[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 172 (Tuesday, September 6, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55170-55203]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22433]



[[Page 55169]]

Vol. 76

Tuesday,

No. 172

September 6, 2011

Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service





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50 CFR Part 17





Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on Five 
Petitions To List Seven Species of Hawaiian Yellow-faced Bees as 
Endangered; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 172 / Tuesday, September 6, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 55170]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2010-0012; MO 92210-0-008]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding 
on Five Petitions To List Seven Species of Hawaiian Yellow-faced Bees 
as Endangered

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of 12-month petition finding.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 
12-month finding on five petitions to list seven species of Hawaiian 
yellow-faced bees (Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. 
hilaris, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. mana) as endangered and to 
designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act). After review of all available scientific and commercial 
information, we find that listing these seven species of Hawaiian 
yellow-faced bees is warranted. Currently, however, listing these seven 
species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees is precluded by higher priority 
actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and 
Plants. Upon publication of this 12-month petition finding, we will add 
these seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees to our candidate 
species list. We will develop a proposed rule to list these seven 
species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees as our priorities allow. We will 
make any determinations on critical habitat during development of the 
proposed listing rule. In any interim period we will address the status 
of the candidate taxa through our annual Candidate Notice of Review 
(CNOR).

DATES: The finding announced in this document was made on September 6, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: This finding is available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket Number FWS-R1-ES-2010-0012. Supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this finding is available for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, 
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3-122, Honolulu, HI 96850. Please submit 
any new information, materials, comments, or questions concerning this 
finding to the above street address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Loyal Mehrhoff, Field Supervisor, 
Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES); by telephone 
at 808-792-9400; or by facsimile at 808-792-9581. If you use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TTD) please call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires 
that, for any petition to revise the Federal Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants that contains substantial scientific or 
commercial information that listing a species may be warranted, we make 
a finding within 12 months of the date of receipt of the petition. In 
this finding, we determine whether the petitioned action is: (a) Not 
warranted, (b) warranted, or (c) warranted, but immediate proposal of a 
regulation implementing the petitioned action is precluded by other 
pending proposals to determine whether species are endangered or 
threatened, and expeditious progress is being made to add or remove 
qualified species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Plants. Section 4(b)(3)(C) of the Act requires that we 
treat a petition for which the requested action is found to be 
warranted but precluded as though resubmitted on the date of such 
finding, that is, requiring a subsequent finding to be made within 12 
months. We must publish these 12-month findings in the Federal 
Register.

Previous Federal Actions

    On March 23, 2009, we received five petitions dated March 23, 2009, 
from Scott Hoffman Black, Executive Director of the Xerces Society, 
requesting that seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees be listed 
as endangered under the Act and critical habitat be designated.
    Each petition contained information regarding the species' taxonomy 
and ecology, historical and current distribution, present status, and 
current and potential threats. We acknowledged the receipt of the 
petitions in a letter to Mr. Black, dated May 8, 2009. In that letter 
we also stated that issuing an emergency regulation temporarily listing 
the species under section 4(b)(7) of the Act was not warranted at that 
time. We published the 90-day finding in the Federal Register on June 
16, 2010 (75 FR 34077). This notice constitutes the 12-month finding on 
the March 23, 2009, petitions to list the seven species of Hawaiian 
yellow-faced bees as endangered.

Species Information

Overview of the Genus Hylaeus
    The seven species of bees described in this finding belong to the 
genus Hylaeus. Hylaeus is a large, globally distributed genus comprised 
of over 500 species worldwide. In the Hawaiian Islands, the genus 
Hylaeus is widespread and very diverse, with 60 native species, 
including 20 endemic to single islands (Magnacca 2007a, p. 174). All 60 
Hawaiian species are in the subgenus Nesoprosopis (Magnacca and 
Danforth 2006, p. 393). The Hawaiian Hylaeus genus belongs to the 
Colletidae family of bees, also known as plasterer bees due to their 
habit of lining their nests with salival secretions. The family is 
comprised of over 2,000 species, all of which are solitary nesting 
(unlike social wasps and bees), although a few do nest in close 
vicinity to each other.
    The species of Hylaeus are commonly known as yellow-faced bees or 
masked bees for their yellow-to-white facial markings. All of the 
Hylaeus species roughly resemble small wasps in appearance, due to 
their slender bodies and their seeming lack of setae (sensory hairs). 
However, Hylaeus bees have plumose (branched) hairs on the body that 
are longest on the sides of the thorax. To a discerning eye, it is 
these plumose setae that readily distinguish them from wasps (Michener 
2000, p. 55).
    A great deal of our knowledge on Hawaiian Hylaeus bees is based 
upon surveys by Robert Cyril Layton Perkins, a distinguished British 
entomologist and naturalist renowned for his pioneering work on the 
insects of the Hawaiian Islands, particularly the Hymenoptera 
(sawflies, wasps, bees, and ants), in the early 20th Century. His 
surveys were conducted between 1892 and 1906, and form the basis for 
most of the historical records of Hylaeus in the Hawaiian Islands. 
According to Perkins, Hylaeus species were ``almost the most ubiquitous 
of any Hawaiian insects'' (Perkins 1913, p. lxxxi). However, there are 
about 90 years between Perkins' surveys and the most recent surveys 
conducted in the late 1990s for Hylaeus bees in the Hawaiian Islands.
    Surveys in more recent years (1998-2010) for Hylaeus spp. in the 
Hawaiian Islands have largely involved targeted collecting on specific 
flowering plants (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-233; Magnacca in 
litt. 2011, p. 5), rather than survey methods such as pan trapping or 
Pollard walks (see below). While this means the numbers of individuals 
and species observed are not strictly quantifiable by effort, the 
probability of collecting species actually present is

[[Page 55171]]

higher (Magnacca in litt. 2011, p. 5). Because the number and diversity 
of Hylaeus spp. tend to be locally concentrated rather than widely 
distributed, randomized and more quantifiable surveys such as pan 
trapping and Pollard walks are actually less effective means of 
locating Hylaeus spp. (Magnacca in litt. 2011, p. 5). Pan trapping 
involves the use of shallow pans of fluid, and relies on the organism 
falling or flying into the fluid preservative. Pollard walks involve 
observers walking along a fixed transect route and recording the 
insects observed.
    The recent Hylaeus spp. survey efforts are not easily comparable to 
Perkins' collections, which are considered now to have been conducted 
opportunistically. For example, Perkins collected higher numbers of 
individuals and species in certain areas, including coastal areas that 
were much less disturbed at the time, and some species, such as H. 
facilis, were formerly very common but have almost entirely disappeared 
(Magnacca in litt. 2011, p. 5).
Life History of Genus Hylaeus
    The following discussion includes all Hawaiian Hylaeus species, and 
specific information about the seven petitioned Hylaeus species.
    Hawaiian Hylaeus species are grouped within two categories: Ground-
nesting species that require relatively dry conditions, and wood-
nesting species that are often found within wetter areas (Zimmerman 
1972, p. 533; Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 11). Nests of Hylaeus species 
are usually constructed opportunistically within dead twigs or plant 
stems, or other similarly small natural cavities under bark or rocks 
(i.e., they seek out existing cavities that they suit to their own 
needs). This is unlike the nests of many other bee species, which are 
purposefully excavated or constructed underground. Like other Hylaeus, 
Hawaiian Hylaeus lack strong mandibles and other adaptations for 
digging and often use nest burrows abandoned by other insect species 
(Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 9). The female Hylaeus bee lays eggs in 
brood cells she constructs in the nest and lines with a self-secreted, 
cellophane-like material. Prior to sealing the nest, the female 
provides her young with a mass of semiliquid nectar and pollen left 
alongside her eggs. Upon hatching, the grub-like larvae eat the 
provisions left for them, pupate, and eventually emerge as adults 
(Michener 2000, p. 24). The adult male and female bees feed upon flower 
nectar for nourishment. Many species, including the Hawaiian Hylaeus, 
lack an external structure for carrying pollen, called a scopa, and 
instead internally transport collected pollen, often mixed with nectar, 
within their crop (stomach).
    Recent studies of visitation records of Hawaiian Hylaeus bees to 
native flowers (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 11) and pollination studies 
of native plants (Sakai et al. 1995, pp. 2,524-2,528; Cox and Elmqvist 
2000, p. 1,238; Sahli et al. 2008, p. 1) have demonstrated Hawaiian 
Hylaeus species almost exclusively visit native plants to collect 
nectar and pollen, pollinating those plants in the process. Hylaeus 
bees are very rarely found visiting nonnative plants for nectar and 
pollen (Magnacca 2007a, pp. 186, 188), and are almost completely absent 
from habitats dominated by nonnative plant species (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, p. 11). Sahli et al. (2008, p. 1) quantified pollinator 
visitation rates to all of the flowering plant species in communities 
on a Hawaiian lava flow dating from 1855 to understand how pollination 
webs and the integration of native and nonnative species changes with 
elevation. In that study, eight flowering plants were observed at six 
sites, which ranged in elevation from approximately 2,900 to 7,900 feet 
(ft) (approximately 880 to 2,400 meters (m)). The study also found the 
proportion of native pollinators changed along the elevation gradient; 
at least 40 to 50 percent of visits were from nonnative pollinators at 
low elevation, as opposed to 4 to 20 percent of visits by nonnative 
pollinators at mid to high elevations. Hylaeus bees were less abundant 
at lower elevations, and there were lower visitation rates of any 
pollinators to native plants at lower elevations, which suggest Hylaeus 
may not be easily replaceable by nonnative pollinators (Sahli et al. 
2008, p. 1).
    For some of the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees addressed in this 
finding, we have information about the specific host plants they visit 
for nectar and pollen. For some species, we have also identified 
primary host plants visited (see description of the species where 
noted). However, for others, we lack detailed information on the 
specific host plants visited for foraging. Nonetheless, researchers 
believe native plants both endemic and indigenous to the Hawaiian 
Islands are essential to the survival of the Hylaeus species (Hopper et 
al. 1996, pp. 8-9; Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229; Magnacca 2007a, 
pp. 185-186).
Hawaiian Island Ecosystems
    The five Hawaiian Island ecosystems that support the seven Hawaiian 
yellow-faced bees addressed in this 12-month finding are described in 
the following section. See Table 1 below for a list of the ecosystems 
from which each species is reported. Because Hawaiian Hylaeus spp., 
including these seven, are believed to be essential pollinators of the 
native Hawaiian plant fauna, we are providing this background 
information on the different ecosystems in which they occur to better 
elaborate upon the specific threats found in the five ecosystem types.

                       Table 1--Current (and Historical) Distribution of the Seven Yellow-Faced Bees by Ecosystem Type and Island
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                                                                                        Ecosystems
  Species and number of current  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           populations                  Coastal           Lowland dry        Lowland mesic        Lowland wet        Montane mesic        Montane dry
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H. anthracinus, 13 populations..  HI, MA, MO, OA....  HI, KAH, (*LA),     N/A...............  N/A...............  ..................  HI.
                                                       MA, (*MO), (*OA).
H. assimulans, 5 populations....  KAH, (*MA), (*OA).  LA, MA, (*OA).....  N/A...............  N/A...............  ..................  N/A.
H. facilis, 2 populations.......  (*MA), MO, (*OA)..  (*LA), (*OA)......  (*LA), (*MA),       (*MA), OA.........  (*MO).............  N/A.
                                                                           (*OA).
H. hilaris, 1 population........  (*LA), (*MA), MO..  (*MA).............  N/A...............  N/A...............  ..................  N/A.
H. kuakea, 2 populations........  N/A...............  N/A...............  OA................  N/A...............  ..................  N/A.
H. longiceps, 6 populations.....  LA, MA, MO, OA....  LA, (*MA), (*MO)..  N/A...............  N/A...............  ..................  N/A.

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H. mana, 1 population...........  N/A...............  N/A...............  OA................  N/A...............  ..................  N/A.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HI = Hawaii (Island); KAH = Kahoolawe; LA = Lanai; MA = Maui; MO = Molokai; OA = Oahu;
(*XX) denotes a historical population; N/A means no population records

Coastal Ecosystem
    The coastal ecosystem is found on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, 
with the highest species diversity found in the least populated coastal 
areas of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, and Kauai, and their 
associated islets, and extends from sea level to approximately 1,000 ft 
(approximately 300 m) in elevation. The coastal vegetation zone is 
typically dry, with annual rainfall of less than approximately 20 
inches (in) (50.8 centimeters (cm)); however windward rainfall may be 
high enough (up to approximately 40 in (1,000 mm)) to support mesic-
associated and sometimes wet-associated vegetation (Gagne and Cuddihy 
1999, pp. 54-66). Compared to dry and mesic ecosystems, biological 
diversity (number of species) is low to moderate in the coastal 
ecosystem, but may include some specialized plants and animals such as 
nesting seabirds and the rare native plant Sesbania tomentosa (ohai) 
(The Nature Conservancy (TNC) 2006a). Sesbania tomentosa formerly 
occurred widely in lower elevation dry habitat on all of the main 
islands and at least on Necker and Nihoa of the Northwestern Hawaiian 
Islands. The species is now scattered throughout its former range, and 
is restricted to relic populations on sandy beaches, on dunes, on soil 
pockets on lava, and along pond margins (Wagner et al. 1990, p. 705).
    The dominant native vegetation in coastal ecosystems is the shrub 
Scaevola sericea (naupaka kahakai) (Alpha et al. 1996, p. 86). Other 
common native plant species include Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning-
glory), Sporobolus virginicus (beach dropseed), Jacquemontia ovata (pau 
o Hiiaka), and Sesuvium portulacastrum (akulikuli or sea purslane) 
(Wagner et al. 1999, pp. 57-59). Among the Hylaeus species addressed in 
this finding, five are known from coastal ecosystems, including H. 
anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, and H. longiceps.
Lowland Dry Ecosystem
    The lowland dry ecosystem includes shrublands and forests below 
approximately 3,300 ft (1,000 m) in elevation that receive less than 50 
in (127 cm) annual rainfall, or are in otherwise prevailingly dry 
substrate conditions. Areas consisting of predominantly native species 
in the lowland dry ecosystem are now rare. This ecosystem is found on 
the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, and 
Kauai, and is best represented on the leeward sides of the islands 
(Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, p. 67). Biological diversity is low to 
moderate in this ecosystem, and includes specialized animals and plants 
such as the Hawaiian owl or pueo (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) and 
Santalum ellipticum (iliahialoe) (Wagner et al. 1999, pp. 1,220-1,221; 
TNC 2006b).
    Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, and H. longiceps 
are known from lowland dry forests. These forests are typically 
dominated by Diospyros sandwicensis (lama), Erythrina sandwicensis 
(wiliwili), Nestegis sandwicensis (olopua), or Metrosideros polymorpha 
(ohia) and a diversity of native shrubs growing within the understory 
(Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, pp. 72-74).
Lowland Mesic Ecosystem
    The lowland mesic ecosystem includes a variety of grasslands, 
shrublands, and forests, below approximately 3,300 ft (1,000 m) in 
elevation, that receive between 50 and 75 in (127 and 191 cm) annual 
rainfall, or are in otherwise mesic substrate conditions (TNC 2006c). 
In the Hawaiian Islands, this ecosystem is found on Hawaii, Maui, 
Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, and Kauai, on both windward and leeward sides of 
the islands. Biological diversity is high in this system (TNC 2006c).
    Lowland mesic forests are typically dominated by Acacia koa (koa), 
Diospyros sandwicensis, Metrosideros polymorpha, or Nestegis 
sandwicensis, and a diversity of understory trees and native shrubs 
growing below the canopy species (Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, p. 80-82). 
Historically, Hylaeus facilis was known from lowland mesic forest, but 
currently only H. kuakea and H. mana are found in this habitat.
Lowland Wet Ecosystem
    The lowland wet ecosystem is generally found below approximately 
3,300 ft (1,000 m) in elevation on the windward sides of the main 
Hawaiian Islands, except Kahoolawe (Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, p. 85; TNC 
2006d). These areas include a variety of wet grasslands, shrublands, 
and forests that receive greater than 75 in (191 cm) annual 
precipitation, or are in otherwise wet substrate conditions (TNC 
2006d). Biological diversity is high in this system (TNC 2006d). The 
majority of lowland wet forests are dominated by Metrosideros 
polymorpha, with understory trees such as Psychotria spp. (kopiko) and 
Antidesma platyphyllum (hame) (Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, p. 87). 
Currently, Hylaeus facilis is known from lowland wet forest (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 81).
Montane Dry Ecosystem
    The montane dry ecosystem is composed of natural communities 
(shrublands, grasslands, forest) found at elevations between 
approximately 3,300 and 6,600 ft (1,000 and 2,000 m), in areas where 
annual precipitation is less than 50 in (127 cm), or otherwise in dry 
substrate conditions (TNC 2006g). Montane dry forests occur on the 
leeward sides of the islands of Maui and Hawaii, and biological 
diversity is moderate (Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, p. 93; TNC 2006g). 
Montane dry forests are dominated by some combination of Acacia koa, 
Sophora chrysophylla) (mamame), Metrosideros polymorpha, and rarely, 
Chamaesyce olowaluana (akoko) (Gagne and Cuddihy, p. 95). In 2004, a 
single individual of H. anthracinus was collected in montane dry forest 
on Hawaii Island.
Specific Information on Hylaeus anthracinus
Taxonomy and Description
    Hylaeus anthracinus was first described as Prosopis anthracina by 
Smith in 1873 (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 55), and transferred to 
Nesoprosopis 20 years later (Perkins 1899, pp. 75). Nesoprosopis was 
reduced to a subgenus of Hylaeus in

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1923 (Meade-Waldo 1923, p. 1). Although the distinctness of this 
species remains unquestioned, recent genetic evidence (Magnacca and 
Brown 2010, pp. 5-7) suggests H. anthracinus may be composed of three 
cryptic (not recognized) species or subspecies that represent the 
populations on Hawaii, Maui and Kahoolawe, and Molokai and Oahu. 
However, this has not been established scientifically; therefore, we 
treat H. anthracinus as a single species in this finding.
    Hylaeus anthracinus is a medium-sized, black bee with clear to 
smoky wings and black legs. The male has a single large yellow spot on 
his face, while below the antennal sockets the face is yellow. The 
female is entirely black and can be distinguished by the black hairs on 
the end of the abdomen and an unusual mandible that has three teeth, a 
characteristic shared only with H. flavifrons, a closely related 
species on Kauai (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 53).
Life History
    The diet of the larval stage of Hylaeus anthracinus is unknown, 
although the larvae are presumed to feed on stores of pollen and nectar 
collected and deposited in the nest by the adult female. Likewise, the 
nesting habits of H. anthracinus are not known, but the species is 
thought to nest within the stems of coastal shrubs (Magnacca 2005a, p. 
2).
    Hylaeus anthracinus adults have been observed visiting the flowers 
of Sesbania tomentosa, Scaevola sericea, Sida fallax (ilima), Argemone 
glauca (pua kala), Chamaesyce celastroides (akoko), Chamaesyce degeneri 
(akoko), Heliotropium anomalum (hinahina), and Myoporum sandwicense 
(naio). This species has also been collected from inside the fruit 
capsule of Kadua coriacea (kioele) (Magnacca 2005a, p. 2). Hylaeus 
anthracinus has also been observed visiting Tournefortia argentea (tree 
heliotrope), a tree native to tropical Asia, Madagascar, tropical 
Australia, and Polynesia, for nectar and pollen (Wagner et al. 1999, p. 
398; Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 55; Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). 
Tournefortia argentea was first collected on Oahu in 1864-1865, and is 
naturalized and documented from all of the main islands except 
Kahoolawe (Wagner et al. 1999, p. 398). Hylaeus anthracinus commonly 
occurs alongside other Hylaeus species, including H. longiceps and H. 
flavipes.
Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus anthracinus was historically known from numerous coastal 
and lowland dry forest habitats up to 2,000 ft (610 m) in elevation on 
the islands of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. Between 1997 and 
2008, surveys for Hawaiian Hylaeus were conducted at 43 sites 
throughout the Hawaiian Islands that were either historical collecting 
localities for H. anthracinus, or potentially suitable habitat for this 
species. Hylaeus anthracinus was observed at 13 of the 43 survey sites, 
but had disappeared from each of the 9 historically occupied sites 
surveyed (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 217; Magnacca 2007b, p. 44). 
Several of the historical collection sites, such as Honolulu and 
Waikiki on Oahu and Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii, no longer contain Hylaeus 
habitat, which has been replaced by urban development or is dominated 
by nonnative vegetation (Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, pp. 346-347; Daly 
and Magnacca 2003, p. 55; Magnacca 2007a, pp. 186-188).
    Hylaeus anthracinus is currently known from 13 small patches of 
coastal and lowland dry forest habitat (Magnacca 2005a, p. 2): five 
locations on the island of Hawaii; one location on Kahoolawe; two 
locations on Maui; three locations on Molokai; and two locations on 
Oahu (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 217; Magnacca 2005a, p. 2; Magnacca 
2007b, p. 44). These 13 locations supported small populations of H. 
anthracinus, but the number of individual bees is unknown. In 2004, a 
single individual was collected in montane dry forest on the island of 
Hawaii; however, the presence of additional individuals has not been 
confirmed at this site (Magnacca 2005a, p. 2). Although it was 
previously unknown from the island of Kahoolawe, H. anthracinus was 
observed at one location on the island in 2002 (Daly and Magnacca 2003, 
p. 55). The species is believed to be extirpated from Lanai (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 55). Additionally, during surveys between 1997 and 
2008, H. anthracinus was absent from 17 other sites on Hawaii, Maui, 
Molokai, and Oahu with potentially suitable habitat from which other 
species of Hylaeus were collected (Daly and Magnacca 2003; Magnacca, 
University of Hawaii at Hilo, pers. comm. 2008a).
Hawaii Island
    Hylaeus anthracinus was first described by Perkins (1899, p. 100) 
from specimens collected by F. Smith on the Kona (west) coast at 
Kealakekua Bay. In the intervening 99 years, H. anthracinus appears to 
have declined significantly throughout its historical range on this 
coastline. Between 1997 and 2008, researchers thoroughly surveyed the 
area around Kealakekua Bay and Keei to the south, but found no species 
of Hylaeus and observed that most of these areas are either dominated 
by invasive, nonnative plants, such as Leucaena leucephala (koa haole), 
or lack vegetation entirely (Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a). Hylaeus 
anthracinus is currently found in five locations in coastal and lowland 
dry forest on the leeward (west) side of the island, including 
Kohanaiki; Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park (NHP); Makalawena 
Beach; the Mahaiula section of Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) State Park; and 
Kaulana Bay near Ka Lae (South Point). In addition, there is one recent 
collection from montane dry forest in the U.S. Army's Pohakuloa 
Training Area, in the northern part of the island. Collection reports 
from these six areas follow:
    (A) Kohanaiki: Hylaeus anthracinus was collected in coastal habitat 
on Tournefortia argentea at this location near Puhili Point by Magnacca 
(2007b, p. 44). Kohanaiki is an area of land granted to indigenous 
Hawaiians in 1995 for cultural and recreational preservation and 
pursuits (Kohanaiki Ohana 1995 (http://www.kohanaiki.org/)). There is 
some possibility for increased recreational impact to the area, if and 
when adjacent privately owned parcels are developed, as is currently 
planned (Kohanaiki Ohana 1995 (http://www.kohanaiki.org/)).
    (B) Kaloko-Honokohau NHP: In 2007, researchers collected Hylaeus 
anthracinus in coastal habitat in Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, which is just 
south of Kohanaiki, and managed by the National Park Service (NPS) (P. 
Aldrich, University of Hawaii at Manoa, pers. comm. 2008a; Magnacca, 
pers. comm. 2008c).
    (C) Makalawena Beach: Researchers collected Hylaeus anthracinus in 
coastal habitat in south Kona at Makalawena Beach in 2007 (P. Aldrich, 
pers. comm., July 2008a). Inaccessible by motor vehicle, visitors must 
hike to the beach on a trail that begins in nearby Kekaha Kai State 
Park. Makalawena Beach is located on private land owned by Kamehameha 
Schools.
    (D) Mahaiula Section of Kekaha Kai State Park: Researchers 
collected Hylaeus anthracinus in coastal habitat in the Mahaiula 
section of Kekaha Kai State Park in 2007 (P. Aldrich, unpublished 
data). The park is managed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural 
Resources' (DLNR) Division of State Parks, and is open to the public 
daily. This section of the park is accessed by a 1.5-mile (mi) (1.6-
kilometer (km)) unpaved road from the main highway (Queen Kaahumanu 
Highway (Hwy 19)), and offers public

