Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Biological Monitoring Program

Carnivore Survey Report 2011

20 April 2012 Carnivore Survey Report 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES...... 2

METHODS ...... 2

TRAINING...... 2

CAMERA STATIONS...... 2

INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS ...... 5

DATA ANALYSIS...... 5

RESULTS ...... 5

CAMERA STATIONS...... 5

INCIDENTAL OBSERVATIONS ...... 7

DISCUSSION ...... 9

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE SURVEYS ...... 11

LITERATURE CITED ...... 11

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1. Field staff that conducted carnivore surveys in 2011...... 2

Figure 1. Camera station sites and number (n) of units operated at each location in 2011...... 3

Figure 2. Camera station designs with steel box and chain for units placed at underpasses...... 4

Table 2. Operation summary of 8 camera stations monitored in 2011...... 6

Table 3. Number of images recorded of each species, per camera station (A and B), at the Badlands and B Canyon sites in 2011...... 7

Table 4. Index of Relative Activity for species recorded at camera stations in 2011…...... 8

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A. Habitat Blocks, Linkages, and Dispersal Barriers Defined by MSHCP Species-specific Objectives for Bobcat, Coyote, Long-tailed Weasel, and Mountain Lion...... 13

Appendix B. Status of Monitoring Objectives for Covered Carnivore Species, 2008 - 2011...... 14

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Appendix C. Photo-captured Animals at All Camera Stations in 2011...... 16

Appendix D. Incidental Observations of Covered Carnivore Species Recorded by Biological Monitoring Program Staff in 2011 ...... 19

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NOTE TO READER: This report is an account of survey activities conducted by the Biological Monitoring Program for the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The MSHCP was permitted in June 2004. The Monitoring Program monitors the distribution and status of the 146 Covered Species within the Conservation Area to provide information to Permittees, land managers, the public, and the Wildlife Agencies (i.e., the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Monitoring Program activities are guided by the MSHCP species objectives for each Covered Species, the information needs identified in MSHCP Section 5.3 or elsewhere in the document, and the information needs of the Permittees. MSHCP reserve assembly is ongoing and it is expected to take 20 or more years to assemble the final Conservation Area. The Conservation Area includes lands acquired for conservation under the terms of the MSHCP and other lands that have conservation value in the Plan Area (called public or quasi-public lands in the MSHCP). In this report, the term “Conservation Area” refers to the Conservation Area as understood by the Monitoring Program at the time the surveys were planned and conducted. We would like to thank and acknowledge the land managers in the MSHCP Plan Area, who in the interest of conservation and stewardship facilitate Monitoring Program activities on the lands for which they are responsible. A list of the lands where data collection activities were conducted in 2011 is included in Section 7.0 of the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) Annual Report to the Wildlife Agencies. Partnering organizations and individuals contributing data to our projects are acknowledged in the text of appropriate reports. While we have made every effort to accurately represent our data and results, it should be recognized that data management and analysis are ongoing activities. Any reader wishing to make further use of the information or data provided in this report should contact the Monitoring Program to ensure that they have access to the best available or most current data. The primary preparer of this report was the 2011 Project Lead, Esperanza Sandoval. If there are any questions about the information provided in this report, please contact the Monitoring Program Administrator. If you have questions about the MSHCP, please contact the Executive Director of the RCA. Further information on the MSHCP and the RCA can be found at www.wrc-rca.org. Contact Information: Executive Director Western Riverside County MSHCP Western Riverside County Monitoring Program Administrator Regional Conservation Authority c/o Adam Malisch Riverside Centre Building 4500 Glenwood Drive, Bldg. C 3403 10th Street, Suite 320 Riverside, CA 92501 Riverside, CA 92501 Ph: (951) 248-2552 Ph: (951) 955-9700

Western Riverside County MSHCP iv Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011

INTRODUCTION Species-specific conservation objectives of the Western Riverside County MSHCP for bobcat (Lynx rufus, recently reclassified as Felis rufus), mountain lion (Puma concolor), coyote (Canis latrans), and long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) call for the maintenance of habitat conservation cores and linkages that provide an effective means of dispersal (Dudek & Associates 2003). Presence of covered carnivores, as measured at least once every 8 years, must be maintained on at least 75% of cores and linkages identified in individual species accounts, and movement of bobcat and mountain lion must be shown to occur across potential barriers to dispersal (e.g., freeway corridors) (Dudek & Associates 2003; Appendix A). The Biological Monitoring Program began surveying for covered mammalian carnivores in 2008 using scent-station transects, motion-triggered cameras, and area- search surveys. We also collaborated with local land managers and researchers to acquire data regarding carnivore presence and dispersal within the Conservation Area. After 2 years of collecting data, we documented coyote on all but 1 of 14 linkages and presence of bobcat and mountain lion in at least 75% of listed Core Areas (Appendix B). In contrast, 2008-2009 data did not include bobcat and mountain lion detections at a sufficient number of linkages or potential dispersal barriers to meet species-specific objectives. Objectives for long-tailed weasel require detections on at least 5 Core Areas and 21,205 ha of habitat linkage. Long-tailed weasel were observed at scent stations, though the calculated probability of detecting the species was low (i.e., <0.5). In 2010 we increased opportunities for recording weasel by shortening the distance between scent stations and reducing the overall length of transects, thus increasing the likelihood that 1 or more scent stations occurred on a home range (10–24 ha if prey is abundant or 80–160 ha when prey is scarce [Sheffield 1999]) bisected by individual transects. We detected bobcat and coyote at all Core Areas and long-tailed weasel at all but 1 Core Area. Coyote were the most commonly detected species on transects, followed by bobcat, long-tailed weasel, and mountain lion. We began using focused area-search surveys in 2009 to document presence of larger carnivore species across incomplete habitat linkages where restrictively small areas of conserved land precluded more robust survey methods, but allowed entire conservation parcels to be examined. It is important to recognize that observations indicated use rather than dispersal, and that lack of detection did not necessarily translate into species absence. We did not record mountain lion tracks or scat in any of the 7 parcels surveyed in 2010. We recorded bobcat tracks in Pechanga Creek just north of Temecula Inn Creek Golf Course and in the Badlands northeast of Gilman Springs Road. Camera stations have also been an effective means of documenting species presence at freeway undercrossings, as they allow for the entire width of corridors to be surveyed continuously with 1–2 cameras and a minimal investment of field staff. Vandalism remains the largest threat to success of camera stations especially in areas where human activity presents a near-constant danger to equipment. We surveyed 5 locations with 7 cameras for a total of 465 camera nights in 2010. Coyote was the most common Covered Species photo-captured (n = 57), and we detected them at every

