[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 197 (Thursday, October 10, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54732-54757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21478]



[[Page 54731]]

Vol. 84

Thursday,

No. 197

October 10, 2019

Part II





Department of the Interior





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





Fish and Wildlife Service





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





50 CFR Part 17





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

  Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 197 / Thursday, October 10, 2019 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 54732]]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2019-0009; FF09E21000 FXES11190900000 167]


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of review.

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

SUMMARY: In this candidate notice of review (CNOR), we, the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service (Service), present an updated list of plant and 
animal species that we regard as candidates for or have proposed for 
addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants 
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Identification of 
candidate species can assist environmental planning efforts by 
providing advance notice of potential listings, and by allowing 
landowners and resource managers to alleviate threats and thereby 
possibly remove the need to list species as endangered or threatened. 
Even if we subsequently list a candidate species, the early notice 
provided here could result in more options for species management and 
recovery by prompting earlier candidate conservation measures to 
alleviate threats to the species. This document also includes our 
findings on resubmitted petitions and describes our progress in 
revising the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants 
(Lists) during the period October 1, 2016, through September 30, 2018. 
Moreover, we request any additional status information that may be 
available for the candidate species identified in this CNOR.

DATES: We will accept information on any of the species in this notice 
at any time.

ADDRESSES: This notice is available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov and http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/cnor.html.
    For domestic species: Species assessment forms with information and 
references on a particular candidate species' range, status, habitat 
needs, and listing priority assignment are available for review at the 
appropriate Regional Office listed below in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
or at the Branch of Domestic Listing, Falls Church, VA (see address 
under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or on our website (http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/reports/candidate-species-report). Please 
submit any new information, materials, comments, or questions of a 
general nature on this notice to the appropriate address listed under 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please submit any new information, 
materials, comments, or questions pertaining to a particular species to 
the address of the Endangered Species Coordinator in the appropriate 
Regional Office listed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Species-specific 
information and materials we receive will be available for public 
inspection by appointment, during normal business hours, at the 
appropriate Regional Office listed below under Request for Information 
in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. General information we receive will be 
available at the Branch of Domestic Listing, Falls Church, VA (see 
address under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    For species foreign to the United States: Please submit any new 
information, materials, comments, or questions of a general nature on 
this notice or pertaining to a specific species to the appropriate 
address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Species-specific 
information and materials we receive will be available for public 
inspection by appointment, during normal business hours, at the 
appropriate address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. 
General information we receive will be available at the Branch of 
Delisting and Foreign Species, Falls Church, VA (see address under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    For domestic species: Chief, Branch of Domestic Listing, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, MS: ES, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 
22041-3803 (telephone 703-358-1796).
    For species foreign to the United States: Chief, Branch of 
Delisting and Foreign Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: ES, 
5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (telephone 703-358-
1735).
    Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call 
the Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  We request additional status information 
that may be available for any of the candidate species identified in 
this CNOR (see Request for Information, below). We will consider this 
information to monitor changes in the status or LPN of candidate 
species and to manage candidates as we prepare listing documents and 
future revisions to the notice of review. We also request information 
on additional species to consider including as candidates as we prepare 
future updates of this notice.

Candidate Notice of Review

Background

    The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 
et seq.), requires that we identify species of wildlife and plants that 
are endangered or threatened based solely on the best scientific and 
commercial data available. As defined in section 3 of the ESA, an 
endangered species is any species that is in danger of extinction 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range, and a threatened 
species is any species that is likely to become an endangered species 
within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion 
of its range. Through the Federal rulemaking process, we add species 
that meet these definitions to the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11 or the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Plants at 50 CFR 17.12. As part of this program, we maintain a list of 
species that we regard as candidates for listing. A candidate species 
is one for which we have on file sufficient information on biological 
vulnerability and threats to support a proposal for listing as 
endangered or threatened, but for which preparation and publication of 
a proposal is precluded by higher-priority listing actions. We may 
identify a species as a candidate for listing after we have conducted 
an evaluation of its status--either on our own initiative, or in 
response to a petition we have received. If we have made a finding on a 
petition to list a species, and have found that listing is warranted, 
but precluded by other higher priority listing actions, we will add the 
species to our list of candidates.
    We maintain this list of candidates for a variety of reasons: (1) 
To notify the public that these species are facing threats to their 
survival; (2) to provide advance knowledge of potential listings that 
could affect decisions of environmental planners and developers; (3) to 
provide information that may stimulate and guide conservation efforts 
that will remove or reduce threats to these species and possibly make 
listing unnecessary; (4) to request input from interested parties to 
help us identify those candidate species that may not require 
protection under the ESA, as well as additional species that may

[[Page 54733]]

require the ESA's protections; and (5) to request necessary information 
for setting priorities for preparing listing proposals. We encourage 
collaborative conservation efforts for candidate species and offer 
technical and financial assistance to facilitate such efforts. For 
additional information regarding such assistance, please contact the 
appropriate Office listed under Request for Information, below, or 
visit our website, http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/cca.html.
    Publication of this notice has been delayed due to efforts to 
resolve outstanding issues. As a result, many of the candidate forms 
reflect that our formal analysis was conducted in fall of 2017, as 
shown by the date as of which the information is current on each form. 
However, we were able to update a small subset of the candidate forms 
recently to reflect additional information we have obtained on those 
species. We intend to publish an updated combined CNOR for animals and 
plants that will update all of the candidate forms, including our 
findings on resubmitted petitions and a description of our progress on 
listing actions, in the near future in the Federal Register.

Previous Notices of Review

    We have been publishing CNORs since 1975. The most recent was 
published on December 2, 2016 (81 FR 87246). CNORs published since 1994 
are available on our website, http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/cnor.html. For copies of CNORs published prior to 1994, please contact 
the Branch of Domestic Listing (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, 
above).
    On September 21, 1983, we published guidance for assigning an LPN 
for each candidate species (48 FR 43098). Using this guidance, we 
assign each candidate an LPN of 1 to 12, depending on the magnitude of 
threats, immediacy of threats, and taxonomic status; the lower the LPN, 
the higher the listing priority (that is, a species with an LPN of 1 
would have the highest listing priority). Section 4(h)(3) of the ESA 
(16 U.S.C. 1533(h)(3)) requires the Secretary to establish guidelines 
for such a priority-ranking system. As explained below, in using this 
system, we first categorize based on the magnitude of the threat(s), 
then by the immediacy of the threat(s), and finally by taxonomic 
status.
    Under this priority-ranking system, magnitude of threat can be 
either ``high'' or ``moderate to low.'' This criterion helps ensure 
that the species facing the greatest threats to their continued 
existence receive the highest listing priority. All candidate species 
face threats to their continued existence, so the magnitude of threats 
is in relative terms. For all candidate species, the threats are of 
sufficiently high magnitude to put them in danger of extinction or make 
them likely to become in danger of extinction in the foreseeable 
future. However, for species with higher-magnitude threats, the threats 
have a greater likelihood of bringing about extinction or are expected 
to bring about extinction on a shorter timescale (once the threats are 
imminent) than for species with lower-magnitude threats. Because we do 
not routinely quantify how likely or how soon extinction would be 
expected to occur absent listing, we must evaluate factors that 
contribute to the likelihood and time scale for extinction. We 
therefore consider information such as: (1) The number of populations 
or extent of range of the species affected by the threat(s), or both; 
(2) the biological significance of the affected population(s), taking 
into consideration the life-history characteristics of the species and 
its current abundance and distribution; (3) whether the threats affect 
the species in only a portion of its range, and, if so, the likelihood 
of persistence of the species in the unaffected portions; (4) the 
severity of the effects and the rapidity with which they have caused or 
are likely to cause mortality to individuals and accompanying declines 
in population levels; (5) whether the effects are likely to be 
permanent; and (6) the extent to which any ongoing conservation efforts 
reduce the severity of the threat(s).
    As used in our priority-ranking system, immediacy of threat is 
categorized as either ``imminent'' or ``nonimminent,'' and is based on 
when the threats will begin. If a threat is currently occurring or 
likely to occur in the very near future, we classify the threat as 
imminent. Determining the immediacy of threats helps ensure that 
species facing actual, identifiable threats are given priority for 
listing proposals over species for which threats are only potential or 
species that are intrinsically vulnerable to certain types of threats 
but are not known to be presently facing such threats.
    Our priority-ranking system has three categories for taxonomic 
status: Species that are the sole members of a genus; full species (in 
genera that have more than one species); and subspecies and distinct 
population segments of vertebrate species (DPS).
    The result of the ranking system is that we assign each candidate a 
listing priority number of 1 to 12. For example, if the threats are of 
high magnitude, with immediacy classified as imminent, the listable 
entity is assigned an LPN of 1, 2, or 3 based on its taxonomic status 
(i.e., a species that is the only member of its genus would be assigned 
to the LPN 1 category, a full species to LPN 2, and a subspecies or DPS 
would be assigned to LPN 3). In summary, the LPN ranking system 
provides a basis for making decisions about the relative priority for 
preparing a proposed rule to list a given species. No matter which LPN 
we assign to a species, each species included in this notice as a 
candidate is one for which we have concluded that we have sufficient 
information to prepare a proposed rule for listing because it is in 
danger of extinction or likely to become endangered within the 
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its 
range.
    For more information on the process and standards used in assigning 
LPNs, a copy of the 1983 guidance is available on our website at: 
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/1983_LPN_Policy_FR_pub.pdf. Information on the LPN assigned to a 
particular species is summarized in this CNOR, and the species 
assessment for each candidate contains the LPN chart and a more-
detailed explanation--including citations to, and more-detailed 
analyses of, the best scientific and commercial data available--for our 
determination of the magnitude and immediacy of threat(s) and 
assignment of the LPN.
    To the extent this revised notice differs from any previous animal, 
plant, and combined CNORs or previous 12-month warranted-but-precluded 
petition findings for those candidate species that were petitioned for 
listing, this notice supersedes them.

Summary of This CNOR

    Since publication of the previous CNORs for species foreign to the 
United States on October 17, 2016 (81 FR 71457) and for domestic 
species on December 2, 2016 (81 FR 87246), we reviewed the available 
information on candidate species to ensure that a proposed listing is 
justified for each species, and reevaluated the relative LPN assigned 
to each species. We also evaluated the need to emergency list any of 
these species, particularly species with higher priorities (i.e., 
species with LPNs of 1, 2, or 3). This review and reevaluation ensures 
that we focus conservation efforts on those species at greatest risk.
    In addition to reviewing candidate species since publication of the 
last CNORs, we have worked on findings in response to petitions to list 
species, on proposed rules to list species under the ESA, and on final 
listing determinations. Some of these findings

[[Page 54734]]

and determinations have been completed and published in the Federal 
Register. while work on others is still under way (see Preclusion and 
Expeditious Progress, below, for details).
    Combined with other findings and determinations published 
separately from this CNOR, 41 species are now candidates awaiting 
preparation of rules proposing their listing. Table 1 identifies these 
41 species, along with the 17 species currently proposed for listing 
(including 1 species proposed for listing due to similarity in 
appearance).
    Table 2 lists the changes for species identified in the previous 
CNORs, and includes 29 species identified in the previous CNORs as 
either proposed for listing or classified as candidates that are no 
longer in those categories. This includes 17 species for which we 
published a final listing rule, 8 candidate species for which we 
published separate not-warranted findings and removed them from 
candidate status, and 4 species for which we published a withdrawal of 
a proposed rule.

New Candidates

    We are not identifying any new candidate species through this 
notice.

Listing Priority Changes in Candidates

    We reviewed the LPNs for all candidate species and are changing the 
LPN for the Colorado delta clam (Mulinia modesta) and longfin smelt 
(Spirinchus thaleichthys) for the reasons discussed below.
    Colorado delta clam--The Colorado delta clam is a relatively large, 
estuarine bivalve that was once very abundant at the head of the Gulf 
of California in the Colorado River estuary in Mexico prior to the 
construction of dams on the Colorado River. In our previous CNOR (81 FR 
71457; October 17, 2016), we reported that the Colorado delta clam was 
endemic to the upper Gulf of California within the Colorado River 
estuary. However, experts have recently confirmed that Mulinia 
coloradoensis is actually a junior synonym (part of the broader taxon) 
of M. modesta. Recognizing that the clam is M. modesta, we now also 
recognize that the clam has a broader distribution into the northern 
and central portions of the Gulf of California. Therefore, the species 
is more widespread than we previously believed, and it is capable of 
living in salinities ranging from brackish (mixture of salt and fresh 
water) to full seawater. Because this species is not restricted to the 
Colorado delta, it is likely that there are subpopulations of the 
species in other areas in the Gulf of California.
    Information on the population numbers and trends for the species is 
limited. The subpopulation in the Colorado River delta and upper Gulf 
of California has experienced at least a 90 percent decline, and one 
post-dam study indicated that the species comprised 0.77 percent of the 
overall living intertidal shelly macrofauna (including mollusk, 
echinoderm, and brachiopod) in this area. We could not find information 
regarding numbers of the Colorado delta clam in subpopulations 
elsewhere in the Gulf of California because benthic surveys of the 
near-coastal invertebrate macrofauna in this area appear to be lacking. 
However, the area of potentially suitable habitat available to the clam 
is greater than we previously believed. The species has not been 
assessed for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's 
(IUCN) Red List. It is not commercially harvested or threatened by 
international trade, and it is not listed in any appendices of the 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora (CITES).
    Although the specific causes for the dramatic decline of the clam 
in the Colorado delta and upper Gulf of California region have not 
definitively been identified, several researchers have indicated that 
it was a consequence of decrease in the Colorado River's inflow to the 
estuary since completion of the dams, and there is strong 
circumstantial evidence for this assertion. Environmental changes to 
the estuary associated with the decrease in river inflow include 
increased salinity, decreased sediment load, decreased input of 
naturally derived nutrients, and elimination of the spring/summer 
flood. Dams and diversions along the Colorado River have greatly 
affected the estuarine environment of the Colorado delta and have 
likely caused the localized decline in abundance of the clam in this 
region. However, we have no reason to believe that dams and diversions 
are a stressor for the Colorado delta clam elsewhere within its range 
in the northern and central portions of the Gulf of California.
    Stressors for the clam throughout its range may arise from other 
natural or manmade factors affecting the clam's continued existence, 
such as pollution-related problems and effects from climate change. One 
example of a pollution-related problem is a 2003 harmful algal bloom 
that caused fish and bivalve mortalities along 94 square kilometers 
(km\2\) (36 square miles (mi\2\)) of the coastline. Potential stressors 
to the clam associated with the effects of climate change include 
marine transgression, increased intensity and frequency of storms, and 
further invasion by nonnative species. However, studies of climate 
change and its effects to species in the Gulf of California are 
limited.
    In the previous CNOR (81 FR 71457; October 17, 2016), the Colorado 
delta clam was assigned an LPN of 2. After reevaluating the status of 
and threats to the Colorado delta clam, we have determined that a 
change in the LPN for the species is warranted. With the recent 
confirmation that the clam is Mulinia modesta, we now recognize that it 
has a broader distribution into the northern and central portions of 
the Gulf of California and is capable of living in full seawater. 
Therefore, our review of the best information available indicates that 
the Colorado delta clam exists across a greater range in the Gulf of 
California than we previously believed. However, we lack information 
about the distribution and viability of populations of the clam outside 
of the Colorado delta region. Despite the conservation measures in 
place (primarily two large protected areas), the species continues to 
face habitat loss and degradation in the Colorado delta region due to 
dams and diversions on the Colorado River. Because this threat appears 
to be affecting the clam in upper Gulf of California, and not in the 
remainder of its range, it is moderate in magnitude. The threat of 
habitat loss and degradation in the Colorado delta region is ongoing 
and, therefore, imminent. Thus, we have changed the LPN from a 2 to an 
8 to reflect imminent threats of moderate magnitude.
    Longfin smelt, Bay-Delta DPS--The following summary is based on 
information contained in our files and the 12-month finding published 
in the Federal Register on April 2, 2012 (77 FR 19756). In our 12-month 
finding, we determined that the longfin smelt San Francisco Bay-Delta 
distinct vertebrate population segment (Bay-Delta DPS) warranted 
listing as an endangered or threatened species under the Act, but that 
listing was precluded by higher priority listing actions. In our 
previous CNOR (81 FR 87246; December 2, 2016), the longfin smelt was 
assigned an LPN of 3. Longfin smelt measure 9-11 centimeters (cm) (3.5-
4.3 inches (in)) in length. Longfin smelt are considered pelagic and 
anadromous, although anadromy in longfin smelt is poorly understood and 
certain populations in other parts of the species' range are not 
anadromous and complete their entire life cycle in freshwater lakes and 
streams. Longfin smelt usually live for

[[Page 54735]]

2 years, spawn, and then die, although some individuals may spawn as 1- 
or 3-year-old fish before dying. In the San Francisco Bay-Delta, 
longfin smelt are believed to spawn primarily in freshwater in the 
lower reaches of the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River.
    Longfin smelt numbers in the San Francisco Bay-Delta have declined 
significantly since the 1980s. Abundance indices derived from the Fall 
Midwater Trawl, Bay Study Midwater Trawl, and Bay Study Otter Trawl all 
show marked declines in Bay-Delta longfin smelt populations from 2002 
to 2016. Longfin smelt abundance over the last decade is the lowest 
recorded in the 40-year history of the Fall Midwater Trawl monitoring 
surveys of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly the 
California Department of Fish and Game).
    The primary threats to the Bay-Delta DPS of longfin smelt are 
reduced freshwater flows, competition from introduced species, and 
potential contaminants. Freshwater flows, especially winter-spring 
flows, are significantly correlated with longfin smelt abundance (i.e., 
longfin smelt abundance is lower when winter-spring flows are lower). 
Reductions in food availability and disruptions of the Bay-Delta food 
web caused by establishment of the nonnative overbite clam (Corbula 
amurensis) and ammonium concentrations have also likely attributed to 
declines in the species' abundance within the San Francisco Bay-Delta. 
The threats remain high in magnitude, as they pose a significant risk 
to the DPS throughout its range.
    While Delta outflow is the predominant driver of the DPS's 
abundance, the best available information indicates that high winter-
spring flows have occurred in recent and the current water years. 
Additionally, the State of California has listed the longfin smelt 
under the California Endangered Species Act, and is preparing a new 
permit for operation of the State Water Project that will be issued by 
the end of the year. The California State Water Resources Control Board 
just adopted new flow objectives for the Lower San Joaquin River and 
will be addressing Delta flow objectives this year. Through these 
processes, we anticipate the State will take action to reduce the 
threats particularly around outflow, and is poised to do so in the near 
term. Therefore, the threat is not operative in the immediate future, 
and thus is nonimminent. As such, we are identifying an LPN of 6 for 
this population.

