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Home My WebLink About1994-06-21; City Council; 12746 Part 2; PART 2 - DRAFT FIELDSTONE/ RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENTCarlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Appendix B Profile of HCP/OMSP Species of Concern A. Plants... 7 1. Ashy Spike-moss 7 2. Blochman's Dudleya 7 3. California Adder's-tongue 8 4. California Adolphia 9 5. Cliff Spurge 10 6. Coast Barrel Cactus 11 7. Del MarManzanita 12 8. Del Mar Sand Aster 15 9. Encinitas Baccharis..... 15 10. Engelmann Oak 16 11. Nuttall's Scrub Oak 17 12. Orcutt's Brodiaea 18 13. Orcutt's Hazardia 20 14. Orcutt's Spineflower 21 15. Palmer's Grapplinghook 21 16. San Diego Ambrosia 23 17. San Diego County Viguiera 24 18. San Diego Golden Star 24 19. San Diego Marsh Elder 26 20. San Diego Sagewort 27 21. San Diego Thornmint 28 22. Southwestern Spiny Rush 29 23. Sticky-leaved Liveforever 29 24. Summer holly 30 25. Thread-leaved Brodiaea 31 26. Wart-stemmed Ceanothus 36 27. Western Dichondra 37 B. Invertebrates 39 28. Harbison's Dun Skipper 39 29. Hermes Copper 42 30. Quino Checkerspot 45 3-28-94 Rev/sec/ Draft B-1 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP C. Amphibians 49 31. California Red-legged Frog 49 32. Western Spadefoot 50 D. Reptiles 51 33. Coastal Rosy Boa 51 34. Coastal Western Whiptail 51 35. Coast Patch-nosed Snake 54 36. Coronado Skink ...........55 37. Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake 56 38. Orange-throated Whiptail 58 39. San Diego Banded Gecko ..62 40. San Diego Horned Lizard .63 41. San Diego Ringneck Snake ..67 42. Silvery Legless Lizard .67 43. Southwestern Pond Turtle ...........68 44. Two-striped Garter Snake .....69 E. Birds 70 45. Bell's Sage Sparrow ........................70 46. Burrowing Owl .......75 47. California Horned Lark .....81 48. Coastal California Gnatcatcher ...............82 49. Cooper's Hawk... ...............97 50. Least BelI'sVireo 98 51. Loggerhead Shrike .....99 52. Northern Harrier ...102 53. San Diego Cactus Wren ....103 54 Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow 104 55. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher 108 56. Tricolored Blackbird 109 57. Yellow-breasted Chat 111 58. Yellow Warbler 111 F. Mammals 116 59. California Mastiff Bat 116 60. Dulzura California Pocket Mouse 116 61. Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse..... ..................117 62. Pacific Pocket Mouse ...120 63. San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit... 121 64. San Diego Desert Woodrat .122 65. Southern Grasshopper Mouse ..122 66. Townsend's Western Big-eared Bat 123 G. References 125 B-2 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Table B-1 Names and Listing Status of HCP/OMSP Species of Concern ID#Species Common and Scientific Name Federal Listing Status State Listing State Other Status Plants A-1 B-1 A-2 A-3 B-2 B-3 A-4 B-4 B-5 A-5 A-6 A-7 B-6 B-7 A-8 B-8 A-9 A-10 A-11 B-9 B-10 A-1 2 A-1 3 A-1 4 A-1 5 Ashy spike-moss Selaginella cinerascens Blochman's dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae California adder's-tongue Ophioglossum californicum California adophia Adolphia californica Cliff spurge Euphorbia misera Coast barrel cactus ferocactus viridescens Del Mar manzanita Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia Del Mar sand aster Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linfolia Encinitas baccharis Baccharis vanessae Engelmann oak Quercus engelmannii Nuttall's scrub oak Quercus dumosa Orcutt's brodiaea Brodiaea orcuttii Orcutt's hazardia Hazard/a orcuttii Orcutt's spineflower Chorizanthe orcuttiana Palmer's grapplinghook Harpagonella palmeri San Diego ambrosia Ambrosia pumila San Diego County viguiera Viguiera laciniata San Diego golden star Muilla clevelandii San Diego marsh elder Iva hayesiana San Diego sagewort Artemisia palmeri San Diego thornmint Acanthomintha ilicifolia Southwestern spiny rush ]unctus actus var. leopoldii Sticky-leaved liveforever Dudleya viscida Summer holly Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia Thread-leaved brodiaea Brodiaea filifolia none none C3c none none C2* FPE* FPT FPE* none none C2* C2 FPE* none C2* none C2* C2 none C1* none C1* C2 C1* none none none none none none none none SE none none none none SE none none none none none none SE none none none SE CNPS4 CNPS1B, NCCP, OSS CNPS4 CNPS2, NCCP, OSS CNPS2, NCCP, OSS CNPS2, NCCP, OSS CNPS1B, T CNPS1B, NCCP, T CNPS1B, T CNPS4, OSS CNPS1B, OSS CNPS1B, T CNPS1B, NCCP CNPS1B, NCCP CNPS2, NCCP, OSS CNPS1B, NCCP CNPS4, NCCP CNPS1B, NCCP, T CNPS2, NCCP, OSS CNPS2, NCCP, OSS CNPS1B, NCCP, T CNPS4, OSS CNPS1B, NCCP,OSS CNPS1B, T CNPS1B, T 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-3 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Table B-1 (continued) Names and Listing Status of HCP/OMSP Species of Concern IO#Species Common and Scientific Name Federal Listing Status State Listing State Other Status Plants continued A-16 A-17 Wart-stemmed ceanothus Ceanothus verrucosus Western dichondra Dichondra occidentalis C2 C3c none none CNPS2, T CNPS4, NCCP, OSS Invertebrates B-11 B-1 2 B-1 3 Harbison's dun skipper Euphyes vestris harbinsoni Hermes copper Lycaena hermes Quino checkerspot Euphydras editha quino C2 C2* C1* none none none T OSS OSS Amphibians B-1 4 A-18 California red-legged frog Rana aurora draytonii Western spadefoot toad Spea hammondii FPE* none CSC CSC OSS NCCP, T Reptiles A-19 A-20 B-1 5 B-1 6 A-21 A-22 B-1 7 A-23 B-1 8 B-1 9 B-20 B-21 Coastal rosy boa Lichanura trivirgata rosafusca Coastal western whiptail Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus Coast patch-nosed snake Salvadora hexalepis virgultea Coronado skink Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis Northern red diamond rattlesnake Crotalus ruber ruber Orange-throated whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi San Diego banded gecko Co/eonyx variegatus abbotti San Diego horned lizard Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei San Diego ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus similis Silvery legless lizard Anniella nigra argentea Southwestern pond turtle Clemmys marmorata pallida Two-striped garter snake Thamnophis hammondii C2 C2 C2 C2 C2 C2 C2 C2 C2 none C1* C2 CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC NCCP, OSS NCCP, OSS NCCP, OSS NCCP, OSS NCCP, OSS NCCP, T NCCP, OSS NCCP, T OSS OSS NCCP, OSS OSS Birds A-24 A-25 B-22 A-26 Bell's sage sparrow Amphispiza belli belli Burrowing owl Speotyto cunicularia California horned lark Eremophila alpestris actia Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica C2 none C2 FT CSC CSC CSC CSC NCCP, MBTA, OSS MBTA, T MBTA, NCCP, OSS MBTA, NCCP, T B-4 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Table B-1 Names and Listing Status of HCP/OMSP Species of Concern ID#Species Common and Scientific Name Federal Listing Status State Listing State Other Status Birds continued A-27 B-23 A-28 A-29 B-24 A-30 B-25 A-31 A-32 A-33 Cooper's hawk Acdpiter cooper/ Least Bell's vireo Vireo bellii pusillus Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus Northern harrier Circus cyaneus San Diego cactus wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia brewsteri none FE C2 none C2 C2 FPE C2 none none CSC SE CSC CSC CSC CSC SE CSC CSC CSC MBTA, T MBTA, T MBTA, NCCP, OSS MBTA, T NCCP, T MBTA, NCCP, T FSS, MBTA, T MBTA, NCCP, T MBTA, OSS MBTA, OSS Mammals B-26 B-27 A-34 B-28 A-35 A-36 B-29 B-30 California mastiff bat Eumops perotis californicus Dulzura California pocket mouse Chaetodipus californicus femoralis Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax fallax Pacific pocket mouse Perognathus longimembris pacificus San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennettii San Diego desert woodrat Neotoma lepida intermedia Southern grasshopper mouse Onychomys torridus ramona Townsend's western big-eared bat Plecotus townsendii townsendii C2 C2 C2 FEE C2 C2 C2 C2 CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC CSC T T NCCP, T NCCP, OSS NCCP, OSS OSS NCCP, OSS T 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-5 Appendix B Carlsbad-FICA HCP/OMSP Table B-1 (continued) Names and Listing Status of HCP/OMSP Species of Concern Codes A- Species observed or assumed to occur in one or both plan area components B- Species potentially occurring in one or both plan area components C1 Category 1 candidate for federal listing C2 Category 2 candidate for federal listing C3c Category 3c candidate for federal listing CNPS Listed by the California Native Plant Society as: (1 B) rare or endangered in California and elsewhere (2) rare or endangered in California and more common elsewhere (4) plants of limited distribution CSC Identified by CDFC as a species of special concern in California FE Listed as endangered under the federal ESA FEE Emergency listed as endangered under the federal ESA FPE Proposed for federal listing as endangered FPT Proposed for federal listing as threatened FSS Identified by federal agencies as a sensitive species FT Listed as threatened under the federal ESA MBTA Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act NCCP On the list of sensitive species for the NCCP program OSS "Other Sensitive Species" identified in draft Carlsbad HMP ST Listed as threatened under the California ESA T Target species for Carlsbad HMP and North County MHCP * On the list of species covered by a settlement agreement between USFWS and environmental groups who filed suit regarding the timely listing of C1 and C2 species. B-6 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B A. Plants 1. Ashy Spike-moss Selaginella cinerascens Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 4, 1-2-1 OTHER: None PLAN ID: A-1 Range It occurs in San Diego County and adjacent Baja California, Mexico. In San Diego County it ranges from about Rancho Bernardo south to the international border. This species was reported from Arroyo La Costa, Airport Business Center, Wool ley Annexation Project, Carlsbad Highlands, Rancho Carrillo, and Evans Point (MBA and Dudek & Associates, Inc. 1992). Habitat It occurs on flat mesas below 965 feet. It is one of the most common understory plants in the Diegan coastal sage scrub and coastal chaparral habitats. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 510 acres (40%) of this species' habitat will be conserved within the plan area, and approximately 760 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. The species may potentially benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. The HCP/OMSP will contribute to the long term preservation of this species which is still locally abundant throughout San Diego County. Conservation/Management Measures This species will benefit from the control of access and exotic species. 2. Blochman's Dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae spp. blochmaniae Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B, 1-2-2 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-1 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-7 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Range This subspecies is known to occur from San Luis Obispo County, south of Baja California (Smith and Berg 1988). In San Diego County this subspecies is reported from Stuart Mesa, Camp Pendleton, Las Flores, La Costa, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat Blochman's dudleya occurs atop coastal bluffs below 350 feet. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it has a low probability of occurrence and was not detected within the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. There are no other records for this species in Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 3. California Adder's-tongue Ophioglossum californicum Status USFWS: Candate (Category 3c) CDFG: None CNPS: List 4, 1-2-2 OTHER: None PLAN ID: A-2 Range California adder's-tongue ranges from Monterey to San Diego south through Baja California (Munz 1974). The subspecies is reported to occur from Escondido, Olivenhain, Valley Center, Encinitas, Grossmont College, Lake Jennings, Mount Soledad, Kearny Mesa, Balboa Park, East San Diego, El Cajon Mountain, Lee Parkway, and Point Loma (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat This species occurs within grassland and vernal pools below 3,000 feet (Beauchamp 1986). B-8 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 100 individuals (100%) of this species will be conserved in the plan area; no individuals occur in areas designated for development. No other specific records for this species are known from within the City. Because of the widespread distribution of this species, the HCP/OMSP would be only a minor contribution to the long term preservation of the species. Conservation/Management Measures This species would indirectly benefit from measures to control access and exotic pests. 4. California Adolphia Adolphia californica Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 1-2-1 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-3 Morphology, Taxonomy and Evolution California adolphia is a spiny green shrub found in coastal sage scrub vegetation in southern California and northwestern Baja California, Mexico. California adolphia is an intricately branched, approximately three feet high shrub with opposite divaricate (widely divergent) spinose (bearing spines) twigs which are articulated (jointed) with the stems. The branches are short- pubescent, green, stiff, striate and spinescent (spine tipped). The leaves are opposite, small, mostly caducous (early deciduous), with stipules, oblong or obovate, entire or nearly so, 1-4 inches long, short-petioled, and puberlent. The flowers are inconspicuous, solitary or in a few flowered axillary clusters. The five sepals are pubescent and greenish-white; the five hooded petals are white and approximately one inch long. The fruit is a three-loculed, three-lobed globose (spherical) capsule, the lower third of which is surrounded by, but mostly free from, the cuplike calyx-base (Jepson 1936; Munz 1974). Habitat This species occurs on dry coastal and foothill slopes below 1,000 feet and is generally associated with coastal sage scrub. This species is considered to be an edaphic (influenced by soil rather than climate) endemic as it has a high affinity to clay soils (Beauchamp 1986). 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-9 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Historical and Current Distribution California adolphia is known from coastal San Diego County and from the international border to the vicinity of Jaraguay (Smith and Berg 1988; Beauchamp 1986; Wiggins 1980). Reported localities in the County include Morro Hill, Cerro de la Calavera, Agua Hedionda, Rancho Santa Fe, Mount Soledad, Bernardo, Choi las Valley, Barrett Junction, Proctor Valley, and Otay (Beauchamp 1986). It is reported from numerous localities within the City of Carlsbad, including Arroyo La Costa, Airport Business Center, Santa Fe Glens, La Costa Northeast Annexation, Woolley Annexation Project, Carlsbad Highlands, the east end of Dove Drive, western portion of Rancheros, Rancho Carrillo, Lake Calavera, Evans Point, and Camino Hills Mobile Home Park (Dudek & Associates and MBA 1992). Any extant populations that occur within the Mount Soledad City of San Diego Park would be considered protected. Endangerment California adolphia is threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization (Smith and Berg 1988). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 3,100 individuals (31%) of this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 6,900 individuals (63%) are in areas designated for development. The species may potentially benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. Because such a large number of individuals and proportion of the population will be impacted, the HCP/OMSP cannot be viewed as beneficial to this species even though the plant is known from numerous areas of Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Additional opportunities may be available for preservation by the use of this species for onsite restoration. Access and exotic pest control management measures will also benefit this species. 5. Cliff Spurge Euphorbia misera Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 2-2-1 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-2 B-10 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Range Cliff spurge ranges from Corona del Mar, Orange County to San Diego, San Clemente, and Catalina Islands and creosote bush scrub at Whitewater, in the Colorado Desert {Munz 1974). The species is known to occur from Carlsbad, Point Loma, San Diego, Sweetwater Valley, Otay Mesa, San Ysidro, and Tijuana Hills (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat Cliff spurge occurs on coastal bluffs in coastal sage scrub habitat below 480 feet (Beauchamp 1986). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it has a low probability of occurrence and was not detected in the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. This shrub is known from only one locality in Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 6. Coast Barrel Cactus Ferocactus viridescens Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 1-3-1 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-3 Range It is found from Oceanside in San Diego County, south to northwest Baja California and the foothills of the Sierra Juarez (Beauchamp 1986; Wiggins 1980). Reported locations in San Diego County include Del Mar, Poway, Kearny Mesa, Rose Canyon, National City, Point Loma, Casa de Oro, Sunnyside, and Otay Mesa (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat Coast barrel cactus occurs in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent scrub, and valley and foothill grassland habitats. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-11 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it was not detected and is not expected to occur within the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. There are no records for this species within the City limits. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 7. Del Mar Manzanita Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia Status USFWS: Proposed Endangered CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B, 3-3-2 OTHER: T PLAN ID: A-4 Del Mar manzanita is a member of the Heath Family (Ericaceae). Because of some previous debate and taxonomic uncertainty, Del Mar manzanita was considered but rejected from the California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (Smith and Berg 1988). It has been included in the draft Inventory which is currently being circulated for comments. In the draft it is considered rare or endangered in California and elsewhere. Morphology, Taxonomy and Evolution Del Mar manzanita is a low, prostrate, woody evergreen shrub that reaches a height of between two and 3.5 feet, with crooked branches with smooth thin red exfoliating bark (Munz 1974). The leaves are simple, alternate, coriaceous (leathery in texture, tough), ovate to lance-ovate, dull gray-green or subglaucous (covered with a usually whitish or bluish, waxy or powdery film that is sometimes easily rubbed off) (Wells 1986; Munz 1974). This subspecies is not at all glandular in any of its parts but is setose (clothed with bristles) with long white hairs on petioles, twigs, rachises, and bracts; pedicels and ovary white- tomentose; and bracts leafy. The populations are dimorphic with respect to setosity: about half the individuals lacking setose hairs, except sometimes on bracts, the balance of the population at least sparsely setose or hispid (rough with stiff or bristly hairs) on twigs, petioles, rachises, and bracts (Wells 1986). The corolla (petals) is urn-shaped and white; the fruit berry-like, depressed (low, as if flattened from above), globose (spherical or rounded), and reddish-brown. At an early age Del Mar manzanita forms a basal burl or enlarged rootcrown from which sprouting takes place after fire (Munz 1974). B-12 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Del Mar manzanita was first described by Willis Jepson in 1922 Gepson 1922; Knight 1981; Wells 1990). In 1981, Walter Knight concluded that this taxon has no validity based upon herbarium specimens, historical data and field information. Knight felt that the non-glandular collections made in the Del Mar area were hybrids between Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. g/andu/osa and other species of the genus within the vicinity (Knight 1981). In 1986 Philip Wells reevaluated the taxonomy of the A. glandulosa group and concluded that Del Mar manzanita was indeed a valid subspecies and will be included as such in the new Jepson Flora of California (Wells 1986; Wells, pers. comm.). The absence of glandular forms along the immediate coast makes Del Mar manzanita one of the most consistent and well-defined taxa within the variable /Arctostaphy/os glandulosa complex and ssp. crassifolia has a discrete distribution, allopathic from other taxa (Wells 1986). Historical and Current Distribution The distribution of Del Mar manzanita is strictly coastal and largely restricted to siliceous sandstone of Eocene age that outcrops in coastal bluffs from Oceanside (south of San Luis Rey River) south to La Jolla (with Torrey pines) southward along the immediate coast of Baja California to Cabo Colnett (about 200 km south of the Mexican border). Reported localities in San Diego County include Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Torrey Pines State Reserve, and Carlsbad (Beauchamp 1986; Dudek and MBA 1992). Areas in Carlsbad that are known to support Del Mar manzanita include Green Valley, Arroyo La Costa, Northwest, the County of San Diego property northeast of the Palomar Airport Road/El Camino Real intersection, Shelley Property, Rice Property, Aviara, Zone 20 and Zone 21, among others. Huffman (CDFG 1982) describes 24 populations of Del Mar manzanita from Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Carmel Valley, Torrey Pines North, Carmel Mountain West and East, and Scripps Ranch. Of these 24 populations, 22 are extant, 2 are extinct, 11 have been impacted and nine are intact. These original 24 populations constituted 302 subpopulations of 17,137 individuals. Based on Huffman's original estimates, there are 137 extant subpopulations totaling 7,160 individuals. A more recent range-wide assessment of the Del Mar manzanita by SEB (Sweetwater Environmental Biologists) (unpublished data), estimates that approximately 3,019 individuals (34.8% of the remaining population) occur in public lands either preserved as permanent open space or likely to be preserved. This includes Torrey Pines State Park (approximately 1,034 individuals in the northern extension and 200 individuals in the southern park area), Crest Canyon County Park (approximately 1,075 individuals), Oak Crest County Park (approximately 25 individuals; G. Baird pers. obs.), San Dieguito County Park (approximately 138 individuals), and approximately 530 individuals on County of San Diego property just northeast of the Palomar Airport Road/El Camino Real intersection. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-13 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Remaining populations occur on private land holdings including 1,383 individuals on the Ecke property in Encinitas, 200 individuals on the Green Valley property in Carlsbad, 775 individuals on Arroyo La Costa, and approximately 500 in Zones 20 and 21 of Carlsbad. Habitat Features Del Mar manzanita is one of the prime indicator species of the sensitive habitat, southern maritime chaparral. Southern maritime chaparral is a low to medium height, dense to fairly open chaparral that is dominated by a combination of species that are characteristic of southern mixed chaparral and other species that have a more coastal distribution. Southern maritime chaparral occurs on weathered siliceous sandstone of Eocene sandstone formations (rough broken land, loamy alluvial land-Huerhuero complex, and terrace escarpments) and lies within the coastal fog belt (up to three miles inland from the Pacific Ocean). Besides Del Mar manzanita, other characteristic species of southern maritime chaparral may include coast white lilac (Ceanothus verrucosus), chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), scrub oak (Quercus dumosa), Del Mar sand aster (Corethmgyne filaginifolia ssp. linifolia), Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae), and summer-holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia). Only Del Mar manzanita, summer holly and scrub occur on Northwest. Endangerment The range-wide assessment of Del Mar manzanita prepared by SEB indicates that approximately 35 percent of the individuals comprising this species lie in public ownership areas currently protected or likely to be protected as public open space. Forty-one percent of the individuals lie within five properties that have approved or pending land use plans that propose to preserve 36 percent of the species rangewide. Four additional sites that have existing or proposed land use plans represent an additional 14 percent of the species, eight percent of which are proposed for preservation. Based on this assessment, these areas alone would preserve approximately 80 percent of the species, including at least 80 percent of each of the largest populations, even if no additional areas outside of these 16 areas are preserved. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 795 individuals (75%) of this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 261 individuals (25%) are in areas designated for development. The species is not likely to benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. Because of the high number of individuals and proportion of this population preserved in contiguous, viable open space, the HCP/OMSP is expected to benefit this species. Conservation/Management Measures Control of access and exotic pests are management measures which will benefit this species. B-14 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B 8. Del Mar Sand Aster Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia Status USFWS: Proposed Threatened CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B, 3-2-3 OTHER: NCCP, T PLAN ID: B-4 Range This species is endemic to coastal San Diego County, California, where it has been reported from Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Del Mar Heights, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Fort Rosecrans, and San Diego Bay (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat Del Mar sand aster is found on bluffs and brushy slopes near the ocean in Diegan coastal sage scrub and chaparral. According to Beauchamp (1986) it is occasional in sandy and disturbed places below 480 feet and only along the coast. It is often found in open/disturbed areas on terrace escarpment soils (RECON unpublished data). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it was not detected is not expected to occur within the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. Specific localities in Carlsbad include Green Valley and Zone 20. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 9. Encinitas Baccharis Baccharis vanessae Status USFWS: Proposed Endangered CDFG: Endangered CNPS: List 1B, 2-3-3 OTHER: T PLAN ID: B-5 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-15 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Range Encinitas baccharis is endemic to San Diego County. It is known to occur from Encinitas, Mira Mesa, Poway, Mount Israel, and Del Dios (Beauchamp 1986). This species has recently been discovered at the lower end of Devil Canyon in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness Area of the Cleveland National Forest (Steve Boyd 1992). Habitat Encinitas baccharis occurs coastally in chaparral habitat on alluvial land- huerhuero complex soils in coastal locations, and San Miguel-Exchequer, and Cieneba soil series at the inland sites (Beauchamp 1986). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it has a low probability of occurrence and was not detected within the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. There are no records for this species in Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 10. Engelmann Oak Quercus engelmannii Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 4, 1-2-2 OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: A-5 Range This species ranges from the Pasadena region inland to San Dimas, south to east San Diego County and into Baja California (Munz 1974). Engelmann oak is known to occur from San Margarita Mountains, Fallbrook, Mesa Grande, Volcan Mountains, Lost Valley, Banner, Descanso, Rancho Bernardo, Dulzura, El Nido, Alpine, and Buckman Spring (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat Englemann oak occurs in canyons and on open slopes below 4,000 feet (Beauchamp 1986). It is associated with oak woodlands. B-16 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP The only individual detected within the plan area will be impacted. As such, the HCP/OMSP will not benefit this species. This oak species is known from only one area of Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Since there will not be any extant individuals subsequent to development, there will be no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 11. Nuttall's Scrub Oak Quercus dumosa Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B (anticipated in the new version of CNPS Inventory) OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: A-6 Range Nuttall's scrub oak is found along the coast of southern California from near Point Conception in Santa Barbara County south into northern Baja California. Since this taxon has only been recently differentiated from the closely related scrub oak, Q. berberidifolia (Hickman 1993), with which it frequently hybridizes, it is not possible to list specific localities in San Diego County recorded in earlier works (e.g. Beauchamp 1986); records found in that work are for a broader definition of Q. dumosa, which included Q. berberidifolia. Habitat According to Hickman (1993), Nuttall's scrub oak is generally found in areas with sandy soils near the coast, or on sandstone substrate, in chaparral (southern maritime) or coastal sage scrub vegetation. It is also generally found below 640 feet. Morphology, Taxonomy and Evolution Nuttall's scrub oak is hard to distinguish from the more widely distributed scrub oak as many of the morphological features overlap. The diagnostic features that are most readily observed are differences in the texture of the acorn cap and the proportions of the acorn as a whole. In scrub oak, the acorn cap is strongly tubercled (i.e. with wart-like projections), while in Nuttall's scrub oak, the acorn cap is weakly tuberculate. The acorn in Nuttall's scrub oak is generally more elongate and slender compared to scrub oak. Lastly, the new leaves of Q. dumosa are borne on thin reddish branches and the acorn caps are rust colored. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-17 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCF/OMSP Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of the HCP/OMSP Approximately 640 of 1,350 individuals (47%) of this species will be conserved on Northwest, and approximately 710 inidivduals (53%) are in areas designated for development. This species may potentially benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. Additional populations may exist in the southern mixed chaparral near the eastern boundary of Northwest, but because of the small size of this community, significant populations of Nuttall's scrub oak are not expected. This species also was observed in Rancheros-Southeast II but has not been mapped or estimated as to population. Approximately 35 acres (13%) of the species' habitat will be conserved in Rancheros-Southeast II, and approximately 150 acres (81 %) is assumed taken. Conservation/Management Measures This species would benefit from access control and the control of exotic species. 12. Orcutt's Brodiaea Brodiaea orcuttii Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B, 1-3-2 Other: T PLAN ID: A-7 Morphology For discussions of corm, leaf, inflorescence, and flower morphology, please see the discussions under thread-leaved brodiaea. Only significant differences in morphology are discussed below. Leaf Morphology The leaves of Orcutt's brodiaea are erect. Inflorescence and Flower Morphology The flowering period for Orcutt's brodiaea is from April to July. The inflorescence is a pseudo-umbel and the pedicels (stalks of the individual flowers) are one to three inches in length. The mature scape of Orcutt's brodiaea is 5-10 inches in length but the length varies according to the amount of moisture available during the growing season. There are three stamens per flower. Staminodia are lacking in Orcutt's brodiaea (Munz 1974). Taxonomy and Evolution The taxonomic and evolutionary information for Orcutt's brodiaea is essentially the same as for thread-leaved brodiaea presented in the previous discussion. B-18 Rev/sec/ Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B The base number of chromosomes for this genus appears to be n = 6. Orcutt's brodiaea , a polyploid, has n = 12, and is most likely an autoploid (a polyploid in which several chromosome sets are derived from the same species, as opposed to being derived from two species i.e. a hybridization event). Historical and Current Distribution Orcutt's brodiaea occurs from the northern Sierra Juarez in Baja California through San Diego, southwestern Riverside and southwestern San Bernadino counties (Wiggins 1980; Smith and Berg 1988). Reported localities in San Diego County include Santa Margarita Mountains, San Marcos, Poway, Henshaw Dam, Santa Ysabel, Cuyamaca Mountains, Cuyamaca Lake, Miramar Naval Air Station, Linda Vista, Ramona, Buschalaugh Canyon, Japatul Valley, Woodwardia Canyon, and Lower Otay Reservoir (Beauchamp 1986). Bauder (1986) reports Orcutt's brodiaea from vernal pool complexes in Tierrasanta, Mira Mesa north, Mira Mesa central, Mira Mesa south, Kearny Villa south, Kearny Villa north, Penasquitos north, Miramar Industrial, Montgomery Field, Landmark, South Miramar MAS, West Miramar NAS, West Gate Miramar NAS, East Miramar NAS, Miramar NAS Interior, and Amaya Drive. Orcutt's brodiaea is reported from Cuyamaca Lake (Beauchamp 1986). Any extant populations from there would be preserved within Rancho Cuyamaca State Park. Preserved population(s) of Orcutt's brodiaea also occur within Mission Trails Regional Park (Dames and Moore 1991). Approximately 10 individuals of Orcutt's brodiaea occur on Arroyo La Costa (STA Planning 1989), two populations of five individuals each were detected in Carlsbad in the area of the proposed Rancho Santa Fe Road realignment (Cotton/Beland and Associates 1991). A population of ten individuals occur on the Santa Fe Creek Property near Escondido Creek west of Lake Hodges (MBA 1991). Approximately several thousand individuals of Orcutt's brodiaea were observed at the vernal pool complex between Pacific Street and Las Posas Road in San Marcos (SEB unpublished data). Another 200+ individuals were observed across Las Posas around another vernal pool complex and approximately 50 individuals were observed in yet another vernal pool complex in San Marcos southwest of the intersection of Linda Vista Drive and Bent Avenue (SEB unpublished data). Approximately 10,000 individuals of Orcutt's brodiaea were detected in a drainage in Elfin Forest (SEB unpublished data). Habitat Orcutt's brodiaea occurs in ephemeral streams and vernal pools and seeps. Associated vernal pool species may include other sensitive vernal pool plant species such as: San Diego mesa mint (Pogogyne abramsii), Cleveland's golden star (Muilla c/eve/and/i), California adder's tongue (Ophioglossum californicum), and thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) (Bauder 1986). Endangerment This species is primarily threatened by urbanization (Smith and Berg 1988). 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-19 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Two populations of five individuals each will be impacted (100 percent). Since the entire population of this species within the plan area will be impacted, the HCP/OMSP will not benefit this species. This species is known from two other locations in Carlsbad: Arroyo La Costa and Encinitas Creek. Conservation/Management Measures Since the entire population within the plan area will be extirpated, there will be no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 13. Orcutt's Hazardia Hazardia orcuttii Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B, 3-3-2 OTHER: NCCP PLAN ID: B-6 Range Orcutt's hazardia is known in San Diego County from one population in Encinitas (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat This species is known to occur only in chaparral (Beauchamp 1986). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it was not detected and is not expected to occur within the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. No records for this species exist within the Carlsbad boundaries. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. B-20 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B 14. Orcutt's Spineflower Chorizanthe orcuttiana Status USFWS: Proposed Endangered CDFG: Endangered CNPS: List 1B, 3-3-3 OTHER: NCCP PLAN ID: B-7 Range Orcutt's spineflower is endemic to San Diego County. It is known from Encinitas, Del Mar, Point Loma, and Kearny Mesa (Beauchamp 1986). The species was considered extinct until its recent (1991) rediscovery in Oakcrest Park, Encinitas. Habitat Orcutt's spineflower occurs on exposed sandy soils in southern maritime chaparral habitat below 500 feet (Beauchamp 1986). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it has a low probability of occurrence and was not detected within the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. This species is not known from within Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 15. Palmer's Grapplinghook Harpagonella palmer! Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 1-2-1 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-8 Morphology, Taxonomy and Evolution Palmer's grapplinghook is a small annual within the family Boraginaceae. This monotypic genus is characterized by flowers that are in a leafy-bracted false 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-21 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP raceme with pedicels that are twisted and laterally deflexed at maturity. The corolla is subrotate (slightly wheel-shaped), white, less than 0.25 inch long, and slightly exceeding the calyx (fused sepals). The flowers are on short pedicels which in fruit become strongly recurved and rigid. This species blooms from March to April. The calyx lobes are slightly unequal, with three narrowly distinct lobes and two lobes which are fused for 3/4 of their length, accrescent (increasing in size with age) and indurate (hardened) to form a galeate (a helmet- like upper lip in certain bilabiate corollas) structure enclosing the upper part of one nutlet and armed dorsally with 5-9 soft hooked spines. The fruit is two nutlets which are dissimilar. The nutlet that is enclosed by the two united lobes of the bur-like calyx is fertile, round and glabrous except where it is flattened on the inner surface to form a margined strigose (clothed with sharp and stiff appressed straight hairs) areole (small area on the surface of a structure that lies between veins). The naked nutlet is angled, completely strigose and usually infertile (Munz 1974; Jepson 1943; Beauchamp 1986). The stem has a few to several diffuse strigose disarticulating (separating joint from joint at maturity) branches from at or near the base. The branches are from 3-8 inches long, the leaves are strigose and narrowly linear or very narrowly lanceolate and approximately 0.5-1.5 inches long. Habitat Palmer's grapplinghook occurs on dry slopes and burns in the hills and clay depressions on the mesas between 200 and 1500 feet in elevation in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland habitats (Munz 1974; Jepson 1943; Beauchamp 1986). Historical and Current Distribution This species is reported from: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties, Baja California and Arizona (Smith and Berg 1988; Roberts 1989; Beauchamp 1986; Wiggins 1980). Reported localities of Palmer's grapplinghook include Santa Catalina Island, Murietta in southwest Riverside County, Dehesa School in Sweetwater Valley, Otay, southwestern San Diego County, Box Canyon, Mason Valley, Guajome Mesa, Rancho Santa Fe, Olivenhain, Poway Grade, Kearny Mesa, Emerald Hills, Mission Gorge, Rice Canyon, and Table Mountain (Jepson 1943; Beauchamp 1986). In Baja this species is reported from Mexicali to midpenisula (Wiggins 1980). Less than 100 individuals of Palmer's grapplinghook occur within the North Oceanside Annexation Area (WESTEC 1988). Eight populations of 3,000, 2,500, 1,000, 500, 200, 30, 25, and 20 individuals respectively were detected on Northwest in Carlsbad (SEB 1992a). Several populations are also known from Rancho Carrillo (RECON 1992). Palmer's grapplinghook is known from Mission Trails Regional Park and The Nature Conservancy's McGinty Mountain Preserve (Dames and Moore 1991; Brown and Weir 1992). Any extant population(s) from these preserves would be protected. B-22 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Endangerment Palmer's grapplinghook is threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 3,500 individuals (48%) of this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 3,775 individuals (52%) are in areas designated for development. Despite the widespread distribution of this species, the HCP/OMSP will contribute to the long term preservation of this species through the preservation of nearly half of the large onsite population. The species also potentially will benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. This plant species is known from only one other location in the City. Conservation/Management Measures This species will benefit from control of access, weed control, and erosion control measures. 16. San Diego Ambrosia Ambrosia pumila Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B, 3-2-2 OTHER: NCCP PLAN ID: B-8 Range San Diego ambrosia is known from San Diego County and Baja California (Munz 1974). This species occurs in valleys (usually floodplains) and is known from the Lake Hodges, San Luis Rey, and Bonsall areas (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat In San Diego County, San Diego ambrosia occurs coastally below 500 feet elevation, primarily in the watersheds of the San Diego and Sweetwater rivers and with several populations along the San Luis Rey River. San Diego ambrosia appears to be associated with the upper floodplain zone of rivers and is found in a variety of habitats and disturbance regimes. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it was not detected and is not expected to occur within the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. There are no specific records of this species occurring within Carlsbad. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-23 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 17. San Diego County Viguiera Viguiera laciniata Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 4, 1-2-1 OTHER: NCCP PLAN ID: A-9 Range This species occurs in San Diego County southward through Baja California, Mexico (Munz 1974). Habitat It occurs on dry slopes below 2,500 feet elevation in chaparral and coastal sage scrub (Munz 1974). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP All 75 individuals within the plan area will be conserved. There are no specific records of this species occurring elsewhere within Carlsbad, however this species is still locally abundant in southern San Diego County. Because of the population in the plan area is small and disjunct population, the HCP/OMSP is not expected to contribute to the long term preservation of this species. Conservation/Management Measures Control of access and exotic pests are management measures which will benefit this species. 18. San Diego Golden Star Muilla Cleveland!! Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B, 2-2-2 OTHER: NCCP, T PLAN ID: A-10 B-24 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Morphology, Taxonomy and Evolution San Diego golden star is a member of the family Amaryllidaceae. As a perennial herb, new vegetative and floral growth arises each spring from an underground corm that has a fibro-membranous coat (expanded basal portions of the leaves). The scape arises from this corm bearing an inflorescence that is an umbel that is subtended by scarious acuminate bracts. The pedicels (stalks of the individual flowers) are slender but not jointed, one to 1.5 inches long. The perianth (petals and sepals) is subrotate (fused corolla that is wheel shaped), persistent, of six subequal slightly united, lance-oblong segments. The perianth segments are less than 0.5 inch long, yellow with a greenish stripe. There are six stamens that are inserted near the base; the filaments are less than 0.25 inch long with oblong appendages that are even shorter. The fruit is a three-angled loculicidal capsule less than 0.25 inch long. San Diego golden star was initially included in the genus Bloomeria. Ingram (1953) in his monograph on Muilla and Bloomeria treated this species as such along with previous workers. Hoover (1955) was the first to assign San Diego golden star to the genus Muilla where it remains today. Muilla differs from Bloomeria in the larger number of leaves which are neither keeled nor channeled, in having a short style no longer than the ovary, not having pedicels that are jointed, and in not having the lower portion of the filaments terminate in a cup-like insertion for the upper portion. This last morphological feature is the best diagnostic characteristic for distinguishing between San Diego golden star and golden stars (Bloomeria crocea), a common spring ephemeral that is very similar in appearance to San Diego golden star. Historical and Current Distribution San Diego golden star is known from coastal San Diego County to the extreme northwest of Baja California (Beauchamp 1986; Wiggins 1980). Historical localities in San Diego County include Rancho Santa Fe, Lopez Canyon, Miramar, Mission Hills, Linda Vista, Montezuma Mesa, Murray Dam, Grossmont, Foster, San Diego, San Miguel Mountain, Otay Mesa, and Otay Mountain (Beauchamp 1986). Bauder (1986) reports San Diego golden star from vernal pool complexes in Tierrasanta, Mira Mesa north, Mira Mesa central, Kearny Villa south, Kearny Villa north, Penasquitos north, Miramar Industrial, Montgomery Field, Landmark, South Miramar NAS, West Miramar MAS, West Gate Miramar NAS, East Miramar NAS, Miramar NAS Interior, Otay Mesa, Mission Village, Grossmont College, and Amaya Drive. Approximately 1,950 individuals of San Diego golden star occur in three areas within the area proposed for the Rancho Santa Fe Road realignment (Cotton/Beland and Associates 1991). Tens of thousands of individuals of San Diego golden star occur on the Santa Fe Creek Property, south of Escondido Creek, west of Lake Hodges (MBA 1991). Approximately 25,000 individuals of San Diego golden star occur on the southeast slopes of Mother Miguel Mountain (SEB unpublished data) San Diego golden star is known from Mission Trails Regional Park and Otay Mountain (U.S. Department of the Interior Wildlife Preserve) (Beauchamp 1986; Dames and Moore 1991). Because of the status of these two areas, any extant populations within these areas are considered to be preserved. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-25 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Habitat San Diego golden star occurs on clay soils and is considered an edaphic endemic (Beauchamp 1986). It occurs on dry mesas and slopes and is associated with the mima mound topography of vernal pools; annual and native grasslands; and coastal sage scrub. The population on the Santa Fe Creek Property is associated with coastal sage scrub, the population southeast of Mother Miguel Mountain is associated with mima mound topography around vernal pools where there is a high purple needle grass (Stipa pulchra) component to the grassland community. Endangerment San Diego golden star is threatened by illegal dumping, off-road vehicles, and urbanization (Smith and Berg 1988). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 400 individuals (21%) of this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 1,500 individuals (79%) are in areas designated for development. It should be noted that the preserved areas border on developed areas that may have a detrimental effect on the viability of the preserved plants. The species could potentially benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. Because 79% of the onsite population would be eliminated, the HCP/OMSP will not be beneficial to the long-term preservation of this species. The only populations of this species known from Carlsbad occur within the plan area. Conservation/Management Measures The remaining extant population will benefit from control of access and exotic pests. 19. San Diego Marsh Elder Iva hayesiana Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 2-2-1 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-11 Range This species occurs in southwestern San Diego County and northern Baja California (Munz 1974, Smith and Berg 1988). It has a fairly restricted range in San Diego County, but is more widespread to the south, ranging into central Baja California (Wiggins 1980). A large, population of this species occurs along San Marcos Creek where it flows between rancheros and the Road Project. B-26 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Habitat It grows in low-lying, moist or alkaline places along intermittent streams in coastal areas. San Diego marsh-elder often grows in association with spiny rush and other indicators of wetland habitat (Reed 1988). It can be a dominant understory plant in disturbed floodplain situations such as that in the Otay River Valley (MBA and Dudek & Associates, Inc. 1992). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP A large population (in the 1,000's) within the San Marcos creek riparian corridor will be conserved in the plan area, and less than 100 indivduals are in areas designated for development. The onsite conservation will benefit the long-term preservation of this species. There are no specific records for this species' occurrence elsewhere n Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Water quality control and access control measures will provide long-term habitat quality assurances. 20. San Diego Sagewort Artemisia palmeri Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 2-2-1 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-9 Range This species is restricted in distribution to San Diego County and Baja California, Mexico. In San Diego County, it has been reported from Del Dios, Ramona, Mount Woodson, Poway and several sites from Tecolote Canyon, south to the international border and east to Jamul (Beauchamp 1986). In Carlsbad this species is common in a drainage surrounded by chaparral adjacent to El Camino Real, south of Palomar Airport Road (MBA and Dudek & Associates, Inc. 1992). Habitat San Diego sagewort occurs in ravines and moist areas. It typically occurs at low elevations (below 2,123 feet) along intermittent streams and arroyos. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-27 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it was not detected within the plan area and has only a low to moderate probability of occurrence. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. The only record for this species in Carlsbad is that listed above. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. 21. San Diego Thornmint Acanthomintha ilidfolia Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 1) CDFG: Endangered CNPS: List 18,2-3-2 OTHER: NCCP, T PLAN ID: B-10 Range This species is restricted to San Diego County and Baja California, Mexico. In San Diego County, it is known to occur from Encinitas and San Marcos south to Sweetwater and Otay Lakes (Beauchamp 1986). Habitat San Diego thornmint occurs in clay soils on coastal mesas and valleys below 965 feet elevation. It is associated with Diegan coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grasslands. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no expected impacts to this species because it was not detected and has a low probability of occurrence within the plan area. As such, there are no conservation benefits to this species from the HCP/OMSP. This species is known from several areas of the City. Conservation/Management Measures Because this species most likely does not occur within the plan area, there are no conservation or management measures directed towards this species. B-28 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B 22. Southwestern Spiny Rush Juncus acutus var. leopoldii Status USFWS: None CDFG: None CNPS: List 4, 1-2-2 OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: A-12 Range This species has a wide distribution from San Luis Obispo County south to Baja California and east to Imperial County and Arizona. In Carlsbad this species was recorded from La Costa Development, Batiquitos Pointe Site, west side of Batiquitos Lagoon, Lake Calavera, Buena Vista, Evans Point, Buena Vista Creek, and other locations (MBA and Dudek & Associates, Inc. 1992). Habitat It is encountered frequently in alkaline seeps and marshes or in areas adjacent to these. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP A large population (in the 1,000's) along San Marcos Creek will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 100 individuals are in areas designated for development. Because of the size of the conserved population, the HCP/OMSP will benefit the long-term preservation of this species. This plant has a number of known locations in Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Water quality control measures will provide long-term habitat quality assurances. 23. Sticky-leaved Liveforever Dudleya viscida Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 1) CDFG: None CNPS: List 18, 3-2-3 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-13 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-29 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Range This species occurs from near San Juan Capistrano, Orange County to near Oceanside, San Diego County (Munz 1974). Beauchamp (1986) found it in Escondido Creek. Several large populations occur within the rock outcrops above San Marcos Creek between Rancheros and the Road Project. Habitat Sticky-leaved liveforever is found on dry rocky areas with coastal sage scrub in coastal areas below 1,200 feet elevation. It is often associated with rocky banks along drainages (RECON unpublished data). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Several large populations within the San Marcos Creek riparian corridor will be conserved in the plan; no populations occur in the areas designated for development. The HCP/OMSP will benefit the long-term preservation of this species by protecting large populations in San Marcos Creek. There are no Carlsbad records other than those within the plan area. Conservation/Management Measures This species will be protected by controlling access to the steep slopes which presently are being degraded by foot traffic. 24. Summer holly Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List 1B, 2-2-2 OTHER: T PLAN ID: A-14 Range Summer holly is found in scattered locations from the Pacific coast in San Diego County south into Baja California, Mexico. Reported localities in the County include San Marcos Mountains, Mount Whitney, Rancho Santa Fe, Gonzales Canyon, Encinitas, Mount Soledad, Penasquitos Canyon, Del Mar Heights, Iron Mountain, canyons of Mission Valley, Jamul Valley, and Otay Mountain (Beauchamp 1986, MBA and Dudek & Associates, Inc. 1992. In Carlsbad this species was reported from Arroyo La Costa, Airport Business Center, and Rancho Carrillo (MBA and Dudek & Associates, Inc. 1992). B-30 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Habitat It generally occurs on north-facing canyons and slopes and in sandy washes in chaparral and foothill habitats below 2,297 feet. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 460 individuals (42%) will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 635 individuals (58%) are in areas designated for development. The species is not likely to benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. However, the HCP/OMSP will benefit this species by preserving a large coastal population of summer holly in a contiguous block open space. This species is known from several localities in the vicinity of Northwest. Conservation/Management Measures This species will benefit from the control of access and exotic pests. 25. Thread-leaved Brodiaea Brodiaea filifolia Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 1) CDFG: Endangered CNPS: List 16,3-3-3 OTHER: T PLAN ID: A-15 Corm Morphology The corm is the principal means by which plants of the genus Brodiaea perpetuate themselves from one growing season to another. Dormancy begins in early summer when the corm has become an enlarged organ filled with starch. The stored starch enables the plant to commence rapid growth in the fall when dormancy is broken. At the beginning of the growing season in September the corm shows activity in its apical region prior to the first fall rains. The corms begin growing after the first significant fall rains, when the soil surrounding the corm is moistened to or nearly to field capacity. The leaves begin to elongate, and root tips protrude from the basal root plate. Further growth occurs after the first heavy rainfall in which rainwater penetrates to the level of the corm. The starch stored in the corm is rapidly metabolized by root and leaf growth activities and decreases in volume; the corm becomes severely withered after several months. A new corm begins to form at the base of the new leaves about a month after the growing season starts. It is mature before flowering and usually occupies the same position as the previous corm. At maturity of the new corm the only remnant of the old corm is a thin membranous layer of dead tissue under the new corm. The new corm of mature plants often produces two to fifteen smaller cormlets adjacent to it. The cormlets are produced in the axils of the old leaf bases on the mature corm (Niehaus 1971). Reproduction appears to be primarily asexual by clonal corm 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-31 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP reproduction rather than by seed, although seeds are produced. Most of corms do not produce a flowering scape which means that most population estimates based on the number of inflorescences are underestimates (R. Taylor, pers. comm.). Leaf Morphology The leaves of this species begin growth in late summer before the first heavy rainstorm. Leaf growth is slow at first, probably because of low winter temperatures. During February and March, when temperatures become higher, the leaves reach their full length (shorter than or nearly as long as the scape and are less than 1/4 inch in width). The leaf number of all species varies from two to six. The leaves of thread-leaved brodiaea are ascending. The leaf consists of two distinct parts: an expanded basal portion which surrounds (the corm coat) and the aerial portion, referred to as the leaf proper (Niehaus 1971). Inflorescence and Flower Morphology The flowering period for thread-leaved brodiaea is narrow, generally coinciding with the month of May. The inflorescence is a pseudo-umbel and the pedicels (stalks of the individual flowers) are one to two inches in length. The perianth (petals and sepals) is violet with a waxy cuticle (Keator 1989). The flower shape is salverform (fused corolla with a slender greenish tube and an abruptly spreading flat limb) (Niehaus 1980; Munz 1974). The perianth consists of three narrow outer segments and three broader inner segments. The lower portions of all six are fused into a light-green tube, with stripes of violet-purple continuing toward the base from the free portion of the perinath (Niehaus 1971). The pedicels borne at the apex of the scape (the stem of the plant) are subtended by scarious bracts, as is typical for all members of Amaryllidaceae. The scape grows from the apex of the corm and first appears at the soil surface in January, three to four months after the start of the growing cycle. The mature scape of thread-leaved brodiaea is 8-15 inches in length but the length varies according to the amount of moisture available during the growing season. In drier years scape length may be reduced by 50 percent or more. The apex of the scape is enlarged where the pedicels and their subtending bracts are attached (Niehaus 1971). There are three stamens and three staminodia (sterile stamens) per flower. The staminodia, which are the prime diagnostic character of this species, are acute (sharp pointed) and plane (Munz 1974). Staminodia occur opposite the three outer perianth segments. These structures are flat, horn-shaped, slightly hooded, and short-lanceolate, or may be lacking in some species. In position the staminodia are either appressed, leaning inward, or distant from the stamens. The staminodium in thread-leaved brodiaea is reduced to a short filiform flap of tissue. In the Section Filifoliae, the staminodia range from partially reduced structures in San Clemente Island brodiaea (B. kinkiensis), to completely obsolete in Orcutt's brodiaea (B. orcuttii) with thread-leaved brodiaea intermediate to both (Niehaus 1971). B-32 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B The gynoecia of Brodiaea species are quite similar morphologically. The ovary is green in all species with the exception of mesa brodiaea (8. jolonensis) in which it is purplish. The fruit of this genus is a ioculicidal capsule which matures in mid- or late summer. The scape and pedicel enters a month or more of senescence prior to capsule maturation. The perianth tube of thread-leaved brodiaea surrounding the capsule dries into a thin membrane which is hyaline (clear) which splits as the capsule enlarges (Niehaus 1971). The stigma of the genus has three lobes, which recurve a short way as wings (Keator 1989). Taxonomy and Evolution Thread-leaved brodiaea belongs to the Section Filifoliae along with San Clemente Island brodiaea and Orcutt's brodiaea. The base number of chromosomes for this genus appears to be n = 6. Thread-leaved brodiaea, a polyploid, has n = 12, and is most likely an autoploid (a polyploid in which several chromosome sets are derived from the same species, as opposed to being derived from two species, i.e. a hybridization event). Mitotic chromosome size shows progressive reduction from San Clemente Island brodiaea to thread-leaved brodiaea to Orcutt's brodiaea. The reduction in size of the mitotic chromosomes seems to be an evolutionary advanced character (Niehaus 1971). Section Filifoliae is characterized by small flowers with a thin perianth tube which splits easily in fruit; staminodia are reduced or lacking in one species. Thread-leaved brodiaea and San Clemente Island brodiaea are closely related and may have been derived from the same ancestor. Staminodia are somewhat reduced in San Clemente Island brodiaea and even more so in thread-leaved brodiaea. Both Orcutt's brodiaea and San Clemente Island brodiaea grow on old terrace soils which were previously submerged by the sea until rather recently. Thread-leaved brodiaea also occurs on a recent alluvial soil (heavy clay soils of the Altamont, Auld and Diablo soil series). If the species of Section Filifoliae are recently evolved members of the genus Brodiaea, the availability of new habitats has allowed the colonization and evolution of thread-leaved brodiaea, San Clemente Island brodiaea, and Orcutt's brodiaea. Schizoendemics (recently evolved taxa derived from more widespread taxa) are the result of gradual speciation or more or less simultaneous divergence from a known parent. Thread-leaved brodiaea, San Clemente Island brodiaea, and Orcutt's brodiaea seem to have diverged from the same or closely related ancestors; all three grow on recently available habitats in southern California (Niehaus 1971). Historical and Current Distribution Thread-leaved brodiaea historically ranged from the base of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, south to western Riverside and San Diego counties. Twenty-three natural thread- leaved brodiaea populations remain. Six of these have been discovered in the last four years (CDFG 1991; SEB unpublished data). 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-33 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP San Bernardino County The two reported localities from San Bernardino County are from the Arrowhead Springs area in the San Bernardino Mountains and are presumed to be extirpated due to agriculture (CDFC 1991). Riverside County There are seven known localities for thread-leaved brodiaea from western Riverside County. Three populations and a portion of a fourth are protected within The Nature Conservancy's Santa Rosa Plateau Preserve. A population of less than 12 individuals occurs at Santa Rosa Springs, a small population occurs in a seep on the northern slope of Mesa de Colorado, a population occurs one mile north of Mesa de Colorado along Cole Creek and the largest population (tens of thousands of individuals) covers approximately 60 percent of the Mesa de Colorado at the Preserve. The four populations total approximately 12,500 individuals. A few hundred to two thousand individuals of thread-leaved brodiaea occur just outside of the Santa Rosa Plateau Preserve and The Nature Conservancy is attempting to acquire that land (CDFC 1991). Two populations were discovered during surveys for the Riverside County Flood Control Project. One population is part of the San Jacinto River Improvement Project area, in Railroad Canyon near Kalbian Park. These two populations total approximately 1,600 individuals. The second population is located west of the San Jacinto River flood control channel. Another new population (over 50 individuals) is located in western Riverside County between Winchester and HemeUCDFG 1991). Two populations in the vicinity of Perris, Riverside County have been eliminated for agriculture (CDFG 1991). San Diego County There are 12 reported or known populations of thread-leaved brodiaea from northwestern San Diego County. Ten of these populations are recorded in the Natural Diversity Data Base as of September 18, 1992. The other two were recorded subsequent to the preparation of the latest draft of the status report for this species (SEB 1992a,b). Seven of these populations are presumed to be extant, five of these populations are presumed to be extirpated, and one natural population is extirpated but a transplanted population as mitigation is extant (CDFG 1991). The extant populations include The Northwest Property of the Fieldstone Company in Carlsbad (approximately 7,000 individuals) (SEB 1992b), the Shelly Property in Carlsbad (approximately 45 individuals) (SEB 1992a), a Carlsbad population at the southeast corner of the junction of La Costa Avenue and Rancho Santa Fe Road, a Carlsbad population just north of Palomar Airport (300 individuals), one population on Carrillo Ranch south of Palomar Airport Road, one population north of the Carlsbad dragstrip, two native San Marcos populations and one extant transplanted population just north of Palomar College. The populations that are presumed to be extirpated are: a Carlsbad population 2.5 miles north of the dragstrip, a population near Landes Park near Vista, a population from Melrose Ave. in Vista, and a population from Brengle Terrace Park in Vista (R. Taylor, pers. comm.). Of these four populations B-34 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B believed to be extirpated, only one of the Vista populations is listed as extirpated in the CDFG status report (CDFG 1991). Orange County A recently discovered location of thread-leaved brodiaea is at Orange County's Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. The population of approximately 24 individuals has been monitored each year since its discovery in 1989 (CDFG 1991). Los Angeles County There are four extant populations known from Los Angeles County. A population of approximately 600 individuals was discovered in Glendora Hills and three populations totaling approximately 1,050 individuals occurs along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains (CDFG 1991). Habitat Thread-leaved brodiaea generally occurs in heavy clay soils of grasslands and on the edges of vernal pools and floodplains. In San Diego, thread-leaved brodiaea occurs with San Diego button celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii), San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia), and Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii) when associated with vernal pools. When thread-leaved brodiaea occurs in grasslands, the associated species include purple needle grass (Stipa pulchra), blue-eyed grass (Sisrynchium helium), golden stars (Bloomeria crocea), and various non-native, annual grasses (SEB unpublished data). The four most recent Carlsbad populations discovered occur on Diablo and Altamont clay soils (CDFG 1991; SEB 1992a, b; RECON 1992). In Riverside County, thread-leaved brodiaea occurs in annual grasslands, alkali sink scrub, and southern interior basalt flow vernal pools. In Los Angeles County, thread-leaved brodiaea occurs in a mixed grassland surrounded by coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities. The Orange County population occurs in a grassland community (CDFG 1991). fnt/a/igerme/jf The majority of the thread-leaved brodiaea sites are privately owned and vulnerable to development. Major threats to privately owned occurrences of thread-leaved brodiaea are urbanization and off-road vehicles. Cattle are threats to a few Riverside County populations, and flooding for a municipal project could threaten the Railroad Canyon population there (CDFG 1991). Urbanization has already caused the experimental transplantation of four populations. Several populations have recently been discovered in botanical surveys for new housing developments. One Los Angeles County population, one Riverside population, and several populations in San Diego County were discovered during development surveys in the last few years. Some of the populations were experimentally transplanted but a few are preserved in open space at their original locations as mitigation for development (CDFG 1991). Since it occurs in a horse pasture, grazing is a threat to the newly discovered 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-35 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Riverside County population. Also, the Riverside population that does not fully occur on the Santa Rosa Plateau Preserve is grazed outside preserve boundaries by cattle. In San Diego County, the northern population near Carlsbad is in a pasture that did not appear grazed when it was discovered, but it had been previously grazed (CDFG 1991). The Riverside County Flood Control Project on the San Jacinto River could effect the Railroad Canyon population of thread-leaved brodiaea in two ways. The bulbs will either be dug up and moved to another location, or they will be removed with the topsoil when the channel is dredged, and replaced later when the project is finished. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, Riverside County Flood Control and private consultants are working to develop the best solution (CDFG 1991). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 5,800 individuals (83%) of this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 1,190 individuals (17%) are in areas designated for development. Because of the high number of individuals and proportion of the population(s) protected onsite, the HCP/OMSP will benefit the preservation of this species. The proposed offsite habitat conservation is not likely to benefit this species. This species is known from two other sites in Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures This species will benefit from control of access and habitat management measures. 26. Wart-stemmed Ceanothus Ceanothus verrucosus Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None CNPS: List 2, 1-2-1 OTHER: T PLAN ID: A-16 Range Beauchamp (1986) reports this species from Agua Hedionda, Encinitas, Leucadia, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Kearney Mesa, Lake Hodges, and Point Loma. In Baja California, Mexico wart-stemmed ceanothus ranges from the Pacific coast to the foothills of the Sierra Juarez and Sierra San Pedro Martir (Wiggins 1980). This species was reported from several areas in the City of Carlsbad, including Arroyo la Costa, Rancho La Costa and the south end of Batiquitos Drive (MBA and Dudek & Associates, Inc. 1992). B-36 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Habitat It occurs on dry hills and mesas in coastal and mixed chaparral habitats below 965 feet elevation in western San Diego County and adjacent Baja California, Mexico. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP All of the 155 individuals within the plan area will be preserved; the species does not occur in areas designated for development. Because of the low number of individuals within the plan area, the HCP/OMSP will not contribute to the long-term preservation of this species. The species is not likely to benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. This plant is recorded from several localities in the City. Conservation/Management Measures This species will benefit from the control of access and exotic pests. 27. Western Dichondra Dichondra occidentalis Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 3c) CDFG: None CNPS:List4, 1-2-1 OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-17 Range This species is found in coastal San Diego and Orange counties, on some of the Channel Islands, and in northern Baja California, Mexico. In San Diego County, western dichondra is frequently found in undisturbed vegetation from Del Mar to Agua Hedionda, south to the international border. Because of its fairly wide distribution and relative abundance in San Diego County and elsewhere, this species is not considered at this time to be highly sensitive. In Carlsbad, this species was reported from Airport Business Center, Evans Point and Carlsbad Highlands (Michael Brandman Associates and Dudek & Associates, Inc. 1992). Habitat Western dichondra is a small perennial herb which generally occurs on dry slopes as an understory plant in Diegan coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland. It often proliferates on recently burned slopes. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-37 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 40 percent on the onsite populations will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 60 percent of the populations occur in areas designated for development. Because of the small population sizes within the plan area, the HCP/OMSP is not expected to contribute to the long-term preservation of this species. The species could potentially benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. This species is recorded from three other areas of Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures This species will benefit from management measures to control access and exotic pests. B-38 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B B. Invertebrates 28. Harbison's Dun Skipper Euphyes vestris harbinsoni Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None OTHER: T PLAN ID: B-11 Harbison's dun skipper is a local endemic subspecies of the wide ranging and polytypic Euphyes vestris. It is restricted to areas where perennial sources of water provide adequate support for its larval host plant (San Diego sedge [Carex sp/ssa]) (Brown 1991). Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy This butterfly is a member of the large family Hesperiidae (skippers) and is typical in terms of size and wing shape. The wings are rather elongate and angled apically; they are usually held up over the body when at rest. This species is the only member of the genus Euphyes found in Southern California. Appearance The wings of the dun skipper are brown on both surfaces. The males have a diagonal darker brown band on the forewings, while the females have several small light spots in place of the brown band. In appearance, this butterfly comes nearest to the salt marsh skipper (Panoquina errans), another sensitive species known from the narrow coastal strand of San Diego County. The larvae are distinctive due to the constriction behind the head, a common feature with skipper caterpillars. The head of the caterpillar is cream-color with dark longitudinal stripes. The body is translucent green and is covered with fine white hairs. Taxonomy This subspecies was apparently recognized as distinct for a number of years before it was described by Brown & McCuire (1983), judging by the comments found in Emmel & Emmel (1973). It is distinct from other populations of E. vestris found in Arizona and northern California (Santa Cruz and Mendocino counties). Distribution This species is known from southern Orange County to the Mexican border; it has yet to be found in Baja California (Brown 1991). 