Western Riverside County MSHCP 1 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011 surveyed location. We also regularly captured bobcat (n = 18) in three of the 5 locations. We did not photo-capture mountain lion or long-tailed weasel at any camera station. We present here results of the 2011 camera station surveys to document movement of long-tailed weasel, bobcat, mountain lion, and coyote across potential dispersal barriers and linkages not adequately surveyed prior to 2011. Specifically, our goals and objectives were as follows: Goals and Objectives 1. Document movement of covered carnivore species across transportation corridors that may potentially impede dispersal. a. Monitor motion-triggered cameras positioned within linkages to capture images of species that are present. b. Consider recorded images of target species under bridges or passing through culverts as evidence of animal movement across transportation corridors.

METHODS Training Field personnel successfully completed an in-house training course focused on identifying animal sign. Training consisted of office-based independent study of field guides, on-line material, and the survey protocol. Field personnel took time to familiarize themselves with camera equipment and operation in an office setting before field installation (Table 1).

Table 1. Field staff that conducted carnivore surveys in 2011. Name Organization Funding Source1 Espie Sandoval Biological Monitoring Program RCA Jennifer Hoffman Biological Monitoring Program RCA Joe Sherrock Biological Monitoring Program RCA Jonathan Reinig Biological Monitoring Program RCA Mari Paramo Biological Monitoring Program RCA Tara Graham Biological Monitoring Program RCA Julie Golla Biological Monitoring Program CDFG Laura Magee Biological Monitoring Program CDFG Lauren Ross Biological Monitoring Program CDFG Mike Robinson Biological Monitoring Program CDFG 1 RCA = Regional Conservation Authority; CDFG = California Department of Fish and Game. Camera Stations We operated 8 motion-triggered camera stations at 2 locations in 2011, targeting carnivore linkages and potential dispersal barriers (e.g., freeway crossings) within linkages and cores (Figure 1). A camera station consisted of a motion-triggered camera in a metal box attached to a post with bolts (Figure 2). Camera stations were established in pairs, with 1 camera at each end of the culvert. We placed cameras facing culvert openings along SR-60 at Badlands (n = 6; just west of Existing Core 3) and along SR-91

Western Riverside County MSHCP 2 Biological Monitoring Program Ä60

¦¨§15 10 Badlands¦¨§ !( !( Ä60 !(!( (n= 6) Ä71 Ä91 Ä79 !( B Canyon (n= 2)

215 ¦¨§15 ¦¨§ Ä243

Ä74 Ä74

¦¨§215

¦¨§15 Ä79

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Legend Ä79 !( Camera Stations ¦¨§15 Highways Water Bodies Miles Date: 17 April 2012 Existing Conservation Land 0 10 UTM Nad 83 Zone 11 Cities km Contact: Jennifer Hoffman I 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 MSHCP Biological Monitoring Program

Figure 1. Camera station sites and number (n) of units operated at each location in 2011. Carnivore Survey Report 2011

A B

Figure 2. Camera station designs with steel box and chain for units placed at underpasses. (A) station faces a culvert at SR-60 while chained to a boulder; (B) a padlock secures the camera in a steel box with an informative sign stapled above it. at B Canyon (n = 2; just west of Constrained Linkage 1). We operated cameras at these locations from 30 November 2010 to 11 January 2012. Our 2009 and 2010 camera-station design performed well in deterring theft of units, so we implemented the same design in 2011. We encased each camera in a metal box (24 cm × 15 cm × 10.5 cm) made with ⅛-in steel and with an opening cut into the front for flash, lens, and motion-heat sensors (Figure 2). We attached each box to a 4 in × 4 in wood post buried in the ground at least 60 cm deep, positioning cameras on wood posts so that motion-heat sensors sat 46 cm off the ground. We then secured the steel boxes and wood posts to fixed objects (e.g., boulder, tree) with padlocks and ¼-in steel chain. A “Wildlife Monitoring Project, please do not disturb” sign was also attached to the post along with the office address and phone number. For data collection we used Cuddeback Expert Digital Scouting cameras (Non Typical, Inc., Park Falls, Wisconsin) equipped with picture and video mode and an infrared flash for recording images at night. Use of infrared flash on units placed under bridges reduces the likelihood of distracting motorists or discouraging wildlife from using the corridor. We programmed cameras to operate 24 hours/day and to record a single high-resolution digital image (2048 × 1536 pixels) when triggered. Each photo- capture event was followed by a 10-second video and a 1-minute delay to avoid recording multiple images of a single visit, or repeated photos of non-target movement (e.g., shadows, vegetation movement). Two of our most recently purchased cameras (Cuddeback Capture Digital Scouting cameras) are not equipped with video mode but are otherwise functionally equivalent to the Expert model. Cameras were programmed to label each image and video with the appropriate date, time, and camera station location. We selectively installed cameras at locations that maximized coverage of highway underpasses or captured landscape features most likely to be used by carnivores (e.g.,

