Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Native Species That Are Candidates or Proposed for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions, 24870-24934 [05-9283]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 11, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24870-24934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9283]



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Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 17



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

Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 90 / Wednesday, May 11, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of review.

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SUMMARY: In this Candidate Notice of Review (CNOR), we, the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service (Service), present an updated list of plant and 
animal species native to the United States that we regard as candidates 
or have proposed for addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Plants under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended. Identification of candidate species can assist environmental 
planning efforts by providing advance notice of potential listings, 
allowing resource managers to alleviate threats and thereby possibly 
remove the need to list species as endangered or threatened. Even if we 
subsequently list a candidate species, the early notice provided here 
could result in more options for species management and recovery by 
prompting candidate conservation measures to alleviate threats to the 
species.
    The CNOR summarizes the status and threats that we evaluated in 
order to determine that species qualify as candidates and to assign a 
listing priority number to each species. Additional material that we 
relied on is available in the Species Assessment and Listing Priority 
Assignment Forms (species assessment forms, previously called candidate 
forms) for each candidate species.
    We request additional status information that may be available for 
the 286 candidate species. We will consider this information in 
preparing listing documents and future revisions to the notice of 
review, as it will help us in monitoring changes in the status of 
candidate species and in management for conserving them. We also 
request information on additional species that we should include as 
candidates as we prepare future updates of this list.
    This document also includes our findings on resubmitted petitions 
and describes our progress in revising the Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants during the period May 5, 2004, through 
May 2, 2005.

DATES: We will accept comments on the Candidate Notice of Review at any 
time.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments regarding a particular species to the 
Regional Director of the Region identified in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
as having the lead responsibility for that species. You may submit 
comments of a more general nature to the Chief, Division of 
Conservation and Classification, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 
N. Fairfax Drive, Room 420, Arlington, VA 22203 (703/358-2171). Written 
comments and materials received in response to this notice will be 
available for public inspection by appointment at the Division of 
Conservation and Classification (for comments of a general nature only) 
or at the appropriate Regional Office listed in SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION.
    Species assessment forms with information and references on a 
particular candidate species' range, status, habitat needs, and listing 
priority assignment are available for review at the appropriate 
Regional Office listed below in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION or at the 
Division of Conservation and Classification, Arlington, Virginia (see 
address above), or on our Internet Web site (https://endangered.fws.gov/
candidates/).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Endangered Species Coordinator(s) 
in the appropriate Regional Office(s) or Chris Nolin, Chief, Division 
of Conservation and Classification (703-358-2171).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Candidate Notice of Review

Background

    The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.) (Act), requires that we identify species of wildlife and plants 
that are endangered or threatened, based on the best available 
scientific and commercial information. Through the Federal rulemaking 
process, we add these species to the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11 or the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Plants at 50 CFR 17.12. As part of this program, we maintain a list of 
species that we regard as candidates for listing. A candidate species 
is one for which we have on file sufficient information on biological 
vulnerability and threats to support a proposal to list as endangered 
or threatened, but for which preparation and publication of a proposal 
is precluded by higher-priority listing actions. We maintain this list 
for a variety of reasons: to notify the public that these species are 
facing threats to their survival; to provide advance knowledge of 
potential listings that could affect decisions of environmental 
planners and developers; to provide information that may stimulate 
conservation efforts that will remove or reduce threats to these 
species; to solicit input from interested parties to help us identify 
those candidate species that may not require protection under the Act 
or additional species that may require the Act's protections; and to 
solicit necessary information for setting priorities for preparing 
listing proposals.
    Table 1 includes 286 species that we regard as candidates for 
addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants 
(Lists), as well as 21 species for which we have published proposed 
rules to list as threatened or endangered species. Most of these 
proposed species were previously identified in the 2003 CNOR (69 FR 
24876, May 4, 2004). We encourage consideration of these species in 
conservation planning, as well as other environmental planning, such as 
in environmental impact analysis done under the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (implemented at 40 CFR parts 1500-1508) and in local 
and statewide land use planning. Table 2 contains eight species we 
identified as candidates or as proposed species in the May 4, 2004, 
CNOR that we now no longer consider candidates. This includes two 
species that we listed as threatened since May 4, 2004, one species 
that we withdrew the proposed rule, one species that we removed from 
candidacy through a notice published on August 18, 2004 (69 FR 51217), 
and four species that we are removing from candidacy through this 
notice. The Region having lead responsibility for the particular 
species maintains updated records of information on candidate species.

Previous Notices of Review

    The Act directed the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to 
prepare a report on endangered and threatened plant species, which was 
published as House Document No. 94-51. We published a notice in the 
Federal Register on July 1, 1975 (40 FR 27823), in which we announced 
that we would review more than 3,000 native plant species named in the 
Smithsonian's report and other species added by the 1975 notice for 
possible addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. A 
new comprehensive notice of review for native plants, which took into 
account the earlier Smithsonian

[[Page 24871]]

report and other accumulated information, superseded the 1975 notice on 
December 15, 1980 (45 FR 82479). On November 28, 1983 (48 FR 53640), a 
supplemental plant notice of review announced changes in the status of 
various species. We published complete updates of the plant notice on 
September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39526); February 21, 1990 (55 FR 6184); 
September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144); and, as part of combined animal and 
plant notices, on February 28, 1996 (61 FR 7596); September 19, 1997 
(62 FR 49398); October 25, 1999 (64 FR 57534); October 30, 2001 (66 FR 
54808); June 13, 2002 (67 FR 40657); and May 4, 2004 (69 FR 24876). 
Additionally, on January 8, 2001 (66 FR 1295), we published our 
resubmitted petition finding for one plant species having an 
outstanding ``warranted-but-precluded finding'' on a petition to list.
    We published earlier comprehensive reviews for vertebrate animals 
in the Federal Register on December 30, 1982 (47 FR 58454), and on 
September 18, 1985 (50 FR 37958). We published an initial comprehensive 
review for invertebrate animals on May 22, 1984 (49 FR 21664). We 
published a combined animal notice of review on January 6, 1989 (54 FR 
554), and with minor corrections on August 10, 1989 (54 FR 32833). We 
again published comprehensive animal notices on November 21, 1991 (56 
FR 58804); November 15, 1994 (59 FR 58982); and, as part of combined 
animal and plant notices, on February 28, 1996 (61 FR 7596); September 
19, 1997 (62 FR 49398); October 25, 1999 (64 FR 57534); October 30, 
2001 (66 FR 54808); June 13, 2002 (67 FR 40657); and May 4, 2004 (69 FR 
24876). Additionally, on January 8, 2001 (66 FR 1295), we published our 
resubmitted petition findings for 25 animal species having outstanding 
``warranted-but-precluded'' petition findings as well as notice of one 
candidate removal.
    This revised notice supersedes all previous animal, plant, and 
combined notices of review.