[[Page 55174]]

recreational opportunities for swimming and beach-related activities, 
such as hiking, picnicking, and boating (http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/hawaiistateparks/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=47).
    (E) Kaulana Bay: Hylaeus anthracinus appears to be restricted to an 
area of 5,000-10,000 year-old lava flows east of Ka Lae at Kaulana Bay, 
where it and other species of Hylaeus were collected in 1999 and 2002 
(Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). The substrate of these lava flows is distinct 
from the surrounding areas covered by Pahala ash (Magnacca, pers. comm. 
2010b). The area near Ka Lae, at the southernmost tip of the island of 
Hawaii, is believed to be the best coastal habitat for Hylaeus on the 
island. However, H. anthracinus was absent from several sites with 
potentially suitable vegetation near Ka Lae and other sites to the east 
along the coast, including Kalu, Kaalualu, and Mahana, where other 
Hylaeus species were collected. The population of H. anthracinus at 
Kaulana Bay appears highly localized, and may have more stringent 
habitat requirements related to localized substrate type than other 
species of Hawaiian Hylaeus found in nearby areas (e.g., H. difficilis 
and H. flavipes). The Ka Lae area, including Kaulana Bay, is registered 
as a National Historic Landmark District and a large portion of the 
area is primarily owned by the State's Department of Hawaiian Home 
Lands (DHHL), although a smaller portion is privately owned. Public 
access to Kaulana Bay is not restricted, and the area is used for 
recreational activities such as off-road vehicle use (Magnacca, pers. 
comm. 2008a).
    (F) U.S. Army's Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA): In 2004, one male 
Hylaeus anthracinus was collected on the southern slopes of Mauna Kea 
in montane dry forest habitat in the U.S. Army's PTA at approximately 
5,200-5,400 ft (1,590-1,650 m) in elevation (Magnacca 2007b, p. 44). 
The specimen was found inside the fruit capsule of the federally 
endangered plant, Hedyotis coriacea (kioele). Hylaeus anthracinus has 
not been observed at the PTA since the collection made in 2004 
(Magnacca 2007b, p. 44). It is unknown if this collection was a single 
vagrant individual or from an established population at the PTA 
(Magnacca 2007b, p. 44).
Kahoolawe Island
    Previously unknown on Kahoolawe, a population of Hylaeus 
anthracinus was discovered in 2002 in coastal habitat at Pali o 
Kalapakea, where four specimens were collected at an elevation of 1,000 
ft (300 m) (Daly and Magnacca 2003; Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a). 
However, this species was absent from potentially suitable habitat 
located at Kamohio on the southeastern coast of the island where other 
Hylaeus species were collected. Overgrazing by introduced cattle and 
goats, and bombing and target practice by the U.S. military, have led 
to soil erosion resulting in the loss of almost all of the coastal and 
lowland dry forest habitat on this island (Warren 2004, p. 461). In 
1993, Congress ended military use on Kahoolawe, and the Kahoolawe 
Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) was created to manage land use and 
restore Kahoolawe's natural resources (Dept. of Defense, p. 1). Access 
to the island is limited and controlled by KIRC, and activities 
conducted on the island include fishing, habitat restoration, 
historical preservation, and education. Commercial enterprises are 
currently prohibited on the island (Warren 2004, p. 1).
Maui
    Perkins (1899, p. 100) originally described Hylaeus anthracinus as 
abundant in coastal and lowland habitat on the island of Maui, where it 
was known from four sites. Perkins' primary collection site for coastal 
bees on Maui was the Wailuku sandhills, which once supported a diverse 
bee fauna. Lacking adequate descriptions, researchers were unable to 
relocate two of the Perkins collection sites during recent surveys, but 
two sites were relocated and surveyed in 1999 and 2001 (Magnacca 2007a, 
p. 173). Hylaeus anthracinus has also been collected at Kanaio on the 
lower southern slopes of Haleakala, an unusual location for this 
otherwise exclusively coastal species. The species was also collected 
at the coast nearby, at Manawainui. Descriptions of these three sites 
follows:
    (A) Wailuku Sand Hills: Formerly a large expanse of coastal dune 
habitat, the Wailuku sand hills remain as small remnant dunes and only 
one, at Waiehu, contains intact native vegetation potentially suitable 
for Hylaeus bees. This remnant coastal sand dune covers less than 2.5 
acres (ac) (1 hectare (ha)) on State lands near a golf course. Hylaeus 
anthracinus was not observed during the 1999 and 2001 surveys in this 
location (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 217). The rest of the dunes have 
been destroyed by development or are overgrown with the nonnative plant 
Prosopis pallida (kiawe). Researchers observed that the Kahului section 
of the dunes, located south of the native remnant dune, no longer 
contains potentially suitable habitat for species of Hylaeus (Magnacca 
2007a, p. 182).
    (B) Kanaio Natural Area Reserve: Hylaeus anthracinus was collected 
in 1999 in remnant native lowland dry forest in the State's Kanaio 
Natural Area Reserve (NAR) on the southern slopes of Haleakala at 2,000 
ft (600 m) in elevation (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 217). Kanaio NAR is 
a State-protected area of approximately 876 ac (355 ha), and contains 
patches of lowland dry forest and shrub lands. The State plans to 
rehabilitate habitat in the Kanaio NAR by excluding feral ungulates 
with fencing, managing weeds, and planting native species (http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/rpc/projects-on-maui).
    (C) Manawainui Gulch: In 1999, Hylaeus anthracinus was collected at 
this coastal site on land owned by the State's DHHL (Magnacca, pers. 
comm. 2008a). The site is east of Kahikinui, and should not be confused 
with the Manawainui Valley, which is east of Kaupo, or Manawainui Gulch 
at Ukumehame on west Maui.
Molokai
    Perkins collected Hylaeus anthracinus at Kaulawai [Kauluwai] and 
two unknown sites: the lower slopes of the north Molokai mountains and 
the ``Molokai plains'' (Perkins 1899; Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 55). 
Hylaeus anthracinus occurred in three of five sites surveyed between 
1999 and 2005. These locations include TNC's Moomomi Preserve on 
Molokai's northwest coast, and Hoolehua Beach and Kaupikiawa, both 
located on the Kalaupapa peninsula (Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a). This 
species was not observed at several other sites with potentially 
suitable habitat, including sand dune habitat near the Kaluakoi resort 
on Molokai's west coast (Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a). Collection 
reports of these sites follow:
    (A) Moomomi Preserve: Between 1999 and 2001, researchers collected 
H. anthracinus and H. longiceps from an area of native vegetation in 
coastal dune habitat within Moomomi Preserve (Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). 
Moomomi Preserve contains intact coastal dunes dominated by native 
vegetation, as well as dune and inland areas dominated by nonnative 
vegetation.
    (B) Hoolehua Beach and Kaupikiawa: In 2005, Hylaeus anthracinus was 
collected at a coastal site above Hoolehua Beach near the tip of the 
Kalaupapa peninsula, and at Kaupikiawa, just to the east (Magnacca 
2007b, p. 181). Both sites are located within Kalaupapa NHP, which is 
cooperatively managed by the NPS, DHHL, and the State's DLNR and 
Departments of Health (DOH) and Transportation (DOT). The areas on the

[[Page 55175]]

east side of the Kalaupapa peninsula are largely rocky and devoid of 
vegetation, but contain scattered patches of native coastal vegetation, 
similar to Ka Lae on the island of Hawaii (Magnacca 2007a, p. 181).
Oahu
    Hylaeus anthracinus was historically known from seven sites on the 
island of Oahu, although two of the coastal sites were not conclusively 
identified by Perkins and the exact locations cannot now be determined 
(Perkins 1899, p. 100). This species appears to have declined 
precipitously since Perkins' collecting period on Oahu (1892-1906) and 
is currently only known from two sites, Kaena Point NAR and Mokuauia 
(Goat Island). Between 1997 and 2008, H. anthracinus was not found 
during surveys of five of its historical Perkins-era collection sites. 
Several of these sites no longer provide suitable habitat for Hylaeus 
species because native vegetation has been removed during urbanization, 
or the sites are dominated by invasive, nonnative vegetation. These 
sites include Honolulu, Waikiki, ``the Honolulu mountains,'' Waialua, 
and the Waianae coast (Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, pp. 345-347; Daly 
and Magnacca 2003, p. 55). Between 1999 and 2002, researchers searched 
coastal habitat at Makapuu and Kalaeloa (Barber's Point), but did not 
find any species of Hylaeus (Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a). The coastal 
habitat at both sites is degraded and dominated by nonnative 
vegetation. Descriptions of the two known sites follow:
    (A) Kaena Point NAR: Between 1998 and 2008, Hylaeus anthracinus was 
collected at Kaena Point, which is located on Oahu's northwest-most 
point (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 55; Sahli, University of Hawaii at 
Manoa, pers. comm. 2008). Kaena Point contains the best intact native 
coastal habitat on Oahu, and is an excellent example of that type of 
ecosystem in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It provides habitat for 
nesting seabirds, monk seals, native plants, and other native species 
(Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). The primary activities within this NAR 
include recreation, hiking, nature study, education, and the 
observation of wildlife (DLNR 2007, p. 20). While illegal off-road 
driving was once a concern, a physical barrier is now in place that 
prevents vehicular access, and native vegetation is regenerating and 
being restored by the Kaena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project (DLNR 
2007, p. 20; Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). In partnership with several 
agencies including the Service, the DLNR is building a predator-proof 
fence to prevent nonnative species, such as cats and dogs that threaten 
nesting seabirds, from entering 59 ac (24 ha) of coastal habitat within 
Kaena Point NAR (http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/kaena/index.htm).
    (B) Mokuauia (Goat Island): From the lack of records, it appears 
Perkins and other early naturalists did not search Mokuauia or Oahu's 
other offshore islets for yellow-faced bees. Recently, Hylaeus 
anthracinus was found on this islet by Service biologists during 
general surveys of the islet (S. Plentovich, Service, pers. comm. 
2008). Mokuauia, an offshore islet in Laie Bay located on Oahu's 
northeast coast, encompasses 13 ac (5.3 ha) and reaches a maximum 
elevation of 15 ft (4.5 m). The entire islet is a State Seabird 
Sanctuary and is managed by the State's Department of Forestry and 
Wildlife (DOFAW). The entire islet was designated as critical habitat 
for the endangered plant Sesbania tomentosa in 2003, and the DOFAW is 
actively restoring native vegetation and controlling nonnative species. 
Mokuauia is easily accessed by the public and is a popular destination 
for small boats, kayaks, and swimmers on weekends.
Lanai
    Hylaeus anthracinus has not been observed on Lanai for over 100 
years and is likely extirpated from this privately owned island. This 
species was not observed at any of the recently surveyed sites, 
including Manele Bay, where it was collected by Perkins in 1899 
(Magnacca 2007a, p. 182; Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a). However, other 
Hylaeus species were collected at seven of the eight locations surveyed 
(Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229).
Summary of Hylaeus anthracinus Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus anthracinus was historically known from numerous coastal 
and lowland dry forest habitats up to 2,000 ft (600 m) in elevation, on 
the islands of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. Currently, this 
species is known from a total of 13 sites in a few small patches of 
coastal and lowland dry forest habitat: one location on Kahoolawe, five 
locations on the island of Hawaii, two locations on Maui, three 
locations on Molokai, and two locations on Oahu. In addition, in 2004 a 
single individual of H. anthracinus was collected in montane dry forest 
habitat on the island of Hawaii. It is unknown if this collection was a 
single vagrant individual or from an established population. The lands 
on which H. anthracinus occurs are under a variety of jurisdictions, 
including private (e.g., TNC), State (e.g., DHHL, DOFAW, NARs, State 
Park, Seabird Sanctuary), and Federal (U.S. Army, NPS).
Specific Information on Hylaeus assimulans
Taxonomy and Description
    Hylaeus assimulans was first described as Nesoprosopis assimulans 
(Perkins 1899, pp. 75, 101-102); Nesoprosopis was reduced to a subgenus 
of Hylaeus in 1923 (Meade-Waldo 1923, p. 1). The species was most 
recently described as Hylaeus assimulans by Daly and Magnacca in 2003 
(pp. 55-56). Hylaeus assimulans is distinguished by its large size 
relative to other coastal Hylaeus species and slightly smoky to smoky-
colored wings. The male is black with yellow face marks, with an almost 
entirely yellow clypeus (lower face region) with additional marks on 
the sides that narrow dorsally (towards the top). The male also has 
brown appressed (flattened) hairs on the tip of the abdomen. The female 
is entirely black, large-bodied, and has no distinct punctuation on the 
abdomen (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 56).
Life History
    The diet of the larval stage of Hylaeus assimulans is unknown, 
although the larvae are presumed to feed on stores of pollen and nectar 
collected and deposited in the nest by the female adult (Magnacca 
2005b, p. 2). Likewise, the nesting habits of H. assimulans are not 
known, but because the species is genetically related to other ground 
nesting Hylaeus spp., it is thought to be a ground nester (Magnacca 
2005b, p. 2).
    Hylaeus assimulans adults have been observed visiting the flowers 
of Lipochaeta lobata (nehe) and its likely primary host plant, Sida 
fallax (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 58). Hylaeus assimulans appears to 
be closely associated with plants in the genus Sida, and studies thus 
far suggest this yellow-faced bee species may be more common where this 
plant is abundant (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 58, 217; Magnacca 2007a, 
p. 183). In recent survey efforts, H. assimulans seems to be more 
common in dry forest at relatively higher elevations, which may be 
related to the abundance of Sida in the understory (Magnacca 2005b, p. 
2). Sida spp. were less often found in coastal habitat. It is likely H. 
assimulans visits several other native plants, including Acacia koa, 
Metrosideros polymorpha, Styphelia tameiameiae (pukiawe), and species 
of Scaevola (naupaka) and Chamaesyce (akoko),

[[Page 55176]]

which are frequented by other Hylaeus species as well (Magnacca, pers. 
comm. 2008b).
Range and Distribution
    Historically, Hylaeus assimulans was known from numerous coastal 
and lowland dry forest habitats up to 2,000 ft (610 m) in elevation on 
the islands of Lanai, Maui, and Oahu. There are no collections from 
Molokai, although it is likely H. assimulans also occurred there 
because all other species of Hylaeus known from Maui, Lanai, and Oahu 
also occurred on Molokai (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229). Between 
1997 and 2008, surveys for Hawaiian Hylaeus were conducted in 25 sites 
on Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. Hylaeus assimulans was 
absent from six of its historical localities on Lanai, Maui, and Oahu 
(Xerces Society 2009b, p. 4). Hylaeus assimulans was not observed at 19 
other sites with potentially suitable habitat on Lanai, Maui, Molokai, 
and Oahu, including several sites from which other native Hylaeus 
species have been recently collected (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 56, 
217; Magnacca 2005b, p. 2; Magnacca 2007a, pp. 177, 181, 183).
    Currently, Hylaeus assimulans is known from a few small patches of 
coastal and lowland dry forest habitat at one location on Kahoolawe, 
two locations on Lanai, and two locations on Maui (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, p. 58; Magnacca 2005, p. 2). This species has likely been 
extirpated from Oahu because it has not been observed since Perkins' 
1899 surveys and was not found during recent surveys of potentially 
suitable coastal habitat at Kaena Point, Makapuu, and Kalaeloa (Daly 
and Magnacca 2003, p. 217; Magnacca 2005, p. 2; H. Sahli, unpublished 
data).
Kahoolawe
    Although not historically known from Kahaoolawe (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a), Hylaeus assimulans was discovered 
in 1997 near the high cliffs of Kamohio Bay in the center of the 
southern coast of the island (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p 217). The 
species was absent from one other site on the island in lowland habitat 
on the east coast at Pali o Kalapakea where other Hylaeus species were 
collected (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229).
Lanai
    On Lanai, Perkins found Hylaeus assimulans in low numbers within 
uninhabited coastal habitat at Awalua in northwest Lanai, and in the 
Koele mountains at an elevation of 2,000 ft (610 m) (Perkins 1899, p. 
102). Between 1998 and 2006, seven sites with potentially suitable 
habitat on private lands, including Mt. Koele and Awalua, were 
surveyed, and H. assimulans was found only near Manele Road and Polihua 
Road in small pockets of native vegetation (Magnacca, pers. comm. 
2008b). Descriptions of these sites follow:
    (A) Manele Road: In 1999, Hylaeus assimulans was collected in 
lowland dry forest along Manele Road at 600 ft (180 m) in elevation, 
north of Manele Beach in southern Lanai (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 
217). Researchers observed the canopy was dominated by invasive 
Prosopis pallida trees and the understory had a dense stand of Sida 
fallax, the likely primary host plant of H. assimulans (Magnacca, pers. 
comm. 2008b). However, with the exception of a few stunted plants at 
the roadside where moisture had accumulated, the rest of the stand of 
Sida fallax had senesced (reached maturity) or possibly died. Native 
plants at this site appeared to be drought-intolerant and probably did 
not provide consistent habitat for Hylaeus throughout the year 
(Magnacca 2007a, p. 183; Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a).
    (B) Polihua Road: In 1999, two specimens of H. assimulans were 
collected in lowland dry forest along Polihua Road at 1,000 ft in 
elevation (300 m) in central Lanai (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 58). 
Both sites are on private land, and we are unaware of any recent or 
current land management in these areas.
Maui
    Perkins collected Hylaeus assimulans from coastal habitat at the 
Wailuku sand hills, and from an unknown site labeled ``Maui'' (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 58). Although other rare Hylaeus spp. were collected 
from the Waiehu dunes area during surveys conducted in 1999 and 2001, 
H. assimulans, as well as several other species once collected there by 
Perkins, were not found (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229; Magnacca, 
pers. comm. 2008a). Between 1998 and 2006, researchers surveyed six 
potentially suitable habitat locations island-wide, and H. assimulans 
was found within small pockets of native plants in only two of these 
sites (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 217; Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a). 
However, researchers believe H. assimulans may exist in potentially 
suitable habitat in rugged and inaccessible portions of west Maui 
(Magnacca, in litt., 2010, p. 1). Descriptions of these two sites 
follow:
    (A) Lahainaluna: In 1999, Hylaeus assimulans was collected in dry 
lowland forest at 1,800 ft (550 m) in elevation on the west side of 
Maui. The site is with the State's West Maui NAR. Established in 1986, 
the NAR's management plan calls for the control and removal of feral 
ungulates, and the control of selected priority invasive plant species 
(http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/nars/reserves/maui/west-maui).
    (B) Waikapu: In 2000, researchers collected Hylaeus assimulans in 
lowland dry shrubland dominated by the native shrub, Dodonaea viscosa 
(aalii) at 400 ft (120 m) elevation in Waikapu Valley, which is south 
of Iao Valley on the east side of west Maui (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 
217). The 10,000-square ft (.09-square-ha) site is privately owned and 
surrounded by a fence to exclude nonnative axis deer (Axis axis). The 
fence was built in the mid-1980s by the Native Hawaiian Plant Society, 
and is currently managed by inspecting the fence for breaks; removing 
nonnative, invasive weeds; and collecting seeds of native plants for 
propagation. There have been two major fires in the past 5 years in the 
vicinity of the fenced area, although neither fire has burned within 
the enclosed area (H. Oppenheimer, Plant Extinction Prevention Program, 
pers. comm. 2008).
    Between 1997 and 2007, Hylaeus assimulans was not collected during 
surveys of potentially suitable habitat at other locations on Maui 
where other rare Hylaeus species were collected, including lowland dry 
forest habitat in Kanaio NAR and coastal habitat at Manawainui Gulch 
(Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229; Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a).
Oahu
    Perkins found Hylaeus assimulans to be widespread but not 
relatively abundant on Oahu (Magnacca 2005b, p. 2). His Oahu collection 
sites included Honolulu (Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008a), the Kaala 
mountains, the Waianae Mountains, and the Waianae coast (Perkins 1899, 
p. 102; Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 58). There are also specimens 
collected by Perkins from unknown locations labeled ``Oahu'' and ``w. 
coast, near sea level'' (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 58).
    Hylaeus assimulans was not found during surveys conducted between 
1998 and 2008, including surveys at one historical location (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, pp. 58, 217). Although H. anthracinus was recently found 
on Mokuania (see Hylaeus anthracinus Range and Distribution), H. 
assimulans was not found during surveys of potentially suitable habitat 
on this off-shore islet (S. Plentovich, Service, pers. comm. 2008). The 
absence of H. assimulans from potentially suitable

[[Page 55177]]

coastal habitat on Oahu suggests it has likely been extirpated from 
this island (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 58; H. Sahli, unpublished 
data).
Summary of Hylaeus assimulans Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus assimulans was historically known from numerous coastal and 
lowland dry habitats up to 2,000 ft (610 m) in elevation, on the 
islands of Lanai, Maui, and Oahu. Currently, this species is found in a 
few small patches of coastal and lowland dry forest habitat in five 
locations on Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Maui. The lands on which H. 
assimulans occurs are under private and State (DLNR and KIRC) 
ownership.
Specific Information on Hylaeus facilis
Taxonomy and Description
    Hylaeus facilis is a member of the H. difficilis species group, and 
is closely related to H. chlorostictus and H. simplex. Hylaeus facilis 
was first described as Prosopis facilis by Smith in 1879 (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 80), based on a specimen erroneously reported from 
Maui. According to Blackburn and Cameron (1886 and 1887), the species' 
type locality was Pauoa Valley on Oahu (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 80). 
The species was later transferred to the genus Nesoprosopis (Perkins 
1899, pp. 75, 77). Nesoprosopis was subsequently reduced to a subgenus 
of Hylaeus (Meade-Waldo 1923, p. 1). The species was most recently 
recognized by Daly and Magnacca (2003, p. 80) as H. facilis. Hylaeus 
facilis is a medium-sized bee with smoky colored wings. The male has an 
oval yellow mark on its face that covers the entire clypeus (lower face 
region), and a narrow stripe beside the eyes, but is otherwise 
unmarked. The large, externally visible gonoforceps (paired lateral 
outer parts of the male genitalia) distinguish H. facilis from the 
closely related H. simplex (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 83). The female 
is entirely black and indistinguishable from females of H. difficilis 
and H. simplex (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 81-82).
Life History
    The diet of the larval stage of Hylaeus facilis is unknown, 
although the larvae are presumed to feed on stores of pollen and nectar 
collected and deposited in the nest by the adult female. The nesting 
habits of H. facilis have not been observed, but the species is thought 
to nest underground as do the closely related species H. chlorostictus 
and H. simplex (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 83; Magnacca 2005c, p. 2).
    The native host plants of adult Hylaeus facilis are unknown, but it 
is likely this species visits several plants other Hylaeus species are 
known to frequent, including Acacia koa, Metrosideros polymorpha, 
Styphelia tameiameiae, Scaevola spp., and Chamaesyce spp. (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 11). Hylaeus facilis has also been observed visiting 
the nonnative Tourneforia argentea for nectar and pollen (Magnacca 
2007a, p. 181).
Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus facilis was historically known from Lanai, Maui, Molokai, 
and Oahu, in dry shrubland to wet forest, from coastal to montane 
habitat up to 3,281 ft (1,000 m) in elevation (Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, 
p. 93; Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 81, 83). Perkins (1899, p. 77) 
remarked H. facilis was among the most common and widespread Hylaeus 
species on Oahu and all of Maui Nui (Lanai, Maui, and Molokai) 
(Magnacca 2007a, p. 183). The abundance of specimens in the collections 
at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu demonstrates the historic prevalence 
of this species in a diverse array of habitats and elevations (Magnacca 
2007a, p. 183). Although the species was widely collected within a 
diverse range of habitats historically, it probably prefers dry to 
mesic forest and shrubland (Magnacca 2005c, p. 2), which are 
increasingly rare and patchily distributed habitats (Smith 1985, pp. 
227-233; Juvik and Juvik 1998, p. 124; Wagner et al. 1999, pp. 66-67, 
75; Magnacca 2005c, p. 2).
    Hylaeus facilis has almost entirely disappeared from most of its 
historical range (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 7; Magnacca 2007a, p. 
183). Between 1998 and 2006, 39 sites on Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu 
were surveyed, including 13 historical sites. Hylaeus facilis was 
absent from each of the 13 historical localities (Magnacca 2007a, p. 
183) and was also not observed at 26 other sites with potentially 
suitable habitat, including many sites from which other native Hylaeus 
species have been recently collected (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 7, 
81-82; Magnacca 2007a, p. 183). Likely extirpated from Lanai, H. 
facilis is currently only known from two locations, one each on the 
islands of Molokai and Oahu (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 81-82; 
Magnacca 2005c, p. 2). In addition, in 1990, a single individual was 
collected on Maui in a residential area near Makawao at 1,500 ft (457 
m) in elevation. However, this site is an urbanized area devoid of 
native plants, and it is likely this collection was a single vagrant 
individual and not from an established population on Maui.
Lanai
    Perkins (1899) described Hylaeus facilis as ``common'' at two Lanai 
locations. He noted H. facilis was collected from the Koele Mountains 
at 2,000 ft (610 m) in elevation. Researchers believe the collection 
locality was northwest of Puu Alii where the ridges are at an elevation 
of approximately 2,000 ft (600 m). The Puu Alii summit itself is 2,800 
ft (850 m) in elevation, and less likely to be the site of Perkins' 
collection (Magnacca in litt. 2011, p. 36). Today this area contains 
mixed native and nonnative vegetation. Researchers collected three 
other species of Hylaeus in the same general area, along the Munro 
Trail and Kaiholena ridge in 1999 and 2001 (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 
217-229). Perkins' second collection site was in montane habitat at 
3,000 ft (900 m) in elevation at Haalelepaakai in the ``summit 
mountains on Lanai'' (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 83). Researchers 
surveyed this area in 1999 and 2001, and were unable to find H. 
facilis, although they collected four other Hylaeus species (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229). Hylaeus facilis is likely extirpated from 
Lanai because it has not been relocated in over 100 years, and its 
potentially suitable habitat has been extensively surveyed (Magnacca 
2007a, pp. 177, 183).
Maui
    Perkins collected Hylaeus facilis from three different sites on 
Maui, including coastal habitat at the Wailuku sand hills (Waiehu 
dunes), montane mesic forest habitat on Haleakala, and lowland wet 
habitat in Iao Valley. Although other species of Hylaeus were collected 
from the Waiehu dunes in 1999 and 2001, H. facilis, as well as several 
other species collected by Perkins in the late 19th century, were 
absent (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229).
    Perkins (1899) collected Hylaeus facilis in montane mesic forest 
habitat on Haleakala at an elevation of 5,000 ft (1,524 m) on 
Haleakala, in the Olinda area where he is known to have camped while 
surveying for and collecting insects (Evenhuis 2009, pp. 199-200). 
These native forests were once abundant in this area up to 6,000 ft 
(1,818 m) in elevation across the west slope of Haleakala, but have now 
been completely converted by agriculture and other land uses (Juvik and 
Juvik 1998, pp. 123-124). Hylaeus facilis and other species with 
similar habitat requirements (e.g., H. difficilis, H. volcanicus) are 
absent from the native,

