Appendix_K-USFWS Conservation Measures.pdf

US Fish and Wildlife Service – Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office

Conservation Measures

Index

Specie Revision Date Page

Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus)

January 2020 1

Coquí Guajón (Eleutherodactylus cooki)

January 2020 4

Puerto Rican crested toad January 2020 7

Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus)

November 2020 10

Sea turtles January 2020 13

Virgin Islands tree boa (Chilabothrus granti)

November 2020 19

Last Revised: January 2020

Conservation Measures for the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) for marine events.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) considers shallow coastal areas, bays, estuaries, river mouths and mangrove lagoon ecosystems as important for the conservation of the Antillean manatee because these areas contain the three key ecological attributes necessary for species’ long-term survival: sea grass, freshwater for drinking, calm and shallow waters. Not all of these resources need to be present in order for manatees to use any particular area. The Antillean manatee in U.S. Caribbean, including Vieques, Culebra, and occasionally the U.S. Virgin Islands, are thought to spend the majority of their time in shallow waters less than 20 feet deep and regularly moving into deeper waters when moving between local sites and resources. Actions proposed for these areas should be carefully evaluated to ensure that manatees and their habitat are not affected, especially by the improper use of watercrafts within manatee habitat.

To evaluate the potential effects of any proposed marine event on manatees and its habitat, the

Applicant needs to provide the following information:

o Describe the type and amount of watercraft associated to the marine event.

o Provide a map of the entire marine event course with the water depths in that area.

o Describe all types and amount of in-water markers (e.g., buoys) that will be used for the marine event.

For most high speed and high-risk events, we recommend aerial surveys (i.e., helicopter) to spot manatees in the water and track their movements. However, alternatives to aerial surveys may be considered when the Applicant justifies why they are not using aerial surveys and submit an

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CARIBBEAN ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FIELD OFFICE

Section 7 (a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) charges Federal agencies to aid in the conservation of listed species, and section 7 (a)(2) requires the agencies, through consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), to ensure their activities are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitats. Section 7 applies to the management of Federal lands as well as Federal actions that may affect listed species, such as Federal approval of private activities through the issuance of

Federal funding, permits, licenses, or other actions. Any person that injures, captures, or kills a manatee is subject to penalties under Federal law. If federal funds or permits are needed, the funding or permitting agency shall initiate Section 7 consultation with the Service. To initiate a consultation under the Section 7 of the ESA, you must submit a project package with the established minimum requirements. These conservation measures should be incorporated into the project plans to minimize possible impacts to the species. Download the project evaluations fact sheet to learn more about the requirements or visit our project evaluations webpage.

https://www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/fact-sheet/caribbean-ecological-services-field-office-project-evaluations.pdf https://www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/fact-sheet/caribbean-ecological-services-field-office-project-evaluations.pdf https://www.fws.gov/southeast/caribbean/project-evaluations/ alternate dedicated manatee observer plan (watch team) designed specifically for each marine event.

The Service has developed the following conservation measures with the purpose of assisting others to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the Antillean manatee and its habitat. These recommendations may be incorporated into new project plans and under certain circumstances into existing projects. Depending on the project, additional recommendations can be provided.

1. Marine events must be coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER), and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of

Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR), if events are conducted in U.S. Virgin Islands

2. Do not plan marine events in areas shallower than 10 feet.

3. For marine events that take place at night, all watercraft should proceed at a safe speed (5 mph), in order to avoid striking any protected species.

4. All marine event personnel and participants should be informed of the possible presence of manatees in the marine event area, and the need to avoid any collision with them. A manatee awareness meeting should be held before the event. All marine event personnel and participants should be advised that there are civil and criminal penalties established by the Federal government for harming, harassing, or killing a manatee. Be aware, that the permit holder and/or contractor for the event may be held responsible for any manatee harmed, harassed, or killed as a result of the marine event if permit conditions are not followed.

5. The event area must be continuously monitored for manatees before (at least 30 to 60 minutes) and during the event to detect manatees that may approach or enter the event area by qualified manatee observers. The qualified manatee observers (watch team) should be provided with proper communication equipment (e.g., two-way radios) to allow them to stay in close communication with each other as well as with the event officials while conducting monitoring. Manatee observers should also employ the use of flags for warning or stopping an event. If communication is interrupted during an event, the race will stop until communication is restored.

● Note: There is no agency observer or training program. Observers may be considered qualified based on their experience. Permit holder and/or contractor are responsible for keeping track of each observer’s qualifications and experience.

6. Manatee observers should be designated exclusively for that purpose and no other. An appropriate amount of manatee observers (watch team) should be designated to cover the entire area of the marine event. The position of each observer within the marine event area or on land must also be recorded. A watch team should include a team coordinator, multiple observers at an elevated position on boats and/or land, and/or an observer in a plane or helicopter. All observers should use polarized sunglasses in order to reduce glare and enhance observations.

