[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 11, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24870-24934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9283]



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Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 17



Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Native Species 
That Are Candidates or Proposed for Listing as Endangered or 
Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual 
Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 11, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Native 
Species That Are Candidates or Proposed for Listing as Endangered or 
Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual 
Description of Progress on Listing Actions

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of review.

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SUMMARY: In this Candidate Notice of Review (CNOR), we, the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service (Service), present an updated list of plant and 
animal species native to the United States that we regard as candidates 
or have proposed for addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Plants under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended. Identification of candidate species can assist environmental 
planning efforts by providing advance notice of potential listings, 
allowing resource managers to alleviate threats and thereby possibly 
remove the need to list species as endangered or threatened. Even if we 
subsequently list a candidate species, the early notice provided here 
could result in more options for species management and recovery by 
prompting candidate conservation measures to alleviate threats to the 
species.
    The CNOR summarizes the status and threats that we evaluated in 
order to determine that species qualify as candidates and to assign a 
listing priority number to each species. Additional material that we 
relied on is available in the Species Assessment and Listing Priority 
Assignment Forms (species assessment forms, previously called candidate 
forms) for each candidate species.
    We request additional status information that may be available for 
the 286 candidate species. We will consider this information in 
preparing listing documents and future revisions to the notice of 
review, as it will help us in monitoring changes in the status of 
candidate species and in management for conserving them. We also 
request information on additional species that we should include as 
candidates as we prepare future updates of this list.
    This document also includes our findings on resubmitted petitions 
and describes our progress in revising the Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants during the period May 5, 2004, through 
May 2, 2005.

DATES: We will accept comments on the Candidate Notice of Review at any 
time.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments regarding a particular species to the 
Regional Director of the Region identified in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
as having the lead responsibility for that species. You may submit 
comments of a more general nature to the Chief, Division of 
Conservation and Classification, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 
N. Fairfax Drive, Room 420, Arlington, VA 22203 (703/358-2171). Written 
comments and materials received in response to this notice will be 
available for public inspection by appointment at the Division of 
Conservation and Classification (for comments of a general nature only) 
or at the appropriate Regional Office listed in SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION.
    Species assessment forms with information and references on a 
particular candidate species' range, status, habitat needs, and listing 
priority assignment are available for review at the appropriate 
Regional Office listed below in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION or at the 
Division of Conservation and Classification, Arlington, Virginia (see 
address above), or on our Internet Web site (http://endangered.fws.gov/candidates/index.html).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Endangered Species Coordinator(s) 
in the appropriate Regional Office(s) or Chris Nolin, Chief, Division 
of Conservation and Classification (703-358-2171).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Candidate Notice of Review

Background

    The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.) (Act), requires that we identify species of wildlife and plants 
that are endangered or threatened, based on the best available 
scientific and commercial information. Through the Federal rulemaking 
process, we add these species to the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11 or the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Plants at 50 CFR 17.12. As part of this program, we maintain a list of 
species that we regard as candidates for listing. A candidate species 
is one for which we have on file sufficient information on biological 
vulnerability and threats to support a proposal to list as endangered 
or threatened, but for which preparation and publication of a proposal 
is precluded by higher-priority listing actions. We maintain this list 
for a variety of reasons: to notify the public that these species are 
facing threats to their survival; to provide advance knowledge of 
potential listings that could affect decisions of environmental 
planners and developers; to provide information that may stimulate 
conservation efforts that will remove or reduce threats to these 
species; to solicit input from interested parties to help us identify 
those candidate species that may not require protection under the Act 
or additional species that may require the Act's protections; and to 
solicit necessary information for setting priorities for preparing 
listing proposals.
    Table 1 includes 286 species that we regard as candidates for 
addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants 
(Lists), as well as 21 species for which we have published proposed 
rules to list as threatened or endangered species. Most of these 
proposed species were previously identified in the 2003 CNOR (69 FR 
24876, May 4, 2004). We encourage consideration of these species in 
conservation planning, as well as other environmental planning, such as 
in environmental impact analysis done under the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (implemented at 40 CFR parts 1500-1508) and in local 
and statewide land use planning. Table 2 contains eight species we 
identified as candidates or as proposed species in the May 4, 2004, 
CNOR that we now no longer consider candidates. This includes two 
species that we listed as threatened since May 4, 2004, one species 
that we withdrew the proposed rule, one species that we removed from 
candidacy through a notice published on August 18, 2004 (69 FR 51217), 
and four species that we are removing from candidacy through this 
notice. The Region having lead responsibility for the particular 
species maintains updated records of information on candidate species.

Previous Notices of Review

    The Act directed the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to 
prepare a report on endangered and threatened plant species, which was 
published as House Document No. 94-51. We published a notice in the 
Federal Register on July 1, 1975 (40 FR 27823), in which we announced 
that we would review more than 3,000 native plant species named in the 
Smithsonian's report and other species added by the 1975 notice for 
possible addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. A 
new comprehensive notice of review for native plants, which took into 
account the earlier Smithsonian

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report and other accumulated information, superseded the 1975 notice on 
December 15, 1980 (45 FR 82479). On November 28, 1983 (48 FR 53640), a 
supplemental plant notice of review announced changes in the status of 
various species. We published complete updates of the plant notice on 
September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39526); February 21, 1990 (55 FR 6184); 
September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144); and, as part of combined animal and 
plant notices, on February 28, 1996 (61 FR 7596); September 19, 1997 
(62 FR 49398); October 25, 1999 (64 FR 57534); October 30, 2001 (66 FR 
54808); June 13, 2002 (67 FR 40657); and May 4, 2004 (69 FR 24876). 
Additionally, on January 8, 2001 (66 FR 1295), we published our 
resubmitted petition finding for one plant species having an 
outstanding ``warranted-but-precluded finding'' on a petition to list.
    We published earlier comprehensive reviews for vertebrate animals 
in the Federal Register on December 30, 1982 (47 FR 58454), and on 
September 18, 1985 (50 FR 37958). We published an initial comprehensive 
review for invertebrate animals on May 22, 1984 (49 FR 21664). We 
published a combined animal notice of review on January 6, 1989 (54 FR 
554), and with minor corrections on August 10, 1989 (54 FR 32833). We 
again published comprehensive animal notices on November 21, 1991 (56 
FR 58804); November 15, 1994 (59 FR 58982); and, as part of combined 
animal and plant notices, on February 28, 1996 (61 FR 7596); September 
19, 1997 (62 FR 49398); October 25, 1999 (64 FR 57534); October 30, 
2001 (66 FR 54808); June 13, 2002 (67 FR 40657); and May 4, 2004 (69 FR 
24876). Additionally, on January 8, 2001 (66 FR 1295), we published our 
resubmitted petition findings for 25 animal species having outstanding 
``warranted-but-precluded'' petition findings as well as notice of one 
candidate removal.
    This revised notice supersedes all previous animal, plant, and 
combined notices of review.

Summary

    Since publication of the 2003 CNOR on May 4, 2004 (69 FR 24876), we 
reviewed the available information on candidate species to ensure that 
a proposed listing is justified for each species and reevaluated the 
relative listing priority assignment of each species. A candidate 
species is assigned a listing priority number (LPN) of 1-12 depending 
on the magnitude of threats, the imminence of threats, and by its 
taxonomic status in accordance with our priority guidance as published 
on September 21, 1983 (48 FR 43098). We also evaluated the need to 
emergency-list any of these species, particularly species with high 
priorities (i.e., species with listing priority numbers of 1, 2, or 3). 
This review and reevaluation ensures that we focus conservation efforts 
on those species at greatest risk. As of May 2, 2005, 18 animals are 
proposed for endangered status; 2 animals are proposed for threatened 
status (not including proposed reclassifications of endangered 
species); 1 animal is proposed for threatened-due-to-similarity-of-
appearance status; and 145 plant and 141 animal candidates are awaiting 
preparation of proposed rules (see Table 1). Table 2 includes eight 
species we previously classified as either proposed for listing or 
candidates that we no longer classify in those categories.

Summary of New Candidates

    Below we present brief summaries of five new candidates, including 
one species of fish, one insect, one crustacean, and two plants. 
Complete information, including references, can be found in the species 
assessment forms. You may obtain a copy of these forms from the 
Regional Office having the lead for the species, or from our Internet 
Web site (http://endangered.fws.gov/candidates/index.html).

Fish

    Sicklefin redhorse (Moxostoma sp.)--The sicklefin redhorse is a 
medium-sized redhorse fish, reaching up to about 18 inches, with an 
elongate, somewhat compressed body and a highly falcate (sickle-shaped) 
dorsal fin and are found in North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. 
Detailed morphological and genetic studies have concluded that the 
sicklefin redhorse is a distinct species. The species is currently 
known to occupy cool to warm, moderate gradient creeks and rivers, and, 
during parts of its early life stages, large reservoirs. In streams, it 
is most often observed in riffles, runs, and well-flowing pools. It 
feeds and spawns in gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates with no, or 
very little, silt overlay.
    Like many other redhorse species, the sicklefin redhorse is known 
mainly from flowing streams; however, also like many other redhorse 
species, the sicklefin redhorse appears to have adapted to spending at 
least part of its life in the near-shore areas of impounded streams 
where pre-spawning age sicklefins have been collected, mainly near the 
mouth of streams that feed the reservoirs. Current observations 
indicate that adults of the species are year-round residents of rivers 
and large creeks and that young, juveniles, and subadults occupy 
primarily the lower reaches of creeks and rivers and near-shore 
portions of certain reservoirs. It is likely that after emerging from 
the stream substrata, many of the larvae and postlarvae are carried 
downstream to the mouths of streams or into reservoirs. Newly mature 
fish (>=5 years of age) appear to migrate from the reservoirs to spawn 
and then remain in the streams with the other adults.
    Based on an analysis of preserved specimens, the species is 
relatively long lived, with both sexes living at least to 17 years of 
age; however, based on the size of fish seen in the streams, some 
individuals probably live for over 20 years. Spawning typically occurs 
over cobble, with usually only a small portion of sand and gravel, in 
moderate to fast runs in open areas and pockets formed by boulders and 
outcrops. The spawning period for the sicklefin runs from late April 
through mid-May.
    Past and recent collection records of the sicklefin redhorse, 
together with what is known about the habitat utilization of the 
species, indicate that the sicklefin redhorse once inhabited the 
majority, if not all, of the rivers and large creeks in the Blue Ridge 
portion of the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee River systems in North 
Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Current estimates are that the 
species has apparently been eliminated from roughly 60 percent of its 
former range. This is a conservative estimate that: (1) Includes 
several miles of the Hiwassee and Fontana Reservoirs within the present 
range of the species (although portions of these reservoirs appear to 
provide survivable habitat for juvenile sicklefins, they do not provide 
foraging or spawning habitat for adults of the species); and (2) does 
not include some of the higher reaches of some of the creeks where the 
sicklefin redhorse currently occurs in their lowermost reaches. 
Additionally, the Cheoah River, Cullasaja River, Cartoogechaye Creek, 
Oconaluftee River, and several other large tributaries in the Hiwassee 
and Little Tennessee River systems may also have once been inhabited by 
the sicklefin redhorse.
    Impacts associated with the construction and operation of dams for 
hydropower generation on the streams inhabited by the species is the 
primary cause of the extirpation of the sicklefin redhorse throughout 
the majority of its former range. These impoundments created by the 
dams eliminate spawning and foraging habitat of the adult sicklefin 
redhorse by changing the conditions from flowing to still water.

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Water depth increases, flow decreases, and silt accumulates on the 
bottom. Impoundments not only destroy riverine habitat within the 
impounded portion of the stream, but they alter the quality and 
stability of the downstream reaches by adversely affecting water flow 
regimes, velocities, temperature, chemistry, and nutrient cycles. Dams 
that operate by releasing cold water from near the bottom of the 
reservoirs lower the water temperature downstream, changing downstream 
reaches from warm-or cool-water streams to cold-water streams and 
affecting their suitability for many of the native species historically 
inhabiting these stream reaches. The effects of impoundments result in 
changes in fish and macroinvertebrate communities (macroinvertebrates 
are the main prey items of the sicklefin), species requiring clean 
gravel and sand substrates are lost. In addition, dams result in the 
fragmentation and isolation of populations of remaining populations of 
the sicklefin redhorse, acting as effective barriers to the natural 
upstream and downstream expansion or recruitment of the species. 
Natural upstream and downstream population expansion and repopulation 
of the majority of the species' former range are restricted because of 
the barriers posed by the existing dams and impacts to the tailwaters 
associated with the current operation of the dams. As a result, the 
Hiwassee River system and Little Tennessee River system populations are 
isolated from each other. This isolation decreases their ability to 
respond to nature- and human-induced changes in their environment and 
increases their vulnerability to extirpation. Wastewater discharges, 
together with impacts to water and habitat quality associated with a 
variety of other land disturbance activities carried out without 
adequate measures to control storm water and erosion, also played a 
significant role in the decline of the species.
    Many of the same factors believed to have contributed to the 
extirpation of the species from much of its former range potentially 
threaten these remaining populations. All of the surviving occurrences 
of the sicklefin redhorse are restricted to relatively short reaches of 
the streams they occupy, primarily due to existing dams. Their limited 
distributions make them extremely vulnerable to the effects from single 
catastrophic events (such as toxic chemical spills, major sedimentation 
events, channel modification, etc.) and/or the cumulative effects of 
lesser impacts to their habitat and numbers. Although the majority of 
the streams still occupied by the species occur in areas that are 
presently primarily rural, many of the communities within the 
watersheds of these streams are experiencing increasing development 
pressure, both commercial and residential, and are developing plans for 
upgrading and improving their infrastructure (e.g., roads, water 
supplies, sewer/wastewater treatment systems, etc.) to provide for 
increased densities of development.
    Because of the entire current range of the sickelefin redhorse is 
affected by the threats described above, the magnitude of the threat to 
the species is high. Although the threats faced by the sicklefin 
redhorse are significant, it is not anticipated that the species will 
be subject to these threats in the immediate future. Therefore, we 
assigned a listing priority of 5 to this species.

Insects

    Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri)--The Miami 
blue is a coastal butterfly that occurs at the edges of tropical 
hardwood hammocks (forests) and occasionally in tropical pinelands and 
along trails, utilizing open sunny areas in southern Florida. The 
geographic range of this butterfly once extended from the Florida Keys 
north along the coasts to about St. Petersburg and Daytona, Florida. 
Although little specific historic information exists on the abundance 
and distribution patterns of the Miami blue, it is clear that the 
occurrence of this butterfly throughout its historic range has been 
significantly reduced, with only small remnants remaining. Despite 
extensive surveys of known suitable habitat and/or historical records, 
the species is now found only in a single metapopulation, located at 
Bahia Honda Key State Park (Park), with a few immature individuals on 
West Summerland Key. This metapopulation is comprised of thirteen 
distinct colonies in the Park.
    In November 2002, the Service worked with researchers and the State 
to establish a captive propagation program for the Miami blue due to 
the low estimated population at its only known location. As of December 
2004, the captive colony had numerous generations, with hundreds of 
individuals in captivity. Efforts have been undertaken to reintroduce 
captive-bred Miami blues to Federal lands (i.e., Everglades National 
Park and Biscayne National Park) within the butterfly's historic range. 
However, subsequent monitoring has indicated an inconsistent or 
sporadic presence of only a small number of individuals of varying life 
stages at release sites. Monitoring results do not indicate that the 
Miami blue has become established at any of the release sites.
    Extensive losses of the species' habitat and fragmentation of 
remaining patches, along with mosquito control activities, are the 
likely cause of the species' decline. Although many areas on public 
lands may offer suitable nectar and other host plants, the extremely 
limited dispersal ability of the species likely prevents these areas 
from becoming occupied and used. The Miami blue butterfly is threatened 
by the combined influences of habitat destruction and modification, 
mosquito control activities, and loss of genetic diversity associated 
with isolated populations. The possibility for catastrophic events 
(e.g., hurricanes) also poses a threat to the survival of this 
butterfly. In addition to these threats, habitat loss and 
fragmentation, fire suppression, displacement of native host plants by 
invasive exotic species, detrimental land management practices, 
accidental harm from humans, and inadequate regulatory protection pose 
threats to the species throughout the species historic range. 
Predation, accidental harm or habitat destruction, and illegal 
collection may also pose a threat to the Miami blue due to the small 
population size at the known locations. Due to nonimminent threats of 
high magnitude as described above, we assigned a listing priority 
number of 6 to this subspecies.

Crustaceans

    Diminutive amphipod (Gammarus hyalleloides)--The diminutive 
amphipod is a small amphipod that is ranked as ``critically endangered 
throughout its range'' (G1) by NatureServe and ``critically endangered 
throughout its range'' (S1) by the State of Texas. Based on surveys and 
genetic analysis, this species only occurs in four spring outflows in 
the Toyah Basin, Balmorhea area of Reeves and Jeff Davis Counties, 
Texas; these springs are all within about 8 miles (13 km) of each other 
within the San Solomon Spring System. In addition to being an important 
habitat for rare aquatic fauna, this spring system is also an important 
source of irrigation water for the farming communities in the Toyah 
Basin. The primary threat to the species is the loss of surface flows 
due to declining groundwater levels from drought and pumping for 
agricultural production. The natural ci[egrave]nega habitats (marshland 
communities associated with perennial springs and headwater streams) of 
the Balmorhea area have been mostly altered over time to accommodate 
agricultural irrigation. Most significant was the draining of wetland 
areas and the modification of spring outlets for

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development of human use of the water resources. Although the land 
surrounding the amphibod's current habitat is owned and managed by The 
Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Reclamation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife 
Department, the water needed to maintain its habitat has declined due 
to a reduction in spring flows, possibly as result of private 
groundwater pumping in areas beyond that are controlled by these 
landowners. Pumping of the regional aquifer system for agricultural 
production of crops has resulted in the drying of other springs in this 
region, including Comanche Springs, which was once a large surface 
spring in Fort Stockton, Texas. Another example is Phantom Lake Spring, 
one of the sites of occurrence for the amphipod, which ceased flowing 
in 2000; aquatic habitat is now supported only by a pumping system. 
Another threat to amphipod habitat is the potential degradation of 
water quality from point and nonpoint pollutant sources. This pollution 
can occur either directly into surface water or indirectly through 
contamination of groundwater that discharges into spring run habitats 
used by the amphipod. The primary threat for contamination comes from 
herbicide and pesticide use in nearby agricultural areas.
    Although the physical condition of the areas where this species is 
found has changed dramatically over time from human actions, at least a 
portion of the native biota remain. However, three of the four known 
current occurrences of the species are in degraded habitats (the 
exception is East Sandia Spring) because the natural conditions of the 
springs have been substantially modified for human use. Any additional 
modifications to the spring flow habitats will further threaten the 
species. Therefore, with imminent threats of high magnitude, we assign 
this species a listing priority number of 2.

Flowering Plants

    Ipomopsis polyantha (Pagosa skyrocket)--Pagosa skyrocket is an 
extremely narrow endemic with a global distribution limited to a 13-
mile range on outcrops of Pagosa-Winifred soils derived from mancos 
shale in Archuleta County, Colorado. The total population size is 
estimated to be between 2,246 and 10,626 plants. It is ranked as 
``critically endangered throughout its range'' (G1) by NatureServe and 
``critically endangered in the state'' (S1) by the Colorado Natural 
Heritage Program. Populations are on federal highway rights of way and 
private lands. Much of the occupied habitat on private lands has been 
subdivided and is being rapidly developed. There are no plans being 
implemented for the management, protection, or conservation of the 
species. The Colorado Rare Plant Technical Committee, including 
botanists from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, has identified I. 
polyantha as the species most in need of protection and recovery 
efforts in 2005 in Colorado. We assign this species a listing priority 
number 2 based on imminent habitat destruction throughout its narrow 
range.
    Solidago plumosa (Yadkin River goldenrod)--A member of the 
Asteraceae family, Solidago plumosa is endemic to the Yadkin River in 
North Carolina and was originally described from the Narrows Canyon and 
Falls area of this river in 1894. Currently, plants are know to exist 
in only two locations, located approximately 2 kilometers apart along 
the shoreline of the Yadkin River in North Carolina. This species is 
ranked as ``critically endangered throughout its range'' (G1) by 
NatureServe and ``critically endangered in the state'' (S1) by the 
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. The historical and current 
impacts resulting from the construction and operation of reservoirs 
appear to be similar at each of these two surviving occurrences of the 
species, as does the threat posed by invasive, nonnative vegetation. 
The species appears to persist in areas subjected to periodic water 
scouring of a velocity sufficient to prevent the establishment of other 
species without eliminating previously established Solidago plumosa 
plants (the age of which is unknown). At the same time, although 
dependent upon some level of flood scouring, the species does not 
appear to be tolerant of prolonged inundation as it does not occur in 
frequently flooded habitats. Therefore, the availability of suitable 
habitat and the fate of all known populations of this species are 
primarily determined by the manner in which the Narrows and Falls 
Reservoirs are operated. To the extent that operation of hydroelectric 
facilities could be modified in the future to enhance conditions for 
Solidago plumose, the effects of reservoir construction and operation 
are not believed to be permanent or irreversible. Thus, the magnitude 
of these threats may be substantially reduced. In light of all of these 
considerations, the magnitude of threats to the species is estimated to 
be ``moderate to low.''
    One of the primary threats that affected the species (construction 
of Narrows and Falls Reservoirs and the resulting inundation of 
suitable habitat) has already occurred. However, operation of these 
reservoirs continues to influence the habitat occupied by the species, 
and may be facilitating (via a reduction in the frequency and magnitude 
of scouring events) the establishment and spread of mimosa (Albizia 
julibrissin) (an invasive, nonnative shrub). Because mimosa is already 
shading established Solidago plumosa plants, it may potentially be 
competing for seed germination and seedling establishment sites. The 
threats posed by lack of scouring and the subsequent establishment and 
spread of mimosa are ongoing and, therefore, considered to be imminent. 
The threat posed by the nonnative hybrid bush honeysuckle (Lonicera x 
bella) is more remote, as the species has not yet established in 
habitats occupied by Solidago plumosa. We conclude that the threats 
affecting the species are of a moderate to low magnitude, but are 
imminent, leading to a listing priority number of 8.

Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates

    We reviewed the listing priority number for all candidate species 
and are changing the numbers for the following species. Some of the 
changes reflect actual changes in either the magnitude or imminence of 
the threats, and in two cases, reflect a change in the taxonomy of the 
species. For some species, our changes in the listing priority number 
reflect efforts to ensure national consistency as well as closer 
adherence to the 1983 guidelines in assigning these numbers, rather 
than a change in the nature of the threats.

Mammals

    Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama ssp. couchi, glacialis, 
louiei, melanops, pugetensis, tacomensis, tumuli, and yelmensis)--
Candidate status applies to each of these eight subspecies of Thomomys 
mazama, all of which are associated with glacial outwash prairies in 
western Washington. We do not include other T. mazama subspecies that 
occur in Oregon and California (commonly referred to as ``western 
pocket gophers'') as candidate species. Except as otherwise noted, the 
following description applies to each of the subspecies. Most 
populations are small, isolated, and patchily distributed. There are no 
historical data and scant quantitative data on current populations. 
Several populations are now extirpated. Two, and possibly three, of the 
subspecies may be extinct (T. m. louiei, T. m. tacomensis, and T. m. 
tumuli).
    Threats include destruction and alteration of prairie habitat due 
to

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development, altered fire regimes, and encroachment of native and 
nonnative plants; conflicts with military activities and airport 
development and maintenance activities; house cat predation; 
consideration as agricultural pests; and vulnerability to naturally 
occurring, random events. The magnitude of threats is high due to 
patchy and isolated population distributions in habitats highly 
desirable for development and subject to a wide variety of human 
activities that permanently alter the habitat. There are high and 
constant invasions of plant species altering the quality of remaining 
habitat. Loss of any of the subspecies will reduce the genetic 
diversity and likelihood of the continued existence of the species in 
Washington. Threats are imminent because many of those listed above are 
ongoing. It is likely that the extirpation of some populations and the 
extinction of two, and possibly three, subspecies are the result of one 
or more of these threats affecting each of these populations and 
subspecies. One subspecies is threatened by gravel pits, and two 
subspecies are located on airports with planned development. Because of 
the increased imminence of threats, we changed the listing priority 
number for each of the eight subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher 
from a 6 to a 3.
    Palm Springs (Coachella Valley) round-tailed ground squirrel 
(Spermophilus tereticaudus chlorus)--The Palm Springs round-tailed 
ground squirrel is one of four recognized subspecies of round-tailed 
ground squirrels. The range for the Palm Springs round-tailed ground 
squirrel corresponds to the Coachella Valley region in Riverside 
County, California. Primary habitat for the Palm Springs round-tailed 
ground squirrel in the Coachella Valley is the mesquite sand dune/
hummock community. The species also is found in smaller numbers in 
creosote communities on sand dunes and hummocks. Approximately 90 
percent of the mesquite hummock communities in the Coachella Valley are 
estimated to have been lost since 1939, a reduction from 3,363 hectares 
(8,309 acres) to 352 hectares (870 acres). Future development threatens 
more mesquite communities occupied by the Palm Springs round-tailed 
ground squirrel. The largest unprotected mesquite community in Indio 
Hills was recently developed, effectively eliminating a large ground 
squirrel population. The rapid growth of urban development in the 
Coachella Valley is threatening existing ground squirrel populations 
with habitat fragmentation.
    A recent taxonomic study that examined the morphology of this 
subspecies as well as those of adjacent populations of another 
subspecies (S. t. tereticaudus) revealed that the original 
classification of this subspecies may be in question. Pelage (hair) 
color was found to be different among the two subspecies. In addition, 
this study also discovered that putative S. t. tereticaudus populations 
in Death Valley, the western central region of the Mojave Desert, and 
Borrego Valley were more similar in pelage color to S. t. chlorus in 
the Coachella Valley than other S. t. tereticaudus populations from the 
Colorado River region of eastern Imperial and Riverside Counties. We 
are awaiting peer review of this report before we take action to 
reconsider whether this subspecies is valid. In the meantime, we are 
seeking funding to pursue a genetic study that will determine this 
species' taxonomy based on DNA. Based on our evaluation that the 
threats pose an imminent risk of a high magnitude, we changed the 
listing priority number for this subspecies from a 6 to a 3.
    Washington ground squirrel (Spermophilus washingtoni)--This species 
is one of the smallest members of the subgenus Spermophilus, and is 
found within the shrub-steppe habitat of the Columbia Basin ecosystem 
of Washington and Oregon. The soil types used by the squirrels are 
distributed sporadically within the species' range, and have been 
seriously fragmented by human development in the Columbia Basin, 
particularly by conversion to agricultural use. Where agriculture 
occurs, little evidence of ground squirrel use has been documented, and 
reports indicate that ongoing agricultural conversion eliminates 
Washington ground squirrel habitat. The most contiguous, least-
disturbed expanse of suitable Washington ground squirrel habitat, and 
likely the densest distribution of colonies within the range of the 
species, occurs on the Boeing site and Boardman Bombing Range in 
Oregon, and on Federal and State-owned land in Washington. However, in 
Washington, recent declines in some colonies have been precipitous and 
the reasons for them are unknown. In 2001, for instance, entire 
colonies of ground squirrels were no longer occupied on the Columbia 
National Wildlife Refuge and Seep Lakes Management Area near Othello, 
Washington, despite the State protected status of the species in the 
area. Current and potential threats to the continuing survival of the 
species include the following: habitat loss from the conversion of 
potential and known habitat to agricultural use, predation, 
recreational shooting, disease, potential effects of pesticides, and 
potential effects of drought on forage quality and quantity. However, 
while the magnitude of threats remains high for the Washington ground 
squirrel, the immediacy of threats has declined in the past year. The 
majority of existing colonies (in Oregon and throughout the species' 
current range) are located on the Boardman Bombing Range and the Boeing 
tract, which contain the largest contiguous suitable Washington ground 
squirrel habitat. Although Boardman Bombing Range activities are not 
certain, they are not expected to change significantly in the 
foreseeable future.
    In 2003, the largest threat to colonies in Oregon was the imminent 
conversion of the Boeing tract for agriculture. This would have 
resulted in the permanent loss of habitat for one of the largest 
contiguous blocks of Washington ground squirrels. However, in 2004, a 
25-year Multi-Species Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances 
(CCAA) was signed by Threemile Canyon Farms, The Nature Conservancy, 
Portland General Electric, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and 
the Service. The parties will implement habitat management, operational 
modifications, and conservation measures for four non-listed species, 
including the Washington ground squirrel, on approximately 93,000 ac 
(37,636 ha) enrolled in the CCAA. Under this agreement, Threemile 
Canyon Farms placed 22,600 ac (9,146 ha) of the Boeing tract into a 
permanent Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Easement 
(Boardman Conservation Area). Also, Portland General Electric 
identified 888 ac (356 ha) for management as part of the Conservation 
Area for the duration of the CCAA. The Boardman Conservation Area will 
be managed by TNC with the goal to maintain and improve where feasible 
the integrity of existing native communities and associated species 
covered by the CCAA, including the Washington ground squirrel. All but 
two known sites and the majority of suitable habitat on the Boeing 
tract are located on the Boardman Conservation Area and therefore are 
protected from irreversible habitat modification. Based on our current 
evaluation of threats, we changed the listing priority number from 2 to 
5 for this species as the threats are no longer imminent.

Birds

    Spotless crake (Porzana tabuensis), American Samoa Distinct 
Population Segment (DPS)--The genus Porzana is widespread in the 
Pacific, where it is

[[Page 24875]]

represented by numerous island-endemic and flightless species (many of 
which are extinct as a result of anthropogenic disturbances) as well as 
several common and cosmopolitan species such as the common crake. The 
spotless crake is found in the Philippines, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, 
Society Islands, Marquesas, Independent Samoa, and American Samoa. No 
subspecies are currently recognized.
    The status of populations in other areas is not well known, but the 
species is thought to be in decline throughout the oceanic Pacific, 
with at least one known extirpation (from the island of Futuna). In 
American Samoa, the population of the spotless crake is restricted to 
the summit of Tau Island.
    The only known population in American Samoa co-occurs with Norway 
rats (Rattus norvegicus), which are known to prey on birds and their 
eggs and young. The spotless crake is particularly vulnerable because 
it is small, nests on the ground, and on Tau summit has no wetland 
refuge from predators. Finally, this single population, which existing 
survey data suggest is a small population, is at risk from stochastic 
occurrences such as typhoons and inbreeding depression. These threats 
affect the entire known population of this species in American Samoa, 
and are potentially lethal to individuals. The magnitude of threats 
facing the species is thus high, and these threats are more imminent 
than previously inferred because additional surveys indicate that this 
species occurs only as a single, small population in American Samoa.
    Although this species may use a wide variety of habitats, wetland 
habitats may be necessary for self-sustaining populations of the crake 
to persist in the presence of predators. Wetland habitats are limited 
in American Samoa, and enforcement of their conservation under local 
and Federal law is not consistent. The listing priority number for the 
spotless crake is changed from 6 to 3 because surveys on Tau over the 
past several years have failed to yield evidence of this species in 
locations other than the summit, no observations of this species have 
been made during extensive, ongoing surveys of birds elsewhere in 
American Samoa, and the threat from rat predation is ongoing.
    Friendly ground-dove (Gallicolumba stairi stairi)--The genus 
Gallicolumba is distributed throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia. 
The genus is represented in the oceanic Pacific by six species. Three 
are endemic to Micronesian islands or archipelagos, two are endemic to 
island groups in French Polynesia, and G. stairi is endemic to Samoa, 
Tonga, and Fiji. All six species have some level of threatened status 
on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural 
Resources (IUCN) Red List. Some authors recognize two subspecies of the 
friendly ground-dove, one, slightly smaller, in the Samoan archipelago 
(G. s. stairi), and one in Tonga and Fiji (G. s. vitiensis), but 
morphological differences between the two are minimal. In American 
Samoa, the friendly ground-dove has been found on the islands of Ofu 
and Olosega (Manua Group).
    Of the primary threats to the subspecies (predation by nonnative 
species, poaching and habitat loss), only predation by nonnative 
species is thought to be occurring now, and likely has been occurring 
for several decades. This predation may be an important impediment to 
increases in the population. Predation by introduced species has played 
a significant role in reducing and limiting populations of island 
birds, especially ground-nesters, in the Pacific and other locations 
worldwide. Nonnative predators known or thought to occur in the range 
of the friendly ground-dove in American Samoa are feral cats (Felis 
catus), Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans), black rats (R. rattus), and 
Norway rats (R. norvegicus). Consistent monitoring using a variety of 
methods over the last 5 years yielded few observations of this taxon in 
American Samoa. The total population size is poorly known, but is 
unlikely to number more than a few hundred pairs. The distribution of 
the friendly ground-dove is limited to steep, rocky slopes; areas that 
are not common in American Samoa. Threats to this subspecies have not 
changed over the past year, but to better reflect the fact that threats 
due to small population size and nonnative predators are imminent, we 
revised the listing priority number from a 6 to a 3.
    Kauai creeper (Oreomystis bairdi)--The Kauai creeper, or akikiki, 
is a small Hawaiian honeycreeper found only on the island of Kauai, 
Hawaii, with no described subspecies. The species is known to be 
presently facing the primary threats of disease (avian malaria) and 
habitat degradation and loss. These threats have persisted over several 
decades, and are affecting a large proportion of the population.
    The mosquito vector of avian malaria has been found throughout the 
range of elevations over which the creeper occurs, and malaria 
transmission occurs at least periodically over the species' entire 
range. The area of forest where malaria is endemic is likely to 
increase with global climate change.
    Efforts are underway to reduce habitat loss through control of 
invasive nonnative plants in some areas, but there is no weed control 
in most of the range of the Kauai creeper, and habitat loss is already 
occurring. Also, there are currently no efforts to control habitat 
damage by feral ungulates within the range of the Kauai creeper.
    A large scale survey in 2000 showed that in the last 30 years the 
estimated population declined nearly 80 percent (from 6,832  966 to 1,472  680 birds), the range decreased 
approximately 60 percent (from 21,750 to 8,896 acres (8,800 to 3,600 
hectares)), and the species has disappeared from much of the periphery 
of its range. The listing priority number for the Kauai creeper is 
changed from a 5 to a 2 because the threats facing the species are of a 
high magnitude and are imminent.
    Yellow-billed cuckoo, Western Continental U.S. DPS (Coccyzus 
americanus)--While the cuckoo is still relatively common east of the 
crest of the Rocky Mountains, biologists estimate that more than 90 
percent of the bird's riparian (streamside) habitat in the West has 
been lost or degraded. These modifications, and the resulting decline 
in the distribution and abundance of yellow-billed cuckoos throughout 
the western states, are believed to be due to conversion to 
agriculture; grazing; competition from nonnative plants, such as 
tamarisk; river management, including altered flow and sediment regime; 
and flood control practices, such as channelization and bank 
protection. Riparian habitat is continuing to be destroyed through land 
use conversion and grazing. Threats to the yellow-billed cuckoo have 
not changed over the past year, but to better reflect the fact that 
threats are imminent, we revised the listing priority number from a 6 
to a 3 for this DPS.
    Many-colored fruit-dove (Ptilinopus perousii perousii)--Two 
subspecies of the many-colored fruit-dove exist. One, P. p. perousii, 
is found in American Samoa, within the four main islands of Tutuila, 
Olosega, Ofu, and Tau, and Independent Samoa. Another subspecies, P. p. 
mariae, is found in Fiji and Tonga.
    The primary threats to P. p. perousii, loss of the native banyan 
trees on which it depends, poaching, and predation by nonnative 
mammals, are thought to occur at levels insufficient to have a 
detrimental effect on the species' population in American Samoa. This 
is demonstrated by the fact that 5 years of extensive and intensive 
monitoring indicate an increase in the detected

[[Page 24876]]

relative abundance of many-colored fruit-doves in American Samoa. This 
trend may have been interrupted by Typhoon Heta in January of 2004, 
when damage to their primary food plants, the two species of native 
banyan trees, may have altered the doves' foraging to make them more 
vulnerable to the opportunistic poaching that typically takes place 
after typhoons (Craig et al. 1994).
    At present, no disturbance other than typhoons is known to affect 
the abundance, distribution, or productivity of native banyans in 
American Samoa. Loss of native rainforest harboring these banyans and, 
presumably, the nesting habitat for the many-colored fruit-dove is not 
currently considered to be taking place at a rate that poses a severe 
or imminent risk to the many-colored fruit-dove, and poaching of this 
species is thought to be an extremely rare occurrence.
    Predation by introduced species has played a significant role in 
limiting and extirpating populations of island birds in the Pacific and 
other locations worldwide (Atkinson 1977, 1985; Moors and Atkinson 
1984). Nonnative predators known to occur in the range of the many-
colored fruit-dove in American Samoa that could be a significant threat 
to this arboreal-nesting bird are black rats (R. rattus), Norway rats 
(R. norvegicus), and feral cats (Felis catus). However the continued 
existence of this species and the recently documented increase in its 
abundance, suggest that predation, while a potential threat, is not of 
a high-magnitude. The total population size of the many-colored fruit-
dove is unknown, but may number up to a few hundred pairs.
    In Independent Samoa, the many-colored fruit-dove may be more 
abundant than it is in American Samoa, but this difference likely 
reflects difference in island size--the main islands of Independent 
Samoa are both an order of magnitude larger than the islands of 
American Samoa--and the greater abundance in Independent Samoa of the 
two native figs, Ficus prolixa and F. obliqua, that are the preferred 
food of this fruit-dove. However, ongoing deforestation (potentially 
exacerbated by severe storms) and hunting are considered to threaten 
the many-colored fruit-dove in Independent Samoa, and this subspecies' 
status there is described as ``Conservation Concern.'' We changed the 
listing priority number for the many-colored fruit-dove from 6 to 12 
because the overall magnitude of threats is moderate to low and these 
threats are not imminent.
    Xantus's murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus)--Xantus's murrelet 
is a small seabird of the Alcid family that occurs along the western 
coast of North America in the United States and Mexico. Xantus's 
murrelet populations in the United States and Mexico appear to have 
declined due to a wide variety of threats, with substantial declines 
evident at the largest known breeding population and extirpations on 
three of the Mexican islands. Data from the largest breeding population 
on Santa Barbara Island in the United States indicated a dramatic 
decline (as much as 70 percent from 1977 to the mid-1990s); data from 
other islands are scarce.
    Although the decline in Xantus's murrelet populations appears to 
have been substantial, some of the largest threats are being addressed, 
and, to some degree, ameliorated in the United States. For example, 
although predation is a large contributor to the current low population 
numbers of the Xantus's murrelet, it does not pose as imminent a threat 
as it once did. Cats and rats have been removed from many of the 
islands where they once occurred. Anacapa Island implemented a rat 
eradication program in 2001 that seems to have been successful in 
removing that nonnative predator of the Xantus's murrelet. Rats were 
eradicated in 1994 from San Roque Island. Although the nonnative 
herbivores have been absent from Santa Barbara Island since the late 
1950s, their presence facilitated the introduction of non-native 
grasses, which continue to exist and spread on that island. The 
conversion of native habitat to nonnative grassland that has occurred 
on Santa Barbara Island poses a threat to the population of Xantus's 
murrelet due to the fact that the island is only one square mile in 
size and holds the majority of the nesting population in California. 
Introduction of nonnative grasses has modified the habitat. Such 
habitat modification is thought to have increased the endemic deer 
mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus elusus) population, a native predator of 
Xantus's murrelet eggs.
    The Service has been working with the State of California, National 
Park Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service to address the 
threats of light pollution and human disturbance. Many nocturnal birds 
are attracted to the lights of commercial fishing vessels and Xantus's 
murrelets and other seabirds become exhausted from continual attraction 
and fluttering near lights or collide with lighted vessels, the impact 
resulting in injury or death. Chicks have been documented to separate 
from their parents due to vessel lights, often resulting in death as 
chicks are dependent on parents for survival. Additionally, squid boats 
operate in shallow waters close to Xantus's murrelet breeding colonies 
in the California Channel Islands. Increased predation on Xantus's 
murrelets by Western gulls (Larus occidentalis) and barn owls (Tyto 
alba) as a result of lighting, particularly from squid boats, near 
breeding colonies has been documented. To address the threat from light 
pollution, the California Department of Fish and Game implemented 
regulations to require shielding and limit wattage of lights used by 
boats conducting nighttime fishing activities. Although these 
regulations do not remove the negative effects of this activity, they 
likely have resulted in a reduction of the impacts. Although not likely 
responsible for the species' current low numbers, oil pollution may 
pose a potential threat to the survival of the Xantus's murrelet 
population.
    Despite actions to address some of the threats to this species, a 
recent proposal by ChevronTexaco Corporation to build a liquid natural 
gas (LNG) facility 600 meters offshore Islas Los Coronados in Baja 
California, Mexico, poses a threat to the survival of the Xantus's 
murrelet. The Los Coronados islands support the largest known breeding 
population of Xantus's murrelets in the world. The construction and 
operation of the proposed LNG facility at Islas Los Coronados would 
increase levels of disturbance to Xantus's murrelets. Sources of 
disturbance include: (1) Bright lights at night from the facility and 
visiting tanker vessels; (2) noise from the facility; (3) noise from 
helicopters visiting the facility; (4) ingress and egress of tanker 
vessels; and (5) other vessels transporting personnel and supplies. 
These factors would have a serious impact on the islands' population of 
Xantus's murrelets, and, taken together, the cumulative disturbance 
caused by this proposed facility would have substantial negative 
consequences for the colony.
    Additionally, there are potential impacts to the Xantus's murrelet 
prey base due to increased seawater chlorination resulting from this 
facility. The ocean waters around Islas Los Coronados are highly 
productive and very important foraging areas for breeding, migrant, and 
wintering seabirds such as the Xantus's murrelet. The loss of large 
numbers of prey could be detrimental to seabirds that depend on Islas 
Los Coronados for foraging at various times of year. Degraded water 
quality around Islas Los Coronados may also result from this project, 
such as

[[Page 24877]]

from the seawater chlorination process. A gas spill from the facility 
or pipeline could have substantial negative effects on the Xantus's 
murrelet. Due to the now imminent threats from the proposed LNG 
facility, we changed the listing priority number for this species from 
a 5 to a 2.

Amphibians

    Black Warrior waterdog (Necturus alabamensis)--The Black Warrior 
waterdog inhabits streams above the Fall Line within the Black Warrior 
River Basin in Alabama. There is very little specific locality 
information available on the historical distribution of the Black 
Warrior waterdog, however, as limited attention was given to this 
species between its description in 1937 and the 1980's. There are a 
total of 11 known historical records from 4 Alabama counties. Two of 
these sites have now been inundated by impoundments. Extensive survey 
work was conducted in the 1990's to look for additional populations. 
Currently, the species is known from 14 sites in 5 counties.
    Water quality degradation is the biggest threat to the continued 
existence of the Black Warrior waterdog. Most streams that have been 
surveyed for the waterdog showed evidence of pollution and many 
appeared biologically depauperate. Sources of point and nonpoint 
pollution in the Black Warrior River Basin have been numerous and 
widespread. Pollution is generated from inadequately treated effluent 
from industrial plants, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment plants, 
poultry operations, and cattle feedlots. Surface mining represents 
another threat to the biological integrity of waterdog habitat. Runoff 
from old, abandoned coal mines generates pollution through 
acidification, increased mineralization, and sediment loading. An 
additional threat to the Black Warrior waterdog is the creation of 
large impoundments that have flooded thousands of acres of its habitat. 
These impoundments are likely marginal or unsuitable habitat for the 
salamander. Threats to the Black Warrior waterdog have not changed over 
the past year, but to better reflect the fact that threats from the 
pervasive water quality degradation in the Black Warrior Basin are 
imminent, we changed the listing priority number from a 5 to a 2 for 
this species.
    Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi)--Since the 
species was elevated to candidate status in 2001 (66 FR 54808), the 
known threats have increased. In particular, recreational pressures on 
Ozark hellbender rivers have increased substantially on an annual 
basis. The Missouri Department of Conservation reports that gigging 
popularity and pressure has increased, which presents a significant 
threat to hellbenders during the breeding season as they tend to move 
greater distances and congregate in small groups where they are an easy 
target for giggers. Canoe, kayak, and motor/jet boat traffic has 
increased in recent years on the Jacks Fork, Current, Eleven Point, and 
North Fork Rivers. The popularity of these float streams has grown to 
the point that the National Park Service is considering alternatives to 
reducing the number of boats that can be launched daily by 
concessionaires, but no change has been adopted and even if one is, 
floating will still occur. Horse trail rides are extremely popular 
along both the Jacks Fork and Current National Scenic Rivers. In 2003, 
the Missouri Department of Natural Resources added a 7-mile stretch of 
the Jacks Fork River to the 303(d) list of impaired waters for organic 
wastes (fecal coliform) immediately downstream from a commercial horse 
trail ride outfitter.
    To date, nothing has been done to reduce or ameliorate ongoing 
threats to Ozark hellbenders. The Ozarks region continues to experience 
rapid urbanization, expansion of industrial agricultural practices such 
as concentrated animal feeding operations (chickens, turkeys, hogs, 
cattle), and logging. No laws are in place that preclude livestock from 
grazing in riparian corridors and resting in or along streams and 
rivers. Missouri is the second largest beef cattle producing state in 
the nation, with the majority of animal units produced in the Ozarks. 
Both Arkansas and Missouri are the leading States in poultry 
production. The fact that the majority of the Ozarks region in Missouri 
and Arkansas is comprised of karst topography (caves, springs, 
sinkholes, and losing streams) further complicates the containment and 
transport of potential contaminants.
    In short, the abundance of treatment facilities and lack of 
adequate treatment facilities or practices for both human and livestock 
waste poses a significant and ever increasing threat to aquatic 
ecosystems. The decrease in Ozark hellbender range and population size 
and the shift in age structure are likely caused by a variety of 
historic and ongoing activities. The primary cause of these trends is 
habitat destruction and modification through impoundment, 
channelization, siltation, and water quality degradation from a variety 
of sources, including industrialization, agricultural runoff, mine 
waste, and timber harvest. Overutilization of hellbenders for commerce 
and scientific purposes is also likely contributing to their decline. 
The regulations in place that could prevent these impacts, including 
the Clean Water Act and State laws, have been inadequate in preventing 
Ozark hellbender declines to this point. Finally, most of the remaining 
Ozark hellbender populations are small and isolated, making them 
vulnerable to individual catastrophic events and reducing the 
likelihood of recolonization after localized extinctions. Due to 
substantial increases in recreational pressures on Ozark hellbender 
rivers on an annual basis, we changed the listing priority number for 
this subspecies from a 6 to a 3.

