DOCSLIB.ORG

Biological Assessment for the 8225 Mariposa Avenue Property, Citrus Heights, Ca

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Biological Assessment for the 8225 Mariposa Avenue Property, Citrus Heights, Ca BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE 8225 MARIPOSA AVENUE PROPERTY, CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA February 12, 2016 Prepared for: US Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District Regulatory Division 1325 J Street, Room 1350 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 557-6865 Prepared by: Natural Investigations Company 6124 Shadow Lane, Citrus Heights, CA 95621 8225 Mariposa Ave. Bio. Assessment TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 2 1.1. PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION ..................................................................... 2 1.2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT..................................................................... 2 1.3. Listed Species and Critical Habitat ..................................................................................... 2 1.4. Consultation to Date ........................................................................................................... 2 2. METHODS ............................................................................................................................... 3 2.1. PRELIMINARY DATA GATHERING AND RESEARCH ..................................................... 3 2.2. FIELD SURVEY .................................................................................................................. 3 2.3. MAPPING AND OTHER ANALYSES ................................................................................. 3 3. RESULTS OF FIELD SURVEYS .............................................................................................. 4 3.1. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING ............................................................................................ 4 3.2. INVENTORY OF FLORA AND FAUNA FROM FIELD SURVEY ........................................ 4 3.3. VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND WILDLIFE HABITAT TYPES ................................... 7 4. SPECIES ACCOUNTS ............................................................................................................. 7 4.1.1. Historical Occurrences of Listed Species ..................................................................... 7 4.1.2. Vernal Pool Species ..................................................................................................... 7 4.1.3. Reptiles and Amphibians ............................................................................................. 7 4.1.4. Other Species .............................................................................................................. 8 5. EFFECTS ................................................................................................................................. 8 5.1. Potential Impacts to Federally-listed Species ..................................................................... 8 5.2. Potential Impacts to Oak Woodland Habitat ....................................................................... 8 5.3. Potential Impacts to Jurisdictional Waters and Aquatic Habitat .......................................... 8 6. SUMMARY AND DETERMINATION ........................................................................................ 9 7. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 10 8. QUALIFICATIONS OF BIOLOGIST ....................................................................................... 10 9. EXHIBITS ............................................................................................................................... 11 Page 1 8225 Mariposa Ave. Bio. Assessment 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION A biological assessment was performed on a parcel of approximately 0.75 acres at 8225 Mariposa Avenue in Citrus Heights, California (“Project Area”). The proposed action is a lot line division and the construction of a second single-family residence and an access road. An existing drainage swale would be re-routed. 1.2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT In support of the environmental review process, Natural Investigations Co. has prepared this assessment to provide information on biological resources within the Project Area. This assessment identifies the biological resources within the Project Area, the regulatory environment affecting such resources, any potential Project-related impacts upon these resources, and identifies mitigation measures to reduce these impacts. This field survey conformed to survey standards specified by California Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including compliance with the California Endangered Species Act and the U.S. Endangered Species Act and state and federal laws protecting migratory birds and nesting birds. This technical memo documents the findings of the special-status species surveys for state-listed and federally listed species and other special-status species (including nesting birds) and an analysis of potential adverse effects upon listed species or designated critical habitat. 1.3. Listed Species and Critical Habitat A USFWS species list was generated online using the USFWS’ IPaC Trust Resource Report System (see Exhibits). The following protected resources were identified: Amphibians o California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii) o California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense) Crustaceans o Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) o Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) Fishes o Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) o Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Insects o Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) Reptiles o Giant Garter Snake (Thamnophis gigas) Migratory Birds Critical Habitats There is no critical habitat within this project area 1.4. Consultation to Date No consultation with wildlife agencies has occurred to date. Page 2 8225 Mariposa Ave. Bio. Assessment Ramon Aberasturi (Project Manager, California Delta Branch, USACE) conducted a field verification on January 21, 2016. The following delineation report was revised with information obtained from the field verification and was submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for verification: Final Aquatic Resource Delineation Report for the Property at 8225 Mariposa Avenue, Citrus Heights, CA. February 11, 2016. Prepared for Regulatory Division, US Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District. Prepared by Natural Investigations Company. 