Updated BLM Sensitive Species List for Nevada & Statewide BLM Nevada Special Status Species (BLM NV SSS) Observation Form

The BLM Manual (6840) directs BLM to manage special status species and their habitats to minimize or eliminate threats affecting the status of the species or to improve the condition of the species’ habitat. For clarity, special status species broadly describes two categories of conservation status: (1) species listed or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and (2) species requiring special management consideration to promote their conservation and reduce the likelihood and need for future listing under the ESA, which are designated as BLM sensitive by the State Director(s). The Manual describes the following mandate and procedure for designating BLM sensitive species:

In compliance with existing laws, including the BLM multiple-use mission as specified in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the BLM shall designate BLM sensitive species. BLM also implements measures to conserve these species and their habitats, including ESA proposed critical habitat, to promote their conservation and reduce the likelihood and need for such species to be listed pursuant to the ESA. All federally designated candidate species, proposed species, and delisted species in the 5 years following their delisting shall be conserved as BLM sensitive species.

State Directors shall designate species within their respective states as BLM sensitive using the following criteria. For species inhabiting multiple states, State Directors shall coordinate with one another in the designation of BLM sensitive species so that species status is consistent across the species’ range on BLM administered lands, where appropriate.

Species designated as BLM sensitive must be native species found on BLM administered lands for which the BLM has the capability to significantly affect the conservation status of the species through management, and either:

1. There is information that a species has recently undergone, is undergoing, or is predicted to undergo a downward trend such that the viability of the species or a distinct population segment of the species is at risk across all or a signification portion of the species’ range, or
2. The species depends on ecological refugia or specialized or unique habitats on BLM administered lands, and there is evidence that such areas are threatened with alteration such that the continued viability of the species in that area would be at risk.

Criteria for Determining Update of BLM NV SSS list:

For taxon to be included, it must potentially occur or be known to occur on BLM-administered lands. BLM must have the capability to significantly affect the conservation status of the taxon through management. Taxon must be a native and resident for a portion of the year and not strictly migratory through Nevada.

For taxa considered under the Endangered Species Act, as amended, to be included on the BLM NV SSS list, one of the following criteria must be met within the state:

1. All U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Listed and Proposed species.
2. All taxa receiving a positive 90-day finding within the state documented on BLM administered lands until the publication of a 12-month finding.
3. Candidates are considered Sensitive within the state where suitable habitat exists on BLM-administered lands.
4. All de-listed USFWS taxa within the last five years are within the state where suspected or documented on BLM-administered lands or for the duration of their delisting monitoring plan.

For all other taxa, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

1. Taxa with a global rank of G3 or below.
2. Taxa with a state rank of S3 or below.
3. Taxa with a trinomial rank of T3 or below.
4. Taxa have stressors/threats and/or declining population trends.
5. Taxa on BLM-administered lands negatively affected by changes in water quality or quantity.
6. Endemism – taxa occurring in a single geographic location (e.g., spring/spring complex, valley, mountain range), and thus, have a higher risk of extinction/extirpation.

Acronyms:
NatureServe Network Global (G), State (S), Trinomial (T) Ranks:

1 = Critically imperiled
2 = Imperiled
3 = Rare and uncommon; vulnerable
4 = Not rare and apparently secure
5 = Secure

NatureServe Rank Qualifiers:
#X# = Range rank - A numeric range rank (e.g., G2G3, G1G3) is used to indicate uncertainty about the exact status of a taxon

Taxa include vertebrates, invertebrates, and non-animal kingdoms.

This updated BLM NV SSS list replaces the prior list and reflects the following changes:

1. District occurrence information is updated.
2. Taxonomic information is updated.
3. Species’ listing status under the ESA is updated.
4. Species removed = 27 due to increased distribution and conservation status.
5. Species added = 190 species, primarily due to increase of endemic species. New list has a total of 604 species which is an increase from prior list of 414; however, list is now comprised of 49% endemic species.
6. The Cactus family (Cactaceae) is added due to their vulnerability to poaching and the requirement of a Forest Product Permit System. However, the Cactus family is not required to be analyzed in the NEPA process unless a specific species is included in the BLM NV SSS list.
7. Swamp Cedar Population of Rocky Mountain Juniper is included for awareness of cultural significance to local Tribal Nations.