Summary

    Since publication of the 2003 CNOR on May 4, 2004 (69 FR 24876), we 
reviewed the available information on candidate species to ensure that 
a proposed listing is justified for each species and reevaluated the 
relative listing priority assignment of each species. A candidate 
species is assigned a listing priority number (LPN) of 1-12 depending 
on the magnitude of threats, the imminence of threats, and by its 
taxonomic status in accordance with our priority guidance as published 
on September 21, 1983 (48 FR 43098). We also evaluated the need to 
emergency-list any of these species, particularly species with high 
priorities (i.e., species with listing priority numbers of 1, 2, or 3). 
This review and reevaluation ensures that we focus conservation efforts 
on those species at greatest risk. As of May 2, 2005, 18 animals are 
proposed for endangered status; 2 animals are proposed for threatened 
status (not including proposed reclassifications of endangered 
species); 1 animal is proposed for threatened-due-to-similarity-of-
appearance status; and 145 plant and 141 animal candidates are awaiting 
preparation of proposed rules (see Table 1). Table 2 includes eight 
species we previously classified as either proposed for listing or 
candidates that we no longer classify in those categories.

Summary of New Candidates

    Below we present brief summaries of five new candidates, including 
one species of fish, one insect, one crustacean, and two plants. 
Complete information, including references, can be found in the species 
assessment forms. You may obtain a copy of these forms from the 
Regional Office having the lead for the species, or from our Internet 
Web site (https://endangered.fws.gov/candidates/).

Fish

    Sicklefin redhorse (Moxostoma sp.)--The sicklefin redhorse is a 
medium-sized redhorse fish, reaching up to about 18 inches, with an 
elongate, somewhat compressed body and a highly falcate (sickle-shaped) 
dorsal fin and are found in North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. 
Detailed morphological and genetic studies have concluded that the 
sicklefin redhorse is a distinct species. The species is currently 
known to occupy cool to warm, moderate gradient creeks and rivers, and, 
during parts of its early life stages, large reservoirs. In streams, it 
is most often observed in riffles, runs, and well-flowing pools. It 
feeds and spawns in gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates with no, or 
very little, silt overlay.
    Like many other redhorse species, the sicklefin redhorse is known 
mainly from flowing streams; however, also like many other redhorse 
species, the sicklefin redhorse appears to have adapted to spending at 
least part of its life in the near-shore areas of impounded streams 
where pre-spawning age sicklefins have been collected, mainly near the 
mouth of streams that feed the reservoirs. Current observations 
indicate that adults of the species are year-round residents of rivers 
and large creeks and that young, juveniles, and subadults occupy 
primarily the lower reaches of creeks and rivers and near-shore 
portions of certain reservoirs. It is likely that after emerging from 
the stream substrata, many of the larvae and postlarvae are carried 
downstream to the mouths of streams or into reservoirs. Newly mature 
fish (>=5 years of age) appear to migrate from the reservoirs to spawn 
and then remain in the streams with the other adults.
    Based on an analysis of preserved specimens, the species is 
relatively long lived, with both sexes living at least to 17 years of 
age; however, based on the size of fish seen in the streams, some 
individuals probably live for over 20 years. Spawning typically occurs 
over cobble, with usually only a small portion of sand and gravel, in 
moderate to fast runs in open areas and pockets formed by boulders and 
outcrops. The spawning period for the sicklefin runs from late April 
through mid-May.
    Past and recent collection records of the sicklefin redhorse, 
together with what is known about the habitat utilization of the 
species, indicate that the sicklefin redhorse once inhabited the 
majority, if not all, of the rivers and large creeks in the Blue Ridge 
portion of the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee River systems in North 
Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Current estimates are that the 
species has apparently been eliminated from roughly 60 percent of its 
former range. This is a conservative estimate that: (1) Includes 
several miles of the Hiwassee and Fontana Reservoirs within the present 
range of the species (although portions of these reservoirs appear to 
provide survivable habitat for juvenile sicklefins, they do not provide 
foraging or spawning habitat for adults of the species); and (2) does 
not include some of the higher reaches of some of the creeks where the 
sicklefin redhorse currently occurs in their lowermost reaches. 
Additionally, the Cheoah River, Cullasaja River, Cartoogechaye Creek, 
Oconaluftee River, and several other large tributaries in the Hiwassee 
and Little Tennessee River systems may also have once been inhabited by 
the sicklefin redhorse.
    Impacts associated with the construction and operation of dams for 
hydropower generation on the streams inhabited by the species is the 
primary cause of the extirpation of the sicklefin redhorse throughout 
the majority of its former range. These impoundments created by the 
dams eliminate spawning and foraging habitat of the adult sicklefin 
redhorse by changing the conditions from flowing to still water.

[[Page 24872]]

Water depth increases, flow decreases, and silt accumulates on the 
bottom. Impoundments not only destroy riverine habitat within the 
impounded portion of the stream, but they alter the quality and 
stability of the downstream reaches by adversely affecting water flow 
regimes, velocities, temperature, chemistry, and nutrient cycles. Dams 
that operate by releasing cold water from near the bottom of the 
reservoirs lower the water temperature downstream, changing downstream 
reaches from warm-or cool-water streams to cold-water streams and 
affecting their suitability for many of the native species historically 
inhabiting these stream reaches. The effects of impoundments result in 
changes in fish and macroinvertebrate communities (macroinvertebrates 
are the main prey items of the sicklefin), species requiring clean 
gravel and sand substrates are lost. In addition, dams result in the 
fragmentation and isolation of populations of remaining populations of 
the sicklefin redhorse, acting as effective barriers to the natural 
upstream and downstream expansion or recruitment of the species. 
Natural upstream and downstream population expansion and repopulation 
of the majority of the species' former range are restricted because of 
the barriers posed by the existing dams and impacts to the tailwaters 
associated with the current operation of the dams. As a result, the 
Hiwassee River system and Little Tennessee River system populations are 
isolated from each other. This isolation decreases their ability to 
respond to nature- and human-induced changes in their environment and 
increases their vulnerability to extirpation. Wastewater discharges, 
together with impacts to water and habitat quality associated with a 
variety of other land disturbance activities carried out without 
adequate measures to control storm water and erosion, also played a 
significant role in the decline of the species.
    Many of the same factors believed to have contributed to the 
extirpation of the species from much of its former range potentially 
threaten these remaining populations. All of the surviving occurrences 
of the sicklefin redhorse are restricted to relatively short reaches of 
the streams they occupy, primarily due to existing dams. Their limited 
distributions make them extremely vulnerable to the effects from single 
catastrophic events (such as toxic chemical spills, major sedimentation 
events, channel modification, etc.) and/or the cumulative effects of 
lesser impacts to their habitat and numbers. Although the majority of 
the streams still occupied by the species occur in areas that are 
presently primarily rural, many of the communities within the 
watersheds of these streams are experiencing increasing development 
pressure, both commercial and residential, and are developing plans for 
upgrading and improving their infrastructure (e.g., roads, water 
supplies, sewer/wastewater treatment systems, etc.) to provide for 
increased densities of development.
    Because of the entire current range of the sickelefin redhorse is 
affected by the threats described above, the magnitude of the threat to 
the species is high. Although the threats faced by the sicklefin 
redhorse are significant, it is not anticipated that the species will 
be subject to these threats in the immediate future. Therefore, we 
assigned a listing priority of 5 to this species.

