[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 18, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17093-17110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08121]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138; FXES11130900000 178 FF09E42000]
RIN 1018-BB91


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the 
Lesser Long-Nosed Bat From the Federal List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are removing the 
lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae) from the 
Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. 
This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available 
scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the threats 
to this subspecies have been eliminated or reduced to the point that 
the subspecies has recovered and no longer meets the definition of 
endangered or threatened under the Act.

DATES: The rule is effective May 18, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Copies of documents: This final rule and supporting 
documents, including the Species Status Assessment (SSA) are available 
on http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138. In 
addition, the supporting file for this final rule will be available for 
public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at the 
Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 2321 W. Royal Palm Road, 
Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ 85021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Spangle, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 
2321 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ 85021; by telephone 
(602-242-0210); or by facsimile (602-242-2513). If you use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Relay 
Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Summary

    Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Endangered Species Act, as 
amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), a species may be added to the 
Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants if it is 
endangered or threatened throughout all or a significant portion of its 
range. Adding a species to (``listing'') or removing a species from 
these Lists (``delisting'') can only be accomplished by issuing a rule.
    What this document does. This rule makes final the removal of the 
lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae) from the 
Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.
    The basis for our action. Under the ESA, we can determine that a 
species is an endangered or threatened species based on any of 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. We may delist a species if the best available 
scientific and commercial data indicate that the species is neither 
endangered or threatened. We have determined that the lesser-long nosed 
bat has recovered and no longer meets the definition of endangered or 
threatened under the Act.
    Peer review and public comment. We sought comments on both the SSA 
and the proposed delisting rule from independent specialists to ensure 
that this rule is based on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and 
analyses. We also considered all comments and information received 
during the comment period.

Previous Federal Actions

    In carrying out our responsibility to enforce the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA or Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), 
we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), maintain the Lists of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants in title 50 of the Code 
of Federal Regulations. On September 30, 1988, we published a final 
rule in the Federal Register (53 FR 38456) to add the Mexican long-
nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) and Sanborn's long-nosed bat 
(Leptonycteris sanborni (=L. yerbabuenae)) as endangered species to the 
Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List). That rule 
became effective on October 31, 1988. In 1993, we amended the List by 
revising the entry for the Sanborn's long-nosed bat to ``Bat, lesser 
(=Sanborn's) long-nosed'' with the scientific name ``Leptonycteris 
curasoae yerbabuenae.'' We issued a recovery plan for the lesser long-
nosed bat on March 4, 1997.
    In 2001, we revised the entry for the lesser long-nosed bat to 
remove the synonym of ``Sanborn's''; consequently, the listing reads, 
``Bat, lesser long-nosed'' and retains the scientific name 
``Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae.'' Cole and Wilson (2006) 
recommended that L. c. yerbabuenae be recognized as Leptonycteris 
yerbabuenae. Additionally, Wilson and Reeder's (2005) ``Mammal Species 
of the World (Third Edition), an accepted standard for mammalian 
taxonomy, also indicates that L. yerbabuenae is a species distinct from 
L. curasoae. Currently, the most accepted and currently used 
classification for the lesser long-nosed bat is L. yerbabuenae; 
however, the Service continues to classify the listed entity as 
Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae. On August 30, 2007, we completed a 
5-year review, in which we recommended reclassifying the species from 
endangered to threatened status (i.e., ``downlisting'') under the Act 
(Service 2007; available online at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138 or https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Lesser.htm). We recommended, as part of the status review, that the 
Service recognize and change the taxonomic nomenclature for the lesser 
long-nosed bat to be consistent with the most recent classification of 
this species, L. yerbabuenae. However, because we are removing the 
lesser long-nosed bat from the List (i.e., ``delisting'' the species), 
this recommendation is moot. Please note that, throughout this rule, we 
continue to refer to the lesser long-nosed bat as a subspecies.
    The recommendation to downlist the species in the 5-year review was 
made because information generated since the listing of the lesser 
long-nosed bat indicated that the subspecies was not in imminent danger 
of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range 
(higher population numbers, increased number of known roosts, reduced 
impacts from known threats, and improved protection status) and thus, 
did not meet the definition of endangered. On July 16, 2012, we 
received a petition from The Pacific Legal Foundation and others 
requesting that, among other reclassification actions, the Service 
downlist the lesser long-nosed bat as recommended in the 5-year review. 
On September 9, 2013, the Service published a 90-day petition finding 
under the Act stating that the

[[Page 17094]]

petition contained substantial scientific or commercial information 
indicating the petitioned action (i.e., downlisting) for the lesser 
long-nosed bat may be warranted (78 FR 55046).
    On November 28, 2014, the Service received a ``60-day Notice of 
Intent to Bring Citizen Suit.'' On November 20, 2015, the New Mexico 
Cattle Growers Association and others filed a complaint challenging the 
Service's failure to complete the 12-month findings on five species, 
including the lesser long-nosed bat (New Mexico Cattle Growers 
Association, et al. v. United States Department of the Interior, et 
al., No. 1:15-cv-01065-PJK-LF (D.N.M)). Plaintiffs asked the Court to 
compel the Service to make 12-month findings on the five species. The 
parties settled the lawsuit with the requirement that the Service 
submit a 12-month finding for the lesser long-nosed bat to the Office 
of the Federal Register for publication on or before December 30, 2016, 
among other obligations not related to the lesser long-nosed bat. On 
January 6, 2017, the Service published in the Federal Register a 
proposed rule (82 FR 1665) and 12-month petition finding and request 
for comments to remove the lesser long-nosed bat from the Federal List 
of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.

Summary of Changes From the Proposed Rule

    We have not made any substantive changes in this final rule based 
on the comments that we received during the public comment period on 
the January 6, 2017, proposed rule (82 FR 1665). Based on peer review, 
State, and public comments, we added text and information to clarify 
some language in the SSA and the proposed rule that has been 
incorporated into this final rule as discussed below in the Summary of 
Comments and Recommendations.

Species Information

    A thorough review of the taxonomy, life history, ecology, and 
overall viability of the lesser long-nosed bat is presented in the SSA 
report for the lesser long-nosed bat (Service 2017), which is available 
online at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138 
or https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Lesser.htm, or in person at 
the Arizona Ecological Services Field Office (see ADDRESSES, above). 
The SSA report documents the results of the biological status review 
for the lesser long-nosed bat and provides an account of the 
subspecies' overall viability through forecasting of the subspecies' 
condition in the future (Service 2017; entire). In the SSA report, we 
summarize the relevant biological data and a description of past, 
present, and likely future stressors to the subspecies, and conduct an 
analysis of the viability of the subspecies. The SSA report provides 
the scientific basis that informs our regulatory determination 
regarding whether this subspecies should be listed as an endangered or 
a threatened species under the Act. This determination involves the 
application of standards within the Act, its implementing regulations, 
and Service policies to the scientific information and analysis in the 
SSA.
    The following discussion is a summary of the results and 
conclusions from the SSA report. The Service invited a group of experts 
to provide input as the draft SSA report was being developed. These 
experts included lesser long-nosed bat biologists, as well as experts 
in climate change modeling and plant phenology (the scientific study of 
periodic biological phenomena, such as flowering, in relation to 
climatic conditions). Following development of the draft SSA, and in 
compliance with our policy, ``Notice of Interagency Cooperative Policy 
for Peer Review of Endangered Species Act Activities,'' which was 
published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we solicited peer reviews on 
the draft SSA report from four objective and independent scientific 
experts in November 2016 and received responses from two peer 
reviewers.
    The lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae) is 
one of three nectar-feeding bats in the United States; the others are 
the Mexican long-nosed bat (L. nivalis) and the Mexican long-tongued 
bat (Choeronycteris mexicana). The lesser long-nosed bat is a migratory 
pollinator and seed disperser that provides important ecosystem 
services in arid forest, desert, and grassland systems throughout its 
range in the United States and Mexico, contributing to healthy soils, 
diverse vegetation communities, and sustainable economic benefits for 
communities. The range of the lesser long-nosed bat extends from the 
southwestern United States southward through Mexico.
    Following listing of the lesser long-nosed bat, recovery activities 
were based on the U.S. recovery plan (Service 1997, entire) and the 
Program for the Conservation of Migratory Bats in Mexico, which was 
formed in 1994 (Bats 1995, pp. 1-6). The primary recovery actions 
outlined in the recovery plan were to monitor and protect known roost 
sites and foraging habitats. Because the lesser long-nosed bat is a 
colonial roosting species known to occur at a limited number of roosts 
across its range in Mexico and the United States (Arizona and New 
Mexico), impacts at roost locations could have a significant impact on 
the population, particularly if the impacts occur at maternity roosts. 
However, because approximately 60 percent (8 out of 14) of the roost 
locations known at the time of listing were on ``protected'' lands in 
both the United States and Mexico, the degree of threat from impacts to 
roost locations was determined in our SSA to be moderate. For example, 
as stated in the proposed rule, approximately 75 percent of this 
species in the United States is on federally managed lands where there 
are guidelines and management plans (Land and Resource Management 
Plans, Resource Management Plans, Integrated Natural Resource 
Management Plans, etc.) that include actions and measures that 
contribute to the protection of lesser long-nosed bats and their 
habitat.
    The Service's 5-year review recommended downlisting from endangered 
to threatened status (Service 2007; available at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138 or https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Lesser.htm). The 5-year review, 
indicated that information generated since the listing of the bat 
indicated that it was not in imminent danger of extinction throughout 
all or a significant portion of its range and thus, would not meet the 
definition of endangered. In Mexico, the lesser long-nosed bat was 
removed from that nation's equivalent of the endangered species list in 
2013 (SEMARNAT 2010, entire; Medellin and Knoop 2013, entire). Between 
1990 and 2010, Mexican researchers carried out a wide range of studies 
that demonstrated that the lesser long-nosed bat was no longer in the 
critical condition that led it to be listed as in danger of extinction 
in Mexico. Specifically, the evaluation to delist in Mexico showed (1) 
the distribution of lesser long-nosed bats is extensive within Mexico, 
covering more than 40 percent of the country; (2) the extent and 
condition of lesser long-nosed bat habitat is only moderately limiting 
and this species has demonstrated that it is adaptable to varying 
environmental conditions; (3) the species does not exhibit any 
particular characteristics that make it especially vulnerable; and (4) 
the extent of human impacts is average and increased education, 
outreach, and research have reduced the occurrence of human impacts and 
disturbance.

[[Page 17095]]

Subspecies Description and Needs

    The lesser long-nosed bat is a migratory bat characterized by a 
resident subpopulation that remains year round in southern Mexico to 
mate and give birth, and a migratory subpopulation that winters and 
mates in central and southern Mexico, but that migrates north in the 
spring to give birth in northern Mexico and the southwestern United 
States (Arizona). This migratory subpopulation then obtains the 
necessary resources in Arizona and New Mexico to be able to migrate 
south in the fall back to central and southern Mexico. The lesser long-
nosed bat is a nectar, pollen, and fruit-eating bat that depends on a 
variety of flowering plants as food resources. These plants include 
columnar cacti, agaves, and a variety of flowering deciduous trees. The 
lesser long-nosed bat is a colonial roosting species that roosts in 
groups ranging from a few hundred to over 100,000. Roost sites are 
primarily caves, mines, and large crevices with appropriate 
temperatures and humidity; reduced access to predators; free of 
disease-causing organisms (fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, 
etc.); limited human disturbance; structural integrity; in a diversity 
of locations to provide for maternity, mating, migration, and 
transition roost sites.
    The primary life-history needs of this subspecies include 
appropriate and adequately distributed roosting sites; adequate forage 
resources for life-history events such as mating and birthing; and 
adequate roosting and forage resources in an appropriate configuration 
(a ``nectar trail'') to complete migration between southern Mexico and 
northern Mexico and the United States.
    For more information on this topic, see chapter 2 of the SSA Report 
(Service 2017), which is available online at http://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138 or https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Lesser.htm, or in person at the Arizona Ecological Services 
Field Office (see ADDRESSES, above).

