8960 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 33 / Thursday, February 17, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 

TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (b)— 

Continued 

U.S. States Channel No. 

* * * * * 

IDAHO 

Weiser ................................... 247C1 

ILLINOIS 

* * * * * 

Cedarville .............................. 258A 

Greenup ................................ 230A 

Pinckneyville ......................... 282A 

INDIANA 

Columbus .............................. 228A 

Fowler ................................... 291A 

Madison ................................ 265A 

IOWA 

Asbury ................................... 254A 

* * * * * 

Keosauqua ............................ 271C3 

Moville ................................... 246A 

* * * * * 

Rudd ..................................... 268A 

KANSAS 

Council Grove ....................... 281C3 

* * * * * 

LOUISIANA 

* * * * * 

Golden Meadow ................... 289C2 

* * * * * 

MASSACHUSETTS 

* * * * * 

West Tisbury ......................... 282A 

* * * * * 

OKLAHOMA 

* * * * * 

Cordell .................................. 229A 

* * * * * 

Weatherford .......................... 286A 

* * * * * 

PENNSYLVANIA 

Liberty ................................... 298A 

TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (b)— 

Continued 

U.S. States Channel No. 

* * * * * 

TEXAS 

* * * * * 

Denver City ........................... 248C2 

* * * * * 

Van Alstyne .......................... 260A 

* * * * * 

WASHINGTON 

* * * * * 

Oak Harbor ........................... 233A 

* * * * * 

WISCONSIN 

Ashland ................................. 275A 

* * * * * 

Hayward ................................ 232C2 

* * * * * 

WYOMING 

* * * * * 

Jackson ................................. 294C2 

* * * * * 

U.S. Territories.

* * * * * 

VIRGIN ISLANDS 

* * * * * 

Charlotte Amalie ................... 275A 

[FR Doc. 2022–03468 Filed 2–16–22; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6712–01–P 

GENERAL SERVICES 

ADMINISTRATION 

48 CFR Part 511 

[GSAR Case 2016–G511; Docket No. 2021– 

0018; Sequence No. 1] 

RIN 3090–AJ84 

General Services Acquisition 

Regulation (GSAR); Contract 

Requirements for GSA Information 

Systems 

AGENCY: Office of Acquisition Policy, 

General Services Administration (GSA). 

ACTION: Final rule; correction. 

SUMMARY: On February 9, 2022, GSA 

published a final rule to amend the 

General Services Administration 

Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) to 

streamline and update requirements for 

contracts that involve GSA information 

systems and replace outdated text with 

existing policies of the GSA Office of 

the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) 

and provide centralized guidance to 

ensure consistent application across the 

organization. GSA is making editorial 

changes to an amendatory instruction 

under Part 511. 

DATES: Effective March 11, 2022. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Johnnie McDowell, Procurement 

Analyst, at 202–718–6112 or 

gsarpolicy@gsa.gov, for clarification of 

content. For information pertaining to 

status or publication schedules, contact 

the Regulatory Secretariat Division at 

202–501–4755 or gsaregsec@gsa.gov. 

Please cite GSAR Case 2016–G511. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In FR Doc. 

2022–02662 appearing on pages 7393– 

7395 in the issue of February 9, 2022, 

make the following correction: 

511.171 [Corrected] 

On page 7395, in the second column, 

Instruction 4 is corrected to read: 

4. Amend part 511 by adding Subpart 

511.1—Selecting and Developing 

Requirements Documents, consisting of 

section 511.171 to read as follows: 

Jeffrey A. Koses, 

Senior Procurement Executive, Office of 

Acquisition Policy, Office of Governmentwide Policy, General Services Administration. 

[FR Doc. 2022–03411 Filed 2–16–22; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6820–61–P 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

50 CFR Part 17 

[Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2021–0133; 

FF09E21000 FXES1111090FEDR 223] 

RIN 1018–BF29 

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife 

and Plants; Technical Amendments for 

Southeastern Mussels, Snails, and a 

Reptile 

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, 

Interior. 

ACTION: Direct final rule. 

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service, announce the revised 

taxonomy of 16 wildlife species under 

the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 

amended (Act). We are revising the List 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 33 / Thursday, February 17, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 8961 

of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife 

and/or other applicable regulations to 

reflect the scientifically accepted 

taxonomy and nomenclature of these 

species. 

DATES: This rule is effective May 18, 

2022 without further action, unless 

significant adverse comment is received 

by March 21, 2022. If significant adverse 

comment is received, we will publish a 

timely withdrawal of the rule for the 

appropriate species in the Federal 

Register. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments 

by one of the following methods: 

(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal 

eRulemaking Portal: http://

www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, 

enter FWS–R4–ES–2021–0133, which is 

the docket number for this rulemaking. 

Then, click on the Search button. On the 

resulting page, in the Search panel on 

the left side of the screen, under the 

Document Type heading, click on the 

Rule box to locate this document. You 

may submit a comment by clicking on 

‘‘Comment.’’ 

(2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail 

to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: 

FWS–R4–ES–2021–0133, U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W (JAO), 

5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 

22041–3803. 

We request that you send comments 

only by the methods described above. 