Insects

    Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri)--The Miami 
blue is a coastal butterfly that occurs at the edges of tropical 
hardwood hammocks (forests) and occasionally in tropical pinelands and 
along trails, utilizing open sunny areas in southern Florida. The 
geographic range of this butterfly once extended from the Florida Keys 
north along the coasts to about St. Petersburg and Daytona, Florida. 
Although little specific historic information exists on the abundance 
and distribution patterns of the Miami blue, it is clear that the 
occurrence of this butterfly throughout its historic range has been 
significantly reduced, with only small remnants remaining. Despite 
extensive surveys of known suitable habitat and/or historical records, 
the species is now found only in a single metapopulation, located at 
Bahia Honda Key State Park (Park), with a few immature individuals on 
West Summerland Key. This metapopulation is comprised of thirteen 
distinct colonies in the Park.
    In November 2002, the Service worked with researchers and the State 
to establish a captive propagation program for the Miami blue due to 
the low estimated population at its only known location. As of December 
2004, the captive colony had numerous generations, with hundreds of 
individuals in captivity. Efforts have been undertaken to reintroduce 
captive-bred Miami blues to Federal lands (i.e., Everglades National 
Park and Biscayne National Park) within the butterfly's historic range. 
However, subsequent monitoring has indicated an inconsistent or 
sporadic presence of only a small number of individuals of varying life 
stages at release sites. Monitoring results do not indicate that the 
Miami blue has become established at any of the release sites.
    Extensive losses of the species' habitat and fragmentation of 
remaining patches, along with mosquito control activities, are the 
likely cause of the species' decline. Although many areas on public 
lands may offer suitable nectar and other host plants, the extremely 
limited dispersal ability of the species likely prevents these areas 
from becoming occupied and used. The Miami blue butterfly is threatened 
by the combined influences of habitat destruction and modification, 
mosquito control activities, and loss of genetic diversity associated 
with isolated populations. The possibility for catastrophic events 
(e.g., hurricanes) also poses a threat to the survival of this 
butterfly. In addition to these threats, habitat loss and 
fragmentation, fire suppression, displacement of native host plants by 
invasive exotic species, detrimental land management practices, 
accidental harm from humans, and inadequate regulatory protection pose 
threats to the species throughout the species historic range. 
Predation, accidental harm or habitat destruction, and illegal 
collection may also pose a threat to the Miami blue due to the small 
population size at the known locations. Due to nonimminent threats of 
high magnitude as described above, we assigned a listing priority 
number of 6 to this subspecies.

Crustaceans

    Diminutive amphipod (Gammarus hyalleloides)--The diminutive 
amphipod is a small amphipod that is ranked as ``critically endangered 
throughout its range'' (G1) by NatureServe and ``critically endangered 
throughout its range'' (S1) by the State of Texas. Based on surveys and 
genetic analysis, this species only occurs in four spring outflows in 
the Toyah Basin, Balmorhea area of Reeves and Jeff Davis Counties, 
Texas; these springs are all within about 8 miles (13 km) of each other 
within the San Solomon Spring System. In addition to being an important 
habitat for rare aquatic fauna, this spring system is also an important 
source of irrigation water for the farming communities in the Toyah 
Basin. The primary threat to the species is the loss of surface flows 
due to declining groundwater levels from drought and pumping for 
agricultural production. The natural ci[egrave]nega habitats (marshland 
communities associated with perennial springs and headwater streams) of 
the Balmorhea area have been mostly altered over time to accommodate 
agricultural irrigation. Most significant was the draining of wetland 
areas and the modification of spring outlets for

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development of human use of the water resources. Although the land 
surrounding the amphibod's current habitat is owned and managed by The 
Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Reclamation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife 
Department, the water needed to maintain its habitat has declined due 
to a reduction in spring flows, possibly as result of private 
groundwater pumping in areas beyond that are controlled by these 
landowners. Pumping of the regional aquifer system for agricultural 
production of crops has resulted in the drying of other springs in this 
region, including Comanche Springs, which was once a large surface 
spring in Fort Stockton, Texas. Another example is Phantom Lake Spring, 
one of the sites of occurrence for the amphipod, which ceased flowing 
in 2000; aquatic habitat is now supported only by a pumping system. 
Another threat to amphipod habitat is the potential degradation of 
water quality from point and nonpoint pollutant sources. This pollution 
can occur either directly into surface water or indirectly through 
contamination of groundwater that discharges into spring run habitats 
used by the amphipod. The primary threat for contamination comes from 
herbicide and pesticide use in nearby agricultural areas.
    Although the physical condition of the areas where this species is 
found has changed dramatically over time from human actions, at least a 
portion of the native biota remain. However, three of the four known 
current occurrences of the species are in degraded habitats (the 
exception is East Sandia Spring) because the natural conditions of the 
springs have been substantially modified for human use. Any additional 
modifications to the spring flow habitats will further threaten the 
species. Therefore, with imminent threats of high magnitude, we assign 
this species a listing priority number of 2.

