially affects the continued existence of taxa or
populations found on cliffs, steep slopes, and stream banks that have
limited numbers and/or narrow ranges such as the West Maui population
of Cyanea glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, Dubautia
plantaginea ssp. humilis, and Kanaloa kahoolawensis (Lorence and Wood
1994; R. Hobdy, pers. comm. 1995).
The small number of populations and individuals of many of these
taxa increases the potential for extinction from a single human-caused
or natural environmental disturbance. In addition, the small gene pool
may depress reproductive vigor. Four of the proposed plant taxa,
Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, Labordia
triflora, and Melicope munroi, are each known from a single population.
Four additional proposed taxa have five or fewer populations (Cyanea
copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, Dubautia plantaginea
ssp. humilis, and Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi), and three of
the taxa are estimated to number no more than 10 individuals (Hedyotis
schlechtendahliana var. remyi, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, and
[[Page 26768]]
Labordia tinifolia). All of the proposed taxa either number fewer than
15 populations or total fewer than 800 individuals (see Table 2).
The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and
future threats faced by these taxa in determining to propose this rule.
Based on this evaluation, this rulemaking will list these 10 species as
endangered: Clermontia samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis,
Cyanea glabra, Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora, Dubautia
plantaginea ssp. humilis, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. remyi,
Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis, Labordia
triflora, and Melicope munroi. The 10 taxa are threatened by one or
more of the following: Habitat degradation and/or predation by pigs,
goats, deer, rats, and invertebrates; competition for space, light,
water, and nutrients by alien plant taxa; and substrate loss. Eight of
the proposed taxa have five or fewer populations, and three of the taxa
are estimated to number no more than 10 individuals. Small population
size and limited distribution make these taxa particularly vulnerable
to extinction from reduced reproductive vigor or from random
environmental events. Because these 10 taxa are in danger of extinction
throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges, they fit the
definition of endangered as defined in the Act. Therefore, the
determination of endangered status for these 10 taxa is warranted.
Critical habitat is not being proposed for the 10 taxa included in
this rule for reasons discussed in the ``Critical Habitat'' section of
this proposal.
Critical Habitat
Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as: (i) the
specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at
the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found
those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation
of the species and (II) that may require special management
consideration or protection; and (ii) specific areas outside the
geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon
a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of
the species. ``Conservation'' means the use of all methods and
procedures needed to bring the species to the point at which listing
under the Act is no longer necessary.
Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing
regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent
and determinable, the Secretary propose critical habitat at the time
the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. The Service
finds that designation of critical habitat is not prudent for the 10
taxa proposed in this rule. Service regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1))
state that designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or
both of the following situations exist: (1) The species is threatened
by taking or other human activity, and identification of critical
habitat can be expected to increase the degree of threat to the
species, or (2) such designation of critical habitat would not be
beneficial to the species.
Designation of critical habitat is not prudent for the six taxa
(Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis, Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var.
remyi, Kanaloa kahoolawensis, Labordia tinifolia var. lanaiensis,
Labordia triflora, and Melicope munroi) that are located primarily on
non-Federal lands with limited Federal activities. It is likely that
the publication of precise maps and descriptions of critical habitat in
the Federal Register would increase the vulnerability of these plant
species to incidents of collection and general vandalism. The listing
of these plants as endangered elevates awareness of their rarity and
makes them more sought after by curiosity seekers, researchers, and
rare plant collectors. Such increased visits to the sites where these
species are found could contribute to the decline of existing
populations through vandalism. The remaining four taxa (Clermontia
samuelii, Cyanea copelandii ssp. haleakalaensis, Cyanea glabra, and
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. hamatiflora) are located primarily on Federal
lands within Haleakala National Park. These Federal lands are managed
to some extent by the National Park Service for the protection of
native ecosystems, which the Fish and Wildlife Service believes will
facilitate the protection, conservation, and recovery of these four
taxa. As a result, all 10 of these species will receive no significant
benefit from the designation of critical habitat. Protection of the
habitats of these 10 taxa will be addressed through the recovery
process and through the section 7 consultation process. The Service
believes that Federal involvement in areas where these plants occur can
be identified without the designation of critical habitat. All involved
parties and the major landowners have been notified.
Available Conservation Measures
Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or
threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition,
recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions
against certain activities. Recognition through listing can encourage
and result in conservation actions by Federal, State, and local
agencies, private organizations, and individuals. The Act provides for
possible land acquisition and cooperation with the State and requires
that recovery plans be developed for listed species. The protection
required of Federal agencies and the prohibitions against certain
activities involving listed plants are discussed, in part, below.
Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to
evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or
listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical
habitat, if any is being designated. Regulations implementing this
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR
part 402. Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal agencies to
ensure that activities they authorize, fund, or carry out are not
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or to
destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action
may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible
Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the Service.
Populations of four of the endangered taxa occur on U.S. National
Park Service land. The Park Service actively monitors and manages rare
and endangered species populations within Haleakala National Park,
although it continually struggles for adequate funding to control feral
pigs and alien plant taxa.
Populations of Clermontia samuelii ssp. samuelii on State land are
being considered for a fencing project that may preclude the need for
listing as endangered. This project is a cooperative effort between the
Service and the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of
general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered
plants. With respect to the 10 proposed species in this rule, all
prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented by 50 CFR
17.61, would apply. These prohibitions, in part, make it illegal for
any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to import
or export any endangered plant species to/from the United States;
transport such species in interstate or foreign commerce in the course
of a commercial activity, sell or offer for sale such a species in
interstate or foreign
[[Page 26769]]
commerce; remove and reduce such a species to possession from areas
under Federal jurisdiction; maliciously damage or destroy any such
species from areas under Federal jurisdiction; or remove, cut, dig up,
or damage or destroy any such species in knowing violation of any State
law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. Certain
exceptions to the prohibitions apply to agents of the Service and State
conservation agencies.