2. METHODS 2.1. PRELIMINARY DATA GATHERING AND RESEARCH Prior to conducting the field survey the following information sources were reviewed: Any readily-available previous biological resource studies pertaining to the Project Area or vicinity United States Geologic Service (USGS) 7.5 degree-minute topographic quadrangles of the Project Area and vicinity Aerial photography of the Project Area California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), electronically updated monthly by subscription to CDFG. USFWS Species List 2.2. FIELD SURVEY Biologists Dr. G.O. Graening and Christopher Gray performed the first special-status species survey on the afternoon of April 3, 2015. Dr. Graening performed additonal special-status species surveys on September 15, 2015, January 21, 2016, and February 5, 2016. A complete coverage, pedestrian survey was performed. All visible fauna and flora observed were recorded in a field notebook, and identified to the lowest possible taxon. Survey efforts emphasized the search for any listed species that had documented occurrences in the CNDDB within the vicinity of the Project Area. When a specimen could not be identified in the field, a photograph or voucher specimen (depending upon permit requirements) was taken and identified in the laboratory using a dissecting scope where necessary. Dr. Graening holds the following scientific collection permits: CDFG Scientific Collecting Permit No. SC-006802; and CDFG Plant Voucher Specimen Permit 09004. Taxonomic determinations were facilitated by referencing museum specimens or by various texts, including the following: Powell and Hogue (1979); Pavlik (1991); (1993); Brenzel (2001); Stuart and Sawyer (2001); Lanner (2002); Sibley (2003); Baldwin et al. (2012); Calflora (2015); CDFG (2007b,c); NatureServe 2015; and University of California at Berkeley (2015a,b). The locations of any listed species sighted were marked on aerial photographs and/or georeferenced with a geographic positioning system (GPS) receiver. Habitat types occurring in the Project Area were mapped on aerial photographs, and information on habitat conditions and the suitability of the habitats to support listed species was also recorded. The Project Area was also formally assessed for the presence of potentially-jurisdictional water features, including riparian zones, isolated wetlands and vernal pools, and other biologically-sensitive aquatic habitats. 2.3. MAPPING AND OTHER ANALYSES Locations of species’ occurrences and habitat boundaries within the Project Area were recorded on color aerial photographs, and then digitized to produce the final habitat maps. The boundaries of potentially jurisdictional water resources within the Project Area were identified and measured in the field, and similarly digitized to calculate acreage and to produce informal delineation maps. Geographic analyses were performed using geographical information system software (ArcGIS 9.3, ESRI, Inc.). Vegetation communities (assemblages of plant species growing in an area of similar biological and environmental factors), were classified by Vegetation Series (distinctive associations
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 4 Reproductive Biology of Cerambycids
    4 Reproductive Biology of Cerambycids Lawrence M. Hanks University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana, Illinois Qiao Wang Massey University Palmerston North, New Zealand CONTENTS 4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 133 4.2 Phenology of Adults ..................................................................................................................... 134 4.3 Diet of Adults ............................................................................................................................... 138 4.4 Location of Host Plants and Mates .............................................................................................. 138 4.5 Recognition of Mates ................................................................................................................... 140 4.6 Copulation .................................................................................................................................... 141 4.7 Larval Host Plants, Oviposition Behavior, and Larval Development .......................................... 142 4.8 Mating Strategy ............................................................................................................................ 144 4.9 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 148 Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Progress Report for the San Joaquin Valley Giant Garter Snake
    PROGRESS REPORT: 2003 SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY GIANT GARTER SNAKE CONSERVATION PROJECT Prepared by: Todd Williams, Wildlife Biologist Veronica Wunderlich, Biological Science Technician U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex Box 2176 Los Banos, CA 93635 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND: The giant garter snake, Thamnophis gigas (Rossman & Stewart 1987), was designated as a federally threatened species throughout its range in October 1993 and (USFWS 1993). Giant garter snakes are endemic to the Central Valley of California, and historically occurred throughout the San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys (Hansen and Brode 1980). They are thought to have occurred as far north as Butte County and south to Kern County, within the boundaries of the foothills of the Coastal and Sierra Nevada ranges. The current range of the giant garter snake is confined to the Sacramento Valley and isolated portions of the San Joaquin Valley (USFWS 1999). The giant garter snake is primarily an aquatic species that feeds on small fishes, tadpoles, and frogs (Fitch 1941). Historically, prey items included thick-tailed chub (Gila crassicauda), Sacramento blackfish (Orthodox microlepidus), and the California red- legged frog (Rana aurora draytoni), all of which have been extirpated from the giant garter snake’s current range (Rossman et al 1996). The habitat requirements of giant garter snakes include wetland areas with sufficient emergent vegetation for cover, openings in the vegetation for basking, and access to rodent burrows for shelter and winter periods of reduced activity (USFWS 1993). Giant garter snakes tend to be absent from rivers that support populations of large predatory fish as well as watercourses that have sand, gravel or rocky substrates (Hansen 1980).