Flowering Plants

    Ipomopsis polyantha (Pagosa skyrocket)--Pagosa skyrocket is an 
extremely narrow endemic with a global distribution limited to a 13-
mile range on outcrops of Pagosa-Winifred soils derived from mancos 
shale in Archuleta County, Colorado. The total population size is 
estimated to be between 2,246 and 10,626 plants. It is ranked as 
``critically endangered throughout its range'' (G1) by NatureServe and 
``critically endangered in the state'' (S1) by the Colorado Natural 
Heritage Program. Populations are on federal highway rights of way and 
private lands. Much of the occupied habitat on private lands has been 
subdivided and is being rapidly developed. There are no plans being 
implemented for the management, protection, or conservation of the 
species. The Colorado Rare Plant Technical Committee, including 
botanists from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, has identified I. 
polyantha as the species most in need of protection and recovery 
efforts in 2005 in Colorado. We assign this species a listing priority 
number 2 based on imminent habitat destruction throughout its narrow 
range.
    Solidago plumosa (Yadkin River goldenrod)--A member of the 
Asteraceae family, Solidago plumosa is endemic to the Yadkin River in 
North Carolina and was originally described from the Narrows Canyon and 
Falls area of this river in 1894. Currently, plants are know to exist 
in only two locations, located approximately 2 kilometers apart along 
the shoreline of the Yadkin River in North Carolina. This species is 
ranked as ``critically endangered throughout its range'' (G1) by 
NatureServe and ``critically endangered in the state'' (S1) by the 
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. The historical and current 
impacts resulting from the construction and operation of reservoirs 
appear to be similar at each of these two surviving occurrences of the 
species, as does the threat posed by invasive, nonnative vegetation. 
The species appears to persist in areas subjected to periodic water 
scouring of a velocity sufficient to prevent the establishment of other 
species without eliminating previously established Solidago plumosa 
plants (the age of which is unknown). At the same time, although 
dependent upon some level of flood scouring, the species does not 
appear to be tolerant of prolonged inundation as it does not occur in 
frequently flooded habitats. Therefore, the availability of suitable 
habitat and the fate of all known populations of this species are 
primarily determined by the manner in which the Narrows and Falls 
Reservoirs are operated. To the extent that operation of hydroelectric 
facilities could be modified in the future to enhance conditions for 
Solidago plumose, the effects of reservoir construction and operation 
are not believed to be permanent or irreversible. Thus, the magnitude 
of these threats may be substantially reduced. In light of all of these 
considerations, the magnitude of threats to the species is estimated to 
be ``moderate to low.''
    One of the primary threats that affected the species (construction 
of Narrows and Falls Reservoirs and the resulting inundation of 
suitable habitat) has already occurred. However, operation of these 
reservoirs continues to influence the habitat occupied by the species, 
and may be facilitating (via a reduction in the frequency and magnitude 
of scouring events) the establishment and spread of mimosa (Albizia 
julibrissin) (an invasive, nonnative shrub). Because mimosa is already 
shading established Solidago plumosa plants, it may potentially be 
competing for seed germination and seedling establishment sites. The 
threats posed by lack of scouring and the subsequent establishment and 
spread of mimosa are ongoing and, therefore, considered to be imminent. 
The threat posed by the nonnative hybrid bush honeysuckle (Lonicera x 
bella) is more remote, as the species has not yet established in 
habitats occupied by Solidago plumosa. We conclude that the threats 
affecting the species are of a moderate to low magnitude, but are 
imminent, leading to a listing priority number of 8.

Summary of Listing Priority Changes in Candidates

    We reviewed the listing priority number for all candidate species 
and are changing the numbers for the following species. Some of the 
changes reflect actual changes in either the magnitude or imminence of 
the threats, and in two cases, reflect a change in the taxonomy of the 
species. For some species, our changes in the listing priority number 
reflect efforts to ensure national consistency as well as closer 
adherence to the 1983 guidelines in assigning these numbers, rather 
than a change in the nature of the threats.

Mammals

    Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama ssp. couchi, glacialis, 
louiei, melanops, pugetensis, tacomensis, tumuli, and yelmensis)--
Candidate status applies to each of these eight subspecies of Thomomys 
mazama, all of which are associated with glacial outwash prairies in 
western Washington. We do not include other T. mazama subspecies that 
occur in Oregon and California (commonly referred to as ``western 
pocket gophers'') as candidate species. Except as otherwise noted, the 
following description applies to each of the subspecies. Most 
populations are small, isolated, and patchily distributed. There are no 
historical data and scant quantitative data on current populations. 
Several populations are now extirpated. Two, and possibly three, of the 
subspecies may be extinct (T. m. louiei, T. m. tacomensis, and T. m. 
tumuli).
    Threats include destruction and alteration of prairie habitat due 
to

[[Page 24874]]