[[Page 55178]]

wetter forest across the eastern slope of Haleakala (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, pp. 219-221, 228-229).
    Perkins also collected Hylaeus facilis in lowland wet habitat at an 
elevation of 2,000 ft (610 m) in Iao Valley in the west Maui Mountains 
(H. V. Daly, unpublished data). The terrain in Iao Valley is especially 
rugged and wet, and Perkins relied on assistants to collect specimens 
from this area (Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, p. 351). Even today the 
vegetation in this area is predominantly native (Liebherr and Polhemus 
1997, p. 351).
    Since the late 1960s, there have been only two collections of 
Hylaeus facilis on Maui, but neither is from a distinct population that 
can be relocated. One collection was made in 1967 (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, p. 221; Magnacca 2005c, p. 2), but the location is unknown 
(Xerces Society 2009c, p. 7). In 1990, a single individual was 
collected at Kokomo at an elevation of 1,500 ft (457 m) near Makawao, 
in a residential area devoid of native plants (Daly and Magnacca 2003, 
p. 221). This individual may have been a straggler blown in from a 
different site altogether (Magnacca 2005c, p. 2). Researchers question 
whether any viable H. facilis populations still remain on Maui 
(Magnacca 2007a, pp. 183-184).
Molokai
    Perkins collected Hylaeus facilis in three locations within montane 
mesic forest habitat in the east Molokai Mountains (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, p. 83). These locations were probably between Makakupaia and the 
rim of Pelekunu Valley, where Perkins did most of his collecting 
(Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, p. 347). Makakupaia is located within 
TNC's Kamakou Preserve. Researchers have surveyed extensively in 
similar, high-elevation habitat near Perkins' collecting area, 
including Kamakou Road (3,200 ft (975 m)), Puu Kolekole (3,400 ft 
(1,040 m)), and Kawela Gulch (3,600 ft (2,000 m)), and found other 
Hylaeus species, but were unable to locate H. facilis (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229).
    In 2005, researchers collected Hylaeus facilis in coastal habitat 
at Kuololimu Point, within Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KNHP) on 
the southeast coast of the Kalaupapa peninsula (Magnacca 2007b, pp. 44-
45). This area, located on the east side of the peninsula, is largely 
rocky and devoid of vegetation, but contains scattered patches of 
native coastal vegetation similar to habitat at Ka Lae on the island of 
Hawaii (Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). The park is cooperatively managed by 
the NPS, and the State of Hawaii's DHHL, DLNR, DOH, and DOT (NPS 2006 
(http://www.nps.gov/kala/index.htm)).
Oahu
    Perkins collected Hylaeus facilis from six sites on Oahu (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 83). One site described by Perkins was coastal 
habitat in Honolulu. Although the exact location is unknown, Honolulu 
coastal habitat has been completely developed for urban land use and 
there is no potentially suitable coastal habitat remaining in Honolulu 
for Hylaeus species. Perkins also described collecting Hylaeus species 
from mountains in Honolulu, and although the exact locations are 
unknown, these sites are presumed to be near known sites where he 
collected, including Waiolani Ridge, Lanihuli Ridge, Nuuanu Valley, and 
Konahuanui (Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, p. 348). While these mountain 
areas are largely undeveloped, many are dominated by nonnative 
vegetation. Researchers have surveyed potentially suitable native 
habitat near Perkins' collection sites and found other species of 
Hylaeus, but not H. facilis (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229). 
Descriptions of the five remaining suitable habitats follow:
    (A) Makaha Valley: Perkins (1899) collected H. facilis at an 
elevation of 3,000 ft (900 m) in the upper part of Makaha Valley, on 
Oahu's northwest side. There have been no surveys for Hylaeus in this 
area since Perkins' collections, but researchers have observed this 
area now lacks suitable Hylaeus habitat due to development, 
urbanization, and conversion of native habitat to nonnative vegetation 
(Magnacca, pers. comm. 2008c). Some of the upper reaches of Makaha 
Valley contain patches of native vegetation, but much of the native 
vegetation has been destroyed by brush fires (Liebherr and Polhemus 
1997, p. 347).
    (B) Mount Kaala: Perkins (1899) collected Hylaeus facilis at 2,000 
ft (610 m) in elevation on Mt. Kaala, possibly within what is now Mt. 
Kaala NAR. This area is a mix of dry and mesic forest communities (DLNR 
1990, p. 3), and is generally characterized as predominantly native 
vegetation (Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, p. 348). This area has not been 
extensively resurveyed for Hylaeus spp. because much of it is either 
inaccessible (due to either private or U.S. Army ownership), or too 
rugged in general, requiring a long and steep approach along the Dupont 
Trail on the north slope of Mt. Kaala.
    (C) Waianae Mountains: Perkins (1899) collected Hylaeus facilis in 
the Waianae Mountains, ``upland from Waianae'', likely in dry lowland 
forest, although the exact location is unknown. In 2008, researchers 
surveyed potentially suitable habitat in the Waianae-Kaala Forest 
Reserve (FR), but did not find H. facilis (Magnacca, pers. comm. July 
2008c).
    (D) Tantalus: Perkins collected Hylaeus facilis in lowland mesic 
habitat on ``Tantalus'' (Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, p. 348), which 
today is in close proximity to the urban core of Honolulu. This area is 
a mix of residential development and undeveloped sites dominated by 
nonnative plants, including various species of Phyllostachys spp. 
(bamboo), Acacia confusa (Formosa koa), Eucalyptus robusta (swamp 
mahogany), and Aleurites moluccana (kukui) (USDA 2001 https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/T/TANTALUS.html). Habitat 
dominated by nonnative plants does not support viable populations of 
Hylaeus, and no species have been reported from this area since 
Perkins' collections despite more recent surveys in the few small, 
widely separated areas containing native plant habitat (Magnacca in 
litt. 2011, p. 41).
    (E) Poamoho Trail: In 1975, Hylaeus facilis was collected in 
lowland wet forest at an unknown elevation along the Poamoho Trail in 
Oahu's Koolau Mountains. Located in central Oahu, the Poamoho Trail is 
part of the Na Ala Hele trail and access system, and is within the Ewa 
FR (DLNR 2008, p. 15). The land adjacent to the trail, including the 
access road to the forest reserve, is State (DOFAW) and privately 
owned. The Poamoho Trail traverses a public hunting area, and some of 
the land surrounding the access road is leased to the Army for training 
purposes (DLNR 2011--https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trail.php?TrailID=OA+08+007). Access is only allowed on weekends and 
holidays, and by permit only. Dominant vegetation in the summit area 
includes the indigenous fern, Dicranopteris linearis (uluhe), Acacia 
koa, and Metrosideros polymorpha (DLNR 2011--http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trail.php?TrailID=OA+08+007).
Summary of Hylaeus facilis Range and Distribution
    At the end of the 19th century, Hylaeus facilis was known from 
numerous locations in coastal and lowland habitats, including lowland 
dry, mesic, and wet forest habitat on the islands of Lanai, Maui, 
Molokai, and Oahu. Currently, this species is only known from two 
locations, one each on the islands of Molokai and Oahu (Magnacca 2007a, 
p. 177), under State (DHHL, DLNR, DOFAW, DOH, DOT) and private (TNC and 
others)

[[Page 55179]]

ownership. Researchers question whether viable populations of this 
species remain on Maui because only two single individuals have been 
collected in the past 100 years.
Specific Information on Hylaeus hilaris
Taxonomy and Description
    Hylaeus hilaris was first described as Prosopis hilaris by Smith in 
1879 (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 103-104), transferred to the genus 
Nesoprosopis 20 years later (Perkins 1899, pp. 75), and then 
Nesoprosopis was reduced to a subgenus of Hylaeus in 1923 (Meade-Waldo 
1923, p. 1). In 2003, Daly and Magnacca described the species as 
Hylaeus hilaris (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 103-104). Hylaeus hilaris 
is distinguished by its large size (male wing length is 0.185 in (4.7 
mm)) relative to other coastal Hylaeus species. The wings of this 
species are slightly smoky to smoky-colored, and it is the most 
colorful of the Hawaiian Hyaleus species. The face of the male is 
almost entirely yellow, with yellow markings on the legs and thorax, 
and the metasoma (middle portion of the abdomen) are usually 
predominantly red. Females are drably colored, with various brownish 
markings. As with other cleptoparasitic species (see Life History 
below), H. hilaris lacks the specialized pollen-sweeping hairs of the 
front legs (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 9, 106). It is also one of only 
two Hawaiian Hylaeus species to possess apical (at the end or tip of a 
structure) bands of fine white hairs on the segments of the metasoma.
Life History
    Most adult Hawaiian Hylaeus species consume nectar for energy; 
however, Hylaeus hilaris has yet to be observed actually feeding from 
flowers. Hylaeus hilaris and the four species related to it (H. 
hostilis, H. inquilina, H. sphecodoides, and H. volatilis) are known as 
cleptoparasites or cuckoo bees. The mated female does not construct a 
nest or collect pollen, but instead enters the nest of another species 
and lays an egg in a partially provisioned cell. Upon hatching, the 
cleptoparasitic larva kills the host egg, consumes the provisions, 
pupates, and eventually emerges as an adult. As a result of this 
lifestyle shift, H. hilaris bees have lost the pollen-collecting hairs 
other species possess on the front legs. Cleptoparasitism is actually 
quite common among bees, with approximately 25 percent of known bee 
species having evolved to become cleptoparasites. Among the world's 
bees, other than the Hawaiian Hylaeus group, no cleptoparasites are 
known from the family Colletidae (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 9).
    The larvae of Hylaeus hilaris and their diet are unknown (Magnacca 
2005d, p. 2); however, the species is known to lay its eggs within the 
nests of H. anthracinus, H. assimulans, and H. longiceps (Perkins 1913, 
p. lxxxi). Although the species has never been observed at flowers, H. 
hilaris adults presumably consume nectar as a food source (Michener 
2000, pp. 26-37, 126). Hylaeus hilaris depends on a number of related 
Hylaeus host species for its parasitic larvae, and its population size 
is inherently much smaller than its host species (Magnacca 2007a, p. 
181).
Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus hilaris was historically known from coastal habitat on the 
islands of Lanai, Maui, and Molokai. It is believed to have occurred 
along much of the coast of these islands' as its primary hosts, H. 
anthracinus, H. assimulans, and H. longiceps, likely extended 
throughout this habitat. The majority of coastal habitat on these 
islands has either been developed or degraded, and is no longer 
suitable for H. hilaris (Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, pp. 346-347; 
Magnacca 2007, pp. 186-188). Hylaeus hilaris was absent from three of 
its historical population sites revisited by researchers between 1998 
and 2006. It was also not observed at 10 additional sites with 
potentially suitable habitat where other native Hylaeus species have 
been recently collected (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 103, 106).
    First collected on Maui in 1879, Hylaeus hilaris has been collected 
only twice in the last 100 years, but as noted above, there is a gap of 
about 50 to 100 years between major collecting efforts. Hylaeus hilaris 
has recently been collected on two occasions: once in 1989 and again in 
1999. On the islands of Lanai and Maui, the species was absent from 
each of its historical Perkins-era localities revisited between 1998 
and 2006 (Magnacca 2007a, pp. 177, 181-82). Currently, the only known 
population of H. hilaris is located on TNC's Moomomi Preserve on 
Molokai (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 103, 106; Magnacca 2005d, p. 2).
Lanai
    Perkins (1899) collected Hylaeus hilaris in coastal habitat at 
Manele, on the southern coast of Lanai. This area is now both the site 
of the ferry landing from Lahaina, Maui, and a small boat harbor, and 
is in close proximity to a major resort. The area was surveyed in 1999, 
but researchers noted little native vegetation aside from Scaevola 
sericea and an absence of Hylaeus species. Additionally, the nonnative 
bee, Lasioglossum impavidum (no common name (NCN)), was found at the 
site. Three other potentially suitable locations were surveyed between 
1999 and 2007 for Hylaeus species, but H. hilaris was not observed at 
these sites, despite the presence of H. assimulans and H. longiceps, a 
recorded host species (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 106; Magnacca 2007a, 
pp. 177, 181).
    Most native coastal habitats are now severely degraded across the 
entire island, and it is believed Hylaeus hilaris has likely been 
extirpated (Magnacca 2005d, p. 2; Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). Although 
large areas of remote sandy beach on the north and east coasts remain 
to be thoroughly surveyed for Hylaeus species, those that have been 
inspected contain few native plants. Two of the three known host 
species of H. hilaris occur on Lanai, but all recent (i.e., since 1999) 
collections have primarily been made in lowland dry forest habitat 
where H. hilaris has never been collected.
Maui
    Perkins collected Hylaeus hilaris from three sites, including one 
now unknown site possibly south of Wailuku and simply labeled ``Maui,'' 
and two sites in coastal habitat at the Wailuku sand hills (an area 
noted as ``the sandy isthmus'') (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 106). In 
addition, in 1880, Reverend Thomas Blackburn collected H. hilaris from 
an unspecified location on the island (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 106). 
Although other rare Hylaeus species were collected from the Waiehu 
dunes in 1999 and 2001 (See H. anthracinus Range and Distribution), H. 
hilaris, as well as several other species once collected there by 
Perkins, was absent (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229).
    All three known host species of Hylaeus hilaris occur on Maui. 
However, H. anthracinus and H. assimulans are currently known only from 
dry forest or shrubland, which are likely unsuitable habitat for H. 
hilaris. The third known host species, H. longiceps, occurs in the 
Wailuku sand hills (Magnacca 2007a, p. 182). In addition to its known 
historical sites, several other potentially suitable sites were 
surveyed between 1998 and 2006, but H. hilaris was not found at any of 
these sites, despite the presence of two of its known host species 
(Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229; Magnacca 2007a, p. 177). 
Therefore, researchers believe it is likely H. hilaris has been 
extirpated from the island (Magnacca 2005d, p. 2).

[[Page 55180]]

Molokai
    Although Hylaeus hilaris was never collected on Molokai by Perkins, 
in 1918, Fullaway (1918, p. 396) collected the species at an 
unspecified site. As on all of the Hawaiian Islands, most of the 
coastal habitat on Molokai is now dominated by nonnative vegetation. 
Currently, the only known population of H. hilaris occurs on the 
northwest coast within TNC's Moomomi Preserve. This site is part of a 
large area of windswept calcified dunes, some of which are dominated by 
native plants while other portions of the dunes are dominated by 
nonnative plant species. Hylaeus anthracinus and H. longiceps, both 
host species of H. hilaris, are presently known to occur in Moomomi 
Preserve (Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). Only two collections of H. hilaris 
have been made at Moomomi since it was discovered at this site in 1930. 
Both collections, 1989 and 1999, were of a single male. Dunes to the 
west of Moomomi Preserve are dominated by nonnative vegetation, and no 
species of Hylaeus have been collected from those areas. While H. 
anthracinus, one of the host species of H. hilaris, is currently known 
from the Kalapapa peninsula, H. hilaris has never been collected there.
Summary of Hylaeus hilaris Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus hilaris was historically known from coastal habitat on the 
islands of Lanai, Maui, and Molokai. It is believed to have occurred 
along much of the coast of these islands' as its known hosts, H. 
anthracinus, H. assimulans, and H. longiceps, likely also occurred 
throughout coastal habitat on these three islands. Currently, H. 
hilaris is only known from one site on Molokai.
Specific Information on Hylaeus kuakea
Taxonomy and Description
    Hylaeus kuakea was first described by Daly and Magnacca (2003, pp. 
1, 125-1,127) from specimens collected in 1997 in the Waianae Mountains 
on Oahu. Hylaeus kuakea is a small, black bee with slightly smoky-
colored wings. This species does not fit into any of the well-defined 
Hylaeus species groups. Its facial marks are similar to those of the H. 
difficilis group and to H. anthracinus, but it can be distinguished by 
its unusual ivory facial marking covering the clypeus (the lower face 
region). Hylaeus kuakea also resembles H. anthracinus, but has a 
denser, more distinct arrangement of setae (sensory hairs) on the head 
and generally narrower marks next to the compound eyes (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 125; Magnacca 2005e, p. 2). Only four adult male 
specimens have been collected; females have yet to be collected or 
observed.
Life History
    The diet of the larval stage of Hylaeus kuakea is unknown, although 
the larvae are presumed to feed on stores of pollen and nectar 
collected and deposited in the nest by the adult female (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 9). The nesting habits of H. kuakea have not been 
observed, but the species is believed to be related to other wood-
nesting Hawaiian Hylaeus species (Magnacca and Danforth 2006, p. 403).
    The native host plants of the adult Hylaeus kuakea are unknown, but 
it is likely this species visits several plants other Hylaeus species 
are known to frequent, including Acacia koa, Metrosideros polymorpha, 
Styphelia tameiameiae, Scaevola spp., and Chamaesyce spp. (Magnacca 
2005e, p. 2).
Range and Distribution
    In 1997, researchers collected 2 male individuals of Hylaeus kuakea 
in lowland mesic forest at an elevation of about 1,900 ft (579 m) on 
Moho Gulch Ridge at the northern end of the State's recently acquired 
Honouliuli Preserve in the Waianae Mountains on Oahu. Researchers 
surveyed the middle and southern portions of the Preserve, but they did 
not find H. kuakea, although other species of Hylaeus are known from 
these areas. In 2010, researchers collected this species (two males), 
on the endangered plant Chamaesyce herbstii (akoko) in a remnant patch 
of diverse lowland mesic forest in Makaha Valley on Oahu's west side 
(Magnacca, in litt., 2010, p. 1). Phylogenetically, H. kuakea belongs 
in a species-group primarily including mesic forest-inhabiting species 
(Magnacca & Danforth 2006, p. 405).
Summary of Hylaeus kuakea Range and Distribution
    Because the first collection of Hylaeus kuakea was not made until 
1997, its historical range is unknown (Magnacca 2005e, p. 2; Magnacca 
2007a, p. 184). Only four individuals (all males) of H. kuakea have 
been collected at two different sites in lowland mesic forest habitat 
in the Waianae Mountains on Oahu (Magnacca 2007a, p. 184; Magnacca, in 
litt., 2010, p. 1), and the species has never been collected in any 
other habitat type or area, including some that have been more 
thoroughly surveyed (Magnacca in litt., 2011, p. 49). Researchers have 
not exhaustively surveyed all potentially suitable lowland mesic forest 
areas due their remote and rugged locations, small size, and distant 
spacing among large areas of nonnative forest. Lowland mesic forest 
habitat is becoming increasingly rare and patchily distributed on Oahu 
(Smith 1985, pp. 227-233; Juvik and Juvik 1998, p. 124; Wagner et al. 
1999, pp. 66-67, 75).
Specific Information on Hylaeus longiceps
Taxonomy and Description
    Hylaeus longiceps was first described in 1899 as Nesoprosopis 
longiceps (Perkins 1899, pp. 75, 98), and then Nesoprosopis was reduced 
to a subgenus of Hylaeus in 1923 (Meade-Waldo 1923, p. 1). Daly and 
Magnacca (2003, pp. 133-134) most recently described the species as H. 
longiceps. Hylaeus longiceps is a small to medium-sized, black bee with 
clear to slightly smoky-colored wings. Its distinguishing 
characteristics are its long head and the facial marks of the male. The 
lower face of the male is marked with a yellow band that extends at the 
sides of the face in a broad stripe above the antennal sockets. The 
area above the clypeus (lower face region) is very long and narrow, and 
the scape (the first antennal segment) is noticeably twice as long as 
it is wide. The female is entirely black and unmarked (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 133).
Life History
    The diet of the larval stage of Hylaeus longiceps is unknown, 
although the larvae are presumed to feed on stores of pollen and nectar 
collected and deposited in the nest by the female adult (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 9). The nesting habits of H. longiceps are unknown, 
but the species is thought to nest underground, as in other closely 
related species (Magnacca 2005f, p. 2).
    Hylaeus longiceps adults have been observed visiting the flowers of 
a wide variety of native plants, including Scaevola coriacea (dwarf 
naupaka), Sida fallax, Scaevola spp., Sesbania tomentosa, Myoporum 
sandwicense, Santalum ellipticum, Chamaesyce degeneri, and Vitex 
rotundifolia (pohinahina) (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 135). It is also 
likely H. longiceps visits several plant species other Hylaeus species 
are known to frequently visit, including Scaevola spp., Chamaesyce 
spp., Tournefortia argentea, Jacquemontia ovalifolia, and Sida fallax 
(Magnacca 2005f, p. 2).
Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus longiceps is historically known from coastal and lowland 
dry shrubland habitat up to 2,000 ft (610 m)

[[Page 55181]]

in elevation in numerous locations on the islands of Lanai, Maui, 
Molokai, and Oahu. Perkins (1899, p. 98) noted H. longiceps was locally 
abundant, and probably occurred historically throughout much of the 
leeward and lowland areas on Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu, as its 
host plants, Sida fallax, Chamaesyce spp., Scaevola spp., and 
Jaquemontia ovalifolia, occurred throughout these areas (Magnacca 
2005f, p. 2). Most of the habitat in these areas has been either 
developed or degraded, and is no longer suitable for H. longiceps 
(Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, pp. 346-347; Magnacca 2007a, pp. 186-188).
    Hylaeus longiceps is now restricted to small populations in small 
patches of coastal and lowland dry habitat on Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and 
Oahu (Magnacca 2005f, p. 2). Twenty-five sites that were either 
historical collecting localities for H. longiceps or contained 
potentially suitable habitat for this species were surveyed between 
1997 and 2008. Hylaeus longiceps was observed at only six of the 
surveyed sites: three sites on Lanai and one site each on the islands 
of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. Only one historical location, Waieu dunes 
on Maui, still supports a population of H. longiceps (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, p. 135).
Lanai
    Perkins (1899) collected Hylaeus longiceps at Manele, and other 
unspecified localities (labeled ``Lanai''). Between 1999 and 2001, 
researchers surveyed seven sites for Hylaeus species, and were unable 
to find H. longiceps at Manele Bay, although other rare Hylaeus species 
were observed there (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229). In addition, 
researchers did not find H. longiceps at three other sites within 
potentially suitable lowland dry habitat, including the Kahue unit of 
the privately owned Kanepuu Preserve, Garden of the Gods, and the Munro 
Trail/Kaiholena area of the Koele mountains (Daly and Magnacca 2003, 
pp. 217-229). Hylaeus longiceps is now known only from very small 
pockets of native vegetation in three locations on private land, 
including lowland dry forest habitat at Kahue and Polihua Road, and 
coastal habitat at Shipwreck Beach. Descriptions of these three 
locations follow:
    (A) Kahue and Polihua Road: In 1999, Magnacca collected Hylaeus 
longiceps in lowland dry forest at Kahue (south of Kanepuu Preserve) at 
an elevation of 1,400 ft (427 m) (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 135). 
Researchers also surveyed the Kanepuu Preserve for H. longiceps, but 
were unable to find this species. In 1999, researchers collected H. 
longiceps in lowland dry forest at 1,000 ft (300 m) in elevation, along 
Polihua Road in central Lanai (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 135).
    (B) Shipwreck Beach: Although he did not collect Hylaeus longiceps 
at Shipwreck Beach, Perkins collected other species of Hylaeus at 
Awalua, about 4 miles to the west (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 58). In 
2001, researchers collected H. longiceps in native, coastal habitat at 
Shipwreck Beach (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 135). Shipwreck Beach is a 
popular tourist site on Lanai and accessible by four-wheel drive 
vehicles.
Maui
    Perkins (1899) collected Hylaeus longiceps at the Wailuku sand 
hills (Waiehu Dunes) and on Haleakala. In addition, some of his 
specimens were collected from unknown localities labeled ``Maui.'' 
Perkins collected H. longiceps in dry forest habitat at an elevation of 
2,000 ft (610 m) on Haleakala, probably near the towns of Pukalani or 
Makawao, where he stopped on his way to Wailuku (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, p. 135). Native dry forests that supported populations of Hylaeus 
were common in lowland areas when Perkins collected, but this habitat 
has been greatly reduced and fragmented.
    Hylaeus longiceps is now known from only one Maui location, at the 
Wailuku sand hills (Waiehu dunes). Between 1999 and 2001, a total of 
seven specimens were collected in native habitat in the northern 
portion of the dunes (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 224). Researchers 
surveyed for, but did not find, H. longiceps in the southern (Kahului) 
portion of the dunes (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 224).
    Hylaeus longiceps was not found in five other sites on Maui 
surveyed between 1999 and 2001 (Daly and Magnacca, pp. 217-229). One 
historical site, in dry forest habitat on the slopes of Haleakala, has 
been developed and is overgrown with nonnative, invasive plants 
(Magnacca, pers. comm., 2008f). Hylaeus longiceps was absent from four 
sites (Kanaio NAR, Lahainaluna, Manawainui Gulch, and Waikapu near 
Kaohonua) with potentially suitable habitat where other Hylaeus species 
with similar habitat requirements were recently collected (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229).
Molokai
    Perkins (1899) collected Hylaeus longiceps at Kaunakakai, and at 
unknown locations labeled ``Molokai coast and plains,'' the ``west 
end'' [of the island], and the ``Molokai Mountains.'' Although 
Kaunakakai is the primary urban area on Molokai, researchers surveyed 
this area, noting any former Hylaeus habitat has been lost to urban 
development and nonnative, invasive plants (Magnacca, pers. comm., 
2008f). Most coastal habitat on the west end of Molokai, with the 
exception of TNC's Moomomi Preserve, has been degraded and converted to 
nonnative, invasive plants (Magnacca, pers. comm., 2008f).
    Researchers surveyed a total of six sites on Molokai over the last 
several years for Hylaeus longiceps, and observed 8 individuals at 
Moomomi Preserve (in 1999 and in 2001) (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 
135). Hylaeus longiceps was notably absent from three sites on the 
Kalaupapa peninsula (Kuololimu Point, Hoolehua Beach, and Kaupikiawa), 
where other Hylaeus species have been recently collected (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229). Researchers were unable to find H. 
longiceps in sand dune habitat near the Kaluakoi Resort on Molokai's 
northwest coastline (Magnacca, pers. comm., 2008f).
Oahu
    Perkins (1899) collected Hylaeus longiceps from only one site, in a 
coastal area of southwest Waianae. In 1999, 2000, and 2002, researchers 
found H. longiceps in coastal habitat at the State's Kaena Point NAR 
(Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 224). Researchers did not find H. longiceps 
during surveys conducted at other coastal sites with potentially 
suitable habitat, including Makapuu in 1999, and Kalaeloa in 2002. 
Although both areas contain vegetation similar to the vegetation in the 
Kaena Point NAR, albeit more degraded, no species of Hylaeus were 
observed in these areas (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229; Magnacca, 
pers. comm., 2008f).
Summary of Hylaeus longiceps Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus longiceps was historically known from numerous coastal and 
lowland dry forest locations up to 2,000 ft (600 m) in elevation on the 
islands of Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. Currently, H. longiceps is 
restricted to a total of six populations in small patches of coastal 
and lowland dry forest habitat: three sites on Lanai and one site each 
on the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu (Magnacca 2005f, p. 2). The 
lands on which H. longiceps occurs are under a variety of jurisdictions 
including private (e.g., TNC) and State (NARS).

