[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3423-3432]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1043]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2011-0110; 4500030114]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on 
a Petition To List the `I'iwi as Endangered or Threatened

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of 90-day petition finding and initiation of status 
review.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 
90-day finding on a petition to list the `i'iwi (Vestiaria coccinea) as 
endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act), and designate critical habitat. Based on our review, we 
find that the petition presents substantial information indicating that 
listing the `i'iwi may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of 
this notice, we are initiating a review of the status of the species to 
determine if listing the `i'iwi as endangered or threatened is 
warranted. To ensure that this status review is comprehensive, we are 
requesting scientific and commercial data and other information 
regarding this species. Based on the status review, we will issue a 12-
month finding on the petition, which will address whether the 
petitioned action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of 
the Act.

DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we request 
that we receive information on or before March 26, 2012. Please note 
that if you are using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES 
section, below), the deadline for submitting an electronic comment is 
11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on this date. After March 26, 2012, you must 
submit information directly to the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife 
Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section below). Please note 
that we might not be able to fully address or incorporate information 
that we receive after the above requested date.

ADDRESSES: You may submit information by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Search for FWS-R1-ES-2011-0110, which is the docket number for this 
finding.
     U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2011-0110; Division of Policy and Directives 
Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 
2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.
    We will post all information we receive on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any 
personal information you provide us (see the Request for Information 
section below for more details).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Loyal Mehrhoff, Field Supervisor, 
Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 
3-122, Honolulu, HI 96850; by telephone (808-792-9400); or by facsimile 
(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:

Request for Information

    When we make a finding that a petition presents substantial 
information indicating that listing a species may be warranted, we are 
required to promptly review the status of the species (status review). 
For the status review to be complete and based on the best available 
scientific and commercial information, we request information on the 
`i'iwi from governmental agencies, the cultural community, the 
scientific community, industry, and any other interested parties. We 
seek information on:
    (1) The species' biology, range, and population trends, including:
    (a) Habitat requirements for feeding, breeding, and sheltering;
    (b) Genetics and taxonomy;
    (c) Historical and current range, including distribution patterns;
    (d) Historical and current population levels, and current and 
projected trends; and
    (e) Past and ongoing conservation measures for the species, its 
habitat, or both.
    (2) The factors that are the basis for making a listing 
determination for a species under section 4(a) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.), which are:
    (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.
    (3) The potential cumulative effects of these factors that may 
endanger or threaten the `i'iwi.
    (4) Management programs for the conservation of the `i'iwi.
    (5) The potential effects of climate change on the `i'iwi and its 
habitat.
    If, after the status review, we determine that listing the `i'iwi 
is warranted, we will propose critical habitat (see definition in 
section 3(5)(A) of the Act) under section 4 of the Act, to the maximum 
extent prudent and determinable, at the time we propose to list the 
species. Therefore, within the geographical range currently occupied by 
the `i'iwi, we also request data and information on:
    (1) What may constitute ``physical or biological features essential 
to the conservation of the species,''
    (2) Where these features are currently found, and
    (3) Whether any of these features may require special management 
considerations or protection.
    In addition, we request data and information on ``specific areas 
outside the geographical area occupied by the species'' that are 
``essential to the conservation of the species.'' Please provide 
specific comments and information as to what, if any, critical habitat 
you think we should propose for designation if the species is proposed 
for listing, and why such habitat meets the requirements of section 4 
of the Act.
    Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as 
scientific journal articles or other publications) to allow us to 
verify any scientific or commercial information you include.
    Submissions merely stating support for or opposition to the action 
under consideration without providing supporting information, although 
noted, will not be considered in making a determination. Section 
4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that determinations as to whether any 
species is an endangered or threatened species must be made ``solely on 
the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available.''
    You may submit your information concerning this status review by 
one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES

[[Page 3424]]

section. If you submit information via http://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire submission--including any personal identifying information--will 
be posted on the Web site. If you submit a hardcopy that includes 
personal identifying information, you may request at the top of your 
document that we withhold this personal identifying information from 
public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do 
so. We will post all hardcopy submissions on http://www.regulations.gov.
    Information and supporting documentation that we received and used 
in preparing this finding is available for you to review at http://www.regulations.gov, or you may make an appointment during normal 
business hours at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands 
Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Background

    Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(3)(A)) requires 
that we make a finding on whether a petition to list, delist, or 
reclassify a species presents substantial scientific or commercial 
information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. We 
are to base this finding on information provided in the petition, 
supporting information submitted with the petition, and information 
otherwise available in our files. To the maximum extent practicable, we 
are to make this finding within 90 days of our receipt of the petition 
and publish our notice of the finding promptly in the Federal Register.
    Our standard for substantial scientific or commercial information 
within the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) with regard to a 90-day 
petition finding is ``that amount of information that would lead a 
reasonable person to believe that the measure proposed in the petition 
may be warranted'' (50 CFR 424.14(b)). If we find that substantial 
scientific or commercial information was presented, we are required to 
promptly conduct a species status review, which we subsequently 
summarize in our 12-month finding.

Petition History

    On August 25, 2010, we received a petition dated August 24, 2010, 
from Noah Greenwald, Center for Biological Diversity, and Dr. Tony 
Povilitis, Life Net, requesting that the `i'iwi be listed as endangered 
or threatened and that critical habitat be designated under the Act. 
The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the 
requisite identification information for the petitioners as required by 
50 CFR 424.14(a). In a September 10, 2010, letter to the petitioners, 
we responded that we had reviewed the information presented in the 
petition and determined that issuing an emergency regulation 
temporarily listing the species under section 4(b)(7) of the Act was 
not warranted. We also stated that we were required to complete a 
significant number of listing and critical habitat actions in Fiscal 
Year 2010, including complying with court orders and court-approved 
settlement agreements with specific deadlines, listing actions with 
absolute statutory deadlines, and high priority listing actions. Our 
listing and critical habitat funding for Fiscal Year 2010 was committed 
to complying with these court orders, settlement agreements, and 
statutory deadlines. Therefore, we were unable to further address the 
petition to list the `i'iwi at that time. This finding addresses the 
petition.

Previous Federal Action(s)

    To date, no Federal actions have been taken with regard to the 
`i'iwi.

