Service and Binational Team Draft a Path to Recover the Jaguar

December 2016
Together with the binational Jaguar Recovery Team, we have completed a draft recovery plan for the jaguar. The draft plan sets goals for improving the species’ status through its entire 19-country range and provides a framework for achieving recovery. The draft plan focuses on the cat’s northwestern population in Mexico and the southwestern United States – setting more precise goals and site-specific conservation actions whereby that population can most effectively rebound and contribute to the entire species’ recovery.

Learn more...
Read the Full Draft Recovery plan
More jaguar photos 

Black-capped vireo. Photo by Gil Eckrich.

December 2016
In the late 1980s the future for the black-capped vireo, a striking songbird that breeds only in Oklahoma and Texas and northernmost Mexico, looked bleak. Only about 350 birds were known to survive in a few locations. Following the bird’s listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1987, the Service began working with the states of Oklahoma and Texas, the U.S. Army, private landowners and non-governmental organizations to protect and recover the vireo. There are now more than 5,200 known birds and more than 14,000 estimated across their breeding range. Thanks to the dedication and perseverance of our partners, the Service is able to announce that we are proposing to delist the black-capped vireo from the ESA due to recovery.

The Service is requesting comments or information from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested parties concerning the delisting proposal. Comments must be received within 60 days, on or before February 13, 2017. 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-R2-ES-2016-0110 which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, in the Search panel on the left side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the Proposed Rules link to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on “Comment Now!”

(2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R2-ES-2016-0110; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

Additional information on the black-capped vireo and the proposal is available at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ArlingtonTexas/bcvi.htm.

December 2016
Ronnie Lupe, Chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe accepts the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Mexican Wolf Recovery Program Partnership Award on behalf of the Tribe from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director Dr. Benjamin Tuggle. The award cited the Tribe's exceptional leadership and commitment as a partner in the Mexican wolf recovery program. “I deeply appreciate the men and women whose efforts and dedication that have made the White Mountain Apache Tribe's Homeland a model of conservation excellence,” said Dr. Tuggle.

A Gila trout stocked in Mineral Creek on the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. Credit:  Craig Springer, USFWS.

Story Spotlight: Mogollon Emphasis Area
Conservation Priority: Restoration of Aquatic Resources

December 2016
Once listed as Endangered, the now Threatened Gila trout is making a comeback along the Mogollon Rim. Read how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working across boundaries with multiple partners to return this fish to its native waters.

Staff from Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge accept the Award. Credit: Kenny Sumberlin.

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Visit the refuge...

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Learn more about Balcones Canyonlands

Rio Grande near Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: Save Our Bosque Task Force.

Efforts to Protect Endangered Species in the Middle Rio rande Continue with Renewed Commitments from Key Water Management Agencies

December 2016
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed and provided a new biological opinion to the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and the State of New Mexico, providing Endangered Species Act coverage for water-related activities in the Upper and Middle Rio Grande. 

The Rio Grande is one of the most important natural resources in the state of New Mexico.  

“This Biological Opinion recognizes the core management elements that are necessary to sustain and ultimately recover populations of silvery minnows. The Biological Opinion is based on years of experimentation, rigorous science, and adaptive management strategies that will balance and meet human water needs while supporting wildlife conservation,” said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, the Service’s Southwest Regional Director.  “The substantial conservation commitments made by the Middle Rio Grande Partners will significantly improve the status of the silvery minnow, flycatcher and cuckoo.” 

Learn more...

Lesser prairie chicken. Credit: Andrew J. Lawrence.

November 2016
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed initial reviews of three Endangered Species Act petitions and found that two present substantial information that the petitioned action may be warranted. A petition to list the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered and another to list the leopard as endangered throughout its range in Africa will move to the next phase, where each species will undergo a thorough status review. 

Read additional information on the Lesser prairie chicken

Young hunters Justin, Willow and Woodrow carry forward their hunting heritage. Credit: John Bradley, USFWS.

November 2016
Young hunters Justin, Willow and Woodrow carry forward their hunting heritage. Leading their fathers, they hunt Mearns quail in the San Mateo Mountains of New Mexico.

Hunters are integral in conservation’s cycle of success: they pay taxes on firearms and ammunition that fund biological research and habitat management by state conservation agencies via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR).

The WSFR Program has a profound influence on conservation, the economy and outdoor pursuits. In 2016, $123,356,617 was available to the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas for fish and wildlife management.

For more about Hunter Education through the WSFR program, visit the Hunter Education website.

To learn more about hunting opportunities, visit your state's game and fish department web site.

Sonoran pronghorn. Credit: James Atkinson, USFWS.

Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Plan Has Been Revised

November 2016
The plan guiding conservation efforts and setting recovery goals for the endangered Sonoran pronghorn has been revised.  The impetus for revising the 1998 Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Plan revision was new information obtained on Sonoran pronghorn, new identified threats to the species, and new management efforts in the U.S. and Mexico.
In 2002, a drought-induced crash of the U.S. Sonoran pronghorn population marshalled our partners to aggressively respond to threats and initiate a captive breeding program to bolster populations. We realized that in addition to intensifying recovery efforts in the U.S., the importance of close collaboration with Mexico is essential.  This binational plan is an achievable path for securing and fully recovering this emblematic species.

Learn more...
Read the Recovery Plan
Learn more about the Pronghorn

Sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache NWR. Credit: USFWS.

Festival of the Cranes Gearing Up To Be Biggest Yet

November 2016
The 2016 Festival of the Cranes is set to be one of the biggest ever. The six day event offers tours, hikes, workshops, vendors, a photo contest, family fun activities, and much more. The Festival is held at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, one of the premier bird and wildlife watching spots in the country. This year’s festival runs from November 15-20 and coincides with the spectacular fall bird migration through central New Mexico. The Festival offers something for everyone and is a great family outing.

Access more Festival information...

Learn more about Bosque del Apache NWR.

Cancer Survivors Find Refuge in Nature

November 2016
Battling cancer is no easy feat. The disease is tenacious and can wreak havoc not only on the body, but the mind and spirit as well. Recently, a group of cancer survivors found a place where they rediscovered their courage, their confidence, and their spirit. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge lies in an ancient mountain range in southwest Oklahoma. Established in 1901 to protect wildlife species that were in grave danger of extinction and to restore species that had been eliminated from the area, today American bison, Rocky Mountain elk, wild turkey, river otters and nearly 400 other species of fish and wildlife call the Refuge home. The Refuge also offers a sundry of outdoor recreational activities that range from wildlife watching to hiking to rock climbing making it the perfect place to host the first Resilience Nature Retreat for Cancer Survivors. Six women at different stages of their cancer journeys came together for a three day retreat at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to face challenges, meet new friends, and to experience the healing power of nature. 

Learn more about their life changing adventure in this informative video.

Read more about cancer survivors in nature.

Ashlie Peterson from the Southwestern Fish Health Unit holds a razorback. Credit: Craig Springer, USFWS.

Robust Fish at the Southwest Region Hatcheries

November 2016
Every effort is made to ensure that fish brought into national fish hatcheries—and the fish going out—are robust and disease-free. Toward that goal, Marlene Rodarte and Ashlie Peterson, fisheries biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center – Fish Heath Lab recently collected razorback sucker and rainbow trout tissues for the annual exam at Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery. The two scientists own a combined 42 years of experience in fish health, and laboratory practices. They are two among a staff of six fish health biologists at Southwestern ARRC, led by a doctor of veterinary medicine, Martha Keller.

Read more about fish health.

Service Deputy Director Jim Kurth addresses the crowd." Credit: Stacey Garcia, USFWS.

Foundations for a Strong Conservation Future

October 2016
This week managers from national wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries, and ecological services offices around the Southwest Region gathered in Albuquerque, New Mexico to continue to build a strong foundation for conservation. Coming together, these leaders learned from one another and shared conservation challenges, imaginative ideas ,innovative solutions, and keys to success. These leaders will guide the Service and it's wildlife conservation mission into the future.

Dr. Benjamin Tuggle cuts the ribbon at the Willow Beach NFH ceremony. Credit: George Andrejko/ADGF.

October 2016
Anglers rejoice, rainbow trout are back at Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery (NFH). After a three-year hiatus, the popular sport fish swims in the shaded raceways at the federal fisheries facility located on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, 12 miles downstream of Hoover Dam.

The fish were welcomed back in a partnership celebration held at the NFH, October 20, 2016.