Candidate Removals

    Uvea parakeet (Eunymphicus uvaeensis)--We have evaluated the 
threats to the Uvea parakeet and have considered factors that, 
individually and in combination, currently or potentially could pose a 
risk to the species and its habitat. After a review of the best 
scientific and commercial data available, we conclude that listing this 
species is not warranted because it is not in danger of extinction 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range, or likely to 
become so within the foreseeable future. Therefore, we no longer 
consider the Uvea parakeet to be a candidate species for listing. We 
will continue to monitor the status of this species and to accept 
additional information and comments concerning this finding. We will 
reconsider our determination in the event that we gather new 
information that indicates that the threats are of a considerably 
greater magnitude or imminence than identified through assessments of 
information contained in our files, as summarized below.
    The Uvea parakeet is a relatively large, green parakeet found on 
the small atoll of Uvea, located approximately 1,500 kilometers (km) 
(932 miles (mi)) east of Australia in the Loyalty Archipelago, New 
Caledonia (a territory of France). The entire island of Uvea is 
considered an ``Important Bird Area'' by BirdLife International, which 
works with communities to combine conservation with sustainable 
livelihoods. Additionally, in 2008, Uvea Island became part of the 
``Lagoons of New Caledonia'' a United Nations Educational, Scientific 
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
    Uvea parakeets were introduced to the adjacent island of Lifou (to 
establish a second population) in 1925 and 1963, but these 
introductions failed. The species occupies both the north and south 
ends of Uvea Island. The species primarily uses older (old-growth) 
forest habitats and nests in the cavities of living Syzygium and 
Mimusops trees. Their exclusive use of tree cavities for nesting may be 
a limiting factor. In 1977, the Uvea parakeet population was estimated 
to be between 500 to 800 individuals. The most recent estimate of the 
Uvea parakeet population is 1,730 birds with a 95-percent confidence 
interval of 963 to 3,203 individuals.
    The Uvea parakeet is listed as ``Endangered'' on the IUCN Red List. 
More recently, IUCN downlisted the Uvea parakeet to vulnerable, noting 
that decline in forest quality may not be affecting the species, and 
because the population trend is increasing. This species was listed on 
Appendix I of CITES in July 2000. An Appendix I listing includes 
species threatened with extinction whose trade is permitted only under 
exceptional circumstances, which generally precludes commercial trade.
    Historically, the primary stressor to the Uvea parakeet was the 
capture of juveniles for the pet trade. Although New Caledonian law has 
protected the Uvea parakeet from trade since 1935, harvest and export 
were common until recent decades. Capture and trade likely increased in 
the second half of the 20th century. Between September 1992 and 
February 1993, it appears that more than 50 young parakeets were 
illegally captured and most were then illegally exported. Additionally, 
capture of young parakeets involves cutting nest cavities open to 
extract nestlings, which destroys the cavities and makes them 
unsuitable for future nesting.
    In 1993, a nongovernmental organization, the Association for the 
Protection of the Uvea Parakeet (Association), was formed to help 
recover the species. The Association was established with mostly local 
members to increase the chances that Uvea parakeet conservation would 
be accepted by the Island community. The Association initiated long-
term monitoring and ecological studies and prepared two recovery plans 
(1997-2002 and 2003-2008). Capture of Uvea parakeets is now restricted, 
and the species is monitored using local guides as part of its recovery 
plan. As part of this effort, these local guides are paid to spread 
conservation messages and protect parakeet nests; since 2006, the 
number of guides increased to 10. With the establishment of a 
community-based effort to protect the parakeet, it appears that nest 
poaching is no longer occurring such that it significantly affects the 
species.
    Other potential threats to the parakeet include: (1) Habitat loss 
and degradation, particularly as it negatively affects nesting sites 
and may impede species dispersal; (2) competition and predation from 
nonnative species such as the honey bee (Apis mellifera ligustica), 
which competes with the Uvea parakeet for tree cavities, and the 
potential introduction of the nonnative ship rat (Rattus rattus), which 
preys on forest birds (although we are not aware of any indication at 
this time that such an invasion has already occurred, if an invasion 
were to occur in the future, it could very quickly affect the 
parakeet); (3) the potential for Psittacine beak and feather disease; 
and (4) effects from climate change, which may negatively alter the 
Uvea parakeet's habitat in the

[[Page 54736]]

future if they lead to loss of forest habitat or important food 
sources, and the parakeet is unable to adapt.
    Overall, the increase in the population is attributed to the 
reduction in nest poaching, and it appears that the community-based 
efforts to protect the parakeet have been successful. The population 
has increased significantly from 1998 to 2008 despite the threats noted 
above.
    In our previous CNOR (81 FR 71457; October 17, 2016), we assigned 
the Uvea parakeet an LPN of 8. After reevaluating the available 
information, including new information that has become available since 
our previous CNOR, we find that this species no longer warrants 
listing. Although it is an island endemic that is restricted in range, 
the primary threat to the species--poaching and trade--has been 
removed, and the population has responded and expanded. Although we 
identified a number of other potential threats to the species (e.g., 
habitat loss and degradation, competition and predation from nonnative 
species, disease, future effects from climate change), the population 
has rebounded despite these stressors and is increasing. Recent 
population trend data support these findings and have lead to the 
Interantional Union for Conservation of Nature's decision to downlist 
the species on its Red List from ``endangered'' to ``vulnerable'' in 
2017. Additionally, New Caledonia and its conservation partners remain 
active in conservation efforts, and the designation of Uvea Island as 
both an ``Important Bird Area'' and a UNESCO World Heritage Site bode 
well for future conservation of the species and its habitat. Therefore, 
we have determined that this species no longer warrants listing, and we 
are removing it from the candidate list.

Petition Findings

    The ESA provides two mechanisms for considering species for 
listing. One method allows the Secretary, on the Secretary's own 
initiative, to identify species for listing under the standards of 
section 4(a)(1). The second method provides a mechanism for the public 
to petition us to add a species to the Lists. As described further in 
the paragraphs that follow, the CNOR serves several purposes as part of 
the petition process: (1) In some instances (in particular, for 
petitions to list species that the Service has already identified as 
candidates on its own initiative), it serves as the initial petition 
finding; (2) for candidate species for which the Service has made a 
warranted-but-precluded petition finding, it serves as a 
``resubmitted'' petition finding that the ESA requires the Service to 
make each year; and (3) it documents the Service's compliance with the 
statutory requirement to monitor the status of species for which 
listing is warranted but precluded, and to ascertain if they need 
emergency listing.
    First, the CNOR serves as an initial petition finding in some 
instances. Under section 4(b)(3)(A) of the ESA, when we receive a 
petition to list a species, we must determine within 90 days, to the 
maximum extent practicable, whether the petition presents substantial 
information indicating that listing may be warranted (a ``90-day 
finding''). If we make a positive 90-day finding, we must promptly 
commence a status review of the species under section 4(b)(3)(A); we 
must then make, within 12 months of the receipt of the petition, one of 
the following three possible findings (a ``12-month finding''):
    (1) The petitioned action is not warranted, and promptly publish 
the finding in the Federal Register;
    (2) The petitioned action is warranted (in which case we are 
required to promptly publish a proposed regulation to implement the 
petitioned action; once we publish a proposed rule for a species, 
sections 4(b)(5) and 4(b)(6) of the ESA govern further procedures, 
regardless of whether or not we issued the proposal in response to a 
petition); or
    (3) The petitioned action is warranted, but (a) the immediate 
proposal of a regulation and final promulgation of a regulation 
implementing the petitioned action is precluded by pending proposals to 
determine whether any species is endangered or threatened, and (b) 
expeditious progress is being made to add qualified species to the 
Lists. We refer to this third option as a ``warranted-but-precluded 
finding,'' and after making such a finding, we must promptly publish it 
in the Federal Register.
    We define ``candidate species'' to mean those species for which the 
Service has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability 
and threats to support issuance of a proposed rule to list, but for 
which issuance of the proposed rule is precluded (61 FR 64481; December 
5, 1996). The standard for making a species a candidate through our own 
initiative is identical to the standard for making a warranted-but-
precluded 12-month petition finding on a petition to list, and we add 
all petitioned species for which we have made a warranted-but-precluded 
12-month finding to the candidate list.
    Therefore, all candidate species identified through our own 
initiative already have received the equivalent of substantial 90-day 
and warranted-but-precluded 12-month findings. Nevertheless, if we 
receive a petition to list a species that we have already identified as 
a candidate, we review the status of the newly petitioned candidate 
species and through this CNOR publish specific section 4(b)(3) findings 
(i.e., substantial 90-day and warranted-but-precluded 12-month 
findings) in response to the petitions to list these candidate species. 
We publish these findings as part of the first CNOR following receipt 
of the petition. We have identified the candidate species for which we 
received petitions and made a continued warranted-but-precluded finding 
on a resubmitted petition by the code ``C*'' in the category column on 
the left side of Table 1, below.
    Second, the CNOR serves as a ``resubmitted'' petition finding. 
Section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the ESA requires that when we make a 
warranted-but-precluded finding on a petition, we treat the petition as 
one that is resubmitted on the date of the finding. Thus, we must make 
a 12-month petition finding for each such species at least once a year 
in compliance with section 4(b)(3)(B) of the ESA, until we publish a 
proposal to list the species or make a final not-warranted finding. We 
make these annual resubmitted petition findings through the CNOR. To 
the extent these annual findings differ from the initial 12-month 
warranted-but-precluded finding or any of the resubmitted petition 
findings in previous CNORs, they supersede the earlier findings, 
although all previous findings are part of the administrative record 
for the new finding, and in the new finding, we may rely upon them or 
incorporate them by reference as appropriate, in addition to explaining 
why the finding has changed.
    Third, through undertaking the analysis required to complete the 
CNOR, the Service determines if any candidate species needs emergency 
listing. Section 4(b)(3)(C)(iii) of the ESA requires us to ``implement 
a system to monitor effectively the status of all species'' for which 
we have made a warranted-but-precluded 12-month finding, and to ``make 
prompt use of the [emergency listing] authority [under section 4(b)(7)] 
to prevent a significant risk to the well being of any such species.'' 
The CNOR plays a crucial role in the monitoring system that we have 
implemented for all candidate species by providing notice that we are 
actively seeking information regarding the status of those species. We 
review all new

[[Page 54737]]

information on candidate species as it becomes available, prepare an 
annual species assessment form that reflects monitoring results and 
other new information, and identify any species for which emergency 
listing may be appropriate. If we determine that emergency listing is 
appropriate for any candidate, we will make prompt use of the emergency 
listing authority under section 4(b)(7) of the ESA. For example, on 
August 10, 2011, we emergency listed the Miami blue butterfly (76 FR 
49542). We have been reviewing and will continue to review, at least 
annually, the status of every candidate, whether or not we have 
received a petition to list it. Thus, the CNOR and accompanying species 
assessment forms constitute the Service's system for monitoring and 
making annual findings on the status of petitioned species under 
sections 4(b)(3)(C)(i) and 4(b)(3)(C)(iii) of the ESA.
    A number of court decisions have elaborated on the nature and 
specificity of information that we must consider in making and 
describing the petition findings in the CNOR. The CNOR that published 
on November 9, 2009 (74 FR 57804), describes these court decisions in 
further detail. As with previous CNORs, we continue to incorporate 
information of the nature and specificity required by the courts. For 
example, we include a description of the reasons why the listing of 
every petitioned candidate species is both warranted and precluded at 
this time. We make our determinations of preclusion on a nationwide 
basis to ensure that the species most in need of listing will be 
addressed first and also because we allocate our listing budget on a 
nationwide basis (see below). Regional priorities can also be discerned 
from Table 1, below, which includes the lead region and the LPN for 
each species. Our preclusion determinations are further based upon our 
budget for listing activities for unlisted species only, and we explain 
the priority system and why the work we have accomplished has precluded 
action on listing candidate species.
    In preparing this CNOR, we reviewed the current status of, and 
threats to, the 41 candidates for which we have received a petition to 
list and the 4 listed species for which we have received a petition to 
reclassify from threatened to endangered, where we found the petitioned 
action to be warranted but precluded. We find that the immediate 
issuance of a proposed rule and timely promulgation of a final rule for 
each of these species has been, for the preceding months, and continues 
to be, precluded by higher-priority listing actions. Additional 
information that is the basis for this finding is found in the species 
assessments and our administrative record for each species.
    Our review included updating the status of, and threats to, 
petitioned candidate or listed species for which we published findings, 
under section 4(b)(3)(B) of the ESA, in the previous CNOR. We have 
incorporated new information we gathered since the prior finding and, 
as a result of this review, we are making continued warranted-but-
precluded 12-month findings on the petitions for these species. 
However, for some of these species, we are currently engaged in a 
thorough review of all available data to determine whether to proceed 
with a proposed listing rule; as a result of this review we may 
conclude that listing is no longer warranted.
    The immediate publication of proposed rules to list these species 
was precluded by our work on higher-priority listing actions, listed 
below, during the period from October 1, 2016, through September 30, 
2017. Below we describe the actions that continue to preclude the 
immediate proposal and final promulgation of a regulation implementing 
each of the petitioned actions for which we have made a warranted-but-
precluded finding, and we describe the expeditious progress we are 
making to add qualified species to, and remove species from, the Lists. 
We will continue to monitor the status of all candidate species, 
including petitioned species, as new information becomes available to 
determine if a change in status is warranted, including the need to 
emergency list a species under section 4(b)(7) of the ESA.
    In addition to identifying petitioned candidate species in Table 1 
below, we also present brief summaries of why each of these candidates 
warrants listing. More complete information, including references, is 
found in the species assessment forms. You may obtain a copy of these 
forms from the Regional Office having the lead for the domestic 
species, from the appropriate office listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT for species foreign to the United States, or from 
the Fish and Wildlife Service's internet website: http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/reports/candidate-species-report. As described above, under 
section 4 of the ESA, we identify and propose species for listing based 
on the factors identified in section 4(a)(1)--either on our own 
initiative or through the mechanism that section 4 provides for the 
public to petition us to add species to the Lists of Endangered or 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Preclusion and Expeditious Progress

    To make a finding that a particular action is warranted but 
precluded, the Service must make two determinations: (1) That the 
immediate proposal and timely promulgation of a final regulation is 
precluded by pending proposals to determine whether any species is 
threatened or endangered; and (2) that expeditious progress is being 
made to add qualified species to either of the lists and to remove 
species from the lists (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(3)(B)(iii)).

Preclusion

    A listing proposal is precluded if the Service does not have 
sufficient resources available to complete the proposal, because there 
are competing demands for those resources, and the relative priority of 
those competing demands is higher. Thus, in any given fiscal year (FY), 
multiple factors dictate whether it will be possible to undertake work 
on a proposed listing regulation or whether promulgation of such a 
proposal is precluded by higher-priority listing actions--(1) The 
amount of resources available for completing the listing function, (2) 
the estimated cost of completing the proposed listing regulation, and 
(3) the Service's workload, along with the Service's prioritization of 
the proposed listing regulation in relation to other actions in its 
workload.
Available Resources
    The resources available for listing actions are determined through 
the annual Congressional appropriations process. In FY 1998 and for 
each fiscal year since then, Congress has placed a statutory cap on 
funds that may be expended for the Listing Program (spending cap). This 
spending cap was designed to prevent the listing function from 
depleting funds needed for other functions under the ESA (for example, 
recovery functions, such as removing species from the Lists), or for 
other Service programs (see House Report 105-163, 105th Congress, 1st 
Session, July 1, 1997). The funds within the spending cap are available 
to support work involving the following listing actions: Proposed and 
final rules to add species to the Lists or to change the status of 
species from threatened to endangered; 90-day and 12-month findings on 
petitions to add species to the Lists or to change the status of a 
species from threatened to endangered; annual ``resubmitted'' petition 
findings on prior warranted-but-precluded petition findings as required 
under section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the ESA; critical habitat petition 
findings; proposed rules

[[Page 54738]]

designating critical habitat or final critical habitat determinations; 
and litigation-related, administrative, and program-management 
functions (including preparing and allocating budgets, responding to 
Congressional and public inquiries, and conducting public outreach 
regarding listing and critical habitat).
    We cannot spend more for the Listing Program than the amount of 
funds within the spending cap without violating the Anti-Deficiency Act 
(31 U.S.C. 1341(a)(1)(A)). In addition, from FY 2002 through FY 2017, 
the Service's listing budget included a subcap for critical habitat 
designations for already-listed species to ensure that some funds 
within the listing cap are available for completing Listing Program 
actions other than critical habitat designations for already-listed 
species. (``The critical habitat designation subcap will ensure that 
some funding is available to address other listing activities.'' House 
Report No. 107-103, 107th Congress, 1st Session (June 19, 2001)). In FY 
2002 and each year until FY 2006, the Service had to use virtually all 
of the funds within the critical habitat subcap to address court-
mandated designations of critical habitat, and consequently none of the 
funds within the critical habitat subcap were available for other 
listing activities. In some FYs between 2006 and 2017, we have not 
needed to use all of the funds within the critical habitat subcap to 
comply with court orders, and we therefore could use the remaining 
funds within the subcap towards additional proposed listing 
determinations for high-priority candidate species. In other FYs, while 
we did not need to use all of the funds within the critical habitat 
subcap to comply with court orders requiring critical habitat actions, 
we did not apply any of the remaining funds towards additional proposed 
listing determinations, and instead applied the remaining funds towards 
completing critical habitat determinations concurrently with proposed 
listing determinations. This allowed us to combine the proposed listing 
determination and proposed critical habitat designation into one rule, 
thereby being more efficient in our work.
    We make our determinations of preclusion on a nationwide basis to 
ensure that the species most in need of listing will be addressed 
first, and because we allocate our listing budget on a nationwide 
basis. Through the listing cap and the amount of funds needed to 
complete court-mandated actions within the cap, Congress and the courts 
have in effect determined the amount of money remaining (after 
completing court-mandated actions) for listing activities nationwide. 
Therefore, the funds that remain within the listing cap--after paying 
for work needed to comply with court orders or court-approved 
settlement agreements requiring critical habitat actions for already-
listed species, listing actions for foreign species, and petition 
findings, respectively--set the framework within which we make our 
determinations of preclusion and expeditious progress.
    From FY 2012 through FY 2017, Congress had put in place two 
additional subcaps within the listing cap: One for listing actions for 
foreign species and one for petition findings. As with the critical 
habitat subcap, if the Service did not need to use all of the funds 
within either subcap, we were able to use the remaining funds for 
completing proposed or final listing determinations.
    For FY 2017, Congress passed a Consolidated Appropriations Act of 
2017 (Pub. L. 115-31), included an overall listing spending cap of 
$20,515,000, and the subcaps of no more than $4,569,000 to be used for 
critical habitat determinations; no more than $1,501,000 to be used for 
listing actions for foreign species; and no more than $1,498,000 to be 
used to make 90-day or 12-month findings on petitions.
    In FY 2018, through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 
(Pub. L. 115-141), the use of subcaps was discontinued, and Congress 
appropriated the Service $18,818,000 under a consolidated cap for all 
domestic and foreign listing work, including status assessments, 
listings, domestic critical habitat determinations, and related 
activities.
Costs of Listing Actions
    The work involved in preparing various listing documents can be 
extensive, and may include, but is not limited to: Gathering and 
assessing the best scientific and commercial data available and 
conducting analyses used as the basis for our decisions; writing and 
publishing documents; and obtaining, reviewing, and evaluating public 
comments and peer-review comments on proposed rules and incorporating 
relevant information from those comments into final rules. The number 
of listing actions that we can undertake in a given year also is 
influenced by the complexity of those listing actions; that is, more 
complex actions generally are more costly. Our practice of proposing to 
designate critical habitat concurrent with listing species requires 
additional coordination and an analysis of the economic impacts of the 
designation, and thus adds to the complexity and cost of our work. In 
the past, we estimated that the median cost for preparing and 
publishing a 90-day finding was $4,500 and for a 12-month finding, 
$68,875. We estimated that the median costs for preparing and 
publishing a proposed listing rule with proposed critical habitat is 
$240,000; and for a final listing determination with a final critical 
habitat determination, $205,000.
Prioritizing Listing Actions
    The Service's Listing Program workload is broadly composed of four 
types of actions, which the Service prioritizes as follows: (1) 
Compliance with court orders and court-approved settlement agreements 
requiring that petition findings or listing or critical habitat 
determinations be completed by a specific date; (2) essential 
litigation-related, administrative, and listing program-management 
functions; (3) section 4 (of the ESA) listing and critical habitat 
actions with absolute statutory deadlines; and (4) section 4 listing 
actions that do not have absolute statutory deadlines.
    In previous years, the Service received many new petitions and a 
single petition to list 404 domestic species, significantly increasing 
the number of actions within the third category of our workload--
actions that have absolute statutory deadlines. As a result of the 
outstanding petitions to list hundreds of species, and our efforts to 
make initial petition findings within 90 days of receiving the petition 
to the maximum extent practicable, at the end of FY 2018, we had more 
than 446 12-month petition findings for domestic species yet to be 
initiated and completed. Because we are not able to work on all of 
these at once, we prioritized status reviews and accompanying 12-month 
findings (81 FR 49248; July 27, 2016) and developed a multi-year 
workplan for completing them. For foreign species, we currently have 17 
pending 12-month petition findings yet to be initiated and completed.
    An additional way in which we prioritize work in the section 4 
program is application of the listing priority guidelines (48 FR 43098; 
September 21, 1983). Under those guidelines, we assign each candidate 
an LPN of 1 to 12, depending on the magnitude of threats (high or 
moderate to low), immediacy of threats (imminent or nonimminent), and 
taxonomic status of the species (in order of priority: Monotypic genus 
(a species that is the sole member of a genus), a species, or a part of 
a species (subspecies or distinct population