development, altered fire regimes, and encroachment of native and 
nonnative plants; conflicts with military activities and airport 
development and maintenance activities; house cat predation; 
consideration as agricultural pests; and vulnerability to naturally 
occurring, random events. The magnitude of threats is high due to 
patchy and isolated population distributions in habitats highly 
desirable for development and subject to a wide variety of human 
activities that permanently alter the habitat. There are high and 
constant invasions of plant species altering the quality of remaining 
habitat. Loss of any of the subspecies will reduce the genetic 
diversity and likelihood of the continued existence of the species in 
Washington. Threats are imminent because many of those listed above are 
ongoing. It is likely that the extirpation of some populations and the 
extinction of two, and possibly three, subspecies are the result of one 
or more of these threats affecting each of these populations and 
subspecies. One subspecies is threatened by gravel pits, and two 
subspecies are located on airports with planned development. Because of 
the increased imminence of threats, we changed the listing priority 
number for each of the eight subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher 
from a 6 to a 3.
    Palm Springs (Coachella Valley) round-tailed ground squirrel 
(Spermophilus tereticaudus chlorus)--The Palm Springs round-tailed 
ground squirrel is one of four recognized subspecies of round-tailed 
ground squirrels. The range for the Palm Springs round-tailed ground 
squirrel corresponds to the Coachella Valley region in Riverside 
County, California. Primary habitat for the Palm Springs round-tailed 
ground squirrel in the Coachella Valley is the mesquite sand dune/
hummock community. The species also is found in smaller numbers in 
creosote communities on sand dunes and hummocks. Approximately 90 
percent of the mesquite hummock communities in the Coachella Valley are 
estimated to have been lost since 1939, a reduction from 3,363 hectares 
(8,309 acres) to 352 hectares (870 acres). Future development threatens 
more mesquite communities occupied by the Palm Springs round-tailed 
ground squirrel. The largest unprotected mesquite community in Indio 
Hills was recently developed, effectively eliminating a large ground 
squirrel population. The rapid growth of urban development in the 
Coachella Valley is threatening existing ground squirrel populations 
with habitat fragmentation.
    A recent taxonomic study that examined the morphology of this 
subspecies as well as those of adjacent populations of another 
subspecies (S. t. tereticaudus) revealed that the original 
classification of this subspecies may be in question. Pelage (hair) 
color was found to be different among the two subspecies. In addition, 
this study also discovered that putative S. t. tereticaudus populations 
in Death Valley, the western central region of the Mojave Desert, and 
Borrego Valley were more similar in pelage color to S. t. chlorus in 
the Coachella Valley than other S. t. tereticaudus populations from the 
Colorado River region of eastern Imperial and Riverside Counties. We 
are awaiting peer review of this report before we take action to 
reconsider whether this subspecies is valid. In the meantime, we are 
seeking funding to pursue a genetic study that will determine this 
species' taxonomy based on DNA. Based on our evaluation that the 
threats pose an imminent risk of a high magnitude, we changed the 
listing priority number for this subspecies from a 6 to a 3.
    Washington ground squirrel (Spermophilus washingtoni)--This species 
is one of the smallest members of the subgenus Spermophilus, and is 
found within the shrub-steppe habitat of the Columbia Basin ecosystem 
of Washington and Oregon. The soil types used by the squirrels are 
distributed sporadically within the species' range, and have been 
seriously fragmented by human development in the Columbia Basin, 
particularly by conversion to agricultural use. Where agriculture 
occurs, little evidence of ground squirrel use has been documented, and 
reports indicate that ongoing agricultural conversion eliminates 
Washington ground squirrel habitat. The most contiguous, least-
disturbed expanse of suitable Washington ground squirrel habitat, and 
likely the densest distribution of colonies within the range of the 
species, occurs on the Boeing site and Boardman Bombing Range in 
Oregon, and on Federal and State-owned land in Washington. However, in 
Washington, recent declines in some colonies have been precipitous and 
the reasons for them are unknown. In 2001, for instance, entire 
colonies of ground squirrels were no longer occupied on the Columbia 
National Wildlife Refuge and Seep Lakes Management Area near Othello, 
Washington, despite the State protected status of the species in the 
area. Current and potential threats to the continuing survival of the 
species include the following: habitat loss from the conversion of 
potential and known habitat to agricultural use, predation, 
recreational shooting, disease, potential effects of pesticides, and 
potential effects of drought on forage quality and quantity. However, 
while the magnitude of threats remains high for the Washington ground 
squirrel, the immediacy of threats has declined in the past year. The 
majority of existing colonies (in Oregon and throughout the species' 
current range) are located on the Boardman Bombing Range and the Boeing 
tract, which contain the largest contiguous suitable Washington ground 
squirrel habitat. Although Boardman Bombing Range activities are not 
certain, they are not expected to change significantly in the 
foreseeable future.
    In 2003, the largest threat to colonies in Oregon was the imminent 
conversion of the Boeing tract for agriculture. This would have 
resulted in the permanent loss of habitat for one of the largest 
contiguous blocks of Washington ground squirrels. However, in 2004, a 
25-year Multi-Species Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances 
(CCAA) was signed by Threemile Canyon Farms, The Nature Conservancy, 
Portland General Electric, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and 
the Service. The parties will implement habitat management, operational 
modifications, and conservation measures for four non-listed species, 
including the Washington ground squirrel, on approximately 93,000 ac 
(37,636 ha) enrolled in the CCAA. Under this agreement, Threemile 
Canyon Farms placed 22,600 ac (9,146 ha) of the Boeing tract into a 
permanent Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Easement 
(Boardman Conservation Area). Also, Portland General Electric 
identified 888 ac (356 ha) for management as part of the Conservation 
Area for the duration of the CCAA. The Boardman Conservation Area will 
be managed by TNC with the goal to maintain and improve where feasible 
the integrity of existing native communities and associated species 
covered by the CCAA, including the Washington ground squirrel. All but 
two known sites and the majority of suitable habitat on the Boeing 
tract are located on the Boardman Conservation Area and therefore are 
protected from irreversible habitat modification. Based on our current 
evaluation of threats, we changed the listing priority number from 2 to 
5 for this species as the threats are no longer imminent.

Birds

    Spotless crake (Porzana tabuensis), American Samoa Distinct 
Population Segment (DPS)--The genus Porzana is widespread in the 
Pacific, where it is

[[Page 24875]]

