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Home , Arroyo chub, Arroyo toad, Barrett Dam, Chumash Wilderness, Euphyes, Euphyes vestris

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – Potentially Vulnerable :

The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an or : ‘What good is it?’ If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then every part is good, whether we understand it or not. If the biota, in the course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering. —Aldo Leopold (1953)

Key Questions • Which species are rare or at risk in quirements, or (5) there is a great deal of un- the coastal mountains and foothills certainty about its distribution and abundance. of southern ? Using the fine-filter screening criteria, we • What is known about the status and identified 181 animals occurring within or distribution of each? near the assessment area which warrant indi- vidual consideration (fig 4.2). Thirty-one of • What factors threaten their these species are officially listed as threatened continued persistence? or endangered (table 4.1), and thus legally • What is the potential for conserving protected under the federal Endangered Spe- on existing public lands? cies Act. The remaining 150 species could • To what extent are they vulnerable to become candidates for federal listing in the current agents of change? future if measures are not taken to assure their conservation. Our primary objective was to In chapters 4 and 5 we examine the cur- use the available data on these species to rent status and trends of species that, for a variety of reasons, may be vulnerable to ex- Figure 4.1. The fine-filter criteria used to identify rare or at-risk species. These species tinction in the assessment area. Here in chapter are addressed individually in this chapter. 4 we address animals, and are consid- ered in chapter 5. Taxa were selected using • Threatened, Endangered, and Proposed various “species of concern” lists that state and Species (federal and state lists) federal wildlife agencies and private conserva- • A former USFWS Candidate (C1 and C2) tion organizations have developed (fig. 4.1). Species Also identified were species that are consid- • A Forest Service, Region 5 Sensitive ered common elsewhere but are rare or Species potentially at risk within the assessment area. • A California Species of Special Concern Each identified species possesses one or more • A Riparian Obligate Species of Concern (as defined by California Partners in of the following traits: (1) occurs in only a Flight) few limited areas, (2) is particularly vulner- • A species determined to have viability able to prevailing landscape changes, (3) has a concerns at a local level small population size, (4) has large area re- 111 and historic observations of these species were Herps compiled and stored in a GIS database. 35 For vertebrate animals, we utilized infor- mation on distribution and habitat relation- ships from the CWHR database, but with 72 modifications to tailor it more specifically to the habitats and geographic subregions in . Following the ideas of Inverts Hansen and Urban (1992), we also collected 24 available information on territory size, patch size requirements, resilience to stressors, feed- Plants 38 ing strategy, and nest height. This type of life 255 11 history information was not available for many species. Figure 4.2. The breakdown of rare or at-risk species There are some clear differences in the by taxonomic group. distribution of various taxa that have impor- tant ramifications for conservation and management. For example, many rare plants assess their current status and vulnerability and invertebrates are narrowly endemic to a within the assessment area, and identify their particular area (e.g., restricted to a single conservation needs. This information can then mountain range or watershed), while most rare be used when developing management vertebrates tend to be more widespread (fig. priorities. 4.3). Successful conservation strategies for Several species that occurred within the more widespread species generally require a assessment area as recently as 50 to 150 years higher level of coordination and cooperation ago are not addressed here because they are between landowners and jurisdictions. known to have been extirpated. These are the Borrowing an approach developed by the California grizzly ( arctos Southern Orange County NCCP Scientific californicus), gray ( lupus fuscus), Advisory Committee (Atwood et al. 1996), long-eared kit ( macrotis macrotis), we evaluated each species and placed it into a and antelope (Antilocapra conservation category based on criteria that americana) (Williams 1986). (1) consider its conservation needs, (2) assess the ability to meet those needs on public lands within the assessment area, and (3) evaluate the type of actions needed. Evaluating Status and Determinations were made after analyz- ing available information on life history Conservation Potential characteristics, degree of rarity or endemism, The potential for conservation, and the regional context, response to land use, extant actions needed to conserve, vary considerably population size and trend, and other variables depending on the individual characteristics of as necessary. A matrix of species-specific char- each species. To evaluate those characteristics, acteristics was created to assist in this process. we compiled information on species-habitat The categories and their associated criteria are associations and used GIS coverages to pre- described in table 4.2. A complete listing of dict habitat suitability across the landscape. all species by conservation category is located Databases of habitat and life history infor- in appendix A. The findings from our species mation were compiled for both animals and evaluations are summarized in the following plants. In addition, the locations of current sections.

112 Table 4.1. The thirty-one federally listed animal species occurring within or near the assessment area and their distribution by national forest (y = occurs, h = historically occurred, p = potential to occur, hyb = ).

C SB A LP Federal Year N N N N Common Name Scientific Name Status Listed F F F F

Invertebrates: Smith’s blue Euphilotes enoptes smithi Endangered 1976 y Quino checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha quino Endangered 1997 y p p lagunae Endangered 1997 y Longhorn fairy shrimp Branchinecta longiantenna Endangered 1994 p Vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi Threatened 1994 p p

Fish: Southern steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss Endangered 1998 h/p h h y Mojave tui chub bicolor mohavensis Endangered 1970 yhyb Unarmored 3-spined Gasterosteus aculeatus Endangered 1970 y y h stickleback williamsoni Tidewater goby Eucyclogobius newberryi Endangered 1994 p

Amphibians: Arroyo Bufo californicus Endangered 1994 y y y y California red-legged Rana aurora draytonii Threatened 1996 h/p h/p y y

Reptiles: Xerobates agassizii Threatened 1980 p p Blunt-nosed Gambelia silus Endangered 1967 p

Birds: California Pelecanus occidentalis Endangered 1970 y californicus Western snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus Threatened 1993 p nivosus Marbled murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus Threatened 1992 y Gymnogyps californianus Endangered 1967 h h h/p y Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened 1978 y y y y American peregrine falcon* Falco peregrinus anatum Endangered 1970 y y y y Southwestern willow Empidonax traillii extimus Endangered 1995 y y y p flycatcher California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica Threatened 1993 y p Least Bell’s vireo Vireo bellii pusillus Endangered 1986 y p p y

Mammals: Pacific pocket mouse Perognathus longimembris Endangered 1994 p pacificus Giant Dipodomys ingens Endangered 1987 h/p Stephens’ kangaroo rat Dipodomys stephensi Endangered 1988 p p San Bernardino kangaroo rat Dipodomys merriami parvus Endangered 1998 y p San Joaquin Vulpes macrotis mutica Endangered 1967 y Peninsular bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis “cremnobates” Endangered 1998 y Southern sea Enhydra lutris nereis Threatened 1977 y Steller sea Eumetopias jubatus Threatened 1990 y * delisted in 1999 (USFWS 1999) Vertebrates Invertebrates Plants (n = 156) 1 NF (n = 156) (n = 255) 2 NFs 30% 14% 2 NFs 17% 3 NFs 4% 2 NFs 21%

4 NFs 3 NFs 1 NF 1 NF 41% 8% 83% 82%

Figure 4.3. The distribution of varies by type. Invertebrate and plant species tend to be much more localized, with over 80 percent occurring on only one national forest (NF) in the assessment area. Rare vertebrates are more widely distributed, with 41 percent occurring on all four national forests.

Table 4.2. The categories and criteria used to evaluate each species’ conservation potential and needs on public lands within the assessment area.

Minimal Influence: Minimal ability to conserve on public lands within the assessment area Species whose conservation is affected minimally by management of public lands in the mountains and foothills. Suitable habitat for these species occurs outside the assessment area (or at least outside of public lands within the assessment area), but they occur within the area only incidentally or in insignificant numbers. Landscape Level: Species best conserved through habitat or landscape-level management Species that can be conserved through management activities at the habitat or landscape scale. These species have relatively robust populations and/or have life history characteristics that respond to habitat-scale conservation. They tend to be predictable occupants of a broad habitat type or structural stage; thus, species-specific surveys are not crucial in order to conserve. Their persistence can be relatively accurately inferred in a well-managed, functioning landscape that is within the natural range of variability. Site Specific: Species requires site-specific conservation attention Organisms requiring species-level conservation action (including protection of individual locations) in order to ensure their persistence in the planning area. Species in this category have one or more of the following characteristics: extremely small populations, narrow endemism within the landscape, highly specialized life history requirements, high sensitivity to small changes in habitat, dependence on intensive conservation activities (e.g., exotic species control). The species in this category require one or more of the following conservation actions: (1) site-specific protections or habitat enhancements, (2) reintroductions, (3) additional data collection and research to determine basic needs. Chapter 4 To structure the evaluation process, we available and the assigned conservation cat- separated species into groups based on pri- egory, based on criteria in table 4.2, is provided. mary habitat associations. The groupings are The estimates of distributional knowledge, clearly generalizations and few of the species percent of occurrences on national forest sys- fit perfectly within their assigned habitat tem lands, and overall vulnerability should be group. Many species occupy additional habi- regarded as educated guesses based on avail- tats and others, particularly invertebrates, able information and consultations with local occur in only a small portion of the defined experts. There is a particularly high level of habitat association. Still, it is useful to orga- uncertainty associated with the estimated per- nize species based on general factors that help centage of occurrences that fall on national predict their occurrence. The groups are defined forest system lands. The vulnerability catego- primarily by associations with vegetation types, ries were based on sensitivity to the prevailing but soil, geology, moisture, and elevation were agents of change described in chapter 3, such also used as habitat indicators. as current fire and stream flow regimes, non- native species, human land use activities, and pollution. Species Accounts In the following sections, organized by Habitat Generalists habitat groups, we summarize what is known Seventeen animal species that warrant in- about the 165 potentially vulnerable animal dividual consideration are best described as species. We focus primarily on information habitat generalists. Key habitat management that is specific to populations in or near the issues identified for species in this group in- assessment area. The individual accounts vary clude (1) conservation of mesic microhabitats considerably in length and specificity, reflect- in arid upland plant communities, (2) protec- ing the variability of available information. tion of raptor cliff-nesting sites during the Some species have received a lot of research breeding season, and (3) protection of aban- attention, while others have been almost en- doned mine shafts that serve as important tirely ignored. Because of the public interest hibernacula and roosting habitat for several bat and regulatory requirements associated with species. We conclude that only one of these listed T&E species, there tends to be much species, the California condor, is highly vul- more information about them. For many of nerable to existing agents of change on public the nonlisted species, the amount of informa- lands within the assessment area (table 4.3). tion on specific occurrences or even habitat associations within the assessment area is re- California legless lizard (Anniella pulchra) markably small. Thus, we have tried to identify Status and Distribution: The legless liz- important information needs in the species ard is a Forest Service Region 5 Sensitive accounts. Species and a California Species of Special Tables in each section summarize the dis- Concern. Its geographic range overlaps exten- tribution of each species within the assessment sively with the assessment area, although it is area. Also provided are general estimates of primarily found at low elevations. Its reported (1) how much information exists document- elevation range extends from sea level to ap- ing locations of the species in the southern proximately 5,700 feet in the California region, (2) what percentage of those foothills, but most historic localities along the locations are on national forest system lands, central and southern California coast are be- and (3) how vulnerable the species is to land low 3,500 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994). uses and habitat changes occurring on national Legless are particularly well docu- forest system lands in the assessment area. mented in coastal dune habitats, but the Population trend information is also shown if distribution map in Jennings and Hayes

115 Table 4.3. Habitat generalist animals that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized Habitat Generalist (1) (3) (4) (5) Animals of Concern Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- federal status of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng

Reptiles California legless lizard Mod-Low y y y p y y y y y Low Unkn Landscape (10-40%) level Coronado skink Mod y y Low Unkn Landscape (10-50%) level San Bernardino Mod-Low y y y p p Low Unkn Landscape ringneck (10-40%) level Mod-Low y p y Low Unkn Landscape ringneck snake (10-30%) level

Cliff-Nesting Birds California condor High h hhhhh/p1612pHigh Incr Site endangered (> 70%) specific High y yyyyyyyyModDecl1 Landscape (30-60%) level Peregrine falcon Mod y pppppppyModIncr2 Site specific endangered* (< 20%) (nest sites) Prairie falcon Mod y p yyyyyyyModUnkn Landscape (30-60%) level

Mammals Yuma myotis bat Mod y yyyyyyyyLowUnkn Landscape (20-40%) level Western small-footed Mod y yyyyyyyyLowUnkn Landscape myotis bat (40-70%) level Spotted bat Low y p yyyyp LowUnkn Landscape (?) level Townsend’s big-eared Mod y yyyyyyyyModUnkn Site specific bat (30-60%) (mine roosts) Pallid bat Low y yyyyyyyyLowUnkn Landscape (10-30%) level Western mastiff bat Mod y yyyyyyppLowUnkn Landscape (10-50%) level California chipmunk Mod y y Low Unkn Landscape (40-70%) level Western spotted Low y yyyyyyyyLowUnkn Landscape (30-70%) level American Low y yyyyyyyyModDecl3 Site (< 20%) specific

1 Declining in San Diego County based on monitoring done by San Diego Golden Eagle Study Group 2 Based on rangewide information from Cade et al. 1997 3 Williams 1986 * formally removed from the List in 1999 (USFWS 1999) Chapter 4 (1994) suggests they probably occur in the a problem for legless lizards in other habitats lower reaches of all our mountain subareas too, especially if they affect soil moisture. with the possible exception of the San Ber- nardino Mountains. Coronado skink Habitat: The California legless lizard is a (Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis) burrowing species associated with sandy or Status and Distribution: A subspecies of loose loamy soils under the sparse vegetation western skink, the Coronado skink is a Cali- of beaches, , or pine-oak woodland, fornia Species of Special Concern. It reportedly or under sycamores, cottonwoods, or oaks inhabits the coastal plain and Peninsular growing on stream terraces (Jennings and Ranges west of the deserts from approximately Hayes 1994). It also occurs in desert scrub San Gorgonio Pass southward into Baja Cali- along the western edge of the fornia (Jennings and Hayes 1994). However, near Lancaster and in western portions of there are problems with the of Pa- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Legless liz- cific Coast skinks in general and with the ards are often found under surface objects such morphological characteristics used to distin- as logs, rocks, and leaf litter. Soil moisture is guish the Coronado skink in particular essential for them and legless lizards die if they (Jennings and Hayes 1994). are unable to reach a moist substrate (Bury and Case (1997) report that the and Balgooyen 1976). characteristics used to identify the Coronado Fisher and Case (1997) describe finding subspecies are ill defined and the main char- legless lizards at several locations in the east- acter (shape of the interparietal) is variable and ern Santa Ana Mountains (i.e. Indian Canyon, never occurs in a large proportion of individu- Ortega Highway, and upper Tenaja Truck als, even at locations within the range of the Trail) under oak woodland, chaparral, and proported subspecies. They found Eumeces coastal scrub vegetation in decomposing gran- skiltonianus at study sites near Big Bear in the ite soils. They suggest that the distribution of ; at the James Re- these lizards in foothill and lower montane serve in the ; at Palomar areas may be closely tied to decomposing gran- Mountain, Otay Mountain, and Japatul in San ite soils. Diego County; and at Starr Ranch in the Santa Conservation Considerations: Given the Ana Mountains. However, they could not re- legless lizard’s habitat requirements, life his- liably separate E. s. interparietalis from the tory characteristics, and relatively broad more common E. s. skiltonianus based on distribution, we believe it is not highly vul- morphological characteristics (Fisher and Case nerable to existing agents of change in the 1997). mountains and foothills. Thus, populations on Habitat: The Coronado skink reportedly public lands within the assessment area can occurs in a variety of plant associations includ- be adequately conserved through landscape- ing , chaparral, oak scale, habitat-based management. However, woodlands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, ripar- given the limited amount of information on ian woodlands, and coniferous forests. the distribution and abundance of this spe- However, within these associations it is often cies in foothill and lower montane areas, we restricted to more mesic microhabitats do wonder if these upper-elevation habitats (Jennings and Hayes 1994). are productive enough to support self-sustain- Conservation Considerations: As sug- ing populations. Habitat connections to gested by Jennings and Hayes (1994) and wildland reserves in the coastal and inland Fisher and Case (1997), a review of the sys- valleys may be important for this species. Also, tematic status of the Coronado skink relative Jennings and Hayes (1994) describe problems to other western skinks is needed to determine associated with invasive non-native plants in if it really warrants subspecies status and, if coastal dune habitats. Exotic plants could be 117 so, to better describe identifying characteris- neck are rarely seen on the surface but tics. The Coronado skink has a relatively broad rather are found under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. distribution, and the work of Fisher and Case Conservation Considerations: The ring- (1997) suggests it is fairly common in areas of neck snake’s secretive nature, relatively broad suitable habitat. Thus, we believe it can be distribution, and generalized habitat associa- adequately conserved through landscape-scale, tions suggest it can be conserved through habitat-based management. Jennings and landscape-scale, habitat-based management. It Hayes (1994) express concern about the dry- does not seem particularly vulnerable to ex- ing up of mesic microhabitats due to human isting change agents on public lands. Mesic use of surface and underground water re- microhabitats in otherwise arid, upland veg- sources and the effect it may have on this etation types appear to be important to this species. Management consideration should be species. Management consideration should be given to identifying and conserving these mi- given to identifying and conserving these mi- crohabitats. It appears that trends in skink crohabitats. It would be very difficult to abundance can be effectively monitored us- monitor population trends of ringneck snakes ing pitfall trap arrays (Fisher and Case 1997). across a broad region in a reliable manner.

San Bernardino ringneck snake San Diego ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus) (Diadophis punctatus similis) Status and Distribution: The San Bernar- Status and Distribution: The San Diego dino ringneck snake is a Forest Service Region ringneck snake is a Forest Service Region 5 5 Sensitive Species. Information on its distri- Sensitive Species. Recent information on its bution within the assessment area is scant. distribution within the assessment area is scant. Most museum specimens are from coastal ba- Fisher and Case (1997) found ringneck snakes sins and inland valleys. Blanchard (1942) in Hall Canyon in the San Jacinto Mountains, documents occurrences in Miller Canyon in and on Otay Mountain in San Diego County the , Mill Creek and and also report them as being widespread at the upper (near Lost Creek) low-elevation inland valley sites in Riverside in the San Bernardino Mountains, and in and San Diego counties. Other recently re- Trabuco Canyon in Orange County (poten- ported localities in the San Jacinto Mountains tially within the Santa Ana Mountains). Fisher include Apple Canyon, upper Hurkey Creek, and Case (1997) found ringneck snakes on Idyllwild, Dark Canyon, and Vista Grande Starr Ranch at the foot of the Santa Ana Moun- Fire Station (D. Freeman, San Jacinto Ranger tains but did not identify them to subspecies. District, unpubl. notes). In San Diego County, Habitat: Ringneck snakes are found in a they have recently been detected in Pamo Val- wide variety of habitats from sea level to 6,400 ley and Barona Creek (D. Mayer, Merkel & feet (Blanchard 1942). Existing distributional Associates, pers. comm.). information is spotty, but it appears that these Blanchard (1942) documents occurrences snakes are more common at low elevation sites in Strawberry Canyon in the San Jacinto (i.e., below 3,000 feet). Ringneck snakes are Mountains and in Pine Valley, Santa Ysabel, not strongly associated with riparian habitats, Warner Springs, Witch Creek, and Wynola in but the apparent importance of tree and the mountains of San Diego County. Unpub- slender salamanders in their diet (Blanchard lished maps based on Laurence Klauber’s work 1942; Stebbins 1972) suggests they may seek from the 1920s through the 1940s show the out and require moist microclimates. This is San Diego localities reported by Blanchard and also suggested by their reported absence from also additional ones within the assessment area desert-side habitats (Blanchard 1942). Ring- at Pine Valley, Laguna Mountain, Cuyamaca Lake, Boulder Creek, Pine Hills, and the south side of . 118 Chapter 4 Habitat: Similar to that described for the Release sites on the Los Padres National For- San Bernardino ringneck snake. The highest est include the Sierra Madre Mountains and recorded elevation is 5,500 feet. Blanchard the area (Fig. 4.4) (AZA 1995). (1942) reports that most specimens of this These actions have improved the success of subspecies came from coastal areas, with subsequent releases. As of February 1999, there smaller numbers from inland valleys and foot- were reportedly 28 wild condors in the vicin- hills, and only a few from the mountains. This ity of the Los Padres National Forest release pattern is also reflected in the maps of sites (CDFG 1999). Another 22 condors are Klauber’s collections. Fisher and Case (1997) in the wild on the Vermillion Cliffs of Ari- report that ringneck snakes were widespread zona and 97 remain in captivity at three dif- in coastal sage scrub and oak woodland habi- ferent breeding facilities, for a total popula- tats at coastal sites in San Diego and Orange tion of 147 birds (CDFG 1999). counties and at inland valley sites in Riverside Habitat: Condors generally nest on cliffs, County. Holland and Goodman (1998) found although they have been observed using cavi- this snake on Camp Pendleton in coastal sage ties in large redwood trees (Jurek 1997). They scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, , and are carrion feeders and often travel long dis- riparian areas. tances in search of large dead animals such as Conservation Considerations: Same as deer, antelope, cattle, and sheep. those described for the San Bernardino ring- Conservation Considerations: Factors neck snake. that led to the condor’s century-long decline include illegal collection of adults and their California condor eggs, poisoning from substances put out by (Gymnogyps californianus) ranchers to eradicate livestock predators, poi- Status and Distribution: The California soning from ingesting lead fragments from condor was federally listed as an endangered bullets embedded in animal carcasses the con- species in 1967. In 1987, after years of steady dors feed on, and collisions with structures population declines, the last nine wild con- such as power lines. In addition, the roads, dors were captured on the Los Padres National cities, housing tracts, and weekend mountain Forest and brought into captivity. Since that retreats of modern civilization have replaced time successful captive breeding programs have much of the open country condors need to been ongoing at the Zoo and San find food. Their slow rate of reproduction and Diego Wild Animal Park (AZA 1995). years spent reaching breeding maturity un- In January 1992, the first two California doubtedly make the condor population as a condors were reintroduced into the Los Pa- whole more vulnerable to these threats. dres National Forest’s , Keys to the success of the recovery pro- along with two Andean condors. A total of gram include successful breeding in the wild thirteen California condors were released at and maintenance of an ample food supply. The the Sespe Sanctuary from 1992 to 1994. Five first nesting of released condors cannot be ex- of these died, four from collisions with power pected for at least three to five more years lines and one from ingesting ethylene glycol, (sometime between 2000 and 2010) (Jurek a poisonous ingredient of antifreeze (AZA 1997). Currently, supplemental food is hauled 1995). The remaining eight were recaptured in for the wild birds. It remains to be seen if in March 1995 because of their tendency to the natural supply of large carrion is sufficient use powerlines poles for day perches and over- to support a stable condor population. night roosts. Since that time, negative conditioning has Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) been used prior to release to train the condors Status and Distribution: The golden eagle to avoid powerlines. Alternative release sites, is a California Species of Special Concern. It in more remote locations, have also been used. 119 Figure 4.4. Areas currently occupied by California condors on the Los Padres National Forest.

is uncommon, but widely distributed through- foraging areas are a problem for golden eagles, out the assessment area, particularly in foothill, particularly in the southern half of the assess- lower montane, and desert-montane habitats. ment area. There appears to be ample nesting Monitoring of historic territories by the San habitat on public land, but in many places the Diego Golden Eagle Study Group has docu- highest quality foraging areas are on private mented a substantial decline in the San Diego land. Increased recreational activity in the vi- County population (D. Bittner and J. Oakley, cinity of cliff nests, particularly rock climb- pers. comm.). Drops in territory occupancy ing, is also a problem in some areas and can are most apparent in the coastal foothills where cause eagles to abandon a site. Management there is rapid urban growth. consideration should be given to identifying Habitat: Golden eagles nest primarily on and protecting active nest sites during the cliffs and hunt for and other small breeding season. mammals in nearby open habitats such as , oak savannas, and open shrublands. Conservation Considerations: Develop- ments on private lands that encroach on key 120 Chapter 4 American peregrine falcon declined in the coastal foothills, probably due (Falco peregrinus anatum) to the loss of foraging habitat (Garrett and Status and Distribution: The peregrine Dunn 1981). falcon was removed from the Endangered Spe- The prairie falcon’s diet of nonaquatic cies List in August 1999. (USFWS 1999). It is birds helped it escape the widespread, DDT- rare but widely distributed across southern and induced declines experienced by the peregrine , usually near the coast or in falcon. However, localized occurrences of egg other areas where migrant waterfowl or shore- thinning in prairie falcons have been reported. birds are concentrated (e.g., inland reservoirs) Habitat: Prairie falcons nest on cliffs, gen- (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Peregrine falcons are erally in arid open areas. Desert scrub and more common in northern portions of the as- grasslands are preferred foraging habitats sessment area that are relatively close to coastal (Garrett and Dunn 1981). wetlands (i.e., the northern and southern Santa Conservation Considerations: Same as Lucia Ranges and the Santa Ynez Mountains). those described for the golden eagle and per- Widespread and indiscriminate use of egrine falcon. DDT in the middle of the century caused a drastic decline in U.S. peregrine populations. Yuma myotis bat (Myotis yumanensis) The pesticide, which accumulates in the Status and Distribution: The Yuma aquatic food chain, causes a thinning of per- myotis bat is currently a California Species of egrine egg shells which lowers reproductive Special Concern, although it may soon be re- success. Bans on the use of DDT in the 1970s moved based on a recent status review (P. and a major reintroduction campaign led by Collins, Santa Barbara Nat. History Museum, the Peregrine Fund have resulted in an im- pers. comm.). In bat surveys conducted by the pressive increase in the distribution and Forest Service from 1996 to 1998, Yuma abundance of this over the last twenty myotis was detected at eighteen of seventy-six years (Cade et al. 1997). The population in- sites surveyed (Simons et al. in prep.). It was crease has been substantial enough to warrant observed at three or more locations on each the peregrine’s delisting (Mesta et al. 1995; Cade of the four national forests. Yuma myotis was et al. 1997), although this decision is controver- found at elevations ranging from 1,400 to sial (Pagel et al. 1996; Pagel and Bell 1997). 7,700 feet, but was most commonly detected In the 1980s, a number of peregrine rein- at sites below 5,000 feet (thirteen of the eigh- troductions were attempted on the southern teen sites). California national forests. Most of these birds Habitat: Yuma myotis occurs in a variety did not remain in the vicinity of release sites. of habitats including riparian, arid scrublands, Habitat: Peregrine falcons nest high on deserts, and forests (Bogan et al. 1998a). It is cliffs, usually near water. Much of the assess- usually associated with permanent sources of ment area is not high-quality habitat for this water, typically rivers and streams, where it species because of the lack of water bodies that does most of its foraging. Yuma myotis roosts concentrate its preferred prey. in bridges, buildings, cliff crevices, caves, Conservation Considerations: Protection mines, and trees (Bogan et al. 1998a). of cliff nesting sites from human disturbance Conservation Considerations: The Yuma is an important conservation measure for per- myotis bat appears to be well represented on egrine falcons. public lands in the assessment area, particu- larly at elevations below 5,000 feet on both Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) coastal and desert slopes. The ability of this Status and Distribution: The prairie fal- species to utilize a wide range of roost types con is a California Species of Special Concern. reduces its vulnerability. Identification and It is uncommon but widely distributed in the protection of maturity colony sites (e.g., in assessment area. Like the golden eagle, it has 121 caves, mines, or structures) is important to the Conservation Considerations: More in- conservation of this species. formation is needed on the distribution and abundance of spotted bats within the assess- Western small-footed myotis bat ment area. Their habit of roosting in cliffs (Myotis ciliolabrum) reduces vulnerability to land use activities. Status and Distribution: The small-footed myotis bat is a former C2 candidate species. Townsend’s big-eared bat It was detected at twenty-four of seventy-six (Corynorhinus townsendii) sites surveyed from 1996 to 1998, at eleva- Status and Distribution: The Townsend’s tions ranging from 3,800 to 7,800 feet big-eared bat is a Forest Service Region 5 Sen- (Simons et al. in prep.). It was the fourth most sitive Species and a California Species of commonly detected bat species in that survey Special Concern. It was detected at six of sev- and was observed at four or more locations enty-six sites surveyed from 1996 to 1998 in on each of the four national forests. the mountains and foothills of southern Cali- Habitat: The small-footed myotis is said fornia (one site on San Bernardino National to occur in deserts, chaparral, riparian zones, Forest and five sites on Cleveland National and coniferous forest, and, most commonly, Forest) (Simons et al. in prep.). More impor- in pinyon-juniper forests (Bogan et al. 1998b). tantly, it was found at fourteen abandoned Local surveys found this species most fre- mine locations in the northeastern San Ber- quently in montane conifer forests and desert nardino Mountains, with fifty-five individuals montane habitats (Simons et al. in prep.). This observed in one mine (Simons et al. in prep.). bat utilizes a variety of roost types. It has also been documented in several aban- Conservation Considerations: The west- doned mines in the Laguna Mountains. ern small-footed myotis bat appears to be well Habitat: The distribution of this species represented on public lands in the assessment is strongly correlated with the availability of area and its habitat requirements indicate rela- caves and cave-like roosting habitat, with tively low vulnerability to existing agents of population centers occurring in areas domi- change. The ability of this species to use a va- nated by exposed, cavity forming rock and/or riety of roost types reduces its vulnerability. historic mining areas (Sherwin 1998a). Aban- Identification and protection of maturity doned mines are particularly important in colony sites (e.g., in caves, mines, or struc- areas where there are not well developed caves. tures) is important to the conservation of this Conservation Considerations: The species. Townsend’s big-eared bat’s dependence on abandoned mines for roosting makes it mod- Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) erately vulnerable to ongoing activities. Mine Status and Distribution: The spotted bat vandalism and over-utilization of these sites is a California Species of Special Concern. are problems in a number of areas. Identifica- There is little current information on its dis- tion and protection of significant roost sites is tribution in the assessment area. It was key to the conservation of this species. Addi- detected at only two of seventy-six sites sur- tional surveys are needed to identify roost sites. veyed from 1996 to 1998 (on Palomar Several important roost sites have recently been Mountain and in the Sierra Madre Moun- identified and protected (by installing bat gates tains), but it is not a species that is often caught across mine entrances) in the San Bernardino in mist nets (Simons et al. in prep.). Mountains (Lisa Underwood, Mountaintop Habitat: Spotted bats forage in a wide District, pers. comm.). variety of habitats but roost strictly in cliffs, which may limit their distribution (Luce Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) 1998). Status and Distribution: The pallid bat is a Forest Service Region 5 Sensitive Species and 122 Chapter 4 a California Species of Special Concern. It was Conservation Considerations: The west- detected at seven of seventy-six sites surveyed ern mastiff bat appears to be widespread in from 1996 to 1998 in the mountains and foot- the assessment area, although its abundance hills of southern California (four sites on Los is unknown. The habitat requirements of this Padres National Forest, three sites on Angeles species indicate relatively low vulnerability to National Forest), at elevations ranging from existing agents of change on public lands. 1,100 to 6,600 feet (Simons et al. in prep.). It Management attention should be given to was not detected in abandoned mine surveys conserving cliff and rock habitats that provide in the northeastern San Bernardino Mountains important roost sites. More complete infor- (Simons et al. in prep.). mation is needed on the distribution and Habitat: Pallid bats roost in rock crevices, abundance of this species in the assessment tree hollows, mines, caves, and a variety of area. man-made structures (Sherwin 1998b). Lo- cal data suggest that this species may be most California chipmunk common at elevations below 6,000 feet on (Tamias obscurus davisi) both coastal and desert sides (Simons et al. in Status and Distribution: The California prep.). chipmunk is not considered to be rare, but Conservation Considerations: It is diffi- we include it as a local species of concern be- cult to determine how widely distributed or cause its distribution is small and largely within abundant pallid bats are in the assessment area the assessment area (Callahan 1977; Zeiner et and more information is needed. Their abil- al. 1990). The subspecies T. o. davisi is known ity to roost in a wide variety of sites may help only from the San Bernardino, Little San Ber- reduce their vulnerability to human activities. nardino, Eagle, San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains of southern California (fig. 4.5) Western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis) (Callahan 1977). It is reportedly common on Status and Distribution: The western desert-facing slopes of the eastern San Bernar- mastiff bat is a California Species of Special dino Mountains eastward through the desert Concern. It was detected at twenty-five of sev- ranges of Joshua Tree National Monument and enty-six sites surveyed from 1996 to 1998 in in montane conifer habitats in the San Jacinto the mountains and foothills of southern Cali- and Santa Rosa mountains. fornia (Simons et al. in prep.). It was the third Habitat: North of San Gorgonio Pass, T. most commonly detected bat species in that o. davisi is largely restricted to rocky areas in survey and was found on all four national for- pinyon-juniper woodland below about 6,700 ests, in a variety of habitats, and across a broad feet. It is replaced at higher elevations by the elevation range (1,100 to 7,600 feet). closely related Merriam’s chipmunk (Tamias Habitat: The mastiff bat is primarily a merriami). South of San Gorgonio Pass, the cliff-dwelling species, where maternity colo- species are distributed in an opposite pattern: nies of thirty to several hundred (typically The California chipmunk replaces the fewer than one hundred) roost generally un- Merriam’s chipmunk in plant communities der exfoliating rock slabs (e.g., granite, sand- higher than pinyon-juniper woodlands and stone, or columnar basalt) (Pierson 1998). It occurs at elevations up to 8,700 feet (Callahan can also be found in similar crevices in large 1977). boulders and buildings. Mastiff bats are found Conservation Considerations: It would be in a wide variety of habitats, but the species’ helpful to have some current information on distribution may be geomorphically deter- the status of this narrowly distributed species. mined, occurring primarily where there are However, most of the California chipmunk’s significant rock features offering suitable roost- range is on public land and its habitat require- ing habitat (Pierson and Rainey 1996; Pierson ments generally indicate low vulnerability to 1998). existing agents of change. 123 Figure 4.5. The known distribution of the California chipmunk.