[[Page 54739]]

segment)). The lower the listing priority number, the higher the 
listing priority (that is, a species with an LPN of 1 would have the 
highest listing priority). A species with a higher LPN would generally 
be precluded from listing by species with lower LPNs, unless work on a 
proposed rule for the species with the higher LPN can be combined with 
work on a proposed rule for other high-priority species.
    Finally, proposed rules for reclassification of threatened species 
to endangered species are generally lower in priority, because as 
listed species, they are already afforded the protections of the ESA 
and implementing regulations. However, for efficiency reasons, we may 
choose to work on a proposed rule to reclassify a species to endangered 
if we can combine this with work that is subject to a court order or 
court-approved deadline.
    Since before Congress first established the spending cap for the 
Listing Program in 1998, the Listing Program workload has required 
considerably more resources than the amount of funds Congress has 
allowed for the Listing Program. Therefore, it is important that we be 
as efficient as possible in our listing process.
    On September 1, 2016, the Service released its National Listing 
Workplan for addressing ESA domestic listing and critical habitat 
decisions over the subsequent 7 years. At the close of FY 2018, the 
workplan identified the Service's schedule for addressing all domestic 
species on the candidate list and conducting 251 status reviews (also 
referred to as 12-month findings) by FY 2023 for domestic species that 
have been petitioned for Federal protections under the ESA. The 
petitioned species are prioritized using our final prioritization 
methodology (81 FR 49248; July 27, 2016). As we implement our listing 
work plan and work on proposed rules for the highest-priority species, 
we increase efficiency by preparing multi-species proposals when 
appropriate, and these may include species with lower priority if they 
overlap geographically or have the same threats as one of the highest-
priority species. The National Listing Workplan is available online at: 
https://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/listing-workplan.html.
    For foreign species, the Service has 17 pending 12-month petition 
findings that are subject to statutory deadlines. Because these actions 
are subject to statutory deadlines, and, thus, are higher priority than 
work on proposed listing determinations for the 19 foreign candidate 
species, publication of proposed rules for these 19 species is 
precluded. In addition, available staff resources are also a factor in 
determining which high-priority foreign species are provided with 
funding. The Branch of Delisting and Foreign Species may, depending on 
available staff resources, work on foreign candidate species with an 
LPN of 2 or 3 and, when appropriate, species with a lower priority if 
they overlap geographically or have the same threats as the species 
with higher priority.
Listing Program Workload
    The National Listing Workplan that the Service released in 2016 
outlined work for domestic species over the period from 2017 to 2023. 
Through FY 2017, commitments set forth as part of a settlement 
agreement in a case before the U.S. District Court for the District of 
Columbia (Endangered Species Act Section 4 Deadline Litigation, No. 10-
377 (EGS), MDL Docket No. 2165 (``MDL Litigation''), Document 31-1 
(D.D.C. May 10, 2011) (``MDL Settlement Agreement'')) greatly affected 
our preclusion analysis. First, the Service was limited in the extent 
to which it could undertake additional actions within the Listing 
Program through FY 2017 because complying with the requirements of the 
MDL Settlement Agreement exhausted a large portion of the funds within 
the spending cap for the listing program. Second, because the 
settlement was court-approved, it was the Service's highest priority 
(compliance with a court order) for FY 2016 to fulfill the requirements 
of those settlement agreements. Included within the settlement 
agreements was a requirement to complete--by the end of FY 2016--
proposed listings or not-warranted findings for the remaining candidate 
species that were included in the 2010 CNOR, as well as to make final 
determinations on any of the proposed listings within the statutory 
timeframe. Therefore, one of the Service's highest priorities was to 
make steady progress towards completing the remaining final listing 
determinations for the 2010 candidate species by the end of 2017, 
taking into consideration the availability of staff resources. In FY 
2018, the Service fulfilled the commitments set forth as part of the 
MDL Settlement Agreement.
    Based on these prioritization factors, we continue to find that 
proposals to list the petitioned candidate species included in Table 1 
are all precluded by higher-priority listing actions. We provide tables 
under Expeditious Progress, below, identifying the higher-priority 
listing actions that we completed in FYs 2017 and 2018, as well as 
those we worked on but did not complete in FY 2017 or 2018.

Expeditious Progress

    As explained above, a determination that listing is warranted but 
precluded must also demonstrate that expeditious progress is being made 
to add and remove qualified species to and from the Lists. As with our 
``precluded'' finding, the evaluation of whether expeditious progress 
is being made is a function of the resources available and the 
competing demands for those funds. As discussed earlier, the FY 2017 
appropriations law included a spending cap of $20,515,000 for listing 
activities; within that amount, Congress prohibited the Service from 
spending more than $1,501,000 on listing determinations for foreign 
species. The FY 2018 appropriations law included a spending cap of 
$18,818,000 for listing activities.
    As discussed below, given the limited resources available for 
listing, we find that we are making expeditious progress in adding 
qualified species to the Lists. (Although we do not discuss it in 
detail here, we are also making expeditious progress in removing 
domestic species from the list under the Recovery program, as well as 
reclassifying endangered species as threatened, in light of the 
resources available for delisting domestic species, which is funded 
through the recovery line item in the budget of the Endangered Species 
Program. During FYs 2017 and 2018, we finalized delisting rules for 8 
species and downlisting rules for 5 species (in addition to completing 
numerous recovery planning activities).)
    Below, we provide tables cataloguing the work of the Service's 
domestic and foreign species listing programs in FYs 2017 and 2018. 
This work includes all three of the steps necessary for adding species 
to the Lists: (1) Identifying species that may warrant listing; (2) 
undertaking the evaluation of the best available scientific data about 
those species and the threats they face in preparation for a proposed 
or final determination; and (3) adding species to the Lists by 
publishing proposed and final listing rules that include a summary of 
the data on which the rule is based and show the relationship of that 
data to the rule. As the tables below demonstrate, during FYs 2017 and 
2018, the Service completed the following number of actions within 
category 1: 90-day findings for 13 species; within category 2: 12-month 
findings for 42 species; and within category 3: Proposed listing rules 
for 21 species (including concurrent proposed critical habitat 
designations for 3 species), and final listing rules for 28 species

[[Page 54740]]

(including concurrent final critical habitat determinations for 3 
species).
    After taking into consideration the limited resources available for 
these accounts, the competing demands for those funds, and the 
completed work catalogued in the tables below, we find that we are 
making expeditious progress in all three of the steps necessary for 
adding qualified species to the Lists (identifying, evaluating, and 
adding/removing species).
    First, we are making expeditious progress in identifying species 
that may qualify for listing. In FYs 2017 and 2018, we completed 90-day 
findings on petitions to list 13 species and 12-month findings for 
petitions to list 42 species.
    Second, we are making expeditious progress in working towards 
adding candidate species to the Lists. In FYs 2017 and 2018, we funded 
and worked on the development of 12-month findings for 29 species and 
proposed listing determinations for 11 candidates. Although we did not 
complete those actions during FY 2017 or FY 2018, we made expeditious 
progress towards doing so.
    Third, we are making expeditious progress in listing qualified 
species. In FYs 2017 and 2018, we resolved the status of 28 species 
that we determined, or had previously determined, qualified for 
listing, delisting, or downlisting. Moreover, for 24 of those species, 
the resolution was to finalize the listing proposal (22 species), some 
with concurrent designations of critical habitat for domestic species, 
or the delisting proposal. For four species, we published withdrawals 
of the proposed rules. We also proposed to list an additional 21 
qualified species and to downlist an additional 2 species.
    Our accomplishments in FYs 2017 and 2018 should also be considered 
in the broader context of our commitment to reduce the number of 
candidate species for which we have not made final determinations 
whether to list. On May 10, 2011, the Service filed in the MDL 
Litigation a settlement agreement that put in place an ambitious 
schedule for completing proposed and final listing determinations at 
least through FY 2016; the court approved that settlement agreement on 
September 9, 2011. That agreement required, among other things, that 
for all 251 domestic species that were included as candidates in the 
2010 CNOR, the Service submit to the Federal Register proposed listing 
rules or not-warranted findings by the end of FY 2016, and for any 
proposed listing rules, the Service complete final listing 
determinations within the statutory time frame. By the end of FY 2018, 
the Service had completed proposed listing rules or not-warranted 
findings for all 251 of the domestic candidate species in the 2010 
CNOR, as well as final listing determinations for all of the proposed 
listings rules among them--thus completing all requirements specified 
under the MDL Settlement Agreement. By completing both the requirements 
under the MDL Settlement Agreement and numerous other listing actions 
included in the Service's current workplan, the Service is making 
expeditious progress to add qualified species to the Lists.
    The Service's progress in FYs 2017 and 2018 included completing and 
publishing the following actions:

                           FY 2017-2018 Completed Domestic Listing and Foreign Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Publication date                Title *                  Actions                      FR pages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/4/2016...................  Proposed Threatened      Proposed Listing--      81 FR 68379-68397
                               Species Status for       Threatened.
                               Meltwater Lednian
                               Stonefly and Western
                               Glacier Stonefly.
10/5/2016...................  Threatened Species       Final Listing--         81 FR 68963-68985
                               Status for Kentucky      Threatened.
                               Arrow Darter with 4(d)
                               Rule.
10/5/2016...................  Endangered Species       Final Listing--         81 FR 68985-69007
                               Status for the Miami     Endangered.
                               Tiger Beetle
                               (Cicindelidia
                               floridana).
10/6/2016...................  Threatened Species       Final Listing--         81 FR 69417-69425
                               Status for Suwannee      Threatened.
                               Moccasinshell.
10/6/2016...................  12-Month Findings on     12-Month Petition       81 FR 69425-69442
                               Petitions To List 10     Findings (10 domestic
                               Species as Endangered    species).
                               or Threatened Species.
10/6/2016...................  Proposed Threatened      Proposed Listing--      81 FR 69454-69475
                               Species Status for       Threatened.
                               Louisiana Pinesnake.
10/6/2016...................  Endangered Species       Proposed Listing--      81 FR 69500-69508
                               Status for Black         Endangered.
                               Warrior Waterdog.
10/11/2016..................  Proposed Threatened      Proposed Listing--      81 FR 70282-70308
                               Species Status for       Threatened or
                               Sideroxylon reclinatum   Endangered.
                               ssp. austrofloridense
                               (Everglades Bully),
                               Digitaria pauciflora
                               (Florida Pineland
                               Crabgrass), and
                               Chamaesyce deltoidea
                               ssp. pinetorum
                               (Pineland Sandmat) and
                               Endangered Species
                               Status for Dalea
                               carthagenensis var.
                               floridana (Florida
                               Prairie-Clover).
11/28/2016..................  Threatened Species       Proposed Listing--      81 FR 85488-85507
                               Status for Hyacinth      Threatened.
                               Macaw.
11/30/2016..................  90-Day Findings on       90-Day Petition         81 FR 86315-86318
                               Three Petitions.         Findings (2 domestic
                                                        species for listing
                                                        and 1 foreign
                                                        species).
12/14/2016..................  Endangered Species       Proposed Listing--      81 FR 90297-90314
                               Status for Five Sri      Endangered.
                               Lankan Tarantulas.
1/11/2017...................  Endangered Species       Final Listing--         82 FR 3186-3209
                               Status for Rusty         Endangered.
                               Patched Bumble Bee.
4/5/2017....................  Threatened Species       Proposed Listing--      82 FR 16559-16569
                               Status for Yellow        Threatened.
                               Lance.
4/5/2017....................  Removal of the Scarlet-  Final Delisting.......  82 FR 16522-16540
                               Chested Parrot and the
                               Turquoise Parrot From
                               the Federal List of
                               Endangered and
                               Threatened Wildlife.
4/7/2017....................  Threatened Species       Withdrawal of Proposed  82 FR 16981-16988
                               Status for the           Listing.
                               Headwater Chub and
                               Roundtail Chub
                               Distinct Population
                               Segment.

[[Page 54741]]

 
4/19/2017...................  90-Day Findings on Two   90-Day Petition         82 FR 18409-18411
                               Petitions.               Findings (2 domestic
                                                        species for listing).
9/7/2017....................  Endangered Species       Final Listing--         82 FR 42245-42260
                               Status for Guadalupe     Endangered; Final
                               Fescue; Designation of   Critical Habitat.
                               Critical Habitat for
                               Guadalupe Fescue.
9/20/2017...................  Endangered Species       Final Listing--         82 FR 43897-43907
                               Status for Sonoyta Mud   Endangered.
                               Turtle.
9/20/2017...................  Threatened Species       Final Listing--         82 FR 43885-43896
                               Status for Pearl         Threatened.
                               Darter.
9/20/2017...................  Threatened Species       Final Listing--         82 FR 43873-43885
                               Status for the Iiwi.     Threatened.
9/29/2017...................  Withdrawal of the        Withdrawal of Proposed  82 FR 45551-45574
                               Proposed Rule to List    Listing.
                               Kenk's Amphipod.
10/4/2017...................  Threatened Species       Proposed Listing--      82 FR 46197-46205
                               Status for the Candy     Threatened.
                               Darter.
10/4/2017...................  12 Month Findings on     12-Month Petition       82 FR 46183-46197
                               Petitions To List the    Findings; Proposed
                               Holiday Darter,          Listing--Threatened.
                               Trispot Darter, and
                               Bridled Darter;
                               Threatened Species
                               Status for Trispot
                               Darter.
10/5/2017...................  12-Month Findings on     12-Month Petition       82 FR 46618-46645
                               Petitions To List 25     Findings (25 domestic
                               Species as Endangered    species).
                               or Threatened Species.
10/6/2017...................  Endangered Species       Final Listing--         82 FR 46691-46715
                               Status for Dalea         Endangered and
                               carthagenensis var.      Threatened.
                               floridana (Florida
                               Prairie-clover), and
                               Threatened Species
                               Status for Sideroxylon
                               reclinatum ssp.
                               austrofloridense
                               (Everglades Bully),
                               Digitaria pauciflora
                               (Florida pineland
                               crabgrass), and
                               Chamaesyce deltoidea
                               ssp. pinetorum
                               (pineland sandmat).
12/6/2017...................  12-Month Findings on     12-Month Petition       82 FR 57562-57565
                               Petitions To List Four   Findings (4 domestic
                               Species as Endangered    species).
                               or Threatened Species.
12/20/2017..................  90-Day Findings for      90-Day Petition         82 FR 60362-60366
                               Five Species.            Findings (5 domestic
                                                        species for listing).
12/27/2017..................  Endangered Species       Proposed Listing--      83 FR 61230-61241
                               Status of the Yangtze    Endangered.
                               Sturgeon.
12/29/2017..................  12-Month Findings on     12-Month Petition       80 FR 61725-61727
                               Petitions To List a      Findings Finding (1
                               Species (Beaverpond      domestic species for
                               Marstonia) and Remove    listing and 1
                               a Species                domestic species for
                               (Southwestern Willow     delisting).
                               Flycatcher) From the
                               Federal Lists of
                               Endangered and
                               Threatened Wildlife
                               and Plants.
1/3/2018....................  Threatened Species       Proposed Listing--      83 FR 330-341
                               Status for the Panama    Threatened.
                               City Crayfish.
1/3/2018....................  Endangered Species       Final Listing--         83 FR 257-284
                               Status for Black         Endangered; Final
                               Warrior Waterdog and     Critical Habitat.
                               Designation of
                               Critical Habitat.
1/4/2018....................  Endangered Species       Proposed Listing--      83 FR 490-498
                               Status for Barrens       Endangered.
                               Topminnow.
1/16/2018...................  Taxonomical Update for   Direct Final Rule.....  83 FR 2085-2087
                               Orangutan.
2/9/2018....................  Endangered Species       Final Listing--         83 FR 5720-5735
                               Status for Texas         Endangered.
                               Hornshell.
3/15/2018...................  Withdrawal of the        Withdrawal of Proposed  83 FR 11453-11474
                               Proposed Rule To List    Listing.
                               Chorizanthe parryi
                               var. fernandina (San
                               Fernando Valley
                               Spineflower).
4/3/2018....................  Threatened Species       Final Listing--         83 FR 14189-14198
                               Status for Yellow        Threatened.
                               Lance.
4/6/2018....................  Threatened Species       Final Listing--         83 FR 14958-14982
                               Status for Louisiana     Threatened.
                               Pinesnake.
4/6/2018....................  Section 4(d) Rule for    Proposed Section 4(d)   83 FR 14836-14841
                               Louisiana Pinesnake.     Rule.
4/12/2018...................  Endangered Status for    Proposed Listing--      83 FR 15900-15936
                               the Island Marble        Endangered; Proposed
                               Butterfly and            Critical Habitat.
                               Designation of
                               Critical Habitat.
4/17/2018...................  90-Day Findings for Two  90-Day Petition         83 FR 16819-16822
                               Species.                 Findings (1 foreign
                                                        species for listing
                                                        and 1 domestic
                                                        species for
                                                        delisting).
6/27/2018...................  90-day Findings for      90-Day Petition         83 FR 30091-30094
                               Three Species.           Findings (2 domestic
                                                        species for listing
                                                        and 1 domestic
                                                        species for
                                                        delisting).
7/31/2018...................  Endangered Species       Final Listing--         83 FR 36755-36773
                               Status for Five Sri      Endangered.
                               Lankan Tarantulas.
8/13/2018...................  Threatened Species       Final Listing--         83 FR 39894-39916
                               Status for the           Threatened.
                               Hyacinth Macaw.
9/5/2018....................  Reclassifying the        Proposed                80 FR 45073-45087
                               Golden Conure From       Reclassification--Thr
                               Endangered to            eatened.
                               Threatened With a
                               Section 4(d) Rule.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 90-day and 12-month finding batches include findings regarding delisting or downlisting of domestic species,
  which are funded through the Recovery account, as well as findings regarding foreign species, which are funded
  through the account for foreign species. To make the sources of funding more clear, and ensure that the number
  of species reported in the titles of batched findings matches the numbers we report in this CNOR for domestic
  listing and foreign species, we identify the number of foreign and domestic species and the requested action
  (listing or delisting) in each batch.