Current Conditions

    For the last 20 years, following the completion of the lesser long-
nosed bat recovery plan, there has been a steadily increasing effort 
related to the conservation of this subspecies. In addition, better 
methods of monitoring have been developed, such as the use of infrared 
videography and radio telemetry. These monitoring efforts have led to 
an increase in the number of known roosts throughout its range, from 
approximately 14 known at the time of listing to approximately 75 
currently known roost sites. Additionally, these monitoring efforts 
have led to more accurate assessments of the numbers of lesser long-
nosed bats using these roosts. The 1988 listing rule emphasized low 
population numbers along with an apparent declining population trend. 
At the time of listing, 1,000 lesser long-nosed bats were estimated 
rangewide. Since then, we have documented increased lesser long-nosed 
bat numbers and positive trends (stable or increasing numbers of bats 
documented over the past 20 years) at most roosts. The current estimate 
is now more than 200,000 bats rangewide. While this may, in large part, 
reflect a better approach to survey and monitoring in subsequent years, 
it gives us better information upon which to evaluate the status of the 
lesser long-nosed bat population.
    A number of lesser long-nosed bat publications have population 
estimates that far exceed those known at the time of listing (Fleming 
et al. 2003; Sidner and Davis 1988). Although population estimates and 
roost count numbers fluctuate from year to year, the numbers of lesser 
long-nosed bats estimated from 2010 through 2015 in the three known 
maternity roosts in the United States were an average of two and a half 
times higher than those known in the late 1990s (Service 2017; p. 10). 
Furthermore, protection measures have been implemented at over half the 
roosts in both the United States and Mexico (approximately 40 roosts), 
including gating, road closures, fencing, implementation of management 
plans, public education, monitoring, and enforcement of access 
limitations. Generally, roosts on Federal lands benefit from monitoring 
by agency personnel and a law enforcement presence resulting in these 
roosts being exposed to fewer potential impacts than if the roost 
occurred on non-federal lands. Efforts to physically protect roosts 
through the use of gates or barriers have been implemented at six roost 
sites in Arizona. The experimental fence at one roost (a mine site) 
worked initially, but was subsequently vandalized resulting in roost 
abandonment. The fencing was repaired and there have been no subsequent 
breeches and the bats have recolonized the site (Service 2017; p. 11).
    In the summer of 2017, a drastic (i.e., approximately 86 percent) 
decline was observed in the numbers of bats at one of the key maternity 
sites along the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, a late-summer 
transition roost in Arizona was documented as not being occupied for 
the second year in a row. We do not have a complete understanding of 
what caused the fatality event and roost abandonment in 2017. It is 
likely that a mortality event at the maternity roost site in 2016 
probably contributed to the decline in 2017 and the information we have 
indicates the observed fatalities were the result of a natural weather 
event. The decline could also be the result of migrating females using 
other roosts in the area or resource conditions in Mexico resulted in 
fewer bats migrating northward. We intend to work with our partners in 
Mexico and the United States to increase the monitoring effort at this 
roost. We also intend to gather information on resource conditions in 
both the United States and Mexico and consider roost counts at other 
maternity roosts in the region to gain a better understanding of the 
causes and implications of the events of 2016 and 2017. This maternity 
roost is included in our draft post-delisting monitoring plan, so we 
will continue to monitor and evaluate this roost for the next 15 years 
and implement adaptive management actions, if necessary. We evaluated 
lesser long-nosed bat resiliency, redundancy, and representation in the 
SSA over two time frames, 15 years and 50 years. Because the species' 
viability is evaluated by resiliency, redundancy, and representation 
under a 15-year time frame, we used the same timeframe in the 
development of thresholds for post-delisting monitoring. In addition, 
the 15-year is based on the history of past conservation 
implementation, such as identifying and monitoring roost sites; 
completing the processes for identifying, permitting, implementing, and 
monitoring roost protection measures; conducting education and outreach 
and seeing changes in public perceptions.
    Lesser long-nosed bat roosts have a history of numbers fluctuating 
from year to year. Any observed incidents of fatalities or changes in 
roost occupancy patterns should be considered in the context of time. 
There is not rigorous roost count data that can be used to 
statistically define the trend of the lesser long-nosed bat population 
throughout its range. We have count data from both the United States 
and Mexico that has occurred regularly over the past 20 years, 
including annual simultaneous counts at both maternity and late-summer 
transition roosts in the United States. Not all roosts are counted 
every year, but some are. Not all roosts are counted multiple times 
each year, but some are. Regardless, each known roost in the United 
States has some count data that has occurred over the past 20 years 
that has resulted in regular or

[[Page 17096]]

periodic visits by bat biologists or land managers. These counts have 
shown increasing or stable numbers and roost sites that continue to 
provide for the life history needs of the lesser long-nose bat. When 
looking at the count data over time and applying our best professional 
judgment to this data, we have concluded that the overall lesser long-
nosed bat population trend is positive. Our conservation partners in 
Mexico reached the same conclusion when they delisted the lesser long-
nosed bat in 2013.
    The lesser long-nosed bat's conservation status in Mexico is secure 
enough that Mexico removed the subspecies from its endangered species 
list in 2013 because of the factors described above. The species has a 
greater distribution in Mexico than in the United States; thus much of 
the same reasoning for the subspecies' removal from Mexico's endangered 
species list applies to our reasoning to remove the lesser long-nosed 
bat from the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.
    Because the lesser long-nosed bat has both resident and migratory 
subpopulations, all of the necessary habitat elements must be 
appropriately distributed across the range of this species such that 
roost sites, forage resources, and migration pathways are in the 
appropriate locations during the appropriate season. Currently, the 
distribution of the lesser long-nosed bat extends from southern Mexico 
into the southwestern United States. In Mexico, the distribution of the 
lesser long-nosed bat covers approximately 40 percent of the country 
when considering resident areas, migration pathways, and seasonally-
occupied roosts within the range of this subspecies. Within both the 
United States and Mexico, the current distribution of the lesser long-
nosed bat has not generally decreased or changed substantially over the 
past 20 years from that described in the Recovery Plan. An exception to 
this is the recent documentation of the lesser long-nosed bat range 
expanding northward to the Gila River in New Mexico (HEG 2015, entire). 
However, any given area within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat 
may be used in an ephemeral manner dictated by the availability of 
resources that can change on an annual and seasonal basis. Roost 
switching occurs in response to changing resources and areas that may 
be used during one year or season may not be used in subsequent years 
until resources are again adequate to support occupancy of the area. 
This affects if and how maternity and mating roosts, migration 
pathways, and transition roosts are all used during any given year or 
season. However, while the distribution of the lesser long-nosed bat 
within its range may be fluid, the overall distribution of this species 
has remained similar over time (Service 2017, chapters 1 through 3).
    For more information on this topic, see chapter 5 of the SSA Report 
(Service 2017), which is available online at http://www.regulations.gov 
in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138 or https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Lesser.htm, or in person at the Arizona Ecological Services 
Field Office (see ADDRESSES, above).

Recovery Planning and Recovery Criteria

    Section 4(f) of the Act directs us to develop and implement 
recovery plans for the conservation and survival of endangered and 
threatened species unless we determine that such a plan will not 
promote the conservation of the species. Recovery plans identify site-
specific management actions that will achieve recovery of the species 
and objective, measurable criteria that set a trigger for review of the 
species' status. Methods for monitoring recovery progress may also be 
included in recovery plans.
    Recovery plans are not regulatory documents; instead they are 
intended to establish goals for long-term conservation of listed 
species and define criteria that are designed to indicate when the 
threats facing a species have been removed or reduced to such an extent 
that the species may no longer need the protections of the Act. They 
also identify suites of actions that are expected to facilitate 
achieving this goal of recovery. While recovery plans are not 
regulatory, they provide guidance regarding what recovery may look like 
and possible paths to achieve it. However, there are many paths to 
accomplishing recovery of a species, and recovery may be achieved 
without all recovery actions being implemented or criteria being fully 
met. Recovery of a species is a dynamic process requiring adaptive 
management that may, or may not, fully follow the guidance provided in 
a recovery plan.
    The 1997 lesser long-nosed bat recovery plan objective is to 
downlist the species to threatened (Service 1997, entire). The recovery 
plan does not explain why delisting was not considered as the objective 
for the recovery plan. The existing recovery plan does not explicitly 
tie the recovery criteria to the five listing factors at section 
4(a)(1) of the Act or contain explicit discussion of those five listing 
factors. The recovery plan lists four criteria that should be 
considered for downlisting the subspecies, which are summarized below. 
A detailed review of the recovery criteria for the lesser long-nosed 
bat is presented in the 5-year Review for the Lesser Long-Nosed Bat 
(Service 2007; available online at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket 
No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138 or at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Lesser.htm).
    During our development of the SSA report and 5-year review, we 
found that data relied upon to develop the 1988 listing rule and the 
recovery plan are out of date. Subsequent to the completion of the 
listing rule and recovery plan, considerable additional data regarding 
the life history and status of the lesser long-nosed bat have been 
gathered and, as discussed above, have documented an increase in the 
number of known roost sites and the number of lesser long-nosed bats 
occupying those roosts. During the 2007 5-year review of the status of 
this subspecies, it was determined that the 1997 recovery plan was 
outdated and did not reflect the best available information on the 
biology of this subspecies and its needs (Service 2007; p. 30; 
available online at http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-
2016-0138 or at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Lesser.htm). 
As explained below, we assessed the species' viability in the SSA 
report (Service 2017) in making the determination of whether or not the 
lesser long-nosed bat has recovered as defined by the Act.

Recovery Criterion 1 (Monitor Major Roosts for 5 Years)

    Significant efforts have been made to implement a regular schedule 
of monitoring at the known roost sites throughout the range of the 
species. Approximately six roosts were known in Arizona and New Mexico 
at the time of listing. Currently, we have documented approximately 50 
lesser long-nosed bat roosts in Arizona and New Mexico. All 13 of the 
roost sites identified in the recovery plan have had some degree of 
monitoring over the past 20 years. In the United States, all of the six 
major roosts identified in the recovery plan for monitoring (Copper 
Mountain, Bluebird, Old Mammon, Patagonia Bat Cave, State of Texas, and 
Hilltop) have been monitored since 2001. Additionally, we now consider 
almost all of the approximately 50 known roosts in the United States to 
be major roosts, meaning they host more than 1,000 bats. None of the 
New Mexico roosts were identified for monitoring in the recovery plan, 
but these roosts have been monitored

[[Page 17097]]

sporadically since the completion of the recovery plan (Service 2007; 
pp. 6-9). The seven roost sites in Mexico have been regularly monitored 
since the development of the recovery plan (Medell[iacute]n and Torres 
2013, pp. 11-13). Therefore, this recovery criterion has been 
satisfied. For more information, see chapter 2 of the SSA Report 
(Service 2017).

Recovery Criterion 2 (Roost Numbers Stable or Increasing)

    Nearly all of the lesser long-nosed bat experts and researchers who 
provided input to the 5-year review and SSA indicated that they 
observed that the number of lesser long-nosed bats at most of the roost 
sites in both the United States and Mexico is stable or increasing (see 
chapter 2 of the SSA Report (Service 2017). The lesser long-nosed bat's 
conservation status in Mexico has been determined to be secure enough 
that Mexico removed the subspecies from its endangered species list in 
2013 based on the factors discussed above. With a documented increase 
from an estimated 1,000 lesser long-nosed bats rangewide at the time of 
listing to more than 200,000 currently documented, the total number of 
bats documented at this time is many times greater than those numbers 
upon which the listing of this species relied. Therefore, this 
criterion has been met.

Recovery Criterion 3 (Protect Roost and Forage Plant Habitats)

    The lesser long-nosed bat population is fluid and constantly adapts 
to changing environmental conditions over a large, bi-national range. 
Lesser long-nosed bat roost sites are discrete and consistent, but the 
lesser long-nosed bat may use these roost sites in a changing and 
adaptable manner to take advantage of ephemeral and constantly changing 
forage resources with both seasonal and annual differences of 
occurrence. Therefore, observations of occupancy and numbers of bats 
using these roosts may not be a complete or accurate representation of 
the status of the subspecies across its range. However, the information 
regarding the status of the lesser long-nosed bat population is much 
more accurate and complete than it was as the time of the 1988 listing 
rule.
    More roost locations for lesser long-nosed bats are currently 
known, and are being more consistently monitored, than at the time of 
listing in 1988 (an increase from approximately 14 to approximately 75 
currently known roosts). As we describe in more detail in Factor D 
below, we now know that the majority of these roost sites occur on 
public lands where they are protected and managed.
    In related efforts, a number of studies have been completed that 
provide us with better information related to the forage requirements 
of the lesser long-nosed bat when compared to the time of listing and 
recovery plan completion. We now know that lesser long-nosed bats are 
more adaptable to ephemeral forage resources and we know that effects 
from livestock grazing, prescribed burning, and harvesting by the 
tequila industry do not significantly affect lesser long-nosed bat 
forage resources.
    Some progress has been made toward protecting known lesser long-
nosed bat roost sites, but the ultimate level of effectiveness of gates 
as a protection measure is still being evaluated and improved. Gates 
provide long-term protection of roost sites, but are accepted and used 
by different bat species to different extents. Different gates designs 
are currently being tested at additional lesser long-nosed bat roost 
sites. For more information, see chapter 4 of the SSA Report (Service 
2017).
    In summary, we have considerably better data with regard to roost 
locations of lesser long-nosed bat compared to the information 
available at the time of listing and completion of the recovery plan. 
Because of improved information, land management agencies are doing a 
better job of protecting lesser long-nosed bat roost sites and foraging 
areas. Over the past five years, there has been considerable effort and 
success in understanding lesser long-nosed bat roost protection options 
and many roosts have had roost protection measures implemented (Service 
2017, p. 56). In addition, monitoring over the past 24 years indicates 
steady increases in the numbers of lesser long-nosed bats at these 
roosts due to roost site protections (Service 2017, p. 10). Therefore, 
we believed this recovery criterion has been met. For more information, 
see chapter 2 and Conservation Efforts in the SSA Report (Service 
2017).

