Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule To Remove the Plant Echinocereus lloydii (Lloyd's Hedgehog Cactus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AD91

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule To

Remove the Plant Echinocereus lloydii (Lloyd's Hedgehog Cactus) from

the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under the authority of

the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, proposes to

remove the plant Echinocereus lloydii (Lloyd's hedgehog cactus) from

the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus was listed as endangered on October 26, 1979, due to threats of

collection and highway projects. Recent evidence indicates that Lloyd's

hedgehog cactus is not a distinct species but rather a hybrid.

Therefore, Lloyd's hedgehog cactus does not qualify for protection

under the Act.

DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by August

13, 1996. Public hearing requests must be received by July 29, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be

sent to the Field Supervisor, Ecological Services Austin Field Office,

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Hartland

Bank Building, Austin, Texas 78758. Comments and materials received

will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal

business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Kennedy or Elizabeth Materna,

(see ADDRESSES section) (telephone 512/490-0057; facsimile 512/490-

0974).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Burnet Road, Suite 200, Hartland

Bank Building, Austin, Texas 78758. Comments and materials received

will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal

business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Kennedy or Elizabeth Materna,

(see ADDRESSES section) (telephone 512/490-0057; facsimile 512/490-

0974).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Echinocereus lloydii (Lloyd's hedgehog cactus), a member of the

cactus family, was first collected by F.E. Lloyd in 1922 and was named

in his honor by Britton and Rose (1937). The first plants collected by

Mr. Lloyd were from near Fort Stockton, Pecos County, Texas (Weniger

1970).

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is a cylindrical cactus with one to several

stems up to about 20 centimeters (cm) (8 inches (in)) long and 10 cm (4

in) in diameter. The flowers vary from lavender to magenta in color,

are about 5 cm (2 in) in diameter, and form mature fruits that are

green, tinged with pink or orange when ripe (Correll and Johnston 1979,

Poole and Riskind 1987).

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is known from Brewster, Culberson, Pecos,

and Presidio Counties in Texas as well as from Eddy County in New

Mexico. It has also been reported from the state of Chihuahua in

Mexico. Currently fewer than 15 localities are known from the U.S.,

most occurring on private lands. These cacti occur in the shrub and

brush rangeland of the Chihuahuan Desert, and are usually found

associated with Agave lecheguilla (lechuguilla), Prosopis glandulosa

(mesquite), Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), Flourensia cernua

(tarbush), Viguiera stenoloba (skeleton-leaf goldeneye), and various

cacti (Opuntia sp., Echinocereus sp., Echinocactus sp., and Coryphantha

sp.) (Poole and Riskind 1987).

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is usually found on limestone with

occasional weathered metamorphic rock. The cacti grow on sandy,

gravelly, or rocky soils

andulosa

(mesquite), Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), Flourensia cernua

(tarbush), Viguiera stenoloba (skeleton-leaf goldeneye), and various

cacti (Opuntia sp., Echinocereus sp., Echinocactus sp., and Coryphantha

sp.) (Poole and Riskind 1987).

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is usually found on limestone with

occasional weathered metamorphic rock. The cacti grow on sandy,

gravelly, or rocky soils

on slopes and hillsides, on bare rock ledges (Benson 1982, Weniger

1979), and on fine-textured alluvial soils (Poole and Zimmerman 1985).

Elevation of known localities is between 900 and 1650 meters (2950 and

5410 feet) (Benson 1982). Lloyd's hedgehog cactus typically grows on

open, fully exposed sites with very scattered forbs, grasses, and brush

(Weniger 1979). However, it also occurs in dense mesquite scrub among

tall grasses (Poole and Zimmerman 1985).

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus was listed as an endangered species on

October 26, 1979 (44 FR 61916) under the authority of the Endangered

Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). At the

time of listing, Lloyd's hedgehog cactus was considered to be a

distinct species, and to be threatened by overcollection, habitat loss

or alteration due to highway construction and maintenance, and

potentially by overgrazing by livestock.