7. Manatee observers will be in close communication with race officials in order to stop the event if a manatee is observed within the boundaries of the event or upon the request of any observer. If a manatee is sighted within 500 feet of the perimeter of the event boundaries, the observer will immediately notify the event official to alert them that the event may need to be halted. The event official will notify the participants that extreme caution needs to be taken since there is an animal in the vicinity. The event must be stopped immediately upon request of the manatee observer. The event should not resume until the animal has moved away from the area on its own. Manatees must not be herded or harassed to leave the event area. If the observer loses sight of a manatee observed in or near the event area, the event will not resume for at least 30 minutes following the initial sighting, provided that the manatee is not observed again.

8. All participating vessels will travel to and from the event course under the direct supervision of event officials and at idle speed, or the slowest possible navigable speed, until arriving at the course.

9. All participants and official boats should adhere to speed zones adjacent to the event site.

10. A final manatee observer report should be submitted to the USFWS (refer to contact emails below) within 30 days of the event, including a copy of the final USCG permit.

Any manatee injury or deaths should be reported immediately:

● PRDNER: 787-724-5700, 787-230-5550, 787-771-1124

● USFWS: 787-851-7297

● Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center: 787-400-2782, 787-279-1912 ext. 2070

11. No marine event watercrafts, including spectators, should anchor on or above seagrass and coral reefs.

12. If any of the above recommendation is not met prior to or during the event, the event should be immediately terminated.

13. All marine events should also avoid potential effects on sea turtle nests or sea turtles in the water. Be aware these recommendations are for manatees only, sea turtles in the water or other marine mammals are under the purview of NOAA, thus consultation with them should be initiated as well.

If you have any questions regarding the above conservation measures, please contact the Service:

● Marelisa Rivera, Deputy Field Supervisor o Email: marelisa_rivera@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 206 or mobile 787-510-5207

● José Cruz-Burgos, Endangered Species Coordinator o Email: jose_cruz-burgos@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 218 or mobile 787-510-5206 mailto:marelisa_rivera@fws.gov mailto:jose_cruz-burgos@fws.gov

Conservation Measures for the Coquí Guajón (Eleutherodactylus cooki)

The coquí guajón is a relatively large species within the coqui frog family, reaching approximately

3 inches in length with females being larger than males. The species is considered mostly nocturnal, but can also be heard calling during daylight hours and late afternoon. This coquí was federally listed as threatened in 1997 and is only known to occur in southeastern Puerto Rico in the Municipalities of Yabucoa, San Lorenzo, Patillas, Humacao, Las Piedras, Juncos, and

Maunabo (shaded area in map below). You may find more information on this species including a recording of its call here: http://www.proyectocoqui.com/portfolio/coqui-guajon/#.XHginlW6PIV, and educational materials including a printable poster here:

https://www.coquiguajon.org/materiales-educativos.

The coquí guajón utilizes large to small caves and crevices formed by different sized granite boulders within rocky streams. This type of habitat is commonly known as guajonal. The species also has been detected using road culverts and adjacent to Puerto Rico’s sewer and aqueduct water

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CARIBBEAN ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FIELD OFFICE

Adult male coquí guajón

Photo: Patillas, PR by USFWS-JP Zegarra

Section 7 (a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) charges Federal agencies to aid in the conservation of listed species, and section 7 (a)(2) requires the agencies, through consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), to ensure their activities are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitats. Section 7 applies to the management of Federal lands as well as Federal actions that may affect listed species, such as Federal approval of private activities through the issuance of

Federal funding, permits, licenses, or other actions. Any person that injures, captures, or kills a Coquí guajón destroy its eggs, and/or modify its critical habitat is subject to penalties under

Federal law. If federal funds or permits are needed, the funding or permitting agency shall initiate Section 7 consultation with the Service. To initiate a consultation under the Section 7 of the ESA, you must submit a project package with the established minimum requirements.

These conservation measures should be incorporated into the project plans to minimize possible impacts to the species. Download the project evaluations fact sheet to learn more about the requirements or visit our project evaluations webpage.

http://www.proyectocoqui.com/portfolio/coqui-guajon/#.XHginlW6PIV http://www.proyectocoqui.com/portfolio/coqui-guajon/#.XHginlW6PIV https://www.coquiguajon.org/materiales-educativos https://www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/fact-sheet/caribbean-ecological-services-field-office-project-evaluations.pdf facilities. Projects that occur upstream or upland where the species occurs may also impact its habitat further downstream.

Critical habitat has been designated in each of the municipalities mentioned above, all within private lands. The enclosed link describes and illustrates all of the 17 designated critical habitats for this species: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2006-10-05/pdf/06-8482.pdf. You may also download spatial data for these critical habitats by searching here:

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical-habitat.html.

The Service has developed the following conservation measures with the purpose of assisting others to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the coqui guajón and its habitat. These recommendations may be incorporated into new project plans and under certain circumstances into existing projects. Depending on the project, additional recommendations can be made besides the ones presented in this document.

