[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 200 (Thursday, October 15, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65241-65261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19810]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2018-0029; FF09E22000 FXES11130900000 201]
RIN 1018-BD46


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification 
of the American Burying Beetle From Endangered to Threatened With a 
Section 4(d) Rule

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), reclassify 
(downlist) the American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) from 
endangered to threatened on the Federal List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife. This determination is based on a thorough review 
of the best available scientific and commercial information, which 
indicates that the threats to this species have been reduced to the 
point that it is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all 
or a significant portion of its range, but that it is likely to become 
so within the foreseeable future. We also finalize a rule under the 
authority of section 4(d) of the Act that provides measures that are 
necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the American 
burying beetle.

DATES: This rule is effective November 16, 2020.

ADDRESSES: This final rule and supporting documents are available on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-
2018-0029. Comments and materials we received, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this rule, are available for public 
inspection at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonna Polk, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Oklahoma Ecological Services Field Office, 
9014 East 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74129; telephone 918-382-4500. Persons 
who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the 
Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Summary

    Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Act a species may warrant 
reclassification from endangered to threatened if it no longer meets 
the definition of endangered (in danger of extinction). The American 
burying beetle is listed as endangered, and we are finalizing a 
reclassification (downlisting) of the American burying beetle as 
threatened because we have determined it is not currently in danger of 
extinction. Downlisting a species as a threatened species can only be 
made by issuing a rulemaking.
    What this document does. This rule reclassifies the American 
burying beetle from endangered to threatened (i.e., ``downlists'' the 
species), with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act, based on 
the species' current status.
    The basis for our action. Under the Act, we may determine that a 
species is an endangered or threatened species because of any of five 
factors: (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) overutilization for 
commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (C) 
disease or predation; (D) the inadequacy of existing regulatory 
mechanisms; or (E) other natural or manmade factors affecting its 
continued existence. We may reclassify a species if the best available 
commercial and scientific data indicate the species no longer meets the 
applicable definition in the Act.
    We have determined that the American burying beetle is no longer in 
danger of extinction and, therefore, does not meet the definition of an 
endangered species, but is still affected by current and ongoing 
threats to the extent that the species meets the definition of a 
threatened species under the Act. Increasing temperatures due to 
changing climate are projected to impact American burying beetle 
populations within the foreseeable future. Likewise, we project future 
impacts to American burying beetle populations due to land use change 
associated with urbanization and agricultural activities.
    We are promulgating a section 4(d) rule. We are issuing a section 
4(d) rule to provide measures necessary and advisable to provide for 
the conservation of the American burying beetle. The 4(d) rule 
prohibits all intentional take of the American burying beetle and 
specifically tailor the incidental take prohibitions and exceptions 
under section 9(a)(1) of the Act as a means to provide protective 
mechanisms to State and Federal partners, as well as private 
landowners, so that they may continue with certain activities that are 
not anticipated to cause direct injury or mortality to American burying 
beetles and that will facilitate the conservation and recovery of the 
species.

Previous Federal Actions

    Please refer to the proposed rule to reclassify American burying 
beetle from endangered to threatened (84 FR 19013; May 3, 2019) for a 
detailed description of previous Federal actions concerning this 
species.

Summary of Changes From the Proposed Rule

    We have made two changes from the proposed rule in this final rule: 
One of the changes affects the rule language, and one affects only the 
preamble.
    (1) Under the proposed 4(d) rule provisions, we defined 
``conservation lands'' where incidental take would continue to be 
prohibited within the Southern Plains populations. The proposed 4(d) 
rule included The Nature Conservancy Tall Grass Prairie Preserve as 
``conservation lands'' where

[[Page 65242]]

incidental take would be prohibited. In this final rule, we have 
removed The Nature Conservancy Tall Grass Prairie Preserve from this 
definition of conservation lands and, therefore, removed the 
prohibition on incidental take in this area, because The Nature 
Conservancy has developed a Memorandum of Understanding to document 
their commitment to provide ongoing management, research, and 
monitoring at that site that makes the prohibitions in the proposed 
rule unnecessary.
    (2) In Center for Biological Diversity v. Everson, 2020 WL 437289 
(D.D.C. Jan. 28, 2020) (Center for Biological Diversity or CBD)), the 
court vacated part of the 2014 Significant Portion of its Range Policy. 
Following the court's holding in CBD, we have now revised the 
significant portion of the range analysis in this final rule. We 
evaluated the status of the species in three potentially significant 
portions of the species' range and found that none meet the definition 
of endangered. This updated analysis did not result in any changes to 
the proposed rule but provides support for the determination.

Supporting Documents

    A species status assessment (SSA) team prepared an SSA report for 
the American burying beetle. The SSA team was composed of Service 
biologists, in consultation with other species experts. The SSA report 
represents a compilation of the best scientific and commercial data 
available concerning the status of the species, including the impacts 
of past, present, and future factors (both negative and beneficial) 
affecting the species. In accordance with our joint policy on peer 
review published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), 
and our August 22, 2016, memorandum updating and clarifying the role of 
peer review of listing actions under the Act, we sought peer review of 
the SSA report. The Service sent the SSA report to 12 independent peer 
reviewers and received 8 responses. The purpose of peer review is to 
ensure that our listing determinations and 4(d) rules are based on 
scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analyses. The peer 
reviewers have expertise in the biology, habitat, and threats to the 
species. The draft SSA report was also sent to species experts and all 
Tribes and States within the current range for a partner review. We 
received review from six States and two species experts.

I. Final Listing Determination

Background

    The American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) is the largest 
silphid (carrion beetle) in North America, reaching 1.0 to 1.8 inches 
(25 to 35 centimeters) in length (Anderson 1982, p. 362; Backlund and 
Marrone 1997, p. 53). During the daytime, American burying beetles are 
believed to bury themselves under vegetation litter or into soil 
(Jurzenski 2012, p. 76). At night, American burying beetles are active 
from late spring through early fall, occupy a variety of habitats and 
bury themselves in the soil to hibernate for the duration of the 
winter. American burying beetles emerge from their winter inactive 
period when ambient nighttime air temperatures consistently exceed 59 
degrees Fahrenheit ([deg]F) (15 degrees Celsius ([deg]C)) (Kozol et al. 
1988, p. 11; Kozol 1990b, p. 4; Bedick et al. 1999, p. 179; Service 
2008, p. 13). Reproduction occurs in the spring to early summer after 
this emergence. New adult beetles or offspring (called tenerals), 
usually emerge in summer, over-winter (hibernate) as adults, and 
comprise the breeding population the following summer (Kozol et al. 
1988, p. 2; Amaral et al. 2005, pp. 30, 35).
    The American burying beetle is native to at least 35 States in the 
United States, covering most of temperate eastern North America, and 
the southern borders of three eastern Canadian provinces. The species 
is believed to be extirpated from all but nine States in the United 
States and is likely extirpated from Canada. However, the current range 
is much larger than originally thought when the species was listed in 
1989. Based on the last 15 years of surveys, the American burying 
beetle occurs in portions of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, 
South Dakota, and Texas; on Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island; 
and in reintroduced populations on Nantucket Island off the coast of 
Massachusetts and in southwest Missouri, where a nonessential 
experimental population (NEP) was established in 2012 under section 
10(j) of the Act (77 FR 16712; March 22, 2012). Reintroduction efforts 
are also under way in Ohio, and survival of reintroduced American 
burying beetles into the next year (successful overwintering) was 
documented in 2019. American burying beetles have not been documented 
in Texas since 2008.
    Please refer to the May 3, 2019, proposed rule to reclassify 
American burying beetle from endangered to threatened (84 FR 19013) and 
the SSA report for a full summary of species information. Both are 
available at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-
2018-0029.

Recovery Criteria

    Section 4(f) of the Act directs us to develop and implement 
recovery plans for the conservation and survival of endangered and 
threatened species unless we determine that such a plan will not 
promote the conservation of the species. Recovery plans must, to the 
maximum extent practicable, include ``objective, measurable criteria 
which, when met, would result in a determination, in accordance with 
the provisions [of section 4 of the Act], that the species be removed 
from the list.''
    Recovery plans provide a roadmap for us and our partners on methods 
of enhancing conservation and minimizing threats to listed species, as 
well as measurable criteria against which to evaluate progress towards 
recovery and assess the species' likely future condition. However, they 
are not regulatory documents and do not substitute for the 
determinations and promulgation of regulations required under section 
4(a)(1) of the Act. A decision to revise the status of a species, or to 
delist a species is ultimately based on an analysis of the best 
scientific and commercial data available to determine whether a species 
is no longer an endangered species or a threatened species, regardless 
of whether that information differs from the recovery plan.
    There are many paths to accomplishing recovery of a species, and 
recovery may be achieved without all of the criteria in a recovery plan 
being fully met. For example, one or more criteria may be exceeded 
while other criteria may not yet be accomplished. In that instance, we 
may determine that the threats are minimized sufficiently and that the 
species is robust enough that it no longer meets the definition of an 
endangered species or a threatened species. In other cases, we may 
discover new recovery opportunities after having finalized the recovery 
plan. Parties seeking to conserve the species may use these 
opportunities instead of methods identified in the recovery plan. 
Likewise, we may learn new information about the species after we 
finalize the recovery plan. The new information may change the extent 
to which existing criteria are appropriate for identifying recovery of 
the species. The recovery of a species is a dynamic process requiring 
adaptive management that may, or may not, follow all of the guidance 
provided in a recovery plan.

[[Page 65243]]

    The American burying beetle recovery plan was approved by the 
Service on September 27, 1991 (Service 1991). Delisting criteria were 
not established in the recovery plan. However, for reclassification 
from endangered to threatened, the recovery plan established a 
criterion of at least three self-sustaining populations of at least 500 
individuals in each of four broad geographical areas of the species' 
historical range: the Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, and the 
Great Lakes States. The threshold of 500 individuals was developed 
based on limited empirical data from Block Island (Service 1991, p. 8) 
and principles from the conservation biology literature (Franklin 1980; 
Soule 1980; Salwasser et al. 1982) that suggested the effective 
population number of 500 was the minimum threshold size for a 
biological population to maintain long-term adaptability.
    We now understand that a population estimate of 500 adults is 
probably an inadequate metric for a self-sustaining population of this 
species because minimum viable population for most species would be 
considerably larger than 500 individuals. Minimum viable population 
thresholds vary by species, and additional empirical data and analysis 
for American burying beetles indicate that a larger threshold may be 
more appropriate for this species (Reed et al. 2003; Amaral et al. 
2005; p. 36; Brook et al. 2006; Flather et al. 2011; Wolf et al. 2015). 
However, new population targets for the species have not been developed 
and would be different for each population due to differences in 
habitat and stressors acting on populations. Likewise, conservation of 
populations in the four broad geographical areas used in the recovery 
plan may not appropriately address future threats given our current 
understanding of the species' range and risks to populations (see 
sections 2.5.4 and 5.4 in the SSA Report; Service 2019). For example, 
the authors of the recovery plan were not aware of future climate-
related risks and current projections indicating that southern portions 
of the historical range would not be suitable for future recovery (see 
section 5.4 in the SSA Report; Service 2019). Thus, the recovery plan 
information is considered to be out of date (Service 2008), and the SSA 
Report (Service 2019) provides an updated, revised analysis of current 
and future risks based on our current understanding of the species' 
needs.

Regulatory and Analytical Framework

Regulatory Framework
    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR part 424) set forth the procedures for determining 
whether a species is an ``endangered species'' or a ``threatened 
species.'' The Act defines an endangered species as a species that is 
``in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of 
its range,'' and a threatened species as a species that is ``likely to 
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout 
all or a significant portion of its range.'' The Act requires that we 
determine whether any species is an ``endangered species'' or a 
``threatened species'' because of any of the following factors:
    (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range;
    (B) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes;
    (C) Disease or predation;
    (D) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or
    (E) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued 
existence.
    These factors represent broad categories of natural or human-caused 
actions or conditions that could have an effect on a species' continued 
existence. In evaluating these actions and conditions, we look for 
those that may have a negative effect on individuals of the species, as 
well as other actions or conditions that may ameliorate any negative 
effects or may have positive effects. We consider these same five 
factors in reclassifying a species from endangered to threatened (50 
CFR 424.11(c) through (e)).
    We use the term ``threat'' to refer in general to actions or 
conditions that are known to or are reasonably likely to negatively 
affect individuals of a species. The term ``threat'' includes actions 
or conditions that have a direct impact on individuals, as well as 
those that affect individuals through alteration of their habitat or 
required resources. The term ``threat'' may encompass--either together 
or separately--the source of the action or condition or the action or 
condition itself.
    However, the mere identification of any threat(s) does not 
necessarily mean that the species meets the statutory definition of an 
``endangered species'' or a ``threatened species.'' In determining 
whether a species meets either definition, we must evaluate all 
identified threats by considering the species' expected response, and 
the effects of the threats--in light of those actions and conditions 
that will ameliorate the threats--on an individual, population, and 
species level. We evaluate each threat and its expected effects on the 
species, then analyze the cumulative effect of all of the threats on 
the species as a whole. We also consider the cumulative effect of the 
threats in light of those actions and conditions that will have 
positive effects on the species, such as any existing regulatory 
mechanisms or conservation efforts. The Secretary determines whether 
the species meets the definition of an ``endangered species'' or a 
``threatened species'' only after conducting this cumulative analysis 
and describing the expected effect on the species now and in the 
foreseeable future.
    The Act does not define the term ``foreseeable future,'' which 
appears in the statutory definition of ``threatened species.'' Our 
implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.11(d) set forth a framework for 
evaluating the foreseeable future on a case-by-case basis. The term 
foreseeable future extends only so far into the future as the Services 
can reasonably determine that both the future threats and the species' 
responses to those threats are likely. In other words, the foreseeable 
future is the period of time in which we can make reliable predictions. 
``Reliable'' does not mean ``certain''; it means sufficient to provide 
a reasonable degree of confidence in the prediction. Thus, a prediction 
is reliable if it is reasonable to depend on it when making decisions.
    It is not always possible or necessary to define foreseeable future 
as a particular number of years. Analysis of the foreseeable future 
uses the best scientific and commercial data available and should 
consider the timeframes applicable to the relevant threats and to the 
species' likely responses to those threats in view of its life-history 
characteristics. Data that are typically relevant to assessing the 
species' biological response include species-specific factors such as 
lifespan, reproductive rates or productivity, certain behaviors, and 
other demographic factors.
    Our proposed rule described ``foreseeable future'' as the extent to 
which we can reasonably rely on predictions about the future in making 
determinations about the future conservation status of the species. The 
Service since codified its understanding of foreseeable future in 50 
CFR 424.11(d) (84 FR 45020). In those regulations, we explain the term 
``foreseeable future'' extends only so far into the future as the 
Service can reasonably determine that both the

[[Page 65244]]

future threats and the species' responses to those threats are likely. 
The Service will describe the foreseeable future on a case-by-case 
basis, using the best available data and taking into account 
considerations such as the species' life-history characteristics, 
threat-projection timeframes, and environmental variability. The 
Service need not identify the foreseeable future in terms of a specific 
period of time. These regulations did not significantly modify the 
Service's interpretation; rather they codified a framework that sets 
forth how the Service will determine what constitutes the foreseeable 
future based on our long-standing practice. Accordingly, though 
regulations do not apply to the final rule for the American burying 
beetle because it was proposed prior to their effective date, they do 
not change the Service's assessment of foreseeable future for the 
American burying beetle as contained in our proposed rule and in this 
final rule.

Analytical Framework
    The SSA report documents the results of our comprehensive 
biological review of the best scientific and commercial data regarding 
the status of the species, including an assessment of the potential 
threats to the species. The SSA report does not represent a decision by 
the Service on whether the species should be downlisted to threatened 
under the Act. It does, however, provide the scientific basis that 
informs our regulatory decisions, which involve the further application 
of standards within the Act and its implementing regulations and 
policies. The following is a summary of the key results and conclusions 
from the SSA report; the full SSA report can be found at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2018-0029.
    To assess American burying beetle viability, we used the three 
conservation biology principles of resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation (Shaffer and Stein 2000, pp. 306-310). Briefly, 
resiliency supports the ability of the species to withstand 
environmental and demographic stochasticity (for example, wet or dry, 
warm or cold years); redundancy supports the ability of the species to 
withstand catastrophic events (for example, droughts, large pollution 
events); and representation supports the ability of the species to 
adapt over time to long-term changes in the environment (for example, 
climate changes). In general, the more resilient and redundant a 
species is and the more representation it has, the more likely it is to 
sustain populations over time, even under changing environmental 
conditions. Using these principles, we identified the species' 
ecological requirements for survival and reproduction at the 
individual, population, and species levels, and described the 
beneficial and risk factors influencing the species' viability.
    The SSA process can be categorized into three sequential stages. 
During the first stage, we evaluated individual species' life-history 
needs. The next stage involved an assessment of the historical and 
current condition of the species' demographics and habitat 
characteristics, including an explanation of how the species arrived at 
its current condition. The final stage of the SSA involved making 
predictions about the species' responses to positive and negative 
environmental and anthropogenic influences. Throughout all of these 
stages, we used the best available information to characterize 
viability as the ability of a species to sustain populations in the 
wild over time. We use this information to inform our regulatory 
decision.

Summary of Biological Status and Threats

    In this section, we review the biological condition of the species 
and its resources, and the threats that influence the species' current 
and future condition, in order to assess the species' overall viability 
and the risks to that viability.
Summary of Species Needs
    Adults and larvae depend on dead animals (carrion), e.g., cotton 
rats, pheasants, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, etc., for food and 
moisture. Adults also require adequate soil moisture, appropriate soil 
temperatures, and appropriate soil particle size to allow them to bury 
themselves and/or a carcass (see chapter 2 of the SSA Report; Service 
2019). Adequate soil moisture levels appear to be critical for American 
burying beetles, and they show a strong preference for moist, sandy 
loam soil with organic matter (Hoback 2008, unpublished), but a 
specific threshold for soil moisture is unknown. When the nighttime 
ambient air temperature is consistently below 59 [deg]F (15 [deg]C), 
American burying beetles bury into the soil and become inactive 
(Service 1991, p. 11; Scott and Traniello 1989, pp. 34-35; Kozol 1995, 
p. 11, Bedick et al. 2006, p. 28).
    For reproduction, American burying beetles need appropriately sized 
carrion, access to mates, and suitable soils. The optimum weight of 
carcasses is 3.5 to 7.0 ounces (80 to 200 g) (Kozol 1989, pp. 12-13, 
25, 36-39, figures 1 and 2; Kozol 1990a, pp. 7-8). Once an appropriate 
carcass has been found for reproduction, American burying beetles may 
compete amongst themselves or with other species for control of the 
carcass until usually only a single dominant male and female burying 
beetle remain (Springett 1967, p. 56; Wilson and Fudge 1984, entire; 
Scott and Traniello 1989, p. 34). Once the pair wins the battle for the 
rights to the carcass, the successful couple buries the carrion, 
copulates, and constructs an underground cavity called a brood chamber 
around the carcass, although either sex is capable of burying a carcass 
alone (Kozol et al. 1988, p. 170).
    Once underground, both parents strip the carcass of fur or 
feathers, roll the carcass into a ball and treat it with secretions 
that form a brood chamber and retard growth of mold and bacteria. The 
female American burying beetle lays eggs in the soil adjacent to the 
carcass (Pukowski 1933, p. 555; Milne and Milne 1976, p. 84; Scott and 
Traniello 1990, p. 274) where the eggs incubate for about 6 days before 
hatching into larvae that require parental care. Higher ambient 
temperatures increase egg development rates and reduce incubation times 
(Damos and Savopoulou-Soultani 2012). Females reproducing on smaller 
carcasses produce fewer eggs than females reproducing on larger 
carcasses (Billman et al. 2014a, entire; 2014b, entire). American 
burying beetles will also cull their brood through cannibalism to 
increase size and survival of larvae in response to a less than 
adequately sized carcass (Billman et al. 2014a, entire; 2014b, entire).
Summary of Current Condition of the Species
    For the purposes of this analysis we organized the current range of 
the American burying beetle into analysis areas that follow broad 
geographic and ecological patterns: Northern Plains analysis areas, 
Southern Plains analysis areas, and the New England Analysis Area (see 
Figure 1). This is the scale of ``populations'' referred to in the 
analysis of risk factors potentially affecting the species (chapters 4 
and 5 in the SSA Report; Service 2019).
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR15OC20.000

BILLING CODE 4333-15-C
    Because the American burying beetle completes its life cycle in one 
year, each year's population levels are largely dependent on the 
reproductive success of the previous year and reproductive conditions 
in the current year. Fluctuations are thought to be a function of the 
abundance of the carrion resources on which the species depends. 
Therefore, population numbers may be cyclic (due to weather, disease, 
etc.), with high abundance in one year, followed by a decline in 
numbers the succeeding year. Because survey information can fluctuate 
over time and survey effort is not equal for all analysis areas, the 
SSA Report (Service 2019) uses a combination of habitat and population 
factors to evaluate the current condition of populations. For each 
analysis area, a current condition category is assigned based on 
relative abundance, population distribution, known population trends, 
availability of suitable habitat, acres of protected areas, and the 
level of management in protected areas (see section 4.7.1 in the SSA 
Report; Service 2019). The current condition categories are qualitative 
estimates of the current status of the species.
Habitat Factors
    Large quantities of potentially suitable habitat are available in 
the Southern Plains and the Northern Plains analysis areas, though the 
New England Analysis Area is much smaller (See Table 1). Most analysis 
areas contain large areas of managed protected lands as well (Table 1). 
The New England Analysis Area has a relatively small amount of 
protected lands due to the limited area of these islands, but a 
relatively high percentage of conservation lands (Block, 41% and 
Nantucket, 33%).

[[Page 65246]]



                Table 1--Acres of Suitable Habitat and Protected Lands Within Each Analysis Area.
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                                                                      Managed      Multi-purpose
                                                     Suitable        protected       protected    Total acres in
                  Analysis area                       habitat          lands           lands       each Analysis
                                                      (acres)       (acres)\a\      (acres)\b\         Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red River.......................................       2,678,406         123,779          23,997       3,251,894
Arkansas River..................................      14,470,603       1,486,002         933,608      17,753,431
Flint Hills.....................................       2,758,610         133,196          52,114       3,706,908
Loess Canyons...................................       1,686,948          15,342           3,843       2,758,610
Sandhills.......................................       8,633,685          93,983          24,633      10,819,170
Niobrara........................................       2,961,469          58,918          33,582       4,108,903
Nantucket \c\...................................          23,311          11,934           \c\NA          36,321
Block Island \c\................................           2,554           2,507           \c\NA           6,111
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\Managed lands incorporate active management to maintain or improve wildlife habitat and are assumed to
  protect or improve American burying beetle habitat.
\b\Multi-purpose protected lands are assumed to include some management for wildlife that would protect or
  improve American burying beetle habitat.
\c\Note that Nantucket and Block Island together form the New England Analysis Area.
\d\Protected lands on Nantucket and Block Island are mostly private and protected by easements. The active
  management is primarily monitoring and provisioning of carcasses.

Population Factors
Southern Plains Analysis Areas
    Between 1993 and 1996, the southeastern portion of the Red River 
Analysis Area supported localized populations with relatively high 
catch rates of American burying beetles (Creighton et al. 2009, p. 40), 
but catch rates in these areas have declined since the early 2000s. No 
positive surveys have been documented in the Arkansas or Texas portions 
of the Red River Analysis Area since 2008, and only eight positive 
surveys are known in the analysis area (all in Oklahoma) since 2008. 
Within the Red River Analysis Area, the Hugo Wildlife Management Area 
in Oklahoma is the only protected area currently known to support 
American burying beetles, with five captured in 2016. Populations in 
Texas may be extirpated as the last documented record of the species 
occurred in 2008.
    Both the Arkansas River Analysis Area and the Flint Hills Analysis 
Area have large areas of suitable habitat, several large protected 
areas, and a relatively wide distribution of American burying beetles 
within the analysis areas.
Northern Plains Analysis Areas
    The Loess Canyons Analysis Area, the Sandhills Analysis Area, and 
the Niobrara River Analysis Area all have large areas of native habitat 
and relatively wide distribution of American burying beetles within the 
analysis areas. In the Loess Canyons Analysis Area, expansion of 
eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) due to a lack of fire or 
mechanical control has reduced the habitat quality in much of this 
analysis area, this population is sensitive to droughts, and the 
analysis area is relatively small and isolated from other populations.
New England Analysis Area
    This area is small relative to other analysis areas, but the level 
of protection and active management are significantly greater than the 
other analysis areas. On Block Island, the American burying beetle 
population is relatively stable with population estimates ranging from 
200 to 1,000. This population has been monitored annually since 1991. 
Carrion provisioning has been conducted on Block Island since 1993. On 
Nantucket Island, the reintroduced population does not appear to be 
self-sustaining and requires human assistance for long-term maintenance 
(Mckenna-Foster et al. 2016, entire). The current resiliency of the 
analysis area is considered moderate due to relatively good 
distribution, and fair ratios of positive to negative surveys, although 
the populations on both islands are highly dependent on active 
management.
Summary of current overall viability
    Resiliency ranged from moderate to high in all analysis areas, with 
the exception of the Red River Analysis Area where resiliency is 
considered low. Overall, representation is considered moderate. The 
current genetic diversity appears to be relatively high, but the 
ecological diversity has been reduced with the loss of about 90 percent 
of the historical range. The current known range includes populations 
from northern and southern areas and eastern and western areas of the 
historical American burying beetle range, although representation from 
eastern areas is limited to the New England island populations and the 
genetics represented from the Block Island population. Multiple 
populations within the analysis areas provide redundancy that reduces 
the risk of any catastrophic events.
Threats
    The American Burying Beetle Recovery Plan (Service 1991) and the 5-
year status review of the species (Service 2008) identify the following 
factors as threats or potential threats to American burying beetles: 
direct habitat loss and alteration, increase in competition for carrion 
resources, decrease in abundance of prey, loss of genetic diversity in 
isolated populations, disease/pathogens, dichloro-diphenyl-
trichloroethane (commonly known as DDT), habitat fragmentation due to 
agricultural and grazing practices that lead to changes in vertebrate 
composition or density, and invasive species. DDT and some other 
threats identified in the recovery plan and 5-year status review are 
either no longer a threat or pose less of a threat to the species.
    Overutilization (Factor B) for any purpose was not identified as a 
threat to the species at the time of listing in 1989, and it is not 
considered a threat to the species' continued existence today. While 
disease and predation (Factor C) may kill or injure individual American 
burying beetles, they are not known to result in population-level 
impacts. Further information regarding disease and predation can be 
found in the SSA Report (Service 2019).
    Populations in the New England and Northern Plains Analysis areas 
are expected to experience future threats from land use change, and all 
populations are expected to experience future threats from a changing 
climate over varying time periods. Existing regulatory mechanisms 
(Factor D), such as regulations for species protections implemented by 
the States, and

