Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Amendments for Southeastern Mussels, Snails, and a Reptile, 8960-8967 [2022-03115]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 33 (Thursday, February 17, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8960-8967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03115]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2021-0133; FF09E21000 FXES1111090FEDR 223]
RIN 1018-BF29


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical 
Amendments for Southeastern Mussels, Snails, and a Reptile

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the revised 
taxonomy of 16 wildlife species under the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (Act). We are revising the List

[[Page 8961]]

of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and/or other applicable 
regulations to reflect the scientifically accepted taxonomy and 
nomenclature of these species.

DATES: This rule is effective May 18, 2022 without further action, 
unless significant adverse comment is received by March 21, 2022. If 
significant adverse comment is received, we will publish a timely 
withdrawal of the rule for the appropriate species in the Federal 
Register.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R4-ES-2021-0133, 
which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, click on the 
Search button. On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the left 
side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the Rule 
box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on 
``Comment.''
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments 
Processing, Attn: FWS-R4-ES-2021-0133, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
MS: PRB/3W (JAO), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We request that you send comments only by the methods described 
above. We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see Public Comments, below, for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Rankin, Chief, Division of 
Conservation and Classification, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Interior Regions 2 and 4, 1875 Century Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30345; 
telephone 404-679-7089. Individuals who are hearing impaired or speech 
impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8337 for TTY 
(telephone typewriter or teletypewriter) assistance 24 hours a day, 7 
days a week.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose of Direct Final Rule and Final Action

    The purpose of this direct final rule is to notify the public that 
we are revising the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List) 
in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Sec.  17.11(h) 
(50 CFR 17.11(h)) and/or other applicable regulations to reflect the 
scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of 13 freshwater 
mussel species, 2 snail species, and 1 reptile species listed under 
section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). These changes to the 
List and/or other applicable regulations reflect the most recently 
accepted scientific name in accordance with 50 CFR 17.11(c).
    We are publishing this rule without a prior proposal because this 
is a noncontroversial action that is in the best interest of the public 
and should be undertaken in as timely a manner as possible. This rule 
will be effective, as published in this document, on the effective date 
specified in DATES, unless we receive significant adverse comments by 
the comment due date specified in DATES. Significant adverse comments 
are comments that provide strong justification as to why our rule 
should not be adopted or why it should be changed.
    If we receive significant adverse comments regarding the taxonomic 
changes for any of these species, we will publish a document in the 
Federal Register withdrawing this rule for the appropriate species 
before the effective date, and we will publish a proposed rule to 
initiate promulgation of those changes to 50 CFR 17.11(h) and/or other 
applicable regulations.

Public Comments

    You may submit your comments and materials regarding our direct 
final rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. Please include 
sufficient information with your submission (such as scientific journal 
articles or other publications) to allow us to verify any scientific or 
commercial information you include.
    If you submit information via https://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire submission--including any personal identifying information--will 
be posted on the website. If your submission is made via a hardcopy 
that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the 
top of your document that we withhold this information from public 
review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We 
will post all hardcopy submissions on https://www.regulations.gov.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this direct final rule, will be 
available for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov.