[[Page 55182]]

Specific Information on Hylaeus mana
Taxonomy and Description
    Hylaeus mana was first described by Daly and Magnacca (2003, pp. 
135-136) from four specimens collected in 2002 on the leeward side of 
the Koolau Mountains on Oahu. This species is an extremely small, 
gracile (gracefully slender) black bee with yellow markings on the 
face. The smallest of all Hawaiian Hylaeus species, H. mana is a member 
of the Dumetorum species group. The face of the male is largely yellow 
below the antennae, extending dorsally in a narrowing stripe. The 
female's face has three yellow lines, one against each eye, and a 
transverse stripe at the apex of the clypeus (lower face region). The 
female's other markings are the same as the male's (Daly and Magnacca 
2003, p. 135). Hylaeus mana can be distinguished from H. mimicus and H. 
specularis, species with overlapping ranges, by its extremely small 
size, the shape of the male's genitalia, the female's extensive facial 
marks, and a transverse rather than longitudinal clypeal marking (Daly 
and Magnacca 2003, p. 138).
Life History
    The diet of the larval stage of Hylaeus mana is unknown, although 
the larvae are presumed to feed on stores of pollen and nectar 
collected and deposited in the nest by the adult female (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 9). The nesting habits of H. mana are not well known, 
but it is assumed the species is closely related to other wood-nesting 
Hawaiian Hylaeus species (Magnacca 2005g, p. 2; Magnacca and Danforth 
2006, p. 403).
    Adult specimens of Hylaeus mana were collected while they visited 
flowers of Santalum freycinetianum var. freycinetianum (iliahi, 
sandalwood), a native Hawaiian plant found only on Oahu and Molokai 
(Wagner et al. 1999, p. 1,221). It is likely H. mana visits several 
other native plant species, including Acacia koa, Metrosideros 
polymorpha, Styphelia tameiameiae, Scaevola spp., and Chamaesyce spp. 
(Magnacca 2005g, p. 2).
Range and Distribution
    Hylaeus mana is only known from lowland mesic forest located along 
the Manana Trail in the Koolau Mountains on Oahu, at an elevation of 
about 1,400 ft (430 m). Few Hylaeus bees have been found in this type 
of Acacia koa-dominated, lowland mesic forest on Oahu (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 138). This type of forest is increasingly rare and 
patchily distributed on Oahu (Smith 1985, pp. 227-233; Juvik and Juvik 
1998, p. 124; Wagner et al. 1999, pp. 66-67, 75).
    The Manana Trail is part of the Na Ala Hele Hawaii Statewide Trail 
and Access System (DLNR 2007), and is located within the State's Ewa 
FR. Six miles in length, the beginning of the Manana Trail is dominated 
by nonnative plant species, but leads into an area of native forest 
where Acacia koa, Metrosideros polymorpha, and Scaevola spp. are common 
(DLNR 2011--http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trail.php?TrailID=OA+09+008).
Summary of Hylaeus mana Range and Distribution
    Because the first collection of Hylaeus mana was made in 2002, its 
historical range and current distribution, other than the collection on 
Manana Trail, are unknown at this time (Magnacca 2005g, p. 2). 
Additional surveys in potentially suitable habitat may reveal 
additional populations elsewhere on Oahu (Magnacca 2007a, p. 184). 
However, the extreme rarity of this species, its absence from nearby 
sites, and the fact it was not discovered until very recently, suggests 
very few populations remain (Magnacca 2005g, p. 2).

Summary of Information Pertaining to the Five Factors

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR 424) set forth procedures for adding species to the 
Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Under 
section 4(a)(1) of the Act, a species may be determined to be 
endangered or threatened based on any of the following five factors:
    (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range;
    (B) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes;
    (C) Disease or predation;
    (D) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or
    (E) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued 
existence.
    In making this finding, information pertaining to the seven species 
of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees in relation to the five factors provided 
in section 4(a)(1) of the Act is discussed below.
    In considering what factors might constitute threats, we must look 
beyond the exposure of the species to the factor to determine whether 
the species responds to the factor in a way that causes actual impacts 
to the species. If there is exposure and the species responds 
negatively, the factor may be a threat and we then attempt to determine 
how significant a threat it is. If the threat is significant, it may 
drive or contribute to the risk of extinction of the species such that 
the species warrants listing as endangered or threatened as those terms 
are defined by the Act.

Factor A. Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or 
Curtailment of the Habitat or Range

    Degradation and loss of coastal and lowland habitat used by Hylaeus 
bees on all of the main Hawaiian Islands is the primary threat to these 
seven species (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 60-61; Daly and Magnacca 
2003, pp. 55, 173; Magnacca, pers. comm. 2010). Coastal and lowland 
habitats have been severely altered and degraded, partly because of 
past and present land management practices, including agriculture, 
grazing, and urban development; the deliberate and accidental 
introductions of nonnative animals and plants; and recreational 
activities. In addition, fire is a potential threat to the habitat of 
these seven species in some locations.
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Urbanization and Land Use 
Conversion
    Destruction and modification of Hylaeus bee habitat by urbanization 
and land use conversion leads to the direct fragmentation of foraging 
and nesting habitat of these species. In particular, because native 
host plant species are known to be essential to the yellow-faced bees 
for foraging of nectar and pollen, any further loss of this habitat may 
endanger their long-term chances for conservation and recovery. 
Additionally, conversion and modification of the seven yellow-faced 
bees' habitat is also likely to further exacerbate the introduction and 
spread of nonnative plants into and within these areas (see Habitat 
Destruction and Modification by Nonnative Plants section below).
Coastal Habitat
    Native coastal habitat is one of the rarest habitats on the main 
Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and 
Oahu) (Wagner et al. 1999, pp. 45, 54; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 94-
95; Magnacca 2007, p. 180). Coastal habitat is highly valued for 
development, popular for recreation, typically dry on both the windward 
and leeward sides of the islands, vulnerable to fire, and especially 
susceptible to invasion by nonnative plants. Increased access to 
coastal areas, and resulting habitat disturbance, has been facilitated 
by development, road-building, and past agricultural activities 
(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 94-95). The native

[[Page 55183]]

coastal habitat that remains is in small remnant patches, and most of 
these remnants have been overtaken by invasive plant species and have 
relatively low diversity (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 94-95) (see 
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Nonnative Plants section 
below). Most of the coastal areas of the main Hawaiian Islands now lack 
significant amounts of native plants suitable for foraging by Hylaeus, 
other than Scaevola sericea, which alone cannot support Hylaeus 
populations (Magnacca 2007a, p. 187). The restricted and isolated 
nature of coastal habitat places species that depend on these areas 
even more at risk for a variety of reasons, including but not limited 
to their increased susceptibility to random events (e.g., hurricanes 
and wildfire), the reduced range of native plants including host 
plants, and the reduced number of suitable sites for species to expand 
their range (Sakai et al. 2002, p. 291).
    Five species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees (Hylaeus anthracinus, H. 
assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, and H. longiceps) were once 
widespread and common in coastal habitat (Perkins 1912, p. 688) 
throughout the main Hawaiian Islands (see Table 1 above), with the 
exception of Kauai. These five species are now absent from all of 
Perkins' coastal collection localities (Kealakekua Bay and Keei and the 
urban area near Kona on the island of Hawaii; the Awalua area on Lanai; 
the Wailuku sand hills area on Maui; the northwest dunes and Kaunakakai 
areas on Molokai; and Waikiki, the Waianae area, and the Honolulu 
mountains on Oahu) (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229), although they 
have recently been collected in disparate coastal habitat on one or 
more of the islands of Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and 
Oahu (Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 217-229).
Lowland Dry Habitat
    Lowland dry forests and shrublands have been heavily impacted by 
urbanization and conversion to agriculture or pasture throughout the 
Hawaiian Islands, with the estimated loss of more than 90 percent of 
dry forests and shrublands (Bruegmann 1996, p. 26; Juvik and Juvik 
1998, p. 124). Less than 1 percent of lowland dry forest and shrubland 
remains on Oahu, Molokai, and Lanai; less than 2 percent remains on 
Maui; and less than 17 percent remains on Hawaii Island (Sakai et al. 
2002, p. 296). Without greater conservation and restoration efforts, we 
believe the remaining lowland dry forest and shrublands, which were 
once abundant and perhaps the most diverse of all Hawaiian habitat 
types (Medeiros 2006, p. 1), could completely disappear due to 
continued development and other land use conversion, compounded by the 
effects of nonnative species, wild fire, and stochastic events (see 
following sections on Habitat Destruction and Modification by Nonnative 
Plants; by Nonnative Ungulates; by Fire; by Recreational Activities; by 
Hurricanes and Drought; and by Climate Change) (Cabin et al. 2000, p. 
449).
    Four species (Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, and 
H. longiceps) were once widespread (i.e., there were several 
populations across two or more islands) and found within lowland dry 
habitat on several islands, including Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and 
Oahu. However, these species have not been observed during recent 
surveys from their historical population sites on these islands 
(Magnacca 2005a, b, c, f, pp. 1-2). Five of the seven Hylaeus bee 
species (Hylaeus assimulans, H. facilis, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and 
H. mana) are most often found in dry and mesic forest (see discussion 
below) and shrubland habitat (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 11), and the 
greatest proportion of endangered or at-risk Hawaiian plant species are 
also limited to these same habitats; 25 percent of Hawaiian listed 
plant species are from dry forest and shrubland alone (Sakai et al. 
2002, pp. 276, 291, 292). According to Magnacca (2007, pp. 186-187), 
lowland dry and mesic forests now support less-diverse Hylaeus 
communities because many native plants used for foraging are extirpated 
from these habitats.
Lowland Mesic Habitat
    Hawaii's lowland mesic forest habitat was once abundant and 
considered the most diverse (in terms of number of species) of all 
Hawaiian forest types (Rock 1913, p. 9). Lowland mesic forest habitat 
is now very rare, and has been converted to pasture, military use, 
agricultural use, or lost to urbanization. Development and land use 
conversion is ongoing (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 61; Magnacca 2007, p. 
187; Wagner et al. 1999, p. 75). Fire has also negatively impacted this 
habitat type and remains a significant threat (see Habitat Destruction 
and Modification by Fire section below).
    Historically, Hylaeus facilis was found in a wide variety of 
habitats including lowland mesic forest on Lanai, Maui, and Oahu and 
montane mesic habitat on Molokai. However, this species no longer 
occurs in these habitats on any of these four islands. Hylaeus kuakea 
and H. mana are known from a total of three locations in lowland mesic 
forest habitat on the island of Oahu. Because we lack information on 
the historical range of H. kuakea and H. mana (they were only 
discovered relatively recently), we are unable to determine the extent 
of habitat loss these two species have experienced. However, because 
the extent and the quality of lowland mesic forest has been reduced 
throughout the Hawaiian Islands, it is reasonable to conclude H. kuakea 
and H. mana now have less habitat because of urbanization and land use 
conversion.
Lowland Wet Habitat
    Native lowland wet forests were once one of the dominant ecosystem 
types in lowland areas on the main Hawaiian Islands (Wagner et al. 
1999, p. 45). Most of the original loss of this habitat type was due to 
agricultural uses in the 18th and 19th centuries, and many remaining 
areas were overtaken by aggressive nonnative plant species such as 
Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava), nonnative grasses such as 
Brachiaria mutica (California grass), and Rubus spp. (e.g., prickly 
Florida blackberry, thimbleberry). Remnants of native lowland wet 
forest can be found in rocky or steep terrain, such as on some peaks 
and summit ridges on Oahu, Molokai, and West Maui (Cuddihy and Stone 
1990, p. 105). Although these remaining remote and remnant native 
lowland areas are now less likely threatened by land use conversion, 
they remain very threatened by the impacts of nonnative plants (see 
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Nonnative Plants section 
below). Furthermore, the original loss of lowland and montane wet 
forest habitat on Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai was likely a 
contributing factor to the decline of H. facilis, a species now known 
only from coastal habitat on Molokai and wet forest habitat on Oahu's 
Poamoho Trail. Researchers believe the site on Oahu likely once had 
more open understory and the presence of H. facilis in this wet forest 
habitat represents an outlier or residual population (Perkins 1899, p. 
76; Liebherr and Polhemus 1997, p. 347).
    In summary, destruction and modification by urbanization and land 
use conversion of the coastal and lowland habitat of the seven Hylaeus 
bees is continuing, and is expected to continue reducing and 
fragmenting the remaining habitat available to the yellow-faced bees in 
the future, endangering the species' long-term chances for conservation 
and recovery. Because of the decreased amount of suitable native 
coastal and lowland habitat remaining in the Hawaiian

[[Page 55184]]

Islands and the continued conversion of these native habitats by 
development, road building, or agriculture, we conclude the ongoing 
habitat loss and land modification is a significant ongoing threat to 
H. anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. 
longiceps, and H. mana.
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Nonnative Plants
    Native vegetation on all of the main Hawaiian Islands has undergone 
extreme alteration because of past and present land management 
practices, including ranching, agricultural development, and the 
deliberate introduction of nonnative plants and animals (Cuddihy and 
Stone 1990, pp. 27, 58). The original native flora of Hawaii (species 
that were present before humans arrived) consisted of about 1,000 taxa, 
89 percent of which were endemic (species that occur only in the 
Hawaiian Islands). Over 800 plant taxa have been introduced from 
elsewhere, and nearly 100 of these have become pests (e.g., injurious 
plants) in Hawaii (Smith 1985, p. 180; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 73; 
Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, p. 45). Some of these plants were brought to 
Hawaii by various groups of people, including the Polynesians, for food 
or cultural reasons. Beginning in the early 1900s, plantation owners 
(and the territorial government of Hawaii), alarmed at the reduction of 
water resources for their crops caused by the destruction of native 
forest cover by grazing feral and domestic animals, introduced 
nonnative trees for reforestation and continued the practice through 
the late 1930s (Nature Conservancy of Hawaii 2003, p. 19). Ranchers 
intentionally introduced pasture grasses and other nonnative plants for 
agriculture, and sometimes inadvertently introduced weed seeds as well. 
Other plants were brought to Hawaii for their potential horticultural 
value (Scott et al. 1986, pp. 361-363; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 73).
    Nonnative plants adversely impact native Hawaiian habitat, 
including that of the seven yellow-faced bees identified in this 
finding, by modifying the availability of light, altering soil-water 
regimes, modifying nutrient cycling, altering fire characteristics of 
native plant communities (for example, successive fires that burn 
farther and farther into native habitat, destroy native plants, and 
remove habitat for native species by altering microclimatic conditions 
to favor nonnative species), and ultimately converting native dominated 
plant communities to nonnative plant communities (Smith 1985, pp. 180-
181; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 74; D'Antonio and Vitousek 1992, p. 73; 
Vitousek et al. 1997, p. 6). Nonnative plants directly and indirectly 
affect the seven yellow-faced bees by modifying or destroying their 
terrestrial and riparian habitat and reducing food sources.
    The spread of nonnative plant species is one of the primary causes 
of decline of the seven Hylaeus bee species, and a current threat to 
their existing populations because these bees depend closely on native 
vegetation for nectar and pollen. The bees are almost entirely absent 
from habitat dominated by invasive, nonnative vegetation (Sakai et al. 
2002, pp. 276, 291; Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 11; Liebherr 2005, p. 
186). The native flora within most of lowland habitat in the Hawaiian 
Islands is being replaced by aggressive, nonnative plant species 
(Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 73-74; Wagner et al. 1999, p. 52). Many 
native plant species communities that have been replaced by often 
monotypic communities of nonnative plants were once foraging resources 
for numerous species of Hylaeus bees (Cox and Elmqvist 2000, p. 1238; 
Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 11; USFWS 1999, pp. 145, 163, 171, 180; 
USFWS 2008b, pp. 7, 9).
    Many of the native plants that currently serve as foraging 
resources for the adults of the seven Hylaeus bee species are declining 
due to a lack of pollinators and competition with nonnative plants 
(Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 11; USFWS 2008b, pp. 7, 9; Smith 1985, pp. 
180-181; Cuddihy and Stone, 1990, p. 74; D'Antonio and Vitousek 1992, 
p. 73; Vitousek et al. 1997, p. 6), and are found only in very small 
populations (USFWS 1999, pp. 145, 163, 171, 180; Cox and Elmqvist 2000, 
p. 1,238). For example, H. longiceps and H. anthracinus are known to 
forage on the federally endangered plant Sesbania tomentosa. Both H. 
longiceps and H. anthracinus also visit Chamaesyce celastroides var. 
kaenana, a federally endangered plant endemic to coastal dry shrubland 
on Oahu (Koutnik 1999, p. 606; Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 55, 74). 
Hylaeus longiceps is also known to forage on the endangered Scaevola 
coriacea (USFWS 1999, p. 145; Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 55, 135). In 
addition, H. anthracinus has been collected from inside the fruit 
capsule of Hedyotis coriacea, a federally endangered dry forest plant, 
known from fewer than 200 individuals on the island of Hawaii (Center 
for Environmental Management of Military Lands, 2010). Several other 
widespread nonnative plant species threaten coastal habitats of the 
five Hylaeus species known from these areas. Understory and sub-canopy 
species include Asystasia gangetica (Chinese violet), Atriplex 
semibaccata (Australian saltbush), Leucana leucocephala (koa haole), 
Pluchea indica (Indian fleabane), P. symphytifolia (sourbush), and 
Verbesina encelioides (golden crown-beard) (DOFAW 2007, pp. 20-22, 54-
58; HBMP 2008). Nonnative canopy species include Prosopis pallida 
(kiawe) (DOFAW 2007, pp. 20-22, 54-58; HBMP 2008), an invasive, 
nonnative, deciduous thorny tree (TNC 2009, p. 8). For example, in 
Moomomi Preserve on Molokai, which represents the only known location 
for Hylaeus hilaris, most of the sand dunes and areas adjacent to the 
preserve are entirely covered in Prosopis pallida. The narrow coastal 
strip in the Preserve itself is the only area that remains somewhat 
intact with native plant species (TNC 2008, p. 8; Magnacca in litt. 
2011, p. 65). In addition, several nonnative grasses such as Cenchrus 
ciliaris (buffelgrass), Chloris barbata (swollen fingergrass), 
Digitaria insularis (sourgrass), and Panicum maximum (guinea grass) 
threaten the coastal habitats in which they are known to occur (DOFAW 
2007, pp. 20-22, 54-58; HBMP 2008).
    As noted in the Life History section, above, Hylaeus species almost 
exclusively visit native plants to collect nectar and pollen (Daly and 
Magnacca 2003, p. 11), pollinating those plants in the process (Sakai 
et al. 1995, pp. 2,524-2,528; Cox and Elmqvist 2000, p. 1,238; Sahli et 
al. 2008, p. 1). Hylaeus bees are very rarely found visiting nonnative 
plants for nectar and pollen (Magnacca 2007a, pp. 186, 188). 
Unpublished data on Hylaeus spp. pollen use (Magnacca in litt. 2011, p. 
65) suggest only approximately 3 percent of pollen collected by yellow-
faced bees (although not exclusively the seven Hylaeus species 
addressed in this finding) is from nonnative plant sources. These data 
do not include observations regarding yellow-faced bee use of 
Tournefortia argentea, which is a naturalized and relatively recent 
arrival to the Hawaiian Islands, as a pollen resource (Magnacca in 
litt. 2011, p. 65) (see additional information on this species below). 
Other than Scaevola sericea, native vegetation is lacking along most of 
the coastline of the main Hawaiian Islands. As Hylaeus spp. have not 
been observed at coastal sites where Scaevola sericea represents the 
only native plant species occurrence, researchers believe the yellow-
faced bees are unable to survive on this species alone (Magnacca 2007, 
p. 187; Magnacca in litt. 2011, p. 65).
    In summary, the spread of nonnative plants throughout the coastal 
and

[[Page 55185]]

lowland habitat of the seven Hylaeus bees represents a serious and 
ongoing threat to these species. Many of the native plant species being 
replaced by invasive, nonnative plants provide foraging resources (e.g. 
pollen, nectar) for Hylaeus bees, including these seven species. The 
best available information indicates these seven bee species do not 
characteristically forage on nonnative plants (Daly and Magnacca 2003, 
p. 13). Only 14 of 820 recent (1998 to 2010) Hylaeus spp. observations 
were on flowers of nonnative plant species; however, none of those 
observations involved the seven Hylaeus species addressed in this 
finding. We acknowledge those observations do not include records 
documenting Hylaeus spp. using Tournefortia argentea (another nonnative 
species). However, there are only 13 observations of Hylaeus spp. using 
this species, including four records for H. anthracinus and one record 
for H. facilis (Magnacca in litt. 2011, p. 66). Therefore, we conclude 
that the ongoing spread of nonnative plants into the habitats of the 
seven Hylaeus bees remains a significant threat due to manner in which 
nonnative plants alter and fragment habitat, increase the likelihood of 
fire, and attract nonnative insect species. This threat further 
endangers the species' long-term chances for conservation and recovery.
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Nonnative Ungulates
    The presence of nonnative mammals, such as feral pigs (Sus scrofa), 
cattle (Bos taurus), goats (Capra hircus), and axis deer (Axis axis), 
is considered one of the primary factors underlying the alteration and 
degradation of native vegetation and habitat in the Hawaiian Islands 
(Stone 1985, pp. 262-263; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 60-66; 73 FR 
73801). Beyond the direct effects of trampling and consuming native 
plants, nonnative ungulates contribute significantly to increased 
erosion, and their behavior (i.e., rooting and moving across large 
areas) facilitates the spread and establishment of competing, invasive, 
nonnative plant species (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 65). Feral pigs 
occur on all of the main Hawaiian Islands except Kahoolawe and Lanai 
(HEAR 1998; C. Kessler, USFWS, pers. comm. 2011); goats are found on 
all of the main Hawaiian Islands except Lanai (HEAR 1998); feral cattle 
are found on Hawaii and Maui (HEAR 1998); Mouflon sheep and hybrids are 
found on Hawaii and Lanai (Hawaii Conservation Alliance (HCA) 2007); 
and axis deer are found on Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu (HCA 2007). 
At least one endangered coastal and lowland plant species, Sesbania 
tomentosa, threatened by the browsing, trampling, and digging 
activities of nonnative ungulates (e.g., axis deer, goats, and cattle), 
is a foraging source for Hylaeus anthracinus and H. longiceps (USFWS 
1999, pp. 145, 163, 171, 180; Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 11, 13).
    The State of Hawaii provides game mammal (e.g., feral pigs, goats, 
and deer) hunting opportunities on State-designated public hunting 
areas on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu 
(Hawaii Administrative Rules Sec.  13-123-14-13-123-20; DLNR 1999). The 
State's management objectives for game animals ranges from maximizing 
public hunting opportunities (e.g., ``sustained yield'') in some areas 
to removal by State staff, or their designees, in other areas (Hawaii 
Administrative Rules Sec.  13-123). Several of the seven Hylaeus bees 
have populations in or adjacent to areas where terrestrial habitat may 
be manipulated for game enhancement and where game populations are 
maintained at certain levels for public hunting (Hawaii Administrative 
Rules Sec.  13-123). Public hunting areas are predominantly not fenced, 
and game mammals have unrestricted access to most areas across the 
landscape, regardless of underlying land use designation. While fences 
are sometimes built to provide protection from game mammals to the 
natural resources within the fenced area, the current number and 
locations of fences are not adequate to prevent habitat destruction and 
degradation of the terrestrial habitat of the seven species of Hawaiian 
yellow-faced bees.
    In summary, feral pigs, cattle, goats, and axis deer continue to 
alter and degrade native vegetation within Hylaeus habitat in the 
Hawaiian Islands. We believe these ungulates represent a significant 
and ongoing threat to the continued existence of the seven Hylaeus 
bees, endangering the species' long-term chances for conservation and 
recovery. Ungulates directly trample and consume native plants, 
including plants used for foraging by H. anthracinus and H. longiceps. 
The best available information indicates that other than the plant 
Tournefortia argentea, none of the seven Hylaeus bees use nonnative 
plants for foraging (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 13). While some 
specific areas throughout the State, including some Hylaeus spp. 
habitat sites, are managed to exclude the presence of or control 
ungulates, we are unaware of any plans to entirely eradicate or 
eliminate ungulates from the Hawaiian Islands. In addition, public 
hunting areas maintain populations of nonnative ungulates and often do 
not provide adequate fencing to prevent nonnative ungulates from 
negatively impacting the habitat of the seven yellow-faced bees. 
Therefore, the ongoing alteration and degradation of many of the native 
coastal and lowland habitat where these seven Hylaeus bees occur by 
ungulates is expected to further impact the bees' foraging and nesting 
habitat through the direct consumption and trampling of native plants, 
introduction and spread of nonnative plants, and increased erosion.
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Fire
    Fire is a relatively new, human-exacerbated threat to native 
species and natural vegetation in Hawaii. The historical fire regime in 
Hawaii was characterized by infrequent, low severity fires, as few 
natural ignition sources existed (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 91; Smith 
and Tunison 1992, pp. 395-397). Natural fuel beds were often 
discontinuous, with moderate to high rainfall in many areas on most 
islands. Fires inadvertently or intentionally ignited by the original 
Polynesians in Hawaii probably contributed to the initial decline of 
native vegetation in the drier plains and foothills. These early 
settlers practiced slash-and-burn agriculture that created open lowland 
areas suitable for the later colonization of nonnative, fire-adapted 
grasses (Kirch 1982, pp. 5-6, 8; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 30-31). 
Beginning in the late 18th century, Europeans and Americans introduced 
plants and animals that further degraded native Hawaiian ecosystems. 
Pasture areas and ranching, in particular, created highly fire-prone 
areas of nonnative grasses and shrubs (D'Antonio and Vitousek 1992, p. 
67). Fires of all intensities, seasons, and sources are destructive to 
native Hawaiian ecosystems (Brown and Smith 2000, p. 172), and a single 
grass-fueled fire can kill most native trees and shrubs in the burned 
area (D'Antonio and Vitousek 1992, p. 74). Although Vogl (1969) (in 
Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 91) suggests naturally occurring fires, 
primarily from lightning strikes, have been important in the 
development of the original Hawaiian flora, and many Hawaiian plants 
might be fire-adapted, Mueller-Dombois (1981) (in Cuddihy and Stone 
1990, p. 91) points out most natural vegetation types of Hawaii would 
not carry fire before the introduction of nonnative grasses. Smith and 
Tunison (in Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 91) state native plant fuels 
typically have low flammability.
    Fire represents a threat to the seven Hylaeus species in coastal, 
lowland dry,

