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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AD52

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed

Threatened Status for the Guajon

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to determine

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 proposal, if made final, will implement

the Federal protection and recovery provisions afforded by the Act for

E. cooki.

DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by

December 1, 1995. Public hearing requests must be received by November

16, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be

sent to the Field Supervisor, Caribbean Field Office, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 491, Boqueron, Puerto Rico 00622. Comments

and materials received will be available for public inspection, by

appointment, during normal business hours at this office, 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 (809/851-7297) or Mr. William C. Hunter at the

Atlanta, Georgia, Regional Office address (404/331-3580).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

n, by

appointment, during normal business hours at this office, 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 (809/851-7297) or Mr. William C. Hunter at the

Atlanta, Georgia, Regional Office address (404/331-3580).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

With over 400 described species, Eleutherodactylus is the largest

vertebrate genus. Two major centers of species diversity occur:

northwestern South America and the West Indies. Almost all species

possess ``t-shaped'' terminal phalanges, probably an adaptation for

climbing and reproductively, these frogs have 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 males and some females may have a yellow

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

the species a specter or phantom-like appearance. It 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

like appearance. It 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 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. Such

grottoes are commonly referred to as guajonales. It is from the

grottoes or guajonales that the frog derives its name, the guajon. The

species is apparently limited in distribution by the rock formation

where it occurs (Rivero 1978, Joglar 1992). Joglar (1992) 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 greatest during the months of October and

September. Eggs are laid on the humid faces of boulders within the

grottoes and the clutches of up to 59 eggs are apparently guarded by

the males (Rivero 1978).

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

guajon was found at its historical localities, all of which occur

within the municipalities of Yabucoa and San Lorenzo. Little historical

data are available on abundance, therefore, reductions in populations

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

Rico, extremely restricted in geographical distribution and occurs only

on privately-owned lands. Threats include fire, 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

document. Nevertheless, E. cooki is endemic to Puerto

Rico, extremely restricted in geographical distribution and occurs only

on privately-owned lands. Threats include fire, 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. Category 2 species (now recognized as species

of concern to the Service) are taxa for which there is information to

indicate that listing may be appropriate, but for which there is

insufficient data to support a listing proposal.

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). The Service recently elevated the guajon to

candidate status and is proposing it for threatened status.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

Section 4(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et

seq.) and regulations (50 CFR part 424) promulgated to implement the

listing provisions of the Act set forth the procedures for adding

species to the Federal lists. A species may be determined to be

endangered or threatened 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

ns of the Act set forth the procedures for adding

species to the Federal lists. A species may be determined to be

endangered or threatened 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 and San

Lorenzo in the Pandura mountain 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. Road construction and the associated cut and fill has

eliminated habitat (Drewry 1986). A major four lane 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 has 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

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

and such activities are currently being evaluated by the Commonwealth

government for possible regulation.

C. Disease or Predation

ed

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

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

and such activities are 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). 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 guajon is not currently protected by Commonwealth regulations.

Federal listing will provide immediate protection for the species 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).

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). Hurricane Hugo negatively

affected the abundance of E

s of

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

Morowitz 1991).

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). 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 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 propose this

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

Eleutherodactylus cooki as threatened. Since the species is extremely

restricted in distribution and specialized in habitat. 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 proposing critical habitat for these

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

Critical Habitat

ad 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 proposing critical habitat for these

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

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

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 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 purposes 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 designation were proposed. 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 this proposed rule. Any existing precise locality data

would be available to appropriate Federal, State, and local government

agencies from the Service office described in the ADDRESSES section

es, 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 this proposed rule. Any existing precise locality data

would be available to appropriate Federal, State, and local government

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

king 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)(4) requires Federal agencies to confer with the

Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize the continued

existence of a species proposed for listing or result in destruction or

adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a species is

listed subsequently, 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 conference and/or

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; 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

arding listed wildlife and inquiries about

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

Regional Office, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30345 (404/

679-7110).

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) Momentary moving of an individual guajon out of danger (e.g.,

road, path);

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

permitted conditions; and

(3) Federally approved 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 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, except as

noted above to momentarily move an individual out of harm's way;

(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;

Service believes could potentially result in

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

(1) Unauthorized collecting or capture of the species, except as

noted above to momentarily move an individual out of harm's way;

(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 Caribbean 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 (TE), 1875 Century Boulevard,

Atlanta, Georgia 30345-3301 (404/679-7096).

Public Comments Solicited

The Service intends that any final action resulting from this

proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore,

comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental

agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested

party concerning any aspect of this proposed rule are hereby solicited.

Comments particularly are sought concerning:

(1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning

any threat (or lack thereof) to the guajon;

e as possible. Therefore,

comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental

agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested

party concerning any aspect of this proposed rule are hereby solicited.

Comments particularly are sought concerning:

(1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning

any threat (or lack thereof) to the guajon;

(2) The location of any additional populations of this species, and

the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be

critical habitat pursuant to section 4 of the Act;

(3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution and

population size of this species; and

(4) Current or planned activities in the subject areas and their

possible impacts on this species.

Final promulgation of the regulation on the guajon will take into

consideration the comments and any additional information received by

the Service, and such communications may lead to a final regulation

that differs from this proposal.

The Endangered Species Act provides for one or more public hearings

on this proposal, if requested. Requests must be filed within 45 days

of the publication of the proposal in the Federal Register. Such

requests must be made in writing and addressed to the Field Supervisor,

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

Boqueron, Puerto Rico 00622.

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).

References Cited

ironmental

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).

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. In

J.A. Moreno, ed., Status y Distribucion de los Anfibios y Reptiles

de Puerto Rico. Publ. Cien. Misc. No.1. pp. 42-46. 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. In Biogeography of the West Indies: 305-370.

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

recomendacions para la proteccion de las especies del genero

Eleutherodactylus. In J.A. Moreno, ed., Status y Distribucion de los

Anfibios y Reptiles de Puerto Rico. Publ. Cien. Misc. No.1. pp. 47-

52. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales, San Juan,

Puerto Rico.

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

Eleutherodactylus: Final report. Report prepared for the Caribbean

Field Office, Fish and Wildlife Service. 41 pp.

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

Final report. Report prepared for the Caribbean

Field Office, Fish and Wildlife Service. 41 pp.

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 proposed rule is Ms. Susan Silander,

Caribbean 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.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes to amend part 17,

subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations,

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. It is proposed to amend 17.11(h) 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.

* * * * *

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. It is proposed to amend 17.11(h) 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

Historic range where Status When Critical Special

Common name Scientific name endangered or listed habitat rules

threatened

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

* * * * * *

*

Amphibians

* * * * * *

*

Guajon.......... Eleutherodactyl U.S.A. (PR).... NA............. T ........ NA NA

us cooki.

* * * * * *

*

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

Date: September 19, 1995.

Mollie H. Beattie,

Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 95-24334 Filed 9-29-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P