Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designations and Nondesignations of Critical Habitat for 42 Plant Species From the Island of Molokai, HI

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AH08

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designations and Nondesignations of Critical Habitat for 42 Plant Species From the Island of Molokai, HI

AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for 41 of 51 listed species known historically from the Hawaiian island of Molokai. A total of approximately 9,843 hectares (24,333 acres) of land on Molokai fall within the boundaries of the 88 critical habitat units designated for these 41 species. This critical habitat designation requires the Service to consult under section 7 of the Act with regard to actions carried out, funded, or authorized by a Federal agency. Section 4 of the Act requires us to consider economic and other relevant impacts when specifying any particular area as critical habitat. This rule also determines that designating critical habitat would not be prudent for one species,

Pritchardia munroi.

We solicited data and comments from the public on all aspects of the proposed rule, including data on economic and other impacts of the designation.

DATES:

This rule becomes effective on April 17, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Comments and materials received, as well as supporting documentation, used in the preparation of this final rule will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands Office, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 3-122, P.O. Box 50088, Honolulu, HI 96850-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Paul Henson, Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Office at the above address (telephone 808/541-3441; facsimile 808/541-3470).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

In the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (50 CFR 17.12), there are 51 plant species that, at the time of listing, were reported from the island of Molokai (Table 1).

Table 1.—Summary of Island Distribution of 51 Species From Molokai

Species (common name)

Island distribution

Kauai

Oahu

Molokai

Lanai

Maui

Hawaii

N.W. Isles,

Kahoolawe, Niihau

Adenophorus periens

(pendant kihi fern)

C

H

C

R

R

C

Alectryon macrococcus

(mahoe)

C

C

C

C

Bidens wiebkei

(kookoolau)

C

Bonamia menziesii

(No common name)

C

C

H

C

C

C

Brighamia rockii

(pua ala)

C

H

H

Canavalia molokaiensis

(awikiwiki)

C

Centaurium sebaeoides

(awiwi)

C

C

C

C

C

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes

(oha wai)

C

Ctenitis squamigera

(pauoa)

H

C

C

C

C

H

Cyanea dunbarii

(haha)

C

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

(haha)

C

C

C

C

Cyanea mannii

(haha)

C

Cyanea procera

(haha)

C

Cyperus trachysanthos

(puukaa)

C

C

H

H

Ni (C)

Diellia erecta

(asplenium-leaved diellia)

C

C

C

H

C

C

Diplazium molokaiense

(No common name)

H

H

H

H

C

Eugenia koolauensis

(nioi)

C

H

Flueggea neowawraea

(mehamehame)

C

C

H

C

C

Hedyotis mannii

(pilo)

C

C

C

Hesperomannia arborescens

(No common name)

C

C

H

C

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus

(kokio keokeo)

C

Hibiscus brackenridgei

(mao hau hele)

H

C

H

C

C

C

Ka (R)

Ischaemum byrone

Hilo ischaemum)

R

C

C

Isodendrion pyrifolium

(wahine noho kula)

H

H

H

H

H

C

Ni (H)

Labordia triflora

(kamakahala)

C

Lysimachia maxima

(No common name)

C

Mariscus fauriei

(No common name)

C

H

C

Marsilea villosa

(ihi ihi)

C

C

Ni (H)

Melicope mucronulata

(alani)

C

C

Melicope munroi

(alani)

H

C

Melicope reflexa

(alani)

C

Neraudia sericea

(No common name)

C

H

C

Ka (H)

Peucedanum sandwicense

(makou)

C

C

C

C

Phyllostegia mannii

(No common name)

C

H

Phyllostegia mollis

(No common name)

C

H

C

Plantago princeps

(laukahi kuahiwi)

C

C

C

C

H

Platanthera holochila

(No common name)

C

H

C

C

Pritchardia munroi

(loulu)

C

Pteris lidgatei

(No common name)

C

H

C

Schiedea lydgatei

(No common name)

C

Schiedea nuttallii

(No common name)

C

C

C

R

Schiedea sarmentosa

(No common name)

C

Sesbania, tomentosa

(ohai)

C

C

C

H

C

C

Ni (H), Ka (C), NW Isles (C)

Silene alexandri

(No common name)

H

Silene lanceolata

(No common name)

H

C

C

H

C

Solanum incompletum

(popolo ku mai)

H

H

H

H

C

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

(No common name)

C

C

C

C

C

C

Stenogyne bifida

(No common name)

C

Tetramolopium rockii

(No common name)

C

Vigna o-wahuensis

(No common name)

H

C

C

C

C

Ni (H), Ka (C)

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

(ae)

C

C

H

C

C

KEY: C (Current)—population last observed within the past 30 years. H (Historical)—population not seen for more than 30 years. R (Reported)—reported from undocumented observations.

Sixteen of these species are endemic to the island of Molokai, while 35 species are reported from Molokai and one or more other Hawaiian islands. Each of these species is described in more detail below in the section “Discussion of Plant Taxa.” Although we considered designating critical habitat on Molokai for each of the 51 plant species, for the reasons described below, the final designation includes critical habitat for 41 of 51 plant species. Species that also occur on other Hawaiian islands may have critical habitat designated on those other islands in subsequent rulemakings.

The Island of Molokai

The island of Molokai, the fifth largest in the Hawaiian Islands chain, is approximately 61 kilometers (km) (38 miles (mi)) long, up to 17 km (10 mi) wide, and encompasses an area of about 688 square (sq) km (266 sq mi). Three shield volcanoes make up most of the land mass of Molokai: West Molokai Mountain, East Molokai Mountain, and a volcano that formed Kalaupapa Peninsula.

The taller and larger East Molokai Mountain rises 1,813 meters (m) (4,970 feet (ft)) above sea level and comprises roughly 50 percent of the island's area. Topographically, the windward (north) side of East Molokai differs from the leeward (south) side. Precipitous cliffs line the windward coast and deep valleys dissect the coastal area. The annual rainfall on the windward side is 200 to over 375 centimeters (cm) (75 to over 150 inches (in)), distributed throughout the year. The soils are poorly drained and high in organic matter. The gulches and valleys are usually very steep, but sometimes gently sloping. Much of the native vegetation on windward East Molokai is intact because of its relative inaccessibility to humans and animals, although destructive ungulates have begun to enter the area in recent years.

Discussion of Plant Taxa

Species Endemic to Molokai

Bidens wiebkei

(kookoolau)

Bidens wiebkei,

a member of the aster family (Asteraceae), is a short-lived perennial herb, which is somewhat woody at the base and grows from 0.5 to 1 m (1.6 to 3.3 ft) tall with opposite, pinnately compound leaves. This plant is distinguished from other

Bidens

species that grow on Molokai by its erect habit and the curved or twisted, winged achenes (Ganders and Nagata 1999, 57 FR 46325).

This species has been observed in flower during May. Little else is known about the life history of

Bidens wiebkei.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown. (Hawaii Natural Heritage Program (HINHP) Database 2000, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) 1996a).

Historically,

Bidens wiebkei

was known from Pelekunu and the easternmost section of Molokai at Halawa. It is found currently in Halawaiki Gulch, Lamaloa Gulch, and below Puu Kolekole on private lands. There are a total of 5 occurrences containing more than 200 individuals (Geographic Decision Systems International (GDSI) 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

The currently known populations of

Bidens wiebkei

are scattered along slopes in

Metrosideros polymorpha

(ohia) dominated mesic shrublands or dry or mesic

Metrosideros polymorpha-Leptechophylla tameiameiae

(pukiawe) lowland shrubland between 8 and 1,205 m (26 and 3,952 ft) in elevation. Other associated plant species include

Antidesma platyphyllum

(hame),

Dodonaea viscosa

(aalii),

Lysimachia

sp. (kolokolo kuahiwi),

Nestegis sandwicensis

(olopua),

Phyllanthus distichus

(pamakani mahu),

Pisonia

sp. (papala kepau),

Psydrax odorata

(alahee), or

Scaevola gaudichaudii

(naupaka kuahiwi) (Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, Ganders and Nagata 1999, HINHP Database 2000).

The major threats to

Bidens wiebkei

include habitat degradation and possible predation by axis deer (

Axis axis

) and feral goats (

Capra hircus

); competition with nonnative plants, such as

Melinus minutiflora

(molasses grass) and

Schinus terebinthifolius

(Christmas berry); fire; and damage by humans of those plants found along trails (HINHP Database 2000, 57 FR 46325).

Canavalia molokaiensis

(awikiwiki)

Canavalia molokaiensis,

a member of the legume family (Fabaceae), is a short-lived perennial climbing herb with twining branches and leaves made up of three lance-shaped or sometimes oval leaflets. The only species of this genus found on Molokai, this plant can be distinguished from others in the genus by its more narrow leaflets and its larger, rose-purple flowers (Wagner and Herbst 1999, 57 FR 46325).

This species has been observed in flower during May and December. Fruits and flowers were observed in March. Little else is known about the life history of

Canavalia molokaiensis.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and

limiting factors are unknown (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a).

Historically,

Canavalia molokaiensis

was known from East Molokai at Kalaupapa, Pelekunu, and farther south in Kahuaawi Gulch, and in the region of Manawai. It now has a more restricted range, from Kalaupapa to Waialeia, Kaunakakai, Pelekunu, and Kamakou. There are a total of 7 occurrences containing more than 50 plants on State lands, including lands managed by the National Park Service at Kalaupapa National Historical Park, and privately owned lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

Canavalia molokaiensis

typically grows in exposed sites, both dry and mesic, on steep slopes in

Metrosideros polymorpha-Dodonaea viscosa

lowland shrubland and mesic shrublands between 271 and 1,140 m (889 and 3,739 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Artemisia

sp. (hinahina),

Chamaesyce

sp. (akoko),

Coprosma

sp. (pilo),

Leptecophylla tameiameiae,

or

Wikstroemia

sp. (akia) (HINHP Database 2000).

The threats to this species include habitat degradation by feral ungulates, such as feral goats and pigs (

Sus scrofa

), possible predation by feral goats, and competition with nonnative plants, such as

Melinis minutiflora

(Service 1996a).

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes

(oha wai)

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes,

a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a short-lived perennial shrub or tree that reaches a height of 2 to 7 m (6.6 to 23 ft). This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the structure of its calyx and corolla, as well as by the lengths of the flower, the floral lobes, and the green hypanthium (base of flower). This subspecies differs from others of the species by the shape and length of its leaves, leaf stalks, and flower stalks (Lammers 1988, 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes

is known from five individuals on the privately owned land of the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii's (TNCH) Pelekunu Preserve. The historical range of this subspecies is not known (HINHP Database 2000; Service 1996a; Joel Lau, HINHP,

in litt.

2000).

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes

occurs in shallow soil on gulch slopes in the wet

Metrosideros polymorpha

-dominated forests between 776 and 1,508 m (2,545 and 4,946 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Broussaisia arguta

(kanawao),

Cheirodendron trigynum

(olapa),

Cibotium

spp. (hapuu),

Hedyotis terminalis

(manono), or

Melicope

sp. (alani) (HINHP Database 2000; Joel Lau, HINHP,

in litt.

2000).

The threats to this species on Molokai are habitat degradation by feral pigs; possible predation on the fruit or plant parts by rats (

Rattus rattus

), as evidence on related species suggests; and random naturally occurring events that may cause the extinction of the entire species due to the very small number of individuals (Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Cyanea dunbarii

(haha)

Cyanea dunbarii,

a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a short-lived perennial, branched shrub 1.5 to 2 m (4.9 to 6.6 ft) tall with oval to broadly elliptic leaves that have irregularly lobed or cleft margins. This species is distinguished from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the lack of prickles on the stems and the irregularly lobed and cleft leaf margins (Lammers 1999).

Cyanea dunbarii

has been observed in flower, with immature fruit, in September. Little is known about the life history of

Cyanea dunbarii.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1998a).

Cyanea dunbarii

was collected in 1918 at Waihanau and Waialae Valleys, and was not observed again until 1992, when Joel Lau of HINHP found it in Mokomoko Gulch on State-owned land within Molokai Forest Reserve. Currently it is known from one occurrence of approximately 30 mature plants at an elevation of 671 m (2,200 ft) (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; 61 FR 53130; Ken Wood, National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG),

in litt.

2000).

Cyanea dunbarii

occurs on a streambank in a mesic to wet

Dicranopteris linearis

(uluhe)-

Metrosideros polymorpha

lowland forest on moderate to steep slopes between 191 and 1,248 m (626 and 4,093 ft) in elevation. Associated species include

Charpentiera obovata

(papala),

Cheirodendron trigynum, Clermontia kakeana

(ohawai),

Diplazium sandwichianum

(hoio),

Freycinetia arborea

(ieie),

Perrottetia sandwicensisr

(olomea), or

Pipturus albidus

(mamaki) (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1998a).

The major threats to

Cyanea dunbarii

on Molokai are competition with the non-native plants

Buddleia asiatica

(butterfly bush),

Commelina diffusa

(honohono),

Erigeron karvinskianus

(daisy fleabane),

Kalanchoe pinnata

(air plant), or

Rubus rosifolius

(thimbleberry); catastrophic extinction by naturally occurring events, such as landslides or flooding; reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of individuals; predation by rats as rats are known to be in the area and are known to eat stems and fruits of other species of

Cyanea;

and habitat degradation and predation by axis deer and pigs (Cuddihy and Stone 1990, Service 1998a).

Cyanea mannii

(haha)

Cyanea mannii,

a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a branched, short-lived perennial shrub 1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft) tall with narrowly elliptic or lance-shaped leaves. This species is distinguished from the seven other species of the genus on Molokai by a combination of the following characteristics: a branched, woody habit; leaves with small, hardened, marginal teeth; and a purplish corolla (Lammers 1999, 57 FR 46325).

Cyanea mannii

has been observed in flower during July. Little is known about the life history of

Cyanea mannii.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a).

Historically,

Cyanea mannii

was known only from Kalae on East Molokai. In 1984, a single plant was discovered by Joan Aidem on privately owned land west of Puu Kolekole on East Molokai. Since then, seven additional occurrences have been discovered in the east and west forks of Kawela Gulch on privately owned land on East Molokai and within the State's Molokai Forest Reserve. These 8 occurrences contain approximately 200 individuals on State and privately owned lands (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Lammers 1999; Service 1996a; Ken Wood, NTBG,

in litt.

2000).

This species typically grows on the sides of deep gulches in

Metrosideros polymorpha

-dominated montane mesic forests between 191 and 1,248 m (626 and 4,093 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Dicranopteris linearis, Vaccinium

sp. (ohelo), or

Wikstroemia

sp. (HINHP Database 2000, Lammers 1999, Service 1996a).

Threats to

Cyanea mannii

are habitat degradation by feral pigs; predation by rats, which may feed on the fruit or other parts of the plant, as suggested by

evidence from related species; and catastrophic extinction through naturally occurring events due to this species few occurrences and small number of individuals (Service 1996a).