The Act and 50 CFR 17.62 provide for the issuance of permits to
carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving endangered plant
species under certain circumstances. Such permits are available for
scientific purposes and to enhance the propagation or survival of the
species. It is anticipated that few permits would ever be sought or
issued because these 10 species are not common in cultivation or in the
wild.
It is Service policy, published in the Federal Register (59 FR
34272) on July 1, 1994, to identify to the maximum extent practicable
at the time a species is listed those activities that would or would
not constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. Such information is
intended to clarify the potential impacts of a species' listing on
proposed and ongoing activities within the species' range. Four of the
species occur on Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the U.S.
National Park Service. Collection, damage, or destruction of these
species on Federal lands is prohibited without a Federal endangered
species permit. Such activities on non-Federal lands would constitute a
violation of section 9 if conducted in knowing violation of Hawaii
State law or regulations or in violation of a State criminal trespass
law (see Hawaii State Law section below). The Service is not aware of
any trade in these species.
Requests for copies of the regulations concerning listed plants and
inquiries regarding prohibitions and permits may be addressed to the
Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Permits Branch, 911
N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (telephone 503-231-6241;
FAX 503-231-6243).
Hawaii State Law
Federal listing will automatically invoke listing under the State's
endangered species act. Hawaii's endangered species act states, ``Any
species of aquatic life, wildlife, or land plant that has been
determined to be an endangered species pursuant to the Federal
Endangered Species Act shall be deemed to be an endangered species
under the provisions of this chapter * * *'' (HRS, sect. 195D-4(a)).
Therefore, Federal listing will accord the species listed status under
Hawaii State law. State law prohibits cutting, collecting, uprooting,
destroying, injuring, or possessing any listed species of plant on
State or private land, or attempting to engage in any such conduct. The
State law encourages conservation of such species by State agencies and
triggers other State regulations to protect the species (HRS, sect.
195AD-4 and -5).
Public Comments Solicited
The Service intends that any final action resulting from this
proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore,
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested
party concerning this proposed rule are hereby solicited. Comments
particularly are sought concerning:
(1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning
any threat (or lack thereof) to these species;
(2) The location of any additional populations of these species and
the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be
critical habitat as provided by section 4 of the Act;
(3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and
population size of these species; and
(4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their
possible impacts on these species.
Final promulgation of the regulation(s) on these 10 species will
take into consideration the comments and any additional information
received by the Service, and such communications may lead to a final
regulation that differs from this proposal.
The Endangered Species Act provides for one or more public hearings
on this proposal, if requested. Requests must be received within 45
days of the date of publication of the proposal in the Federal
Register. Such requests must be made in writing and addressed to the
Ecoregion Manager (see ADDRESSES section).
National Environmental Policy Act
The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that Environmental
Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements, as defined under the
authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be
prepared in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section
4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice
outlining the Service's reasons for this determination was published in
the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).
The Service has examined this regulation under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 and found it to contain no information collection
requirements.
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited herein is available upon
request from the Pacific Islands Ecoregion (see ADDRESSES section).
Author: The author of this proposed rule is Marie M. Bruegmann,
telephone 808-541-3441 or facsimile 808-541-3470 (see ADDRESSES
section). Substantial data were contributed by the Hawaii Heritage
Program, Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Biological
Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey (formerly National
Biological Service).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.
Proposed Regulation Promulgation
Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes to amend part 17,
subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
as set forth below:
PART 17--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C.
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.
2. Section 17.12(h) is amended by adding the following, in
alphabetical order under FLOWERING PLANTS, to the List of Endangered
and Threatened Plants, to read as follows:
Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
[[Page 26770]]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species
-------------------------------------------------------- Historic range Family Status When listed Critical Special
Scientific name Common name habitat rules
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flowering Plants
* * * * * * *
Clermontia samuelii.............. `Oha wai............ U.S.A (HI)......... Campanulaceae--Bell E ........... NA NA
flower.
* * * * * * *
Cyanea copelandii ssp. Haha................ U.S.A. (HI)........ Campanulaceae--Bell E ........... NA NA
haleakalaensis. flower.
* * * * * * *
Cyanea glabra.................... Haha................ U.S.A. (HI)........ Campanulaceae--Bel E ........... NA NA
lflower.
* * * * * * *
Cyanea hamatiflora ssp. Haha................ U.S.A. (HI)........ Campanulaceae--Bell E ........... NA NA
hamatiflora. flower.
* * * * * * *
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. humilis Na`ena`e............ U.S.A. (HI)........ Asteraceae--Sunflo E ........... NA NA
wer.
* * * * * * *
Hedyotis schlechtendahliana var. Kopa................ U.S.A. (HI)........ Rubiaceae--Coffee.. E ........... NA NA
remyi.
* * * * * * *
Kanaloa kahoolawensis............ None................ U.S.A. (HI)....... Fabaceae--Legume... E ........... NA NA
* * * * * * *
Labordia tinifolia var. Kamakahala.......... U.S.A. (HI)........ Loganiaceae--Logan. E ........... NA NA
lanaiensis.
* * * * * * *
Labordia triflora................ Kamakahala.......... U.S.A. (HI)........ Loganiaceae--Logan E ........... NA NA
* * * * * * *
Melicope munroi.................. Alani............... U.S.A. (HI)........ Rutaceae--Citrus... E ........... NA NA
* * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: April 28, 1997.
John G. Rogers,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 97-12689 Filed 5-14-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P