Rule2026-22682
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Corrections for 43 Wildlife and Plant Species on the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 6, 2026
Effective
February 4, 2027
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service
Abstract
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce technical corrections for 43 wildlife and plant species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). For 7 wildlife species and 30 plant species that predominately occur in California and Nevada, we are revising the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants ("the Lists") to reflect the current scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of these species. We are also making commensurate revisions to the applicable critical habitat sections. Further, for six wildlife species occurring within the United States and territories, we are correcting errors in the Lists made in previous publications. The taxonomic, nomenclatural, and orthographic revisions and the corrections of publication errors are editorial in nature and involve no substantive changes to the Lists or any applicable regulations.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 214 (Friday, November 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 214 (Friday, November 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70013-70030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-22682]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2026-0530; FXES11130900000-267-FF09E41000]
RIN 1018-BB21
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical
Corrections for 43 Wildlife and Plant Species on the Lists of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Direct final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce
technical corrections for 43 wildlife and plant species under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). For 7 wildlife
species and 30 plant species that predominately occur in California and
Nevada, we are revising the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (``the Lists'') to
reflect the current scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature
of these species. We are also making commensurate revisions to the
applicable critical habitat sections. Further, for six wildlife species
occurring within the United States and territories, we are correcting
errors in the Lists made in previous publications. The taxonomic,
nomenclatural, and orthographic revisions and the corrections of
publication errors are editorial in nature and involve no substantive
changes to the Lists or any applicable regulations.
DATES: This rule is effective February 4, 2027 without further action
unless significant adverse comment is received by December 7, 2026. If
significant adverse comment is received regarding taxonomic changes for
any of these species, we will publish a timely withdrawal of the
relevant portions of the rule in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Comment submission: All submissions must include the docket
number [FWS-R8-ES-2026-0530] for this document. You must submit
comments using one of the following methods:
(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. In the Search box, enter FWS-R8-ES-2026-0530,
which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, click on the
Search button. On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the left
side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the Rule
box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on
``Comment.''
(2) By hard copy: Submit comments by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to:
Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R8-ES-2026-0530, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
22041-3803.
Comments submitted through any method not authorized in this
document, or sent to an address not listed here, will not be
considered. We will not accept comments via email, fax, or hand
delivery. We are not required to consider comments that are submitted
after the comment period ends or that are submitted via a method
outside of these instructions. Comments containing profanity,
vulgarity, threats, or other inappropriate content will not be
considered.
We will post all comments at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. You may
request that we withhold personal identifying information from public
review; however, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. See
Public Comments, below, for more information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Picco, Threatened and
Endangered Species Lead, Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Pacific Southwest Regional Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-
2606; telephone 916-414-6490. Individuals in the United States who are
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial
711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay
services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay
services offered within their country to make international calls to
the point-of-contact in the United States.
See Species-specific Inquiries and Information in SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION, below, for relevant names and contact information.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Public Comments
You may submit your comments and materials regarding the taxonomic
revisions, identified below in table 1, by one of the methods listed in
ADDRESSES. Please include sufficient information with your comments to
allow us to verify any scientific or commercial information you
include. We will not consider comments sent by email or fax, or to an
address not listed in ADDRESSES.
We will post all comments on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Before
including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal
information
[[Page 70014]]
in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--
including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly
available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold
your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot
guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting
documentation we use in preparing this direct final rule, will be
available for public inspection on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Please note that comments posted to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> are not immediately viewable. When you submit a
comment, the system receives it immediately. However, the comment will
not be publicly viewable until we post it, which might not occur until
several days after submission. Information regarding this rule is
available in alternative formats upon request (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT).
Species-Specific Inquiries and Information
For information pertaining to specific species, please contact our
Ecological Services field offices as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common name Contact information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[middot] Western snowy plover Vicky Ryan, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish
[Pacific Coast Distinct and Wildlife Service, Arcata Fish and
Population Segment (DPS)]. Wildlife Office, 1655 Heindon Road,
[middot] Kneeland Prairie Arcata, California 95521, 707-825-5123.
pennycress..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[middot] El Segundo blue Jonathan Snyder, Acting Field Supervisor,
butterfly. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad
[middot] Del Mar manzanita... Fish and Wildlife Office, 2177 Salk
[middot] Laguna Beach Avenue, Suite 250, Carlsbad, California
dudleya.. 92008, 760-309-7993.
[middot] Otay tarplant.......
[middot] Salt marsh bird's-
beak..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[middot] Bakersfield cactus.. Kim Turner-Olah, Acting Field Supervisor,
[middot] Clara Hunt's milk- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
vetch.. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office,
[middot] Coyote ceanothus.... 2800 Cottage Way, W-2606, Sacramento,
[middot] Lake County California 95825, 916-414-6707.
stonecrop..
[middot] Layne's butterweed..
[middot] Palmate-bracted
bird's-beak..
[middot] Pine Hill
flannelbush..
[middot] Presidio manzanita..
[middot] San Mateo thornmint.
[middot] Soft bird's-beak....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[middot] Ash Meadows gumplant Brian Croft, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish
[middot] Ash-gray paintbrush. and Wildlife Service, Palm Springs and
[middot] Bear Valley Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife
sandwort.. Office, 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive,
[middot] Cushenbury oxytheca. Las Vegas, Nevada 89130, 702-515-5244.
[middot] Desert slender
salamander..
[middot] Eureka Valley dune
grass..
[middot] Inyo California
towhee..
[middot] San Bernardino
kangaroo rat..
[middot] Santa Ana River
woolly-star..
[middot] Southern mountain
buckwheat..
[middot] Spring-loving
centaury..
[middot] Stephens' kangaroo
rat..
[middot] San Bernardino
Mountains bladderpod..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[middot] Arroyo toad......... Cat Darst, Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish
[middot] Conejo dudleya...... and Wildlife Service, Ventura Fish and
[middot] Gambel's watercress. Wildlife Office, 2493 Portola Rd., Suite
[middot] Hoffmann's B, Ventura, California 93003, 805-677-
rockcress.. 3333.
[middot] Island rush-rose....
[middot] Santa Monica
dudleya..
[middot] Gowen cypress.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Background
The List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and the List of
Endangered and Threatened Plants (``the Lists''), set forth in title 50
of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Sec. Sec. 17.11 and 17.12,
respectively, contain the names of endangered species and threatened
species federally listed pursuant to the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
The regulations at 50 CFR 17.11(c) and 17.12(b) require us to use the
most recently accepted scientific name of any wildlife or plant
species, respectively, that we have determined to be an endangered or
threatened species. As noted in 50 CFR 17.94(a), for species with
critical habitat designations, the lists at Sec. Sec. 17.11 and 17.12
refer to critical habitat designations presented in Sec. 17.95 (fish
and wildlife), Sec. 17.96 (plants), and Sec. 17.99 (plants on the
Hawaiian Islands). For consistency in the references, the scientific
and common names in critical habitat sections need to comport with the
scientific and common names in the Lists.
Purpose of Direct Final Rule and Final Action
The purpose of this direct final rule is to notify the public that
we are revising the Lists at 50 CFR 17.11(h) and 17.12(h) to reflect
scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature for 7 wildlife
species and 30 plant species listed under section 4 of the Act. Changes
to the Lists include one or both of the following: (1) revisions to
certain entries in the scientific name columns to reflect the most
recently accepted scientific names in accordance with 50
[[Page 70015]]
CFR 17.11(c) and 17.12(b), or (2) revisions to certain entries in the
common name columns to better reflect current usage or to improve
clarity. In some instances, changes in the Lists necessitate
corresponding changes to the names used in 50 CFR 17.95, critical
habitat for fish and wildlife, or 50 CFR 17.96, critical habitat for
plants.
We are publishing this rule without a prior proposal because this
is a noncontroversial action that is in the best interest of the public
and should be undertaken in as timely a manner as possible. For the
taxonomic and nomenclatural revisions provided below in table 1, this
rule will be effective, as published in this document, on the effective
date specified in DATES, unless we receive significant adverse comments
on or before the comment due date specified in DATES. Significant
adverse comments are comments that provide strong justifications as to
why this rule should not be adopted for a particular species or why it
should be changed to a name different from the one we have used.
If we receive significant adverse comments regarding the taxonomic
changes for any of the species included in table 1, below, we will
publish a document in the Federal Register withdrawing this rule for
the appropriate species before the effective date, and we will publish
a proposed rule to initiate promulgation of those changes to 50 CFR
17.11(h) and/or 17.12(h).
In addition, we are notifying the public that we have identified
editorial errors in the Lists, and they will be corrected on the
effective date of this rule (see DATES, above). The identified errors
are provided below in table 2. While you may submit comments by one of
the methods listed in ADDRESSES on the corrections provided below in
table 2, we consider these corrections purely administrative, and we
intend to make these editorial corrections on the effective date of
this rule.
None of these changes are regulatory in nature; they are for
accuracy and clarity. These revisions do not alter species' protections
or status in any way, and this rule does not have a substantive effect
on the public. Any actions altering a species' protection or status
would require a separate rulemaking action following the procedures of
50 CFR part 424.
Brief Summary of Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Changes
Table 1 provides changes we are making to reflect the
scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of 7 wildlife species
and 30 plant species listed under section 4 of the Act. These changes
reflect the most recently accepted scientific nomenclature in
accordance with 50 CFR 17.11(c) and 17.12(b). We also provide updates
to common names to conform with current usage, including the removal of
synonyms that, per 50 CFR 17.11(b) and 17.12(c), are no longer needed
for clarity.
Table 1--Revisions to the Lists Reflecting the Current Scientifically
Accepted Taxonomy and Nomenclature for These Species
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Species name as currently listed Corrected species name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 17.11 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common name (scientific name) Common name (scientific name)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mammals
------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat San Bernardino kangaroo rat
(Dipodomys merriami parvus). (Dipodomys merriami parvus).
Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys Stephens' kangaroo rat
stephensi (incl. D. cascus)). (Dipodomys stephensi).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inyo California towhee (Melozone Inyo California towhee
crissalis eremophilus). (Melozone crissalis
eremophila).
Western snowy plover [Pacific Coast Western snowy plover [Pacific
population DPS] (Charadrius nivosus coast DPS] (Anarhynchus
nivosus). nivosus nivosus).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibians
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arroyo (=arroyo southwestern) toad Arroyo toad (Anaxyrus
(Anaxyrus californicus). californicus).
Desert slender salamander (Batrachoseps Desert slender salamander
aridus). (Batrachoseps major aridus).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insects
------------------------------------------------------------------------
El Segundo blue butterfly (Euphilotes El Segundo blue butterfly
battoides allyni). (Euphilotes allyni).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 17.12 Endangered and Threatened Plants
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flowering Plants
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acanthomintha obovata ssp. duttonii Acanthomintha duttonii (San
(San Mateo thornmint). Mateo thornmint).