Cyanea procera

(haha)

Cyanea procera,

a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a palm-like, short-lived perennial tree 3 to 9 m (10 to 30 ft) tall. It has stalkless, lance-shaped leaves 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in) long and 10 to 17 cm (3.9 to 6.7 in) wide with tiny hardened teeth along the margins. This species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by its growth habit, its stalkless leaves, and the single-lipped appearance of the corolla (Lammers 1999, 57 FR 46325).

Little is known about the life history of

Cyanea procera.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Historically,

Cyanea procera

was known only from an unspecified site in the Kamalo region of East Molokai. Currently, this species is found on private land and the State's Puu Alii Natural Area Reserve (NAR) with a total of 5 occurrences containing at least 10 individuals (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

Cyanea procera

is found on the walls of steep gulches in wet

Metrosideros polymorpha

-dominated lowland mixed forests between 277 and 1,248 m (909 and 4,093 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Asplenium

spp. (no common name (NCN)),

Brousaissia arguta, Coprosma ochracea

(pilo),

Cyanea

spp. (haha),

Cyrtandra macrocalyx

(haiwale),

Dicranopteris linearis, Pipturus albidus, Pisonia

spp.,

Scaevola procera

(naupaka kuahiwi), or

Touchardia latifolia

(olona) (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a).

Threats to

Cyanea procera

are predation by rats (as suggested by evidence on related species) and feral goats, habitat degradation by feral goats and pigs, habitat destruction through erosion, and catastrophic extinction from naturally occurring events due to the vulnerability of a few occurrences with a small number of individuals (57 FR 46325).

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus

(kokio keokeo)

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus,

a member of the hibiscus family (Malvaceae), is a long-lived perennial tree up to 3 m (10 ft) tall with alternate, oval, toothed leaves measuring 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.8 in) long and 4 to 6.5 cm (1.6 to 2.6 in) wide. This subspecies is distinguished from other native Hawaiian members of the genus by its white petals and white staminal column (Bates 1999, 57 FR 46325).

This species was observed in flower during July. Little else is known about the life history of

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a).

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus

once ranged from Waihanau Valley east to Papalaua Valley on East Molokai. Currently this species is found west of Papalaua Valley on privately owned land and in the State's Olokui NAR above Waiehu. There are a total of 3 occurrences containing between 20 and 30 individuals (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus

individuals are scattered along steep sea cliffs in mesic forests between 8 and 1,014 m (26 and 3,326 ft) in elevation. Associated native plant species include

Athyrium

spp. (akolea),

Cyanea grimesiana

(haha),

Antidesma platyphyllum, Boehmeria grandis

(akolea),

Diospyros sandwicensis

(lama),

Metrosideros polymorpha, Pipturus

spp. (mamaki),

Psydrax odorata,

or

Urera glabra

(opuhe) (Bates 1999, HINHP Database 2000).

The major threats to

Hibiscus arnottianus

spp.

immaculatus

are habitat destruction by feral goats and catastrophic extinction by naturally occurring events due to the vulnerability of the three occurrences and few individuals (Service 1996a).

Labordia triflora

(kamakahala)

Labordia triflora,

a short-lived perennial member of the logan family (Loganiaceae), is similar to

L. tinifolia

var.

lanaiensis,

except in the following characteristics: The stems of

L. triflora

are climbing; the leaf stalks are only 1 to 3 millimeters (mm) (0.04 to 0.1 in) long; inflorescence stalks are 40 to 50 mm (1.6 to 2 in) long; and each flower stalk is 10 to 25 mm (0.4 to 1 in) long (Motley 1995).

The flowers of this species are functionally unisexual. Little else is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Motley 1995, HINHP Database 2000).

Until 1990,

Labordia triflora

was known only from the type collection at Mapulehu and was believed to be extinct. In 1990, Joel Lau rediscovered the species in Kua Gulch on Molokai. Currently, only 10 individuals are known from one occurrence on privately owned land (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Motley 1995).

This species occurs on gulch slopes in mixed mesic

Metrosideros polymorpha

forest, between 191 and 1,143 m (626 and 3,749 ft) in elevation. Associated species include

Coprosma

sp.,

Myrsine lessertiana

(kolea lau nui),

Nephrolepis exaltata

(sword fern),

Pouteria sandwicensis

(alaa),

Sadleria cyatheoides

(amau), or

Tetraplasandra hawaiensis

(ohe ohe) (Motley 1995; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

The threats to

Labordia triflora

include habitat degradation and destruction by feral pigs and goats; predation by rats that eat seeds; competition with the non-native plant species

Schinus terebinthifolius;

catastrophic extinction through environmental events; and reduced reproductive vigor due to the species' few occurrences and small number of individuals (Motley 1995, 64 FR 48307).

Lysimachia Maxima

(NCN)

Lysimachia maxima

, a member of the primrose family (Primulaceae), is a sprawling, short-lived perennial shrub with reddish-brown bark. This species is differentiated from others in this genus by the leaves borne in groups of 3, the broadest portion of the leaf located above the middle, and rusty hairs that disappear with maturity (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Flowers, buds, and immature fruit of

Lysimachia maxima

have been observed in late May through July. Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1998a, 61 FR 53130).

Lysimachia maxima

is only known from one occurrence containing between 45 and 50 individuals on the rim of Pelekunu Valley near Ohialele, on the privately owned land of TNCH's Pelekunu Preserve (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

This species occurs in

Metrosideros polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis

montane wet forest between 446 and 1,329 m (1,463 and 4,359 ft) in elevation. Associated species include

Dubautia

sp. (naenae),

Hedyotis

sp. (NCN),

Ilex anomala

(kawau),

Psychotria

sp. (kopiko), or

Vaccinium

sp. (HINHP Database 2000).

The major threats to

Lysimachia maxima

are catastrophic extinction from random environmental events (

e.g.

, landslides); reduced reproductive vigor

due to the small number of individuals in the only known occurrence; and habitat degradation and/or predation by feral pigs and goats that are known from adjacent areas (Service 1998a).

Melicope reflexa

(alani)

Melicope reflexa

, a long-lived perennial of the rue family (Rutaceae), is a sprawling shrub 1 to 3 m (3.3 to 10 ft) tall with short, yellowish-brown, short-lived hairs on new growth. Opposite leaves with leaf stalks usually over 1 cm (0.4 in) long, larger leaves and fruit, and partially fused sections of the capsule (fruit) separate it from other species of the genus (Stone

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Historically,

Melicope reflexa

occurred from a ridge between Hanalilolilo and Pepeopae to as far east as Halawa on East Molokai. The 3 remaining occurrences of fewer than a total of 1,000 individuals are on State and private lands in Honomuni, the Wailau-Mapulehu summit area, and Kukuinui Ridge in Wailau Valley (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

Melicope reflexa

typically grows in wet

Metrosideros polymorpha

-dominated forest with native trees, such as

Cheirodendron

sp. (olapa), at elevations between 319 and 1,508 m (1,046 and 4,946 ft). Associated native plant species include

Antidesma platyphyllum

,

Alyxia oliviformis

(maile),

Cheirodendron trigynum

,

Cibotium

spp.,

Dicranopteris linearis

,

Freycinetia arborea

, or

Syzygium sandwicensis

(ohia ha) (Stone

et al.

1999; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Major threats to

Melicope reflexa

include habitat degradation and predation by ungulates (axis deer and feral pigs); competition with the non-native plant

Clidemia hirta

(Koster's curse); and catastrophic extinction from environmental events due to this species' few occurrences and small number of individuals (Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Pritchardia munroi

(loulu)

Pritchardia munroi

, a member of the palm family (Arecaceae), is a long-lived perennial tree about 4 to 5 m (13 to 16 ft) tall. The leaves are deeply divided into segments with long, drooping tips. This species is distinguished from others of the genus by its relatively smooth leaves; the grayish-brown hair on the inflorescence stalks, which are shorter than the petioles (leaf stalks); and the small size of the fruits (Read and Hodel 1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Historically and currently,

Pritchardia munroi

is found in leeward East Molokai, above Kamalo, near Kapuaokoolau Gulch. The only known wild individual is found on privately owned land (HINHP Database 2000, Read and Hodel 1999).

The only known wild individual grows near the base of a small ravine in mesic

Metrosideros polymorpha

-

Dodonaea viscosa-Leptechophylla tameiameiae

shrubland at elevations between 189 and 1,205 m (619 and 3,952 ft). Associated plant species include

Bidens menziesii

(kookoolau),

Coprosma

sp.,

Diospyros sandwicensis, Dubautia linearis

(naenae),

Pleomele auwahiensis

(hala pepe),

Pseudognaphalium sandwicensium

(enaena),

Sida fallax

(ilima), or

Wikstroemia

sp. (Read and Hodel 1999; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Threats to the only known wild individual of

Pritchardia munroi

include habitat degradation by ungulates (axis deer, goats, or pigs) around its fenced exclosure, which prevents the establishment of seedlings; predation of seeds by rats; and catastrophic extinction by random environmental events (

e.g.

, fire) due to its extreme rarity (Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Schiedea lydgatei

(NCN)

Schiedea lydgatei

, a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is a low, hairless short-lived perennial with branched stems 10 to 40 cm (4 to 16 in) long that are woody at the base. The opposite, thin, three-veined leaves with petioles and the smooth, open flower clusters with relatively larger, green sepals separate this species from other members of this endemic Hawaiian genus (Wagner

et al.

1999).

This species has been observed with flowers and fruit in June. Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a).

Historically,

Schiedea lydgatei

was found in Kalae, Poholua, Makolelau, and Ohia Gulch on East Molokai. This species is now known from 4 occurrences in a more restricted area in Makakupaia, Kawela, and Makolelau. The 4 occurrences total more than 1,000 individuals on State and privately owned lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

This species is found along ridges in dry to mesic grassland, shrubland, and forest with scattered native trees. It ranges in elevation between 458 and 1,047 m (1,502 and 3,434 ft). Associated plant species include

Dicranopteris linearis

,

Dodonaea viscosa

,

Leptecophylla tameiameiae

, or

Metrosideros polymorpha

(Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, HINHP Database 2000, Wagner

et al.

1999).

The major threats to

Schiedea lydgatei

are habitat degradation by feral ungulates; competition with the non-native plant species

Melinus minutiflora

; and catastrophic extinction due to random environmental events, primarily fire, because in this species' dry, windswept habitat a single fire could potentially destroy a large part of the occurrence (Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Schiedea sarmentosa

(NCN)

Schiedea sarmentosa

, a short-lived perennial herb of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is a many-branched shrub. The opposite leaves are slender, threadlike, and covered with dense, glandular hairs. The flowers are female on some plants and bisexual on others. This species differs from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by its densely bushy habit, leaf width, hairiness, and staminode (false stamen) length (Wagner

et al.

1999).

The population in Makolelau Gulch has a frequency of 31 percent female plants. Based on analyses of pollen-ovule ratios, pollen size, inflorescence structure, and comparison to other

Schiedea

species tested in a wind tunnel,

Schiedea sarmentosa

could be wind-pollinated. Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1998a).

Schiedea sarmentosa

has been found in Kawela Gulch, Makolelau, and Onini Gulch. Currently, only five occurrences are known to be extant on private lands. Estimates of the total number of individuals have ranged to over 1,000. An accurate count is difficult because this species grows interspersed with

Schiedea lydgatei

(GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1998a).

Schiedea sarmentosa

is typically found on steep or gentle to moderate slopes in

Metrosideros polymorpha

-

Dodonaea viscosa

lowland dry or mesic shrubland, or dry to mesic forest dominated by

Metrosideros polymorpha

and/or

Diospyros sandwicensis

, at elevations between 316 and 1,072 m (1,036 and 3,516 ft). Associated species include

Alyxia oliviformis

,

Bidens menziesii

,

Carex meyenii

(NCN),

Chamaesyce

sp.,

Chenopodium oahuense

(aheahea),

Leptecophylla tameiameiae

,

Lipochaeta rockii

(nehe),

Nestegis sandwicensis

,

Nothocestrum latifolium

(aiea),

Pleomele auwahiensis

,

Sida fallax

, or

Sophora chrysophylla

(mamane) (HINHP Database 2000; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Major threats to

Schiedea sarmentosa

include habitat degradation by feral goats and pigs, competition by the non-native plants

Melinis minutiflora

and

Ricinus communis

(castor bean), and fire. The species is also threatened by a risk of extinction from naturally occurring events due to the low number of occurrences (Service 1998a, 61 FR 53130).

Silene alexandri

(NCN)

Silene alexandri

, a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is an erect, short-lived perennial herb, 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall, and woody at the base. The narrow, elliptic leaves are hairless except for a fringe along the margins. Flowers are arranged in open clusters on stalks. The hairless stems, flowering stalks, and sepals and the larger flowers with white petals separate this species from other members of the genus (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Historically,

Silene alexandri

was known from Makolelau and Kamalo on East Molokai. Recently, the single known occurrence, comprised of fewer than 10 individuals, was reported to be extirpated in the wild. However, individuals remain in cultivation (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Steve Perlman, NTBG, pers. comm., 2001).

The only known occurrence was found on moderate to steep slopes or cliffs in dry forest at an elevation between 316 and 1,073 m (1,036 and 3,519 ft). Associated plant species include

Bidens menziesii

,

Carex wahuensis

(NCN),

Diospyros sandwicensis

,

Dodonaea viscosa

,

Leptecophylla tameiameiae

, or

Schiedea

spp. (J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Threats to

Silene alexandri

include habitat degradation by feral goats, possible predation by goats and cattle (

Bos taurus

), and catastrophic extinction through random environmental events, of which the most serious is fire (Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Stenogyne bifida

(NCN)

Stenogyne bifida

, a nonaromatic member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is a climbing, short-lived perennial herb, with smooth or slightly hairy, four-angled stems. The long, narrow calyx teeth and the deep lobe in the upper lip of the yellow corolla separate this species from others of the genus (Weller and Sakai 1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Historically,

Stenogyne bifida

was known from scattered occurrences from Waianui in central Molokai to Pukoo Ridge on East Molokai. This species is now known from only 5 East Molokai occurrences totaling fewer than 10 individuals on Manawai-Kahananui Ridge on private lands; on Kolo Ridge, at Kamoku Flats; and on the east fork of Kawela Gulch on the privately owned land of TNCH's Pelekunu Preserve (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

Stenogyne bifida

typically grows on gulch slopes in

Metrosideros polymorpha

-dominated montane mesic to wet forest with native species such as

Broussaisia arguta

,

Cheirodendron trigynum

,

Cibotium

sp.,

Cyanea

sp.,

Dicranopteris linearis

,

Dodonaea viscosa

,

Hedyotis hillebrandii

(manono),

Hedyotis

sp.,

Leptecophylla tameiameiae

,

Pipturus albidus

,

Pouteria sandwicensis

,

Psychotria

sp.,

Vaccinium

sp., or

Wikstroemia

sp. at elevations between 336 and 1,300 m (1,102 and 4,264 ft) (HINHP Database 2000; Service 1996a; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

The most pervasive threat to this species is habitat degradation by ungulates (axis deer, goats, and pigs) (Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Tetramolopium rockii

(NCN)

Tetramolopium rockii

, a member of the aster family (Asteraceae), is a glandular, hairy, prostrate short-lived perennial shrub that forms complexly branching mats. The species has been divided into two varieties in the most recent treatment of this genus in Hawaii. Leaves of

T. rockii

var.

calcisabulorum

have slightly inrolled edges and are whitish due to the long silky hairs on their surfaces, whereas var.

rockii

has smaller, less hairy, flat, yellowish-green leaves. This species differs from others of the genus by its growth habit, its hairy and glandular surfaces, its spatulate leaf shape, and its yellow disk florets (Lowrey 1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Of the two recognized varieties of

Tetramolopium rockii

, var.

rockii

was first discovered at Moomomi about 80 years ago and is still extant in that area.