    [Show full text]
  • Giant Garter Snake: the Role of Rice and Effects of Water Transfers
    Giant Garter Snake: The Role of Rice and Effects of Water Transfers Report of Point Blue Conservation Science May 2017 W. David Shuford Giant Garter Snake: The role of rice and effects of water transfers May 2017 Point Blue Conservation Science W. David Shuford Suggested Citation: Shuford, W. D. 2017. Giant Garter Snake: The role of rice and effects of water transfers. Report of Point Blue Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Drive #11, Petaluma, CA 94954. Point Blue Contribution No. 2133. Point Blue Conservation Science – Point Blue’s 140 staff and seasonal scientists conserve birds, other wildlife and their ecosystems through scientific research and outreach. At the core of our work is ecosystem science, studying birds and other indicators of nature’s health. Visit Point Blue on the web www.pointblue.org. Main Points Effects on the federally and state threatened giant garter snake are a major concern under a long-term (10-year) plan to transfer water from sellers in the Sacramento Valley to users south of the Delta or in the San Francisco Bay Area. Water will be made available for transfer from cropland idling, crop shifting, groundwater substitution, reservoir release, and conservation. A maximum of 60,693 acres of rice land would be fallowed each year if the full amount of 565,614 acre feet of surface water is transferred annually. This level of idling potentially could have major impacts on this snake given the current importance of the rice landscape in the Sacramento Valley to the species’ continued survival. Giant garter snakes in the Sacramento Valley have a strong association with natural wetlands and aquatic agricultural habitats, particularly rice and associated water conveyances.
    [Show full text]
  • Giant Garter Snake Habitat Quantification Tool
    Giant Garter Snake Habitat Quantification Tool Part of the Multispecies Habitat Quantification Tool for the Central Valley Habitat Exchange Scientific Rationale and Methods Document, Version 5 Multispecies Habitat Quantification Tool: Giant Garter Snake Acknowledgements The development of the scientific approach for quantifying impacts and benefits to multiple species for use in the Central Valley Habitat Exchange (Exchange) would not have been possible without the input and guidance from a group of technical experts who worked to develop the contents of this tool. This included members of the following teams: Central Valley Habitat Exchange Project Coordinators John Cain (American Rivers) Daniel Kaiser (Environmental Defense Fund) Katie Riley (Environmental Incentives) Exchange Science Team Stefan Lorenzato (Department of Water Resources) Stacy Small-Lorenz (Environmental Defense Fund) Rene Henery (Trout Unlimited) Nat Seavy (Point Blue) Jacob Katz (CalTrout) Tool Developers Amy Merrill (Stillwater Sciences) Sara Gabrielson (Stillwater Sciences) Holly Burger (Stillwater Sciences) AJ Keith (Stillwater Sciences) Evan Patrick (Environmental Defense Fund) Kristen Boysen (Environmental Incentives) Giant Garter Snake TAC Brian Halstead (USGS) Laura Patterson (CDFW) Ron Melcer (formerly DWR; with Delta Stewardship Council as of February 2017) Chinook Salmon TAC Alison Collins (Metropolitan Water District) Brett Harvey (DWR) Brian Ellrott (NOAA/NMFS) Cesar Blanco (USFWS) Corey Phillis (Metropolitan Water District) Dave Vogel (Natural Resource
    [Show full text]
  • North American Species of Cerambycid Beetles in the Genus Neoclytus Share a Common Hydroxyhexanone-Hexanediol Pheromone Structural Motif
    FOREST ENTOMOLOGY North American Species of Cerambycid Beetles in the Genus Neoclytus Share a Common Hydroxyhexanone-Hexanediol Pheromone Structural Motif ANN M. RAY,1,2 JOCELYN G. MILLAR,3 JARDEL A. MOREIRA,3 J. STEVEN MCELFRESH,3 4,5 6 4 ROBERT F. MITCHELL, JAMES D. BARBOUR, AND LAWRENCE M. HANKS J. Econ. Entomol. 