Arabis hoffmannii (Hoffmann's rock- Boechera hoffmannii (Hoffmann's
cress). rockcress).
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. Arctostaphylos glandulosa
crassifolia (Del Mar manzanita). subsp. crassifolia (Del Mar
manzanita).
Arctostaphylos hookeri var. ravenii Arctostaphylos montana subsp.
(Presidio manzanita). ravenii (Presidio manzanita).
Arenaria ursina (Bear Valley sandwort). Eremogone ursina (Bear Valley
sandwort).
Astragalus clarianus (Clara Hunt's milk- Astragalus claranus (Clara
vetch). Hunt's milk-vetch).
Castilleja cinerea (Ash-gray Indian Castilleja cinerea (Ash-gray
paintbrush). paintbrush).
Ceanothus ferrisae (coyote ceanothus).. Ceanothus ferrisiae (coyote
ceanothus).
Centaurium namophilum (spring-loving Zeltnera namophila (spring-
centaury). loving centaury).
Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus Chloropyron maritimum subsp.
(salt marsh bird's-beak). maritimum (salt marsh bird's-
beak).
Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis (soft Chloropyron molle subsp. molle
bird's-beak). (soft bird's-beak).
Cordylanthus palmatus (palmate-bracted Chloropyron palmatum (palmate-
bird's-beak). bracted bird's-beak).
Deinandra (= Hemizonia) conjugens (Otay Deinandra conjugens (Otay
tarplant). tarplant).
[[Page 70016]]
Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva (Conejo Dudleya parva (Conejo dudleya).
dudleya).
Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia (Santa Dudleya cymosa subsp.
Monica Mountains dudleya). ovatifolia (Santa Monica
dudleya).
Dudleya stolonifera (Laguna Beach Dudleya stolonifera (Laguna
liveforever). Beach dudleya).
Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum Eriastrum densifolium subsp.
(Santa Ana River woolly-star). sanctorum (Santa Ana River
woolly-star).
Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum Eriogonum kennedyi var.
(southern mountain wild-buckwheat). austromontanum (southern
mountain buckwheat).
Fremontodendron californicum ssp. Fremontodendron decumbens (Pine
decumbens (Pine Hill flannelbush). Hill flannelbush).
Grindelia fraxino-pratensis (Ash Grindelia fraxinipratensis (Ash
Meadows gumplant). Meadows gumplant).
Helianthemum greenei (island rush-rose) Crocanthemum greenei (island
rush-rose).
Lesquerella kingii ssp. bernardina (San Physaria kingii subsp.
Bernardino Mountains bladderpod). bernardina (San Bernardino
Mountains bladderpod).
Opuntia treleasei (Bakersfield cactus). Opuntia basilaris var.
treleasei (Bakersfield
cactus).
Oxytheca parishii var. goodmaniana Acanthoscyphus parishii var.
(Cushenbury oxytheca). goodmaniana (Cushenbury
oxytheca).
Parvisedum leiocarpum (Lake County Sedella leiocarpa (Lake County
stonecrop). stonecrop).
Rorippa gambellii (Gambel's watercress) Nasturtium gambelii (Gambel's
watercress).
Senecio layneae (Layne's butterweed)... Packera layneae (Layne's
butterweed).
Swallenia alexandrae (Eureka dune Swallenia alexandrae (Eureka
grass, Eureka Valley dune grass, or Valley dune grass).
Eureka dunegrass).
Thlaspi californicum (Kneeland Prairie Noccaea fendleri subsp.
penny-cress). californica (Kneeland Prairie
pennycress).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conifers and Allies
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana Hesperocyparis goveniana (Gowen
(Gowen cypress). cypress).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of Editorial Changes
Per 50 CFR 17.11(f)(2), entries in the ``Listing citations and
applicable rules'' column in 50 CFR 17.11(h), should ``contain the
volume, document starting page number, and publication date of the
Federal Register publication(s) in which a species was given status,
listed, or reclassified.'' The entries in this column are nonregulatory
in nature and are provided for informational and navigational purposes
only. For a given species on the Lists, it is helpful to have the
citation for the earliest Federal Register publication that addressed
the status of that species. We are changing the respective entries in
the ``Listing citations and applicable rules'' column for six species
to include ``34 FR 5034, 3/8/1969.'' The March 8, 1969, Federal
Register publication was a notice from the Secretary of the Interior
announcing the fish and wildlife species he had determined were
threatened with extinction per the Endangered Species Preservation Act
of 1966 (80 Stat. 926; 16 U.S.C. 668aa(c)). The list of species
maintained under the Endangered Species Preservation Act served as the
basis for the list of species maintained under the Endangered Species
Conservation Act of 1969. This list, in turn, served as the basis for
the list of species maintained under the Endangered Species Act of
1973. This provenance is helpful information, and this information was
inadvertently omitted in previous iterations of the Lists. We are
adding the citation for the March 8, 1969, Federal Register publication
for the six species in table 2.
Table 2--Editorial Corrections to the Lists
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current listed name Error Correction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
California least tern Entry in the 34 FR 5034, 3/8/
(Sternula antillarum ``Listing 1969; 35 FR 16047,
browni). citations'' column 10/13/1970; 35 FR
fails to include 8491, 6/2/1970.
``34 FR 5034, 3/8/
1969''.
Hawaiian coot (alae keokeo) Entry in the 34 FR 5034, 3/8/
(Fulica alai). ``Listing 1969; 35 FR 16047,
citations'' column 10/13/1970.
fails to include
``34 FR 5034, 3/8/
1969''.
Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus Entry in the 34 FR 5034, 3/8/
mexicanus (=himantopus) ``Listing 1969; 35 FR 16047,
knudseni). citations'' column 10/13/1970.
fails to include
``34 FR 5034, 3/8/
1969''.
Puerto Rican plain pigeon Entry in the 34 FR 5034, 3/8/
(Patagioenas inornata ``Listing 1969; 35 FR 16047,
wetmorei). citations'' column 10/13/1970.
fails to include
``34 FR 5034, 3/8/
1969''.
Puerto Rican boa (Epicrates Entry in the 34 FR 5034, 3/8/
inornatus). ``Listing 1969; 35 FR 16047,
citations'' column 10/13/1970.
fails to include
``34 FR 5034, 3/8/
1969''.
Houston toad (Bufo Entry in the 34 FR 5034, 3/8/
houstonensis). ``Listing 1969; 35 FR 16047,
citations'' column 10/13/1970; 50 CFR
fails to include 17.95(d).\CH\
``34 FR 5034, 3/8/
1969''.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description of Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Revisions
Using the best available scientific information, this direct final
rule documents taxonomic and nomenclatural changes to 7 entries on the
List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (50 CFR 17.11(h)) and 30
entries on the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (50 CFR
17.12(h)). The basis for these taxonomic changes is supported by the
best scientific and commercial data available.
Accordingly, we revise the scientific names of five wildlife
species under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) as follows:
Stephens' kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi), Inyo California towhee
(Melozone crissalis eremophila), western snowy plover [Pacific coast
DPS] (Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus), desert slender salamander
(Batrachoseps major aridus), and El Segundo blue butterfly (Euphilotes
allyni). We make these changes to the List of Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife to reflect the most recently accepted scientific names in
accordance with 50 CFR 17.11(c). Additionally,
[[Page 70017]]
common name entries for the following two wildlife species are revised
to better reflect currently accepted usage: San Bernardino kangaroo rat
(Dipodomys merriami parvus) and arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus).
Similarly, we revise the scientific names of the following 27 plant
species under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) as follows:
Acanthomintha duttonii (San Mateo thornmint), Boechera hoffmannii
(Hoffmann's rockcress), Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. crassifolia
(Del Mar manzanita), Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii (Presidio
manzanita), Eremogone ursina (Bear Valley sandwort), Astragalus
claranus (Clara Hunt's milk-vetch), Ceanothus ferrisiae (coyote
ceanothus), Zeltnera namophila (spring-loving centaury), Chloropyron
maritimum subsp. maritimum (salt marsh bird's-beak), Chloropyron molle
subsp. molle (soft bird's-beak), Chloropyron palmatum (palmate-bracted
bird's-beak), Deinandra conjugens (Otay tarplant), Dudleya parva
(Conejo dudleya), Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia (Santa Monica
dudleya), Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum (Santa Ana River
woolly-star), Fremontodendron decumbens (Pine Hill flannelbush),
Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum (southern mountain buckwheat),
Grindelia fraxinipratensis (Ash Meadows gumplant), Crocanthemum greenei
(island rush-rose), Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina (San Bernardino
Mountains bladderpod), Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei (Bakersfield
cactus), Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana (Cushenbury
oxytheca), Sedella leiocarpa (Lake County stonecrop), Nasturtium
gambelii (Gambel's watercress), Packera layneae (Layne's butterweed),
Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica (Kneeland Prairie pennycress), and
Hesperocyparis goveniana (Gowen cypress). We make these changes to the
List of Endangered and Threatened Plants to reflect the most recently
accepted scientific names in accordance with 50 CFR 17.12(b).
Additionally, we revise the common names of the following eight
plant species (including four of the above species) to better reflect
currently accepted usage: Boechera hoffmannii (Hoffmann's rockcress),
Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii (Presidio manzanita), Castilleja
cinerea (ash-gray paintbrush), Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia (Santa
Monica dudleya), Dudleya stolonifera (Laguna Beach dudleya), Eriogonum
kennedyi var. austromontanum (southern mountain buckwheat), Swallenia
alexandrae (Eureka Valley dune grass), and Noccaea fendleri subsp.
californica (Kneeland Prairie pennycress). All of these revisions are
not regulatory in nature and do not alter the listed species as
previously recognized.
Several species that are the subjects of the taxonomic or
nomenclatural revisions in this direct final rule have designated
critical habitat. For clarity and consistency, we are revising the text
of the critical habitat at 50 CFR 17.95 where necessary to correct
scientific or common names for the following two wildlife species: Inyo
California towhee (Melozone crissalis eremophila) and western snowy
plover [Pacific coast DPS] (Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus). We also
revise the text of the critical habitat at 50 CFR 17.96 where necessary
to correct scientific or common names for the following nine plant
species: Eremogone ursina (Bear Valley sandwort), Castilleja cinerea
(ash-gray paintbrush), Zeltnera namophila (spring-loving centaury),
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle (soft bird's-beak), Eriogonum kennedyi
var. austromontanum (southern mountain buckwheat), Grindelia
fraxinipratensis (Ash Meadows gumplant), Physaria kingii subsp.
bernardina (San Bernardino Mountains bladderpod), Acanthoscyphus
parishii var. goodmaniana (Cushenbury oxytheca), and Noccaea fendleri
subsp. californica (Kneeland Prairie pennycress). These revisions are
not regulatory in nature and do not alter the boundaries of critical
habitat or the protections of the Act in any way.
