Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing of the Chiricahua Leopard Frog (Rana chiricahuensis)

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate the Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana chiricahuensis) as a threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) throughout its range. The Chiricahua leopard frog is now absent from more than 75 percent of its historical sites and numerous mountain ranges, valleys, and drainages within its former range. In areas where it is still present, populations are often small, widely scattered, and occupy marginal and dynamic habitats. Known threats include habitat alteration, destruction, and fragmentation, predation by nonnative organisms, and disease. This final rule will implement Federal protection to this species and provide funding for development and implementation of recovery actions. Concurrently with publication of this final rule, we are publishing a special rule under section 4(d) of the Act. Under the special rule, take of Chiricahua leopard frog caused by livestock use of or maintenance activities at livestock tanks located on private, State, or Tribal lands would be exempt from the prohibition of section 9 of the Act.