Western Riverside County MSHCP 4 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011

game trails, drainages). We allowed human users of highway underpasses to become accustomed to the presence of camera stations by initially installing empty steel boxes chained to fixed objects, then returning after 1 week to add camera units and begin recording data. Motion-heat sensor sensitivity on each camera, regardless of station placement, was initially set to ‘high’, then adjusted 2-4 days later to a lower setting if many blank or non-target images (e.g., movement of shadows, shifting vegetation) were recorded. We checked cameras on a 21-day cycle once motion-heat sensor sensitivity was adjusted appropriately, thus allowing our human scent to dissipate from the site between visits (Séquin et al. 2003). We switched out Compact Flash Cards (2 gigabyte), changed batteries when <50% power, cut back vegetation, and maintained the general condition of camera stations on each visit. Incidental Observations We opportunistically recorded presence of covered carnivore species throughout 2011 across the MSHCP Conservation Area during monitoring efforts for other taxa. We also collaborated with regional biologists and land managers to collect reliable observations made across the Plan Area by non-Monitoring Program staff. Incidental observations represent evidence of presence only, and lack of detections in any given area should not be interpreted as evidence of absence. Data Analysis Data recorded via camera stations and incidental observations are added to the Monitoring Program database and contribute to meeting MSHCP goals as documentation of species presence in given survey areas. We did not identify or track individuals in the photographs from the camera station surveys; instead we used an index of relative activity (RA) to provide an estimate of how a species is using the area surveyed (Carbone et al. 2001, George and Crooks 2006). We calculated an RA for each species by dividing the number of images per species per camera station by the total number of nights the camera station was in operation. In the case where a photograph captured multiple individuals of a species, each individual was treated as an image (i.e., counted separately) (George and Crooks 2006). The RA provides a quantitative metric with which we can compare usage of culverts in different areas by different species over time.

RESULTS Camera Stations We monitored 2 locations with 4 pairs of cameras for a total of 2077 planned camera nights in 2011. Six of the 8 cameras were not in continuous operation during periods of intended use, and we lost a total of 198 camera nights due to camera malfunction, steel box malfunction, or vandalism (Table 2). Consequently, camera stations were active for a combined total of 1879 camera nights in 2011. Our B Canyon cameras were vandalized with spray paint, leaving the lenses blocked and the camera non-functioning. These cameras were removed from the site until we removed paint or replaced the lenses (Table 2). Due to soil erosion caused by heavy rainfall in late 2010 we modified one of our Badlands camera stations by removing the

Western Riverside County MSHCP 5 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011 camera and steel box from the post and suspending them from a cable existing at the site. The suspension allowed for full coverage of the underpass opening.

Table 2. Operation summary of 8 camera stations monitored in 2011. Dates out Camera Date Date of Camera Station Installed Removed operation Explanation Nights Location: SR-60 Moved to A 11/30/2010 3/21/2011 N/A 111 Badlands 3B Badlands 1

B 11/30/2010 11/10/2011 N/A N/A 346

12/22/10- Malfunction; 1/03/11; A 12/01/2010 11/10/2011 camera stuck 256 3/21/11- in steel box Badlands 2 3/28/11 6/9/11- 6/13/11; Camera B 12/01/2010 11/10/2011 269 8/01/11- malfunction 10/04/11

3/14 /11- A 12/01/2010 6/09/2011 N/A 190 Badlands 3 3/22/11 12/15/10- Malfunction; 1/03/11; B 12/01/2010 11/20/2011 camera stuck 343 3/21/11- in steel box 3/28/11 Location: SR-91 Unit 9/19/11- vandalized B Canyon A 02/28/2011 01/11/2012 263 11/10/11 with spray paint Unit 9/19/11- vandalized B 02/28/2011 01/11/2012 299 10/5/11 with spray paint

We recorded a total of 957 identifiable photo detections at our camera stations in 2011 (Appendix C). Of these detections, 385 (40%) were birds, 299 (31%) were medium- or large-sized mammals, 121 (13%) were small mammals, and 91 (10%) were humans. Coyote was the most common Covered Species photo-captured in 2011 (n = 198) followed by bobcat (n = 89), and both species were detected at every surveyed location (Table 3). We detected long-tailed weasel (n = 2) at 1 camera station in the Badlands. We did not photo-capture mountain lion at any camera station. We were unable to identify 16 photo-captured mammals because of image quality. None of the unidentifiable images were the size of mountain lion; most were likely medium-sized canines.

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Table 3. Number of images recorded of each species, per camera station (A and B), at the Badlands and B Canyon sites in 2011. Covered Species are in bold. SR-60 SR-91 Badlands 1 Badlands 2 Badlands 3 B Canyon Station Station Speciesa A B A B A B A B Total CALA 18 83 5 15 27 38 12 - 198 LYRU 1 1 13 7 21 21 25 - 89 MUFR - - - - - 2 - - 2 PRLO ------31 - 31 TATA - 1 3 3 - 10 - - 17 DIVI - - - - - 1 - - 1 CLFA 2 3 - - - - 3 - 8 FECA - - - - - 1 - - 1 ODHE - 1 - - - - - 1 2 SPBE - - 3 1 - 3 2 - 9 SYAU - 6 7 - - 35 - - 48 SYsp 1 3 - - - 1 - - 5 Rodent - - 4 - - 5 - - 9 HOSA 9 24 3 2 18 8 17 10 91 Total 31 122 38 28 66 125 90 11 511 a CALA = coyote; LYRU = bobcat; MUFR = long-tailed weasel; PRLO = raccoon; TATA= badger; DIVI = Virginia opposum; CLFA = domestic dog; FECA = domestic cat; ODHE = black-tailed deer; SPBE = California ground squirrel; SYAU = desert cottontail; SYsp = unknown rabbit; HOSA = human

