Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Taxonomic Change of Sclerocactus Glaucus to Three Separate Species
Federal Register: September 15, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 177)
Rules and Regulations
Page 47112-47117
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
DOCID:fr15se09-13
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17
FWS-R6-ES-2009-0035
MO9221050083-B2
RIN 1018-AW24
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Taxonomic Change of Sclerocactus Glaucus to Three Separate Species
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the revised taxonomy of Sclerocactus glaucus (Uinta Basin hookless cactus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We determine that S. glaucus (previously considered a complex), which is currently listed as a threatened species, is actually three distinct species: S. brevispinus, S. glaucus, and S. wetlandicus. We are revising the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants to reflect the scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of these species. In addition, we revise the common names for these species as follows: S. brevispinus (Pariette cactus), S. glaucus
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(Colorado hookless cactus), and S. wetlandicus (Uinta Basin hookless cactus). These three species will continue to be listed as threatened with no regulatory changes.
DATES: This rule is effective on October 15, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Comments and materials received, as well as supporting documentation used in the preparation of this final rule, are available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at the Utah Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2369 W. Orton
Circle, Suite 50, West Valley City, UT 84119; telephone 801-975-3330.
The final rule is also available on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov and at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/ plants/pariettecactus/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Crist, Field Supervisor, Utah
Field Office (see ADDRESSES) (telephone 801-975-3330). People who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Section 17.12(b) of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) requires us to use the most recently accepted scientific name of any species determined by the Service to be an endangered or threatened species. This final rule documents a taxonomic change (scientific and common names) to an entry on the List of Endangered and Threatened
Plants (50 CFR 17.12(h)). We find that Sclerocactus glaucus (Uinta
Basin hookless cactus), as listed under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), is three separate species: S. brevispinus (Pariette cactus), S. glaucus (Colorado hookless cactus), and S. wetlandicus
(Uinta Basin hookless cactus). Previously, these three species were scientifically classified under the single scientific name of S. glaucus (Benson 1966, pp. 50-57; 1982, pp. 728-729). We make this change to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (50 CFR 17.12(h)) to reflect the most recently accepted scientific names in accordance with 50 CFR 17.12(b).
These three species will now be listed as threatened under the Act until we conduct a five-factor analysis for each species. As soon as our staff and funding resources allow, we will publish a document in the Federal Register that provides the updated five-factor analysis and the prudency determination for critical habitat for each of the three species, and requests public comment on our analyses and prudency determinations.
Previous Federal Actions
On October 11, 1979, we published a final rule listing Sclerocactus glaucus (Uinta Basin hookless cactus) as threatened (44 FR 58868).
On February 3, 1997, we received a petition from the National
Wilderness Institute to remove Sclerocactus glaucus from the List of
Endangered and Threatened Plants. On April 25, 2005, we received a petition from the Center for Native Ecosystems and the Utah Native
Plant Society requesting that we list S. brevispinus (Pariette cactus) as an endangered or threatened species under the Act (independent of its current listing as threatened as part of S. glaucus) and that we designate critical habitat.
On December 14, 2006, we published a 90-day finding on both petitions (71 FR 75215). First, we found that the petition to remove
Sclerocactus glaucus from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants did not provide substantial information to indicate that delisting may be warranted. Second, we found that the petition to list S. brevispinus
(Pariette cactus) as an endangered or threatened species provided substantial information to indicate that independent listing of S. brevispinus as endangered or threatened may be warranted, and we initiated a status review. In addition, we found that emergency listing of S. brevispinus was not warranted, and that designation of critical habitat was not prudent. Further, we defined our understanding of the
``Sclerocactus glaucus complex'' as including the three Sclerocactus species: S. brevispinus, S. glaucus, and S. wetlandicus.
On September 18, 2007, we published a 12-month finding (72 FR 53211) on Sclerocactus brevispinus (Pariette cactus). We found that reclassifying S. brevispinus as a single species and listing that species as endangered was warranted, but precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and
Plants. However, S. brevispinus remains listed as threatened as part of the S. glaucus (Uinta Basin hookless cactus) complex.
The September 18, 2007, publication (72 FR 53211) also announced our proposal to revise the taxonomy of Sclerocactus glaucus (Uinta
Basin hookless cactus) to recognize three separate species. In accordance with the best available scientific information, we proposed to recognize three distinct species and assign the following common names: S. brevispinus (Pariette cactus), S. glaucus (Colorado hookless cactus), and S. wetlandicus (Uinta Basin hookless cactus). We also stated that S. glaucus and S. wetlandicus continued to meet the definition of ``threatened'' under the Act, and that listing S. brevispinus as endangered under the Act was warranted, but precluded by higher priority actions.
Comments on Proposed Taxonomic Classification
Peer Review
In accordance with our joint policy published in the Federal
Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), and based on our implementation of the Office of Management and Budget's Final Information Quality
Bulletin for Peer Review, dated December 16, 2004, we sought the expert opinions of appropriate and independent specialists regarding the science in our proposed rule. The basis for the proposed taxonomic change has appeared in peer-reviewed journals (Succulenta, A Utah
Flora, Flora of North America). In addition, we solicited the opinions of seven specialists in general plant taxonomy, and the taxonomy and ecology of the Sclerocactus glaucus in particular. We received peer reviews from three individuals, Dr. Bruce Glisson, Dr. Leila Shultz, and Professor Kenneth Heil. All agreed with our taxonomic analysis of the ``Sclerocactus glaucus complex'' and its component species.
Other Comments
We received three comments from the public on our proposal to designate Sclerocactus brevispinus, S. glaucus, and S. wetlandicus as separate species under the Act. All three comments indicated strong agreement with the proposed taxonomic changes and with listing S. brevispinus as endangered. All three comments also expressed concern about the ``warranted but precluded'' finding for S. brevispinus, because the commenters believed that listing the species as endangered should not be delayed.
Species Information
Taxonomic Classification
The original listing rule for Sclerocactus glaucus (44 FR 58868;
October 11, 1979) included all hookless (straight central spines)
Sclerocactus populations at the extreme periphery of the Sclerocactus distribution in western Colorado and northeastern Utah, and referred to them as S. glaucus per Benson (1966, pp. 50-57; 1982, pp. 728-729).
This taxonomic classification is no longer supported by the results of
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genetic and morphological research. The separation of S. glaucus into three species (S. brevispinus, S. glaucus, and S. wetlandicus) is reinforced by recent genetic studies (Porter et al. 2000, pp. 14, 16;
Porter et al. 2007, pp. 8, 9, 11, 15, 23), common garden experiments
(to determine in a controlled environment whether plants exhibit different morphological characteristics when grown under different conditions) (Hochstatter 1993b, pp. 94, 98; Welsh et al. 2003, p. 79), and a reevaluation of morphological characteristics (Heil and Porter 2004, pp. 200-201; Hochstatter 1989, pp. 123-125; Hochstatter 1993a, pp. 85-92; Hochstatter 1993b, pp. 93, 97, 99; Porter et al. 2007, pp. 13, 15, 24-25).
Revisions to the taxonomy of Sclerocactus glaucus began in 1989
(Hochstatter 1989, pp. 123-125; Hochstatter 1993a , pp. 85-92;
Hochstatter 1993b, pp. 91-92; Heil and Porter 1994, pp. 25-27; Porter et al. 2000, pp. 8-23; Welsh et al. 2003, p. 79). By 2004, the Flora of
North America recognized the plant S. glaucus (that we listed in 1979; 44 FR 58868; October 11, 1979) as three distinct species: S. brevispinus (Pariette cactus), S. glaucus (Uinta Basin hookless cactus), and S. wetlandicus (no common name). The Flora of North
America (Heil and Porter 2004, pp. 197-207) recognizes 15 species in the genus Sclerocactus, including S. brevispinus, S. glaucus, and S. wetlandicus.
Sclerocactus brevispinus (Pariette cactus) is a morphologically unique Sclerocactus population, occurring only in the Pariette Draw in the central Uinta Basin in Utah. This cactus is much smaller than either S. glaucus or S. wetlandicus and retains the vegetative characteristics of juvenile S. wetlandicus individuals in adult flowering plants. At the time of the species listing in 1979, these smaller individuals were thought to represent an ecotypic variation of
S. glaucus. This unique cactus from Pariette Draw has been variously named S. wetlandicus var. ilseae (Hochstatter 1993b, pp. 95-97), S. brevispinus (Heil and Porter 1994, p. 26), and S. whipplei var. ilseae
(Welsh et al. 2003, p. 79). We have adopted the taxonomic nomenclature accepted by the Flora of North America (Heil and Porter 2004, pp. 197- 207) and adopt a new common name: S. brevispinus (Pariette cactus).
Sclerocactus glaucus (former common name was Uinta Basin hookless cactus; now Colorado hookless cactus) is endemic to western Colorado.
Its former common name in the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants referred to a geographical area in Utah. Therefore, the common name was a misnomer that more accurately applies to S. wetlandicus (which formerly had no common name). Colorado hookless cactus is a more applicable common name for S. glaucus.
