Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for the Guajon

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AD52

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status

for the Guajon

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines the guajon

(Eleutherodactylus cooki) to be a threatened species pursuant to the

Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The guajon is endemic

to Puerto Rico and is restricted to the Pandura mountain range in the

southeastern part of the island. It is threatened in this area by

agricultural, rural, and industrial development and the associated

infrastructure. This final rule will implement the Federal protection

and recovery provisions afforded by the Act for E. cooki.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 11, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection,

by appointment, during normal business hours at the Boqueron Field

Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 491, Boqueron, Puerto

Rico 00622, and at the Service's Southeast Regional Office, 1875

Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30345.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Susan Silander at the Caribbean

Field Office address (787/851-7297) or Ms. Gloria Bell at the Atlanta

Regional Office address (404/679-7100).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Eleutherodactylus is the largest vertebrate genus with over 400

described species. Two major centers of species diversity occur:

northwestern South America and the West Indies. Almost all species

share two characteristics--``T-shaped'' terminal phalanges, probably an

adaptation for climbing, and direct development, allowing for

reproduction away from water. In the West Indies, Eleutherodactylus

species are a dominant amphibian group. No single species is naturally

found on more than one of the four Greater Antilles, and most are

restricted to small areas within an island (Hedges 1989). Seventeen

species of this genus are known from Puerto Rico and, collectively,

they are commonly known as ``coquis'' (Rivero 1978, Moreno 1991).

The guajon (Eleutherodactylus cooki), also known commonly as

``demon of Puerto Rico'' or ``demonio de Puerto Rico,'' is a relatively

large frog, approximately 8.5 centimeters (3.3 inches) in length. It is

solid brown in color, although attending and calling males may have a

yellow throat. The guajon may be the only species of Eleutherodactylus

in Puerto Rico that exhibits sexual dimorphism in color (Joglar et al.

1996). In both sexes, the frogs have large, white-rimmed eyes, giving

the species a specter or phantom-like appearance. The species is

characterized by having large truncate discs and by a peculiar,

melodious and low voice which is completely different from any other

species of Eleutherodactylus in Puerto Rico (Rivero 1978). Rivero

(1978) states that its peculiar calling and phantom-like appearance

made many local people fearful of the species, believing that the mere

sight of an animal would be fatal.

The guajon, first collected by Chapman Grant in 1932, is known only

from the Pandura range in southeastern Puerto Rico and west to

Patillas/San Lorenzo where it lives in crevices and grottoes in and

among boulders (Joglar et al. 1996). Such grottoes are commonly

referred to as guajonales. It is from the grottoes or guajonales where

the species lives that the frog derives its name, the guajon. The

species is

[[Page 31758]]

apparently limited in distribution by the rock formation where it

occurs (Rivero 1978, Joglar 1992). Joglar et al. (1996) documented

population fluctuations, apparently related to precipitation and

temperature. Numbers are lowest during the winter months, during the

period of least rainfall and lowest temperatures. The number of egg

clutches and juveniles was observed to be greatest during the months of

October and September. Eggs are laid on the humid faces of boulders in

protected microhabitats within the grottoes and up to 59 eggs, which

may actually be multiple clutches, are apparently guarded by the males

(Rivero 1978, Joglar et al. 1996). Diurnal activity of E. cooki occurs

only inside the caves. Many guajones, however, have been observed

leaving the caves at dusk, presumably to forage and rehydrate, and

returning before dawn (Joglar et al. 1996).

During surveys conducted by Drewry (1986), Joglar (1992), and

Joglar et al. (1996), the guajon was found at its historical

localities, all of which occur within the municipalities of Yabucoa and

San Lorenzo. Dr. Fernando Bird (pers. comm.) also reports the species

from the municipalities of Las Piedras and Humacao. Little historical

data is available on abundance; therefore, reductions in populations

are difficult to document. Nevertheless, E. cooki is endemic to Puerto

Rico and is extremely restricted in geographical distribution. Further,

it is a habitat specialist (i.e., requires a particular habitat type)

and occurs only on privately-owned lands. Threats to the species

include deforestation and earth movement for agricultural activities

and rural development, road construction, including the construction of

a major four-lane highway, and the construction of a reservoir.

