Search Results for keywords:"endangered species"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided not to list the spinytail crayfish as an endangered or threatened species. The agency reviewed scientific and commercial information and concluded that the species currently has a stable environment and sufficient habitat. Even though the spinytail crayfish is a narrow-range species in southern Mississippi, it faces no immediate threat of extinction, and its populations are resilient to possible future risks like climate change. The service encourages the public to provide any new information about the crayfish's status or habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public comments on permit applications to conduct scientific research aimed at conserving endangered species. Under the Endangered Species Act, certain activities affecting endangered species are restricted unless a federal permit is granted. These permits may allow activities like capturing and collecting endangered species to help with their recovery and survival. The public can submit comments until February 12, 2025, and should refer to the permit application number when doing so.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the big red sage, a plant species from central Texas, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision is based on threats including habitat changes, herbivory by deer and other animals, collection, inappropriate propagation, and climate change, which have all contributed to a decline in plant populations and genetic diversity. Although recognizing these threats, the Service has determined that designating critical habitat for the big red sage is imprudent, as it might increase the threat of collection. The proposal highlights the urgent need for conservation actions to protect and recover the species.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (part of the Commerce Department) issued a correction for a notice about the critical habitat for the Beringia Distinct Population Segment of the bearded seal. In the original document published on January 8, 2021, they noted a date error. Specifically, on page 1433, the date "March 9, 2020," should be corrected to "March 9, 2021." This proposed rule appeared in the Federal Register under citation 86 FR 7242.

Kori Johnsen has withdrawn their application to conduct research on green, hawksbill, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles, which was initially submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service. The application was previously announced in the Federal Register on September 9, 2024. Those interested can request to review the application documents by emailing NMFS. Julia M. Harrison, Chief of the Permits and Conservation Division, confirmed the withdrawal.

The document announces that final decisions have been made regarding the US 380 highway project in Texas by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Federal agencies. These decisions include the issuance of licenses, permits, and approvals necessary for the project, which involves constructing a new 8- to 10-lane freeway with additional features. Any legal claims against these decisions must be made by June 12, 2025. The project has been evaluated under various federal environmental laws, ensuring compliance with regulations related to air quality, endangered species, water resources, and cultural sites.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from Freeport Minerals for a survival permit supported by the Eagle Creek Multi-Species Conservation Benefit Agreement in Greenlee and Graham Counties, Arizona. This plan aims to protect endangered species such as the spikedace, loach minnow, and Gila chub, and the threatened narrow-headed gartersnake by constructing a fish barrier on Eagle Creek to prevent invasion by non-native species. The public is invited to comment on this proposal by February 3, 2025, and the documents are available online for review. The project is a collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation, which will help with the barrier's design and maintenance.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed a petition to classify the Rio Grande cutthroat trout as endangered or threatened but found that it is not warranted at this time. This trout, which inhabits high-altitude streams in New Mexico and Colorado, faces threats such as hybridization with nonnative trout and habitat threats like wildfires and climate change. However, current conservation efforts, including a multi-agency agreement, have helped improve its population's resiliency. As a result, the Service concludes that the trout is not currently in danger of extinction throughout its range, nor is it likely to become endangered soon.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing an update to the description of the western North Pacific gray whale population under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to reflect the latest scientific understanding. This update follows a 5-year review and a distinct population segment analysis, which found that the gray whales in this area should be managed as a single group, including those that migrate between the Western and Eastern North Pacific. The proposed changes update the official description without altering the endangered status of the whales. Public comments on this proposal are invited until January 13, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has issued permits, amendments, and modifications under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. These permits cover activities that comply with existing environmental policies and do not harm endangered species. Further details about these permits can be accessed via email or by reviewing relevant Federal Register notices. The decisions were made based on environmental assessments and align with the legal requirements for protecting marine mammals and endangered species.