Recovery Criterion 4 (Status of New and Known Threats)

    This criterion relates to adequately addressing threats known at 
the time the 1997 recovery plan was written, as well as any new threats 
that have been identified subsequent to the completion of the recovery 
plan. Our current state of knowledge with regard to threats to this 
subspecies has changed since the development of the recovery plan. 
Threats to the lesser long-nosed bat from grazing on food plants, the 
tequila industry, and prescribed fire, identified in the recovery plan, 
are likely not as severe as once thought. Effects from illegal border 
activity and the associated enforcement activities are a new and 
continuing threat to roost sites in the border region. However, the 
Service and appropriate land managers have an active program of 
coordination and technical assistance with Customs and Border 
Protection that are addressing border issues. Potential effects to 
forage species and their phenology as a result of climate change have 
been identified, but are characterized by uncertainty and lack of data 
specifically addressing those issues. Nonetheless, lesser long-nosed 
bats have shown the ability to adapt to adverse forage conditions and 
we find that the lesser long-nosed bat is characterized by flexible and 
adaptive behaviors that will allow it to remain viable under changing 
climatic conditions.
    Some progress has been made toward protecting known lesser long-
nosed bat roost sites; while the ultimate level of effectiveness of 
gates as a protection measure is still being evaluated and improved, 
they do provide long-term protection of roost sites. Gates are 
currently being tested at a few additional lesser long-nosed bat roost 
sites. Roost protection also occurs in the form of regular monitoring, 
fencing, road closures, and ongoing management as outlined in the land 
management agencies' planning documents. This recovery criterion has 
been met. For more information, see chapter 4 of the SSA Report 
(Service 2017).

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4 of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR part 
424) set forth the procedures for listing species, reclassifying 
species, or removing species from listed status. A species is 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. A species may be reclassified or 
delisted on the same basis. Consideration of these factors was included 
in the SSA report in the discussion on ``threats'' or ``risk factors,'' 
and threats were projected into the future using scenarios to evaluate 
the current and future viability of the lesser long-nosed bat. The 
effects of

[[Page 17098]]

conservation measures currently in place were also assessed in the SSA 
report as part of the current condition of the subspecies, and those 
effects were projected in future scenarios. The evaluation of the five 
factors as described in the SSA report is summarized below.
    The Service reviews the best scientific and commercial information 
available when conducting a threats analysis. In considering what 
factors may constitute a threat, we must look beyond the mere exposure 
of individuals of a species to the factor to determine whether the 
exposure causes actual impacts to the entire species. The mere 
identification of factors that could negatively impact a species is not 
sufficient to compel a finding that a currently listed species should 
be maintained on the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Plants. We require evidence that these factors are 
operative threats currently acting on the species to the point that the 
species meets the definition of endangered or threatened under the Act.

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

    The primary concern regarding future viability of this subspecies 
continues to be roost site disturbance or loss. This is primarily an 
issue related to human activities and destructive actions at these 
roost sites. In addition, the colonial roosting behavior of this 
subspecies, where high percentages of the population can congregate at 
a limited number of roost sites, increases the likelihood of 
significant declines or extinction if impacts at roost sites are 
pervasive However, as discussed above, increased lesser long-nosed bat 
numbers and positive trends at most roosts have reduced concerns 
expressed in the 1988 listing rule with regard to low population 
numbers and an apparent declining population trend. Agencies and 
conservation partners are implementing protective measures at known 
roosts and newly discovered roosts Outreach and education efforts have 
been effective in increasing the understanding of the general public, 
as well as conservation partners, with regard to the need to prevent 
disturbance at lesser long-nosed bat roosts while the bats are present 
(Service 2017, pp. 45-48). As discussed further in Factor D below, we 
have determined that roost sites have and will be protected to the 
extent that roost disturbance is no longer a sufficient threat to 
warrant protection under the Act.
    Although most data related to lesser long-nosed bat roost counts 
and monitoring have not been collected in a way that is statistically 
rigorous enough to draw statistically-valid conclusions about the trend 
of the population, in the professional judgment of biologists and 
others involved in these efforts, the total numbers of bats observed at 
roost sites across the range of the lesser long-nosed bat are 
considered stable or increasing at nearly all roost sites being 
monitored. With a documented increase from an estimated 1,000 lesser 
long-nosed bats rangewide at the time of listing to more than 200,000 
currently estimated, the total number of bats currently being 
documented is many times greater than those numbers upon which the 
listing of this species relied, and while this may, in large part, 
reflect a better approach to survey and monitoring in subsequent years, 
it gives us better information upon which to evaluate the status of the 
lesser long-nosed bat population. This documented increase in roosts 
and of stable or increasing lesser long-nosed bat numbers indicates 
that threats to habitat have not reduced available habitat components 
to the point that it is significantly affecting the lesser long-nosed 
bat status. And, roost site protections will continue into the 
foreseeable future. Adequate roosts of all types (maternity, mating, 
transition, and migratory) currently exist and are likely to exist into 
the foreseeable future (Service 2017; pp. 8-14).
    Significant information regarding the relationship of lesser long-
nosed bats to their forage resources has been gathered over the past 
decade. Because lesser long-nosed bats are highly specialized nectar-, 
pollen-, and fruit-eaters, they have potential to be extremely 
vulnerable to loss of or impacts to forage species. However, lesser 
long-nosed bats are also highly effective at locating food resources, 
and their nomadic nature allows them to adapt to local conditions. For 
example, the resiliency of lesser long-nosed bats became evident in 
2004, when a widespread failure of saguaro and organ pipe bloom 
occurred. The failure was first noted in Organ Pipe Cactus National 
Monument, and such a failure had not been noted in the recorded history 
of the Monument (Billings 2005). The failure extended from Cabeza 
Prieta National Wildlife Refuge on the west to Tucson on the east, and 
south into central Sonora, Mexico. The large-scale loss of this lesser 
long-nosed bat food resource was somewhat offset by the fact that small 
numbers of both saguaro and organ pipe flowers continued to bloom into 
August and September. Such a failure would have been expected to result 
in fewer lesser long-nosed bats using roosts in this area or reduced 
productivity at these roosts. However, this was not the case. Maternity 
roost numbers remained as high as or higher than previous years, with 
some 25,000 adult females counted during 2004 monitoring (Billings 
2005). Ultimately, it appears lesser long-nosed bats were able to 
subsist and raise young in southwestern Arizona in this atypical year. 
Other observations over the past 20 years, including some years of 
significantly reduced agave availability, have indicated that the 
lesser long-nosed bat is more adaptable than previously believed to 
changing forage resource availability. This adaptability leads us to a 
determination that forage availability will not significantly affect 
the viability of the lesser long-nosed bat population.
    Additionally, the effects of livestock grazing and prescribed fire 
on long-nosed bat food sources are also not as significant as 
originally thought. For example, Widmer (2002) found that livestock 
were not responsible for all of the utilization of agave flower stalks 
in their study area. Wildlife such as javelina, white-tailed deer, and 
small mammals also utilized agave flower stalks as a food resource. The 
extent of livestock use of agave flower stalks appears to be related to 
standing biomass and distance from water. Further, Bowers and 
McLaughlin (2000) found that the proportion of agave flower stalks 
broken by cattle did not differ significantly between grazed and 
ungrazed areas. This information indicates that livestock do not have a 
significant effect on lesser long-nosed bat food sources, over and 
above the impact of native grazers.
    Thomas and Goodson (1992) and Johnson (2001, p. 37) reported 14 
percent and 19 percent mortality of agaves following burns. Some agency 
monitoring has occurred post-fire for both wildfires and prescribed 
burns. This monitoring indicates that agave mortality in burned areas 
is generally less than 10 percent (USFS 2015, pp. 82-83; USFS 2013, pp. 
10-11). Contributing to this relatively low mortality rate is the fact 
that most fires burn in a mosaic, where portions of the area do not 
burn. Impacts of fire on agave as a food source for lesser long-nosed 
bats may not be a significant concern for the following reasons: Fire-
caused mortality of agaves appears to be low; alternative foraging 
areas typically occur within the foraging distance from lesser long-
nosed bat roosts; and most agave concentrations occur on steep, rocky 
slopes with low fuel loads (Warren 1996). In addition, Johnson

[[Page 17099]]

(2001, pp. 35-36) reported that recruitment of new agaves occurred at 
higher rates in burned plots than in unburned plots, indicating that 
there may be an increased availability over time of agaves in areas 
that have burned, if the return rate of fire is greater than 7 years. 
The effects of agave harvesting are primarily limited to bootleggers, 
which is likely occurring at the same levels as when the species was 
listed in 1988; however, this is not considered significant, because it 
removes a relatively limited number of lesser long-nosed bat forage 
plants. In addition, increased outreach and education are being 
provided to tequila producers in an effort to reduce the effects of 
agave harvesting on lesser long-nosed bats. These producers primarily 
farm agaves (as opposed to harvesting wild-growing agaves) and are 
working with our Mexican partners to leave agaves for utilization by 
nectar-feeding bats.
    Sufficient available forage resources are located in appropriate 
areas, including in proximity to maternity roosts and along the 
``nectar trail'' used during migration. The discussion above and the 
SSA report detail our analysis and determination that forage resources 
are adequate and that the lesser long-nosed bat is likely to adapt to 
any changes in forage availability in the future (Service 2017; pp. 15-
20).
    While not currently a threat affecting the viability of the lesser 
long-nosed bat population, the potential for migration corridors to be 
truncated or interrupted is a concern. Significant gaps in the presence 
of important roosts and forage species along migration routes would 
affect the population dynamics of this subspecies. While the lesser 
long-nosed bat continues to be faced with loss and modification of its 
habitat throughout its range, primarily from urbanization and 
catastrophic wildfires, the habitats used by this subspecies occur over 
an extensive range that covers a wide diversity of vegetation and 
ecological communities. These are habitat characteristics that would 
not make this subspecies intrinsically vulnerable with regard to 
habitat limitations. That is to say, the wide variety of ecosystems 
that this subspecies uses, over a relatively expansive range, results 
in available areas characterized by the asynchronous flowering of 
forage resources making up the diet of the lesser long-nosed bat and 
buffers this subspecies from potential loss or reduction of habitats as 
a result of stochastic events, including climate change, among others.
    Lesser long-nosed bats are affected directly by development that 
removes important foraging habitat, but also indirectly as growing 
numbers of people increase the potential for roost disturbance. Impacts 
from urbanization on lesser long-nosed bat habitat are of concern 
because they tend to be permanent, long-term impacts, as opposed to the 
often temporary, shorter-term impacts from fire, grazing, and agave 
harvesting. Lesser long-nosed bats are often able to react to temporary 
impacts by moving to alternative sites in the short-term. Various human 
activities, including recreation and caving, can result in impacts to 
lesser long-nosed bat roosts. As discussed earlier, various land use 
plan and laws regulate the access to sensitive sites such as bat 
roosts. The implementation of these plans is not dependent on the 
regulatory protections of the Act. Additionally, post-delisting 
monitoring will provide regular assessments of lesser long-nosed bat 
roosts and allow us to respond with appropriate management to an 
indication of disturbance or vandalism. Past and ongoing outreach and 
education has been effective in raising public awareness related to the 
conservation of bats. The general public better understands the needs 
and benefits of bats in the environment. Continued education and 
understanding will help reduce the occurrence of bat roost disturbance 
and vandalism. Such efforts have been very effective, particularly in 
Mexico.
    There is no question that current population numbers of lesser 
long-nosed bats exceed the levels known and recorded at the time of 
listing in 1988. A number of publications have documented numbers of 
lesser long-nosed bats throughout its range that far exceed the numbers 
used in the listing analysis with an estimated increase from fewer than 
1,000 bats to approximately 200,000 bats rangewide (Fleming et al. 
2003, pp. 64-65; Sidner and Davis 1988, p. 494). Also, in general, the 
trend in overall numbers of lesser long-nosed bats estimated at roost 
sites has been stable or increasing in both the United States and 
Mexico (Medell[iacute]n and Knoop 2013, p. 13; Service 2017). Increased 
roost occupancy and the positive trend in numbers of lesser long-nosed 
bats occupying these roosts appear to be supported by adequate forage 
resources. The adaptability of the lesser long-nosed bat to changing 
forage conditions seems to allow the lesser long-nosed bat to sustain a 
positive population status under current environmental conditions.
    While some threats are ongoing with regard to lesser long-nosed bat 
habitat, in general, we find that threats to this species' habitat have 
been reduced or are being addressed in such a way that lesser long-
nosed bat habitat is being enhanced and protected at a level that has 
increased since the 1988 listing of this species. In particular, areas 
that were vulnerable to threats have been protected or are now managed 
such that those threats have been reduced. Outreach and education have 
increased the understanding of what needs to be done to protect lesser 
long-nosed bat habitat.
    Beyond the regulatory requirements of the Act, our conservation 
partners have implemented a number of past and current conservation 
measures that to benefit the bat (Service 2017, p. 46). The Blue Bird 
Mine on Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge was fenced in 2004 to 
protect a known lesser long-nosed bat maternity roost. Bats reoccupied 
this abandoned roost following the installation of this protective 
fencing. After the fence was vandalized and subsequently abandoned by 
lesser long-nosed bats in 2005, the fence was repaired (McCasland 
2005), and there has been no subsequent abandonment of this roost.
    Telemetry projects have identified a number of new transition 
roosts. Roosts on non-Federal lands support efforts to promote the 
conservation of the lesser long-nosed bat. The Arizona-Sonora Desert 
Museum has conducted studies on seasonal movements between lesser long-
nosed bat roosts in Arizona, a migratory pollinator study, and roost 
monitoring in the United States and Mexico, and conducts educational 
activities related to bats (Krebbs 2005a).
    Investigations were initiated related to the distribution and use 
of hummingbird feeders by lesser long-nosed bat in the Tucson area 
(Wolf 2006). This program has been continued and expanded through a 
citizen scientist program being coordinated by the Service, Arizona 
Game and Fish Department (AGFD), the Town of Marana, the University of 
Arizona, and a system of volunteer citizen scientists now number over 
100. Information on arrival and departure dates, peak use periods, and 
population characteristics are being gathered to increase our 
understanding of lesser long-nosed bat life history.
    A mine site on the Tohono O'odham Nation that supports a lesser 
long-nosed bat maternity colony has been structurally stabilized to 
maintain roost integrity (Wolf and Dalton 2005). The exhaust fan was 
removed from the historical Colossal Cave maternity roost in an effort 
to get lesser long-nosed bat to recolonize this roost; however, so far, 
no lesser long-nosed bats have

