2023-10085. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews for 67 Southeastern Species

AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice of initiation of reviews; request for information.

SUMMARY:

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, for 67 animal and plant species. A 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review to ensure the accuracy of the species classification. We are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the previous status review for each species.

DATES:

To ensure consideration of the information in our reviews, we must receive your comments or information on or before July 10, 2023. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time.

ADDRESSES:

For instructions on how to submit information for each species, see the table in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

To request information on specific species, contact the appropriate person in the table in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section or, for general information, contact Aaron Valenta, via phone at (404) 679–4144, via email at [e-mail], or via U.S. mail at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30345. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), for 36 animal species and 31 plant species. A 5-year status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the last review for the species, particularly information on the status, threats, and recovery of the species that may have become available.

Why do we conduct 5-year reviews?

Under the ESA, we maintain Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (which we collectively refer to as the List) in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR 17.11(h) (for wildlife) and 50 CFR 17.12(h) (for plants). Listed wildlife can be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/​current/​title-50/​chapter-I/​subchapter-B/​part-17/​subpart-B/​section-17.11. Listed plants are at https://www.ecfr.gov/​current/​title-50/​chapter-I/​subchapter-B/​part-17/​subpart-B/​section-17.12. Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the ESA requires us to review each listed species' status at least once every 5 years. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing species under active review; however, we may review the status of any species at any time based upon a petition or other information available to us. For additional information about 5-year reviews, refer to our fact sheet at: https://www.fws.gov/​project/​five-year-status-reviews.

What information do we consider in our review?

A 5-year review considers the best scientific and commercial data that have become available since the current listing determination or most recent status review of each species, such as:

(A) Species biology, including but not limited to population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, habitat requirements, tolerance thresholds, and genetics;

(B) Habitat conditions, including but not limited to amount, distribution, and suitability;

(C) Conservation measures that have been implemented or are planned that benefit the species;

(D) Current threats and trends in relation to the five listing factors (as defined in section 4(a)(1) of the ESA); and

(E) Other new information, data, or corrections, including but not limited to taxonomic or nomenclatural changes, identification of erroneous information contained in the List, and improved analytical methods.

New information will be considered in the 5-year review and ongoing recovery programs for the species.

Which species are under review?

This notice announces 5-year status reviews for the species listed in the table below.