Tetramolopium rockii

var.

rockii

is found in four areas from Kalawao to Kahinaakalani, Keieho Point to Kapalauoa, and Moomomi to Kahinaakalani.

Tetramolopium rockii

var.

calcisabulorum

is only reported from Keieho Point to Kapalauoa, intergrading with var.

rockii

where their ranges overlap. The total number of individuals of both varieties in the 4 occurrences is estimated to be 174,000; they are located on State lands, including land managed by the National Park Service at Kalaupapa National Historical Park, and privately owned lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

Tetramolopium rockii

is restricted to hardened calcareous sand dunes or ash-covered basalt in the coastal spray zone or coastal dry shrubland and grassland between sea level and 199 m (0 and 653 ft) in elevation. Native plant species associated with this species include

Diospyros sandwicensis

,

Fimbristylis cymosa

(mauu akiaki),

Heliotropium anomalum

(hinahina),

Melanthera integrifolia

,

Metrosideros polymorpha

,

Osteomeles anthyllidifolia

(ulei),

Pouteria sandwicensis

,

Psydrax odorata

,

Scaevola

sp. (naupaka),

Sida fallax

, or

Sporobolus virginicus

(akiaki) (HINHP Database 2000, Lowrey 1999, Service 1996a).

The major threats to

Tetramolopium rockii

are habitat degradation by ungulate (axis deer and cattle) activity and human recreation, competition with the non-native plant

Prosopis pallida

(kiawe), and catastrophic extinction due to fire (57 FR 46325).

Multi-Island Species

Adenophorus periens

(pendant kihi fern)

Adenophorus periens

, a short-lived perennial member of the grammitis family (Grammitidaceae), is a small, pendant, epiphytic (not rooted on the ground) fern. This species differs from other species in this endemic Hawaiian genus by having hairs along the pinna (leaflet) margins, by the pinnae being at right angles to the midrib axis, by the placement of the sori (a cluster of spore cases) on the pinnae, and the degree of dissection of each pinna (Linney 1989, Service 1999a).

Little is known about the life history of

Adenophorus periens

, which seems to grow only in dense closed-canopy forest with high humidity. Its breeding system is unknown, but outbreeding is very likely to be the predominant mode of reproduction. Spores (minute, reproductive dispersal unit of ferns) are dispersed by wind, possibly by water, and perhaps on the feet of birds or

insects. Spores lack a thick resistant coat, which may indicate that their longevity is brief, probably measured in days at most. Due to the weak differences between seasons, there seems to be no evidence of seasonality in growth or reproduction. Additional information on reproductive cycles, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors is not known (Linney 1989, Service 1999a).

Historically,

Adenophorus periens

was known from Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, East Maui, and Hawaii Island. Currently, it is known from several locations on Kauai, Molokai, and Hawaii. On Molokai, it is found in a single occurrence containing seven individuals on private land (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Adenophorus periens

is an epiphyte usually growing on

Metrosideros polymorpha

trunks, and is found in

Metrosideros polymorpha

-

Myrsine lessertiana

forest at elevations between 811 and 1,508 m (2,660 and 4,946 ft). It is found in habitats of well-developed, closed canopy providing deep shade and high humidity. Associated native species include

Anoectochilus sandvicensis

(jewel orchid),

Broussaisia arguta

,

Cheirodendron trigynum

,

Cibotium glaucum

(hapuu),

Coprosma ochracea

,

Cyanea

sp.,

Cyrtandra

sp. (haiwale),

Dicranopteris linearis

,

Freycinetia arborea

,

Hedyotis terminalis

,

Ilex anomala

,

Labordia hirtella

(NCN),

Leptecophylla tameiameiae

,

Machaerina angustifolia

(uki),

Melicope

sp.,

Psychotria

spp.,

Stenogyne kamehamehae

(NCN),

Syzygium sandwicensis

,

Vaccinium calycinum

(ohelo), or

Viola chamissoniana

ssp.

robusta

(pamakani) (HINHP Database 2000, Linney 1989, Service 1999a).

The threats to this species on Molokai are habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats, and competition with the non-native plant

Psidium cattleianum

(strawberry guava) (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a, 59 FR 56333).

Alectryon macrococcus

(mahoe)

Alectryon macrococcus

, a long-lived perennial member of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), consists of two varieties,

macrococcus

and

auwahiensis

, both of which are trees with reddish-brown branches and leaves with one to five pairs of sometimes asymmetrical egg-shaped leaflets. The underside of the leaf has dense brown hairs only when young in

A. macrococcus

var.

macrococcus

and whether young or mature (persistent) in

A. macrococcus

var.

auwahiensis

(only found on East Maui). The only member of its genus found in Hawaii, this species is distinguished from other Hawaiian members of its family by being a tree with a hard fruit 2.3 cm (0.9 in) or more in diameter (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Alectryon macrococcus

is a relatively slow-growing, long-lived tree that grows in xeric (dry) to mesic sites and is adapted to periodic drought. Little else is known about the life history of this species. Flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, and specific environmental requirements are unknown (Service 1997).

Historically and currently,

Alectryon macrococcus

var.

macrococcus

is known from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Molokai. On Molokai, it is found on private land, along the Puu Kolekole jeep road, Kaunakakai Gulch, and Kamiloloa Gulch in a total of six occurrences containing nine individuals on State and privately owned lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Alectryon macrococcus

var.

macrococcus

typically grows on talus slopes or in gulches within dry or mesic lowland forest between elevations of 534 and 1,120 m (1,751 and 3,674 ft). Associated native plants include

Dodonaea viscosa

,

Lipochaeta

sp. (nehe),

Myrsine

sp. (kolea),

Nestegis sandwicensis

,

Nothocestrum

sp. (aiea),

Pleomele

sp. (halapepe),

Psychotria

sp., or

Streblus pendulina

(aiai) (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1997, Wagner

et al.

1999).

The threats to

Alectryon macrococcus

var.

macrococcus

on Molokai include habitat degradation by feral goats and pigs; competition from non-native plant species, such as

Melinus minutiflora

,

Pennisetum clandestinum

(kikuyu grass),

Psidium cattleianum

, or

Schinus terebinthifolius

; damage from the black twig borer (

Xylosandrus compactus

); seed predation by rats, mice (

Mus domesticus

), and insects (probably the endemic microlepidopteran (small caterpillar)

Prays

cf.

fulvocanella

); loss of pollinators; and catastrophic extinction through a single natural or human-caused environmental disturbance (

e.g.

, fire) due to the very small remaining number of individuals and their limited distribution on Molokai (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1997, 57 FR 20772).

Bonamia menziesii

(NCN)

Bonamia menziesii,

a member of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) and a short-lived perennial, is a vine with twining branches that are fuzzy when young. This species is the only member of the genus that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and differs from other genera in the family by its two styles, longer stems and petioles, and rounder leaves (Austin 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Bonamia menziesii.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Historically,

Bonamia menziesii

was known from Kauai, the Waianae Mountains of Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Currently, this species is extant on Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii. This species was last collected on Molokai in 1918 from Maunaloa by J. F. Rock (HINHP Database 2000).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat of or native plant species associated with

Bonamia menziesii

on Molokai.

Nothing is known of the threats to

Bonamia menziesii

on Molokai.

Brighamia rockii

(pua ala)

Brighamia rockii,

a long-lived perennial member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is an unbranched plant with a succulent stem that is bulbous at the bottom and tapers toward the top, ending in a compact rosette of fleshy leaves. This species is a member of a unique endemic Hawaiian genus with only one other species, found on Kauai, from which it differs by the color of its petals, its longer calyx (sepal) lobes, and its shorter flower stalks (Lammers 1999).

Observations of

Brighamia rockii

by Gemmill (1996) have provided the following information: The reproductive system is protandrous, meaning male flower parts are produced before female parts, in this case, separated by several days; only five percent of the flowers produce pollen; very few fruits are produced per inflorescence; there are 20 to 60 seeds per capsule; and plants have been known to flower at nine months of age. This species has been observed in flower during August. Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a).

Historically,

Brighamia rockii

ranged along the northern coast of East Molokai from Kalaupapa to Halawa and may possibly have grown on Lanai and Maui. Currently, it is only extant on Molokai in a total of 5 occurrences with between 121 and 131 individual plants occurring on State and privately owned lands. It occurs on steep, inaccessible sea cliffs along East Molokai's northern coastline from Anapuhi Beach to Wailau Valley on private lands, and on the relatively inaccessible State-owned sea stack of Huelo, east of Anapuhi Beach (GDSI

2000; HINHP Database 2000; Lammers 1999; K. Wood,

in litt.

2000).

On Molokai,

Brighamia rockii

is found in rock crevices on steep basalt sea cliffs, often within the spray zone, in coastal dry or mesic forest,

Eragrostis variabilis

(kawelu) mixed coastal cliff communities or shrubland, or

Pritchardia

sp. (loulu) coastal mesic forest between sea level and 671 m (0 and 2,201 ft) in elevation. Associated native species include

Artemisia

sp.,

Bidens

sp. (kookoolau),

Carex wahuensis

ssp.

wahuensis

(NCN),

Chamaesyce celastroides

var.

amplectans

(akoko),

Cocculus orbiculatus

(huehue),

Cyperus phleoides

ssp.

phleoides

(NCN),

Cyrtomium falcatum

(ahina kuahiwi),

Dianella sandwicensis

(ukiuki),

Diospyros sandwicensis, Hedyotis littoralis

(NCN),

Lepidium bidentatum

var.

o-waihiense

(anaunau),

Metrosideros polymorpha, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Pandanus tectorius

(hala),

Peucedanum sandwicensis

(makou),

Phymatosorus grossus

(lauae),

Pittosporum halophilum

(hoawa),

Pritchardia hillebrandii

(loulu),

Psydrax odorata, Reynoldsia sandwicensis

(ohe),

Scaevola sericea

(naupaka kahakai),

Schiedea globosa

(NCN),

Senna gaudichaudii

(kolomona),

Tetramolopium

spp., or

Wikstroemia uva-ursi

(akia) (HINHP Database 2000; Lammers 1999; K. Wood,

in litt.

2000).

The threats to this species on Molokai are habitat degradation (and possibly predation) by axis deer and goats; competition with the non-native plants

Cyperus gracilis

(McCoy grass),

Digitaria ciliaris

(Henry's crabgrass),

Digitaria insularis

(sourgrass),

Ficus microcarpa

(Chinese banyan),

Kalanchoe pinnata, Lantana camara

(lantana),

Oxalis corniculata

(yellow wood sorrel),

Pluchea carolinensis

(sourbush),

Portulaca oleracea

(pigweed), and

Solanum seaforthianum

(NCN); seed predation by rats; and lack of pollinators (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Centaurium sebaeoides

(awiwi)

Centaurium sebaeoides,

a member of the gentian family (Gentianaceae), is an annual herb with fleshy leaves and stalkless flowers. This species is distinguished from

Centaurium erythraea

(bitter herb), which is naturalized in Hawaii, by its fleshy leaves and the unbranched arrangement of the flower cluster (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Centaurium sebaeoides

has been observed flowering in April. Flowering may be induced by heavy rainfall. Occurrences are found in dry areas, and plants are more likely to be found following heavy rains. This species appears to be an annual; triggered by declining photo-period, the plant produces seeds and dies. Medeiros

et al.

(1999) noted that in the wild, seedlings first appeared in March and April; flowers first appeared in April and May; mature capsules were observed beginning in May and continuing through June; and by the first week of July, most plants were dead. Little is known about the life history of this species. Its pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1995a).

Historically and currently,

Centaurium sebaeoides

is known from scattered localities on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. Currently on Molokai, there are a total of two occurences containing thousands of individuals, near Mokio Point on privately owned land and in Kalaupapa National Historical Park on State-owned land managed by the National Park Service (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Wagner

et al.

1999; Chuck Chimera, U.S. Geological Survey, pers. comm., 2000).

On Molokai,

Centaurium sebaeoides

grows in volcanic or clay soils or on cliffs in arid coastal areas at elevations between sea level and 409 m (0 and 1,341 ft). Associated species include

Artemisia

sp.,

Bidens

sp.,

Chamaesyce celastroides

(akoko),

Cyperus phleoides

(NCN),

Dodonaea viscosa, Fimbristylis cymosa, Heteropogon contortus

(pili grass),

Jacquemontia ovalifolia

(pauohiiaka),

Lipochaeta heterophylla

(nehe),

Lipochaeta succulenta

(nehe),

Lycium sandwicense

(ohelo kai),

Lysimachia mauritiana

(kolokolo kuahiwi),

Melanthera integrifolia, Panicum fauriei

(NCN),

Panicum torridum

(kakonakona),

Scaevola sericea, Schiedea globosa, Sida fallax,

or

Wikstroemia uva-ursi

(Medeiros

et al.

1999, Wagner

et al.

1999, 56 FR 55770).

The major threats to this species on Molokai are displacement by non-native, woody species, such as

Casuarina equisetifolia

(paina),

Casuarina glauca

(saltmarsh),

Leucaena leucocephala

(koa haole),

Prosopis pallida, Schinus terebinthifolius, Syzygium cumini

(Java plum), and

Tournefortia argentea

(tree heliotrope); trampling and habitat degradation by feral goats and cattle; and damage caused by off-road vehicles (Medeiros

et al.

1999).

Ctenitis squamigera

(pauoa)

Ctenitis squamigera

is a short-lived perennial in the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). It has a rhizome (horizontal stem) 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in) thick, creeping above the ground and densely covered with scales similar to those on the lower part of the leaf stalk.

Ctenitis squamigera

can be readily distinguished from other Hawaiian species of

Ctenitis

by the dense covering of tan-colored scales on its fronds (Degener and Degener 1957, Wagner and Wagner 1992).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Reproductive cycles, dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1998b).

Historically,

Ctenitis squamigera

was recorded from the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. It is currently found on Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, and Maui. There is currently a single occurrence with 20 individuals on the island of Molokai in Wawaia Gulch on privately owned land (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; J. Lau,

in litt.

2000).

On Molokai,

Ctenitis squamigera

is found in mesic forest and gulch slopes between elevations of 757 and 1,133 m (2,483 and 3,716 ft). Associated native plant taxa include

Carex meyenii, Diospyros sandwicensis, Dryopteris unidentata

(NCN),

Metrosideros polymorpha, Nephrolepis exaltata, Nestegis sandwicensis, Pleomele auwahiensis, Pouteria sandwicensis,

or

Xylosma hawaiiense

(maua) (Service 1998b; 59 FR 49025; J. Lau,

in litt.