    Our expeditious progress also included work on listing actions that 
we funded in previous fiscal years and in FYs 2017 and 2018, but did 
not complete in FY 2017 or 2018. For these species, we completed the 
first step, and

[[Page 54742]]

worked on the second step necessary for adding species to the Lists. 
These actions are listed below.

     Actions funded in previous FYs and in FYs 2017 and 2018 but not
                       completed during that time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Species                               Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapin Mesa milkvetch........................  Proposed listing
                                                determination
Cirsium wrightii (Wright's marsh thistle)....  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Hermes copper butterfly......................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Marron bacora................................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Rattlesnake-master borer moth................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Red-crowned parrot...........................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Sierra Nevada red fox........................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Texas fatmucket..............................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Texas fawnsfoot..............................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Texas pimpleback.............................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Whitebark pine...............................  Proposed listing
                                                determination.
Northern spotted owl.........................  12-month finding.
Lesser prairie chicken.......................  12-month finding.
Carolina madtom..............................  12-month finding.
Neuse River waterdog.........................  12-month finding.
Franklin's bumblebee.........................  12-month finding.
False spike..................................  12-month finding.
Bartram stonecrop............................  12-month finding.
Beardless chinch weed........................  12-month finding.
Chihuahua scurfpea...........................  12-month finding.
Donrichardsonia macroneuron (unnamed moss)...  12-month finding.
Peppered chub................................  12-month finding.
Eastern hellbender...........................  12-month finding.
Big Cypress epidendrum.......................  12-month finding.
Cape Sable orchid............................  12-month finding.
Clam-shell orchid............................  12-month finding.
Longsolid....................................  12-month finding.
Purple lilliput..............................  12-month finding.
Round hickorynut.............................  12-month finding.
Ashy darter..................................  12-month finding.
Barrens darter...............................  12-month finding.
Redlips darter...............................  12-month finding.
Arkansas mudalia.............................  12-month finding.
Brook floater................................  12-month finding.
Elk River crayfish...........................  12-month finding.
Seaside alder................................  12-month finding.
Yellow banded bumble bee.....................  12-month finding.
Joshua tree..................................  12-month finding.
Panamint alligator lizard....................  12-month finding.
Tricolored blackbird.........................  12-month finding.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We also funded work on resubmitted petition findings for 20 
candidate species (species petitioned prior to the last CNOR). We did 
not include an updated assessment form as part of our resubmitted 
petition findings for the 16 candidate species for which we are 
preparing either proposed listing determinations or not-warranted 12-
month findings. However, in the course of preparing the proposed 
listing determinations or 12-month not-warranted findings for those 
species, we have continued to monitor new information about their 
status so that we can make prompt use of our authority under section 
4(b)(7) of the ESA in the case of an emergency posing a significant 
risk to the well-being of any of these candidate species; see summaries 
below regarding publication of these findings (these species will 
remain on the candidate list until a proposed listing rule is 
published). Because the majority of these petitioned species were 
already candidate species prior to our receipt of a petition to list 
them, we had already assessed their status using funds from our 
Candidate Conservation Program, so we continue to monitor the status of 
these species through our Candidate Conservation Program.
    During FYs 2017 and 2018, we also funded work on resubmitted 
petition findings for petitions to uplist four listed species (two 
grizzly bear populations, Delta smelt, and Sclerocactus brevispinus 
(Pariette cactus)), for which we had previously received a petition and 
made a warranted-but-precluded finding.
    Another way that we have been expeditious in making progress to add 
qualified species to the Lists is that we have endeavored to make our 
listing actions as efficient and timely as possible, given the 
requirements of the relevant law and regulations and constraints 
relating to workload and personnel. We are continually considering ways 
to streamline processes or achieve economies of scale and have been 
batching related actions together. Given our limited budget for 
implementing section 4 of the ESA, these efforts also contribute 
towards finding that we are making expeditious progress to add 
qualified species to the Lists.

Findings for Petitioned Candidate Species

    Below are updated summaries for petitioned candidates for which we 
published findings under section 4(b)(3)(B) of the ESA. In accordance 
with section 4(b)(3)(C)(i), we treat any petitions for which we made 
warranted-

[[Page 54743]]

but-precluded 12-month findings within the past year as having been 
resubmitted on the date of the warranted-but-precluded finding. We are 
making continued warranted-but-precluded 12-month findings on the 
petitions for these species.
    Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may 
warrant listing if it is in danger of extinction or likely to become so 
within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion 
of its range. Because we have determined that each candidate species is 
in danger of extinction throughout all of its range or likely to become 
an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all of 
its range, we find it unnecessary to proceed to an evaluation of 
potentially significant portions of the range. Where the best available 
information allows the Services to determine a status for the species 
rangewide, that determination should be given conclusive weight because 
a rangewide determination of status more accurately reflects the 
species' degree of imperilment and better promotes the purposes of the 
Act. Under this reading, we should first consider whether the species 
warrants listing ``throughout all'' of its range and proceed to conduct 
a ``significant portion of its range'' analysis if, and only if, a 
species does not qualify for listing as either an endangered or a 
threatened species according to the ``throughout all'' language. We 
note that the court in Desert Survivors v. Department of the Interior, 
No. 16-cv-01165-JCS, 2018 WL 4053447 (N.D. Cal. Aug. 24, 2018), did not 
address this issue, and our conclusion is therefore consistent with the 
opinion in that case.
    Therefore, on the basis of the best available scientific and 
commercial information, we find that each candidate species below, for 
which we are making a resubmitted 12-month finding, warrants listing 
throughout all of its range in accordance with sections 3(6), 3(20), 
and 4(a)(1) of the Act.

Birds

    Southern helmeted curassow (Pauxi unicornis)--The southern helmeted 
curassow is a game bird with a distinctive pale-blue horn-like 
appendage, or casque, above its bill. The southern helmeted curassow is 
known only from central Bolivia on the eastern slope of the Andes, 
where large portions of its habitat are in National Parks. The species 
inhabits dense, humid, foothill and lower montane forest and adjacent 
evergreen forest at altitudes between 450 and 1,500 meters (m) (1,476 
to 4,921 feet (ft)).
    The total population of southern helmeted curassow is estimated to 
be between 1,500 and 7,500 individuals and is declining. Hunting is 
believed to be the primary threat to the species, followed by habitat 
loss and degradation. Although the National Parks have been important 
for the preservation of the species, financial and human resources 
needed to protect park resources are limited. Within the Parks, there 
are human settlements and ongoing encroachment, including illegal 
logging operations and forest clearing for farming. Rural development 
and road building limit the species' ability to disperse. Range 
reductions due to effects from climate change are also predicted for 
the southern helmeted curassow, when warming temperatures may cause the 
species to shift its distribution upslope and outside of protected 
National Parks.
    The southern helmeted curassow is classified as critically 
endangered on the IUCN Red List. Trade has not been noted 
internationally, and the species is not listed in any appendices of 
CITES. The species was listed in Annex B of the European Union (EU) 
Wildlife Trade Regulations that are directly applicable in all EU 
Member States. In 1997, the southern helmeted curassow was listed with 
all species in the genus Pauxi. In 2008, it was moved from Annex B to 
Annex D (i.e., a lower level of protection) because it was one of the 
species that ``are not subject to levels of international trade that 
might be incompatible with their survival, but warrant monitoring of 
trade levels.'' The species continues to be listed on Annex D.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the southern helmeted curassow was 
assigned an LPN of 2. After reevaluating the threats to the species, we 
have determined that no change in the LPN is warranted. The southern 
helmeted curassow does not represent a monotypic genus. It faces 
threats that are high in magnitude based on its small, limited range. 
The few locations where it is believed to exist continue to face 
pressure from hunting and habitat loss and destruction, and the 
population will likely continue to decline. Because the species is 
experiencing ongoing significant population declines and habitat loss, 
we have made no change to the LPN of 2, which reflects imminent threats 
of high magnitude.
    Sira curassow (Pauxi koepckeae)--The Sira curassow is a game bird 
that is known only from the Cerros del Sira region of Peru. Size and 
coloration are similar to the southern helmeted curassow, but the Sira 
curassow has a shorter and rounder pale-blue casque (a horn-like bony 
appendage above the bill) that is flattened against the head. The Sira 
curassow inhabits cloud-forest habitat (a type of rainforest that 
occurs on high mountains in the tropics) at elevations from 1,100 to 
1,450 m (3,609 to 4,757 ft) and above.
    Although historical population data are lacking, the population is 
currently estimated at fewer than 250 mature individuals and is 
declining. The primary cause of the decline is ongoing hunting by local 
indigenous communities. Additionally, the Sira curassow's range within 
the Cerros del Sira region is limited (550 square kilometers (km\2\) 
(212 square miles (mi\2\)) and declining. Its habitat is being degraded 
by subsistence agriculture, forest clearing, road building, and 
associated rural development. Although the Sira curassow is legally 
protected in a large portion of its range in El Sira Communal Reserve, 
illegal hunting still occurs there. The species is classified as 
critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is not threatened by 
international trade, and it is not listed in any appendices of CITES or 
the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the sira curassow was assigned an 
LPN of 2. After reevaluating the threats to the species, we have 
determined that no change in the LPN is warranted. The Sira curassow 
does not represent a monotypic genus. It faces threats that are high in 
magnitude based on its small estimated population and limited range. 
The few locations where it is believed to exist continue to face 
pressure from hunting and habitat loss. The best scientific and 
commercial data available indicate that the population decline will 
continue in the future. Because the species is experiencing significant 
population declines due to both hunting and habitat loss and 
degradation, we have made no change to the LPN of 2, which reflects 
imminent threats of high magnitude.
    Bogot[aacute] rail (Rallus semiplumbeus)--The Bogot[aacute] rail is 
found in the East Andes of Colombia, South America. It is a medium-
sized nonmigratory rail largely restricted to areas at elevations from 
2,500-4,000 m (8,202-13,123 ft) in and surrounding Bogot[aacute], 
Columbia, on the Ubat[eacute]-Bogot[aacute] Plateau. This region 
formerly supported vast marshes and swamps, but few lakes with suitable 
habitat for the rail remain. The species is secretive, and wetland 
habitats most frequently used by rail are fringed by dense vegetation-
rich shallows. The current population size of the Bogot[aacute] rail is 
estimated between 1,000 and 2,499 mature individuals and is thought to 
be declining. The primary threat to

[[Page 54744]]

the rail is habitat loss and degradation. Approximately 8 million 
people live in the City of Bogot[aacute], and 11 million in the larger 
metro area. The wetlands have experienced a 97 percent loss in 
historical extent with few suitably vegetated marshes remaining. 
Additionally, road building may result in further colonization and 
human interference, including introduction of nonnative species in 
previously stable wetland environments. The Bogot[aacute] rail is 
listed as endangered at the global and national level by IUCN. Trade 
does not appear to be of concern at the international level, and the 
species is not listed in any appendices of CITES.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the Bogot[aacute] rail was assigned 
an LPN of 2. After reevaluating the threats to this species, we have 
determined that no change in the LPN for the species is needed. The 
Bogot[aacute] rail does not represent a monotypic genus. It faces 
threats that are high in magnitude due to the pressures on the species' 
habitat. Its range is very small and is rapidly contracting because of 
widespread habitat loss and degradation. Although portions of the 
Bogot[aacute] rail's range occur in protected areas, most of the 
savanna wetlands are unprotected. The population is small and is 
believed to be declining. The factors affecting the species are 
ongoing, and are, therefore, imminent. Thus, the LPN remains at 2 to 
reflect imminent threats of high magnitude.
    Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri)--The takahe is a large flightless 
bird in the rail family. The takahe was once widespread in the forest 
and grassland ecosystems on the South Island of New Zealand. It was 
thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the Murchison 
Mountains on the South Island in 1948. In addition to its native range 
on the mainland, the takahe has been introduced to offshore islands and 
mainland sanctuaries.
    When rediscovered in 1948, it was estimated that the takahe 
population consisted of 100 to 300 birds, and the minimum total 
population now rests at 306 individuals. Several factors have 
historically led to the species' decline, including hunting, 
competition from introduced herbivores (animals that feed on plants), 
and predators such as weasels and the weka, a flightless woodhen that 
is endemic to New Zealand. Currently, weasel predation appears to be 
the most significant of these threats. Weasel trapping is an effective 
tool at slowly increasing survival and reproductive output of takahe; 
however, control efforts do not completely eliminate the threat.
    Takahe is a long-lived bird, potentially living between 14 and 20 
years, and has a low reproductive rate, with clutches consisting of one 
to three eggs. Severe weather in the Murchison Mountains (cold winters 
and high snowfall) may also be a limiting factor to the takahe. The 
population of takahe remains very small and has low genetic diversity 
relative to other species. The New Zealand Department of Conservation 
(NZDOC) is currently attempting to manage further loss of genetic 
diversity through translocations. Additionally, NZDOC has implemented a 
captive-breeding and release program to supplement the mainland 
population and has established several reserve populations on islands 
and fenced mainland sites; these actions are having a positive effect 
on population growth. The takahe is listed as endangered on the IUCN 
Red List, and New Zealand considers it a nationally critical species. 
It is not listed in any appendices of CITES as international trade is 
not a concern.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the takahe was assigned an LPN of 8. 
After reevaluating the threats to the takahe, we have determined that 
no change in the classification of the magnitude and imminence of 
threats to the species is warranted at this time. The takahe does not 
represent a monotypic genus. The species is subject to predation by 
nonnative animals, particularly the introduced weasel. Although it has 
a small population, has limited suitable habitat, and may experience 
inbreeding depression, because the NZDOC is actively involved in 
measures to aid the recovery of the species, we find the threats are 
moderate in magnitude. Despite conservation efforts, the threats are 
ongoing and, therefore, imminent. Lack of suitable habitat and 
predation, combined with the takahe's small population size and 
naturally low reproductive rate, are threats to this species that are 
moderate in magnitude. Thus, the LPN remains at 8 to reflect imminent 
threats of moderate magnitude.
    Chatham oystercatcher (Haematopus chathamensis)--The Chatham 
oystercatcher is native to the Chatham Island group located 860 km (534 
mi) east of mainland New Zealand. The species breeds along the 
coastline of four islands in the chain: Chatham, Pitt, South East, and 
Mangere. The Chatham oystercatcher is found mainly along rocky shores, 
including wide volcanic rock platforms and occasionally on sandy or 
gravelly beaches.
    The Chatham oystercatcher is the rarest oystercatcher in the world, 
with a recent population estimate of 300 to 320 individuals. The 
species has experienced a three-fold increase in its population since 
the first reliable census was conducted in 1987. Most of this increase 
occurred during a period of intensive management, especially predator 
control, from 1998 through 2004. The Chatham oystercatcher is listed as 
nationally critical by the NZDOC. It is classified as endangered on the 
IUCN Red List and is not listed in any appendices of CITES.
    Predation of eggs and chicks, and to a lesser extent of adults, is 
thought to be the main impediment to the Chatham oystercatcher 
population. Although the Mangere and South East nature reserves are 
free of all mammalian predators, nonnative mammalian predators inhabit 
Chatham and Pitt Islands. Feral cats are the most common predator on 
eggs. Other documented predators include gulls (Larus spp.), the native 
brown skua (Catharacta antarctica), weka, and domestic dogs. Nest 
destruction and disturbance by humans and livestock are also noted 
threats. Habitat loss and degradation has occurred from introductions 
of nonnative Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) in the early 1900s to 
revegetate destabilized dunes. The dense marram grass is unsuitable for 
Chatham oystercatcher nesting. Consequently, the Chatham oystercatcher 
is forced to nest closer to shore, where nests are vulnerable to tides 
and storm surges; up to 50 percent of eggs are lost in some years. 
Rising sea levels associated with climate change will likely affect 
future nesting success. Additionally, the Chatham oystercatcher may be 
at risk from loss of genetic diversity given its small population size.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the Chatham oystercatcher was 
assigned an LPN of 8. After reevaluating the threats to this species, 
we have determined no change in the LPN for the species is warranted. 
The Chatham oystercatcher does not represent a monotypic genus. The 
current population estimate is very small, and the species has a 
limited range, but NZDOC has taken measures to recover and maintain the 
species, and the population appears to have stabilized. However, the 
species continues to face moderate threats, from predation, trampling, 
nest disturbance, storm surges, and habitat loss due to nonnative 
Marram grass, that are affecting nesting success and survival of the 
Chatham oystercatcher. These threats are ongoing and, thus, are 
imminent. The LPN remains an 8 to reflect imminent threats of moderate 
magnitude.
    Orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi)--The orange-fronted 
parakeet was once well