Species Information

    The `i'iwi is a member of the family Fringillidae, and the endemic 
subfamily Drepanidinae (Hawaiian honeycreepers) (Pratt et al. 2009, pp. 
114, 122). The `i'iwi is placed in the monotypic genus (a genus of only 
one species) Vestiaria, and is classified as a discrete species by the 
American Ornithologists' Union (AOU 1998, p. 677). The `i'iwi is a 
medium-sized forest bird (total body length is approximately 5.5 inches 
(in) (14 centimeters (cm)), with bright scarlet feathers, black wings 
and tail, and a small white patch on its inner secondaries (shorter 
flight feathers along the inner wing). The bill is long, curved, and 
salmon in color. Juveniles are a buff color with black spots, and have 
shorter bills that change in color from dusky yellow to salmon as they 
mature (Hawaii Audubon Society 2011, p. 97).
    `I'iwi songs are complex with variable creaks, often described as a 
rusty hinge, whistles, or gurgling sounds, and they sometimes mimic 
other birds (Hawaii Audubon Society 2011, p. 97). The diet consists 
primarily of nectar from the flowers of Metrosideros polymorpha (ohia), 
Sophora chrysophylla (mamane), plants in the bellflower (Campanulaceae) 
family (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 193), insects, and spiders (Hawaii 
Audubon Society 2011, p. 97; Pratt et al. 2009, p. 193). The breeding 
season starts as early as October and continues through August (Hawaii 
Audubon Society 2011, p. 97). Peak breeding is from February through 
June and coincides with peak flowering of Metrosideros polymorpha 
(Fancy and Ralph 1997, p. 2). `I'iwi nest sites are typically found in 
the upper canopy of Metrosideros polymorpha (Hawaii Audubon Society 
2011, p. 97), and are cup-shaped nests made of twigs and lined with 
lichens and moss (Hawaii Audubon Society 2011, p. 97). Breeding pairs 
remain together during the season, and defend a small area around the 
nest and disperse after breeding (Fancy and Ralph 1997, p. 2). Clutch 
size typically consists of two eggs, with an `i'iwi pair incubating one 
to two broods per year (Hawaii Audubon Society 2011, p. 97).
Habitat, Distribution, and Status
    The `i'iwi occurs on the five largest Hawaiian islands (Hawaii, 
Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai), and is most abundant in montane wet, 
closed-canopied, high-stature Metrosideros polymorpha and Acacia koa 
(koa)-Metrosideros polymorpha forests above approximately 4,900 feet 
(ft) (1,500 meters (m)) in elevation (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 122). The 
largest population (more than 340,000 birds) and range (approximately 
770 square miles (sq mi) (2,000 square kilometers (sq km)) occur on 
Hawaii Island (Scott et al. 1986 in Pratt et al. 2009, p. 122). On the 
windward (eastern) side of Hawaii Island, `i'iwi populations are 
generally declining other than in high-elevation forest areas. `I'iwi 
populations appear to be stable in the main unit of Hakalau Forest 
National Wildlife Refuge, Kulani-Keahou, and possibly in the Kau 
district, in the southeast portion of Hawaii Island (Pratt et al. 2009, 
p. 123). On the leeward (western) side of Hawaii Island, the number of 
`i'iwi appears to have declined between 1986 and 2009 (Pratt et al. 
2009, p. 123).
    The `i'iwi occurs in two disjunct populations on Maui. The east 
Maui population on the windward slopes of Haleakala was estimated to 
number approximately 19,000 birds in 1980, although subsequent surveys 
indicated higher densities and probable higher numbers (Pratt et al. 
2009, p. 123). The west Maui population was estimated to number 
approximately 180 birds in 1980, and they were restricted to a 6.2-sq-
mi (16-sq-km) area, approximately 19 mi (30 km) from the eastern 
population. Subsequent surveys indicated the population persists at 
very low densities (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 123). Twelve `i'iwi were 
detected during 1979 surveys on Molokai, and surveys in 1988, 1995, and 
2004 detected only 2, 1, and 3 birds respectively, which indicate the 
Molokai population is at high risk of extirpation (Pratt et al. 2009, 
p. 123).

[[Page 3425]]

    The species' precipitous decline on Oahu was evident by the early 
1900s (Fancy and Ralph, 1998 in Pratt et al. 2009, p. 123). On Oahu, 
surveys from the mid-1990s recorded only 8 individuals located in three 
areas isolated from each other in the Waianae and Koolau mountain 
ranges. The Oahu population was estimated to number fewer than 50 birds 
in 1991 (Ellis et al. 1992 in Pratt et al. 2009, p. 123), indicating it 
also faces likely extirpation (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 123).
    On Kauai, the `i'iwi population also appears to be in decline. In 
the early 1970s, the `i'iwi occurred down to approximately 2,900 ft 
(900 m) in elevation, with the population estimated at approximately 
26,000 birds across 54 sq mi (140 sq km). By 2000, the population had 
decreased to approximately 10,000 birds, and the species' range was 
reduced to approximately 39 sq mi (100 sq km), with occurrences mostly 
restricted to elevations above 3,600 ft (1,100 m). Based on the 1968-
1973 surveys, the core population in the interior Alakai Plateau (above 
3,900 ft (1,200 m)) was estimated to be approximately 7,800 birds. 
Subsequent surveys in this area yielded highly variable densities, but 
indicated this portion of the population is presently stable (Pratt et 
al. 2009, p. 123).

Evaluation of Information for This Finding

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), and its implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 424, set forth procedures for adding species to, 
or removing a species from, the Federal Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants. A species may be determined to be an 
endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five factors 
described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act:
    (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 considering what factors might constitute threats, 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 may warrant 
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. The mere identification of 
factors that could impact a species negatively may not be sufficient to 
compel a finding that listing may be warranted. The information shall 
contain evidence sufficient to suggest that these factors may be 
operative threats that act on the species to the point that the species 
may meet the definition of endangered or threatened under the Act.
    In making this 90-day finding, we evaluated whether information 
regarding threats to the `i'iwi, as presented in the petition and other 
information available in our files, is substantial, thereby indicating 
that the petitioned action may be warranted. Our evaluation of this 
information is presented below.

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of the Species' Habitat or Range

Information Provided in the Petition
    The petitioners claim that 52 percent of the `i'iwi's forest 
habitat on the island of Hawaii and 85 percent on the island of Oahu 
has been cleared for crops, livestock grazing, tree plantations, and 
urban development (Petition, p. 7). The petition also states that 
`i'iwi habitat is being lost and degraded by nonnative feral ungulates, 
including pigs (Sus scrofa), goats (Capra hircus), domestic sheep (Ovis 
aries), mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini musimon), axis deer (Axis axis), 
black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and cattle (Bos taurus) (Pratt 
et al. 2009, p. 556). According to the petitioners, feral ungulates 
destroy forest understory vegetation, eliminate food plants for birds, 
create mosquito breeding sites, open the forest floor to weed invasion, 
transport weeds into native forests, cause soil erosion, disrupt 
seedling regeneration of native plants, and girdle young trees 
(Petition, pp. 7-8). The petitioners claim that the `i'iwi's native 
forests that provide food and nesting sites are being displaced by 
nonnative plants, a displacement which increases the risk of fire 
(Petition, p. 8). According to the petitioners, rats (Rattus spp.) 
consume native plants and impact their regeneration, reducing their 
availability as food resources and habitat for the `i'iwi (see Factor 
E). The petition also claims nonnative insects may reduce or eliminate 
native insects that pollinate plants important to the `i'iwi (Petition, 
p. 8).
Evaluation of Information Provided in the Petition and Available in 
Service Files
Habitat Conversion
    Information provided by the petitioners and readily available in 
our files indicates the `i'iwi may be declining due to loss, 
degradation, and modification of its native forest habitat. The 
consequences of past land use practices, such as agricultural 
conversion for food crops, ranching, and tree plantations, or for urban 
development, have resulted in little or no native vegetation remaining 
below 2,000 ft (600 m) throughout the Hawaiian Islands (The Nature 
Conservancy (TNC) 2007). Agriculture has been declining as a priority 
land use, and large tracts of former agricultural lands are being 
converted into residential areas or being allowed to remain fallow (TNC 
2007). Hawaii's population has also increased approximately 10 percent 
in 10 years, increasing demands on limited land and water resources 
(Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism 
(DBEDT) 2010). The `i'iwi is most abundant above 4,900 ft (1,500 m) 
(Pratt et al. 2009, p. 122), but likely no longer occurs in low- and 
mid-elevation native forests below that elevation because of a number 
of factors, including habitat loss and degradation (Pratt et al. 2009, 
p. 238) (also see Factor C).
Nonnative Ungulates
    Introduced mammals have greatly impacted the native vegetation and 
native fauna of the Hawaiian Islands, with impacts accelerating 
following the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778. The Cook 
expedition and subsequent explorers introduced a European race of pigs 
and other livestock, such as goats, to serve as food sources for 
seagoing explorers (Tomich 1986, pp. 120-121; U.S. Geological Survey 
1998, p. 752). The mild climate of the islands, combined with the lack 
of competitors or predators, led to the successful establishment of 
large populations of these introduced mammals, to the detriment of 
native Hawaiian species and ecosystems. The presence of introduced 
nonnative mammals is considered to be one of the primary factors 
underlying the alteration and degradation of native plant communities