We will post all comments on http://

www.regulations.gov. This generally 

means that we will post any personal 

information you provide us (see Public 

Comments, below, for more 

information). 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Nicole Rankin, Chief, Division of 

Conservation and Classification, U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior 

Regions 2 and 4, 1875 Century 

Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30345; 

telephone 404–679–7089. Individuals 

who are hearing impaired or speech 

impaired may call the Federal Relay 

Service at 800–877–8337 for TTY 

(telephone typewriter or teletypewriter) 

assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a 

week. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Purpose of Direct Final Rule and Final 

Action 

The purpose of this direct final rule 

is to notify the public that we are 

revising the List of Endangered and 

Threatened Wildlife (List) in title 50 of 

the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 

§ 17.11(h) (50 CFR 17.11(h)) and/or 

other applicable regulations to reflect 

the scientifically accepted taxonomy 

and nomenclature of 13 freshwater 

mussel species, 2 snail species, and 1 

reptile species listed under section 4 of 

the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). These 

changes to the List and/or other 

applicable regulations reflect the most 

recently accepted scientific name in 

accordance with 50 CFR 17.11(c). 

We are publishing this rule without a 

prior proposal because this is a 

noncontroversial action that is in the 

best interest of the public and should be 

undertaken in as timely a manner as 

possible. This rule will be effective, as 

published in this document, on the 

effective date specified in DATES, unless 

we receive significant adverse 

comments by the comment due date 

specified in DATES. Significant adverse 

comments are comments that provide 

strong justification as to why our rule 

should not be adopted or why it should 

be changed. 

If we receive significant adverse 

comments regarding the taxonomic 

changes for any of these species, we will 

publish a document in the Federal 

Register withdrawing this rule for the 

appropriate species before the effective 

date, and we will publish a proposed 

rule to initiate promulgation of those 

changes to 50 CFR 17.11(h) and/or other 

applicable regulations. 

Public Comments 

You may submit your comments and 

materials regarding our direct final rule 

by one of the methods listed in 

ADDRESSES. Please include sufficient 

information with your submission (such 

as scientific journal articles or other 

publications) to allow us to verify any 

scientific or commercial information 

you include. 

If you submit information via http:// 

www.regulations.gov, your entire 

submission—including any personal 

identifying information—will be posted 

on the website. If your submission is 

made via a hardcopy that includes 

personal identifying information, you 

may request at the top of your document 

that we withhold this information from 

public review. However, we cannot 

guarantee that we will be able to do so. 

We will post all hardcopy submissions 

on http://www.regulations.gov. 

Comments and materials we receive, 

as well as supporting documentation we 

used in preparing this direct final rule, 

will be available for public inspection 

on http://www.regulations.gov. 

Background 

Sections 17.11(c) and 17.12(b) of title 

50 of the CFR direct us to use the most 

recently accepted scientific name of any 

species that we have determined to be 

an endangered or threatened species. 

Using the best available scientific 

information, this direct final rule 

documents taxonomic changes of the 

scientific names to 12 entries under 

‘‘Clams,’’ 2 entries under ‘‘Snails,’’ and 

1 entry under ‘‘Reptiles’’ on the List at 

50 CFR 17.11(h). The basis for these 

taxonomic changes is supported by 

published studies in peer-reviewed 

journals. Accordingly, we revise the 

scientific names of these 15 species 

under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 

1533) as follows: 

Species name as currently listed Corrected species name 

Ouachita rock-pocketbook (Arkansia wheeleri) ........................................ Ouachita rock pocketbook (Arcidens wheeleri). 

Northern riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana) ................................. Northern riffleshell (Epioblasma rangiana). 

Finelined pocketbook (Lampsilis altilis) .................................................... Finelined pocketbook (Hamiota altilis). 

Orangenacre mucket (Lampsilis perovalis) .............................................. Orangenacre mucket (Hamiota perovalis). 

Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) ..................................... Shinyrayed pocketbook (Hamiota subangulata). 

Choctaw bean (Villosa choctawensis) ...................................................... Choctaw bean (Obovaria choctawensis). 

James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) ................................................ James spinymussel (Parvaspina collina). 

Tar River spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana) ........................................ Tar River spinymussel (Parvaspina steinstansana). 

Cumberland pigtoe (Pleurobema gibberum) ............................................ Cumberland pigtoe (Pleuronaia gibber). 

Round ebonyshell (Fusconaia rotulata) ................................................... Round ebonyshell (Reginaia rotulata). 

Cumberland monkeyface (Quadrula intermedia) ..................................... Cumberland monkeyface (Theliderma intermedia). 

Appalachian monkeyface (pearlymussel) (Quadrula sparsa) .................. Appalachian monkeyface (Theliderma sparsa). 

Royal marstonia (Pyrgulopsis ogmorhaphe) ............................................ Royal marstonia (Marstonia ogmorhaphe). 

Armored marstonia (snail) (Pyrgulopsis (= Marstonia) pachyta) ............. Armored marstonia (Marstonia pachyta). 

Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) ................................. Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi). 


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8962 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 33 / Thursday, February 17, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 

We make these changes to the List at 

50 CFR 17.11(h) to reflect the most 

recently accepted scientific name in 

accordance with 50 CFR 17.11(c). 

In addition, while the List provides 

the correct scientific name for the fluted 

kidneyshell, Ptychobranchus subtentus, 

its critical habitat designation at 50 CFR 

17.95(f) does not. We are correcting the 

scientific name of this species in its 

critical habitat entry, as explained 

below. 

Taxonomic Classification 

Ouachita Rock Pocketbook 

On October 23, 1991, we published a 

final rule (56 FR 54950) listing the 

Ouachita rock-pocketbook (Arkansia 

wheeleri) as an endangered species. At 

the time of listing and preparation of the 

recovery plan, standard classifications 

of mollusks from the United States and 

Canada (Turgeon et al. 1988, p. 29; 

Turgeon et al. 1998, p. 32; Williams et 

al. 1993, p. 11) placed the Ouachita rock 

pocketbook in the genus Arkansia. 