Background

    Sections 17.11(c) and 17.12(b) of title 50 of the CFR direct us to 
use the most recently accepted scientific name of any species that we 
have determined to be an endangered or threatened species. Using the 
best available scientific information, this direct final rule documents 
taxonomic changes of the scientific names to 12 entries under 
``Clams,'' 2 entries under ``Snails,'' and 1 entry under ``Reptiles'' 
on the List at 50 CFR 17.11(h). The basis for these taxonomic changes 
is supported by published studies in peer-reviewed journals. 
Accordingly, we revise the scientific names of these 15 species under 
section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Species name as currently listed          Corrected species name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ouachita rock-pocketbook (Arkansia       Ouachita rock pocketbook
 wheeleri).                               (Arcidens wheeleri).
Northern riffleshell (Epioblasma         Northern riffleshell
 torulosa rangiana).                      (Epioblasma rangiana).
Finelined pocketbook (Lampsilis          Finelined pocketbook (Hamiota
 altilis).                                altilis).
Orangenacre mucket (Lampsilis            Orangenacre mucket (Hamiota
 perovalis).                              perovalis).
Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis         Shinyrayed pocketbook (Hamiota
 subangulata).                            subangulata).
Choctaw bean (Villosa choctawensis)....  Choctaw bean (Obovaria
                                          choctawensis).
James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina).  James spinymussel (Parvaspina
                                          collina).
Tar River spinymussel (Elliptio          Tar River spinymussel
 steinstansana).                          (Parvaspina steinstansana).
Cumberland pigtoe (Pleurobema gibberum)  Cumberland pigtoe (Pleuronaia
                                          gibber).
Round ebonyshell (Fusconaia rotulata)..  Round ebonyshell (Reginaia
                                          rotulata).
Cumberland monkeyface (Quadrula          Cumberland monkeyface
 intermedia).                             (Theliderma intermedia).
Appalachian monkeyface (pearlymussel)    Appalachian monkeyface
 (Quadrula sparsa).                       (Theliderma sparsa).
Royal marstonia (Pyrgulopsis             Royal marstonia (Marstonia
 ogmorhaphe).                             ogmorhaphe).
Armored marstonia (snail) (Pyrgulopsis   Armored marstonia (Marstonia
 (= Marstonia) pachyta).                  pachyta).
Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais  Eastern indigo snake
 couperi).                                (Drymarchon couperi).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 8962]]

    We make these changes to the List at 50 CFR 17.11(h) to reflect the 
most recently accepted scientific name in accordance with 50 CFR 
17.11(c).
    In addition, while the List provides the correct scientific name 
for the fluted kidneyshell, Ptychobranchus subtentus, its critical 
habitat designation at 50 CFR 17.95(f) does not. We are correcting the 
scientific name of this species in its critical habitat entry, as 
explained below.

Taxonomic Classification

Ouachita Rock Pocketbook

    On October 23, 1991, we published a final rule (56 FR 54950) 
listing the Ouachita rock-pocketbook (Arkansia wheeleri) as an 
endangered species. At the time of listing and preparation of the 
recovery plan, standard classifications of mollusks from the United 
States and Canada (Turgeon et al. 1988, p. 29; Turgeon et al. 1998, p. 
32; Williams et al. 1993, p. 11) placed the Ouachita rock pocketbook in 
the genus Arkansia. Williams et al. (2017) published an updated 
standard list of freshwater mussels of the United States and Canada, in 
which they made Arkansia a synonym of Arcidens and thus reassigned the 
Ouachita rock pocketbook to the latter genus. Williams et al. (2017, p. 
46) based their actions on the analyses by Inoue et al. (2014, entire) 
and the prior recommendations of Clarke (1981, pp. 85-89) and Graf and 
Cummings (2007, p. 305). This taxonomic change does not affect the 
range or endangered status of the Ouachita rock pocketbook.

Northern Riffleshell

    On January 22, 1993, we published a final rule (58 FR 5638) listing 
the northern riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana) as an 
endangered species. It was taxonomically categorized as a subspecies 
(Epioblasma torulosa rangiana) at the time of listing and recovery plan 
development. The taxonomy of the northern riffleshell and related taxa 
has been variable due to uncertain species' designations, a general 
change in the definition of the species' concept in freshwater mussels 
(Williams et al. 2017, p. 34), and ecophenotypic variation 
(characteristics modified by environmental factors). The decline and 
extinction of many Epioblasma occurred before genetic techniques became 
available to provide data that could be informative to the species' 
taxonomy. At the time we listed the northern riffleshell as endangered 
as Epioblasma torulosa rangiana, it was one of three subspecies, with 
the tubercled blossom, Epioblasma torulosa, and green blossom, 
Epioblasma torulosa gubernaculum (Turgeon et al. 1998, pp. 34, 182). 
Cummings and Berlocher (1990, p. 92) found no evidence of 
intergradation between E. t. torulosa and E. t. rangiana, and both taxa 
co-occurred at many sites; based on this evidence, Williams et al. 
(2017, p. 48) elevated these subspecies to species status. This 
taxonomic change does not affect the range or endangered status of the 
northern riffleshell.