Western (Spilogale gracilis) ern California of near sea level to at least 4,500 Status and Distribution: The spotted feet. skunk is not on any concern lists and it is be- Conservation Considerations: Some cur- lieved to be relatively widespread (P. Collins, rent information is needed on the distribution Santa Barbara Nat. Hist. Museum, pers. and abundance of this species on public lands comm.). We include it as a local viability con- within the assessment area. cern because there is essentially no recent, documented information on its distribution (Taxidea taxus) or status in the assessment area. Status and Distribution: The badger is a Habitat: Vaughan (1954) found spotted California Species of Special Concern. Its geo- in rocky canyons on the coastal side graphic range is large and takes in the entire of the San Gabriel Mountains. He thought assessment area, but its local distribution is they also probably occurred in desert slope spotty and not well documented. can canyons. Grinnell et al. (1937) report an occur at high elevations in meadows near tim- elevational range for spotted skunks in south- berline, but we could find little information documenting occurrences at high elevations 124 Chapter 4 in the southern California mountains. Distri- extent in arid southern California. Therefore, butional records in Williams (1986) indicate it is not surprising that thirty-nine rare or po- the presence of badgers on , but tentially at risk animals are closely associated they are not reported from high meadows in with these habitat types. To address all of these the San Bernardino and San Jacinto moun- species, we have further subdivided this group tains or the large mid-elevation meadows on into six categories: fish (fully aquatic), aquatic/ Palomar and Laguna mountains. upland and reptiles, riparian birds, Documented localities from the San Ber- mammals, invertebrates, and lake-associated nardino and San Jacinto mountains are largely species. from desert montane areas (e.g., Highway 243 south of Banning, Coxey Creek, Burnt Flats, Fish Redonda Ridge, Lone Pine Canyon) and the There are few native fish in southern Cali- Cajon Wash area (D. Freeman, San Bernar- fornia streams and essentially all of them are dino NF, unpubl. notes). A similar pattern was rare and at risk. Nine native fish species are reported by Vaughan (1954) for the San considered individually below (table 4.4). Gabriel Mountains, with badger sign being most common in Joshua tree woodlands and Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata) pinyon-juniper associations on the desert Status and Distribution: This anadro- slope. mous lamprey is not on any official concern Localities in the San Diego County moun- lists, but we include it as a local viability con- tains are mainly from valleys in the coastal cern species because its habitat requirements foothills (e.g., Ramona, Pamo Valley, Santa are similar to the steelhead (Swift et al. 1993) Ysabel, Witch Creek, and Sweetwater Reser- and it faces many of the same threat factors. voir) (Bond 1977). Most of these areas are on Lampreys still maintain runs in several creeks private land. along the coast in Monterey and San Luis Habitat: Badgers can occur in a wide va- Obsipo counties, in parts of the Santa Maria riety of arid open habitats but are most and Santa Ynez rivers, parts of the Ventura commonly associated with grasslands, savan- River, and the Sespe Creek portion of the Santa nas, mountain meadows, and openings in Clara River drainage (Swift et al. 1993). desert scrub. The principal requirements seem Habitat: Similar to that described for the to be sufficient food (burrowing rodents), fri- southern steelhead. able soils, and relatively open, uncultivated Conservation Considerations: See south- ground (Williams 1986). They seem to occur ern steelhead account. primarily in areas of low to moderate slope. Conservation Considerations: Current Southern steelhead information is needed on the distribution and (Oncorhynchus mykiss) abundance of this species on public lands Status and Distribution: West coast steel- within the assessment area, particularly in the head populations have been divided into mountain subareas where historic localities are fifteen evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) mainly on private lands (e.g., San Diego ranges based on natural geographic boundaries that and Santa Lucia Ranges). The presence of this foster genetic isolation (NMFS 1997a). Each species can often be determined by sign of ESU is treated as a distinct population by the diggings and burrows. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for determinations on the need for listing as Animals of Aquatic, Aquatic/ threatened or endangered. Our assessment area Upland, Riparian, and Lake spans two ESUs: the south-central California Habitats coast ESU, which has been listed as threat- Aquatic and riparian habitats are impor- ened, and the southern California coast ESU, tant to a lot of species and they are of limited 125 Table 4.4. Rare or potentially at risk fish that are native to southern California. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Fish of Concern Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- federal status of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng

Pacific lamprey Mod h/p h h h 3-4 1 5 Mod Unkn Landscape (< 20%) level

Southern steelhead High h h/p h h 7-10 ~6 ~11 High Decl1 Site endangered/threatened (25-50%) specific

Mojave tui chub High 1Hyb Mod Unkn Site endangered (50-75%) specific

Arroyo chub High 2 3227-85 Int 9 Int 3 Int Mod Unkn Landscape (40-60%) level

Santa Ana speckled Mod 2 1-2 6-7 ~9 h 2SL 2 SL Mod Unkn Landscape dace (40-60%) level

Santa Ana sucker High h h h/p 4-5 2Int 2 Int High Decl2 Site (50-75%) specific

Unarmored three- High 2Sh 1 2 High Site spine stickleback (40-60%) specific endangered

Partially armored Mod h/p y y y Int y Int p y y y Mod Unkn Landscape threespine stickleback (40-70%} level

Tidewater goby High p None Decl MinimaI Influence

1 Source: NMFS (1997b). 2 Source: Swift et al. (1993) Hyb Mojave tui chubs in San Bernardino Mountains (Deep Creek) have hybridized with arroyo chubs. Int Introduced populations, not part of historic range. SL San Luis Obispo speckled dace may be a distinct subspecies (Swift et al. 1993). Sh Unarmored 3-spine stickleback in San Bernardino Mountains is genetically distinct Shay Creek form (Haglund and Buth 1988).

which has been listed as endangered (NMFS Carmel, Little Sur and rivers. How- 1997b). ever, an additional fifteen to twenty smaller The south-central coast ESU encompasses streams along the Monterey and San Luis streams that drain the northern and southern Obispo coast also support steelhead. Streams Santa Lucia Ranges down to (but not includ- specified in the final rule on this ESU that ing) the Santa Maria River in San Luis Obispo occur at least partially on national forest sys- County. The primary rivers supporting steel- tem lands (all within the Los Padres National head runs in this ESU are the Pajaro, Salinas, Forest) include Little Sur River, Big Sur River,

126 Chapter 4 Big Creek, Alder Creek, San Carpoforo Creek, spawning and rearing habitats were closest to and Morro Creek. the ocean, such as in the Ventura, Santa Clara, Maps of the southern California ESU in and Santa Ynez rivers. Streams still support- the west coast steelhead status review (NMFS ing steelhead runs today are primarily in small 1997a) show it extending from the Santa drainages whose headwaters are in mountains Maria River south to the Mexican border. very close to the coast (e.g., the Santa Lucia, However, the final rule on listing (NMFS Santa Ynez, and ). 1997b) defines the ESU as extending south These streams tend to be the only ones that to “the southern extent of the species’ range,” don’t have impassible barriers between spawn- which is defined as . This leaves ing habitats and the ocean. some uncertainty as to whether a re-established Conservation Considerations: The exten- population south of Malibu Creek would be sive decline of steelhead in central and considered part of this ESU and recognized southern California is due mostly to in-stream as an endangered species. The primary streams water developments that have resulted in in- supporting steelhead runs in this ESU are the adequate flows, flow fluctuations, blockages, Santa Ynez River, Gaviota Creek, Ventura and dewatering of portions of rivers (NMFS River, Santa Clara River (including Sespe 1997a). Suitable spawning and rearing habi- Creek) and Malibu Creek. Total run sizes in tats on national forest system lands are all of these streams were less than two hun- frequently located in upper elevation areas dred adults. above currently impassable barriers. Efforts are Historically, winter-run southern steelhead ongoing to develop a strategy for restoring or coastal moved up most steelhead populations along the central coast coastal streams in central and southern Cali- and within the Los Padres National Forest. fornia (Behnke 1992), although spawning There has also been interest in trying to re- success south of the may store habitat conditions for steelhead on San have been sporadic (Swift et al. 1993). Now Mateo Creek in San Diego County (A. Vejar, Malibu Creek, Los Angeles County, is the CDFG, pers. comm.). southernmost stream recognized as support- ing a persistent spawning steelhead population Mojave tui chub (Gila bicolor mohavensis) (NMFS 1997b)(fig. 4.6). However, in April Status and Distribution: The Mojave tui 1999 trout believed to be southern steelhead chub was federally listed as endangered in were found in a tributary of San Mateo Creek 1970. The one remaining population within in San Diego County (A. Vejar, CDFG pers. the assessment area is on lower Deep Creek comm). Tissue samples of these fish were col- on the San Bernardino National Forest. Un- lected for DNA analysis to determine if they fortunately, this population has hybridized are indeed steelhead. extensively with introduced arroyo chub (Swift Habitat: The following synopsis is from et al. 1993). Moyle et al. (1995). Major streams in south- Habitat: The Mojave tui chub’s native ern California originate in the coastal range is restricted to the and its mountains and many cross broad alluvial ar- tributaries (Swift et al. 1993). eas before flowing into the sea. These Conservation Considerations: Moyle low-elevation alluvial flats present inhospita- (1976) believed that the arroyo chubs had bly warm and fluctuating temperatures and eliminated the Mojave chubs in Deep Creek, streamflows tend to be intermittent in these but a hybrid collected in 1991 showed that sections. The higher elevation headwaters, the parental influence of both species still ex- therefore, are the primary spawning and rear- ists (Swift et al. 1993). It is important to pre- ing areas for steelhead. It is likely that the vent further introductions of arroyo chubs into largest steelhead populations historically oc- Deep Creek. curred in major streams where the upstream 127 Figure 4.6. Current distribution of southern steelhead in the assessment area and the boundary between the south-central and southern California ESUs.

Arroyo chub (Gila orcutti) into the Santa Clara, Santa Ynez, Santa Maria, Status and Distribution: The arroyo chub Cuyama, and Mojave river systems and other is a California Species of Special Concern. Its smaller coastal streams (e.g., Arroyo Grande status is interesting in that it is now most abun- Creek) (Swift et al. 1993; Moyle et al. 1995). dant in areas outside of its native range (Swift A number of native arroyo chub popula- et al. 1993). It was widely introduced in the tions occur in the assessment area. On the 1930s and 1940s, as bait with trout plants or , it is in Pacoima with mosquitofish, and now occurs in many Creek, Big Tujunga Creek, the west, east, and reservoirs and in central-coast and desert-side north forks of the San Gabriel River, Cattle streams that are outside its native range (Swift Canyon and Bear Creek. On the Cleveland et al. 1993). Arroyo chubs are native to the National Forest, it is in , Los Angeles, San Gabriel, Santa Ana, Santa Trabuco Creek, the West Fork of the San Luis Margarita, and San Luis Rey rivers and to Rey River and Agua Caliente Creek (above Malibu and San Juan creeks (Moyle et al. ). The largest population is 1995). They have been successfully introduced 128 Chapter 4 considered to be in the West Fork of the San and the South Fork of the San Jacinto River Gabriel River (Wells et al. 1975). (Moyle et al. 1995; S. Loe, SBNF, pers. Habitat: Arroyo chubs are found in slow- comm.). On the Cleveland National Forest, moving or backwater sections of low-elevation there is a small population on streams (Moyle et al. 1995). Wells et al. (1975) (R. Fisher, USGS Biological Resource Divi- describe physical characteristics of stream sites sion, pers. comm.) and potentially in Silverado where arroyo chub were collected. Canyon (a historic population that may have Conservation Considerations: It is impor- been extirpated) (Moyle et al. 1995). tant to identify and maintain arroyo chub A genetically different form of speckled populations within the species’ native range. dace occurs in San Luis Obispo and northern This can be achieved by ensuring that there Santa Barbara counties. The “San Luis Obispo are adequate stream flows to maintain areas speckled dace” occurs within the Los Padres of permanent, year-round water in each of the National Forest on the Cuyama and Sisquoc occupied streams. Moyle et al. (1995) iden- rivers, and Manzana and San Luis Obispo tify the West Fork of the San Gabriel River as creeks (Swift et al. 1993). a particularly important refugia for this spe- Habitat: The Santa Ana speckled dace re- cies. A potential problem in some areas is quires permanent flowing streams with sum- introduced red shiners, which may competi- mer water temperatures of 17 to 20 degrees tively exclude chub in some areas (Moyle et Centigrade. The dace inhabit shallow cobble al. 1989). Red shiners are known to occur in and gravel riffles (Wells et al. 1975). Deinstadt Big Tujunga Creek below Big Tujunga Reser- et al. (1990) provide a detailed description of voir. speckled dace habitat in the West Fork of the San Gabriel River. Santa Ana speckled dace Conservation Considerations: Surveys are (Rhinichthys osculus) needed to better determine the current distri- Status and Distribution: The Santa Ana bution and abundance of speckled dace. The speckled dace is a Forest Service Region 5 Sen- primary threat to most of the small popula- sitive Species and a California Species of tions is maintaining areas of permanent, Special Concern. Its historic range is low- year-round surface water. Some populations elevation streams in the Los Angeles, San (e.g., ) suffered severe losses Gabriel and Santa Ana river systems (Swift et or extirpation during the drought in the late al. 1993). The largest remaining population 1980s because streams dried up. Habitat deg- is within the Angeles National Forest on lower radation and the establishment of red shiners reaches of the east, north, and west forks of in Big Tujunga Canyon are cited as a cause of the San Gabriel River including Cattle Can- speckled dace decline (Moyle et al. 1989). The yon, Bear Creek and Fish Canyon (Swift et al. west, north, and east forks of the San Gabriel 1993). Other reported occurrences on the River are identified as the best remaining habi- Angeles include Pacoima Creek, Little Tujunga tat for Santa Ana speckled dace (Moyle et al. Creek and Big Tujunga Creek (Moyle et al. 1995). 1989), but more recent information indicates these populations may now be extinct (Moyle et al. 1995). (Catostomus santaanae) On the San Bernardino National Forest, Status and Distribution: The U.S. Fish small speckled dace populations are reported and Wildlife Service has made a determina- from the North Fork of Lytle Creek, Cajon tion that listing of the Santa Ana sucker as Wash, Lone Pine Canyon, Strawberry Creek, threatened or endangered is warranted but Plunge Creek, City Creek, Mill Creek (this precluded at this time due to other pressing population is actually just downstream of the concerns (P. Barrett, USFWS, pers. comm.). San Bernardino National Forest boundary), 129 The historic range of this species is Introduced populations of the Santa Ana low-elevation streams in the Los Angeles, San sucker are present in the Santa Clara River, Gabriel and Santa Ana river systems (Swift et Sespe Creek, and San Francisquito al. 1993). Remaining native populations are Creek. Some of these introduced populations concentrated within the Angeles National are within the Los Padres and Angeles national Forest in the east, north, and west forks of the forests. Hybridization with the non-native San Gabriel River (including Cattle Canyon dusky sucker (Catostomus fumeiventris) is ap- and Bear Creek), and Big Tujunga Creek (fig parently a problem in the Sespe Creek and 4.7). The only other native population is in lower Santa Clara River populations, but the the lower Santa Ana River, outside the assess- upper Santa Clara River (Soledad Canyon) ment area. Santa Ana suckers historically population has not been affected (Greenfield occurred in the upper Santa Ana River, on et al. 1970, Swift et al. 1993). Cajon and City creeks in the foothills of the Habitat: Santa Ana suckers are native to San Bernardino Mountains, and in Santiago many of the same streams as the speckled dace Creek in the foothills of the Santa Ana Moun- and have similar habitat requirements. Pre- tains (Moyle et al. 1995). ferred substrates are generally coarse gravel and

Figure 4.7. Current distribution of the Santa Ana sucker.

130 Chapter 4 boulders, and suckers are often associated with 1985) and a recovery team is in place that co- algae, but not macrophytes (Moyle et al. ordinates conservation activities. 1995). Additional habitat and life history in- The Shay Creek threespine stickleback is formation for this species can be found in a morphologically similar, yet genetically dis- Greenfield et. al. (1970) and Moyle et al. tinct population that occurs at elevations over (1995). 6,000 feet in Baldwin Lake and its main tribu- Conservation Considerations: The Ange- tary, Shay Creek, in the eastern San Bernardino les National Forest is the primary refugia for Mountains (Haglund and Buth 1988). This the Santa Ana sucker, and its few remaining stickleback is highly imperiled. Baldwin Lake populations require site-specific management is ephemeral; thus, Shay Creek is the primary attention. The primary threats to these popu- refugia for the fish. However, Shay Creek is lations are habitat degradation, streamflow predominantly on private land and extraction alterations, and introduced species. Mining ac- of surface and groundwater in this basin has tivities such as suction dredging are occurring reduced the availability of water in the creek. in the upper San Gabriel River and have been The one remaining population within Shay implicated in the decline of suckers in Cattle Creek exists in a small pool that must have Canyon (Moyle et al. 1995). water artificially pumped in to sustain it. A Variable and sometimes extreme releases transplant population from Shay Creek has of water from Big Tujunga and Cogswell res- become established on the San Bernardino ervoirs are constant threats to sucker National Forest in an artificial pond in populations on Big Tujunga Creek and the Sugarloaf Meadows (Malcolm 1992). West Fork of the San Gabriel River (Moyle et Habitat: Sticklebacks prefer quiet-water al. 1995). Red shiners, which have been in- habitat like pools with abundant aquatic veg- troduced into Big Tujunga Creek, are a etation, backwater areas, and stream margins potential egg predator, and green sunfish are where water velocity is low (Moyle et al. 1995). likely to prey on juveniles. The elimination of Conservation Considerations: Currently, Santa Ana suckers from the upper Santa Ana arundo is being removed along San River in the San Bernardino Mountains is Francisquito Creek and Soledad Canyon to largely attributed to predation by introduced increase available surface water and improve brown trout (Moyle et al. 1995). The west, habitat for the stickleback. These localized north, and east forks of the San Gabriel River populations are vulnerable to a wide variety are identified as the best remaining habitat for of threats and require site-specific attention. Santa Ana suckers (Moyle et al. 1995). The Shay Creek stickleback is highly vul- nerable to because of the tenuous Unarmored threespine stickleback nature of the water supply in Shay Creek. Ef- (Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni) forts are ongoing to secure a dependable supply Status and Distribution: The unarmored of water and to establish additional popula- threespine stickleback was federally listed as tions. endangered in 1970. Historically widespread and abundant in the Los Angeles Basin, it is Partially armored threespine stickleback now restricted to three areas in the upper Santa (Gasterosteus aculeatus microcephalus) Clara River watershed: an 8-mile stretch of Status and Distribution: The partially ar- Soledad Canyon, a portion of upper San mored threespine stickleback is a Forest Service Francisquito Canyon and in Escondido Can- Region 5 Sensitive Species. Swift et al. (1993) yon (a tributary of Agua Dulce Canyon) (Swift report that native populations of this subspe- et al. 1989). All of these populations are within cies are widespread north of Point Conception or near the Angeles National Forest (fig. 4.8). but declining rapidly to the south. Recent A recovery plan exists for this species (USFWS records (1991 onward) south of the Los

131 Figure 4.8. Current distribution of the unarmored threespine stickleback.

Angeles Basin are from the Santa Ana Moun- Margarita River, and the tains (Trabuco Creek in and below O’Neil (Swift et al. 1993). They were apparently ab- Park, upper San Juan Creek near the mouths sent from streams in the Los Angeles Basin of Hot Spring and Cold Spring canyons, and inhabited by the unarmored threespine stick- upper reaches of on Starr Ranch) leback. and the South Fork of the San Jacinto River Partially armored sticklebacks have been below Lake Hemet (Swift et al. 1993). widely introduced into streams in association To the north, partially armored stickle- with trout plants. Established populations that backs occur in the Santa Clara, Ventura, and are believed to be the result of such introduc- Santa Ynez rivers as well as many coastal tions can be found in Big and Little Rock streams in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo creeks (Angeles National Forest), Holcomb counties. Other southern streams where na- Creek, Lake Arrowhead, and tive populations of partially armored (San Bernardino National Forest), and the sticklebacks historically occurred (and may still Sweetwater River and Pine Creek (Cleveland occur) include San Mateo Creek, Santa National Forest) (Swift et al. 1993).

132 Chapter 4 Habitat: They inhabit low-gradient, low- Willow Creek, and San Carpoforo Creek. elevation streams with characteristics similar Many of the occupied streams in San Luis to those described for the unarmored Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are along threespine stickleback. the immediate coast and off of National For- Conservation Considerations: Similar to est System land. However, newts do occur on those described for other native fish. Stickle- national forest system land in Lopez Canyon, backs are hardy fish; the primary threat to East Fork of Morro Creek, Rincon Creek, and native populations is maintaining areas of per- probably the upper end of several other streams manent, year-round surface water. dropping out of the Santa Ynez Mountains (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) South of the Santa Clara River, Coast Status and Distribution: The tidewater Range newt populations are scarcer (Jennings goby was federally listed as endangered in and Hayes 1994). Outside the assessment area, 1994. The assessment area extends to the coast they occur in at least eight small, coastal only for a small stretch in the northern Santa streams coming out of the Santa Monica Lucia Range (Monterey District, Los Padres Mountains (Gamradt and Kats 1996). In the National Forest). None of the coastal streams San Gabriel Mountains, they are known to be in this area are known to support populations present in the east and west forks of the San of the tidewater goby. The coastline is steep Gabriel River, Bear Creek, San Dimas Creek, in this area and suitable lagoon habitats are Big Dalton and Little Dalton canyons. There absent (Swift et al. 1989). are historic records from other streams on the Habitat: Tidewater gobies are restricted to coastal side of the San Gabriels, so they may coastal, brackish-water habitats (Swift et al. still be present in additional drainages. 1989). Jennings and Hayes (1994) show one mapped Conservation Considerations: The tide- newt location in the San Bernardino Moun- water goby is a species whose conservation can tains, but they do not describe it and we are be minimally influenced by management of not aware of any recent sightings in this range. public lands within the assessment area. On the Cleveland National Forest, newts occur in a series of parallel drainages on the Aquatic/Upland Amphibians and Reptiles coastal side of the Santa Ana Mountains, in- Six and three species cluding , Silverado Canyon, (table 4.5) are dependent, to varying degrees, Trabuco Creek, San Juan Creek, San Mateo on aquatic habitats for some part of their life Creek, Devil’s Canyon, and Tenaja Creek. Just cycle. These are collectively referred to as off the forest in Camp Pendleton they also aquatic/upland species, because upland habi- occur on San Onofre Creek, Santa Margarita tats in the vicinity of stream courses or water River, and DeLuz Creek. In the San Diego bodies are also very important to their sur- ranges, there is a disjunct population of Coast vival. Range newts in three adjacent streams com- ing out of the —Cedar Coast Range newt (Taricha torosa torosa) Creek, Boulder Creek, and Conejos Creek. Status and Distribution: The Coast Range Habitat: Coast Range newts breed in newt is a California Species of Special Con- streams and ponds but spend much of the year cern. It occurs along low-elevation streams away from water. They generally prefer rocky mostly near the coast. Newts occupy a num- canyons that contain streams with well- ber of drainages along the southern Monterey developed pools (Fisher and Case 1997). coast, many within the Los Padres National Conservation Considerations: Better Forest. These include the upper Carmel River, documentation on the full extent of Coast Big Sur River, Big Creek, Devil’s Canyon, Range newts in the southern California

133 national forests is needed. They may be more tors and thus not at risk to introduced preda- widespread than is documented here, particu- tory animals. However, a recent study found larly on the Los Padres National Forest. Recent that newt egg masses and larvae in the Santa genetic studies by Dave Wake and others have Monica Mountains were readily consumed by shown that newt populations in Orange and crayfish and mosquitofish (Gamradt and Kats San Diego counties (Cleveland National For- 1996). They documented the disappearance est) may represent a distinct species from those of breeding newts in three drainages after cray- north of the Los Angeles Basin (Fisher and Case fish, mosquitofish, or both were introduced. 1997). On one of these drainages, they even observed Predatory non-native species, mainte- recovery of successful newt reproduction af- nance of adequate stream flows, water quality, ter crayfish had been washed out of the stream and collecting appear to be the biggest factors during heavy winter rains (Gamradt and Kats affecting newt viability on public lands. Adult 1996). newts are known to be highly toxic to preda-

Table 4.5. Amphibians and reptiles associated with aquatic and upland habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized Aquatic/Upland (1) (3) (4) (5) Animals of Concern Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- federal status of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Amphibians Coast Range newt High 3 6-8 p p 5-10 p 4-8 2-5 5-10 Mod Decl1 Site (20-50%) specific Western spadefoot toad Mod y y p p p y Mod Unkn Landscape (< 5%) level Arroyo SW toad High ~19 ~8 1 3-5 3-6 3 ~10 0 1-2 High Decl2 Site endangered (30-50%) specific CA red-legged frog Mod-High h/p 1 h h h 1-2 ~20 ~12 ~15 Mod Decl2 Site threatened (20-40%) specific Foothill yellow- High h h h h/p 2-5 High Decl1 Site legged frog (10-30%) specific Mountain yellow- Mod h/p 4-5 1-3 4-5 High Decl1 Site legged frog (> 80%) specific

Reptiles SW pond turtle High ~8 ~5 h/p 2 ~5 h/p ~25 ~15 ~15 Mod Decl1 Site (30-60%) specific red-sided Low 1 1 0 0 0 0 1-2 Mod Decl1 Site garter snake (< 10%) specific Two-striped garter snake Mod >25 >10 5-10 5-10 >10 5-10 >25 >10 5-10 Mod Decl1 Landscape (40-70%) level

1Jennings and Hayes (1994) 2USFWS determination as described in listing decisions.

134 Chapter 4 On Boulder Creek on the Cleveland Na- derground. The toad uses its spadelike hind tional Forest, sudden large releases of water in foot to excavate its own retreats in loose or mid-summer from an upstream reservoir oc- sandy soils. In areas where friable soils are not cur occasionally and appear to be negatively available, small burrows are often affecting newt reproductive success by flush- used. Following spring rains, western ing eggs and larvae downstream. Collecting spadefoots congregate where there is pooled of newts for the trade has historically been water. Breeding takes place in shallow ephem- a major problem and may continue to be in eral pools that form on valley floors, on ridge some areas. Boulder Creek Road has histori- and mesa tops, or in quiet drainages on low- cally been a collecting spot (J. Copp, CA Acad- gradient slopes above first-order streams. emy of Sciences, pers. comm.), and today Conservation Considerations: More com- newts can be readily found a half-mile or more plete information is needed on the distribution above and below the road crossing but are in- of western spadefoots on public lands in the creasingly rare as you approach the road. assessment area. Threats to the spadefoot toad include destruction of breeding pool habitat, Western spadefoot toad obstructions to migratory routes between (Spea [Scaphiopus] hammondii) breeding sites and upland habitats, and high Status and Distribution: The western levels of mortality along roads. Changes to the spadefoot is a California Species of Special length of time a breeding pool remains full Concern. Known localities for this species are can have significant negative effects on repro- predominantly outside the assessment area, in ductive success. Pool “enhancements” that low-elevation coastal and inland valleys. It is make them perennial water bodies create habi- reportedly abundant on the Camp Pendleton tat for exotic species to invade and become Marine Corps Base along the northern San established. Diego County coast (Holland and Goodman 1998). Most known locations within or near Arroyo southwestern toad the assessment area are in the coastal foothills (Bufo californicus) of San Diego County (e.g., Japatul Valley, Otay Status and Distribution: The arroyo Lakes, Santa Maria Valley, and Warner southwestern toad was federally listed as en- Springs) (Ed Ervin and Joe Copp, pers. dangered in 1994 (USFWS 1994). The entire comm.) and Santa Barbara and San Luis range of the arroyo toad in the United States Obispo counties (e.g., Santa Maria Valley, and is within or near the assessment area. The spe- ) (Jennings and Hayes 1994). cies also extends down into , The also have been observed in the foot- . Based on our GIS database, approxi- hills of the Santa Ana Mountains at Starr mately 36 percent of occupied arroyo toad Ranch (Fisher and Case 1997) and the Santa habitat is on national forest system lands (fig Rosa Plateau (Jennings and Hayes 1994). 4.9)—16 percent on the Los Padres National Habitat: Western spadefoots occur in Forest, 12 percent on the Cleveland National coastal valley habitats, valley-foothill grass- Forest, 6 percent on the Angeles National For- lands, coastal scrub, and chaparral est, and 2 percent on the San Bernardino communities up to approximately 3,000 feet National Forest. in elevation (Ed Ervin, in litt.). Within this On the Los Padres National Forest, arroyo range, spadefoots are confined to areas with toads are concentrated in a small number of relatively flat or low-gradient topography that locations. Substantial populations exist on Piru supports the shallow ephemeral-pool habitat Creek including lower reaches of Agua Blanca they require for breeding. They are adapted Creek, Sespe Creek, and interconnected reaches for survival in dry, upland habitats. To avoid of the upper Santa Ynez River, Mono Creek, and desiccation, spadefoot toads spend the drier Indian Creek. A smaller population occurs along months of the year inactive and hidden un- 135 the Sisquoc River. All of these Los Padres reaches of Kitchen and Morena creeks, Potrero populations are predominantly on national Creek, the Sweetwater River, the upper San forest system land. The northernmost popu- Diego River, Santa Ysabel Creek and associ- lation of arroyo toads, on the San Antonio River ated lower reaches of Temescal Creek (Pamo in Monterey County, lies just off the forest on Valley), the upper forks of the San Luis Rey the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation. River (above Lake Henshaw) including Agua Arroyo toad populations on the Cleveland Caliente Creek, Temecula Creek including National Forest and surrounding lands are lower reaches of Arroyo Seco Creek, San Mateo more numerous, but many appear to be small Creek, San Juan Creek, and Trabuco Creek. in size. Most of the populations occur right One population that is predominantly on na- along the forest boundary with the bulk of tional forest system land occurs along Pine Val- prime breeding habitat often lying just off ley Creek and several of its tributaries. national forest system land. This is the case at On the Angeles National Forest, arroyo Cottonwood Creek which includes lower toad populations exist along Castaic Creek,

Figure 4.9. Current and historic locations of the arroyo toad within and adjacent to the assessment area. Approximately 36 percent of existing arroyo toad locations are on national forest system lands.

136 Chapter 4 Big Tujunga Creek including associated lower reaches of Mill and Alder creeks, Arroyo Seco Creek, and on the desert side of the San Gabriel Mountains along Little Rock Creek. These populations lie near the forest bound- ary and, in some cases, extend beyond it. On the San Bernardino National Forest, arroyo toad populations exist on tributaries of the Mojave River including lower Deep Creek, the West Fork of the Mojave River, the East Fork of the Mojave River (Miller Canyon), Figure 4.10. An arroyo southwestern toad emerging and Little Horsethief Creek. They also occur from the sand on a streamside terrace. ROBERT on lower portions of the Whitewater River and GOODMAN, JR probably still occur on lower reaches of the San Jacinto River and adjacent Bautista Creek. Predatory, non-native species are a major Habitat: Arroyo toads breed and deposit threat to arroyo toads. Bullfrogs have been egg masses in shallow, sandy pools along low- observed to eat juvenile and adult arroyo toads gradient sections of streams. These streams are (Sweet 1993). A number of warm-water usually bordered by sand-gravel flood terraces (e.g., green sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, (USFWS 1999a). The flood terraces and other and black bullheads) and crayfish have been upland streamside habitats are important for shown to feed on arroyo toad larvae and can foraging and overwintering sites (fig 4.10). Ar- cause high larval mortality in breeding pools royo toads have been detected up to one kilo- (Sweet 1992). These species occur in many of meter from a water course (Holland and the streams occupied by arroyo toads (see “In- Goodman 1998). Many arroyo toad popula- vasive, Non-Native Species” section, chapter tions occur along streams that do not normally 3). In areas close to human development, Ar- flow year-round. The largest populations tend gentine ants have spread into riparian areas to occur in broad floodplains along wide, shal- and are reducing the native ant fauna (Ward low streams. However, arroyo toads do exist 1987, Holway 1995). Native ants are a major in some small ephemeral drainages (e.g., In- food source for arroyo toads; thus, they may dian Flats area, Cleveland National Forest). It be negatively affected by the continued spread is a low-elevation species, with known loca- of Argentine ants. tions extending from sea level to about 4,400 Introduced plants are also a problem in feet. some areas. Tamarisk and arundo colonize Conservation Considerations: Arroyo newly created flood terraces and can form toad populations are localized and face a vari- dense masses of vegetation. These dense stands ety of threats. Many populations lie have higher rates of evapotranspiration than immediately below major dams. The manner do native vegetation, thereby decreasing the in which water is released from upstream res- amount of available surface water. They also ervoirs can greatly influence arroyo toad stabilize stream terraces, which helps to deepen reproductive success (Sweet 1992) (see “Ef- flood channels, resulting in habitat unsuitable fect of Dams” section, chapter 3). Recent for arroyo toads (USFWS 1999a). coordination between various government Campgrounds and roads within or in close agencies resulted in releases from Pyramid proximity to arroyo toad breeding pools have Dam that more closely mimic natural flows resulted in toads and their egg masses being in lower Piru Creek (Sweet 1992). The modi- inadvertently crushed by vehicle and foot fied releases have benefited arroyo toads in that traffic and disturbed by waterplay. There are a drainage (USFWS 1999a). number of national forest campgrounds

137 located near arroyo toad breeding habitat— and banks, has occurred on Little Horsethief seven on the Los Padres National Forest, four Creek on the San Bernardino National Forest on the Angeles National Forest, and four on (USFWS 1999a). Drawdown of surface wa- the Cleveland National Forest (USFWS ter from wells is also a concern. 1999a). Seasonal closures and/or restrictions on vehicle access have recently been instituted California red-legged frog at some of these campgrounds to reduce im- (Rana aurora draytonii) pacts (e.g., Beaver, Lion, and Mono camp- Status and Distribution: The California grounds on the Los Padres and Joshua Tree red-legged frog (fig. 4.11) has declined pre- Campground on the Angeles). Road crossings cipitously over the last thirty to forty years and in toad habitat are also being evaluated and became federally listed as threatened in 1996. several on the Los Padres and Cleveland have Once widespread in low-elevation streams in been relocated or rebuilt to reduce impacts to southern California, the Central Valley, and breeding pools. the Sierra Nevada foothills, it has been extir- Off-highway vehicle (OHV) activity in pated from 70 percent of its former range arroyo toad habitat is a problem in some ar- (USFWS 1996a). Red-legged frogs historically eas, particularly on desert-side streams (e.g., occurred on all four national forests (fig. 4.12) Little Rock Creek, Mojave River, upper Piru but now appear to be extirpated from the Creek). Most of the OHV-related habitat Cleveland and San Bernardino. They also were damage, at least on national forest system thought to be extirpated from the Angeles, lands, is the result of unauthorized travel off until a small population was discovered on San of designated routes into areas legally closed Francisquito Creek in 1999. to such use; it is the actions of a few irrespon- Red-legged frogs extend down into Baja sible individuals and represents a challenging California and there reportedly are still a num- law enforcement problem. ber of populations in Mexico (Welsh 1988). Livestock grazing in arroyo toad habitat However, within the United States, there are can cause trampling of toads and their egg only three known populations remaining masses. It also can result in degradation to sand south and east of Ventura County. The south- bars and terrace habitats that are important ernmost locality is on the to arroyo toads (USFWS 1999a). Over the last on the southeastern flank of the Santa Ana ten years, most riparian habitat on the south- Mountains in Riverside County. It is near the ern California national forests has been for- Cleveland National Forest but does not mally excluded from grazing. However, many extend onto it. This population has been areas are intermingled with private lands where riparian grazing still exists. Maintenance of Figure 4.11. An adult red-legged frog at Cole Creek fence lines to prevent cattle movement onto on the Santa Rosa Plateau. ROBERT GOODMAN, JR. public portions of the riparian corridor is a management problem in some areas occupied by arroyo toads. Suction dredge mining and streamside prospecting (see descriptions of these activi- ties in “Mining” section, chapter 4) have the potential to cause impacts in several areas. Suction dredging has occurred on Piru Creek on the Los Padres National Forest and Pine Valley Creek on the Cleveland National For- est (USFWS 1999a). Prospecting activities, including the digging of pits in the stream bed

138 Chapter 4 declining; recent surveys found fewer than four est (fig. 4.12). The remaining are concentrated males and no females (D. Holland, pers. in small streams along the immediate coast- comm. 1998; R. Goodman, in litt. 1998). line. Populations occurring within the Los The other populations are both in western Los Padres National Forest include Piru Creek, Angeles County in the Castaic Ranges region, Sespe Creek, Ventura River, Matilija Creek, on Amargosa and San Francisquito creeks. The upper Santa Ynez River, Mono Creek, Indian Amargosa Creek population is on private land. Creek, Sisquoc River, Manzana Creek, La Brea The greatest number of remaining red- Creek, , Alamo Creek, Branch legged frog populations are within Monterey Creek, Stone Creek, Trout Creek, Lopez Can- (thirty-two occurrences), San Luis Obispo yon, San Carpoforo Creek, and the Little Sur (thirty-six), and Santa Barbara (thirty-six) and Big Sur rivers. A number of the streams along counties (USFWS 1996a). Approximately 20 the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo coast to 30 percent of these populations occur on contain red-legged frogs and the upper reaches streams within the Los Padres National For-

Figure 4.12. Current and historic locations of the California red-legged frog along California’s southern coast. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of red-legged frog populations are on national forest lands, all on the Los Padres National forest.

