[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 241 (Monday, December 17, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71298-71315]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24347]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[96100-1671-0000-W4]
RIN 1018-AV21


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule To 
List Six Foreign Bird Species Under the Endangered Species Act

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
list three petrel species (order Procellariiformes), the Chatham petrel 
(Pterodroma axillaris), previously referred to as (Pterodroma hypoleuca 
axillaris); Fiji petrel (Pterodroma macgillivrayi); and the magenta 
petrel (Pterodroma magentae) as endangered, pursuant to the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In addition, we propose to list 
the Cook's petrel (Pterodroma cookii); Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma 
phaeopygia), previously referred to as (Pterodroma phaeopygia 
phaeopygia); and the Heinroth's shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi) as 
threatened under the Act. This proposal, if made final, would extend 
the Act's protection to these species. The Service seeks data and 
comments from the public on this proposal.

DATES: We must receive comments and information from all interested 
parties by March 17, 2008. Public hearing requests must be received by 
January 31, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: RIN 1018-AV21; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, 
VA 22203.
    We will not accept e-mail or faxes. We will post all comments on 
http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any 
personal information you provide us (see the Public Comments section 
below for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary M. Cogliano, PhD, Division of 
Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax 
Drive, Room 110, Arlington, VA 22203; telephone 703-358-1708; fax, 703-
358-2276; or e-mail, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    In this proposed rule, we propose to list three foreign seabird 
species as endangered, pursuant to the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq.). 
These species are: the Chatham petrel (Pterodroma axillaris), Fiji 
petrel (Pterodroma macgillivrayi), and magenta petrel (Pterodroma 
magentae). We also propose to list the Cook's petrel (Pterodroma 
cookii), Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia), and Heinroth's 
shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi) as threatened species under the Act. 
All species are considered pelagic, occurring on the open sea generally 
out of sight of land, where they feed year round. They return to 
nesting sites on islands during the breeding season where they nest in 
colonies (Pettingill 1970, p. 206).

Chatham petrel (Pterodroma axillaris)

    The Chatham petrel is also known by its Maori name, ranguru. Fossil 
evidence indicates that this species was once widespread throughout the 
Chatham Islands of New Zealand [New Zealand Department of Conservation 
(NZDOC) 2001b]. However, the species is currently only known to breed 
on South East Island (Rangatira) (BirdLife International 2007a) and, as 
a result of recent release efforts, on Pitt Island (BirdLife 
International News 2006) within the Chatham Islands. The population of 
this species is very small, estimated at 800-1,000 birds based on 
recent research and banding studies (Taylor 2000), and is showing a 
decreasing population trend (BirdLife International 2007a). It is 
estimated that fewer than 200 pairs breed per year (NZDOC 2001b). The 
IUCN considers the Chatham petrel to be ``Critically Endangered'' 
(BirdLife International 2006a).
    Banding studies have shown that young birds of this species remain 
at sea for at least two years before returning to land to breed and 
nest. Based on limited feeding habits data, the species preys on squid 
and small fish (Heather and Robertson 1997, as cited in BirdLife 
International 2000).

Fiji petrel (Pterodroma macgillivrayi)

    Synonyms for the Fiji petrel include Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi 
and Thalassidroma macgillivrayi. Very little information is available 
on the Fiji petrel and its life history. There have only been 12 
substantiated sightings of this species on land since 1965, and a total 
of 13 historically. These sightings have all been on Gau Island 
(BirdLife International 2000), a 52.55-square mile (136.1 km\2\) island 
in Fiji's Lomaiviti archipelago (Wikipedia 2007f). The population of 
this species is very small, estimated at less than 50 birds and is 
showing a decreasing population trend (BirdLife International 2007c). 
The IUCN classifies the Fiji petrel as ``Critically Endangered'' 
(BirdLife International 2006c).

Magenta petrel (Pterodroma magentae)

    The magenta petrel, or Taiko as it is known locally, is native to 
Chatham Island, New Zealand (BirdLife International 2000), the largest 
island in the Chatham Islands chain, covering 348 square miles (900 
km\2\, Wikipedia 2007b). Based on fossil evidence and historical 
records, it is believed that the magenta petrel was once the most 
abundant burrowing seabird on Chatham Island (Bourne 1964, Sutton and 
Marshall 1977, as cited in NZDOC 2001a). It has been reported that 
prior to 1900, indigenous Moriori and Maori harvested thousands of 
petrel chicks for food (Crockett 1994). The limited feeding habits data 
show that the magenta petrel preys on squid (Heather and Robertson 
1997, as cited in BirdLife International 2000).
    The type specimen for the magenta petrel was first collected at sea 
in 1867, and after 10 years of intensive searching the species was re-
discovered in 1978 in

[[Page 71299]]

the southeast corner of Chatham Island (Crockett 1994). Since then, 
additional searches have resulted in the location and banding of 92 
birds (BirdLife International 2007d). The IUCN considers this species 
as ``Critically Endangered'' (BirdLife International 2006d). The 
magenta petrel population is estimated at 120 individuals with a 
decreasing trend (BirdLife International 2007d).

Cook's petrel (Pterodroma cookii)

    Cook's petrel is endemic to the New Zealand archipelago (del Hoyo, 
et al. 1992), which comprises two main islands, the North and South 
Islands, and numerous smaller islands. The total land area of the 
archipelago covers 103,700 square miles (268,680 km\2\, Wikipedia 
2007i). Historically, Cook's petrels were harvested in large numbers as 
a food source by native Moriori (Oliver 1955).
    Although the Cook's petrel was once considered a dominant species 
on these islands, the species' breeding and nesting activities are now 
restricted to islands at the northern and southern limits of its former 
breeding range, including Great Barrier (Aotea), Little Barrier 
(Hauturu), and Codfish (Whenua Hou) Islands (del Hoyo, et al. 1992). 
The species' diet consists primarily of cephalopods, fish, crustaceans, 
and bioluminescent tunicates that can be hunted at night (Imber 1996).
    The IUCN classifies this species as ``Endangered'' (BirdLife 
International 2006b). Although the population on Little Barrier Island 
was thought to be about 50,000 pairs (BirdLife International 2007b), 
using GIS (Geographic Information System) technology, Rayner, et al. 
(2007b) determined that the population is around 286,000 pairs. In 
2006, the Great Barrier Island population was considered to be in 
danger of extirpation because only four nest burrows had been located 
in recent years, and it was estimated that fewer than 20 pairs 
continued to breed on the island. However, the populations on Little 
Barrier and Codfish islands are likely to be increasing (BirdLife 
International 2007b).

Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia)

    The Galapagos petrel is endemic to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador 
(BirdLife International 2000), and is currently known to occur on the 
archipelago's islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana, Santiago, San 
Crist[oacute]bal, and Isabela, which cover a total land area of 2,680 
square miles (6,942 km\2\, Cruz and Cruz 1987; Vargas and Cruz 2000, as 
cited in BirdLife International 2000). This species feeds mostly on 
squid, fish, and crustaceans (Castro and Phillips 1996, as cited in 
BirdLife International 2000), and has been observed foraging near the 
Galapagos Islands, as well as east and north of the islands (Spear, et 
al. 1995).
    The IUCN classifies the Galapagos petrel as ``Critically 
Endangered'' (BirdLife International 2006e). The total population is 
estimated to be 20,000-60,000 birds with a decreasing population trend 
(BirdLife International 2007e).

Heinroth's shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi)

    Very little information is available on the Heinroth's shearwater 
and its life history. The species' nesting grounds have not been 
located, but observations of the species indicate that the species 
breeds on Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea, and Kolombangara and 
Rendova Islands in the Solomon Islands (Buckingham, et al. 1995, Coates 
1985, 1990, as cited in BirdLife International 2000).
    The IUCN categorizes this species as ``Vulnerable'' (BirdLife 
International 2006f). The population is estimated at 250-999 birds, 
with an unknown population trend; however, there is no substantial 
evidence of a decline (BirdLife International 2007f).

Previous Federal Action

    Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act requires the Service to make a 
finding known as a ``90-day finding'' on whether a petition to add, 
remove, or reclassify a species from the list of endangered or 
threatened species has presented substantial information indicating 
that the requested action may be warranted. To the maximum extent 
practicable, the finding shall be made within 90 days following receipt 
of the petition and published promptly in the Federal Register. If the 
Service finds that the petition has presented substantial information 
indicating that the requested action may be warranted (referred to as a 
positive finding), Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act requires the Service 
to commence a status review of the species if one has not already been 
initiated under the Service's internal candidate assessment process. In 
addition, Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Service to make a 
finding within 12 months following receipt of the petition on whether 
the requested action is warranted, not warranted, or warranted but 
precluded by higher-priority listing actions (this finding is referred 
to as the ``12-month finding''). If the listing of a species is found 
to be warranted but precluded by higher-priority listing actions, then 
the petition to list that species is treated as if it is a petition 
that is resubmitted on the date of the finding and is, therefore, 
subject to a new 12-month finding within one year. The Service 
publishes an Annual Notice of Resubmitted Petition Findings (annual 
notice) for all foreign species for which listings were previously 
found to be warranted but precluded.
    On November 24, 1980, we received a petition (1980 petition) from 
Dr. Warren B. King, Chairman, United States Section of the 
International Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP), to add 79 native 
and foreign bird species to the list of Threatened and Endangered 
Wildlife (50 CFR 17.11). The species covered by the 1980 petition 
comprised 19 native species and 60 foreign species, including the six 
seabird species of the family Procellariidae that are the subject of 
this proposed rule. In response to the 1980 petition, we published a 
notice to announce a positive 90-day finding on May 12, 1981 (46 FR 
26464) for 77 species, as two of the foreign species identified were 
already listed under the Act. On January 20, 1984, we published a 12-
month finding within an annual review on pending petitions and 
description of progress on all ESA listing amendments (49 FR 2485). In 
this notice, we found that listing all 58 foreign bird species on the 
1980 petition was warranted but precluded by higher-priority listing 
actions, however, the species were not listed by name. On May 10, 1985, 
we published the first annual notice (50 FR 19761) in which we 
continued to find that listing all 58 foreign bird species on the 1980 
petition was warranted but precluded by higher-priority listing 
actions. In our next annual notice (51 FR 996), published on January 9, 
1986, we found that listing 54 species from the 1980 petition, 
including the six species that are the subject of this proposed rule, 
continued to be warranted but precluded by higher-priority listing 
actions, whereas new information caused us to find that listing the 
four remaining species was no longer warranted. We published additional 
annual notices of findings on July 7, 1988 (53 FR 25511), December 29, 
1988 (53 FR 52746), April 25, 1990 (55 FR 17475), November 21, 1991 (56 
FR 58664), and May 21, 2004 (69 FR 29354). In addition, on September 
28, 1990, we published a final rule (55 FR 39858) to list six species 
from the 1980 petition to the List of Threatened and Endangered 
Wildlife.
    Per the Service's listing priority guidelines that were published 
on September 21, 1983 (48 FR 43098), in our April 23, 2007, Annual 
Notice on

[[Page 71300]]

Resubmitted Petition Findings for Foreign Species (72 FR 20184), we 
determined that listing the six seabird species of family 
Procellariidae was warranted. The six species were selected from the 
list of warranted but precluded species for two reasons. First, this 
family grouping includes more high priority species than any other 
taxonomic family group in our list of warranted but precluded species; 
and, second, because of the significance and similarity of the threats 
to the species. Combining taxonomically related species that face 
similar threats into one proposed rule allows us to maximize our 
limited staff resources and thus increases our ability to complete the 
listing process for warranted-but-precluded species.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4(a)(1) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533 (a)(1)) and regulations 
promulgated to implement the listing provisions of the Act (50 CFR part 
424) set forth the procedures for adding species to the Federal lists 
of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants. A species may be 
determined to be an endangered or threatened species due to one or more 
of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. These 
factors and their application to the Chatham petrel, Cook's petrel, 
Fiji petrel, Galapagos petrel, magenta petrel, and Heinroth's 
shearwater follow.