Conservation Measures:

1. Confirm the presence/absence of the species at the project site. The most effective way to do this is to identify the guajon’s call during the late afternoon or night. You may contact the Service for recommendations on how and when to do this.

2. Inform all project personnel about the potential presence of the coquí guajón in areas where the proposed work will be conducted. A pre-construction meeting should be conducted to inform all project personnel about the need to avoid harming this species. An educational poster or sign with photo or illustration of the species should be displayed at the project site.

3. Proposed activities should avoid adversely affecting any of the 17 critical habitat units or any other occupied guajón habitat.

4. Be advised that the designated critical habitat is not the entire range of the species; the species can be found in any boulder type habitat in streams, ravines or drainages within the above referenced Municipalities. If the species is detected outside of the designated critical habitat areas, it is still protected under the Endangered Species Act.

5. Prior to any construction activity, including removal of vegetation and earth movement, the boundaries of the project area, the buffer zones, and areas to be excluded and protected should be clearly marked in the project plan and in the field.

6. It is important to implement proper erosion and sedimentation control measures when working within or adjacent to coqui guajón habitat. Sediment runoff can adversely impact the species and its habitat by filling the caves and crevices were the species occurs and uses to lay its eggs. As water is a very important component of the species’ habitat, any stream, creek, or similar body of water with the habitat characteristics indicated above may harbor the species, hence it should protected to the maximum extent possible.

7. Areas that can be impacted by construction or any other activity would potentially require the relocation of frogs and consultation with the Service for such action is required. If https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2006-10-05/pdf/06-8482.pdf https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical-habitat.html relocation is proposed, a capture and relocation protocol should be developed and sent to the Service for evaluation before the project starts. Capture and relocation of frogs should be conducted only by qualified personnel avoiding harming, injury or killing individuals.

8. A before and after photographic record of the project area should be established. In addition, a record of all coquí guajón detections, including date, time, location, and approximate number of individuals should be established.

9. Projects must comply with all State laws and regulations. Also, contact PRDNER for further guidance.

If you have any questions regarding the comments above, please contact the Service Monday to

Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

● Marelisa Rivera, Deputy Field Supervisor o Email: marelisa_rivera@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 206 or mobile 787-510-5207

● José Cruz-Burgos, Endangered Species Coordinator o Email: jose_cruz-burgos@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 218 or mobile 787-510-5206

U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

CARIBBEAN ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FIELD OFFICE

MARCH 2019

Conservation Measures for the Puerto Rican crested toad

The Puerto Rican crested toad (PRCT; Peltophryne lemur), commonly known in Spanish as sapo concho puertorriqueño, is the only native bufonid of Puerto Rico and the Virgin

Islands. An adult PRCT is a medium-size toad ranging from 64 to 120 millimeters (2.5 to

4.5 inches) snout-vent length, of singular aspect, owing to the extraordinary development of the bony crest of the cranium and large size of its eyes. Juvenile PRCTs (recently metamorphosed, less than 1 inch (25.4 mm snout-vent length) have a distinctive coloration and patterns, making them easily identifiable among other toad species in Puerto Rico.

Section 7 (a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) charges Federal agencies to aid in the conservation of listed species, and section 7 (a)(2) requires the agencies, through consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), to ensure their activities are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitats. Section 7 applies to the management of Federal lands as well as Federal actions that may affect listed species, such as federal approval of private activities through the issuance of federal funding, permits, licenses, or other actions. Any person that injures, captures, or kills a Puerto Rican crested toad, or destroy it eggs or tadpoles is subject to penalties under the ESA. If Federal funds or permits are needed, the funding or permitting agency should initiate Section 7 consultation with the Service. To initiate a consultation under the Section 7 of the ESA, you must submit a project package with the established minimum requirements. These conservation measures should be incorporated into the project plans to minimize possible impacts to the species. Download the project evaluations fact sheet to learn more about the requirements or visit our project evaluations webpage.

https://www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/fact-sheet/caribbean-ecological-services-field-office-project-evaluations.pdf

The PRCT was federally listed as threatened in 1987, and has been documented historically in 14 scattered sites along the northern and southern karst regions in Puerto Rico: eight in the northern karst, and six in the southern karst. Presently, the species is only found in three natural populations in the southern karst region and six reintroduced sites (three in the southern karst, and three in the northern karst region). Outside breeding events, the species is difficult to detect. The PRCT seems to be more active at night, from 7:30 pm to 1:00 am, and have been observed using small holes and crevices to access underground chambers as daytime retreats. These animals are able to climb vertical rock faces and steep dirt banks to find holes and crevices. In forested areas and grasslands where the topography has low relief (i.e., rocks, slopes), and limited structural complexity (holes and crevices), adult toads have been found inside dead logs, and inside empty nests of tarantulas

(Cyrtopholis portoricae).

The Service has developed the following conservation measures with the purpose of assisting others to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the PRCT and its habitat. These recommendations may be incorporated into new project plans and under certain circumstances into existing projects. Depending on the project, additional recommendations can be made besides the ones presented in this document.

1. Inform all project personnel about the potential presence of the PRCT in areas where the proposed work will be conducted. A pre-construction meeting should be conducted to inform all project personnel about the need to avoid harming the species as well as penalties for harassing or harming PRCTs. An educational poster or sign with photo or illustration of the species should be displayed at the project site.

2. Prior to any construction activity, including removal of vegetation and earth movements, the boundaries of the project and areas to be excluded and protected should be clearly marked in the project plan and in the field in order to avoid further habitat degradation into forested and conservation areas.

3. Strict measures should be established to minimize toad casualties by motor vehicles or other equipment in areas where the species is known to occur. Once the routes are determined, maintain the traffic (human and vehicle) within designated access to minimize affecting toads and habitat. When routes intersecting crested toad areas are utilized, personnel should pay attention (particularly at night, before heavy rains and after breeding events) to avoid mortality of adults and juveniles using the roads when migrating to the breeding pond or returning from the breeding pond. You should ensure that “toad crossing” should not be interrupted.

4. Before activities commence each workday during the earth movement, vegetation clearing or debris removal phase, a biologist or personnel with experience identifying and searching for toads should survey the work area to ensure that no toads are present or can be affected by the work activities. If a crested toad is observed during any time within the operational area of the project, cease or delay activities until the toads move out of the area on their own. Activities at other work sites, where no toads have been found after surveying, may continue.

5. We recommend the continued use of sound recorders and monitoring of ponds if present within or near the project area to detect toad activities and breeding events, particularly during the rainy season.

6. Avoid impacts to drainages connected to potential breeding ponds, and avoid interrupting water flow.

7. If relocation of PRCTs is anticipated, a plan and protocol should be developed and submitted to the Service for revision and concurrence. Qualified and authorized personnel should capture and handle the toads. All individuals should be relocated in appropriate habitat close to the site where they were found.

For all PRCT sightings (dead or alive), record the time and date of the sighting and the specific location and contact the Service. If you have any questions regarding the above conservation measures, please contact the Service:

● Marelisa Rivera, Deputy Field Supervisor o Email: marelisa_rivera@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 206 or mobile 787-510-5207

● José Cruz-Burgos, Endangered Species Coordinator o Email: jose_cruz-burgos@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 218 or mobile 787-510-5206

Last Revised: November 2020

Conservation Measures for the Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus)

The endangered Puerto Rican (PR) boa (Chilabothrus inornatus, formerly Epicrates inornatus) is the largest endemic snake species that inhabits Puerto Rico. The PR boa is non-venomous and does not pose any life threatening danger to humans, but some individuals may try to bite if disturbed or during capture or handling. Its body color ranges from tan to dark brown with irregular diffuse marking on the dorsum, but some individuals lack marking and are uniformly dark. Juveniles may have a reddish color with more pronounced markings. In general, as they mature, their body color tends to darken.

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CARIBBEAN ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FIELD OFFICE

Adult PR boa – Chilabothrus inornatus

Photo: Puerto Rico by JP Zegarra

Section 7 (a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) charges Federal agencies to aid in the conservation of listed species, and section 7 (a)(2) requires the agencies, through consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), to ensure their activities are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitats. Section 7 applies to the management of Federal lands as well as Federal actions that may affect listed species, such as Federal approval of private activities through the issuance of Federal funding, permits, licenses, or other actions. Any person that injures, captures, or kills a Puerto Rico boa is subject to penalties under the ESA. If Federal funds or permits are needed, the funding or permitting agency should initiate Section 7 consultation with the Service. To initiate a consultation under the Section 7 of the ESA, you must submit a project package with the established minimum requirements. These conservation measures should be incorporated into the project plans to minimize possible impacts to the species.

The Puerto Rican boa was federally listed in 1970. Currently, the species has an island-wide distribution and occurs in a wide variety of habitat types ranging from wet montane to subtropical dry forest, and can be found from mature forest to areas with different degrees of human disturbance like roadsides or houses, especially if near their habitat in rural areas. This boa is considered mostly nocturnal, remaining less active, concealed or basking under the sun during the day.

The Service has developed the following conservation measures with the purpose of assisting others to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the PR boa and its habitat. These recommendations may be incorporated into new project plans and under certain circumstances into existing projects.

Depending on the project, additional conservation measures can be implemented besides the ones presented in this document.

Conservation Measures:

1. Inform all project personnel about the potential presence of the PR boa in areas where the proposed work will be conducted. A pre-construction meeting should be conducted to inform all project personnel about the need to avoid harming the species as well as penalties for harassing or harming PR boas. An educational poster or sign with photo or illustration of the species should be displayed at the project site.

