Notice of Availability of the Puerto Rican Broad-Winged Hawk and the Puerto Rican Sharp-Shinned Hawk Technical/Agency Draft Recovery Plan for Review and Comments

Résumé

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces availability for public review of a technical/agency draft recovery plan for the Puerto Rican broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus brunnescens) and the Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus venator). Both species are restricted to montane forests along the Cordillera Central, Sierra de Cayey, and Sierra de Luquillo. Both species are currently threatened by: Destruction and modification of forested habitat, timber harvest and management practices in public forests; road construction; increase in numbers of recreational facilities and the disturbance associated with public use; mortality and habitat destruction from hurricanes; the lack of comprehensive management plans for the public forests; possible loss of genetic variation due to low population levels; and the potential for illegal shooting. The Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk is also affected by warble fly parasitism. The Service solicits review and comments from the public on this draft plan.