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Home , Hesperopsis, Hesperopsis gracielae, Lampropeltis getula, Linanthus demissus, Lytta magister, Moapa dace

Vermilion flycatcher The upper Muddy River is considered one of the Mojave’s most important Common buckeye on sunflower areas of biodiversity and regionally (Canis latrans) Damselfly (Enallagma sp.) (Junonia coenia on Helianthus annuus) important ecological but threatened riparian landscapes (Provencher et al. 2005). Not only does the Warm Springs Natural Area encompass the majority of Muddy River tributaries it is also the largest single tract of land in the upper Muddy River set aside for the benefit of native in perpetuity.

The prominence of water in an otherwise barren Mojave landscape provides an oasis for regional wildlife. A high diversity is attributed to an abundance of riparian and floodplain and . Contributions to diversity come from the Mojave Old World swallowtail (Papilio machaon) Desertsnow ( demissus) Lobe-leaved Phacelia (Phacelia crenulata) Cryptantha (Cryptantha sp.) vegetation that occur on the toe slopes of the Arrow Canyon Range from the west and the plant species occupying the floodplain where they are supported by a high water table. Several marshes and wet meadows add to the diversity of and . The thermal springs and tributaries host an abundance of aquatic species, many of which are endemic. The WSNA provides a haven for the abundant wildlife that resides permanently or seasonally and provides a significant level of protection for imperiled species.

Tarantula (Aphonopelma spp.) Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) Pacific frog (Pseudacris regilla) Merriam’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) (Bubo virginianus) banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) Spinyhair blazingstar (Mentzelia tricuspis) Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)

Master blister ( magister) Brittlebush () California palm ( filifera) Desert horned lizard (Lampropeltis getula californiae) (Phyrnosoma platyrhinos)

Screwbean ( pubescens) Mesquite mistletoe Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) Catclaw acacia (Acacia gregii) pods pods ( californicum) Endemic Species Ecological Isolate

All organisms, their niches, and their The WSNA is considered a ecological isolate There are several bird species on the WSNA interactions with each other comprise (or island) within the dry , identified under the Partners in Flight Species biological resources. Because of the providing quality riparian and mesquite Conservation Priority list. These species plentiful water with its unique thermal woodlands that attract an abundance of will be provided appropriate conservation properties, the Warm Springs Natural Area wildlife, especially . The endangered consideration. (WSNA) harbors an abundance of endemic Southwestern willow flycatcher ( species that occur nowhere else on earth. Of traillii extimus) has been documented as Some species such as the all the endemic species that occur on WSNA, nesting on the property. Protecting the ( rubinus) and Phainopepla the Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea) is the nesting is an important management (Phainopepla nitens) are signature species most imperiled and is federally protected as objective to help ensure long-term population at the WSNA. Due to abundant and an endangered species. For this reason, the viability for this endangered species. Plant predictable population levels, they are priority of management attention is focused communities and their floristic composition, important for recreational viewing by the on its protection and recovery. The Moapa structure, and condition all contribute to birding community. Protecting at-risk and dace’s recovery is largely dependent upon habitat quality and preferential use by other important species is primarily a function restoring stream habitat and the removal of wildlife. disturbance and the introduction of protecting and enhancing their respective introduced, competitive species. of invasive weeds have created a threat . Much of their habitat requirements to habitat quality and increase the risk of overlap where multiple species are benefited catastrophic wildfires. from the same management practices.

Species Conservation Because of the oasis effect, provided by lush riparian vegetation in an otherwise harsh In addition to species protected under the Mojave Desert ecosystem, WSNA supports a federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), large and diverse population of bats. At least numerous other species are considered 15 species of bats have been documented Thermal properties of at-risk because of their local endemism or using various habitats of the Warm Springs limited distribution. A critical management Natural Area. Fields, mesquite woodlands, the WSNA springs and component on the WSNA is not only riparian habitats, marshes, and open water identifying threatened and/or endangered offer large populations and foraging tributaries are key to the species, but also managing at-risk or rare opportunities for bats. existence of the endemic plants and animals. It is important to monitor at-risk species in order to assess population and rare species. stability. It requires less effort to protect a species from becoming endangered than recovering one once it has become such. Sensitive Species 28 SENSITIVE SPECIES