Williams et al. (2017) published an 

updated standard list of freshwater 

mussels of the United States and 

Canada, in which they made Arkansia a 

synonym of Arcidens and thus 

reassigned the Ouachita rock 

pocketbook to the latter genus. Williams 

et al. (2017, p. 46) based their actions on 

the analyses by Inoue et al. (2014, 

entire) and the prior recommendations 

of Clarke (1981, pp. 85–89) and Graf and 

Cummings (2007, p. 305). This 

taxonomic change does not affect the 

range or endangered status of the 

Ouachita rock pocketbook. 

Northern Riffleshell 

On January 22, 1993, we published a 

final rule (58 FR 5638) listing the 

northern riffleshell (Epioblasma 

torulosa rangiana) as an endangered 

species. It was taxonomically 

categorized as a subspecies (Epioblasma 

torulosa rangiana) at the time of listing 

and recovery plan development. The 

taxonomy of the northern riffleshell and 

related taxa has been variable due to 

uncertain species’ designations, a 

general change in the definition of the 

species’ concept in freshwater mussels 

(Williams et al. 2017, p. 34), and 

ecophenotypic variation (characteristics 

modified by environmental factors). The 

decline and extinction of many 

Epioblasma occurred before genetic 

techniques became available to provide 

data that could be informative to the 

species’ taxonomy. At the time we listed 

the northern riffleshell as endangered as 

Epioblasma torulosa rangiana, it was 

one of three subspecies, with the 

tubercled blossom, Epioblasma torulosa, 

and green blossom, Epioblasma torulosa 

gubernaculum (Turgeon et al. 1998, pp. 

34, 182). Cummings and Berlocher 

(1990, p. 92) found no evidence of 

intergradation between E. t. torulosa 

and E. t. rangiana, and both taxa cooccurred at many sites; based on this 

evidence, Williams et al. (2017, p. 48) 

elevated these subspecies to species 

status. This taxonomic change does not 

affect the range or endangered status of 

the northern riffleshell. 

Hamiota 

The genus Hamiota was recently 

described to accommodate a 

monophyletic clade (a group descended 

from a common ancestor) of four species 

that produce superconglutinates 

(enclosing their larvae in a minnow-like 

lure). The four species previously 

recognized under Lampsilis are: L. 

altilis, L. australis, L. perovalis, and L. 

subangulata (Roe and Hartfield 2005, 

entire; Roe et al. 2001, pp. 2230–2232). 

The new genus has been recognized 

within recent taxonomic publications 

(e.g., Williams et al. 2008; Williams et 

al. 2017). Williams et al. (2017, p. 49) 

recognize the reassignment of these 

species from Lampsilis to Hamiota. The 

southern sandshell (Hamiota australis) 

is already recognized as such on the 

List. The remaining three species are 

discussed below. 

Finelined Pocketbook 

On March 17, 1993, we published a 

final rule (58 FR 14330) listing the 

finelined pocketbook (Lampsilis altilis) 

as a threatened species. On July 1, 2004, 

we published a final rule (69 FR 40084) 

designating critical habitat for the 

finelined pocketbook. Williams et al. 

(2017, p. 49) reassigned the scientific 

name for the finelined pocketbook from 

Lampsilis to Hamiota altilis. With this 

rule, in addition to amending the 

scientific name of the species in the 

List, we correct the scientific name for 

this species in its critical habitat 

designation at 50 CFR 17.95(f). This 

taxonomic change does not affect the 

range, threatened status, or designated 

critical habitat of the finelined 

pocketbook. 

Orangenacre Mucket 

On March 17, 1993, we published a 

final rule (58 FR 14330) listing the 

orangenacre mucket (Lampsilis 

perovalis) as a threatened species. On 

July 1, 2004, we published a final rule 

(69 FR 40084) designating critical 

habitat for the orangenacre mucket. In 

the March 17, 1993, final rule, we also 

recognized the following names as 

synonyms of Lampsilis perovalis: Unio 

perovalis Conrad, Unio doliaris Lea, 

Unio placitus Lea, and Unio spilimani 

Lea. Williams et al. (2017, p. 49) 

reassigned the scientific name for the 

orangenacre mucket from Lampsilis to 

Hamiota perovalis. With this rule, in 

addition to amending the scientific 

name of the species in the List, we 

correct the scientific name for this 

species in its critical habitat designation 

at 50 CFR 17.95(f). This taxonomic 

change does not affect the range, 

threatened status, or designated critical 

habitat of the orangenacre mucket. 

Shinyrayed Pocketbook 

On March 16, 1998, we published a 

final rule (63 FR 12664) listing the 

shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis 

subangulata) as an endangered species. 

On November 15, 2007, we published a 

final rule (72 FR 64286) designating 

critical habitat for the species. Williams 

et al. (2017, p. 49) reassigned the 

scientific name for the shinyrayed 

pocketbook from Lampsilis to Hamiota 

subangulata. With this rule, in addition 

to amending the scientific name of the 

species in the List, we correct the 

scientific name for this species in its 

critical habitat designation at 50 CFR 

17.95(f). This taxonomic change does 

not affect the range, endangered status, 

or designated critical habitat of the 

shinyrayed pocketbook. 

