The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determined threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl ( Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum), a bird subspecies found in Mexico, southern Arizona, and southern Texas. This rule adds the subspecies to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The Service also finalizes a rule under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of this subspecies. They concluded that designation of critical habitat is prudent and determinable at this time. Critical habitat will be proposed in a separate rule-making. This rule is effective August 21, 2023. POC is Heather Whitlaw, USFWS, 9828 N 31st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85051; tele 602–242–0210.
(Federal Register 20 July 2023 [Final Rule] Pages 46910-46950)