[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 112 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31757-31762]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15300]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AD52
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status
for the Guajon
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines the guajon
(Eleutherodactylus cooki) to be a threatened species pursuant to the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The guajon is endemic
to Puerto Rico and is restricted to the Pandura mountain range in the
southeastern part of the island. It is threatened in this area by
agricultural, rural, and industrial development and the associated
infrastructure. This final rule will implement the Federal protection
and recovery provisions afforded by the Act for E. cooki.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 11, 1997.
ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection,
by appointment, during normal business hours at the Boqueron Field
Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 491, Boqueron, Puerto
Rico 00622, and at the Service's Southeast Regional Office, 1875
Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30345.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Susan Silander at the Caribbean
Field Office address (787/851-7297) or Ms. Gloria Bell at the Atlanta
Regional Office address (404/679-7100).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Eleutherodactylus is the largest vertebrate genus with over 400
described species. Two major centers of species diversity occur:
northwestern South America and the West Indies. Almost all species
share two characteristics--``T-shaped'' terminal phalanges, probably an
adaptation for climbing, and direct development, allowing for
reproduction away from water. In the West Indies, Eleutherodactylus
species are a dominant amphibian group. No single species is naturally
found on more than one of the four Greater Antilles, and most are
restricted to small areas within an island (Hedges 1989). Seventeen
species of this genus are known from Puerto Rico and, collectively,
they are commonly known as ``coquis'' (Rivero 1978, Moreno 1991).
The guajon (Eleutherodactylus cooki), also known commonly as
``demon of Puerto Rico'' or ``demonio de Puerto Rico,'' is a relatively
large frog, approximately 8.5 centimeters (3.3 inches) in length. It is
solid brown in color, although attending and calling males may have a
yellow throat. The guajon may be the only species of Eleutherodactylus
in Puerto Rico that exhibits sexual dimorphism in color (Joglar et al.
1996). In both sexes, the frogs have large, white-rimmed eyes, giving
the species a specter or phantom-like appearance. The species is
characterized by having large truncate discs and by a peculiar,
melodious and low voice which is completely different from any other
species of Eleutherodactylus in Puerto Rico (Rivero 1978). Rivero
(1978) states that its peculiar calling and phantom-like appearance
made many local people fearful of the species, believing that the mere
sight of an animal would be fatal.
The guajon, first collected by Chapman Grant in 1932, is known only
from the Pandura range in southeastern Puerto Rico and west to
Patillas/San Lorenzo where it lives in crevices and grottoes in and
among boulders (Joglar et al. 1996). Such grottoes are commonly
referred to as guajonales. It is from the grottoes or guajonales where
the species lives that the frog derives its name, the guajon. The
species is
[[Page 31758]]
apparently limited in distribution by the rock formation where it
occurs (Rivero 1978, Joglar 1992). Joglar et al. (1996) documented
population fluctuations, apparently related to precipitation and
temperature. Numbers are lowest during the winter months, during the
period of least rainfall and lowest temperatures. The number of egg
clutches and juveniles was observed to be greatest during the months of
October and September. Eggs are laid on the humid faces of boulders in
protected microhabitats within the grottoes and up to 59 eggs, which
may actually be multiple clutches, are apparently guarded by the males
(Rivero 1978, Joglar et al. 1996). Diurnal activity of E. cooki occurs
only inside the caves. Many guajones, however, have been observed
leaving the caves at dusk, presumably to forage and rehydrate, and
returning before dawn (Joglar et al. 1996).
During surveys conducted by Drewry (1986), Joglar (1992), and
Joglar et al. (1996), the guajon was found at its historical
localities, all of which occur within the municipalities of Yabucoa and
San Lorenzo. Dr. Fernando Bird (pers. comm.) also reports the species
from the municipalities of Las Piedras and Humacao. Little historical
data is available on abundance; therefore, reductions in populations
are difficult to document. Nevertheless, E. cooki is endemic to Puerto
Rico and is extremely restricted in geographical distribution. Further,
it is a habitat specialist (i.e., requires a particular habitat type)
and occurs only on privately-owned lands. Threats to the species
include deforestation and earth movement for agricultural activities
and rural development, road construction, including the construction of
a major four-lane highway, and the construction of a reservoir.
