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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppdx B-4_Bio Report Appdx CAppendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 1 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State INVERTEBRATES Crotch bumble bee Bombus crotchii -- -- Found along coastal California east to the Sierra-Cascade crest and south into Mexico. Food plant genera include Antirrhinum, Phacelia, Clarkia, Dendromecon, Eschscholzia, and Eriogonum. This species is generally found in native habitats, and the site is too disturbed to support this species due to the lack of abundant food plants. None. Desert cuckoo wasp Ceratochrysis longimala -- -- Various desert habitats, generally in sandy soils. No sufficiently sandy soils habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. This species is believed to be extirpated from the general area and was not observed during the visit. None. Greenest tiger beetle Cicindela tranquebarica viridissima Riparian woodland No riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Andrew's marble butterfly Euchloe hyantis andrewsi -- -- Lower montane coniferous forest. Inhabits yellow pine forest near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino Mtns, San Bernardino Co, 5000-6000 ft. Host plants are Streptanthus bernardinus and Arabis holboellii var pinetorum; larval foodplant is Descurainia richardsonii. No forest habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Busck's gallmoth Eugnosta busckana -- -- Coastal dunes, Coastal scrub No coastal scrub/dune habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Quino checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha quino FE -- Occurs in sunny openings within chaparral and coastal sage shrublands in parts of Riverside and San Diego counties, and within hills and mesas near the coast. Need high densities of food plants Plantago erecta, P. insularis, and Orthocarpus purpurescens. No food plants typical that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. Due to the levels of previous ground disturbance soils on site would not expect to support sufficient growth of Plantago, Orthocarpus, or other food plants that support this species. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 2 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State White cuckoo bee Neolarra alba -- -- Known only from localities in Southern California. Cleptoparasitic in the nests of perdita bees. This species may be extirpated from the general area surrounding the project. Nearby occurrences are from the 1940s and significant development has occurred within and around the general area. No white cuckoo bees were observed during the survey. None. Delhi Sands flower-loving fly Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis FE -- Found only in areas of the Delhi Sands formation in southwestern San Bernardino and northwestern Riverside counties. Requires fine, sandy soils, often with wholly or partly consolidated dunes and sparse vegetation. No Delhi sands or fine-sands habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Riverside fairy shrimp Streptocephalus woottoni FE -- Endemic to Western Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties in areas of tectonic swales/earth slump basins in grassland and coastal sage scrub. Inhabit seasonally astatic pools filled by winter/spring rains. Hatch in warm water later in the season. Due to the level of disturbance to the soils by previous operations on the project site, it is not expected that suitable habitat would be present on the site. No vernally mesic pools/waters were detected on the site. None. FISHES Santa Ana sucker Catostomus santaanae FT -- Endemic to Los Angeles Basin south coastal streams. Habitat generalists, but prefers permanent streams with sand-rubble-boulder bottoms, cool, clear water, algae, and riparian vegetation that provides cover and refuge from floods. No streams or waterways occur within the boundary of the project that could support this species. None. Arroyo chub Gila orcuttii -- CSC Native to streams from Malibu Creek to San Luis Rey River basin. Introduced into streams in Santa Clara, Ventura, Santa Ynez, Mohave and San Diego river basins. Inhabits slow water stream sections with mud or sand bottoms. Feeds heavily on aquatic vegetation and associated invertebrates. No streams or waterways occur within the boundary of the project that could support this species. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 3 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State Steelhead - southern California DPS Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 10 FE -- Federal listing refers to populations from Santa Maria River south to southern extent of range (San Mateo Creek in San Diego County). Southern steelhead likely have greater physiological tolerances to warmer water and more variable conditions. No streams or waterways occur within the boundary of the project that could support this species. None. Santa Ana speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus ssp. 8 -- CSC Found in the headwaters of the Santa Ana River and San Gabriel Rivers. Requires permanent flowing streams with summer water temps of 17-20 C. Usually inhabits shallow cobble and gravel riffles. No streams or waterways occur within the boundary of the project that could support this species. None. AMPHIBIANS San Gabriel slender salamander Batrachoseps gabrieli -- -- Known only from the San Gabriel Mtns. Found under rocks, wood, and fern fronds, and on soil at the base of talus slopes. Most active on the surface in winter and early spring. No mesic habitats that would support amphibians are within or adjacent to the project site. None. California red-legged frog Rana draytonii FT -- Lowlands and foothills in or near permanent sources of deep water with dense, shrubby or emergent riparian vegetation. Requires 11-20 weeks of permanent water for larval development. Must have access to estivation habitat. No mesic habitats that would support amphibians are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Southern mountain yellow- legged frog Rana muscosa FE SE Endemic to Los Angeles Basin south coastal streams. Habitat generalists, but prefer sand-rubble-boulder bottoms, cool, clear water, and algae. No mesic habitats that would support amphibians are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 4 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State Western spadefoot Spea hammondii -- CSC Native to streams from Malibu Creek to San Luis Rey River basin. Introduced into streams in Santa Clara, Ventura, Santa Ynez, Mojave, and San Diego River basins. Inhabits slow water stream sections with mud or sand bottoms. Feeds heavily on aquatic vegetation and associated invertebrates. No mesic habitats that would support amphibians are within or adjacent to the project site. None. REPTILES Southern California legless lizard Anniella stebbinsi -- CSC Inhabits broadleaved uplands, chaparral, coastal scrub, and coastal dunes. Generally, occurs in moist, loose soil. Sandy friable soils and native vegetation types that would be needed to support this species are not present on-site. None. California glossy snake Arizona elegans occidentalis -- CSC Habitat generalist that prefers scrub and grassland habitats, often found in areas with loose or sandy soils. Sandy friable soils that would be needed to support this species are not present on-site. None. Orangethroat whiptail Aspidoscelis hyperythra -- WL Inhabits low-elevation coastal scrub, chaparral, and valley-foothill hardwood habitats. Prefers washes and other sandy areas with patches of brush and rocks. Perennial plants necessary for its major food (i.e, termites). Sandy friable soils and native vegetation types that would be needed to support this species are not present on-site. None. Coastal whiptail Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri -- CSC Found in deserts and semiarid areas with sparse chaparral vegetation and open areas. Also found in woodland and riparian areas. Ground may be firm soil, sandy, or rocky. Soils and vegetation at the project site are too disturbed to support this species. Nearby occurrences are within areas of sparse vegetation within the Santa Ana River. None. Southern rubber boa Charina umbratica -- ST Habitat includes coniferous and deciduous semi-open forests and woodlands (Jeffrey pine, yellow pine, sugar pine, white fir, black oak), forest clearings, patchy chaparral/shrubland, meadows, and grassy savannas, commonly in riparian zones or around rock outcrops. The habitats that support this species are not present at the project site. Local occurrences of this species in the vicinity are in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 5 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State San Diego banded gecko Coleonyx variegatus abbotti -- -- Found in coastal and cismontane southern California. Inhabits granite or rocky outcrops in coastal scrub and chaparral habitats. The habitats that support this species are not present at the project site. The nearest occurrence is known from native habitats of the La Loma Hills in Grand Terrace. None. Red-diamond rattlesnake Crotalus ruber -- CSC Inhabits chaparral, Mojavean Desert scrub, and Sonoran Desert scrub from coastal San Diego County to the eastern slopes of the mountains. Occurs in rocky areas and dense vegetation. Needs rodent burrows, cracks in rocks, or surface cover objects. The habitats that support this species are not present at the project site. Nearby occurrences are immediately adjacent to and within the Santa Ana River. None. San Bernardino ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus modestus -- -- Most common in open, relatively rocky areas. Often in somewhat moist microhabitats near intermittent streams. Avoids moving through open or barren areas by restricting movements to areas of surface litter or herbaceous vegetation The habitats that support this species are not present