“Our partnerships will pay dividends for the community and for conservation,” said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, Regional Director of the Service’s Southwest Region, remarking to a crowd gathered near a recently installed pump that delivers cold water to the NFH. “Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery once again fulfills its dual role of conserving endangered fishes, and serving the angling public. Tribal partners along the lower Colorado River, and the larger community that depends on recreational activities in the area also benefit.”

Willow Beach NFH was built in 1959, and part of the aged water supply structures failed in 2013, ceasing rainbow trout production. Through the collaborations of the Service, Mohave County, National Park Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, with the support of the Arizona congressional delegation, a floating platform that houses pumps was engineered and built. It now delivers cold water to the NFH that trout require.

On July 26, 2016, the Service oversaw successful testing of the newly installed floating pipeline and pumps. A final inspection conducted on August 4, 2016, ensured the system was fully operational. Ten days later the Arizona Game and Fish Department delivered 51,000 rainbow trout to Willow Beach NFH. The Service will raise the trout until they are large enough to be released in area waters. Rainbow trout eggs will arrive this fall, and the hatchery will return to its former and familiar routine of raising trout from that earliest stage.

Endangered Razorback Sucker at Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery

October 2016
Raising endangered razorback sucker at Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery in Arizona requires recirculating well water. Biologist Heidi Stream tells us about an innovative way the water is kept clean for the health of the fish.

Watch the video.

FWS's Joy Nicholopoulos (center) signs the Pima County MSCP implementation agreement, together with (L-to-R) Supervisor Ray Carol, Administrator Chuck Huckleberry, Congressman Raul Grijalva and Supervisor Sharon Bronson.  Credit: USFWS.

October 2016
Pima County​ Arizona and Its Wildlife are Celebrating ..and for good reason. The County and the USFWS today sign a Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan that implements smart development and conservation in the county. The county’s in-depth plan was born from years of community involvement to determine what cultural and natural resources they hold dear, and the economy and development they seek. Their thoughtful, award-winning planning, together with local taxpayer support for their treasured and unique Sonoran wildlife and habitats, has made the County a national model for community planning and conservation.

Learn more about the Pima County MSCP
Watch the Pima County Scenes and Species Video
Watch the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan Video

The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable wildlife species in the world. Credit:Brett Billings, USFWS.

Have You Heard The Buzz?
Texas Adds Second Monarch Butterfly Champion City!

October 2016
The Lone Star State is full of champions, just ask a monarch butterfly! McAllen, Texas has just become the second Monarch Butterfly Champion City in the nation, behind San Antonio, Texas. To become a Champion City, the city’s Mayor must sign the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayor’s Monarch Pledge and commit to all 24 action items recommended to increase habitat for monarchs and other pollinators.

Inspired by the city of San Antonio, city of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling recognized the vital role Texas plays in saving the monarch butterfly. Monarchs and other pollinators are in steep decline posing risks to our food production and our own health. Learn how city of McAllen is helping monarchs and what you can do to save the Monarch.

Learn more...
Read the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge
Save the Monarch

Interstate 35 Not Just For Motorists Anymore

October 2016
Rest stops along America’s intricate interstate highway system have long provided weary travelers with places of rest, comfort, refreshment, and even beauty. And now rest stops along a stretch of I-35 in Texas are not only attracting motorists, they are attracting monarch butterflies. Thanks to a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Native Plant Society of Texas, and Texas Department of Transportation these rest areas now host “Monarch Waystations”. The waystations provide essential habitat for monarchs including native milkweed and flowering plants for food, rest, and reproduction. Waystations can be planted anywhere, including your own backyard!

Read about the Monarch Waystation Program
Lear more about the Save the Monarch

Southwest Regional Director Dr. Benjamin N. Tuggle, center, with members of the Laguna
Pueblo and Hopi Tribe StarTrail Dance Group. (Credit: Joe Early, USFWS.

Black-capped vireo. Credit: Gil Eckrich, USFWS.

Refuges are a great place for a family hike. Creeditr: USFWS.

Louisiana pinesnake. Credit Michael Sealy, USFWS.

Mrs. Bush gets ready to make milkweed seed balls to disperse to create new habitat for monarchs. Credit: Grant Miller.

Orangutan skull. Credit: USFWS.