[[Page 3426]]

and habitats on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii islands, where 
the `i'iwi occurs (Pratt et al. 2009, pp. 150-152).
    Pigs are widely recognized as one of the greatest threats to forest 
ecosystems in Hawaii (Aplet et al. 1991, p. 56; Anderson and Stone 
1993, p. 195; Pratt et al. 2009, p. 54), and occur on each of the five 
islands where the `i'iwi occurs. Pigs are extremely destructive, and 
directly and indirectly impact native forest communities. While rooting 
in the earth in search of invertebrates and plant material, pigs 
disturb and destroy native vegetation, and trample plants and 
seedlings. They may also reduce or eliminate plant regeneration by 
consuming seeds and seedlings (Diong 1982, pp. 161-164). In forest 
habitats, pigs consume many native plants including lobelioids (plants 
in the bellflower family), which are an important nectar source for 
nectarivorus birds such as the `i'iwi (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 150). Pigs 
also tear open tree fern trunks when feeding, leaving troughs that fill 
with rain water and develop into mosquito breeding sites (Pratt et al. 
2009, p. 150); mosquitoes may carry avian malaria (see Factor C). Their 
continued rooting on the forest floor promotes the establishment of 
nonnative plants, particularly grasses, ferns, and aggressive shrubs. 
Pigs are also responsible for dispersing some of the most invasive 
rainforest weeds (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 150). Their rooting contributes 
to erosion by clearing vegetation and creating large areas of disturbed 
soil, particularly on slopes (Aplet et al. 1991, p. 56; Smith 1985, pp. 
190, 192, 196, 200, 204, 230-231; Stone 1985, pp. 254-255, 262-264; 
Medeiros et al. 1986, pp. 27-28; Scott et al. 1986, pp. 360-361; Tomich 
1986, pp. 120-126; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 64-65; Loope et al. 
1991, pp. 1-21; Wagner et al. 1999, p. 51-52).
    Goats occupy a wide variety of habitats on each of the five islands 
where the `i'iwi occurs. Goats are able to access and forage in 
extremely rugged terrain, have a high reproductive capacity (Clarke and 
Cuddihy 1980, pp. C-19, C-20; Culliney 1988, p. 336; Cuddihy and Stone 
1990, p. 64), and are believed to have completely eliminated some plant 
species from the islands (Atkinson and Atkinson 2000, p. 21). Goats can 
be highly destructive to natural vegetation and contribute to erosion 
by trampling roots and seedlings, eating young trees and young shoots 
of plants before they can become established, creating trails that can 
damage native vegetation, destabilizing substrate, creating gullies 
that exacerbate erosion, promoting the invasion of nonnative plants, 
and dislodging stones from ledges that can damage vegetation below (van 
Riper and van Riper 1982, pp. 35-35; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 64). 
Feral goats have been reported to impact the reproduction of native 
tree species such as Acacia koa and Sophora chrysophylla (mamane), 
which provide forest habitat and a source of nectar for the `i'iwi 
(Pratt et al. 2009, p. 152).
    Domestic sheep were introduced to five Hawaiian Islands (Niihau, 
Kauai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and Hawaii), but are currently known only on 
Hawaii Island (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 151). Their browsing behavior and 
stripping of bark from native Sophora chrysophylla trees on Mauna Kea 
has been documented as a threat to endangered palila (Loxioides 
bailleui), a Hawaiian forest bird that is completely dependent on that 
species for food and habitat. However, we do not have any information 
in our files that would indicate this activity may be also a direct 
threat to the `i'iwi.
    Mouflon sheep were introduced to Lanai and Hawaii islands in the 
1950s for sport hunting purposes, and have become widely established 
(Tomich 1986, pp. 163-168; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 66; Hess 2008, p. 
1). Mouflon sheep are grazers and browsers, and have decimated vast 
areas of native forest and shrubland as a result of this behavior 
(Stone 1985, p. 271; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 63, 66; Hess 2008, p. 
3). Studies on the island of Hawaii found that two of the plant species 
most affected are Acacia koa and Sophora chrysophylla, both of which 
provide food and habitat for the `i'iwi (Giffin 1981, pp. 22-23; 
Scowcroft and Conrad 1992, pp. 628-662; Hess 2008, p. 3). Mouflon sheep 
also create trails and pathways through thick vegetation, which leads 
to increased runoff and erosion because of soil compaction. According 
to Pratt et al. (2009, p. 151), mouflon sheep represent a threat to 
forest bird habitat wherever they occur.
    Axis deer were introduced to Molokai and Maui, where the `i'iwi 
occurs (Tomich 1986, p. 126), and in April 2011, it was confirmed that 
they had been introduced illegally to the island of Hawaii (Cravalho 
2011, in litt.). On Molokai, axis deer are thought to occur throughout 
the island, from the coast to the summit (approximately 5,000 ft (1,500 
m)) (Kessler 2011, pers. comm.). They prefer to browse and graze in 
lower more open vegetated areas, but can move into urban and forested 
areas to search for food during drought conditions, as was observed on 
Maui between 1998 and 2001 (Medeiros 2010, pers. comm.; Waring 1996, in 
litt., p. 5; Nishibayashi 2001, in litt.). Axis deer can be highly 
destructive to native vegetation, and contribute to erosion by creating 
trails that convey water. They eat young trees and plants before they 
can become established, damage native vegetation, and destabilize 
substrate. They can also dislodge stones from ledges, causing rockfalls 
and landslides, which damage the vegetation below (Cuddihy and Stone 
1990, pp. 63-64). Their reproductive potential, extreme habitat 
flexibility and ability to use diverse types of forage make them a 
serious threat to forest bird habitat, including the forest habitat 
used by the `i'iwi (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 152).
    Black-tailed deer (also known as mule deer) were introduced on 
Kauai in 1961, for sport hunting. They are currently limited to the 
western side of Kauai, up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m) in elevation, where 
they feed on a variety of native (e.g., Acacia koa and Metrosideros 
polymorpha) and nonnative plants (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 152; 75 FR 
18959, April 13, 2010). During dry periods, black-tailed deer have been 
reported in native forest bird habitat, including `i'iwi habitat, in 
the Alakai Swamp on Kauai (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 152). In addition to 
directly impacting native plants through browsing, they likely serve as 
a primary source for spreading nonnative plants by distributing seeds 
through their feces as they travel (Center for Invasive Plant 
Management 2009, p. 2).
    Cattle were introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1793. Large feral 
herds (as many as 12,000 on the island of Hawaii) developed as a result 
of restrictions on the killing of cattle, decreed by King Kamehameha I 
over 200 years ago (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 40). Although relatively 
small cattle ranches were developed on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, west Maui, 
and Kahoolawe, much larger ranches encompassing tens of thousands of 
acres were established on east Maui and Hawaii Island (Stone 1985, pp. 
256, 260; Broadbent in litt., 2010). Establishing cattle ranches 
required the logging of native Acacia koa trees, which converted native 
forest habitat to agricultural grassland (Tomich 1986, p. 140; Cuddihy 
and Stone 1990, p. 47). According to Pratt et al. (2009, p. 149), 
cattle are present on Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, where the 
`i'iwi occurs. They eat native vegetation, trample roots and seedlings, 
cause erosion, create disturbed areas into which alien plants invade, 
and spread seeds of alien plants in their feces and on their bodies. 
Forests in areas grazed by cattle are converted to grassland pasture, 
and plant cover is reduced for many years following their removal.