28 Sensitive Species on WSNA There are 28 at-risk or Common Name Scientific Name USFWS NNHP State Status Footnotes Fish rare species including some 1 Moapa White River springfish Crenichthys baileyi moapae critically imperiled in state 4,6,8 endangered or threatened 2 Virgin River chub Gila seminuda (Muddy River Population) globally - critically imperiled 4,5,6,8 3 Moapa dace Moapa coriacea Endangered critically imperiled in state 1,4,5,6,8 species residing on the 4 Moapa speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus moapae critically imperiled in state 4,5,6,8 property. The 1996 Recovery Invertebrates 5 Western naucorid Ambrysus mormon 7 Plan for the Rare Aquatic 6 Warm Springs crawling water beetle Haliplus eremicus not ranked 4 Species of the Muddy River 7 MacNeill sooty wing gracielae critically imperiled in state 4,5,6 8 Moapa naucorid Limnocoris moapensis critically imperiled in state 4,7,8 Ecosystem identifies current 9 Moapa riffle beetle Microcylloepus moapus critically imperiled in state 4,5,7 status, threats and recovery 10 Pahranagat naucorid Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone 4,7 11 Moapa pebblesnail avernalis petitioned for imperiled in state due to rarity 4,7,8 needs for the Moapa dace listing and seven other rare, aquatic 12 Moapa Valley pyrg Pyrgulopsis carinifera petitioned for critically imperiled in state 4,7 listing species (three fish, two snails 13 Moapa skater Rhagovelia becki 7 and two ). 14 Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle Stenelmis moapa critically imperiled in state 4,5,7,8 15 Grated tryonia Tryonia clathrata petitioned for imperiled in state due to rarity 4,7,8 listing Other species are included Birds from the Clark County 16 Western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Candidate globally - vulnerable to decline 3,4,5,6 occidentalis Multiple Species Habitat 17 Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Endangered critically imperiled in state 1,4,5,6 Conservation Plan (2000), 18 Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 19 Vermilion flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus 6 the Natural Heritage 20 Summer rubra 6 Program at-risk tracking list Bats 21 Townsend’s big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 and/or watch list, and rare 22 Spotted bat Euderma maculatum imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 aquatic species at WSNA 23 Western red bat Lasiurus blossevillii critically imperiled in state 4,5 identified in a survey report by 24 Lasiurus xanthinus critically imperiled in state 4 25 California -nosed bat Macrotus californicus imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 Albrecht et al. (2008). 26 Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 27 Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis imperiled in state due to rarity 4,5,6 28 Desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii Threatened vulnerable to decline 2,4,5,6 FOOTNOTES: 1 Listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act 5 Bureau of Land Management - Nevada Special Status Species 2 Listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act 6 Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). 2000 3 Candidate species under the Endangered Species Act 7 Muddy River Headwaters Macroinvertebrate Report - Albrecht et al. 2008 4 State of Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. 2009 8 U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Recovery plan for the rare aquatic species of the Muddy River ecosystem ECOLOGICAL ASSEMBLAGES

Muddy River Aquatic Six ecological systems were identified by Assemblage Provencher and Andress (2004) as occurring in the upper Muddy River. Each system forms an ecologically functional assemblage Warm Springs Aquatic that contains habitat features and a suite of Assemblage organisms. All six assemblages are known to occur on the Warm Springs Natural Area and help characterize the existing Riparian Woodlands ecological units that require management in order to protect wildlife, many of which are endemic or regionally rare. The Warm N.. F Riparian Shrubland Forrk M Springs Aquatic Assemblage and the Muddy uu dd dd yy River Aquatic Assemblage are of particular interest due to the endangered Moapa dace Riparian Marsh/Meadow y d ud (Moapa coriacea) as well as several endemic S.. Fork M u

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dd dd The other assemblages provide habitat for a yy SS pp rr variety of wildlife but especially for rare birds iinn gg ss such as the Southwestern willow flycatcher SS OTHER ECOLOGICAL ttrr ee aa (Empidonax traillii extimus), Yellow-billed m GROUPS A M cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis), Jones Apcar udd ver Spring y R iv Vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), Complex m Summer tanager (Piranga rubra), and m a a Str e ream e eam r r t

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e re assemblage and its associated species P P Refuge St that merits management consideration is Pederson discussed per assemblage. This approach Saltbush Shrubland Spring Plummer Complex Spring emphasizes the need to manage functional Complex systems and habitats in order to sustain and/or enhance identified recovery species. Alkali Meadow !!!! : While the same species may occupy multiple ecological assemblages, each species is 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 discussed in the assemblage where it reaches Abandoned Agricultural Feet Fields maximum prevalence.

Other The Muddy River Aquatic Assemblage Virgin River chub Moapa speckled dace Aquatic invertebrates encompasses the Muddy River. It is (Gila seminuda) (Rhinichthys osculus moapae) characterized by shrubby vegetation composed primarily of tamarisk and honey The Muddy River population of Virgin River Moapa speckled dace populations are known The only published collection of the Moapa mesquite growing along a highly incised chub has a high potential for being listed as to fluctuate greatly. The Moapa speckled skater (Rhagovelia becki) was by Polhemus streambank. Water temperatures range an endangered species. It has been declining dace averages three inches in length and (1973) who described the species and by between 80°-90° F on the WSNA. Exotic throughout the Muddy River since the 1960s. typically lives for three . The speckled Huillet (1998). Several surveys since have such as tilapia, mollies, and mosquito Chub decline has been attributed to changes dace is a close relative of the Moapa dace not recorded the species (Albrecht et al. fish are ubiquitous. While many aquatic in water and substrate quality, channelization, and has similar habitat requirements but 2008, Stevens Ecological Consulting 2004, species occur throughout the introduced fishes, and parasites. Since its prefers the cooler water temperatures below Sada and Herbst 1999), but R. choneutes aquatic assemblages, a few reach maximum extirpation in the Warm Springs area in about the Warm Springs area. Because of this was commonly observed in the Warm Springs prevalence within this assemblage. Two 1997, this species has not been able to thermal barrier, the two species are non- area, suggesting either local extirpation or native fishes and two aquatic invertebrates of recolonize these streams due to a diversion competitive. Larval speckled dace are misidentification of R. becki (Sada and Herbst concern primarily occur in this assemblage. dam near Warm Springs Road. The Virgin primarily plankton feeders, while the adults 1999). The Warm Springs crawling water River chub averages 8-10 inches in length. feed primarily on both aquatic insects and beetle (Haliplus eremicus) was collected SPECIES FOR It prefers deep streams with swift water. algae. Speckled dace prefer the lower originally on the LDS Recreational Property MANAGEMENT Dietary preferences of larval and juvenile horizon of shallow, cobble riffles. They likely as well as from (Wells 1989) and chub consist primarily of aquatic insects. face similar threats from deterioration in water subsequently from the Muddy River on CONSIDERATION Adult chub feed on both insects and algae. quality, introduction of non-native fish, and the LDS property (Huillet 1998). Current • Virgin River chub Management of Virgin River chub on WSNA parasites. The source population of speckled collection records include California and requires reestablishing connectivity with the dace resides downstream of WSNA below a within its range (R. Baumann, personal Gila seminuda - Muddy core population that occur downstream, fish barrier. Restoring a population on the communication, April 2009). River Population* eliminating introduced fishes, and restoring WSNA will require reestablishing connectivity. floodplain vegetation. • Moapa speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus moapae* • Warm Springs crawling water beetle Haliplus eremicus

• Moapa skater Surveys for Virgin River Rhagovelia becki chub are currently * Recovery Plan for the Rare Aquatic Species conducted in the Muddy of the Muddy River Ecosystem (USFWS 1996) River in Spring and Fall. Virgin River chub Moapa speckled dace Warm Springs crawling water beetle (Gila seminuda) (Rhinichthys osculus moapae) (Haliplus eremicus) 30 WARM SPRINGS AQUATIC ASSEMBLAGE

The Warm Springs Aquatic Assemblage The overall condition of the Warm Springs is considered irreplaceable and the most Aquatic Assemblage is considered “poor” SPECIES FOR MANAGEMENT important assemblage in the upper Muddy due to water withdrawals, entrenchment, River ecoregional portfolio (Provencher and and exotic species (Provencher et al. 2005). CONSIDERATION Andress 2004). This assemblage includes Past and ongoing stream restoration has the thermal springs and tributaries which improved conditions, but until the Moapa constitute the headwaters of the Muddy dace population has rebounded, restoration River. The endangered Moapa dace (Moapa efforts will continue. On the WSNA, stream coriacea) and the Moapa White River reaches and spring heads have been Endemics springfish (Crenichthys baileyi moapae) are identified and prioritized by the Biological native thermophiles dependent upon the Advisory Committee for restoration. The warm springs and streams for survival. The Lower Pederson has been rechanneled, and Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea)* Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis) the system is currently being improved for Moapa White River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi is an endemic snail species found in the dace habitat by installing drift stations and moapae)* headwaters of the upper Muddy River. augmenting natural revegetation. Of the Additionally, three thermophilic aquatic nine upper Muddy Valley stream segments Moapa naucorid (Limnocoris moapensis)* insects are endemic to the Muddy River identified for restoration by Provencher et Moapa riffle beetle (Microcylloepus moapus) headwaters, namely, the Moapa naucorid al. (2005), four reside almost exclusively on Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis)* (Limnocoris moapensis), Moapa riffle beetle the WSNA, and one other is shared with the Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle (Stenelmis moapa)* (Microcylloepus moapus), and Moapa Warm Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The Springs riffle beetle (Stenelmis moapa) (Parker remaining reach segments would not be et al. 1997). All seven species are identified considered part of the Warm Springs Aquatic by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program Assemblage but rather the Muddy River Rare Non-Endemics as at-risk. Other rare species within this Aquatic Assemblage. assemblage that occur on the WSNA and other locations in Nevada include the Western Grated tryonia (Tryonia clathrata)* naucorid (Ambrysus mormon), Pahranagat Moapa Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopsis carinifera) naucorid (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone) Western naucorid (Ambrysus mormon) (Parker et al. 1997), and Moapa Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopsis carinifera) (Albrecht et al. Pahranagat naucorid (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone) 2008). The latter two species are also listed as “at-risk” by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program.

Moapa dace population * Recovery Plan for the Rare Aquatic Species of the surveys are conducted each Muddy River Ecosystem (USFWS 1996) February and August. MOAPA DACE RECOVERY GOALS FOR DELISTING

Life Cycle of the Moapa Dace

STEPS TO ACHIEVE RECOVERY OTHER RARE AQUATIC SPECIES

Moapa White River springfish Aquatic Invertebrates (Crenichthys baileyi moapae)

As the most abundant native fish on WSNA Several aquatic invertebrates identified for The Amargosa naucorid (Pelocoris shoshone Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone was also and the entire upper Muddy River, the management consideration are known to amargosus) may have mistakenly been encountered by Sada and Herbst (1999). Moapa White River springfish is the least reach their maximum prevalence in the Warm thought as occurring in the Muddy River Albrecht et al. (2008) listed a sampled threatened. The springfish is able to tolerate Springs Aquatic Assemblage. The Recovery due to referenced use of the common name naucorid as Pelocoris biimpressus (?shoshone) high water temperatures and low dissolved Plan for the Rare Aquatic Species of the “Amargosa naucorid.” Parker et al. (1997) suggesting uncertainty as to the identification oxygen making the thermal springs and Muddy River Ecosystem (1996) recognizes two lists P. shoshone as occurring in thermal at the level. It is apparent that all streams on WSNA ideal habitat. The upper snails and two insects as species of concern. springs of the upper Muddy River, but no variations are the same species – hereafter Muddy River is the source population for They are all endemic to the Muddy River mention is made of the subspecies. The referred to as the Pahranagat naucorid those downstream. The Moapa White and known to occur on WSNA. The Clark Recovery Plan for the Rare Aquatic Species of (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone). River springfish is commonly 1.5-2.0 inches County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation the Muddy River Ecosystem (USFWS 1996) in length and typically lives three years. Plan (2000) identifies one additional snail identifies Pelocoris shoshone shoshone as a Springfish reproduce -round, with peak and two additional aquatic insects as high species of concern on their recovery list but reproduction occurring in the spring when priority species for evaluation. An aquatic applies the common name as Amargosa food sources, such as algae and aquatic invertebrate survey performed on WSNA naucorid. Huillet (1998) did not sample insects are most readily available. Protecting by Albrecht et al. (2008) identified three Pelocoris shoshone but listed Pelocoris existing thermal and flow qualities of the additional rare insect species. The Nevada biimpressus shoshone indicating taxonomic upper Muddy River springs and reaches, and Natural Heritage Program adds another confusion among literature citing Pelocoris in controlling introduced fishes is important for aquatic insect purported as occurring on the Muddy River. this species. WSNA on their watch list.

Moapa White River springfish Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle Pahranagat naucorid Moapa naucorid (Limnocoris moapensis) (Crenichthys baileyi moapae) (Stenelmis moapa) (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone) Aquatic Invertebrate Recovery projects. Restoration projects will also give parameters throughout the stream reaches. due consideration to habitat heterogeneity in Sada and Herbst (1999) recommend The general belief is that restoring stream design and implementation. maximizing habitat diversity to benefit the habitat for Moapa dace will be beneficial entire community. for all aquatic invertebrates. Competition Stream restoration efforts require provisions theory suggests niche separation will occur for the full suite of endemic and rare Focusing restoration work solely on fishes across the breadth of existing niches. Single aquatic macroinvertebrates at WSNA. may negatively impact aquatic invertebrates. species management can easily favor one Because the different species prefer different Community stability, resistance, and resilience group of species over another. Due to the flow velocities, water depths, substrates, are positively related to species diversity. diversity of rare aquatic species in the upper vegetation, coarse particulate organic Muddy River, aquatic invertebrate sampling matter, and bank structure, it is imperative will be implemented for all stream restoration to maintain a diversity of aquatic habitat Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis)

Aquatic Invertebrates - Percent Occurrence % Reach The occurrence of rare aquatic invertebrates throughout the headwaters per 11 Reaches from Muddy River Occurrence of the Muddy River within the Warm Springs Aquatic Assemblage indicates Headwaters to NV Energy Diversion broad distribution with the exception of the Pahranagat naucorid which was only Grated tryonia (Tryonia clathrata) 100% sampled in 3 of 11 headwater reaches (Albrecht et al. 2008). It was located in Moapa Warm Springs riffle beetle (Stenelmis moapa) 91% the Apcar, South Fork, and middle main stem reaches. Previous sampling by Sada Moapa riffle beetle (Microcylloepus moapus) 91% & Herbst (1999) did not encounter it in the South Fork but did locate it in the Plummer Western naucorid (Ambrysus mormon) 82% and Pederson streams. They noted a habitat preference for slow backwater Moapa pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis avernalis) 73% with fine substrates and sparse vegetation. Huillet (1998) mentioned the naucorid Moapa naucorid (Limnocoris moapensis) 73% as commonly collected. The distribution of this species appears greater than what Moapa Valley pyrg (Pyrgulopsis carinifera) 73% was sampled by Albrecht et al. (2008) and Pahranagat naucorid (Pelocoris biimpressus shoshone) 27% is likely an artifact of sample methodology. Albrecht et al. 2008 The Deciduous Riparian Woodland along the Fremont cottonwood provides the largest SPECIES FOR Muddy River and its tributaries on WSNA have structural component in this assemblage and MANAGEMENT an abundance of velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina), is an important habitat species. It readily CONSIDERATION Fremont cottonwood ( fremontii), pioneers disturbed riparian areas and will Goodding’s willow (), and likely not require significant restoration California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera). attention. In established groves along • Southwestern willow The deciduous trees are especially important irrigation ditches, the trees continue to persist flycatcher as nesting habitat for birds and as shade because their have reached groundwater, Empidonax traillii extimus cover for native fish. The fan palms, while but recruitment of new trees is limited because not desirable when they are impacting stream of discontinued irrigation. In such areas, flow dynamics, do provide roosting habitat for managed restoration may be desirable. • Western yellow-billed the yellow bat and food for a variety of birds. cuckoo Riparian woodlands have expanded along Because the California fan palm has invasive Coccyzus americanus many irrigation ditches thereby extending characteristics, develops undesirable fuel the distribution of quality bird habitat. In loads, and can negatively impact stream flow occidentalis many riparian areas, the trees alternate with dynamics, it will not be purposefully planted as or are replaced by the Riparian Shrubland a component in riparian woodland restoration. • Summer tanager Assemblage, forming an ecotone. In many woodland areas, the palms will be controlled in favor of more desirable native Piranga rubra Management of riparian woodland entails trees. Where fuel loads are not an issue, protecting existing quality habitat from palms may be left intact. Where palm trees • Townsend’s big-eared bat fire, exotic plant invasion, and age-related are removed, native tree species will be Corynorhinus townsendii decadence, as well as restoring riparian restored. woodland along denuded stream reaches. Velvet ash and Goodding’s willow are • Western red bat particularly valuable riparian woodland Lasiurus blossevillii species. Where recruitment of these species is not occurring naturally, site augmentation with propagated plants or transplants is • Western yellow bat recommended. The desired condition for this Lasiurus xanthinus assemblage is a heterogeneous composition of age classes and tree densities throughout the riparian corridors. • Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes

Velvet ash woodland RIPARIAN SPECIES

Southwestern willow flycatcher Western yellow-billed cuckoo Summer tanager Western yellow bat (Empidonax traillii extimus) (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) (Piranga rubra) (Lasiurus xanthinus)

The southwestern willow flycatcher is a small, The Western yellow-billed cuckoo is a The summer tanager, a Clark County Multiple The Western yellow bat has been recorded insect-eating bird that has been protected medium-sized, slender and inconspicuous Species Habitat Conservation Plan Covered roosting in the palm trees (Washingtonia as an endangered species by the US Fish bird that forages in dense, leafy trees and Species, is a medium-sized bird with a stout filifera) of the Warm Springs Natural Area. and Wildlife Service since 1995. There are eats large insects such as and bill. Males are a brilliant red color and This is the only population of yellow bats estimated to be only 900 - 1,000 breeding caterpillars. The Nevada Department of females are a buffy orange color. Males have that has been located in Nevada, and this pairs of the southwestern willow flycatcher. Wildlife has identified cuckoos in a few areas small crests. Summer feed on population is disjunct and more northerly than Southwestern willow flycatchers breed in sites around the state in small numbers. These and wasps that they catch in the air. They other populations of yellow bats (O’Farrell et that have very dense tree cover usually close birds are nomadic and numbers fluctuate are confirmed breeders on the Warm Springs al. 2004). to water and over saturated soil. greatly from year to year. A significant portion Natural Area according to Bird of the cuckoos found in Nevada in the early Observatory (Appendix 4). Management for Resident southwestern willow flycatchers were 2000s were at the Warm Springs Natural the summer tanager is similar to management RIPARIAN WOODLAND noted on the Warm Springs Natural Area in Area but more recent surveys have only for the southwestern willow flycatcher and BAT SPECIES 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. detected one bird each year from 2003 to includes preservation and establishment of • Western yellow bat In 2008, nine southwestern willow flycatchers 2006, zero in 2007, and three in 2008. Two dense riparian vegetation. Lasiurus xanthinus were located on WSNA north of the Apcar detections were made in 2009 (Bruce Lund, Stream (Braden et al. 2009). In 2009, four personal communication, 2009). These birds • Townsend’s big-eared bat birds were found in dense patches of trees have been observed in the large woodland Corynorhinus townsendii north of the Muddy River (Klinger & Conrad north of the main stem of the Muddy River • Western red bat 2010). Of the four birds detected, two were (Braden et al. 2009), but cuckoos can be Lasiurus blossevillii a pair that fledged three young (McLeod et al. found throughout the WSNA in appropriate • Fringed myotis 2010). habitats. Myotis thysanodes

Southwestern willow flycatcher Western yellow-billed cuckoo Summer tanager (Piranga rubra) Western yellow bat (Empidonax traillii extimus) (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) (Lasiurus xanthinus) 3.07 RIPARIAN SHRUBLAND