Choctaw Bean 

On October 10, 2012, we published a 

final rule (77 FR 61664) listing the 

Choctaw bean (Villosa choctawensis) as 

an endangered species and designating 

critical habitat for the species. Turgeon 

et al. (1998, p. 37) recognized 17 species 

and 1 subspecies of Villosa. The genus 

is polyphyletic, with species occurring 

in as many as seven different clades 

within the Lampsilini (Kuehnl 2009; 

entire). Based on molecular data 

(Kuehnl 2009, pp. 100, 106–107; Inoue 

et al. 2013, entire) and marsupial 

morphology (Williams et al. 2011, p. 

22), Williams et al. (2017, pp. 53–54) 

reassigned Villosa choctawensis to 

Obovaria. Evidence also supports 

reassignment to Obovaria of species 

recognized by Turgeon et al. (1998) 

under other genera. Williams et al. 

(2017, p. 50) reassigned the scientific 

name for the Choctaw bean from Villosa 

to Obovaria choctawensis. With this 

rule, in addition to amending the 

scientific name of the species in the 

List, we correct the scientific name for 

this species in its critical habitat 

designation at 50 CFR 17.95(f). This 

taxonomic change does not affect the 

range, endangered status, or designated 

critical habitat of the Choctaw bean. 


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Spinymussel 

The new genus Parvaspina was 

recently described to accommodate a 

monophyletic clade of two species 

previously recognized as Pleurobema 

collina and Elliptio steinstansana 

(Perkins et al. 2017, entire). Williams et 

al. (2017, pp. 47, 51) reassigned the 

scientific name for the James 

spinymussel from Pleurobema to 

Parvaspina collina and the Tar River 

spinymussel from Elliptio to Parvaspina 

steinstansana. 

James Spinymussel 

On July 22, 1988, we published a final 

rule (53 FR 27689) listing the James 

spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) as an 

endangered species. Turgeon et al. 

(1998, pp. 32, 183–184) recognized 32 

species of Pleurobema, making it one of 

the largest unionid genera. Molecular 

data largely support the monophyly of 

Pleurobema as depicted by Turgeon et 

al. (1998, pp. 32, 183–184) with two 

exceptions. Three studies support 

reassignment of Pleurobema to 

Parvaspina collina (Campbell et al. 

2008, pp. 712, 719; Campbell and 

Lydeard 2012b, pp. 20, 24–26, 29, 34; 

Perkins et al. 2017, entire). This 

taxonomic change does not affect the 

range or endangered status of the James 

spinymussel. 

Tar River Spinymussel 

On June 27, 1985, we published a 

final rule (50 FR 26572) listing the Tar 

River spinymussel (Elliptio (Canthyria) 

steinstansana) as an endangered 

species. The species recovery plan 

(1987) also uses the scientific name 

Elliptio (Canthyria) steinstansana. 

Turgeon et al. (1998, pp. 33, 181) 

recognized 36 species in the genus 

Elliptio, making it the largest unionid 

genus in the United States and Canada. 

Recent molecular studies have largely 

supported the monophyly of Elliptio 

with two exceptions, including the Tar 

River spinymussel (Campbell and 

Lydeard 2012b, p. 20; Perkins et al. 

2017, entire). Williams et al. (2017, pp. 

38, 41) recognize the reassignment of 

Elliptio to Parvaspina steinstansana 

based on molecular data (Perkins et al. 

2017, entire). This taxonomic change 

does not affect the range or endangered 

status of the Tar River spinymussel. 

Cumberland Pigtoe 

On May 7, 1991, we published a final 

rule (56 FR 21084) listing the 

Cumberland pigtoe (Pleurobema 

gibberum) as an endangered species. 

The genus Pleuronaia was created as a 

subgenus by Frierson (1927, p. 58) but 

has since been elevated to genus level 

based on phylogenetic analysis of DNA 

sequence data (Campbell et al. 2005, p. 

147) and shell morphology (Williams et 

al. 2008). Williams et al. (2017, pp. 42, 

51) reassign the Cumberland pigtoe from 

Pleurobema to Pleuronaia and recognize 

it as Pleuronaia gibber. This taxonomic 

change does not affect the range or 

endangered status of the Cumberland 

pigtoe. 

Fluted Kidneyshell 

On September 26, 2013, we published 

a final rule (78 FR 59269) listing the 

fluted kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus 

subtentum) as an endangered species 

and designating critical habitat for the 

species. Williams et al. (2017, pp. 42, 

51) lists the gender agreement spelling 

correction of Ptychobranchus 

subtentum to P. subtentus following Lee 

(2008, p. 262). The taxonomic change to 

Ptychobranchus subtentus was made to 

the List with a final rule we published 

on August 4, 2016 (81 FR 51550); 

however, that rule did not also change 

the scientific name of the species in its 

critical habitat designation. We are, 

therefore, correcting the scientific name 

of the fluted kidneyshell in its critical 

habitat designation at 50 CFR 17.95(f) 

with this direct final rule. This change 

does not affect the range, endangered 

status, or designated critical habitat of 

the fluted kidneyshell. 

Round Ebonyshell 

On October 10, 2012, we published a 

final rule (77 FR 61664) listing the 

round ebonyshell (Fusconaia rotulata) 

as an endangered species and 

designating critical habitat for the 

species. The round ebonyshell has been 

assigned to a number of genera since 

discovery. Based on a recent molecular 

study, Fusconaia rotulata was 

reassigned to the new genus Reginaia 

(Campbell and Lydeard 2012a, pp. 20, 

25–26, 34). Williams et al. 2017 (p. 50) 

recognized the Reginaia as the new 

genus for this species. With this rule, in 

addition to amending the scientific 

name of the species in the List, we 

correct the scientific name for this 

species in its critical habitat designation 

at 50 CFR 17.95(f). This taxonomic 

change does not affect the range, 

endangered status, or designated critical 

habitat of the round ebonyshell. 

