GOOD News about the Flat-Tailed Lizard

[KTMrad 508]

For Release: March 14, 2011

>

> Flat-Tailed Horned Lizard Does Not Need Endangered Species Act Protection

>

> After completing an analysis of the flat-tailed horned lizard’s

> conservation status, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today the

> species does not need protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

>

> This determination was made because threats to the species as identified in

> the 1993 proposed rule are not as significant as earlier believed and

> available data do not indicate the species is likely to become endangered

> in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its

> range.

>

> Threats identified in the 1993 proposed rule included loss and degradation

> of habitat from agricultural and urban development, OHV use, geothermal

> energy development, sand and gravel mining, military training activities,

> and construction of roads and utility corridors, and gold mining.

>

> In 1997 an Inter-Agency Cooperative Agreement between Federal and State

> agencies in California and Arizona was signed, and the agencies developed a

> Rangewide Mangement Strategy to address conservation of the lizard. The

> Service subsequently withdrew the proposed listing rule in 1997. Since that

> time the withdrawal has been challenged several times.

>

> Following the most recent challenge to the Service’s determination that the

> lizard did not need the protection of the Act, a comprehensive review of

> the species’ status was initiated in 2009. Currently, about 457,457 acres

> of flat-tailed horned lizard habitat is managed by signatories to the

> Inter-Agency Cooperative Agreement. These lands are divided into five

> Management Areas (MAs) – the Borrego Badlands, West Mesa, the Yuha Desert,

> East Mesa, and the Yuma Desert. Additionally, the Ocotillo Wells State

> Vehicular Recreation Area is a designated research area.

>

> The MAs include core areas to maintain self-sustaining populations of the

> lizard in the U.S. Although the Coachella Valley population of the lizard

> is outside of any MA, conservation of that population is being addressed

> under the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan

> (Coachella Valley MSHCP).

>

> In reviewing the threats to the species identified in 1993, and any newly

> identified potential threats, the Service determined habitat loss and

> degradation largely occurred in the historical past. Although urban

> development is expected to continue in portions of the lizard’s range, the

> Coachella Valley MSHCP and the Rangewide Management Strategy provide for

> the conservation of the flat-tailed horned lizard.

>

> No gold mining occurs in the species’ range. Energy projects may affect

> some lizard habitat, but most of the impacts are anticipated to occur

> outside the designated MAs, and project proponents will be implementing

> measures to avoid or minimize impacts to the species.

>

> The Service’s priority is to make implementation of the ESA less complex,

> less contentious and more effective. The agency seeks to accelerate

> recovery of threatened and endangered species across the nation, while

> making it easier for people to coexist with these species.

>

> A copy of the final determination is on public view at the Federal Register

> and can be viewed here – Federal Register. The determination will

> officially publish on March 15, and will be available at

> www.regulations.gov. Look for the box that reads “Enter Keyword or ID” and

> enter the Docket number for this rule, which is FWS-R8-ES-2009-0072. The

> document will also be posted at http://www.fws.gov/carlsbad.

>

> You can view high quality photos of the flat-tailed horned lizard on our

> Flickr page -

>

> The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to

> conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for

> the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and

> trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific

> excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated

> professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our

> work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov/

>

>

> - FWS -

>

> Jane Hendron, Public Affairs Division Chief

> Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office

> Carlsbad, CA

> Ph: 760-431-9440 ext. 205

> jane_hendron@fws.gov

[bikeslut 1]

Good for the lizard

Good for people that want to experience nature

To the people that pull any feeble excuse they can think of to close off nature to responsible use;shame on you for wasting taxpayers money as you continue to push this issue through the processes...we know it's just an attempt to make the decision makers tired, and give in.

I hope the flat-tailed lizard is around in 1000 years...I hope my great-great-great grandkids (I know-not enough generations) get to see them in nature from the seat of whatever ohv they have

[dirt dame 559]

To the people that pull any feeble excuse they can think of to close off nature to responsible use;shame on you for wasting taxpayers money as you continue to push this issue through the processes...we know it's just an attempt to make the decision makers tired, and give in.

I'm surprised that they didn't blame us for the lizards tails being flat!

[tntmo 887]

I'm surprised that they didn't blame us for the lizards tails being flat!

They used to be round-tailed lizards, before those darn off roaders got to 'em!

[dsfox 0]

good news...every little victory counts...thanks for the news randy... and to the Lizards: I'm really glad you guys are OK

[eddie 0]

Does this mean they are back on the menu of the discerning desert gourmet?