139 of some these are within the Los Padres National Impacts from campgrounds and roads are Forest (e.g., Tajiguas Creek, Toro Creek). similar to those described for the arroyo toad, Habitat: Habitat of California red-legged except that the more highly aquatic frogs are frogs is characterized by dense, shrubby ripar- less likely to be affected by activities away from ian vegetation (e.g., arroyo willow, cattails, and the streambed. Livestock grazing that results bulrushes) associated with deep (greater than in a loss of riparian vegetation can be highly 3 feet), still or slow-moving water (Hayes and detrimental to red-legged frogs. However, such Jennings 1988). Red-legged frogs are highly grazing in riparian habitats is not authorized aquatic and need surface water for most, if not at any of the occupied red-legged frog sites on all, of the year. They can occur in ephemeral national forest system lands. streams, but probably only ones that contain Maintenance of adequate stream flows and some year-round surface water (Jennings and high water quality is a key issue for red-legged Hayes 1994). They have been found at eleva- frogs. Water diversions, groundwater extrac- tions up to 5,000 feet (e.g., Doane Pond on tion, and stock pond or small reservoir Palomar Mountain) but historically were most developments can cause degradation or elimi- abundant in low-elevation streams. nation of habitat (USFWS 1996a). Conservation Considerations: The disap- pearance of red-legged frogs from so much of Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) their former range heightens the importance Status and Distribution: The foothill yel- of remaining populations on the Los Padres low-legged frog is a Forest Service Region 5 and Angeles national forests. Further surveys Sensitive Species and a California Species of are needed to determine conclusively if there Special Concern. While still present on many are any remaining populations on the other streams along the coast, two national forests. Historically occupied it has become extremely rare in the south habitat still exists on those forests and may (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Its range histori- provide suitable sites for reintroduction into cally extended to the San Gabriel River (North the southern half of the assessment area. and East forks), and included a number of Predatory, non-native fish and amphibians locations in the Castaic and southern Los Pa- are particularly significant threats to red-legged dres ranges, including Elizabeth Lake Canyon, frogs. With few exceptions, red-legged frogs Piru Creek, Sespe Creek, Hopper Creek, Santa have disappeared from virtually all sites where Paula Canyon, upper Santa Ynez River (at bullfrogs have become established (Hayes and Juncal Campground), upper Indian Creek, Jennings 1988; Fisher and Shaffer 1996; and Santa Cruz Creek (near the Guard Sta- Moyle 1973). The only areas where the two tion) (Zweifel 1955; J. Copp, CA Academy species have managed to coexist for prolonged of Sciences, in litt.). However, foothill yellow- periods is along the immediate coast, where legged frogs have not been observed in or south cool “fogbelt” temperatures appear to provide of the southern Los Padres ranges since 1978. red-legged frogs some competitive advantages The last sighting was near Frenchman’s Flat along (S. Sweet, UC Santa Barbara, pers. comm.). Piru Creek in 1977 (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Red-legged frogs appear more capable of Foothill yellow-legged frogs do still occur in persisting in the presence of non-native fish; several coastal drainages in northern San Luis however, there are still strong negative corre- Obispo and Monterey counties (fig. 4.13). The lations between the abundance of such fish only occupied drainages on national forest sys- and these frogs (Hayes and Jennings 1988; Fisher tem lands are along the southern Monterey coast; and Shaffer 1996). Results of a recent study in they include the Big Sur River and Willow Creek. artificial ponds showed that mosquitofish and Further surveys are needed to determine the full bluegill were significant predators of red-legged extent of foothill yellow-legged populations in frog larvae (Schmieder and Nauman 1994). the northern Los Padres. They historically oc- curred in Lopez Canyon (Zweifel 1955). 140 Chapter 4

Figure 4.13. Current and historic locations of mountain and foothill yellow-legged frogs.

Habitat: Foothill yellow-legged frogs typi- southern Monterey and northern San Luis cally inhabit small- to moderate-sized, Obispo coast streams still occupied by foot- perennial streams with at least some cobble- hill yellow-legged frogs (D. Holland, pers. sized substrate (Hayes and Jennings 1988). comm.). This may explain why the yellow- Most current and historic localities in the as- legged frogs are still there. sessment area are at elevations below 4,000 feet. It is a highly aquatic frog and seldom Mountain yellow-legged frog found more than one or two leaps from a (Rana muscosa) stream (Zweifel 1955). Status and Distribution: The mountain Conservation Considerations: The foot- yellow-legged frog is a Forest Service Region hill yellow-legged frog is extremely rare in the 5 Sensitive Species and a California Species of assessment area and should be given site- Special Concern. Southern California popu- specific management attention. Threats to this lations are also under consideration for federal species are similar to those described for the listing as endangered. In southern California, red-legged frog. Predatory non-native fish and these frogs are found in the San Gabriel, San bullfrogs are apparently not present in the Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains and 141 at least historically on Palomar Mountain (fig. Habitat: Mountain yellow-legged frogs 4.13) (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Small popu- inhabit high-elevation streams usually above lations of mountain yellow-legged frogs still 4,000 feet. However, in the San Gabriel exist in the San Gabriel Mountains on upper Mountains and perhaps other areas where the Little Rock Creek and along the upper San characteristics of mountain streams (i.e., steep, Gabriel River and several of its forks (Jennings rocky canyons) extend to lower elevations, 1995a, 1998). They also may still be present these frogs historically occurred at elevations in Day Canyon (R. McKernan, San Bernar- down to 2,000 feet (e.g., Bear Creek and Evey dino Nat. History Museum, pers. comm.). In Canyon) (G. Stewart, Cal. Poly Pomona, in litt.). the San Jacinto Mountains, populations are Conservation Considerations: Mountain still present in Hall Canyon, Dark Canyon, yellow-legged frog populations within the as- Fuller Mill Creek, and the North Fork of the sessment area are small, localized, and San Jacinto River (Jennings 1998). They were vulnerable to existing threats. They therefore historically collected on Snow Creek and re- warrant site-specific management attention. portedly were observed in Andreas Canyon (R. The primary threats to this species are (1) McKernan, pers. comm.), but 1997 surveys the increasing spread of non-native predatory at both those locations failed to detect them fish and amphibians (i.e., bullfrogs), (2) loss (D. Holland, pers. comm.). of breeding pools from siltation or declining In the San Bernardino Mountains, moun- surface water, and (3) disturbance of individu- tain yellow-legged frogs were recently als and egg masses from recreation and land rediscovered in City Creek (B. Matibag, pers. use activities. Jennings (1995a, 1998) found comm. 1998). They were reportedly sighted potentially impactive recreation activities (e.g., in Barton Creek in the late 1980s (R. people walking in the creek, swimming, left McKernan, pers. comm.), but 1997 surveys behind trash, trail crossings) occurring at the in this area failed to detected them (D. Hol- mountain yellow-legged frog locations in land, pers. comm.). Other historic locations Dark Canyon, Fuller Mill Creek, Little Rock in the San Bernardino Mountains include Si- Creek, and Vincent Gulch. He recommends beria Creek, Mill Creek, Plunge Creek, and rerouting trails and campsites to steer Waterman Canyon. Focused surveys in 1997 recreationists away from these key breeding failed to detect mountain yellow-legged frogs areas. Jennings (1995) also observed placer on any of these drainages (D. Holland, pers. mining activity on the upper San Gabriel comm.), although there was an independent River (East Fork) within the Sheep Moun- report of one such frog on Mill Creek (G. tain Wilderness Area. Associated with this un- Cardiff, pers. comm.). At the one historic lo- authorized activity were trash and toxic ma- cation on Palomar Mountain, a pond on terials such as mercury being dumped into Doane Creek, this species has not been seen the stream bed. since the 1970s and the pond is now overrun More survey work is needed to determine with bullfrogs and exotic fishes (Jennings and if additional populations exist and to better Hayes 1994). determine the size of known populations. Re- Mountain yellow-legged frogs have de- introductions of mountain yellow-legged clined precipitously in the southern Califor- frogs to historically occupied sites may be an nia mountains; Jennings and Hayes (1994) option, particularly in the San Gabriel and suggest that they have been extirpated from San Bernardino mountains where suitable 99 percent of their historic range in this re- habitat is most widespread. However, the spe- gion. All of the remaining populations appear cific habitat conditions necessary for to be very small, most with less than fifteen reintroductions first need to be defined. Re- adults observed. search done in high mountain lakes in the Sierra Nevada has found mountain yellow- legged frogs to be largely intolerant of 142 Chapter 4 introduced predatory fish (i.e. trout), since ervoir. Small populations on the Angeles also they rarely persist in lakes where such fishes occur on upper Castaic Creek, , have been introduced (Bradford 1989; Pacoima Creek, Little Tujunga Creek, Big Bradford et al., 1993). The fish apparently Tujunga Creek, the East Fork of the San consume frog egg masses and larvae. There is Gabriel River, and possibly Big Dalton Creek. uncertainty about whether the effect of intro- On the San Bernardino National Forest, duced trout is as strong in southern California, there may still be small pond turtle popula- since the frogs occupy stream habitats rather tions in Cajon Wash, Deep Creek, and prob- than lakes. In August 1997 surveys of known ably the West Fork of the Mojave River below mountain yellow-legged frog locations, . Pond turtles historically oc- Jennings (1998) observed rainbow trout and curred in Andreas Canyon on the desert side no frogs in pools at two locations—Vincent of the San Jacinto Mountains (Jennings and Gulch (a fork of the upper San Gabriel River), Hayes 1994) and may still be present there. and Fuller Mill Creek. The relationship be- Two large pond turtle populations occur tween introduced trout and yellow-legged on the Cleveland National Forest at San Mateo frogs in southern California streams needs to Creek and Pine Valley Creek. Just outside the be better understood. forest there are also sizable populations on the /Temecula Creek (con- Southwestern pond turtle nected drainages), on Aliso Creek in Chino (Clemmys marmorata pallida) Hills State Park (Goodman 1994), and on Status and Distribution: The southwest- Cole Creek within the Santa Rosa Plateau Pre- ern pond turtle is a Forest Service Region 5 serve. Small populations also occur on Tenaja Sensitive Species and a California Species of Creek, the upper San Luis Rey River, Santa Special Concern. Pond turtles are consider- Ysabel Creek, the upper San Diego River (in- ably more abundant in the northern half of cluding Cedar, Boulder and Conejos creeks), the assessment area (i.e., northwest of the Santa the upper Sweetwater River, and Cottonwood Clara River). In the Los Padres National For- Creek above Barrett Lake. est there are forty to fifty streams that contain Habitat: Pond turtles inhabit a wide vari- pond turtle populations (USFWS 1993a), ety of low-elevation aquatic habitats generally with the largest occurring on Piru Creek, Sespe below 4,000 feet elevation. In the assessment Creek, the Indian Creek/Mono Creek area, the area, pond turtles are found primarily in riv- Sisquoc River/Manzana Creek area, Alamo ers and streams that have persistent deep pools Creek, Nacimiento River and Arroyo Seco (Holland 1991). The pond turtle is a highly Creek (D. Holland pers. comm.; Brattstrom aquatic turtle that moves onto land to repro- and Messer 1988). Populations also occur duce and overwinter (Jennings and Hayes along most of the drainages along the imme- 1994). Along the central and southern coast diate coast in Santa Barbara and San Luis of California, pond turtles may remain active Obispo counties. year-round (Holland 1991). South of the Santa Clara River, pond turtle Conservation Considerations: Pond turtle populations have declined substantially both populations south of the Santa Clara River are in size and number (Holland 1991; Brattstrom sufficiently rare to warrant site-specific man- and Messer 1988). They still occur at over fifty agement attention. The few remaining large sites, but most of these contain few turtles. populations deserve particular attention and Only six to eight sites contain populations of additional surveys are needed to determine the thirty or more individuals (Holland 1991). status of the others. Populations on the Los There is one large pond turtle population on Padres are considerably more abundant and the Angeles National Forest on the West Fork can likely be conserved through general ripar- of the San Gabriel River below Cogswell Res- ian area management.

143 The primary reason for pond turtle de- County. Historic localities on Camp clines has been loss of suitable habitat. This Pendleton (San Diego County) are dominated loss has been greatest in the lower foothills and by tules, cattail, and willow (Holland and valleys where pond turtles were historically Goodman 1998). most abundant (Holland 1991). Dams, diver- The south coast garter snake has been sions, and stream channelization have greatly sighted recently in only a few localities, some reduced the availability of persistent, pooled of which are near national forest system lands: water along low-elevation streams. Pond the lower Santa Clara River, the lower Santa turtles do not do well in large reservoirs; they Margarita River, San Mateo Creek, the lower frequently inhabit stock ponds, but there are San Luis Rey River and above Lake Henshaw indications that reproductive success is poor along the upper reaches of the same drainage in these habitats and they may constitute sink (Jennings and Hayes 1994; Holland and habitats (D. Holland, pers. comm.). The re- Goodman 1998; R. Fisher pers. comm.). This duced availability of water makes pond turtles species has not been extensively surveyed for even more vulnerable to extended droughts. and is regarded as difficult to detect. There is Monitored populations in San Mateo Creek potential for it to occur at low elevations (be- and Pine Valley Creek declined dramatically low 3,000 feet) on any or all of the four in the early 1990s at the end of our last pro- national forests. longed drought (D. Holland, pers. comm.). Habitat: The south coast garter snake oc- Some small populations on highly intermit- curs in marshy, permanent-water habitats tent streams probably disappeared completely along low-elevation streams (Jennings and during the drought. Hayes 1994). Other threats include introduced preda- Conservation Considerations: Surveys tory fish, bullfrogs, and collecting. Predatory need to be conducted for this species along fish and bullfrogs impact reproductive success the major low-elevation streams that extend by consuming juvenile turtles. It can be diffi- onto national forest system lands. Given its cult to determine the severity of this impact; rarity, any occurrences of this species should pond turtles are long-lived animals and can be give site-specific management attention. persist in an area for many years even without successful reproduction. However, a number Two-striped garter snake of pond turtle populations consist primarily (Thamnophis hammondii) of older adults and are considered to be at risk Status and Distribution: The two-striped (Holland 1991). Collecting of pond turtles is garter snake is a Forest Service Region 5 Sen- a significant problem in some easily accessible sitive Species and a California Species of areas. Special Concern. In a reversal of the pattern exhibited by most aquatic species, the two- South coast red-sided garter snake striped garter snake appears to have declined (Thamnophis sirtalis spp.) more in the northern portion of its range Status and Distribution: The south coast (Jennings and Hayes 1994). It is considered red-sided garter snake is believed to be a dis- to be most common in eastern San Diego tinct taxon from red-sided garter snakes north County, where it occurs in most foothill and of the Tehachapi Mountains and Carpinteria mountain streams that have pools with per- (Santa Barbara County) (Jennings and Hayes sistent water (Jennings and Hayes 1994). It 1994). It is known only from scattered locali- still occurs in all the mountain subareas within ties along the southern California coastal plain, the assessment area but has disappeared from from the south to the many historic locations in the coastal basins. vicinity of San Pasqual Valley in San Diego The assessment area and the coastal region to the west make up almost the entire range of this species. 144 Chapter 4 Habitat: Two-striped garter snakes inhabit For our comparisons we used BBS trends from perennial and intermittent streams from sea 1980 to 1996 for all of California, the Cali- level to over 7,000 feet (e.g., Tahquitz Valley fornia foothills physiographic region, and the in the San Jacinto Mountains) (Jennings and Los Angeles Ranges physiographic region. Sta- Hayes 1994). They also occupy stock ponds tistically significant trends in abundance were and other artificially created aquatic habitats. observed for a number of species; however, few Conservation Considerations: Although of our fine-filter species were detected often it is thought to be declining, the two-striped enough to reliably determine their trends garter snake is considerably more common (table 4.6). than the other aquatic amphibians and rep- Thirteen riparian bird species were iden- tiles described above. For that reason we tified as being rare or potentially at risk and believe it can be adequately conserved through received individual consideration (table 4.7). appropriate landscape-scale management of Most of them are associated with low-eleva- riparian and aquatic habitats. However, given tion riparian habitats. that national forest system lands are the pri- mary refugia for this species, there is a need to Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi) better determine the specific drainages where Status and Distribution: The Cooper’s it occurs. It is a relatively easy species to de- hawk is a California Species of Special Con- tect and, once inventoried, it would be easy cern. Cooper’s hawks are found in all the to at least periodically monitor its presence or mountain subareas, but they occur at low- absence in specific drainages over time. densities and were not effectively monitored in the riparian point-count surveys (i.e., only about two per year were detected) (Stephenson Riparian Birds et al. 1998). However, results from the BBS The importance of riparian habitats to suggest that Cooper’s hawks may be declining birds has long been recognized and has led to statewide (table 4.6) (Sauer et al. 1997). an emphasis on research and monitoring of Habitat: Cooper’s hawks typically nest in this group. In southern California, the endan- riparian forests, mountain canyons (Garrett gered least Bell’s vireo has been the marquee and Dunn 1981), and oak woodlands (Unitt riparian bird over the last two decades. More 1984). They also utilize eucalyptus groves to recently the southwestern willow flycatcher has some degree and have been observed success- also become a focal species. To look more fully fledging young in residental areas. broadly at the avian riparian community, in Conservation Considerations: Cooper’s 1988 the four southern California national hawk breeding habitat is declining on private forests initiated a broad-scale, coarse-filter ap- lands at the lower elevations; thus, public proach to annually monitor the abundance of lands in the assessment area are becoming birds in riparian habitats. A standardized ten- increasingly important to this species. How- minute point count technique with three ever, this hawk does not seem particularly independent observers has been used to sample vulnerable to prevailing agents of change on about two hundred permanent stations each public lands. Its broad distribution and life year during the breeding season. These point- history characteristics suggest it can be con- count stations are spread across more than served through landscape-scale, habitat- twenty drainages (fig 4.14). based management. Trends in the detection rates of specific bird species have recently been analyzed Yellow-billed cuckoo (Stephenson et al. 1998). Trends from the (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) point-count data were compared with similar Status and Distribution: The yellow- trend estimates from the North American billed cuckoo is state listed as endangered and Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) (Sauer et al. 1997). 145 Figure 4.14. Riparian bird point-count monitoring stations across the four southern California national forests. Birds were monitored annually at about two hundred stations from 1988 to 1997.

is a Forest Service Region 5 Sensitive Species. within the assessment area and the potential Yellow-billed cuckoos have been observed in to support a population is believed to be very the breeding season at various locations along low. Therefore management activities on na- the central and southern California coast (e.g., tional forest system lands in the assessment Prado Basin, lower San Luis Rey River, lower area are believed to have little influence on Santa Ysabel Creek above ), but the conservation of this species. not within the assessment area (Garrett and Dunn 1981). There is very little potential habi- Black swift (Cypseloides niger) tat for this species on national forest system Status and Distribution: The black swift lands in southern California. is a local species of concern because (1) it has Habitat: Yellow-billed cuckoos breed in specialized nesting requirements that are found broad, well-developed, low-elevation riparian in very few locations in southern California woodlands. and (2) most of its breeding localities are Conservation Considerations: The yel- within the assessment area. Known nesting low-billed cuckoo is not known to occur localities include Santa Anita Canyon and 146 Chapter 4

Table 4.6. Detection rates and, where possible, trends in abundance for sixteen riparian birds from the national forest riparian point count study (1988 to 1996) and the Breeding Bird Survey (1980 to 1996). The trend value is the mean percent change per year in number of birds detected, based on the slope of a regression line. Statistically significant trend values (P < 0.10) are in bold. Detection rates were too low to produce meaningful trends for many of our fine-filter species.

Avg. # Point Counts BBS Routes — 1980 to 1996 observed 1988 to 1996 California CA Foothills LA Ranges Species each year Trend P Trend P Trend P Trend P

Song sparrow 163 -3.6% 0.04 0.3% 0.76 1.6% 0.55 -6.1% 0.37 Yellow warbler 104 -0.1% 0.91 -3.0% 0.04 -5.0% 0.00 31.5% 0.00 Warbling vireo 43 7.6% 0.09 -2.0% 0.03 -2.9% 0.02 Lawrence’s goldfinch 21 -9.6% 0.04 0.7% 0.78 0.1% 0.97 -11.6% 0.12 Black-chinned hummingbird 19 -7.1% 0.04 -7.0% 0.03 -9.5% 0.01 Common yellowthroat 10 2.3% 0.66 5.1% 0.08 Swainson’s thrush 3 -6.0% 0.56 Red-shouldered hawk 3 -2.5% 0.75 Willow flycatcher** 2 Sample too small Yellow-breasted chat 2 Sample too small 1.3% 0.25 0.9% 0.62 Cooper’s hawk 2 Sample too small -7.5% 0.02 -7.0% 0.03 American dipper 1 Sample too small MacGillivray’s warbler** < 1 Sample too small Tree swallow < 1 Sample too small Least Bell’s vireo < 1 Sample too small Black swift < 1 Sample too small

** Detections of these species were believed to be migrating birds based on time of year.

Wolfskill Canyon in the San Gabriel Moun- elevation riparian habitat across its range and tains, Fallsvale in Mill Creek Canyon in the brood parasitism by the brown-headed cow- San Bernardino Mountains, and Tahquitz bird were identified as the primary causes of Creek in the San Jacinto Mountains (Garrett its decline (USFWS 1995c). Its breeding range and Dunn 1981). includes southern California, , New Habitat: Black swifts nest in rocky cliffs Mexico, southern portions of Utah and Ne- behind waterfalls. They occur in mountain vada, and western Texas (USFWS 1995c). and foothill canyons that contain waterfalls. In southern California, the southwestern Conservation Considerations: Since wa- willow flycatcher is considerably less abundant terfalls are also popular recreation sites, than the least Bell’s vireo (fig. 4.15). It occurs management attention is needed to ensure that at fewer locations and in smaller numbers. One black swift nest sites are not disturbed. of the largest remaining populations is on the upper San Luis Rey River, partially within the Southwestern willow flycatcher Cleveland National Forest (Unitt 1987). (Empidonax traillii extimus) About eighteen to twenty-five pairs breed along Status and Distribution: A precipitous de- a 3-mile stretch of this river below Lake Henshaw cline in the abundance of the southwestern (Griffith and Griffith 1995). A similar size popu- willow flycatcher led to its federal listing as lation exists on the Santa Margarita River within endangered in 1995. Extensive loss of low- 147 Table 4.7. Riparian-associated birds that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized Riparian Birds (1) (3) (4) (5) Animals of Concern Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- federal status of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Birds Cooper’s hawk Mod y y y y y y y y y Low Unkn Landscape (30-60%) scale Yellow-billed cuckoo Mod p Low Unkn Minimal (0%) influence Black swift Mod p 2-3 3-5 3-5 p p p Mod Unkn Site (>75%) specific SW willow flycatcher High 20+ 0 0 1 0 1-2 p 0 0 High Decl Site endangered (20-50%) specific Tree swallow Low y t y y y p y y y High Unkn Landscape (< 5%) scale Swainson’s thrush Low y y p/t p/t y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape (10-30%) scale American dipper Low 2-4 0-2 5-15 20-30 20-30 0-2 ~15 5-10 5-15 Low Unkn Landscape (> 75%) scale Least Bell’s vireo High 15 1-2 0 0 0 1 25 0 0 High Incr/ Site endangered (< 3%) Decl2 specific Warbling vireo Mod y y y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape (30-60%) scale Yellow warbler Mod y y y y y y y y y Mod Stab1 Landscape (30-60%) scale Common High y y y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape yellowthroat (< 30%) scale Yellow-breasted Mod y y y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape chat (< 20%) scale Lawrence’s Mod-Low y y y y y y y y y Mod Decl1 Landscape goldfinch (30-60%) scale

1 based on USFS riparian point count results 2 Bell’s vireo is increasing regionwide, but decreasing on national forest service lands

Camp Pendleton. The only larger popula- point-count stations on San Francisquito tion in California occurs on the South Fork Creek in the Angeles National Forest suggest of the Kern River, where thirty-eight pairs willow flycatchers may breed along that drain- were documented in 1997 (Whitfield et al. age. Also, a willow flycatcher was observed 1997). building a nest along the Santa Clara River in One to three breeding pairs have been ob- Soledad Canyon just north of national forest served annually between 1996 and 1998 on system lands (D. Cooper, UC Riverside, in Mill Creek near Mountain Home Village on litt.). There are currently no known breeding the San Bernardino National Forest. A size- locations on the Los Padres, although several able number of early-summer detections at early-summer detections have been made at 148 Chapter 4 point-count stations on several drainages. It are highly localized and variable in vegetation is unknown if they were residents or migrants. structure, making it difficult to readily see Recent monitoring of the upper San Luis what microhabitat features are being selected. Rey River population suggests that it is cur- One common denominator appears to be the rently stable (B. Haas, Varanus Consulting, presence of perennial or near-perennial water. pers. comm.). Populations on the Santa Whitfield and Enos (1996) measured the Margarita River and Prado Basin also appear vegetative characteristics of willow flycatcher stable, but willow flycatchers have not re- breeding sites on the Kern River and found sponded to cowbird control with dramatic that all nesting territories had high vegetative increases as did the least Bell’s vireo at those volume in the lower strata and high canopy same locations (L. Hays, USFWS, pers. density. comm.). Conservation Considerations: Southwest- Habitat: The southwestern willow fly- ern willow flycatcher populations within the catcher is a neotropical migrant that breeds in assessment area are few and vulnerable to ex- low-elevation riparian habitats. Occupied sites isting threat factors. They therefore warrant

Figure 4.15. Known locations of the southwestern willow flycatcher and least Bell’s vireo along the southern California coast.

149 site-specific management attention. The up- vicinity of slow-moving or standing water per San Luis Rey River population is a (Garrett and Dunn 1981). particularly significant resource and should be Conservation Considerations: More com- managed accordingly. Threats are similar to plete information is needed on the distribution those described for the least Bell’s vireo, al- of tree swallows on public lands in the assess- though factors controlling willow flycatcher ment area. Ongoing surveys associated with population growth are not as well understood. the development of breeding bird atlases in The South Fork, Kern River population Los Angeles and San Diego counties should is the best studied. In the years prior to cow- provide much needed information. The de- bird control (1989 to 1992), nest parasitism cline of this species as a breeder in the region rates averaged 62.5 percent. With cowbird is attributed to loss of low-elevation riparian removal (1994 to 1997), parasitism rates have habitat and competition with starlings for nest averaged only 16.5 percent (Whitfield et al. cavities (Garrett and Dunn 1981). 1997). However, this improvement has not, as of yet, resulted in a significant increase in Swainson’s thrush (Catharus ustulatus) the number of willow flycatchers (Whitfield Status and Distribution: There seems to et al. 1997). The Cleveland National Forest be broad consensus that Swainson’s thrushes has trapped cowbirds annually along the up- are declining throughout California and have per San Luis Rey River since 1992. Nest disappeared from many areas (Garrett and parasitism rates prior to cowbird trapping are Dunn 1981; Unitt 1984; Stefani 1998). Re- not known, but nest monitoring since the ini- sults from the BBS also show a downward tiation of trapping has detected very low trend, although it is not statistically signifi- parasitism rates (less than 5 percent) (Griffith cant. The status of Swainson’s thrushes within and Griffith 1995; B. Haas, pers. comm.). the assessment area is difficult to determine More inventory work is needed to deter- given the paucity of data on its distribution mine the full extent of breeding willow and abundance. flycatcher populations. Determining if breed- The Swainson’s thrush is a common spring ing is occurring along San Francisquito Creek transient and localized summer resident in is a particular priority. In addition, a better low-elevation riparian habitats in southern understanding is needed of the key factor California. Breeding populations are report- limiting the growth and expansion of south- edly more abundant from Santa Barbara western willow flycatcher populations. County north (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Knowledge of its distribution and abundance Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) within the assessment area is poor. The Status and Distribution: The tree swal- Swainson’s thrush’s apparent affinity for coastal low is a rare summer resident in southern lowland habitats (Unitt 1984) reduces the California. We found no confirmed breeding amount of potential nesting habitat on na- locations on national forest system lands, al- tional forest system lands. Still, Swainson’s though there likely are some. Most of the thrushes were detected repeatedly along sev- breeding locations identified by Garrett and eral drainages during the annual riparian point Dunn (1981) are near the immediate coast counts conducted from 1988 to 1996 (table (e.g. Morro Bay, Santa Maria River, and the 4.8). Some of these were probably transient lower San Luis Rey River). Two breeding lo- birds, but the locations provide a place to start cations, Lake Henshaw and Wynola, are when looking for nesting locations. within the assessment area and close to the Habitat: The Swainson’s thrush occupies boundaries of the Cleveland National Forest. low-elevation riparian habitats, typically in Habitat: Tree swallows typically breed in dense thickets of willow and other hardwoods lowland and foothill riparian habitats in the along the primary stream channel (R. Stefani, UC Davis, pers. comm.). 150 Chapter 4 Conservation Considerations: Major Blanca Creek and Sespe Creek (Los Padres threats are loss of lowland riparian habitat and National Forest); Santa Anita Canyon and the nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds upper forks of the San Gabriel River (Angeles (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Better information National Forest); Upper Santa Ana River, Bear on the distribution and abundance of the Creek and Mill Creek in the San Bernardino Swainson’s thrush within the assessment area Mountains and Tahquitz Creek and the North is sorely needed. It is clearly not common and Fork of the San Jacinto River in the San Jacinto appears to be vulnerable to existing threat fac- Mountains (San Bernardino National Forest); tors. and Pauma Creek on Palomar Mountain (Cleveland National Forest)(Garrett and American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) Dunn 1981; Unitt 1984; Lane 1985; Lentz Status and Distribution: The American 1993). dipper is a species of local concern because it Habitat: Dippers occupy fast-flowing, is rare in southern California and most loca- clear streams in mountain canyons (Garrett tions are within the assessment area. Dippers and Dunn 1981). are most common in the San Gabriel and San Conservation Considerations: Dipper Bernardino mountains, with scattered occur- habitat is typically in remote canyons and vul- rences in some of the other mountain ranges. nerability to land use impacts is believed to be Known dipper nesting localities include Up- low. The biggest threat is further impound- per Sisquoc Falls, Santa Paula Canyon, Agua ment or diversion of streamflows.

Table 4.8. Locations where Swainson’s thrushes were detected multiple times in riparian point count surveys from 1988 to 1996. These surveys did not extend north of the Sisquoc River. Most detections were made during the month of May. Further survey work is needed to determine if these represent breeding locations or just birds migrating through the area.