Chatham petrel (Pterodroma axillaris)

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of the Habitat or Range
    The range of this species changes intra-annually based on an 
established breeding cycle. During the breeding season (November to 
June) (NZDOC 2001b), breeding birds return to breeding colonies to 
breed and nest. During the non-breeding season, birds migrate far from 
their breeding range where they remain at sea until returning to breed. 
Therefore, our analysis of Factor A is separated into analyses of: (1) 
The species' breeding habitat and range, and (2) the species' non-
breeding habitat and range.
    BirdLife International (2007a) estimates the range of the Chatham 
petrel to be 436,000 km\2\ (168,300 mi\2\); however, BirdLife 
International (2000) defines ``range'' as the ``Extent of Occurrence, 
the area contained within the shortest continuous imaginary boundary 
which can be drawn to encompass all the known, inferred, or projected 
sites of present occurrence of a species, excluding cases of 
vagrancy.'' Because this reported range includes a large area of non-
breeding habitat (i.e., the sea), our analysis of Factor A with respect 
to the Chatham petrel's breeding range focuses on the islands where the 
species is known to breed.
    The Chatham petrel breeds primarily on one island (BirdLife 
International 2000; NZDOC 2001b), the 0.84 square mile (2.18 km\2\, 
Wikipedia 2007k) South East Island in the Chatham Islands (BirdLife 
International 2000; NZDOC 2001b). In 2002, the NZDOC began efforts to 
expand the species' breeding range by releasing chicks onto Pitt 
Island, an island approximately 2.5 km (1.55 mi) northwest of South 
East Island. Over a four-year time period, 200 chicks were transferred 
to the 40 ha (98.8 acre) Ellen Elizabeth Preece Conservation Covenant 
(Caravan Bush), a fenced, predator-free enclosure on Pitt Island. As of 
2006, four adult birds had returned to the island from the sea to 
breed, and in June, 2006, a pair successfully reared a chick. This 
represents the first time in more than a century that a Chatham petrel 
chick has fledged on Pitt Island (BirdLife International News 2006).
    The Chatham petrel breeds on coastal lowlands and slopes in 
habitats with low forest, bracken, or rank grass (del Hoyo, et al. 
1992). It nests in burrows on flat to moderately sloping ground among 
low vegetation and roots (Marchant and Higgins 1990, as cited in 
BirdLife International 2000). Since the arrival of European explorers, 
this breeding habitat has contracted extensively, largely as a result 
of its conversion to agricultural purposes (NZDOC 2001b; Tennyson and 
Millener 1994).
    We are not aware of any present or threatened destruction or 
modification of the Chatham petrel's habitat on South East Island. This 
island is currently un-inhabited by humans (Wikipedia 2007k), and since 
1954, it has been managed as a reserve for the Chatham petrel. Access 
to this island is restricted by permit. In addition, since 1961, all 
livestock has been removed from the island, allowing the natural 
vegetation to regenerate (Nilsson, et al. 1994). The Chatham petrel's 
fenced, 40 ha (98.8 acre) release area on Pitt Island is protected by a 
conservation covenant, and we are unaware of any present or threatened 
destruction or modification of any of the species' habitat on Pitt 
Island. Therefore, we find that the present or threatened destruction 
or modification of the species' breeding habitat is not a threat to the 
species.
    The Chatham petrel's range at sea is poorly known; the species has 
been recorded on several occasions at sea near South East Island, and 
has been recorded once 12 km (7.5 mi) south of the island (West 1994). 
It is believed that the species migrates to the North Pacific Ocean in 
the non-breeding season, based on the habits of closely related 
species; however, no sightings have been recorded in the Northern 
Hemisphere (Taylor 2000). We are unaware of any present or threatened 
destruction, modification, or curtailment of this species' current sea 
habitat or range.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes
    We are unaware of any commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purpose for which the Chatham petrel is currently being 
utilized.
C. Disease or Predation
    The Chatham petrel's breeding range was reduced extensively 
following the arrival of European explorers, largely due to predation 
by introduced species such as rats (Rattus spp.), feral cats (Felis 
catus), and weka (Gallirallus australis), an introduced bird (Heather 
and Robertson 1997, as cited in BirdLife International 2000; NZDOC 
2001b; Taylor 2000). Although no introduced predators are currently 
present on South East Island, there is an ongoing risk that predators 
will be introduced to the island by boats transporting conservation and 
research staff to the island. Given this risk, combined with the 
devastating impact introduced predators had on Chatham petrel 
populations historically, we find that predation by introduced species 
is a threat to the Chatham petrel on South East Island, the species' 
primary breeding location.
    On Pitt Island, Chatham petrel chicks were released within a 40 ha 
(98.8 acre) fenced, predator-free breeding habitat. Although this area 
is fenced, and the threat of predation on nesting Chatham petrels is 
reduced, introduced predators, such as feral cats and weka, are present 
on this island (BirdLife International News 2002) and could potentially 
get inside the fenced area or prey on Chatham petrels that leave the 
fenced area. Therefore, we find that predation by introduced species is 
a threat to the Chatham petrel on Pitt Island.
    We are unaware of any threats due to predation on Chatham petrels 
during the non-breeding season while the species is at sea.
    The information available suggests that petrels in general are 
susceptible to a variety of diseases and parasites, particularly during 
the breeding season, when large numbers of seabirds

[[Page 71301]]

congregate in relatively small areas to breed and nest (BirdLife 
International 2007a; Carlile, et al. 2003). However, there are no 
documented records of diseases impacting the persistence of the Chatham 
petrel. Therefore, we find that the threat of diseases is not a 
significant threat to this species.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    The Chatham petrel is protected from disturbance and harvest under 
New Zealand's Wildlife Act of 1953 and its Reserves Act of 1977. The 
petrel is designated as a Category A species by the NZDOC, which 
signifies the species is of the highest priority for conservation 
management (Molloy and Davis 1999). As such, the NZDOC developed a ten-
year recovery plan for the Chatham petrel in 2001, with the goals of 
protecting the species' breeding burrows on South East Island from the 
broad-billed prion (Pachyptila vittata) (see Factor E below) and 
establishing a reintroduced population elsewhere within the species' 
historic breeding range (NZDOC 2001b). A measure of the success of this 
recovery plan is the successful establishment of breeding individuals 
on Pitt Island (see Factor A above) in 2006, thereby increasing the 
breeding range of the species. These efforts are beginning to show some 
success (see Factor E below), but it is too early to know the level of 
success, because it can take fledged seabirds years to return to their 
breeding colony to breed and nest (Taylor 2000). Similarly, protection 
of Chatham petrel burrows has reduced the population impacts resulting 
from competition with the broad-billed prion (see Factor E below), 
however, this threat remains the greatest threat to the species.
    New Zealand ratified the Agreement on the Conservation of 
Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP) in November 2001, which is designed to 
reduce impacts of fishing operations on populations of Procellariids 
(ACAP 2001), however the Chatham petrel is not listed in Annex 1 to 
this Agreement and, therefore, is not protected under this Agreement. 
Therefore, implementation of this Agreement has not reduced the threat 
of incidental take of this species in long-line fisheries (see Factor E 
below).
    Therefore we find that existing regulatory protections have not 
significantly reduced or removed the threats to the Chatham petrel.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the Continued Existence 
of the Species
    Based on the information available, the predominant threat to the 
Chatham petrel is nest burrow competition between this species and the 
more abundant broad-billed prion, which numbers around 300,000 
individuals. The prion not only occupies potential Chatham petrel 
burrows, but has been observed actively evicting or lethally attacking 
eggs, nestlings, and occasionally adults of the Chatham petrel. Such 
competition has resulted in a high rate of pair bond disruption and a 
low rate of breeding success in Chatham petrels, despite the high 
percentage of egg-fertility (BirdLife International 2000; NZDOC 2001b).
    To reduce the threat posed by competition with the broad-billed 
prion on South East Island, the NZDOC has implemented nest site 
protection efforts for the Chatham petrel, including placement of 
artificial nest sites and the blockage of burrows to prevent occupation 
by the broad-billed prion (NZDOC 2001b). During the 2005-2006 breeding 
season, out of 155 known breeding pairs, 83 percent of the pairs 
successfully fledged one chick per pair (Wikipedia 2007d). Although 
these actions are improving the petrel's breeding success (NZDOC 2001b; 
Taylor 1999, as cited in BirdLife International 2000), only a small 
proportion of breeding burrows occupied by Chatham petrels have been 
located and, therefore, protected (Taylor 1999, as cited in BirdLife 
International 2000). Therefore, we consider nest burrow competition 
between this species and the broad-billed prion to be a significant 
threat to the Chatham petrel.
    The Chatham petrel's restricted breeding range puts the species at 
a greater risk of extinction. Breeding colonies were once widespread 
throughout the Chatham Islands (NZDOC 2001b), a group of about 10 
islands within a 24.85 mile [40-kilometer (km)] radius covering a total 
land area of 373 square miles (966 km\2\, Wikipedia 2007c). Currently, 
however, breeding of this species is restricted to South East Island 
(BirdLife International 2007a) and, as a result of recent release 
efforts, Pitt Island (BirdLife International News 2006), a total land 
area of less than 1 mi\2\ (Wikipedia 2007j,k). This habitat area is 
insufficient for the long-term survival of the Chatham petrel, 
particularly since breeding pairs, eggs, and nestlings on South East 
Island, the primary breeding area of this species, face the pervasive 
threat of nest-site competition with the broad-billed prion. It is 
estimated that the self-sustainability of the breeding population on 
Pitt Island as a result of the release program will take longer than 
four more years to achieve (NZDOC 2001b).
    The Chatham petrel's restricted breeding range combined with its 
colonial nesting habits and small population size of 800-1,000 birds 
(Taylor 2000) makes the species particularly vulnerable to the threat 
of adverse random, naturally occurring events (e.g., cyclones, fire) 
that destroy breeding individuals and their breeding habitat. Fire is a 
high risk in the Chatham Islands because the climate is very dry during 
the summer, and the vegetation becomes tinder dry. If fires do occur, 
the remoteness of the islands renders the fires unlikely to be 
exterminated by human intervention. Burrow-nesting species such as the 
Chatham petrel are at a high risk because they are likely to suffocate 
from smoke inhalation or to be lethally burned inside or while 
attempting to escape from their burrows (Taylor 2000).
    Another natural disaster, severe storms, has impacted New Zealand 
historically, and so the likelihood of future impacts of storms is 
high. A severe storm in 1985 stripped two islands in the Chatham 
Islands chain bare of vegetation and soil cover, causing high increases 
in egg mortality of nesting albatrosses (Taylor 2000). Considered the 
worst recorded cyclone in New Zealand's history, Cyclone Giselle hit 
New Zealand April 10, 1968, with wind speeds of 275 km/h (Wikipedia 
2007). Although we are unaware of the impact of this cyclone on the 
Chatham petrel's population numbers or breeding habitat, the severity 
of the wind or waves created by such a storm has potential to 
significantly damage Chatham petrel burrows. These burrows are 
particularly vulnerable because they are located on coastal lowlands 
(del Hoyo, et al. 1992), and they are extremely fragile, occurring in 
soft soils (Taylor 2000).
    While species with more extensive breeding ranges or higher 
population numbers could recover from adverse random, naturally 
occurring events such as fire or storms, the Chatham petrel does not 
have such resiliency. Its very small population size and restricted 
breeding range puts the species at higher risk for experiencing the 
irreversible adverse effects of random, naturally occurring events. 
Therefore, we find that the combination of factors--the species' small 
population size, restricted breeding range, and likelihood of adverse 
random, naturally occurring events--to be a significant threat to the 
species.
    We are unaware of any documented cases of incidental take of 
Chatham petrels by commercial long-line fishing operations or 
entanglement in marine

[[Page 71302]]

debris; however, it is generally recognized that all seabirds are at 
high risk of injury or mortality when they attempt to take bait from 
long-line fishing gear. The lack of data on these impacts could be a 
result of the species' low population number. Dr. Michael Rands, 
Director and Chief Executive of BirdLife International, has reported 
that the number of seabirds killed in long-line fishery operations 
continues to increase, and the long-line fishery, especially operations 
by unlicensed ``pirate'' vessels, is the single greatest threat to all 
seabirds [Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) 2007; BirdLife 
International News 2003]. Therefore, we consider the incidental take of 
Chatham petrels by commercial long-line fishing operations to be a 
significant threat to the species.