It has long been recognized that the physical characteristics of

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus are intermediate between those of Echinocereus

dasyacanthus (Texas rainbow cactus) and Echinocereus coccineus (a

species of claret-cup cactus). There were several ideas about how such

intermediacy could have arisen. One theory was that Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus represented a primitive ancestral evolutionary lineage, which

diversified over time giving rise to two new lineages producing E.

dasyacanthus and E. coccineus. Another theory was that Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus was of hybrid origin, the result of ancient hybridization

between E. dasyacanthus and E. coccineus, but now an independent taxon

recognizable as a species

as that Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus represented a primitive ancestral evolutionary lineage, which

diversified over time giving rise to two new lineages producing E.

dasyacanthus and E. coccineus. Another theory was that Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus was of hybrid origin, the result of ancient hybridization

between E. dasyacanthus and E. coccineus, but now an independent taxon

recognizable as a species.

While interspecific hybridization between members of the genus

Echinocereus had been reported, hybridization between E. coccineus and

E. dasyacanthus seemed highly unlikely as the two species differ

greatly in morphology, have different predominant pollinators (one

hummingbird pollinated, the other bee pollinated), and generally grow

in different habitats (one a more mesic species and the other typical

of more open desert). In addition, anywhere they had been grown or

found together they had been observed to bloom at different times with

little if any overlap. While many hybrids are sterile, plants of

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus were known to be fertile and able to reproduce.

Wild populations were known to have persisted for some time, and

treatment as a distinct species was generally accepted.

Steve Brack (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985) reported that in

his field examination of Lloyd's hedgehog cactus he had located plants

only in proximity to E. dasyacanthus and E. coccineus. This apparent

lack of isolation combined with the intermediate appearance of the

plants raised questions about the taxonomic interpretation of Lloyd's

hedgehog cactus as a distinct species. It suggested the possibility

that Lloyd's hedgehog cactus might be the result of recent and sporadic

hybridizations, and simply represent relatively unstable hybrid swarms

that were not evolving independently and should not be recognized as a

species. The Service determined that the potential hybrid status of

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus should be investigated

91) finding that naturally

occurring Lloyd's hedgehog cacti have tetraploid chromosome numbers, as

do E. dasyacanthus and E. coccineus. Tetraploid chromosome numbers are

considered an advanced or recently derived characteristic in the

cactaceae, rather than a primitive one. Zimmerman (1992) made

additional observations on pollinators and other ecological and

phenological isolating mechanisms. He also did cladistic analyses of

the primitive and advanced species of the rainbow cacti and claret-cup

cacti taxonomic groups and Lloyd's hedgehog cactus. He agreed that

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is not primitive and probably arose through

hybridization.

Concluding that plants recognized as Lloyd's hedgehog cactus arose

through hybridization raised questions about the integrity or

cohesiveness of populations and whether they were sufficiently

distinct, isolated, and independently evolving genomes that they should

be recognized as distinct species. Powell et al.'s (1991)

phytochemical, morphological, and crossing studies detected no unique

characters or reproductive isolation that would demonstrate any

independent evolution had occurred. Though their study lacked

comprehensive examination and interpretation of populations in the

field and throughout the known range, they suggested that plants

recognized as Lloyd's hedgehog cactus might represent mere sporadic

hybrid swarms in areas of E. dasyacanthus and E. coccineus sympatry,

and should probably be recognized only as a nothotaxon (a hybrid

recognized nomenclaturally for purposes of identification). They

designated their artificially produced hybrids as Echinocereus X

lloydii.

Zimmerman (1992) examined geographical distribution, correlations

with geographic variation across the range of Lloyd's hedgehog cactus

and its parental species, and population characteristics at several

sites in the wild. He found that Lloyd's hedgehog cactus was only found

in areas of sympatry between E. dasyacanthus and E. coccineus

artificially produced hybrids as Echinocereus X

lloydii.

Zimmerman (1992) examined geographical distribution, correlations

with geographic variation across the range of Lloyd's hedgehog cactus

and its parental species, and population characteristics at several

sites in the wild. He found that Lloyd's hedgehog cactus was only found

in areas of sympatry between E. dasyacanthus and E. coccineus. Further,

sites with Lloyd's hedgehog cactus did not demonstrate populational

integrity or cohesion. Populations were not uniform in appearance and

exhibited great variation among individuals consistent with a pattern

of backcrossing or introgression with the parental species. Zimmerman

could find no evidence of reproductive isolation in the field. The

blooming time of Lloyd's hedgehog cactus overlapped both parental

species, and Lloyd's hedgehog cactus did not exhibit any habitat

preference that would provide any significant physical separation from

the parental species. He concluded that Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is not

a legitimate species, but felt that plants generally recognized as

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus were distinctive enough that for purposes of

description and identification it would be convenient to formally

designate them as a nothotaxon. His review of the nomenclature resulted

in the recommendation that plants formerly recognized as Echinocereus

lloydii should properly be referred to as the nothotaxon Echinocereus X

roetteri var. neomexicanus.

Previous Federal Action

s hedgehog cactus were distinctive enough that for purposes of

description and identification it would be convenient to formally

designate them as a nothotaxon. His review of the nomenclature resulted

in the recommendation that plants formerly recognized as Echinocereus

lloydii should properly be referred to as the nothotaxon Echinocereus X

roetteri var. neomexicanus.

Previous Federal Action

Federal government action concerning Lloyd's hedgehog cactus began

with section 12 of the Act, which directed the Secretary of the

Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on those plants considered

to be endangered, threatened, or extinct. This report (House Document

No. 94-51), which included Lloyd's hedgehog cactus, was presented to

Congress on January 9, 1975, and accepted by the Service under section

4(c)(2), now section 4(b)(3)(A), of the Act as a petition to list these

species. The report, along with a statement of the Service's intention

to review the status of the plant taxa, was published in the Federal

Register on July 1, 1975 (40 FR 27823). On June 16, 1976, the Service

published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (41 FR 24523) to

determine approximately 1,700 vascular plant species to be endangered

pursuant to section 4 of the Act. Lloyd's hedgehog cactus was included

in this proposal. Four general hearings pertaining to this proposal

were held in July and August of 1976, in the following cities--

Washington, D.C.; Honolulu, Hawaii; El Segundo, California; and Kansas

City, Missouri. A fifth public hearing was held on July 9, 1979, in

Austin, Texas, for seven Texas cacti, including Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus, and one fish. The final rule listing Lloyd's hedgehog cactus as

an endangered species was published on October 26, 1979 (44 FR 61916).

No critical habitat was designated.

The processing of this proposal to delist follows the Service's

final listing priority guidance published in the Federal Register on

May 16, 1996 (61 FR 24722)

exas, for seven Texas cacti, including Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus, and one fish. The final rule listing Lloyd's hedgehog cactus as

an endangered species was published on October 26, 1979 (44 FR 61916).

No critical habitat was designated.

The processing of this proposal to delist follows the Service's

final listing priority guidance published in the Federal Register on

May 16, 1996 (61 FR 24722). The guidance clarifies the order in which

the Service will process rulemakings following two related events: 1)

the lifting, on April 26, 1996, of the moratorium on final listings

imposed on April 10, 1995 (Public Law 104-6), and 2) the restoration of

significant funding for listing through passage of the omnibus budget

reconciliation law on April 26, 1996, following severe funding

constraints imposed by a number of continuing resolutions between

November 1995 and April 1996. The guidance calls for prompt processing

of draft listings, including proposed delistings, that were already in

the Service's Washington office and already approved by the field and

regional offices when the severe funding constraints were imposed in

early fiscal year 1996. A draft of this rule was approved by the

Service's Albuquerque Regional Director and transmitted to the

Washington office on April 4, 1995, where processing was postponed in

favor of other, higher priority listing actions.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

and already approved by the field and

regional offices when the severe funding constraints were imposed in

early fiscal year 1996. A draft of this rule was approved by the

Service's Albuquerque Regional Director and transmitted to the

Washington office on April 4, 1995, where processing was postponed in

favor of other, higher priority listing actions.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

After a review of all information available, the Service is

proposing to remove Lloyd's hedgehog cactus from the List of Endangered

and Threatened Plants. Section 4(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act

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

provisions of the Act set forth the procedures for adding species to or

removing them from the Federal lists. The regulations at 50 CFR

424.11(d) state that a species may be delisted if (1) it becomes

extinct, (2) it recovers, or (3) the original classification data were

in error. Since the time of listing, additional study has shown that

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is not a distinct species, but a hybrid. The

Service has concluded that the original taxonomic interpretation upon

which the listing decision was based was incorrect, and Lloyd's

hedgehog cactus does not qualify for protection because it does not fit

the definition of a species as specified in the Act.

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). At the time of listing it was believed that Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus was a distinct species and that several of these factors were

present. These factors and their application to Echinocereus lloydii

Britt. & Rose (Lloyd's hedgehog cactus) were discussed in detail in the

final rule (44 FR 61916) and included:

A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or

curtailment of its habitat or range

e of listing it was believed that Lloyd's hedgehog

cactus was a distinct species and that several of these factors were

present. These factors and their application to Echinocereus lloydii

Britt. & Rose (Lloyd's hedgehog cactus) were discussed in detail in the

final rule (44 FR 61916) and included:

A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or

curtailment of its habitat or range. The Service was concerned that

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus was vulnerable from past and potential habitat

destruction due to highway construction and maintenance, and the

potential destructive impacts of overgrazing in the rural rangeland

habitat.

B. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or

educational purposes. At the time of the final rule and continuing

today, Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is in world-wide demand by collectors of

rare cacti. Removal of plants from the wild has depleted natural

populations.

C. Disease or predation. At the time of listing it was believed

that Lloyd's hedgehog cactus, particularly young plants, could suffer

possible adverse affects from trampling by grazing livestock. The final

rule reported that light grazing did not seem to affect the species,

however, intense grazing could threaten its continued existence.

D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. At the time

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus was listed, the states of Texas and New Mexico

had no laws protecting endangered and threatened plants. Since the

listing, both states have enacted protective laws and regulations for

plants. Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is on the New Mexico State List of

Endangered Plant Species (9-10-10 NMSA 1978; NMFRCD Rule No. 91-1) and

on the Texas List of Endangered, Threatened or Protected Plants

(Chapter 88, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code).

On July 1, 1975, all members of the family cactaceae were included

in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

us is on the New Mexico State List of

Endangered Plant Species (9-10-10 NMSA 1978; NMFRCD Rule No. 91-1) and

on the Texas List of Endangered, Threatened or Protected Plants

(Chapter 88, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code).

On July 1, 1975, all members of the family cactaceae were included

in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is an international

treaty established to prevent international trade that may be

detrimental to the survival of plants and animals. A CITES export

permit must be issued by the exporting country before an Appendix II

species may be shipped. CITES permits may not be issued if the export

will be detrimental to the survival of the species or if the specimens

were not legally acquired. However, CITES does not itself regulate take

or domestic trade.

E. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued

existence. Concern about a restricted gene pool due to a low number of

populations was listed in the final rule as a factor that could

intensify the adverse effects of other threats.

The Service's determination that Lloyd's hedgehog cactus should be

proposed for delisting is based on evidence that it is a hybrid that

does not qualify for protection under the Act, rather than on the

control of threats.

The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and

commercial information available regarding the conclusion that Lloyd's

hedgehog cactus is a hybrid that does not qualify for protection under

the Act in determining to propose this rule. Based on this evaluation,

the preferred action is to remove Lloyd's hedgehog cactus from the List

of Endangered and Threatened Plants.

Effects of the Proposed Rule

carefully assessed the best scientific and

commercial information available regarding the conclusion that Lloyd's

hedgehog cactus is a hybrid that does not qualify for protection under

the Act in determining to propose this rule. Based on this evaluation,

the preferred action is to remove Lloyd's hedgehog cactus from the List

of Endangered and Threatened Plants.

Effects of the Proposed Rule

The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of

general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered

plants. All prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented by

50 CFR 17.61, apply to Lloyd's hedgehog cactus. These prohibitions, in

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

United States to import or export, transport in interstate or foreign

commerce in the course of a commercial activity, sell or offer for sale

in interstate or foreign commerce, or remove and reduce the cactus to

possession from areas under Federal jurisdiction. In addition, for

plants listed as endangered, the Act prohibits the malicious damage or

destruction on areas under Federal jurisdiction and the removal,

cutting, digging up, or damaging or destroying of such plants in

knowing violation of any State law or regulation, including State

criminal trespass law. If Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is removed from the

List of Endangered and Threatened Plants, these prohibitions would no

longer apply.

If Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is delisted, the requirements under

section 7 of the Act would no longer apply. Federal agencies would not

be required to consult with the Service on their actions that may

affect Lloyd's hedgehog cactus.

The 1988 amendments to the Act require that all species delisted

due to recovery be monitored for at least 5 years following delisting

ons would no

longer apply.

If Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is delisted, the requirements under

section 7 of the Act would no longer apply. Federal agencies would not

be required to consult with the Service on their actions that may

affect Lloyd's hedgehog cactus.