Hamiota

    The genus Hamiota was recently described to accommodate a 
monophyletic clade (a group descended from a common ancestor) of four 
species that produce superconglutinates (enclosing their larvae in a 
minnow-like lure). The four species previously recognized under 
Lampsilis are: L. altilis, L. australis, L. perovalis, and L. 
subangulata (Roe and Hartfield 2005, entire; Roe et al. 2001, pp. 2230-
2232). The new genus has been recognized within recent taxonomic 
publications (e.g., Williams et al. 2008; Williams et al. 2017). 
Williams et al. (2017, p. 49) recognize the reassignment of these 
species from Lampsilis to Hamiota. The southern sandshell (Hamiota 
australis) is already recognized as such on the List. The remaining 
three species are discussed below.
Finelined Pocketbook
    On March 17, 1993, we published a final rule (58 FR 14330) listing 
the finelined pocketbook (Lampsilis altilis) as a threatened species. 
On July 1, 2004, we published a final rule (69 FR 40084) designating 
critical habitat for the finelined pocketbook. Williams et al. (2017, 
p. 49) reassigned the scientific name for the finelined pocketbook from 
Lampsilis to Hamiota altilis. With this rule, in addition to amending 
the scientific name of the species in the List, we correct the 
scientific name for this species in its critical habitat designation at 
50 CFR 17.95(f). This taxonomic change does not affect the range, 
threatened status, or designated critical habitat of the finelined 
pocketbook.
Orangenacre Mucket
    On March 17, 1993, we published a final rule (58 FR 14330) listing 
the orangenacre mucket (Lampsilis perovalis) as a threatened species. 
On July 1, 2004, we published a final rule (69 FR 40084) designating 
critical habitat for the orangenacre mucket. In the March 17, 1993, 
final rule, we also recognized the following names as synonyms of 
Lampsilis perovalis: Unio perovalis Conrad, Unio doliaris Lea, Unio 
placitus Lea, and Unio spilimani Lea. Williams et al. (2017, p. 49) 
reassigned the scientific name for the orangenacre mucket from 
Lampsilis to Hamiota perovalis. With this rule, in addition to amending 
the scientific name of the species in the List, we correct the 
scientific name for this species in its critical habitat designation at 
50 CFR 17.95(f). This taxonomic change does not affect the range, 
threatened status, or designated critical habitat of the orangenacre 
mucket.
Shinyrayed Pocketbook
    On March 16, 1998, we published a final rule (63 FR 12664) listing 
the shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) as an endangered 
species. On November 15, 2007, we published a final rule (72 FR 64286) 
designating critical habitat for the species. Williams et al. (2017, p. 
49) reassigned the scientific name for the shinyrayed pocketbook from 
Lampsilis to Hamiota subangulata. With this rule, in addition to 
amending the scientific name of the species in the List, we correct the 
scientific name for this species in its critical habitat designation at 
50 CFR 17.95(f). This taxonomic change does not affect the range, 
endangered status, or designated critical habitat of the shinyrayed 
pocketbook.

Choctaw Bean

    On October 10, 2012, we published a final rule (77 FR 61664) 
listing the Choctaw bean (Villosa choctawensis) as an endangered 
species and designating critical habitat for the species. Turgeon et 
al. (1998, p. 37) recognized 17 species and 1 subspecies of Villosa. 
The genus is polyphyletic, with species occurring in as many as seven 
different clades within the Lampsilini (Kuehnl 2009; entire). Based on 
molecular data (Kuehnl 2009, pp. 100, 106-107; Inoue et al. 2013, 
entire) and marsupial morphology (Williams et al. 2011, p. 22), 
Williams et al. (2017, pp. 53-54) reassigned Villosa choctawensis to 
Obovaria. Evidence also supports reassignment to Obovaria of species 
recognized by Turgeon et al. (1998) under other genera. Williams et al. 
(2017, p. 50) reassigned the scientific name for the Choctaw bean from 
Villosa to Obovaria choctawensis. With this rule, in addition to 
amending the scientific name of the species in the List, we correct the 
scientific name for this species in its critical habitat designation at 
50 CFR 17.95(f). This taxonomic change does not affect the range, 
endangered status, or designated critical habitat of the Choctaw bean.