Conclusion

    Predation by introduced species is an ongoing threat to the Chatham 
petrel, which historically reduced the species' population numbers. 
Nest burrow competition between the Chatham petrel and the more 
abundant broad-billed prion is a current, on-going threat to the 
Chatham petrel that is of high magnitude that has not been controlled 
by human intervention. The broad-billed prion occupies Chatham petrel 
burrows, actively evicting or lethally attacking eggs, nestlings, and 
occasionally adults of the Chatham petrel, and as a result is reducing 
the Chatham petrel's population which is already very small, estimated 
at 800-1000 individuals. Although the NZDOC has been actively working 
to protect Chatham petrel nest sites from the broad-billed prion, only 
a small proportion of Chatham petrel breeding burrows have been located 
and protected (Taylor 1999, as cited in BirdLife International 2000). 
This threat is magnified by the fact that the impacted area is the 
Chatham petrel's primary breeding location, and the breeding area is 
extremely small, less than 1 mi\2\ in size. The only other location 
where the species has been documented to breed is the 40 ha (98.8 acre) 
enclosed area on Pitt Island where Chatham Petrels were reintroduced. 
It is currently uncertain whether the species will maintain this 
portion of its range as a breeding area; as of 2006, only one pair 
breeding in this area had successfully reared a chick.
    Once a population is reduced below a certain number of individuals, 
it tends to rapidly decline towards extinction (Franklin 1980; Gilpin 
and Soule 1986; Soule 1987). The Chatham petrel's small population, 
combined with its restricted breeding range and colonial nesting habits 
makes the species particularly vulnerable to the threat of random, 
naturally occurring events. These catastrophic events, such as cyclones 
and fire, are known to occur in New Zealand and have the potential to 
destroy breeding individuals and their breeding habitat.
    The threats within the species' breeding range are compounded by 
the threat posed by long-line fishing in the species' non-breeding 
range. Although New Zealand implements measures to protect other 
seabird species from this threat under the Agreement on the 
Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, the Chatham petrel is not 
currently offered protection by this Agreement. We are unaware of any 
documentation on the level of Chatham petrel mortality caused by long-
line fisheries; however, the number of seabirds killed in long-line 
fishery operations continues to increase, and the long-line fishery, 
especially operations by unlicensed ``pirate'' vessels, is the single 
greatest threat to all seabirds (AAD 2007; BirdLife International News 
2003). Therefore, the magnitude of this threat to the species in its 
non-breeding range is significant. Because the survival of this species 
is dependent on recruitment of chicks from its breeding range, the 
severity of threats to the Chatham petrel within its breeding range 
puts the species in danger of extinction throughout its range. 
Therefore, we find the Chatham petrel to be in danger of extinction 
throughout all of its range. Because we find that the Chatham petrel is 
endangered throughout all of its range, there is no reason to consider 
its status in a significant portion of its range.

Fiji petrel (Pterodroma macgillivrayi)

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of the Habitat or Range
    Although little is known about the Fiji petrel and its life 
history, based on general information common to all other Procellariid 
species, we know that the range of the Fiji petrel changes intra-
annually based on an established breeding cycle. During the breeding 
season, breeding birds return to breeding colonies to breed and nest. 
During the non-breeding season, birds migrate far from their breeding 
range where they remain at sea until returning to breed. Therefore, our 
analysis of Factor A is separated into analyses of: (1) The species' 
breeding habitat and range, and (2) the species' non-breeding habitat 
and range.
    BirdLife International (2007c) estimates the range of the Fiji 
petrel to be 154,000 km2 (59,460 mi2); however, 
BirdLife International (2000) defines ``range'' as the ``Extent of 
Occurrence, the area contained within the shortest continuous imaginary 
boundary which can be drawn to encompass all the known, inferred, or 
projected sites of present occurrence of a species, excluding cases of 
vagrancy.'' Because this reported range includes a large area of non-
breeding habitat (i.e., the sea), our analysis of Factor A with respect 
to the Fiji petrel's breeding range focuses on the island where the 
species breeds.
    Although the nesting area of this species has not been located 
(Priddel, et al. draft), the information available indicates that the 
species breeds on Gau Island, Fiji, where the few recorded sightings of 
this species on land have occurred (Priddel, et al. draft; RARE 
Conservation 2006a; Watling and Lewanavanua 1985). The species was 
originally known from just one specimen collected in 1855 on Gau 
Island. There were no additional confirmed sightings of the species 
until 1984 when an extensive, 16-month search on Gau Island revealed 
one additional sighting. The researchers used spotlights and recorded 
collared petrel calls in an attempt to attract petrels to the highlands 
area where the researchers were searching. On the first night of 
spotlighting, a single Fiji petrel flew into the researchers' light. No 
additional birds were found on this search expedition (Watling 1986; 
Watling and Lewanavanua 1985). There have been an additional 16 
reported sightings of this species on land, all on Gau Island, and ten 
additional sightings at sea, however, many of these reports have not 
been substantiated (Priddel, et al. draft). In 2007, Priddell, et al. 
(draft) summarized all these records, specifying which records were 
credible. The researchers determined that of the 17 recorded sightings 
on land between 1965 and 2007, 12 were highly credible based on 
researchers' identification of dead specimens, photographs of 
specimens, or live specimens. In addition to the sightings on land, 
there have been ten sightings at sea, all since 1960. However, none of 
these reports have been substantiated. Based on researcher observation 
or detailed descriptions, three of these reports are considered by 
Priddel, et al. (draft) to be credible.
    We consider the evidence sufficient to conclude that the Fiji 
petrel breeds on Gau Island because: (1) all 12 substantiated sightings 
of the species on land have been on Gau Island; (2) Procellariids 
return to land only for breeding purposes, and (3) the original 
specimen of this species collected in

[[Page 71303]]

1855 was determined to be an immature bird, based on its feathers and 
skull morphology (Bourne 1981, as cited in Priddel, et al. draft; Imber 
1985b; Priddel, et al. draft); so it is reasonable to believe that its 
nest was in the vicinity.
    Based on the locations of Fiji petrel sightings on Gau Island, the 
species' breeding habitat is most likely to be undisturbed mature 
forest on rocky, mountainous ground within the island's cloud forest 
highlands (del Hoyo, et al. 1992; RARE Conservation 2006a). Based on 
the nesting habits of other colonial seabirds, it has been suggested 
that Fiji petrels nest in close proximity to collared petrels 
(Pterodroma leucoptera), which nest on the ground in this rugged 
terrain of interior Gau Island (Watling and Lewanavanua 1985).
    In 1985, it was estimated that over 27 square miles (70 km\2\) of 
forest habitat up to 2,346 feet (715 meters) in elevation is 
potentially suitable for breeding and nesting of Fiji petrels on Gau 
Island (Watling and Lewanavanua 1985). Unlike the lowlands of Gau 
Island which have been cleared to a large extent for settlement, 
agriculture, and forest plantations, the upland interior forests where 
the species is believed to breed, has not been logged (Priddel, et al. 
draft; Veitayaki 2006). The only maintained inland trail leads to a 
telecommunication tower on a mountain peak just below Delaco. The 3,115 
inhabitants of Gau Island live in coastal villages, where the majority 
live by subsistence fishing and farming, maintaining gardens up to 300 
m in elevation. Although low-level forestry activities occur in lowland 
areas, no other intensive industry or agriculture is practiced on the 
island (Priddel, et al. draft). Veitayaki (2006) noted that the 
practice of shifting cultivation on Gau Island using improved machinery 
and the indiscriminant use of fire is rapidly progressing toward the 
cloud forests within the interior of the island. However, no 
information was provided to show this is actually occurring.
    Veitayaki (2006), described a community-based conservation project 
on Gau Island that has been in place since 2001, whereby villagers in 
the district of Vanuaso Tikina are collaborating with the University of 
the South Pacific to sustainably manage their environmental resources. 
Goals of the project include preservation of the upland cloud forest, 
adoption of sustainable land use practices, protection of drinking 
water, and development of alternative sources of livelihood. The 
success of this project has provided momentum beyond the Vanuaso Tikina 
district, as there is interest in incorporating the same sustainable-
use practices in the other villages on Gau Island (Veitayaki 2006).
    In 2003, the World Resources Institute (WRI) reported that less 
than 1% (.88%) of Fiji's total land area is protected to such an extent 
that it is preserved in its natural condition (Earth Trends 2003a). Gau 
Island, however, is relatively pristine compared to most areas of Fiji 
due to the semi-subsistence lifestyle (Veitayaki 2006). The Fiji people 
show great pride in the Fiji petrel, making it the emblem of the 
national airline (Air Fiji) and presenting it on the Fijian Fifty-
dollar banknote (Priddel, et al. draft). Legislation has been drafted 
to protect the Fiji petrel's habitat on Gau Island, once nesting 
colonies have been located (RARE Conservation 2006a) (see Factor D, 
below). Because Gau Island's upland forest habitat, where the species 
is most likely to breed, remains in a pristine condition and does not 
appear to be threatened with destruction or modification, we find that 
the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of 
this species' breeding habitat or range is not a threat to the species.
    The Fiji petrel's range at sea is poorly known; the species has 
been recorded once at sea near Gau Island and once at sea 200 km (124.3 
mi) north of Gau Island (Watling 2000, as cited in BirdLife 
International 2000; Watling and Lewanavanua 1985). We are unaware of 
any present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of 
this species' current sea habitat or range.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes
    We are unaware of any commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purpose for which the Fiji petrel is currently being 
utilized.
C. Disease or Predation
    The greatest threat to the long-term survival of the Fiji petrel is 
thought to be predation on breeding birds and their eggs and chicks by 
introduced predators such as rats and feral cats on Gau Island 
(BirdLife International 2000). Since nesting colonies of Fiji petrels 
have not been located, predation on the Fiji petrel has not been 
directly observed. However, cats and Pacific rats (R. exulans) have 
been found in the highland forests of Gau Island, where this species is 
most likely to breed (Imber 1986, as cited in Priddel, et al. draft; 
Watling and Lewanavanua 1985). The path to the telecommunications 
transmitter on the summit of Gau Island may have facilitated the 
movement of feral cats and Pacific and brown rats (R. norvegicus) into 
the Fiji petrel's breeding habitat (Watling 2000, as cited in BirdLife 
International 2000).
    The remains of collared petrels have been found in feral cat scats 
and killings in the highland forests of Gau Island, where the Fiji 
petrel is also believed to breed. It is suggested that the collared 
petrel nests successfully despite this predation threat because its 
synchronized nesting during the first half of the year swamps cat 
predation. The collection of a first-flight young of the Fiji petrel on 
Gau Island in the month of October, however, indicates that this 
species has a more extended or later breeding season, putting this more 
sparsely populated species at greater risk of predation (Watling 1986). 
Cats and rats are known to have caused many local extirpations of other 
petrel species (Moors and Atkinson 1984, as cited in Priddel, et al. 
draft). According to Priddel, et al. (draft) there do not appear to be 
any inaccessible cliffs or mountainous ledges where Fiji petrels could 
nest out of the reach of cats or rats.
    A feral pig (Sus scrofa) population has recently established in 
southern areas of Gau Island and is considered an emerging threat to 
the Fiji petrel (Priddel et al. draft). Feral pigs have caused the 
local extinction of other species of seabirds on numerous islands 
(Moors and Atkinson 1984, as cited in Priddel, et al. draft).
    Protecting Fiji petrel nest sites from introduced predators by 
creating barriers around the nests is not possible at this time because 
the exact location of the nesting sites is unknown. There is no 
information indicating that predator eradication has been attempted on 
Gau Island. Even if a predator eradication program were to be 
implemented, protection of the nest sites would be difficult due to the 
permanent habitation of humans on the island. Even if cats were 
prohibited as pets, there is still a high potential for cats and rats 
to be transported to Gau Island in boats transporting humans or other 
shipments.
    Because the threat of predation by introduced cats and rats has 
severely impacted closely related petrel species, and there are records 
of these introduced predators on Gau Island, especially feral cats and 
rats in the highland forests of Gau where the Fiji petrel is most 
likely to breed, we find that predation is a significant threat to the 
Fiji petrel.
    We are unaware of any threats due to predation on Fiji petrels 
during the non-breeding season while the species is at sea.