[[Page 55186]]

and lowland mesic habitat. In addition, ordnance-induced fires have 
periodically occurred on Hawaii's military installations, including the 
Army's PTA, and are considered an ongoing threat to the montane dry 
forest habitat that supports H. anthracinus (The Center for 
Environmental Management of Military Lands 2002, Appendix 1 pp. 1-6; 
USFWS 2004, p. 110). Fire threatens the seven Hylaeus species by 
destroying the native plant species and communities on which the bees 
depend and opening up habitat for increased invasion by nonnative 
plants. Fire can destroy dormant seeds of native plants as well as the 
plants themselves. Successive fires that burn farther and farther into 
native habitat destroy native plants and remove habitat for native 
plant and animal species by altering microclimate conditions favorable 
to nonnative plants. Nonnative plant species most likely to be spread 
as a consequence of fire are those that (1) produce a high fuel load; 
(2) are adapted to survive and regenerate after fire; and (3) establish 
rapidly in newly burned areas. Grasses (particularly those that produce 
mats of dry material or retain a mass of standing dead leaves) that 
invade native forests and shrublands provide fuels that allow fire to 
burn areas that would not otherwise easily burn, including even the 
edges of wetter forests (Fujioka and Fujii 1980, in Cuddihy and Stone 
1990, p. 93; D'Antonio and Vitousek 1992, pp. 70, 73-74; Tunison et al. 
2002, p. 122). Native woody plants may recover from fire to some 
degree, but fire tips the competitive balance toward nonnative species 
(National Park Service 1989, in Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 93).
    For example, on a post-burn survey at Puuwaawaa on the island of 
Hawaii, an area of native Diospyros forest with undergrowth of the 
nonnative grass Pennisetum setaceum, Takeuchi noted ``no regeneration 
of native canopy is occurring within the Puuwaawaa burn area'' 
(Takeuchi 1991, p. 2). Takeuchi also stated, ``burn events served to 
accelerate a decline process already in place, compressing into days a 
sequence which would ordinarily have taken decades'' (Takeuchi 1991, p. 
4). The author concluded that in addition to increasing the number of 
fires, the nonnative Pennisetum acted to suppress establishment of 
native plants after a fire (Takeuchi 1991, p. 6).
    There have been several recent fires on Oahu that have impacted 
rare or endangered species in coastal, lowland dry, and mesic habitats. 
Between 2004 and 2005, wildfires burned more than 360 ac (146 ha) of 
mesic habitat in Honouliuli Preserve, home to more than 90 rare and 
endangered plants and animals, and located along the windward side of 
the Waianae Mountains (The Nature Conservancy, in litt. 2005). In 2006, 
a fire at Kaena Point State Park burned 60 ac (24 ha) and encroached on 
endangered plants in Makua Military Training Area. The area that burned 
in this fire is near the Kaena Point NAR, where two of the yellow-faced 
bees (Hylaeus anthracinus and H. longiceps) in this finding are still 
known to occur. In 2007, there was a significant fire in lowland dry 
and mesic habitat at Kaukonahua that crossed 12 gulches, eventually 
encompassing 5,655 ac (2,289 ha), negatively impacting seven endangered 
plant species. Occurrences of three of the species were extirpated as a 
result of the fire. The Kaukonahua fire also provided pathways for 
nonnative ungulates (cattle, goats, and pigs) to access previously 
undisturbed areas. This fire opened gaps in previously densely 
vegetated areas allowing the growth of the invasive grass Panicum 
maximum (guinea grass), which is also used as a food source by cattle 
and goats. An area infested by guinea grass burned, and the grass 
resprouted blades over 2 feet in length only 2 weeks after the fire 
(U.S. Army Garrison 2007, p. 3). In 2009, there were two smaller fires 
which burned 200 ac (81 ha) at Manini Pali (Kaena Point State Park), 
and 3.8 ac (1.5 ha) at Makua Cave (at the mouth of Makua Valley). These 
examples of recent fires illustrate nonnative grass invasion leads to 
grass/fire cycles that convert native vegetation to grassland 
(D'Antonia and Vitousek 1992, p. 77)
    Several areas in the State of Hawaii, including some areas 
containing Hylaeus spp. habitat sites, are currently loosely addressed 
under fire management plans. For example, in 2003, the Army completed 
an Integrated Wildland Fire Management Plan (WFMP) for all of its Oahu 
training installations. This plan is currently being updated (U.S. Army 
2009, pp. 4-73). The goal of the WFMP is to reduce the threat of 
wildfire that adversely affects listed and other rare species. Although 
none of the Oahu yellow-faced bees are known from military lands, at 
least one species, H. kuakea, occurs on lands roughly adjacent to 
military lands and which could be impacted by fires caused by military 
activities, or conversely, could benefit from activities to suppress 
and control origination of fires either on or adjacent to military 
lands.
    Additionally, DOFAW maintains a fire management program tasked with 
fire suppression activities targeted toward the protection of watershed 
areas, forest reserves, public hunting areas, wildlife and plant 
sanctuaries, and NARS. Their activities include the maintenance of fire 
break roads, signage, and helicopter dip tanks; active fire control 
during fire outbreak; controlled burns when and where deemed necessary; 
fire training efforts, including education; and maintenance of a State 
fire management program Web site (http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/fmp). According to their Web site, DOFAW is involved in the protection 
of 3,360,000 acres Statewide, which is approximately 81percent of the 
State's land area.
    In summary, while we are aware of fire management in some areas of 
the State, including some Hylaeus spp. habitat sites, there is evidence 
that the repeated outbreak of fire within Hawaii's native coastal, 
lowland dry, and lowland mesic forests often leads to the irrevocable 
conversion of native to nonnative habitat (i.e., nonnative plant 
species). These nonnative habitats are unsuitable for nesting and 
foraging by the seven Hylaeus bees. Therefore, we conclude fire is a 
significant ongoing threat to the habitat of all seven species of 
Hylaeus bees in coastal, lowland dry, and lowland mesic habitat.
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Recreational Activities
    Some of the best habitat areas for Hylaeus species are also popular 
recreational sites, particularly those areas located within coastal 
habitat (Magnacca 2007a, p. 180). Suitable remaining habitat for H. 
anthracinus and H. longiceps are also popular hiking areas, including 
coastal sites such as Kaena Point (on Oahu); the Mahaiula section of 
Kekaha Kai State Park, Makalawena, Mokuauia, and Kalauna Bay (on the 
island of Hawaii); and Kahu, Polihua Road, and Shipwreck Beach on 
Lanai. Human impacts at recreational sites can include removal or 
trampling of vegetation on or near trails and the compaction of 
vegetation by off-road vehicles (Magnacca 2007a, p. 180). None of these 
areas, however, are known to be currently impacted by recreational 
activities (Magnacca pers. comm. 2010).
    In summary, while trampling and compaction of vegetation from human 
activities may negatively impact the habitat of some populations of the 
seven Hylaeus bees, we have no basis to conclude these impacts would be 
at a scale that represents a threat to the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced 
bees. While some areas, particularly coastal sites, are undoubtedly 
popular recreational sites, we believe this is a local rather a 
rangewide problem for each of the seven species. Therefore, we

[[Page 55187]]

conclude that recreational activities are not a threat to the seven 
yellow-faced bees at this time.
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Hurricanes and Drought
    Stochastic (random, naturally occurring) events, such as hurricanes 
and drought, can alter or degrade the habitat of Hawaiian Hylaeus bees 
directly by modifying and destroying native coastal and lowland dry and 
mesic habitats (e.g., by mechanical damage to vegetation). Indirect 
effects include creating disturbed areas conducive to invasion by 
nonnative plants, which out-compete the native plants used by the bees 
for foraging of nectar and pollen. We presume these events also alter 
microclimatic conditions (e.g., opening the tree canopy leading to an 
increase in habitat temperature, soil erosion, and decreasing soil 
moisture) so that the habitat no longer supports the native host plants 
necessary to the Hylaeus bees for nectar and pollen foraging, as well 
as nesting.
    Hurricanes affecting Hawaii were only rarely reported from ships in 
the area from the 1800s until 1949. Between 1950 and 1997, 22 
hurricanes passed near or over the Hawaiian Islands, 5 of which caused 
serious damage (Businger 1998, pp. 1-2). In November 1982, Hurricane 
Iwa struck the Hawaiian Islands, with wind gusts exceeding 100 miles 
per hour (mph) (161 kilometers per hour (kph)), causing extensive 
damage, especially on the islands of Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu (Businger 
1998, pp. 2, 6). Many forest trees were destroyed (Perlman 1992, pp. 1-
9), which opened the canopy and facilitated the invasion of nonnative 
plants (Kitayama and Mueller-Dombois 1995, p. 671). Habitat alteration 
and degradation by nonnative plants is a threat to the habitat of each 
of the seven yellow-faced bees addressed in this finding, as described 
in the Habitat Destruction and Modification by Nonnative Plants section 
above. In September 1992, Hurricane Iniki, a category 4 hurricane with 
maximum sustained wind speeds recorded at 140 mph (225 kph), passed 
directly over the island of Kauai and close to the island of Oahu, 
causing significant damage to areas along Oahu's southwestern coast 
(Barber's Point or Kalaeloa, through Kaena) (Blake et al. 2007, p. 20), 
where populations of two of the seven bee species (H. anthracinus and 
H. longiceps) are found. Damage by future hurricanes could further 
decrease the remaining native-plant-dominated habitat areas that 
support the yellow-faced bees (Bellingham et al. 2005, p. 681).
    All seven of the Hylaeus bees may also be affected by temporary 
habitat loss (e.g., desiccation of habitats, die-off of host plants) 
associated with droughts, which are not uncommon on the Hawaiian 
Islands. Between 1860 and 2002, the Hawaiian Islands were affected by 
approximately 49 periods of drought (Giambelluca et al. 1991, pp. 3-4; 
Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management 2009a and 2009b). These 
drought events lead to an increase in the number of forest and brush 
fires (Giambelluca et al. 1991, p. v), causing a reduction of native 
plant cover and habitat (D'Antonio and Vitousek 1992, pp. 77-79). With 
populations that have already been severely reduced in both abundance 
and geographic distribution, and particularly in the case of H. 
hilaris, with only one known population, even such a temporary loss of 
habitat can have a severe negative impact on the species if, for 
example, the host plants for nectar and pollen foraging are lost for 
one or more seasons. Because small populations are demographically 
vulnerable to extinction caused by random fluctuations in population 
size and sex ratio, stochastic events such as hurricanes pose the 
threat of immediate extinction of a species with a very small and 
geographically restricted distribution such as the seven species of 
Hawaiian yellow-faced bees (Lande 1988).
    In summary, natural disasters, such as hurricanes and drought, 
represent a significant threat to coastal and lowland dry and mesic 
habitats and the seven Hylaeus species addressed in this finding, 
endangering their chances for conservation and recovery. These types of 
events are known to cause significant habitat damage, and because the 
species addressed in this finding now persist in low numbers or occur 
in restricted ranges, they are more vulnerable to these events and less 
resilient to such habitat disturbances. Hurricanes and drought, even 
though unpredictable, have been and are expected to continue to be 
threats to the Hawaiian yellow-faced bees, and they therefore pose 
immediate and ongoing threats to the seven Hylaeus species and their 
habitat.
Habitat Destruction and Modification by Climate Change
    Climate change will be a particular challenge for biodiversity 
because the interaction of additional stressors may push species beyond 
their ability to survive (Lovejoy et al. 2005, pp. 325-326). The 
synergistic implications of climate change and habitat fragmentation 
are the most threatening facet of climate change for biodiversity 
(Lovejoy et al. 2005, p. 4). The magnitude and intensity of the impacts 
of global climate change and increasing temperatures on native Hawaiian 
ecosystems are unknown; we are not aware of climate change studies 
specifically related to the coastal and lowland habitat areas occupied 
by the seven Hylaeus bees, or to other Hylaeus bee species. Based on 
the best available information, climate change impacts could include 
the loss of native plant species that comprise the habitats in which 
the seven Hylaeus bees occur (Pounds et al. 1999, pp. 611-612; Still et 
al. 1999, p. 610; Benning et al. 2002, pp. 14,246 and 14,248); however, 
because there have been no climate change studies looking at effects to 
coastal and lowland habitat, we have no way of predicting the amount or 
extent of any such possible habitat loss. Because the host plant 
habitat of the five coastal species in this finding are outside of the 
tidal and immediate near shore zone, we do not expect any direct 
effects to their habitat from sea level rise itself.
    In addition, the seven yellow-faced bees may be vulnerable to 
changes in precipitation caused by global climate change. However, 
future changes in precipitation are uncertain because they depend in 
part on how El Ni[ntilde]o (a disruption of the ocean atmospheric 
system in the tropical Pacific having important global consequences for 
weather and climate) might change, and reliable projections of changes 
in El Ni[ntilde]o have yet to be made (Benning et al. 2002, pp. 14,248-
14,249). Oki (2004, p. 4) has noted long-term evidence of decreased 
precipitation and stream flow in the Hawaiian Islands, based upon 
evidence collected by stream gauging stations. This long-term drying 
trend, coupled with periodic El Ni[ntilde]o-caused drying events, has 
created a pattern of severe and persistent stream dewatering events (D. 
Polhemus, in litt 2008, p. 26). Future changes in precipitation and the 
forecast of those changes are highly uncertain because they depend, in 
part, on how the El Ni[ntilde]o-La Ni[ntilde]a (a different disruptive 
extreme weather and climate pattern that can alternate with El 
Ni[ntilde]o) weather cycle might change (Hawaii Climate Change Action 
Plan 1998, pp. 2-10).
    If precipitation is significantly reduced, the seven yellow-faced 
bees may be among the species most vulnerable to extinction, with 
possible impacts expected to include habitat loss and alteration or 
changes in disturbance regimes (e.g., storms and hurricanes), in 
addition to possible direct physiological

[[Page 55188]]

stress of an unknown nature, which could potentially cause the species 
to seek out less suitable habitats as their preferred habitats become 
degraded. The probability of a species going extinct as a result of 
these factors increases when ranges are restricted, habitat decreases, 
and population numbers decline (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change 2007, p. 8). Such is the case for each of the seven yellow-faced 
bees, which are characterized by limited climatic ranges and restricted 
habitat requirements, small population size, and low number of 
individuals. However, without reliable predictions of the amount and 
extent of anticipated precipitation change, we are unable to determine 
whether precipitation changes would result in negative impacts to any 
of the seven yellow-faced bees at this time.
    In summary, the seven Hylaeus bees, like most insects, are presumed 
to have limited environmental tolerances. They also have limited ranges 
and restricted habitat requirements (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 11). 
Four species (H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, and H. mana) have 
small population sizes (i.e., a limited number of populations 
restricted to relatively small habitat sites), and low numbers of 
individuals. The projected effects of global climate change and 
increasing temperatures on the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees would 
likely be related to changes in microclimatic conditions in their 
habitats. These changes may also lead to the loss of native plant 
species due to direct physiological stress, the loss or alteration of 
habitat, increased competition from nonnative bee species, and changes 
in disturbance regimes (e.g., fire, storms, and hurricanes). Therefore, 
we believe all seven species will be exposed to projected environmental 
impacts that may result from changes in climate, and subsequent impacts 
to their habitats (Pounds et al. 1999, pp. 611-612; Still et al. 1999, 
p. 610; Benning et al. 2002, pp. 14,246 and 14,248), and we do not 
anticipate a reduction in this ongoing threat any time in the near 
future. However, because the specific and cumulative effects of climate 
change on these seven species are presently unknown, we are not able to 
determine the magnitude of this potential threat with confidence or 
precision.
Summary of Factor A
    The seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees are dependent upon 
the persistence of native Hawaiian plants and their increasingly rare 
associated habitat types, particularly coastal, lowland dry, and 
lowland mesic areas. As identified above in our Factor A analysis, the 
native habitats on which the Hylaeus bees depend have been drastically 
directly altered during the last century, with many areas either 
converted for development or agriculture, or indirectly altered due to 
the effects of nonnative ungulates, nonnative plants, and fire. Habitat 
conversion and loss of host plants, and other stochastic events (e.g., 
hurricanes and drought), are all contributing factors to the present 
and threatened destruction, modification, and curtailment of the 
habitat and range of the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees.
    Land conversion and fragmentation of remaining coastal, lowland 
dry, and lowland mesic habitat is continuing throughout these species' 
known ranges, particularly due to the effects of feral ungulates, fire, 
and nonnative plants. We anticipate habitat conversion and 
fragmentation to continue, and likely increase, throughout their known 
ranges. As discussed above, at least five of the seven bees have 
experienced significant habitat losses. It is reasonable to presume the 
substantial reduction in lowland mesic habitat has similarly impacted 
the populations of Hylaeus kuakea and H. mana (Magnacca in litt. 2011, 
p. 78). As more habitats become unsuitable, we expect their population 
declines to continue or accelerate.
    We have evaluated the best scientific and commercial information 
available regarding the present or threatened destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees' 
habitat or range. Based on the current and ongoing habitat issues 
identified, their synergistic effects, and their likely continuation, 
we have determined this factor poses a significant threat to Hylaeus 
anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. 
longiceps, and H. mana.
Available Conservation Measures
    Some historic and current collection localities are protected from 
development, urbanization, and conversion to agriculture by Federal, 
State, or private agencies: one of two known populations of H. facilis 
and two of three known populations of H. anthracinus occur at Kalaupapa 
NHP on Molokai; three species (H. anthracinus, H. assimulans, and H. 
kuakea) occur in the State's Kaena Point NAR (Oahu), Kanaio NAR (Maui), 
West Maui NAR, and the recently acquired Honouliuli Preserve (Oahu); 
and three species (H. anthracinus, H. hilaris, and H. longiceps) are 
found on TNC's Moomomi Preserve. These areas are actively managed to 
restore native habitat and to reduce or eliminate many of the common 
threats to the native plant communities found there, including feral 
ungulates and wildfire. However, existing regulatory mechanisms are 
inadequate to provide the necessary active management needed to protect 
the habitat of the populations outside of these protected TNC, NHP or 
NAR areas (see discussion under Factor D, below). Conservation of the 
seven Hylaeus bees will require active management of their known 
population sites, involving exclusion and removal of feral ungulates, 
control and removal of nonnative plant and insect species, and the 
restoration of native vegetation (Magnacca 2007, p. 185).

Factor B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    We are unaware of any collections of the seven yellow-faced bees by 
recreational or insect enthusiast collectors. However, insect 
collecting is a valuable component of research, including taxonomic 
work, and is often necessary to document the existence of populations 
and population trends. Based on comments received in response to the 
90-day finding, six of the yellow-faced bees are not believed to be 
particularly vulnerable to over-collection; however, one species (H. 
hilaris) may be vulnerable (Magnacca, in litt. 2010, p. 2). This 
species is a cleptoparasite on other rare bees, and has an inherently 
smaller population size and lower reproductive rate than most Hylaeus 
species, including the other six species in this finding. However, as 
both sexes of H. hilaris are readily recognizable to Hylaeus 
researchers, experts believe there will be little need to retain 
individuals collected during field surveys in the future (Magnacca, in 
litt. 2010, p. 2). Additionally, while this species is known from only 
one population site, the area where this population is found occurs 
within the Moomomi Preserve and is actively managed by TNC for common 
habitat threats such as feral ungulates, wild fire, and nonnative plant 
species.
    Therefore, we find that overutilization for commercial, 
recreational, scientific, or educational purposes is not a threat to 
Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. kuakea, H. 
longiceps, and H. mana because we could find no evidence they are being 
collected by insect collection enthusiasts or over-collected by 
researchers for scientific purposes. We examined whether H. hilaris was 
directly or indirectly

[[Page 55189]]

vulnerable to over-collection due to its small population size (one 
known location), low reproductive rate, and biological dependence upon 
other rare Hylaeus host species. However, as both sexes are easily 
recognizable in the field and it does not collect pollen (which 
differentiates it from all other species), researchers believe there is 
little reason to retain individuals observed during surveys (Magnacca, 
in litt. 2010, p. 2). Therefore, we find over-collection of H. hilaris 
is not a threat to this species.

Factor C. Disease or Predation

Disease
    We are not aware of any information indicating disease presents a 
threat to Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, 
H. kuakea, H. longiceps, or H. mana. Therefore, based on the best 
available information, we do not find that disease is a threat to the 
seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees.
Predation
Predation by Nonnative Ants
    Ants are known to prey upon Hylaeus species (Medeiros et al. 1986, 
pp. 45-46; Reimer 1994, p. 17), thereby directly eliminating them from 
specific areas. In this study, nests of Nesoprosopis sp., an endemic 
ground-nesting bee, could not be found in ant-infested plots but were 
commonly encountered in ant-free sites of the same habitat. 
Nesoprosopis was reduced to a subgenus of Hylaeus in 1923 (Meade-Waldo 
1923, p. 1). Ants are not a natural component of Hawaii's arthropod 
fauna, and the native Hylaeus species of the islands evolved in the 
absence of predation pressure from ants. Ants can be particularly 
destructive predators because of their high densities, recruitment 
behavior, aggressiveness, and broad range of diet (Reimer 1993, pp. 17-
18). The threat of ant predation on the seven Hylaeus bee species is 
amplified by the fact that most ant species have winged reproductive 
adults (Borror et al. 1989, p. 738) and can quickly establish new 
colonies in suitable habitats (Staples and Cowie 2001, p. 55). In 
addition, these attributes allow some ants to destroy otherwise 
geographically isolated populations of native arthropods (Nafus 1993, 
pp. 19, 22-23). Ants have not been observed preying upon any of the 
seven species addressed in this finding. However, at least one or more 
of the most aggressive and widespread species (discussed below) occur 
in every known population site of the seven Hylaeus species and are 
presumed to be a serious threat due to the impact of predation.
    At least 47 species of ants are known to be established in the 
Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii Ants 2008, pp. 1-11). Native insect fauna, 
likely including Hylaeus bees (Zimmerman 1948, p. 173; Reimer et al. 
1990, pp. 40-43; HEAR database 2005, pp. 1-2), have been severely 
impacted by at least four particularly aggressive ant species: the big-
headed ant (Pheidole megacephala), the long-legged ant (also known as 
the yellow crazy ant) (Anoplolepis gracilipes), Solenopsis papuana 
(NCN), and Solenopsis geminata (NCN). Numerous other species of ants 
are recognized as threats to Hawaii's native invertebrates, and an 
unknown number of new species of ants are established every few years 
(Staples and Cowie 2001, p. 53). Due to their preference for drier 
habitat sites, ants are more likely to occur in high densities in the 
coastal, dry, and mesic habitat currently occupied by the seven bees 
(Reimer 1994, p. 12).
    The big-headed ant originated in central Africa (Krushelnycky et 
al. 2005, p. 24) and was first reported in Hawaii in 1879 (Krushelnycky 
et al. 2005, p. 24). This species is considered one of the most 
invasive and widely distributed ants in the world (Krushelnycky et al. 
2005, p. 5). In Hawaii, this species is the most ubiquitous ant species 
found, from coastal to mesic habitat up to 4,000 ft (1,219 m) in 
elevation, including within the habitat areas of the seven Hylaeus 
species addressed in this finding. With few exceptions, native insects 
have been eliminated in habitats where the big-headed ant is present 
(Perkins 1913, p. xxxix; Gagne 1979, p. 81; Gillespie and Reimer 1993, 
p. 22). Consequently, big-headed ants represent a threat to populations 
of all seven Hylaeus bee species in coastal to dry and mesic areas 
Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, and Oahu (Reimer 1993, p. 14; Reimer 1994, p. 17; 
Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 9-10).
    The long-legged ant appeared in Hawaii in 1952, and now occurs on 
Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu (Reimer et al. 1990, p. 42; http://www.antweb.org 2011). It inhabits low-to-mid-elevation (less than 2,000 
ft (600 m)) rocky areas of moderate rainfall (less than 100 in (250 cm) 
annually) (Reimer et al. 1990, p. 42). Although surveys have not been 
conducted to ascertain this species' presence in each of the known 
habitat sites occupied by the seven Hylaeus species addressed in this 
finding, we may presume that the long-legged ant likely occurs within 
some of the identified population sites based upon anecdotal evidence 
of their expanding range and their preference (as indicated where the 
species is most commonly collected) for coastal and dry forest habitats 
(antweb.org 2011). Direct observations indicate Hawaiian arthropods are 
susceptible to predation by this species; Gillespie and Reimer (1993, 
p. 21) and Hardy (1979, pp. 37-38) documented the complete extirpation 
of several native insects within the Kipahulu area on Maui after this 
area was invaded by the long-legged ant. Lester and Tavite (2004, p. 
391), found that long-legged ants in the Tokelau Atolls (New Zealand) 
can form very high densities in a relatively short period of time with 
locally serious consequences for invertebrate diversity. Densities of 
3,600 individuals collected in pitfall traps within a 24-hour period 
were observed, as well as predation upon invertebrates ranging from 
crabs to other ant species. On Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, 
numerous studies have documented the range of impacts to native 
invertebrates, including the red land crab (Gecarcoidea natalis), as a 
result of predation by supercolonies of the long-legged ant (Abbott 
2006, p. 102). Long-legged ants have the potential as predators to 
profoundly affect the endemic insect fauna in territories they occupy. 
Studies comparing insect populations at otherwise similar ant-infested 
and ant-free sites found extremely low numbers of large endemic noctuid 
moth larvae (Agrostis spp. and Peridroma spp.) in ant-infested areas. 
Nests of ground-nesting cottelid bees (Nesoprosopis spp.) were 
eliminated from ant-infested sites (Reimer et al. 1990, p. 42). 
Although only cursory observations exist in Hawaii (Reimer et al. 1990, 
p. 42), we believe long-legged ants are a threat to populations of all 
seven yellow-faced bees, in dry to mesic areas within their elevation 
ranges.
    Solenopsis papuana is the only abundant, aggressive ant that has 
invaded intact mesic to wet forest, as well as coastal and lowland dry 
habitats. This species occurs from sea level to over 2,000 ft (600 m) 
on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, and is still expanding its range 
(Reimer 1993, p. 14). Although surveys have not been conducted to 
ascertain this species' presence in each of the known habitat sites 
occupied by the seven Hylaeus species addressed in this finding, 
because of this species' expanding range and its widespread occurrence 
in coastal, dry lowland, and mesic habitats, it may threaten 
populations of all seven Hylaeus bees with predation pressure on the 
islands of Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui, and Oahu over 2,000 ft (600 
m) in elevation (Reimer et al. 1990, p. 42; Reimer 1993, p. 14).