The Riparian Shrubland at WSNA occurs MacNeill sooty wing skipper along sections of the South Fork and Muddy () River as well as along some irrigation ditches. Shrubs including Emory’s baccharis (Baccharis Quailbush is a known host plant for the emoryi), arrowweed ( sericea), MacNeill sooty wing skipper. Larvae of this coyote willow (Salix exigua) and other feed on the whereas the riparian non-obligates such as quailbush adults forage for nectar on flowering plants. () commonly occur in this Quailbush occurs abundantly at WSNA and is assemblage. This riparian shrubland provides not in danger of diminishing. valuable habitat for birds, small mammals, and terrestrial invertebrates. The MacNeill sooty wing skipper is considered common to abundant in Moapa Valley having been collected from Bowman Reservoir and Hidden Valley (Austin & Austin 1980). SPECIES FOR Hidden Valley is approximately five miles MANAGEMENT south of the WSNA and no fragmented host plant populations occur between recorded CONSIDERATION collections and the WSNA property. Adults have been recorded nectaring on tamarisk, salt heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (Austin & Austin 1980). However, Nelson (2009) did not record the MacNeill sooty-wing skipper at the WSNA during limited sampling in April and July 2009.

• MacNeill sooty wing skipper Hesperopsis gracielae

MacNeill sooty wing skipper Quailbush (Hesperopsis gracielae) (Atriplex lentiformis) 3.08 RIPARIAN MARSH/MEADOW

Marshes and seeps provide essential habitat Marshland on the Warm Springs Natural Area Introduction of the Because Warm Springs Area is within the for amphibians, birds, invertebrates, and is primarily derived from spring outflow that Relict leopard frog historic range of the relict leopard frog, frogs small mammals. Because wetland habitat may be either partially ponded or terminates were relocated to adjacent lands owned is so productive, it provides the food base in wet meadows. The amount of water varies The relict leopard frog (Lithobates onca) by Clark County in 2010. Releasing relict to support higher trophic species such as seasonally with the greatest standing water historically occurred in springs near the leopard frogs on the Warm Springs Natural predators. Due to its rarity and resource-rich most abundant during the winter months , Virgin, and Muddy Rivers including Area may be part of recovery efforts for this quality within an otherwise resource-scarce when the groundwater is particularly close to the springs at the headwaters of the Warm species. Mojave desert ecosystem, riparian marshes the surface. In some areas, riparian meadow Springs Natural Area (Bradford et al. 2004). and seeps attract and harbor an abundance vegetation can be found where surface water By 1950, this frog was believed to be extinct. of wildlife. is entirely absent. Vegetation in such areas However, in 1991 relict leopard frogs were is supported by the high water table in the rediscovered in several springs near Littlefield winter months. Riparian meadows form an Arizona, near Lake Mead, and below Hoover important feeding ground for many of the bird dam. Conservation efforts include monitoring SPECIES FOR species found on the natural area. Mowing existing populations, enhancing spring MANAGEMENT in combination with periodic prescribed fire is habitats, captive rearing, and translocating useful to maintain the health and productivity frogs into historic and new locations. CONSIDERATION of riparian meadows. The few marshes found on the Natural Area are largely overgrown with cattails and would benefit from the management practices that expose surface water for waterfowl and other wildlife.

• Relict leopard frog Lithobates onca

Marsh Cattails Relict leopard frog (Lithobates onca) Yerba mansa 3.09 MESQUITE BOSQUE