[[Page 71304]]

    Although several diseases have been documented in other species of 
petrels (see Chatham petrel Factor C), disease has not been documented 
in the Fiji petrel. Therefore, the significance of this threat to the 
Fiji petrel is unknown.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    Although the Fiji petrel is protected from international trade 
under Fijian law (Government of Fiji 2002, 2003), this protection has 
not significantly reduced or removed the threat of predation within the 
species' breeding range, nor has it reduced the threat posed by long-
line fisheries (see Factor E below) within its range at sea.
    Community awareness of the conservation significance of the Fiji 
petrel has been promoted in Fiji. From 2002-2004, Milika Rati, a local 
conservationist on Gau Island, led a ``Pride campaign'' (RARE 
Conservation 2006a), a constituency-building program developed by the 
conservation organization RARE (RARE Conservation 2006b). Ms. Rati 
chose the Fiji petrel as the flagship mascot for this movement and used 
a series of high-profile activities to raise awareness of the 
conservation urgency of the species. This campaign resulted in a 
confirmed sighting of a Fiji petrel (RARE Conservation 2006a). A 
follow-up survey to the campaign revealed that 99 percent of the 
participants believed natural resource protection to be important, and 
94 percent were aware that the Fiji petrel is at risk of extinction.
    Based on increased public awareness of the Pride campaign, a formal 
agreement supporting the creation of a bird sanctuary for the species 
was signed by all 16 of Fiji's village chiefs (RARE Conservation 
2006a).
    The Australian Regional National Heritage Programme continues to 
fund the Pride campaign on Gau Island. The Wildlife Conservation 
Society, BirdLife International, and the National Trust of the Fiji 
Islands are collaborating to work towards implementation of 
conservation recommendations made by Ms. Rati, including minimizing 
predators (RARE Conservation 2006a).
    Although the Fiji petrel is protected from international trade 
(Government of Fiji 2002, 2003) by Fijian law and public awareness and 
support for the species' protection on Gau Island is strong, these 
conservation measures have not significantly reduced the threats to the 
species.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the Continued Existence 
of the Species
    Because of the paucity of recorded sightings of this species (see 
discussion of Factor A above), the population is apparently very small. 
The IUCN estimates the population to be less than 50 individuals, with 
a decreasing trend due to predation by introduced predators (BirdLife 
International 2007c). Species with such small population sizes are at 
greater risk of extinction. Once a population is reduced below a 
certain number of individuals, it tends to rapidly decline towards 
extinction (Franklin 1980; Gilpin and Soule 1986; Soule 1987).
    This species' risk of extinction is further compounded by its 
restricted current breeding range, which according to the best 
available information is limited to Gau Island, where an estimated 27 
square miles (70 km\2\) of potential breeding habitat is available. 
However, based on what is known about the species, this is considered a 
relatively small amount of appropriate habitat for breeding, 
particularly since breeding pairs, eggs, and nestlings on Gau Island 
face the pervasive threat of predation by introduced species such as 
feral cats and rats.
    The Fiji petrel's restricted breeding range combined with its 
colonial nesting habits and small population size of less than 50 birds 
(BirdLife International 2007c) makes the species particularly 
vulnerable to the threat of adverse random, naturally occurring events 
(e.g., cyclones, flooding, and landslides) that destroy breeding 
individuals and their breeding habitat. Fiji is vulnerable to the 
devastating affects of cyclones inter-annually between November and 
April. On average, 15 cyclones affect this country each decade (World 
Meteorological Organization 2004). The most severe cyclone in within 
the past 100 years was cyclone Kina in January, 1993, with wind speeds 
of 120 knots spanning an area 180 miles (289.7 km) from its center. The 
Government of Fiji declared the area a disaster, because virtually all 
areas of Fiji were impacted by this cyclone and the associated flooding 
(UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs 1993). Landslides are common in 
Fiji's mountainous areas during these severe weather conditions (World 
Meteorological Organization 2004), and would be particularly 
threatening to breeding Fiji petrels and their breeding habitat.
    While species with more extensive breeding ranges or higher 
population numbers could recover from adverse random, naturally 
occurring events such as cyclones, the Fiji petrel does not have such 
resiliency. Its very small population size and restricted breeding 
range puts the species at higher risk for experiencing the irreversible 
adverse effects of random, naturally occurring events. One such event 
could destroy the entire known breeding population on Gau Island.
    Therefore, we find that the combination of factors--the species' 
small population size, restricted breeding range, and likelihood of 
adverse random, naturally occurring events--to be a significant threat 
to the species.
    Although we are unaware of any documented cases of incidental take 
of Fiji petrels by commercial long-line fishing operations or 
entanglement in marine debris, these long-line fishing operations have 
been identified as a threat to all seabird species (see analysis under 
Chatham petrel, Factor E). Moreover, the lack of data on these impacts 
to the Fiji petrel could be a result of the species' low population 
number. Therefore, we find the incidental take of Fiji petrels by 
commercial long-line fishing operations to be a significant threat to 
the species.

Conclusion

    The primary threat to the Fiji petrel is most likely predation by 
introduced feral cats and rats within the species' breeding range. The 
probability of introduced predators preying on this species is high 
given that introduced feral cats are documented to prey upon the 
closely related collared petrel in the interior forests of Gau Island 
where the Fiji petrel is most likely to nest. Furthermore, the 
devastating impact of predation by introduced species has been 
documented in several closely-related species. There is no information 
indicating that predator eradication has been attempted on Gau Island. 
This threat is magnified by the fact that the threat likely threatens 
the species throughout its breeding range, the interior forests of Gau 
Island. Although the Fiji petrel is legally protected from 
international trade, to our knowledge Fiji has not successfully 
implemented measures to protect the species from the threat of 
predation.
    The Fiji petrel's low population size of less than 50 individuals 
puts the species at a high risk of extinction. The low population size 
combined with its restricted breeding and colonial nesting habits, 
typical of all Procellariid species, makes the species particularly 
vulnerable to the threat of random, naturally occurring events (e.g., 
cyclones) that are known to occur in Fiji

[[Page 71305]]

and have the potential to destroy breeding individuals and their 
breeding habitat.
    The threats within the species' breeding range are compounded by 
the threat posed by long-line fishing in the species' non-breeding 
range. There is no information indicating that Fiji has implemented 
measures to protect the species from long-line fishery activities. 
However, because the survival of this species is dependent on 
recruitment of chicks from its breeding range, the severity of threats 
to the Fiji petrel within its breeding range puts the species in danger 
of extinction throughout all of its range. Therefore, we find the Fiji 
petrel to be in danger of extinction throughout all of its range. 
Because we find that the Fiji petrel is endangered throughout all of 
its range, there is no reason to consider its status in a significant 
portion of its range.

Magenta petrel (Pterodroma magentae)

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of the Habitat or Range of the Magenta Petrel
    The range of this species changes intra-annually based on an 
established breeding cycle. During the breeding season (September to 
May) (Imber, et al. 1994b; Taylor 1991), breeding birds return to 
breeding colonies to breed and nest. During the non-breeding season, 
birds migrate far from their breeding range where they remain at sea 
until returning to breed. Therefore, our analysis of Factor A is 
separated into analyses of: (1) The species' breeding habitat and 
range, and (2) the species' non-breeding habitat and range.
    BirdLife International (2007d) estimates the range of the magenta 
petrel to be 1,960,000 km\2\ (7,568,000 mi\2\); however, BirdLife 
International (2000) defines ``range'' as the ``Extent of Occurrence, 
the area contained within the shortest continuous imaginary boundary 
which can be drawn to encompass all the known, inferred, or projected 
sites of present occurrence of a species, excluding cases of 
vagrancy.'' Because this reported range includes a large area of non-
breeding habitat (i.e., the sea), our analysis of Factor A with respect 
to the magenta petrel's breeding range focuses on the islands where the 
species is known to breed.
    The magenta petrel breeds exclusively on Chatham Island, New 
Zealand, within relatively undisturbed inland forests (Crockett 1994; 
Imber, et al. 1994a). At least 23 breeding burrows have been 
discovered, all located near the Tuku-a-Tamatea River (BirdLife 
International 2007d; Brooke 2004, Hilhorst 2000, Taylor 2005, as cited 
in BirdLife International 2007d). Although some breeding burrows are on 
private land (Taylor 2000), the majority of known breeding burrows are 
located within the Tuku Nature Reserve (Reserve) (Chatham Island Taiko 
Trust 2007). This Reserve was established in 1984 to protect 5 square 
miles (12 km\2\) of magenta petrel breeding habitat. In 1993, 1 square 
mile (2 km\2\) of contiguous forested land was added to the Reserve by 
covenant, and a second covenant expected to be approved in the near 
future will protect an additional 4 square miles (11 km\2\) of 
contiguous habitat to the Reserve (Chatham Island Taiko Trust 2007).
    As a result of New Zealand's Biodiversity Strategy, initiated in 
the year 2000, all logging of indigenous forests on government land has 
been halted, and logging on private land is required to be sustainable 
(Green and Clarkson 2005). Breeding burrows have been found on private 
land (Taylor 2000), and sustainable logging practices would not 
necessarily protect these magenta petrel nest sites. The significant 
loss of magenta petrel burrows and colonies historically due to the 
alteration of habitat on Chatham Island for livestock grazing purposes 
(Crockett 1994) demonstrates the severe impacts that habitat alteration 
has on magenta petrel populations. Besides logging, fire is a threat to 
the magenta petrel's breeding habitat. Although the species' recovery 
plan identifies accidental fire as a threat to the magenta petrel, it 
does not address mitigation of this threat (NZDOC 2001a). The NZDOC 
deals with an average of 160 fires in New Zealand each year, suggesting 
that fires are relatively common in New Zealand (NZDOC n.d.). Taylor 
(2000) identifies flooding of burrows as a threat, given that most 
known burrows are in wet areas in valley floors. He also notes that 
destruction of nest-sites by pigs and dogs accompanying pig-hunters 
near the burrows threatens the magenta petrel's breeding habitat. These 
threats to the magenta petrel's breeding habitat are magnified by the 
species' restricted habitat area on Chatham Island. Because of the very 
small number of breeding pairs, any loss of breeders from the 
population would increase the species' threat of extinction. Therefore, 
we find that the present and threatened destruction of the habitat of 
this species to be a significant threat to the species.
    The magenta petrel's range at sea is poorly known; however, 
research has documented foraging behavior south and east of the Chatham 
Islands (Imber, et al. 1994a). In addition, because the original 
specimen of this species was shot at sea eastwards in the temperate 
South Pacific Ocean, it is believed birds disperse there during the 
non-breeding season. We are unaware of any present or threatened 
destruction, modification, or curtailment of this species' current sea 
habitat or range.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes
    We are unaware of any commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purpose for which the magenta petrel is currently being 
utilized.
C. Disease or Predation
    The available information suggests that the most serious threat to 
the magenta petrel is predation on all life stages (eggs, chicks, and 
adults) of the species by introduced predators, including feral cats, 
pigs, weka, and rats. It is reported that periodically the species' 
entire annual breeding production is lost due to predation of eggs and 
chicks (BirdLife International 2007d). Permanent eradication of these 
introduced predators from Chatham Island is difficult due to the 
permanent habitation of humans on the island. Since the early 1990's, 
however, the NZDOC has monitored known breeding burrows and has 
implemented an intensive predator control program, including setting 
extensive trap lines and poisoning to remove introduced predators from 
the magenta petrel's breeding areas (Taylor 2000). This effort has 
significantly reduced the threat of predation on adult petrels, with 
only two being found dead in 20 years, as of the year 2000. However, a 
number of chicks are still lost in some seasons (Imber, et al. 1998). 
As additional burrows have been located and protection from predation 
expanded over the years, breeding has increased and breeding success 
has improved. In 1994, only four breeding pairs were known, but in 
2004, 15 breeding pairs were observed (Brooke 2004, Hilhorst 2000, 
Taylor 2005, as cited in BirdLife International 2007d). Sixteen chicks 
were known to have fledged from 1987-2000 (Taylor 2000), and within a 
single year, 2002, a total of seven chicks fledged (BirdLife 
International 2007d). Eight birds fledged in the 2005 season, and a 
record 11 magenta petrel chicks fledged in the 2006 season (Chatham 
Island Taiko Trust 2006).
    Even though the predator control program has decreased the threat 
of predation to the magenta petrel, birds, especially chicks, are still 
killed by introduced predators, and only areas where petrels are known 
to breed are