[[Page 54745]]

distributed on the South Island of mainland New Zealand and a few 
offshore islands. It is now considered the rarest parakeet in New 
Zealand. The three remaining naturally occurring populations are all 
within a 30-km (18.6-mi) radius of one another in fragmented beech tree 
forests (Nothofagus spp.) of the upland valleys. Orange-fronted 
parakeets have also been captive-bred and released onto four predator-
free islands where breeding has been confirmed.
    The species' range contracted when its population was severely 
reduced in the late 1800s and early 1900s for unknown reasons. From 
1999 to 2000, the mainland population crashed from perhaps 500 to 700 
birds to a rough estimate of 100 to 200 birds as a result of ship rat 
(Rattus rattus) eruptions. Information on current population status is 
mixed. In 2013, the total population was estimated between 290 and 690 
individuals (130 to 270 on the mainland, and 160 to 420 on the 
islands). More recently, there are indications that both the offshore 
and mainland populations have declined to around 100 and 250 birds, 
respectively, but these are rough estimates.
    The most prominent factors affecting the species on the mainland 
are predation by nonnative mammals such as weasels and rats (Rattus 
spp.), as well as habitat destruction. Habitat loss and degradation has 
affected large areas of native forest on the mainland. In addition, 
silviculture (care and cultivation) of beech forests in the past had 
removed mature trees with nest cavities needed by the parakeet. The 
species' habitat is also degraded by introduced herbivores that alter 
forest structure in a way that reduces the available feeding habitat 
for the parakeet. Additionally, the parakeet competes with two other 
native parakeets for nest sites and food and with nonnative wasps and 
finches for food. Lastly, Psittacine beak and feather disease virus is 
a potential threat to this species. The disease was discovered in wild 
native birds in New Zealand in 2008 (e.g., the red-fronted parakeet, 
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae), although it has not been documented in 
the orange-fronted parakeet. Infected birds generally follow one of 
three paths: They develop immunity, die within a couple of weeks, or 
become chronically infected. Chronic infections result in feather loss 
and deformities of beak and feathers.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the orange-fronted parakeet was 
assigned an LPN of 8. After reevaluating the factors affecting the 
species, we have determined that no change in the LPN is warranted 
because NZDOC is actively managing for the species. The orange-fronted 
parakeet does not represent a monotypic genus. Although the species' 
available suitable nesting habitat in beech forests is limited, there 
appears to have been some success with translocations to offshore 
islands, and translocations are continuing. The species faces threats 
(e.g., predation, habitat degradation, and competition for food and 
suitable nesting habitat) that are moderate in magnitude because the 
NZDOC continues to take measures to aid the recovery of the species. We 
find that the threats to this species are ongoing and imminent; thus, 
the LPN remains at 8 to reflect imminent threats of moderate magnitude.
    Helmeted woodpecker (Dryocopus galeatus)--The helmeted woodpecker 
is a fairly small woodpecker native to regions of southern Brazil, 
eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. The helmeted woodpecker 
is non-migratory, occurring in subpopulations in suitable habitat 
within its range. Characteristic habitat is large tracts of well-
preserved southern Atlantic Forest in both lowland and montane areas 
from sea level up to elevations of 1,000 m (3,280 ft). The species is 
believed to prefer mature (old-growth) trees in tropical and 
subtropical semi-deciduous forests as well as in mixed deciduous-
coniferous forests.
    The helmeted woodpecker is one of the rarest woodpeckers in the 
Americas. Its population is believed to have declined sharply between 
1945 and 2000, in conjunction with the clearing of mature forest 
habitat, and is currently estimated at 400-8,900 individuals. Although 
forest clearing has recently slowed, and the species occurs in at least 
17 protected areas throughout its range, habitat degradation continues 
and the population is still believed to be declining. The principal 
threat to the helmeted woodpecker is loss, degradation, and 
fragmentation of its Atlantic Forest habitat. Competition for nest 
cavities is also likely a limiting factor. The helmeted woodpecker is 
listed as endangered in Brazil and as vulnerable by the IUCN. It is not 
listed in any appendices of CITES.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the helmeted woodpecker was assigned 
an LPN of 8. After reevaluating the available information, we find that 
no change in the LPN for the helmeted woodpecker is warranted. The 
helmeted woodpecker does not represent a monotypic genus. The magnitude 
of threats to the species is moderate because the species' range is 
fairly large. The threats are imminent because the forest habitat upon 
which the species depends is still being altered and degraded. An LPN 
of 8 continues to be accurate for this species.
    Okinawa woodpecker (Dendrocopos noguchii, syn. Sapheopipo 
noguchii)--The Okinawa woodpecker is a relatively large woodpecker 
found on Okinawa Island, Japan. The species prefers subtropical 
evergreen broadleaf forests that are undisturbed and mature. It 
currently occurs within the forested areas in the northern part of the 
island, generally in the Yambaru forest, and in some undisturbed forest 
in coastal areas. Most of the older forests that support the species 
are within the Jungle Warfare Training Center (formerly known as the 
Northern Training Area or Camp Gonsalves), part of the U.S. Marine 
Corps installation on Okinawa Island.
    Deforestation in the Yambaru region has been cited as the main 
cause of the Okinawa woodpecker's reduced habitat and population. As of 
the mid 1990s, only 40 km\2\ (15 mi\2\) of suitable habitat was 
available for this species. While most of the activities associated 
with habitat loss appear to have ceased, the Okinawa woodpecker still 
suffers from limited suitable habitat and a small population size. This 
situation makes it vulnerable to extinction from disease and natural 
disasters such as typhoons. In addition, the species is vulnerable to 
introduced predators such as feral dogs and cats, Javan mongoose 
(Herpestes javanicus), and weasels (Mustela itatsi).
    In 2016, the Japanese Government designated Yambaru National Park 
and nominated ``the northern part of Okinawa Island'' (including 
Yambaru National Park) as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and 
Cultural Organization World Heritage Centre. The species is listed as 
critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is legally protected in 
Japan. It is not listed in any appendices of CITES and is not known to 
be in trade.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the Okinawa woodpecker was assigned 
an LPN of 2. After reevaluating the available information, we find that 
no change in the LPN is warranted. The Okinawa woodpecker does not 
represent a monotypic genus. Threats to the species are high in 
magnitude due to the scarcity of its old-growth habitat. The population 
is very small and is believed to still be declining. Although new 
protected areas have been established that will likely benefit the 
Okinawa woodpecker, it is not yet clear that these areas will be fully 
protected from logging and other anthropogenic development, and from 
nonnative predators. Even though threats from logging have been 
reduced, it will take

[[Page 54746]]

many years for secondary and clear-cut forest habitat to mature such 
that it is suitable for the woodpecker. The threats to the species are 
ongoing, imminent, and high in magnitude due to its restricted range, 
small population size, past habitat loss, and endemism. The LPN for 
this species remains a 2 to reflect imminent threats of high magnitude.
    Yellow-browed toucanet (Aulacorhynchus huallagae)--The yellow-
browed toucanet has a small range on the eastern slope of the Andes of 
north-central Peru at elevations of 2,000-2,600 m (6,562-8,530 ft). The 
toucanet occurs in humid montane forests. The population status is not 
well known because of the inaccessibility of its habitat, but is 
estimated at 600-1,500 mature individuals. The species currently 
occupies three known locations within a small range. Habitat loss and 
destruction from deforestation for agriculture has been widespread in 
the region and is suspected to be the main threat, although 
deforestation appears to have occurred mainly below the altitudinal 
range of this toucanet. Gold mining and manufacturing also are common 
in the region. The yellow-browed toucanet is described as scarce 
wherever found, and ongoing population declines resulting from habitat 
loss are assumed. It is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List 
and is not listed in any CITES appendices.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the yellow-browed toucanet was 
assigned an LPN of 2. After reevaluating the available information, we 
find that no change in the LPN is warranted at this time. The yellow-
browed toucanet does not represent a monotypic genus. The estimated 
population is small with just three known locations within a restricted 
range. The magnitude of threats to the habitat remains high, and its 
population is likely declining. The LPN remains a 2 to reflect imminent 
threats of high magnitude.
    Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis)--The Brasilia tapaculo 
is a small, secretive, ground-dwelling bird with limited flight 
ability. The tapaculo is found in gallery-forest habitat that is a 
smaller habitat component occurring within the wider tropical savanna 
or ``Cerrado'' of the Central Goi[aacute]s Plateau of Brazil. Gallery 
forests are narrow fringes of thick streamside vegetation that occur on 
the edges of rivers and streams at elevations of approximately 800-
1,000 m (2,625-3,281 ft). The Brasilia tapaculo is described as 
``rare,'' but the population size is unknown. Despite a lack of data on 
population trends, declines are suspected to be occurring, due to the 
continued decline in area and quality of the tapaculo's gallery forest 
habitat. Effects from climate change may also be negatively altering 
the Cerrado and the tapaculo's specialized gallery forest habitat 
within the Cerrado by reducing the amount of available habitat for the 
species. Results from one climate change modeling study predicted that 
the Brasilia tapaculo could lose all its range and protected habitat by 
2060. The species is currently known to occur in six protected areas 
and has been found on private land next to protected areas. These 
protected areas are limited in extent and size, with few larger than 
25,000 hectares (ha) (61,776 acres (ac)). In the early 2000s, only 1.2 
percent of the Cerrado was in protected areas; however, more recent 
estimates are 6.5 percent.
    The primary threat to the species is ongoing loss, fragmentation, 
and degradation of its habitat, which is expected to limit the 
availability and extent of suitable habitat for the tapaculo. The 
Cerrado is the largest, most diverse, and possibly most threatened 
tropical savanna in the world. Land in the Cerrado is currently being 
converted for intensive grazing and mechanized agriculture, including 
soybean and rice plantations. The tapaculo's gallery-forest habitat has 
been less affected by clearing for agriculture than the surrounding 
Cerrado. However, effects to gallery forest arise from wetland drainage 
and the diversion of water for irrigation and from annual burning of 
adjacent grasslands.
    The IUCN recently changed the status of the species from near 
threatened to endangered, identifying the species' small and fragmented 
range as justification for the change in status. The Brazilian Red List 
assessed the species as endangered, noting severe fragmentation and 
continuing decline in area and quality of habitat. It is not threatened 
by international trade and is not listed in any appendices of CITES.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, we assigned the Brasilia tapaculo an 
LPN of 8. After reevaluating the available information, we have 
determined that no change in the LPN is warranted at this time. The 
Brasilia tapaculo does not represent a monotypic genus. Threats to the 
species are moderate in magnitude and are imminent. The species has a 
fairly wide geographic range, but is endemic to the Cerrado and 
strongly associated with gallery forests, a very small component of the 
Cerrado. Conversion of the Cerrado is ongoing. The populations 
currently appear to be found only in or next to a handful of protected 
areas, and most of these areas are small. The species is reported as 
rare, even in protected areas. Therefore, an LPN of 8 remains valid for 
this species.
    Ghizo white-eye (Zosterops luteirostris)--The Ghizo white-eye is a 
small passerine (perching) bird described as ``warbler-like.'' It is 
endemic to the small island of Ghizo in the Solomon Islands in the 
South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea. The total range of the 
Ghizo white-eye is estimated to be less than 35 km\2\ (13.5 mi\2\), of 
which less than 1 km\2\ (0.39 mi\2\) is the old-growth forest that the 
species seems to prefer.
    Little information is available about this species and its habitat. 
It is locally common in old-growth forest patches and less common 
elsewhere. The species has been observed in a variety of habitats on 
the island, but it is unknown whether sustainable populations can exist 
outside of forested habitats. The population is estimated to be between 
250 and 1,000 mature individuals and is suspected to be declining due 
to habitat degradation, particularly since a tsunami hit the island in 
2007. Habitat loss appears to be the main threat. As of 2012, the human 
population on the island was 7,177 and growing rapidly, and there has 
been prolific growth in informal human settlements and temporary 
housing on Ghizo, which may be adversely affecting the Ghizo white-eye 
and its habitat. Areas around Ghizo Town, which previously supported 
the species, have been further degraded since the town was devastated 
by the 2007 tsunami, and habitat was found less likely able to support 
the species in 2012. The species is also affected by conversion of 
forested areas to agricultural uses. The old-growth forest on Ghizo is 
still under pressure from clearance for local use as timber and 
firewood, and for clearing for gardens, as are the areas of secondary 
growth, which are already suspected to be suboptimal habitat for this 
species.
    The population of this species is believed to be declining and, 
given its fragmented habitat in combination with small population 
sizes, may be at greater risk of extinction due to synergistic effects. 
The IUCN Red List classifies this species as endangered. It is not 
listed in any appendices of CITES, and this species is not in 
international trade.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the Ghizo white-eye was assigned an 
LPN of 2. After reevaluating the available information, we find that no 
change in the LPN is warranted. The Ghizo white-eye does not represent 
a monotypic genus. It faces threats that are high in magnitude due to 
declining suitable

[[Page 54747]]

habitat and its small, declining population size. The best information 
available indicates that forest clearing is occurring at a pace that is 
rapidly denuding its habitat; secondary-growth forest continues to be 
converted to agricultural purposes. Further, the human population on 
the small island is likely contributing to the reduction in old-growth 
forest for local uses such as timber and clearing for gardens. These 
threats to the species are ongoing, high in magnitude, and imminent. 
Thus, based on the best scientific and commercial data available, the 
LPN remains a 2 for this species.
    Black-backed tanager (Tangara peruviana)--The black-backed tanager 
is endemic to the coastal Atlantic Forest region of southeastern 
Brazil. It is currently found in the coastal states of Espirito Santo, 
Rio de Janeiro, S[atilde]o Paulo, Paran[agrave], Santa Catarina, and 
Rio Grande do Sul. The species is generally restricted to the sand-
forest ``restinga'' habitat, which is a coastal component habitat of 
the greater Atlantic Forest complex. Restingas are herbaceous, shrubby, 
coastal sand-dune habitats. The black-backed tanager is primarily found 
in undisturbed vegetated habitat but has also been observed in 
secondary (or second-growth) forests. It has also been observed 
visiting gardens and orchards of houses close to forested areas. The 
black-backed tanager is one of just a few tanagers known to migrate 
seasonally. Within suitable habitat, the black-backed tanager is 
generally not considered rare. The population estimate is between 2,500 
to 9,999 mature individuals. Populations currently appear to be small, 
fragmented, and declining.
    The primary factor affecting this species is habitat loss and 
destruction due to urban expansion and beachfront development, and this 
type of development will continue in the future. Additional habitat 
loss from sea-level rise associated with global climate change may be 
compounded by an increased demand by humans to use remaining land for 
housing and infrastructure. In addition to the overall loss and 
degradation of its habitat, the remaining tracts of its habitat are 
severely fragmented. The black-backed tanager's remaining suitable 
habitat in the areas of Rio de Janeiro and Paran[aacute] have largely 
been destroyed, and habitat loss and degradation will likely increase 
in the future. Although small portions of this species' range occur in 
six protected areas, protections appear limited. The black-backed 
tanager is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. The species is also 
listed as vulnerable in Brazil. It is not listed in any appendices of 
CITES although it has infrequently been illegally sold in the pet 
trade.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the black-backed tanager was 
assigned an LPN of 8. After reevaluating the available information, we 
have determined that no change in the LPN for this species is warranted 
at this time. The black-backed tanager does not represent a monotypic 
genus. We find that the threat from habitat loss is moderate in 
magnitude due to the species' fairly large range, its existence in 
protected areas, and an indication of some flexibility in its diet and 
habitat suitability. Threats are imminent because the species is at 
risk due to ongoing and widespread loss of habitat due to beachfront 
and related development. Therefore, an LPN of 8 remains valid for this 
species.
    Lord Howe Island pied currawong (Strepera graculina crissalis)--The 
Lord Howe Island pied currawong is a fairly large, crow-like bird, 
endemic to Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, Australia. Lord Howe 
Island is a small island northeast of Sydney, Australia, with 28 
smaller islets and rocks. The Lord Howe Island pied currawong occurs 
throughout the island but is most numerous in the mountainous areas on 
the southern end. It has also been recorded to a limited extent on the 
Admiralty Islands, located 1 km (0.6 mi) north of Lord Howe Island. The 
Lord Howe Island pied currawong breeds in rainforests and palm forests, 
particularly along streams. Approximately 75 percent of Lord Howe 
Island, plus all outlying islets and rocks within the Lord Howe Island 
group, is protected under the Permanent Park Preserve, which has 
similar status to that of a national park.
    The best current population estimate in 2005 and 2006 indicated 
that there were approximately 200 individuals. The Lord Howe Island 
pied currawong exists as a small, isolated population, which makes it 
vulnerable to stochastic events. The potential for the introduction of 
other nonnative predators to this island ecosystem has also been 
identified as an issue for this subspecies. In addition to its small 
population size, direct persecution (via shootings) by humans in 
retaliation for predation on domestic and endemic birds has been 
documented. The incidence of shootings has declined since the 1970s, 
when conservation efforts on Lord Howe Island began, but occasional 
shootings were still occurring as recently as 2006.
    Because the Lord Howe pied currawong often preys on small rodents, 
it may be subject to nontarget poisoning during ongoing rat-baiting 
programs, and especially during an extensive rodent eradication effort 
planned for this year. Project impact evaluations for the eradication 
effort determined that the currawong was at significant risk from 
secondary poisoning, and this action is expected to result in the 
temporary disruption of one breeding cycle. To ensure the currawong's 
safety, project evaluators determined that approximately 50-60 percent 
of the wild population would need to be held in captive management 
during the eradication effort. A pilot study that housed wild 
currawongs in aviaries in anticipation of this eradication effort has 
shown promise for protecting the subspecies. Another potential threat 
to the currawong is rising global temperatures associated with climate 
change that may affect the cloud layer on the island's mountaintops--
resulting in drying of the forest where the currawong gets about half 
of its food and possibly creating a food shortage for the subspecies.
    The subspecies' status is not addressed by IUCN; however, based on 
IUCN criteria, it has been assessed as endangered nationally in 
Australia. In addition, the New South Wales Threatened Species 
Conservation Act of 1995 lists the Lord Howe Island pied currawong as 
vulnerable due to its extremely limited range and its small population 
size. It is not listed in any appendices of CITES, and trade is not an 
issue for this subspecies.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the Lord Howe Island pied currawong 
was assigned an LPN of 6. After reevaluating the threats to the Lord 
Howe Island pied currawong, we have determined that no change in the 
LPN is warranted. The Lord Howe Island pied currawong does not 
represent a monotypic genus. It faces threats that are high in 
magnitude due to a combination of factors including its small 
population size and risks from nontarget poisoning from rodent control. 
Additionally, aspects of the rodent eradication project also carry some 
risk, including those associated with trapping, holding, and a missed 
breeding cycle. If the rodent eradication program is successful, 
effects from nontarget poisoning and any predation by rodents on 
currawong eggs will cease to be stressors for the currawong.
    Despite conservation efforts, the population of the Lord Howe 
Island pied currawong has remained around 100 to 200 individuals, 
probably because of limited suitable nesting habitat. Species with 
small population sizes such as the Lord Howe pied currawong may be at 
greater risk of extinction due to synergistic effects of factors 
affecting this subspecies.