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-39 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP It is difficult to assess historic distribution without consulting the locality data on museum specimens. The information given at the time of description (Brown & McGuire 1983) and previously by Brown (1982) provide an adequate picture of the range of this butterfly. The dun skipper is not recorded from Baja California (Brown, et al. 1992). It has probably been extirpated due to the impact of cattle grazing in riparian habitats brought on by the habit of Mexican farmers who burn habitat to clear vegetation for agriculture (D. K. Faulkner, pers. comm.). Orange County Orsak (1977) recorded this butterfly from the Santa Ana Mountains; no specific localities are given by Brown (1991). San Diego County Localities include Adobe Falls in Mission Valley, vicinity of Dulzura, Old Viejas Grade, Otay Mountain, Flinn Springs, Tecate Peak, Fallbrook, east of Valley Center, Ramona, and near San Pasqual. Current Distribution No recent survey has been conducted, but several localities can be added or subtracted from the lists per recent general publications on sensitive butterflies in California (Murphy 1990, Brown 1991). Orange County Murphy (1990) recorded this species at Silverado Canyon in southern Orange County. San Diego County The development and associated disturbances at Adobe Falls undoubtedly eliminated the larval foodplant (Brown 1991). The development of Flinn Springs County Park has reduced the butterfly population due to the removal of a large portion of the original host plant population. A systematic search of localities that were the source for herbarium specimens of San Diego sedge indicated that the butterfly was present at nearly all San Diego County localities where the plant was found in notable numbers (Brown 1982). Population and Density Estimates There appears to occur a number of localized populations, as this species exists in small isolated colonies. No estimates of population size or density are available. Habitat Requirements and Territory Size The dun skipper typically occurs in partially-shaded, riparian oak woodland habitats in a matrix of chamise chaparral or southern mixed chaparral where a seep or spring provides perennial water for the larval host plant, San Diego B-40 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B sedge. Territories are necessarily small and restricted to the vicinity of the host plant populations. The males patrol the area around the host plant, but do not venture more than 50 to 75 feet; females commonly perch on the host plant, basking in the late morning and early afternoon sun (Brown & McGuire 1983; Brown, pers. comm.). Life History This insect is single brooded (one generation per year) and the adult flight period generally extends from late May to late July (Brown & McGuire 1983). Eggs are laid singly on the underside of the leaf blades near the base of the host plant. The caterpillars (larvae) feed on the foliage of the host plant and undergo successive moults as the size increases. There is a hibernating phase during larval development that usually occurs in either the third or fourth instar. The caterpillar constructs a silk-lined chamber by attaching two to four leaf blades; a second such chamber is constructed for pupation. Pupation takes from between 18 to 21 days. Foraging Ecology The adults can be found nectaring on various red and yellow flowers within the narrowly defined use areas. Records of preferred flowers include morning glory (Calystegia macrostegia ssp. tenuifolia), red thistle (Cirsium occidentale), loosestrife (Lythrum californicum), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertifolium var. confertifolium), and black mustard (Brass/ca n/gra) (Brown & McGuire 1983). Decline Factors This species appears to be especially sensitive due to the obligate relationship with and specific physical requirements of San Diego sedge, the larval host plant. As mentioned above, several historic localities have been impacted by development and the colonies have been reduced or eliminated. Because of the rough terrain that many extant colonies are currently known from and because many others are found in mainly rural areas, most populations of this butterfly are currently somewhat protected from the impacts associated with and peripheral to development. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no records of this species occurrence in Carlsbad, and the potential for its occurrence in the plan area is low. Approximately 45 acres (96%) of the potential habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan in San Marcos Creek, and less than approximately 2 acres (4%) of the potential habitat occur in areas designated for development. Additionally riparian restoration is proposed for wetland impacts and may enhance additional potential habitat. Management measures include fencing, access control, exotic weed control, riparian restoration, water quality control measures, and inclusion of appropriate habitat in open space. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-41 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 29. Hermes Copper Lycaena hermes Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: None OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: B-12 The Hermes copper is one of the most famous local butterflies, being endemic to San Diego County and adjacent Baja California (Thorne 1963, Brown 1980). Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy The Hermes copper (Lycaena hermes) belongs to the type genus of the butterfly family Lycaenidae. These butterflies are generally small to medium in size, often with iridescent wing colors, and are distinctive because of the reduction of the forelegs in males (Emmel & Emmel 1973). Coppers are so named because of the iridescent coppery reflections of the upper surface of the wings. The Hermes copper and one other species occuring in San Diego County have distinctly tailed hindwings; however, the second species (the Arota copper, Lycaena arota arota) is extremely rare in the County and generally only found in the southern extremes of the Santa Ana Mountains. The underside of the Hermes copper is a golden or mustard color whereas the other local Lycaenas are gray underneath. The larvae are flattened and sluglike. The mature larva is apple-green, with an upper surface band of darker green bordered by yellow; the head is soiled yellow. On each side there are two indistinct longitudinal bands, interrupted at each segment. The body is sparingly covered with minute, silvery white, rounded projections. The region just beyond the head has a distinctive, double diamond shape and is brown. The pupae are grass green in color, with a narrow yellow stripe and faint yellow diagonal bars. The Hermes copper is so different from its local "relatives" that it was once put into a different genus (Hermelycaena by Miller & Brown 1979), but is currently recombined with others in the genus Lycaena. Distribution The known distribution in the United States includes only part of San Diego County, extending 50 miles north of the Mexican border almost to Fallbrook and east about 45 miles from the coast to Pine Valley and Guatay. Thorne (1963) provided a map of localities known at that time and discussed the known distribution in terms of a refugium, since the butterfly is apparently limited by factors not clearly linked with a more broadly distributed host plant. B-42 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Historic Distribution San Diego County Historically, this butterfly has been found at numerous locations within the County including El Cajon, Suncrest, Mission Gorge, Dulzura, Guatay, and Old Viejas Grade. The largest, most accessible colony of the Hermes copper occurred in Mission Gorge but was destroyed by a fire in 1982 (Brown 1991). Baja California It occurs south of the border almost 100 miles to about 18 miles south of Santo Tomas in northern Baja California. Current Distribution San Diego County Brown (1991) wrote that the Hermes copper is now known to occur throughout the chaparral belt and into the transitional zone at the western edge of the Laguna Mountains. Baja California Brown, et al. (1992) list several localities in the north coastal part of the peninsula; these are not particularly recent records, but no indication is given of recent attempts to find this species south of the border. Population and Density Estimates The population density of this butterfly is locally high due to the restricted and closely confined behavior exhibited by members of the individual colonies. Thorne (1963) wrote that the population per colony was probably in the hundreds. Habitat Requirements and Territory Size This species has an exceedingly restricted range, both in terms of distribution and individual territories, and is found only in southern mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities where the larval host plant, redberry (Rhamnus crocea), occurs (Brown 1991). The males are somewhat territorial and perch to await females (Scott 1986). Life History The eggs are laid on stems of spiny redberry where they overwinter. Two-thirds of the life cycle is spent as an aestivating or hibernating ovum (Thorne 1963). The developing caterpillars (larvae) feed on the foliage of the host plant and undergo several moults as their size increases. The larva transforms into a chrysalis (pupa) on the host plant and the pupae are supported by a strand of silk that acts as a harness to hold each pupa in place. The adults emerge from late May to late June, whereafter they feed until mating and subsequent egg- laying occurs. The peak flight occurs about June 20, with the males peaking on 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-43 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP June 10 and females on June 20 (Thorne 1963). A complete description of the life history was presented by Comstock and Dammers (1935). Thorne (1963) stated that there is no observable tendancy in Hermes to migrate, to "hilltop," or otherwise stray from their colonies, although there may be inter- colony movement by males. He further wrote that there has been no specific work on population variation or genetics to determine if there is gene flow between colonies. Foraging Ecology The Hermes copper is restricted to vegetation where spiny redberry (Rhamnus crocea), the larval host plant, occurs. The adults are found most frequently nectaring on flowers, especially flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) from late May to late July (Thorne 1963). Decline Factors This butterfly apparently shows no tendency to wander as the known colonies are mostly confined to the immediate vicinity of the larval host plant. Therefore, continued loss and further fragmentation of suitable habitat will pose the greatest continued threat to this species. Fire, which is an integral element in the succession of chaparral and coastal sage scrub vegetation communities, poses a threat to this species by the elimination of its host plant, redberry (Brown 1991). Even after the recovery or regeneration of the larval host plant, the sedentary behavior of this butterfly may slow recolonization, especially where sources of potential colonists have been extirpated either by the fire or by previous disturbances (Brown 1991). Wright (1930) wrote that "Its trysting places are being rapidly taken over by realtors and the species may soon become extinct, unless colonies yet undiscovered are located in other regions." While numerous colonies of the Hermes copper are extant in San Diego County, the butterfly is found in less than half of its former range. Efforts should be made to avoid any impacts to specific colonies, especially those islotated in areas thought to be at the edge of the known distribution. General habitat disturbance and removal of the larval host plant are the main factors causing an incremental loss of this species. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are not records of the occurrence of this species in Carlsbad, and the potential for its occurrence in the plan is low. Approximately 515 acres (58%) of the species' potential habitat will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 380 acres (42%) occur in areas designated for development. Specific impacts to this species are unknown due to a lack of data on potential population size and concentration of the required foodplants. Based on preservation of coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitat, the HCP/OMSP, including the proposed offsite habitat conservation, may benefit the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, fire management, and inclusion of habitat in open space. B-44 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B 30. Quino Checkerspot Euphydras editha quino Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 1) CDFG: None OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: B-13 The Quino checkerspot is the southernmost subspecies of a widely distributed butterfly (E. editha). This butterfly was formerly widespread and has declined in recent years due to incremental development and habitat loss; what remains of the subspecies now exists as small isolated populations. Murphy (1990) stated that "E. editha quino is experiencing the most well documented downhill march toward extinction" and may have been one of the most abundant butterflies in Southern California prior to the development boom 50 years ago. Museum records of this species support such a hypothesis. Throughout most of southern California the native habitats of this butterfly have disappeared incrementally as development has progressed. Murphy (1990) listed E. e. quino among a small group of sensitive California butterfly species that were "in immediate need of protective measures." Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy This species belongs to the large family Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies) and is one of two species of true checkerspots to inhabit San Diego County. Checkerspots are so-named due to the checkerboard-like pattern on the wings. The Quino checkerspot has wings with black and yellow patches, dominated by brick red patches in contrast to the much darker and mostly black wing coloration of E. chalcedona, the only other true checkerspot to occur in San Diego County. The head and legs of the larvae are black and the prolegs are dull orange. The body is black, speckled with minute orange dots; the bristly tubercles are orange except for the first three and the last, which bear black tubercles; and the bristles are black (Howe 1975). This subspecies has been somewhat confused in the scientific literature and this confusion persists in the popular literature, environmental consulting industry, and resource agencies. For many years this butterfly was known as Wright's checkerspot (Euphryas editha wrighti) (Emmel & Emmel 1973). The name "quino" had been used for a desert form of E. chalcedona; Scott (1981) described this situation in detail and proposed a new name for the desert subspecies. Distribution This subspecies formerly occurred as scattered, localized populations within the coastal mesas and foothills of western Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties and south into northern Baja California. Brown, et al. (1992) described the distribution in Baja as occuring in the northern half of the Californian 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-45 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Province from the Pacific coast to the northern end of the Sierra Juarez and to the western edge of the Colorado Desert at Valle de Trinidad. Historic Distribution Orange County Previously known from Orange County Park and the hills above Hidden Ranch, Black Star Canyon in the Santa Ana Mountains (Orsak 1977). Riverside County Apparently restricted to a small portion in the southwestern part of the county, this butterfly was known from areas along Highway 71 near Elsinore and Gavilan Hills (Emmel & Emmel 1973). San Diego County Historical localities in San Diego County include Lake Hodges, Rancho Santa Fe, Kearney Mesa, Dehesa, Dulzura, Proctor Valley, Dictionary Hill (Shields 1967), San Miguel Mountain, Sweetwater Canyon, Otay Lakes, near Brown Field, and Chula Vista. Emmel and Emmel (1973) reported that many of the populations known from San Diego had been extirpated by development. Baja California Several specific localities from northern Baja were given by Brown & Faulkner (1984) under the name Euphydryas editha wrighti. Current Distribution Orange County Orsak (1977) stated that the insect was locally extinct in Orange County by 1977. Riverside County A small population was discovered at an undisclosed locality in Riverside County in 1989 (Brown 1991). San Diego County John Brown (pers. comm.) observed adults on the lower western slopes of Otay Mountain in 1982 and Dennis Murphy found several dozen adults on the southeast slopes of Dictionary Hill in 1983 (Murphy 1990); no more recent records are known. Baja California In the spring of 1991, another population was found at the northern end of the Sierra de Juarez of Baja California (Brown 1991). B-46 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Population and Density Estimates Brown (1991) stated that "extreme fluctuations in numbers make accurate quantitative assessment of populations virtually impossible." According to Ehrlich, et al. (1975), factors controlling annual population size include winter rainfall, density of edible host plants, and competition. The Quino checkerspot became increasingly rare through the 1980s; for several years no adults were observed throughout the entire range and it was feared extinct. Most populations of £. editha exhibit extremely low vagility, while studies by Ehrlich, et al. (1975) indicated that some individuals of E. e. quino may disperse long distances in drier years. Population explosions, such as the one witnessed in 1977 (Murphy and White 1984), are rare events but result in a mass dispersal of individuals. The consequences of such dispersals may be recolonization of areas that have recovered from previous habitat burns or temporary disturbances that formerly eliminiated the butterfly. Murphy (1990) suggested that the human-induced decline in the distribution and abundance of E. e. quino is exacerbated by the complex "metapopulation dynamics" which affect the persistence of this butterfly. A metapopulation is a "population of populations" which is dependent on a persistent "reservior population" to provide colonists to habitats supporting "satellite populations" which will frequently go extinct due to natural environmental causes such as drought or fire. The extirpation of a single, large reservoir population of E. e. quino may effectively deny other habitats necessary migrants, creating a ripple effect of irreversible longterm extinctions (Murphy and White 1984). The loss of particular satellite populations may interrupt the natural "stepping stone" recolonization process to other outlying populations and this very situation in Orange County may have caused the countywide extinction perceived by Orsak (1977). The extinction/recolonization cycle has some obvious implications for conservation efforts aimed at E. e. quino. Ehrlich, et al. (1980) reported a phenomena in Northern California where Euphydryas species use annual larval host plants, which nearly disappeared due to drought rather than defoliation, forcing small E. editha populations to extinction. Murphy and White (1984) suggested that the long-term status of larger populations of Plantago and Euphydryas in southern California appears to be little affected by host plant defoliation, larval starvation, and adult distribution. Habitat Requirements and Territory Size This species was formerly widespread in coastal sage scrub, open chaparral, grasslands, and vernal pool habitats in southern California and northern Baja California. Life History The species is single brooded (i.e. one generation per year or univoltine) with the adults active from late February until early May. An unusual set of climatic events or rainfall from a Mexican tropical storm can sometimes stimulate adult emergence in the fall. Murphy (1990) wrote that £ e. quino was associated with Plantago insularis across virtually all coastal mesa tops in grasslands, broken chaparral, and particularly around vernal pools. According to Ehrlich, et 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-47 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP al. (1975), the primary larval host plants in San Diego County are Plantago insularis and P. erecta. Brown, et al. (1992) said that this subspecies likely uses Castilleja and other scrophulareaceous plants as hosts in northern Baja. This species is an active "hilltopper," i.e. one that uses the summit of a hill as a rendezvous prior to mating (Shields 1967). The males generally emerge several days before the females and perch on or near the female pupae so as to mate as soon as the females emerge (Brown, pers. comm.). Once mating has taken place, the males return to hilltopping behavior and search for additional mates. Foraging Ecology Orsak (1977) recorded adults from the flowers of chia (Salvia columbariae) in Orange County. The adults are apparently not specific in their flower preferences and are likely to be found on many different species of flower with flattops, e.g. Eriogonum, Eriophyllum, etc. (Brown, pers. comm.). Decline Factors The impression of most local experts is that this species has been extirpated from San Diego County. Certainly it has not been seen within the County boundaries since 1983. While there has been much loss of appropriate habitat through development and urbanization, extensive enough tracts of land still exist in open space to suggest other factors are at play in causing the decline of this butterfly. The long term drought and annual nature of the larval host plant are quite possibly incompatible and have most probably compounded the separate negative effects to push this species beyond its tolerance and towards extinction. Orsak (1977) cited a conversation with the late Chris Henne, a renowned amateur lepidopterist from Pearblossom, Los Angeles County. Henne told Orsak that the larvae of the Quino butterfly may diapause for several years and theorized that this may explain the extreme fluctuations in populations and adult emergence. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no records of this species' occurrence in Carlsbad, and the species is not expected to occur in the plan area. No specific statement of possible impacts to this species can be made as it is presumed to be extinct within the County. However, the HCP/OMSP provides for the conservation of 52 percent (670 acres) of potential habitat, which may benefit this species should it reoccur in the area. The proposed offsite habitat conservation also may provide additional benefit to this species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures that pertain to the potential habitat include fencing, access control, exotic weed control, and inclusion of habitat in open space. B-48 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B C Amphibians 31. California Red-legged Frog Rana aurora draytonii Status USFWS: Proposed Endangered CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: B-14 Range Excluding the Central Valley and deserts of California, the red-legged frog ranges west of the Cascade/Sierra Nevada from British Columbia to north-western Baja California, Mexico (Altig and Dumas 1974 in Simpson 1992). In California, it occurs at elevations below 3,900 feet in the coast ranges along the length of the state (Zeiner, et al. 1990 in Simpson 1992). Habitat The red-legged frog is found in moist forests and riparian habitats (Nusbaum, et al. 1983 in Simpson 1992) where it occupies slow moving creeks and ponds (Burry and Corn 1988 in Simpson 1992). Key habitat components are dense vegetation close to water level (Hayes and Jennings 1988 in Simpson 1992) that provide surfaces for egg attachment (Nusbaum, et al. 1983 in Simpson 1992) and shading of the water (Hayes and Jennings 1988 in Simpson 1992). Little or no water flow is required for reproduction (Nusbaum, et al. 1983 in Simpson 1992). Strong evidence suggests that in some areas, the red-legged frog is found in intermittent streams as the result of habitat restriction by aquatic predators such as introduced bullfrogs (Hayes and Jennings 1988 in Simpson 1992). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no records of the occurrence of this species in Carlsbad, and it is not expected to occur in the plan area. The riparian habitat onsite is currently occupied by bullfrogs and large-mouth bass which would preclude the frog's occurrence. The only area where this species might be expected is in the San Marcos Creek canyon, a majority of which will not be disturbed. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, water quality control measures, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-49 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 32. Western Spadefoot Spea hammondii Status USFWS: None CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, T PLAN ID: A-18 Range This species is found in central northern California, the Great Valley and south through the coast ranges from San Francisco to Baja California, Mexico (Stebbins1985). Habitat The western spadefoot is primarily a species of the lowlands, frequenting washes, floodplains of rivers, alluvial fans, alkali flats, temporary ponds and vernal pools. It prefers areas of open vegetation with sandy or gravely soil (Stebbins1985). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP The distribution of western spadefoot onsite is not well known and it is only recorded from one other site within the City (MBA 1992). This species is likely to be impacted in some areas but is also expected to be preserved onsite. Approximately 565 acres (35%) of potential habitat for the species will be conserved in the plan, and approximately 1,040 acres (65%) are in areas designated for development. The proposed offsite habitat conservation could potentially benefit the species, and the overall impact of the HCP/OMSP is likely be beneficial. This species has been recorded from only one locality within Carlsbad. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, water quality control measures, and onsite management by a habitat manager. B-50 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP The following description of the coastal western whiptail is from the Multi- species Habitat Conservation Plan for Southwestern Riverside County, California (1992). Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy The coastal western whiptail is one of twelve recognized subspecies of Cnemidophorus tigris. It has a long tail, which often exceeds twice its body length (Turner, et al. 1969, Pianka 1986). The length from its snout to vent ranges between 3.2 and 3.5 inches, but its overall dimension may exceed 11 inches (Turner, et al. 1969, Fitch 1970, Case 1983a, 1983b, Pianka 1986). Most biologists agree that there is little or no sexual dimorphism in the coastal western whiptail (Benes 1969, Turner, et al. 1969, Fitch 1970), but Case (1983b) reported that females were eight percent larger in Baja California, Mexico. Distribution The coastal western whiptail is found in semi-arid regions of southern California and western Baja California, Mexico (Fitch 1970, Claser 1970, Pianka 1966, 1970). It occurs near the coast of southern California from Ventura south to western Baja California, Mexico (Stebbins 1985). Population and Density Estimates Local abundance of this species seems to be highly correlated with precipitation patterns, with higher annual rainfall resulting in greater population densities (Pianka 1970, 1983), and consequently greater food resources. Density estimates range from 0.5 to 5.0 animals per acre, with several reports of over 12 animals per acre after several consecutive years of abundant rainfall (Turner, et al. 1966, Parker 1972). The survival rate for adult coastal western whiptails is between 54 and 60 percent per year with some animals living as long as 6 or 7 years (Turner, et al. 1969, Pianka 1986). Habitat Requirements and Territory Size Whiptails are active lizards that prefer open habitats shrub or grassland habitats (Benes 1969, Fitch 1970, Pianka 1966, 1970, 1986). This lizard inhabits coastal sage scrub, chaparral and open woodlands. It requires areas with loose soils for burrowing (Stebbins 1975). In a study of 1,801 animals, Pianka (1986) found that almost half were associated with open areas of little vegetation and that virtually all favored sunny microhabitats. Milstead (1957) reported similar results although he observed some temporal differences in habitat usage. During mid-afternoon, when soil temperatures exceeded 122° F, he observed whiptails resting in the shade of rocks or bushes. They became active again when soil temperatures dropped to tolerable levels. Such behavioral adaptations permit ectotherms to regulate body temperature of 103.1° F (Milstead 1947, Pianka and Pianka 1970). B-52 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Burrowing Behavior and Hibernation Teiid lizards commonly dig burrows that are used nocturnally as a predator refuge and as a hibernaculum. Animals may be active for as little as four months of the year, emerging in early April or May and retreating in late summer (McCoy and Hoddenbach 1966, Bennes 1969, Turner, et al. 1969, Fitch 1970, Pianka 1970, 1986). Emergence dates are geographically variable, with animals from northern areas hibernating for longer periods of time (McCoy and Hoddenbach 1966, Pianka 1970). Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success Although some populations of whiptails are parthenogenetic, this species is bisexual (Wright and Lowe 1968, Fitch 1970). Coastal western whiptails typically lay one or two clutches consisting of two to four eggs between April and August (Milstead 1957, McCoy and Hoddenbach 1966, Turner, et al. 1969, Fitch 1970, Pianka 1970, 1986, Parker 1972, Stebbins 1985). Whiptails have an adaptive reproductive strategy in which clutch size varies in response to food resources and geographic location (McCoy and Hoddenbach 1966, Pianka 1970, 1986). In northern latitudes, animals typically produce a single clutch with a mean size of 3.4 eggs (Fitch 1970, Pianka 1970, 1986), while in more southern latitudes, such as Texas, they produce several clutches per year with a mean clutch size is 2.2 (Fitch 1970, McCoy and Hoddenbach 1966, Turner, et al. 1966, Pianka 1970, 1986). It seems likely that temporal and not physiological constraints hinder reproductive output (Turner, et al. 1969). During wet years egg production increases significantly (Pianka 1970, 1986). Additionally, it has been demonstrated that larger females produce more eggs (Turner, et al. 1969, Turner 1970, Parker 1972, Pianka 1986), and older females produce on average more eggs than do younger ones (Fitch 1970, Parker 1972, Pianka 1986). Incubation takes 45 to 60 days (Milstead 1957). At emergence, young measure between 1.5 and 1.6 inches from snout to vent (Parker 1972). Foraging Ecology The dietary habitats of whiptails have been well characterized. Studies report consumption of a variety of arthropods, including termites, wasps, ants, sow bugs, spiders, scorpions, snails, and other opportunistic foods (Milstead 1957, Benes 1969, Turner, et al. 1969, Pianka 1966, 1970, 1986, Case 1983a, Regal 1983. Termites, in particular, are apparently a favored food item and can comprise almost 80 percent of the diet (Milstead 1957, Case 1983a, Pianka 1970, 1986). The western whiptail is an active forager, moving almost constantly during its activity period and probing, digging and tasting objects (Pianka 1966, Regal 1983). Milstead (1957) called the western whiptail a "nervous and wary" lizard that makes rapid and jerky motions while foraging. He reported movements in excess of 541 feet during a thirty minute period, including vertical jumps of up to one inch. Whiptails will apparently turn over sticks and rocks using their nose. If a mud encasement (castle) of termites is found, they will flick it into the air and eat insects that escape from the wreckage (Milstead 1957). 3-28-94 Rewsed Draft B-53 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Seasonal and age differences in foraging and feeding patterns have been reported (Benes 1969). As one might expect, prey size is influenced by the body size of the lizard (Case 1983). Additionally, the diversity of food items eaten appears to vary inversely with recent precipitation (Pianka 1970, 1986). Thus a larger variety of foods are ingested during dry years and greater numbers of insect larvae, beetles (Coleoptera) and grasshoppers are taken (Pianka 1970, 1986). Olfactory and visual cues are primarily used initially to locate potential prey. Once captured, the animal will test food by touching it with its tongue, occasionally rejecting unpalatable items (Bennes 1969). Decline Factors Loss of its habitat is the primary cause of decline of the coastal western whiptail. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 510 acres (40%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 760 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. The actual distribution of coastal whiptail onsite is not known, and it also has not been recorded from within the City. The overall impact of the HCP/OMSP would likely be beneficial, due to the onsite preservation of coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and woodlands onsite; the species also would potentially benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 35. Coast Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora hexalepis virgultea Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-15 Range The coast patch-nosed snake occurs in coastal California from San Luis Obispo south into northwestern Baja California, Mexico (Behler and King 1979). Habitat This subspecies inhabits sandy and rocky areas within grassland, chaparral, sagebrush, and desert scrub habitats. B-54 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 510 acres (40%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved onsite, and approximately 760 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. No specific estimates of this species' population are available, so the expected direct impacts are unknown. Onsite conserved habitat will contribute to the species' long term preservation, and the species may potentially benefit from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 36. Coronado Skink Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-16 Range The Coronado skink ranges from San Diego County into northern Baja California (Behler and King 1979). Habitat It is found in open woodlands and grassy areas, especially where rocks are abundant (Behler and King 1979). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 585 acres (34%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 1,130 acres (66%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation potentially would include this species' habitat and therefore could be beneficial. Onsite and potentially offsite conservation of habitat will contribute to the long-term preservation of this species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-55 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 37. Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake Crotalus ruber ruber Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-21 The following description of the coastal northern red diamond rattlesnake is from the Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan for Southwestern Riverside County (1992). Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy All Crotalus species are characterized by a unique adaptation in which the terminal scales are not shed and dry into "rattles." With successive moults the specialized scales accumulate, but eventually many fall off under normal wear. In captivity, animals with as many as 29 rattles have been reported (Parker 1965). The red diamond rattlesnake is large (29 to 64 inches) and rose colored. Distribution Rattlesnakes are a wide spread genus inhabiting much of North and Central America, from Canada to tropical South America, and reaching their highest diversity in the southwestern United States (Parker 1965, Fitch 1970, Stebbins 1954, 1985). The northern red diamond rattlesnake occurs in San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties within California, and extends well into Baja California, Mexico (Stebbins 1954, 1985, Glaser 1970, Case 1978). It is also present on nine islands in the Gulf of California. On two of the islands (Santa Catalina and San Lorenzo), the species no longer develops rattles (Case 1978). Population and Density Estimates Density estimates are very scarce for rattlesnakes. Closely related species average greater than one to three acres with adult survivorship approximately 75 to 85 percent. Reportedly, diamondback rattlesnakes can live up to 21 years (Parker and Plummer 1987). There is little evidence to suggest that snakes are territorial (Gillingham 1987, Gregory, et al. 1987), although they may be dominant within a particular spatial region, and relatively subordinate outside this area (Gillingham 1987). Gregory, et al. (1987) suggest that snakes maintain an "individual distance" that changes with environmental conditions. High overlap in space use is reported, especially if resources are clumped (Gregory, et al. 1987). Normally, however, snakes avoid each other using olfactory cues. Presumably such avoidance prevents foraging in areas that have already been depleted of accessible resources (Gregory, et al. 1987). B-56 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Movement patterns are highly erratic (Fitch and Shirer 1971, Keenlyne 1972, Gregory, et al. 1987) and rattlesnakes seldom return to a specific point. Fitch and Shirer (1971) observed average daily movements of 148 feet but on 50 percent of the days no activity was detected at all. During ten percent of the tracking time, rediotelemetred red diamond rattlesnakes traveled distances greater than 500 feet. Gregory, et al. (1971) suggests that many snakes follow a "loop" migration pattern. This species is considered one of the most docile rattlesnakes, and aggression has been observed only in rare instances, and then among captive animals (Gillingham 1987). Habitat Requirements and Territory Size The northern red diamond rattlesnake prefers mesic regions of dense chaparral in the foothills and brush covered boulders or cactus patches within the coastal sage scrub community (Stebbins 1954, 1985, Fitch 1970). Behavior and Hibernation Like many crotalids, red diamond rattlesnakes hibernate gregariously during the winter (Fitch 1970, Keenlyne 1972, Gillingham 1987, Gregory, et al. 1987, Seigel and Ford 1987). It is not clear whether this is due to a requirement for water conservation or thermoregulation, or perhaps to facilitate mating in spring (Fitch 1970, Gillingham 1987, Seigel and Ford 1987). There is some evidence that gravid females are gregarious as well (Fitch 1970). This has been attributed to the greater protection afforded by a group when females are slow and immobile (Fitch 1970). Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success Rattlesnakes are viviparous, giving birth to live young in July or August (Perkins 1943, Stebbins 1954, 1985, Fitch 1970, Seigel and Ford 1987). Mating occurs at the spring emergence or from fall aggregates (Fitch 1970, Gillingham 1987, Seigel and Ford 1987). Males leave the hibernaculum first and then court females for several days or weeks as they arouse (Gillingham 1987, Seigel and Ford 1987). Timing of emergence and hence courtship seem to be correlated with temperature, presumably as an adaptation to ensure optimal thermal conditions during gestation (Seigel and Ford 1987). Male rattlesnakes can locate females by following their pheromone trail (Gillingham 1987). Clutch size and mass vary geographically and with the body size of the female (Fitch 1970, Case 1983a, Seigel and Ford 1987). Females generally reach reproductive age between three and seven years (Parker and Plummer 1987), and reproduce biennially thereafter depending on their foraging success and fat body production (Seigel and Ford 1987). Gestation averages between 139 and 152 days and the number of young range from 3 to 20, with a mean of slightly more than eight (Perkins 1943, Stebbins 1954, 1985, Fitch 1970). First year survivorship is approximately 40 to 46 percent (Parker and Plummer 1987). Little or no parental care occurs among species of Crotalus (Seigel and Ford 1987), although there are some reports of hatchling prairie rattlesnakes remaining within 16 feet of their mother for the first two hours after birth (Gillingham 1987). 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-57 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Foraging Ecology The red diamond rattlesnake is an opportunistic forager and eats small rabbits, birds, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, and other rodents as they are encountered (Tevis 1943, Stebbins 1954, 1985, Cowles and Phelan 1958, Reinert, et al. 1984). The facial pit or heat-receptor sense organ is located between the nostril and eye on each side of the head and is very accurate. Amazingly, it is able to detect temperature variations as low as 0.2 degrees C .and allow the snake to determine both the direction of and distance to potential prey (Parker 1964). Decline Factors Loss of its habitat due to development and habitat or some other descriptor type conversion resulting from fire is the primary cause of decline of the northern diamond rattlesnake. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 510 acres (40%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 760 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation potentially would benefit the species. Onsite conservation of suitable habitat and potentially offsite conservation will contribute to the long-term preservation of the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. The public education program is especially important for this species. 38. Orange-throated Whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, T PLAN ID: A-22 The orange-throated whiptail is a small active lizard that occurs from extreme southwestern California southward to the Cape Region of Baja California, Mexico. Relatively little has been published on the distribution and ecology of this species. B-58 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy Appearance The orange-throated whiptail has a rich reddish to dark brown dorsal color, usually with five pale yellow stripes. The mid-dorsal stripe is usually forked at both ends. The belly is white, often with bluish slate or gray and is washed with orange in adults, especially during the breeding season (Stebbins 1985). The throat and chest of adult males is bright orange. This coloration becomes brighter and more extensive during the breeding season. The young have bright blue tails. The orange-throated whiptail is unique among whiptails in that most individuals have an undivided frontoparietal scale. Size The orange-throated whiptail is a relatively small whiptail species with a snout- vent length of 2-2.75 inches. The tail, if unbroken, is about three times the snout-vent length. Taxonomy The orange-throated whiptail is a member of the New World lizard family Teiidae. Cnemidophorus is the largest genus in this family and the only one occurring naturally in the United States. There are 50 species of whiptails ranging collectively from the central United States to southern Brazil. Seventeen species occur in the United States with the greatest diversity occurring in Arizona, southern New Mexico and western Texas. This complex genus is divided into a number of species groups. The orange-throated whiptail is a member of the deppii species group. A number of the species of whiptails in the southwest reproduce by parthenogenesis (populations of these species consist of only female individuals). There are two species of whiptails in California, the wide-spread western whiptail (C. tigris) and the orange-throated whiptail (Stebbins 1965). Whiptails are relatively uniform in general appearance, being slender long-tailed lizards with small granular body scales, large symmetrical plates on the head and large squarish belly scales that occur in regular lengthwise and transverse rows. The tail is covered with large squarish keeled scales. Distribution within the United States Within the United States, the orange-throated whiptail ranges from the United States to the Mexican border, north to the vicinity of the City of Riverside, in the interior, and along the coast to Corona Del Mar in Orange County. Historic Distribution Orange County This lizard occurs in the southern portion of the County, in the San Joaquin Hills and southern Santa Ana Mountains southward into San Diego County. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-59 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Riverside County The orange-throated whiptail occurs from the east slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains, south of the City of Corona, east to the area around Lake Mathews, the Ferris Valley and Hemit southward to the Riverside-San Diego County border (Glaser 1970). San Diego County This species ranges from the coastal zone inland to the vicinity of Oak Grove, Ramona, japatul Valley, and Tecate. Current Distribution The orange-throated whiptail is still present at almost all the historic localities where suitable habitat remains. Population and Density Estimates The population density of these lizards varies spatially and temporally. Population size at a given locality tend to peak during the late summer when young are emerging. Adult lizards apparently disperse from year to year, e.g. a local area may support a relatively dense population one year and few lizards the next, many of the individuals having moved to another area (Brattstrom, pers. comm.). Habitat Requirements and Territory Size These lizards require habitats which provide a diverse thermal environment, i.e. open sunny areas of basking, shady areas and burrows as well as an abundant insect prey base, i.e. western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus), the primary food item. Orange-throated whiptails occur in open coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent, scrub chaparral, riparian woodlands, and along washes. These lizards also frequently occur in disturbed habitat and along dirt roads traversing dense chaparral or coastal sage scrub. Little work has been conducted on the territory size of these lizards. Bostie (1965) reported a mean home range of 0.11 acre in a study involving 11 adults. Data from this study also suggest that females have larger home ranges than males. Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success A clutch of one to four eggs is laid during late June to mid-July. Adults two years or older apparently lay two clutches a year; yearlings lay one clutch (Bostie 1964). Bostie (1964) reported that areas of friable, well-drained soils exposed to direct sunlight and near areas of short grass and annuals were used as nesting sites. Foraging Ecology There are two major types of foraging behavior exhibited by lizards: "sit-and- wait" and "widely foraging." While these two tactics are the extremes of a suite B-60 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B of foraging behaviors, most species of lizards tend towards one or the other tactic (Pianka 1986, Regal 1983). Whiptails as a group exhibit the "widely foraging" tactic, moving through their environment with rapid jerky movements, covering large areas and frequently protruding their forked tongue. These lizards seek much of their prey through chemoreception, digging in the soil and in leaf-litter under shrubs for insects. The orange-throated whiptail is typical of most whiptails in its foraging ecology. Decline Factors The most important factor in the decline of the orange-throated whiptail is habitat loss from urban and agricultural development. As noted above these lizards are still common throughout their range where suitable habitat remains. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Habitat loss is the primary cause of decline in this species. Near the coast where extensive development has occurred (e.g. City of San Diego) extensive areas of former habitat are gone; however, the orange-throated whiptail is still present in areas of natural habitat which have long been isolated by urban development (e.g. Florida Canyon, Pt. Loma). Habitat Degradation Orange-throated whiptails can be fairly common in disturbed coastal sage scrub and chaparral. This does not appear to be a major factor in the decline of this species. Conclusions The orange-throated whiptail does not appear to be common within the project area. Most of the population that is present on the Northwest site will probably be extirpated because the proposed development impacts the areas where these lizards were seen. This species was not observed on the Rancheros site during the field work. If this lizard is present in this area it is currently rare. From the available data it appears that little of the orange-throated whiptail population present within the project area will be preserved in the proposed open-space. It should be noted however that there is some data that suggests that local populations may "shift around" from area to area (Brattstrom pers. com.) and there is at least a possibility that the species could be present in the Rancheros open-space in the future. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 510 acres (40%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 760 acres (60%) are in aresa designated for development. Preserved areas include coastal sage scrubm chaparral, riparian woodland, and floodplain scrub. Proposed offsite habitat conservation could potentially benefit the species. Onsite and offsite conservation under the HMP/OMSP will contribute to the long-term preservation of the species. 3-28-94 Rev/sec/ Draft B-61 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 39. San Diego Banded Gecko Coleonyx variegatus abbotti Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-17 Range This subspecies occurs in San Diego and Orange counties south into Baja California and may extend into parts of Los Angeles and Riverside counties (Stebbins1985). Habitat It is found in chaparral habitat with rocky soils and boulder outcroppings and is associated with riparian habitat. It is normally found under rocks, boards, and debris. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP The distribution of coastal banded gecko onsite is not well known due to its nocturnal habits. Approximately 515 acres (58%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 380 acres (42%) are in areas designated for development. The onsite conserved habitat includes a majority of the best habitat, i.e. rock outcrops, for this species. The proposed offsite habitat conservation potentially will be beneficial. Onsite and offsite habitat conservation under the HCP/OMSP will be contribute to the long-term preservation of this species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. B-62 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B 40. San Diego Horned Lizard Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, T PLAN ID: A-23 The San Diego horned lizard is endemic to southern California and Baja California. Little information has been published on the ecology of the San Diego horned lizard. An excellent overview of the many unique aspects of horned lizard ecology is provided by Pianka and Parker (1975). Scherbrooke (1981) presented a more popular account with excellent photographs of all of the species of horned lizards occurring in the United States. Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy San Diego horned lizards are dorso-ventrally flattened, spiny lizards with a circle of large spines or "horns" around the sides and rear margin of the head. In addition these lizards have a fringe of long pointed scales around the edge of the body and along the sides of the tail. These morphological characteristics are typical of all species of horned lizards; however the length of the head spines varies greatly from species to species. San Diego horned lizards vary in color from yellowish, reddish, brown, to gray. Their basic ground color often closely matches the local substrate. There are wavy dark blotches or bands on the back and a pair of large dark blotches on the neck. The underside is cream to bright yellow often with numerous dark spots (Stebbins 1985). Males have enlarged postanal scales. These lizards range in size from 2.5-4 inches in snout-vent length. The tail varies in proportion but averages approximately one half the snout-vent length. The horned lizards are members of the North American lizard family Phrynosomatidae (Frost and Etheridge 1989). There are 14 species in the genus Phynosoma which range from southwestern Canada south to Guatemala and from western Arkansas to the Pacific Coast (Stebbins 1985). There are four species of horned lizards in California but the California and San Diego horned lizards do not occur sympatrically with any of the other species. The subspecies P. c. blainvillii and P. c. frontale are not recognized by Stebbins (1985) but they are listed in the most recent edition of Collins' checklist (1990). The species relationships in the genus Phrynosoma have been investigated by several workers (e.g. Montanucci 1987, Preset 1969). Distribution within the United States The San Diego horned lizard ranges from the Transverse Ranges south, west of the deserts, to approximately Latitude 32: N. in Baja California, Mexico (Klauber 1936). These lizards occur from sea level to around 6500 feet above mean sea level in elevation. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-63 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Historic Distribution Los Angeles County This species probably once occurred throughout Los Angeles County, exclusive of the deserts and the higher mountain areas. Orange County San Diego horned lizards probably occurred throughout Orange County in areas of adequate habitat. Riverside County This lizard probably occurred throughout western Riverside County with the exception of the higher mountain areas. San Diego horned lizards do not occur in the desert areas of the County but they are present at higher elevations in western Joshua Tree National Monument (Miller and Stebbins 1964). San Bernardino County The San Diego horned lizard occurs in the southwestern portion of the San Bernardino County including the north-slope of the San Bernardino Mountains but exclusive of the higher areas of this range. San Diego County This lizard occurs from the upper desert slopes east to the desert. Current Distribution Los Angeles County San Diego horned lizards are still found in many localities supporting relatively large areas of suitable habitat. Vast areas of former habitat in the Los Angeles Basin, San Fernando Valley, and other areas in Los Angeles County have been converted to urban development. Orange County These lizards still occur in the Santa Ana Mountains and other areas supporting relatively large tracts of suitable habitat; however, as in Los Angeles County, vast areas of former habitat in the lowlands have been converted to urban development. Riverside County San Diego horned lizards are still relatively common in many lowland areas; however urban and agricultural development are impacting large areas of habitat in the inland valleys west of the San Jacinto Mountains. B-64 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B San Bernardino County This species is probably still relatively common in areas supporting good habitat; however most of the lowland areas within this species range in the county have been lost to urban development. San Diego County San Diego horned lizards are relatively common in many areas where suitable habitat remains. Large areas of habitat occur on public lands in the foothill zone of San Diego County. Population and Density Estimate Population and density are difficult to estimate because of the naturally low densities that these lizards are presumed to occur in and they are difficult to find due to their cryptic coloration and behavior. During any given activity period, apparently only a portion of the population will be active (Brattstrom, pers. comm.). Long-term mark and recapture studies need to be undertaken to determine densities; however no such studies have been published to date. Habitat Requirements and Territory Size San Diego horned lizards require habitats with open areas for basking, scrub cover and mammal burrows for shelter and good populations of harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.), their primary food. These lizards occur in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, open pine forest, and along washes and the edges of riparian woodland. Little is known concerning the size of the home range of the San Diego horned lizard. However, horned lizards in general appear to be relatively sedentary (Piankaand Parker 1975) Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success Egg Laying Little has been recorded on the specific egg laying sites and nest site characteristics of San Diego horned lizards. However, soil moisture, drainage, and ventilation as well as exposure to sun light are important factors for successful incubation (Sherbrook 1981). The eggs of horned lizards are laid in a burrow dug by the female. San Diego horned lizards apparently lay only one clutch per year (Sherbrook 1981). Reproductive Success and Survivorship Horned lizard reproduction strategies are unusual among lizards (Pianka and Parker 1975). They typically lay large clutches of eggs or have large numbers of young. The amount of clutch or litter weights in relationship to female body are typically large compared to most other lizard species. There appears to be a relatively high survival rate among adults but a high mortality of young. Little specific reproductive information has been published on the San Diego horned lizard. Stebbins (1985) reports clutch sizes ranging from 6-21 eggs laid from 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-65 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP April to June. Horned lizards apparently reach sexual maturity during the late summer of their first year but do not reproduce until the following spring (Pianka and Parker 1975). Foraging Ecology Horned lizards, including the San Diego horned lizard, are primarily "sit and wait" predators (Pianka 1986) that specialize on ants, especially harvester ants. Some species of horned lizards specialize on certain species of harvester ants (Rissing 1981, Whitford and Bryant 1979). It is unknown if the San Diego horned lizard specialize on a specific harvester ant species. Horned lizards have a large stomach volume compared to other lizards (Pianka and Parker 1975) and this is related to their specialized diet (i.e. ants) which is low in caloric value. Decline Factors The primary cause of decline in numbers of San Diego horned lizard is undoubtedly habitat loss. Earlier in the century there was a demanded for "stuffed" horned lizards as curios and this lead to population decline in some areas (e.g. Los Angeles basin) but this is not currently a factor in the decline of this lizard (Jennings 1987). Habitat Loss and Fragmentation As noted above, habitat loss is currently the major reason for declines in this species. Fragmentation of habitat is also probably important as well because of the naturally low population densities of San Diego horned lizards. Habitat Degradation San Diego horned lizards do not seem to tolerate the presence of human habitations in their area. These lizards are often absent near developments even if good habitat is still present. The loss of harvester ant colonies from the areas surrounding developments due to human disturbance, pesticide use, etc., may be an important factor. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP The San Diego horned lizard is widespread within the County but has only been recorded from within Carlsbad at two localities. Approximately 510 acres (40%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 760 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. Preserved habitat includes coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian woodland, and floodplain scrub. Proposed offsite habitat conservation could potentially benefit the species. Onsite and potentially offsite conservation under the HCP/OMSP will be contribute to the long-term preservation of the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, B-66 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B non-native plant control (ice plant), and onsite management by a habitat manager. 41. San Diego Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus similis Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: B-18 Range This snake occurs from southwestern San Bernardino County south into Baja California, Mexico (Behler and King 1979). Habitat It prefers moist habitats and can be found in woodlands, forest, chaparral, farms and gardens. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no known records for this snake within Carlsbad. Approximately 1,130 acres (66%) of potential habitat will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 585 acres (34%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation also potentially could benefit the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 42. Silvery Legless Lizard Anniella nigra argentea Status USFWS: None CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: B-19 3-28-94 Rev/sec/ Draft B-67 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Range This species has a spotty distribution and ranges from near Antioch, Contra Costa County south along the Coast-Transverse and Peninsular ranges into Baja California, Mexico. Habitat This lizard occurs in leaf litter and loose soil in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and open riparian habitats. It prefers sandy washes and beach dunes for burrowing. Logs and leaf litter are used for cover and feeding. Bush lupine (Lupinus longifolius) is a good indicator of potential habitat (Stebbins 1985). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no records of this species' occurrence in Carlsbad. Approximately 110 acres (26%) of potential habitat for the species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 315 acres (74%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation potentially would benefit the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control through maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, water quality control measures, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 43. Southwestern Pond Turtle Clemmys marmorata pallida Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 1) CDFC: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-20 Range This subspecies is found from San Francisco Bay to northern Baja California, Mexico and west of the Sierra Nevada range (Stebbins 1985). Habitat It occurs in ponds, small lakes, marshes, slow moving streams, reservoirs, and sometimes brackish water. It is found most frequently in areas with dense vegetation and sunning areas around the water's edge (Stebbins 1985). B-68 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 45 acres (96%) of potential habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and up to 2 acres (4%) are in areas designated for development. The HCP/OMSP could be beneficial to the species due to the preservation of majority of the riparian woodland habitat onsite and could contribute to ithe species' long-term preservation. There are no specific records for the turtle within the City. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control, riparian restoration, water quality control, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 44. Two-striped Garter Snake Thamnophis hammondii Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: B-21 Range It ranges along coastal California from Salinas in Monterey County to northwest Baja California. Habitat The two-striped garter snake often occurs near permanent freshwater streams with rocky bottoms and riparian vegetation. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 45 acres (96%) of potential habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and up to 2 acres (4%) are in areas designated for development. The HCP/OMSP could be beneficial to the species due to the preservation of majority of the riparian woodland habitat onsite and could contribute to ithe species' long-term preservation. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-69 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP E. Birds 45. Bell's Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli belli Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-24 Sage sparrows are distributed across the western United States and Baja California, Mexico. Bell's sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli) is one of five currently recognized subspecies of sage sparrow (Johnson and Marten 1992). Bell's sage sparrow occurs along the coastal zone of California south of Marin County and northwestern Baja California. The four other subspecies occur on San Clemente Island (A. b. c/ementeae), within the foothill and mountain zone of California (A. b. canescens), in central Baja California (A. b. c/nerea), and throughout the western United States (A. b. nevadensis). For this section, all references to the "sage sparrow" will refer to the sensitive Bell's subspecies. Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy The sage sparrow is a member of family Emberizidae and subfamily Emberizinae. This sub-family includes 281 species currently placed in 69 genera and has a worldwide distribution excepting extreme southeast Asia and Australia, although they have been introduced in New Zealand (Perrins and Middleton 1985). Members of genus Amphispiza are separated from other genera in their subfamily by certain morphological differences. Some of the distinguishing physical characteristics include small bill, long tail, gray to brown coloration on upper surfaces, and a blackish tail with somewhat conspicuous white or light-colored edging (Ridgway 1901). Appearance and Vocalizations Sage sparrows have a gray-brown head, white eye-ring, white lore spot or eyebrow and a broad white whisker stripe. Their underparts are white with a dark breast spot while their back is usually a dusty brown. The wings usually are buffy-brown and have faint wing bars. The juveniles are dull and dusky brown with heavy streaking. Sage sparrows generally have overall darker coloration than the other subspecies. Sage sparrows have a jumbled, finch-like song and they often twitch and wave their tail when singing. A characteristic habit is to cock the tail quickly, then lower it slowly. They also have a call which consists of thin rising notes (NCS 1983). B-70 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Size The sage sparrow is a medium-large sparrow about 4.8-5.6 inches in body length (Ridgway 1901). The average wing length (2.6 in) is slightly longer than the average tail length (2.5 in). Since the tail length averages around half of the total body length, the sage sparrow often has a well proportioned look. Taxonomy The sage sparrow and other congeneric species in our area are readily distinguishable from one another. Taxonomic work for the species was originally completed in 1852 by John Cassin. The subspecific identities of the sage sparrow were then subsequently reported (Ridgway 1901; Grinnell 1905; Mayr and Short 1970). The subspecies in our area is resident and sedentary and for the most part geographically isolated from its two closest neighbors, A. b. clementeae of San Clemente Island and A. b. canescens of the San Joaquin Valley and northern Mojave Desert. During the nesting season, some sympatry of A. b. canescens and A. b. belli does occur although the two subspecies have not been observed to interbreed (Johnson and Marten 1992). Recent taxonomic work (Johnson and Marten 1992) included an extensive genetic analysis on A. fa. bellii, A. b. canescens, and A. fa. nevadensis. Their study found that the three subspecies are genetically isolated from each other and that A. fa. bellii and A. fa. canescens are the most closely related subspecies. Distribution within the United States Bell's sage sparrow occurs from the foothills of the California and northern Baja California coast ranges to the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada in California. Records of the past and present distribution of Bell's sage sparrow were gleaned from Willet (1912), Willet (1933), Grinnel and Miller (1944), Sexton and Hunt (1979), Garret and Dunn (1981), Unitt (1984), and Gray and Bramlet (1991). Specimen collection citings are from the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology in Los Angeles. Historic Distribution Ventura County Localities of record include Mt. Pinos and Santa Paula. They were also locally resident on the chaparral covered hills of the Los Padres National Forest and western Santa Monica Mountains. Los Angeles County Specimens were collected from Newhall and the San Fernando Valley. Recorded observations had been made in Claremont and the Los Angeles Basin. They were also locally resident within the western Santa Monica Mountains, and mentioned as a common breeding bird in the Simi Valley. Orange County Recorded locations are limited to the coastal slopes of the San Joaquin Hills. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-71 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Riverside County Recorded locations include the vicinity of Riverside and the Jurupa Mountains east to the vicinity of Sunnymead and Beaumont. They were also recorded in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains in the vicinity of Cabezon, Kenworthy, and as high in elevation as Tahquitz Valley and Round Valley. San Bernardino County Recorded localities are mostly from the Pacific slope of the San Bernardino Mountains. Eggs were collected from Colton in 1906, and breeding individuals were observed around San Bernardino close to the same time. San Diego County Recorded localities include Julian, Campo, Ocean Beach, Poway, Escondido, the mouth of the Tijuana River and the vicinity of El Cajon. They also had a spotty distribution in the coastal zone and extended up Palomar Mountain and east to Banner Grade, Scissors Crossing, and Hipass. Current Distribution Since no recent intensive studies have been coordinated to assess current distribution for Bell's sage sparrow, data is not available for most counties. Ventura County No current data available, but large tracts of land where it historically resided still remain. The Simi Valley has been the most developed and the species decline is probably most significant in this region. Los Angeles County They have probably been extirpated from the Los Angeles Basin and much of the San Fernando Valley due to urban development. No current distributional information is available for the still undeveloped areas of its historic range in this county. Orange County Current assessments record the status of Bell's sage sparrow as locally rare. This county is a major center for urban growth and although the population may have a few strongholds left, much of its historic range has probably been converted from preferred habitat by development. Riverside and San Bernardino Counties No current data is available, but Bell's sage sparrows probably still inhabit much of their historical range. However, much habitat conversion has occurred within these counties in the past 50 years and some localized populations may be extirpated. B-72 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B San Diego County The coastal population of sage sparrows is nearly lost but the foothill population is largely intact. The foothill zone, where they were most numerous in the past, has remained largely undeveloped and so sage sparrows are probably still thriving throughout this part of their range. Population and Density Estimates No current population and density estimates have been published. Habitat Type and Distribution Sage sparrows inhabit chaparral and sage scrub in dry and sunny stands. They may also occasionally be found in other arid shrubby habitats such as cismontane juniper woodland and alluvial fan scrub. These habitats are distributed widely over much of the foothill and coastal lowland zone in all of the counties discussed above (CDFG 1988). Sage sparrow populations are spotty and infrequent and there are large tracts of seemingly suitable habitat in which they are not present. Territory Size No actual spatial data have been compiled for the size of sage sparrow territories. Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success The information presented below comes from the work of Ehrlich, et al. (1988) and NGS(1983). The sage sparrow is monogamous. Like most passerines, new pair-bonds are formed and last through the entire breeding season. Nests are usually placed in sagebrush. Nests are constructed from a variety of materials including twigs, grass, forbs, bark, and other fine materials. The nest is cup-shaped and placed up to 3.3 feet high in a shrub or less frequently on the ground. No data is available about whether one or both individuals in a mated pair help to build the nest. The clutch size is two to four and the eggs are bluish-white marked with dark browns or black. Incubation takes 13 to 16 days and it is unknown which sex, if either, is the primary incubator. Nestlings are born altricial, and usually will fledge in 9 to 11 days. It is unknown whether one or both parents help to rear the fledglings. The young are fed insects. The sage sparrow is an uncommon host for the brown headed cowbird (Molothrus ater). Due to their nesting close to the ground, they probably are more susceptible to mammal and snake predation. At this time, no data are available concerning reproductive productivity. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-73 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Foraging Ecology The sage sparrow feeds on insects primarily, including spiders, but may occasionally forage for seeds (Ehrlich, et al. 1988). It generally feeds on the ground but may also glean its food from the foliage of nearby plants. Typical plant species associated with this bird's foraging habitats include chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) and California sagebrush (Artemesia californica). Decline Factors Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Conversion of large tracts of habitat into urban centers and agriculture is the main threat to this species. Southern California, particularly the coastal foothill zone, has been heavily impacted by development. The resulting fragmentation and elimination of local populations may eventually lead to this species decline. Due to its spotty distribution, and sedentary habits, it is assumed that loss of habitat will result in fragmentation and reduction of populations. This may in turn threaten population viability throughout its range. Habitat Degradation This does not seem to be a major factor in the apparent decline of this species, since they exhibit strong site tenacity even in the face of disturbances. Cowbird Parasitism Since favored sage sparrow habitat is generally far removed from cowbird foraging habitat, cowbird brood parasitism probably will continue to have only a minor impact on this species. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 510 acres (40%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 760 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation could be beneficial to the species. Onsite and potentially offsite conservation under the HCP/OMSP/OMSP would contribute to the long-term preservation of this species. Conserva tion/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, cowbird removal, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. B-74 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B 46. Burrowing Owl Speotyto cunicularia Status USFWS: None CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, T PLAN ID: A-25 The burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia hypugaea) of North America was, prior to 1976, placed within the monotypic genus Speotyto but because of its close morphological and ecological similarities to the Old World little owl (Athene nocta) it was reclassified to the genus Athene (A.O.U. 1976). Genetic karyotypic studies conducted during the mid-1980s suggest that the burrowing owl and the Old World little owl are genetically distinct, thus, the burrowing owl was once again placed within Speotyo by the American Ornithologists' Union (Schmutz, Maker, and Schmutz 1989; A.O.U. 1991). The burrowing owl is fossorial.(underground) which makes it unique among all other owl species of the world. In North America the burrowing owl is generally restricted to flat, open expanses of short grass-prairies, semi-desert, coastal plains, and more recently, farmlands, fallow fields, airports, and golf courses. Current and historical geographical distribution of burrowing owls in North America is from the interior Canadian plains south to southern Louisiana and Central America, and extending west to several small islands off the coast of California and Baja California, Mexico. Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy The burrowing owl is a member of the "typical owl" (Strigidae) family which consist of all North American owl species with the exception of the barn owl (Tyto alba). Characteristics of the "typical owl" family include a raptor-like predatory life style, large head, immobile eyes, and a feather structure that enables them to achieve nearly soundless flight. Unlike the other "typical owls", burrowing owls are primarily diurnal (day active) and crepuscular (dawn and dusk) hunters (Thomsen 1971). Approximately 18-20 subspecies occur within the single species Speotyto cunicularia and all exhibit plumage of similar color and pattern, bulbous nostrils, and long slender tarsi which are sparsely covered with short hair-like feathers. Appearance and Vocalizations Because of its diurnal life style and open expanse habitats, burrowing owls are one of the easiest North American owls to observe. These owls are often seen standing erect on a fence post, raised mounds of dirt, or near the entrance to one of their burrows. Their attentive large yellow eyes, rounded head, long naked legs, and dull brown and white barred and spotted plumage is distinctive among all other North American owls. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-75 Appendix B ' Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Seven different vocal field communications were described by Thomsen (1971) in her three year study of a burrowing owl colony near the Oakland airport and correspond to vocalizations noted by Coulumbe's (1971) study of burrowing owls in Imperial County, California. Chuck: A sharp single note given in conjunction with a profound bow This vocalization was used when the owl was flushed away from its burrow and is believed to function as a means of drawing a potential predator's attention away form the nest burrow. The "chuck" is also thought to function as a warning contact signal to a mate and/or its young. Chuck-chatter: A series of 2-6 chucks given in conjunction with a profound bow and followed immediately by a chatter of 5-8 notes and repeated up to eight times. This vocalization is given under circumstances of increased agitation requiring somewhat more than a "chuck" call. Chatter: A rapid series of "chuck" notes used to warn the young of an approaching intruder. The pitch and frequency of the chatter call increases as the intruder comes closer to the nest burrow. This call usually coincides with the emergence of young from the nest. Primary song: A mellow, flute-like "Whea-woo-who-woo-who" given exclusively by the male. This call is heard most often during the early morning hours, and is used as a territorial call and/or to attract a prospective mate. Rasp: A sound similar to radio static is used by the female during courtship, as an all clear signal to the young, and as a contact location call after the young have left the burrow. Rattlesnake: A sound which mimics the warning rattle of rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.). This call is given by both adults and juveniles when threatened in the nest. This call is believed to act as a deterrent to potential predators. Warble: A series of mellow, liquid notes, sounding like a northern flicker (Co/aptes auratus). This call was believed to used as a greeting between burrowing owl pairs. Size The burrowing owl is the only North American owl exhibiting reversed sexual size dimorphism, with the male averaging approximately 103-105 percent body weight (4-6.5 oz), 101 percent wing length, 103 percent tail, 102 percent bill, 105 percent tarsus greater than an average female (Thomsen 1971). In general, the tail is short (3.0-3.5 in), and wings are large with the male averaging 6.6 inches and females 6.5 inches (Earhart and Johnson, 1970). Taxonomy Throughout both North and South America there are currently 18-20 recognized subspecies of Speotyto cunicularia, but only two subspecies (5. c. hypugaea, 5. c. floridana) are found in North America. Research is currently underway to determine if burrowing owls restricted to the Pacific Coast are a distinct subspecies (Collins pers. comm.). There appears to be no intersubspecific genetic flow with burrowing owl populations east of the Rocky Mountains. B-76 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Banding studies conducted near the Oakland airport suggest that migration among the west coast populations may actually represent seasonal movements and not typical migration (Thomsen 1971). Evidence in support of at least minimal migration within the coastal population reported that two burrowing owls banded at the Seal Beach location in Orange County were subsequently recovered in Ensenada and San Quintin in Baja California (Collins pers. comm.). The nearest relative to the burrowing owl is the Old World little owl which is only partially terrestrial. In North America, the elf owl (Micrathene whitneyi) is the burrowing owl's closest relative. Distribution within the United States Three distinct populations of burrowing owls occur within the continental United States: the small and isolated population of the Florida subspecies; the great plains population that extends from Manitoba Canada, south to Louisiana and west to the Rocky Mountains; and the population which extends from the arid southern interior of British Columbia, east to the Rocky Mountains and south to the Arizona and California Mexican border. Distribution of burrowing owls is restricted to essentially flat, open country with suitable nest sites. With the exception of the Florida subspecies, which digs its own burrow, the North American burrowing owl acquires its burrows from various burrowing mammals, either through abandonment or eviction. In California, burrowing owls are restricted to the central valley extending from Redding south to the Grapevine, east through the Mojave Desert and west to San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area, the outer coastal foothills area which extend from Monterey south to San Diego and the Sonoran desert. Historical Distribution The largest western burrowing owl population occurred within the Great Plains. This large population corresponded to the vast expanses of prairie inhabited by black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) whose burrows formed the primary nest sites of burrowing owls. One of these prairie dog towns in Texas allegedly extended over 39,000 square miles and contained over 100 million prairie dogs. In Oklahoma, two prairie dog towns once covered over one million acres, but in 1968 these two prairie dog towns covered less than 9,522 acres or one percent of the original area (Butts 1973). Similar trends exist throughout the rest of the Great Plains burrowing owl population. In California, burrowing owl populations were probably never as numerous as in the Great Plains area, but according to historical reports, burrowing owls prior to 1945 were considered common to abundant (Grinnel and Miller 1944). No exact numbers are available, but museum collections clearly indicate a much wider California geographical distribution than occurs today (Grinnel and Miller 1944). Current Distribution A three year intensive burrowing owl population survey is being conducted by The Institute for Bird Populations. This study of the current burrowing owl population as well as population trends since 1970 was begun in 1991 and will be completed in 1993. The 1991 population study focused on the Central 3-28-94 Rev/set/ Draft B-77 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Valley, the outer coast of central California and the San Francisco Bay area. This focus area was chosen due to the large concentrated population historically found in this region of the State. Results of the first year study indicate a 61.7 percent population decline since 1970 with complete extirpation from Sonoma, Marin, Santa Cruz, and Napa counties (DeSante, et al. 1992). Population estimates from southern California indicate that breeding burrowing owl populations have been extirpated from Los Angeles and Orange counties (DeSante pers. comm.). In recent years, the inland desert areas of San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial counties have shown similar population declines (DeSante pers. comm.). No data currently exists for the burrowing owl populations in Mexico, but it is generally believed that its numbers have also declined here (Collins pers. comm.). In San Diego County, population estimates range between 12 and 24 with a stable population being successfully managed on the U.S. Naval Air Station located in the City of Coronado (Winchell pers. comm.). Population and Density Estimates According to the results of the central California 1991 burrowing owl census, the estimated population for the entire central California area was 1,088 pairs (DeSante, et al. 1992). According to anecdotal information, population declines and current estimates for the remainder of the State are significantly lower. This is primarily related to the fact that historical populations in southern California being lower than those in central California, and the greater loss of suitable habitat through development. Habitat Requirements and Territory Size In general, burrowing owl habitat is composed of large open expanses of short grass or sparsely vegetated areas on gently rolling or level terrain with an abundance of active small mammal burrows. These areas may include cut banks, irrigation dikes, arroyos, grasslands, prairies, farmlands, fallow fields, and empty urban lots. Territory size is directly proportional to the available habitat and more specifically burrow availability. Territory boundaries varied, but were generally found to be at a distance approximately half way between occupied nest burrows (Thomsen 1971). Territorial defense is greatest during the nesting season and continues until the young have successfully fledged. The male is the more vigorous territorial defender, but physical contact with an intruder is rarely employed. Defense of the nesting territory against intruders was limited to the immediate area around the active nesting burrow. In contrast, the home range and foraging areas (which could range up to 1.5 miles away from the nesting territory) was shared with other burrowing owls without any territorial display (Butts 1971). Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success Pair Formation Migratory burrowing owls of the Great Plains form pairs upon arrival at the nesting grounds in March or April (Martin 1973). Non-migratory burrowing owls of California form pairs in December and most of the breeding owls B-78 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B complete pair formation by late February (Thomsen 1971). In Martin's (1973) study of migratory burrowing owls in New Mexico, none of the returning banded owls retained their original mates. This suggested that migratory burrowing owls do not form permanent pairs. In contrast, the non-migratory burrowing owls studied by Thomsen (1971) in the Oakland, California area did not maintain rigid pair bonds, but approximately 50 percent of the returning owls did retain the previous years' mate. Burrow Selection and Nest Building Burrow selection begins shortly after pair formation or upon arrival on to breeding grounds in the case of the migratory burrowing owl. Burrow selection activities are carried out at dusk or during the night. Usually several burrows are selected for renovation, but only one is selected for use as the nest. The satellite burrows are usually found within the immediate vicinity of the nest burrow within the owls defended territory. Burrows used in previous years are commonly reused after minor renovation. The most important aspect in burrow selection is the presence of abundant active small mammal burrows within the area. Selected burrows were renovated by the removal of loose dirt and material from the floor and sides. Burrow excavation is accomplished by moving through the burrow with outstretched wings, backward scratching with the feet, and bill- digging (Best 1969; Martin 1973; Thomsen 1971). Burrow entrances are always slightly sloped at a 15 to 50 percent slope. Burrow dimensions were essentially the same with the tunnel entrance being approximately 4.7 inches high and 4.7 inches wide, four feet long, and the nest chamber 9.8 inches wide, 3.9 to 5.9 inches high and roughly circular or oblong (Butts 1971). The nest chamber is lined with cow, horse, or other shredded mammal dung or as in the burrows located near a golf course in Oakland grass divots (Butts 1971; Thomsen 1971). Egg Laying Egg laying occurs from late March to early May with the majority of burrowing owls having completed egg laying by the middle of May. Clutch size varies from six to eleven with an average of seven to nine. Incubation begins after the first egg is laid and lasts approximately four weeks. The female develops the brood patch and is entirely responsible for the incubation process. The male remains near the burrow entrance, protecting the nesting territory against potential predators and bringing food to the female (Butts 1971; Coulombe 1971; Thomsen 1971; Martin, 1973). Fledging Of the average of seven to nine eggs per burrowing owl pair, the average number juveniles that are successfully fledged is 3.2 (Thomsen 1971). At approximately two weeks after hatching, the young can be observed being fed by the adults at the burrow entrance. At three weeks the owlets become very active, preening, stretching, wing flapping, and practice prey killing by pouncing on dead insects. At four weeks, the owlets have begun to fly and have become proficient enough to accompany the adults on foraging trips (Martin 1973). 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-79 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Nest and Fledgling Predation Nestling and fledgling mortality ranges from 19 to 35 percent, with the surviving young usually being the heavier of the fledglings (Thomsen 1971). Potential predators of both adults and fledglings include skunks (Mephitis spp.), badgers (Taxidea taxus), coyotes (Canis latrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus), weasels (Muste/a spp.), domestic cats and dogs, barn owls (Tyto alba), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus), Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), golden eagels (Aquila c/irysaetos), great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer), and rattlesnakes (Crota/us spp.). Foraging Ecology Foraging occurs primarily just prior to and just after sunrise or sunset. During the nesting season when young owls are still being fed, the adult owls have another foraging peak just prior to mid-day and during the night. Foraging techniques include ground foraging which consists of short flights and running along the ground; observation foraging, which utilizes an elevated perch from where prey is spotted and dropped upon; hovering, which utilizes a kiting type of stationary flight from where prey is dropped upon; and on rare occasions the flycatching technique (Thomsen 1971). The burrowing owl's prey base includes a wide variety of invertebrates, small mammals, juvenile birds, lizards, small snakes, frogs, crayfish, juvenile desert tortoise, and even fledgling burrowing owls. The burrowing owl prey base changes according to seasonal availability, with invertebrates forming the bulk of their diet during the winter and small vertebrates forming the dietary bulk during the spring and early summer (Robinson 1954; Coulumbe 1971; Marti 1974). Decline Factors Burrowing owls were once abundant throughout their North American range, but the cumulative loss of habitat secondary to agriculture and development, and intensive government sanctioned small mammal eradication programs, have resulted in significant burrowing owl population declines. Habitat Loss, Fragmentation, and Degradation The availability of numerous small mammal burrows is a major factor in determining whether an area with apparently suitable habitat will support burrowing owls (Coulumbe 1971). This situation is particularly evident in the Great Plains where intensive government sanctioned black-tailed prairie dog eradication programs have had dramatic impacts on the once prolific prairie dog populations (Zarn 1974). This eradication has also seriously decreased the populations of animals like the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and burrowing owl that are dependent on these rodents for food and shelter. The West Coast burrowing owl habitats have been similarly reduced by large scale eradication of ground squirrel (Spermophilus spp.) populations. The primary impact to the West Coast burrowing owl populations has been the conversion of large tracts of previously occupied habitat to agriculture, and industrial and residential development. As stated above, recent burrowing owl census of the central California populations indicate a 61.7 percent decrease since 1970. At this rate of decline (three percent per year) the remaining population of B-80 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B burrowing owls will become extirpated from the West Coast in less than 50 years (DeSante 1992). Natural Occurrences Natural declines in burrowing owl populations include natural predation as mentioned above under "Nest and Fledgling Predation" and natural population cycles. These natural population cycles may be influenced by periodic fluctuations in food availability, climatic extremes, or parasitic infestation and disease. As the burrowing population continues to decline, such natural populations impacts could potentially accelerate the species into extirpation or even extinction in a very short time. Conc/i/s/o/is Within the plan area, the exact status of the burrowing owl population is unknown. Burrowing owl sign (fresh pellets and recently occupied burrows) were observed on the Northwest site in the vicinity of ruderal fields and an offsite agricultural area. No birds were observed and the site is likely used only during migration. This area is currently not part of the planned open space and all of the burrowing owl habitat onsite will be impacted. The exact number of burrowing owls using this area is not known, but given the size of the area (less than 10 acres) not more than one pair of burrowing would be expected. If the current population estimates for San Diego County are accurate at no more than 24 pair (Unitt pers. comm.), the loss of the one pair on the Northwest site would represent a loss of four percent of the County's remaining burrowing owl population. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 55 acres (16%) of the habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 280 acres (84%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation may yield some additional benefits for this species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, cowbird removal, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 47. California Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris actia Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-22 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-81 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Range The California horned lark occurs in the coastal lowlands and foothills west of the mountains in southern California. A resident population breeds in southern California, and there is a large migrating winter population (Unitt 1984). This bird is known to occur along the northern edge of Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad. Habitat The California horned lark occurs in sandy, ocean or bay shores, on bare ground, or among low herbaceous plants on mesas or disturbed areas in grassland and open agricultural land. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 55 acres (17%) of the habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 275 acres (84%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation may yield some additional benefits for this species. There will be a limited and incremental loss of foraging habitat for this species on Northwest and no impacts to the foraging habitat on Rancheros-Southeast II. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintenance of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, cowbird removal, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 48. Coastal California Gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica Status USFWS: Threatened (with Special 4(d) Rule) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, NCCP, T PLAN ID: A-26 The coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) is one of three currently recognized subspecies of California gnatcatcher and the only one that occurs in the United States. The other two subspecies (P. c. abbreviata and P. c. margaritae) occur in the central and southern portions of the Baja peninsula, respectively (American Ornithologists' Union [AOU] 1957; Atwood 1988, 1990; United States Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] 1991). For purposes of this report, all further reference to the "California gnatcatcher" is to the subspecies proposed for Federal listing unless otherwise noted. B-82 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy The genus Polioptila is a distinctive, easily recognized group of small long-tailed songbirds that are associated with the thrush family Muscicapidae. The plumage of birds in this genus is predominantly gray, with varying amounts of black on the head and white on the outer tail feathers. The genus shows little phenetic divergence among its component species (Atwood 1990). Appearance and Vocalizations The California gnatcatcher is a small passerine with dark blue-gray plumage above and grayish white below. Its tail is mostly black above and below. The male has a distinctive black cap which is absent during the winter. Both sexes have a distinctive white eye-ring. Vocalizations include a call consisting of a rising and falling series of three kitten-like mew notes (National Geographic Society 1983). Atwood (1988) found vocal differences to be important in maintaining reproductive isolation between the California gnatcatcher and the black-tailed gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura) in the few areas where they come into geographic contact with one another. Atwood's (1991) more detailed description of the plumage coloration of the California gnatcatcher is as follows: The underparts are dark gray becoming slightly paler on the throat, the center of the abdomen, and undertail coverts. The upperparts, including hindneck, back, scapulars, lesser wing coverts, and rump, are very dark gray. The wings are dark and brownish. The leading edges of the primaries and secondaries are edged with pale gray. The crown is a uniform glossy black. A white eye-ring, which is incomplete and usually limited to the area below the eye, is present. The upper tail coverts and rectrices one through four are black. Rectrix five is mainly black, tipped with approximately one millimeter (mm) of white and with the outer vane showing very limited or no white edging. Rectrix six is mainly black, tipped with approximately .08 inches of white and the outer 50 percent of the outer vane is white. The tail spot on rectrices five and six is shaped such that the length of the white from the feather tip along the shaft is less than from the feather tip along the inner vane. Atwood (1991) also described the coloration of the soft parts of the California gnatcatcher. The maxilla are black, with the tip of the mandible being black and becoming paler gray at the base. The tarsus is a blackish color, and the foot pad is a pale brownish gray. The coastal California gnatcatcher is distinguished from the other two subspecies, P. c. abbreviata and P. c. margaritae, by having darker body plumage, less white on rectrices five and six, and a longer tail (Atwood 1991). Size The California gnatcatcher weighs approximately 0.2 ounce (USFWS 1991). The mean body dimensions of the adult gnatcatcher are body plus tail length, 4.3 inches; wing length, 1.8 inches; tail length, 1.9 inches ; exposed culmen, 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-83 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 9.9 0.4 inches; and tarsus plus middle toe, 1.04 inches (USFWS 1991; Atwood 1991). Taxonomy The California gnatcatcher is morphologically quite similar to the black-tailed gnatcatcher of the desert regions of the southwest United States and Mexico. Only recently have the two species been shown conclusively to be specifically distinct (Atwood 1988). The California gnatcatcher was originally described as a distinct species (Brewster 1881). However, despite recognition (Grinnell 1904) that the vocalizations of the California gnatcatcher and the black-tailed gnatcatcher are very different, Grinnell (1926) proposed that the two forms were conspecific based upon morphological similarity of birds from the Cape region of Baja California, Mexico, to those from the desert regions of Arizona and southeastern California. The fourth and fifth editions of the AOU checklist (AOU 1931, 1957) followed Grinnell's 1926 treatment and considered the California gnatcatcher to be a subspecies of the black-tailed gnatcatcher. Rea (1983) and Unitt (1984) both alluded to the possibility that the California gnatcatcher and the black-tailed gnatcatcher were distinct species based on their vocal differences, but provided no in-depth taxonomic analysis. Based on a rigorous examination of vocalization, morphological, and phenotypic data, Atwood (1988) concluded that the California gnatcatcher was specifically distinct from the black-tailed gnatcatcher. This conclusion was subsequently adopted by the AOU Check-List Committee (AOU 1989) and represents the presently accepted scientific opinion regarding the taxonomic status of the California gnatcatcher (Atwood 1990; USFWS 1991). Although the California gnatcatcher and the black-tailed gnatcatcher occur sympatrically in limited areas of northeastern Baja California (Atwood 1988), the ranges of the two species are quite distinct geographically. The California gnatcatcher is distributed from coastal southern California south in the lowland areas of Baja California south to Cabo San Lucas. The black-tailed gnatcatcher occurs in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of the southwestern United States, northeastern Baja California, and mainland Mexico (Atwood 1990). The fifth edition of the AOU checklist (AOU 1957) recognized three subspecies within the range of gnatcatchers now considered representative of the California gnatcatcher. Atwood (1988) suggested that only two subspecies of California gnatcatcher should be recognized: P. c. californica, distributed from southern California south to the Cape region of Baja California, and P. c. margaritae, distributed south of approximately 28 degrees north latitude. However, Atwood's (1988) conclusion concerning subspecies' limits in the California gnatcatcher was based on a flawed statistical treatment (Banks 1989; Johnson 1989) and has been retracted by Atwood as a result of further analysis (Atwood 1990). Atwood (1991) recommends that the distribution limits and naming of the California gnatcatcher revert to that initially proposed by Grinnell (1926) and be described as follows. B-84 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Polioptila c. californica resides from coastal southern California south into northwestern Baja California to approximately 30 degrees north latitude (El Rosario). P. c. margaritae resides in central Baja California from 30 degrees north latitude south to approximately 24 degrees north latitude (La Paz). P. c. abbreviata resides in southern Baja California from 24 degrees north latitude south throughout the Cape region. Distribution within the United States In the United States, the California gnatcatcher is restricted to the arid coastal plain of southern California, where it occurs in remnant patches of coastal sage scrub located below 2,000 feet elevation (Atwood 1980, 1988). The underlying cause of this restriction to lowland areas is unknown, but probably involves changes in the floristic composition of the sage scrub communities that occur near 820 feet in coastal areas (Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties) and near 1,640 feet in inland localities (Riverside County (Atwood 1990). Historic Distribution The estimated historic range of the California gnatcatcher in the United States represents approximately 41 percent of the subspecies' total latitudinal distribution and approximately 50 percent of the linear extent of the subspecies' range when crudely measured along the coastlines of southern California and Baja California (Atwood 1990). Comparison of the actual extent of the historic distribution of the California gnatcatcher in southern California versus Baja California can only be approximate because the subspecies' habitat has always been somewhat discontinuous (Grinnell and Miller 1944; Atwood 1980). Regardless of the current abundance or distributional limits of the California gnatcatcher in the United States versus Mexico, there is strong evidence that most of the subspecies' historic range was located in southern California rather than Baja California (Atwood 1990). Using the 800 feet contour line as an approximate upper boundary delineating those areas that might potentially have supported the California gnatcatcher prior to human development, a geographic information system (CIS) analysis (Atwood 1992) indicates that approximately 65 percent of the historic range of the California gnatcatcher may have occurred in the United States as opposed to Mexico. Ventura County Few records of the California gnatcatcher exist from Ventura County. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, egg sets and specimens were collected along the Santa Clara River drainage near the towns of Santa Paula, Ventura, and Fillmore, as well as in the Simi Valley (Atwood 1990). Los Angeles County The California gnatcatcher was once common and widespread from the San Fernando Valley east along the base of the San Gabriel Mountains to Claremont and at the lower elevations of the San Jose, Los Coyotes, and Palos Verdes hills. No California gnatcatcher records are known from the Santa Monica Mountains 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-85 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP despite the fact that coastal sage scrub occurs throughout this region (Atwood 1990). Orange County Historic (pre-1960) records of the California gnatcatcher in Orange County are few, being limited to the West Coyote Hills and Laguna. However, observations made since 1960 suggest that the species was historically distributed throughout much of Orange County at elevations less than 820 feet (Atwood 1990). Riverside County Historic occurrences of the California gnatcatcher in Riverside County include Corona, Riverside, Menifee Valley, Mockingbird Canyon, Pedley, Cabazon, Valle Vista, Banning, and the Jurupa and Box Springs Mountains (Atwood 1990). Several specimen records of the California gnatcatcher were obtained in the early 1900s from Palm Springs, suggesting that the subspecies may have regularly passed over the San Gorgonio Pass and into this area, where the black- tailed gnatcatcher is common (Grinnell 1904; Atwood 1988). Although Palm Springs has probably never been part of the California gnatcatcher's regular geographic range, the occasional appearance of the California gnatcatcher on the eastern side of San Gorgonio Pass may reflect historically higher population levels near Banning, Cabazon, and the San Jacinto Valley (Atwood 1990). San Bernardino County Historic records of the California gnatcatcher in San Bernardino County are known from the vicinities of Colton, Reche Canyon, and San Bernardino near Lytle Creek Wash. All of these localities occur between 820 and 1,640 feet elevation (Atwood 1990). San Diego County The California gnatcatcher was historically distributed throughout most of the lowland areas of San Diego County west of the Laguna Mountains. Early records were concentrated near San Diego (including Point Loma), National City, the San Pasqual Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Bonita, and Escondido (Atwood 1990). Current Distribution The distribution of the California gnatcatcher in the United States was somewhat localized even prior to the agricultural and urban development of southern California (Atwood 1990) probably due to the patchy nature of sage scrub habitat. This patchy distributional pattern of sage scrub and the California gnatcatcher has been accentuated by the agricultural and urban development of southern California. The California gnatcatcher has been extirpated from at least 42 sites of its former distribution. Declines have been most dramatic in Ventura, Los Angeles, San B-86 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Bernardino, and Riverside counties. Populations have also been diminished in Orange and San Diego counties, but the vague locality descriptions of historic sites of populations in these counties make it difficult to confidently identify areas where local extinctions have taken place (Atwood 1990). Ventura County There are no confirmed records of the California gnatcatcher occurring in Ventura County since 1924. A slight possibility exists that very small numbers of California gnatcatchers persist in the Santa Clara River drainage of Ventura County; with the complete or near complete extirpation of the subspecies from inland Los Angeles County, pairs that may exist in Ventura County are fully isolated from other southern California populations (Atwood 1990). Los Angeles County Actual population levels of the California gnatcatcher in Los Angeles County prior to the region's urban development are unknown. However, the magnitude of the subspecies' decline in the county is probably reflected by the fact that over 96 percent of the total low-elevation (less than 820 feet) acreage in Los Angeles County that might historically have supported the California gnatcatcher has been largely or entirely developed. There are no confirmed, post-1985 records of the species from San Fernando, Azusa, or Claremont (Atwood 1990). The only major California gnatcatcher population known to remain in Los Angeles County is located on the Palos Verdes peninsula. All known California gnatcatcher populations presently remaining in Los Angeles County are fully isolated from other portions of the subspecies' range in southern California. Even on a local level the Palos Verdes peninsula populations are highly fragmented, with most remnant patches of coastal sage scrub in this area being completely surrounded by housing developments (Atwood 1990). Orange County In Orange County, recent (1960-1984) and current (1985-1990) observations are concentrated near Irvine, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, and Orange; however, the California gnatcatcher probably occurs throughout much of the remaining undeveloped lowland areas of Orange County (Atwood 1990). Riverside County In Riverside County, the California gnatcatcher has been extirpated from the cities of Riverside, Banning, Cabazon, and Valle Vista (Atwood 1980). Recent (1960-1984) and current (1985-1990) records are concentrated south and west of Lake Mathews and northwest of Perris. Observations of the California gnatcatcher in Riverside County generally show the distribution to be between 250 and 500 m elevations. San Bernardino County The California gnatcatcher has been largely or entirely extirpated from San Bernardino County. Recent confirmed observations of the California gnatcatcher in San Bernardino County are limited to a single bird seen in 1990 near the confluence of Cajon Wash and Lytle Creek Wash. Extremely small 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-87 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP numbers may remain in the Lytle Creek Wash area and, possibly, near the Jurupa Mountains on the border between San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Like any California gnatcatchers that may persist in Ventura County or inland Los Angeles County, remnant populations in San Bernardino, if they exist at all, are completely isolated from larger source populations and therefore extremely vulnerable (Atwood 1990). San Diego County The California gnatcatcher still occurs in many areas of San Diego County. However, sites of known recent occurrence are rapidly shrinking and becoming increasingly isolated from one another (Atwood 1990). Population Estimates Estimates of population sizes of small passerines that may vary in density throughout a geographically extensive range are difficult to make. Previously, Atwood (1980) speculated that the number of California gnatcatchers remaining in the United States was no more than 1,000 to 1,500 pairs, with specific estimates of 30 pairs in Ventura County, 130 pairs in Los Angeles County, 50 pairs in San Bernardino County, 325 pairs in Orange County, 400 pairs in Riverside County, and 400 pairs in San Diego County. These preliminary and speculative values were derived from reports