[[Page 65247]]

implementation of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a-670f, as amended) by 
the Department of Defense (DoD) through Integrated Natural Resources 
Management Plans (INRMPs), vary by region and specific location, but 
generally do not fully address the numerous threats that the American 
burying beetle faces across its range, particularly those future 
threats such as land use change and climate change. However, 
incorporation of INRMPs on the DoD installations currently provide 
management and conservation benefit to American burying beetles 
occurring in those areas.
    The American burying beetle declined over much of its historical 
range while eight species in the same genus are still relatively common 
rangewide (Sikes and Raithel 2002, p. 104). Anecdotal evidence 
indicates that the reduction of appropriate carrion resources is a 
primary mechanism of population decline for the American burying 
beetle. This hypothesis fits the temporal and geographical pattern of 
the disappearance of American burying beetles from 90 percent of their 
historical range, and may explain why American burying beetles declined 
while related species that do not rely on the same carrion resources 
did not similarly decline (Sikes and Raithel 2002, p. 104). The 
availability of appropriately sized carrion may explain current 
distributions of the American burying beetle and the presence or 
absence of American burying beetles in most of the existing analysis 
areas. For example, the American burying beetle population on Nantucket 
Island was established with provisioned carcasses, but is projected to 
be extirpated without continued provisioning of appropriately sized 
carcasses (Mckenna-Foster et al. 2016, entire). American burying 
beetles need carcasses of 80 to 200 grams, and areas that can support 
the species must have potential carrion sources within this size range. 
The abundance of potential carrion species and competition for the 
carcasses can affect availability for American burying beetles.
    Risks such as conversion to cropland and wind energy development 
are greater in portions of the Northern Plains analysis areas, while 
risks associated with grazing, silviculture, and oil and gas 
development are more common in the Southern Plains analysis areas. All 
remaining populations have some risks associated with areas of urban or 
suburban development, particularly in the New England Analysis Area, 
but most current American burying beetle populations are in rural areas 
and have potential risks associated with habitat loss due to 
agricultural land uses. All habitat alterations also have potential to 
affect carrion populations, competing scavenger populations, and 
carrion availability. Risks associated with the effects of changing 
climate, including increasing temperatures, are now the most 
significant threat for most analysis areas.
    Two scenarios in the SSA Report (Service 2019) explore potential 
future land use changes to help characterize the likely potential for 
impacts to suitable habitat for the American burying beetle. The two 
land use scenarios in the SSA Report (Service 2019) were evaluated 
independently and then later evaluated in combination with two separate 
climate change scenarios.
    The large areas of known and potential habitat in the Southern 
Plains buffer the effects of most land use changes. Urban development 
and conversion to agricultural lands are not considered a threat to the 
species in the Southern Plains analysis areas because the projected 
loss of habitat is unlikely to affect the viability of the species in 
these areas (Service 2019). The projected combined permanent loss of 
suitable habitat from all sources for the Southern Plains analysis 
areas is 1.2% or 246,293 acres from the existing 19,995,088 acres 
(Service 2019). The combined impacts of urban expansion and agriculture 
(primarily conversion to cropland) are expected to affect 5-15% of the 
suitable habitat in the Northern Plains, and redcedar expansion in the 
Loess Canyon Analysis Area is expected to result in up to an additional 
30% habitat loss (Service 2019). The projections in our SSA Report 
(Service 2019) indicate that future representation and redundancy are 
both reduced with potential losses of habitat in New England, Loess 
Canyons, and the reintroduction site in Missouri. The potential loss of 
the Loess Canyons population is due to land use changes, including 
redcedar expansion, and the New England populations and Missouri 
reintroduction could be lost if active management and habitat 
protection are not continued. The combined effects of land use and 
future changes in climate are likely to impact the resiliency of most 
populations and the overall viability of the species.
    Recent development and potential expansion of wind energy projects 
could also add to impacts from other land use changes. Potential land 
use impacts related to an expanding wind industry in the Northern 
Plains were not fully evaluated in the SSA Report (Service 2019) due to 
limited information, so additional analysis is recommended to improve 
the reliability of land use projections. The construction of wind 
turbines, roads, and powerlines has direct permanent habitat impacts 
and fragments the remaining habitat. The operation of wind turbines 
also has potential for direct take through American burying beetle 
collisions with the blades. However, future land use effects related to 
wind power were not factored into land use scenarios because we did not 
have estimates of future development or total areas that may be 
affected by wind projects, and no studies have evaluated the effects of 
wind projects on American burying beetles. The most significant threat 
to the American burying beetle is changes in climate. This threat 
affects the southern populations more than those in northern locations 
due to the southern population areas already experiencing temperatures 
near the species critical thermal tolerances. Therefore, changes in 
climate within the foreseeable future is an existential risk only to 
those populations in the southern portion of the species range. Here we 
present a summary of climate-related risks; additional information is 
available in the SSA Report (Service 2019). The SSA Report's chapter 3 
summarizes general climate risks, chapter 4 includes current risks, and 
chapter 5 covers future risks (Service 2019).
    Most considerations of climate change in Endangered Species Act 
classification decisions hinge upon whether climate change will 
manifest in changing habitat conditions and how the species is likely 
to respond to these changes in the future. Therefore, a key 
consideration for classification decisions where climate change is a 
potential stressor is how we interpret ``foreseeable future'' in the 
definition of a threatened species under the Act.
    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) adopted four 
possible Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios (2.6, 
4.5, 6, and 8.5) to capture the possible ranges of climate change 
within the next century (Hartmann et al. 2013; Moss et al. 2008). In 
our analysis of potential climate change impacts to the American 
burying beetle, we used two scenarios, RCP 4.5 and 8.5, over different 
blocks of time through the end of this century (years 2010-2039, 2040-
2069, and 2070-2099 time periods). For the purpose of this document, we 
define those time periods as: `early century time period' (2010-2039), 
`mid-century time period' (2040-2069), and `late century time period' 
(2070-2099).

[[Page 65248]]

    We use projections from two RCPs (4.5 and 8.5) to account for 
uncertainty regarding future atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. 
RCP 4.5 is at the low end of the intermediate range of conditions 
projected while RCP 8.5 is the high end of IPCC projections of 
atmospheric conditions. By using both a very high and low emissions 
scenarios in our projections, we bracketed the likely possibilities for 
climate change in the future. For ease of reference, we refer to these 
as ``emissions scenarios,'' although they are not based solely on 
emissions of greenhouse gases.
    Our approach of using the two RCPs is consistent with the current 
widespread scientific practice of considering projections based on RCP 
4.5 and RCP 8.5 so as to consider a range of projected conditions, 
rather than relying on a single scenario. The U.S. Global Change 
Research Program used these two RCPs as the core scenarios for the 
Fourth National Climate Assessment (Hayhoe et al. 2017), and they also 
are used as the basis for projections generated via the U.S. Geological 
Survey's National Climate Change Viewer. Although it is theoretically 
possible to achieve the RCP 2.6 pathway and outcome, we did not use it 
as it is not feasible or likely; numerous scientific papers show that 
key assumptions underlying it already have not been met (including a 
very rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions) and other future 
activities it relies upon are highly speculative. RCP 4.5 and 8.5 
scenarios are more feasible and widely used for future climate 
assessments. Further, we did not use RCP 6 because the specific 
datasets used in our analyses are only available for RCP 4.5 and 8.5.
    The life-history characteristics of American burying beetles 
indicate limited ability to tolerate warmer temperatures. Adult 
American burying beetles use secretions to slow decomposition of 
carcasses they bury for reproduction (see Summary of Species 
Requirements, above, for more information on the role of carcasses in 
reproduction). The carcasses are buried and must support both adults 
and larvae for at least 2 to 3 weeks, but high temperatures reduce the 
effectiveness of the secretions and accelerate decomposition (Jacques 
et al. 2009, p. 871). While the American burying beetle has life-
history requirements similar to other carrion beetles, it is the 
largest Nicrophorus in North America and requires a larger carcass to 
reach its maximum reproductive potential (i.e., to raise a maximum 
number of offspring) than the other burying beetles (Service 1991, p. 
2; Kozol et al. 1988, p. 37; Trumbo 1992, pp. 294-295). American 
burying beetles also have a longer time period for egg and larval 
development than other Nicrophorus carrion beetles, so the carcass must 
last longer (at least 12 to 14 days) to provide food and moisture for 
adults and support development of their larvae to the pupa stage. 
Temperature-related increases in decomposition and development of fly 
larvae would limit or prohibit reproductive success for American 
burying beetles if carcasses are in a suitable condition for shorter 
periods of time or do not last long enough to support development of 
their larvae.
    The distribution of American burying beetles and other burying 
beetles in the Nicrophorus genus also indicates a limited ability to 
tolerate warmer temperatures. Nicrophorus abundance and diversity are 
higher in cooler climates. There are 15 Nicrophorus species in the 
United States and Canada, but only 2 are endemic to Central and South 
America, and they occur at higher elevations with cooler temperatures. 
Reasons for burying beetles' lack of success in warmer climates include 
increased competition with flies and ants (Peck and Anderson 1985 p. 
248, Jiron and Cartin 1981 entire, Trumbo 1990 p. 6-7), as well as 
increased rates of carcass decomposition (Jacques et al. 2009. p. 871). 
Carcass decomposition is dominated by dipteran species (true flies), 
and the diversity of dipteran species using carcasses increases in 
warmer climates. Based on species distributions and existing climate 
conditions, few Nicrophorus species appear to be capable of maintaining 
populations in areas with long-term average summer mean-maximum 
temperatures at or exceeding a 95 [deg]F threshold (N. carolinus, and 
possibly N. pustulatus and N. marginatus), and there are no Nicrophorus 
species in areas with average summer mean-maximum temperatures 
exceeding 100 [deg]F.
    Under both RCP 4.5 and 8.5 emissions scenarios, all American 
burying beetle populations in the Southern Plains Analysis Areas would 
be projected to have summer mean-maximum temperatures exceeding 95 
[deg]F within the mid-century time period. Surveys for American burying 
beetles in locations that have experienced a mean-maximum temperature 
near or above 95 [deg]F during summer have shown declining capture 
rates the following year. Existing survey information from Fort Chaffee 
(Arkansas River Analysis Area) from 1992 through 2016 supports our 
conclusion that mean-maximum temperatures above 95 [deg]F would 
adversely affect American burying beetle populations. During the study, 
catch rates of American burying beetles declined from the previous year 
every time mean-maximum temperatures exceeded 95 [deg]F, which happened 
a total of six times throughout the study period. Based on this 
information, we anticipate continued population declines and potential 
extirpation if mean-maximum temperatures exceeding 95 [deg]F became the 
average during summer months and more extreme temperatures occur more 
frequently.
    Southern populations of American burying beetles that experience 
summer mean-maximum temperatures near 95 [deg]F are declining. Since 
2008, only seven American burying beetles have been detected within the 
Oklahoma portion of the southernmost analysis area, and no American 
burying beetles have been documented in the Texas or Arkansas portions. 
We have no evidence to suggest that habitat conditions that might 
otherwise explain the observed declines within these areas have 
significantly changed. American burying beetles were last detected in 
Texas in 2008 and populations have declined or are extirpated in large 
protected areas like Camp Maxey, Texas, with no apparent changes in 
land use. It appears that temperatures near this area are at, or past, 
a threshold that would support American burying beetles. This 
conclusion may be further supported by the fact that the species does 
not exist south of the Red River area in Texas and Louisiana, where 
habitat, soil conditions, and carrion availability are likely to be 
similar. Thus, we conclude that the southern edge of the species' range 
is driven by the 95 [deg]F temperature threshold.
    Temperature has always limited the American burying beetle's range 
to some degree. Populations at the northern edge of the range are 
limited by cool nighttime temperatures and shorter growing seasons, 
whereas populations at the southern edge of the range are likely 
limited by high temperatures. The western edge of the species' range 
has been limited by reduced precipitation and soil moisture. Although 
temperature and other effects of climate change are expected to affect 
American burying beetles in both the northern and the southern parts of 
the range, we expect that the populations in southern areas will be 
affected sooner and to a greater extent based on projected 
temperatures. Under both the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 emissions scenarios, a 
majority of the Southern Plains analysis areas are expected to be near 
or exceed summer mean-maximum threshold temperatures (95 [deg]F) by 
2039, with potential to