108(4): 1860–1868 (2015); DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov170 ABSTRACT Many species of cerambycid beetles in the subfamily Cerambycinae are known to use male-produced pheromones composed of one or a few components such as 3-hydroxyalkan-2-ones and the related 2,3-alkanediols. Here, we show that this pheromone structure is characteristic of the ceram- bycine genus Neoclytus Thomson, based on laboratory and field studies of 10 species and subspecies. Males of seven taxa produced pheromones composed of (R)-3-hydroxyhexan-2-one as a single compo- nent, and the synthetic pheromone attracted adults of both sexes in field bioassays, including the eastern North American taxa Neoclytus caprea (Say), Neoclytus mucronatus mucronatus (F.), and Neoclytus scu- tellaris (Olivier), and the western taxa Neoclytus conjunctus (LeConte), Neoclytus irroratus (LeConte), and Neoclytus modestus modestus Fall. Males of the eastern Neoclytus acuminatus acuminatus (F.) and the western Neoclytus tenuiscriptus Fall produced (2S,3S)-2,3-hexanediol as their dominant or sole pheromone component. Preliminary data also revealed that males of the western Neoclytus balteatus LeConte produced a blend of (R)-3-hydroxyhexan-2-one and (2S,3S)-2,3-hexanediol but also (2S,3S)- 2,3-octanediol as a minor component. The fact that the hydroxyketone-hexanediol structural motif is consistent among these North American species provides further evidence of the high degree of conservation of pheromone structures among species in the subfamily Cerambycinae.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification of the Aggregation-Sex Pheromone of the Cerambycid Beetle Phymatodes Pusillus Ssp
    Journal of Chemical Ecology https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-018-1008-3 Identification of the Aggregation-sex Pheromone of the Cerambycid Beetle Phymatodes pusillus ssp. pusillus and Evidence of a Synergistic Effect from a Heterospecific Pheromone Component Mikael A. Molander1 & Mattias C. Larsson1 Received: 29 June 2018 /Revised: 8 August 2018 /Accepted: 13 August 2018 # The Author(s) 2018 Abstract The longhorn beetle Phymatodes (Poecilium) pusillus ssp. pusillus is a rare, elusive species that is included on Red Lists of threatened species. Previously, 1-hexanol and 1-butanol were reported as putative components of the aggregation-sex pheromone of this species, but behavioral assays to confirm this have not been performed. In this study, we undertook a comprehensive examination of P. p. pusillus to verify the presence of a pheromone. Adult beetles were reared from colonized wood and used for headspace sampling. Analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that two compounds were present in large quantities in the extracts of males, but absent in extracts from females. Male and female antennae showed repeatable responses to the two compounds in electrophysiological recordings. Using synthetic standards, we were able to identify the compounds as 1- hexanol and 2-methyl-1-butanol. A field bioassay demonstrated that the two compounds were unattractive when applied singly, but elicited significant attraction of female and male beetles when applied in blends of different ratios. We also found that the species exhibited significant attraction to a blend of 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone and 2-methyl-1-butanol, which is the aggregation-sex pheromone of at least two closely related and sympatric species.
    [Show full text]
  • Edna), with a Case Study of Painted Turtle (Chrysemys Picta) Edna Under Field Conditions Clare I
    Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Publications 2-28-2019 A Brief Review of Non-Avian Reptile Environmental DNA (eDNA), with a Case Study of Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) eDNA under Field Conditions Clare I. M. Adams University of Otago Luke A. Hoekstra Iowa State University, [email protected] Morgan R. Muell Southern Illinois University Carbondale Fredric J. Janzen Iowa State University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/eeob_ag_pubs Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons, Genetics Commons, and the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons The ompc lete bibliographic information for this item can be found at https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ eeob_ag_pubs/341. For information on how to cite this item, please visit http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ howtocite.html. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology Publications by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Brief Review of Non-Avian Reptile Environmental DNA (eDNA), with a Case Study of Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) eDNA under Field Conditions Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an increasingly used non-invasive molecular tool for detecting species presence and monitoring populations. In this article, we review the current state of non-avian reptile eDNA work in aquatic systems, as well as present a field experiment on detecting the presence of painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) eDNA.