Previous Federal Action
In the Service's notices of review for vertebrate candidates
published in the Federal Register of December 30, 1982 (47 FR 58454),
September 18, 1985 (50 FR 37958), January 6, 1989 (55 FR 17475) and
November 21, 1991 (56 FR 58804), Eleutherodactylus cooki was included
as a category 2 species. At that time, Category 2 species were those
that were being considered for possible addition to the Federal List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, but insufficient data on biological
vulnerability and threat were not currently available to support such
an action. Designation of Category 2 species was discontinued in the
December 5, 1996, Federal Register notice (61 FR 64481).
During a symposium/workshop on Puerto Rican reptiles and amphibians
held in Puerto Rico in April of 1990, Moreno (1991) believed that the
guajon was declining and in urgent need of a status survey. Status
surveys conducted in 1991 and 1992 indicated that the guajon is
extremely restricted in distribution and currently faces significant
threats (Joglar 1992). Joglar et al. (1996) recommended that, although
studies of 2 specific areas conducted between 1991 and 1994 did not
indicate that those particular populations were declining, protecting
the species was essential due to its limited distribution and rapid
development of its habitat. The Service elevated this species to a
candidate and proposed it for threatened status on October 2, 1995 (60
FR 51432). Because additional information became available concerning
the species' distribution and biology, the Service reopened the comment
period on October 4, 1996 (61 FR 51878).
The processing of this final rule conforms with the Service's final
listing priority guidance published in the Federal Register on December
5, 1996 (61 FR 64475). The guidance clarifies the order in which the
Service will process rulemakings during fiscal year 1997. The guidance
calls for giving highest priority to handling emergency situations
(Tier 1) and second highest priority (Tier 2) to resolving the listing
status of the outstanding proposed listings. This rule falls under Tier
2. Presently, there are no pending Tier 1 actions in Region 4. In the
development of this final rule, the Service has conducted an internal
review of all available information on the species and its habitat.
Summary of Comments and Recommendations
In the October 2, 1995, proposed rule and associated notifications,
all interested parties were requested to submit factual reports of
information that might contribute to the development of a final rule.
Appropriate agencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Federal
agencies, scientific organizations, and other interested parties were
requested to comment. A newspaper notice inviting general public
comment was published in The San Juan Star on October 31, 1995, and in
the El Nuevo Dia on October 25, 1995. The Service also solicited the
expert opinions of three appropriate and independent specialists
regarding pertinent scientific or commercial data and assumptions
relating to distribution, abundance, status and biological and
ecological information for the guajon. In response to the proposed
rule, four comment letters were received, three of which were from
specialists. One specialist provided additional distributional data on
the species, increasing its known range to include the municipalities
of Las Piedras and Humacao in southeastern Puerto Rico and agreed that
the species' habitat is threatened by human related activity. A second
specialist stated that the range of the guajon is limited and that any
significant alteration of its habitat might have an effect on its
existence. Comments supplying supplemental data have been incorporated
into the Background section of this rule, as appropriate. A public
hearing was neither requested nor held.
On October 4, 1996, the Service reopened the comment period. The
Service again solicited the expert opinions of three appropriate and
independent specialists. In response to the proposed rule, five comment
letters were received, three of which were from specialists. The
Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
stated that the listing of the guajon was important and expressed
interest in coordinating with the Fish and Wildlife Service in order to
identify agricultural land where the species occurs.
The following is a summary of other comments and concerns (referred
to as ``Issues'' for the purposes of this summary) regarding the
proposed rule that were expressed in writing. Comments of similar
content have been grouped together.
Issue 1: Two commenters indicated that without the designation of
critical habitat the listing of the species would not be beneficial.