2. Prior to any construction activity, including removal of vegetation and earth movements, the boundaries of the project and areas to be excluded and protected should be clearly marked in the project plan and in the field in order to avoid further habitat degradation into forested and conservation areas.

3. Once areas are clearly marked, and prior to the use of heavy machinery and any construction activity (including removal of vegetation and earth movement), a biologist or personnel with experience on this species should survey the areas to be cleared to verify the presence of any PR boa within the work area.

4. The PR boa is considered more active at night. Thus, in order to maximize its detection, the species should be searched at nights prior to habitat disturbance.

5. Once the area has been searched for PR boas, vegetation should first be cleared by hand to the maximum extent possible. Vegetation should be cut about one meter above ground prior to the use of heavy machinery for land clearing. Cutting vegetation by hand will allow boas present on site to move away on their own to adjacent available habitat. Any stone walls or naturally occurring rock piles must be carefully dismantled by hand as these are refuges for the snake. This will allow any boas present to vacate the site without injury.

6. For all boa sightings (dead or alive), record the time and date of the sighting and the specific location where it was found. PR boa data should also include a photo of the animal (dead or alive), site GPS coordinates, the time and date, and comments on how the animal was detected and its behavior.

7. If a PR boa is found within any of the working or construction areas, activities should stop at that area and information recorded (see #6). Do not capture the boa. If boas need to be moved out of harm’s way, designated personnel shall immediately contact the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER) Rangers for safe capture and relocation of the animal (PRDNER phone #s: 787-724-5700, 787-230-5550, 787-771-1124). If immediate relocation is not an option, project-related activities at this area must stop until the boa moves out of harm’s way on its own. Activities at other work sites, where no boas have been found after surveying the area, may continue.

8. If a PR boa is captured by the PRDNER, record the name of the PRDNER staff and information on where the PR boa will be taken. This information should be reported to the Service.

9. Measures should be taken to avoid and minimize PR boa casualties by heavy machinery or motor vehicles being used on site. Any heavy machinery left on site (staging) or near potential PR boa habitat (within 50 meters of potential boa habitat), needs to be thoroughly inspected each morning before work starts to ensure that no boas have sheltered within engine compartments or other areas of the equipment. If PR boas are found within vehicles or equipment, do not capture the animal and let it move on its own or call PRDNER Rangers for safe capture and relocation of the animal (see #7). If not possible, the animal should be left alone until it leaves the vehicle on its own.

10. PR boas may seek shelter in debris piles. Measures should be taken to avoid and minimize boa casualties associated with sheltering in debris piles as a result of project activities.

Debris piles should be placed far away from forested areas. Prior to moving, disposing or shredding, debris piles should be carefully inspected for the presence of boas. If debris piles will be left on site, we recommend they be placed in areas that will not be disturbed in the future.

11. If a dead PR boa is found, immediately cease all work in that area and record the information accordingly (see #6). If the PR boa was accidentally? killed as part of the project actions, please include information on what conservation measures had been implemented and what actions that will be taken to avoid further killings. A dead boa report should be sent by email (see contacts below) to the Service within 48 hours of the event.

12. Projects must comply with all state laws and regulations. Please contact the PRDNER for further guidance.

If you have any questions regarding the above conservation measures, please contact the Service:

● Marelisa Rivera, Deputy Field Supervisor o Email: marelisa_rivera@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 206 or mobile 787-510-5219

● José Cruz-Burgos, Endangered Species Coordinator o Email: jose_cruz-burgos@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 218 or mobile 787-510-5206

U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE

CARIBBEAN ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FIELD OFFICE

Conservation Measures for sea turtles in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), the three most common species of sea turtles nesting are: leatherback sea turtle “tinglar” (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill sea turtle “carey”

(Eretmochelys imbricata), and green sea turtle “peje blanco” (Chelonia mydas). A few nests of the olive ridley “golfina” (Lepidochelys olivacea) have been documented in Puerto Rico and several nests of the loggerhead sea turtle “cabezona” (Caretta caretta) have been documented in

St. Croix, USVI. All sand beaches, including mixed sand and gravel (shell, coral rubble) beaches and some mangrove areas, throughout Puerto Rico and the USVI have the potential for sea turtle nesting.

Coastal development without comprehensive sea turtle conservation measures may result in habitat degradation and destruction, resulting in adverse impacts to sea turtles and their nesting habitat.

Some of the activities that may affect these species and their habitat are: destruction of native coastal vegetation, installation of permanent barriers or structures at their habitat, installation of artificial lights that can be seen from the beach, vehicular traffic or parking within the beach areas, increased predation or damage by pest species (rats, mongooses, dogs, horses, and ants), and root intrusion into nesting habitat from landscapes or exotic vegetation. Artificial lighting may keep females from coming onto the beach to nest and may cause disorientation or miss orientation of both adult female nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings, often resulting in their death. All projects should avoid affecting sea turtle nests and their nesting habitat.

