Finalregs esa naturalresources threatenedspecies usfws downlist
USFWS are reclassifying the Hawaiian stilt (kukuluae'o or ae'o, Himantopus mexicanus knudseni; a subspecies of the black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)) from endangered to threatened (downlist) under the ESA. This action is based on our evaluation of the best scientific and commercial data available, which indicates that the subspecies' status has improved such that it is not in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, but that it is still likely to become so within the foreseeable future. They also finalize protective regulations under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the Hawaiian stilt. They recognize the Hawaiian names kukuluae'o and ae'o as additional common names. This rule is effective 19 August 2026. POC is Aaron Nadig, Deputy Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office; telephone 808-792-9400, aaron_nadig@fws.gov.
(Federal Register 20 July 2026 [Rule] Pages 45480-45513).