represented by numerous island-endemic and flightless species (many of 
which are extinct as a result of anthropogenic disturbances) as well as 
several common and cosmopolitan species such as the common crake. The 
spotless crake is found in the Philippines, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, 
Society Islands, Marquesas, Independent Samoa, and American Samoa. No 
subspecies are currently recognized.
    The status of populations in other areas is not well known, but the 
species is thought to be in decline throughout the oceanic Pacific, 
with at least one known extirpation (from the island of Futuna). In 
American Samoa, the population of the spotless crake is restricted to 
the summit of Tau Island.
    The only known population in American Samoa co-occurs with Norway 
rats (Rattus norvegicus), which are known to prey on birds and their 
eggs and young. The spotless crake is particularly vulnerable because 
it is small, nests on the ground, and on Tau summit has no wetland 
refuge from predators. Finally, this single population, which existing 
survey data suggest is a small population, is at risk from stochastic 
occurrences such as typhoons and inbreeding depression. These threats 
affect the entire known population of this species in American Samoa, 
and are potentially lethal to individuals. The magnitude of threats 
facing the species is thus high, and these threats are more imminent 
than previously inferred because additional surveys indicate that this 
species occurs only as a single, small population in American Samoa.
    Although this species may use a wide variety of habitats, wetland 
habitats may be necessary for self-sustaining populations of the crake 
to persist in the presence of predators. Wetland habitats are limited 
in American Samoa, and enforcement of their conservation under local 
and Federal law is not consistent. The listing priority number for the 
spotless crake is changed from 6 to 3 because surveys on Tau over the 
past several years have failed to yield evidence of this species in 
locations other than the summit, no observations of this species have 
been made during extensive, ongoing surveys of birds elsewhere in 
American Samoa, and the threat from rat predation is ongoing.
    Friendly ground-dove (Gallicolumba stairi stairi)--The genus 
Gallicolumba is distributed throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia. 
The genus is represented in the oceanic Pacific by six species. Three 
are endemic to Micronesian islands or archipelagos, two are endemic to 
island groups in French Polynesia, and G. stairi is endemic to Samoa, 
Tonga, and Fiji. All six species have some level of threatened status 
on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural 
Resources (IUCN) Red List. Some authors recognize two subspecies of the 
friendly ground-dove, one, slightly smaller, in the Samoan archipelago 
(G. s. stairi), and one in Tonga and Fiji (G. s. vitiensis), but 
morphological differences between the two are minimal. In American 
Samoa, the friendly ground-dove has been found on the islands of Ofu 
and Olosega (Manua Group).
    Of the primary threats to the subspecies (predation by nonnative 
species, poaching and habitat loss), only predation by nonnative 
species is thought to be occurring now, and likely has been occurring 
for several decades. This predation may be an important impediment to 
increases in the population. Predation by introduced species has played 
a significant role in reducing and limiting populations of island 
birds, especially ground-nesters, in the Pacific and other locations 
worldwide. Nonnative predators known or thought to occur in the range 
of the friendly ground-dove in American Samoa are feral cats (Felis 
catus), Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans), black rats (R. rattus), and 
Norway rats (R. norvegicus). Consistent monitoring using a variety of 
methods over the last 5 years yielded few observations of this taxon in 
American Samoa. The total population size is poorly known, but is 
unlikely to number more than a few hundred pairs. The distribution of 
the friendly ground-dove is limited to steep, rocky slopes; areas that 
are not common in American Samoa. Threats to this subspecies have not 
changed over the past year, but to better reflect the fact that threats 
due to small population size and nonnative predators are imminent, we 
revised the listing priority number from a 6 to a 3.
    Kauai creeper (Oreomystis bairdi)--The Kauai creeper, or akikiki, 
is a small Hawaiian honeycreeper found only on the island of Kauai, 
Hawaii, with no described subspecies. The species is known to be 
presently facing the primary threats of disease (avian malaria) and 
habitat degradation and loss. These threats have persisted over several 
decades, and are affecting a large proportion of the population.
    The mosquito vector of avian malaria has been found throughout the 
range of elevations over which the creeper occurs, and malaria 
transmission occurs at least periodically over the species' entire 
range. The area of forest where malaria is endemic is likely to 
increase with global climate change.
    Efforts are underway to reduce habitat loss through control of 
invasive nonnative plants in some areas, but there is no weed control 
in most of the range of the Kauai creeper, and habitat loss is already 
occurring. Also, there are currently no efforts to control habitat 
damage by feral ungulates within the range of the Kauai creeper.
    A large scale survey in 2000 showed that in the last 30 years the 
estimated population declined nearly 80 percent (from 6,832  966 to 1,472  680 birds), the range decreased 
approximately 60 percent (from 21,750 to 8,896 acres (8,800 to 3,600 
hectares)), and the species has disappeared from much of the periphery 
of its range. The listing priority number for the Kauai creeper is 
changed from a 5 to a 2 because the threats facing the species are of a 
high magnitude and are imminent.
    Yellow-billed cuckoo, Western Continental U.S. DPS (Coccyzus 
americanus)--While the cuckoo is still relatively common east of the 
crest of the Rocky Mountains, biologists estimate that more than 90 
percent of the bird's riparian (streamside) habitat in the West has 
been lost or degraded. These modifications, and the resulting decline 
in the distribution and abundance of yellow-billed cuckoos throughout 
the western states, are believed to be due to conversion to 
agriculture; grazing; competition from nonnative plants, such as 
tamarisk; river management, including altered flow and sediment regime; 
and flood control practices, such as channelization and bank 
protection. Riparian habitat is continuing to be destroyed through land 
use conversion and grazing. Threats to the yellow-billed cuckoo have 
not changed over the past year, but to better reflect the fact that 
threats are imminent, we revised the listing priority number from a 6 
to a 3 for this DPS.
    Many-colored fruit-dove (Ptilinopus perousii perousii)--Two 
subspecies of the many-colored fruit-dove exist. One, P. p. perousii, 
is found in American Samoa, within the four main islands of Tutuila, 
Olosega, Ofu, and Tau, and Independent Samoa. Another subspecies, P. p. 
mariae, is found in Fiji and Tonga.
    The primary threats to P. p. perousii, loss of the native banyan 
trees on which it depends, poaching, and predation by nonnative 
mammals, are thought to occur at levels insufficient to have a 
detrimental effect on the species' population in American Samoa. This 
is demonstrated by the fact that 5 years of extensive and intensive 
monitoring indicate an increase in the detected

[[Page 24876]]