Theliderma 

The genus Theliderma was created by 

Graf and Cummings (2007, p. 308) to 

accommodate five species with a 

common ancestor: Quadrula cylindrica, 

Q. intermedia, Q. metanevra, Q. sparsa, 

and Q. stapes (Serb et al. 2003, p. 9). 

Williams et al. (2017, p. 52) recognize 

placement of all five of these species in 

Theliderma. 

Cumberland and Appalachian 

Monkeyface 

On June 14, 1976, we published a 

final rule (41 FR 24062) listing the 

Cumberland monkeyface and 

Appalachian monkeyface (Quadrula 

intermedia and Quadrula sparsa, 

respectively) as endangered species. 

Williams et al. (2017, pp. 43, 52) 

reassigned the Cumberland monkeyface 

and Appalachian monkeyface to the 

genus Theliderma (Serb et al. 2003, p. 

9; Campbell and Lydeard 2012b, p. 33; 

see also Graf and Cummings 2007, p. 

308) and recognized the scientific 

names Theliderma intermedia and 

Theliderma sparsa, respectively. These 

pearlymussels have nonessential 

experimental populations designated at 

50 CFR 17.85(a) (for Cumberland 

monkeyface) and 17.85(b) (for both 

Appalachian monkeyface and 

Cumberland monkeyface); with this 

rule, in addition to amending the 

scientific name of the species in the 

List, we correct the scientific name for 

these species at 50 CFR 17.85(a) and (b). 

This taxonomic change does not affect 

the range, endangered status, or 

nonessential experimental populations 

for these mussels. 

Royal Marstonia 

On April 15, 1994, we published a 

final rule (59 FR 17994) listing the royal 

marstonia (Pyrgulopsis ogmorhaphe) as 

an endangered species. The 

nomenclature for the royal marstonia 

has changed since listing. Thompson 

and Herschler (2002, pp. 269–270) reevaluated eastern North American 

species assigned to Pyrgulopsis and, 

based on strongly differentiated 

morphological characteristics between 

eastern and western congeners of 

Pyrgulopsis, recognized them as distinct 

species of the genus Marstonia. 

Similarly, Johnson et al. (2013, p. 274) 

used M. ogmorhaphe in their 

Conservation Status of Freshwater 

Gastropods of Canada and United 

States. This taxonomic change does not 

affect the range or endangered status of 

royal marstonia. 

Armored Marstonia 

On February 25, 2000, we published 

a final rule (65 FR 10033) listing the 

armored marstonia (snail) (Pyrgulopsis 

(= Marstonia) pachyta) as an 

endangered species. A subsequent study 

showed that eastern and western 

Pyrgulopsis were consistently 

differentiable based on anatomical 

characters (Thompson and Hershler 

2002, pp. 269–270). Therefore, the 

eastern species of Pyrgulopis was placed 

in the genus Marstonia (Thompson and 


lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with RULES1
8964 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 33 / Thursday, February 17, 2022 / Rules and Regulations 

Hershler 2002, pp. 269–270), and is the 

currently accepted nomenclature 

(Johnson et al. 2013, p. 274). This 

taxonomic change does not affect the 

range or endangered status of the 

armored marstonia. 

Eastern Indigo Snake 

On January 31, 1978, we published a 

final rule (43 FR 4026) listing the 

eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon 

corais couperi) as a threatened species. 

Collins (1991, p. 43) elevated this 

lineage to species status based on 

geographic isolation and morphology. 

Subsequent work supported this 

designation, and the eastern indigo 

snake was accepted by the scientific 

community as its own species, 

Drymarchon couperi (Wu ̈ ster et al. 2001, 

p. 163; Crother et al. 2012, p. 59). 

Ongoing genetic studies further 

evaluating taxonomic classification 

suggest potential speciation within 

Drymarchon couperi (Krysko et al. 2016, 

entire); however, the scientific 

community has not yet examined and 

accepted the eastern indigo snake 

taxonomic change suggested by Krysko 

et al. (2016). Currently, the eastern 

indigo snake is accepted by the 

scientific community as a separate 

species, Drymarchon couperi (Crother et 

al. 2012, p. 59). This taxonomic change 

does not affect the range or threatened 

status of the eastern indigo snake. 

Required Determinations 

Clarity of the Rule 

We are required by Executive Orders 

12866 and 12988 and by the 

Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 

1998, to write all rules in plain 

language. This means that each rule we 

publish must: 

(a) Be logically organized; 

(b) Use the active voice to address 

readers directly; 

(c) Use clear language rather than 

jargon; 

(d) Be divided into short sections and 

sentences; and 

(e) Use lists and tables wherever 

possible. 

If you feel that we have not met these 

requirements, send us comments by one 

of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To 

help us to revise this rule, your 

comments should be as specific as 

possible. For example, you should tell 

us the paragraphs that are unclearly 

written, which sections or sentences are 

too long, the sections where you feel 

lists or tables would be useful, etc. 

National Environmental Policy Act 

We have determined that we do not 

need to prepare environmental 

assessments or environmental impact 

statements, as defined under the 

authority of the National Environmental 

Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 

seq.), in connection with regulations 

adopted under section 4(a) of the 

Endangered Species Act. We published 

a notice outlining our reasons for this 

determination in the Federal Register 

on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244). 