[[Page 3427]]

During this time, this degraded habitat is unsuitable as forest bird 
habitat (Tomich 1986, pp. 140-150; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 29).
Nonnative Plants
    Native vegetation on all the main Hawaiian Islands has undergone 
extreme alteration because of past and present land management 
practices such as ranching, nonnative species introductions, and 
agricultural development (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, pp. 27, 58). The 
original native flora of Hawaii consisted of about 1,000 taxa, 89 
percent of which were endemic (species that occur only in the Hawaiian 
Islands). Since humans arrived, over 800 nonnative plant taxa have been 
introduced, approximately 100 of which have become injurious in Hawaii 
(Smith 1985, p. 180; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 73; Gagne and Cuddihy 
1999, p. 45). When plantation owners (and the then-territorial 
government of Hawaii) became alarmed at the reduction of water 
resources for their crops as a result of native forest destruction, 
they introduced nonnative trees for reforestation. Ranchers also 
introduced pasture grasses and other nonnative plants for agricultural 
purposes, which introduced other weed species. Other nonnative plants 
were imported to Hawaii for potential horticultural value (Scott et al. 
1986, pp. 361-363; Cuddihy and Stone 1990, p. 73), or for food and 
cultural reasons by various groups, including Polynesians. Nonnative 
plants adversely impact native habitat in Hawaii, including forest 
habitat used by the `i'iwi, by modifying or altering light 
availability, soil-water regimes, and nutrient cycling processes. They 
also alter fire characteristics by opening areas where successive fires 
can burn farther into native habitats, destroying native vegetation and 
creating conditions that favor the establishment of nonnative species 
(Cuddihy and Stone, 1990, p. 74; D'Antonio and Vitousek 1992, p. 73; 
Smith 1985, pp. 180-181; Vitousek et al. 1997, p. 6).
Rats
    According to the petitioners, the nonnative black rat impacts 
forest bird habitat by feeding on native plant fruits and flowers 
(Petition, p. 8), which impacts native plant regeneration. Snetsinger 
et al. (1994, p. 47) stated that few studies have documented the food 
habits of several introduced mammals in Hawaii, particularly in upland 
forests. However, Pratt et al. (2009, pp. 152-153) reported that rats 
feed on seeds and flowers, and strip bark from plants, changing the 
composition of native forest plant communities, including habitat that 
supports the `i'iwi.
Insects
    The petition (Petition, p. 8) claims introduced predatory insects 
may reduce or eliminate specialized native insects that pollinate 
plants important to the `i'iwi. According to Pratt et al. (2009, p. 
153), Metrosideros polymorpha, the native tree that provides habitat 
and food for the `i'iwi, may be particularly susceptible to damage by 
the nonnative two-spotted leaf-hopper (Sophonia rufofascia). This 
insect was first reported on Oahu in 1987, and now occurs on each of 
the main Hawaiian islands. However, we have no substantive information 
indicating this species, or any other predatory insects, may present a 
threat to the `i'iwi.
Summary of Factor A
    In summary, we find that information provided in the petition, and 
other information in our files, presents substantial scientific or 
commercial information to indicate that the petitioned action may be 
warranted due to habitat destruction, modification, or curtailment 
caused by nonnative animals (feral pigs, goats, mouflon sheep, axis 
deer, black-tailed deer, cattle, and rats) and nonnative plants. Land 
use practices, such as agriculture (e.g., food crop production, 
ranching, tree plantations) and urban development, have significantly 
reduced native vegetation below 2,000 ft (600 m) (TNC 2007) throughout 
the Hawaiian Islands. The resulting conversion of native to nonnative 
habitat likely reduced the availability of lowland forest habitat for 
native birds, including the `i'iwi (Pratt et al. 2009, pp. 146-148). 
The `i'iwi appears to be restricted to forest habitat above 2,000 ft 
(600 m) in elevation, and usually above 3,600 ft (1,100 m), because of 
habitat loss and degradation. The prevalence of mosquito-borne avian 
diseases at lower elevations may also be a factor in this apparent 
habitat constriction (see Factor C).

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

    The petitioners did not present information suggesting 
overutilization may be a current threat to the `i'iwi, and we have no 
information in our files in this regard. We will further investigate 
whether overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes may be a threat to the `i'iwi during the status 
review.

C. Disease or Predation

Information Provided in the Petition
Disease
    The petitioners claim avian disease is a primary reason for the 
decline of the `i'iwi and other Hawaiian honeycreepers (Petition, p. 
8). They state experimental evidence demonstrates the high 
susceptibility of the `i'iwi to avian malaria, with mortality 
significantly higher in birds exposed to malaria-infected mosquitoes 
than in uninfected controls (Petition, p. 8). According to Atkinson et 
al. (2001), Freed et al. (2005), and Valkiunas (2005), as cited in the 
petition (Petition, p. 9), some individual birds are capable of an 
immunological response to some strains of malaria (i.e., birds are 
infected but able to survive), but it is likely these birds retain 
chronic infection for life. In addition, there is likely a reduced 
survivorship of these birds in the wild due to a host of other factors, 
including challenges to the immune system by stress, excessive energy 
expenditure, weight loss, predation, unfavorable weather, and other 
diseases like avian pox (Petition, p. 9). The petition states that 
avian pox is also a threat to the `i'iwi, and its lethal effects have 
been experimentally demonstrated in Hawaiian honeycreepers (Petition, 
p. 9). The petition (Petition, p. 9) cites Atkinson et al. (2005), who 
found that a significant proportion of Hawaiian forest birds with avian 
pox also had avian malaria, which suggested an interaction between the 
two diseases.
    The petitioners claim `i'iwi populations are on a downward 
trajectory, similar to the decline of federally endangered Hawaiian 
forest birds that are vulnerable to disease, such as the akikiki 
(Oreomystis bairdi), the akekee (Loxops caeruleirostris), and the 
Hawaii akepa (Loxops coccineus coccineus) (Pratt et al. 2009, pp. 126 
and 127). The petitioners also claim the effects of climate change are 
expected to increase the `i'iwi's exposure to avian disease (Petition, 
pp. 9-11).
    The petition claims ectoparasites, such as chewing lice (order 
Phthiraptera), may increase `i'iwi morbidity, reduce the ability of 
birds to survive environmental challenges, and affect the ability of 
parasitized birds to successfully overcome diseases such as avian 
malaria and pox (Petition, p. 11). According to the petitioners, 
additional disease risks to the `i'iwi include potential introductions 
of the West Nile virus, new avian malaria vectors, and biting midges 
(Culicoides) that transmit avian diseases (Petition, p. 11).