relative abundance of many-colored fruit-doves in American Samoa. This 
trend may have been interrupted by Typhoon Heta in January of 2004, 
when damage to their primary food plants, the two species of native 
banyan trees, may have altered the doves' foraging to make them more 
vulnerable to the opportunistic poaching that typically takes place 
after typhoons (Craig et al. 1994).
    At present, no disturbance other than typhoons is known to affect 
the abundance, distribution, or productivity of native banyans in 
American Samoa. Loss of native rainforest harboring these banyans and, 
presumably, the nesting habitat for the many-colored fruit-dove is not 
currently considered to be taking place at a rate that poses a severe 
or imminent risk to the many-colored fruit-dove, and poaching of this 
species is thought to be an extremely rare occurrence.
    Predation by introduced species has played a significant role in 
limiting and extirpating populations of island birds in the Pacific and 
other locations worldwide (Atkinson 1977, 1985; Moors and Atkinson 
1984). Nonnative predators known to occur in the range of the many-
colored fruit-dove in American Samoa that could be a significant threat 
to this arboreal-nesting bird are black rats (R. rattus), Norway rats 
(R. norvegicus), and feral cats (Felis catus). However the continued 
existence of this species and the recently documented increase in its 
abundance, suggest that predation, while a potential threat, is not of 
a high-magnitude. The total population size of the many-colored fruit-
dove is unknown, but may number up to a few hundred pairs.
    In Independent Samoa, the many-colored fruit-dove may be more 
abundant than it is in American Samoa, but this difference likely 
reflects difference in island size--the main islands of Independent 
Samoa are both an order of magnitude larger than the islands of 
American Samoa--and the greater abundance in Independent Samoa of the 
two native figs, Ficus prolixa and F. obliqua, that are the preferred 
food of this fruit-dove. However, ongoing deforestation (potentially 
exacerbated by severe storms) and hunting are considered to threaten 
the many-colored fruit-dove in Independent Samoa, and this subspecies' 
status there is described as ``Conservation Concern.'' We changed the 
listing priority number for the many-colored fruit-dove from 6 to 12 
because the overall magnitude of threats is moderate to low and these 
threats are not imminent.
    Xantus's murrelet (Synthliboramphus hypoleucus)--Xantus's murrelet 
is a small seabird of the Alcid family that occurs along the western 
coast of North America in the United States and Mexico. Xantus's 
murrelet populations in the United States and Mexico appear to have 
declined due to a wide variety of threats, with substantial declines 
evident at the largest known breeding population and extirpations on 
three of the Mexican islands. Data from the largest breeding population 
on Santa Barbara Island in the United States indicated a dramatic 
decline (as much as 70 percent from 1977 to the mid-1990s); data from 
other islands are scarce.
    Although the decline in Xantus's murrelet populations appears to 
have been substantial, some of the largest threats are being addressed, 
and, to some degree, ameliorated in the United States. For example, 
although predation is a large contributor to the current low population 
numbers of the Xantus's murrelet, it does not pose as imminent a threat 
as it once did. Cats and rats have been removed from many of the 
islands where they once occurred. Anacapa Island implemented a rat 
eradication program in 2001 that seems to have been successful in 
removing that nonnative predator of the Xantus's murrelet. Rats were 
eradicated in 1994 from San Roque Island. Although the nonnative 
herbivores have been absent from Santa Barbara Island since the late 
1950s, their presence facilitated the introduction of non-native 
grasses, which continue to exist and spread on that island. The 
conversion of native habitat to nonnative grassland that has occurred 
on Santa Barbara Island poses a threat to the population of Xantus's 
murrelet due to the fact that the island is only one square mile in 
size and holds the majority of the nesting population in California. 
Introduction of nonnative grasses has modified the habitat. Such 
habitat modification is thought to have increased the endemic deer 
mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus elusus) population, a native predator of 
Xantus's murrelet eggs.
    The Service has been working with the State of California, National 
Park Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service to address the 
threats of light pollution and human disturbance. Many nocturnal birds 
are attracted to the lights of commercial fishing vessels and Xantus's 
murrelets and other seabirds become exhausted from continual attraction 
and fluttering near lights or collide with lighted vessels, the impact 
resulting in injury or death. Chicks have been documented to separate 
from their parents due to vessel lights, often resulting in death as 
chicks are dependent on parents for survival. Additionally, squid boats 
operate in shallow waters close to Xantus's murrelet breeding colonies 
in the California Channel Islands. Increased predation on Xantus's 
murrelets by Western gulls (Larus occidentalis) and barn owls (Tyto 
alba) as a result of lighting, particularly from squid boats, near 
breeding colonies has been documented. To address the threat from light 
pollution, the California Department of Fish and Game implemented 
regulations to require shielding and limit wattage of lights used by 
boats conducting nighttime fishing activities. Although these 
regulations do not remove the negative effects of this activity, they 
likely have resulted in a reduction of the impacts. Although not likely 
responsible for the species' current low numbers, oil pollution may 
pose a potential threat to the survival of the Xantus's murrelet 
population.
    Despite actions to address some of the threats to this species, a 
recent proposal by ChevronTexaco Corporation to build a liquid natural 
gas (LNG) facility 600 meters offshore Islas Los Coronados in Baja 
California, Mexico, poses a threat to the survival of the Xantus's 
murrelet. The Los Coronados islands support the largest known breeding 
population of Xantus's murrelets in the world. The construction and 
operation of the proposed LNG facility at Islas Los Coronados would 
increase levels of disturbance to Xantus's murrelets. Sources of 
disturbance include: (1) Bright lights at night from the facility and 
visiting tanker vessels; (2) noise from the facility; (3) noise from 
helicopters visiting the facility; (4) ingress and egress of tanker 
vessels; and (5) other vessels transporting personnel and supplies. 
These factors would have a serious impact on the islands' population of 
Xantus's murrelets, and, taken together, the cumulative disturbance 
caused by this proposed facility would have substantial negative 
consequences for the colony.
    Additionally, there are potential impacts to the Xantus's murrelet 
prey base due to increased seawater chlorination resulting from this 
facility. The ocean waters around Islas Los Coronados are highly 
productive and very important foraging areas for breeding, migrant, and 
wintering seabirds such as the Xantus's murrelet. The loss of large 
numbers of prey could be detrimental to seabirds that depend on Islas 
Los Coronados for foraging at various times of year. Degraded water 
quality around Islas Los Coronados may also result from this project, 
such as

[[Page 24877]]

from the seawater chlorination process. A gas spill from the facility 
or pipeline could have substantial negative effects on the Xantus's 
murrelet. Due to the now imminent threats from the proposed LNG 
facility, we changed the listing priority number for this species from 
a 5 to a 2.

Amphibians

    Black Warrior waterdog (Necturus alabamensis)--The Black Warrior 
waterdog inhabits streams above the Fall Line within the Black Warrior 
River Basin in Alabama. There is very little specific locality 
information available on the historical distribution of the Black 
Warrior waterdog, however, as limited attention was given to this 
species between its description in 1937 and the 1980's. There are a 
total of 11 known historical records from 4 Alabama counties. Two of 
these sites have now been inundated by impoundments. Extensive survey 
work was conducted in the 1990's to look for additional populations. 
Currently, the species is known from 14 sites in 5 counties.
    Water quality degradation is the biggest threat to the continued 
existence of the Black Warrior waterdog. Most streams that have been 
surveyed for the waterdog showed evidence of pollution and many 
appeared biologically depauperate. Sources of point and nonpoint 
pollution in the Black Warrior River Basin have been numerous and 
widespread. Pollution is generated from inadequately treated effluent 
from industrial plants, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment plants, 
poultry operations, and cattle feedlots. Surface mining represents 
another threat to the biological integrity of waterdog habitat. Runoff 
from old, abandoned coal mines generates pollution through 
acidification, increased mineralization, and sediment loading. An 
additional threat to the Black Warrior waterdog is the creation of 
large impoundments that have flooded thousands of acres of its habitat. 
These impoundments are likely marginal or unsuitable habitat for the 
salamander. Threats to the Black Warrior waterdog have not changed over 
the past year, but to better reflect the fact that threats from the 
pervasive water quality degradation in the Black Warrior Basin are 
imminent, we changed the listing priority number from a 5 to a 2 for 
this species.
    Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi)--Since the 
species was elevated to candidate status in 2001 (66 FR 54808), the 
known threats have increased. In particular, recreational pressures on 
Ozark hellbender rivers have increased substantially on an annual 
basis. The Missouri Department of Conservation reports that gigging 
popularity and pressure has increased, which presents a significant 
threat to hellbenders during the breeding season as they tend to move 
greater distances and congregate in small groups where they are an easy 
target for giggers. Canoe, kayak, and motor/jet boat traffic has 
increased in recent years on the Jacks Fork, Current, Eleven Point, and 
North Fork Rivers. The popularity of these float streams has grown to 
the point that the National Park Service is considering alternatives to 
reducing the number of boats that can be launched daily by 
concessionaires, but no change has been adopted and even if one is, 
floating will still occur. Horse trail rides are extremely popular 
along both the Jacks Fork and Current National Scenic Rivers. In 2003, 
the Missouri Department of Natural Resources added a 7-mile stretch of 
the Jacks Fork River to the 303(d) list of impaired waters for organic 
wastes (fecal coliform) immediately downstream from a commercial horse 
trail ride outfitter.
    To date, nothing has been done to reduce or ameliorate ongoing 
threats to Ozark hellbenders. The Ozarks region continues to experience 
rapid urbanization, expansion of industrial agricultural practices such 
as concentrated animal feeding operations (chickens, turkeys, hogs, 
cattle), and logging. No laws are in place that preclude livestock from 
grazing in riparian corridors and resting in or along streams and 
rivers. Missouri is the second largest beef cattle producing state in 
the nation, with the majority of animal units produced in the Ozarks. 
Both Arkansas and Missouri are the leading States in poultry 
production. The fact that the majority of the Ozarks region in Missouri 
and Arkansas is comprised of karst topography (caves, springs, 
sinkholes, and losing streams) further complicates the containment and 
transport of potential contaminants.
    In short, the abundance of treatment facilities and lack of 
adequate treatment facilities or practices for both human and livestock 
waste poses a significant and ever increasing threat to aquatic 
ecosystems. The decrease in Ozark hellbender range and population size 
and the shift in age structure are likely caused by a variety of 
historic and ongoing activities. The primary cause of these trends is 
habitat destruction and modification through impoundment, 
channelization, siltation, and water quality degradation from a variety 
of sources, including industrialization, agricultural runoff, mine 
waste, and timber harvest. Overutilization of hellbenders for commerce 
and scientific purposes is also likely contributing to their decline. 
The regulations in place that could prevent these impacts, including 
the Clean Water Act and State laws, have been inadequate in preventing 
Ozark hellbender declines to this point. Finally, most of the remaining 
Ozark hellbender populations are small and isolated, making them 
vulnerable to individual catastrophic events and reducing the 
likelihood of recolonization after localized extinctions. Due to 
substantial increases in recreational pressures on Ozark hellbender 
rivers on an annual basis, we changed the listing priority number for 
this subspecies from a 6 to a 3.