Humans were the most common non-target species detected (n = 91), followed by the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii; n = 48). Badgers (Taxidea taxus; n = 17) were detected in the Badlands at 4 camera stations and black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus; n = 2) were detected at 1 camera station in the Badlands and at 1 camera station at B Canyon. Coyote had the highest RA at 5 of the 6 camera stations in the Badlands with a range from 0.020 to 0.240, while bobcat, with an RA range from 0.003 to 0.111, was highest at the other Badlands camera (Table 4). Raccoon and human had the highest RA at B Canyon camera stations. Long-tailed weasel had an RA of 0.006 as it was photo- captured only twice in the Badlands. Incidental Observations We recorded incidental observations of bobcat (n = 9), coyote (n = 23), long- tailed weasel (n = 4) and mountain lion (n = 8; tracks only) in 2011 (Appendix D). We observed bobcat at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area (Existing Core H), March Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Preserve (Existing Core D), Estelle Mountain (Existing Core C) and Santa Rose Plateau Ecological Reserve (Existing Core F). The Center for Natural

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Table 4. Index of Relative Activity (RA) for species recorded at camera stations in 2011. Covered Species are in bold. Camera Station # (# Camera Nights) Species Common Name Images RA B Canyon A Canis latrans Coyote 12 0.046 (263) Lynx rufus Bobcat 25 0.095 Procyon lotor Raccoon 31 0.118 Urocyon cinereoargenteus Gray fox 2 0.008 Spermophilus beecheyi CA ground squirrel 2 0.008 Canis lupus familiaris Dog 3 0.011 Homo sapiens Human 17 0.065 B Canyon B Odocoileus hemionus Black-tailed deer 1 0.003 (299) Homo sapiens Human 10 0.033 Badlands 1A Canis latrans Coyote 18 0.162 (111) Lynx rufus Bobcat 1 0.009 Sylvilagus sp. Cottontail sp 1 0.009 Canis lupus familiaris Dog 2 0.018 Homo sapiens Human 9 0.081 Badlands 1B Canis latrans Coyote 83 0.240 (346) Lynx rufus Bobcat 1 0.003 Odocoileus hemionus Black-tailed deer 1 0.003 Taxidea taxus Badger 1 0.003 Sylvilagus audubonii Desert cottontail 6 0.017 Canis lupus familiaris Dog 3 0.009 Homo sapiens Human 24 0.069 Badlands 2A Canis latrans Coyote 5 0.020 (256) Lynx rufus Bobcat 13 0.051 Taxidea taxus Badger 3 0.012 Spermophilus beecheyi CA ground squirrel 3 0.012 Sylvilagus audubonii Desert cottontail 7 0.027 Neotoma fuscipes Dusky footed woodrat 1 0.004 Homo sapiens Human 3 0.012 Badlands 2B Canis latrans Coyote 15 0.056 (269) Lynx rufus Bobcat 7 0.026 Taxidea taxus Badger 3 0.011 Spermophilus beecheyi CA ground squirrel 1 0.004 Homo sapiens Human 2 0.007 Badlands 3A Canis latrans Coyote 27 0.142 (190) Lynx rufus Bobcat 21 0.111 Homo sapiens Human 18 0.095 Badlands 3B Canis latrans Coyote 38 0.111 (343) Lynx rufus Bobcat 21 0.061 Mustela frenata Long-tailed weasel 2 0.006 Taxidea taxus Badger 10 0.029 Didelphis virginiana Opossum 1 0.003 Spermophilus beecheyi CA ground squirrel 3 0.009 Sylvilagus audubonii Desert cottontail 35 0.102 Felis catus Cat 1 0.003 Homo sapiens Human 8 0.023

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Lands Management (CNLM) reported bobcat in March 2011 at Wilson Valley Preserve (Existing Core 7) (K. Klementowski, pers. comm.). MSHCP Management Program personnel observed an individual bobcat in September 2011 crossing Sage Rd (Existing Core 7) (D. McLain, Riverside County Parks, pers. comm.). We incidentally observed coyote at multiple cores and linkages in the Plan Area throughout the year (Appendix D). We observed long-tailed weasel in March and August 2011 at March Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Preserve, in July at San Timoteo Canyon (Existing Core 3) and in December at the San Jacinto Mountains (Existing Core K). CNLM photo-captured coyote on a number of occasions in March 2011 at Wilson Valley Preserve (Existing Core 7) (K. Klementowski, pers. comm.). Additionally, CNLM reported a long-tailed weasel in September 2011 and coyote on multiple occasions in 2011 at Johnson/Roripaugh Ranch Preserve (Existing Core J) (K. Klementowski, pers. comm.). Orange County Water District (OCWD) staff photo-captured bobcat and coyote in March at the Santa Ana River (Existing Core D) (T. Barbee, pers. comm.). Any donated photographs have been added to our database of images. Our incidental observations of mountain lion were only through sign. Well- defined tracks were reported by Monitoring Program staff on 2 separate occasions in April 2011 at Garner Valley (Existing Core K). Additionally, Monitoring Program staff reported tracks in the San Jacinto Mountains in January, March, May and June 2011 and at Beauty Mountain (Existing Core L) in November. We had an unconfirmed report of a mountain lion sighting at Del Lago golf course in March 2011 (C. Sheehan, Riverside- Corona Resource Conservation District, pers. comm.). OCWD staff reported 2 sightings of mountain lion in August and December in the Santa Ana River (Existing Core D) (T. Barbee, pers. comm.).

DISCUSSION The goals of 2011 carnivore surveys were to determine presence/absence of long- tailed weasel, mountain lion, bobcat, and coyote at habitat linkages not surveyed during previous carnivore surveys, and to document movement of covered carnivores across potential dispersal barriers created by transportation corridors. Our 2011 camera-station surveys expanded the number of covered-carnivore detections at locations where they were not previously recorded, and provided for almost a full year of data collection at targeted sites. We recorded bobcat and coyote dispersing under SR-60 at Badlands and SR-91 at B Canyon and long-tailed weasel at SR-60. We have not recorded mountain lion using any targeted freeway undercrossing. We also calculated an RA for species present at a given camera station. These results are presented as a baseline metric and we will use them to compare use of culverts by wildlife in future camera station surveys. Though the primary purpose of the culverts/undercrossings we monitor is water drainage, these structures function well as wildlife corridors as they provide a safe alternative to crossing dangerous roadways, and are typically relatively large and wide. Tracking RA in future years will provide a standardized metric with which we can compare use of linkages across species, by location, and through time. Comparing RA at individual culverts through time may help

Western Riverside County MSHCP 9 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011 us determine how to better manage these culverts for wildlife use (e.g., clearing of brush at entry points). We show coyote with the highest RA at multiple camera stations and this is likely due to their being a widespread, social, highly adaptable generalist species capable of traveling alone or in packs at any time of day (Bekoff and Gese 2003). Ng et al. (2004) found coyote used culverts associated with high human activity. However, a negative relationship has been shown between use of passages by coyote and bobcat and percentage of developed habitat in the surrounding area (Ng et al. 2004). We saw evidence of this with higher coyote and bobcat RA at our Badlands camera stations which are more remote than B Canyon. Mountain lion can use thin corridors with surrounding human development (e.g., golf courses, recreational trails) but are sensitive to light during night travel (Beier 1995, Clevenger and Waltho 2005). While our camera stations varied in amount of human activity and light (light was not quantified) we did not document use by mountain lion. We did detect black-tailed deer, a known prey species for mountain lion, at both B Canyon and Badlands. Our detection of deer is noteworthy as neither mountain lion nor black-tailed deer were detected during a year-long study (322 camera days) conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at B Canyon in 2008–2009 (L. Lyren, pers. comm.). The absence of both species may be explained by the Freeway Complex Fire in 2008 which burned a large portion of land north of the B Canyon monitoring site. Beier (1995) documented 2 radio-collared mountain lion using the Coal Canyon corridor between 1988 and 1992, approximately 2 km west of B Canyon; deer have also been detected in Coal Canyon (L. Lyren, pers. comm.). As this area continues its post-fire recovery, we may see increased use by deer and mountain lion. Monitoring in this corridor should continue. We recorded long-tailed weasel on six of 7 Core Areas and have now documented the species in 15 of 18 (83%) species-specific cores since surveys began in 2008. These records satisfy the MSHCP Core Area occupancy objective for long-tailed weasel. We have not conducted surveys for long-tailed weasel at Existing Core F (Santa Rosa Plateau) and Existing Core M (Agua Tibia Wilderness), and can not confirm absence of the species at Proposed Core 4 based on results of surveys to date. Encasing camera units in steel boxes worked well in deterring theft of equipment and justified the estimated material cost of $90-$100 per box. Still, the design left the lens, flash, and heat-motion sensors exposed, and failed to deter a vandal from spray- painting a camera at B Canyon. While the cost to replace lenses is low ($11 per camera) camouflage should be used as much as possible to decrease the chance of damage. A design providing more protection would increase the safety of equipment, which both saves equipment replacement costs and prevents missing observation opportunities when units are inoperable. The underpass at Temecula Creek has great potential for large-animal movement due to its size and placement within a natural drainage, but also experiences very high human activity. Temecula Creek remains the most probable means of large-mammal dispersal across the I-15 between the San Diego County line and SR-79, given that other

Western Riverside County MSHCP 10 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011 road culverts in the area are not ideal for large-animal movement (e.g., steep slopes, contain erosion bars, and/or small diameters) and that mountain lion are known to occur in the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve just to the west. We plan to take appropriate means to protect the safety of equipment when we attempt to survey Temecula Creek in 2012. To date, we are meeting most carnivore monitoring objectives outlined in the MSHCP. Core Area and habitat-block occupancy objectives are being met for all 4 covered carnivore species with species presence having been documented on at least 75% of Core Areas and habitat blocks described in individual species accounts (Appendix B). Habitat-linkage objectives remain to be met for mountain lion. Our coverage of mountain lion habitat-linkages and movement corridors is incomplete and surveys should continue until all areas are thoroughly surveyed. Recommendations for Future Surveys Camera stations should continue to be used to monitor animal dispersal across freeway corridors that bisect habitat linkages and Core Areas, especially those named specifically in species accounts for bobcat and mountain lion. All cameras deployed should be encased in steel boxes and chained to fixed objects regardless of placement or perceived threat of vandalism. Camouflage should be used whenever possible to reduce the visibility of camera stations. Additionally flash cameras should be avoided and infrared cameras only used in areas of high human use. Other potential dispersal barriers that should be monitored are I-10 near Calimesa (Constrained Linkage 23) and I-10 at San Gorgonio wash (species-specific linkage for mountain lion). Although the culverts we monitor were constructed for the purposes of water drainage they can and do allow for passage of wildlife and we should continue to monitor those located at pinch points between conserved lands. The openings of culverts/undercrossings should be kept clear of vegetation to facilitate use by wildlife. Also, with the documentation of deer at both surveyed areas in 2011 we should return and monitor these sites for mountain lion in the future as resources allow. Continued use of the RA for each species documented will provide a comparison in future surveys of monitored culverts and species. Surveys for target species sign (scat and tracks) in the area surrounding camera stations should also help determine what species are present in the area. If sign of a Covered Species is detected but the species/individual is not being photo-captured then we can modify our camera placement or sensitivity to maximize our chances of photo- capturing that animal.