Sclerocactus wetlandicus (new common name is Uinta Basin hookless cactus) was first described in 1989 (Hochstatter 1993b, pp. 91-92), and comprises the bulk of the previously termed Uinta Basin hookless cactus complex in Utah (in the Uinta Basin proper). Its population is significantly disjunct from that of S. glaucus in Colorado. The common name ``Uinta Basin hookless cactus'' is appropriate for this species.
Species Descriptions
Cacti species of the Uinta Basin hookless cactus complex are a small ball- or barrel-shaped cactus, usually with straight
(``hookless'' as opposed to ``fishhook'' in most other species within the genus) central spines. Benson (1966, p. 53) describes Sclerocactus glaucus as a leafless, succulent plant in the cactus family; with solitary, ovoid to nearly globular stems that are 3.8 to 17.8 centimeters (cm) (1.5 to 7 inches (in)) tall and 2.5 to 11.4 cm (1 to 4.5 in) in diameter; with about 12 ribs with spine clusters born on tubercles (short protuberances) arising from the ribs.
These cacti have two types of spines (radial and central) and two types of central spines (abaxial and lateral). These spines are defined by size and position on the plant:
(1) The 4 to 12 radial spines radiate around the margin of the areole (a distinct non-photosynthetic surface area bearing spines), extend in a plane roughly parallel to the body of the plant, and are usually white, less than 2.5 cm (1 in) in length, and much finer and shorter than the dark central spines.
(2) The central spines number from 1 to 4 (sometimes absent), are 2.5 to 3.8 cm (1 to 1.5 in) long (generally longer than radial spines), and extend from the center of the areole. The central spines include abaxial and lateral forms:
Abaxial spines are typically single and often longer than lateral spines.
Lateral spines are often displayed in pairs on either side of the abaxial spine.
Flowers have numerous pinkish to lavender perianth parts (sepaloids
outer whorls, usually greenish
and petaloids [inner whorls, usually non-green]) and are 2.5 to 5.1 cm (1 to 2 in) in diameter and length.
Flower stamens are numerous, with yellow anthers (the male pollen- bearing structures) and green filaments (structures that display the anthers). The fruit is barrel-shaped, 0.8 to 1.3 cm (0.3 to 0.5 in) long, and about 0.8 cm (0.3 in) in diameter. The seeds are small and black.
The revised species descriptions in Table 1 are based on those by
Hochstatter (2005, pp. 14-18, 37-38) and Heil and Porter (2004, pp. 200-201) as used in the Flora of North America.
Table 1: Comparison of morphology for three Sclerocactus species.
Sclerocactus
Sclerocactus
Characteristic
Sclerocactus glaucus
wetlandicus
brevispinus
Plant Description
Leafless, stem-
Leafless, stem-
Leafless, stem- succulent plant with
succulent plant with
succulent plant with a short cylindrical to
short, cylindrical to depressed-spherical to ovoid body, usually 3 elongate-cylindrical
short-cylindrical to12 cm (1.2 to 4.8
body, usually 3 to 15 body, usually 2.5 to in) tall, but up to 30 cm (1.2 to 6.0 in)
8.5 cm (1.0 to 3.4 in) cm (12 in) tall; 4 to tall, but up to 25 cm tall, but most 9 cm (1.6 to 3.6 in)
(10 in)); 4 to 12 cm
individuals less than diameter; with 8 to 15 (1.6 to 4.8 in)
5 cm (2.0 in)); 1.8 to
(usually 12 or 13)
diameter; with 12 to
7.5 cm (0.7 to 3.0 in) tubercle-bearing ribs 15 tubercle-bearing
in diameter (most ribs
individuals less than 5 cm (2.0 in)); with
(usually) 13 tubercle- bearing ribs
Spines
Spines occur in
Spines occur in
Spines occur in clusters within the
clusters within the
clusters within the areoles at tip of
areoles at tip of
areoles at tip of tubercles
tubercles
tubercles
Areoles
Pubescent in juvenile
Not pubescent in
Not pubescent in individuals
juvenile individuals
juvenile individuals
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Radial Spines
2 to 12 (usually 6 to 6 to 14 (usually 6 to 5 to 13 (usually 6 or 8) per cluster; white 10) per cluster;
7) per cluster; white or gray to light
white, or gray to
or gray-to-light brown; up to 17
light brown (rarely
brown, up to 5 to 15 millimeters (mm) (0.67 black), up to 6 to 20 mm (0.2 to 0.6 in) in) long; less than 1 mm (0.24 to 0.8 in)
long; less than 1 mm mm (0.04 in) in
long; less than 0.6 mm (0.04 in) in diameter diameter
(0.01 in) in diameter
Central Spines
Longer and heavier than Usually longer and
Usually longer and radial spines;
heavier than radial
heavier than radial numbering one to five spines, numbering one spines, numbering 0 to
(usually three: one
to five (usually
3 (usually 1: the abaxial and two
three: one abaxial and abaxial, rarely with lateral), 12 to 50 mm two lateral), are 15
two laterals), 2 to 5
(0.5 to 2.0 in) long, to 30 mm (0.5 to 2.0
mm (0.08 to 0.2 in) and 0.8 to 1.8 mm
in) long, and 0.5 to
long, and 0.5 to 1.8
(0.03 to 0.07 in)
1.8 mm (0.02 to 0.07
mm (0.02 to 0.07 in) thick
in) thick
thick
Abaxial Spines
Usually solitary
Usually solitary
Solitary (sometimes
(sometimes lacking)
(sometimes lacking or lacking) and usually and ascending toward
double), and ascending descending away from the apex of the plant toward the apex of the the apex of the plant body with its tip
plant body with its
body with entire spine noticeably bent at an tip usually noticeably bent or in short angle usually less
bent at an angle
spines (1 to 3 mm than 90 degrees
usually less than 90
(0.04 to 0.12 in) degrees (sometimes
long), strongly hooked straight, or rarely
with the tip almost hooked up to 180
touching the surface degrees)
of the areole
Lateral Spines
Usually displayed in
Usually displayed in
Usually absent; when pairs on either side
pairs on either side
present, are on either of the abaxial spine; of the abaxial spine
side of abaxial spine they are of
and are of
and are of approximately the same approximately same
approximately same length and thickness
length and thickness
length and thickness, but are relatively
but are more or less
more or less straight straight without
straight without
without the obvious obvious bent tip of
obvious bent tip of
bend or hook of the abaxial spine;
abaxial spine; these
abaxial spine, and these diverge from
diverge from the
diverge from abaxial abaxial spine at an
abaxial spine at acute spine at acute angle acute angle, usually
angle, usually between (usually between 20 between 20 and 50
20 and 50 degrees
and 50 degrees) degrees
Flowers
Fragrant and funnelform Fragrant and
Campanulate 1.0 to 1.5
(funnel-shaped) or
funnelform, 2 to 5 cm cm (0.4 to 0.6 in) rarely campanulate
(0.8 to 2 in) long and (occasionally up to 3
(bell-shaped), 3 to 6 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2
cm (1.2 in)) high, and cm (1.2 to 2.4 in)
in) in diameter
1.2 to 3 cm (0.4 to long, and 3 to 5 cm
1.2 in) in diameter
(1.2 to 2.0 in) in diameter
Tepals (the colored corolla parts of Consist of two whorls. Consist of two whorls. Consist of two whorls. the cactus flower)
Outer: 20 to 30
Outer: 20 to 30
Outer: 20 to 30 tepals; have broad,
tepals; have broad,
tepals; greenish to greenish-lavender
brownish-lavender
purple with a brownish midstripe with pink
midstripe with pink to midstripe and pink or margins, and are
violet margins;
purple margins; oblanceolate; tepals
oblanceolate,
oblanceolate and transition from small, transition from small transition from small, leaf-like scales low
leaf-like scales low
leaf-like scales low on the floral tube to on the floral tube to on the floral tube to petal-like structures petal-like structures petal-like structures near rim of floral
near the rim of the
near the rim of the tube; are 4 to 30 mm
floral tube, and are 4 floral tube; 4 to 16
(0.16 to 1.2 in) long to 30 mm (0.16 to 1.2 mm (0.16 to 0.63 in) and 4 to 6 mm (0.16 to in) long and 4 to 6 mm long and 2 to 6 mm 0.24 in) wide. Inner:
(0.16 to 0.24 in)
(0.08 to 0.24 in) 12 to 20 tepals, pale wide. Inner: 12 to 20 wide. Inner: 12 to 20 pink to dark pink,
tepals; pink to
tepals; pink to oblanceolate to
violet, oblanceolate
purple, oblanceolate lanceolate, and 25 to to lanceolate, are 17 to lanceolate, 10 to 35 mm (1 to 1.4 in)
to 30 mm (0.67 to 1.2 22 mm (0.40 to 0.87 long and 4 to 6 mm
in) long, and 3 to 6
in) long and 3 to 7 mm
(0.16 to 0.24 in)
mm (0.12 to 0.24 in)
(0.12 to 0.28 in) wide; borne at rim of wide; borne at rim of wide; borne at rim of floral tube
floral tube
floral tube
Stamens
Numerous, have yellow
Numerous, with yellow
Numerous, with yellow anthers a:ttached by
anthers attached by
anthers attached by filaments (from green green-to-white
green-to-white to white) to the
filaments to the
filaments to the interior surface of
interior surface of
interior surface of the floral tube
the floral tube
the floral tube
Floral Tube
Arises from upper
Arises from upper
Arises from the upper margin of the seed-
margin of the seed-
margin of the seed- producing ovary
producing ovary
producing ovary
Ovary
Bears one style (from
Bears one style (from