at the project site. The project site is open with little groundcover and does not possess streams or moist habitats. None. Western pond turtle Emys marmorata -- CSC A thoroughly aquatic turtle of ponds, marshes, rivers, streams and irrigation ditches, usually with aquatic vegetation, below 6000 ft elevation. Needs basking sites and suitable (sandy banks or grassy open fields) upland habitat up to 0.5 km from water for egg-laying. No mesic habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Coast horned lizard Phrynosoma blainvillii -- CSC Frequents a wide variety of habitats, most common in lowlands along sandy washes with scattered low bushes. Requires open areas for sunning, bushes for cover, patches of loose soil for refuge, and abundant supply of insects. Loose/friable soils and native vegetation types that would be needed to support this species are not present on-site. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 6 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State Two-striped gartersnake Thamnophis hammondii -- CSC Found in marshes and swamps, riparian scrub, riparian woodlands, and wetlands. Occurs near permanent fresh water along streams with rocky beds and riparian growth. No mesic habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. BIRDS Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii -- WL Woodland, chiefly of open, interrupted or marginal type. Nest sites mainly in riparian growths of deciduous trees, as in canyon bottoms on river flood-plains; also, live oaks. Can also occupy developed urban habitats. This species is known to occupy urban developed habitats. Trees and other features of buildings may provide nesting or roosting opportunities for this species. See measure BIO- 1, which includes pre-construction survey and nest avoidance measures. Tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor -- CSC Inhabits freshwater marsh, marsh and swamp, swamp, and wetland habitats. Highly colonial species, most numerous in Central Valley and vicinity. Largely endemic to California. Requires open water, protected nesting substrate, and foraging area with insect prey within a few kilometers of the colony. No mesic habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Southern California rufous- crowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens -- WL Resident in Southern California coastal sage scrub and sparse mixed chaparral. Frequents relatively steep, often rocky hillsides with grass and forb patches. No coastal sage scrub, chaparral, or hilly habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos -- FP, WL Rolling foothills, mountain areas, sage-juniper flats, and desert. Cliff- walled canyons provide nesting habitat in most parts of range; also, large trees in open areas. No cliffs or steep areas that would provide suitable nesting habitat for this species are present on the project site. None. Bell's sage sparrow Artemisiospiza belli belli -- WL Nests in chaparral dominated by fairly dense stands of chamise. Found in coastal sage scrub in south of range. No coastal sage scrub, chaparral, or similarly dense vegetation associations that would support this species are present on the project site. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 7 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia -- CSC Inhabits open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts and scrublands characterized by low- growing vegetation. Subterranean nester, dependent upon burrowing mammals, most notably, the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilius beecheyi). Soils at the project site are not sufficiently friable enough to support this species for breeding, as the soils have been compacted for previous developments. Also, due to the presence of a large number (>>10) of free-roaming or feral cats, this ground nesting species is not expected to inhabit this area. None. Swainson'’s hawk Buteo swainsoni -- ST Occurs in Great Basin grassland, riparian forest, riparian woodland, valley and foothill grassland habitats. Breeds in grasslands with scattered trees, juniper-sage flats, riparian areas, savannahs, and agricultural or ranch lands with groves or lines of trees. Requires adjacent suitable foraging areas such as grasslands, or alfalfa or grain fields supporting rodent populations. The project site does not provide sufficient habitat for this species. Occurrences of this species are believed to potentially be extirpated due to the high-levels of development in the area. None. Western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis FT SE Riparian forest nester, along the broad, lower flood-bottoms of larger river systems. Nests in riparian jungles of willow (Salix spp.) often mixed with cottonwoods (Populus sp.), with lower story of blackberry (Rubus spp.), nettles (Urtica spp.), or wild grape (Vitis girdiana). No mesic or riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Yellow rail Coturnicops noveboracensis -- CSC Freshwater marshlands or mesic