Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status for the Plant Lesquerella thamnophila (Zapata Bladderpod)

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine the plant Lesquerella thamnophila (Zapata bladderpod) to be an endangered species under the authority of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. Lesquerella thamnophila is currently known from four locations in Starr and Zapata Counties, Texas. Increased urban development, roadway construction, invasion of exotic species, increased oil and gas activities, alteration and conversion of native plant communities to improved pastures, overgrazing, and vulnerability from low population numbers threaten this species.