Clams

    Georgia pigtoe (Pleurobema hanleyanum)--The Georgia pigtoe was 
historically found in shallow runs and riffles in large creeks and 
rivers of the Coosa River drainage system in Alabama, Georgia, and 
Tennessee. The species is currently known to exist in localized 
portions of the upper Conasauga River in Murray and Whitfield Counties, 
Georgia, and in a short reach of the Coosa River below Terrapin Creek, 
Cherokee County, Alabama. The Georgia pigtoe is very rare, with only a 
few observations of living animals over the past 15 years. Impoundment 
and pollution are implicated in the decline and disappearance of the 
species. We changed the listing priority of the Georgia pigtoe from a 5 
to a 2 due to rarity and continued lack of success into locating living 
animals.

Snails

    Bonneville pondsnail (Stagnicola bonnevillensis)--The Bonneville 
pondsnail occupies four spring pools north of the Great Salt Lake in 
Box Elder County, Utah (Horse Spring B, Horse Spring B South, Pipe 
Spring, and Shotgun Spring). While the total number of individuals is 
unknown, the total occupied habitat is less than one hectare. Two 
previous threats to this species now appear to have been resolved. 
Leaks from petroleum pipelines in the area have occurred in 2000 and 
2002; however, Chevron Pipeline (which has responsibility for operation 
and maintenance of the pipelines) has addressed potential threats from 
pipeline leaks with internal integrity inspections and alerts prior to 
leakage. Consequently, potential pipeline leaks are not a current 
threat. Intensive, unregulated grazing can degrade the habitat of 
aquatic species, including Stagnicola bonnevillensis, but the springs 
where this species occurs

[[Page 24878]]

have been fenced to restrict livestock use and this is not a current 
threat.
    Current threats to this species include perchlorate and 
trichloroethelene (TCE) contamination from ATK Thiokol, Inc. (Thiokol). 
Until recently, Thiokol disposed of waste products such as perchlorate 
and TCE in an area 6.5 km (4 mi) upstream from the pondsnail's habitat, 
within the same hydrologic ground water gradient as the occupied snail 
habitat. Contaminated soils have been removed and the area capped to 
prevent further contamination. Groundwater sampling indicates that the 
10 [mu]g/l isoline of the TCE plume is 0.5 km (0.3 mi) north of Shotgun 
and Pipe Springs. The 100 [mu]g/l isoline of the TCE plume is 2.4 km 
(1.5 mi) northwest of Shotgun Spring. The 1000 [mu]g/l isoline of the 
TCE plume is 3.5 km (2.2 miles) northwest of Shotgun Spring. Levels of 
percholate measured in June 2004 range from 6.6 [mu]g/liter in Fish 
Spring to 287 [mu]g/liter in Pipe Spring. The acute toxicity of TCE and 
perchlorate to Stagnicola bonnevillensis is under investigation, but 
both substances are potentially lethal to most wildlife species. The 
current levels of TCE and perchlorate in the occupied springs and the 
approaching groundwater plume are of concern for the future of this 
species and its habitat. Thiokol is taking corrective action to 
identify and remediate groundwater contamination through a Corrective 
Action Plan (an updated groundwater model and risk assessments are to 
be completed in May 2005 under this plan). Bioassay studies are being 
initiated to determine the effect of these contaminants on the snail 
and its habitat.
    Although the range of this species is highly restricted and the 
only known habitat is currently threatened by chemical contamination of 
the ground water, we consider the following actions that are addressing 
these threats to be significant enough to have reduced the magnitude of 
threats from high to moderate: discontinued disposal of wastes in an 
unlined impoundment, removal of contaminated soil, installation of a 
cap to prevent infiltration of water into soils beneath impoundment, 
monitoring of downgradient groundwater for contamination, 
implementation of a Corrective Action Plan to characterize and 
remediate groundwater contamination, implementation of a site 
management plan, and development of a groundwater model and risk 
assessment. Thus, we changed the listing priority from a 2 to an 8. 
Additionally, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is currently 
drafting a Conservation Agreement and Strategy for this species.
    Interrupted (Georgia) rocksnail (Leptoxis foremani (downei))--
Interrupted rocksnails historically occurred in shoals, riffles, and 
reefs of small to large rivers in the Coosa River Basin of Alabama and 
Georgia. Today, only a single surviving natural population is known 
from a short reach of the Coosawattee River, Georgia. During a 1999 
census, 10-45 interrupted rocksnail snails per square meter were found 
in this reach. In 2004, a 6 man-hour search was required to find 20 
individuals. Water quality is suspected as the cause of decline. A 
captive colony of approximately 200 snails was established at the 
Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute (TNARI) in 2000 for study and 
propagation. During the winter of 2003, the Alabama Department of 
Conservation and Natural Resources released about 3000 juvenile 
interrupted rocksnails from the TNARI colony into the Coosa River above 
Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The status of this reintroduction is 
currently unknown. We changed the listing priority number for the 
interrupted rocksnail from a 5 to a 2 due to the recent precipitous 
decline of the only known naturally surviving population in the 
Oostanaula River.
    Newcomb's tree snail (Newcombia cumingi)--A tree-dwelling species, 
Newcomb's tree snail belongs to the snail family, Achatinellidae. The 
species is endemic to the island of Maui, where it is currently known 
from a single remaining population. This species is currently 
threatened by habitat loss and modification and by predation from 
nonnative predatorial snails. Because the threats are of a high 
magnitude and are now considered imminent because they are ongoing, we 
changed the listing priority number from a 5 to a 2.

Crustaceans

    Anchialine pool shrimp (Vetericaris chaceorum)--Vetericaris 
chaceorum is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of shrimp belonging 
to the family Procarididae. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian 
Islands and is currently known from one population on the island of 
Hawaii. The primary threats to this species are habitat loss and 
predation from nonnative fish species. We changed the listing priority 
number for this species from a 2 to a 1 as this species is in a 
monotypic genus. The threats remain imminent and of a high magnitude.

Flowering Plants

    Bidens amplectens (Kookooalu)--This species is an erect perennial 
or facultatively annual herb found in mixed lowland dry shrubland/
grassland on Oahu, Hawaii. This species is known from one population of 
500 to 1,000 individuals in the Waianae Mountains. Threats to the 
species include nonnative plants that increase the fuel load and fire 
threat, and compete for habitat. We have changed the listing priority 
number for this species from 5 to 2 because the threats are ongoing, 
and therefore, imminent.
    Bidens campylotheca ssp. pentamera (Kookooalu)--This species is an 
erect, perennial herb found in Cheirodendron-Metrosideros polymorpha 
montane wet forest on Maui, Hawaii. This subspecies is known from 11 
populations with a total of approximately 500 individuals, and is 
restricted to the island of Maui. Threats to the species include 
ungulates that eat this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, and by 
nonnative plants that compete for habitat. We have changed the listing 
priority number for this species from 6 to 3 because the threats are 
ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla (Kookooalu)--This species is an 
erect, perennial herb found in open mixed shrubland to dry Metrosideros 
forest on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is endemic to the 
island of Hawaii, where it is restricted to an area of less than 10 
square miles (26 square kilometers). This species is known from four 
populations totaling approximately 3,000 individuals, the majority of 
which occur in only two populations. Threats to the species include 
land development and nonnative plants such as Pennisetum setaceum and 
Leucana leucocephala, which degrade habitat, possibly contributing to 
fire. We have changed the listing priority number for this species from 
6 to 3 because the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Brickellia mosieri (Florida brickell-bush)--This white-flowered, 
narrow-leaved herb in the aster family occurs in central and southern 
Miami-Dade County, Florida, from Southwest 120th Street to Florida 
City. It is found exclusively in pine rocklands, where it tends to 
occur in areas within open shrub canopy and exposed limestone with 
minimal organic litter. Approximately 99 percent of the former habitat 
has been converted to urban areas or farmland. Seventeen occurrences 
currently are confirmed in remnant blocks of habitat; thirteen are 
owned or managed by Miami-Dade

[[Page 24879]]

County and the others are privately owned. Of the known occurrences 
most contain a low density of plants; only two occurrences are believed 
to contain more than 1,000 individuals and the total population is 
estimated to be no more than 10,000 individuals, but more likely to be 
5,000 to 7,000 individuals. There is little likelihood of finding 
significantly more populations. Fire suppression is one of the greatest 
threats to this species. Fire is required to maintain the pine rockland 
community but with fire suppression, hardwoods eventually increase and 
shade out understory species such as Brickellia mosieri. The other most 
significant threat is exotic plants. Throughout its range the species 
also is threatened by invasive exotic plants, and even if effective 
control methods are found for existing invasive exotic plants, 
additional invasive exotic plants are expected to emerge since areas 
near the managed pine rockland contain exotic species and can act as a 
seed source of exotics allowing them to continue to invade the pine 
rockland. However, 13 of the 17 sites are on conservation lands where 
control of invasive exotic species is being implemented, as well as 
controlled burns. Overall, the magnitude of threats to the Florida 
brickell-bush is moderate. The threats are also ongoing and therefore, 
imminent. Thus, we have revised the listing priority number from a 5 to 
an 8.
    Calamagrostis expansa (no common name)--This species is a robust, 
short-rhizomatous perennial found in wet forest, open bogs, and bog 
margins on the islands of Maui and Hawaii, Hawaii. Historically rare, 
Calamagrostis expansa was restricted to wet forest and bogs on Maui. 
Currently, this species is known from 100 populations of 1 or 2 
individuals each on Maui, and was recently discovered in 5 populations 
totaling approximately 300 individuals on the island of Hawaii. The 
species is currently threatened by pigs that degrade and destroy 
habitat and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace them. We have 
changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since 
the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Calamagrostis hillebrandii (no common name)--This species is a 
slender, short-rhizomatous perennial found in Metrosideros-Machaerina 
montane wet bog or ohia-kuolohia-Oreobolus (Metrosideros-Rhynchospora-
Oreobolus) mixed bog on Maui, Hawaii. This species is known from two 
populations of about 500 individuals, restricted to the bogs of West 
Maui, although it was formerly found on the island of Molokai as well. 
This species is currently threatened by pigs that degrade and destroy 
habitat and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace them. We have 
changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since 
the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Calochortus persistens (Siskiyou mariposa lily)--The Siskiyou 
mariposa lily is a narrow endemic that is restricted to two disjunct 
ridge tops in the Klamath-Siskiyou Range on the California-Oregon 
border. In California, this species is currently found at nine separate 
sites on approximately 10 hectares (ha) (24.7 acres (ac)) of Klamath 
National Forest and privately owned lands that stretch for 6 kilometers 
(km) (3.7 miles (mi)) along the Gunsight-Humbug Ridge. In 1998, five 
Siskiyou mariposa lily plants were discovered on Bald Mountain, west of 
Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon.
    Major threats include competition and shading by native and 
nonnative species fostered by suppression of wild fire; increased fuel 
loading and subsequent risk of wild fire; fragmentation by roads, fire 
breaks, tree plantations, and radio-tower facilities; maintenance and 
construction around radio towers and telephone relay stations located 
on Gunsight Peak and Mahogany Point; and soil disturbance and exotic 
weed and grass species introduction as a result of heavy recreational 
use and construction of fire breaks. Dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria), an 
invasive, nonnative plant that may prevent germination of Siskiyou 
mariposa lily seedlings, is now found throughout the California 
population, affecting 90 percent of the known lily habitat. Forest 
Service staff and the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center cite 
competition with dyer's woad as a significant and chronic threat to the 
survival of Siskiyou mariposa lily.
    The combination of restricted range, extremely low numbers (five 
plants) in one of two disjunct populations, poor competitive ability, 
short seed dispersal distance, slow growth rates, low seed production, 
apparently poor survival rates in some years, and competition from 
exotic plants threaten the continued existence of this species. 
However, as a result of information gained during the 2003 field 
season, the listing priority number has been changed from 2 to 5. Our 
previous rating was based on the reported results of unpublished 
demographic research that showed an absence of reproduction, leading 
the Service to rate the immediacy of threats as imminent. However, 
during last season's extensive survey, Klamath National Forest staff 
observed juvenile plants across the California range of C. persistens. 
For this reason, we have revised the immediacy of threats to 
nonimminent. Because none of the threats to C. persistens are 
anticipated to cause extinction in the immediate future and because the 
nonimminent threats are of a high magnitude, we assigned a listing 
priority number of 5 to this species.
    Canavalia napaliensis (Awikiwiki)--This species is a perennial 
climber found in open dry sites and coastal strand, diverse lowland 
dryland/mesic forest to mixed mesophytic forest on Kauai, Hawaii. 
Canavalia napaliensis is known from three populations totaling several 
hundred individuals in a small section of the Na Pali coast. This 
species is currently threatened by goats that eat this plant and 
degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that outcompete 
and displace them. We have changed the listing priority number for this 
species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, 
imminent.
    Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp. pinetorum (Pineland sandmat)--This small, 
upright, round-leaved herb belonging to the spurge family is known only 
from the southern portion of the Miami Rock Ridge in Southern Miami-
Dade County, Florida. This species occurs in tropical pine woods on 
limestone rock (rock pinelands). It is shade intolerant and requires 
periodic prescribed fires to reduce competition from woody vegetation. 
The total number of plants has been estimated to be fewer than 10,000. 
Plants occur on conservation lands at Everglades National Park and 
seven relatively small pinelands owned by Miami-Dade County, one 
private preserve, and a governmental non-conservation site. 
Additionally, fewer than 1,000 plants are estimated to occur at less 
than 10 privately owned unprotected sites. The most serious threats are 
lack of fire in small urban or near-urban preserves and invasive pest 
plants. Despite effective exotic pest plant management in Everglades 
National Park and on Miami-Dade County lands, the pest plant threats 
remain, and new problems, such as Old World climbing fern, are 
emerging. While there are inherent difficulties in maintaining small 
pinelands and the exotic pest plant threats are serious, overall, the 
threats are moderate in magnitude; the largest population occurs on 
Everglades National Park where invasive species are being actively 
controlled and fire is being used to maintain habitat for this species. 
The threats are imminent since they are ongoing. Therefore, we are 
revising the listing priority number for the pineland sandmat from 6 to 
9.
    Chamaesyce eleanoriae (Akoko)--This species is a small shrub found 
on

[[Page 24880]]

steep slopes and cliffs, in Metrosideros-Diospyros lowland mesic forest 
and Eragrostis variabilis coastal dry cliffs on Kauai, Hawaii. This 
species is known from 10 populations totaling less than 500 
individuals. Described in 1996, it is found only in and around Kalalau 
Valley rim, along the Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai. Although it 
was only discovered in 1992, a decline in numbers has already been 
observed. The species is threatened by goats and rats that eat this 
plant and degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that 
outcompete and displace it. We have changed the listing priority number 
for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.
    Chamaesyce remyi var. kauaiensis (Akoko)--This species is a shrub 
found in wind-swept shrubland and adjacent forest patches dominated by 
Metrosideros and Syzygium on Kauai, Hawaii. Chamaesyce remyi var. 
kauaiensis is known from four or five populations totaling 300 to 400 
individuals. This variety is found only in the Wahiawa and Blue Hole 
areas on the island of Kauai. This species is threatened by goats and 
pigs that eat this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, by the two-
spotted leafhopper that damages leaves and may spread plant viruses, 
and by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. We have 
changed the listing priority number for this species from 6 to 3 since 
the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Chamaesyce remyi var. remyi (Akoko)--This species is a perennial 
shrub found in wet Metrosideros polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis 
montane mesic forest on Kauai, Hawaii. Chamaesyce remyi var. remyi is 
known from at least 10 populations totaling 500 to 1,000 individuals. 
Hybrids of C. remyi and C. sparsiflora have been found near the margins 
of Wahiawa Bog, Kauai. This species is threatened by goats and pigs 
that eat this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, by the two-spotted 
leafhopper that causes leaf damage and may spread viruses, and by 
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this plant variety from 6 to 3 since the 
threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Charpentiera densiflora (Papala)--This species is a tree found in 
Diosporus sandwicensis-dominated lowland mesic forest, extending into 
diverse mesic forest on Kauai, Hawaii. Charpentiera densiflora is known 
from 10 populations totaling approximately 200 individuals, restricted 
to an area of less than 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) in the 
Na Pali coast area on the island of Kauai. The threat to the species is 
feral goats that degrade and destroy habitat. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Chromolaena frustrata (Cape Sable thoroughwort)--This blue-flowered 
herb of the aster family presently occurs in Monroe County, Florida, at 
scattered locations in the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park 
near the Flamingo Visitors Center. Within the past 30 years, it was 
also observed slightly farther east in Everglades National Park in 
Miami-Dade County. In the Florida Keys (Monroe County), Cape Sable 
thoroughwort occupies rock barrens and edges of tropical hardwood 
hammocks. Populations of Cape Sable thoroughwort on public conservation 
lands are small. Everglades National Park has fewer than 150 plants 
(remote areas have not yet been surveyed); Boca Grande Key, Lignumvitae 
Key, Long Key, Upper Matecumbe Key have approximately 25, 81, 200, and 
18 plants respectively. The species is also present at two privately 
owned sites (Long Key and Big Munson Island) in the Keys. Approximately 
162 plants are on private land at Long Key. The only large population 
of Cape Sable thoroughwort (consisting of thousands of plants) is on a 
privately owned island near Big Pine Key. The abundance of Cape Sable 
thoroughwort here is probably due to Hurricane Georges in 1998, which 
opened the island's tree canopy. While the 1998 hurricane benefited one 
population, a more severe storm could have very different effects. The 
listing priority has been increased to reflect the high and imminent 
risk of extinction due to small population size, combined with the risk 
of loss of populations from exotic pest plants (especially Brazilian 
pepper) through changes in community structure and competition, 
hurricanes, and other disturbances (e.g. from trail construction). 
Therefore, we changed the listing priority number for the Cape Sable 
thoroughwort from a 5 to a 2.
    Cyanea calycina (Haha)--This species is an unbranched shrub found 
in Metrosideros-Dicranopteris montane wet forest and wet gulches and 
streambanks on Oahu, Hawaii. This species is known from about 20 
populations with a combined total of 200 or more individuals. Threats 
to the species include pigs and goats that degrade and destroy habitat, 
rats and slugs that directly prey upon it, and nonnative plants that 
outcompete and displace it. We have changed the listing priority number 
for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.
    Cyanea kunthiana (Haha)--This species is a shrub found in closed 
Metrosideros polymorpha montane wet forest on Maui, Hawaii. The 
historic range of Cyanea kunthiana was wet forest on the island of 
Maui. While there are no historic records of numbers of populations or 
individuals, qualitative accounts indicate that the species was not 
uncommon. Currently, this species is declining throughout its range and 
is known from approximately 20 populations with a combined total of 
several hundred individuals. Threats to the species include pigs, rats, 
and slugs that eat this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, and 
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Cyanea lanceolata (Haha)--This species is a shrub found in Acacia 
koa-Metrosideros polymorpha lowland mesic forest on Oahu, Hawaii. This 
species is known from 20 populations with a combined total of less than 
300 individuals. Threats to the species include pigs, rats, and slugs 
that prey upon, degrade and destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that 
outcompete and displace it. We have changed the listing priority number 
for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.
    Cyanea tritomantha (Aku)--This species is a palm-like tree found in 
closed Metrosideros-Cibotium montane wet forest on the island of 
Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is known from four to five populations 
with a total of 100 to 500 individuals in Olaa and Kau on the island of 
Hawaii. Threats to the species include pigs, rats, and slugs that eat 
this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that 
outcompete and displace it. We have changed the listing priority number 
for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.
    Cyrtandra kaulantha (Haiwale)--This species is a shrub found in 
moist wooded gulches in dense shade on Oahu, Hawaii. This species is 
known from seven populations with a total of 37 individuals along the 
Waiahole Ditch Trail on the island of Oahu. Threats to the species 
include pigs and slugs that eat this plant and degrade and destroy 
habitat. We have changed the listing priority number for this species 
from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Cyrtandra oenobarba (Haiwale)--This species is a low, decumbent, 
fleshy, subshrub found in Metrosideros

[[Page 24881]]

polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis lowland wet forest on Kauai, Hawaii. 
The historic range of this species was throughout the island of Kauai. 
While there are no historic records of numbers of populations or 
individuals, qualitative accounts indicate that the species was 
relatively widespread and abundant. Recent surveys show that the 
species is now limited to 10 or more populations with a combined total 
of 200 to 500 individuals in only three small areas on the island of 
Kauai. Threats to the species include pigs that eat this plant and 
degrade and destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that outcompete and 
displace it. We have changed the listing priority number for this 
species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, 
imminent.
    Dalea carthagenensis var. floridana (Florida prairie clover)--This 
shrubby pea is restricted to south Florida, where it is found in edges 
of rockland hammock and pine rockland, coastal upland, and marl 
prairie. Fire is likely very important for this species since Florida 
prairie clover probably does not tolerate shading by hardwoods in the 
absence of periodic fires. Two colonies occur in the Big Cypress 
National Preserve (Collier and Monroe Counties), two colonies occur at 
the Deering Estate at Cutler (managed by Miami-Dade County), and one 
colony exists at the R. Hardy Matheson Preserve (Miami-Dade County). 
Although this species potentially might be rediscovered at still 
existing Miami area sites where it was once collected (such as Crandon 
Park on Key Biscayne, the Castellow Hammock Environmental Education 
Center, and the edge of Everglades National Park), species experts 
believe this is unlikely. The estimated total population of Florida 
prairie clover is 200 to 300 plants. Even if all the plants were in a 
single locality, they probably would not constitute a viable 
population. The State has designated the species as endangered, but 
this listing provides little or no habitat protection beyond disclosure 
of impacts. Threats to this plant developed over the course of the 
twentieth century as most of its geographic range in Miami-Dade County 
became urbanized, leaving only small remnants of pine rocklands. Fire 
suppression and invasive exotic plants are the greatest threats to this 
species. In the absence of fire, hardwoods eventually shade out 
understory species like Dalea carthagenesis var. floridana. Conducting 
prescribed fires in urban areas where the small sites exist is 
difficult but there has been some success at the Charles Deering Estate 
and R. Hardy Matheson Preserve. Exotic (i.e., nonnative) plants are 
widespread and difficult to control. There have been some efforts to 
remove the exotic plants at the smaller sites, but the methods used are 
not feasible at the large Big Cypress National Preserve. The small 
remaining populations of the species also are extremely vulnerable to 
the effects of hurricanes. Overall, our review of the status of this 
species shows that the magnitude of threats is moderate and threats are 
ongoing, and therefore, imminent. Therefore, we have changed the 
listing priority number for this plant variety from a 6 to a 9.
    Dubautia imbricata ssp. imbricata (Naenae)--This species is a shrub 
found in wet forest and bogs on Kauai, Hawaii. This subspecies is known 
from three populations totaling 1,000 or more individuals in the 
Wahiawa Mountains. Threats to the species include pigs that degrade and 
destroy habitat and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. 
We have changed the listing priority number for this subspecies from 6 
to 3 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Dubautia waialealae (Naenae)--This species is a shrub found in bogs 
and diverse mesic to wet forest on the Kauai, Hawaii. This species is 
known from one population totaling fewer than 800 individuals near the 
summit of Waialeale and one individual at the opposite end of the 
Alakai Plateau. Threats to the species include pigs that degrade and 
destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. 
We have changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 
2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Festuca hawaiiensis (no common name)--This species is a cespitose 
(grows in dense clumps) annual found in dry forest on the islands of 
Hawaii and Maui, Hawaii. This species is known from more than 20 
populations totaling approximately 1,000 individuals in and around the 
Pohakuloa Training Area on the island of Hawaii. Historically, this 
species was also found on Hualali and Puu Huluhulu on Hawaii and 
possibly Ulupalakua on Maui, but it no longer occurs at these sites. 
The species is threatened by pigs, goats, and sheep that eat this plant 
and degrade, and destroy habitat, by nonnative plants that outcompete 
and displace it, and by fire from military training. We have changed 
the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the 
threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Gardenia remyi (Nanu)--This species is a tree found in mesic to wet 
forest on the islands of Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, Hawaii. 
Gardenia remyi is known from several populations totaling a few hundred 
individuals throughout its range. The species is threatened by pigs and 
goats that eat this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, and by 
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Geranium hanaense (Nohoanu)--This species is a decumbent (growing 
along the ground) shrub found in bogs on Maui, Hawaii. First described 
in 1988, Geranium hanaense was known from only two adjacent montane 
bogs on the northeast outer rift of Haleakala, East Maui. At that time 
the species was represented by 500 to 700 individuals. By 1996, the 
species population had significantly declined according to State 
biologists. Threats to the species include pigs that degrade and 
destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. 
We have changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 
2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Hazardia orcuttii (Orcutt's Hazardia)--Hazardia orcuttii is a 
shrubby species in the Asteraceae (sunflower family). Although once 
described as fairly common in open habitats along coastal plains from 
Colonet to Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico, only one occurrence has 
been confirmed in Mexico since 1975. There is only one known extant 
native occurrence of this species in the United States; it is in the 
Manchester Conservation Area (MCA), managed by the Center for Natural 
Lands Management in the City of Encinitas. Apparent threats to the 
species include direct impacts from unauthorized access and use of the 
MCA. Impacts include pedestrian trespass, creation, and use of bicycle 
trails, and use of the area for unauthorized fire suppression methods 
training. Introduced invasive exotic plants may also pose a significant 
threat to the species. Monitoring has not recorded seedling recruitment 
at the site. This species has a narrow geographical range in the United 
States, but the site is managed. Because this species is State-listed 
and occurs in a managed, protected area, the threats are now 
nonimminent, but remain high in magnitude. Therefore, we changed the 
listing priority number for this species from a 2 to a 5.
    Hedyotis fluviatilis (Kamapuaa)--This species is a scandent shrub 
found in mesic to wet forest on Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii. This species is 
known from six populations totaling 500 to 1,000 individuals throughout 
its range. This species is threatened by pigs that

[[Page 24882]]

degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that outcompete 
and displace it. We have changed the listing priority number for this 
species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, 
imminent.
    Indigofera mucronata var. keyensis (Florida indigo)--This small, 
perennial pea is found at edges of tropical rockland hammock (forest), 
coastal berm, and rock barren communities in the upper Florida Keys 
(Monroe County, Florida). Florida Keys indigo is currently known only 
from Crawl Key (private), Key Largo (John Pennekamp Coral Reef State 
Park), Long Key State Park, Long Point Key (private), Plantation Key 
(private), and Windley Key Fossil Coral Reef State Geological Park. A 
population has been seen at Snake Creek Hammocks, Florida Keys Wildlife 
and Environmental Area, managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife 
Conservation Commission. This species appears to have been extirpated 
from the Lower and Upper Matecumbe Keys. Perhaps no more than 1,000 
individuals exist. The coastal rock barrens at two sites are being 
invaded by native and exotic hardwoods, and the exotic Brazilian pepper 
(Schinus terebinthifolius) is a special concern as the pepper is very 
competitive. For example, on Long Point Key, encroaching Brazilian 
pepper threatens to close over the opening where a small population of 
Florida indigo occurs. It is unlikely this population will survive 
another decade under current conditions. The overall status of this 
plant appears to be stable on public conservation lands in the Keys due 
to land acquisition by the State, monitoring by the Florida Park 
Service, and effective control of exotic pest plants in some areas. 
Because the threats to this plant are moderate and are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent, we have changed the listing priority number from 6 
to 9.
    Keysseria erici (no common name)--This species is a short, 
rhizomatous perennial herb found in montane bogs on Kauai, Hawaii. 
Keysseria erici is known from several populations in bogs within the 
Alakai swamp region of Kauai, totaling approximately 1,000 individuals. 
While the species has always been restricted to the bogs of the Alakai, 
it may have occurred in more bogs in the area in the past. Threats to 
the species include pigs that degrade and destroy habitat, and 
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Keysseria helenae (no common name)--This species is a rhizomatous 
perennial herb found in montane bogs on Kauai, Hawaii. Keysseria 
helenae is known from three or four populations in bogs within the 
Alakai swamp region of Kauai, totaling approximately 300 individuals. 
While the species has always been restricted to the bogs of the Alakai, 
it may have occurred in more bogs in the area in the past. Threats to 
the species include pigs that degrade and destroy habitat, and 
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Korthalsella degeneri (Hulumoa)--This species is a parasitic 
subshrub found on two species of native trees, Sapindus oahuensis and 
Nestigis sandwicensis, only in diverse mesic forests on Oahu, Hawaii. 
Recent surveys indicate that the species is known only from one 
population of 1,000 individuals in Makua Valley. Threats to the species 
include goats that eat this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, by 
nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it, and by fire. We have 
changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since 
the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Labordia helleri (Kamakahala)--This species is a shrub found in 
diverse mesic forest and mesic valleys on Kauai, Hawaii. This species 
is known from eight or more populations totaling 500 individuals from 
Makaha to Honopu. This species is threatened by goats and deer that eat 
this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants 
that outcompete and displace it. We have changed the listing priority 
number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.
    Labordia pumila (Kamakahala)--This species is a sparingly branched 
shrub found in hummocks in bogs and in bog margins on Kauai, Hawaii. 
This species is known from three populations totaling 500 to 700 
individuals in the Alakai and Waialeale areas. This species is 
threatened by pigs that eat this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, 
and by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. We have 
changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since 
the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Lysimachia daphnoides (Lehua makanoe)--This species is a small 
shrub found in bogs on Kauai, Hawaii. This species is known from nine 
populations totaling 180 to 300 individuals in the Alakai area. Threats 
to the species include pigs and hikers that degrade and destroy 
habitat, and nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. We have 
changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since 
the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Melicope christophersenii (Alani)--This species is a long-lived 
perennial shrub or tree found in wet forest on Oahu, Hawaii. Melicope 
christophersenii was historically known from the southern Waianae 
Mountains on the island of Oahu. Currently, this species is known from 
several populations totaling less than 300 individuals. This species is 
threatened by feral pigs and goats that eat this plant and degrade 
habitat, competition from nonnative plants, and predation by the black 
twig borer. We have changed the listing priority number for this 
species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, 
imminent.
    Melicope puberula (Alani)--This species is a shrub or small tree 
found in mesic and wet forest on Kauai, Hawaii. This species is known 
from 1,000 individuals in the Kalalau area to Wainiha Pali on the 
island of Kauai. Threats to the species include feral pigs and goats, 
nonnative plants, the black twig borer, and naturally occurring events. 
We have changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 
2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Myrsine fosbergii (Kolea)--This species is a branched shrub or 
small tree found in cloudswept ridges and wet forest on Kauai and Oahu, 
Hawaii. This species is known from at least five populations totaling 
150 to 175 individuals from Kauai and the southeastern end of Castle 
Trail on Oahu. This species is threatened by feral pigs and nonnative 
plants. We have changed the listing priority number for this species 
from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Myrsine vaccinioides (Kolea)--This species is a small branched 
shrub found in shrubby bogs on Maui, Hawaii. This species is found 
scattered throughout the bogs of west Maui, totaling approximately 500 
individuals, but regeneration is not occurring. This species is found 
in the Puu Kukui area of West Maui. Threats to the species include 
feral pigs and nonnative plants. We have changed the listing priority 
number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.
    Nothocestrum latifolium (Aiea)--This species is a small tree found 
in dry to mesic forest and diverse mesic forests on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, 
Molokai and Lanai, Hawaii. Nothocestrum latifolium is known from 
approximately a dozen

[[Page 24883]]

populations totaling less than 300 individuals. While the species has 
not been extirpated from any island, its range on each island has 
decreased dramatically. Threats to the species include feral pigs, 
goats and cattle, nonnative plants, and the loss of pollinators. We 
have changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 
since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Penstemon debilis (Parachute beardtoungue)--Penstemon debilis is 
endemic to oil shale outcrops on the Roan Plateau escarpment in 
Garfield County, Colorado. The total estimated number of plants is 450 
to 750 individuals. Approximately 90 percent of the plants are on 
private land owned by Occidental Petroleum; the remaining 10 percent 
are on Bureau of Land Management land that is proposed to be open to 
leasing under a new Resource Management Plan in 2005. Pressure to 
develop energy reserves in this area is intense. Threats also include 
habitat destruction caused by road and communication tower maintenance 
and recreational use. A listing priority number change from 5 to 2 is 
based on a dramatic increase in the intensity of energy exploration 
along the Roan Plateau escarpment, making the threats to the species 
imminent.
    Phacelia submutica (DeBeque phacelia)--Phacelia submutica is an 
ephemeral annual flowering plant and is endemic to clay soils derived 
from the Atwell Gulch and Shire members of the Wasatch Formation in 
Mesa and Garfield Counties, Colorado. There are about 40 populations; 
all are smaller than 5 acres. The numbers of plants vary from none to 
thousands each year, depending on precipitation. The habitat coincides 
with high quality oil and gas reserves of the Piceance Basin, mostly on 
Federal lands. The primary threats to this species are gas field 
development and associated construction and transportation activities, 
as well as increased access to all-terrain vehicles. Substantial 
surface disturbance alters the unique soil structure and destroys seed 
banks that are crucial to the survival of this species. We changed the 
listing priority number from an 11 to an 8 primarily in response to a 
dramatic increase in the intensity of energy exploration and 
development on the habitat, which make the low to moderate threats 
imminent.
    Phyllostegia floribunda (no common name)--This species is an erect 
subshrub found in mesic to wet forest on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. 
This species is known from 4 populations with a combined total of 
between 100 to 500 individuals in Laupahoehoe Natural Area Reserve and 
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Threats to the species include feral 
pigs, and nonnative plants. We have changed the listing priority number 
for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.
    Pittosporum napaliense (Hoawa)--This species is a small tree found 
in Pandanus forest and mesic valleys on Kauai, Hawaii. This species is 
known from about six populations, with a combined total of several 
hundred individuals on the eastern portion of the Na Pali coast. 
Threats to the species include feral pigs and nonnative plants. We have 
changed the listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since 
the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Platydesma cornuta var. cornuta (no common name)--This species is 
an erect palmoid shrub found in mesic forest on Oahu, Hawaii. This 
variety is known from three to four populations, with a combined total 
of approximately 100 individuals in the Koolau Mountains on the island 
of Oahu. Limited monitoring has shown that this population is 
declining. Threats to the species include feral pigs and nonnative 
plants. We have changed the listing priority number for this species 
from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Platydesma cornuta var. decurrens (no common name)--This species is 
an erect palmoid shrub found in mesic forest on Oahu, Hawaii. This 
variety is known from a few populations, with a combined total of a few 
hundred individuals in the Waianae Mountains. Threats to the species 
include feral pigs, goats, and nonnative plants. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this variety from 6 to 3 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Platydesma rostrata (Pilo kea lau lii)--This species is erect 
palmoid shrub found in diverse mesic forest and valleys on Kauai, 
Hawaii. This species is known from about 20 populations with a combined 
total of several hundred individuals in Kokee and Kuia. This species is 
threatened by feral goats and nonnative plants. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Pleomele fernaldii (Hala pepe)--This species is a tree found in dry 
forest habitat on Lanai, Hawaii, which has become dramatically reduced 
due to agriculture and habitat degradation. Three populations of this 
species are currently found on the island of Lanai in the few remnant 
dry forests on the leeward side of the island, with a combined total of 
200 individuals. Threats to the species include axis deer and nonnative 
plants. We have changed the listing priority number for this species 
from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Pleomele forbesii (Hala pepe)--This species is a tree found in 
diverse mesic and dry forests on Oahu, Hawaii. Although previously 
thought to be more common, this species is currently known from 16 
populations that have a combined total of 500 individuals. This species 
is threatened by feral pigs and goats, nonnative plants, fire, and 
rats. We have changed the listing priority number for this species from 
5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Pritchardia hardyi (Loulu)--This species is a medium-sized palm 
tree found in open wet forest on Kauai, Hawaii. This species is known 
from three populations with a combined total of 300 individuals in the 
Power Line Road area. This species is threatened by feral pigs, rats, 
vandalism/collection, and nonnative plants. We have changed the listing 
priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are 
ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Pseudognaphalium (=Gnaphalium) sandwicensium var. molokaiense 
(Enaena)--This species is a perennial herb found in strand vegetation 
in dry consolidated dunes on Molokai, Hawaii. This variety is known 
from two populations, one totaling a few hundred individuals in the 
Moomomi area and one population of 25 individuals on west Maui at Puu 
Kahulianapa. Threats to the species include predation by feral deer, 
competition with nonnative plants, collection by lei makers, and 
destruction by off road vehicles. We have changed the listing priority 
number for this variety from 6 to 3 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.
    Pteralyxia macrocarpa (Kaulu)--This species is a tree found in 
valleys and slopes in diverse mesic forest on Oahu, Hawaii. This 
species is known from 20 populations with a combined total of less than 
500 individuals. Threats to the species include feral pigs, rats, the 
two-spotted leafhopper, and nonnative plants. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Ranunculus hawaiensis (Makou)--This species is an erect or 
ascending perennial herb found in mesic to wet forest, dominated by 
Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia) and Acacia koa (koa) with scree 
substrate on Maui and the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. Its range on these 
two islands has declined. Populations formerly within Haleakala

[[Page 24884]]

National Park have been extirpated. It is known from fewer than 300 
individuals in five populations. However, the majority of these 
individuals are seedlings, less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) tall. 
Species experts expect the rate of survival to be very low due to 
trampling by feral pigs, goats, cattle, and sheep. Other threats to the 
species include competition from nonnative plants, and damage from 
slugs. We have changed the listing priority number for this species 
from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Sicyos macrophyllus (Anunu)--This species is a perennial vine found 
in wet Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia) forest and subalpine Sophora 
chrysophylla-Myoporum sandwicense (mamane/naio) forest on the island of 
Hawaii, Hawaii. This species is known from several populations with a 
combined total of a few hundred individuals in the Kohala and Mauna Kea 
areas. This species is threatened by feral pigs, sheep and nonnative 
plants. We have changed the listing priority number for this species 
from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Solanum nelsonii (Popolo)--This species is a sprawling or trailing 
shrub found in coral rubble or sand in coastal sites on the islands of 
Hawaii, Molokai, Maui, Niihau, Nihoa, Pearl, and Hermes, Hawaii. This 
species is known from ten populations with a combined total of fewer 
than 300 individuals and is declining rapidly on all islands, including 
the Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge. In the past, this species 
was also found on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Midway, and Laysan, but 
is believed to be extirpated from these locations, due primarily to 
coastal development and competition with nonnative plant species. This 
species is threatened by nonnative plants, development, off road 
vehicles, and trampling. We have changed the listing priority number 
for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats are ongoing, and 
therefore, imminent.

Ferns and Allies

    Christella boydiae (no common name)--This species is a small to 
medium sized fern found in mesic to wet forest along streambanks on 
Oahu and Maui, Hawaii. Historically, this species was also found on the 
island of Hawaii; however, the species has been extirpated from that 
location. This species is known from three populations with a combined 
total of 362 to 412 individuals. The three populations are found in 
Kipahulu Valley and Waihoi Valley of Maui and the Koolau Mountains of 
Oahu. Current populations survive only at the extreme upper elevations 
of streambanks. This species is threatened by feral ungulates, 
nonnative plants, stream diversion, and erosion. We have changed the 
listing priority number for this species from 5 to 2 since the threats 
are ongoing, and therefore, imminent.
    Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis (Palapalai)--This fern is found 
in mesic to wet forests. The species was historically found on the 
islands of Maui and Hawaii, Hawaii, but is currently found only on the 
island of Maui, where it is known from three populations with a 
combined total of 100 to 200 individuals. This species is threatened by 
feral pigs that eat this plant and degrade and/or destroy habitat, by 
nonnative plants that compete for light and nutrients, and reduce this 
species' vigor; and by stochastic extinction due to naturally occurring 
events. We have changed the listing priority number for this species 
from 2 to 3 because this entity is now recognized as a variety of 
another species. The threats to this variety remain imminent and of a 
high magnitude.

Other Taxonomic Changes in Candidates

Flowering Plants

    Keysseria erici (C.N. Forbes) Cabrera--This species has no common 
name and is in the Asteraceae (Sunflower family). Keysseria erici was 
originally described as Lagenophora erici by C.N. Forbes in 1918. The 
currently recognized Latin name, Keysseria erici, was published by 
Cabrera in 1967. This name is accepted in the 2003 supplement to the 
Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii (Wagner and Herbst 2003). 
Thus, with this current CNOR and accompanying species assessment form, 
we recognize the candidate entity as Keysseria erici (rather than the 
name we previously used, Lagenophora erici). Also, see above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.''
    Keysseria helenae (C.N. Forbes & Lydgate) Cabrera--This species has 
no common name and is in the Asteraceae (Sunflower family). Keysseria 
helenae was originally described as Lagenophora helenae by C.N. Forbes 
and J. Lydgate in 1918, and in previous CNORs we showed L. helenae as a 
candidate. The currently recognized Latin name, Keysseria helenae, was 
published by Cabrera. This name is accepted in the 2003 supplement to 
the Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii (Wagner and Herbst 2003). 
Thus, with this current CNOR and accompanying species assessment form, 
we recognize the candidate entity as Keysseria helenae. Also, see above 
in ``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.''

Ferns and Allies

    Christella boydiae (D.C.Eaton) Holttum--This species has no common 
name and is in the family Thelypteridaceae. Christella boydiae was 
originally described as Aspidium boydiae by D.C. Eaton in 1897, and in 
previous CNORs we showed A. boydiae as a candidate. The currently 
recognized Latin name, Christella boydiae, was published by R.E. 
Holttum in 1966. This name is accepted by a recent treatment of the 
fern flora of Hawaii (Palmer 2003). Thus, with this current CNOR and 
accompanying species assessment form, we are recognizing the candidate 
entity as Christella boydiae. Also, see above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.''
    Huperzia stemmermanniae (A.C. Medeiros & W.H. Wagner) Kartesz--This 
species has no common name but is a type of hanging firmoss in the 
Lycopodiaceae (Club-moss family). Huperzia stemmermanniae was 
originally described as Phlegmariurus stemmermanniae by A.C. Medeiros 
and W.H. Wagner (Medeiros et al. 1996) based on specimens collected on 
Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii, by Medeiros and Chimera in 1995. The currently 
recognized Latin name, Huperzia stemmermanniae, was published in 1999 
(Kartez 1999). This name is accepted by a recent treatment of the fern 
flora of Hawaii (Palmer 2003). Thus, with this current CNOR and 
accompanying species assessment form, we are recognizing the candidate 
entity as Huperzia stemmermanniae (rather than the name we previously 
used, Phlegmariurus stemmermanniae). Huperzia stemmermanniae is found 
in mesic Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia)/Acacia koa (koa) forests on the 
islands of Maui and Hawaii, Hawaii. This species was historically known 
only from east Maui. Additional populations are found in Laupahoehoe on 
the island of Hawaii. Only four populations are known, totaling less 
than 20 individuals on Hawaii and Maui. This species is threatened by 
feral pigs, goats, and cattle, which eat this plant and degrade and/or 
destroy habitat; fire that also destroys habitat and plants; and, 
nonnative plants that outcompete it for light and nutrients. Because 
the threats are of a high magnitude and are imminent, we are continuing 
to assign this species a listing priority number of 2.
    Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis (palapalai) is in the family 
Dennstaedtiaceae. Microlepia strigosa

[[Page 24885]]

var. mauiensis was originally described as Microlepia mauiensis by W.H. 
Wagner and in previous CNORs we showed M. mauiensis as a candidate. The 
currently recognized Latin name, Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis, 
was published by D. Palmer in 2002. This name is accepted in his recent 
treatment of the fern flora of Hawaii Palmer (2003). Also, see above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.''

Candidate Removals

Clams

    Alabama clubshell (Pleurobema troshelianum) and painted clubshell 
(Pleurobema chattanoogaense)--Based on recent genetic and morphological 
studies by Williams et al. and Campbell (see the species assessment 
forms for references and details), these two taxa are no longer 
considered valid, and do not meet the Act's definition of a species. 
Therefore, we are removing both species from candidate status.

Insects

    Holsinger's Cave beetle (Pseudamophthalmus holsingeri)--Holsinger's 
cave beetle is a cave-dependent predatory ground beetle found in a 
single cave, Young-Fugate Cave, located in Lee County, Virginia. 
Through conservation efforts, two previous major threats have been 
eliminated: (1) A highway widening project proposed to be constructed 
near the cave has been modified to avoid impacts to the cave, and, (2) 
a leaking underground fuel tank from a gas station located over the 
cave has been removed. Additionally, the cave entrance is located on 
private land where the landowners strictly prohibit entry into the 
cave. Although water entering Young-Fugate cave is somewhat affected by 
sources of non-point source pollution, results of monitoring the cave 
beetle population have shown no evidence that current surrounding land 
use has negatively impacted the cave beetle. Thus, threats to this 
species have been eliminated and the species no longer meets the 
definition of a candidate species.

Crustaceans

    Camp Shelby burrowing crayfish (Fallicambarus gordoni)--The Camp 
Shelby burrowing crayfish (CSBC) is found in pitcher plant wetlands of 
southern Mississippi. CSBC has a small, naturally limited range in a 
localized portion of the Leaf River watershed in central Perry County, 
Mississippi, within the Desoto National Forest. All of this area is 
currently under lease to the Mississippi Army National Guard's Camp 
Shelby for troop and tank training grounds. A Candidate Conservation 
Agreement (CCA) was developed and is being implemented by the 
Mississippi Army National Guard, U.S. Forest Service, Mississippi 
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and the Service. This CCA 
addresses all threats known to the species (silviculture, troop and 
tank maneuvers, and ATV use) and implements an aggressive habitat 
management and monitoring program. This signed CCA has removed threats 
to the CSBC and its habitat to the point that the species no longer 
meets the criteria for candidate status. We are removing this species 
from the candidate list primarily as a result of the conservation 
efforts outlined in the CCA.