Swainson Thrush Locations # of points National # of Years where Specific Drainage Primary Drainage Forest Detected detected

Cachuma Creek Santa Ynez River Los Padres 2 1 Santa Ynez River Santa Ynez River Los Padres 1 3 Elizabeth Lake Canyon Elizabeth Lake Canyon Angeles 2 3 San Francisquito Canyon San Francisquito Canyon Angeles 2 2 Little Tujunga Canyon Little Tujunga Canyon Angeles 2 2 Lower Big Tujunga Canyon Big Tujunga Canyon Angeles 3 4 Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Big Tujunga Canyon Angeles 1 3 Mill Creek (Big Tujunga) Big Tujunga Canyon Angeles 2 2 Arroyo Seco Creek Arroyo Seco Creek Angeles 2 2 Cajon Creek (Lost Lake) Cajon Creek San Bern. 2 1 Bautista Canyon San Jacinto River San Bern. 4 2 Silverado Canyon Silverado Canyon Cleveland 3 4 San Juan Creek San Juan Creek Cleveland 3 2 Long Canyon San Juan Creek Cleveland 2 1 Pine Valley Creek Pine Valley Creek Cleveland 1 2 Kitchen Creek Cottonwood Creek Cleveland 1 2 La Posta Creek Cottonwood Creek Cleveland 2 2 Morena Creek Cottonwood Creek Cleveland 2 1

151 Least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) brown-headed cowbird. In recent years, least Status and Distribution: The least Bell’s Bell’s vireo numbers in southern California vireo was federally listed as endangered in have increased dramatically, from an estimated 1986. Its breeding range is restricted to south- 300 pairs in 1986 to an estimated 1,346 pairs ern California and northern Baja California, in 1996 (USFWS 1998c). Mexico (USFWS 1998c). The low-elevation Habitat: The least Bell’s vireo is a riparian habitats preferred by Bell’s vireos are neotropical migrant that breeds in low-eleva- uncommon in the assessment area. Conse- tion riparian habitats, particularly broad quently, Bell’s vireo numbers are low on na- cottonwood-willow woodlands and mule fat tional forest system lands and make up a small scrub. A detailed description of habitat char- percentage (less than 3 percent) of the total acteristics is provided in the draft recovery plan regional population. The largest population (USFWS 1998c). on national forest system lands, currently Conservation Considerations: Within the twenty to thirty pairs, is located on the Los assessment area, habitat degradation and nest Padres along the upper Santa Ynez River and parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds are the its tributaries, Mono and Indian Creeks, above biggest threats to least Bell’s vireos (USFWS Gibraltar Reservoir. This population has been 1998c). Habitat loss is occurring primarily in monitored for many years by Jim Greaves and urbanizing areas and is not considered to be a associates (Gray and Greaves 1984; Greaves major problem on public lands. 1989, 1993, 1997). It appears to be the only Cowbird nest parasitism, where it has not area on the Los Padres where Bell’s vireos con- been effectively reduced through control pro- sistently breed (Greaves and Labinger 1997). grams, is probably the most chronic and The other documented breeding locations debilitating threat to least Bell’s vireo popula- within the assessment area are within or near tions. It is considered to be a major problem the Cleveland National Forest. Bell’s vireo lo- for all of the Bell’s vireo populations on na- cations on the Cleveland National Forest are tional forest system lands (Greaves 1997; Wells along the upper reaches of drainages that have and Turnbull 1998). Cowbird control efforts substantially larger populations further down- near vireo breeding areas are cited as being par- stream. Small breeding populations (one to ten ticularly instrumental in the recovery of this pairs) exist on national forest system lands species. along Cottonwood Creek (a tributary of the On the Santa Margarita River within the River), Pine Valley Creek (a tributary Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, cowbird of Cottonwood Creek), Santa Ysabel Creek, parasitism of least Bell’s vireo nests was at 47 and the San Luis Rey River. percent in 1983 when the base began an in- Within the Angeles National Forest there tensive cowbird trapping program. With have been sporadic sightings of Bell’s vireos annual trapping, by 1990 the brood parasit- during the breeding season on San ism rate had dropped to less than 1 percent Francisquito Creek, Big Tujunga Creek, and (Griffith and Griffith, in press). The Santa the upper Santa Clara River (USFWS 1998c). Margarita River Bell’s vireo population rose Two were also sighted on Cajon Creek within from 60 pairs in 1983 to 319 pairs in 1993 San Bernardino National Forest in 1990. (Griffith and Griffith, 1995). Since the initia- However, breeding has not been documented tion of annual cowbird removal programs, at any of these locations. There is a need to similarly dramatic population increases have determine if breeding populations exist in occurred on the Tijuana and San Luis Rey riv- these drainages. ers and in the Prado Basin (Kus 1995; Kus The decline of this species is attributed 1996; Pike and Hays 1997). primarily to extensive loss of low elevation ri- Bell’s vireo populations on national forest parian habitat and brood parasitism by the system lands have not been nearly as success- ful. The Santa Ynez River population has 152 Chapter 4 dropped from fifty-five breeding pairs in 1980 Conservation Considerations: Nest para- to fewer than thirty pairs in 1994 (Greaves sitism by brown-headed cowbirds is strongly 1997). The population along Pine Valley implicated in the decline of this species as a Creek has dropped from five pairs in 1994 to breeder in coastal lowland and foothill ripar- zero in 1997 and 1998, although in neigh- ian areas (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt boring Cottonwood Creek the population has 1984). stayed consistently around four to six pairs (Wells and Turnbull 1998). Yellow warbler Habitat degradation can occur when the (Dendroica petechia brewsteri) structure or composition of riparian vegeta- Status and Distribution: The yellow war- tion is altered. Dense shrub cover within 3 to bler is a California Species of Special Concern 6 feet of the ground is important for Bell’s and is identified as a high-priority riparian ob- vireos and this cover can be significantly re- ligate species by California Partners in Flight duced by overgrazing, off-road vehicle activity, (Evans 1997). It is a summer resident at low- concentrated recreation use, channel clearing, elevations across the assessment area. and large discharges of water from upstream Yellow warblers were detected at 51 per- reservoirs. Invasions of non-native plants, par- cent of the riparian point-count stations ticularly arundo and tamarisk, are also annually and had a very stable trend. This was crowding out native plants and degrading the only species for which it was possible to habitats for the Bell’s vireo in a number of lo- conclude, with high statistical power, that they cations. are not declining at an annual rate of 3 per- cent or more (table 4.6) (Stephenson et. al. Warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus) 1998). However, results from the BBS sug- Status and Distribution: The warbling gest that the yellow warbler may be declining vireo is identified as a high-priority riparian statewide and in the California foothills physi- obligate species by California Partners in Flight ographic region (Sauer et al. 1997). (Evans 1997). It is a summer resident at low- Habitat: Yellow warblers breed in ripar- to mid-elevations across the assessment area, ian woodlands in the lowlands and foothill although there are few recent breeding records canyons (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt 1984; from the San Jacinto Mountains and the San Lehman 1994). They are typically found in Diego ranges (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt riparian forests that contain cottonwoods, sy- 1984). camores, willows, or alders. Warbling vireos were detected at 30 per- Conservation Considerations: Nest para- cent of the riparian point-count stations sitism by brown-headed cowbirds is strongly annually and they increased significantly in implicated in the decline of this species as a abundance between 1988 and 1996 (table 4.6) breeder in coastal lowland and foothill (Stephenson et al. 1998). However, the BBS riparian areas (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt results suggest that warbling vireos may be de- 1984). clining statewide. Garrett and Dunn (1981) indicate that this species has declined in the Common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) southern half of the assessment area, particu- Status and Distribution: The common larly at lower elevations. yellowthroat is identified as a high priority ri- Habitat: In the northern part of the as- parian obligate species by California Partners sessment area, warbling vireos commonly nest in Flight (Evans 1997). It is primarily a spe- in low-elevation riparian and mixed woodland cies of lowland habitats and occurs in the habitats (Garrett and Dunn 1981). In the assessment area only in the low foothills. Com- south they apparently now nest primarily in mon yellowthroats were detected at only 8 mixed conifer-oak woodlands in the moun- percent of the riparian point-count stations tains (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt 1984). 153 annually and no clear trend in abundance chat within the assessment area. The rarity and could be ascertained (table 4.6). BBS results apparent decline of this species warrants pay- suggest that yellowthroats may be on the in- ing increased attention to sites where they still crease statewide (Sauer et al. 1997). occur. Habitat: Common yellowthroats typically breed in fresh water and brackish marshes of Lawrence’s goldfinch (Carduelis lawrencei) cattails, bulrushes, and other emergent veg- Status and Distribution: The Lawrence’s etation and also occupy dense brush in damp goldfinch has been identified as a “extremely areas (Garrett and Dunn 1981). high priority” watch list species by Partners in Conservation Considerations: The pri- Flight, although no reason is given for this des- mary threat to this species is loss or degradation ignation (Carter 1998). It is probably because of riparian habitats, particularly areas that sup- the breeding range of this species is restricted port dense emergent vegetation. to California west of the Sierra Nevada and to northern Baja California. Lawrence’s gold- Yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens) finches are found at low- to mid-elevations on Status and Distribution: The yellow- both coastal and desert sides of the assessment breasted chat is a California Species of Special area, but it is described as an opportunistic, Concern and is identified as a high-priority nomadic breeder (D. Cooper, UC Riverside, riparian obligate species by California Partners pers. comm.), and thus its distribution and in Flight (Evans 1997). It is a localized sum- abundance varies considerably from year to mer resident in low-elevation foothill canyons year (Garrett and Dunn 1981). across the assessment area and appears to be Lawrence’s goldfinches were detected at 12 quite rare. Indications are that this species has percent of the riparian point count stations declined dramatically in southern California annually and had a declining trend of 9.6 per- (Garrett and Dunn 1981). cent per year (table 4.6). However, this species Chats were rarely detected in the riparian is known for having large and erratic fluctua- point-count survey. All of the stations at which tions in abundance (Garrett and Dunn 1981), they were detected in multiple years are lo- so this trend may be misleading. A decline in cated on the Los Padres National Forest. Lawrence’s goldfinches was not apparent in Known locations of the yellow-breasted chat statewide BBS results, but was observed in BBS include Mono Creek, Santa Ynez River, and routes from the Los Angeles Ranges physi- Sespe Creek on the Los Padres National For- ographic region (Sauer et al. 1997). est; San Francisquito and Elizabeth Lake can- Habitat: Lawrence’s goldfinches breed yons on the Angeles National Forest; Bautista around riparian thickets within arid wood- Canyon on the San Bernardino National For- lands and shrublands (e.g., arid oak savanna, est; and the upper San Luis Rey River on the pinyon-juniper, chaparral, open coniferous Cleveland National Forest (Unitt 1984). forest) (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Habitat: Yellow-breasted chats breed in Conservation Considerations: It is diffi- dense riparian thickets and brushy tangles in cult to assess the conservation needs of the the vicinity of water courses (Garrett and Lawrence’s goldfinch. More information is Dunn 1981). They are found primarily in the needed on what areas or microhabitats may coastal lowlands. be particularly important to this species. Conservation Considerations: Major threats to this species are loss of lowland ri- parian habitat and nest parasitism by brown- Riparian Invertebrates headed cowbirds (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Three riparian invertebrates were identi- More information is needed on the distribu- fied as being rare or potentially at risk and re- tion and abundance of the yellow-breasted ceived individual consideration (table 4.9).

154 Chapter 4 California diplectronan Greenest tiger beetle (Diplectronan californica) (Cicindela tranquebarica virudissima) Status and Distribution: The California Status and Distribution: The greenest ti- diplectronan caddisfly is a former C2 candi- ger beetle was formerly a C1 candidate spe- date for federal listing. Information is scarce cies for federal listing. It is known from the on the range of this species; the type locality upper Santa Ana River wash area at the base is from Claremont and the only other identi- of the San Bernardino Mountains (Ballmer fied location is on Mill Creek at Thurman Flats 1992) and was observed in Bautista Canyon in the San Bernardino National Forest (Erman in the 1970s (M. Nelson, USFWS, pers. and Nagano 1992). comm.). It is unknown if these populations Habitat: Little is known about this par- extend onto public lands within the assessment ticular species, but other species of this area. are known to occur in rapid portions of small, In 1996, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- cool streams (Erman and Nagano 1992). vice removed this subspecies from the Conservation Considerations: More in- candidate list based on taxonomic studies formation is needed on the distribution, abun- which indicate that C. t. virudissima is syn- dance, and habitat associations of this caddisfly onymous with the more widely distributed C. before a meaningful conservation strategy can t. vibex (USFWS 1996b). be developed. Habitat: The greenest tiger beetle is usu- ally found near running water where there is fine sand. Larvae live in burrows in the sand at the margin of streams. Adults are active

Table 4.9. Riparian-associated invertebrates and mammals that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Riparian Mammals Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- and Invertebrates of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation federal status Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Invertebrates CA diplectronan Very Low y p p Unkn Unkn Landscape caddisfly (?) level

Greenest tiger beetle Very Low p p Unkn Unkn Miinimal (?) Influence Harbison’s dun skipper Mod y y Mod Unkn Landscape (< 20%) level

Mammals Western red bat Low y y y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape (?) level

San Bernardino Low y y Low Unkn Landscape dusky shrew (> 75%) level

Ringtail Low y y y y y y y y y Low Unkn Landscape (30-70%) level

155 runners and fliers along stream shores (Ballmer Riparian Mammals 1992). Three riparian-associated mammals were Conservation Considerations: Informa- identified as being rare or potentially at risk tion is needed on the distribution of this beetle and received individual consideration (table 4.9). along portions of the Santa Ana River and Bautista Creek that lie within the assessment Western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) area. However, changes in the species’ tax- Status and Distribution: The western red onomy suggest it is no longer a rare taxon. bat is a Forest Service Region 5 Sensitive Spe- cies and a California Species of Special Harbison’s dun skipper Concern. There is little information on the ( vestris harbisoni) distribution and relative abundance of west- Status and Distribution: The Harbison’s ern red bats in southern California. During dun skipper is a former C2 candidate for fed- surveys in the national forests, it was recently eral listing. This butterfly occurs in a series of detected by mist net capture or Anabat detec- scattered and disjunct colonies throughout tor in the following locations: upper Salinas western San Diego County, extending as far River (Los Padres National Forest), Sugarloaf north as the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange Meadows and Big Bear Dam (San Bernardino County (Brown 1991). Localities in or near National Forest), and Laguna Meadow and the assessment area include Silverado Canyon Lost Valley (Cleveland National Forest) (Santa Ana Mountains), San Pasqual Valley, (Miner and Brown 1996; Simons et al. in Ramona, Flinn Springs, Old Viejas Grade, prep.). Otay Mountain, and Peak (Murphy Habitat: The western red bat is primarily 1990; Brown 1991). Some historic popula- a solitary species that roosts in the foliage of tions have declined or been extirpated, trees and shrubs often, but not exclusively, in primarily due to habitat loss resulting from riparian habitats (Bolster 1998). development. Conservation Considerations: More in- Habitat: The Harbison’s dun skipper typi- formation is needed on the distribution and cally occurs in partially-shaded, riparian oak abundance of this species before its conserva- woodland habitats in a matrix of chamise tion needs can be adequately assessed. There chaparral or southern mixed chaparral, where is a concern about the effect of controlled seeps or springs provide adequate water to burns on this species when roosting in leaf lit- support the larval host plant, San Diego sedge ter during cool weather (Bolster 1998). (Carex spissa) (Brown 1991). The butterfly has never been found in the absence of San Diego San Bernardino dusky shrew sedge (Brown 1991). (Sorex monticolus parvidens) Conservation Considerations: More in- Status and Distribution: The San Bernar- formation is needed on occurrences of this dino dusky shrew was formerly a California species on public lands in the Santa Ana Species of Special Concern. It is reported to Mountains and the San Diego ranges. The occupy riparian habitats from about 4,200 to presence of San Diego sedge in considerable 7,500 feet elevation in the San Bernardino and numbers is a strong indicator of potential habi- San Gabriel mountains (Hennings and tat for this species (Brown 1991). Water Hoffman 1977). However, Williams (1986) sources associated with occupied or potential reports that these shrews are indistinguishable habitat should be protected. from ornate shrews captured in the same ar- eas. He concludes that they are probably the same species and that these populations are not threatened.

156 Chapter 4 Habitat: These shrews are solitary, secre- requirements are not likely to make it highly tive animals that occupy moist soil, stumps, vulnerable to land use activities occurring and logs in montane riparian and wet meadow on national forest system lands. areas (Ingles 1965; Zeiner et al. 1990). Conservation Considerations: The rec- Lake Species ommended change in the taxonomic status of Two species of concern, both birds, are the San Bernardino dusky shrew has caused it strongly associated with lake or reservoir to be dropped from the California Species of habitats (table 4.10). The distribution and Special Concern list. The ornate shrew is wide- abundance of these species has actually in- spread and, given its habitat requirements and creased within the assessment area over the life history characteristics, it should not be par- last eighty years as a result of reservoir de- ticularly vulnerable to land use activities velopment. currently occurring on national forest system lands. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Status and Distribution: Bald eagle popu- Ringtail ( astutus) lations in the continental United States were Status and Distribution: The ringtail is federally listed as threatened in 1978. How- not on any concern lists and it is believed to ever, steady population increases nationwide be relatively common (P. Collins, Santa Bar- culminated in a formal proposal on July 4, bara Nat. Hist. Museum, pers. comm.). We 1999, to remove bald eagles from the threat- include it as a local viability concern because ened species list. Southern California is there is little recent, documented information primarily wintering habitat for bald eagles. on its distribution or status in the assessment Breeding has been confirmed only in a few area. Vaughan’s (1954) report on mammals in locations in the northern part of the assess- the San Gabriel Mountains says that ringtails ment area (i.e., Nacimiento Lake, San Antonio were present in San Gabriel Canyon, Dalton Lake, and Cachuma Lake). However, a pair Canyon, Palmer Canyon, and San Antonio recently attempted to nest near Silverwood Canyon. There are more recent reports of Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. sightings in Lytle Creek Canyon (S. Loe, San The largest wintering population in south- Bernardino NF, pers. comm.). ern California is at Big Bear Lake in the San Habitat: Ringtails are generally known to Bernardino Mountains, where twenty to thirty occupy brushy and wooded areas along water eagles typically congregate from November to courses in foothill and lower montane can- March. Most of the other large reservoirs in yons (Jameson and Peeters 1988). Its principal the assessment area also support anywhere habitat requirements seem to be den sites from two to ten wintering eagles. In the San among boulders or in hollows in trees and Bernardino Mountains, bald eagles have been sufficient food in the form of rodents and other observed moving between lakes during the small animals (Williams 1986). Rocky habi- winter (R. Butler, Mountaintop District, pers. tats are apparently preferred. In the San comm.). Gabriel Mountains, Vaughan (1954) reports Habitat: In the assessment area, bald that ringtails occur in canyons in the chapar- eagles are usually found close to lakes and res- ral belt. Unlike the raccoon, ringtails ervoirs where they feed on fish, coots, and reportedly avoid urbanized areas (Jameson and waterfowl (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Peeters 1988). Conservation Considerations: There are Conservation Considerations: Some cur- high levels of human activity around many of rent, baseline information is needed on the the reservoirs in the assessment area where bald distribution of this species within the assess- eagles spend the winter months. The eagles ment area. However, the ringtail’s habitat are affected by this activity and can alter their

157 Table 4.10. Rare or potentially at risk species associated primarily with lake habitats. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Lake Associated Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- Animals of Concern of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation federal status Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Birds Bald eagle High threatened* (30-60%) w t w w w w y y y Mod Stable Site Specific

Osprey High w t w p/w t w y p/w y Mod Unkn Minimal (20-50%) Influence

* There is now a formal proposal to remove the bald eagle from the list.

habitat use patterns because of it (Steidl and Included in this group are two marine mam- Anthony 1996). mals and several bird species that are found only along the immediate coast. They require Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) consideration because the Monterey District Status and Distribution: The osprey is a of the Los Padres National Forest encompasses California Species of Special Concern. It pri- almost twenty miles of ocean coastline in this marily is an uncommon winter visitor in area. southern California, but nesting has been documented at Lake Casitas near Ventura and Smith’s blue butterfly Lake San Antonio in Monterey County (Euphilotes enoptes smithi) (Garrett and Dunn 1981) and may occur else- Status and Distribution: The Smith’s blue where. butterfly was federally listed as endangered in Habitat: Ospreys eat fish and thus are 1976. At the time of listing it was thought to found near large coastal estuaries and inland occur only in coastal dunes along Monterey lakes. Bay and from coastal scrub near Big Sur (Fos- Conservation Considerations: The habi- ter 1998). However, focused surveys have tat requirements of osprey in the assessment revealed additional populations and the area center on lake resources. Typically, these Smith’s blue is now known to occur along the resources are little affected by management coastal portions of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and activities occurring on national forest system San Mateo counties at about one hundred dif- lands. ferent locations (R.A. Arnold pers. comm., as cited in Foster 1998). Eleven of these sites are on or close to national forest system land (Fos- Animals of Monterey Coast ter 1998). Occupied areas include Big Sur Habitats Park, Burns Creek, along the Nacimiento- As described in chapter 2, the Monterey Ferguson Road, Kirk Creek, and Gorda Horse coast has habitats that are found nowhere else Pasture (fig. 4.16). in the assessment area. Ten animal species as- Habitat: The Smith’s blue butterly occurs sociated with these unique habitats are con- in coastal prairie and coastal scrub habitats. sidered individually in this section (table 4.11). Its distribution is limited to a portion of the 158 Chapter 4 combined range of two host plants: seacliff is from sea level to approximately 2,600 feet ( parvifolium) and coast (Foster 1998). buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium). Together Conservation Considerations: The these two plants function as the sole larval and Smith’s blue butterfly is a rare and highly lo- primary adult food plants for the butterfly calized species that warrants site-specific (Arnold 1983). Norman (1994) surveyed the management attention. Foster (1998) provides west slope of the northern Santa Lucia Range a detailed evaluation of factors potentially af- and, based on the presence of seacliff buck- fecting Smith’s blue butterfly populations wheat, estimated that there are several thou- within the assessment area; the following syn- sand acres of potentially suitable Smith’s blue opsis is based on that report. Small amounts butterly habitat on the Monterey Ranger Dis- of suitable habitat may be affected by existing trict. The elevation range of seacliff buckwheat roads, trails, and developed recreation sites.

Table 4.11. Animals associated with Monterey Coast habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Monterey Coast Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- Animals of Concern of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation federal status Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng

Invertebrates Smith’s blue butterfly High y Mod Unkn Site endangered (10-50%) specific

Doudoroff’s elfin Low y Low Unkn Landscape (40-80%) level Clemence’s silverspot Mod y y Low Unkn Landscape (40-80%) level

Amphibians Pacific giant Low y Low Unkn Landscape salamander (40-80%) level

Birds CA brown pelican High y Low Incr Minimal endangered (<2%) Influence Western snowy plover Mod p Mod Unkn Site threatened (< 2%) specific

Marbled murrelet Mod y Low Unkn Site endangered (< 5%) specific

Mammals Monterey dusky-footed Low y Low Unkn Landscape woodrat (?) level

Southern High y Low Stable Minimal threatened (< 1%) Influence Steller sea lion High y Low Decl Minimal threatened (< 5%) Influence

159 Figure 4.16. Documented locations of the Smith’s blue butterfly along the Monterey coast (this map may not show all known localities).

Livestock grazing is permitted in areas of suit- 1990). Potential habitat occurs elsewhere along able and occupied Smith’s blue habitat and the southern Monterey coast, primarily on the may be causing habitat degradation. Invasive, Los Padres National Forest east of Highway 1 non-native plants may be causing a reduction and largely within the in the abundance of seacliff buckwheat. Par- Area. The lack of observations of this species ticular problem species are kikuyu grass from other areas is attributed to the inaccessi- (Pennisetum clandestinum), Pampas grass, and bility of its habitat and its short, early flight French broom. period (February to early March) (Murphy 1990). Doudoroff’s elfin butterfly Habitat: The host plant for Doudoroff’s (Incisalia mossii doudoroffi) elfin is a Sedum species (Murphy 1990). Status and Distribution: The Dou- Conservation Considerations: Additional doroff’s elfin butterfly is known primarily from information is needed on the distribution and Partington Canyon near Big Sur (Murphy abundance of this species and its host plant. In Murphy’s (1990) status review, the 160 Chapter 4 Doudoroff’s elfin is listed as a category C coast, much of the habitat for this species is taxon, that is, a taxon for which specific pro- within a designated wilderness area. tective measures are not presently necessary. However, it appears this determination is based California brown pelican upon very little specific information. (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) Status and Distribution: The federally en- Clemence’s silverspot butterfly dangered California brown pelican is found (Speyeria adiaste clemencei) only near the ocean, along the entire central Status and Distribution: The Clemence’s and southern California coast and in Baja silverspot butterfly occurs in both the north- California, Mexico (Garrett and Dunn 1981). ern and southern Santa Lucia Ranges, from It is addressed as a Monterey coast species be- the vicinity of Carmel on the north, to the cause that is the only place where the area of Pozo on the south (Murphy 1990). It assessment area reaches the ocean’s edge. Ap- is also found on the north end of Garcia proximately twenty miles of coastline are Mountain. Much of its distribution is believed within the Monterey District of the Los Pa- to be on the Los Padres National Forest dres National Forest. Brown pelicans are not (Murphy 1990). believed to breed along this stretch, but they Habitat: The suspected food plant of this can be found there during the summer butterfly is Viola quercetorum (Murphy 1990). months. Conservation Considerations: Additional Habitat: The California brown pelican is information is needed on the distribution and almost exclusively a bird of marine habitats abundance of this species. Murphy (1990) and thus is found only along the immediate considers the Clemence’s silverspot to be a cat- coastline. Birds currently nest in several large egory D taxon, that is, a taxon that is neither colonies on the Channel Islands (Garrett and in danger of extinction nor likely to be. How- Dunn 1981). ever, it is unclear what specific information is Conservation Considerations: The pri- being used to make this determination. mary threats to brown pelicans are (1) the continued, although dwindling, presence of Pacific giant salamander organochlorine pesticides (e.g., DDT) in the (Dicamptodon ensatus) marine food chain, and (2) depleted food Status and Distribution: The northern resources due to commercial harvesting of fish Santa Lucia Range contains the southernmost such as anchovies (Garrett and Dunn 1981). populations of this salmander (Anderson However, brown pelican numbers have in- 1969). This disjunct population is concen- creased substantially in the last twenty years. trated along the Little Sur River (J. Copp, CA This increase has largely been attributed to a Academy of Sciences, pers. comm.). We did decline in near-shore DDT levels. not find any information on the abundance Although the brown pelican does occur or status of the Pacific giant salamander in this on public lands within the assessment area, area. It is not considered to be a sensitive spe- the management of those lands has little ef- cies. fect on the conservation of this species. Brown Habitat: The Pacific giant salamander is pelicans are dependent on resources that come associated with streams and other mesic habi- from the marine environment and on the key tats in humid, coastal forests (particularly locations where they nest. redwood). Conservation Considerations: Water Western snowy plover quality and the sustainability of mesic condi- (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) tions appear to be important factors for the Status and Distribution: The western Pacific giant salamander. Along the Monterey snowy plover is primarily an inhabitant of

161 sandy coastal beaches. It was federally listed on land and it is difficult to locate their nest as threatened in 1993 because of population sites (Ralph et al. 1995). declines and disturbance to coastal nesting sites Conservation Considerations: It is impor- (USFWS 1993d). The preference of snowy tant to determine if marbled murrelets do nest plovers for sandy beaches has led to its decline in the northern Santa Lucia Range. How- as a nesting bird along the coast; such areas ever, even if they do, threats to suitable suffer from much human disturbance during breeding habitats are likely to be low. No the nesting season (Garrett and Dunn 1981). logging is done in this area and most of the Snowy plovers reportedly nest on the beach forested area along the immediate coast is near Point Sur Lighthouse just north of the within state parks or Forest Service wilder- assessment area (California Coastal Commis- ness areas. sion 1987). Most of the coastline within the assessment area is steep and devoid of sandy Monterey dusky-footed woodrat beaches; however, there are several small (Neotoma fuscipes luciana) beaches (e.g., Pfeiffer and Sand Dollar) that Status and Distribution: The Monterey potentially could support this species. dusky-footed woodrat is listed as a California Habitat: Snowy plovers nest, feed, and Species of Concern although it was not dis- take cover on sandy or gravelly beaches along cussed in Williams’ (1986) report on the coast, on estuarine salt ponds, and on al- mammalian species of concern in California. kali lakes (Zeiner et al. 1990a). We could find very little information on this Conservation Considerations: More in- specific subspecies, other than it is reported formation is needed on the nesting status of to occur in a variety of areas on snowy plovers in this area and the potential near Monterey. Woodrats are common in for beaches within the assessment area to sup- the northern Santa Lucia Range (e.g., the port nesting. Hastings Reserve) (Williams et al. 1992), but it is unclear if they are this particular Marbled murrelet subspecies. (Brachyramphus marmoratus) Habitat: Dusky-footed woodrats are gen- Status and Distribution: The marbled erally found in dense chaparral, oak and ri- murrelet was federally listed as threatened in parian woodland, and in mixed conifer forest 1992 because of population declines and con- that has a well-developed understory. They cerns that logging in coastal forests of the Pacific seem to favor brushy habitat or woodland that Northwest was eliminating its nesting habitat has a live oak component. They are highly ar- (USFWS 1992b). The Monterey coast is at the boreal, and thick-leaved trees and shrubs are extreme southern periphery of the marbled important habitat components for this spe- murrelet’s breeding range (Ralph et al. 1995). cies (Williams et al. 1992). Reported sitings of marbled murrelets Conservation Considerations: Clarifica- along the central California coast have been tion is needed on whether woodrats occurring concentrated within a 6-mile (10 kilometer) in the northern Santa Lucia Range are N. f. radius of Point Año Nuevo in Santa Cruz luciana. There is a large amount of suitable County (Ainley et al. 1995). It is unclear if woodrat habitat in these mountains and it is they actually do nest as far south as the coastal not considered to be threatened by existing forests in the northern Santa Lucia Range. The land uses or ecological changes. habitat appears suitable, but we could find no documentation of sitings in this area. Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) Habitat: Marbled murrelets spend most Status and Distribution: Coastal waters of their lives at sea but come onshore to nest from the Carmel River south to Santa Rosa in large, old trees. They are highly secretive Creek have been designated as the California

162 Chapter 4 Sea Otter State Game Refuge. Sea are on both sides of the mountains. Low-eleva- common along this stretch of coastline. tion valley habitats are primarily outside the Habitat: Sea otters spend essentially their assessment area and poorly represented on entire life in shallow ocean waters, particularly national forest system lands. Consequently, the in the vicinity of kelp beds. They occur near ability to influence the conservation of these land in protected coves and shallow intertidal species through management of national for- waters but rarely, if ever, venture onshore. est system lands is often small. However, they Abalone and urchins are their preferred food. have the potential to occur within the assess- Conservation Considerations: Activities ment area in a few localized areas so they need occurring on the Los Padres National Forest to be considered. and other public lands within the assessment area are unlikely to have any effect on sea ot- Western Inhabitants ters. The primary threats to this species, as identified on the Friends of the Sea Otter web Longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna) page, are offshore oil spills and competition Status and Distribution: The longhorn from humans for abalone. fairy shrimp was federally listed as endangered in 1994. It occurs primarily along the west Steller (Eumetopias jubatus) side of the San Joaquin Valley from Altamont Status and Distribution: The central Cali- Pass south to the (Eng et al. fornia coast is the southern limit of the Steller 1990). There are no known localities within or northern sea lion’s range. Historically there the assessment area; the closest is at Soda Lake. was a rookery on San Miguel Island, one of There is some potential for the species to oc- the Channel Islands, but the last pups were cur in potrero habitats in the Sierra Madre born there in 1982 (Marine Mammal Center Mountains. 1997). The southernmost active rookery is on Habitat: These small inhabit Año Nuevo Island in San Mateo County. rain-filled, ephemeral pools (i.e., vernal pools) Steller sea are declining precipitously and that form in depressions usually in grassland are now rare along the Monterey coast. habitats (Eng et al. 1990). These pools must Habitat: The is a marine fill frequently enough and persist long enough mammal that forages near shore. It does haul for the fairy shrimp to complete their life cycle. out on mainland coastlines but more com- Conservation Considerations: Surveys are monly utilizes offshore rocks (Marine needed to determine if this species occurs on Mammal Center 1997). public lands within the assessment area. Conservation Considerations: Activities occurring on the Los Padres National Forest Blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia silus) and other public lands within the assessment Status and Distribution: The blunt-nosed area are unlikely to have any significant effect leopard lizard was federally listed as endan- on the status of this species. gered in 1967. It is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley and surrounding foothills. Its distribu- Animals of Low-Elevation Valley tion overlaps the assessment area only in the Habitats upper Cuyama Valley, where it approaches the Sixteen of the animal species that received Los Padres National Forest. This region is sig- individual consideration are associated with nificant from an evolutionary perspective low-elevation valley habitats (table 4.12). Six because it is a contact zone between the blunt- species are either restricted to or primarily nosed leopard lizard and the long-nosed found in the vicinity of the San Joaquin Val- leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii), a species ley, six are found strictly in valleys on the common in the Mojave Desert (Montanucci coastal side of the mountains, and four occur 163 Table 4.12. Animals associated with low-elevation valley habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized Low-Elevation Valley (1) (3) (4) (5) Animals of Concern Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- federal status of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng West. San Joaquin Val. Longhorn fairy shrimp Mod p Unkn Unkn Minimal endangered (0%) influence Blunt-nosed leopard High h/phy Low Decl1 Minimal lizard endangered (< 1%) influence Mountain plover Mod w w Decl2 Minimal C1 candidate (0%) influence Giant kangaroo rat Mod p p Low Decl1 Minimal endangered (0%) influence San Joaquin antelope High p p Low Unkn Minimal squirrel (< 1%) influence San Joaquin kit fox High p p Low Decl1 Minimal endangered (< 2%) Influence

Coastal Valleys CA tiger salamander Mod p p y Mod Decl3 Site (< 5%) Specific L.A. pocket mouse Low p p h/p p Low Minimal (< 2%) Influence Pacific pocket mouse Mod p p Low Decl1 Minimal endangered ( 0%) influence San Bern. kangaroo rat Mod y p Low Decl1 Site endangered (< 3%) specific Stephens’ kangaroo rat High y p p Low Decl1 Landscape endangered (< 1%) level San Diego black-tailed Mod y p p y h/p Low Unkn Landscape jackrabbit (< 5%) level

Both Vernal pool fairy shrimp High y y p Mod Unkn Landscape threatened (< 5%) level Burrowing owl Mod p p p h/p p Mod Decl2 Minimal (< 1%) Influence Swainson’s hawk Mod t t t t t p p p t Low Decl2 Minimal (< 5%) influence Loggerhead shrike Mod y y y y p y y y p Low Unkn Landscape (< 5%) level

hy Hybrid population (Gambelia silus x G. wislizenii) 1 USFWS determination as described in Final Rule to list as endangered. 2 Garrett and Dunn (1981); Zeiner et al. (1990); Lehman (1994) 3 Jennings and Hayes (1994) Chapter 4 1978). Patterns of hybridization in this area habitats in the Los Padres National Forest to are of scientific interest and have provided any significant extent. Thus, it appears there insights into the selective factors that main- is little potential to influence the conservation tain two distinct species (Montanucci 1970; of mountain plovers through management of Montanucci 1978). There are no known oc- national forest system lands within the assess- currences of the full species G. silus on the ment area. Los Padres; however, the narrow zone where G. silus x G. wislizenii hybrids have been Giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) found is partially on national forest system Status and Distribution: The giant kan- lands in the lower parts of Ballinger and garoo rat was federally listed as endangered in Quatal canyons. 1987. It inhabits the arid southwestern edge Habitat: The blunt-nosed leopard lizard of the San Joaquin Valley, the Carrizo and inhabits semi-arid, sparsely vegetated grass- Elkhorn plains, and the Cuyama Valley (Wil- lands and dry washes (Montanucci 1970). liams 1992). It occurs at elevations ranging Conservation Considerations: Jennings from approximately 280 to 2,800 feet but is (1995) reports that habitat loss in the zone of rare above 2,400 feet (Williams 1996). The hybridization may have eliminated the hybrid giant kangaroo rat’s range approaches, and populations studied by Montanucci. Survey potentially extends onto, the Los Padres Na- work is needed to conclusively determine if tional Forest at the lower end of the Cuyama hybrid blunt-nosed leopard lizards still occur Valley (fig. 4.17). We did not find any docu- on the Los Padres. If they do still occur, ef- mented sightings of this species on national forts should be made to protect these forest system lands. populations because of their significance. Habitat: Giant kangaroo rats mainly in- However, conservation of the full species G. habit sandy-loam soils located on level and silus will be minimally influenced by man- gently sloping ground vegetated with annual agement of public lands within the grasses and forbs and widely scattered desert assessment area. shrubs. Long-term occupancy of a site by gi- ant kangaroo rats results in a mima-mound Mountain plover (Charadrius montanus) topography, with burrow systems located on Status and Distribution: The mountain mounds a few to several centimeters above the plover is proposed for federal listing as threat- intervening ground (Williams 1996). ened and is a California Species of Special Conservation Considerations: Additional Concern. It winters in sparsely vegetated fields survey work is needed to conclusively deter- and grasslands at low elevations in southern mine if the giant kangaroo rat extends onto California. Mountain plovers have become the Los Padres. If found, those areas should very rare on the coastal side of the mountains, receive site-specific management attention. although small wintering populations may still However, it is likely that any occurrences on occur just west of Santa Maria (Lehman 1994) national forest system lands will be at the fringe and in the Valley (Unitt 1984). of suitable habitat which is concentrated in The primary wintering ground near the as- the valley below. Thus management of public sessment area is on the Carrizo Plain in lands within the assessment area will likely southeastern San Luis Obispo County (Knopf have minimal influence on the conservation and Rupert 1995). of giant kangaroo rats. Habitat: Wintering mountain plovers ap- parently prefer alkaline flats, cultivated and San Joaquin antelope squirrel plowed fields, and sparse grasslands. (Ammospermophilus nelsoni) Conservation Considerations: The study Status and Distribution: The San Joaquin by Knopf and Rupert (1995) suggests that antelope squirrel is state listed as threatened. wintering mountain plovers do not utilize 165 It occurs in the San Joaquin Valley and on (Ephedra) (Best et al. 1990). Present popula- slopes and ridgetops in the foothills along the tions range in elevation from approximately western edge of the valley, in the Cuyama and 100 feet to 3,600 feet (Brown and Williams Panoche valleys, and on the Carrizo and 1996). Elkhorn plains (Best et al. 1990). The ante- Conservation Considerations: Same as lope squirrel’s range approaches, and those described for the giant kangaroo rat. potentially extends onto, the Los Padres Na- tional Forest along the upper margins of the San Joaquin kit fox Cuyama Valley (fig. 4.17). We did not find (Ammospermophilus nelsoni) any documented sightings of this species on Status and Distribution: The San Joaquin national forest system lands. kit fox was federally listed as endangered in Habitat: San Joaquin antelope squirrels 1967. It formerly occupied most of the San inhabit arid grassland, shrubland, and alkali Joaquin Valley as well as low-elevation basins sink habitats and are often found in associa- and ranges along the eastern side of the cen- tion with saltbush (Atriplex) and Mormon tea tral Coast Ranges (Brown et al. 1997). Kit

Figure 4.17. The documented locations of the giant kangaroo rat and San Joaquin antelope squirrel..