LITERATURE CITED Beier P. 1995. Dispersal of juvenile cougars in fragmented habitat. J Wildlife Manage 59:228-237. Bekoff M, Gese EM. 2003. Coyote (Canis latrans). In: Feldhamer GA, Thompson BC, Chapman JA, editors. Wild mammals of North America: biology, management, and conservation. 2nd edition. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 467-481

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Carbone C, Christie S, Conforti K, Coulson T, Franklin N, Ginsberg JR, Griffiths M, Holden J, Kawanishi K, Kinnaird M, et al. 2001. The use of photographic rates to estimate densities of tigers and other cryptic mammals. Anim Conserv. 4:75–79.

Clevenger AP, Waltho N. 2005. Performance indices to identify attributes of highway crossing structures facilitating movement of large mammals. Biol Conserv. 121:453–464. Dudek & Associates. 2003. Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Final MSHCP, Volumes I and II. Prepared for County of Riverside Transportation and Lands Management Agency. Prepared by Dudek & Associates, Inc. Approved June 17, 2003. George S, Crooks K. 2006. Recreation and large mammal activity in an urban nature reserve. Biol Conserv. 133:107–117. Ng SJ, Dole JW, Sauvajot RM, Riley SP, Valone TJ. 2004. Use of highway undercrossings by wildlife in southern California. Biol Conserv. 115:499–507.

Séquin ES, Jaeger MM, Brussard PF, Barrett RH. 2003. Wariness of coyotes to camera traps relative to social status and territory boundaries. Can J Zoolog. 81:2015– 2025. Sheffield SR. 1999. Long-tailed weasel, Mustela frenata. In: Wilson DE, Ruff S, editors. The Smithsonian book of North American mammals. Washington DC and London: Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 169–171.

Western Riverside County MSHCP 12 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2010

Appendix A. Habitat Blocks, Linkages, and Dispersal Barriers Defined by MSHCP Species-Specific Objectives for Bobcat, Coyote, Long-tailed Weasel, and Mountain Lion.

Bobcat Coyote Weasel Mountain Lion Habitat Santa Rosa Plateau-Santa Ana Mnts., Agua Tibia None listed. Existing Cores: A, Santa Rosa Plateau-Santa Ana Mnts., Blocks Wilderness-Palomar Mnts., Vail Lake-Wilson B, C, F, G, H, I, J, Agua Tibia Wilderness-Palomar Valley-Aguanga, Anza-Cahuilla Valleys, K, L, and M. Mnts., Badlands-San Jacinto Mnts.- Badlands-San Jacinto Wildlife Area-Lake Perris, Santa Rosa Mnts., San Bernardino San Jacinto Mnts., Lake Mathews-Estelle Mnt., Mnts., Lake Mathews-Estelle Mnt., Lake Skinner-Diamond Valley Lake, Santa Ana Lake Skinner-Diamond Valley Lake, River-Prado Basin. and Vail Lake-Sage-Wilson Valley. Proposed Cores: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Linkages Santa Ana Mnts. to Chino Hills via Fresno Santa Ana River, San Timoteo 52,400 acres of Santa Ana Mnts to Chino Hills via Canyon-Green River, Santa Ana Mnts. to Lake Creek, Indian Canyon and linkage habitat Fresno Canyon-Green River, Santa Mathews-Estelle Mnt. via Indian Canyon and Horsethief Canyon (I-15), Cole between Core Ana Mnts to Lake Mathews-Estelle Horsethief Canyon, Santa Ana Mnts. to Agua Canyon-Murrieta Creek, Warm Areas. Mnt. via Indian Canyon and Tibia Wilderness-Palomar Mnts. via Pechanga Springs Creek, French Valley Horsethief Canyon, Santa Ana Mnts. Creek or future wildlife overpass (I-15), Santa tributary to Warm Springs to Agua Tibia Wilderness-Palomar Ana River, Lake Skinner-Diamond Valley Lake Creek, upland Lake Mathews to Mnts. via Pechanga Creek or future to Sage-Wilson Valley-San Jacinto Mnts. via Wildomar, Gavilan Hills, San wildlife overpass (I-15), Lake Tucalota Creek and adjacent uplands, along Jacinto River, Temecula Creek- Skinner-Diamond valley Lake to Badlands to San Jacinto Wildlife Area-Lake Santa Margarita River, Kolb Sage-Wilson Valley-San Jacinto Perris-San Jacinto Mnts., Badlands to San Creek/Arroyo Seco, Tucalota Mnts. via Tucalota Creek and adjacent Bernardino Mnts. via Cherry Valley, San Jacinto Creek, Wilson Creek, Tule uplands, Badlands to San Jacinto Mnts. to San Bernardino Mnts. via Banning Creek, San Gorgonio Wash. Mnts. and Santa Rosa Mnts., San Canyon and San Gorgonio Wash. Jacinto Mnts. to San Bernardino Mnts. via San Gorgonio Wash. Dispersal State Highway 91 between Santa Ana Mnts. and None listed. None listed. State Highway 91 between Santa Ana Barriers Chino Hills, Interstate 15 between Santa Ana Mnts. and Chino Hills, Interstate 15 Mnts. and Lake Mathews- Estelle Mnt. via Indian between Santa Ana Mnts. and Lake Canyon and Horsethief Canyon, Interstate 15 Mathews- Estelle Mnt. via Indian between Santa Ana Mnts. and Agua Tibia Canyon and Horsethief Canyon, Wilderness, State Highway 60 in Badlands. Interstate 15 between Santa Ana Mnts. and Agua Tibia Wilderness, State Highway 60 in Badlands.