Petition Findings for Candidate Species

    The Act provides two mechanisms for considering species for 
listing. One method allows the Secretary, on her own initiative, to 
identify species for listing under the standards of section 4(a)(1). We 
implement this through the candidate program, discussed above. The 
second method for listing a species provides a mechanism for the public 
to petition us to add a species to the Lists. Under section 4(b)(3)(A), 
when we receive such a petition, we must determine within 90 days, to 
the maximum extent practicable, whether the petition presents 
substantial information that listing may be warranted (a ``90-day 
finding''). If we make a positive 90-day finding, we must promptly 
commence a status review of the species under section 4(b)(3)(A); we 
must then make and publish one of three possible findings within 12 
months of the receipt of the petition (a ``12-month finding''):
    1. The petitioned action is not warranted;
    2. The petitioned action is warranted (in which case we are 
required to promptly publish a proposed regulation to implement the 
petitioned action. Once we publish a proposed rule for a species, 
section 4(b)(5) and 4(b)(6) govern further procedures regardless of 
whether we issued the proposal in response to a petition.); or
    3. The petitioned action is warranted but that (a) the immediate 
proposal of a regulation and final promulgation of regulation 
implementing the petitioned action is precluded by pending proposals, 
and (b) expeditious progress is being made to add qualified species to 
the lists of endangered or threatened species. (We refer to this as a 
``warranted but precluded'' finding.)
    Section 4(b)(3)(C) of the Act requires that when we make a 
warranted but precluded finding on a petition, we are to treat such a 
petition as one that is resubmitted on the date of such a finding. 
Thus, we are required to publish new 12-month findings on these 
``resubmitted'' petitions on an annual basis.
    On December 5, 1996, we made a final decision to redefine 
``candidate species'' to mean those species for which the Service has 
on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and 
threat(s) to support issuance of a proposed rule to list, but for which 
issuance of the proposed rule is precluded (61 FR 64481, December 6, 
1996). Therefore, the standard for making a species a candidate through 
our own initiative is identical to the standard for making a warranted-
but-precluded 12-month petition finding on a petition to list, and we 
add all petitioned species for which we have made a warranted-but-
precluded 12-month finding to the candidate list.
    This publication also provides notice of substantial 90-day 
findings and the warranted-but-precluded 12-month findings pursuant to 
section 4(b)(3) for candidate species listed on Table 1 that we 
identified on our own initiative, and that subsequently have been the 
subject of a petition to list. Even though all candidate species 
identified through our own initiative already have received the 
equivalent of substantial 90-day and warranted-but-precluded 12-month 
finding, we reviewed the status of the newly petitioned candidate 
species and through this CNOR are publishing specific section 4(b)(3) 
findings (i.e., substantial 90-day and warranted-but-precluded 12-month 
findings) in response to the petitions to list these candidate species. 
We publish these findings as part of the first CNOR following receipt 
of the petition.
    Pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act, once a petition is 
filed regarding a candidate species, we must make a 12-month petition 
finding in compliance with section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act at least once 
a year, until we publish a proposal to list the species or make a final 
not-warranted finding. We make this annual finding for petitioned 
candidate species through the CNOR.
    Section 4(b)(3)(C)(iii) of the Act requires us to ``implement a 
system to monitor effectively the status of all species'' for which we 
have made a warranted-but-precluded 12-month finding, and to ``make 
prompt use of the [emergency listing] authority [under section 4(b)(7)] 
to prevent a significant risk to the well being of any such species.'' 
The CNOR plays a crucial role in the monitoring system that we have 
implemented for all candidate species

[[Page 24886]]

by providing notice that we are actively seeking information regarding 
the status of those species. We review all new information on candidate 
species as it becomes available, prepare annually a species assessment 
form that reflects monitoring results and other new information, and 
identify any species for which emergency listing may be appropriate. If 
we determine that emergency listing is appropriate for any candidate, 
whether it was identified through our own initiative or through the 
petition process, we will make prompt use of the emergency listing 
authority under section 4(b)(7). We have been reviewing and will 
continue to review, at least annually, the status of every candidate 
whether or not we have received a petition to list it. Thus, the CNOR 
and accompanying species assessment forms also constitute the Service's 
annual finding on the status of petitioned species pursuant to section 
4(b)(3)(C)(i).
    On June 20, 2001, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth 
Circuit held that the 1999 CNOR (64 FR 57534, October 25, 1999) did not 
demonstrate that we fulfilled the second component of the warranted-
but-precluded 12-month petition findings for the Gila chub and 
Chiracahua leopard frog (Center for Biological Diversity v. Norton, 254 
F.3d 833 (9th Cir. 2001)). The court found that the one-line 
designation in the table of candidates in the 1999 CNOR, with no 
further explanation, did not satisfy section 4(b)(3)(B)(iii)'s 
requirement that the Service publish a finding ``together with a 
description and evaluation of the reasons and data on which the finding 
is based.'' The court suggested that this one-line statement of 
candidate status also precluded meaningful judicial review.
    On June 21, 2004, the United States District Court for Oregon 
agreed that we can use the CNOR as a vehicle for making petition 
findings and that our reasoning for why listing is precluded does not 
need to be based on an assessment at a regional level (as opposed to a 
national level) (Center for Biological Diversity v. Norton Civ. No. 03-
1111-AA (D. Or.)). However, this court found that our discussion on why 
listing the candidate species were precluded by other actions lacked 
specificity; in the list of species that were the subject of listing 
actions that precluded us from proposing to list candidate species, we 
did not state the specific action at issue for each species in the list 
and we did not indicate which actions were court-ordered.
    On June 22, 2004, in a similar case, the United States District 
Court for the Eastern District of California also concluded that our 
determination of preclusion may appropriately be based on a national 
analysis (Center for Biological Diversity v. Norton No. CV S-03-1758 
GEB/DAD (E.D. Cal.)). This court also found that the Act's imperative 
that listing decisions be based solely on science applies only to the 
determination about whether listing is warranted, not the question of 
when listing is precluded.
    On March 24, 2005, the United States District Court for the 
District of Columbia held that we may not consider critical habitat 
activities in justifying our inability to list candidate species, 
requiring that we justify both our preclusion findings and our 
demonstration of expeditious progress by reference to listing 
proceedings for unlisted species (California Native Plant Society v. 
Norton, Civ. No. 03-1540 (JR) (D.D.C.)). The court further found that 
we must adequately itemize priority listings, explain why certain 
species are of high priority, and explain why actions on these high 
priority species preclude listing species of lower priority. The court 
approved our reliance on national rather than regional priorities and 
workload in establishing preclusion and approved our basic explanation 
that listing candidate species may be precluded by statutorily mandated 
deadlines, court-ordered actions, higher priority listing activities, 
and a limited budget.
    We have drafted this CNOR to address the concerns of these courts. 
We include a description of the reasons why the listing of every 
petitioned candidate species is both warranted and precluded at this 
time. We make our determinations of preclusion on a nationwide basis to 
ensure that the species most in need of listing will be addressed first 
and also because we allocate our listing budget on a nationwide basis 
(see below). Regional priorities can also be discerned from Table 1, 
which includes the lead region and the listing priority number for each 
species. Our preclusion determinations are further based upon our 
budget for listing activities for unlisted species and we explain the 
priority system and why the work we have accomplished does preclude 
action on candidate species.
    Pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(C)(ii) and the Administrative Procedure 
Act (5 U.S.C. 206), any party with standing may challenge the merits of 
any not-warranted or warranted-but-precluded petition finding 
incorporated in this CNOR. The analysis included herein, together with 
the administrative record for the decision at issue (particularly the 
supporting species assessment form), will provide an adequate basis for 
a court to review the petition finding.
    Nothing in this document or any of our policies should be construed 
as in any way modifying the Act's requirement that we make a 
resubmitted 12-month petition finding for each petitioned candidate 
within one year of the date of publication of this CNOR. If we fail to 
make any such finding on a timely basis, whether through publication of 
a new CNOR or some other form of notice, any party with standing may 
seek judicial review.
    In this CNOR, we are addressing the concerns of the courts by 
adding more specific information into our discussion on preclusion (see 
below). In preparing this CNOR, we reviewed the current status of and 
threats to the 262 candidates and 5 listed species for which we have 
received a petition and for which we have found listing or 
reclassification from threatened to endangered to be warranted-but-
precluded. We find that the immediate issuance of a proposed rule and 
timely promulgation of a final rule for each of these species has been, 
for the preceding months, and continues to be, precluded by higher 
priority listing actions. Additional information that is the basis for 
this finding is found in the species assessments and our administrative 
record for each species. This is the first 12-month petition finding 
for those candidate species that were petitioned since the last CNOR 
(225 species), as well as for one new candidate species, the Miami blue 
butterfly, that was petitioned prior to this CNOR but for which we have 
not already published a separate warranted-but-precluded 12-month 
finding (we have previously published a separate substantial 90-day 
petition finding for this species).
    Our review included updating the status of and threats to 
petitioned candidate or listed species for which we published findings, 
pursuant to section 4(b)(3)(B), in the previous CNOR (for the Columbian 
Basin DPS of the greater sage-grouse, see below). We have incorporated 
new information we gathered since the prior finding and, as a result of 
this review, we are making continued warranted-but-precluded 12-month 
findings on the petitions for these species.
    We have identified the candidate species for which we received 
petitions by the code ``C*'' in the category column on the left side of 
Table 1. As discussed above, the immediate publication of proposed 
rules to list these species was precluded by our work on higher 
priority listing actions, listed below, during the period from April 
19, 2004, through May 2, 2005.

[[Page 24887]]

We will continue to monitor the status of all candidate species, 
including petitioned species, as new information becomes available. 
This review will determine if a change in status is warranted, 
including the need to emergency-list a species under section 4(b)(7) of 
the Act.
    In addition to identifying petitioned candidate species in Table 1 
below, we also present brief summaries of why these particular 
candidates warrant listing. More complete information, including 
references, is found in the species assessment forms. You may obtain a 
copy of these forms from the Regional Office having the lead for the 
species, or from the Fish and Wildlife Service's Internet Web site: 
http://endangered.fws.gov/. As described above, under section 4 of the 
Act we may identify and propose species for listing based on the 
factors identified in section 4(a)(1), and section 4 also provides a 
mechanism for the public to petition us to add a species to the lists 
of species determined to be threatened species or endangered species 
pursuant to the Act. Below we describe the actions that continue to 
preclude the immediate proposal of a regulation and final promulgation 
of a regulation implementing the petitioned action, and we describe the 
expeditious progress we are making to add qualified species to the 
lists of endangered or threatened species.

Preclusion and Expeditious Progress

    Preclusion is a function of a species' listing priority in relation 
to the resources that are available and competing demands for those 
resources. (As described above in the Summary, the listing priority of 
a species is represented by the listing priority number we assign to 
it.) Thus, in any given fiscal year (FY), multiple factors dictate 
whether it will be possible to undertake work on a proposed listing 
regulation or whether promulgation of such a proposal is warranted but 
precluded by higher priority listing actions.
    The resources available for listing actions are determined through 
the annual appropriations process, and we cannot spend more than is 
appropriated for the Listing Program without violating the Anti-
Deficiency Act. The number of listing actions that we can undertake in 
a given year also is influenced by the complexity of those listing 
actions, i.e., more complex actions generally are more costly. For 
example, for FY 2002 to FY 2004, the costs (excluding publication 
costs) for conducting a 12-month finding, without a proposed rule, 
ranged from approximately $9,600 for one species with a restricted 
range and involving a relatively uncomplicated analysis, to $305,000 
for another species that was wide-ranging and involved a complex 
analysis.
    In FY 1998 and for each fiscal year since then, Congress placed a 
statutory cap on funds which may be expended for listing and critical 
habitat actions (i.e., the Listing Program), equal to the amount 
expressly appropriated for that purpose in that fiscal year. This cap 
was designed to prevent funds appropriated for other ESA functions, or 
for other Service programs, from being used for listing or critical 
habitat actions (see House Report 105-163, 105th Congress, 1st 
Session).
    Beginning in FY 2002, Congress also put in place the critical 
habitat ``subcap,'' which put an upper limit on the Listing Program 
funds that could be spent on work related to critical habitat 
designations for already listed species. Recognizing that designation 
of critical habitat for species already listed would consume most of 
the overall Listing Program appropriation, Congress put the subcap in 
place to ensure that some funds would be available to make other 
listing determinations: ``The critical habitat designation subcap will 
ensure that some funding is available to address other listing 
activities'' (H.R. Rep. No. 103, 107th Cong., 1st Sess. 2001 at 30, 
2001 WL 695998). Because the Service has had to use virtually the 
entire critical habitat subcap to address court-mandated designations 
of critical habitat, Congress in effect determined, through the listing 
cap and the critical habitat subcap, the amount available for other 
listing activities. It is this amount (i.e., the funds in the listing 
cap other than those covered by the critical habitat subcap) that is 
used in the determination here of preclusion and expeditious progress.
    Congress also has recognized that the availability of resources was 
the key element in deciding whether we would issue a listing proposal 
or make a ``warranted but precluded'' finding for a given species. The 
Conference Report accompanying Public Law 97-304, which established the 
current statutory deadlines and the warranted-but-precluded finding, 
states (in a discussion on 90-day petition findings that by its own 
terms also covers 12-month findings) that the deadlines were ``not 
intended to allow the Secretary to delay commencing the rulemaking 
process for any reason other than that the existence of pending or 
imminent proposals to list species subject to a greater degree of 
threat would make allocation of resources to such a petition [i.e. for 
a lower-ranking species] unwise.'' Therefore, in fiscal year 2004, the 
outer parameter within which ``expeditious progress'' must be measured 
is that amount of progress that could be achieved by spending $3.38 
million, which was the amount available in the Listing Program 
appropriation not within the critical habitat subcap (i.e., all funds 
within the critical habitat subcap were used to comply with court 
orders or court-approved settlement agreements, and thus were not 
available for other listing activities).
    Our process is to make our determinations of preclusion on a 
nationwide basis to ensure that the species most in need of listing 
will be addressed first and also because we allocate our listing budget 
on a nationwide basis. However, through court orders and court-approved 
settlements, federal district courts have mandated that we must 
complete certain listing activities with respect to specified species 
and have established the schedules by which we must complete those 
activities. The species involved in these court-mandated listing 
activities are not always those that we have identified as being most 
in need of listing. A large majority of the appropriation available for 
new listings of species (of the $3.38 million) was consumed by such 
court-mandated listing activities in FY 2004, and by ordering or 
sanctioning these actions the courts essentially determined that these 
were the highest priority actions to be undertaken with available 
funding. Accordingly, in FY 2004, FWS had little discretion to 
determine what listing activities to undertake and what species to 
address. Copies of all of the court orders and settlement agreements 
referred to below are available from the Service and are part of the 
administrative record for these resubmitted petition findings.
    On November 10, 2003, the President signed the 2004 Interior and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 108-108), which, as a 
result of the subcap, in effect included $3,386,000 for listing 
activities not related to critical habitat designations for species 
that already are listed. This appropriation was fully allocated to fund 
the following categories of actions in the Listing Program: emergency 
listings; essential litigation-related, administrative and program 
management functions; compliance with court orders and court-approved 
settlement agreements requiring that petition findings or listing 
determinations be completed by a specific date; section 4 listing 
actions

[[Page 24888]]

with absolute statutory deadlines; and high-priority listing actions. 
Based on the available funds and their allocation for these purposes, 
no FY 2004 funds were available for listing actions for any of the 
candidate species included in Table 1 of this notice, except for some 
funds that were used for work on the Southwest Alaska population of the 
northern sea otter, boreal toad, and salt creek tiger beetle. Specific 
details regarding the individual actions taken using the FY 2004 
funding, which precluded our ability to undertake listing proposals for 
any of the candidate species, except these three species noted above, 
are provided below.
    We note here that the category of ``high-priority listing actions'' 
mentioned above refers to actions for which no timeline has been 
established by a court order or settlement agreement, and that also are 
not subject to an absolute statutory deadline. Our ability to work on 
such listing actions is quite limited. In recent years, our allocation 
of Listing Program funds has included a limited amount of funding 
($100,000) to each Regional office to ensure that the office maintains 
minimal core capacity for listing actions (e.g., evaluating the status 
of species to help ensure that emergency listing action can be taken if 
necessary, participating in work to meet the statutory requirement to 
annually review and make findings on resubmitted petitions). In a 
Region that faces a relatively limited workload in the Listing Program 
with regard to deadlines resulting from court orders or settlement 
agreements, and a relatively limited workload related to meeting 
statutory deadlines, some of this ``capability'' funding may be 
available to address high priority listing actions. However, in most 
Regions the limited amount of capability funding for Regional offices 
included in an allocation is used for work associated with supporting 
listing actions related to court orders or settlement agreements, and 
for meeting statutory deadlines (i.e., there are no funds available for 
high priority listing actions).
    The overall Listing Program situation in FY 2005 is similar to that 
in FY 2004. For FY 2005, Congress appropriated $4,043,000 to the 
listing program that cannot be spent on critical habitat for already 
listed species (Pub.L. 108-447, signed on December 8, 2004). We have 
recently prepared the allocation of this appropriation. The $4,043,000 
is fully allocated to fund the following listing actions: any emergency 
listings; essential litigation-related, administrative, and program 
management functions; compliance with court orders or court-approved 
settlement agreements requiring petition findings or listing 
determinations; and high-priority listing actions. While being similar 
to FY 2004, the Listing Program situation for FY 2005 is different in 
that we estimate that we have approximately $1.7 million from the 
critical habitat subcap that is not needed, at this time, to fund 
critical habitat designations that are the subject of court order or 
court-approved settlement agreements. We are currently working on 
allocating this money to our Regions for work on statutorily-required 
petition findings and potential work on proposed listing determinations 
for some high-priority candidate species. During the current fiscal 
year, we will issue proposed listing rules for the highest priority 
candidate species only if doing so does not jeopardize our ability to 
comply with court orders, court-approved settlement agreements, or 
unqualified statutory deadlines. Consequently, as of the date of the 
publication of this CNOR, we anticipate that we will have only limited 
FY 2005 funds available to work on proposals to list any of the 
candidate species included in Table 1 (with the exception of the Salt 
Creek tiger beetle which is work that was done per a court-approved 
settlement agreement and the Gunnison sage-grouse, which is a high 
priority listing action, as explained below), and consequently we 
continue to find that proposals to list these species are warranted but 
precluded. We note also that all of the actions that demonstrate our 
expeditious progress on listing that we have completed to date or will 
complete in FY 2005 (see below) contribute to the preclusion of work on 
listing proposals for these candidate species.
    In addition to being precluded by lack of available funds, work on 
proposed rules for candidates with lower priority (i.e., those that 
have listing priority numbers of 4-12) is also precluded by the need to 
issue proposed rules for higher priority species facing high-magnitude, 
imminent threats (i.e., listing priority numbers of 1-3). Table 1 shows 
the listing priority number for each candidate species. Finally, 12-
month ``warranted but precluded'' petition findings for 
reclassification of threatened species to endangered are lower 
priority, since the listing of the species already affords the 
protection of the Act and implementing regulations.
    As explained above, part of the basis for making a warranted-but-
precluded finding is that expeditious progress is being made to add 
qualified species to the Lists. Our progress in FY 2004 includes work 
in the following categories: (1) Evaluation of the potential need for 
emergency listing of 1 species; (2) preparation and publication of 
final listing determinations involving 10 species; (3) preparation and 
publication of a proposed listing action for 1 species; (4) preparation 
of proposed or final listing actions (not yet completed so not yet 
published) for 6 species; (5) and petition findings for 55 species (11 
completed findings; 40 resubmitted; 4 findings not yet completed). 
Specific information regarding each of these categories for FY 2004 is 
provided below.
    (1) Emergency listings--We worked on a proposed rule to list the 
Miami blue butterfly. The Miami blue butterfly is restricted to one 
isolated population on Bahia Honda Key in Florida and is threatened by 
the combined influences of catastrophic environmental events, habitat 
destruction or modification, mosquito control activities, potential 
illegal collection, potential loss of genetic heterogeneity, and 
potential predation. Work on assessing the status of the species and 
preparing a listing rule originally was approved for funding and was 
initiated in FY 2004 because at the time, the Region considered that it 
was an emergency. We later decided not to exercise our discretion under 
section 4(b)(7) to emergency list the species (based in part on the 
existence of a captive-bred population). However, because a review of 
the species had been conducted and the emergency rule already was 
drafted, and because it was a high priority species, continued work on 
the proposed listing was approved. Recently, however, we decided that 
the limited funds that were available to work on a proposed rule for 
this species should instead be used to work on higher priority 
candidate species (i.e., species with a LPN of 2). Therefore, rather 
than completing and issuing a proposed rule to list this species, we 
are including it in the CNOR as a new candidate.
    (2) Final listing determinations--We prepared and published in the 
Federal Register final listing determinations for ten species, all of 
which had deadlines mandated by court orders or court-approved 
settlement agreements, in addition to the absolute statutory deadline 
imposed by section 4(b)(6). These included final regulations listing 
eight species and final decisions to withdraw the proposed listing 
rules for two species. The eight species we listed were: Rota bridled 
white-eye (69 FR 3022; January 22, 2004; LPN = 2), Santa Catalina 
Island fox, Santa Rosa Island fox, San Miguel Island fox, and Santa 
Cruz Island fox (69 FR 10335 for all four

[[Page 24889]]

fox subspecies; March 5, 2004; LPN = 3); two plant species (Nesogenes 
rotensis and Osmoxylon mariannense) from the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands (69 FR 18499; April 8, 2004; LPN = 1 and 2, 
respectively); and the California tiger salamander (69 FR 47211; August 
4, 2004; LPN = 3). (We note that the work on the salamander included 
funding for the designation of critical habitat for the central 
California distinct population segment (DPS). The critical habitat 
subcap pertains to critical habitat designations for species already 
listed; we may use listing funds for critical habitat designation work 
conducted in conjunction with a listing action, as was the case with 
this DPS. This work was necessary to comply with the Act's deadline for 
designating critical habitat: concurrent with listing or within one 
year thereafter if concurrent designation is not determinable). The two 
species for which we withdrew proposed listing rules were: the 
slickspot peppergrass (69 FR 3094; January 22, 2004; previously LPN = 
2); and Tabernaemontana rotensis (a plant species with LPN = 2); the 
decision to not list this species was included as part of the Federal 
Register publication of the final rules listing the two plant species 
from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, mentioned above 
(69 FR 18499).
    (3) We prepared and published a proposed regulation to list the 
southwest Alaska distinct population segment of the northern sea otter, 
which has an LPN = 3 (69 FR 6600; February 11, 2004)). This DPS occurs 
in nearshore locations from Attu Island in the west to Kamishak Bay in 
the east, including waters along the Aleutian Islands, the Alaska 
Peninsula, and the Kodiak archipelago. Although its range has not been 
curtailed, this population has declined by 56-68 percent since the mid-
1980's and the decline shows no evidence of abating (see proposed rule 
for additional information). This proposal was not the result of a 
deadline established by a court order or a court-approved settlement 
agreement. Rather, this was the highest priority listing action for the 
Alaska Region. (Initially we determined that the Aleutian Islands DPS 
of the northern sea otter was a candidate with LPN = 3 (66 FR 54807), 
and subsequently determined that the DPS encompasses southwest Alaska.) 
The Alaska Region generally has not faced the relatively heavy Listing 
Program workload experienced by several other Regions, and consequently 
was able to use their limited Regional office capability funding in FY 
2004 to support the completion of this proposed listing regulation. We 
could not have utilized this capability funding to complete listing 
actions in other Regions without eliminating the ability of this Region 
to monitor the status of candidate species and address any emergency 
situations that might arise.
    (4) We funded work on proposed or final listing actions for 6 
species for which work was not completed in FY 2004. This included work 
on final listing actions for the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot 
butterfly, the Mariana fruit bat (LPN = 3), and the southwest Alaska 
DPS of the northern sea otter (LPN = 3). It also included work on 
proposed listing actions for the boreal toad (LPN = 3), Salt Creek 
tiger beetle (LPN = 3), and Miami blue butterfly. The work on all these 
species, except on the northern sea otter (see (3) above) and Miami 
blue butterfly (see (1) above), was in response to a court order or a 
court-approved settlement agreement, and all of the final listing 
determinations are subject to absolute statutory deadlines under 
section 4(b)(6).
    (5) We funded work on 55 petition findings. This involved 90-day 
findings, initial 12-month findings, and findings on resubmitted 
petitions. As explained below, in some instances, the work has been 
based on meeting deadlines established by court order or by settlement 
agreements. In other instances, the work has been done in order to meet 
statutory deadlines. All 12-month findings are subject to an 
unqualified statutory deadline. With regard to 90-day findings, the 
decision in Biodiversity Legal Foundation v. Badgley, 309 F. 3d 1166 
(9th Cir. 2002), held that the Act requires that 90-day petition 
findings (i.e., the initial finding as to whether a petition contains 
substantial information, which the Act directs us to make within 90 
days of receipt of a petition, if practicable) must be made no later 
than 12 months after receipt of the petition, regardless of whether it 
is practicable to do so. Thus, all 90-day findings are arguably subject 
to an absolute statutory deadline. As a result of this ruling, which 
changed our interpretation of section 4(b)(3) of the Act, we have been 
working to issue petition findings on most of the outstanding petitions 
for those species that we have not previously determined to warrant 
candidate status.
    Some petition findings are ``complete'' actions. This includes 12-
month petition findings in which we determine that listing was not 
warranted and 90-day petition findings in which we determine that the 
petition did not present substantial information. In these cases, our 
listing work is complete.
    In FY 2004, we funded work on and published 11 petition findings 
for the following species: wolverine (not-substantial 90-day finding) 
(68 FR 60112; October 21, 2003); eastern subspecies of the greater 
sage-grouse (not-substantial 90-day finding) (69 FR 933; January 7, 
2004); Midvalley fairy shrimp (not-warranted 12-month finding) (69 FR 
3592; January 26, 2004); Cymopterus deserticola (desert cymopterus--
substantial 90-day finding) (69 FR 6240; February 10, 2004); fisher 
(West coast DPS) (warranted-but-precluded 12-month finding) (69 FR 
18769; April 8, 2004); Florida black bear (partial remand of not-
warranted 12-month finding) (69 FR 2100; January 14, 2004); greater 
sage-grouse (substantial 90-day finding) (69 FR 21484; April 21, 2004); 
Colorado river cutthroat trout (not-substantial 90-day finding) (69 FR 
21151; April 20, 2004); New England cottontail (substantial 90-day 
finding) (69 FR 39395; June 30, 2004), black-tailed prairie dog (not-
warranted 12-month resubmitted petition finding) (69 FR 51217; August 
18, 2004); and, western gray squirrel (not substantial 90-day finding) 
(69 FR 58115). All 12-month findings have absolute statutory deadlines. 
Because of Badgley, all 90-day findings arguably also have absolute 
statutory deadlines. In addition, the work on all these species, with 
the following exceptions, was in response to court orders or court-
approved settlement agreements. The New England cottontail was the 
highest priority listing action for the Northeast Region. The Northeast 
Region generally has not faced the relatively heavy Listing Program 
workload experienced by several other Regions, and consequently was 
able to use their limited Regional office capability funding in FY 2004 
to support the completion of this petition finding. We could not have 
utilized this capability funding to complete listing actions in other 
Regions without eliminating the ability of this Region to monitor the 
status of candidate species and address any emergency situations that 
might arise. Work on the greater sage-grouse was a high priority action 
since we were already working on sage-grouse issues related to the 
court-ordered petition finding for the eastern sage-grouse. In our 90-
day finding for the eastern sage-grouse, we committed to respond to the 
listing petitions for the greater sage-grouse within 90 days, and to 
make a 12-month finding within 12 months, if required. Having made this 
public commitment, and given the history of litigation involving 
various populations

[[Page 24890]]

of sage-grouse, we accorded the same priority to these petition 
findings as we would to a court-ordered petition finding. Work on the 
black-tailed prairie dog was a high priority listing action; we had 
previously funded much of the work on this species in 2000 when we made 
the initial 12-month warranted-but-precluded petition finding and in 
2001-2003 when we made resubmitted petition findings that listing was 
still warranted but precluded. The Mountain-Prairie Region was able to 
use some of their capability funds from FY 2004 to make the not-
warranted petition finding for the black-tailed prairie dog.
    The allocated funds also supported work on petition findings that 
were not completed in FY 2004, which involved work on findings for the 
following 4 species: white-tailed prairie dog (90-day finding), greater 
sage-grouse (12-month finding), Bromus arizonicus (Arizona brome `` 90-
day finding), and Nassella cernua (nodding needlegrass--90-day 
finding). Work on the white-tailed prairie dog was in response to a 
court order, while the work on the sage-grouse was a high priority 
listing action with a statutory deadline (see above). Work on the 
statutorily-required petition findings for Arizona brome and nodding 
needlegrass was done using a small amount of capability funds that was 
left at the end of the fiscal year; this was a high priority for the 
Pacific Region.
    In addition, we completed resubmitted petition findings required by 
statute for 40 petitioned species that are candidates. We published 
these findings on May 4, 2004, as part of the previous Candidate Notice 
of Review (CNOR) (69 FR 24876). Since we had identified many of these 
species as candidates prior to receiving a petition to list them, we 
had already assessed their status using funds from our Candidate 
Conservation Program (a separate budget item within the Endangered 
Species Program).
    Our anticipated progress in FY 2005 includes work in the following 
categories: (1) Preparation and publication of final listing actions 
for 9 species; (2) initial work toward preparation and publication of 
proposed listing actions for 4 species; (3) and work on petition 
findings for 17 species that are not candidate species, initial 
petition findings for 225 candidate species that were petitioned since 
the last CNOR, and resubmitted petition findings for 37 candidate 
species that were petitioned prior to the last CNOR. Specific 
information regarding each of these categories for FY 2005 is provided 
below. We note also that Regions will continue to monitor the status of 
candidates and prepare emergency listing packages as needed.
    (1) We are funding work on the final listing determinations for the 
following species: Mariana fruit bat (final listing rule was published 
on January 6, 2005 (70 FR 1190)), southwest Alaska DPS of the northern 
sea otter, Gila chub, Salt Creek tiger beetle, Sacramento Mountains 
checkerspot butterfly (withdrawal of the proposed rule was published on 
December 21, 2004 (69 FR 76428)), and four Southwestern invertebrates 
(Koster's tryonia snail, Pecos assiminea snail, Roswell springsnail, 
and Noel's amphipod). All of these final listing determinations are 
responding to court orders or court-approved settlement agreements, 
with the exception of the work on the final listing determination for 
the southwest Alaska DPS of the northern sea otter (see above for 
explanation on why this work was funded). Now that the sea otter is 
proposed for listing, a final listing determination is subject to an 
absolute statutory deadline.
    (2) We are funding proposed listing determinations for the boreal 
toad and the Salt Creek tiger beetle, and a remanded final listing 
determination for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl, pursuant to court-
approved settlement agreements and a court order. The proposed listing 
rule for the Salt Creek tiger beetle was published on February 1, 2005 
(70 FR 5101). The work on a proposed listing determination for the 
boreal toad has not been completed and, thus, we are making a 
resubmitted petition finding for this species within this CNOR. 
Additionally, we are funding a proposed listing determination for the 
Gunnison sage-grouse, which is a high priority listing action (LPN = 2) 
and the subject of litigation.
    (3) We also are funding work on petition findings for the following 
species: white-tailed prairie dog (not-substantial 90-day finding 
published on November 9, 2004 (69 FR 64889)), Queen Charlotte goshawk 
(remanded not-warranted 12-month finding), pygmy rabbit (rangewide 90-
day and 12-month findings), greater sage-grouse (entire range) (12-
month not-warranted finding published January 12, 2005 (70 FR 2273)), 
California spotted owl (90-day finding), Yellowstone cutthroat trout 
(12-month finding), Cicurina cueva (cave spider--90-day and 12-month 
findings) (substantial 90-day finding published on February 1, 2005 (70 
FR 5123)), four species of Pacific lamprey (not-substantial 90-day 
findings published on December 27, 2004 (69 FR 77152 and 69 FR 77158)), 
three species of springsnail (substantial 90-day finding published on 
April 20, 2005 (70 FR 20512)) (Cymopterus deserticola (desert 
cymopterus--12-month finding), Dalea tentaculoides (Gentry's indigobush 
`` 90-day and 12-month findings) (substantial 90-day finding published 
on February 2, 2005 (70 FR 5401)), Ptilagrostis porteri (porter 
feathergrass) (not-substantial 90-day finding published on February 4, 
2005 (70 FR 5959)). The work on all of the above species is pursuant to 
court orders or court-approved settlement agreements, except for work 
on the greater sage-grouse (see 5) above under FY 2004 work) and the 
California spotted owl, which is being done in relation to ligtigation. 
We also funded work on initial petitions findings for 225 candidate 
species (species petitioned after the last CNOR) and resubmitted 
petition findings for 37 petitioned candidate species (species 
petitioned prior to the last CNOR). As explained above, these initial 
and resubmitted petition findings are required by statute and findings 
for 261 of them are being published as part of this CNOR (the 
resubmitted petition finding for the Columbia Basin DPS of the greater 
sage-grouse will be completed later, as we have new information that 
needs to be evaluated). We are also funding work on the next annual 
review of those resubmitted petition findings which will be published 
as part of the next CNOR. Because the majority of these species were 
already candidate species prior to our receipt of a petition to list 
them, we had already assessed their status using funds from our 
Candidate Conservation Program. We also continue to monitor the status 
of these species through our Candidate Conservation Program. The cost 
of updating the species assessment forms and publishing the joint 
publication of the CNOR and resubmitted petition findings is shared 
between the Listing Program and the Candidate Conservation Program.
    As with our ``precluded'' finding, ``expeditious progress'' is a 
function of the resources that are available and the competing demands 
for those funds. As discussed above, the funds in the Listing Program 
that would be otherwise available for adding other qualified species to 
the Lists in FY 2004 and FY 2005 have been spent or must be spent on 
complying with court orders and court-approved settlement agreements to 
make petition findings, court orders and court-approved settlement 
agreements to make final listing determinations for other species, 
meeting statutory deadlines for petition findings or listing 
determinations, a few

[[Page 24891]]

high-priority Service-initiated listing determinations, essential 
litigation support, and administrative and management tasks.
    Because virtually all of the money to add qualified species to the 
list is consumed in complying with court orders or court-approved 
settlement agreements requiring petition findings or listing 
determinations, and essential litigation-related, administrative, and 
program management functions related to these findings and 
determinations, we have endeavored to make our listing actions as 
efficient and timely as possible, given the requirements of the 
relevant law and regulations, and constraints relating to workload and 
personnel. We are continually considering ways to streamline processes 
or achieve economies of scale, such as by batching related actions 
together. Given our limited budget for implementing section 4 of the 
Act, these actions described above collectively constitute expeditious 
progress.

Findings for Petitioned Candidate Species

Mammals

    Pacific Sheath-tailed Bat (Emballonura semicaudata semicaudata)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files. 
No new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 
2004. The Pacific sheath-tailed bat was once common and widespread in 
Polynesia and Micronesia and is the only insectivorous bat recorded 
from a large part of this area. Historically, the Pacific Sheath-tailed 
bat occurred in American and Independent Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Caroline Islands, Tonga, Fiji, and 
Vanuatu. Four subspecies are recognized: E. s. rotensis, endemic to the 
Mariana Islands; E. s. sulcata, occurring in Chuuk and Pohnpei; E. s. 
palauensis, found in Palau; and E. s. semicaudata, occurring in 
American and Independent Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
    The primary threats to the species as a whole include the loss of 
roosting caves (through various means), the loss of foraging habitat 
due to deforestation, disturbance by feral ungulates, natural 
disasters, and possibly pesticide use in the Mariana Islands. 
Disturbances to caves and burning of forests have contributed to the 
decline of bats in Fiji. These threats are occurring already, have been 
occurring for several decades, and are affecting a large proportion of 
the population.
    This subspecies on American Samoa declined from around 11,000 bats 
in 1982 to only 200 in 1998. Since that time, few bats have been 
observed; however, the reasons for the decline of the subspecies are 
unclear. Two caves at Anapeapea Cove were reported as roosting sites 
for most of the bats estimated in 1976 and 1977. Both caves were 
severely damaged during several typhoons between 1987 and 1992, and no 
bats were reported in either cave during 1993 surveys. Only small 
numbers of bats have been observed in other caves during past surveys, 
but there is no information on how many other caves exist or how many 
bats they could support. Predation by rats (Rattus sp.) and other 
introduced species may also be significant. Surveys of roost caves and 
sweeps in various locations in American Samoa over the past year 
indicate the Pacific sheath-tailed bat may be there, however, no bats 
were detected in 80 percent of the caves on Tutuila. The listing 
priority number for the Pacific sheath-tailed bat remains at 3, because 
the magnitude of the threats facing the species is high, the threats 
are imminent, and the taxon in question is a subspecies.
    Pacific Sheath-tailed Bat (Emballonura semicaudata rotensis), Guam 
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. See 
the information provided above (for the Pacific sheath-tailed bat, 
semicaudata subspecies) regarding the former range, other subspecies, 
and threat the species as a whole.
    This subspecies formerly occurred on Guam, and in the CNMI on Rota, 
Aguiguan, Tinian, Saipan, and possibly Anatahan and Maug. The Pacific 
sheath-tailed bat is believed to be extirpated from all islands in the 
Mariana Islands, except Aguiguan. Predation by the introduced brown 
treesnake (Boiga irregularis) may have played a significant role in the 
extirpation of the species on Guam, and predation by rats (Rattus sp.) 
and monitor lizards (Varanus indicus) may also have been significant 
factors in extirpations on Guam and other islands. The 2003 surveys on 
Aguiguan, the only island that still has a population of Pacific 
sheath-tailed bats in the Marianas, indicate the population is about 
400-500 animals. The Listing Priority Number for the Pacific sheath-
tailed bat remains at 3, because the magnitude of the threats facing 
the species is high, the threats are imminent, and the taxon in 
question is a subspecies.
    Fisher, West Coast DPS (Martes pennanti)--The following summary is 
based on information in our files and in the Service's initial 
``warranted-but-precluded'' finding published in the Federal Register 
on April 8, 2004 (68 FR 18770). The fisher is a carnivore in the family 
Mustelidae and is the largest member of the genus Martes. Historically, 
the West Coast population of the fisher extended south from British 
Columbia into western Washington and Oregon, and in the North Coast 
Ranges, Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains and Sierra Nevada in California. The 
fisher is believed to be extirpated or reduced to scattered individuals 
from the lower mainland of British Columbia through Washington, and in 
the central and northern Sierra Nevada range in California. Natural 
populations of the fisher currently occur in the North Coast Ranges of 
California, the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains of northern California and 
southern Oregon, and in isolated populations occurring in the southern 
Sierra Nevada in California. They also occur in the southern Cascade 
Range in Oregon as descendants through a reintroduction effort. There 
is a lack of precise empirical data on West Coast DPS fisher numbers. 
However, the lack of detections over much of its historic range, the 
high degree of genetic relatedness within some populations, and the 
fact that populations of native fisher in California are separated by 
four times the species' maximum dispersal distance, indicate that the 
likely extant fisher populations are small and apparently isolated from 
one another.
    Major threats that fragment or remove key elements of fisher 
habitat include various forest vegetation management practices, such as 
timber harvest and fuels reduction treatments; stand-replacing fire; 
Sudden Oak Death Phytophthora; urban and rural development; recreation 
development; and roads. Major threats to fisher that lead to direct 
mortality and injury include collisions with vehicles, incidental 
trapping of fisher during trapping for other species, predation and 
viral diseases such as rabies and canine and feline distemper. Existing 
regulatory mechanisms on Federal, State, and private lands affect key 
elements of fisher habitat, yet they provide insufficient certainty 
that conservation efforts will be implemented or that they will be 
effective in reducing the level of threats to the West Coast DPS of the 
fisher. However, the threats are nonimminent as the remaining areas 
containing fisher populations appear to be stable or not rapidly 
declining. The greatest threats to these remaining fisher populations 
are issues related to small isolated

[[Page 24892]]

populations and the potential for further loss and fragmentation of 
habitat over time. The listing priority number for this DPS remains a 6 
(threats are of a high magnitude but are nonimminent).
    Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama (ssp. couchi, glacialis, 
louiei, melanops, pugetensis, tacomensis, tumuli, yelmensis)--See above 
in ``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on January 7, 2003.
    Palm Springs round-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus 
tereticaudus chlorus)--See above in ``Summary of Listing Priority 
Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information in 
our files. No new information was provided in the petition received on 
May 11, 2004.
    Southern Idaho ground squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus endemicus)--
See resubmitted petition finding published in the Federal Register on 
December 27, 2004 (69 FR 77167).
    Washington ground squirrel (Spermophilus washingtoni)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on March 2, 2000.

Birds

    Spotless crake, American Samoa DPS (Porzana tabuensis)--See above 
in ``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Kauai creeper (Oreomystis bairdi)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Yellow-billed cuckoo, western U.S. DPS (Coccyzus americanus)--See 
above in ``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The 
above summary is based on information contained in our files and the 
petition received on February 9, 1998. See also our 12-month petition 
finding published on July 25, 2001 (66 FR 38611).
    Many-colored fruit-dove (Ptilinopus perousii perousii)--See above 
in ``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Friendly ground-dove (Gallicolumba stairi stairi)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on January 7, 2003. The streaked horned lark is one of 21 
subspecies of North American horned larks. According to recent genetic 
analyses, this subspecies is unique, isolated, and has little genetic 
diversity, indicating it has been evolving independently for some time. 
Historically, the breeding range extended from southern British 
Columbia, south through the Puget lowlands and along the Washington 
coast, and through the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Currently, the 
subspecies is extirpated in British Columbia. Only 11 breeding sites 
are known in Washington, and the breeding population in Oregon is 
estimated to include less than 300 birds. Threats include loss and 
degradation of habitat due to conversion of native grassland to other 
uses, encroachment of woody vegetation due to fire suppression, 
invasion of habitat by nonnative plants and animals, human disturbance, 
nest predation, deposition of dredge spoil, and conflict with airport 
development and maintenance activities. The magnitude of threats is 
high because few individuals are found in a small number of populations 
having patchy, isolated distributions in habitats highly desirable for 
development and threatened by invasive plant species. Populations occur 
in suitable habitat on airports and military bases, where management 
and training activities can affect breeding. Specific threats are not 
known to be imminent, and some conservation measures have been 
initiated by land managers. The LPN for this subspecies remains a 6.
    Kittlitz's murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on May 9, 2001. Kittlitz's murrelet is a small diving seabird 
whose entire North American population, and most of the world's 
population, inhabits Alaskan coastal waters discontinuously from Point 
Lay south to northern portions of Southeast Alaska. Most recent 
population estimates (9,500-26,700 birds) indicate that it has the 
smallest population of any seabird considered a regular breeder in 
Alaska. This species appears to have undergone significant population 
declines in four of its core population centers--Prince William Sound, 
Malaspina Forelands, Glacier Bay, and Kenai Fjords. As populations 
become smaller, they become increasingly vulnerable to events that may 
result in local extirpation. Causes for the declines in populations are 
not well known, but we believe that glacial retreat and oceanic regime 
shifts are the most likely causes. Kittlitz's murrelets seem to prefer 
areas near stable or advancing tidewater glacier faces as these areas 
have higher primary productivity compared to siltier, less saline 
fjords with receding glaciers, but the ecological mechanisms linking 
Kittlitz's murrelets to their preferred habitats remains a topic for 
further research. Other causes of decline may include: habitat loss or 
degradation, increased adult and juvenile mortality, and low 
recruitment. Existing regulatory mechanisms appear inadequate to stop 
or reverse population declines or to reduce the threats to this 
species. Due to the nonimminent threats of high magnitude, we are 
retaining a listing priority number of 5 for this species.
    Xantus's murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on April 16, 2002.
    Lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on October 5, 1995. Additional information can be found in the 
12-month finding published on June 7, 1998 (63 FR 31400). Biologists 
estimate that the occupied range has declined by 92 percent since the 
1800s. The most serious threats to the lesser prairie-chicken are loss 
of habitat from conversion of native rangelands to introduced forages 
and cultivation, cumulative habitat degradation caused by severe 
grazing, woody plant invasion of open prairies, fire suppression, 
herbicides, and habitat fragmentation caused by structural and 
transportation developments. Many of these threats may exacerbate the 
normal effects of periodic drought on lesser prairie-chicken 
populations. In many cases, the remaining suitable habitat has become 
fragmented by the spatial arrangement of properties affected by these 
individual threats. We view current and continued habitat fragmentation 
to be a serious ongoing threat that facilitates the extinction process 
through several mechanisms: remaining habitat patches may become 
smaller than necessary to meet the yearlong requirements of

[[Page 24893]]

individuals and populations, necessary habitat heterogeneity may be 
lost to large areas of monoculture vegetation and/or homogenous habitat 
structure, areas between habitat patches may harbor high levels of 
predators or brood parasites, and the probability of recolonization 
decreases as the distance between suitable habitat patches expands.
    The Service is currently working to quantify the ongoing level of 
habitat fragmentation throughout the species range. Although Federal 
lands comprise only five percent of currently occupied habitat, these 
tracts are located in areas essential to population recovery and 
dispersal. As a result, the Service views habitat management 
considerations on Federal lands within current and historic range as 
very important. Due to their potential magnitude to affect the species, 
current planning efforts for grazing and wind, oil, and gas development 
on public lands is of particular relevance to the future listing status 
of the species.
    Based on all currently available information, we find that ongoing 
threats to the lesser prairie-chicken, as outlined in the 12-month 
finding, remain unchanged and lesser prairie-chickens continue to 
warrant Federal listing as threatened. We have determined that the 
overall magnitude of threats to the lesser prairie-chicken throughout 
its range are moderate, and that the threats are ongoing; thus, they 
are considered imminent. Consequently, a listing priority number of 8 
remains appropriate for the species. Greater sage-grouse, Columbia 
Basin DPS (Centrocercus urophasianus)--We have not updated our finding 
with regard to the Columbian Basin DPS of the greater sage-grouse in 
this notice. In the previous CNOR, we found that a listing proposal for 
this DPS was still warranted but precluded by higher priorities, and we 
assigned the DPS a listing priority number of 6. Since that time, new 
information has become available through the status review of the 
greater sage-grouse (range-wide). We will use the best scientific and 
commercial information available (including, but not limited to 
information that became available during the rangewide status review) 
to reevaluate whether the Columbia Basin population still qualifies as 
a DPS under our DPS policy, and if it does, whether the DPS still 
warrants a listing proposal. Once that evaluation is completed we will 
publish an updated finding for this DPS in the Federal Register either 
in the next CNOR or in a separate notice.
    Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus)--The following summary 
is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on January 25, 2000. For greater detail, also see 65 FR 82310 
(December 28, 2000). The range of the Gunnison sage-grouse has been 
reduced to less than 25 percent of it historical range, distributed 
across 8 populations. Size of the range and quality of its habitat have 
been reduced by direct habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and habitat 
degradation from building development, road and utility corridors, 
fences, energy development, conversion of native habitat to hay or 
other crop fields, alteration or destruction of wetland and riparian 
areas, inappropriate livestock management, and creation of large 
reservoirs. Numerous conservation actions have occurred and funding and 
plans for additional conservation actions are in place or ongoing. 
Despite these actions, sage-grouse numbers declined significantly in 
2003 (likely due to the 2002 drought) and remained at a low level in 
2004. Given ongoing and potential individual and cumulative threats, we 
are leaving the listing priority at a 2 at this time.
    Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hawaii DPS (Oceanodroma castro)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files and 
the petition received on May 8, 1989. No new information was provided 
in the second petition received on May 11, 2004. The band-rumped storm-
petrel is a small, widespread seabird found in the subtropics of the 
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. In the Pacific, there are three widely 
separated breeding populations--one in Japan, one in Hawaii and one in 
the Galapagos. Populations in Japan and the Galapagos are comparatively 
large and number in the thousands, while the Hawaiian birds represent a 
small, remnant population of possibly only a few hundred pairs. The 
species is currently known to nest only on Kauai but is suspected to 
nest on Hawaii. Although small populations do occur on Maui and Hawaii, 
we have been unable to determine if they are viable; certainly they are 
not large and they represent a fraction of prehistoric distribution. 
The current primary threats to the species, predation by nonnative 
species and mortality associated with disorientation by lights, have 
been occurring for several decades, and are affecting a large 
proportion of the population.
    Predation by introduced species has played a significant role in 
reducing storm-petrel numbers and exterminating colonies in the Pacific 
and other locations worldwide. Several alien predators are found 
throughout the main Hawaiian Islands, including Polynesian rats (Rattus 
exulans), black rats (R. rattus), Norway rats (R. norvegicus), feral 
and domestic cats (Felis catus), small Indian mongooses (Herpestes 
auropunctatus), and barn owls (Tyto alba). Band-rumped storm-petrels 
nest only in remote, steep, rocky areas, probably because these areas 
are less accessible to predators. Artificial lighting of roadways, 
resorts, ballparks, residences and other developments attracts and 
confuses night-flying, storm-petrel fledglings, resulting in ``fall-
out'' and collisions with buildings and other objects. ``Fall-out'' is 
a term used to describe when fledglings are attracted to lights, become 
disoriented and fall to the ground where they are often killed by cars 
or predators. Over a 12-year period from 1978 to 1990, Harrison et. al. 
reported that 15 band-rumped storm-petrels, 13 of which were young, 
were recovered on Kauai as a result of fall-out. The impact from 
artificial lighting is expected to increase as human population grows 
and development continues on Kauai and other Hawaiian Islands. The 
total population size is poorly known, but is unlikely to number more 
than a few hundred pairs. The listing priority number for the band-
rumped storm-petrel remains at 3, because the magnitude of the threats 
facing the species is high, the threats are imminent, and the taxon in 
question is a distinct population segment.
    Elfin woods warbler (Dendroica angelae)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The elfin woods 
warbler has been documented from four locations in Puerto Rico: 
Luquillo Mountains, Sierra de Cayey, and the Commonwealth forests of 
Maricao and Toro Negro. Habitat destruction from expansion of public 
facilities, sun coffee plantations, timber management, disruption of 
breeding activities, potential predators, and catastrophic natural 
events threaten this species. These threats are not imminent because 
most of the range of this species is within protected lands. The 
listing priority number remains a 5 for this species.

