Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule to List the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse as a Threatened Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determines the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) to be a threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The Preble's meadow jumping mouse, a small rodent in the family Zapodidae, is known to occur in seven counties in Colorado and two counties in Wyoming. Historical records document its former presence in additional counties in Colorado and Wyoming. The Preble's meadow jumping mouse lives primarily in heavily vegetated riparian habitats. Habitat loss and degradation caused by agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial development imperil its continued existence. This action implements the protection of the Act for Preble's meadow jumping mouse.