Bears one style (from pink to yellow) with
pink to yellow) with
pink to yellow) with stigma of about 12
stigma of about 12
stigma of about 12 lobes. After
lobes. After
lobes. After pollination, ovary
pollination, ovary
pollination, ovary ripens into dry fruit ripens into dry fruit ripens into dry fruit in approximately 4 to in about 4 to 6 weeks, in about 4 to 6 weeks, 6 weeks, with 15 to 30 with 15 to 30 seeds
with 15 to 30 seeds seeds turning from
turning from green to turning from green to green to brown
brown
brown
Fruit
Ovoid, barrel-shaped, 9 Ovoid, barrel-shaped, 9 Ovoid, barrel-shaped, 9 to 30 mm (0.35 to 1.2 to 30 mm (0.35 to 1.2 to 30 mm (0.35 to 1.2 in) long (usually less in) long (usually less in) long (usually less than 22 mm (0.87 in)
than 25 mm (1 in)
than 25 mm (1 in) long), and 8 to 12 mm long), and 7 to 12 mm long), and 7 to 12 mm
(0.31 to 0.47 in) wide (0.28 to 0.47 in) wide (0.28 to 0.47 in) wide
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Seeds
Black, asymmetrically
Black, asymmetrically
Black, asymmetrically elongated, with hilum elongated, with hilum elongated, with hilum
(seed scar at point of near side of smaller
near the side of the attachment to ovary
seed lobe; 1.5 mm
smaller seed lobe; 1.5 wall) near side of
(0.06 in) wide and 2.5 mm (0.06 in) wide and smaller seed lobe; 1.5 mm (0.1 in) long;
2.5 mm (0.1 in) long; mm (0.06 in) wide and testa composed of
testa composed of 2.5 mm (0.1 in) long; hexagonal papillae
hexagonal papillae testa (seed coat)
with flattened tops
with flattened tops covered by rounded papillae
Main Differences
Seed characteristics
Testa characteristics
Diminutive nature of with areole pubescence are the most
central spines and of juvenile
consistent
overall plant size are individuals are the
morphological
the most consistent most consistent
characteristics
morphological morphological
separating S.
characteristics characteristics
wetlandicus and S.
separating S. separating S. glaucus brevispinus from S.
brevispinus from S. from S. wetlandicus
glaucus
wetlandicus and S. and S. brevispinus
glaucus. Testa characteristics are the most consistent morphological characteristics separating S. wetlandicus and S. brevispinus from S. glaucus
Required Determinations
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
This rule does not contain any new collections of information that require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This rule will not impose recordkeeping or reporting requirements on State or local governments, individuals, businesses, or organizations. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
National Environmental Policy Act
We have determined that we do not need to prepare an Environmental
Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement as defined under the authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, in connection with regulations adopted 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 (48 FR 49244).
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited is available upon request from the Supervisor at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Utah Field
Office (see ADDRESSES).
Authors
The authors of this document are the staff members of the Utah
Field Office (see ADDRESSES).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation. 0
Regulation Promulgation 0
Accordingly, we amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:
PART 17--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C. 4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted. 0 2. Amend Sec. 17.12(h) by revising the entry for Sclerocactus glaucus, and by adding entries for Sclerocactus brevispinus and Sclerocactus wetlandicus, in alphabetical order under FLOWERING PLANTS, to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants, to read as follows:
Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
Species
Historic range
Family
Status
When listed
Critical
Special rules
Scientific name
Common name
habitat
FLOWERING PLANTS
* * * * * *
Sclerocactus brevispinus
Pariette cactus U.S.A. (UT)
Cactaceae
T
59
NA
NA
Sclerocactus glaucus
Colorado
U.S.A. (CO)
Cactaceae
T
59
NA
NA hookless cactus
* * * * * *
Sclerocactus wetlandicus
Uinta Basin
U.S.A. (UT)
Cactaceae
T
59
NA
NA hookless cactus
* * * * * *
Page 47117
Dated: August 24, 2009.
Will Shafroth,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
FR Doc. E9-22125 Filed 9-14-09; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4310-55-S
