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4.Environmental Analysis — TABLE 4.9.1 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES Listing Status Covered Scientific Name USFWSI Potential for Project by Common Name CDFG/CNPS General Habitat to Impact SJMSCP Mammals Vulpes macrotis FE/CT/-- Occurs in native valley and Medium.Although the species is Yes mufica foothill grasslands and chenopod not recorded from the project San Joaquin kit fox scrub communities of the valley site,the site is within the range of floor and surrounding foothills. the highly mobile San Joaquin kit Prefers open level areas with fox and provides habitat — loose-textured soils supporting elements required by the species scattered,shrubby vegetation (potentially denning and foraging and little human disturbance habitat). Birds Agelaius tricolor FSC/CSC/— Largely endemic to California, Medium.Potentially suitable Yes tricolored blackbird most numerous in the Central breeding habitat exists in hay or Valley and nearby vicinity. silage crops on the project site. Requires open water,protected During 2005 field surveys,the — nesting substrate,and foraging species was detected breeding in grounds within vicinity of the a pond within a gravel mining nesting colony.Nests in dense operation about 250 meters west thickets of cattails,tules,willow, of the project site. — blackberry,wild rose,hay and silage crops,and other tall herbs near fresh water. Athene cunicularia FSC/CSC/— Forages in open plains, Medium.Potentially suitable Yes hypugaea grasslands and prairies;typically nesting and foraging habitat — western burrowing nests in abandoned small exists on the project site.A few owl mammal burrows. burrows occur on the bank of Hospital Creek and on the margin of several fields.Fields with annual crops may be used for foraging.The species was reported less than five miles to the west-southwest of the project _ site in 2002. Buteo Swamsoni —/CT/— Forages in open plains, Medium.Potentially suitable Yes Swainson's hawk agricultural fields,grasslands and nesting and foraging habitat prairies;typically nests in trees or exists on project site.Species large shrubs in or near riparian was reported less than four miles — areas to the northeast of the project site in 2000. Elanus leucurus FSC/CFP/-- Forages in open plains, Medium.Potentially suitable Yes white-tailed(=black grasslands and prairies;typically foraging and nesting habitat — shouldered)kite nests in trees. exists on project site. Lanius ludovicianus FSC/CSC/-- Nests in dense shrub or tree High.Potentially suitable nesting Yes loggerhead shrike foliage.Forages in scrub,open and foraging habitat exists on woodlands,grasslands,and often project site.Species was found in croplands. observed feeding fledged young during field visits. Tricolored Blackbird The tricolored blackbird is a colonial species that nests from mid-April to late July above or near — fresh water in emergent wetland vegetation, or in thickets of willows,blackberry, and thistle. They also breed in some agricultural crops, such as silage. Tricolored blackbirds forage for seeds, grain,and invertebrates on the ground in open croplands, grassy fields,flooded land, and edges of — ponds. Colonies are vulnerable to disturbance,and may be abandoned if intruded upon. In the RMC Pack Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4.9-6 ESA/203015 Draft Environmental Impact Report May 2006