[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 10, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1223-1232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00207]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2017-0082; FXES11130900000C2-178-FF09E42000]
RIN 1018-BB76


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the 
Monito Gecko (Sphaerodactylus micropithecus) From the Federal List of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; availability of draft post-delisting monitoring 
plan.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
remove the Monito gecko (Sphaerodactylus micropithecus) from the 
Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. 
This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available 
scientific and commercial information, which indicates that this 
species has recovered, and the threats to this species have been 
eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the 
definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We seek information, data, 
and comments from the public regarding this proposal to delist the 
Monito gecko, and on the draft post-delisting monitoring plan.

DATES: To allow us adequate time to consider your comments on this 
proposed rule, we must receive your comments on or before March 12, 
2018. We must receive requests for public hearings in writing, at the 
address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, by February 26, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this proposed rule and draft 
post-delisting monitoring plan by one of the following methods:
    <bullet> Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: 
http://

[[Page 1224]]

www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter the Docket Number for 
this proposed rule, which is FWS-R4-ES-2017-0082. You may submit a 
comment by clicking on ``Comment now!'' Please ensure that you have 
found the correct rulemaking before submitting your comment.
    <bullet> By hard copy: By U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public 
Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2017-0082; U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS BPHC, 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).
    Document availability: A copy of the draft post-delisting 
monitoring plan can be viewed at http://www.regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2017-0082, or at the Caribbean Ecological Services 
Field Office website at https://www.fws.gov/caribbean/es.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edwin Mu[ntilde]iz, Field Supervisor, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Caribbean Ecological Services Field 
Office, Road 301, Km. 5.1, Boquer[oacute]n, Puerto Rico 00622; P.O. Box 
491, Boquer[oacute]n, Puerto Rico 00622; or by telephone (787) 851-7297 
or by facsimile (787) 851-7441. If you use a telecommunications device 
for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-
8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Summary

Purpose of Regulatory Action

    The purpose of this proposed action is to remove the Monito gecko 
from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in title 50 
of the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR 17.11(h)) based on its 
recovery.

Basis for Action

    We may delist a species if the best scientific and commercial data 
indicate the species is neither a threatened species nor an endangered 
species for one or more of the following reasons: (1) The species is 
extinct; (2) the species has recovered; or (3) the original data used 
at the time the species was classified were in error (50 CFR 424.11). 
Here, we have determined that the species may be delisted based on 
recovery. A species may be delisted based on recovery only if the best 
scientific and commercial data indicate that it is no longer threatened 
or endangered.
    <bullet> Rat predation, the threat suspected to be the main cause 
of an apparent population decline for the Monito gecko (factor C), was 
eliminated by August 1999 when the last rat eradication campaign was 
completed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental 
Resources (PRDNER). From August 1999 to May 2016, no rats or other 
potential exotic predators have been detected on Monito Island.
    <bullet> The species' apparent small population size (factor E), 
noted as a threat at the time of listing, may have been an artifact of 
bias as surveys were conducted under conditions when the species was 
not easily detectable. The Monito gecko is currently considered 
abundant and widely distributed on Monito Island.
    <bullet> The Monito gecko and its habitat have been and will 
continue to be protected under Commonwealth laws and regulations 
(factor D). These existing regulatory mechanisms are adequate to 
protect the Monito gecko now and in the future.
    <bullet> There is no indication that other potential remaining 
threats such as natural predation significantly affect the gecko's 
survival. There are no known potential climate change effects (i.e., 
sea level rise) (factor E) that negatively affect the Monito gecko.

Public Comments

    We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule 
will be as accurate and effective as possible. Therefore, we request 
data, comments, and new information from other concerned governmental 
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or other interested 
parties concerning this proposed rule. The comments that will be most 
useful and likely to influence our decisions are those that are 
supported by data or peer-reviewed studies and those that include 
citations to, and analyses of, applicable laws and regulations. Please 
make your comments as specific as possible and explain the basis for 
them. In addition, please include sufficient information with your 
comments to allow us to authenticate any scientific or commercial data 
you reference or provide. In particular, we seek comments concerning 
the following:
    (1) Information concerning the biology and ecology of the Monito 
gecko;
    (2) Relevant data concerning any threats (or lack thereof) to the 
Monito gecko particularly any data on the possible effects of climate 
change to this reptile as it relates to its habitat type, the extent of 
State protection and management that would be provided to this reptile 
as a delisted species, and evidence of illegal disembarking from boats 
onto the island or other illegal activities on Monito Island that may 
affect the species;
    (3) Current or planned activities within the geographic range of 
the Monito gecko that may impact or benefit the species; and
    (4) The draft post-delisting monitoring plan and the methods and 
approach detailed in it.
    Please note that submissions merely stating support for or 
opposition to the action under consideration without providing 
supporting information, although they will be noted, will not be 
considered in making a determination, as section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act 
directs that a determination as to whether any species is a threatened 
or endangered species must be made ``solely on the basis of the best 
scientific and commercial data available.''
    In issuing a final determination on this proposed action, we will 
take into consideration all comments and any additional information we 
receive. Such information may lead to a final rule that differs from 
this proposal. All comments and recommendations, including names and 
addresses, will become part of the administrative record.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. Before including your 
address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying 
information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire 
comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made 
publicly available at any time.
    If you submit information via http://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire comment--including any personal identifying information--will be 
posted on the website. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold 
your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so. Please note that comments 
posted to this website are not immediately viewable. When you submit a 
comment, the system receives it immediately. However, the comment will 
not be publically viewable until we post it, which might not occur 
until several days after submission.
    Similarly, if you mail or hand-deliver a hardcopy comment that 
includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top 
of your document that we withhold this information from public review, 
but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. To ensure that 
the electronic docket for this rulemaking is complete and all

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comments we receive are publicly available, we will post all hardcopy 
submissions on http://www.regulations.gov.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation used in preparing this proposed rule will be available 
for public inspection in two ways:
    (1) You can view them on http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search 
Documents box, enter FWS-R4-ES-2017-0082, which is the docket number 
for this rulemaking. Then, in the Search panel on the left side of the 
screen, select the type of documents you want to view under the 
Document Type heading.
    (2) You can make an appointment, during normal business hours, to 
view the comments and materials in person at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).