[[Page 65249]]

extirpate American burying beetles from most or all Southern Plains 
populations. Within the mid-century time period, all Southern Plains 
analysis areas are expected to exceed threshold temperatures under both 
the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 emissions scenarios, likely resulting in 
extirpation of the American burying beetle from these areas. American 
burying beetles near the southern and western edge of the range in 
Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas may already be at or near their limits for 
temperature- and moisture-related tolerances and have a limited ability 
to adapt to rapidly changing climate conditions (see comments on limits 
related to life history in chapter 5 of the SSA Report; Service 2019).
    No American burying beetle populations, including known historical 
populations, are located in areas that experience a long-term summer 
mean-maximum air temperature above 95 [deg]F. The Red River Analysis 
Area represents the southernmost and warmest portion of the American 
burying beetle's current range, with summer mean-maximum air 
temperatures of approximately 93 to 94 [deg]F.
    Increased air temperatures, changes in precipitation, increased 
evaporative losses, and prolonged droughts may stress or kill 
individual American burying beetles and reduce reproductive success or 
reduce the time periods with suitable conditions for reproduction. High 
air temperatures have been documented to kill or sterilize American 
burying beetles at captive colonies when air conditioning systems have 
failed, resulting in colony temperatures at 85 to 90 [deg]F for about 2 
weeks (Merz 2016, pers. comm.). Survey protocols require traps to be 
checked in the morning because American burying beetle mortalities 
occur when they are confined in traps during warm days. Additional 
indirect effects of increased temperatures and reduced precipitation or 
soil moisture may be related to competition. Congeners with higher 
temperature or lower moisture tolerances, like N. carolinus, may be 
more competitive and reduce or eliminate American burying beetles in 
southern populations. Species like N. carolinus can compete for 
appropriate carcasses and reproduce under warmer and drier conditions 
than American burying beetles (Abbott and Abbott 2013, p. 2). At Camp 
Maxey, American burying beetle and N. orbicollis numbers declined when 
N. carolinus numbers increased rapidly (Abbott and Abbott 2013, p. 2).
    Increasing temperatures resulting from changes in the climate could 
reduce the reproductive success of American burying beetles by reducing 
the portion of the active season with suitable temperatures for 
reproduction. Recent temperature studies with N. orbicollis indicate 
even small increases in temperature can affect reproduction (Quinby et 
al. 2020, entire). This type of research is currently being conducted 
with American burying beetles as well, but those results are not yet 
available. N. orbicollis has a similar historical range to the American 
burying beetle, is the most closely related congener, and basic 
physiological characteristics, such as thermal tolerances are highly 
conserved within lineages; therefore, we expect the American burying 
beetle study is likely to yield similar results. For N. orbicollis, the 
percent of successful broods declined at temperatures greater than 20 
[deg]C (68 [deg]F) and declined rapidly at any temperatures greater 
than 25 [deg]C (77 [deg]F). An increase of only 2 to 3 degrees (from 25 
to 27-28 [deg]C, or approximately 77 to 80 [deg]F) stopped most beetles 
from attempting to prepare a carcass for reproduction, and those that 
did were not successful in producing any larvae or tenerals. The warmer 
temperatures precluded eggs from hatching or larvae from developing 
beyond a very early stage. The study also demonstrated effects of 
temperatures on seasonal timeframes that would support reproduction. 
While more southern latitudes have a longer active season and would 
logically have more time to reproduce, the temperature restrictions 
reduce the potential for reproduction in Oklahoma. N. orbicollis in the 
northern portion of their range (Wisconsin) have a longer period of 
suitable climate conditions for reproduction and could reproduce more 
often than N. orbicollis in the southern portion of their range 
(Oklahoma) due to these temperature restrictions. Projected climate 
changes could limit reproduction in the future to an even greater 
extent.
    American burying beetles are a nocturnal species; thus, nighttime 
temperatures are likely to influence the behavior and range of this 
species as well. Nights above 75 [deg]F were observed only in the 
Southern Plains analysis areas (Red River, Arkansas River, and Flint 
Hills analysis areas) with the exception of 7 nights over a 35-year 
period in Colome, South Dakota. The effects of the increase in nights 
above 75 [deg]F and potential impacts to reproductive success may be 
occurring in the Red River Analysis Area, where declines in positive 
American burying beetle surveys have been documented since the early 
2000s. A recent study evaluating reproductive strategies in N. 
orbicollis across a temperature gradient (54 [deg]F, 59 [deg]F, 68 
[deg]F, 77 [deg]F, and 81 [deg]F) found that temperatures above 68 
[deg]F adversely affected reproductive success in N. orbicollis (Quinby 
et al. 2020, p. 8) and may have a similar effect on American burying 
beetles. There was no reproductive success in N. orbicollis at 81 
[deg]F (Quinby et al. 2020, p. 5). We do not have data specifically 
related to reproductive success in the Red River Analysis Area, but the 
American burying beetle population declines coincide with the increase 
in nighttime temperatures above 75 [deg]F.
    American burying beetles are active only at night, resulting in a 
very narrow window of time for suitable carcasses to be available for 
American burying beetles to find, bury, and prepare for reproduction. 
Higher temperatures cause carrion to decompose more rapidly, and fly 
larvae to develop faster and quickly consume small carcasses. At high 
temperatures, exposed carcasses can be heavily infested with fly larvae 
within 2 days, and carcasses may be suitable and available for only 1 
or 2 nights. Thus, we conclude that increased air temperatures can 
affect reproductive success by reducing the availability of suitable 
carrion due to competition with flies and ants.
    Risks associated with the effects of changing climate, including 
increasing temperatures, are a significant threat for some analysis 
areas in the foreseeable future. The information in the SSA Report (see 
chapter 5; Service 2019) indicates that projected increases in air and 
soil temperatures, as a result of climate change, are a significant 
risk to future viability of the species. Within the mid-century time 
period, American burying beetles in all Southern Plains analysis areas 
would likely be extirpated and would represent a loss of approximately 
59 percent of the current range of the species. The summer mean-maximum 
threshold (95 [deg]F), where we determine American burying beetle 
numbers will decline and not be able to persist into the future, is 
predicted to be exceeded in nearly all portions of the Southern Plains 
analysis areas under either the moderate or high emissions levels of 
climate change within the mid-century time period. Northern Plains 
analysis areas are largely unaffected by moderate emissions levels of 
climate change within the mid-century time period (see chapter 5 of the 
SSA Report; Service 2019), but under the RCP 8.5 emissions scenario, 
temperatures approach 93 to 95 [deg]F in most of the Northern Plains 
analysis areas by the end of the mid-century time period. Under the RCP 
8.5 emissions scenario, Southern Plains American burying beetle 
populations would be projected

[[Page 65250]]

to have summer mean-maximum temperatures up to 98 to 100 [deg]F within 
the mid-century time period. We conclude that the American burying 
beetle is at risk of extirpation within the Southern Plains analysis 
areas under the two projected climate conditions we analyzed (RCP 4.5 
and 8.5) within the mid-century time period. The species would likely 
continue to be represented by Northern Plains and New England 
populations, but at least three populations in the Southern Plains and 
59 percent of the existing range of the species are projected to be 
lost within the mid-century time period. The effects of a changing 
climate, such as increasing temperatures, changes in precipitation, 
increased evaporative losses, and prolonged droughts, stress and 
sometimes kill individual American burying beetles and, therefore, are 
likely to reduce reproductive success. Overall, we consider these 
factors threats to American burying beetle populations, but the impacts 
are currently limited to the southernmost parts of the range. However, 
in large portions of the Northern Plains analysis areas temperatures 
are projected to approach the thermal tolerance limits of the American 
burying beetle under the high emission scenario of RCP 8.5 by the end 
of the mid-century time period and future projections within the mid-
century time frame indicate that American burying beetles have a high 
risk of extirpation throughout the Southern Plains analysis areas due 
to these effects of climate change. Under the RCP 4.5 scenario, the 
Southern Plains Analysis Areas has an increased risk of extirpation by 
the end of the mid-century time period, leaving only the Northern 
Plains and New England populations.
    We note that, by using the SSA framework to guide our analysis of 
the scientific information documented in the SSA report, we have not 
only analyzed individual effects on the species, but we have also 
analyzed their potential cumulative effects. We incorporate the 
cumulative effects into our SSA analysis when we characterize the 
current and future condition of the species. To assess the current and 
future condition of the species, we undertake an iterative analysis 
that encompasses and incorporates the threats individually and then 
accumulates and evaluates the effects of all the factors that may be 
influencing the species, including threats and conservation efforts. 
Because the SSA framework considers not just the presence of the 
factors, but to what degree they collectively influence risk to the 
entire species, our assessment integrates the cumulative effects of the 
factors and replaces a standalone cumulative effects analysis.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    In the proposed rule published on May 3, 2019 (84 FR 19013), we 
requested that all interested parties submit written comments on the 
proposal by July 2, 2019. We also contacted appropriate Federal and 
State agencies, scientific experts and organizations, and other 
interested parties and invited them to comment on the proposal. 
Newspaper notices inviting general public comment were published in USA 
Today. We received a request for a public hearing. We held a public 
hearing on September 24, 2019, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and reopened the 
public comment period from September 9, 2019, to October 9, 2019 (84 FR 
47231). All substantive information provided during comment periods has 
either been incorporated directly into this final determination or 
addressed below.
Peer Reviewer Comments
    As discussed in Supporting Documents above, we received comments 
from 8 peer reviewers. We also solicited reviews of the draft SSA 
report from all States and Tribes within the American burying beetle's 
current range and species experts during a partner review. We reviewed 
all comments we received from the peer reviewers for substantive issues 
and new information regarding the information contained in the SSA 
report. The peer reviewers generally concurred with our methods and 
conclusions, and provided additional information, clarifications, and 
suggestions to improve the final SSA report. Peer reviewer comments are 
addressed in the following summary and were incorporated into the final 
SSA report as appropriate. The changes consisted of clarifications and 
corrections to the SSA report, including typographical edits, revising 
descriptions of our analysis, and expanding some risk information 
related to the potential effects of the invasive redcedar and wind 
energy expansion. The reviewers' comments resulted in minor changes in 
the resiliency assessments for some analysis areas, but did not 
substantially change the SSA report's information on current and future 
status of American burying beetle populations.
    The comments on the SSA report and proposed rule did not change our 
determination that the American burying beetle meets the definition of 
a threatened species under the Act.
Public Comments
    We received comments from 75 respondents. These included comments 
primarily from individuals, nongovernmental organizations, and 
industries, but also included comments from five U.S. Senators, two 
States, and one Tribe. We reviewed all comments provided and addressed 
the substantive comments. Many comments were not substantive or 
relevant to the downlisting decision, but all comments are available at 
http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2018-0029. 
Substantive comments are grouped together in related categories below.
    (1) Comment: Several commenters, including the Nebraska Game and 
Parks Commission, indicated that American burying beetle populations 
have not met the downlisting goals in the recovery plan and suggested 
that delisting criteria is needed.
    Our Response: Downlisting criteria are important, but not legally 
required for reclassification (50 CFR 424.11(c)). The American burying 
beetle recovery plan was approved by the Service on September 27, 1991; 
since then, new information about the status and conservation of the 
species has become available. For reclassification from endangered to 
threatened, the recovery plan established a criterion of at least 3 
self-sustaining populations of at least 500 individuals in each of 4 
broad geographical areas of the species' historical range: the 
Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, and the Great Lakes States. The 
current total size of populations exceed that criterion; however, the 
populations are not within the geographical areas described in the 
recovery plan, making them more vulnerable to local or regional impacts 
than if they were spread through each of the broad geographical areas. 
Several large populations occur in the western portions of the range, 
and two smaller populations that require active management have been 
maintained in New England. Some very large populations that likely 
support several thousand adults are considered more resilient than 
populations of only 500 adults and can be considered equivalent to 2 or 
more smaller populations. Current populations exist in northern, 
southern, eastern, and western portions of the historical range, but 
with very limited representation in the East. Each of the 6 analysis 
areas within western populations has more than 1 million acres of 
suitable habitat, and at least 4 analysis areas support relatively 
large