2000).

The primary threats to

Ctenitis squamigera

are habitat degradation by goats and competition with the non-native plants

Melinis minutiflora

and

Schinus terebinthifolius

(Service 1998b; 59 FR 49025; J. Lau,

in litt.

2000).

Cyanea grimesiana ssp. grimesiana

(haha)

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana,

a short-lived perennial member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), is a shrub with pinnately divided leaves. This species is distinguished from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by the pinnately lobed leaf margins and the width of the leaf blades. This subspecies is distinguished from the other two subspecies by the shape and size of the calyx lobes, which overlap at the base (Lammers 1999).

Little is known about the life history of this plant. On Molokai, flowering plants have been observed in July and August. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Historically and currently,

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

is known from Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. On Molokai, it is found in a total of two occurrences containing seven individuals in Wailau, Puu Kahea and Olokui NAR on State-owned lands

(GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a).

On Molokai,

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

is typically found in mesic forest often dominated by

Metrosideros polymorpha

or

M. polymorpha

and

Acacia koa

(koa), or on cliffs, at elevations between 93 and 1,354 m (305 and 4,441 ft). Associated plants include

Antidesma

sp. (hame),

Bobea

sp. (ahakea),

Cibotium

sp.,

Cyrtandra

sp.,

Dicranopteris linearis, Doodia

sp. (okupukupu lauii),

Freycinetia arborea, Nephrolepis

sp. (kupukupu),

Psychotria

sp.,

Syzygium sandwicensis,

or

Xylosma

sp. (maua) (HINHP Database 2000).

The threats to this species on Molokai are habitat degradation and/or destruction caused by axis deer, feral goats, and pigs; competition with various non-native plants, such as

Clidemia hirta;

catastrophic extinction by randomly naturally occurring events (

e.g.

, fire, landslides) due to the small number of existing individuals; trampling by hikers; seed predation by rats; and predation by various species of slugs (

Milax

spp.) (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a, 61 FR 53108).

Cyperus trachysanthos

(puukaa)

Cyperus trachysanthos,

a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), is a short-lived perennial grass-like plant with a short rhizome (underground stem). The culms (aerial stems) are densely tufted, obtusely triangular in cross section, tall, sticky, and leafy at the base. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the short rhizome, the leaf sheath with partitions at the nodes, the shape of the glumes (floral bracts), and the length of the culms (Koyama 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Cyperus trachysanthos.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Historically,

Cyperus trachysanthos

was known from Niihau, Kauai, and scattered locations on Oahu, Molokai, and Lanai. This species is now extant on Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu. This species was last collected on Molokai in 1912 from Maunaloa by J. F. Rock (HINHP Database 2000).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat or native species associated with

Cyperus trachysanthos

on Molokai.

Nothing is known of the threats to

Cyperus trachysanthos

on Molokai.

Diellia erecta

(asplenium-leaved diellia)

Diellia erecta,

a short-lived perennial fern in the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae), grows in tufts of three to nine lance-shaped fronds emerging from a rhizome covered with brown to dark gray scales. This species differs from other members of the genus in having larger brown or dark gray scales, fused or separate sori along both margins of the pinna, shiny black midribs that have a hardened surface, and veins that do not usually encircle the sori (Degener and Greenwell 1950, Wagner 1952).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its reproductive cycles, dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Historically,

Diellia erecta

was known from Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Currently, it is known from Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii. On Molokai, it is known from a total of 4 occurrences containing at least 10 individuals in Halawa Valley, Kahuaawi Gulch, Makolelau, and Onini Gulch on privately owned lands (HINHP Database 2000; Service 1999a; K. Wood,

in litt.

1999).

On Molokai,

Diellia erecta

is found in mixed mesic forest and mesic

Diospyros sandwicensis

forest between elevations of 716 and 1,133 m (2,348 and 3,716 ft). Associated native plant species include

Alyxia oliviformis, Bobea

sp.,

Coprosma foliosa

(pilo),

Dodonaea viscosa, Dryopteris unidentata, Dubautia linearis

ssp.

opposita

(naenae),

Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Metrosideros polymorpha, Myrsine

sp.,

Ochrosia compta

(holei),

Pleomele auwahiensis, Psychotria

sp.,

Sophora chrysophylla, Syzygium sandwicensis,

or

Wikstroemia

sp. (HINHP Database 2000; K. Wood,

in litt.

1999).

The major threats to

Diellia erecta

on Molokai are habitat degradation by pigs, goats, and axis deer; competition with the non-native plant species

Blechnum occidentale

(NCN),

Fraxinus uhdei

(tropical ash),

Melinus minutiflora, Psidium cattleianum,

and

Ricinus communis;

catastrophic extinction due to random naturally occurring events; and reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of existing individuals (HINHP Database 2000; K. Wood,

in litt.

1999; Service 1999a; 59 FR 56333).

Diplazium molokaiense

(NCN)

Diplazium molokaiense,

a short-lived fern in the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae), has a short prostrate rhizome, and green or straw colored leaf stalks with thin-textured fronds. This species can be distinguished from other species of

Diplazium

on the Hawaiian Islands by a combination of characters, including venation pattern, the length and arrangement of the sori, frond shape, and the degree of dissection of the frond (Wagner and Wagner 1992).

Little is known about the life history of

Diplazium molokaiense.

Reproductive cycles, dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors for

Diplazium molokaiense

are unknown (Service 1998a).

Historically,

Diplazium molokaiense

was found on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. Currently, this species is known only from Maui. This species was last collected on Molokai in 1912 from Kaluaaha Valley by C. N. Forbes (HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Diplazium molokaiense

was found on steep, rocky, wooded gulch walls in wet forests between elevations of 97 and 1,349 m (318 and 4,425 ft) (HINHP Database 2000).

There is no information on threats that may affect

Diplazium molokaiense

on Molokai (Service 1998a).

Eugenia koolauensis

(nioi)

Eugenia koolauensis,

a member of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), is a long-lived perennial tree or shrub between 2 and 7 m (7 and 23 ft) tall with branch tips covered with dense brown hairs.

Eugenia koolauensis

differs from the other species in the genus in having leaves that are densely hairy on the lower surface and leaf margins that curve under the leaves (Wagner

et al.

1999).

This species has been observed in flower from February to December in various years. No other information exists on its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, or limiting factors (Service 1998b).

Historically,

Eugenia koolauensis

was known from Maunaloa on western Molokai and from Oahu. Currently, this species is extant on Oahu. It was last collected on Molokai in 1912 from the west end of the island by J. F. Rock (HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Eugenia koolauensis

was found in rocky gulches or on gentle slopes with deep soil between 475 and 992 m (1,558 and 3,254 ft) in elevation. Associated native plant species include

Diospyros sandwicensis, Erythrina sandwicensis

(wiliwili),

Nesoluma polynesicum, Nestegis sandwicensis, Nototrichium sandwicensis, Reynoldsia sandwicensis,

or

Xylosma hawaiiense

(J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Information on threats that may affect

Eugenia koolauensis

on Molokai is unknown.

Flueggea neowawraea

(mehamehame)

Flueggea neowawraea,

a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), is a large tree up to 30 m (100 ft) tall and 2 m (7 ft) in diameter with white oblong pores covering its scaly, pale brown bark. This species is usually dioecious (having separate male and female plants) and is the only member of the genus found in Hawaii. It can be distinguished from other Hawaiian species in the family by its hairless whitish lower leaf surfaces and round fruits (Hayden 1999, Service 1999).

Individual trees of

Flueggea neowawraea

bear only male or female flowers and must be cross-pollinated from a different tree to produce viable seed. Little else is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Hayden 1999, Service 1999a).

Historically,

Flueggea neowawraea

was known from Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Currently, this species is found on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. This species was last collected on Molokai in 1931 from Waihii by G. W. Russ (HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Flueggea neowawraea

occurred in gulches in mesic forest between 450 and 840 m (1,476 and 2,755 ft) in elevation (J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Information on threats that may affect

Flueggea neowawraea

on Molokai is unknown.

Hedyotis mannii

(pilo)

Hedyotis mannii,

a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae), is a short-lived perennial with smooth, usually erect stems 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) long, which are woody at the base and four-angled or -winged. This species' growth habit; its quadrangular or winged stems; the shape, size, and texture of its leaves; and its dry capsule, which opens when mature, separate it from other species of the genus (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Historically and currently,

Hedyotis mannii

is found on Lanai, West Maui, and Molokai. After an absence of 50 years, this species was rediscovered on Molokai in 1987 by Steve Perlman on private land in Kawela Gulch in TNCH's Kamakou Preserve. Only one occurrence of five plants is known to exist in this area (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Hedyotis mannii

grows on dark, narrow, rocky gulch walls in mesic and perhaps wet forests at 593 to 1,212 m (1,945 to 3,975 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Cibotium

sp.,

Cyanea

sp.,

Pipturus

sp.,

Psychotria

sp., or

Scaevola

sp. (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a, Wagner

et al.

1999).

The threats to

Hedyotis mannii

on Molokai are habitat degradation by feral pigs; competition with the non-native plant

Melinis minutiflora;

and catastrophic extinction through random environmental events to which the limited number of individuals are extremely vulnerable (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Hesperomannia arborescens

(NCN)

Hesperomannia arborescens,

a long-lived perennial member of the aster family (Asteraceae), is a small shrubby tree that usually stands 1.5 to 5 m (5 to 16 ft) tall. This member of an endemic Hawaiian genus differs from other

Hesperomannia

species in having the following combination of characters: Erect to ascending flower heads, thick flower head stalks, and usually hairless and relatively narrow leaves (Wagner

et al.

1999).

This species has been observed in flower from April through June and in fruit during March and June. No other information is available on flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors (Service 1998c).

Hesperomannia arborescens

was formerly known from Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu. This species is now known from Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. On Molokai, one occurrence of three individuals is known from private land (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Hesperomannia arborescens

is found on slopes or ridges in wet

Metrosideros polymorpha-Dicranopteris linearis

lowland forest or mesic

Diospyros sandwicensis-M. polymorpha

lowland forest transition zones between 175 and 959 m (574 and 3,146 ft) in elevation. Associated native species include

Antidesma

sp.,

Boehmeria grandis, Broussaisia arguta, Cheirodendron

sp.,

Cibotium glaucum, Clermontia pallida

(oha wai),

Coprosma

sp.,

Cyrtandra

sp.,

Diplopterygium pinnatum

(uluhe lau nui),

Elaphoglossum

sp. (ekaha),

Freycinetia arborea, Hedyotis

sp.,

Ilex anomala, Myrsine

sp.,

Nephrolepis exaltata, Nestegis sandwicensis, Pipturus

sp.,

Psychotria mauiensis

(kopiko),

Smilax melastomifolia

(hoi kuahiwi),

Thelypteris

sp. (palapalaia),

Urera glabra,

or

Wikstroemia

sp. (HINHP Database 2000).

The major threats to

Hesperomannia arborescens

on Molokai are habitat degradation by feral pigs, goats, and humans; competition with non-native plants, such as

Clidemia hirta, Kalanchoe pinnata,

and

Rubus rosifolius;

and catastrophic extinction due to random environmental events or reduced reproductive vigor resulting from this species' limited numbers (HINHP Database 2000, 59 FR 14482).

Hibiscus brackenridgei

(mao hau hele)

Hibiscus brackenridgei,

a short-lived perennial member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), is a sprawling to erect shrub or small tree. This species differs from other members of the genus in having the following combination of characteristics: Yellow petals, a calyx consisting of triangular lobes with raised veins and a single midrib, bracts attached below the calyx, and thin stipules (leaf bracts) that fall off, leaving an elliptical scar. Three subspecies of

Hibiscus brackenridgei

are now recognized: ssp.

brackenridgei, molokaiana,

and

mokuleianus.

Subspecies

molokaiana

was found on the island of Molokai. At the time when we listed this species in 1994, only two subspecies,

brackenridgei

and

mokuleianus,

were recognized. Subsequent to the final rule listing this species in 1994, we became aware of Wilson's (1993) taxonomic treatment of this group, in which

Hibiscus brackenridgei

var.

molokaiana

was changed to subspecies status and recognized as distinct from

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

brackenridgei.

Wilson's (1993) treatment is cited in the supplement in the revised edition of the “Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii” as the basis for recognizing

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

molokaiana.

We will address this name change in a future

Federal Register

document (Bates 1999, HINHP Database 2000, Wagner

et al.

1999, Wilson 1993).

Hibiscus brackenridgei

is known to flower continuously from early February through late May, and intermittently at other times of year. Intermittent flowering may possibly be tied to day length. Little else is known about the life history of this plant. Pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Historically,

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

molokaiana

was known from Molokai and is currently found on Oahu. This subspecies was last collected on Molokai in 1920 from Laau

Point by J. F. Rock (HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

molokaiana

occurred on slopes in lowland dry forest and shrubland from 11 to 467 m (36 to 1,531 ft) in elevation (HINHP Database 2000; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Information on threats that may affect

Hibiscus brackenridgei

ssp.

molokaiana

on Molokai is unknown (Service 1999a).

Ischaemum byrone

(Hilo ischaemum)

Ischaemum byrone,

a member of the grass family (Poaceae), is a short-lived perennial species with creeping underground and erect stems.

Ischaemum byrone

can be distinguished from other Hawaiian grasses by its tough outer flower bracts, dissimilar basic flower units, which are awned and two-flowered, and a two-or three-tiered inflorescence (O'Connor 1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996b).

Ischaemum byrone

was historically distributed on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Currently, this species is found on Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. On Molokai, there are a total of 2 occurrences containing between 100 and 1,000 individuals located in Wailau Valley and the eastern edge of Kikipua on privately owned lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, 59 FR 10305).

On Molokai,

Ischaemum byrone

is found in coastal dry shrubland or

Artemisia

sp. cliff communities, near the ocean, among rocks or on basalt cliffs or talus slopes, at elevations between sea level and 238 m (0 and 781 ft). Associated taxa include

Bidens molokaiensis

(NCN),

Fimbristylis cymosa, Hedyotis littoralis, Lysimachia mauritiana,

or

Pandanus tectorius

(hala) (Gagne and Cuddihy 1999, HINHP Database 2000, O'Connor 1999).

The threats to

Ischaemum byrone

on Molokai are competition by non-native grasses, particularly

Digitaria ciliaris;

predation by goats and axis deer; and elimination and degradation of habitat through fire and residential development (Service 1996b).

Isodendrion pyrifolium

(wahine noho kula)

Isodendrion pyrifolium,

a short-lived perennial member of the violet family (Violaceae), is a small, branched shrub. It is distinguished from other taxa in the genus by its smaller, green-yellow flowers and hairy stipules and leaf veins (Wagner

et al.

1999).

During periods of drought, this species drops all but the newest leaves. After sufficient rain, the plants produce flowers with seeds ripening one to two months later. No further information is available on flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, specific environmental requirements, or limiting factors (Service 1996c).

