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4 Environmental Analysis 4.4 Biological Resources San Joaquin Kit Fox The SJKF is federally listed as endangered and state listed as threatened. This species uses grasslands and sparsely vegetated shrubland habitats. SJKF digs and lives in dens and preys primarily on small mammals, but may also feed on various insects, reptiles, birds and eggs, and rarely vegetation. Suitable SJKF dens are defined as any suitable underground hole that has entrances of 5 to 8 inches in diameter, including those of other species and manmade features that meet the size requirement (USFWS 2011). The Project site supports an abundant prey base and friable soils for burrows/dens. SJKF have been previously documented on the Project site in 1989, and there are 10 occurrences within 5 miles of the Project site from before 2000 (CDFW 2022). Long-term surveys beginning in 2016 and continuing for 10 years to 2026 on the Contra Costa Water District's 3,000-acre Corral Hollow property just southeast of the Project site are being performed. So far to date, no SJKF have been found since occurrences are required to be reported to the CNDDB and occurrences in this area were not found during the literature review (CDFW 2022). Three potential burrows likely dug by small mammals but that met the size requirements described above for SJKF were observed on the Project site, all of which are located in San Joaquin County (Figure 4.4-3). Although this species has not been recently observed in the vicinity (CDFW 2022)and no SJKF sign was found during the Project biological surveys, burrows potentially suitable for SJKF based on size (i.e., entrances at least 5 to 8 inches in diameter [USFWS 2011]) were observed on-site and potential SJKF habitat, including grassland and friable soils, is present. Therefore, this species could use the Project site. American Badger The American badger is a CDFW Species of Special Concern. The American badger is a habitat generalist that often occurs in dry, open grasslands, including semi-desert, sagebrush, and meadows. The badger is a fossorial mammal that prefers to dig their burrows in loose soil. This species may use grazed grasslands such as those on the Project site. The Project site and 150-meter buffer contain friable soils for dens and an abundant prey base of small mammals. Although no sign of American badger was found on-site, this species could forage and reside within the Project site and 150-meter buffer. Migratory Birds and Nests Native birds and their nests are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Ground-nesting, cavity-nesting, shrub-nesting, and tree-nesting bird species were observed foraging on the Project site. Ground-nesting birds could nest in grassland areas mapped as Avena spp.—Bromus spp. Herbaceous Semi-Natural Alliance, cavity and structure-nesting birds could nest in the areas mapped as residential, and tree nesting species could nest in the areas mapped as residential or areas mapped as suitable nesting habitat for Swainson's hawk (Figure 4.4-5). It is unlikely that raptor nesting will occur in trees located in the residential areas of the Project site because of the level of human disturbance. Within the 150-meter buffer, there is suitable raptor nesting habitat and one inactive raptor nest in San Joaquin County was found in January 2022 (Figure 4.4-5). This nest could become active during the nesting season (February 1 to August 31). Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-18 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023