[[Page 8963]]

Spinymussel

    The new genus Parvaspina was recently described to accommodate a 
monophyletic clade of two species previously recognized as Pleurobema 
collina and Elliptio steinstansana (Perkins et al. 2017, entire). 
Williams et al. (2017, pp. 47, 51) reassigned the scientific name for 
the James spinymussel from Pleurobema to Parvaspina collina and the Tar 
River spinymussel from Elliptio to Parvaspina steinstansana.
James Spinymussel
    On July 22, 1988, we published a final rule (53 FR 27689) listing 
the James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) as an endangered species. 
Turgeon et al. (1998, pp. 32, 183-184) recognized 32 species of 
Pleurobema, making it one of the largest unionid genera. Molecular data 
largely support the monophyly of Pleurobema as depicted by Turgeon et 
al. (1998, pp. 32, 183-184) with two exceptions. Three studies support 
reassignment of Pleurobema to Parvaspina collina (Campbell et al. 2008, 
pp. 712, 719; Campbell and Lydeard 2012b, pp. 20, 24-26, 29, 34; 
Perkins et al. 2017, entire). This taxonomic change does not affect the 
range or endangered status of the James spinymussel.
Tar River Spinymussel
    On June 27, 1985, we published a final rule (50 FR 26572) listing 
the Tar River spinymussel (Elliptio (Canthyria) steinstansana) as an 
endangered species. The species recovery plan (1987) also uses the 
scientific name Elliptio (Canthyria) steinstansana. Turgeon et al. 
(1998, pp. 33, 181) recognized 36 species in the genus Elliptio, making 
it the largest unionid genus in the United States and Canada. Recent 
molecular studies have largely supported the monophyly of Elliptio with 
two exceptions, including the Tar River spinymussel (Campbell and 
Lydeard 2012b, p. 20; Perkins et al. 2017, entire). Williams et al. 
(2017, pp. 38, 41) recognize the reassignment of Elliptio to Parvaspina 
steinstansana based on molecular data (Perkins et al. 2017, entire). 
This taxonomic change does not affect the range or endangered status of 
the Tar River spinymussel.

Cumberland Pigtoe

    On May 7, 1991, we published a final rule (56 FR 21084) listing the 
Cumberland pigtoe (Pleurobema gibberum) as an endangered species. The 
genus Pleuronaia was created as a subgenus by Frierson (1927, p. 58) 
but has since been elevated to genus level based on phylogenetic 
analysis of DNA sequence data (Campbell et al. 2005, p. 147) and shell 
morphology (Williams et al. 2008). Williams et al. (2017, pp. 42, 51) 
reassign the Cumberland pigtoe from Pleurobema to Pleuronaia and 
recognize it as Pleuronaia gibber. This taxonomic change does not 
affect the range or endangered status of the Cumberland pigtoe.

Fluted Kidneyshell

    On September 26, 2013, we published a final rule (78 FR 59269) 
listing the fluted kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus subtentum) as an 
endangered species and designating critical habitat for the species. 
Williams et al. (2017, pp. 42, 51) lists the gender agreement spelling 
correction of Ptychobranchus subtentum to P. subtentus following Lee 
(2008, p. 262). The taxonomic change to Ptychobranchus subtentus was 
made to the List with a final rule we published on August 4, 2016 (81 
FR 51550); however, that rule did not also change the scientific name 
of the species in its critical habitat designation. We are, therefore, 
correcting the scientific name of the fluted kidneyshell in its 
critical habitat designation at 50 CFR 17.95(f) with this direct final 
rule. This change does not affect the range, endangered status, or 
designated critical habitat of the fluted kidneyshell.