Isodendrion pyrifolium

was known historically from Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Niihau, Molokai, and Lanai. Currently, this species is only extant on the island of Hawaii. It was last collected on Molokai in the 1800s (HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Isodendrion pyrifolium

was found in dry shrublands at low elevations between 69 and 422 m (226 and 1,384 ft). Associated native plant species included

Bidens menziesii, Dodonaea viscosa, Heteropogon contortus,

or

Leptecophylla tameiameiae

(HINHP Database 2000; Wagner

et al.

1999; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Information on threats that may have affected

Isodendrion pyrifolium

on Molokai is unknown (Service 1996a).

Mariscus fauriei

(NCN)

Mariscus fauriei,

a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), is a short-lived perennial plant with somewhat enlarged underground stems and three-angled, single or grouped aerial stems 10 to 50 cm (4 to 20 in) tall. This species differs from others in the genus in Hawaii by its smaller size and its narrower, flattened, and more spreading spikelets (flower clusters) (Koyama 1999, 59 FR 56333).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996b).

Historically,

Mariscus fauriei

was found on east Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island. This species is no longer extant on Lanai. Currently on Molokai, there is one occurrence with 20 to 30 plants above Kamiloloa on State-owned land (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Mariscus fauriei

typically grows in

Diospyros sandwicensis

-dominated lowland dry forests, often on a lava substrate, at elevations between 436 and 1,120 m (1,430 and 3,673 ft). Associated species include

Peperomia

sp. (ala ala wai nui),

Psydrax odorata,

or

Rauvolfia sandwicensis

(hao) (HINHP Database 2000, Koyama 1999).

The threats to

Mariscus fauriei

on Molokai include predation and habitat degradation by feral goats and axis deer. Because there is only one known occurrence on Molokai, the species is also threatened by the risk of extinction through random environmental events and through reduced reproductive vigor (Service 1996b, 59 FR 56333).

Marsilea villosa

(ihiihi)

Marsilea villosa,

a member of the marsilea family (Marsileaceae), is a short-lived perennial aquatic to semi-aquatic fern, similar in appearance to a four-leaved clover. The leaves are borne in pairs along a thin rhizome. A hard sporocarp (hard-walled case containing male and female spores) is borne at the base of a leaf pair. The plant occurs either in scattered clumps or as a dense interwoven mat, depending on the competition with other species for limited habitat resources. The species is the only member of the genus native to Hawaii and is closely related to

Marsilea vestita

(NCN) of the western coast of the United States (Service 1996c).

Marsilea villosa

requires periodic flooding for spore release and fertilization, then a decrease in water level for the young plants to establish, and finally dry soil for sporocarps to mature. Shading reduces the vigor of

Marsilea villosa.

No other life history information is known for this species (Service 1996c).

Marsilea villosa

was known historically from Oahu, Molokai, and Niihau. Currently, it is found only on Oahu and Molokai. On Molokai, there are four occurrences with an unspecified number of individuals located at Kamaka ipo, Ilio Point, Kaiehu Point, and from Kaeo to Mokio on State- and privately owned lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Marsilea villosa

typically occurs in shallow depressions in clay soil or lithified sand dunes overlain with alluvial clay. All reported populations occur at elevations between 125 and 172 m (410 and 564 ft). While

Marsilea villosa

can withstand minimal shading, it appears most vigorous growing in open areas. The associated native vegetation with

Marsilea villosa

on Molokai includes

Centaurium sebaeoides, Heteropogon contortus, Schiedea globosa, Sida fallax, Tetramolopium sylvae

(pamakani), or

Waltheria indica

(uhaloa) (Service 1996c).

The threats to

Marsilea villosa

on Molokai are the destruction of natural hydrology; encroachment and competition from naturalized, non-native plants such as

Cenchrus ciliaris

(buffelgrass),

Chamaecrista nictitans

(partridge pea),

Digitaria insularis, Lantana camara,

and

Prosopis pallida;

damage by off-road vehicles or by grazing cattle and axis deer; habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation through development, fire, and trampling by humans and introduced mammals; and catastrophic extinction from random environmental events and from reduced reproductive vigor due to few occurrences and small occurrence sizes (Service 1996c, 57 FR 27863).

Melicope mucronulata

(alani)

Melicope mucronulata,

a long-lived perennial of the rue family (Rutaceae), is a small tree up to 13 ft (4 m) tall with oval to elliptic-oval leaves. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by the growth habit, the number of flowers in each flower cluster, the size and shape of the fruit, and the degree of hairiness of the leaves and fruit walls (Stone

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1997).

First discovered in 1920 in Kanaio, East Maui,

Melicope mucronulata

was not relocated until 1983. On Molokai, two occurrences of three individuals were found two years later in Kupaia on the privately owned Kamakou Preserve (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Stone

et al.

1999).

On Molokai,

Melicope mucronulata

occurs on steep, west- or north-facing slopes in mesic

Diospyros sandwicensis-Metrosideros polymorpha

forest,

M. polymorpha-Dodonaea viscosa

shrubland, or

M. polymorpha-Leptechophylla tameiameiae

shrubland between elevations of 199 and 1,143 m (653 and 3,749 ft). Associated native species include

Alyxia oliviformis, Alphitonia ponderosa

(kauila),

Coprosma foliosa, Hedyotis terminalis, Melicope hawaiensis

(alani),

Myrsine lanaiensis

(kolea),

Nestegis sandwicensis, Ochrosia compta, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Phyllanthus

sp. (NCN),

Pleomele auwahiensis, Pittosporum

sp., or

Psychotria mariniana

(kopiko) (HINHP Database 2000; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

On Molokai, the major threat to the continued existence of this species is catastrophic extinction from random environmental events due to the few extant occurrences and small number of individuals. Habitat degradation by goats and pigs, predation by goats, and competition with non-native plants, particularly

Melinis minutiflora

, also pose immediate threats to this species (Service 1997, 57 FR 20772).

Melicope munroi

(alani)

Melicope munroi

, a long lived perennial of the rue family (Rutaceae), is a sprawling shrub up to 3 m (10 ft) tall. The new growth of this species has minute hairs. This species differs from other Hawaiian members of the genus in the shape of the leaf and the length of the inflorescence (flower cluster) stalk (Stone

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Melicope munroi

. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 2001).

Historically, this species was known from the Lanaihale summit ridge of Lanai and above Kamalo on Molokai. Currently,

Melicope munroi

is only known from Lanai. This species was last collected on Molokai in 1910 by J. F. Rock (HINHP Database 2000).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat of or native plants associated with

Melicope munroi

on Molokai.

Nothing is known of the threats to

Melicope munroi

on Molokai.

Neraudia sericea

(NCN)

Neraudia sericea

, a short-lived perennial and a member of the nettle family (Urticaceae), is a 3 to 5 m (10 to 16 ft) tall shrub with densely hairy branches. The lower leaf surface is densely covered with irregularly curved, silky gray to white hairs along the veins.

Neraudia sericea

differs from the other four species of this endemic Hawaiian genus by the density, length, color, and posture of the hairs on the lower leaf surface and by its mostly entire leaf margins (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Neraudia sericea

was known historically from Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Kahoolawe. Currently, this species is found only on Maui and Molokai. On Molokai, one occurrence of 50 to 100 individuals is known from Makolelau on privately owned land (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Neraudia sericea

generally occurs on gulch slopes and gulch bottoms in lowland dry to mesic

Metrosideros polymorpha-Dodonaea viscosa-Leptechophylla tameiameiae

shrubland or forest between 691 and 1,043 m (2,266 and 3,421 ft) in elevation. Other associated plant species include

Alyxia oliviformis, Coprosma

sp.,

Hedyotis

sp., or

Pleomele auwahiensis

(HINHP Database 2000; Wagner

et al.

1999; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

The primary threats to

Neraudia sericea

on Molokai are habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats; competition with the non-native plant

Melinus minutiflora

; and catastrophic extinction through random environmental events due to the vulnerability of a single population (Service 1999a, 59 FR 56333).

Peucedanum sandwicense

(makou)

Peucedanum sandwicense

, a short-lived perennial member of the parsley family (Apiaceae), is a parsley-scented, sprawling herb. Hollow stems arise from a short, vertical stem with several fleshy roots. This species is the only member of the genus in the Hawaiian Islands (Constance and Affolter 1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1995b).

Historically and currently,

Peucedanum sandwicense

is known from Molokai, Maui, and Kauai. In 1990, it was discovered on Oahu. On Molokai, five occurrences are known from private and State-owned lands in Pelekunu Valley, on Huelo Islet and Mokapu Islet, and State-owned lands managed by the National Park Service at Kalaupapa National Historical Park. The 5 occurrences total approximately 50 individuals (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; Service 1995b; K. Wood,

in litt.

2000).

On Molokai,

Peucedanum sandwicense

grows in cliff habitats in brown soil and talus in

Chamaesyce celastroides

var.

amplectans-Chenopodium oahuense

coastal dry shrubland or

Diospyros sandwicensis

forest from sea level to above 840 m (0 to 2,755 ft) in elevation.

Peucedanum sandwicense

is associated with native species such as

Artemisia australis

(ahinahina),

Dianella sandwicensis, Eragrostis

sp. (kawelu),

Lepidium bidentatum

var.

o-waihiense, Melathera integrifolia

,

Metrosideros polymorpha, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Peperomia remyi

(NCN),

Pittosporum halophilum, Plectranthus parviflorus

(ala ala wai nui),

Plumbago zeylanica

(iliee),

Portulaca lutea

(ihi),

Pritchardia hillebrandii, Reynoldsia sandwicensis, Santalum ellipticum

(iliahialoe),

Scaevola sericea, Schiedea globosa, Senna gaudichaudii

, or

Sida fallax

(Constance and Affolter 1999; HINHP

Database 2000; Service 1995b; K. Wood,

in litt.

2000).

Major threats to

Peucedanum sandwicense

on Molokai are seed predation by rats and competition with the non-native plant species

Ageratum conyzoides

(maile hohono),

Coronopus didymus

(swinecress),

Kalanchoe pinnata, Lantana camara, Malvastrum coromandelianum

ssp.

coromandelianum

(false mallow),

Morinda citrifolia

(noni),

Plantago lanceolata

(English plantain),

Pluchea carolinensis

(sourbush),

Portulaca oleracea, Pseudoelephantopus spicatus

(NCN),

Schinus terebinthifolius

, and

Sonchus oleraceus

(pualele) (Service 1995b; 59 FR 9304; K. Wood,

in litt

. 2000).

Phyllostegia mannii

(NCN)

Phyllostegia mannii

, a short-lived perennial and nonaromatic member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is a climbing vine with many-branched, four-sided, hairy stems. This species is distinguished from others in the genus by its hairiness; its thin, narrow leaves, which are not pinnately divided; and the usually six flowers per false whorl in a terminal inflorescence (Wagner

et al.

1999).

This species has been observed in fruit in July. Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

Historically,

Phyllostegia mannii

was found from Hanalilolilo to Ohialele on East Molokai and at Ukulele on East Maui. It has not been seen on Maui for over 70 years and is apparently extirpated on that island. On Molokai, this species is now known from only one occurrence on Puu Alii on privately owned land (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a).

On Molokai,

Phyllostegia mannii

grows in shaded sites in sometimes foggy and windswept, wet, open

Metrosideros polymorpha

-dominated montane forest with a native shrub and

Cibotium

sp. understory between 590 and 1,508 m (1,935 and 4,946 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Asplenium

sp.,

Broussaisia arguta, Cheirodendron trigynum, Coprosma ochracea, Cyanea

sp.,

Dicranopteris linearis, Hedyotis hillebrandii, Pipturus albidus, Pouteria sandwicensis, Psychotria

sp.,

Touchardia latifolia, Vaccinium

sp., or

Wikstroemia

sp. (HINHP Database 2000, Service 1996a).

The only known occurrence of

Phyllostegia mannii

is threatened by habitat destruction and degradation by feral pigs. A single natural or human-caused environmental event could extirpate the species (Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Phyllostegia mollis

(NCN)

Phyllostegia mollis

, a short-lived member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grows as a nearly erect, densely hairy, non-aromatic, perennial herb. A suite of technical characteristics concerning the kind and amount of hair, the number of flowers in a cluster, and details of the various plant parts separate this species from other members of the genus (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Individual

Phyllostegia mollis

plants live for approximately five years. The species is known to flower in late winter and spring. Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1998b).

Historically,

Phyllostegia mollis

was known from Oahu, Molokai, and East Maui. Currently, this species is found only on Oahu and Maui. It was last collected on Molokai in 1912 from Kamakou Preserve by J. F. Rock (HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Phyllostegia mollis

typically grew in mesic

Metrosideros polymorpha

forests between 551 and 1,216 m (1,807 and 3,988 ft) in elevation (J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Nothing is known of the threats that may have affected

Phyllostegia mollis

on Molokai.

Plantago princeps

(laukahi kuahiwi)

Plantago princeps

, a short-lived member of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), is a small shrub or robust perennial herb. This species differs from other native members of the genus in Hawaii by its large branched stems, flowers at nearly right angles to the axis of the flower cluster, and fruits that break open at a point two-thirds from the base. The four varieties, vars.

anomala, laxiflora, longibracteata

, and

princeps

, are distinguished by the branching and pubescence of the stems; the size, pubescence, and venation of the leaves; the density of the inflorescence; and the orientation of the flowers (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this plant. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown. However, individuals have been observed in fruit from April through September (Service 1999a).

Plantago princeps

was historically known from Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. It no longer occurs on Hawaii Island.

Plantago princeps

var.

anomala

is currently known from Kauai and Oahu; var.

longibracteata

is known from Kauai and Oahu; var.

princeps

is known from Oahu; and var.

laxiflora

is known from Molokai and Maui. On Molokai, there is currently one remaining occurrence of

Plantago princeps

var.

laxiflora

with five individuals in Kawela Gulch on privately owned land (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a).

On Molokai,

Plantago princeps

var.

laxiflora

is typically found on streambanks in

Metrosideros polymorpha

lowland mesic forest between 592 and 1,213 m (1,942 and 3,979 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Coprosma

sp.,

Cyanea

sp.,

Dodonaea viscosa, Dryopteris unidentata, Pipturus albidus

, or

Wikstroemia oahuensis

(akia), (Wagner

et al.

1999; J. Lau,

in litt

. 2001).

The primary threats to

Plantago princeps

var.

laxiflora

on Molokai are predation and habitat degradation by feral pigs and goats, and competition with various non-native plant species (Service 1999a, 59 FR 56333).

