[Federal Register: January 9, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 6)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 1418-1419] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr09ja98-22] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of Reclassification of a Candidate Taxon: Clematis Hirsutissima var. Arizonica (Arizona Leatherflower) AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of candidate taxon reclassification. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In this document, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provides the explanation for a change in the status of Clematis hirsutissima var. arizonica (Arizona leatherflower), a plant taxon that is under review for possible addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Because it no longer meets the Act's definition of ``species,'' this taxon is being removed from candidate status at this time. ADDRESSES: Questions concerning this notice should be submitted to the Chief, Division of Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Mail Stop 452 ARLSQ, Washington, D.C. 20240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E. LaVerne Smith, Chief, Division of Endangered Species (see ADDRESSES section) (telephone: 703/358-2171). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Candidate taxa are those taxa for which the Service has on file sufficient information to support issuance of a proposed rule to list under the Act. In addition to its annual review of all candidate taxa, the Service has an on-going review process, particularly to update taxa whose status may have changed markedly. The results of this review indicate that the plant taxon Clematis hirsutissima var. arizonica (A. Heller) R.O. Erickson (Arizona leatherflower) should be removed from candidate status. This notice provides the specific explanation for the reclassification of this taxon. It is important to note that candidate assessment is an ongoing function and changes in status should be expected. Taxa that are removed from the candidate list may be restored to candidate status if additional information supporting such a change becomes available to the Service. Requests for such information were issued by the Service most recently in the plant and animal candidate notice of review published in the Federal Register on September 19, 1997 (62 FR 49398). The Service has included Clematis hirsutissima var. arizonica in the last five candidate notices of review for plants published in the Federal Register. The taxon was included as a category 2 candidate in the September 27, 1985 (50 FR 39526), notice of review. Prior to 1996, category 2 taxa were defined as under consideration for possible addition to the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, but for which conclusive data on biological vulnerability and threats were not currently available to support a proposed rule. Clematis hirsutissima var. arizonica was included as a category 1 candidate in the February 21, 1990 (55 FR 6184), and September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51144), notices of review. Category 1 candidates were defined as those taxa for which the Service had on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to support the preparation of listing proposals, but issuance of the proposed rule was precluded by other pending listing proposals of higher priority. On February 28, 1996, the Service published a notice of review (61 FR 7596) that discontinued the designation of category 2 candidates. Clematis hirsutissima var. arizonica was listed as a candidate in that notice of review, as well as in the September 19, 1997 (62 FR 49398), notice of review. Finding Clematis hirsutissima var. arizonica (Arizona leatherflower) was considered to be restricted to certain limestone soils in northern Arizona and possibly New Mexico. However, the results of a recently completed floristic review of the genus Clematis in North America (Pringle 1997) show no clear differences between C. hirsutissima var. arizonica and C.h. var. hirsutissima with respect to such features as the width of the leaflet lobes and the degree of spreading of the leaves, both of which had been considered distinguishing characteristics of C.h. var. arizonica. Pringle's review indicates that C.h. var. arizonica should be placed in synonymy under C.h. var. hirsutissima. The Service is now removing Clematis hirsutissima var. arizonica from candidate status, because it no longer meets the Act's definition of ``species.'' Clematis hirsutissima var. hirsutissima is a widespread taxon, known from nine western states (Pringle 1997), and is not in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future. The taxon [[Page 1419]] is not subject to a degree of threats sufficient to warrant candidate status. Based on the above information, acceptance of either Clematis hirsutissima var. arizonica or C.h. var. hirsutissima as a candidate taxon is not warranted. Should additional study of the systematics of the species result in a peer-reviewed treatment that resurrects C.h. var. arizonica, the Service will reconsider according candidate status to that entity. References Cited Pringle, J.S. 1997. Clematis, pp. 160-176 in Flora of North America, Volume 3. Oxford University Press, New York. Author: This notice was compiled from materials supplied by staff biologists located in the Service's southwestern regional and field offices. The materials were compiled by Joan E. Canfield, Division of Endangered Species (see ADDRESSES section). Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: December 30, 1997. Jamie Rappaport Clark, Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 98-549 Filed 1-8-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P