Specific Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Changes
We provide below, in the same sequence as in table 1, a species-by-
species discussion supporting the changes in scientific name, common
name, or both in the Lists.
In certain instances, in the following discussions, we address
changes to a species' scientific name. Per 50 CFR 17.11(c) and 17.11(g)
for wildlife and 50 CFR 17.12(b) and 17.12(g) for plants, to determine
a species' scientific name, we are to rely, to the extent practicable,
on the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) (<a href="https://www.itis.gov/">https://www.itis.gov/</a>). ITIS is an online database used by the Service as a
reference for Act-related taxonomic decisions. We have determined that,
as a reviewer of current taxonomic literature, it maintains generally
accepted lists of taxa that are both valid and verified (81 FR 51550 at
51555, August 4, 2016). However, ITIS is not a taxonomic authority; it
compiles information from other sources. In our experience, the
taxonomic treatment it recognizes for some taxa is not always
consistent with the best scientific data available. We are required by
the Act to use the best scientific and commercial data available. When
conflict exists, we rely on our own best professional judgment, the
expertise of the scientific community, and current taxonomic literature
(especially, but not limited to, primary sources) to determine the most
appropriate taxonomic treatment (see 81 FR 51550, August 4, 2016,
citing 45 FR 13010 at 13012-13013, February 27, 1980).
Per section 3(16) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1532(16)), the term
``species'' may include a taxon at the species rank, a taxon at the
subspecies rank, or for vertebrates, a distinct population segment
(DPS); a DPS is a non-taxonomic entity that is unique to the Act. In
taxonomy, a species is indicated by the combination of two terms, the
genus epithet and the species epithet, forming a binomial. A subspecies
is a form of infraspecific taxon; that is, a taxon hierarchically below
the species rank or level. In zoological nomenclature, a subspecies is
indicated by the combination of three terms, the genus epithet, the
species epithet, and the subspecies epithet, forming a trinomial. In
botanical nomenclature, multiple forms of infraspecific taxa are used
indicating various taxonomic ranks.
For our purposes implementing the Act with respect to plants, we
focus on the infraspecific taxa of subspecies and variety. For the
purposes of section 3(16) of the Act, we consider plant varieties to be
equivalent to subspecies (43 FR 17910 at 17912, April 26, 1978).
Consistent with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae,
fungi, and plants (ICN), we use abbreviations to distinguish between
the two categories. The ICN is the set of internationally agreed upon
rules and recommendations that botanical taxonomists use in the naming
of algae, fungi, and plants. As such, we use the abbreviation ``var.''
(punctuation included) to indicate a variety. However, the abbreviation
for indicating a subspecies has changed in botanical nomenclature; it
had long been ``ssp.'' (punctuation included), but the ICN now
recommends ``subsp.'' (punctuation included). We note that ITIS
currently uses ``ssp.'' as the abbreviation to indicate botanical
subspecies. This contrasts with the recommendation of the ICN, and we
consider the ICN to provide the best scientific information on this
matter. Therefore, in instances where we are addressing subspecies of
plants, we are shifting the abbreviation we use from ``ssp.'' to
``subsp.'' We are doing this on
[[Page 70018]]
a case-by-case basis, when appropriate, and not en masse.
Additionally, in certain instances in the following discussions, we
address species that include synonyms. Per 50 CFR 17.11(b) for wildlife
common names, 17.11(c) for wildlife scientific names, 17.12(b) for
plant scientific names, or 17.12(c) for plant common names, we
sometimes parenthetically include one or more synonyms as part of the
common name or scientific name when confusion might arise from the use
of different names for the same taxon. When there is little chance for
confusion, we do not include synonyms.
San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat
We are changing ``San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat'' to ``San
Bernardino kangaroo rat.'' This is an editorial change, not a taxonomic
change. The scientific name remains the same. We acknowledge that the
listed entity is a subspecies of the associated species-level taxon,
Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami). We further acknowledge
that by including ``Merriam's'' in the common name of the subspecies,
it indicates a hierarchical taxonomic relationship with Dipodomys
merriami. However, ``San Bernardino kangaroo rat'' is used much more
widely in the scientific literature as the common name for Dipodomys
merriami parvus. Because of this, we are changing the common name. This
editorial change does not affect the range or the listing status of
this subspecies; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the
subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical
habitat has been designated for this species, but ``San Bernardino
kangaroo rat'' is consistent with the common name we use in 50 CFR
17.95. As such, no changes are needed in that section.
Stephens' Kangaroo Rat
We are changing ``Dipodomys stephensi (incl. D. cascus)'' to
``Dipodomys stephensi.'' This is an editorial change, not a taxonomic
change. The common name remains the same. We are removing the
parenthetical synonym. The current scientific literature recognizes
Dipodomys stephensi as the most appropriate name for this taxon; the
name Dipodomys cascus was established later in time and does not have
nomenclatural precedence (that is, it is a junior synonym, in part)
(ITIS 2024r, unpaginated); it has not been used for many years. At this
point, there is little chance for confusion. Therefore, for simplicity,
we are removing the synonym. ITIS (2024s, unpaginated) recognizes
Dipodomys stephensi as the current (valid) scientific name for this
taxon. This editorial change does not affect the range or the listing
status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at
the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. A
species-specific ``4(d)'' rule (a rule issued under the authority of
section 4(d) of the Act) has been designated for this species, but it
does not mention the parenthetical synonym; consequently, no changes
are needed in 50 CFR 17.40(t). Critical habitat has not been designated
for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.95.
Inyo California Towhee
We are changing the scientific name from ``Melozone crissalis
eremophilus'' to ``Melozone crissalis eremophila.'' This is an
editorial change, not a taxonomic change. The common name remains the
same. On July 31, 2023, we recognized the genus-level taxonomic
realignment for this listed entity from Pipilo to Melozone (88 FR
49310). However, Pipilo is masculine, and Melozone is feminine (David
and Gosselin 2002, p. 259). Consequently, the subspecific name or
epithet (the third name in the trinomial) should be changed from
eremophilus to eremophila to remain consistent with the grammatical
gender of the newly recognized genus name (or genus epithet).
Information in ITIS (2024ab, unpaginated) supports the feminine
orthography; however, ITIS does not currently recognize the subspecies.
As discussed in our 2024 5-year status review for the Inyo California
towhee (Service 2024, pp. 5-7), we are continuing to recognize the
subspecies at this time, contrary to ITIS. This nomenclatural revision
does not affect the range or the listing status of this subspecies; we
continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the
purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been
designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in
the subspecies' scientific name in 50 CFR 17.95.
Western Snowy Plover [Pacific Coast DPS]
We are changing the scientific name from ``Charadrius nivosus
nivosus'' to ``Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus,'' we are changing the
common name ``western snowy plover [Pacific Coast population DPS]'' to
``western snowy plover [Pacific coast DPS],'' and we are changing the
DPS's entry in the ``Where listed'' column in 50 CFR 17.11(h) from
``Pacific Coast population DPS--U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (within 50
miles of Pacific coast)'' to ``U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (Baja
California, Baja California Sur); within 50 miles of Pacific coast.''
On April 21, 2006 (71 FR 20607 at 20618), we determined that the listed
entity qualified as a DPS under our DPS policy (61 FR 4722, February 7,
1996). This DPS is a population of the western snowy plover, a taxon at
the subspecies rank. We are changing the entry for the scientific name
of the listed DPS to reflect a taxonomic change of the subspecies.
Analyses of molecular data and other characteristics indicate that
Charadrius (broadly speaking) is paraphyletic (Barth et al. 2013,
figure 1 therein; Dos Remedios et al. 2015, figure 1 therein;
[Ccaron]ern[yacute] and Natale 2022, figure 6 therein); that is, the
genus, as it has been traditionally recognized, comprises more than one
evolutionary lineage. To better reflect the snowy plover's evolutionary
lineage, most authorities have transferred it (along with several other
Charadrius species) to the genus Anarhynchus in their recent treatments
(Clements et al. 2023, unpaginated; Medler 2023, unpaginated; Gill et
al. 2024, unpaginated; but see Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW)
and BirdLife International 2024, unpaginated). Additionally, the North
American Classification Committee (NACC) of the American Ornithological
Society (AOS) (formerly the Committee on Classification and
Nomenclature of the American Ornithologists' Union) also recently
accepted the genus-level change for the snowy plover, recognizing the
species as Anarhynchus nivosus (Chesser et al. 2024, p. 2). The AOS
NACC is widely accepted as the leading authority of avian taxonomy in
North America. While the AOS NACC no longer explicitly addresses taxa
at the subspecies rank, because of the hierarchical structure of
zoological taxonomy, changes at the genus level are also reflected at
the species- and subspecies-levels as well. Thus, the best scientific
information available indicates that the scientific name for the DPS's
underlying taxon is now Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus.
The ITIS entry for the western snowy plover does not currently
reflect the recent information in the scientific literature (ITIS 2024,
unpaginated); the most recent references ITIS cites for this taxon are
from 2022. We conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the best
available scientific information for this subspecies. Based on our
review of the scientific literature, we recognize Anarhynchus nivosus
nivosus as the scientific name for the DPS. This taxonomic revision
does not affect the range or the listing status of this DPS; we
continue to recognize the listed
[[Page 70019]]
entity as a DPS of a vertebrate subspecies for the purposes of section
3(16) of the Act.
Additionally, as part of our review of the scientific name entry in
50 CFR 17.11, we reviewed the common name entry. We are changing two
aspects of the common name. First, we conclude that it is not necessary
to capitalize the ``c'' in ``coast.'' The ``Pacific Coast'' is not a
widely recognized proper noun, and when it is used, it is typically
equivalent to the ``West Coast,'' referring to the Pacific coastal
region of the conterminous United States. The range of the DPS also
includes a portion of the Pacific coastal region of the Baja California
Peninsula, Mexico, and therefore, ``Pacific Coast'' does not adequately
describe the DPS's range. Second, we conclude that including the word
``population'' in the common name for the DPS is redundant; clarity is
diminished by including the first use of the term in the entity's
common name when the DPS initialism is written out: western snowy
plover [Pacific coast population distinct population segment]. We are
removing the first instance of that word in that phrase. As such, we
are changing the entry for the common name to ``western snowy plover
[Pacific coast DPS].'' This common name revision does not affect the
range or the listing status of this DPS. Critical habitat has been
designated for this DPS, and we are making commensurate changes in the
DPS's scientific name and common name in 50 CFR 17.95.