of various observers, limited fieldwork conducted by Atwood in different portions of the subspecies' range, and visual estimates of habitat availability in different areas (Atwood 1980). A CIS analysis of the extent of undeveloped lowland in coastal southern California, coupled with density indices derived from recent surveys of Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base and Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station, indicates that 1,811 to 2,291 pairs of California gnatcatchers remained in the United States in the late 1970s. Various assumptions inherent in this analysis imply that these values are inflated and that the subspecies' current population size in the United States cannot significantly exceed 2,000 pairs (Atwood 1992). Using a preliminary estimate for Riverside County and more accurate estimates for San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, Michael Brandman Associates (MBA 1988) (conservatively) estimated that the population of the California gnatcatcher in the United States is approximately 1,645 to 1,880 pairs, with specific estimates of 20 to 30 pairs in Los Angeles County, 325 to 350 pairs in Orange County, 300 to 400 pairs in Riverside County, and 1,000 to 1,100 pairs in San Diego County. Habitat Requirements and Uses In the United States, the California gnatcatcher is ecologically restricted to the coastal sage scrub plant community (Atwood 1980, 1988). Woods (1928) noted that probably no other California bird is as strictly confined to the brush-lands as the California gnatcatcher, which "almost invariably turns back when it reaches the limits of the natural vegetation." B-88 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Habitat Type and Distribution The southernmost limit of coastal sage scrub is found at El Rosario (30 degrees north latitude) in Baja California (O'Leary 1990), which is also the likely southern distributional boundary of the coastal California gnatcatcher. Although coastal sage scrub occurs as far north as San Francisco, the range of California gnatcatchers has not, in historic times, extended beyond southern Ventura County (Atwood 1990). Unlike evergreen sclerophyllous chaparral, coastal sage scrub species are characterized by malacophyllous subshrubs whose leaves abscise during summer drought and are replaced by a lesser number of smaller leaves (Westman 1981 a; Gray and Schlesinger 1983). During cool spring periods with sufficient moisture, high transpiration and carbon-assimilation rates allow for rapid growth, flowering, and fruiting (Harrison, et al. 1971). Most of the dominant species are drought evaders by virtue of their facultatively deciduous habitat and are thus better adapted to prolonged summer-fall drought in areas of lower rainfall. Coastal sage scrub also contrasts with chaparral in being lower in stature (0.5 to 1.5 m versus 2.0 to 3.0 m for chaparral), having shallower root systems, different component species, and comparatively open canopies. The more open nature of coastal sage scrub permits the occurrence of a greater herbaceous component of forbs, grasses, and succulents than is usually associated with dense stands of chaparral. Evergreen sclerophyllous shrubs such as laurel sumac (Ma/osma laurina), lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), and sugar bush (Rhus ovata) are often patchily distributed throughout (O'Leary 1990). Coastal sage scrub vegetation is composed of relatively low-growing drought- deciduous and succulent species such as coastal sagebrush (Artemisia californica), several species of sage (black sage [5a/v/a mellifera], purple sage [S. leucophylla], and white sage [S. ap/ana]), coast encelia (Encelia californica), and flat-top California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) (O'Leary 1990). At least four major floristic associations have been recognized within coastal sage scrub: Diablan (San Francisco region south to northern Santa Barbara County), Venturan (northern Santa Barbara County south through central Los Angeles County), Riversidean (inland Los Angeles County, western Riverside County, and inland San Diego County), and Diegan (Orange County and coastal San Diego County south into northwestern Baja California) (Holland 1986; O'Leary 1990). The distribution of the California gnatcatcher is limited to the Venturan, Riversidean, and Diegan associations of coastal sage scrub, but not all areas within each of these broad associations support the California gnatcatcher (Atwood 1990). Few quantitative studies of the habitat requirements of the California gnatcatcher have been done and all have been of limited geographic scope. At each of the study sites, coastal sagebrush was a major component of the plant community. However, in the single inland study, located in Riverside County, coastal sagebrush was poorly represented (Atwood 1990). There is no clear indication that the California gnatcatcher is dependent on any particular plant species belonging to the coastal sage scrub community, but certain floristic combinations may represent habitats that are marginal or unsuitable for the California gnatcatcher (Atwood 1990). For instance, there is 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-89 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP some indication that the species may be absent from or occurs in lower densities in areas dominated by black sage (Mock, et al. 1990; Atwood 1990). However, recent studies have documented the occurrence of California gnatcatcher pairs in black sage and Munz's sage (Sa/v/a munzii) (RECON 1992; ERCE1991). Vegetation structure, including both density and height, may also be important. Atwood's (1990) impression is that the California gnatcatcher avoids dense and/or tall stands of coastal sage scrub that otherwise resemble, in floristic composition, nearby areas that are used by the birds. Dominant plant species recorded in mapped territories of the California gnatcatcher were generally one meter high or less (Atwood 1990). In a study of seven California gnatcatcher territories located near El Cajon, San Diego County, ERCE (1990a) found an average of 38.1 percent gap in the shrub canopy of the California gnatcatcher territories. Tattersall (1988) reported that California gnatcatcher territories in a Riverside County study were located in areas of coastal sage scrub that have burned eight or nine years previously. More recently burned areas, as well as older, unburned habitat, were unoccupied. Territory/Habitat Use Area Size The California gnatcatcher is a permanent resident and may retain the same mate and territory/habitat use area from year-to-year (Atwood 1990). Reported sizes territories/use areas for the California gnatcatcher show pronounced variability, possibly related to differences in habitat quality and/or differences in methodology used by various investigators. Most investigators have reported that California gnatcatcher territories/use areas range from two to seven acres in size. These results have been primarily based on short-term studies of unmarked birds (Atwood 1990). Sweetwater Environmental Biologists (1986) found that the movements of one pair of California gnatcatchers encompassed approximately 14.2 acres between March 1985 and March 1986. WESTEC Services, Inc. (1987) estimated minimum territory sizes of five to ten acres. More extensive studies of color-banded individuals by ERCE (1990a) indicated even larger territories (13.3 to 39.2 acres). One explanation for the larger territories/use areas reported by Sweetwater Environmental Biologists (1986), WESTEC Services, Inc. (1987), and ERCE (1990a, 1990b) may be that they reflect the effects of recent, extreme drought conditions in southern California (Atwood 1990). Insect abundance in coastal sage scrub appears to show annual declines that are related to reduced moisture availability (Roach 1989). Because of the current drought conditions in southern California, California gnatcatcher food resources may be depressed at the present time, thus requiring more extensive movements than normal (Zach and Falls 1975). Mock, et al. (1990) suggested that the size of California gnatcatcher breeding territories was larger in study sites located further distances from the coast, possibly reflecting differences in habitat quality between lush coastal stands of sage scrub and the relatively sparse vegetation that often characterizes more inland regions. Thus, large tracts of coastal sage scrub located in inland regions may be needed to sustain the same number of pairs found on relatively small parcels of coastal land (Atwood 1990). B-90 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Many species of small, resident passerines reduce their territoriality following the nesting season, thereby using areas that are more extensive than those occupied while breeding. Similarly, Atwood and McKernan (Atwood 1990) have found non-breeding California gnatcatchers foraging in alternate vegetation types located adjacent to typical stands of coastal sage scrub, including chaparral dominated by chamise (/Acfenostoma fasciculatum) or narrow riparian corridors dominated by willows (Salix spp.). Because food resources in coastal sage scrub may be limited during dry periods of the year, the nearby availability of alternative, more mesic vegetation types may be important to California gnatcatcher survival. Current available information indicates that previous estimates of territory size for the California gnatcatcher may be substantially too low. Thus, the size of areas required for maintenance of the species may be much larger than previously thought. Additionally, the fact that breeding birds may expand their territories during the non-breeding season to encompass areas and vegetation types not used during nesting suggests that effective habitat protection must exceed the area required by breeding individuals. As a result, mitigation requirements should not be based merely on studies conducted during the nesting season (Atwood 1990). Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success Detailed studies of California gnatcatcher breeding biology are unavailable. Limited information indicates that breeding territories may be unusually large for a small, insectivorous passerine (Atwood 1990). Nest Building The breeding season for the California gnatcatcher extends from late February through July (Atwood 1990). Based on analysis of museum egg collection data, May 5 appears to be the mean date for nest initiation (Atwood 1988). Because re-nesting after initial failure is common, the actual peak for the initial surge of breeding activity probably precedes the calculated mean date for nest initiation. Most initial nesting attempts by the California gnatcatcher probably occur mid to late March and early April (Roach 1989). Atwood (1980) found, based on egg collection data from various areas in southern California, that coastal sagebrush was the plant most frequently used for nesting, followed, in order of frequency, by white sage, black sage, chamise, and Opuntia sp. Roach (1989) found 33 percent of 30 nests to be located in buckwheat, and 17 percent in San Diego County viguiera (Viguiera laciniata). Atwood (1988) proposes that the plants most frequently used for nest sites are those plants which are most abundant within the territory. Both members of the pair contribute to nest construction, which early in the breeding season may be protracted over an approximately 10-day period. Nest building may occur as rapidly as four to five days late in the season (Atwood 1990). Nests may be constructed and then abandoned, prior to laying, for no apparent cause (Woods 1949). Materials from these abandoned nests, or from nests that have been disturbed by predators, are frequently recycled in construction of subsequent nests (Woods 1949; Roach 1989). 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-91 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP California gnatcatcher nests are composed of grasses, bark strips, small leaves, spider webs, down, and other miscellaneous materials (Woods 1949). The outer dimensions of the nest measures approximately 2.0 inches wide and 2.4 inches deep. The internal depth of the nest cup is approximately 1.6 inches (Roach 1989). Nest height is probably somewhat affected by the structure of vegetation available within a given breeding territory. California gnatcatcher nests are generally located slightly below the surrounding canopy (Atwood 1990). Using egg collection data from a variety of southern California localities, Atwood (1988) calculated a mean nest height of 3.4 feet. Studies conducted in more geographically restricted areas have yielded mean nest heights of 2.2 feet (Roach 1989, near Rancho San Diego), 2.85 feet (Tattersall 1988, near Ferris), 2.6 feet (ERCE 1990a, near El Cajon), and 2.0 feet (Atwood 1990, Palos Verdes peninsula). Egg Laying Using egg collection data obtained throughout southern California, the calculated mean clutch size for the California gnatcatcher is 3.84 eggs (range two to five) (Atwood 1990). Near Rancho San Diego, Roach (1989) found a similar mean clutch size of 3.67 eggs. Clutches initiated prior to May 1 did not differ significantly in size from those started later in the nesting season, nor did clutches found in inland areas (Riverside and San Bernardino counties) differ significantly from those found coastally (Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties) (Atwood 1990). Both pair members incubate the eggs, which measure approximately 0.4 to 0.5 inch and weigh approximately one gram (Hanna 1934). During incubation under moderate temperature regimes, only the head and tail of the parent bird protrude above the rim of the deep nest cup; under high ambient temperatures, adults may stand over the eggs, sometimes with their wings spread, to provide shade (Woods 1928; Tattersall 1988). The mean incubation period of California gnatcatcher eggs is approximately 14 days, followed by an approximately 16- day period when both parents care for the nestlings (Woods 1949; Tattersall 1988; Roach 1989). Fledging Woods (1949) stated that fledglings are tended to by the parents for a period of about three weeks. ERCE (1990b) saw similar behavior for most birds, but observed color-banded juveniles fledged in early May that remained with their parents through mid-September. Although California gnatcatchers may occasionally produce two broods in one year, many such observations (e.g., Woods 1928) have been based on unmarked individuals and have not followed the survivorship of juveniles produced during the first nesting attempt. It is therefore possible that some instances of apparent second broods may be undocumented cases of juvenile mortality that occurred soon after fledging. Nest Predation and Parasitism Available data suggest that up to 40 percent of the California gnatcatcher nests may be destroyed by predators (Atwood 1990). Various native species which seem to be likely predators of California gnatcatcher eggs or nestlings include B-92 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B scrub jay (Aphelocoma coeru/escens), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), common raven (Corvus corax), opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), gray fox (Urocyon c/'nereoargenteus), coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum), striped racer (Masticophis lateralis), gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), coastal rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata roseofuca), common kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus), and southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata). In areas located near human development, California gnatcatcher nests are probably taken by house-based or feral domestic cats (Fe//s catus). Rodents (wood rats, Neotoma spp.; deer mice, Peromyscus spp.; Norway rats, Rattus norvegicus; and house mice, Mus muscu/us) may also disrupt California gnatcatcher nesting attempts, either as predators or by usurping the nest cup itself (Langen, et al. n.d.; Atwood 1990). Anecdotal observations have indicated that rodents impact California gnatcatcher nests and Norway rats are known egg predators fully capable of displacing (or killing) an incubating six g adult California gnatcatcher (Atwood 1990). The rate of nest predation has been shown to increase as fragmentation decreases the size of the habitat (Wilcove 1985; Small and Hunter 1988). Soule, et al. (1988) noted that coyotes (Canis latrans) disappear from small, isolated patches of chaparral (including coastal sage scrub) and speculate that the absence of these large predators allows increased population levels of smaller "bird predators" such as foxes, opossums, or domestic cats. These authors suggest that increased predation pressures resulting from the absence of coyotes may contribute to local extinctions of bird species that occur in small, fragmented patches of scrub vegetation. Brood parasitism of the California gnatcatcher by the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) may also exacerbate population declines associated with habitat loss. Parasitism of the California gnatcatcher by the brown-headed cowbird has been noted for many years (Woods 1930; Friedmann 1934; Hanna 1934). California gnatcatchers are able to rapidly re-nest following the loss of eggs or juveniles to predators (Woods 1928; Bontrager 1990). However, based on the duration of the incubation, nestling, and fledgling periods of brown-headed cowbirds (Bent 1958; Harrison 1978), a single event of cowbird parasitism that proceeds to fledging of a cowbird may occupy at least 40 days, or (assuming a potential breeding season of March 20 to June 15) approximately 42 percent of the total nesting season. It is unknown whether a California gnatcatcher that successfully raises a brown-headed cowbird juvenile(s) will attempt a subsequent nesting effort during that season (Atwood 1990). Work in eastern deciduous forests has demonstrated that rates of cowbird parasitism are greater in small fragments of forest than in large, continuous tracts of habitat (Temple and Cary 1988; Robinson 1988). Assuming that the California gnatcatcher is, like most species of small, temperate zone passerines, relatively short-lived, the compounded effects of annual breeding failures due to nest predation and cowbird parasitism may reduce the lifetime reproductive output of any California gnatcatcher below that needed to sustain a stable population (Atwood 1990). 3-28-94 Revised Draft 8-93 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Reproductive Success and Suvivorship Defense of the nest and young is conducted by both the female and male California gnatcatcher (Woods 1949). Quantitative studies of reproductive success in California gnatcatchers are limited and therefore difficult to assess; however, rates of nest failure appear to be relatively high. Based on intensive observations of color-banded birds in Orange County, Bontrager (1990) concluded that the nesting success rate for the California gnatcatcher is very low. Atwood (1990) found that only five of twelve intensively followed pairs of California gnatcatchers (42 percent) successfully fledged young, and for the most part, this was only after several nesting attempts. The average number of nests built per pair was 3.6. One pair had seven nest failures, never achieving a successful nest (Atwood 1990). Most temperate zone passerines are relatively short-lived. Johnston's (1956a, 1956b) study of resident song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) indicated that approximately 80 percent of fledglings died before their first breeding season, with an approximately 43 percent annual mortality thereafter. In the absence of more detailed information, it is probably safe to assume that California gnatcatchers are characterized by similar survivorship curves (Atwood 1990). Foraging Ecology Little information is available regarding California gnatcatcher foraging ecology. The bird is an insectivore which feeds directly from foliage rather than while in flight (Woods 1949). Woods (1949) reports that over 98 percent of the California gnatcatcher diet is made up of beetles, wasps, bugs, and caterpillars, with a few flies, grasshoppers, and spiders. Coastal sagebrush and buckwheat both appear to be important foraging substrates, although this conclusion is based on studies of relatively narrow geographic scope. Other plant species, such as black sage, may be avoided by foraging California gnatcatchers (Atwood 1990). Several recent studies have provided preliminary information regarding details of California gnatcatcher foraging ecology. Roach (1989) found that both sexes fed primarily on arthropods gleaned from two plant species, buckwheat and coastal sagebrush. ERCE (1990a) also found that the California gnatcatcher foraged most frequently on coastal sagebrush and buckwheat. Coastal sagebrush was used more often than buckwheat in comparison to the two species' relative abundances on the study site. This study also found that San Diego County viguiera and chaparral broom (Baccharis sarothroides) were underutilized by the California gnatcatcher relative to their occurrence on the study site. Mock, et al. (1990) similarly reported that black sage was avoided by foraging California gnatcatchers. Impact Sciences, Inc. (1990) observed that a single pair of California gnatcatchers in the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County fed primarily in coastal sagebrush but gave no indication of the relative abundance of other coastal sage scrub plant species at the site. While all of these data suggest that coastal sagebrush is of major importance for foraging to the California gnatcatcher and that some coastal sage scrub species may be avoided, B-94 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B interpretation of the results suffers from the narrow geographic limits and small sample sizes of these studies (Atwood 1990). Decline Factors Both the habitat and the range of the California gnatcatcher have been greatly reduced. Population declines of the California gnatcatcher and loss of its requisite coastal sage scrub habitat were described in the early 1900s (Atwood 1990). Habitat Loss and Fragmentation The California gnatcatcher is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation occurring in conjunction with urban and agricultural development (USFWS 1991). All of the published literature on the status of coastal sage scrub vegetation in California supports the conclusion that this plant community is one of the most depleted habitat types in the United States (Kirkpatrick and Hutchinson 1977; Axelrod 1978; Klopatek, et al. 1979; Westman 1981b, 1981c, 1987; Mooney 1977; O'Leary 1990; Keeler-Wolf 1991). Various plant ecologists have noted the decline of coastal sage scrub during historic times. Klopatek, et al. (1979) conclude that the coastal sage scrub present in 1967 showed a 37 percent decrease relative to its "potential" area. Hanes (1976) states that "the coastal sage scrub community is the most endangered vegetative type in southern California due to the pressures of urbanization, flood control projects and rock quarries." Kirkpatrick and Hutchinson (1977) describe coastal sage scrub as "one of the least known and fastest disappearing types of vegetation in California." Axelrod (1978) states that the coastal sage scrub community is "rapidly disappearing under spreading urbanization." Mooney (1977) notes that coastal sage scrub "often occupies choice development sites and is being destroyed over large areas of the state." Westman (1981 a) calculates that coastal sage scrub in California has been reduced to between 10 and 15 percent of its former extent. Because this calculation presumably includes the Diablan association that occurs in the comparatively undeveloped portion of coastal California north of Ventura County, the relative degree of coastal sage scrub loss in the southern California range of the California gnatcatcher may be even higher. Westman (1987) believes coastal sage scrub to be "one of the most endangered habitat types in the nation" and O'Leary (1990) concludes that "the present decade likely represents an 'eleventh-hour' period" for the "imperiled" plant community. Keeler-Wolf (1991) states that "we can expect the fragments [of coastal sage scrub] to become so small as to be incapable of supporting viable populations of many of the endemic plants and animals of this ecosystem." Further proof that coastal sage scrub is severely threatened throughout southern California was provided by Atwood and Shields (Atwood 1990). They documented that out of 56 sites that supported coastal sage scrub and California gnatcatchers in 1980 (located in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties), 18 (32 percent) had been completely destroyed by urban development by 1990 and 15 (27 percent) were partially impacted by current construction projects. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-95 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP The California gnatcatcher is generally distributed below 800 feet elevation in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties and below 1,640 feet elevation in Riverside County. These regions of southern California are subject to intense development pressures, and the California gnatcatcher has already been eliminated from many areas of former occurrence. There are no recent records from Ventura County, and only a single individual has been reported in recent years from San Bernardino County (Atwood 1990). Published estimates indicate that 85 to 90 percent of coastal sage scrub vegetation in California has been lost as a result of urban and agricultural development (Westman 1981 a, 1981b). This represents a reduction from 2.5 million acres to 250,000 to 375,000 acres. A recent quantitative analysis of coastal sage scrub status in Riverside County revealed an 81 percent loss (from 410,000 acres to 79,000 acres) associated with urban and agricultural development over the 60-year period from 1930 to 1990 (USFWS 1991). The historical distribution of coastal sage scrub encompasses most of southern Los Angeles and northwestern Orange counties (Kuchler 1977). These areas are almost completely urbanized as of 1991. In the late 1970s, it was estimated that 70 percent of the historic acreage of coastal sage scrub in San Diego County had been lost as a result of urban and agricultural development (Oberbauer 1979). About 124,000 acres of coastal sage scrub remain in San Diego County (USFWS 1991). Habitat Degradation In addition to catastrophic losses of habitat caused by urban and agricultural development or fire, there are indications that more subtle factors such as grazing and air pollution also adversely impact the coastal sage scrub community. O'Leary and Westman (1988) noted that prolonged periods of grazing and high summer air pollution affect successional patterns of coastal sage scrub following fire. The deterioration of habitat quality due to the current drought conditions (which are also conducive to destructive wildfires) may also be adversely influencing the viability of some California gnatcatcher populations (USFWS 1991). Soule, et al.(1988) suggests that fragments of chaparral (in which he includes coastal sage scrub) are more fragile and hence more vulnerable to faunal collapse than fragments of temperate forest by stating that "whereas the destruction of a forest usually requires considerable energy, the effects of traffic alone in chaparral habitat can cause the replacement of a patch of scrub with grassland or other exotic, xeric adapted species." Natural Occurrences The small body size of the California gnatcatcher may render it more vulnerable to short-term perturbations in weather conditions or resource availability than larger species. Mock observed substantial disappearances of color-banded California gnatcatchers following a several-week period of cold, rainy weather and attributed these disappearances to weather-related mortality (Atwood 1990). These preliminary data suggest that short-term weather fluctuations may occasionally be an important factor affecting the population dynamics of the California gnatcatcher. B-96 Rev/sec/ Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 445 acres (47%) of suitable habitat and up to 18 gnatcatcher pairs will be conserved in the plan area; approximately 505 acres of suitable habitat (53%) and up to 31 pairs are in areas designated for development. Up 240 acres of suitable habitat will be conserved in offsite locations. With the onsite and offsite preservation of coastal sage scrub in a viable open space network, the HCP/OMSP will provide the basis for this species' long-term preservation within the plan area and contribute to its preservation on a citywide and regional scale. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintanence of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, cowbird removal, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 49. Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperi Status USFWS: None CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, T PLAN ID: A-27 Range Widespread throughout the U.S. and southern Canada, south through the mountains of western Mexico. Cooper's hawk disperses widely outside its breeding season, which is from late March through June. It has declined as a breeding species in California because of destruction of riparian woodland and possible habitat contamination with pesticides. Habitat Cooper's hawks nest primarily in oak woodland but occasionally in willows and eucalyptus. They forage over a variety of habitats including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, open woodlands, and urban areas supporting groves of trees. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 100 acres (22%) of primarily foraging habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 345 acres (78%) are in areas designated for development. Preserved habitat includes approximately 95 percent of the riparian woodland habitat in the plan area. The proposed offsite habitat conservation may provide additional benefit to this species. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-97 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintanence of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, periodic enhancement as necessary, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 50. Least Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii pusillus Status USFWS: Endangered CDFC: Endangered OTHER: MBTA, T PLAN ID: B-23 Range Formerly common and widespread in California and northwestern Baja California. This subspecies currently ranges from the Santa Ynez Basis southward into northwestern Baja California. The largest populations are present along coastal drainages in San Diego County. Habitat It is restricted to riparian woodland and is most frequent in areas that combine an understory of dense young willows or mulefat with a canopy of tall willows. Decline Factors The vireo's decline is due to loss of riparian habitat combined with parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird, which lays its eggs in vireo nests, thereby reducing the vireo's reproductive success. To reconcile conservation of the vireo and its habitat with demands for development, the San Diego Association of Governments (SAN DAG) has prepared a Comprehensive Species Management Plan (CSMP) in cooperation with the state and federal wildlife agencies, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Caltrans, environmental groups, property owners, and sand miners. If the plan is approved it will guide land-use decisions within drainages supporting this species. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP This endangered species is known from only two locations within Carlsbad. Approximately 45 acres (96%) of potential habitat for the vireo will be conserved in the plan area, and up to 2 acres (4%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation could benefit the species if the sage scrub is suitable for vireo foraging. Overall, the HCP/OMSP could be beneficial to the least Bell's vireo since most of the potential onsite vireo habitat would be preserved and enhanced in open space. B-98 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP ' Appendix B Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, cowbird monitoring/control, small predator control, riparian restoration, water quality control, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 51. Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovidanus Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-28 The following description of the loggerhead shrike is from the Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan for Southwestern Riverside County (1992). Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy The loggerhead shrike is part of an Old World group of 74 carnivorous songbirds that reaches its greates diversity in tropical Africa. Only two species inhabit the temperate regions of North America (Weathers 1983). D/sfr/£)iff/ofi Within the western hemisphere, shrikes are found from southern Canada through parts of both mainland and Baja California (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Weathers 1983, Fraser and Luukkonen 1986, Ehrlich, et al. 1988). In California the subspecies of loggerhead shrike is especially common in the central valley and throughout coastal southern regions (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Grinnell and Miller 1984, Unitt 1984), although it is also found in eastern Oregon, parts of Washington and Idaho, the northern part of the Great Basin desert, and possibly on some islands off the shore of Upper and Lower California (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Garrett and Dunn 1981, Grinnell and Miller 1984, Phillips 1986). Population and Density Estimates Loggerhead shrikes are migratory in the northern latitudes (38 to 40 degrees North), but tend to be permanent residents to the south (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Grinnell and Miller 1986). Densities may be seasonally dependent, especially if migrarory birds add to the resident population. At Deep Canyon near Palm Springs, California, mean annual density was between 1.8 and 3.2 birds/98 acres (Weathers 1983). Although not directly comparable, Christmas bird counts at 664 sites across the United States gave an estimate of 2.8 individual spotted per hour (Root 1988). 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-99 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Regardless of whether migratory or resident, shrikes establish and aggressively defend exclusive territories. Males, in particular, demonstrate strong territory fidelity, and migratory birds will return to the same area repeatedly (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Smith 1973, Fraser and Luukkonen 1986, Ehrlich, etal.1988). Size of the territory appears to be labile (Bent 1950). Estimates in California range from 35 to 50 acres in the Mojave (Miller 1931) to 50 acres at Deep Canyon (Weathers 1983). Bent (1950) felt that territory size was dependent not only on habitat characteristics, but also on the local abundance of prey. Shrikes share space only during the breeding season, and are exclusively solitary the remainder of the year (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Weathers 1983). Somewhere within their domain (not necessarily centrally located) is what has been euphemistically termed a "headquarters" that usually contains the roost or nest (Miller 1931, Bent 1950). It is from this vantage point that shrikes maintain a lookout for intruders (Bent 1950). Shrikes will defend their territories, but generally only through ritualized displays; little physical contact actually occurs (Smith 1973). Habitat Requirements and Territory Size Shrikes are almost exclusively associated with open areas that have scattered bushes, trees or man-made objects for perches, and studiously avoid dense chaparral or brush that would obscure their prey (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Harrison 1978, Garrett and Dunn 1981, Weathers 1983, Unitt 1984, Grinnell and Miller 1986, Bohall-Wood 1987, Ehrlich, et al.1988). Weathers (1983), for example, found that population densities at Deep Canyon were greatest on open rocky slopes that contained scattered ocotillo and palo verde trees. Traditional forms of agriculture employing hedgerows probably provided excellent habitat (Bent 1950), and even today roadside areas containing barbed wire fences, power lines, or telephone poles are preferred habitats (Bent 1950, Grinnell and Miller 1986, Bohall-Wood 1987). Bohall-Wood (1987) reported that of 1661 birds observed, more than 82 percent were perched on man-made items, with the great majority (61 percent) on power lines. Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success The shrike breeding season is earlier than most passerines. Birds may begin to pair as early as mid-November in southern regions (Miller 1931, Bent ]950, Weathers 1983). During courtship the male will exhibit flight displays and feed the female. Mock pursuits may also occur (Bent 1950, Ehrlich, et al.1988). Double broods are common, and triples sometimes occur as well, depending on the geographic range (Miller 1931, Harrison 1978, Weathers 1983, Ehrlich, et al. 1988). Construction of a cup-like nest takes place during late February to early April and is primarily engineered by the female (Bent 1950, Harrison 1978, Weathers 1983, Fraser and Luukkonen 1986, Ehrlich, et al. 1988). It is normally built three to 30 feet up in the crotch of a large tree limb with overhanging vines or other vegetation to hide it (Bent 1950, Ehrlich, et al. 1988). Shrikes are not finicky, and so nest materials consist of whatever is most abundant locally (Bent 1950). Twigs, grasses, forbs and even sheep wool are all utilized (Bent 1950, harrison 1978, Ehrlich, etal.1988). B-100 Rev/sec/ Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Eggs begin appearing by late March in southern latitudes (Bent 1950, Unitt 1984), and possibly again in July (Bent 1950). Normally, five to six grayish eggs constitute a brood (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Harrison 1978, Weathers 1983, Ehrlich, et al. 1988). Eggs weigh approximately 0.16 ounce and are approximately one inch long and 0.7 inch wide (Bent 1950). Incubation begins before the last egg is laid and consequintly, the last chick is always smaller than its siblings (Miller 1931, Harrison 1978, Weathers 1983). Female shrikes incubate their eggs for 16 days, during which time the male provides food (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Applegate 1977, Harrison 1978, Weathers 1983, Ehrlich, et al. 1988). Hatchlings are bright orange at birth (Bent 1950) and are cared for by both parents. The male, however, furnishes the bulk of the food. Fledging occurs at about three weks, but the parents continue to feed the young for an additonal period, sometimes up to three or four more weeks (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Applegate 1977, Ehrlich, et al. 1988). Family groups begin to disintegrate starting in early July, when parents drive off their young and refuse to feed them (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Weathers 1983). Foraging Ecology Loggerhead shrikes have a unique habit of impaling prey items (such as birds, lizards, and mice) on thorns, barbed wire fences, yucca blades or other sharp objects. Although many hypotheses have been proposed to explain this behavior, it is most likely an adaptation for consumption of large prey items and not primarily a caching behavior (Bent 1950, Weathers 1983). Apparently the birds' feet are too weak to hold the prey while it is being torn apart. Loggerhead shrikes have been characterized as having a indiscriminate taste for "all sorts of animal matter" (Bent 1950). They are certainly catholic in their feeding habitats and consume rodents, birds, reptiles, and snakes (Miller 1931, Bent 1950, Slack 1975, Craig 1978, Morrison 1980, Eraser and Luukkonen 1986, Grinnell and Miller 1986). Their main food source, however, appears to be insects(Bent 1950). Shrikes have a distinctive foraging strategy. They sit immobile on a perch and scan the immediate area for potential prey items. If nothing is seen within a few minutes, they hop to another perch and repeat the process (Bent 1950, Morrison 1980). This technique is apparently used successfully to prey upon nestling gnatcatchers, vireos and other birds (Miller 1983, Weathers 1983). Decline Factors Numerous reasons have been cited as causing the decline of the loggerhead shrike, including habitat loss and pesticides (Tate 1981, USFWS 1985, Fraser and Luukkonen 1986, Robbins, etal. 1986). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 549 acres (36%) of suitable habitat for the species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 950 acres (64%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation could be beneficial to the species. Onsite and potentially offsite conservation under the HCP/OMSP will contribute to the species' long-term preservation. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-101 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintanence of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, cowbird removal, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 52. Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Status USFWS: None CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, T PLAN ID: A-29 Range This raptor ranges throughout California. The northern harrier is common in San Diego County during the winter as a migrant and winter visitor. It is a rare summer resident and is known to breed only in coastal valleys and possibly Borrego Valley (Unitt 1984). Habitat It occurs in grasslands, open fields, and salt and freshwater marshes. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 505 acres (40%) of the foraging habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 770 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. The preservation of foraging habitat onsite would contribute to the species' long term preservation and yield additional potential breeding sites. Proposed offsite habitat conservation could provide additional benefits for the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintanence of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, public education, fire management, periodic enhancement as necessary, and onsite management by a habitat manager. B-102 Rev/sec/ Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B 53. San Diego Cactus Wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, T PLAN ID: B-24 Range Because the taxonomic status of the cactus wren in coastal southern California is unclear at this time, the entire coastal southern California population of the cactus wren will be addressed. The range of the cactus wren extends from the coastal lowlands from Ventura County south to northwestern Baja California. This species was once widespread in San Diego County, however by 1990 it had been reduced to fewer than 400 pairs in about 55 colonies. Habitat This subspecies is found only in coastal sage scrub with extensive stands of tall prickly pear or cholla cacti. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are records for San Diego cactus wren having occurred at Batiquitoes and Agua Hedionda lagoons. However, it does not currently occur in the plan area nor is there suitable nesting habitat for the species. However, approximately 445 acres (47%) of potentially suitable habitat will be conserved in the plan area, approximately 505 acres (53%) are in areas designated for development. The addition of cactus plantings in the plan area could benefit this species by creating additional habitat. Proposed offsite habitat conservation also could benefit the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintanence of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, cowbird removal, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-103 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 54. Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, NCCP, T The Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) is one of three subspecies that occur in California. Rufous-crowned sparrows are widely distributed residents throughout the western United States and Texas. The Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow inhabits coastal southern California from Santa Barbara to the northwestern corner of the Baja Peninsula. Aimophila r. obscura on four of the channel islands and A. r. ruficeps occur throughout the coastal slope and Sierran foothills south of the 39th parallel. For this section, all references to rufous-crowned sparrow refer to the sensitive supspecies A. r. canescens. Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy The rufous-crowned sparrow is a member of family Emberizidae and subfamily Emberizinae. This subfamily includes 281 species classified within 69 genera and has a worldwide distribution excepting extreme Southeast Asia and Australasia, although they have been introduced in New Zealand (Perrins and Middleton 1985). They are small to medium-sized sparrows with a tail about equal to or longer than the wing. Their backs tend to be streaked with grayish- brown and their underparts tend to be without streaks except sometimes on the sides and flanks (Ridgway 1901). Appearance and Vocalizations The most outstanding features of rufous-crowned sparrows include a gray head with a dark rufous crown, white eye-ring, whitish eyebrow and single black whisker-stripe on both sides. The back and wings are brown and the wings have no obvious wing-bars. Male and female adults look alike, but juveniles tend to have a streaky brown head, slightly streaked breast, sometimes faint wing-bars, and overall fainter distinctive markings. Southern California rufous- crowned sparrow tends to be darker in coloration and have longer primaries than the other subspecies (Ridgway 1901). The most often heard vocalization of the rufous-crowned sparrow is a nasal whistle, generally made more than once. The song is a twittering series of chip notes. Size The rufous-crowned sparrow is a medium to large sparrow averaging approximately six inches in total body length (Kaufmann 1990; NGS 1983). They are heavy bodied with flat appearing heads and long, rounded tails. B-104 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Taxonomy The rufous-crowned sparrow and it congeners are fairly easy to distinguish from one another. The first authoritative work on this genus was completed in 1852 by Cassin. The subspecific identity of the Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow was reported 70 years later (Todd 1922). Rufous-crowned sparrows are resident, sedentary, and geographically isolated from the two other California subspecies, A. r. obscura and A. r. ruficeps. To date, no genetic studies have been conducted to confirm the subspecific rankings of rufous-crowned sparrows. Distribution within the United States The Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow occurs on the coastal slope and inland valleys of California from Santa Barbara, Ventura County across to Los Angeles County and southeast through Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties to northwestern Baja California. Historic Distribution Where not otherwise cited, historical locality information is from various sources (Carpenter 1907, Willet 1912, Willet 1933, Grinnel and Miller 1944, Sexton and Hunt 1979, Unitt 1984, Garret and Dunn 1981). Historical locality information is not intended to present a full distribution of the species' range, but rather to give a list of some areas with representative habitat. Ventura County Localities of record are limited to Sespe, where eggs were collected in 1927, and the western Santa Monica Mountains. Los Angeles County Localities of record include Eagle Rock (Esterly 1920), Castaic Canyon, Arroyo Seco, Santa Monica, Santa Monica Mountains and Whittier. Orange County The San Joaquin Hills and the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains are the only localities of record. Riverside County Records are from Upper Trabuco Canyon, the southern San Bernardino Mountains and the northern San Jacinto Mountains. San Bernardino County The only records are from Crafton Hills, east of Redlands and Colton. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-105 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP San Diego County Recorded localities include Rancho Santa Fe, Escondido, San Diego, Jacumba, and Dulzura. Current Distribution Rufous-crowned sparrow populations have been reduced as habitat became converted to agriculture and development in all of the counties throughout its range. In Ventura County the species probably still occurs in the habitat of the Santa Monica Mountains and undeveloped areas in and around Sespe. Undoubtedly it has been extirpated from much of its range in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties due to development, and is limited to sections of habitat mostly in the few remote areas where habitat is appropriate. In Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties it is considered an uncommon resident, localized to what remains of its historic habitat. Population and Density Estimates Population and density estimates of rufous-crowned sparrows have not been compiled as yet. Habitat Requirements and Territory Size The following information is from Barlow (1902), NGS (1983), and Ehrlich, et al. (1988). Habitat Type and Distribution Rufous-crowned sparrows inhabit open chaparral and sage scrub on rocky hillsides and canyons. They seem to prefer sage scrub to chaparral and they are generally not found within dense, contiguous stands of chaparral. What remains of these habitats is distributed widely over much of the foothill and coastal lowland zone in all of the counties discussed above (CDFG 1988). Territory Size Rufous-crowned sparrows tend to have clumped territories, concentrated in their preferred rocky habitat. Territory size data has not been collected to date. Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success The following information is from NGS (1983) and Ehrlich, et al. (1988). Nest Building Nests are constructed by a variety of materials including grass, twigs, forbs, bark, and hair. The nest is cup shaped and most of the time is placed in shallow depressions on the ground. Occasionally nests are placed low in shrubs. It is unknown whether male, female or both are the primary nest builders. Rufous- crowned sparrows are very secretive in their nestbuilding activities. B-106 Rev/sec/ Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Egg Laying Clutch size ranges from three to four eggs that are usually an unmarked pale bluish white in color. Little is known about the incubation time required for nestlings to hatch, or whether male, female, or both incubate the eggs. Fledging Nestlings are born altricial. Little is known about how long nestlings take to fledge. Once nestlings fledge, both parents share equally in the task of feeding them a diet predominantly of insects. Nest Predation and Parasitism As far as can be determined, rufous-crowned sparrows are not suitable cowbird hosts. Since these birds nest most frequently on the surface of the ground they are probably susceptible to high amounts of predation by reptiles and mammals. Reproductive Success and Survivorship Productivity data are not currently available. Foraging Ecology Rufous-crowned sparrows feed on insects primarily, but may occasionally forage for seeds and berries (Ehrlich, et al. 1988). They generally forage on the ground but may also glean food from the foliage of nearby plants. Primary foraging substrates include plants typically associated with this species such as California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), chamise CAdenostoma fasciculatum), black sage (Salvia mellifera), and other chaparral species. Decline Factors Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Conversion of large tracts of habitat into urban centers and agriculture is the main threat to this species. Southern California, particularly the coastal foothill zone, has been heavily impacted by development. The resulting fragmentation and elimination of local populations may eventually lead to this species' decline. Due to its habitat requirments and sedentary habits, each habitat lost is a loss to species population. Such losses may in turn threaten the population's viability throughout its range. Habitat Degradation Small amounts of habitat degradation that produce a more open vegetation structure may not be beneficial to the rufous-crowned sparrow, which prefers more open habitat. However, a large degree of degradation could be detrimental. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-107 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Conclusions The rufous-crowned sparrow is found on Southeast II and Rancheros. Since it was not observed on Northwest, it is assumed to not currently be using the site. The current development plan will result in a loss of more than half of the existing habitat for the rufous-crowned sparrow on Southeast II and Rancheros, while on Northwest the plans will result in a total loss of all existing habitat. The number of rufous-crowned sparrow pairs using the site has not been assessed, but given the size of the potential habitat, between 20 and 30 pairs could occur within the plan area. However these sparrows tend to have a spotty distribution throughout their range, and tend not to be present in many areas where habitat seems appropriate. Therefore the actual number of individuals using the site could be lower (10 to 20 individuals). Considering the amount of undeveloped habitat remaining, especially in the foothill zone, the loss of populations on the three sites would likely amount to less than one percent of San Diego County's remaining rufous-crowned sparrow population. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 445 acres (47%) of suitable habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 505 acres (53%) are in areas designated for development. Onsite preservation of coastal sage scrub in open space, especially the preferred rock outcrops and steep slopes, will contribute to the long-term preservation of this species. The proposed offsite habitat conservation also may benefit the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintanence of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, cowbird removal, public education, fire management, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 55. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Status USFWS: Proposed Endangered CDFG: Endangered OTHER: FSS, MBTA, T PLAN ID: B-25 Range It is a spring and fall transient to San Diego County. This subspecies is known to breed in only seven locations in San Diego County: four along the Santa Margarita River and the remainder along the San Luis Rey and Tijuana rivers (Unitt 1984). B-108 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Habitat Southwestern willow flycatcher is restricted to mature willow thickets in riparian woodland for breeding. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There is one specific record for this species within the City limits, along Encinitas Creek (Brian Mooney Assoc. 1992). Approximately 45 acres (96%) of potential habitat for the species will be conserved in the plan area, and up to 2 acres (4%) are in areas designated for development. The proposed offsite habitat conservation would not likely benefit the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, maintanence of healthy coyote and bobcat populations through preservation of good connectivity offsite, cowbird removal, water quality control measures, and periodic habitat enhancement as necessary. The habitat manager will review management objectives for this species and others to insure that the objectives do not conflict. 56. Tricolored Blackbird Agelaius tricolor Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, NCCP, T Tricolored blackbirds have distributed a sparse in southwestern Oregon, and throughout the valleys of California and northwestern Baja California. Over the past 40 years, this species has declined throughout regions where it formerly had firm strongholds. Since the species is virtually endemic to California and has declined from several coastal southern California counties, this decline prompted listing as a candidate for proposed listing as threatened or endangered. However the tricolored blackbird was recently removed from this list based on the preliminary results of joint study by California Department of Fish and Game and University of California Davis (Ron Shlorff pers. comm.). Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy The tricolored blackbird is a member of family Emberizidae and the subfamily Icterinae. This sub-family includes 94 species placed in 24 genera and is limited in distribution to North and South America. Most blackbirds occur in the tropical zone, within 20 degrees north and south of the equator. The only members of the genus Agelaius occurring in our area include the tricolored blackbird and red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). Members of genus Agelaius are small to medium sized icterids with the bill shorter than the head, 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-l 09 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP pointed wings, a rounded tail slightly shorter than the wing length, and they exhibit sexual dimorphism. Males are always black with colored lesser wing coverts while the females are smaller and conspicuously streaked. Appearance and Vocalizations Male tricolored blackbirds are glossy black in color with red shoulder patches tipped with white. Females are dull and sooty colored with varying amounts of red on the shoulder, very similar in appearance to the related female red-winged blackbird. Often the females of the two species are indistinguishable under normal field conditions. Tricolored blackbirds give a wide variety of calls, again similar to those of the red-winged blackbird. The tricolored blackbird's song has been described as "less musical" than that of the red-winged blackbird. Size The adult male has a total body length of 7.8 to 9.0 inches, has a wing length of 4.3 to 4.7 inches, and has a tail length of 3.1 to 3.5 inches. Females are slightly smaller all over (total body length 7.0 to 7.8 inches; wing 3.9 to 4.3 inches; tail 2.7 to 3.1 inches). Taxonomy The tricolored blackbird is readily distinguishable from other members of its genus and there are no known subspecies. Distribution within the United States Tricolored blackbirds occur in and around marshes, wet meadows, rice fields, and agricultural lands within California's Central Valley and throughout the lowland regions west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Records of the past and present distribution of the tricolored blackbird are from Ridgway (1901), Sharp (1907), Willet (1912), Grinnel (1915), Willet (1933), Grinnel and Miller (1944), Neff (1937), Garret and Dunn (1981), and Unitt(1984). Historic Distribution Historic distributional information comes from Neff (1937) and Willet (1933). Ventura County Individuals were sighted during the nesting season, but nesting colonies were never found. The specific recorded locations were the Santa Clara River Valley in the vicinity of Piru, Matilija Ranch near Ojai, and near Ventura. Los Angeles County A nesting colony that produced 500 nests was recorded within the riverine habitat near East Kemp Station, possibly the same as that recorded for San Fernando Reservoir. B-110 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Orange County There is one recorded locality of a nesting population near Laguna Beach that produced 250 nests. Riverside County The only recorded locality is a flock of about 35 that were sighted foraging near Murrieta. San Bernardino County The species is recorded to have nested here, however no specific locality is given. San Diego County Recorded localities of breeding colonies include the mouths of San Onofre Creek and/or San Mateo Creek, Whalen Lake, San Luis Rey, San Pasqual, Sweetwater, Lakeside, Lake Hodges, and eastern Chula Vista. Current Distribution De Haven, et al. (1975) censused the breeding population of tricolored blackbirds in California, spending almost exactly the same number of man-days devoted to searches as did Neff (1937). Despite improvments in transportation, and better access to colonies, they found 36 percent fewer colonies than Neff (164 as opposed to 256). Part of the reason for the decrease is the loss of suitable nesting habitat in local areas due to reclamation and drainage. In Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties, no current information is available on population size. Orange County The species is described as irregular and nomadic but locally common most of the year near marshes, croplands, and rangelands. It nests in small numbers at San Joaquin Marsh, as well as other localized marshy areas. San Diego County A common but localized resident. Recent locations of breeding colonies include Tijuana River Valley, Guajome Lake, and Otay River Valley. Population and Density Estimates Current estimates have been completed, but were not available at the time of this effort. Due to the nomadic nature of the species, population estimates and locality reports are often obsolete soon after they are published. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-111 Appendix B ' Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Habitat Requirements and Territory Size Habitat Type and Distribution Nomenclature and distribution of habitat types is from The Guide to Wildlife Habitats (CDFG 1988). Tricolored blackbirds forage in pasture, cropland, lakeshores, and irrigated grassy areas (NGS 1983; Ehrlich, et al. 1988). Fifty-two percent of pasture in the State occurs in the Central and Imperial valleys, while another six percent occurs in coastal counties. Imperial County has the biggest acreage, followed by Siskiyou, Merced, Stanislaus and Modoc Counties. Cropland is located in every county except San Francisco County. Lakeshores and irrigated grassy areas occur throughout the state in the form of man-made reservoirs, golf courses, parks and other recreational areas. Tricolored blackbirds nest in fresh emergent wetlands, mostly marshes, with a floral composition including cattails, tules, willows, mulefat and tamarisk. This habitat occurs throughout the State at almost all elevations. The largest expanses of fresh emergent wetlands occur in the Klamath Basin, Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Imperial Valley- Salton Sea. Territory Size Since these blackbirds are highly gregarious, nesting in colonies of up to 20,000, they do not form individual territories. Neff (1937) stated that nests are placed so close to each other that one could reach six of them from the same vantage point. Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success The following information is from Ehrlich, et al. (1988). Pair Formation and Nest Selection Tricolored blackbirds are polygynous. In a breeding display, the male perches on high emergent vegetation spreads the tail, droops wings, raises shoulders to display color patches, fluffs feathers, leans downward, and sings. Nest Building The nestbuilding is done exclusively by the female. The nest is cup-shaped, constructed of forbs, sedges, grasses and rushes. Nests are usually placed near of over open water in emergent vegetation, but sometimes also in agricultural crops. Egg Laying Average clutch sizes are three to four eggs. The eggs are pale green and marked with browns and black; the female incubates them from 11 to 13 days. B-112 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Fledging Nestlings are born altricial and fledge anywhere from between 11 to 14 days. Both parents help to rear the fledglings, with the female taking the primary role. Nest Predation and Parasitism Tricolored blackbirds are susceptible to cowbird brood parasitism. Little is known about the predation rates of these blackirds. Reproductive Success and Survivorship Not much is known regarding productivity of this species. Foraging Ecology The tricolored blackbird feeds on insects, seeds, grain, and occasionally clams. It generally feeds directly on the ground but may occasionally glean food from vegetation. They also practice a foraging method known as gaping. In gaping, the beak is used to pry vegetation or other foraging substrate material apart. This method exposes food hidden in rotting wood, curled leaves, clumps of grass, soil and other objects. References to this aspect of blackbird ecology are Beecher (1951), NGS (1983, and Ehrlich, et al. (1988). Decline Factors In 1975, De Haven, et al. (1975) estimated that tricolored blackbird populations in the Central Valley had declined by "perhaps more than 50 percent." Remsen (1978) suggested that further study would be needed to determine whether the decline is continuing. This species' populations tend to be erratic and nesting colonies often do not occur in the same places from year to year. Conclusions Tricolored blackbirds have not been historically reported to breed near the planning area of the HCP/OMSP. During the surveys, one individual was sighted at Northwest, but this was probably an individual dispersing to a more suitable breeding area. The species has a low potential for occurance at the Southeast I! and Rancheros sites. Development plans do not remove any of the existing marsh habitat, and so there is no impact to the species in the proposed plan. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP This species probably does not occur regulary onsite; the marshlands where one transient bird was sighted will be preserved on Northwest. Approximately 55 acres (17%) of potential habitat for the species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 275 acres (83%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite conservation is not likely to benefit the species. By preserving potential habitat, the HCP/OMSP could have a beneficial effect on the long-term preservation of this species. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-113 Appendix B ' Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, cowbird monitoring/control, small predator control, riparian restoration, water quality control, periodic habitat enhancement as necessary, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 57. Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria wrens Status USFWS: None CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, OSS PLAN ID: A-32 Range This is a spring and summer resident along the coastal strip throughout California. Habitat This bird inhabits dense brush and thickets of riparian woodlands. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no previous records of this species from the Carlsbad area. Approximately 45 acres (96%) of potentially suitable habitat for this species will be preserved in the plan area, and up to 2 acres (4%) are in areas designated for development. The HCP/OMSP could be beneficial to this species because it would preserve the riparian woodland habitat onsite and thereby would contribute to species' long-term preservation. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, cowbird monitoring/control, small predator control, riparian restoration, water quality control, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management. 58. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia brewsteri Status USFWS: None CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: MBTA, OSS PLAN ID: A-33 B-114 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Range This subspecies is a summer resident throughout California. Habitat The yellow warbler occurs in riparian woodland habitat. Yellow warblers are found most commonly in shrubby vegetation along river edges. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no previous records of this species from the Carlsbad area. Approximately 45 acres (96%) of potentially suitable habitat for this species will be preserved in the plan area, and up to 2 acres (4%) are in areas designated for development. The HCP/OMSP could be beneficial to this species because it would preserve the riparian woodland habitat onsite and thereby would contribute to species' long-term preservation. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, cowbird monitoring/control, small predator control, riparian restoration, water quality control, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-115 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP F. Mammals 59. California Mastiff Bat Eumops perotis californicus Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: T PLAN ID: B-26 Range It occurs from central California southward to central Mexico. In California, it has been recorded from Butte County southward in the western lowlands through the southern California coastal basins and the western portions of the southeastern desert region (Williams 1986). This subspecies is rare in San Diego County. Habitat The mastiff bat favors rugged, rocky areas where suitable crevices are available for day-roosts. It also frequently roosts in buildings (Williams 1986). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no records for this species within Carlsbad's boundaries, and roost sites were not detected in the plan area. The only anticipated impacts to this species would be due to the loss of foraging habitat. Approximately 110 acres (25%) of potential foraging habitat will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 325 acres (75%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation may have benefits for the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control, fire management, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 60. Dulzura California Pocket Mouse Chaetodipus californicus femoralis Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: T PLAN ID: B-27 B-116 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Range It has been recorded from the mouth of the Santa Margarita River south into northern Baja California, Mexico. In San Diego County it ranges east to the desert transition zone. Habitat The Dulzura California pocket mouse is associated with mature chaparral. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP No records exist for this species in Carlsbad, and it species was not detected within the plan area; therefore direct impacts are not expected. Approximately 100 acres (19%) of potential habitat for the species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 425 acres (81 %) are in areas designated for development. The proposed offsite habitat conservation could potentially benefit the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control, fire management, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 61. Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse Chaetodipus fallax fallax Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, T PLAN ID: A-34 The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse is a small rodent which is restricted to southwestern California within the United States portion of its range. Physical Characteristics and Taxonomy Appearance This rodent generally has a rich brown pelage flecked with a dark fulvous color. The body hair is course and there are long spine-like hairs on the rump and flanks. The underparts are a yellowish white and there is a fulvous line or stripe along the side. The San Diego pocket mouse has small ears (less than 0.4 in.) with long black and white (approximately 75 % of ear length) ear hairs. The tail is bicolored with a crest at the tip. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-117 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Size The head and body range from 3.2-3.5 inches and the tail from 3.5-4.8 inches. Taxonomy The San Diego pocket mouse is a member of the New World rodent family Heteromyidae which includes, in addition to several genera of pocket mice, kangaroo rats and kangaroo mice. There are two subspecies of the San Diego pocket mouse in California, the coastal subspecies C. f. fallax and the pale desert slope subspecies C. f. pallidus (Huey 1960) Historic Distribution Los Angeles County This species is only found along the eastern boundary of the County (e.g. vicinity of Claremont). Orange County The San Diego pocket mouse is found in the southeastern portion of the County. Riverside County This mammal occurs throughout the western portion of the County from the desert base of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the higher areas of Joshua Tree National Monument (Miller and Stebbins 1964) west to and including the eastern slope of the Santa Ana Mountains. San Bernardino County The San Diego pocket mouse is found in the southeastern portion of the County from the southern margin of the Mojave Desert on the north slope of the San Bernardino Mountains south and west to the borders of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. San Diego County The San Diego pocket mouse is found from the eastern portions of the County west to the Pacific Coast. The distribution of this species in San Diego County is reviewed by (Bond 1977) Current Distribution Los Angeles County There is little current information available on the status of this species in the County. However, much of the historic range of this species in Los Angeles County is now occupied by urban development and the San Diego pocket mouse is certainly much less common and widespread than it formerly was. B-118 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Orange County The current status of this species in Orange County is not well known. Several, relatively large natural areas in the County (e.g. Santa Ana Mountains, San Joaquin Hills) support good habitat where the San Diego pocket mouse is probably still common. San Bernardino County There is little current information in the literature on the status of this species in the County. Much of the historic range of the San Diego pocket mouse, south of the San Bernardino Mountains is now occupied by urban development; however there are large areas of good habitat within the County on public lands where this mammal is probably still common. San Diego County There is little current information on the status of the San Diego pocket mouse in San Diego County. Large areas of natural habitat in the coastal lowlands have been converted to urban development and this species is undoubtedly much less wide-spread in this area than in previous years. However there are still large areas of suitable habitat (much of it on public lands) present within the County where this species is probably relatively common Population and Density Estimates No data is available in the literature. Habitat Type and Distribution The San Diego pocket mouse inhabits open coastal sage scrub, open chaparral, weedy areas and grassland. On the desert slope these pocket mice are found in habitats with open scrub cover and also along washes. San Diego pocket mice occur primarily in areas where the substrate is sandy or gravely. Territory Size San Diego pocket mice were studied in the Claremont, Los Angeles County and had territories ranging from 0.5-1.12 acres (MacMillen 1964). Males had larger territories than females. Breeding Behavior and Reproductive Success No published information is available. Foraging Ecology Little is known concerning the foraging ecology of the San Diego pocket mouse. This species feeds mainly on seeds. One study (Meserve 1976) reported that this species prefers grass seeds and had a lower preference for the seeds of shrubs and forbs. These mice (as is typical for pocket mice) transport seeds in their fur-lined cheek pouches, which they store in their burrows. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-119 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Decline Factors The primary cause for decline in this species is habitat destruction by urban development. Though this species is undoubtedly less wide-spread in southern California than in previous years, because of extensive urban development in lowland areas, there is still a relatively large amount of habitat present (much of it on public lands) in interior areas. Conclusions The San Diego pocket mouse is a common element of the small mammal fauna on both the Northwest and the Rancheros sites. This species occurs in non- native grassland, Diegan coastal sage scrub, and chaparral within the project area. If 60% of the Diegan sage scrub is preserved in open space, a fairly good population of this species will probably be preserved as well. It should be noted however, that the small mammal community (including the San Diego pocket mouse population) within this open space may be degraded over time through indirect impacts from human activities, their pets, and non-native rodents associated with human developments, e.g. house mice. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Up to approximately 600 acres (33 percent) of habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area; approximately 1,215 acres (67%) are in areas designated for development. The species will benefit from the retention of habitat onsite and potentially from the proposed offsite habitat conservation. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control, fire management, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 62. Pacific Pocket Mouse Perognathus longimembris pacificus Status USFWS: Endangered (Emergency Listed) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-28 Range The species' range is limited to the coast of southern California; only eight localities are known. Habitat It occurs in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland with sandy substrate. B-120 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no records of this species' occurrence in Carlsbad, and it is not expected to occur in the plan area, which appears to be outside the known existing range of the species. Consequently, onsite conservation and development is not likely to affect the species directly or indirectly. It also is unlikely that the proposed offsite habitat conservation would benefit the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control, fire management, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 63. San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennettii Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: A-35 Range This subspecies ranges from southern Santa Barbara County, California southward on the coastal slope to the vicinity of San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico. Localities on the eastern edge of its range include Jacumba and the San Felipe Valley both in San Diego County. In San Diego County it is known from San Marcos, Escondido, San Diego, Jamul Creek and the Laguna Mountains (Hall 1981). Habitat It prefers open sage scrub, chaparral and grassland habitats as well as cropland and open disturbed areas providing there is some scrub cover present. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 540 acres (36%) of habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 950 acres (64%) are in areas designated for development. The preserved onsite areas and potentially the proposed offsite conserved habitat would contribute to the long-term preservation of the species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, fire management, public education, adjacent land use planning, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-121 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP 64. San Diego Desert Woodrat Neotoma lepida intermedia Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: OSS PLAN ID: A-36 Range It is restricted to the coastal slope of southern California. It occurs from San Luis Obispo County southward into coastal northwest Baja California. In San Diego County, it is known from Bonsall, Mission San Luis Rey, Mission Gorge, Murphy Canyon and San Diego (Bond 1977). Habitat The San Diego desert woodrat inhabits areas with heavy vegetation growth such as dense coastal sage scrub, chaparral, cactus or rock crevices. It generally favors xeric habitats. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP Approximately 510 acres (40%) of habitat for this species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 760 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. Onsite habitat conservation and potentially the proposed offsite conservation will contribute to the long-term preservation of this species. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control, fire management, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 65. Southern Grasshopper Mouse Onychomys torridus ramona Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: NCCP, OSS PLAN ID: B-29 Range This subspecies ranges from northern Los Angeles County, south along the coastal slope to extreme northwest Baja California. B-122 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B Habitat It occurs in a wide variety of arid habitats including various types of scrub. There is some evidence that the southern grasshopper mouse is at least sometimes associated with clumps of cactus or yucca. Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP This uncommon rodent has not been recorded from other locations in the City and was not detected in the plan area. No direct impacts or benefits are expected under the HCP/OMSP. Approximately 505 acres (40%) of potential habitat for the species will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 770 acres (60%) are in areas designated for development. Onsite conservation of potential habitat and potentially the offsite habitat may benefit the species' long-term perservation. Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control, fire management, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. 66. Townsend's Western Big-eared Bat Plecotus townsendii townsendii Status USFWS: Candidate (Category 2) CDFG: Species of Special Concern OTHER: T PLAN ID: B-30 Range This subspecies occurs in the coastal humid regions of California. Habitat It is found in a variety of communities including coastal conifer and broad-leaf forests, oak and conifer woodlands, arid grasslands and deserts and high- elevation forests and meadows. Throughout most of its geographic range, it is most common in mesic sites (Kunz and Martin 1982, and Williams 1986). Expected Impacts/Conservation Benefits of HCP/OMSP There are no records for this species within Carlsbad's boundaries, and roost sites were not detected in the plan area. The only anticipated impacts to this species would be due to the loss of foraging habitat. Approximately 110 acres (25%) of potential foraging habitat will be conserved in the plan area, and approximately 325 acres (75%) are in areas designated for development. Proposed offsite habitat conservation may have benefits for the species. 3-28-94 Rewsed Draft B-123 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Conservation/Management Measures Management measures include fencing, access control, small predator control, fire management, inclusion of habitat in open space, and onsite management by a habitat manager. B-124 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Appendix B G. References Alberts, A. C., A. D. Richman, Y. Iran, R. Sanvajot, C. McCalvin and D. T. Boger. n.d. 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F. 1990 California coastal sage scrub: general characteristics and considerations for biological conservation. Pp. 24-41 in A. S. Schoenherr (ed.), Endangered plant communities of southern California, Southern California Botanists Spec. Publ. No. 3. O'Leary, J. F. and W. E. Westman 1988 Regional disturbance effects on herb succession patterns in coastal sage scrub, j. Biogeogr. 15:775-786. Orsak, L. J. 1977 The Butterflies of Orange County, California. Center for Pathobiology: Misc. Publ. 3 and Museum of Syst. Biolo.: Res. Ser. 4. University of California, Irvine. 349pp. Perrins, C. and L. A. Middleton 1985 Songbirds. Torstar Books Inc., New York. Pianka, E. R. 1986 Ecology and Natural History of Desert Lizards. Princeton University Press. 208 pp. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-135 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP Pianka, E. R. and W. S. Parker 1975 Ecology of Horned Lizards: A Review With Special Reference to Phrynosoma platyrhinos. Copela1975: 141-162. 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Bureau of Land management, Denver. 25 pp. 3-28-94 Revised Draft B-141 Appendix B Carlsbad-FLCA HCP/OMSP B-142 Revised Draft 3-28-94 Second Addendum to the Revised Draft for the Habitat Conservation Plan/ Ongoing Multi-Species Plan dated March 28, 1994 for Properties in the Southeast Quadrant of the City of Carlsbad, California December 21, 1994 Prepared by: The City of Carisbad and Fieldstone/La Costa Associates DRAFT Second Addendum to the Revised Draft for the Habitat Conservation Plan/ Ongoing Multi-Species Plan December 21, 1994 After further review of the Habitat Conservation Plan/Ongoing Multi-Species Plan (HCP) with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and California Department of Fish and Game (Department), revisions were made to enhance the preserve design and to minimize and mitigate impacts to sensitive species to the maximum extent practicable. Those revisions address and respond to issues raised by Service Staff during the review of the proposed HCP. More particularly, the revisions require the HCP to preserve more sensitive Southern Maritime Chaparral onsite and improve potential connectivity to habitat located west of the Northwest Parcel. The resulting design enhances multi-species preservation within the plan area, provides greater dispersal capability for coastal California gnatcatchers and other species of concern and allows further conservation options for the North County Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (HMP) (MHCP), and the City of Carlsbad (City) Habitat Management Plan. The actions contemplated by the HCP are therefore less likely to appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of the species in the wild and will provide a significant contribution to the HMP, MHCP, and Natural Community Conservation Plan Program. Changes to the HCP are as follows: In fulfillment of the previously proposed offsite mitigation program (approximately 240 acres of acceptable habitat) to be required of Fieldstone by the HCP, Fieldstone shall: a. Convey the lands shown on the attached Exhibit A consisting of approximately 181.09 acres to a conservation entity specified in the HCP, a non-profit conservation organization or a public agency, approved by Service, Department, and the City; and, b. Pay $1,000,000 to the City or a non-profit conservation entity approved by Service, Department, and the City to be held in trust and expended for the acquisition of lands under the HMP as approved by Service, Department, and the City. It is contemplated that the $1,000,000 payment will be utilized to acquire land that will generally meet "Northwest Offsite Mitigation Program" criteria proposed in the HCP Addendum dated July 13, 1994. Additionally, the following criteria and conditions will also apply: 1) the offsite mitigation proposal should substantially contribute to the long-term preservation of the gnatcatcher population within the City of Carlsbad; 2) a general resource evaluation is conducted on the proposed offsite mitigation parcel similar m detail to surveys conducted on the Northwest parcel for the HCP; and 3) funding for the long-term management plan approved by the Service for the offsite mitigation parcel will be additional to the $1,000,000 dedicated towards acquisition. No disturbance of natural habitat will occur on the Northwest Parcel until an offsite mitigation parcel is identified, approved by the Service, and is acquired. Fieldstone is responsible for contributing $1,000,000 towards the acquisition of the offsite parcel. The $1,000,000 payment will be adjusted from the date of the execution of the Implementation Agreement for the HCP to the end of the month prior to the $1,000,000 payment being made based upon the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles/Anaheim/Riverside All Urban Consumers Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor. These changes will result in conservation of an additional 46.96 acres of southern maritime chaparral, 1.25 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub, and 9.19 acres disturbed or ruderal habitats. A number of sensitive plant species will also see a significant increase in onsite conservation. Summer holly impacts will be reduced from 635 individuals taken to approximately 10 individuals taken (1% of the total onsite); an additional 59 individuals of Del Mar manzanita will be conserved (83% conserved onsite), with all of the impacts to this species limited to impacts resulting from the construction of Poinsettia Lane; and an additional 380 individuals of California adolphia will be conserved. 10.0ac 12.2 ac Exhibit A LEGEND HCP Preserve Proposed Development Areas • 22.2 Acres Additional Preserve Area 57.36 Acres (Planimeter Measurement at 1"=200' scale) Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates Source: O'Day Consulting NV NTS Additional Preserve Areas CONTENTS • EVALUATION OF THE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ONGOING MULTI- SPECIES PLAN IN RELATION TO REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS • FIELDSTONE HCP - SOUTHEAST INCREASED PRESERVE ACREAGE STUDY • ESTIMATED MANAGEMENT COSTS FOR THE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ONGOING MULTI-SPECIES PLAN FOR PROPERTIES ON THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN EVALUATION OF THE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ONGOING MULTI- SPECIES PLAN IN RELATION TO REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS EVALUATION OF THE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ONGOING MULTI-SPECIES PLAN IN RELATION TO REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS INTRODUCTION The Habitat Conservation Plan/Ongoing Multi-Species Plan (HCP/OMSP) is located within two larger scale biological resource-based planning efforts: The Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) being implemented by the San Diego Association of Governments; and the City of Carlsbad's Habitat Management Plan (HMP). The goal of the HCP/OMSP is to be consistent with these larger scale planning efforts. Both plans are designed to assist City and regional planners with the development of open space reserve systems that provide adequate preservation of a suite of target species, including the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californicd), while facilitating viable economic growth for the region. The HCP/OMSP was initiated prior to the start of the HMP and MHCP. Both of these subsequent planning efforts have been proceeding concurrently with completion of the HCP/OMSP. An extensive data base has been compiled for both plans. Data layers of numerous biotic and abiotic factors such as habitat type, presence of sensitive species, corridor value, slope, patch size, and others were compiled for use in the development of these plans. Land use planning data were also compiled including zoning, degree of protection, and others. Computer models based on the extensive databases discussed above have been developed to serve as tools for use in regional planning and for prioritizing lands for acquisition and preservation. They provide a regional perspective for site-specific biological assessments. The results of these models are the development of Habitat Evaluation Maps which rank habitat polygons as low, moderate, high, or "very" high quality, based on these factors. MHCP RESULTS In looking regionally at the MHCP, several observations are apparent. With the exception of the large block of chaparral west of Escondido, most of the remaining habitat west of Interstate 15 and south of State Route 78 that occurs in large contiguous blocks was ranked as "very" high quality habitat. The Rancheros-Southeast II parcel is part of one of these contiguous blocks of sage scrub (Figure 1). Table 1 summarizes the HCP/OMSP based on the MHCP Habitat Evaluation Models Composite Model analysis dated August 10, 1993. It should be noted that these maps are developed at a gross scale with only limited field verification, and are not intended to assess areas at a project-specific level. According to the model, a large majority of both Rancheros- Southeast II and Northwest are ranked as "very" high value habitat. The only areas not ranked as "very" high value habitat on the Rancheros-Southeast II parcel occur on the slopes on either side of San Marcos Creek (high), the northern portion of the Rancheros site (moderate), and along the northern edge of Southeast II (low and moderate). Essentially all of the Northwest parcel is ranked as "very" high, with only scattered disturbed areas being ranked as high or moderate. -i- Table 1 Summary of Habitat Value Rankings for the Rancheros- Rancho Santa Fe and Northwest Parcels Rancheros-Rancho SF (%) Northwest (%} Disturbed Medium High "Very" High 5 11 8 100 2 2 1 _95 100 HMP RESULTS The HMP results were very consistent with the MHCP modeling. Over 70 percent of all of the undeveloped lands not currently mapped as agricultural lands in the City of Carlsbad are mapped as "very" high value. An additional 15 percent is mapped as high value. Only approximately 14 percent of the natural lands remaining in the City were not mapped as high or "very" high value. As part of the analysis for the HCP/OMSP, gnatcatcher locations were plotted for a significant portion of the City based on existing information in environmental documents, as well as additional focused surveys conducted on behalf of The Fieldstone Company on all lands where access was available. These and other sensitive resource data were provided to the City for use in the HMP, and provided a significant portion of the overall data base for the HMP. A total of approximately 120 locations were identified as part of the HCP/OMSP analysis. Subsequent additions, especially from data of smaller patches of sage scrub within the City, have increased the number of gnatcatcher locations to as many as 150. The HMP has incorporated the HCP/OMSP design into their reserve planning. The HCP/OMSP represents the first phase of implementing the HMP. Including the proposed development within the HCP/OMSP, between 75 and 95 gnatcatcher pairs would be preserved within the City HMP. Based on this design, a Population Viability Analysis (PVA) prepared for the coastal California gnatcatcher indicates that there is a 98 percent probability of persistence over a 200 year planning horizon within the City of Carlsbad. The high probability of persistence was based on the assumption that connectivity was retained within the reserve system. The HCP/OMSP open space configuration placed connectivity as a priority. While PVA's can definitely assist in assessing the relative values between preserve planning options, extreme caution should be used in relying too heavily on their finite results to "prove" that a given open space system functions for a given species. There is still much debate among professional biologists as to the appropriate values to be used as assumptions in PVA's, including the PVA prepared for the gnatcatcher. The probability of persistence figure noted in the previous paragraph should be viewed in light of this. In addition to the gnatcatcher, both the MHCP and HMP address numerous additional "target" species or HMP "species of concern", including 60 of the 66 species identified as "species of concern" in the HCP/OMSP. The intent of the MHCP and HMP are to address all of these species within the regional planning context using a habitat based approach for preservation. The HCP/OMSP is completely consistent with these objectives. -2- HCP/OMSP CONSISTENCY The results of the MHCP and HMP Habitat Evaluation Models are consistent with the assumptions made during the development of the HCP/OMSP. These are listed below. 1. Both the Rancheros-Southeast II and Northwest parcels support high quality sage scrub vegetation; although, the sage on the Northwest parcel is somewhat fragmented. 2. The Rancheros-Southeast II parcel is part of a large contiguous band of high quality sage scrub extending from within the City of Carlsbad to the San Dieguito River Valley. 3. Connectivity from Rancheros-Southeast II to Northwest is restricted based on existing development. 4. The Northwest has limited connectivity to the north. Connectivity to the west is restricted by the existing El Camino Real. 5. Northwest is a high value site because of the presence of a number of sensitive plant species; in particular, sensitive plants occurring in native grassland and southern maritime chaparral. These assumptions resulted in a plan that accomplished the following. 1. The first priority for the Rancheros-Southeast II parcel was to preserve existing habitat on site, and to insure viable connectivity with the larger block of high value habitat to the southwest. This Idas been accomplished through on-site preservation and provision for two wildlife corridors: the cross-project corridor and the San Marcos Creek corridor. 2. Habitat preservation on Northwest was to focus on protection of sensitive plant species and their habitat, and a provision for connectivity, primarily to the northeast. This has been accomplished by preservation of a significant majority of the Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolid), thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaeafilifolia), and several other sensitive plant species and their habitats, and by providing a wildlife movement corridor along the eastern edge of the golf course and running north and east off site. 3. Because of the fragmented nature of the sage scrub on the Northwest parcel, sage scrub mitigation was to focus on am acquisition program enhancing off-site connectivity within the study area. This will be accomplished as part of the implementation of the plan. SUMMARY In summary, the HCP/OMSP properties were identified early in the process as being of high habitat value by the HCP/OMSP project team. Additionally, the regional significance of the project, in relation to preserve planning in northern San Diego County, was emphasized throughout the planning process. This assessment has been confirmed by the MHCP habitat evaluation mapping completed for the region. The project planning process has incorporated these two primary concerns into the final reserve design for the project, with the results being the project as proposed. Because of this planning, the project will serve as the initial phase in the successful implementation of the HMP and MHCP. More importantly, this phase is -3- being accomplished entirely with private funding. Both the HMP and MHCP will require significant local, state and federal funding if they are to be successful. The HCP/OMSP, as currently proposed, will help achieve the regional biological, economic, and planning goals for the region without public sector funding. -4- FIELDSTONE HCP-SOUTHEAST II INCREASED PRESERVE ACREAGE STUDY 4/7/94 (Rev, 4/27/94) FIELDSTONE HCP ~ SOUTHEAST II Increased Preserve Acreage Study Attached is an economic study prepared by Dr. Jun Onaka of the City of Carlsbad HMP preparation team. The study analyzes the increases in master development costs to Fieldstone resulting from additional preservation of open space, including coastal sage scrub, on Fieldstone's Southeast II property. Four alternatives were evaluated. The increased costs and resultant increased acreage preservation are summarized below. Noted in parenthesis are the number of gnateatcher pairs preserved with each alternative. Increased Acreage Alternative Increased Cost ($ Mills.'} Preservation CPairs'} I. II. III. IV. 8.7 28.8 36.7 50.5 56 211 262 360 (2) (5) (7) (10) Increased cost per acre ranges from $136,000 to $155,000. When consistent methodology is applied to evaluate the cost impact of the existing preserve system in Southeast II, the resultant cost is approximately $19.0 Million. The following are conclusions which can be drawn from the results of the analysis. 1. The existing HCP represents mitigation to the maximum extent practicable. 2. Significant additional mitigation is financially infeasible. 3. Even minimum losses in developable area in this project have substantial financial consequences. FIELDSTONE HCP - SOUTHEAST II INCREASED PRESERVE ACREAGE STUDY I. SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES II. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS - ASSUMPTIONS III. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS - RESULTS IV. DISCUSSION DRAFT 4/7/94 4/7/94 DRAFT Fieldstone HCP- SE n Increased Preserve Acreage Study I. Summary of Alternatives The HCP team met on February 18, 1994 regarding alternatives to increase preserve acreages beyond the current HCP, for the Southeast n area. Dr. Phil Behrends (HCP/MHCP Biologist) and Biologist Barry Jones attended the February 18th meeting. The alternatives were created based on biological criteria. The area south of the current 1,000 foot preserve corridor within the SE n area was determined to be the best area for increased preservation. Areas north of the corridor were eliminated from consideration because of lower habitat values. The alternatives were based on preservation of various combinations of geographical areas. The geographical areas were generally divided along the future alignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road, future Melrose Avenue South, and an east-west SDG&E corridor. It should be noted that all alternatives described in this summary would require major land use decisions and changes in policy by the Carlsbad City Council. At this time there is no guarantee that the City will adopt such changes. It should also be noted that the amount of development lost with each alternative could not be recovered through densification of land uses. This is due to physical site constraints, conflicts with the City's General Plan, and conflicts with existing land uses. Alternative I Alternative I would add the area north of the SDG&E easement and east of the future alignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road to the current preserve design. With the elimination of this area from development, it would be necessary to relocate/redesign Melrose Avenue South, a planned Prime Arterial in the City's General Plan Circulation Element, to the south of the SDG&E easement. The road would have to be downgraded to a Major Arterial in order to meet engineering curve radius requirements. It is assumed that Rancho Santa Fe Road would continue to be located in its proposed alignment. With this alternative, intersection spacing will not meet City requirements. The required spacing for intersections along a prime arterial, such as Rancho Santa Fe Road, is 2,400 feet. With the realignment of Melrose Avenue South, the distance between the proposed access to the MAG property and Melrose Avenue South would be approximately 1,150 feet. In addition, the distance between the access to the development area west of Rancho Santa Fe Road adjacent to the 1,000 foot corridor and Melrose Avenue South would be approximately 1,350 feet. The realignment of Melrose Avenue South would require a variance to engineering standards. This issue would need to be resolved with the City. 4/7/94 A fire station site and a community facilities site within Fieldstone's property would also be eliminated with this alternative. These sites would be required by the City to be relocated elsewhere within Fieldstone's property. The relocation of the fire station site is contingent upon approval by the City. In order to provide adequate response times to emergencies, the fire department will likely have certain minimum locational criteria. This would need to be studied in more detail. This alternative adds 53 acres of Coastal sage scrub and two (2) gnatcatcher pairs to the preserve. Alternative II Alternative n would require the complete elimination of Melrose Avenue South and would add to the preserve the area described in Alternative I, plus an additional area to the south of the SDG&E powerline easement and east of future Rancho Santa Fe Road. Because of the configuration of this additional conserved land and the elimination of any access through Fieldstone's property, it is assumed that the Shelly property (+/- 80 acres) would also need to be acquired. This property is located primarily south of the SDG&E powerline easement and to the east of Fieldstone's property. This alternative would have the same impacts to roads, the fire station site, and the community facility site as Alternative I, except that Melrose Avenue would be completely eliminated. This alternative adds 138 acres of Coastal sage scrub and five (5) gnatcatcher pairs to the preserve. Alternative HI Alternative m would require that Rancho Santa Fe Road is widened in its existing location. This alternative would preserve the same area as described for Alternative n and, in addition, the area north of the powerline easement and east of the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road. As with Alternative n, Melrose Avenue South would not be constructed. Again, this alternative assumes that the Shelly property (+/- 80 acres), east of Fieldstone's property, would need to be acquired. This alternative assumes that, in order to maximize the benefit of the additional land in the preserve, Rancho Santa Fe Road could be widened in its existing alignment. Feasibility of widening along the current alignment is subject to verification by an engineer. Also, there are political and safety ramifications from the widening of existing Rancho Santa Fe Road. The currently planned alignment is the result of numerous studies, workshops, and hearings. Significant opposition to widening along the current alignment has been experienced from 4/7/94 large numbers of area residents in the recent past, and can be anticipated in the future. A change in the currently planned alignment would also require a change of current City Council policy. This alternative adds 178 acres of Coastal sage scrub and seven (7) gnatcatcher pairs to the preserve. Alternative IV Alternative IV would preserve all areas described in Alternative ffl and in addition, the remaining Fieldstone and MAG properties to the south of the powerline easement. Again, this would assume that Rancho Santa Fe Road would be widened along its current alignment, that Melrose Avenue South would not be constructed, and that the +/- 80 acre Shelly property would need to be acquired. The ramifications of widening Rancho Santa Fe Road in its current alignment are discussed under Alternative ffl. This alternative adds 249 acres of Coastal sage scrub and ten (10) gnatcatcher pairs to the preserve. LEGEND PRESERVE AREAS PRESERVE BOUNDARY NON-FLCA PROPERTY BOUNDARY EXISTING ROADWAY FUTURE ROADWAY Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS Southeast II - Existing Preserve Design LEGEND PRESERVE AREAS ADDITIONAL PRESERVE AREAS PRESERVE BOUNDARY NON-FLCA PROPERTY BOUNDARY EXISTING ROADWAY FUTURE ROADWAY SOGIE EASEMENT Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS Southeast II -Alternative I Preserve LEGEND PRESERVE AREAS ADDITIONAL PRESERVE AREAS NON-FLCA PARCELS TO BE ACQUIRED* PRESERVE BOUNDARY NON-FLCA PROPERTY BOUNDARY EXISTING ROADWAY FUTURE ROADWAY * Property would not have access and therefore would need to be acquired. Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS Southeast II -Alternative II Preserve LEGEND PRESERVE AREAS ADDITIONAL PRESERVE AREAS NON-FLCA PARCELS TO BE ACQUIRED* PRESERVE BOUNDARY NON-FLCA PROPERTY BOUNDARY EXISTING ROADWAY SOStE EASEMENT * Property would not have access and therefore would need to be acquired. Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS Southeast II -Alternative III Preserve LEGEND PRESERVE AREAS ADDITIONAL PRESERVE AREAS NON-FLCA PARCELS TO BE ACQUIRED* PRESERVE BOUNDARY NON-FLCA PROPERTY BOUNDARY EXISTING ROADWAY SOGiE EASEMENT * Property would not have access and therefore would need to be acquired. Prepared By: Hofman Planning Associates NTS Southeast n -Alternative IV Preserve DRAFT 4/7/94 FIELDSTONE HCP - SOUTHEAST II INCREASED PRESERVE ACREAGE STUDY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS II. ASSUMPTIONS A. The study determines the estimated shortfall in the funding of master development costs that could occur as a result of increasing preserve acreage beyond the current HCP levels and reducing dwelling unit yield. When MAG and Shelly properties are included in the preserve, estimates of value are used for these properties. B. The estimates of unfunded master development costs do not include reduced profit, equity or overhead earnings resulting from the dwelling unit reduction. The analysis, therefore, understates Fieldstone's true total cost and ignores foregone opportunity cost. C. Costs considered include Rancho Santa Fe Road-CFD, Rancho Santa Fe Road-Outside Lanes, Melrose Avenue, HCP planning and mitigation costs and acquisition and development loan costs. D. Whenever possible, costs are based upon public information or, if unavailable, developer's internal budgets. E. Costs are allocated based upon the most appropriate allocation base utilizing the equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) approach, similar to that employed by the proposed Rancho Santa Fe Road CFD. ITEM ALLOCATION BASE RSF Road - CFD Zones 11 and 12 RSF Road - Outside Lanes SE II Only Fieldstone Land Loan Payoff Southwest, SE II, Rancheros, Northwest Melrose South (TFC Portion) SE II Only (Excluded for Alternatives II-IV) HCP Planning and Mitigation Costs SE II, Rancheros, NW F. The Shelly property is assumed to be 57 dwelling units for Alternatives II-IV per preliminary planning documents for Rancho Santa Fe Road CFD. G. Units assumed lost cannot be recaptured by densification of land uses in other areas because of physical site constraints, conflicts with the City's General Plan and conflicts with existing land uses. H. MAG property net acreage (62.8) is per preliminary planning documents for Rancho Santa Fe Road CFD. 4/7/94 FIELDSTONEHCP - SOUTHEAST II INCREASED PRESERVE ACREAGE STUDY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS III. RESULTS Gnatcatcher Pairs Acres Preserved - CSS Onty Units Lost Commercial Acres Lost Alternative I 2 53 145 0 II* 5 (+3) 138 (+82) 524 (-379) 0 III* 7 (+2) 178 (+40) 660 (-136) 0 IV** 10 (+3) 249 (+71) 700 (-40) 62.8 Financial Impact ($ Millions) Per Acre — Coastal Sage Scrub 8.7 $164,151 28.8 $208,696 36.7 $206,180 50.5 $202,811 Total Increased Acreage (Including CSS) *** Per Acre 56 $155,357 211 $136,493 262 $140,076 360 $140,278 * Includes acreage for Fieldstone and Shelly properties. ** Includes acreage for Fieldstone, Shelly and MAG properties. Includes other habitat types, previously disturbed areas, etc. DRAFT 4/7/94 FIELDSTONE HCP - SOUTHEAST II INCREASED PRESERVE ACREAGE STUDY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS IV. DISCUSSION A. The Financial Impact does not necessarily reflect the price at which the land could be acquired. B. Financial impacts range from $8.7 million up to $50.5 million with a per acre range of $164,000 to $203,000 (CSS only) and $136,000 to $155,000 (total increased acreage). C. In general, conservation acquisition opportunities within San Diego County range from $4,000 to $15,000 per acre. The 110 acre Kelly property in Carlsbad recently sold for $13,000 per acre. Following is a comparison of the increased preserve acreage which could be obtained on Fieldstone property versus other acquisition opportunities using the same alternatives analysis financial impact dollars. Other acquisition is assumed to cost $13,000 per acre. Alternative $ (Millions) Fieldstone Acreage Other Acreage I $8.7 56 669 II $28.8 211 2,215 III $36.7 262 2,823 IV $50.5 360 3,885 D. The substantial dwelling unit losses in each alternative could cause additional economic and planning impacts including loss of public facility fee revenue, reduced planning options and loss of flexibility to provide affordable housing. E. Alternatives III and IV assume the widening of Rancho Santa Fe Road along its existing alignment. It is highly likely that significant public opposition would render these alternatives infeasible. F. In determining the most appropriate use of acquisition dollars, biological priorities will need to be set. These will include examining the tradeoffs between incremental acquisition of single site preserve acres versus applying dollars to strengthen connectivity and viability of entire preserve systems. ESTIMATED MANAGEMENT COSTS FOR THE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ONGOING MULTI-SPECIES PLAN FOR PROPERTIES ON THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD MANAGEMENT COST ASSUMPTIONS FOR THE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN/ONGOING MULTI-SPECIES PLAN FOR PROPERTIES ON THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD Management costs for the Habitat Conservation Plan/Ongoing Multi-Species Plan (HCP/OMSP) have been estimated based on the assumption that the HCP/OMSP is part of a larger management program such as the City of Carlsbad's Habitat Management Plan. Funding is provided for a portion of the salary for both a preserve manager and staff biologist, as well as necessary support staff, office space, equipment, and other essential needs. A flat estimate of $50 per acre was assumed for "management costs." This could include weed abatement, restoration, trash removal, and other incidental costs. The $50 per acre figure is based on input from individuals experienced in habitat management, including The Nature Conservancy and The Center for Natural Lands Management. Additionally, fencing costs are based on the assumption that the entire fence will need to be replaced once every 20 years and that fencing will cost $10 per linear foot. The fencing requirements are estimates and will change once the final project plans are developed. Based on these assumptions, the annual cost to manage the HCP/OMSP is approximately $100,000. It is estimated that the annual fencing costs will be $6,750. Start-up costs were assumed at $9,000. STAFF + 30% BENEFITS Preserve Manager - .10 @ $65,000 .30 Biologist - .30 @ $45,500 Support Staff- .10 @ $26,000 Total Staff OFFICE 1,000 square foot-cover 0.3 year of cost Storage Expenses Reserve for Equipment Total Office CONSULTANTS VEHICLE 0.3 year (4x4) 20k miles/year CLEAN UP/MAINTENANCE ($50 PER ACRE) Southeast II Rancheros Northwest Off site Total Annual Maintenance OVERHEAD ANNUAL REPORTS AND BUDGETS TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS START-UP COSTS Office Supplies Cowbird Traps (5 @ $500) Field Equipment Total Start-Up Costs FENCING (ASSUMES $10/FT) Southeast II Rancheros Northwest Off site Total Fencing ANNUAL FENCING COSTS (ASSUMES REPLACE EVERY 20 YEARS) $ 6,500 13,650 2.600 $ 22,750 $ 3,600 500 6,000 1.500 $11,600 $ 5,000 $ 9,000 $ 18,000 8,100 6,200 12.000 $ 44,300 $ 4,000 $ 3,000 $99,650 $ 4,500 2,500 2.000 $ 9,000 $ 50,000 40,000 40,000 5.000 $135,000 $ 6,750 *Subject to verification upon finalization of development plans. SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN