Taxonomic Changes. The taxonomic classification of one or more of the Covered Species may change over the CCAA and Permit term. It is possible that new science will emerge that indicates one or more of the Covered Species is not a valid taxon or that it belongs to a different taxon. It is also possible that a currently unlisted species that is not a Covered Species will be synonymized with a Covered Species. Such taxonomic changes may alter the known range, distribution, or abundance of a Covered Species in ways that change the impact of the Covered Parties’ Covered Activities under the CCAA and Permit. Delisting of a listed Covered Species due to taxonomic changes, which would likely be categorized as a delisting due to error, are addressed in Section 11.1.5. This Changed Circumstance will have occurred if researchers publish new scientific information involving any Covered Species in a peer-reviewed, scientific journal that changes the taxonomic classification and USFWS formally accepts the taxonomic change in writing. If this Changed Circumstance occurs, TRA will coordinate with USFWS to change the CCAA, Permit, and related documents using one or more of the processes in Section 15, as appropriate, to update the names of the Covered Species, adjust assessment of impacts necessary to conform to the new species designations, and clarify the extent to which Conservation Measures and Avoidance and Minimization Measures already in place address the updated taxonomy of the Covered Species. If the taxonomic change does not alter how take is authorized by the CCAA and Permit, then an amendment may not be necessary. If the taxonomic change expands the range of a Covered Species in ways not currently considered by the CCAA, TRA will coordinate with USFWS to determine if an amendment is necessary.