Public Hearing

    Section 4(b)(5)(E) of the Act provides for one or more public 
hearings on this proposal, if requested. We must receive requests for 
public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT by the date shown in the DATES section of this 
document. We will schedule at least one public hearing on this 
proposal, if any are requested, and announce the dates, times, and 
locations, as well as how to obtain reasonable accommodations, in the 
Federal Register at least 15 days before any hearing.

Previous Federal Actions

    On October 15, 1982, we published a final rule in the Federal 
Register (47 FR 46090) listing the Monito gecko as an endangered 
species and designating the entire island of Monito as critical 
habitat. The final rule identified the following threats to the Monito 
gecko: Extremely small population size coupled with suspected predation 
by rats. On March 27, 1986, we published the Monito Gecko Recovery Plan 
(USFWS 1986, 18 pp.). The 5-year review, which was completed on August 
8, 2016 (USFWS 2016, 25 pp.), recommended delisting the species due to 
recovery.
    For additional details on previous Federal actions, see discussion 
under the Recovery section below. Also see http://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/us-species.html for the species profile for this 
reptile.

Species Information

Biology and Life History

    The Monito gecko, Sphaerodactylus micropithecus, (Schwartz 1977, 
entire) is a small lizard (approximately 36 millimeters (1.42 inches) 
snout-vent length) with an overall pale tan body and dark-brown 
mottling on the dorsal surface. It is closely related to the 
Sphaerodactylus macrolepis complex of the Puerto Rican Bank, but 
variation in dorsal pattern and scale counts confirm the 
distinctiveness of the species; probably resulting from a single 
invasion to Monito Island and its subsequent isolation (Schwartz 1977, 
p. 990, Dodd and Ortiz 1984, p. 768).
    Little is known about the biology of this species, including its 
diet, reproduction, or potential predators. A study of the diet of 
other more common Sphaerodactylus species in Puerto Rico found a 
diverse content of small invertebrates, such as mites, springtails, and 
spiders (Thomas and Gaa Kessler 1996, pp. 347-362). Out of the 18 
individuals counted by Dodd and Ortiz (1983, p. 120), they found 
juveniles and gravid females suggesting that the species is 
reproducing. Dodd and Ortiz (1983, p. 121) suspected reproduction 
occurs from at least March through November as suggested by the egg 
found by Campbell in May 1974, by the gravid females found by Dodd and 
Ortiz (1982, p. 121) on August 1982, and the fact that Monito gecko 
eggs take 2 to 3 months to hatch (Rivero 1998, p. 89). During a plot 
survey on May 2016, two gravid females and several juveniles were found 
(USFWS 2016, p. 13). Potential natural predators of the Monito gecko 
may include the other native lizard Anolis monensis and/or the skink 
(Spondilurus monitae).

Distribution and Habitat

    The Monito gecko is restricted to Monito Island, an isolated island 
located in the Mona Passage, about 68 km (42.3 mi) west of the island 
of Puerto Rico, 60 km (37.3 mi) east of Hispaniola and about 5 km (3.1 
mi) northwest of Mona Island (USFWS 1986, p. 2). Monito Island is a 
flat plateau surrounded by vertical cliffs rising about 66 m (217 ft) 
with no beach, and considered the most inaccessible island within the 
Puerto Rican archipelago (Garc[iacute]a et al. 2002, p. 116). With an 
approximate area of 40 acres (c.a. 16 hectares) (Woodbury et al. 1977, 
p. 1), Monito Island is part of the Mona Island Reserve, managed for 
conservation by the PRDNER (no date, p. 2). The remoteness and 
difficulty of access to Monito Island make studying the Monito gecko 
difficult (Dodd 1985, p. 2).
    The only life zone present on Monito Island is subtropical dry 
forest (Ewel and Whitmore 1973, p. 10). In this life zone, the Monito 
gecko has been found in areas characterized by loose rock sheets or 
small piles of rocks, exposed to the sun, and with little or no 
vegetation cover. Vegetation may or may not be associated with these 
areas. On Monito Island, such areas include small groves of Guapira 
discolor (barrehorno), Pithecellobium unguis-cati (escambr[oacute]n 
colorado), or Capparis flexuosa (palo de burro) where some leaf litter 
is present; areas with loose rocks on the ground; or rock sheets that 
provide shady refuges, and numerous regions where large pieces of metal 
(remnant ordnance) lay on the ground (Ortiz 1982, p. 2). Being a small, 
ground-dwelling lizard, the Monito gecko, like other members of its 
genus, is usually found under rocks, logs, leaf litter (and trash) 
(Rivero 1998, p. 89).

Population Size and Trends

    When the species' Recovery Plan was completed in 1986, only two 
island-wide surveys had been completed (Dodd and Ortiz 1983, entire; 
Hammerson 1984, entire), with the higher count from Dodd and Ortiz 
(1983, p. 120) reporting a total of 18 geckos during a 2-day survey. 
During both of these surveys all geckos were found during the day and 
under rocks. Subsequent surveys of variable length and area covered 
detected from 0 to 13 geckos during the day as well (PRDNER 1993, pp. 
3-4; USFWS 2016, p. 9).
    These previous attempts to survey for the Monito gecko are 
considered underestimates, because the surveys were done during the day 
when the species is more difficult to detect: It seems to be less 
active and mostly hiding under rocks, debris, crevices, or other 
substrates. Although geckos in the Sphaerodactylinae group are 
considered mostly diurnal or crepuscular (Rivero, p. 89; Pianka and 
Vitt 2003, p. 185), we suspect that the Monito gecko is more active at 
night and thus easier to detect during night surveys. This nocturnal 
behavior was confirmed during a May 2014 rapid assessment and a May 
2016 systematic survey. During the May 2014 rapid assessment, at least 
one gecko was seen during each of the three nights of the trip; some 
encounters were opportunistic and others occurred while actively 
searching for the species (USFWS 2016, p. 9). In fact, no geckos were 
seen during daylight hours. Geckos were seen on exposed substrates and 
not hidden under rocks or litter, although some were seen within leaf 
litter mixed

