Endangered Species Status for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (Draft)
Jul. 3, 2023
USFWS proposes to list the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus), a species found only in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas, as an endangered species under the ESA. This determination also serves as their 12-month finding on a petition to list the dunes sagebrush lizard. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, they find that listing the species is warranted. If finalized this rule as proposed will add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. They find the designation of critical habitat to be prudent but not determinable at this time. They will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 1 September 2023. Shawn Sartorius, Field Supervisor, USFWS, New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office, 2105 Osuna NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113; tele: 505–346–2525. (Federal Register 3 July 2023 [Proposed Rule] Pages 42661-42677) .