Moreover, as described in 50 CFR 17.11(d), the ``Where listed''
column in 50 CFR 17.11(h) sets forth the geographic area where the
species is listed for purposes of the Act. Currently, the entry in this
column for the DPS reads ``Pacific Coast population DPS--U.S.A. (CA,
OR, WA), Mexico (within 50 miles of Pacific coast).'' This is somewhat
unclear. We are changing it to ``U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (Baja
California, Baja California Sur); within 50 miles of Pacific coast.''
This change addresses three potential sources of confusion. First, the
phrase ``Pacific Coast population DPS--'' at the beginning of the entry
is unnecessary. When similar phrases are used in the List of Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife, they are used to distinguish between or among
different DPSs of the same species. For example, compare with the
various entries for DPSs of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
or steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Second, the new wording better
indicates that the ``within 50 miles of the Pacific coast'' phrase
applies to California, Oregon, and Washington as well as the DPS's
range in Mexico, including the Mexican States of Baja California and
Baja California Sur. This clarification is consistent with how we have
long considered the range of the DPS. For example, our description of
the DPS's range in the recovery plan (Service 2007, p. 1) states,
``[t]he Pacific coast population [of the western snowy plover] is
defined as those individuals that nest within 50 miles of the Pacific
Ocean on the mainland coast, peninsulas, offshore islands, bays,
estuaries, or rivers of the United States and Baja California,
Mexico.'' While this definition is more complete, it is still not
entirely accurate as written; it does not include the Mexican State of
Baja California Sur. This oversight is inconsistent with mapped or
described ranges in our earlier publications (71 FR 20607 at 20609,
April 21, 2006; Service 2007, p. 2 (figure 1); Service 2019b, p. 2).
Thus, to address the third potential source of confusion, we are also
amending the ``Where listed'' column to explicitly include the Mexican
States of Baja California and Baja California Sur. These editorial
changes do not affect the range or the listing status of the DPS, and
they have no bearing on 50 CFR 17.95.
Arroyo Toad
We are changing the common name ``arroyo (=arroyo southwestern)
toad'' to ``arroyo toad.'' This is an editorial change, not a taxonomic
change. We are removing the synonym in the common name entry. The
scientific name remains the same. When we listed this species in 1994,
it was recognized as the arroyo southwestern toad (Bufo microscaphus
californicus) (59 FR 64859, December 16, 1994). With subsequent
taxonomic revisions, as described in 74 FR 52612 (October 13, 2009), we
now recognize the listed entity as the arroyo toad (Anaxyrus
californicus). This combination is widely used in the scientific
literature. At this point, there is little chance for confusion.
Therefore, for simplicity, we are removing the synonym in the common
name. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing
status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at
the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical
habitat has been designated for this species; however, the synonym is
not included and ``arroyo toad'' is consistent with the common name we
use in 50 CFR 17.95. As such, no changes are needed in that section.
Desert Slender Salamander
We are changing the scientific name from ``Batrachoseps aridus'' to
``Batrachoseps major aridus.'' This reflects a taxonomic change. The
common name remains the same. We provide the background for this change
in our 2014 5-year review (Service 2014, pp. 5-6 and 14), which is
updated in the following discussion. Southern California slender
salamanders (genus Batrachoseps) show high genetic diversity and
complex phylogenetic lineages, which results in taxonomic uncertainty
in Batrachoseps taxa in this region, including the desert slender
salamander (Jockusch et al. 2020, entire). Further, the extreme
scarcity of desert slender salamanders has limited the extent to which
the entity has been assessed by modern methods (Mart[iacute]nez-Solano
et al. 2012, p. 147; Jockusch et al. 2015, p. 67). ITIS currently does
not recognize the desert slender salamander as a taxon, either as a
species or a subspecies (ITIS 2024g, unpaginated; 2024h, unpaginated);
ITIS's treatment does not consider it distinguishable from the garden
slender salamander (B. major) (ITIS 2024i, unpaginated). However, it is
unclear how ITIS came to its conclusion because the references it cites
are inconsistent. For example, one of its references, the Amphibian
Species of the World online database (Frost 2024a, unpaginated; 2024b,
unpaginated) currently notes that the distinguishability of the desert
slender salamander is ambiguous, whether at the species level or
subspecies level, but the Committee on Standard English and Scientific
Names for Reptiles and Amphibians North of Mexico, another reference
ITIS cites, has recognized Batrachoseps major aridus in the past three
editions of its list, the first of which ITIS cites (Crother 2008, p.
15; Crother 2012, p. 25; Crother 2017, p. 27). We conclude that ITIS
does not currently provide the best available scientific information
for this taxon. In all, in our review of the scientific literature
(primary sources and taxonomic authorities), we find no consensus in
the taxonomic treatment. While few sources support recognizing the
desert slender salamander at the species rank (B. aridus), some sources
support recognizing it as a population of garden slender salamander (B.
major) and not as distinguishable taxon, and other sources support
recognizing it at the subspecies rank (B. m. aridus). Currently, we are
recognizing the desert slender salamander as a subspecies, B. m.
aridus, consistent with Crother et al. (2017, p. 27). This taxonomic
revision does not affect the range or the listing
[[Page 70020]]
status of this entity; however, with this change, we now recognize the
listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16)
of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species,
and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.95.
El Segundo Blue Butterfly
We are changing the scientific name from ``Euphilotes battoides
allyni'' to ``Euphilotes allyni.'' This reflects a taxonomic change.
The common name remains the same. As we noted in our 2021 5-year review
(Service 2021a, pp. 2-3), an analysis of genetic data determined that
the population of Euphilotes battoides-type butterflies sampled from
coastal Los Angeles County was the most distinct of several populations
of Euphilotes battoides-type butterflies sampled from within Southern
California (Dupuis et al. 2020, p. 1911). This subsequently prompted
recognition of the El Segundo blue butterfly at the species rank,
Euphilotes allyni (Rubinoff et al. 2021, pp. 161-162). The genetic
evaluation confirmed that the range of the El Segundo blue butterfly is
limited to the area from the northern portion of the Palos Verdes
Peninsula to the area near Ballona Lagoon (Service 2021a, p. 7). The
genetic data also indicated that other populations of similar-looking
blue butterflies elsewhere that were suspected to be El Segundo blue
butterflies, are not E. allyni (see discussion in Dupuis et al. 2020,
pp. 1899, 1914-1915). Currently, ITIS continues to recognize Euphilotes
battoides allyni as the current (valid) scientific name for the El
Segundo blue butterfly (ITIS 2024x, unpaginated). It appears that
ITIS's entry for this taxon does not reflect the recent information in
the scientific literature because the most recent reference it cites is
from 2009. We conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the best
available scientific information for this taxon.
We are recognizing the El Segundo blue butterfly as Euphilotes
allyni. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the
listing status of this entity; however, with this change, we now
recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of
section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for
this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.95.
Acanthomintha duttonii (San Mateo thornmint)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Acanthomintha obovata
ssp. duttonii'' to ``Acanthomintha duttonii.'' This reflects a
taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. Based on a
reevaluation of the species, Jokerst (1991, p. 278) elevated the taxon
to species rank. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the
Jepson eFlora (Miller and Jokerst 2012, unpaginated). The Jepson eFlora
(Jepson Flora Project 2024, unpaginated) is the regularly updated
online version of The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California
(Baldwin et al. 2012, entire). The Jepson Manual is the standard flora
for California in which contributing authors provide systematic
treatments of all the State's taxonomic groups; it is widely considered
an authoritative source for botanical taxonomy in California. ITIS
(2024a, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This
taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of
this entity; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed
entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the
Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no
changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Boechera hoffmannii (Hoffmann's rockcress)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Arabis hoffmannii'' to
``Boechera hoffmannii'' and changing the common name from ``Hoffmann's
rock-cress'' to ``Hoffmann's rockcress.'' The updated scientific name
reflects a taxonomic change, and the common name change is to better
reflect usage in the literature. As we discuss in our 2011 5-year
review for this species (Service 2011a, p. 4), botanical taxonomists
now recognize Hoffmann's rockcress in the genus Boechera (Al-Shehbaz
2003, p. 386). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson
eFlora (Windham and Al-Shehbaz 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024j,
unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This
taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of
this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species
rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has
not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50
CFR 17.96.
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. crassifolia (Del Mar manzanita)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Arctostaphylos
glandulosa ssp. crassifolia'' to ``Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp.
crassifolia.'' This is an editorial change. The common name remains the
same. As discussed at the start of this section, we are changing
``ssp.'' to ``subsp.'' to be consistent with botanical nomenclatural
norms. ITIS (2024c, unpaginated) has not adopted this convention at
this time; we conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the best
available scientific information for this taxon. This editorial
revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this
entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies
rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has
not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50
CFR 17.96.
Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii (Presidio manzanita)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Arctostaphylos hookeri
var. ravenii'' to ``Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii.'' This
reflects a taxonomic change that also corrects an earlier nomenclatural
error. The current common name remains unchanged. The scientific and
common names of this listed entity have been inconsistently applied in
50 CFR 17.12 (the List) over time. In 1979, we originally used
``Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. ravenii'' for the scientific name and
``Raven's manzanita'' for the common name (44 FR 61910, October 26,
1979). In the 1986 edition of the Code of Federal Regulations, the
scientific name in the List was ``Arctostaphylos pungens var. ravenii
(=A. hookeri ssp. ravenii)'' and the common name was ``Presidio
(=Raven's) manzanita''; however, it appears that there was no
associated rule published in the Federal Register to explain these
changes. In the 1995 edition, the scientific name in the List was
``Arctostaphylos hookeri (=pungens) var. ravenii,'' again, apparently
without an associated published rule. Ignoring the inserted synonym
``(=pungens),'' the combination ``Arctostaphylos hookeri var. ravenii''
was incorrect; it should have been ``Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp.
ravenii'' (indicating subspecies rather than variety). In the 2001
edition of the Code of Federal Regulations, the entity's scientific
name in the List no longer included the ``(=pungens)'' synonym, and the
common name lost the ``(=Raven's)'' synonym--again, apparently without
a published explanation. While we used the correct scientific name
combination in the 2003 multi-species recovery plan that included this
species (Service 2003, entire), the scientific name in the List
continued to refer to it as a variety.