[[Page 65251]]

populations. Although considerably smaller, the New England Analysis 
Area supports 1 population with estimates of approximately 500 or more 
American burying beetles and another smaller population with active 
management.
    The recovery plan is an exceptional source of information but is 
out of date and contained only reclassification criteria rather than 
reclassification and delisting criteria (see Review of the Recovery 
Plan, above, for more information on the role of reclassification 
criteria in our determination). New information will be used to inform 
the criteria needed to be met for full recovery of the species. 
Recovery is a dynamic process requiring adaptive management that may or 
may not fully follow the guidance provided in an earlier recovery plan. 
The SSA Report does not include recovery criteria, but will inform the 
establishment of such criteria as it provides an updated, revised 
analysis of current and future status of the species and risks based on 
our current understanding of the species' needs. Information in the SSA 
Report indicates that maintaining or reestablishing populations in 
southern portions of the historical range is not feasible for the 
future due to the effects of projected increases in temperatures due to 
climate changes. The Service plans to use the information from the SSA 
Report and any additional information to revise the recovery plan to 
include delisting criteria.
    (2) Comment: Several commenters, including the Nebraska Game and 
Parks Commission, suggest that downlisting is inconsistent with the 
information in the SSA and proposed rule because we project a declining 
status and risk of extinction in the future. Several commenters pointed 
out that it does not make sense to downlist the American burying beetle 
if it may need to be reclassified as endangered in the future if 
projected future risks are accurate.
    Our Response: We believe that most of the comments asserting that 
the proposed reclassification is not supported by the SSA are related 
to misunderstanding the definitions of threatened and endangered in the 
Act. The definition of endangered is ``any species which is in danger 
of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range,'' 
while the definition of threatened is ``likely to become an endangered 
species within the foreseeable future.'' The definitions of threatened 
and endangered both include being endangered or at risk of extinction, 
but they are based on different timeframes. The definition of 
endangered applies to a species' current status, and a threatened 
determination means that the species is likely to become endangered in 
the future. The SSA concludes that there are currently at least six 
relatively resilient populations with distribution in several 
relatively large areas within the range. While we recognize the large 
loss of the historical range, the current range is much larger than 
originally thought when the species was listed and there are several 
large populations with relatively good genetic diversity and relatively 
low current risks. We believe the current risk of extinction is low for 
the American burying beetle and that the best available information 
indicates the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered 
species (i.e., it is not currently in danger of extinction), but the 
future risk to the species indicates that it meets the definition of a 
threatened species.
    The SSA projects future risks that include changes in climate that 
may extirpate southern populations within a 20-30-year period under 
either the RCP 4.5 or RCP 8.5 scenario and may affect Northern Plains 
populations within 50 years under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Therefore, the 
species is likely to be endangered within the foreseeable future (2069, 
the end of the second 30-year climate analysis period). While the 
status of the American burying beetle is currently relatively stable, 
we have determined that it is likely to become endangered within the 
foreseeable future, based on the analysis of how climate change will 
impact its future condition in the SSA report. Thus, we conclude that 
the SSA is consistent with this final determination and supports our 
determination that the American burying beetle meets the definition of 
a threatened species.
    By definition, a threatened species determination implies a 
potential need to reclassify the species as endangered if our 
projections about its status in the foreseeable future are accurate. 
However, ongoing and future conservation and recovery actions may help 
establish populations in areas that are safe from climate-related 
risks, potentially precluding the need to reclassify the species in the 
future. If such efforts are not sufficient, then uplisting the species 
to endangered would be considered at that time.
    (3) Comment: A few commenters suggest that reintroduced populations 
have not been documented to be self-sustaining and should not have been 
used in the downlisting decision. They further suggest that additional 
genetics information is needed for maintaining genetic diversity and 
reintroduction efforts.
    Our Response: We agree that all current reintroduction efforts need 
more time and monitoring to determine if they can be self-sustaining. 
We also want to clarify that reintroduced populations are included in 
the description of where the species currently occurs, but are not 
considered self-sustaining and were not used to justify the 
reclassification. Reintroduction efforts have potential to produce 
self-sustaining populations and are necessary for the ultimate recovery 
of the species. We hope we can learn from ongoing efforts to 
reestablish additional populations within the historical range.
    We also agree that additional genetics information for all existing 
populations would be helpful for assessing the resiliency and 
representation of populations and important for maintaining genetic 
diversity. Additional genetics information would be important for any 
reintroduction efforts. For the purposes of the proposed rule and SSA 
Report, we used the best available information and believe that 
information supports the reclassification and the 4(d) rule. With the 
exception of the New England populations, the existing populations in 
the Northern Plains and Southern Plains are relatively large and appear 
to support good genetic diversity. The Northern Plains and Southern 
Plains populations are currently separated from each other, but, within 
each area, the populations are in close proximity and may have some 
genetic exchange between those populations. The existing genetic 
information does not indicate any significant genetic differences 
between the Northern Plains and Southern Plains populations, but they 
are geographically separated and continued isolation can create genetic 
limitations for recovery. We strongly encourage additional genetic 
analysis to help support future recovery and reintroduction efforts.
    (4) Comment: A few commenters suggested that defining incidental 
take as resulting from soil disturbance may not be appropriate and we 
need to provide more explanation about why we take such an approach.
    Our Response: Soil disturbance has been used to evaluate the 
potential for take of American burying beetles in occupied areas for 
many years given that they spend a substantial portion of their 
lifespan underground. Because American burying beetles and brood 
chambers have been documented within 2 inches of the soil surface and 
adults may seek shelter during the day in varying depths and types of 
soil during the active season, any soil disturbance is likely to affect 
the species during the

[[Page 65252]]

active season. Soil disturbance can crush or injure buried adult 
beetles and expose them to daytime heat and potential predators. Soil 
disturbance can collapse or expose brood chambers and kill larvae and 
pupa. American burying beetles are typically buried deeper during the 
winter months, but depths vary according to location and temperatures. 
Soil disturbance during the winter months can kill adults by exposing 
them to freezing temperatures and predation.
    The Service usually defines incidental take in terms of the number 
of occupied acres disturbed and determines the risk of incidental take 
based on the type and timing of the disturbance for proposed projects. 
We consider incidental take of American burying beetles to occur as a 
result of soil disturbance in the form of harm, harassment, and/or 
mortality. The number of American burying beetles that will be taken is 
difficult to estimate for most projects because density estimates are 
not available for most areas. For specific projects, the risks of take 
can be determined or adjusted if current density estimates are 
available. The risk of incidental take is associated with disturbance 
of soils in suitable habitat with confirmed or potential presence of 
American burying beetles. American burying beetles use a variety of 
habitat types; we have defined habitats we consider to be unfavorable 
in the proposed and final rule. American burying beetle presence or 
absence can be determined through surveys using established scientific 
protocols during the active season.
    Take of American burying beetles is difficult to quantify because: 
(1) Individuals of the species are small in size, making them difficult 
to locate, which makes encountering dead or injured individuals 
unlikely; (2) American burying beetle losses may be masked by temporal 
fluctuations in numbers; (3) American burying beetles spend a 
substantial portion of their lifespan underground; and (4) the species 
is primarily active at night. Because we cannot often estimate the 
precise number of individual American burying beetles that will be 
incidentally taken, we use soil disturbance as a proxy to quantify take 
levels and define when take would be considered to be exceeded.
    (5) Comment: Several commenters suggest that climate change is not 
certain enough to occur to be assumed as a primary risk for the 
American burying beetle. Several commenters also suggested that all 
four representative concentration pathways (RCPs, potential emissions 
scenarios) should be used. The commenters asked that the Service 
provide the public information on how these models perform at 
predicting temperature increase in contrast with historical data.
    Our Response: The best available science indicates that we can 
expect increasing temperatures within the range of the American burying 
beetle within the foreseeable future. Likewise, the best available 
science indicates that increasing temperatures are likely to have 
significant negative effects to individual beetles and overall 
populations within the foreseeable future, particularly within the 
Southern Plains Analysis Area.
    We used RCP 4.5 and 8.5 in the analysis e for the work presented in 
the SSA report. We consulted with multiple climate experts for our 
analysis of potential climate effects. Based on the recommendation of 
climate scientists at the South Central Climate Adaptation Science 
Center (a research consortium of Federal, State, and Tribal entities), 
climate change projections downscaled by scientists at the University 
of Idaho were selected. The climate change assessment in the American 
Burying Beetle SSA used the average of 20 global climate models for two 
of the four emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). Consultations 
with climate scientists at several Federal and academic institutions 
confirmed that the selected approach was optimal. The MACA-METDATAv2 
downscaling of Global Climate Models (GCMs) was chosen for the American 
Burying Beetle SSA on the recommendation of the South Central Climate 
Adaptation Science Center. The downscaling of GCMs using the METDATA 
method increased the precision of climate projections by 28 to 120 
times, depending on the original GCM. While the chosen downscaling 
dataset provided a robust (20 GCMs) and consistent (same models 
available in all datasets) pool of downscaled projections available in 
an online format with data access optimized for terrestrial analyses, 
only two (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) of the four (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 
8.5) representative concentration pathways (RCPs, potential emissions 
scenarios) were available. All four RCPs are available through an 
archive hosted by the University of California and Lawrence Livermore 
National Lab. Downscaled projections using the Bias Corrected Spatial 
Disaggregation (BSCD) method are available for all four RCPs and up to 
37 GCMs. However, downscaled datasets are not available for all models 
in all RCPs (only 18 of 37 are available across all 4 RCPs). 
Additionally, the BSCD data access web portal is optimized for aquatic 
analyses, not terrestrial, and there is no option available to average 
datasets across GCMs. Different downscaling methods were employed by 
the research groups (METDATA vs BCSD), and the source GCMs varied.
    The MACA-METDATAv2 downscaling is a valid methodology and 
constitutes the best available science regarding climate change 
projections for this context. Each GCM uses a different set of 
assumptions in order to project future temperatures. These assumptions 
contribute to the variation seen across the modeled output from the 
various GCMs within each RCP scenario. Recent literature and 
consultations with climate scientists at the South Central Climate 
Adaptation Science Center indicate that the RCP 2.6 is not achievable 
even if the most ambitious current international agreements (e.g., the 
Paris Climate Accords) are successful. Furthermore, all four RCPs will 
consistently exceed the 95 [deg]F mean maximum summer (June, July, and 
August) temperature threshold established in the American burying 
beetle SSA by 2040 in the Southern Plains analysis areas. The four RCPs 
do not diverge from the RCP 4.5 projections until about 2055 (RCP 2.6) 
and 2080 (RCP 6.0), which are, respectively, near the end and beyond 
the foreseeable future established by the American burying beetle 
recommendation team (2040-2069, or mid-century timeframe as described 
above under Threats). A comparison of all four RCP scenarios with 
historical data shows all four are nearly identical and only predict 
minor changes through 2055. The historical data was within the 
variability projected for all four scenarios. In summary, the American 
burying beetle SSA used the average of 20 global climate models for 2 
of the 4 emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) based on the best 
available science, and this analysis will be updated as new information 
becomes available.
    (6) Comment: Four commenters opined that the Southern Plains 
populations are at higher risk due to climate changes and need more 
protection than other populations.
    Our Response: In our revised significant portion of the range 
analysis (presented below), we considered that the Southern Plains 
populations are at higher risk from climate-related changes; however, 
we concluded that the Southern Plains populations are not currently at 
risk of extinction. Populations at the southern and western edges of 
the species' range in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas are vulnerable to 
changes in temperature and precipitation (and related soil moisture)

[[Page 65253]]

in the future. Relative to other populations, Southern Plains 
populations are currently at a lower risk from any land use changes. 
Land use changes could have local impacts but are unlikely to affect 
populations in the Southern Plains. The combination of large areas of 
suitable habitat, relatively large areas of protected habitat, and 
relatively low levels of projected changes resulted in low risks to 
habitat and populations in the Southern Plains with the exception of 
climate-related risks. Large areas of the Southern Plains analysis 
areas are rural with most of the land used as pasture or hay production 
for decades. The land use is not that likely to change much, and human 
population levels are projected to remain constant or fall in many 
counties. Only small portions of the Southern Plains analysis areas are 
in or near urban areas that are projected to expand.
    Continued or expanded protection of habitat is not likely to change 
the status of existing American burying beetle populations. The 4(d) 
rule exemptions for the Southern Plains analysis areas are based on 
this information, and no new information was provided during the peer 
review or public comment periods to change the projections provided in 
the SSA Report. Continued or expanded habitat protections would do 
little to avoid or minimize the primary risks that are related to 
projected increasing temperatures and other climate-related changes. 
Reintroduction of southern American burying beetles to cooler portions 
of the range is the only likely option for maintaining the genetic 
diversity represented by the Southern Plains populations. Within the 
Southern Plains analysis areas, the conservation areas will support 
American burying beetles for as long as possible and provide sources of 
American burying beetles for reintroductions and areas for recovery-
related research.
    Along these lines, one of the above commenters elaborated that the 
conservation areas in the 4(d) rule for the Southern Plains were 
vulnerable to extirpation and had highly variable numbers of American 
burying beetles. American burying beetle population numbers vary, but 
we determine that the large sizes of the conservation areas buffer the 
effects of seasonal or annual variations. All conservation areas are 
greater than 30,000 acres in size, and most are surrounded by 
additional suitable habitat.
    (7) Comment: A few commenters expressed an opinion that 
conservation areas were not needed and that the conservation banks in 
Oklahoma could be used to support reintroductions.
    Our Response: We will use conservation banks to assist recovery 
actions, and these banks are protected through perpetual easements and 
endowment funds to support management activities. However, the 
conservation banks (all less than 10,000 acres) are relatively small 
compared to the conservation areas described in the final rule, and our 
ability to remove American burying beetles from these areas without 
impacting the local populations is more limited.
    (8) Comment: Six commenters, including the Nebraska Game and Parks 
Commission, suggested that the 4(d) exemptions should be consistent 
across the range. Some commenters wanted proposed exemptions for the 
Northern Plains populations to apply to the entire range, while others 
wanted the more extensive exemptions proposed for the Southern Plains 
to apply.
    Our Response: The risks for American burying beetle populations are 
different for each region of the country. The area, density, and 
distribution of populations are also different in each location, and 
risks that may be minor for one population could be substantial and 
affect the resiliency of other populations. For example, urban 
expansion may be a minor risk for larger populations in Oklahoma but is 
a substantial risk for the small Block Island population in Rhode 
Island. The proposed 4(d) rule includes protection of the species from 
take related to soil disturbance activities on Block Island because 
suitable habitat is limited (only about 2,000 acres), and protecting 
habitat is necessary for the conservation of this important population.
    In finalizing protections and exemptions in the 4(d) rule, we 
considered appropriate risks for each region or population. Exemptions 
for all land uses are being finalized for the Southern Plains 
populations (except in conservation areas) because projected habitat 
losses due to changes in land uses are less than 2% and there are large 
areas of protected habitat. The primary threats to southern populations 
are related to projected temperature increases. Exceptions are limited 
to grazing and wildlife management in the Northern Plains populations 
because potential habitat losses due to changes like conversions of 
grassland to cropland and invasion of redcedar are higher than the 
projected habitat loses in the Southern Plains. The Northern Plains 
populations may be the only large and resilient populations remaining 
within 20-30 years, and habitat impacts should be closely evaluated. 
Some potential impacts like the expansion of wind energy projects and 
related fragmentation impacts to habitat and carrion availability were 
not addressed in the SSA Report due to a lack of available information. 
These potential impacts to Northern Plains populations need to be 
evaluated, and necessary protections can be applied through section 7 
consultations and section 10 permits. Exceptions for grazing and 
wildlife management practices, as defined under Provisions of the 4(d) 
Rule, are proposed exceptions for the northern populations because 
lands under this management have supported resilient American burying 
beetle populations. We conclude that applying protections based upon 
the tailored conservation needs within each analysis area provides the 
protection that is necessary and advisable to conserve the American 
burying beetle as a whole. The American burying beetle SSA report 
provides detailed information on the status of the species in each 
region.
    (9) Comment: Several commenters suggested that the proposed 4(d) 
rule is catering to the oil and gas industry.
    Our Response: The 4(d) rule is based on assessments of current and 
future land use effects on American burying beetle populations. The 
exceptions provided in the 4(d) rule are not specific to the oil and 
gas industry or any other industry. The approach taken in the 4(d) rule 
was based on our analysis that indicated that less than 2 percent of 
suitable habitat in the Southern Plains analysis area is vulnerable to 
the effects of all impacts combined (including oil and gas activities). 
Thus, prohibiting these impacts is not necessary for the conservation 
of the American burying beetle in this area. The rule is supported by 
the best available scientific and commercial information, our analysis 
of threats to the species, and measures necessary and advisable for the 
conservation of the species.
    (10) Comment: A few commenters suggested the proposed rule should 
have included more information on threats or risks related to carrion 
sources.
    Our Response: Appropriately sized carrion are key to supporting 
American burying beetle populations. However, the known information for 
carrion sources used by American burying beetles is limited, and 
available information on the status of potential carrion species is 
also very limited. General information on possible effects of land use 
changes on carrion sources is provided in the SSA report, but the best 
available information does not allow us to draw conclusions on the

[[Page 65254]]

threats posed by the availability of carrion resources.
    (11) Comment: One commenter stated that surveys indicated the 
Northern Plains populations declined by 90% in 2019 and are at risk 
because the number of tenerals was low and they are an annual species.
    Our Response: We have reviewed the American burying beetle capture 
rates for surveys in 2019. This information is not reflected in the SSA 
Report because it was developed before the 2019 survey information was 
available. We have discussed this issue with Dr. Wyatt Hoback and 
others familiar with the Northern Plains populations and believe the 
reductions in capture rates was due to the record level of flooding 
that occurred in that area in 2019. This event is an example of 
circumstances that factor into our evaluation of the resiliency of 
populations.
    Population abundance can vary substantially with annual species; 
thus, the SSA Report looked at catch rates over a 15-year time period 
to provide a better assessment for the abundance and resiliency of 
populations. Previous droughts have also caused declines in annual 
catch rates, and severe weather can affect annual reproduction and 
catch rates. The decline in catch rates in the 2019 Northern Plains 
surveys is more extreme than most, but the flooding event was also the 
largest on record and extended over much of the active season. We 
believe that the Northern Plains populations will rebound from these 
flooding events, because this is a temporary or short-term effect and 
the large area of contiguous habitat and good distribution of American 
burying beetles within the Sandhills and Niobrara analysis areas should 
allow the populations to recover in subsequent years.
    The habitat in the Northern Plains analysis areas has historically 
supported some of the highest densities of American burying beetles 
within its current range, and this habitat is expected to recover from 
the flooding. We expect these areas to support good numbers of American 
burying beetles in the near future but may be affected by climate risks 
within the foreseeable future. Because these populations may represent 
the only large and resilient populations by 2040, we have limited 
exceptions under the 4(d) rule to grazing and wildlife management 
within the Northern Plains analysis areas. We will reassess this 
information with the survey information in upcoming years and note that 
the Act requires a status review every 5 years.

Determination of American Burying Beetle Status

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR part 424) set forth the procedures for determining 
whether a species meets the definition of ``endangered species'' or 
``threatened species.'' The Act defines an ``endangered species'' as a 
species that is ``in danger of extinction throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range,'' and a ``threatened species'' as a 
species that is ``likely to become an endangered species within the 
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its 
range.'' The Act requires that we determine whether a species meets the 
definition of ``endangered species'' or ``threatened species'' because 
of any of the following factors: (A) The present or threatened 
destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) 
Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes; (C) Disease or predation; (D) The inadequacy of 
existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) Other natural or manmade factors 
affecting its continued existence.
Status Throughout All of Its Range
    After evaluating threats to the species and assessing the 
cumulative effect of the threats under the section 4(a)(1) factors, we 
find that the risk of extinction of the American burying beetle has 
been ameliorated since the species was listed. The current range is 
much larger than originally thought when the species was listed and 
there are several large populations with relatively good genetic 
diversity and relatively low current risks. However, the future threat 
of increased temperature puts the species at risk of extinction in the 
foreseeable future.
    The large areas of known and potential habitat in the Southern 
Plains buffer the effects of most land use changes. The Arkansas River 
and Flint Hills analysis areas are adjacent to each other and combined 
provide over 17 million acres of potential habitat. These analysis 
areas support large populations with moderate to high resiliency (see 
chapter 4 of the SSA report). The Red River Analysis Area has over 2 
million acres of suitable habitat but has a very limited population 
with low resiliency.
    The Northern Plains populations are also relatively large with a 
combined area of over 11 million acres of suitable habitat in the 
Niobrara and Sandhills analysis areas that currently support 
populations with moderate to high resiliency. A smaller area of 
suitable habitat (1,686,948 acres) supports a smaller population with 
low to moderate resiliency in the Loess Canyons analysis area.
    The New England analysis area currently supports two populations on 
separate islands. The Block Island population is relatively small with 
only about 2,000 acres of suitable habitat, but it supports a 
population with moderate resiliency with continued active management. 
Nantucket Island is a reintroduced population on a larger island, but 
resiliency is low and active management with carcass supplementation is 
required to maintain this population.
    In summary, the current status includes at least five populations 
with moderate to high resiliency and several of these populations are 
relatively large. We find that the species is not currently in danger 
of extinction as it faces relatively low near-term risk of extinction. 
Thus, after assessing the best available information, we conclude that 
the American burying beetle is not currently in danger of extinction 
throughout all of its range. Therefore, we proceeded with determining 
whether the American burying beetle is likely to become endangered 
within the foreseeable future throughout all of its range.
    Within the mid-century time period (i.e., 2040-2069), American 
burying beetles in all Southern Plains analysis areas would likely be 
extirpated as a result of increasing temperatures due to climate 
change. The projected combined permanent loss of suitable habitat from 
all land use sources for the Southern Plains analysis areas is minimal 
compared to the total extent of suitable habitat. The impact of 
agriculture (primarily conversion to cropland) is expected to affect 
areas of suitable habitat (5-15 percent) in the Northern Plains (Wright 
and Wimberly 2013, p. 4134), and redcedar expansion in the Loess Canyon 
Analysis Area is expected to result in larger proportions (30 percent) 
of habitat loss in the future (Walker and Hoback 2007, pages 297-298). 
This loss of the Southern Plains populations (approximately 59 percent 
of the existing range of the species) and additional losses of habitat 
in the Northern Plains would severely impact representation of the 
species and would limit our ability to recover the species. The 
combined effects of land use and future climate changes are likely to 
impact the resiliency of most populations and the overall viability of 
the species. Thus, after assessing the best available information, we 
conclude that the American burying beetle is likely to become in danger 
of extinction

[[Page 65255]]

in the foreseeable future throughout all of its range.
Status Throughout a Significant Portion of Its Range
    Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may 
warrant listing if it is in danger of extinction or likely to become so 
in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of 
its range. The court in Center for Biological Diversity v. Everson, 
2020 WL 437289 (D.D.C. Jan. 28, 2020) (Center for Biological Diversity 
or CBD), vacated the aspect of the 2014 Significant Portion of its 
Range Policy that provided that the Services do not undertake an 
analysis of significant portions of a species' range if the species 
warrants listing as threatened throughout all of its range. Therefore, 
we evaluated whether the species is endangered in a significant portion 
of its range--that is, whether there is any portion of the species' 
range for which both (1) the portion is significant; and (2) the 
species is in danger of extinction in that portion. Depending on the 
case, it might be more efficient for us to address the ``significance'' 
question or the ``status'' question first. We can choose to address 
either question first. Regardless of which question we address first, 
if we reach a negative answer with respect to the first question that 
we address, we do not need to evaluate the other question for that 
portion of the species' range.
    Following the court's holding in CBD, we now consider whether there 
are any significant portions of the species' range where the species is 
in danger of extinction now (i.e., endangered). In undertaking this 
analysis for the American burying beetle, we choose to address the 
status question first--we consider information pertaining to the 
geographic distribution of both the species and the threats that the 
species faces to identify any portions of the range where the species 
is endangered.
    Based on the SSA Report (Service 2019), there are three potential 
portions of the range that could be significant for American burying 
beetle: The Northern Plains analysis areas, the Southern Plains 
analysis areas, and the New England Analysis Area. These three areas 
correspond to the areas of representation for the species. 
Representation describes the ability of a species to adapt to changing 
environmental conditions. Representation can be measured through the 
breadth of genetic diversity within and among populations and the 
ecological diversity (also called environmental variation or diversity) 
of populations across the species' range. The more representation or 
diversity the species has, the higher its potential of adapting to 
changes (natural or human caused) in its environment. Geographic 
distribution of occupied and potentially suitable habitat and genetic 
information were used to describe representation for the American 
burying beetle. The areas of representation were developed primarily 
based on geographic separation, the ecological variation represented 
across these three areas, and some genetic variation in the New England 
Analysis Area when compared with the other two areas.
    For the purposes of the SSA analysis, we further assessed three 
smaller areas each in the Northern Plains and Southern Plains 
representation areas. However, we determined that these smaller areas 
were not, by themselves, separate areas of representation for the 
species. Evidence indicates that the smaller analysis areas within each 
larger area are connected genetically and demographically, such that 
they behave as metapopulations. In some cases, there are differences in 
risk factors related to land uses, and human population concentrations 
that facilitated the SSA analysis, particularly with respect to those 
risk factors. These smaller areas were simply used as a framework for 
conducting the SSA analysis. As explained below, they are not 
sufficiently distinct to be considered areas of representation for the 
species.
    The three individual analysis areas within the Northern Plains 
(Loess Canyons, Sandhills, and Niobrara analysis areas) are in close 
geographical proximity to one another, and existing information 
suggests that they share similar genetic characteristics. One example 
of ecological variation that unites these three analysis areas is that 
the timing and number of breeding attempts per season remains the same 
across all three Northern Plains analysis areas, but differs from the 
Southern Plains analysis areas (Service 2019, p. 98). Combined, the 
Northern Plains analysis areas represent about 40 percent of the known 
species range.
    The three analysis areas within the Southern Plains (Red River, 
Arkansas River, and Flint Hills) were combined for similar reasons. The 
three southern analysis areas are adjacent, and may be one population, 
meaning that individuals in one of the smaller areas could potentially 
breed with individuals in the other southern analysis areas, but it is 
very unlikely they would have access to mates in either of the other 
areas of representation (i.e., Northern Plains or New England). 
Existing information suggests that individuals within the Southern 
Plains analysis areas also share similar genetic characteristics. 
Combined, the Southern Plains analysis areas represent about 59 percent 
of the known species range, and individuals in this representative area 
may have genetic adaptations to warmer climates. For example, 
individuals in the Southern Plains analysis areas are known to become 
active earlier in the season than individuals in the Northern Plains 
analysis areas. Likewise, individuals in the Southern Plains analysis 
areas may potentially breed twice in one season and the young-of-year 
may breed in the same season they are born, unlike individuals in other 
parts of the range (Service 2019, p. 98).
    The New England Analysis Area is relatively small with a total of 
only 42,431 acres on two islands but represents the only remaining 
population within the eastern portion of the historical range. Recent 
evidence suggests that the New England population may represent a 
genetically distinct population as compared to the Northern Plains and 
Southern Plains analysis areas. Although the New England Analysis Area 
is distinct from the other areas, they appear to share some genotypes. 
However, geographic isolation between the two areas will likely 
continue to differentiate them further, making them more distinct over 
time. The New England Analysis Area is the only portion of the species' 
range that is not threatened by projected climate changes.
    The first question of the significant portion of the range analysis 
we address is the status or risk of extinction (i.e., identifying 
portions where the species may currently be in danger of extinction) 
for each portion of the range. We considered whether the current 
condition of the species in any portion of the range (i.e., the 
Northern Plains analysis areas, the Southern Plains analysis areas, and 
the New England Analysis Area) along with any threats acting in those 
areas cause that portion of the range to be in danger of extinction. We 
examined the following threats: Urban and suburban development, land 
use change, decreased carrion availability, competition with other 
scavengers, wind energy development, silviculture, oil and gas 
development, and increasing temperatures due to changing climate, as 
well as their cumulative effects for each of the three portions of the 
range.
    In the Northern Plains representation area, although threats 
evaluated include urban and suburban development, most current American 
burying beetle populations are in rural areas and have potential risks 
associated with habitat loss due to agricultural land uses, and