areas. No mesic or riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 8 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus FE SE Inhabits riparian and wetland thickets, generally of willow (Salix spp.), tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), or both, sometimes boxelder (Acer negundo) or Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). No mesic or riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. California horned lark Eremophila alpestris actia -- WL Inhabits open areas, including short- grass prairies, “bald” hills, mountain meadows, open coastal plains, fallow grain fields, alkali flats. No large open areas or alkali flat habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Merlin Falco columbarius -- WL Open conifer woodland, prairie groves; in migration, also foothills, marshes, open country. Generally, breeds in semi-open terrain having trees for nest sites and open areas for hunting. May winter in more open areas, such as grasslands, coastal marshes. No mesic or riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens -- CSC This summer resident is found riparian forest, riparian scrub, and riparian woodlands. Nests in thickets of willows and other brushy tangles near watercourses No large open areas or alkali flat habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus -- CSC Found in a variety of habitats including broadleaf upland forest, desert wash, Joshua tree woodland, Mojavean Desert scrub, pinon and juniper woodland, riparian woodland, and Sonoran Desert scrub. Prefers open country for hunting, with perches for scanning. Nests in dense shrubs and brush. The project site does not provide dense vegetation for this species to nest in. Due to the levels of disturbance on the project site this species would not be expected. None. California black rail Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus -- ST Inhabits freshwater marshes, wet meadows and shallow margins of saltwater marshes bordering larger bays. Needs water depths of about 1 inch that do not fluctuate during the year and dense vegetatio8egetationn for nesting habitat. No mesic or riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 9 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica FT CSC Obligate, permanent resident of coastal sage scrub below 2,500 feet in Southern California. Inhabits low, coastal sage scrub in arid washes, on mesas and slopes. Not all areas classified as coastal sage scrub are occupied. Critical habitat is present approximately over a mile from the site. However, no coastal sage scrub habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Yellow warbler Setophaga petechia -- CSC Occurs in riparian plant associations in close proximity to water. Also nests in montane shrubbery in open conifer forests in Cascades and Sierra Nevada. Frequently found nesting and foraging in willow shrubs and thickets, and in other riparian plants including cottonwoods, sycamores, ash, and alders. No mesic or riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Lawrence's goldfinch Spinus lawrencei -- -- Nests in open oak or other arid woodland and chaparral, near water. Nearby herbaceous habitats used for feeding. Closely associated with oaks. No bodies of water or vegetation types that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. Least Bell's vireo Vireo bellii pusillus FE SE Summer resident of Southern California in low riparian in vicinity of water or in dry river bottoms below 2,000 feet. Nests placed along margins of bushes or on twigs projecting into pathways (usually Salix spp., Baccharis spp., and Prosopis spp.). No mesic or riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. MAMMALS Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax fallax -- CSC Inhabits chaparral, coastal scrub, grasslands, and sagebrush habitats. Found in sandy, herbaceous areas, usually in association with rocks or coarse gravel. The nearest known location of this species is within and adjacent to the Santa Ana River. Due to the level of disturbance on the project site substrates present would not support this species. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 10 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State Pallid San Diego pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax pallidus -- CSC Desert border areas in eastern San Diego County in desert wash, desert scrub, desert succulent scrub, pinyon-juniper, etc. Sandy, herbaceous areas, usually in association with rocks or coarse gravel. Vegetation associations and soils present at the project site would not support this species. None. San Bernardino kangaroo rat Dipodomys merriami parvus FE CSC Inhabits alluvial scrub vegetation on sandy loam substrates characteristic of alluvial fans and flood plains. The nearest known locations known of this species is within and adjacent to the Santa Ana River. Due to the level of disturbance on the project site substrates present would not support this species. None. Stephens' kangaroo