    [Show full text]
  • Thamnophis Gigas)
    Herpetological Conservation and Biology 13(1):80–90. Submitted: 2 June 2017; Accepted: 11 December 2017; Published 30 April 2018. REPRODUCTIVE FREQUENCY AND SIZE-DEPENDENCE OF FECUNDITY IN THE GIANT GARTERSNAKE (THAMNOPHIS GIGAS) JONATHAN P. ROSE1, JULIA S.M. ERSAN, GLENN D. WYLIE, MICHAEL L. CASAZZA, AND BRIAN J. HALSTEAD U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, USA 1Corresponding author, email: [email protected] Abstract.—How reproductive output changes with age or size is a key life-history trait that can affect which demographic rates most influence population growth. Although many studies have investigated the reproductive ecology of gartersnakes, we know little about reproduction in the threatened Giant Gartersnake, Thamnophis gigas. We used X-radiography to determine reproductive status and estimated fecundity for 73 female T. gigas collected from several regions within the range of this species in the Sacramento Valley of California, USA, and synthesize these data with data from litters born in captivity to improve our understanding of reproduction in this species. Average total litter size determined from X-rays (15.9) and captive-born litters (15.5) are within the ranges reported from other gartersnakes, but captive-born litters had high rates of stillbirth. Only 154 of 202 neonates from captive snakes were born alive, and seven of 13 litters contained at least one stillborn neonate. We found that fecundity was positively related to maternal snout-vent length, and some evidence that larger litters contained smaller neonates. The proportion of X-rayed females that were gravid was 0.50 in 2014, 0.47 in and 2015, and 0.64 in 2016.
    [Show full text]
  • Giant Garter Snake (Thamnopsis Gigas)
    Reptiles Giant Garter Snake (Thamnopsis gigas) Giant Garter Snake (Thamnopsis gigas) Status State: Threatened Federal: Threatened Population Trend Global: Declining State: Declining Within Inventory Area: Unknown Data Characterization The location database for the giant garter snake (Thamnopsis gigas) within its known range in California includes 142 data records from 1908 to 2000. Of these, 30 were documented within the past 10 years, 12 or which are of high precision and may be accurately located. Two of these records are located outside but near the ECCC HCP/NCCP inventory area. This database includes records of individual sightings and locations of occupied, vacant, and natal dens. A moderate amount of literature is available for the giant garter snake because of its threatened status. Most of the literature pertains to habitat requirements, distribution, population demographics, threats, and management activities. A recovery plan for the giant garter snake has been published (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1999). Range The giant garter snake is endemic to the valley floor of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys of California. Records coincide with the historical distribution of large flood basins, freshwater marshes, and tributary streams of the Central Valley of California (Hansen and Brode 1980). The historic distribution of the giant garter snake extended from Sacramento and Contra Costa Counties southward to Buena Vista Lake near Bakersfield in Kern County. Some experts consider Contra Costa County outside the current range of giant garter snake; however the lack of records from the County may be due to a lack of survey effort (Hansen pers. comm.) (see below).
