SU0000431 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Wildlife Species Special-status wildlife known to occur or potentially occurring at the project site are listed in Table 2. The locations of historical and recent occurrences of some of the special- status wildlife species in the project vicinity are shown in Figure 4. Known occurrences of special-status wildlife species near the project site not shown in Figure 4 are described below. Special-status wildlife species known from or most likely to occur on the project site are briefly described in the following paragraphs in the order of their appearance in Table 2. �— Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle The valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB) is federally listed as threatened and is restricted to elderberry thickets in California's Central Valley. VELB larvae develop in the stems of elderberry plants, and their presence can be detected by distinctive exit holes made by emerging adults (Jones & Stokes Associates 1988). A Jones&Stokes Associates biologist found three sites with elderberry shrubs on the project site. The largest number of shrubs is in the riparian habitat along the Mokelumne River, another site is along the lake in the oak woodland habitat, and the third site is on the southern border of the property near McIntire Road (Figure 3). Stems were searched for exit holes and at least 10 exit holes were found at the site in the riparian habitat. No new holes with frass were observed. Neither of the other two sites had signs of VELB activity. Nonetheless, the plants at these two sites represent potential habitat for VELB (Nagano pers. comm.). Old VELB exit holes were found in elderberry shrubs adjacent to the project site (Figure 3) (Larrouy, Gifford pers. comms.). Bald Eagle The bald eagle is a state-listed and federally listed endangered species. Bald eagles formerly bred along California's coast and at large interior lakes and streams. Population declines resulted from habitat loss,pesticide contamination,and human persecution(Detrich 1985). The breeding population in California is increasing slowly, and the winter population is apparently stable. The winter population, which includes northern migrants, may approach 1,000 individuals in some years. (California Department of Fish and Game 1988.) In winter, bald eagles are typically found near reservoirs, lakes, or rivers, where they feed mainly on fish and waterfowl. Perch trees overlooking foraging areas and communal night roosts are also important habitat components (California Department of Fish and Game 1980). 18