Round Ebonyshell

    On October 10, 2012, we published a final rule (77 FR 61664) 
listing the round ebonyshell (Fusconaia rotulata) as an endangered 
species and designating critical habitat for the species. The round 
ebonyshell has been assigned to a number of genera since discovery. 
Based on a recent molecular study, Fusconaia rotulata was reassigned to 
the new genus Reginaia (Campbell and Lydeard 2012a, pp. 20, 25-26, 34). 
Williams et al. 2017 (p. 50) recognized the Reginaia as the new genus 
for this species. With this rule, in addition to amending the 
scientific name of the species in the List, we correct the scientific 
name for this species in its critical habitat designation at 50 CFR 
17.95(f). This taxonomic change does not affect the range, endangered 
status, or designated critical habitat of the round ebonyshell.

Theliderma

    The genus Theliderma was created by Graf and Cummings (2007, p. 
308) to accommodate five species with a common ancestor: Quadrula 
cylindrica, Q. intermedia, Q. metanevra, Q. sparsa, and Q. stapes (Serb 
et al. 2003, p. 9). Williams et al. (2017, p. 52) recognize placement 
of all five of these species in Theliderma.
Cumberland and Appalachian Monkeyface
    On June 14, 1976, we published a final rule (41 FR 24062) listing 
the Cumberland monkeyface and Appalachian monkeyface (Quadrula 
intermedia and Quadrula sparsa, respectively) as endangered species. 
Williams et al. (2017, pp. 43, 52) reassigned the Cumberland monkeyface 
and Appalachian monkeyface to the genus Theliderma (Serb et al. 2003, 
p. 9; Campbell and Lydeard 2012b, p. 33; see also Graf and Cummings 
2007, p. 308) and recognized the scientific names Theliderma intermedia 
and Theliderma sparsa, respectively. These pearlymussels have 
nonessential experimental populations designated at 50 CFR 17.85(a) 
(for Cumberland monkeyface) and 17.85(b) (for both Appalachian 
monkeyface and Cumberland monkeyface); with this rule, in addition to 
amending the scientific name of the species in the List, we correct the 
scientific name for these species at 50 CFR 17.85(a) and (b). This 
taxonomic change does not affect the range, endangered status, or 
nonessential experimental populations for these mussels.

Royal Marstonia

    On April 15, 1994, we published a final rule (59 FR 17994) listing 
the royal marstonia (Pyrgulopsis ogmorhaphe) as an endangered species. 
The nomenclature for the royal marstonia has changed since listing. 
Thompson and Herschler (2002, pp. 269-270) re-evaluated eastern North 
American species assigned to Pyrgulopsis and, based on strongly 
differentiated morphological characteristics between eastern and 
western congeners of Pyrgulopsis, recognized them as distinct species 
of the genus Marstonia. Similarly, Johnson et al. (2013, p. 274) used 
M. ogmorhaphe in their Conservation Status of Freshwater Gastropods of 
Canada and United States. This taxonomic change does not affect the 
range or endangered status of royal marstonia.

Armored Marstonia

    On February 25, 2000, we published a final rule (65 FR 10033) 
listing the armored marstonia (snail) (Pyrgulopsis (= Marstonia) 
pachyta) as an endangered species. A subsequent study showed that 
eastern and western Pyrgulopsis were consistently differentiable based 
on anatomical characters (Thompson and Hershler 2002, pp. 269-270). 
Therefore, the eastern species of Pyrgulopis was placed in the genus 
Marstonia (Thompson and

[[Page 8964]]

Hershler 2002, pp. 269-270), and is the currently accepted nomenclature 
(Johnson et al. 2013, p. 274). This taxonomic change does not affect 
the range or endangered status of the armored marstonia.