[[Page 1226]]

with rocks under a Ficus citrifolia tree. Geckos were observed escaping 
into the cracks and solution holes of the limestone rock.
    The May 2016 systematic gecko survey involved setting up of 40 
random plots on Monito Island (USFWS 2016, p. 10). Each plot was 20 m x 
20 m (400 m\2\), so that the survey covered a total of 16,000 m\2\ or 
approximately 11 percent of Monito Island. Four two-person teams 
visited 10 plots each. Each observer surveyed each plot independently. 
All sites were surveyed at least twice, and all took place during the 
night. A total of 84 geckos was observed during 96 surveys among the 40 
plots, most on exposed rock. Only 8 out of the 84 counted were found 
under a rock or other substrate; all others were out during the night. 
Only two geckos were opportunistically found during the day while 
observers were turning rocks and dry logs.
    Gecko occupancy and abundance was estimated using a standard 
mathematical population model accounting for the abundance and 
detection bias that allow individuals to go unseen during surveys 
(Island Conservation (IC) 2016, p. 5). Occupancy of the geckos on 
Monito Island was determined to be 27.8 percent (11.3-68.6 percent). 
The estimated number of geckos per plot from the best fit model was 
73.3 geckos (Range: 1-101). The abundance model indicates a total of 
1,112 geckos present within the surveyed plots (95 percent confidence 
interval: 362-2,281). Extrapolated across the entire island, Monito 
Island hosts approximately 7,661 geckos (50 percent confidence 
interval: 5,344-10,590).

Recovery and Recovery Plan Implementation

    Section 4(f) of the Act directs us to develop and implement 
recovery plans for the conservation and survival of threatened and 
endangered species unless we determine that such a plan will not 
promote the conservation of the species. Recovery plans are not 
regulatory documents and are instead intended to establish goals for 
long-term conservation of a listed species, define criteria that are 
designed to indicate when the threats facing a species have been 
removed or reduced to such an extent that the species may no longer 
need the protections of the Act, and provide guidance to our Federal, 
State, and other governmental and nongovernmental partners on methods 
to minimize threats to listed species. There are many paths to 
accomplishing recovery of a species, and recovery may be achieved 
without all recovery criteria being fully met. For example, one or more 
criteria may have been exceeded while other criteria may not have been 
accomplished or become obsolete, yet the Service may judge that, 
overall, the threats have been minimized sufficiently, and the species 
is robust enough, to reclassify the species from endangered to 
threatened or perhaps delist the species. In other cases, recovery 
opportunities may have been recognized that were not known at the time 
the Recovery Plan was finalized. These opportunities may be used 
instead of methods identified in the Recovery Plan.
    Likewise, information on the species may subsequently become 
available that was not known at the time the Recovery Plan was 
finalized. The new information may change the extent that criteria need 
to be met for recognizing recovery of the species. Recovery of species 
is a dynamic process requiring adaptive management that may, or may 
not, fully follow the guidance provided in a Recovery Plan.
    The following discussion provides a brief review of recovery 
planning and implementation for the Monito gecko, as well as an 
analysis of the recovery criteria and goals as they relate to 
evaluating the status of the taxon.
    The Monito Gecko Recovery Plan (Plan) was approved on March 27, 
1986 (USFWS 1986, entire). The objective of the Plan was to conduct a 
systematic status survey and ecological study of the species, and to 
reevaluate the species' status and formulate a quantitative recovery 
level and specific recovery actions (USFWS 1986, p. 7). This Plan is 
considered outdated and does not contain recovery criteria that could 
lead to delisting the Monito gecko. However, the Plan does provide 
recovery objectives that, when accomplished, would aid in developing 
such criteria. No quantitative recovery level was defined due to the 
lack of data on historical population levels, population trends, and 
apparent historical population size. The objectives were accomplished 
as follows:

Recovery Actions

    The Plan identifies five primary recovery actions:
    (1) Determine the status of the present population;
    (2) Conduct basic ecological studies;
    (3) Determine extent, if any, of predation and competition by rats 
and other native lizards (see Factor C);
    (4) Update the Plan; and
    (5) Continue protection of the present population.
    The following discussion provides specific details for each of 
these actions.
Recovery Action 1: Determine the Status of the Species
    From 1982 to 1993, several Monito gecko surveys were conducted 
(USFWS 2016, p. 9). However, some of these surveys were either done 
before the Plan was completed (USFWS 1986) or did not provide enough 
information to answer the population objectives of the Plan, and 
current information (see Population Size and Trends above) suggests 
that surveys underestimated the number of geckos. Data from the 2014 
rapid assessment and the 2016 systematic plot survey show that, 
overall, the Monito gecko is abundant across the whole island and 
numbers in the thousands, indicating a large healthy population, as 
specified in the Species Information section above.
Recovery Action 2: Conduct Basic Ecological Studies
    Besides the population survey efforts, no basic ecological studies 
have been conducted for the Monito gecko. The Service believes that 
conducting ecological studies, as described in the Plan (USFWS 1986, 
pp. 7-8), is not crucial to further assess the species' listing status. 
There is no indication that ecological factors such as habitat 
preferences (species occurs throughout the island) and fluctuations in 
reproductive biology or activity patterns (both unknown), are critical 
for the species' listing status. The adjustment of surveys from diurnal 
to nocturnal was a key ecological (behavior) trait for researchers to 
consider in order to obtain reliable data and provide optimal 
population information. We will further discuss any possible needs of 
ecological evaluations in relation to post-delisting monitoring with 
our partners, but we will likely not need detailed research on the 
gecko's ecology based on the status of threats in its native habitat on 
Monito Island.
Recovery Action 3: Determine the Extent, if Any, of Predation and 
Competition by Rats and Native Reptiles
    At the time of listing, the presence of rats on Monito Island was 
identified as the main threat to the Monito gecko. This threat was 
suspected to be the main cause of an apparent population decline for 
the Monito gecko, since rats are predaceous and are known to feed on 
both lizards and lizard eggs (Dodd and Ortiz 1983, 120; Case and Bolger 
1991, pp. 273-278). However, the net effect, if any, of the potential 
rat predation on the geckos is debatable. For example, in comments 
quoted in the final listing rule (47 FR 46091, October 15, 1982), Dr. 
H. Campbell indicated

[[Page 1227]]

that the scarcity of the Monito geckos was an artifact of the intense 
predation by black rats (Rattus rattus), while Dr. A. Schwartz 
expressed doubts that rats could have any effect on the gecko or its 
eggs. Dodd and Ort[iacute]z (1983, p. 121) also explained that during 
their surveys, predator pressure on the gecko could not be proven and 
that more studies were needed to determine if rats or other predators 
do affect the Monito gecko. The potential effect of rats on two other 
relatively common small geckos (Sphaerodactylus monensis and 
Sphaerodactylus levinsi) on nearby Mona and Desecheo Islands 
(respectively) is also unknown. Nevertheless, there is ample evidence 
that the Monito gecko would fare better without rats (Case and Bolger 
1991, entire; Towns et al. 2006, entire; Jones et al. 2016, entire; 
Thibault et al. 2017, entire).
    In October 1992, the PRDNER began a black rat eradication and 
survey project on Monito Island to benefit native and endemic species 
on that Island (Garc[iacute]a et al. 2002, p. 116). The eradication 
campaign continued in March 1993 with poisoning (rodenticide) and snap 
traps to assess changes in the rat population. A second eradication 
campaign started in October 1998, with three eradication events at 4-
month intervals, and again using, in addition to snap traps, chew 
blocks (i.e., soft wood pieces soaked in canola oil) as a monitoring 
tool.
    Garc[iacute]a et al. (2002, pp. 117-118) evaluated the status of 
the rat population seven times during the first campaign and five times 
during the second campaign. Since the completion of the second 
eradication campaign (August 1999), no rats have been detected on 
Monito Island. Garc[iacute]a et al. (2002, p. 118) concluded that in 
order to be certain that eradication had been achieved, it was 
essential to continue an appropriate rat monitoring program on the 
island, and recommended using chew blocks. However, no systematic rat 
monitoring has been implemented on the island since September 1999. 
Nonetheless, during a seabird blood sampling trip in August 2000, 
Anderson and Steeves (2000, p. 1) reported not seeing any rats on 
Monito Island, as did subsequent PRDNER bird survey trips in 2003.
    On May 2014, the Service organized an expedition to Monito Island 
with the PRDNER in order to confirm the eradication of black rats from 
the island, and to evaluate the status of and threats to the Monito 
gecko. The Service and the PRDNER placed 27 snap traps and 70 chew 
blocks distributed along transects covering 870 meters in length (USFWS 
2016, p. 7). In addition, some food items (i.e., watermelon, left-over 
canned food) were intentionally left exposed and available for rats. No 
signs of rats were detected on these available sources during this 4-
day/3-night trip. During surveys conducted in May 2016, the Service and 
the PRDNER also placed 80 chew blocks, two within each gecko sampling 
plot (USFWS 2016, p. 10). No rats were seen or detected with the chew 
blocks during this 5-day/4-night trip. This is a marked contrast from 
when the species was listed in 1982, when rats were observed island-
wide at all times during a 2-day expedition (47 FR 46090, October 15, 
1982).
    In short, although it cannot be ascertained when the last rat died, 
the Service believes Monito Island has been rat free since August-
September 1999. Thus, the main threat to the species has not been 
present for at least the past 18 years.
    Other lizards (i.e., Anolis monensis and Spondilurus monitae, 
formerly Mabuya mabouya sloani) that naturally occur on the Island may 
also prey on the Monito gecko. These other species are considered 
diurnal (active during the day), while the Monito gecko is considered 
nocturnal (active during the night). Determining the extent of these 
potential predator-prey interactions would be challenging. However, 
this should no longer be necessary, as the species has persisted 
despite potential predatory threats.
Recovery Action 4: Update Recovery Plan
    Because of the information on threats and recovery progress that is 
provided in the Monito gecko 5-year review (USFWS 2016) and this 
proposed rule, we believe the Monito gecko no longer meets the 
definition of an endangered or threatened species. Therefore, a formal 
update of the 1986 Plan is not needed.
Recovery Action 5: Continue Protection of the Present Population
    Monito Island has been protected by the PRDNER as a nature reserve 
since 1986 (PRDNER, no date, p. 2). There are no permanent residents on 
Monito Island and access is allowed only under special permits issued 
by the PRDNER, which also maintains a ranger detachment and biologist 
on nearby Mona Island. Monito Island is also visited by illegal 
immigrants. The frequency of these events varies from year to year, and 
illegal immigrants are evacuated fairly quickly by the U.S. Coast 
Guard. Furthermore, the impacts of these visitations seem to be minimal 
(see discussion below).

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4 of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR part 
424) set forth the procedures for listing, reclassifying, or removing 
species from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species. 
``Species'' is defined by the Act as including any species or 
subspecies of fish or wildlife or plants, and any distinct vertebrate 
population segment of fish or wildlife that interbreeds when mature (16 
U.S.C. 1532(16)). Once the species is determined, we then evaluate 
whether that species may be an endangered species or a threatened 
species because of any of one or a combination of the five factors 
described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act:
    (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 must consider these same five factors in reclassifying or 
delisting a species. In other words, for species that are already 
listed as endangered or threatened, the analysis for a delisting due to 
recovery must include an evaluation of the threats that existed at the 
time of listing, the threats currently facing the species, and the 
threats that are reasonably likely to affect the species in the 
foreseeable future following the delisting or downlisting and the 
removal of the Act's protections.
    The following discussion examines the factors that were believed to 
affect the Monito gecko at the time of its listing, are currently 
affecting it, or are likely to affect the Monito gecko within the 
foreseeable future.

