A need arose during the conduct of Threatened and Endangered Species (TES) research for a source of material about the Army's priority TES that would be accessible to (primarily) non-biologist researchers performing various studies on habitat associations using remote sensing, GIS, and other technologies. This is a primer to the characteristics of the species, and why they were of interest to the Army; it also identifies in a preliminary way where the critical gaps were in our knowledge about the TES. This material is intended to be used primarily by research, land management, and training directorate personnel who are not trained biologists, or are not trained with respect to one or more of the species included. The suggested uses include general orientation as to the characteristics and needs of the various species, and awareness of the nature of the potential for Army involvement with them. Although the information presented here is from reliable sources, all references to this document in subsequent reports and publications should be considered secondary, and the original sources should be cited where appropriate. The material may also be provided to contractors who are new to the location or have not worked in the habitats previously.

No abstract

The US Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires the US Army to safeguard Federally listed Threatened and Endangered Species (TES). When a species occurring on Army training lands becomes Federally listed as "threatened or endangered" under the ESA, measures to protect that species may conflict with Army activities on those lands critical to National defense (training, weapons testing, etc.). The Army's List of Priority Species at Risk (LPSAR) identifies 65 species that would cause significant mission conflict were they to be listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. This work investigated the five listing factors identified in ESA Section 4(a)(1) for the species listed on the LPSAR, and reviewed recent US Fish and Wildlife Service findings on the current status of these species, ongoing listing proposals, and other actions that might affect their status. While no species on the LPSAR were moved to listing, newly published 90-day findings have moved three species closer to formal TES status. Results of this work should help target proactive actions, such as participation in conservation agreements to prevent the listing of a Species at Risk (SAR) and to create partnerships with non-Federal agencies through SAR management to take appropriate action. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.