[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 97 (Friday, May 20, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-12280]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: May 20, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding and
Commencement of Status Review for a Petition To List the Alexander
Archipelago Wolf
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of petition finding and status review.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 90-
day finding for a petition to add the Alexander Archipelago wolf (Canis
lupus ligoni) to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The
Service finds that the petition presents substantial information
indicating the requested action may be warranted. Through issuance of
this notice, the Service is commencing a formal review of the status of
this species. Information regarding this species is requested.
DATES: The finding announced in this notice was made May 13, 1994.
Comments and materials related to this petition finding may be
submitted to the Field Supervisor at the address below and must be
received by July 19, 1994.
ADDRESSES: Data, information, comments or questions concerning the
status of the petitioned species described below should be submitted to
the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological
Services, 3000 Vintage Blvd., suite 201, Juneau, Alaska 99801. The
petition, findings, and supporting data are available for public
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above
address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Lindell, Endangered Species
Biologist (see ADDRESSES above) (907/586-7240).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544) (Act), requires that the Service make a
finding on whether a petition to list, delist, or reclassify a species
presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating
that the petitioned action may be warranted. To the maximum extent
practicable, this finding is to be made within 90 days of the receipt
of the petition, and the finding is to be published promptly in the
Federal Register. If the Service finds that a petition presents
substantial information indicating that the requested action may be
warranted, then the Service initiates a status review on that species.
Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires the Service to make a finding as
to whether or not the petitioned action is warranted within one year of
receipt of a petition that presents substantial information.
On December 13, 1993, the Biodiversity Legal Foundation, Eric Holle
and Martin J. Bergoffen submitted a petition to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service to list the Alexander Archipelago wolf as threatened
pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The petition was received on
December 17, 1993.
This finding is based on various documents, including published and
unpublished studies and reports, agency files, field survey records,
and consultations with Service, other Federal agencies, and State
personnel. All documents are on file in the Fish and Wildlife Service,
Ecological Services Office in Juneau, Alaska.
The petitioners contend that the Alexander Archipelago wolf should
be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C.
1553(a)(1)) because of the following factors:
1. Present and threatened destruction, modification, and
curtailment of habitat because of the reduction, and long-term
degradation of habitat for Sitka black-tailed deer, the wolf's primary
prey, by clearcut logging;
2. Inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms because of
increased human access through an extensive road system that will
facilitate increased shooting and trapping of wolves;
3. Other factors, including inbreeding within insular populations
that may reduce genetic fitness, adaptability, and long-term viability.
With this notice, the Service announces a positive 90-day finding
on the petition to list the Alexander Archipelago wolf (Canis lupus
ligoni) as threatened and hereby initiates a review of the species'
status.
As a part of the status review, the Service will further evaluate
the taxonomic status of the Alexander Archipelago wolf as a subspecies
or population segment, the issue of genetic differentiation of groups
within the Alexander Archipelago, and determine if listing is warranted
for either the subspecies rangewide or certain distinct population
segments.
The Service would appreciate any additional data, comments and
suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the
scientific community, industry, or any other parties concerning the
status of the Alexander Archipelago wolf, Canis lupus ligoni.
The following issues are of particular interest to the Service:
1. The genetic, morphologic, and ecological differences of the
wolves occupying southeast Alaska from those found in adjacent areas;
variation within and between groups of wolves occupying southeast
Alaska; and the occurrence or effects of genetic isolation and small
breeding groups on long-term persistence of wolves.
2. The occurrence or extent of genetic exchange between wolves
within southeast Alaska and wolves from adjacent areas.
3. Additional historic and current population data which may assist
in determining long-term population trends.
4. The interrelationship between the wolf and prey base
populations, particularly during periods of reduced primary prey
abundance.
5. The effects of long-term habitat conversion and fragmentation of
mature forest habitat on Sitka black-tailed deer and wolf populations
in southeast Alaska.
6. The effects of increased road construction on wolf populations
in southeast Alaska.
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited in the 90-day finding is
available upon request (see Addresses section).
Authors
The authors of this notice are John Lindell and Ed Grossman, of
the Juneau, Alaska, Ecological Services Office. (see Addresses
section).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.
Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; unless
otherwise noted.
Dated: May 13, 1994.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 94-12280 Filed 5-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