[[Page 3428]]

Predation
    According to the petition (Petition, p. 11), predation by 
introduced rats (Rattus spp.), which are abundant at high elevations, 
is a serious threat to adult Hawaiian forest birds and their nests, 
including the `i'iwi. The petitioners also claim that predation by 
feral cats (Felis domesticus), the native short-eared owl or pueo (Asio 
flammeus sandwichensis), the introduced barn owl (Tyto alba), and the 
introduced small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) may also 
threaten the `i'iwi (Petition, p. 11).
Evaluation of Information Provided in the Petition and Available in 
Service Files
Disease
    Several studies cited in Pratt et al. (2009, pp. 234-252, 405-425) 
identified substantial threats from avian malaria and pox to Hawaii's 
native forest birds, including the `i'iwi. Other studies indicate avian 
diseases transmitted by the introduced southern house mosquito (Culex 
quinquefasciatus), including avian pox and malaria, play a major role 
in limiting the distribution of many Hawaiian forest bird species 
(Benning et al. 2002, p. 14,246; Pratt et al. 2009, p. 234). Like many 
other native Hawaiian forest birds, `i'iwi are no longer observed at 
lower elevations, and are restricted to higher elevation montane forest 
habitat, where mosquitoes and the diseases they carry are less 
prevalent (Scott et al. 1986, pp. 367-368; Pratt et al. 2009, pp. 237-
238).
    Native Hawaiian forest birds are more susceptible to malaria than 
are nonnative bird species (van Riper et al. 1986, pp. 327-328; Pratt 
et al. 2009, p. 238). They evolved in the absence of mosquito-borne 
avian diseases, and became exposed to avian pox and malaria when 
mosquitoes were accidentally introduced to the islands in 1827 with 
imported cage birds and domestic fowl (Yorinks and Atkinson 2000, p. 
731; Pratt et al. 2009, pp. 235-236, 406). Avian malaria appears to be 
highly pathogenic for the Hawaiian honeycreepers, including the `i'iwi 
(Yorinks and Atkinson 2000, p. 737; Pratt et al. 2009, pp. 238-240). 
Atkinson et al. (1995, p. 1) described extraordinarily high mortality 
of birds infected with malaria in a pathogenicity study of avian 
malaria in experimentally infected `i'iwi. Another study demonstrated 
that the native forest bird apapane (Himatione sanguinea), when 
experimentally infected with malaria, demonstrated altered behaviors 
that increase their vulnerability to predation (Yorinks and Atkinson 
2000, pp. 731-738). Infected birds devoted less time to locomotory 
activities involving flight, walking, or hopping, as well as stationary 
activities such as singing, preening, feeding, and probing. This 
susceptibility to avian malaria, in combination with observations that 
other Hawaiian honeycreepers have become restricted to high-elevation 
forests, led Atkinson et al. (1995, p. 1) and Pratt et al.(2009, p. 
251) to predict that a shift in the current mosquito distribution to 
higher elevations could be disastrous for species with already reduced 
populations. In addition, climate change may exacerbate this threat by 
increasing the elevation at which regular transmission of avian malaria 
occurs (Benning et al. 2002, pp. 14,246-14,247). See Factor D for a 
more complete discussion of the potential relationship between avian 
malaria and climate change.
    The limited information about the potential effects of avian pox 
virus on Hawaiian forest birds is based on observations of pox-like 
lesions on captured wild birds (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 242). VanderWerf 
(2001, cited in Pratt et al. 2009, p. 242) found a correlation between 
pox epizootics and decreases in the size of breeding cohorts in the 
Hawaii elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis), a native forest bird. Little 
is known about the interaction of avian pox and avian malaria. Some 
studies indicate infections of pox and malaria are independent of each 
other, although other studies found concurrent malaria infections were 
more frequent than expected in birds with pox like lesions (Pratt et 
al. 2009, p. 244). Accordingly, more research is needed to fully 
understand the possible effects of pox virus on the `i'iwi.
    Although the petition asserts the potential introduction of the 
West Nile virus to Hawaii may have severe impacts on Hawaii's native 
birds, this virus has not been recorded in Hawaii, and there is no 
experimental or other data available with which to assess the 
susceptibility of the `i'iwi to this potential disease. The petitioners 
did not provide any information or studies substantiating the claim 
that biting midges or other avian malaria vectors may be a threat to 
the `i'iwi, and we have no information in our files in this regard. 
There is some evidence that chewing lice (Phthiraptera) increase food 
requirements of host bird species, which reduces their individual 
immune defenses against disease. However, there is no indication 
chewing lice represent a threat to the `i'iwi, which have shortened 
upper bills that may be effective in removing lice (Freed et al. 2008, 
pp. 1,017, 1,019).
Predation
    At least three rat species have been introduced to the Hawaiian 
Islands. The Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans) and the black rat (Rattus 
rattus) occur primarily in dry to wet habitats, while the Norway rat 
(Rattus norvegicus) is typically observed in manmade habitats, such as 
urban areas or agricultural fields (Tomich 1986, p. 41). The Polynesian 
rat is an agile climber but is seldom observed in trees, which may be 
due to competitive exclusion by the larger black rat (Pratt et al. 
2009, p. 276). The black rat is considered to be the most significant 
avian predator among the three rat species (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 275). 
It is known to prey on incubating forest birds, their eggs, and 
nestlings in mesic and wet forest habitats (Snetsinger et al. 2005, p. 
83; Tweed et al. 2006, p. 753). The Norway rat is not believed to be a 
threat to forest birds because of its limited distribution in forest 
habitats (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 277).
    Forest bird predation by feral cats has been documented since the 
late 1800s (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 277). Feral cats are believed to prey 
on roosting or incubating native forest bird adults, on eggs, and on 
young (Scott et al. 1986, pp. 363-364; VanderWerf and Smith 2002, p. 
73). Although most common at lower elevations, they have been observed 
in high-elevation rain forests on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii (Scott et al. 
1986, p. 363; Tweed et al. 2006, p. 753). In montane wet forests on 
Hawaii Island, native forest birds are a regular component in the diet 
of feral cats (Smucker et al. 2000, p. 233). An examination of the 
stomach contents of 118 feral cats at Hakalau forest determined that 
native and introduced birds were the most common prey item (Banko et 
al. 2004, p. 16.2).
    Although the petition describes potential adverse impacts of the 
small Indian mongoose on native forest birds, they are weak climbers 
and there is no indication they represent a threat to canopy-dwelling 
birds (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 278), such as the `i'iwi.
    Two species of owls, the native pueo and the introduced barn owl, 
are known to prey on forest birds. Between 1996 and 1998, 10 percent of 
nest failures of a rare forest bird on Kauai, the puaiohi (Mayadestes 
palmeri), were attributed to owls (Snetsinger et al. 1994, p. 47; 
Snetsinger et al. 2005, pp. 72, 79). The `i'iwi occurs in the same 
habitat as the puaiohi, and may be exposed to similar threats.
Summary of Factor C
    In summary, we find that the information provided in the petition, 
as

[[Page 3429]]

well as other information in our files, presents substantial scientific 
or commercial information to indicate that the petitioned action may be 
warranted because of disease threats such as avian malaria and avian 
pox, and predation by nonnative rats, cats, and potentially by native 
and nonnative owls. We did not find substantial scientific or 
commercial information in the petition or in our files that would 
indicate the West Nile virus, chewing lice infestation, or predation by 
the small Indian mongoose represent potential threats to the `i'iwi.