Eastern Indigo Snake

    On January 31, 1978, we published a final rule (43 FR 4026) listing 
the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) as a threatened 
species. Collins (1991, p. 43) elevated this lineage to species status 
based on geographic isolation and morphology. Subsequent work supported 
this designation, and the eastern indigo snake was accepted by the 
scientific community as its own species, Drymarchon couperi 
(W[uuml]ster et al. 2001, p. 163; Crother et al. 2012, p. 59). Ongoing 
genetic studies further evaluating taxonomic classification suggest 
potential speciation within Drymarchon couperi (Krysko et al. 2016, 
entire); however, the scientific community has not yet examined and 
accepted the eastern indigo snake taxonomic change suggested by Krysko 
et al. (2016). Currently, the eastern indigo snake is accepted by the 
scientific community as a separate species, Drymarchon couperi (Crother 
et al. 2012, p. 59). This taxonomic change does not affect the range or 
threatened status of the eastern indigo snake.

Required Determinations

Clarity of the Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To help us to 
revise this rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For 
example, you should tell us the paragraphs that are unclearly written, 
which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel 
lists or tables would be useful, etc.

National Environmental Policy Act

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

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and the Department 
of the Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make 
information available to Tribes. We have determined that this rule will 
not affect Tribes or Tribal lands.

References Cited

    A complete list of the referenced materials is available at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2021-0133 or upon request 
from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Regulation Promulgation

    For the reasons given in the preamble, 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

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

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


0
2. In Sec.  17.11 amend the table in paragraph (h), the List of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife by:
0
a. Under REPTILES, revising the entry for ``Snake, eastern indigo'';
0
b. Under CLAMS, revising the entries for ``Bean, Choctaw'', 
``Ebonyshell, round'', ``Monkeyface, Appalachian (pearlymussel)'', 
``Monkeyface, Cumberland'', ``Mucket, orangenacre'', ``Pigtoe, 
Cumberland'', ``Pocketbook, finelined'', ``Pocketbook, shinyrayed'', 
``Riffleshell, northern'', ``Rock-pocketbook, Ouachita'', 
``Spinymussel, James'', and ``Spinymussel, Tar River''; and
0
c. Under SNAILS, revising the entries for ``Marstonia, armored 
(snail)'' and ``Marstonia, royal''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  17.11   Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Listing citations
            Common name                Scientific name        Where listed        Status    and applicable rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    REPTILES
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Snake, eastern indigo.............  Drymarchon couperi..  Wherever found......          T   43 FR 4026, 1/31/
                                                                                             1978.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      CLAMS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

[[Page 8965]]