166 Chapter 4 potentially occur within the Los Padres Habitat: The California tiger salamander National Forest in the upper Cuyama Valley is a lowland species restricted to grasslands and watershed and along the eastern slope of the low foothill regions where its breeding habi- La Panza Range. The species is most likely a tat (long-lasting rain pools) occurs. Permanent transitory visitor on national forest system aquatic sites are unlikely to be used for breed- lands, since there is little high-quality habitat. ing unless they lack fish predators (Shaffer et Habitat: The San Joaquin kit fox prima- al. 1993; Jennings and Hayes 1994). Tiger rily inhabits arid grasslands and open salamanders also appear to require dry-season scrublands. It also will utilize oak savanna and refuge sites (typically small mammal burrows) alkali sink habitats (McGrew 1979). in the vicinity of breeding sites (up to one mile Conservation Considerations: Additional away) (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The known survey work is needed to determine the ex- elevational range of this species extends from tent to which kit foxes utilize areas within the near sea level to 3,400 feet (Shaffer et al. 1993). Los Padres National Forest. Occupied areas Conservation Considerations: California should receive site-specific management atten- tiger salamanders are dependent on the integ- tion. However, it seems apparent that national rity of large rain pool complexes. Efforts forest system lands are on the fringe of suit- should be made to identify such potential able habitat; thus, management of public lands breeding sites on the Los Padres National For- within the assessment area will likely have est, beginning with the upper Carmel River minimal influence on the conservation of this and Little Sur River watersheds where this species. species is known to occur. Efforts should be made to keep tiger salamander breeding sites Coastal Valley Inhabitants free of non-native predators (e.g., fish, bull- California tiger salamander frogs, and crayfish). This may require (Ambystoma californiense) coordination with agencies in charge of mos- Status and Distribution: The California quito abatement to avoid the stocking of tiger salamander is a California Species of Spe- mosquitofish in these areas (Jennings and cial Concern. The known range of this species Hayes 1994). extends into the assessment area from the northern Santa Lucia Range south to the Santa Los Angeles pocket mouse Ynez River. Based on the distribution map in (Perognathus longimembris brevinasus) Jennings and Hayes (1994), tiger salamanders Status and Distribution: The Los Ange- occur in upper portions of the Carmel River les pocket mouse is a Forest Service Region 5 and Little Sur River watersheds where they are Sensitive Species and a California Species of either on or near the Los Padres National Concern. The known range of this subspecies Forest. extends from the cities of Burbank and San No localities are shown in the southern Fernando on the northwest, to the city of San Santa Lucia Mountains, but they do occur in Bernardino on the northeast, to the vicinity the lower Sisquoc River and Santa Ynez River of Cabazon, Hemet, and Aguanga on the east watersheds. These southernmost localities ap- and southeast. Its geographic limits on the pear to correspond with the Solomon Hills southwest are unclear but probably lie some- and Santa Rita Hills, respectively, where Sam where near the Hills (Williams Sweet (pers. comm.) has found tiger sala- 1986). Bond (1977) identifies specimens from manders. Both of these locations are west of Ranchita and Warner Pass in San Diego the Los Padres National Forest by at least 5 County as this subspecies, but Williams (1986) miles. It is uncertain to what extent potential believes they are probably P. l. internationalis. habitat is available on national forest system The geographic range just described is al- lands. most entirely outside our assessment area.

167 However, one historic Los Angeles pocket Habitat: The habitat requirements of this mouse locality listed in Williams (1986) is at species are not well understood, but it is known Dos Palmas Spring at the base of the Santa to occur in sparsely vegetated areas on fine- Rosa Mountains, well to the east of the de- grain, sandy substrates in the immediate scribed range and within the San Jacinto vicinity of the Pacific Ocean (USFWS 1994c). District of the San Bernardino National For- Conservation Considerations: All indica- est. Historic localities near Cabazon, Banning, tions are that the Pacific pocket mouse is a Valle Vista, and Cajon Wash are close to na- species whose conservation cannot be influ- tional forest system lands, although the enced by management of national forest transition to steep, low-quality habitat occurs system lands within the assessment area. rapidly in these areas. Habitat: The Los Angeles pocket mouse San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupies areas with fine, sandy soils, typically (Dipodomys merriami parvus) in arid grassland or coastal sage scrub habitats Status and Distribution: The San Bernar- (Genoways and Brown 1993). The upper el- dino kangaroo rat was federally listed as evation limit of distributional records listed endangered in 1998. The historical range of in Williams (1986) is 3,500 feet (at Dos this subspecies extends from the San Bernar- Palmas Spring), but most locations (all but dino Valley in San Bernardino County to two) are below 2,200 feet. Menifee Valley in Riverside County (USFWS Conservation Considerations: Although 1998e). Extant populations along lower Lytle the potential for major populations is low, Creek and Cajon Wash extend into the assess- surveys are needed to determine if the Los ment area and may extend into the San Angeles pocket mouse occurs on public lands Bernardino National Forest (fig. 4.18). A large within the assessment area. At a minimum the population along the Santa Ana River extends Dos Palmas Spring location should be resur- upstream to Greenspot Road bridge veyed to see if this subspecies is present. (McKernan 1997), which is less than a mile National forest system lands in Cajon Wash below the San Bernardino National Forest may also contain potential habitat. However, boundary. given its known distribution and habitat re- Habitat: San Bernardino kangaroo rats are quirements, this is a species whose found primarily on sandy loam substrates, conservation is not likely to be significantly characteristic of alluvial fans and flood plains, influenced by management of national forest where they are able to dig simple, shallow system lands within the assessment area. burrows (McKernan 1997). Vegetation in these areas is typically alluvial sage scrub or Pacific pocket mouse chaparral. (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) Conservation Considerations: Additional Status and Distribution: The Pacific information is needed on the distribution of pocket mouse was federally listed as endan- San Bernardino kangaroo rats on public lands gered in 1994. This taxon is endemic to the within the assessment area. Threats to its habi- immediate coast of southern California from tat include disruption of the natural hydrologic Marina del Rey and El Segundo in Los Ange- regime and habitat degradation due to a vari- les County south to the vicinity of the Mexican ety of factors (e.g., sand and gravel mining, border in San Diego County (Williams 1986). stream channelization, and vehicular traffic). All known locations have been within 2.5 miles of the coast and below 600 feet in eleva- Stephens’ kangaroo rat tion (USFWS 1994c). Given this geographic (Dipodomys stephensi) range, it is highly unlikely that the Pacific pocket Status and Distribution: The Stephens’ mouse occurs within the assessment area. kangaroo rat was federally listed as endangered in 1988. It is known only from arid grassland 168 Chapter 4

Figure 4.18. The approximate geographic ranges of the San Bernardino and Stephens kangaroo rats. habitats in northern San Diego County, west- washes, and open fields (O’Farrell and Uptain ern Riverside County, and the southwestern 1989). In addition, Stephens’ kangaroo rats edge of San Bernardino County (fig. 4.18) almost always occupy habitats in which at least (Bleich 1977). Known locations within the as- half of the soil is bare during the summer and sessment area are all in San Diego County and fall. include the Warner Springs/Lake Henshaw Conservation Considerations: This is a area (O’Farrell 1986), the Guejito Valley, and species whose conservation is not significantly Santa Maria Valley. The only location where influenced by management of national forest the Stephens’ kangaroo rat may actually occur system lands within the assessment area. The on national forest system lands is along the small amount of Stephens’ kangaroo rat habi- northern edge of the Warner Springs/Lake tat that extends onto the Cleveland National Henshaw area, where suitable habitat extends Forest is not threatened by existing activities. onto the Cleveland National Forest. The area is grazed by livestock, but this activ- Habitat: Stephens’ kangaroo rats inhabit ity is widely believed to be conducive to sparse grassland habitats, in areas with pen- maintaining suitable habitat for this species. etrable soils and flat to moderately sloping topography. These areas include the base of hillsides, flat areas along ridgetops, sandy 169 San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit mountains and the mountains of San Diego (Lepus californicus bennettii) County. Activities currently occurring on pub- Status and Distribution: The San Diego lic lands within the assessment area probably or coastal black-tailed jackrabbit is a Califor- are not a substantial threat to jackrabbits, but nia Species of Special Concern. Black-tailed it is not clear if viable populations exist in these jackrabbits are abundant in the deserts, but L. areas which are on the edge of this species’ c. bennettii occurs only on the coastal side of historic range. the southern California mountains where suit- able jackrabbit habitat is less common. Most Inhabitants of Both Coastal and of the historic habitat for this subspecies has San Joaquin Valleys either been developed or converted to agri- Vernal pool fairy shrimp culture. Vaughan (1954) found black-tailed (Branchinecta lynchi) jackrabbits to be “plentiful” in the coastal sage Status and Distribution: The vernal pool belt along the base of the San Gabriel Moun- fairy shrimp was federally listed as threatened tains from Cajon Wash west to San Gabriel in 1994. Most known locations are in the Sac- Canyon. However, the landscape in that area ramento and San Joaquin valleys, and along has changed dramatically since the early 1950s the eastern margin of the central Coast Ranges and the status of jackrabbit populations there (e.g., Soda Lake). However, vernal pool fairy today is unknown. In recent years, Steve Loe shrimp also occur inside the assessment area (San Bernardino NF, pers. comm.) has ob- in two locations: (1) several small potreros in served jackrabbits near the Del Rosa Fire the mountains north of Santa Barbara and (2) Station at the base of the San Bernardino on the Santa Rosa Plateau along the south- Mountains. eastern flank of the Santa Ana Mountains (Eng Bond (1977) provides locality information et al. 1990). for a number of museum specimens collected Habitat: These small crustaceans inhabit in San Diego County. Specimens were col- rain-filled, ephemeral pools (i.e., vernal pools) lected at elevations ranging from sea level to that form in depressions usually in grassland 6,000 feet. Most San Diego County localities habitats (Eng et al. 1990). These pools must were west of the assessment area, but speci- fill frequently enough and persist long enough mens were reported from Santa Ysabel and the for the fairy shrimp to complete their life cycle. Laguna and Cuyamaca mountains. The Conservation Considerations: Reported mountain localities are curious since they seem occurrences of vernal pool fairy shrimp in the to be outside of traditional habitat and jack- mountains north of Santa Barbara appear to rabbits are not seen in these areas today. be within the Los Padres National Forest. The Habitat: Black-tailed jackrabbits are found vernal pools which support these populations only in open or semi-open country, typically should be identified and managed to main- in grasslands or sparse coastal scrub (Bond tain their integrity and natural hydrologic 1977). They are not generally found in chap- regime. Pools on the Santa Rosa Plateau are arral or woodland habitats. Vaughan (1954) protected within an ecological reserve that is found them in “thin stands” of coastal sage managed by and scrub and on the margins of citrus groves in Riverside County. There is little potential habi- the lower foothills of the San Gabriel Moun- tat for fairy shrimp on national forest system tains. lands in the Santa Ana Mountains. Conservation Considerations: Informa- tion is needed on the current distribution of Burrowing owl San Diego black-tailed jackrabbits on public (Athene cunicularia hypogaeae) lands along the coastal slopes of the San Status and Distribution: The burrowing Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto owl is a California Species of Special Concern. Burrowing owl populations are declining 170 Chapter 4 across much of their range (Haug et al. 1993) in the north of the Castaic as and improper use of Ranges and in eastern San Luis Obispo pesticides affect chick survivorship and dis- County (Garrett and Dunn 1981). persal (Winchell 1994). Once widespread, Habitat: During the breeding season, their distribution on the coastal side of the Swainson’s hawks are closely associated with mountains is now highly localized and frag- open grassland or agricultural lands (particu- mented. larly alfalfa fields) that contain scattered trees Although recorded at elevations up to which can be used for nesting. Migrants may 5,300 feet (Zeiner et al. 1990), burrowing owls be noted over any habitat, but spring concen- are primarily found in low elevation valleys. trations are usually found over desert On the Los Padres National Forest, these owls grasslands (Garrett and Dunn 1981). historically occurred in the Santa Ynez Moun- Conservation Considerations: Given the tains but now appear to be absent. They do known distribution and habitat requirements still nest in the Carrizo Plain and possibly in of Swainson’s hawks, their conservation is not the Cuyama Valley (Lehman 1994). A few bur- likely to be significantly influenced by man- rowing owls may still occur along lower desert agement of national forest system lands within slopes and inland valleys in the other assess- the assessment area. ment area mountain ranges, but there are no documented populations in any of them. Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Habitat: Burrowing owls inhabit dry, Status and Distribution: The loggerhead sparse grasslands, desert scrub, and agricultural shrike is a California Species of Special Con- areas. Rodent burrows, usually those of Cali- cern. It is widely distributed at low elevations fornia ground squirrels, are utilized for roosting (below approximately 5,000 feet) across the and nesting (Unitt 1984; Lehman 1994). assessment area but is limited by the availabil- Conservation Considerations: Burrowing ity of suitable open habitat. It has been found owls have been adversely affected by loss of nesting at Garner Valley in the San Jacinto lowland habitats and by the widespread use of Mountains (D. Freeman, unpub. notes). Arid, pesticides to control ground squirrel popula- open country on the eastern side of the south- tions. Given its distribution and habitat ern Santa Lucia Range and southern Los requirements, the burrowing owl is a species Padres ranges are probably the largest areas of whose conservation cannot be significantly suitable habitat for this species. influenced by management of national forest Habitat: Loggerhead shrikes are typically system lands within the assessment area. found in dry, open habitats with sparse shrubs and trees (Zeiner et al. 1990b). They com- Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) monly utilize posts, fences, and utility lines as Status and Distribution: The Swainson’s perches. hawk is a Forest Service Region 5 Sensitive Conservation Considerations: Suitable Species and is listed as threatened by the state shrike habitat occurs on public lands in the of California. Historically (i.e., prior to the assessment area but is not extensive. The habi- 1930s), this species commonly nested in the tat requirements of this species generally coastal lowlands of southern California in indicate low vulnerability to existing land use places like Santa Monica, Temecula, Corona, activities on public lands. and Santee (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt 1984). However, breeding populations in the Animals of Coastal Scrub and coastal valleys have long been extirpated and Chaparral Habitats Swainson’s hawks are not likely to recolonize Thirteen of the animal species that re- the area (SDNHM 1998). ceived individual consideration are associated The only localities close to the assessment with scrub or chaparral habitats (table 4.13). area where Swainson’s hawks may still nest are 171 Table 4.13. Animals associated with coastal scrub or chaparral habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized Scrub and Chaparral (1) (3) (4) (5) Animals of Concern Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- federal status of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Primarily Coastal Sage Scrub or <3,000 ft Quino checkerspot Mod h/p p p p p Mod Decl1 Site endangered (< 5%) specific Orange-throated whiptail Mod y y y Low Unkn Landscape (< 2%) level California gnatcatcher High 30-50 10-20 p p p High Decl2 Site threatened (< 2%) pairs pairs specific Coastal cactus wren High y y p p y p Mod Unkn Landscape (< 1%) level Rufous-crowned sparrow Mod-High y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape (< 10%) level Primarily Cismontane Chaparral & Scrub Hermes copper butterfly Mod y Low Unkn Landscape (10-40%) level Coast patch-nosed Low y y y y y y y p Low Unkn Landscape snake (30-50%) level Bell’s sage sparrow Mod y y y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape (30-60%) level In Both Cismontane & Desert Scrub/Chap. Pratt’s blue butterfly Low 2-4 Unkn Unkn Landscape (?) pops. level Coast horned lizard High y y y y y y y y y Mod Decl3 Landscape (> 50%) level Coastal rosy boa Mod-Low y y y y y Mod Decl3 Landscape (10-40%) level Red diamond rattlesnake Mod y y y Low Unkn Landscape (30-50%) level San Diego pocket mouse Mod y p y y y Low Unkn Landscape (20-60%) level

1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1997d) 2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1993b) 3 Jennings and Hayes (1994)

This group is further subdivided into the fol- shrublands on both coastal and desert sides of lowing categories: (1) species restricted to the mountains. coastal sage scrub and other habitats found only at elevations below 3,000 feet; (2) inhab- Inhabitants of Coastal Sage Scrub and Other Habitats Below 3,000 Feet itants of both coastal scrub and chaparral habitats, but only on the coastal (cismontane) Five of the species that received individual side of the mountains; and (3) inhabitants of consideration are associated with coastal sage 172 Chapter 4 scrub or other predominately shrubland habi- cations in southern San Diego County sug- tats that occur below 3,000 feet elevation on gest there may be remaining populations on the coastal side of the mountains. These habi- the southern end of the Cleveland National tats are not well represented in the assessment Forest. Potential habitat exists in that area on area. the slopes of Lawson and Lyons peaks and Poser and Viejas mountains. Seemingly suit- Quino checkerspot butterfly able habitat also remains on the west side of (Euphydryas editha quino) the Santa Ana Mountains (e.g., Black Star Status and Distribution: The quino Canyon), but the fact that quino has not been checkerspot butterfly was federally listed as en- located in Orange County since the 1960s dangered in 1997. Once considered abundant (Mattoni et al. 1997) lowers the likelihood of in Orange, San Diego, and western Riverside populations in that area. There may be higher counties, it has declined dramatically, due potential on the east side of the range (e.g., probably to the combined effects of habitat ), which is relatively close to ex- loss and population fragmentation (Murphy tant populations in the Murrieta area. Suitable 1990; USFWS 1997d). The quino’s historic habitat within the historic range of the quino range along the southern California coast and may also be present along the base of the San inland valleys includes northernmost occur- Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto rences in Los Angeles and San Bernardino mountains, but there are no known popula- counties and southernmost localities in the tions near those areas. Sierra Juarez of Baja California, Mexico Habitat: The primary larval food plant for (Mattoni et al. 1997). Currently, it is docu- quino checkerspot is Plantago erecta, but it also mented only from several areas in utilizes other Plantago species as well as southwestern Riverside County, southern San Castilleja exserta and Keckiella antirrinoides Diego County, and Baja (Mattoni et al. 1997). (Mattoni et al. 1997). The primary food plant, Nearly all of the historic and current loca- and thus the butterfly, is not strongly associ- tions of this butterfly are outside the ated with a single plant community; rather, it assessment area, in more coastal areas of San is found in sparsely vegetated openings em- Diego and Orange counties and in the low bedded in a variety of vegetation types but elevation valleys of western Riverside County most commonly within coastal sage scrub, (fig. 4.19). However, there is a 1975 museum chaparral, or oak woodlands. specimen from “Mount Palomar” and some Where Plantago erecta is present, optimum of the remaining populations in Riverside stand structure for quino reportedly consists County are near the north slope of Palomar of patchy shrub or small tree landscapes with (i.e., near Vail Lake and Aguanga) (Mattoni openings of several meters between large plants et al. 1997; Hawks, Ballmer, and Pratt, (Mattoni et al. 1997). The butterfly typically unpubl. notes 1997). The Oak Mountain does not occur in extensive open grasslands, colony near Vail Lake is considered to be a even where Plantago erecta is abundant, al- “source population”; thus, potential habitat though apparently there are exceptions (e.g., along the north side of Palomar Mountain has in the Murrieta area). an increased likelihood of being occupied. There are indications that the distribution There is a confirmed sighting at Oak Grove of Plantago erecta and other native annuals may just outside the Cleveland National Forest often be associated with the presence of boundary and an unconfirmed sighting near cryptobiotic crusts on the soil surface (Mattoni Dripping Springs campground, which is on et al. 1997). These crusts appear to inhibit national forest system lands (G. Ballmer, pers. invasions of non-native grasses and forbs, pro- comm.). viding a competitive advantage for the native Extant occurrences on the slopes of Otay annuals. Other edaphic factors (e.g., high clay Mountain, Tecate Peak, and several other lo- 173 Figure 4.19. Current and historic locations of the quino checkerspot butterfly in relation to the assessment area and national forest system lands (this map may not show all known localities).

content) may similarly inhibit non-natives and the Cleveland National Forest that are near might serve as indicators of potential habitat. extant populations. Topographic relief such as raised mounds, If colonies are found, habitat management hills, slopes, or ridges may be an important for quino will likely center on maintaining habitat component (Mattoni et al. 1997). The ample populations of the larval food plants. phenomenon of hilltopping, where Although Plantago erecta still occurs in many congregate on ridges or hilltops to mate, has areas, there are indications that it has become been observed at a number of quino locations. less abundant as non-native annual grasses and All of the known extant quino populations are forbs have spread. Soil disturbance, particu- at elevations below 3,500 feet. larly degradation of cryptobiotic crusts, can Conservation Considerations: Surveys are substantially hamper the ability of Plantago needed to determine the distribution of quino and other native annuals to hold their own on checkerspot butterflies on public lands within a site (J. Byers, Riverside Fire Lab, pers. the assessment area. Particular emphasis comm.). Thus ground-disturbing activities, should be given to potential habitat areas on such as intensive livestock grazing or off-road

174 Chapter 4 vehicle traffic, can contribute to the decline lations to become fragmented and isolated. of quino food plants. The food base of orange-throated whiptails Plantago erecta and other native annuals (principally termites), may be adversely af- often become abundant in coastal scrub and fected by invasions of Argentine ants from chaparral for several years immediately after a irrigated areas (Jennings and Hayes 1994). fire, until the canopy is closed by the regener- ating shrub layer. Thus, a shifting age-class California gnatcatcher mosaic is desirable in these shrublands to (Polioptila californica) maintain a steady supply of early successional Status and Distribution: The California patches for native annuals. However, this gnatcatcher was federally listed as threatened should not trigger calls for shorter fire-return in 1993 (USFWS 1993b). The current known intervals, particularly in coastal scrub, since distribution of California gnatcatchers is frequent fires in these shrublands usually in- concentrated along the coast in maritime- creases the abundance of non-native annual influenced areas of Orange and San Diego grasses (Zedler et al. 1983). counties (Mock 1998). There are also sizable populations in the inland valleys of southwest- Orange-throated whiptail ern Riverside County and on the Palos Verdes (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi) Peninsula (Atwood 1993). Within the assess- Status and Distribution: The orange- ment area, the only known California throated whiptail is a California Species of gnatcatcher population on national forest sys- Special Concern. Its geographic range extends tem lands is on the Cleveland National Forest from Orange and the southern edge of San (fig 4.20). However, recent sightings at Bernardino counties south to around Loreto Sycamore Flat (near Lytle Creek), at the in Baja California, Mexico (Jennings and confluence of Lytle Creek and Cajon Wash, Hayes 1994). Its reported elevation range in and on the Etiwanda Fan (Davis et al. 1998) California is from near sea level to about 3,400 indicate a possible population along the lower feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994), but it is most foothills of the eastern San Gabriel Mountains commonly found at elevations below 2,300 that may extend onto the San Bernardino and feet (Fisher and Case 1997). Angeles national forests. There is also a slight Orange-throated whiptails occur at low possibility that gnatcatchers may also occur elevations on the coastal side of the San Di- on the lower western slopes of the San Jacinto ego Ranges, the Santa Ana Mountains, and Mountains. San Jacinto Mountains. They are common on On the Cleveland, the largest population streamside terraces along the upper San Di- (thirty-plus pairs) is along the upper San Di- ego River in the Cleveland National Forest and ego River above El Capitan Reservoir. Small also were found on Starr Ranch at the base of clusters have also been observed in the vicin- the Santa Ana Mountains (Fisher and Case ity of Pamo Valley near Ramona and on the 1997). They likely occur in Bautista Canyon lower slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains on in the San Jacinto Mountains. the east side near and on the Habitat: The orange-throated whiptail oc- west side near San Juan Creek. curs in coastal sage scrub and, to a lesser extent, Habitat: California gnatcatchers are chaparral. It appears to reach peak densities nonmigratory and strongly associated with on floodplains and streamside terraces Diegan and Riversidian coastal sage scrub (Jennings and Hayes 1994). (Atwood 1993). These types of sage scrub oc- Conservation Considerations: Orange- cur in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San throated whiptails occur in some of the lowest Bernardino, and San Diego counties at eleva- elevation areas within the southern part of the tions below 3,000 feet on the coastal side of the assessment area. The proximity to urbanizing mountains. However, gnatcatcher densities seem areas increases the potential for whiptail popu- 175 Figure 4.20. Known locations of the California gnatcatcher within or near the assessment area (this map does not show all known localities outside the assessment area).

to decline substantially at elevations above (Wirtz et al. 1997). The rapidity of shrub re- about 2,200 feet and at increasing distances growth appears to affect the rate at which from the coast (Mock 1998). gnatcatchers reoccupy burned areas, and in- Total shrub cover appears to be more im- land sites (particularly Riversidian sage scrub) portant than shrub height in determining are slower to recover than coastal sites (Wirtz habitat suitability (Beyers and Wirtz 1997). et al. 1997). California gnatcatchers are most abundant in Conservation Considerations: Although mature stands, where shrub canopy cover is the potential for major new populations is low, typically greater than 50 percent and often surveys are needed to more fully determine exceeds 60 percent (Atwood 1993; Beyers and the distribution of California gnatcatchers in Wirtz 1997). However, they will forage in re- the Cleveland, San Bernardino, and Angeles cently burned sites and pairs have been national forests. Information on occurrences observed establishing territories in burned ar- at low elevations in the eastern San Gabriel eas within three years postfire at coastal sites Mountains would be particularly useful.

176 Chapter 4 Conservation of coastal sage scrub where it local viability concern. Cactus wrens are scat- does occur within the assessment area is im- tered across the lower slopes of the San Gabriel portant for the gnatcatcher. Mountains (e.g., Fish Canyon, Duarte, and The gnatcatcher population on the upper Claremont) (D. Cooper, UC Riverside, pers. San Diego River has been negatively affected comm.) and may also extend into the foot- by recurring fires in the early 1990s. High fire hills of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto frequencies and invasions of exotic grasses are mountains. serious problems in gnatcatcher habitat Habitat: Coastal cactus wrens are closely (Minnich and Dezzani 1998). Coastal sage associated with coastal sage scrub vegetation scrub is a highly flammable vegetation type that contains patches of cholla or prickly pear and maintaining mature stands in fire-prone (Opuntia spp.) cactus (Rea and Weaver 1990). areas near the urban interface is a significant The wren’s chief requisite is tall Opuntia cacti. management challenge (Beyers and Wirtz The wrens construct their nests in these cacti 1997). Cowbird nest parasitism is also a prob- and supplement their diet in fall and lem for gnatcatchers in some areas Braden et winter by feeding on cactus fruit (Rea and al. 1997) and has been documented in the up- Weaver 1990). per San Diego River population. Conservation Considerations: Although the potential for major populations is low, sur- Coastal cactus wren veys are needed to more fully determine the (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus ssp.) distribution of cactus wrens in the low coastal Status and Distribution: The San Diego foothills that lie within the Cleveland, San coastal cactus wren (C. b. sandiegoense) is a Bernardino, and Angeles national forests. Forest Service Region 5 Sensitive Species and a California Species of Special Concern. Rea Rufous-crowned sparrow and Weaver (1990) define the range of this (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) subspecies as coastal portions (i.e., west of the Status and Distribution: The southern mountain crest) of San Diego and southern California rufous-crowned sparrow, A. r. Orange counties (Trabuco Canyon is the canescens, is a California Species of Special northern boundary). There are no known lo- Concern. It occurs from Santa Barbara County cations of coastal cactus wrens within the south to northwestern Baja California at low Cleveland National Forest, although they have elevations on the coastal side of the moun- been observed close by. On the coastal slopes tains (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt 1984). of the Santa Ana Mountains, they have been This sparrow is occasionally found on the observed at Starr Ranch, Live Oak Canyon desert side of the mountains, particularly on Park, and Caspers Wilderness Regional Park. the northern end of the San Jacinto Moun- In San Diego County, they have been found tains (e.g., near Cabazon) and in southern San above El Capitan Reservoir on the San Diego Diego County. It is described as being rather River and in Pamo Valley. scarce on the lower coastal slopes of the San Coastal-slope populations of cactus wrens Bernardino Mountains (Garrett and Dunn in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, 1981). Ventura, and northern Orange counties are Habitat: Preferred habitat for this spar- classified as C. b. anthonyi, which is the same row consists of slopes, typically south facing, subspecies that occurs in the deserts of Cali- with sparse brush intermixed with bunch fornia and western Arizona (Rea and Weaver grasses and large rocks. These slopes are often 1990). Given its abundance in the desert, this quite steep and rocky (Garrett and Dunn subspecies is not considered to be rare or sen- 1981; Unitt 1984). The range of this subspe- sitive. However, coastal-slope populations of cies is virtually coincident with extensive cactus wrens are rare and we regard them as a stands of coastal sage scrub, although it does

177 appear to be more adaptable than the Cali- Viejas Grade, Guatay, and Pine Valley fornia gnatcatcher and cactus wren in that it (Murphy 1990; Brown 1991). Thus, a signifi- extends further up into the foothill scrub- cant amount of its known range is within the chaparral transition zone (Unitt 1984). Cleveland National Forest. Rufous-crowned sparrows do not occupy Habitat: The Hermes copper is restricted dense chaparral but can be found in recently to mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub com- burned chaparral or along firebreaks as long munities where its larval host plant, redberry as other key habitat elements (e.g., grasses and (Rhamnus crocea), occurs (Brown 1991). Colo- rocks) are present. nies are confined closely to the vicinity of the Conservation Considerations: Coastal host plant, with adults frequently observed sage scrub is a declining habitat type and one nectaring on flat-topped buckwheat that is poorly represented on public lands in () (Thorne 1963). the assessment area. Conservation of this type Conservation Considerations: Redberry, where it does occur is important for the the larval host plant, is a common component rufous-crowned sparrow. Additional informa- of chaparral and coastal scrub and is not be- tion is needed on the distribution and lieved to be vulnerable to existing land uses or abundance of this species in the foothill scrub- fire regimes. chaparral transition zone, since that type of habitat is much more extensive on public Coast patch-nosed snake lands. Surveys associated with the develop- (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea) ment of breeding bird atlases in Los Angeles Status and Distribution: The coast patch- (LACBBA 1999) and San Diego (SDNHM nosed snake is a California Species of Special 1999) counties should help in this regard. Concern. Its range extends from near Creston in San Luis Obispo County southward pri- Inhabitants of Coastal-side Chaparral marily on the coastal side of the mountains and Scrub into Baja California (Jennings and Hayes Three of the species that received indi- 1994). Its known elevation range is from near vidual consideration can occur in either sea level to around 7,000 feet (Jennings and chaparral or scrub habitats. The ability of these Hayes 1994), but it is typically found below species to occur in higher elevation chaparral 5,000 feet (Glaser 1970). The species appears habitats increases the potential to conserve to be widespread on national forest system them on public lands within the assessment lands, but not in high densities. area. Habitat: Patch-nosed snakes seem to pre- fer coastal sage scrub and chaparral (Fisher and Hermes copper butterfly ( hermes) Case 1997). Their primary prey is whiptail liz- Status and Distribution: The Hermes ards and this may be what determines the copper is a former federal C2 Candidate Spe- habitat preferences of this snake (Jennings and cies and now is on the federal special concern Hayes 1994). list. It is known only from western San Diego Conservation Considerations: The abun- County and a small portion of adjacent north- dance of coast patch-nosed snakes on public western Baja California, Mexico (Brown lands in the assessment area is not known. 1991). Initial collections of this species were However, this species does not seem particu- all in the immediate vicinity of San Diego, larly vulnerable to existing change agents on but it has proven to be more widespread than public lands. Based on what we currently know originally thought, particularly across the of its distribution and life history characteris- broad chaparral belt east of San Diego. The tics, we believe it can be conserved through Hermes copper is known to extend inland to landscape-scale, habitat-based management. It would be a difficult species to monitor for trends in abundance. 178 Chapter 4 Bell’s sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli) Pratt’s blue butterfly Status and Distribution: The Bell’s sage (Euphilotes enoptes cryptorufes) sparrow is a California Species of Special Con- Status and Distribution: This is a recently cern. Sage sparrows occur on both coastal and described subspecies (Pratt and Emmel 1998) desert slopes, but the subspecies A. b. belli oc- and is not on any special concern lists. It is curs only on the coastal side. Its geographic considered here because much of its known range extends from northern California into range is within the assessment area. Known Baja California. This subspecies extends into locations of this butterfly include the south- lower montane chaparral habitats, which in- facing slope of Pyramid Peak in the southern creases its representation in the assessment part of the San Jacinto Mountains and on the area. Portions of western Riverside and San road to Santa Rosa Mountain at elevations of Diego counties are identified as centers of 4,500 to 5,000 feet (Pratt and Emmel 1998). abundance for this sparrow (Garrett and Dunn The range of this subspecies also extends into 1981). northern Baja California in the San Pedro Habitat: The Bell’s sage sparrow is associ- Martir Mountains. ated with dry chaparral in interior foothills; it Habitat: The Pratt’s blue is associated with also occurs in coastal sage scrub (Garrett and the wild buckwheat species, Eriogonum Dunn 1981). This sparrow is said to inhabit davidsonii. Specifically it has only been found dense stands (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt on the spring blooming, and not the summer 1984), but a recent account suggests it is most blooming, variety of this buckwheat, which common in semi-open chaparral and describes occurs predominantly on south-facing slopes areas of bare ground unencumbered by heavy (Pratt and Emmel 1998). leaf litter as essential (SDNHM 1998). The Conservation Considerations: More in- latter description is consistent with recent formation is needed on the distribution and data from the Cleveland National Forest, abundance of this species. There are no im- where sage sparrows were found to be sig- minent threats to the two localities where this nificantly more abundant in open, butterfly has been observed. young-age (recently burned) chaparral than they were in denser, older stands (Boyd and Coast horned lizard Stephenson 1997). (Phrynosoma coronatum) Conservation Considerations: This spe- Status and Distribution: Two different cies appears to be well represented on public subspecies of coast horned lizard occur in the lands in coastal foothill and lower montane assessment area. P. c. blainvillii, the San Di- areas. One recent study suggests that a chap- ego horned lizard, is a Forest Service Region 5 arral age-class mosaic interspersed with open, Sensitive Species and a California Species of young stands is important to this sparrow Special Concern. P. c. frontale, the California (Boyd and Stephenson 1997). horned lizard, is a California Species of Spe- cial Concern. The two subspecies combined inhabit all of the mountain subareas in the Inhabitants of Coastal and Desert-side assessment area. Shrublands The geographic range of P. c. blainvillii Five of the species that received individual stretches from Ventura County south into Baja consideration can occur in chaparral and scrub California, Mexico. The distribution map for habitats on both coastal and desert sides of this subspecies in Jennings and Hayes (1994) the mountains. In general, this wider geo- suggests its northwestern-most occurrence is graphic range increases the potential for these in the upper Cuyama River watershed. It oc- species to occur on public lands within the curs on all four national forests and reaches assessment area. almost 7,000 feet elevation in places (e.g.,

179 Tahquitz Meadow on Mount San Jacinto) Coastal rosy boa (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Although most (Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca) common on the coastal slope, San Diego Status and Distribution: The coastal rosy horned lizards also occur on the desert side of boa is a Forest Service Region 5 Sensitive Spe- the mountains. cies. It occurs from the foothills of the San P. c. frontale overlaps with P. c. blainvillii Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, south in northern Los Angeles and Ventura coun- through Orange, Riverside and San Diego ties and there is evidence of hybridization in counties, down to the Sierra San Pedro Martir some areas (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The in Baja California (Klauber 1931; Gorman range of P. c. frontale continues north into 1965). There reportedly is a record of this spe- Shasta County. It occurs on both the coastal cies at an elevation of 8,000 feet in the San side and the San Joaquin Valley side of the Gabriel Mountains (Fisher and Case 1997), but mountains. it typically is found much lower. It occurs on Habitat: Horned lizards can be found in both coastal and desert sides of the mountains. a variety of habitats but are most common in Habitat: The coastal rosy boa is primarily shrub-dominated communities. Key habitat associated with rocky habitat in scrub and elements are loose, fine soils with a high sand chaparral, and in the mountains is often found fraction; an abundance of native ants; open in canyons and washes (Klauber 1931; Fisher areas with limited overstory for basking; and and Case 1997). areas with low, dense shrubs for refuge Conservation Considerations: The rosy (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Fisher and Case boa is an attractive, docile snake that has con- (1997) found coast horned lizards primarily siderable market value in the pet trade. Illegal in association with either cryptogamic soils or collection of wild snakes is believed to be a sandy soils. The coast horned lizard’s primary significant problem in some areas (Holland food is harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.); and Goodman 1998; J. Copp, CA Academy the lizards do not appear to eat Argentine of Sciences, pers. comm.). ants. Conservation Considerations: Coast Red diamond rattlesnake horned lizards are reported to be declining, (Crotalus ruber ruber ) primarily due to loss of habitat in low eleva- Status and Distribution: The red dia- tion coastal and inland valleys (Jennings and mond rattlesnake is a California Species of Hayes 1994). Thus, public lands within the Special Concern. It occurs on both coastal and assessment area are becoming increasingly im- desert slopes of the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, portant to the conservation of this species. and Santa Ana mountains, and the mountains The most significant threat to horned liz- of San Diego County (fig. 4.21). Its known ards on public lands may be progressive elevation range is from near sea level to about elimination of its food base by exotic ants, 5,000 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994), al- particularly in areas near human developments though it is typically found below 4,000 feet (Jennings and Hayes 1994; Suarez et al. 1998). (Klauber 1972). Sighting records indicate this The elimination of native ant colonies from species is well represented on the Cleveland small habitat fragments by Argentine ants has National Forest and the San Jacinto District already been documented in southern Cali- of the San Bernardino National Forest (Glaser fornia (see chapter 3). The recent arrival of 1970). red imported fire ants could make this prob- Habitat: The red diamond rattlesnake lem worse. typically occurs in brushy habitats that con- tain large rocks or boulders (Klauber 1972). It is frequently observed in chamise and red

180 Chapter 4

Figure 4.21. The approximate range of the red diamond rattlesnake. shank chaparral as well as coastal sage scrub San Diego pocket mouse and desert scrub (Jennings and Hayes 1994). (Chaetodipus fallax) Conservation Considerations: Urban de- Status and Distribution: The San Diego velopment and irrigated agriculture, pocket mouse is a California Species of Spe- particularly avocado orchards, have signifi- cial Concern. The northern limits of this cantly reduced the amount of suitable habitat species’ range extend from the eastern San for this species (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Gabriel Mountains in the interior to near San However, the red diamond rattlesnake does Onofre along the coast (Lackey 1996). It oc- not seem particularly vulnerable to existing curs south of that line well into Baja California. change agents on public lands. Its distribu- Two different subspecies occur in the assess- tion and life history characteristics suggest it ment area. C. f. fallax occurs on the coastal can be conserved through landscape-scale, side of the mountains and the lighter colored habitat-based management. It would be a dif- C. f. pallidus is found on the desert side (Lackey ficult species to monitor for trends in 1996). abundance. Suitable habitat for this mouse appears to extend well up into the mountains on desert-side 181 slopes. The species has been found at 4,500 Monterey salamander feet in the Santa Rosa Mountains and at 6,000 (Ensatina eschscholtzii eschscholtzii) feet at Cactus Flat on the north side of the Status and Distribution: The Monterey San Bernardino Mountains (Zeiner et al. salamander is a local species of concern be- 1990b). cause it is relatively uncommon and much of Habitat: On the coastal side of the moun- its distribution is at low elevations on private tains, San Diego pocket mice are found lands. It occurs in the valleys, foothills, and primarily in coastal sage scrub (Vaughan 1954; lower montane slopes of every mountain range Lackey 1996), reaching peak abundance in in the assessment area. No population trend rocky areas within that habitat (Price and information is reported for this species. Waser 1984). Vaughan (1954) reported that Three subspecies of Ensatina eschscholtzii this mouse does not extend into even the lower (the other two are considered in the mixed edge of the chaparral belt on the coastal slopes hardwood-conifer forest group) occur in the of the San Gabriel Mountains. mountains of southern California, and their A broader range of habitats appears to be evolutionary relationships and taxonomic sta- occupied on the desert side of the mountains. tus have received considerable scientific It has been found in pinyon-juniper wood- attention (Stebbins 1949; Brown 1974; Wake land, desert scrub, rocky slopes, and and Yanev 1986; Wake et al. 1986; Highton agave-ocotillo habitat (Lackey 1996). On 1998; Wake and Schneider 1998). E. e. desert slopes of the eastern San Gabriel Moun- eschscholtzii is the most distinct of the three tains, the San Diego pocket mouse’s subspecies; it is a reddish-brown, unblotched distribution was closely correlated with the salamander that is believed to have evolved presence of yucca, particularly on dry, rocky from low-elevation coastal regions to the southern slopes (Vaughan 1954). north. The other two subspecies are darker Conservation Considerations: The San with prominent yellow or orange blotches. Diego pocket mouse appears to be well repre- They are believed to have originated in the sented on public lands on the desert side of northern interior mountains and moved south the mountains. It does not seem particularly through the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi vulnerable to land use activities in those ar- mountains (Wake and Yanev 1986). eas. However, if its coastal-side distribution is Habitat: Monterey salamanders are most strictly limited to coastal sage scrub, it may be common in oak woodlands with extensive leaf quite rare on that side of the assessment area. litter and downed wood (Holland and More information is needed on the distribu- Goodman 1998). However, they do occupy a tion and abundance of this species in potential wide variety of other habitats and extend to habitat on the coastal side of the assessment elevations above 6,100 feet in some areas (e.g., area. Sawmill Canyon north of Banning in the San Bernardino Mountains) (Wake et al. 1986). Animals of Foothill Oak They are rarely seen on the ground surface Woodland and Savanna Habitats except during and immediately after rains. Five of the animal species that received Conservation Considerations: These sala- individual consideration are associated with manders are impacted by habitat loss due to foothill woodland and savanna habitats (table development on private lands but are not con- 4.14). Although relatively few rare animal spe- sidered to be particularly vulnerable to cies are restricted to foothill oak woodlands, prevailing land use activities on public lands. it should be recognized that species diversity Over-collection of standing trees and downed and richness are very high in these habitats, logs in oak woodlands can be a problem near since they provide high quality habitat for roads and undoubtedly reduces habitat qual- many species. ity for this species.

182 Chapter 4

Table 4.14. Animals associated with foothill oak woodland and savanna habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Foothill Oak Woodland Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- & Savanna Animals of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation federal status Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Generalist Monterey salamander Moderate y y y y y y y y y Low Unkn Landscape (25-50%) level

Oak Savanna Yellow-billed magpie High y y y Low Stable1 Landscape (10-25%) level

Mature Live Oak Groves Arboreal salamander Mod-Low y y y y y y y y y Low Unkn Landscape (25-50%) level Western screech owl High y y y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape (30-60%) level Long-eared owl Mod-Low y y y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape (< 25%) level

1 Based on BBS data for California (Sauer et al. 1997)

Arboreal salamander (Aneides lugubris) Conservation Considerations: Same as Status and Distribution: The arboreal those described for the Monterey salamander. salamander is a local species of concern be- cause it is relatively uncommon and much of Yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttalli) its distribution is at low elevations on private Status and Distribution: The yellow- lands. It reportedly occurs in the foothills and billed magpie is a local species of concern lower elevations of every mountain range in because it has a small geographic range (Sac- the assessment area (Stebbins 1951), although ramento and central coast valleys) and much it is seldom seen. No population trend infor- of its distribution is at low elevations on pri- mation is reported for this species. vate lands. Magpies occur from the upper Habitat: Arboreal salamanders are typi- south to the , cally found in oak woodlands, particularly and east to the inland limit of oak savanna where coast live oak is a major component (fig. 4.22) (Garrett and Dunn 1981). They (Stebbins 1951; Holland and Goodman formerly occurred south to on 1998). However, in southern California it has the Ventura/Los Angeles county line (Willet been observed in other habitats, including sy- 1933) but apparently were absent from there camore-dominated riparian (R. Fisher, USGS by the 1930s (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Biological Resources Division, pers. comm.) Although localized in distribution, mag- and chaparral (T. Scott, UC Riverside, pers. pies are often common where they occur. comm.). Leaf litter and downed logs are be- Breeding bird survey data from 1966 to 1996 lieved to be important habitat elements for for the California foothills and the entire state this species.

183 Figure 4.22. The approximate range of the yellow-billed magpie.

both show a very stable trend in the abundance Western screech owl (Otus kennicottii) of yellow-billed magpies (Sauer et al. 1997). Status and Distribution: The western Habitat: Yellow-billed magpies occupy screech owl is a local species of concern be- oak savanna, open oak-riparian woodland, and cause it is relatively uncommon and much of pastureland (Lehman 1994). its distribution is at low elevations on private Conservation Considerations: Magpies lands. It occurs in the valleys, foothills, and are probably not particularly vulnerable to pre- lower montane slopes of every mountain range vailing land use activities on public lands. in the assessment area. No population trend However, only small portions of the yellow- information is reported for this species. billed magpie’s occupied range lie on public Habitat: The screech owl is most common land. The ability of this species to persist in in mature live-oak and oak-riparian woodlands increasingly developed areas is uncertain. in coastal and foothill areas but also occurs in Magpies do very well in ranchland situations oak-conifer forests on lower montane slopes and probably are okay in more developed up to at least 5,000 feet (Garrett and Dunn ranchette environments, but it is unclear how 1981; Unitt 1984). they fare in suburban areas. 184 Chapter 4 Conservation Considerations: Screech upper foothill and lower montane areas. In owls nest in mature woodlands and, thus, are these areas, closed canopy woodlands are of- dependent on old stands that cannot easily be ten surrounded by dense chaparral. replaced. Mature oak woodland habitats are In desert-side areas, long-eared owls nest declining due to development on private lands, in wooded riparian habitats. They regularly and stands on public lands are vulnerable to nest in tamarisk groves in the Anza-Borrego loss in stand-replacing fires. Desert (SDNHM 1998) and in riparian wood- land in Big Morongo Canyon, both in Long-eared owl (Asio otus) situations where there is a lot of adjacent open Status and Distribution: The long-eared habitat. owl is a California Species of Special Concern. Conservation Considerations: More in- Its geographic range extends across the assess- formation is needed on the distribution of this ment area, but recent observations in the species on public lands within the assessment region are rare. There are a few historical area, particularly in the foothills where long- records of long-eared owls nesting at high el- eared owls are now rare and vulnerable to evations (above 7,000 feet) in the San habitat loss on private lands. Efforts are needed Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains, but to protect grassland and meadow habitats in we found no recent observations in those ar- the vicinity of long-eared owl nest sites. eas. There are recent records from Crowder Canyon and Cajon Wash in the San Bernar- Animals of Mixed Hardwood- dino National Forest (D. Freeman, unpubl. Conifer Forest Habitats notes), but those areas are below 5,000 feet. A Ten of the animal species that received in- pair of long-eared owls with young were ob- dividual consideration are associated with served at 7,500 feet on Mount Pinos in 1981 forest types that typically contain a mix of (Lentz 1993). hardwoods (e.g., oaks) and conifers (e.g., pines Bloom (1994) documented a number of and firs) (table 4.15). Many of these species active long-eared owl nest sites along the base are found in lower montane forest types such of the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange as bigcone Douglas-fir/canyon live oak and County and within Camp Pendleton in north- Coulter pine/canyon live oak stands. Some of western San Diego County. He also reviewed the species in this group, like the , historic nesting records elsewhere in San Di- also can occur in forests that contain only co- ego County. The vast majority of these nifers or hardwoods. locations are west of the assessment area in the coastal valleys and low foothills. San Gabriel Mountains elfin butterfly In a map of long-eared owl distribution (Incisalia mossii hidakupa) in California, Zeiner et al. (1990) indicate Status and Distribution: This is a recently potential breeding areas on the desert side of described taxon (Emmel et al. 1998) that is the Castaic Ranges, in the upper Cuyama Val- recognized as a Species of Concern by the U.S. ley region, and along the immediate coast in Fish and Wildlife Service. The San Gabriel San Luis Obispo and southern Monterey Mountains elfin is known from only six loca- counties. tions in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Habitat: In coastal areas of southern Cali- mountains (Murphy 1990). Reported loca- fornia, long-eared owls typically nest in dense, tions from the San Gabriel Mountains are in closed-canopy stands of coast live oak or ri- the San Antonio Canyon watershed (i.e., parian woodland that are in close proximity Stoddard Canyon and 5 miles west of Mount to open habitats such as grassland, meadow, Baldy) and the Big Tujunga watershed (i.e., or desert scrub (Bloom 1994). The need for near Hidden Springs) (Murphy 1990). The adjacent grassland foraging habitat may ex- only reported locality in the San Bernardino plain why this owl is not more common in 185 Table 4.15. Animals associated with mixed hardwood-conifer forest habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Hardwood/Conifer Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- Forest Animals of of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Concern Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category federal status (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng

Invertebrates (butterflies) San Gabriel Mtns. elfin Low y y Unkn Unkn Site (> 80%) specific Thorne’s hairstreak Low p Mod Unkn Site (0%) specific

Amphibians Large-blotched High y y y1 Low Unkn Landscape salamander (30-60%) level

Yellow-blotched Mod y1 p y Low Unkn Landscape salamander (30-60%) level

San Gabriel Mtn. Mod p y Low Unkn Landscape slender salamander (> 80%) level

Tehachapi slender Low p p Unkn Unkn Minimal salamander (0%) influence

Birds California spotted owl High ~35 3 ~20 ~120 ~60 12 ~65 ~12 ~40 Mod Decl2 Site (50-75%) specific Northern pygmy owl Low y p y y y y y y y Low Unkn Landscape (25-50%) level Purple martin Mod y h y y y y y t y High Decl3 Site (25-50%) specific Cassin’s solitary vireo High y y y y y y y y y Mod Unkn Landscape (< 25%) level

1 Ensatina salamanders in the San Bernardino Mountains have color patterns more similar to the yellow-blotched subspecies, but are genetically closer to the large-blotched subspecies (Wake and Schneider 1998). 2 LaHaye and Gutierrez 1997. (specific to the San Bernardino Mountains) 3 Garrett and Dunn 1981, Unitt 1984, Lehman 1994.

Mountains is near Angeles Oaks, in the Santa (1990) status review, Incisalia mossii hidakupa Ana River watershed. is listed as a category A taxon, that is, a taxon Habitat: The San Gabriel Mountains elfin in immediate need of protective measures. Two butterfly appears to be found primarily on other species identified as category A taxa in steep, north-facing slopes. The larval host plant this 1990 paper have subsequently been added is a stonecrop, Sedum spathulifolim, that is con- to the endangered species list (i.e., quino centrated and limited in extent (Murphy 1990; checkerspot and Laguna Mountain skipper). Emmel et al. 1998). Ironically, the principal threat identified Conservation Considerations: All re- for this species is over collecting and destruc- ported localities of this butterfly appear to be tion of host plants by butterfly collectors on national forest system lands. In Murphy’s (Murphy 1990). The locations of these 186 Chapter 4 populations should be identified by the For- tween 3,000 and 6,000 feet (fig. 4.23). Local- est Service and protective measures instituted ized populations of blotched ensatina to reduce this threat. Additional surveys are salamanders in the San Bernardino Mountains also needed to better determine the distribu- (i.e., Crystal Creek, near Lake Arrowhead, and tion, abundance, and habitat requirements of Sawmill Canyon) appear to be genetically this butterfly. closer to E. e. klauberi, but have color patterns more similar to E. e. croceater (Wake and Thorne’s hairstreak (Mitoura thornei) Schneider 1998). Status and Distribution: The Thorne’s Habitat: Large-blotched salamanders oc- hairstreak is a local species of concern. Murphy cur in a variety of habitats but are most (1990) considered it a category B taxon, which common in mixed stands of oaks (coast live, he defined as one which warrants listing as canyon live, or black) and conifers (pine, fir, endangered, but with a less pressing need than and incense cedar). Down logs, leaf litter, and category A taxa. This butterfly is currently woody debris appear to be important habitat known only from the vicinity of Otay Moun- elements (Jennings and Hayes 1994). tain near the Mexican border in southwestern Conservation Considerations: These sala- San Diego County (Brown 1991). Closely as- manders are impacted by habitat losses sociated with Tecate cypress on Otay resulting from development on private lands Mountain, the Thorne’s hairstreak has not but are not considered to be particularly vul- been found at other localities where the cy- nerable to prevailing land use activities on press tree occurs (Brown 1991). public lands. Over-collection of standing trees Habitat: The larval host plant for this but- and downed logs in oak-conifer forests can be terfly is the Tecate cypress. A detailed a problem near roads and likely reduces habi- description of the habitat on Otay Mountain tat quality for this species. where the Thorne’s hairstreak occurs is pro- vided in Brown (1983). Yellow-blotched salamander Conservation Considerations: It appears (Ensatina eschscholtzii croceater) that the Thorne’s hairstreak does not occur at Status and Distribution: The yellow- sites where Tecate cypress grows within the blotched salamander is a Forest Service Region assessment area (Brown 1991), but additional 5 Sensitive Species and a California Species of surveys are needed to make a more conclusive Special Concern. It occurs in the Tehachapi determination. The biggest threat to this spe- Mountains and extends into the assessment cies is overly frequent fire that could drastically area in the vicinity of Mount Pinos, Frazier reduce the abundance of Tecate cypress (see Mountain, and Alamo Mountain (Jennings “Tecate Cypress” section in chapter 2). A se- and Hayes 1994). Potential habitat close to ries of recent fires on Otay Mountain has the known range of this subspecies exists on negatively impacted the cypress. Liebre and Sawmill mountains in the Castaic region. As previously mentioned, blotched ensatina slamanders found in the San Bernar- Large-blotched salamander dino Mountains have color patterns similar (Ensatina eschscholtzii klauberi) to E. e. croceater. Status and Distribution: The large- The absence of blotched ensatina sala- blotched salamander is a Forest Service Region manders in the San Gabriel Mountains has 5 Sensitive Species and a California Species of long been an enigma, since there appears to Special Concern. It occurs from the moun- be an extensive amount of suitable habitat tains of San Diego County (i.e., Laguna, there, and people continue to search for iso- Cuyamaca, Volcan, Palomar, and Hot Springs) lated, undiscovered populations (Wake and north to the San Jacinto Mountains (Jennings Schneider 1998). and Hayes 1994) primarily at elevations be- 187 Figure 4.23. Approximate range of the large-blotched salamander and known locations of the yellow-blotched and San Gabriel Mountain salamanders.

Habitat: Yellow-blotched salamanders oc- San Gabriel Mountain slender salamander cur in a variety of habitats but are most (Batrachoseps gabrieli) common in mixed stands of oaks (black, blue, Status and Distribution: The San Gabriel or canyon live) and conifers (pine or fir). Mountain slender salamander is a Forest Ser- Down logs, leaf litter, and woody debris ap- vice Region 5 Sensitive Species. This recently pear to be important habitat elements described species is known from only a few (Jennings and Hayes 1994). localities, all in the eastern San Gabriel Moun- Conservation Considerations: Same as tains (fig. 4.23): at Pine Flats near Crystal Lake those described for the large-blotched sala- and Rockbound Canyon in the upper San mander. Surveys are needed to determine if Gabriel River watershed (Wake 1996), in San this species is present on Liebre or Sawmill Antonio Canyon, and in the south, middle, mountains. and north forks of Lytle Creek (R. Goodman, pers. comm., 1998). A Batrachoseps sala- mander found in Waterman Canyon in the San Bernardino Mountains may also be this 188 Chapter 4 species, although it has some different physi- slopes. It is often found in association with cal characteristics (R. Goodman, pers. comm., rocky talus slopes (Zeiner et al. 1988). 1998). Conservation Considerations: Surveys are The known elevation range of this sala- needed to determine if this species is present mander is from 3,800 feet to 7,800 feet (Wake in areas of potential habitat within the assess- 1996) and all localities are within either the ment area that are near known populations. Angeles or San Bernardino national forests. Habitat: San Gabriel Mountain slender California spotted owl salamanders have been found in mixed hard- (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) wood-conifer forest habitats, usually near Status and Distribution: The California water and often associated with rocky talus spotted owl is a Forest Service Region 5 Sen- slopes (Wake 1996). They typically occur un- sitive Species. Spotted owls occur in all of the der large rocks, rotting logs, downed tree major mountain ranges in the assessment area, limbs, and bark. although some ranges support very few pairs Conservation Considerations: This sala- (fig. 4.24). They are found at elevations rang- mander is currently known from only a few ing from below 1,000 feet along the Monterey locations, all of which are on national forest coast to approximately 8,500 feet (Stephenson system lands in the eastern San Gabriel Moun- 1991). A territorial species with large acreage tains. Until more information is obtained on requirements (at least 300 acres of mature for- the distribution and abundance of this taxon, est per pair), spotted owls in southern the few known localities warrant management California are clustered in disjunct mountain attention. If it is found to be more broadly and foothill areas where suitable habitat ex- distributed, landscape-scale habitat manage- ists. These clusters are surrounded by large ment may suffice since its apparent niche areas of unsuitable habitat. under rocks, logs, and duff suggest it is not Habitat: Spotted owls are found in ma- particularly vulnerable to existing agents of ture forests, typically where there is a dense, change. Mesic lower montane forests (e.g., multi-layered canopy. Nest stands often have bigcone Douglas-fir/canyon live oak) appear a well-developed hardwood understory (e.g., to be important to this species. canyon live oak) and a conifer overstory. How- ever, some high-elevation territories (above Tehachapi slender salamander 6,500 feet) consist primarily or solely of coni- (Batrachoseps stebbinsi) fers and some low-elevation territories (below Status and Distribution: The Tehachapi 3,000 feet) are found in pure hardwood stands. slender salamander is a Forest Service Region Territory sizes vary widely depending on habi- 5 Sensitive Species and is state-listed as threat- tat type, with territories becoming larger in ened. The narrow known range of this species the high-elevation, conifer-dominated sites. is primarily restricted to the Piute and Verner et al. (1992) and LaHaye et al. (1997) Tehachapi mountains of Kern County at el- provide detailed quantitative information on evations between 2,500 and 5,000 feet (Zeiner the habitats occupied by spotted owls in south- et al. 1988). There are no known locations of ern California. this species in the assessment area, but areas Conservation Considerations: Spotted near the Tehachapi Mountains that contain owls in southern California are believed to potential habitat include the Mount Pinos/ function as a metapopulation, with separate Frasier Mountain area and also the north sides subpopulations connected by infrequent but of Liebre and Sawmill mountains. persistent interchange of individual owls Habitat: This salamander is found prima- (Noon and McKelvey 1992; LaHaye et al. rily in mixed pine-oak and riparian woodlands 1994). The largest subpopulation is the 200- in moist canyons, ravines, and north-facing plus territories in the adjacent San Bernardino

189 Figure 4.24. Known locations of the California spotted owl in the assessment area.

and San Gabriel mountains. Although Cajon An important factor to consider is that Pass separates these two mountain ranges, spotted owls occupy a variety of different habi- there is not a major habitat discontinuity and tats across the assessment area. Reproductive only 6 miles separate the easternmost San success and survivorship rates for individual Gabriel territory from the westernmost San members of the population may differ, de- Bernardino territory. Noon and McKelvey pending on which habitat type they inhabit (1992) stress the importance of this large sub- (Pulliam et al. 1992). There is empirical evi- population as a likely source area that provides dence from the San Bernardino Mountains immigrants to sustain the surrounding smaller, that spotted owl reproductive success is sig- isolated subpopulations. However, the simu- nificantly higher in lower montane bigcone lation modeling results of LaHaye et al. (1994) Douglas-fir/canyon live oak forests than it is found the southern California spotted owl in high-elevation montane conifer forests (table metapopulation’s stability to be insensitive to 4.16) (LaHaye et al. 1997). These lower eleva- rates of dispersal between mountain ranges, tion habitats are believed to be productive suggesting that the subpopulations could be because of high woodrat densities (the owl’s pri- considered effectively isolated. mary prey) in the surrounding chaparral. 190 Chapter 4 They also tend to be below the snow line of mon near Big Pine Mountain, less common most late winter/spring storms, which may around Figueroa and Pine mountains, and rare reduce the impact of such weather events dur- on Mount Pinos. They reportedly occur in the ing the breeding season. Large, late-season San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto storms have been shown to have a major ef- mountains, although detailed information on fect on spotted owl reproductive success in their distribution and abundance is lacking. northwestern California (Franklin et al. in They occur rarely if at all in the Santa Ana press) and appear to have a similar effect in Mountains, and they are described as “very the Sierra Nevada ( J. Verner, Pacific South- rare if not now extirpated” from San Diego west Research Station, pers. comm.). County (SDNHM 1998). The apparent high quality of low- Habitat: Pygmy owls are found most com- elevation live oak and bigcone Douglas-fir monly in oak-conifer and riparian-conifer dominated habitats may explain the contin- woodlands, often in canyons (Garrett and ued persistence of small spotted owl Dunn 1981). They can occur from low- populations in each southern California elevation foothill canyons up into montane mountain range. Maintaining these restricted conifer forests but reportedly become less com- habitats, which are often narrow stringers of mon above 6,000 feet (Zeiner et al. 1990). dense, mature forest on north-facing slopes Pygmy owls typically nest in abandoned wood- and deep canyons, should be a high manage- pecker holes, especially those of the acorn ment priority. They are vulnerable to loss in woodpecker (Zeiner et al. 1990). They are stand-replacing fires that move in from the sur- often found near forest openings. rounding chaparral. Conservation Considerations: Lower montane hardwood-conifer forests (e.g., Northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium gnoma) bigcone Douglas-fir/Coulter pine/live oak as- Status and Distribution: The northern sociations) may be particularly important to pygmy owl is a local species of concern be- this species. There are indications that these cause it is rare in southern California and most forests are declining due to an increase in known locations are within the assessment stand-replacing fires (see “Fire” section in area. Garrett and Dunn (1981) report that chapter 3). pygmy owls frequently occur in foothill can- yons and forested interior mountains of San Purple martin (Progne subis) Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties but Status and Distribution: Purple martins become considerably rarer as you move south occurred, at least historically, in all of the ma- and east. Sighting records described by Lentz jor mountain ranges in the assessment area. (1993) suggests pygmy owls are fairly com- However, many historic localities are no longer

Table 4.16. Reproductive success of spotted owls in the San Bernardino Mountains by habitat type (from LaHaye et al. 1997).

Number of nests Average fledglings Habitat Type (% successful) per nest

Oak/bigcone Douglas-fir 42 (81%) 1.39 (low elevation) Conifer/hardwood 21 (67%) 0.98 (middle elevation) Mixed conifer 38 (76%) 0.95 (high elevation)

191 occupied (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt Cassin’s solitary vireo 1984). Three known nesting sites on Palomar (Vireo solitarius cassinii) Mountain were abandoned in the mid-1980s Status and Distribution: The Cassin’s soli- (R. Higson, pers. comm., 1997). They also tary vireo is a local species of concern because have reportedly disappeared from most of the it is uncommon in southern California and San Gabriel Mountains and may no longer most known breeding locations are within the breed there (D. Cooper, UC Riverside, in litt., assessment area. It is broadly distributed along 1998). the coastal slopes of the mountains in foothill Within the Los Padres National Forest, and lower montane forests and woodlands, Lentz (1993) and Lehman (1994) describe ob- particularly in densely wooded canyons servations of purple martins on Big Pine (Garrett and Dunn 1981). BBS results from Mountain and San Rafael Mountain in the 1980 to 1996 show solitary vireos increasing 1980s, but it is unclear if these sites are still statewide at a statistically significant rate of occupied. Nojoqui Falls County Park and the 3.6 percent a year (Sauer et al. 1997). Results Alisal Ranch area in the Santa Ynez Valley are from the Forest Service riparian bird study also the most recently documented breeding sites show an increasing trend of 10.3 percent a year (Lehman 1994). in the southern California national forests. In the San Jacinto Mountains, Lake Habitat: The Cassin’s solitary vireo breeds Hemet and Garner Valley are historic breed- in oak and mixed hardwood-conifer wood- ing localities and there are indications that lands. Lentz (1993) says that this subspecies purple martins may still occur there (D. Free- is encountered on the Los Padres National man, unpubl. notes). In San Diego County, Forest in shaded areas where oaks and coni- recent known sites include Palomar Observa- fers form a canopy, often near riparian tory, , and Kitchen Creek Road vegetation. (SDNHM 1998). Conservation Considerations: Solitary Habitat: Purple martins develop colonial vireos frequently have their nests parasitized nests in cavities of large trees in oak or ripar- by brown-headed cowbirds (Verner and Boss ian woodlands and low-elevation coniferous 1980; Erhlich et al. 1988). The taxonomy of forests (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Nests are solitary vireos needs to be clarified. Recent often located in a tall, old isolated tree or snag studies suggest that the Cassins and Plumbeus in open forest or woodland, frequently near a subspecies should be recognized as distinct body of water (Zeiner et al. 1990). species (Johnson 1995). Conservation Considerations: Competi- tion for nest cavities from European starlings has taken a heavy toll on the purple martin Animals of Montane Conifer (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Unitt 1984; Forest Habitats Lehman 1994). It is also negatively affected Animals species associated with montane by declines in snag densities. More informa- conifer forests that received individual con- tion is needed on locations of active purple sideration in this assessment include three martin colonies in the assessment area. Occu- invertebrates, six reptiles (table 4.17), nine pied sites should be given site-specific birds, and seven mammals (table 4.18). None attention as this species is highly vulnerable of these species is federally listed as threatened to extirpation from individual mountain or endangered, which is a reflection of lower ranges and the entire assessment area. Starling rates of habitat loss in montane areas that are control in the vicinity of active nest sites is a predominately on public lands. potential habitat improvement action.

192 Chapter 4

Table 4.17. Invertebrates and reptiles associated with montane conifer forests that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Montane Conifer Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- Forest Animals of of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Concern Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category federal status (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Invertebrates Bicolored rainbeetle Low y Mod Unkn Landscape (0-30%) level Andrew’s marble Mod y Unkn Unkn Landscape butterfly (40-80%) level August checkerspot Mod y Unkn Unkn Landscape (> 70%) level

Reptiles Sagebrush lizard Mod y y y y p y y Low Unkn Landscape (50-70%) level Southern Mod y y y* Mod Unkn Landscape (30-70%) level Coastal mtn. kingsnake Mod y y p y Mod Unkn Landscape (40-70%) level San Bernardino mtn. Mod y y y Mod Unkn Landscape kingsnake (50-80%) level San Diego mtn. Mod y y High Unkn Landscape kingsnake (40-70%) level Mountain garter snake Low y Low Unkn Landscape (> 60%) level

* Rubber boas near Mount Pinos are intergrades between southern and northern subspecies

Montane Conifer Invertebrates Habitat: We have no specific information Bicolored rainbeetle (Pleocoma bicolor) on the habitat associations of this species. Most Status and Distribution: The bicolored of the area within its small geographic range rainbeetle is a species of local concern because is either pine forest, mixed conifer forest, or it is endemic to a small portion of the San black oak woodland. Bernardino Mountains. The entire known Conservation Considerations: Informa- range of this species is confined to an area tion is needed on the current distribution of extending from Rim of the World Drive the species. It would be particularly useful to (Highway 18) near the Crestline cutoff know the extent to which it occurs on public through Crestline, Bluejay, and Arrowhead lands in the San Bernardino Mountains. If not City to the north shore of Lake Arrowhead well represented on existing public lands, ar- (Hovore 1991). Most of this area is private eas known to still harbor this species should land where there has been intensive recre- be considered for land exchanges and/or ac- ational and housing development in the past quisitions. two decades. This rainbeetle has declined and possibly has been extirpated from much of its historical range (Hovore 1991). 193 Table 4.18. Birds and mammals associated with montane conifer forests that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Montane Conifer Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- Birds & Mammals of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation of Concern Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category federal status (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng

Birds Sharp-shinned hawk Low w w y y y w p w y Mod Unkn Landscape (> 60%) level Northern goshawk Low y y p y Mod Unkn Site (60-80%) specific Mt Pinos blue grouse Low h/p Mod Unkn Site (> 90%) specfic Flammulated owl Mod p y y y p y y High Unkn Landscape (40-60%) level Northern saw-whet owl Mod y p y y y p y p y Mod Unkn Landscape (> 60%) level Williamson’s sapsucker Mod w y y y w y w Mod Unkn Landscape (> 60%) level White-headed Mod y y y y p y p p Mod Unkn Landscape woodpecker (> 60%) level Hermit thrush Mod p/w w p y y w y w y Mod Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level Virginia’s warbler Mod t t t y y t t t t Low Unkn Landscape (> 60%) level

Mammals Long-eared myotis Mod y y y y p y p Unkn Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level Fringed myotis Mod y y y y p y p Unkn Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level Long-legged myotis Mod y y y y p y p Unkn Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level Golden-mantled Mod y Low Unkn Landscape ground squirrel (> 70%) level San Bernardino Mod h/p y p Mod Unkn Landscape flying squirrel (> 60%) level San Bernardino white- Low h/p p Unkn Unkn Site eared pocket mouse (> 60%) specific Porcupine Low y h/p Unkn Unkn Landscape (> 60%) level

1 based on USFS riparian point count results 2 Bell’s vireo is increasing regionwide, but decreasing on national forest service lands

Andrew’s marble butterfly San Bernardino Mountains (Murphy 1990). (Euchloe hyantis andrewsi) It is found at elevations above 5,000 feet near Status and Distribution: The Andrew’s Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, and in marble is a former C2 Candidate for federal other locations across the crest and north slope. listing. Its geographic range is restricted to the Recent records include Baldwin Lake,

194 Chapter 4 Sugarloaf Mountain, and Wild Horse Meadow The southern sagebrush lizard, S. g. (Murphy 1990). vandenburgianus, extends from near Mount Habitat: The Andrew’s marble is found Pinos south to the Sierra San Pedro Martir in primarily in pine and mixed conifer forests. Baja California. The western sagebrush lizard, The larval host plants for this subspecies are S. g. gracilis, occurs in the Mount Pinos re- Streptanthus bernardinus and Arabis holboellii gion and extends north into the Sierra Nevada (Murphy 1990). and along the central and northern Califor- Conservation Considerations: No threats nia coast (Censky 1986). have been identified for this species. Murphy S. g. gracilis has a very patchy distribution (1990) considered the Andrew’s marble to be in small islands of upper-elevation habitat that a category D taxon, which is defined as being lie within the Los Padres National Forest. neither in danger of extinction nor likely to Occupied areas include Mount Pinos, Pine be. It is not clear what this determination is Mountain, Big Pine Mountain, Sierra Madre based upon, other than that the Andrew’s Mountains, and Cone Peak in the northern marble appears to be well distributed and Santa Lucia Range (J. Copp, Cal. Academy largely on national forest system lands. of Sciences, in litt.). It appears to be absent from the low-elevation southern Santa Lucia August checkerspot butterfly Range (Censky 1986). (Euphydryas editha augustina) Fisher and Case (1997) report that S. g. Status and Distribution: This high- vandenburgianus was the most frequently cap- elevation relative of the quino checkerspot is tured species in pitfall trap arrays in the vicinity a species of local concern because it is endemic of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Moun- to the San Bernardino Mountains. The Au- tains and the second most frequently captured gust checkerspot has been found above 8,000 species at the in the San Jacinto feet on Sugarloaf Peak and along forest roads Mountains. It also occurs in the San Gabriel and meadows from 5,000 to 7,000 feet near Mountains and the higher-elevation moun- Running Springs, Moonridge, Cedarpines tains in San Diego County. Park, Wild Horse Creek, and Fawnskin Habitat: Sagebrush lizards inhabit a vari- (Emmel and Emmel 1973). ety of montane vegetation types including Habitat: The August checkerspot occurs mixed conifer forest, black oak woodlands, in pine and mixed conifer forests. Collinsia montane chaparral, and pinyon-juniper wood- childii is a known host plant and it is reported lands (Zeiner et al. 1988). In general, they tend that Castilleja species are also used (Emmel to be in open habitats that receive consider- and Emmel 1973). able sunlight. Conservation Considerations: No threats Conservation Considerations: No threat have been identified for this species. Similar factors have been specifically identified for in known range and habitat to the Andrew’s sagebrush lizards, other than the fact that their marble, the August checkerspot probably distribution in southern California is limited would be similarly described as being neither and highly disjunct. They should be ad- in danger of extinction nor likely to be. equately conserved through landscape-scale habitat management. Montane Conifer Reptiles Sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) Southern rubber boa Status and Distribution: The sagebrush ( bottae umbratica) lizard is considered a species of local concern Status and Distribution: The southern because it is patchily distributed and restricted rubber boa is state listed as threatened and is a to high elevations (primarily above 4,000 feet). Forest Service Region 5 Sensitive Species. It is Two subspecies occur in the assessment area. found in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto

195 mountains, at elevations between 4,900 and Isolated populations of rubber boas have 7,900 feet (fig. 4.25) (Stewart 1988). There also been found in the southern Los Padres are approximately eight known localities in the ranges on Mount Pinos, Mount Abel, and San Jacinto Mountains (including Fern Val- Alamo Mountain (Alten and Keasler 1978). ley, Dark Canyon, Devil’s Slide trail, and the Morphological and electrophoretic analysis of North Fork, San Jacinto River near the High- specimens from these mountains show them way 243 crossing) and thirty-five to forty to be intergrades between the southern rubber known locations in the San Bernardino Moun- boa and the northern rubber boa (C. b. bottae) tains (Keasler 1981; Loe 1985; Stewart 1988). which occurs in the Sierra Nevada range (G. Twenty-six of the localities in the San Bernar- Stewart, Cal Poly Pomona, in litt.). dino Mountains are in a 10-mile-long strip Habitat: The southern rubber boa usually between Twin Peaks on the west and Green occurs in moist woodlands and coniferous for- Valley on the east (Stewart 1988). Other lo- ests. It tends to be associated with vegetatively cations include Barton Flats and north-facing productive sites, usually with deep, well- slopes immediately south of Big Bear Lake. developed soils (Loe 1985). It is a burrower

Figure 4.25. The approximate range of the southern rubber boa.

196 Chapter 4 and also commonly makes use of rock out- cies extends from 1,200 feet in Eaton Can- crops as hibernacula. Large downed logs and yon (San Gabriel Mountains) to 8,100 feet a well-developed litter/duff layer are consid- on Mount San Jacinto (Jennings and Hayes ered important for cover and for maintaining 1994). Finally, the coastal mountain high soil moisture. Soil moisture may be a lim- kingsnake, L. z. multifasciata, which is not iting factor for rubber boas, as they are usually identified as a sensitive species, is found in the found during summer months in damp draws southern Los Padres ranges and the northern near springs, seeps, and streams (Loe 1985). Santa Lucia Range (Zweifel 1975). Conservation Considerations: The rub- Habitat: In southern California, moun- ber boa is vulnerable to habitat loss from tain kingsnakes appear to be most common development on private land, water diversion in relatively open stands of ponderosa pine, or extraction, and land use activities that de- Jeffrey pine, Coulter pine, and/or black oak stroy soil or surface cover. The majority of at elevations between 4,500 and 6,500 feet known rubber boa locations are on private (McGurty 1988). They occur at higher eleva- lands. The lush, mesic forests that are prime tions as well but are less common. Mountain habitat for this species tend to be highly inter- kingsnakes also occur at lower elevations be- spersed with private lands (e.g., around Lake low the montane conifer belt, where they are Arrowhead and Idyllwild). Where such forest found in riparian or mesic oak woodlands conditions occur on public land, care should characterized by sycamore, cottonwood, and be taken to maintain mesic conditions, down coast live oak. This is the type of habitat where logs, and leaf cover. mountain kingsnakes are primarily found in the Santa Ana and Santa Ynez mountains California mountain kingsnake (McGurty 1988; Fisher and Case 1997). Well- (Lampropeltis zonata) illuminated canyons with rocky outcrops in Status and Distribution: Three separate association with bigcone Douglas-fir are also subspecies of mountain kingsnakes occur good habitat. within the assessment area. The San Diego Partially shaded rock outcrops appear to subspecies, L. z. pulchra, is a Forest Service be an important microhabitat element for refu- Region 5 Sensitive Species and a California gia and basking sites (McGurty 1988). Large Species of Special Concern. It occurs in the downed logs also may be important (Holland mountains of San Diego County (Laguna, and Goodman 1998). Cuyamaca, Volcan, Hot Springs, and Conservation Considerations: The big- Palomar), and the Santa Ana and Santa gest threat to mountain kingsnakes is poaching Monica mountains (Jennings and Hayes by collectors and the destruction of microhabi- 1994). Although most common in montane tat caused by this activity (e.g., dismantling forests, L. z. pulchra is also found at low eleva- rock outcrops and shredding down logs) tions in foothill canyons (McGurty 1988). (Jennings and Hayes 1994). There is a signifi- There are scattered historic reports of this sub- cant illegal commercial trade in this attractive species near sea level along the coast, but it snake that creates a demand for poaching. was not detected during recent reptile surveys McGurty (1988) documents a decline in the on Camp Pendleton, the largest remaining abundance of mountain kingsnakes on Laguna stretch of undeveloped coastal habitat in south- Mountain in San Diego County that he at- ern California (Holland and Goodman 1998). tributes to illegal collecting. The San Bernardino subspecies, L. z. parvirubra, is also a Forest Service Sensitive Mountain garter snake Species and a California Species of Special (Thamnophis elegans elegans) Concern. It occurs in the San Jacinto, San Status and Distribution: The mountain Bernardino, and San Gabriel mountains. The garter snake is a taxon of local concern because documented elevation range for this subspe- 197 it occurs only in the San Bernardino Moun- Conservation Considerations: More in- tains (Fitch 1983). It is found at elevations formation is needed on where sharp-shinned above 4,900 feet (Fisher and Case 1997b). hawks nest, particularly in the San Bernardino Information is scarce on the status of this and San Jacinto mountains. The breeding subspecies; we found no locality informa- population in the southern California moun- tion for it. tains is likely small and could easily be Habitat: Although not as aquatic in habit extirpated by cumulative disturbances near as the two-striped garter snake, the mountain nesting sites. Large stand-replacing fires are a garter snake is typically found in the vicinity significant threat, but this hawk’s preference of permanent or semi-permanent sources of for early-seral forest stands indicates it would water in a variety of habitats (Zeiner et al. probably benefit from small-scale disturbances 1988). that spur regeneration. Conservation Considerations: More in- formation is needed on the distribution and Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) abundance of this snake in the San Bernar- Status and Distribution: The northern dino Mountains. The most mesic portion of goshawk is a Forest Service Region 5 Sensi- this range is also where private land is con- tive Species and a California Species of Special centrated (i.e., Crestline to Lake Arrowhead), Concern. Rare in southern California, gos- so it is possible that the mountain garter snake hawks have been observed during the breeding is poorly represented on public lands. season only on Mount Abel, Mount Pinos, and in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto moun- Montane Conifer Birds tains (fig. 4.26) (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) Lentz 1993). A pair with two young were ob- Status and Distribution: The sharp- served in the vicinity of Mount Abel in June shinned hawk is a California Species of Special 1989 and an adult and one immature bird Concern. It occurs regularly in winter and as were observed at Mount Pinos in July 1991 a migrant throughout the assessment area, but (Lentz 1993). Mid-summer localities in the nesting has been recorded only in the north- San Jacinto Mountains include Tahquitz Val- ern Santa Lucia, San Gabriel, San Bernardino, ley, Willow Creek, Skunk Cabbage, Humber and San Jacinto mountains. It is not known if Park, and Lake Fulmor (Garrett and Dunn nesting occurs regularly in these mountains, 1981). Breeding has not been documented in although summer siting records in the San the San Bernardino Mountains, although gos- Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains are hawks have been observed near Big Bear Lake, common enough to suggest it does (Garrett Arrowbear (Garrett and Dunn 1981), and on and Dunn 1981). Reported historic nesting Fish Creek. localities include Icehouse Canyon in the San Habitat: Goshawks can occur in a variety Gabriel Mountains and Lake Arrowhead and of coniferous forest communities, including Big Bear Valley in the San Bernardino Moun- ponderosa and Jeffrey pine, mixed conifer, tains (Garrett and Dunn 1981). white fir, and lodgepole pine. Nest stands are Habitat: Sharp-shinned hawks nest in co- typically composed of large, densely spaced niferous forests often within riparian areas or trees, with higher canopy closure and more on north-facing slopes. Nest stands are typi- open understories than the surrounding land- cally dense patches of small-diameter trees scape (Woodbridge and Detrich 1994). When which are cool, moist, well shaded, with little foraging, goshawks are forest generalists, us- ground cover, and near water (Zeiner et al. ing a variety of forest types, structural 1990). These stands are often in close prox- conditions, and successional stages (Reynolds imity to open areas. et al. 1992). Large snags and downed logs are believed to be important habitat elements because they 198 Chapter 4

Figure 4.26. Documented locations of northern goshawk in the assessment area. increase the abundance of small- to medium- tion of mature conifer forest habitats from sized birds and mammals that goshawks eat stand-replacing fire will be important to main- (Reynolds et al. 1992). Goshawks have large taining goshawks in this region. area requirements; in the southern Cascade Mountains of northern California, goshawk Mount Pinos blue grouse territories were spaced at intervals of one per (Dendragapus obscurus) 1,500 to 2,400 acres of conifer forest habitat Status and Distribution: The Mount (Woodbridge and Detrich 1994). Pinos blue grouse is a species of local concern Conservation Considerations: More in- because of its extremely localized distribution formation is needed on where goshawks nest that lies entirely within the assessment area. It in the southern California mountains. The is known only from areas above 6,500 feet in breeding population is clearly small, probably the Mount Pinos/Mount Abel area, with the fewer than thirty pairs, and could easily be ex- exception of one outlying record of grouse tirpated by impacts to nesting sites. Efforts to chicks from Big Pine Mountain in the 1930s maintain the integrity of these sites cannot be (Lentz 1993). Dicky and van Rossem (1923) made until we know where they are. Protec- described the grouse of the southern Sierra 199 Nevada and Mount Pinos as a distinct sub- San Bernardino Mountains and five to ten lo- species, D. o. howardi, citing eight specimens cations in the San Jacinto Mountains (R. from the area. McKernan, SBNHM, unpubl. data). It is unclear if blue grouse still occur in Habitat: Flammulated owl breeding habi- this region. Lentz (1993) describes several tat in southern California typically consists of unconfirmed sightings near Sawmill Moun- open, mature Jeffrey or ponderosa pine for- tain (just west of Mount Pinos) in the early ests intermixed with black oak (Garrett and 1990s, but she says the last verified records Dunn 1981). The owls occur less frequently are from 1976 and 1979. If they do still occur in white fir dominated stands (Zeiner et al. in the area, the population appears to be very 1990) and probably only where at least some small. large pines are present (Hayward and Verner Habitat: Blue grouse inhabit high-eleva- 1994). Flammulated owls are typically found tion coniferous forests and especially favor in xeric mid-slope or ridgetop forests that have dense stands of firs on north-facing slopes an open, park-like quality. They are second- (Garrett and Dunn 1981). ary cavity nesters, and black oaks may be Conservation Considerations: Surveys are important sources of suitable cavities for them needed to determine if blue grouse still occur (Marcot and Hill 1980). in the Mount Pinos/Mount Abel area. The Conservation Considerations: Open, ma- persistence of grouse in this area is probably ture pine forests have declined in extent in the most threatened by the limited amount of mountains of southern California due to his- suitable habitat and the stochastic problems toric logging practices, reduced fire faced by small, isolated populations. Land use frequencies, and the development associated activities do not appear to be a threat. Most with expanding mountain communities. The of the area is within the current lack of low- to moderate-intensity Area and the type of dispersed recreational understory fires in montane conifer forests is activity occurring there should not apprecia- causing a shift in species composition away bly impact the grouse population. from pines and black oak and towards white fir and incense cedar (see “Fire” section in Flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus) chapter 3). The flammulated owl, perhaps Status and Distribution: The more than any other species, is imperiled by flammulated owl is a species of local concern this trend. because its breeding distribution in southern California is patchy and restricted to montane Northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) forests within the assessment area. It nests at Status and Distribution: The northern elevations between 5,500 and 8,200 feet pri- saw-whet owl is a local species of concern be- marily in the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, cause its breeding population in southern and San Jacinto mountains (fig. 4.27) (Win- California is small and primarily restricted to ter 1974; Garrett and Dunn 1981). A few nest montane conifer forests. However, it does have in the Mount Pinos area and possibly on Big a fairly wide elevation range, extending from Pine Mountain (Lentz 1993). They also oc- over 8,000 feet down to to almost 3,000 feet cur down to 4,000 feet in the northern Santa (SDNHM 1998), which may explain why it’s Lucia Range. In the San Diego ranges, more widely distributed than the flammulated flammulated owls are occasionally observed in owl. summer in the Palomar, Cuyamaca, or Laguna Saw-whet owls occur in the northern Santa mountains, but nesting has not been docu- Lucia Mountains and on Figueroa, Big Pine, mented (Unitt 1984; SDNHM 1998). Pine, and Pinos mountains in the southern Recent surveys have detected fifteen to Los Padres (Lentz 1993; Lehman 1994). They twenty-five flammulated owl locations in the also nest in the San Gabriel, San Bernardino,

200 Chapter 4

Figure 4.27. Documented locations of flammulated owls in the assessment area. and San Jacinto mountains, and the higher concern because its breeding population in mountains of San Diego County (Garrett and southern California is small, highly disjunct, Dunn 1981; Unitt 1984). and restricted to high elevation forests. On the Habitat: Saw-whet owls most commonly Los Padres National Forest, Williamson’s sap- breed in dense pine and fir forests that have suckers nest in small numbers on Mount Pinos an oak understory (Garrett and Dunn 1981; and Mount Abel, and possibly on Pine Moun- Lehman 1994). tain (Lentz 1993). They also breed in the San Conservation Considerations: Stand- Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto replacing wildfire in dense montane conifer mountains. The greatest concentration of forests is probably the biggest threat to saw- breeding birds is in the San Bernardino Moun- whet owls. tains on the north-facing slopes behind Big Bear Lake and in the vicinity of Mount San Williamson’s sapsucker Gorgonio (Garrett and Dunn 1981). (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) Williamson’s sapsuckers are more widely dis- Status and Distribution: The tributed in montane conifer forests during the Williamson’s sapsucker is a local species of 201 winter. There is no local information on popu- relatively low elevations in the northern Santa lation trends for this species. Lucia Mountains, but elsewhere breeds mainly Habitat: Williamson’s sapsuckers breed at above 6,000 feet. Small breeding populations high elevations in coniferous forests domi- exist in the higher mountains of the southern nated by white fir or lodgepole pine (Garrett Los Padres. The thrush is most numerous in and Dunn 1981). In the southern California the San Gabriel and San Bernardino moun- mountains, they are typically found on north- tains but also probably breeds in the San facing slopes. Jacinto Mountains (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Conservation Considerations: Breeding In San Diego County there are only four habitat for Williamson’s sapsuckers is prob- breeding-season records, one each on Palomar, ably most threatened by the risk of large, Hot Springs, Volcan, and Cuyamaca moun- stand-replacing fire. Habitat in each occupied tains (SDNHM 1998). It is considerably more mountain range is very limited in extent and widespread in winter. vulnerable to loss in a single, large fire event. Habitat: Hermit thrushes in southern California breed primarily in forests domi- White-headed woodpecker nated by white fir. They are usually found on (Picoides albolarvatus gravirostris) steep, north-facing slopes (Garrett and Dunn Status and Distribution: The white- 1981). headed woodpecker is a local species of Conservation Considerations: Stand-re- concern because its breeding population in placing wildfire in dense montane conifer southern California is small and restricted to forests is probably the biggest threat to her- montane conifer forests. Southern California mit thrushes. Otherwise, the densification of populations of this species are also considered forest stands caused by the exclusion of low- to be a distinct, endemic subspecies (Kratter to moderate-intensity fires is probably increas- 1992). The white-headed woodpecker occurs ing the amount of suitable habitat for this in all of the mountain ranges that contain species. montane conifer forests. There is no local in- formation on population trends for this Virginia’s warbler (Vermivora virginiae) species. Status and Distribution: The Virginia’s Habitat: White-headed woodpeckers are warbler is a California Species of Special Con- found in mixed conifer forests dominated by cern and an extremely rare breeder in southern large-coned pines such as Coulter, sugar, Jef- California. Within the assessment area, breed- frey and ponderosa; they range only marginally ing has been documented only in the San into associations dominated by white fir or Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains. The lodgepole pine (Garrett and Dunn 1981). warbler has been observed in the summer in Conservation Considerations: Similar to the Blue Ridge area on the northeastern end those described for the flammulated owl. of the San Gabriel Mountains (D. Cooper, UC White-headed woodpeckers are closely asso- Riverside, in litt.), and at 6,900 feet along ciated with mature pine trees, which appear Arrastre Creek and at 6,000 feet along the to be declining in many areas of southern South Fork of the Santa Ana River in the San California’s mountains. Bernardino Mountains (Johnson and Garrett 1974). Hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus) Habitat: In the breeding season Virginia’s Status and Distribution: The hermit warblers occupy brushy areas (e.g., mountain thrush is a local species of concern because its mahogany, manzanita, and serviceberry) breeding population in southern California is within arid coniferous forest (Garrett and small, disjunct, and primarily restricted to Dunn 1981). high-elevation conifer forests. It does nest at Conservation Considerations: More in- formation is needed on the breeding 202 Chapter 4 distribution of this species in the assessment appears to be restricted to high-elevation habi- area. However, the habitats occupied by tats. This bat was found in the assessment area Virginia’s warblers are not highly vulnerable at ten of seventy-six sites surveyed for bats from to existing land use activities. 1996 to 1998 (Simons et al. in prep.). Locali- ties include Frazier Mountain and Pine Springs Montane Conifer Mammals (north of Cuddy Valley) on the Los Padres Long-eared myotis bat (Myotis evotis) National Forest, Buckhorn and Big Rock Status and Distribution: The long-eared campgrounds on the Angeles National For- myotis was a C2 candidate species for federal est, Arrastre Creek on the San Bernardino listing before that designation was discontin- National Forest and Laguna Mountain on the ued. Its distribution in southern California Cleveland National Forest. Fringed myotis appears to be restricted to high-elevation habi- bats were found only at elevations above 4,600 tats. This bat was found in the assessment area feet, primarily in montane conifer forests but at fifteen of seventy-six sites surveyed for bats also in pinyon-juniper woodland. from 1996 to 1998 (Simons et al. in prep.). Habitat: Fringed myotis bats reportedly Localities include Indian Creek (at Bluff occur in a wide variety of habitats but are most Camp) and Pine Springs (north of Cuddy commonly found in dry pine or mixed coni- Valley) on the Los Padres National Forest; fer forests and in pinyon-juniper woodlands. Dorr Canyon Spring, Islip Saddle, and Big Caves, buildings, mine shafts, rock crevices in Rock Campground on the Angeles National cliff faces, trees, and bridges are used for ma- Forest; Arrastre Creek, Holcomb Valley, Al- ternity and night roosts, while hibernation has pine Canyon, and Coon Creek on the San only been documented in buildings and mines Bernardino National Forest; and the Laguna (Bradley and Ports 1998). On Laguna Moun- and Cuyamaca mountains within the Cleve- tain, these bats were observed roosting in cliff land National Forest and adjoining Cuyamaca crevices along the eastern escarpment (Miner Rancho State Park. Long-eared myotis bats and Brown 1996). were found only at elevations above 4,000 feet Conservation Considerations: Same as and most were in conifer forests. those described for the long-eared myotis, Habitat: Long-eared myotis bats can oc- with the addition that abandoned mines cur in a variety of habitats, but are usually may provide important hibernacula for this associated with coniferous forests. They roost species and efforts are needed to identify under exfoliating tree bark, in tree hollows, mines that are used and protect them from caves, mines, cliff crevices, and rocky outcrops human disturbance. (Vonhof and Barclay 1996). They also some- times roost in buildings and under bridges. Long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) Conservation Considerations: Protection Status and Distribution: The long-legged of conifer forest habitats from stand-replac- myotis was a former C2 candidate species for ing fire will be important to maintaining federal listing before that designation was dis- long-eared myotis populations in the south- continued. Its distribution in southern ern California mountains. The ability of this California appears to be restricted to high-el- species to roost in a wide variety of sites may evation habitats. This bat was found in the help reduce its vulnerability to human activi- assessment area at twelve of seventy-six sites ties. surveyed for bats from 1996 to 1998 (Simons et al. in prep.). Localities include Frazier Fringed myotis bat (Myotis thysanodes) Mountain and Chief Peak (just north of Ojai) Status and Distribution: The fringed on the Los Padres National Forest; Dorr Can- myotis was a C2 candidate species for federal yon Spring and Buckhorn and Big Rock listing before that designation was discontin- campgrounds on the Angeles National Forest; ued. Its distribution in southern California 203 Big Bear Lake Dam and Holcomb, Deep, and San Bernardino flying squirrel Arrastre creeks on the San Bernardino Na- (Glaucomys sabrinus californicus) tional Forest; and Laguna Mountain and Lost Status and Distribution: The San Bernar- Valley (north of Hot Springs Mountain) on dino flying squirrel is a Forest Service Region the Cleveland National Forest. All but one of 5 Sensitive Species and a California Species of the locations where long-legged myotis bats Special Concern. It occurs in the San Bernar- were found were at elevations above 4,500 feet. dino Mountains and, at least historically, in Habitat: The long-legged myotis is pri- the San Jacinto Mountains. Williams (1986) marily a bat of coniferous forests but also lists its elevation range as between 5,200 and occurs seasonally in riparian and desert habi- 8,500 feet. Flying squirrels are preyed upon tats. It uses abandoned buildings, cliff crevices, by spotted owls, and the best information we exfoliating tree bark, and hollows within snags have on the distribution of this squirrel comes as summer day roosts; caves and mine tunnels from an analysis of spotted owl pellets which as hibernicula (Bogan et al. 1998c). were collected throughout the San Bernardino Conservation Considerations: Same as Mountains (fig. 4.28) (W. LaHaye, unpubl. those described for the fringed myotis. data). These data suggest that flying squirrels are widespread within the general elevational Golden-mantled ground squirrel range reported by Williams. (Spermophilus lateralis) Grinnell and Swarth (1913) captured a Status and Distribution: The golden- single flying squirrel near Idyllwild in the San mantled ground squirrel is a local species of Jacinto Mountains, and there reportedly are concern because in southern California it is several other old museum specimens from this found only in the San Bernardino Mountains. range (Williams 1986). However, there have The population in these mountains is consid- been no recent sightings. Analysis of a sub- ered to be a distinct subspecies, S. l. stantial number of owl pellets from the San bernardinus (Bartels and Thompson 1993). It Jacinto Mountains did not turn up any flying ranges in elevation from approximately 6,000 squirrel remains (W. LaHaye, unpubl. data). feet to over 10,000 feet (Williams 1986). Williams (1986) suggested that flying squir- Habitat: Golden-mantled ground squir- rels were probably present in the San Gabriel rels inhabit a wide variety of montane habitats Mountains as well, but there is no documented from the upper edge of the pinyon belt to evidence to support that contention. above timberline. They are most common in Habitat: The San Bernardino flying squir- open, well-illuminated forests with a mix of rel is known from mid- to upper-elevation tall trees, brush, and open ground supporting coniferous forest habitats. Distributional in- herbaceous plants (Williams 1986; Bartels and formation from spotted owl pellets indicates Thompson 1993). that flying squirrels do not inhabit lower mon- Conservation Considerations: This spe- tane bigcone Douglas-fir/canyon live oak cies does not appear to be sensitive to land use forests. Flying squirrels use cavities in large activities; it is typically common around camp- trees, snags, and logs for cover. Habitats are grounds and buildings and invades logged typically mature, dense conifer forest, particu- timber stands (Bartels and Thompson 1993). larly those containing white fir, in close It could be negatively affected by the trend proximity to riparian areas (Zeiner et al. toward increasingly dense forests, but the 1990b). golden-mantled ground squirrel population in Conservation Considerations: The appar- the San Bernardino Mountains seems to be ent disappearance of flying squirrels from the large and well distributed in a variety of plant San Jacinto Mountains and their limited dis- communities. tribution in upper elevation forests give rise to concerns about their vulnerability in the San Bernardino Mountains. They appear to 204 Chapter 4

Figure 4.28. The distribution of flying squirrels in the San Bernardino Mountains, based primarily on their occurrence in spotted owl pellets.

still be widespread in the San Bernardino it is unclear what effect, if any, increasing de- Mountains, but essentially nothing is known velopments on private lands and habitat about their population dynamics or threat fac- modifications on public lands (e.g., ski area tors. Flying squirrels are often observed using developments) are having on the squirrel’s dis- bird feeders around low-density developments tribution. This species may respond positively in heavily forested areas such as organizational to increases in white fir density resulting from camps and cabins, but it is unclear if they suc- recent fire exclusion, but large stand-replac- cessfully inhabit higher-density residential ing fires have the potential to dangerously areas. reduce suitable habitat and isolate populations. An important question is how adept are Surveys are needed in the San Jacinto Moun- flying squirrels at dispersing through areas of tains to more conclusively determine its status unsuitable habitat to maintain populations in there. suitable, but fragmented, areas. They have evolved with a naturally fragmented habitat pattern in the San Bernardino Mountains, but 205 San Bernardino white-eared pocket mouse in the San Gabriel Mountains makes no men- (Perognathus alticolus alticolus) tion of this species. Glenn Stewart (Cal Poly Status and Distribution: The San Bernar- Pomona, in litt.) saw a road kill porcupine in dino white-eared pocket mouse is a Forest the San Bernardino Mountains in the 1960s. Service Region 5 Sensitive Species and a Cali- There are also thirdhand reports of a road kill fornia Species of Special Concern. Known being found in the San Gabriel Mountains. localities of this species are all from the vicin- In 1989, one of the authors (J. Stephenson) ity of Strawberry Peak and Little Bear Valley observed lodgepole pines stripped of bark, in in the western San Bernardino Mountains at a fashion that is often indicative of porcupine’s elevations between 5,400 and 5,800 feet (Wil- presence (Dodge 1982), in the upper end of liams 1986; Best 1994). These are old museum Balky Horse Canyon in the eastern San Ber- collections; the white-eared pocket mouse has nardino Mountains. not been collected since 1934 despite exten- Habitat: In California, porcupines are pri- sive surveys to relocate it in the late 1970s and marily found in coniferous forests, but across early 1980s (Sulentich 1983; Williams 1986). western North America they occur in a wide Habitat: Little is known, but historic variety of habitats including pinyon-juniper white-eared pocket mouse localities were in woodlands, sagebrush, and desert chaparral open pine forests that contained bracken fern (Dodge 1982; Zeiner et al. 1990b). Porcupines (Best 1994). Williams (1986) suggests that feed extensively on the cambium and foliage white-eared pocket mice may occur in sage- of woody shrubs and small trees in winter and brush, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and open on forbs, grasses, and succulent riparian veg- pine forests on the north side of the San Ber- etation in spring and summer (Dodge 1982). nardino and possibly the San Gabriel Conservation Considerations: Surveys are mountains. needed to determine the current status and Conservation Considerations: Surveys are distribution of this species within the assess- needed to determine the current status and ment area. distribution of this species within the assess- ment area. This taxon is endemic to the San Animals of Montane Meadow Bernardino Mountains, yet there are no re- Habitats cent observations of it. Five animals that are primarily associated with montane meadow habitats received in- Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) dividual consideration in this assessment (table Status and Distribution: The porcupine 4.19). Two of these are butterflies and three is a species of local concern because it is rare are birds. in southern California and most known loca- tions are within the assessment area. The Laguna Mountains skipper distribution of porcupines in the assessment (Pyrgus ruralis lagunae) area is somewhat of a mystery. Range maps in Status and Distribution: The Laguna Zeiner et al. (1990b) suggest they inhabit the Mountains skipper was federally listed as en- northern and southern Santa Lucia Ranges, dangered in 1997. This butterfly is known the southern Los Padres ranges, and the San only from Laguna and Palomar mountains in Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains. How- San Diego County (fig. 4.29). On Palomar ever, maps in Ingels (1965) and Dodge (1982) Mountain, it is known to occur in Mendenhall suggest they are only in the , lower French Valley, and in the vicin- and possibly the San Gabriel mountains. ity of Observatory Campground. On Laguna Documented sightings of porcupines in Mountain, it occurs near the Laguna-El Prado these mountains are very rare. Vaughan’s Campground (Levy 1996). Survey informa- (1954) thorough report on mammalian fauna tion collected to date indicates that the

206 Chapter 4

Table 4.19. Animals associated with montane meadows that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Montane Meadow Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- Animals of Concern of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation federal status Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Invertebrates Laguna Mts. skipper High y High Decl1 Site endangered (40-70%) specific San Gabriel greenish Mod y High Decl2 Site blue butterfly (> 90%) specific

Birds Calliope hummingbird Mod p y y y p y p Mod Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level Macgillivray’s warbler Low t t p y y t p t p Mod Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level Lincoln’s sparrow Mod-Low w y y y w y w w Mod Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level

1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1997d) 2 Murphy (1990)

population in Mendenhall Valley is substan- Conservation Considerations: This but- tially larger than the others and may support terfly occurs in very small numbers at only a several hundred individuals (Levy 1996; R. handful of sites. There is great concern about Mattoni, in litt., 1998). Laguna Mountain, the viability of remaining populations and Observatory Campground, and a portion of much uncertainty over how to manage them. Mendenhall Valley are within the Cleveland Land use activities occurring in or near areas National Forest. The occupied portion of occupied by the skipper include cattle grazing lower French Valley is within Palomar Moun- and developed recreation sites. Actions are cur- tain State Park. rently being taken by the Cleveland National Habitat: The Laguna Mountains skipper Forest to exclude recreational activity in the is found in montane meadows where its larval vicinity of potential skipper habitat. Fences host plant, Cleveland’s horkelia (Horkelia have also been erected to exclude grazing in clevelandii), occurs. This horkelia, and the some patches of Cleveland’s horkelia in butterfly, are typically found in edaphic or to- Mendenhall Valley. pographic situations that provide patches of The effect of cattle grazing on the host bare ground or at least reduced grass cover plant and the butterfly needs further investi- (e.g., areas with shallow rocky soils or the drier gation. In some respects grazing appears to be upper margins of meadows). They appear to clearly detrimental, since cattle have been ob- be absent from areas that have dense, tall grass served foraging on horkelia plants and cover (Levy 1996). Adult Laguna Mountains trampling flowering stalks. However, one skippers have been frequently observed visit- theory attributes the skipper’s decline to re- ing the flowers of a small annual composite, ductions in the extent of horkelia (and bare Pentachaeta aurea. This plant may be an im- ground which may be important for skipper portant nectar resource (Levy 1996). thermoregulation) because of increased grass 207 Figure 4.29. Documented localities for the Laguna Mountains skipper.

cover caused by reduced fire frequencies and gency among the butterfly taxa of California.” the spread of non-native grasses (Levy 1996). It has been collected by several lepidopterists If this is true, grazing may serve an important in a single wet meadow on the Angeles Na- function as a surrogate for fire—a useful tional Forest in the immediate vicinity of Big mechanism to keep grass cover in check. Fur- Pines. It is considered to be a distinctive sub- ther research is needed to clarify this situation. species, well differentiated from P. s. saepiolus Also, additional surveys are needed, particu- which occurs in the Sierra Nevada and P. s . larly on Laguna Mountain, to determine if hilda which occurs in wet meadows above additional skipper populations are present. 5,000 feet on Palomar Mountain and in the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains San Gabriel Mountains greenish blue (Murphy 1990). This new greenish blue but- (Plejebus saepiolus aureolus) terfly has not recently been observed at the Status and Distribution: The San Gabriel meadow near Big Pines and is feared to be Mountains greenish blue butterfly is a former extirpated. C2 candidate species. Murphy (1990) stated Habitat: The San Gabriel Mountains green- it was “arguably the prime conservation emer- ish blue butterfly is associated with a clover, 208 Chapter 4 Trifolium wormskioldii, that grows in moist to thickets (especially willows) within arid mixed marshy meadow situations (G. Pratt, UC Riv- conifer forests (Garrett and Dunn 1981). erside, pers. comm., 1999). Lentz (1993) found them in association with Conservation Considerations: Diversion currants (especially Ribes cereum) on Mount of water from the meadow at Big Pines, and Pinos. subsequent drying of the habitat, has been Conservation Considerations: Mainte- implicated in the possible extirpation of this nance of riparian vegetation in and around undescribed subspecies (Murphy 1990). Sur- montane meadows is important for this spe- veys are needed to determine if the taxon still cies. Heavy recreation use, facilities occurs in this meadow or at other potential development, and overgrazing by livestock can localities. This situation underscores the im- degrade montane riparian habitat condition. portance of maintaining adequate surface and Surface water diversions and/or groundwater ground water supplies to meadows and other extraction can reduce or eliminate these habi- wet microhabitats. tats. More information is needed on the current distribution of this species, particu- Calliope hummingbird (Stellula calliope) larly in relation to ongoing land use activities Status and Distribution: The calliope in montane riparian and meadow habitats. hummingbird is a species of local concern because it is a rare breeder in the southern MacGillivray’s warbler (Oporornis tolmiei) California mountains. Reported localities on Status and Distribution: The Mac- the Los Padres National Forest include the Gillivray’s warbler is a species of local concern Mount Pinos/Mount Abel area (i.e., around because it is a rare breeder in the southern Iris Meadow, Sheep Camp Meadow, and along California mountains. It is most common in the McGill trail), Big Pine Mountain the San Gabriel and San Bernardino moun- (Chokecherry Spring), Frazier Mountain, and tains and may only breed in those two ranges Reyes Peak (Garrett and Dunn 1981; Lentz (Garrett and Dunn 1981). In the southern Los 1993). Calliope hummingbirds are described Padres, Lentz (1993) reports summer obser- as rare on the north side of the San Gabriel vations of MacGillivray’s warbler on Big Pine and San Bernardino mountains (Garrett and Mountain, upper Quatal Canyon, at Thorn Dunn 1981). In the San Jacinto Mountains Meadows near Pine Mountain, and at Iris they are historically known from Round and Meadow on Mount Pinos. However, breed- Tahquitz valleys (Grinnell and Swarth 1913). ing was not confirmed. Calliopes also potentially breed on San Diego Mist-net and point-count surveys done County’s tallest peak, Hot Springs Mountain from 1992 to 1996 at Bluff Lake and Metcalf (Unitt 1981). meadows in the San Bernardino Mountains Mist-net and point-count surveys done found MacGillivray’s warblers present in low from 1992 to 1996 at Bluff Lake and Metcalf numbers at both sites. Mist-net results indi- meadows in the San Bernardino Mountains cate they were considerably more common at found calliope hummingbirds present in low Metcalf Meadow where a high of twenty cap- numbers at both sites; mist-net results were tures was reached in 1993. The high for Bluff similar at each meadow, with approximately Lake was five in 1994 (Rotenberry and six captures per year at Metcalf Meadow and Carlson 1997). five per year at Bluff Lake (Rotenberry and Habitat: MacGillivray’s warblers occur in Carlson 1997). Another reported locality in willow thickets and other brushy, montane the San Bernardino Mountains is upper riparian areas within coniferous forests above Arrastre Creek (D. Freeman, unpubl. notes). 6,000 feet elevation (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Habitat: Calliope hummingbirds breed Conservation Considerations: Same as along meadow borders and in streamside those described for the Calliope hummingbird.

209 Lincoln’s sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) American (water) pipit (Anthus spinoletta) Status and Distribution: The Lincoln’s Status and Distribution: The American sparrow is a species of local concern because it water pipit is a local species of concern be- is a rare breeder in the southern California cause it breeds in alpine habitats and is known mountains. Historic nesting localities include from only one location in the southern Cali- Mount Pinos (Iris Meadow), the San Gabriel fornia mountains. A pair of water pipits was Mountains (Big Pines), the San Bernardino present, and probably nested, on Mount San Mountains (vicinity of Big Bear Lake, Green Gorgonio in the summer of 1978 (Garrett and Valley, and South Fork of the Santa Ana River), Dunn 1981). and the San Jacinto Mountains (Tahquitz and Habitat: Water pipits nest above timber- Round valleys) (Grinnell and Swarth 1913; line. They commonly winter in the vicinity of Garrett and Dunn 1981; Lentz 1993). agricultural fields (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Mist-net and point-count surveys done from Conservation Considerations: Surveys are 1992 to 1996 at Bluff Lake and Metcalf mead- needed to determine if water pipits breed regu- ows in the San Bernardino Mountains found larly on Mount San Gorgonio or if breeding Lincoln sparrows to be common at both sites. is a rare, irregular occurrence. Potential breed- Twenty to fifty of these sparrows were captured ing habitat on Mount San Gorgonio and the per year in each meadow during constant-effort highest portions of the San Gabriel Mountains mist netting (Rotenberry and Carlson 1997). should also be surveyed. All of these areas are Habitat: Lincoln’s sparrows breed in wet within designated wilderness areas, but recre- montane meadows; typical vegetation compo- ation activity near mountain summits could nents include corn lily, sedges, and low willows potentially impact this species. (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Conservation Considerations: Same as those described for the Calliope hummingbird. Lodgepole chipmunk (Tamias speciosus) Status and Distribution: Two subspecies Animals of Subalpine or Alpine of lodgepole chipmunk occur in the assess- Habitats ment area. The Mount Pinos lodgepole Two animal species that are primarily as- chipmunk, T. s. callipeplus, occurs only in the sociated with subalpine or alpine habitats were forests around Mount Pinos and Mount Abel considered individually in this assessment (Williams 1986). It is a Forest Service Region (table 4.20).

Table 4.20. Animals associated with subalpine or alpine habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Subalpine or Alpine Knowledge Cleveland NF San Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- Animals of Concern of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng

American (water) pipit Low t t p y p t t t t Mod Unkn Site (100%) specific Lodgepole chipmunk Mod y y y y* Low Unkn Landscape (> 70%) level

* A distinct subspecies, the Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk occurs in the southern Los Padres ranges.

210 Chapter 4 5 Sensitive Species. Lodgepole chipmunks in Habitat: Little information is available. It the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San is described as occurring in arid environments, Jacinto mountains belong to the subspecies T. and chamise is identified as a possible food s. speciosus (Best et al. 1994). The elevation plant. range of this species is from just above 6,000 Conservation Considerations: No threats feet to over 10,000 feet (Williams 1986; have been identified for this species. More in- Zeiner et al. 1990b). formation is needed on its distribution and Habitat: Lodgepole chipmunks are gen- habitat requirements on the desert side of the erally found in open-canopy forests with a mix San Bernardino Mountains. of shrubs and trees. They are common in lodgepole pine forests but also occur in open- San Bernardino Mountains silk moth canopy stages of other forest habitats including (Coloradia velda) white fir, Jeffrey pine, and mixed conifer. They Status and Distribution: The silk moth appear to avoid pure stands of conifers, pre- Coloradia velda is a species of local concern ferring an understory shrub component, because it is endemic to the San Bernardino particularly chinquapin or manzanita Mountains. The type locality for this species (Vaughan 1954; Williams 1986; Zeiner et al. is at Coxey Meadow on the north side of the 1990b). San Bernardino Mountains, and it has also Conservation Considerations: The lodge- been collected at Horse Springs, Crab Flat, pole chipmunk’s high elevation habitats do not Cactus Flat and Barton Flats (Johnson and appear to be highly vulnerable to existing land Walter 1979). use activities or agents of change. However, Habitat: Coloradia velda is most com- habitat for the Mount Pinos subspecies is ex- monly found in stands of pinyon pine, which tremely limited, which increases the impact is suspected to be the larval host plant of even small losses of suitable habitat in the (Johnson and Walter 1979). Mount Pinos/Mount Abel area. A single, large Conservation Considerations: More in- stand-replacing fire could eliminate this sub- formation is needed on the distribution and species. habitat requirements of this silk moth. No threat factors have currently been identified for it. Animals of Desert Montane Habitats Bright blue copper Sixteen animal species that are prima- (Lycaena heteronea clara) rily associated with desert montane habitats Status and Distribution: The bright blue were considered individually in this assess- copper butterfly is a local species of concern. ment (table 4.21). There are six Murphy (1990) considered it to be a category invertebrates, one reptile, seven birds, and B taxon, which he defined as one that war- two mammals. rants listing as endangered, but with a less pressing need than category A taxa. This but- Desert Montane Invertebrates terfly historically occurred in isolated areas of Desert monkey grasshopper the Piute and Tehachapi mountains, in the (Psychomastix pysylla deserticola) Castac Valley (near ), and near Status and Distribution: The desert mon- Silverwood Lake in the San Bernardino Moun- key grasshopper is a former C2 candidate for tains (Orzak 1976). However, as of 1976, it is federal listing. It is endemic to lower desert- known only from Cuddy and Lockwood val- side slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains leys near Frazier Park (Murphy 1990). Orzak (J. Powell, UC Berkeley Department of En- (1976) estimated that as many as thirty popu- tomology, pers. comm.). lations existed in this area, with the highest

211 Table 4.21. Animals associated with desert montane habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t = transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized Desert Montane (1) (3) (4) (5) Animals of Concern Knowledge Cleveland NFSan Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- federal status of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng

Invertebrates Desert monkey Low y Unkn Unkn Landscape grasshopper (30-70%) level San Bernardino Mts. Mod y Unkn Unkn Landscape silk moth (> 70%) level Bright blue copper Mod h/p p y High Unkn Site butterfly (10-50%) specific San Emigdio blue Low y y y Unkn Unkn Site butterfly (10-40%) specific Dammer’s blue butterfly Mod y Unkn Unkn Landscape (> 70%) level Vernal blue butterfly Mod y Unkn Unkn Landscape (> 90%) level

Reptiles Small-scaled lizard Mod y Low Unkn Landscape (< 20%) level

Birds Zone-tailed hawk Mod y y Low Unkn Landscape (40-60%) level Common nighthawk Mod p y y Mod Unkn Site (40-70%) specific Gray flycatcher Low p y y Low Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level Pinyon jay Mod y y p Mod Unkn Landscape (< 20%) level Gray vireo Mod y y y y Mod Decl1 Landscape (40-80%) level Plumbeus solitary vireo Low y y Low Unkn Landscape (> 50%) level Hepatic tanager Mod t y t t Low Unkn Landscape (> 60%) level

Mammals Tehachapi pocket mouse Mod p h/p y Unkn Unkn Landscape (> 60%) level ’ High y High Decl2 Site bighorn sheep (< 5%) specific endangered

1 Garrett and Dunn (1981) 2 USDI Bureau of Land Management et al. (1996) Chapter 4 concentration in Cuddy Valley, 2 to 5 miles relationship between this species and one or west of Interstate 5. more ant species. Habitat: In the arid montane valleys Conservation Considerations: Additional around Cuddy Valley and Frazier Park, the information is needed on the distribution and bright blue copper occurs in sagebrush-domi- status of this butterfly on public lands in the nated shrublands. Three different buckwheat assessment area. At a minimum, the known (Eriogonum) species are known larval food localities mentioned above need to be revisted plants: E. heermannii, E. umbellatum munzii, to see if populations still exist. The best-known and E. fasciculatum polifolium (Orzak 1976). populuation near Victorville has declined due Conservation Considerations: Most of to urbanization (Murphy 1990). the valley bottomland in Cuddy and Lockwood valleys is private land and a lot of Dammer’s blue butterfly development is occurring in this area. There (Euphilotes enoptes dammersi) is some potential habitat for this butterfly on Status and Distribution: This subspecies the Los Padres National Forest. Surveys are is newly described and known only from urgently needed to see if populations of the Baldwin Lake, Arrastre Flat, and Arrastre bright blue copper occur on national forest Creek in the San Bernardino Mountains (Pratt system lands in this area. Any discovered popu- and Emmel 1998). lations should receive site-specific Habitat: At Baldwin Lake and Arrastre management attention until the status of this Flat, this butterfly is closely associated with taxon is better determined. spring-blooming populations of the wild buckwheat Eriogonum kennedyi, which com- San Emigdio blue butterfly monly grows on pebble plains. On dry slopes (Plebulina emigdionis) near Arrastre Creek, a slightly different form Status and Distribution: The San of this subspecies is associated with spring- Emigdio blue butterfly is a former Category 2 blooming populations of Eriogonum davidsonii Candidate Species. Murphy (1990) considers (Pratt and Emmel 1998). it to be a category B taxon, which he defined Conservation Considerations: Too little as one that warrants listing as endangered, but is currently known about this taxon to assess with a less pressing need than category A taxa. its . Gordon Pratt at UC The primary location where this species has Riverside is the authority on this butterfly. been collected is along the Mojave River near Victorville, but isolated colonies within or near Vernal blue butterly the assessment area are reported from Bou- (Euphilotes baueri [battoides] vernalis) quet and Mint canyons near Castaic, in Status and Distribution: This newly de- canyons along the north side of the San scribed subspecies has only been found at Gabriel Mountains near the desert’s edge, and Coxey Meadow (elevation 5,600 feet) on the in arid areas south of Mount Abel near San north side of the San Bernardino Mountains Emigdio Mesa (Emmel and Emmel 1973; (Pratt and Emmel 1998). It also occurs far to Murphy 1990). the north of the assessment area in the Coso Habitat: The San Emigdio blue is closely Mountains near China Lake. associated with the widespread saltbush, Habitat: The vernal blue butterfly is asso- Atriplex canescens, in alkali sink areas (Murphy ciated with spring-blooming populations of 1990). However, the butterfly’s distribution the wild buckwheat, Eriogonum kennedyi. This is much more localized than the host plant, association is similar to that of the Dammer’s suggesting that other factors may determine blue, but it occurs in different areas and is dis- habitat suitability. Murphy (1990) speculates tinctly different taxonomically (Pratt and that there may be an obligatory mutualistic Emmel 1998).

213 Conservation Considerations: More in- been documented on Hot Springs Mountain formation is needed on the distribution and (San Diego County) in 1993 (SDNHM 1998) habitat requirements of this species within the and on Santa Rosa Mountain (Riverside assessment area. As yet, no threat factors have County) in 1980 (Garrett and Dunn 1981; been identified for this taxon. McCaskie 1982). These locations are the ex- treme western extent of this species’ breeding Desert Montane Reptiles range. Small-scaled lizard Habitat: Zone-tailed hawks commonly (Urosaurus microscutatus) inhabit desert mountains, particularly in Status and Distribution: The small-scaled northern and central Arizona. lizard is a local species of concern because its Conservation Considerations: Additional range in the United States is restricted to the survey work is needed to determine if zone- rocky mountains and foothills of eastern San tailed hawks breed regularly in either the Santa Diego County (Zeiner et al. 1988). Known Rosa Mountains or the eastern mountains of localities in or near the assessment area include San Diego County. However, we believe their canyons in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park vulnerability to existing land use activities is low. that come off the east sides of Bucksnort, Hot Springs and San Ysidro mountains (i.e., Alder Common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) Canyon, South Fork of Sheep Canyon, Status and Distribution: The common Borrego Palm Canyon, and Hellhole Canyon), nighthawk is a local species of concern because and far to the south at Jacumba, Barrett Junc- it is a rare breeder in southern California and tion, and near Barrett Dam along the Dulzura the few known nesting localities are within the Conduit (J. Copp, CA Academy of Sciences, assessment area. This species is found only in pers. comm.). the eastern San Bernardino Mountains (par- Habitat: The small-scaled lizard inhabits ticularly near Baldwin Lake) and on Table arid and semiarid environments in areas where Mountain near Wrightwood in the San there are rock outcrops or rocky canyons Gabriel Mountains (Garrett and Dunn 1981; (Zeiner et al. 1988). It is most common in D. Cooper, UC Riverside, in litt.). desert-side habitats, particularly desert can- Habitat: Common nighthawks forage yons, but also occurs on coastal slopes in over a variety of habitats from open conifer- southern San Diego County in chaparral and ous forest to sagebrush plains and are other habitats (J. Copp, pers. comm.). frequently seen foraging over open bodies of Conservation Considerations: Surveys are water. Some open, gravelly substrate is re- needed to better determine the distribution quired for nesting (Garrett and Dunn 1981). and abundance of this species on public lands Conservation Considerations: Surveys are within the assessment area. However, the needed to identify the specific areas where this small-scaled lizard’s habitat requirements are highly localized species nests. Both of the lo- not likely to make it particularly vulnerable cations where common nighthawks occur are to land use activities occurring on national areas that receive a high level of recreation use. forest system lands. More survey work is needed to determine if land use activities in these areas are affecting Desert Montane Birds nighthawk nesting grounds. Zone-tailed hawk (Buteo albonotatus) Status and Distribution: The zone-tailed Gray flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) hawk is a local species of concern because it is Status and Distribution: The gray fly- a rare breeder in southern California and the catcher is a local species of concern because it few known nesting localities are within the is a rare breeder in southern California and assessment area. Zone-tailed hawk nests have the few known nesting localities are within the assessment area. This species is found only in 214 Chapter 4 northern portions of the San Gabriel and San Gray vireo (Vireo vicinior) Bernardino mountains (Garrett and Dunn Status and Distribution: The gray vireo 1981). This species was not detected in sur- is a California Species of Special Concern. It veys conducted in the early 1900s and may is a summer resident in a few highly localized have expanded its breeding range into the as- areas within the assessment area (fig 4.30). It sessment area in just the last fifty years occurs on dry desert-facing slopes in the San (Johnson and Garrett 1974). Documented Gabriel Mountains (e.g., near Valyermo), San localities include Sheep Creek near Bernardino Mountains (e.g., Rose Mine and Wrightwood and areas east of Baldwin Lake, Cactus Flats), and San Jacinto Mountains (e.g., including Arrastre Creek (Johnson and Garrett Pinyon Flats) (Garrett and Dunn 1981; D. 1974). Cooper, UC Riverside, in litt.). In San Diego Habitat: Gray flycatchers are closely tied County, gray vireos occur in arid shrublands to pinyon-juniper-sagebrush associations but north of Warner Springs between Palomar and do breed locally in other arid conifer associa- Hot Springs mountains, and on the southern tions (Garrett and Dunn 1981). flank of the Laguna Mountains from Pine Conservation Considerations: More in- Valley Creek southeast to La Posta Creek formation is needed on the distribution and (Unitt 1984; SDNHM 1998). status of gray flycatchers in the assessment area. Early work by Grinnell and associates in- However, we believe their vulnerability to ex- dicates that the gray vireo used to be more isting land use activities is low. widespread, particularly in the San Gabriel and San Jacinto mountains (Grinnell and Swarth Pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) 1913; Grinnell and Miller 1944). Little is Status and Distribution: The pinyon jay known about the extent or cause of its decline is a local species of concern because it is a rare in these areas. and localized breeder in the assessment area. Habitat: In the San Jacinto Mountains Known localities include the northeastern San and San Diego ranges, gray vireos are typi- Bernardino Mountains, particularly around cally found in stands of dense, mature Baldwin Lake, and Garner Valley in the San chaparral that are dominated by chamise or Jacinto Mountains (Garrett and Dunn 1981). redshank (Unitt 1984). In the San Gabriel and Small groups have been seen around Mount San Bernardino mountains they are found on Pinos but generally only in the fall and winter brushy slopes in pinyon-juniper woodlands (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Lentz (1993) does (Garrett and Dunn 1981). However, gray not mention pinyon jays in her review of birds vireos are highly localized in these plant asso- in the southern Los Padres mountain ranges. ciations, suggesting that other habitat Habitat: Pinyon jays occupy mature pin- requirements may be influencing their distri- yon-juniper-yucca woodland on arid bution. mountain slopes and open montane valleys Conservation Considerations: Survey of sagebrush and grassland with are bordered work is needed to better document the distri- by pinyons, western junipers, or Jeffrey pines bution and abundance of gray vireos in the (Garrett and Dunn 1981). assessment area. Systematic surveys resulting Conservation Considerations: Same as from the development of breeding bird atlases those described for the gray flycatcher. How- in Los Angeles (LACBBA 1999) and San Di- ever, the pinyon jay may be negatively ego (SDNHM 1999) counties should help in affected by the steady increase in housing this regard. Like most vireos, gray vireos are developments on private lands in some considered highly susceptible to cowbird nest montane valleys (e.g., Baldwin Lake and parasitism and this has been implicated as a Garner Valley). possible reason for their decline (Unitt 1984). Cowbird parasitism of gray vireo nests has

215 Figure 4.30. Known locations of the gray vireo in the assessment area.

been documented in the San Bernardino undergone a major westward expansion of its Mountains (Hanna 1944). range in the mid-1900s (Johnson and Garrett 1974). Plumbeus solitary vireo Habitat: Plumbeus solitary vireos breed (Vireo solitarius plumbeus) in arid woodlands of mature pinyon pine, Status and Distribution: The rarity of this white fir, and Jeffrey pine, often extending into distinctive subspecies in southern California adjacent riparian growth (Garrett and Dunn and its restriction to arid montane habitats are 1981). why the Plumbeus solitary vireo was identi- Conservation Considerations: More in- fied as a local species of concern. It has been formation is needed on the distribution and observed in Big Rock Creek Canyon on the abundance of this subspecies in the assessment north side of the San Gabriel Mountains and area. However, we believe its vulnerability to in upper Arrastre Creek on the north side of existing land use activities is low. the San Bernardino Mountains (Garrett and Dunn 1981). This subspecies was not recorded in California prior to 1962 and appears to have 216 Chapter 4 Hepatic tanager (Piranga falva) public health biologists monitoring vector- Status and Distribution: The rarity of this borne diseases (R. Davis, CA Department of distinctive species in southern California and Health Services, pers. comm. to M. Foster, its restriction to arid montane habitats are why 1998). the hepatic tanager was identified as a local Habitat: Habitat associations of the species of concern. It is known to occur only Tehachapi pocket mouse are not well defined. in the San Bernardino Mountains; docu- They have been collected in arid annual grass- mented localities include upper Arrastre Creek land, desert scrub communities, pinyon pine and Round Valley, both east of Baldwin Lake woodland, a grain field, and in open desert- (Johnson and Garrett 1974; Garrett and Dunn side pine forest at elevations between 3,500 1981). and 6,000 feet (Williams 1986). Habitat: Breeding habitat for hepatic tana- Conservation Considerations: So little is gers in the San Bernardino Mountains consists known about the status of the Tehachapi of mature pinyon pine woodland with a mix- pocket mouse that it would be shear specula- ture of taller conifers, such as white fir or tion to suggest threat factors and conservation Jeffrey pine (Garrett and Dunn 1981). needs. Surveys are needed to determine the Johnson and Garrett (1974) suggest these distribution and relative abundance of this tanagers also may occur in pine and decidu- species on public lands within the assessment ous oak woodlands on warm, arid slopes. area. Williams (1986) identifies desert-facing Conservation Considerations: Additional slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains, the information is needed on the distribution and Castaic Ranges, and the Mount Pinos/Frazier abundance of this species in the assessment Mountain region as areas where this mouse area. It could also occur in the San Gabriel may be found. and San Jacinto mountains. The mature wood- land habitats occupied by hepatic tanagers are Peninsular Ranges’ bighorn sheep at some risk to loss in stand-replacing fires but (Ovis canadensis “cremnobates”) otherwise are not particularly vulnerable to Status and Distribution: Bighorn sheep existing land use activities. (fig. 4.31) populations in the Peninsular Ranges of southern California were federally Desert Montane Mammals listed as endangered in 1998. There is uncer- Tehachapi white-eared pocket mouse tainty over whether these populations (Perognathus alticola inexpectatus) represent a taxonomically distinct subspecies Status and Distribution: The Tehachapi or simply a discrete metapopulation pocket mouse is a Forest Service Region 5 Sen- (Wehausen and Ramey 1993; USFWS sitive Species and a California Species of 1998f). Peninsular Ranges’ bighorn sheep oc- Special Concern. This taxon is endemic to the cur from the eastern flanks of the San Jacinto Tehachapi Mountains and the western Trans- and Santa Rosa mountains southeast into the verse Ranges (Best 1994). Known localities desert ranges of Anza-Borrego State Park to within the assessment area, based on museum the Mexican border (fig. 4.32) (Rubin et al. records and historic information, are near Lake 1998). Hughes, Elizabeth Lake, and Quail Lake on The Peninsular Ranges’ metapopulation the desert side of the Castaic Ranges, and at is composed of eight distinct populations Pinyon Pines, Cuddy Valley, and Chuchupate (Boyce 1995). Four of these populations lie Campground in the Mount Pinos/Frazier partially within the assessment area; the rest Mountain region (Williams 1986; Best 1994; are in desert ranges to the east. There are an CNDDB 1999). The only one of these loca- estimated 25 sheep in the San Jacinto Moun- tions where Techachapi pocket mice have been tains, and 117 sheep in three recognized recently observed is at Chuchupate Camp- populations within the Santa Rosa Mountains ground, where they were found in 1998 by 217 in some areas by mountain lions and possibly (USDI BLM et. al. 1996). Specific management actions for conserv- ing Peninsular Ranges’ bighorn sheep and their habitats have been developed by an inter- agency coordinating committee. This direction is in the process of being adopted by all state and federal land and resource man- agement agencies in the affected region (USDI BLM et. al. 1996).

Figure 4.31. Peninsular Ranges’ bighorn sheep are Animals of Desert Floor Habitats often found in steep, rocky terrain above the desert Six potentially vulnerable animals are floor. USFWS FILE PHOTO desert species whose distributions may extend into the assessment area along its extreme (USDI BLM et. al. 1996). However, only an northern and eastern boundaries (table 4.22). estimated 2 percent of Peninsular Ranges’ big- Although we knew from the start that the as- horn sheep habitat occurs on the San sessment area contains little suitable habitat Bernardino National Forest; BLM (29 per- for these species, it was still important to evalu- cent) and state park (41 percent) lands make ate their conservation potential and up most of the sheep’s range, and some criti- vulnerability. One important reason for do- cal lambing habitat also occurs on private lands ing this is to clearly document that public lands (USDI BLM et. al. 1996). Studies have docu- in the assessment area will not be sufficient to mented declines in most of the Peninsular conserve these species. Ranges’ populations (USDI BLM et. al. 1996). Based on discussions with people who have Habitat: Bighorn sheep habitat in the Pen- knowledge of these species’ distributions, it insular Ranges is characterized by steep slopes, appears that none of the six have significant canyons, and washes. Although they can oc- populations on public lands within the assess- cur at high elevations, these sheep typically ment area. Thus, we consider all of them to are found at elevations below 4,600 feet, which be species whose conservation can be mini- in this area is below the pinyon-juniper wood- mally influenced by management of public lands (Rubin et al. 1998). Topography in a lands in this area. patchwork of varying slopes is important for bighorn sheep. Steep (50 to over 70 percent Desert tortoise slope) and rough (i.e., with a lot of small-scale (Xerobates [Gopherus] agassizii) changes in slope) terrain is utilized extensively Status and Distribution: The desert tor- for escape cover, but flatter areas at the base of toise is state and federally listed as endangered. the mountains are often used for foraging Surveys for the desert tortoise have been fairly (USDI BLM et. al. 1996). widespread and it has been documented close Conservation Considerations: The pri- to the assessment area (fig. 4.33)(CNDDB mary factors believed to be affecting Peninsular 1999). However, suitable habitat for this spe- Ranges’ bighorn sheep are (1) habitat loss or cies disappears rapidly as you move up into abandonment due to encroaching human de- the mountains. It is possible that tortoises oc- velopment along the base of the mountains cur in small numbers along the northern base and extending up into them; (2) diseases that of the San Bernardino Mountains, where there can be transmitted by domestic livestock, par- is friable soil and relatively flat terrain. ticularly sheep; and (3) high levels of predation Habitat: Desert tortoises occur in a wide variety of desert habitats, including washes and Joshua tree woodlands. They reach highest 218 Chapter 4

Figure 4.32. Distribution of the Peninsular Ranges’ bighorn sheep. densities in creosote bush communities with priority” watch list species by Partners in Flight extensive annual wildflower blooms, such as (Carter et al. 1998). There are several reported occur in the western Mojave Desert (Zeiner locations of Bendire’s thrasher in Joshua tree et al. 1988). They require friable soil for bur- woodlands along the northern and eastern base row construction. of the San Bernardino Mountains, including Conservation Considerations: It appears Lucerne Valley and Pioneertown (England and unlikely that desert tortoises occur within the Laudenslayer 1989). assessment area in any significant numbers. Habitat: At almost all sites where Bendire’s Thus, management of public lands within the thrashers nest in California the most promi- assessment area will have little influence on nent plants are Joshua tree, Spanish bayonet the conservation of this species. (Yucca baccata), or Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera). They seem to avoid steep slopes Bendire’s thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei) and rocky terrain (England and Laudenslayer Status and Distribution: The Bendire’s 1989). thrasher is a California Species of Special Con- Conservation Considerations: Protection cern and is identified as an “extremely high of Joshua tree woodlands is important for this 219 Table 4.22. Animals associated with desert habitats that received individual consideration. Displayed for each species: (1) the level of knowledge about where it occurs in southern California and, in parentheses, the estimated percentage of locations that are on national forest system lands; (2) the mountain subareas occupied (y = occurs in breeding season, h = historically occurred, p = potentially occurs, t transient, w = winter visitor)—if the species is localized and data are available, the approximate number of occurrences may be displayed; (3) the vulnerability of populations on national forest system lands to existing threat factors; (4) population trends; and (5) the assigned conservation category.

(2) areas occupied or estimated # of occurrences if spp. localized (1) (3) (4) (5) Desert Floor Knowledge Cleveland NFSan Bern. NF Angeles NF Los Padres NF Vulner- Pop. Conser- Animals of Concern of SoCal San Snta San San San Cas- So. So. No. ability Trend vation federal status Locations Diego Ana Jac Bern Gab taic LP SL SL on NFs Category (% on NFs) Rngs Mts Mts Mts Mts Rngs Rngs Rng Rng Reptiles Desert tortoise Mod p p Low Unkn Minimal threatened (< 1%) Influence

Birds Bendire’s thrasher Mod y Low Unkn Minimal (< 1%) Influence Le Conte’s thrasher Mod p p p p Low Unkn Minimal (< 1%) Influence Summer tanager Mod t t t y Low Unkn Minimal (< 5%) Influence

Mammals California leaf-nosed Low y p p p p p Unkn Unkn Minimal bat (< 5%) Influence Mohave ground squirrel Low p p Low Unkn Minimal (0%) Influence

species. More information is needed on the cupy Joshua tree woodlands in the Mojave distribution and abundance of Bendire’s Desert, although the Joshua trees themselves thrashers on public lands in the San Bernar- seem an unimportant element. In the south- dino Mountains. However, the assessment area western San Joaquin Valley, stands of saltbush is on the extreme edge of this species’ range with are occupied and nesting usually takes place only a small amount of potential habitat. around the edges of washes (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Le Conte’s thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei) Conservation Considerations: It appears Status and Distribution: The Le Conte’s unlikely that Le Conte’s thrashers currently thrasher is a California Species of Special Con- occur within the assessment area. Thus, man- cern and is identified as an “extremely high agement of public lands within the assessment priority” watch list species by Partners in Flight area will not influence the conservation of this (Carter et al. 1998). LeConte’s thrashers are species. known to occur in Joshua tree woodlands in the Mojave Desert and arid desert scrub in Summer tanager (Piranga rubra) the Carrizo Plain (Garrett and Dunn 1981), Status and Distribution: The summer but we found no documented localities within tanager is a California Species of Special Con- the assessment area. cern. There is recent (1998) documentation Habitat: Le Conte’s thrashers require less of summer tanagers nesting along the Santa vegetation than other thrashers; they inhabit Clara River in Soledad Canyon and along Big very sparse desert scrub (e.g., creosote bush), Rock Creek near the town of Valyermo (D. especially around small washes. They also oc- Cooper, UC Riverside, in litt.), although nei- ther location appears to be on public land. Dan 220 Chapter 4

Figure 4.33. Range of the desert tortoise and known locations of the tortoise and Mohave ground squirrel in the vicinity of the assessment area (from CNDDB 1999).

Cooper stated that they probably nest in Fre- Conservation Considerations: Riparian mont cottonwood groves all along the gallery forests on the desert’s edge at the base northern base of the San Gabriel Mountains. of the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Summer tanagers are also reported from the Jacinto mountains are important habitats for Mojave River at Mojave Narrows Regional summer tanagers and should be protected. Park and Whitewater Canyon along the base There is a need to document where these habi- of the San Bernardino Mountains (P. Unitt, tats occur on public lands and survey those SDNHM, unpubl. document), and the lower areas for summer tanagers. reaches of Palm and Andreas canyons on the desert-side of the San Jacinto Mountains (D. California leaf-nosed bat Freeman, San Bernardino NF, unpubl. notes). (Macrotus californicus) Habitat: Summer tanagers nest in desert Status and Distribution: The California riparian groves, typically dominated by ma- leaf-nosed bat is a California Species of Spe- ture Fremont cottonwoods (Garrett and Dunn cial Concern. The distribution of this species 1981). in the assessment area is poorly known; it was 221 not detected in bat surveys conducted by the management of public lands within the assess- Forest Service from 1996 to 1998 (Simons et ment area will not influence the conservation al. in prep.). California leaf-nosed bats have of this species. reportedly been observed in the Arrastre Creek area of the San Bernardino Mountains and on the desert side of the San Jacinto Mountains (Diane Freeman, San Bernardino NF, unpubl. notes). Habitat: California leaf-nosed bats are strongly associated with desert riparian and wash habitat. Radio-telemetry work done on this species in the California desert found them foraging almost exclusively in desert washes (Brown et al. 1993). They roost in mine shafts and caves (Brown 1998). Long, warm mine tunnels are utilized for winter roosts and ma- ternity colonies (Berry and Brown 1995). Conservation Considerations: Desert ri- parian habitats and suitable mine shafts are important to the conservation of this species. Surveys are needed to determine if occupied roosting or foraging habitat occurs within the assessment area.

Mohave ground squirrel (Spermophilus mohavensis) Status and Distribution: The Mohave ground squirrel is state listed as threatened. The current range of this species, delineated, is well north of the San Gabriel and San Ber- nardino mountains in the Mojave Desert (Best 1995). However, there are historic records from Apple Valley and Lucerne Valley (fig. 4.33) (Whitaker 1991). These are close to the San Bernardino Mountains and potential habi- tat seems to extend a short ways up into the mountains. Mohave ground squirrels have been found at elevations up to 5,000 feet in some desert ranges (Best 1995). Habitat: Optimal habitats for Mohave ground squirrels are open desert scrub (e.g., creosote bush), open alkali scrub (e.g., salt- bush), and Joshua tree woodlands (Zeiner et al. 1990b). They typically construct burrows in the sandy soils of desert washes (Best 1995). Conservation Considerations: It appears unlikely that Mohave ground squirrels cur- rently occur within the assessment area. Thus,

222