Response: The Service believes that, because the guajon occupies an
extremely restricted geographic area in Puerto Rico, protection of its
habitat can be accomplished through the Section 7 jeopardy standard and
through Section 9 prohibitions against take. Harm in the definition of
``take'' in the Act (50 CFR 17.3) means an act which actually kills or
injures wildlife. Such an act may include significant habitat
modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife
by impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding
or sheltering. This issue is also addressed in the ``Critical Habitat''
section of this rule.
Issue 2: Two commenters recommended that the species remain a
candidate for its protection until an ongoing study of the guajon's
reproductive biology is completed.
[[Page 31759]]
Response: Candidate species receive no statutory protection under
the Act. Thus, having it remain a candidate would not provide the
maximum conservation benefit to the guajon. The Act requires the
Service to make a listing determination based upon the best scientific
and commercial data available. The Service believes that sufficient
information on status and threats is available to warrant listing the
species as threatened. Information derived from the ongoing study of
reproductive biology will be valuable for recovery purposes and will be
incorporated into the recovery plan.
Issue 3: A commenter indicated that while scientific collection had
not adversely affected the species, other human-related factors do
affect the guajon. Another commenter indicated that collecting by
artisans was probably not a threat due to the difficulty and the danger
of entering the caves, but stated that scientific collecting should be
regulated.
Response: The rule states that collection has been identified as a
problem by scientists for other species of Eleutherodactylus;
therefore, it should be considered as a potential threat for the
guajon. This issue is addressed in the ``Summary of Factors Affecting
the Species'' section is this rule.
Summary of Factors Affecting the Species
After a thorough review and consideration of all information
available, the Service has determined that the guajon should be
classified as a threatened species. Procedures found at Section 4(a)(1)
of the Act and regulations implementing the listing provisions of the
Act (50 CFR part 424) were followed. A species may be determined to be
an endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five
factors described in section 4(a)(1). These factors and their
application to the guajon (Eleutherodactylus cooki) are as follows:
A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment
of Its Habitat or Range
The guajon is only known from the municipalities of Yabucoa, San
Lorenzo, Humacao, and Las Piedras in the Pandura range in the extreme
southeastern corner of Puerto Rico. Deforestation and earth movement
for agricultural and rural development have encroached upon known
habitat of the species. Deforestation may result in increased flash
flooding, resulting in the drowning of adults and the destruction of
nests. The practice of planting crops right up to the entrance of the
guajonales may eliminate nocturnal habitat of the species and increase
the pesticide and fertilizer run-off into the water flowing under the
caves. Caves are also often used as garbage dumps. Road construction
and the associated cut and fill has eliminated habitat (Drewry 1986). A
major four-line highway is currently proposed through the area, as is
the construction of a major reservoir.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or
Educational Purposes
Although not previously identified as a determinant factor in the
decline of the guajon specifically, scientific collecting of related
species of coqui in Puerto Rico may have contributed to declines. In a
survey of only seven museums in both Puerto Rico and the United States,
numerous specimens of the web-footed coqui (E. karlschmidti) and the
mottled coqui (E. eneidae) were located, with a total of 473 preserved
individuals of the former and 325 of the latter species (Joglar 1992).
Both of these related species' status are under evaluation by the
Service because of their extreme rarity. Collection of other
Eleutherodactylus sp. for use in local art has also been documented,
and this activity is currently being evaluated by the Commonwealth
government for possible regulation.
C. Disease or Predation
Disease has not been documented as a factor in the decline of this
species. However, examination of both preserved and live specimens of
the guajon revealed that the species is parasitized by the tick
Ornithodoros talaje. Nevertheless, the effect of this parasite on the
guajon has yet to be studied (Joglar 1992, Joglar et al. 1996).
Introduced species such as cats, rats, and mongoose, active at night,
may adversely affect densities of this species by feeding on the frogs
and their eggs.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has adopted a regulation that
recognizes and provides protection for certain Commonwealth listed
species. However, the guajon is not yet on the Commonwealth list.