Factor A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or 
Curtailment of Its Habitat or Range

    At the time of listing (47 FR 46090, October 15, 1982), the 
destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat (Factor A from 
the Act) was not considered a threat to the Monito gecko. In 1940, the 
U.S. Government acquired Monito Island, and the entire island was used 
by the Air Corps/U.S. Air Force as a high-level radar bombing and 
gunnery range (Parsons Corp. 2010, pp. 2-5). In 1961, Monito Island was 
declared surplus and was returned to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 
September 1965 (Parsons Corp. 2010,

[[Page 1228]]

pp. 2-5). Monito Island is managed by the PRDNER for conservation as 
part of the Mona Island Reserve (PRDNER, no date, p. 2). The final 
listing rule indicated that there were no plans to continue to use 
Monito Island for bombing practices at the time, and any major 
alteration of the island could be detrimental to the continued survival 
of the Monito gecko. In fact, the large amount of scattered debris on 
Monito Island suggests significant historical habitat modification from 
bombing activities (USFWS 1986, p. 5).
    A Monito Island site inspection was conducted in August 2009 
(Parsons Corp. 2010, entire). A qualitative reconnaissance and 
munitions constituents sampling was performed to confirm the range 
location and to evaluate the potential presence of munitions and 
explosives of concern (Parsons Corp. 2010, p. ES-1). Although 
unexploded ordnance (UXO) and munitions debris was found on Monito 
Island, immediate munitions removal actions were not warranted.
    The potential for future UXO detonation activities may have an 
effect on the Monito gecko and its critical habitat. Since Monito 
Island is a natural reserve, all activities must be coordinated with 
the PRDNER. The Service has been conducting informal consultations with 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to develop species-specific 
standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Monito gecko and other 
federally listed species that occur on Monito Island. These site-
specific SOPs would be considered the appropriate conservation measures 
required to avoid and minimize potential adverse effects on the species 
or its critical habitat. Based on the current consultation, the 
magnitude of threat of these future U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 
actions on the Monito gecko is considered minimal and non-imminent.
    Monito Island receives illegal immigrants usually from the western 
islands of Cuba and Hispaniola while trying to enter U.S. territory. 
The PRDNER has stated that illegal immigrants sometimes light fires on 
Monito Island in order to be detected and rescued. This information was 
documented during the May 2016 trip, where two recent fire pits were 
found, along with a small pile of firewood cuttings, on the south-
southeast side of the island on exposed rock with no vegetation in the 
immediate vicinity. The presence of fire pits on Monito Island had not 
been documented in the past. At least for the two fire pits found in 
May 2016, their placement and construction demonstrates these were 
controlled fires and their intention was not of criminal nature. 
Although there is no information available on the frequency and damage 
these fires may be causing, based on what was documented in May 2016, 
the potential effects of such fires may also be considered minimal. To 
date, there is no indication that any potential fires have spread 
throughout the Island.

Factor B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    The final listing rule (47 FR 46091, October 15, 1982) mentioned 
that because of the rarity of the Monito gecko, removal of specimens 
could be detrimental. At present, we are not aware of any individuals 
taken after listing for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes (Factor B from the Act). The remoteness and 
difficult access of Monito Island limits any collecting efforts. In 
addition, access is only allowed under special permits issued by the 
PRDNER, mostly for research, security, or management purposes. 
Furthermore, the Monito gecko's apparent rarity may have been an 
artifact of sampling bias, because surveys from 1982 to 1993 were done 
during daylight hours when the species is mostly hiding and the species 
has a low detection probability (see Species Information section).

Factor C. Disease or Predation

    The final listing rule (47 FR 46091, October 15, 1982) indicates 
that the presence of large numbers of introduced black rats was thought 
to be the major factor in the precarious state of the Monito gecko 
because, although predation by black rats on this species has not been 
confirmed, rats are predaceous and are known to feed on both lizards 
and lizard eggs (Dodd and Ortiz 1983, p. 120; Case and Bolger 1991, pp. 
273-278) (Factor C from the Act). Thus, predation by rats was 
considered a possible cause of population decline for the Monito gecko 
(USFWS 1986, p. 5). As previously explained under the Recovery Action 3 
section of this proposed rule, Monito Island has been rat free since 
August-September 1999. Thus, the main threat to the species has not 
been present for at least the past 18 years.
    Although Monito Island is currently rat free, there is still the 
possibility that rats could reach the island again. Rats may be 
transferred from Mona Island by floating debris or more likely by human 
means. In addition to illegal immigrants, as discussed above, there is 
limited evidence of public use of Monito Island for recreational or 
unknown purposes. Although it is logistically difficult to disembark on 
the island and prohibited because of unexploded ordinances from the 
previous military activities, these disembarking events could increase 
the chance of invasion and establishment of rats or other exotics 
species. However, this possibility is considered very low. The rat 
eradication campaign was completed in 1999, and 18 years later, no rats 
have been found.
    Ortiz (1982, p. 7) included the endemic Monito skink Spondilurus 
monitae (formerly Mabuya mabouya sloani) as a potential predator of the 
Monito gecko (Factor C from the Act). Other species of Mabuya feed 
primarily on small invertebrates, but the diversity of prey types in 
stomach contents, including small vertebrates, indicates that some 
skink species (such as M. bistriata) most likely feed on any moving 
animal of the appropriate size (Vitt and Blackburn 1991, p. 920). 
Rivero (1998, p. 106) states that M. mabouya live in places where 
Sphaerodactylus abound, and it is probable that geckos constitute an 
important food item for this skink. In fact, during the 2016 trip, 
biologists observed one adult skink active at night within the same 
exposed rock habitat used by the Monito gecko (i.e., exposed karst rock 
with lots of crevices and holes). It is also highly probable that 
another native lizard, Anolis monensis, will prey on the Monito gecko 
as well, except that Anolis are considered diurnal. The Monito gecko's 
trait of tail autotomy (tail loss) is certainly an effective predator 
defense mechanism (Pianka and Vitt 2003, p. 76). During our May 2014 
site visit, 2 out of the 8 geckos captured for measurements were 
missing the tips of their tails, and during May 2016, only 5 geckos out 
of the 84 seen had missing tail parts. Although difficult to determine, 
this suggests natural predation pressure from the two other native 
lizard species mentioned above is low.

Factor D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    When the Monito gecko was listed (1982), the species did not have 
any other statutory or regulatory protections. Currently, in addition 
to the Act, territorial laws and regulations protect the Monito gecko 
(Factor D from the Act). In 1999, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 
enacted Law No. 241-1999, known as the New Wildlife Law of Puerto Rico 
(Nueva Ley de Vida Silvestre de Puerto Rico). The purpose of this law 
is to protect, conserve, and enhance both native and migratory wildlife 
species; declare property of Puerto Rico all wildlife species within 
its jurisdiction; provide provisions to

[[Page 1229]]

issue permits; regulate hunting activities; and regulate exotic 
species, among other actions. In 2004, the PRDNER approved Regulation 
6766--to regulate the management of threatened and endangered species 
in Puerto Rico (Reglamento 6766--Reglamento para Regir el Manejo de las 
Especies Vulnerables y en Peligro de Extinci[oacute]n en el Estado 
Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico), including the Monito gecko, which was 
listed as endangered. Article 2.06 of this regulation prohibits 
collecting, cutting, removing, among other activities, listed animals 
within the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico. There is no evidence that 
either the law or the regulation is not being adequately implemented.
    Additionally, the PRDNER has managed Monito Island as a natural 
reserve since 1986, protecting its wildlife and vegetation. Monito 
Island is managed for conservation because it harbors one of the 
largest seabird nesting colonies in the Caribbean, in addition to other 
endemic and federally listed species like the Higo chumbo cactus 
(Harrisia portoricensis) and the yellow-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius 
xanthomus). There are no human permanent residents on the island, and 
public access is prohibited. The best available information indicates 
that Monito Island will remain permanently protected as a nature 
reserve and managed for conservation.

Factor E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued 
Existence

    In listing the Monito gecko, we considered as a factor the species' 
extremely small population size (47 FR 46090, October 15, 1982) (Factor 
E from the Act). As previously explained in the Species Information and 
Recovery sections of this proposed rule, the Monito gecko is a small 
and cryptic species and difficult to detect, especially during the day. 
However, all of the historical surveys documented (USFWS 2016, p. 9) 
were done during daylight hours, when the species is apparently less 
active, safely hiding from diurnal native reptile predators, and/or 
exhibiting behavioral adaptations to avoid the hot temperatures within 
its xeric dry forest environment. As discussed above (see Population 
Size and Trends), these and other biases cause us to question the 
validity of these historical surveys. In contrast, as also discussed 
above (see Population Size and Trends), the best available population 
estimate for the species, completed during the May 2016 systematic plot 
survey, shows that the Monito gecko is widely distributed throughout 
Monito Island and gecko abundance appears to number in the thousands, 
indicating a large well-represented population (IC 2016, pp. 5-6). Our 
post-delisting monitoring will demonstrate the continued recovery of 
this species. In general, lizard populations remain fairly stable and 
are influenced by predation and amount of resources available, and 
predation and competition usually result in populations existing below 
their carrying capacity (Pianka and Vitt 2003, p. 64). Based on the May 
2014 and 2016 observations and results, there is no indication that 
limited resources are acting on the population to warrant listing under 
the Act.
    Potential sea level rise (Factor A from the Act) as a result of 
climate change is not a threat to this species or its habitat, because 
the Monito gecko is found only on Monito Island, which is 66 m (217 ft) 
above sea level and has no beach areas. The current rate of sea level 
rise in the Caribbean is 10 cm (3.9 inches) per century, with more 
specific sea level rise estimates for Puerto Rico ranging from 0.07 to 
0.57 meters (m) (0.20 to 1.87 feet) above current sea level by the year 
2060 and between 0.14 to 1.70 m (0.40 to 5.59 feet) by the year 2110 
(Puerto Rico Climate Change Council 2013, p. 64). Hurricanes, such as 
the recent Hurricanes Irma and Maria are not considered a threat to the 
Monito gecko in part because the island is 66 m above sea level (Factor 
E from the Act). The vegetation on the island is short and therefore 
hurricane impacts are expected to be minimal. Additionally, the Monito 
gecko is under rocks most of the time. We have no information 
indicating rising temperatures will impact the gecko directly or 
indirectly.

Proposed Determination of Species Status

    Under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, we determine whether a species is 
an endangered species or threatened species because of any one or a 
combination of the following: (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.
    The Act defines an endangered species as any species that is ``in 
danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its 
range'' and a threatened species as any species ``which is likely to 
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout 
all or a significant portion of its range.'' On July 1, 2014, we 
published a final policy interpreting the phrase ``significant portion 
of its range'' (SPR) (79 FR 37578). In our policy, we interpret the 
phrase ``significant portion of its range'' in the Act's definitions of 
``endangered species'' and ``threatened species'' to provide an 
independent basis for listing a species in its entirety; thus there are 
two situations (or factual bases) under which a species would qualify 
for listing: A species may be in danger of extinction or likely to 
become so in the foreseeable future throughout all of its range; or a 
species may be in danger of extinction or likely to become so 
throughout a significant portion of its range. If a species is in 
danger of extinction throughout an SPR, it, the species, is an 
``endangered species.'' The same analysis applies to ``threatened 
species.''
    The SPR policy is applied to all status determinations, including 
analyses for the purposes of making listing, delisting, and 
reclassification determinations. The procedure for analyzing whether 
any portion is an SPR is similar, regardless of the type of status 
determination we are making. The first step in our assessment of the 
status of a species is to determine its status throughout all of its 
range. Depending on the status throughout all of its range, we will 
subsequently examine whether it is necessary to determine its status 
throughout a significant portion of its range. If we determine that the 
species is in danger of extinction, or likely to become so in the 
foreseeable future, throughout all of its range, we list the species as 
an endangered (or threatened) species and no SPR analysis will be 
required. The same factors apply whether we are analyzing the species' 
status throughout all of its range or throughout a significant portion 
of its range.

