Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To List as Endangered the O‘ahu ‘Elepaio From the Hawaiian Islands and Determination of Whether Designation of Critical Habitat Is Prudent

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine the O`ahu `elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis ibidis) to be an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This bird is endemic to the island of O`ahu, Hawaiian Islands, where it was formerly found in all forested areas on the island. The O`ahu `elepaio is currently found in greatly reduced numbers and is restricted to seven isolated populations occurring primarily in mid- elevation forests in portions of the Ko`olau and Wai`anae Mountains. The O`ahu `elepaio is threatened primarily by disease, including avian pox virus and malaria, and predation by nonindigenous mammals. Other known threats include storms with heavy rainfall and high winds that destroy nests; habitat degradation and loss, including habitat fragmentation due primarily to human impacts; and destruction of foraging habitat by feral pigs (VanderWerf 1993). In light of new biological information provided during the public comment period, we have reanalyzed our original determination that designation of critical habitat was not prudent for this species. In summary, we find the O`ahu `elepaio may benefit from the designation of critical habitat by indicating new areas for consultation under section 7 of the Act, and by providing educational benefits. Thus, we have determined that the designation of critical habitat is prudent for this species.