ESA-Listed Species in AZ: Status and Needs

Notes from Alexandra Permar's research into the current status and needs of ESA listed species in AZ.

Candidates Species for Listing

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743

 

Species with T/E Listing Status and Active Recovery Plans

Ute ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) (Threatened, G2): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2159 | https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=102217 | https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.129296/Spiranthes_diluvialis

Welsh's milkweed (Asclepias welshii) (Threatened): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8400 |

https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=3793#:~:text=Plant%3A%20perennial%20herb%3B%20stems%20erect,base%2C%20obtuse%20to%20mostly%20rounded%2D

Opportunity to survey for this species in northern AZ 

Recovery plan implementation progress is only about half done (maybe less than half).

Original delisting date (goal): 2010.

Needed: species surveys (in known and unknown locales in northern AZ) as well as communication campaigns to increase awareness and appreciation for the species.

Revised recovery documents (two five-year reviews) published in 2015 and 2021 indicate USFWS is collaborating with researchers at NAU and has hired private botanists to survey for this species in recent years. The botanists have conducted surveys and some research (e.g., controlled breeding in potted soils vs. native sandy soil type) which the USFWS is using. However, these two five-year plans (especially the 2015 one) reiterate the continuing need for many recovery activities including "… repetitive, standardized, rigorous surveys …."

Canelo Hills ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes delitescens) (Endangered): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8098 | https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=2715

Researchers with Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix are researching this species (and using research dogs to find the plants--AZNPS Flagstaff chapter lecture on 09.19.2023)

San Francisco Peaks ragwort (Packera franciscana) (Threatened): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1721 | https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=567

USFS Rocky Mtn Research Sta. is researching the species (population, effects of climate change). They have research transects in the San Francisco peaks where they perturb and observe populations of P. fransciscana through time.

New Mexico meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus) (Endangered): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7965

There is ample work underway to protect this species (USFWS, NAU, AZGFD).

This species depends on mesic habitats in- and around wetlands which are rare in AZ.

Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) (Threatened): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/B074

This species has been listed for a while and receives significant attention.

Sonoran tiger salamander (Ambystoma mavortium stebbinsi) (Endangered): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/D01H | https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2096 | https://awcs.azgfd.com/species/amphibians/ambystoma-mavortium-stebbinsi | https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.103735/Ambystoma_mavortium_stebbinsi

Need: Analyze data for AZGFD (population monitoring surveys conducted 2012-14) and USFWS (population monitoring protocol implemented 4x annually from 2004-13). It seems there has not been population monitoring conducted since 2014 in AZ. ??

Need: Conduct salamander surveys in Sonora, MX.

Recovery plan update conveys that USFWS et al. have reviewed the 10-year survey data and used it to understand the current status of the species. On the whole, the species is better off than I would've guessed; continuing concerns include bullfrogs, non-native predatory fish/crayfish, drought, reliance on cattle tanks for habitat, and climate change. Interestingly, periodic/episodic drought which dries some of the ponds/cattle tanks where the salamanders reside is actually good for the salamanders b/c predatory fish/crayfish/bullfrogs don't survive dry periods well. As a species, the salamanders depend on cattle tanks for habitat in AZ.

Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana chiricahuensis) (Threatened): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/D02F

This species has been listed for a while and receives significant attention.

Arizona Cliffrose (Purshia (=Cowania) subintegra) (Endangered): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/866

Botanists have already surveyed for this species and found all there is to find.

Masked bobwhite (quail) (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) (Endangered): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3484

This species is controlled through controlled active breeding programs and introductions at the Buenos Aires NWR; it seems most of the program isn't working that well. The controlled reproduction includes "foster parenting" of chicks. (When researchers introduce a masked-bobwhite-quail chick into BA NWR, they also introduce an adult male of another quail species with the chick; the male is supposed to foster the chick.) This species will probably go extinct.

Nichol's Turk's head cactus (Echinocactus horizonthalonius var. nicholii) (Endangered): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5343

This species has already received ample attention; the recovery plan may resolve in this decade.

Bartram's stonecrop (Graptopetalum bartramii) (Threatened): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8382 | https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=3117&clid=3130

Difficult to survey for this species b/c it grows in "steep canyons" near water.

Jones Cycladenia (Cycladenia humilis var. jonesii) (Threatened): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3336 | https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxauthid=1&taxon=3703&clid=2670#:~:text=Plant%3A%20perennial%20herb%2C%201%2D,of%20follicles%205%2D10%20cm

This is a newly listed species (Aug 2021); it requires ample attention. Need habitat assessments and plant surveys, possibly also pollinator studies. However, most of this species' distribution is in Utah.

