Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Razorback Sucker From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule
Key claim: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reclassifying the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened under the ESA and finalizing section 4(d) protective regulations because the species is no longer in immediate danger of extinction but remains likely to become so in the foreseeable future.
Abstract
(Rule · Interior Department, Fish and Wildlife Service) We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reclassifying the razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) from endangered to threatened (downlist) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This action is based on our evaluation of the best scientific and commercial data available, which indicates that the species’ status has improved such that it is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, but that it is still likely to become so within the foreseeable future. We also finalize protective regulations under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of this species.
Why this matters
Downlisting the razorback sucker adjusts the regulatory regime for a Colorado River Basin fish whose recovery has been tied to decades of flow management, hatchery propagation, and habitat restoration under interstate recovery programs. The accompanying 4(d) rule sets which take prohibitions carry over, shaping how water projects, dam operations, and river management in the basin must accommodate the species going forward.