Platanthera holochila

(NCN)

Platanthera holochila

, a short-lived perennial member of the orchid family (Orchidaceae), is an erect, deciduous herb. The stems arise from underground tubers, the pale green leaves are lance-to egg-shaped, and the greenish-yellow flowers occur in open spikes. It is distinguished by other Hawaiian orchids by its underground tubers that lack roots at the nodes or pseudobulbs, and the shape and length of its dorsal sepal. This is the only species of this genus that occurs in the Hawaiian Islands (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this plant. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Historically,

Platanthera holochila

was known from Maui, Oahu, Molokai, and Kauai. Currently,

P. holochila

is extant on Kauai, Molokai, and Maui. On Molokai, one occurrence with less than 10 individuals is reported from Hanalilolilo on the privately owned land of Kamakou Preserve (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Platanthera holochila

is found on slightly sloping ridgetops in

Metrosideros polymorpha-

Cheirodendron trigynum

wet forest or

M. polymorpha

mixed montane bog between 551 and 1,382 m (1,807 and 4,532 ft) in elevation. Associated native plants include

Cibotium

sp.,

Leptecophylla tameiameiae

, or

Oreobolus furcatus

(NCN) (J. Lau,

in litt

. 2001).

The primary threats to

Platanthera holochila

on Molokai are habitat degradation and destruction by feral pigs, competition with non-native plants, and a risk of extinction from naturally occurring events and/or reduced reproductive vigor, due to the small number of remaining occurrences and individuals. Predation by non-native slugs may also be a potential threat to this species (Service 1999a, 61 FR 53108).

Pteris lidgatei

(NCN)

Pteris lidgatei

, a short-lived member of the maidenhair fern family (Adiantaceae), is a coarse perennial herb, 0.5 to 1 m (1.6 to 3.3 ft) tall.

Pteris lidgatei

can be distinguished from other species of

Pteris

in the Hawaiian Islands by the texture of its fronds and the tendency of the sori along the leaf margins to be broken into short segments instead of being fused into continuous marginal sori (Wagner and Wagner 1992).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1998a).

Historically,

Pteris lidgatei

was found on Oahu, Molokai, and West Maui. Currently, this species is known from Oahu and Maui. It was last collected on Molokai in 1912 from the slopes of Olokui by C. N. Forbes (HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Pteris lidgatei

grew on steep streambanks between 78 and 1,266 m (256 and 4,152 ft) in elevation in wet forest (HINHP Database 2000).

Nothing is known of the threats that may have affected

Pteris lidgatei

on Molokai (Service 1998a).

Schiedea nuttallii

(NCN)

Schiedea nuttallii

, a long-lived perennial member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is a generally hairless, erect subshrub. This species is distinguished from others in this endemic Hawaiian genus by its habit, length of the stem internodes, length of the inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence, and smaller leaves, flowers, and seeds (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Based on field and greenhouse observations,

Schiedea nuttallii

is hermaphroditic (flowers contain both male and female parts). Plants on Oahu have been under observation for 10 years, and they appear to be long-lived.

Schiedea nuttallii

appears to be an outcrossing (requires cross-pollination) species. Under greenhouse conditions, plants fail to set seed unless hand-pollinated, suggesting that this species requires insects for pollination. Fruits and flowers are abundant in the wet season but can be found throughout the year. Little else is known about the life history of this plant. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dipersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a; Weller

et al.

1990; Kapua Kawelo, U.S. Deptartment of Defense, Army Environmental,

in litt.

1999).

Historically,

Schiedea nuttallii

was known from scattered locations on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. Currently, populations occur on Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai. On Molokai, one occurrence with 22 individuals of

Schiedea nuttallii

is reported on private lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a).

On Molokai,

Schiedea nuttallii

typically grows in streamside grottos in wet

Metrosideros polymorpha-Cheirodendron trigynum

forest at elevations between 677 and 1,423 m (2,220 and 4,667 ft). Associated plants include

Asplenium lobulatum

(piipii lau manamana), Asplenium macraei (iwaiwa lau lii),

Asplenium unilaterale

(pamoho)

Cyrtandra hawaiiensis

(haiwale),

Thelypteris sandwicensis

(NCN), or

Vandenboschia davallioides

(palai hihi) (J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

Schiedea nuttallii

on Molokai is seriously threatened by competition with several non-native plants; predation by the black twig borer, slugs, and snails; and a risk of extinction from naturally occurring events (

e.g.

, landslides) and/or from reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of individuals (Service 1999a, 61 FR 53108).

Sesbania tomentosa

(ohai)

Sesbania tomentosa

, a short-lived perennial member of the pea family (Fabaceae), is typically a sprawling shrub but may also be a small tree. Each compound leaf consists of 18 to 38 oblong to elliptic leaflets, which are usually sparsely to densely covered with silky hairs. The flowers are salmon colored tinged with yellow, orange-red, scarlet or, rarely, pure yellow.

Sesbania tomentosa

is the only endemic Hawaiian species in the genus, differing from the naturalized

S. sesban

(Egyptian rattlepod) by the color of the flowers, the longer petals and calyx, and the number of seeds per pod (Geesink

et al.

1999).

The pollination biology of

Sesbania tomentosa

has been studied by David Hopper, University of Hawaii. His findings suggest that, although many insects visit

Sesbania

flowers, the majority of successful pollination is accomplished by native bees of the genus

Hylaeus

and that occurrences at Kaena Point on Oahu are probably pollinator-limited. Flowering at Kaena Point is highest during the winter-spring rains, and gradually declines throughout the rest of the year. Other aspects of this plant's life history are unknown (Service 1999a).

Currently,

Sesbania tomentosa

occurs on six of the eight main Hawaiian Islands (Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii Island) and in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Nihoa and Necker islands). It is no longer found on Niihau and Lanai. On Molokai,

Sesbania tomentosa

is known from 9 occurrences with over 2,000 individuals, occurring from Moomomi to Nenehanaupo and from Kamiloloa to Makolekau on State- and privately owned lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a, 59 FR 56333).

On Molokai,

Sesbania tomentosa

is found in

Scaevola sericea

coastal dry shrubland on windswept slopes, sea cliffs and weathered basaltic slopes between sea level and 516 m (0 and 1,692 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Dodonaea viscosa, Jacquemontia ovalifolia

ssp.

sandwicensis, Melanthera integrifolia

, or

Sida fallax

(HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a).

The primary threats to

Sesbania tomentosa

on Molokai are competition with various non-native plant species, such as

Lantana camara

and grass species; habitat degradation by feral cattle; lack of adequate pollination; seed predation by rats, mice, and potentially non-native insects; and destruction by random environmental events (

e.g.

, fire) and human activities (

e.g.

, off-road vehicles) (Service 1999a, 59 FR 56333).

Silene lanceolata

(NCN)

Silene lanceolata

, a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), is an upright, short-lived perennial plant with stems 15 to 50 cm (6 to 20 in) long, which are woody at the base. The flowers are white with deeply-lobed, clawed petals. This species is distinguished from

S. alexandri

, the only other member of the genus found on Molokai, by its smaller flowers and capsules and its stamens, which are

shorter than the sepals (Wagner

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996a).

The historical range of

Silene lanceolata

includes five Hawaiian Islands: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii.

Silene lanceolata

is presently found on the islands of Molokai, Oahu, and Hawaii. On Molokai, one occurrence of approximately 100 individuals was found in 1987 on private land near Puu Kolekole (GDSI 2000; Service 1996a; K. Wood,

in litt.

1999).

On Molokai,

Silene lanceolata

grows on gulch slopes, ridge tops, and cliffs in dry to mesic shrubland between 581 and 1,043 m (1,906 and 3,421 ft) in elevation. Associated native plant species include

Bidens menziesii, Carex wahuensis, Diospyros sandwicensis, Dodonaea viscosa, Dubautia linearis, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Metrosideros polymorpha

, or

Schiedea

spp. (NCN) (Service 1996a; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001; K. Wood,

in litt.

1999).

Habitat destruction by feral ungulates (goats and pigs), wildfires, and competition by invading non-native plants are immediate threats to

Silene lanceolata

on Molokai (Service 1996a, 57 FR 46325).

Solanum incompletum

(popolo ku mai)

Solanum incompletum

, a short-lived perennial member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), is a woody shrub. Its stems and lower leaf surfaces are covered with prominent reddish prickles or sometimes with yellow fuzzy hairs on young plant parts and lower leaf surfaces. This species differs from other native members of the genus by being generally prickly and having loosely clustered white flowers, curved anthers about 2 mm (0.08 in) long, and berries 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in diameter (Symon 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Solanum incompletum.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (59 FR 56333).

Historically,

Solanum incompletum

was known from Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. According to David Symon (1999), the known distribution of

Solanum incompletum

also extended to the islands of Kauai and Molokai. Currently, the species is only known from the island of Hawaii. It is unclear when the last individual was collected on Molokai (HINHP Database 2000).

Nothing is known of the preferred habitat of or native plant species associated with

Solanum incompletum

on the island of Molokai.

Nothing is known of the threats to

Solanum incompletum

on Molokai.

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

(NCN)

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

, a member of the parsley family (Apiaceae), is a slender annual herb with few branches. Its leaves are dissected into narrow, lance-shaped divisions.

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

is the only member of the genus native to Hawaii. It is distinguished from other native members of the family by being a non-succulent annual with an umbrella-shaped inflorescence (Constance and Affolter 1999).

Little is known about the life history of

Spermolepis hawaiiensis.

Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Historically,

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

was known from Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, and the island of Hawaii. Currently, it is found on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. On Molokai, there is one known occurrence with approximately 600 individuals on privately owned land in Kamalo (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a, 59 FR 56333).

On Molokai,

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

is known from ridge crests and gulch slopes in dry to mesic shrublands at elevations between 432 and 972 m (1,416 and 3,188 ft). Associated plant species include

Dodonaea viscosa, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, or Metrosideros polymorpha

(J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

The primary threats to

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

on Molokai are habitat degradation by feral goats; competition with various non-native plants, such as

Lantana camara, Melinis minutiflora

, and grasses; and habitat destruction and extinction due to natural environmental events, such as erosion, landslides, and rockslides due to natural weathering (Service 1999a, 59 FR 56333).

Vigna o-wahuensis

(NCN)

Vigna o-wahuensis

, a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), is a slender twining short-lived perennial herb with fuzzy stems. Each leaf is made up of three leaflets, which vary in shape from round to linear. This species differs from others in the genus by its thin yellowish petals, sparsely hairy calyx, and thin pods, which may or may not be slightly inflated (Geesink

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1999a).

Historically,

Vigna o-wahuensis

was known from Niihau, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Currently, it is known from the islands of Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. On Molokai, 2 occurrences with approximately 16 individuals occur on privately owned lands at Onini Gulch and Makolelau (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a).

On Molokai,

Vigna o-wahuensis

occurs in dry to mesic grassland and shrubland between 516 and 1,041 m (1,692 and 3,414 ft) in elevation. Associated plant species include

Chenopodium oahuense, Cyperus laevigatus

(makaloa),

Dodonaea viscosa, Eragrostis variabilis, Heteropogon contortus, Ipomoea

sp. (morning glory),

Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Scaevola sericea, Sida fallax

, or

Vitex rotundifolia

(pohinahina) (Geesink

et al.

1999, HINHP Database 2000, Service 1999a).

The primary threats to

Vigna o-wahuensis

on Molokai are competition with various non-native plant species and a risk of extinction due to random environmental events (primarily fire) and/or reduced reproductive vigor because of the small number of existing occurrences and individuals (Service 1999a, 59 FR 56333).

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

(ae)

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense,

a long-lived perennial in the rue family (Rutaceae), is a medium-sized tree with pale to dark gray bark and lemon-scented leaves. It is distinguished from other Hawaiian members of the genus by several characteristics: three leaflets all of similar size, one joint on the lateral leaf stalk, and sickle-shape fruits with a rounded tip (Stone

et al.

1999).

Little is known about the life history of this species. Its flowering cycles, pollination vectors, seed dispersal agents, longevity, specific environmental requirements, and limiting factors are unknown (Service 1996b).

Historically,

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

was known from the islands of Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Currently,

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

is found on Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. On Molokai, the four occurrences with a

total of five individuals are located at Makolelau and Puu Hoi Ridge on private lands (GDSI 2000, HINHP Database 2000).

On Molokai,

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

is found on gulch slopes in mesic

Metrosideros polymorpha

or

Diospyros sandwicensis

forest between 754 and 1,084 m (2,473 and 3,555 ft) in elevation. Associated species include

Alyxia oliviformis, Dodonaea viscosa, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Myrsine lanaiensis, Nestegis sandwicensis, Osteomeles anthyllidifolia, Pleomele auwahiensis,

or

Psychotria

spp. (HINHP Database 2000; Stone

et al.

1999; 59 FR 10305; J. Lau,

in litt.

2001).

The threats to

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

on Molokai include browsing, grazing, and trampling by feral goats; competition with non-native plant species; habitat degradation and destruction by humans; and extinction from naturally occurring events (primarily fire) and/or from reduced reproductive vigor due to the small number of individuals and occurrences (Service 1996b, 59 FR 10305).

A summary of occurrences and landownership for the 51 plant species reported from the island of Molokai is given in Table 2.

Table 2.—Summary of Existing Occurrences on Molokai and of Landownership for 51 Species Reported From Molokai

Species

Number of current occurrences

Landownership

Federal

State

Private

Adenophorus periens

1

X

Alectryon macrococcus

6

X

X

Bidens wiebkei

5

X

Bonamia menzeisii

0

Brighamia rockii

5

X

X

Canavalia molokaiensis

7

X*

X

Centaurium sebaeoides

2

X*

X

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes

5

X

Ctenitis squamigera

1

X

Cyanea dunbarii

1

X

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

2

X

Cyanea mannii

8

X

X

Cyanea procera

5

X

X

Cyperus trachysanthos

0

Diellia erecta

4

X

Diplazium molokaiense

0

Eugenia koolauensis

0

Flueggea neowawraea

0

Hedyotis mannii

1

X

Hesperomannia arborescens

1

X

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus

3

X

X

Hibiscus brackenridgei

0

Ischaemum byrone

2

X

Isodendrion pyrifolium

0

Labordia triflora

1

X

Lysimachia maxima

1

X

Mariscus fauriei

1

X

Marsilea villosa

4

X

X

Melicope mucronulata

2

X

Melicope munroi

0

Melicope reflexa

3

X

X

Neraudia sericea

1

X

Peucedanum sandwicense

5

X*

X

Phyllostegia mannii

1

X

Phyllostegia mollis

0

Plantago princeps

1

X

Platanthera holochila

1

X

Pritchardia munroi

1

X

Pteris lidgatei

0

Schiedea lydgatei

4

X

X

Schiedea nuttallii

1

X

Schiedea sarmentosa

5

X

Sesbania tomentosa

9

X

X

Silene alexandri

0

Silene lanceolata

1

X

Solanum incompletum

0

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

1

X

Stenogyne bifida

5

X

Tetramolopium rockii

4

X*

X

Vigna o-wahuensis

2

X

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

2

X

* Some occurrences are on State land that is managed by the National Park Service at Kalaupapa National Historical Park and/or the U.S. Coast Guard Reservation at Kalaupapa.

Previous Federal Action

Federal action on these plants began as a result of section 12 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531

et seq.