Federal listing would provide immediate protection under the Act, and
by virtue of an existing section 6 Cooperative Agreement with the
Commonwealth, will also assure the addition of this species to the
Commonwealth list and enhance its protection and possibilities for
funding needed research.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence
The decline in populations of amphibians has become apparent
globally. Factors which may be responsible for the decline of
amphibians include habitat destruction and modification, acid rain,
pesticide contamination, introduction of non-native predators and
competitors, agriculture, mining and logging, increased levels of
ultraviolet radiation, collection, and global climatic change (Wake and
Morowitz 1991, Joglar and Burrowes 1996).
Flash floods, droughts, and catastrophic storms, such as Hurricane
Hugo which occurred in 1989, may have caused localized extirpations of
other species of Eleutherodactylus in specific areas in Puerto Rico
(Burrowes and Joglar 1991, Joglar 1992, Joglar and Burrowes 1996).
Hurricane Hugo negatively affected the abundance of E. portoricensis, a
species which is not abundant and is restricted in distribution (Joglar
and Burrowes 1991). The guajon is endemic to Puerto Rico, a habitat
specialist, and extremely restricted in distribution. It is known only
from the southeastern part of the island.
The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and
future threats faced by this species in determining to make this rule
final. Based on this evaluation, the preferred action is to list
Eleutherodactylus cooki as threatened, because the species is extremely
restricted in distribution and is specialized in habitat utilization.
Activities such as dam and road construction and land conversion to
agriculture threaten to significantly reduce available habitat. While
not in immediate danger of extinction, the guajon is likely to become
an endangered species in the foreseeable future if present threats
continue. The reasons for not designating critical habitat for this
species are discussed below in the ``Critical Habitat'' section.
Critical Habitat
Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as: (i) The
specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at
the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found
those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation
of the species and (II) that may require special management
considerations or protection and; (ii) specific areas outside the
geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon
[[Page 31760]]
a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of
the species. ``Conservation'' means the use of all methods and
procedures needed to bring the species to the point at which listing
under the Act is no longer necessary.
Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing
regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent
and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time
the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. The Service
finds that the designation of critical habitat is not prudent for the
guajon. Service regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that
designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or both of the
following situations exist--(1) The species is threatened by taking or
other human activity, and identification of critical habitat can be
expected to increase the degree of threat to the species, or (2) such
designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial to the species.
While collection has not been documented as contributing to the
decline of the guajon specifically, large numbers of other
Eleutherodactylus species, including several identified as species at
risk, have been documented in scientific collections. Collection of
Eleutherodactylus sp. has been documented for use by local artisans,
and such collection is currently under evaluation by the Commonwealth
government for possible regulation. In addition, due to the appearance
of the animal, Rivero (1978) stated that local people were fearful of
them. This fear could lead to killing of guajon.
The guajon is rare and restricted in range, and taking for
scientific and private collection would pose a serious threat to the
species if specific site information were released. The publication of
critical habitat maps in the Federal Register and local newspapers and
other publicity accompanying critical habitat designation would likely
increase the collection threat and increase the potential for vandalism
if such habitat were designated. The Service believes, therefore, that
the identification of critical habitat may increase the threat to the
species. The locations of populations of this species have consequently
been described only in general terms in the final rule. Any existing
precise locality data would be available to appropriate Federal, State,
and local governmental agencies from the Service office described in
the ADDRESSES section.
Regulations promulgated for implementing Section 7 of the Act
provide for both a jeopardy standard, based on listing alone, and for a
destruction or adverse modification standard, in cases where critical
habitat has been designated. The guajon occupies an extremely
restricted geographic area in Puerto Rico and, once listed, the Service
believes that protection of guajon habitat can be accomplished through
the Section 7 jeopardy standard, and through Section 9 prohibitions
against take.