Reptiles

    Sand dune lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus)--see resubmitted petition 
finding published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2004 (69 FR 
77167).
    Eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the

[[Page 24894]]

petition received on May 11, 2004. The eastern massasauga is one of 
three recognized subspecies of massasauga. It is a small, thick-bodied 
rattlesnake that occupies shallow wetlands and adjacent upland habitat 
in portions of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 
New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ontario. Although the 
current range of S. c. catenatus resembles the subspecies' historical 
range, the geographic distribution has been restricted by the loss of 
the subspecies from much of the area within the boundaries of that 
range. Approximately 40 percent of the counties that were historically 
occupied by S. c. catenatus no longer support the subspecies. S. c. 
catenatus is currently considered imperiled in every state and province 
it occupies. Each state and Canadian province across the range of S. c. 
catenatus has lost more than 30 percent, and for the majority more than 
50 percent of their historical populations. Furthermore, less than 35 
percent of the remaining populations are considered secure.
    Approximately 59 percent of the remaining S. c. catenatus 
populations occur wholly or in part on public land, and State-wide and/
or site-specific Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances 
(CCAAs) are currently being developed for many of these areas in Iowa, 
Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Populations soon to 
be under CCAs and CCAAs are expected to have a high likelihood of 
persisting and remaining viable. Other populations are likely to suffer 
additional losses in abundance and genetic diversity and some will 
likely be extirpated unless threats are removed in the near future. 
Therefore, the magnitude of threats from habitat modification, habitat 
succession, incompatible land management practices, illegal collection 
for the pet trade, and human persecution is moderate overall with most 
imminent threats occurring to remaining populations on private lands. 
Due in large part to the numerous CCAAs currently being developed and 
implemented, we do not believe emergency listing is warranted and have 
kept the listing priority number at 9 for this eastern massasauga 
subspecies.
    Black pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
There are historical records for the black pine snake from one parish 
in Louisiana, 14 counties in Mississippi, and 3 counties in Alabama 
west of the Mobile River Delta. Black pine snake surveys and trapping 
indicate that this species has been extirpated from Louisiana and from 
two counties in Mississippi. Moreover, the distribution of remaining 
populations has become highly restricted due to the destruction and 
fragmentation of the remaining longleaf pine habitat within the range 
of the species. Most of the known Mississippi populations are 
concentrated in the DeSoto National Forest. Populations in Alabama 
occupy private, nonindustrial timberland where they have an uncertain 
future due to habitat loss and degradation. Other factors affecting the 
black pine snake include vehicular mortality and low reproductive rates 
which magnify other threats and increase the likelihood of local 
extinctions. Due to nonimminent threats of high magnitude caused by the 
past destruction of most of the longleaf pine habitat of the black pine 
snake, and persistent degradation of what remains, we are retaining a 
listing priority number of 6 for this subspecies.
    Louisiana pine snake (Pituophis ruthveni)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files and the petition received 
on July 19, 2000. The Louisiana pine snake historically occurred in 
fire-maintained longleaf pine ecosystems of west-central Louisiana and 
extreme east-central Texas. Louisiana pine snakes are closely 
associated with Baird's pocket gophers (Geomys breviceps) and make 
extensive use of their burrow systems for foraging, nocturnal and 
diurnal retreats, escape from predators and fire, and for hibernation 
sites. Within some of the best remaining habitat in their historic 
range, Louisiana pine snakes have not been documented in over a decade. 
Results of Louisiana pine snake trapping and radiotelemetry surveys 
suggest that extensive population declines and local extirpations have 
occurred during the last 50 to 80 years.
    Most of the historical longleaf pine habitat of the Louisiana pine 
snake has been destroyed, and the habitat quality of that which remains 
has been degraded due to logging, fire suppression, roadways, short-
rotation silviculture, and grazing. Louisiana pine snake habitat loss 
is continuing, albeit at a slower rate than in the past. The best 
remaining Louisiana pine snake habitat occurs on lands where periodic 
burning has continued. Other factors affecting Louisiana pine snakes 
include low fecundity (reproductive output), which magnifies other 
threats and increases the likelihood of local extinctions, and 
vehicular mortality, which may significantly effect Louisiana pine 
snake population and community structure.
    The Candidate Conservation Agreement for the Louisiana pine snake, 
a comprehensive and voluntary partnership encompassing all Federal 
lands where pine snake occurrences are known, was recently completed in 
order to protect known Louisiana pine snake populations and maintain 
the ecosystem upon which it depends. Several private landowners with 
known Louisiana pine snake populations are interested in joining that 
partnership or developing a similar one. Nevertheless, while the 
magnitude of Louisiana pine snake habitat loss is great and the 
remaining habitat is degraded, continued habitat loss does not 
represent an imminent threat, because the rate of habitat loss appears 
to be declining, and pro-active partnerships to address key management 
concerns and research needs are growing. Due to nonimminent threats of 
a high magnitude, we continue to assign a listing priority number of 5 
to this species.
    Cagle's map turtle (Graptemys caglei)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files and the petition received 
on April 26, 1991. Cagle's map turtle occurs in scattered population 
sites within seven counties in Texas along the Guadalupe, San Marcos, 
and Blanco Rivers. Loss and degradation of riverine habitat from large 
and/or small impoundments (dams or reservoirs) is the primary threat to 
the Cagle's map turtle. One effect of impoundment is the loss of riffle 
and riffle/pool transition areas used by males for foraging. Depending 
on its size, a dam itself may be a partial or complete barrier to 
Cagle's map turtle movement and could fragment populations. 
Construction of smaller impoundments and human activities on rivers 
occupied by the Cagle's map turtle have likely eliminated or reduced 
foraging and basking habitats in the past. Although the water plan in 
development by the State of Texas is considering reservoirs that have 
the potential to alter or destroy habitat for this species, firm plans 
for new reservoir construction have not been made. Cagle's map turtle 
is also vulnerable to overcollecting and target shooting. Based on the 
high magnitude of nonimminent threats, we retain a listing priority of 
5 for this species.
    Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale Iverson)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files. 
No new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 
2004. The Sonoyta mud turtle occurs in a spring and pond at 
Quitobaquito Springs on Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona, 
and in the Rio Sonoyta and

[[Page 24895]]

Quitovac Spring of Sonora, Mexico. Loss and degradation of stream 
habitat from water diversion and groundwater pumping, along with its 
very limited distribution, is the primary threat to the Sonoyta mud 
turtle. Sonoyta mud turtles are highly aquatic and depend on permanent 
water for survival. The area of southwest Arizona and northern Sonora 
where the turtle occurs is one of the driest regions of the southwest. 
Due to continuing irrigated agriculture and development in the region, 
surface water in the Rio Sonoyta can be expected to dwindle further. 
This species may also be vulnerable to aerial spraying of pesticides on 
nearby agricultural fields. Due to imminent threats of a high 
magnitude, we are keeping the listing priority number of 3 for this 
subspecies.

Amphibians

    Columbia spotted frog, Great Basin DPS (Rana luteiventris)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files and 
the petition received on May 1, 1989. Currently, Columbia spotted frogs 
appear to be widely distributed throughout southwestern Idaho, eastern 
Oregon, northeastern and central Nevada, and southeastern Washington, 
but local populations within this general area appear to be small and 
isolated from each other. Recent work by researchers in Idaho and 
Nevada has documented the loss of historically known sites, reduced 
numbers of individuals within local populations, and declines in the 
reproduction of those individuals. Habitat degradation and 
fragmentation is probably a combined result of past and current 
influences of heavy livestock grazing, spring alterations, agricultural 
development, urbanization, beaver control, and mining activities. 
Fragmentation of habitat may be one of the most significant barriers to 
Columbia spotted frog recovery and population persistence. Loss of 
vegetation and/or lowering of the water table as a result of the above 
mentioned activities can significantly threaten frogs moving from one 
area to another. Likewise, fragmentation and loss of habitat can 
prevent frogs from colonizing suitable sites elsewhere.
    Two conservation agreements and strategies were signed by Federal, 
State, County, and university representatives on September 30, 2003, 
for the central and northeast Nevada subpopulations. The goals of the 
conservation agreements are to reduce threats to Columbia spotted frogs 
and their habitat to the extent necessary to prevent populations from 
becoming extirpated throughout all or a significant portion of their 
historic range and to maintain, enhance, and restore a sufficient 
number of populations of Columbia spotted frogs and their habitat to 
ensure their continued existence throughout their historic range within 
those areas. Although these agreements may reduce threats in the 
future, we retained a listing priority number of 3 for this DPS of the 
Columbia spotted frog because the threats are imminent and of a high 
magnitude.
    Mountain yellow-legged frog, Sierra Nevada DPS (Rana muscosa)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files and 
the petition received on February 8, 2000. Also see our 12-month 
petition finding published on January 16, 2003 (68 FR 2283). The 
mountain yellow-legged frog is restricted to two disjunct areas in 
California and a portion of Nevada. One area is in the Sierra Nevada 
and the other area is in southern California (Los Angeles, San 
Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties). The distribution of the 
Sierra Nevada mountain yellow-legged frog is restricted primarily to 
publicly managed lands at high elevations, including streams, lakes, 
ponds, and meadow wetlands located in national forests and national 
parks. Rangewide, it is estimated that the number of mountain yellow-
legged frog populations has undergone a 50 to 80 percent reduction.
    Direct predation by nonnative fishes has resulted in rangewide 
population declines and local extirpations. Furthermore, the result of 
these extirpations is that the remaining populations are fragmented and 
isolated, making them vulnerable to further declines and local 
extirpations caused by other factors such as disease. In a recent 
study, from 1996 to 2003, introduced trout were removed from 5 lakes in 
a remote area of the Sierra Nevada, with 16 nearby lakes used as 
controls. The experiment concluded that introduced trout are effective 
predators on mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles, and suggested ``(i) 
that the introduction of trout is the most likely mechanism responsible 
for the decline of this mountain frog and (ii) that these negative 
effects can be reversed.'' To help reverse the decline of the mountain 
yellow-legged frog, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have 
been removing introduced trout since 2001, and efforts are continuing 
through the 2004 season. It is likely that disease, specifically 
chytrid fungus, has also caused the recently observed declines in the 
species. Although the life history and modes of transmission of chytrid 
fungus are not well understood, it appears that this pathogen is 
widespread throughout the range of the mountain yellow-legged frog 
within the Sierra Nevada, it is persistent in ecosystems, and it is 
resilient to environmental conditions such as drought and freezing.
    We conclude that all remaining mountain yellow-legged frog 
populations within the Sierra Nevada are at risk of declines and 
extirpation primarily as a result of predation by introduced trout and 
infection by pathogens. We conclude that the overall magnitude and 
immediacy of threats to the Sierra Nevada distinct population segment 
of the mountain yellow-legged frog is high. Therefore, we retain a 
listing priority of 3 for this DPS.
    Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files and the petition received on May 
4, 1989. Historically, the Oregon spotted frog ranged from British 
Columbia to the Pit River drainage in northeastern California. Based on 
surveys of historical sites, the Oregon spotted frog is now absent from 
at least 76 percent of its former range.
    The threats to the species' habitat include development, livestock 
grazing, introduction of nonnative plant species, changes in hydrology 
due to construction of dams and alterations to seasonal flooding, and 
poor water quality. Additional threats to the species are predation by 
nonnative fish and introduced bullfrogs. The high magnitude of threat 
is due to small populations with patchy and isolated distributions and 
the wide range of threats to both individuals and their habitats. 
Habitat restoration and management actions have not prevented a decline 
in the reproductive rates in some populations. Each population is faced 
with multiple actual and potential threats that could seriously reduce 
or eliminate any of these isolated populations and further reduce the 
range of the species. Based on these threats, we retain a listing 
priority of 2 for the Oregon spotted frog.
    Relict leopard frog (Rana onca)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files and the petition received on May 9, 
2002. Relict leopard frogs are currently known to occur naturally in 
two general areas of Nevada--near the Overton Arm area of Lake Mead and 
Black Canyon below Lake Mead. In addition to these natural sites, three 
translocation sites have been established, two in Nevada and one in 
Arizona. We estimate that the current distribution is less than 20 
percent of the historical distribution. As habitat generalists, relict 
leopard frogs likely occupied a variety of habitats including

[[Page 24896]]

springs, streams, and wetlands characterized by clean, clear water, in 
both deep and shallow water, and cover/forage such as submerged, 
emergent, and perimeter vegetation.
    The causes for the population declines of this species are not 
entirely clear, but suggested factors include alteration of aquatic 
habitat due to agriculture and water development, and the introduction 
of exotic predators and competitors. The magnitude of threats to the 
relict leopard frog are high based on its limited numbers and 
distribution, the presence of nonnative predators, potential alteration 
of remaining habitat including groundwater pumping, and diversion of 
surface water. We do not consider threats to be imminent at this time. 
Although the numbers are low and distribution is limited, efforts are 
underway to improve habitat and increase numbers through captive 
rearing and translocation. There are no proposed projects that may 
result in further habitat degradation. In addition, a conservation 
agreement and strategy is being developed which is intended to improve 
the status of the species through prescribed management actions and 
protection. The effectiveness of the plan in achieving adequate 
conservation for the relict leopard frog will remain unknown until the 
plan is completed and implementation is initiated. Therefore, we retain 
a listing priority of 5 for the relict leopard frog.
    Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi)--See above 
in ``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Austin blind salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis)--The following 
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Austin blind 
salamander is known to occur in and around three of the four spring 
sites that comprise the Barton Springs complex in the City of Austin, 
Travis County, Texas.
    Primary threats to this species are degradation of water quality 
and quantity due to expanding urbanization. The Austin blind salamander 
depends upon a constant discharge of clean water from the Edwards 
Aquifer for its survival. Urbanization can dramatically alter the 
normal hydrologic regime and water quality of an area. An increase in 
impervious cover (i.e. impervious to normal drainage) as a result of 
development increases the quantity and velocity of runoff that leads to 
erosion and greater pollution transport. Pollutants and contaminants 
that enter the Edwards Aquifer are discharged in salamander habitat at 
Barton Springs and may have serious morphological and physiological 
effects to the salamander. As the human population increases in central 
Texas, the demand on groundwater sources increases. Increased pumping 
of the Edwards Aquifer can result in reduced springflows that may also 
detrimentally impact the salamander. Based on the high magnitude of the 
imminent threats imposed on this species, we are retaining a listing 
priority number of 2 for this species.
    Georgetown salamander (Eurycea naufragia)--The following summary is 
based on information in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Georgetown salamander is 
known from spring outlets along five tributaries to the San Gabriel 
River and one cave in the City of Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas. 
The Georgetown salamander has a very limited distribution and depends 
upon a constant discharge of clean water from the Edwards Aquifer for 
its survival. Primary threats to this species are the same as for the 
Austin blind salamander above. With imminent threats of high magnitude, 
we retain a listing priority of 2 for this species.
    Salado salamander (Eurycea chisolmensis)--The following summary is 
based on information in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Salado salamander is 
historically known from two spring sites, Big Boiling Springs and 
Robertson Springs, near Salado, Bell County, Texas. Salamanders have 
not been located at Robertson Springs since 1991. Primary threats to 
this species are habitat modification and degradation of water quality 
and quantity due to expanding urbanization. Many of the spring outlets 
in the City of Salado have been modified by dam construction. Because 
Big Boiling Springs is located near Interstate 35 and in the center of 
the city, increasing traffic and urbanization bring increased threats 
of contamination spills, higher levels of impervious cover, and 
subsequent impacts to groundwater. The Salado salamander depends upon a 
constant discharge of clean water from the Edwards Aquifer for its 
survival. Pollutants and contaminants that enter the Edwards Aquifer 
can be discharged in salamander habitat, and may cause serious 
morphological and physiological effects to the salamander. As the human 
population increases in central Texas, greater demand on groundwater 
sources occurs. Increased pumping of the Edwards Aquifer can result in 
reduced springflows that may also detrimentally impact the salamander. 
With imminent threats of high magnitude, we are retaining a listing 
priority number of 2 for this salamander species.
    Boreal toad, Southern Rocky Mountains DPS (Bufo boreas boreas)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files and 
the petition received on September 30, 1993. See also our 12-month 
petition finding published on March 23, 1995 (60 FR 15281). The boreal 
toad (Bufo boreas) can be found throughout most of the mountainous 
regions of the western United States and was considered common 
throughout the southern Rocky Mountains (southeastern Wyoming to 
northern New Mexico). The abundance of the species in the southern 
Rocky Mountains has declined significantly in the past few decades. 
While there are 32 populations, only one population in Colorado is 
considered viable. In the southern Rocky Mountains, the disease 
chytridiomycosis, resulting from the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium 
dendrobatidis, is the primary threat to the boreal toad. This fungus is 
only known to infect amphibians and is the primary suspect in the 
decline of numerous amphibian species around the world. It is unknown 
why this fungus has become a problem over the past few decades, or how 
it moves from one population to another. We continue to give the toad a 
listing priority of 3, because chytrid fungus infection is an ongoing 
threat of high magnitude and is likely to extirpate additional infected 
boreal toad populations.
    Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files and the petition received on April 
3, 2000. See also our 12-month petition finding published on December 
10, 2002 (67 FR 75834). The historical range of Yosemite toads in the 
Sierra Nevada occurs from the Blue Lakes region north of Ebbetts Pass 
to 5 kilometers (km) (3.1 miles (mi)) south of Kaiser Pass in the 
Evolution Lake/Darwin Canyon area. Alteration and loss of habitat due 
to grazing, timber management, water diversion, recreation, and 
vegetative/fire management are threats. The decline of some populations 
of the Yosemite toad has been attributed to the effects of poorly 
managed livestock grazing. The levels of timber harvest and road 
construction have declined substantially since implementation of the 
California Spotted Owl Sierran Province Interim Guidelines in 1993, and 
some existing roads have been, or are scheduled for, decommissioning. 
Therefore, the risks posed by new roads and timber harvests

[[Page 24897]]

have declined, but those already existing still pose risks to the 
species and its habitat through erosion, vehicular mortality, and 
contaminant introduction. Due to their water depth, reservoirs 
represent both a loss of habitat and a barrier to dispersal. In 
addition, the evidence of an adverse physiological effect of pesticides 
on Sierra Nevada amphibians in the field indicates that contaminants 
may be a risk to the Yosemite toad and may have contributed to the 
species' decline. These factors have probably contributed to the 
decline of Yosemite toads and currently pose a risk to the species. We 
determined the magnitude of threats to be moderate, rather than high, 
because almost all of the species' range occurs on Federal land, which 
facilitates management of the species by Federal agencies. We 
determined the threats to the Yosemite toad to be nonimminent. 
Therefore, we retain a listing priority number of 11 for the Yosemite 
toad.
    Black Warrior waterdog (Necturus alabamensis)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.

Fishes

    Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Arkansas darter is a fish 
with widespread distribution throughout the Arkansas River basin in 
Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Threats to this 
species include water quantity depletion such as withdrawal of 
groundwater within the Arkansas River basin in Kansas, water quality 
degradation resulting from increased urbanization and agricultural 
activities, and genetic isolation. The most recent survey data indicate 
the Arkansas darter still persists at numerous locations which are 
widely distributed, providing some measure of protection against 
extirpation resulting from a single randomly occurring event. Data also 
indicate groundwater withdrawal in a significant portion of the 
species' range has declined in the last decade. The overall impacts 
facing this species have been reduced to the point where they represent 
a low to moderate magnitude threat. Because of these factors, we retain 
a listing priority of 11 for this species.
    Cumberland Johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum susanae)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Cumberland 
Johnny darter is a small (approximately 3 inches) member of the family 
Percidae. The Cumberland Johnny darter is endemic to the upper 
Cumberland River system, above Cumberland Falls, in Kentucky, and 
Tennessee. According to recent surveys, it appears that the subspecies 
is restricted to 16 small streams in Whitley and McCreary Counties, 
Kentucky, and 2 streams in Scott and Campbell Counties, Tennessee. 
Based on these surveys, formerly reported populations in Little Wolf 
Creek, Whitely County, Kentucky, Gum Fork, Scott County, Tennessee, and 
the mainstem of the Cumberland River appear to have been extirpated.
    The Cumberland Johnny darter inhabits shallow water in low velocity 
shoals or riffles and backwater areas of moderate to low gradient 
stream reaches with stable sand or sandy-gravel substrates. Existing 
populations of Cumberland Johnny darter are small in size and range and 
are geographically isolated from one another. This patchy distribution 
makes them more susceptible to extirpation from single events of large 
impact. It also reduces their ability to recover from smaller impacts 
to their habitat or population size. This level of isolation makes 
natural repopulation of any extirpated population impossible without 
human intervention. Population isolation also inhibits the natural 
interchange of genetic material between populations; some of the 
Cumberland Johnny darter populations are likely below the effective 
population size required to maintain long-term genetic and population 
viability.
    Siltation, primarily from coal mining activities but also from 
forestry and agricultural activities, road construction, and urban 
development, appears to be the major factor contributing to the decline 
of the Cumberland Johnny darter. Federal and State water quality laws 
have reduced water quality threats to some degree, but non-point 
pollution threats and modification of instream habitat and hydrology 
are cumulative and gradual. Consequently, we continue to assign the 
Cumberland Johnny darter a listing priority number of 6, reflecting a 
threat magnitude and immediacy of high and nonimminent, respectively.
    Pearl darter (Percina aurora)--The following summary is based on 
information from our files. No new information was provided in the 
petition received on May 11, 2004. Little is known about the specific 
habitat requirements of the pearl darter. Pearl darters have been 
collected from gravel riffles and rock outcrops; deep runs over gravel 
and sand pools below shallow riffles; swift, shallow water over firm 
gravel and cobble in mid-river channels; swift water near brush piles 
and scour holes. The pearl darter is historically known only from 
localized sites within the Pearl and Pascagoula River drainages in 
Mississippi and Louisiana. The pearl darter is very rare in the 
Pascagoula River system and is extinct in the Pearl River system. Since 
1983, pearl darters have only been found in scattered sites within the 
Pascagoula drainage, including the Pascagoula, Chickasawhay, Chunky, 
Leaf, and Bouie Rivers and Okatoma and Black Creeks, resulting in a 66 
percent decrease of range. The pearl darter is vulnerable to nonpoint 
source pollution, changes in river and stream geomorphology, and other 
human-induced threats to its environment. The magnitudes of threats to 
the pearl darter are high based on its limited numbers and 
distribution. However, we do not consider threats to be imminent at 
this time. Although the numbers are low and distribution is disjunct, 
efforts are underway to improve habitat by reducing sedimentation and 
increase numbers of pearl darters through husbandry. There are no known 
proposed projects that may result in further habitat degradation at 
this time. Therefore, we retain a listing priority number of 5 for the 
pearl darter.
    Rush darter (Etheostoma phytophilum)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The life history of the rush 
darter is poorly known. Rush darters have been collected in vegetation 
from very shallow, clear, cool and flowing water. Rush darters appear 
to prefer relatively low-gradient small streams, not necessarily spring 
influenced. Historically, rush darters have been found in three 
distinct watersheds in Alabama: Clear Creek drainage in Winston County; 
Turkey Creek drainage in Jefferson County; and Little Cove and Bristow 
Creek in Etowah County. Cumulatively, the rush darter is only known 
from localized collection sites within approximately 14 km (9 miles) of 
streams in the mentioned counties.
    The rush darter is currently known to have one of the most 
restricted distributions of any vertebrate in Alabama and all are 
located above the Fall Line in the Tombigbee-Black Warrior drainage. 
There are only two known extant rush darter populations: the Clear 
Creek drainage in Winston

[[Page 24898]]

County and the Beaver Creek and Penny Springs areas in the Turkey Creek 
drainage in Jefferson County. The rush darter is vulnerable to non-
point source pollution, urbanization, and changes in stream 
geomorphology due to its localized distribution in parts of two 
unconnected stream drainages and its apparent low population sizes. 
Sedimentation has been identified as the greatest threat to the rush 
darter. Industrialization is extensive throughout the rush darter's 
habitat, particularly near the type locality for the rush darter in 
Jefferson County. Although efforts are underway to improve habitat by 
reducing sedimentation and increase numbers of rush darters through 
husbandry, the magnitude of threats to the rush darter are high based 
on its limited numbers and distribution. We do not consider the threats 
to be imminent at this time, however, as we know of no proposed 
projects that may result in further habitat degradation. Therefore, we 
retain a listing priority number of 5 for the rush darter.
    Yellowcheek darter (Etheostoma moorei)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Yellowcheek darter is 
endemic to only four headwater tributaries of the Little Red River, 
Arkansas. It is vulnerable to alterations in physical habitat 
characteristics such as the impoundment of Greers Ferry Reservoir, 
channel maintenance in the Archey Fork tributary, increased 
sedimentation from eroding stream banks and poor riparian management 
(e.g. livestock grazing in and along tributaries resulting in higher 
sediment loads), and illegal gravel mining. Factors affecting the 
remaining populations include loss of suitable breeding habitat, 
habitat and water quality degradation, population isolation, and severe 
population declines.
    The Middle Fork tributary was listed as an impaired waterbody by 
the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality in 2004 due to 
excessive bacteria and low dissolved oxygen. Recent studies have 
documented significant declines in the numbers (60,000 in 1981 compared 
to 10,300 in 2000) of this fish in the remaining populations and 
further range restriction within the tributaries (130.4 to 65.0 stream 
km). As a result, yellowcheek darter numbers have declined by 83 
percent in both the Middle Fork and South Fork, and by 60 percent in 
the Archey Fork during the past 20 years. No yellowcheek darters were 
found in the Devils Fork during a 2000 status survey; the species has 
apparently been extirpated in that reach. A comparison of inhabited 
stream reaches in a 1981 survey versus the 2000 survey reveals that the 
largest decline occurred in the South Fork, where reaches formerly 
inhabited by the yellowcheek darter declined by 70 percent. The second 
largest decline occurred in the Archey Fork, where there was a 60 
percent reduction in inhabited stream reach. The Middle Fork showed the 
least decline in inhabited stream reach, at 22 percent. Due to imminent 
threats of a high magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Fluvial arctic grayling, upper Missouri River DPS (Thymallus 
arcticus)--The following summary is based on information contained in 
our files and the petition received on October 2, 1992. See also our 
12-month petition finding published on July 25, 1994 (59 FR 37738). The 
distinct vertebrate population segment (DPS) of fluvial Arctic grayling 
(Thymallus arcticus) of the upper Missouri River once ranged throughout 
the streams and rivers of the upper Missouri River drainage above Great 
Falls. Currently, the only confirmed fluvial population is restricted 
to the upper Big Hole River in Montana, an area estimated to be less 
than 5 percent of the population segment's historical range. Attempts 
since 1997 to re-establish additional populations in historic waters 
have not yet produced any self-sustaining populations.
    The primary threats facing the fluvial Arctic grayling are 
hydrologic alterations and stream dewatering from irrigation 
withdrawals, thermal stress, degradation and loss of riparian habitat, 
entrainment in irrigation ditches, lack of fish passage, and 
encroachment by nonnative trout species. Since 1999, persistent drought 
in southwestern Montana has exacerbated the effects of these primary 
threats, and corresponding survey data do not suggest a secure fluvial 
Arctic population in the Big Hole River. Consequently, we elevated the 
listing priority for fluvial Arctic grayling from a 9 to a 3 in the 
2003 CNOR.
    In May 2004, stream flows in the upper Big Hole River reached 
critically low levels because of early snowmelt runoff and irrigation 
withdrawals. On May 18, 2004, the Center for Biodiversity (CBD) sent a 
letter to us requesting we emergency list the grayling based on the 
``critical situation'' caused by low streamflows. Federal agencies, 
State agencies, and private landowners addressed the low streamflows 
with a collaborative effort to improve flows by withdrawing land from 
irrigation and installing off-stream livestock watering facilities. 
Timely precipitation, supplemented by the above voluntary conservation 
actions, helped maintain discharge above minimum ``survival'' levels 
for fluvial Arctic grayling in the upper Big Hole River through the 
remainder of 2004, so the ``critical situation'' cited in CBD's 
emergency listing request did not persist. Fluvial Arctic grayling 
persist at low abundance in the Big Hole River and a number of 
associated tributary streams, and recent spawning success observed in 
2003-04 is consistent with a functional, albeit depressed, population. 
Thus, emergency listing is not warranted at this time (see also the 
2003 CNOR published on May 4, 2004, for our determination that 
emergency listing was not warranted at that time); however, a listing 
priority of 3 continues to be warranted because the threats facing the 
DPS remain high in magnitude and imminent. We are closely monitoring 
the status of this DPS and ongoing efforts to secure the Big Hole River 
population and expand its range into historic waters in the upper 
Missouri River basin.
    Chucky madtom (Noturus sp. cf. N. elegans)--The following summary 
is based on information from our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The chucky madtom is a rare, 
undescribed catfish known from only 14 specimens collected from two 
Tennessee streams. A lone individual was collected in 1940 from Dunn 
Creek (a Little Pigeon River tributary) in Sevier County, and 13 
specimens have been encountered since 1991 in Little Chucky Creek (a 
Nolichucky River tributary) in Greene County. Only 3 specimens have 
been encountered since 1994 from two riffle areas in a short reach of 
Little Chucky Creek. All Little Chucky Creek specimens have been 
collected from stream runs with slow to moderate current over pea 
gravel, cobble, or slab-rock substrates.
    The majority of the Little Chucky Creek watershed is privately 
owned and managed for beef cattle production, tobacco cultivation, and 
row crops, especially corn and soybeans. The Dunn Creek watershed 
shares these same agricultural practices. Nonpoint source sediment and 
agrochemical inputs from local agricultural and other sources may 
adversely affect the chucky madtom by altering the physical 
characteristics of its habitat, thus potentially impeding its ability 
to feed, seek shelter from predators, and successfully reproduce. The 
Service believes that potential demographic effects of inbreeding,

[[Page 24899]]

restricted distribution, and low number of individuals pose imminent 
threats to the chucky madtom in its only known extant and historic 
locations. We are retaining a listing priority number of 2 for the 
chucky madtom.
    Grotto sculpin (Cottus sp., sp. nov.)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Grotto sculpin is a small 
fish within the banded sculpin taxonomic complex that exhibits cave-
adapted features, including nearly nonfunctional eyes, reduced skin 
pigmentation, and smaller optic nerves. The species inhabits pools and 
riffles within cave systems in two karst (cave) areas in Perry County, 
Missouri. Only a few thousand individuals are thought to exist. The 
species is threatened by water quality contamination as a result of 
point and nonpoint pollution sources. A large die-off of all Grotto 
sculpins in one of the five known occupied cave systems known to have 
the species was likely a result of pollution. The species is also 
threatened by predatory fish that likely prey upon Grotto sculpin and 
are known from all locations occupied by the species. These predators, 
normally excluded from cave environments, escape surface farm ponds 
that unexpectedly drain through sinkholes into the underground cave 
systems and enter grotto sculpin habitat. Currently no State or Federal 
regulations provide protection for the Grotto sculpin. Due to imminent 
threats of a high magnitude, a listing priority number of 2 remains 
appropriate for this species.
    Sharpnose shiner (Notropis oxyrhynchus)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The sharpnose shiner is a small, 
slender minnow, endemic to the Brazos River Basin in Texas. 
Historically, the sharpnose shiner existed throughout the Brazos River 
and several of its major tributaries within the watershed. Current 
information indicates that the population within the Upper Brazos River 
drainage (upstream of Possum Kingdom Reservoir) is apparently stable, 
while the population within the Middle and Lower Brazos River Basins 
may only exist in remnant areas of suitable habitat, or may be 
completely extirpated, representing a reduction of approximately 64 
percent of its historical range.
    The most significant threat to the existence of the sharpnose 
shiner is the modification of its habitat by reservoir construction, 
irrigation and water diversion, sedimentation, industrial and municipal 
discharges, and agricultural activities. The current limited 
distribution of the sharpnose shiner within the Upper Brazos River 
Basin makes it vulnerable to events such as the introduction of 
competitive species or prolonged drought. Other possible threats 
include toxins released by blooms of golden algae, and sand and gravel 
operations in the Lower Brazos River. The effects of these last two 
possible threats may be insignificant, but further information is 
necessary before ruling them out as threats to this species. State law 
does not provide protection for the sharpnose shiner. Because the 
threats are nonimminent but of a high magnitude, a listing priority 
number of 5 remains appropriate for this species.
    Smalleye shiner (Notropis buccula)--The following summary is based 
on information from our files. No new information was provided in the 
petition received on May 11, 2004. The smalleye shiner is a small, 
pallid minnow endemic to the Brazos River Basin in Texas. The 
population of smalleye shiners within the Upper Brazos River drainage 
(upstream of Possum Kingdom Reservoir) is apparently stable. However, 
the shiner has not been collected since 1976 downstream from the 
reservoir, and in all likelihood the species is completely extirpated 
from this area, representing a reduction of approximately 64 percent of 
its historical range. The most significant threat to the existence of 
the smalleye shiner is the modification of its habitat by reservoir 
construction, irrigation and water diversion, sedimentation, industrial 
and municipal discharges, and agricultural activities. Because these 
threats continue to be nonimminent and of a high magnitude, we retain a 
listing priority number of 5 for this species.
    Zuni bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus yarrowi)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The 
range of the Zuni bluehead sucker has been reduced by over 90 percent. 
The Zuni bluehead sucker currently occupies 9 river miles in 4 areas of 
New Mexico, and approximately 6 miles in one stream of Arizona. Zuni 
bluehead sucker range reduction and fragmentation is caused by 
discontinuous surface water flow, separation of inhabited reaches by 
reservoirs, and habitat degradation from fine sediment deposition. The 
principal uses of surface and ground water within the Zuni River 
watershed are human consumption, livestock, and irrigation. Diverting 
water for agricultural use is the primary purpose of at least five 
impoundments, and several other reservoirs act as flood-control 
structures. Degradation of the upper watershed has led to increased 
sedimentation, and many of the reservoirs are now only shallow, 
eutrophic ponds or wetlands with little or no storage capacity. The 
impoundments have also changed the downstream channel morphology and 
substrate composition of streams. Another major impact to populations 
of Zuni bluehead sucker was the application of fish toxicants through 
at least two dozen treatments in the Nutria and Pescado Rivers between 
1960 and 1975. Large numbers of Zuni bluehead suckers were killed 
during these treatments.
    For several years, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish 
(NMDGF) has been the lead agency to develop a conservation plan for 
Zuni bluehead sucker. A study funded through section 6 of the ESA was 
initiated in 2000, and will continue through 2005. The grant includes 
funding for development and implementation of a Zuni Bluehead Sucker 
Conservation Plan and the acquisition of additional information on 
distribution, life history, and species associations. A draft 
conservation plan was completed in 2004, but the plan is not yet final. 
At this time, the potential cooperators for the conservation effort are 
the Silva Family, Zuni Pueblo, U.S. Forest Service, The Nature 
Conservancy, NMDGF, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Because of the 
loss of habitat, degradation of remaining habitat, and ongoing threats 
(i.e., drought and fire), we continue to assign this subspecies a 
listing priority number of 3.

Clams

    Texas hornshell (Popenaias popei)--The following summary is based 
on information from our files. No new information was provided in the 
petition received on May 11, 2004. Historically, Texas hornshell, a 
freshwater mussel, occurred in the lower Pecos River of New Mexico, 
downstream throughout the Lower Rio Grande (Brownsville, Texas) and 
major tributaries in Texas, southward to the Reo P[aacute]nuco drainage 
of San Luis Potos[iacute], Mexico. Texas hornshell has declined notably 
throughout its historic range and can only be confirmed as extant in 
the Black River of New Mexico and, possibly, the Big Bend reach of the 
Rio Grande in Texas. The primary threats are ongoing habitat 
alterations such as stream bank channelization, impoundments, and 
diversions for agriculture and flood control;

[[Page 24900]]

contamination of water from the oil and gas industry; alterations in 
the natural riverine hydrology; and increased sedimentation from 
prolonged overgrazing and loss of native vegetation. Thus, a listing 
priority number of 2 remains appropriate for the Texas hornshell.
    Fluted kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus subtentum)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The fluted 
kidneyshell is a freshwater mussel (Unionidae) endemic to the 
Cumberland and Tennessee River systems (Cumberlandian Region) in 
Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It requires shoal habitats 
in free-flowing rivers to survive and successfully recruit new 
individuals into its populations. Habitat destruction and alteration 
(e.g., impoundments, sedimentation, and pollutants) are the chief 
factors contributing to its decline. This species has been extirpated 
from numerous regional streams and is no longer found in the State of 
Alabama. The fluted kidneyshell was historically known from at least 37 
streams but is currently restricted to no more than 14 isolated stream 
segments, of which only 1 (upper Clinch River) appears to be stable and 
viable. Although the threats faced by this species are significant, we 
do not anticipate that they will eliminate the species in the immediate 
future (next 1-3 years). Because the threats are high in magnitude and 
nonimminent at this time, we retain a listing priority number of 5 for 
this mussel.
    Neosho mucket (Lampsilis rafinesqueana)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Neosho mucket is a 
freshwater mussel native to Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. 
The species has been extirpated from approximately 70 percent of its 
range, and very low or no recruitment is occurring in all of the extant 
populations. Most of this extirpation has occurred in Kansas and 
Oklahoma. The Neosho mucket survives in four river drainages; however, 
only two of these, the Spring and Illinois Rivers, currently support 
relatively large numbers of individuals and thus might be self-
sustaining populations. Range restriction and population declines have 
occurred in the past due to habitat degradation attributed to 
impoundments, mining, sedimentation, and agricultural pollutants. These 
threats have led to the species being intrinsically vulnerable to 
extirpation. Although State regulations limit harvest of this species, 
there is little protection for habitat. However, populations are stable 
in the Illinois River despite rapid urbanization and development within 
the watershed. Due to nonimminent threats of a high magnitude, we 
retain a listing priority number of 5 for this species.
    Alabama pearlshell (Margaritifera marrianae)--The following summary 
is based on information from our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Alabama pearlshell 
inhabits shallow riffles and pool margins of small creeks and streams 
of southwest Alabama. Only three populations of Alabama pearlshell have 
been confirmed to survive during the past 15 years. The species has not 
been found at one of these sites since 1998; observations of increased 
sedimentation at this location suggest nonpoint source pollution may be 
implicated in the disappearance of Alabama pearlshell from this stream. 
The other two populations appear to be stable and recruiting. We 
continue to assign the Alabama pearlshell a listing priority number of 
2, due to the vulnerability of small stream habitat to nonpoint source 
pollution, and the decline or loss of one of three known populations.
    Slabside pearlymussel (Lexingtonia dolabelloidesy)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The slabside 
pearlymussel is a freshwater mussel (Unionidae) endemic to the 
Cumberland and Tennessee River systems (Cumberlandian Region) in 
Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It requires shoal habitats 
in free-flowing rivers to survive and successfully recruit new 
individuals into its populations. Habitat destruction and alteration 
(e.g., impoundments, sedimentation, and pollutants) are the chief 
factors contributing to its decline. This species has been extirpated 
from numerous regional streams and is no longer found in the State of 
Kentucky. The slabside pearlymussel was historically known from at 
least 32 streams but is currently restricted to no more than 9 isolated 
stream segments. Only 3 populations appear to be significant and viable 
(Middle Fork Holston River, Paint Rock River system, and Duck River 
within the Tennessee River system). Although the threats faced by this 
species are significant, we do not anticipate that they will eliminate 
the species in the immediate future (next 1-3 years). We continue to 
assign a listing priority number of 5 to this mussel due to nonimminent 
threats of a high magnitude.
    Georgia pigtoe (Pleurobema hanleyanum)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Altamaha spinymussel (Elliptio spinosa)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Altamaha spinymussel is a 
freshwater mussel endemic to the Altamaha River drainage of 
southeastern Georgia. The historical range of the Altamaha spinymussel 
was restricted to the Coastal Plain portion of the Altamaha River and 
the lower portions of its three major tributaries, the Ohoopee, 
Ocmulgee, and Oconee Rivers. The Altamaha River is formed by the 
confluence of the Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers and lies entirely within 
the State of Georgia.
    Comprehensive surveys revealed that only 14 live spinymussels have 
been found and only from an isolated portion of their range, limited to 
a half mile reach of the Altamaha River. The species appears to be 
extirpated from the Ohoopee, Ocmulgee, and Oconee Rivers, and its 
numbers are greatly reduced in the Altamaha River. Altamaha 
spinymussels face severe habitat degradation from a number of sources. 
Among these are threats from sedimentation, contaminants (from 
municipal wastewater treatment plants, agricultural sources, kaolin 
mining and pulp mills), and the operations of the Edwin I. Hatch 
Nuclear Power Plant within the rivers that the Altamaha spinymussel 
inhabits. Water withdrawal and drought have intensified the impacts 
from contaminants, the resulting low-flow rates provide lower volumes 
of water to dilute potential contaminants and, therefore, effectively 
increase the concentrations of contaminants in streams. In 1990, the 
total amount of surface water withdrawn from the Altamaha River basin 
was 1315.88 MGD, and development pressures continue to grow, which will 
lead to increased water withdrawals. Prolonged drought has resulted in 
other negative effects to the Altamaha spinymussel. For instance, the 
drought has opened the stream beds to all-terrain and four-wheel drive 
vehicle access, so mussels that might have survived the drought are now 
in danger of being crushed by heavy vehicular traffic in the river bed 
itself. These threats to the Altamaha

[[Page 24901]]

spinymussel are further compounded by its limited distribution and the 
low populations sizes identified in recent survey efforts. However, the 
immediacy of these threats is not imminent. The Altamaha River 
Cooperative for Stewardship and Research has been formed with the main 
objective of identifying critical research and conservation needs in 
the lower Altamaha Basin with a particular emphasis on relationships 
between forestry practices and native biological diversity. The 
Cooperative is comprised of representatives from Plum Creek, 
International Paper, The Nature Conservancy, and the Georgia Dept. of 
Natural Resources. Other stakeholders including other industrial 
forestry companies, Georgia Power, paper mills and university 
researchers have also participated in the Cooperative, but are not 
formal members. As part of the agreement the Altamaha River Scenic 
Easement was established with industry representatives to the 
Cooperative contributing funds to support research and conservation 
activities in the lower Altamaha Basin. The Altamaha River Scenic 
Easement is a 91.4 m (300-ft) wide buffer strip along 45 km (28 mi) of 
the Altamaha River proper comprised of several non-contiguous parcels, 
most of which occur on one but not both sides of the river. The 
easement protects over 480 hectares (1200 acres) of river shoreline and 
floodplain from development, surface mining, and logging activities. 
Based on consideration of all of these conditions, we continue to 
assign a listing priority of 5 to this mussel based on nonimminent 
threats of a high magnitude.

