Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status for the Plant Helianthus paradoxus (Pecos Sunflower)

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determine Helianthus paradoxus (Pecos or puzzle sunflower) to be a threatened species under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This species is dependent on desert wetlands for its survival. It is known from 22 sites in Cibola, Valencia, Guadalupe, and Chaves counties, New Mexico, and from 3 sites in Pecos and Reeves counties, Texas. Threats to this species include drying of wetlands from groundwater depletion, alteration of wetlands (e.g. wetland fills, draining, impoundment construction), competition from non-native plant species, excessive livestock grazing, mowing, and highway maintenance. This rule implements the Federal protection and recovery programs of the Act for this plant.