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vehicle trails. Ruderal herbaceous grassland is typically dominated by non-native annual grasses and forbs along with scattered native vegetation. Dominant plant species could not be determined due to low mowing; however, most such habitats include black mustard (Brassica nigra), wild oats (Avena spp.), brome grasses (Bromus spp.), wild barley (Hordeum spp.), Italian and perennial ryegrass (Lolium sp.), and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Ruderal habitats can provide some suitable foraging habitat for wildlife and limited nesting habitat for avian species, but the small size and intensity of land use on the Study Site reduces its habitat value. 3.2 Continuity of Potential Habitat Significant areas that do not represent suitable kit fox habitat, such as commercial -. development, a freeway, and the California Aqueduct, surround the Study Area; therefore, the Study Area is not considered to be part of a significant dispersal corridor connecting off-site populations. Suitable on-site habitat is limited to a fragmented 5 acre margin of land, dominated by ruderal herbaceous grassland and bare ground extending along the southwest boundary of the Study Area. A potential path into this on-site habitat is present via a narrow strip of ruderal herbaceous grassland habitat adjacent to Interstate 580. Extensive agriculture extending for miles surrounds the Study Area to the south, west and east. These areas contain row crops, grazing lands, commercial development, and some human dwellings. 3.3 Prey Availability Due to recent ground disturbance, small mammal sign was not readily visible in the Study Area, however, the presence of California ground squirrels along the southern and western margins of the Study Area, and on the adjacent parcel to the south indicates that potential kit fox prey is available. It is likely that deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) occur regularly in the Study Area. 3.4 Denning Suitability Ruderal herbaceous grassland and seasonal wetland habitats within the Study Area provide suitable foraging habitat for kit foxes, but denning potential is marginal. The majority of burrows observed during the survey were California ground squirrel burrows or mouse-sized burrows unsuitable for SJKF. One concrete culvert immediately south of the Study Area was not considered suitable for SJKF denning because the openings were greater than eight inches in diameter, large enough for coyotes or other predators to easily enter. One ground squirrel burrow with a single entrance 5-8 inches in diameter was located within the Study Area (Figure 4). There were no signs of occupation by kit fox. No additional potential dens were identified within the SJKF survey area. 3.5 Potential Adverse Effects Occurrence of Predators and Competitors Canine tracks were observed along Hansen Road adjacent to the Study Area. The tracks could have been coyote (Canis latrans) or domestic dog tracks. Cumulative Impacts from Potential Land Use Changes The following general discussion of potential direct or indirect effects from future land use changes on the Study Area is provided while acknowledging that neither kit foxes nor their sign