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(Mimus polyglottos), California quail (Callipepla colifornica), and yellow-billed magpie <br /> (Pica nuttali). A complete list of wildlife observed during the recent surveys is included in <br /> Table 2. <br /> Grassland habitats surrounding the orchard are also suitable for several species of <br /> mammals. California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) were observed along <br /> the edges of the orchard, mostly associated with the railroad track berm and San <br /> Joaquin River levee. Tracks of coyote (Canis latrans)and raccoon (Procyon lotor)were <br /> also observed. <br /> Based on habitat types present, a limited number of amphibians and reptiles would be <br /> expected to occur within and immediately surrounding the almond orchard. Some of <br /> the most common reptiles and amphibians found in upland habitats in the project <br /> vicinity include western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) and common kingsnake <br /> (Lampropeltis getulus); these species likely occur in the project site. No reptiles or <br /> amphibians were observed during the survey; however, most reptiles and amphibians <br /> are not readily detectable during the winter. <br /> Sensitive Species <br /> Sensitive species with a potential to occur in the project site were identified through a <br /> search of California Department of Fish and Game's (CDFG) California Natural Diversity <br /> Database(CNDDB, 1999)and field observations of suitable habitat. <br /> The CNDDB contains records of only a handful of sensitive species in the Lathrop <br /> quadrangle. The CNDDB includes ten records of Swainson's hawk nest territories, two <br /> occurrences of burrowing owl, five occurrences of tricolored blackbird (Agelaius <br /> tricolor), one occurrence of California tiger salamander (Ambystoma coliforniense), <br /> one occurrence of valley longhorn elderberry beetle (Desmocerus colifornicus <br /> dimorphus), and three occurrences of sensitive plants which occur only in riparian or <br /> wetland habitats. The project site does not provide habitat for any of these species. <br /> There are no elderberry (Sambucus sp.) shrubs, ruling out occurrence of valley <br /> longhorn elderberry beetle. There are no wetlands, eliminating the possibility of <br /> tricolored blackbird, California tiger salamander, or any of the sensitive plants identified <br /> in the CNDDB. <br /> Landmark Lathroo: Biology 5 January 19, 2000 <br />