Snails

    Ogden mountainsnail (Oreohelix peripherica wasatchensis)--The 
following summary is based on information from our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The 
Ogden mountain snail is known from a single population near the mouth 
of Ogden Canyon, Weber County, Utah. The total occupied habitat is an 
area approximating 100 meters (328 ft wide by 1 kilometer (0.5 miles) 
long. The last population estimates were taken in 1999, when snail 
numbers ranged from approximately 9,520 in fall to 18,724 in the 
spring. Based on measurement of snail size, there appears to be little 
recruitment to the population. Threats to the colony have not 
substantially changed or increased over the past year. The habitat 
receives heavy recreational use and utility roads and ORV trails are 
significant barriers to dispersal and interconnection among 
subpopulations. Based on moderate, nonimmenent threats, we retain a 
listing priority number of 9 for this subspecies.
    Bonneville pondsnail (Stagnicola bonnevillensis)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Interrupted rocksnail (Leptoxis foremani (= downei)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Sisi snail (Ostodes strigatus)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Belonging to the snail family, 
Potaridae, the sisi snail is a ground-dwelling species and endemic to 
American Samoa. The species is now known only from a single population 
on the island of Tutuila, American Samoa. This species is currently 
threatened by habitat loss and modification and by predation from 
nonnative snails. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Diamond Y Spring snail (Pseudotryonia adamantina) and Gonzales 
springsnail (Tryonia circumstriata)--The following summary is based on 
information from our files. No new information was provided in the 
petition received on May 11, 2004. The Diamond Y Spring snail and 
Gonzales springsnail are small aquatic snails endemic to Diamond Y 
Spring in Pecos County, Texas. The spring and its outflow channel are 
owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. These snails are primarily 
threatened with habitat loss due to springflow declines from drought 
and from pumping of groundwater. Additional threats include the 
possibility of water contamination from accidental releases of 
petroleum products, as their habitat is in an active oil and gas field. 
Also, a nonnative aquatic snail (Melanoides sp.) was recently 
introduced into the native snails' habitat and may compete with endemic 
snails for space and resources. With imminent threats of high 
magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Fragile tree snail (Samoana fragilis)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling 
species, the fragile tree snail belongs to the snail family, 
Partulidae, and is endemic to the islands of Guam and Rota (Mariana 
Islands). Requiring cool and shaded native forest habitat, the species 
is now known only from a single population on Rota. This species is 
currently threatened by habitat loss and modification and by predation 
from nonnative snails. Because the threats are of a high magnitude and 
are considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for 
this species.
    Gonzales springsnail (Tryonia circumstriata)--See paragraph above 
under Diamond Y Spring snail (Pseudotryonia adamantina).
    Guam tree snail (Partula radiolata)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling species, the 
Guam tree snail belongs to the snail family, Partulidae, and is endemic 
to the island of Guam. Requiring cool and shaded native forest habitat, 
the species is now known only from eleven populations on Guam. This 
species is currently threatened by habitat loss and modification and by 
predation from nonnative snails. Because the threats continue to be of 
a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number 
of 2 for this species.
    Humped tree snail (Partula gibba)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling species, the 
humped tree snail belongs to the snail family, Partulidae, and was 
originally known from the island of Guam and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands (islands of Rota, Aguijan, Tinian, Saipan, 
Anatahan, Sarigan, Alamagan, and Pagan). Most recent surveys revealed a 
total of 28 populations on the islands of Guam, Rota, Aguijan, Tinian, 
Anatahan, Sarigan, Alamagan, and Pagan. Although still the most widely-
distributed tree snail endemic in the Mariana Islands, most of the 
remaining populations are small. This species is currently threatened 
by habitat loss and modification and by predation from nonnative 
snails. Because the threats are of a high magnitude and are considered 
imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Lanai tree snail (Partulina semicarinata)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was

[[Page 24902]]

provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling 
species, Partulina semicarinata belongs to the snail family, 
Achatinellidae. Endemic to the island of Lanai, the species is 
currently known from 12 populations. This species is currently 
threatened by habitat loss and modification and by predation from 
nonnative snails. Because the threats are of a high magnitude and are 
imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Lanai tree snail (Partulina variabilis)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling 
species, Partulina variabilis belongs to the snail family, 
Achatinellidae. Endemic to the island of Lanai, the species is 
currently known from 16 populations. This species is currently 
threatened by habitat loss and modification and by predation from 
nonnative snails. Because the threats are of a high magnitude and are 
imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Langford's tree snail (Partula langfordi)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling 
species, Langford's tree snail belongs to the snail family, Partulidae, 
and is known from one population on the island of Aguijan. This species 
is currently threatened by habitat loss and modification and by 
predation from nonnative snails. Because the threats are of a high 
magnitude and are considered imminent, we retain a listing priority 
number of 2 for this species.
    Phantom Cave snail (Cochliopa texana) and Phantom springsnail 
(Tryonia cheatumi)--The following summary is based on information from 
our files. No new information was provided in the petition received on 
May 11, 2004. The Phantom Cave snail and Phantom springsnail are small 
aquatic snails that occur in only three spring outflows in the Toyah 
Basin in Reeves and Jeff Davis Counties, Texas. The primary threat to 
both species is the loss of surface flows due to declining groundwater 
levels from drought and pumping for agricultural production. Although 
the land surrounding their habitat is owned and managed by The Nature 
Conservancy, Bureau of Reclamation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife 
Department, the water needed to maintain the habitat of both species 
has declined due to a reduction in the spring flows, possibly as a 
result of private groundwater pumping in areas beyond that controlled 
by these landowners. As an example, Phantom Lake Spring is undergoing 
drying and declining spring flows in San Solomon Spring are also 
becoming evident (both of these springs are sites of occurrence for 
these springsnails). Since these threats continue to be imminent and of 
a high magnitude, we retain a priority listing number of 2 for these 
species.
    Tutuila tree snail (Eua zebrina)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. A tree-dwelling species, the 
Tutuila tree snail belongs to the snail family, Partulidae, and is 
endemic to American Samoa. The species is now known only from two 
populations on the island of Tutuila. This species is currently 
threatened by habitat loss and modification and by predation from 
nonnative snails. Because the threats are of a high magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Chupadera springsnail (Pyrgulopsis chupaderae)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on November 20, 1985. See also our 12-month petition finding 
published on October 4, 1988 (53 FR 38969). This aquatic species is 
endemic to Willow Spring on the Willow Spring Ranch (formerly Cienega 
Ranch) at the south end of the Chupadera Mountains in Socorro County, 
New Mexico. The Chupadera springsnail has been documented from two 
hillside groundwater discharges that flow through grazed areas among 
rhyolitic gravels containing sand, mud, and hydrophytic plants. 
Regional and local groundwater depletion, springrun dewatering, and 
riparian habitat degradation represent the principal threats. The 
survival and recovery of the Chupadera springsnail is contingent upon 
protection of the riparian corridor immediately adjacent to Willow 
Spring and the availability of perennial, oxygenated flowing water 
within the species' thermal range. Due to several factors including the 
extremely localized distribution of the snail, its occurrence only on 
private property, the lack of regulatory protection of its habitat, and 
the inability of land managers to participate in its management, the 
magnitude of the threats to this species is high. There is an imminent 
threat to this species because either human-caused disturbance (grazing 
of cattle, water withdrawal, and fire) or natural disturbance (drought 
or fire) could eliminate this species in the near future. Therefore, 
due to the continuing magnitude and imminence of threats to this 
species, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Elongate mud meadows springsnail (Pyrgulopsis notidicola)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No 
new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Pyrgulopsis notidicola is endemic to Soldier Meadow, which is located 
at the northern extreme of the western arm of the Black Rock Desert, in 
the transition zone between the Basin and Range Physiographic Province 
and the Columbia Plateau Province, Humboldt County, Nevada. The type 
locality, and the only known location of the species, occurs in a 
stretch of thermal (between 45[deg] Celsius (C) (113[deg] Fahrenheit 
(F)) and 32[deg] C (90[deg] F)) aquatic habitat that is approximately 
300 m (984 ft) long and 2 m (6.7 ft) wide. Pyrgulopsis notidicola 
occurs only in shallow, flowing water on gravel substrate. The species 
does not occur in deep water (i.e., impoundments) where water velocity 
is low, gravel substrate is absent, and sediment levels are high. The 
present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its 
habitat or range by recreational bathers in the thermal waters is the 
greatest threat to the species. The small size of their habitat and 
their limited range makes them highly susceptible to any factors that 
negatively impact their habitat. Regulatory mechanisms are beginning to 
be put in place, but few actions have been implemented to date. Based 
on imminent threats of high magnitude, we retain a listing priority 
number of 2 for this species.
    Gila springsnail (Pyrgulopsis gilae)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files and the petition received 
on November 20, 1985. Also see our 12-month petition finding published 
on October 4, 1988 (53 FR 38969). The Gila springsnail is an aquatic 
species known from 13 populations in New Mexico. The long-term 
persistence of the Gila springsnail is contingent upon protection of 
the riparian corridor immediately adjacent to springhead and springrun 
habitats (habitat at the springhead and along the watercourse running 
from the springhead), thereby ensuring the maintenance of perennial, 
oxygenated flowing water within the species' required thermal range. 
Sites on both private and Federal lands are subject to levels of 
recreational use and livestock grazing that negatively affect this 
species, thus placing the longterm survival of the Gila springsnail at 
risk. Natural events such as drought, forest

[[Page 24903]]

fire, sedimentation, and flooding; wetland habitat degradation by 
recreational bathing in thermal springs; and poor watershed management 
practices represent the primary threats to the Gila springsnail. Fire 
suppression activities and fire retardant chemicals have potentially 
deleterious effects on this species. Because several of the springs 
occur on Forest Service land, management options for the protection of 
the snail should be possible. However, randomly occurring events, 
especially fire and drought, could have a major impact on the species. 
Moderate use by recreationalists and livestock is ongoing. If these 
uses remain at current or lower levels, they will not pose an imminent 
threat to the species. Of greater concern is the current drought that 
could impact spring discharge and which increases the potential for 
fire. Significant fires have occurred in the Gila National Forest, and 
subsequent floods and ash flows have severely impacted aquatic life in 
streams. If the drought continues or worsens, the imminence of threat 
(decreased discharge, fire) will increase. Based on these nonimminent 
threats that are currently of a low magnitude, we retain a listing 
priority number of 11 for this species.
    Huachuca springsnail (Pyrgulopsis thompsoni)--The following summary 
is based on information from our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Huachuca springsnail 
inhabits 13 springs and cienegas at elevations of 4,500 to 7,200 feet 
in southeastern Arizona (11 sites) and adjacent portions of Sonora, 
Mexico (2 sites). The springsnail is typically found in the shallower 
areas of springs or cienegas, often in rocky seeps at the spring 
source. Potential threats include habitat modification, wildfire, 
cattle grazing, and groundwater pumping. Recent communication with 
personnel from Fort Huachuca indicates they are in the process of 
evaluating the status of species on Department of Defense lands and 
developing conservation strategies; this may result in a reduction or 
elimination of threats in the future. Currently, however, due to the 
high magnitude and nonimminent threats, we continue to assign a listing 
priority number of 5 for this species.
    New Mexico springsnail (Pyrgulopsis thermalis)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on November 20, 1985. Also see our 12-month petition finding 
published on October 4, 1988 (53 FR 38969). The New Mexico springsnail 
is an aquatic species known from only two separate populations 
associated with a series of spring-brook systems along the Gila River 
in the Gila National Forest in Grant County, New Mexico. The longterm 
persistence of the New Mexico springsnail is contingent upon protection 
of the riparian corridor immediately adjacent to springhead and 
springrun habitats, thereby ensuring the maintenance of perennial, 
oxygenated flowing water within the species' required thermal range.
    While the New Mexico springsnail populations may be stable, the 
sites inhabited by the species are subject to levels of recreational 
use and livestock grazing that negatively affect this species. Wetland 
habitat degradation by recreational use and overgrazing in or near the 
thermal springs and/or inadequate watershed management practices 
represent the primary threats to the New Mexico springsnail. Moderate 
use by recreationalists and livestock is ongoing. If these uses remain 
at the current or lower levels, they will not pose an imminent threat 
to the species. Of greater concern is the current drought, which could 
impact spring discharge and increases the potential for fire. 
Significant fires have occurred in the Gila National Forest and 
subsequent floods and ash flows have severely impacted aquatic life in 
streams. If the drought continues or worsens, the imminence of threat 
(decreased discharge, fire) will increase. Based on these nonimminent 
threats of a low magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 11 
for this springsnail.
    Page springsnail (Pyrgulopsis morrisoni)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Page springsnail is known to 
exist only within a complex of springs located within an approximately 
1.5-kilometer (0.93-mile) stretch along the west side of Oak Creek 
around the community of Page Springs, Yavapai County, Arizona. Many of 
the springs where the springsnail occurs have been subjected to some 
level of modification for domestic, agricultural, ranching, fish 
hatchery, and recreational activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department 
(AGFD) management plans for the Bubbling Ponds and Page Springs fish 
hatcheries include commitments to replace lost habitat and to monitor 
remaining populations of invertebrates such as the Page springsnail. 
Based on recent survey data, it appears that the Page springsnail is 
abundant within its habitats and is more widely distributed than 
previously known. Monitoring by AGFD and Service biologists no longer 
entails snail removal, which appears to have had a temporary positive 
impact on population numbers. The threat of ground water withdrawal is 
not considered imminent because recent studies indicate that the 
groundwater system of the Verde Valley has not yet been affected by 
development, and base flow in the Verde River Valley has remained 
virtually unchanged since 1915. Because these threats are nonimminent 
but continue to be of a high magnitude, we retain a listing priority 
number of 5 for this species.
    Three Forks springsnail (Pyrgulopsis trivialis)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Three Forks 
springsnail is an endemic species with distribution limited to the 
Three Forks Springs and Boneyard Springs spring complexes in the North 
Fork East Fork Black River Watershed of east-central Arizona. The 
springsnail is known from free-flowing spring heads, concrete boxed 
spring heads, spring runs, and spring seepage at these sites. The 
primary threats include habitat modification from recreational 
activities, damage from elk wallowing, and predation from nonnative 
crayfish. The Arizona Game and Fish Department currently maintains an 
active monitoring program for the Three Forks springsnail in 
cooperation with the Fish and Wildlife Service and Forest Service. This 
program includes population monitoring, habitat sampling, and removal 
of nonnative predatory crayfish. However, in the absence of a 
management strategy to effectively address the threat from both elk and 
crayfish in a longterm fashion, we believe the immediacy of threats to 
be imminent. Therefore, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for 
the Three Forks springsnail.
    Newcomb's tree snail (Newcombia cumingi)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.

Insects

    Warm Springs Zaitzevian riffle beetle (*COM044*Zaitzevia thermae)--
The following summary is based on information from our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The 
Warm Springs Zaitzevian riffle beetle is a small, flightless beetle. It 
is globally endemic to a single, small warm spring along a creek in 
southwestern Montana. A concrete box has been constructed to protect 
the spring from contaminants

[[Page 24904]]

that may enter the adjacent creek. As a result, the beetle habitat is 
protected from contamination or trampling, although the possibility for 
breaching of the cement box exists if extreme events were to occur. The 
most recent survey indicates the beetle is abundant both within the 
cement box and in seeps outside the box. Because of its naturally 
limited distribution, the species is vulnerable to randomly occurring 
natural and human-caused events. However, because of the protection of 
the habitat, the magnitude of threats is low and threats are 
nonimminent, resulting in our retention of a listing priority number of 
11 for this species.
    Wekiu bug (Nysius wekiuicola)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Wekiu bug belongs to the 
true bug family, Lygaeidae, and is endemic to the island of Hawaii. 
Originally and currently known from one widespread population on the 
summit of Mauna Kea, the species feeds upon other insect species that 
are blown to the summit of this large volcano. This species is 
currently threatened by competition with and predation by nonnative 
arthropods, impacts from recreational and astronomy activities on the 
summit, and loss of habitat from astronomy development. Because the 
threats are of a high magnitude and are considered imminent, we retain 
a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Mariana eight spot butterfly (Hypolimnas octucula mariannensis)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files. 
No new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 
2004. The Mariana eight spot butterfly is a nymphalid butterfly species 
which feeds upon two host plants, Procris pedunculata and Elatostema 
calcareum. Endemic to the island of Guam and the Mariana Islands, the 
species is now known from ten populations on Guam. This species is 
currently threatened by predation and parasitism from nonnative species 
and impacts to its host plants by browsing ungulates. Because the 
threats are of a high magnitude and are considered imminent, we retain 
a listing priority number of 3 for this subspecies.
    Mariana wandering butterfly (Vagrans egestina)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The 
Mariana wandering butterfly is a nymphalid butterfly species which 
feeds upon a single host plant species, Maytenus thompsonii. Originally 
known from and endemic to the islands of Guam and Rota (of the Mariana 
Islands), the species is now known only from one population on Rota. 
This species is currently threatened by predation and parasitism from 
nonnative species, and impacts to its host plants by browsing 
ungulates. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and 
are considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for 
this species.
    Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri)--See above 
in ``Summary of New Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files and in the petition received on June 
15, 2000.
    Sequatchie caddisfly (Glyphopsyche sequatchie)--The following 
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Sequatchie 
caddisfly is known from two spring runs that emerge from caves in 
Marion County, Tennessee: Owen Spring Branch (the type locality) and 
Martin Spring run in the Battle Creek system. The Owen Spring Branch 
population occurs within Sequatchie Cave Park, which is a Class II 
Natural-Scientific State Natural Area, thus providing statutory 
protection from collection for the population in Owen Spring Branch. 
Estimated population sizes are 500 to 5000 individuals for Owen Spring 
Branch and 2 to 10 times higher at Martin Spring, due to the greater 
amount of apparently suitable habitat. Threats to the species include 
siltation; agricultural, municipal, and industrial chemical runoff 
(both direct and from subsurface flows); vandalism, and pollution from 
trash thrown into the springs. This species is vulnerable to extinction 
due to its restricted distribution and small population sizes. These 
threats are gradual and/or not necessarily imminent but are of a high 
magnitude; therefore, we retain a listing priority number of 5 for this 
species.
    Inquirer cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus inquistor Barr), Beaver 
cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus major Krekeler), Tatum Cave beetle 
(Pseudanophthalmus parvus Krekeler), and Louisville cave beetle 
(Pseudanophthalmus troglodytes Krekeler)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Cave beetles in the 
genus Pseudanophthalmus are fairly small, eyeless, reddish-brown 
insects. The limestone caves in which these cave beetles are found 
provide a unique and fragile environment that supports a variety of 
species that have evolved to survive and reproduce under the demanding 
conditions found in cave ecosystems.
    The inquirer cave beetle was described in 1980, from specimens 
collected in Sheals's Cave, Clay County, Tennessee. The species is not 
known from any other caves. During a 1997 survey of the cave, three 
inquirer cave beetles were observed. The Beaver Cave beetle was 
described in 1973, from 3 specimens collected from Beaver Cave, 
Harrison County, Kentucky. No additional caves that could provide 
habitat for the Beaver Cave beetle were found during a 1996 survey of 
Beaver Cave and the surrounding area. One specimen of the species was 
observed in Beaver Cave during the 1996 survey. The Tatum Cave beetle 
was described in 1973 from material collected from Tatum Cave, Marion 
County, Kentucky. No individuals were observed during surveys in 1980 
and in 1996. The species has not been observed in Tatum Cave since 
1965. There are no other known caves in the vicinity of Tatum Cave that 
could support the species. The Louisville cave beetle was described in 
1973 from specimens collected from Oxmoor Cave, Jefferson County, 
Kentucky. During 1994, surveys of other caves that could potentially 
support the species were conducted and the species was found in only 
one additional cave (Eleven Jones Cave).
    All of these cave beetles are currently known from only one or two 
caves. Their limited distributions make them vulnerable to isolated 
events that would only have a minimal effect on the more wide-ranging 
members of the genus. Events such as toxic chemical spills, discharges 
of large amounts of polluted water, closure of entrances, alteration of 
entrances, or the creation of new entrances can have serious adverse 
impacts on these cave beetles and could result in their extinction. No 
formal protection is currently provided to these species. The threats 
faced by these species are significant; however, it is not anticipated 
that they will be subject to these threats in the immediate future 
(next 1-2 years). Therefore, we retain a listing priority of 5 for 
these cave beetles.
    Clifton Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus caecus Krekeler), Lesser 
Adams Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus cataryctos Krekeler), Greater 
Adams Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus pholeter Krekeler), and Icebox 
Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus frigidus Barr)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Cave beetles in the 
genus

[[Page 24905]]

Pseudanophthalmus are fairly small, eyeless, reddish-brown insects. The 
limestone caves in which these cave beetles are found provide a unique 
and fragile environment that supports a variety of species that have 
evolved to survive and reproduce under the demanding conditions found 
in cave ecosystems.
    The Clifton Cave beetle was described in 1973 by Krekeler based 
upon material collected in 1963. The cave supporting this species is 
near Versailles, Woodford County, Kentucky. Soon after the species was 
first collected, the entrance to the cave was enclosed due to road 
construction. Other caves in the vicinity of Clifton Cave were surveyed 
for the species in 1995-1996. Most contained other species of 
Pseudanophthalmus, but only one additional site was found for the 
Clifton Cave beetle. Four specimens were found in a very small, 30 foot 
(9 meters) long cave about 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) from Clifton Cave. 
It can not be determined at this time if the species still occurs in 
Clifton Cave or if the species has been extirpated from its type 
locality by the closure of the cave entrance.
    The Lesser Adams Cave beetle was described in 1973 based upon 
material collected from Adams Cave, Madison County, Kentucky. This cave 
also supports the Greater Adams Cave beetle, which also was described 
in 1973. During a 1995 visit to the cave, one of the original 
collectors observed one specimen of the Lesser Adams Cave beetle, but 
the Greater Adams Cave beetle was not observed. In 2002, one lesser 
Adams Cave beetle and two greater Adams Cave beetles were found during 
a biological survey conducted by the Service and the Kentucky State 
Nature Preserves Commission. There are no other caves in the vicinity 
of Adams Cave, and this species has not been found at any other 
locations. A gate to control access to the cave was constructed in 
2002. On March 1, 2005, a Candidate Conservation Agreement was signed 
which will provide for long-term protection for Adams Cave and the 
species that depend upon it.
    Icebox Cave beetle was described in 1981 based upon two specimens 
collected from Icebox Cave, Bell County, Kentucky. Despite searches of 
caves in the vicinity of this cave and several later visits to Icebox 
Cave, no additional specimens of Icebox Cave beetle have been found.
    All of these cave beetles are currently known from only one or two 
caves. Their limited distributions make them vulnerable to isolated 
events that would only have a minimal effect on the more wide-ranging 
members of the genus. Events such as toxic chemical spills, discharges 
of large amounts of polluted water, closure of entrances, alteration of 
entrances, or the creation of new entrances can have serious adverse 
impacts on these cave beetles and could result in their extinction. No 
formal protection is currently provided to these species. The threats 
faced by these species are significant; however, it is not anticipated 
that they will be subject to these threats in the immediate future 
(next 1-2 years). We retain a listing priority number of 5 for these 
species.
    Surprising cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus inexpectatus Barr)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No 
new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Cave beetles in the genus Pseudanophthalmus are fairly small, eyeless, 
reddish-brown insects. The limestone caves in which these cave beetles 
are found provide a unique and fragile environment that supports a 
variety of species that have evolved to survive and reproduce under the 
demanding conditions found in cave ecosystems. The surprising cave 
beetle was described from specimens collected in the historic section 
of Mammoth Cave and White Cave, Mammoth Cave National Park (MCNP), 
Edmonston County, Kentucky. Subsequent to these original discoveries, 
the species was also found in MCNP's Great Onyx Cave. Recently, an 
additional population has been discovered in a cave some distance from 
the previously known sites. Its limited distribution makes this species 
vulnerable to isolated events that would only have a minimal effect on 
the more wide-ranging members of the genus. Events such as toxic 
chemical spills, discharges of large amounts of polluted water, closure 
of entrances, alteration of entrances, or the creation of new entrances 
can have serious adverse impacts on this species and could result in 
its extinction. The magnitude of the threat to the surprising cave 
beetle is reduced because of its location on Federal land and the 
formal commitment through a Candidate Conservation Agreement between 
MCNP and the Service to protect the species. Therefore we retain a 
listing priority number of 11 for this species.
    Taylor's (Whulge, Edith's) checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha 
taylori)--The following summary is based on information from our files 
and in the petition received on December 11, 2002. Historically, 
Taylor's checkerspot butterflies were known from 70 locations: 23 in 
British Columbia, 34 in Washington, and 13 in Oregon. By spring 2004, 
only 14 populations, with a total of about 2,000 individuals, were 
known: 12 in Washington and 2 in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The 
species may be extirpated in British Columbia. Threats include 
degradation and destruction of native grasslands through conversion to 
agriculture; residential development and commercial development; 
encroachment by nonnative plants; succession from grasslands to native 
shrubs and trees; and fire. The application of Bacillus thuringiensis 
var. kurstaki for Asian gypsy moth control likely contributed to 
extirpations of the subspecies at three locations in Pierce County, 
Washington. The magnitude of threats is high because of the extremely 
small size of remaining populations and reduction in distribution from 
the historical range. Sizes and locations of the populations shift from 
year to year. The ecosystem on which this subspecies depends requires 
annual management to maintain grassland habitat. Threats are imminent 
because any of the numerous threats could occur at any time. We retain 
a listing priority number of 3 for Taylor's checkerspot.
    Blackline Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion nigrohamatum 
nigrolineatum)--The following summary is based on information contained 
in our files. No new information was provided in the petition received 
on May 11, 2004. Megalagrion nigrohamatum nigrolineatum is a stream-
dwelling damselfly species endemic to the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Once 
known from throughout Oahu, the species is now restricted to 11 
populations within the windward Koolau Mountains. This species is 
threatened by predation from nonnative aquatic species such as fish and 
predacious insects and habitat loss through dewatering of streams. 
Because the threats are of a moderate magnitude and are considered 
imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 9 for this subspecies.
    Crimson Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion leptodemas)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Megalagrion leptodemas is a stream-dwelling damselfly species endemic 
to the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Once known from throughout Oahu, the 
species is now restricted to four populations. This species is 
threatened by predation from nonnative aquatic species such as fish and 
predacious insects, and habitat loss through dewatering of streams. 
Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered

[[Page 24906]]

imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Flying earwig Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion nesiotes)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No 
new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Megalagrion nesiotes is a terrestrial or semi-terrestrial damselfly 
species endemic to the islands of Hawaii and Maui, Hawaii. Despite 
extensive surveys to locate extant populations, the species is now 
known to be restricted to a single population in windward east Maui. 
This species is threatened by predation from ants and other nonnative 
arthropods, and habitat loss due to disturbance by feral ungulates. 
Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Oceanic Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion oceanicum)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Megalagrion oceanicum is a stream-dwelling damselfly species endemic to 
the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Once known from throughout Oahu, the 
species is now restricted to seven populations within the windward 
Koolau Mountains. This species is threatened by predation from 
nonnative aquatic species such as fish and predacious insects, and 
habitat loss through dewatering of streams. Because the threats 
continue to be of a high magnitude and are considered imminent, we 
retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion xanthomelas)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No 
new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Megalagrion xanthomelas is a stream-dwelling damselfly species endemic 
to the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and 
Hawaii. The species is now restricted to 16 populations on the islands 
of Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii. This species is threatened by 
predation from nonnative aquatic species such as fish and predacious 
insects and habitat loss through dewatering of streams. Because the 
threats continue to be of a moderate magnitude and are considered 
imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 8 for this species.
    Pacific Hawaiian damselfly (Megalagrion pacificum)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Megalagrion pacificum is a slow-moving stream-, pool-, and pond-
dwelling damselfly species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, 
Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii. The species is now restricted 
to seven populations on the islands of Maui and Molokai. This species 
is threatened by predation from nonnative aquatic species such as fish 
and predacious insects, and habitat loss through dewatering of streams. 
Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Poolanui gall fly (Phaeogramma sp.)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The poolanui gall fly belongs 
to the fly family, Tephritidae, and forms galls on its host plant, 
Bidens cosmoides, upon which it also breeds and feeds. The fly is 
endemic to the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, where it is currently known 
from seven populations. This species is threatened throughout its 
limited range by the loss and modification of its host plant's habitat 
through the uncontrolled growth of nonnative plants. Additionally, the 
species is highly threatened by parasitism by nonnative wasp species. 
However, threats to the Poolanui gall fly from nonnative weeds and 
parasitoids are considered nonimminent because they are not ongoing. 
Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered nonimminent, we retain a listing priority number of 5 for 
this species.
    Picture wing fly (Drosophila attigua)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This picture wing 
fly belongs to the fly family, Drosophilidae, and feeds and breeds upon 
a single host plant, Cheirodendron sp. The fly is endemic to the 
Hawaiian Island of Kauai, where it is currently known from two 
populations. This species is currently threatened by loss and 
modification of its host plant's habitat by browsing ungulates and 
through the uncontrolled growth of nonnative plants. Additionally, the 
species is threatened by predation and parasitism by nonnative insect 
species. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Picture wing fly (Drosophila digressa)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This picture wing 
fly belongs to the fly family, Drosophilidae, and feeds and breeds upon 
a single host plant, Charpentiera sp. The fly is endemic to the island 
of Hawaii, where it is currently known from three populations. This 
species is currently threatened by loss and modification of its host 
plant's habitat by browsing ungulates and through the uncontrolled 
growth of nonnative plants. Additionally, the species is threatened by 
predation and parasitism by nonnative insect species. Because the 
threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are considered imminent, 
we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Stephan's riffle beetle (Heterelmis stephani)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Stephan's riffle 
beetle is an endemic riffle beetle found in limited spring environments 
within the Santa Rita Mountains, Pima County, Arizona. The beetle is 
known from Bog Spring and Sylvester Spring in Madera Canyon, within the 
Coronado National Forest. These springs are typical isolated, mid-
elevation, permanently saturated, spring-fed aquatic climax communities 
commonly referred to as ci[eacute]negas. Threats are largely from 
habitat modification. However, because the Forest Service has no 
current plans to modify remaining habitat, the threats are not 
imminent. Due to the continued high magnitude of nonimminent threats, 
we retain a listing priority number of 5 for Stephan's riffle beetle.
    Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files, including information from the 
petition received on May 12, 2003. The Dakota skipper is a small-to 
mid-sized butterfly that inhabits high-quality tallgrass and mixed 
grass prairie in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 
provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada. The species is 
presumed to be extirpated from Iowa and Illinois and from many sites 
within States with extant locations. The species is threatened by 
conversion of its native prairie habitat for agricultural purposes, 
overgrazing, invasive species, gravel mining, and inbreeding. In 
addition, prairie is converted to shrubland or forest without periodic 
fire, grazing, or mowing; thus, the species is also threatened at sites 
where such

[[Page 24907]]

disturbance is not allowed. Although the species is listed as 
threatened by the State of Minnesota, this designation lacks the 
habitat protections needed for long-term conservation. The species is 
also listed as endangered by the province of Manitoba. The U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, other agencies, and private organizations (e.g., 
The Nature Conservancy) protect and manage some Dakota skipper sites; 
although proper management is always necessary to ensure its 
persistence, it is generally secure at these sites. The species is also 
secure at some sites where private landowners manage native prairie in 
ways that conserve the Dakota skipper. Therefore, the threats to the 
species continue to be relatively moderate and generally nonimminent, 
although some sites are imminently threatened. Therefore, we retain a 
listing priority number of 11 for this species.
    Mardon skipper (Polites mardon)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files and the petition received on 
December 24, 2002. The Mardon skipper is a northwestern butterfly with 
a disjunct range. Currently, this species is known from four widely 
separated locations: south Puget Sound region, southern Washington 
Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon, and coastal 
California. The Mardon skipper spends its entire life cycle in one 
location, and its dispersal ability is probably limited. Threats 
include habitat loss and degradation due to development, overgrazing, 
use of herbicides and pesticides, encroachment of nonnative and native 
vegetation, succession from grassland to forest, fire suppression; 
direct loss of individuals due to fire; recreational activities; insect 
collecting; and random, naturally occurring events. Limited dispersal 
ability limits the likelihood of recolonization once a population is 
lost. The magnitude of threats is high because of the small population 
sizes and disjunct distributions that limit dispersal. Loss of any of 
the populations could threaten the continued existence of the species. 
Threats are nonimminent because the number of documented locations for 
the species has increased from less than 10 in 1998 to greater than 50 
rangewide in 2004. However, only 10 locations have more than 50 
individuals. We retain a listing priority number of 5 for the Mardon 
skipper.
    Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle (Cicindela limbata albissima)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files, 
including information from the petition received on April 21, 1994. The 
Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle is known to occur only at Coral Pink 
Sand Dunes, about 7 miles west of Kanab, Kane County, in south-central 
Utah. It is restricted mostly to a small part of the approximately 13-
kilometer (8-mile) long dune field, situated at an elevation of about 
1,820 m (6,000 ft). The beetle's habitat is being adversely affected by 
ongoing recreational off-road vehicle (ORV) use. The ORV activity is 
destroying and degrading the beetle's habitat, especially the 
interdunal swales used by the larval population. Having the greatest 
abundance of suitable prey species, the interdunal swales are the most 
biologically productive areas in this ecosystem. The continued survival 
of the beetle depends on the preservation of its habitat at its only 
breeding site and probably requires the establishment or 
reestablishment of additional reproductive subpopulations in other 
suitable habitat sites. The beetle's population is also vulnerable to 
overcollecting by professional and hobby tiger beetle collectors, 
although quantification of this threat is difficult without continuous 
monitoring of the beetle's population. The recreational ORV use threat 
is currently managed by active measures taken by both the Utah 
Department of Parks and Recreation and the BLM, which reduces the 
threat from high to moderate. The subspecies population is still at low 
levels and has only recently improved. Based on continued imminent 
threats of a low to moderate magnitude, we retain a listing priority 
number of 9 for this subspecies.
    Highlands tiger beetle (Cicindela highlandensis)--The following 
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This is a small, 
relatively plain tiger beetle. It is narrowly distributed and is 
restricted to areas of bare sand within upland oak scrub and longleaf 
pine vegetation on the ancient sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge in 
Polk and Highlands Counties, Florida. The Highlands tiger beetle has 
been found at 40 sites from near Haines City south to Josephine Creek. 
It is found near (and possibly in) the Snell Creek unit of Lake Wales 
Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (LWRNWR), in the Allen David Broussard 
Catfish Creek Preserve (Florida State Parks), The Nature Conservancy's 
Tiger Creek Preserve, the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest's Walk-in-Water 
tract Lake Weohyakapka and the west side of Lake Arbuckle (Lake Wales 
Ridge State Forest), Carter Creek (Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and 
Environmental Area, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), 
the Flamingo Villas tract of LWRNWR, to the vicinity of Josephine Creek 
(tracts managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and 
the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area). A large portion 
of the good Highlands tiger beetle sites are protected and managers are 
implementing prescribed fire programs that should restore tiger beetle 
habitat in some areas. Lack of fire to create open sand is a serious 
threat to this species. Because this is a very narrowly distributed 
species with exacting habitat requirements and small populations, the 
magnitude of threats continues to be high. Therefore, we retain a 
listing priority number of 5 for the Highlands tiger beetle.

Arachnids

    Warton's cave meshweaver (Cicurina wartoni)--The following summary 
is based on information from our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Warton's cave meshweaver 
occurs in one cave in northeastern Travis County, Texas. Competition 
and predation from imported red fire ants, runoff from roads and 
homesites, and unauthorized human activities are the primary threats to 
this karst invertebrate. These activities are imminent because they are 
known to occur or are highly likely around the only cave known to be 
occupied by the species. Because of the single location, threats to the 
species from fire ants, pollution from nearby activities, and 
unauthorized activities near the feature, we consider the threat 
magnitude to be high. Because these threats continue to be imminent and 
are of a high magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for 
this species.

Crustaceans

    Anchialine pool shrimp (Antecaridina lauensis)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Antecaridina lauensis is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of 
shrimp belonging to the family, Atyidae. This species has a disjunct, 
Indo-Pacific distribution and is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. In 
Hawaii, the species is currently known from two populations on the 
island of Maui and two populations on the island of Hawaii. The primary 
threats to this species are habitat loss and predation from nonnative 
fish species. These threats are ongoing. Because the threats continue 
to be of a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing 
priority number of 2 for this species.
    Anchialine pool shrimp (Calliasmata pholidota)--The following 
summary is

[[Page 24908]]

based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Calliasmata 
pholidota is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of shrimp belonging 
to the family, Alpheidae. This species has a disjunct, Indo-Pacific 
distribution and is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. In Hawaii, the 
species is currently known from six populations on the island of Maui 
and one population on the island of Hawaii. The primary threats to this 
species are habitat loss and predation from nonnative fish species; 
these threats are ongoing. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Anchialine pool shrimp (Metabetaeus lohena)--The following summary 
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Metabetaeus lohena 
is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of shrimp belonging to the 
family, Alpheidae. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and 
is currently known from populations on the islands of Maui and Hawaii. 
The primary threats to this species are habitat loss and predation from 
nonnative fish species; these threats are ongoing. Because the threats 
continue to be of a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a 
listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Anchialine pool shrimp (Palaemonella burnsi)--The following summary 
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Palaemonella burnsi 
is an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of shrimp belonging to the 
family, Palaemonidae. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands 
and is currently known from three populations on the island of Maui and 
one population on the island of Hawaii. The primary threats to this 
species are habitat loss and predation from nonnative fish species; 
these threats are ongoing. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Anchialine pool shrimp (Procaris hawaiana)--The following summary 
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Procaris hawaiana is 
an anchialine pool-inhabiting species of shrimp belonging to the 
family, Procarididae. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands 
and is currently known from two populations on the island of Maui and 
one population on the island of Hawaii. The primary threats to this 
species are habitat loss and predation from nonnative fish species; 
these threats are ongoing. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Anchialine pool shrimp (Vetericaris chaceorum)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Troglobitic groundwater shrimp (Typhlatya monae)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Typhlatya monae is a 
subterranean small shrimp known from Puerto Rico, Barbuda, and 
Dominican Republic. Although in Puerto Rico it was previously found at 
Mona Island, currently the species is known from only three caves 
within the Gu[aacute]nica Commonwealth Forest in the municipalities of 
Gu[aacute]nica, Yauco, and Guayanilla. The species may still be found 
in the reef deposit aquifers in Mona Island that have not yet been 
surveyed. Little is known concerning the status of Typhlatya monae in 
either Barbuda or Dominican Republic. Changes in groundwater quality, 
collection, predation, development projects, and its limited 
distribution and population numbers threaten this species. These 
threats are not imminent. Although the known populations are found 
within protected lands, the threats are of a high magnitude due to the 
limited distribution of the species. We retain a listing priority 
number of 5 for this species.

Flowering Plants

    Abronia alpina (Ramshaw Meadows sand-verbena)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Abronia alpina is a small, generally glandular, deeply-rooted perennial 
herb, 2.5 to 15.2 centimeters (1 to 6 inches) across forming compact 
mats found on gravel meadow margins between lodgepole pine forest and 
sagebrush scrub communities at an elevation between 2,621 to 2,652 
meters (m) (8,600 to 8,700 feet (ft)). Abronia alpina is known from one 
main population center in Ramshaw Meadow on the Kern Plateau of the 
Sierra Nevada (California) and from one subpopulation found in adjacent 
Templeton Meadow. Population estimates from 1985 through 1994 ranged 
from a low of 69,652 plants in 1986 to 132,215 plants in 1987. Surveys 
conducted since 1994 indicate that no significant changes have occurred 
in population size or location. Threats include encroachment of 
lodgepole pine into the meadow habitat, changes in hydrology of the 
meadow, and trampling of habitat due to recreational activities. 
Disease is not known to be a factor for the species at this time; 
however, gopher activity may result in significant destruction of 
Abronia alpina through collection or burrowing activities. Significant 
trampling of Abronia alpina subpopulations by cattle has occurred in 
the past; however, in 2001, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) made the 
decision to discontinue grazing on the Templeton allotment, which 
includes Ramshaw Meadow, for a period of 10 years. In January 2004, the 
USFS determined, as a result of the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment 
and the final supplemental environmental impact statement (FSEIS), that 
livestock grazing posed a threat to this species. However, the FSEIS 
notes that future decisions to allow livestock grazing will consider 
effects to this species and this may require updating the 2001 draft 
Conservation Agreement which the USFS has been using as their 
management strategy.
    Due to the extremely limited geographic range of the species, 
biological factors such as disease, pest outbreak, and random chance 
events associated with the highly variable climate can pose a serious 
threat to the species. Abronia alpina apparently is slow to recover 
from disturbance because of reproductive and dispersal limitations, 
short life span, and high annual fluctuation in population numbers. 
Nonadaptive forces such as inbreeding depression may also threaten the 
species when combined with the fragmented distribution of the species. 
We conclude that the magnitude of threats to Abronia alpina continue to 
be moderate, rather than high, because all of the species' range occurs 
on Federal land, which protects the species from private development 
and facilitates management of the species by Federal agencies. We also 
conclude these threats continue to be nonimminent, since the threats 
are not expected to change in the foreseeable future. Therefore, we 
retain a listing priority of 11 for this species.
    Aliciella (Gilia) cespitosa (Wonderland alice-flower)--The 
following summary is based on information from our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The 
Wonderland alice-flower or Rabbit

[[Page 24909]]

Valley gilia is a plant within the Polemoniaceae or Phlox family found 
in Wayne County, Utah. The species is primarily associated with sand-
filled pockets and crevices of Navajo sandstone on detrital slopes 
produced by mechanical weathering or erosion of rock in pinyon-juniper/
mountain mahogany communities between 5,200 and 9,000 feet in 
elevation. Surveys from 2000 to 2003 resulted in estimated numbers of 
27,000 individual plants. Current threats include recreational trails; 
off-road vehicle use; collection by rock garden enthusiasts; livestock 
trampling; and low natural recruitment. Though localized threats exist, 
the magnitude of threats is low to moderate with none of them 
considered imminent, as the majority of sites are not easily 
accessible. Based on these factors, we retain a listing priority of 11 
for this species.
    Arabis georgiana (Georgia rockcress)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Georgia 
rockcress grows in a variety of dry situations, including shallow soil 
accumulations on rocky bluffs, ecotones of gently sloping rock 
outcrops, and in sandy loam along eroding river banks. It is 
occasionally found in adjacent mesic woods, but it will not persist in 
heavily shaded conditions. Currently a total of 18 populations are 
known from the Gulf Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Ridge and Valley 
physiographic provinces of Alabama and Georgia. Populations of this 
species typically have a limited number of individuals over a small 
area. Habitat degradation, more than outright habitat destruction, is 
the most serious threat to this species' continued existence. 
Disturbance associated with timber harvesting, road building, and 
grazing has created favorable conditions for the invasion of exotic 
weeds, especially Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), in this 
species' habitat. Eight populations are currently or potentially 
threatened by the presence of exotics. The Natural Heritage programs in 
Alabama and Georgia have initiated plans for exotic control at several 
populations; nonnative plant removal has taken place at several sites. 
The magnitudes of threats to this species continue to be moderate to 
low due to the number of populations (18) across multiple counties in 2 
states. The primary threat to the species of invading exotics is 
nonimminent. Thus, we retain a listing priority number of 11 for this 
species.
    Argythamnia blodgettii (Blodgett's silverbush)--The following 
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This member of the 
spurge family is currently known from tropical pinelands on limestone 
rock (pine rocklands) at 18 sites in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties in 
Florida. Its range extends from Coral Gables (near central Miami) and 
southern Miami-Dade County westward to southwestern Long Pine Key, a 
pineland within Everglades National Park. It is also present in the 
lower Florida Keys from Windley Key southwest to Big Pine Key. 
Blodgett's silverbush is protected at Biscayne and Everglades National 
Parks, the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area, six Miami-Dade 
County conservation areas, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Long 
Key State Park, National Key Deer Refuge, Pine Ridge Sanctuary 
(private), and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. It is 
also present at Florida Power and Light's Everglades Mitigation Bank. 
The species could be present at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 
The largest population, up to 10,000 plants, is at Larry and Penny 
Thompson Park and adjoining publicly owned properties at Richmond 
Field.
    Given the species' narrow range and the small number of individuals 
that exist where it occurs, Blodgett's silverbush is vulnerable to 
natural disturbance events such as hurricanes and tropical storms. 
Other threats include fire suppression and invasive exotic pest plants. 
However, intensive management and biological control efforts are aimed 
at eradicating Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) and 
improving the overall quality of management on conservation lands. 
Therefore, based on continuing nonimminent threats of a moderate 
magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 11 for Blodgett's 
silverbush.
    Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis var. wormskioldii (Northern 
wormwood)--The following summary is based on information from our 
files. No new information was provided in the petition received on May 
11, 2004. Historically known from eight sites, northern wormwood is 
currently known from only two populations in Klickitat and Grant 
Counties, Washington. This plant is restricted to exposed basalt, 
cobbly-sandy terraces, and sand habitat along the shore and on islands 
in the Columbia River. The two sites are separated by 200 miles (322 
kilometers) of the Columbia River and three large hydroelectric dams. 
The Klickitat County population is apparently declining; the Grant 
County population is stable or declining. Surveys of apparently 
suitable habitat along 55 miles of the Hanford Reach (the wild flowing 
reach of the Columbia River) have not detected any additional plants. 
Threats to Northern wormwood include habitat loss due to dam, railroad, 
and highway construction; recreational use; manipulation of waterflows 
by hydroelectric dams resulting in flooding and alteration of historic 
waterflows; nonnative plants; vulnerability to ecological and genetic 
factors and naturally occurring, random events; and hybridization with 
two other species of Artemisia. The magnitude of threats continues to 
be high because the only two remaining populations are widely separated 
and occur in a dynamic habitat affected by frequently changing water 
levels. Threats continue to be imminent due to small population sizes 
and the potential for the elimination of one or both populations by a 
single disturbance. We retain a listing priority number of 3 for this 
subspecies.
    Astelia waialealae (Painiu)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Painiu is a perennial herb found 
in Metrosideros polymorpha dominated mixed montane bog on Kauai, 
Hawaii. Astelia waialealae is known from 3 populations in three bogs 
within the Alakai swamp region of Kauai, totaling 35 clumps which may 
only represent 10 to 15 genetically distinct individuals. Thirty clumps 
are found in one bog. While the species has always been restricted to 
the bogs of the Alakai, it may have occurred in more bogs in the past 
and in greater numbers. The largest individual, less than 12 inches (30 
centimeters) in diameter, is not reproducing, and no regeneration has 
been observed from 1995 to the present. This species is threatened by 
pigs that prey upon and trample plants and seedlings, degrade and/or 
destroy habitat, and spread the nonnative plants Juncus planifolius and 
Andropogon virginicus, which compete with Astelia waialealae. Because 
the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are considered 
imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Astragalus equisolensis (Horseshoe milkvetch)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Horseshoe 
milkvetch, Astragalus equisolensis, is a plant within the Fabaceae or 
Leguminosae (Pea family) only found in Uintah County, Utah. Horseshoe 
milkvetch is associated with the mixed desert and salt desert shrub