Clams

    Georgia pigtoe (Pleurobema hanleyanum)--The Georgia pigtoe was 
historically found in shallow runs and riffles in large creeks and 
rivers of the Coosa River drainage system in Alabama, Georgia, and 
Tennessee. The species is currently known to exist in localized 
portions of the upper Conasauga River in Murray and Whitfield Counties, 
Georgia, and in a short reach of the Coosa River below Terrapin Creek, 
Cherokee County, Alabama. The Georgia pigtoe is very rare, with only a 
few observations of living animals over the past 15 years. Impoundment 
and pollution are implicated in the decline and disappearance of the 
species. We changed the listing priority of the Georgia pigtoe from a 5 
to a 2 due to rarity and continued lack of success into locating living 
animals.

Snails

    Bonneville pondsnail (Stagnicola bonnevillensis)--The Bonneville 
pondsnail occupies four spring pools north of the Great Salt Lake in 
Box Elder County, Utah (Horse Spring B, Horse Spring B South, Pipe 
Spring, and Shotgun Spring). While the total number of individuals is 
unknown, the total occupied habitat is less than one hectare. Two 
previous threats to this species now appear to have been resolved. 
Leaks from petroleum pipelines in the area have occurred in 2000 and 
2002; however, Chevron Pipeline (which has responsibility for operation 
and maintenance of the pipelines) has addressed potential threats from 
pipeline leaks with internal integrity inspections and alerts prior to 
leakage. Consequently, potential pipeline leaks are not a current 
threat. Intensive, unregulated grazing can degrade the habitat of 
aquatic species, including Stagnicola bonnevillensis, but the springs 
where this species occurs

[[Page 24878]]

have been fenced to restrict livestock use and this is not a current 
threat.
    Current threats to this species include perchlorate and 
trichloroethelene (TCE) contamination from ATK Thiokol, Inc. (Thiokol). 
Until recently, Thiokol disposed of waste products such as perchlorate 
and TCE in an area 6.5 km (4 mi) upstream from the pondsnail's habitat, 
within the same hydrologic ground water gradient as the occupied snail 
habitat. Contaminated soils have been removed and the area capped to 
prevent further contamination. Groundwater sampling indicates that the 
10 [mu]g/l isoline of the TCE plume is 0.5 km (0.3 mi) north of Shotgun 
and Pipe Springs. The 100 [mu]g/l isoline of the TCE plume is 2.4 km 
(1.5 mi) northwest of Shotgun Spring. The 1000 [mu]g/l isoline of the 
TCE plume is 3.5 km (2.2 miles) northwest of Shotgun Spring. Levels of 
percholate measured in June 2004 range from 6.6 [mu]g/liter in Fish 
Spring to 287 [mu]g/liter in Pipe Spring. The acute toxicity of TCE and 
perchlorate to Stagnicola bonnevillensis is under investigation, but 
both substances are potentially lethal to most wildlife species. The 
current levels of TCE and perchlorate in the occupied springs and the 
approaching groundwater plume are of concern for the future of this 
species and its habitat. Thiokol is taking corrective action to 
identify and remediate groundwater contamination through a Corrective 
Action Plan (an updated groundwater model and risk assessments are to 
be completed in May 2005 under this plan). Bioassay studies are being 
initiated to determine the effect of these contaminants on the snail 
and its habitat.
    Although the range of this species is highly restricted and the 
only known habitat is currently threatened by chemical contamination of 
the ground water, we consider the following actions that are addressing 
these threats to be significant enough to have reduced the magnitude of 
threats from high to moderate: discontinued disposal of wastes in an 
unlined impoundment, removal of contaminated soil, installation of a 
cap to prevent infiltration of water into soils beneath impoundment, 
monitoring of downgradient groundwater for contamination, 
implementation of a Corrective Action Plan to characterize and 
remediate groundwater contamination, implementation of a site 
management plan, and development of a groundwater model and risk 
assessment. Thus, we changed the listing priority from a 2 to an 8. 
Additionally, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is currently 
drafting a Conservation Agreement and Strategy for this species.
    Interrupted (Georgia) rocksnail (Leptoxis foremani (downei))--
Interrupted rocksnails historically occurred in shoals, riffles, and 
reefs of small to large rivers in the Coosa River Basin of Alabama and 
Georgia. Today, only a single surviving natural population is known 
from a short reach of the Coosawattee River, Georgia. During a 1999 
census, 10-45 interrupted rocksnail snails per square meter were found 
in this reach. In 2004, a 6 man-hour search was required to find 20 
individuals. Water quality is suspected as the cause of decline. A 
captive colony of approximately 200 snails was established at the 
Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute (TNARI) in 2000 for study and 
propagation. During the winter of 2003, the Alabama Department of 
Conservation and Natural Resources released about 3000 juvenile 
interrupted rocksnails from the TNARI colony into the Coosa River above 
Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The status of this reintroduction is 
currently unknown. We changed the listing priority number for the 
interrupted rocksnail from a 5