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has developed the following sea turtle conservation measures with the purpose of assisting others to avoid and minimize adverse impacts of existing

Section 7 (a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) charges Federal agencies to aid in the conservation of listed species, and section 7 (a)(2) requires the agencies, through consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), to ensure their activities are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitats. Section 7 applies to the management of Federal lands as well as Federal actions that may affect listed species, such as Federal approval of private activities through the issuance of

Federal funding, permits, licenses, or other actions. Any person that injures, captures, or kills a sea turtle, destroys a nest or eggs, are subject to penalties under the ESA. If Federal funds or permits are needed, the funding or permitting agency should initiate Section 7 consultation with the Service. To initiate a consultation under the Section 7 of the ESA, you must submit a project package with the established minimum requirements. These conservation measures should be incorporated into the project plans to minimize possible impacts to the species. Download the project evaluations fact sheet to learn more about the requirements or visit our project evaluations webpage.

https://www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/fact-sheet/caribbean-ecological-services-field-office-project-evaluations.pdf coastal development on sea turtles. These recommendations may be incorporated into new projects and under certain circumstances into existing projects. Depending on the project, additional recommendations can be made besides the ones presented in this document.

1. Avoid the removal of vegetation, fence installation, construction activities, and light installation within 50 meters inland from the high tide. Designate a buffer zone of additional 20 meters, for a total of 70 meters setback and buffer, to minimize indirect impacts from the project and plant salt tolerant native shrubs or trees within the zone (see

#14). The setback recommendations do not apply if an existing road is located between the beach and project site. In that case, the road serves as the boundary of the beach.

2. Any temporary or permanent lighting associated to the project should utilize sea turtle friendly lights and fixtures to minimize possible adverse effects of direct, indirect and cumulative lighting on sea turtles, for example, adult or hatchling disorientation. Projects should develop and implement a comprehensive sea turtle lighting plan:

a. The concept of sea turtle friendly lighting is to use specific types of light sources that emit a wavelength of 560 nanometers or longer. This wavelength is virtually invisible to sea turtles if viewed indirectly. If the lights can be directly view from the beach, then the light source is paired with a lighting fixture that directly controls the direction and beam spread of the lighting within 70 degrees full cut off. This means that light is effectively and accurately directed at the areas of concern without wasteful light.

b. The comprehensive lighting plan should be designed to avoid detrimental impacts of artificial lighting on sea turtles. This plan should be sent to the Service for revision and approval prior to implementation. The plan should form part of the project construction plans outlining the luminaries to be used. The goal of the plan is that lights should not be seen directly, indirectly or cumulatively from the beach.

Light management strategies such as shielding, lowering of the lights, locating the lights away from sight view of the beach, using an alternate light source such as

Low Pressure Sodium Vapor lights, red or amber LEDs and planting of vegetation barriers are some of the available alternatives to reach the plan goal.

c. LEDs should be of the proper wavelength (true red or amber colored diode), shielded or recessed. Do not use white or blue lights with filter material, sleeves or other covering.

d. For more information on sea turtles and lighting you may also refer to the following

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website:

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/lighting/

e. In already constructed projects, all lights visible from the beach should be eliminated, modified or relocated so that are not visible from the beach.

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/lighting/

3. For Puerto Rico, the project should also comply with Puerto Rico Law 218-2008, Control and Prevention of the Lighting Pollution of Puerto Rico and the PR EQB 2016 Regulation to Control and Prevent Light Contamination. These laws and regulations clearly establish public policy that acceptable illumination fixtures are those that shield the light source to minimize glare impact on habitats. This applies to existing and new construction and for private lighting systems, and is intended develop new strategies to eliminate excessive lighting in all areas, particularly in beach zones. For sea turtle beach areas this Regulations requires that lights have a 70 degree cut off in addition to being sea turtle friendly light.

4. No vehicles, equipment, staging or debris shall be used, parked or stored on the primary dune or in vegetated areas. Staging/parking/storage areas should be located on paved surfaces as much as possible and outside vegetated areas or the primary dune.

5. Enhancing the coastal vegetation by planting native coastal species (e.g., sea grapes, buttonwood, icaco, etc.) is recommended within the maritime zone.

6. During nesting season (March 1 to November 30), a qualified sea turtle monitor shall survey each beach work area during the early morning hours for possible sea turtle nests.

Any nests found within the area must be marked or flagged in place. Outside of peak nesting season, beaches where work will occur shall be surveyed during the early morning hours at least twice a week. If required, debris removal and construction activities on beaches shall initiate only after the sea turtle monitor has completed surveys that morning and nests are clearly marked.

Sea turtle trained personnel shall conduct surveys following PRDNER/USVI-DPNR protocols (see attached list of PR sea turtle groups, for USVI contact the Department of

Planning and Natural Resources: (340) 773-1082, https://dpnr.vi.gov/fish-and-wildlife/).