[[Page 24910]]

communities that are generally dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia sp.), 
shadscale (Atriplex confertiolia) and horsebrush (Tetradymia 
nuttallii). Horseshoe milkvetch is found on the Duchesne River 
Formation at elevations between 4,800 and 5,200 feet. Based on surveys 
in 1992, the population was estimated at approximately 10,000 
individuals. Threats continue to be habitat degradation and 
fragmentation associated with oil and gas exploration; road 
development; off-road vehicle use; and species instability due to low 
numbers. Currently the threats are low to moderate as only a few wells 
have been drilled in Horseshoe milkvetch habitat; however, these 
threats continue to be imminent as oil and gas development is 
foreseeable in the near future. Because of these factors, we retain a 
listing priority of 8 for this species.
    Astragalus tortipes (Sleeping Ute milkvetch)--The following summary 
is based on information from our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Astragalus tortipes is a 
perennial plant that grows only on the Smokey Hills layer of the Mancos 
Shale Formation on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation in Montezuma 
County, Colorado. In 2000, a total of 3,744 plants were recorded at 24 
locations covering 500 acres on a specific substrate within an overall 
range of 64,000 acres. Available information from 2000 indicates that 
the species remains stable. Previous and ongoing threats from borrow 
pit excavation, off-highway vehicles, an expanding junkyard, irrigation 
canal construction, and a prairie dog colony have had minor impacts 
that reduced the range and number of plants by small amounts. Oil and 
gas development may occur in the future within the species' range, but 
is not likely within the substrate that supports occupied habitat. 
Therefore, we retain a listing priority number of 8 for A. tortipes.
    Bidens amplectens (Kookooalu)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Bidens campylotheca ssp. pentamera (Kookooalu)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Bidens campylotheca ssp. waihoiensis (Kookooalu)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Kookooalu is an erect, perennial found in wet Acacia-Metrosideros 
forest on Maui, Hawaii. This subspecies is known from one population of 
200 individuals, restricted to the island of Maui. This subspecies is 
highly threatened by ongoing cattle grazing that degrades and destroys 
habitat. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 3 for this 
subspecies.
    Bidens conjuncta (Kookooalu)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Kookooalu is an erect perennial 
herb found in Metrosideros-Dicronopteris lowland to montane wet forest 
and shrubland on Maui, Hawaii. Six populations are known, and the 
number of individual plants totals approximately 2,200 scattered 
throughout upper elevation drainages of west Maui. Although the overall 
range of the species has not changed, the number of remaining 
individuals has declined over the last decade or so. This species is 
moderately threatened by pigs and rats that degrade and destroy 
habitat, and that eat vegetative parts and fruit of B. conjuncta, and 
by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. Because the 
threats continue to be of a moderate magnitude and are considered 
imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 8 for this species.
    Bidens micrantha ssp. ctenophylla (Kookooalu)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Brickellia mosieri (Florida brickell-bush)--See above in ``Summary 
of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Calamagrostis expansa (no common name)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Calamagrostis hillebrandii (no common name)--See above in ``Summary 
of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Calliandra locoensis (no common name)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Calliandra locoensis is 
currently known from only two localities in the municipalities of Yauco 
and Sabana Grande, in southwestern Puerto Rico. The restricted 
distribution, urban development, management practices, small number of 
individuals in the two populations, and catastrophic natural events are 
high threats to this species. These threats are not imminent because 
both localities fall within protected lands, but they continue to be of 
a high magnitude since they affect both of this plant's known 
populations. Therefore, we retain a listing priority of 5 for this 
species.
    Calochortus persistens (Siskiyou mariposa lily)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the petition 
received on September 10, 2001.
    Calyptranthes estremerae (no common name)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Calyptranthes estremerae is a 
small tree from the subtropical moist forest of northwestern Puerto 
Rico, in the municipalities of Camuy, Utuado, and Arecibo. The small 
number of individuals in the two populations, the species' limited 
distribution, catastrophic natural events, and the potential 
destruction of specimens due to expansion of recreational facilities 
threaten the species. These threats, while continuing to be a high 
magnitude, are not imminent, because the largest known population is 
found within protected lands. We retain a listing priority of 5 for 
this species.
    Canavalia napaliensis (Awikiwiki)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Canavalia pubescens (Awikiwiki)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Awikiwiki is a perennial climber 
found in lowland dryland forest on Maui, Lanai, Kauai, and is possibly 
on the island of Niihau, Hawaii. This species is known from 10 
populations totaling less than 200 individuals. This species is

[[Page 24911]]

highly threatened by development; goats that eat this plant and degrade 
and destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that outcompete and 
displace them. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude 
and are considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Castilleja aquariensis (Aquarius paintbrush)--The following summary 
is based on information from our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Aquarius paintbrush is a 
plant, within the Scrophulariaceae or Figwort family, found only on the 
Aquarius plateau of south central Utah. Habitat characteristics are 
meadow openings and open spruce-fir stands at 9,800 to 11,300 feet in 
elevation. Trends for this species appear to be cyclic with individual 
plants ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 depending on the year. A 
correlation may exist between precipitation and plant numbers. Threats 
to the Aquarius paintbrush are wildlife and domestic livestock grazing 
that adversely affects this species by trampling and consumption of 
plants; concentration of livestock associated with water sources; 
grasshopper, cricket or aphid infestations; road construction for 
access to recreational and timber harvesting areas; unauthorized off-
road vehicle activity; drought conditions; and reduction of genetic 
diversity due to low population numbers and fragmentation. Monitoring 
data suggests that in good years, Aquarius paintbrush are able to 
regenerate and survive under domestic livestock grazing, but the 
species appears to be more affected by grazing during drought 
conditions. The overall impacts to this species continue to be of a 
moderate to low magnitude of threat. Because livestock and wildlife 
associated with Aquarius paintbrush are present, grazing threats 
continue to be imminent. Because of these factors, we retain a listing 
priority number of 8 for this species.
    Castilleja christii (Christ's paintbrush)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files and the petition received 
on January 2, 2001. Christ's paintbrush is endemic to subalpine meadow 
and sagebrush habitats in the upper elevations of the Albion Mountains, 
Cassia County, Idaho. The single population of this species, which 
covers only 81 ha (200 ac), is restricted to the summit of Mount 
Harrison. The population appears to be stable, although the species is 
threatened by a variety of activities. Most threats involve seasonal 
impacts, including unauthorized ORV use that results in erosion of the 
plant's habitat and mortality of individual plants; livestock grazing 
that adversely affects Christ's paintbrush by trampling and consumption 
of plants, which results in reduced reproductive success; trampling by 
hikers and road maintenance activities. Also, road maintenance 
activities threaten the species through the introduction of exotic 
plants. For example, in 1997 smooth brome (Bromus inermis) was planted 
along a road after a paving project. By 2004, the smooth brome had 
expanded from the roadside several hundred feet into the Christ's 
paintbrush population and may pose a significant threat to the species.
    The Forest Service has constructed fencing that will largely reduce 
the threat of seasonal livestock trespass impacts for most of the Mt. 
Harrison summit area. The Forest Service has and continues to build 
rock barriers along roads within Christ's paintbrush habitat to further 
discourage off-road vehicle use. Most recently, the Forest Service 
designated a large portion of the population as a Botanical Special 
Interest Area and, in conjunction with our Field Office, installed 
conservation signs that provide information about the species. Due to 
these efforts, the threats continue to be nonimminent and are of a low 
to moderate magnitude. Therefore, we retain a listing priority number 
of 11 for this species.
    Chamaecrista lineata var. keyensis (Big Pine partridge pea)--The 
following summary is based on information in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This 
pea is endemic to the lower Florida Keys. Historically, it was known 
from Big Pine, No Name, Ramrod, and Cudjoe Keys (Monroe County, 
Florida). It is now believed to be restricted to Big Pine Key. Roughly 
90 percent of its current range is within the National Key Deer Refuge. 
The Big Pine partridge pea is well distributed on Big Pine Key, with a 
population estimate of roughly 10,000 individuals. It is restricted to 
pine rockland communities and hardwood hammock edges. Pine rocklands 
encompass approximately 582 hectares (1,438 acres) on Big Pine Key. 
Pine rockland communities are maintained by relatively frequent fires. 
In the absence of fire, woody encroachment ensues and shades out the 
pea. Lack of fire poses the greatest threat to the pea. The Refuge has 
an active prescribed fire program, though with many constraints. Sea 
level rise constitutes another threat somewhat less imminent, although 
of greater magnitude. Based on nonimminent threats that continue to be 
of high magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 6 for the Big 
Pine partridge pea.
    Chamaesyce deltoidea pinetorum (Pineland sandmat)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp. serpyllum (Wedge spurge)--The following 
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Wedge spurge is a 
small herb, flat to the ground, forming patches of rounded or wedge-
shaped leaves among the limestone rocks. It has always been restricted 
to Big Pine Key in Monroe County, Florida. Roughly 90 percent of the 
range falls within the National Key Deer Refuge. It is not widely or 
evenly distributed, occurring within 22 percent of 145 sample plots in 
pine rockland. The total population is on the order of 1,001 to 10,000 
plants. It is restricted to pinelands on limestone rock (pine 
rockland), at sites with extensive exposed rock at the surface, low 
total understory cover and low hardwood density. Pine rocklands 
encompass approximately 582 hectares (1,438 acres) on Big Pine Key. 
These communities are maintained by relatively frequent fires; without 
fire, tropical shrubs and trees encroach and the spurge is eventually 
shaded out. Fire restrictions pose the greatest measurable threat. The 
National Key Deer Refuge has an active prescribed fire program, though 
with many constraints. Sea level rise during the twentieth century was 
shown to have affected upland vegetation in the lower Keys. This 
threat, though less imminent, is ultimately of greater magnitude. 
Hurricanes pose additional threats. Therefore, we assign the wedge 
spurge a listing priority number of 6 due to continuing nonimminent 
threats of a high magnitude.
    Chamaesyce eleanoriae (Akoko)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Chamaesyce remyi var. kauaiensis (Akoko)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Chamaesyce remyi var. remyi (Akoko)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No

[[Page 24912]]

new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Charpentiera densiflora (Papala)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina (San Fernando Valley 
spineflower)--The following summary is based on information contained 
in our files and the petition received on December 14, 1999. San 
Fernando Valley spineflower is currently known from only two 
populations. The plants are threatened by habitat loss due to 
residential development, competition from nonnative plants (e.g., 
several nonnative grasses), random events such as erosion and fire, and 
the potential loss of the native pollinator community due to 
competition with and predation by the nonnative Argentine ants 
(Linepithema humilis).
    The site in Los Angeles County, the Newhall Ranch, is proposed for 
residential development that has the potential to cause the loss of 
most, if not all, of the remaining plants at that site. Representatives 
of Newhall Ranch informed us that they intended to pursue a Candidate 
Conservation Agreement (CCA) for the plant, and, in 2004, presented us 
with a preliminary plan that would avoid removing approximately 74 
percent of the area the plant is believed to occupy. However, the level 
of detail available was not sufficient for us to conclude that the 
preserved populations would be appropriately buffered from adjacent 
land uses, or that sufficient native vegetation would remain in 
proximity to the preserved areas to support a pollinator community. We 
received a draft CCA in early February 2005 but have not yet thoroughly 
reviewed it.
    The site in Ventura County, the former Ahmanson Ranch, is now under 
the auspices of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, a joint powers 
authority operated by the State to conserve lands within the 
Conservancy's sphere of influence. As a result, the direct threats to 
the species from the former Ahmanson Ranch development plan have been 
eliminated, and we are working with the new landowners to manage the 
site for the benefit of Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina. Since the 
threats continue to be of a high magnitude but are nonimminent, we 
retain a listing priority number of a 6 for this plant variety.
    Chromolaena frustrata (Cape Sable thoroughwort)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Consolea corallicola (Florida semaphore cactus)--The following 
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This species is 
endemic to the Florida Keys and is known to naturally occur only at 
Little Torch Key and Swan Key. It was discovered on Big Pine Key in 
1919 but has since been extirpated there as a result of road building 
and poaching. The Florida semaphore cactus grows close to salt water on 
bare rock with a minimum of humus-soil cover in or along the edges of 
hammocks near sea level. About seven mature plants exist in the 
population at The Nature Conservancy's Torchwood Hammock Preserve on 
Little Torch Key. Two sexual morphs (males and weak hermaphrodites) 
comprise the extant population on Little Torch Key. The female sex 
morph is absent from the population and sexual reproduction at this 
site without human intervention is not possible. Regeneration in this 
population is restricted to clonal propagation. At least 629 plants 
were discovered on Swan Key, Biscayne National Park in November of 
2001. The reproductive biology of the population found on Swan Key is 
yet to be determined. Outplanting has resulted in the reestablishment 
of a population in Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park 
in North Key Largo. The causes for the population decline of this 
species include destruction or modification of habitat, predation from 
nonnative Cactoblastis cactorum moths, unauthorized collection, and the 
occurrence of hurricanes and other significant natural disturbance 
events. Based on imminent threats that continue to be of a high 
magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for the Florida 
semaphore cactus.
    Cordia rupicola (no common name)--The following summary is based on 
information from our files. No new information was provided in the 
petition received on May 11, 2004. Cordia rupicola is a small shrub 
that is found in the municipalities of Pe[ntilde]uelas and 
Gu[aacute]nica in southern Puerto Rico, as well as the island of 
Anegada in the British Virgin Islands. The current status of the 
Anegada population is not known. The restricted distribution, urban 
expansion, and significant natural disturbance events are threats to 
the Puerto Rico population. Because the threats to this species 
continue to be imminent and of a high magnitude, due to only a small 
fraction of the species' known population occurring within protected 
lands, we retain a listing priority of 2.
    Cyanea asplenifolia (Haha)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Cyanea asplenifolia is a shrub 
found in Acacia-Metrosideros forest on Maui, Hawaii. Cyanea 
asplenifolia was thought to be extinct following collections in 1920 on 
west Maui until it was rediscovered in 1995 on east Maui. Two 
additional populations of approximately 30 individuals total have been 
rediscovered on west Maui, but the largest population is found in 
Kipahulu Valley on east Maui. Until 1991, when flowering occurred, the 
Kipahulu population was thought to be Cyanea grimesiana ssp. 
grimesiana. Flowers and fruits led to a valid identification of this 
population as Cyanea asplenifolia. In 1991, 350 individuals were 
counted. During a return visit in 1995, the population was estimated to 
be only approximately 200 individuals, showing a decline in the 
population for reasons not determined. Currently, this population has 
declined to a few individuals. An additional 25 individuals have been 
found in Makawao and Koolau forest reserves on east Maui. This species 
is threatened by pigs and goats that eat this plant and degrade and 
destroy its habitat, by rats and slugs that directly prey upon and 
defoliate the species, and by nonnative plants that outcompete and 
displace it. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and 
are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Cyanea calycina (Haha)--See above in ``Summary of Listing Priority 
Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information 
contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition 
received on May 11, 2004.
    Cyanea eleeleensis (Haha)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Cyanea eleeleensis is a shrub 
found in wet forest on Kauai, Hawaii. This species was discovered in 
1977, known from one population totaling less than ten individuals in 
Wainiha Valley on Kauai. This species is highly threatened by pigs that 
degrade and destroy habitat, by rats and slugs that eat this plant, and 
by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. Because the 
threats continue to be of a high magnitude and

[[Page 24913]]

are considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for 
this species.
    Cyanea kuhihewa (Haha)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Cyanea kuhihewa is a shrub found 
in Metrosideros polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis lowland wet forest on 
Kauai, Hawaii. This recently discovered species is known from one 
population totaling 6 individuals in Limahuli Valley on Kauai. This 
species was originally included in the proposed rulemaking for Kauai II 
plant species submitted to the Regional Office but was removed from the 
proposed rule published in 60 FR 49359 on October 2, 1995, because the 
species had not yet been described and published at that time. In 2003, 
the last known individual in the wild died, but prior to that time, 
seeds were collected for genetic storage, and the species is still 
found in cultivation. This species is highly threatened by pigs that 
degrade and destroy habitat, by rats and slugs that eat this plant, and 
by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. Because the 
threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are considered imminent, 
we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Cyanea kunthiana (Haha)--See above in ``Summary of Listing Priority 
Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information 
contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition 
received on May 11, 2004.
    Cyanea lanceolata (Haha)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Cyanea obtusa (Haha)--The following summary is based on information 
contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition 
received on May 11, 2004. Cyanea obtusa is a shrub found in 
Metrosideros polymorpha mixed mesic forest on Maui, Hawaii. Cyanea 
obtusa was thought to be extinct following the initial collections from 
1841 to 1919 on east and west Maui until it was rediscovered in 1981 on 
east Maui. The one known population was extirpated by 1989. In 1996, 
the species was rediscovered on east Maui, in a population of only four 
individuals. In 1999, additional plants were found, increasing the 
known populations to six and the known number of individuals to 
approximately 30. This species is highly threatened by goats, pigs, 
cattle, rats, and slugs that eat this plant and degrade and destroy 
habitat, and by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. 
Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Cyanea tritomantha (Aku)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Cyrtandra filipes (Haiwale)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Haiwale is a shrub found in 
lowland wet and mesic forest on Maui and Molokai, Hawaii. Historically 
rare, Cyrtandra filipes was typically found in southeastern Molokai and 
west Maui. Currently, this species is known from three populations, one 
on Molokai and two on Maui, totaling approximately 2,200 individuals. 
There is some question as to the taxonomic identity of the Maui 
populations, which do not fit the description of the species precisely. 
If, upon further taxonomic study, the Maui populations are determined 
not to be this species, then it is even rarer, with only the Molokai 
population of a few individuals remaining. This species is highly 
threatened by pigs and rats that degrade and destroy habitat, by deer 
that eat this plant, and by nonnative plants that outcompete and 
displace it. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and 
are considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for 
this species.
    Cyrtandra kaulantha (Haiwale)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Cyrtandra oenobarba (Haiwale)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Cyrtandra oxybapha (Haiwale)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Cyrtandra oxybapha is a shrub 
found in Metrosideros polymorpha-Cheirodendron trigynum montane wet 
forest to mesic Acacia-Metrosideros forest on Maui, Hawaii. 
Historically rare, Cyrtandra oxybapha was typically found in wet forest 
on the island of Maui. Currently, this species is known only from one 
population totaling 250 to 300 individuals in the Kahikinui area of 
east Maui. This species is highly threatened by pigs that degrade and 
destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace 
it. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Cyrtandra sessilis (Haiwale)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Cyrtandra sessilis is a shrub 
found in wet gulch bottoms and slopes of mesic valleys and wet forests 
on Oahu, Hawaii. This species is known from two populations totaling 
approximately 50 individuals in the Waikane area of the Koolau 
Mountains. This species is highly threatened by pigs that degrade and 
or destroy habitat and by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace 
it. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Dalea carthagenensis floridana (Florida prairie-clover)--See above 
in ``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Dichanthelium hirstii (Hirsts' panic grass)--The following summary 
is based on information from our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Dichanthelium hirstii, a 
perennial grass, produces erect leafy flowering stems from May to 
October. Dichanthelium hirstii occurs in coastal plain intermittent 
ponds, usually in wet savanna or pine barren habitats and is found at 
only one site in New Jersey, one site in Delaware, and two sites in 
North Carolina. While all four extant Dichanthelium hirstii populations 
are located on public land or privately owned conservation lands, 
natural threats to the species from encroaching vegetation and 
fluctuations in climatic conditions remain of concern and may be 
exacerbated by anthropomorphic factors occurring adjacent to the 
species' wetland habitat. Given the low numbers of plants found at each 
site, even minor changes in the species' habitat could result in local 
extirpation. Loss of any known sites could result in a serious 
protraction of the species range. However, the most immediate and

[[Page 24914]]

severe of the threats to this species (i.e., ditching of the Labounsky 
Pond site, and encroachment of aggressive vegetative competitors) have 
been curtailed or are being actively managed by The Nature Conservancy 
at the New Jersey site, the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, and 
Delaware Natural Heritage Program at the Assawoman Pond site, and the 
Marine Corps at the Camp Lejeune site in North Carolina. Based on 
continued threats of a high magnitude but low imminence, we retain a 
listing priority number of 5 for this species.
    Digitaria pauciflora (Florida pineland crabgrass)--The following 
summary is based on information in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This perennial grass 
grows up to 3 feet tall. It is almost entirely restricted to Long Pine 
Key, an island of pineland and marl prairies surrounded by wetlands in 
Everglades National Park, Miami-Dade County, Florida. It was observed 
once in a ``transverse glade'' at a site now managed by Miami-Dade 
County at the Richmond pine rocklands. Florida pineland crabgrass 
occurs most commonly at the margin between pine rockland and marl 
prairie, overlapping somewhat into both of these ecosystems. These 
habitats, particularly marl prairie, flood for one to several months 
during the wet season. Pine rocklands and their associated prairies are 
fire-maintained, with a natural fire frequency of 3 to 7 years for pine 
rocklands and perhaps slightly more frequent for marl prairies. In the 
absence of fire, tropical hardwoods quickly encroach. This grass may 
once have occurred in pinelands of what is now the Miami urban area, 
based on a specimen collected in 1903. Essentially no suitable habitat 
appears to remain outside of Everglades National Park. Threats to 
Florida pineland crabgrass from invasive exotic plants have been 
managed by the National Park Service, but the threat of Old World 
climbing fern and other new exotic plants within the decade are likely 
to be realized. Based on nonimminent threats that continue to be of a 
high magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 5 for the 
Florida pineland crabgrass.
    Dubautia imbricata ssp. imbricata (Naenae)--See above in ``Summary 
of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Dubautia plantaginea ssp. magnifolia (Naenae)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Dubautia plantaginea ssp. magnifolia is a shrub found in bogs and wet 
forest on Kauai, Hawaii. This recently rediscovered species is known 
from two populations totaling 100 individuals near the summit of 
Waialeale on the island of Kauai. This species is highly threatened by 
pigs that degrade and destroy habitat and by nonnative plants that 
outcompete and displace it. Because the threats continue to be of a 
high magnitude and are ongoing (i.e., imminent), we retain a listing 
priority number of 3 for this subspecies.
    Dubautia waialealae (Naenae)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Echinomastus erectocentrus var. acunensis (Acuna cactus)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files and 
the petition received on October 30, 2002. The acuna cactus is known 
from six sites on well-drained gravel ridges and knolls on granite 
soils in Sonoran Desert scrub association at 1300-2000 feet elevation. 
Habitat destruction has been a threat in the past and is a potential 
future threat to this species. New roads and illegal activities have 
not yet directly affected the cactus populations at Organ Pipe Cactus 
National Monument (OPCNM), but areas in close proximity to these known 
populations have been altered. Cactus populations located in the 
Florence area have not been monitored and these populations may be in 
danger of habitat loss due to recent urban growth in the area. Urban 
development near Ajo, Arizona, as well as that near Sonoyta, Mexico, is 
a significant threat to the acuna cactus. Populations of the acuna 
cactus within the OPCNM have shown a 50 percent mortality rate in 
recent years. The reason(s) for the mortality are not known, but 
continuing drought conditions are thought to play a role. The Arizona 
Plant Law and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora provide some protection for the acuna 
cactus. However, illegal collection is a primary threat to this cactus 
variety and has been documented on the OPCNM in the past. While the 
threats continue to be of a high magnitude, they are currently 
nonimminent. Thus, we retain a listing priority number of 6 for this 
cactus variety.
    Erigeron basalticus (Basalt daisy)--The following summary is based 
on information from our files. No new information was provided in the 
petition received on May 11, 2004. This is a small, herbaceous, 
perennial plant in the Asteraceae (sunflower) family. The species is 
endemic to Yakima and Kittitas Counties, Washington, and occurs on 
canyon walls along the Yakima River and Selah Creek, a tributary of the 
Yakima River. The species occupies approximately 165 ac (67 ha) within 
its known distribution of approximately 20 mi2 (52 
km2). Basalt daisy only grows in small crevices on basalt 
cliffs. The total population of roughly 7,000 plants is distributed 
among 8 potentially interbreeding subpopulations. The overall size of 
the population, both in numbers of plants and total area occupied, has 
remained relatively stable since at least 1988. However, the numbers of 
individuals in the four smallest subpopulations have decreased 
substantially, and two subpopulations currently support fewer than 20 
plants each. The causes of these declines, or whether they represent a 
recent or longterm trend in the subpopulations, are unknown. The 
extremely limited range and specific habitat requirements of basalt 
daisy make it vulnerable to localized impacts, including threats from 
adjacent herbicide and pesticide spraying from agricultural activities 
and highway/railroad maintenance. In addition, quarrying in the 
vicinity of several subpopulations may destroy individual plants or 
negatively impact the species' habitat. While some threats to the 
species have been identified, it is likely not susceptible to other 
potential impacts (e.g., conversion, grazing), primarily due to the 
inaccessibility of the near-vertical basalt cliffs it occupies. Based 
on the available information, we consider the magnitude of threat to 
basalt daisy to be moderate-to-low, and the identified threats continue 
to be nonimminent. Therefore, we retain a listing priority of 11 for 
this species.
    Erigeron lemmonii (Lemmon fleabane)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files and the petition received in July 
1975. The species is known from one site on the Fort Huachuca Military 
Reservation of southeastern Arizona. Approximately 70 individual plants 
are at this site. The single largest threat to the species is from 
significant wildfire in the canyon where the plant occurs. An intense 
wildfire in the narrow canyon would almost certainly desiccate plants 
on the cliff face, possibly directly killing individuals or stressing 
plants, and, thereby leading to lower reproductive output. Fort 
Huachuca is willing to develop a

[[Page 24915]]

conservation agreement for this species. Measures have been taken to 
reduce the threat of wildfire and also the threats from recreational 
rappelling, which is not allowed on the cliff faces occupied by the 
plant. Due to these nonimminent threats of a high magnitude, we retain 
a listing priority number of 5 for this species.
    Eriogonum codium (Umtanum Desert buckwheat)--The following summary 
is based on information from our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This is a long-lived woody 
perennial plant in the Polygonaceae (buckwheat) family that forms low 
mats. Individual plants may exceed 100 years of age. The only known 
population of the species occurs exclusively on exposed basalt from the 
Lolo Flow of the Wanapum Basalt Formation in Benton County, Washington. 
The population has a discontinuous distribution along a narrow, 1.0 mi 
(1.6 km) long mountain ridge top. It is unknown if the historical 
distribution of Umtanum desert buckwheat was different from the 
species' current distribution. There are a number of ongoing threats to 
Umtanum desert buckwheat. The species is not well adapted to fire, and 
negative impacts to the species from past fires have been significant. 
In addition, Umtanum desert buckwheat plants are easily damaged by 
trampling or crushing by off-road vehicles. Digging activities and soil 
disturbance as a result of prospecting and collecting of petrified rock 
may also threaten Umtanum desert buckwheat as a result of. Finally, the 
species appears to have a very low reproductive rate. The factors 
responsible for the lower-than-expected number of seedlings in the 
population are unknown. Possible factors include low seed production, 
low seed or pollen viability, low seedling vigor and survival, impacts 
to plant pollinators or dispersal mechanisms, and insect predation of 
seeds. The only known population of Umtanum desert buckwheat is small 
and limited to a single site. Based on the available information, we 
continue to consider the magnitude of threat to Umtanum desert 
buckwheat to be high, and the identified threats to be imminent. We 
retain a listing priority of 2 for Umtanum desert buckwheat.
    Eriogonum kelloggii (Red Mountain buckwheat)--The following summary 
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Red Mountain 
buckwheat is a perennial herb that is endemic to serpentine habitat of 
lower montane forests found between 1,900 and 4,100 feet. Its 
distribution is limited to the Red Mountain and Little Red Mountain 
areas of Mendocino County, California, where it occupies 50 acres and 
900 square feet, respectively. Occupied habitat at Red Mountain is 
scattered over 4 square miles. Total population size is estimated at 
between 20,000 and 30,000 plants, which occur in 44 polygons. Intensive 
monitoring of permanent plots on three study sites in Red Mountain 
suggests considerable annual variation in plant density and 
reproduction, but no discernable population trend was evident in two of 
three study sites. One study site showed a 65 percent decline in plant 
density over 11 years. The primary threat to the species is the 
potential for mining; the species distribution overlaps a number of 
mining claims, none of which are currently active. Surface mining, 
which would destroy all habitat suitability in affected areas, would be 
used to extract chromium and nickel. The species distribution by 
ownership is described as follows: Federal (Bureau of Land Management), 
69 percent; State of California, 1 percent; and private, 30 percent. 
Given the continued high magnitude but nonimminent threats to the 
small, scattered populations, we retain a listing priority number of 5 
for this species.
    Festuca hawaiiensis (no common name)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Festuca ligulata (Guadalupe fescue)--The following summary is based 
on information from our files and in the petition received in 1975. 
Guadalupe fescue occurs in Big Bend National Park, Texas, along a trail 
near Boot Springs. One of the two Mexican populations previously known 
was verified to persist in 2004. The single known U.S. population is 
bisected by a trail and subject to occasional trampling by horses and 
hikers. New trails are planned that may affect this species, but plans 
have not been finalized. The effect of fire on the species is 
uncertain. The magnitude of these threats to Guadalupe fescue continue 
to be moderate to low and nonimminent because Big Bend National Park is 
committed to species management through a conservation agreement to 
reduce threats which is yet to be fully implemented. Based on these 
threats imposed on the species, we retain a listing priority number of 
11.
    Gardenia remyi (Nanu)--See above in ``Summary of Listing Priority 
Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information 
contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition 
received on May 11, 2004.
    Geranium hanaense (Nohoanu)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Geranium hillebrandii (Nohoanu)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Geranium hillebrandii is a 
decumbent subshrub found in bogs on Maui, Hawaii. Previously known from 
two populations totaling approximately 500 individuals, it is currently 
known from over 2,000 individuals, the result of more thorough surveys. 
This species is moderately threatened by pigs that degrade and destroy 
habitat, and by nonnative plants that outcompete and displace it. 
Because the threats continue to be of a moderate magnitude and are 
considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 8 for this 
species.
    Geranium kauaiense (Nohoanu)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Geranium kauaiense is a 
decumbent subshrub found in bogs and bog margins on Kauai, Hawaii. This 
species is known from three populations totaling 100 to 200 individuals 
in the Alakai Swamp area. This species is highly threatened by pigs 
that eat this plant and degrade and destroy habitat, and by nonnative 
plants that outcompete and displace it. Because the threats continue to 
be of a high magnitude and are considered imminent, we retain a listing 
priority number of 2 for this species.
    Gonocalyx concolor (no common name)--The following summary is based 
on information from our files. No new information was provided in the 
petition received on May 11, 2004. Gonocalyx concolor is a small 
evergreen epiphytic shrub found within the dwarf or elfin forest type 
in the Carite Commonwealth Forest in the municipalities of Guayama, 
Cayey, Caguas, San Lorenzo, and Patillas of southeastern Puerto Rico. 
The population previously reported from the Luquillo Mountains is 
apparently no longer extant. The construction of roads and 
telecommunication towers, certain forest management practices, lower 
number of specific pollinators, significant natural disturbance events, 
and its limited distribution and population numbers threaten this 
species. Although the magnitude of

[[Page 24916]]

these threats continues to be high, they are not imminent because the 
known populations are found within protected lands, and initial efforts 
at propagation have been successful. Therefore, we retain a listing 
priority of 5 for this species.
    Hazardia orcuttii (Orcutt's hazardia)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files and the petition received on March 
8, 2001.
    Hedyotis fluviatilis (Kamapuaa)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Helianthus verticillatus (Whorled sunflower)--The following 
information is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The 
whorled sunflower is found in moist, prairie-like openings in woodlands 
and along adjacent creeks. Despite extensive surveys throughout its 
range, only six sites are known for this species. There are two sites 
documented for Cherokee County, Alabama; three in Floyd County, 
Georgia; and a single site in Madison County, Tennessee. This species 
appears to have restricted ecological requirements and is dependent 
upon the maintenance of prairie-like openings for its survival. Active 
management of habitat is needed to keep competition and shading under 
control. Much of its habitat has been degraded or destroyed for 
agricultural, silvicultural, and residential purposes. The largest 
population is in Georgia and is under a conservation easement of 600 
acres to The Nature Conservancy. We continue to assign a listing 
priority number of 11 to this species as the magnitude of threats is 
considered ``moderate'' since the largest site is under permanent 
protection and the threats are considered ``nonimminent'' since the 
whorled sunflower appears to withstand some disturbance and there are 
no known immediate threats to the sites.
    Hibiscus dasycalyx (Neches River rose-mallow)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Neches River 
rose-mallow is a perennial woody herb growing 3-7 feet tall with one or 
more stems per clump and white flowers 3-6 inches wide, consisting of 
five 2-4-inch-long white petals with deep red or purple at the base. 
The Neches River rose-mallow appears to be restricted to wetlands, or 
those portions of wetlands that are exposed to open sun and normally 
hold standing water early in the growing season, with water levels 
dropping during late summer and fall. This species appears to have 
community dominance within that narrow band between high and low water 
levels in wetlands exposed to open sun. However, historical habitat has 
been affected by drainage or filling of floodplain depressions and 
oxbows, stream channelization, road construction, timber harvesting, 
agricultural activities (primarily mowing and grazing), and herbicide 
use. Threats that continue to potentially affect the species' habitat 
include wetland alteration, herbicide use, grazing, and mowing during 
the species' growing and flowering period.
    A 1995 status survey of 10 counties resulted in confirmation or 
discovery of the species in only three sites, but in three separate 
counties and three different watersheds, suggesting a relatively wide 
historical range. These three populations are within highway rights-of-
way (ROW) (Ponta site in Cherokee County; Lovelady in Houston County; 
and Highway 94 in Trinity County) and are monitored by the Texas Parks 
and Wildlife Department and are somewhat protected by a management 
agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation. Because these 
sites are still vulnerable to adjacent agricultural activities such as 
herbicide spraying, they support relatively low population numbers: 
Ponta (Highway 204) has ranged from 1 to 5 plants; Lovelady (Highway 
230), 3-14 plants; and Highway 94, 15-49 plants. Continued surveys for 
H. dasycalyx have resulted in identifying several new populations. 
About 300 plants were found on land owned by the Temple-Inland 
Corporation in east Trinity County. A Candidate Conservation Agreement 
now covers this site, but smaller numbers have been seen in recent 
years, possibly due to changes in the wetland's hydrology. Another site 
was discovered on land owned by the Champion International Corporation 
(near White Rock Creek in west Trinity County). A Candidate 
Conservation Agreement was also established for this site, which 
generally supported 300-400 plants. However, the status of this 
population is currently unknown due to a recent change in ownership.
    In west Houston County, a population of 300-400 plants discovered 
on private land has been purchased by the Natural Area Preservation 
Association, a land trust organization, in order to protect this land 
in perpetuity. In east Houston County, a population was recently 
discovered in Compartment 55 in Davy Crockett National Forest (DCNF) at 
the south end of Forest Road 503. This population is large, but has not 
yet been fully tallied. DCNF represents the only public land within the 
range of the rose-mallow. In 2000, nearly 800 plants were introduced 
into Compartments 16 and 20 of the forest as part of a reintroduction 
effort. One population has retained high numbers, but the second has 
been impacted by a change in hydrology. A small dam may be installed to 
restore original wetland conditions. Three more sites in DCNF have been 
identified as potential sites for reintroduction efforts.
    Some populations of this species are at risk of genetic swamping by 
other Hibiscus species. Hybridization has occurred at both the Ponta 
and Highway 94 sites. Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) is 
carrying out a genetic analysis of H. dasycalyx and similar species to 
better define morphological characteristics. SFASU is also carrying out 
a habitat study of H. dasycalyx and developing plants for 
reintroduction purposes. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are nonimminent, we retain a listing priority number of 5 
for the Neches River rose-mallow.
    Indigofera mucronata keyensis (Florida indigo)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Ivesia webberi (Webber ivesia)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Ivesia webberi is a low, 
spreading, perennial herb that occurs very infrequently in Lassen, 
Plumas, and Sierra Counties in California, and in Douglas and Washoe 
Counties, Nevada. The species is restricted to sites with sparse 
vegetation and shallow, rocky soils composed of volcanic ash or derived 
from andesitic rock. Occupied sites generally occur on mid-elevation 
flats, benches, or terraces on mountain slopes above large valleys 
along the transition zone between the eastern edge of the northern 
Sierra Nevada and the northwestern edge of the Great Basin Desert. 
Currently, the global population is estimated at approximately 4.8 
million individuals at 15 known sites. The Nevada sites support nearly 
98 percent of the total number of individuals (4.7 million) on about 30 
acres of occupied habitat. The California sites are larger in area, 
totaling about

[[Page 24917]]

156 acres, but support fewer individuals (approximately 115,000).
    The primary threats to Webber ivesia include urban development, 
authorized and unauthorized roads, off-road vehicle activities and 
other dispersed recreation, livestock grazing and trampling, fire and 
fire suppression activities including fuels reduction and prescribed 
fires, and displacement by noxious weeds. Despite the high numbers of 
individuals, observations in 2002 and 2004 confirmed that direct and 
indirect impacts to the species and its habitat, specifically from 
urban development and off-highway vehicle activity, remain high and are 
likely to increase. However, the U.S. Forest Service has committed to 
develop a conservation strategy and monitoring program to protect this 
species on National Forest lands, and the State of Nevada has recently 
listed the species as critically endangered, which provides a mechanism 
to track future impacts on private lands. In addition, both the Forest 
Service and State of Nevada have agreed to coordinate closely on all 
activities that may affect this species. For these reasons, we have 
determined that the threats to Webber ivesia continue to be of a high 
magnitude and nonimminent and are maintaining the listing priority 
number of 5.
    Joinvillea ascendens ssp. ascendens (Ohe)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Ohe is an erect herb 
found in wet Metrosideros polymorpha forest on the islands of Kauai, 
Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, Hawaii. Joinvillea ascendens ssp. 
ascendens is known from 50 to 100 populations totaling 100 to 200 
individuals throughout its range. Plants are typically found as only 
one or two individuals, with miles between populations. This subspecies 
is the only representative of this monotypic species in Hawaii. This 
subspecies is highly threatened by pigs that degrade and destroy 
habitat, by an unknown fungus, and by nonnative plants that outcompete 
and displace it. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude 
and are considered imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 3 
for this subspecies.
    Keysseria erici (no common name)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates and Other Taxonomic Changes in 
Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information contained in 
our files. No new information was provided in the petition received on 
May 11, 2004.
    Keysseria helenae (no common name)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates and Other Taxonomic Changes in 
Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information contained in 
our files. No new information was provided in the petition received on 
May 11, 2004.
    Korthalsella degeneri (Hulumoa)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Labordia helleri (Kamakahala)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Labordia pumila (Kamakahala)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Leavenworthia crassa (Gladecress)--The following information is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This species of 
gladecress is a component of glade flora, occurring in association with 
limestone outcroppings. Leavenworthia crassa is endemic to a 13-mile 
radius area in north central Alabama in Lawrence and Morgan Counties, 
Alabama, where only six populations of this species are documented. 
Glade habitats today have been reduced to remnants fragmented by 
agriculture and development. Populations of this species are now 
located in glade-like areas exhibiting various degrees of disturbance 
including pastureland, roadside rights-of-way, and cultivated or plowed 
fields. The most vigorous populations of this species are located in 
areas which receive full or near full sunlight with limited herbaceous 
competition. The magnitude of threat continues to be high for this 
species particularly with the limited number of populations, and the 
immediacy of threat is nonimminent since there are no known projects 
planned that would destroy any sites and the species is able to 
withstand some disturbance. Thus, we retain a listing priority number 
of 5 for this species.
    Leavenworthia texana (Texas golden gladecress)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. The Texas golden 
gladecress is a small annual member of the mustard family, with deep, 
yellow petals only 7-10 mm long; flowering is February through March. 
The gladecress occurs only on the Weches outcrops of east Texas in San 
Augustine County and, historically, Sabine County. The Weches geologic 
formation consists of a layer of calcareous sediment, lying above a 
layer of glauconite clay deposited up to 50 million years ago. Erosion 
of this fossil-rich complex has produced a rugged topography of steep, 
flat-topped hills and escarpments along Highway 21 through north San 
Augustine County and west Sabine County. It has also created the unique 
ecology of Weches glades: islands of thin, loamy, seepy, alkaline soils 
that support open-sun, herbaceous, and highly diverse and specialized 
plant communities.
    More than 100 species representing at least 39 plant families, 
including the federally endangered white bladderpod (Lesquerella 
pallida), have been documented on Weches glades. The gladecress was 
historically recorded at eight sites, all in a narrow line along north 
San Augustine County and west Sabine County, following the Weches 
formation. All sites are on private land. Habitat of the species at two 
of these locations has since been eliminated due to glauconite mining. 
Two more sites are currently closed to visitors and the status of the 
gladecress at these sites is unknown. However, a large, currently 
closed glauconite mine was created just adjacent to these sites 6 years 
ago, and may have altered the area's hydrology. One historic site in 
Sabine County (east of San Augustine County) was rediscovered in 1998 
and found to support over 300 plants. However, this site has since been 
modified by the landowner and may no longer support gladecresses. Only 
two known populations remain in San Augustine County. The Chapel Hill 
site is less than 0.1 ha (less than \1/4\ ac) in size and supports 
population numbers of 67-200. The Kardell site is less than 9 m\2\ 
(less than 100 ft\2\ ) in size and supports 96-490 plants. An 
introduced population in Nacogdoches County has numbered about 270-300 
within an area of about 18 m\2\ (200 ft\2\ ). A ninth site may have 
been discovered in 1995 but has not been confirmed in recent years.
    Historic gladecress habitat has been affected by highway 
construction, residential development, conversion to pasture and 
cropland, widespread use of herbicide, overgrazing, and glauconite 
mining. However, the primary current threat to existing gladecress 
populations is the invasion of nonnative and weedy

[[Page 24918]]

shrubs and vines (primarily Macartney rose (Rosa bracteata) and 
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). All known sites are 
undergoing severe degradation by the incursion of nonnative shrubs and 
vines, which restrict both growth and reproduction of the gladecress. 
Special funding allowed brushclearing to be carried out in 1995 at 
several white bladderpod sites (where gladecress is also located). The 
project resulted in large increases in bladderpod numbers, and also 
resulted in the reappearance of gladecress after a 10-year absence at 
one historic site, and a possible discovery at a second site. However, 
nonnative shrubs have again invaded these areas. More effective control 
measures, such as burning and selective herbicide use, need to be 
tested and monitored.
    The small number of known sites also makes the gladecress 
vulnerable to extreme natural disturbance events. A severe drought in 
1999 and 2000 had a pronounced adverse effect on gladecress 
reproduction. Prelisting efforts for the gladecress include: The 
collection of seeds and placement in three State horticultural labs for 
possible reintroduction efforts, a Cooperative Agreement (now complete) 
with The Nature Conservancy of Texas, and development of a 
``Conservation Area Plan for the San Augustine Glades,'' which 
identifies the size and configuration of conservation units that will 
restore and maintain long-term viability of Weches communities. The 
next step is to secure adequate funding to initiate protection 
measures. Landowners of the Chapel Hill and Kardell sites are aware of 
the gladecress and are maintaining current land-use conditions. Efforts 
to find additional sites, and management of known sites, should be the 
focus for this species. Due to the continuing overall high magnitude 
and immediacy of the threats, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for the Texas golden gladecress.
    Lesquerella globosa (Desvaux) Watson (Short's bladderpod)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files. No 
new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Short's bladderpod occurs in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The 
species is closely associated with outcrops of calcareous rock and is 
found on steep, rocky, wooded slopes and talus areas, and along cliff 
tops and bases and cliff ledges. Historically, there were at least 57 
sites supporting Short's bladderpod. Of these 57 sites, only 33 are 
currently extant. All remaining populations are small and vulnerable to 
extirpation. Populations vary in size from 2 to about 1,500 
individuals; most contain fewer than 50 plants. Road construction and 
road maintenance have played a significant role in the decline of the 
species. These activities continue to pose threats to the continued 
existence of most populations. Impoundments and artificial water level 
manipulation threatened and, in some cases, have destroyed sites 
supporting the species. Many of the Short's bladderpod locations are 
adjacent to rivers and streams, and impoundment and water level 
manipulation still threaten the species. Invasive nonnative vegetation 
is a significant threat at most sites. Most of the sites (91 percent) 
for this species are under private ownership or within the rights-of-
way of State and county roads. Of the other sites, two of the Tennessee 
sites are on lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 
Nashville District. One Tennessee site is on State-owned lands. The 
Indiana site is on land owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. 
The threats faced by these species continue to be significant (i.e., 
high in magnitude); however, it is not anticipated that they will be 
subject to these threats in the immediate future (next 1-2 years). 
Therefore, we retain a listing priority of 5 for this species.
    Lesquerella tuplashensis (White Bluffs bladder-pod)--The following 
summary is based on information from our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. This is a low-
growing, herbaceous, short-lived, perennial plant in the Brassicaceae 
(mustard) family. Specimens of White Bluffs bladder-pod were first 
collected in 1883, although they were not taxonomically identified at 
the time. The same population was rediscovered in 1994 and formally 
described as a distinct species in 1996. Historically and currently, 
White Bluffs bladder-pod has only been known from this single 
population that occurs along the White Bluffs of the Columbia River in 
Franklin County, Washington. The species has a discontinuous 
distribution along a narrow band, approximately 33 feet (10 meters) 
wide by 10.6 miles (17 kilometers) long, at the upper edge of the 
bluffs. The species occurs on cemented, highly alkaline, calcium 
carbonate, paleosol (a ``caliche'' soil). Eighty-five percent of the 
population is on Federal land within the Hanford Reach National 
Monument/Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, which is jointly 
managed by the Service and U.S. Department of Energy. The balance of 
the species' distribution is on adjacent private land. White Bluffs 
bladder-pod is vulnerable to localized impacts because of its extremely 
limited distribution and specific habitat requirements. Water seepage 
from adjacent, up-slope agricultural irrigation causes mass failures 
and landslides throughout the length of the White Bluffs. Approximately 
35 percent of the species' known range has been moderately to severely 
impacted by landslides. All mass-failures occurring along the White 
Bluffs, with one exception, are found in association with water 
seepage. Water, particularly water from irrigated agriculture adjacent 
to the bluffs, is the primary factor triggering the mass-failures. The 
entire population of Lesquerella tuplashensis is down-slope of 
irrigated agricultural land, and is at risk of landslides induced by 
water-seepage. The threat is greater in the southern portion of the 
species distribution where irrigated agriculture is closest, and in 
several locations directly adjacent to, the bluffs. Other threats to 
White Bluffs bladder-pod include direct damage of plants by off-road 
vehicles and recreational activities (e.g., hiking, bicycling, 
wildflower collecting). Based on the available information, the 
magnitude of threats to White Bluffs bladder-pod continue to be high 
while these identified threats are nonimminent. Thus, we retain a 
listing priority of 5 for this species.
    Linum arenicola (Sand flax)--The following summary is based on 
information in our files. No new information was provided in the 
petition received on May 11, 2004. This wiry, yellow-flowered perennial 
herb with linear leaves is found in tropical pinelands on limestone 
rock (pine rockland), marl prairie, and disturbed areas on limestone. 
These habitats are maintained by periodic fires that control shrubs and 
remove leaf litter. Sand flax is currently known from four sites in 
Miami-Dade County, Florida: Camp Owaissa Bauer (owned by Miami-Dade 
County), a private preserve, the Luis Martinez U.S. Army Reserve 
Station Richmond Pine Rocklands (managed by Miami-Dade County), and 
Homestead Bayfront Park (on a limestone canal levee). In Monroe County 
(the Florida Keys), it is present on Big Pine Key (National Key Deer 
Refuge; the Terrestris Preserve, operated by The Nature Conservancy; 
and on private land). It is also present in the Sugarloaf Hammocks of 
Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area on Sugarloaf Key, operated 
by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The total 
population is about 10,000 plants, with 1,000 to 3,000 occurring in 
completely artificial environments. The only population exceeding 1,000 
plants