[[Page 55190]]

    Like Solenopsis papuana, S. geminata is also considered a 
significant threat to native invertebrates (Gillespie and Reimer 1993) 
and occurs on all the main Hawaiian Islands (Reimer et al. 1990; 
Nishida 1997). Found in drier areas of the Hawaiian Islands, it has 
displaced Pheidole megacephala as the dominant ant in some areas (Wong 
and Wong 1988, p. 175). Known to be a voracious nonnative predator in 
many areas to where it has spread, the species was documented to 
significantly increase fruit fly mortality in field studies in Hawaii 
(Wong and Wong 1988, p. 175). In addition to predation, S. geminata 
workers tend honeydew-producing members of the Homoptera suborder, 
especially mealybugs, which can impact plants directly and indirectly 
through the spread of disease (Manaaki Whenua--Landcare Research 2011: 
http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biocons/invertebrates/Ants/invasive_ants/solgem_info.asp).
    Solenopsis geminata was included among the eight species ranked as 
having the highest potential risk to New Zealand in a detailed pest 
risk assessment for the country (Global Invasive Species Database 2011: 
http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=169&fr=1&sts=⟨=EN), and is included as one of five 
ant species listed among the ``100 of the World's Worst invaders'' 
(Manaaki Whenua--Landcare Research 2011: http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biocons/invertebrates/Ants/invasive_ants/solgem_info.asp).
    Although surveys have not been conducted to ascertain this species' 
presence in each of the known habitat sites occupied by the seven 
Hylaeus species addressed in this finding, because of this species' 
expanding range and its widespread occurrence in coastal, dry lowland, 
and mesic habitats, it may threaten populations of all seven Hylaeus 
bees with predation pressure on the islands of Hawaii, Kahoolawe, 
Lanai, Maui, and Oahu from sea level up to 1,000 ft (300 m) in 
elevation (Wong and Wong 1988, p. 175).
    The Hylaeus egg, larvae, and pupal stages are more vulnerable to 
attack by ants than the mobile adult bees (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 
10). Invasive ants have severely impacted ground-nesting Hylaeus 
species in particular (Cole et al. 1992, pp. 1317, 1320; Medeiros et 
al. 1986, pp. 45-46), because their nests are easily accessible and in 
or near the ground. Because Hylaeus anthracinus, H. facilis, H. 
hilaris, and H. longiceps are believed to be ground-nesting species, 
they may also be more susceptible to ant predation (Magnacca 2005g, p. 
2).
    Hylaeus populations are known to be drastically reduced in ant-
infested areas (Medeiros et al. 1986, pp. 45-46; Stone and Loope 1987, 
p. 251; Cole et al. 1992, pp. 1313, 1317, 1320; Reimer 1994, p. 17). 
The presence of ants in nearly all of the low-elevation habitat sites 
historically and currently occupied by the seven Hylaeus bee species 
may increase the uncertainty of Hylaeus recovery within these areas 
(Reimer 1994, pp. 17-18; Daly and Magnacca 2003, pp. 9-10). Although 
the primary impact of ants on the native invertebrate fauna is via 
predation (Reimer 1994, p. 17), they also compete for nectar (Howarth 
1985, p. 155; Hopper et al. 1996, p. 9; Holway et al. 2002, pp. 188, 
209; Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 9; Lach 2008, p. 155) and nest sites 
(Krushelnycky et al. 2005, pp. 6-7). Some ant species may impact 
Hylaeus bees indirectly as well, by preying on seeds of native plants, 
thereby reducing the plant's recruitment and fecundity (Bond and 
Slingsby 1984, p. 1,031). Several studies (Krushelnycky 2005, p. 9; 
Lach 2008, p. 155) suggest a serious ecosystem-level effect of invasive 
ants on pollination. Where ranges overlap, ants compete with native 
pollinators such as Hylaeus bees and preclude them from pollinating 
native plants. For example, the big-headed ant is known to actively rob 
nectar from flowers without pollinating them (Howarth 1985, p. 157). 
Lach (2008, p. 155) found that Hylaeus bees that regularly collect 
pollen from flowers of Metrosideros polymorpha were entirely absent 
from trees with flowers exposed to foraging by big-headed ants.
    The rarity or disappearance of native Hylaeus species from 
historically documented localities over the past 100 years (including 
the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bee species) is due to a variety of 
factors. Although we have no direct information that conclusively 
correlates the decrease in populations of these seven Hylaeus bees due 
to the establishment of nonnative ants, severe predation of other 
Hylaeus species by ants has been documented, resulting in clear 
reductions in populations. We expect similar predation impacts to these 
seven Hylaeus bees to continue as a result of the widespread presence 
of ants throughout the Hawaiian Islands, their highly efficient and 
non-specific predatory behavior, and their ability to quickly disperse 
and establish new colonies. Therefore, we conclude that predation by 
nonnative ants represents a serious threat to the continued existence 
of H. anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. 
longiceps, and H. mana now and into the future.
Predation by Nonnative Western Yellow Jacket Wasps
    The western yellow jacket wasp (Vespula pensylvanica) is a 
potentially serious threat to the seven Hylaeus bees (Gambino et al. 
1987, p. 170; Wilson et al. 2009, pp. 1-5). The western yellow jacket 
wasp is a social wasp species native to the mainland of North America. 
It was first reported from Oahu in the 1930s (Sherley 2000, p. 121), 
and an aggressive race became established in 1977 (Gambino et al. 1987, 
p. 170). In temperate climates, the western yellow jacket wasp has an 
annual life cycle, but in Hawaii's tropical climate, colonies of this 
species persist through a second year, allowing them to have larger 
numbers of individuals (Gambino et al. 1987, p. 170) and thus a greater 
impact on prey populations. Most colonies are found between 
approximately 2,000 and 3,500 ft (approximately 600 and 1,050 m) in 
elevation (Gambino et al. 1990, p. 1,088), although they can also occur 
at sea level. The western yellow jacket wasp is known to be an 
aggressive, generalist predator (Gambino et al. 1987, p. 170), and has 
been documented preying upon Hawaiian Hylaeus species (although not 
specifically upon any of the seven species addressed in this finding) 
(Wilson et al. 2009, p. 2). However, predation by the western yellow 
jacket wasp is a potentially significant threat to all seven of the 
yellow-faced bees because of the wasp's presence in habitat occupied by 
the seven Hylaeus bees combined with their small population sizes. This 
may present a particular threat to H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, 
and H. mana, because each species is known from only two or fewer 
sites. It has been suggested the western yellow jacket wasp may compete 
for nectar with Hylaeus species, but we have no information to suggest 
this represents a threat to the seven Hylaeus bees.
Predation by Nonnative Parasitoid Wasps
    Native and nonnative parasitoid wasps are known to parasitize some 
Hylaeus species on Oahu (although not upon any of the seven species 
addressed in this finding), and may pose a threat to five of the seven 
yellow-faced bees (H. anthracinus, H. facilis, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, 
and H. mana) (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 10) because they occur on Oahu 
as well. While the available information indicates some Oahu Hylaeus 
larvae have been parasitized (and subsequently killed) by parasitoid 
wasps from the Encyrtidae

[[Page 55191]]

and Eupelmidae families, it is unknown whether these wasps also utilize 
H. anthracinus, H. facilis, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. mana as 
nutritional hosts for their larvae (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 98). We 
are concerned that H. anthracinus, H. facilis, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, 
and H. mana may be exposed to wasp parasitism, but we are unaware of 
any information to indicate this is a threat to these five Hylaeus 
bees.
Summary of Factor C
    We do not find evidence that disease is currently impacting the 
seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees, nor do we have information to 
indicate disease outbreaks will occur in the future. Although we have 
no direct information that conclusively correlates the decrease in 
populations of these seven Hylaeus bees due to the establishment of 
western yellow jacket wasps, severe predation of other Hylaeus species 
by yellow jacket wasps has been documented, resulting in clear 
reductions in populations. We expect similar predation impacts to these 
seven Hylaeus bees to continue as a result of the widespread presence 
of yellow jacket wasps in many areas throughout the Hawaiian Islands, 
their highly efficient and non-specific predatory behavior, and their 
ability to quickly disperse and establish new colonies.
    While we are concerned that Hylaeus anthracinus, H. facilis, H. 
kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. mana may be threatened by wasp parasitism 
on Oahu, we are unaware of any information to indicate this is a threat 
to these five Hylaeus bees at this time, or that it is likely to become 
so in the future. The presence of nonnative ants in nearly all lowland 
habitat historically and currently occupied by the seven Hylaeus bees, 
combined with the near extirpation of native insects in these areas, 
suggest predation by nonnative ants is a serious threat to the seven 
Hawaiian yellow-faced bees. Observations and reports have documented 
that ants are particularly destructive predators because of their high 
densities, broad ranges of diet, and ability to establish new colonies 
in otherwise geographically isolated locations because the reproductive 
adult ants are able to fly. Because the ranges of the big-headed ant, 
long-legged ant, Solenopsis geminata, and Solenopsis papuana overlap 
the ranges of the seven Hylaeus bees, and based on their observed 
predatory behavior at other locations where they occur, these nonnative 
predators represent an imminent and serious threat to H. anthracinus, 
H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. 
mana. Unless these aggressive, nonnative ant predators are eliminated 
or controlled, we expect this threat to continue or increase. 
Furthermore, a decrease in the amount and distribution of suitable host 
plants for foraging could indirectly impact these seven species by 
forcing them to seek less optimal, but predator-free, foraging sites.

Factor D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    Currently, there are no Federal, State, or local laws, treaties, or 
regulations that specifically conserve or protect the seven Hylaeus bee 
species from the threats described in this finding. There are some 
regulations that potentially address the threats posed by introduced, 
nonnative species; these are discussed below.
Inadequate Protection from Nonnative Ungulates
    Nonnative ungulates pose a major ongoing threat to the seven 
Hylaeus bees through destruction and degradation of their habitat. 
Although some public hunting areas are fenced to prevent the incursion 
of nonnative ungulates, there are currently no Federal, State, or local 
laws, treaties, or regulations that adequately address the threats from 
nonnative ungulates to the seven yellow-faced bees' terrestrial 
habitat. The existing regulatory mechanisms do not address the threats 
from nonnative ungulates to the seven yellow-faced bee species or their 
habitat. The absence of regulatory mechanisms exacerbates the threats 
discussed under Factor A.
Inadequate Protection from Introduction of Nonnative Species
    The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is the lead State 
agency in protecting Hawaii's agricultural and horticultural 
industries, animal and public health, natural resources, and 
environment from the introduction of nonnative, invasive species (HDLNR 
2003, p. 3-10). While there are several State agencies (Hawaii 
Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Hawaii Department of Lands and 
Natural Resources (HDLNR), Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH)) 
authorized to prevent the entry of pest species into the State, the 
existing regulations are inadequate for the reasons discussed in the 
sections below.
    In 1995, a partnership, Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species 
(CGAPS), comprised primarily of managers from every major Federal, 
State, county, and private agency and organization involved in invasive 
species work in Hawaii, was formed in an effort to influence policy and 
funding decisions, improve communication, increase collaboration, and 
promote public awareness (CGAPS 2009). This group facilitated the 
formation of the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC), which was 
created by gubernatorial executive order in 2002 to coordinate local 
initiatives for the prevention and control of invasive species by 
providing policy-level direction and planning for the State departments 
responsible for invasive species issues. In 2003, the governor signed 
into law Act 85, which conveys statutory authority to the HISC to 
coordinate approaches among the various State and Federal agencies, and 
international and local initiatives, for the prevention and control of 
invasive species (HDLNR 2003, p. 3-15; HISC 2009a; Haw. Rev. Stat. 
section 194-2(a)). Some of the recent priorities for the HISC include 
interagency efforts to control nonnative species such as the plants 
Miconia calvescens (miconia) and Cortaderia sp. (pampas grass), coqui 
frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui), and ants (HISC 2009). However, in 
October 2009, HISC approved a 2010 budget that, due to a tighter 
economy in Hawaii and anticipated budget cuts in State funding support, 
resulted in a 50 percent reduction in funding with an anticipated 
setback in conservation achievements and the loss of experienced, 
highly trained staff (HISC 2009b).
Inadequate Regulatory Control of Nonnative Invertebrate Species
    As noted above (see Factor C, Disease and Predation), predation by 
nonnative ants and the nonnative yellow jacket wasp is a potentially 
significant threat to the seven species. Commercial shipping and air 
cargo, as well as biological introductions to Hawaii, have resulted in 
the establishment of over 3,372 species of nonnative insects (Howarth 
1990, p. 18; Staples and Cowie 2001, p. 52), with an estimated 
continuing establishment rate of 20 to 30 new species per year 
(Beardsley 1962, p. 101; Beardsley 1979, p. 36; Staples and Cowie 2001, 
p. 52). The prevention and control of introduced pest species in Hawaii 
is the responsibility of Hawaii State government and Federal agencies, 
along with a few private organizations. Even though these agencies have 
regulations and some controls in place, complete control of introduced 
pest species is difficult to achieve. Consequently, the introduction 
and movement of nonnative invertebrate pest species, including 
nonnative ants and yellow jacket wasps, between islands and from one 
watershed to the next, continues.

[[Page 55192]]

Inadequate Regulatory Control of Nonnative Plant Species
    Nonnative plants destroy and modify habitat throughout the ranges 
of each of the seven Hylaeus species addressed in this 12-month 
finding. As such, they represent a significant and immediate threat to 
each of these species. In addition, nonnative plants have been shown to 
out-compete native plants and convert native-dominated plant 
communities to nonnative plant communities (see Factor A--Habitat 
Destruction and Modification by Nonnative Plants). The HDOA regulates 
the import of plants into the State from domestic origins under Hawaii 
State law (Haw. Rev. Stat. Ch. 150A). While all plants require 
inspection upon entry into the State and must be ``apparently free'' of 
insects and diseases, not all plants require import permits. Parcels 
brought into the State by mail or cargo must be clearly labeled as 
``Plant Materials'' or ``Agricultural Commodities,'' but, given budget 
constraints and an insufficient number of personnel, it is unlikely 
that all of these parcels are inspected or monitored prior to delivery 
in Hawaii. Shipments of plant material into Hawaii must be accompanied 
by an invoice or packing manifest listing the contents and quantities 
of the items imported, although it is unclear if all of these shipments 
are inspected or monitored prior to delivery (HDOA 2009). There are 
only 12 plant crops regulated (H.A.R. chapter 4-70) to some degree: 
sugarcane and grasses, pineapple and other bromeliads, coffee, 
cruciferous vegetables, orchids, banana, passion fruit, pine, coconut, 
hosts of European corn borer, palms, and hosts of Caribbean fruit fly 
(HDLNR 2003, p. 3-11). The HDOA also maintains the State list of 
noxious weeds, and these plants are restricted from entry into the 
State except by permit from the HDOA's Plant Quarantine Branch.
    Although the State has general guidelines for the importation of 
plants, and regulations are in place regarding the plant crops 
mentioned above, the intentional or inadvertent introduction of 
nonnative plants outside the regulatory process and movement of species 
between islands and from one watershed to the next continues, which 
represents a threat to native flora and fauna for the reasons described 
above. In addition, government funding is inadequate to provide for 
sufficient inspection services and monitoring. One study concluded 
plant importation laws virtually ensure new invasive plants will be 
introduced via the nursery and ornamental trade, and outreach efforts 
cannot keep up with the multitude of new invasive plants being 
distributed. The author states the only thing wide-scale public 
outreach can do in this regard is to let the public know new invasive 
plants are still being sold, and suggest that people should ask for 
noninvasive or native plants instead (C. Martin, in litt. 2007, p. 9).
    On the basis of the above information, existing regulatory 
mechanisms do not adequately protect the seven Hylaeus species from the 
threat of new introductions of nonnative species, and the continued 
expansion of nonnative species populations on and between islands and 
watersheds. Nonnative species may directly compete with, prey upon, or 
modify or destroy the habitat of one or more of the seven yellow-faced 
bees for food, space, and other necessary resources. Because current 
Federal, State, and local laws, treaties, and regulations are 
inadequate to prevent the introduction and spread of nonnative species 
from outside the State of Hawaii, as well as between islands and 
watersheds, the threats from these introduced species remain immediate 
and significant due to an inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms.
Summary of Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
    We found that existing regulatory mechanisms and agency policies do 
not address the primary threats to the seven yellow-faced bee species 
and their habitat from nonnative ungulates. The State's current 
management of nonnative game mammals does not prevent the degradation 
and destruction of habitat of Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. 
facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. mana (see 
discussion under Factor A).
    We consider the threat from inadequate regulatory mechanisms to be 
immediate and significant for the following reasons:
    (1) Existing State and Federal regulatory mechanisms are not 
preventing the introduction and spread of nonnative species between 
islands and watersheds. Habitat-altering nonnative plant species 
(Factor A) and predation by nonnative animal species (Factor C) pose 
major ongoing threats to the seven Hylaeus species.
    Because existing regulatory mechanisms are inadequate to maintain 
habitat for the seven species of Hylaeus and to prevent the spread of 
nonnative species, the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms is 
considered to be a significant and immediate threat to Hylaeus 
anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. 
longiceps, and H. mana.

Factor E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the Species' 
Continued Existence

Small Number of Populations and Individuals
    Species endemic to single islands or known from few, widely 
dispersed locations are inherently more vulnerable to extinction than 
widespread species because of the higher risks from genetic 
bottlenecks, random demographic fluctuations, climate change, and 
localized catastrophes such as hurricanes, landslides, and drought 
(Lande 1988, p. 1,455; Mangel and Tier 1994, p. 607; Pimm et al. 1988, 
p. 757). These problems can be further magnified when populations are 
few and restricted to a limited geographic area, and the number of 
individuals is very small. Populations with these characteristics face 
an increased likelihood of stochastic extinction due to changes in 
demography, the environment, genetics, or other factors, in a process 
described as an extinction vortex (Gilpin and Soul[eacute] 1986, pp. 
24-25). Small, isolated populations often exhibit a reduced level of 
genetic variability or genetic depression due to inbreeding, which 
diminishes the species' capacity to adapt and respond to environmental 
changes, thereby lessening the probability of long-term persistence 
(Frankham 2003, pp. S22-S29; Soul[eacute] 1986, pp. 31-34). The 
negative impacts associated with small population size and 
vulnerability to random demographic fluctuations or natural 
catastrophes can be further magnified by synergistic interactions with 
other threats.
    The seven Hylaeus bee species have very small populations and are 
likely more vulnerable to habitat change and stochastic events due to 
low genetic variability (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 3; Magnacca 2007, 
p. 173). According to Magnacca (2007, p. 3), five species have not been 
collected recently from one or more islands from which they were 
historically known, all seven species are restricted to rare habitat, 
and two are particularly rare and potentially endangered. Hylaeus 
facilis and H. hilaris have not been recently observed at some 
historical collection sites; H. facilis is currently known from two 
populations, and H. hilaris is known from only a single population. In 
addition, H. kuakea, first collected in 1997, is only known from two 
populations, and H. mana, just collected in 2002, is known from a 
single population. Although H. kuakea and H. mana were only discovered 
relatively recently, researchers believe these two species were once 
more widespread

[[Page 55193]]

when their lowland mesic habitat was not highly fragmented and degraded 
by invasive species, as is currently the case (Magnacca in litt. 2011, 
p. 95). The small number of populations known for each of these four 
Hylaeus species increases their risk of extinction due to stochastic 
events such as hurricanes, wildfires, or prolonged drought (Jones et 
al. 1984, p. 209; Smith and Tunison 1992, p. 398).
    The recurrence intervals for stochastic events, for example, 
wildfires, prolonged drought, and hurricanes, cannot be predicted, 
which introduces some uncertainty regarding potential effects to H. 
facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, and H. mana (the four species most at 
risk of the seven Hylaeus bees). However, because Hylaeus hilaris is 
cleptoparasitic and restricted to one known population, it is at 
particularly high risk of extinction because of the rarity of its hosts 
and the fact it is the most habitat-specific of all Hawaiian bees 
(Magnacca 2007a, p. 181). The fact that a species is potentially 
vulnerable to stochastic processes does not necessarily mean it is 
reasonably likely to experience or have its status affected by a given 
stochastic process within timescales meaningful under the Act. Because 
of their small number of populations, negative impacts to H. facilis, 
H. hilaris, H. kuakea, and H. mana from hurricanes, wildfires, and 
drought would be likely if these events occur. Because these events 
have been documented on Oahu and other Hawaiian islands in the past, we 
believe that they represent an ongoing threat to these four species, 
although the specific timing, location, or magnitude is unknown. The 
threat from fire is unpredictable, but omnipresent in habitats that 
have been invaded by nonnative, fire-prone grasses. Hurricanes and 
drought conditions present an ongoing and ever-present threat, because 
they can occur at any time, although the incidence and magnitude of 
specific events is not predictable.
Competition With Nonnative Insects
    There are 15 known species of nonnative bees in Hawaii (Snelling 
2003, p. 342), including two nonnative Hylaeus species (Magnacca 2007, 
p. 188). Most nonnative bees inhabit areas dominated by nonnative 
vegetation and do not compete with native Hawaiian bees for foraging 
resources (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 13). The European honey bee (Apis 
mellifera) is an exception; this social species is often very abundant 
in areas with native vegetation and aggressively competes with Hylaeus 
for nectar and pollen (Hopper et al. 1996, p. 9; Daly and Magnacca 
2003, p. 13; Snelling 2003, p. 345).
    The European honey bee was first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands 
in 1875, and currently inhabits areas from sea level to the upper tree 
line boundary (Howarth 1985, p. 156). European honey bees have been 
observed foraging on Hylaeus host plants such as Scaevola spp. and 
Sesbania tomentosa (Hopper et al. 1996, p. 9; Daly and Magnacca 2003, 
p. 13; Snelling 2003, p. 345). Although we lack information indicating 
Hawaiian Hylaeus populations have declined because of competition with 
European honey bees for nectar and pollen, the European honey bee does 
forage in Hylaeus spp. habitat and may exclude Hylaeus spp. (Magnacca 
2007, p. 188; Lach 2008, p. 155). Hylaeus species do not occur in 
native habitat where there are large numbers of honey bees, although 
the impact of moderate populations of honey bees is not known (Magnacca 
2007, p. 188). Nonnative, invasive bees are widely documented to 
decrease nectar volumes and usurp native pollinators (Lach 2008, p. 
155). There are also indications that populations of the European honey 
bee are not as vulnerable as Hylaeus bees to predation by nonnative ant 
species (see Factor C. Disease and Predation). Lach (2008, p. 155) 
observed that Hylaeus bees that regularly collect pollen from the 
flowers of Metrosideros polymorpha trees were entirely absent from 
trees with flowers visited by the big-headed ant, while visits by the 
European honey bee were not affected. As a result, the European honey 
bee may have a competitive advantage over Hylaeus spp., as it is not 
excluded by the big-headed ant (Lach 2008, p. 155).
    Other nonnative bees found in areas of native vegetation include 
carpenter bees (Ceratina species), Australian colletid bees (Hylaeus 
albonitens), and Lasioglossum impavidum (NCN) (Magnacca 2007, p. 188). 
While it has been suggested these nonnative bees may impact native 
Hylaeus bees through competition for pollen based on their similar size 
and flower preferences, there is no information that demonstrates these 
nonnative bees forage on Hylaeus host plants (Magnacca 2007, p. 188). 
It has also been suggested parasitoid wasps may compete for nectar with 
native Hylaeus species (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 10); however, 
information demonstrating nonnative parasitoid wasps forage on the same 
host plants as the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees is unavailable.
    We acknowledge the potential for negative impacts on Hylaeus 
anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. 
longiceps, and H. mana from competition with the European honey bee for 
nectar and pollen (Magnacca 2007, p. 188). In addition, one study in 
Hawaii suggests the European honey bee may have an additional advantage 
for collecting pollen and nectar because it may not be negatively 
affected by the presence of predatory big-headed ants on native 
vegetation (Lach 2008, p. 155). Competition with the European honey bee 
may be a potential threat to the seven Hylaeus species, because (1) 
Honey bees forage on Hylaeus host plant species; (2) they may exclude 
Hylaeus spp. from those resources (Hylaeus spp. are never found 
foraging in the presence of European honey bees); and (3) honey bees 
may have a competitive advantage over Hawaiian Hylaeus ssp., as one 
study suggests honey bees are not negatively affected by the presence 
of big-headed ants on native vegetation to the extent the Hylaeus 
species may be. Honey bees have been known to exclude other Hylaeus 
species, and it is well-documented that they forage in native plant 
areas. However, the best available scientific information indicates 
that competition with the European honey bee may represent a threat to 
these seven Hylaeus species, but the threat is of unknown magnitude, 
and additional research would be helpful to better understand this 
interaction.
    We have no information indicating other species of nonnative bees 
or parasitoid wasps negatively impact populations of the seven species 
of Hylaeus bees due to competition for nectar and pollen. Therefore, we 
have determined that competition with other species of nonnative bees 
or parasitoid wasps is not a threat.
Summary of Factor E
    The small number of populations of Hylaeus facilis, H. hilaris, H. 
kuakea, and H. mana increase their risk of extinction due to stochastic 
events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and drought, which, although 
unpredictable, represent an ongoing and significant threat to H. 
facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, and H. mana. We have no information 
indicating other nonnative bees or parasitoid wasps compete for nectar 
and pollen on Hylaeus host plants. Therefore, we have determined that 
competition with these species does not present a significant threat to 
the seven Hylaeus species. Honey bees forage in native plant areas and 
have been known to exclude other Hylaeus species. However, the best 
available information does not indicate competition between honey bees 
and the seven Hylaeus

[[Page 55194]]

species addressed in this finding is a significantly quantifiable 
threat.

