Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status for Myrcia Paganii and Calyptranthes Thomasiana

摘要

The Service determines Myrcia paganii (no common name) and Calyptranthes thomasiana (no common name) to be endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. Myrcia paganii, a small evergreen tree, is endemic to Puerto Rico and known from only three locations in the limestone hills of the northwestern part of the island. Calyptranthes thomasiana, an evergreen shrub or small tree, is only known from one area on the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico, one area in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and from Gorda Peak, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. Modification and loss of habitat, coupled with low numbers and restricted distribution, represent the primary threats to these species. This final rule will provide Myrcia paganii and Calyptranthes thomasiana with the protection and recovery provisions afforded by the Act for endangered plants.