Kearney's blue-star (Amsonia kearneyana) (Endangered): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7485 | https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=1408#:~:text=Plant%3A%20perennial%20herb%3B%204%2D,broadest%20below%20the%20apex%2C%20slightly

Need census of species subsites; monitoring of species individuals and their habitat; education/outreach re: species conservation and recovery; surveys for new individuals and subsites.

This species used to be synonymous with A. palmeri which we found near Hillside, AZ in April, 2023 (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/158329553).

Access to state- and tribal lands is restricted and inhibits botanical surveying efforts.

It is challenging to find the species in its native habitat; it grows in steep canyons and on cliffsides with slopes >= 20 degrees.

The survey sites for this species are paired with a nearby experimental site on BLM land where researchers are conducting controlled introductions of this species and observing their survival rates.

Pima pineapple cactus (Coryphantha scheeri var. robustispina) (Endangered): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4919 | https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=3428

This species has been listed for a while and probably receives enough attention.

Species with T/E listing but without active recovery plans

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) (Threatened): https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/B06R

Many people are researching this species. However, survey data from the past 15-20 years for the Upper Verde region is missing from the Audubon Southwest AZ IBA Database. Need to coordinate with USFWS and Audubon SW to track down the data and analyze it. 

Need a 10(a)1(A) scientific research permit with the USFWS.

Description of Upper Verde River habitat (Yavapai County, AZ) is in USFWS Critical Habitat document (FR Vol. 86, No. 75, 04.21.2021) on pages 20855, 20881.

AZGFD management decisions (made for fish) in the Upper Verde watershed are--according to the USFWS--proving relatively sufficient to maintain suitable habitat for the YBCU. Thus, the USFWS has decided to not declare critical habitat for the cuckoo in the Upper Verde River watershed (AZGFD asked USFWS to not declare critical habitat here).

References cited in the USFWS Federal Register critical habitat document indicate that AZGFD, USFWS, and partners have analyzed recent data from the Upper Verde River watershed and find the cuckoo numbers (occupancy, breeding, migration) to be satisfactory. However, I searched for these original reference documents and was unable to find any of them.

What is Mitigation?

Different people have different definitions of "Mitigation" in the context of natural resource management, endangered species protection, and wetland permitting.

Technical Definitions

Technically, Mitigation (as defined by CEQ and DOI) includes avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation.  

The mitigation hierarchy also adopts an inclusive definition of mitigation that includes a range of mitigation options.  The mitigation hierarchy is a framework that was formalized by IFC in 2012.  While there are many complexities in implementation, at its core the hierarchy offers a conceptually simple range of mitigation strategies, ranging from preventive (avoiding and minimizing) to remediative (restoring and offsetting).  

Mitigation hierarchy framework.(Source:  Exponent)

Popular Usage

However, many professional resources, including the USFWS webpage on Mitigation, simply define Mitigation as "projects or programs that help offset negative impacts to natural resources, such as a stream, wetland, and species-at-risk."  This definition excludes by omission any preventive mitigation.

Clarification

As usual, EPIC has a great resource summarizing the different types of mitigation, as well as synonyms that are often used.  According to EPIC, avoidance and minimization are called "conservation measures".  Only if a project is likely to cause take are compensatory mitigation measures proposed under 7(a)(2) consultation.  Compensatory mitigation, which is usually simply called "mitigation" in popular usage, is also called offset measures.

Table from EPIC report linked above.

In conclusion, mitigation can be a confusing concept, even for professionals.  Government agencies are trying to specify compensatory mitigation when that is the subset of mitigation they mean, but even in official publications they often use the simple term mitigation.  When someone says Mitigation they are usually talking about compensatory mitigation, or offsets.  However, when talking about the mitigation hierarchy, other preventive conservation measures such as avoidance and minimization could also be included.  

Upcoming Endangered Species Listing Decisions in Arizona 2022-2027

I found a 5-year workplan on the USFWS site and made a list of all of the AZ species that USFWS will make listing determinations for. 

Its pretty interesting to look at what’s coming up.  Lots of talussnails!  But after the Sonoran desert tortoise (which they decided not to list), I think the next big one is the Monarch butterfly.  

Also interesting that there’s no bumble bee species on this list, as I know they’ve been petitioned.  Of course, this could all change as new species are added to the candidate list and priorities change...

 

FY22

Sonoran desert tortoise

-widely distributed in AZ deserts

- listing decision spring 2022: not warranted

 

Cactus ferrugous pygmy owl 

-by end of calendar year

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/237012-Glaucidium-brasilianum-cactorum

https://www.audubon.org/news/this-tiny-desert-raptor-could-soon-regain-federal-protection

 

roundtail chub

 

gray wolf (western populations)

 

 

FY23

Joshua tree 

 

Quitobaquito tryonia

 

 

FY24

Monarch butterfly

-widely distributed in AZ

A listing proposal is anticipated by November 2023, with a final listing decision by end of Federal FY2024 (September 2024). 