[[Page 24919]]

is believed to be the one on Big Pine Key. The small sizes of the 
existing populations and ongoing threats from exotic pest plants 
continue to create a serious risk of extinction for this species. 
Therefore, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for the sand flax.
    Linum carteri var. carteri (Carter's small-flowered flax)--The 
following summary is based on information in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. 
Carter's small-flowered flax is found only on the Miami Rock Ridge in 
Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is an erect, annual, or short-lived 
perennial herb, often with several stems roughly 1 foot tall. Fewer 
than 1,000 individuals were estimated to exist as of 1999. About that 
time, a population disappeared from the Deering Estate at Cutler, a 
county-managed conservation tract. Carter's small-flowered flax is 
currently known from three occurrences on conservation lands and 
perhaps six other locations. It is protected at three conservation 
areas owned by Miami-Dade County: Camp Owaissa Bauer, R. Hardy Matheson 
Preserve, and Rockdale Pineland. It is present at the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture's Subtropical Horticulture Research Station (Chapman 
Field). It was reported from Homestead Air Reserve Base, but we do not 
have recent confirmation that it is still present there. It is also 
present at three privately owned locations. Residential and commercial 
development and agriculture have substantially reduced the habitat for 
this plant, which now exists in such small numbers that it is highly 
vulnerable. Based on imminent threats that continue to be of a high 
magnitude, we retain a listing priority number of 3 for Carter's small-
flowered flax.
    Lysimachia daphnoides (Lehua makanoe)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Melicope christophersenii (Alani)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Melicope degeneri (Alani)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Melicope degeneri is a small, 
long-lived perennial shrub found in mesic to wet forest on Kauai, 
Hawaii. Melicope degeneri was thought to be extinct, having only been 
collected from the type location along Kokee Stream on the island of 
Kauai. Ten individuals of this species were rediscovered in Hanakoa 
Valley in 1993, at a site 4 mi (6 km) from the type location, one 
individual in Koaie Canyon, and one individual at Pohakuao. Since then, 
three additional plants were found in Hanakoa Valley, bringing the 
total number of individuals to 15. This species is threatened by feral 
goats, nonnative plants, the black twig borer, reduced reproductive 
vigor, and extinction due to naturally occurring random events. Because 
the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are imminent, we 
retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Melicope hiiakae (Alani)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Melicope hiiakae is a small tree 
found in mesic to wet forest and shrubland on Oahu, Hawaii. Currently, 
M. hiiakae is known from four or five populations of about 20 
individuals in the Koolau Mountains. This species is threatened by 
feral pigs that eat this plant and degrade and or destroy its habitat, 
nonnative plants that outcompete it, and the black twig borer that 
potentially preys upon it. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Melicope makahae (Alani)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Melicope makahae is a shrub or 
shrubby tree found in mesic forest on Oahu, Hawaii. Melicope makahae 
was historically found throughout the central Waianae Mountains. 
Currently M. makahae is known from three populations on three discrete 
ridges, totaling approximately 200 individuals. This species is 
threatened by goats that eat this plant and degrade and/or destroy 
habitat, nonnative plants that outcompete it, and the black twig borer 
that potentially preys upon it. Because the threats continue to be of a 
high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 
2.
    Melicope paniculata (Alani)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Melicope paniculata is a small 
tree found in wet forest dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha on Kauai, 
Hawaii. Historically known from four scattered populations within 
central Kauai, M. paniculata is currently known from four populations 
totaling 110 individuals. This species is threatened by feral pigs that 
eat this plant and degrade and/or destroy habitat, nonnative plants 
that outcompete it, and the black twig borer that potentially preys 
upon it. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are 
imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Melicope puberula (Alani)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Myrsine fosbergii (Kolea)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Myrsine mezii (Kolea)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Myrsine mezii is a small many-
branched tree found in mesic forest on Kauai, Hawaii. This recently 
rediscovered species is known from two populations of only five 
individuals in Koaie Canyon. This species is threatened by feral pigs 
that eat this plant and degrade and/or destroy habitat, reduced 
reproductive vigor, and by extinction due to naturally occurring events 
(e.g. hurricanes and landslides). Because the threats continue to be of 
a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number 
of 2 for this species.
    Myrsine vaccinioides (Kolea)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Narthecium americanum (Bog asphodel)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Bog asphodel is a perennial herb 
that is found in savannah areas, usually with water moving through the 
substrate, as well as in sandy bogs along streams and rivers. The 
historic range of bog asphodel included New York, New Jersey, Delaware, 
North Carolina, and South Carolina, but is now only found within the 
Pine Barrens region of New Jersey.
    As an obligate wetland species, N. americanum is threatened by 
changes in hydrology, loss of habitat due to filling

[[Page 24920]]

or draining of wetlands, flooding as a result of reservoir 
construction, and conversion of natural wetlands to commercial 
cranberry bogs. This species occurs in the Pine Barrens region, and the 
Pinelands Commission issues the State-assumed Clean Water Act Section 
404 permits. The Pinelands Commission grants wetland exemptions to 
cranberry production and other agricultural uses. Illegal wetland 
filling is occurring. For example, a cranberry expansion was illegally 
completed without a State permit. In addition, activities not needing 
State or federal permits are occurring in uplands that are indirectly 
affecting the wetlands. Natural succession of vegetation in wetlands 
supporting bog asphodel from emergent (herbaceous) to forested wetlands 
may also be contributing to the species' decline. Suppression of 
natural wildfires that would retard succession or create open wetland 
savannahs may be a factor in the decline of the species.
    Other factors adversely affecting N. americanum include trampling, 
erosion, and siltation caused by recreationists on foot or using off-
road vehicles. Approximately 70 percent of known extant populations 
occur on State-owned lands. We are working with the New Jersey 
Department of Environmental Protection to abate known moderate threats 
at these sites from recreational use and erosion. Approximately 30 
percent of the known extant sites are on privately owned lands, many of 
which are threatened by habitat degradation from on-site or adjacent 
residential or commercial development. Overall, based on these 
imminent, moderate threats, we retain a listing priority number of 8 
for this species.
    Nothocestrum latifolium (Aiea)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Ochrosia haleakalae (Holei)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Holei is a tree found often on 
lava in dry-to-mesic forest on the islands of Hawaii and Maui, Hawaii. 
This species is currently known from three populations totaling 150 to 
250 individuals on east Maui and the island of Hawaii. This species is 
threatened by feral pigs, goats, and cattle that eat this plant and 
degrade and/or destroy habitat, nonnative plants that outcompete it, 
and fire. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and 
are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Paronychia congesta (Bushy whitlow-wort)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Bushy whitlow-wort is endemic to 
Jim Hogg County, Texas. The species is known from only two population 
sites, which occur within 2 miles of each other, and within the 
drainage of two tributaries of the Arroyo Grande. The bushy whitlow-
wort was historically known only from the type locality where 2,000 
individual plants were documented. In 1987, a second small population 
of 100 individuals was found 2 miles north-northeast of the type 
locality. The limited available data suggest that the current range and 
distribution of the species has not changed from the historical 
information described above. The two known populations occur on small 
areas that cover approximately 5 and 15 acres; whether populations have 
expanded or contracted is unknown.
    Threats include destruction, modification, and fragmentation of 
habitat, as well as eradication of individual plants. Destruction of 
habitat due to the conversion of rangeland to residential development 
is considered not imminent, nor of high magnitude since this part of 
southern Texas is not undergoing rapid residential or industrial 
development. The alteration of whitlow-wort habitat by brush clearing 
and replanting to nonnative forage grasses may be declining, as this 
type of land conversion has fallen out of favor across many parts of 
the Rio Grande Plains as wildlife-related income has gained importance 
in the regional economy. Currently, the bushy whitlow-wort is primarily 
threatened by the displacement or destruction of individual plants by 
construction activities associated with highways, pipeline 
installation, oil and gas exploration, and well-pad construction. 
Right-of-way maintenance activities may also have negative effects on 
the species, and both bushy whitlow-wort populations are dissected by 
rights-of-way. At this time, we do not know the status of oil and gas 
exploration and production activities in this area, nor do we have 
information on right-of-way maintenance. With regard to highway 
construction and maintenance, the closest highway is a Farm/Ranch road 
that has not been expanded or rebuilt recently.
    The lack of imminent threats to this plant from habitat conversion 
is born out by observations that land use has not changed in this area 
in the past 10 years. No imminent threats have been identified for this 
species. All habitats are located on private land, which continues to 
be used for ranching. We do not have any information to indicate that a 
high level of disturbance has occurred as a result of these activities; 
however, access to the property has been discouraged. Thus, based on 
nonimminent threats that continue to be of a moderate-to-low magnitude, 
we retain a listing priority number for this species is 11.
    Pediocactus peeblesianus var. fickeiseniae (Fickeisen plains 
cactus)--The following summary is based on information from our files. 
No new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 
2004. The Fickeisen plains cactus is a small cactus known from the Gray 
Mountain vicinity to the Arizona Strip in Coconino and Mohave Counties, 
Arizona. The cactus grows on exposed layers of Kaibab limestone on 
canyon margins and well-drained hills in Navajoan desert or grasslands. 
In 1998, the Arizona Game and Fish Department noted 23 element 
occurrences for the species, including historical ones. Specific 
population sizes are unavailable, because demographic monitoring does 
not include individual plant counts and the species tends to shrink 
into the ground during times of drought, making accurate counts 
difficult. The major potential human-induced threats to this cactus are 
damage by off-road vehicles and trampling associated with livestock 
grazing. While this cactus is protected from collection by the Arizona 
Native Plant Law, illegal collection is also a threat for species in 
the genus Pediocactus. Because of the continuing high magnitude of 
nonimminent threats, we retain a listing priority number of 6.
    Penstemon debilis (Parachute beardtongue)--See above in ``Summary 
of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Penstemon grahamii (Graham beardtongue)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files and the petition received 
on October 8, 2002. Penstemon grahamii is restricted to calcareous 
soils derived from oil shale barrens of the Green River Formation in 
the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah and adjacent Colorado. The species 
population is estimated at about 7,000 individuals with 36 known 
occurrences. Most of the occupied habitat of P. grahamii is within 
developed and expanding oil

[[Page 24921]]

and gas fields with several wells and access roads within the species' 
occupied habitat. The location of P. grahamii habitat exposes it to 
possibility of habitat destruction from off-road vehicle use, as well 
as road, pipeline, and well-site construction in connection with oil 
and gas development. Collection of plants and seeds is a significant 
threat due to the actions of rock-garden enthusiasts to obtain this 
very attractive plant. The species is heavily grazed by wildlife 
(rodents, rabbits, and possibly deer) and by livestock (primarily 
sheep). Livestock trampling is affecting some populations. The threats 
associated with oil and gas development within the habitat of P. 
grahamii are imminent in light of the increased seismic survey and 
petroleum leasing. Therefore, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species because the threats continue to be of high magnitude, 
and are imminent.
    Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis (White River beardtongue)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files and 
the petition received on October 27, 1983. The White River beardtongue 
is restricted to calcareous soils derived from oil shale barrens of the 
Green River Formation in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah and 
adjacent Colorado. There are three known populations. Most of the 
occupied habitat of the White River beardtongue is within developed and 
expanding oil and gas fields. The location of the species' habitat 
exposes it to destruction from ORV use, and road, pipeline, and well-
site construction in connection with oil and gas development. With such 
a small population and limited occupied habitat, any substantial 
destruction, modification, or curtailment of the habitat could have a 
highly negative impact on the species. Additionally, the species is 
heavily grazed by wildlife and livestock and is vulnerable to livestock 
trampling. Based on current information, we are retaining the listing 
priority number of 6.
    Peperomia subpetiolata (Ala ala wai nui)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Ala ala wai nui is a 
short-lived perennial herb found in mesic forest on Maui, Hawaii. This 
species is known from a few scattered and declining populations on 
windward east Maui, totaling 100 individuals. Further study of the 
population indicates that the 100 individuals may actually represent 
clones of only 6 genetically distinct individuals. This species is 
threatened by feral pigs that eat this plant and degrade and/or destroy 
habitat, and by nonnative plants. Because the threats continue to be of 
a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number 
of 2 for this species.
    Phacelia submutica (DeBeque phacelia)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Phyllostegia bracteata (no common name)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Phyllostegia 
bracteata is a scandent (climbing) perennial herb. Apparently rare and 
endemic to the island of Maui, P. bracteata is known from three 
populations totaling no more than 100 individuals in wet forest habitat 
of east Maui. This species is threatened by feral pigs that eat this 
plant and degrade and/or destroy habitat, nonnative plants that compete 
for light and nutrients, and reduced reproductive vigor and extinction 
from naturally occurring events due to small population sizes. Because 
the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are imminent, we 
retain a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Phyllostegia floribunda (no common name)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Phyllostegia hispida (no common name)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Phyllostegia hispida 
is a loosely spreading many-branched vine found in wet forest on 
Molokai, Hawaii. The historic range of this species was eastern 
Molokai. Currently, P. hispida is known from only two plants, one in 
The Nature Conservancy's Kamakou Preserve and one in Puu Alii Natural 
Area Reserve. This species is threatened by feral pigs that eat this 
plant and degrade and/or destroy habitat, erosion, reduced reproductive 
vigor, and extinction due to naturally occurring events. Because the 
threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain 
a listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Pittosporum napaliense (Hoawa)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Platanthera integrilabia (Correll) Leur (White fringeless orchid)--
The following summary is based on information contained in our files. 
No new information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 
2004. White fringeless orchid occurs in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, 
South Carolina, and Tennessee. Historically, it also occurred in 
Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia. It grows in wet, 
boggy areas at the head of streams and on seepage slopes. It is often 
associated with Sphagnum in partially, but not fully, shaded areas. 
Historically, there were at least 90 populations of white fringeless 
orchid. Currently there are only 53 extant sites supporting the 
species. Threats to the species include habitat modification activities 
such as road construction, all-terrain vehicles, residential and 
commercial construction, and soil and site hydrology altering projects 
that reduce site suitability for the species. Timber management is not 
necessarily incompatible with the protection and management of white 
fringeless orchid. However, care must be taken during timber management 
to ensure that the hydrology of the bogs that support the species is 
not altered, that any heavy equipment used is kept out of the species' 
habitat, and that the vegetation is managed in a manner that maintains 
suitable light and moisture conditions. Collecting for commercial and 
other purposes, herbivory, and disease all threatened this species. 
Invasive nonnative plants threaten several sites. The threats faced by 
this species are significant; however, it is not anticipated that it be 
subject to these threats in the immediate future (next 1-2 years). 
Therefore we retain a listing priority of 5 for this species.
    Platydesma cornuta var. cornuta (no common name)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Platydesma cornuta var. decurrens (no common name)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above 
summary is based on information contained in our files. No new 
information was provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Platydesma remyi (no common name)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11,

[[Page 24922]]

2004. Platydesma remyi is a shrub or shrubby tree found scattered in 
wet, low statured forest on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. This species 
is known from two populations (one each in the Kohala Mountains and 
Hamakua) totaling less than 100 individuals. This species is threatened 
by feral pigs and cattle, nonnative plants, and reduced reproductive 
vigor and extinction from naturally occurring events due to small 
population sizes. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Platydesma rostrata (Pilo kea lau lii)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Pleomele forbesii (Hala pepe)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Potentilla basaltica (Soldier Meadow cinquefoil or basalt 
cinquefoil)--The following summary is based on information contained in 
our files. No new information was provided in the petition received on 
May 11, 2004. Soldier Meadow cinquefoil is a low-growing, rhizomatous, 
herbaceous perennial that is associated with alkali meadows, seeps, and 
occasionally marsh habitats bordering perennial thermal springs, 
outflows, and meadow depressions. In Humboldt County, Nevada, the 
species is known only from Soldier Meadow, which is located at the 
northern extreme of the western arm of the Black Rock Desert in the 
transition zone between the Basin and Range Physiographic Province and 
the Columbia Plateau Province. In northeastern California, the species 
is known from Ash Valley near Ash Creek in Lassen County. In Nevada, 
Soldier Meadow cinquefoil has been documented from 10 discrete 
occurrences within an area of about 70 acres that supports about 
130,000 individuals. On private lands, the population occupies less 
than an acre and supports fewer than 1,000 plants. The species and its 
habitat are threatened by increasing recreational use in the areas 
where the species occurs, livestock grazing, and activities associated 
with the use of authorized and unauthorized roads. Despite the 
relatively high number of individuals observed and the apparently 
stable population trend, concern over increasing and intense 
recreational use has prompted the Service to maintain the magnitude of 
threats to the species as high. However, the threats to Soldier Meadow 
cinquefoil from various land uses are currently considered nonimminent 
because of the commitments to conservation made by the BLM through 
implementation of a regional resource management plan. Based on this 
information, we are maintaining a listing priority number of 5.
    Pritchardia hardyi (Loulu)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Pseudognaphalium (Gnaphalium) sandwicensium var. molokaiense 
(Enaena)--See above in ``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in 
Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information contained in 
our files. No new information was provided in the petition received on 
May 11, 2004.
    Psychotria grandiflora (Kopiko)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Psychotria grandiflora is a 
small tree or shrub found in mesic to sometimes wet forest on Kauai, 
Hawaii. This species is found only in the Kokee area on the island of 
Kauai. The historic range of this species was throughout Kauai's mesic 
and wet forests. While there are no historic records of numbers of 
populations or individuals, qualitative accounts indicate that the 
species was relatively widespread and abundant. Mesic and wet forest 
habitats have been significantly degraded by human activities and 
natural events. Recent surveys show that the species is now limited to 
four populations, totaling 18 individuals. This species is highly 
threatened by feral pigs and goats that eat this plant and degrade and/
or destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that compete for light and 
nutrients. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and 
are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Psychotria hexandra var. oahuensis (Kopiko)--The following summary 
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Psychotria hexandra 
var. oahuensis is a tree or shrub found in mesic and wet forests on 
Oahu, Hawaii. This subspecies is known from three populations of eight 
individuals of the variety oahuensis. The other varieties of this 
subspecies, hoskana and rockii, are extinct. The historic range of this 
subspecies was throughout the mesic and wet forests on the island of 
Oahu. While there are no historic records of numbers of populations or 
individuals, mesic and wet forests were once abundant on Oahu and it is 
assumed that the subspecies was relatively widespread. This species is 
now restricted to the Koolau Mountains. This species is threatened by 
feral pigs that eat it and degrade and/or destroy habitat, and by 
nonnative plants that compete for light and nutrients. Because the 
threats continue to be of a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain 
a listing priority number of 3 for this plant variety.
    Psychotria hobdyi (Kopiko)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Psychotria hobdyi is a tree 
found in mesic forest habitat on Kauai, Hawaii. This species is known 
from three populations totaling approximately 85 individuals. This 
species is threatened by feral goats that eat this plant and degrade 
and/or destroy habitat, nonnative plants that compete for light and 
nutrients, reduced reproductive vigor, and stochastic extinction due to 
naturally occurring events. Because the threats continue to be of a 
high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 
2 for this species.
    Pteralyxia macrocarpa (Kaulu)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Ranunculus hawaiensis (Makou)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Ranunculus mauiensis (Makou)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Ranunculus mauiensis is an erect 
to weakly ascending perennial herb found in open sites in mesic-to-wet 
forest and along streams on Maui and Kauai, Hawaii. Ranunculus 
mauiensis was historically known from the islands of Hawaii, Maui, 
Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. It is currently known from less than 30 
individuals on Maui and 30 individuals on Kauai. This species is 
threatened by feral pigs and slugs that eat this plant and degrade and/
or

[[Page 24923]]

destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that compete for light and 
nutrients. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and 
are ongoing and therefore imminent, we retain a listing priority number 
of 2.
    Rorippa subumbellata (Tahoe yellow cress)--see resubmitted petition 
finding published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2004 (69 FR 
77167).
    Schiedea attenuata (no common name)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Schiedea attenuata is an 
erect, sparingly branched shrub found on cliffs in diverse mesic forest 
habitat on Kauai, Hawaii. This recently discovered species is known 
from one population of less than 20 individuals on the cliffs of 
Kalalau Valley. This species is threatened by feral goats that eat this 
plant and degrade and/or destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that 
compete for light and nutrients. Because the threats continue to be of 
a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number 
of 2 for this species.
    Schiedea pubescens (Maolioli)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Maolioli is a reclining or 
weakly climbing vine found in diverse mesic-to-wet forest on Maui and 
Molokai, Hawaii. Schiedea pubescens was historically found scattered in 
mesic-to-wet forest habitat on the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. 
Currently, this species, which is declining, is known from 6 
populations totaling approximately 100 individuals on Maui and Molokai. 
This species is threatened by feral goats that eat this plant and 
degrade and/or destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that compete 
for light and nutrients. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Schiedea salicaria (no common name)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Schiedea salicaria is an 
erect subshrub or shrub found on ridges and steep slopes in dry 
shrubland on Maui, Hawaii. While there are no historic records of 
numbers of populations or individuals, qualitative accounts indicate 
that this species was not uncommon on west Maui. Currently, this 
species is declining throughout its range, and it is known from several 
populations totaling 100 to 300 individuals, typically of 25 
individuals per population. This species is threatened by cattle that 
eat this plant and degrade and/or destroy habitat, fire, and nonnative 
plants that compete for light and nutrients. Because the threats 
continue to be of a high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a 
listing priority number of 2 for this species.
    Sedum eastwoodiae (Red Mountain stonecrop)--The following summary 
is based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Red Mountain 
stonecrop is a perennial succulent which occupies relatively barren, 
rocky openings and cliffs in lower montane coniferous forests which 
occur between 1,900 and 4,000 feet. Its distribution is limited to Red 
Mountain, Mendocino County, California, where it occupies 30 ac 
scattered over 4 mi2. Total population size is estimated as 
5,300 to 23,000 plants, which occur in 27 polygons. Intensive 
monitoring suggests considerable annual variation in plant seedling 
success and inflorescence production; stonecrop density varied from 
year to year. The primary threat to the species is the potential for 
mining; the species distribution overlaps a number of mining claims, 
none of which are currently active. Surface mining, which would destroy 
all habitat suitability in affected areas, would be used to extract 
chromium and nickel. The species distribution by ownership is described 
as follows: Federal (Bureau of Land Management), 95 percent; and 
private, 5 percent. Given the magnitude (high) and immediacy 
(nonimminent) of the threat to the small, scattered populations, and 
its taxonomy (species), we retain a listing priority number of 5 for 
this species.
    Sicyos macrophyllus (Anunu)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. parishii (Parish's checkerbloom)--The 
following summary is based on information contained in our files and 
the petition received in 1975. Parish's checkerbloom is known from San 
Bernardino, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties in southern 
California. Two populations occur in San Bernardino County. No more 
than a dozen plants have been found in one of these populations in the 
last decade. Populations of this plant have been reduced by habitat 
loss from road construction, expansion of recreational and 
communication facilities; trampling from recreational activities; and 
grazing impacts from cattle and wildlife. Fire suppression and 
alteration of natural fire regimes are also a potential threat to this 
plant. The first location is within a 2-hour drive of 14 million people 
and is popular with recreationalists. Recreational use and development 
in San Bernardino National Forest and adjacent private inholdings 
continues in a manner that is likely to preclude the opportunity to 
preserve existing plants and conduct prescribed burns to promote the 
persistence of this species. The second population of 4 individuals was 
recently discovered on the north slope of the San Bernardino Mountains 
the year following a fire. This location is a notably drier location 
than any of the others found to date and expands the model of what 
constitutes suitable habitat for the species. The populations in Santa 
Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are more remote from developed 
recreational areas. In these locations, opportunities still exist to 
conduct prescribed burns in a manner that would promote the persistence 
of this species. Because this portion of the species' range is exposed 
to less severe threats, we conclude that the magnitude of threat to the 
species as a whole is moderate to low. Although we believe the threat 
to this species is higher in the southernmost portion of its range, the 
discovery of another population there and the potential broadening of 
what might be considered suitable habitat has slightly reduced the 
overall threat of extinction of the species. Additionally, we have new 
information indicating the threat situation of Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. 
parishii has improved in previous years. However, we have not yet 
completed our analysis of the current plant information, and 
consequently have not made a determination as to whether candidate 
status is still warranted in light of this new information. We expect 
to complete the analysis of the data within the next 12 months. Until 
we complete this analysis, we are retaining a listing priority number 
of 9 for this subspecies.
    Solanum nelsonii (Popolo)--See above in ``Summary of Listing 
Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Stenogyne cranwelliae (no common name)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Stenogyne 
cranwelliae is a creeping vine found in wet forest dominated by 
Metrosideros polymorpha

[[Page 24924]]

on the island of Hawaii, Hawaii. Stenogyne cranwelliae is known from 6 
populations of 100 individuals. Historically found in the Kohala 
Mountains, this species was thought to be extinct until rediscovered 
during surveys of the Kohala Mountains in 1995. This species is 
threatened by feral pigs and rats that eat this plant and degrade and/
or destroy habitat, and nonnative plants that complete for light and 
nutrients. Because the threats continue to be of a high magnitude and 
are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 for this 
species.
    Stenogyne kealiae (no common name)--The following summary is based 
on information contained in our files. No new information was provided 
in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Stenogyne kealiae is a 
trailing or scandent vine found in wet forest habitat on Kauai, Hawaii. 
This species is known from 5 populations totaling 100-200 individuals 
in the northwestern section of the island of Kauai. This species is 
threatened by feral pigs, goats and deer that eat this plant and 
degrade and/or destroy habitat, and by nonnative plants that complete 
for light and nutrients. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.
    Symphyotrichum georgianum (Georgia aster)--The following summary is 
based on information from our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Georgia aster is a relict 
species of post oak savanna/prairie communities that existed in the 
southeast prior to widespread fire suppression and extirpation of large 
native grazing animals. Most populations are small, and since the 
species' main mode of reproduction is vegetative, each isolated 
population probably represents just a few genotypes. Many populations 
are threatened by woody succession due to fire suppression, 
development, highway expansion/improvement, and herbicide application. 
Historically, 97 populations of Georgia aster were known to exist; 34 
of these have apparently been destroyed. The species appears to have 
been eliminated from Florida, one of the five States in which it 
originally occurred. It remains in 31 counties in 4 States (North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia). In most cases the 
exact cause of extirpation was not documented, but herbicides, highway 
construction, fire suppression, and residential and industrial 
development have all altered the historic landscape in which Georgia 
aster once flourished. Most remaining populations of this species 
survive adjacent to roads, railroads, utility rights-of-way and other 
openings where land management mimics natural disturbance regimes. 
However, at these sites the species is inherently vulnerable to 
accidental destruction from herbicide application, road shoulder 
grading, and other maintenance activities. Many populations are 
threatened also by development (several are within planned residential 
subdivisions), highway expansion/improvement, and woody succession due 
to fire suppression. Two of the remaining populations are located 
adjacent to active quarries, which could eliminate the plants as the 
quarries expand. One population has been lost to competition with kudzu 
(Pueraria lobata), a nonnative plant. The threats faced by this species 
are significant; however, they continue to be nonimminent, leading to 
us to retain a listing priority number of 5 for this species.
    Zanthoxylum oahuense (Ae)--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004. Ae is small tree found in mesic-
to-wet forest habitat on Oahu, Hawaii. The historic range of 
Zanthoxylum oahuense was throughout mesic or, rarely, wet forest in the 
Koolau Mountains on the island of Oahu. While there are no historic 
records of numbers of populations or individuals, qualitative accounts 
indicate that the species was not uncommon. Currently this species is 
known from several populations totaling approximately 500 individuals 
on Oahu. This species is threatened by feral pigs that eat this plant 
and degrade and/or destroy habitat, the nonnative two spotted leaf 
hopper that eats this plant species, and nonnative plants that compete 
for light and nutrients. Because the threats continue to be of a high 
magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 2 
for this species.

Ferns and Allies

    Botrychium lineare (Slender moonwort)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files and the petition received 
on July 28, 1999. See also the 12-month petition finding published on 
June 6, 2002 (67 FR 39035). The slender moonwort is currently known 
from a total of 12 widely disjunct populations in 6 states: 3 in 
Colorado (El Paso and Lake Counties), 1 in Idaho (Custer County), 2 in 
Oregon (Wallowa County), 3 in Montana (Glacier County), 2 in Nevada 
(Clark County) and 1 in Washington (Ferry County). Historic 
populations, previously known from Idaho (Boundary County), Montana 
(Lake County), California (Fresno County), Colorado (Boulder County), 
and Canada (Quebec and New Brunswick), have not been seen for several 
years and may be extirpated. The total number of individuals observed 
at the 12 extant population sites varies, with observations ranging 
from 2 to 162 individuals. Identifiable threats to various populations 
of this species include road maintenance activities, herbicide 
application, recreation, timber harvest, trampling, and development. 
The slender moonwort may also be affected by grazing from livestock or 
wildlife, but specific effects of grazing on the species are unknown. 
However, if grazing by livestock or wildlife species occurs prior to 
the maturation and release of spores, the capacity for sexual 
reproduction of affected plants may be compromised.
    The slender moonwort is considered a sensitive species in Regions 
2, 5, and 6 of the U.S. Forest Service, where National Forest system 
lands include extant and historical slender moonwort sites found in 
Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and California. Regional sensitive 
species lists fall under Forest Service policies that address land use 
planning and management with regard to sensitive species. Forest 
Service Regions 1 and 4, which include extant and historical sites 
found in Montana and Idaho, do not have slender moonwort on their 
regional sensitive species lists and it is, therefore, not given any 
special consideration by the Forest Service in those regions. Although 
the slender moonwort is considered to be rare and imperiled by the 
State Natural Heritage Programs in Colorado, Montana, Oregon, and 
Washington, the State Natural Heritage Program rankings are not legal 
designations and do not confer State regulatory protection to this 
species. Because the overall magnitude of threats to the slender 
moonwort throughout its range continues to moderate and the overall 
immediacy of these threats is nonimminent, we retain a listing priority 
number of 11.
    Christella boydiae (no common name)--See above in ``Summary of 
Listing Priority Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Doryopteris takeuchii (no common name)--The following summary is 
based on information contained in our files. No new information was 
provided in the petition received on May 11, 2004. Doryopteris 
takeuchii is a small

[[Page 24925]]

fern found in dry shrubland and grassland on Oahu, Hawaii. This newly 
described species is found only on the island of Oahu on the slopes of 
Diamond Head Crater in one population totaling hundreds of individuals. 
It is suspected that this species evolved relatively recently and never 
had a wide historic distribution on Oahu, but the magnitude of the 
threats facing the species has increased dramatically. This species is 
threatened by nonnative plants, fire, trampling, and erosion, which 
degrade and/or destroy habitat. Because the threats continue to be of a 
high magnitude and are imminent, we retain a listing priority number of 
2 for this species.
    Huperzia stemmermanniae (no common name)--See above in ``Other 
Taxonomic Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on 
information contained in our files. No new information was provided in 
the petition received on May 11, 2004.
    Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis (no common name)--See above in 
``Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates and Other Taxonomic 
Changes in Candidates.'' The above summary is based on information 
contained in our files. No new information was provided in the petition 
received on May 11, 2004.

Petitions To Reclassify Species Already Listed

    We previously made warranted-but-precluded findings on five 
petitions seeking to reclassify threatened species to endangered 
status. Because these species are already listed, they are not 
technically candidates for listing and are not included in Table 1. 
However, this notice and associated species assessment forms also 
constitute the resubmitted petition findings for these species. We find 
that reclassification to endangered status for the species listed below 
is currently warranted but precluded by work identified above (see 
``Petition Findings for Candidate Species'' above). In addition, these 
species are currently listed as threatened under the Act, and therefore 
they receive certain protections under the Act. The Service promulgated 
regulations extending take prohibitions for endangered species under 
section 9 to threatened species (50 CFR 17.31). Prohibited actions 
under section 9 include, but are not limited to, take (i.e., harass, 
harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or 
attempt to engage in such activity). Other protections include those 
under section 7(a)(2) of the Act whereby Federal agencies must insure 
that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened 
species.
    (1) North Cascades ecosystem population of the grizzly bear (Ursus 
arctos horribilis) (Region 6) (also see 63 FR 30453, June 4, 1998, and 
the species assessment form (see ADDRESSES) for additional information 
on why reclassification to endangered is warranted-but-precluded)--
Current grizzly bear distribution has been reduced to 5 areas in the 
western United States, including the North Cascades in north central 
Washington. Populations are estimated to be fewer than 20 animals 
within the 9,500-square-mile (sq-mi) (25,000-square-kilometer (sq-km)) 
North Cascades recovery zone. Threats to the species in this recovery 
zone include incomplete habitat protection measures (motorized access 
management) and small population size and population fragmentation that 
produce genetic isolation. We assigned a listing priority number of 3 
for this population because of very low population numbers as evidenced 
by continuing lack of credible sightings and little success identifying 
animals through hair snagging and genetic analysis. Information 
indicating isolation of the population in British Columbia and the 
United States limits the chance of natural recovery given the small 
population size. Population augmentation may be the only way to recover 
this population.
    (2) Cabinet-Yaak population of the grizzly bear (Region 6) (see 
also 64 FR 26725, May 17, 1999, and the species assessment form (see 
ADDRESSES) for additional information on why reclassification to 
endangered is warranted-but-precluded)--Current grizzly bear 
distribution has been reduced to 5 areas in the western United States, 
including the Cabinet-Yaak in northern Idaho and northwest Montana. 
Populations are estimated to be 30-40 animals within the 2,600-sq-mi 
(6,700-sq-km) Cabinet-Yaak recovery zone. Threats to the species in 
this recovery zone include incomplete habitat protection measures in 
the form of motorized access management, overutilization by human-
caused mortality, and small population size and population 
fragmentation that produce genetic isolation. We assign a listing 
priority number of 3 to this population due to continuing high levels 
of human-caused mortality, new threats to habitat in the form of large 
scale mine development proposals in the Cabinet Mountains, and the high 
potential for further fragmentation of populations within the recovery 
zone.
    (3) Selkirk grizzly population of the grizzly bear (Region 6) (see 
also 64 FR 26725, May 17, 1999, and the species assessment form (see 
ADDRESSES) for additional information on why reclassification is 
warranted-but-precluded)--Current grizzly bear distribution has been 
reduced to 5 areas in the western United States, including the Selkirk 
Mountains in northern Idaho, northeast Washington, and Southeast 
British Columbia. Populations are estimated to be 40-50 animals within 
the 2,200 mi2 (5,700 km2) Selkirk Mountains 
recovery zone. Threats to the species in this recovery zone include 
incomplete habitat protection measures in the form of motorized access 
management, overutilization in the form of human-caused mortality, and 
small population size and population fragmentation that produce genetic 
isolation. We assign a listing priority number of 3 to this population 
because of continuing high levels of human-caused mortality in British 
Columbia and new genetic information indicating the population is 
isolated and has declined in genetic diversity relative to both 
adjacent populations.
    (4) Spikedace (Meda fulgida) (Region 2) (see 59 FR 35303, July 11, 
1994, and the species assessment form (see ADDRESSES) for additional 
information on why reclassification to endangered is warranted-but-
precluded)--The spikedace, a small fish species in a monotypic genus, 
is found in moderate-to-large perennial waters, where it inhabits 
shallow riffles with sand, gravel, and rubble substrates, and moderate-
to-swift currents and swift pools over sand or gravel substrates. 
Specific habitat for this species consists of shear zones where rapid 
flow borders slower flow; areas of sheet flow at the upper ends of mid-
channel sand/gravel bars; and eddies at downstream riffle edges. 
Recurrent flooding and a natural hydrograph are very important in 
maintaining the habitat of spikedace and in helping maintain a 
competitive edge over invading nonnative aquatic species.
    The spikedace was once common throughout much of the Gila River 
basin, but it is now restricted to approximately 466 km (289 mi) of 
stream in portions of the upper Gila River (Grant, Catron, and Hidalgo 
Counties, NM); middle Gila River (Pinal County, AZ); lower San Pedro 
River (Pinal County, AZ); Aravaipa Creek (Graham and Pinal Counties, 
AZ); Eagle Creek (Graham and Greenlee Counties, AZ); and the Verde 
River (Yavaipai County, AZ). Its present range is only about 10 to 15 
percent of the historic range, and the status of the species

[[Page 24926]]

within occupied areas ranges from common to very rare. The species is 
now common only in Aravaipa Creek in Arizona and some parts of the 
upper Gila River in New Mexico. The reduction in the historical 
distribution of spikedace is largely attributable to the continued 
modification of its habitat and continued interactions with nonnative 
species. These threats occur over the majority of their range, to 
varying degrees. Each of the individual spikedace complexes may face 
unique threats as well. For example, the San Pedro River area is 
experiencing groundwater depletion which is affecting surface flows 
within the river channel, whereas Tonto Creek faces continued grazing 
pressure, recreational use, and dewatering due to diversions. Proposals 
have been made for water exchanges affecting the Verde River in order 
to provide water for growing urban areas. Currently, threats are 
exacerbated by the ongoing drought. While some areas are subjected to 
fewer disturbances or pressures, there are no known habitat areas that 
are completely free of disturbance. Effects from nonnative species 
introductions are permanent, unless streams are actively renovated and/
or barriers installed to preclude further recolonization by nonnatives. 
Grazing pressures have eased somewhat as Federal agencies remove cattle 
from streams directly, but upland conditions continue to degrade 
watersheds in general. Groundwater withdrawals or exchanges that affect 
streamflow are not reversible. Because these high magnitude threats 
have gone on for many years in the past, are associated with 
irreversible commitments (i.e., water exchanges), or are not easily 
reversed (i.e., nonnative stocking and impacts from grazing), the 
threats are imminent. Therefore, we assign this species a listing 
priority of 1 for uplisting to endangered.
    (5) Loach minnow (Tiaroga cobitis) (Region 2) (see 59 FR 35303, 
July 11, 1994, and the species assessment form (see ADDRESSES) for 
additional information on why reclassification to endangered is 
warranted-but-precluded)--This small fish, the only species within the 
genus, is found in small-to-large perennial streams and uses shallow, 
turbulent riffles with primarily cobble substrate and swift currents. 
The loach minnow uses the spaces between, and in the lee of, larger 
substrate for resting and spawning. It is rare or absent from habitats 
where fine sediments fill the interstitial spaces. Recurrent flooding 
and a natural hydrograph are very important in maintaining the habitat 
of loach minnow and in helping the species maintain a competitive edge 
over invading nonnative aquatic species.
    The loach minnow was once locally common throughout much of the 
Gila River basin, including the mainstem Gila River upstream of 
Phoenix, and the Verde, Salt, San Pedro, and San Francisco subbasins. 
The present range is only 15 to 20 percent of its historic range, and 
the status of the species within occupied areas ranges from common to 
rare. The species is now common only in Aravaipa Creek and the Blue 
River in Arizona, and limited portions of the San Francisco, upper 
Gila, and Tularosa rivers in New Mexico. The reduction in the 
historical distribution of loach minnow is largely attributable to the 
continued modification of its habitat and continued interactions with 
nonnative species. These threats occur over the majority of the range, 
to varying degrees. Each of the individual loach minnow complexes may 
face unique threats as well. For example, the San Pedro River area is 
experiencing groundwater depletion which is affecting surface flows 
within the river channel, whereas Tonto Creek faces continued grazing 
pressure, recreational use, and dewatering due to diversions. Proposals 
have been made for water exchanges affecting the Verde River in order 
to provide water for growing urban areas. Currently, threats are 
exacerbated by the ongoing drought. While some areas are subjected to 
fewer disturbances or pressures, there are no known habitat areas that 
are completely free of disturbance. Effects from nonnative species 
introductions are permanent unless streams are actively renovated and/
or barriers installed to preclude further recolonization by nonnatives. 
Grazing pressures have eased somewhat as Federal agencies remove cattle 
from streams directly, but upland conditions continue to degrade 
watersheds in general. Groundwater withdrawals or exchanges that affect 
streamflow are not reversible. Most of these high-magnitude threats to 
the loach minnow are already ongoing, in particular grazing, water 
withdrawals, nonnative stocking programs, recreational use, and 
drought. Because threats have gone on for many years in the past, are 
associated with irreversible commitments (i.e., water exchanges), or 
are not easily reversed (i.e., nonnative stocking and impacts from 
grazing), the threats are imminent. Therefore, we assign this species a 
listing priority number of 1 for uplisting to endangered.

Current Notice of Review

    We gather data on plants and animals native to the United States 
that appear to merit consideration for addition to the Lists of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. This notice identifies 
those species that we currently regard as candidates for addition to 
the Lists. These candidates include species and subspecies of fish, 
wildlife, or plants and DPSs of vertebrate animals. This compilation 
relies on information from status surveys conducted for candidate 
assessment and on information from State Natural Heritage Programs, 
other State and Federal agencies, knowledgeable scientists, public and 
private natural resource interests, and comments received in response 
to previous notices of review.
    Tables 1 and 2 list animals arranged alphabetically by common names 
under the major group headings and list plants alphabetically by names 
of genera, species, and relevant subspecies and varieties. Animals are 
grouped by class or order. Plants are subdivided into two groups: (1) 
Flowering plants and (2) ferns and their allies. Useful synonyms and 
subgeneric scientific names appear in parentheses with the synonyms 
preceded by an ``equals'' sign. Several species that have not yet been 
formally described in the scientific literature are included; such 
species are identified by a generic or specific name (in italics), 
followed by ``sp.'' or ``ssp.'' We incorporate standardized common 
names in these notices as they become available. We sorted plants by 
scientific name due to the inconsistencies in common names, the 
inclusion of vernacular and composite subspecific names, and the fact 
that many plants still lack a standardized common name.
    Table 1 lists all candidate species and all species proposed for 
listing under the Act. We emphasize that we are not proposing these 
candidate species for listing by this notice, but we anticipate 
developing and publishing proposed listing rules for these species in 
the future. We encourage State agencies, other Federal agencies, and 
other parties to give consideration to these species in environmental 
planning.
    In Table 1, the ``category'' column on the left side of the table 
identifies the status of each species according to the following codes:
    PE--Species proposed for listing as endangered. Proposed species 
are those species for which we have published a proposed rule to list 
as endangered or threatened in the Federal Register. This category does 
not include species for

[[Page 24927]]

which we have withdrawn or finalized the proposed rule.
    PT--Species proposed for listing as threatened.
    PSAT--Species proposed for listing as threatened due to similarity 
of appearance.
    C--Candidates: Species for which we have on file sufficient 
information on biological vulnerability and threats to support 
proposals to list them as endangered or threatened. Issuance of 
proposed rules for these species is precluded at present by other 
higher-priority listing actions. This category includes species for 
which we made a 12-month warranted-but-precluded finding on a petition 
to list. We made new findings on all petitions for which we previously 
made ``warranted-but-precluded'' findings. We identify the species for 
which we made a continued warranted-but-precluded finding on a 
resubmitted petition by the code ``C*'' in the category column (see 
``Findings on Resubmitted Petitions'' section for additional 
information). We identify the species for which we are not making a 
``warranted-but-precluded'' finding on a resubmitted petition by the 
code ``C+'' in the category column. We have not updated our finding 
with regard to these species since we have received important new 
information that we are currently analyzing.
    The ``Priority'' column indicates the listing priority number (LPN) 
for each candidate species which we use to determine the most 
appropriate use of our available resources. The lowest numbers have the 
highest priority. We assign LPNs based on the immediacy and magnitude 
of threats as well as on taxonomic status. We published a complete 
description of our listing priority system in the Federal Register (48 
FR 43098, September 21, 1983).
    The third column, ``Lead Region,'' identifies the Regional Office 
to which you should direct comments or questions (see ADDRESSES at the 
end of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section).
    Following the scientific name (fourth column) and the family 
designation (fifth column) is the common name (sixth column). The 
seventh column provides the known historical range for the species or 
vertebrate population (for vertebrate populations, this is the 
historical range for the entire species or subspecies and not just the 
historical range for the distinct population segment), indicated by 
postal code abbreviations for States and U.S. territories. Many species 
no longer occur in all of the areas listed.
    Species in Table 2 of this notice are species we included either as 
proposed species or as candidates in the previous CNOR (published May 
4, 2004). Since May 4, 2004, we added two of these species to the Lists 
of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, withdrew one species 
from proposed status, and removed five species from candidate status 
for the reasons indicated by the codes. The first column indicates the 
present status of the species, using the following codes (not all of 
these codes may have been used in this CNOR):
    E--Species we listed as endangered.
    T--Species we listed as threatened.
    Rc--Species we removed from the candidate list because currently 
available information does not support a proposed listing.
    Rp--Species we removed from the candidate list because we have 
withdrawn the proposed listing.
    The second column indicates why we no longer regard the species as 
a candidate or proposed species using the following codes (not all of 
these codes may have been used in this CNOR):
    A--Species that are more abundant or widespread than previously 
believed and species that are not subject to the degree of threats 
sufficient to warrant continuing candidate status, or issuing a 
proposed or final listing. The reduction in threats could be due, in 
part or entirely, to actions taken under a conservation agreement.
    F--Species whose range no longer includes a U.S. territory.
    I--Species for which we have insufficient information on biological 
vulnerability and threats to support issuance of a proposed rule to 
list.
    L--Species we added to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Plants.
    M--Species we mistakenly included as candidates or proposed species 
in the last notice of review.
    N--Species that are not listable entities based on the Act's 
definition of ``species'' and current taxonomic understanding.
    X--Species we believe to be extinct.
    The columns describing lead region, scientific name, family, common 
name, and historical range include information as previously described 
for Table 1.

Request for Information

    We request you submit any further information on the species named 
in this notice as soon as possible or whenever it becomes available. We 
are particularly interested in any information:
    (1) Indicating that we should add a species to the list of 
candidate species;
    (2) Indicating that we should remove a species from candidate 
status;
    (3) Recommending areas that we should designate as critical habitat 
for a species, or indicating that designation of critical habitat would 
not be prudent for a species;
    (4) Documenting threats to any of the included species;
    (5) Describing the immediacy or magnitude of threats facing 
candidate species;
    (6) Pointing out taxonomic or nomenclature changes for any of the 
species;
    (7) Suggesting appropriate common names; and
    (8) Noting any mistakes, such as errors in the indicated historical 
ranges.
    Submit your comments regarding a particular species to the Regional 
Director of the Region identified as having the lead responsibility for 
that species. The regional addresses follow:
    Region 1. California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, 
American Samoa, Guam, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 
Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside 
Federal Complex, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 
(503/231-6158).
    Region 2. Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional 
Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue SW., 
Room 4012, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 (505/248-6920).
    Region 3. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 
Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, One Federal Drive, Fort 
Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056 (612/713-5334).
    Region 4. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, 
and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia 
30345 (404/679-4156).
    Region 5. Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. 
Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate 
Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts 01035-9589 (413/253-8615).
    Region 6. Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South 
Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, 
Colorado 80225-0486 (303/236-7400).

[[Page 24928]]

    Region 7. Alaska. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199 (907/786-
3505).
    We provided comments received in response to the previous CNOR to 
the Region having lead responsibility for each candidate species 
mentioned in the comment. We will likewise consider all information 
provided in response to this CNOR in deciding whether to propose 
species for listing and when to undertake necessary listing actions 
(including whether emergency listing pursuant to section 4(b)(7) of the 
Act is appropriate). Comments we receive will become part of the 
administrative record for the species, which we maintain at the 
appropriate Regional Office.
    Our practice is to make comments, including names and home 
addresses of respondents, available for public inspection. Individual 
respondents may request that we withhold their home address from the 
public record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. In 
some circumstances, we can also withhold from the public record a 
respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish for us to 
withhold your name and/or address, you must state this request 
prominently at the beginning of your comments. However, we will not 
consider anonymous comments. We will make all submissions from 
organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying 
themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or 
businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety.