    [Show full text]
  • Read Book Cerambycidae of the World Biology and Pest
    CERAMBYCIDAE OF THE WORLD BIOLOGY AND PEST MANAGEMENT 1ST EDITION PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Qiao Wang | 9781482219906 | | | | | Cerambycidae of the World Biology and Pest Management 1st edition PDF Book Tetrahedron Lett. Wilson J Ornith — However, to date there are no studies about competition between these two species in areas where both are found. Acknowledgements We thank C. Other titles from AAP. Curculionidae et autres xylophages du Pin maritime. Laboratory rearing and handling of cerambycids. To date, given the attraction to both the 4-component and 2-component blends, we have not synthesized and field tested the 2 R ,4 R - and 2 R ,4 S -stereoisomers, for example, to test whether the two naturally produced stereoisomers act additively or synergistically. ND: Data were not obtained. The effects of body size on mating and reproduction in Brachinus lateralis Coleoptera: Carabidae. Ground Beetles. Search Article Search Search. To maximize the possibility of eradicating exotic pests, it is critical that pheromones or other attractants be identified and deployed by regulatory agencies as soon as possible after the initial discovery of an incipient infestation Chemoecology 23 , 21—44 Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Traps were suspended from 1. In addition, no other cerambycid species were significantly attracted to trichoferone at any of our field sites. Ray, A. Synthesis of 2-hydroxymethylphenylhexanone 2 as a mixture of 4 stereoisomers Sec -BuLi 1. Aerations were performed over four nights between 18—22 December from to the next morning. Aronoff, M. Naturwissenschaften 93 , — Kolk A, Starzyk JR. Reprints and Permissions. Forest Research, Rotorua, New Zealand. Woodboring beetles in the family Cerambycidae present special challenges for regulatory personnel because the immature life stages feed inside dry wooden containers, pallets, and dunnage, and may escape detection 1 , complicating efforts to prevent introduction, establishment, and spread of exotic woodborers 9.
    [Show full text]
  • Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle
    Endangered SpecU.S. Environmental iesFacts Protection Agency Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle Desmocerus californicus dimorphus Description and Ecology Status Threatened, listed August 8, 1980. Zone and the American River Parkway Zone) along and close to the American River in Sacramento. Over the past 25 years Critical Habitat Designated August 8, 1980. the loss of riparian habitat has slowed, and in the middle and Appearance The adult valley elderberry longhorn beetle northern Valley 50,000 acres of existing riparian habitat have Male valley elderberry longhorn beet le courtes y of T. S. Talley has an elongated shield-shaped body, 1/2 to 1 inch long when been protected. In addition, 5,000 acres of riparian habitat measured from the top of the head to the tail. Its dark and have been restored specifically for the valley elderberry long- knobby antennae are nearly as long as its body. The anten- horn beetle. The slowdown in habitat loss, the protection and The valley elderberry longhorn nae of males are longer than those of females, but the bodies restoration of riverine habitat, and the increase in valley el- of females are larger, 3/4 to 1 inch in length. Both have dark beetle is a threatened species. derberry longhorn beetle occurrences, together have been the heads and legs. The outer wings, or elytra, of females are a major reasons for the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)having Threatened species are plants dark, nearly metallic green in contrast with a bright red edge. considered delisting this species (Valley Elderberry Longhorn and animals whose population Male elytra are bright red accented with four oblong dark Beetle 5-year Review, September 26, 2006).
    [Show full text]
  • Garter Snake Population Dynamics from a 16-Year Study: Considerations for Ecological Monitoring
    Ecological Applications, 15(1), 2005, pp. 294±303 q 2005 by the Ecological Society of America GARTER SNAKE POPULATION DYNAMICS FROM A 16-YEAR STUDY: CONSIDERATIONS FOR ECOLOGICAL MONITORING AMY J. LIND,1 HARTWELL H. WELSH,JR., AND DAVID A. TALLMON2 USDA Forest Service, Paci®c Southwest Research Station, Redwood Sciences Laboratory, 1700 Bayview Drive, Arcata, California 95521 USA Abstract. Snakes have recently been proposed as model organisms for addressing both evolutionary and ecological questions. Because of their middle position in many food webs they may be useful indicators of trophic complexity and dynamics. However, reliable data on snake populations are rare due to the challenges of sampling these patchily distributed, cryptic, and often nocturnal species and also due to their underrepresentation in the eco- logical literature. Studying a diurnally active stream-associated population of garter snakes has allowed us to avoid some of these problems so that we could focus on issues of sampling design and its in¯uence on resulting demographic models and estimates. From 1986 to 2001, we gathered data on a population of the Paci®c coast aquatic garter snake (Thamnophis atratus) in northwestern California by conducting 3±5 surveys of the population annually. We derived estimates for sex-speci®c survival rates and time-dependent capture probabilities using population analysis software and examined the relationship between our calculated capture probabilities and variability in sampling effort. We also developed population size and density estimates and compared these estimates to simple count data (often used for wildlife population monitoring). Over the 16-yr period of our study, we marked 1730 snakes and had annual recapture rates ranging from 13% to 32%.
    [Show full text]