Comment from Y, Nathaniel

I support the proposed critical habitat designation for the 22 species in Guam and the CNMI (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2026). Protecting native ecosystems matters to me, both for their unique biodiversity and for their importance to sustainable outdoor recreation. I believe this step is essential for these species to survive in the long term. I want to emphasize how important the ‘primary constitutive elements’ (PCEs) are for the Pacific sheath-tailed bat and the different tree snail species. The proposal rightly points out that undisturbed limestone forest canopies are needed to keep the right humidity and temperature for these animals. I encourage the Service to include clear rules for keeping habitats connected. On islands such as Guam, habitat fragmentation from invasive species and development is a major problem. (Fritts & Leasman-Tanner, n.d.) Small, isolated areas of critical habitat may not be enough for mobile species like the Mariana wandering butterfly to recover. (Critical Habitat in the Mariana Islands, 2026) I also support the exemptions for Department of Defense lands that already have Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs). However, I urge the Service to keep strong oversight to make sure these plans continue to provide conservation benefits that are truly equal to a critical habitat designation, especially when it comes to managing invasive predators like the brown tree snake. References (March 31, 2026). Critical Habitat in the Mariana Islands. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. https://www.fws.gov/rivers/apps/carp/carp/project/critical-habitat-mariana-islands Fritts, T. H. & Leasman-Tanner, D. (n.d.). The Brown Tree Snake on Guam: How the Arrival of One Invasive Species Damaged the Ecology, Commerce, Electrical Systems and Human Health on Guam: A Comprehensive Information Source. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/53889 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2026). Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Mariana Islands; Final Rule. Federal Register, 91 FR 23567. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/24/2026-05678/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-designation-of-critical-habitat-for-22-species-in-the