Available Conservation Measures
Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or
threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition,
recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions
against certain practices. Recognition through listing results in
conservation actions by Federal, Commonwealth, and private agencies,
and individuals. The Act provides for possible land acquisition and
cooperation with the Commonwealth and requires that recovery actions be
carried out for all listed species. Such actions are initiated by the
Service following listing. The protection required of Federal agencies
and the prohibitions against taking and harm are discussed, in part,
below.
Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to
evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or
listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical
habitat, if any is being designated. Regulations implementing this
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR
part 402. Section 7(a)(2) requires Federal agencies to ensure that
activities they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of the species or destroy or
adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a
listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal agency
must enter into formal consultation with the Service.
Federal agency actions that may require consultation as described
in the preceding paragraph include the Army Corps of Engineers and/or
National Resource Conservation Service (previously Soil Conservation
Service) involvement in the construction of a reservoir; Rural
Development (formerly Farmer's Home Administration) funding of water,
sewer, and power lines, as well as residential developments; and the
Federal Highway Administration's involvement in the construction of
small roads and a major highway through the area.
The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of
general trade prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all threatened
wildlife. The prohibitions, codified at 50 CFR 17.21 and 17.31, in
part, make it illegal for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States to take (includes harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot,
wound, kill, trap, or collect; or to attempt any of these), import or
export, ship in interstate commerce in the course of commercial
activity, or sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce
any listed species. It is also illegal to possess, sell, deliver,
carry, transport, or ship any such wildlife that has been taken
illegally. Certain exceptions apply to agents of the Service and
Commonwealth conservation agencies.
Permits may be issued to carry out otherwise prohibited activities
involving threatened wildlife species under certain circumstances.
Regulations governing permits are at 50 CFR 17.32. Such permits are
available for scientific purposes, to enhance the propagation or
survival of the species, and/or for incidental take in connection with
otherwise lawful activities. For threatened species, permits are also
available for zoological exhibition, educational purposes, or special
purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act. Requests for copies
of the regulations regarding listed wildlife and inquiries about
prohibitions and permits may be addressed to the Service's Southeast
Regional Office, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia
30345 (404/679-7313).
It is the policy of the Service (59 FR 34272) to identify to the
maximum extent practicable those activities that would or would not
constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act at the time of listing.
The intent of this policy is to increase public awareness of the effect
of listing on proposed or ongoing activities. The only known
populations of guajon are located on privately-owned land. The Service
believes that, based on the best available information, the following
actions will not result in a violation of section 9, provided these
activities are carried out in accordance with existing regulations and
permit requirements:
(1) Possession of legally acquired guajon, under Service-approved
permitted conditions; and
(2) Federally funded or regulated projects that involve activities,
such as dam and road construction, earth movement for agricultural
activities and rural development, or diversion or alteration of surface
or ground water
[[Page 31761]]
flow into or out of grottoes (e.g., due to roads, impoundments,
discharge pipes, storm water detention basins, etc.), when such
activity is conducted in accordance with any reasonable and prudent
measures given by the Service in accordance with section 7 of the Act.
Activities that the Service believes could potentially result in
``take'' of the guajon, include, but are not limited to:
(1) Unauthorized collecting or capture of the species;
(2) Purposeful introduction of exotic species, such as cats, rats,
and mongoose, that may adversely affect densities of this species by
feeding on adults or eggs;
(3) Unauthorized destruction/alteration of the species' habitat
(e.g., rock removal, discharge of fill materials, earth movement for
agricultural activities and rural development, or diversion or
alteration of surface or ground water flow into or out of grottoes)
when such activity is not conducted in accordance with section 7 of the
Act;
(4) Pesticide applications in violation of label restrictions; and
(5) Discharges or dumping of toxic chemicals, silt, or other
pollutants into areas supporting this species.
Questions regarding whether specific activities will constitute a
violation of section 9 should be directed to the Field Supervisor of
the Service's Boqueron Field Office (see ADDRESSES section). Requests
for copies of the regulations on listed species and inquiries regarding
prohibitions and permits should be addressed to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta,
Georgia 30345-3301 (404/679-7313).