Meanwhile, based on molecular work on the Arctostaphylos hookeri
complex that included the listed entity, Markos et al. (1998, p. 194)
determined that infraspecific taxa formerly included in A. hookeri
were, in fact, not close relatives of that species. To
[[Page 70021]]
accommodate these findings, A. montana was returned to its original
rank of species, and the Presidio manzanita was included as A. montana
subsp. ravenii (Parker et al. 2007, p. 150). This treatment was
recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Parker et al. 2023,
unpaginated). ITIS (2024d, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts
this combination, although as previously noted, ITIS has not adopted
the ``subsp.'' orthographic convention at this time. We are changing
the scientific name in the List for the Presidio manzanita to
``Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii.'' This taxonomic revision does
not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue
to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes
of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated
for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Eremogone ursina (Bear Valley sandwort)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Arenaria ursina'' to
``Eremogone ursina.'' This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name
remains the same. As we discuss in our 2015 5-year review (Service
2015b, p. 10), portions of the genus Arenaria are now recognized as
Eremogone (Harbaugh et al. 2010, p. 195). This treatment was recognized
and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Hartman and Rabeler 2012,
unpaginated). ITIS (2024v, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts
this taxon. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the
listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed
entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the
Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are
making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96. Additionally, when we
designated critical habitat for this species, we did so in a rule that
included two other co-occurring species (72 FR 73092, December 26,
2007). To distinguish the critical habitat units among the three
species, we used species-specific identifiers; we used the four-letter
code ``ARUR'' for ``Arenaria ursina'' (72 FR 73092 at 73097, December
26, 2007). To maintain consistency, we are adding text into the
appropriate section of 50 CFR 17.96 indicating that ``ARUR'' remains
the identifier for this species even though we are recognizing the
species as ``Eremogone ursina.'' This clarifying text does not alter
the critical habitat as it was designated.
Astragalus claranus (Clara Hunt's milk-vetch)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Astragalus clarianus''
to ``Astragalus claranus.'' This is an editorial change. The common
name remains the same. Silva (1998, unpaginated) noted the
orthographical error of the original spelling. Jepson (1925, p. 578)
had originally published the species name with an incorrectly
constructed specific epithet: clarianus should have been claranus. ITIS
recognizes the taxon but uses the original spelling, A. clarianus (ITIS
2024e, unpaginated; 2024f, unpaginated); however, ITIS does not include
any recent references for this taxon. The treatment with the corrected
spelling was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora
(Wojciechowski and Spellenberg 2023, unpaginated). We conclude that
ITIS does not currently provide the best available scientific
information for this taxon. This editorial revision does not affect the
range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize
the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16)
of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species,
and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Castilleja cinerea (Ash-gray paintbrush)
We are changing the common name from ``Ash-gray Indian paintbrush''
to ``Ash-gray paintbrush.'' This is an editorial change. The scientific
name remains the same. The revised common name is consistent with
modern usage, including the Jepson eFlora (Wetherwax et al. 2012,
unpaginated). This editorial revision does not affect the range or the
listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed
entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the
Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are
making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.
Ceanothus ferrisiae (Coyote ceanothus)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Ceanothus ferrisae'' to
``Ceanothus ferrisiae.'' This is an editorial change. The common name
remains the same. Silva (1998, unpaginated) noted the orthographical
error of the original spelling. McMinn (1933, p. 89) had originally
published the species name with an incorrectly constructed specific
epithet: ferrisae should have been ferrisiae. This treatment with the
corrected spelling was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora
(Burge and Wilken 2020, unpaginated). ITIS (2024k, unpaginated) also
recognizes and accepts this orthography. This editorial revision does
not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue
to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of
section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for
this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Zeltnera namophila (Spring-loving centaury)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Centaurium namophilum''
to ``Zeltnera namophila.'' This reflects a taxonomic change. The common
name remains the same. As mentioned in our 2020 5-year review (Service
2020b, p. unpaginated), and based on a phylogenetic analysis of
molecular data (Mansion and Struwe 2004, entire), Mansion (2004, p.
732) described a new genus, Zeltnera, for most North American species
of Centaurium, forming the new combination Zeltnera namophila for this
species. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson
eFlora (Pringle 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ai, unpaginated) also
recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does
not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue
to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of
section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this
species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.
Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum (Salt marsh bird's-beak)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Cordylanthus maritimus
ssp. maritimus'' to ``Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum.'' This
reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As
detailed in our 2009 5-year review (Service 2009b, pp. 13-14), Tank et
al. (2009, p. 188) resurrected Chloropyron, forming the combination
Chloropyron maritimum, which includes the nominate subspecies C. m.
subsp. maritimum. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the
Jepson eFlora (Wetherwax and Tank 2012a, unpaginated). ITIS (2024m,
unpaginated) also recognizes the combination. However, it appears that
ITIS did not correctly update the grammatical gender of the subspecies
epithet when the genus epithet changed. Cordylanthus is masculine,
Chloropyron is neuter. Specifically, the subspecific epithet maritimus
should be maritimum. Additionally, as discussed at the start of this
section, ITIS continues to use the ``ssp.'' abbreviation to indicate
subspecies. We conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the
[[Page 70022]]
best available scientific information for this taxon. We are
recognizing Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum. This taxonomic
revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this
entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies
rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has
not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50
CFR 17.96.
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle (Soft bird's-beak)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Cordylanthus mollis ssp.
mollis'' to ``Chloropyron molle subsp. molle.'' This reflects a
taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. Like the preceding
entity, this taxon reflects a nomenclatural change from Cordylanthus to
Chloropyron and associated revisions in the species and subspecies
epithets to reflect the difference in grammatical gender of the new
genus epithet. The taxon is now recognized as Chloropyron molle subsp.
molle. Details are presented in the Recovery Plan for Tidal Marsh
Ecosystems of Northern and Central California (Service 2013, p. 68).
This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora
(Wetherwax and Tank 2012b, unpaginated). ITIS also recognizes and
accepts this combination (ITIS 2024n, unpaginated). However, as
discussed at the start of this section, ITIS continues to use the
``ssp.'' abbreviation to indicate subspecies; we are using the
``subsp.'' abbreviation, Chloropyron molle subsp. molle. This taxonomic
revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this
entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies
rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has
been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate
changes in 50 CFR 17.96. Additionally, in the heading for the critical
habitat description, the species' family is included; for this species,
we are changing ``Scrophulariaceae'' to ``Orobanchaceae'' to be
consistent with current treatments (Wetherwax and Tank 2012b,
unpaginated; ITIS 2024n, unpaginated).
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle (Palmate-bracted bird's-beak)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Cordylanthus palmatus''
to ``Chloropyron palmatum.'' This reflects a taxonomic change. The
common name remains the same. Similar to the preceding two entities,
this taxon reflects a nomenclatural change from Cordylanthus to
Chloropyron and the associated revision in the species epithet to
reflect the difference in grammatical gender of the new genus epithet.
The taxon is now recognized as Chloropyron palmatum. Details are
presented in the 2009 5-year review for this species (Service 2009d,
pp. 19-20). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson
eFlora (Wetherwax and Tank 2012c, unpaginated). ITIS (2024o,
unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This
taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of
this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species
rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has
not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50
CFR 17.96.
Deinandra conjugens (Otay tarplant)
We are changing the scientific name entry from ``Deinandra (=
Hemizonia) conjugens'' to ``Deinandra conjugens.'' This is an editorial
change, not a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. The
current scientific literature now recognizes Deinandra conjugens; it
has been more than 20 years since this taxon was recognized under the
genus Hemizonia in the scientific literature (see 67 FR 76030, December
10, 2002). At this point, there is little chance for confusion.
Therefore, for simplicity, we are removing the synonym in the
scientific name. Other than the parenthetical synonym, the species'
scientific name remains unchanged and is consistent with the Jepson
eFlora (Baldwin 2012, unpaginated) and ITIS (2024q, unpaginated). This
editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of
the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species
rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has
been designated for this species; however, the synonym is not included
and ``Deinandra conjugens'' is consistent with the scientific name we
use in 50 CFR 17.96. As such, no changes are needed in that section.
Dudleya parva (Conejo dudleya)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Dudleya abramsii ssp.
parva'' to ``Dudleya parva.'' This reflects a taxonomic change. The
common name remains the same. As described in our 2009 and 2015 5-year
reviews (Service 2009c, p. 9; Service 2015a, p. 11), the taxon should
not be considered within the circumscription of Dudleya abramsii and
should best be considered at the species rank. This was also supported
by an analysis of molecular phylogeny (Yost et al. 2013, figures 1 and
2 therein). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson
eFlora (McCabe 2012b, unpaginated). ITIS (2024u, unpaginated) also
recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does
not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; however,
with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the species
rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has
not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50
CFR 17.96.
Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia (Santa Monica dudleya)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Dudleya cymosa ssp.
ovatifolia'' to ``Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia,'' and the common
name from ``Santa Monica Mountains dudleya'' to ``Santa Monica
dudleya.'' We recognize that the taxonomy of this subspecies complex is
not fully resolved (Service 2021b, entire). We are not addressing the
larger taxonomic questions currently; the current change is merely
editorial. As we describe at the start of this section, the
abbreviation ``subsp.'' is now preferred over ``ssp.,'' and we are
using it even though ITIS has not adopted this orthography (ITIS 2024t,
unpaginated). Additionally, we are adopting the common name that is
consistent with usage in the Jepson eFlora (McCabe 2012a, unpaginated),
although we recognize that the current common name is also widely used.
This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status
of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the
subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical
habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are
needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Dudleya stolonifera (Laguna Beach dudleya)
We are changing the common name from ``Laguna Beach liveforever''
to ``Laguna Beach dudleya.'' This is an editorial change. The
scientific name remains the same. We are adopting the common name that
is consistent with usage in the Jepson eFlora (McCabe 2012c,
unpaginated), although we recognize that the current common name is
also widely used. This editorial revision does not affect the range or
the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed
entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the
Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no
changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
[[Page 70023]]
Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum (Santa Ana River woolly-star)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Eriastrum densifolium
ssp. sanctorum'' to ``Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum.'' This is
an editorial change. The common name remains the same. As we describe
at the start of this section, the abbreviation ``subsp.'' is now
preferred over ``ssp.,'' and we are using it even though ITIS has not
adopted this orthography (ITIS 2024w, unpaginated). This editorial
revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the
species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies
rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has
not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50
CFR 17.96.
Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum (southern mountain buckwheat)
We are changing the common name from ``southern mountain wild-
buckwheat'' to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' This is an editorial
change. The scientific name remains the same. We are adopting the
common name that is consistent with usage in the Jepson eFlora (Reveal
and Rosatti 2012, unpaginated), although we recognize that the current
common name is also widely used. This editorial revision does not
affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to
recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of
section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this
species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.