Finding

    As required by the Act, we conducted a review of the status of the 
species and considered the five factors in assessing whether Hylaeus 
anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. 
longiceps, and H. mana are endangered or threatened throughout their 
ranges. We examined the best scientific and commercial information 
available regarding the past, present, and future threats faced by 
these seven Hylaeus species. We reviewed the petitions, information 
available in our files, information submitted to us following 
publication of our 90-day petition finding (75 FR 34077; June 16, 
2010), and other available published and unpublished information, and 
we consulted with Hylaeus bee experts and other Federal and State 
resource agencies. In considering what factors might constitute a 
threat, we must look beyond the mere exposure of the species to the 
factor to determine whether the species responds to the factor in a way 
that causes actual impacts to the species. If there is exposure to a 
factor, but no response, or only a positive response, that factor is 
not a threat. If there is exposure and the species responds negatively, 
the factor may be a threat and we then attempt to determine how 
significant a threat it is. If the threat is significant, it may drive 
or contribute to the risk of extinction of the species such that the 
species warrants listing as endangered or threatened as those terms are 
defined by the Act. This does not necessarily require empirical proof 
of a threat. The combination of exposure and some corroborating 
evidence of how the species is likely impacted could suffice. However, 
the mere identification of factors that could impact a species 
negatively is not sufficient to compel a finding that listing is 
appropriate; we require evidence that these factors are operative 
threats that act on the species to the point the species meets the 
definition of endangered or threatened under the Act.
    In this review of the status of the seven Hylaeus species, we 
identified a number of threats under the five-factor analysis 
including: destruction or modification of coastal and lowland habitats 
from urbanization and land conversion, nonnative plants, nonnative 
ungulates, and wildfire (Factor A); predation by nonnative ants and the 
western yellow jacket wasp (Factor C); inadequate protection from 
threats by existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor D); and other natural 
or manmade factors, such as small population size (Factor E).
    Under Factor A (``Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, 
or Curtailment of the Habitat or Range''), we evaluated the effects of: 
(1) Urbanization and land use conversion; (2) nonnative plant species; 
(3) nonnative ungulates; (4) fire; (5) recreational activities; (6) 
stochastic events, such as hurricanes and droughts; and (7) climate 
change.
    Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimilans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. 
kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. mana are known from native coastal, 
lowland dry, and lowland mesic habitats. These habitats have been 
severely altered and degraded over the past 200 years due to land 
management practices such as agriculture and urban development, and 
from the impacts of nonnative species, fire, recreational activities, 
and stochastic events (e.g., hurricanes and drought). The loss of 
native coastal and lowland dry habitats in the main Hawaiian Islands is 
estimated to be more than 75 percent and 90 percent, respectively 
(Bruegmann 1996, p. 26; Juvik and Juvik 1998, p. 124; Xerces Society 
2009, p. 23). Additionally, native coastal and lowland habitats 
continue to become increasingly fragmented due to a variety of factors, 
thereby reducing the ability of the seven Hylaeus species to locate 
host plants to forage for nectar and pollen and to locate suitable 
nesting sites. In particular, coastal and lowland dry habitats remain 
popular for land use and development. During surveys conducted between 
1998 and 2007, the five Hylaeus species collected by Perkins over 100 
years ago (Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimilans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, 
and H. longiceps), were largely absent from almost all of their 
historically known locations. Hylaeus kuakea and H. mana were 
discovered relatively recently, and we lack information that would 
conclusively establish their historical range. Based on our assessment 
of the best available information, we believe degradation and 
destruction of native coastal and lowland habitats due to past and 
present land management practices, such as agriculture and urban 
development, pose a significant threat to the seven Hylaeus species 
throughout their ranges now and will likely continue for the 
foreseeable future.
    The spread of nonnative plants and the conversion of coastal and 
lowland native habitat to nonnative habitat are believed to be primary 
causes of the decline of, and current threats to, the known populations 
of each of the seven Hylaeus species. The seven Hylaeus species depend 
on native plants for nectar and pollen and are almost entirely absent 
from habitat dominated by nonnative plants. Many of the native plants 
used as foraging resources by the adults of the seven Hylaeus species 
are declining due to competition with nonnative plants and a lack of 
native pollinators that actually pollinate while collecting nectar. For 
example, H. anthracinus and H. longiceps forage on three federally 
endangered plants (Chamaesyce celastroides var. kaenana, Hedyotis 
coriacea, and Sesbania tomentosa). To compound our concerns, inadequate 
regulatory control (see Factor D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory 
Mechanisms) has led to and continues to contribute to an ever 
increasing number of nonnative plant species introductions to the 
Hawaiian Islands. Once established, nonnative plant species are quickly 
spread by intrastate commerce, birds, people, feral ungulates, and on 
their own, and result in the rapid alteration and degradation of the 
native plant communities upon which these seven Hawaiian yellow-faced 
bees depend. Therefore, based on our assessment of the best available 
information, we believe degradation and destruction of native coastal 
and lowland habitat due to nonnative plants poses a significant threat 
to the seven Hylaeus species throughout their ranges now and will 
likely continue for the foreseeable future.
    Nonnative ungulates (e.g., pigs, goats, axis deer, and cattle) are 
one of the primary causes of the alteration and degradation of native 
vegetation and habitat in the Hawaiian Islands. Because feral ungulate 
populations are managed by the State for the enhancement of State Game 
Management Units and because there is no regulatory mechanism for their 
control or elimination (see Factor A. Habitat Destruction and 
Modification by Nonnative Ungulates), it is expected that this threat 
will continue to impact the habitat of the seven yellow-faced bees 
addressed in this finding. Habitat degradation and destruction, due to 
their direct effects of trampling and consuming native plants and 
indirect effects of rooting, erosion, and spreading seeds and fruits of 
nonnative plants, pose a significant threat to the seven Hylaeus 
species throughout their ranges now and will likely continue for the 
foreseeable future.
    Fire is a human-exacerbated threat to native species and natural 
vegetation in Hawaii. Fire can kill most native trees and shrubs, and 
in a burned area native plants are usually replaced by nonnative plants 
adapted to survive and regenerate after fire. The seven Hylaeus bees

[[Page 55195]]

primarily occur in coastal, lowland dry, and lowland mesic habitat 
areas that are particularly prone to the impacts of fire. Repeated 
fires in these areas often result in the conversion of native-dominated 
vegetation to nonnative-dominated vegetation. Fires enable fire-
adapted, nonnative plants to gain a competitive edge over native 
plants, resulting in the replacement of native plants used for foraging 
by Hylaeus bees with nonnative plants that are not used by the bees for 
foraging. Although there are management plans in place to address the 
threat of fire in many areas of the State, fires continue to occur 
annually across the State and threaten the future existence of known 
yellow-faced bee habitat and population sites (see Factor A. Habitat 
Destruction and Modification by Fire). For these reasons, we conclude 
fire remains a significant threat to the seven Hylaeus species 
throughout their ranges in coastal, lowland dry, and lowland mesic 
habitats, and will likely continue for the foreseeable future.
    While trampling and compaction of vegetation from human activities 
may negatively impact the habitat of some populations of the seven 
Hylaeus bees, we conclude recreational activities are not a threat to 
Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, 
H. longiceps, and H. mana throughout their ranges.
    We are concerned about the effects of projected climate change, 
particularly rising temperatures and their impact on Hylaeus spp. host 
plants; however, we recognize there is limited information on the exact 
nature of impacts from climate change. Because the specific and 
cumulative effects of climate change on the seven Hylaeus bees are 
presently unknown, any conclusion regarding the immediacy and 
significance of the threat from climate change would be speculative. 
However, the effects of climate change are expected to exacerbate and 
compound the many ongoing threats facing these species and their 
habitat (e.g., frequency of wildfire, reduced precipitation, etc.).
    Based on our evaluation of Factor A, using the best available 
scientific and commercial information as summarized above, we conclude 
the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of 
the habitat or range of Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimilans, H. facilis, 
H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. mana presents a significant 
threat to these seven Hylaeus species across their ranges.
    Under Factor B (``Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, 
Scientific, or Educational Purposes''), we determined six of the seven 
Hylaeus species are not threatened by over-collection. We examined 
whether H. hilaris was potentially vulnerable to over-collection 
because it is inherently rare, known from only one location, and has a 
cleptoparasitic life history. However, because this species is easily 
recognizable, we see little reason for scientists to retain specimens 
observed in the field during future collections. In addition, because 
it occurs in habitat that is protected and managed by TNC, we find 
overutilization is not a threat to H. hilaris throughout its range. 
Furthermore, recreational or insect enthusiast collection of the seven 
Hylaeus bees does not appear to be a threat to any of these species.
    Under Factor C (``Disease or Predation''), we found no evidence 
that disease is currently impacting the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced 
bees, or that disease outbreaks will increase in the future. Ants are 
found in habitats throughout the Hawaiian Islands, are known to prey 
upon Hylaeus bees, and are reported to have eliminated Hylaeus species 
from specific areas where their ranges overlap. Because ants are easily 
able to widely disperse and are efficient predators, and because 
Hylaeus species are not adapted to avoid ant predation, we believe this 
threat will continue to threaten all populations of all seven yellow-
faced bees. Therefore, we conclude predation by ants is an ongoing and 
significant threat to the seven Hylaeus bees across their entire 
ranges, and this threat is likely to continue into the future.
    Yellow jacket wasps are aggressive, generalist predators found in 
the same types of habitats as these seven Hylaeus species, and have 
been documented preying upon other Hawaiian Hylaeus bees. Therefore, we 
conclude yellow jacket wasp predation is a significant threat to the 
seven Hylaeus bees across their entire ranges and particularly to those 
species known from two or fewer population sites. The best available 
information does not suggest predation by native and nonnative 
parasitoid wasps is a significant threat to the seven Hylaeus bees.
    Under Factor D (``Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms''), 
we consider the threat from inadequate regulatory mechanisms to be 
immediate and significant. The State of Hawaii's current management of 
nonnative game mammals does not adequately address the primary threats 
to Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. 
kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. mana or their habitat (Factor A). Existing 
State and Federal regulatory mechanisms are not adequately preventing 
the introduction and spread of nonnative animal and habitat-altering 
plant species between islands and watersheds (Factor A), and predation 
by nonnative animal species (Factor C) poses a major ongoing threat to 
the seven Hylaeus species. In addition, existing regulatory mechanisms 
are inadequate to prevent the introduction and spread of nonnative 
insect predators, or competitors that directly compete with one or more 
of the seven bee species for food, space, and other necessary resources 
(see Factors C and E). Based on our evaluation of Factor D, we conclude 
that the seven Hylaeus bee species are threatened by inadequate 
existing regulatory mechanisms across their ranges.
    Under Factor E (``Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the 
Species' Continued Existence''), we determined that small population 
size is a significant threat to Hylaeus facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, 
and H. mana. These species are each only known from one or two 
populations, and the risk of extinction from stochastic events (e.g., 
hurricanes, wildfires, and drought) is high. We have also determined 
that competition with the European honey bee is a potentially 
significant threat to all seven species. While we lack information 
indicating Hawaiian Hylaeus populations have declined because of 
competition with the European honey bee for nectar and pollen, the 
native Hylaeus and the European honey bee are competing for the same 
pollen and nectar resources. However, we have no information indicating 
that competition is at a level that represents a threat to the seven 
Hylaeus species addressed in this finding.
    We found that competition for nectar and pollen with other species 
of nonnative bees or parasitoid wasps is not a threat to the seven 
Hylaeus bees at this time. Based on our evaluation under Factor E as 
summarized above, we conclude Hylaeus facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, 
and H. mana are threatened because of their small population size 
across their ranges.
    On the basis of the best scientific and commercial information 
available, we find that the petitioned action, listing the seven 
species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees (Hylaeus anthracinus, H. 
assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. 
mana) as endangered or threatened is warranted. We will make a 
determination on the status of these species as endangered or 
threatened when we prepare a proposed listing determination. However, 
as explained in more detail below, an immediate proposal of a 
regulation implementing this action is precluded by higher priority 
listing actions, and

[[Page 55196]]

progress is being made to add or remove qualified species from the 
Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.
    We reviewed the available information to determine if the existing 
and foreseeable threats render any of the seven Hawaiian yellow-faced 
bee species at risk of extinction now such that issuing an emergency 
regulation temporarily listing the species under section 4(b)(7) of the 
Act is warranted. We determined that issuing an emergency regulation 
temporarily listing these species is not warranted at this time for the 
following reasons. Although populations are small, five of the seven 
species occur in several discrete localities, and we do not believe 
there are any potential threats of such great immediacy, severity, or 
scope that would simultaneously threaten all of the known populations 
of these five species with the imminent risk of extinction. Although 
Hylaeus hilaris is known from one population on the northwest coast 
within TNC's Moomomi Preserve on Molokai, and H. mana is known from one 
population along the Manana Trail in the Koolau Mountains on Oahu, 
within the State's Ewa Forest Reserve, we are unaware of any potential 
threats in either of these areas that would threaten these populations 
with the imminent risk of extinction. However, if at any time we 
determine that issuing an emergency regulation temporarily listing any 
of these seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees is warranted, we 
will initiate this action at that time.

Listing Priority Number

    The Service adopted guidelines on September 21, 1983 (48 FR 43098), 
to establish a rational system for utilizing available resources for 
the highest priority species when adding species to the Lists of 
Endangered or Threatened Wildlife and Plants or reclassifying species 
listed as threatened to endangered status. These guidelines, titled 
``Endangered and Threatened Species Listing and Recovery Priority 
Guidelines,'' address the immediacy and magnitude of threats, and the 
level of taxonomic distinctiveness by assigning priority in descending 
order to monotypic genera (genus with one species), full species, and 
subspecies (or equivalently, distinct population segments of 
vertebrates). We assigned the seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced 
bees a Listing Priority Number (LPN) of 2, based on our finding that 
the seven species face threats that are of high magnitude and are 
imminent. This is the highest priority that can be provided to a 
species under our guidance.
    Threats to the seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees include 
the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of 
their habitat, predation, the inadequacy of existing regulatory 
mechanisms, and other natural or manmade factors. One or more of the 
threats are occurring in each of the seven species' known populations 
in the Hawaiian Islands. These threats are ongoing and, in some cases 
(such as nonnative species), are considered irreversible. Our rationale 
for assigning each of the seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees 
an LPN 2 is outlined below.
    Under the Service's LPN Guidance, the magnitude of threat is the 
first criterion we look at when establishing a listing priority. The 
guidance indicates that species with the highest magnitude of threat 
are those species facing the greatest threats to their continued 
existence. These species receive the highest listing priority. The 
threats facing the seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees are high 
in magnitude because the major threats (destruction or modification of 
their habitat, predation, inadequate protection from threats by 
existing regulatory mechanisms, and other natural or manmade factors) 
occur throughout all of the ranges of each of the seven species.
    Based on an evaluation of the effects of urbanization and land use 
conversion, nonnative plants and ungulates, fire, and stochastic events 
on the coastal and lowland habitat of each of the seven Hylaeus bees, 
we determined these effects occur throughout the range of each species 
and will continue to occur into the future. While habitat degradation 
and destruction continues to reduce the amount of potentially suitable 
habitat available for foraging, predation by nonnative ants and likely 
predation by yellow jacket wasps are a significant threat to the seven 
species throughout their ranges, and, lacking any viable means of their 
control, will continue to occur into the future. Regulations are not in 
place at the local, State, or Federal level to adequately minimize the 
threat of habitat degradation and destruction from nonnative plants and 
ungulates. In addition, existing regulatory mechanisms are inadequate 
to prevent the introduction and spread of nonnative insect predators or 
competitors. We determined these threats occur throughout the range of 
each of the seven species of Hylaeus bees and will continue to occur 
into the future unless restriction on the introduction and the control 
of, nonnative plants and animals, are put in place. We believe the 
ability of the populations of the seven Hylaeus bees to stabilize or 
increase over the long term is highly diminished given the widespread 
landscape-level changes and the threats from predation and competition 
that are occurring. Thus, we believe the available information 
indicates the magnitude of threats is high.
    Under our LPN Guidance, the second criterion we consider in 
assigning a listing priority is the immediacy of threats. This 
criterion is intended to ensure species that face actual, identifiable 
threats are given priority over those for which threats are only 
potential or that are intrinsically vulnerable but are not known to be 
presently facing such threats. The threats to the seven Hawaiian 
yellow-faced bees are imminent because we have factual information that 
the threats are identifiable, and that all of the seven species are 
currently facing these threats throughout all portions of their ranges. 
The identifiable threats are covered in detail under the discussion of 
Factors A and E of this finding and include destruction or modification 
of their habitat, predation, inadequate existing regulatory mechanisms, 
and other natural or manmade factors such as small population size. In 
addition to their current existence, we expect these threats to 
continue and likely intensify into the foreseeable future.
    The third criterion in our LPN guidance is intended to devote 
resources to those species representing highly distinctive or isolated 
gene pools as reflected by taxonomy. The seven Hawaiian yellow-faced 
bees are valid taxa at the species level, and therefore receive a 
higher priority than subspecies or distinct population segments, but a 
lower priority than species in a monotypic genus.
    The seven Hawaiian yellow-faced bees face high magnitude, imminent 
threats, and are valid taxa at the species level. Thus, in accordance 
with our LPN guidance, we have assigned each of the seven Hawaiian 
yellow-faced bees an LPN of 2. We will continue to monitor the threats 
to the seven Hylaeus bees and the species' status on an annual basis; 
should the magnitude or the imminence of the threats change, we will 
revisit our assessment of the LPN.
    Work on a proposed listing determination for Hylaeus anthracinus, 
H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. 
mana is precluded by work on higher priority listing actions with 
absolute statutory, court-ordered, or court-approved deadlines and 
final listing

[[Page 55197]]

determinations for those species that were proposed for listing with 
funds from Fiscal Year 2011. This work includes all the actions listed 
in the tables below under expeditious progress.

Preclusion and Expeditious Progress

    Preclusion is a function of the listing priority of a species in 
relation to the resources that are available and the cost and relative 
priority of competing demands for those resources. Thus, in any given 
fiscal year (FY), multiple factors dictate whether it will be possible 
to undertake work on a listing proposal regulation or whether 
promulgation of such a proposal is precluded by higher priority listing 
actions.
    The resources available for listing actions are determined through 
the annual Congressional appropriations process. The appropriation for 
the Listing Program is available to support work involving the 
following listing actions: Proposed and final listing rules; 90-day and 
12-month findings on petitions to add species to the Lists of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (Lists) or to change the 
status of a species from threatened to endangered; annual 
``resubmitted'' petition findings on prior warranted-but-precluded 
petition findings as required under section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Act; 
critical habitat petition findings; proposed and final rules 
designating critical habitat; and litigation-related, administrative, 
and program-management functions (including preparing and allocating 
budgets, responding to Congressional and public inquiries, and 
conducting public outreach regarding listing and critical habitat). The 
work involved in preparing various listing documents can be extensive 
and may include, but is not limited to: Gathering and assessing the 
best scientific and commercial data available and conducting analyses 
used as the basis for our decisions; writing and publishing documents; 
and obtaining, reviewing, and evaluating public comments and peer 
review comments on proposed rules and incorporating relevant 
information into final rules. The number of listing actions that we can 
undertake in a given year also is influenced by the complexity of those 
listing actions; that is, more complex actions generally are more 
costly. The median cost for preparing and publishing a 90-day finding 
is $39,276; for a 12-month finding, $100,690; for a proposed rule with 
critical habitat, $345,000; and for a final listing rule with critical 
habitat, $305,000.
    We cannot spend more than is appropriated for the Listing Program 
without violating the Anti-Deficiency Act (see 31 U.S.C. 
1341(a)(1)(A)). In addition, in FY 1998 and for each fiscal year since 
then, Congress has placed a statutory cap on funds that may be expended 
for the Listing Program, equal to the amount expressly appropriated for 
that purpose in that fiscal year. This cap was designed to prevent 
funds appropriated for other functions under the Act (for example, 
recovery funds for removing species from the Lists), or for other 
Service programs, from being used for Listing Program actions (see 
House Report 105-163, 105th Congress, 1st Session, July 1, 1997).
    Since FY 2002, the Service's budget has included a critical habitat 
subcap to ensure that some funds are available for other work in the 
Listing Program (``The critical habitat designation subcap will ensure 
that some funding is available to address other listing activities'' 
(House Report No. 107-103, 107th Congress, 1st Session, June 19, 
2001)). In FY 2002 and each year until FY 2006, the Service has had to 
use virtually the entire critical habitat subcap to address court-
mandated designations of critical habitat, and consequently none of the 
critical habitat subcap funds have been available for other listing 
activities. In some FYs since 2006, we have been able to use some of 
the critical habitat subcap funds to fund proposed listing 
determinations for high-priority candidate species. In other FYs, while 
we were unable to use any of the critical habitat subcap funds to fund 
proposed listing determinations, we did use some of this money to fund 
the critical habitat portion of some proposed listing determinations so 
that the proposed listing determination and proposed critical habitat 
designation could be combined into one rule, thereby being more 
efficient in our work. At this time, for FY 2011, we plan to use some 
of the critical habitat subcap funds to fund proposed listing 
determinations.
    We make our determinations of preclusion on a nationwide basis to 
ensure that the species most in need of listing will be addressed first 
and also because we allocate our listing budget on a nationwide basis. 
Through the listing cap, the critical habitat subcap, and the amount of 
funds needed to address court-mandated critical habitat designations, 
Congress and the courts have in effect determined the amount of money 
available for other listing activities nationwide. Therefore, the funds 
in the listing cap, other than those needed to address court-mandated 
critical habitat for already listed species, set the limits on our 
determinations of preclusion and expeditious progress.
    Congress identified the availability of resources as the only basis 
for deferring the initiation of a rulemaking that is warranted. The 
Conference Report accompanying Pub. L. 97-304 (Endangered Species Act 
Amendments of 1982), which established the current statutory deadlines 
and the warranted-but-precluded finding, states that the amendments 
were ``not intended to allow the Secretary to delay commencing the 
rulemaking process for any reason other than that the existence of 
pending or imminent proposals to list species subject to a greater 
degree of threat would make allocation of resources to such a petition 
[that is, for a lower-ranking species] unwise.'' Although that 
statement appeared to refer specifically to the ``to the maximum extent 
practicable'' limitation on the 90-day deadline for making a 
``substantial information'' finding, that finding is made at the point 
when the Service is deciding whether or not to commence a status review 
that will determine the degree of threats facing the species, and 
therefore the analysis underlying the statement is more relevant to the 
use of the warranted-but-precluded finding, which is made when the 
Service has already determined the degree of threats facing the species 
and is deciding whether or not to commence a rulemaking.
    In FY 2011, on April 15, 2011, Congress passed the Full-Year 
Continuing Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 112-10), which provides funding 
through September 30, 2011. The Service has $20,902,000 for the listing 
program. Of that, $9,472,000 is being used for determinations of 
critical habitat for already listed species. Also $500,000 is 
appropriated for foreign species listings under the Act. The Service 
thus has $10,930,000 available to fund work in the following 
categories: Compliance with court orders and court-approved settlement 
agreements requiring that petition findings or listing determinations 
be completed by a specific date; section 4 (of the Act) listing actions 
with absolute statutory deadlines; essential litigation-related, 
administrative, and listing program-management functions; and high-
priority listing actions for some of our candidate species. In FY 2010, 
the Service received many new petitions and a single petition to list 
404 species. The receipt of petitions for a large number of species is 
consuming the Service's listing funding that is not dedicated to 
meeting court-ordered commitments. Absent some ability to balance 
effort among listing duties

[[Page 55198]]

under existing funding levels, the Service is only able to initiate a 
few new listing determinations for candidate species in FY 2011.
    In 2009, the responsibility for listing foreign species under the 
Act was transferred from the Division of Scientific Authority, 
International Affairs Program, to the Endangered Species Program. 
Therefore, starting in FY 2010, we used a portion of our funding to 
work on the actions described above for listing actions related to 
foreign species. In FY 2011, we anticipate using $1,500,000 for work on 
listing actions for foreign species, which reduces funding available 
for domestic listing actions; however, currently only $500,000 has been 
allocated for this function. Although there are no foreign species 
issues included in our high-priority listing actions at this time, many 
actions have statutory or court-approved settlement deadlines, thus 
increasing their priority. The budget allocations for each specific 
listing action are identified in the Service's FY 2011 Allocation Table 
(part of our record).
    We assigned each of the seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees 
an LPN of 2, based on our finding that each species faces immediate and 
high magnitude threats from the present or threatened destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of its habitat, the threat of predation 
from and competition with nonnative species, and from the inadequacy of 
existing regulatory mechanisms. In addition, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. 
kuakea, and H. mana are each significantly threatened by small 
population size. Under our 1983 Guidelines, a ``species'' facing 
imminent high-magnitude threats is assigned an LPN of 1, 2, or 3 
depending on its taxonomic status. Because H. anthracinus, H. 
assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. 
mana are species, we assigned each an LPN of 2 (the highest category 
available for a species). For the above reasons, funding a proposed 
listing determination for the seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced 
bees is precluded by court-ordered and court-approved settlement 
agreements, listing actions with absolute statutory deadlines, and work 
on proposed listing determinations for those candidate species with a 
higher listing priority.
    Based on our September 21, 1983, guidelines for assigning an LPN 
for each candidate species (48 FR 43098), we have a significant number 
of species with a LPN of 2. Using these guidelines, we assign each 
candidate an LPN of 1 to 12, depending on the magnitude of threats 
(high or moderate to low), immediacy of threats (imminent or 
nonimminent), and taxonomic status of the species (in order of 
priority: monotypic genus (a species that is the sole member of a 
genus); species; or part of a species (subspecies, or distinct 
population segment)). The lower the listing priority number, the higher 
the listing priority (that is, a species with an LPN of 1 would have 
the highest listing priority).
    Because of the large number of high-priority species, we have 
further ranked the candidate species with an LPN of 2 by using the 
following extinction-risk type criteria: International Union for the 
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red list status/
rank, Heritage rank (provided by NatureServe), Heritage threat rank 
(provided by NatureServe), and species currently with fewer than 50 
individuals, or 4 or fewer populations. Those species with the highest 
IUCN rank (critically endangered), the highest Heritage rank (G1), the 
highest Heritage threat rank (substantial, imminent threats), and 
currently with fewer than 50 individuals, or fewer than 4 populations, 
originally comprised a group of approximately 40 candidate species 
(``Top 40''). These 40 candidate species have had the highest priority 
to receive funding to work on a proposed listing determination. As we 
work on proposed and final listing rules for those 40 candidates, we 
apply the ranking criteria to the next group of candidates with an LPN 
of 2 and 3 to determine the next set of highest priority candidate 
species. Finally, proposed rules for reclassification of threatened 
species to endangered species are lower priority, because as listed 
species, they are already afforded the protections of the Act and 
implementing regulations. However, for efficiency reasons, we may 
choose to work on a proposed rule to reclassify a species to endangered 
if we can combine this with work that is subject to a court-determined 
deadline.
    With our workload so much bigger than the amount of funds we have 
to accomplish it, it is important that we be as efficient as possible 
in our listing process. Therefore, as we work on proposed rules for the 
highest priority species in the next several years, we are preparing 
multi-species proposals when appropriate, and these may include species 
with lower priority if they overlap geographically or have the same 
threats as a species with an LPN of 2. In addition, we take into 
consideration the availability of staff resources when we determine 
which high-priority species will receive funding to minimize the amount 
of time and resources required to complete each listing action.
    As explained above, a determination that listing is warranted but 
precluded must also demonstrate that expeditious progress is being made 
to add and remove qualified species to and from the Lists of Endangered 
and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. As with our ``precluded'' finding, 
the evaluation of whether progress in adding qualified species to the 
Lists has been expeditious is a function of the resources available for 
listing and the competing demands for those funds. (Although we do not 
discuss it in detail here, we are also making expeditious progress in 
removing species from the list under the Recovery program in light of 
the resource available for delisting, which is funded by a separate 
line item in the budget of the Endangered Species Program. So far 
during FY 2011, we have completed delisting rules for three species.) 
Given the limited resources available for listing, we find that we are 
making expeditious progress in FY 2011 in the Listing Program. This 
progress included preparing and publishing the following 
determinations:

                                        FY 2011 Completed Listing Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Publication date                  Title                   Actions                     FR pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/6/2010..................  Endangered Status for the   Proposed Listing.....  75 FR 61664-61690
                              Altamaha Spinymussel and   Endangered...........
                              Designation of Critical
                              Habitat.
10/7/2010..................  12-month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     75 FR 62070-62095
                              Petition To list the        petition finding,
                              Sacramento Splittail as     Not warranted.
                              Endangered or Threatened.
10/28/2010.................  Endangered Status and       Proposed Listing       75 FR 66481-66552
                              Designation of Critical     Endangered
                              Habitat for Spikedace and   (uplisting).
                              Loach Minnow.
11/2/2010..................  90[dash]Day Finding on a    Notice of 90-day       75 FR 67341-67343
                              Petition To List the Bay    Petition Finding,
                              Springs Salamander as       Not substantial.
                              Endangered.