Common name/scientific name	Status (endangered or threatened)	Locations where the species is known to occur	Final listing rule ( Federal Register citation and publication date)	Contact person, email, phone	Contact's mailing address
ANIMALS
Mammals:
Mouse, Alabama beach ( Peromyscus polionotusammobates)	Endangered	Alabama	50 FR 23872; 6/6/1985	Bill Lynn, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Mouse, Anastasia Island beach ( Peromyscus polionotus phasma)	Endangered	Florida	54 FR 20598; 5/12/1989	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Vole, Florida salt marsh ( Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli)	Endangered	Florida	56 FR 1457; 1/14/1991	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Birds:
Crane, Mississippi sandhill ( Antigone (= Grus) canadensis pulla)	Endangered	Mississippi	38 FR 14678; 6/4/1973	Kelly Morris, [e-mail], 601–321–1120	USFWS, 6578 Dogwood View Pkwy., Jackson, MS 39213.
Hawk, Puerto Rican broad-winged ( Buteo platypterus brunnescens)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	59 FR 46710; 9/9/1994	Ivan Ilerandi-Roman, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Petrel, Bermuda ( Pterodroma cahow)	Endangered	Bermuda	35 FR 8491; 6/2/1970	John Hammond, [e-mail], 919–856–4520	USFWS, P.O. Box 33726, Raleigh, NC 27636–3726.
Pigeon, Puerto Rican plain ( Patagioenas (= Columba) inornata wetmorei)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	35 FR 16047; 10/13/1970	José Cruz-Burgos, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Amphibians:
Coquí, llanero ( Eleutherodactylus juanariveroi)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	77 FR 60777; 10/4/2012	Jan Zegarra, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Salamander, frosted flatwoods ( Ambystoma cingulatum)	Threatened	Florida, Georgia, South Carolina	64 FR 15691; 4/1/1999	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 1601 Balboa Ave., Panama City, FL 32405.
Reptiles:
Lizard, St. Croix ground ( Ameiva polops)	Endangered	Virgin Islands	42 FR 28543; 6/3/1977	Jan Zegarra, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Snake, Atlantic salt marsh ( Nerodia clarkii taeniata)	Threatened	Florida	42 FR 60743; 11/29/1977	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Snake, eastern indigo ( Drymarchon couperi)	Threatened	Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi	43 FR 4026; 1/31/1978	Michele Elmore, [e-mail], 912–403–1873	USFWS, RG Stephens, Jr. Federal Building, 355 East Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601.
Fishes:
Cavefish, Ozark ( Amblyopsis rosae)	Threatened	Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma	49 FR 43965; 11/1/1984	Pedro Ardapple-Kindberg, [e-mail], 870–503–1101	USFWS, 110 South Amity Road, Suite 300, Conway, AR 72032.
Chub, spotfin ( Erimonax monachus)	Threatened	North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia	42 FR 45526; 9/9/1977	Jason Mays, [e-mail], 828–258–3939	USFWS, 160 Zillicoa St., Asheville, NC 28801.
Darter, Cumberland ( Etheostoma susanae)	Endangered	Kentucky, Tennessee	76 FR 48722; 8/9/2011	Michael Floyd, [e-mail], 502–695–0468	USFWS, 330 W Broadway, Ste. 265, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Darter, trispot ( Etheostoma trisella)	Threatened	Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee	83 FR 67131; 12/28/2018	Jennifer Grunewald, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Darter, vermilion ( Etheostoma chermocki)	Endangered	Alabama	66 FR 59367; 11/28/2001	Jennifer Grunewald, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Darter, yellowcheek ( Nothonotus (= Etheostoma) moorei)	Endangered	Arkansas	76 FR 48722; 8/9/2011	Dustin Booth, [e-mail], 501–513–4485	USFWS, 110 South Amity Road, Suite 300, Conway, AR 72032.
Madtom, Chucky ( Noturus crypticus)	Endangered	Tennessee	76 FR 48722; 8/9/2011	David Pelren, [e-mail], 931–528–6481	USFWS, 446 Neal Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
Madtom, smoky ( Noturus baileyi)	Endangered	Tennessee	49 FR 43065; 10/26/1984	Warren Stiles, [e-mail], 931–525–4977	USFWS, 446 Neal Street, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Clams:
Clubshell, ovate ( Pleurobema perovatum)	Endangered	Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Brittany Barker-Jones, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Clubshell, southern ( Pleurobema decisum)	Endangered	Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Evan Collins, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Fanshell ( Cyprogenia stegaria)	Endangered	Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia	55 FR 25591; 6/21/1990	Taylor Fagin, [e-mail], 502–695–0468	USFWS, 330 W Broadway, Ste. 265, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Heelsplitter, Carolina ( Lasmigona decorata)	Endangered	North Carolina, South Carolina	58 FR 34926; 6/30/1993	Morgan Wolf, [e-mail], 843–300–0428	USFWS, 176 Croghan Spur Rd., Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29407.
Kidneyshell, triangular ( Ptychobranchus greenii)	Endangered	Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Brittany Barker-Jones, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Moccasinshell, Alabama ( Medionidus acutissimus)	Threatened	Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Brittany Barker-Jones, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Moccasinshell, Coosa ( Medionidus parvulus)	Endangered	Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Brittany Barker-Jones, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Mucket, orangenacre ( Hamiota perovalis)	Threatened	Alabama, Mississippi	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Evan Collins, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Mussel, oyster ( Epioblasma capsaeformis)	Endangered	Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia	62 FR 1647; 1/10/1997	Andy Ford, [e-mail], 931–528–6481	USFWS, 446 Neal Street, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Pigtoe, dark ( Pleurobema furvum)	Endangered	Alabama	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Erin Padgett, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Pigtoe, southern ( Pleurobema georgianum)	Endangered	Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Brittany Barker-Jones, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Pink, ring ( Obovaria retusa)	Endangered	Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee	54 FR 40109; 9/29/1989	Taylor Fagin, [e-mail], 502–695–0468	USFWS, 330 W Broadway, Ste. 265, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Pocketbook, finelined ( Hamiota altilis)	Threatened	Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee	58 FR 14330; 3/17/1993	Evan Collins, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Spinymussel, Altamaha ( Elliptio spinosa)	Endangered	Georgia	76 FR 62928; 10/11/2011	Martha Zapata, [e-mail], 706–208–7524	USFWS, RG Stephens, Jr. Federal Building, 355 East Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601.
Crustaceans:
Crayfish, Benton County Cave ( Cambarus aculabrum)	Endangered	Arkansas, Missouri	58 FR 25742; 4/27/1993	Pedro Ardapple-Kindberg, [e-mail], 870–503–1101	USFWS, 110 South Amity Road, Suite 300, Conway, AR 72032.
Crayfish, Hell Creek Cave ( Cambarus zophonastes)	Endangered	Arkansas	52 FR 11170; 4/7/1987	Pedro Ardapple-Kindberg, [e-mail], 870–503–1101	USFWS, 110 South Amity Road, Suite 300, Conway, AR 72032.
PLANTS
Flowering Plants:
Aristida chaseae (no common name)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	58 FR 25755; 4/27/1993	Angel Colon-Santiago, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Aristida portoricensis (pelos de diablo)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	55 FR 32255; 8/8/1990	Angel Colon-Santiago, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Astragalus bibullatus (Guthrie's (= Pyne's) ground-plum)	Endangered	Tennessee	56 FR 48748; 9/26/1991	Geoff Call, [e-mail], 931–528–6481	USFWS, 446 Neal Street, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Baptisia arachnifera (hairy rattleweed)	Endangered	Georgia	43 FR 17910; 4/26/1978	April Punsalan, [e-mail], 843–300–0432	USFWS, 176 Croghan Spur Rd., Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29407.
Buxus vahlii (Vahl's boxwood)	Endangered	Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands	50 FR 32572; 8/13/1985	Omar Monsegur, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Campanula robinsiae (Brooksville bellflower)	Endangered	Florida	54 FR 31190; 7/27/1989	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Clematis morefieldii (Morefield's leather-flower)	Endangered	Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee	57 FR 21562; 5/20/1992	Scott Wiggers, [e-mail], 228–475–0765	USFWS, 6578 Dogwood View Pkwy., Jackson, MS 39213.
Conradina etonia (Etonia rosemary)	Endangered	Florida	58 FR 37432; 7/12/1993	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Daphnopsis helleriana (no common name)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	53 FR 23740; 6/23/1988	José G. Martínez, [e-mail], 786–244–0081.	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Gesneria pauciflora (no common name)	Threatened	Puerto Rico	60 FR 12483; 3/7/1995	Omar Monsegur, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Goetzea elegans (beautiful goetzea or matabuey)	Endangered	Puerto Rico.	50 FR 15564; 4/19/1985	Maritza Vargas, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Gratiola amphiantha (= Amphianthus pusillus) (little amphianthus)	Threatened	Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina	53 FR 3560; 2/5/1988	Mincy Moffett, [e-mail], 787–510–5206	USFWS, RG Stephens, Jr. Federal Building, 355 East Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601.
