Species rulings may be reversed

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, accused of letting a political appointee meddle in the science of endangered species, said it could reverse eight decisions removing federal protection if it finds they were inappropriately influenced by political concerns.

The decisions under review involve the white-tailed prairie dog, Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (two rulings), the Hawaiian picture-wing fly, the Arroyo toad, the Southwestern willow flycatcher, the California red-legged frog and the Canada lynx.

Julie A. MacDonald, a former deputy assistant secretary who resigned in May after government scientists complained of political interference, was involved in all of the decisions. In her post, she oversaw Fish and Wildlife and the National Park Service.