Nests located adjacent to the work area shall be clearly identified and a 10-foot square roped off buffer, and an unobstructed path seaward from the nest to the water shall be established. Sea turtle monitoring groups shall have site-specific information for nests in their areas and inform work crews of areas to avoid.

7. If a sea turtle crawl is encountered prior to or during the project activity outside of the normal nesting season (normal nesting season occurs from April through November), the working crew should not disturb the integrity of the crawl and a sea turtle monitor should be contacted and the Agencies should be notified. Care must be taken to avoid walking or driving equipment over or near a crawl, so potential nests are not damaged.

8. If silt fencing is going to be used during the nesting season (April through November), the agencies should be contacted for technical assistance.

9. If the beach topography is altered by construction activities during the nesting season, the sand should be re-accommodated at the end of each day, so that sea turtles are not impeded to come ashore. For example, raking of tire ruts, filling pits or holes, and smoothing out https://dpnr.vi.gov/fish-and-wildlife/ the sand. Any potential obstructions (e.g. construction debris, equipment) should also be removed from the beach by the end day.

10. If during project activities, a sea turtle nest is accidentally damaged, all activities should immediately stop and the PRDNER, the VIDPNR (if in USVI), and the USFWS should be contacted immediately. In addition, authorized sea turtle groups may also be contacted for assistance (see Appendix).

11. If a sea turtle (either adult or hatchling) is observed, maintain at least 50 feet between the turtle and project personnel and contact the PRDNER or VIDPNR and seek the assistance of an authorized sea turtle groups (see Appendix). Allow the sea turtles to crawl unobstructed to the water.

12. If a dead, injured, or sick sea turtle is found or if eggs or nests have been disturbed by other actions, stop all work and contact PRDNER, VIDPNR and the USFWS.

13. For tourist, residential or hotel projects, remove beach chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and any other recreational items from the beach on a daily basis and store these items in a designated area away from the nesting habitat.

14. All trash resulting from construction or operation activities should be removed from the beach area and be disposed properly at the end of the day.

15. All sea turtle monitoring activities and measures taken to implement the conservation measures should be clearly documented and included in the final project report.

Projects must comply with all State laws and regulations. Please contact the Puerto Rico

Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER, see Appendix) or the USVI

Department of Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR), Fish and Wildlife Division (340-775-

6762 St. Thomas, 340-773-1082 St. Croix). For projects that are within any USFWS Caribbean

Islands National Wildlife Refuges, please contact 787-851-7298 x 305.

If you have any questions regarding the above conservation measures, please contact the Service:

● Marelisa Rivera, Deputy Field Supervisor o Email: marelisa_rivera@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 206 or mobile 787-510-5219

● José Cruz-Burgos, Endangered Species Coordinator o Email: jose_cruz-burgos@fws.gov o Office phone 787-851-7297 ext. 218 or mobile 787-510-5206

APPENDIX

Volunteer sea turtle groups in Puerto Rico are authorized by the PRDNER to conduct certain sea turtle monitoring and management activities. If groups are available to help, coordination with these groups should be well documented as part of the planning and implementation of projects.

Be aware that coordination with these groups may not represent an official PRDNER consultation process. Thus, proposed project still need to go through the PRDNER permit and project evaluation process.

Puerto Rico Sea Turtle group contacts by municipality or region:

● PRDNER (Sea turtle program coordinator) and Piñones:

Carlos Diez

787-453-6484 cdiez@drna.gobierno.pr

● Yo Amo el tinglar

(Hatillo/Arecibo/Barceloneta/Manati,V ega Baja):

Myrna Concepción

939-276-9901 myrnaconcepciontorres@gmail.com

● Chelonia (Proyecto Tinglar-Dorado;

playa El Unico, Rd. 165):

Raymond Flores

787-306-0916 raymond@cheloniapr.org

● TICATOVE (Vieques):

Zuki Bermudez

787-438-4493 sukibermudez@yahoo.com sukibermudez@gmail.com

● 7 Quillas Ocean Park (Condado and

Ocean Park):.

Hilda Benitez

787-688-6763

7quillastecnico@gmail.com hmbenitez88@gmail.com

● Tortugueros del Sur (Ponce, Santa

Isabel, Guayama, Guánica):

Guillermo Plaza

787- 341-8888 guilloswift@gmail.com

● Proyecto Tortugas Marinas de

Culebra:

Abbie White abbie143@hotmail.com

Adiereen Villanueva

787-685-7820

● PRDRNA and Coalition for the

Northeast Ecological Corridor Nature

Reserve (Fajardo/Luquillo):

Rosaly Ramos

787- 635-4493 rosalytinglar@hotmail.com

● Vida Marina (Cabo Rojo, Mayagüez, Rincón, Añasco, Aguada, Aguadilla, Isabela):

Robert Mayer

787-414-0776 rjmayerar@gmail.com

Sheila Bonet

939-358-5141 sheila.bonet@upr.edu

● Arrecifes Pro-Ciudad (Isla Verde):