[[Page 54748]]

However, because significant conservation efforts for the currawong 
have been implemented, and the subspecies is being closely managed and 
monitored, we find that the threats are nonimminent. Thus, based on the 
best information available, the LPN remains at 6 to reflect nonimminent 
threats of high magnitude.

Reptiles

    Gopher tortoise, eastern population (Gopherus polyphemus)--The 
following summary is based on information in our files. The gopher 
tortoise is a large, terrestrial, herbivorous turtle that reaches a 
total length up to 15 in (38 cm) and typically inhabits the sandhills, 
pine/scrub oak uplands, and pine flatwoods associated with the longleaf 
pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem. A fossorial animal, the gopher 
tortoise is usually found in areas with well-drained, deep, sandy 
soils; an open tree canopy; and a diverse, abundant, herbaceous 
groundcover.
    The gopher tortoise ranges from extreme southern South Carolina 
south through peninsular Florida, and west through southern Georgia, 
Florida, southern Alabama, and Mississippi, into extreme southeastern 
Louisiana. The eastern population of the gopher tortoise in South 
Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama (east of the Mobile and 
Tombigbee Rivers) is a candidate species; the gopher tortoise is 
federally listed as threatened in the western portion of its range, 
which includes Alabama (west of the Mobile and Tombigbee Rivers), 
Mississippi, and Louisiana.
    The primary threat to the gopher tortoise is fragmentation, 
destruction, and modification of its habitat (either deliberately or 
from inattention), including conversion of longleaf pine forests to 
incompatible silvicultural or agricultural habitats, urbanization, 
shrub/hardwood encroachment (mainly from fire exclusion or insufficient 
fire management), and establishment and spread of invasive species. 
Other threats include disease, predation (mainly on nests and young 
tortoises), and inadequate regulatory mechanisms, specifically those 
needed to protect and enhance relocated tortoise populations in 
perpetuity. The magnitude of threats to the eastern range of the gopher 
tortoise is considered moderate to low, since populations extend over a 
broad geographic area and conservation measures are in place in some 
areas. However, since the species is currently being affected by a 
number of threats including destruction and modification of its 
habitat, disease, predation, exotics, and inadequate regulatory 
mechanisms, the threat is imminent. Thus, we have assigned an LPN of 8 
for this species.

Snails

    Magnificent ramshorn (Planorbella magnifica)--Magnificent ramshorn 
is the largest North American air-breathing freshwater snail in the 
family Planorbidae. It has a discoidal (i.e., coiling in one plane), 
relatively thin shell that reaches a diameter commonly exceeding 35 
millimeters (mm) and heights exceeding 20 mm. The great width of its 
shell, in relation to the diameter, makes it easily identifiable at all 
ages. The shell is brown colored (often with leopard-like spots) and 
fragile, thus indicating it is adapted to still or slow-flowing aquatic 
habitats. The magnificent ramshorn is believed to be a southeastern 
North Carolina endemic. The species is known from only four sites in 
the lower Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina. Although the 
complete historical range of the species is unknown, the species and 
the fact that it was not reported until 1903 suggest that the species 
may have always been rare and localized.
    Salinity and pH are major factors limiting the distribution of the 
magnificent ramshorn, as the snail prefers freshwater bodies with 
circumneutral pH (i.e., pH within the range of 6.8-7.5). While members 
of the family Planorbidae are hermaphroditic, it is currently unknown 
whether magnificent ramshorns self-fertilize their eggs, mate with 
other individuals of the species, or both. Like other members of the 
Planorbidae family, the magnificent ramshorn is believed to be 
primarily a vegetarian, feeding on submerged aquatic plants, algae, and 
detritus. While several factors have likely contributed to the possible 
extirpation of the magnificent ramshorn in the wild, the primary 
factors include loss of habitat associated with the extirpation of 
beavers (and their impoundments) in the early 20th century, increased 
salinity and alteration of flow patterns, as well as increased input of 
nutrients and other pollutants. The magnificent ramshorn appears to be 
extirpated from the wild due to habitat loss and degradation resulting 
from a variety of human-induced and natural factors. The only known 
surviving individuals of the species are presently being held and 
propagated at a private residence and a lab at North Carolina State 
University's Veterinary School; the population at the North Carolina 
Wildlife Resources Commission's Watha State Fish Hatchery was recently 
lost.
    While efforts have been made to restore habitat for the magnificent 
ramshorn at one of the sites known to have previously supported the 
species, all of the sites continue to be affected and/or threatened by 
the same factors (i.e., salt water intrusion and other water quality 
degradation, nuisance aquatic plant control, storms, sea-level rise, 
etc.) believed to have resulted in extirpation of the species from the 
wild. Currently, only two captive populations exist: A captive 
population of the species comprised of approximately 1,000+ adults and 
one with approximately 300+ adults. Although captive populations of the 
species have been maintained since 1993, a single catastrophic event, 
such as a severe storm, disease, or predator infestation, affecting 
this captive population could result in the near extinction of the 
species. The threats are high in magnitude and ongoing; therefore, we 
assign this species an LPN of 2.

Insects (Butterflies)

    Harris' mimic swallowtail (Mimoides lysithous harrisianus)--Harris' 
mimic swallowtail is a subspecies that inhabits the restinga (sand 
forest) habitats within the coastal Atlantic Forest of Brazil. It 
historically occurred in southern Espirito Santo State and along the 
coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Recent records indicated 
that there were just three sites occupied by the butterfly in the State 
of Rio de Janeiro; however, preliminary results from an ongoing study 
indicate that there are two newly discovered colonies within the City 
of Rio de Janeiro. Two areas are within protected National Parks, and 
the other sites appear to be under municipal conservation with 
uncertain protected status. These two new colonies in the City of Rio 
de Janeiro are located in small patches of vegetation and are possibly 
at risk of extirpation (disappearing from a specific geographic area 
within its range). The best-studied colony at Barra de S[atilde]o 
Jo[atilde]o has maintained a stable and viable size for nearly two 
decades; however, there is limited information on its status since 
2004. We could not find recent population numbers for the subspecies in 
any of the other colonies.
    Habitat destruction has been the main threat and is ongoing. Based 
on a number of estimates, 88 to 95 percent of the area historically 
covered by tropical forests within the Atlantic Forest biome has been 
converted or severely degraded as the result of human activities. In 
addition to the overall loss and degradation of its habitat, the 
remaining tracts of its habitat are severely fragmented. Fire, either 
wildfire or human-caused, is a stressor for Harris' mimic swallowtail 
due to its potential to

[[Page 54749]]

destroy the few remaining, occupied habitats. Sea-level rise may also 
affect this coastal subspecies, and habitat loss from sea-level rise 
may be compounded by an increased demand by humans to use remaining 
land for housing and infrastructure.
    Another factor affecting this butterfly is collection. Although 
Harris' mimic swallowtail is categorized as endangered on the list of 
Brazilian fauna threatened with extinction, and collection and trade of 
the subspecies is prohibited, it has been offered for sale on the 
internet. Specimens of Harris' mimic swallowtail are routinely 
advertised online ranging from $1,000 to $2,200 U.S. dollars (USD), 
indicating that illegal collection and trade may be occurring and 
demand for this butterfly is high. Harris' mimic swallowtail is not 
currently on the IUCN Red list, although it was identified as a 
``threatened and extinct subspecies'' in the family Papilionidae in the 
1994 IUCN Red List. The subspecies has not been formally considered for 
listing in the appendices to CITES. It is also not regulated on the 
annexes to EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, Harris' mimic swallowtail was 
assigned an LPN of 3. After reevaluating the threats to this 
subspecies, we have determined that no change in the LPN is warranted. 
Harris' mimic swallowtail is a subspecies that is not within a 
monotypic genus. Threats are high in magnitude due to the existence of 
only a few small, fragmented colonies, and the potential for 
catastrophic events such as fire. Additionally, although the subspecies 
is protected by Brazilian law and several of the colonies are located 
within protected areas, the high price advertised online for specimens 
indicates that there is demand for the subspecies, likely from illegal 
collection. Because the population is very small and limited to 
approximately five known colonies, we find the threats are of high 
magnitude. Based on the best information available, the LPN remains a 3 
to reflect imminent threats of high magnitude.
    Fluminense swallowtail (Parides ascanius)--Like Harris' mimic 
swallowtail (above), the fluminense swallowtail also inhabits the 
restinga (sand forest) habitats of the coastal Atlantic Forest of 
Brazil within the State of Rio de Janeiro. There are at least eight 
confirmed subpopulations of fluminense swallowtail, and several other 
small, likely ephemeral, subpopulations are currently being studied 
(i.e., 8-12 estimated subpopulations). Thus, the overall number of 
subpopulations reported for the species has declined from ``fewer than 
20 colonies'' in 1994, to 8 to 12 in 2017. The body of science on the 
species indicates a continual decline of subpopulations as well as a 
decrease in the numbers of individuals within each subpopulation. 
Genetic analysis of eight of the remaining subpopulations is consistent 
with metapopulation dynamics (a group of separate subpopulations that 
has some level of mixing) with low genetic diversity and trending 
towards increased isolation of these populations from urban 
development. The butterfly is described as seasonally common, with 
sightings of up to 50 individuals at one colony in a single morning. A 
study at Biological Reserve of Po[ccedil]o das Antas estimated that the 
subpopulation ranged from 10 to 50 individuals. We could not find 
estimates for butterfly numbers in the remaining subpopulations.
    Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are the principal 
threats to this species. The species occupies highly specialized 
habitat and requires large areas to maintain a viable colony. Based on 
a number of estimates, 88 to 95 percent of the area historically 
covered by tropical forests within the Atlantic Forest biome has been 
converted or severely degraded as a result of human activities. Habitat 
loss and destruction is caused primarily by road and building 
construction, drainage of swamps, and vegetation suppression, and the 
remaining tracts are severely fragmented. Fire, either wildfire or 
human-caused, is a stressor for the fluminense swallowtail and has the 
potential to destroy the few remaining, occupied habitats. This coastal 
butterfly may also be affected by habitat loss from sea-level rise, 
which may be compounded by human use of the remaining land for 
infrastructure and housing.
    Only one of the subpopulations is presently found within a large 
protected area (Po[ccedil]o das Antas Biological Reserve), and the 
majority of the remaining populations are on smaller, fragmented 
parcels with limited or no protections and are vulnerable to 
extirpation.
    Illegal collection of the fluminense swallowtail is likely 
occurring and ongoing. The species is located near urban areas and is 
easy to capture. Recently, multiple specimens of fluminense swallowtail 
have been advertised online with costs ranging from $220 to $700 USD. 
The impact of illegal collection to the fluminense swallowtail is 
difficult to assess, but removal of individuals from the remaining 
small, fragmented populations could, in combination with other 
stressors, contribute to local extirpations.
    The fluminense swallowtail butterfly was the first invertebrate to 
be officially noted on the list of Brazilian animals threatened with 
extinction in 1973. It has been classified as vulnerable by the IUCN 
Red List since 1983. The species is currently categorized by Brazil as 
endangered. It has not been formally considered for listing in the 
appendices to CITES. However, it is listed on Annex B of the EU 
Wildlife Trade Regulations; species listed on Annex B require a permit 
for import.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the fluminense swallowtail was 
assigned an LPN of 2. After reevaluating the stressors to this species, 
we have determined that no change to the LPN is warranted. The 
fluminense swallowtail does not represent a monotypic genus. The 
overall number of subpopulations recorded for the species has declined 
from previous records of ``fewer than 20 colonies'' to approximately 8 
to 12. Only one of these known subpopulations is presently found within 
a large protected area, and the majority of the remaining 
subpopulations are on small, fragmented parcels with limited or no 
protections and are vulnerable to extirpation. Despite the conservation 
measures in place, the species continues to face stressors (e.g., 
habitat loss and destruction, and illegal collection and trade) that 
are high in magnitude. The threats are ongoing and, therefore, 
imminent. The LPN remains a 2 to reflect imminent threats of high 
magnitude.
    Hahnel's Amazonian swallowtail (Parides hahneli)--Hahnel's 
Amazonian swallowtail is a large black and yellow butterfly endemic to 
Brazil. It is known from three remote locations along the tributaries 
of the middle and lower Amazon River basin in the states of Amazonas 
and Par[aacute]. Its preferred habitat is on old sand strips (stranded 
beaches) that are overgrown with dense scrub vegetation or forest. 
Hahnel's Amazonian swallowtail is described as very scarce and 
extremely localized in association with its specialized habitat and its 
larval host plant. Population size and trends are not known for this 
species. However, habitat alteration and destruction are ongoing in 
Par[aacute] and Amazonas where this species is found, and researchers 
are concerned that this destruction is taking place before the 
butterfly can be better studied and its ecological needs can be better 
understood.
    In the 2015 Global Forest Resources Assessment of 234 countries and 
territories, Brazil reported the greatest

[[Page 54750]]

loss of primary forest from 1990 to 2015, and the states of Par[aacute] 
and Amazonas (where the butterfly is found) experienced high rates of 
deforestation in the last decade. Habitat loss and destruction are 
occurring (e.g., high rates of deforestation, dam construction, 
waterway crop transport, and clearing for agriculture and cattle 
grazing) and will likely continue in the future.
    Collection (see Harris' mimic swallowtail discussion, above) is 
also a potential threat for Hahnel's Amazonian swallowtail. The species 
has been collected for commercial trade and may be reared for trade. 
Locations in the wild have been kept secret given the high value of 
this butterfly to collectors. Over the past 2 years, multiple specimens 
of Hahnel's Amazonian swallowtail were noted for sale or sold from 
locations in the United States for $70 to $500 USD and from Germany 
(approximately $166 USD).
    Hahnel's Amazonian swallowtail is classified as data deficient as 
of 2018 on the IUCN Red List. The species is listed as endangered on 
the State of Par[aacute]'s list of threatened species, but it is not 
listed by the State of Amazonas or by Brazil. Hahnel's Amazonian 
swallowtail is not listed in any appendices of CITES. However, it is 
listed on Annex B of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations; species listed 
on Annex B require a permit for import.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the Hahnel's Amazonian swallowtail 
was assigned an LPN of 2. After reevaluating the threats to the 
Hahnel's Amazonian swallowtail, we have determined that no change in 
the LPN is warranted. This swallowtail does not represent a monotypic 
genus. It faces threats that are high in magnitude and imminence due to 
its small endemic population and limited and decreasing availability of 
its highly specialized habitat. Habitat alteration and destruction are 
ongoing in Par[aacute] and Amazonas where the butterfly is found and 
are likely to continue. These threats are high in magnitude due to the 
species' highly localized and specialized habitat requirements. 
Potential impacts from collection are unknown but could, in combination 
with other stressors, contribute to local extirpations. Based on a 
reevaluation of the threats, the LPN remains a 2 to reflect imminent 
threats of high magnitude.
    Jamaican kite swallowtail (Protographium marcellinus, syn. 
Eurytides marcellinus)--The Jamaican kite swallowtail is a small blue-
green and black butterfly and is regarded as Jamaica's most endangered 
butterfly. Breeding populations of the Jamaican kite swallowtail are 
found only where there are dense stands of the host plant (Oxandra 
lanceolata), and these stands are rare. There is no known estimate of 
population size, but subpopulations are known from five sites. Two of 
the sites may be recently extirpated, one is thought to be tenuous, and 
two are viable with strong numbers in some years.
    Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are considered the 
primary factors affecting the Jamaican kite swallowtail. Historical 
habitat loss and destruction occurred when forests were cleared for 
agriculture and timber extraction. More recent habitat destruction is 
occurring primarily from sapling cutting for yam sticks, fish pots, or 
charcoal. Charcoal-making also carries the risk of fire, which destroys 
pupae in the leaf litter. Additionally, mining for limestone and 
bauxite also pose threats to remaining forested tracts.
    The two strongest subpopulations of the Jamaican kite swallowtail 
occur in protected areas (i.e., the Portland Bight Protected Area and 
the Forest Reserve in the Cockpit Country), although habitat 
destruction within these areas continues to be a problem. Additionally, 
Jamaica's Forest Act of 1996 and Forest Regulations Act of 2001 have 
increased the power of Jamaican authorities to protect the species' 
habitat; the Jamaican kite swallowtail is included in Jamaica's 
National Strategy and Action Plan on Biological Diversity. This 
strategy established specific plans for protecting sites that support 
two subpopulations of the swallowtail. Although these projects were 
identified as high priorities, to date they have not been initiated due 
to funding and capacity constraints. Therefore, conservation management 
continues to be lacking for this species.
    Although the Jamaican Wildlife Protection Act of 1994 carries steep 
fines and penalties, illegal collection of the Jamaican kite 
swallowtail appears to be occurring. Three specimens of the Jamaican 
kite swallowtail were noted for sale on the internet as recently as 
2017, for as much as 100 Euros ($120 USD), and one specimen sold in 
2015 for 150 Euros ($178 USD). Specimens of the Homerus swallowtail 
(Papilio homerus, another rare Jamaican butterfly) have also been 
illegally traded, indicating that there is a market for Jamaican 
butterflies despite heavy fines.
    Predation from native predators, including spiders, the Jamaican 
tody (Todus todus), and praying mantis, may be adversely affecting the 
few remaining Jamaican kite swallowtail populations, especially in the 
smaller subpopulations. In years where large numbers of spiders were 
observed, very few Jamaican kite swallowtail larvae survived. 
Additionally, this species may be at greater risk of extinction due to 
small fragmented subpopulations and synergistic effects of the factors 
noted above. Since 1985, the Jamaican kite swallowtail has been 
categorized on IUCN's Red List as vulnerable, but it is marked ``needs 
updating.'' This species is not listed in any of the appendices of 
CITES or the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations, although some level of 
illegal trade is likely occurring.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the Jamaican kite swallowtail was 
assigned an LPN of 2. After reevaluating the factors affecting the 
Jamaican kite swallowtail, we have determined that no change in LPN is 
warranted. The Jamaican kite swallowtail does not represent a monotypic 
genus. The Jamaican kite swallowtail is known from only five small 
subpopulations, and as few as two of these subpopulations may presently 
be viable. Although Jamaica has taken regulatory steps to preserve 
native swallowtail habitat, plans for conservation of vital areas for 
the butterfly have not been implemented. Based on our reevaluation of 
the threats to this species, the LPN remains a 2 to reflect imminent 
threats of high magnitude.
    Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail (Teinopalpus imperialis)--The Kaiser-i-
Hind swallowtail is a large, ornate, green-black-and-orange butterfly 
native to the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, 
Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. The species occurs in the foothills of 
the Himalayan Mountains and other mountainous regions at altitudes of 
1,500 to 3,050 m (4,921 to 10,000 ft) above sea level, in undisturbed 
(primary) broad-leaved evergreen forests or montane deciduous forests. 
Although it has a relatively large range, it is restricted to higher 
elevations and occurs only locally within this range. Adults fly up to 
open hilltops above the forests to mate, where males will often defend 
mating territories. Larval host-plants are limited to Magnolia and 
Daphne species, and in some regions the Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail is 
strictly monophagous, only using a single species of Magnolia as a host 
plant. Despite the species' widespread distribution, populations are 
described as being very local and never abundant. Even early accounts 
of the species described it as being a very rare occurrence.
    Habitat destruction is believed to negatively affect this species, 
which prefers undisturbed, high-altitude forests. In China and India, 
the Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail populations are

[[Page 54751]]

affected by habitat modification and destruction due to commercial and 
illegal logging. In Nepal, the species is affected by habitat 
disturbance and destruction resulting from mining, wood collection for 
use as fuel, deforestation, collection of fodders and fiber plants, 
forest fires, invasion of bamboo species into the oak forests, 
agriculture, and grazing animals. In Vietnam, the forest habitat is 
reportedly declining. The Forest Ministry in Nepal considers habitat 
destruction to be a critical threat to all biodiversity, including the 
Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail. Comprehensive information on the rate of 
degradation of Himalayan forests containing the Kaiser-i-Hind butterfly 
is not available, but habitat loss is consistently reported as one of 
the primary ongoing threats to the species there.
    Collection for commercial trade is also regarded as a threat to the 
species. The Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail is highly valued and has been 
collected and traded despite various prohibitions. Although it is 
difficult to assess the potential impacts from collection, it is 
possible that collection in combination with other stressors could 
contribute to local extirpations of small populations. Since 1996, the 
Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail has been categorized on the IUCN Red List as 
``lower risk/near threatened,'' but IUCN indicates that this assessment 
needs updating. The Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail has been listed in CITES 
appendix II since 1987. Additionally, the Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail is 
listed on annex B of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
    In the October 17, 2016, CNOR, the Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail was 
assigned an LPN of 8. After reevaluating the threats to this species, 
we have determined that no change in its LPN of 8 is warranted. The 
Kaiser-i-Hind swallowtail does not represent a monotypic genus. Threats 
from habitat destruction and illegal collection are moderate in 
magnitude due to the species' wide distribution and to various 
protections in place within each country. We find that the threats are 
imminent due to ongoing habitat destruction and high market value for 
specimens. Based on our reassessment of the threats, we have retained 
an LPN of 8 to reflect imminent threats of moderate magnitude.

