Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Critical Habitat for the Mojave Population of the Desert Tortoise

Resumo

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) designates critical habitat for the Mojave population of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), a species federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Located primarily on Federal land, and to a lesser extent on State, private, and Tribal lands, this critical habitat designation provides additional protection under section 7 of the Act with regard to activities that require Federal agency action. As required by section 4 of the Act, the Service considered economic and other relevant impacts prior to making a final decision on the size and configuration of critical habitat.