Fremontodendron decumbens (Pine Hill flannelbush)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Fremontodendron
californicum ssp. decumbens'' to ``Fremontodendron decumbens.'' This
reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. In a
revision of the genus Fremontodendron, Kelman (1991, p. 16) elevated F.
californicum subsp. decumbens to the species rank, F. decumbens, as it
was originally described (Lloyd 1965, p. 382). This is supported by
more recent work examining molecular markers of F. decumbens and F.
californicum (Kelman et al. 2006, p. 383). This treatment was
recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Preston et al. 2012,
unpaginated). ITIS (2024y, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts
this combination. While we acknowledge that there is some taxonomic
uncertainty associated with some flannelbush individuals that, if
confirmed as this taxon, could result in a change in the taxon's range
(Service 2019c, p. 3), the taxonomic treatment recognized herein, in
and of itself, does not affect the range of the listed entity. This
change does not affect the entity's listing status; however, with this
change, we now recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the
purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been
designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Grindelia fraxinipratensis (Ash Meadows gumplant)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Grindelia fraxino-
pratensis'' to ``Grindelia fraxinipratensis.'' This is an editorial
change. The common name remains the same.
When Ash Meadows gumplant was described as a new species by Reveal
and Beatley (1971, p. 334), they constructed an orthographically
incorrect Latin specific epithet, fraxino-pratensis. Greenhouse (2007,
unpaginated) subsequently noted that the specific epithet should have
been spelled fraxinipratensis. This subsequent spelling was accepted by
the Jepson eFlora (Moore 2012, unpaginated), and ITIS (2024z,
unpaginated) also accepts this orthography. This editorial revision
does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we
continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the
purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been
designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in
50 CFR 17.96.
Crocanthemum greenei (Island rush-rose)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Helianthemum greenei''
to ``Crocanthemum greenei.'' This reflects a taxonomic change. The
common name remains the same. As discussed in our 2019 5-year review
(Service 2019a, pp. 2-3), several lines of evidence supported the
segregation of Helianthemum species (broadly speaking) into two
distinct genera, Helianthemum in the Old World and Crocanthemum in the
New World, including C. greenei. This treatment was recognized and
accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Sorrie and Rosatti 2013, unpaginated).
ITIS (2024p, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination.
This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status
of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the
species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical
habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are
needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina (San Bernardino Mountains bladderpod)
We are changing the scientific name ``Lesquerella kingii ssp.
bernardina'' to ``Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina.'' This reflects a
taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As discussed in our
2009 5-year review (Service 2009f, pp. 5-6), multiple lines of evidence
indicated that the genus Physaria is nested within the genus
Lesquerella; this necessitated the merger of the two genera and new
nomenclatural combinations under the genus Physaria (Al-Shehbaz and
O'Kane 2002, pp. 319-329). This treatment was recognized and accepted
in the Jepson eFlora (Al-Shehbaz 2012c, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ag,
unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This
taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of
this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the
subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical
habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making
commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.
Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei (Bakersfield cactus)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Opuntia treleasei'' to
``Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei.'' This reflects a taxonomic change.
The common name remains the same. As discussed in our 2011 and 2020 5-
year reviews (Service 2011b, p. 16; 2020a, p. 2), available information
suggests that the entity is best treated as an infraspecific taxon of
O. basilaris. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson
eFlora (Baker et al. 2019, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ae, unpaginated)
also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision
does not affect the range or the listing status of the species;
however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the
subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical
habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are
needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana (Cushenbury oxytheca)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Oxytheca parishii var.
goodmaniana'' to ``Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana.'' This
reflects a taxonomic change. The
[[Page 70024]]
common name remains the same. As detailed in our 2009 5-year review
(Service 2009a, p.6), several lines of evidence indicated that the
taxonomy of the Cushenbury oxytheca did not align well with other
Oxytheca species. Ultimately, Reveal (2004, p. 144) recognized the
Cushenbury oxytheca under the combination Acanthoscyphus parishii var.
goodmaniana. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson
eFlora (Reveal and Rosatti 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024b,
unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This
taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of
this subspecies; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the
subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical
habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making
commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.
Sedella leiocarpa (Lake County stonecrop)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Parvisedum leiocarpum''
to ``Sedella leiocarpa.'' This reflects a nomenclatural change. The
common name remains the same. We mentioned the nomenclatural revision
in our 2009 5-year review (Service 2009e, p. 10). It involves a
perceived nomenclatural error in the genus Sedella that prompted
Clausen (1946, p. 58) to describe the genus Parvisedum and to make the
corresponding species combinations, including Parvisedum leiocarpum.
However, it was later determined that the perceived error was incorrect
and that the change to Parvisedum was unnecessary (Eggli 1992, p. 83).
As such, Sedella leiocarpa was, in fact, valid under the rules of
botanical nomenclature. The Jepson eFlora (Boyd 2012, unpaginated)
recognized and accepted Sedella leiocarpa. ITIS (2024ah, unpaginated)
also recognizes and accepts this combination. This nomenclatural
revision (correction) does not affect the range or the listing status
of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the
species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical
habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are
needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Nasturtium gambelii (Gambel's watercress)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Rorippa gambellii'' to
``Nasturtium gambelii.'' This reflects two changes, an editorial
(orthographic) change and a taxonomic change. The common name remains
the same. The incorrect spelling of the specific epithet can be traced
to the original description of the species by Sereno Watson (Watson
1876, p. 147). Watson named the new species, Cardamine gambelii, in
honor of its collector William Gambel, but Watson incorrectly spelled
it as ``Gambell'' (Watson 1876, p. 147). Watson apparently caught and
corrected this error by 1895 (Watson 1895, p. 158). However, the error
has sporadically been carried through the botanical literature for many
years, even as the taxon underwent several revisions under different
but similar genera: Cardamine, Nasturtium, and Rorippa (see Al-Shehbaz
and Rollins 1988, p. 69). Subsequently, molecular data prompted Al-
Shehbaz and Price (1998, entire) to again recognize Nasturtium as
distinct from Rorippa, including the listed entity. This taxonomic
treatment and corrected spelling for the specific epithet were both
recognized and accepted by the Jepson eFlora (Al-Shehbaz 2012a,
unpaginated). ITIS (2024ac, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts
this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or
the listing status of this species; we continue to recognize the listed
entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the
Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no
changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Packera layneae (Layne's butterweed)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Senecio layneae'' to
``Packera layneae.'' This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name
remains the same. Analyses of morphological, geographical, and
cytological data yielded differences sufficient to segregate several
species of Senecio into a genus, Packera, separate from other species
of Senecio (L[ouml]ve and L[ouml]ve 1975, p. 520). This resulted in the
combination Packera layneae for Layne's butterweed (Weber and L[ouml]ve
1981, p. 47). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson
eFlora (Trock 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024af, unpaginated) also
recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does
not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue
to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of
section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for
this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Swallenia alexandrae (Eureka Valley dune grass)
We are changing the common name from ``Eureka dune grass, Eureka
Valley dune grass, or Eureka dunegrass'' to ``Eureka Valley dune
grass.'' This is an editorial change. The scientific name remains the
same. The List currently presents three common names for this species.
Each name is applicable to the species and is regularly used. For
simplicity and consistency, we are now using one name. Prior to 2018,
when we reclassified the species from an endangered species to a
threatened species (83 FR 8576, February 27, 2018), we had used
``Eureka Dune grass.'' The species is known to occur on the Eureka
Dunes, a large dune system in the Eureka Valley. The species also
occurs on two other nearby dune systems in the Eureka Valley.
Therefore, we are choosing to use ``Eureka Valley dune grass'' as the
common name. This is consistent with the common name used by the Jepson
eFlora (Bell and Smith 2012, unpaginated). Although we are not
explicitly including them on the List as such, we consider the other
common names as synonyms for this species. This editorial revision does
not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue
to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of
section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for
this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica (Kneeland Prairie pennycress)
We are changing the common name from ``Kneeland Prairie penny-
cress'' to ``Kneeland Prairie pennycress''; the non-hyphenated
orthography is more consistent with common usage (for example, Al-
Shehbaz 2012b, unpaginated). We are also changing the scientific name
from ``Thlaspi californicum'' to ``Noccaea fendleri subsp.
californica.'' This reflects a taxonomic change. As discussed in our
2011 5-year review (Service 2011c, p. 7), a phylogenetic analysis of
molecular data (Koch and Al-Shehbaz 2004, p. 379) indicated that North
American representatives of genus Thlaspi should be reassigned to the
genus Noccaea and that the Kneeland Prairie pennycress should be
assigned as a subspecies under Noccaea fendleri (Koch and Al-Shehbaz
2004, p. 382). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson
eFlora (Al-Shehbaz 2012b, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ad, unpaginated) also
recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does
not affect the range or the listing status of the taxon; however, with
this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank
for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been
designated for this species, and
[[Page 70025]]
we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.
Hesperocyparis goveniana (Gowen cypress)
We are changing the scientific name from ``Cupressus goveniana ssp.
goveniana'' to ``Hesperocyparis goveniana.'' This reflects a taxonomic
change. The common name remains the same. When we listed the entity in
1998 (63 FR 43100, August 12, 1998), we recognized it at the subspecies
rank (Bartel 1993, p. 112). Its taxonomic rank was based on a sister
infraspecific taxon, C. g. subsp. pigmaea (Bartel 1993, p. 112).
Subsequent phylogenetic analyses indicated that C. g. subsp. pigmaea
was not closely related to C. g. subsp. goveniana (Bartel et al. 2003,
p. 699; Adams et al. 2009, p. 182), and the entity previously
recognized as C. g. subsp. pigmaea became recognized as a separate
taxon at the species rank. Without a sister infraspecific taxon, the
infraspecific epithet no longer applied to the Gowan cypress, and the
entity previously recognized as C. g. subsp. goveniana became
recognized at the species rank, C. goveniana. Additionally, as
discussed in our 2012 5-year review (Service 2012, p. 4), Adams et al.
(2009, pp. 179, 181) also found that the New World Cupressus species
were sufficiently differentiated from Old World taxa to be recognized
under a new, separate genus, Hesperocyparis, including H. goveniana.
This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Bartel
2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024aa, unpaginated) also recognizes and
accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the
range or the listing status of the species; however, with this change,
we now recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes
of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated
for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.
Required Determinations
Clarity of the Rule
We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
(c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us
comments by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To help us to
revise this rule, your comments should be as specific as possible.
National Environmental Policy Act
We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be
prepared in connection with regulations issued pursuant to section 4(a)
of the Act. We published a notice outlining our reasons for this
determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (43 FR
49244).
Government-To-Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments''' (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and the Department
of the Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights,
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act),
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge
that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make
information available to Tribes. We have determined that this rule will
not affect Tribes or Tribal lands.