Authority

    This document is published under the authority of the Endangered 
Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: May 2, 2005.
Matt Hogan,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

                            Table 1.--Candidate Notice of Review (Animals and Plants)
         [Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Status
----------------------------   Lead region    Scientific name       Family        Commom name     Historic range
   Category       Priority
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Mammals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C*............           3   R1              Emballonura       Emballonuridae.  Bat, Pacific     U.S.A. (GU,
                                              semicaudata                        sheath-tailed.   CNMI).
                                              rotensis.
C*............           3   R1              Emballonura       Emballonuridae.  Bat, Pacific     U.S.A. (AS),
                                              semicaudata                        sheath-tailed.   Fiji,
                                              semicaudata.                                        Independent
                                                                                                  Samoa, Tonga,
                                                                                                  Vanuatu.
C*............           6   R1              Martes pennanti.  Mustelidae.....  Fisher (west     U.S.A. (CA, CT,
                                                                                 coast DPS).      IA, ID, IL,
                                                                                                  IN, KY, MA,
                                                                                                  MD, ME, MI,
                                                                                                  MN, MT, ND,
                                                                                                  NH, NJ, NY,
                                                                                                  OH, OR, PA,
                                                                                                  RI, TN, UT,
                                                                                                  VA, VT, WA,
                                                                                                  WI, WV, WY),
                                                                                                  Canada.
PT............           3   R7              Enhydra lutris    Mustelidae.....  Otter, Northern  Species range:
                                              kenyoni.                           Sea (southwest   Pacific Rim
                                                                                 Alaska DPS).     coastal
                                                                                                  waters, from
                                                                                                  Northern Japan
                                                                                                  to Baja,
                                                                                                  Mexico.
C*............           3   R1              Thomomys mazama   Geomyidae......  Pocket gopher,   U.S.A. (WA).
                                              couchi.                            Mazama
                                                                                 (Shelton).
C*............           3   R1              Thomomys mazama   Geomyidae......  Pocket gopher,   U.S.A. (WA).
                                              glacialis.                         Mazama (Roy
                                                                                 Prairie).
C*............           3   R1              Thomomys mazama   Geomyidae......  Pocket gopher,   U.S.A. (WA).
                                              louiei.                            Mazama
                                                                                 (Cathlamet).
C*............           3   R1              Thomomys mazama   Geomyidae......  Pocket gopher,   U.S.A. (WA).
                                              melanops.                          Mazama
                                                                                 (Olympic).
C*............           3   R1              Thomomys mazama   Geomyidae......  Pocket gopher,   U.S.A. (WA).
                                              pugetensis.                        Mazama
                                                                                 (Olympia).
C*............           3   R1              Thomomys mazama   Geomyidae......  Pocket gopher,   U.S.A. (WA).
                                              tacomensis.                        Mazama
                                                                                 (Tacoma).
C*............           3   R1              Thomomys mazama   Geomyidae......  Pocket gopher,   U.S.A. (WA).
                                              tumuli.                            Mazama
                                                                                 (Tenino).
C*............           3   R1              Thomomys mazama   Geomyidae......  Pocket gopher,   U.S.A. (WA).
                                              yelmensis.                         Mazama (Yelm).
C*............           3   R1              Spermophilus      Sciuridae......  Squirrel, Palm   U.S.A. (CA).
                                              tereticaudus                       Springs
                                              chlorus.                           (=Coachella
                                                                                 Valley) round-
                                                                                 tailed ground.
C*............           9   R1              Spermophilus      Sciuridae......  Squirrel,        U.S.A. (ID).
                                              brunneus                           Southern Idaho
                                              endemicus.                         ground.
C*............           5   R1              Spermophilus      Sciuridae......  Squirrel,        U.S.A. (WA,
                                              washingtoni.                       Washington       OR).
                                                                                 ground.
---------------
                                                      Birds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C*............           3   R1              Porzana           Rallidae.......  Crake, spotless  U.S.A. (AS),
                                              tabuensis.                         (American        Australia,
                                                                                 Samoa DPS).      Fiji,
                                                                                                  Independent
                                                                                                  Samoa,
                                                                                                  Marquesas,
                                                                                                  Philippines,
                                                                                                  Society
                                                                                                  Islands,
                                                                                                  Tonga.
C*............           2   R1              Oreomystis        Fringillidae...  Creeper, Kauai.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              bairdi.
C*............           3   R1              Coccyzus          Cuculidae......  Cuckoo, yellow-  U.S.A. (Lower
                                              americanus.                        billed           48 States),
                                                                                 (Western U.S.    Canada,
                                                                                 DPS).            Mexico,
                                                                                                  Central and
                                                                                                  South America.
C*............          12   R1              Ptilinopus        Columbidae.....  Fruit-dove,      U.S.A. (AS),
                                              perousii                           many-colored.    Independent
                                              perousii.                                           Samoa.
C*............           6   R1              Gallicolumba      Columbidae.....  Ground-dove,     U.S.A. (AS),
                                              stairi stairi.                     friendly.        Independent
                                                                                                  Samoa.
C*............           6   R1              Eremophila        Alaudidae......  Horned lark,     U.S.A. (OR,
                                              alpestris                          streaked.        WA), Canada
                                              strigata.                                           (BC).
C*............           5   R7              Brachyramphus     Alcidae........  Murrelet,        U.S.A. (AK),
                                              brevirostris.                      Kittlitz's.      Russia.

[[Page 24929]]

 
C*............           2   R1              Synthliboramphus  Alcidae........  Murrelet,        U.S.A. (CA),
                                              hypoleucus.                        Xantus's.        Mexico.
C*............           8   R2              Tympanuchus       Phasianidae....  Prairie-         U.S.A. (CO, KA,
                                              pallidicinctus.                    chicken,         NM, OK, TX).
                                                                                 lesser.
C+............           6   R1              Centrocercus      Phasianidae....  Sage-grouse,     U.S.A. (AZ, CA,
                                              urophasianus.                      greater          CO, ID, MT,
                                                                                 (Columbia        ND, NE, NV,
                                                                                 Basin DPS).      OR, SD, UT,
                                                                                                  WA, WY),
                                                                                                  Canada (AB,
                                                                                                  BC, SK).
C*............           2   R6              Centrocercus      Phasianidae....  Sage-grouse,     U.S.A (AZ, CO,
                                              minimus.                           Gunnison.        KS, OK, NM,
                                                                                                  UT).
C*............           3   R1              Oceanodroma       Hydrobatidae...  Storm-petrel,    U.S.A. (HI),
                                              castro.                            band-rumped      Atlantic
                                                                                 (Hawaii DPS).    Ocean, Ecuador
                                                                                                  (Galapagos
                                                                                                  Islands),
                                                                                                  Japan.
C *...........           5   R4              Dendroica         Emberizidae....  Warbler, elfin   U.S.A. (PR).
                                              angelae.                           woods.
---------------
                                                    Reptiles
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...........           2   R2              Sceloporus        Iguanidae......  Lizard, sand     U.S.A. (TX,
                                              arenicolus.                        dune.            NM).
C *...........           9   R3              Sistrurus         Viperidae......  Massasauga (=    U.S.A. (IA, IL,
                                              catenatus                          rattlesnake),    IN, MI, MO,
                                              catenatus.                         eastern.         MN, NY, OH,
                                                                                                  PA, WI),
                                                                                                  Canada.
C *...........           6   R4              Pituophis         Colubridae.....  Snake, black     U.S.A. (AL, LA,
                                              melanoleucus                       pine.            MS).
                                              lodingi.
C *...........           5   R4              Pituophis         Colubridae.....  Snake,           U.S.A. (LA,
                                              ruthveni.                          Louisiana pine.  TX).
C *...........           5   R2              Graptemys caglei  Emydidae.......  Turtle, Cagle's  U.S.A. (TX).
                                                                                 map.
C *...........           3   R2              Kinosternon       Kinosternidae..  Turtle, Sonoyta  U.S.A. (AZ),
                                              sonoriense                         mud.             Mexico.
                                              longifemorale.
---------------
                                                   Amphibians
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...........           3   R1              Rana              Ranidae........  Frog, Columbia   U.S.A. (AK, ID,
                                              luteiventris.                      spotted (Great   MT, NV, OR,
                                                                                 Basin DPS).      UT, WA, WY),
                                                                                                  Canada (BC).
C *...........           3   R1              Rana muscosa....  Ranidae........  Frog, mountain   U.S.A (CA, NV).
                                                                                 yellow-legged
                                                                                 (Sierra Nevada
                                                                                 DPS).
C *...........           2   R1              Rana pretiosa...  Ranidae........  Frog, Oregon     U.S.A. (CA, OR,
                                                                                 spotted.         WA), Canada
                                                                                                  (BC).
C *...........           5   R1              Rana onca.......  Ranidae........  Frog, relict     U.S.A. (AZ, NV,
                                                                                 leopart.         UT).
C *...........           3   R3              Cryptobranchus    Crytobranchidae  Hellbender,      U.S.A. (AR,
                                              alleganiensis                      Ozark.           MO).
                                              bishopi.
C *...........           2   R2              Eurycea           Plethodontidae.  Salamander,      U.S.A. (TX).
                                              waterlooensis.                     Austin blind.
C *...........           2   R2              Eurycea           Plethodontidae.  Salamander,      U.S.A. (TX).
                                              naufragia.                         Georgetown.
C *...........           2   R2              Eurycea           Plethodontidae.  Salamander,      U.S.A. (TX).
                                              chisholmensis.                     Salado.
C *...........           3   R6              Bufo boreas       Bufonidae......  Toad, boreal     U.S.A. (AK, CA,
                                              boreas.                            (Southern        CO, ID, MT,
                                                                                 Rocky            NM, OR, UT,
                                                                                 Mountains DPS).  WA, WY),
                                                                                                  Canada (BC).
C *...........          11   R1              Bufo canorus....  Bufonidae......  Toad, Yosemite.  U.S.A. (CA).
C *...........           2   R4              Necturus          Proteidae......  Waterdog, black  U.S.A. (AL).
                                              alabamensis.                       warrior (=
                                                                                 Sipsey Fork).
---------------
                                                     Fishes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE............           3   R1              Gila bicolor      Cyprinidae.....  Chub, Cowhead    U.S.A. (CA).
                                              vaccaceps.                         Lake tui.
PE............           2   R2              Gila intermedia.  Cyprinidae.....  Chub, Gila.....  U.S.A. (AZ,
                                                                                                  NM), Mexico.
C *...........          11   R6              Etheostoma        Percidae.......  Darter,          U.S.A. (AR, CO,
                                              cragini.                           Arkansas.        KS, MO, OK).
C *...........           6   R4              Etheostoma        Percidae.......  Darter,          U.S.A. (KY,
                                              nigrum susanae.                    Cumberland       TN).
                                                                                 johnny.
C *...........           5   R4              Percina aurora..  Percidae.......  Darter, Pearl..  U.S.A. (LA,
                                                                                                  MS).
C *...........           5   R4              Etheostoma        Percidae.......  Darter, rush...  U.S.A. (AL).
                                              phytophilum.
C *...........           2   R4              Etheostoma        Percidae.......  Darter,          U.S.A (AR).
                                              moorei.                            yellowcheek.
C *...........           3   R6              Thymallus         Salmonidae.....  Grayling,        U.S.A. (MT,
                                              arcticus.                          Fluvial arctic   WY).
                                                                                 (upper
                                                                                 Missouri River
                                                                                 DPS).
C *...........           2   R4              Noturus sp......  Ictaluridae....  Madtom, chucky.  U.S.A. (TN).
C.............           5   R4              Moxostoma sp....  Catostomidae...  Redhorse,        U.S.A. (GA, NC,
                                                                                 sicklefin.       TN).
C *...........           2   R3              Cottus sp.......  Cottidae.......  Sculpin, grotto  U.S.A. (MO).
C *...........           5   R2              Notropis          Cyprinidae.....  Shiner,          U.S.A. (TX).
                                              oxyrhynchus.                       sharpnose.
C *...........           5   R2              Notropis buccula  Cyprinidae.....  Shiner,          U.S.A. (TX).
                                                                                 smalleye.
C *...........           3   R2              Catostomus        Catostomidae...  Sucker, Zuni     U.S.A. (AZ,
                                              discobolus                         bluehead.        NM).
                                              yarrowi.
PSAT..........         N/A   R1              Salvelinus malma  Salmonidae.....  Trout, Dolly     U.S.A. (AK,
                                                                                 Varden.          WA), Canada,
                                                                                                  East Asia.
---------------
                                                      Clams
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C.............           5   R4              Villosa           Unionidae......  Bean, Choctaw..  U.S.A. (AL,
                                              choctawensis.                                       FL).

[[Page 24930]]

 
C.............           2   R3              Villosa fabalis.  Unionidae......  Bean, rayed....  U.S.A. (IL, IN,
                                                                                                  KY, MI, NY,
                                                                                                  OH, TN, PA,
                                                                                                  VA, WV),
                                                                                                  Canada (ON).
C.............           2   R4              Fusconaia (=      Unionidae......  Ebonyshell,      U.S.A. (AL,
                                              Obovaria)                          round.           FL).
                                              rotulata.
C*............           2   R2              Popenaias popei.  Unionidae......  Hornshell,       U.S.A. (NM,
                                                                                 Texas.           TX), Mexico.
C*............           5   R4              Ptychobranchus    Unionidae......  Kidneyshell,     U.S.A. (AL, KY,
                                              subtentum.                         fluted.          TN, VA).
C.............           2   R4              Ptychobranchus    Unionidae......  Kidneyshell,     U.S.A. (AL,
                                              jonesi.                            southern.        FL).
C*............           5   R4              Lampsilis         Unionidae......  Mucket, Neosho.  U.S.A. (AR, KS,
                                              rafinesqueana.                                      MO, OK).
C.............           2   R3              Plethobasus       Unionidae......  Mussel,          U.S.A. (AL, IA,
                                              cyphyus.                           sheepnose.       IL, IN, KY,
                                                                                                  MN, MO, MS,
                                                                                                  OH, PA, TN,
                                                                                                  VA, WI, WV).
C*............           2   R4              Margaritifera     Margaritiferida  Pearlshell,      U.S.A. (AL)
                                              marrianae.        e.               Alabama.
C*............           5   R4              Lexingtonia       Unionidae......  Pearlymussel,    U.S.A. (AL, KY,
                                              dolabelloides.                     slabside.        TN, VA)
C.............           5   R4              Pleurobema        Unionidae......  Pigtoe, fuzzy..  U.S.A. (AL,
                                              strodeanum.                                         FL).
C*............           2   R4              Pleurobema        Unionidae......  Pigtoe, Georgia  U.S.A. (AL, GA,
                                              hanleyanum.                                         TN)
C.............           5   R4              Fusconaia         Unionidae......  Pigtoe, narrow.  U.S.A. (AL,
                                              escambia.                                           FL).
C.............          11   R4              Quincuncina       Unionidae......  Pigtoe, tapered  U.S.A. (AL,
                                              burkei.                                             FL).
C.............           5   R4              Lampsilis         Unionidae......  Sandshell,       U.S.A. (AL,
                                              australis.                         southern.        FL).
C.............           4   R3              Cumberlandia      Margaritiferida  Spectaclecase..  U.S.A. (AL, AR,
                                              monodonta.        e.                                IA, IN, IL,
                                                                                                  KS, KY, MO,
                                                                                                  MN, NE, OH,
                                                                                                  TN, VA, WI,
                                                                                                  WV).
C*............           5   R4              Elliptio spinosa  Unionidae......  Spinymussel,     U.S.A. (GA).
                                                                                 Altamaha.
---------------
                                                     Snails
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C*............           9   R6              Oreohelix         Oreohelicidae..  Mountainsnail,   U.S.A. (UT)
                                              peripherica                        Ogden.
                                              wasatchensis.
C*............           8   R6              Stagnicola        Lymnaeidae.....  Pondsnail,       U.S.A. (UT).
                                              bonnevillensis.                    Bonneville.
C*............           2   R4              Leptoxis          Pleuroceridae..  Rocksnail,       U.S.A. (GA,
                                              foremani(=                         Interrupted (=   AL).
                                              downei).                           Georgia).
C*............           2   R1              Ostodes           Potaridae......  Sisi snail.....  U.S.A. (AS).
                                              strigatus.
C*............           2   R2              Pseudotryonia     Hydrobiidae....  Snail, Diamond   U.S.A. (TX).
                                              adamantina.                        Y Spring.
C*............           2   R1              Samoana fragilis  Partulidae.....  Snail, fragile   U.S.A. (GU,
                                                                                 tree.            MP).
C*............           2   R1              Partula           Partulidae.....  Snail, Guam      U.S.A. (GU).
                                              radiolata.                         tree.
C*............           2   R1              Partula gibba...  Partulidae.....  Snail, Humped    U.S.A. (GU, MP)
                                                                                 tree.
PE............           2   R2              Tryonia kosteri.  Hydrobiidae....  Snail, Koster's  U.S.A. (NM).
                                                                                 tryonia.
C*............           2   R1              Partulina         Achatinellidae.  Snail, Lanai     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              semicarinata.                      tree.
C*............           2   R1              Partulina         Achatinellidae.  Snail, Lanai     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              variabilis.                        tree.
C*............           2   R1              Partula           Partulidae.....  Snail,           U.S.A. (MP).
                                              langfordi.                         Langford's
                                                                                 tree.
PE............           2   R2              Assiminea pecos.  Assimineidae...  Snail, Pecos     U.S.A. (NM,
                                                                                 assiminea.       TX), Mexico
C*............           2   R2              Cochliopa texana  Hydrobiidae....  Snail, Phantom   U.S.A. (TX).
                                                                                 cave.
C*............           2   R1              Eua zebrina.....  Partulidae.....  Snail, Tutuila   U.S.A. (AS).
                                                                                 tree.
C*............           2   R2              Pyrgulopsis       Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (NM).
                                              chupaderae.                        Chupadera.
C*............           2   R1              Pyrgulopsis       Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (NV).
                                              notidicola.                        elongate mud
                                                                                 meadows.
C*............          11   R2              Pyrgulopsis       Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (NM).
                                              gilae.                             Gila.
C*............           2   R2              Tryonia           Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (TX).
                                              circumstriata                      Gonzales.
                                              (=
                                              stocktonensis).
C*............           5   R2              Pyrgulopsis       Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (AZ),
                                              thompsoni.                         Huachuca.        Mexico
C*............          11   R2              Pyrgulopsis       Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (NM).
                                              thermalis.                         New Mexico.
C*............           5   R2              Pyrgulopsis       Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (AZ).
                                              morrisoni.                         Page.
C*............           2   R2              Tryonia cheatumi  Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail (=   U.S.A. (TX).
                                                                                 Tryonia),
                                                                                 Phantom.
PE............           2   R2              Pyrgulopsis       lHydrobiidae...  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (NM).
                                              roswellensis.                      Roswell.
C*............           2   R2              Pyrgulopsis       Hydrobiidae....  Springsnail,     U.S.A. (AZ).
                                              trivialis.                         Three Forks.
C*............           2   R1              Newcombia         Achatinellidae.  Tree snail,      U.S.A. (Hl).
                                              cumingi.                           Newcomb's.
---------------
                                                     Insects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C*............          11   R6              Zaitzevia         Elmidae........  Beetle, Warm     U.S.A. (MT).
                                              thermae.                           Springs
                                                                                 Zaitzevian
                                                                                 riffle.
C*............           2   R1              Nysius            Lygaeidae......  Bug, Wekiu.....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              wekiuicola.
C*............           3   R1              Hypolimnas        Nymphalidae....  Butterfly,       U.S.A. (GU,
                                              octucula                           Mariana eight-   MP).
                                              mariannensis.                      spot.
C*............           2   R1              Vagrans egestina  Nymphalidae....  Butterfly,       U.S.A. (GU,
                                                                                 Mariana          MP).
                                                                                 wandering.
C *...........           6   R4              Cyclargus         Lycaenidae.....  Butterfly,       U.S.A. (FL),
                                              thomasi                            Miami blue.      Bahamas.
                                              bethunebakeri.
C *...........           5   R4              Glyphopsyche      Limnephilidae..  Caddisfly,       U.S.A. (TN).
                                              sequatchie.                        Sequatchie.
C.............           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (TN).
                                              s insularis.                       Baker Station
                                                                                 (= insular).
C *...........           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (KY).
                                              s major.                           beaver.
C *...........           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (KY).
                                              s caecus.                          Clifton.
C.............          11   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (TN).
                                              s colemanensis.                    Coleman.
C.............           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (TN).
                                              s fowlerae.                        Fowler's.

[[Page 24931]]

 
C *...........           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (KY).
                                              s pholeter.                        greater Adams.
C *...........           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (KY).
                                              s frigidus.                        icebox.
C.............           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (TN).
                                              s tiresias.                        Indian Grave
                                                                                 Point (=
                                                                                 Soothsayer).
C *...........           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (TN).
                                              s inquisitor.                      inquirer.
C *...........           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (KY).
                                              s cataryctos.                      lesser Adams.
C *...........           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (KY).
                                              s troglodytes.                     Louisville.
C.............           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (TN).
                                              s paulus.                          Noblett's.
C *...........          11   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (KY).
                                              s inexpectatus.                    surprising.
C *...........           5   R4              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave beetle,     U.S.A. (KY).
                                              s parvus.                          Tatum.
C *...........           3   R1              Euphydryas        Nymphalidae....  Checkerspot,     U.S.A. (OR,
                                              editha taylori.                    Taylor's (=      WA), Canada
                                                                                 Whulge).         (BC).
C *...........           9   R1              Megalagrion       Coenagrionidae.  Damselfly,       U.S.A. (HI).
                                              nigrohamatum                       blackline
                                              nigrolineatum.                     Hawaiian.
C *...........           2   R1              Megalagrion       Coenagrionidae.  Damselfly,       U.S.A. (HI).
                                              leptodemas.                        crimson
                                                                                 Hawaiian.
C *...........           2   R1              Megalagrion       Coenagrionidae.  Damselfly,       U.S.A. (HI).
                                              nesiotes.                          flying earwig
                                                                                 Hawaiian.
C *...........           2   R1              Megalagrion       Coenagrionidae.  Damselfly,       U.S.A. (HI).
                                              oceanicum.                         oceanic
                                                                                 Hawaiian.
C *...........           8   R1              Megalagrion       Coenagrionidae.  Damselfly,       U.S.A. (HI).
                                              xanthomelas.                       orangeblack
                                                                                 Hawaiian.
C *...........           2   R1              Megalagrion       Coenagrionidae.  Damselfly,       U.S.A. (HI).
                                              pacificum.                         Pacific
                                                                                 Hawaiian.
C *...........           5   R1              Phaeogramma sp..  Tephritidae....  Gall fly,        U.S.A. (HI).
                                                                                 Po'olanui.
C.............           5   R1              Ambrysus          Naucoridae.....  Naucorid bug (=  U.S.A. (CA).
                                              funebris.                          Furnace
                                                                                 Creek),
                                                                                 Nevares Spring.
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              aglaia.                            wing [unnamed].
C *...........           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              attigua.                           wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              differens.                         wing [unnamed].
C *...........           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              digressa.                          wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hemipeza.                          wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              heteroneura.                       wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              montgomeryi.                       wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila mulli  Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                                                                 wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              musaphila.                         wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              neoclavisetae.                     wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              obatai.                            wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              ochrobasis.                        wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  Fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              substenoptera.                     wing [unnamed].
PE............           2   R1              Drosophila        Drosophilidae..  fly, Picture     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              tarphytrichia.                     wing [unnamed].
C*............           5   R2              Heterelmis        Elmidae........  Riffle beetle,   U.S.A. (AZ).
                                              stephani.                          Stephan's.
C*............          11   R3              Hesperia dacotae  Hesperiidae....  Skipper, Dakota  U.S.A. (MN, IA,
                                                                                                  SD, ND, IL),
                                                                                                  Canada.
C*............           5   R1              Polites mardon..  Hesperiidae....  Skipper, Mardon  U.S.A. (CA, OR,
                                                                                                  WA).
C*............           9   R6              Cicindela         Cicindelidae...  Tiger beetle,    U.S.A. (UT).
                                              limbata                            Coral Pink
                                              albissima.                         Sand Dunes.
C*............           5   R4              Cicindela         Cicindelidae...  Tiger beetle,    U.S.A. (FL).
                                              highlandensis.                     highlands.
PE............           3   R6              Cicindela         Cicindelidae...  Tiger beetle,    U.S.A. (NE).
                                              nevadica                           Salt Creek.
                                              lincolniana.
---------------
                                                    Arachnids
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C*............           2   R2              Cicurina wartoni  Dictynidae.....  Meshweaver,      U.S.A. (TX).
                                                                                 Warton's cave.
---------------
                                                   Crustaceans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C.............           2   R2              Gammarus          Gammaridae.....  Amphipod,        U.S.A. (TX).
                                              hyalleloides.                      diminutive.
PE............         N/A   R2              Gammarus          Gammaridae.....  Amphipod,        U.S.A. (NM).
                                              desperatus.                        Noel's.
C*............           2   R1              Antecaridina      Atyidae........  Shrimp,          U.S.A. (HI),
                                              lauensis.                          anchialine       Mozambique,
                                                                                 pool.            Saudi Arabia,
                                                                                                  Japan.
C*............           2   R1              Calliasmata       Alpheidae......  Shrimp,          U.S.A. (HI),
                                              pholidota.                         anchialine       Funafuti
                                                                                 pool.            Atoll, Saudi
                                                                                                  Arabia, Sinai
                                                                                                  Peninsula,
                                                                                                  Tuvalu.
C*............           2   R1              Metabetaeus       Alpheidae......  Shrimp,          U.S.A. (HI).
                                              lohena.                            anchialine
                                                                                 pool.
C*............           2   R1              Palaemonella      Palaemonidae...  Shrimp,          U.S.A. (HI).
                                              burnsi.                            anchialine
                                                                                 pool.
C*............           2   R1              Procaris          Procarididae...  Shrimp,          U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hawaiana.                          anchialine
                                                                                 pool.
C*............           1   R1              Vetericaris       Procaridae.....  Shrimp,          U.S.A. (HI).
                                              chaceorum.                         anchialine
                                                                                 pool.
C*............           5   R4              Typhlatya monae.  Atyidae........  Shrimp,          U.S.A. (PR),
                                                                                 troglobitic      Barbuda,
                                                                                 groundwater.     Dominican
                                                                                                  Republic.
---------------
                                                Flowering Plants
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C*............          11   R1              Abronia alpina..  Nyctaginaceae..  Sand-verbena,    U.S.A. (CA).
                                                                                 Ramshaw
                                                                                 Meadows.

[[Page 24932]]

 
C*............          11   R6              Aliciella         Polemoniaceae..  Alice-flower,    U.S.A. (UT).
                                              cespitosa.                         wonderland.
C*............          11   R4              Arabis georgiana  Brassicaceae...  Rockcress,       U.S.A. (AL,
                                                                                 Georgia.         GA).
C*............          11   R4              Argythamnia       Euphorbiaceae..  Silverbush,      U.S.A. (FL).
                                              blodgettii.                        Blodgett's.
C*............           3   R1              Artemisia         Asteraceae.....  Wormwood,        U.S.A. (OR,
                                              campestris ssp.                    northern.        WA).
                                              borealis var.
                                              wormskioldii.
C*............           2   R1              Astelia           Liliaceae......  Pa`iniu........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              waialealae.
C*............           8   R6              Astragalus        Fabaceae.......  Milk-vetch,      U.S.A. (UT).
                                              equisolensis.                      horseshoe.
C*............           8   R6              Astragalus        Fabaceae.......  Milk-vetch,      U.S.A. (CO).
                                              tortipes.                          Sleeping Ute.
C*............           2   R1              Bidens            Asteraceae.....  Ko`oko`olau....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              amplectens.
C*............           3   R1              Bidens            Asteraceae.....  Ko`oko`olau....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              campylotheca
                                              pentamera.
C*............           3   R1              Bidens            Asteraceae.....  Ko`oko`olau....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              campylotheca
                                              waihoiensis.
C*............           8   R1              Bidens conjuncta  Asteraceae.....  Ko`oko`olau....  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           3   R1              Bidens micrantha  Asteraceae.....  Ko`oko`olau....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              ctenophylla.
C*............           8   R4              Brickellia        Asteraceae.....  Brickell-bush,   U.S.A. (FL).
                                              mosieri.                           Florida.
C*............           2   R1              Calamagrostis     Poaceae........  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              expansa.
C*............           2   R1              Calamagrostis     Poaceae........  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hillebrandii.
C*............           5   R4              Calliandra        Mimosaceae.....  No common name.  U.S.A. (PR).
                                              locoensis.
C*............           5   R1              Calochortus       Liliaceae......  Mariposa lily,   U.S.A. (CA,
                                              persistens.                        Siskiyou.        OR).
C*............           5   R4              Calyptranthes     Myrtaceae......  No common name.  U.S.A. (PR).
                                              estremerae.
C*............           2   R1              Canavalia         Fabaceae.......  `Awikiwiki.....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              napaliensis.
C*............           2   R1              Canavalia         Fabaceae.......  `Awikiwiki.....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              pubescens.
C*............           8   R6              Castilleja        Scrophulariacea  Paintbrush,      U.S.A. (UT).
                                              aquariensis.      e.               Aquarius.
C*............          11   R1              Castilleja        Scrophulariacea  Paintbrush,      U.S.A. (ID).
                                              christii.         e.               Christ's.
C*............           6   R4              Chamaecrista      Fabaceae.......  Pea, Big Pine    U.S.A. (FL).
                                              lineata var.                       partridge.
                                              keyensis.
C*............           9   R4              Chamaesyce        Euphorbiaceae..  Sandmat,         U.S.A. (FL).
                                              deltoidea                          pineland.
                                              pinetorum.
C*............           6   R4              Chamaesyce        Euphorbiaceae..  Spurge, wedge..  U.S.A. (FL).
                                              deltoidea
                                              serpyllum.
C*............           2   R1              Chamaesyce        Euphorbiaceae..  [Agrave]koko...  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              eleanoriae.
C*............           3   R1              Chamaesyce remyi  Euphorbiaceae..  [Agrave]koko...  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              var. kauaiensis.
C*............           3   R1              Chamaesyce remyi  Euphorbiaceae..  [Agrave]koko...  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              var. remyi.
C*............           2   R1              Charpentiera      Amaranthaceae..  Papala.........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              densiflora.
C*............           6   R1              Chorizanthe       Polygonaceae...  Spineflower,     U.S.A. (CA).
                                              parryi var.                        San Fernando
                                              fernandina.                        Valley.
C*............           2   R4              Chromolaena       Asteraceae.....  Thoroughwort,    U.S.A. (FL).
                                              frustrata.                         Cape Sable.
C*............           2   R4              Consolea          Cactaceae......  Cactus, Florida  U.S.A. (FL).
                                              corallicola.                       semaphore.
C*............           2   R4              Cordia rupicola.  Boraginaceae...  No common name.  U.S.A. (PR),
                                                                                                  Anegada.
C*............           2   R1              Cyanea            Campanulaceae..  Haha...........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              asplenifolia.
C*............           2   R1              Cyanea calycina.  Campanulaceae..  Haha...........  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Cyanea            Campanulaceae..  Haha...........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              eleeleensis.
C*............           2   R1              Cyanea kuhihewa.  Campanulaceae..  Haha...........  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Cyanea kunthiana  Campanulaceae..  Haha...........  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Cyanea             Campanulaceae.  Haha...........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              lanceolata.
C*............           2   R1              Cyanea obtusa...  Campanulaceae..  Haha...........  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Cyanea            Campanulaceae..  Aku............  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              tritomantha.
C*............           2   R1              Cyrtandra         Gesneriaceae...  Ha[igrave]wale.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              filipes.
C*............           2   R1              Cyrtandra         Gesneriaceae...  Ha[igrave]wale.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              kaulantha.
C*............           2   R1              Cyrtandra         Gesneriaceae...  Ha[igrave]wale.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              oenobarba.
C*............           2   R1              Cyrtandra         Gesneriaceae...  Ha[igrave]wale.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              oxybapha.
C*............           2   R1              Cyrtandra         Gesneriaceae...  Ha[igrave]wale.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              sessilis.
C*............           9   R4              Dalea             Fabaceae.......  Prairie-clover,  U.S.A. (FL).
                                              carthagenensis                     Florida.
                                              floridana.
C*............           5   R5              Dichanthelium     Poaceae........  Panic grass,     U.S.A. (DE, GA,
                                              hirstii.                           Hirsts'.         NC, NJ).
C*............           5   R4              Digitaria         Poaceae........  Crabgrass,       U.S.A. (FL).
                                              pauciflora.                        Florida
                                                                                 pineland.
C*............           3   R1              Dubautia          Asteraceae.....  Na[egrave]na[eg  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              imbricata                          rave].
                                              imbricata.
C*............           3   R1              Dubautia          Asteraceae.....  Na[egrave]na[eg  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              plantaginea                        rave].
                                              magnifolia.
C*............           2   R1              Dubautia          Asteraceae.....  Na[egrave]na[eg  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              waialealae.                        rave].
C*............           6   R2              Echinomastus      Cactaceae......  Cactus, Acuna..  U.S.A. (AZ),
                                              erectocentrus                                       Mexico.
                                              var. acunensis.
C*............          11   R1              Erigeron          Asteraceae.....  Daisy, basalt..  U.S.A. (WA).
                                              basalticus.
C*............           5   R2              Erigeron          Asteraceae.....  Fleabane,        U.S.A. (AZ).
                                              lemmonii.                          Lemmon.
C*............           2   R1              Eriogonum codium  Polygonaceae...  Buckwheat,       U.S.A. (WA).
                                                                                 Umtanum Desert.
C.............           2   R1              Eriogonum         Polygonaceae...  Buckwheat,       U.S.A (NV).
                                              diatomaceum.                       Churchill
                                                                                 Narrows.
C*............           5   R1              Eriogonum         Polygonaceae...  Buckwheat, Red   U.S.A. (CA).
                                              kelloggii.                         Mountain.
C*............           2   R1              Festuca           Poaceae........  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hawaiiensis.
C*............          11   R2              Festuca ligulata  Poaceae........  Guadalupe        U.S.A. (TX),
                                                                                 fescue.          Mexico.
C*............           2   R1              Gardenia remyi..  Rubiaceae......  Nanu...........  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Geranium          Geraniaceae....  Nohoanu........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hanaense.
C*............           8   R1              Geranium          Geraniaceae....  Nohoanu........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hillebrandii.
C*............           2   R1              Geranium          Geraniaceae....  Nohoanu........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              kauaiense.

[[Page 24933]]

 
C*............           5   R4              Gonocalyx         Ericaceae......  No common name.  U.S.A. (PR).
                                              concolor.
C*............           5   R1              Hazardia          Asteraceae.....  Orcutt's         U.S.A. (CA),
                                              orcuttii.                          hazardia.        Mexico
C*............           2   R1              Hedyotis          Rubiaceae......  Kampua[aacute].  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              fluviatilis.
C*............          11   R4              Helianthus        Asteraceae.....  Sunflower,       U.S.A. (AL, GA,
                                              verticillatus.                     whorle.          TN).
C*............           5   R2              Hibiscus          Malvaceae......  Rose-mallow,     U.S.A. (TX).
                                              dasycalyx.                         Neches River.
C*............           9   R4              Indigofera        Fabaceae.......  Indigo, Florida  U.S.A. (FL).
                                              mucronata
                                              keyensis.
C.............           2   R6              Ipomopsis         Polemoniaceae..  Skyrocket,       U.S.A. (CO).
                                              polyantha.                         Pagosa.
C*............           5   R1              Ivesia webberi..  Rosaceae.......  Ivesia, Webber.  U.S.A. (CA,
                                                                                                  NV).
C*............           3   R1              Joinvillea        Joinvilleaceae.  `Ohe...........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              ascendens
                                              ascendens.
C*............           2   R1              Keysseria (=      Asteraceae.....  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              Lagenifera)
                                              erici.
C*............           2   R1              Keysseria (=      Asteraceae.....  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              Lagenifera)
                                              helenae.
C*............           2   R1              Korthalsella      Viscaceae......  Hulumoa........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              degeneri.
C*............           2   R1              Labordia helleri  Loganiaceae....  Kamakahala.....  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Labordia pumila.  Loganiaceae....  Kamakahala.....  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           5   R4              Leavenworthia     Brassicaceae...  Gladecress,      U.S.A. (AL).
                                              crassa.                            unnamed.
C*............           2   R2              Leavenworthia     Brassicaceae...  Gladecress,      U.S.A. (TX).
                                              texana.                            Texas golden.
C*............           5   R4              Lesquerella       Brassicaceae...  Bladderpod,      U.S.A. (IN, KY,
                                              globosa.                           Short's.         TN).
C*............           5   R1              Lesquerella       Brassicaceae...  Bladderpod,      U.S.A. (WA).
                                              tuplashensis.                      White Bluffs.
C*............           2   R4              Linum arenicola.  Linaceae.......  Flax, sand.....  U.S.A. (FL).
C*............           3   R4              Linum carteri     Linaceae.......  Flax, Carter's   U.S.A. (FL).
                                              var. carteri.                      small-flowered.
C*............           2   R1              Lysimachia        Primulaceae....  Lehua makanoe..  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              daphnoides.
C*............           2   R1              Melicope          Rutaceae.......  Alani..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              christopherseni
                                              i.
C*............           2   R1              Melicope          Rutaceae.......  Alani..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              degeneri.
C*............           2   R1              Melicope hiiakae  Rutaceae.......  Alani..........  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Melicope makahae  Rutaceae.......  Alani..........  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Melicope          Rutaceae.......  Alani..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              paniculata.
C*............           2   R1              Melicope          Rutaceae.......  Alani..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              puberula.
C*............           2   R1              Myrsine           Myrsinaceae....  Kolea..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              fosbergii.
C*............           2   R1              Myrsine mezii...  Myrsinaceae....  Kolea..........  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Myrsine           Myrsinaceae....  Kolea..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              vaccinioides.
C*............           8   R5              Narthecium        Liliaceae......  Asphodel, bog..  U.S.A. (DE, NC,
                                              americanum.                                         NJ, NY, SC).
C*............           2   R1              Nothocestrum      Solanaceae.....  `Aiea..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              latifolium.
C*............           2   R1              Ochrosia          Apocynaceae....  Holei..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              haleakalae.
C*............          11   R2              Paronychia        Caryophyllaceae  Whitlow-wort,    U.S.A. (TX).
                                              congesta.                          bushy.
C*............           6   R2              Pediocactus       Cactaceae......  Cactus,          U.S.A. (AZ).
                                              peeblesianus                       Fickeisen
                                              fickeiseniae.                      plains.
C*............           2   R6              Penstemon         Scrophulariacea  Beardtongue,     U.S.A. (CO).
                                              debilis.          e.               Parachute.
C*............           2   R6              Penstemon         Scrophulariacea  Beardtongue,     U.S.A. (CO,
                                              grahamii.         e.               Graham.          UT).
C*............           6   R6              Penstemon         Scrophulariacea  Beardtongue,     U.S.A. (CO,
                                              scariosus var.    e.               White River.     UT).
                                              albifluvis.
C*............           2   R1              Peperomia         Piperaceae.....  `Ala `ala wai    U.S.A. (HI).
                                              subpetiolata.                      nui.
C.............           2   R1              Phacelia          Hydrophyllaceae  Brand's          U.S.A. (CA),
                                              stellaris.                         phacelia.        Mexico.
C*............           8   R6              Phacelia          Hydrophyllaceae  Phacelia,        U.S.A. (CO).
                                              submutica.                         DeBeque.
C*............           2   R1              Phyllostegia      Lamiaceae......  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              bracteata.
C*............           2   R1              Phyllostegia      Lamiaceae......  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              floribunda.
C*............           2   R1              Phyllostegia      Lamiaceae......  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hispida.
C*............           2   R1              Pittosporum       Pittosporaceae.  Ho`awa.........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              napaliense.
C*............           5   R4              Platanthera       Orchidaceae....  Orchid, white    U.S.A. (AL, GA,
                                              integrilabia.                      fringeless.      KY, MS, NC,
                                                                                                  SC, TN, VA).
C*............           3   R1              Platydesma        Rutaceae.......  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              cornuta var.
                                              cornuta.
C*............           3   R1              Platydesma        Rutaceae.......  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              cornuta var.
                                              decurrens.
C*............           2   R1              Platydesma remyi  Rutaceae.......  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
C*............           2   R1              Platydesma        Rutaceae.......  Pilo kea lau     U.S.A. (HI).
                                              rostrata.                          li`i.
C.............           2   R1              Pleomele          Agavaceae......  Hala pepe......  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              fernaldii.
C*............           2   R1              Pleomele          Agavaceae......  Hala pepe......  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              forbesii.
C*............           5   R1              Potentilla        Rosaceae.......  Cinquefoil,      U.S.A. (NV).
                                              basaltica.                         Soldier Meadow.
C*............           2   R1              Pritchardia       Asteraceae.....  Lo`ulu.........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hardyi.
C*............           3   R1              Pseudognaphalium  Asteraceae.....  `Ena`ena.......  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              (=Gnaphalium)
                                              sandwicensium
                                              var.
                                              molokaiense.
C*............           2   R1              Psychotria        Rubiaceae......  Kopiko.........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              grandiflora.
C *...........           3   R1              Psychotria        Rubiaceae......  Kopiko.........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hexandra var.
                                              oahuensis.
C *...........           2   R1              Psychotria        Rubiaceae......  Kopiko.........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hobdyi.
C *...........           2   R1              Pteralyxia        Apocynaceae....  Kaulu..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              macrocarpa.
C *...........           2   R1              Ranunculus        Ranunculaceae..  Makou..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              hawaiensis.
C *...........           2   R1              Ranunculus        Ranunculaceae..  Makou..........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              mauiensis.
C *...........           8   R1              Rorippa           Brassicaceae...  Cress, Tahoe     U.S.A. (CA,
                                              subumbellata.                      yellow.          NV).
C *...........           2   R1              Schiedea          Caryophyllaceae  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              attenuata.
C *...........           2   R1              Schiedea          Caryophyllaceae  Ma`oli`oli.....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              pubescens.
C *...........           2   R1              Schiedea          Caryophyllaceae  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              salicaria.

[[Page 24934]]

 
C *...........           5   R1              Sedum             Crassulaceae...  Stonecrop, Red   U.S.A. (CA).
                                              eastwoodiae.                       Mountain.
C *...........           2   R1              Sicyos            Cucurbitaceae..  `Anunu.........  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              macrophyllus.
C *...........           9   R1              Sidalcea          Malvaceae......  Checkerbloom,    U.S.A. (CA).
                                              hickmanii                          Parish's.
                                              parishii.
C.............           9   R4              Sideroxylon       Sapotaceae.....  Bully,           U.S.A. (FL).
                                              reclinatum ssp.                    Everglades.
                                              austrofloridens
                                              e.
C *...........           2   R1              Solanum nelsonii  Solanaceae.....  Popolo.........  U.S.A. (HI).
C.............           8   R4              Solidago plumosa  Asteraceae.....  Goldenrod,       U.S.A. (NC)
                                                                                 Yadkin River.
C *...........           2   R1              Stenogyne         Lamiaceae......  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              cranwelliae.
C *...........           2   R1              Stenogyne         Lamiaceae......  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              kealiae.
C *...........           5   R4              Symphyotrichum    Asteraceae.....  Aster, Georgia.  U.S.A. (AL, FL,
                                              georgianum.                                         GA, NC, SC).
C *...........           2   R1              Zanthoxylum       Rutaceae.......  A`e............  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              oahuense.
---------------
                                                Ferns and Allies
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...........          11   R1              Botrychium        Ophioglossaceae  Moonwort,        U.S.A. (CA, CO,
                                              lineare.                           slender.         ID, MT, OR,
                                                                                                  WA), Canada
                                                                                                  (AB, BC, NB,
                                                                                                  QC).
C *...........           2   R1              Christella        Thelypteridacea  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              boydiae (=        e.
                                              Cyclosorus
                                              boydiae var.
                                              boydiae +
                                              Cyclosorus
                                              boydiae
                                              kipahuluensis).
C *...........           2   R1              Doryopteris       Pteridaceae....  No common name.  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              takeuchii.
C *...........           2   R1              Huperzia (=       Lycopodiaceae..  Wawae`iole.....  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              Phlegmariurus)
                                              stemmermanniae.
C *...........           3   R1              Microlepia        Dennstaedtiacea  Palapali.......  U.S.A. (HI).
                                              strigosa var.     e.
                                              mauiensis (=
                                              Microlepia
                                              mauiensis).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Table 2.--Animals and Plants Formerly Candidates or Formerly Proposed for Listing
         [Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Status
----------------------------   Lead region    Scientific name       Family        Commom name     Historic range
     Code          Expl.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Mammals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T.............            L  R1              Pteropus          Pteropodidae...  Bat, Mariana     Western Pacific
                                              mariannus                          fruit (=         Ocean, U.S.A.
                                              mariannus.                         Mariana flying   (GU, MP).
                                                                                 fox) (Aguijan,
                                                                                 etc.).
Rc............           A   6               Cynomys           Sciuridae......  Prairie dog,     U.S.A. (AZ, CO,
                                              ludovicianus.                      black-tailed.    KS, MT, NE,
                                                                                                  NM, ND, OK,
                                                                                                  SD, TX, WY),
                                                                                                  Canada,
                                                                                                  Mexico.
---------------
                                                   Amphibians
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T.............            L  R1              Ambystoma         Ambystomatidae.  Salamander,      U.S.A. (CA).
                                              californiense.                     California
                                                                                 tiger.
---------------
                                                      Clams
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc............           N   R4              Pleurobema        Unionidae......  Clubshell,       U.S.A. (AL, GA,
                                              troschelianum.                     Alabama.         TN).
Rc............           N   R4              Pleurobema        Unionidae......  Clubshell,       U.S.A. (AL, GA,
                                              chattanoogaense.                   painted.         TN).
---------------
                                                     Insects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rp............           A   R2              Euphydryas        Nymphalidae....  Butterfly,       U.S.A. (NM).
                                              anicia                             Sacramento
                                              cloudcrofti.                       Mountains
                                                                                 checkerspot.
Rc............           A   R5              Pseudanophthalmu  Carabidae......  Cave Beetle,     U.S.A. (VA).
                                              s holsingeri.                      Holsinger's.
---------------
                                                   Crustaceans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc............           A   R4              Fallicambarus     Cambaridae.....  Crayfish, Camp   U.S.A. (MS).
                                              gordoni.                           Shelby
                                                                                 burrowing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 05-9283 Filed 5-5-05; 1:01 pm]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P