The 1988 amendments to the Act require that all species delisted

due to recovery be monitored for at least 5 years following delisting.

Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is being proposed for delisting because the

taxonomic interpretation that it is a species has been found to be

incorrect; Lloyd's hedgehog cactus is an unstable hybrid rather than a

distinct taxon. Therefore, no monitoring period following delisting is

required.

Some protection for Lloyd's hedgehog cactus may remain in place.

All cacti, including hybrids, are on Appendix II of CITES. CITES

regulates international trade of cacti, but does not regulate trade

within the United States or prevent habitat destruction.

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 this proposed rule are hereby solicited. Comments

particularly are sought concerning:

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

the taxonomic status or threats (or lack thereof) to this apparent

hybrid;

(2) The location and characteristics of any additional populations

not considered in previous work that might have bearing on the current

taxonomic interpretation; and

s proposed rule are hereby solicited. Comments

particularly are sought concerning:

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

the taxonomic status or threats (or lack thereof) to this apparent

hybrid;

(2) The location and characteristics of any additional populations

not considered in previous work that might have bearing on the current

taxonomic interpretation; and

(3) Additional information concerning range, distribution, and

population sizes, particularly if it would assist in the evaluation of

the accuracy of the current taxonomic interpretation.

The Service will take into consideration the comments and any

additional information received 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 received within 45

days of the date of publication of the proposal in the Federal

Register. Such requests must be made in writing and addressed to Field

Supervisor (see ADDRESSES section).

National Environmental Policy Act

The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that Environmental

Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements, 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

ntal Impact Statements, 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

Benson, L. 1982. The cacti of the United States and Canada. Stanford

University Press, Stanford, California. 1044 pp.

Britton, N.L. and J.N. Rose. 1937. The Cactaceae. Vol. III. 258:37-

38.

Correll, D.S. and M.C. Johnston. 1979. Manual of the vascular plants

of Texas. The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas. 1881

pp.

Janssen, G.K. 1993. Project no. 35: assessment and management plan

development for listed and category plants on Texas Department of

Highways and Public Transportation rights-of-ways. Texas Parks and

Wildlife Department, Section 6 Grant Performance Report.

Poole, J.M. and D.H. Riskind. 1987. Endangered, threatened, or

protected native plants of Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife

Department, Austin, Texas.

Poole, J.M. and A.D. Zimmerman. 1985. Endangered species information

system species record, Echinocereus lloydii. U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, Division of Endangered Species, Washington, D.C.

Powell, A.M., A.D. Zimmerman, and R.A. Hilsenbeck. 1991.

Experimental documentation of natural hybridization in Cactaceae:

origin of Lloyd's hedgehog cactus, Echinocereus X lloydii. Plant

Systematics and Evolution 178:107-122.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Minutes of the Joint Meeting,

Region 2 Plant Recovery Teams, January 10-11, 1985. Region 2,

Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Weniger, D. 1970. Cacti of the southwest. University of Texas Press,

Austin, Texas. 249 pp.

Weniger, D. 1979. Status report on Echinocereus lloydii. U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 11 pp.

Zimmerman, A.D. 1992

07-122.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Minutes of the Joint Meeting,

Region 2 Plant Recovery Teams, January 10-11, 1985. Region 2,

Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Weniger, D. 1970. Cacti of the southwest. University of Texas Press,

Austin, Texas. 249 pp.

Weniger, D. 1979. Status report on Echinocereus lloydii. U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 11 pp.

Zimmerman, A.D. 1992. Systematics of Echinocereus X roetteri

(Cactaceae), including Lloyd's hedgehog-cactus. Southwestern Rare

and Endangered Plants; Proceedings of the Southwestern Rare and

Endangered Plant Conference. Forestry and Resources Conservation

Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources

Department. Miscellaneous Publication 2:270-288.

Authors

The primary authors of this document are Elizabeth Materna and

Kathryn Kennedy, Ecological Services Austin Field Office (see ADDRESSES

section).

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.

Sec. 17.12 [Amended]

2. Section 17.12(h) is amended by removing the entry for

``Echinocereus lloydii'' under ``FLOWERING PLANTS'' from the List of

Endangered and Threatened Plants.

Dated: May 28, 1996.

John G. Rogers,

Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 96-15124 Filed 6-13-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P