Monito Gecko--Determination of Status Throughout All of Its Range

    As required by section 4(a)(1) of the Act, we conducted a review of 
the status of this species and assessed the five factors to evaluate 
whether it is in danger of extinction currently or likely to become so 
in the foreseeable future throughout all of its range. We conducted a 
review of the status of Monito gecko and assessed the five factors to 
evaluate whether Monito gecko is in danger of extinction, or likely to 
become so in the foreseeable future, throughout all of its range. In 
considering delisting the Monito gecko, we evaluated the range of this 
reptile to determine if any areas could be

[[Page 1230]]

considered a significant portion of its range. The Monito gecko is 
endemic to Monito Island, a small island (approx. 40 acres; 16.2 
hectares) off the west coast of Puerto Rico, and it has not been 
introduced elsewhere. There are no landscape barriers within Monito 
Island that might be of biological or conservation importance. The most 
recent survey found that the species occurs across most of the Island. 
Hence, the basic ecological components required for the species to 
complete its life cycle are considered present throughout Monito 
Island. We found that, Monito gecko populations are persistent with an 
estimate of approximately 7,661 geckos (50 percent confidence interval: 
5,344-10,590). During our analysis, we found that impacts believed to 
be threats at the time of listing (primarily predation by rats, factor 
C) are either not as significant as originally anticipated or have been 
eliminated or reduced since listing, and we do not expect any of these 
conditions to substantially change post-delisting and into the 
foreseeable future, nor do we expect climate change to affect this 
species. We conclude that the previously recognized impacts to the 
Monito gecko no longer are a threat to the species, such that the 
species is no longer in danger of extinction throughout all of its 
range now or in the foreseeable future. In order to make this 
conclusion, we analyzed the five threat factors used in making 
Endangered Species Act listing (and delisting) decisions. This analysis 
indicates that the Monito gecko is not in danger of extinction 
throughout all of its range, nor is it likely to become so in the 
foreseeable future.

Monito Gecko--Determination of Status Throughout a Significant Portion 
of Its Range

    Consistent with our interpretation that there are two independent 
bases for listing species as described above, after examining the 
species' status throughout all of its range, we now examine whether it 
is necessary to determine its status throughout a significant portion 
of its range. Per our final SPR policy, we must give operational effect 
to both the ``throughout all of its range'' language and the SPR phrase 
in the definitions of ``endangered species'' and ``threatened 
species.'' Because we determined that Monito gecko is not in danger of 
extinction or likely to become so in the foreseeable future throughout 
all of its range, we will consider whether there are any significant 
portions of its range in which the species is in danger of extinction 
or likely to become so.
    We evaluated the range of the Monito gecko to determine if any area 
may be significant. The Monito gecko is endemic to Monito Island where 
they are under formal protection and management in the State owned 
nature reserve and the only life zone present on Monito Island is 
subtropical dry forest (Ewel and Whitmore 1973, p. 10). In this life 
zone, the Monito gecko has been found in areas characterized by loose 
rock sheets or small piles of rocks, exposed to the sun, and with 
little or no vegetation cover. These areas include small groves where 
some leaf litter is present; areas with loose rocks on the ground; or 
rock sheets that provide shady refuges, and numerous regions where 
large pieces of metal (remnant ordnance) lay on the ground. Because its 
range is limited to Monito Island and the only life zone present on 
Monito Island is subtropical dry forest, we find that the species is 
comprised of a single, contiguous population and there are no logical 
biological divisions delineating portions of the range. For this 
reason, we did not identify any portions that may be significant 
because of natural or biological divisions indicating biological or 
conservation importance.
    We also examined whether any threats are geographically 
concentrated in some way that would indicate the species may be in 
danger of extinction, or likely to become so, in a particular area. We 
conclude that none of them are concentrated in any particular area of 
the species' range; all factors act uniformly throughout its range. The 
factors affecting the Monito gecko occur at similarly low levels 
throughout its range and would affect all individuals of the 
population. Because the species acts as a single population, no portion 
is likely to have a different status or be differently affected by 
threats than any other portion or than that of the species throughout 
all of its range. Therefore, no threats or their effects are 
sufficiently concentrated to indicate the species may be in danger of 
extinction, or likely to become so in any area of the species' range. 
We did not identify any portions where the species may be in danger of 
extinction or likely to become so in the foreseeable future. Therefore, 
no portions warrant a detailed SPR analysis because there cannot be any 
portion, including a significant portion, of the species' range where 
the species is in danger of extinction or likely to become so in the 
foreseeable future. For these reasons, we conclude that the species is 
not in danger of extinction, or likely to become so, throughout a 
significant portion of its range.

Conclusion and Determination

    The Monito gecko has demonstrated the ability to adapt to changing 
environmental conditions over time from both anthropogenic and natural 
disturbances. And although there is no genetic information available 
for the Monito gecko, there are no indications of a decreased fitness 
or that a lack of representation is causing species mortality or 
limiting the species' ability to adapt. Although the Monito gecko 
population is considered to have low redundancy (i.e., one population 
endemic to Monito Island), no immediate risk of extirpation was 
identified and no other populations outside of Monito Island are needed 
for its recovery. In addition, the fact that the species was found 
throughout the Island and gecko abundance is in the thousands, 
indicates a large well-represented population with demonstrated 
abilities to recover and adapt from disturbances.
    Because the Monito gecko population is considered self-sustaining, 
contains a relatively large number of individuals, and has demonstrated 
high resilience and viability, we expect this population to persist 
into the future. The species is considered abundant within its habitat, 
which consists of adequate area and quality to maintain survival and 
reproduction in spite of disturbances. Thus, the Monito gecko appears 
to have highly resilient population attributes (e.g., habitat 
generalist, potential high adult survival rate) that allow at least 
some degree of disturbance within a harsh xeric environment.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the threats faced by the Monito gecko 
in developing this proposed rule. The Service finds that the present or 
threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat 
(factor A) is not a threat to the continued existence of the Monito 
gecko, and we do not expect it to be a threat in the future. We also 
conclude that overutilization (factor B) and disease (factor C) are not 
a threat to the Monito gecko. Natural predation by other native lizards 
may occur, but this activity is considered a low-magnitude threat 
because the Monito gecko has persisted despite potential predation and 
there is no indication that the magnitude of an undetermined natural 
predation pressure significantly affects the gecko's survival. No rats 
have been detected on Monito Island since August 1999. Therefore, we 
conclude that predation (factor C) is not a threat to the Monito gecko.

