Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for Juglans jamaicensis

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to determine Juglans jamaicensis (nogal or West Indian walnut) to be an endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. Nogal is known from the islands of Hispaniola, Cuba and Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, this large tree is known from only 14 individuals at one locality in Adjuntas. The area is located near the Monte Guilarte Commonwealth Forest but is in private ownership and threatened by land-clearing for agriculture and rural development. This proposal, if made final, would implement the Federal protection and recovery provisions afforded by the Act for Juglans jamaicensis.