Previous Federal Action

In the Service's notices of review for vertebrate candidates

published in the Federal Register of December 30, 1982 (47 FR 58454),

September 18, 1985 (50 FR 37958), January 6, 1989 (55 FR 17475) and

November 21, 1991 (56 FR 58804), Eleutherodactylus cooki was included

as a category 2 species. At that time, Category 2 species were those

that were being considered for possible addition to the Federal List of

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, but insufficient data on biological

vulnerability and threat were not currently available to support such

an action. Designation of Category 2 species was discontinued in the

December 5, 1996, Federal Register notice (61 FR 64481).

During a symposium/workshop on Puerto Rican reptiles and amphibians

held in Puerto Rico in April of 1990, Moreno (1991) believed that the

guajon was declining and in urgent need of a status survey. Status

surveys conducted in 1991 and 1992 indicated that the guajon is

extremely restricted in distribution and currently faces significant

threats (Joglar 1992). Joglar et al. (1996) recommended that, although

studies of 2 specific areas conducted between 1991 and 1994 did not

indicate that those particular populations were declining, protecting

the species was essential due to its limited distribution and rapid

development of its habitat. The Service elevated this species to a

candidate and proposed it for threatened status on October 2, 1995 (60

FR 51432). Because additional information became available concerning

the species' distribution and biology, the Service reopened the comment

period on October 4, 1996 (61 FR 51878).

The processing of this final rule conforms with the Service's final

listing priority guidance published in the Federal Register on December

5, 1996 (61 FR 64475). The guidance clarifies the order in which the

Service will process rulemakings during fiscal year 1997. The guidance

calls for giving highest priority to handling emergency situations

(Tier 1) and second highest priority (Tier 2) to resolving the listing

status of the outstanding proposed listings. This rule falls under Tier

2. Presently, there are no pending Tier 1 actions in Region 4. In the

development of this final rule, the Service has conducted an internal

review of all available information on the species and its habitat.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

In the October 2, 1995, proposed rule and associated notifications,

all interested parties were requested to submit factual reports of

information that might contribute to the development of a final rule.

Appropriate agencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Federal

agencies, scientific organizations, and other interested parties were

requested to comment. A newspaper notice inviting general public

comment was published in The San Juan Star on October 31, 1995, and in

the El Nuevo Dia on October 25, 1995. The Service also solicited the

expert opinions of three appropriate and independent specialists

regarding pertinent scientific or commercial data and assumptions

relating to distribution, abundance, status and biological and

ecological information for the guajon. In response to the proposed

rule, four comment letters were received, three of which were from

specialists. One specialist provided additional distributional data on

the species, increasing its known range to include the municipalities

of Las Piedras and Humacao in southeastern Puerto Rico and agreed that

the species' habitat is threatened by human related activity. A second

specialist stated that the range of the guajon is limited and that any

significant alteration of its habitat might have an effect on its

existence. Comments supplying supplemental data have been incorporated

into the Background section of this rule, as appropriate. A public

hearing was neither requested nor held.

On October 4, 1996, the Service reopened the comment period. The

Service again solicited the expert opinions of three appropriate and

independent specialists. In response to the proposed rule, five comment

letters were received, three of which were from specialists. The

Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,

stated that the listing of the guajon was important and expressed

interest in coordinating with the Fish and Wildlife Service in order to

identify agricultural land where the species occurs.

The following is a summary of other comments and concerns (referred

to as ``Issues'' for the purposes of this summary) regarding the

proposed rule that were expressed in writing. Comments of similar

content have been grouped together.

Issue 1: Two commenters indicated that without the designation of

critical habitat the listing of the species would not be beneficial.

Response: The Service believes that, because the guajon occupies an

extremely restricted geographic area in Puerto Rico, protection of its

habitat can be accomplished through the Section 7 jeopardy standard and

through Section 9 prohibitions against take. Harm in the definition of

``take'' in the Act (50 CFR 17.3) means an act which actually kills or

injures wildlife. Such an act may include significant habitat

modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife

by impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding

or sheltering. This issue is also addressed in the ``Critical Habitat''

section of this rule.

Issue 2: Two commenters recommended that the species remain a

candidate for its protection until an ongoing study of the guajon's

reproductive biology is completed.

[[Page 31759]]

Response: Candidate species receive no statutory protection under

the Act. Thus, having it remain a candidate would not provide the

maximum conservation benefit to the guajon. The Act requires the

Service to make a listing determination based upon the best scientific

and commercial data available. The Service believes that sufficient

information on status and threats is available to warrant listing the

species as threatened. Information derived from the ongoing study of

reproductive biology will be valuable for recovery purposes and will be

incorporated into the recovery plan.

Issue 3: A commenter indicated that while scientific collection had

not adversely affected the species, other human-related factors do

affect the guajon. Another commenter indicated that collecting by

artisans was probably not a threat due to the difficulty and the danger

of entering the caves, but stated that scientific collecting should be

regulated.

Response: The rule states that collection has been identified as a

problem by scientists for other species of Eleutherodactylus;

therefore, it should be considered as a potential threat for the

guajon. This issue is addressed in the ``Summary of Factors Affecting

the Species'' section is this rule.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

After a thorough review and consideration of all information

available, the Service has determined that the guajon should be

classified as a threatened species. Procedures found at Section 4(a)(1)

of the Act and regulations implementing the listing provisions of the

Act (50 CFR part 424) were followed. A species may be determined to be

an endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five

factors described in section 4(a)(1). These factors and their

application to the guajon (Eleutherodactylus cooki) are as follows:

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment

of Its Habitat or Range

The guajon is only known from the municipalities of Yabucoa, San

Lorenzo, Humacao, and Las Piedras in the Pandura range in the extreme

southeastern corner of Puerto Rico. Deforestation and earth movement

for agricultural and rural development have encroached upon known

habitat of the species. Deforestation may result in increased flash

flooding, resulting in the drowning of adults and the destruction of

nests. The practice of planting crops right up to the entrance of the

guajonales may eliminate nocturnal habitat of the species and increase

the pesticide and fertilizer run-off into the water flowing under the

caves. Caves are also often used as garbage dumps. Road construction

and the associated cut and fill has eliminated habitat (Drewry 1986). A

major four-line highway is currently proposed through the area, as is

the construction of a major reservoir.

B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or

Educational Purposes

Although not previously identified as a determinant factor in the

decline of the guajon specifically, scientific collecting of related

species of coqui in Puerto Rico may have contributed to declines. In a

survey of only seven museums in both Puerto Rico and the United States,

numerous specimens of the web-footed coqui (E. karlschmidti) and the

mottled coqui (E. eneidae) were located, with a total of 473 preserved

individuals of the former and 325 of the latter species (Joglar 1992).

Both of these related species' status are under evaluation by the

Service because of their extreme rarity. Collection of other

Eleutherodactylus sp. for use in local art has also been documented,

and this activity is currently being evaluated by the Commonwealth

government for possible regulation.

C. Disease or Predation

Disease has not been documented as a factor in the decline of this

species. However, examination of both preserved and live specimens of

the guajon revealed that the species is parasitized by the tick

Ornithodoros talaje. Nevertheless, the effect of this parasite on the

guajon has yet to be studied (Joglar 1992, Joglar et al. 1996).

Introduced species such as cats, rats, and mongoose, active at night,

may adversely affect densities of this species by feeding on the frogs

and their eggs.

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has adopted a regulation that

recognizes and provides protection for certain Commonwealth listed

species. However, the guajon is not yet on the Commonwealth list.

Federal listing would provide immediate protection under the Act, and

by virtue of an existing section 6 Cooperative Agreement with the

Commonwealth, will also assure the addition of this species to the

Commonwealth list and enhance its protection and possibilities for

funding needed research.