[[Page 17100]]

recolonized this cave (AGFD 2005, entire). More recently, in 2015, a 
gate blocking the entrance to the bat roost at Colossal Cave has been 
replaced by a more bat-friendly gate.
    Educational programs occur at organized events such as Southwest 
Wings Birding Festival. Other programs are conducted as requested, but 
efforts are sporadic (AGFD 2005). In Mexico, bat biologists are working 
with elementary schools, providing ``bat-pollination'' and other games 
for school children who previously had known little about and had 
little concern for bats. This educational effort has been successful in 
passing along this information to siblings and teachers are sharing the 
program (Medell[iacute]n 2011; p. 9).
    The Service and other agencies and partner organizations are 
raising the awareness of pollinators in general, and bat pollinators 
specifically, through education and outreach efforts that include 
events across the United States and in Mexico.
    Therefore, based on the analysis completed in the SSA report 
(Service 2017; pp. 54-61), we have determined that threats to the 
habitat of this species are currently reduced and will continue to be 
addressed in the foreseeable future, or are not as significant as 
previously thought.

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

    Lesser long-nosed bats are not known to be taken for commercial 
purposes, and scientific collecting is not known to be a problem 
(Service 1988, p. 38459). Caves and mines continue to attract 
recreational users interested in exploring these features, but this 
threat has probably not increased since the listing. For example, Pima 
County, in southeastern Arizona, is implementing mine closures on lands 
that they have acquired for conservation purposes. Other land 
management agencies also carry out abandoned mine closures for public 
recreational safety purposes. A positive aspect of these mine closure 
processes is that most agencies and landowners now understand the value 
of these features to bats and other wildlife and are implementing 
measures to maintain those values while still addressing public health 
and safety concerns. The 1988 listing rule stated that bats were often 
killed by vandals (Service 1988, p. 38459). However, significant 
changes in the public perception of bats are occurring. Educational 
efforts are making a difference, as evidenced by decreased vandalism at 
roost sites, measures being including in land use planning, reduced 
non-target fatalities during rabies control, and public interest and 
ownership in bat conservation efforts such as the hummingbird feeder 
monitoring project.
    In both the United States and Mexico, public education, in the form 
of radio and television spots, and educational materials have been 
implemented. Agencies now receive calls for assistance in nonlethal 
solutions to bat issues. Often, the general public may be concerned 
about rabies or vampire bats, but outreach and education are improving 
the understanding and knowledge of bats concerning these issues. 
Vampire bat control is implemented in portions of the lesser long-nosed 
bat range in Mexico. This control is necessary because of potential 
impacts to humans and livestock, including the transmission of rabies. 
Such control can result in the indiscriminate killing of non-target 
bats, including lesser long-nosed bats (Johnson et al. 2014; p. 1920-
1922). Because of the colonial roosting nature of lesser long-nosed 
bats, any roost lost or disturbed because of rabies control activities 
can affect the lesser long-nosed bat population. Mexico has focused 
efforts to reduce the mortality of non-target species in relation to 
vampire bat control (see chapter 4 of the SSA Report (Service 2017).
    In summary, we determine that the viability of the lesser long-
nosed bat is not being significantly affected by threats from 
scientific research or public recreational activities.

Factor C. Disease or Predation

    Disease does not currently appear to be a significant risk factor 
for the lesser long-nosed bat. Emerging disease issues, such as those 
associated with white-nose syndrome, may become more significant; 
however our current scientific assessment indicates that white-nose 
syndrome will not affect this non-hibernating species. Therefore, 
because lesser long-nosed bats do not hibernate, we do not anticipate 
that white-nose syndrome will be a significant risk factor for lesser 
long-nosed bats (see chapter 4 of the SSA Report (Service 2017).
    Predation contributes to the mortality of lesser long-nosed bats at 
roost sites. Likely predators include snakes, raccoons, skunks, 
ringtails, bobcats, coyotes, barn owls, great-horned owls, and screech 
owls. Specifically, barn owls have been observed preying on lesser 
long-nosed bats at the maternity roost at Organ Pipe Cactus National 
Monument for many years (Billings 2005; p. 11) and snakes have been 
observed preying on lesser long-nosed bats in Baja California Sur, 
Mexico (Frick 2017, pers. comm.). However, it is our professional 
judgement that at large aggregations, such as bat roosts, predation is 
an insignificant impact on the population. Therefore, we find that 
neither disease nor predation are currently or is likely in the future 
to affect the viability of the lesser long-nosed bat.

Factor D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    The current listing of the lesser long-nosed bat in the United 
States and the former listing of the bat in Mexico as an endangered 
species have provided this species with some level of protection. 
Outside of laws generally protecting wildlife and their habitats, no 
specific laws or regulations protect this species in Mexico. As noted 
in Factor B above, rabies control activities have resulted in the 
mortality of the lesser long-nosed bats due to the lack of requirements 
to properly identify the target species. However, increased education 
and outreach is improving this situation in Mexico, and incidents of 
nontarget fatalities during rabies control have been reduced. In the 
United States, State laws and regulations provide some additional level 
of protection. For example, Arizona State Law in Arizona Revised 
Statute (ARS) Title 17 prohibits the taking of bats outside of a 
prescribed hunting season and, per Commission Order 14, there is no 
open hunting season on bats, meaning it is always illegal to take them. 
Provisions for special licenses to take bats and other restricted live 
wildlife are found in Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rule 12, Article 
4 and are administered by the AGFD. However, this protection is for 
individual animals only, and does not apply to the loss or destruction 
of habitat. However, the loss and destruction of habitat has been and 
will be managed and adequate areas of suitable habitat remain 
undeveloped such that this lack of protection of habitat under State 
law does not result in a threat to the lesser long-nosed bat 
population.
    More than 75 percent of the range of this species in the United 
States is on federally managed lands and these federal agencies have 
guidelines and requirements in place to protect lesser long-nosed bats 
and their habitats, particularly roost sites. As described above, 
roosts on Federal lands benefit from monitoring by agency personnel and 
a law enforcement presence resulting in these roosts being exposed to 
fewer potential impacts than if the roosts occurred elsewhere. Gating 
of

[[Page 17101]]

roosts on Federal lands is being implemented and evaluated. If the 
lesser long-nosed bat is delisted, protection of their roost sites and 
forage resources will continue on Federal lands because agency land-use 
plans and general management plans contain objectives to protect cave 
resources and restrict access to abandoned mines, both of which can be 
enforced by law enforcement officers. In addition, guidelines in these 
plans for grazing, recreation, off-road use, fire, etc., will continue 
to prevent or minimize impacts to lesser long-nosed bat forage 
resources. The Coronado National Forest's 2017 Land and Resource 
Management Plan (LRMP) includes standards and guidelines to retain and 
enhance areas with paniculate agaves in order to benefit the lesser 
long-nosed bat. The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan has identified an objective to install 
additional measures to protect the lesser long-nosed bat maternity 
roost on the refuge. The Bureau of Land Management has forage plant 
protections within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat, including 
avoidance measures to protect agave and saguaros. Organ Pipe Cactus 
National Monument and Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge protect 
hundreds of square miles of areas containing foraging plants for the 
bat within its refuge boundaries. We are currently working with the 
Department of Defense facilities at Fort Huachuca and Barry M. 
Goldwater Range to include actions in their Integrated Natural 
Resources Management Plans to continue with lesser long-nosed bat 
conservation activities. On Fort Huachuca, for example, they are 
implementing an Agave Management Plan that states that they will 
maintain a self-sustaining populations of Agave palmeri on Fort 
Huachuca to conserve the forage base of the lesser long-nosed bat and 
other species using agave.
    As described above, roosts on Federal lands benefit from monitoring 
by agency personnel, or access is granted for monitoring by other 
entities, and a law enforcement presence resulting in these roosts 
being exposed to fewer potential impacts than they otherwise would be. 
Gating of roosts on Federal lands is being implemented and evaluated 
and, while the best design for such gates is still being developed, 
these gates do provide long-term protection of the sites. Further, 
outreach and education, particularly with regard to pollinator 
conservation, has increased and human attitudes regarding bats are more 
positive now than in the past; and the lesser long-nosed bat has 
demonstrated adaptability to potential adverse environmental 
conditions, such as changes in plant flowering phenology (see 
discussion under Factor E, below).
    The Federal Cave Protection Act of 1988 prohibits persons from 
activities that ``destroy, disturb, deface, mar, alter, remove, or harm 
any significant cave or alters free movement of any animal or plant 
life into or out of any significant cave located on Federal lands, or 
enters a significant cave with the intent of committing any act 
described . . .'' Arizona statute (ARS 13-3702) makes it a class 2 
misdemeanor to ``deface or damage petroglyphs, pictographs, caves, or 
caverns.'' Activities covered under ARS 13-3702 include ``kill, harm, 
or disturb plant or animal life found in any cave or cavern, except for 
safety reasons.'' The above laws and regulations will continue to 
protect lesser long-nosed bats and their habitats after delisting.

Factor E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued 
Existence

    Ecosystems within the southwestern United States are thought to be 
particularly susceptible to climate change and variability (Strittholt 
et al. 2012, pp. 104-152; Munson et al. 2012, pp. 1-2; Archer and 
Predick 2008). Documented trends and model projections most often show 
changes in two variables: Temperature and precipitation. Recent warming 
in the southwest is among the most rapid in the nation, significantly 
more than the global average in some areas (Garfin et al. 2014, p. 463; 
Strittholt et al. 2012, pp. 104-152; Munson et al. 2012, pp. 1-2; Guido 
et al. 2009). Precipitation predictions have a larger degree of 
uncertainty than predictions for temperature, especially in the 
Southwest (Sheppard et al. 2002), but indicate reduced winter 
precipitation with more intense precipitation events (Global Climate 
Change 2009, pp. 129-134; Archer and Predick 2008, p. 24). Further, 
some models predict dramatic changes in Southwestern vegetation 
communities as a result of climate change (Garfin et al. 2014, p. 468; 
Munson et al. 2012, pp. 9-12; Archer and Predick 2008, p. 24). In the 
most recent assessment of climate change impacts by the 
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the IPCC indicated 
that there would be a decrease in the number of cold days and nights 
and an increase in the number of warm days and warm nights (IPCC 2014, 
p. 53). This may would favor frost-intolerant lesser long-nosed bat 
forage species like saguaro and organ pipe cacti, but may also affect 
the blooming phenology of those same species. They also indicted that 
precipitation events would likely become more intense and that we are 
more likely to see climate-related extremes such as heat waves, 
droughts, floods, wildfires, etc. (IPCC 2014, p. 53).
    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) produced a mapping tool that 
allows climate change projections to be downscaled to local areas 
including states, counties, and watershed units. We used this National 
Climate Change Viewer (USGS 2016) to compare past and projected future 
climate conditions for Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise counties, Arizona. 
The baseline for comparison was the observed mean values from 1950 
through 2005, and 30 climate models were used to project future 
conditions for 2050 through 2074. We selected the climate parameters of 
April maximum temperature and August and December mean precipitation to 
evaluate potential effects on lesser long-nosed bat forage resources. 
These particular parameters were selected from those available because 
they represented those most likely to impact the survival and flowering 
phenology of individual forage species.
    Similar to the more general climate change effects discussed above, 
the downscaled analysis also showed warming spring temperatures, which 
could result in an early blooming period for lesser long-nosed bat 
forage species (USGS 2016). Precipitation changes were evaluated for 
changes to monsoon and winter precipitation. In line with the general 
climate projections, changes during the evaluated time periods were 
greater for winter precipitation than for monsoon precipitation. 
Changes projected for monsoon precipitation were minimal, but projected 
to be reduced by approximately one inch per 100 days for winter 
precipitation (USGS 2016).
    The best available information indicates that ongoing climate 
change will probably have some effect on lesser long-nosed bat forage 
resources. Such effects will occur as a result of changes in the 
phenology (periodic biological phenomena, such as flowering, in 
relation to climatic conditions) and distribution of lesser long-nosed 
bat's forage resources. How this affects the viability of the lesser 
long-nosed bat population is not clear. There is much uncertainty and a 
lack of information regarding the effects of climate change and 
specific impacts to forage for this subspecies. The biggest effect to 
the lesser long-nosed bat will occur if forage availability gets out of 
sync along the