[[Page 1231]]

    The species' apparent small population size (factor E), noted at 
the time of listing, may have been an artifact of bias as surveys were 
conducted under conditions when the species was not easily detectable. 
There are no known potential climate change effects (i.e., sea level 
rise or changes in air temperature) (factor A) that negatively affect 
the Monito gecko. No other natural or manmade factors are considered 
threats (factor E). The Monito gecko and its habitat have been and will 
continue to be protected under Commonwealth laws and regulations 
(factor D), and these existing regulatory mechanisms are adequate to 
protect the Monito gecko now and in the future. The information 
indicates that this species is no longer at immediate risk of 
extinction, nor is it likely to experience reemergence of threats and 
associated population declines in the future. Based on the analysis 
above and after considering the best available scientific and 
commercial information, we conclude that the Monito gecko does not 
currently meet the Act's definition of an endangered or threatened 
species throughout its range.

Effects of This Proposed Rule

    If this proposed rule is finalized, it would revise 50 CFR 17.11(h) 
to remove the Monito gecko from the Federal List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife. If this proposed rule is finalized, the 
prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act would no 
longer apply to the Monito gecko. Federal agencies would no longer be 
required to consult with us under section 7 of the Act to ensure that 
any action authorized, funded, or carried out by them is not likely to 
jeopardize the gecko's continued existence. The prohibitions under 
section 9(a)(1) of the Act would no longer make it illegal for any 
person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to import or 
export, transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or take, possess, 
sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship Monito geckos. Finally, this 
rule would also remove the Federal regulations related to the Monito 
gecko listing: The critical habitat designation at 50 CFR 17.95(c).

Post-Delisting Monitoring

    Section 4(g)(1) of the Act requires us to implement a system in 
cooperation with the States to monitor effectively for not less than 5 
years the status of all species that are delisted due to recovery. 
Post-delisting monitoring (PDM) refers to activities undertaken to 
verify that a species delisted due to recovery remains secure from the 
risk of extinction after the protections of the Act no longer apply. 
The primary goal of PDM is to ensure that the species' status does not 
deteriorate, and if a decline is detected, to take measures to halt the 
decline so that proposing it as threatened or endangered is not again 
needed. If at any time during the PDM period, data indicate that 
protective status under the Act should be reinstated, we can initiate 
listing procedures, including, if appropriate, emergency listing. At 
the conclusion of the PDM period, we will review all available 
information to determine if re-listing, the continuation of monitoring, 
or the termination of monitoring is appropriate.
    Section 4(g) of the Act explicitly requires cooperation with the 
States (which includes Territories such as Puerto Rico) in development 
and implementation of PDM programs. However, we remain responsible for 
compliance with section 4(g) and, therefore, must remain actively 
engaged in all phases of PDM. We also seek active participation of 
other entities that are expected to assume responsibilities for the 
species' conservation after delisting. In April 2017, the PRDNER and 
the Service agreed to be cooperators in the PDM for the Monito gecko.
    We have prepared a Draft PDM Plan for the Monito gecko (USFWS 
2017). The plan is designed to detect significant declines in the 
Monito gecko with reasonable certainty and precision, and detect 
possible new or reoccurring threats (i.e., presence of rats). The plan:
    (1) Summarizes the species' status at the time of delisting;
    (2) Defines thresholds or triggers for potential monitoring 
outcomes and conclusions;
    (3) Lays out frequency and duration of monitoring;
    (4) Articulates monitoring methods including sampling 
considerations;
    (5) Outlines data compilation and reporting procedures and 
responsibilities; and
    (6) Proposes a PDM implementation schedule including timing and 
responsible parties.
    Concurrent with this proposed delisting rule, we announce the draft 
PDM plan's availability for public review. The plan can be viewed in 
its entirety at http://www.fws.gov/caribbean/es or at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2017-0082. Copies can 
also be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Caribbean 
Ecological Services Field Office, Boquer[oacute]n, Puerto Rico (see FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). We seek information, data, and comments 
from the public regarding the Monito gecko and the PDM strategy. We are 
also seeking peer review of this draft PDM plan concurrently with this 
comment period. We anticipate finalizing this plan, considering all 
public and peer review comments, prior to making a final determination 
on the proposed delisting rule.

Peer Review

    In accordance with our policy published in the Federal Register on 
July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), and the Office of Management and Budget's 
Final Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review, dated December 16, 
2004, we will solicit the expert opinions of at least five appropriate 
and independent specialists regarding the science in this proposed rule 
and the draft PDM plan. The purpose of such review is to ensure that we 
base our decisions on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and 
analyses. We will send peer reviewers copies of this proposed rule and 
the draft PDM plan immediately following publication of the proposed 
rule in the Federal Register. We will invite peer reviewers to comment, 
during the public comment period, on the specific assumptions and 
conclusions regarding the proposed delisting rule and draft PDM plan. 
We will summarize the opinions of these reviewers in the final decision 
documents, and we will consider their input and any additional 
information we receive as part of our process of making a final 
decision on this proposal and the draft PDM plan. Such communication 
may lead to a final decision that differs from this proposal.

Clarity of This Proposed 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 better help us 
revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For 
example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs 
that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, 
the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

[[Page 1232]]

Required Determinations

National Environmental Policy Act

    We have determined that we do not need to prepare an Environmental 
Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement, as defined in the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), in 
connection with regulations adopted pursuant to 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. We have determined that no 
tribal lands are affected by this proposal.

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited is available on http://www.regulations.gov under Docket Number FWS-R4-ES- 2017-0082.

Author

    The primary author of this document is Jan P. Zegarra, Caribbean 
Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we propose to 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 AND PLANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245; 
unless otherwise noted.


Sec.  17.11  [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11(h) by removing the entry ``Gecko, Monito'' under 
`` Reptiles'' from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.


Sec.  17.95  [Amended]

0
3. Amend Sec.  17.95(c) by removing the entry for the ``Monito gecko 
(Sphaerodactylus micropithecus)''.

    Dated: December 1, 2017.
James W. Kurth,
Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Exercising the 
Authority of the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-00207 Filed 1-9-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 433-15-P