E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence

The decline in populations of amphibians has become apparent

globally. Factors which may be responsible for the decline of

amphibians include habitat destruction and modification, acid rain,

pesticide contamination, introduction of non-native predators and

competitors, agriculture, mining and logging, increased levels of

ultraviolet radiation, collection, and global climatic change (Wake and

Morowitz 1991, Joglar and Burrowes 1996).

Flash floods, droughts, and catastrophic storms, such as Hurricane

Hugo which occurred in 1989, may have caused localized extirpations of

other species of Eleutherodactylus in specific areas in Puerto Rico

(Burrowes and Joglar 1991, Joglar 1992, Joglar and Burrowes 1996).

Hurricane Hugo negatively affected the abundance of E. portoricensis, a

species which is not abundant and is restricted in distribution (Joglar

and Burrowes 1991). The guajon is endemic to Puerto Rico, a habitat

specialist, and extremely restricted in distribution. It is known only

from the southeastern part of the island.

The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and

commercial information available regarding the past, present, and

future threats faced by this species in determining to make this rule

final. Based on this evaluation, the preferred action is to list

Eleutherodactylus cooki as threatened, because the species is extremely

restricted in distribution and is specialized in habitat utilization.

Activities such as dam and road construction and land conversion to

agriculture threaten to significantly reduce available habitat. While

not in immediate danger of extinction, the guajon is likely to become

an endangered species in the foreseeable future if present threats

continue. The reasons for not designating critical habitat for this

species are discussed below in the ``Critical Habitat'' section.

Critical Habitat

Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as: (i) The

specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at

the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found

those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation

of the species and (II) that may require special management

considerations or protection and; (ii) specific areas outside the

geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon

[[Page 31760]]

a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of

the species. ``Conservation'' means the use of all methods and

procedures needed to bring the species to the point at which listing

under the Act is no longer necessary.

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing

regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent

and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time

the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. The Service

finds that the designation of critical habitat is not prudent for the

guajon. Service regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that

designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or both of the

following situations exist--(1) The species is threatened by taking or

other human activity, and identification of critical habitat can be

expected to increase the degree of threat to the species, or (2) such

designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial to the species.

While collection has not been documented as contributing to the

decline of the guajon specifically, large numbers of other

Eleutherodactylus species, including several identified as species at

risk, have been documented in scientific collections. Collection of

Eleutherodactylus sp. has been documented for use by local artisans,

and such collection is currently under evaluation by the Commonwealth

government for possible regulation. In addition, due to the appearance

of the animal, Rivero (1978) stated that local people were fearful of

them. This fear could lead to killing of guajon.

The guajon is rare and restricted in range, and taking for

scientific and private collection would pose a serious threat to the

species if specific site information were released. The publication of

critical habitat maps in the Federal Register and local newspapers and

other publicity accompanying critical habitat designation would likely

increase the collection threat and increase the potential for vandalism

if such habitat were designated. The Service believes, therefore, that

the identification of critical habitat may increase the threat to the

species. The locations of populations of this species have consequently

been described only in general terms in the final rule. Any existing

precise locality data would be available to appropriate Federal, State,

and local governmental agencies from the Service office described in

the ADDRESSES section.

Regulations promulgated for implementing Section 7 of the Act

provide for both a jeopardy standard, based on listing alone, and for a

destruction or adverse modification standard, in cases where critical

habitat has been designated. The guajon occupies an extremely

restricted geographic area in Puerto Rico and, once listed, the Service

believes that protection of guajon habitat can be accomplished through

the Section 7 jeopardy standard, and through Section 9 prohibitions

against take.

Available Conservation Measures

Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or

threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition,

recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions

against certain practices. Recognition through listing results in

conservation actions by Federal, Commonwealth, and private agencies,

and individuals. The Act provides for possible land acquisition and

cooperation with the Commonwealth and requires that recovery actions be

carried out for all listed species. Such actions are initiated by the

Service following listing. The protection required of Federal agencies

and the prohibitions against taking and harm are discussed, in part,

below.

Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to

evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or

listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical

habitat, if any is being designated. Regulations implementing this

interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR

part 402. Section 7(a)(2) requires Federal agencies to ensure that

activities they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to

jeopardize the continued existence of the species or destroy or

adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a

listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal agency

must enter into formal consultation with the Service.

Federal agency actions that may require consultation as described

in the preceding paragraph include the Army Corps of Engineers and/or

National Resource Conservation Service (previously Soil Conservation

Service) involvement in the construction of a reservoir; Rural

Development (formerly Farmer's Home Administration) funding of water,

sewer, and power lines, as well as residential developments; and the

Federal Highway Administration's involvement in the construction of

small roads and a major highway through the area.

The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of

general trade prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all threatened

wildlife. The prohibitions, codified at 50 CFR 17.21 and 17.31, in

part, make it illegal for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the

United States to take (includes harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot,

wound, kill, trap, or collect; or to attempt any of these), import or

export, ship in interstate commerce in the course of commercial

activity, or sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce

any listed species. It is also illegal to possess, sell, deliver,

carry, transport, or ship any such wildlife that has been taken

illegally. Certain exceptions apply to agents of the Service and

Commonwealth conservation agencies.

Permits may be issued to carry out otherwise prohibited activities

involving threatened wildlife species under certain circumstances.

Regulations governing permits are at 50 CFR 17.32. Such permits are

available for scientific purposes, to enhance the propagation or

survival of the species, and/or for incidental take in connection with

otherwise lawful activities. For threatened species, permits are also

available for zoological exhibition, educational purposes, or special

purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act. Requests for copies

of the regulations regarding listed wildlife and inquiries about

prohibitions and permits may be addressed to the Service's Southeast

Regional Office, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia

30345 (404/679-7313).

It is the policy of the Service (59 FR 34272) to identify to the

maximum extent practicable those activities that would or would not

constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act at the time of listing.

The intent of this policy is to increase public awareness of the effect

of listing on proposed or ongoing activities. The only known

populations of guajon are located on privately-owned land. The Service

believes that, based on the best available information, the following

actions will not result in a violation of section 9, provided these

activities are carried out in accordance with existing regulations and

permit requirements:

(1) Possession of legally acquired guajon, under Service-approved

permitted conditions; and

(2) Federally funded or regulated projects that involve activities,

such as dam and road construction, earth movement for agricultural

activities and rural development, or diversion or alteration of surface

or ground water

[[Page 31761]]

flow into or out of grottoes (e.g., due to roads, impoundments,

discharge pipes, storm water detention basins, etc.), when such

activity is conducted in accordance with any reasonable and prudent

measures given by the Service in accordance with section 7 of the Act.

Activities that the Service believes could potentially result in

``take'' of the guajon, include, but are not limited to:

(1) Unauthorized collecting or capture of the species;

(2) Purposeful introduction of exotic species, such as cats, rats,

and mongoose, that may adversely affect densities of this species by

feeding on adults or eggs;

(3) Unauthorized destruction/alteration of the species' habitat

(e.g., rock removal, discharge of fill materials, earth movement for

agricultural activities and rural development, or diversion or

alteration of surface or ground water flow into or out of grottoes)

when such activity is not conducted in accordance with section 7 of the

Act;

(4) Pesticide applications in violation of label restrictions; and

(5) Discharges or dumping of toxic chemicals, silt, or other

pollutants into areas supporting this species.

Questions regarding whether specific activities will constitute a

violation of section 9 should be directed to the Field Supervisor of

the Service's Boqueron Field Office (see ADDRESSES section). Requests

for copies of the regulations on listed species and inquiries regarding

prohibitions and permits should be addressed to the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta,

Georgia 30345-3301 (404/679-7313).