References Cited
A complete list of the referenced materials is provided in Docket
No FWS-R8-ES-2026-0530 at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> or is available
upon request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Plants,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation, Wildlife.
Regulation Promulgation
For the reasons given in the preamble, we amend part 17, subchapter
B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set
forth below:
PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS
0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245,
unless otherwise noted.
0
2. In Sec. 17.11, in paragraph (h), amend the List of Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife, by:
0
a. Under MAMMALS, revising the entries for ``Kangaroo rat, San
Bernardino Merriam's'' and ``Kangaroo rat, Stephens' '';
0
b. Under BIRDS, revising the entries for ``Coot, Hawaiian (alae
keokeo)'', ``Pigeon, Puerto Rican plain'', ``Plover, western snowy
[Pacific Coast population DPS]'', ``Stilt, Hawaiian'', ``Tern,
California least'', and ``Towhee, Inyo California'';
0
c. Under REPTILES, revising the entry for ``Boa, Puerto Rican'';
0
d. Under AMPHIBIANS, revising the entries for ``Salamander, desert
slender'', ``Toad, arroyo (=arroyo southwestern)'', and ``Toad,
Houston''; and
0
e. Under INSECTS, revising the entry for ``Butterfly, El Segundo
blue''.
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 17.11 Endangered and threatened wildlife.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listing citations and
Common name Scientific name Where listed Status applicable rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mammals
* * * * * * *
Kangaroo rat, San Bernardino.... Dipodomys merriami Wherever found.... E 63 FR 3835, 1/27/1988;
parvus. 63 FR 51005, 9/24/
1988; 50 CFR
17.95(a).\CH\
Kangaroo rat, Stephens'......... Dipodomys Wherever found.... T 53 FR 38465, 9/30/1988;
stephensi. 87 FR 8967; 2/17/2022;
50 CFR 17.40(t).\4d\
[[Page 70026]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Birds
* * * * * * *
Coot, Hawaiian (alae keokeo).... Fulica alai....... Wherever found.... E 34 FR 5034, 3/8/1969;
35 FR 16047, 10/13/
1970.
* * * * * * *
Pigeon, Puerto Rican plain...... Patagioenas Wherever found.... E 34 FR 5034, 3/8/1969;
inornata wetmorei. 35 FR 16047, 10/13/
1970.
* * * * * * *
Plover, western snowy [Pacific Anarhynchus U.S.A. (CA, OR, T 58 FR 12864, 3/5/1993;
Coast DPS]. nivosus nivosus. WA), Mexico (Baja 50 CFR 17.95(b).\CH\
California, Baja
California Sur);
within 50 miles
of Pacific coast.
* * * * * * *
Stilt, Hawaiian................. Himantopus Wherever found.... T 34 FR 5034, 3/8/1969;
mexicanus 35 FR 16047, 10/13/
(=himantopus) 1970.
knudseni.
* * * * * * *
Tern, California least.......... Sternula Wherever found.... E 34 FR 5034, 3/8/1969;
antillarum browni. 35 FR 16047, 10/13/
1970; 35 FR 8491, 6/2/
1970.
* * * * * * *
Towhee, Inyo California......... Melozone crissalis Wherever found.... T 52 FR 28780, 8/3/1987;
eremophila. 50 CFR 17.95(b).\CH\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Reptiles
* * * * * * *
Boa, Puerto Rican............... Epicrates Wherever found.... E 34 FR 5034, 3/8/1969;
inornatus. 35 FR 16047, 10/13/
1970.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Amphibians
* * * * * * *
Salamander, desert slender...... Batrachoseps major Wherever found.... E 38 FR 14678, 6/4/1973.
aridus.
* * * * * * *
Toad, arroyo.................... Anaxyrus Wherever found.... E 59 FR 64859, 12/16/
californicus. 1994; 50 CFR
17.95(d).\CH\
* * * * * * *
Toad, Houston................... Bufo houstonensis. Wherever found.... E 34 FR 5034, 3/8/1969;
35 FR 16047, 10/13/
1970; 50 CFR
17.95(d).\CH\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Insects
* * * * * * *
Butterfly, El Segundo blue...... Euphilotes allyni. Wherever found.... E 41 FR 22041, 6/14/1976.
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
3. Amend Sec. 17.12, in paragraph (h), the List of Endangered and
Threatened Plants, by:
0
a. Under FLOWERING PLANTS:
0
i. Revising the entry for ``Acanthomintha obovata ssp. duttonii'';
0
ii. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Acanthoscyphus
parishii var. goodmaniana'';
0
iii. Removing the entry for ``Arabis hoffmannii'';
0
iv. Revising the entries for ``Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp.
crassifolia'', and ``Arctostaphylos hookeri var. ravenii'';
0
v. Removing the entry for ``Arenaria ursina'';
[[Page 70027]]
0
vi. Revising the entry for ``Astragalus clarianus'';
0
vii. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Boechera
hoffmannii'';
0
viii. Revising the entries for ``Castilleja cinerea'', and ``Ceanothus
ferrisae'';
0
ix. Removing the entry for ``Centaurium namophilum'',
0
x. Adding, in alphabetical order, entries for ``Chloropyron maritimum
subsp. maritimum'', ``Chloropyron molle subsp. molle'', and
``Chloropyron palmatum'';
0
xi. Removing the entries for ``Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus'',
``Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis'', and ``Cordylanthus palmatus'';
0
xii. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Crocanthemum
greenei'';
0
xiii. Revising the entry for ``Deinandra (= Hemizonia) conjugens'';
0
xiv. Removing the entry for ``Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva'';
0
xv. Revising the entry for ``Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia'';
0
xvi. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Dudleya parva'';
0
xvii. Revising the entry for ``Dudleya stolonifera'';
0
xviii. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Eremogone
ursina'';
0
xix. Revising the entries for ``Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum'',
``Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum'', ``Fremontodendron
californicum ssp. decumbens'', and ``Grindelia fraxino-pratensis'';
0
xx. Removing the entries for ``Helianthemum greenei'' and ``Lesquerella
kingii ssp. bernardina'';
0
xxi. Adding, in alphabetical order, entries for ``Nasturtium gambelii''
and ``Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica'';
0
xxii. Revising the entry for ``Opuntia treleasei'';
0
xxiii. Removing the entry for ``Oxytheca parishii var. goodmaniana'';
0
xxiv. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Packera layneae'';
0
xxv. Removing the entry for ``Parvisedum leiocarpum'':
0
xxvi. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Physaria kingii
subsp. bernardina'';
0
xxvii. Removing the entry for ``Rorippa gambellii'';
0
xxviii. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Sedella
leiocarpa'';
0
xxix. Removing the entry for ``Senecio layneae'';
0
xxx. Revising the entry for ``Swallenia alexandrae'';
0
xxxi. Removing the entry for ``Thlaspi californicum''; and
0
xxxii. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Zeltnera
namophila''.
0
b. Under CONIFERS AND ALLIES:
0
i. Removing the entry for ``Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana'';
0
ii. Adding, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Hesperocyparis
goveniana''.
The revisions and additions read as follows:
Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listing citations and
Scientific name Common name Where listed Status applicable rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flowering Plants
* * * * * * *
Acanthomintha duttonii.......... San Mateo Wherever found.... E 50 FR 37858, 9/18/1985.
thornmint.
* * * * * * *
Acanthoscyphus parishii var. Cushenbury Wherever found.... E 59 FR 43652, 8/24/1994;
goodmaniana. oxytheca. 50 CFR 17.96(a).\CH\
* * * * * * *
Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. Del Mar manzanita. Wherever found.... E 61 FR 52370, 10/7/1996.
crassifolia.
Arctostaphylos montana subsp. Presidio manzanita Wherever found.... E 44 FR 61910, 10/26/
ravenii. 1979.
* * * * * * *
Astragalus claranus............. Clara Hunt's milk- Wherever found.... E 62 FR 54791, 10/22/
vetch. 1997.
* * * * * * *
Boechera hoffmannii............. Hoffmann's Wherever found.... E 62 FR 40954, 7/31/1997.
rockcress.
* * * * * * *
Castilleja cinerea.............. Ash-gray Wherever found.... T 63 FR 49006, 9/14/1998;
paintbrush. 50 CFR 17.96(a).\CH\
* * * * * * *
Ceanothus ferrisiae............. Coyote ceanothus.. Wherever found.... E 60 FR 6671, 2/3/1995.
* * * * * * *
Chloropyron maritimum subsp. Salt marsh bird's- Wherever found.... E 43 FR 44810, 9/28/1978.
maritimum. beak.
Chloropyron molle subsp. molle.. Soft bird's-beak.. Wherever found.... E 62 FR 61916, 11/20/
1997; 50 CFR
17.96(a).\CH\
Chloropyron palmatum............ Palmate-bracted Wherever found.... E 51 FR 23765, 7/1/1986.
bird's-beak.
* * * * * * *
Crocanthemum greenei............ Island rush-rose.. Wherever found.... T 62 FR 40954, 7/31/1997.
* * * * * * *
Deinandra conjugens............. Otay tarplant..... Wherever found.... T 63 FR 54938, 10/13/
1998; 50 CFR
17.96(a).\CH\
[[Page 70028]]
* * * * * * *
Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia Santa Monica Wherever found.... T 62 FR 4172, 1/29/1997.
dudleya.
* * * * * * *
Dudleya parva................... Conejo dudleya.... Wherever found.... T 62 FR 4172, 1/29/1997.
* * * * * * *
Dudleya stolonifera............. Laguna Beach Wherever found.... T 63 FR 54938, 10/13/
dudleya. 1998.
* * * * * * *
Eremogone ursina................ Bear Valley Wherever found.... T 63 FR 49006, 9/14/1998;
sandwort. 50 CFR 17.96(a).\CH\
* * * * * * *
Eriastrum densifolium subsp. Santa Ana River Wherever found.... E 52 FR 36265, 9/28/1987.
sanctorum. woolly-star.
* * * * * * *
Eriogonum kennedyi var. Southern mountain Wherever found.... T 63 FR 49006, 9/14/1998;
austromontanum. buckwheat. 50 CFR 17.96(a).\CH\
* * * * * * *
Fremontodendron decumbens....... Pine Hill Wherever found.... E 61 FR 54346, 10/18/
flannelbush. 1996.
* * * * * * *
Grindelia fraxinipratensis...... Ash Meadows Wherever found.... T 50 FR 20777, 5/20/1985;
gumplant. 50 CFR 17.96(a).\CH\
* * * * * * *
Nasturtium gambelii............. Gambel's Wherever found.... E 58 FR 41378, 8/3/1993.
watercress.
* * * * * * *
Noccaea fendleri subsp. Kneeland Prairie Wherever found.... E 65 FR 6332, 2/9/2000;
californica. pennycress. 50 CFR 17.96(a).\CH\
* * * * * * *
Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei Bakersfield cactus Wherever found.... E 55 FR 29361, 7/19/1990.
* * * * * * *
Packera layneae................. Layne's butterweed Wherever found.... T 61 FR 54346, 10/18/
1996.
* * * * * * *
Physaria kingii subsp. San Bernardino Wherever found.... E 59 FR 43652, 8/24/1994;
bernardina. Mountains 50 CFR 17.96(a).\CH\
bladderpod.
* * * * * * *
Sedella leiocarpa............... Lake County Wherever found.... E 62 FR 33029, 6/18/1997.
stonecrop.
* * * * * * *
Swallenia alexandrae............ Eureka Valley dune Wherever found.... T 83 FR 8576, 2/27/2018.
grass.
* * * * * * *
Zeltnera namophila.............. Spring-loving Wherever found.... T 50 FR 20777, 5/20/1985;
centaury. 50 CFR 17.96(a).\CH\
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conifers and Allies
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Hesperocyparis goveniana........ Gowen cypress..... Wherever found.... T 63 FR 43100, 8/12/1998.
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
4. Amend Sec. 17.95, in paragraph (b), by
0
a. In the entry ``Inyo California Towhee (Melozone crissalis
eremophilus)'', removing the word ``eremophilus'' in the heading and
adding, in its place, the word ``eremophila''; and
0
b. In the entry ``Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus)--
Pacific Coast Population'':
0
i. Revising the heading;
[[Page 70029]]
0
ii. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (2); and
0
iii. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs (6), (13), (26), and
(53).
These revisions read as follows:
Sec. 17.95 Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
* * * * *
Western Snowy Plover [Pacific Coast DPS] (Anarhynchus nivosus
nivosus)
* * * * *
(2) Within these areas, the primary constituent elements of the
physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the
western snowy plover [Pacific coast DPS] are sandy beaches, dune
systems immediately inland of an active beach face, salt flats, mud
flats, seasonally exposed gravel bars, artificial salt ponds and
adjoining levees, and dredge spoil sites, with:
* * * * *
(6) Index map of critical habitat units for the western snowy
plover [Pacific coast DPS] (Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus) in Washington
follows:
* * * * *
(13) Index map of critical habitat units for the western snowy
plover [Pacific coast DPS] (Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus) in Oregon
follows:
* * * * *
(26) Index map of critical habitat units for the western snowy
plover [Pacific coast DPS] (Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus) in Northern
California follows:
* * * * *
(53) Index map of critical habitat units for the western snowy
plover [Pacific coast DPS] (Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus) in Southern
California follows:
* * * * *
0
5. Amend Sec. 17.96, in paragraph (a), by:
0
a. In the entry ``Family Caryophyllaceae: Arenaria ursina (Bear Valley
sandwort)'':
0
i. Removing the word ``Arenaria'' in the heading and adding, in its
place, the word ``Eremogone'';
0
ii. Revising paragraph (1);
0
iii. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (2); and
0
iv. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs (5), (6)(iii),
(7)(iii), (8)(ii), (9)(iii), (10)(iv), (11)(iii), (12)(iii), (13)(ii),
and (14)(iii); and
0
b. In the entry ``Family Orobanchaceae: Castilleja cinerea (ash-gray
Indian paintbrush)'', removing the word ``Indian'' in the heading; and
0
c. In the entry ``Family Gentianaceae: Centaurium namophilum (spring-
loving centaury)'', removing the words ``Centaurium namophilum'' in the
heading and adding, in their place, the words ``Zeltnera namophila'';
and
0
d. In the entry ``Family Scrophulariaceae: Cordylanthus mollis ssp.
mollis (soft bird's-beak)'':
0
i. Removing the words in the heading ``Scrophulariaceae: Cordylanthus
mollis ssp. mollis'' and adding, in their place, the words
``Orobanchaceae: Chloropyron molle subsp. molle'';
0
ii. In the introductory text of paragraph (2), removing the words
``Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis'' and adding, in their place, the
words ``Chloropyron molle subsp. molle'';
0
iii. In the introductory text of paragraph (5), removing the words
``Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis'' and adding, in their place, the
words ``Chloropyron molle subsp. molle'';
0
iv. In paragraphs (6) introductory text, (6)(ii), (7) introductory
text, (7)(ii), (8) introductory text, (8)(ii), (9) introductory text,
(9)(ii), (10) introductory text, and (10)(ii), removing the words
``Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis'' and adding, in their place, the
words ``Chloropyron molle subsp. molle''; and
0
e. In the entry ``Family Polygonaceae: Eriogonum kennedyi var.
austromontanum (Southern mountain wild-buckwheat)'',
0
i. Removing the hyphenated word ``wild-buckwheat'' in the heading and
adding, in its place, the word ``buckwheat''; and
0
ii. Revising the introductory text of paragraphs (5), (6)(iii),
(7)(ii), (8)(iii), (9)(iv), (10)(iii), (11)(iii), and (12)(ii); and
0
f. In the entry ``Family Asteraceae: Grindelia fraxino-pratensis (Ash
Meadows gumplant)'', removing the hyphenated word ``fraxino-pratensis''
in the heading and adding, in its place, the word ``fraxinipratensis'';
and
0
g. In the entry ``Family Brassicaceae: Lesquerella kingii ssp.
bernardina (San Bernardino Mountains bladderpod)'':
0
i. Removing the words ``Lesquerella kingii ssp.'' in the heading and
adding, in their place, the words ``Physaria kingii subsp.'';
0
ii. In the introductory text of paragraph (2), removing the words
``Lesquerella kingii ssp.'' and adding, in their place, the words
``Physaria kingii subsp.''; and
0
iii. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (5)(iv); and
0
h. In the entry ``Family Polygonaceae: Oxytheca parishii var.
goodmaniana (Cushenbury oxytheca)'':
0
i. Removing the words ``Oxytheca parishii'' in the heading and adding,
in their place, the words ``Acanthoscyphus parishii'';
0
ii. In the introductory text of paragraph (2), removing the word
``Oxytheca'' and adding, in its place, the word ``Acanthoscyphus''; and
0
iii. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (4)(xxxi); and
0
i. In the entry ``Family Brassicaceae: Thlaspi californicum (Kneeland
Prairie penny-cress)'':
0
i. Revising the heading;
0
ii. In the introductory text of paragraph (2), removing the words
``Thlaspi californicum'' and adding, in their place, the words
``Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica'';
0
iii. In paragraph (2)(iv), removing the words ``Thlaspi californicum''
and adding, in their place, the words ``Noccaea fendleri subsp.
californica''; and
0
iv. Revising introductory text of paragraph (4)(ii).
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 17.96 Critical habitat--plants.
(a) * * *
* * * * *
Family Caryophyllaceae: Eremogone ursina (Bear Valley sandwort)
(1) Critical habitat units for Eremogone ursina are found in San
Bernardino County, California. The maps provided are for informational
purposes only. Note: The critical habitat units include ``ARUR'' as a
unique identifier; ``ARUR'' is the identifier for Eremogone ursina.
(2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for
Eremogone ursina are the habitat components that provide:
* * * * *
(5) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Index map (Map 1) follows:
* * * * *
(6) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Units ARUR 1 and ARUR 2 (Map
2) follows:
* * * * *
(7) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Units ARUR 3 and ARUR 4 (Map
3) follows:
* * * * *
(8) * * *
(ii) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Unit ARUR 5 (Map 4) follows:
* * * * *
(9) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Units ARUR 6 and ARUR 7 (Map
5) follows:
* * * * *
[[Page 70030]]
(10) * * *
(iv) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Units ARUR 8, ARUR 9, and
ARUR 12 (Map 6) follows:
* * * * *
(11) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Units ARUR 10 and ARUR 11
(Map 7) follows:
* * * * *
(12) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Units ARUR 13 and ARUR 14
(Map 8) follows:
* * * * *
(13) * * *
(ii) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Unit ARUR 15 (Map 9)
follows:
* * * * *
(14) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``Arenaria ursina'' on the map is
equivalent to ``Eremogone ursina.'' Map of Units ARUR 16 and ARUR 17
(Map 10) follows:
* * * * *
Family Polygonaceae: Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum
(southern mountain buckwheat)
* * * * *
(5) Note: The reference to ``southern mountain wild-buckwheat'' on
the map is equivalent to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' Index map
(Map 1) follows:
* * * * *
(6) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``southern mountain wild-buckwheat''
on the map is equivalent to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' Map of
Units ERKA 1 and ERKA 2 (Map 2) follows:
* * * * *
(7) * * *
(ii) Note: The reference to ``southern mountain wild-buckwheat'' on
the map is equivalent to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' Map of Unit
ERKA 3 (Map 3) follows:
* * * * *
(8) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``southern mountain wild-buckwheat''
on the map is equivalent to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' Map of
Units ERKA 4 and ERKA 5 (Map 4) follows:
* * * * *
(9) * * *
(iv) Note: The reference to ``southern mountain wild-buckwheat'' on
the map is equivalent to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' Map of Units
ERKA 6, ERKA 7, and ERKA 10 (Map 5) follows:
* * * * *
(10) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``southern mountain wild-buckwheat''
on the map is equivalent to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' Units ERKA
8 and ERKA 9 (Map 6) follows:
* * * * *
(11) * * *
(iii) Note: The reference to ``southern mountain wild-buckwheat''
on the map is equivalent to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' Units ERKA
11 and ERKA 12 (Map 7) follows:
* * * * *
(12) * * *
(ii) Note: The reference to ``southern mountain wild-buckwheat'' on
the map is equivalent to ``southern mountain buckwheat.'' Map of Unit
ERKA 13 (Map 8) follows:
* * * * *
Family Brassicaceae: Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina (San
Bernardino Mountains bladderpod)
* * * * *
(5) * * *
(iv) Note: The reference to ``Lesquerella kingii ssp. bernardina''
on the following map is equivalent to ``Physaria kingii subsp.
bernardina.''
* * * * *
Family Polygonaceae: Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana
(Cushenbury oxytheca)
* * * * *
(4) * * *
(xxxi) Note: The reference to ``Oxytheca parishii var.
goodmaniana'' on the following map is equivalent to ``Acanthoscyphus
parishii var. goodmaniana'':
* * * * *
Family Brassicaceae: Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica (Kneeland
Prairie pennycress)
* * * * *
(4) * * *
(ii) Note: The reference to ``Thlaspi californicum'' on the
following map is equivalent to ``Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica'':
* * * * *
Brian Nesvik,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-22682 Filed 11-5-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
</pre></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on November 6, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.