Cave Bugs Skip Endangered List in Surprising Wildlife Decision
Published Date: 6/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided that the cannulate cave isopod and Dry Fork Valley cave beetle don’t need to be listed as endangered or threatened right now. This means no new protections or costs will happen for these species at this time. But, the public can still share new info anytime to help keep an eye on them.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
No Listing — No New Protections Now
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that the cannulate cave isopod (Pseudobaicalasellus cannula) and the Dry Fork Valley cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus montanus) are not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 at this time. That means the Service says there will be no new protections or costs tied to listing these two species right now.
Public Can Submit New Information Anytime
The Service asks the public to submit any new information at any time about the status or habitats of the cannulate cave isopod or the Dry Fork Valley cave beetle. You can send new scientific or habitat information to the Fish and Wildlife Service whenever you have it to help them monitor these species.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10846 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 1.5 million acres of land across six states to save the rusty patched bumble bee, a once-common pollinator now endangered. Starting July 1, 2026, this critical habitat designation will help keep these bees buzzing by limiting harmful activities in these areas. Landowners and communities in 33 counties should get ready for new rules that support bee recovery without heavy costs.
2026-08146 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rayed Bean, Sheepnose, Snuffbox, and Spectaclecase Mussels
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 3,800 river miles across 17 states as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels: rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. This means these rivers will get special care to help these mussels survive and thrive. The new protections start May 27, 2026, and could affect activities near these waters, encouraging conservation efforts without heavy costs.
2026-05678 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to protect 22 special plants and animals in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by marking nearly 60,000 acres as critical habitat. This means these areas will get extra care to help these species survive and thrive. People can share their thoughts by June 22, 2026, and an economic report is ready to show how this might affect local communities.
2026-11869 — Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Ventura County, CA; Categorical Exclusion
Ventura County is working on a plan to protect the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, a special little bird, while allowing some development to happen. The plan includes rules to keep the bird’s habitat safe and asks for a permit to make sure everything stays balanced. This means local projects can move forward without harming the bird, with reviews happening soon and costs tied to conservation efforts.
2026-11582 — Receipt of Enhancement of Survival Permit Application and Proposed Conservation Benefit Agreement for the Benefit of the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit in Washington; Categorical Exclusion
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife asked for a special permit to help protect the tiny Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit by working with landowners to improve its habitat. This plan aims to connect habitats and grow the rabbit’s population while giving landowners clear rules and support. The public can share their thoughts on this plan until July 10, 2026.
2026-11645 — Marine Mammals; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for the Southern Beaufort Sea Stock of Polar Bears in the Prudhoe Bay Area of the North Slope Borough, Alaska; Draft Environmental Assessment
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a request from BP to allow a small number of Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears to be disturbed (but not harmed) during cleanup and monitoring work near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, from June 2026 to May 2027. This plan aims to protect polar bears while letting BP do important environmental work. Public comments are open until July 10, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10428 — Concept Release on Foreign Private Issuer Eligibility
The SEC wants to hear your thoughts on changing the rules for foreign private issuers (FPIs), which are companies from other countries that follow special reporting rules in the U.S. They’re thinking about updating the FPI definition to make sure it fits today’s companies better, helps investors stay safe, and keeps money flowing. If you’re a foreign company or investor, these changes could affect how you report and when you do it.
Next: 2025-10372 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Three Specific Fentanyl-Related Substances in Schedule I
The DEA wants to officially put three fentanyl-related drugs into Schedule I, making their control permanent. This affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or owns these substances, with strict rules and penalties kicking in. The change builds on temporary rules set to expire in September 2025, so the clock’s ticking to lock this down for good!