National Environmental Policy Act
The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that an Environmental
Assessment, as defined under the authority of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be prepared in connection
with regulations adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice outlining the Service's
reasons for this determination was published in the Federal Register on
October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).
Required Determinations
The Service has examined this regulation under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 and found it to contain no information collection
requirements.
References Cited
Burrowes, P.A. and R.L. Joglar. 1991. A survey of the population
status and an ecological evaluation of three Puerto Rican frogs. Pp.
42-46 in J.A. Moreno, ed., Status y Distribucion de los Anfibios y
Reptiles de Puerto Rico. Publ. Cien. Misc. No.1. Departamento de
Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Drewry, G.E. 1986. Golden coqui recovery survey and brief status
evaluation of five other Puerto Rican Eleutherodactylus species.
Trip report prepared for the Caribbean Field Office, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. 49 pp.
Hedges, S.B. 1989. Evolution and biogeography of West Indian frogs
of the genus Eleutherodactylus: slow-evolving loci and the major
groups. Pp.305-370 in Biogeography of the West Indies.
Joglar, R.L. 1992. Status survey of four species of
Eleutherodactylus: Final report. Report prepared for the Caribbean
Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 41 pp.
Joglar, R.S. and P.A. Burrowes. 1991. El efecto del Huracan Hugo
sobre una comunidad de anfibios en El Yunque, Puerto Rico y algunas
recomendaciones para la proteccion de las especies del genero
Eleutherodactylus. Pp. 47-52 in J.A. Moreno, ed., Status y
Distribucion de los Anfibios y Reptiles de Puerto Rico. Publ. Cien.
Misc. No.1. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, San
Juan, Puerto Rico.
Joglar, R.S. and P.A. Burrowes. 1996. Declining amphibian
populations in Puerto Rico. Pp. 371-380 in R. Powell and R.W.
Henderson, eds., Contributions to West Indian Herpetology: A Tribute
to Albert Schwartz. Society for the Study of Amphibians and
Reptiles, Ithaca (New York). Contributions to Herpetology, vol. 12.
Joglar, R.S., P.A. Burrowes, and N. Rios. 1996. Biology of the
Puerto Rican cave-dwelling frog, Eleutherodactylus cooki, and some
recommendations for its conservation. Pp. 251-258 in R. Powell and
R.W. Henderson, eds., Contributions to West Indian Herpetology: A
Tribute to Albert Schwartz. Society for the Study of Amphibians and
Reptiles, Ithaca (New York). Contributions to Herpetology, vol. 12.
Moreno, J.A. (ed.) 1991. Status y Distribucion de los Anfibios y
Reptiles de Puerto Rico. Publ. Cien. Misc. No. 1. Departamento de
Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. San Juan, Puerto
Rico 67 pp.
Rivero, J.A. 1978. Los Anfibios y Reptiles de Puerto Rico. U.P.R.
Editorial Universitaria. San Juan, Puerto Rico 152 pp.
Wake, D.B. and H.J. Morowitz. 1991. Declining amphibian
populations--a global phenomenon? Findings and recommendations.
Alytes 9(2): 33-42.
Author
The primary author of this final rule is Ms. Susan Silander,
Boqueron Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 491,
Boqueron, Puerto Rico 00622 (809/851-7297).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.
Regulation Promulgation
Accordingly, part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as set forth below:
Part 17--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C.
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500, unless otherwise noted.
2. Section 17.11(h) is amended by adding the following, in
alphabetical order under AMPHIBIANS, to the List of Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife to read as follows:
Sec. 17.11 Endangered and threatened wildlife.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Vertebrate
-------------------------------------------------------- population where Critical Special
Historic range endangered or Status When listed habitat rules
Common name Scientific name threatened
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Amphibians
[[Page 31762]]
* * * * * * *
Guajon........................... Eleutherodactylus U.S.A. (PR)........ NA................. T 617 NA NA
cooki.
* * * * * * *
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Dated: May 16, 1997.
Jay L. Gerst,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 97-15300 Filed 6-10-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