[[Page 17102]]

``nectar trail'' such that bats arrive at the portion of the range they 
need to meet life-history requirements (migration, mating, birthing) 
and there are inadequate forage resources to support that activity. If 
the timing of forage availability changes, but changes consistently in 
a way that maintains the nectar trail, this subspecies is expected to 
adapt to those timing changes as stated above (see chapter 4 of the SSA 
Report (Service 2017). For example, as noted earlier, the resiliency of 
lesser long-nosed bats became evident in 2004, when a widespread 
failure of saguaro and organ pipe bloom occurred and lesser long-nosed 
bats were still, ultimately, able to subsist and raise young in 
southwestern Arizona in this atypical year. It is likely they did so by 
feeding more heavily on agaves (evident by agave pollen found on 
captured lesser long-nosed bats) than they typically do (see additional 
discussion under Factor A above). Although we are still not sure to 
what extent the environmental conductions described in climate change 
predictions will affect lesser long-nosed bat forage resource 
distribution and phenology, we have documented that lesser long-nosed 
bats have the ability to change their foraging patterns and food 
sources in response to a unique situation (Billings 2005; pp. 3-4), 
providing evidence that this species is more resourceful and resilient 
than may have been previously thought. We find that the lesser long-
nosed bat is characterized by flexible and adaptive behaviors that will 
allow it to remain viable under changing climatic conditions.

Species Future Conditions and Viability

    We evaluated overall viability of the lesser long-nosed bat in the 
SSA report (Service 2017) in the context of resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation. Species viability, or the ability to survive long term, 
is related to the species' ability to withstand catastrophic population 
and species-level events (redundancy); the ability to adapt to changing 
environmental conditions (representation); and the ability to withstand 
disturbances of varying magnitude and duration (resiliency). The 
viability of this species is also dependent on the likelihood of new 
threats or risk factors or the continuation of existing threats now and 
in the future that act to reduce a species' redundancy, resiliency, and 
representation.
    As described in the SSA report, we evaluated the viability of the 
lesser long-nosed bat population at two timeframes, 15 years and 50 
years. The 15-year timeframe represents the time it generally takes to 
document the effectiveness of various research, monitoring, and 
management approaches that have been or are implemented related to 
lesser long-nosed bat conservation. Therefore, the 15-year timeframe is 
a reasonable period of time within which we can predict outcomes of 
these activities in relation to the viability of the lesser long-nosed 
bat population. The 50-year timeframe is related primarily to the 
ability of various climate change models to reasonably and consistently 
predict or assess likely affects to lesser long-nosed bats and their 
forage resources. For each of these timeframes, we evaluated three 
future scenarios, a best-case scenario, a moderate-case scenario, and a 
worst-case scenario with respect to the extent and degree to which 
threats will affect the future viability of the lesser long-nosed bat 
population. We also determined how likely it would be that each of 
these three scenarios would actually occur. The SSA report details 
these scenarios and our analysis of the effects of these scenarios, 
over the two timeframes, on redundancy, resiliency, and representation 
of the lesser long-nosed bat population.
    During our decision-making process, we evaluated our level of 
comfort making predictions at each of the two timeframes. Ultimately, 
while the SSA report evaluates both timeframes, the decision-makers 
could not reasonably rely on predictions of the future viability of the 
lesser long-nosed bat out to 50 years due to the uncertainty of climate 
change models and the difficulty of predicting what will happen in 
Mexico where the majority of this species' habitat occurs, but where we 
have less information with regard to the threats affecting the lesser 
long-nosed bats. In the SSA report, all three scenarios were evaluated 
over both time frames (Service 2017, pp. 52-56). The evaluation results 
of future viability in the SSA report were identical for both 
timeframes (high viability), except in the worst-case scenario where, 
unlike the moderate- and best-case scenarios, the viability was 
moderate for the 15-year timeframe and low for the 50-year timeframe. 
For each future scenario, we describe how confident we are that that 
particular scenario will occur. This confidence is based on the 
following confidence categories: Highly likely (greater than 90 percent 
sure of the scenario occurring); moderately likely (70 to 90 percent 
sure); somewhat likely (50 to 70 percent sure); moderately unlikely (30 
to 50 percent sure); unlikely (10 to 30 percent sure); and highly 
unlikely (less than 10 percent sure).
    The SSA report concluded that it is unlikely that the worst-case 
scenario will actually occur. The worst case scenario describes a 
drastic increase in negative public attitudes towards bats and lesser 
long-nosed bat conservation, a greater influence from white-nose 
syndrome, and the worst possible effects from climate change. Based on 
our experience and the past and ongoing actions of the public and the 
commitment of management agencies in their land-use planning documents 
to address lesser long-nosed bat conservation issues, both now and in 
the future in both the United States and Mexico, such drastic impacts 
are unlikely to occur (10 to 30 percent sure this scenario will occur). 
In fact, for the conditions outlined in the worst-case scenario, we 
find that certainty of the worst-case scenario occurring is closer to 
10 percent than to 30 percent sure that this scenario would actually 
occur based on the commitment to conservation of this species and the 
adaptability of the lesser long-nosed bat.
    Subsequent to the publication of the proposed delisting rule for 
the lesser long-nosed bat (82 FR 1665, January 6, 2017), we have been 
in communication with our public and agency conservation partners to 
determine the extent of their participation in the post-delisting 
monitoring of the lesser long-nosed bat. Conservation partners will 
continue to implement management plans, such as the Forest Service's 
LRMPs, Bureau of Land Management's Resource Management Plans, 
Department of Defense's Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan 
that will result in continued coordination and implementation of 
existing and future conservation actions related to the lesser long-
nosed bat as appropriate and as resources are available. Such ongoing 
commitment to lesser long-nosed bat conservation has already been seen 
subsequent to the delisting of this bat in Mexico and our experience 
has been that it will also continue in the United States after 
delisting.
    Our SSA evaluated the current status of the population in relation 
to the population's resiliency, redundancy, and representation (Service 
2017; pp. 3-4). Resiliency addresses the population's health and 
ability to withstand stochastic events (numbers of individuals and 
population trajectory). Redundancy addresses the population's ability 
to withstand catastrophic events (number and distribution of population 
segments). Representation addresses diversity within the population 
(genetic

[[Page 17103]]

and habitat variation). We also evaluated future scenarios to assess 
the future viability of the populations in the foreseeable future. 
Although the worst-case scenario was evaluated in the SSA report, 
because we found that it was unlikely to actually occur, the focus of 
our consideration was on the scenarios that had the greatest likelihood 
of occurring, the best- and moderate-case scenarios, where redundancy, 
resiliency, and representation remain high regardless of the timeframe 
or scenario considered. Under the current condition for the lesser 
long-nosed bat, as well as in both the best-case (somewhat likely to 
occur) and moderate-case (moderately likely to occur) future scenarios, 
redundancy, resiliency, and representation of the lesser long-nosed bat 
population remain high and the viability of the subspecies is 
maintained (Service 2017, pp. 64-66). Current and future viability is 
based on the following findings of the high resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation. Multiple occupied roost sites occur within both the 
resident and migratory segments of the population. The numbers of bats 
at these roost sites have been characterized as stable or increasing. 
Lesser long-nosed bat numbers have been documented as increasing from 
approximately 1,000 rangewide at the time of listing to approximately 
200,000 currently. This includes stable and increasing numbers of bats 
at all roost types--maternity, late-summer transition, and mating 
roosts. Redundancy is high because there are multiple roost sites of 
each type of roost in both the migratory and non-migratory segments of 
the population. Lesser long-nosed bats have shown the ability to move 
among roost sites based on ephemeral forage availability allowing the 
bats to adapt to the ever-changing availability of forage resources. 
Ramirez (2011, entire) investigated population structure of the lesser 
long-nosed bat through DNA sampling and analysis and reported that 
combined results indicated sampled individuals belong to single 
population including both the United States and Mexico. Consequently, 
individuals found in the northern migratory range (United States) and 
in Mexico should be managed as a single population. Because the lesser 
long-nosed bats in both the United States and Mexico are considered a 
single population, there is little overall genetic variation. However, 
because of the large range and migratory nature of this species, the 
lesser long-nosed bat occupies a tremendous variety of vegetation 
communities and habitat types. This overall high diversity of habitat 
provides high representation across the range (see chapter 5 of the SSA 
Report (Service 2017).
    The future viability of this subspecies is dependent on a number of 
factors. First, an adequate number of roosts in the appropriate 
locations is needed. As detailed in the SSA report, adequate roosts of 
all types (maternity, mating, transition, and migratory) currently 
exist and are likely to exist into the foreseeable future (Service 
2017; pp. 8-14). Second, sufficient available forage resources are 
located in appropriate areas, including in proximity to maternity 
roosts and along the ``nectar trail'' used during migration. The 
discussion above and the SSA report detail our analysis and 
determination that forage resources are adequate and that the lesser 
long-nosed bat is likely to adapt to any changes in forage availability 
in the future (Service 2017; pp. 15-20). In addition, the SSA report 
analyses the contribution of current and future management of threats 
to the subspecies' long-term viability. The future viability of the 
lesser long-nosed bat will also depend on continued positive human 
attitudes towards the conservation of bats, implementation of 
conservation actions protecting roost sites and forage and migration 
resources, and implementation of needed research and monitoring to 
inform adaptive management as discussed above and in our SSA report.

Determination

    Section 4 of the Act and its implementing regulations, 50 CFR part 
424, set forth the procedures for listing, reclassifying, or removing 
species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife 
and Plants. ``Species'' is defined by the Act as including any species 
or subspecies of fish or wildlife or plants, and any distinct 
vertebrate population segment of fish or wildlife that interbreeds when 
mature (16 U.S.C. 1532(16)). Once the ``species'' is determined, we 
then evaluate whether that species may be endangered or threatened 
because of one or more of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1) 
of the Act. We must consider these same five factors in reclassifying 
or delisting a species. The Act defines an ``endangered species'' as a 
species that is ``in danger of extinction throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range,'' and a ``threatened species'' as a 
species that is ``likely to become an endangered species within the 
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its 
range.'' The analysis of threats must include an evaluation of both the 
threats currently facing the species and the threats that are 
reasonably likely to affect the species in the foreseeable future. We 
may delist a species according to 50 CFR 424.11(d) if the best 
available scientific and commercial data indicate that the species is 
neither endangered or threatened for the following reasons: (1) The 
species is extinct; (2) the species has recovered and is no longer 
endangered or threatened; and/or (3) the original scientific data used 
at the time the species was classified were in error.

Lesser Long-Nosed Bat Determination of Status Throughout All of its 
Range

    The total numbers of lesser long-nosed bats across its range are 
stable or increasing at nearly all roost sites being monitored based on 
the professional judgment of biologists and others involved in these 
efforts. While we acknowledge that the data we have does not allow us 
to draw statistically defensible population trend conclusions, the 
total number of bats currently documented is many times greater than 
the total number of bats documented at the time of listing in 1988. At 
the time of listing, fewer than 500 lesser long-nosed bats were 
estimated to remain in the United States; current estimates are greater 
than 100,000 bats. At the time of listing, the estimated rangewide 
population was fewer than 1,000 lesser long-nosed bats. Current range-
wide estimates are approximately 200,000 lesser long-nosed bats. While 
this may, in large part, reflect a better approach to survey and 
monitoring in subsequent years, it changes our view of the danger of 
extinction of the species and gives us better information upon which to 
evaluate the status of the lesser long-nosed bat population.
    This better information is related to the species' population size, 
the number of roosts, and its distribution. In addition, there have 
been increased efforts related to habitat protection (identification of 
roost sites and forage resources in planning efforts, implementation of 
protective measures for roosts and forage resources, increased 
awareness of habitat needs, etc.) and additional efforts for habitat 
protection are planned to be implemented in the future, regardless of 
the listing status of this subspecies. Threats identified at the time 
of listing are not as significant as thought or have been addressed to 
such an extent that they no longer threaten the lesser long-nosed bat 
population, now or in the future. For example, effects to agaves, a key 
lesser long-nosed bat forage resource, from prescribed burning and 
livestock grazing is not a significant impact to lesser long-nosed bat 
forage

[[Page 17104]]

availability (FWS 2016; p. 33-35). Vandalism and human disturbance has 
been reduced at roost sites due to actions implemented by land 
management and border management agencies, including the use of fencing 
and gates and land use planning (FWS 2016; pp. 28-32). Forage resource 
impacts from agave harvesting for tequila production and non-target 
impacts to lesser long-nosed bats from vampire bat control in Mexico 
have both been reduced due to ongoing outreach and education (FWS 2016, 
p. 32 and 38). Public support for bats has increased with ongoing 
education and outreach and this has resulted in the public being more 
supportive of actions taken to reduce threats to bats including the 
protection of roosts and forage resources (FWS 2016; pp. 45-46). This 
increased level of information related to population, roosts, and 
distribution, along with ongoing conservation efforts, combined with 
the current state of its threats, allow us to conclude that the 
subspecies is not in danger of extinction and is not expected to become 
endangered in the foreseeable future. Our thorough evaluation of the 
available data for occupancy, distribution, and threat factors, as well 
as the opinions of experts familiar with this subspecies, indicates a 
currently viable population status with a stable to increasing trend.
    In the case of the lesser long-nosed bat, we have determined that, 
while the above threats may be affecting individuals or specific sites 
or areas within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat, they do not 
represent significant threats to the overall population of the lesser 
long-nosed bat. Therefore, after assessing the best available 
information, we conclude that the lesser-long nosed bat has recovered 
and no longer meets the definition of endangered or threatened under 
the Act. We conclude that the lesser long-nosed bat is not in danger of 
extinction throughout all of its range and we also find that the lesser 
long-nosed bat is not likely to be in danger of extinction throughout 
all of its range in the foreseeable future.