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

Information Provided in the Petition
Climate Change
    The petitioners claim existing U.S. and international regulatory 
mechanisms, including the United Nations Framework Convention on 
Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, are inadequate to safeguard the 
`i'iwi against the effects of climate change, and inadequate to 
conserve high-elevation forests needed to serve as refugia for native 
forest birds, including the `i'iwi, from the climate-induced advance of 
mosquito-transmitted avian diseases (Petition, pp. 12-13). The 
petitioners also claim existing laws such as the Clean Air Act (42 
U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 
6201 et seq.), Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), and the 
Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) provide authority to 
executive branch agencies to require virtually all major U.S. sources 
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but U.S. agencies fail to implement 
or only partially implement those laws (Petition, p. 12).
Habitat Conservation
    The petition claims most of the lands identified for forest bird 
recovery are not being managed for conservation, and most management 
actions identified in forest bird recovery plans to restore and 
conserve habitat have either not been implemented or are inadequately 
implemented (Petition, p. 13). According to the petitioners (Petition, 
p. 13), conflicting management goals and policies involving State 
forest lands, the lack of funding, conflicts between management of game 
animals and conservation of rare native species, and agency decisions 
regarding land uses contribute to the inadequate protection of native 
forest birds. They also stated the `i'iwi, like all other Hawaiian 
honeycreepers, is not included on the list of species protected under 
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), and thus 
receives no protection under Federal law.
Evaluation of Information Provided in the Petition and Available in 
Service Files
Climate Change
    Environmental conditions that may result from climate change and 
their potential impacts on the `i'iwi are unpredictable at this time 
(see Factor E, below). Although there are some existing regulatory 
mechanisms to address anthropogenic causes of climate change, there are 
no known regulatory mechanisms in place at the national or 
international level that directly and effectively reduce or reverse 
this overall trend.
Habitat Conservation
    There are no existing regulatory mechanisms that were written to 
specifically conserve or protect high-elevation forest habitat needed 
by the `i'iwi, or mitigate habitat-related threats described under 
Factors A, C, and E. Some State regulations might have an indirect 
impact on protecting this habitat. For example, although nonnative 
ungulates destroy and degrade `i'iwi habitat, the State of Hawaii 
supports and manages game mammal hunting (H.A.R. 13-123; DLNR 2009, pp. 
20-21) in areas inhabited by this species. Many public hunting areas 
are not fenced, which allows game mammals unrestricted access to most 
areas across the landscape. While fences have been installed to protect 
certain areas from game mammals, these efforts have not been adequate 
to prevent native forest bird habitat degradation and destruction on a 
larger scale. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) regulates the 
import of plants into the State from domestic origins under Hawaii 
Revised Statute 150A, and 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. Nonnative plants have 
been shown to outcompete native plants and convert native-dominated 
plant communities to nonnative plant communities, throughout the 
`i'iwi's range. Accordingly, developing management strategies or other 
measures to mitigate the impacts of nonnative plants to `i'iwi habitat 
may be an important habitat conservation need.
Nonnative Species
    The capacity of Federal and State agencies and their 
nongovernmental partners to mitigate the effects of introduced pests in 
Hawaii is limited because of the large number of taxa causing damage 
(Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) 2009, pp. 1-14). The 
CGAPS partnership was formed in 1995, and is comprised primarily of 
managers from major Federal, State, county, and private agencies and 
organizations that work with invasive species in Hawaii. The CGAPS goal 
was to influence policy and funding decisions, improve communication, 
increase collaboration, and promote public awareness of invasive 
species (CGAPS 2009). The CGAPS facilitated the formation of the Hawaii 
Invasive Species Council (HISC), which was created by gubernatorial 
executive order in 2002. The HISC is responsible for coordinating 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 
Act 85 into law, conveying statutory authority to the HISC to continue 
to coordinate approaches among the various State and Federal agencies, 
and international and local initiatives for the prevention and control 
of invasive species (DLNR 2003, p. 3-15; HISC 2009; H.R.S. Chapters 
194-2(a)).
    Many established invasive plants have currently limited but 
expanding ranges. Resources available to reduce their spread are 
limited, and largely focused on those that cause significant economic 
or environmental damage to public and private lands. The State noxious 
weed list (H.A.R. Chapter 4-68) and U.S. Department of Agriculture--
Animal Plant Health Inspection Service--Plant Protection Quarantine 
(USDA-APHIS-PPQ) Restricted Plants List prohibit the importation of a 
limited number of noxious weeds. The State allows the importation of 
plant taxa shipped from domestic ports (HLRB 2002; USDA-APHIS-PPQ), and 
USDA-APHIS-PPQ risk assessments for plant pests are based on species 
considered threats to the continental United States. These assessments 
may not address the many species that could be pests in Hawaii (HLRB 
2002; USDA-APHIS-PPQ; CGAPS 2009, pp. 1-14). In addition, unless 
specifically prohibited or restricted, Federal regulations allow plants 
to be imported to Hawaii from international ports.
    State of Hawaii law prohibits the importation of animals unless 
specifically authorized (Hawaii Legislative Reference Bureau (HLRB) 
2002). Generally, the HDOA has sole responsibility to regulate species 
entering Hawaii from other parts of the United States. Its authority 
extends only to interstate movement, that is,

[[Page 3430]]