), which directed the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on plants considered to be endangered, threatened, or extinct in the United States. This report, designated as House Document No. 94-51, was presented to Congress on January 9, 1975. In that document,

Adenophorus periens, Alectryon macrococcus

(as

A. macrococcum

var.

macrococcum

and

A. mahoe

),

Bidens wiebkei, Bonamia menziesii, Brighamia rockii, Canavalia molokaiensis, Flueggea neowawraea

(as

Drypetes phyllanthoides

),

Hedyotis mannii

(as

H. thyrsoidea

var.

thyrsoidea

),

Hesperomannia arborescens

(as

H. arborescens

var.

bushiana

and var.

swezeyi

),

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus

(as

H. immaculatus

),

Hibiscus brackenridgei

(as

H. brackenridgei

var.

brackenridgei,

var.

mokuleianus,

and var. “from Hawaii”),

Ischaemum byrone, Marsilea villosa, Melicope reflexa

(as

P. reflexa

),

Neraudia sericea

(as

N. kahoolawensis

),

Peucedanum sandwicense

(as

P. kauaiense

),

Plantago princeps

(as

P. princeps

var.

elata,

var.

laxifolia,

var.

princeps

),

Sesbania tomentosa

(as

S. hobdyi

and

S. tomentosa

var.

tomentosa

),

Silene alexandri, Silene lanceolata, Solanum incompletum

(as

S. haleakalense

and

S. incompletum

var.

glabratum,

var.

incompletum,

and var.

mauiensis

),

Vigna o-wahuensis

(as

V. sandwicensis

var.

heterophylla

and var.

sandwicensis

), and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

(as

Z. hawaiiense

var.

citiodora

) were considered endangered;

Diellia erecta

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

(as

Z. hawaiiense

var.

hawaiiense

and var.

velutinosum

) were considered threatened; and

Ctenitis squamigera, Diplazium molokaiense, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Labordia triflora, Melicope mucronulata

(as

Pelea mucronulata

),

Melicope munroi

(as

Pelea munroi

),

Plantago princeps

(as

P. princeps

var.

acaulis,

var.

denticulata,

and var.

queleniana

), and

Tetramolopium rockii

were considered to be extinct. On July 1, 1975, we published a notice in the

Federal Register

(40 FR 27823) of our acceptance of the Smithsonian report as a petition within the context of section 4(c)(2) (now section 4(b)(3)) of the Act, and we gave notice of our intention to review the status of the plant taxa named therein. As a result of that review, on June 16, 1976, we published a proposed rule in the

Federal Register

(41 FR 24523) to determine endangered status pursuant to section 4 of the Act for approximately 1,700 vascular plant taxa, including all of the above taxa except

Labordia triflora

and

Melicope munroi.

The list of 1,700 plant taxa was assembled on the basis of comments and data received by the Smithsonian Institution and the Service in response to House Document No. 94-51 and the July 1, 1975,

Federal Register

publication (40 FR 27823).

General comments received in response to the 1976 proposal were summarized in an April 26, 1978,

Federal Register

publication (43 FR 17909). In 1978, amendments to the Act required that all proposals over 2 years old be withdrawn. A 1-year grace period was given to proposals already over 2 years old. On December 10, 1979, we published a notice in the

Federal Register

(44 FR 70796) withdrawing the portion of the June 16, 1976, proposal that had not been made final, along with four other proposals that had expired. We published updated Notices of Review for plants on December 15, 1980 (45 FR 82479), September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39525), February 21, 1990 (55 FR 6183), September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144), and February 28, 1996 (61 FR 7596). We listed the 51 species as endangered or threatened between 1991 and 1999. A summary of the listing actions can be found in Tables 3(a) and 3(b).

Table 3(a).—Summary of Listing Actions for 51 Plant Species From Molokai

Species

Federal Status

Proposed listing rule

Date

Federal

Register

Final listing rule

Date

Federal

Register

Adenophorus periens

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Alectryon macrococcus

E

05/24/91

56 FR 23842

05/15/92

57 FR 20772

Bidens wiebkei

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Bonamia menzeisii

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Brighamia rockii

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Canavalia molokaiensis

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Centaurium sebaeoides

E

09/28/90

55 FR 39664

10/29/91

56 FR 55770

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Ctenitis squamigera

E

06/24/93

58 FR 34231

09/09/94

59 FR 49025

Cyanea dunbarii

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51436

10/10/96

61 FR 53130

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51417

10/10/96

61 FR 53108

Cyanea mannii

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Cyanea procera

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Cyperus trachysanthos

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51417

10/10/96

61 FR 53108

Diellia erecta

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Diplazium molokaiense

E

12/14/92

57 FR 39066

06/27/94

59 FR 32932

Eugenia koolauensis

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51398

10/10/96

61 FR 53089

Flueggea neowawraea

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Hedyotis mannii

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Hesperomannia arborescens

E

10/14/92

57 FR 47028

03/28/94

59 FR 14482

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Hibiscus brackenridgei

E

09/28/90

55 FR 39664

10/29/91

56 FR 55770

Isodendrion pyrifolium

T

10/02/95

60 FR 51417

10/10/96

61 FR 53108

Ischaemum byrone

E

12/17/92

57 FR 59951

03/04/94

59 FR 10305

Labordia triflora

E

05/15/97

62 FR 26757

09/03/99

64 FR 48307

Lysmachia maxima

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51436

10/10/96

61 FR 53130

Mariscus fauriei

E

12/17/92

57 FR 59951

03/04/94

59 FR 10305

Marsilea villosa

E

02/15/91

56 FR 6349

06/22/92

57 FR 27863

Melicope mucronulata

E

05/24/91

56 FR 23842

05/15/92

57 FR 20772

Melicope munroi

E

05/15/97

62 FR 26757

09/03/99

64 FR 48307

Melicope reflexa

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Neraudia sericea

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Peucedanum sandwicense

T

10/30/91

56 FR 55862

02/25/94

59 FR 9304

Phyllostegia mannii

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Phyllostegia mollis

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51398

10/10/96

61 FR 53089

Plantago princeps

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Platanthera holochila

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51417

10/10/96

61 FR 53108

Pritchardia munroi

E

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

Pteris lidgatei

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51398

10/10/96

61 FR 53089

Schiedea lydgatei

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Schiedea nuttallii

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51417

10/10/96

61 FR 53108

Schiedea sarmentosa

E

10/02/95

60 FR 51436

10/10/96

61 FR 53130

Sesbania tomentosa

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Silene alexandri

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Silene lanceolata

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Solanum incompletum

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Stenogyne bifida

E

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Tetramolopium rockii

T

09/20/91

56 FR 47718

10/08/92

57 FR 46325

Vigna o—wahuensis

E

09/14/93

58 FR 48012

11/10/94

59 FR 56333

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

E

12/17/92

57 FR 59951

03/04/94

59 FR 10305

Key: E=Endangered T=Threatened.

Table 3(b).—Summary of Listing Actions (Proposed and Final Critical Habitat Determinations) for 51 Plant Species From Molokai

Species

Proposed designation or nondesignation of critical habitat

Date(s)

Federal Register

Designation or nondesignation of critical habitat

Date(s)

Federal Register

Adenophorus periens

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Alectryon macrococcus

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Bidens wiebkei

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Bonamia menzeisii

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Brighamia rockii

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Canavalia molokaiensis

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Centaurium sebaeoides

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Ctenitis squamigera

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Cyanea dunbarii

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Cyanea mannii

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Cyanea procera

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Cyperus trachysanthos

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Diellia erecta

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Diplazium molokaiense

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Eugenia koolauensis

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

NA

NA

05/28/2002,

67 FR 37108,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Flueggea neowawraea

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Hedyotis mannii

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003

68 FR 1220

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Hesperomannia arborescens

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003

68 FR 1220

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Hibiscus brackenridgei

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Isodendrion pyrifolium

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

01/09/2003

68 FR 1220

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Ischaemum byrone

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 36968

Labordia triflora

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Lysmachia maxima

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Mariscus fauriei

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Marsilea villosa

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Melicope mucronulata

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

NA

NA

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Melicope munroi

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

01/09/2003

68 FR 1220

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Melicope reflexa

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Neraudia sericea

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003

68 FR 1220

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Peucedanum sandwicense

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Phyllostegia mannii

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Phyllostegia mollis

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

NA

NA

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Plantago princeps

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Platanthera holochila

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Pritchardia munroi

NA

NA

NA

NA

Pteris lidgatei

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

NA

NA

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Schiedea lydgatei

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Schiedea nuttallii

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Schiedea sarmentosa

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Sesbania tomentosa

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/14/2002,

67 FR 34522

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Silene alexandri

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Silene lanceolata

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Solanum incompletum

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

01/09/2003

68 FR 1220

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Spermolepis hawaiiensis

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Stenogyne bifida

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Tetramolopium rockii

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

NA

NA

04/05/2002

67 FR 16492

Vigna o-wahuensis

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

01/09/2003,

68 FR 1220,

12/27/2000,

65 FR 82086,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

03/04/2002,

67 FR 9806,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002,

67 FR 36968,

05/28/2002

67 FR 37108

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

11/07/2000,

65 FR 66808,

02/27/2003

68 FR 9116

12/18/2000,

65 FR 79192,

12/29/2000,

65 FR 83158,

01/28/2002,

67 FR 3940,

04/03/2002,

67 FR 15856,

04/05/2002,

67 FR 16492,

05/28/2002

67 FR 36968

At the time each plant was listed, we found that designation of critical habitat was prudent for two of these plants (

Labordia triflora

and

Melicope munroi

) and not prudent for the other 49 plants because it would not benefit the plant or would increase the degree of threat to the species. The not prudent findings for these species, along with others, were challenged in

Conservation Council for Hawaii

v.

Babbitt,

2 F. Supp. 2d 1280 (D. Haw. 1998). On March 9, 1998, the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii directed us to review the prudency findings for 245 listed plant species in Hawaii, including 49 of the 51 species reported from Molokai. Among other things, the court held that in most cases we did not sufficiently demonstrate that the species are threatened by human activity or that such threats would increase with the designation of critical habitat. The court also held that we failed to balance any risks of designating critical habitat against any benefits (

id.

at 1283-85).

On August 10, 1998, the court ordered us to publish proposed critical habitat designations or nondesignations for at least 100 species by November 30, 2000, and to publish proposed designations or nondesignations for the remaining 145 species by April 30, 2002 (

Conservation Council for Hawaii

v.

Babbitt,

24 F. Supp. 2d 1074 (D. Haw. 1998)).

At the time we listed

Labordia triflora

and

Melicope munroi

(64 FR 48307), we found that designation of critical habitat was prudent and stated that we would develop critical habitat designations for these two taxa, along with eight others, by the time we completed designations for the other 245 Hawaiian plant species. This timetable was challenged in

Conservation Council for Hawaii

v.

Babbitt,

Civ. No. 99-00283 HG (D. Haw. Aug. 19, 1999, Feb. 16, 2000, and March 28, 2000). The court agreed that it was reasonable for us to integrate these 10 Maui Nui (Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe) plant taxa into the schedule established for designating critical habitat for the other 245 Hawaiian plants, but the court ordered us to publish proposed critical habitat designations for the 10 Maui Nui species with the first 100 plants from the group of 245 by November 30, 2000, and to publish final critical habitat designations by November 30, 2001.

On November 30, 1998, we published a notice in the

Federal Register

requesting public comments on our reevaluation of whether designation of critical habitat is prudent for the 245 Hawaiian plants at issue (63 FR 65805). The comment period closed on March 1, 1999, and was reopened from March 24, 1999, to May 24, 1999 (64 FR 14209). We received more than 100 responses from individuals, non-profit organizations, the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), county governments, and Federal agencies (U.S. Department of Defense—Army, Navy, Air Force). Only a few responses offered information on the status of individual plant species or on current management actions for one or more of the 245 Hawaiian plants. While some of the respondents expressed support for the designation of critical habitat for 245 Hawaiian plants, more than 80 percent opposed the designation of critical habitat for these plants. In general, these respondents opposed designation because they believed it would cause economic hardship, discourage cooperative projects, polarize relationships with hunters, or potentially increase trespass or vandalism on private lands. In addition, commenters also cited a lack of information on the biological and ecological needs of these plants, which, they suggested, may lead to designation based on guesswork. The respondents who supported the designation of critical habitat cited that designation would provide a uniform protection plan for the Hawaiian Islands; promote funding for management of these plants, educate the public and State government, and protect partnerships with landowners and build trust.

On February 18, 1999, we contacted landowners on the island of Molokai, notifying them of our requirement to designate critical habitat for 51 plant species. We included a copy of the November 30, 1998,

Federal Register

notice, a map showing the general locations of the species that may be on his/her property, and a handout containing general information on critical habitat. We held an open house on the island of Molokai, at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center, on March 15, 2000, to meet one-on-one with local landowners and other interested members of the public. In addition, we met with Maui County DOFAW staff and discussed their management activities on Molokai.

On December 29, 2000, we published the fourth of the court-ordered proposed critical habitat designations or nondesignations for 32 Molokai plants (65 FR 83158). The prudency findings and proposed critical habitat designations for Kauai and Niihau plants were published on November 7, 2000 (65 FR 66808), for Maui and Kahoolawe plants on December 18, 2000 (65 FR 79192), and for Lanai plants on December 27, 2000 (65 FR 82086). All of these proposed rules had been sent to the

Federal Register

by or on November 30, 2000, as required by the court orders.

In those rules, we proposed that critical habitat was prudent for 47 species (

Adenophorus periens, Alectryon macrococcus, Bidens wiebkei, Brighamia rockii, Canavalia molokaiensis, Centaurium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea dunbarii, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyanea mannii, Cyanea procera, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Flueggea neowawraea, Hedyotis mannii, Hesperomannia arborescens, Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Ischaemum byrone, Labordia triflora, Lysimachia maxima, Mariscus fauriei, Marsilea villosa, Melicope mucronulata, Melicope reflexa, Neraudia sericea, Peucedanum sandwicense, Phyllostegia mannii, Phyllostegia mollis, Plantago princeps, Platanthera holochila, Schiedea lydgatei, Schiedea nuttallii, Schiedea sarmentosa, Sesbania tomentosa, Silene alexandri, Silene lanceolata, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Stenogyne bifida, Tetramolopium rockii, Vigna o-wahuensis,

and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

) that are reported from Molokai as well as on Kauai, Niihau, Maui, Kahoolawe, and Lanai. We proposed that critical habitat was not prudent for one species,

Pritchardia munroi,

because it would increase the threat of vandalism or collection of this species on Molokai. Critical habitat was not proposed in that rule for two species,

Lysimachia maxima

and

Phyllostegia mannii,

because they are currently found only in areas on Molokai that do not require special management consideration or protection because they are already protected and managed to the benefit of these species.

On December 29, 2000, we proposed designation of critical habitat on approximately 6,163 hectares (ha) (15,228 acres (ac)) of land on the island of Molokai. The publication of the proposed rule opened a 60-day public comment period, which closed on February 27, 2001. On February 22, 2001, we published a notice (66 FR 11132) announcing the reopening of the comment period until April 2, 2001, on the proposal to designate critical habitat for plants from Molokai and a notice of a public hearing. On March 21, 2001, we held a public hearing at the Mitchell Pauole Center Hall, Molokai.

On October 3, 2001, we submitted a joint stipulation to the U.S. District Court with Earthjustice (representing the plaintiffs in

Hawaii Conservation Council

v.