[[Page 71306]]

protected. Therefore, we find predation by introduced species to be a 
significant threat to the species.
    We are unaware of any threats due to predation on magenta petrels 
during the non-breeding season while the species is at sea.
    Although several diseases have been documented in other species of 
petrels (see Chatham petrel Factor C), disease has not been documented 
in the magenta petrel. Therefore, the significance of this threat to 
this species is unknown.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    The magenta petrel is protected from disturbance and harvest under 
New Zealand's Wildlife Act of 1953 and its Reserves Act of 1977. The 
petrel is designated as a Category A species by the NZDOC, which 
signifies the species is of the highest priority for conservation 
management (Molloy and Davis 1999). As such, the NZDOC developed a ten-
year recovery plan for the magenta petrel in 2001, with the goals of 
preventing further loss of known breeding pairs, maximizing 
productivity at known breeding burrows, locating and protecting 
additional burrows, and establishing an additional predator-proof 
breeding area in southern Chatham Island (NZDOC 2001a). A measure of 
success of the recovery plan has been demonstrated by the successful 
protection of breeding pairs and increased productivity resulting from 
predator control efforts (see Factor C above). However, the threat of 
predation on magenta petrels by introduced species remains the greatest 
threat to the species. In 2006, a second protected area was established 
near the southern coast of Chatham Island at a location where magenta 
petrels were known to have bred in reasonable numbers 90 years ago. 
This 7.5-ha area, protected by landowner covenant, has been fenced to 
exclude livestock in an effort to allow the forest to recover. Within 
this area, 3 ha are enclosed by a predator-proof fence. Loudspeakers 
were placed on the site, and pre-recorded magenta petrel calls are 
being played to attract young males to the ground where it is hoped 
they will begin to dig burrows and eventually find a mate to breed. It 
is too early to know the success of this effort because it is 
anticipated that it will take several years for breeding to begin once 
young males start digging burrows. Captive rearing studies of the 
closely related grey-faced petrel (P. macroptera) have been undertaken, 
and its diet analyzed, to develop methods for captive rearing of 
magenta petrels in captivity should it ever be necessary to `rescue' 
abandoned or malnourished magenta petrel chicks (NZDOC 2001a; Taylor 
2000).
    New Zealand ratified the Agreement on the Conservation of 
Albatrosses and Petrels in November 2001, which is designed to reduce 
impacts of fishing operations on populations of Procellariids (ACAP 
2001), however the magenta petrel is not listed in Annex 1 to this 
Agreement and, therefore, is not protected under this Agreement. 
Therefore, implementation of this Agreement has not significantly 
reduced or removed the threat of incidental take of this species in 
long-line fisheries (see Factor E below).
    Therefore, we find that regulatory protections have not 
significantly reduced the threats to the magenta petrel.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the Continued Existence 
of the Species
    The magenta petrel population is extremely small, estimated at 120 
individuals based on population surveys (Brooke 2004, Hilhorst 2000, 
Taylor 2005, as cited in BirdLife International 2007d) and is believed 
to be decreasing due to predation by introduced species (BirdLife 
International 2007d). The fact that it took 10 years of intensive 
searching to rediscover the species in 1978 is an indication of the 
rarity of the species. Species with such small population sizes are at 
greater risk of extinction. Once a population is reduced below a 
certain number of individuals, it tends to rapidly decline towards 
extinction (Franklin 1980; Gilpin and Soule 1986; Soule 1987).
    This species' risk of extinction is compounded by its restricted 
breeding range, which is limited to Chatham Island. Based on what is 
known about the species, the breeding habitat available on Chatham 
Island is a relatively small amount of appropriate habitat for 
breeding, particularly since breeding pairs, eggs, and nestlings on 
Chatham Island continue to be threatened by introduced species such as 
feral cats and rats.
    The magenta petrel's restricted breeding range combined with its 
colonial nesting habits and small population size of less than 
approximately 120 birds makes the species particularly vulnerable to 
the threat of adverse random, naturally occurring events (e.g., storms, 
fire) that destroy breeding individuals and their breeding habitat 
(NCDOC 2001b). Fire is a high risk in the Chatham Islands because the 
climate is very dry during the summer, and the vegetation becomes 
tinder dry. Burrow-nesting species such as the magenta petrel are at a 
high risk because they are likely to suffocate from smoke inhalation or 
to be lethally burned inside or while attempting to escape from their 
burrows (Taylor 2000).
    Another natural disaster, severe storms, has impacted New Zealand 
historically (see Chatham petrel discussion of Factor E), and so the 
likelihood of future impacts of storms is high. Although we are unaware 
of the impact of previous cyclones on the magenta petrel's population 
numbers or breeding habitat, the severity of the wind or waves created 
by such storms or flooding associated with storms has potential to 
significantly damage magenta petrel burrows. These known burrows are 
particularly vulnerable to flooding because they are located on valley 
floors (NZDOC 2001a).
    While species with more extensive breeding ranges or higher 
population numbers could recover from adverse random, naturally 
occurring events such as fire or storms, the magenta petrel does not 
have such resiliency. Its very small population size and restricted 
breeding range puts the species at higher risk for experiencing the 
irreversible adverse effects of random, naturally occurring events. One 
such event could destroy the entire known breeding population on 
Chatham Island. Therefore, we find that the combination of factors--the 
species' small population size, restricted breeding range, and 
likelihood of adverse random, naturally occurring events--to be a 
significant threat to the species.
    Although we are unaware of any documented cases of incidental take 
of magenta petrels by commercial long-line fishing operations or 
entanglement in marine debris, these long-line fishing operations have 
been identified as a threat to all seabird species (see analysis under 
Chatham petrel, Factor E). Moreover, the lack of data on these impacts 
to the magenta petrel could be a result of the species' low population 
number. Therefore, we find the incidental take of magenta petrels by 
commercial long-line fishing operations to be a significant threat to 
the species.

Conclusion

    Predation by introduced species such as rats, weka, and feral cats 
and pigs is a current, on-going threat to the magenta petrel that is of 
high magnitude that has not been controlled by human intervention. 
These introduced predators are known to destroy magenta petrel eggs, 
chicks, and adults, reducing the species' population (NZDOC 2001a), 
which is already very small, estimated

[[Page 71307]]

at 120 individuals. Although the NZDOC has been actively working to 
protect magenta petrel nest sites from predation by introduced species, 
a number of chicks are still lost in some seasons (Imber, et al. 1998), 
and the breeding burrows that have not yet been located are not 
protected. This threat is magnified by the fact that a limited amount 
of breeding habitat is protected from habitat alteration or 
destruction. The breeding habitat that is protected remains at risk 
from accidental fires and flooding.
    The magenta petrel's low population size of approximately 120 
individuals puts the species at a high risk of extinction. The low 
population size combined with its restricted breeding habitat and 
colonial nesting habits makes the species particularly vulnerable to 
the threat of random, naturally occurring events (e.g., cyclones, fire) 
that are known to occur in New Zealand and have the potential to 
destroy breeding individuals and their breeding habitat. One such 
event, such as a cyclone during the nesting season could destroy the 
entire breeding population on Chatham Island.
    The threats within the species' breeding range are compounded by 
the threat posed by long-line fishing in the species' non-breeding 
range. Although New Zealand implements measures to protect other 
seabird species from this threat under the Agreement on the 
Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, the magenta petrel is not 
currently offered protection by this Agreement. Because the survival of 
this species is dependent on recruitment of chicks from its breeding 
range, the severity of threats to the magenta petrel within its 
breeding range puts the species in danger of extinction throughout all 
of its range. Therefore, we find the magenta petrel to be in danger of 
extinction throughout all of its range. Because we find that the 
magenta petrel is endangered throughout all of its range, there is no 
reason to consider its status in a significant portion of its range.

Cook's petrel (Pterodroma cookii)

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of the Habitat or Range
    The range of this species changes intra-annually based on an 
established breeding cycle. During the breeding season, which appears 
to vary by population (Taylor 2000), breeding birds return to breeding 
colonies to breed and nest. During the non-breeding season, birds 
migrate far from their breeding range where they remain at sea until 
returning to breed. Therefore, our analysis of Factor A is separated 
into analyses of: (1) The species' breeding habitat and range, and (2) 
the species' non-breeding habitat and range.
    BirdLife International (2007b) estimates the range of the Cook's 
petrel to be 76,300,000 km\2\ (29,460,000 mi\2\); however, BirdLife 
International (2000) defines ``range'' as the ``Extent of Occurrence, 
the area contained within the shortest continuous imaginary boundary 
which can be drawn to encompass all the known, inferred, or projected 
sites of present occurrence of a species, excluding cases of 
vagrancy.'' Because this reported range includes a large area of non-
breeding habitat (i.e., the sea), our analysis of Factor A with respect 
to the Cook's petrel's breeding range focuses on the islands where the 
species is known to breed.
    The Cook's petrel breeds on Little Barrier, Great Barrier, and 
Codfish Islands in the Chatham Islands, New Zealand, covering a total 
land area of 126 square miles (327 km\2\, Wikipedia 2007e,g,h). The 
species breeds on steep slopes near ridge tops at 984 feet (300 m) 
above sea level or higher and prefers unmodified forest habitat with 
low, open canopies (Rayner, et al. 2007b). Fire is unlikely to be a 
threat to this species' breeding habitat because Cook's petrels breed 
primarily in damp forests (Imber 1985a, as cited in Taylor 2000). 
Breeding burrows are usually long and deep among tree roots and are not 
easily collapsed; so trampling by introduced species is not likely to 
be a threat to Cook's petrel nest sites (Taylor 2000).
    According to the best available information, a large amount of 
suitable habitat is available to the Cook's petrel on the three islands 
where it breeds. Of these islands, the largest, the Great Barrier 
Island covering 110 square miles (285 km\2\), is the only one that has 
a permanent human population. This small population of 1,100 people is 
located primarily within coastal settlements, away from the species' 
breeding habitat. Inhabitants mostly make a living from farming and the 
tourist industry, but the island is not considered a major tourist 
destination due to its relative remoteness (Wikipedia 2007g). There is 
no indication that the Cook's petrel's breeding habitat on Great 
Barrier Island is threatened with human-induced habitat destruction or 
modification.
    The other two islands, Little Barrier and Codfish Islands, covering 
11 and 5 square miles (28 km\2\ and 14 km\2\), respectively, are 
wildlife sanctuaries with restricted access. These islands are not 
inhabited by humans aside from rotational conservation staff (Wikipedia 
2007e,h). Therefore, the Cook's petrel's breeding habitat on these 
islands is not threatened with human-induced habitat destruction or 
modification.
    In 2004, the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust prepared ``An 
Ecological Restoration Plan for Maungatautari,'' which outlined 
suggested restoration of habitat and the removal of threats to attract 
or reintroduce Cook's petrel to the North Island in the Chatham Islands 
chain (McQueen 2004). The Trust has established a 13 square mile (34 
km\2\) predator exclosure to protect nest sites, and research is now 
underway to investigate reintroduction of the Cook's petrel to 
Maungatautari (Rayner, et al. 2007a). If successful, this effort would 
expand the breeding range of the species.
    Based on the lack of identified threats to the Cook's petrel's 
breeding habitat within its breeding range, we find that the present or 
threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of the species' 
habitat or range is not a threat to the species.
    During the non-breeding season, the Cook's petrel migrates to the 
east Pacific Ocean, primarily between 34 [deg]S and 30 [deg]N (Heather 
and Robertson 1997, as cited in BirdLife International 2000). We are 
unaware of any present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of this species' current sea habitat or range.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes
    We are unaware of any commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purpose for which the Cook's petrel is currently being 
utilized.
C. Disease or Predation
    The introduction of predatory species by European settlers is 
believed to have contributed to the historical population decline in 
this species. The best available information indicates that the Codfish 
Island population declined due to predation by an introduced bird, the 
weka (Marchant and Higgins 1990, as cited in BirdLife International 
2000). In 1934, there were an estimated 20,000 breeding pairs on 
Codfish Island, but weka predation reduced the population to 100 pairs 
by 1984 (Bartle, et al. 1993, as cited in Taylor 2000). On Little 
Barrier and Great Barrier Islands, introduced feral cats and the 
Pacific rat reduced population numbers. The black rat (R. rattus) also 
contributed to the decline on Great Barrier Island (Heather and 
Robertson 1997, Marchant and Higgins 1990, as cited in BirdLife 
International 2000; Taylor 2000).
    Due to extensive predator eradication programs implemented by 
NZDOC, by

[[Page 71308]]

1980, feral cats had been eradicated from Little Barrier Island. By 
1985, weka had been eradicated from Codfish Island (Taylor 2000). Rats 
had been successfully eradicated from Codfish Island by 1998 and from 
Little Barrier Island by 2006 (NZDOC 2006).
    Although the introduced predators that threaten Cook's petrels have 
been eradicated from Little Barrier and Codfish Islands, introduced 
predators have not been removed from Great Barrier Island. As a result, 
the Cook's petrel population on Great Barrier Island, which has been 
reduced to 20 breeding pairs, continues to be severely threatened by 
introduced feral cats, the black rat, and the Pacific rat (Marchant and 
Higgins 1990, as cited in BirdLife International 2000), and the risk of 
local extinction of this species is high. Loss of this population would 
decrease the genetic diversity of the species, increasing the species' 
risk of extinction.
    Even on Little Barrier and Codfish Islands where introduced 
predators have been removed, there is a continued risk that predators 
will be re-introduced to the island by boats transporting conservation 
and research staff to the islands. Given the magnitude of the 
devastation these species have, once introduced, and the likelihood 
that they could be re-introduced, we find introduced predators to be an 
ongoing threat to Cook's petrel populations on Little Barrier and 
Codfish Islands.
    We are unaware of any threats due to predation on Cook's petrels 
during the non-breeding season while the species is at sea.
    Although several diseases have been documented in other species of 
petrels (see Chatham petrel Factor C), disease has not been documented 
in the Cook's petrel. Therefore, the significance of this threat to 
this species is unknown.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    The Cook's petrel is protected from disturbance and harvest under 
New Zealand's Wildlife Act of 1953 and its Reserves Act of 1977. The 
petrel is designated as a Category C species by the NZDOC, which 
signifies the species is a third priority species for conservation 
management (Molloy and Davis 1999). As discussed in Factor C above, 
predator eradication efforts have not adequately reduced the threat of 
predation on the species.
    New Zealand ratified the Agreement on the Conservation of 
Albatrosses and Petrels in November 2001, which is designed to reduce 
impacts of fishing operations on populations of Procellariids (ACAP 
2001), however the Cook's petrel is not listed in Annex 1 to this 
Agreement and, therefore, is not protected under this Agreement. 
Therefore, implementation of this Agreement has not significantly 
reduced or removed the threat of incidental take of this species in 
long-line fisheries (see Factor E below).
    Because the available regulatory protections have not significantly 
reduced the threats to the Cook's petrel, and this species is a lower 
priority species for intensive conservation management, we find that 
regulatory protections have not significantly reduced the threats to 
the species.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the Continued Existence 
of the Species
    Although we are unaware of any documented cases of incidental take 
of Cook's petrels by commercial long-line fishing operations or 
entanglement in marine debris, these long-line fishing operations have 
been identified as a threat to all seabird species (see the Chatham 
petrel Factor E). Therefore, we consider the incidental take of Cook's 
petrels by commercial long-line fishing operations to be a significant 
threat to the species.