materials coming from the continental United States, and it relies on 
referrals from U.S. Customs, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, and the Service's Office 
of Law Enforcement to intercept foreign and trust territory items 
imported into the United States that are prohibited by the State of 
Hawaii. The Hawaii Board of Agriculture is responsible for enforcing 
the list of species prohibited by statute and determining which plant 
and animal species are prohibited or permitted into the State. The 
board maintains three lists for animals: conditionally approved (permit 
required for importation), restricted (permit required for both 
importation and possession), and prohibited. If an animal is not 
included on either of the first two lists, importation into the State 
is prohibited.
    The importation or transportation of invasive vertebrate species is 
regulated under the injurious wildlife provisions of the Lacey Act (18 
U.S.C. 42; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (Fowler et al. 2007, pp. 353-359). Fowler et al. 2007 (p. 353) 
evaluated the efficacy of the Lacey Act at disrupting the injurious 
wildlife invasion processes, and concluded that, while the Lacey Act 
may have been somewhat effective at preventing transport into the 
country of the few taxa listed prior to their introduction, over half 
of the listed taxa were already present when listed, and most taxa that 
were already established in the wild continued to spread after listing. 
The authors suggest that if the goals of the Lacey Act are to be 
achieved in the face of increasing international trade in live 
organisms, revision or replacement of the provision would be necessary 
(Fowler et al. 2007, p. 353).
    The introduction of most nonnative invertebrate pests to the State 
of Hawaii likely has been and continues to be accidental or incidental 
to other activities. Although Hawaii State government and Federal 
agencies have regulations and some controls in effect, as identified 
above, the introduction and movement of nonnative invertebrate pest 
species between islands and from one watershed to the next continues. 
For example, an average of 20 new alien invertebrate species have been 
introduced to Hawaii per year since 1970, an increase of 25 percent 
over the previous totals between 1930 to 1970 (TNC 1992, p. 8).
    The lack of adequate staffing, facilities, and equipment for 
Federal and State pest inspectors and identifiers in Hawaii devoted to 
invasive species interdiction has been identified as a critical 
biosecurity gap (USDA-APHIS-PPQ 2007; HLRB 2002; CGAPS 2009). State 
laws have recently been passed that allow the HDOA to collect fees for 
quarantine inspection of freight entering Hawaii (e.g., Act 36 (2011) 
H.R.S. 150A--5.3), and legislation was signed into law in 2011 (H.B. 
1568) requiring commercial harbors and airports in Hawaii to provide 
biosecurity and inspection facilities to facilitate the movement of 
cargo through the ports.
    Nonnative species may prey upon, modify, or destroy habitat, or 
directly compete with the `i'iwi for food, space, and other necessary 
resources. On the basis of the above information, existing regulatory 
mechanisms do not appear to adequately protect the `i'iwi's habitat 
from the threat of new introductions of nonnative species, or the 
expansion of nonnative species on and between islands and watersheds.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
    The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. 703-712) is the 
domestic law that implements the United States' commitment to four 
international conventions (with Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Russia) for 
the protection of shared migratory bird resources, and each of the 
conventions protects selected species of birds. Under the MBTA, it is 
illegal to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, possess, sell, purchase, 
barter, import, export, or transport any migratory bird, or any part, 
nest, or egg, unless authorized under a permit issued by the Secretary 
of the Interior. The petitioners claim the `i'iwi is not a protected 
species under the MBTA. However, contrary to the petitioner's claim, 
the `i'iwi is protected under the MBTA (75 FR 9282; March 1, 2010). As 
the petitioners did not present information suggesting that 
overcollection is a threat to the `i'iwi, and we have no information in 
our files in this regard (see Factor B), we did not find substantial 
scientific or commercial information that the MBTA is an inadequate 
regulatory mechanism.
Summary of Factor D
    The petition suggests that international and national-level 
regulatory mechanisms may not be adequate to address the environmental 
effects of climate change to the `i'iwi, which will be further 
evaluated during our 12-month status review. The capacity of Federal 
and State agencies and their nongovernmental partners in Hawaii to 
mitigate the effects of introduced pests, such as ungulates and weeds, 
appears to be limited by resources and the large number of taxa 
currently causing damage (CGAPS 2009, pp. 1-14). Because the control of 
established pests is largely focused on a few invasive species that 
cause significant economic or environmental damage to public or private 
lands, the impacts of those and other established pests (e.g., 
nonnative ungulates, weeds, and invertebrates) are expected to 
continue. Environmental changes that may affect the `i'iwi could 
include habitat loss or alteration, changes in disturbance regimes 
(e.g. storms and hurricanes), and the movement of mosquitoes and bird 
diseases to higher elevations (see Factor C). In addition, the State's 
current management of nonnative game mammals may be inadequate to 
prevent the degradation and destruction of native forest bird habitat 
used by the `i'iwi (see Factor A). Existing State and Federal 
regulatory mechanisms do not appear to be effectively preventing the 
introduction and spread of nonnative plant and animal species from 
outside and between islands and watersheds within the State of Hawaii. 
There is, however, no substantial scientific or commercial information 
in the petition or in our files indicating that the `i'iwi may be 
threatened by overutilization, or that the MBTA is inadequate to 
protect this species from that potential threat.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting the Species' Continued 
Existence
Information Provided in the Petition
Climate Change and Avian Diseases
    The petitioners state that climate change will facilitate the 
spread of avian diseases and severely curtail the `i'iwi's range 
(Petition, p. 7). Please refer to Factor C above, which identifies the 
specific concerns raised by the petitioners and discusses the potential 
interrelationship between climate change and avian disease.
Hurricanes
    The petitioners state that hurricanes have devastating effects on 
island birds (Foster et al. 2004, cited in the Petition, p. 14), and 
can reduce habitat by blowing down trees and creating forest openings 
that facilitate the spread of nonnative plants. According to the 
petitioners, the `i'iwi decline on Kauai may have been associated with 
Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and attributed to birds having to find 
alternative nectar resources at lower elevations after the storm, where 
the risk of malaria transmission is higher (Petition, p. 14). The 
petitioners claim hurricane intensity is likely to increase with 
increasing global temperatures, although their frequency may decrease 
(Petition, p. 14). They allege strong winds can carry disease-
transmitting mosquitoes to

[[Page 3431]]

higher elevations, potentially resulting in avian disease outbreaks. 
They identified the avian malaria outbreak above 6,200 ft (1,900 m) 
elevation on the island of Hawaii as evidence of this potential disease 
pathway (Petition, p. 14, citing Freed et al., 2005).
Volcanism
    According to the petition, volcanic eruption and inundation of 
habitat by lava is a potential threat to the `i'iwi and other native 
forest birds on the island of Hawaii (Petition, p. 14). They identified 
the inundation of prime habitat for the native honeycreeper ou 
(Psittirostra psittacea) in the Upper Waiakea Forest Reserve in 1984, 
which destroyed thousands of acres of forest and created a treeless 
corridor over 0.6 mi (1 km) wide, as evidence of this potential threat.
Competition
    The petition states nonnative birds and insects may compete with 
native Hawaiian forest birds for food and other resources, including 
the malaria-resistant nonnative Japanese white-eye (Zosterops 
japonicus). They cite a study by Fancy and Ralph (1998) that found 
negative correlations between Japanese white-eye and `i'iwi densities 
as supporting evidence (Petition, pp. 14-15).
Population Fragmentation and Isolation
    The petitioners state that `i'iwi populations are fragmented and 
reduced in size and range (Petition, p. 15). According to Primack 
(2006, cited in Petition, p. 15), there is an extinction risk from 
random demographic fluctuations, localized catastrophes (e.g., severe 
storms, wildfire, disease, volcanism, etc.), inbreeding depression, and 
genetic drift for small population units.
Evaluation of Information Provided in the Petition and Available in 
Service Files
Climate Change and Avian Diseases
    We find that the information provided in the petition, as well as 
other information in our files, presents substantial scientific or 
commercial information to indicate that climate change and avian 
diseases may present a threat to the `i'iwi.
    The average worldwide ambient air temperature (at sea level) is 
projected to increase by about 4.1 degrees Fahrenheit ([deg]F) (2.3 
degrees Centigrade ([deg]C)), with a range of 2.7-6.7 [deg]F (1.5-3.7 
[deg]C) by 2100 (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 
2007). According to citations in Pratt et al. (2009, p. 564), overall 
temperature increases in the tropics are predicted to increase about 
3.6-5.4 [deg]F (2-3 [deg]C), and mean temperature increases are already 
occurring in the Hawaiian Islands. Overall, the daily temperature range 
in Hawaii is decreasing, resulting in a warmer environment, especially 
at higher elevations and at night (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 564). In the 
main Hawaiian Islands, predicted changes associated with increases in 
temperature include shifts in vegetation zones to higher elevations, 
shifts in animal species' ranges, changes in mean precipitation with 
unpredictable effects on local environments, increased occurrence of 
drought cycles, and increases in the intensity and number of hurricanes 
(Loope and Giambelluca 1998, pp. 514-515; U.S. Global Change Research 
Program (US-GCRP) 2009).
    The synergistic implications of climate change and habitat 
fragmentation are the most threatening facet of climate change for 
biodiversity, according to Hannah et al. (2005, p. 4). The magnitude 
and intensity of the impacts of global climate change and increasing 
temperatures on native Hawaiian ecosystems are uncertain, and there are 
no climate change studies that specifically address impacts to the 
`i'iwi. Changes to weather patterns such as droughts and floods will 
likely occur because of increased annual average temperatures related 
to more frequent El Ni[ntilde]o episodes in Hawaii (Giambelluca et al. 
1991, p. v). However, there is high uncertainty in predicting changes 
to future weather patterns, because they partly depend on how the El 
Ni[ntilde]o-La Ni[ntilde]a weather cycle (a disruption of the ocean 
atmospheric system in the tropical Pacific having important global 
consequences for weather and climate) might change (DBEDT 1998, pp. 2-
10). Environmental changes that may affect the `i'iwi could include 
habitat loss or alteration, changes in disturbance regimes (e.g., 
storms and hurricanes), and the establishment of mosquitoes and bird 
diseases at higher elevations (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 564). Despite 
considerable progress in understanding the impacts of climate change on 
many of the processes that contribute to El Ni[ntilde]o variability, it 
is not possible to predict whether weather patterns will be enhanced or 
damped, or if the frequency of events will change (Collins et al. 2010, 
p. 391).
    Environmental changes triggered by global warming that may affect 
the `i'iwi could include habitat loss or alteration, changes in 
disturbance regimes (e.g., storms and hurricanes), and the movement of 
mosquitoes and bird diseases to higher elevations (Pratt et al. 2009, 
p. 564). If this occurs, `i'iwi populations in mid- and high-elevation 
forests could potentially decline, similar to observations made in 
lower elevation forests (Pratt et al. 2009, pp. 123, 238). We will more 
fully evaluate this potential threat in our status review.
Hurricanes
    Climate modeling has projected changes in tropical cyclone 
frequency and intensity due to global warming over the next 100 to 200 
years (Vecchi and Soden 2007, pp. 1,068-1,069; Emanuel et al. 2008, p. 
360, Figure 8; Yu et al. 2010, p. 1,371). The frequency of hurricanes 
generated by tropical cyclones is projected to decrease in the central 
Pacific (i.e., the Northwestern and main Hawaiian Islands, including 
those that provide `i'iwi habitat), although storm intensity (strength) 
is projected to increase (Vecchi and Soden 2007, pp. 1,068-1,069; 
Emanuel et al. 2008, p. 360, Figure 8; Yu et al. 2010, p. 1,371). 
Although climate models include projections for the frequency and 
intensity of Pacific tropical cyclones, there are no projections for 
changes in their duration (which currently runs from May through 
November). In general, hurricanes have been a rare occurrence in the 
Hawaiian Islands. From the 1800s until 1949, hurricanes were only 
rarely reported from ships in the area. Between 1950 and 1997, 22 
hurricanes passed near or over the Hawaiian Islands, 5 of which caused 
serious damage (Businger 1998, in litt., pp. 1-2). Hurricanes can 
destroy native vegetation and open the native canopy, allowing an 
invasion of nonnative plant species (Kitayama and Mueller-Dombois 1995, 
p. 671). Following Hurricane Iniki in 1992, the `i'iwi population 
declined significantly on Kauai, which may have been due to several 
factors, including direct mortality, long-term impacts on food 
resources, and the need to seek food resources in areas where birds may 
have been exposed to disease-transmitting mosquitoes (Conant et al. 
1998 cited in Foster et al. 2004, p. 724). Similar effects to `i'iwi 
populations could occur on other Hawaiian Islands, if they are exposed 
to hurricanes of comparable magnitude and intensity.
Volcanism
    The petition claims that substantial `i'iwi habitat loss could 
occur as a result of volcanic eruptions on Hawaii Island, comparable to 
the Upper Waiakea forest habitat destroyed by lava flows in 1984. 
Although the largest population of the `i'iwi occurs on Hawaii, which 
is the youngest and only volcanically active island in the Hawaiian 
chain, there is no information demonstrating volcanic