rat Dipodomys stephensi FE ST Inhabits primarily annual and perennial grasslands, but also occurs in coastal scrub and sagebrush with sparse canopy cover. Prefers buckwheat (Eriogonum sp.), chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), brome grass (Bromus sp.) and filaree (Erodium sp.). Will burrow into firm soil. Vegetation associations and soils present at the project site would not support this species. None. Western mastiff bat Eumops perotis californicus -- CSC Inhabits many open, semi-arid to arid habitats, including conifer and deciduous woodlands, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grasslands, and chaparral. Roosts in crevices in cliff faces, high buildings, trees, and tunnels. Trees, buildings, and other structures present on site may provide suitable artificial habitats for this species. See measure BIO-2, which includes pre-construction survey and roost avoidance measures. San Bernardino flying squirrel Glaucomys oregonensis californicus -- CSC Known from black oak or white fir dominated woodlands between 5200 - 8500 ft in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto ranges. May be extirpated from San Jacinto range. Needs cavities in trees/snags for nests and cover. Needs nearby water. The project site is out of the geographic range and does not provide the habitats that may support this species. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 11 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State Western yellow bat Lasiurus xanthinus -- CSC Found in valley foothill riparian, desert riparian, desert wash, and palm oasis habitats. Roosts in trees, particularly palms. Forages over water and among trees. No mesic or riparian habitats that would support this species are within or adjacent to the project site. None. San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennettii -- CSC Found in intermediate canopy stages of shrub habitats and open shrub/herbaceous and tree/herbaceous edges. Inhabits coastal sage scrub habitats in Southern California. The project site does not provide coastal sage scrub or similar, transitional native habitats that may support this species. None. San Diego desert woodrat Neotoma lepida intermedia -- CSC Inhabits coastal scrub of Southern California from San Diego County to San Luis Obispo County. Moderate to dense canopies preferred. They are particularly abundant in rock outcrops and rocky cliffs and slopes. The project site does not provide coastal sage scrub or similar native habitats with sufficient canopies or rocky areas that may support this species. None. Pocketed free-tailed bat Nyctinomops femorosaccus -- CSC Inhabits a variety of arid areas in Southern California, including pine- juniper woodlands, desert scrub, palm oasis, desert wash, and desert riparian. Prefers rocky areas with high cliffs. The project site does not provide native habitats with sufficient canopies or rocky areas that may support this species. None. Southern grasshopper mouse Onychomys torridus ramona -- CSC Inhabits desert areas, especially scrub habitats with friable soils for digging. Prefers low to moderate shrub cover. The project site does not possess adequate scrub/shrub cover or sufficiently friable soils that could support this species. None. Desert bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis nelsoni -- FP Generally inhabits mountainous areas. Open, rocky, steep areas with available water and herbaceous forage. The project site does not provide native habitats with sufficient steep/mountainous or rocky areas that may support this species. None. Los Angeles pocket mouse Perognathus longimembris brevinasus -- CSC Inhabits lower elevation grasslands and coastal sage communities in and around the Los Angeles Basin. Found in open ground with fine sandy soils. May not dig extensive burrows, hiding under weeds and dead leaves instead. Vegetation associations and soils present at the project site would not support this species. None. Appendix A: Special-Status Animal Species with Potential to Occur on the Project Site. 12 Species Status Habitat Requirements1 Potential for Occurrence2 Recommendations Federal State American badger Taxidea taxus -- CSC Most abundant in drier open stages of most shrub, forest, and herbaceous habitats, with friable soils. Needs sufficient food, friable soils and open, uncultivated ground. Preys on burrowing rodents. Digs burrows. The project site does not possess adequate vegetation types / undisturbed ground or sufficiently friable soils that could support this species. None. STATUS KEY: Federal FE: Federally-listed Endangered FT: Federally-listed Threatened FD: Federally-delisted State SE: State-listed Endangered ST: State-listed Threatened CSC: California Species of Special Concern WL: State Watch List SOURCES: 1 Excerpted from CNDDB (2022) 2 The potential for occurrence is based on occurrences recorded in the CNDDB (2022) and CNPS (2022), knowledge of species requirements, and site inspections during 2022 field survey