National Environmental Policy Act

The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that an Environmental

Assessment, as defined under the authority of the National

Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be prepared in connection

with regulations adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of the Endangered

Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice outlining the Service's

reasons for this determination was published in the Federal Register on

October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

Required Determinations

The Service has examined this regulation under the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995 and found it to contain no information collection

requirements.

References Cited

Burrowes, P.A. and R.L. Joglar. 1991. A survey of the population

status and an ecological evaluation of three Puerto Rican frogs. Pp.

42-46 in J.A. Moreno, ed., Status y Distribucion de los Anfibios y

Reptiles de Puerto Rico. Publ. Cien. Misc. No.1. Departamento de

Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Drewry, G.E. 1986. Golden coqui recovery survey and brief status

evaluation of five other Puerto Rican Eleutherodactylus species.

Trip report prepared for the Caribbean Field Office, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service. 49 pp.

Hedges, S.B. 1989. Evolution and biogeography of West Indian frogs

of the genus Eleutherodactylus: slow-evolving loci and the major

groups. Pp.305-370 in Biogeography of the West Indies.

Joglar, R.L. 1992. Status survey of four species of

Eleutherodactylus: Final report. Report prepared for the Caribbean

Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 41 pp.

Joglar, R.S. and P.A. Burrowes. 1991. El efecto del Huracan Hugo

sobre una comunidad de anfibios en El Yunque, Puerto Rico y algunas

recomendaciones para la proteccion de las especies del genero

Eleutherodactylus. Pp. 47-52 in J.A. Moreno, ed., Status y

Distribucion de los Anfibios y Reptiles de Puerto Rico. Publ. Cien.

Misc. No.1. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, San

Juan, Puerto Rico.

Joglar, R.S. and P.A. Burrowes. 1996. Declining amphibian

populations in Puerto Rico. Pp. 371-380 in R. Powell and R.W.

Henderson, eds., Contributions to West Indian Herpetology: A Tribute

to Albert Schwartz. Society for the Study of Amphibians and

Reptiles, Ithaca (New York). Contributions to Herpetology, vol. 12.

Joglar, R.S., P.A. Burrowes, and N. Rios. 1996. Biology of the

Puerto Rican cave-dwelling frog, Eleutherodactylus cooki, and some

recommendations for its conservation. Pp. 251-258 in R. Powell and

R.W. Henderson, eds., Contributions to West Indian Herpetology: A

Tribute to Albert Schwartz. Society for the Study of Amphibians and

Reptiles, Ithaca (New York). Contributions to Herpetology, vol. 12.

Moreno, J.A. (ed.) 1991. Status y Distribucion de los Anfibios y

Reptiles de Puerto Rico. Publ. Cien. Misc. No. 1. Departamento de

Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. San Juan, Puerto

Rico 67 pp.

Rivero, J.A. 1978. Los Anfibios y Reptiles de Puerto Rico. U.P.R.

Editorial Universitaria. San Juan, Puerto Rico 152 pp.

Wake, D.B. and H.J. Morowitz. 1991. Declining amphibian

populations--a global phenomenon? Findings and recommendations.

Alytes 9(2): 33-42.

Author

The primary author of this final rule is Ms. Susan Silander,

Boqueron Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 491,

Boqueron, Puerto Rico 00622 (809/851-7297).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.

Regulation Promulgation

Accordingly, part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the

Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as set forth below:

Part 17--[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C.

4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500, unless otherwise noted.

2. Section 17.11(h) is amended by adding the following, in

alphabetical order under AMPHIBIANS, to the List of Endangered and

Threatened Wildlife to read as follows:

Sec. 17.11 Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *

(h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Vertebrate

-------------------------------------------------------- population where Critical Special

Historic range endangered or Status When listed habitat rules

Common name Scientific name threatened

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *

Amphibians

[[Page 31762]]

* * * * * * *

Guajon........................... Eleutherodactylus U.S.A. (PR)........ NA................. T 617 NA NA

cooki.

* * * * * * *

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Dated: May 16, 1997.

Jay L. Gerst,

Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 97-15300 Filed 6-10-97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P