[[Page 3432]]

activity may represent a threat to this species or to its habitat. 
However, we will further investigate the petitioners' concern during 
our status review for this species.
Competition
    There was little information presented in the petition, and we have 
no information in our files, regarding competition between the `i'iwi 
and nonnative birds for habitat and food resources. In addition, the 
diets of nonnative birds in Hawaii are poorly described, and comparison 
studies of the diets of native and nonnative birds have not been 
published (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 325). Although some studies suggest 
that the Japanese white-eye may compete with the `i'iwi and other 
native forest birds, additional research is needed to confirm whether 
this is occurring (Mountainspring and Scott 1985; Ralph and Noon 1988; 
Freed et al. 2008 cited in Pratt et al. 2009, p. 325).
Population Fragmentation and Isolation
    On Oahu, the most recent comprehensive `i'iwi surveys were 
conducted from 1994 to 1996, during which only eight birds were 
recorded in three isolated populations (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 123). On 
west Maui, a 1980 survey estimated the population to number fewer than 
200 birds, and subsequent surveys found lower numbers (Pratt et al. 
2009, p. 123). The west Maui population is separated from the east Maui 
population (estimated at approximately 19,000 birds in 1980) by over 30 
km (17 mi). More recent surveys indicate the east Maui population may 
now be higher (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 123). On Molokai, a 2004 survey 
recorded only three birds (Pratt et al. 2009, p. 123).
    Small, isolated populations often exhibit reduced levels of genetic 
variability, diminishing the species' capacity to adapt and respond to 
environmental changes, thereby lessening the probability of long-term 
persistence (Barrett and Kohn 1991, p. 4; Newman and Pilson 1997, p. 
361). These populations are also more susceptible to reduced 
reproductive vigor due to inbreeding depression and genetic drift. 
Challenges associated with small population size and vulnerability to 
random demographic fluctuations or natural catastrophes can also be 
further magnified by synergistic interactions with other threats, such 
as those discussed above (see Factors A and C).
Summary of Factor E
    In summary, we find that the information provided in the petition, 
as well as other information in our files, presents substantial 
scientific or commercial information to indicate that the `i'iwi may be 
threatened by environmental changes triggered by global warming, 
changes in disturbance regimes (e.g., storms and hurricanes), and the 
movement of mosquitoes and bird diseases to higher elevations. Certain 
`i'iwi populations may also be threatened because of their small size 
and isolation from other populations, making them susceptible to 
inbreeding depression, genetic drift, and random demographic 
fluctuations, or natural catastrophes. We did not find substantial 
scientific or commercial information in the petition or in our files to 
indicate that volcanism may be a threat to the continued existence of 
the `i'iwi. Although there is no substantial scientific or commercial 
information indicating that competition with nonnative birds represents 
a threat to the `i'iwi, we will further investigate this claim during 
our status review.

Finding

    On the basis of our review under section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act, we 
determine that the petition presents substantial scientific or 
commercial information indicating that listing the `i'iwi throughout 
its entire range may be warranted. The petition presents substantial 
information indicating the `i'iwi may be threatened by the destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of habitat from nonnative animals (feral 
pigs, goats, mouflon, deer, and cattle; rats; and insects) and 
nonnative plants (Factor A); disease (avian malaria and pox) and 
predation by nonnative animals (rats, cats, and possibly barn owls), 
and possibly the native pueo (Factor C); inadequate regulatory 
mechanisms to prevent degradation and destruction of native forest bird 
habitat by nonnative game mammals, and the introduction and spread of 
nonnative plant and animal species (Factor D); and environmental 
changes triggered by climate change (storm and hurricane intensity, 
upslope movement of disease-transmitting mosquitoes), and the species' 
occurrence in small and isolated populations (Factor E). The petition 
does not present substantial information that the `i'iwi may be 
threatened by overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, 
or educational purposes (Factor B). Because we have found that the 
petition presents substantial information indicating that listing the 
`i'iwi may be warranted, we are initiating a status review to determine 
whether listing this species under the Act is warranted.
    The ``substantial information'' standard for a 90-day finding 
differs from the Act's ``best scientific and commercial data'' standard 
that applies to a status review to determine whether a petitioned 
action is warranted. A 90-day finding does not constitute a status 
review under the Act. In a 12-month finding, we will determine whether 
a petitioned action is warranted after we have completed a thorough 
status review of the species, which is conducted following a 
substantial 90-day finding. Because the Act's standards for 90-day and 
12-month findings are different, as described above, a substantial 90-
day finding does not necessarily mean that the 12-month finding will 
result in a warranted finding.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited is available on the 
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: January 6, 2012.
Rowan W. Gould,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-1043 Filed 1-23-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P