Both honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) Phainopepla Vermilion flycatcher Spotted bat and screwbean mesquite () (Phainopepla nitans) (Pyrocephalus rubinus) (Euderma maculatum) comprise the mesquite woodland community . Of the two, screwbean mesquite The phainopepla is a medium-sized bird. The Vermilion flycatcher is a small flycatcher The spotted bat is a large bat with extremely is regionally least common and perhaps Males are a silky black color and females are found in the southwestern large ears and three large white spots on its therefore the most ecologically significant. gray. Both sexes have crests. Phainopeplas southward to Argentina. This species inhabits back. This state-protected species is known On the WSNA screwbean mesquite forms feed on both berries and flying insects. desert riparian areas but primarily nests in to roost on cliffs and to forage in mesquite a dense (near monotypic) woodland in The phainopepla is closely tied to the the screwbean woodland on the WSNA. The bosques in the Warm Springs Natural Area (O’Farrell et al. 2004 and Williams et al. some areas and provides important nesting availability of the berries of mistletoe Warm Springs Natural Area is home to the 2006). The spotted bat eats a variety of and shelter habitat for many species of (Phoradendron spp.) which is a parasitic plant largest breeding population of Vermilion insects but primarily feeds on moths. This wildlife. The screwbean mesquite woodland that grows on mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.). flycatchers in Nevada. Males are a bright species is rare and patchy in occurrence in red color and females are gray with a peach at WSNA is the largest contiguous stand in The phainopepla eats the mistletoe berries, a variety of habitats throughout the western belly. Vermilion flycatchers feed mostly on Nevada. Both mesquite species host the digests them, and defecates the remaining United States. The spotted bat has one young parasitic mesquite mistletoe (Phoradendron sticky seeds on the branches of mesquite flying insects, such as bees and dragonflies per year in June or July. Little else is known californicum) which is an important food item trees. The seeds sprout and the mistletoe that they catch on the wing. They often about this elusive species. Management for the Phainopepla. Aerial photographs of becomes established on new mesquite trees. forage over water or meadows. Management for the spotted bat includes protecting cliff WSNA taken in 1950 reveal an absence of Management for phainopepla includes for the Vermilion flycatcher includes keeping roosting areas and maintaining insect and mesquite in the floodplain due to cultivated maintaining mesquite stands that are riparian and mesquite woodlands relatively moth diversity by maintaining open mesquite crops. Much of the land currently occupied parasitized by mistletoe. open because they avoid densely wooded bosque habitat. by mesquite was still farmed as late as areas. These birds also occur in the riparian- 1985. The abundance of mesquite at the agricultural interface especially near lightly present time reflects a discontinuation of cultivated or abandoned fields near open SPECIES FOR farming and change to cattle grazing as the water. MANAGEMENT primary land use on the property since the late 1980s. While mature stands of mesquite CONSIDERATION provide positive habitat attributes, the total replacement of native by mesquite • Phainopepla is not desirable. Ideally, a mosaic of mesquite woodland across the landscape representing Phainopepla nitans different age-classes and densities is the preferred ecological state. At present, the • Vermilion flycatcher woodland understory is dominated by non- Pyrocephalus rubinus native grasses and forbs, remnants of former pasture species. A long-term goal of restoring native understory species will only enhance • Spotted bat the value of this vegetation type. Euderma maculatum

Honey mesquite pods Phainopepla Vermilion flycatcher (Phaninopepla nitans) (Pyrocephalus rubinus) 3.10 OTHER ECOLOGICAL GROUPS

Several plant communities exist on WSNA Creosote bush shrubland Saltbush shrubland Alkali meadow that do not fall within TNC’s six ecological “assemblages” (Provencher et al. 2005) but Characteristic of the Mojave Desert, this This vegetation community is found in Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) is the most still harbor rare and or protected animal shrubland provides habitat for the threatened more saline of the floodplain in the prevalent species found within this plant species. Additional plant communities desert tortoise and at least two species of upper Muddy River. In the most saline soils community followed by alkali sacaton include the creosote bush shrubland, saltbush bats, the California leaf-nosed bat and the where a high water table exists, iodinebush (Sporobolus airoides). Because of the past shrubland, and alkali meadows. big free-tailed bat. Creosote bush shrubland (Allenrolfea occidentalis) can be a dominant extensive cultivation at WSNA, remnant stands occupies the upland areas of WSNA above species. Other areas on the WSNA are of alkali meadows are considered extremely the floodplain. It is also the dominant dominated by quailbush (Atriplex lentiformis) important. Much of this community type has vegetation type that surrounds WSNA. and Mojave seablite (Suaeda moquinii). This been replaced by Bermuda grass (Cynodon Much of the plant diversity documented on community often forms a gradient with alkali dactylon). These meadows also serve as the WSNA occurs in this community. The meadows. foraging grounds for wildlife, especially where Creosote bush shrubland at the WSNA has they border mesquite woodland. not been heavily impacted by past agricultural practices. This area is in good condition with expansive distribution outside the WSNA boundary. Management action will likely be limited to controlling some of the common non-native weeds that increase the risk and spread of wildfire such as red brome (Bromus rubens) and Sahara mustard (Brassica SPECIES FOR tournefortii). MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATION (Creosote bush shrubland) • Desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii

• California leaf-nosed bat Macrotus californicus

• Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis

Creosote bush shrubland Saltbush shrubland Alkali meadow Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)