Lesser Long-Nosed Bat Determination of Status in Significant Portion of 
its Range

    On July 1, 2014, we published a final policy interpreting the 
phrase ``significant portion of its range'' (SPR) (79 FR 37578) (SPR 
Policy). Aspects of that policy were vacated for species that occur in 
Arizona by the United States District Court for the District of 
Arizona. Center for Biological Diversity v. Jewell, No. CV-14-02506-
TUC-RM (D. AZ. Mar. 29, 2017). Because this species occurs in Arizona, 
we are not relying on the portions of the SPR policy that were vacated 
by the court in this decision. Pursuant to the Act, a species may 
warrant listing if it is in danger of extinction or likely to become so 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range. We interpret the 
phrase ``significant portion of its range'' in the Act's definitions of 
``endangered species'' and ``threatened species'' to provide an 
independent basis for listing a species in its entirety; thus there are 
two situations (or factual bases) under which a species would qualify 
for listing: A species may be in danger of extinction or likely to 
become so in the foreseeable future throughout all of its range; or a 
species may be in danger of extinction or likely to become so 
throughout a significant portion of its range. If a species is in 
danger of extinction throughout a significant portion of its range, the 
species, is an ``endangered species.'' The same analysis applies to 
``threatened species.'' Having determined that the lesser long-nosed 
bat is not endangered or threatened throughout all of its range, we 
next consider whether there are any significant portions of its range 
in which the lesser long-nosed bat is in danger of extinction or likely 
to become so.
    The procedure for analyzing whether any portion is a SPR is 
similar, regardless of the type of status determination we are making. 
When we conduct a SPR analysis, we first identify any portions of the 
species' range that warrant further consideration. The range of a 
species can theoretically be divided into portions in an infinite 
number of ways. However, there is no purpose in analyzing portions of 
the range that have no reasonable potential to be significant or in 
analyzing portions of the range in which there is no reasonable 
potential for the species to be endangered or threatened. To identify 
only those portions that warrant further consideration, we determine 
whether substantial information indicates that: (1) The portions may be 
``significant''; and (2) the species may be in danger of extinction 
there or likely to become so within the foreseeable future. Depending 
on the biology of the species, its range, and the threats it faces, it 
might be more efficient for us to address the significance question 
first or the status question first. Thus, if we determine that a 
portion of the range is not ``significant,'' we do not need to 
determine whether the species is endangered or threatened there; if we 
determine that the species is not endangered or threatened in a portion 
of its range, we do not need to determine if that portion is 
``significant.'' In practice, a key part of the determination that a 
species is in danger of extinction in a significant portion of its 
range is whether the threats are geographically concentrated in some 
way. If the threats to the species are affecting it uniformly 
throughout its range, no portion is likely to have a greater risk of 
extinction, and thus would not warrant further consideration. Moreover, 
if any concentration of threats apply only to portions of the range 
that clearly do not meet the biologically based definition of 
``significant'' (i.e., the loss of that portion clearly would not be 
expected to increase the vulnerability to extinction of the entire 
species), those portions would not warrant further consideration.
    We identified portions of the lesser long-nosed bat's range that 
may be significant, and examined whether any threats are geographically 
concentrated in some way that would indicate that those portions of the 
range may be in danger of extinction, or likely to become so in the 
foreseeable future. Within the current range of the lesser long-nosed 
bat, some distinctions can be made between Mexico and the United 
States, such as the presence of an international border with associated 
differences in laws and culture, areas of different vegetation 
communities, areas of different management approaches, etc. However, we 
have not found that any of these geographic distinctions are 
characterized as areas where threats are concentrated. Therefore, our 
analysis indicates that the species is unlikely to be in danger of 
extinction or to become so in the foreseeable future in any geographic 
region within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat. The primary 
driver of the status of the species continues to be roost site 
disturbance or loss. This and other factors affecting the viability of 
the lesser long-nosed bat population as discussed above occur 
throughout the range of the bat. We have found no areas where the 
threats are concentrated in any geographic region. Therefore, we have 
not identified any portion of the range that warrants further 
consideration to determine whether they are a significant portion of 
its range.
    We also evaluated representation across the lesser long-nosed bat's 
range to determine if certain areas were in danger of extinction, or 
likely to become so, due to isolation from the larger range. Ramirez 
(2011, entire) investigated population structure of the lesser long-
nosed bat through DNA sampling and analysis and reported that combined 
results indicated sampled individuals belong to single population 
including both the United States and Mexico. Consequently, individuals

[[Page 17105]]

found in the northern migratory range (United States) and in Mexico 
should be managed as a single population. Additionally, the species' 
population has increased from an estimated 1,000 lesser long-nosed bats 
rangewide at the time of listing to over 200,000 currently.
    Our analysis indicates that there is no geographic portion of the 
range that is in danger of extinction or likely to become so in the 
foreseeable future. Therefore, based on the best scientific and 
commercial data available, no portion warrants further consideration to 
determine whether the species may be endangered or threatened in a 
significant portion of its range.
    We have determined that none of the existing or potential threats 
cause the lesser long-nosed bat to be in danger of extinction 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range, nor is the 
subspecies likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range. We may delist a 
species according to 50 CFR 424.11(d) if the best available scientific 
and commercial data indicate that: (1) The species is extinct; (2) the 
species has recovered and is no longer endangered or threatened; or (3) 
the original scientific data used at the time the species was 
classified were in error. On the basis of our evaluation, we conclude 
that, due to recovery, the lesser long-nosed bat is not an endangered 
or threatened species. We therefore remove the lesser long-nosed bat 
from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife at 50 CFR 
17.11(h).

Effects of the Rule

    This final rule revises 50 CFR 17.11(h) by removing the lesser 
long-nosed bat from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife. The prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the 
Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, no longer apply to this 
subspecies. Federal agencies are no longer required to consult with the 
Service under section 7 of the Act in the event that activities they 
authorize, fund, or carry out may affect the lesser long-nosed bat. 
Because no critical habitat was ever designated for the lesser long-
nosed bat, this rule would not affect 50 CFR 17.95. State laws related 
to the lesser long-nosed bat will remain in place. State and Federal 
laws related to protection of habitat for the lesser long-nosed bat, 
such as those addressing effects to caves and abandoned mines, as well 
as protected plant species such as columnar cacti and agaves, will 
remain in place.

Future Conservation Measures

    Section 4(g)(1) of the Act requires the Secretary of the Interior, 
through the Service and in cooperation with the States, to implement a 
system to monitor, for not less than 5 years, all species that have 
been recovered and delisted. The purpose of this requirement is to 
develop a program that detects the failure of any delisted species to 
sustain populations without the protective measures provided by the 
Act. If, at any time during the monitoring period, data indicate that 
protective status under the Act should be reinstated, we can initiate 
listing procedures, including, if appropriate, emergency listing.
    To fulfill the post-delisting monitoring requirement, we developed 
a draft post-delisting monitoring plan for the lesser long-nosed bat in 
coordination with the State wildlife agencies from Arizona and New 
Mexico. We will be publishing a notice of the availability of the draft 
post-delisting monitoring plan for comment shortly. We will continue to 
coordinate with other Federal agencies, State resource agencies, 
interested scientific organizations, and others as appropriate to 
implement an effective post-delisting monitoring plan for the lesser 
long-nosed bat.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    In the proposed rule published on January 6, 2017 (82 FR 1665) in 
the Federal Register, we requested that all interested parties submit 
written comments on the proposal by March 7, 2017. We also contacted 
appropriate Federal and State agencies, Tribal entities, scientific 
experts and organizations, and other interested parties and invited 
them to comment on the proposal. We did not receive any requests for a 
public hearing.

State and Peer Review Comments

    Section 4(b)(5)(A)(ii) of the Act states that the Secretary must 
give actual notice of a proposed regulation under section 4(a) to the 
State agency in each state in which the species is believed to occur, 
and invite the comments of such agency. Section 4(i) of the Act directs 
that the Secretary will submit to the State agency a written 
justification for his or her failure to adopt regulations consistent 
with the agency's comments or petition. The Service submitted the 
proposed regulation to both the AGFD and the New Mexico Department of 
Game and Fish (NMGFD). We received comments supporting the proposed 
rule from both agencies.
    In accordance with our peer review policy, which was published July 
1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we solicited expert opinion on the SS) from 
which the proposed delisting rule was developed. Specifically, we 
solicited peer review from six knowledgeable, independent individuals 
with scientific expertise and background related to bats in general and 
to lesser long-nosed bats specifically. We received responses from two 
of the invited peer reviewers. Editorial and clarifying comments, as 
well as additional data and supporting citations, have been 
incorporated into this final delisting rule and the SSA.
    We reviewed all comments received from the peer reviewers and the 
State agencies for substantive issues and new information regarding the 
delisting of the lesser long-nosed bat. These comments are addressed 
below.
    Comment (1): Both the NMGFD and the AGFD are supportive of the 
proposed rule and indicated that both the proposed rule and the 
Service's SSA provide sufficient justification for the removal of the 
lesser long-nosed bat from the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife. The AGFD reiterated supporting data and stated that they 
``look forward to our continued collaboration in developing an adequate 
post-delisting monitoring plan and implementing those techniques that 
ensure the status of the lesser long-nosed bat continues to improve 
once removed from the regulatory protections of the Endangered Species 
Act.'' The NMGFD provided clarifying information and suggestions, which 
have been incorporated in the SSA and the final delisting rule.
    Our Response: We appreciate the NMGFD and the AGFD's support and 
continued commitment to the conservation of the lesser long-nosed bat. 
We also look forward to working with both of these State agencies on 
post-delisting monitoring and adaptive management, if necessary, of the 
lesser long-nosed bat.
    Comment (2): The AGFD commented on the issue of substantially 
reduced numbers at a major lesser long-nosed bat maternity roost in 
2017 and what that might mean for our proposed delisting of this 
species.
    Our Response: As described above, the largest known maternity roost 
for the lesser long-nosed bat experienced an 86 percent decline between 
2016 and 2017. We do not have a complete understanding of what caused 
the fatality event in 2017 and what that ultimately means for the 
lesser long-nosed bat population. The decline was likely due to 
mortality, but it could be