Government-to-Government 

Relationship With Tribes 

In accordance with the President’s 

memorandum of April 29, 1994, 

‘‘Government-to-Government Relations 

with Native American Tribal 

Governments’’ (59 FR 22951), Executive 

Order 13175, and the Department of the 

Interior’s manual at 512 DM 2, we 

readily acknowledge our responsibility 

to communicate meaningfully with 

recognized Federal Tribes on a 

government-to-government basis. In 

accordance with Secretarial Order 3206 

of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal 

Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust 

Responsibilities, and the Endangered 

Species Act), we readily acknowledge 

our responsibilities to work directly 

with Tribes in developing programs for 

healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge that 

Tribal lands are not subject to the same 

controls as Federal public lands, to 

remain sensitive to Indian culture, and 

to make information available to Tribes. 

We have determined that this rule will 

not affect Tribes or Tribal lands. 

References Cited 

A complete list of the referenced 

materials is available at http://

www.regulations.gov at Docket No. 

FWS–R4–ES–2021–0133 or upon 

request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT). 

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17 

Endangered and threatened species, 

Exports, Imports, Plants, Reporting and 

recordkeeping requirements, 

Transportation, Wildlife. 

Regulation Promulgation 

For the reasons given in the preamble, 

we amend part 17, subchapter B of 

chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations, as set forth below: 

PART 17—ENDANGERED AND 

THREATENED WILDLIFE 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 17 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 16. U.S.C. 1361–1407; 1531– 

1544; 4201–4245, unless otherwise noted. 

■ 2. In § 17.11 amend the table in 

paragraph (h), the List of Endangered 

and Threatened Wildlife by: 

■ a. Under REPTILES, revising the entry 

for ‘‘Snake, eastern indigo’’; 

■ b. Under CLAMS, revising the entries 

for ‘‘Bean, Choctaw’’, ‘‘Ebonyshell, 

round’’, ‘‘Monkeyface, Appalachian 

(pearlymussel)’’, ‘‘Monkeyface, 

Cumberland’’, ‘‘Mucket, orangenacre’’, 

‘‘Pigtoe, Cumberland’’, ‘‘Pocketbook, 

finelined’’, ‘‘Pocketbook, shinyrayed’’, 

‘‘Riffleshell, northern’’, ‘‘Rockpocketbook, Ouachita’’, ‘‘Spinymussel, 

James’’, and ‘‘Spinymussel, Tar River’’; 

and 

■ c. Under SNAILS, revising the entries 

for ‘‘Marstonia, armored (snail)’’ and 

‘‘Marstonia, royal’’. 

The revisions read as follows: 

§ 17.11 Endangered and threatened 

wildlife. 

* * * * * 

(h) * * * 

Common name Scientific name Where listed Status Listing citations and applicable rules 

*******

REPTILES 

*******

Snake, eastern indigo ........... Drymarchon couperi ............. Wherever found .................... T 43 FR 4026, 1/31/1978. 

* * * * * * * 

CLAMS 


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Common name Scientific name Where listed Status Listing citations and applicable rules 

*******

Bean, Choctaw ..................... Obovaria choctawensis ........ Wherever found .................... E 77 FR 61663, 10/10/2012; 50 CFR 

17.95(f).CH

* * * * * * * 

Ebonyshell, round ................. Reginaia rotulata .................. Wherever found .................... E 58 FR 14330, 3/17/1993; 50 CFR 

17.95(f).CH

* * * * * * * 

Monkeyface, Appalachian 

(pearlymussel).

Theliderma sparsa ................ Wherever found, except 

where listed as an experimental population.

E 41 FR 24062, 6/14/1976. 

Monkeyface, Appalachian 

(pearlymussel).

Theliderma sparsa ................ U.S.A. (TN—specified portions of the French Broad 

and Holston Rivers; see 

§ 17.85(b)(1)).

XN 72 FR 52434, 9/13/2007; 50 CFR 

17.85(b).10j

Monkeyface, Cumberland ..... Theliderma intermedia .......... Wherever found, except 

where listed as an experimental population.

E 41 FR 24062, 6/14/1976. 

Monkeyface, Cumberland ..... Theliderma intermedia .......... U.S.A. (AL—specified portions of the Tennessee 

River; see § 17.85(a)(1)).

XN 66 FR 32250, 6/14/2001; 50 CFR 

17.85(a).10j

Monkeyface, Cumberland ..... Theliderma intermedia .......... U.S.A. (TN—specified portions of the French Broad 

and Holston Rivers; see 

§ 17.85(b)(1)).

XN 72 FR 52434, 9/13/2007; 50 CFR 

17.85(b).10j

* * * * * * * 

Mucket, orangenacre ............ Hamiota perovalis ................. Wherever found .................... T 58 FR 14330, 3/17/1993; 50 CFR 

17.95(f).CH

* * * * * * * 

Pigtoe, Cumberland .............. Pleuronaia gibber ................. Wherever found .................... E 56 FR 21084, 5/7/1991. 

* * * * * * * 

Pocketbook, finelined ........... Hamiota altilis ....................... Wherever found .................... T 58 FR 14330, 3/17/1993; 50 CFR 

17.95(f).CH

Pocketbook, shinyrayed ....... Hamiota subangulata ........... Wherever found .................... E 63 FR 12664, 3/16/1998; 50 CFR 

17.95(f).CH

* * * * * * * 

Riffleshell, northern ............... Epioblasma rangiana ............ Wherever found .................... E 58 FR 5638, 1/22/1993. 

* * * * * * * 

Rock pocketbook, Ouachita Arcidens wheeleri ................. Wherever found .................... E 56 FR 54950, 10/23/1991. 