Conclusion

    The primary threat to the Cook's petrel is predation by introduced 
feral cats, the black rat, and the Pacific rat within the species' 
breeding range, particularly on Great Barrier Island. Eradication of 
introduced predators on this island is difficult due to the permanent 
habitation of humans on the island; so this threat on Great Barrier 
Island is likely to persist. This threat, combined with the low number 
of breeding pairs (approximately 20) on Great Barrier Island is likely 
to result in local extinction.
    The threats within the species' breeding range are compounded by 
the threat posed by long-line fishing in the species' non-breeding 
range. Although New Zealand implements measures to protect other 
seabird species from this threat under the Agreement on the 
Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, the Cook's petrel is not 
currently offered protection by this Agreement. Because the survival of 
this species is dependent on recruitment of chicks from its breeding 
range, the threats to this species within its breeding range put the 
species at risk.
    The overall population number of the Cook's petrel is not low, and 
the two largest populations of this species, those breeding on Little 
Barrier and Codfish Islands, with 50,000 and 100 pairs, respectively 
are reported to be increasing (Marchant and Higgins 1990, as cited in 
BirdLife International 2000; Taylor 2000). As a result, the species 
does not currently appear to be in danger of extinction. However, there 
is a high risk of local extinction on Great Barrier Island within the 
foreseeable future. The loss of the breeding birds on Great Barrier 
Island would not only impact the overall species' population growth but 
would decrease its genetic variability, increasing the Cook's petrel's 
risk of extinction throughout its range. Therefore, we find that the 
Cook's petrel is likely to become in danger of extinction within the 
foreseeable future throughout all of its range. Because we find that 
the Cook's petrel is likely to become in danger of extinction within 
the foreseeable future throughout all of its range, there is no reason 
to consider its status in a significant portion of its range.

Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia)

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of the Habitat or Range
    As in other Procellariid species, the range of the Galapagos petrel 
changes intra-annually based on an established breeding cycle. During 
the breeding season, breeding birds return to breeding colonies to 
breed and nest. During the non-breeding season, birds migrate far from 
their breeding range where they remain at sea until returning to breed. 
Therefore, our analysis of Factor A is separated into analyses of: (1) 
The species' breeding habitat and range, and (2) the species' non-
breeding habitat and range.
    BirdLife International (2007e) estimates the range of the Galapagos 
petrel to be 14,200,000 km\2\ (5,483,000 mi\2\); however, BirdLife 
International (2000) defines ``range'' as the ``Extent of Occurrence, 
the area contained within the shortest continuous imaginary boundary 
which can be drawn to encompass all the known, inferred, or projected 
sites of present occurrence of a species, excluding cases of 
vagrancy.'' Because this reported range includes a large area of non-
breeding habitat (i.e., the sea), our analysis of Factor A with respect 
to the Galapagos petrel's breeding range focuses on the island where 
the species breeds.
    The Galapagos petrel is known to breed on the islands of Santa 
Cruz, Floreana, Santiago, San Crist[oacute]bal, and Isabela within the 
Galapagos archipelago (Cruz and Cruz 1987; Harris 1970). The species 
breeds in the humid and thickly vegetated uplands of these islands 
(Harris 1970) at elevations

[[Page 71309]]

between 984 and 2,953 feet (300 and 900 meters) (Baker 1980, as cited 
in BirdLife International 2000; Cruz and Cruz 1987, 1996). The species 
prefers to nest under thick vegetation in sufficient soil for burrowing 
(Harris 1970). The species is known to nest within burrows or natural 
cavities on slopes, in craters, in sinkholes, in lava tunnels, and in 
gullies (Baker 1980, as cited in BirdLife International 2000; Cruz and 
Cruz 1987, 1996).
    On the island of Santa Cruz, the Galapagos petrel historically bred 
at lower elevations, down to 180 meters (590.6 feet). However, habitat 
modification of these lower elevations for agricultural purposes 
restricted the Galapagos petrel's use of these lower elevation areas 
for breeding. On San Crist[oacute]bal Island, historical clearance of 
vegetation in highland areas for intensive grazing purposes drastically 
reduced the species' breeding habitat on the island (Harris 1970).
    In 1959, Ecuador designated 97% of the Galapagos land area as a 
National Park, leaving 3% of the remaining land area distributed 
between Santa Cruz, San Crist[oacute]bal, Isabela, and Floreana 
Islands. The park land area is divided into various zones signifying 
the level of human use (Parque Nacional Galapagos Ecuador n.d). 
Although the islands where the Galapagos petrel is known to breed 
includes a large `conservation and restoration' zone, all of these 
islands, except Santiago, include a significant sized `farming' zone 
(Parque Nacional Galapagos Ecuador n.d), where agricultural and grazing 
activities continue to threaten the Galapagos petrel's habitat and 
range. According to Baker (1980, as cited in BirdLife International 
2000), at least half of the Galapagos petrel's current breeding range 
on Santa Cruz Island is farmed. The rationale for maintaining farming 
zones within the Galapagos National Park is to sustain the economy of 
island inhabitants and encourage local consumption of traditional 
products (e.g., vegetables, fruits, and grazing animals) (Parque 
Nacional Galapagos Ecuador n.d).
    The primary threat to the Galapagos petrel's breeding habitat is 
destruction of breeding habitat by introduced feral mammals, such as 
goats (Capra hircus), pigs, donkeys (Equus asinus), and cattle (Bos 
taurus). These species trample and destroy Galapagos petrel nest-sites, 
and reduce breeding habitat by overgrazing (e.g., goats) and uprooting 
(e.g., pigs) the vegetation (Cruz and Cruz 1987, 1996; Eckhardt 1972).
    In 1997, the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS) and the Charles 
Darwin Foundation initiated `Project Isabela,' an ecological 
restoration program which required removal of all feral goats from 
Santiago and northern Isabela Islands [Note: northern Isabela is 
separated from southern Isabela by a 12 km-wide lava field (Charles 
Darwin Foundation 2006)]. In 2006, the GNPS announced that no feral 
goats could be found in these areas, noting that monitoring efforts 
would continue to ensure successful eradication [Charles Darwin 
Research Station (CDRS) 2006]. Concurrent with the goat eradification 
program, feral donkeys were removed from Santiago Island and Alcedo 
Volcano on northern Isabela Island (Carrion, et al. 2007). After a 30-
year eradication program, feral pigs were successfully removed from 
Santiago Island, with the last pig being shot in April, 2000 (Cruz,et 
al. 2005).
    Despite the success of these eradication efforts, introduced 
species, especially feral goats, continue to threaten Galapagos petrel 
habitat on the human populated islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana, San 
Crist[oacute]bal, and southern Isabela. Feral goats are especially 
problematic in areas bordering farmland, and eradication of feral 
livestock in these human population areas is difficult (CDRS 2006).
    Based on the widespread and ongoing threats of farming activities 
and introduced species to the Galapagos petrels' breeding habitat, we 
find that the present and threatened destruction of this species' 
breeding habitat is a threat to the species.
    The Galapagos petrel's range at sea is poorly known; however, 
research has documented foraging behavior around the Galapagos islands, 
as well as east and north of the islands. We are unaware of any present 
or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of this 
species' current sea habitat or range.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes
    We are unaware of any commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purpose for which the Galapagos petrel is currently being 
utilized.
C. Disease or Predation
    The threat of predation on the Galapagos petrel is exemplified by 
the rapid decline of populations of this species in the early 1980s as 
a result of predation by introduced species, such as dogs (Canis lupus 
familiaris), cats, pigs, and black and brown rats (BirdLife 
International 2007e; Cruz and Cruz 1996), supplemented by natural 
predation by the Galapagos hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) (Cruz and Cruz 
1996). In some cases, these population declines were as high as 81 
percent over four years (BirdLife International 2007e). From 1980 to 
1985, the population on Santa Cruz Island declined from an estimated 
9,000 pairs to 1,000 pairs (Baker 1980, as cited in BirdLife 
International 2000; Cruz and Cruz 1987). During the same time period, 
the Santiago Island population declined from 11,250 pairs to less than 
500 pairs (Cruz and Cruz 1987; Tomkins 1985, as cited in BirdLife 
International 2000), and the number of birds breeding on Floreana 
Islands was estimated to have been reduced by up to 33% annually for 
four years (Coulter, et al. 1981, as cited in BirdLife International 
2000).
    Introduced feral dogs, cats, and pigs are common predators of all 
life stages (eggs, chicks, fledglings, and adults) of the Galapagos 
petrel (Cruz and Cruz 1987, 1996). Eggs and hatchlings are eaten by 
black and brown rats (BirdLife International 2007e). Adding to 
predation by introduced species, the Galapagos hawk has been known to 
further reduce population numbers; young and aged petrels are 
particularly vulnerable to this predator. In 1985, monitoring of 510 
adult Galapagos petrels on Santiago Island showed that the species' 
mortality rate due to predation by pigs and Galapagos hawks was greater 
than 50 percent (BirdLife International 2007e).
    Predator control and petrel monitoring programs are currently in 
place on Floreana, Santa Cruz, and Santiago Islands (Vargus and Cruz 
2000, as cited in BirdLife International 2000). Eradication efforts to 
remove feral pigs, which eat nestlings, juvenile, and adult petrels on 
Santiago Island, succeeded by the end of 2000 (Cruz, et al. 2005). Re-
colonization of pigs on Santiago Island is not likely since the island 
is not inhabited by humans, and there are no farming zones on the 
island where pigs could be placed. Predation by introduced rats and 
cats continue to pose a predation threat to Galapagos petrels on 
Santiago Island, compounded by predation by the Galapagos hawk. Efforts 
are underway on Santiago Island to remove introduced rats, but there is 
no information to indicate that eradication has been achieved.
    Although pigs were removed from Santiago Island, they continue to 
threaten the Galapagos petrel on the other four islands where the 
petrel is known to breed. Although predation by pigs, as well as cats, 
rats, and dogs, on Floreana and Santa Cruz Islands continues to 
threaten the Galapagos petrel, predator control efforts have been 
initiated on these two islands and are beginning to show some success 
in