Western Riverside County MSHCP 13 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011 Appendix B. Status of Monitoring Objectives for Covered Carnivore Species, 2008-2011. Objective Location Detections Bobcat Habitat Blocks Santa Rosa Plateau-Santa Ana Mnts 2008 transects, 2009 and 2011 incidental Vail Lake-Wilson Valley-Aguanga 2009 transects Anza-Cahuilla Valley 2009 transects Badlands-SJWA-Lake Perris 2008 transects, 2011 cameras Lake Mathews-Estelle Mnt 2008 transects, 2011 incidentals Santa Ana River-Prado Basin 2008 incidental, 2011 incidental San Jacinto Mnts 2008 incidental Lake Skinner-Diamond Valley Lake 2009 incidental Habitat Blocks Needed: 0 Linkages Fresno Canyon/Green River 2008-2009 cameras Indian/Horsethief Canyons 2008-2009 cameras Santa Ana River 2008 incidental, 2011 incidental Badlands (southern half) 2008-2009 cameras Cherry Valley 2008-2009 cameras San Gorgonio Wash None to date Pechanga Creek 2010 linkage survey Tucalota Creek None to date Linkages Needed: 0 Dispersal Barriers SR-9 - Fresno Canyon/Green River 2008-2009a I-15 - Indian/Horsethief Canyons 2009 – 2010 cameras I-15 - Pechanga/Temecula Creek None to date SR-60 - Badlands 2011 cameras Dispersal Barriers Needed: 1 Coyote Habitat Blocks No objective. Linkages Santa Ana River 2008 incidental, 2011 incidental Badlands/San Timoteo Creek 2008 incidental, 2011 cameras Cole Canyon-Murrieta Creek 2009 linkage survey, 2011 incidental Warm Springs Creek 2009 linkage survey Warm Sp. Ck, French Valley trib. 2009 linkage survey Lake Mathews to Wildomar Incomplete linkage Gavilan Hills 2008 transects San Jacinto River 2009 linkage survey Temecula Ck-Santa Margarita River 2009 linkage survey Kolb Creek/Arroyo Seco 2009 linkage survey Tucalota Creek 2009 linkage survey Wilson Creek 2009 linkage survey Tule Creek 2009 linkage survey San Gorgonio Wash 2009 cameras Linkages Needed: 0 Dispersal Barriers I-15 - Indian/Horsethief Canyons 2009 cameras Dispersal Barriers Needed: 0 a L. Lyren, USGS, Western Ecological Research Center; camera-trap and radio-collar surveys.

Western Riverside County MSHCP 14 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011

Appendix B. Cont’d Objective Location Detections Long-tailed weasel Core Areas Existing Core A 2008b Existing Cores B, C, H, K 2008 transects, 2011 incidental Existing Core L 2009 transects Proposed Cores 6 and 7 2009 transects Existing Cores J 2009c Proposed Core 1, 2, 3, 5 2010 transects Existing Cores G, I 2010 transects Proposed Core 4 None to date Existing Core F, M Not surveyed Cores Needed: 0 Linkages Plan Area linkages None to date Total acreage: 0 Acres needed: 52,400d Dispersal Barriers No Objective Mountain lion Habitat Blocks Santa Rosa Plateau-Santa Ana Mnts 2005-2009e Agua Tibia Wilderness-Palomar Mnts 2008 incidental Badlands-San Jacinto/Santa Rosa Mnts 2006-2008e San Bernardino Mnts 2009 incidental, 2011 incidental Vail Lake-Sage-Wilson Valley 2004-2006e Lake Mathews-Estelle Mnt None to date Lake Skinner-Diamond Valley Lake Not surveyed Habitat Blocks Needed: 0 Linkages Fresno Canyon/Green River 2006-2007e Indian/Horsethief Canyons None to date Pechanga Creek None to date Tucalota Creek None to date Badlands None to date San Gorgonio Wash None to date Linkages Needed: 6 Dispersal Barriers SR-91 at Fresno Canyon/Green River None to date I-15 at Indian/Horsethief Canyons None to date I-15 at Pechanga Creek None to date SR-60 through Badlands None to date Dispersal Barriers Needed: 4 b D. McMichael, Orange County Water District c K. Klementowski, Center for Natural Lands Management d Objective calls for 52,400 acres of non-specified conserved linkages across Plan Area. e W. Vickers, Wildlife Health Center, radio-collar surveys

Western Riverside County MSHCP 15 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011

Appendix C. Photo-captured Animals at All Camera Stations in 2011. Covered Species are in bold.

Station Species Common Name Total Badlands-1a Canis latrans Coyote 18 Lynx rufus Bobcat 1 Canis lupus familiaris Dog 2 Homo sapiens Human 9 Sylvilagus sp. Cottontail sp 1 Unknown - 4 Badlands-1b Canis latrans Coyote 83 Lynx rufus Bobcat 1 Callipepla californica California quail 1 Canis lupus familiaris Dog 3 Geococcyx californianus Greater roadrunner 2 Homo sapiens Human 24 Odocoileus hemionus Black-tailed deer 1 Pipilo crissalis California towhee 2 Sylvilagus sp. Cottontail sp 3 Sylvilagus audubonii Desert cottontail 6 Taxidea taxus Badger 1 Unknown - 6 Badlands-2a Canis latrans Coyote 5 Lynx rufus Bobcat 13 Carpodacus mexicanus House finch 5 Geococcyx californianus Greater roadrunner 1 Homo sapiens Human 3 Icterus bullockii Bullock's oriole 1 Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird 1 Neotoma fuscipes Dusky footed woodrat 1 Pipilo crissalis California towhee 5 Rodentia sp. Rodent sp 3 Sayornis nigricans Black phoebe 316 Spermophilus beecheyi CA ground squirrel 3 Stelgidopteryx serripennis N rough winged swallow 4 Sylvilagus audubonii Desert cottontail 7 Taxidea taxus Badger 3 Thryomanes bewickii Bewicks's wren 1 Trochilidae sp. Wren sp 1 Unknown - 18

Western Riverside County MSHCP 16 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011