[[Page 65256]]

these threats are the ones that we consider the most important drivers 
of the species' status in this representation area. All habitat 
alterations also have potential to affect carrion populations, 
competing scavenger populations, and carrion availability. Risks such 
as conversion to cropland, cedar expansion, and wind energy development 
also affect portions of the Northern Plains analysis areas. However, 
the large areas of known and potential habitat buffer the effects of 
most of these land use changes, and these threats are not known to 
currently cause population-level impacts to American burying beetles in 
the Northern Plains representation area. Likewise, given the large size 
of this representative area and the relatively small proportion of 
anticipated impacts from such activities, population-level impacts from 
these land use threats do not put the species at risk of extinction now 
and are not anticipated within the foreseeable future.
    Our analysis of the available information on changes in climate 
indicates that, although the change in climate is occurring now, the 
impacts from climate change that are likely to put the species at risk 
of extinction will occur in the future. The combination of land use and 
climate-related risks do have potential to endanger Northern Plains 
populations within the foreseeable future. Under the RCP 4.5 emissions 
scenario, temperatures approach 93 to 95 [deg]F in small areas of the 
Northern Plains analysis areas by the end of the mid-century time 
period, however, under the RCP 8.5 emissions scenario, temperatures 
approach 93 to 95 [deg]F in most of the Northern Plains analysis areas 
by the end of the mid-century time period. Thus, after assessing the 
best available information, we conclude that the American burying 
beetle is not currently in danger of extinction within the Northern 
Plains representative area but is likely to become endangered in the 
foreseeable future.
    Many of the same threats apply to the Southern Plains 
representation area as well: Urban and suburban development, land use 
change, decreased carrion availability, and competition with other 
scavengers. In the Southern Plains area most current American burying 
beetle populations are in rural areas and have potential risks 
associated with habitat loss due to agricultural land uses. Risks 
associated with grazing, silviculture, and oil and gas development also 
affect portions of the Southern Plains analysis areas. The large areas 
of known and potential habitat buffer the effects of most land use 
changes, and these threats are not known to currently cause population-
level impacts to American burying beetles. Likewise, given the large 
size of these analysis areas and the relatively small proportion of 
anticipated impacts from such activities, population-level impacts from 
these land use threats are not anticipated within the foreseeable 
future. The Southern Plains analysis areas are currently experiencing 
the effects of climate change. However, the magnitude of the changes up 
to the present time are low enough that the species is not in danger of 
extinction. The bulk of the impact from climate change to these 
analysis areas occur in the future according to our analysis. Within 
the foreseeable future, i.e., the mid-century time period (2040-2069), 
all Southern Plains analysis areas are expected to exceed threshold 
temperatures under both the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 emissions scenarios, likely 
resulting in extirpation of the American burying beetle from these 
areas. Thus, after assessing the best available information, we 
conclude that the American burying beetle is not currently in danger of 
extinction within the Southern Plains representative area but is likely 
to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
    In the New England Analysis Area, threats from urban or suburban 
development affect populations in this area. However, ongoing active 
management in the New England Analysis Area, including ongoing 
provisioning of carcasses for the species, has minimized the impacts of 
these threats and has resulted in relatively stable populations within 
the New England Analysis Area. The large proportions of protected 
habitat in the New England Analysis Area and significant ongoing active 
management mitigate population-level impacts from current threats in 
this analysis area and the species is not in danger of extinction in 
this analysis area now. This ongoing management is expected to continue 
into the foreseeable future.
    In the New England Analysis Area, the climate is colder than the 
other analysis areas and temperature increases have not approached any 
possible thresholds, and temperatures are not expected to exceed those 
thresholds within the foreseeable future. Future risks to the New 
England Analysis Area are related to limited population sizes and 
limited habitat. The population estimates on Block Island fluctuate 
between 200 and 1,000 individuals, and they are genetically isolated 
from any other populations. Continued management of the New England 
population helps maintain resiliency, but limited population size and 
genetic diversity are risks to future populations and additional 
habitat loss could reduce that population size. In some cases, where 
American burying beetles occur on lands with conservation easements or 
deed restrictions or owned by conservation organizations, existing 
regulatory mechanisms appear to be adequate. However, given the varied 
missions of these landowners, the level of protection varies and may 
change over time. Populations in the New England Analysis areas are 
expected to experience future threats from land use change because 
habitat is already very limited. Only about 2,000 acres of suitable 
habitat are available on Block Island, and much of the protection for 
this habitat is based on easements with time limits and not 
specifically related to the American burying beetle. Existing 
regulatory mechanisms do not adequately address those future threats to 
the American burying beetle in New England. Thus, after assessing the 
best available information, we conclude that the American burying 
beetle is not currently in danger of extinction within the New England 
Analysis Area but is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable 
future.
    For each portion of the range, we found that the threats to the 
species, along with conservation measures that ameliorate these 
threats, do not cause a current danger of extinction for the species in 
any portion. For this reason, we find that the American burying beetle 
is not in danger of extinction throughout a significant portion of its 
range.
Determination of Status
    Our review of the best scientific and commercial data available 
indicates that the American burying beetle meets the definition of a 
threatened species. Therefore, we are reclassifying the American 
burying beetle as a threatened species in accordance with sections 
3(20) and 4(a)(1) of the Act.

II. Final Rule Issued Under Section 4(d) of the Act

Background

    Section 4(d) of the Act contains two sentences. The first sentence 
states that the ``Secretary shall issue such regulations as he deems 
necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation'' of species 
listed as threatened. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted that statutory 
language like ``necessary and advisable'' demonstrates a large degree 
of deference to the agency (see Webster v. Doe, 486 U.S. 592 (1988)). 
Conservation is defined in the

[[Page 65257]]

Act to mean ``the use of all methods and procedures which are necessary 
to bring any endangered species or threatened species to the point at 
which the measures provided pursuant to [the Act] are no longer 
necessary.'' Additionally, the second sentence of section 4(d) of the 
Act states that the Secretary ``may by regulation prohibit with respect 
to any threatened species any act prohibited under section 9(a)(1), in 
the case of fish or wildlife, or section 9(a)(2), in the case of 
plants.'' Thus, the combination of the two sentences of section 4(d) 
provides the Secretary with wide latitude of discretion to select and 
promulgate appropriate regulations tailored to the specific 
conservation needs of the threatened species. The second sentence 
grants particularly broad discretion to the Service when adopting the 
prohibitions under section 9.
    The courts have recognized the extent of the Secretary's discretion 
under this standard to develop rules that are appropriate for the 
conservation of a species. For example, courts have upheld rules 
developed under section 4(d) as a valid exercise of agency authority 
where they prohibited take of threatened wildlife, or include a limited 
taking prohibition (see Alsea Valley Alliance v. Lautenbacher, 2007 
U.S. Dist. Lexis 60203 (D. Or. 2007); Washington Environmental Council 
v. National Marine Fisheries Service, 2002 U.S. Dist. Lexis 5432 (W.D. 
Wash. 2002)). Courts have also upheld 4(d) rules that do not address 
all of the threats a species faces (see State of Louisiana v. Verity, 
853 F.2d 322 (5th Cir. 1988)). As noted in the legislative history when 
the Act was initially enacted, ``once an animal is on the threatened 
list, the Secretary has an almost infinite number of options available 
to him with regard to the permitted activities for those species. He 
may, for example, permit taking, but not importation of such species, 
or he may choose to forbid both taking and importation but allow the 
transportation of such species'' (H.R. Rep. No. 412, 93rd Cong., 1st 
Sess. 1973).
    Exercising its authority under section 4(d), the Service has 
developed a rule that is designed to address the American burying 
beetle's specific threats and conservation needs. Although the statute 
does not require the Service to make a ``necessary and advisable'' 
finding with respect to the adoption of specific prohibitions under 
section 9, we find that this rule as a whole satisfies the requirement 
in section 4(d) of the Act to issue regulations deemed necessary and 
advisable to provide for the conservation of the American burying 
beetle. As discussed under Summary of Biological Status and Threats, 
the Service has concluded that the American burying beetle is likely to 
become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future primarily 
due to the combined effects of land use change and the future impacts 
of climate change, which will make much of the current range 
uninhabitable by the species. The provisions of this 4(d) rule will 
promote conservation of the American burying beetle by encouraging 
management of the landscape in ways that meet both land management 
considerations and the conservation needs of the American burying 
beetle. The provisions of this rule are one of many tools that the 
Service will use to promote the conservation of the American burying 
beetle.

Provisions of the 4(d) Rule

    The 4(d) rule prohibits all intentional take of the American 
burying beetle. The 4(d) rule prohibits incidental take of the species 
only where the Service has specifically tailored the prohibition of 
incidental take in each of the three geographic areas that the American 
burying beetle occupies. In the New England and Northern Plains 
analysis areas, incidental take is prohibited only in suitable habitat 
when the take is the result of soil disturbance. Suitable habitat is 
defined, consistent with the SSA Report (Service 2019), as areas where 
suitable soils contain the appropriate abiotic elements (e.g., soil 
temperature, soil moisture, particle size, etc.) that are favorable for 
excavation and formation of brood chambers and where appropriate 
carrion for reproduction is available. This suitable habitat accounts 
for breeding, feeding, overwintering, and dispersal needs. Areas that 
are regularly tilled, vegetation maintained at less than 8 inches 
through regular mowing, wetland areas with standing water or saturated 
soils, or urban areas with paved surfaces are examples of lands 
considered unfavorable for use by American burying beetles. Soil 
disturbance means movement or alteration of soil associated with 
modifying the existing land use. Soil disturbance includes actions such 
as grading, filling, soil excavating or topsoil stripping. Soil 
disturbance also includes non-physical alterations such as chemical 
treatment, including ground or soil sterilizers, and pesticides that 
would make the habitat unsuitable. However, typical agricultural levels 
of applications like liming or fertilizer should not affect American 
burying beetles, and we do not intend to regulate such practices.
    Because incidental take stemming from normal livestock ranching and 
grazing activities is not expected to have an appreciable negative 
impact on the species, and retaining land uses associated with ranching 
or grazing (rather than converting the land to row crops) provides 
potential habitat for the species, we are not prohibiting any 
incidental take associated with ranching and grazing. Ranching and 
grazing means activities involved in grazing livestock (e.g., cattle, 
bison, horse, sheep, goats or other grazing animals) such as: Gathering 
of livestock; construction and maintenance of fences associated with 
livestock grazing; installation and maintenance of corrals, loading 
chutes, and other livestock working facilities; development and 
maintenance of livestock watering facilities; placement of supplements 
such as salt blocks for grazing livestock; and, when associated with 
livestock grazing, the control of noxious weeds, haying, mowing, and 
prescribed burning. Ranching and grazing does not include any form of 
tillage, conversion of grassland to cropland, or management of 
cropland.
    In the Southern Plains analysis areas, incidental take is 
prohibited only on certain conservation lands, as defined below under 
Regulation Promulgation. However, within these conservation lands, 
activities conducted in compliance with Service-approved conservation 
plans that result in take of the species are not prohibited. For 
example, on conservation lands in the Southern Plains analysis areas 
managed by the Department of Defense, certain activities that result in 
incidental take are not prohibited if those activities are in 
compliance with a Service-approved integrated natural resources 
management plan.
    In addition to intentional take and some forms of incidental take, 
the 4(d) rule also prohibits activities related to possession and other 
acts with unlawfully taken American burying beetles, import and export 
of the species, activities related to shipping or delivering the 
species in interstate or foreign commerce, and the sale or offering to 
sell of the species. These activities are generally prohibited for 
endangered wildlife. We have determined that it is appropriate to 
extend the Act's protections to these activities as well for the 
American burying beetle.
    This 4(d) rule tailors the Act's protections to allow activities 
that have only minor or temporary effects and are unlikely to affect 
the resiliency of American burying beetle populations or viability of 
the species. The risks for American burying beetle populations are 
different for each region of the