[[Page 71310]]

reducing the threat to Galapagos petrels. For example, prior to 
predator control efforts on Floreana Island, only 33 percent of the 
banded Cerro Pajas colony of the Galapagos petrel population returned 
to breed and nest as adults (Coulter, et al. 1982, as cited in Cruz and 
Cruz 1990a). In 1982, predator control was initiated on this island 
(Cruz and Cruz 1990a), and by 1985, return rates for banded birds was 
80-90 percent due to the predator control program (Cruz and Cruz 
1990a). To emphasize the significance of such a reduction in predation 
on adults, with respect to petrel population growth, the Hawaiian dark-
rumped petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), a species related to the 
Galapagos petrel, exhibited a 5 percent annual decline in its 
population size when adult survival rates were reduced as low as 10 
percent (Simons 1984).
    There is no information to indicate that there have been predator 
control efforts on San Crist[oacute]bal or Isabela Islands where cats, 
rats, dogs, and pigs continue to threaten the species.
    Although the threat of predation by pigs on Santiago Island has 
been eliminated and the threat of predation is being reduced on 
Floreana and Santa Cruz Islands, the Galapagos petrel continues to be 
threatened by one or more predators on all of the islands within the 
species' breeding range. This threat has been shown to result in rapid 
population declines. Therefore, we find predation to be a threat to the 
Galapagos petrel.
    We are unaware of any threats due to predation on Galapagos petrels 
during the non-breeding season while the species is at sea.
    While several diseases have been documented in other species of 
petrels (see Chatham petrel Factor C), disease has not been documented 
in the Galapagos petrel. Therefore, the significance of this threat to 
this species is unknown.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    Ecuador is a member of ACAP, which is designed to reduce impacts of 
fishing operations on populations of Procellariids (ACAP 2001), however 
the Galapagos petrel is not listed in Annex 1 to this Agreement and, 
therefore, is not protected under this Agreement. Therefore, 
implementation of this Agreement has not significantly removed or 
reduced the threat of incidental take of this species in long-line 
fisheries (see Factor E below).
    Ecuador designated the Galapagos Islands as a national park, and 
the islands were declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 (BirdLife 
International 2000); however these protections have not eliminated the 
threat of predation nor the threat of nest-site destruction by 
livestock (BirdLife International 2007e).
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the Continued Existence 
of the Species
    Oil and chemical spills can have direct effects on Galapagos petrel 
populations, and based on previous incidents, we consider this a 
significant threat to the species. For example, on January 16, 2001, a 
tanker ran aground at Schiavoni Reef, about 2,625 feet (800 meters) 
from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Crist[oacute]bal Island (Woram 
2007). By January 28, 2001, the slick reached the islands of Isabela 
and Floreana. Only one Galapagos petrel from Crist[oacute]bal Island is 
documented to have died; however, 370 large animals were reported to be 
contaminated by oil. The total effect of the oil spill on Galapagos 
petrels and other species is difficult to quantify for a variety of 
reasons. Due to the behavior of ocean-dependent species and the high 
toxicity of diesel, many affected animals might have died and sunk 
undetected. In addition, the effects of oiling may be highly localized, 
given the vastness of the Galapagos coastline, thereby making detection 
unlikely. Finally, because the long-term effects of oiling were not 
monitored, the total mortality from this event is likely underestimated 
(Lougheed, et al. 2002).
    Although we are unaware of any documented cases of incidental take 
of Galapagos petrels by commercial long-line fishing operations or 
entanglement in marine debris, these long-line fishing operations have 
been identified as a threat to all seabird species (see the Chatham 
petrel discussion of Factor E). Therefore, we consider the incidental 
take of the Galapagos petrel by commercial long-line fishing operations 
to be a significant threat to the species.
    Barbed wire fences on agricultural lands cause mortality in adult 
Galapagos petrels (BirdLife International 2007e). With the exception of 
Santiago Island, agricultural lands are present throughout the species' 
breeding range. Although there is no information available regarding 
the numbers and trends of mortality due to fences, this source of 
mortality in combination with other threats from long-line fishing 
operations and chemical and oil spills poses a significant risk to the 
survival of the species.
    There is evidence that the productivity of Galapagos petrel 
populations is indirectly affected by fluctuations in ocean 
temperatures and currents, which impact the Galapagos petrel's prey 
base. During the El Ni[ntilde]o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) of 1982-
1983, Cruz and Cruz (1990b) found that the growth rate of Galapagos 
petrel chicks was lower and fledging occurred later than in other 
years. These so-called ``ENSO chicks'' reached a lower peak mass at a 
later age than non-ENSO chicks. The extended nestling period and 
reduced growth rates of ENSO chicks are believed to reflect a decline 
in the availability of food resources because of diminishing ocean 
productivity during the ENSO. No information is available on the long-
term effect on petrel population productivity due to this change in 
ocean temperatures and currents, and, therefore, the significance of 
this threat to the Galapagos petrel is indeterminate.

Conclusion

    In the 1980's, the Galapagos petrel declined as much as 81% in four 
years due primarily to predation by introduced predators. According to 
BirdLife International (2007e), conservation efforts have slowed but 
not halted the population decline. Despite predator control efforts, 
the Galapagos petrel continues to be threatened by one or more 
predators on all of the islands within the species' breeding range. The 
Galapagos petrel's breeding habitat is also threatened by introduced 
species, especially feral goats, on the islands of Santa Cruz, 
Floreana, San Crist[oacute]bal, and southern Isabela, where barbed wire 
fences contribute to the decline in the number of adult Galapagos 
petrels.
    The threats within the species' breeding range are compounded by 
the threats to the species within its range at sea. Oil spills can have 
direct effects on Galapagos petrel populations, and based on the 
occurrence of a previous incident within the species' range at sea, we 
consider this a significant threat to the species. Incidental take from 
long-line fishing in the species' range at sea is an additional threat 
to the species. Although Ecuador implements measures to protect other 
seabird species from this threat under the Agreement on the 
Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, the Galapagos petrel is not 
currently offered protection by this Agreement. Because the survival of 
this species is dependent on recruitment of chicks from its breeding 
range, the threats to this species within its breeding range puts the 
species at risk.
    The overall population number of the Galapagos petrel is not low, 
estimated at 20,000 to 60,000 birds (BirdLife International 2007e). As 
a result, the species does not currently appear to be in danger of 
extinction. However, as the population numbers continue to decline

[[Page 71311]]

as a result of the threats discussed above, the risk of extinction of 
this species continues to increase. Therefore, we find that the 
Galapagos petrel is likely to become in danger of extinction within the 
foreseeable future throughout all of its range. Because we find that 
the Galapagos petrel is likely to become in danger of extinction within 
the foreseeable future throughout all of its range, there is no reason 
to consider its status in a significant portion of its range.

Heinroth's shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi)

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of the Habitat or Range
    Although little is known about Heinroth's shearwater and its life 
history, based on general information common to all other Procellariid 
species, we know that the range of the species changes intra-annually 
based on an established breeding cycle. During the breeding season, 
breeding birds return to breeding colonies to breed and nest. During 
the non-breeding season, birds migrate far from their breeding range 
where they remain at sea until returning to breed. Therefore, our 
analysis of Factor A is separated into analyses of: (1) The species' 
breeding habitat and range, and (2) the species' non-breeding habitat 
and range.
    BirdLife International (2007f) estimates the breeding range of 
Heinroth's shearwater to be 400,000 km\2\ (154,400 mi\2\); however, 
BirdLife International (2000) defines ``range'' as the ``Extent of 
Occurrence, the area contained within the shortest continuous imaginary 
boundary which can be drawn to encompass all the known, inferred, or 
projected sites of present occurrence of a species, excluding cases of 
vagrancy.'' Because this reported range includes a large area of non-
breeding habitat (i.e., the sea), our analysis of Factor A with respect 
to the Heinroth's shearwater's breeding range focuses on the islands 
where the species is most likely to breed.
    Although the nesting area of this species has not been located, the 
information available indicates that the species breeds on Bougainville 
Island in Papua New Guinea and the islands of Kolombangara and Rendova 
in the Solomon Islands, where the few recorded sightings of this 
species have occurred (Buckingham, et al. 1995, Coates 1985, 1990, Iles 
1998, as cited in BirdLife International 2000). The species was 
originally known from a few historic specimens from Watom, Papua New 
Guinea, suggesting historical breeding there, but there have been no 
recent records from this island. More recently, two birds were captured 
inland on Bougainville Island. One of these birds was described as 
being recently fledged; so it is reasonable to believe that its nest 
was in the vicinity (Hadden 1981, as cited in BirdLife International 
2000). The conclusion that the bird breeds on Bougainville Island is 
further supported by recent observations in the seas around this 
island, including one flock of 250 birds (Coates 1985, 1990, as cited 
in BirdLife International 2000). It is also reasonable to conclude that 
breeding occurs on Kolombangara Island, because recently up to nine 
birds were recorded off this island where all timed records have been 
in the afternoon or evening, the time when breeding birds of this 
species typically return to their nest sites from foraging excursions 
(Buckingham, et al. 1995, Gibbs 1996, Scofield 1994, as cited in 
BirdLife International 2000). Although not as conclusive as the other 
two sites due to only one observation, the species is also likely to 
breed on nearby Rendova Island, where one bird was seen flying out of 
the mountains at dawn. Since Procellariids occupy land only to breed, 
it is reasonable to conclude that this bird was leaving its nest site.
    Based on the locations of inland sightings of the Heinroth's 
shearwater and a comparison to closely-related species, it is believed 
this species breeds in high mountains (Buckingham, et al. 1995, as 
cited in BirdLife International 2000). The three islands where this 
species is likely to breed are all mountainous, volcanic islands in a 
wet tropical climate.
    Bougainville Island is 9,317.8 km\2\ (3,598 mi\2\) in size (United 
Nations System-Wide Earthwatch 1998a), is thickly vegetated, and 
rugged. There are extensive areas of undisturbed lowland and montane 
rainforest. Most of the 175,160 people travel by foot or small boat, 
and live by subsistence agriculture and fishing [Central Intelligence 
Agency (CIA) 2007a; United Nations System-Wide Earthwatch 1998a; 
Wikipedia 2007a]. Exploitation of Papua New Guinea's natural resources 
has been hindered due to the islands' rugged terrain and the high cost 
of developing infrastructure (CIA 2007a). We are, therefore, unaware of 
any present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of 
the Heinroth's shearwater's current breeding habitat on Bougainville 
Island.
    The forests on the islands of Kolombangara and Rendova, with land 
areas of 687.8 km\2\ (265.6 mi\2\) and 411.3 km\2\ (158.8 mi\2\, United 
Nations System-Wide Earthwatch 1998b,c), respectively, are threatened 
by deforestation. Timber is the Solomon Islands' most important export 
commodity. Unsustainable forestry practices, combined with clearing of 
land for agricultural and grazing purposes and over-exploitation of 
wood products for use as fuel, is resulting in the destruction of vast 
areas of forest throughout the Solomon Islands (CIA 2007b). All the 
lower slopes on Kolombangara Island have been logged except for one 500 
m (1,640 feet) strip (United Nations System-Wide Earthwatch 1998b). In 
2003, the World Resources Institute reported that none of the Solomon 
Island's total land area is protected to such an extent that it is 
preserved in its natural condition (Earth Trends 2003b). Because 
forests on the islands of Kolombangara and Rendova are the likely 
breeding habitat of the Heinroth's shearwater and these forests are 
being reduced through deforestation, we find that the destruction of 
the Heinroth's shearwater's breeding habitat on these two islands is 
likely to threaten the survival of the species.
    The Heinroth's shearwater's range at sea is poorly known; up to 20 
birds have been reported in the Bismarck seas, ranging to the Madang 
Province on the north coast of Papua New Guinea (Bailey 1992, Clay 
1994, Coates 1985, 1990, Hornbuckle 1999, as cited in BirdLife 
International 2000). Observations have also been reported in the seas 
around Bougainville Island, including a flock of 250 birds (Coates 
1985, 1990, as cited in BirdLife International 2000). We are unaware of 
any present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of 
this species' current sea habitat or range.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes
    We are unaware of any commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purpose for which the Heinroth's shearwater is currently 
being utilized.
C. Disease or Predation
    Although the Heinroth's shearwater's nest sites have not been 
located, all three islands where the species is most likely to breed 
have introduced rats, cats, and dogs (Buckingham, et al. 1995, as cited 
in BirdLife International 2000). All these introduced species 
contributed to drastic declines in the Galapagos petrel (see Galapagos 
petrel discussion of Factor C), and introduced cat and rats are known 
to have caused many local extirpations of other petrel species (Moors 
and Atkinson 1984, as cited in Priddel, et al. draft). Although the 
Heinroth's shearwater is believed to