Candidates in Review

    For several candidates, we continue to find that listing is 
warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of this notice. 
However, we are working on thorough reviews of all available data 
regarding these species and expect to publish either proposed listing 
rules or 12-month not-warranted findings prior to making the next 
annual resubmitted petition 12-month findings for these species. In the 
course of preparing proposed listing rules or not-warranted petition 
findings, we are continuing to monitor new information about these 
species' status so that we can make prompt use of our authority under 
section 4(b)(7) of the ESA in the case of an emergency posing a 
significant risk to any of these species. These species are the 
following: Pe[ntilde]asco least chipmunk (Tamias minimus atristriatus), 
Sierra Nevada red fox--Sierra Nevada DPS (Vulpes vulpes necator), red 
tree vole--north Oregon coast DPS (Arborimus longicaudus), Berry Cave 
salamander (Gyrinophilus gulolineatus), Texas fatmucket (Lampsilis 
bracteata), Texas fawnsfoot (Truncilla macrodon), Texas pimpleback 
(Quadrula petrina), Hermes copper butterfly (Lycaena hermes), Puerto 
Rican harlequin butterfly (Atlantea tulita), rattlesnake-master borer 
moth (Papaipema eryngii), Astragalus microcymbus (skiff milkvetch), 
Astragalus schmolliae (Chapin Mesa milkvetch), Cirsium wrightii 
(Wright's marsh thistle), Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine), Solanum 
conocarpum (marron bacora), and Streptanthus bracteatus (bracted 
twistflower).

Petitions To Reclassify Species Already Listed

    We previously made warranted-but-precluded findings on four 
petitions seeking to reclassify threatened species to endangered 
status. The taxa involved in the reclassification petitions are two 
populations of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), delta smelt 
(Hypomesus transpacificus), and Sclerocactus brevispinus (Pariette 
cactus). Because these species are already listed under the ESA, they 
are not candidates for listing and are not included in Table 1. 
However, this notice and associated species assessment forms or 5-year 
review documents also constitute the findings for the resubmitted 
petitions to reclassify these species. Our updated assessments for 
these species are provided below. We find that reclassification to 
endangered status for two grizzly bear ecosystem populations, delta 
smelt, and Sclerocactus brevispinus are all currently warranted but 
precluded by work identified above (see Findings for Petitioned 
Candidate Species, above). One of the primary reasons that the work 
identified above is considered to have higher priority is that the 
grizzly bear populations, delta smelt, and Sclerocactus brevispinus are 
currently listed as threatened, and therefore already receive certain 
protections under the ESA. Those protections are set forth in our 
regulations: 50 CFR 17.40(b) (grizzly bear); 50 CFR 17.31, and, by 
reference, 50 CFR 17.21 (delta smelt); and 50 CFR 17.71, and, by 
reference, 50 CFR 17.61 (Sclerocactus brevispinus). It is therefore 
unlawful for any person, among other prohibited acts, to take (i.e., to 
harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or 
collect, or attempt to engage in such activity) a grizzly bear or a 
delta smelt, subject to applicable exceptions. Also, it is unlawful for 
any person, among other prohibited acts, to remove or reduce to 
possession Sclerocactus brevispinus from an area under Federal 
jurisdiction, subject to applicable exceptions. Other protections that 
apply to these threatened species even before we complete proposed and 
final reclassification rules include those under section 7(a)(2) of the 
ESA, whereby Federal agencies must insure that any action they 
authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to jeopardize the continued 
existence of any endangered or threatened species.
    Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), North Cascades ecosystem 
population (Region 6)--Since 1990, we have received and reviewed five 
petitions requesting a change in status for the North Cascades grizzly 
bear population (55 FR 32103, August 7, 1990; 56 FR 33892, July 24, 
1991; 57 FR 14372, April 20, 1992; 58 FR 43856, August 18, 1993; 63 FR 
30453, June 4, 1998). In response to these petitions, we determined 
that grizzly bears in the North Cascade ecosystem warrant a change to 
endangered status. We have continued to find that these petitions are 
warranted but precluded through our annual CNOR process. On January 13, 
2017, in partnership with the National Park Service, we made available 
for public comment a draft North Cascades Ecosystem Grizzly Bear 
Restoration Plan (plan) and draft environmental impact statement (EIS) 
to determine how to restore the grizzly bear to the North Cascades 
ecosystem (82 FR 4416). The comment period on this draft plan and EIS 
closed on March 14, 2017 and reopened again on August 2, 2019. The 
final restoration plan and EIS are expected to take up to 2 years to 
complete as we evaluate a variety of alternatives, including population 
restoration. This ecosystem does not contain a verified population 
(only three confirmed observations of individuals in the last 20 
years), and is isolated from

[[Page 54752]]

other populations in British Columbia and the United States.
    We continue to find that reclassifying grizzly bears in this 
ecosystem as endangered is warranted but precluded, and we continue to 
assign an LPN of 3 for the uplisting of the North Cascades population 
based on high-magnitude threats, including human-caused mortality due 
to incomplete habitat protection measures (motorized-access 
management), very small population size, and population fragmentation 
resulting in genetic isolation. However, we acknowledge the possibility 
that there is no longer a population present in the ecosystem. The 
threats are high in magnitude, because the limiting factors for grizzly 
bears in this recovery zone are human-caused mortality and extremely 
small population size. The threats are ongoing and imminent. However, 
higher-priority listing actions, including court-approved settlements, 
court-ordered and statutory deadlines for petition findings and listing 
determinations, emergency listing determinations, and responses to 
litigation, continue to preclude reclassifying grizzly bears in this 
ecosystem. Furthermore, proposed rules to reclassify threatened species 
to endangered are a lower priority than listing currently unprotected 
species, as species currently listed as threatened are already afforded 
protection under the ESA and its implementing regulations.
    Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem 
population (Region 6)--Since 1992, we have received and reviewed six 
petitions requesting a change in status for the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly 
bear population (57 FR 14372, April 20, 1992; 58 FR 8250, February 12, 
1993; 58 FR 43856, August 18, 1993; 63 FR 30453, June 4, 1998; 64 FR 
26725, May 17, 1999; 81 FR 1368, January 12, 2016). In response to 
these petitions, in an August 29, 2011, 5-year status review, we 
determined that grizzly bears in the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem warranted a 
change to endangered status. However, in the 2014 CNOR (79 FR 72450; 
December 5, 2014), we determined that threatened status was appropriate 
and that uplisting to endangered status was no longer warranted. This 
decision was challenged in court (Alliance for the Wild Rockies v. Ryan 
Zinke et al. (Case No. 9:16-cv-00021-DLC)), and on August 22, 2017, the 
court ruled against the Service. The court reinstated the previous 
finding that uplisting the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem population of grizzly 
bears was warranted but precluded, with an LPN of 3 for the uplisting 
based on high-magnitude threats that are ongoing, thus imminent, and, 
therefore, we are reevaluating its status. However, higher-priority 
listing actions, including court-approved settlements, court-ordered 
and statutory deadlines for petition findings and listing 
determinations, emergency listing determinations, and responses to 
litigation, continue to preclude reclassifying grizzly bears in this 
ecosystem. Furthermore, proposed rules to reclassify threatened species 
to endangered are a lower priority than listing currently unprotected 
species, as species currently listed as threatened are already afforded 
protection under the ESA and its implementing regulations.
    Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) (Region 8)--The following 
summary is based on information contained in our files and the April 7, 
2010, 12-month finding published in the Federal Register (75 FR 17667); 
see that 12-month finding for additional information on why 
reclassification to endangered is warranted but precluded. In our 12-
month finding, we determined that a change in status of the delta smelt 
from threatened to endangered was warranted, although precluded by 
other high priority listings. The primary rationale for reclassifying 
delta smelt from threatened to endangered was the significant declines 
in species abundance that have occurred since 2001. Delta smelt 
abundance, as indicated by the Fall Mid-Water Trawl survey, was 
exceptionally low between 2004 and 2010, increased during the wet year 
of 2011, and decreased again to very low levels at present.
    The primary threats to the delta smelt are direct entrainments by 
State and Federal water export facilities, summer and fall increases in 
salinity and water clarity resulting from decreases in freshwater flow 
into the estuary, and effects from introduced species. Ammonia in the 
form of ammonium may also be a significant threat to the survival of 
the delta smelt. Additional potential threats are predation by striped 
and largemouth bass and inland silversides, contaminants, and small 
population size. Existing regulatory mechanisms have not proven 
adequate to halt the decline of delta smelt since 1993, when we listed 
the delta smelt as a threatened species (58 FR 12854; March 5, 1993).
    As a result of our analysis of the best scientific and commercial 
data available, we have retained the recommendation of uplisting the 
delta smelt to an endangered species. We have assigned an LPN of 2, 
based on the high magnitude and high imminence of threats faced by the 
species. The magnitude of the threats is high because the threats occur 
rangewide and result in mortality or significantly reduce the 
reproductive capacity of the species. Threats are imminent because they 
are ongoing and, in some cases (e.g., nonnative species), considered 
irreversible. Thus, we are maintaining an LPN of 2 for this species.
    Sclerocactus brevispinus (Pariette cactus) (Region 6)--Pariette 
cactus is restricted to clay badlands of the Uinta geologic formation 
in the Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah. The species is restricted to 
one population with an overall range of approximately 16 miles by 5 
miles in extent. The species' entire population is within a developed 
and expanding oil and gas field. The location of the species' habitat 
exposes it to destruction from road, pipeline, and well-site 
construction in connection with oil and gas development. The species 
may be illegally collected as a specimen plant for horticultural use. 
Recreational off-road vehicle use and livestock trampling are 
additional threats. The species is currently federally listed as 
threatened (44 FR 58868, October 11, 1979; 74 FR 47112, September 15, 
2009). The threats are of a high magnitude, because any one of the 
threats has the potential to severely affect the survival of this 
species, a narrow endemic with a highly limited range and distribution. 
Threats are ongoing and, therefore, are imminent. Thus, we assigned an 
LPN of 2 to this species for uplisting. However, higher-priority 
listing actions, including court-approved settlements, court-ordered 
and statutory deadlines for petition findings and listing 
determinations, emergency listing determinations, and responses to 
litigation, continue to preclude reclassifying the Pariette cactus. 
Furthermore, proposed rules to reclassify threatened species to 
endangered are generally a lower priority than listing currently 
unprotected species (i.e., candidate species), as species currently 
listed as threatened are already afforded the protection of the ESA and 
the implementing regulations.
    We continue to find that reclassification of this species to 
endangered is warranted but precluded as of the date of publication of 
this notice. (See 72 FR 53211, September 18, 2007, and the species 
assessment form (see ADDRESSES) for additional information on why 
reclassification to endangered is warranted but precluded.) However, we 
are working on a thorough review of all available data and expect to 
publish a 5-year status review and draft recovery plan prior to making 
the

[[Page 54753]]

next annual resubmitted petition 12-month finding. In the course of 
preparing a 5-year status review and draft recovery plan, we are 
continuing to monitor new information about this species' status.

Current Notice of Review

    We gather data on plants and animals native and foreign to the 
United States that appear to merit consideration for addition to the 
Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (Lists). This 
notice identifies those species that we currently regard as candidates 
for addition to the Lists. These candidates include species and 
subspecies of fish, wildlife, or plants, and DPSs of vertebrate 
animals. This compilation relies on information from status surveys 
conducted for candidate assessment and on information from State 
Natural Heritage Programs, other State and Federal agencies, 
knowledgeable scientists, public and private natural resource 
interests, and comments received in response to previous notices of 
review.
    Tables 1 and 2, below, list animals arranged alphabetically by 
common names under the major group headings, and list plants 
alphabetically by names of genera, species, and relevant subspecies and 
varieties. Animals are grouped by class or order. Useful synonyms and 
subgeneric scientific names appear in parentheses with the synonyms 
preceded by an ``equals'' sign. Several species that have not yet been 
formally described in the scientific literature are included; such 
species are identified by a generic or specific name (in italics), 
followed by ``sp.'' or ``ssp.'' We incorporate standardized common 
names in these notices as they become available. We sort plants by 
scientific name due to the inconsistencies in common names, the 
inclusion of vernacular and composite subspecific names, and the fact 
that many plants still lack a standardized common name.
    Table 1 lists all candidate species, plus species currently 
proposed for listing under the ESA. We emphasize that in this notice we 
are not proposing to list any of the candidate species; rather, we will 
develop and publish proposed listing rules for these species in the 
future. We encourage State agencies, other Federal agencies, and other 
parties to consider these species in environmental planning.
    In Table 1, the ``category'' column on the left side of the table 
identifies the status of each species according to the following codes:
    PE--Species proposed for listing as endangered. Proposed species 
are those species for which we have published a proposed rule to list 
as endangered or threatened in the Federal Register. This category does 
not include species for which we have withdrawn or finalized the 
proposed rule.
    PT--Species proposed for listing as threatened.
    PSAT--Species proposed for listing as threatened due to similarity 
of appearance.
    C--Candidates: Species for which we have on file sufficient 
information on biological vulnerability and threats to support 
proposals to list them as endangered or threatened. Issuance of 
proposed rules for these species is precluded at present by other 
higher priority listing actions. This category includes species for 
which we made a 12-month warranted-but-precluded finding on a petition 
to list. Our analysis for this notice included making new findings on 
all petitions for which we previously made ``warranted-but-precluded'' 
findings. We identify the species for which we made a continued 
warranted-but-precluded finding on a resubmitted petition by the code 
``C*'' in the category column (see Findings for Petitioned Candidate 
Species, above, for additional information).
    The ``Priority'' column indicates the LPN for each candidate 
species, which we use to determine the most appropriate use of our 
available resources. The lowest numbers have the highest priority. We 
assign LPNs based on the immediacy and magnitude of threats, as well as 
on taxonomic status. We published a complete description of our listing 
priority system in the Federal Register (48 FR 43098; September 21, 
1983).
    The third column, ``Lead Region,'' identifies the Regional Office 
to which you should direct information, comments, or questions 
regarding domestic species (see addresses under Request for 
Information, below). For species foreign to the United States, you 
should direct information, comments, or questions to the office of the 
Chief, Branch of Delisting and Foreign Species (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Following the scientific name (fourth column) and the family 
designation (fifth column) is the common name (sixth column). The 
seventh column provides the known historical range for the species or 
vertebrate population (for vertebrate populations, this is the 
historical range for the entire species or subspecies and not just the 
historical range for the distinct population segment), indicated by 
postal code abbreviations for States and U.S. territories. Many species 
no longer occur in all of the areas listed.
    Species in Table 2 of this notice are those we included either as 
proposed species or as candidates in the previous CNORs (published 
December 2, 2016, at 81 FR 87246 for domestic species and October 17, 
2016, at 81 FR 71457 for foreign species) that are no longer proposed 
species or candidates for listing. Since December 2, 2016, for domestic 
species and October 17, 2016, for foreign species, we listed 17 
species, withdrew 4 species from proposed status, and removed 8 species 
from the candidate list by making not-warranted findings or withdrawing 
proposed rules. The first column indicates the present status of each 
species, using the following codes (not all of these codes may have 
been used in this CNOR):
    E--Species we listed as endangered.
    T--Species we listed as threatened.
    SAT--Species we listed as threatened due to similarity of 
appearance.
    Rc--Species we removed from the candidate list, because currently 
available information does not support a proposed listing.
    Rp--Species we removed from the candidate list, because we have 
withdrawn the proposed listing.
    The second column indicates why the species is no longer a 
candidate species or proposed for listing, using the following codes 
(not all of these codes may have been used in this CNOR):
    A--Species that are more abundant or widespread than previously 
believed and species that are not subject to the degree of threats 
sufficient that the species is a candidate for listing (for reasons 
other than that conservation efforts have removed or reduced the 
threats to the species).
    F--Species whose range no longer includes a U.S. territory.
    I--Species for which the best available information on biological 
vulnerability and threats is insufficient to support a conclusion that 
the species is an endangered species or a threatened species.
    L--Species we added to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Plants.
    M--Species we mistakenly included as candidates or proposed species 
in the last notice of review.
    N--Species that are not listable entities based on the ESA's 
definition of ``species'' and current taxonomic understanding.
    U--Species that are not subject to the degree of threats sufficient 
to warrant issuance of a proposed listing and therefore are not 
candidates for listing, due, in part or totally, to conservation 
efforts that remove or reduce the threats to the species.
    X--Species we believe to be extinct.

[[Page 54754]]

    The columns describing lead region, scientific name, family, common 
name, and historical range include information as previously described 
for Table 1.