[[Page 65258]]

country, and risks that may be minor for one population could affect 
the resiliency of others. For example, urban expansion is a minor risk 
for larger populations in Oklahoma, but is a substantial risk for the 
small Block Island population in Rhode Island. The 4(d) rule includes 
protection of habitat related to soil disturbance activities on Block 
Island because suitable habitat is limited (only about 2,000 acres) and 
protecting habitat is necessary for the conservation of this 
population.
    Although threats vary in type and degree across the American 
burying beetle's range, those related to land use activities and 
climate change continue to impact the species. Habitat loss or 
alteration related to land use activities is ongoing in all American 
burying beetle populations, but the impacts of these habitat losses is 
minor for most analysis areas with the exception of the Loess Canyons 
and New England populations. Impacts from changing climate are ongoing 
as well, and populations in the Southern Plains analysis areas are 
projected to be extirpated within 20 to 30 years, as described above 
(Service 2019).
Provisions of the 4(d) Rule in the New England Analysis Area
    Within the New England Analysis Area, we prohibit incidental take 
only if it occurs in suitable habitat and is the result of soil 
disturbance, as defined below under Regulation Promulgation, which 
includes converting suitable habitat from an existing land use to a 
different land use. The species persistence in the New England Analysis 
Area is dependent upon active management occurring on two small coastal 
islands. A large percentage of land mass in the New England Analysis 
Area is protected in some form, and American burying beetles occur on 
many lands with conservation easements or deed restrictions or owned by 
conservation organizations; municipal, State, and Federal agencies; and 
private land trusts. However, existing land protections are not 
comprehensive for the American burying beetle. Given the varied 
missions of these landowners, the level of protection varies and may 
change over time. Although some minimal level of take may occur 
incidental to ranching and grazing, the effects of such land uses serve 
to maintain suitable habitat for the species. Urban and suburban 
expansion and development activities can lead to soil disturbance that 
may lead to incidental take of the species. Habitat conversion further 
limits the habitat available to American burying beetles in the New 
England Analysis Area.
    The population in the New England Analysis Area is proportionally 
more sensitive and vulnerable to impacts than the other analysis areas, 
because it is limited to two small coastal islands, and the species' 
persistence on one or both of the islands is likely dependent on 
management, particularly captive breeding, reintroduction, and the 
provisioning of carrion. Thus, urban and suburban expansion represent 
substantial risks to the future viability of the species in this area. 
Limiting the prohibition to suitable habitat is sufficient as any 
beetles occupying unsuitable habitat would be very few in number and 
possibly either lost to the population or not of value to the 
population.
    In addition, activities by State or Federal government agencies 
related to wildlife management that result in incidental take of 
American burying beetles is not prohibited in the New England Analysis 
Area.
Provisions of the 4(d) Rule in the Northern Plains Analysis Areas
    Within the Northern Plains analysis areas, we prohibit incidental 
take only if it occurs in suitable habitat and is the result of soil 
disturbance, which includes converting habitat from an existing land 
use to a different land use, as defined below under Regulation 
Promulgation. The combined impacts of urban expansion and agriculture 
(primarily conversion to cropland) are expected to affect 5-15% of the 
suitable habitat in the Northern Plains (Service 2019). Potential 
impacts related to wind energy expansion are likely (additional 
information provided in the SSA Report and proposed rule), but 
additional information is needed to fully evaluate the potential 
effects to habitat and carrion availability. Only low percentages of 
the Northern Plains analysis areas are protected, with only one large 
protected area that supports significant numbers of American burying 
beetles. Thus, we find that land use changes like urban expansion and 
agricultural land conversion to cropland (combined with other risks 
such as cedar expansion as discussed in the proposed rule) represent 
risks to the future viability of the species in this area.
    However, incidental take that is the result of normal grazing and 
livestock activities is not prohibited. In addition, activities by 
State or Federal government agencies related to wildlife management 
that result in incidental take of American burying beetles is not 
prohibited. Grasslands in the Northern Plains support relatively high-
density populations of American burying beetles that have high 
resiliency. Ranching, grazing, and wildlife management activities in 
this area are generally compatible with conservation of this species, 
as these land uses help maintain native grassland habitats (see 
chapters 4 and 5 in the SSA Report; Service 2019) important for 
American burying beetle conservation. Based on the analysis of climate 
change impacts in the SSA Report (Service 2019), we believe it is 
possible that the Northern Plains may support the only remaining self-
sustaining populations with moderate or high resiliency by the mid-
century time period. Therefore, protecting existing habitat in the 
Northern Plains is important for the future viability of the species. 
Although there may be some minimal level of take incidental to 
ranching, grazing, and wildlife management activities, the effects of 
such land uses serve to maintain suitable habitat for the species and 
prevent more extensive soil disturbance than would occur with other 
land use changes such as farming or urban development.
Provisions of the 4(d) Rule in the Southern Plains Analysis Areas
    Within the Southern Plains analysis areas on defined conservation 
lands, see below under Regulation Promulgation, incidental take is 
exempted if it occurs in compliance with a Service-approved management 
plan, such as an integrated natural resources management plan (INRMP), 
that includes conservation measures for the American burying beetle. 
Outside of defined conservation lands, incidental take is not 
prohibited because the Southern Plains Analysis Area currently has low 
risks to the species associated with land development. The combined 
permanent loss of habitat projected due to urban and agricultural 
expansion is less than 2 percent (Service 2019).
    Currently, conservation lands provide relatively large protected 
areas of habitat with good populations; these lands would potentially 
serve as sources of American burying beetles for relocation and 
reintroduction efforts in areas that are projected to have future 
climate conditions that would be expected to sustain the species. We 
define ``conservation lands'' as lands included within the existing 
boundaries of Fort Chaffee in Arkansas (approximately 64,000 acres) and 
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (approximately 45,000 acres) and Camp 
Gruber/Cherokee Wildlife Management Area (approximately 64,000 acres), 
both in Oklahoma. These areas have defined

[[Page 65259]]

boundaries and management that is compatible with recovery for the 
American burying beetle; however, that management is not intentionally 
being conducted for American burying beetles, and monitoring and 
management would likely cease at some sites without the incidental take 
protections in place specific to the species. Active management and 
monitoring in these conservation lands is considered important to help 
support recovery by serving as source populations for relocation and 
reintroduction efforts of American burying beetle populations, for as 
long as they sustain beetle populations.
    Land use changes such as urban development and conversion to 
agricultural lands that cause habitat loss and fragmentation are a 
minor risk in Southern Plains analysis areas. These activities are not 
considered a threat to the species in this area because the combined 
permanent loss of habitat projected due to urban and agricultural 
expansion is less than 2 percent of these large analysis areas and is 
unlikely to affect the viability of the species in these areas (Service 
2019). Large areas of suitable habitat, combined with low levels of 
projected land use change, and relatively large areas of protected 
habitat indicate that impacts to habitat are not likely to affect the 
viability of the species in these areas.
    We may issue permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities, 
including those described above, involving threatened wildlife under 
certain circumstances. Regulations governing permits are codified at 50 
CFR 17.32. With regard to threatened wildlife, a permit may be issued 
for the following purposes: Scientific purposes, to enhance propagation 
or survival, for economic hardship, for zoological exhibition, for 
educational purposes, for incidental taking, or for special purposes 
consistent with the purposes of the Act. There are also certain 
statutory exemptions from the prohibitions, which are found in sections 
9 and 10 of the Act.
    The Service recognizes the special and unique relationship with our 
State natural resource agency partners in contributing to conservation 
of listed species. State agencies often possess scientific data and 
valuable expertise on the status and distribution of endangered, 
threatened, and candidate species of wildlife and plants. State 
agencies, because of their authorities and their close working 
relationships with local governments and landowners, are in a unique 
position to assist the Service in implementing all aspects of the Act. 
In this regard, section 6 of the Act provides that the Service shall 
cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States in carrying 
out programs authorized by the Act. Therefore, any qualified employee 
or agent of a State conservation agency that is a party to a 
cooperative agreement with the Service in accordance with section 6(c) 
of the Act, who is designated by his or her agency for such purposes, 
will be able to conduct activities designed to conserve American 
burying beetles that may result in otherwise prohibited take for 
wildlife without additional authorization.
    Nothing in this 4(d) rule changes in any way the recovery planning 
provisions of section 4(f) of the Act, the consultation requirements 
under section 7 of the Act, or the ability of the Service to enter into 
partnerships for the management and protection of the American burying 
beetle. However, interagency cooperation will be further streamlined 
through programmatic consultations for the species between Federal 
agencies and the Service. A programmatic consultation has been 
developed (see https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/oklahoma/default.htm) 
to allow Federal agencies to consult using the 4(d) rule in a 
streamlined manner for all Federal actions that can comply with the 
4(d) rule.

Required Determinations

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

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this rulemaking is available 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov and upon request from the 
Oklahoma Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this rule are the staff members of the Fish 
and Wildlife Service's Species Status Assessment Team and the Oklahoma 
Ecological Services Field Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Regulation Promulgation

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

PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

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

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


0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11(h) by revising the entries for ``Beetle, American 
burying'' under ``INSECTS'' in the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife to read as follows:


Sec.  17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Listing citations
           Common name               Scientific name        Where listed         Status         and applicable
                                                                                                    rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

[[Page 65260]]

 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Beetle, American burying.........  Nicrophorus          Wherever found,      T               54 FR 29652, 7/13/
                                    americanus.          except where                         1989; 85 FR
                                                         listed as an                         [INSERT FEDERAL
                                                         experimental                         REGISTER PAGE
                                                         population.                          WHERE THE DOCUMENT
                                                                                              BEGINS], 10/15/
                                                                                              2020; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.47(d).\4d\
Beetle, American burying.........  Nicrophorus          In southwestern      XN              77 FR 16712, 3/22/
                                    americanus.          Missouri, the                        2012; 50 CFR
                                                         counties of Cedar,                   17.85(c).\10j\
                                                         St. Clair, Bates,
                                                         and Vernon.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Amend Sec.  17.47 by adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  17.47  Special rules--insects.

* * * * *
    (d) American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus)--(1) 
Prohibitions. The following prohibitions apply to the American burying 
beetle:
    (i) Take of the American burying beetle. Take of the American 
burying beetle, except that take that is incidental to otherwise lawful 
activity (incidental take) is prohibited only when the take occurs on 
suitable American burying beetle habitat:
    (A) In the New England and Northern Plains Analysis Areas where the 
incidental take results from soil disturbance; or
    (B) In the Southern Plains Analysis Areas where the incidental take 
occurs on defined conservation lands, except where incidental take is 
in compliance with a Service-approved conservation plan.
    (ii) Possession and other acts with unlawfully taken American 
burying beetles. It is unlawful to possess, sell, deliver, carry, 
transport, or ship, by any means whatsoever, any American burying 
beetle that was taken in violation of paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this 
section or State law. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Federal 
and State law enforcement officers may possess, deliver, carry, 
transport, or ship any American burying beetle taken in violation of 
the Act as necessary in performing their official duties.
    (iii) Import and export of the American burying beetle. It is 
unlawful to import or export the American burying beetle.
    (iv) Interstate or foreign commerce. It is unlawful to deliver, 
receive, carry, transport, or ship in interstate or foreign commerce, 
by any means whatsoever, and in the course of a commercial activity, 
the American burying beetle.
    (v) Sale or offer for sale. It is unlawful to sell or to offer for 
sale in interstate or foreign commerce any American burying beetle.
    (2) Exceptions from prohibitions. (i) Any employee or agent of the 
Service or of a State conservation agency that is operating a 
conservation program pursuant to the terms of a cooperative agreement 
with the Service in accordance with section 6(c) of the Act, who is 
designated by his or her agency for such purposes, may, when acting in 
the course of his or her official duties, take American burying 
beetles, provided that, for State conservation agencies, the American 
burying beetle is covered by an approved cooperative agreement to carry 
out conservation programs.
    (ii) Federal or State government agencies may incidentally take 
American burying beetles when conducting wildlife management activities 
in the Northern Plains Analysis Areas.
    (iii) Incidental take of American burying beetles resulting from 
ranching and grazing activities is allowed.
    (3) Definitions. For the purposes of this paragraph (d), we define 
the following terms:
    (i) Conservation lands means lands included within the existing 
boundaries:
    (A) In Arkansas, of Fort Chaffee (approximately 64,000 acres); and
    (B) In Oklahoma, of McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (approximately 
45,000 acres) and Camp Gruber/Cherokee Wildlife Management Area 
(approximately 64,000 acres).
    (ii) New England Analysis Area means Block Island in Rhode Island 
and Nantucket Island in Massachusetts.
    (iii) Northern Plains Analysis Areas means portions of Nebraska and 
South Dakota, as presented in the map at paragraph (d)(4) of this 
section, to initially include an 18.6-mile buffer around each capture 
location to determine the outside boundaries of the analysis area. For 
specific information regarding whether a parcel of land is inside the 
Northern Plains Analysis Areas, contact your local Service ecological 
services field office. Field office contact information may be obtained 
from the Service regional offices, the addresses of which are listed at 
50 CFR 2.2.
    (iv) Ranching and grazing means activities involved in grazing 
livestock (e.g., cattle, bison, horse, sheep, goats, or other grazing 
animals) such as: Gathering of livestock; construction and maintenance 
of fences associated with livestock grazing; installation and 
maintenance of corrals, loading chutes, and other livestock working 
facilities; development and maintenance of livestock watering 
facilities; placement of supplements such as salt blocks for grazing 
livestock; and, when associated with livestock grazing, the control of 
noxious weeds, haying, mowing, and prescribed burning. Ranching and 
grazing does not include any form of farming, conversion of grassland 
to cropland, or management of cropland.
    (v) Soil disturbance means movement or alteration of soil. Soil 
disturbance includes actions such as grading, filling, soil excavating, 
or topsoil stripping. Soil disturbance also includes non-physical 
alterations such as chemical treatment.
    (vi) Southern Plains Analysis Areas means portions of Arkansas, 
Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, as presented in the map at paragraph 
(d)(4) of this section, to initially include an 18.6-mile buffer around 
each capture location to determine the outside boundaries of the 
analysis area. For specific information regarding whether a parcel of 
land is inside the Southern Plains Analysis Areas, contact your local 
Service ecological services field office. Field office contact 
information may be obtained from the Service regional offices, the 
addresses of which are listed at 50 CFR 2.2.
    (4) Map of American Burying Beetle Analysis Areas.

[[Page 65261]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR15OC20.001


Aurelia Skipwith,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-19810 Filed 10-14-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P