* * * * * * * 

Spinymussel, James ............. Parvaspina collina ................ Wherever found .................... E 53 FR 27689, 7/22/1988. 

Spinymussel, Tar River ........ Parvaspina steinstansana .... Wherever found .................... E 50 FR 26572, 6/27/1985. 

* * * * * * * 

SNAILS 

*******

Marstonia, armored (snail) ... Marstonia pachyta ................ Wherever found .................... E 65 FR 10033, 2/25/2000. 

Marstonia, royal .................... Marstonia ogmorhaphe ........ Wherever found .................... E 59 FR 17994, 4/15/1994. 

* * * * * * * 

■ 3. Amend § 17.85 by: 

■ a. In the introductory text of 

paragraph (a), revising the entry for 

‘‘Cumberland monkeyface 

(pearlymussel)’’; and 

■ b. In the introductory text of 

paragraph (b), revising the entries for 

‘‘Appalachian monkeyface 

(pearlymussel)’’ and ‘‘Cumberland 

monkeyface (pearlymussel)’’. 

The revisions read as follows: 

§ 17.85 Special rules—invertebrates. 

(a) * * * 


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Common name Scientific name 

*******

Cumberland monkeyface (pearlymussel) ................................................. Theliderma intermedia. 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * (b) * * * 

Common name Scientific name 

*******

Appalachian monkeyface (pearlymussel) ................................................. Theliderma sparsa. 

Cumberland monkeyface (pearlymussel) ................................................. Theliderma intermedia. 

*******

■ 4. Amend § 17.95(f) by: 

■ a. In the entry for ‘‘Eleven Mobile 

River Basin Mussel Species: Southern 

acornshell (Epioblasma othcaloogensis), 

ovate clubshell (Pleurobema 

perovatum), southern clubshell 

(Pleurobema decisum), upland 

combshell (Epioblasma metastriata), 

triangular kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus 

greenii), Alabama moccasinshell 

(Medionidus acutissimus), Coosa 

moccasinshell (Medionidus parvulus), 

orange-nacre mucket (Lampsilis 

perovalis), dark pigtoe (Pleurobema 

furvum), southern pigtoe (Pleurobema 

georgianum), and fine-lined pocketbook 

(Lampsilis altilis)’’, revising the 

heading, the introductory text to 

paragraph (1), and the entries for 

‘‘Orange-nacre mucket (Lampsilis 

perovalis)’’ and ‘‘Fine-lined pocketbook 

(Lampsilis altilis)’’ in the table at 

paragraph (2)(ii); 

■ b. In the entry for ‘‘Seven mussel 

species (in four northeast Gulf of 

Mexico drainages): Purple bankclimber 

(Elliptoideus sloatianus), Gulf 

moccasinshell (Medionidus 

penicillatus), Ochlockonee 

moccasinshell (Medionidus 

simpsonianus), oval pigtoe (Pleurobema 

pyriforme), shinyrayed pocketbook 

(Lampsilis subangulata), Chipola 

slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), and fat 

threeridge (Amblema neislerii)’’, 

revising the heading, the introductory 

text to paragraph (2), and the entry for 

‘‘Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis 

subangulata)’’ in the table at paragraph 

(6); 

■ c. In the entry for ‘‘Eight mussel 

species in four northeast Gulf of Mexico 

drainages: the Choctaw bean (Villosa 

choctawensis), round ebonyshell 

(Fusconaia rotulata), southern 

kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus jonesi), 

Alabama pearlshell (Margaritifera 

marrianae), fuzzy pigtoe (Pleurobema 

strodeanum), narrow pigtoe (Fusconaia 

escambia), tapered pigtoe (Fusconaia 

burkei), and southern sandshell 

(Hamiota australis)’’, by revising the 

heading; and 

■ d. In the entry for ‘‘Fluted Kidneyshell 

(Ptychobranchus subtentum)’’ by 

revising the heading. 

The revisions read as follows: 

§ 17.95 Critical habitat—fish and wildlife. 

* * * * * 

(f) * * * 

Eleven Mobile River Basin Mussel 

Species: Southern acornshell 

(Epioblasma othcaloogensis), ovate 

clubshell (Pleurobema perovatum), 

southern clubshell (Pleurobema 

decisum), upland combshell 

(Epioblasma metastriata), triangular 

kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus greenii), 

Alabama moccasinshell (Medionidus 

acutissimus), Coosa moccasinshell 

(Medionidus parvulus), orangenacre 

mucket (Hamiota perovalis), dark pigtoe 

(Pleurobema furvum), southern pigtoe 

(Pleurobema georgianum), and finelined 

pocketbook (Hamiota altilis) 

(1) The primary constituent elements 

essential for the conservation of the 

southern acornshell (Epioblasma 

othcaloogensis), ovate clubshell 

(Pleurobema perovatum), southern 

clubshell (Pleurobema decisum), upland 

combshell (Epioblasma metastriata), 

triangular kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus 

greenii), Alabama moccasinshell 

(Medionidus acutissimus), Coosa 

moccasinshell (Medionidus parvulus), 

orangenacre mucket (Hamiota 

perovalis), dark pigtoe (Pleurobema 

furvum), southern pigtoe (Pleurobema 

georgianum), and finelined pocketbook 

(Hamiota altilis) are those habitat 

components that support feeding, 

sheltering, reproduction, and physical 

features for maintaining the natural 

processes that support these habitat 

components. The primary constituent 

elements include: 

* * * * * 

(2) * * * 

(ii) * * * 

Species Critical habitat units States 

*******

Orangenacre mucket (Hamiota 

perovalis).

Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 .............................. AL, MS. 

*******

Finelined pocketbook (Hamiota 

altilis).

Units 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 .............................. AL, GA, TN. 

* * * * * Seven mussel species (in four 

northeast Gulf of Mexico drainages): 

Purple bankclimber (Elliptoideus 

sloatianus), Gulf moccasinshell 


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(Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee 

moccasinshell (Medionidus 

simpsonianus), oval pigtoe (Pleurobema 

pyriforme), shinyrayed pocketbook 

(Hamiota subangulata), Chipola 

slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), and fat 

threeridge (Amblema neislerii) 

* * * * * 

(2) The primary constituent elements 

of critical habitat for the purple 

bankclimber (Elliptoideus sloatianus), 

Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus 

penicillatus), Ochlockonee 

moccasinshell (Medionidus 

simpsonianus), oval pigtoe (Pleurobema 

pyriforme), shinyrayed pocketbook 

(Hamiota subangulata), Chipola 

slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), and fat 

threeridge (Amblema neislerii) are: 

* * * * * 

(6) * * * 

Species Critical habitat units States 

*******

Shinyrayed pocketbook (Hamiota 

subangulata).

Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 ........................................................................... AL, FL, GA. 

* * * * * * * 

* * * * * 

Eight mussel species in four northeast 

Gulf of Mexico drainages: Choctaw bean 

(Obovaria choctawensis), round 

ebonyshell (Reginaia rotulata), southern 

kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus jonesi), 

Alabama pearlshell (Margaritifera 

marrianae), fuzzy pigtoe (Pleurobema 

strodeanum), narrow pigtoe (Fusconaia 

escambia), tapered pigtoe (Fusconaia 

burkei), and southern sandshell 

(Hamiota australis) 

* * * * * 

Fluted Kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus 

subtentus) 

* * * * * 

Martha Williams, 

Principal Deputy Director, Exercising the 

Delegated Authority of the Director, U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service. 

[FR Doc. 2022–03115 Filed 2–16–22; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4333–15–P 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

50 CFR Part 17 

[Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2019–0113; 

FF09E22000 FXES11130900000 212] 

RIN 1018–BE64 

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife 

and Plants; Reclassification of 

Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat From 

Endangered To Threatened With a 

Section 4(d) Rule 

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, 

Interior. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (Service), are 

reclassifying the Stephens’ kangaroo rat 

(Dipodomys stephensi) from endangered 

to threatened under the Endangered 

Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). 

This action is based on our evaluation 

of the best available scientific and 

commercial information, which 

indicates that the species’ status has 

improved such that it is not currently in 

danger of extinction throughout all or a 

significant portion of its range, but that 

it is still likely to become so throughout 

all of its range in the foreseeable future. 

We also finalize a rule under section 

4(d) of the Act that provides for the 

conservation of the Stephens’ kangaroo 

rat. 

DATES: This rule is effective March 21, 

2022. 

ADDRESSES: This final rule is available 

on the internet at https://

www.regulations.gov. Comments and 

materials we received, as well as 

supporting documentation we used in 

preparing this rule, are available for 

public inspection at https://

www.regulations.gov at Docket No. 

FWS–R8–ES–2019–0113. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Scott Sobiech, Field Supervisor, U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish 

and Wildlife Office, 2177 Salk Avenue, 

Suite 250, Carlsbad, CA 92008; 

telephone 760–431–9440. Persons who 

use a telecommunications device for the 

deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay 

Service at 800–877–8339. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Summary 

Why we need to publish a rule. Under 

the Act, a species may warrant 

reclassification from endangered to 

threatened if it no longer meets the 

definition of endangered (in danger of 

extinction). The Stephens’ kangaroo rat 

was listed as endangered in 1988 (53 FR 

38465, September 30, 1988), and we are 

finalizing our proposed reclassification 

(downlisting) (85 FR 50991, August 19, 

2020) of the Stephens’ kangaroo rat as 

threatened because we have determined 

it is not currently in danger of 

extinction. Downlisting a species as a 

threatened species can be completed 

only by issuing a rule. 

What this document does. This rule 

reclassifies the Stephens’ kangaroo rat 

from endangered to threatened, with a 

rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act 

(hereafter referred to as a ‘‘4(d) rule’’). 

The basis for our action. Under the 

Act, we may determine that a species is 

an endangered species or a threatened 

species because of any of five factors: 

(A) The present or threatened 

destruction, modification, or 

curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) 

overutilization for commercial, 

recreational, scientific, or educational 

purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) 

the inadequacy of existing regulatory 

mechanisms; or (E) other natural or 

manmade factors affecting its continued 

existence. We may reclassify a listed 

species if the best commercial and 

scientific data available indicate a 

change in status is appropriate. We have 

determined that the Stephens’ kangaroo 

rat is no longer in danger of extinction, 

and therefore does not meet the 

definition of an endangered species, due 

to a reduction of threats since listing 

and the implementation of conservation 

actions. However, the species is still 

affected by the following threats to the 

extent that the species meets the 

definition of a threatened species under 

the Act: 

• Habitat loss and degradation due to 

urbanization, agricultural activities, and 

nonnative vegetation; and 

• Isolation of existing populations 

due to habitat fragmentation. 

The cumulative effects of climate 

change and wildfire, which could result 

in an increase in the extent of nonnative 

grasslands, represents a low-level 

stressor to the Stephens’ kangaroo rat 

and its habitat, and based on climate 

change projections, is likely to remain at 

this level to the 2060s. Existing 

regulatory mechanisms and 


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