Request for Information

    We request you submit any further information on the species named 
in this notice as soon as possible or whenever it becomes available. We 
are particularly interested in any information:
    (1) Indicating that we should add a species to the list of 
candidate species;
    (2) Indicating that we should remove a species from candidate 
status;
    (3) Recommending areas for domestic species that we should 
designate as critical habitat, or indicating that designation of 
critical habitat would not be prudent;
    (4) Documenting threats to any of the included species;
    (5) Describing the immediacy or magnitude of threats facing 
candidate species;
    (6) Pointing out taxonomic or nomenclature changes for any of the 
species;
    (7) Suggesting appropriate common names; and
    (8) Noting any mistakes, such as errors in the indicated historical 
ranges.
    We will consider all information provided in response to this CNOR 
in deciding whether to propose species for listing and when to 
undertake necessary listing actions (including whether emergency 
listing under section 4(b)(7) of the ESA is appropriate).
    For domestic species, submit information, materials, or comments 
regarding a particular species to the Regional Director of the Region 
identified as having the lead responsibility for that species. The 
regional addresses follow:
    Pacific Northwest. Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, American 
Samoa, Guam, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Regional 
Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal 
Complex, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232-4181 (503/231-6158).
    Southwest. Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Regional 
Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 500 Gold Avenue SW, Room 
4012, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505/248-6920).
    Midwest. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 
Ohio, and Wisconsin. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, 5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990, Bloomington, MN 55437-
1458 (612/713-5334).
    Southeast. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, 
Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, 
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional Director (TE), U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 200, Atlanta, 
GA 30345 (404/679-4156).
    Northeast. Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, 
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. 
Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate 
Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035-9589 (413/253-8615).
    Mountain-Prairie. Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North 
Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Regional Director (TE), U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, 
Denver, CO 80225-0486 (303/236-7400).
    Alaska. Alaska. Regional Director (TE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503-6199 (907/786-3505).
    Pacific Southwest. California and Nevada. Regional Director (TE), 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W2606, 
Sacramento, CA 95825 (916/414-6464).
    We will provide information we receive to the Region having lead 
responsibility for each candidate species mentioned in the submission, 
and information and comments we receive will become part of the 
administrative record for the species, which we maintain at the 
appropriate Regional Office.
    For species foreign to the United States, submit information, 
materials, or comments regarding a particular species to the office of 
the Chief, Branch of Delisting and Foreign Species (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your submission, be advised 
that your entire submission--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. Although you 
can ask us in your submission to withhold from public review your 
personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

Authority

    This notice is published under the authority of the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: September 24, 2019.
Margaret E. Everson,
Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Exercising 
the Authority of the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

                                                Table 1--Candidate Notice of Review (Animals and Plants)
                             [Note: See end of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Status
-------------------------------      Lead region           Scientific name             Family                Common name            Historical range
     Category        Priority
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Mammals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...............           6  Southwest...........  Tamias minimus            Sciuridae...........  Chipmunk, Pe[ntilde]asco  U.S.A. (NM).
                                                       atristriatus.                                   least.
PT................  ..........  Pacific Southwest...  Pekania pennanti........  Mustelidae..........  Fisher (West Coast DPS).  U.S.A (CA, OR, WA).
C *...............           3  Pacific Southwest...  Vulpes vulpes necator...  Canidae.............  Fox, Sierra Nevada red    U.S.A. (CA, OR).
                                                                                                       (Sierra Nevada DPS).
PT................  ..........  Pacific Southwest...  Martes caurina ssp.       Mustelidae..........  Marten, Humboldt........  U.S.A. (CA).
                                                       humboldtensis.
C *...............           9  Pacific.............  Arborimus longicaudus...  Cricetidae..........  Vole, red tree (north     U.S.A. (OR).
                                                                                                       Oregon coast DPS).
PT................           6  Mountain-Prairie....  Gulo gulo luscus........  Mustelidae..........  Wolverine, North          U.S.A. (CA, CO, ID, MT,
                                                                                                       American (Contiguous      OR, UT, WA, WY).
                                                                                                       U.S. DPS).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Birds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...............           2  ....................  Pauxi koepckeae.........  Cracidae............  Curassow, Sira..........  Peru.
C *...............           2  ....................  Pauxi unicornis.........  Cracidae............  Curassow, southern        Bolivia.
                                                                                                       helmeted.

[[Page 54755]]

 
C *...............           6  ....................  Strepera graculina        Cracticidae.........  Currawong, Lord Howe      Lord Howe Island, New
                                                       crissalis.                                      Island pied.              South Wales.
C *...............           8  ....................  Haematopus chathamensis.  Haematopodidae......  Oystercatcher, Chatham..  Chatham Islands, New
                                                                                                                                 Zealand.
C *...............           8  ....................  Cyanoramphus malherbi...  Psittacidae.........  Parakeet, orange-fronted  New Zealand.
PT................  ..........  Southeast...........  Pterodroma hasitata.....  Procellariidae......  Petrel, black-capped....  U.S.A. (GA, NC, SC).
C *...............           2  ....................  Rallus semiplumbeus.....  Rallidae............  Rail, Bogot[aacute].....  Colombia.
PT................  ..........  Southeast...........  Laterallus jamaicensis    Rallidae............  Rail, eastern black.....  U.S.A. (AL, AK, CO, CT,
                                                       ssp. jamaicensis.                                                         DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA,
                                                                                                                                 KN, KT, LA, MD, MA, MI,
                                                                                                                                 MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ,
                                                                                                                                 NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA,
                                                                                                                                 PR, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT,
                                                                                                                                 VA, VI, WV, WI).
PT................  ..........  Pacific Southwest...  Centrocercus              Phasianidae.........  Sage-Grouse, Greater (Bi- U.S.A (CA, NV).
                                                       urophasianus.                                   State DPS).
C *...............           8  ....................  Porphyrio hochstetteri..  Rallidae............  Takahe..................  New Zealand.
C *...............           8  ....................  Tangara peruviana.......  Thraupidae..........  Tanager, black-backed...  Brazil.
C *...............           8  ....................  Scytalopus novacapitalis  Rhinocryptidae......  Tapaculo, Brasilia......  Brazil.
C *...............           2  ....................  Aulacorhynchus huallagae  Ramphastidae........  Toucanet, yellow-browed.  Peru.
C *...............           2  ....................  Zosterops luteirostris..  Zosteropidae........  White-eye, Ghizo........  Solomon Islands.
C *...............           8  ....................  Dryocopus galeatus......  Picidae.............  Woodpecker, helmeted....  Argentina, Brazil,
                                                                                                                                 Paraguay.
C *...............           2  ....................  Dendrocopos noguchii....  Picidae.............  Woodpecker, Okinawa.....  Okinawa Island, Japan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Reptiles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...............           8  Southeast...........  Gopherus polyphemus.....  Testudinidae........  Tortoise, gopher          U.S.A. (AL, FL, GA, LA,
                                                                                                       (eastern population).     MS, SC).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Amphibians
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE................  ..........  Midwest.............  Cryptobranchus            Cryptobranchidae....  Hellbender, eastern       U.S.A. (MO).
                                                       alleganiensis                                   (Missouri DPS).
                                                       alleganiensis.
C *...............           8  Southeast...........  Gyrinophilus              Plethodontidae......  Salamander, Berry Cave..  U.S.A. (TN).
                                                       gulolineatus.
PT................  ..........  Southeast...........  Necturus lewisi.........  Proteidae...........  Waterdog, Neuse River...  U.S.A. (NC).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Fishes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PE................  ..........  Southeast...........  Noturus furiosus........  Ictaluridae.........  Madtom, Carolina........  U.S.A. (NC).
C *...............           6  Pacific Southwest...  Spirinchus thaleichthys.  Osmeridae...........  Smelt, longfin (San       U.S.A. (AK, CA, OR, WA),
                                                                                                       Francisco Bay-Delta       Canada.
                                                                                                       DPS).
PE................         N/A  ....................  Acipenser dabryanus.....  Acipenseridae.......  Sturgeon, Yangtze.......  China.
PE................  ..........  Southeast...........  Fundulus julisia........  Fundulidae..........  Topminnow, Barrens......  U.S.A. (TN).
PSAT..............         N/A  Pacific.............  Salvelinus malma........  Salmonidae..........  Trout, Dolly Varden.....  U.S.A. (AK, WA), Canada,
                                                                                                                                 East Asia.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Clams
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...............           8  ....................  Mulinia modesta.........  Mactridae...........  Clam, Colorado delta....  Mexico.
C *...............           2  Southwest...........  Lampsilis bracteata.....  Unionidae...........  Fatmucket, Texas........  U.S.A. (TX).
C *...............           2  Southwest...........  Truncilla macrodon......  Unionidae...........  Fawnsfoot, Texas........  U.S.A. (TX).
PT................  ..........  Southeast...........  Fusconaia masoni........  Unionidae...........  Pigtoe, Atlantic........  U.S.A. (GA, NC, VA).
C *...............           2  Southwest...........  Quadrula petrina........  Unionidae...........  Pimpleback, Texas.......  U.S.A. (TX).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Snails
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...............           2  Southeast...........  Planorbella magnifica...  Planorbidae.........  Ramshorn, magnificent...  U.S.A. (NC).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Insects
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...............           5  Pacific Southwest...  Lycaena hermes..........  Lycaenidae..........  Butterfly, Hermes copper  U.S.A. (CA).
PE................           3  Pacific.............  Euchloe ausonides         Pieridae............  Butterfly, Island marble  U.S.A. (WA).
                                                       insulanus.
C *...............           2  Southeast...........  Atlantea tulita.........  Nymphalidae.........  Butterfly, Puerto Rican   U.S.A. (PR).
                                                                                                       harlequin.
C *...............           8  Midwest.............  Papaipema eryngii.......  Noctuidae...........  Moth, rattlesnake-master  U.S.A. (AR, IL, KY, NC,
                                                                                                       borer.                    OK).
PT................           5  Mountain-Prairie....  Lednia tumana...........  Nemouridae..........  Stonefly, meltwater       U.S.A. (MT).
                                                                                                       lednian.
PT................  ..........  Mountain-Prairie....  Zapada glacier..........  Nemouridae..........  Stonefly, western         U.S.A. (MT).
                                                                                                       glacier.
C *...............           2  ....................  Parides ascanius........  Papilionidae........  Swallowtail, fluminense.  Brazil.
C *...............           2  ....................  Parides hahneli.........  Papilionidae........  Swallowtail, Hahnel's     Brazil.
                                                                                                       Amazonian.
C *...............           3  ....................  Mimoides ( = Eurytides    Papilionidae........  Swallowtail, Harris'      Brazil.
                                                       or Graphium) lysithous                          mimic.
                                                       harrisianus.
C *...............           2  ....................  Protographium ( =         Papilionidae........  Swallowtail, Jamaican     Jamaica.
                                                       Eurytides or Graphium                           kite.
                                                       or Neographium or
                                                       Protesilaus)
                                                       marcellinus.

[[Page 54756]]

 
C *...............           8  ....................  Teinopalpus imperialis..  Papilionidae........  Swallowtail, Kaiser-i-    Bhutan, China, India,
                                                                                                       Hind.                     Laos, Myanmar, Nepal,
                                                                                                                                 Thailand, Vietnam.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Crustaceans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PT................  ..........  Southeast...........  Procambarus econfinae...  Cambaridae..........  Crayfish, Panama City...  U.S.A. (FL).
PT................  ..........  Southeast...........  Cambarus cracens........  Cambaridae..........  Crayfish, slenderclaw...  U.S.A. (AL).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Flowering Plants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C *...............           8  Mountain-Prairie....  Astragalus microcymbus..  Fabaceae............  Milkvetch, skiff........  U.S.A. (CO).
C *...............           8  Mountain-Prairie....  Astragalus schmolliae...  Fabaceae............  Milkvetch, Chapin Mesa..  U.S.A. (CO).
C *...............           8  Southwest...........  Cirsium wrightii........  Asteraceae..........  Thistle, Wright's marsh.  U.S.A. (AZ, NM), Mexico.
C *...............           8  Mountain-Prairie....  Pinus albicaulis........  Pinaceae............  Pine, whitebark.........  U.S.A. (CA, ID, MT, NV,
                                                                                                                                 OR, WA, WY), Canada
                                                                                                                                 (AB, BC).
C *...............           2  Southeast...........  Solanum conocarpum......  Solanaceae..........  Bacora, marron..........  U.S.A. (PR).
C *...............           8  Southwest...........  Streptanthus bracteatus.  Brassicaceae........  Twistflower, bracted....  U.S.A. (TX).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Table 2--Animals and Plants Formerly Candidates or Formerly Proposed for Listing
                             [Note: See End of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for an explanation of symbols used in this table.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Status
-------------------------------      Lead region           Scientific name             Family                Common name            Historical range
       Code            Expl.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Mammals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc................           A  Alaska..............  Odobenus rosmarus         Odobenidae..........  Walrus, Pacific.........  U.S.A. (AK), Russia.
                                                       divergens.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Birds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T.................           L  Pacific.............  Drepanis coccinea.......  Fringillidae........  Iiwi (honeycreeper).....  U.S.A. (HI).
E.................           L  ....................  Ara macao ssp.            Psittacidae.........  Macaw, scarlet..........  Belize, Costa Rica,
                                                       cyanopterus.                                                              Guatemala, Honduras,
                                                                                                                                 Mexico, Nicaragua,
                                                                                                                                 Panama.
T.................           L  ....................  Ara macao ssp. macao....  Psittacidae.........  Macaw, scarlet (northern  Colombia, Costa Rica,
                                                                                                       DPS).                     Panama.
SAT...............           L  ....................  Ara macao ssp. macao....  Psittacidae.........  Macaw, scarlet (southern  Bolivia, Brazil,
                                                                                                       DPS).                     Colombia, Ecuador,
                                                                                                                                 French Guiana, Guyana,
                                                                                                                                 Peru, Suriname,
                                                                                                                                 Venezuela.
Rc................           A  ....................  Eunymphicus uvaeensis...  Psittacidae.........  Parakeet, Uvea..........  Uvea, New Caledonia.
Rc................           A  Southwest...........  Amazona viridigenalis...  Psittacidae.........  Parrot, red-crowned.....  U.S.A. (TX), Mexico.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Reptiles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T.................           L  Midwest.............  Sistrurus catenatus.....  Viperidae...........  Massasauga ( =            U.S.A. (IA, IL, IN, MI,
                                                                                                       rattlesnake), eastern.    MN, MO, NY, OH, PA,
                                                                                                                                 WI), Canada.
E.................           L  Southwest...........  Kinosternon sonoriense    Kinosternidae.......  Turtle, Sonoyta mud.....  U.S.A. (AZ), Mexico.
                                                       longifemorale.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Amphibians
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc................           A  Southeast...........  Notophthalmus             Salamandridae.......  Newt, striped...........  U.S.A. (FL, GA).
                                                       perstriatus.
E.................           L  Southeast...........  Necturus alabamensis....  Proteidae...........  Waterdog, black warrior   U.S.A. (AL).
                                                                                                       ( = Sipsey Fork).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Fishes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rp................           N  Southwest...........  Gila nigra..............  Cyprinidae..........  Chub, headwater.........  U.S.A (AZ, NM).
Rp................           N  Southwest...........  Gila robusta............  Cyprinidae..........  Chub, roundtail (Lower    U.S.A. (AZ, CO, NM, UT,
                                                                                                       Colorado River Basin      WY).
                                                                                                       DPS).
E.................           L  Northeast...........  Crystallaria cincotta...  Percidae............  Darter, diamond.........  U.S.A. (KY, OH, TN, WV).
T.................           L  Southeast...........  Percina aurora..........  Percidae............  Darter, pearl...........  U.S.A. (LA, MS).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          Clams
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E.................           L  Southwest...........  Popenaias popei.........  Unionidae...........  Hornshell, Texas........  U.S.A. (NM, TX), Mexico.
Rc................           N  Southwest...........  Quadrula aurea..........  Unionidae...........  Orb, golden.............  U.S.A. (TX).
Rc................           N  Southwest...........  Quadrula houstonensis...  Unionidae...........  Pimpleback, smooth......  U.S.A. (TX).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 54757]]

 
                                                                         Insects
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E.................           L  Midwest.............  Bombus affinis..........  Apidae..............  Bee, rusty patched        U.S.A. (CT, DE, DC, GA,
                                                                                                       bumble.                   IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD,
                                                                                                                                 MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ,
                                                                                                                                 NY, NC, ND, OH, PA, RI,
                                                                                                                                 SC, SD, TN, VT, VA, WV,
                                                                                                                                 WI), Canada (Ontario,
                                                                                                                                 Quebec).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc................           N  Mountain-Prairie....  Arsapnia ( = Capnia)      Capniidae...........  Snowfly, Arapahoe.......  U.S.A. (CO).
                                                       arapahoe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Crustaceans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rp................           I  Northeast...........  Stygobromus kenki.......  Crangonyctidae......  Amphipod, Kenk's........  U.S.A. (DC, MD, VA).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Flowering Plants
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rc................           A  Mountain-Prairie....  Boechera ( = Arabis)      Brassicaceae........  Rockcress, Fremont        U.S.A. (WY).
                                                       pusilla.                                        County or small.
T.................           L  Southeast...........  Chamaesyce deltoidea      Euphorbiaceae.......  Sandmat, pineland.......  U.S.A. (FL).
                                                       pinetorum.
Rp................           A  Pacific Southwest...  Chorizanthe parryi var.   Polygonaceae........  Spineflower, San          U.S.A. (CA).
                                                       fernandina.                                     Fernando Valley.
E.................           L  Southeast...........  Dalea carthagenensis      Fabaceae............  Prairie-clover, Florida.  U.S.A. (FL).
                                                       var. floridana.
T.................           L  Southeast...........  Digitaria pauciflora....  Poaceae.............  Crabgrass, Florida        U.S.A. (FL).
                                                                                                       pineland.
Rc................           A  Mountain-Prairie....  Eriogonum soredium......  Polygonaceae........  Buckwheat, Frisco.......  U.S.A. (UT).
E.................           L  Southwest...........  Festuca ligulata........  Poaceae.............  Fescue, Guadalupe.......  U.S.A. (TX), Mexico.
Rc................           A  Mountain-Prairie....  Lepidium ostleri........  Brassicaceae........  Peppergrass, Ostler's...  U.S.A. (UT).
E.................           L  Pacific.............  Sicyos macrophyllus.....  Cucurbitaceae.......  Anunu...................  U.S.A. (HI).
T.................           L  Southeast...........  Sideroxylon reclinatum    Sapotaceae..........  Bully, Everglades.......  U.S.A. (FL).
                                                       ssp. austrofloridense.
Rc................           A  Mountain-Prairie....  Trifolium friscanum.....  Fabaceae............  Clover, Frisco..........  U.S.A. (UT).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2019-21478 Filed 10-9-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P