Babbitt

) requesting extension of the court order for the final rules to designate critical habitat for plants from

Kauai and Niihau (July 30, 2002), Maui and Kahoolawe (August 23, 2002), Lanai (September 16, 2002), and Molokai (October 16, 2002), citing the need to revise the proposals to incorporate or address new information and comments received during the comment periods. The joint stipulation was approved and ordered by the court on October 5, 2001.

On April 5, 2002, we published a revised proposed rule for 51 plant species from Molokai (67 FR 16492). Critical habitat for 46 (

Adenophorus periens, Alectryon macrococcus, Bidens wiebkei, Brighamia rockii, Canavalia molokaiensis, Centaurium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea dunbarii, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyanea mannii, Cyanea procera, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Eugenia koolauensis, Flueggea neowawraea, Hedyotis mannii, Hesperomannia arborescens, Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Ischaemum byrone, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Labordia triflora, Lysimachia maxima, Mariscus fauriei, Marsilea villosa, Melicope mucronulata, Melicope reflexa, Neraudia sericea, Peucedanum sandwicense, Phyllostegia mannii, Phyllostegia mollis, Plantago princeps, Platanthera holochila, Pteris lidgatei, Schiedea lydgatei, Schiedea nuttallii, Schiedea sarmentosa, Sesbania tomentosa, Silene alexandri, Silene lanceolata, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Stenogyne bifida, Tetramolopium rockii, Vigna o-wahuensis

, and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense

) of the 51 plant species from Molokai was proposed on approximately 17,614 ha (43,532 ac) of land (67 FR 16492). We proposed that critical habitat was prudent for one species (

Eugenia koolauensis

) for which a prudency finding had not been made previously. Critical habitat was not proposed for

Bonamia menziesii, Cyperus trachysanthos, Melicope munroi

, and

Solanum incompletum

on the island of Molokai because these plants no longer occur on Molokai, and we are unable to identify habitat that is essential to their conservation on this island.

The publication of the revised proposed rule opened a 60-day public comment period, which closed on June 4, 2002. On July 11, 2002, we submitted joint stipulations to the U.S. District Court with Earthjustice requesting extension of the court orders for the final rules to designate critical habitat for plants from Lanai (December 30, 2002), Kauai and Niihau (January 31, 2003), Molokai (February 28, 2003), Maui and Kahoolawe (April 18, 2003), Oahu (April 30, 2003), the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (April 30, 2003), and the island of Hawaii (May 30, 2003), citing the need to conduct additional review of the proposals, address comments received during the public comment periods, and to conduct a series of public workshops on the proposals. The joint stipulations were approved and ordered by the court on July 12, 2002. On August 12, 2002, we published a notice announcing the availability of the draft economic analysis on the proposed critical habitat (67 FR 52419). On August 23, 2002, we published a notice announcing a public hearing (67 FR 54607). On August 26, 2002, we held a public information meeting at the Mitchell Pauole Center Hall, Kaunakakai, Molokai. On August 26, 2002, we published a notice reopening the public comment period until September 30, 2002 (67 FR 54766). On September 9, 2002, we held a public hearing at the Mitchell Pauole Center Hall, Kaunakakai, Molokai.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

We received a total of two oral and 702 written comments during the three comment periods on the revised proposal and draft economic analysis, including the public hearing held on September 9, 2002. These included responses from three State agencies, two county agencies, and 19 private organizations or individuals, including four designated peer reviewers. Approximately 680 of these were identical letters submitted as part of a mailing campaign, in support of the proposed critical habitat designations. Of the 24 parties who did not respond as part of the mailing campaign, eight supported the proposed designations, 13 were opposed, and three provided information or declined to oppose or support the proposed designations.

We reviewed all comments received for substantive issues and new information regarding critical habitat for

Adenophorus periens, Alectryon macrococcus, Bidens wiebkei, Brighamia rockii, Canavalia molokaiensis, Centaurium sebaeoides, Clermontia oblongifolia

ssp.

brevipes, Ctenitis squamigera, Cyanea dunbarii, Cyanea grimesiana

ssp.

grimesiana, Cyanea mannii, Cyanea procera, Diellia erecta, Diplazium molokaiense, Eugenia koolauensis, Flueggea neowawraea, Hedyotis mannii, Hesperomannia arborescens, Hibiscus arnottianus

ssp.

immaculatus, Hibiscus brackenridgei, Ischaemum byrone, Isodendrion pyrifolium, Labordia triflora, Lysimachia maxima, Mariscus fauriei, Marsilea villosa, Melicope mucronulata, Melicope reflexa, Neraudia sericea, Peucedanum sandwicense, Phyllostegia mannii, Phyllostegia mollis, Plantago princeps, Platanthera holochila, Schiedea lydgatei, Schiedea nuttallii, Schiedea sarmentosa, Sesbania tomentosa, Silene alexandri, Silene lanceolata, Spermolepis hawaiiensis, Stenogyne bifida, Tetramolopium rockii, Vigna o-wahuensis

, and

Zanthoxylum hawaiiense.

Similar comments were grouped into general issues and are addressed in the summary below.

Peer Review

In accordance with our policy published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we solicited independent opinions from 15 knowledgeable individuals with expertise in one or several fields, including familiarity with the species, familiarity with the geographic region that the species occurs in, and familiarity with the principles of conservation biology. We received comments from four. All four generally supported our methodology and conclusion, but none supported or opposed the proposed critical habitat designations. Comments received from the peer reviewers are summarized in the following section and were considered in developing the final rule.

Issue 1: Biological Justification and Methodology

(1)

Comment:

One peer reviewer wrote that the amount and location of lands in the proposed rule appears to be adequate for the long-term conservation of these species if lands, that were not included in the proposal because they were not in need of special management or protection are managed properly. Further, the peer reviewer stated that deletion of significant portions of any of the proposed critical habitat units is likely to prevent the recovery of, or lead to the extinction of, listed species. Another peer reviewer commented that the proposed rule identifies enough land to provide for the long-term conservation of multiple populations. Another commenter wrote in support of tripling the acreage of critical habitat on Molokai in order to help ensure the survival of plant species. Conversely, other commenters felt that the proposed critical habitat units are larger than necessary and that the Service should work to ensure that: (1) The benefits of exclusion are carefully weighed against the benefits of designating critical habitat, (2) “critical habitat does not include the entire geographical area which can be occupied by the threatened or endangered species” (16 U.S.C. 1532(5)(C)), and (3) the final rule will exclude large areas that do not

contain the primary constituent elements for habitat designation.

Our Response:

We made revisions to the unit boundaries based on information supplied by commenters, as well as information gained from field visits to some of the sites. This new information showed that the primary constituent elements were not present in certain portions of some of the proposed units and that recent changes in land use had occurred that would preclude those areas from supporting the primary constituent elements in the future, or that the areas should not be considered essential to the conservation of the species in question. In many cases, critical habitat boundaries were reduced for multi-island species because we have proposed or otherwise identified adequate and more appropriate habitat on other islands. In addition, some areas excluded from this designation, such as TNCH lands, will still contribute significantly to the recovery of these species. These areas are counted towards the recovery goal of 8 to 10 populations of 100, 300, or 500 individuals.

(2)

Comment:

One commenter was concerned that there is an absence of good scientific data on the plants in this rulemaking and stated that guesswork is an unacceptable way to designate critical habitat.

Our Response:

When developing this rule to designate critical habitat for 46 plants from Molokai, we used the best scientific data currently available, including but not limited to, information from the known locations, site-specific species information from the HINHP database and our own rare plant database; species information from the Center for Plant Conservation's (CPC) rare plant monitoring database; the final listing rules for these species; information received during the public comment periods and the informational meetings and public hearings held on Molokai on September 9, 2002; recent biological surveys and reports; our recovery plans for these species; GIS information (

e.g.,

vegetation, soils, annual rainfall, elevation contours, landownership); information received from landowners, land managers, and interested parties on the island of Molokai; discussions with botanical experts; and recommendations from the Hawaii Pacific Plant Recovery Coordinating Committee (HPPRCC) (GDSI 2000; HINHP Database 2000; HPPRCC 1998; Service 1995, 1996a, 1996b, 1997, 1998a, 1998b, 1999, 2001; 65 FR 83158; 67 FR 16492; CPC

in litt.

1999).

In accordance with our policy on peer review published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we solicited the expert opinions of knowledgeable and independent specialists regarding the proposed rule. The purpose of this peer review was to ensure that our designation methodology of critical habitat of Molokai plants was based on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analysis. The comments of the peer reviewers were taken into consideration in the development of this final designation and nondesignation. We are required under a court-approved stipulation to finalize this designation by February 28, 2003. If provided with new information, we may revise the critical habitat designation in the future.

(3)

Comment:

One commenter felt that the Service's definition of a population is not adequate.

Our Response:

We acknowledge the difficulty in identifying a discrete, quantitative distance between populations but believe, as do the peer reviewers who commented on this issue, that the use of 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is a scientifically reasonable convention. We have defined a population, for the purpose of this rule, as a discrete aggregation of individuals located a sufficient distance from a neighboring aggregation such that the two are not affected by the same small-scale events and are not believed to be consistently cross-pollinated. In the absence of more specific information indicating the appropriate distance to assure limited cross-pollination, we are using a distance of 1,000 m (3,280 ft) based on our review of current literature on gene flow (Barret and Kohn 1991, Fenster and Dudash 1994, Havens 1998, Schierup and Christiansen 1996).

(4)

Comment:

One peer reviewer suggested that sites significantly altered by human activities, such as roads and buildings, should not be included in “conservation plans,” but that areas that have been altered by agriculture and other activities that do not significantly disturb the soil should be included as they provide potential sites for restoration of plant species.

Our Response:

Agricultural lands are generally not considered to be the highest ranking places to designate critical habitat because they usually have had the most disturbance. However, for some species some of this land is essential for their conservation because suitable habitat does not exist elsewhere. Approximately 11 percent of designated land on Molokai is within the State Agricultural District.

(5)

Comment:

One commenter stated that the presence of an endangered species in a particular habitat is not necessarily an indication that such habitat is best for the species' survival and reproduction. For example, conservationists believed that the Hawaiian goose (nene) (

Branta sandvicensis

) preferred uplands because it remained extant in upland habitats, but later information suggests that the nene prefer lower elevations.

Our Response:

The best available information, both historic and current, was used from a variety of sources (see “Methods” section) to determine the primary constituent elements. Historic information is scant for many species. However, the Service remains obligated to use the best available information, which includes the characteristics of the habitat supporting a taxon's remaining individuals. We expect more will become known in the future about the specific life history needs of these species, but we believe at this time that we have used the best available scientific information, including peer review and expert scientific input.

(6)

Comment:

One peer reviewer and other commenters stated that the proposed rule is improved by the inclusion of appropriate unoccupied habitat because such habitat will help to recover species that have been reduced to an unsustainable number of populations. Several commenters opposed designating critical habitat in unoccupied areas. Two commenters wrote that the lands in urban, agricultural, and rural districts are designated, used, and intended for a wide variety of land use activities. As such, there is a much greater likelihood that critical habitat designation will have an adverse economic impact on the landowner. These commenters recommend the following rebuttable presumption: Non-conservation lands that are unoccupied by any listed species should not be designated as critical habitat.

Our Response:

Our recovery plans for these species identify the need to expand existing populations and reestablish wild populations within historical range. Because of the very limited current range of these species, designating only occupied areas would not meet the conservation requirements of the species. Occupied areas, as well as the similar habitat around them within the designated units of critical habitat that may be occupied in the future, provide the essential life-cycle needs of the species and provide some or all of the habitat components essential for the conservation (primary constituent elements) of these species. Additional, nonadjacent, areas of unoccupied habitat are essential to the conservation of the species because they provide habitat for the establishment of new populations.

(7)

Comment:

One commenter felt that critical habitat should be designated for

Pritchardia munroi.

This commenter opposed the Service's decision that it is not prudent to designate critical habitat on the grounds that: (1) Designation of critical habitat would not increase the threat of vandalism to this species; (2) the Service failed to list overcollecting as one of the threats to this species in the revised proposal (67 FR 16497); (3) the species' existence on non-Federal land is irrelevant; (4) the Service cannot refuse to designate critical habitat because it cannot think of a future Federal activity likely to trigger consultation under section 7 of the Act; and (5) critical habitat offers benefits that go far beyond the protection that

Pritchardia munroi

receives under section 7, namely, critical habitat will help a species

recover,

whereas section 7 merely protects a species from

extinction.

Our Response:

In this final rule to designate or not designate critical habitat for 42 plants from Molokai we have incorporated new information and addressed comments and new information received during the comment periods. However, no additional information was provided during the comment periods that demonstrates that the threats to

Pritchardia munroi

from vandalism or collection would not increase if critical habitat was designated for this species on Molokai.

We believe that designation of critical habitat would likely increase the threat from vandalism or collection to this species of

Pritchardia

on Molokai. First, it is easy to identify, and second, it may be attractive to collectors of rare palms either for their personal use or to trade or sell for personal gain (Johnson 1996). We believe that the evidence shows that this species of palm may be attractive to such collectors. Several nurseries advertise and sell

Pritchardia

palms, including

Pritchardia munroi

and six other federally listed

Pritchardia

species. See the section entitled “Prudency” in this rule for more information regarding instances of vandalism, collection, and commercial trade of Hawaiian species of

Pritchardia.

Although the final listing rule and proposed critical habitat do not list vandalism or overcollection as threats, in light of documented vandalism and overcollection events on species in the same genus on Kauai, we believe that

Pritchardia munroi

is vulnerable to the same types of threats because of the similarity in appearance of the species.

In addition, we believe that designation would not provide significant benefits that would outweigh these increased risks. First,

Pritchardia munroi

does not occur on Federal land. The private land where it is found is zoned for agriculture, though the single tree has been fenced (HINHP Database 2000). In addition, this species is found in a small ravine in an area that is remote and inaccessible to standard vehicles. It is, therefore, unlikely that the land on which it is found will be developed. Since there does not appear to be any actions in the future that would involve a Federal agency, designation of critical habitat would not provide any additional protection to the species that it does not already have through listing alone. If, however, any future Federal involvement did occur, such as through the permitting process or funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Interior, the Corps through section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, or the Federal Highway Administration, the actions would be subject to consultation under section 7 of the Act.

We acknowledge that critical habitat designation, in some situations, may provide some value to the species, for example, by identifying areas important for conservation and calling attention to those areas in need of special protection. However, for this species, we believe that the benefits of designating critical habitat do not outweigh the potential increased threats from vandalism or collection. Given all of the above considerations, we have determined that designation of critical habitat for

Pritchardia munroi

is not prudent.

(8)

Comment:

One commenter asked why other federally listed plants on Molokai and historically listed plants were not included in the critical habitat proposal. One peer reviewer questioned the decision to not designate critical habitat for

Gardenia brighamii

and

Kokia cookei

based on: (1) Recent records of

Gardenia brighamii

on Molokai; (2) the recovery plan's stated need for three p

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