[[Page 71312]]

breed in high, inaccessible mountains, rats have been observed to at 
least 2,953 feet (900 m) on Kolombangara Island and are a threat to 
this burrow-nesting species (Buckingham, et al. 1995, as cited in 
BirdLife International 2000).
    Available information does not indicate that there have been 
attempts to eradicate introduced predators from these islands, which 
would be difficult due to the permanent habitation of humans on the 
islands. Even if the species were eradicated, there is still a high 
potential for cats and rats to be transported to the islands in boats 
transporting humans or other shipments.
    Because the threat of predation by introduced rats and feral cats 
and dogs has severely impacted closely related petrel species, and 
there are records of these introduced predators on the three islands 
where the Heinroth's shearwater is most likely to breed, we find that 
predation is a significant threat to this species.
    We are unaware of any threats due to predation on Heinroth's 
shearwaters during the non-breeding season while the species is at sea.
    Although several diseases have been documented in other species of 
petrels (see Chatham petrel Factor C), disease has not been documented 
in the Heinroth's shearwater. Therefore, the significance of this 
threat to the Heinroth's shearwater is unknown.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    No regulatory mechanisms are known that contribute to or reduce or 
remove threats to this species.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the Continued Existence 
of the Species
    The population of the Heinroth's shearwater is estimated at 250 to 
999 individuals, which is considered to be very small (BirdLife 
International 2007f). Species with such small population sizes are at 
greater risk of extinction. Once a population is reduced below a 
certain number of individuals, it tends to rapidly decline towards 
extinction (Franklin 1980; Gilpin and Soule 1986; Soule 1987).
    The Heinroth's shearwater's small population size combined with its 
colonial nesting habits, as is typical of all Procellariid species, 
makes this species particularly vulnerable to the threat of adverse 
random, naturally occurring events (e.g., volcanic eruptions, cyclones, 
and earthquakes) that destroy breeding individuals and their breeding 
habitat. All three of the islands where the Heinroth's shearwater is 
most likely to breed are in a geologically active area resulting in a 
significant risk of catastrophic natural events. These islands are 
subject to frequent earthquakes, tremors, volcanic activity, typhoons, 
tsunamis, and mudslides (CIA 2007a,b). Of these three islands, the 
species' habitat on Bougainville is at most risk from volcanic 
activity. There are seven volcanoes on Bougainville that have been 
active in the last 10,000 years. Bagana is an active volcano that has 
had 22 eruptions since 1842, with most being explosive. Some of these 
explosive eruptions have produced extremely hot, gas-charged ash, which 
is expelled with explosive force, moving with hurricane speed down the 
mountainside. Bagana has been erupting since 1972, creating slow-moving 
lava flows (Bagana 2005). These volcanic explosions and lava flows have 
great potential to destroy Heinroth's shearwaters and their breeding 
habitat in the mountainous areas where they are most likely to breed.
    Landslides in mountainous area are associated with severe storms 
that are common in this geographic region (World Meteorological 
Organization 2004), and would be particularly threatening to breeding 
Heinroth's shearwaters and their breeding habitat during these extreme 
weather events.
    While species with more extensive breeding ranges or higher 
population numbers could recover from adverse random, naturally 
occurring events such as volcanoes or typhoons, the Heinroth's 
shearwater does not have such resiliency. Its very small population 
size and restricted breeding range puts the species at higher risk for 
experiencing the irreversible adverse effects of random, naturally 
occurring events. Therefore, we find that the combination of factors--
the species' small population size, restricted breeding range, and 
likelihood of adverse random, naturally occurring events--to be a 
significant threat to the species.
    Although we are unaware of any documented cases of incidental take 
of Heinroth's shearwaters petrels by commercial long-line fishing 
operations or entanglement in marine debris, these long-line fishing 
operations have been identified as a threat to all seabird species (see 
analysis under Chatham petrel, Factor E). Moreover, the lack of data on 
these impacts to the Heinroth's shearwaters could be a result of the 
species' low population number. Therefore, we find the incidental take 
of Heinroth's shearwaters by commercial long-line fishing operations to 
be a significant threat to the species.

Conclusion

    The best available information indicates that the Heinroth's 
shearwater is threatened by predation by introduced rats, and feral 
cats and dogs within the species' breeding range. The probability of 
these introduced predators preying on this species is high given that 
all these introduced species are on the islands where the species is 
likely to breed, and rats have been found in some of the high 
mountainous areas where the Heinroth's shearwater is most likely to 
nest. Furthermore, the devastating impact of predation by these 
introduced species has been documented in several closely-related 
species. Finally, there is no available information that indicates that 
efforts have been initiated to eradicate introduced predators from the 
three islands where the species is most likely to breed. This threat is 
magnified by the fact that this threat likely threatens the species 
throughout its breeding range.
    The Heinroth's shearwater is also threatened on Kolombangara and 
Rendova Islands, approximately half of its breeding range, by habitat 
destruction. The species' low population size of 250 to 999 individuals 
further increases this species' risk of extinction, and combined with 
its colonial nesting habits makes the species particularly vulnerable 
to the threat of catastrophic naturally occurring events (e.g., 
volcanoes) that are known to occur with frequency in the species' 
breeding range.
    The threats within the species' breeding range are compounded by 
the threat posed by long-line fishing in the species' non-breeding 
range. There is no available information to indicate that the 
governments of Papua New Guinea or Solomon Islands have implemented 
measures to protect the species from long-line fishery activities. 
Because the survival of this species is dependent on recruitment of 
chicks from its breeding range, the threats to this species within its 
breeding range put the species at risk.
    Despite the lack of population trend information, due to the 
species' small population size, the lack of conservation measures and 
regulatory protections for this species, and the identified threats 
that have caused declines in closely related species, we find that the 
threats within its breeding range make the Heinroth's shearwater likely 
to become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future 
throughout all of its range. Because we find that the Heinroth's 
shearwater is likely to become in danger of extinction within

[[Page 71313]]

the foreseeable future throughout all of its range, there is no reason 
to consider its status in a significant portion of its range.

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
threatened under the Act include recognition, requirements for Federal 
protection, and prohibitions against certain practices. Recognition 
through listing results in public awareness, and encourages and results 
in conservation actions by Federal and State governments, private 
agencies and groups, and individuals.
    Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, and as implemented by 
regulations at 50 CFR part 402, requires Federal agencies to evaluate 
their actions within the United States or on the high seas with respect 
to any species that is proposed or listed as endangered or threatened, 
and with respect to its critical habitat, if any is being designated. 
However, given that the Chatham petrel, Fiji petrel, Galapagos petrel, 
magenta petrel, Cook's petrel, and Heinroth's shearwater are not native 
to the United States, no critical habitat is being proposed for 
designation with this rule.
    Section 8(a) of the Act authorizes the provision of limited 
financial assistance for the development and management of programs 
that the Secretary of the Interior determines to be necessary or useful 
for the conservation of endangered and threatened species in foreign 
countries. Sections 8(b) and 8(c) of the Act authorize the Secretary to 
encourage conservation programs for foreign endangered species and to 
provide assistance for such programs in the form of personnel and the 
training of personnel.
    The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of 
general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered and 
threatened wildlife. As such, these prohibitions would be applicable to 
the Chatham petrel, Cook's petrel, Fiji petrel, Galapagos petrel, 
magenta petrel and Heinroth's shearwater. These prohibitions, pursuant 
to 50 CFR 17.21 and 17.31, in part, make it illegal for any person 
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to ``take'' (take 
includes: Harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, 
capture, or to attempt any of these) within the United States or upon 
the high seas; import or export; deliver, receive, carry, transport, or 
ship in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of commercial 
activity; or sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce 
any endangered or threatened wildlife species. It also is illegal to 
possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship any such wildlife 
that has been taken in violation of the Act. Certain exceptions apply 
to agents of the Service and State conservation agencies.
    Permits may be issued to carry out otherwise prohibited activities 
involving endangered and threatened wildlife species under certain 
circumstances. Regulations governing permits are codified at 50 CFR 
17.22, for endangered species, and 17.32 for threatened species. With 
regard to endangered wildlife, a permit may be issued for the following 
purposes: For scientific purposes, to enhance the propagation or 
survival of the species, and for incidental take in connection with 
otherwise lawful activities.

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service intends that any final action resulting from this 
proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, 
comments or suggestions from the public, other government agencies, the 
scientific community, industry, or any other interested party 
concerning this proposed rule are hereby solicited. We are particularly 
seeking comments regarding biological information, population status, 
commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning any threat (or lack 
thereof) to these species. We also seek comments on the appropriate 
conservation status for the six bird species addressed in this proposed 
rule.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not 
accept comments you send by e-mail or fax. We will also not accept 
anonymous comments; your comment must include your first and last name, 
city, State, country, and postal (zip) code. Please note that we may 
not consider comments we receive after the date specified in the DATES 
section in our final determination.
    Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that we will post your entire comment--including your personal 
identifying information--on http://www.regulations.gov. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be 
available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by 
appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 110, Arlington, VA 22203, 
703-358-1708.
    Final promulgation of the regulations concerning the listing of 
these species will take into consideration all comments and additional 
information that we receive, and such communications may lead to a 
final regulation that differs from this proposal.
    The Act provides for one or more public hearings on this proposal, 
if requested. Requests must be received within 45 days of the date of 
the publication of the proposal in the Federal Register. Such requests 
must be made in writing and be addressed to the Chief of the Division 
of Scientific Authority at the address given above.

Peer Review

    In accordance with our policy, ``Notice of Interagency Cooperative 
Policy for Peer Review in Endangered Species Act Activities,'' that was 
published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we will seek the expert 
opinion of at least three appropriate independent specialists regarding 
this proposed rule. The purpose of such review is to ensure listing 
decisions are based on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and 
analysis. We will send copies of this proposed rule to the peer 
reviewers immediately following publication in the Federal Register.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule does not contain any new collections of 
information that require approval by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. The regulation will not 
impose new recordkeeping or reporting requirements on State or local 
governments, individuals, businesses, or organizations. We may not 
conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection 
of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

National Environmental Policy Act

    We have determined that Environmental Assessments and Environmental 
Impact Statements, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be prepared in connection 
with regulations adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act. A notice 
outlining our reasons for this determination was published in the 
Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

[[Page 71314]]

Clarity of the Rule

    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations 
that are easy to understand. We invite your comments on how to make 
this proposed rule easier to understand, including answers to questions 
such as the following: (1) Are the requirements in the proposed rule 
clearly stated? (2) Does the proposed rule contain technical language 
or jargon that interferes with its clarity? (3) Does the format of the 
proposed rule (groupings and order of sections, use of headings, 
paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce its clarity? (4) Would the rule be 
easier to understand if it were divided into more (but shorter) 
sections? (5) Is the description of the proposed rule in the 
``Supplementary Information'' section of the preamble helpful in 
understanding the proposed rule? What else could we do to make the 
proposed rule easier to understand? Send a copy of any comments that 
concern how we could make this rule easier to understand to the Office 
of Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. You also may e-mail comments to 
[email protected].

References Cited

    A list of the references used to develop this proposed rule is 
available upon request (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Author

    The primary author of this proposed rule is Mary M. Cogliano, 
Ph.D., Division of Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(see ADDRESSES section).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter 
I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C. 
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.

    2. Amend Sec.  17.11(h) by adding new entries for ``Petrel, 
Chatham,'' ``Petrel, Cook's,'' ``Petrel, Fiji,'' ``Petrel, Galapagos,'' 
``Petrel, magenta,'' and ``Shearwater, Heinroth's'' in alphabetical 
order under BIRDS to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife as 
follows:


Sec.  17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Species                                                     Vertebrate
-----------------------------------------------------------                        population where                               Critical     Special
                                                                Historic range       endangered or      Status     When listed    habitat       rules
            Common name                 Scientific name                               threatened
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
               Birds
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Petrel, Chatham....................  Pterodroma axillaris.  Pacific Ocean--New     Entire..........            E   ...........           NA           NA
                                                             Zealand (Chatham
                                                             Island).
Petrel, Cook's.....................  Pterodroma cookii....  Pacific Ocean--New     Entire..........            T   ...........           NA           NA
                                                             Zealand (Little
                                                             Barrier, Great
                                                             Barrier, Codfish
                                                             Islands).
Petrel, Fiji.......................  Pterodroma             Pacific Ocean--Fiji    Entire..........            E   ...........           NA           NA
                                      macgillivrayi.         (Gau Island).
Petrel, Galapagos..................  Pterodroma phaeopygia  Pacific Ocean--        Entire..........            T   ...........           NA           NA
                                                             Ecuador (Galapagos
                                                             Islands).
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Petrel, magenta....................  Pterodroma magentae..  Pacific Ocean--New     Entire..........            E   ...........           NA           NA
                                                             Zealand (Chatham
                                                             Island).
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Shearwater, Heinroth's.............  Puffinus heinrothi...  Pacific Ocean--Papua   Entire..........            T   ...........           NA           NA
                                                             New Guinea (Solomon
                                                             Islands).
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 71315]]

    Dated: November 30, 2007.
Kenneth Stansell,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. E7-24347 Filed 12-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P