Appendix C. Cont’d. Station Species Common Name Total Badlands-2b Canis latrans Coyote 15 Lynx rufus Bobcat 7 Homo sapiens Human 2 Pipilo crissalis California towhee 2 Sayornis nigricans Black phoebe 4 Spermophilus beecheyi CA ground squirrel 1 Taxidea taxus Badger 3 Unknown - 6 Badlands-3a Canis latrans Coyote 27 Lynx rufus Bobcat 21 Homo sapiens Human 18 Sayornis nigricans Black phoebe 1 Unknown - 5 Badlands-3b Canis latrans Coyote 38 Lynx rufus Bobcat 21 Mustela frenata Long-tailed weasel 2 Callipepla californica California quail 9 Didelphis virginiana Opposum 1 Felis catus Domestic cat 1 Homo sapiens Human 8 Neotoma sp. Woodrat sp 2 Pipilo crissalis California towhee 12 Rodentia sp. Rodent sp 3 Spermophilus beecheyi CA ground squirrel 3 Stelgidopteryx serripennis N rough winged swallow 3 Sylvilagus sp. Cottontail sp 1 Sylvilagus audubonii Desert cottontail 35 Taxidea taxus Badger 10 Unknown - 10 Zenaida macroura Mourning dove 5 BCanyonA Canis latrans Coyote 12 Lynx rufus Bobcat 25 Canis lupus familiaris Dog 3 Corvus corax Common raven 1 Hirundinidae Swallow sp 1 Homo sapiens Human 17 Procyon lotor Raccoon 31 Sayornis nigricans Black phoebe 7 Spermophilus beecheyi CA ground squirrel 2 Urocyon cinereoargenteus Gray fox 2

Western Riverside County MSHCP 17 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011

Appendix C. Cont’d. Station Species Common Name Total BCanyonB Homo sapiens Human 10 Odocoileus hemionus Black-tailed deer 1 Unknown - 4 Grand Total 957

Western Riverside County MSHCP 18 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011

Appendix D. Incidental Observations of Covered Carnivore Species Recorded by Biological Monitoring Program Staff in 2011. Species Core Location Date Observation Bobcat Constrained Linkage 14 Temecula Valley 12/14/2011 Tracks seen while scouting for camera locations Existing Core 1 Wasson Canyon 3/24/2011 Tracks seen during riparian bird surveys Existing Core C Estelle Mountain 5/11/2011 Observed during CSS bird surveys Estelle Mountain 12/7/2011 Observed during mountain plover surveys Existing Core D March Preserve 5/9/2011 Observed young individual in riparian area Existing Core F Santa Rosa Plateau 12/15/2011 Tracks seen during Engelmann oak Surveys Lake Perris State Recreation Existing Core H Area 9/9/2011 Observed during mountain plover surveys Lake Perris State Recreation Area 11/14/2011 Observed one individual walking on bike path Lake Perris State Recreation Area 12/6/2011 Observed during mountain plover surveys Coyote Existing Core 1 Steele Peak 3/10/2011 Flushed individual during CSS bird surveys Existing Core 3 Potrero ACEC 8/31/2011 Observed running through grassy field San Jacinto Valley 10/24/2011 Observed in field near dirt road north of Bridge Street Existing Core 5 Menifee 10/19/2011 Observed during small mammal surveys Existing Core A Santa Ana River Corridor 5/27/2011 Observed walking along dry riverbed Santa Ana River Corridor 10/15/2011 Observed during riparian bird surveys Existing Core C Estelle Mountain 1/13/2011 Observed during CSS bird surveys Estelle Mountain 1/26/2011 Observed during CSS bird surveys Estelle Mountain 4/22/2011 Heard vocalizing during CSS bird surveys Estelle Mountain 6/15/2011 Observed during riparian bird surveys Observed 2 large adults at close range. Many vocalizing Existing Core D March Preserve 1/24/2011 about 400 m away. March Preserve 11/17/2011 Observed one young healthy individual Existing Core F Santa Rosa Plateau 12/2/2011 Observed during Engelmann oak surveys Santa Rosa Plateau 12/2/2011 Observed during burrowing owl surveys Santa Rosa Plateau 12/2/2011 Observed during burrowing owl surveys Santa Rosa Plateau 12/15/2011 Tracks found during Engelmann oak surveys

Western Riverside County MSHCP 19 Biological Monitoring Program Carnivore Survey Report 2011

Appendix D. Cont’d. Species Core Location Date Observation Coyote Existing Core H Moreno Valley 9/20/2011 Observed during mountain plover surveys Existing Core J Johnson Ranch 3/14/2011 Observed during burrowing owl surveys Johnson Ranch 11/9/2011 Observed during mountain plover surveys Multi-Species Reserve 12/5/2011 Flushed from grass during Engelmann oak surveys Linkage 10 Temecula Valley 9/15/2011 Small group heard barking Linkage 8 Sedco Hills 5/10/2011 Observed during CSS bird surveys Long-tailed weasel Existing Core 3 San Timoteo Canyon 7/5/2011 Observed during riparian bird surveys Existing Core D March Preserve 4/22/2011 Observed running across the road March Preserve 8/5/2011 Adult observed at hole in ground Existing Core H San Jacinto Wildlife Area 12/13/2011 Adult observed at hole in ground Mountain lion Existing Core K Garner Valley 4/19/2011 Tracks found during riparian bird survey Existing Core K Garner Valley 4/29/2011 Tracks found during riparian bird survey San Jacinto Mountains 1/12/2011 N/A San Jacinto Mountains 3/22/2011 Tracks found during Quino survey San Jacinto Mountains 5/10/2011 Tracks found during riparian bird survey San Jacinto Mountains 5/12/2011 Tracks found during riparian bird survey San Jacinto Mountains 6/8/2011 Tracks found during riparian bird survey Existing Core L Beauty Mountain 11/23/2011 Tracks found during mountain king snake survey

Western Riverside County MSHCP 20 Biological Monitoring Program