Paco López

787-604-4959 pacolopez11a@gmail.com mailto:sukibermudez@yahoo.com mailto:7quillastecnico@gmail.com mailto:rjmayerar@gmail.com

● ATMAR

(Maunabo/Yabucoa/Patillas/Humacao

& Palmas del Mar):

Luis Crespo

787-448-8627

Carmen Arias (Yabucoa

Cocal/Guano beach)

787-342- 9057

● Humacao Nature Reserve:

Samerith Sanchez

787-594-6568 samerithster@gmail.com

● DNER Rangers (law enforcement, strandings, rescues):

787-724-5700

787-230-5550

787-771-1124

● PR Stranding Network (strandings and rescues):

Antonio Mignucci

787-399-1900

Conservation Measures for the Virgin Islands tree boa (Chilabothrus granti)

The endangered Virgin Islands (VI) tree boa (Chilabothrus granti, formerly Epicrates monensis granti) is a small, slender, nocturnal, arboreal non-venomous snake. The VI boa does not pose any life threating danger to human beings. Although considered docile, some individuals might try to bite if disturbed or during capture and handling. Newborn and juveniles are a light grey with brown to black blotches along their bodies, and darken as they mature into adults. Adults may reach between 3 to 4 feet in length.

Within U.S. jurisdiction, VI boas are found on the northeast side of Puerto Rico, Culebra Island, east end of St. Thomas, and on a few offshore cays. They are also found in some islands in the British Virgin Islands. VI boas generally live in xeric (dry) habitat, which is characterized by poor rocky soils, in scrub woodland or subtropical dry forest with high density of interdigitating branches and vines connecting adjacent tree canopies. The VI boa is difficult to detect in the wild and can be found moving among branches, vines, and crawling on the ground at night.

During the day, they are mostly sheltered and out of sight. Some individuals have been found in or close to houses, especially if near their habitat.

All construction projects should avoid affecting the VI boa and its habitat. Thus, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has developed the following conservation measures with the purpose of assisting others to avoid and minimize adverse impacts to the species and its habitat.

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

CARIBBEAN ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FIELD OFFICE

These recommendations may be incorporated into development projects. Depending on the project, additional conservation measures can be implemented besides the ones presented in this document.

Conservation Measures for Puerto Rico:

1. Inform all project personnel about the potential presence of the VI boa in areas where the proposed work will be conducted. A pre-construction meeting should be conducted to inform all project personnel about the need to avoid harming this species as well as penalties for harassing or harming boas. An educational poster or sign with photo or illustration should be displayed at the project site.

2. Prior to any construction activity, including removal of vegetation and earth movements, the boundaries of the project area and areas to be excluded and protected should be clearly marked in the project plan and in the field in order to avoid further habitat degradation into forested and conservation areas.

3. Once areas are clearly marked and prior to any construction activity, including removal of vegetation and earth movements, a biologist or experienced personnel should survey the areas to be cleared to ensure that no boas are present within the work area.

4. The VI boa is considered more active at night. Thus, in order to maximize VI boa detection, the species can be searched for the night(s) prior to any vegetation clearing starts according to the construction plan.

5. Once the area has been searched for VI boas, vegetation should first be cleared by hand to the maximum extent possible. Vegetation should first be cut about one meter above the ground, prior to the use of heavy machinery for land clearing. Once land is cleared by hand, this will allow boas present on site to potentially move away on their own to adjacent available habitat.

6. For all boa sightings (dead or alive), record the time and date of the sighting and the specific location where it was found. VI boa data should also include a photo of the animal (dead or alive), relocation site GPS coordinates, the time and date, and comments on how the boa was detected, and its behavior.

7. If a VI boa is found within any of the working or construction areas, activities should stop at the area where the VI boa is found and information recorded accordingly (see #6).

Do not capture the boa. If boas need to be moved out of harm’s way, , designated personnel shall immediately contact Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER) Rangers for safe capture and relocation of the animal (PRDNER phone #s: 787-724-5700, 787-230-5550, 787-771-1124). If immediate relocation is not an option, project-related activities at this area must stop until the boa moves out of harm’s way on its own. If a VI boa is captured by the PRDNER , record the name of the PRDNER staff and information on where the VI boa will be taken. This information should be reported to the Service.

8. Measures should be taken to avoid and minimize VI boa casualties by heavy machinery or motor vehicles being used on site. Any heavy machinery left on site (in staging areas) or near potential VI boa habitat (within 50 meters of potential boa habitat), needs to be thoroughly inspected each morning before work starts to ensure that no boas have sheltered within engine compartments or other areas of the equipment. If VI boas are found within vehicles or equipment, do not capture the animal and let it move on its own or call PRDNER Rangers for safe capture and relocation of the animal (see #7).

9. VI boas may also enter or occur within debris piles.