Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for the Puerto Rican Broad-winged Hawk and the Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk

The Service proposes to determine the Puerto Rican broad- winged hawk (Buteo platypterus brunnescens) and the Puerto Rican sharp- shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus venator) to be endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. These uncommon woodland raptors are restricted to montane, government-owned forests along the Cordillera Central, Sierra de Cayey and Sierra de Luquillo. There are approximately 155 sharp-shinned hawks and 124 broad-winged hawks island-wide. Both species are currently threatened by: Timber harvest and management practices in the forests; road construction in relation to timbering and recreational activities; increase in numbers of recreational facilities, and the disturbance associated with public use; mortality and habitat destruction from hurricanes; the lack of comprehensive management plans for the Commonwealth forests; possible loss of genetic variation due to low population levels: and the potential for illegal shooting. The Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk is also affected by warble fly parasitism. This proposal, if made final, would provide these species with the Act's protection and recovery provisions. The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposal.