Why is critical habitat for the gnatcatcher now considered prudent?
After re-evaluating the threats to the species from possible vandalism, we find that these risks to the gnatcatcher and its habitat from specific acts of destruction do not outweigh the broader educational, and potential regulatory and other possible benefits that a designation of critical habitat would provide for this species. Q. In the Notice of Determination published on February 8, 1999, the Service considered only 124,000 acres to be prudent for critical habitat.
