Black-Capped Vireo Proposed for Delisting
On 14 December 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it proposes to remove the Black-Capped Vireo from the Endangered Species List. The Service’s review indicates that the bird no longer qualifies for protection under the Endangered Species Act due to successful recovery efforts that have successfully managed habitat loss and brown-headed cowbird parasitism, the two major threats identified as reasons for listing the species as endangered in 1987.
How long will the process take and what happens in the meantime?
The proposed delisting of the black-capped vireo includes a 12-month finding on a petition that was filed in 2012 to downlist the species from endangered to threatened. A final rule for the delisting will be made after the Service has completed a thorough review of public comments and any additional information that may indicate whether the species continues to meet the definition of endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Meanwhile, the species remains protected and Zara is prepared to assist you with your project needs in order to ensure that your project maintains compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
What happens if the Black-Capped Vireo is removed from the Endangered Species List?
When species are removed from the Endangered Species List, the Service is required to institute a post-delisting monitoring plan for at least five years after the delisting occurs. This monitoring plan will provide information about whether the species can continue to survive without the protections provided to the species and their habitat by the Endangered Species Act. If the data indicate that the protections of the Endangered Species Act should be reinstated, the Service can take steps to re-list the species. Even though the species may be removed from the Endangered Species List, individual birds, their parts and their nests are still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to cause harm to migratory birds. The difference between the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act is that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act does not provide protections to endangered species habitat, except in the event that removing habitat causes direct harm to the bird (for example, removing a tree containing a nest with eggs or chicks).
Have something to say?
The Service is accepting comments that provides new information on the historical and current status, range, distribution, and population size of the black-capped vireo, including the locations of any additional populations; new information on the known and potential threats to the black-capped vireo; and new information regarding the life history, ecology, and habitat use of the black-capped vireo. To leave your comment(s) for the Service regarding the proposed delisting of this species, click the “Comment Now!” button on the right of this page: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FWS-R2-ES-2016-0110-0001
Comments are due by 13 February 2017.
How long will the process take and what happens in the meantime?
The proposed delisting of the black-capped vireo includes a 12-month finding on a petition that was filed in 2012 to downlist the species from endangered to threatened. A final rule for the delisting will be made after the Service has completed a thorough review of public comments and any additional information that may indicate whether the species continues to meet the definition of endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Meanwhile, the species remains protected and Zara is prepared to assist you with your project needs in order to ensure that your project maintains compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
What happens if the Black-Capped Vireo is removed from the Endangered Species List?
When species are removed from the Endangered Species List, the Service is required to institute a post-delisting monitoring plan for at least five years after the delisting occurs. This monitoring plan will provide information about whether the species can continue to survive without the protections provided to the species and their habitat by the Endangered Species Act. If the data indicate that the protections of the Endangered Species Act should be reinstated, the Service can take steps to re-list the species. Even though the species may be removed from the Endangered Species List, individual birds, their parts and their nests are still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to cause harm to migratory birds. The difference between the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act is that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act does not provide protections to endangered species habitat, except in the event that removing habitat causes direct harm to the bird (for example, removing a tree containing a nest with eggs or chicks).
Have something to say?
The Service is accepting comments that provides new information on the historical and current status, range, distribution, and population size of the black-capped vireo, including the locations of any additional populations; new information on the known and potential threats to the black-capped vireo; and new information regarding the life history, ecology, and habitat use of the black-capped vireo. To leave your comment(s) for the Service regarding the proposed delisting of this species, click the “Comment Now!” button on the right of this page: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FWS-R2-ES-2016-0110-0001
Comments are due by 13 February 2017.