[[Page 17106]]

the result of migrating females using other roosts in the area or 
resource conditions in Mexico resulted in fewer bats migrating 
northward. We do not know if this decline represents a permanent loss 
of these bats. We will work with our partners in Mexico and the United 
States to increase the monitoring effort at this roost, as well as 
consider roost counts at other maternity roosts in the region, and 
gather information on resource conditions in both the United States and 
Mexico. This will provide information needed to better understand what 
the causes and implications of the events of 2016 and 2017 are and 
what, if any, ramifications this has on the viability of the lesser 
long-nosed bat population. This roost is included in our draft post-
delisting monitoring plan, so we will continue to monitor and evaluate 
this roost for the next 15 years and implement adaptive management 
actions as appropriate.
    Despite this decline, significantly more lesser long-nosed bats 
remain than when we listed the species, and the threats are not as 
significant as we concluded at the time of listing. When looking at the 
overall data from the past 20 years and applying our best professional 
judgment, we find that the overall lesser long-nosed bat population 
trend is positive, a conclusion that our conservation partners in 
Mexico also relied upon when they delisted the lesser long-nosed bat in 
2013. Consequently, stable and increasing numbers of lesser long-nosed 
bats, in conjunction with the various analyses included in our SSA have 
led us to conclude that the lesser long-nosed bat no longer meets the 
definition of threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species 
Act.
    Comment (3): One peer reviewer expressed concern that habitat loss 
and climate change could create a catastrophic effect on resource 
availability in the southwestern United States. The reviewer also 
believed that food items are lacking along the migration route in the 
United States. Thus, the reviewer believed that the species should not 
be delisted at this time.
    Our Response: We reviewed the best scientific and commercial 
information available when conducting the threats analysis. We 
acknowledge that climate change is likely to affect forage availability 
in the future, both in Mexico and the United States. However, we cannot 
predict at this time specifically how forage resources will be 
affected, and how lesser long-nosed bats are likely to respond to these 
changes. Loss of lesser long-nosed bat habitat and forage resources are 
a threat that does not appear to be as significant as described at the 
time this species was listed as an endangered species. In the SSA and 
this final delisting rule, we discuss the apparent flexibility and 
adaptability of the lesser long-nosed bat with regard to changes in 
forage availability. We acknowledge that the opportunity to observe 
this adaptability has been limited and may not represent future long-
term changes in forage availability; however, it provides evidence of 
the ability of this species to maintain viability during local or 
seasonal changes in forage availability. We have determined that, while 
threats to forage availability may be affecting individuals or specific 
sites or areas within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat, they do 
not represent significant threats to the overall population of the 
lesser long-nosed bat.
    Overall, the threats to foraging areas have been reduced since the 
species was listed under the Act. Foraging habitat for the species is 
primarily on public lands and is managed and conserved through 
inclusion in resource management plans as noted in Factor D above. 
Thus, land use plans, State regulatory mechanisms, and ongoing 
conservation measures support increased conservation efforts for the 
lesser long-nosed bat habitat and forage resources in the United 
States.
    Comment (4): One peer reviewer suggested that we attempt to get 
better documentation related to the consistency and quality of data 
used to evaluate and describe the status of the lesser long-nosed bat 
in Mexico.
    Our Response: We are committed to ongoing communication and 
coordination with our Mexican conservation partners. The draft post-
delisting monitoring plan includes the use of available information on 
the status of the lesser long-nosed bat in Mexico to ensure that we 
consider the entire range of the species in assessing its status absent 
the protections of the Act. We consider the information we used during 
development of the SSA and the final delisting rule related to the 2013 
delisting of the lesser long-nosed bat in Mexico, in conjunction with 
other data from Mexico provided during our SSA process, to be the best 
available scientific information at this time. We will work with our 
partners on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to update and improve 
the information regarding the status of the lesser long-nosed bat in 
Mexico.

Public Comments

    During the public comment period for the proposed rule, we received 
comments from 19 individuals or organizations. Of these, six provided 
substantial comments which we address below.
    Comment (6): Several commenters would support the Service in 
downlisting the lesser long-nosed bat to a threatened species, but do 
not support delisting.
    Our Response: We assessed the status of the species based on the 
best available scientific and commercial information, and included 
expert input and review. Mexico completed a similar process in 2013 
where they evaluated the current status of the lesser long-nosed bat in 
Mexico. The result of that analysis was the removal of the lesser long-
nosed bat from Mexico's version of the endangered species list. We 
considered that determination when evaluating the range-wide status of 
the lesser long-nosed bat. We analyzed the information within the SSA 
and determined that the lesser long-nosed bat does not meet the 
definition of endangered nor does it meet the definition of a 
threatened species, because the future scenario's analysis indicate 
that the lesser long-nosed bat will retain its viability into the 
foreseeable future due to high resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation. In addition, the population is stable or increasing, 
threats are not as significant as previously believed or have been 
alleviated through management, and conservation actions continue to be 
implemented. Therefore, the lesser long-nosed bat is not in danger of 
extinction now or within the foreseeable future. We have determined 
that the lesser-long nosed bat has recovered and no longer meets the 
definition of endangered or threatened under the Act.
    Comment (7): Several commenters requested that the Service explain 
the rationale it used to estimate the current population of the 
species. One commenter stated that the estimate regarding post-
maternity population size in the proposed rule is not a defendable 
number.
    Our Response: Counts of bats at nearly every known lesser long-
nosed bat roost have occurred at least to some extent over the past 20 
years in both the United States and Mexico. We cannot generate 
statistically rigorous population numbers or trend from these counts 
because limited resources has meant that roost counts do not always 
occur annually and, with the exception of a few sites, very rarely have 
multiple counts per year been completed. However, these counts have 
generally occurred multiple times over the past 20 years and they 
represent information that can be used to assess the status of

[[Page 17107]]

the population. To do this, we relied upon the professional judgement 
of those conducting the counts, supported by a data set that, although 
not statistically robust, is a long-term data set. This input has been 
that, in general, the trend in overall numbers has been stable or 
increasing in both the United States and Mexico (AGFD 2005 and 2016, 
entire; Medell[iacute]n and Torres 2013, pp. 11-13; Buecher 2016, p. 
10; Cerro 2012, p. 23). The number of lesser long-nosed bats at any 
given roost fluctuates considerably each year and among years making it 
crucial to have long-term data sets to assess the status of the lesser 
long-nosed bat population. We considered the overall roost counts for 
maternity sites and at late-summer transition roosts, understanding 
that there is likely some overlap between individuals within those two 
sets of data. We also considered count data from Mexico understanding 
that there is overlap of individuals within the migratory segment of 
the population that inhabits both the United States and Mexico. This 
has allowed us to estimate that the overall population is probably at 
least 200,000, especially considering that one maternity site has 
consistently been counted at over 100,000 bats annually for many years. 
It also allows us to support the conclusion given to us by researchers 
familiar with these roost sites that indicate increasing and stable 
populations at nearly all roost sites that are being monitored. A good 
example are roost sites on Fort Huachuca in the Huachuca Mountains of 
Arizona. Monitoring over the past 24 years indicates steady increases 
in the numbers of lesser long-nosed bats at these roosts. In addition, 
two roost sites that had been abandoned have been reoccupied (Sidner 
2005; Buecher 2016; p. 17). However, we also have documented the 
abandonment of roost sites including roost sites in the Chiricahua and 
Santa Rita mountain ranges.
    We believe that we have conservatively estimated the overall lesser 
long-nosed bat population to be at least 200,000. The count data used 
in the SSA and the proposed delisting rule represent more of an index 
of population size and not the exact number of lesser long-nosed bats 
that exist within its range. Again, we acknowledged that the population 
numbers used in the SSA and the proposed delisting rule do not 
represent actual population numbers. We are required to make decisions 
based on the best available scientific and commercial data and have 
used this count data to evaluate the current status of the species. 
While numbers fluctuate both within and between years, the count data 
we used was generally gathered using a consistent approach and over a 
relatively long period of time such that we believe this does provide 
an index of population size. The total number of bats currently being 
documented is many times greater than those numbers upon which the 
listing of this species relied, and while this may, in large part, 
reflect a better approach to survey and monitoring in subsequent years, 
it gives us better information upon which to evaluate the status of the 
lesser long-nosed bat population.
    In addition, a documented expansion of the known range of the 
lesser long-nosed bat in the United States has occurred subsequent to 
listing. According to Bat Conservation International (lit 2017), recent 
reports from Dr. Keith Geluso at the University of Nebraska have 
identified the presence of lesser long-nosed bats near Gila, New 
Mexico. This is an expansion of over 100 miles north of known 
occurrences in Hidalgo County, NM. Additional data collected by Buecher 
Biological Consulting confirmed the presence of this species in the 
southern Big Burros Mountains at hummingbird feeders (HEG 2015, 
entire). These reports are approximately 100 miles north of the 
historic northern extent of their range in the Peloncillo and Big 
Hatchet Mountains.
    Comment (8): Several commenters suggested that additional 
evaluation and quantitative analyses of the population size and trend 
is needed before a determination that downlisting or delisting can be 
supported.
    Our Response: As stated in our response to the previous comment, we 
acknowledge that we do not have statistically rigorous roost count data 
that provides a statistically sound population estimate. Past, current, 
and future resources have not and are unlikely to support future roost 
counts at the intensity needed to provide such a population estimate. 
However, the count data we do have, in conjunction with the 
professional judgment of the biologists conducting these counts and of 
those involved in the management of roost sites, does provide us a 
picture of increased numbers and known roost sites subsequent to the 
listing of the lesser long-nosed bat in 1988. As stated in the proposed 
rule, there has been a steadily increasing effort related to the 
conservation of this subspecies for the last 20 years following the 
completion of the lesser long-nosed bat recovery plan. Better methods 
of monitoring have been developed. These monitoring efforts have led to 
an increase in the number of known roosts throughout its range. The 
1988 listing rule emphasized low population numbers along with an 
apparent declining population trend. At this time, we have documented 
increased lesser long-nosed bat numbers and positive trends at most 
roosts sites, as well as an increased number of knowns roosts and an 
expansion of the range of this species in the United States.
    Much of the debate as to the legitimacy of the 1988 listing of the 
lesser long-nosed bat centers around the population numbers and trends 
recorded from roost site monitoring. At the time of listing, population 
numbers and trends used by the Service in determining the endangered 
status of the lesser long-nosed bat showed low numbers and a declining 
trend (Wilson 1985). Information gathered since the listing show higher 
population numbers and a generally stable to increasing trend (Cockrum 
and Petryszyn 1991, AGFD 2005, entire, AGFD 2016, entire). Further, the 
increasing trend in Mexico warranted and resulted in the removal of the 
lesser long-nosed bat from Mexico's Law for Endangered Protection in 
2013.
    We anticipate that ongoing post-delisting monitoring will detect 
any significant changes in population health and allow for adaptive 
management responses, including possible re-listing, if necessary. As 
is the case with many listed species, we have not had, nor do we 
anticipate that we will have in the future, adequate resources to 
gather all the information we would like or feel is necessary to 
evaluate prior to delisting the lesser long-nosed bat. We rely on the 
best available scientific and commercial information. Based on this 
information, we have determined that the population of the lesser long-
nosed bat is currently viable and will likely maintain viability into 
the future based on the analysis contained in our SSA and this final 
rule.
    Comment (9): Several commenters remarked on and requested that the 
Service should more rigorously consider whether roost protections are 
likely to be maintained post-delisting in the absence of regulatory 
requirements of the Act.
    Our Response: After delisting, the lesser long-nosed bat will 
continue to be a high priority for conservation activities due to its 
status in both New Mexico and Arizona's State Wildlife Action Plans 
(SWAP). New Mexico has the species identified as a Species of Greatest 
Conservation Need. In Arizona's SWAP, the lesser long-nosed bat is 
named as a special status species and monitoring roosts is a proposed 
activity in the plan. Further, the U.S.

[[Page 17108]]