[[Page 55199]]

 
11/2/2010..................  Determination of            Final Listing          75 FR 67511-67550
                              Endangered Status for the   Endangered.
                              Georgia Pigtoe Mussel,
                              Interrupted Rocksnail,
                              and Rough Hornsnail and
                              Designation of Critical
                              Habitat.
11/2/2010..................  Listing the Rayed Bean and  Proposed Listing       75 FR 67551-67583
                              Snuffbox as Endangered.     Endangered.
11/4/2010..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     75 FR 67925-67944
                              Petition To List Cirsium    petition finding,
                              wrightii (Wright's Marsh    Warranted but
                              Thistle) as Endangered or   precluded.
                              Threatened.
12/14/2010.................  Endangered Status for       Proposed Listing       75 FR 77801-77817
                              Dunes Sagebrush Lizard.     Endangered.
12/14/2010.................  12[dash]Month Finding on a  Notice of 12-month     75 FR 78029-78061
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              North American Wolverine    Warranted but
                              as Endangered or            precluded.
                              Threatened.
12/14/2010.................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-Month     75 FR 78093-78146
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Sonoran Population of the   Warranted but
                              Desert Tortoise as          precluded.
                              Endangered or Threatened.
12/15/2010.................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     75 FR 78513-78556
                              Petition To List            petition finding,
                              Astragalus microcymbus      Warranted but
                              and Astragalus schmolliae   precluded.
                              as Endangered or
                              Threatened.
12/28/2010.................  Listing Seven Brazilian     Final Listing          75 FR 81793-81815
                              Bird Species as             Endangered.
                              Endangered Throughout
                              Their Range.
1/4/2011...................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 304-311
                              Petition To List the Red    Petition Finding,
                              Knot subspecies Calidris    Not substantial.
                              canutus roselaari as
                              Endangered.
1/19/2011..................  Endangered Status for the   Proposed Listing       76 FR 3392-3420
                              Sheepnose and               Endangered.
                              Spectaclecase Mussels.
2/10/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 7634-7679
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Pacific Walrus as           Warranted but
                              Endangered or Threatened.   precluded.
2/17/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 9309-9318
                              Petition To List the Sand   Petition Finding,
                              Verbena Moth as             Substantial.
                              Endangered or Threatened.
2/22/2011..................  Determination of            Final Listing          76 FR 9681-9692
                              Threatened Status for the   Threatened.
                              New Zealand-Australia
                              Distinct Population
                              Segment of the Southern
                              Rockhopper Penguin.
2/22/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 9722-9733
                              Petition To List Solanum    petition finding,
                              conocarpum (marron          Warranted but
                              bacora) as Endangered.      precluded.
2/23/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 9991-10003
                              Petition To List Thorne's   petition finding,
                              Hairstreak Butterfly as     Not warranted.
                              Endangered.
2/23/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 10166-10203
                              Petition To List            petition finding,
                              Astragalus hamiltonii,      Warranted but
                              Penstemon flowersii,        precluded & Not
                              Eriogonum soredium,         Warranted.
                              Lepidium ostleri, and
                              Trifolium friscanum as
                              Endangered or Threatened.
2/24/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 10299-10310
                              Petition To List the Wild   Petition Finding,
                              Plains Bison or Each of     Not substantial.
                              Four Distinct Population
                              Segments as Threatened.
2/24/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 10310-10319
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Unsilvered Fritillary       Not substantial.
                              Butterfly as Threatened
                              or Endangered.
3/8/2011...................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 12667-12683
                              Petition To List the Mt.    petition finding,
                              Charleston Blue Butterfly   Warranted but
                              as Endangered or            precluded.
                              Threatened.
3/8/2011...................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 12683-12690
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Texas Kangaroo Rat as       Substantial.
                              Endangered or Threatened.
3/10/2011..................  Initiation of Status        Notice of Status       76 FR 13121-13122
                              Review for Longfin Smelt.   Review.
3/15/2011..................  Withdrawal of Proposed      Proposed rule          76 FR 14210-14268
                              Rule To List the Flat-      withdrawal.
                              Tailed Horned Lizard as
                              Threatened.
3/15/2011..................  Proposed Threatened Status  Proposed Listing       76 FR 14126-14207
                              for the Chiricahua          Threatened; Proposed
                              Leopard Frog and Proposed   Designation of
                              Designation of Critical     Critical Habitat.
                              Habitat.
3/22/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 15919-15932
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Berry Cave Salamander as    Warranted but
                              Endangered.                 precluded.
4/1/2011...................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 18138-18143
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Spring Pygmy Sunfish as     Substantial.
                              Endangered.
4/5/2011...................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 18684-18701
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Bearmouth Mountainsnail,    Not Warranted and
                              Byrne Resort                Warranted but
                              Mountainsnail, and          precluded.
                              Meltwater Lednian
                              Stonefly as Endangered or
                              Threatened.
4/5/2011...................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 18701-18706
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Peary Caribou and Dolphin   Substantial.
                              and Union Population of
                              the Barren-Ground Caribou
                              as Endangered or
                              Threatened.
4/12/2011..................  Proposed Endangered Status  Proposed Listing       76 FR 20464-20488
                              for the Three Forks         Endangered; Proposed
                              Springsnail and San         Designation of
                              Bernardino Springsnail,     Critical Habitat.
                              and Proposed Designation
                              of Critical Habitat.
4/13/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 20613-20622
                              Petition To List Spring     Petition Finding,
                              Mountains Acastus           Substantial.
                              Checkerspot Butterfly as
                              Endangered.
4/14/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 20911-20918
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Prairie Chub as             Substantial.
                              Threatened or Endangered.
4/14/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 20918-20939
                              Petition To List Hermes     petition finding,
                              Copper Butterfly as         Warranted but
                              Endangered or Threatened.   precluded.
4/26/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 23256-23265
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Arapahoe Snowfly as         Substantial.
                              Endangered or Threatened.
4/26/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 23265-23271
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Smooth-Billed Ani as        Not substantial.
                              Threatened or Endangered.
5/12/2011..................  Withdrawal of the Proposed  Proposed Rule,         76 FR 27756-27799
                              Rule To List the Mountain   Withdrawal.
                              Plover as Threatened.

[[Page 55200]]

 
5/25/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 30082-30087
                              Petition To List the Spot-  Petition Finding,
                              Tailed Earless Lizard as    Substantial.
                              Endangered or Threatened.
5/26/2011..................  Listing the Salmon-Crested  Final Listing          76 FR 30758-30780
                              Cockatoo as Threatened      Threatened.
                              Throughout Its Range With
                              Special Rule.
5/31/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 31282-31294
                              Petition To List Puerto     petition finding,
                              Rican Harlequin Butterfly   Warranted but
                              as Endangered.              precluded.
6/2/2011...................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 31903-31906
                              Petition To Reclassify      Petition Finding,
                              the Straight-Horned         Substantial.
                              Markhor (Capra falconeri
                              jerdoni) of Torghar Hills
                              as Threatened.
6/2/2011...................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 31920-31926
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Golden-Winged Warbler as    Substantial.
                              Endangered or Threatened.
6/7/2011...................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 32911-32929
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Striped Newt as             Warranted but
                              Threatened.                 precluded.
6/9/2011...................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 33924-33965
                              Petition To List Abronia    petition finding,
                              ammophila, Agrostis         Not Warranted and
                              rossiae, Astragalus         Warranted but
                              proimanthus, Boechera       precluded.
                              (Arabis) pusilla, and
                              Penstemon gibbensii as
                              Threatened or Endangered.
6/21/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 36049-36053
                              Petition To List the Utah   Petition Finding,
                              Population of the Gila      Not substantial.
                              Monster as an Endangered
                              or a Threatened Distinct
                              Population Segment.
6/21/2011..................  Revised 90-Day Finding on   Notice of 90-day       76 FR 36053-36068
                              a Petition To Reclassify    Petition Finding,
                              the Utah Prairie Dog From   Not substantial.
                              Threatened to Endangered.
6/28/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 37706-37716
                              Petition To List Castanea   petition finding,
                              pumila var. ozarkensis as   Not warranted.
                              Threatened or Endangered.
6/29/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 38095-38106
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Eastern Small-Footed Bat    Substantial.
                              and the Northern Long-
                              Eared Bat as Threatened
                              or Endangered.
6/30/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 38504-38532
                              Petition To List a          petition finding,
                              Distinct Population         Not warranted.
                              Segment of the Fisher in
                              Its United States
                              Northern Rocky Mountain
                              Range as Endangered or
                              Threatened With Critical
                              Habitat.
7/12/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 40868-40871
                              Petition To List the Bay    Petition Finding,
                              Skipper as Threatened or    Substantial.
                              Endangered.
7/19/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 42631-42654
                              Petition To List Pinus      petition finding,
                              albicaulis as Endangered    Warranted but
                              or Threatened With          precluded.
                              Critical Habitat.
7/19/2011..................  Petition To List Grand      Notice of 12-month     76 FR 42654-42658
                              Canyon Cave                 petition finding,
                              Pseudoscorpion.             Not warranted.
7/26/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 44547-44564
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Giant Palouse Earthworm     Not warranted.
                              (Drilolerius americanus)
                              as Threatened or
                              Endangered.
7/26/2011..................  12-month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 44566-44569
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Frigid Ambersnail as        Not warranted.
                              Endangered.
7/27/2011..................  Determination of            Final Listing          76 FR 45054-45075
                              Endangered Status for       Endangered,
                              Ipomopsis polyantha         Threatened.
                              (Pagosa Skyrocket) and
                              Threatened Status for
                              Penstemon debilis
                              (Parachute Beardtongue)
                              and Phacelia submutica
                              (DeBeque Phacelia).
7/27/2011..................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 45130-45162
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Gopher Tortoise as          Warranted but
                              Threatened in the Eastern   precluded.
                              Portion of Its Range.
8/2/2011...................  Proposed Endangered Status  Proposed Listing       76 FR 46218-46234
                              for the Chupadera           Endangered.
                              Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis
                              chupaderae) and Proposed
                              Designation of Critical
                              Habitat.
8/2/2011...................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 46238-46251
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Straight Snowfly and        Not substantial.
                              Idaho Snowfly as
                              Endangered.
8/2/2011...................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 46251-46266
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Redrock Stonefly as         Not warranted.
                              Endangered or Threatened.
8/2/2011...................  Listing 23 Species on Oahu  Proposed Listing       76 FR 46362-46594
                              as Endangered and           Endangered.
                              Designating Critical
                              Habitat for 124 Species.
8/4/2011...................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 47123-47133
                              Petition To List Six Sand   Petition Finding,
                              Dune Beetles as             Not substantial and
                              Endangered or Threatened.   substantial.
8/9/2011...................  Endangered Status for the   Final Listing          76 FR 48722-48741
                              Cumberland Darter, Rush     Endangered.
                              Darter, Yellowcheek
                              Darter, Chucky Madtom,
                              and Laurel Dace.
8/9/2011...................  12-Month Finding on a       Notice of 12-month     76 FR 48777-48788
                              Petition To List the        petition finding,
                              Nueces River and Plateau    Not warranted.
                              Shiners as Threatened or
                              Endangered.
8/9/2011...................  Four Foreign Parrot         Proposed Listing       76 FR 49202-49236
                              Species [crimson shining    Endangered and
                              parrot, white cockatoo,     Threatened; Notice
                              Philippine cockatoo,        of 12-month petition
                              yellow-crested cockatoo].   finding, Not
                                                          warranted.
8/10/2011..................  Proposed Listing of the     Proposed Listing       76 FR 49408-49412
                              Miami Blue Butterfly as     Endangered
                              Endangered, and Proposed    Similarity of
                              Listing of the Cassius      Appearance.
                              Blue, Ceraunus Blue, and
                              Nickerbean Blue
                              Butterflies as Threatened
                              Due to Similarity of
                              Appearance to the Miami
                              Blue Butterfly.

[[Page 55201]]

 
8/10/2011..................  90-Day Finding on a         Notice of 90-day       76 FR 49412-49417
                              Petition To List the        Petition Finding,
                              Saltmarsh Topminnow as      Substantial.
                              Threatened or Endangered
                              Under the Endangered
                              Species Act.
8/10/2011..................  Emergency Listing of the    Emergency Listing      76 FR 49542-49567
                              Miami Blue Butterfly as     Endangered
                              Endangered, and Emergency   Similarity of
                              Listing of the Cassius      Appearance.
                              Blue, Ceraunus Blue, and
                              Nickerbean Blue
                              Butterflies as Threatened
                              Due to Similarity of
                              Appearance to the Miami
                              Blue Butterfly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Our expeditious progress also includes work on listing actions that 
we funded in FY 2010 and FY 2011 but have not yet been completed to 
date. These actions are listed below. Actions in the top section of the 
table are being conducted under a deadline set by a court. Actions in 
the middle section of the table are being conducted to meet statutory 
timelines, that is, timelines required under the Act. Actions in the 
bottom section of the table are high-priority listing actions. These 
actions include work primarily on species with an LPN of 2, and, as 
discussed above, selection of these species is partially based on 
available staff resources, and when appropriate, include species with a 
lower priority if they overlap geographically or have the same threats 
as the species with the high priority. Including these species together 
in the same proposed rule results in considerable savings in time and 
funding, when compared to preparing separate proposed rules for each of 
them in the future.

       Actions Funded in FY 2010 and FY 2011 But Not Yet Completed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Species                               Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions Subject to Court Order/Settlement Agreement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 parrot species (military macaw,  12-month petition finding.
 yellow-billed parrot, red-
 crowned parrot, scarlet macaw)
 \5\.
4 parrot species (blue-headed      12-month petition finding.
 macaw, great green macaw, grey-
 cheeked parakeet, hyacinth
 macaw) \5\.
Longfin smelt....................  12-month petition finding.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Actions With Statutory Deadlines
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Casey's june beetle..............  Final listing determination.
6 Birds from Eurasia.............  Final listing determination.
5 Bird species from Colombia and   Final listing determination.
 Ecuador.
Queen Charlotte goshawk..........  Final listing determination.
Ozark hellbender \4\.............  Final listing determination.
Altamaha spinymussel \3\.........  Final listing determination.
6 Birds from Peru and Bolivia....  Final listing determination.
Loggerhead sea turtle (assist      Final listing determination.
 National Marine Fisheries
 Service) \5\.
2 mussels (rayed bean (LPN = 2),   Final listing determination.
 snuffbox No LPN) \5\.
CA golden trout \4\..............  12-month petition finding.
Black-footed albatross...........  12-month petition finding.
Mojave fringe-toed lizard \1\....  12-month petition finding.
Kokanee--Lake Sammamish            12-month petition finding.
 population \1\.
Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl \1\.  12-month petition finding.
Northern leopard frog............  12-month petition finding.
Tehachapi slender salamander.....  12-month petition finding.
Coqui Llanero....................  12-month petition finding/Proposed
                                    listing.
Dusky tree vole..................  12-month petition finding.
Leatherside chub (from 206         12-month petition finding.
 species petition).
Platte River caddisfly (from 206   12-month petition finding.
 species petition) \5\.
3 Texas moths (Ursia furtiva,      12-month petition finding.
 Sphingicampa blanchardi, Agapema
 galbina) (from 475 species
 petition).
3 South Arizona plants (Erigeron   12-month petition finding.
 piscaticus, Astragalus
 hypoxylus, Amoreuxia gonzalezii)
 (from 475 species petition).
5 Central Texas mussel species (3  12-month petition finding.
 from 475 species petition).
14 parrots (foreign species).....  12-month petition finding.
Mohave Ground Squirrel \1\.......  12-month petition finding.
Western gull-billed tern.........  12-month petition finding.
HI yellow-faced bees.............  12-month petition finding.
OK grass pink (Calopogon           12-month petition finding.
 oklahomensis) \1\.
Ashy storm-petrel \5\............  12-month petition finding.
Honduran emerald.................  12-month petition finding.
Southeastern pop. snowy plover &   90-day petition finding.
 wintering pop. of piping plover
 \1\.
Eagle Lake trout \1\.............  90-day petition finding.
32 Pacific Northwest mollusk       90-day petition finding.
 species (snails and slugs) \1\.
42 snail species (Nevada and       90-day petition finding.
 Utah).
Spring Mountains checkerspot       90-day petition finding.
 butterfly.
10 species of Great Basin          90-day petition finding.
 butterfly.
404 Southeast species............  90-day petition finding.
Franklin's bumble bee \4\........  90-day petition finding.

[[Page 55202]]

 
American eel \4\.................  90-day petition finding.
Leona's little blue \4\..........  90-day petition finding.
Aztec gilia \5\..................  90-day petition finding.
White-tailed ptarmigan \5\.......  90-day petition finding.
San Bernardino flying squirrel     90-day petition finding.
 \5\.
Bicknell's thrush \5\............  90-day petition finding.
Chimpanzee.......................  90-day petition finding.
Sonoran talussnail \5\...........  90-day petition finding.
2 AZ Sky Island plants             90-day petition finding.
 (Graptopetalum bartrami and
 Pectis imberbis) \5\.
I'iwi \5\........................  90-day petition finding.
Humboldt marten..................  90-day petition finding.
Desert massasauga................  90-day petition finding.
Western glacier stonefly (Zapada   90-day petition finding.
 glacier).
Thermophilic ostracod              90-day petition finding.
 (Potamocypris hunteri).
Sierra Nevada red fox \5\........  90-day petition finding.
Boreal toad (eastern or southern   90-day petition finding.
 Rocky Mtn population) \5\.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      High-Priority Listing Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 Maui-Nui candidate species \2\  Proposed listing.
 (17 plants, 3 tree snails) (14
 with LPN = 2, 2 with LPN = 3, 3
 with LPN = 8).
8 Gulf Coast mussels (southern     Proposed listing.
 kidneyshell (LPN = 2), round
 ebonyshell (LPN = 2), Alabama
 pearlshell (LPN = 2), southern
 sandshell (LPN = 5), fuzzy
 pigtoe (LPN = 5), Choctaw bean
 (LPN = 5), narrow pigtoe (LPN =
 5), and tapered pigtoe (LPN =
 11)) \4\.
Umtanum buckwheat (LPN = 2) and    Proposed listing.
 white bluffs bladderpod (LPN =
 9) \4\.
Grotto sculpin (LPN = 2) \4\.....  Proposed listing.
2 Arkansas mussels (Neosho mucket  Proposed listing.
 (LPN = 2) & Rabbitsfoot (LPN =
 9)) \4\.
Diamond darter (LPN = 2) \4\.....  Proposed listing.
Gunnison sage-grouse (LPN = 2)     Proposed listing.
 \4\.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger        Proposed listing.
 Beetle (LPN = 2) \5\.
Lesser prairie chicken (LPN = 2).  Proposed listing.
4 Texas salamanders (Austin blind  Proposed listing.
 salamander (LPN = 2), Salado
 salamander (LPN = 2), Georgetown
 salamander (LPN = 8), Jollyville
 Plateau (LPN = 8)) \3\.
5 SW aquatics (Gonzales Spring     Proposed listing.
 Snail (LPN = 2), Diamond Y
 springsnail (LPN = 2), Phantom
 springsnail (LPN = 2), Phantom
 Cave snail (LPN = 2), Diminutive
 amphipod (LPN = 2)) \3\.
2 Texas plants (Texas golden       Proposed listing.
 gladecress (Leavenworthia
 texana) (LPN = 2), Neches River
 rose-mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx)
 (LPN = 2)) \3\.
4 AZ plants (Acuna cactus          Proposed listing.
 (Echinomastus erectocentrus var.
 acunensis) (LPN = 3), Fickeisen
 plains cactus (Pediocactus
 peeblesianus fickeiseniae) (LPN
 = 3), Lemmon fleabane (Erigeron
 lemmonii) (LPN = 8), Gierisch
 mallow (Sphaeralcea gierischii)
 (LPN = 2)) \5\.
FL bonneted bat (LPN = 2) \3\....  Proposed listing.
3 Southern FL plants (Florida      Proposed listing.
 semaphore cactus (Consolea
 corallicola) (LPN = 2),
 shellmound applecactus (Harrisia
 (= Cereus) aboriginum (=
 gracilis)) (LPN = 2), Cape Sable
 thoroughwort (Chromolaena
 frustrata) (LPN = 2)) \5\.
21 Big Island (HI) species \5\     Proposed listing.
 (includes 8 candidate species--6
 plants and 2 animals; 4 with LPN
 = 2, 1 with LPN = 3, 1 with LPN
 = 4, 2 with LPN = 8).
12 Puget Sound prairie species (9  Proposed listing.
 subspecies of pocket gopher
 (Thomomys mazama ssp.) (LPN =
 3), streaked horned lark (LPN =
 3), Taylor's checkerspot (LPN =
 3), Mardon skipper (LPN = 8))
 \3\.
2 TN River mussels (fluted         Proposed listing.
 kidneyshell (LPN = 2), slabside
 pearlymussel (LPN = 2)) \5\.
Jemez Mountain salamander (LPN =   Proposed listing.
 2) \5\.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Funds for listing actions for these species were provided in
  previous FYs.
\2\ Although funds for these high-priority listing actions were provided
  in FY 2008 or 2009, due to the complexity of these actions and
  competing priorities, these actions are still being developed.
\3\ Partially funded with FY 2010 funds and FY 2011 funds.
\4\ Funded with FY 2010 funds.
\5\ Funded with FY 2011 funds.

    We have endeavored to make our listing actions as efficient and 
timely as possible, given the requirements of the relevant law and 
regulations, and constraints relating to workload and personnel. We are 
continually considering ways to streamline processes or achieve 
economies of scale, such as by batching related actions together. Given 
our limited budget for implementing section 4 of the Act, these actions 
described above collectively constitute expeditious progress.
    Hylaeus anthracinus, H. assimulans, H. facilis, H. hilaris, H. 
kuakea, H. longiceps, and H. mana will be added to the list of 
candidate species upon publication of this 12-month finding. We will 
continue to monitor the status of these species as new information 
becomes available. This review will determine if a change in status is 
warranted, including the need to make prompt use of emergency listing 
procedures.
    We intend that any proposed listing action for the seven species of 
Hawaiian yellow-faced bees will be as accurate as possible. Therefore, 
we will continue to accept additional information and comments from all 
concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or 
any other interested party concerning this finding.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in this document is 
available on the

[[Page 55203]]

Internet at http://www.regulations.gov and upon request from the 
Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this notice are the staff members of the 
Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Authority

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: August 22, 2011.
Daniel M. Ashe,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-22433 Filed 9-2-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P