Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Rota Bridled White-Eye (Zosterops rotensis) From the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, determine endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, for the Rota bridled white-eye (Zosterops rotensis), a bird. The Rota bridled white-eye is a recognized species of white-eye endemic to the island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Rota bridled white-eye was once widespread, possibly occupying forested habitat at all elevations. The total population of the Rota bridled white-eye was estimated at 1,167 individuals in 1996, representing a decline of 89 percent from the 1982 estimated population of 10,763 individuals. The Rota bridled white-eye has continued to decline: In 1999, the population estimate was approximately 1,092 individuals. The Rota bridled white-eye is currently found in four patches of mature wet forest at elevations above 200 meters (650 feet). The reasons for this species' decline are likely the degradation or loss of habitat due to development, agricultural activities, and naturally occurring events; avian disease; predation; and pesticides. This final rule implements the protection provisions of the Act.