Forest Service has the species identified as Regional Forester 
Sensitive, providing it with additional conservation status in all 
regional USFS National Environmental Policy Act analyses. These 
classifications and proposed conservation activities were not 
identified when the lesser long-nosed bat was listed in 1988.
    We acknowledge that sustaining efforts of post-delisting monitoring 
can be challenging and subject to competing priorities for available 
resources. Nonetheless, we have designed the draft post-delisting 
monitoring plan to be realistic given limited resources and will 
continue to work with our conservation partners to obtain the resources 
necessary to implement post-delisting monitoring. As occurred prior to 
delisting, we anticipate protection and conservation of the lesser 
long-nosed bat will continue to be implemented as the result of 
existing management and land use plans, as well as other State and 
Federal laws related to protection of bats and their habitats, 
including caves used as roosts. These laws and plans will continue to 
be implemented and used to benefit the conservation of the lesser long-
nosed bat following delisting. We acknowledge that the level of support 
for ongoing lesser long-nosed bat conservation actions changes over 
time and is often focused on species listed under the Act. However, we 
have reached out to our Federal and non-Federal lesser long-nosed bat 
conservation partners as we worked to address comments on and finalize 
the delisting rule for the lesser long-nosed bat to assess their level 
of participation in future conservation actions for this species. They 
have indicated that they will continue to implement conservation 
actions as appropriate and as resources are available.
    Our discussion in Factor A above includes a number of specific 
examples of conservation actions that our conservation partners have 
and are implementing; many of which are regulatory requirements. We are 
confident that actions similar to those discussed above in this section 
will continue to benefit the conservation of lesser long-nosed bat even 
absent the regulatory protections of the Act as such actions have done 
in Mexico. Lesser long-nosed bat recovery has occurred because of the 
commitments of our conservation partners that have gone well beyond the 
requirements of the Act. The recovery of the lesser long-nosed bat is 
evidence of how effective species conservation can be when supported by 
a committed, active group of binational conservation partners.
    Comment (10): One commenter suggested that gates are ineffective in 
protecting lesser long-nosed bat roosts.
    Our Response: We are still developing the most appropriate gate 
design and implementation strategy for gates on lesser long-nosed bat 
roosts. Three efforts to physically protect roosts through the use of 
gates or barriers have been implemented (Bluebird and State of Texas). 
The experimental fence at the Bluebird Mine worked initially, but it 
was subsequently vandalized resulting in roost abandonment. The gate 
was repaired and there have been no subsequent breeches and the bats 
have recolonized the site. Gating at the State of Texas mine has had 
some success (the site is protected, but bat numbers have declined), 
but we still do not know how lesser long-nosed bats will adapt to gates 
over time or if gates will prove to be a viable option for lesser long-
nosed bat roost protection, especially at roosts containing the largest 
numbers of bats. A protective gate was installed at the Cave of the 
Bells roost site. This site has not been occupied since gating (AGFD 
2005, entire). It is not entirely clear if the gating was responsible 
for abandonment of this roost, but additional research has indicated 
that gating may be problematic for lesser long-nosed bats based on 
colony size and flight speeds. Bat gates are an excellent conservation 
tool for bat roosts, but they may not be as suitable for lesser long-
nosed bats (Ludlow and Gore 2000). Further research, similar to efforts 
at Coronado National Memorial, is needed before the effectiveness of 
this tool can be determined (Bucci et al. 2003). Current efforts are 
underway to use the existing gate at Coronado National Memorial to 
determine a better gate design and configuration with regard to lesser 
long-nosed bats. Regardless, the gates do provide protection from 
disturbance and as such, benefit the long-term conservation of the 
lesser long-nosed bat.
    Comment (11): Several commenters stated that with the on-going 
impact of illegal border activity occurring across the U.S.-Mexico 
border, abandoned mines and caves used by the bat are still at risk 
from disturbance.
    Our Response: Patterns of cross-border traffic are continually 
changing and, while the level of use in proximity to roosts may rise 
and fall, roost sites nonetheless occur in areas where they are 
vulnerable to disturbance by border traffic. In general, recent data 
indicates that illegal border crossings have decreased. This may 
indicate a current downturn in illegal border activity, but this trend 
may reverse at any time. The roost monitoring proposed in our draft 
post-delisting monitoring plan will provide regular assessments of 
lesser long-nosed bat roosts and allow us to respond appropriately if 
threats or impacts from illegal border activities become an issue.
    We have determined that, while activities associated with illegal 
border crossing may be affecting individuals or specific sites or areas 
within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat, they do not represent 
significant threats to the overall population of the lesser long-nosed 
bat.
    Comment (12): One commenter stated that growing human populations 
and increased rate of urbanization within the range of the lesser long 
nosed bat will increase the prevalence of vandalism at roost sites.
    Our Response: Lesser long-nosed bats can be affected directly by 
development which removes important foraging habitat, but also 
indirectly as growing numbers of people increase the potential for 
roost disturbance. We have specifically addressed the issue of 
development and urbanization in Factor A above. We have determined 
that, while human development and urbanization may be affecting 
individuals or specific sites or areas within the range of the lesser 
long-nosed bat, they do not represent significant threats to the 
overall population of the lesser long-nosed bat.
    Comment (13): Several commenters suggested that the species' food 
resources are unstable and the species' resilience to the 2004 cactus 
bloom failure event was overstated.
    Our Response: We have determined that there is a lack of evidence 
presented within the best available scientific and commercial 
information that these issues are or will have population-level effects 
on the lesser long-nosed bat. The threat to foraging areas has been 
reduced since the species was listed under the Act. A key to 
maintaining lesser long-nosed bat population viability into the future 
is assuring that forage species remain present and appropriately 
distributed across the landscape and available for the various life 
history requirements of the lesser long-nosed bat. Foraging habitat for 
the species is primarily on public lands and is conserved through 
inclusion in resource management plans. These plans provide guidance 
and measures to ensure that forage resources such as agaves and 
columnar cacti remain present in the landscape. For example, we are 
working with The Department of Defense facility at Fort Huachuca to 
continue their Agave Management Plan as part of their Integrated 
Natural Resources

[[Page 17109]]

Management Plan which states that it will maintain a self-sustaining 
populations of Agave palmeri on Fort Huachuca to conserve the forage 
base of the lesser long-nosed bat and other species using agave. The 
Coronado National Forest's 2017 LRMP includes standards and guidelines 
to retain and enhance areas with paniculate agaves in order to benefit 
the lesser long-nosed bat. The Bureau of Land Management has forage 
plant protections within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat, 
including avoidance measures to protect agave and saguaros. Organ Pipe 
Cactus National Monument and Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge 
protect hundreds of square miles of areas containing foraging plants 
for the bat within its refuge boundaries. We are confident that these 
efforts and protections will continue even after the lesser long-nosed 
bat is delisted.
    Comment (14): One commenter suggested that lesser long-nosed bats 
may become dependent on artificial food resources (i.e., hummingbird 
feeders), which may work as a temporary replacement of their natural 
food but are not sufficient as a sustainable food resource.
    Our Response: As stated in the SSA, one interesting aspect of the 
foraging behavior of lesser long-nosed bats is the fact that they 
readily find and use hummingbird feeders as a forage resource (Buecher 
and Sidner 2013, Wolf 2006, Town of Marana 2017). Some hypothesize that 
the year-round presence of hummingbird feeders in southern Arizona and 
New Mexico support lesser long-nosed bats staying later in the year in 
these areas, perhaps even year-round. It is possible that this extra 
availability of forage resources may be one factor that has led to the 
lesser long-nosed bat's increased stability and progress towards 
recovery. The increase and permanent presence of hummingbird feeders at 
homes in southern Arizona and New Mexico may supply a consistent forage 
resource for these nectar-feeding bats that allows them to use and 
remain in areas when natural forage resources are absent or reduced (R. 
Sharp, 2013 pers. comm.). Alternatively, the long-term effects of 
staying longer before migrating southward and the questionable 
nutritional value of the sugar water in the hummingbird feeders are 
unknown and could actually be detrimental.
    In 2006, in southern Arizona, there was a significant failure of 
blooming agaves. As a result, many members of the public reported that 
bats were using their hummingbird feeders that year. The Service, AGFD, 
and the Town of Marana initiated a citizen scientist program to track 
use of hummingbird feeders in 2007 based on Wolf (2006, entire) and, 
over the past approximately 10 years, the volunteer network of feeder 
watchers has grown to more than 100 individuals monitoring their 
hummingbird feeders across southern Arizona. This has resulted in a 
tremendous amount of data and some very interesting results.
    The existence of this ongoing study related to lesser long-nosed 
bat use of hummingbird feeders provides us an opportunity to continue 
to assess and evaluate the potential benefits and negative effects of 
hummingbird feeders on the landscape within the range of the lesser 
long-nosed bat. Currently, there is no evidence that this resource in 
the landscape is negatively affecting the lesser long-nosed bat 
population.
    Comment (15): Several commenters stated that the impacts of climate 
change to bat distributions are unknown at this time and that the SSA 
did not adequately acknowledge the threat of climate change.
    Our Response: The lesser long-nosed bat SSA incorporates the best 
available scientific and commercial information related on the current 
state of our understanding of the potential effects of climate change 
on the lesser long-nosed bat. We acknowledge the limitations of the 
currently available information related to predicting the potential 
impacts of climate change on the lesser long-nosed bat specifically. 
However, we have determined that, while climate change may be affecting 
individuals or specific sites or areas within the range of the lesser 
long-nosed bat, it does not represent a significant threat to the 
overall population of the lesser long-nosed bat based upon the analysis 
we completed in the SSA.
    We are committed to using the best available scientific and 
commercial information in our analysis of the current and future status 
of the lesser long-nosed bat. We acknowledge that ecosystems within the 
southwestern United States are thought to be particularly susceptible 
to climate change and variability (Strittholt et al. 2012, pp. 104-152; 
Munson et al. 2012, pp. 1-2; Archer and Predick 2008, p. 23). 
Documented trends and model projections most often show changes in two 
variables: temperature and precipitation. Recent warming in the 
southwest is among the most rapid in the nation, significantly more 
than the global average in some areas (Guido et al. 2009, pp. 3-5). 
Bagne and Finch (2012 and 2013; pp. 107-116; pp. 150-160) assessed the 
vulnerability of the lesser long-nosed bat to the effects of climate 
change in the areas of the Barry M. Goldwater Range (southwestern 
Arizona) and at Fort Huachuca (southeastern Arizona). They concluded 
that the lesser long-nosed bat was moderately vulnerable to declines 
related to global climate change. Vulnerability was increased by 
reliance on the quantity and timing of flowering of a limited number of 
plant species, while resilience is incurred by flexible migratory 
behaviors and the probable resilience of forage plant populations to 
increasing temperatures.
    They also predicted that changes in climate are expected to 
exacerbate current threats. One of the primary factors related to the 
vulnerability of this species to climate change was the adaptability of 
non-native grasses and the potential changes in fire regime that are 
expected under most climate change scenarios. However, current climate 
change modeling efforts do not allow us to predict what the effects of 
this climate change will be beyond a relatively short timeframe. We are 
not able to conclude what the effects of climate change will be on the 
lesser long-nosed bat population distribution and viability given the 
current level of information we have related to climate change on 
forage resources such as saguaros and agaves. However, we acknowledge 
the potential for climate change to affect lesser long-nosed bat forage 
availability, and we have included an assessment of this issue as part 
of the draft post-delisting monitoring plan. This will provide us with 
information to make a better informed evaluation of the potential 
effects of climate change on lesser long-nosed bat forage resources. 
Results of this monitoring will allow us to formulate potential 
adaptive management actions to address these effects, or consider 
relisting the species if necessary.
    The best available scientific and commercial information indicates 
that the current population condition of the lesser long-nosed bat 
appears to indicate that lesser long-nosed bats may be showing some 
resiliency with regard to fluctuating food plant flowering cycles.
    Comment (16): Several comments expressed concern with regard to 
current regulations and laws not adequately protecting bats and caves.
    Our Response: The Federal Cave Protection Act of 1988 prohibits 
persons from activities that ``destroy, disturb, deface, mar, alter, 
remove, or harm any significant cave or alters free movement of any 
animal or plant life into or out of any significant cave located on 
Federal lands, or enters a significant cave with the intent of 
committing any act described . . .'' Arizona Revised

[[Page 17110]]

Statute 13-3702 makes it a class 2 misdemeanor to ``deface or damage 
petroglyphs, pictographs, caves, or caverns.'' Activities covered under 
ARS 13-3702 include ``kill, harm, or disturb plant or animal life found 
in any cave or cavern, except for safety reasons.'' We acknowledge that 
these regulations are only as effective as their enforcement, but we 
are confident that our Federal and State partners will enforce these 
regulations to the best of their ability. We are currently aware of 
only one site where abandonment of the roost resulted from human 
disturbance. This issue was addressed through fencing and human 
disturbance has not been an issue since the fencing was installed.
    Comment (17): Two commenters discussed the potential effects of 
wind energy development. One indicated that wind energy facilities were 
not adequately evaluated in the SSA and the proposed delisting rule.
    Our Response: We are aware of lesser long-nosed bat fatalities from 
wind energy development facilities in both the United States and 
Mexico. However, because monitoring at these sites is not comprehensive 
and because this is an emerging threat without much information 
available specifically related to lesser long-nosed bats, it is 
difficult to determine the actual long-term impact of wind turbines on 
this species. Based on existing wind energy development, there are two 
wind energy facilities in Arizona (producing 268 MW of power) and one 
wind energy facility in New Mexico (producing 1,112 MW of power) within 
the range of the lesser long-nosed bat. The American Wind Energy 
Association (AWEA) has identified an additional six projects under 
development in New Mexico; however, none of these projects are within 
the range of lesser long-nosed bat. The AWEA has identified no 
additional projects under development in Arizona within the range of 
the lesser long-nosed bat. Through 2050, the U.S. Department of 
Energy's Wind Vision (2013) report, projects 5 and 15 gigawatts of wind 
generating capacity for Arizona and New Mexico respectively. However, 
based on wind resource maps from the National Renewable Energy 
Laboratory, measured at 80 meters above ground level, wind resources 
are limited within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat in either 
State. While we do not have any specific information related to wind 
energy development in Mexico, short- and medium term projects indicate 
that the development of wind power is expected to take an increasingly 
important position in Mexico's energy landscape. One source predicts 
that wind energy development in Mexico will increase four fold from 
2016 to 2020.
    The impact of wind energy development on lesser long-nosed bats is 
unknown and more attention must be paid to characterizing and avoiding 
potential impacts. Because lesser long-nosed bats are migratory, and 
impacts from wind energy facilities to migratory bats are well 
documented, the construction of new facilities should be carefully 
sited to avoid roosts and migratory flyways. Moreover, construction of 
sites within the range of the lesser long-nosed bat should be monitored 
and fatalities reported with adaptive management strategies in place to 
reduce fatalities over time.

Required Determinations

National Environmental Policy Act

    We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental 
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be 
prepared in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section 
4(a) of the Act. We published a notice outlining our reasons for this 
determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 
49244).

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and the Department 
of the Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. Therefore, we solicited 
information from Native American Tribes during the comment period to 
determine potential effects on them or their resources that may result 
from the delisting of the lesser long-nosed bat, and we fully 
considered their comments in this final rule.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in this rule is available 
on http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2016-0138, or 
upon request from the Field Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services 
Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this document are the staff members of the 
Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we hereby amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, 
title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245, unless 
otherwise noted.


Sec.  17.11   [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11(h) by removing the entry for ``Bat, lesser long-
nosed'' under MAMMALS from the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife.

    Dated: March 8, 2018.
James W. Kurth,
Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Exercising the 
Authority of the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-08121 Filed 4-17-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P