Hudsonia montana (mountain golden heather)	Threatened	North Carolina	45 FR 69360; 10/20/1980	Rebekah Reid, [e-mail], 828–258–3939	USFWS, 160 Zillicoa St., Asheville, NC 28801.
Ilex cookii (Cook's holly)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	52 FR 22936; 6/16/1987	Marielle Peschiera, [e-mail], 787–510–5206	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Juglans jamaicensis (Nogal or West Indian walnut)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	62 FR 1691; 1/13/1997	Marielle Peschiera, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Justicia cooleyi (Cooley's water-willow)	Endangered	Florida	54 FR 31190; 7/27/1989	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Lyonia truncata var. proctorii (no common name)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	58 FR 25755; 4/27/1993	Angel Colon-Santiago, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Myrcia neothomasiana (= Calyptranthes thomasiana) (no common name)	Endangered	Virgin Islands	59 FR 8138; 2/18/1994	José Cruz-Burgos, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Nolina brittoniana (Britton's beargrass)	Endangered	Florida	58 FR 25746; 4/27/1993	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Paysonia (= Lesquerella) lyrata (lyrate bladderpod)	Threatened	Alabama	55 FR 39864; 9/28/1990	Erin Lentz, [e-mail], 251–441–5181	USFWS, 1208B Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.
Paysonia (= Lesquerella) perforata (Spring Creek bladderpod)	Endangered	Tennessee	61 FR 67493; 12/23/1996	Kerri Dikun, [e-mail], 931–528–6481	USFWS, 446 Neal Street, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Rhododendron chapmanii (Chapman rhododendron)	Endangered	Florida	44 FR 24248; 4/24/1979	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 1601 Balboa Ave., Panama City, FL 32405.
Scutellaria floridana (Florida skullcap)	Threatened	Florida	57 FR 19813; 5/8/1992	Lourdes Mena, [e-mail], 904–731–3134	USFWS, 1601 Balboa Ave., Panama City, FL 32405.
Schwalbea americana (American chaffseed)	Endangered	Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina	57 FR 44703; 9/29/1992	April Punsalan, [e-mail], 843–300–0432	USFWS, 176 Croghan Spur Rd., Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29407.
Sisyrinchium dichotomum (white irisette)	Endangered	North Carolina, South Carolina	56 FR 48752; 9/26/1991	Natali Ramirez-Bullon, [e-mail], 828–258–3939	USFWS, 160 Zillicoa St., Asheville, NC 28801.
Solidago spithamaea (Blue Ridge goldenrod)	Threatened	North Carolina, Tennessee	50 FR 12306; 3/28/1985	Natali Ramirez-Bullon, [e-mail], 828–258–3939	USFWS, 160 Zillicoa St., Asheville, NC 28801.
Vernonia proctorii (no common name)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	58 FR 25755; 4/27/1993	Angel Colon-Santiago, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Ferns and Allies:
Cyathea dryopteroides (elfin tree fern)	Endangered	Puerto Rico	52 FR 22936; 6/16/1987	Marielle Peschiera, [e-mail], 786–244–0081	USFWS, P.O. Box 491, Boquerón, PR 00622.
Isoetes louisianensis (Louisiana quillwort)	Endangered	Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi	57 FR 48741; 10/28/1992	Scott Wiggers, [e-mail], 228–475–0765	USFWS, 6578 Dogwood View Pkwy., Jackson, MS 39213.
Isoetes melanospora (black-spored quillwort)	Endangered	Georgia	53 FR 3560; 2/5/1988	Mincy Moffett, [e-mail], 787–510–5206	USFWS, RG Stephens, Jr. Federal Building, 355 East Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601.
Isoetes tegetiformans (mat-forming quillwort)	Endangered	Georgia	53 FR 3560; 2/5/1988	Mincy Moffett, [e-mail], 787–510–5206	USFWS, RG Stephens, Jr. Federal Building, 355 East Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601.

Request for New Information

To ensure that 5-year reviews are based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we request new information from all sources. Please use the contact information listed in the table above that is associated with the species for which you are submitting information. If you submit information, please support it with documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, methods used to gather and analyze the data, and/or copies of any pertinent publications, reports, or letters by knowledgeable sources.

How do I ask questions or provide information?

If you wish to provide information for any species listed above, please submit your comments and materials to the appropriate contact in the table above. You may also direct questions to those contacts (also see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ).

Public Availability of Comments

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

Completed and Active Reviews

A list of all completed and currently active 5-year status reviews can be found at https://ecos.fws.gov/​ecp/​report/​species-five-year-review.

Authority

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

Michael Oetker,

Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.