 

Las Vegas bearpoppy Arctomecon californica

 

Pinaleno talussnail Sonorella grahamensis

San Xavier talussnail Sonorella eremita

 

 

FY25

Ferris's copper butterfly Lycaena ferrisi

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1360320-Tharsalea-rubidus-ferrisi

ASNF southwest of Springerville

 

Chisos coral-root Hexalectris revoluta

Sky island mountains

 

Threecorner milkvetch  Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus

 

Grand Wash springsnail Pyrgulopsis bacchus

Kingman springsnail Pyrgulopsis conica

 

 

FY26

Arizona toad Bufo microscaphus microscaphus

- widely distributed in AZ

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/64982-Anaxyrus-microscaphus

 

Navajo bladderpod Lesquerella navajoensis

- habitat on Navajo Nation

 

Yuman Desert fringe-toed lizard Uma rufopunctata

 

Mojave poppy bee    Perdita meconis 

 

Bylas springsnail Pyrgulopsis arizonae

Gila tryonia Tryonia gilae

Huachuca woodlandsnail Ashmunella levettei

 

Squaw Park talussnail Maricopella allynsmithi

-populations are on city or county parks in the Phoenix metro area https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.114155/Maricopella_allynsmithi

 

Verde Rim springsnail Pyrgulopsis glandulosa

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/111425-Pyrgulopsis-glandulosa

 

 

FY27

Morton's wild buckwheat  Eriogonum mortonianum

 

Pipe Springs cryptantha    Cryptantha semiglabra

 

Source: https://www.fws.gov/media/national-listing-workplan-fiscal-years-2022-2027

More USFWS lists:  https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species-reports

Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Critical Habitat

Rusty patched bumble bee range map.

USFWS listed the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) as Endangered in 2017 due to a marked decrease in the range and size of populations across the Eastern U.S.  

As one of the first insect species to be listed under the Endangered Species Act, it offers an interesting case study for the way USFWS may approach other insects proposed for listing, including the Monarch butterfly, and numerous other bumble bee species.

From Xerces Society Listing Petition, 2016.

The listing petition states that "the rusty patched bumble bee probably needs floral resources to be located in relative close proximity to its nest sites, as studies of other bumble bee species indicate that they routinely forage within less than one kilometer from their nests ... although in some cases nearly two kilometers ... [It] is likely dependent upon woodland spring ephemeral flowers, since this bumble bee emerges early in the year and is associated with woodland habitats.....Rusty patched bumble bee queens are one of the earliest species to emerge, with observations as early as March and April."

Interestingly, rather than designate critical habitat based on the habitat needs of the species, USFWS chose to designate "High Potential" zones (e.g. critical habitat) as 1 mile buffers, and "Low Potential" zones as 4 mile buffers, around known (since 2006) sightings of the rusty patched bumble bee:

USFWS Map showing "High Potential" and "Low Potential" zones.  

Detail showing example 2x2 mile rusty patched bumble bee "High Priority" habitat in DeKalb, IL from USFWS map.  The buffered area seems to be based on a sighting at Prairie Park, and includes residential and industrial developments.  The only habitat in the area is within Prairie Park.  

USFWS has issued the guidance on whether consultation is required.  For vegetation management activities within the High Potential zones, the guidance provides the following test questions:

• Is there habitat for nesting, foraging, and/or overwintering for the rusty patched bumble bee in the action area or will the proposed action restore habitat for the species in the action area? 

• Will the action cause effects to vegetation in rusty patched bumble bee habitat in the High Potential Zone during the nesting period? Effects could occur as a result of mowing, cutting, grazing, prescribed fire, tree removal, spot-application of herbicide, tree clearing, and/or other activities. 

Based on this case example, it seems likely that USFWS will take a similar approach when listing other bumble bee species.  Specifically, it seems likely USFWS will only designate habitat immediately surrounding recently documented sightings, as opposed to using a general habitat model across the species' range.  Then, Section 7 consultation will be required for any activities that disturb habitat during the nesting period (i.e. growing season).

This seems to be the assumption underlying this Story Map, which shows small polygons of habitat as buffers around representative observations.  Note that the actual locations in this map are not accurate because the underlying observation data has been randomized to protect populations of rare species. 

This map of rusty patched bumble bee habitat around DeKalb, IL schematically shows the kind of habitat USFWS designated (i.e. buffered polygons around point observations) but does not show the accurate locations of the habitat because the data used for the map (GBIF) is randomized within 0.2 by 0.2 latitude/longitude rectangles.