 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Bean, Choctaw.....................  Obovaria              Wherever found......          E   77 FR 61663, 10/10/
                                     choctawensis.                                           2012; 50 CFR
                                                                                             17.95(f).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Ebonyshell, round.................  Reginaia rotulata...  Wherever found......          E   58 FR 14330, 3/17/
                                                                                             1993; 50 CFR
                                                                                             17.95(f).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Monkeyface, Appalachian             Theliderma sparsa...  Wherever found,               E   41 FR 24062, 6/14/
 (pearlymussel).                                           except where listed               1976.
                                                           as an experimental
                                                           population.
Monkeyface, Appalachian             Theliderma sparsa...  U.S.A. (TN--                 XN   72 FR 52434, 9/13/
 (pearlymussel).                                           specified portions                2007; 50 CFR
                                                           of the French Broad               17.85(b).\10j\
                                                           and Holston Rivers;
                                                           see Sec.
                                                           17.85(b)(1)).
Monkeyface, Cumberland............  Theliderma            Wherever found,               E   41 FR 24062, 6/14/
                                     intermedia.           except where listed               1976.
                                                           as an experimental
                                                           population.
Monkeyface, Cumberland............  Theliderma            U.S.A. (AL--                 XN   66 FR 32250, 6/14/
                                     intermedia.           specified portions                2001; 50 CFR
                                                           of the Tennessee                  17.85(a).\10j\
                                                           River; see Sec.
                                                           17.85(a)(1)).
Monkeyface, Cumberland............  Theliderma            U.S.A. (TN--                 XN   72 FR 52434, 9/13/
                                     intermedia.           specified portions                2007; 50 CFR
                                                           of the French Broad               17.85(b).\10j\
                                                           and Holston Rivers;
                                                           see Sec.
                                                           17.85(b)(1)).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Mucket, orangenacre...............  Hamiota perovalis...  Wherever found......          T   58 FR 14330, 3/17/
                                                                                             1993; 50 CFR
                                                                                             17.95(f).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Pigtoe, Cumberland................  Pleuronaia gibber...  Wherever found......          E   56 FR 21084, 5/7/
                                                                                             1991.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Pocketbook, finelined.............  Hamiota altilis.....  Wherever found......          T   58 FR 14330, 3/17/
                                                                                             1993; 50 CFR
                                                                                             17.95(f).\CH\
Pocketbook, shinyrayed............  Hamiota subangulata.  Wherever found......          E   63 FR 12664, 3/16/
                                                                                             1998; 50 CFR
                                                                                             17.95(f).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Riffleshell, northern.............  Epioblasma rangiana.  Wherever found......          E   58 FR 5638, 1/22/
                                                                                             1993.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Rock pocketbook, Ouachita.........  Arcidens wheeleri...  Wherever found......          E   56 FR 54950, 10/23/
                                                                                             1991.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Spinymussel, James................  Parvaspina collina..  Wherever found......          E   53 FR 27689, 7/22/
                                                                                             1988.
Spinymussel, Tar River............  Parvaspina            Wherever found......          E   50 FR 26572, 6/27/
                                     steinstansana.                                          1985.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     SNAILS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Marstonia, armored (snail)........  Marstonia pachyta...  Wherever found......          E   65 FR 10033, 2/25/
                                                                                             2000.
Marstonia, royal..................  Marstonia ogmorhaphe  Wherever found......          E   59 FR 17994, 4/15/
                                                                                             1994.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Amend Sec.  17.85 by:
0
a. In the introductory text of paragraph (a), revising the entry for 
``Cumberland monkeyface (pearlymussel)''; and
0
b. In the introductory text of paragraph (b), revising the entries for 
``Appalachian monkeyface (pearlymussel)'' and ``Cumberland monkeyface 
(pearlymussel)''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  17.85   Special rules--invertebrates.

    (a) * * *

[[Page 8966]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Common name                        Scientific name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Cumberland monkeyface (pearlymussel)...  Theliderma intermedia.
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    (b) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Common name                        Scientific name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Appalachian monkeyface (pearlymussel)..  Theliderma sparsa.
Cumberland monkeyface (pearlymussel)...  Theliderma intermedia.
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
4. Amend Sec.  17.95(f) by:
0
a. In the entry for ``Eleven Mobile River Basin Mussel Species: 
Southern acornshell (Epioblasma othcaloogensis), ovate clubshell 
(Pleurobema perovatum), southern clubshell (Pleurobema decisum), upland 
combshell (Epioblasma metastriata), triangular kidneyshell 
(Ptychobranchus greenii), Alabama moccasinshell (Medionidus 
acutissimus), Coosa moccasinshell (Medionidus parvulus), orange-nacre 
mucket (Lampsilis perovalis), dark pigtoe (Pleurobema furvum), southern 
pigtoe (Pleurobema georgianum), and fine-lined pocketbook (Lampsilis 
altilis)'', revising the heading, the introductory text to paragraph 
(1), and the entries for ``Orange-nacre mucket (Lampsilis perovalis)'' 
and ``Fine-lined pocketbook (Lampsilis altilis)'' in the table at 
paragraph (2)(ii);
0
b. In the entry for ``Seven mussel species (in four northeast Gulf of 
Mexico drainages): Purple bankclimber (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Gulf 
moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell 
(Medionidus simpsonianus), oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), 
shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata), Chipola slabshell 
(Elliptio chipolaensis), and fat threeridge (Amblema neislerii)'', 
revising the heading, the introductory text to paragraph (2), and the 
entry for ``Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata)'' in the 
table at paragraph (6);
0
c. In the entry for ``Eight mussel species in four northeast Gulf of 
Mexico drainages: the Choctaw bean (Villosa choctawensis), round 
ebonyshell (Fusconaia rotulata), southern kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus 
jonesi), Alabama pearlshell (Margaritifera marrianae), fuzzy pigtoe 
(Pleurobema strodeanum), narrow pigtoe (Fusconaia escambia), tapered 
pigtoe (Fusconaia burkei), and southern sandshell (Hamiota 
australis)'', by revising the heading; and
0
d. In the entry for ``Fluted Kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus subtentum)'' 
by revising the heading.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  17.95   Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    Eleven Mobile River Basin Mussel Species: Southern acornshell 
(Epioblasma othcaloogensis), ovate clubshell (Pleurobema perovatum), 
southern clubshell (Pleurobema decisum), upland combshell (Epioblasma 
metastriata), triangular kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus greenii), Alabama 
moccasinshell (Medionidus acutissimus), Coosa moccasinshell (Medionidus 
parvulus), orangenacre mucket (Hamiota perovalis), dark pigtoe 
(Pleurobema furvum), southern pigtoe (Pleurobema georgianum), and 
finelined pocketbook (Hamiota altilis)
    (1) The primary constituent elements essential for the conservation 
of the southern acornshell (Epioblasma othcaloogensis), ovate clubshell 
(Pleurobema perovatum), southern clubshell (Pleurobema decisum), upland 
combshell (Epioblasma metastriata), triangular kidneyshell 
(Ptychobranchus greenii), Alabama moccasinshell (Medionidus 
acutissimus), Coosa moccasinshell (Medionidus parvulus), orangenacre 
mucket (Hamiota perovalis), dark pigtoe (Pleurobema furvum), southern 
pigtoe (Pleurobema georgianum), and finelined pocketbook (Hamiota 
altilis) are those habitat components that support feeding, sheltering, 
reproduction, and physical features for maintaining the natural 
processes that support these habitat components. The primary 
constituent elements include:
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Species             Critical habitat units       States
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Orangenacre mucket (Hamiota     Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,    AL, MS.
 perovalis).                     6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
                                 12, 13, 14, 15.
 
                              * * * * * * *
Finelined pocketbook (Hamiota   Units 13, 16, 17, 18,   AL, GA, TN.
 altilis).                       19, 20, 21, 22, 23,
                                 24, 25, 26.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    Seven mussel species (in four northeast Gulf of Mexico drainages): 
Purple bankclimber (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Gulf moccasinshell

[[Page 8967]]

(Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus 
simpsonianus), oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), shinyrayed 
pocketbook (Hamiota subangulata), Chipola slabshell (Elliptio 
chipolaensis), and fat threeridge (Amblema neislerii)
* * * * *
    (2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for the 
purple bankclimber (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Gulf moccasinshell 
(Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus 
simpsonianus), oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), shinyrayed 
pocketbook (Hamiota subangulata), Chipola slabshell (Elliptio 
chipolaensis), and fat threeridge (Amblema neislerii) are:
* * * * *
    (6) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Species             Critical habitat units       States
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Shinyrayed pocketbook (Hamiota  Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,    AL, FL, GA.
 subangulata).                   7, 9.
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    Eight mussel species in four northeast Gulf of Mexico drainages: 
Choctaw bean (Obovaria choctawensis), round ebonyshell (Reginaia 
rotulata), southern kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus jonesi), Alabama 
pearlshell (Margaritifera marrianae), fuzzy pigtoe (Pleurobema 
strodeanum), narrow pigtoe (Fusconaia escambia), tapered pigtoe 
(Fusconaia burkei), and southern sandshell (Hamiota australis)
* * * * *
    Fluted Kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus subtentus)
* * * * *

Martha Williams,
Principal Deputy Director, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the 
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03115 Filed 2-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P