Proposed Critical Habitat Designation for 22 Endangered and Threatened Species in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed designating critical habitat for 22 species — 9 animals and 13 plants — native to the Mariana Islands, encompassing both the U.S. Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). This action is taken under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to legally protect areas essential to the survival and recovery of these species. The proposed designation covers approximately 59,886 acres (24,235 hectares) spread across nine islands: Aguiguan, Alamagan, Asunción, Guam (including Cocos Island), Pagan, Rota, Saipan, Sarigan, and Tinian. These islands contain habitat features — such as native forest, limestone habitat, and coastal areas — considered essential for listed species' biological needs. As a proposed rule, it is subject to a public comment period. Federal agencies undertaking, funding, or permitting activities within or affecting these designated areas would be required to consult with USFWS to ensure their actions do not destroy or adversely modify the critical habitat. An economic analysis of the proposed designation has also been made available for public review. This rule does not directly regulate private landowners unless federal nexus (federal funding or permits) is involved, but the designation signals conservation priority and may influence future land-use decisions and development permitting on these islands.

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