Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for the Callippe Silverspot Butterfly, Behren's Silverspot Butterfly, and the Alameda Whipsnake From Northern and Central California

Samenvatting

The Service proposes to determine the callippe silverspot butterfly (Speyeria callippe callippe), Behren's silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene behrensii), and the Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus) as endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The three species are found in northern and central California. These animals and the foodplants of the larval butterflies occur on private, county, and State land, and are imperiled by one or more of the following: overcollecting, commercial and residential development, competition from alien plants, inappropriate levels of livestock grazing, off-road vehicle use, trampling by hikers and livestock, and perhaps stochastic (i.e., random) extinction by virtue of the small, isolated nature of the remaining populations. This proposal, if made final, would implement protection provided by the Act for these animals. Critical habitat is not being proposed.