ARIZONA’S COMPREHENSIVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STRATEGY: 2005-2015 Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 West Greenway Road Phoenix, Arizona 85023-4399 May 24, 2006 CIVIL RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMPLIANCE The Arizona Game and Fish Commission receives federal financial assistance in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information please write to: Arizona Game and Fish Department Office of the Deputy Director, DOHQ 2221 West Greenway Road Phoenix, Arizona 85023-4399 and The Office for Diversity and Civil Rights U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 North Fairfax Drive, Room 300 Arlington, Virginia 22203 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE The Arizona Game and Fish Department complies with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document is available in alternative format by contacting the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Office of the Deputy Director at the address listed above or by calling (602) 789-3290 or TTY 1-800-367-8939. RECOMMENDED CITATION Arizona Game and Fish Department. 2006. DRAFT. Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona. PROJECT FUNDING Funding for the development of this strategic plan was provided by: Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Heritage Fund (Lottery Dollars Working for Wildlife); voluntary contributions to Arizona’s Wildlife Checkoff; Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program; and the State Wildlife Grant Program. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword ...................................................................................................................................... xiii Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1 Wildlife Conservation in Arizona................................................................................................ 1 CWCS and the State Wildlife Grant Program ............................................................................. 2 Eight Required Elements of the CWCS ...................................................................................... 3 Arizona CWCS Element Guide (Road Map) ........................................................................... 3 How the CWCS Will Be Used .................................................................................................... 9 Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 11 Arizona’s Approaches for Conservation ................................................................................... 11 Developing Arizona’s CWCS with Input from Agency Partners (Element 7) and the Public (Element 8) ................................................................................................................................ 12 Species of Conservation Priority (Element 1) ........................................................................... 13 Habitats of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 2) ............................................................... 14 Stressors/Threats to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3) ............................. 15 Information Needs for Arizona’s CWCS (Element 3) .............................................................. 15 Conservation Actions for Arizona’s CWCS (Element 4).......................................................... 16 Monitoring and the CWCS (Element 5) .................................................................................... 19 Adaptive Management and the CWCS (Element 5).................................................................. 19 Revisions to the CWCS within a 10-yr Timeframe (Element 6)............................................... 20 Processes to Develop Arizona’s CWCS ....................................................................................... 20 Development and Coordination of CWCS ................................................................................ 20 Oversight Group..................................................................................................................... 21 Ecoregion Workgroups .......................................................................................................... 21 Scientific Reviewers............................................................................................................... 22 Coordination with Land Management Partners (Element 7) ................................................. 22 Soliciting Broad Public Participation in Development of the CWCS (Element 8)................ 23 Developing Arizona’s CWCS at the Habitat and Species Scales.............................................. 25 Identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need or Unknown Status (Element 1) and for Monitoring Habitat Condition (Element 5) ............................................................................... 29 Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1)........................... 29 Describing Species Distributions Using Ecoregions and Habitat Types (Element 1) ........... 30 Describing Species Status Related to Habitat- and Species-level Conservation (Element 1) 30 Identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) ....................................... 32 Identifying Species of Unknown Status (Element 1).......................................................... 32 Identifying Species for Monitoring Habitat Condition (Element 5)................................... 33 Identifying Habitats of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 2)............................................. 33 Habitats of Value to Communities of Wildlife ...................................................................... 33 Habitats of Value to Species of Greatest Conservation Need................................................ 34 Assessing Stressors/Threats to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3) ............ 35 Identifying Stressors in each Habitat Type ............................................................................ 38 Identifying Stressors to SGCN............................................................................................... 39 Trade-Offs to Make a Comprehensive Threat Assessment Less Complex............................ 39 iii Developing Conservation Strategies and Identifying Information Needs (Element 4)............. 40 Prioritizing Conservation Actions Based on Impact to Habitat Types .................................. 40 Prioritizing Conservation Actions Based on Impact to SGCN .............................................. 40 Information Needs for Species of Greatest Conservation Need ............................................ 41 Implementation of Conservation Actions, Surveys, and Research ........................................ 41 CWCS Relational Database....................................................................................................... 42 Monitoring and Adaptive Management (Element 5)................................................................. 44 Monitoring.............................................................................................................................. 44 Adaptive Management ........................................................................................................... 45 Revisions to the CWCS within a 10-yr Timeframe (Element 6)............................................... 46 Arizona’s Wildlife and Habitats (Element 2) ............................................................................... 46 Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3) ............................................... 50 Habitat Conversion Category .................................................................................................... 51 Transportation and Infrastructure Category .............................................................................. 55 Abiotic Resource Use Category ................................................................................................ 57 Consumptive Use of Biological Resources Category................................................................ 58 Non-Consumptive Biological Use Category ............................................................................. 60 Pollution Category..................................................................................................................... 61 Invasive Species Category......................................................................................................... 64 Climate Change Category.......................................................................................................... 66 Changes in Ecological Processes Category ............................................................................... 67 International Border Issues Category ........................................................................................ 71 Synergistic Effects of Factors Influencing Species and Habitats .............................................. 74 Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic Habitat Types (Element 2) 75 Desertscrub ................................................................................................................................ 75 Grasslands.................................................................................................................................. 77 Woodlands / Forests .................................................................................................................. 79 Riparian / Aquatic Systems ....................................................................................................... 82 Ecoregion-Specific Habitat Conditions (Element 2) .................................................................... 85 Apache Highlands North ........................................................................................................... 89 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) ............................................................. 91 Great Basin Conifer Woodland .............................................................................................. 95 Habitat Condition (Element 2)............................................................................................ 95 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) .................................................................. 95 Interior Chaparral ................................................................................................................... 96 Habitat Condition (Element 2)............................................................................................ 96 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) .................................................................. 97 Semidesert Grassland ............................................................................................................. 97 Habitat Condition (Element 2)............................................................................................ 97 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) .................................................................. 98 Plains and Great Basin Grassland .......................................................................................... 99 Habitat Condition (Element 2)............................................................................................ 99 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) .................................................................. 99 Montane Conifer Forest ....................................................................................................... 100 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 100 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 100 iv Madrean Evergreen Woodland............................................................................................. 101 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 101 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 101 Upland Sonoran Desertscrub................................................................................................ 102 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 102 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 102 General Conditions and Trends in Riparian and Aquatic Systems ...................................... 103 Wetlands/Springs/Seeps ....................................................................................................... 103 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 103 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 103 Streams/Rivers ..................................................................................................................... 104 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 104 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 105 Lakes/Reservoirs .................................................................................................................. 106 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 106 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 106 Stressors that act in this ecoregion at the species-but not habitat-scale (Element 3) ........... 107 Apache Highlands South ......................................................................................................... 109 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) ........................................................... 110 Semidesert Grassland ........................................................................................................... 118 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 118 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 118 Madrean Evergreen Woodland............................................................................................. 119 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 119 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 120 Chihuahuan Desertscrub ...................................................................................................... 121 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 121 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 121 Interior Chaparral ................................................................................................................. 122 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 122 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat Type (Element 3) ....................................................... 122 Plains and Great Basin Grassland ........................................................................................ 123 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 123 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 123 Montane Conifer Forest ....................................................................................................... 124 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 124 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 124 Great Basin Conifer Woodland ............................................................................................ 125 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 125 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 125 Subalpine Conifer Forest...................................................................................................... 126 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 126 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 126 Wetlands/Springs/Seeps ....................................................................................................... 126 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 126 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 127 v Streams/Rivers ..................................................................................................................... 128 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 128 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 128 Lakes/Reservoirs .................................................................................................................. 130 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 130 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 130 Stressors that act in this ecoregion at the species- but not habitat-scale (Element 3) .......... 131 Arizona-New Mexico Mountains ............................................................................................ 132 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) ........................................................... 134 Montane Conifer Forest ....................................................................................................... 137 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 137 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 138 Great Basin Conifer Woodland ............................................................................................ 139 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 139 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 139 Plains and Great Basin Grassland ........................................................................................ 140 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 140 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 141 Subalpine Conifer Forest...................................................................................................... 141 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 141 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 141 Subalpine Grasslands ........................................................................................................... 142 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 142 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 142 Interior Chaparral ................................................................................................................. 143 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 143 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 143 Great Basin Desertscrub....................................................................................................... 144 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 144 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 144 Madrean Evergreen Woodland............................................................................................. 144 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 144 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 144 Alpine Tundra ...................................................................................................................... 145 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 145 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 145 Wetlands/Springs/Seeps ....................................................................................................... 145 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 145 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 145 Streams/Rivers ..................................................................................................................... 147 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 147 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 147 Lakes/Reservoirs .................................................................................................................. 148 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 148 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 149 vi Stressors that do not have habitat-level impacts in this ecoregion but may have large specieslevel impacts on specific SGCN in this ecoregion (Element 3)........................................... 150 Colorado Plateau...................................................................................................................... 151 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) ........................................................... 152 Plains and Great Basin Grasslands....................................................................................... 156 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 156 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 157 Great Basin Desertscrub....................................................................................................... 158 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 158 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 158 Great Basin Conifer Woodland ............................................................................................ 158 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 158 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 159 Mohave Desertscrub............................................................................................................. 160 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 160 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 160 Montane Conifer Forest ....................................................................................................... 161 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 161 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 162 Subalpine Conifer Forest...................................................................................................... 162 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 162 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 163 Interior Chaparral ................................................................................................................. 164 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 164 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 164 Subalpine Grassland............................................................................................................. 164 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 164 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 165 Wetlands/Springs/Seeps ....................................................................................................... 165 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 165 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 166 Streams/Rivers ..................................................................................................................... 167 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 167 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 167 Lakes/Reservoirs .................................................................................................................. 168 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 168 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 169 Stressors that do not have habitat-level impacts in this ecoregion but may have large specieslevel impacts on specific SGCN in this ecoregion (Element 3)........................................... 169 Mohave Desert......................................................................................................................... 170 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) ........................................................... 172 Mohave Desertscrub............................................................................................................. 175 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 175 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 175 Great Basin Conifer Woodland ............................................................................................ 176 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 176 vii Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 176 Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub ....................................................................... 177 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 177 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 177 Semidesert Grassland ........................................................................................................... 178 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 178 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 178 Interior Chaparral ................................................................................................................. 179 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 179 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 179 Upland Sonoran Desertscrub................................................................................................ 180 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 180 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 180 Great Basin Desertscub ........................................................................................................ 180 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 180 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 181 Montane Conifer Forest ....................................................................................................... 181 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 181 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 182 Wetlands/Springs/Seeps ....................................................................................................... 182 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 182 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 183 Streams/Rivers ..................................................................................................................... 183 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 183 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 184 Lakes/Reservoirs .................................................................................................................. 185 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 185 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 186 Stressors that do not have habitat-level impacts in this ecoregion but may have large specieslevel impacts on specific SGCN in this ecoregion (Element 3)........................................... 187 Sonoran Desert ........................................................................................................................ 187 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) ........................................................... 189 Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub ....................................................................... 194 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 194 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 195 Upland Sonoran Desertscrub................................................................................................ 196 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 196 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 197 Mohave Desertscrub............................................................................................................. 198 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 198 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 198 Semidesert Grassland ........................................................................................................... 199 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 199 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 199 Interior Chaparral ................................................................................................................. 200 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 200 viii Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 200 Great Basin Conifer Woodland ............................................................................................ 201 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 201 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 201 Wetlands/Springs/Seeps ....................................................................................................... 202 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 202 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 203 Streams/Rivers ..................................................................................................................... 203 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 203 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 204 Lakes/Reservoirs .................................................................................................................. 205 Habitat Condition (Element 2).......................................................................................... 205 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) ................................................................ 206 Stressors that act in this ecoregion at the species- but not habitat-scale (Element 3) .......... 206 Areas of Conservation Priority within each Habitat Type ...................................................... 207 Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to Habitats (Element 4).......................................... 213 Habitat Conversion Category .................................................................................................. 213 Transportation and Infrastructure Category ............................................................................ 217 Abiotic Resource Use Category .............................................................................................. 219 Consumptive Use of Biological Resources Category.............................................................. 221 Non-Consumptive Resource Use Category............................................................................. 221 Pollution Category................................................................................................................... 223 Invasive Species Category....................................................................................................... 226 Climate Change Category........................................................................................................ 228 Changes in Ecological Processes Category ............................................................................. 229 International Border Issues Category ...................................................................................... 233 Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4)....................................... 234 Amphibians.............................................................................................................................. 235 Birds......................................................................................................................................... 257 Fish .......................................................................................................................................... 334 Crustaceans and Mollusks ....................................................................................................... 412 Mammals ................................................................................................................................. 438 Reptiles .................................................................................................................................... 474 Actions to Address Information Needs Related to Stressors ...................................................... 504 Habitat Conversion Category .................................................................................................. 504 Transportation and Infrastructure Category ............................................................................ 506 Abiotic Resource Use Category .............................................................................................. 508 Consumptive Use of Biological Resources Category.............................................................. 509 Non-Consumptive Resource Use Category............................................................................. 509 Pollution Category................................................................................................................... 510 Invasive Species Category....................................................................................................... 513 Climate Change Category........................................................................................................ 515 Changes in Ecological Processes Category ............................................................................. 516 International Border Issues Category ...................................................................................... 519 Monitoring and Adaptive Management (Element 5) .................................................................. 521 Monitoring Habitat Condition ................................................................................................. 522 ix Monitoring Wildlife................................................................................................................. 524 Crustaceans and mollusks .................................................................................................... 525 Fishes.................................................................................................................................... 526 Amphibians .......................................................................................................................... 526 Reptiles................................................................................................................................. 527 Birds ..................................................................................................................................... 527 Mammals.............................................................................................................................. 528 Unknown Status Species and Monitoring Needs ................................................................. 528 Tracking Progress .................................................................................................................... 529 Acknowledgments....................................................................................................................... 535 Literature Cited ........................................................................................................................... 537 x FIGURES Figure 1. Two-pronged approach to wildlife conservation planning in Arizona’s CWCS .......... 28 Figure 2. Structure of the CWCS Relational Database................................................................. 43 Figure 3. Habitat types and ecoregions identified in Arizona’s CWCS ....................................... 87 Figure 4. Riparian/aquatic habitat types and ecoregions identified in Arizona’s CWCS............. 88 Figure 5. DRAFT Arizona Linkages map................................................................................... 209 Figure 6. TNC Conservation Areas identified in Arizona .......................................................... 210 Figure 7. Center point locations of Arizona’s 26 Important Bird Areas .................................... 212 TABLES Table 1. Number of wildlife species that ranked high in Arizona among 4 evaluation categories. ................................................................................................................................................ 13 Table 2. Habitat types in each ecoregion. ..................................................................................... 14 Table 3. Information needs for Arizona's CWCS. ........................................................................ 16 Table 4. Conservation strategies for Arizona's CWCS................................................................. 17 Table 5. Department partners and interested parties that assisted in developing the CWCS. ...... 22 Table 6. Landscape classification schemes in Arizona: a crosswalk of TNC's Ecoregions and Bailey's Sections..................................................................................................................... 26 Table 7. Categories for describing conservation status of wildlife in Arizona............................. 31 Table 8. National convention of threat categories and classes used in Arizona’s CWCS threat assessment. ............................................................................................................................. 35 Table 9. Threat categories and classes originally addressed by conservation actions in Arizona's CWCS..................................................................................................................................... 37 Table 10. Rating criteria for components used to estimate the importance of each stressor in the Arizona CWCS threat assessment.......................................................................................... 38 Table 11. Scoring used to report confidence in species' distributions. ......................................... 41 Table 12. Schedule for CWCS review and revision aligned with the Department's budget cycle. ................................................................................................................................................ 46 Table 13. Land ownership in 2005 by ecoregion in Arizona........................................................ 49 Table 14. Percentages of habitat types owned by different Arizona land owners........................ 75 Table 15. Percentage of ecoregion occupied by each landscape. ................................................. 86 Table 16. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands North. 91 Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. .............................................................................................................................................. 111 Table 18. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountain Ecoregion............................................................................................................. 134 Table 19. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. ............................................................................................................................ 153 Table 20. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. ............................................................................................................................ 172 Table 21. Tier 1a and Tier 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. ............................................................................................................................ 189 Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators................... 530 xi APPENDICES Appendix A. CWCS Glossary of Terms..................................................................................... 564 Appendix B. Acronyms Used in Arizona’s CWCS .................................................................... 567 Appendix C. Contact List ........................................................................................................... 569 Appendix D. Ecoregion Worksgroup Participants...................................................................... 572 Appendix E. CWCS Scientific Reviewers.................................................................................. 574 Appendix F. Master Species List for the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion .......................... 575 Appendix G. Master Sepcies List for the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion ......................... 594 Appendix H. Master species list for the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion .............. 617 Appendix I. Master species list for the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion ......................................... 632 Appendix J. Master species list for the Mohave Desert Ecoregion ............................................ 654 Appendix K. Master species list for the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion........................................... 679 Appendix L. Criteria for Scoring Arizona Wildlife under 4 Conservation Categories .............. 707 Appendix M. All SGCN in Arizona ........................................................................................... 716 Appendix N. Distribution by ecoregion of priority species for which vulnerability status could not be determined ................................................................................................................. 726 Appendix O. Magnitude and urgency scores used to determine stressors with significant impacts in each of the major habitat type in each ecoregion............................................................. 727 Appendix P. Conservation and planning documents directing activities by the Department and its cooperators ........................................................................................................................... 759 xii FOREWORD Duane L. Shroufe, Director Arizona Game and Fish Department March 31, 2005 Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy is the opportunity of a lifetime that many people and organizations have worked for decades to create. Wildlife management in the 20th century was influenced by the 1937 Pittman-Robertson and 1954 Dingell-Johnson acts. The former brought funding and stability to game management programs in state wildlife agencies. The latter accomplished the same thing for sport fish management. Both programs rely on user fees (excise taxes) to generate funds to ensure, through state programs, that many wildlife resources would thrive and continue to provide enjoyment for future generations. Nongame wildlife and endangered species programs were provided for, and mandated, by the 1973 Endangered Species Act and 1980 Forsythe-Chafee Act. However, no dedicated funding for state programs was provided. Fortunately, the picture began to change in 1994 with a national grassroots effort to establish permanent funding for nongame wildlife. Although that initiative, Teaming With Wildlife, has yet to generate dedicated funds comparable in amount and stability to those provided by PittmanRobertson and Dingell-Johnson, it led to enactment of the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program in 2001 and its 2002 successor, State Wildlife Grants. With these programs, Congress began to provide much-needed funds, for conservation of the full array of wildlife with emphasis on species that were not adequately funded or that were imperiled and in need of conservation attention. Congress intended that these 2 programs provide enough funding to stem the rising tide of federally-listed endangered and threatened species. Congress required each state accepting funding to produce a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy before October 2005, to describe how over the next 10 years it would meet the challenges of managing wildlife in the 21st Century. Congress also required that states build their Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies through collaboration with stakeholders and interested parties, whether private, public, or tribal. This broad public participation must be well documented. Perhaps even more important, partnerships and new partnership opportunities must be evident throughout the implementation strategies. Strategies across the Nation are expected to collectively articulate a vision of public engagement in planning and delivering a comprehensive wildlife conservation program. Imagine 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia working toward the same goal: wildlife conservation, with a clear commitment to inform and educate the public about wildlife resources, conservation needs, and opportunities to enjoy wildlife through wildlife watching, sustainable use, or the pursuits of an armchair enthusiast. xiii Little more than a decade ago, as the Teaming With Wildlife initiative was born, the leaders of our state wildlife agencies and countless collaborators set in motion a change that will have a profound impact on our agencies, on our staffs, and on our constituents. Are we ready? On behalf of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department, I invite you to join us in proving that we are all ready. Together we can make this Strategy a living, working, evolving partnership for effective stewardship of our diverse and abundant living wildlife legacy. Duane L. Shroufe Director, Arizona Game and Fish Department The Department’s mission: To conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and future generations. xiv ARIZONA’S COMPREHENSIVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STRATEGY: 2005-2015 INTRODUCTION The Arizona Game and Fish Commission (Commission) and Department (Department) serve the people of Arizona as stewards of the State's wildlife. These resources are a public trust, managed for the benefit of present and future generations. Under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17, the Commission and Department are vested with the authority to manage the State’s wildlife. Wildlife management is influenced by many factors. Some factors, such as drought, wildfire, and changes in human population demographics are beyond the Department’s authority. In addition, many or most of the resources upon which wildlife depend—primarily habitat—reside on lands not owned by the Department. Therefore the Department relies on the cooperation of multiple partners (private, state, federal, and tribal) with whom they share stewardship responsibility for conserving wildlife resources. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN ARIZONA Arizona has a rich biological diversity of wildlife and wildlife habitats—Arizona ranks third in the nation for the number of native bird species, second for reptiles, fifth for mammals, and eighth for overall vertebrate animal diversity (Stein and others 2000). Efforts to conserve these invaluable resources have been robust and productive over the last 75 years. The Commission and Department were created in 1929 by a citizen initiative to protect and enhance the State’s wildlife, primarily game species and later sport fish. In the late-1960s, Arizona became the first state in the country to dedicate a full-time employee (Richard Todd) to nongame wildlife conservation. The State of Arizona has a long record of commitment and achievement in wildlife conservation. Through the 1980s and 1990s, the Department became widely acknowledged by its peers as being among the Nation’s preeminent state wildlife agencies. Numerous national and regional awards affirmed the Department’s achievements and leadership roles. Many factors contributed to this recognition, among them: the significance of state wildlife and habitat issues, the depth and breadth of its programs, the expertise and accomplishments of its staff, and the strength and effectiveness of its partnerships and public support. Game management, sport fish management, and nongame and endangered wildlife management were and continue to be the foundation for Arizona’s wildlife legacy. As the significance of wildlife and habitat issues grew, the need for change and even greater accomplishment became clear. Programs that had historically been relatively independent, and often single-species based, needed to become more integrated and holistic. A focus on landscape-level conservation to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness was needed as pressures on wildlife and wildlife habitat grew along with an ever-increasing human population. Also, the agency’s role as the management authority of Arizona’s wildlife resources began to evolve toward facilitator and enabler, with more emphasis on collaborative, voluntary Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 2 conservation partnerships to complement and sometimes replace more traditional regulatory approaches. As the state and national economies changed, the need for even greater fiscal responsibility to achieve the most value for the dollar became clear. Wildlife management followed the example of successful private businesses, where best business practices dictated that priorities needed to be set and progress toward goals and objectives needed to be measurable, reported, and carefully evaluated so constant improvement could be achieved. The Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy is designed to address these needs and requirements. It focuses partnership efforts on conservation at the landscape level, to address stressors that constrain wildlife conservation and wildlife-related recreation opportunities. In addition to limiting the quality of human life in wildlife-rich Arizona, these stressors often limit wildlife-related contributions to our economy. Wildlife is an important and growing component of numerous local economies (Silberman 2001, Southwick Associates 2003). This Strategy provides a 10-year vision for achievement, subject to adaptive management and improvement along the way under the watchful eye of the Commission and its partners. The Strategy covers the entire State, from low desert to alpine tundra. In any given area, it provides the Department and its partners a clear sense of what needs to be done, and opens the door to a variety of ways to get it done. It also provides opportunities for many partners to take leadership roles in getting it done. Collaboration and synergy will be key to shared success, and shared success will be key to continued Congressional support for the programs that help fund the partnerships. The plan that follows necessarily uses specialized language and is simplified by the use of acronyms to refer to programs, agencies. See Appendices A and B, respectively, for clarification of terms and acronyms. CWCS AND THE STATE WILDLIFE GRANT PROGRAM As a funding requirement of the State Wildlife Grants program (TWW 2003a), Congress charged each of the 56 States and Territories (hereafter referred to as ‘States’) with developing a statewide “Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy” (CWCS). These strategies will provide an essential foundation for the future of wildlife conservation and a stimulus to engage the States, federal agencies, and other conservation partners to strategically think about their individual and coordinated roles in prioritizing conservation efforts. State fish and wildlife agencies are leading the strategy development process with the aim to create a strategic vision for conserving the States’ wildlife. While each strategy will reflect a different set of issues, management needs, and priorities, the States are working together to ensure nationwide consistency and a common focus on targeting resources to prevent wildlife from declining to the point of endangerment. These efforts are being coordinated through the Teaming With Wildlife Committee (a standing committee of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) at a national level. To remain eligible for State Wildlife Grant funding, State strategies need to be submitted to the National Advisory Acceptance Team by October 1, 2005, for Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 3 evaluation and approval. In addition to the aforementioned requirements, these plans must be reviewed at least every decade (TWW 2003b). EIGHT REQUIRED ELEMENTS OF THE CWCS Congress identified 8 required elements to be addressed in each State’s wildlife conservation strategy (TWW 2003c). Congress also directed that the strategies must identify and be focused on the “species in greatest need of conservation,” yet address the “full array of wildlife” and wildlife-related issues. The strategies must provide and make use of these 8 elements: (1) Information on the distribution and abundance of species of wildlife, including low and declining populations as the State fish and wildlife agency deems appropriate, that are indicative of the diversity and health of the State’s wildlife; and, (2) Descriptions of locations and relative condition of key habitats and community types essential to conservation of species identified in (1); and, (3) Descriptions of problems which may adversely affect species identified in (1) or their habitats, and priority research and survey efforts needed to identify factors which may assist in restoration and improved conservation of these species and habitats; and, (4) Descriptions of conservation actions proposed to conserve the identified species and habitats and priorities for implementing such actions; and, (5) Proposed plans for monitoring species identified in (1) and their habitats, for monitoring the effectiveness of the conservation actions proposed in (4), and for adapting these conservation actions to respond appropriately to new information or changing conditions; and, (6) Descriptions of procedures to review the strategy at intervals not to exceed 10 years; and, (7) Plans for coordinating the development, implementation, review, and revision of the plan with Federal, State, and local agencies and Indian tribes that manage significant land and water areas within the State or administer programs that significantly affect the conservation of identified species and habitats. (8) Congress also affirmed through this legislation that broad public participation is an essential element of developing and implementing these plans, the projects that are carried out while these plans are developed, and the Species in Greatest Need of Conservation that Congress has indicated such programs and projects are intended to emphasize. Arizona CWCS Element Guide (Road Map) This guide is provided for the National Advisory Acceptance Team for the purpose of evaluating Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS or Strategy) in addressing the Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 4 8 required elements. Section titles may be abbreviated. Only the beginning page number is given. Element 1: Information on the distribution and abundance of species of wildlife, including low and declining populations as the state deems appropriate, that are indicative of the diversity and health of the state’s wildlife: NAAT Guidance A. The Strategy indicates sources of information (for example, literature, data bases, agencies, individuals) on wildlife abundance and distribution consulted during the planning process. B. The Strategy includes information about both abundance and distribution for species in all major groups to the extent that data are available. There are plans for acquiring information about species for which adequate abundance and/or distribution information is unavailable. C. The Strategy identifies low and declining populations to the extent data are available. Section Identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) Describing Species Distributions Using Ecoregions and Habitat Types (Element 1) Appendix F. Master Species List for the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion Appendix G. Master Sepcies List for the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion Appendix H. Master species list for the ArizonaNew Mexico Mountains Ecoregion Appendix I. Master species list for the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion Appendix J. Master species list for the Mohave Desert Ecoregion Appendix K. Master species list for the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion Identifying Species of Unknown Status (Element 1) Unknown Status Species and Monitoring Needs Table 16. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands North. Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. Table 18. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountain Ecoregion. Table 19. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Table 20. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. Table 21. Tier 1a and Tier 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Appendix M. All SGCN in Arizona Page 32 30 575 594 617 632 654 679 32 528 91 111 134 153 172 189 716 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 5 Element 1: Information on the distribution and abundance of species of wildlife, including low and declining populations as the state deems appropriate, that are indicative of the diversity and health of the state’s wildlife: NAAT Guidance D. All major groups of wildlife have been considered or an explanation is provided as to why they were not. The State may indicate whether these groups are to be included in a future Strategy revision. E. The Strategy describes the process used to select the species in greatest need of conservation. The quantity of information in the Strategy is determined by the State with input from its partners, based on what is available to the State. Section Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1) Soliciting Broad Public Participation in Development of the CWCS (Element 8) Identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) Appendix L. Criteria for Scoring Arizona Wildlife under 4 Conservation Categories Page 29 23 32 707 Element 2: Descriptions of locations and relative condition of key habitats and community types essential to conservation of species identified in (1): NAAT Guidance A. The Strategy provides a reasonable explanation for the level of detail provided; if insufficient, the Strategy identifies the types of future actions that will be taken to obtain the information. B. Key habitats and their relative conditions are described in enough detail such that the State can determine where (in which regions, watersheds, or landscapes within the State) and what conservation actions need to take place. Section Developing Arizona’s CWCS at the Habitat and Species Scales Identifying Habitats of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 2) Page Arizona’s Wildlife and Habitats (Element 2) Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic Habitat Types (Element 2) Ecoregion-Specific Habitat Conditions (Element 2) Areas of Conservation Priority within each Habitat Type 46 25 33 75 85 207 Element 3: Descriptions of problems which may adversely affect species identified in (1) or their habitats, and priority research and survey efforts needed to identify factors which may assist in restoration and improved conservation of these species and habitats: NAAT Guidance A. The Strategy indicates sources of information (for example, literature, databases, agencies, or individuals) used to determine the problems or threats. B. The threats/problems are described in sufficient detail to develop focused conservation actions. Section Assessing Stressors/Threats to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3) Appendix O. Magnitude and urgency scores used to determine stressors with significant impacts in each of the major habitat type in each ecoregion Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3) Page 35 727 50 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 6 Element 3: Descriptions of problems which may adversely affect species identified in (1) or their habitats, and priority research and survey efforts needed to identify factors which may assist in restoration and improved conservation of these species and habitats: NAAT Guidance C. The Strategy considers threats/problems, regardless of their origins (local, State, regional, national and international), where relevant to the State’s species and habitats. D. If available information is insufficient to describe threats/problems, research and survey efforts are identified to obtain needed information. E. The priority research and survey needs, and resulting products, are described sufficiently to allow for the development of research and survey projects after the Strategy is approved. Section Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3) Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) AHN Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) AHS Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) AZNM Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) - CP Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) MD Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) - SD Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4) Developing Conservation Strategies and Identifying Information Needs (Element 4) Actions to Address Information Needs Related to Stressors Actions to Address Information Needs Related to Stressors Page 50 95 118 138 157 175 195 234 40 504 504 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 7 Element 4: Descriptions of conservation actions determined to be necessary to conserve the identified species and habitats and priorities for implementing such actions: NAAT Guidance A. The Strategy identifies how conservation actions address identified threats to species of greatest conservation need and their habitats. B. The Strategy describes conservation actions sufficiently to guide implementation of those actions through the development and execution of specific projects and programs. C. The Strategy links conservation actions to objectives and indicators that will facilitate monitoring and performance measurement of those conservation actions (outlined in Element #5). D. The Strategy describes conservation actions (where relevant to the State’s species and habitats) that could be addressed by Federal agencies or regional, national or international partners and shared with other States. E. If available information is insufficient to describe needed conservation actions, the Strategy identifies research or survey needs for obtaining information to develop specific conservation actions. F. The Strategy identifies the relative priority of conservation actions. Section Developing Conservation Strategies and Identifying Information Needs (Element 4) Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to Habitats (Element 4) Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4) Identifying Species for Monitoring Habitat Condition (Element 5) Tracking Progress Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to Habitats (Element 4) Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4) Appendix P. Conservation and planning documents directing activities by the Department and its cooperators Actions to Address Information Needs Related to Stressors Unknown Status Species and Monitoring Needs Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to Habitats (Element 4) Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4) Pages 40 213 234 33 529 213 234 759 504 528 213 234 Element 5: Proposed plans for monitoring species identified in (1) and their habitats, for monitoring the effectiveness of the conservation actions proposed in (4), and for adapting these conservation actions to respond appropriately to new information or changing conditions: NAAT Guidance A. The Strategy describes plans for monitoring species identified in Element #1, and their habitats. B. The Strategy describes how the outcomes of the conservation actions will be monitored. Section Monitoring and Adaptive Management (Element 5) Monitoring and Adaptive Management (Element 5) Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators. Appendix P. Conservation and planning documents directing activities by the Department and its cooperators CWCS Relational Database Tracking Progress Page 44 521 530 759 42 529 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 8 Element 5: Proposed plans for monitoring species identified in (1) and their habitats, for monitoring the effectiveness of the conservation actions proposed in (4), and for adapting these conservation actions to respond appropriately to new information or changing conditions: NAAT Guidance C. If monitoring is not identified for a species or species group, the Strategy explains why it is not appropriate, necessary or possible. D. Monitoring is to be accomplished at one of several levels including individual species, guilds, or natural communities. E. The monitoring utilizes or builds on existing monitoring and survey systems or explains how information will be obtained to determine the effectiveness of conservation actions. F. The monitoring considers the appropriate geographic scale to evaluate the status of species or species groups and the effectiveness of conservation actions. G. The Strategy is adaptive in that it allows for evaluating conservation actions and implementing new actions accordingly. Section Monitoring and Adaptive Management (Element 5) Page 521 Monitoring and Adaptive Management (Element 5) 521 Tracking Progress Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators. Appendix P. Conservation and planning documents directing activities by the Department and its cooperators Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators. Appendix P. Conservation and planning documents directing activities by the Department and its cooperators CWCS Relational Database Tracking Progress 529 530 759 530 759 42 529 Element 6: Descriptions of procedures to review the Strategy at intervals not to exceed 10 years: NAAT Guidance A. The State describes the process that will be used to review the Strategy within the next 10 years. Section Revisions to the CWCS within a 10-yr Timeframe (Element 6) Page 46 Element 7: Plans for coordinating, to the extent feasible, the development, implementation, review, and revision of the Strategy with Federal, State, and local agencies and Indian tribes that manage significant land and water areas within the state or administer programs that significantly affect the conservation of identified species and habitats: NAAT Guidance A. The State describes the extent of its coordination with and efforts to involve Federal, State and local agencies, and Indian Tribes in the development of its Strategy. Section Coordination with Land Management Partners (Element 7) Table 5. Department partners and interested parties that assisted in developing the CWCS. Page 22 22 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 9 Element 7: Plans for coordinating, to the extent feasible, the development, implementation, review, and revision of the Strategy with Federal, State, and local agencies and Indian tribes that manage significant land and water areas within the state or administer programs that significantly affect the conservation of identified species and habitats: NAAT Guidance B. The State describes its continued coordination with these agencies and tribes in the implementation, review and revision of its Strategy. Section Table 5. Department partners and interested parties that assisted in developing the CWCS. Implementation of Conservation Actions, Surveys, and Research Revisions to the CWCS within a 10-yr Timeframe (Element 6) Page 22 41 46 Element 8: Provisions to ensure public participation in the development, revision, and implementation of projects and programs. Congress has affirmed that broad public participation is an essential element of this process: NAAT Guidance A. The State describes the extent of its efforts to involve the public in the development of its Strategy. B. The State describes its continued public involvement in the implementation and revision of its Strategy. Section Table 5. Department partners and interested parties that assisted in developing the CWCS. Soliciting Broad Public Participation in Development of the CWCS (Element 8) Revisions to the CWCS within a 10-yr Timeframe (Element 6) Pages 22 23 46 HOW THE CWCS WILL BE USED Currently, the Department operates under separate strategic plans for its Wildlife, Watercraft, and Off-Highway Vehicle programs. Each program’s strategies drive operational plans and implementation plans at the work unit level. As these 3 programs and the Business Administration program are brought together in the Department’s next-generation strategic plan, Wildlife 2012, the CWCS will provide an essential link between the broader wildlife elements of the strategic plan and the details of the operational and implementation plans. Thus, strategies from the CWCS are delineated in each of the 4 programs for 6 designated focal areas: Conservation, Recreation, Information and Education, Laws and Law Enforcement, Research, and Administration (AGFD 2004a). For Department cooperators, the CWCS provides guidance to partner agencies, tribes, local governments, private landowners, business/industry affiliations, universities, and nongovernment organizations by identifying wildlife and habitat conservation goals and information needs at a strategic level. These conservation strategies and information needs apply to various spatial scales—statewide, regional, and site specific—and can be integrated into revisions of land management plans (for example: U.S. Forest Service forest plans, Bureau of Land Management habitat management plans, Department of Defense natural resource management plans, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge System management plans, and local government/private landowner participation in Safe Harbor Agreements or Habitat Conservation Plans). The CWCS Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 10 is one nexus for potential funding and improved coordination of partner-based conservation activities. Arizona’s CWCS is not designed to replace or duplicate the Department’s existing wildlife management strategic plan, Wildlife 2006 (AGFD 2001). Both plans serve different needs and reporting objectives—Wildlife 2006 meets the Department’s responsibilities for managing Arizona’s wildlife under Title 17 obligations to the State, while the CWCS meets the Department’s eligibility to receive State Wildlife Grant funding. The objectives and approaches defined by Arizona’s CWCS will be used to prioritize federal “wildlife diversity” funds, matched with support from other sources, to ensure the implementation of conservation activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 11 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ARIZONA’S APPROACHES FOR CONSERVATION Arizona’s CWCS is a document that plans for the conservation of species and their habitats. Working at large and small landscape scales, the plan first develops conservation actions to address stressors to habitats. This approach is meant to benefit all wildlife, including both vulnerable and common species, by managing for the habitat and resources upon which they depend. An example of this type of conservation action would be to identify important wildlife movement corridors and protecting them to minimize habitat fragmentation. To facilitate conservation of many species acting at different scales, Arizona’s CWCS uses a multi-scale approach to classifying habitat types within Arizona. Specifically, there are 4 levels of classification: 1. Statewide: Coarse scale to address issues that are ubiquitous throughout Arizona. 2. Statewide habitat types: Based on the 14 vegetation communities identified by Brown and Lowe (1974), and 3 riparian/aquatic systems. This level addresses issues to wildlife that live in similar habitats or communities throughout Arizona. 3. Ecoregion-level habitat types: Ecoregions encompass regional collections of species and the resources upon which they depend. By describing each habitat type within specific ecoregions, this scale brings in regional issues. Ecoregions provide the appropriate scale for cooperation with neighboring states and sovereign nations on broad conservation efforts. There are 6 identified ecoregions for Arizona’s CWCS: • Apache Highlands North • Apache Highlands South • Sonoran Desert • Mohave Desert • Colorado Plateau • Arizona-New Mexico Mountains 4. Site Specific: Fine scale for the conservation of specific habitat features (such as snags, nesting cavities, or caves) that are necessary for the well being of many species. The species-level approach to conservation planning consists of continuing and expanding species-specific activities that address the needs of species of high conservation priority. These species require immediate and specific attention in order to halt or reverse the conditions contributing to their vulnerability. Whereas the habitat-level approach addresses resource needs of all species in that landscape, the species-focused approach aggressively manages conditions for those species which are already vulnerable. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 12 DEVELOPING ARIZONA’S CWCS WITH INPUT FROM AGENCY PARTNERS (ELEMENT 7) AND THE PUBLIC (ELEMENT 8) Various administrative and technical teams, stakeholder meetings, public input, responsive management surveys, and databases contributed to developing Arizona’s CWCS: • Oversight Group (Department divisional and work unit chiefs) • Ecoregion Workgroup (Department technical staff and cooperating federal, state, and tribal resource managers and technical staff) • Scientific Review Team (species experts, academics, and agency/non-government organization professionals) • Stakeholder committees and councils (for various taxon-related or habitat conservation projects) • Databases with new and existing management plans and agreements for conserving species and habitats • Public opinion surveys on various wildlife-related and outdoor recreation topics • Wildlife Summit workshops and open forum public meetings • Department website (with comment field and background information on the CWCS) In the development of the CWCS, the Department used extensive outreach to inform and encourage participation from the public and potential partners: 20 staff presentations; 28 presentations to external agencies, stakeholder councils, and non-government organizations; 4 media press releases (that generated at least 6 newspaper articles statewide); and email subscriber announcements to over 16,000 interested individuals and organizations. Coordination meetings between Department staff and federal agency representatives from local district offices provided another opportunity to engage partners in the CWCS development. Among the 4 Wildlife Summit workshops held in October 2004 (2 in Phoenix and 1 each in Flagstaff and Tucson), 54 participating constituents provided initial input into developing major components of the CWCS. Summit participants provided 119 individual comments during group discussions of Department general challenges, funding allocations among challenges, ranking important stressors to wildlife and wildlife habitat, and proposing criteria for identifying Wildlife of Greatest Conservation Need (Gunn 2005a). An additional 418 constituents participated in an online Wildlife Summit survey, conducted between November 15 and December 6, 2004 (note: 256 of these participants completed the entire survey). Online survey participants provided 183 comments on the CWCS and related wildlife issues in Arizona (Gunn 2005b). Forty-two constituents participated in a series of 8 public meetings on the CWCS draft plan, held statewide in late April and early May 2005. These participants provided 110 comments on the CWCS. An additional 52 CWCS-related comments were received through the Department’s website between July 2004 and May 2005. Twelve comments were also received through correspondence with the Department’s CWCS Planner or at Department-hosted events during this same timeframe. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 13 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION PRIORITY (ELEMENT 1) The Department rated all managed taxa in Arizona based on need for specific conservation attention (Element 1; “Vulnerable Species”) and for lack of information about their vulnerability status (Element 1; “Unknown Status Species”). The Department simultaneously rated all taxa for value as an ecosystem engineer or indicator (“Community Focal Species”) and relative importance of Arizona as a management entity for this taxon (“Responsibility Species”). Both of these latter categories were used to identify species suitable for monitoring habitat condition (Element 5). “Processes to Develop Arizona’s CWCS” describes the process used to evaluate the State’s wildlife under these categories. Specific criteria were adapted from input of the Teaming With Wildlife Committee (TWW 2003d), stakeholder input through Arizona’s Wildlife Summit workshops (Gunn 2005a), an online summit survey (Gunn 2005b), Department staff, external land management and natural resource regulatory agencies, and tribes. Table 1 provides a count of wildlife taxa that were identified as 10-year priorities for conservation in Arizona. The lists of all wildlife in each ecoregion of Arizona are in Appendices F through K, with their ranking under each category; wildlife of immediate (2-3 year) conservation priority is listed under habitat types in each ecoregion. Table 1. Number of wildlife species that ranked high in Arizona among 4 evaluation categories. Total in Community Unknown Arizona A Tier 1a B Tier 1b B Tier 1c B Responsible Focal Status 3 Amphibians 32 9 6 7 9 1 9 Birds 297 40 52 7 199 36 24 Fish 72 9 2 21 33 0 C 7 Crustaceans & Mollusks 86 21 2 25 26 44 10 Mammals 164 25 32 41 37 54 4 Reptiles 145 22 33 15 7 25 57 Total 796 126 127 116 311 160 A : The Master Taxon List includes only those species that can be effectively managed in Arizona. For instance, transient, casual, and rare birds that occur unpredictably are not included. B : Tier 1a, 1b, and 1c represent all vulnerable species or the species of greatest conservation need. C : Other macroinvertebrates not evaluated at this time due to insufficient data. The Department manages species at the species, subspecies, or population level, depending on legal requirements and protections, interagency coordination, stakeholder concerns, funding eligibility, national or international reporting conventions, and/or taxonomic determinations through scientific documentation. Counts of wildlife for Arizona’s CWCS may therefore not correspond exactly to counts on other Department species lists or narratives. Species on the Master List that rated high under the Vulnerability category have the highest priority for directed conservation management. Vulnerable species require conservation actions aimed at improving conditions for those species through intervention at the population or habitat Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 14 level. Over 300 species were identified as Vulnerable; however, a subset of these requires most immediate attention. Species that rated high for Vulnerability were further separated into 3 tiers of priority (1a, 1b, and 1c). For the current effort, stressors with high and moderate impacts to species in Tier 1a and Tier 1b were identified, and specific actions were outlined to address these stressors. HABITATS OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED (ELEMENT 2) For the purposes of Arizona’s CWCS, habitat was defined in terms of 17 vegetation types distributed among 6 ecoregions. Of those vegetation types, 4 fall under the general category of desertscrub and represent the 3 deserts in the state (Chihuahuan, Mohave, and Sonoran); 3 represent the state’s grassland; 5 are forests and woodlands ; 3 represent aquatic systems and associated riparian areas; 1 is tundra and 1 is human-dominated systems. Because the premise of Arizona’s CWCS is that conservation of habitats will benefit whole communities of wildlife, all vegetation types/aquatic systems were treated as habitats in need of conservation. To customize conservation planning within each habitat, the Ecoregion Workgroup assessed important stressors within each habitat type within ecoregions (“Assessing Stressors/Threats to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3)”) and developed actions to address those stressors to benefit the majority of wildlife within each habitat (“Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to Habitats (Element 4)”). Table 2. Habitat types in each ecoregion. Habitat type Lower Colorado Sonoran Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Chihuahuan Desertscrub Mohave Desertscrub Semidesert Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Subalpine Grassland Chaparral Madrean Evergreen Forest Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Subalpine Conifer Forest Alpine Tundra Human-dominated landscapes Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Apache Highlands South X X X X Apache Highlands North X X X X X Arizona – New Mexico Mtns Colorado Plateau X Mohave Desert Sonoran Desert X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Where should Arizona focus attention within each habitat? The statewide habitat analysis that will comprehensively address this question has not yet been initiated. This task will need to be Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 15 completed in the near future as new data on Arizona’s wildlife resources is compiled. As an initial step in this process, Department staff started by focusing on the fine grain analysis, linking all wildlife in Arizona to the habitat it occupies, and then prioritizing species for conservation attention. Location of these species is the finest scale of analysis for habitats in greatest need of conservation. Appendices F through K list all vertebrate, crustacean, and mollusk taxa in each habitat type separately for each ecoregion. Table 2 summarizes which habitat types are found in each ecoregion. STRESSORS/THREATS TO ARIZONA’S WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITATS (ELEMENT 3) Over the past 500 years the landscapes of Arizona have changed dramatically. Anyone traveling across Arizona today will not come across any habitat that has not been affected by humans. Dams have been placed on rivers, developed urban and rural areas have increased in size, roads and fences were built throughout the state, and plant communities have been drastically altered. All of these changes have impacted wildlife. The Ecoregion Workgroup threat assessment addressed stressors that are important because they impact whole communities of wildlife (landscape focus) or because they impact species that are priorities for conservation right now (species focus). At the landscape scale, stressors were evaluated for the magnitude and immediacy of their impacts to the structure and function of each habitat type in each ecoregion. This assessment identified stressors that impact larger communities of wildlife. At the species level, significant stressors to SGCN in Tier 1a and 1b were identified. A description of both processes can be found under “Assessing Stressors/Threats to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3).” All together, the Department and cooperators identified 70 separate stressors that have serious impacts to at least one habitat type in Arizona. An additional 4 stressors act at the species but not landscape scale. Many of these stressors are related to 4 current themes: a rapidly increasing human population, changes to water storage and delivery systems in the Southwest, alteration of communities by invasive nonnative species, and the ongoing drought and warming trend. Although many traditional land use activities continue to have large impacts on wildlife, many of these activities have changed in nature and magnitude in recent decades. The Department anticipates that the subset of stressors related to population pressures and water use will grow in importance for their impact on biodiversity in Arizona. INFORMATION NEEDS FOR ARIZONA’S CWCS (ELEMENT 3) The Ecoregion Workgroup identified potential barriers to effectively addressing important stressors to wildlife and wildlife habitats. Many of these barriers were compiled as “information needs” (Table 3). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 16 Table 3. Information needs for Arizona's CWCS. Emphasis Information Needs Determine distribution and population status of priority and nuisance species. Determine habitat requirements for species of conservation priority and develop models of their habitat use. Determine status and distribution Map the distribution of habitat features including: barriers to wildlife movement; areas of high human disturbance; high fuel load areas; important wildlife corridors; migration pathways; structures, sites and activities causing soil erosion; other structures; baseline vegetation; and vegetation changes. Compile data, Compile wildlife-related data, programs, and information such as: the Arizona Department of programs and Transportation database of roadside invasive plants, pertinent wildlife studies, Florida's wildlifeinformation friendly road crossing designs. Develop genetic analyses on species of taxonomic uncertainty. Research species Investigate features of species' biology that are of conservation concern. For example, understand biology characteristics that make particular species more invasive, other species important keystone species, or other species more sensitive to stressors such as long-term drought. Generate projections of future conditions and model past conditions related to land conversion, water usage, species re/introductions, dam removal, road building, management actions, etc. Develop GIS models to assess the impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat from the presence of Research human activities and structures. ecosystem Investigate functional mechanisms and conditions that affect shifts in ecosystem states. These conditions mechanisms and conditions may be related to priority species and/or identified stressors. Implement adaptive management principles for large-scale projects. Treat these projects as experiments in order to extract the most information and conservation benefit. Determine threats to vulnerable species. Research impacts of specific threats and activities on wildlife resources. Research stressors Model, monitor, and research factors related to wildlife and wildlife diseases. Characterize non-point sources of identified stressors. Develop a process or processes to identify and prioritize significant habitats for short- and longterm conservation planning. Work with cooperators to develop research standards and methods to assess or address impacts from particular stressors. Develop conservation, Investigate and develop alternatives for non-conservation projects and activities such as dam research, and releases, road construction, and utility towers, so that these projects have less impact on wildlife monitoring tools and wildlife habitats. Establish monitoring programs and develop best monitoring techniques. Rank alternative conservation tools, identifying best and worst alternatives. Encourage development and use of wildlife friendly techniques. CONSERVATION ACTIONS FOR ARIZONA’S CWCS (ELEMENT 4) Conservation actions were developed to address important stressors identified at the coarse (landscape) scale and specifically to address stressors impacting SGCN. This comprehensive set of conservation actions will be implemented where feasible and appropriate, and includes many opportunities for implementation by cooperators. Implementation of management actions is subject to necessary environmental compliance review (where required), and in cooperation with key land managers. Large-scale conservation efforts should be coordinated through interagency workgroups and formal agreements where applicable. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 17 Due to the comprehensive nature of the CWCS, many of the proposed actions are included for the benefit of the Department’s external partners and land managers, who will be the likely leads for implementing conservation activities. In many proposed actions, the Department may participate in an advisory and technical capacity in assisting land managers; in other cases, the Department may be the lead for those activities over which it has direct authority. Table 4. Conservation strategies for Arizona's CWCS. Implementation of specific actions is considered where appropriate and feasible, for the benefit of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Strategies are not presented in order of priority. Emphasis Conservation Strategy Promote the restoration and protection of aquifers, springs, streams, rivers, lakes, and riparian systems. Support regulations ensuring minimum instream flow and water rights for wildlife resources. Conserving Perform landscape classification analyses to identify sensitive habitats, core wildlife areas, and wildlife habitat important wildlife corridors. Acquire ecologically important lands, access agreements, conservation easements, and/or water rights. Support State planning efforts to address drought issues as they relate to wildlife resources. Promote maintenance and restoration of habitat connectivity by removing or modifying barriers, Maintaining and protecting corridors and riparian areas, and using wildlife-friendly roadway crossing structures. re-establishing Promote maintenance and restoration of habitat connectivity by removing unneeded fences, by habitat and using wildlife-friendly barriers in future projects and when replacing old fences. habitat Develop standards for new road, utility and power lines construction, and modification of existing connectivity structures and corridors to reduce impacts to wildlife. Promote implementation of recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources. Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community; Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Manage so as to sustain or enhance sport fish and native fish populations. Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Maintain and construct new wildlife water developments. Encourage conversion of livestock waters so they are also continuously usable by wildlife. Wildlife management Collaborate with partners to evaluate sampling techniques, reduce duplication of effort, and develop pathogen decontamination protocols to limit impacts to wildlife. Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to wildlife including: development of action plans to manage existing sources, identify and respond to new threats, and to educate the public. Evaluate, update, and enforce existing Department regulations to address evolving concerns about hybridization, nuisance animals, illegal stocking, and spread of animals used for bait. Reduce/eliminate the effects of feral animal populations in sensitive habitats or near wildlife populations of concern. Public education Educate the public about the impacts of free-ranging or feral animals, release of nonnative species, and law and illegal stocking of fish and live bait on wildlife resources. Increase enforcement of existing enforcement to laws and promote more stringent laws prohibiting the release of domestic or nonnative animals into benefit wildlife the wild. and wildlife Utilize education and enforcement to promote human behavior that does not encourage wildlife to habitat become a nuisance (for example: feeding wildlife, securing waste containers, and storage of food). Increase awareness of effects of feeding and litter on wildlife. Increase public awareness of how water conservation and ensuring instream flow can benefit wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 18 Table 4. Conservation strategies for Arizona's CWCS. Implementation of specific actions is considered where appropriate and feasible, for the benefit of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Strategies are not presented in order of priority. Emphasis Conservation Strategy Encourage the use of low water-use native plants in landscaping. Educate the public regarding identification of contaminants, release prevention, and impacts to wildlife and habitats. Promote alternatives that reduce release of contaminants. Encourage cooperative clean up efforts of wildlife habitats. Increase public awareness of the potential effects of various types of recreation on wildlife resources. Encourage responsible outdoor recreation through education (for example: “Stay on the Public education and Trails,” “Leave No Trace,” “Be Bear Aware,” “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers”), enforce existing laws, and encourage development of new legislation. law enforcement to Inform the public and land management agencies on the effects of illegal harvest of wildlife. benefit wildlife Cooperate with land management agencies to increase enforcement of existing laws. Support prevention and suppression of accidental or arson-caused wildfire through information and and wildlife education and enforcement of appropriate regulations. habitat Educate the public on the importance of community focal species (including predators, prey, wideranging species, keystone species, etc.) for ecosystem health. Provide recommendations to state and federal partners on the development of new land management plans or revising existing plans as they relate to wildlife resources. Cooperate with state, federal, tribal, and local government partners to develop and implement watershed management plans that incorporate wildlife and habitat values. Prevent loss and degradation of sensitive habitats through involvement of planning efforts with local governments, private landowners, and agency/tribal land managers. Promote restoration of natural fire regimes for improving grassland and forest health. Promote adoption of sustainable forage management standards and guidelines for livestock and Representing wildlife. wildlife values in Promote conservation of sensitive areas and habitats for wildlife. multiple-use Encourage development and implementation of standards and guidelines for mining and landfill planning operations that consider the needs of wildlife resources. Encourage land management agencies to manage road and trail networks to ensure sustainable wildlife resources in balance with recreational opportunities, economic pursuits, and rural development. Coordinate with land managers, counties, municipalities and private sector partners to promote ecologically sensitive design of recreational facilities such as campgrounds, parks, golf courses, ski resorts, etc. Coordinate to reduce impacts to wildlife along the US-Mexico border. Encourage the operation of dams, canals, and diversions for improving or maintaining wildlife resources. Promote wildlife values in building new, renovating existing, or removing old water retaining structures. Promote programs for eliminating or limiting the spread of invasive plants and animals, and the recovery or reintroduction of native populations. Representing Limit the spread of invasive plants and promote the restoration of native vegetation in disturbed wildlife values in areas. other processes Support land management and regulatory agencies in enforcing Best Management Practices to prevent the introduction of toxins into ecosystems. Promote the use of engineered wetlands, discharge basins, and augmented riparian vegetation to pre-treat water prior to release into riparian systems. Promote the use of treated effluent to create wildlife habitat. Cooperate with land management agencies and municipalities on revising waste management plans to minimize impacts to wildlife resources. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 19 MONITORING AND THE CWCS (ELEMENT 5) Arizona’s CWCS outlines existing and planned monitoring of species. At this time, efforts by federal land management entities are only starting to develop regional habitat monitoring plans, so coordination in these efforts is not yet part of CWCS. Building on existing strengths of the Department to monitor species, Arizona’s CWCS outlines existing and planned monitoring of species both to identify trends in individual species and, by using Responsibility and Community/Focal species described under Element 1, to describe trends in habitat condition. The Department has moved over the past 6 or so years to develop multi-species plans for the conservation and monitoring of groups of species, and this effort will serve as the basis for monitoring beyond the traditional single-species focus. Status of the 310 SGCN species will eventually be monitored. The CWCS begins implementation of this monitoring by focusing on the 183 species in Tiers 1a and 1b. Monitoring to determine the status of the 160 Unknown Status Species will also be initiated under the CWCS. All multi-species taxon plans currently under development will specifically address monitoring for both SGCN and Unknown Status species. The first planning effort where these CWCS priorities are being incorporated is the All Birds Monitoring initiative currently led by the Department. ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT AND THE CWCS (ELEMENT 5) The CWCS also requires monitoring to describe effectiveness of conservation actions, followed by adaptive evaluation of conservation actions and implementation of new actions as indicated. Adaptive management provides an experimental platform upon which to incorporate existing knowledge of the system into management activities while allowing enough flexibility to implement alternative management strategies (Walters 1997, Brown and Ford 2002). Feedback loops between monitoring and management actions can correct for the uncertainty that is inherent in managing complex systems (Stromberg 2001, Clark 2002, Williams 2003). These feedback loops between management activities and monitoring allow researchers and land managers to adjust for changing circumstances (environmental, political, economic, etc) thereby ensuring success in achieving conservation goals. Adaptive management contains an inherent flexibility allowing for multiple conservation actions to be developed, weighed and exercised. Monitoring the effectiveness of those actions relies on a number of mechanisms. These mechanisms may include: 1) Coordination and cooperation with all involved parties (that is: stakeholders, sponsors, agencies, academia, media, and general public); 2) Knowledge of pertinent information gaps and uncertainties relevant to specific conservation actions; 3) Formulation of alternate conservation action endpoints to assist in project organization, efficiency, and budgeting; 4) Monitoring at all scales necessary to determine level of success or failure for those conservation actions implemented; Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 20 5) Flexibility to switch to alternate actions if thresholds are not met; 6) Publication of results of conservation actions in highly accessible form (preferably online in Adobe PDF format); and 7) Self-revising as feedback loops between monitoring and actions frequently update information. Arizona’s CWCS is not meant to be a fixed set of conservation goals and strategies. Rather, the CWCS is a series of processes that can be used to identify Department and partner priorities and appropriate monitoring efforts for wildlife and wildlife habitat on various spatial scales (statewide, statewide within habitat types, habitat types within ecoregions, or site specific). REVISIONS TO THE CWCS WITHIN A 10-YR TIMEFRAME (ELEMENT 6) Arizona’s CWCS is scheduled to be reviewed and revised on a series of 2-yr and 4-yr cycles during its 10-yr timeframe. This review process will be synchronized with the Department’s 2year budget planning cycle that is approved by the State’s Executive and Legislative branches. The Department will use its existing annual performance reports for Federal Aid projects and State Wildlife Grant funds to document progress on CWCS-related activities. The Department will conduct an internal review of the CWCS prior to each 2-yr budget process to address changing priorities, variations in habitat and environmental conditions, and to adaptively manage based on wildlife and habitat responses to conservation actions or treatments (see “Processes to Develop Arizona’s CWCS, Revisions to the CWCS within a 10-yr Timeframe (Element 6)”). Every 4 years, a detailed evaluation of CWCS will be done to assess progress on conservation strategies, species status, important stressors, and to solicit partner and public input. Critical partners and key stakeholders will be asked to participate in the 4-yr reviews with the Department’s internal staff. These evaluations allow “mid-course” corrections within the anticipated 10-year timeframe of the CWCS. Every 4 years, the Department will conduct a detailed evaluation of CWCS progress on conservation strategies, species status, important stressors, and solicit partner and public input. Critical partners and key stakeholders will be asked to participate in the 4-yr reviews with the Department’s CWCS Implementation Team. Constituent input will be solicited using a series of Wildlife Summit workshops, online surveys, and/or open forum meetings. The 4-yr evaluation and revision are intended to allow 2 “mid-course” corrections within the anticipated 10-year timeframe of the CWCS. PROCESSES TO DEVELOP ARIZONA’S CWCS DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATION OF CWCS This section describes the various workgroups, teams, and stakeholder meetings that helped develop Arizona’s CWCS. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 21 Oversight Group The Department’s Wildlife Management Division and Field Operations Division Assistant Directors, Branch Chiefs in the Wildlife Management Division, Information and Education Division, Development Branch, Law Enforcement Branch, and Funds Planning Section Manager and game and fish resource planners participated in this committee. The Oversight Group (or their alternates) met approximately on a monthly basis to provide direction and vision on development of CWCS (March 2004 through May 2005). Specific tasks for the Oversight Group: • Identify potential partners and interested parties (Appendix C); • Promote internal and external outreach of CWCS efforts; • As “process owners,” ensure their staff support CWCS development efforts and meet requested deadlines for deliverables; • Define the format and intent of Wildlife Summits, including survey questions; • Test and evaluate draft threat matrices for the “Ecoregion Workgroup;” • Provide guidance in structuring criteria for species of greatest conservation need, wildlife conservation strategies, plan revision process, and review of written drafts; • Assist the CWCS Planner in specific information needs, evaluation efforts, facilitating development processes, and preparation for Commission updates. Ecoregion Workgroups The Department’s CWCS development team included 6 regional leads (1 from each of the 6 regional offices; a Habitat or Wildlife Program Manager or Nongame Specialist), 5 Nongame Program Managers (representing taxonomic groups for native birds, mammals, reptiles/amphibians, fish, and crustaceans/mollusks) or their alternates, the Nongame Statistician, Nongame Senior GIS Analyst, the Heritage Database Management System (HDMS) Manager, CWCS Planner, a contracted planner from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and game and fisheries specialists. The regional leads, statistician, GIS analyst, and planners were the primary authors of the CWCS plan. Other work unit staff, including representatives in the Oversight Group, assisted in writing various portions of the plan. The CWCS development team met monthly (July 2004 through February 2005). At meetings in August 2004, October 2004, and February 2005, the internal development team was augmented with representatives from state, federal, and tribal land management and regulatory agencies to produce major components of the CWCS. Participation in these meetings is documented in Appendix D. Specific tasks for the Ecoregion Workgroups: • Select a landscape classification system to use in Arizona’s CWCS; • Complete a threat assessment for Arizona’s wildlife and wildlife habitat; • Identify information needs and existing (or planned) operational plans, formal agreements, interagency workgroups, and recovery teams; • Propose and define criteria for wildlife of greatest conservation need; • Define spatially-relevant conservation goals, strategies (metrics), and monitoring efforts; • Promote internal and external outreach of CWCS efforts; Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 • May 24, 2006 Page 22 Assist the CWCS Planner in specific information needs, evaluation efforts, facilitating development processes, and preparation for Commission updates Scientific Reviewers External, recognized experts (university academics, agency professionals, independent scientists, and non-governmental organization specialists) assisted the Department by reviewing draft components of the CWCS: threat assessment, priority species criteria, and conservation strategies. This effort served as an informal peer-review process of Arizona’s CWCS. These individuals on the team were involved in the CWCS review process in April and May 2005 (Appendix E). Coordination with Land Management Partners (Element 7) The Department regularly communicates and coordinates with numerous federal, state, tribal, and local governments, as well as private landowners, as partners in wildlife conservation planning and implementation. The Department has numerous formal partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding, conservation agreements, recovery plans, Habitat Conservation Plans, Safe Harbor Agreements, and various agreements with external agencies, tribes, local governments, and non-government organizations. Specifically for development of the CWCS, the Department invited all federal, state, and tribal land management and natural resource regulatory offices to participate in the Ecoregion Workgroup meetings and Wildlife Summit workshops. Table 5 lists external partners in both the Ecoregion Workgroup and with Wildlife Summits that helped assist in developing Arizona’s CWCS. Table 5. Department partners and interested parties that assisted in developing the CWCS. Federal Land Management/Regulatory Agencies: USFWS US Fish and Wildlife Service USFS US Forest Service BLM Bureau of Land Management NPS National Park Service NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service FHA Federal Highways Administration USDA-WS US Dept of Agriculture-Wildlife Services USBR DOD DHS US Bureau of Reclamation Dept of Defense Dept of Homeland Security-Border Patrol State/Tribal Land Management/Regulatory Entities: ADHS Arizona Dept of Health Services ADA Arizona Dept of Agriculture ASLD Arizona State Land Dept (GIS section) ASP Arizona State Parks ADEQ Arizona Dept of Environmental Quality ADOT Arizona Dept of Transportation Arizona National Guard-Dept of AZ-DEMA Emergency and Military Affairs ADWR Arizona Dept of Water Resources Hualapai Tribe Hopi Tribe Non-Governmental Organizations, Local Governments, and Various Stakeholder Workgroups: The Nature Conservancy Wildlife Conservation Council Arizona Audubon Council Desert Flycasters Arizona ATV Riders Desert Foothills Land Trust Coconino Natural Resources Conservation District Defenders of Wildlife, SW Center Arizona Quail Alliance Wildlands Project Arizona Wildlife Federation Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum Sky Islands Alliance Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory Habitat Partnership Committees Habitat Connectivity Committee All Birds Conservation Initiative Intermountain West Joint Venture Sonoran Joint Venture Partners In Flight Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 23 Table 5. Department partners and interested parties that assisted in developing the CWCS. Grand Canyon Wildlands Council Mohave Sportsman Club Coconino Sportsmen Arizona Heritage Alliance Center for Biological Diversity Arizona Native Plant Society Animal Defense League of Arizona Tucson Herpetological Association Sierra Club, Grand Canyon Chapter Maricopa County Parks and Rec Pima Association of Governments The Phoenix Zoo White Mt Crayfish Working Group Native Fish Conservation Team National Fish Habitat Initiative Mohave County Town of Superior Town of Wickenburg Soliciting Broad Public Participation in Development of the CWCS (Element 8) Wildlife Summits: Representatives of state and federal land management and regulatory agencies, tribal, municipal, and county governments, universities, special interest groups, agriculture and livestock affiliations, private landowner/rancher representatives, power and water utilities, sportsman groups, environmental-conservation groups, outdoor recreational groups, and land trusts were invited to participate in a series of CWCS workshops. These “Wildlife Summit” workshops were designed to address values, perceptions, and priorities for Arizona’s wildlife and natural resources among a wide diversity of the Department’s constituencies. Four summits were held in October 2004. Two summits were in Phoenix (an agency/tribal summit on October 15 and a constituency summit on October 16) and 1 each in Flagstaff (October 23) and Tucson (October 30). For constituents, agency/tribal representatives, and the general public that were unable to attend the workshops, an online summit survey was available November 15–December 6, 2004. Each summit was designed to accommodate up to 100 invited/registered participants (from the CWCS contact list of potential partners) to provide directed feedback on 3 topics: 1) the Department’s 12 general challenges (policies and statutory roles); 2) identify and rank important stressors affecting wildlife and natural habitats statewide; and 3) identify and rank important criteria for determining species of greatest conservation need. Each summit participant used a CoNexus® wireless keypad to respond to a prepared set of survey questions (dual-pair comparisons were used in each of the 3 topics). The online survey, hosted on an external website (subcontracted vendor: Idea Sciences), also used the CoNexus® software to process user input. Gunn Communications, Inc. (a contracted vendor) facilitated the workshops, provided and operated the electronic response system, and compiled results for the Department. Constituency summits were held on Saturdays (as directed by the Commission), and the agency/tribal summit was held on a workday. The Wildlife Summit surveys documented stakeholder and public perceptions of wildlife and habitat issues specific to components of Arizona’s CWCS. Results from the workshops and the online survey are found in supporting documents to Arizona’s CWCS (Gunn 2005a, 2005b). Responsive management surveys: To better establish a foundation for the CWCS, the Department also relied on perspectives from a series of public opinion survey (reports from telephone interviews and sponsored workshops) on various wildlife and outdoor recreation topics. These surveys were conducted between 2001 and 2004: Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 • • • • • • • • • May 24, 2006 Page 24 Report of the Flagstaff and Phoenix Mountain Lion Workshops - August 2004. (AGFD 2004b). Fishing and Hunting 1991-2001: Avid, Casual, and Intermediate Participation Trends. Addendum to the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (Aiken 2004) Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Survey—Arizona: January 2004 (Behavior Research Center 2004) Arizona Residents’ Opinions on the Arizona Game and Fish Department and its Activities – 2004 (Responsive Management 2004) Economic Impact Analysis of Nonconsumptive Wildlife-Related Recreation in Arizona May 2003 (Southwick Associates 2003) Arizona Residents’ Opinions on the Arizona Game and Fish Department and its Activities - March 2003 (Responsive Management 2003a) Arizona Residents’ Attitudes Toward Nongame Wildlife - February 2003 (Responsive Management 2003b) The Economic Importance of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation for the State of Arizona (Silberman 2002). Jonathan Silberman, School of Management, Arizona State University. The Economic Importance of Fishing and Hunting for the State of Arizona (Silberman 2001). Jonathan Silberman, School of Management, Arizona State University. A CWCS webpage on the Department’s website (http://www.azgfd.com/w_c/cwcs.shtml) was launched in July 2004, concurrent with a press release that reached approximately 16,000 email subscribers, media, and partner groups. Press releases, postal mailings, phone calls, and email notifications were made to the 400+ groups/agencies/individuals on the CWCS contact list (Appendix C) in 2004 and early 2005. The CWCS webpage had a comment field for soliciting input from the public and partners on issues and concerns with developing the Arizona plan. Fifty-two CWCS-related comments were received from the Department’s CWCS webpage between July 2004 and May 2005. Twelve additional comments on the CWCS effort were received through correspondence with the CWCS Planner or at Department-hosted events. In late April and early May 2005, the Department hosted a series of open forum public meetings statewide at the start of the 30-day public review of the draft CWCS plan. These meetings were held on weeknights after the business day, and were hosted at each of the Department’s regional offices at least once and the headquarters office twice. Background presentations on the CWCS and the draft plan were coupled with a question/answer session and opportunities for individuals to provide comments. Forty-two constituents and members of the general public participated in these meetings, and provided 110 comments. All relevant comments received were considered in developing Arizona’s CWCS. The Wildlife Summit and online survey reports are available to the public as Adobe PDF files through the Department’s website (http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/cwcs.shtml). Department managers and the Commission reviewed all CWCS-related comments during the development phase of the CWCS in late 2004 and early 2005. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 25 DEVELOPING ARIZONA’S CWCS AT THE HABITAT AND SPECIES SCALES One traditional focus of conservation efforts has been on protecting populations of rare, threatened, or endangered species (White and others 1999). More recently efforts have moved towards identifying and protecting parcels of land believed to contain highly diverse assemblages of various species. These approaches, albeit for different reasons, fall short of providing a comprehensive framework for the Department to allocate its financial and personnel resources. The initial approach conserves species that have reached the brink of extinction, but suffers because the cost and effort involved in rescuing a few species can quickly grow out of proportion to the contribution of those species to overall biodiversity; this is clearly not an efficient or effective use of limited resources. In addition, this approach removes the focus from other, more common species which are also under Department stewardship. The second approach, focusing conservation on areas with high biodiversity, better addresses the needs of many species by conserving the underlying resources upon which they depend. However, the focus on land management puts the Department at a disadvantage because it is not a major land management agency; Department land holdings (Wildlife Areas, hatcheries, office complexes, and the Ben Avery Shooting Facility) represent only about 0.05% of the total area in the State. Instead, the Department must rely on cooperation with its conservation partners to influence their management decisions to include the needs of wildlife and wildlife habitat. In addition, many of the species under Department stewardship, from large ungulates to migratory birds, range over large areas with little regard for management boundaries. In this regard, management must be done at various spatial scales to address the needs of a diverse wildlife population across a state that is both topographically complex and heavily influenced by human activities. Both of these approaches traditionally suffer from their focus on dynamic ecosystems without attention to the dynamic human nexus in which they operate. As the human population of Arizona continues to grow at an increasing rate (US Census Bureau 2005), the effects of human activity will put more stress on wildlife. Urban and rural growth in conjunction with increased recreation pressures often result in habitat fragmentation, deterioration, or complete habitat loss which The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has found to be the greatest threat to species worldwide (Baillie and others 2004). Therefore, stress due to human activities is expected to further impact wildlife in the future. Effective conservation planning must take into account not only the needs of the species, but also the needs of the human population and the effects of human activities on those species and their habitats. What is needed is a multi-scale conservation approach aimed at recovering species that are already at risk while simultaneously preventing further imperilment through habitat conservation. Such an approach requires knowing which species are vulnerable and which human activities threaten them (Pulliam and Babbitt 1997). To prevent further impacts to wildlife and to more effectively use available conservation resources, the Department has adopted a two-pronged approach to conservation planning (Fig. 1). The first prong, the left hand side of Figure 1, takes a landscape level approach, developing conservation actions to address stressors at the habitat level. This approach is meant to benefit all wildlife, both vulnerable and common species, by managing for the resources upon which they Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 26 depend. An example of this type of conservation action would be to identify important wildlife movement corridors that can be protected to minimize habitat fragmentation. It is important to recognize that not all stressors act on the same scale, nor do different species react to stressors or to landscapes at the same scale. For example, raptors experience the landscape at a much larger scale than do most mammals. For raptors and many other birds, roads do not represent significant barriers to movement but for many mammals roads are a primary cause of habitat fragmentation. Arizona’s CWCS uses a multi-scale approach to classifying landscapes within Arizona in order to further facilitate conservation of many species acting at different scales. Specifically, there are 4 levels of landscape classification: 1. Statewide - Coarse scale to address issues that are ubiquitous throughout Arizona. 2. Ecoregion - Wide, regional collections of species and the resources upon which they depend. The ecoregions are modified from those used by TNC in their ecoregional assessments. TNC’s ecoregions are based on and closely follow the US Forest Service ECOMAP framework (Bailey 1994, 1995, 1998). Table 6 delineates the close association between TNC’s ecoregions and Bailey’s provinces. TNC treated all of Apache Highlands as one ecoregion; for the CWCS, the northern (and western) area is treated separately from the southern (and eastern) area. Cooperation with neighboring states and sovereign nations is also addressed at this level. This classification was adopted because the coverage extends past Arizona’s borders into Mexico, tribal lands, and other States—which is anticipated to help facilitate conservation partnerships with those entities. There are 6 identified ecoregions for Arizona’s CWCS: Apache Highlands North (AHN) Apache Highlands South (AHS) Sonoran Desert (SD) Mohave Desert (MD) Colorado Plateau (CP) Arizona-New Mexico Mountains (AZNM) Table 6. Landscape classification schemes in Arizona: a crosswalk of TNC's Ecoregions and Bailey's Sections. TNC’s Ecoregions Apache Highlands (North and West) Apache Highlands (South and East) Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Colorado Plateau Mohave Desert Sonoran Desert Bailey’s Sections Tonto Transition Basin and Range White Mountain – San Francisco Peaks Grand Canyon Lands, Navajo Canyon Lands, Painted Desert Mojave Desert Sonoran Colorado 3. Habitat Types - This level uses the 14 vegetation communities delineated by Brown and Lowe (1974) and 3 riparian/aquatic systems as proxies for wildlife habitat with the understanding that true habitat occurs at multiple scales. This level addresses stressors to wildlife that live in similar habitats or communities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 27 4. Site Specific - Fine scale for the conservation of wildlife populations with very specific habitat needs. This level also captures specific habitat features, such as: snags, nesting cavities, and caves—which are necessary for the well being of many species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 28 Figure 1. Two-pronged approach to wildlife conservation planning in Arizona’s CWCS. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 29 The second prong, parallel to the landscape level approach, consists of continuing and expanding species-specific activities that address the needs of species of greatest conservation need. These species require immediate and specific attention in order to halt or reverse the conditions contributing to their vulnerability. The goals of this two-pronged approach are to proactively prevent further endangerment of all wildlife by managing the habitat on which they depend while simultaneously and aggressively managing conditions for those species which are already vulnerable. In order to accomplish those goals, a number of processes were designed to determine the status and level of threat to habitats as well as species, and then to develop conservation actions for stressors at both the habitat type and species levels. These processes are explained more fully below. IDENTIFYING SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED OR UNKNOWN STATUS (ELEMENT 1) AND FOR MONITORING HABITAT CONDITION (ELEMENT 5) Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1) For Element 1 of Arizona’s CWCS, the Department is required to identify wildlife of conservation priority—described nationally as “Wildlife of Greatest Conservation Need” (WGCN). The Department previously drafted a related list under the same name. To avoid confusion, Arizona’s CWCS will instead refer to “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” (SGCN). Arizona’s Title 17 language describes “wildlife” as all vertebrate species plus crustaceans and mollusks; these are the species for which the Department has statutory management responsibility. The SWG Program (developed in cooperation with the TWW Committee and mandated by the US Congress) has a broader definition of “wildlife” to encompass all species of vertebrates and macroinvertebrates, including insects and arachnids. While many state wildlife agencies (including the Department) do not have legal responsibility for insects and arachnids, some of their CWCS partners—federal, tribal, and other State agencies do have jurisdiction for these species. For the CWCS to be truly comprehensive in managing Arizona’s wildlife, the Department must address the full array of wildlife in the state—game species, nongame species, sport fish, natives, nonnatives, and all macroinvertebrates. Arizona’s comprehensive list of wildlife was built on previous efforts. The Department’s Heritage Data Management System (HDMS) maintains a list of all species reported to exist in Arizona. The HDMS list was checked against other species lists compiled by taxon-based programs (game species, sport fish, nongame mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, native fish, crustaceans, and mollusks) in the Department’s Wildlife Management Division. The Department uses several Commission-approved species lists for funding eligibility among various sources: Arizona’s Heritage Fund Program (a portion of Arizona Lottery revenues), and federal appropriations under the ESA Section 6 Grants, Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson and Wallop-Breaux Acts), Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson Act), and Landowner Incentive Program. Much of the previous work on nongame species focused on their legal protective status (ESAlisted threatened or endangered, candidates, or of State special concern). The 1988 Threatened Native Wildlife in Arizona (AGFD 1988) list of species is used for Department rules governing Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 30 scientific collection permits and wildlife holding permits. The March 16, 1996 version of Wildlife of Special Concern of Arizona (WSCA; AGFD 1996) identifies wildlife in Arizona that are regarded from a state perspective as extinct, extirpated, endangered, or threatened. The WSCA list is used by Department cooperators and outside contractors for projects developed and reviewed under environmental compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, ESA, and other federal laws. The CWCS list of wildlife includes all taxa from these lists. The complete list of wildlife in Arizona’s CWCS includes wildlife identified from the previously mentioned lists as well as compilations of resident and migratory species developed by external partners. The master list was refined by Department taxon experts to ensure that wildlife were identified at the level they are managed. For some species, management is at the level of individual populations (for example desert tortoise), while other species are managed at the specific or sub-specific level. For clarity, the comprehensive list of wildlife is referred to in this plan as the “Master Species List” (see Appendices F through K). The Department only considered those species whose survival depends on the quality of habitat in Arizona. Accidental and casual bird migrants were not included on the list of Arizona wildlife, nor were those species with anecdotal or unconfirmed sightings. Feral mammals and most nonnative or pet trade species that reside in Arizona were not included on the species list, but are addressed in the threat assessment under the “Nuisance animals” category. Nonnative species that are actively managed (most sport fish fall into this category) were included on the Master Species List. As a result, counts of wildlife for Arizona’s CWCS may therefore not correspond exactly to counts on other Department species lists or narratives. The extensive list of insects and arachnids was not included due to insufficient data to adequately assess their management needs. In the interim, habitat types may be used as a proxy for managing these species as part of the community where they occur. Describing Species Distributions Using Ecoregions and Habitat Types (Element 1) Using the ecoregions and habitat types established for Arizona’s CWCS, Department taxon experts used published literature and external species occurrence resources to document ecoregions and habitat types used in any life history stage by each crustacean, mollusk, and vertebrate species. Habitat types previously occupied by extirpated species were also identified. This information is compiled in a relational database and GIS layer. Other macroinvertebrates will be assessed in a later iteration of the CWCS, when more information on their occurrence and status is available. Describing Species Status Related to Habitat- and Species-level Conservation (Element 1) All species on the Master Species List were evaluated under the criteria outlined below. Arizona’s CWCS uses 4 categories (Table 7) that reflect separate, independent ways to describe a species’ conservation status. The 4 categories reflect 15 specific criteria used to evaluate each wildlife species in Arizona (Appendix L). These criteria were adapted from a list of SGCN concepts to consider by the TWW Committee (TWW 2003b), stakeholder input through Arizona’s Wildlife Summit workshops (Gunn 2005a) and an online summit survey (Gunn 2005b), Department staff, and external land management and natural resource regulatory Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 31 agencies and tribes (Appendix D). These categories were designed to capture the diversity and health of Arizona’s wildlife. Many of the 15 criteria overlap previous evaluative efforts (ESA listings or candidate reviews, WSCA, interagency sensitive species lists, and Heritage/IUCN assessments). Department taxon experts also solicited input from agency staff and outside experts to generate ratings of species for the other criteria. Table 7. Categories for describing conservation status of wildlife in Arizona. Species were rated using the associated criteria under each category (see Appendix L for details). Status Category Criteria Keystone and strongly interactive species Community Focal Home range size Habitat quality indicators Responsibility status Responsibility Administrative protection status on tribal lands in Arizona Administrative protection status in Mexico Federal or state legal status (ESA and WSCA) Extirpated status Imperiled status (Heritage global rank) Declining status Vulnerability Disjunct status Demographic status Concentration status Element occurrence (includes endemics) Fragmentation status All criteria used to score “Vulnerability” category—priority species Unknown Status are those for which there is not sufficient information to rate this species for ‘Vulnerability’ Wildlife Summit participants provided input on criteria to determine whether individual species should be prioritized for conservation management (Gunn 2005a, 2005b). These criteria overlapped completely with the criteria used in the CWCS, except in one aspect. Wildlife Summit participants suggested inclusion of “future threats to wildlife and natural habitats” and “potential for recovery and conservation success” as considerations for identifying species of greatest conservation need. Both of those concepts are used to prioritize CWCS conservation actions for species instead of prioritizing the species themselves. These considerations also are part of developing annual operational plans for species and habitat management, and part of the decision-making processes used by the Department and its partners for funding of wildliferelated projects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 32 Identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) Species on the Master List that rated “1” for any criteria under the Vulnerability category (Table 7; Appendix L) are SGCN and were designated to have the highest priority for directed conservation management. Vulnerable species require conservation actions aimed at improving conditions for those species through intervention at the population or habitat level. Over 300 species were identified as SGCN (Appendix M); however, a subset of these requires most immediate attention. Species that rated “1” for Vulnerability were further separated into 3 tiers of priorities (1a, 1b, and 1c). The criteria defined below are based on current Department stakeholder commitments, legal obligations, and species of special concern lists both within and outside of the agency. Species in Tier 1a and 1b are in most immediate need of conservation, and will be addressed as part of the initial implementation of Arizona’s CWCS. Tier 1a: Scored “1” for Vulnerability and match at least one of the following: - Federally listed species - Candidate species - Existence of a signed conservation agreement - Require monitoring following delisting Tier 1b: Scored “1” for Vulnerability, do not match the above criteria, but do match at least one of the following: - Is petitioned for listing - Is high priority in the Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan or occurs on any of the following species of special concerns lists: • BLM Sensitive Species • USFS Sensitive Species • NPS Sensitive Species • Pima County Priority Vulnerable Species • Trilateral Committee Species of Common Concern • Federal Species of Concern • WSCA Tier 1c: Scored “1” for Vulnerability, but match none of the above criteria. Identifying Species of Unknown Status (Element 1) For some species, insufficient information currently exists to assess the Vulnerability status of the species. Information may be lacking about population size or dynamics, or available habitat size, condition, or fragmentation. Of the 225 species that met this criterion, taxon experts identified a subset that warrants more immediate attention in the next few years. This subset included species that taxon or other scientific experts suspect might be declining, but for which definitive information was unavailable. Appropriate surveys and monitoring will be developed to determine the status of any species considered as an immediate priority. Appendix N assigns species that warrant immediate attention to ecoregions where they occur; specific information on the habitats they use is given under the respective ecoregion heading in “Ecoregion-Specific Habitat Conditions (Element 2).” Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 33 Identifying Species for Monitoring Habitat Condition (Element 5) Species on the Master Species List that rated “1” for any criteria under the Responsibility or Community/Focal categories (Table 7; Appendix L) were designated as species that could be monitored to describe the condition of Arizona habitats. Criteria under the Responsibility category rank species higher if their global status is largely a function of their status in Arizona, if they contribute to the unique character of wildlife in Arizona compared to other parts of the United States, or if they have unique value to sovereign nations that interact with Arizona to conserve wildlife. The ‘Responsibility’ category was designed to give importance to species that are uniquely represented in the United States by their Arizona populations. Community/Focal species criteria indicate important ties between the species and the larger ecosystem. Ratings for all species in each ecoregion for these 2 criteria are provided in Appendices F through K. IDENTIFYING HABITATS OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED (ELEMENT 2) Habitats of Value to Communities of Wildlife The Department is required to define and identify habitats of greatest conservation need. The classic definition of habitat is the environment in which an animal of a certain species can survive and reproduce or, more simply, any place where the species occurs (Odum 1971). Since many animals are closely associated with specific vegetation types, these are often used as proxies for habitat. However, this oversimplified definition fails to capture the spatial dimensions inherent in habitat. In reality, habitat must be defined at a scale appropriate to the organism of interest. For example, a remnant patch of desert vegetation in an urban environment might be more than sufficient to support a population of Gambel’s quail, but would be seriously inadequate for a population of pronghorn antelope. Furthermore, simply protecting large natural areas from degradation is not enough to insure healthy ecosystems and habitats. One must also consider the dynamic and varied nature of ecosystems (Sanderson and others 2002). Landscapes are not consistent in physical structure or vegetation types, but are composed of a number of different elements or patches dispersed throughout, which are in a state of constant change (Pickett and Cadenasso 1995, Koehler 2000). Landscape heterogeneity, or variation across space, is created and maintained by underlying geomorphological features such as soil and topography; disturbance processes such as fire or human activities (Pickett and White 1985, Barton 1994); climate and microclimate effects (Allen and Breshears 1998); environmental gradients (Allen and Peet 1990, Barton 1994); and sometimes the organisms themselves, like beavers (Wright and others 2002) and humans. This variability in structure and vegetation results in a non-random dispersion of wildlife and humans across the landscape. Most wildlife and humans tend to concentrate their activities in those areas that are best suited to their needs. At some scale, many organisms rely on landscape variability for survival. A good example of this is an amphibian that spends a large part of its life in a terrestrial habitat but must return to an aquatic habitat to reproduce. Many other organisms also use multiple habitats (for example to breed, hide, or feed), rely on temporary or permanent concentrations of resources, and move around the landscape in non-random ways according to the distribution of resources (Gardner and others 1989, Szacki and Liro 1991, Etzenhouser 1998, McIntyre and Wiens 1999, Semlitsch and Bodie 2003). Questions that might be asked include: does the species depend on large, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 34 contiguous areas of habitat or can it tolerate (or even require) some level of non-contiguous or fragmented habitat? If the species uses different habitat types, how must those types be interspersed and connected in a landscape? In other words, not only the spatial extent, but the spatial distribution of habitat patches on the landscape is important. Furthermore, movement between patches must be assured through the presence of appropriate corridors. Arizona is a large, topographically complex state with a wide variety of land uses ranging from highly protected areas such as federal wildernesses to highly developed urban areas. Wildlife exist and use every habitat type in the state and often rely on variability within and between habitat types to survive. The Department has therefore identified all habitat types as inherently valuable to the natural heritage of Arizona and worthy of conservation actions. Using a multiscale approach, Arizona’s CWCS describes statewide, habitat-level, and regional habitat issues. In future iterations of Arizona’s CWCS, the Department hopes to further refine the landscape classification to include finer scale habitat needs. This would require a comprehensive GIS based habitat analysis, that due to time and data restraints, was not feasible at this time. Instead, the Department chose to expend effort on identifying relative stressors, species of greatest conservation need, and information gaps. During this process, the Department has identified specific data gaps that need to be addressed prior to performing a comprehensive statewide landscape analysis. These gaps include but are not limited to species distributions, species habitat needs, location of relevant structures such as right of way fencing, culverts, utility towers, location of wildlife corridors, migration pathways, locations of sensitive habitats, and direction of future growth. Many data gaps can be filled through cooperation with the Department’s partners to consolidate existing or collect new information, and others will require GIS-based modeling to fill. Concentrating on the other aspects of the plan first enabled the Department to better plan the landscape analysis necessary to identify the location and relative conditions of key habitats and communities as required in Element 2, in regards to species of greatest conservation need. Specifically, this analysis needs to identify and/or locate: 1) Sensitive habitats 2) Key wildlife corridors and migration pathways 3) Core habitat areas 4) Threatened habitat (from development) 5) Key conservation areas 6) Species richness distributions 7) Native-dominated riparian areas 8) Vegetation communities 9) Land uses Habitats of Value to Species of Greatest Conservation Need Department taxon experts described the distributions of all species in Arizona by identifying occupied habitat types within each ecoregion (Appendices F through K). Distributions of SGCN requiring immediate attention are also listed in “Ecoregion-Specific Habitat Conditions (Element 2)” under each ecoregion (Table 16 through Table 21). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 35 ASSESSING STRESSORS/THREATS TO ARIZONA’S WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITATS (ELEMENT 3) Arizona’s biodiversity–the number and types of species and genetic resources–is the result of the climate, geography, and biological history of this region. The biological resources of Arizona are not a random assemblage, but a co-evolved one. The ability to conserve these resources now and into the future depends on the ability to integrate human activities into the landscapes in a way that least disturbs Arizona’s ecosystems. Not all human activities are equally disruptive of the natural processes in this State, so the most effective conservation will address stressors that have the largest impact, and those that are emerging in the next decade. Generating a Comprehensive List of Stressors in Arizona To develop a list of potential stressors to wildlife and natural habitats in Arizona, Department staff adapted national conventions for describing categories and classes of threats (CMP 2004a). This framework was used by many other States in their CWCS plans as a standard for naming and defining threats, and will aid in addressing and working on multi-state conservation issues. (Table 8). State, federal, and tribal partners assisted the Department in conducting a detailed threat assessment for the CWCS that identified important stressors specific to wildlife resources in Arizona. Many identified stressors in Arizona’s threat assessment are based on legal and accepted recreational or economic pursuits, national security actions, or for public safety/use. Table 8. National convention of threat categories and classes used in Arizona’s CWCS threat assessment. Threat Category Threat Class Housing and urban development Agricultural operations Habitat Conversion - Intentional conversion of natural Recreation areas habitat that is detrimental to wildlife use and survival; Destructive resource harvesting causes loss or degradation of wildlife habitat and Management of nature to improve available forage. human welfare Military activities Roads Transportation and Infrastructure - Development of Railroads corridors/passages for transportation use, movement of resources, and relaying communications; increases Overhead utility lines and towers wildlife mortality and fragmentation of wildlife habitat. Shipping Lanes Drilling Abiotic Resource Use - Extraction or use of rock, minerals, metals, fuels, and water; causes direct or Mining indirect impacts to wildlife habitat. Water use Hunting, trapping, and fishing Gathering Consumptive Use of Biological Resources - Harvest or use of plant and animal populations that impacts wildlife Forest and woodland distribution and fitness, or ecosystem processes. management Grazing Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 36 Table 8. National convention of threat categories and classes used in Arizona’s CWCS threat assessment. Threat Category Threat Class Motor-powered recreation Non-consumptive Resource Use - Activities that have Non-motorized recreation an incidental but negative impact to wildlife or their Military activities habitats. Scientific research Chemicals and toxins Nutrient loads Pollution - Introduction and spread of unwanted matter Solid waste and energy into ecosystems from point and non-point sources; causes increased mortality of wildlife and Waste or residual materials degradation of their habitats and available forage. Noise from low-level flights Light pollution Invasive Species - Introduction and/or spread of Invasive plants unwanted nonnative and native organisms into Invasive animals ecosystems; increases wildlife predation, competition, Pathogens and reduced fitness or loss of wildlife habitat and Introduced genetic material available forage. Climate Change - Long-term changes linked to global Habitat shifting and alteration warming and ozone depletion; causes increased mortality of wildlife and degradation of their habitats Climate variability and available forage. Changes in Ecological Processes - Alteration of Habitat-wide processes ecological processes outside of the natural range of Species-linked processes variation, to the detriment of wildlife and their habitats. Under the classes, stressors are listed and described so that their relevance is in a statewide context. For instance, the threat category ‘Habitat Conversion’ is universally understood to mean loss or destruction of natural habitat; change in land use may further habitat fragmentation and/or degradation. Under the category of ‘Habitat Conversion,’ all States using this convention will include a class for ‘Recreational sites and facilities,’ but only some States will highlight ‘ski resorts’ as a specific stressor. A detailed threat assessment was conducted to identify and evaluate a list of stressors to wildlife and natural habitats in Arizona. During these threat assessments, Ecoregion Workgroup participants (Appendix O) identified stressors that were unique or of greater influence to borderland areas in both the Sonoran Desert and Apache Highlands South ecoregions. “International Border Issues” include direct or indirect impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat from illegal immigration or smuggling traffic and enforcement efforts. These same stressors were addressed differently in each state with border issues; the Department opted to create a new category for this issue, since existing stressor classes for military activities, for instance, do not encompass behaviors of illegal border traffic, nor do they highlight the barrier created to wildlife movement by all of these activities along a linear border. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 37 Arizona’s original CWCS included a Core Plan that corresponds to the current Executive Summary, and was approved by the Commission. The following table of threat categories and classes encompass the stressors identified during the Ecoregion Workgroup’s threat assessment and deemed feasible for conservation action in the initial implementation of Arizona’s CWCS (Table 9). Table 9. Threat categories and classes originally addressed by conservation actions in Arizona's CWCS. Threat Category Threat Class Housing and urban development Habitat Conversion - Intentional conversion Agricultural operations of natural habitat that is detrimental to Recreation areas wildlife. Wildlife use of the area or survival Destructive resource harvesting are jeopardized due to degradation of Management of nature to improve human wildlife habitat and available forage. welfare Transportation and Infrastructure Roads Development of corridors/passages for Railroads transportation use, movement of resources, and relaying communications that increases Overhead utility lines and towers wildlife mortality or fragmentation of wildlife habitat. Abiotic Resource Use – Extraction or use of Drilling rock, minerals, metals, fuels, and water that Mining causes direct or indirect negative impacts to Water use wildlife habitats. Consumptive Use of Biological Resources – Gathering Harvest or use of plant and animal Forest and woodland management populations in a manner that negatively impacts wildlife distribution and fitness, or Grazing ecosystem processes. Non-consumptive Resource Use – Motor-powered recreation Activities that have an incidental, but Non-motorized recreation negative impact to wildlife or their habitats. Pollution - Introduction and spread of Chemicals and toxins unwanted matter and energy into ecosystems Nutrient loads from point and non-point sources that causes Solid waste increased mortality of wildlife or Waste or residual materials degradation of their habitats and available Noise from low-level flights forage. Invasive plants Invasive Species - Introduction and/or Invasive animals spread of unwanted nonnative and native organisms into ecosystems outside their Pathogens natural range that increases wildlife Introduced genetic material Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 38 Table 9. Threat categories and classes originally addressed by conservation actions in Arizona's CWCS. Threat Category Threat Class predation, competition, and reduced fitness or loss of wildlife habitat and available forage. Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat-wide processes Alteration of ecological processes outside of the natural range of variation, to the Species-linked processes detriment of wildlife and their habitats. Identifying Stressors in each Habitat Type Representatives from State and federal land management agencies, natural resource regulatory authorities, and Native American tribes were invited to participate in a threat assessment for Arizona’s CWCS. Two Ecoregion Workgroup meetings were held in August 2004, one in Phoenix for the southern half of the State and one in Flagstaff for the northern half. Participants worked in break-out groups representing each ecoregion (Appendix D) where they provided local expertise in evaluating stressors. To ensure the comprehensiveness of this assessment, teams of at least 10 people who had expertise in ecosystems and particular species or taxonomic groups were formed for each ecoregion (Appendix D). Table 10. Rating criteria for components used to estimate the importance of each stressor in the Arizona CWCS threat assessment. Component: Magnitude Rating: Area Affected: Or % Targets Affected: Or Degree of Impact: Extreme (4) Throughout (>50%) Most or all (>50%) Severe damage or loss High (3) Widespread (15-50%) Many (25-50%) Significant damage Medium (2) Scattered (5-15%) Some (5-20%) Moderate damage Low (1) Local or none (<5%) Few or none (>5%) Little or no damage Component: Urgency Rating: Time that impacts start: Likelihood of threat in next 10 yrs: Extreme (4) Current (<1 yr) Existing (100%) High (3) Imminent (1-3 yrs) High probability (50-99%) Medium (2) Near-term (3-10 yrs Moderate probability (10-49%) Low (1) Long-term (>10 yrs) Low probability or None (0-9%) Conventions adapted from Salafsky and others (2003) Each group was asked to evaluate impacts from each stressor in terms of the individual components of Magnitude and Urgency, using the ratings low, medium, high, or extreme (Table 10). Participants were asked to score these 2 components for each vegetation community or riparian/aquatic system within in each ecoregion to: 1) describe the extent to which each stressor is an issue now or is expected to become an issue in the near future; and 2) describe the extent of Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 39 impacts from each stressor on ecosystem processes by affecting species diversity, resilience, and primary productivity. Once individual stressors were scored, the importance of each stressor per landscape was rated as low, medium, high, or extreme based on the Magnitude and Urgency components. The ratings were translated into scores of 1, 2, 3, or 4, respectively. Next, values for the 2 components were multiplied together, and their square-root taken to get an overall importance value that also ranged from 1 to 4. Stressors evaluated to have a high (3) to extreme (4) level of impact to landscape structures or processes were flagged for developing a list of conservation strategies and actions/opportunities. Important stressors to wildlife and wildlife habitat are described under “Major Stressors Affecting Habitat” under each habitat type in “Ecoregion-Specific Habitat Conditions (Element 2).” Identifying Stressors to SGCN Stressors may have a different impact on a single species than they have on the community; indeed stressors that do not significantly impact entire communities may nonetheless have considerable impact on individual species. Stressors that impact SGCN in Tier 1a and Tier 1b were identified by Department taxon experts. Stressors were considered if they have high or medium impacts to each species. For this exercise, the stressor categories provided by CMP (2004a) were further expanded to include “Species-level stressors” that encompasses stressors that impact species but not landscapes. Trade-Offs to Make a Comprehensive Threat Assessment Less Complex In these assessments, there are some trade-offs related to the Department’s attempts to make the threats open to evaluation by wildlife and habitat experts. One trade-off is that each stressor is identified in the fashion it is most easily understood. For example, the impacts of recreational facilities are many and diffuse, but are traditionally and most effectively addressed at the point source, so resource managers tend to consider these impacts (from habitat conversion, pesticide and fertilizer use, water consumption) under one heading. Other stressors arise from non-point sources, and are addressed by managers where they have impacts. Thus, “soil erosion” arises from many sources, but managers are aware of it by its impacts. In order for stressors to be described as they are perceived by resource managers, there should be no expectation that individual stressors are mutually exclusive. Since different stressors may measure the same activity, there is no way to effectively add together the impact of all stressors in a given habitat type. For example, roads are constructed in the service of livestock and agriculture operations, public utility maintenance, woodland and forest management, and off-highway vehicle recreation. All of these activities are treated separately as potential stressors, as is road building itself. It would therefore not be reasonable to add together the magnitude of all these threats in a habitat type. Interactions between potential stressors were not considered, due to the magnitude of such a task. There are essentially an infinite number of ways to consider interactions among a list of approximately 70 individual potential stressors. It is clear that some of the individual stressors that were evaluated are also interrelated in ways that have significant impacts on wildlife and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 40 natural habitats. For example, “nonnative plant invasion,” “road building,” and “altered fire regimes” present risks to wildlife that could be addressed collectively. DEVELOPING CONSERVATION STRATEGIES AND IDENTIFYING INFORMATION NEEDS (ELEMENT 4) Active management to benefit species may be targeted at individual species or at the habitats they use. One set of priority conservation actions was developed assuming that restoration of ecosystem structure, processes, and functions would provide the most benefit to the most species. Some species, however, are already in compromised status, and warrant attention to impacts that may have only local effects. In the parallel process for species-level conservation planning, conservation actions were prioritized based on their ability to address stressors impacting SGCN. Prioritizing Conservation Actions Based on Impact to Habitat Types Through the threat assessment exercise (see “Identifying Stressors in each Habitat Type”), stressors with the largest magnitude and immediacy were identified for each habitat type in each ecoregion. For each stressor, a comprehensive list of actions was compiled that could be taken to reduce major impacts. Any action addressing significant stressors in a habitat type has priority under Arizona’s CWCS. The stressors are compiled by ecoregion and habitat type in “EcoregionSpecific Habitat Conditions (Element 2),” whereas the comprehensive list of appropriate actions for each of these stressors is under “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to Habitats (Element 4).” For each stressor that was identified as important in at least one habitat type within Arizona, Ecoregion Workgroup participants developed comprehensive lists of actions or opportunities that would reduce the effect of each stressor. At the same time, the groups identified some barriers to effectively addressing these threats; these barriers were compiled as “information needs.” Information needs were identified at each stage in the CWCS planning process. These information needs and the conservation actions were rolled up into less operational “strategies” that are reported in Table 3 and Table 4. Each conservation action will be considered for operational planning as appropriate. The Department uses a 3-tiered planning approach with implementation plans developed to address specific operational plan elements, each of which must tier to specific strategic plan elements (“Implementation of Conservation Actions, Surveys, and Research,” below). Conservation actions will be implemented where feasible and appropriate, subject to applicable environmental compliance review, and in cooperation with key land managers. CWCS actions are comprehensive in scope—many are outside of the Department’s authority and direct control, but identify goals to be developed and implemented by other key stakeholders (Appendix P). Note that Appendix P recommends key partners for implementing each strategy, but does not imply commitment of any specific entity to those tasks. Prioritizing Conservation Actions Based on Impact to SGCN For each of the stressors identified for each SGCN in Tier 1a or Tier 1b, Department taxon experts identified conservation actions that would have the most impact to benefit the species. These conservation actions were selected from the comprehensive list of actions developed for Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 41 these stressors having impacts at the habitat-level, or novel actions were developed to address species-specific needs. The list of Tier 1a and Tier 1b species, high and medium impact stressors, and species-specific conservation actions are in “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4).” Information Needs for Species of Greatest Conservation Need Presently, the Department does not have detailed habitat requirements for all SGCN. Information on the status and distribution of Arizona’s wildlife is documented in hundreds of existing technical reports developed by the Department’s Research Branch and Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, as well as game management surveys by the Department’s regional offices and Game Branch. Arizona’s Heritage Data Management System (HDMS) abstracts for Arizona wildlife are available through the Department website (http://azgfd.gov/w_c/edits/species_concern.shtml). Presently, the Department has not compiled detailed habitat requirements for all SGCN. Most research and baseline information from the above sources lacks information on habitat needs (or thresholds), and instead documents suitable or preferred habitats. In order for the Department to develop conservation planning integrating all SGCN at appropriate habitat scales, gaps in the understanding of habitat requirements for some species will have to be addressed. Arizona’s current CWCS plan addressed this uncertainty by using the same habitat types to classify all SGCN. These habitat types are closely related to the distribution reporting in Appendices F through K. Questions about the distributions of some species remain. Using the scoring system in Table 11, Department taxon experts evaluated their confidence in the distribution used to report each species. These scores are given in the Master species lists in Appendices F through K. These uncertainties regarding species distributions and habitat requirements are addressed under the first 2 information needs in Table 3. Table 11. Scoring used to report confidence in species' distributions. Rating Confidence level 1 Completely confident 2 Somewhat confident 3 Information from possibly outdated sources 4 Not confident Implementation of Conservation Actions, Surveys, and Research Over the past 6 years, the Department has directed its Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program to develop multispecies conservation plans that address management needs at larger, landscape levels. These multispecies plans represent the future direction of the Department to address species with and without specific legal protection status. This CWCS highlights those multi-species and -agency plans that have already been developed and implemented, and describes similar plans that are in development. Like the existing multispecies and habitatoriented Arizona Bat Conservation Strategic Plan and the Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 42 planning efforts that are underway will include identification of conservation needs. Conservation actions from Arizona’s CWCS will be directly incorporated in future plans and will result in interagency cooperation towards these ends. For its specific implementation commitments, the Department uses a 3-tiered planning process that includes Strategic, Operational, and Implementation planning. The CWCS is unique in that it identifies stressors, threats, and actions that are pertinent to all 3 planning levels. The Department’s Strategic plans are developed for each of the 4 Department programs: Wildlife Management, Watercraft, Off-Highway Vehicle, and Business Administration. However, an effort is currently underway to develop one Strategic Plan for the Department that covers all programs. Before strategic planning is finalized, it undergoes review and approval by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Once adopted, strategies are used for operational planning; the second tier of the Department’s planning process (AGFD 2004a). The 4 Department programs pass approved strategies to the following 6 focal areas within each program: Conservation, Recreation, Information and Education, Laws and Law Enforcement, Research, and Administration. In the third tier of planning, individual work units develop annual Implementation Plans. Actions identified in the plan provide focal areas for both Operational and Implementation plans. Concurrent to the development of any of those plans, priorities of CWCS will need to be assessed and integrated into the plans. CWCS strategies and actions built in to plans represent partnership opportunities or may be completed solely by the Department. CWCS strategies and actions not included in Department plans provide opportunities for external partner conservation actions. CWCS RELATIONAL DATABASE All data collected and generated during the CWCS processes are stored in one centralized relational database (CWCS database). The CWCS database is meant to be “living” in that any changes or edits to numerous components of the CWCS can be made in real time and instantly compiled, linked, and applied to all other relevant areas. For example, a change to a single stressor would automatically be reported at the habitat type and species levels, and in applicable planning documents. In addition, the centralized location of all data facilitates sharing of information and planning across work units and among cooperators. The structure of the CWCS database is complex but can be conceptualized as consisting of four main areas: Species, Stressors, Habitat types and Documents. Each of these areas consists of multiple tables which are interrelated and will be explained in more detail below. Figure 2 shows the simplified structure of the CWCS database. The main areas of the CWCS database are shown in the large boxes. Arrows connecting those boxes, indicate relationships between different areas. The direction of the arrow indicates the type of relationship. For example, the double headed arrow between “Stressors” and “Habitat types” indicates that all Stressors are linked to one or more “Habitat types” and all “Habitat types” are linked to one or more “Stressors”. The single headed arrow between “Species” and “Documents” indicates that while all “Documents” are linked to one or more “Species”, the converse is not necessarily true. Not all “Species” are linked to specific “Documents”. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 43 The species section of the database contains the Master Species List of all wildlife that are managed in Arizona. Species information may be retrieved grouped by taxon or by the individual species scientific or common name. Each species is linked to specific information including but not limited to: scores for all criteria used to determine species status (Table 7), conservation priority level (Appendix L), the habitat types used by the species (Table 16 – Table 21), species specific stressors, and actions to address those stressors (see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4)”). This allows any species or group of species to be retrieved based on geographic distribution, vulnerability status, and/or threat level. The stressors section contains all data collected during the threat assessment exercise (Appendix O). The main table for this section contains a comprehensive list of habitat type and species level stressors, their definitions, and the stress categories to which they belong. Stressors are linked to habitat types and the scores for magnitude and urgency (Table 10) within each of the habitat types. In addition, as indicated in Figure 2, each stressor is associated with specific conservation actions (See “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to Habitats (Element 4)”) which may be applied at either the habitat or species level. Figure 2. Structure of the CWCS Relational Database The habitat types section of the database contains a comprehensive list of all habitat types in Arizona. The habitat types are linked to ecoregions, species, and stressors. This section also links Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 44 the CWCS database to a geographical information system (GIS) allowing species and stressors to be placed in a spatial context. The documents portion of the database contains references to planning documents and conservation agreements, both signed and draft, that the Agency is involved with. Each document is linked to the ecoregions, species, and stressors that it applies to (Appendix P). In addition, documents are linked to a separate table containing the partners involved in each plan. This section also provides a document tracking mechanism which facilitates cooperation between work units and among cooperators. The Department plans to expand this section of the CWCS database to include habitat types and conservation actions specific to each document. These additions will allow the CWCS database to be linked to the Field Operations Division database in order to track the implementation of conservation actions. At the current time most documents in the CWCS database are conservation agreements and planning documents. In the future, the Department will also be adding MOU’s and other pertinent conservation documents to the CWCS database. MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT (ELEMENT 5) To develop the Monitoring and Adaptive Management sections for the State’s CWCS, existing Department processes were first assessed and then additional components were identified in order to better align implementation and monitoring with Arizona’s CWCS. Monitoring Current monitoring programs are established depending upon the Department's commitments, resources and funding priorities. By necessity, the 183 SGCN species in Tier 1a and 1b comprise the majority of monitoring efforts and were designed to fulfill requirements of various conservation agreements, recovery plans, safe harbor agreements, and others. The Department has established and participates in other monitoring programs with a variety of intended goals and histories of development, as illustrated in the following partial list. Habitat and species monitoring are integral to management of a number of properties owned by the Department (for example, Sipe native fish monitoring). Through the Department's Heritage Fund IIAPM program, various "windows" (eligible species, habitats or conservation needs) are identified for which proposals are solicited for research and monitoring. The Department has benefited greatly from this program which has resulted in current and planned monitoring (for example, narrowheaded gartersnake surveys and monitoring). Habitat management plans have been developed with other agencies (for example, San Pedro Habitat Management Plan). In addition, the Department participates in ongoing cooperative efforts with nongovernmental organizations and the private sector (for example, Audubon Society IBA's and Christmas Bird Counts). Despite the Department’s active involvement in large-scale monitoring activities, clearly there remain many gaps in our understanding of management and conservation needs of Arizona's wildlife. Arizona’s CWCS plan addresses conservation needs for species that do not necessarily qualify under other existing funding “windows.” For instance, of the 183 Tier 1a and tier 1b species 144 are not identified as threatened or endangered under the ESA. Lack of monitoring for these species will be remedied under CWCS. The Department is continually engaged in the Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 45 development of monitoring efforts, and over the past 6 years has directed its Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program to develop multispecies conservation plans that address management needs at larger, landscape levels. These multispecies plans represent the future direction of the Department to address species without specific legal protection status, and will complement existing monitoring priority given to Tier 1a and 1b species and those for which funding is available. This CWCS highlights those multi-species and –agency plans that have already been developed and implemented, and describes similar plans that are in development. Like the existing multispecies and habitat-oriented Arizona Bat Conservation Strategic Plan and the Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative, planning efforts that are underway will include identification of monitoring and conservation needs. This new type of planning that is underway is also notable in that, where possible, it tiers from national and/or regional conservation planning efforts. This has enabled the state plans to implement standards that are understood and applied in other projects in Arizona and throughout North America. This sort of standardization of monitoring measures and metrics is an active area of work in wildlife conservation, and much of it is still in development (for example, Gibbs and others 1998, Dinsmore and others 2002, MacKenzie and others 2003, Schoonmaker and Luscombe 2005). Although several land management agencies plan to develop regional habitat monitoring guidelines/plans, none are yet in process in that apply to Arizona. Instead, during this transition period at least, the Department will build on its existing strengths by utilizing existing and proposed monitoring of individual and multispecies groups to capture the conditions of habitats where they occur. To this end, the Department has identified 116 Responsibility species and 311 Community/Focal species that are resources for describing habitat conditions. Adaptive Management Additional CWCS Ecoregion Workgroup meetings will need to be convened with Department partners and other stakeholders to define quantifiable performance measures and identify partner priorities among the list of conservation actions and information needs. The Department’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program is in the process of developing taxon-based management plans, similar to the efforts already completed for bird species with the Arizona Partners In Flight Conservation Plan (Latta and others 1999) and for bats in the Arizona Bat Conservation Strategic Plan (Hinman and Snow 2003). These taxon-based plans are envisioned as implementation plans, bridging the strategic goals of the CWCS with the operational activities and stakeholder responsibilities identified in numerous recovery plans, conservation agreements, and other partnership-designed initiatives and agreements. Because implementation plans must tier to existing strategic goals and operational approaches, reporting on these plans can be used to report on accomplishments under CWCS. A Field Operations Division (FOD) database for prioritizing and tracking work activities is currently in use. The database allows for the activities to be linked to specific reporting criteria such as CWCS stressors, and can be modified to link the updates to any reporting mechanism entered into the program. These work unit activity databases, along with associated narrative, become Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 46 their annual Implementation Plans. Further incorporation of CWCS reporting will be accomplished by linking the FOD database to the CWCS database. REVISIONS TO THE CWCS WITHIN A 10-YR TIMEFRAME (ELEMENT 6) The Oversight Group developed a schedule for review and revising Arizona’s CWCS (Table 12). This review process will be synchronized with the Department’s 2-year budget planning cycle that is approved by the State’s Executive and Legislative branches. Arizona’s CWCS will be evaluated internally prior to the start of each 2-yr budget process to allow the Department opportunities to amend the CWCS to address changing priorities, variations in habitat and environmental conditions, and to adaptively manage based on wildlife and habitat responses to conservation actions or treatments. A “CWCS Implementation Team,” likely comprised of Department representatives from the Oversight Group and Ecoregion Workgroup, will conduct the 2-yr cycle internal reviews. Table 12. Schedule for CWCS review and revision aligned with the Department's budget cycle. FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 July-1-2004 to June-30-2005 July-1-2005 to June-30-2006 Develop initial CWCS plan Submit CWCS for approval in July 2005 Budget process CWCS 10-yr timeframe FY11 July-1-2010 to June-30-2011 July-1-2006 to June-30-2007 Internal review - amend CWCS by Apr 2012 July-1-2008 to June-30-2009 Internal review - amend CWCS by Apr 2008 2-yr budget process Year 1 FY12 July-1-2011 to June-30-2012 July-1-2007 to June-30-2008 Year 2 FY13 July-1-2012 to June-30-2013 4-yr review partners / public in Feb 2010 2-yr budget process Year 3 FY14 July-1-2013 to June-30-2014 July-1-2009 to June-30-2010 Year 4 FY15 July-1-2014 to June-30-2015 4-yr review partners / public in Feb 2014 Budget process Year 5 FY16 July-1-2015 to June-30-2016 Internal review amend CWCS by Apr 2016 Budget 2-yr budget 2-yr budget Budget process process process process Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 1 Note: State fiscal year (FY) is not aligned with the Federal fiscal year (October 1 to September 30 of the following year). Each 2-yr budget cycle process starts in Spring of the second half of the fiscal year, with the proposed budget to the Commission in June, the State’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budget review in August, and to the State Legislature in January of the next fiscal year. ARIZONA’S WILDLIFE AND HABITATS (ELEMENT 2) The State of Arizona contains approximately 73 million acres with a large range of topographic and geologic diversity. Elevations in Arizona range from about 75 ft above sea level (near Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 47 Yuma) up to 12,643 feet at its highest point (San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff). Generally, elevation increases moving from west to east and from south to north. Precipitation ranges from less than 3 inches to over 30 inches per year depending on elevation and location. Most precipitation in Arizona comes from summer monsoons and winter storms carrying moisture from the Pacific Ocean. The Sonoran Desert in the southwest corner of the State typically receives near equal amounts of summer and winter rain. Winter rain or snow dominates more in northern portions of the State, while summer rain dominates more in the southern portion. Variability in climates, elevations, landforms, vegetative communities, watercourses, and soil types create many different environments throughout Arizona. These environments range through all 6 of Merriam’s life-zones (Betancourt 1990, Brown 1994)—from the hot, dry deserts of southern Arizona through grasslands and woodlands in mid-elevations, to the cold, moist, montane and alpine forest environments in the higher elevations. In addition, isolated mountains throughout Arizona, known as “sky islands” (Marshall 1957), create steep elevation gradients assuring rapid environmental changes over very short distances. Throughout Arizona, aquatic systems and associated riparian areas play a major role in maintaining biodiversity. Riparian communities along the aquatic habitat provide migratory birds and pollinating insects and bats with vital travel corridors for their migrations between North and South America. The State is home to a number of large rivers. The Colorado River runs through the Grand Canyon and forms the western boundary of Arizona. The Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers drain the northern-central portion of Arizona, and carry water to reservoirs supporting the cities in central and southern Arizona. Many smaller creeks and tributaries have perennial or intermittent flow. Springs, cienegas (marshes), and stock tanks provide valuable aquatic and riparian habitat and water for wildlife use. The complexity of the Arizona landscape gives rise to a diversity of habitats that support diverse wildlife communities. Arizona ranks third in the nation for the number of native bird species, second for reptiles, fifth for mammals, and eighth for overall vertebrate animal diversity (Stein and others 2000). Wildlife that reside in or regularly migrate through Arizona include: 32 species of amphibians, 297 species of birds (not including accidental and casual migrants), 72 species of fish, 164 species of mammals, 145 species of reptiles, and over 20,000 species of macro-invertebrates (note: the Department has management authority over all vertebrate species and 86 known species of crustaceans and mollusks). Each of these species has associated habitat needs—shelter from the elements and predators, food and water, and materials and locations for nesting or raising young. Some species require very specific conditions that exist in only a few localized sites. For example, springsnails as a group exhibit narrow tolerances for spring water quality and substrates to forage on. Other species are habitat generalists, existing in or ranging across a variety of habitats. For example, coyotes are found statewide. Some wildlife, like migratory birds and bats, change their habitat requirements depending on season or life history stages. Arizona’s wildlife depends on many resources at different scales in both space and time. While Arizona supports a tremendous diversity of wildlife, it faces a variety of unique challenges and opportunities for wildlife conservation. Humans have the greatest impact on wildlife through their use of the same areas occupied by wildlife. Conservation opportunities are at this interface Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 48 of land and resource use, yet as the agency responsible for wildlife management, the Department only has direct control over land use on lands it owns, only 0.05% of the total area of the State (Table 13). These areas comprise various Commission-owned Wildlife Areas, state fish hatcheries, the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, and administrative offices. The Department manages wildlife through its own actions as well as by interaction with major landowners and other resource management agencies. The US Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Department of Defense (DOD) manage the largest portion (42%) of lands in Arizona. Most of these federal lands are unlikely to be subdivided and developed for commercial or residential uses. Most areas within USFS and BLM jurisdiction allow ‘multiple-use’ activities associated with recreational and economic pursuits. Federal agencies work under a variety of laws and policies in which conservation of wildlife is mandated. The Department works with these federal partners on land and water management projects on lands that they administer. Tribal governments manage an additional 28% of land in Arizona. Each tribe is a sovereign nation, not subject to State jurisdictions. Most tribes maintain their own wildlife management departments. The Department continues to develop working relationships with the individual tribes to facilitate conservation of wildlife across the habitat types in Arizona. The Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) manages 13% of the lands in Arizona. Under state law, these ‘State Trust’ lands are managed, leased, sold, and traded to provide revenue to support education in Arizona. These lands are primarily leased for commercial purposes or occasionally sold for private development. Private lands make up 18% of Arizona’s total area with concentrations near river corridors, watersheds, and other locations with important resources for wildlife. Because aquatic and riparian habitats are critical to many of Arizona’s wildlife, private landowners have a large role in helping conserve wildlife populations. Population growth in Arizona is among the highest in the nation. The population of Arizona grew 40% from 3.6 to 5.1 million from 1990 – 2000 (US Census Bureau 2000). Current estimates indicate an additional 13% growth in population from 2000 to 2004 (U.S. Census Bureau 2005). In particular, the desert urban centers, Phoenix and Tucson, are growing rapidly, but rural development is occurring throughout the State. Increases in human population impact wildlife through many processes, including but not limited to: conversion of habitat through urban and rural development; increased habitat fragmentation due to the proliferation of roads; dewatering of the State’s habitat types through groundwater pumping and diversion of surface waters for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use; and increased pollution. All of these stressors (and more) will need to be managed proactively to insure that primary wildlife habitat and corridors connecting habitat patches are incorporated into planning. Combined with the State’s growing population, Arizona’s mild winter climate and open spaces favor increased outdoor recreational pressures. As a result, many forms of recreation will require creative and proactive management to reduce stress to wildlife and natural habitats while insuring quality outdoor recreation opportunities for people. Changes in land status on State and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 49 federal lands and access restrictions on to and across private lands also add to the challenge of sustaining viable populations of wildlife, conserving natural habitats, and accommodating increased outdoor recreation, economic prosperity, and urban/rural growth across Arizona. Compounding this situation is the demographic trend of Arizona’s residents shifting from primarily rural populations that are often more aware of local environmental issues, to an urbanized population less informed about the needs of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Table 13. Land ownership in 2005 by ecoregion in Arizona. Percentage in each Ecoregion* Land Owner AHN AHS AZNM CP MD Federal Bureau of Land Management 1.338 Bureau of Reclamation SD Total 1.288 0.036 3.556 2.395 8.021 16.63% 0 0 0 0 0.017 0.148 0.17% National Forests National Parks and Monuments 5.968 2.247 4.709 1.179 0 1.191 15.29% 0.001 0.097 0.033 2.180 0.715 0.496 3.52% Military 0.000 0.147 0.036 0 0 3.739 3.92% 0 0.159 0 0 0.046 2.138 2.34% Total Federal Lands 7.31% 3.94% 4.81% 6.92% 3.17% 15.73% 41.87% State of Arizona AZ Game and Fish Dept 0.002 0.006 0.012 0.012 0.002 0.014 0.05 2.639 3.741 0.726 1.538 0.161 3.950 12.75 Total State Lands 2.640 3.750 0.740 1.550 0.170 4.150 13.00 Tribal Governments 3.569 0.376 1.726 16.489 0.032 5.380 27.57 Counties and Municipalities 0.005 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.005 0.201 0.22 Wildlife Refuges State Trust Private 3.980 3.361 0.976 2.929 0.966 5.317 17.53% Total 17.50 11.42 8.26 27.88 4.34 30.60 100% *Percentages based on ASLD GIS data Arizona shares over 350 miles of border with Mexico. Many wildlife populations have annual migrations or movement patterns that cross these borderlands. The Department works closely with Mexican authorities and other partners through various committees, teams, and workgroups to assure the continued conservation of many borderland species. Illegal immigration traffic through the borderlands as well as homeland security border activities impact habitability of the border area and permeability of the border to wildlife migration. Conservation near the border will require politically astute strategies to address the needs of many stakeholders and affected wildlife. Finally, drought has had a large negative impact on the habitats and wildlife of Arizona. Although the winter of 2004-05 provided a break in an overall 10-year pattern of drought, the effects of that year’s precipitation are difficult to observe on the current landscape. Recent surveys of game species show little response in terms of reproduction (fawn:doe ratios) resulting from last year’s rainfall, and total counts are down to historic low levels for many surveyed species. Habitat monitoring data is less readily available, but visual observations indicate severe loss of rangeland biomass, many springs and cattle tanks without water, and high levels of Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 50 impact to vegetation and soils due to livestock that is yet to be removed from rangelands. In winter 2005-06, Arizona has returned to an intensive period of little or no precipitation in the middle of a projected long-term drought. There has been little germination of winter annual vegetation and perennial vegetation is dramatically reduced in vigor. Much of the riparian, grassland, and desert scrub vegetation is considered severely over utilized, in places due to wildlife use, but more extensively as a result of livestock grazing. Forests are continuing their path through severe water stress, threat from insect infestation, and risk of catastrophic wildfire. STRESSORS THAT IMPACT WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITATS (ELEMENT 3) Arizona’s wildlife and wildlife habitats have been affected by numerous land management actions and human activities throughout the state’s history. Prior to Spanish occupation in the 1500s, the landscapes and ecosystems of Arizona were influenced by human activities. Aboriginal cultures used wildlife resources as forage, cultivated crops, diverted water, extracted timber, and may have used fire as a hunting tool (Turner and others 2003). Spanish settlers brought more agriculture to Arizona along with horses, sheep, and cattle. However, it wasn’t until the 1880s when railroads linked the Arizona Territory with other states that Arizona’s natural resources were effectively exploited and shipped elsewhere. Over the next few decades, mining, agriculture, timber harvest, and livestock production dominated the State’s economy (Sheridan 1995). Over time these pioneering industries eventually gave way to emerging service and technological fields, but they still remain integral to Arizona’s current economy and operate at varying levels of intensity throughout the State (Arizona Department of Commerce 2002). The impacts from historic high levels of these activities still persist in many of the state’s landscapes and recovery of those areas to pre-settlement conditions is slow (Cooper 1960, Cooke and Reeves 1976, Turner and others 2003). By the early twentieth century, new constituencies began to influence Arizona’s economy. With the establishment of national forests, parks, and monuments by the federal government, tourism took hold in Arizona (Sheridan 1995). Over time, regulated hunting and fishing overshadowed subsistence harvesting of wildlife. Other outdoor recreational pursuits increased as well, especially after World War II, when Arizona’s population growth accelerated. Many current stressors to wildlife are related to the legacy of earlier use and stewardship of Arizona’s landscapes. However, the most significant threats to Arizona’s wildlife today stem from the state’s explosive rate of population growth, ever-increasing demands on above- and below-ground water, modifications to ecosystems and communities from invasive species of plants and animals, and the current multi-year drought. Impacts from these sources are growing at a faster rate than from other sources, and the scale of these impacts cover enormous areas. The intent of the Department’s planning effort is to evaluate landscapes as they exist today and develop strategies on how best to make meaningful improvements to benefit species of greatest conservation need. This comprehensive effort will also address the many stressors that are based on legal and accepted practices. The Department recognizes that the manner in which a human activity or practice is conducted determines the degree of any negative or positive effects on wildlife and habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 51 Important stressors to Arizona’s wildlife and wildlife habitat were identified as part of the CWCS process (Appendix O). Information gaps and research, survey, and monitoring needs related to these stressors limit the ability to make informed conservation decisions. These are some of the information needs identified in Table 3. The following discussion of individual stressors is organized by stressor categories adopted from Salafsky and others (2003). This section does not address the relative importance or the magnitude of each stressor; it only describes the types of impacts associated with these stressors where they occur. Lists of stressors with significant impacts to ecosystem function and/or SGCN in each habitat in each ecoregion are found under “Ecoregion-Specific Habitat Conditions (Element 2).” HABITAT CONVERSION CATEGORY Habitat conversion through human-caused degradation and alteration is one of the most serious factors adversely affecting wildlife and plants worldwide. There are many causes of habitat conversion, including urban, residential, commercial, or recreational development; agricultural and livestock production; drainage of wetlands; altered hydroperiods; and development of dams and channels that regulate water flows. These factors affect habitats on a statewide basis. These activities may ultimately cause habitat fragmentation and loss through landscape conversion, land clearing, road development, and increased vehicular traffic. The negative ecological impacts of fragmentation on natural systems have led many ecologists to identify habitat fragmentation as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity (Harris 1984, Wilcox and Murphy 1985, Noss and Cooperrider 1994). Adverse effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife species and populations are numerous. Habitat fragmentation increases isolation of populations or species, which leads to decreased genetic diversity and increased potential for extirpation of localized populations or even extinction. Habitat fragmentation also alters vegetative composition and cover and the type and quality of the food base. Further, habitat fragmentation changes microclimates by altering temperature and moisture regimes, changes nutrient and energy flows, and increases opportunities for predation and exploitation by humans. Urban growth Rural development Currently, population growth in Arizona is among the highest in the nation, growing 40% from 3.6 to 5.1 million between 1990 and 2000 (US Census Bureau 2000). Current estimates indicate an additional 13% growth in population from 2000 to 2004, and Arizona is projected to have the second largest proportional increase in population (108%) of any state in the nation between 2000 and 2030 (US Census Bureau 2005). While Phoenix and Tucson continue to grow as desert urban centers, rural development is increasing rapidly throughout the State. This growth presents a number of challenges to wildlife conservation including but not limited to: habitat loss due to development; habitat fragmentation and degradation from networks of roads and utility lines; introduction of nonnative plants and animals that may be invasive and nuisance species; and increased demand for already limited water resources. Pima County was quick to recognize these Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 52 threats and developed the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan that integrates natural, cultural, and historical resource protection with urban growth (Ewing and others 2005). Human resource use has led to a condition in which large areas of formerly continuous landscapes have become increasingly fragmented and isolated (Finch 2004). Urban, residential, commercial, and recreational development, agriculture and other such activities have accelerated over the past century, subdividing landscapes into disjunctive remnants of native ecosystems embedded in a matrix of anthropogenic land uses (Saunders and others 1991). Urban and commercial development contributes greatly to loss of native vegetation, increased water use, ground water depletion, and increased erosion through soil compaction and runoff concentration. Growth of human population centers results not only in direct losses of habitat but is associated with other indirect pressures on wildlife and wildlife habitats. Even away from urban and agricultural areas, many valleys are dissected by major highways, railroads, canals, and utility corridors, occupied by power generating stations, feedlot operations, prisons, landfills, and military facilities, or inundated by reservoirs. All of these elements increase the spread of invasive plants. There is an ever-increasing demand for recreational opportunities in an evershrinking amount of open land. Agricultural conversion Livestock management Agriculture operations include conversion of ecosystems to agricultural fields. This activity has dropped sharply with urbanization of the state. Livestock operations, however, continue to constitute the agricultural activity with the greatest potential to alter landscapes and impact wildlife. Major changes in vegetation composition in Arizona and the Southwest have been linked to improper livestock grazing that occurred in the late 1800s when livestock numbers peaked (Leopold 1924, Cottam and Stewart 1940, Cooper 1960, Buffington and Herbel 1965, Humphrey 1987, Grover and Musick 1990, Archer 1994, Fleischner 1994, Pieper 1994). Preferred forage plants such as cool-season grasses declined, while weedy and unpalatable plants (prickly pear) and shrubs (for example mesquite and juniper) increased (Bohrer 1975, Bahre and Shelton 1993). Encroachment by junipers and ponderosa pine into riparian areas has also been significant and resulted in the loss of valuable vegetation components from the landscape. These vegetation changes led to further landscape degradation. Historically, vegetation in wellfunctioning watersheds slowed the impact of falling precipitation, reducing erosion. Organic material at the soil surface also slowed runoff, allowing more recharge of soil moisture and subsurface aquifers. Improper grazing practices triggered significant levels of soil erosion, flooding, and arroyo cutting in the Southwest (Cottam and Stewart 1940, Smith 1953, Hastings and Turner 1965, Cooke and Reeves 1976, Branson 1985, Humphrey 1987, Bahre 1991, Webb and Betancourt 1992, Felger and Wilson 1995). By the 1930's, Congress recognized that western rangelands were being degraded, and approved the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934. This act used permits to regulate the occupancy and use of the public land. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 further guide the Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 53 management of livestock grazing on public lands and are meant to speed restoration of public rangelands. Unrestored landscapes compromise watershed condition. Watershed rangeland damaged from soil loss and altered plant communities affects the nature of runoff events into streams, rivers and lakes, and also groundwater recharge. Stream flow patterns have become more prone to high runoff events characterized by high velocities and silt loading, followed with dramatic reduction in flow. Currently many watercourses have been reduced from perennial meandering small streams and wetlands to gullies with ephemeral flows of high velocity and short duration. Gullies lower the effective wet zone below the reach of many riparian plant types, limiting banks to upland vegetation only. The degree of impact of livestock grazing on wildlife habitat is largely dependent on the grazing management practices used (Holechek and others 2004). Grazing management variables that affect wildlife habitat include stocking rates, stocking density, the age and physiological condition of cattle, grazing season, forage selection, and cattle distribution. In addition, factors such as range condition, soil type, temperature, and precipitation also greatly influence the relationships between grazing and habitat quality for rangeland wildlife (Holechek and others 2004). More informed grazing practices have been implemented on many private and public land tracts in recent years (Wilson and MacLeod 1991), but recovery of vegetation may take many years and is not possible on some sites (Fleischner 1994). For instance, many former grassland areas are now thin-soiled and vegetated by annual forbs and grasses, desertscrub brushland, or juniper woodland rather than their former deep-soiled perennial grass communities. Grazed upland forested areas in the Southwest have reduced understory grasses, with resulting dense tree recruitment and reduced fire frequency (Belsky and Blumenthal 1997). Many riparian areas have been impacted by grazing practices (Armour and others 1994; Belsky and others 1999)). Riparian areas have been badly incised due to flashy runoff conditions resulting from the denuded uplands. This directly removes deep sediments from the alluvial zone, leaving steep and rocky slopes in place of riparian floodplains. It also lowers water tables, drying up soils lateral to the channel, changing the plant communities to more xeric types, and dries up springs and seeps where wildlife may water. The preference of livestock to feed on riparian plants along with the cooler nature of the riparian zone and the presence of drinking water also leads to direct impacts to riparian zones by cattle. The ecological impacts of grazing are magnified in riparian systems, where livestock tend to congregate (Fleischner 1994; Belsky and others 1999). The widespread nature of livestock operations continues to superimpose current practices on impacts from earlier times or from other stressors. Recreational sites/facilities Pressure from the state’s growing population to build new recreational sites and facilities and maintain existing ones may result in habitat loss and fragmentation. Ski resorts, marinas, golf courses, campgrounds, RV parks, race tracks, designated OHV use areas, and shooting ranges are interconnected by a series of roads that bisect the landscape, thus increasing the difficulty for wildlife to disperse or access necessary resources. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 54 Forest and woodland management – habitat conversion Forest management practices that consume habitat are discussed elsewhere. However, some harvesting practices result in conversion from one type of habitat to another, leading to changes in ecosystem composition and dynamics. For example, selective logging of juniper in Great Basin Conifer (pinyon-juniper) may promote the growth of monotypic stands composed primarily of pinyon. (Samuels and Betancourt 1982). When this occurs, there may be increases in susceptibility to disease and changes in fire regimes. The alteration in canopy cover can also negatively impact understory plant communities. Wildlife species may experience loss of desirable forage, cover, and nesting trees. Dams/Reservoirs/Impoundments Many aquatic and riparian habitats in Arizona have been altered and fragmented by dams and water diversions. Dams modify natural flows and alter water quality. Loss of flood pulses due to upstream regulation reduces the extent and frequency of floodplain processes such as leaching of salts, deposition of sediments and nutrients, rearrangement of structures and zones along rivers, and establishment of seedbeds for riparian plants. Reservoirs act as sediment traps and disrupt or alter the sediment budgets of downstream reaches. Decreases in sediment inputs alter the natural dynamics of mesohabitat creation and maintenance. Dams also fragment species ranges, preventing up and downstream movement of fishes and other aquatic and riparian species. Altered hydroperiods of seasonally astatic pools may reduce hydrologic connection to other wetlands, or other waters, reducing the quality of these habitats. Landfills/dumps The increasing influx of new residents to Arizona results in generation of large quantities of waste material which is then disposed of in landfills or dumps. These structures may harm SGCN and their habitat. Landfills and dumps are often large (sometimes more than 1 mile2 in size), thus resulting in habitat loss, and are often associated with contamination and pollution in the surrounding environment. Densities of predators, such as scavenging dogs and corvids, may increase around disposal sites and result in harm to native species (Kristan and Boarman 2002). Additionally, increased heavy truck traffic on rural roads leading to the sites may negatively impact wildlife and wildlife habitat through collisions or by fragmenting the landscape. Military bases The Department of Defense (DoD) manages 3.9% of the land in Arizona. The Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range is the largest DoD installation, covering approximately 1.7 million ac (0.7 million ha). It operates primarily for the support of research, development, testing, and evaluation of weapon and space systems, subsystems, and components. Other DoD installations in Arizona contain sites for live bombing, air defense missile firing, mechanized brigade training exercises, battalion-size or smaller training exercises, ballistic missile testing, aircraft takeoff, landings and training courses, maintenance of fighter wing capabilities, and general military training exercises. While restricted access to many military lands provide substantial benefit to wildlife, military land uses also may destroy or fragment existing habitats. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 55 TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE CATEGORY Roads for motorized vehicles Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Right-of-way fencing along roadways Unauthorized roads and trails Road and highway corridors have fragment habitats and landscapes (Saunders and others 1991, Reed and others 1996) dividing large landscapes into smaller patches and converting interior habitat into edge habitat. Studies in other states have demonstrated negative correlations between increasing road densities and wildlife populations (Lee and others 1997, Wisdom and others 2000). A 16 foot-wide road removes approximately two acres of habitat per mile of road. Accident report data compiled by the University of New Mexico documented an annual average of 828 large game animal/vehicle collisions has occurred since 1998 (Forman and others 2003). In a 10 year period the Department has documented 456 elk/vehicle collisions over a 30km stretch of Arizona State Route 260 (Dodd and others 2005). In addition to collisions with vehicles, roads facilitate legal and illegal killing and collection of many species, including big game as well as sensitive reptiles and birds. In the US Forest Service’s Southwestern Region, 57% of threatened, endangered and proposed species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and 54% of US Forest Service’s Sensitive Species are dependent on habitat within or affected by Inventoried Roadless Areas (USFS 2000). Roads and similar structures influence stream characteristics, such as channel and floodplain configuration, substrate embeddedness, riparian condition, amount of woody debris, stream flow, and temperature regime (Furniss and others 1991). Timing of water runoff can change as roads and related drainage structures intercept, collect, and divert water. These factors can accelerate water delivery, resulting in an increase in the potential for greater magnitude of runoff peaks than in watersheds without roads (Wemple and others 1996). Road, trail and highway corridors serve as a means of dispersal for many nonnative and invasive plant species. Ground disturbance associated with the creation and maintenance of authorized roadways and trails provides additional opportunities for establishment of nonnative species (Parendes and Jones 2000, Gelbard and Belnap 2003). The creation of unauthorized roadways has many of the same influences on sensitive habitats with the added detriment of allowing access to those users who will, by their their demonstrated willingness to ignore regulation, ignore other regulations which their unauthorized access facilitates (that is vandalism, poaching, illegal camping and fire building). Proliferation of unauthorized roads forces the resources of land management agencies, law enforcement agencies and public safety providers to be spread over more and more area, forcing increased expenditure of funds which were formerly devoted to wildlife and habitat management. The impacts of roads on ecosystem services and directly on wildlife have drawn increasing attention in recent years. This has become an active field of research, engineering, and collaboration (FDOT 1999, Clevenger and others 2003, Forman and others 2003). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 56 Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Wind energy facilities are not yet widespread in Arizona. However, as alternative sources of energy become more important to the state and nation and related technology improves there is potential for more wind-energy sites to be developed. Wind-generated electrical energy is environmentally friendly on the surface. It does not create air-polluting and climate-modifying emissions. Nevertheless, wind turbines, particularly in large arrays, can adversely affect wildlife and wildlife habitats. Wind turbine towers in particular have been associated with direct killing of bats and birds (particularly raptors) that strike moving blades (James and Baden 2004). Lighted wind turbine, communications and transmission towers, which attract a variety of insect species, have the same potential to attract and kill night-flying migratory birds and bats (Rich and Longcore 2005). Lighting of towers in both urban and rural settings increases the density of birds at the hazard (glass barriers or lethal guy wires). Bird kills at lighted towers have been documented for at least 50 years (Rich and Longcore 2005). In the early 1960s, a 1,000-foot TV tower with guy wires was erected in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with 11,000 bird mortalities documented in the first major collision. Effects of utility corridors, including wind turbine farm access routes, include habitat fragmentation and disturbance from authorized and unauthorized use of access roads and pads; the increased incidence of direct illegal take, and the introduction of nonnative plant species due to the disturbance of soil and native vegetation during construction and maintenance (Parendes and Jones 2000). Canals/pipelines The arterial network of canals and pipelines designed to move water and fuel throughout Arizona may negatively impact wildlife and wildlife habitat. These structures are closely associated with development of utility roads as well as other maintenance activities. The resulting negative impacts may include, but are not limited to, habitat fragmentation, habitat loss and/or degradation, changes in community composition, water diversion, stream bank alteration or channelization, and providing a mechanism for facilitating movement of contaminants. Dredging Water sources are valuable for agriculture as well as recreational activities in Arizona. To ensure their persistence, water storage tanks may occasionally be dredged in order to remove excess sediment and vegetation. Reservoirs may also be dredged in order to facilitate watercraft access. These activities stir up the water column, potentially reducing water quality, and displace aquatic species. Machinery used for dredging may trample surrounding riparian vegetation or wildlife species. Air traffic corridors/overflights Air traffic can affect wildlife in a number of ways. Noise from low-level flights has been shown to cause startle responses in a number of mammal and bird species which may result in altered behavior and loss of reproductive fitness (Manci and others 1988). In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration maintains a database in which over 1100 civilian aircraft/wildlife Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 57 collisions have been recorded in Arizona over the last 15 years. The vast majority of these are birds but some mammals have also been involved (The FAA National Wildlife Strike Database http://wildlife-mitigation.tc.faa.gov/public_html/index.html). Due to the voluntary nature of reporting, an estimated 80% of wildlife strikes are not reported and the actual impact may be much larger (DeFusco and others 2005). ABIOTIC RESOURCE USE CATEGORY Habitat disturbances from abiotic resource uses such as mining, oil and gas development, ground water depletion, and hydropower occur throughout Arizona, although they typically have localized impacts. Fuel drilling and development concerns are greatest in the Colorado Plateau and Arizona-New Mexico Mountain regions. Mining is a major operation in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion in particular. Drilling for fuels Mining Extractive resource uses such as mining and oil and gas development occur throughout Arizona and can influence ecosystem function, resilience and sustainability. On federal lands these activities are conducted under standards established by the Bureau of Land Management and are subject to further regulation by the Arizona Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Oil Conservation Division. Extractive resource uses may result in habitat fragmentation and loss through associated land clearing, road building, and disturbance from traffic, hauling and maintenance activities. Associated point-source pollution causes heavy metal and highly acidic water pollution (Drabkowski 1993, Starnes and Gasper 1996, Reece 1995), groundwater pollution (Miller and others 1996), air pollution, noise, and habitat conversion (Dinerstein and others 2000). Any of these activities and their adverse outcomes may ultimately lead to the reduction of wildlife populations. Ground water depletion/springhead use Groundwater levels in Arizona have dropped considerably due to pumping for agricultural and urban needs. Proposals and plans exist for additional desalination plants in Arizona. The surface water loss resulting from the water withdrawal and dewatering necessary to support anthropocentric water needs, exacerbated by drought conditions, will continue to influence habitats in Arizona. Lowered water tables affect all of Arizona’s habitats, but can have considerable affects on small cienegas, springs, seeps and marshes and their associated SGCN. Spring “improvement,” that is, capturing spring output in collection structures and either exporting the water or making it available to human determined uses, has significantly affected a large proportion of the springs around Arizona. This limits the extent of the wetted zone around the spring, the associated riparian plant community, and the associated wildlife community. Water diversion/water catchments Agriculture and urban areas increasingly depend on diversion and catchments to meet their water needs. Use of these tools may alter ecosystem hydrology by channeling water away from its natural flow regime. As a result, landscapes may experience severe erosion and decreased groundwater recharge which, in turn, may lead to changes in habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 58 CONSUMPTIVE USE OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES CATEGORY Consumptive biological uses such as improper grazing practices, logging, fuel wood collection, and deforestation have the potential to affect SGCN and their habitats throughout Arizona. In areas where multiple consumptive biological uses occur (for instance in national forests), concerns persist about their ability to remain in a condition, connectivity, and quantity necessary to sustain viable and resilient populations of resident SGCN. Harvesting/collecting animals Hunting, trapping and fishing are some of the methods by which wildlife species are harvested and collected in Arizona. Over harvesting may occur when more animals are legally (or illegally) collected from specific areas or during timeframes than is sustainable for the affected species. The often unique qualities of species residing in this state enhance their desirability as targets of both legal and illegal harvest/collection for national and international trade. The impacts to SGCN resulting from these activities may include, but are not limited to, changes in community composition, range contraction or eventual eradication/extinction, and decreased fecundity and recruitment caused by disease, pathogens, parasites, and hybridization. Because the Department manages wildlife resources in the state in a manner consistent with the North American Model for Wildlife Management, regulated consumptive uses has not had any negative impact on those species. Harvesting/collecting plants Harvest and collection of native plant species pose severe risks to vegetation communities across Arizona. Species such as saguaro cacti are illegally collected for use in landscaping. Overharvest of slow growing or reproducing species can lead to local or widespread extirpations. Not only do these activities degrade habitat quality, they may also cause changes in native fauna community composition. The remaining disturbed habitat may favor encroachment by nonnative species. Forest and woodland management – consumptive use Extraction of timber products is an important economic pursuit, but can have adverse effects on wildlife if not implemented wisely and responsibly. Over the last century, species composition and structure of Arizona’s forests have been altered by the combined effects of commercial logging, fire suppression, and improper grazing practices (US Forest Service 1993, Covington and Moore 1994). Logging practices in Arizona and the Southwest have gone through differing management phases. In the late 1800s and early 1900s relatively indiscriminate cutting practices occurred (deBuys 1985), followed by selective logging in the mid-1900s, and evenaged timber stand management during the 1960s through 1980s (Bogan and others 1998). Extensive road networks were developed within the forests to allow easy timber removal (Allen 1989). Earlier logging practices tended to remove larger, older trees. More recently, logging techniques have moved toward more selective, uneven-aged silvicultural practices. Timber harvests from public forests have declined in recent years (Bogan and others 1998). Some emphasis has been placed on federal endangered species habitat and ecosystem management. This has come about primarily through legal actions advanced under the Endangered Species Act, National Forest Management Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. Relatively recent Forest Service Region 3 directives require the maintenance of at least some old-growth forests for SGCN, such Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 59 as the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida). Fuel reduction is a focus of current forest management efforts, with millions of dollars directed at thinning small diameter trees and the reintroduction of prescribed fires to reduce the potential for widespread catastrophic wildfires (Bogan and others 1998). Indications are that 50% of the allocated monies will be expended on protecting human structures and neighborhoods in the wildland/urban interface areas. In addition to the removal of overstory vegetation, the main impact of timber harvest has been the significant transportation system established to affect the removal of the product. Most of this road system is open to public use on a year-round basis except at the highest elevations in Arizona. This increased access for vehicular traffic has greatly increased the disturbance to resident wildlife, and is very detrimental to wildlife (in particular many bird species), which occupy high elevation forests during nesting and brood rearing periods. Off-highway vehicle traffic is also increased by developed roadways into otherwise inaccessible areas, and growing impacts from OHV use are a concern on many public lands. Harvesting strategies over this period have shifted the condition from a patchwork of stands of variable age and composition to one that is in a modified, even-aged, second-growth condition. Previous harvesting strategies resulted in large areas that were cut and allowed to regenerate as even-aged stands of primarily ponderosa pine. These areas are significantly different in composition and probably in value to wildlife than the pre-settlement forests of the same area. The high stem density of these regenerating forests renders them more vulnerable to hot, destructive fire and disease. Forests of homogenous structure support a smaller number of communities and correspondingly less biodiversity than do forests with more structural diversity. Traditional practices of wildfire suppression also contribute to these trends in forest structure and composition. In recent years, timber harvest has been much reduced and fire suppression strategies have been changed with the expectation that this will begin a trend towards more diverse forests. Grazing by ungulates Unrestricted grazing by domestic livestock as well as wildife in grasslands and along riparian areas has resulted in the reduction of long-term plant and animal productivity. Entire plant communities have been altered, which then results in decreased biomass and cover and increased impacts from precipitation. Rapid runoff from watersheds stripped of plant biomass and detritus increases stream velocities, leading to erosive downcutting and lateral destabilization. Downcut channels leave banks above the wetted zone, eliminating their suitability for riparian obligate vegetation and the associated enriched wildlife communities. Soil erosion from runoff increases sedimentation in streams and other aquatic systems. The change towards more weedy, unpalatable plant species decreases the availability of forage for animals as well. The preference of livestock and other grazers to feed on riparian plants along with the cooler nature of the riparian zone and the presence of drinking water also leads to direct impacts to riparian zones. The ecological impacts of grazing are magnified in riparian systems, where livestock tend to congregate (Fleischner 1994). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 60 NON-CONSUMPTIVE BIOLOGICAL USE CATEGORY Recreational pressures on Arizona’s landscapes are increasing due to the growing population, mild winter climate, and many open spaces. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, wildlife-watching, watercraft and off-highway vehicle use, and other recreational and wildlife-oriented pursuits. The Department is committed to supporting a multiple-use policy (AGFC 1991) that assures quality wildlands are available to the public now and in the future. Under this policy, the Department’s goal is to reduce stress to wildlife and wildlife habitats while insuring quality outdoor recreation opportunities for people. Changes in land status on State and federal lands and access restrictions onto and across private lands also add to the difficulty of sustaining viable populations of wildlife, conserving natural habitats, and accommodating increased outdoor recreation, economic prosperity, and urban/rural growth across Arizona. Habitat disturbances related to off-road vehicle use, military activities, and recreational use are a concern in large areas of Arizona. Motorized recreation off-trail Recreational off-road vehicle use can be found across the entire state. There are several organized events held each year. The specific effects of off-road vehicle use on Arizona habitats are incompletely understood. Off-road vehicle travel can cause damage to soils and vegetation (Holechek and others 1998) and impact wildlife by destroying and fragmenting habitat, causing direct mortality of wildlife, or altered behavior through stress and disturbance (Busack and Bury 1974, Brattstrom and Bondello 1983, Brooks and Lair 2005). The Forest Service has published in the Federal Register two proposed rules pertaining to offroad vehicle use. The first designates routes and areas for motor vehicle use and the second petitions states for inventoried roadless areas. Both of these proposed rules would impact future ATV use on Forest Service lands in Arizona. Other regulatory initiatives seek to improve ATV safety requirements and increase registration fees, with revenues targeted for the development of designated ATV trails and facilities. In areas where OHV use is popular, the increasing number of unauthorized roads will also have to be addressed. The increasing population and dwindling amount of open land have increased the amount of recreational pressure on the areas that remain undeveloped. Balancing demands for hunting, hiking, wilderness preservation, birdwatching, and OHV recreation with wildlife conservation presents an ever-increasing challenge to resource managers. Watercraft operation Arizona waterways provide recreational enthusiasts with opportunities to operate motorized watercraft. Enhanced public access to previously inaccessible areas results in loss of undisturbed habitat for SGCN. Oily exhaust and fuel discharged from motorized watercraft decreases water quality and alters water chemistry. Wake and prop disturbance may alter habitat structure or physical characteristics to the detriment of SGCN. Noise and air pollution resulting from use of watercraft may also negatively impact fauna in surrounding ecosystem. Wildlife may be forced to change behavioral patterns. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 61 Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Off-range recreational shooting Skiing, hiking, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, sightseeing, bird watching, and picnicking are popular recreational pursuits in Arizona (Conner and others 1990). Impacts to individual species has been document (for example, Swarthout and Steidl 2003), but the overall impact of these activities is not fully understood, nor is there a full understanding of how much recreational use can be tolerated before there is an adverse effect on wildlife or wildlife habitat. However, recreational activities are increasing and their potential effects on habitats and species should be considered in conservation planning (Conner and others 1990, McClaran and others 1992). The increasing population and dwindling amount of open land have increased the amount of recreational pressure on the areas that remain undeveloped. Balancing demands for hunting, hiking, wilderness preservation, birdwatching, and OHV recreation with wildlife conservation presents an ever-increasing challenge to resource managers. Battles, maneuvers, war games, military camps (Military activites) Arizona is home to several military installations. With its diverse landscape and climate, the state offers exceptional locations to conduct training exercises. These activities may include ground maneuvers (on foot or in heavy, motorized vehicles) or flight operations (helicopters and jets). Noise from motorized vehicles or aircraft may disturb SGCN by causing them to alter their behavior. Foot or vehicle traffic tramples native vegetation and wildlife species, compacts soil, disturbs wildlife, and fragments habitat. Land clearing for military camps and target areas results in habitat loss. Wildfires caused by military training have destroyed vast areas of desert habitat, including on adjacent national wildlife refuges (for example, 5,000 acres on Cabeza Prieta and 26,000 acres on Kofa in 2005). Direct injury or mortality from munitions testing is also possible. Scientific research and collection Scientific research is often necessary in order to gain a better understanding of wildlife behavior and their associated habitat needs. It offers important information to wildlife managers as well. However, scientific research and collection may negatively impact SGCN and their habitat. High levels of habitat disturbance may result from frequent visits to study sites. Frequent or inappropriate handling of wildlife may induce stress or inadvertently spread disease. Consumptive sampling techniques have the potential to negatively impact communities by altering reproductive and mortality rates. POLLUTION CATEGORY Concerns about pollution sources influencing Arizona’s habitats are primarily focused on aquatic habitats. Pollution factors such as agricultural chemicals, livestock and dairy groundwater contamination, and solid waste can negatively affect the long-term persistence of SGCN in affected habitats. Runoff from urban road surfaces introduces nutrients and numerous contaminants to aquatic habitats. Mercury and petrochemicals have been identified in many of Arizona’s reservoirs. Typically, pollution sources are regulated by various federal and state agencies, such as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, which monitors water Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 62 quality in Arizona’s reservoirs. However, more information on the extent and sources of pollution in Arizona will aid conservation decisions. Lead shot/fishing line Lead is a heavy metal known to be highly toxic to humans and wildlife. Exposure to lead has increased substantially since the Industrial Revolution (Pain 1996). Due to human activities, lead has become ubiquitous in soil, air, and water at unnaturally high levels (Pain and others 1994). Lead poisoning in birds and mammals has been linked to several sources, including ingestion of spent lead gunshot (Pain and others 1994, Ma 1996), consumption of lead sinkers (Sears 1988), secondary consumption of lead contaminated prey (DeMent and others 1986, Frenzel and Anthony 1989), mining and smelting activities (Beyer and others 1997, Henny and others 2000), and firearms training facilities (Lewis and others 2001). Discarded or lost fishing line and tackle represent a threat to wildlife in Arizona. Most wildlife/monofilament encounters derive from riparian birds collecting it for nest material (Hunt and others 1992, Beatty and others 1998), or specifically, bald eagles and osprey catching dead fish with fishing material attached. However there are other ways: animals can become entangled while visiting a lakes shoreline, they can ingest the material while feeding on a dead fish, and anglers can snag submerged riparian vegetation leaving the material exposed to wildlife when water levels recede. Heavy metals/mine tailings Heavy metals and mine tailings are toxic to humans and wildlife. Sources for these materials include, but are not limited to, mining operations (Rösner 1998), military ordnance, and leaded gasoline. They may also enter aquatic systems through urban and agricultural runoff. SGCN that ingest, are exposed to, or bioaccumulate these toxic materials may experience decreased fecundity through reproductive effects or increased mortality rates. Accumulation of these materials in the environment may alter water chemistry, decrease water quality, increase siltation, alter or reduce forage for insects and prey species, or decrease habitat complexity. Pesticides/herbicides Pesticide and herbicide use may influence ecosystem function, resilience and sustainability. The application of these materials for agriculture, landscaping (including golf courses) and vector control (for example mosquitoes) may result in decreased water quality, altered water chemistry, and reduction in forage for prey species (for example insects, aquatic species). Wildlife species may gain exposure to the contaminants through ingestion or transmission across the skin (for example amphibians have highly permeable skin). Bioaccumulation of pesticides and herbicides may increase susceptibility to pathogens and parasites and reduce fitness due to reproductive effects (Relyea 2005). Nutrients/algal blooms Sources leading to eutrophication (in other words, nutrient enrichment) of aquatic ecosystems include runoff from application of fertilizers for landscaping and agriculture, atmospheric deposition of nutrients, leakage from sewage and septic systems, and livestock waste. Algal blooms supported by nutrient rich waters will decrease water quality, alter water chemistry, and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 63 deplete available oxygen. Shifts in available nutrients may also lead to changes in vegetation structure over time to the detriment of SGCN. Illegal dumping/littering The induction of non-biodegradable and other harmful materials through illegal dumping and littering may negatively impact SGCN and their habitat. Such materials may include, but are not limited to monofilament, hooks, lead shot, shotgun casings and boxes, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, broken glass, clay targets, and balloons. Wildlife may alter their foraging behavior or experience mortality as the result of ingesting the disposed materials. Contaminants from waste water/runoff Aquatic systems are inundated by contaminants in waste water with sources including, but not limited by, water treatment plant releases, roadways, gas stations, storm drains, septic tanks, industrial runoff, and feedlots. Wildlife may be affected through ingestion, exposure (for example amphibians have highly permeable skin through which materials may readily flow), and bioaccumulation. Contaminants decrease water quality and alter water chemistry, which may increase stress or mortality of SGCN. They may also increase the susceptibility of species to disease, pathogens or parasites. Ultimately, accumulation of contaminants may lead to severe habitat loss or degradation and eventually changes in community composition. Sediment/ash flows The institution of fire suppression during the early 1900s and land use practices (for example grazing) have led to unnatural fire regimes and higher than normal fuel loads across Arizona. Altered river and stream flows carry and deposit sediment in ways that can harm SGCN and alter the habitat. In the past, more frequent, low-intensity fires provided occasional sediment deposition required by some wildlife species. However, increased fire intensity and occurrence during different times of the year may produce more ash which may then inundate aquatic systems during periods of high runoff. Accumulation of sediment alters habitat and may reduce water quality. Highway/roadway de-icing Even though most of Arizona experiences relatively mild winters, some areas (for example, White Mountains, Mogollon Rim) experience significant snowfalls on average. In order to reduce vehicle collisions and accidents, Arizona Department of Transportation de-ices roadways and highways soon after snowfalls. The salt that builds up along the edges of roads attracts wildlife species, such as deer and elk, and increases the likelihood for wildlife/vehicle collisions. Accumulated de-icing material (for example salt) changes soil composition and chemistry so that it becomes less hospitable for native plant species. Additionally, spring runoff containing deicing matter (including chloride) pollutes water sources and may cause decreased fecundity or increased mortality rates of wildlife species inhabiting those aquatic systems (Kaushal and others 2005). Noise pollution Both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems may experience noise pollution resulting from vehicle traffic along roads, ATVs and off-road driving, construction activities, dams, military training, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 64 shooting ranges, city and urban activities, and motorized watercraft (for example, boats and jet skis). Noise disturbances may lead to altered behavioral patterns in wildlife, affecting their overall fitness (Weisenberger and others 1996). Light pollution The impact from light pollution varies from species to species, but has been shown to alter behavior of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects (Longcore and Rich 2004, Rich and Longcore 2005). Within cities and urban areas, street lamps and construction zones provide continuous ambient light which may attract insects and thus those species that prey on them. Light from vehicle headlights may temporarily blind wildlife foraging along roadsides and thus increase the chances for wildlife/vehicle collisions. Bird kills at lighted towers have been documented for at least 50 years. In the early 1960s, a 1,000-foot tower with guy wires was erected at an Eau Claire, Wisconsin TV tower, with 11,000 bird mortalities documented in the first major collision. Lighting of towers in both urban and rural settings increases the density of birds at the hazard (glass barriers or lethal guy wires). In urban settings, the density of buildings generally increases the mortality rate for the same amount of artificial light. INVASIVE SPECIES CATEGORY Many ecologists have acknowledged the problems caused by invasion of nonnative species into communities or ecosystems and the associated negative effects on global patterns of biodiversity (Stohlgren and others 1999). Once established, invasive species have the ability to displace native plant and animal species (including threatened and endangered species), disrupt nutrient and fire cycles, and alter the character of the community by enhancing additional invasions (Cox 1999, DeLoach and others 2000, Zavaleta and others 2001, Osborn and others 2002). As of 1998, nonnative species have been implicated in the decline of 42% of species federally listed under the Endangered Species Act (Center for Wildlife Law 1999). At the federal level, the need for a coordinated effort to manage invasive species was recognized and The National Invasive Species Council was established in 1999 by Executive Order 13112 (Federal Register 1999). In 2005, the Governor of Arizona established an Invasive Species Advisory Council that is co-chaired by the Director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Invasive nonnative species in Arizona have a variety of impacts on native biodiversity, and can affect native species through competition, predation, introduction of disease and parasites, hybridization, and others (Tellman 2002). Nuisance plants Among the most serious nuisance plants in southern Arizona are African bufflegrass (Pennisetum ciliare), red brome (Bromus rubens) and Saharan mustard (Brassica tournefortii), and a great deal of information is provided in various websites, including the Invaders webpage at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (http://www.desertmuseum.org/invaders/). All of these plants, and several others, tend to grow in high densities and to carry wildfires in desert habitats, resulting in wholesale changes in the vegetative communities (McAuliffe 1995, Esque and Schwalbe 2002). The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum refers to Saharan mustard as "the worst Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 65 invasive plant in the Sonoran Desert," primarily because of its competitive effects on other plants or its ability to carry fire (http://www.desertmuseum.org/invaders/invaders_saharamustard.htm). Structural differences that occur in desert habitats have unknown effects on reptiles, birds and small mammals, and the Department is initiating monitoring programs to examine some of those effects on desert lizards. Riparian and aquatic exotic plants also negatively impact biodiversity. Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) alter riparian communities, including bird, mammal and fish diversity (Kennedy and others 2005). Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is becoming increasingly difficult to manage in the lower Colorado River. The Southwest Exotic Plant Information Clearinghouse, a cooperative effort among USGS, NPS and Northern Arizona University, has organized comprehensive information on nonnative plant species in the southwest on one web location (http://www.usgs.nau.edu/SWEPIC/index.asp). Nuisance animals Nonnative aquatic species have considerable effects on all aquatic fauna in Arizona's aquatic habitats. Nuisance aquatic species include, but are not limited to, bullfrogs, crayfish, and nonnative fishes (Rosen and Schwalbe 1995, Fernandez and Rosen 1996, Rosen and Schwalbe 1997, Kiesecker and others 2001, Light 2003). Fernandez and Rosen (1996) documented wholesale alteration of a stream community in the White Mountains of Arizona. In terrestrial habitats near urban areas, landfills, recreational areas, and other areas modified by human activities, starlings, cowbirds, and ravens may displace native bird species (Kristan and Boarman 2002). Nonnative bees are also replacing native pollinators and potentially impacting vegetative communities (Schaffer and others 1983). Feral animals Escaped or abandoned domesticated pets, farm stock, and equines are severely impacting wildlife and wildlife habitats. Horses, burros, goats, domestic sheep, and hogs may overgraze or trample native plant species, thus increasing erosion, compacting soil through frequent trail usage, and polluting aquatic systems through waste accumulation. Feral cats are responsible for the death of thousands of birds across the U.S. each year (http://www.audubon.org/local/cn/98march/cats.html). Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Aquatic systems and riparian species in Arizona are negatively affected by nonnative invasive species which have been released (legally and illegally) into to the environment. Crayfish and other baitfish were introduced via recreational fishing activities and now compromise the persistence of many aquatic-obligate species (Fernandez and Rosen 1996). Release of nonnative tiger salamanders for use in the bait trade threatens native populations (see below). Diseases/pathogens/parasites Many of the avian and mammalian SGCN are affected by diseases such as West Nile virus, rabies, hantavirus, pasturella pneumonia, and Sylvatic plague. The growing wild land-urban interface exposes wildlife to potentially infected domestic and feral pets and may contribute to Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 66 the spread of these diseases. Whirling disease in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has lead to adoption in Arizona of a “no tolerance” policy that bans the stocking or importation of fish infected with whirling disease, although the potential for accidental introduction still exists. Native frog populations have been decimated by the introduction of the fungal disease, chytridiomycosis, whose ultimate origin still remains unknown. Introduced species such as bullfrogs, African clawed frogs and tiger salamanders (introduced for the bait trade) are known to harbor chytridiomycosis, yet they experience few symptoms of the disease (see for example, Bradley and others 2002). Around the world, recent disease outbreaks of West Nile virus, HIV/AIDS, hantavirus, avian flu, Lyme disease, and mad-cow disease started in other species but spread to humans. The spread of the disease illuminated the links between human neighbors and human health. Just as clearly, these diseases illustrate the large-scale disease threats that face wildlife populations even when they do not immediately spread to humans. All of the diseases listed above became outbreaks in association with human alteration of ecosystems. Hybridization Hybridization severely threatens the genetic integrity of native species, particularly those inhabiting aquatic ecosystems, through interbreeding with nonnative related species. For example, native fishes, such as Apache trout and Gila trout are threatened with hybridization (Carmichael and others 1993). Hybridization with non-native tiger salamanders, often imported for use in the bait trade, has been identified as a threat to endangered Sonoran tiger salamanders (Collins and others 1988). CLIMATE CHANGE CATEGORY Long-terms changes in temperature and precipitation can have region-wide impacts. In the arid Southwest many ecosystem processes and the distribution and plant communities may be controlled primarily by soil moisture gradients (Griffin 1977, Pigott and Pigott 1993, Klopatek and others 1997). Drought and climate change can potentially have a substantial effect on Arizona’s habitats. In coming decades, such changes are expected to produce major shifts in vegetation distributions at unprecedented rates (IPCC 1998). Recent research has shown that considerable vegetation changes have occurred in the past and can be expected in Arizona’s future (Betancourt 1990, Brown and others 1997, Allen and Breshears 1998, Sprigg and others 2000). Often, these changes were a result of widespread mortality due to secondary effects such as insect infestations and fire. Increased fire hazards, drought, and climate change present unique challenges for wildlife management planning because predicting their occurrences is uncertain. However, the effects of these processes are well known and need to be incorporated into management and policy plans (Clark and Cobb 2003). Shift to warmer climate The Southwest has been subject to a slight warming trend over the last 100 years that is expected to continue into the next century. According to climate prediction models, temperatures are expected to rise 4-5 °F by 2030 and 7-12 °F by 2090 (Sprigg and others 2000). Climate change Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 67 may occur in the Southwest from increased atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and other “greenhouse” gases. Effects may include increased surface temperatures, changes in the amount, seasonality, and distribution of precipitation, more frequent climatic extremes, and a greater variability in climate patterns. Such changes may affect vegetation at the individual, population, or community level and precipitate changes in ecosystem function and structure (Weltzin and McPherson 1995). They will likely affect competitive interactions between plant and animal species currently coexisting under equilibrium conditions (Ehleringer and others 1991). Plants respond differently to changes in atmospheric gases, temperature and soil moisture, in part based on their C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathways (Bazzaz and Carlson 1984, Patterson and Flint 1990, Johnson and others 1993). For example, increases in winter precipitation favor tree establishment and growth at the expense of grasses. Increases in temperature and summer precipitation favor grasslands expanding into woodlands (Bolin and others 1986). Increased winter precipitation has also been shown to favor shrub expansion in southeastern Arizona (Brown and others 1997). These same authors documented major changes in population dynamics and community composition of animals on the study site including local extinctions (including one keystone species) and decreases in formerly abundant species while other species increased in numbers. This indicates that any long term shift in climate could have potentially serious impacts on Arizona’s wildlife. B B B B B Drought Drought (an extended period of abnormally dry weather) is one of the principal factors limiting seedling establishment and productivity (Schulze and others 1987, Osmond and others 1987). Soil moisture gradients are directly altered by drought conditions. The distribution and vigor of some plant communities may be controlled primarily by soil moisture gradients (Griffin 1977, Pigott and Pigott 1993, Klopatek and others 1997)). Periodic drought is a normal component of the climate system in the Southwest (Clark and Cobb 2003). Drought affects wildlife and wildlife habitat through various means: it places additional stress on species for limited water resources (Sprigg and others 2000); increases susceptibility of forests to insect outbreaks and pathogens (Dale and others 2001); favors the spread of unwanted introduced species (Allen and Breshears 1998); alters ecosystem function (Franklin and others 1992, Dale and others 2000); and increases the possibility of large-scale wildfires (Sprigg and others 2000). In addition, recurrent drought may now be superimposed on climate change (see above). Drought and climate change can potentially have a substantial effect on Arizona’s habitats. CHANGES IN ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES CATEGORY Changes in natural processes and ecological drivers (for example, unnatural fire regimes, habitat degradation, loss of keystone species) have influenced all habitats in Arizona and the Southwest. However, some habitats are more resilient or resistant to these modifications. Habitat fragmentation/barriers In the rapidly growing urban landscape throughout Arizona, both terrestrial and aquatic/riparian habitats are being fragmented and degraded. Within terrestrial systems, agricultural conversion reduces habitat availability. Off-road vehicles, roads, phone and utility lines, and fencing bisect the landscape with an interconnected network of barriers that may restrict wildlife movement (for example, migration), increase mortality, alter fire regimes, degrade available habitat or Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 68 resources, and alter community composition. Within aquatic systems, dams or streambank alterations may decrease water quality, change community composition, or restrict movement of species (in other words, restrict gene flow). Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Gori and Enquist (2003) documented a substantial decline in the area of grasslands throughout the Apache Highlands. Approximately 37% of historical grasslands have undergone a cover-type conversion to shrublands including juniper, mesquite, and catclaw, and an additional 32% will likely be converted to shrubland in the near future due to current land management practices. Conservation of grasslands is needed to maintain many grassland species, particularly wideranging species such as pronghorn. Ponderosa pines are also moving further into dewartered riparian areas, thus transforming entire communities. Habitat degradation and shrub invasions may cause habitat specialists to be extirpated or even to go extinct. Other SGCN may be forced to move and seek necessary resources in different locations. Unnatural fire regimes For thousands of years, wildfires have been an integral process in Arizona and southwestern forest and grassland ecosystems. Prior to 1900, naturally occurring wildfires were widespread in all western forests at all elevations (Swetnam 1990). From an ecological perspective, fire may be the most important disturbance process for many western forests (Hessburg and Agee 2003). Ecosystem processes and patterns are influenced and shaped by fire. These include soil productivity and nutrient cycling, seedling germination and establishment, plant growth patterns, vegetative plant community composition and structure, and plant mortality rates (Beschta and others 2004). Tree-ring and fire-scar data for the Southwest indicate that past fires were frequent and widespread (with an elevation range of variability) at least since AD 1700 (Swetnam and Baisan 1996). Within ponderosa pine and lower mixed-conifer forests and woodlands in Arizona, naturally-occurring wildfires were frequently of low-intensity and helped maintain stands of older trees with an open, park-like structure (Moir and Dieterich 1988). Higher elevation, mixed conifer and spruce-fir forests (wetter forest types) exhibited less frequent fire return intervals and fires were generally stand-replacing fires of higher intensity, (Pyne 1984, Walstad and others 1990, Agee 1993). The extent to which fire occurred in southwestern grasslands varied geographically and is related to climatic variables such as seasonal and annual rainfall and physiographic variables such as elevation, slope and aspect (Archer 1994). Fire may have been rare in desert grasslands and limited in extent due to low biomass and a lack of continuity in fine fuels (Hastings and Turner 1965, York and Dick-Peddie 1969). In more mesic grassland and savanna systems where fire was a prevalent and recurring force, pre-historic frequency and intensity appear to have been regionally synchronized by climatic conditions (Swetnam and Betancourt 1990). The frequency, size, intensity, seasonality, and type of fires have changed throughout the Southwest (Dale and others 2001). The elimination of high-frequency, low-intensity wildfires across Arizona and the Southwest coincided with the reduction and/or elimination of fine herbaceous fuels caused by improper grazing practices (Savage and Swetnam 1990, Swetnam 1990, Swetnam and Baisan 1996). These grazing practices further reduced grass competition, thereby increasing tree and shrub establishment (Archer 1994, Gottfried and others 1995, Belsky Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 69 and Blumenthal 1997), which further altered natural fire cycles. Since the early 1900s, systematic fire suppression efforts have further curtailed the natural fire regimes that historically kept ponderosa pine, mixed conifer and spruce-fir stand densities and fuel loads relatively low. Fire suppression allowed the development of ladder fuels and the accumulation of heavy fuel loads. The frequency of large-scale, high intensity fires is increasing throughout the region (Sprigg and others 2000, Dale and others 2001). Catastrophic, stand replacing crown fires are now the standard, rather than the exception as a result of these changes (Covington and Moore 1994). Traditional practices of wildfire suppression have also contributed to these trends in forest structure and composition (Collier and Webb 2002). Land management practices and fire suppression have had adverse effects on many Arizona habitats through fragmenting, simplifying, or destroying habitats, and greatly modifying disturbance regimes (McIntosh and others 1994, Hessburg and Agee 2003). These human-caused changes have created conditions that are outside of the evolutionary and ecological tolerance limits of native species (Beschta and others 2004). Cumulatively, these practices have altered ecosystems to the point where local and regional extirpation of sensitive species is increasingly common (Rieman and others 1997, Thurow and others 1997). As a result, the integrity of many terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has been severely degraded at the population, community, and species levels of biological organization (Nehlsen and others 1991, Frissell 1993). Altered river flow regimes River flow regimes may experience severe alterations from upstream dams, reservoirs, and impoundments. Altered flows change the physical parameters of rivers and streams such as temperature, salinity, nutrient loading, and sediment transport. which often then favor nonnative rather than native aquatic or riparian species. Reduced scouring frequency or intensity may allow increased sedimentation and accumulation of salts in the soils lateral to the channel, thus lowering water quality and riparian habitat viability for SGCN. Riparian vegetation dependent on water and nutrient availability and on reduction in salinities through soil leaching will recede, allowing further encroachment by non-riparian species. Nutrient regimes will also change within downstream aquatic and riparian communities. Unnaturally large flow events as a result of emergency discharge from reservoirs may cause flood pulses that exceed historical peaks, severely scouring channels and floodplains, causing direct mortality of plant and animal community elements, and sometimes resetting the successional scheme over vast extents of river and stream channels. Soil erosion Channelization and alteration of streambanks increases erosion through unnatural and excessive loss of soil. Hydrological changes will cause shifts in vegetative cover necessary for maintaining intact ecosystems. Erosion due to wind and water acation will increase siltation, decrease water quality, and lead to loss of riparian habitat diversity and complexity. Streambank alteration/channelization Human presense on the Arizona landscape has always required water sources to be modified to their use. Diversion of streams for agriculture occurred at least as early as the Hohokam and other early agriculturalists. In early settlement times, many wet meadows and cienegas were drained to create farms and pastures, or to use the water elsewhere. Reduction to risk from Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 70 flooding has likewise been a concern, causing the human community to seek methods to restrict watercourses to pre-determined paths. Both of these trends have continued to modern times, sometimes being implemented on truly landscape scales, such as along the Colorado River in western Arizona. Historic flood-control efforts have reduced some once vital riparian systems to concrete-lined ditches without significant biotic components. Humans have thus changed the natural flow regimes of rivers and runoff. The results of these changes include loss of riparian habitat, drying of natural springs and seeps, modification of springheads, and depletion of groundwater supplies. Both wildlife and plant species experience severe habitat degradation and loss and may be unable to reproduce or persist. These altered ecosystems may promote nonnative species invasions or encroachment by non-riparian species. More recently, some softer approaches incorporate a desire to preserve biotic resource values, but often the constraints imposed to control flooding inherently limit the outcomes to levels of quality and quantity far below the historic values. Loss of keystone species Keystone species, such as beavers (Castor canadensis), bison (Bison bison), and prairie dogs (Cynomys sp.), are species that have a large overall effect, disproportionate to their abundance, on the structure or function of habitat types or ecosystems (for example, Wilmers and Getz 2005). Many keystone species in Arizona are pollinators, where desert plants rely heavily on insect, bird, and bat pollination. Pollinators rely in turn on a minimum level of pollen resources, so they can be affected by habitat loss or degradation (Kremen and others 2004). If a keystone species is extirpated from a system, other species that are closely associated with the keystone species will also be affected and perhaps disappear. In Arizona, several keystone species have either been completely removed or have experienced significant population reductions in their historic range. With their removal or reduction in population levels, other species population levels variously decline or benefit. Insect infestations Phytophagous (plant-eating) insect outbreaks cause tree mortality and reduced growth in Arizona’s forests and woodlands (citations). Bark beetles and inner bark borers are primary tree killers (Haack and Byler 1993). Phytophagous insects have traditionally been considered detrimental to forest health and commercial timber harvest (Schowalter 1994). However, most phytophagous insects that affect forest trees in Arizona are native organisms (Wilson and Tkacz 1994) and, from an ecosystem perspective, perform functions that are instrumental in sustaining forest health and function through succession, decomposition, nutrient cycling and soil fertility (Haack and Byler 1993). Altered forest conditions have likely increased the frequency, intensity, and extent of insect outbreaks and diseases (Haack and Byler 1993, Wilson and Tkacz 1994). Changes in forest tree age, size, density, species composition, and vertical stratification across temporal and spatial scales influence patterns of forest insect herbivory at the ecosystem and landscape levels (Schowalter and others 1986). Environmental stresses such as drought, late spring frosts, wind throw, and air pollution can encourage insect outbreaks (Haack and Byler 1993). Although insect outbreaks in forest ecosystems occur naturally, they can cause shifts in vegetative species composition and structure (Haack and Byler 1993). Further, certain phytophagous insects are attracted to fire-damaged or fire-killed trees and their build-up in weakened host trees can threaten adjacent, unburned stands (USFS 2003, 2004b, 2005). The Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 71 magnitude of disturbance from an outbreak depends upon the particular insect or pathogen, and on the condition of the forest ecosystem affected (Wilson and Tkacz 1994). Closely spaced host trees are likely to trigger outbreaks of phytophagous insects and pathogens. In compositionally and structurally diverse forests, however, potential host trees can be harder for insects to locate among non-host trees, and vulnerable host trees may be relatively resistant to small numbers of insects that find their way through the surrounding non-host vegetation (Hunter and Aarssen 1988, Waring and Pitman 1983). Outbreaks are typically worse in single-species, monocultural tree stands especially during vulnerable periods such as drought (Mattson and Haack 1987, Schowalter and Turchin 1993, Waring and Pitman 1983). Populations of most foliar and sapfeeding insects peak during particular stages of host-tree development (Schowalter and others 1986), which make monoculture stands of single-aged trees more susceptible to outbreaks. Drought provides a more favorable environment for phytophagous insect growth, survival, and reproduction, and may reduce the effectiveness of the biochemical defense system that some plant species have evolved (Mattson and Haack 1987). Domestication of wildlife/game farming Wildlife maintined within game farms pose risks to native wildlife species should they escape or intentionally released. They may hybridize with native species, thus reducing genetic integrity. They may also introduce harmful disease, pathogens, or parasites to wildlife. Management for game animals and sport fish Game animals and sportfishes are actively managed through stocking, development of water sources, and permits for harvest and collection. Animals and fishes typically managed in this manner include, but are not limited to, elk, mule deer, waterfowl, rainbow, brook, and brown trout, and largemouth bass. The techniques used promote persistence of nonnative species that displace, compete with, or prey on native species. They may also influence species assemblages and populations through additional habitat modifications. Some mangement practices can also be beneficial to SGCN. For instance, wildlife water developments built for large ungulates are used by many other species. INTERNATIONAL BORDER ISSUES CATEGORY The volume of illegal immigration and drug smuggling across the border has increased dramatically in recent years, resulting in severe impacts to habitats. Border security measures are being stepped up throughout the Arizona/Mexico borderlands region to address this activity (US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service 2000). Associated road and barrier construction and enforcement patrols and pursuits in the borderlands region causes additional habitat loss and fragmentation, reduces effective (usable) habitat for wildlife populations, increases road kill, poaching, illegal collecting of wildlife and general habitat destruction (Forman and others 2003). Some stressors listed below stem from illegal immigration and smuggling, others from law enforcement along the border, and still others from movement of animals across international borders. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 72 Dispersed camping along the border Unauthorized roads and trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Undocumented aliens camp in undesignated areas along the Arizona/Mexico border and sometimes along heavily used routes many miles from the border. Camps and routes tend to be in areas that offer concealment and so are often located in sensitive riparian areas. Heavy foot traffic tramples vegetation and increases soil compaction, which degrades wildlife habitat. Wildfires from campfires that may burn vast expanses of the landscape are becoming increasingly common, and the amount of waste deposited along riparian areas and within streams is increasing, resulting in decreased water quality. SGCN inhabiting these areas will be most affected by alterations within their habitat, however direct disturbance, collecting, and killing by people is also possible. Related to the issue of camping is habitat destruction caused by smuggler foot and vehicle traffic. Border areas are experiencing a rapid proliferation of foot trails, some of which approach the width of one-lane roads. Vehicle drive-throughs across the open desert are also increasingly common. In areas of the most intense activity, landscapes are lined with a multitude of parallel foot and vehicle routes. Impacts to habitat include destruction of vegetation, soil compaction, and erosion. The disturbance caused by the presence of humans in remote backcountry areas can cause direct harm to wildlife. An example of this is disturbance of Sonoran pronghorn during fawning. Legal visitation in Sonoran pronghorn habitat is restricted during this critical time, but illegal travel from across the border is rampant. Illegal dumping/littering along the border Dumping and littering along the border and along smuggling routes to the north by illegal aliens introduces non-biodegradable and other harmful materials to wildlife habitats. Vehicles are commonly left abandoned in desert areas when they break down, become stuck, or are pursued by enforcement officials. All of these materials degrade habitat quality and have the potential to attract invasive or feral animals that carry transmissible diseases or will out-compete or prey on native wildlife species. Water use/contamination by illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Water along the Arizona-Mexico border is subject to overuse and contamination by illegal aliens, which may negatively impact native species. SGCN may avoid aquatic habitats that are degraded by vandalism and litter. This may result in the loss of necessary resources for survival. Water sources may dry completely when border crossers leave valves open or vandalize water developments to obtain water, and aquatic species may then be extirpated from a site. Terrestrial species will be forced to search for alternative water sources, which are sparse across an arid, desert landscape. Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Illegal aliens crossing the border from Mexico to Arizona build fires for warming or cooking as well as to create smoke diversions for avoiding detection. Because the camps are typically in areas of heavy, concealing vegetation and the fires are commonly left unattended, the risks of them developing into larger wildfires are considerable. The increased frequency and intensity of wildfires leads to habitat loss and degradation, increased soil erosion, reduced cover for SGCN, altered hydrology, and increased ash flow and sedimentation. Fires may also increase species mortality rates or susceptibility to disease, pathogens, and parasites. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 73 Disease along the border Dense populations of people residing in Mexico along the border with Arizona increase the threat of disease to wildlife in this state. Pet or feral dogs and cats may transmit rabies, distemper, or other diseases to SGCN, and livestock may transmit diseases to native ungulates, particularly bighorn sheep. If actions are not undertaken to minimize stagnant water sources, West Nile Virus may continue to threaten the persistence of avian SGCN (particularly corvids) living or migrating through the borderlands area. Enforcement activities along the border Not only do activities by illegal aliens impact wildlife and their habitat along the border, so do borderlands enforcement activities. Enforcement agencies may fragment or degrade habitat or harm wildlife by creating and maintaining roads, fencing, and barriers, using four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs offroad, and conducting overflights and rescue operations with helicopters. With the increase of illegal alien activity in recent years, and national security concerns resulting from September 11, the Department of Homeland Security is greatly expanding its prevention and apprehension efforts. Noteworthy among these are the ongoing construction of vehicle barriers along the border across Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the Yuma Desert (and planned for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge), construction of many miles of patrol and access roads, and installation of stadium-style lighting in some areas, including along part of the Colorado River. In addition to the direct impacts to wildlife and habitat, the increased level of activities at the border may promote nuisance plant invasions, altered fire regimes, soil erosion, and pollution of waterways. The effects of these activities on SGCN may include, but are not limited to, behavioral changes, decreased fitness, and mortality. Roads and trails created for law enforcement along the border Law enforcement agencies construct roads and trails for patrolling and to gain access to areas where illegal aliens are crossing the border. These vary from unintentional creation of “2-tracks” by repetitive driving off-road, to major construction projects. Some roads are created or widened during “dragging” activities to create smooth surfaces for track detection. Creation of roads destroys cacti and other vegetation and entire ecosystems may change to become less hospitable for native species. Once in place, public use of these roads increases and so does human disturbance to once remote and pristine regions. The roads and trails also serve as barriers for some SGCN, thus resticting ranges and impairing their abilities to obtain food or find mates. Increased traffic along these roads may augment opportunities for introduction and establishment of nonnative, invasive vegetation. Enforcement fences along the border Fencing and other barriers constructed along the Arizona/Mexico border to prohibit the illegal entry of immigrants, drug smugglers, and their vehicles into the U.S. also fragment and degrade wildlife habitat. These structures impede movement among habitats that provide resources necessary for survival. Fences along the border contribute to the imperilled status of the U.S. Sonoran pronghorn population by restricting their movement. In the past, these animals depended on being able to move throughout their range in order to obtain food and water. Bighorn sheep and deer may also be adversely impacted in some areas by their inability to move Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 74 across the border. Movement restrictions may reduce reproductive opportunities within small populations and result in loss of genetic integrity or decreased fitness. Light pollution along the border In order to better spot illegal aliens crossing the border, law enforcement agencies use large spot lights, vehicle headlights, and stadium-style lighting. Light pollutes the environment and may alter the behavior of nocturnal species such as bats, rodents, and predators. The disruption of natural light availability may even alter circadian cycles. Enforcement overflights along the border To discourage and search for illegal aliens, Department of Homeland Security regularly conducts flights along the border. Frequent trips during both day and night may disturb SGCN. Noise pollution from aircraft might impair hearing of wildlife, alter their behavior or induce stress, or cause them to move out of the area, if possible. SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING SPECIES AND HABITATS It is difficult, and perhaps impossible, to separate individual causal factors that influence habitats or SGCN. Multiple factors are closely linked in cause and effect relationships across spatial and temporal scales. Adverse effects from multiple ecosystem stressors can have cumulative effects that are much more significant than the additive effects alone, with one or more stressors predisposing biotic organisms to additional stressors (Paine and others 1998). For example, reduced fire frequency from a century of fire suppression is partly responsible for conditions that have allowed major outbreaks of several phytophagous insects (Peet 1988). Further, unusually dry periods and/or climate changes reduce available soil moisture causing water associated stress, reduced xylem pressure and pitch production in trees. These conditions allow insects to bore into and infect and kill trees. Affected stands with high tree mortality quickly accumulate dead standing and downed woody fuels. In turn, these conditions greatly increase the risk of catastrophic, stand-replacing wildfire and subsequent insect attack on trees injured or weakened by the fire (Gara and others 1985). To further illustrate the interactive and synergistic effects of these factors, consider historic grazing practices that reduced fine fuels and affected natural fire cycles. This condition, in combination with a century of fire suppression and multiple years of drought has created unnatural stand and fuel conditions, making forest and woodland habitat types increasingly susceptible to stand-replacing catastrophic wildfires. Add to this mix, insects and diseases linked with decreased forest health. The overall impact converts late-successional mixed conifer forests to early-successional grasslands, shrublands and recovering forests. Roads contribute to habitat fragmentation and are linked as well to other major habitat altering factors such as timber removal, fire ignition and suppression, fuel wood collection, and recreation. The effects of climate change on ecosystems and species are likely to be exacerbated in areas that have already been substantially affected by human activities such as habitat loss and fragmentation, air and water pollution, and the establishment of invasive species. Habitat fragmentation decreases the ability of plant and animal species to migrate in response to changing conditions or species requirements. Invasive species are most successful in ecosystems already disturbed by anthropogenic activities (Elton 1958). Climate change may act as a form of disturbance creating opportunities for invasive species to colonize and displace native species (Malcolm and Pitelka 2000). When suitable habitat conditions disappear or shift faster than Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 75 populations can adjust, the likelihood of species extirpation or extinction increases (Malcolm and others 1998). Many of the factors discussed above coincide in the same geographic area. Given the synergistic effects of multiple factors, it is difficult to understand the overall impact these factors will have on Arizona landscapes, habitats, or Species of Greatest Conservation Need. In addition, it is difficult to understand which habitats may have higher risk of being altered by multiple factors. The ability to describe and address these risks only begins with the current process, under which the Department compiles information on individual stressors or individual sources. STATEWIDE CONDITION OF ARIZONA’S TERRESTRIAL AND RIPARIAN/AQUATIC HABITAT TYPES (ELEMENT 2) Traditionally, the Department has managed wildlife and evaluated resources at the landscape level (habitat type) and below. Brown and Lowe (1974) vegetation communities were used to represent habitat types in the CWCS since this classification is imbedded in most of the commonly used ecoregion and province classifications for Arizona (Table 14). Table 14. Percentages of habitat types owned by different Arizona land owners. Community Type Community Description AZ Game Federal & Fish Other Private State Trust Tribal Sum* Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Chihuahuan Great Basin Lwr Colorado R Sonoran Mohave Desertscrub Total 0.03 0 0.01 0.06 0.03 0.04 43.95 30.58 20.67 45.02 72.52 42.86 3.84 0.18 0 10.10 0.11 4.88 11.94 25.85 5.88 22.54 17.41 15.84 16.61 43.39 3.49 10.17 5.03 11.81 23.62 0 69.93 12.12 4.90 24.57 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Grasslands 0.06 0.05 0 0.05 11.82 26.31 85.50 18.11 0.02 1.60 0 0.68 28.51 33.67 0.47 30.55 15.82 32.68 0 22.77 43.77 5.70 14.03 27.84 100% 100% 100% 100% Plains and Great Basin Semidesert Subalpine Grasslands Total Woodlands Alpine Tundra 0 100.00 0 0 0 0 100% Great Basin Conifer 0.07 38.12 0 13.00 7.71 41.10 100% Interior Chaparral 0 66.67 0 10.13 15.36 7.84 100% Madrean Evergreen 0.06 71.92 0.06 10.36 8.10 9.49 100% Montane Conifer 0.07 64.80 0 3.82 1.30 30.01 100% Subalpine Conifer 0 70.70 0 0.16 0 29.14 100% Woodlands Total 0.06 50.51 0.01 10.39 7.39 31.65 100% * Each row represents 100% of that habitat type; columns are not additive. Percentages based on ASLD GIS data. DESERTSCRUB Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 76 Lowland Sonoran: elevation 100-3000 ft Vegetation is dominated by low, open stands of creosotebush and bursage. Smaller areas that have low, undrained and salt-affected soils commonly are dominated by saltbush, acacia, and mesquites. Has annual species, sometimes referred to as “ephemerals,” since they grow only after brief moist periods and are short-lived. Other conspicuous species include: desert broom, chuparosa, ocotillo, cholla, ironwood, palo verde, desert willow, and canyon ragweed. More than 21% of the area formerly occupied by lowland Sonoran desertscrub has been replaced by development or agriculture, the highest proportion of any vegetation community in the state. The remainder is rapidly shrinking and being fragmented by urban expansion, especially on private and former State Trust lands in the vicinity of Yuma and Phoenix. Habitat values on much of the undeveloped land are somewhat degraded due to livestock grazing (Hall and others 2005, Nabhan and Holdsworth 1999). However, 45% of this community is within federal lands, including National Wildlife Refuges and military lands which are ungrazed and have limited other human disturbances. Upland Sonoran: elevation 500-3500 ft Leguminous trees and succulents are abundant. Tree species include: foothill and blue palo verde, ironwood, mesquites, and cat-claw acacia. The giant saguaro cactus is found in this community, as are numerous other succulent species including: chollas, pincushions, barrel cacti, organpipe, ocotillo, hedgehog, and prickly-pear. Other conspicuous species include: creosotebush, jojoba, brittlebush, desert hackberry, triangle-leaf bursage, ratany, desert broom, desert willow, and chuparosa. The area occupied by upland Sonoran desertscrub has lost about 8% due to development or agriculture. The remainder is rapidly shrinking and being fragmented by urban expansion, especially on private and former State Trust lands in the vicinity of Tucson and Phoenix. Habitat values on much of the undeveloped land are somewhat degraded due to livestock grazing (Hall and others 2005, Nabhan and Holdsworth 1999). However, 44% of this community is within federal lands, including National Park Service lands and BLM National Monuments. Mohave: elevation 1000-5500 ft Landscapes are typically quite barren and desolate in appearance with low, scattered shrubs; predominately creosotebush, brittlebush, bursage, desert holly, shadscale, and blackbrush. Annuals cover the ground in wet years. Although this landscape is shrub-dominated and lacks giant cacti and many tree species, several large plants such as the Joshua tree and Mohave yucca are common, and mesquites and cat-claw acacia are present (Turner 1994a). Mohave desertscrub has lost about 5% of its historic distribution in Arizona due to agriculture and low-density development. More than 75% of its distribution is federally managed, including Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 77 National Park Service and BLM national monument lands, and thus probably secure from those threats. Chihuahuan: elevation 2000-5500 ft Vegetative community consists of many species of shrubs, leaf succulents, and small cacti. Indicator species include: creosotebush, tarbush, and whitethorn acacia. Trees are rare, but numerous species of small cacti such as prickly pear, cholla, barrel, and hedgehog are present. Other conspicuous species present include: ocotillo, mesquites, desert zinnias, agaves, century plant, sandpaperbush, and a number of yuccas. The area occupied by upland Chihuahuan desertscrub has lost about 9% due to development or agriculture. Additional losses are expected due to low-density housing development, especially along the San Pedro River valley. Livestock grazing impacts, especially in the late 1800s, caused significant changes in the soils and vegetation which may be slow to recover (Bahre and Shelton 1996, Sayre 1999). Great Basin: elevation 3000-6500 ft Vegetation consists mostly of scattered low, small-leafed shrubs and almost no trees or succulents. Indicator species are big sagebrush and shadscale. Other conspicuous species present include: blackbrush, Mormon-tea, four-wing saltbush, greasewood, rabbitbrush, horsebrush, and winterfat (Turner 1994b). The area occupied by Great Basin desertscrub has remained largely unchanged within historic times. Improper grazing management has caused widespread habitat degradation, especially from the late 1800s through middle 1900s (Tuhy and others 2002). GRASSLANDS Plains and Great Basin: elevation 5000-7000 ft Perennial grass dominated landscape usually composed of mixed or shortgrass communities. Blue, black, and sideoats gramas are important. Other important grasses include: buffalo-grass, Indian rice grass, Galleta grass, prairie Junegrass, Plains lovegrass, vine mesquite grass, Texas Timothy, and alkali sacaton. Shrubs such as four-wing saltbush, sagebrush, winterfat, cholla, and rabbitbrush may be scattered throughout. Junipers have invaded large areas of all types of grasslands in the Southwest. Forbs are abundant. The area occupied by Plains and Great Basin grasslands has remained largely unchanged within historic times. These grasslands are in good condition across about 38% of their distribution. Moderate levels of shrub invasion (10-35% cover) affect about 45%, and the remaining 16% is dominated by shrubs or nonnative grasses, or suffers from severe erosion (TNC data; Schussman Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 78 and Gori 2004). Lack of regular fires and high grazing pressure, including historic periods of overgrazing combined with drought, may have led to conversion of areas from grassland to Great Basin desertscrub or Great Basin conifer woodland (Finch 2004, ACERP 1995). Due to the attractiveness of low-lying valley bottoms for housing development, losses from this source are expected to grow with increasing population pressures in Arizona. Semidesert: elevation 3500-4500 ft Originally, the grasses were perennial bunch grasses, the bases of the clumps separated by intervening bare ground. Currently, three-awn and tobosa species together with grama grasses dominate. Some areas are essentially pure stands of grass. In other places, an open savanna with grasses beneath oaks or mesquites is common. Most areas are characterized by short-grasses interspersed with a variety of low-growing trees, shrubs, and cacti. Grass species include: black, blue, sideoats and hairy gramas, buffalo grass, Plains lovegrass, little bluestem, Plains bristlegrass, fluffgrass, burrograss, Lehmann lovegrass, and hairy tridens. Forbs and weeds are abundant. Other conspicuous species present include: acacias, prickly-pear cactus, century plant, cholla, and yuccas. The condition of semidesert grasslands is good across about 9% of its range. Moderate levels of shrub invasion (10-35% cover) affect about 39%, and the remaining 52% is dominated by shrubs or nonnative grasses, or suffers from severe erosion (TNC data; Schussman and Gori 2004). Lack of regular fires and high grazing pressure, including historic periods of overgrazing combined with drought, may have led to conversion of large areas from grassland to Chihuahuan desertscrub. This community has also lost about 10% of its historic extent to development and agriculture. Due to the attractiveness of low-lying valley bottoms for housing development, losses are expected to continue as population pressures increase in Arizona. There are several separate issues involved in restoration of this habitat type, and the scientific community has different opinions on potential for restoration. Some scientists believe that native grasses cannot be restored because of changes in soil characteristics and lowering of the water table. Some places have been restored with long periods of decreased grazing pressure. Grazing rest or reduction of grazing pressure is generally not occurring on most State Trust and private lands. Drought and climate change impact the ability of this vegetative community to recover. Natural fire, which historically maintained this community, no longer occurs in much of the habitat due to lack of grasses to carry the fire. A natural fire regime is not likely to be restored on most of the Semidesert Grassland because of continued grazing pressure and development of human communities within the vegetation type. There have been some successes at restoring Semidesert Grassland with herbicides to reduce shrubs and thereby promote grasses, but these efforts have been on a small scale and expensive. High human use, both because of the increasing human population and because of heavy border activity, is degrading the habitat and decreasing the value of the habitat for wildlife. In some places, introduced nonnative plants (for example, Lehmann lovegrass) have invaded the natural vegetation and caused ecosystem changes that may not be reversible. In places where nonnative grasses have become established, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 79 an unnaturally frequent and intense fire regime is established, which furthers the spread and dominance of the nonnatives. Subalpine: elevation 8500+ft Typically a high elevation, lush grassland habitat dominated by perennial bunchgrasses and forbs. Unlike plains and desert grasslands, subalpine grasslands receive relatively high average annual precipitation. The area covered by subalpine grasslands has remained somewhat stable through historic times, although there are areas, such as the North Kaibab plateau, which have seen conifer and aspen incursion at the expense of grasslands. The vegetation communities of subalpine grasslands have been affected by grazing or, less commonly, fire, leading to reductions in native bunchgrasses and increases in shrubs and herbaceous plants (Brown 1994). WOODLANDS / FORESTS Chaparral: elevation 4000-6000 ft Often comprised almost entirely of 2 species of manzanita and shrub live oak, which form a dense, nearly impenetrable thicket. Receives substantial summer rainfall. Because of the high percentage of crown cover, forbs and grasses are not abundant except in the scattered interscrub openings or after a fire event. Other conspicuous species present include: birchleaf mountain-mahogany, skunkbush sumac, silktassels, and desert ceanothus. Succulents such as prickly-pear cactus, agaves, and yuccas commonly grow alongside shrubs. The area occupied by chaparral has remained largely unchanged within historic times. Chaparral ecosystems were subjected to treatments such as mechanical manipulation, and herbicides in the 1950's and 1960's to increase water yield and grazing potential. Because of their high accessibility and relatively gentle terrain, these ecosystems were heavily grazed by goats, especially between 1880 and 1920, and until 1940 (Pase and Brown 1994). Many of the important range grasses were eliminated from most of the sites and, as a result, have been confined to rocky protected areas (ACERP 1995). Madrean: elevation 5000-7000 ft Predominantly found in southeastern Arizona. Evergreen oaks dominate with junipers and sometimes pines also growing in the mix. Open savannas are common in some areas with numerous grasses growing beneath the oaks. Common tree species include: Emory oak, Mexican blue oak, Arizona oak, silverleaf oak, alligator bark juniper, one-seed juniper, and Mexican pinyon pine. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 80 The area occupied by Madrean woodlands has remained largely unchanged within historic times. Fire suppression, both deliberate and incidentally from livestock grazing, has altered the community composition to favor trees and shrubs over grasses (McPherson 1992). Only about 6% of the Madrean woodlands have fire regimes which are severely altered from their historical range, but another 77% are moderately altered, creating a moderate risk of losing key ecosystem components (USFS data; Schmidt and others 2002). About 20% of Madrean woodland area is within areas managed with permanent protection for a primarily natural state (TNC 2004a). Great Basin Conifer: elevation 3400-8800 ft Evergreen woodland dominated by juniper and pinyon-pine species. North of the Mogollon Rim, Utah and one-seed juniper are intermixed with pinyon and to the south, alligator juniper grows. Colorado Pinyon-pine is the characteristic species throughout nearly the entire zone. Singleleaf pinyon grows locally intermixed with Utah juniper, mostly in northwestern Arizona. Grassland, desertscrub, or chaparral woodland may form an understory beneath and between woodland trees, depending on the area. Great Basin conifer woodlands have been significantly affected by changes in fire regime, livestock grazing, and mechanical or chemical treatments (Monsen and Stevens 1999, Stevens and Monson 2004). Due to increased density of tree canopies and of invasive grass species, widespread crown fires are predicted and the area of these woodlands may decline, to be replaced by shrublands or grasslands (Gruell 1999, Tausch 1999). Only about 11% of the Great Basin conifer woodlands have fire regimes which are severely altered from their historical range, but another 70% are moderately altered, creating a moderate risk of losing key ecosystem components (USFS data; Schmidt and others 2002). Pinyon pines have recently experienced widespread mortality due to drought and insects, affecting 1.2 million acres (9% of total distribution in Arizona) during 2002-2004 (Breshears and others 2005; USFS 2003, 2004b, 2005). The area occupied by Great Basin conifer woodland has remained largely unchanged within historic times. About 69% of this community is within areas managed with permanent protection for a primarily natural state (TNC 2004a). Montane Conifer: elevation 6000-9000 ft Ponderosa pine dominates, with Douglas fir and white fir growing in varying proportions. Other tree species include limber pine, southwestern white pine, Gambel oak, silverleaf oak, bigtooth maple, and quaking aspen. Many stands of ponderosa pine are relatively open or park-like, which permits the growth of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and broadleaf trees as understory. Mainly located along the southern rim of the Colorado Plateau in central Arizona as an unbroken ponderosa pine forest. In southern Arizona, the Montane Conifer Forest grows primarily on the larger mountains as “islands.” The area of forested lands in Arizona, primarily conifer forests, has been reduced by about 10% since 1630, based on historic estimates. More detailed estimates of timberland suggest a Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 81 reduction of about 2.6% for the period 1953-2002 (USFS 2003). Only about 7.6% of montane conifer area is within areas managed with permanent protection for a primarily natural state (TNC 2004a). Changes in fire regime and forest management have changed many conifer forest stands from well-spaced groups of large trees to closed thickets of small trees, resulting in decreased diversity of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Mortality of large trees by disease, insects, or highintensity crown fires has replaced the understory thinning action of low-intensity ground fires (Dahms and Geils 1997). Approximately 58% of the montane conifer forests have fire regimes which are severely altered from their historical range, creating a high risk of losing key ecosystem components (USFS data; Schmidt and others 2002). Recent insect outbreaks, amplified by drought and high winter temperatures, caused widespread die-off in ponderosa pines affecting 1.3 million acres (27% of total distribution in Arizona) during 2002-2004 (USFS 2003, 2004b, 2005). These dead trees will likely support additional large fires in the future. Alpine Conifer: elevation 8000-9000 ft A mix of many coniferous and one deciduous species characterize these spruce-alpine fir woodlands. The principal boreal conifers are: Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, corkbark fir, white fir, Douglas fir, bristlecone pine and limber pine. Quaking aspen is the dominant deciduous species; both intermixed with various coniferous species and in pure stands. Dense overstories common to these forests severely limit or prevent growth of herbaceous vegetation. Due to their limited distribution in Arizona, the alpine conifer forests have been disproportionately affected by a small number of development projects such as ski runs, communication towers, and observatories (Patten and Stromberg 1995, Dahms and Geils 1997). They also experienced significant tree mortality due to drought and insects, affecting 77,000 acres (32% of total distribution in Arizona) during 2002-2004 (USFS 2003, 2004b, 2005). Historically, subalpine conifer forest was insulated from fire by the surrounding lower-elevation fire-resistant mixed conifer, which historically burned regularly but not catastrophically; the mixed conifer was thinned naturally by fire, and fire did not usually invade into the wetter subalpine spruce fir forest. With the current unnaturally high tree density in mixed conifer, and the resulting high fuel loads, the subalpine conifer forest is now being lost to fire and disease. Approximately 79% of the alpine conifer forests have fire regimes which are severely altered from their historical range, creating a high risk of losing key ecosystem components due to destructive crown fires (USFS data; Schmidt and others 2002). Tundra: elevation 11,000-12,600 ft Located on the peaks of the San Francisco Mountains in northern Arizona. Extreme cold temperatures exclude trees and succulents. Dominant plants are ground-hugging woody shrubs and perennial herbs. This community has very limited distribution in Arizona, occurring on just two mountain peaks (Brown 1994). The only significant stressor is trampling and other disturbance by hikers, but Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 82 climate change could lead to reductions in this community due to an upward shift in treeline (Bowman and others 2002, Tuhy and others 2002). Human-dominated landscapes: The current status of many species in Arizona, especially birds, depends on the quality of nontraditional habitat. Some native wildlife species are attracted to pastures and irrigated agricultural lands. In particular during migration and winter, many species of birds including raptors, egrets, herons, ibis, shorebirds, waterfowl, blackbirds, and sparrows often congregate locally in exceptional numbers in these human-altered landscapes. Urban sprawl is rapidly converting adjacent agricultural lands into residential and commercial developments, much to the detriment of many species. Conversely, residential and urban ponds, lakes, and canals often attract thousands of wintering waterfowl and other waterbirds such as coots, grebes and cormorants. These permanent urban water impoundments and subsequent fish populations have also encouraged the local establishment of heron and cormorant nesting colonies. RIPARIAN / AQUATIC SYSTEMS Maintaining aquatic and riparian habitats is critical to maintaining the biological diversity of the ecoregion. Water resources throughout the state are currently over-allocated such that conflicts are increasing between human uses and maintenance of biological diversity. Active land and water management planning will be critical to accommodating the anticipated human population growth while maintaining biological diversity. Riparian and aquatic systems throughout Arizona have been uniformly impacted in dramatic fashion from the pre-settlement condition. Three major sources of impact are worthy of discussion: Prevailing drought; impacts from livestock management to riparian areas and watersheds; and introduction of nonnative organisms. Other factors causing significant local impact include pollution; off-road vehicular use; changes to watercourses from diversion, impoundments and beaver removal; and fire on watersheds resulting in high siltation. Prevailing drought conditions in Arizona are at their most extreme within recorded history. This directly results in lower input to both surface and subsurface water resources. Many springs and seeps have dried up within the last few years for the first time in living memory. This has direct severe impact on the wildlife and plant communities dependent on them. Rivers and streams have lower flow regimes and reduced seasonal peaks. This affects the life histories of riparian and aquatic organisms in multiple ways. Emphasis on preservation of livestock grazing as a viable use of public lands has conflicted with efforts to preserve watershed condition in many areas. Many rangeland watersheds have been damaged over the years such that soils have been lost and plant communities altered. This impacts the nature of runoff events into streams, rivers and lakes, and also impacts groundwater recharge. Stream flow patterns have become more “flashy,” that is, more prone to high runoff events characterized by high velocities and silt loading, followed by dramatic reduction in flow. Previously, watersheds with better plant cover allowed vegetation to slow the impact of falling precipitation, reducing erosion, and organic material at the soil surface slowed runoff, allowing Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 83 more recharge of soil moisture and subsurface aquifers. Degradation of this system by excessive removal of plant biomass and reduction in vigor is a positive feedback loop; deteriorating conditions further restrict plant vigor and moisture retention, leading to further degradation of the plant community. Currently many watercourses have been reduced from perennial meandering small streams and wetlands to gullies with ephemeral flows of high velocity and short duration. Gullies lower the effective wet zone below the reach of many riparian plant types, limiting banks to upland vegetation only. These processes are essentially irreversible at the landscape scale within human lifetimes. Grazing by livestock and by elk (in some areas) has resulted in loss of recruitment of new individuals to the plant communities, especially among riparian trees. In many areas there is a near total lack of riparian tree recruitment during most of the last 100 years. Trends are generally positive regarding this issue, with most land managers moving toward reduction or elimination of grazing in riparian areas. Areas that have received the most extensive relief have generally shown positive, sometimes remarkable improvement. Nonnative organisms introduced deliberately and inadvertently have greatly modified the biota of riparian and aquatic systems throughout Arizona. In the aquatic environment, nonnative fishes, crayfish, and mollusks have essentially converted many aquatic communities to a different biota. Crayfish are an emerging threat of large magnitude in these aquatic systems. Native fish in Arizona are considered the most threatened taxa among Arizona native species, largely as a result of predation and competition with these nonnative organisms. Off-road vehicle use has similarly affected localized riparian and aquatic areas throughout the state. In many areas, access by motorized vehicle is only possible by following the streamcourses. This has resulted in extensive damage by trampling banks and vegetation. This travel, and cross-channel fording adds to sediment loading of aquatic systems, reducing productivity and the integrity of systems downstream, and creating erosive actions that can lead to head-cutting upstream, with all of the associated adverse effects. Artificial impoundments and diversion of watercourses occur throughout the state to varying degrees, dramatically changing many watercourses from the pre-settlement condition. Especially in smaller watercourses, loss of once-widespread beaver impoundments has altered aquatic habitats. Early explorers found many beaver in streams and wetlands throughout Arizona. These were profoundly reduced in the mid-1800s. Many watercourses apparently have changed as a result, with loss of more continuously connected wetland areas, increases in flow rate peaks, decreases in flow duration, and increases in both seasonal and area extent of periods of no flow. This has had profound effects on riparian and aquatic plant communities and their associated wildlife. High intensity fires and those burning larger areas have profound affects on riparian and aquatic systems. Although direct consumption by fire can be locally destructive, the largest impacts result from impacts to the watershed, where ash and silt runoff results in erosive damage to the physical structure of watercourses. Silt and ash smother organisms, change water chemistry, destroy spawning habitat, and create turbidity that disrupts essential behaviors. Erosion resulting Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 84 from fire impacts to watersheds can cause dramatic downcutting of watercourses, with all the resulting damage to both aquatic and riparian communities as discussed regarding gullies above. Wetlands/Springs/Seeps – Scattered throughout the state, these landscapes provide critical habitat for a number of species. Wetlands, whether perennial or intermittent, provide important habitat for migrating waterfowl. All free-flowing seeps and springs provide water for wildlife consumption, while some are host to a number of rare and endemic species. This category also includes natural cienegas (marshes), tinajas (ephemeral pools), and stock tanks. In addition, these features often support riparian vegetation which varies across the state but is often more diverse and lush than surrounding vegetation. The statewide status of wetlands, springs, and seeps is not well documented, but most are thought to be greatly reduced from their prehistoric conditions. The distribution of cienegas has shrunk from formerly widespread to small, scattered remnants due to grazing and streambed modifications (Hendrickson and Minckley 1984). The remaining riparian areas are often subject to intensive utilization. Arizona has more than 6,400 mapped springs, but most have been diverted for human or livestock uses (Arizona State Land Department data; Stevens and Meretsky, in press). Construction of concrete “spring boxes” has resulted in many springs becoming unavailable to support riparian communities at the margins. Some of those have remnant outflow which still provides wildlife habitat (Pima County 2000). A survey of more than 220 springs in northern Arizona found 93% of springs on federal, non-National Park Service lands to be ecologically devastated or functioning at risk (Stevens and Springer 2004). Springs and cienegas are supported by locally high groundwater levels which can be drawn down by groundwater withdrawals, especially during times of drought (ADWR 1994). The current extended period of drought, combined with poor initial watershed condition, is causing many of these areas to go dry for the first time in recorded history. Approximately 11,800 acres of marsh habitat occurs within the Colorado River floodplain below Hoover Dam, including California (LCRMSCP 2004). Most researchers believe that this acreage is much higher now than historically because river dynamics prior to the construction of dams did not favor the establishment of marshes (Ohmart and others 1991). Most of this habitat is protected within federal and state wildlife refuges, but threats to the habitat and resident wildlife exist from selenium accumulation, wildfire, and vegetation accumulation and succession. Streams/Rivers – Includes perennial and intermittent running waters and the associated riparian area. According to one data set, now somewhat outdated, Arizona has lost 35% of historically perennial river and stream flow (Brown and others 1981). Loss of natural perennial flow includes formerly perennial reaches that are now dry, mostly due to groundwater pumping and surface water diversions, and formerly perennial reaches that are now regulated, chiefly due to dam construction (ADWR 1994, Tellman and others 1997). According to a TNC analysis of Brown and others dataset, the loss of naturally flowing perennial reaches has been most profound on Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 85 Arizona’s big rivers - the Colorado, Gila, Salt, and Verde rivers - where 91% of free-flowing perennial miles have been lost. On moderate-sized rivers – the San Pedro, Santa Cruz, Little Colorado, White, Black, Blue, San Francisco, and Babocomari rivers - 37% of naturally flowing perennial reaches have been lost. In the remaining creeks and streams, which consist chiefly of streams draining the White Mountains and small discontinuous perennial flow reaches in other locations, at least 9% of free flowing perennial reaches have been lost. As of 1993, Arizona had about 267,000 acres of riparian vegetation associated with perennial waters, covering approximately 0.4% of the state (Valencia 1993). Increasing human population in the state is expected to put added demands on water (ADWR 1994) and thus reduce the water available for wildlife or degrade its value as habitat. This would likely also reduce the area of riparian vegetation available as wildlife habitat (Valencia 1993). Many streams and rivers have become highly eroded, impacted by nonnative organisms, and converted to ephemeral flows as a result of erosion and general watershed degradation. Riparian tree communities have been greatly reduced in extent due to overgrazing of seedlings necessary for recruitment and by altered flow regimes that reduce or eliminate conditions necessary for seed germination and seedling establishment. Many land managers are moving toward active acceptance of responsibility to manage these impacts from livestock on riparian areas, so the trends for condition of riparian habitat may begin to see improvement. Nonnative aquatic organisms are also having profound effects, however, and have eliminated or reduced native fish and aquatic invertebrates in many areas. Many waterways are under threat or have already been converted by crayfish to simple monocultures of crayfish and algae. Lakes/Reservoirs – Includes small man-made lakes, backwater lakes, and large reservoirs, associated marshes and riparian vegetation throughout the state. Lakes and reservoirs were not a common or important part of the historic landscape of Arizona. Creation of reservoirs in Arizona has affected flows and introduced nonnative fish, crayfish, and mollusks in all major river systems except along the San Pedro. Currently, smaller human-created impoundments are of value to native wildlife. These smaller impoundments range from stock tanks of less than ½ acre in size up to local community/ranch ponds and small lakes. Most of these are dominated by nonnative fishes and have limited or no riparian areas associated with them. They provide locally important sources of drinking water for many wildlife species, and indeed are frequently the only sources of standing water over significant areas. Arizona currently has about 492 square miles covered with water, mostly in artificial lakes (Tellman and others 1997). Since most of those lakes also have value for water storage and flood control, that area is not likely to decline. At least ten of Arizona’s lakes have serious contamination by mercury or other toxins which affect fish, the result of mining or farming operations in their watersheds (ADEQ 2004). ECOREGION-SPECIFIC HABITAT CONDITIONS (ELEMENT 2) Ecoregions are defined as areas–on the scale of tens of millions of acres–that are characterized by phenomena that influence the character of specific habitat types. These large-scale phenomena include environmental conditions such as climate and landforms, as well as regional Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 86 human activities and population centers. Terrestrial habitat types are summarized by ecoregion in Table 15. Terrestrial and aquatic/riparian habitat types are depicted by ecoregion in Figs. 3 and 4, respectively. Table 15. Percentage of ecoregion occupied by each landscape. Percentage in each Ecoregion* Community Type Landscape Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Chihuahuan Desertscrub Great Basin Desertscrub Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Mohave Desertscrub Desertscrub Total Grasslands Plains and Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Subalpine Grassland Grassland Total Woodlands Alpine Tundra Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Madrean Evergreen Woodland Petran Montane Conifer Forest Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest Woodlands Total *Percentages based on ASLD GIS data. AHN 0.39 0.01 0.34 0 0.36 1.10 13.91 14.32 0 28.23 0 37.70 21.82 2.93 8.22 0 70.67 AHS 0 15.32 0 0 0 15.32 1.96 60.96 0 62.92 0 0.23 2.06 18.13 1.29 0.05 21.76 AZNM 0 0 0.61 0 0 0.61 13.04 0 0.88 13.92 0.02 31.72 0.86 0.18 50.73 1.96 85.47 CP 0 0 27.49 0 3.71 31.20 34.96 0 0.04 35.00 0 30.72 0.05 0 2.44 0.58 33.79 MD 1.33 0 0.85 4.80 82.18 89.16 0 2.88 0 2.88 0 5.45 2.41 0 0.10 0 7.96 SD 46.68 0 0 52.37 0.63 99.68 0 0.20 0 0.20 0 0.03 0.10 0 0 0 0.13 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Figure 3. Habitat types and ecoregions identified in Arizona’s CWCS. May 24, 2006 Page 87 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 88 Figure 4. Riparian/aquatic habitat types and ecoregions identified in Arizona’s CWCS. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 89 APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH The Apache Highlands North Ecoregion spans 9.4 million acres in Arizona, largely comprised of grasslands, chaparral, and pinyon/juniper woodlands (Marshall and others 2004), but also containing significant mixed stands of Madrean evergreen oak woodlands and ponderosa pine/mixed conifer forests at higher elevations. Elevation ranges from about 2100 to 8800 feet, averaging about 4950 feet. Precipitation ranges from 10 to 18 inches in this ecoregion, with approximately equal portions falling in winter and summer. It contains a variety of landforms, including broad flat valleys, rolling hills, and steep mountains, including the isolated heights of the Hualapai Mountains, a “sky-island” landform similar to those of the Apache Highlands South. Precipitation in the “sky-island” areas to the south varies from 11 to 30 inches per year, with more precipitation at higher elevations and with slightly more falling in summer than winter. The dominant characteristic of the Apache Highlands North is the highly dissected nature of the landform. With the Mogollon Rim defining the northern boundary of the eastern part of this ecoregion, the landforms consist in large part of canyons, valleys and the intervening small mountain ranges, ridges and plateaus. Relatively flatter and more extensive plateaus at somewhat higher elevation than the remainder of the ecoregion dominate the northwestern part of this ecoregion. This plateau country breaks into similarly highly dissected drainages and small mountain ranges towards the south. The Apache Highlands North is transitional in nature throughout its extent. Dramatic local differences in elevation, slope and aspect may result in striking variety in habitat type and associated wildlife. Within a single square mile in this ecoregion it would not be unusual to encounter Great Basin Coniferous Woodland, Montane Coniferous Woodland, Chaparral, and Semidesert Grassland, as well as associated riparian and aquatic habitats. The Apache Highlands North is a relatively well-watered portion of the State. Higher elevations to the north receive some of the most significant precipitation in the State, and much of that runoff flows through this ecoregion. The Salt River forms a portion of the southern boundary of this ecoregion and the Verde River bisects it. Other significant drainages include upper portions of the Big Sandy and Santa Maria rivers; the Agua Fria, and New River drainages; the Verde tributaries Sycamore Creek, Oak Creek, Beaver Creek, West Clear Creek, and the East Verde River; the Salt tributaries Tonto Creek, Cherry Creek, Canyon Creek, Cibeque Creek, Carrizo Creek, and the White and Black rivers; and the upper Gila River tributaries Bonita Creek, Eagle Creek and the San Francisco River. Many of the smaller tributaries of these named systems have perennial or intermittent flow, providing aquatic habitat, support for riparian communities and water for wildlife consumption. Additionally, private landowners and livestock operations have constructed numerous water impoundments across the breadth of this ecoregion that are of value to wildlife. The western third of the ecoregion is less well-watered. Moderately large portions of this western zone are covered by sagebrush and other Great Basin desertscrub species with Great Basin conifer forest occurring in the somewhat higher elevations with thinner soils and broken, rocky terrain. Significant canyon systems drain much of the north-central portion into the Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 90 Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, with the north-western zone draining south and west to the Verde River through Big Chino and its tributaries. Land management responsibility in the Apache Highlands North is predominantly tribal or federal in the eastern two-thirds of the ecoregion. The White Mountain Apache and San Carlos Apache Indian reservations lie at the eastern-most portion of the ecoregion. West of these, the USFS (Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Tonto and Prescott national forests) is the principal land manager. Only small areas of private land are found within these zones, although the private lands are often some of the most well-watered and ecologically significant. Farther west in the ecoregion large areas of Arizona State Trust lands are present, often interspersed with private land in a checkerboard pattern. These offer a challenge to management since access and control are often limited. The BLM also manages a significant portion of lands in the western part of the ecoregion, and many BLM areas are similarly checkerboarded with State Trust and private land. Due to the highly dissected nature of its topography, the more rugged areas of the Apache Highlands North are relatively less influenced by human population centers. Major communities in the ecoregion include Payson, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Kingman, Chino Valley, and Globe. Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside straddle the border of this ecoregion and the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains. Because many of these communities are located in the large valleys of the ecoregion, where the topography is gentle and the soils are deeper, they have had a disproportionate influence on the condition of Plains and Great Basin Grassland landscapes, especially around Prescott, Prescott Valley, Kingman, and Chino Valley. Mining, livestock grazing, and timber harvesting have been the dominant human economic activities throughout the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion since European settlement. Both activities have been a source of significant impacts on the biotic environment. Agriculture is present in the Verde Valley near Camp Verde and in other small valleys in the ecoregion, but is not of great significance anywhere. Mining has led to establishment of human communities in the ecoregion, such as Globe and Clifton/Morenci, and has exerted lesser impacts in other localities. Many hills and canyons are dotted with working or abandoned small mines and claims. Some of these remain as blighted areas with negative impacts to wildlife and scenic value, while some mining structures provide habitat for bats and other wildlife with special habitat requirements. Today, the Apache Highlands North is facing pressure from an increasing human population that finds the area’s elevations and forests to be a highly desirable location to recreate. Indeed, this recreational use has an increasingly dominant impact on the landscape in this ecoregion. Many parts of this ecoregion get heavy recreational use from residents of the Phoenix metropolitan area. This and burgeoning retirement communities associated with the mild climate of the area create a population that is able to afford the time and expense to recreate in the outdoors. Human presence on the landscape is significant in all but the most inaccessible areas. Vehicular traffic on roads, tracks and trails creates disturbance to natural wildlife behaviors and movements. Lakeshores and streamsides have high levels of human presence during day use and overnight camping. Off-road travel by four-wheel drive vehicles, quads and dirt bikes has caused habitat Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 91 damage to plants and soils and high levels of disturbance to wildlife. The trend for all these types of disturbances continues to be on the increase. Drought is a large source of negative impact on the habitats and wildlife of the Apache Highlands North. In winter 2005-06 Arizona find itself in an extensive period of severe drought, with little germination of winter annual vegetation and perennial vegetation dramatically reduced in vigor. Much of the existing vegetation has been severely over-utilized, in places due to wildlife use, but more extensively as a result of livestock grazing. Although the winter of 200405 provided a break in an overall 10-year pattern of drought, the effects of that year’s precipitation are difficult to observe on the current landscape. Recent surveys of game species show little response in terms of reproduction (fawn:doe ratios) resulting from last year’s rainfall, and total counts are down to historically low levels for many surveyed species. Habitat monitoring data is less readily available, but visual observations indicate severe loss of rangeland biomass, many springs and cattle tanks without water, and high levels of impact to vegetation and soils due to livestock that remain on rangelands. Stressors described under each habitat type below reflect historical and continuing changes in ecological process as well as growth of human population centers in this ecoregion. Human developments have associated transportation and infrastructure requirements. For an expanded description of each habitat type and characterization of statewide threats to each, see “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic Habitat Types (Element 2).” See Appendix O for scoring of all stressors in each habitat type. The nature of these stressors in Arizona is presented more fully under “Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3).” Finally, the descriptions provided do not attempt to depict conditions on sovereign tribal lands. Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) For more information on these species, see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4).” A complete list of species, including those of lower conservation priority and of undetermined vulnerability status can be found in Appendix F. For some species in Table 16, this part of their distribution may not represent a key area for conservation actions. Table 16. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands North. Desertscrub X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs X Wetlands/ Springs X Streams/ Rivers Human-dominated landscapes* Petran Montane Conifer X Great Basin Conifer X Madrean Evergreen X Aquatic & Riparian Woodlands/Forests Interior Chaparral X Semidesert Plains & Great Basin Amphibians Bufo microscaphus Arizona Toad Eleutherodactylus augusti cactorum Western Barking Frog Mohave Common name Upland Sonoran Scientific name Grasslands Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 92 Table 16. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands North. Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs X X Wetlands/ Springs X X X X Streams/ Rivers Human-dominated landscapes* Petran Montane Conifer X Great Basin Conifer X X X X Madrean Evergreen X X X Aquatic & Riparian Woodlands/Forests Interior Chaparral Semidesert Plains & Great Basin Mohave Common name Upland Sonoran Scientific name Rana chiricahuensis Chiricahua Leopard Frog Rana pipiens Northern Leopard Frog Rana yavapaiensis Lowland Leopard Frog Birds Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Northern Goshawk Aechmophorus clarkii Clark's Grebe Ammodramus bairdii Baird's Sparrow Ammodramus Western Grasshopper savannarum Sparrow perpallidus Anthus spragueii Sprague's Pipit Ardea alba Great Egret Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern Buteo regalis Ferruginous Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus Common Black-Hawk Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush Ceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Western Snowy Plover Coccyzus Western Yellow-billed americanus occidentalis Cuckoo Contopus cooperi Olive-sided Flycatcher Dendrocygna Black-bellied Whistlingautumnalis Duck Dumetella Gray Catbird carolinensis Egretta thula Snowy Egret Empidonax traillii Southwestern Willow extimus Flycatcher Falco peregrinus American Peregrine Falcon anatum Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Ictinia mississippiensis Mississippi Kite Grasslands X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 93 Table 16. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands North. Desertscrub Lakes/ Reservoirs X Wetlands/ Springs X Streams/ Rivers Human-dominated landscapes* Petran Montane Conifer X Great Basin Conifer X Madrean Evergreen X Aquatic & Riparian Woodlands/Forests Interior Chaparral X Semidesert Plains & Great Basin Sage Thrasher Osprey American Three-toed Picoides dorsalis Woodpecker Pinicola enucleator Pine Grosbeak Progne subis Western Purple Martin arboricola Sphyrapicus nuchalis Red-naped Sapsucker Strix occidentalis Mexican Spotted Owl lucida Fish Agosia chrysogaster Longfin Dace Catostomus clarki Desert Sucker Catostomus insignis Sonora Sucker Catostomus Flannelmouth Sucker latipinnis Cyprinodon macularius Desert Pupfish Gila elegans Bonytail Gila intermedia Gila Chub Gila nigra Headwater Chub Gila robusta Roundtail Chub Meda fulgida Spikedace Oncorhynchus gilae apache Apache (Arizona) Trout Oncorhynchus gilae Gila Trout gilae Plagopterus Woundfin argentissimus Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis Gila Topminnow Ptychocheilus lucius Colorado Pikeminnow Rhinichthys osculus Speckled Dace Tiaroga cobitis Loach Minnow Xyrauchen texanus Razorback Sucker Crustaceans and Mollusks Anodonta California Floater Mohave Common name Upland Sonoran Scientific name Oreoscoptes montanus Pandion haliaetus Grasslands X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 94 Table 16. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands North. Desertscrub Aquatic & Riparian Woodlands/Forests X Verde Rim Springsnail X Montezuma Well Springsnail X Page Springsnail Fossil Springsnail Brown Springsnail Mammals Cynomys gunnisoni Gunnison's Prairie Dog Euderma maculatum Spotted Bat Eumops perotis Greater Western Mastiff Bat californicus Lasiurus blossevillii Western Red Bat Lasiurus xanthinus Western Yellow Bat Macrotus californicus California Leaf-nosed Bat Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis Hualapai Mexican Vole Mustela nigripes Black-footed Ferret Nyctinomops Big Free-tailed Bat macrotis Ovis canadensis Desert Bighorn Sheep mexicana Panthera onca Jaguar Perognathus flavus Springerville Pocket Mouse goodpasteri Sigmodon arizonae jacksoni Yavapai Arizona Cotton Rat Sorex arizonae Arizona Shrew Zapus hudsonius New Mexican Jumping luteus Mouse Reptiles Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Sonoran Desert Tortoise Population) Thamnophis eques Northern Mexican Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Human-dominated landscapes* Petran Montane Conifer X Great Basin Conifer Madrean Evergreen Interior Chaparral (blank) Semidesert Plains & Great Basin Mohave Common name Upland Sonoran Scientific name californiensis Oreohelix yavapai cummingsi Pyrgulopsis glandulosa Pyrgulopsis montezumensis Pyrgulopsis morrisoni Pyrgulopsis simplex Pyrgulopsis sola Grasslands X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 95 Table 16. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands North. Desertscrub Grasslands Woodlands/Forests Aquatic & Riparian Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Human-dominated landscapes* Petran Montane Conifer Great Basin Conifer Madrean Evergreen Interior Chaparral Semidesert Plains & Great Basin Mohave Upland Sonoran Scientific name Common name megalops Gartersnake Thamnophis rufipunctatus Narrow-headed Gartersnake X *Human-dominated landscapes here refer to agricultural areas and urban lakes. These habitat types are discussed under “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Aquatic/Riparian Habitat Types,” and in “Stressors to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat” under the stressor “Urban/rural development.” Habitat types below are arranged in order of prevalence in this ecoregion. Where patches of uncharacteristic habitat types (not described in this section) occur in this ecoregion, conservation should reflect stressors and species identified in neighboring ecoregions. Great Basin Conifer Woodland (37.7% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type, characterized by alligator and one-seed juniper, exists throughout middle elevations of the ecoregion. This landscape and Interior Chaparral are the dominant vegetation types of this ecoregion. The condition of Great Basin Coniferous Woodland is that it is increasing in extent within this ecoregion at the expense of Semidesert Grassland and riparian habitats. This reflects the combined impacts of altered fire regimes and intensive domestic livestock use over the past 100 years. Over the last 10 years, portions of this habitat type have been treated by various means to reduce overstory vegetation and to restore grassland. The resulting vegetative communities vary in composition, stability and productivity depending on restoration techniques employed and subsequent management practices. Presence of undesirable invasive plants has resulted in much of the treated acreage failing to be properly restored to the intended grasslands. The important stressors listed below reflect impacts of these historical land uses as well as increasing human population and pressure for outdoor recreational opportunities for people living within the ecoregion and in neighboring metropolitan Phoenix. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 96 Insect Infestation Habitat fragmentation/barriers Loss of keystone species Unnatural fire regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Non-motorized recreation off-trail Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Interior Chaparral (21.8% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is co-dominant in this ecoregion with Great Basin Coniferous Woodland. Characterized by shrub live oak, manzanita, various Ceanothus and other shrubs, it forms nearly impenetrable thickets on many slopes in the area. Although this habitat has high value for wildlife, the current condition of much of the chaparral is decadent from decades of fire suppression. As a fire-adapted community, much of its value to wildlife occurs in the early seral stages. It is expected that this landscape is on course to experience a return to wildfires. This change in fire regime is expected due to climate and land management shifts. The ongoing drought and higher temperatures should increase the likelihood of fire. Recent changes in land management agency policies treat fire as a natural element in this landscape, leading to active use of fire as a management tool. Otherwise, historical land uses are largely limited to livestock grazing, with a small amount of recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking, off-highway vehicle use, etc.). These pressures will not change dramatically in the near term, although livestock grazing may start to decrease. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 97 Water for wildlife in this landscape is often available only along major drainages and from springs and seeps in canyons and drainages. The current drought has eliminated available water from many of these sources, forcing wildlife to re-locate or perish and adversely affecting riparian plant communities. Large destructive fires have also had adverse affects by removing plant biomass protection to soils, resulting in erosive run-off. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Loss of keystone species Unnatural fire regimes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Roads for motorized vehicles Telephone lines/cellphone towers Semidesert Grassland (14.3% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is most extensive in southerly portions of this ecoregion and at its lowest elevations. There are scattered patches of this habitat type in the northwest, with the largest blocks on the western edge. This is the habitat type in this ecoregion that has probably diverged most significantly from its native condition. This landscape was historically dominated by perennial bunch grasses such as three-awn, tobosa and grama species interspersed with low shrubs and bare ground. Because it is characterized by lower precipitation than other grasslands, its condition has been very susceptible to changes associated with human activities such as intensive livestock grazing, fire suppression, and growing human settlements. Bunch grasses have consequently been replaced in most areas with scrubby trees and shrubs and by annual Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 98 grasses and forbs. The current condition of this habitat type is that it has been degraded throughout the ecoregion, followed by invasion of Great Basin Conifer and/or Upland Sonoran Desertscrub communities in degraded areas. Current drought, and expectation that it may continue for a significant period into the future, creates a mixed prognosis for this habitat. Increases in fire on this landscape offer an opportunity for the perennial grass community to reestablish a favorable equilibrium with the invading shrubs communities. However, without normal or near normal precipitation, grasses are unlikely to thrive. In addition, nonnative grasses and forbs are mostly annual species which react quickly to favorable conditions, sequester nutrients, and out-compete the native perennial grasses, at least in the short-term. The stressors listed below reflect historical land uses, plus impacts from increasing human populations and recreational pressure. In its degraded state, it is more susceptible to invasion by nonnative herbs as well as native shrubs, both of which change the community composition and affect the success of restoration techniques. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Urban growth Rural development Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Non-motorized recreation off-trail Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 99 Telephone lines/cellphone towers Plains and Great Basin Grassland (13.9% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) These grasslands are situated on high plains, in valleys, and on adjacent low hillsides, ridges and mesas. Landscapes are dominated by perennial grasses and are usually composed of mixed or short grass communities. Once forming large uninterrupted expanses of continuous grassland, its current condition is characterized by large-scale shrub encroachment and loss of plant diversity. Many changes in structure and composition started over a century ago with the rise of livestock operations and subsequent loss of fire from the system. More recently, urban and rural development has encroached on this landscape. The condition of this habitat type is moderately to severely degraded with little prospect of reversal due to soil losses and invasion by nonnative grasses and woody species. Management is needed to reduce forage utilization by livestock and other ungulates to levels below rates of annual production. Allocation of this annual production demands continued and increased inter-agency coordination. Much of this coordination is not effective at present due to budgetary constraints on forage monitoring efforts. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a trend toward a warmer climate, increased human population growth in this ecoregion and in neighboring metropolitan Phoenix. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Urban growth Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 100 Non-motorized recreation off-trail Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Montane Conifer Forest (8.2% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type, characterized by ponderosa pine and Gambel oak, exists as a band in the northeastern portion of the ecoregion and at the highest elevations within the rest of the ecoregion. A large zone of this habitat type occurs below the Mogollon Rim from about Pine/Strawberry eastward to Pinetop-Lakeside. Much of this forest has been logged for timber, especially in the last century. Harvesting strategies over this period have shifted the condition from a patchwork of stands of variable age and composition to one that is in a modified, secondgrowth condition. Previous harvesting strategies resulted in even-aged, high stem density stands of primarily ponderosa pine. The modified structure of these forests renders them more vulnerable to hot, destructive fire and disease. In recent years, timber harvest has been much reduced and fire suppression strategies have been changed with the expectation that this will begin a trend towards more diverse forests. Extensive loss of trees and in some cases whole stands has occurred during the current drought period due to fire and to stress-related infestation by bark beetles and other insects. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to human population growth in this ecoregion and in neighboring metropolitan Phoenix. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Loss of keystone species Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Insect Infestation Unnatural fire regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 101 Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Roads for motorized vehicles Madrean Evergreen Woodland (2.9% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is present primarily in small portions of the eastern part of the ecoregion, although floral and faunal influences occur west along the base of the Mogollon Rim and to the Prescott area as well. The largest extent in this ecoregion is on the San Carlos Indian Reservation, and a second area occurs in the vicinity of Eagle Creek and the San Francisco River. This habitat type is found primarily in Apache Highlands South, with some representation at its northern limit in this ecoregion. The following major stressors were assessed for this habitat type in Apache Highlands South. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Insect Infestation Habitat fragmentation/barriers Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting animals Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Rural development Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 102 Stressor Category: Invasive species Feral animals Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Off-range recreational shooting Non-motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Unauthorized roads & trails Right-of-way fencing along roadways Upland Sonoran Desertscrub (0.4% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is found primarily in the Sonoran Desert ecoregion; its largest extent in Apache Highlands North is in the Beaver Creek watershed. The condition of this landscape was well developed Sonoran Desertscrub habitat with very interspersed Semi-Desert Grassland prior to the settlement of the Verde Valley in the mid 1800s and is currently being heavily impacted by human development, dispersed recreation and water diversion. Important land use activities over this time frame have been livestock grazing, mining and limited agricultural development. Shifts in these activities, including reduced mining activities and rural development encroaching on the limited agricultural activities of the valley, have served to reduce the viability of this Sonoran desertscrub as wildlife habitat. Loss of springs and riparian zones have resulted from de-watering of most of the watershed for municipal and residential subdivision uses. The condition of the landscape is expected to decline further in the future with continued urbanization of the area, development of the remaining wildlands for activities such as golf resorts, recreation sites and the like. The stressors listed below reflect the pressures described above as well as changes to natural processes resulting from climate change and a resulting trend toward warmer conditions. Significant impacts from invasive species proliferation and introduction of nonnative plant and animal species will serve to continue the deterioration of this habitat type. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 103 Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Off-range recreational shooting Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Illegal dumping/littering Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Riparian and aquatic systems in Apache Highlands North General Conditions and Trends in Riparian and Aquatic Systems Riparian and aquatic systems in the Apache Highlands North have been uniformly impacted in dramatic fashion from the pre-settlement condition. Three major sources of impact account for most of the change in Apache Highlands North as well as across the state: prevailing drought, livestock management and the resulting impacts to riparian areas and watersheds, and introduction of nonnative organisms. Other factors causing significant local impact in this ecoregion include runoff from mining waste and road-building activities; off-road vehicular traffic along and across stream courses; changes to watercourses from diversion, impoundments, and beaver removal; and fire on watersheds resulting in high siltation. Wetlands/Springs/Seeps Habitat Condition (Element 2) Wetlands, springs and seeps in the Apache Highlands North have been affected by drought, human modification, and over utilization of the riparian vegetation. Construction of concrete “spring boxes” has resulted in many springs becoming unavailable to support riparian communities at the margins. Long-term drought, combined with poor watershed condition, is causing many of these areas to go dry for the first time in recorded history. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 104 Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Urban growth Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Rural development Agricultural conversion Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Scientific research and collection Stressor Category: Pollution Nutrients/algal blooms Sediment/ash flows Contaminants from waste water and runoff Pesticides/herbicides Heavy metals/mine tailings Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Canals/pipelines Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Streams/Rivers Habitat Condition (Element 2) Degraded conditions and trends in this ecoregion mirror those for the state as a whole. Many streams and rivers have become highly eroded, impacted by nonnative organisms, and converted to ephemeral flows as a result of erosion and general watershed degradation. Riparian tree communities have been greatly reduced in extent due to overgrazing of seedlings necessary for recruitment and by altered flow regimes that reduce or eliminate conditions necessary for seed germination and seedling establishment. Many land managers are moving toward active acceptance of responsibility to manage these impacts from livestock on riparian areas, so the trends for condition of riparian habitat may begin to see improvement. Nonnative aquatic organisms are having profound effects, however, and have eliminated or reduced native fish and aquatic invertebrates in many areas. Most waterways are under threat or have already been converted by crayfish to simple monocultures of crayfish and algae. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 105 While impoundments and diversion of watercourses in the Apache Highlands North are not on the dramatic scale of the Sonoran Desert, the many small diversions and impoundments have served to dramatically change many watercourses from pre-settlement condition. Perhaps the most dramatic change has resulted from the removal of beaver from many systems. Early explorers found many beaver in the streams and wetlands of much of Arizona. These were profoundly reduced in the mid-1800s. Many watercourses apparently have changed as a result, with loss of more continuously connected wetland areas, increases in flow rate peaks, decreases in flow duration, and increases in both seasonal and area extent of periods of no flow. This has had profound effects on riparian and aquatic plant communities and their associated wildlife. A perhaps direct result of this reduction in beaver modified habitat is the reduction in leopard frog populations throughout the state and region. Leopard frogs appear to be vulnerable to local extinctions. During periods of high wetland connectivity, frog metapopulations could survive with local extinctions being corrected by immigration of frogs from adjacent habitats. As watercourses became increasingly disconnected, local extinctions are less likely to be followed by recolonization. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Management for game animals and sport fish Habitat fragmentation/barriers Altered river flow regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Streambank alteration/channelization Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Recreational sites/facilities Rural development Agricultural conversion Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Landfills/dumps Urban growth Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance animals Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 106 Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Scientific research and collection Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Sediment/ash flows Pesticides/herbicides Contaminants from waste water and runoff Nutrients/algal blooms Heavy metals/mine tailings Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Canals/pipelines Lakes/Reservoirs Habitat Condition (Element 2) Lakes and reservoirs are not an important habitat type for wildlife in the Apache Highlands North, except for smaller human-created impoundments. These range from stock tanks of less than ½ acre in size up to local community/ranch ponds and small lakes. Most are dominated by nonnative fishes and have limited or no riparian areas associated with them. They do provide locally important sources of drinking water for many wildlife species, and indeed are frequently the only sources of standing water over significant areas. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Management for game animals and sport fish Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Agricultural conversion Rural development Livestock management Urban growth Landfills/dumps Recreational sites/facilities Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 107 Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Scientific research and collection Watercraft operation Stressor Category: Pollution Pesticides/herbicides Nutrients/algal blooms Sediment/ash flows Contaminants from waste water and runoff Heavy metals/mine tailings Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Canals/pipelines Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Stressors that act in this ecoregion at the species-but not habitat-scale (Element 3) In some cases, a stressor may have significant impacts to individual SGCN, but impacts are not felt throughout the habitat. Regardless of the extent of ecosystem-wide impacts, in any habitat type where these stressors act on SGCN, the appropriate conservation actions apply (see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4)”). The following stressors have significant ecosystem-level impacts in some habitat types in this ecoregion, but not in all habitat types where the SGCN occur. Note that for wide-ranging species, impacts from some stressors may be quite significant, but may not act on the species throughout its range. Stressors that rated high for SGCN in Apache Highlands North, but not for the habitat type in which they occur. Stressor Stressor Scientific name Common name category Habitat conversion Forest & woodland management - habitat conversion Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk atricapillus Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush Contopus cooperi Olive-sided Flycatcher Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 108 Stressors that rated high for SGCN in Apache Highlands North, but not for the habitat type in which they occur. Stressor Stressor Scientific name Common name category American Three-toed Picoides dorsalis Woodpecker Livestock management Buteogallus anthracinus Common Black-Hawk Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Cynomys gunnisoni Gunnison's Prairie Dog Panthera onca Jaguar Recreational sites/facilities Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Microtus mexicanus Hualapai Mexican Vole hualpaiensis Urban growth Cynomys gunnisoni Gunnison's Prairie Dog Non-consumptive resource use Dispersed camping Buteogallus anthracinus Common Black-Hawk Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Off-range recreational shooting Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Pollution Lead shot/fishing line Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Pesticides/herbicides Eumops perotis Greater Western Mastiff Bat californicus Sediment/ash flows Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Eumops perotis Greater Western Mastiff Bat californicus Consumptive use of biological resources Harvesting/collecting animals Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Panthera onca Jaguar Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 109 APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH The Apache Highlands South Ecoregion, including 8.5 million acres in Arizona, is best known among the scientific community for its “sky islands.” Over 20 mountain ranges cloaked in pineoak woodland and mixed conifer forests rise abruptly from surrounding basins comprised of grassland and desertscrub to form forested islands among a “desert sea” (Marshall 1957; Marshall and others 2004; Warshall 1995). These have also been called the “Madrean archipelago” for their resemblance to a chain of islands extending off the “continent” of the Sierra Madre (DeBano and others 1995). The elevation ranges from about 2200 to 10,717 feet, averaging about 4340 feet. Precipitation varies from about 10 to 30 inches per year according to elevation, with slightly more falling in summer than winter. Because of the variation in elevations as well as the location between the Sierra Madre to the south (Neotropic influence) and the Rocky Mountains to the north (Nearctic influence), an unusually rich fauna and flora exist here (Marshall and others 2004; Warshall 1995). At least 468 bird species (including accidental and casual migrants) have been verified in southeastern Arizona during the past 50 years, along with more than 240 butterfly species (Bailowitz and Brock 1991; Edison and others 1995). Historically, land use in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion consisted mainly of cattle ranching, with small areas of agriculture where water was available. Most of the private lands were homesteaded, and almost all of the public and state trust lands were leased to ranchers for grazing. Ranching continues to be a dominant land use, even as human population growth in the ecoregion climbs. The major urban area of southeastern Arizona is Tucson, in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion, but its growth is encroaching into the adjacent Apache Highlands South Ecoregion. Other communities in the ecoregion are also growing, including Nogales, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Benson, Willcox, Bisbee, Tombstone, Patagonia, Sonoita, Arivaca, Rio Rico, and Oracle. As people find new ways to telecommute, and as the number of retired people in the state increases, there is increased demand for rural housing. These changing human pressures across the ecoregion have resulted in habitat fragmentation due to roads and new urban and rural development. Concomitantly, as more people come to the area, there is an increased demand for recreational opportunity on public lands in the ecoregion, leading to high use on lands that were previously lightly impacted by man. These pressures will continue to pose a problem for maintaining biodiversity. Land uses and conservation opportunities vary across the region, reflecting the pattern of land ownership. Many of the major mountain ranges in the ecoregion are federal lands, with a large majority managed by the Coronado National Forest; thus, many of the mountain habitats are at lowered risk of permanent development. Nevertheless, federal lands are threatened by increased recreational use, habitat fragmentation by roads and other human activities, unauthorized roads and trails, mining, invasive species, historic overgrazing, insect infestations, and unnatural fire regimes. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 110 The situation is different in the lowland basins between the mountains, which include many private and State Trust lands. These valleys are topographically suitable for urban and rural development, and they provide climate suitable for human habitation. In addition to the effects of continuing widespread development, the lowlands continue to be impacted by the same issues as mountain communities, including increased recreational use, historic overgrazing, and unnatural fire regimes. Degraded grasslands continue to be susceptible to shrub encroachment. Aquatic systems, including rivers, streams, creeks, cienegas, and wetlands, and their associated riparian habitats, support a disproportionately high number of wildlife species. The San Pedro River is the most important perennial river in the ecoregion, with considerable value to wildlife. The ecoregion also includes a portion of the upper Gila River from the border with New Mexico to the mouth of the San Francisco River, an effluent-supported portion of the Santa Cruz River north from the Mexican Border, and numerous important riparian streams such as Sonoita Creek and Cienega Creek. Willcox Playa and Whitewater Draw, both ephemeral wetlands, are important for many species of wildlife, particularly sandhill cranes and waterfowl. Healthy riparian habitat associated with these aquatic systems in Apache Highlands South provides migratory birds and pollinating insects and bats with critical trans-hemispheric travel corridors. The Apache Highlands South also has significant pressure from uses related to the border with Mexico. Large numbers of illegal immigrants pass through the Apache Highlands South seeking work opportunities in the United States. Illegal drugs are smuggled across the Mexico border. Because interdiction is most effective in the urban border areas, the illegal traffic has been funneled into the wildlands, and this traffic is having significant impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat. Law enforcement efforts to track, apprehend, and deter illegal traffic are having their own adverse impacts on natural habitats. In many instances, border activities have destroyed habitat and provided a barrier along the wildlands of our border. The impact to wildlife due to borderland activities is significant. Pressures from historical and current land use, human population increases, and border issues have put communities in Apache Highlands South under considerable threat. Note that the descriptions provided do not attempt to depict conditions on sovereign tribal lands. For an expanded description of each habitat type and characterization of statewide threats to each, see “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic Habitat Types (Element 2).” See Appendix O for scoring of all stressors in each habitat type. The descriptions provided do not attempt to depict conditions on sovereign tribal lands. The nature of these stressors in Arizona is presented more fully under “Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3).” These communities represent an important natural resource for Arizona, with an extremely high level of biodiversity due to Madrean and Petran influences. Maintaining the full variety of biotic communities in Apache Highlands South will be a challenge in the face of increasing threats. Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) For more information on these species, see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4).” A complete list of species, including those of lower conservation priority and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 111 of undetermined vulnerability status can be found in Appendix G. For some species in Table 17, this part of their distribution may not represent a key area for conservation actions. Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. Woodlands/ Forests X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs X Wetlands/ Springs X X X Aquatic & Riparian Streams/ Rivers Petran Subalpine Conifer Petran Montane Conifer Great Basin Conifer X Madrean Evergreen Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Semidesert Chihuahuan ScientificName Common Amphibians Ambystoma Sonoran Tiger tigrinum stebbinsi Salamander Eleutherodactylus Western Barking augusti cactorum Frog Great Plains Gastrophryne Narrow-mouthed olivacea Toad Lowland Burrowing Pternohyla fodiens Treefrog Plains Leopard Rana blairi Frog Rana Chiricahua chiricahuensis Leopard Frog Rana Ramsey Canyon subaquavocalis Leopard Frog Rana tarahumarae Tarahumara Frog Lowland Leopard Rana yavapaiensis Frog Birds Accipiter gentilis Apache Northern apache Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Northern atricapillus Goshawk Aechmophorus clarkii Clark's Grebe Aimophila botterii Botteri's Sparrow Violet-crowned Amazilia violiceps Hummingbird Ammodramus Baird's Sparrow bairdii Grassland Human-dominated landscapes* Desertscrub X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 112 Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Petran Subalpine Conifer Petran Montane Conifer Great Basin Conifer Madrean Evergreen Western Plover Interior Chaparral Crested Caracara Swainson's Thrush Belted Kingfisher X Aquatic & Riparian Plains & Great Basin American Bittern Ferruginous Hawk Common BlackHawk Woodlands/ Forests Semidesert Contopus cooperi Dendrocygna autumnalis Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Common Arizona Grasshopper Sparrow Western Grasshopper Sparrow Sprague's Pipit Great Egret Northern Gray Hawk Chihuahuan ScientificName Ammodramus savannarum ammolegus Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Anthus spragueii Ardea alba Asturina nitida maxima Botaurus lentiginosus Buteo regalis Buteogallus anthracinus Caracara cheriway Catharus ustulatus Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Colinus virginianus ridgwayi Grassland Human-dominated landscapes* Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Snowy Western Yellowbilled Cuckoo Masked Bobwhite Olive-sided Flycatcher Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Gray Catbird Snowy Egret X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 113 Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Mississippi Kite X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs X Aquatic & Riparian Streams/ Rivers Petran Subalpine Conifer Petran Montane Conifer Great Basin Conifer Madrean Evergreen Interior Chaparral X X Pine Grosbeak Black-capped Gnatcatcher Western Purple Martin Thick-billed Parrot Azure Bluebird Red-naped Sapsucker Mexican Spotted Owl Elegant Trogon Woodlands/ Forests X Bald Eagle Sage Thrasher Rose-throated Becard Osprey Plains & Great Basin Semidesert Common Northern Buffbreasted Flycatcher Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Northern Aplomado Falcon American Peregrine Falcon Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Chihuahuan ScientificName Empidonax fulvifrons pygmaeus Empidonax traillii extimus Falco femoralis septentrionalis Falco peregrinus anatum Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum Haliaeetus leucocephalus Ictinia mississippiensis Oreoscoptes montanus Pachyramphus aglaiae Pandion haliaetus Pinicola enucleator Polioptila nigriceps Progne subis arboricola Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha Sialia sialis fulva Sphyrapicus nuchalis Strix occidentalis lucida Trogon elegans Grassland Human-dominated landscapes* Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 114 Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. Woodlands/ Forests Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs X Aquatic & Riparian Streams/ Rivers Petran Subalpine Conifer Petran Montane Conifer Great Basin Conifer Madrean Evergreen Interior Chaparral Agosia chrysogaster Campostoma ornatum Catostomus bernardini Catostomus clarki Catostomus insignis Catostomus latipinnis Cyprinella formosa Cyprinodon macularius Gila ditaenia Gila intermedia Gila purpurea Gila robusta Ictalurus pricei Meda fulgida Oncorhynchus gilae apache Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis Poeciliopsis occidentalis sonoriensis X Plains & Great Basin Tropical Kingbird Fish Semidesert Common Thick-billed Kingbird Chihuahuan ScientificName Tyrannus crassirostris Tyrannus melancholicus Grassland Human-dominated landscapes* Desertscrub X X X X X X X X Longfin Dace Mexican Stoneroller X Yaqui Sucker Desert Sucker X X Sonora Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker X X Beautiful Shiner X Desert Pupfish Sonora Chub Gila Chub Yaqui Chub Roundtail Chub Yaqui Catfish Spikedace Apache (Arizona) Trout X X X X X X X Gila Topminnow X X Yaqui Topminnow X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 115 Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. Woodlands/ Forests Aquatic & Riparian Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Streams/ Rivers Petran Subalpine Conifer Petran Montane Conifer Great Basin Conifer Madrean Evergreen Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Semidesert Chihuahuan ScientificName Common Ptychocheilus Colorado lucius Pikeminnow Rhinichthys Speckled Dace osculus Tiaroga cobitis Loach Minnow Xyrauchen texanus Razorback Sucker Crustaceans and Mollusks Anodonta California Floater californiensis Oreohelix Pinaleno grahamensis Mountainsnail Pyrgulopsis arizonae Bylas Springsnail Pyrgulopsis San Bernardino bernardina Springsnail Pyrgulopsis Huachuca thompsoni Springsnail Sonorella Clark Peak christenseni Talussnail Sonorella Pinaleno grahamensis Talussnail Sonorella imitator Mimic Talussnail Sonorella Wet Canyon macrophallus Talussnail Stygobromus Arizona Cave arizonensis Amphipod Tryonia gilae Gila Tryonia Mammals Choeronycteris Mexican Longmexicana tongued Bat Cynomys Black-tailed ludovicianus Prairie Dog Euderma Spotted Bat maculatum Eumops perotis Greater Western californicus Mastiff Bat Grassland Human-dominated landscapes* Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 116 Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. Aquatic & Riparian X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs X Petran Subalpine Conifer Petran Montane Conifer Great Basin Conifer Streams/ Rivers Madrean Evergreen X Interior Chaparral Lasiurus xanthinus Leopardus Ocelot pardalis Leptonycteris curasoae Lesser Longnosed Bat yerbabuenae Macrotus California Leafcalifornicus nosed Bat Microtus White-bellied longicaudus leucophaeus Long-tailed Vole Nyctinomops Big Free-tailed macrotis Bat Ovis canadensis Desert Bighorn mexicana Sheep Panthera onca Jaguar Peromyscus Mesquite Mouse merriami Sciurus Chiricahua Fox nayaritensis chiricahuae Squirrel Sorex arizonae Arizona Shrew Tamiasciurus Mt Graham Red hudsonicus Squirrel grahamens Thomomys umbrinus Southern Pocket Gopher intermedius Reptiles Aspidoscelis Arizona Striped arizonae Whiptail Woodlands/ Forests X Plains & Great Basin Western Red Bat Western Yellow Bat Semidesert Common Underwood's Mastiff Bat Chihuahuan ScientificName Eumops underwoodi Lasiurus blossevillii Grassland Human-dominated landscapes* Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 117 Table 17. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in Apache Highlands South. Aquatic & Riparian Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Streams/ Rivers X Petran Subalpine Conifer Petran Montane Conifer Great Basin Conifer New Mexico Milksnake Brown Vinesnake Slevin's Bunchgrass Lizard Desert Massasauga Madrean Evergreen Sonoran Desert Tortoise Thornscrub Hooknosed Snake Arizona Mud Turtle Yellow Mud Turtle Woodlands/ Forests Interior Chaparral Crotalus willardi obscurus Crotalus willardi willardi Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Gyalopion quadrangulare Kinosternon arizonense Kinosternon flavescens Lampropeltis triangulum celaenops Oxybelis aeneus Plains & Great Basin pricei Semidesert Crotalus pricei Common Giant Spotted Whiptail Red-back Whiptail Western Twinspotted Rattlesnake New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake Chihuahuan ScientificName Aspidoscelis stictogrammus Aspidoscelis xanthonota Grassland Human-dominated landscapes* Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Sceloporus slevini X X X X X Sistrurus catenatus X X edwardsii Terrapene ornata luteola Desert Box Turtle X X X Thamnophis eques Northern Mexican megalops Gartersnake X X X *Human-dominated landscapes here refer to agricultural areas and urban lakes. These habitat types are discussed under “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Aquatic/Riparian Habitat Types,” and in “Stressors to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat” under the stressor “Urban/rural development.” Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 118 Habitat types below are arranged in order of prevalence in this ecoregion. Where patches of uncharacteristic habitat types (not described in this section) occur in this ecoregion, conservation should reflect stressors and species identified in neighboring ecoregions. Semidesert Grassland (61.0% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This is the most common habitat in the ecoregion and covers most of the lowlands. The majority of the Semidesert Grassland is State Trust Lands and private lands. Most of these lands have a long history of intensive cattle grazing. The condition of this vegetation community is generally poor due to loss of grass species and an increase in the shrub component. There are several separate issues involved in restoration of this habitat type, and the scientific community has different opinions on potential for restoration. Some scientists believe that native grasses cannot be restored because of changes in soil characteristics and lowering of the water table. Some places have been restored with long periods of decreased grazing pressure; however, grazing rest or reduction is generally not occurring on most State Trust and private lands. Drought and climate change impact the ability of this vegetative community to recover. Natural fire, which historically maintained this community, no longer occurs in much of the habitat due to lack of grasses to carry the fire. A natural fire regime is not likely to be restored on most of the Semidesert Grassland because of continued grazing pressure and development of human communities within the habitat type. There have been some successes at restoring Semidesert Grassland with herbicides to reduce shrubs and thereby promote grasses, but these efforts have been on a small scale and expensive. High human use, both because of the increasing human population and because of heavy border activity, is degrading the habitat and decreasing the value of the habitat for wildlife. In some places, introduced nonnative plants (for example, Lehmann lovegrass) have invaded the natural vegetation and caused ecosystem changes that may not be reversible. In places where nonnative grasses have become established, unnaturally high fire regime is established, which furthers the spread and dominance of the nonnatives. Most of the Semidesert Grassland in Arizona exists in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion, so the responsibility for conservation of this community lies within this ecoregion. In the long term, it is unlikely that the majority of Semidesert Grassland will be maintained for wildlife values. Instead, conservation goals should focus on protection of some of the Semidesert Grassland from development and restoration of these lands to ecological function. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Stressor Category: Border issues Enforcement fences along the border Enforcement activities along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 119 Light pollution along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Dispersed camping along the border Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Unnatural fire regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Loss of keystone species Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Harvesting/collecting animals Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Feral animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Off-range recreational shooting Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Right-of-way fencing along roadways Madrean Evergreen Woodland (18.1% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This vegetative community covers the bulk of the mountainous habitats in Apache Highlands South. This ecoregion contains the majority of the Madrean Woodlands in Arizona, so responsibility for conservation of this habitat lies in this ecoregion. Historically, this community was characterized by open oak woodland, interspersed with native grasses. Due to lack of a natural fire regime, this community is currently denser than natural, and species that are not adapted to natural fire (for example, juniper) have increased. Historic overgrazing reduced grasses, which resulted in the lack of fire. Federal land managers are reducing grazing pressure and restoring natural fire, but it will take many years to restore natural conditions at a landscape level. Most of this habitat is public land managed by the Coronado National Forest, but some portions of the community are private, State Trust, BLM, San Carlos Apache Nation, and NPS Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 120 lands. Conservation of this habitat should focus on managing grazing at a sustainable level and restoration of a natural fire regime, which will restore grasses and decrease shrub density. High human use, both because of the increasing human population and because of heavy border activity, is degrading the habitat and decreasing the value of the habitat for wildlife. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Stressor Category: Border issues Enforcement activities along the border Enforcement fences along the border Dispersed camping along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Illegal dumping/littering along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Insect Infestation Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Unnatural fire regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting animals Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Feral animals Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Off-range recreational shooting Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Unauthorized roads & trails Right-of-way fencing along roadways Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 121 Chihuahuan Desertscrub (15.3% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This community also fills some of the valleys in the Apache Highland South, but is not as extensive as the Semidesert Grassland. Land ownership is State Trust Land, BLM, and private. Like Semidesert Grassland, most of these lands have been historically overgrazed and degraded by human uses. Historically, this community had more of a grass component than currently and more variety in the shrub community. In places, this community has degraded to a monoculture of tarbush (Flourensia cernua) or a combination of a few unpalatable shrubby species (for example, Prosopis, Larrea, Gutierrezia, Happlopappus) that is very resistant to change. Restoration of this community will be difficult if not impossible, due to low rainfall and poor soils. Drought and climate change impact the ability of Chihurhuan desertscrub to recover. In a few small places, restoration has been accomplished by use of herbicide to kill shrubs and encourage grasses. Rural development and border activites are having impacts on wildlife habitat. A reasonable conservation goal is to protect some of the Chihuahuan Desertscrub from development and to restore these lands to ecological function. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Border issues Disease along the border Dispersed camping along the border Enforcement activities along the border Enforcement fences along the border Light pollution along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Illegal dumping/littering along the border Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Streambank alteration/channelization Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Harvesting/collecting animals Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Livestock management Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 122 Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Right-of-way fencing along roadways Interior Chaparral (2.1% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat is found in a few isolated pockets in the Apache Highlands South, primarily on the western edge of some mountains, and additionally as the major vegetative component of the Santa Teresa Mountains. Current condition of most of this habitat is probably poor, due to lack of low-growing plants and lack of litter. This habitat requires periodic fire to maintain biodiversity, and lack of fire has resulted in increased shrub density. In this shrub-dominated degraded stage, livestock grazing further represses restoration of grasses. There are many landowners in the Chaparral habitat; a large portion is part of the San Carlos Apache Nation, and another large piece is federal land managed by the Coronado National Forest. Other chaparral communities are private, State Trust Land, and federal lands managed by NPS (Saguaro National Park) and BLM. Currently, some natural fires are allowed to burn in Chaparral habitat, which should help to restore the community, but landscape changes will require time. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat Type (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Domestication of wildlife/game farming Loss of keystone species Habitat fragmentation/barriers Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Off-range recreational shooting Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 123 Plains and Great Basin Grassland (2% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This community is found in a few isolated locations in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion, but the value of this habitat to grassland species of wildlife is significant, particularly for pronghorn and grassland birds. Historically, this grassland was characterized by an open grassland structure with little shrub component. Although these lands have been grazed historically and are grazed currently, most are in relatively good ecological condition and still provide significant wildlife functions and values. Restoration of a natural fire regime is important to maintaining the function of these grasslands and to reducing shrub invasion. Land ownership in Plains and Great Basin Grassland is a combination of USFS, BLM, State Trust Lands, and private. The most threatened Plains and Great Basin Grassland in this ecoregion is the area around Sonoita, which is mainly private- and State-owned. Rural development here is usually ranchette-type development, where homes are scattered widely throughout the grassland. This type of development threatens wildlife habitat because of fragmentation, roads, fencing, intensive grazing on small parcels, and inability to maintain natural fire frequency. Human activities related to illegal border traffic, enforcement and recreation are impacting the wildlife habitat. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Border issues Enforcement activities along the border Dispersed camping along the border Enforcement fences along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Light pollution along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Unnatural fire regimes Loss of keystone species Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting animals Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Urban growth Livestock management Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 124 Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Right-of-way fencing along roadways Montane Conifer Forest (1.3% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat exists on the tops of the following mountains in the ecoregion: Santa Teresa, Pinaleño, Galiuro, Winchester, Chiricahua, Huachuca, Santa Rita, Rincon, and Santa Catalina. This is an important habitat type for the ecoregion because of the isolated sky island communities. Virtually all of these habitats are on public land managed by the Coronado National Forest, with the exceptions of habitat in the Huachuca Mountains managed by Fort Huachuca, in the Santa Teresas within the San Carlos Apache Nation, and in the Rincon Mountains managed by Saguaro National Park. Historically, the Montane Conifer Forest was characterized by a more open forest community. Its condition is currently considered degraded due to the lack of fire and the related high density of trees. The fire regime in this habitat type has been considerably altered by forest fire suppression and long-term livestock grazing that largely eliminated fine fuels. The unnaturally high density of trees has caused catastrophic fires and forest pest outbreaks, which have further degraded the forest. Currently, grazing pressures are being reduced by land managers, and federal agencies are starting to manage fire for resource conservation, allowing natural fire to return. However, it is expected to take many years to improve the condition of the forests, and in the interium these forest are at continued risk of catastrophic fire and disease. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Border issues Dispersed camping along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Illegal dumping/littering along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Insect Infestation Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 125 Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Great Basin Conifer Woodland (0.2% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) Small pockets of this habitat exist in the Apache Highlands South near Aravaipa and Klondyke, between the Santa Teresa and northern Galiuro Mountains. Larger portions of this habitat exist in other ecoregions of the state. The condition of Great Basin Coniferous Woodland throughout Arizona is that it is increasing in extent at the expense of grassland and riparian habitats. This reflects the combined impacts of altered fire regimes and intensive domestic livestock use over the past 100 years. In this ecoregion, management of this habitat type would be most successful for wildlife if developed as part of the adjacent grasslands and woodlands. This habitat type is found primarily in Apache Highlands North and Colorado Plateau, with some representation in this ecoregion. The following major stressors were assessed for this habitat type in Apache Highlands North. The important stressors listed below reflect impacts of historical land uses as well as increasing human population and pressure for outdoor recreational opportunities for people living within the ecoregion and in neighboring metropolitan Phoenix. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Unnatural fire regimes Loss of keystone species Domestication of wildlife/game farming Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Off-range recreational shooting Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 126 Subalpine Conifer Forest (0.05% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) Two small pockets of this community exist in the Apache Highlands South: a significant mountaintop in the Pinaleño Mountains and a small area in the Chiricahua Mountains. Both habitats are managed entirely by the Coronado National Forest. Because of the rarity and isolation of these mountaintops in the Apache Highlands South, these habitats are critical for conservation and for listed and sensitive species. Historically, this forest was characterized by large old fire-sensitive trees in a generally even-aged stand. The subalpine forest was insulated from fire by the surrounding lower-elevation fire-resistant mixed conifer, which historically burned regularly but not catastrophically; the mixed conifer was thinned naturally by fire, and fire did not usually invade into the wetter subalpine spruce fir forest. With the current unnaturally high tree density in mixed conifer, and the resulting high fuel loads, the subalpine conifer forest is now being lost to fire and disease. This community is critically in danger in Apache Highlands South. Natural resource agencies are working together to accomplish restoration by protecting this community from further fire and disease, but threats are still significant Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Insect Infestation Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Riparian and aquatic systems in Apache Highlands South include: Wetlands/Springs/Seeps Habitat Condition (Element 2) Wetlands, springs, and seeps are rare in the Apache Highlands South, and all are critical to maintain. Important wetland habitats are the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, Arivaca Cienega, Whitewater Draw, and Willcox Playa. Historically, wetlands were more numerous in Apache Highlands South than today; these communities have been lost to water diversion, lowered water tables, grazing and agricultural use, dams and reservoirs, and numerous other human uses. Many natural springs have been tapped for livestock or domestic use. Those few wetlands, springs and seeps that exist today are impacted by the same historical uses and also by heavy recreational and border activities. Today the value of these wetlands if more fully Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 127 appreciated, and conservation efforts focus on wetlands. Nevertheless, functions and values are difficult to restore in places where hydrology has changed and the water table has lowered. Nonnative species have invaded and replaced native species in many wetlands. In spite of conservation efforts, restoration of wetlands, springs and seeps in Apache Highlands South will continue to be a challenge; demands for precious water resources continue to grow. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Mining Stressor Category: Border issues Disease along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Dispersed camping along the border Enforcement activities along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Streambank alteration/channelization Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Loss of keystone species Management for game animals and sport fish Altered river flow regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Urban growth Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Livestock management Rural development Recreational sites/facilities Military bases, defoliation, munitions testing Stressor Category: Invasive species Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 128 Hybridization Nuisance animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Battles, maneuvers, war games, military camps, guerilla insurgencies Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Heavy metals/mine tailings Sediment/ash flows Pesticides/herbicides Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Canals/pipelines Unauthorized roads & trails Streams/Rivers Habitat Condition (Element 2) Rivers in Apache Highlands South include the San Pedro River, a portion of the Gila River from the New Mexico border to the mouth of the San Francisco, the Babocomari River, and the Santa Cruz River from the headwater in the San Rafael Valley and in the effluent-supported perennial stretch north of Nogales. All streams are important to wildlife conservation, and include Cienega Creek, Sonoita Creek, Red Rock Canyon, Sycamore Canyon in the Pajarito Mountains, O’Donnell Creek, Leslie Canyon, and numerous mountain streams in the Pinaleños, Chiricahuas, Huachucas, Santa Catalinas, and Galiuros. Historically, rivers and streams had more water for longer periods, had higher water tables, and had greater vegetation. Water was less channelized, and flowed through slower, maintaining the water table. Historic accounts document rivers as wide valleys with grass up to the belly of a horse and water seeping and weaving through the grass. Today, many rivers are dry, downcut riverbeds, carrying water only during flood events. Water tables are far lower today than historically; perennial water and riparian vegetation cannot be supported. In spite of interagency planning efforts, Apache Highlands South continues to lose streams and rivers. July 2005 was the first time on record that zero water flow was recorded in the San Pedro River at the Charleston gaging station. It is feared that the San Pedro could dry, chiefly as a result of groundwater pumping, much as the Santa Cruz River dried in the Tucson basin. Because of the increasing human demand for water, it will be difficult to maintain existing streams and rivers or to restore historic sites. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Border issues Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 129 Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Illegal dumping/littering along the border Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Enforcement activities along the border Disease along the border Dispersed camping along the border Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Loss of keystone species Streambank alteration/channelization Altered river flow regimes Soil erosion Management for game animals and sport fish Unnatural fire regimes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Livestock management Military bases, defoliation, munitions testing Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Urban growth Recreational sites/facilities Stressor Category: Invasive species Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Battles, maneuvers, war games, military camps, guerilla insurgencies Scientific research and collection Motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Stressor Category: Pollution Lead shot/fishing line Nutrients/algal blooms Heavy metals/mine tailings Sediment/ash flows Pesticides/herbicides Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 130 Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Canals/pipelines Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Lakes/Reservoirs Habitat Condition (Element 2) Small man-made lakes exist in the ecoregion: Patagonia Lake, Parker Canyon Lake, Peña Blanca Lake, Arivaca Lake, Riggs Lake, Frye Mesa Reservoir and Rose Canyon Lake. None of these lakes existed historically in Apache Highlands South. The lakes were created by manmade dams as water reservoirs and for sportfish recreation. Nonnative fish are managed in these lakes for sportfish recreation, and the wetland habitat is used by a variety of native wildlife species. Some nonnative species introductions have caused problems with wildlife and fish management (for example, crayfish, pike introduction into Parker Canyon Lake, bullfrog impacts to native amphibians). During drought some of these lakes have been greatly lowered. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Border issues Illegal dumping/littering along the border Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Disease along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Enforcement activities along the border Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Unnatural fire regimes Loss of keystone species Management for game animals and sport fish Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Streambank alteration/channelization Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 131 Rural development Recreational sites/facilities Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance plants Hybridization Nuisance animals Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Watercraft operation Motorized recreation off-trail Scientific research and collection Stressor Category: Pollution Sediment/ash flows Lead shot/fishing line Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Dredging Stressors that act in this ecoregion at the species- but not habitat-scale (Element 3) In some cases, a stressor may have significant impacts to individual SGCN, but impacts are not felt throughout the habitat. Regardless of the extent of ecosystem-wide impacts, in any habitat type where these stressors act on SGCN, the appropriate conservation actions apply (see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4)”). The following stressors have significant ecosystem-level impacts in some habitat types in this ecoregion, but not in all habitat types where the SGCN occur. Note that for wide-ranging species, impacts from some stressors may be quite significant, but may not act on the species throughout its range. Stressors that rated high for these SGCN, but not in some of the habitats in Apache Highlands South in which these species occur. Stress Category Stressor Habitat conversion Aquaculture Scientific Name Kinosternon arizonense Wetland filling for mosquito control Ardea alba Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Dendrocygna autumnalis Egretta thula Gastrophryne olivacea Kinosternon arizonense Common Name Arizona Mud Turtle Great Egret Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Snowy Egret Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad Arizona Mud Turtle Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 132 Stressors that rated high for these SGCN, but not in some of the habitats in Apache Highlands South in which these species occur. Stress Category Stressor Scientific Name Pternohyla fodiens Transportation and infrastructure Railroads Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Border issues Feral animals along the border Trogon elegans Poaching along the border Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Leopardus pardalis Panthera onca Unauthorized roads & trails created for law enforcement along the border Gyalopion quadrangulare Common Name Lowland Burrowing Treefrog Sonoran Desert Tortoise Elegant Trogon Sonoran Desert Tortoise Ocelot Jaguar Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS As its name suggests, the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion includes much of the mountainous terrain in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as a small piece of Texas. It covers more than 6 million acres in Arizona and contains most of the State’s conifer forests (TNC 1999). Elevation ranges from about 4000 to 12,643 feet, averaging about 7050 feet. One of the most prominent features of the ecoregion is the Mogollon Rim, an escarpment that traverses nearly 200 miles across central Arizona from just southwest of Flagstaff to the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, and which defines much of the southern edge of the ecoregion. No less dramatic are the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, which may be seen from more than 100 miles away, and Mount Baldy in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Annual precipitation varies from 11 to 30 inches, evenly divided between summer and winter. Average temperatures vary seasonally and along elevation gradients, with all of the ecoregion receiving some snowfall. Vegetative communities found within the Arizona-New Mexico Ecoregion range from high elevation Tundra atop the San Francisco Peaks, to the Plains and Great Basin Grassland/ Desertscrub at the lowest elevations. Over half of the ecoregion is composed of Montane Conifer and Subalpine Conifer vegetative communities. Historically, the Arizona–New Mexico Ecoregion was settled for domestic livestock ranching and small subsistence farming enterprises. Most of the private lands were homesteaded where water was available. Logging, primarily of ponderosa pine, began in the 1870s and 1880s with the harvest of railroad ties and other products primarily for construction of the transcontinental railroad. A large portion of the conifer forests are on federal lands, administered by the Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, as well as on lands of the White Mountain Apache Nation. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 133 Currently, almost all of the public and State Trust lands are leased for grazing. Logging of saw timber on federal and tribal lands declined sharply in the 1990’s, and has not recovered to date. Concerns over insect infestation and catastrophic wildfire events have resulted in an increased interest and planning for landscape-level removal of primarily small diameter trees to reduce fuel loads and promote forest health. Other enterprises in the area are centered on tourism and recreation. The major urban area within the ecoregion is the City of Flagstaff in the western portion of the ecoregion, with a population of approximately 61,000. Numerous other small communities including Williams, Snowflake, Taylor, Eagar, and Springerville occur throughout the ecoregion. Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside straddle the border between this ecoregion and Apache Highlands North. None of these communities can be considered urban although they are increasing in population as retirees, recreationists, and associated businesses move to the area. As more people come to the area, there is an increased demand for recreational opportunity on public lands in the ecoregion. The increasing population leads to new demands on lands that were previously lightly impacted by man. Wildlands of the Arizona-New Mexico Ecoregion are used by the public for hiking, hunting, sightseeing, back-roading, birding, camping, fishing, and a whole assortment of other recreational and wildlife-oriented pursuits. Fragmentation due to roads and new urban and rural development continues to be a problem for maintaining biodiversity. Of particular concern is the increased use of off-road vehicles, which are causing increased roads and increase vehicle use in all of the wildlands of the ecoregion. While the impacts associated with human settlement are increasing throughout the ecoregion, most of the land remains in public ownership and is expected to continue so into the foreseeable future. This factor alone will allow healthy wildlife diversity to be preserved if planning and partnering with the State, federal, and tribal landowners are maximized. Land management responsibility in the Arizona-New Mexico Ecoregion is predominantly tribal or federal with interspersed State Trust lands. The northeastern portions of the ecoregion, consisting primarily of private and State Trust lands, have a checkerboard landownership pattern that increases the challenge of planning and implementation of a cohesive land management strategy. In this portion of the ecoregion, large parcels of land are being subdivided into smaller “ranchettes,” resulting in further fragmentation and loss of habitat. Preservation of wildlife habitat, particularly for grassland species and protection of critical winter range for wild ungulates through easements, land use agreements, and the acquisition of private lands should be considered as a high priority. The Arizona-New Mexico Ecoregion contains the headwaters of the Little Colorado, Blue, Black, Gila, and Verde rivers, as well as numerous manmade impoundments. These and other aquatic systems and their associated riparian habitat support a disproportionately high number of wildlife species. Water resources are already over-allocated such that conflicts are increasing between human uses and maintenance of biological diversity. Land and water management planning will be critical to maintenance of biological diversity in the of anticipated human population growth. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 134 For an expanded description of each habitat type and characterization of statewide threats to each, see “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic Habitat Types (Element 2).” See Appendix O for scoring of all stressors in each habitat type. The descriptions provided do not attempt to depict conditions on sovereign tribal lands. The nature of these stressors in Arizona is presented more fully under “Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3).” Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) For more information on these species, see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4).” A complete list of species, including those of lower conservation priority and of undetermined vulnerability status can be found in Appendix H. For some species in Table 18, this part of their distribution may not represent a key area for conservation actions. Table 18. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountain Ecoregion. Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs Petran Montane Conifer Forest X Alpine Tundra Great Basin Conifer Woodland X X X Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Woodland X X Aquatic & Riparian Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Scientific Name Common Name Amphibians Bufo microscaphus Arizona Toad Rana blairi Plains Leopard Frog Rana Chiricahua Leopard chiricahuensis Frog Northern Leopard Rana pipiens Frog Lowland Leopard Rana yavapaiensis Frog Birds Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk atricapillus Aechmophorus clarkii Clark's Grebe Ammodramus Western savannarum Grasshopper perpallidus Sparrow Anthus spragueii Sprague's Pipit Ardea alba Great Egret Botaurus American Bittern lentiginosus Woodlands/Forests Human Dominated landscapes* Grasslands X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 135 Table 18. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountain Ecoregion. Aquatic & Riparian Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated landscapes* Alpine Tundra Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest X Petran Montane Conifer Forest X Great Basin Conifer Woodland X Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Western Plover Subalpine Grassland Contopus cooperi Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Empidonax traillii extimus Falco peregrinus anatum Haliaeetus leucocephalus Oreoscoptes montanus Pandion haliaetus Common Name Ferruginous Hawk Common BlackHawk Swainson's Thrush Belted Kingfisher Woodlands/Forests Plains & Great Basin Grassland Scientific Name Buteo regalis Buteogallus anthracinus Catharus ustulatus Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Grasslands X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Snowy Western Yellowbilled Cuckoo Olive-sided Flycatcher X X Gray Catbird Snowy Egret Southwestern Willow Flycatcher American Peregrine Falcon X X Bald Eagle X X Sage Thrasher Osprey American Threetoed Woodpecker X Picoides dorsalis Pinicola Pine Grosbeak enucleator Progne subis Western Purple arboricola Martin Sphyrapicus Red-naped nuchalis Sapsucker Strix occidentalis Mexican Spotted lucida Owl Fishes X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 136 Table 18. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountain Ecoregion. Aquatic & Riparian Lakes/ Reservoirs X Bluehead Sucker X Sonora Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker Little Colorado Sucker Roundtail Chub Little Colorado Spinedace Apache (Arizona) Trout X Lepidomeda vittata Oncorhynchus gilae apache Oncorhynchus Gila Trout gilae gilae Rhinichthys Speckled Dace osculus Tiaroga cobitis Loach Minnow Crustaceans and Mollusks Anodonta California Floater californiensis Discus shimekii Cockerell's Striate cockerelli Disc (Snail) Pyrgulopsis Three Forks trivialis Springsnail Mammals Canis lupus baileyi Mexican Gray Wolf Cynomys Gunnison's Prairie gunnisoni Dog Euderma Spotted Bat maculatum Eumops perotis Greater Western californicus Mastiff Bat Lasiurus Western Red Bat blossevillii Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Human Dominated landscapes* Alpine Tundra Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest Petran Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Catostomus sp. Gila robusta Common Name Desert Sucker Woodlands/Forests Plains & Great Basin Grassland Scientific Name Catostomus clarki Catostomus discobolus Catostomus insignis Catostomus latipinnis Grasslands X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 137 Table 18. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountain Ecoregion. Aquatic & Riparian Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Human Dominated landscapes* Alpine Tundra Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest Petran Montane Conifer Forest Interior Chaparral Great Basin Conifer Woodland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Woodlands/Forests Subalpine Grassland Grasslands Scientific Name Common Name Microtus mexicanus Hualapai Mexican hualpaiensis X X Vole Nyctinomops macrotis Big Free-tailed Bat X X X X X X Ovis canadensis Desert Bighorn mexicana Sheep X X X Perognathus flavus Springerville Pocket X goodpasteri Mouse Sorex nanus Dwarf Shrew X X X Sorex palustris Water Shrew X X X X Spermophilus Thirteen-lined tridecemlineatus Ground Squirrel X X Zapus hudsonius New Mexican X X luteus Jumping Mouse Reptiles Thamnophis eques Northern Mexican X X X megalops Gartersnake Thamnophis Narrow-headed X rufipunctatus Gartersnake *Human-dominated landscapes here refer to agricultural areas and urban lakes. These habitat types are discussed under “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Aquatic/Riparian Habitat Types,” and in “Stressors to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat” under the stressor “Urban/rural development.” Terrestrial habitat types below are arranged in order of prevalence in this ecoregion. Where patches of uncharacteristic habitat types (not described in this section) occur in this ecoregion, conservation should reflect stressors and species identified in neighboring ecoregions. Montane Conifer Forest (50.7% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) With over 3 million acres, stretching contiguously from west of Flagstaff east to the New Mexico border, this is the largest vegetative community in the ecoregion. Ponderosa pine is the dominant Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 138 tree species, with some interspersion of Subalpine Conifer forest at higher elevations. Historically, these forests were characterized by a patchwork of stands with variable age structures, densities, and composition. Their current condition is considered degraded, largely due to homogenization of stands, dense growth, and lower species diversity. Though numerous private inholdings as well as cities and towns are interspersed throughout, most of this habitat is public land managed by the USFS, and has been subject to livestock grazing, timber harvest and the development of extensive road networks which were needed to access the timber. Catastrophic wildfire and insect infestation, exacerbated during periods of drought, are major threats to this vegetative community. Fuels reduction activities may also prove detrimental to some forest species, as tree densities and canopy closure are reduced beyond tolerance levels, or may fail to allow the return of natural fire regimes in the face of fine fuels removal by continued high levels of livestock grazing. This habitat type is impacted by stressors from a variety of sources. Active management is currently underway to address some identified stressors as described above. However, other stressors, such as those associated with burgeoning population growth locally and in the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson will continue to increase pressure on this habitat type. Many of the restoration activities currently underway are in early stages, so it is not yet clear whether the fuels reduction activities currently being taken to address unnatural fire regimes, for example, will prove sufficient, or may themselves become stressors in the future. In this example, it is not yet known if the development of a viable industry capable of utilizing small diameter wood and offsetting the substantial cost of these treatments will come to fruition and thus make practicable the treatment of a significant portion of this habitat type. If the scale of these operations is increased as planned, economic considerations may make it difficult to protect smaller, critical habitat components. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Unnatural fire regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Management for game animals and sport fish Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Rural development Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 139 Recreational sites/facilities Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Feral animals Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Dispersed camping Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Highway/roadway de-icing Illegal dumping/littering Noise pollution Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Great Basin Conifer Woodland (31.7% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This vegetative community is found at somewhat lower elevations than the Montane Conifer forest and typically on poorer soils at mid-elevations. Land management is primarily a mix of USFS, private and State Trust lands. This habitat type continues to degrade as tree densities continue to increase. With an increase in canopy closure, there has been a reduction in vegetative diversity including the critical browse and herbaceous vegetation components. Loss of ground cover has left many areas within this habitat type vulnerable to the effects of overland flows, and the dense canopies have become increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic fire, especially during periods of drought. This habitat type is also replacing grassland habitat types in many locales. This shift has occurred under the influences of heavy livestock grazing, unnatural fire regimes and a possible climate shift to warmer temperature. In addition, this habitat type is becoming increasingly vulnerable to fragmentation through rural development as once large tracts of land are subdivided, as wind power generation facilities are constructed, and as the network of roads continues to grow. Management of these habitats for wildlife requires balancing the needs of species dependent on the woodland type with the needs of grassland obligates in planning and prioritization of actions. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Drilling for fuels Mining Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 140 Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Insect Infestation Streambank alteration/channelization Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Urban growth Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Noise pollution Sediment/ash flows Illegal dumping/littering Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Right-of-way fencing along roadways Plains and Great Basin Grassland (13.0% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This vegetative community is found at somewhat lower elevations than Montane Conifer forest and typically on poorer soils at mid-elevations. These are the most important habitats for some of our pronghorn and other grassland species (for example, grassland birds). Land ownership is primarily a mix of USFS, private and State Trust lands. This habitat type continues to degrade in the face of impacts due to improper livestock grazing, encroachment by pinyon-juniper, and altered fire regimes. In addition, this habitat type is becoming increasingly vulnerable to fragmentation through rural development as once large tracts of land are subdivided, as wind power generation facilities are constructed, and as the network of roads continues to grow. It will Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 141 be necessary to address these threats and to restore a natural fire regime to maintain the function of these grasslands and to reduce shrub invasion. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Subalpine Conifer Forest (2.0% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) The majority of this habitat type is found at higher elevations in the White Mountains and San Francisco Peaks. This community is also found in the canyons and drainages along the Mogollon Rim. It occurs interspersed with the Montane Conifer forest type at mid-elevations in canyons and on steeper, north-facing slopes of some hills where soil moisture is more abundant. These forests are currently considered degraded. Most of this habitat is public land managed by the USFS, and has been subject to fire suppression, livestock grazing, timber harvest and the development of extensive road networks, which were needed to access the timber and remain as aggravating factors. Drought-induced catastrophic wildfire and insect infestation, along with the continued loss of vegetative components such as aspen, and an increasing demand for recreational opportunities are major threats to this vegetative community. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Management for game animals and sport fish Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 142 Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Habitat fragmentation/barriers Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Recreational sites/facilities Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Stressor Category: Pollution Noise pollution Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Subalpine Grasslands (0.9% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This vegetative community occurs in the White Mountains in the eastern portion of the ecoregion. Most of this habitat is public land managed by the USFS. The condition of this habitat type is considered degraded, with encroachment by woody species and some areas showing excessive utilization of herbaceous forage by grazing ungulates, low plant vigor, insufficient ground cover, and displacement of native mesic species in moist bottom areas with nonnative species such as Kentucky bluegrass. Livestock grazing has been and continues to be the dominant land use. Continued heavy grazing within areas of this habitat type is impeding recovery. Due to the open nature of the landscape, creation of unauthorized roads is also of concern along with an increasing demand for recreational opportunities. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Water diversion/water catchments Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Management for game animals and sport fish Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Loss of keystone species Altered river flow regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 143 Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Recreational sites/facilities Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Unauthorized roads & trails Interior Chaparral (0.9% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is found primarily in Apache Highlands North, with some representation in this ecoregion. The following major stressors were assessed for this habitat type in Apache Highlands North. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Unnatural fire regimes Loss of keystone species Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 144 Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Great Basin Desertscrub (0.6% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This vegetative community within the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion is found primarily on the sovereign nations of the Navajo and Hopi tribal lands. Elsewhere, this habitat type has established itself in areas with poorer soils and in degraded sites that were originally in the Great Basin grassland and conifer forest communities. There is a tendency for the Plains and Great Basin grassland type to convert to Desertscrub and/or Great Basin Conifer Woodlands when subjected to the combined effects of heavy livestock use, unnatural fire regimes and generalized warming of the region’s climate. When the Ecoregion Workgroup evaluated stressors for the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains, the Plains and Great Basin Grassland and Great Basin Desertscrub habitat types were combined due to the interspersion of the two and the commonality of the threats to each. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) SEE STRESSORS UNDER “PLAINS/GREAT BASIN GRASSLAND” Madrean Evergreen Woodland (0.18% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This vegetative community occurs in the southeast-most portion of the ecoregion, along the Blue River. This habitat is public land managed by the USFS, and has been subject to livestock grazing. Past fire suppression, exacerbated by the current drought, has contributed to a downward trend in condition and an increased risk of catastrophic fire. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 145 Livestock management Alpine Tundra (0.02% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) One small pocket of this vegetative community exists in Arizona, and it consists of less than 1400 acres atop the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. The most important impacts on this habitat type are climate related: the shift to a warmer climate throughout the state and prevailing drought conditions. Other influences are minor but important. These include trampling by hikers, and construction of unauthorized roads and trails by summer recreational use of the Arizona Snowbowl ski lift. The trend in this habitat type is to continued loss of species and populations of rare components of the tundra. Many of these influences are being actively managed by the USFS under strict rules which lack a significant enforcement effort due to restricted funding and the remote location at which tundra is found. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Non-motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Riparian and aquatic habitat types in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains include: Wetlands/Springs/Seeps Habitat Condition (Element 2) Although limited within certain regions of the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains, innumerable springs and seeps occur. All are critical to maintain due to the role they play in providing key habitat components to wildlife. Although a number of these wetlands, springs, and seeps have received some protection, primarily through fencing to eliminate use by livestock and occasionally elk, others remain highly degraded and continue to be subjected to the perturbations of grazing activities, including activities within the surrounding uplands. During periods of drought, reduction in flow or complete dewatering has occurred. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to human population growth in this ecoregion and in neighboring metropolitan Phoenix. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Water diversion/water catchments Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Unnatural fire regimes Management for game animals and sport fish Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting animals Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Agricultural conversion Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Livestock management Urban growth Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Disease/pathogens/parasites Feral animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Dispersed camping Non-motorized recreation off-trail Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Nutrients/algal blooms Sediment/ash flows Pesticides/herbicides Highway/roadway de-icing Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Canals/pipelines Unauthorized roads & trails Dredging Roads for motorized vehicles May 24, 2006 Page 146 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 147 Streams/Rivers Habitat Condition (Element 2) Rivers and streams in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains include the headwaters of the Little Colorado River and most of its perennial tributaries, much of the Blue River and its tributaries, and the headwaters of the San Francisco, Black, White, and Verde rivers and their associated tributaries. All play a critical role in providing key habitat components to wildlife. Prior to European settlement of the ecoregion the rivers and streams which drained the area were largely unimpeded from their headwaters to their junction with the major rivers of which they are tributaries. Most, if not all of these streams, are now dammed or diverted throughout their course through the ecoregion. Most of this diversion has been for development of mining, municipal water supplies or agriculture. The trend in most of the ecoregion is toward more competition for the available streamflows with water rights for wildlife (including instream flows and minimum pool) and wildlife habitats considered junior to other uses (municipal supplies, agriculture, etc.). In the remaining streams and rivers, reduced flows due to water withdrawals, lowered water tables, and drought, as well as loss of riparian vegetation and occurrence of nonnative species continue to threaten streams and rivers within this ecoregion. Although many areas remain highly degraded and continue to degrade further, recent management actions, which have included modifying grazing practices and reducing sources of sedimentation have resulted in improved habitat conditions at those locations. The listed major stressors elucidate the complexity of the situation. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Loss of keystone species Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Habitat fragmentation/barriers Streambank alteration/channelization Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 148 Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Livestock management Urban growth Rural development Recreational sites/facilities Agricultural conversion Stressor Category: Invasive species Feral animals Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Hybridization Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Stressor Category: Pollution Illegal dumping/littering Lead shot/fishing line Contaminants from waste water and runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Pesticides/herbicides Noise pollution Nutrients/algal blooms Sediment/ash flows Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Canals/pipelines Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Lakes/Reservoirs Habitat Condition (Element 2) Numerous small man-made lakes exist in the ecoregion, including Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Reservoir, Nelson Reservoir, Becker Lake, River Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir, Bunch Reservoir, Rainbow Lake, Scott Reservoir, Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake, Blue Ridge Reservoir, Long Lake, Tremaine Lake, Soldier Lake, Soldier Annex Lake, Kinnikinick Lake, Ashurst Lake, Mormon Lake, Upper Lake Mary and Lower Lake Mary. The lakes and reservoirs of the ecoregion are typically augmented natural depressions or impounded streams in the associated habitat types. These augmentations have been for the Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 149 purpose of increasing domestic water supplies, providing livestock water, providing wildlife water and for recreation purposes. Many of the augmentations have been done strictly to supply water related recreation opportunity (for example, fishing and boating) and many have been constructed and maintained over the years by sportsmen’s licenses and fees. The trend in condition in most of these is toward reduction in size due to concerns for dam and water control structure integrity. Competition with other uses for instream flows, water rights adjudications and other factors are limiting the number of new lakes and reservoirs being constructed in the ecoregion. Concerns for dam safety and budgetary constraints on funds for repairs/upgrades will serve to reduce the number of lakes and reservoirs in the future due to forced abandonment. Increased downstream demand for water tied to urbanization and population growth in Arizona will likely force release of impounded waters maintained by lesser water rights (in other words, for fisheries and recreation vs. city water supplies and agriculture). Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to human population growth in this ecoregion and in neighboring metropolitan Phoenix. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Domestication of wildlife/game farming Unnatural fire regimes Management for game animals and sport fish Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Urban growth Agricultural conversion Rural development Recreational sites/facilities Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Disease/pathogens/parasites Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 150 Feral animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Motorized recreation off-trail Watercraft operation Stressor Category: Pollution Highway/roadway de-icing Nutrients/algal blooms Sediment/ash flows Pesticides/herbicides Contaminants from waste water and runoff Heavy metals/mine tailings Illegal dumping/littering Noise pollution Lead shot/fishing line Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Dredging Unauthorized roads & trails Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Canals/pipelines Stressors that do not have habitat-level impacts in this ecoregion but may have large species-level impacts on specific SGCN in this ecoregion (Element 3) In some cases, a stressor may have significant impacts to individual SGCN, but impacts are not felt throughout the habitat. Regardless of the extent of ecosystem-wide impacts, in any habitat type where these stressors act on SGCN, the appropriate conservation actions apply (see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4)”). The following stressors do not have significant ecosystem-level impacts aquatic/riparian habitats in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains, but where they act, they will negatively affect the associated SGCN where these species occur. Note that for wide-ranging species, impacts from some stressors may be quite significant, but may not act on the species throughout its range. Stressors that rated high for these SGCN, but not for any of the habitats in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains in which these species occur. Stressor Category Stressor Scientific Name Habitat conversion Wetland filling for mosquito control Ardea alba Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Egretta thula Common Name Great Egret Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Snowy Egret Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 151 COLORADO PLATEAU The Colorado Plateau Ecoregion includes portions of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Arizona portion covers 22.9 million acres, dominated by desertscrub and shrublands (CSE and others 2002; Tuhy and others 2002). Elevation ranges from about 1200 to 9200 feet, averaging about 5700 feet. It features extensive plains broken by sheer-walled canyons and buttes, and includes the Grand Canyon. Precipitation ranges from about 5 to 30 inches per year, with a high proportion falling in winter. Average temperatures vary seasonally and along elevation gradients, with all of the ecoregion receiving some snowfall. Due to the high elevation of most of the ecoregion, the temperature extremes and their influence on vegetative communities can be significant. This, along with the low precipitation received in most seasons, causes very low vegetative diversity in most of the area. Many of the native grassland communities have also been converted to monotypic stands of desertscrub and woodlands. Soils are very thin and less than fertile due to lack of vegetative cover; leaching of nutrients by solar radiation, wind, and water action; and the generally low potential of sandstone substrates. Vegetative communities at the higher elevations of the Kaibab Plateau and isolated higher elevations of the Arizona Strip consist of large conifer trees, predominantly ponderosa pine and spruce/fir forest, as well as aspen, which have been variably subjected to commercial timber harvest for the past century. Timber harvest directly removes wildlife habitat, and requires development of a significant transportation system to allow the removal of the harvest. Historically, the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion was settled for domestic livestock ranching and small subsistence farming enterprises associated with Mormon settlement of the area. Most of the private lands were homesteaded, where water was available, by the Morman church. Almost all of the public and state trust lands are leased for grazing. Other enterprises in the area are centered on providing for the needs of travelers and visitors to the scenic and natural wonders that abound in the ecoregion. The ecoregion has the highest density of national parks, monuments and recreation areas of anywhere in the United States. This ecoregion contains NPS- and BLM-administered areas such as: the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Lake Mead, the Petrified Forest, the Wupatki ruins, Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon, Grand Canyon-Parashant, Marble Canyon, Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs. Many of these areas and additional parks, monuments, natural and wilderness areas cross state and tribal borders. Hence the NPS, BLM, and tribal governments are important partners in developing a comprehensive plan for preservation and enhancement of wildlife diversity in this ecoregion. The Colorado Plateau Ecoregion in Arizona contains no major urban centers, but numerous rural communities. The largest population centers are Page, Fredonia, Kayenta, Window Rock, Tuba City, Winslow, and Holbrook. Neighboring communities of Kanab and St. George (Utah), Gallup (New Mexico), and Flagstaff are also exerting an influence on the ecoregion. Numerous smaller communities, mostly along the Arizona/Utah and Arizona/New Mexico state boundaries, complete the list of population centers. As human uses of the ecoregion increase, fragmentation Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 152 due to roads and new urban and rural development continues to be a problem for maintaining biodiversity. Most recent human development of the area has been restricted to the previously developed areas around existing population centers. Page, Arizona and St. George, Utah are the only examples of “urban” sprawl, with significant increases in developed area over the past 25– 30 years. As more people come to the area, there is an increased demand for recreational opportunity on public lands in the ecoregion. The increasing population leads to new demands on lands that were previously lightly impacted by man. Wildlands of the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion are used by the public for hiking, hunting, sightseeing, back-roading, birding, camping, fishing, and a whole assortment of other recreational and wildlife-oriented pursuits. Of particular concern is the increased use of off-road vehicles, which are associated with increased roads and increased vehicle use in all of the wildlands of the ecoregion. While the impacts associated with human settlement are increasing in the ecoregion, most of the land in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion is federally or tribally owned, and is expected to continue so into the foreseeable future. This factor will help ensure wildlife diversity in the ecoregion if planning and partnering with the federal and tribal landowners is maximized. Acquisition of lands for conservation of wildlife habitat values is less desirable or not a viable alternative in most of the ecoregion, although some limited opportunities do exist around communities in the Little Colorado River Valley. The Colorado Plateau Ecoregion is entirely within the Colorado River watershed. Perennial tributaries to the Colorado River include the Paria and Little Colorado rivers, Tapeats, Kanab, and Havasu creeks. While the mainstem of the Colorado River is controlled by a series of dams, the tributaries are all relatively unencumbered by water control structures. Many smaller tributaries in the ecoregion are mainly intermittent. Most of the area within the ecoregion is very arid. Water for wildlife and livestock is supplemented by water developments such as guzzlers, catchments, and spring-fed tanks and troughs. Even the high elevation forests of the Kaibab Plateau, Mt Trumbull and Black Rock Mountain depend on human constructions to ensure adequate water for the needs of important wildlife species. For an expanded description of each habitat type and characterization of statewide threats to each, see “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic Habitat Types (Element 2).” See Appendix O for scoring of all stressors in each habitat type. The descriptions provided do not attempt to depict conditions on sovereign tribal lands. The nature of these stressors in Arizona is presented more fully under “Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3).” Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) For more information on these species, see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4).” A complete list of species, including those of lower conservation priority and of undetermined vulnerability status can be found in Appendix I. For some species in Table 19, this part of their distribution may not represent a key area for conservation actions. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 153 Table 19. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Desertscrub Wetlands/ Springs X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs Streams/ Rivers Human Dominated* X Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest X Petran Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland X Aquatic & Riparian Woodlands/Forests Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland X Subalpine Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Scientific Name Common Name Amphibians Bufo microscaphus Arizona Toad Relict Leopard Rana onca Frog Northern Rana pipiens Leopard Frog Birds Accipiter gentilis Northern atricapillus Goshawk Aechmophorus clarkii Clark’s Grebe Ammodramus Western savannarum Grasshopper perpallidus Sparrow Anthus spragueii Sprague’s Pipit Ardea alba Great Egret Botaurus American lentiginosus Bittern Ferruginous Buteo regalis Hawk Swainson’s Catharus ustulatus Thrush Belted Ceryle alcyon Kingfisher Charadrius Western Snowy alexandrinus Plover nivosus Coccyzus Western americanus Yellow-billed occidentalis Cuckoo Olive-sided Contopus cooperi Flycatcher Dumetella Gray Catbird carolinensis Egretta thula Snowy Egret Southwestern Empidonax traillii Willow extimus Flycatcher Grasslands X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 154 Table 19. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Desertscrub Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest Human Dominated* Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Lepidomeda vittata Oncorhynchus gilae apache Petran Montane Conifer Forest Gila cypha Gila elegans Gila robusta Great Basin Conifer Woodland Catostomus sp. Interior Chaparral Picoides dorsalis Pinicola enucleator Progne subis arboricola Sphyrapicus nuchalis Strix occidentalis lucida Fish Catostomus discobolus Catostomus discobolus yarrowi Catostomus latipinnis Subalpine Grassland Pica hudsonia Plains & Great Basin Grassland Falco peregrinus anatum Gymnogyps californianus Haliaeetus leucocephalus Oreoscoptes montanus Pandion haliaetus Common Name American Peregrine Falcon California Condor X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Bald Eagle Sage Thrasher Osprey Black-billed Magpie American Three-toed Woodpecker Pine Grosbeak Western Purple Martin Red-naped Sapsucker Mexican Spotted Owl Bluehead Sucker Zuni Bluehead Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker Little Colorado Sucker Humpback Chub Bonytail Roundtail Chub Little Colorado Spinedace Apache (Arizona) Trout Aquatic & Riparian Woodlands/Forests Mohave Desertscrub Scientific Name Grasslands X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 155 Table 19. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Desertscrub Aquatic & Riparian Woodlands/Forests Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs X X X X X X Streams/ Rivers Human Dominated* Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest Petran Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Common Name Colorado Ptychocheilus lucius Pikeminnow Rhinichthys osculus Speckled Dace Razorback Xyrauchen texanus Sucker Crustaceans & Mollusks Anodonta California californiensis Floater Oreohelix yavapai cummingsi Oxyloma haydeni Niobrara haydeni Ambersnail Oxyloma haydeni Kanab kanabensis Ambersnail Mammals Prospect Valley White-tailed Ammospermophilus Antelope leucurus tersus Squirrel Choeronycteris Mexican Longmexicana tongued Bat Gunnison's Cynomys gunnisoni Prairie Dog Houserock Valley ChiselDipodomys microps toothed leucotis Kangaroo Rat Euderma maculatum Spotted Bat Eumops perotis Greater Western californicus Mastiff Bat Western Red Lasiurus blossevillii Bat Macrotus California Leafcalifornicus nosed Bat Microtus mexicanus Hualapai hualpaiensis Mexican Vole Nyctinomops Big Free-tailed macrotis Bat Mohave Desertscrub Scientific Name Grasslands X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 156 Table 19. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Desertscrub Grasslands Aquatic & Riparian Woodlands/Forests Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Human Dominated* Petran Subalpine Conifer Forest Petran Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Scientific Name Common Name Perognathus flavus Springerville goodpasteri Pocket Mouse X Sorex nanus Dwarf Shrew X X X Reptiles Gopherus agassizii (Mohave Mohave Desert Tortoise Population) X X Lampropeltis Utah Milksnake X X triangulum taylori *Human-dominated landscapes here refer to agricultural areas and urban lakes. These habitat types are discussed under “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Aquatic/Riparian Habitat Types,” and in “Stressors to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat” under the stressor “Urban/rural development.” Terrestrial habitat types below are arranged in order of prevalence in this ecoregion. Where patches of uncharacteristic habitat types (not described in this section) occur in this ecoregion, conservation should reflect stressors and species identified in neighboring ecoregions. Plains and Great Basin Grasslands (34.9% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) Prior to settlement of the region, much of this vegetative type was comprised of cool season, perennial grasses. Lightly populated by nomadic bands of the indigenous humans, the grasslands were not subject to heavy grazing by ungulates until the introduction of livestock (sheep, goats and horses) by Spanish explorers and missionaries. With the introduction of these influences, much of the native grasslands were heavily grazed to the point that conversion to shrubs and other woody species occurred (Johnson and Elson 1979, Gori and Enquist 2003, Finch 2004). There is a tendency for the Plains and Great Basin grassland type to convert to Desertscrub and/or Great Basin Conifer Woodlands when subjected to the combined effects of heavy livestock use, unnatural fire regimes and generalized warming of the region’s climate (Wright Neuenschwander and Britton 1979, White 2002, Stevens and Monson 2004). Most of the middle to lower elevation basins and benchlands along major canyon systems have been converted to these two habitat types and is public land managed by the BLM and NPS. A large percentage of the ecoregion’s desertscrub/grassland habitat is located on tribal lands belonging to the sovereign nations of the Navajo and Hopi tribes. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 157 Much of the grassland type is still being heavily used by livestock and continues to degrade in vegetative diversity and coverage, with bare soil predominating in many areas of formerly productive grasslands. Major human activities associated with this change include livestock grazing, off-highway vehicle travel, rural development and urbanization of nearby population centers. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a shift to a warmer climate, rural development, human population growth in this ecoregion and in metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Loss of keystone species Unnatural fire regimes Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Harvesting/collecting animals Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Right-of-way fencing along roadways Unauthorized roads & trails Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 158 Great Basin Desertscrub (27.5% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) Over 50% of the ecoregion is covered by this habitat type along with Plains and Great Basin grasslands. When the Ecoregion Workgroup evaluated stressors for the Colorado Plateau, the Plains and Great Basin Grassland and Great Basin Desertscrub habitat types were combined due to the interspersion of the two and the commonality of the threats to each. Most of the middle to lower elevation basins and benchlands along major canyon systems are covered by these habitat types. Most of it is public land managed by the BLM and NPS, with a large percentage of the ecoregion’s desertscrub/grassland habitat on the sovereign nations of the Navajo and Hopi tribes (Turner 1994b). Much of this habitat type is present due to degradation of former Desert and Great Basin Grassland communities by heavy livestock grazing pressure over the past 150 years. Further influences include: soil loss due to wind and water erosion, invasive species effects; groundwater depletion and invasion by nonnative grass and shrub species. Mining and road development for powerlines, wind turbine farms and general off-highway vehicle use are other effects from development of the ecoregion for energy production (Stevens and Monson 2004). The condition of this habitat type is degraded and not expected to improve due to soil loss, widespread invasive species influences and a shift to a warmer climate with longer periods of drought and continued desertification of a large expanse of the ecoregion. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a shift to a warmer climate, human population growth in this ecoregion and in metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) See stressors under “Plains and Great Basin Grassland.” Great Basin Conifer Woodland (30.7% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) Historically found only at somewhat lower elevations than the Montane Conifer forest and on poorer soils at mid-elevations, this habitat type has expanded in distribution and density predominately on public lands managed by the Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona State Land Department and the BLM. Significant acreage of this habitat type is also now found on Hualapai, Navajo and Hopi tribal lands as well as on neighboring privately held lands. This habitat type is replacing plains and desert grasslands vegetation in many locales. Major human activities that may be associated with the changes observed include many, if not all, of the commodity production activities in which human populations engage to ensure their continued existence. These activities include livestock grazing, timber harvest, fire suppression, introduction of nonnative species and other activities, many of which cause changes in vegetative Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 159 composition through creation of conditions which favor woody species over perennial grasses and forbs (Aro 1971, Johnson and Elson 1979, Wright and others 1979, Everett 1987, Ffolliot and Gottfried 2002, Stevens and Monson 2004). All of these are exacerbated by the influence of a shift to a warmer climate and by the current pervasive drought. Much of the vegetative diversity provided by plains and desert grasslands habitats is lost when pinyon-juniper vegetation becomes established in nearly monotypic stands. Soil erosion results from creation of bare soil under these woody species, followed by the resulting unimpeded overland flows. The effect of soil losses is conversion of the soil profile to a near permanent barren state lacking any “A” horizon, in which the bulk of plant growth takes place. Management of these habitats requires balancing the needs of species dependent on the woodland type with the needs of grassland obligates in planning and prioritization of actions. The current trend of this habitat type is expansion in distribution and density in the face of an apparent shift to a warmer climate. Concurrently, significant portions of typical pinyon – juniper vegetation have lost the pinyon pine component to bark beetle and other insect infestations induced by drought stress. The effect has been creation of a monotypic juniper stand of reduced value to wildlife due to the loss of significant mast production (pinyon nuts). This has made the habitat type more vulnerable to treatments, and may allow conversion of these landscapes back to a grassland or shrub dominated type. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to human population growth in this ecoregion and in neighboring metropolitan areas. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Unnatural fire regimes Insect Infestation Loss of keystone species Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting animals Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 160 Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Illegal dumping/littering Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mohave Desertscrub (3.7% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is found at the lower elevations of the far western reaches of the ecoregion in the Grand Wash and at the very bottom of the Grand Canyon in a narrow band which reaches as far east as the confluence of the Little Colorado River. It provides a diversity of habitats in the canyons which results in corresponding diversity of wildlife in the public lands managed by the NPS and BLM (Turner 1994a). It is likely that the distribution and vegetative composition of this habitat type in this ecoregion is nearly the same as during pre-settlement times. However, the invasion of the riparian zone along the Colorado River by saltcedar and other nonnatives may be reducing the diversity of this type as native species such as blackbrush are outcompeted for water and nutrients. This conversion is likely to increase with increased fluctuation in river flow regimes leading to mortality of native species during flood stage bank scouring and removal of soil. Increased grazing pressure by nonnative herbivores, including feral horses and burros, exacerbates this effect through removal of ground cover in upland areas (Turner 1994a, Stevens and Monson 2004). Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a shift to a warmer climate and the effects incursions of nonnative plant and animal species. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Unnatural fire regimes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Soil erosion Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 161 Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Noise pollution Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Montane Conifer Forest (2.4% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) The commercial forests of the ecoregion are made up of almost pure stands of ponderosa pine with some interspersion of subalpine conifer forest at higher elevations. Most of this habitat type is found on the Kaibab Plateau north and south of the Grand Canyon. This forested land is managed by the USFS and NPS. Other significant amounts are situated on the Hualapai and Navajo tribal lands. A small amount of this vegetative type is found on the tops of isolated mountains such as Mt. Trumbull, Mt. Dellenbaugh and Black Rock Mountain, managed by the Arizona Strip District of the BLM. Most of the forest type off of the Kaibab National Forest is not commercially harvested to any extent except on Mt. Trumbull, which is being managed to demonstrate the influence of various levels of forest restoration treatments through removal of varying levels of ponderosa pine overstory. The results of this experiment will help determine the direction of forest restoration treatments as a standard management practice in the Southwest pine forests. While disagreement with estimates of pre-settlement conditions exists in the academic and scientific communities, it remains obvious that the structure and makeup of the montane conifer forests is different, in many respects, from historic condition. The large, mature, “old growth” forests of the ecoregion were replaced by over-populated stands of even-age ponderosa pine due to heavy commercial logging and associated fire suppression activities. Heavy fuel loads have caused stand replacement fires in large wildfire events over the past 25 – 30 years. Due to the large scale of the area involved, efforts to combat the effects of unnatural fire regimes have been largely confined to the urban interface to protect housing and other human development. Road building, dispersed recreation and use of the forest understory for livestock grazing also has had negative influence on the species composition and distribution of vegetative communities throughout this habitat type (Pase and Brown 1994b, Friederici 2004, Stevens and Monson 2004). The condition of this habitat type is severely degraded but with active management in place to restore condition to an indeterminate “pre-settlement” condition. The major point of departure remains achieving consensus on what this condition was. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to human population growth in this ecoregion and in metropolitan areas of the state. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 162 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Insect Infestation Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Management for game animals and sport fish Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Livestock management Rural development Recreational sites/facilities Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Dispersed camping Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Noise pollution Lead shot/fishing line Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Subalpine Conifer Forest (0.6% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) The majority of this habitat type is found at the higher elevations of the North Kaibab Plateau and is interspersed with the Montane Conifer forest type at mid-elevations in canyons and on north-facing slopes of some hills. Small pockets of this type also exist on isolated mountains such as Mt Trumbull, Mt. Dellenbaugh and Black Rock Mountain on the Arizona Strip. Most of this habitat is public land managed by the Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 163 and Arizona Strip District of the BLM. Much of this type, mostly on the North Kaibab plateau, has been heavily logged. The general condition of this habitat type is currently degraded. Much of it has failed to return to former vegetative composition and function due to loss of soil moisture and temperature increases wrought by overstory removal. Significant shifts in composition of many guilds and species have occurred (Pase and Brown 1994b, Stevens and Monson 2004). The large, mature, “old growth” mixed conifer forests of the ecoregion were replaced, in many locations, by over-populated stands of even-age ponderosa pine due to heavy commercial logging, silvicultural treatments (eg. tree planting) and associated fire suppression activities. Heavy fuel loads have caused stand replacement fires in large wildfire events over the past 25 – 30 years. Road building, dispersed recreation and use of the forest understory for livestock grazing also has had negative influence on the species composition and distribution of vegetative communities throughout this habitat type. The overall general condition of this habitat type is degraded but with active management, expected to have some effect in the foreseeable future. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a shift to a warmer climate and increased dependency of an increasing human population on the area for recreation as well as commodity needs. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Insect Infestation Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Air traffic corridors/overflights Unauthorized roads & trails Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 164 Roads for motorized vehicles Interior Chaparral (0.05% of total acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is found in neighboring parts of the Mohave Desert Ecoregion, with some representation in this ecoregion. The following major stressors were assessed for this habitat type in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Subalpine Grassland (0.04% of total acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This vegetative community occurs in this ecoregion only on the Kaibab Plateau north of the Grand Canyon. Most of this is public land managed by the USFS and NPS. The condition of this habitat type may be considered degraded due to decreased plant species diversity, large amounts of bare soil, and continued loss of topsoil to wind and water action; however, the physical geography of the North Kaibab plateau may cause these grasslands to express a more alpine character since they are situated in valleys and natural bowls at high elevation (8200 to 8800 feet). Plant communities are not diverse and tend more toward forbs and low shrub-like species than to the “tussock grasslands” described by Walter (1973; cited in Brown 1994). There is very little difference in the character of these grasslands from the previously heavily grazed National Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 165 Forest lands to the same vegetative type found on Grand Canyon National Park, an area supposedly lightly grazed in the past. Historically very heavy livestock grazing has been the dominant land use. Continued heavy grazing by both livestock and wildlife (mule deer, elk) within areas of this habitat type may be impeding recovery. Encroachment on the Subalpine grassland by conifers, a result of heavy grazing, lowered water tables and increased average temperatures, serves to reduce the total amount of “meadow” habitat when over-story tree species proliferate (White 2002, Stevens and Monson 2002, Pase and Brown 1982). Due to the open nature of the landscape, creation of unauthorized roads, along with the increasing demand for recreational opportunities, is also of concern due to the loss of vegetation and compaction of soil which results when the open “meadow” habitats are used for dispersed camping and off-highway vehicle “romping”. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a shift to a warmer climate and increased dependency of an increasing human population on the area for recreation as well as commodity needs. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Management for game animals and sport fish Habitat fragmentation/barriers Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Riparian and aquatic systems in the Colorado Plateau include: Wetlands/Springs/Seeps Habitat Condition (Element 2) Wetlands, springs, and seeps are rare features in the Colorado Plateau, and all are critical to maintain. Few major wetlands exist in the ecoregion. There are innumerable springs and seeps associated with the major canyon systems. Many of these are habitat for distinct populations of invertebrates (for example: springsnails and ambersnails) and plants which are federally listed. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 166 Prior to settlement of the ecoregion by contemporary civilizations the springs and wetlands of the Colorado Plateau were largely undeveloped except those that had been discovered and utilized by prehistoric indigenous peoples to support their agriculture. Most of these known waters were centers of their cultures and when they abandoned them the waters reverted largely to their original condition. Settlers found and used these waters for the same purposes as the native cultures. The water sources eventually became the centers of contemporary cultures. In this respect most were impacted by human “development” prior to European settlement of the area. Natural conditions likely included small wetlands and riparian areas in short reaches of the drainages in which the springs and seeps occurred. Many of these are centers of human development to this day. Most have been significantly degraded in species diversity and/or impacted by introduction of nonnative plant and animal species. Modern impacts to these areas are largely associated with burgeoning human development and recreation activities (White 2002, Stevens and Monson 2004). Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a trend toward a warmer climate, continued dependence on the waters of the ecoregion for supplying the needs of a growing human population in this ecoregion and in the metropolitan areas of Arizona. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Streambank alteration/channelization Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance plants Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Lead shot/fishing line Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 167 Canals/pipelines Unauthorized roads & trails Streams/Rivers Habitat Condition (Element 2) Rivers in the Colorado Plateau ecoregion include the Colorado River and its tributaries the Little Colorado River, Paria River and Kanab Creek. Other creeks and washes are mainly intermittent watercourses which run water only periodically. Prior to settlement of the ecoregion by contemporary civilizations the streams and rivers of the Colorado Plateau were largely undeveloped except those that had been discovered and utilized by the prehistoric indigenous peoples to support their agriculture. Most of these known waters were centers of their cultures and when they abandoned them the waters reverted largely to their original condition. European settlers found and used these waters for the same purposes as the native cultures. The water sources eventually became the centers of contemporary cultures. In this respect most were impacted by human “development” prior to European settlement of the area. Natural conditions likely included small riparian zones along short reaches of the drainages downstream from the sources and watersheds of higher elevations. Many of the accessible riparian zones are centers of human development to this day. Most have been significantly degraded in species diversity and/or impacted by introduction of nonnative plant and animal species. Modern impacts to these areas are largely associated with burgeoning human development and unrestricted recreation activities. The likelihood that the impacts will be mitigated in the near future is very low. However, the long range outlook for mitigation of impacts is fairly optimistic due to technological advances in hydro-electric generators, water column variable intakes, tempering valves, etc. The remainder of the streams will likely remain pretty much as they are or could possibly be improved by restoration of watershed condition of the surrounding uplands. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a trend to a warmer climate and an increased dependence of the human population on resources supplied by this ecoregion. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Streambank alteration/channelization Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Altered river flow regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 168 Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Nuisance animals Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Scientific research and collection Motorized recreation off-trail Watercraft operation Stressor Category: Pollution Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Contaminants from waste water and runoff Lead shot/fishing line Nutrients/algal blooms Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Canals/pipelines Unauthorized roads & trails Lakes/Reservoirs Habitat Condition (Element 2) Portions of large man-made lakes including Lake Powell and Lake Mead exist in the ecoregion. These lakes are important for sport fishing and other water-based recreation. Additionally, these flood-control impoundments significantly influence the flows, sediment transport, water quality, and wildlife habitat characteristics of the Colorado River. All lakes and reservoirs of the ecoregion were created by impoundment of major river systems. When the waters were impounded to form these large bodies of water significant changes were wrought in the river systems impounded. Complete loss of natural flow, temperature and nutrient cycling regimes occurred with associated influences on native wildlife species. This was compounded in most instances by the introduction of nonnative fish, crustacean, and amphibian species for sport fish production. Unnatural conditions were created on the streambanks with invasive nonnative plant species such as salt cedar prevailing. The likelihood that the impacts will be mitigated in the near future is very low. However, the long range outlook for mitigation of impacts is fairly optimistic due to technological advances in hydro-electric generators, water column variable intakes, tempering valves, etc. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 169 Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to human population growth in this ecoregion and in neighboring metropolitan Phoenix. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Altered river flow regimes Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Invasive species Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Watercraft operation Stressor Category: Pollution Lead shot/fishing line Contaminants from waste water and runoff Nutrients/algal blooms Pesticides/herbicides Heavy metals/mine tailings Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Stressors that do not have habitat-level impacts in this ecoregion but may have large species-level impacts on specific SGCN in this ecoregion (Element 3) In some cases, a stressor may have significant impacts to individual SGCN, but impacts are not felt throughout the habitat. Regardless of the extent of ecosystem-wide impacts, in any habitat type where these stressors act on SGCN, the appropriate conservation actions apply (see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4)”). The following stressors do not have significant ecosystem-level impacts any habitat type in this ecoregion, but where they act, they will negatively affect the associated SGCN in habitat types on the Colorado Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 170 Plateau where these species occur. Note that for wide-ranging species, impacts from some stressors may be quite significant, but may not act on the species throughout its range. Stressor Category Stressor Scientific Name Common Name Habitat conversion Wetland filling for mosquito control Ardea alba Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Egretta thula Transportation and infrastructure Railroads Gopherus agassizii (Mohave Population) Great Egret Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Snowy Egret Mohave Desert Tortoise MOHAVE DESERT The Mohave Desert Ecoregion is a transitional region situated between the higher and cooler Great Basin Desert to the north and the warmer Sonoran Desert to the south (Lowe 1985). Arizona contains only the eastern edge of the Mohave Desert Ecoregion, with the remainder in California, Nevada, and Utah. Located in the northwest corner of the State, Arizona’s portion of the Mohave Desert covers 3.2 million acres and is dominated by Mohave Desertscrub. This habitat type is intermediate between the Great Basin Desertscrub and the Sonoran Desertscrub habitats. Upper and lower Sonoran habitat types are found along the southwestern border of the ecoregion. It is difficult to distinguish between the Sonoran Desertscrub and the Mohave Desertscrub, since many plant species from both habitat types are present in the southern portion of the ecoregion. Five other habitat types are found in the ecoregion, and are typically associated with mountain ranges and higher elevation basins. The primary mountain ranges of the ecoregion are the Virgin, Black, Cerbat, and Mohave. Elevation ranges from about 450 to over 8000 feet, averaging 2770 feet. This ecoregion features Basin and Range topography, with broad valleys separated by rugged mountain ranges. Precipitation ranges from about 5 to 11 inches per year, with slightly more winter than summer precipitation. The Colorado and Virgin rivers are the primary river systems in the ecoregion. The Colorado River has been modified over most of its length with the creation of lakes Mead, Mohave, and Havasu. Recreation activities in the form of boating, fishing, and other water-sports, is prevalent along this entire reach of the Colorado River, especially from Southern California and surrounding population centers. Recreation related impacts are increasing in these areas. Recreation sites/facilities see a tremendous amount of use by boaters and people with personal watercraft. Annual visitation to Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which includes Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, is estimated to be 9 to 10 million visitors. Recreational use is sufficiently high that recreational carrying capacities have been evaluated for these reservoirs (Lake Mead National Recreation Area General Management Plan (NPS 1986). Dispersed Camping is allowed along the shores of these reservoirs and provides serious threats to shoreline Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 171 habitats and species thorough disturbance and destruction of vegetation. Historically, the Colorado River and its associated wetlands, flood plains, and riparian forests, provided habitat for a diverse array of wildlife species and native fish in this otherwise dry habitat. With the exception of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, few of these habitats still exist. The Virgin River and the surrounding riparian zone, which bisect the extreme northwest corner of the ecoregion, are also experiencing an increase in recreational pressures from the growing population centers of St. George, Utah and Mesquite, Nevada. Land ownership is a mixture of federal, state, and private. Private land is primarily checkerboarded with BLM land, although large blocks are present in the Sacramento Valley and on the south side of the Black Mountains. The entire length of the Colorado River north of Bullhead City is contained within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, which is administered by the USFWS, has a large section of land north of Lake Havasu City along the Colorado River. Small parcels of State Trust land are scattered throughout the ecoregion. Mining and livestock grazing were historically the primary land uses in the area. This pattern of land use has continued through today. Rich veins of gold, silver, and copper brought many settlers into the region during the latter half of the 19th century. Although there are currently not many active mines, numerous abandoned mines and mining claims are scattered throughout all of the mountain ranges. Livestock grazing is common in the higher precipitation areas, which are typically in the foothills, higher basins and the mountain ranges. Grazing is not common in the hotter low elevation desert but may occur when there is an abundance of ephemeral vegetation following good winter rains. Over the past few decades, the impact of these historical land uses on wildlife has receded in importance as the ecoregion has experienced explosive growth of human population centers. The attraction of this area lies in its mild winter temperatures and close proximity to recreational opportunities along the Colorado River. Major communities in the ecoregion include Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Golden Valley, Littlefield, and Dolan Springs. This region is also expected to see increased suburban growth from Las Vegas, Nevada when the Hoover Dam bypass is completed (scheduled for 2008) making commuter traffic viable. Over the past decade, this has been the fastest growing region in Arizona, with a growth rate that is over 3 times the national average (U.S. Census Bureau 2005). Over 160,000 homes have been proposed for construction by developers in Mohave County. If this proposed growth is realized, nearly 400,000 residents would be added to the region making this the third largest urban center in Arizona. Road building and motorized recreation, both of which are associated with increasing urban and rural growth, are causing significant impacts to wildlife and habitat in the region. Off highway vehicle use and uncontrolled recreation traffic represent some of the greatest threats to sensitive elements of the ecoregion such as the desert tortoise and other reptile, amphibian and small mammal populations. North of the Colorado River, the Mohave population of desert tortoise is protected under a recovery plan that contains Desert Wildlife Management Areas (DWMA’s) administered by the BLM Arizona Strip District. Stipulations in this plan affect livestock grazing, recreation and development throughout this area. Additional protection from Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 172 these impacts is provided by the designation of the Beaver Dam Mountains, Paiute and Grand Wash Cliffs as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The BLM administers these areas. Unauthorized roads and trails are a serious threat in the southern portion of the ecoregion. Offroad recreational use is increasing and many people travel from adjoining states to participate in these activities. Lowland bajadas near Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City are experiencing some of the most serious impacts. For an expanded description of each habitat type and characterization of statewide threats to each, see “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic Habitat Types (Element 2).” See Appendix O for scoring of all stressors in each habitat type. The descriptions provided do not attempt to depict conditions on sovereign tribal lands. The nature of these stressors in Arizona is presented more fully under “Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3).” Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) For more information on these species, see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4).” A complete list of species, including those of lower conservation priority and of undetermined vulnerability status can be found in Appendix J. For some species in Table 20, this part of their distribution may not represent a key area for conservation actions. Table 20. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. GrassWoodlands/ Desertscrub land Forests Wetlands/ Springs X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs Streams/ Rivers Human-dominated Landscapes* Petran Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland X X Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Common Name Amphibians Bufo microscaphus Arizona Toad Rana onca Relict Leopard Frog Lowland Leopard Rana yavapaiensis Frog Birds Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Northern Goshawk Aechmophorus clarkii Clark's Grebe Ammodramus Western savannarum Grasshopper perpallidus Sparrow Ardea alba Great Egret Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern Buteo regalis Ferruginous Hawk Aquatic & Riparian X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 173 Table 20. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. GrassWoodlands/ Desertscrub land Forests Streams/ Rivers Human-dominated Landscapes* Petran Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs X Interior Chaparral X Plains & Great Basin Grassland X Semidesert Grassland Yuma Clapper Rail Red-naped Sphyrapicus nuchalis Sapsucker Strix occidentalis Mexican Spotted lucida Owl Fishes Agosia chrysogaster Longfin Dace Catostomus clarki Desert Sucker Flannelmouth Catostomus latipinnis Sucker Cyprinodon Desert Pupfish macularius Gila cypha Humpback Chub Gila elegans Bonytail Mohave Desertscrub Bald Eagle California Black Rail Sage Thrasher Osprey Western Purple Martin Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Contopus cooperi Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Empidonax traillii extimus Falco peregrinus anatum Haliaeetus leucocephalus Laterallus jamaicensis coturnic Oreoscoptes montanus Pandion haliaetus Progne subis arboricola Rallus longirostris yumanensis Common Name Common BlackHawk Swainson's Thrush Belted Kingfisher Western Snowy Plover Western Yellowbilled Cuckoo Olive-sided Flycatcher Gray Catbird Snowy Egret Southwestern Willow Flycatcher American Peregrine Falcon Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Buteogallus anthracinus Catharus ustulatus Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Aquatic & Riparian X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Table 20. Tier 1a and 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. GrassWoodlands/ Desertscrub land Forests Aquatic & Riparian Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Human-dominated Landscapes* Petran Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Virgin Spinedace Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Common Name Roundtail Chub Virgin Chub Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Gila robusta Gila seminuda Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis Plagopterus argentissimus May 24, 2006 Page 174 X X X Woundfin X Colorado Ptychocheilus lucius Pikeminnow X Rhinichthys osculus Speckled Dace X Xyrauchen texanus Razorback Sucker X X Crustaceans and Mollusks Anodonta California Floater X X X californiensis Grand Wash Pyrgulopsis bacchus Springsnail X Kingman Pyrgulopsis conica X Springsnail Pyrgulopsis deserta Desert Springsnail X Euderma maculatum Spotted Bat X X X X X X X X X X X Eumops perotis Greater Western californicus Mastiff Bat X X X X X X X X Lasiurus blossevillii Western Red Bat X X X California LeafMacrotus californicus nosed Bat X X X X X X X X X Nyctinomops macrotis Big Free-tailed Bat X X X X X X X X X X Reptiles Gopherus agassizii Mohave Desert (Mohave Population) Tortoise X X X Gopherus agassizii Sonoran Desert X X X X X (Sonoran Population) Tortoise Mojave Fringe-toed Uma scoparia X X Lizard *Human-dominated landscapes here refer to agricultural areas and urban lakes. These habitat types are discussed under “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Aquatic/Riparian Habitat Types,” and in “Stressors to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat” under the stressor “Urban/rural development.” Terrestrial habitat types below are arranged in order of prevalence in this ecoregion. Where patches of uncharacteristic habitat types (not described in this section) occur in this ecoregion, conservation should reflect stressors and species identified in neighboring ecoregions. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 175 Mohave Desertscrub (82.2% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) At the southern end of the ecoregion, Mohave Desertscrub intergrades with Sonoran Desertscrub making separation of the 2 types difficult. Along the bajadas and sandy plains, creosote bush is the dominant overstory plant. Co-dominants include white bursage, paper bag bush, buckwheat, and Mohave yucca. In hills and washes, Sonoran species such as Palo Verde, catclaw acacia, smoketree, and saguaro are present. The Mohave Desertscrub is rich in ephemeral plants. Cacti are also common within this zone. Hedgehog, beavertail, buckthorn cholla, and barrel cactus are common. In the northern part of this zone, the creosote bush dominated landscapes give way to blackbrush and Joshua tree dominance. One of the densest old growth stands of Joshua tree forest is found in the area between Dolan Springs and Meadview, Arizona. Plants associated with these areas include galleta grass, bush muhley, white burrobush, ephedra, and banana yucca. Drought is a major stressor to wildlife and wildlife habitat in this area. Rainfall is often upredictable and some areas may go without measurable precipitation for long periods of time. Year-round grazing by livestock and feral animals (primarily burros) has altered plant composition in many areas. In particular, abundance and diversity of native grasses has been reduced with a subsequent increase in shrub density. Rural and urban development has had dramatic impacts in this region; most development in this ecoregion is occurring within the Mohave desertscrub habitat type. Purchase of land for development and speculation has increased dramatically in recent years. Developers have been buying up large tracts of land and are proposing construction of thousands of new homes within the region. The associated new road and highway construction is causing increased fragmentation of habitat. Recently, fire has caused major impacts within the region. Wildfires fueled by nonnative grasses and weeds have removed many native plant species from large areas of the Black Mountain range. Native plant communities do not appear to be recovering within these areas. The condition of this habitat type will continue to show a decreasing trend due to population growth in the region and associated human impacts. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Insect Infestation Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 176 Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Urban growth Livestock management Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Invasive plants Feral animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Great Basin Conifer Woodland (5.45% of total acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type does not comprise a significant element within the ecoregion. It occurs primarily in scattered pockets within the Black Mountains, in the Cerbat Mountains and in the Azure and Virgin mountains on the North side of the ecoregion. Grazing has changed the composition of understory vegetation in many areas primarily by reducing abundance and composition of native grasses. Drought has killed some juniper trees in fringe areas although some expansion may be occurring in wetter areas. Trends remain static for this habitat type. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Insect Infestation Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 177 Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub (4.8% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This vegetative type reaches its most northern extent along the southwest border of the ecoregion. Vegetation is dominated by low, open stands of creosotebush and bursage. Ephemeral annuals are abundant following adequate winter rains. Other common species include desert broom, ocotillo, palo verde, and desert willow. This habitat type falls primarily within jurisdiction of the BLM and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. A few scattered parcels of private land do occur here which are seeing development pressures due to the close proximity of Lake Havasu City. Recreational use is a major threat in this area, with the primary threat to wildlife and wildlife habitat coming from the associated illegal motorized recreation and wildcat roads. Large numbers of recreationists and winter visitors come to this area every year. Drought and overgrazing by burros are of major concern. The condition of this habitat type is in a downward trend due to human impacts associated with population growth in the area. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Urban growth Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Feral animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Unauthorized roads & trails Telephone lines/cellphone towers Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 178 Semidesert Grassland (3.7% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type primarily occurs in the Hualapai Valley. It was historically dominated by perennial bunch grasses interspersed by low shrubs and bare ground. Characterized by lower precipitation than other grasslands, it is very susceptible to changes brought on by overgrazing and fire suppression. These factors have compromised the condition of these grasslands by reducing bunch grasses across the valley and contributing to their replacement with annual grasses, forbs, scrubby trees, and shrubs. In climax communities, three-awn and tobosa together with grama species are the dominant grasses. Galleta, bush muhley, fluffgrass, vine mesquite, and hairy tridens may also be present. Other common species in this zone include acacias, prickly pear cactus, cholla, and yucca. Precipitation ranges from 10 -11 inches in this zone with approximately equal portions falling in winter and summer. This habitat type has seen major downward trends due to drought and overgrazing. Native grass communities have been reduced or eliminated over most of the valley and nonnative grasses and weeds have become dominant. On the southern end of the valley near Kingman, much of the habitat has been lost to development. Many large developments are planned throughout the Southern Valley. Groundwater depletion is becoming a concern because of the exponential population growth and future population projections. This habitat type is showing a downward trend due to continued year-long grazing, nonnative plant encroachment, losses to urbanization and rural development, and associated human impacts. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Urban growth Livestock management Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 179 Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Telephone lines/cellphone towers Roads for motorized vehicles Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Interior Chaparral (2.4% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is present at mid to high elevations in the Hualapai, Cerbat, and Virgin mountain ranges. Shrub live oak is the dominant shrub over much of this area, but is usually in mixed stands with other shrubs such as birchleaf mountain mahogany, skunkbrush sumac, Wright’s silktassel, and desert ceanothus. Historically, wildfire kept this zone in various stages of succession with variable shrub densities and abundant herbaceous vegetation in the younger stages. Fire suppression has resulted in much of this type being in older dense stands of shrubs. The condition of this habitat type is therefore considered degraded. Because of the typically rough topography and primary BLM ownership, this habitat type is not being impacted heavily by development. Grazing is common within this zone and year-long grazing is standard on many allotments. Trends within this zone are static. Fire is being utilized in adjacent areas by the BLM to improve habitat conditions for wildlife and livestock and to reduce the potential for catastrophic wildfire. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 180 Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Upland Sonoran Desertscrub (1.3% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) The Upper Sonoran desertscub is found only in a small patch at the southern end of the ecoregion. Palo Verde, mesquite, cat-claw acacia, and crucifixion thorn are the common tree species. Saguaro cactus and other succulents such as ocotillo, cholla, barrel cactus, and pricklypear are well represented. Other common species include creosote bush, brittlebush, ratany, desert broom, and desert willow. This habitat type is in relatively intact condition. Primary threats are from increased motorized off-road recreation in the area. Illegal roads and off-trail travel are major threats. Drought is a major stressor because range conditions and wildlife populations are directly linked to annual precipitation. Future trends are expected to show a slight decline in condition due to increased human impacts and recreational damage. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Unauthorized roads & trails Great Basin Desertscub (0.8% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type occurs only in the northern portion of the ecoregion on the edges of the Virgin Mountains. The desert landscape consists mostly of scattered low shrubs. Sagebrush and shadscale dominate, with blackbrush, greasewood, and rabbitbrush common in some areas. This Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 181 is a minor component within the ecoregion and trends are static. Patches of this habitat type occur where it borders the same habitat type in the Colorado Plateau ecoregion. The following major stressors were assessed for this habitat type in the Colorado Plateau. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Management for game animals and sport fish Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Loss of keystone species Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting animals Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Right-of-way fencing along roadways Roads for motorized vehicles Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Montane Conifer Forest (0.1% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat type is only found in very small patches at the highest elevations of the Cerbat and Virgin mountains. Ponderosa pine is the dominant tree species, with stands that are generally open with scattered shrubs or herbaceous vegetation. These small patches are bordered by either interior chaparral or great basin conifer and share elements with each of these zones. This habitat type falls entirely on public lands and receives relatively few human impacts. Drought is a large Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 182 stressor in this habitat type because in this part of their range, ponderosa pines are already on the edge of their precipitation tolerance. Lack of low intensity fires in the understory and adjacent habitats also dramatically increases the risk of loss in this habitat type from catastrophic wildfires. Patches of this habitat type are similar to that found in the Colorado Plateau ecoregion. The following major stressors were assessed for this habitat type in the Colorado Plateau. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Insect Infestation Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Riparian and aquatic systems in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion include: Wetlands/Springs/Seeps Habitat Condition (Element 2) Most of the riparian habitat in this ecoregion formerly occurred along the Colorado River corridor. Large backwaters and other marshes were common along the river due to annual flooding from snowmelt in the upper drainages. Dredging and impoundment of the river destroyed nearly all of the marshes and cottonwood gallerys associated with the river. Springs and seeps are relatively common in the major mountain ranges. Many have been developed for livestock use and are currently grazed. This affects abundance and composition of native vegetation. Drought has a major effect on springs and seeps, so that many either disappear or flow duration and quantity are reduced. Groundwater depletion is also of concern due to increased demands from population growth in adjacent areas. Major efforts are underway to restore some wetland areas along the Colorado River for wildlife habitat. In general, trends are downward in this habitat type. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 183 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Water diversion/water catchments Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Soil erosion Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Management for game animals and sport fish Insect Infestation Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Livestock management Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Non-motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Streams/Rivers Habitat Condition (Element 2) The Colorado and Virgin are the major rivers within this ecoregion. The Colorado River has been severly impacted by formation of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu. River flows and water quality have been severely impacted. Allocation of water in the system is divided among 6 Western states. Increased demands for power generation and water use have severely impacted the ability to manage water flows. Drought is a major contributor to this problem. These reservoirs and the river itself receive extremely high recreation use, which contributes to Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 184 problems from contaminants and littering. Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, and Laughlin (Nevada) are also growing rapidly along the river. General trends are static to decreasing for this habitat element. The Virgin River, a major tributary of the Colorado River which crosses the very northwest corner of the State, has been severely impacted in most of its course by over allocation of its waters for municipal, recreational and mining/industrial uses. The remaining flows are sporadic and seasonal flooding complicates management of water quality and in-stream flow issues. Much of the native aquatic species diversity of the watershed has been compromised by introduction of nonnative species. Most of the stream course north of the Arizona-Utah state line flows through a mixed federal-private-municipal ownership which has complicated efforts to effect recovery efforts. The outlook for improvement of condition of this stream in Arizona is improving with major interstate and inter-agency cooperative efforts underway to ensure the needs of sensitive aquatic species are considered in the management of the area’s resources. Stressors described below reflect resulting changes in ecological process as well as impacts related to a trend to a warmer climate and an increased dependence of the human population on resources supplied by this ecoregion. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Mining Water diversion/water catchments Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Management for game animals and sport fish Insect Infestation Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Streambank alteration/channelization Habitat fragmentation/barriers Altered river flow regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Livestock management Rural development Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Disease/pathogens/parasites Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 185 Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Non-motorized recreation off-trail Watercraft operation Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Illegal dumping/littering Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Telephone lines/cellphone towers Roads for motorized vehicles Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Lakes/Reservoirs Habitat Condition (Element 2) Lakes Havasu, Mohave, and Mead are the primary reservoirs in the ecoregion. Lake Havasu was formed with the completion of Parker Dam in 1938 and is the smallest of the three reservoirs in this ecoregion. The reservoir is about 45 miles long and can store nearly 211 billion gallons of water. This water is used for generation of hydroelectric power, but the primary purpose of Lake Havasu is to provide reservoir storage for water to be pumped into the Colorado River and Central Arizona Project Aqueducts. Created in 1953, Lake Mohave is the second largest reservoir in Arizona and backs up 67 miles of the Colorado River above Davis Dam. This reservoir was created primarily for flood regulation and water storage. Davis Dam is also used for hydroelectric generation. Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States, backing up 110 miles of the Colorado River behind Hoover Dam. Water capacity is about 28 million acre feet which is approximately 2 years of average Colorado River flow. The reservoir was originally created to control flooding along the Colorado River, provide water storage, and for hydroelectric generation. All of these reservoirs are man-made and have had significant impact to the natural landscapes and wildlife in the ecoregion. These flood-control impoundments significantly influence the river’s dynamics, including flows, sediment transport, water quality, and wildlife habitat characteristics of the Colorado River. Complete alteration of flow, temperature and nutrient cycling regimes occurred with associated impacts to native wildlife. These altered aquatic conditions shifted the dynamics of associated riparian systems as well, so that today invasive nonnative plant species such as salt cedar predominate. The likelihood that the impacts will be mitigated in the near future is very low. Rapidly expanding urban areas guarantee that demands on water stored in these reservoirs will continue to increase, except to the extent that they are offset by retirement of agricultural lands. However, the long range outlook for mitigation of impacts is fairly optimistic due to technological advances in hydro-electric generators, water column variable intakes, tempering valves, etc. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 186 Currently, these lakes are important for sportfishing and other water-based recreation. Millions of visitors use these reservoirs annually. Ecosystem impacts from dam construction have been compounded by recreational use of the reservoirs. The largest recreational impact has come from introduction of nonnative fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. In addition, discharge and spills from boats and personal watercraft affect water quality. As the region continues to grow, pressures from recreational use are expected to increase. Habitat and wildlife communities were changed dramatically with creation of these reservoirs. New habitats have been created along shorelines and are now providing some habitat for wildlife. The utility of these habitats is compromised however, as water levels fluctuate with user demands and drought. Increasing human activity is also negatively affecting habitat and wildlife through disturbance, destruction of habitat, and introduction and spread of nonnative plants and animals. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Water diversion/water catchments Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mining Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Streambank alteration/channelization Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Insect Infestation Management for game animals and sport fish Altered river flow regimes Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Watercraft operation Stressor Category: Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 187 Stressors that do not have habitat-level impacts in this ecoregion but may have large species-level impacts on specific SGCN in this ecoregion (Element 3) In some cases, a stressor may have significant impacts to individual SGCN, but impacts are not felt throughout the habitat. Regardless of the extent of ecosystem-wide impacts, in any habitat type where these stressors act on SGCN, the appropriate conservation actions apply (see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4)”). The following stressors do not have significant ecosystem-level impacts any habitat type in this ecoregion, but where they act, they will negatively affect the associated SGCN in the habitat types in the Mohave Desert where these species occur. Note that for wide-ranging species, impacts from some stressors may be quite significant, but may not act on the species throughout its range. Stressors that rated high for these SGCN, but not for any of the habitats in Mohave Desert in which these species occur. Stressor Category Stressor Scientific Name Common Name Habitat conversion Wetland filling for mosquito control Ardea alba Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Egretta thula Great Egret Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Snowy Egret Gopherus agassizii (Mohave Population) Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Mohave Desert Tortoise Sonoran Desert Tortoise Transportation and infrastructure Railroads SONORAN DESERT The Sonoran Desert Ecoregion in Arizona covers 22.3 million acres, and is dominated by desert scrub communities (Marshall and others 2000, Phillips and Comus 2000). Elevation ranges from about 70 to 5900 feet, averaging about 1350 feet. The ecoregion features Basin-and-Range topography, with broad valleys separated by rugged mountain ranges. Annual precipitation in the ecoregion ranges from about 3 to 17 inches, with slightly more annual rainfall within higher elevation inclusions of other vegetation types. Moving from east to west, total precipitation decreases and there is less influence from summer rains. The most striking feature of this ecoregion is the cactus-dominated vegetation communities, with giant saguaros and chollas being the most conspicuous. Biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert is among the highest of any desert in the world (Phillips and Comus 2000) and can be manifested here in surprising ways. In one of the drier portions of the ecoregion, Rosenstock and others (2004) found over 200 species of native bees, one of the most diverse such communities in North America. In a review of several studies of breeding birds, Nabhan and Holdsworth (1999) Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 188 concluded that in terms of breeding bird diversity and productivity, the Sonoran Desert's riparian habitats are among the richest in all of North America. Land ownership is primarily federal and is dominated by Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range and Yuma Proving Grounds (Army), Cabeza Prieta and Kofa National Wildlife Refuges, the Tohono O’odham Nation, and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The majority of intervening land is owned by BLM. Irrigable lands along the Colorado, Gila, and Salt Rivers and in the Phoenix and Tucson valleys are mostly private or tribal lands. Important areas along the Colorado River are managed by Imperial, Cibola, and Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuges and by BR and BLM. Large tracts of State Trust land occur near Wickenburg and Tucson, and smaller parcels are scattered in areas of BLM and private lands. USFS and the San Carlos Apache Nation own tracts on the northeast periphery of the ecoregion. Major land uses within the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion have historically been agriculture, urban and rural settlement, livestock grazing, mining, and military training. Agriculture became established where water was available, but in recent decades has given way in many areas to urban growth. In some portions of the ecoregion, large tracts of desert remain, and plant and animal communities are relatively intact. In other portions of the ecoregion, urban development and rural sprawl have significantly impacted the wildlands. Despite the inherent lack of water within the region, urban growth continues unabated in significant portions of the relatively flat ecoregion. This is largely due to impoundment of the major surface water drainages in Arizona, and significant withdrawals from the associated groundwater basins. The scenic desert settings and warm, sunny climate continue to make the Sonoran Desert a favored destination for relocation and retirement. Population of the counties that comprise the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion increased from 1.0 million in 1960 to 4.1 million in 2000 (US Census Bureau 2000). This 300% increase far outpaced the 62% increase recorded for the nation as a whole during the same period (US Census Bureau 2000). Continued increases will create additional direct and indirect stresses on the ecoregion. Major urban areas are the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, both of which are rapidly expanding into previously undeveloped desert. Other communities in the ecoregion are also growing rapidly, most notably: Green Valley, Casa Grande, Marana, Sahuarita, Buckeye, Wickenburg, and the Colorado River communities of San Luis, Yuma, and Lake Havasu City. The primary river systems and riparian areas in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion include: the lower reaches of the Colorado, Bill Williams, Big Sandy, Santa Maria, Hassayampa, Agua Fria, Gila, Verde, Salt, Santa Cruz, and San Pedro rivers. The eastern edge of the ecoregion contains a number of river impoundment reservoirs: Lake Pleasant, Bartlett, Horsehoe, Saguaro, Canyon, Apache, Roosevelt, and San Carlos. Recreation activities in the form of boating, fishing, and other water-sports are prevalent along the Colorado River and the ecoregion’s larger reservoirs. Extensive water diversion projects occur in this ecoregion: the Central Arizona Project canal, the Salt River Project network of canals in and around the Phoenix metropolitan area, and the Mohawk-Welton network of canals along the lower Gila River. Along with groundwater sources, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 189 these projects divert surface water from the Colorado, Salt, and Gila rivers to support the ecoregion’s municipal, industrial, and agricultural water needs. The Sonoran Desert ecoregion has unique problems that result from its location along the border with Mexico. Borderlands traffic from illegal immigration and drug trafficking and the concomitant enforcement activities have caused further losses of habitat and reduction in terrestrial wildlife movement corridors. In many instances, border activities have completely converted, degraded, and fragmented wildlife habitat along the border. At the same time, the shared border also presents unique opportunities for collaboration with Mexican partners, which has resulted in benefits to wildlife on both sides of the border. For an expanded description of each habitat type and characterization of statewide threats to each, see “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Riparian/Aquatic Habitat Types (Element 2).” See Appendix O for scoring of all stressors in each habitat type. The descriptions provided do not attempt to depict conditions on sovereign tribal lands. The nature of these stressors in Arizona is presented more fully under “Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3).” Species of Greatest Conservation Need (Element 1) For more information on these species, see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4).” A complete list of species, including those of lower conservation priority and of undetermined vulnerability status can be found in Appendix K. For some species in Table 21, this part of their distribution may not represent a key area for conservation actions. Table 21. Tier 1a and Tier 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs X Wetlands/ Springs X Streams/ Rivers X X Great Basin Conifer Woodland X X Interior Chaparral X Semidesert Grassland Upland Sonoran Desertscrub X Aquatic/ Riparian Mohave Desertscrub Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Common Name Amphibians Bufo microscaphus Arizona Toad Great Plains Gastrophryne Narrowolivacea mouthed Toad Lowland Burrowing Pternohyla fodiens Treefrog Woodlands/ Forests Human-dominated landscapes* Grassland Desertscrub Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 190 Table 21. Tier 1a and Tier 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs X Wetlands/ Springs X Aquatic/ Riparian Streams/ Rivers X Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral X Semidesert Grassland X Mohave Desertscrub Rana yavapaiensis Birds Accipiter gentilis Northern atricapillus Goshawk Aechmophorus clarkii Clark's Grebe Violet-crowned Amazilia violiceps Hummingbird Ammodramus Western savannarum Grasshopper perpallidus Sparrow Anthus spragueii Sprague's Pipit Ardea alba Great Egret Asturina nitida Northern Gray maxima Hawk American Botaurus lentiginosus Bittern Ferruginous Buteo regalis Hawk Buteogallus Common Blackanthracinus Hawk Crested Caracara cheriway Caracara Swainson's Catharus ustulatus Thrush Belted Ceryle alcyon Kingfisher Charadrius Western Snowy alexandrinus nivosus Plover Western Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed occidentalis Cuckoo Olive-sided Contopus cooperi Flycatcher Dendrocygna Black-bellied autumnalis Whistling-Duck Dumetella Gray Catbird carolinensis Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Common Name Lowland Leopard Frog Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Woodlands/ Forests Human-dominated landscapes* Grassland Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 191 Table 21. Tier 1a and Tier 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Aquatic/ Riparian Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Bald Eagle X X X X Mississippi Kite California Black Rail X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Sage Thrasher Osprey Western Purple Martin Yuma Clapper Rail Red-naped Sapsucker Thick-billed Kingbird Tropical Kingbird Sphyrapicus nuchalis Tyrannus crassirostris Tyrannus melancholicus Fishes Agosia chrysogaster Longfin Dace Catostomus clarki Desert Sucker Catostomus insignis Sonora Sucker Flannelmouth Catostomus latipinnis Sucker Quitobaquito Cyprinodon eremus Pupfish Cyprinodon macularius Desert Pupfish X X X X X X X X X X X X Interior Chaparral Streams/ Rivers Great Basin Conifer Woodland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub X Common Name Snowy Egret Southwestern Willow Flycatcher American Peregrine Falcon Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Empidonax traillii extimus Falco peregrinus anatum Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum Haliaeetus leucocephalus Ictinia mississippiensis Laterallus jamaicensis coturnic Oreoscoptes montanus Pandion haliaetus Progne subis arboricola Rallus longirostris yumanensis Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Egretta thula Woodlands/ Forests Human-dominated landscapes* Grassland Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 192 Table 21. Tier 1a and Tier 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. X Lakes/ Reservoirs X X X X X Wetlands/ Springs X Aquatic/ Riparian Streams/ Rivers Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Gila Topminnow Colorado Ptychocheilus lucius Pikeminnow Rhinichthys osculus Speckled Dace Tiaroga cobitis Loach Minnow Razorback Xyrauchen texanus Sucker Crustaceans and Mollusks Anodonta California californiensis Floater Squaw Peak Sonorella allynsmithi Talussnail San Xavier Sonorella eremita Talussnail Papago Sonorella papagorum Talussnail Tryonia Quitobaquito quitobaquitae Tryonia Mammals Antilocapra americana Sonoran Pronghorn sonoriensis Choeronycteris Mexican Longmexicana tongued Bat Euderma maculatum Spotted Bat Eumops perotis Greater Western californicus Mastiff Bat Underwood's Eumops underwoodi Mastiff Bat Western Red Lasiurus blossevillii Bat Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Common Name Bonytail Gila Chub Headwater Chub Roundtail Chub Spikedace Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Gila elegans Gila intermedia Gila nigra Gila robusta Meda fulgida Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis Woodlands/ Forests Human-dominated landscapes* Grassland Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 193 Table 21. Tier 1a and Tier 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Lakes/ Reservoirs X X Wetlands/ Springs X X Aquatic/ Riparian Streams/ Rivers X Great Basin Conifer Woodland X Interior Chaparral X Semidesert Grassland X Mohave Desertscrub Lesser Longnosed Bat California Leafnosed Bat Big Free-tailed Bat Desert Bighorn Sheep Mesquite Mouse Yuma Hispid Cotton Rat Harquahala Thomomys bottae Southern Pocket subsimilis Gopher Reptiles Aspidoscelis Red-back xanthonota Whiptail Chionactis occipitalis Tucson Shovelklauberi nosed Snake Organ Pipe Chionactis Shovel-nosed palarostris organica Snake Eumeces gilberti Arizona Skink arizonensis Gopherus agassizii Sonoran Desert (Sonoran Population) Tortoise Kinosternon Arizona Mud arizonense Turtle Kinosternon sonoriense Sonoyta Mud Turtle longifemorale Flat-tailed Phrynosoma mcallii Horned Lizard Northern Thamnophis eques Mexican megalops Gartersnake Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Lasiurus xanthinus Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae Macrotus californicus Nyctinomops macrotis Ovis canadensis mexicana Peromyscus merriami Sigmodon hispidus eremicus Common Name Western Yellow Bat Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Woodlands/ Forests Human-dominated landscapes* Grassland Desertscrub X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 194 Table 21. Tier 1a and Tier 1b SGCN associated with each habitat type in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Aquatic/ Riparian Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Scientific Name Woodlands/ Forests Human-dominated landscapes* Grassland Desertscrub Common Name Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Uma rufopunctata Lizard X Mojave FringeUma scoparia toed Lizard X *Human-dominated landscapes here refer to agricultural areas and urban lakes. These habitat types are discussed under “Statewide Condition of Arizona’s Terrestrial and Aquatic/Riparian Habitat Types,” and in “Stressors to Arizona’s Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat” under the stressor “Urban/rural development.” Terrestrial habitat types below are arranged in order of prevalence in this ecoregion. Where patches of uncharacteristic habitat types (not described in this section) occur in this ecoregion, conservation should reflect stressors and species identified in neighboring ecoregions. Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub (52.4% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat occurs widely across the lower elevations within the hottest and driest portion of the state, generally filling the center and western portion of the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion in Arizona. This vegetation includes significant areas around the Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas, specifically the Santa Cruz, Salt, and Gila basins. Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub is typically a shrub-dominated community, with creosotebush and white bursage dominating in most areas (Brown 1982). Washes provide xeroriparian habitat, which is critical to many resident desert and migratory wildlife species for forage and cover. In the western portion of this vegetative community, large tracts of federal land are managed by the Department of Defense (Barry M. Goldwater and Yuma Proving Grounds military ranges), USFWS (Cabeza Prieta, Kofa, and several Colorado River wildlife refuges), BLM, and NPS (Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument). The federal tracts are relatively protected, although there are impacts from military actions on the military ranges from grazing where it occurs on BLM lands, from roads and other human activities that fragment habitat, from invasion of nonnative plants and resulting wildfires, and from unauthorized roads and trails, especially from OHV vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. Along the border, many of these federal areas are currently threatened from activities of illegal immigrants, drug smuggling, and related Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 195 enforcement. If, at some time in the future, these federal lands lose their federal status (possibilities include BLM land exchanges or closure of military ranges), the threat of urban and rural development should not be overlooked. Because of significant losses of this vegetative community in the eastern portion of the Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub (see next paragraph), conservation of intact ecosystems should be a high priority on these federal land tracts. Significant tribal lands are also included in this vegetative community. The eastern portion of this vegetative community is dominated by large tracts of private land and interspersed State Trust Land, and is greatly impacted and in many areas completely lost as wildlife habitat. The Phoenix metropolitan area was largely carved out of this vegetative community; areas northwest of Tucson and along the interstate corridors between Phoenix and Tucson and north and west of Phoenix will become largely developed over the next 10-20 years. The eastern portion of the Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub has been most heavily impacted by urban development, but also by rural development and agriculture. Even in the undeveloped areas, historic and current overgrazing and OHV use are causing significant impact to wildlife habitat. It is anticipated that impacts to the eastern portions of the Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub will increase as urban areas continue to expand; conservation here should focus on riparian areas, corridors, and community planning that will incorporate wildlife values. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Border issues Illegal dumping/littering along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Dispersed camping along the border Enforcement activities along the border Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Harvesting/collecting animals Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting plants Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Urban growth Military bases, defoliation, munitions testing Stressor Category: Invasive species Feral animals Nuisance plants Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 196 Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Light pollution Illegal dumping/littering Noise pollution Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Upland Sonoran Desertscrub (46.7% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) This habitat occurs at the higher elevations of the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion, where slightly cooler temperatures and increased precipitation result in more verdant and diverse vegetation. This community abuts other ecoregions, and pockets are scattered within the Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscurb. Fingers of Upland extend the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion into other ecoregions, particularly surrounding the river drainages of the San Pedro, Gila, Salt, Verde, Agua Fria, Big Sandy, and Santa Cruz. In the Upland Sonoran Desertscrub, trees are less confined to drainages than in the Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub, giving this habitat a greater overall arboreal component and therefore a greater vertical and structural diversity. The most extensive community is paloverde-mixed cacti (Brown 1982). In recent years there has been an increased understanding of the importance of the ironwood tree in the Upland. Ironwood functions as a habitat modifying keystone species, exhibiting strong influences on the distribution and abundance of associated species. In Upland, strips of riparian habitat exist along drainages with perennial or near-perennial flows. These riparian deciduous woodlands and marshlands were formerly much more extensive and their decline represents a significant loss to wildlife. Land ownership in the Upland Sonoran Desertscrub community is mixed. Several areas of tribal lands are included, including large areas of the Tohono O’Odham Nation and the San Carlos Apache Nation. Large sections are federal lands managed by the USFWS (Kofa and Cabeza Prieta NWRs), NPS (Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Saguaro National Park), USFS (Tonto National Forest), and BLM (including Sonoran Desert National Monument, Ironwood Forest National Monument, and Agua Fria National Monument). As in the Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub community, these federal lands are largely protected as long as they remain in federal ownership. Stressors to these federal lands include military activities, habitat fragmentation from roads and other human activities, unauthorized roads and trails, border issues, wildfires (largely from introduced nonnative grasses), overgrazing where it occurs, and feral animals (for example, impacts to the Silver Bell bighorn sheep population due to disease Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 197 outbreak from feral goats in 2004). Wildfire in this vegetative community is increasingly common, but was not so formerly. Many Upland native plants are not adapted to fire and where it occurs, type conversion to a community more similar to the Lower Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub, augmented with nonnative grasses and forbs, is often the result. Increased pressure from recreational use, particularly unregulated OHV use, also is a threat in many places. The federal lands are increasingly important for conservation of the Upland, and ecosystem integrity and connectivity should be a high priority. Upland Sonoran Desertscrub vegetation outside of the large federal land blocks are interspersed BLM, State Trust Land, and private lands. Here, threats are more diverse and immediate, including current and future urban and rural development, agricultural development, overgrazing, and increasing recreational pressure. The scenic deserts typical of Upland Sonoran Desertscrub are favored areas for urbanization and recreation. Around the urban centers of Phoenix and Tucson, immense areas of this habitat are being lost completely to human activity. Recreational impacts close to the urban areas are also increasing. Population pressures will continue to increase, with Arizona projected to have the second largest increase in population (108%) of any state in the nation during 2000-2030 (U.S. Census Bureau 2005; http://www.census.gov/population/www/projections/projectionsagesex.html). Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Border issues Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Dispersed camping along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Enforcement activities along the border Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Urban growth Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 198 Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Battles, maneuvers, war games, military camps, guerilla insurgencies Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Illegal dumping/littering Light pollution Noise pollution Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Right-of-way fencing along roadways Unauthorized roads & trails Air traffic corridors/overflights Roads for motorized vehicles Mohave Desertscrub (0.6% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) A small, remnant patch of this habitat occurs in the northern part of the ecoregion, isolated from the large expanses to the northwest. Dominant plants are creosotebush and Joshua tree. Land ownership is almost entirely State Trust with some BLM. Urban and agricultural development is almost nonexistent in these areas, but some impacts have resulted from livestock grazing. Overall, however, the ecological functions of this habitat remain intact and its condition is considered to be healthy. Its small area and isolation from other areas of Mohave Desertscrub make this patch vulnerable to loss or disturbance. Located on the southern extremity of Mohave Desertscrub distribution, it may be vulnerable to any increase of aridity through drought or warming. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 199 Semidesert Grassland (0.2% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) A dozen very small inclusions of Semidesert Grassland exist in the ecoregion, sometimes on isolated mountains, other times in lowland valleys. Some have suffered from overgrazing but most remain intact. Their small sizes and isolation make them particularly vulnerable to loss or disturbance. Grasslands located in valley bottoms will be particularly susceptible to urbanization as Arizona’s population continues to grow. Larger patches of this habitat type are found in neighboring Apache Highlands North and South ecoregions. The following major stressors were assessed for Upland Sonoran Desertscrub habitat that largely surrounds patches of Semidsert Grassland in the Sonoran Desert ecoregion. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Border issues Illegal dumping/littering along the border Enforcement activities along the border Dispersed camping along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Harvesting/collecting plants Harvesting/collecting animals Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Urban growth Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Battles, maneuvers, war games, military camps, guerilla insurgencies Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Noise pollution Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 200 Light pollution Illegal dumping/littering Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Right-of-way fencing along roadways Air traffic corridors/overflights Roads for motorized vehicles Interior Chaparral (0.1% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) At higher elevations, several small pockets of chaparral habitat add diversity to the ecoregion. They are afforded a large degree of protection by their location in rugged, remote areas and on lands administered by BLM and USFWS, and they remain largely intact. However, their small sizes and isolation from other areas of similar habitat make them particularly vulnerable to loss or disturbance. Located on the southern fringe of Interior Chapparal distribution, they may be vulnerable to any increase of aridity through drought or warming. Larger patches of this habitat type are found in neighboring Apache Highlands North. The following major stressors were assessed for Upland Sonoran Desertscrub habitat that largely surrounds patches of Interior Chaparral in this ecoregion. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Border issues Enforcement activities along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Dispersed camping along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Soil erosion Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Urban growth Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 201 Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Battles, maneuvers, war games, military camps, guerilla insurgencies Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Noise pollution Illegal dumping/littering Light pollution Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Right-of-way fencing along roadways Roads for motorized vehicles Air traffic corridors/overflights Great Basin Conifer Woodland (0.03% of acreage) Habitat Condition (Element 2) There is one small inclusion of this habitat type in the ecoregion in the Poachie Range north of Alamo Lake. It is afforded a large degree of protection by its location in a rugged, remote area and on lands administered by BLM, and it remains largely intact. However, its small size and isolation from other areas of similar habitat make it particularly vulnerable to loss or disturbance. Located on the southern extremity of Great Basin Conifer Woodland distribution, it may be vulnerable to any increase of aridity through drought or warming. Larger patches of this habitat type are found in neighboring Apache Highlands North and in the Mohave Desert ecoregions. The following major stressors were assessed for Upland Sonoran Desertscrub habitat that largely surrounds this patch of Great Basin Conifer Woodland in this ecoregion. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Stressor Category: Border issues Dispersed camping along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Illegal dumping/littering along the border Enforcement activities along the border Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Soil erosion Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 202 Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Harvesting/collecting plants Harvesting/collecting animals Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Military bases, defoliation, munitions testing Livestock management Urban growth Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Noise pollution Light pollution Illegal dumping/littering Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Right-of-way fencing along roadways Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Air traffic corridors/overflights Riparian and aquatic systems in the Sonoran Desert include: Wetlands/Springs/Seeps Habitat Condition (Element 2) Wetlands, springs, and seeps are rare in the Sonoran Desert but are critical to a number of rare species. Extensive cattail and bulrush marshes occur along the Lower Colorado River. These were thought to be much more restricted before the creation of dams and the cessation of annual flooding (Rosenberg and others 1991. Birds of the Lower Colorado River. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona. 416 p.). They are of critical importance to many marsh species, most notably the Yuma clapper rail and California black rail. These habitats are threatened in some areas by efforts to dredge or straighten the river channel but the vast majority are protected within Bill Williams, Cibola, and Imperial National Wildlife Refuges and Mittry Lake Wildlife Area. Most springs and seeps are located in mountains or other areas of rugged terrain and remain largely intact. These areas are administered primarily by BLM, FWS Refuges, and NPS, which have afforded protection in the past and should continue to do so. Quitobaquito Spring and the associated man-made pond at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a prominent site of great historical importance. Some springs and seeps in the Sonoran Desert have been degraded or Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 203 lost completely due to development or diversion for use by livestock or crops or groundwater pumping, particularly those in flatter topographies. Agua Caliente Spring in Tucson, for example, has been developed into an urban park. An increase in aridity, should it occur, would obviously have severe impacts to many springs and seeps in the Sonoran Desert. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Soil erosion Unnatural fire regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Drought Shift to warmer climate Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Livestock management Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Disease/pathogens/parasites Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Streams/Rivers Habitat Condition (Element 2) The condition of aquatic and riparian systems within this ecoregion has been greatly degraded by human activities. This ecoregion includes the lower portions of major rivers, including the Colorado, Gila, Verde and Salt rivers, all of which originate at higher elevations outside this ecoregion. These rivers have all been impounded, diverted, and/or channelized. Along the Lower Colorado and the Gila rivers, associated marshes provide significant wildlife habitat. Changes in instream flow in these systems and the elimination of annual flooding cycles have reduced the capability of riparian systems to sustain themselves, especially during drought. These changes have reduced nutrient input and the leaching of salts that floods provide, and have affected reproduction of riparian plants by reducing the establishment of necessary seed beds. These same changes have favored undesirable nonnative competitors such as salt cedar. Many smaller rivers (for example: Santa Cruz, New River, and Aqua Fria) no longer flow, except during storm Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 204 events, due to groundwater pumping, downcutting, and other factors. Some perennial reaches are maintained only by effluent discharge for short stretches (the Santa Cruz, and the Gila River west of Phoenix). The Bill Williams River falls entirely within this ecoregion and provides a lingering example of the riparian woodlands that once stretched for miles across the broad floodplains of major rivers. The loss of these extensive reaches of lower Sonoran deciduous riparian and marshland habitat has been arguably the greatest detrimental effect of modern western civilization on the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. The lower San Pedro River remains one of the few dam-free rivers in the State, but it too is impacted and further threatened by human uses, such as agricultural diversion, groundwater pumping, and overgrazing. Streams are relatively few in the ecoregion, but include: Date Creek, New River, Aravaipa Creek, Bonita Creek, Eagle Creek, Rillito River, Sabino Creek, and the Hassayampa River. Natural functions of these systems have been seriously altered in most areas by lowering of ground water levels, by diversion and channelization, by dam building and resulting inundation and cessation of flood cycles, and by invasion of nonnative plants. Arizona is unlikely to see additional water projects on the scale of those built in the last century. However, the state’s everincreasing population and demands for water make any improvement unlikely. Extended drought such as is currently being experienced will result in continued loss of instream flows and further degradation of riparian and aquatic habitats. Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Abiotic resource use Groundwater depletion and springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Stressor Category: Border issues Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Illegal dumping/littering along the border Dispersed camping along the border Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Management for game animals and sport fish Streambank alteration/channelization Altered river flow regimes Soil erosion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Unnatural fire regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Rural development Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 205 Urban growth Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Agricultural conversion Livestock management Recreational sites/facilities Stressor Category: Invasive species Nuisance animals Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Disease/pathogens/parasites Nuisance plants Feral animals Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Watercraft operation Stressor Category: Pollution Sediment/ash flows Noise pollution Pesticides/herbicides Contaminants from waste water and runoff Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Roads for motorized vehicles Lakes/Reservoirs Habitat Condition (Element 2) Significant areas of open water in the Sonoran Desert were originally confined to the Lower Colorado River. Some were inundated by Havasu and Imperial Reservoirs but backwater lakes such as Cibola, Ferguson, and Mittry remain and provide important wildlife habitat. Elsewhere, reservoirs impounded by dams constructed in the 1900s include Horseshoe and Bartlett on the Verde River; Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon, and Saguaro on the Salt River; San Carlos and Painted Rock on the Gila River; Pleasant on the Agua Fria River; and Alamo on the Bill Williams River. Most of these lakes were primarily intended for water retention or power production, but are important for sport fishing and watercraft recreation, and for their areas of marsh habitat. Roper Lake near Safford was created for sport fishing, and Picacho Reservoir was created for water retention. These both can provide important bird habitat. However, wildlife value of reservoirs is typically low, particularly away from the Colorado River, and fluctuates with water levels. Levels in the Lower Colorado River reservoirs tend to be stable, buffered by upstream reservoirs. Elsewhere, however, fluctuations can be severe and recent trends have been downward because of extended drought. Increasing demand for water by rapidly expanding urban areas guarantee that demands on water stored in these reservoirs will continue to increase, except to the extent that they are offset by retirement of agricultural lands. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 206 Major Stressors Affecting Habitat (Element 3) Stressor Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Management for game animals and sport fish Unnatural fire regimes Stressor Category: Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Drought Stressor Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Grazing by ungulates Stressor Category: Habitat conversion Recreational sites/facilities Stressor Category: Invasive species Feral animals Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Stressor Category: Non-consumptive resource use Watercraft operation Motorized recreation off-trail Stressor Category: Pollution Heavy metals/mine tailings Sediment/ash flows Noise pollution Stressor Category: Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Stressors that act in this ecoregion at the species- but not habitat-scale (Element 3) In some cases, a stressor may have significant impacts to individual SGCN, but impacts are not felt throughout the habitat. Regardless of the extent of ecosystem-wide impacts, in any habitat type where these stressors act on SGCN, the appropriate conservation actions apply (see “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4)”). The following stressors have significant ecosystem-level impacts in some habitat types in this ecoregion, but not in all habitat types where the SGCN occur. Note that for wide-ranging species, impacts from some stressors may be quite significant, but may not act on the species throughout its range. Stressor Category Stressor Scientific Name International border issues Poaching along the border Antilocapra americana sonoriensis Common Name Sonoran Pronghorn Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Stressor Category Stressor Scientific Name Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Unauthorized roads & trails created for law enforcement along the border Phrynosoma mcallii Uma rufopunctata May 24, 2006 Page 207 Common Name Sonoran Desert Tortoise Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Lizard Habitat conversion Aquaculture Kinosternon arizonense Wetland filling for mosquito control Ardea alba Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Dendrocygna autumnalis Egretta thula Gastrophryne olivacea Kinosternon arizonense Pternohyla fodiens Transportation and infrastructure Railroads Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Arizona Mud Turtle Great Egret Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Snowy Egret Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad Arizona Mud Turtle Lowland Burrowing Treefrog Sonoran Desert Tortoise AREAS OF CONSERVATION PRIORITY WITHIN EACH HABITAT TYPE As part of the CWCS process, the Department has identified habitat associated with each species of wildlife at the vegetation level. The Department recognizes that there are many areas important to conservation that occur at a finer scale than vegetation associations. Identifying these areas will require a full landscape analysis based on species distributions, current and future stressor impacts, resource distribution, current protection level, proximity to urban areas, and many other factors important to the Department and wildlife. Due to time constraints and the lack of current, spatially explicit data, the Department has decided to forego this analysis at this time with the understanding that it will be completed as soon as possible. However, the Department has recently coordinated with various partners in 3 efforts to identify areas of conservation priorities. Each of these efforts have used different criteria to identify specific areas in the state that can benefit from special conservation attention. A summary of each of these efforts is included below. Arizona Wildlife Habitat Linkages – This important effort is being led by the Department, ADOT, multiple federal agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations. The purpose is to identify fracture zones—defined as areas dominated by private land, State Trust land, or public infrastructure (highways, railroads, canals, fencing) that can provide for wildlife movement between habitat blocks. Habitat blocks are large areas of publicly-owned habitat, including tribal and BLM land. The Linkages Workgroup identified approximately 100 fracture zones in Arizona, with 30 of these potential linkages as high priority. Priority linkages are based Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 208 on the presence of special status species in the potential linkage, and the likelihood of decline or loss of wildlife species from one or more habitat blocks if connectivity is lost. The Linkages Workgroup has begun the process of drawing up detailed Linkage Designs for these priority zones. Each Linkage Design will identify which lands within the fracture zones need management for permeability, and recommend strategies to maintain permeability on those lands (including future structures to allow wildlife to cross highways and other infrastructure). The draft Linkages map (Fig. 5) is provides a visual tool to guide future planning, engineering, and mitigation strategies for public roadway construction and renovation and expansion of rural and urban communities. Ecoregional Analyses - The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has completed a ecoregional analysis for each of the TNC ecoregions in Arizona. The objective of these analyses was to identify a set of conservation areas, in each ecoregion, that if managed properly, would guarantee the persistence of the ecoregion’s biodiversity. These spatially explicit analyses considered diverse criteria including but not limited to: species richness, land management, conservation goals, stressors, land ownership, vegetation, and hydrography. All in all, 147 conservation priority areas were identified in Arizona (TNC 2004b, 2005). The resulting map (Fig. 6) shows areas with the greatest strategic value for protecting ecosystems and viable populations of native species of animals and plants. This effort provides insight into the location of large species assemblages and delineates areas of high conservation priority. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 209 Figure 5. DRAFT Arizona Linkages map (May 16, 2005 version by S. Nordhaugen). The numbered Linkages / Fracture Zones are not in order of priority, but are identifiers associated with the map’s GIS database. This product is still under revision. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 210 Figure 6. TNC Conservation Areas identified in Arizona and extending into neighboring states, tribes, and Mexico. Six biological values were used to identify conservation areas in this assessment: 1) plant and animal species occurring at each location; 2) species present that are globally rare (IUCN ranks of G1/G2); 3) species present that are federally listed as endangered or threatened; 4) species present that are endemic (90% of their range is found within 1 of 5 ecoregions analyzed); 5) taxonomic groups represented (birds, fish, mammals, crustaceans, mollusks, reptiles, amphibians, and plants); and 6) aquatic/riparian species present. Arizona Important Bird Area Program – The Department has participated in a nationwide effort led by the Audobon Society to identify important bird areas (IBAs). In Arizona 4 criteria were used to identify sites. Any individual site was required to meet any one of those 4 criteria in order to qualify as an IBA. The 4 criteria are: 1. Sites important to species listed under the ESA or other special conservation status species. 2. Sites where significant numbers of birds concentrate for breeding, during migration, or in winter. 3. Sites that contain rare or unique habitat or are an exceptional representative of an ecological community type, and that hold important species or species assemblages largely restricted to that distinctive habitat or ecological community type. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 211 4. Sites important for long-term research and/or monitoring or sites supporting educational programs in which a significant component of the program focuses on avian ecology. Based on these criteria 26 IBAs have been identified in Arizona (Fig. 7). Each IBA represents an important conservation area for birds. In addition to the above efforts, there are several regional habitat analyses by non-governmental organizations, contractors, and local governments that offer additional information and recommendations on land use and planning in support of wildlife resources. Recent analyses include: Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (Pima County 2002); Sky Islands Wildlands Network (Foreman and others 2000); Wildlife Reference Document for Coconino County (Wildlife Workgroup 2003); Sonoran Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (Gebow and others 2004); Mohave County General Plan (Mohave County 1995); Grand Canyon Wildlands Network (Grand Canyon Wildlands Council 2004); and the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and Environmental Assessment 2001-2005: U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca (Trousil 2001). Each of these efforts identifies areas of high conservation priority and provides the Department with the opportunity to work with partners to insure the continuing protection of these areas. Finally, many wildlife populations have very specific needs that are not necessarily met by landscape level conservation actions. In these cases, specific, localized actions are often needed to insure the well-being of those populations. The Department is working with numerous land managers and conservation partners on many site-specific activities to promote restoration and recovery of wildlife and wildlife habitats. Any number of circumstances can prompt site-specific conservation actions. Threatened or highly vulnerable species may require localized monitoring to insure their survival. An example would be active monitoring of bald eagle nests by Department volunteers and contractors. Small, geographically isolated populations with specific habitat needs are at risk of extirpation if those habitats are degraded or converted to other uses. Relocations and reintroductions of extirpated species may require habitat modeling, while many existing populations benefit from habitat improvements and removal of undesirable nonnative species. For example, the Fossil Creek renovation effort in 2004 involved removal of nonnative fish with the replacement of natives, following the return of natural stream flows to the creek with the decommissioning of the hydropower facility at Childs. Efforts are also underway to restore prime grassland habitat for pronghorn antelope through managing juniper encroachment, identifying and restoring important corridors, and restoring wetlands on Anderson Mesa. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Figure 7. Center point locations of Arizona’s 26 Important Bird Areas. May 24, 2006 Page 212 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 213 CONSERVATION ACTIONS TO ADDRESS STRESSORS TO HABITATS (ELEMENT 4) Major stressors were identified for each habitat type in each ecoregion (“Ecoregion-Specific Habitat Conditions (Element 2)”). Any stressor identified as having significant impacts is listed below, along with conservation actions that would alleviate or remove the impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitats. Some of these actions can be implemented immediately or represent ongoing efforts. Other actions fall outside the scope of work for the Department, represent longterm commitments, or imply other obstacles to implementation. Nonetheless, this is a comprehensive set of actions that would bring better habitat conditions for communities of wildlife in Arizona. Stressors are listed under the appropriate stressor category; actions are grouped under the appropriate emphasis (conserving wildlife habitat, representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning, representing wildlife values in other processes, maintaining and reestablishing habitat and landscape connectivity, wildlife management, or public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat). HABITAT CONVERSION CATEGORY Agricultural conversion Conserving wildlife habitat - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Collaborate on public outreach, education, and incentive programs to encourage erosion control techniques on private lands. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 214 Wildlife management - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Landfills/dumps Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Improve public access and use of landfills to reduce illegal dumping. - Work with manufacturing and commercial industries to modify products and packaging to reduce disposable material and need for additional landfills. - Use old pit mines as landfills, where appropriate. - Regulate and enforce regulations that ensure allowable materials are disposed of properly based on landfill type (industrial waste, municipal waste, hazardous materials). - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Locate new landfills in appropriate locations that reduce impacts to wildlife and water sources. - Minimize wildlife access to landfills to discourage use as a source of food. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. Livestock management Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Remove unnecessary fences and barriers to wildlife movement. - Encourage use of wildlife-friendly fences. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 215 - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Recreational sites/facilities Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. - Increase public awareness on ways to reduce nuisance wildlife in residential areas (that is: not leaving out pet food, proper disposal of waste, storage of food, fencing gardens or yards). - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing nonnative species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Encourage gray water use. - Increase public awareness on the risks of wildlife transmitted diseases. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for recreational sites. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Benchmark and evaluate successful recreational management efforts in various parks, forests, rangelands, and private lands. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Conduct boat inspections at marina and boat launch ramps to detect and prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Rural development Conserving wildlife habitat - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 216 Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Increase enforcement of existing laws and promote more stringent laws prohibiting the release of domestic or nonnative animals into the wild. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Urban growth Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase enforcement of existing laws and promote more stringent laws prohibiting the release of domestic or nonnative animals into the wild. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 217 morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE CATEGORY Air traffic corridors/overflights Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Establish, where necessary, advisory distances for air traffic corridors/overflights in critical wildlife habitats. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Inform and educate the public on potential negative impacts of low level overflights to wildlife. Canals/pipelines Conserving wildlife habitat - Identify wildlife core habitats and corridors to avoid when installing new pipelines and canals. Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Encourage proper maintenance and functioning of current pipelines. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and nonnatives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. Wildlife management - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Advocate for and create new urban fishing opportunities. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 218 - Develop guidelines for location and design of new infrastructure installations to minimize effects on - Encourage use of underground power and telephone lines where feasible. - Identify problem areas and retrofit existing problem structures to minimize affects on wildlife. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Limit access and use of utility maintenance roads for official use when other adequate access exists or is not desireable. Wildlife management - Assess and implement current recommendations for power lines/wind-harnessing turbines/ telephone lines/cell phone towers/radio towers to minimize impacts to wildlife. Right-of-way fencing along roadways Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Remove unnecessary fences and barriers to wildlife movement. - Encourage use of wildlife-friendly fences. - Use exclusion fencing and other design features to funnel wildlife movement to existing underpasses, overpasses or culverts. - Develop species-specific wildlife friendly fencing guidelines. Roads for motorized vehicles Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Encourage increased partnering and communication with transportation officials on projects that affect wildlife and their habitat. - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of feeding wildlife. - Encourage cooperative clean up efforts of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats through existing and new programs. - Encourage cooperative clean up efforts along highways through existing and new programs. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Reduce sedimentation effects from road and trail construction. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Use seed traps along forest/woodland roads to prevent the spread of nuisance plants. - Encourage maintenance of paved and unpaved roads in a manner that minimizes impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitats. - Use native plants for roadway landscaping and urban/rural developed areas. - Use certified weed-free straw or native vegetation for roadside erosion control. Telephone lines/cellphone towers Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 219 - Develop guidelines for location and design of new infrastructure installations to minimize effects on wildlife and habitats. - Encourage use of underground power and telephone lines where feasible. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Wildlife management - Assess and implement current recommendations for power lines/wind-harnessing turbines/ telephone lines/cell phone towers/radio towers to minimize impacts to wildlife. Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Clearly mark designated roads and trails for recreational users. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Unauthorized roads & trails Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage responsible outdoor recreation through education (for example: "Stay on the Trails," "Leave No Trace," "Be Bear Aware," "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers"). Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. ABIOTIC RESOURCE USE CATEGORY Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Groundwater depletion and springhead use Conserving wildlife habitat - Encourage wise management of ground water. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 220 - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Encourage gray water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Mining Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Retain and secure old mine adits and shafts for wildlife habitat (primarily for bats). Representing wildlife values in other processes - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Water diversion/water catchments Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 221 - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. CONSUMPTIVE USE OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES CATEGORY Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with fire fighting services to develop fire management plans that minimize effects of fire retardants and water drawing on wildlife and wildlife habitats. Grazing by ungulates Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Harvesting/collecting animals Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Wildlife management - Develop harvest guidelines for sensitive species to minimize impacts to important life stages (breeding, raising young, etc.). NON-CONSUMPTIVE RESOURCE USE CATEGORY Dispersed camping Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Wildlife management - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Motorized recreation off-trail Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 222 - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage responsible outdoor recreation through education (for example: "Stay on the Trails," "Leave No Trace," "Be Bear Aware," "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers"). Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. Non-motorized recreation off-trail Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Seasonally close areas to recreational and commercial use when sensitive breeding wildlife are present. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Clearly mark designated roads and trails for recreational users. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Off-range recreational shooting Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Educate users on responsible recreational shooting behavior and habitat stewardship. Wildlife management - Develop harvest guidelines for sensitive species to minimize impacts to important life stages (breeding, raising young, etc.). Scientific research and collection Wildlife management - Collaborate with partners to evaluate effects of capture and sampling techniques on wildlife. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Watercraft operation Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness of dumping and littering impacts to wildlife and their habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 223 - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage cooperative clean up efforts of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats through existing and new programs. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of watercraft and watercraft operating practices to wildlife and wildlife habitat. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Promote integrated aquatic plant management strategies. - Require use of established launch ramps for watercraft put in/take out. - Promote the "Boating Access Grant Program" to help fund development of launch ramps, information kiosks, and restrooms. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Install designated, concrete watercraft launch ramps to minimize shoreline habitat degradation. - Incorporate wildlife needs in aquatic vegetation removal efforts. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Install washdown stations to prevent spread of aquatic nuisance species. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Conduct boat inspections at marina and boat launch ramps to detect and prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Promote the “Clean Vessel Act Grant Program” to develop sanitary waste pump-out and dump stations. POLLUTION CATEGORY Contaminants from waste water and runoff Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 224 Heavy metals/mine tailings Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Support alternative energy and recycling efforts to reduce toxic by-products and wastes from traditional fuels and mineral extraction. Highway/roadway de-icing Representing wildlife values in other processes - Use inert or non-polluting materials for roadway de-icing. Illegal dumping/littering Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness of dumping and littering impacts to wildlife and their habitat. - Encourage cooperative clean up efforts of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats through existing and new programs. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Lead shot/fishing line Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Encourage cooperative clean up efforts of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats through existing and new programs. - Increase public awareness on the effects of improper disposal of fishing line. - Provide more wildlife proof waste receptacles in areas of public recreation. Light pollution Conserving wildlife habitat - Identify sites where light pollution affects wildlife. Noise pollution Conserving wildlife habitat - Identify sensitive wildlife areas where noise should be reduced/limited/avoided. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 225 - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of watercraft and watercraft operating practices to wildlife and wildlife habitat. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Nutrients/algal blooms Conserving wildlife habitat - Chemical and biological treatment of lakes (copper compounds, microbes, hay) to prevent and reduce algal blooms. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Encourage cooperative clean up efforts of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats through existing and new programs. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Promote self-containing designs for high fertilizer use areas or filtration of nutrients. Pesticides/herbicides Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Promote organic agriculture and gardening practices that do not rely on chemical treatments. - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlifesafe label). Sediment/ash flows Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect and restore riparian areas. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 226 Representing wildlife values in other processes - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work with land managers to reduce or prevent high sedimentation of aquatic systems where appropriate. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Wildlife management - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. INVASIVE SPECIES CATEGORY Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Conserving wildlife habitat - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing nonnative species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Evaluate additional regional guidelines for use of different fishing baits and risks of baitbucket - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Wildlife management - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Disease/pathogens/parasites Representing wildlife values in other processes - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Wildlife management - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. Feral animals Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing nonnative species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Increase public awareness on the need to control feral animals. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Wildlife management - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 227 - Reduce/eliminate the effects of feral animal populations in sensitive wildlife habitats or near wildlife populations of concern. Hybridization Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing nonnative species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native species. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and nonnatives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Wildlife management - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Nuisance animals Conserving wildlife habitat - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Conduct inspections at state borders to detect and prevent the spread of nuisance plants and animals. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and nonnatives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. Wildlife management - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Limit recreational and commercial use of crayfish and bullfrogs as fishing bait. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 228 - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Nuisance plants Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Use certified weed-free straw or native vegetation for roadside erosion control. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Conduct inspections at state borders to detect and prevent the spread of nuisance plants and animals. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. CLIMATE CHANGE CATEGORY Drought Conserving wildlife habitat - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water run-off) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Promote adjustment of livestock management practices during droughts to ensure sufficient Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 229 forage for wildlife. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Wildlife management - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Shift to warmer climate Representing wildlife values in other processes - Support efforts to reduce emission of greenhouse gases. Wildlife management - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. CHANGES IN ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES CATEGORY Altered river flow regimes Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Wildlife management - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Domestication of wildlife/game farming Representing wildlife values in other processes - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Evaluate regulations and policies for game farms/domestication of wildlife to ensure wild populations and habitats are protected. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 230 Wildlife management - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Habitat fragmentation/barriers Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Increase public awareness of the effects of human activities and infrastructure on wildlife habitat fragmentation. - Modify grazing practices of grasslands to allow for natural fire regimes and reduction in undesirable vegetation. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Wildlife management - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Conduct economic impact analyses for legal designations of critical habitat and listed populations. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Insect Infestation Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 231 Loss of keystone species Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Wildlife management - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Manage habitat to maximize biodiversity by keeping common species common and protecting imperiled species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. Management for game animals and sport fish Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). Wildlife management - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Incorporate ecosystem and community level concerns into operational plans. Soil erosion Conserving wildlife habitat - Protect and restore riparian areas. Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 232 - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Wildlife management - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Streambank alteration/channelization Conserving wildlife habitat - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Wildlife management - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Unnatural fire regimes Conserving wildlife habitat - Reduce salt cedar and nonnative grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 233 wildlife values. - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use certified weed-free straw or native vegetation for roadside erosion control. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. Wildlife management - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. INTERNATIONAL BORDER ISSUES CATEGORY Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Conserving wildlife habitat - Reduce salt cedar and nonnative grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Dispersed camping along the border Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Enforcement activities along the border Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 234 Enforcement fences along the border Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Illegal dumping/littering along the border Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Light pollution along the border Representing wildlife values in other processes - Design lighting projects along the borderlands that minimize disturbance to wildlife, but meet the needs for homeland security. Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Maintaining and re-establishing habitat and landscape connectivity - Support Border Patrol enforcement activities and wildlife-friendly border barriers. Representing wildlife values in multiple-use planning - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Public education and law enforcement to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Representing wildlife values in other processes - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Work with borderland agencies and landowners to minimize vandalism to livestock and wildlife water sources. CONSERVATION ACTIONS TO ADDRESS STRESSORS TO SGCN (ELEMENTS 3, 4) Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 235 The text below describes conservation actions that may be implemented to address stressors specific to individual species. As such, these actions would be implemented locally in those places where the species and the stressor exists. This material covers 183 current priority species (Tiers 1a and 1b) but has not been collected for Tier 1c species since they are not anticipated to require direct attention before the next review of Arizona’s CWCS. Of the 183 species addressed here, 144 are not threatened and endangered species. Note that references for plans and agreements to implement many of these actions may be found in Appendix P. AMPHIBIANS Scores Species Sonoran Tiger Salamander Community/Focal: 2 Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a amphibian Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking High - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Hybridization High - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 236 species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Species Scores Arizona Toad Community/Focal: 2 Bufo microscaphus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 237 Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Hybridization High - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native species. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 238 - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Scores Species Western Barking Frog Community/Focal: 2 Eleutherodactylus augusti cactorum Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Mining Medium - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Rural development Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 239 - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Species Scores Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad Community/Focal: 2 Gastrophryne olivacea Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b amphibian Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 240 rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Scores Species Lowland Burrowing Treefrog Community/Focal: 2 Pternohyla fodiens Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Mining Medium - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 241 - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Evaluate the value of stock tanks to wildlife. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 242 Stressor: Nuisance animals Medium - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. Species Scores Plains Leopard Frog Community/Focal: 2 Rana blairi Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b amphibian Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border Medium - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 243 habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Livestock management High - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 244 - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides High - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Promote organic agriculture and gardening practices that do not rely on chemical treatments. - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). Species Scores Chiricahua Leopard Frog Community/Focal: 2 Rana chiricahuensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 245 wildlife values. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore springheads. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Stressor: Soil erosion High - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 246 Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 247 Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Species Scores Relict Leopard Frog Community/Focal: 2 Rana onca Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 248 - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Species Northern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens Tier 1b amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Scores Community/Focal: 2 Responsibility: 1 Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 249 Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 250 for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Scores Species Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Community/Focal: 2 Rana subaquavocalis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 251 - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Soil erosion High - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 252 - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Stressor: Rural development High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Urban growth High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 253 - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Species Scores Tarahumara Frog Community/Focal: 3 Rana tarahumarae Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border Medium - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 254 Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 255 Species Scores Lowland Leopard Frog Community/Focal: 3 Rana yavapaiensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b amphibian Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect and restore springheads. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 256 drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. Stressor: Urban growth High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 257 - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows Medium - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. BIRDS Species Apache Northern Goshawk Scores Community/Focal: 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 258 Accipiter gentilis apache Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities High - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Clearly mark designated roads and trails for recreational users. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Scores Species Northern Goshawk Community/Focal: 1 Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 259 Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Insect Infestation Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 260 - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Species Scores Clark's Grebe Community/Focal: 1 Aechmophorus clarkii Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Watercraft operation Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of watercraft and watercraft operating practices to wildlife and wildlife habitat. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Pollution Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 261 Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Stressor: Sediment/ash flows Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Species Scores Botteri's Sparrow Community/Focal: 1 Aimophila botterii Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 262 - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Urban growth - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. High Species Scores Violet-crowned Hummingbird Community/Focal: 1 Amazilia violiceps Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 263 - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Scores Species Baird's Sparrow Community/Focal: 1 Ammodramus bairdii Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 264 - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Species Scores Arizona Grasshopper Sparrow Community/Focal: 1 Ammodramus savannarum ammolegus Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Rural development High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Species Scores Western Grasshopper Sparrow Community/Focal: 1 Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 265 Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Rural development High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Urban growth High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Species Scores Sprague's Pipit Community/Focal: 1 Anthus spragueii Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 266 Species Scores Great Egret Community/Focal: 2 Ardea alba Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 267 and riparian habitat. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Rural development High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Urban growth High - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 268 - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail High - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Species Scores Northern Gray Hawk Community/Focal: 1 Asturina nitida maxima Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 269 - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 270 Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Species Scores American Bittern Community/Focal: 1 Botaurus lentiginosus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Encourage gray water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 271 - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Unknown Medium - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Scores Species Ferruginous Hawk Community/Focal: 1 Buteo regalis Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 272 habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Medium - Assess and implement current recommendations for power lines/wind-harnessing turbines/ telephone lines/cell phone towers/radio towers to minimize impacts to wildlife. - Encourage use of underground power and telephone lines where feasible. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 273 - Develop guidelines for location and design of new infrastructure installations to minimize effects on wildlife and habitats. Scores Species Common Black-Hawk Community/Focal: 1 Buteogallus anthracinus Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore springheads. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote water conservation methods. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 274 - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 275 habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping High - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Scores Species Crested Caracara Community/Focal: 2 Caracara cheriway Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Scores Species Swainson's Thrush Community/Focal: 1 Catharus ustulatus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 276 Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Livestock management High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 277 - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Species Scores Belted Kingfisher Community/Focal: 1 Ceryle alcyon Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Promote water conservation methods. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 278 Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Promote water conservation methods. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 279 - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Species Scores Western Snowy Plover Community/Focal: 2 Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Species Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Tier 1a bird Category: Abiotic resource use Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 2 Priority High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 280 - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage gray water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage low water use agriculture. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Promote water conservation methods. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore springheads. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 281 - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 282 - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for recreational sites. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. - Conduct boat inspections at marina and boat launch ramps to detect and prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. Stressor: Urban growth High - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 283 - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Scores Species Masked Bobwhite Community/Focal: 1 Colinus virginianus ridgwayi Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a bird Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Shift to warmer climate Medium - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 284 Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Species Scores Olive-sided Flycatcher Community/Focal: 1 Contopus cooperi Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 285 Species Scores Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Community/Focal: 2 Dendrocygna autumnalis Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Encourage gray water use. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 286 - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). Stressor: Urban growth High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. Species Scores Gray Catbird Community/Focal: 1 Dumetella carolinensis Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 287 - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 288 - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Urban growth High - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Species Scores Snowy Egret Community/Focal: 1 Egretta thula Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Promote water conservation methods. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 289 - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 290 Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Stressor: Rural development High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Stressor: Urban growth High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 291 - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Species Scores Northern Buff-breasted Flycatcher Community/Focal: 1 Empidonax fulvifrons pygmaeus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 292 Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. - Increase public awareness on ways to reduce nuisance wildlife in residential areas (that is: not leaving out pet food, proper disposal of waste, storage of food, fencing gardens or yards). - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. Species Scores Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Community/Focal: 1 Empidonax traillii extimus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage gray water use. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 293 - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 294 - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Rural development High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Urban growth High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 295 roads and trails for recreation. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with land managers to reduce or prevent high sedimentation of aquatic systems where appropriate. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Species Scores Northern Aplomado Falcon Community/Focal: 3 Falco femoralis septentrionalis Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Modify grazing practices of grasslands to allow for natural fire regimes and reduction in undesirable vegetation. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 296 Species Scores American Peregrine Falcon Community/Focal: 1 Falco peregrinus anatum Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b bird Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Seasonally close areas to recreational and commercial use when sensitive breeding wildlife are present. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Medium - Assess and implement current recommendations for power lines/wind-harnessing turbines/ telephone lines/cell phone towers/radio towers to minimize impacts to wildlife. - Develop guidelines for location and design of new infrastructure installations to minimize effects on wildlife and habitats. - Encourage use of underground power and telephone lines where feasible. Species Scores Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Community/Focal: 2 Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 297 - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 298 Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Rural development High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Stressor: Urban growth High - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 - May 24, 2006 Page 299 Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Species Scores California Condor Community/Focal: 2 Gymnogyps californianus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a bird Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Illegal dumping/littering High - Increase public awareness of dumping and littering impacts to wildlife and their habitat. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Medium - Encourage use of underground power and telephone lines where feasible. - Assess and implement current recommendations for power lines/wind-harnessing turbines/ telephone lines/cell phone towers/radio towers to minimize impacts to wildlife. Species Scores Bald Eagle Community/Focal: 2 Haliaeetus leucocephalus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 300 Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Loss of keystone species High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Manage habitat to maximize biodiversity by keeping common species common and protecting imperiled species. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish High - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Stressor: Soil erosion High - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 301 - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 302 habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities High - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for recreational sites. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Urban growth High - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 303 - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping High - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Stressor: Off-range recreational shooting High - Educate users on responsible recreational shooting behavior and habitat stewardship. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Stressor: Watercraft operation High - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of watercraft and watercraft operating practices to wildlife and wildlife habitat. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. Stressor: Heavy metals/mine tailings Medium - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 304 toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. Stressor: Lead shot/fishing line High - Increase public awareness on the effects of improper disposal of fishing line. - Provide more wildlife proof waste receptacles in areas of public recreation. - Encourage cooperative clean up efforts of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats through existing and new programs. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Promote organic agriculture and gardening practices that do not rely on chemical treatments. Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with land managers to reduce or prevent high sedimentation of aquatic systems where appropriate. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Minimize wildlife access to landfills to discourage use as a source of food. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Air traffic corridors/overflights Medium - Establish, where necessary, advisory distances for air traffic corridors/overflights in critical wildlife habitats. - Inform and educate the public on potential negative impacts of low level overflights to wildlife. Stressor: Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Medium - Encourage use of underground power and telephone lines where feasible. - Develop guidelines for location and design of new infrastructure installations to minimize effects on wildlife and habitats. - Assess and implement current recommendations for power lines/wind-harnessing turbines/ telephone lines/cell phone towers/radio towers to minimize impacts to wildlife. - Identify problem areas and retrofit existing problem structures to minimize affects on wildlife. Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Reduce sedimentation effects from road and trail construction. Stressor: Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails High - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 305 areas. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Species Scores Mississippi Kite Community/Focal: 2 Ictinia mississippiensis Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Encourage gray water use. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 306 - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 307 assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Species Scores California Black Rail Community/Focal: 1 Laterallus jamaicensis coturnic Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 308 - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 - May 24, 2006 Page 309 Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Species Scores Sage Thrasher Community/Focal: 1 Oreoscoptes montanus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 310 - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Species Scores Rose-throated Becard Community/Focal: 2 Pachyramphus aglaiae Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage gray water use. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 311 areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Species Scores Osprey Community/Focal: 1 Pandion haliaetus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage gray water use. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 312 - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 313 - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Conduct boat inspections at marina and boat launch ramps to detect and prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 314 - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Lead shot/fishing line High - Increase public awareness on the effects of improper disposal of fishing line. - Encourage cooperative clean up efforts of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats through existing and new programs. - Provide more wildlife proof waste receptacles in areas of public recreation. Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work with land managers to reduce or prevent high sedimentation of aquatic systems where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Medium - Assess and implement current recommendations for power lines/wind-harnessing turbines/ telephone lines/cell phone towers/radio towers to minimize impacts to wildlife. - Develop guidelines for location and design of new infrastructure installations to minimize effects on wildlife and habitats. - Encourage use of underground power and telephone lines where feasible. Scores Species Black-billed Magpie Community/Focal: 2 Pica hudsonia Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 315 Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods. Stressor: Shift to warmer climate High - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Invasive species Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 316 Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Species Scores American Three-toed Woodpecker Community/Focal: 2 Picoides dorsalis Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Stressor: Shift to warmer climate High - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Scores Species Pine Grosbeak Community/Focal: 2 Pinicola enucleator Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Insect Infestation Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 317 - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Stressor: Shift to warmer climate High - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Scores Species Black-capped Gnatcatcher Community/Focal: 2 Polioptila nigriceps Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 318 Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Scores Species Western Purple Martin Community/Focal: 1 Progne subis arboricola Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Insect Infestation Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 319 Species Scores Yuma Clapper Rail Community/Focal: 2 Rallus longirostris yumanensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Stressor: Light pollution along the border Medium - Design lighting projects along the borderlands that minimize disturbance to wildlife, but meet the needs for homeland security. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 320 - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 321 - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 322 Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Stressor: Heavy metals/mine tailings High - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Support alternative energy and recycling efforts to reduce toxic by-products and wastes from traditional fuels and mineral extraction. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides High - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Promote organic agriculture and gardening practices that do not rely on chemical treatments. Species Scores Thick-billed Parrot Community/Focal: 2 Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b bird Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Insect Infestation Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Species Azure Bluebird Sialia sialis fulva Scores Community/Focal: 2 Responsibility: 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 323 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 324 assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Species Scores Red-naped Sapsucker Community/Focal: 1 Sphyrapicus nuchalis Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Livestock management High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 325 - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Scores Species Mexican Spotted Owl Community/Focal: 2 Strix occidentalis lucida Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Insect Infestation High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 326 - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Stressor: Shift to warmer climate High - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Species Scores Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 327 Elegant Trogon Community/Focal: 2 Trogon elegans Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border High - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore springheads. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 328 - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Support prevention of human-caused fire through enforcement of appropriate fire use regulations and education. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with land managers to reduce or prevent high sedimentation of aquatic systems where appropriate. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Trails for foot, bike, or equine use High - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Clearly mark designated roads and trails for recreational users. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Scores Species Thick-billed Kingbird Community/Focal: 2 Tyrannus crassirostris Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage low water use agriculture. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 329 - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Soil erosion High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 330 and riparian habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 331 - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail High - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows Medium - Work with land managers to reduce or prevent high sedimentation of aquatic systems where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Scores Species Tropical Kingbird Community/Focal: 2 Tyrannus melancholicus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b bird Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Encourage gray water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 332 the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage low water use agriculture. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities High - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border High - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Soil erosion High - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 333 - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce salt cedar and exotic grasses to improve recolonization of native vegetation. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 334 - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail High - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. FISH Species Longfin Dace Agosia chrysogaster Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Stressor: Mining - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Scores Community/Focal: 2 Responsibility: 1 Priority Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 335 - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore springheads. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 336 - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 337 - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. Species Scores Mexican Stoneroller Community/Focal: 1 Campostoma ornatum Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage gray water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore springheads. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 338 - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 339 - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Species Scores Yaqui Sucker Community/Focal: 1 Catostomus bernardini Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Encourage gray water use. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect and restore springheads. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Promote water conservation methods. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 340 - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Species Desert Sucker Catostomus clarki Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 341 Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage gray water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Mining Medium - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 342 - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 343 - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Species Bluehead Sucker Catostomus discobolus Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 3 Priority Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 344 - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 345 - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Stressor: Hybridization Medium - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Species Zuni Bluehead Sucker Catostomus discobolus yarrowi Tier 1a fish Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Category: Species Specific Stressor: Unknown - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. May 24, 2006 Page 346 Priority High Species Scores Sonora Sucker Community/Focal: 1 Catostomus insignis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore springheads. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 347 - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 348 Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Species Scores Flannelmouth Sucker Community/Focal: 1 Catostomus latipinnis Responsibility: 3 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Stressor: Mining Medium - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 349 Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 350 - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Stressor: Hybridization Medium - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Species Scores Little Colorado Sucker Community/Focal: 1 Catostomus sp. Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 351 - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 352 wildlife. Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Stressor: Hybridization High - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Species Scores Beautiful Shiner Community/Focal: 1 Cyprinella formosa Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 353 - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Hybridization High - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Species Quitobaquito Pupfish Cyprinodon eremus Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use - Encourage gray water use. Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 1 Priority High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 354 - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Protect and restore springheads. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 355 hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Species Scores Desert Pupfish Community/Focal: 1 Cyprinodon macularius Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Mining Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 356 - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 357 - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Species Humpback Chub Scores Community/Focal: 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 358 Gila cypha Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Promote water conservation methods. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 359 etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Stressor: Hybridization Medium - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. Scores Species Sonora Chub Community/Focal: 1 Gila ditaenia Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage gray water use. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 360 - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Protect and restore springheads. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Stressor: Mining Medium - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 361 sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for recreational sites. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Hybridization Medium - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 362 - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native species. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Encourage increased partnering and communication with transportation officials on projects that affect wildlife and their habitat. Species Scores Bonytail Community/Focal: 1 Gila elegans Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage wise management of ground water. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 363 - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 364 - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Hybridization High - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. Species Gila Chub Gila intermedia Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 1 Priority Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 365 - Encourage gray water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Protect and restore springheads. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Mining Medium - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect and restore springheads. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 366 - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 367 - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Species Scores Headwater Chub Community/Focal: 1 Gila nigra Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Protect and restore springheads. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage wise management of ground water. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 368 - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage gray water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect and restore springheads. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 369 - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Stressor: Hybridization High - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Species Scores Yaqui Chub Community/Focal: 1 Gila purpurea Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 370 Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Soil erosion High - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Hybridization Medium - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 371 Species Scores Roundtail Chub Community/Focal: 1 Gila robusta Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Encourage gray water use. - Protect and restore springheads. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 372 - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote water conservation methods. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 373 - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Stressor: Hybridization High - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Species Virgin Chub Gila seminuda Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 2 Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 374 Stressor: Mining Medium - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect and restore springheads. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 375 - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Species Yaqui Catfish Ictalurus pricei Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Scores Community/Focal: 2 Responsibility: 2 Priority Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 376 - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 377 - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Hybridization High - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native species. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Scores Species Virgin Spinedace Community/Focal: 1 Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 378 - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 379 - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Collaborate on public outreach, education, and incentive programs to encourage erosion control techniques on private lands. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 380 habitats. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. Scores Species Little Colorado Spinedace Community/Focal: 1 Lepidomeda vittata Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 381 the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). Stressor: Soil erosion High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 382 and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 383 - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote establishment and protection of green belts and other preserves including terrestrial and aquatic corridors. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Promote legislation to increase water conservation. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 384 - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Reduce sedimentation effects from road and trail construction. Scores Species Spikedace Community/Focal: 1 Meda fulgida Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 385 - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Mining Medium - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 386 - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 387 - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 388 surrounding habitat and water sources. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). Species Scores Apache (Arizona) Trout Community/Focal: 1 Oncorhynchus gilae apache Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 389 - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 390 - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking High - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Stressor: Hybridization High - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native species. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Heavy metals/mine tailings Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 391 control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Reduce sedimentation effects from road and trail construction. Species Scores Gila Trout Community/Focal: 1 Oncorhynchus gilae gilae Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a fish Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 392 Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Livestock management High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking High - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 393 Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Stressor: Hybridization High - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Species Scores Woundfin Community/Focal: 1 Plagopterus argentissimus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Mining Medium - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 394 Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 395 - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. Species Scores Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 396 Gila Topminnow Community/Focal: 1 Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Protect and restore springheads. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage gray water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Stressor: Mining Medium - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 397 - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 398 - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 399 Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. Species Scores Yaqui Topminnow Community/Focal: 1 Poeciliopsis occidentalis sonoriensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect and restore springheads. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage gray water use. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 400 drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Medium - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Promote water conservation methods. - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 401 - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Hybridization Medium - Address hybridization and replication of rare populations in watershed planning efforts. - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Scores Species Colorado Pikeminnow Community/Focal: 1 Ptychocheilus lucius Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 402 Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Promote water conservation methods. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 403 etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Species Scores Speckled Dace Community/Focal: 1 Rhinichthys osculus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore springheads. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Encourage gray water use. Stressor: Mining Medium - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Increase public awareness of wildlife impacts and benefits of mining operations. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Promote water conservation methods. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 404 - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Protect and restore springheads. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 405 Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 406 surrounding habitat and water sources. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Species Scores Loach Minnow Community/Focal: 1 Tiaroga cobitis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Encourage gray water use. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Stressor: Mining Medium - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect and restore springheads. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 407 - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 408 - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Livestock management High - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 409 Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Species Scores Razorback Sucker Community/Focal: 1 Xyrauchen texanus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a fish Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Encourage wise management of ground water. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Encourage gray water use. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Work with city and county planners to limit or prevent development in flood plains and areas that impact watershed integrity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 410 Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect and restore springheads. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 411 - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Determine if adjusting dam operations to adjust water temperatures downstream is a benefit to native species. - Determine if modifying dam operations can simulate natural sediment transport and improve wildlife habitat. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Create and maintain habitat improvement features for aquatic species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 412 - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Survey for areas of suitable habitat for reestablishment of species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Ensure new and existing landfills are properly lined and sealed from contaminating surrounding habitat and water sources. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSKS Scores Species California Floater Community/Focal: 1 Anodonta californiensis Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Loss of keystone species High - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Work with fire fighting services to develop fire management plans that minimize effects of Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 413 fire retardants and water drawing on wildlife and wildlife habitats. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Conduct inspections at state borders to detect and prevent the spread of nuisance plants and animals. Species Scores Cockerell's Striate Disc (Snail) Community/Focal: 3 Discus shimekii cockerelli Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 414 - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Scores Species Pinaleno Mountainsnail Community/Focal: 1 Oreohelix grahamensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Work with fire fighting services to develop fire management plans that minimize effects of fire retardants and water drawing on wildlife and wildlife habitats. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Species Scores Community/Focal: 3 Responsibility: 3 Oreohelix yavapai cummingsi Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 415 habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Species Scores Niobrara Ambersnail Community/Focal: 1 Oxyloma haydeni haydeni Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Stressor: Shift to warmer climate High - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails High - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Species Kanab Ambersnail Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis Tier 1a invertebrate Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Stressor: Altered river flow regimes - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect and restore springheads. Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 1 Priority High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 416 - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Species Scores Bylas Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis arizonae Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 417 Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Species Grand Wash Springsnail Pyrgulopsis bacchus Tier 1b invertebrate Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 418 Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 419 habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Species Scores San Bernardino Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis bernardina Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 420 - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. Species Scores Kingman Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis conica Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage gray water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Promote water conservation methods. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 421 wildlife values. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. Species Scores Desert Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis deserta Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 422 - Encourage increased partnering and communication with transportation officials on projects that affect wildlife and their habitat. - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Species Scores Verde Rim Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis glandulosa Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Species Montezuma Well Springsnail Pyrgulopsis montezumensis Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 423 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Species Scores Page Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis morrisoni Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage gray water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 424 - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Promote water conservation methods. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Aquaculture High - Work with aquaculture, game farms, and pet store industries to minimize impacts to wild populations and habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals Medium - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Limit recreational and commercial use of crayfish and bullfrogs as fishing bait. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 425 - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Species Scores Fossil Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis simplex Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail High - Clearly mark designated roads and trails for recreational users. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Pollution Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 426 Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles High - Encourage increased partnering and communication with transportation officials on projects that affect wildlife and their habitat. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Species Scores Brown Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis sola Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Encourage gray water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 427 - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. Species Scores Huachuca Springsnail Community/Focal: 1 Pyrgulopsis thompsoni Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage gray water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Mining Medium - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 428 morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Medium - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Work with borderland agencies and landowners to minimize vandalism to livestock and wildlife water sources. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage development of water recycling systems/programs (effluent, storm water runoff) to increase the amount of water available to wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Work with fire fighting services to develop fire management plans that minimize effects of fire retardants and water drawing on wildlife and wildlife habitats. - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 429 - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Medium - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Livestock management High - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Medium - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Evaluate additional regional guidelines for use of different fishing baits and risks of baitbucket dumping. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Species Three Forks Springsnail Pyrgulopsis trivialis Tier 1a invertebrate Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 430 Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Management for game animals and sport fish Medium - Develop and implement integrated fisheries management plans for watersheds (for native and sport fish). - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Expand hatchery capabilities to propagate native species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Work with fire fighting services to develop fire management plans that minimize effects of fire retardants and water drawing on wildlife and wildlife habitats. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking High - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Evaluate additional regional guidelines for use of different fishing baits and risks of baitbucket dumping. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Limit recreational and commercial use of crayfish and bullfrogs as fishing bait. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 431 spreading nuisance species. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff High - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Stressor: Sediment/ash flows High - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Work with land managers to reduce or prevent high sedimentation of aquatic systems where appropriate. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Scores Species Squaw Peak Talussnail Community/Focal: 1 Sonorella allynsmithi Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 432 - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Urban growth High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails High - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Species Scores Clark Peak Talussnail Community/Focal: 1 Sonorella christenseni Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Work with fire fighting services to develop fire management plans that minimize effects of fire retardants and water drawing on wildlife and wildlife habitats. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 433 Species Scores San Xavier Talussnail Community/Focal: 1 Sonorella eremita Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Mining Medium - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. - Promote recycling to reduce contamination from landfills and new mine operations. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Shift to warmer climate High - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage maintenance of paved and unpaved roads in a manner that minimizes impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitats. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Encourage increased partnering and communication with transportation officials on projects that affect wildlife and their habitat. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Species Scores Pinaleno Talussnail Community/Focal: 1 Sonorella grahamensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Work with fire fighting services to develop fire management plans that minimize effects of fire retardants and water drawing on wildlife and wildlife habitats. - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 434 disturbance to wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for recreational sites. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. Species Scores Mimic Talussnail Community/Focal: 1 Sonorella imitator Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Work with fire fighting services to develop fire management plans that minimize effects of fire retardants and water drawing on wildlife and wildlife habitats. - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for recreational sites. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. Scores Species Wet Canyon Talussnail Community/Focal: 1 Sonorella macrophallus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a invertebrate Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Increase public awareness of the effects of human activities and infrastructure on wildlife habitat fragmentation. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Stressor: Soil erosion Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 435 - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Encourage increased partnering and communication with transportation officials on projects that affect wildlife and their habitat. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails High - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Scores Species Papago Talussnail Community/Focal: 1 Sonorella papagorum Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities High - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for recreational sites. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Educate the public about maintaining sensitive habitat for wildlife. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail High - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 436 - Clearly mark designated roads and trails for recreational users. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Scores Species Arizona Cave Amphipod Community/Focal: 1 Stygobromus arizonensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Promote water conservation methods. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Increase public awareness on alternative methods to using fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants. - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). Species Scores Gila Tryonia Community/Focal: 1 Tryonia gilae Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 437 the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Cooperate with municipalities to develop waste management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on impacts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants on wildlife and their habitat. Species Scores Quitobaquito Tryonia Community/Focal: 1 Tryonia quitobaquitae Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a invertebrate Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Stressor: Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Medium - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. - Work with borderland agencies and landowners to minimize vandalism to livestock and wildlife water sources. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 438 - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Increase public awareness of water cycles, water tables, instream flow, proper stream morphology, and ecosystem functions (Project WET). - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals Medium - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage so as to sustain or enhance native fish and sport fish populations. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. MAMMALS Species Scores Prospect Valley White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Community/Focal: 3 Ammospermophilus leucurus tersus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 439 - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Scores Species Sonoran Pronghorn Community/Focal: 2 Antilocapra americana sonoriensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a mammal Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Poaching along the border Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Increase public awareness of the effects of human activities and infrastructure on wildlife habitat fragmentation. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Promote adjustment of livestock management practices during droughts to ensure sufficient forage for wildlife. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Modify grazing practices of grasslands to allow for natural fire regimes and reduction in undesirable vegetation. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Encourage use of wildlife-friendly fences. Stressor: Rural development Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 440 - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Scientific research and collection Medium - Collaborate with partners to evaluate effects of capture and sampling techniques on wildlife. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Right-of-way fencing along roadways High - Develop species-specific wildlife friendly fencing guidelines. - Remove unnecessary fences and barriers to wildlife movement. - Use exclusion fencing and other design features to funnel wildlife movement to existing underpasses, overpasses or culverts. - Encourage use of wildlife-friendly fences. Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Scores Species Mexican Gray Wolf Community/Focal: 1 Canis lupus baileyi Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Conduct economic impact analyses for legal designations of critical habitat and listed populations. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 441 - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Stressor: Hybridization Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Scientific research and collection High - Collaborate with partners to evaluate effects of capture and sampling techniques on wildlife. Species Scores Mexican Long-tongued Bat Community/Focal: 2 Choeronycteris mexicana Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Mining Medium - Retain and secure old mine adits and shafts for wildlife habitat (primarily for bats). Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 442 wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Unknown High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Species Scores Gunnison's Prairie Dog Community/Focal: 1 Cynomys gunnisoni Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Drilling for fuels Medium - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Promote adjustment of livestock management practices during droughts to ensure sufficient forage for wildlife. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 443 Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Develop harvest guidelines for sensitive species to minimize impacts to important life stages (breeding, raising young, etc.). Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Rural development High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Urban growth High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Off-range recreational shooting Medium - Develop harvest guidelines for sensitive species to minimize impacts to important life stages (breeding, raising young, etc.). Species Black-tailed Prairie Dog Cynomys ludovicianus Scores Community/Focal: 3 Responsibility: 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 444 Tier 1a mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Promote adjustment of livestock management practices during droughts to ensure sufficient forage for wildlife. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Modify grazing practices of grasslands to allow for natural fire regimes and reduction in undesirable vegetation. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Stressor: Rural development High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 445 - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Off-range recreational shooting Medium - Develop harvest guidelines for sensitive species to minimize impacts to important life stages (breeding, raising young, etc.). Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Species Scores Houserock Valley Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Community/Focal: 1 Dipodomys microps leucotis Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b mammal Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Feral animals Medium - Reduce/eliminate the effects of feral animal populations in sensitive wildlife habitats or near wildlife populations of concern. Category: Species Specific Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 446 Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. High Species Scores Spotted Bat Community/Focal: 2 Euderma maculatum Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Scientific research and collection Medium - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Unknown High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Species Scores Greater Western Mastiff Bat Community/Focal: 2 Eumops perotis californicus Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 447 - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides High - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Unknown High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Species Scores Underwood's Mastiff Bat Community/Focal: 2 Eumops underwoodi Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 448 Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides High - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Unknown High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Species Scores Western Red Bat Community/Focal: 2 Lasiurus blossevillii Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore springheads. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 449 and riparian habitat. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Unknown High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Scores Species Western Yellow Bat Community/Focal: 2 Lasiurus xanthinus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Develop guidelines for location and design of new infrastructure installations to minimize effects on wildlife and habitats. - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Stressor: Urban growth Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 450 - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Unknown High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Species Scores Ocelot Community/Focal: 3 Leopardus pardalis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a mammal Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Poaching along the border Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Rural development High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Species Lesser Long-nosed Bat Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae Tier 1a mammal Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 451 Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border High - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers High - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Rural development High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Urban growth High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail High - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 452 - Design fire management plans and wildland/urban interface policies that consider wildlife values. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Scientific research and collection Medium - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Retain and secure old mine adits and shafts for wildlife habitat (primarily for bats). Stressor: Unknown High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Scores Species Southwestern River Otter Community/Focal: 3 Lutra canadensis sonora Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect and restore springheads. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Work with other agencies to employ new techniques in lieu of traditional stream bank armoring and flood control measures. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 453 Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Promote water conservation methods. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites Medium - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Stressor: Hybridization High - Regulate or prohibit movement of species with high risk of hybridization with native species. - Create barriers between susceptible native species and non-natives to reduce hybridization, predation, competition, and transmission of diseases, pathogens, and parasites. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Contaminants from waste water and runoff Medium - Regulate and enforce use of containment measures for commercial operations to prevent toxins from polluting surrounding habitat. - Use wetlands to buffer and filter contaminants from storm runoff and irrigation return water in and around urban/rural areas. Scores Species California Leaf-nosed Bat Community/Focal: 2 Macrotus californicus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Mining Medium - Retain and secure old mine adits and shafts for wildlife habitat (primarily for bats). Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 454 - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). Stressor: Rural development High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail High - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Roost destruction High - Retain and secure old mine adits and shafts for wildlife habitat (primarily for bats). Stressor: Unknown High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Scores Species White-bellied Long-tailed Vole Community/Focal: 1 Microtus longicaudus leucophaeus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Protect and restore springheads. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 455 wildlife habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Shift to warmer climate Medium - Support efforts to reduce emission of greenhouse gases. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail High - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails High - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage responsible outdoor recreation through education (for example: "Stay on the Trails," "Leave No Trace," "Be Bear Aware," "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers"). - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Species Scores Hualapai Mexican Vole Community/Focal: 1 Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 456 Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Increase public awareness of the effects of human activities and infrastructure on wildlife habitat fragmentation. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Promote adjustment of livestock management practices during droughts to ensure sufficient forage for wildlife. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities High - Use environmentally-friendly materials, landscaping, and structure designs for recreational sites. - Manage watercraft recreation to reduce impacts to shoreline habitats and minimize disturbance to wildlife. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 457 Species Scores Black-footed Ferret Community/Focal: 1 Mustela nigripes Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Loss of keystone species High - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. Stressor: Feral animals Medium - Increase public awareness on the need to control feral animals. - Reduce/eliminate the effects of feral animal populations in sensitive wildlife habitats or near wildlife populations of concern. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Off-range recreational shooting Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 458 - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Species Scores Big Free-tailed Bat Community/Focal: 2 Nyctinomops macrotis Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions High - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Non-motorized recreation off-trail High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides High - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Category: Species Specific Stressor: Unknown - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. May 24, 2006 Page 459 Priority High Species Scores Desert Bighorn Sheep Community/Focal: 2 Ovis canadensis mexicana Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect and restore springheads. Stressor: Mining Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Increase public awareness of the effects of human activities and infrastructure on wildlife habitat fragmentation. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Promote adjustment of livestock management practices during droughts to ensure sufficient forage for wildlife. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 460 - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. Stressor: Feral animals Medium - Increase public awareness on the impacts of releasing exotic species, pets, or livestock on wildlife. - Reduce/eliminate the effects of feral animal populations in sensitive wildlife habitats or near wildlife populations of concern. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 461 Species Scores Jaguar Community/Focal: 1 Panthera onca Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a mammal Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Poaching along the border High - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Scientific research and collection Medium - Collaborate with partners to evaluate effects of capture and sampling techniques on wildlife. Species Springerville Pocket Mouse Scores Community/Focal: 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 462 Perognathus flavus goodpasteri Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Promote adjustment of livestock management practices during droughts to ensure sufficient forage for wildlife. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Rural development High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use native plants for roadway landscaping and urban/rural developed areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Stressor: Unknown Medium - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 463 access to sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Encourage responsible outdoor recreation through education (for example: "Stay on the Trails," "Leave No Trace," "Be Bear Aware," "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers"). Species Scores Mesquite Mouse Community/Focal: 1 Peromyscus merriami Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore springheads. - Encourage low water use agriculture. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Increase public awareness of the effects of human activities and infrastructure on wildlife habitat fragmentation. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. - Design forest/woodland harvesting and management strategies that promote wildlife habitat diversity and connectivity. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Stressor: Rural development - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Urban growth - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Category: Invasive species Stressor: Nuisance plants - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. May 24, 2006 Page 464 Medium Medium Priority Medium Species Scores Chiricahua Fox Squirrel Community/Focal: 2 Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Stressor: Unknown Medium - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Scores Species Yavapai Arizona Cotton Rat Community/Focal: 2 Sigmodon arizonae jacksoni Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Protect and restore springheads. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 465 - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Promote adjustment of livestock management practices during droughts to ensure sufficient forage for wildlife. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Stressor: Unknown Medium - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Scores Species Yuma Hispid Cotton Rat Community/Focal: 2 Sigmodon hispidus eremicus Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Encourage low water use agriculture. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect and restore springheads. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Develop off-channel wetlands and backwaters along rivers to increase wildlife habitat. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 466 Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Medium - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Unknown Medium - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Species Scores Arizona Shrew Community/Focal: 2 Sorex arizonae Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Habitat conversion Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Stressor: Rural development - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. May 24, 2006 Page 467 Priority Medium Medium Species Scores Dwarf Shrew Community/Focal: 3 Sorex nanus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b mammal Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Stressor: Unknown Medium - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Species Scores Water Shrew Community/Focal: 1 Sorex palustris Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Protect and restore springheads. - Increase public awareness on the importance of conserving groundwater and springs for the benefit of wildlife. - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 468 Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect and restore springheads. - Train resource managers, developers, and private landowners in ways to minimize soil erosion and improve habitat. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Species Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel Spermophilus tridecemlineatus Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 469 Tier 1b mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities Medium - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. Stressor: Unknown High - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 470 - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Encourage responsible outdoor recreation through education (for example: "Stay on the Trails," "Leave No Trace," "Be Bear Aware," "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers"). - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Scores Species Mt Graham Red Squirrel Community/Focal: 1 Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamens Responsibility: 1 Tier 1a mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use High - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion High - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. Stressor: Recreational sites/facilities High - Seasonally close areas to recreational and commercial use when sensitive breeding wildlife are present. - Design recreation site management plans and policies that minimize impacts to wildlife and habitats. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 471 - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Stressor: Telephone lines/cellphone towers Medium - Develop guidelines for location and design of new infrastructure installations to minimize effects on wildlife and habitats. - Implement ‘Best Management Practices’ when building roads or other infrastructure (dams, mines, developments, etc.). Species Scores Harquahala Southern Pocket Gopher Community/Focal: 2 Thomomys bottae subsimilis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Grazing by ungulates Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Encourage responsible outdoor recreation through education (for example: "Stay on the Trails," "Leave No Trace," "Be Bear Aware," "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers"). - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 472 - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Unknown Medium - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. Species Scores Southern Pocket Gopher Community/Focal: 2 Thomomys umbrinus intermedius Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b mammal Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible camping practices (low impact camping). Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Encourage responsible outdoor recreation through education (for example: "Stay on the Trails," "Leave No Trace," "Be Bear Aware," "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers"). - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Unknown Medium - Develop research needs to assess population trends and/or habitat needs. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 473 Species Scores New Mexican Jumping Mouse Community/Focal: 2 Zapus hudsonius luteus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b mammal Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Promote water conservation methods in growth planning to develop sustainable water use. - Protect and restore springheads. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Encourage development of water use plans that protect instream flow. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Forest and woodland management - consumptive use Medium - Encourage design of extractive operations that minimizes disturbance to wildlife. Stressor: Grazing by ungulates High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Dams/reservoirs/impoundments High - Remove or modify unnecessary or inoperative dams or diversions. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 474 habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Disseminate information to partners on effects of grazing on resources. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Species Specific Priority Stressor: Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) High - Acquire land or conservation easements on portions of rangeland critical to wildlife. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. REPTILES Species Scores Arizona Striped Whiptail Community/Focal: 1 Aspidoscelis arizonae Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 475 - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Rural development High - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Scores Species Giant Spotted Whiptail Community/Focal: 2 Aspidoscelis stictogrammus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 476 - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Species Scores Red-back Whiptail Community/Focal: 3 Aspidoscelis xanthonota Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 477 - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. Scores Species Tucson Shovel-nosed Snake Community/Focal: 2 Chionactis occipitalis klauberi Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 478 - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Landfills/dumps Medium - Locate new landfills in appropriate locations that reduce impacts to wildlife and water sources. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Rural development High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Urban growth High - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 479 aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. Species Scores Organ Pipe Shovel-nosed Snake Community/Focal: 2 Chionactis palarostris organica Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles High - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. Species Western Twin-spotted Rattlesnake Crotalus pricei pricei Tier 1b reptile Category: Border issues Scores Community/Focal: 1 Responsibility: 3 Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 480 Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Reduce the density of undesirable trees and shrubs (selective thinning and eradication of tamarisk) to prevent crown fires and wildfires in riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Shift to warmer climate High - Develop plans to conserve priority conservation species (Focal Community, Responsibility, and Vulnerability categories) that are not sufficiently addressed under existing plans. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Scores Species New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Community/Focal: 1 Crotalus willardi obscurus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1a reptile Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 481 Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. Species Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Crotalus willardi willardi Tier 1b reptile Category: Border issues Scores Community/Focal: 2 Responsibility: 2 Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 482 Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 483 - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Species Scores Arizona Skink Community/Focal: 3 Eumeces gilberti arizonensis Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b reptile Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development High - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. Species Mohave Desert Tortoise Gopherus agassizii (Mohave Population) Tier 1a reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Scores Community/Focal: 2 Responsibility: 2 Priority Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 484 - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 485 - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles High - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails Medium - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Species Scores Sonoran Desert Tortoise Community/Focal: 2 Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b reptile Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Mining Medium - Incorporate wildlife values in planning and locations for new mines, associated structures, and leach fields. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border Medium - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Habitat fragmentation/barriers High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 486 - Acquire land to protect important habitat and wildlife corridors. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. Stressor: Urban growth High - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Disease/pathogens/parasites High - Pursue projects to limit spread of disease to sensitive wildlife populations. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Collaborate with partners on disease/pathogen/parasite issues to protect wildlife. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 487 Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles High - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails Medium - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Species Scores Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake Community/Focal: 3 Gyalopion quadrangulare Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Dispersed camping along the border Medium - Use fencing and/or increased law enforcement presence to reduce unauthorized use and access to sensitive habitats. - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails created for law enforcement along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 488 - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development High - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Scores Species Arizona Mud Turtle Community/Focal: 1 Kinosternon arizonense Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 489 - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Species Scores Yellow Mud Turtle Community/Focal: 2 Kinosternon flavescens Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion High - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 490 habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development High - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). Species Scores Sonoyta Mud Turtle Community/Focal: 2 Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a reptile Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. - Develop cooperative clean up efforts along the border for the benefit of wildlife. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Altered river flow regimes High - Work with land managers to develop and implement management plans that incorporate wildlife values. - Protect and restore springheads. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought High - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 491 drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Livestock management High - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Pesticides/herbicides Medium - Use appropriate concentrations and types of pesticides, herbicides, or alternatives to control undesirable species, especially near sensitive habitat and watercourses. - Promote organic agriculture and gardening practices that do not rely on chemical treatments. - Use alternative means for pest control (biocontrol, genetic control, management practices). - Identify and use pesticides and herbicides that have limited negative impact to wildlife (a wildlife-safe label). Scores Species New Mexico Milksnake Community/Focal: 3 Lampropeltis triangulum celaenops Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 492 Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. Species Scores Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 493 Utah Milksnake Community/Focal: 3 Lampropeltis triangulum taylori Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. Species Brown Vinesnake Scores Community/Focal: 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 494 Oxybelis aeneus Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals Medium - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Rural development High - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 495 - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. Species Scores Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Community/Focal: 2 Phrynosoma mcallii Responsibility: 2 Tier 1a reptile Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border High - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Stressor: Unauthorized roads & trails created for law enforcement along the border High - Incorporate wildlife values in the design of road and trail networks in and around natural areas. - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Encourage the utilization of low water use [and native] plants in landscaping. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Stressor: Urban growth High - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 496 - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail High - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Species Scores Slevin's Bunchgrass Lizard Community/Focal: 1 Sceloporus slevini Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 497 - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Stressor: Rural development High - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. Species Scores Desert Massasauga Community/Focal: 2 Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Medium - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Consumptive use of biological resources Priority Stressor: Harvesting/collecting animals High - Increase public awareness of regulations pertaining to illegal harvest. - Increase enforcement of existing laws pertaining to the illegal harvest of wildlife. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management High Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 498 - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Species Scores Desert Box Turtle Community/Focal: 2 Terrapene ornata luteola Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Medium - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Restore natural fire regimes (frequency, intensity, and mosaic distribution) to improve wildlife habitat. Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes Medium - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use controlled burning to limit and reduce fuel loads and shrub invasion. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Agricultural conversion Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 499 - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. Stressor: Livestock management High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development High - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Stressor: Urban growth Medium - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Identify and protect key wildlife corridors for landscape connectivity. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Identify key conservation areas to protect from development. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles High - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. Scores Species Northern Mexican Gartersnake Community/Focal: 2 Thamnophis eques megalops Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b reptile Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use High - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 500 - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. Stressor: Rural development High - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 501 - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. Category: Pollution Priority Stressor: Sediment/ash flows Medium - Develop contingency plans for rapid salvage of wildlife populations threatened with extirpation in situations of imminent habitat loss. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Species Scores Narrow-headed Gartersnake Community/Focal: 2 Thamnophis rufipunctatus Responsibility: 1 Tier 1b reptile Category: Abiotic resource use Priority Stressor: Groundwater depletion and springhead use Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Stressor: Water diversion/water catchments Medium - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Incorporate stream morphology and wildlife habitat features in canals and flood control drainages. - Establish or revise laws and agency policies that protect instream flows to benefit wildlife and riparian habitat. - Remove artificial stream barriers where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Promote water conservation methods. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Soil erosion Medium - Promote guidelines for timber harvesting and associated road building that positively effect wildlife. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Install streambank stabilization structures or habitat features to reduce erosion and loss of sediment. - Implement watershed based approaches aimed at preventing excessive soil erosion. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 502 Stressor: Streambank alteration/channelization Medium - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Protect and restore riparian areas. Category: Climate Change Priority Stressor: Drought Medium - Encourage proper functioning riparian areas and aquatic habitats as buffers against drought effects. - Manage upland watersheds to retain vegetation as a buffer against drought effects. - Manage watersheds to maintain hydrological integrity and incorporate wildlife values. Category: Habitat conversion Priority Stressor: Livestock management Medium - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. - Protect and restore riparian areas. - Develop and implement livestock and big game management guidelines that minimize habitat degradation while maintaining stock ponds where appropriate. - Protect sensitive habitats from excessive grazing. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Identify sensitive habitats and associated stressors in watershed planning efforts to prioritize conservation needs. Stressor: Rural development Medium - Mitigate habitat loss from agricultural conversion and/or urban/rural development. - Promote urban growth planning initiatives that protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.). - Acquire land or conservation easements to protect key conservation areas. - Renovate aquatic systems to remove undesirable species. - Protect instream flow or acquire water rights (through purchase, conservation agreement, etc.) to benefit wildlife habitat. - Work with city and county planners to incorporate wildlife values in urban/rural development plans. - Work with city and county planners to promote in-fill development and limit urban/rural sprawl. - Work cooperatively with landowners/permittees by providing financial and technical assistance (thru incentive programs) to conservation projects. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance animals High - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Evaluate and modify Department regulations where appropriate. - Renovate/restore suppressed or extirpated wildlife communities, habitats, and connectivity. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Build a central database that identifies the distribution of aquatic nuisance species in relation to sensitive habitats and wildlife of concern. - Increase public education and enforcement of rules and regulations on introducing and spreading nuisance species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 503 - Develop guidelines for the elimination of nuisance species and re-establishment of native assemblages. - Implement recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, and other cooperative agreements for sustaining wildlife resources.. - Identify watersheds and other conservation areas to prioritize renovation activities. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Ensure regulatory mechanisms are updated (for example: restrictive live wildlife under Article 4 (ARS R12-4-406). Species Scores Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Lizard Community/Focal: 2 Uma rufopunctata Responsibility: 2 Tier 1b reptile Category: Border issues Priority Stressor: Enforcement activities along the border Medium - Work with Department of Homeland Security agencies to identify sensitive habitats, incorporate wildlife values, and mitigation actions for borderland management activities. Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail High - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. Species Scores Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 504 Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard Community/Focal: 2 Uma scoparia Responsibility: 3 Tier 1b reptile Category: Changes in Ecological Processes Priority Stressor: Unnatural fire regimes High - Manage for vegetation types that reduce fuel loads and provide better wildlife habitat. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. Category: Invasive species Priority Stressor: Nuisance plants High - Develop regulations on the sale and use of potentially invasive plants for landscaping, aquariums, and backyard ponds. - Adopt national standards and efforts to reduce and control nuisance species. - Use integrated management activities in concert to address nuisance plants. - Support and participate in the multi-agency Governor's Invasive Species Task Force. - Limit extent and level of disturbance that promotes invasion and spread of nuisance plants. - Revegetate disturbed areas with native plants. Category: Non-consumptive resource use Priority Stressor: Motorized recreation off-trail High - Increase enforcement for laws governing recreational activities. - Increase public awareness of responsible OHV use and laws. - Encourage revegetation and restoration of existing unauthorized roads and trails. - Prevent or minimize recreational impacts in sensitive habitats. - Increase public awareness on the negative effects of creation and use of unauthorized roads and trails for recreation. Category: Transportation and infrastructure Priority Stressor: Roads for motorized vehicles Medium - Promote design and construction of overpasses, underpasses or culverts to increase permeability of existing or planned roads. - Encourage wildlife friendly design for all road building. ACTIONS TO ADDRESS INFORMATION NEEDS RELATED TO STRESSORS HABITAT CONVERSION CATEGORY Stressor Stress Category Habitat conversion Agricultural conversion Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine habitat needs for all species Determine the distribution and extent of native-dominated riparian areas Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Identify priorities and opportunities for acquisitions or easements Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Conduct a remote sensing/GIS analysis of land-use change Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 505 Identify locations of areas at risk of conversion to agriculture Strategy: Research stressors Determine the hydrological effects of agricultural water use Investigate technological advances in farming practices Stress Category Stressor Habitat conversion Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Determine dam release patterns that support native wildlife Determine ways to address sedimentation issues (for example, slurry lines) Identify waterways to be managed for native and nonnative aquatic wildlife Stress Category Stressor Habitat conversion Landfills/dumps Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information from partners regarding existing strategies and actions Strategy: Research stressors Determine contaminants and their impacts Stress Category Stressor Habitat conversion Livestock management Strategy: Conservation tools Develop consensus on methods to assess grazing impacts and levels of acceptable use Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate use of remote sensing to monitor habitat quality Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Investigate the differences between pre-grazing and grazed landscapes and the effects on ecosystem function Strategy: Research stressors Develop a better understanding of grazing impacts on ecosystem structure and function, and wildlife Stress Category Stressor Habitat conversion Recreational sites/facilities Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify future recreation needs and high growth areas throughout the state Strategy: Research species biology Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Increase monitoring of recreation sites to detect of problems (nuisance plants, disease, etc.) early Stress Category Habitat conversion Stressor Rural development Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 506 Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information from partners regarding existing strategies and actions Compile information on growth management efforts outside of the state Identify opportunities for urban wildlife area development Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the distribution and extent of native-dominated riparian areas Determine the distribution and population trends for species impacted by urban and rural sprawl Identify areas that would benefit from altered or additional law enforcement activity Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Map the distribution of stressors in relation to habitat Update and improve spatial information on land ownership Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Identify and promote OHV managed use areas Identify priorities and opportunities for acquisitions or easements Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Compile information on the effects or urban attributes on wildlife Develop human population growth models including water needs and development Stress Category Stressor Habitat conversion Urban growth Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information from partners regarding existing strategies and actions Compile information on growth management efforts outside of the state Identify opportunities for urban wildlife area development Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the distribution and extent of native-dominated riparian areas Determine the distribution and population trends for species impacted by urban and rural sprawl Identify areas that would benefit from altered or additional law enforcement activity Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Map the distribution of stressors in relation to habitat Update and improve spatial information on land ownership Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Identify and promote OHV managed use areas Identify priorities and opportunities for acquisitions or easements Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Compile information on the effects or urban attributes on wildlife Develop human population growth models including water needs and development TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE CATEGORY Stress Category Stressor Transportation and infrastructure Canals/pipelines Strategy: Determine status and distribution Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 507 Map locations of canals, pipelines, and associated structures Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Determine feasibility of a wildlife friendly canal design that also meets water transport needs. Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor Transportation and infrastructure Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify migration pathways Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate deterrence devices for retrofitting problem structures Investigate removal/reduction of guide wire use on towers Monitor fatality at existing sites to determine scope of problem Standardize bird and bat fatality monitoring protocols Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Strategy: Research stressors Investigate different light sources on towers to reduce impacts on birds and bats Stress Category Stressor Transportation and infrastructure Right-of-way fencing along roadways Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the locations of barriers to wildlife movement including dams, fences, roads, etc. Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Research/identify which structures (culverts, underpasses, etc.), fencing types, and designs are most effective and will be used by wildlife Stress Category Stressor Transportation and infrastructure Roads for motorized vehicles Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information on growth management efforts outside of the state Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Explore possibility of bioaccumulator plants for roadside buffers or and or bio-engineered bacteria to clean up retainage basins Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Develop habitat, vegetation, habitat use, growth and wildlife migration models Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor Transportation and infrastructure Telephone lines/cellphone towers Strategy: Determine status and distribution Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 508 Identify migration pathways Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate deterrence devices for retrofitting problem structures Investigate removal/reduction of guide wire use on towers Monitor fatality at existing sites to determine scope of problem Standardize bird and bat fatality monitoring protocols Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Strategy: Research stressors Investigate different light sources on towers to reduce impacts on birds and bats Stress Category Stressor Transportation and infrastructure Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Stress Category Stressor Transportation and infrastructure Unauthorized roads & trails Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify unauthorized roads and trails and prioritize problem areas Identify unauthorized roads and trails and prioritize problem areas Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat ABIOTIC RESOURCE USE CATEGORY Stressor Stress Category Abiotic resource use Mining Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine location of active and inactive mines Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Determine best management practices for revegetation and naturalization Investigate new extraction techniques that are more wildlife friendly Strategy: Research stressors Investigate the short and long term impacts of mining contaminants on wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor Abiotic resource use Water diversion/water catchments Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify wildlife movement corridors that are important for landscape connectivity Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Identify additional areas where wildlife would benefit from Active Management Area designation Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 509 Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Determine what density of vegetation is viable within flood control projects Investigate benefits of Active Management Areas to wildlife Investigate catchment designs to discourage invasives while encouraging native wildlife CONSUMPTIVE USE OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES CATEGORY Stress Category Stressor Consumptive use of biological Forest and woodland management - consumptive resources use Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine habitat needs for all species Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Investigate the impacts of large-scale Wildlife-Urban Interface forest management Strategy: Research stressors Investigate the compatibility of wildlife values with wildfire-risk reduction strategies Investigate the effects of fire treatments on wildlife Stress Category Stressor Consumptive use of biological Grazing by ungulates resources Strategy: Research stressors Develop a better understanding of grazing impacts on ecosystem structure and function, and wildlife Investigate how different grazing regimes impact wildlife and their habitats Stressor Stress Category Consumptive use of biological Harvesting/collecting animals resources Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Research most effective means and placement of enforcement efforts Strategy: Research stressors Determine the extent and intensity of poaching and collecting Determine who the interested entities are NON-CONSUMPTIVE RESOURCE USE CATEGORY Stress Category Stressor Non-consumptive resource use Dispersed camping Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the extent and impact of dispersed camping to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 510 Non-consumptive resource use Motorized recreation off-trail Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify unauthorized roads and trails and prioritize problem areas Identify unauthorized roads and trails and prioritize problem areas Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Stress Category Stressor Non-consumptive resource use Non-motorized recreation off-trail Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Stress Category Stressor Non-consumptive resource use Scientific research and collection Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate alternative nondestructive sampling and research techniques Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Investigate the role of scientific researchers in disease transmission Stressor Stress Category Non-consumptive resource use Watercraft operation Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Identify and detect new species that may represent a threat Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify species and habitats that are sensitive to watercraft recreation Strategy: Research species biology Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Evaluate and recommend use of latest technologies in fuel spill attenuation (fueling stations, motor design) Investigate the effects of watercraft hydrocarbons and other pollutants on freshwater communities POLLUTION CATEGORY Stress Category Stressor Pollution Contaminants from waste water and runoff Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate biocontrol agents (plants as accumulators, bacteria and other digesters) Investigate more effective ways of filtering out contaminants Strategy: Research stressors Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Investigate the impacts of roads on contaminant loading May 24, 2006 Page 511 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 512 Stress Category Stressor Pollution Heavy metals/mine tailings Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Determine background levels and how the biogeochemical cycle responds in different portions of the state Develop understanding where metals have accumulated within ecosystems and how they are cycled Stress Category Stressor Pollution Highway/roadway de-icing Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information on growth management efforts outside of the state Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Explore possibility of bioaccumulator plants for roadside buffers or and or bio-engineered bacteria to clean up retainage basins Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Develop habitat, vegetation, habitat use, growth and wildlife migration models Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stressor Stress Category Pollution Illegal dumping/littering Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the locations of illegal dumps Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Develop a task force to enforce laws and regulations, as well as monitor the problem, and develop innovative solutions to combat illegal dumping/littering Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Research the impacts on limiting access to prevent illegal dumping/littering on wildlife recreation Stress Category Stressor Pollution Lead shot/fishing line Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Determine toxicity levels for wildlife Stressor Stress Category Pollution Light pollution Strategy: Research species biology Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 513 Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor Pollution Noise pollution Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate new techniques/strategies to reduce noise Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor Pollution Nutrients/algal blooms Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine best treatments Identify affected sites Identify affected species Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Conduct research on nutrient cycling related to changes in ecosystem composition Describe natural variability in nutrient cycles through aquatic systems Identify taxa-specific problem algae (toxic effects), effects on wildlife and range of their occurrence Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Determine baseline and threshold nutrient loads Determine threshold conditions for algal blooms and develop monitoring protocols for nutrients and species Identify sources of nutrients, manmade vs. natural Stress Category Stressor Pollution Pesticides/herbicides Strategy: Research stressors Identify level of harm associated with different chemicals Stress Category Stressor Pollution Sediment/ash flows Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify, quantify, and prioritize activities, sites and structures that contribute to high levels of sedimentation Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Determine sediment and ash flow after major fires to monitor their impacts to wildlife and habitat INVASIVE SPECIES CATEGORY Stress Category Stressor Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 514 Invasive species Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Strategy: Research species biology Identify problematic bait species with regard to invasiveness, competitiveness, predation, and genetic threat Strategy: Research stressors Determine the extent and severity of the problem Stress Category Stressor Invasive species Disease/pathogens/parasites Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the distribution and impacts of pathogens/parasites Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Develop control methods for disease/pathogens/parasites Identify vulnerable processes or activities and develop solutions Investigate methods of chytrid fungus prevention and monitoring Monitor wildlife populations for outbreaks of diseases Prioritize diseases/pathogens/parasites based on the potential impact to all wildlife, each taxon group, and priority species Sample for plague and canine distemper Stress Category Stressor Invasive species Feral animals Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the distribution and population sizes for feral species Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor Invasive species Hybridization Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Determine conservation/management areas within a watershed context to protect native aquatic species from hybridization risk Strategy: Research species biology Identify species that pose greatest risk of hybridization if introduced or moved around the state Stress Category Stressor Invasive species Nuisance animals Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the distribution and extent of invasive and potentially irruptive insect species Determine the distribution and population sizes for feral species Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate methods of reducing numbers of corvids around human facilities Investigate new methods of aquatic nuisance wildlife control Strategy: Research stressors Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 515 Compile basic ecological information on how nuisance species are transported, how they become invasive, and effects throughout ecosystems Stress Category Stressor Invasive species Nuisance plants Strategy: Determine status and distribution Map the distribution of nuisance plants statewide Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Develop and implement new eradication/control techniques Strategy: Research species biology Compile basic ecological information on how nuisance species are transported, how they become invasive, and effects throughout ecosystems Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats CLIMATE CHANGE CATEGORY Stressor Stress Category Climate Change Drought Strategy: Determine status and distribution Develop habitat, vegetation, habitat use, growth and wildlife migration models Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Develop mechanisms to conserve instream flows relative to water demands during periods of drought Develop monitoring techniques for current drought Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Develop models of habitat response to climate change and/or drought Strategy: Research species biology Identify species and populations particularly sensitive to drought impacts Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Compile information on the persistence of drought induced ecosystem changes Develop water conservation programs that consider wildlife values Stressor Stress Category Climate Change Shift to warmer climate Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Develop models of habitat response to climate change and/or drought Strategy: Research species biology Identify wildlife populations vulnerable to extirpation in response to loss of habitat from climate change Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 516 CHANGES IN ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES CATEGORY Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Altered river flow regimes Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify baseline wildlife population levels downstream from dams Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Cost/benefit analysis of dam removal or modification of flow regimes to establish natural flow regimes (flood control, hydroelectric, recreation, water use, ecological) Determine an effective buffering distance for riparian habitat protection Identify historic natural variation of flows in aquatic systems of interest Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Investigate the effects of current water law on flow regimes Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Domestication of wildlife/game farming Strategy: Research species biology Compile information on potential source populations Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Strategy: Determine status and distribution Develop a baseline map of shrubland extent Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Develop and implement new eradication/control techniques Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Determine functional mechanisms for upland woody plant invasions of riparian zones Strategy: Research stressors Develop conceptual models to identify strategic interventions leading to desirable flow regimes. Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Habitat fragmentation/barriers Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the locations of barriers to wildlife movement including dams, fences, roads, etc. Identify wildlife movement corridors that are important for landscape connectivity Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Develop habitat, vegetation, habitat use, growth and wildlife migration models Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Insect Infestation Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the distribution and extent of invasive and potentially irruptive insect species Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 517 Research and development of effective control mechanisms Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Investigate the effects of African bees, invasive ants, and other nonnative insects on native pollinators/wildlife Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 518 Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Loss of keystone species Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Investigate the impacts of losing or reintroducing key predator/prey/keystone species Strategy: Research species biology Identify keystone and other species that are important to ecosystem functions, determine their functional role and their vulnerability status Strategy: Research stressors Determine how the presence of disease impact recovery of key predator/prey/keystone species Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Management for game animals and sport fish Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify wildlife movement corridors that are important for landscape connectivity Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Improve game and nongame population monitoring Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify appropriate locations for barriers to isolate native fish populations from incompatible sport fish game populations or sport fish; identify important corridors for landscape connectivity Strategy: Research stressors Continue Department efforts to evaluate effects of water developments Develop a better understanding of grazing impacts on ecosystem structure and function, and wildlife Identify spectrum of impacts of game animals and sport fish on native wildlife and wildlife habitat Stressor Stress Category Changes in Ecological Processes Soil erosion Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify, quantify, and rank activities, sites and structures that contribute to high levels of soil erosion Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Streambank alteration/channelization Strategy: Determine status and distribution Identify wildlife movement corridors that are important for landscape connectivity Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Identify additional areas where wildlife would benefit from Active Management Area designation Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Determine what density of vegetation is viable within flood control projects Investigate benefits of Active Management Areas to wildlife Investigate catchment designs to discourage invasives while encouraging native wildlife Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 519 Stress Category Stressor Changes in Ecological Processes Unnatural fire regimes Strategy: Determine status and distribution Prioritize sites across the state for treatment to reduce fuel loads/fire vulnerability Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate the feasibility of biological control of salt cedar communities Investigate ways to address invasion of nonnative grasses, especially cheatgrass, lovegrass, and bufflegrass Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Conduct studies to investigate effects of wildfire on wildlife in different ecosystems Development of credible, consensus-driven desired future landscape conditions Identify effects of different fire treatments on communities of wildlife in different ecosystems INTERNATIONAL BORDER ISSUES CATEGORY Stress Category Stressor International border issues Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile fire frequency data Strategy: Determine status and distribution Update vegetation layers Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate ways to address invasion of nonnative grasses, especially cheatgrass, lovegrass, and bufflegrass Stress Category Stressor International border issues Disease along the border Strategy: Research stressors Determine the extent of disease threat to wildlife in Arizona due to contact with high-density population centers in Mexico Monitor wildlife populations for outbreaks of diseases Stress Category Stressor International border issues Dispersed camping along the border Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile data from Border Control (when permissible) on the frequency and duration of enforcement activity within sensitive areas Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the extent and impact of dispersed camping to wildlife and habitats Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Stress Category Stressor International border issues Enforcement activities along the border Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 520 Compile data from Border Control (when permissible) on the frequency and duration of enforcement activity within sensitive areas Quantify OHV activity in sensitive areas Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the locations of Border Patrol vehicle/pedestrian barriers and enforcement activity as related to wildlife Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor International border issues Enforcement fences along the border Strategy: Determine status and distribution Map current and proposed border fencing projects Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Develop fence designs that will allow wildlife movements Strategy: Research species biology Identify important and sensitive wildlife populations and habitat Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stressor Stress Category International border issues Illegal dumping/littering along the border Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Identify the location of illegal dumps and littered sites along the border Where permissible, map the location of known target points, congregation points, and avoidance areas Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor International border issues Light pollution along the border Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Investigate alternative ways to reduce illegal immigration and drug smuggling Investigate different light sources on towers to reduce impacts on birds and bats Strategy: Research stressors Compile information on the impacts of the stressor to wildlife and habitats Stress Category Stressor International border issues Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information on undocumented alien use and apprehensions in and adjacent to sensitive areas Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 521 Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the locations of Border Patrol vehicle/pedestrian barriers and enforcement activity as related to wildlife Identify unauthorized roads and trails and prioritize problem areas Identify unauthorized roads and trails and prioritize problem areas Where permissible, map the location of known target points, congregation points, and avoidance areas Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Develop habitat, vegetation, habitat use, growth and wildlife migration models Stress Category Stressor International border issues Unauthorized roads & trails created for law enforcement along the border Strategy: Compile data, programs and information Compile information on undocumented alien use and apprehensions in and adjacent to sensitive areas Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the locations of Border Patrol vehicle/pedestrian barriers and enforcement activity as related to wildlife Identify unauthorized roads and trails and prioritize problem areas Identify unauthorized roads and trails and prioritize problem areas Where permissible, map the location of known target points, congregation points, and avoidance areas Strategy: Research ecosystem conditions Develop habitat, vegetation, habitat use, growth and wildlife migration models Stress Category Stressor International border issues Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Strategy: Determine status and distribution Determine the location of water sources impacted by border traffic Strategy: Develop conservation, research, and monitoring tools Develop strategies to minimize vandalism (installation of pressure-release water spigots so that water tanks will not be vandalized to get at water) MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT (ELEMENT 5) Monitoring is a critical element in any conservation effort and forms a keystone of the Arizona Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy and the Department's Mission to "conserve, enhance and restore Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and habitats." Elzinga and others (1998) defined monitoring as the systematic and repetitive collection of information to evaluate changes in condition and progress toward meeting a management objective. Further, modern approaches to wildlife management and conservation biology acknowledge the need for monitoring in the context of "adaptive management." Adaptive management is a scientific approach that: 1) Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 522 recognizes uncertainty that is inherent in natural systems (for example, how ecological systems function, or how they might respond to management actions), 2) capitalizes upon change and improvement in data gathering and analysis techniques, and 3) treats actions in an experimental framework in which learning becomes an inherent objective and alternative hypotheses are evaluated. Simply put, adaptive management is a mechanism for continuous improvement based on what has been learned by applying management actions. Science-based adaptive management generally includes 4 steps (Elliott and others 2003): 1. Set management goals, and identify assumptions within those goals. 2. Implement management actions. 3. Monitor and analyze responses of species and habitats to management. 4. Revise management actions, goals or monitoring strategies as necessary. The process is then repeated, such that testing and revision become a standard management approach. Perhaps the most important realization of the adaptive management paradigm is that management is not simply an objective, but it is a process, and as the Department gathers information and tests hypotheses, it can adapt its management strategies and policies accordingly (Johnson 1999, Salafsky and others 2001, Schoonmaker and Luscombe 2005). Therefore, monitoring programs are basically research tools designed to address specific conservation action questions (Schoonmaker and Luscombe 2005), the protocols, time frames and study design of which are determined by the characteristics of the species under study (life history characteristics, habitat preferences, etc.). Monitoring in the context of adaptive management includes 3 interrelated components: effectiveness monitoring, targeted monitoring and implementation monitoring (Atkinson and others 2004). Effectiveness monitoring allows the Department to assess the success of a management plan, and might include gathering data on species or habitat trends and status, and the status of stressors. Targeted monitoring is the research mechanism through which the Department may improve knowledge of a biological system, stressors or management techniques. This is achieved by either gathering information that can resolve uncertainties (for example, the effects of wind turbines on bat populations) or by applying experimental management techniques (for example, stocking topminnows in various habitats). Whether the data are gathered through observation and measurement, or by experimental manipulation of a system, targeted monitoring through research can address specific questions, either in the long term or short term. Implementation monitoring tracks the status of management plan implementation to confirm that management goals were implemented, achieved or require modification. The Department collaborates with state and federal agencies, tribes, conservation groups, colleges, universities and private citizens to address all components of monitoring. MONITORING HABITAT CONDITION One of the primary goals of the Arizona Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy is to "keep common species common," in addition to the immediate, critical conservation needs that must be addressed. It is also clear that wildlife management cannot be considered or practiced Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 523 without considering the health and welfare of the habitats in which animals live. Thus, monitoring must have several inextricably connected components, including habitat evaluation coupled with multiple-species and single-species efforts. Monitoring can be conducted at various hierarchical scales, depending on the particular questions being addressed. Ideally, the Department would engage in a comprehensive program that involved monitoring at several levels, including species, landscape and ecoregion. Many current plans approach monitoring from a habitat level and from a more fine-grained, species level; these correspond closely with TNC "course-filter" and "fine-filter" biodiversity conservation targets. While a landscape approach that assesses habitat status, and therefore encompasses many species of interest, is the ultimate goal, the Department has not developed those plans. One desirable outcome of implementing the CWCS is the development of this landscape level of habitat assessment through coordination of multiple partners. Habitat characteristics can be mapped and monitored as part of individual species management or recovery efforts, but there is no coordinated statewide effort to monitor long term habitat trends in Arizona. Public land management agencies such as USFWS, USFS, BLM, and nongovernmental organizations currently monitor wildlife habitats on lands over which they have management authority, or they have been developing habitat monitoring plans. Examples include, TNC grassland plans (Gori and Enquist 2003, Marshall and others 2004), USFS Forest Health Monitoring (FSM) program (Rogers and others 2001) and the nationwide Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring (MSIM) protocol (Manley and others 2004, Manley and others in press). But, there is currently no comprehensive effort designed for long term assessment and monitoring of habitats for the entire state, nor is there a plan for assessing habitats on most private lands, or on public lands not specifically managed for wildlife (for example, State Trust Lands). Certain guilds and taxonomic groups of animals are particularly suited to habitat or landscape level monitoring, for example, grassland herbivores, riparian passerine birds, etc. Other animals, for reasons of biology or legal status, require more narrowly focused, species level monitoring, for example, Kanab ambersnail (highly restricted distribution) or Gila topminnow (monitoring success of stocking program), as described previously. In certain circumstances, a fine-scaled, single-species approach can accomplish the goals of habitat based monitoring, and provide important information regarding habitat condition. Species that are most strongly associated with specific habitats can act as "umbrella species" for other species in the community and for the habitat (Schoonmaker and Luscombe 2005). Umbrella species are not necessarily linked functionally with a particular habitat or to other species (as are keystone species as defined by Paine (1966), or Keystone and Strongly Interactive Species (Appendix L), but their widespread distribution within a habitat can make them convenient monitoring subjects. In the Arizona CWCS database, the criteria to identify species in the Community Focal category include Habitat Quality Indicator Species, which when present indicate particularly good habitat quality (Appendix L). For example, in high elevation Mixed Conifer habitat, northern goshawks are a Habitat Quality Indicator Species for that vegetative community. The presence of northern goshawks suggests conditions are excellent for other birds Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 524 that use similar habitat components or respond positively to management for northern goshawks (for example, wild turkey, flammulated owl, Williamson’s sapsucker, solitary vireo, Grace’s warbler, western tanager, red crossbill) (Latta and others, 1999), as well as for mammals (for example, Mexican vole, dusky shrew, long-tailed weasel), or amphibians and reptiles (for example, tiger salamander, western chorus frog, wandering gartersnake), despite the obvious differences in specific ecological requirements of the various taxa. In this context, several "Vulnerable Species" in the AZ CWCS can serve as Habitat Quality Indicators for more common animals and habitats. Thus, in this particular example, monitoring strategies for northern goshawks outlined in Arizona Partners in Flight Conservation Plan (Latta and others 1999) could accomplish habitat monitoring goals at the landscape level. MONITORING WILDLIFE The Department monitoring priorities until now have been driven by federal funding sources for threatened and endangered species on the one hand, and game or sportfish funding on the other. As described below, this CWCS plan first lists existing monitoring efforts by the Department and cooperators, then highlights current planning activities that are shifting the Department away from crisis and consumption management. These new efforts such as the Arizona All Birds Conservation Initiative, Arizona Partners for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, and the Arizona Bat Plan, are multispecies planning efforts that aim at documenting guilds in addition to individual species, and common species in addition to rare elements of our natural heritage. In addition, these multispecies efforts all tier off of national and/or regional planning efforts that provide standards for monitoring measures and metrics. All multispecies planning currently underway with the Department requires conservation and monitoring of SGCN identified by Arizona’s CWCS. The Department has a long history of establishing and implementing research and population monitoring activities that withstand scientific scrutiny, although those efforts have traditionally been focused on consumptive uses of wildlife. Existing consumptive use protocols are developed using a process that incorporates best available science and practices, which are then formalized as official Department methods and taught to biologists for implementation throughout the state. Data collected from those efforts are analyzed on a regular basis, made available to the public, and are used to make management decisions. This process provides a template for the development of similar monitoring protocols for SGCN once secure funding has been acquired. However, statewide research projects and population monitoring protocols for many SGCN have been established. The Department has both a Research and Nongame Branch with personnel dedicated to these activities. Additional efforts are contracted to external partners. Many high priority research and monitoring efforts are conducted by wildlife biologists employed by the Department for their expertise in specific taxon groups. As part of their regular duties, these expert biologists conduct routine survey and monitoring activities, as well as provide training and establish monitoring protocols for other biologists to follow (for example, Chiricahua leopard frog workshop, HDMS, Department School training sessions, etc.). In addition, Wildlife Managers and other biologists located in six regional offices across the state are trained to note the presence or absence of certain SGCN (or invasive nonnative species) and report relevant Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 525 information to appropriate personnel in the Department, and those data are incorporated into existing repositories (HDMS, ranid frog database, native fishes database, crayfish database etc.). Additional data are collected through the Department’s administration of scientific collecting permits and from the general public. In order to fill gaps in existing monitoring projects and to implement best monitoring practices, the Department will coordinate monitoring projects with external, existing programs such as: the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI; www.nabci-us.org), the North American Bat Conservation Plan (www.batcon.org/nabcp/newsite/rwg.html), Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC; www.parcplace.org), The Wildlands Project (www.twp.org), Pima County’s Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (www.pima.gov/sdcp), and the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research project (www.caplter.asu.edu). Many of these initiatives have been further developed for application in Arizona (Latta and others 1999; Foreman and others 2000, Pima County 2002, Hinman and Snow 2003, Grand Canyon Wildlands Council 2004). The remainder of this section uses examples to provide an overview of monitoring approaches and mechanisms currently used by the Department or in development. Table 22 is a comprehensive list of monitoring efforts underway or planned for the near future. While not all monitoring programs have explicit adaptive management goals written into them, many plans incorporate adaptive management philosophy and discuss the need to reevaluate results at certain intervals and to adjust management protocols accordingly. Other plans have adaptive management clearly built into them. The examples are presented along taxonomic lines, and are meant to illustrate single species and multispecies monitoring (for target and non-target species), habitat monitoring, as well as the incorporation of adaptive management into Departmental protocols. Further, most listed monitoring efforts in Table 22 incorporate both Effectiveness and Targeted monitoring, except those indicated under "Project Follow-up" for which Implementation Monitoring is a major component. Crustaceans and mollusks Invertebrate monitoring is in its formative stages in Arizona, and efforts are concentrated on a variety of species of snails, including springsnails, ambersnails, and talussnails. Monitoring is usually single-species based and typically includes a habitat monitoring component. The most well developed monitoring protocols have been established for Kanab ambersnails, for which a fair amount of baseline ecological research has already been done (Stevens and others 1997; Sorensen and Nelson 2002). Monitoring at 6 sites in Arizona comprises standardized plot-based protocols coupled with habitat quality analyses, as outlined in the species recovery plan (USFWS 1995) and an interim conservation plan (Sorensen and Nelson 2002). Based on data accumulated over the past 10 years, Department biologists have recognized the need to modify protocols, and will be testing new methods in the coming years. Where practical and allowable by our enabling legislation, the Department will develop or adjust existing survey and data collection protocol to gather data on all invertebrate SCGN and Unknown Status species). Monitoring of the Quitobaquito tryonia, a springsnail, is part of a habitat-based, multispecies effort. A conservation agreement that covers the tryonia, Sonoyta pupfish and Sonoyta mud Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 526 turtle provides for concurrent monitoring among the 3 species where they co-occur in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Monitoring involves strong collaborative efforts between the Department and the NPS. From an entirely different perspective, a GIS-linked database has been developed to track the distribution of invasive nonnative crayfish in the White Mountains of Arizona. Crayfish have been implicated in the decline of nongame and sport fishes, as well as mollusks, ranid frogs and gartersnakes. The database is managed by the Department, but data have been contributed largely by private citizens and conservation groups (for example, TNC and Trout Unlimited Zane Gray Chapter), as well as USFS personnel. The Department plans to expand the database to include the entire state. Fishes Monitoring of fishes is often single-species focused, primarily because of funding source restrictions, or recovery needs. Information is often collected with respect to downlisting/delisting goals as outlined in recovery plans (or drafts). Examples of this approach include bonytail chub, virgin spinedace, humpback chub, colorado pikeminnow, and razorback sucker monitoring protocols (Table 22). In some cases, despite the necessity of a single species approach, Department biologists often make an effort to gather incidental information on nontarget species of fishes and amphibians (for example, Voeltz in lit). Where practical, the Department will develop or adjust existing survey and data collection protocol to gather data on all SCGN and Unknown Status fish species. Desert pupfish and Gila topminnows, both short lived and inhabitants of small, isolated habitats, require annual monitoring because habitat conditions can change quickly. The draft Gila topminnow recovery plan calls for stocking topminnows into suitable habitat within their former range. At each site, the plan requires monitoring 1 month, 6 months and 1 year post-stocking (Weedman 1999). At each temporal stage in monitoring, the success of the stocking effort is evaluated and subject to adaptive management, the details of which are provided in the draft topminnow and pupfish safe harbor agreement (AGFD in prep.). For example, the plan recognizes, but is not limited to 3 types of "Altered Circumstances" that would lead to modifications in management protocols: drought, invasion by nonnative organisms that may pose a threat to the population, and population failure. The plan outlines possible management alternatives for each circumstance. Other single species fish surveys, for example, Sonora chub or loach minnow, result in community level data that are incorporated into the monitoring protocols. Multiple species protocols, such as the Muleshoe Ranch surveys, target up to 5 species of native fishes and involve collaborative efforts between the Department and BLM. Amphibians Sonoran tiger salamander surveys are also single species monitoring efforts in which incidental information is gathered on other species. The multispecies approach to a single species work plan has resulted in the development of a GIS database that allows the Department to examine changes, spatially and temporally, in distribution of salamanders. But, it also allows tracking of Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 527 federally listed Chiricahua leopard frogs and invasive nonnative species such as bullfrogs and crayfish. This has become a powerful tool for management of aquatic habitats in the San Rafael Valley where these animals occur, and provides the potential for rapid adaptive adjustments to recovery efforts. The Department is now incorporating information about Mexican gartersnakes into the database, which will increase its utility for community-wide monitoring. Conservation action questions have been incorporated into monitoring protocols for several species, including the Tarahumara frog reintroduction program. The success of Tarahumara frog repatriation is measured according to 5 stages in the frog's life history and ecology, all of which are necessary for success and all of which can be measured objectively (and relatively easily): survival of release, survival over winter, long-term survival, reproduction, recruitment. Adaptive management is built into the plan at 1 year, 2 year and 5 year intervals, at which times the project success is evaluated and necessary modifications incorporated. Where practical, the Department will develop or adjust existing survey and data collection protocol to gather data on all amphibian SCGN and Unknown Status amphibian species. Reptiles Averill-Murray (2000) outlined a quantitative protocol for monitoring Sonoran desert tortoises on 18, 1km2 and 1mi2 plots randomly assigned on BLM lands throughout the Arizona distribution of the tortoise. Recent advancements in population estimate techniques suggest linedistance sampling might be more efficient and more accurate. Initial attempts at evaluating linedistance sampling were positive (Averill-Murray and Averill-Murray 2005), which has led the Department to contract a 2-year study to evaluate more fully the new techniques. Should the 2year study confirm the utility of the new techniques, the Department will adjust monitoring protocols elsewhere. Where practical, the Department will develop or adjust existing survey and data collection protocol to gather data on all reptilian SCGN and Unknown Status reptile species. Birds Strategic planning that incorporates pre-existing and future monitoring efforts is best expressed in the Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan implementation strategy. Through this, the Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative (ABCI) has begun to canvas key stakeholders to determine levels of support for implementing an integrated and coordinated approach to statewide bird monitoring efforts in Arizona. ABCI is coordinated by the Department and consists of participants from state, federal and tribal entities, as well as universities and nongovernmental organizations. The mission is to coordinate statewide efforts to monitor bird populations of most species in Arizona to provide long-term trend data, as well as to identify species of concern and evaluate land management actions. Recent preliminary efforts have indicated a strong support from many key partners for initiating such an endeavor. Further, bird monitoring efforts in Arizona, as elsewhere, benefit greatly from the input of citizen science (see Table 22 for examples of monitoring programs). As Schoonmaker and Luscombe (2005) pointed out, "properly trained citizens not only reduce the cost of data collection and ground-truthing, they can also become engaged supporters of fish and wildlife conservation." Where practical, the Department will develop or adjust existing survey and data collection protocol to gather data on all avian SCGN and Unknown Status avian species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 528 Mammals The Department’s Mammals Program has developed the Arizona Bat Conservation Strategic Plan. Like the Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan implementation strategy, the Bat Conservation Plan calls for statewide species and habitat monitoring. Although some species recovery plans, for example, lesser long-nosed bat, require single species monitoring protocols, the vast majority of bat monitoring efforts target multiple species, through mist net and roost surveys. This plan highlights the ability to monitor species regardless of priority, such that rare and common species can be assessed equally. Another strategic plan is being developed, the Small Mammal Conservation Plan (Appendix P). With direction from the Arizona CWCS, this ambitious document will incorporate the goals of adaptive management into plans for monitoring multiple species across multiple landscapes and ecoregions. This will include efforts for all mammalian SCGN and Unknown Status mammal species. Unknown Status Species and Monitoring Needs A critical challenge facing the Department concerns the appropriate mechanisms for accumulating information on the status and distribution of Unknown Status Species (Appendix N). In part, responsibilities for conservation agreements, recovery plans, draft recovery plans, etc. consume many of the resources available to the Department for conservation of Arizona's wildlife. Nonetheless, the Department is committed to gathering data on Unknown Status Species. Many of the monitoring efforts in which the Department is currently involved, or plans for the near future, have built into them mechanisms either explicitly designed for monitoring multiple species, or for including "non-target" species into the protocols (Table 22). These monitoring programs will continue to accumulate significant amounts of data on many Unknown Status Species. Excellent examples of these include: Long-term Bat Monitoring, in which mist net sampling and roost surveys are not species specific; the San Pedro Habitat Management Plan, in which fish monitoring protocols sample the entire community; Chiricahua Leopard Frog Visual Encounter Surveys that collect information on all species of non-target amphibians and reptiles in addition to Chiricahua leopard frogs; and the Hummingbird Monitoring Network that, like the bat monitoring protocols, collects data on all species of hummingbirds in the White Mountains and from throughout southeastern Arizona. Finally, in addition to programs highlighted above and in Table 22, the Department is actively soliciting proposals from outside cooperators to initiate surveys in areas where little is known about the distribution or status of native wildlife. For example, a specific objective on the 2005 Heritage Sensitive Elements list (the list of species or topics about which outside cooperators may submit proposals to the Department for research funding) was an inventory of amphibians and reptiles of the Arizona Strip, a remote, poorly known part of the State in which many Unknown Status Species occur. The Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative also highlights research needs and solicits proposals to work in areas or with species about which little is known. A clear Departmental commitment is apparent in native fish management. To address gaps in our knowledge of native fishes, the Department has moved towards year round monitoring conducted by native fish specialists that have been stationed at the regional offices. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 529 These are only a few examples of a fledgling effort to understand more about the many lesser known species of wildlife which have historically received little attention. TRACKING PROGRESS Perhaps the most difficult aspect of adaptive management is developing the appropriate mechanisms for tracking the success or failure of management protocols, especially when those protocols cover the multitude of species found in Arizona. In its simplest form, tracking progress can be broadly interpreted, for example, achieving recovery of certain threatened or endangered species would indicate healthy habitat and thus ensure the long term success of other, non-target species. But, current mechanisms for most species are imperfect, relying on individual project deliverables and guidelines. Considerable effort is being put into place to attempt to provide for more effective tracking. The Department's database of planning documents and conservation agreements (Appendix P) includes stressors for species and habitats. Plans are in place to incorporate specific actions into the database according to particular projects, such that management efforts can be updated and tracked. The development of this database will depend on funding and personnel priorities. Field Operations Division has developed an operational plans database. This database includes information from Regional office annual work plans and is designed to allow the Regions to track progress with respect to expectations. Again, CWCS actions could be incorporated into this database to allow tracking of regionally-based projects. A relational database was developed to facilitate building the Arizona CWCS (see Processes section), and that database can be modified to link with the operational plans database to facilitate communication and data exchange, and to track the implementation of conservation actions. As a public agency, the Department provides wildlife information to the public and Department cooperators. To that end, the Heritage Database Management System has developed the Arizona Heritage GIS Environmental Review Tool. This is an online pre-screening tool that will allow cooperators to access information regarding development projects and will ultimately track progress on wildlife related progress. The concept for this Tool was presented and accepted during the Governor's Efficiency Review in 2003, awarded funding in 2005 and plans to open to the public in spring 2006. Because of the reality of limited resources and logistical constraints the Department is involved in many collaborative monitoring efforts with other entities (for example, USFWS, USFS, BLM, USBR, tribes, non-governmental organizations, colleges and universities, etc.). While there is strength in collaboration, these efforts underscore the need for strong data standards for collection, management, and analysis so that information can be shared easily among cooperators. There remains a need for more detailed habitat assessments throughout the State. In many instances, it will be necessary to conduct inventories of habitats and taxa for which there are few or no data, before monitoring programs can be established. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 530 The time frame for reaching CWCS objectives will vary depending on several factors, including: the condition of the habitat necessary to sustain priority species, understanding species requirements, and the capability of the land owner or land manager to manage for the species. Fortunately, the CWCS is a dynamic document for which adaptive management provides the central theme. With an approved CWCS, the Department will examine closely the monitoring activities, priorities and databases to determine where changes are necessary. Through systematic and ongoing review of conservation management strategies and monitoring programs, the Department will ensure that Arizona is effectively conserving species and associated habitats at the statewide and ecoregional scales. Research questions will continue to be developed through the course of monitoring that will have direct application to land managers, and thus provide constant feedback of new information with which to manage Arizona's biodiversity. Details are described in references under "Document #" which refers to the list of documents in Appendix P. Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators. Details are described in references under "Document #" which refers to the list of documents in Appendix P. Project Crustaceans and mollusks Kanab ambersnail Document # Single species Habitat Longterm X X rangewide X X X local X X X local X X local X X X local X X X local X X X X statewide AGFD WMNG X X X X statewide AGFD WMNG local AGFD WMNG 26, 27 Page springsnail 214, 215 Three Forks springsnail Quitobaquito tryonia Wet canyon talussnail San Xavier talussnail 212, 215 Multispecies X Project Followup Geographic Scope Agency Lead AGFD WMNG AGFD WMNG AGFD WMNG 215, 241 AGFD WMNG X 29 AGFD WMNG 28 AGFD WMNG Fishes Gila topminnow Desert pupfish Sonoyta pupfish Native fish poststocking evaluations Multispecies Conservation Plan 145, 35, 235, 237, 249 145, 34, 235, 237 241 239, 250, 251 32, 33, 41, 44, 231, 246, 248, 250, 251 X X X X X statewide AGFD WMNG X X X local AGFD WMNG Rio Yaqui fishes El Coronado Ranch monitoring 31 X X rangewide 21 X X local Virgin River fishes 47 X X rangewide Gila trout 36 X X X statewide AGFD FOR2 AGFD WMNG/WMFS; FWS-AZFRO 230, 87, 82 X X X rangewide AGFD Apache trout X AGFD FOR5 AGFD FOR5; FWS Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 531 Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators. Details are described in references under "Document #" which refers to the list of documents in Appendix P. WMNG/FOR1/WMFS; FWS-AZFRO Little Colorado River spinedace 42, 107, 115, 116,252 X X X rangewide AGFD WMNG/FOR1/FOR2 AGFD WMNG Loach minnow 43 X X statewide Sonora chub 45 X X local AGFD WMNG/FOR5 129, 46 X X statewide Spikedace San Pedro Habitat Mgmt Plan Draft Lower Colorado River National Wildlife Mgmt Plan Horseshoe Lake and Bartlett Lake monitoring Sipe native fish monitoring Packard Ranch/Tavasci Marsh monitoring Muleshoe Ranch monitoring Statewide Conservation Agreement and Strategy for 6 fish species 69 X local AGFD WMNG AGFD WMNG/ FOR5; BLM 70 X local FWS 76 X X local SRP; FWS; AGFD WMHB 115 X X local AGFD FOR1 129 X X local 147 X X local AGFD FOR3 AGFD WMNG/ FOR5; BLM 239 X X statewide AGFD WMNG AGFD FOR3/ FOR4 Bonytail chub 246 X X statewide Virgin spinedace 247 X X local AGFD FOR2 Humpback chub Colorado pikeminnow 248 X X local AGFD WMRS 250 X X statewide Razorback sucker 251 X X statewide AGFD FOR6 AGFD WMNG/ FOR3/ FOR4/ FOR6 CAP Monitoring none X X ecoregion AGFD WMNG 252 X X local AGFD FOR1 53 X X local AGFD WMNG/FOR5 217, 223 X X rangewide Nutrioso Creek Amphibians Sonora tiger salamander Chiricahua Leopard Frog Visual Encounter Surveys Chiricahua leopard frog Sierra Blanca release Chiricahua leopard frog Buckskin Hills Site Chiricahua leopard frog Gentry Site 217, 222, 223 217, 222, 223 217, 222, 223 X X X X X X X X AGFD WMNG local AGFD FOR1 local AGFD FOR2 local AGFD FOR6 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 532 Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators. Details are described in references under "Document #" which refers to the list of documents in Appendix P. Ramsey Canyon leopard frog Tarahumara frog reintroduction Relict leopard frog Lowland and Plains leopard frogs Northern leopard frog Chytridiomycosis surveys Reptiles Flat-tailed horned lizard Sonoran Desert tortoise permanent plots Sonoran Desert tortoise linedistance sampling Sonoran Desert tortoise disease monitoring Sonoyta mud turtle Narrow-headed gartersnake Mexican gartersnake Tucson shovelnosed snake New Mexico ridgenose rattlesnake Mammals Arizona Bat Conservation Strategic Plan Lesser long-nosed bat roost monitoring Long-term bat monitoring Fort Huachuca bat monitoring SE Arizona bat monitoring Mt. Graham red squirrel 50, 219, 223 X 223, 234 X 218, 223 X 223 223 X X X local rangewide AGFD WMNG/ FOR5 AGFD WMNG; USFS; USFWS Relict Leopard Frog Conservation Team; AGFD FOR3 X X local statewide AGFD Regional offices X rangewide AGFD FOR2 X statewide AGFD WMNG X local AGFD FOR4,/WMNG X rangewide AGFD WMNG; BLM X X X 223 X 48 X 49, 52, 240 X 49, 240 X 49, 52, 240 X 241 X local X X rangewide X local UA; AGFD WMNG AGFD WMNG AGFD; NPS; CEDES none X rangewide AGFD Regional offices none X rangewide AGFD Regional offices none X Rangewide AGFD FOR6 51 X local 54 54, 161 X X X X Statewide X X Rangewide X X Statewide 54 X 54, 78 X X Local 54 X X Local AGFD WMNG AGFD WMNG/ Regional offices AGFD WMNG/ FOR5; many partners AGFD WMNG/ Regional officess 160 X X Local DOD Ft. Huachuca NPS (Ft. Bowie NHS, Chiricahua NM) AGFD FOR5; USFS; UA 162 X X rangewide AGFD FOR4; CEDES Jaguar 55 X X borderlands AGFD WMNG Mexican wolf 57 X X X White Mtns AGFD FOR1 Black-footed ferret 58 X X X Local Sonoran pronghorn AGFD WMNG Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 533 Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators. Details are described in references under "Document #" which refers to the list of documents in Appendix P. Prairie dog monitoring Disease monitoring Mammal track surveys Gunnison's prairie dog Birds Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative (ABCI) Bald eagle (breeding and winter) Golden eagle nesting surveys Peregrine falcon Southwestern willow flycatcher Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl California condor (Mexican) spotted owl Burrowing owl 58 Local AGFD WMNG X X Local AGFD WMNG none X X Local Sky Island Alliance X statewide AGFD Regional offices X X statewide statewide AGFD WMNG AGFD WMNG statewide AGFD Regional offices 253 X 169 211 X 166 X 206 X X statewide AGFD; USFWS 165, 203 X X statewide AGFD WMRS 22, 205 X X rangewide AGFD FOR5 170, 171, 201 204 X X local X X rangewide 168 X X 210 Northern (masked) bobwhite Chiricahua elegant trogon count Breeding Bird Survey Christmas Bird Count Hummingbird Monitoring Network Sipe hummingbird banding project Fall Hawk Watch 72 169 Important bird area (IBA) monitoring Phoenix area winter urban waterbird X 58 Yuma clapper rail SE Arizona bird migration monitoring San Pedro River MAPS Station Colonial nesting heron/egret counts Tucson bird count X X X X X rangewide X rangewide X X local X X local AGFD FOR2 and Peregrine Fund USFS AGFD WMRS/WMNG; Wild At Heart AGFD FOR3/FOR4/FOR6 USFWS (Buenos Aires NWR) USFS (Coronado National Forest) USGS – Laurel; MD 169 X X statewide 169 X X statewide 169 X X local 169 X X local AGFD FOR1 169 X X local 169 X X local HawkWatch International SE Arizona Bird Observatory 69, 169 X X local BLM 169 X local AGFD FOR3 169 X X local Univ of AZ 169 X X local Audubon AZ/Tucson Audubon Society none X X local AGFD WMNG National Audubon Society Hummingbird Monitoring Network Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 534 Table 22. Summary of ongoing and planned SGCN and habitat condition monitoring efforts currently carried out by Arizona Game and Fish Department and cooperators. Details are described in references under "Document #" which refers to the list of documents in Appendix P. count Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 535 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (in alphabetical order; all are Department staff unless noted otherwise) CWCS Primary Authors: Linda Allison, Scott Blackman, Dennis Darr, Dave Dorum, Colleen Flanagan (contractor with Tech-Knowledgy Store, LLC), Joyce Francis, Tom Hildebrandt, Terry Johnson, Tom Jones, Jeff Pebworth, Lin Piest, Joan Scott, Jeff Sorensen, and Dale Turner (with TNC). Technical Development Staff and Editors: Sharen Adams, Roy Averill-Murray, Josh Avey, Kevin Bergersen, Rob Bettaso, Scott Blackman, Darren Bolen, Valerie Boyarski, Troy Corman, Dan Cox, Sherry Crouch, Dennis Darr, Rebecca Davidson, Dave Dorum, Kim Field, Evelyn Erlandsen, Eric Gardner, Trina Hedrick, Amanda Hervatin, Tom Hildebrandt, Tom Jones, MariAnn Koloszar, Robert Magill, Angie McIntire, Clay Nelson, Deb O’Neill, Siobham Nordhaugen (ADOT); Sal Palazzolo, Jeff Pebworth, Lin Piest, Todd Pringle, Scott Reger, Nancy Renison, Daren Riedle, Tony Robinson, Joan Scott, Sabra Schwartz, Tim Snow, Jeff Sorensen, Gene Sturla, Tice Supplee, Jessica Thiebeau, Jared Underwood, Bill Van Pelt, Jeremy Voeltz, Brian Wakeling, Kirk Young, and Mark Zornes. Advisors and Reviewers: Francisco Abarca, Sharen Adams, Steve Andrews, Roy AverillMurray, Josh Avey, Randy Babb, Tim Baumgarten, Kevin Bergersen, Ric Bradford, Bob Broscheid, Tom Cadden, Dave Cagle, Laura Canaca, Ron Christofferson, Sherry Crouch, Marc Dahlberg, Rebecca Davidson, Melba Davidson, Ron Day, Jim deVos, Russ Engel, Steve Ferrell, Colleen Flanagan (contractor with Tech-Knowledgy Store, LLC), Josh Fuller, Eric Gardner, Ty Gray, Russ Haughey, John Hervert, Jim Hinkle, Kelly Huckins, Mike Ingraldi, Brad Jacobson, MariAnn Koloszar, Margie Latta, Mike Lopez, Marty Macurak, Bob Miles, Rick Miller, Don Mitchell, Kevin Morgan, Richard Ockenfels, Leonard Ordway, Chuck Paradzick, Mike Rabe, Scott Reger, Nancy Renison, Richard Rico, Larry Riley, John Romero, Sabra Schwartz, Karen Schedler, Ray Scheinsburg, Mike Senn, Duane Shroufe, Ron Sieg, Tim Snow, Gene Sturla, Tice Supplee, Bruce Taubert, Bill Van Pelt, Brian Wakeling, Jim Warnecke, Mark Weise, Debbie Wright, Rebecca Wright, Don Winslow, Rob Young. Administrative Support: Marit Alanen, Pat Barber, Jon Cooley, LouAnn DeHart, Kim Douglas, Phyllis Dudycz, Connie Duncan, Gene Elms, James Elliot, Chuck Emmert, Tom Finley, Marcie Fogler, Karen Franco, Debbie Freeman, Mike Godwin, Chris Harbort, Sonja Hill, Janet Jaehne, Lori Jarrett, Barbara Jewett, Jackie Lauritsen, Leona Lee, Rod Lucas, Mary Luchtel, Susie MacVean, Jenniet Mlambo, Zen Mocarski, Lawrence Moyse, Janet Pettifer (with TechKnowledgy Store, LLC), Gerry Perry, Dee Pfleger, Bob Posey, Sandy Reith, Lynn Roe, Gary Shafer, Joy Shantz, Shelly Shepherd, Bruce Sitko, Kathy Smith, Brett Solon, Christine Stevens, Alicia Sweezer, Aninna Thornburg, Darren Tucker, Sharon Voiland, Larry Voyles, Betty Woods-Turner, Beth Worsnup, Joe Yarchin, Dana Yost, and Jennifer Zuffranieri. Information and Process Contributors: Harry Blohm (InfoScience, Inc); Liz Boussard, Kim Crumbo, and Larry Stevens (Grand Canyon Wildlands Council); Kelly Cairo, John Godec, and Theresa Gunn (Gunn Communications, Inc.); Daren Carlson, Emmett Mullin, and Brian Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 536 Steinquist (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); Dave Chadwick, Naomi Edelson, and Liz Skipper (IAFWA); Nina Chambers (Sonoran Institute); Kevin Davidson (Mohave County); Carolyn Enquist (TNC); Jon Fugate (Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club); Eric Larsen (Desert Flycasters); Siobham Nordhaugen (ADOT); Carl Olson (UA Entomology Dept); Patti Spindler (ADEQ); and Kim Vacariu (Wildlands Project). Acknowledgments: Thanks to North Dakota Game and Fish Department for sharing their CWCS “road map” template, which was modified and used here for Arizona’s CWCS. The Department greatly appreciates the support and involvement that the Teaming With Wildlife folks, the Development Assistance Team advisors, and National Advisory Acceptance Team evaluators have provided at both the national and regional levels for the CWCS. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 537 LITERATURE CITED [ACERP] Arizona Comprehensive Environmental Risk Project. 1995. The Arizona Comprehensive Environmental Risk Project Report. ACERP Steering Committee. Phoenix, Arizona. http://earthvision.asu.edu/acerp/. [ADEQ] Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. 2004. Arizona’s 2004 303(d) List and Other Impaired Waters. ADEQ, Phoenix, Arizona. [ADWR] Arizona Department of Water Resources. 1994. Arizona Riparian Protection Program Legislative Report: A Report to the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House. ADWR, Phoenix, Arizona. Agee, JK. 1993. 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CWCS GLOSSARY OF TERMS ‘*’ Indicates use of the official US definitions regarding invasive species. These were provided in Executive Order 13112 signed by President William Clinton on February 3, 1999. These and other definitions are available at the Invasive Species website: www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/laws/execorder.shtml. Abiotic Resource: non-living materials (for example: air, water, soil, minerals, fuels, wind, and solar radiation). Aboriginal: native or initial human occupants of a specific location. Accidental or casual migrants: bird species that do not typically travel through or into a specific area (=outside their normal range, distribution, or migration routes). *Alien species: with respect to a particular ecosystem, any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to that ecosystem. CONVENTIONALLY, THESE SPECIES ARE REFERED TO AS “NONNATIVES” BY THE DEPARTMENT. “NONNATIVE” IS USED IN THIS CWCS. Anadromous: species that reproduce in freshwater habitats and migrate to marine habitats to mature. Biodiversity: a variety of plant and animal species within communities or ecosystems; includes genetic variants within a population and transient or migratory species. Biotic Resource: living plant and animal species. Candidate: a conservation status under the ESA where a species or population is potentially at risk of decline throughout all or a significant portion of its range (=proposed for listing as either threatened or endangered). Community: an assemblage of species co-existing within a specific location. *Control: as appropriate, eradicating, suppressing, reducing, or managing invasive species populations, preventing spread of invasive species from areas where they are present, and taking steps such as restoration of native species and habitats to reduce the effects of invasive species and to prevent further invasions. Crustaceans: crayfish, shrimp, and amphipods (=scuds). Ecoregion: a large area of land and water that is characterized by distinct plant communities, plant and animal species, and environmental conditions such as climate and landforms. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 565 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY (CONTINUED) *Ecosystem: the complex of a community of organisms and its environment (Definition under Executive Order 13112). Biologically, the term has less of an organism focus and is considered a system of environmental conditions, habitats, and species that interact. Endangered: 1) a conservation status under the ESA where a species is at risk of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 2) a condition where a species or population has a low probability of survival over time due to various stressors and reduced population level or fitness. Endemic: a species that is native to a specific location and occurs nowhere else. Ephemeral: water flow or standing water that occurs seasonally within a drainage or area. Extinct: a species that is no longer alive. Extirpated: a species or population that is locally extinct, but continues to exist elsewhere. Fauna: animal species or populations. Feral: animals that were once domesticated (including their off-spring) but now are living wild. Flora: plant species or populations. Game species: those animals that are regulated for hunting or harvest. Intermittent: water flow that irregularly occurs within a drainage or area (alternating between surface and subsurface flow). *Introduction: the intentional or unintentional escape, release, dissemination, or placement of a species into an ecosystem as a result of human activity *Invasive species: an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (Definition under Executive Order 13112). Biologically, it is can refer to a nonnative plant or animal species that under certain conditions significantly out-competes, displaces, or eliminates other species within a community. Macroinvertebrate: animals without backbones (for example: insects, spiders, crustaceans, mollusks) that can be seen without magnification. Mollusk: clams and snails. Monotypic: a community or stand of vegetation that contains one species or type of vegetation. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 566 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY (CONTINUED) *Native species: with respect to a particular ecosystem, a species that, other than as a result of an introduction [of a nonnative species], historically occurred or currently occurs in that ecosystem Nuisance species: a species that is considered a pest or problem (often these are invasive species). Both native and nonnative species may be considered as “nuisance.” Perennial: water flow or standing water all year long within a drainage or area. Precipitation: rain and snow. *Species: a group of organisms all of which have a high degree of physical and genetic similarity, generally interbreed only among themselves, and show persistent differences from members of allied groups of organisms. Species of Greatest Conservation Need: vertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks that rank high in the CWCS Vulnerability category and have been identified for immediate action. Sportfish: fish that are regulated for harvest by angling or other means. Stakeholders: includes State, tribal, and local government agencies, academic institutions, the scientific community, nongovernmental entities including environmental, agricultural, and conservation organizations, trade groups, commercial interests, and private landowners. Stressors: activities or conditions (human-caused or natural) that negatively affect the health and distribution of wildlife and vegetative communities. Taxon/Taxa: classifications or groups of animals or plants that share similar evolutionary lineages, general body forms, life histories, and/or reproductive means (for example: there are 6 taxon groups of animals referenced in the CWCS—amphibians, birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, mammals, and reptiles). Threatened: 1) a conservation status under the ESA where a species is at risk of becoming endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 2) a condition where a species or population has a medium to low probability of survival over time due to various stressors and reduced population level or fitness. Tier 1a or 1b: SGCN that have been identified for immediate conservation action. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 567 APPENDIX B. ACRONYMS USED IN ARIZONA’S CWCS ACOE ADA ADEQ ADHS ADOT ADWR AFB AGFC AGFD AHN AHS ASP ASLD ATV AWLW AZDEMA AZNM BLM CP CSE CWCS CMP DHS DoD EPA ESA FHA GIS HCP HPC HDMS IAWFA IPCC IUCN LLC MD MOU MS NAAT NABCI NEPA NF NGO Army Corps of Engineers Arizona Dept of Agriculture Arizona Dept of Environmental Quality Arizona Dept of Health Services Arizona Dept of Transportation Arizona Dept of Water Resources Air Force Base Arizona Game and Fish Commission Arizona Game and Fish Department Apache Highlands North Ecoregion Apache Highlands South Ecoregion Arizona State Parks Arizona State Land Department All-Terrain Vehicle Arizona Wildlife Linkages Workgroup Arizona National Guard-Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion Bureau of Land Management Colorado Plateau Ecoregion Center for Sustainable Environments Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Conservation Measures Partnership Department of Homeland Security-Border Patrol Department of Defense Environmental Protection Agency Endangered Species Act Federal Highways Administration Geographic Information System Habitat Conservation Plans Habitat Partnership Committee Heritage Database Management System International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies International Panel on Climate Change International Union for the Conservation of Nature (= World Conservation Union) Limited License Company Mohave Desert Ecoregion Memorandums of Understanding Microsoft National Advisory Acceptance Team North American Birds Conservation Initiative National Environmental Policy Act National Forest Non-Government Organizations Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 APPENDIX B. ACRONYMS (CONTINUED) NP NPS NRCS NWR NWTF PARC PIF RD SD SGCN SHA SW SWG TNC TWW UA USBR USDA-WS USFWS USFS USGS WCC WGCN National Park National Park Service Natural Resource Conservation Service National Wildlife Refuge National Wild Turkey Federation Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Partners in Flight Ranger District Sonoran Desert Ecoregion Species of Greatest Conservation Need Safe Harbor Agreements Southwest State Wildlife Grants The Nature Conservancy Teaming With Wildlife Committee University of Arizona US Bureau of Reclamation US Dept of Agriculture-Wildlife Services US Fish and Wildlife Service US Forest Service US Geological Survey Wildlife Conservation Council Wildlife of Greatest Conservation Need May 24, 2006 Page 568 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 569 APPENDIX C. CONTACT LIST Agencies, Tribes, Local Governments, Non-Governmental Organizations, Constituency Groups, Industry Affiliations, Universities, and Special Interest Groups. Arizona Dept of Health Services Arizona State Parks Arizona Dept of Agriculture Arizona Dept of Transportation Arizona National Guard-DEMA Arizona State Land Dept Arizona Dept of Water Resources Arizona Dept of Enviro Quality Navajo Nation Hopi Tribe San Carlos Apache Tribe White Mt Apache Tribe Tohono O’odhom Nation Hualapai Nation Ft McDowell Yavapai Nation Colorado River Indian Tribes Gila River Indian Community Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Ak-Chin Indian Community Cocopah Tribe Pascua Yaqui Tribe San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Tonto Apache Tribe Yavapai Apache Tribe Yavapai-Prescott Tribe Salt R Pima-Maricopa Indian Com USFWS AZ Eco Services Office USFWS Kofa NWR USFWS Cabeza Prieta NWR USFWS San Bernardino NWR USFWS Bill Williams NWR USFWS Buenos Aires NWR USFWS Havasu NWR USFWS Cibola NWR USFWS Imperial NWR Maricopa County Parks & Rec Pima County Parks & Recreation Yuma Metro Planning Organization Pima Association of Governments Maricopa Assoc of Governments Northern AZ Council of Govts League of AZ Cities & Towns Western AZ Council of Govts Central AZ Assoc of Governments Southeastern AZ Govts Organization Salt River Project USFS Kaibab Nat’l Forest (NF) USFS Coronado NF USFS Coconino NF USFS Tonto NF USFS Apache-Sitgreaves NF USFS Prescott NF USFS Peaks Ranger District (RD) USFS Mormon Lake RD USFS Red Rock RD USFS Mogollon RD USFS Williams/Chalander RD USFS North Kaibab RD USFS Tusayan RD USFS Prescott NF USFS Chino Valley RD USFS Verde RD USFS Nogales RD USFS Sierra Vista RD USFS Safford RD USFS Santa Catalina RD USFS Alpine RD USFS Clifton RD USFS Chevelon/Heber RD USFS Springerville RD USFS Lakeside RD USFS Cave Creek RD USFS Tonto NF USFS Globe RD USFS Mesa RD USFS Payson RD USFS Pleasant Valley RD USFS Tonto Basin US Border Patrol, Tucson Sector Federal Highways Administration USGS-Colorado Plateau Studies Yuma County Yavapai County Santa Cruz County Pinal County Pima County Navajo County Mohave County Maricopa County La Paz County Greenlee County Gila County NPS Southern Arizona Office NPS Petrified Nat’l Park (NP) NPS Grand Canyon NP NPS Saguaro NP East and West NPS Lake Mead Nat’l Rec Area NPS Glen Canyon Nat’l Rec Area NPS Organ Pipe Nat’l Monument NPS Pipe Springs Nat’l Monument NPS Chiricahua Nat’l Monument NPS Tonto Nat’l Monument NPS Tuzigoot Nat’l Monument NPS Flagstaff area Nat’l Monuments NPS Canyon de Chelly Nat’l Mon BLM Phoenix Field Office BLM Arizona State Office BLM Safford Field Office BLM Arizona Strip Field Office BLM San Pedro Field Office BLM Kingman Field Office BLM Lower Colorado Region Office BLM Tucson Field Office BLM Lake Havasu Field Office BLM Yuma Field Office Army Corp of Engineers US Bureau of Reclamation EPA Region 9 San Diego Office USDA Nat Res Cons Service USDA-Wildlife Services DOD Ft Huachuca Military Res DOD Luke AFB Goldwater Range DOD Yuma Proving Grounds DOD Florence Military Res City of Phoenix City of Mesa City of Scottsdale Town of Cave Creek City of Peoria City of Surprise City of Goodyear Town of Buckeye City of Apache Junction City of Prescott Town of Prescott Valley City of Cottonwood City of Sedona Town of Camp Verde Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 570 APPENDIX C. CWCS CONTACT LIST (CONTINUED) Arizona Public Service Tucson Electric Power El Paso Natural Gas Phelps Dodge Corporation Town of Winslow City of Holbrook Town of Snowflake City of St Johns City of Show Low Town of Pinetop-Lakeside Town of Springerville Town of Eager City of Payson Town of Globe City of Safford Town of Superior Town of Willcox City of Bisbee City of Benson City of Sierra Vista City of Nogales City of Tucson Town of Casa Grande Town of Gila Bend Town of Ajo City of Yuma Town of Quartzsite Town of Wickenburg Lake Havasu City Town of Parker Town of Paradise Valley City of Glendale City of Tempe City of Chandler Town of Gilbert Town of Fountain Hills Town of Carefree Town of Queen Creek Town of Marana Town of Sahuarita Town of Florence Town of Chino Valley Town of Page Arizona Mushroom Club Arizona Herb Association Washington Garden Club Old Fashioned Garden Club Sun City West Garden Club Valley of the Sun Gardeners Coconino County Cochise County Apache County Bullhead City TNC State Office TNC White Mts Program Office TNC Tucson Program Office TNC Northern AZ Program Office TNC Phoenix Program Office TNC Prescott Program Office TNC Ramsey Canyon Preserve Arizona Audubon Council AZ Audubon Huachuca Chapter AZ Audubon Maricopa Chapter AZ Audubon Prescott Chapter AZ Audubon Sonoran Chapter AZ Audubon Tucson Chapter AZ Audubon Northern AZ Chapter AZ Audubon White Mt Chapter AZ Audubon Yuma County Chapter Audubon All Birds Cons Program Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter Arizona Riparian Council Arizona Heritage Alliance Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation The Wildlife Society State Chapter Malpai Borderlands Group Wildlands Project Sky Islands Alliance Arizona Wilderness Alliance Desert Foothills Land Trust Diablo Trust McDowell Sonoran Land Trust Grand Canyon Trust Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership Sonoran Institute / Rincon Institute Southeastern AZ Land Trust Grand Canyon Wildlands Council Defenders of Wildlife White Mt Conservation League AZ League of Conservation Voters Animal Defense League of AZ Animal Crusaders Southeastern AZ Bird Observatory Center for Biological Diversity Arizona Native Plant Society Central AZ Cactus/Succulent Society Central Arizona Paddlers Club Grand Canyon River Guides City of Williams City of Flagstaff Town of Fredonia City of Kingman Apache County ATV Roughriders Arizona Wildlife Federation AZ Wildlife Conservation Council AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep Society Arizona Antelope Foundation Arizona Deer Association Arizona Elk Association Rocky Mt Elk Foundation, Arizona AZ Mule Deer Assoc, East Valley AZ Mule Deer Assoc, Tucson AZ Mule Deer Assoc, Flagstaff Mule Deer Federation, AZ Chapters Arizona Predator Callers Phoenix Varmint Callers, Inc. Southern AZ Wildlife Callers Cochise Gun Club Arizona Trappers Association Phoenix Retriever Club Arizona Bow Hunters Association Arizona Quail Alliance Safari Club Int’l, Phoenix Chapter Safari Club Int’l, Arizona Chapter US Power Squadron Yuma Valley Rod & Gun Club Chandler Rod & Gun Club Mohave Sportsman Club Coconino Sportsmen Scottsdale Sportsman’s Club Southeast AZ Sportsmen Club Quail Unlimited, Cottonwood-Verde Western Gamebird Alliance Northern Arizona Flycasters Arizona Flyfishing Arizona Flycasters Club Desert Flycasters Southwest Walleye Anglers Trout Unlimited, Arizona Council Trout Unlimited, Lees Ferry Chapter Trout Unlimited, Old Pueblo Chapter Trout Unlimited, Zane Grey Chapter White Mountain Fly-fishing Club Arizona Bass Club Tucson Bass Club Old Pueblo Bass Anglers Arizona BASS Federation Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 571 APPENDIX C. CWCS CONTACT LIST (CONTINUED) Tempe Garden Club Las Piedras Garden Club Litchfield Park Garden Club Good Earth Garden Club Gardens for Humanity Desert Designers Arizona Motorola Hiking Club Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona Outdoors Arizona Sonoran Joint Venture Intermountain West Joint Venture AZ State Assoc of 4WD Clubs AZ Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition Arizona ATV Riders Inc Arizona Trail Riders Association Arizona Trail Riders White Mt Open Trails Association Arizona Farm Bureau Arizona Cattle Growers’ Assoc Alpine Habitat Partnership Comm Winslow HPC Show Low HPC National Turtle/Tortoise Society, AZ Springerville HPC Phoenix Zoo, AZ Zoological Assoc Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum Desert Botanical Garden Forage Resources Study Group Coconino Nat Res Cons District Flagstaff HPC Williams HPC Fredonia HPC Kingman HPC Prescott HPC Ducks Unlimited, local chapters Valley Longbeards, NWTF Phoenix Arizona Desert Gobblers, NWTF Nat’l Wild Turkey Fed, Tucson Nat’l Wild Turkey Fed, Glendale Nat’l Wild Turkey Fed, State Chap TWS Chapter, AZ State University TWS Chapter, N Arizona University TWS Chapter, University of Arizona AZ State University Life Sciences Univ of AZ Desert SW Cooperative Northern AZ Univ Biological Sciences Prescott College Grand Canyon University Payson Natural Resources Comm Southwest AZ HPC Southeastern AZ HPC Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 572 APPENDIX D. ECOREGION WORKSGROUP PARTICIPANTS Participants at Ecoregion Workgroups in 2004-2005. Name Agency Linda Allison* Joyce Francis* Jeff Sorensen* Joan Scott* Dennis Darr Tom Hildebrandt Sharen Adams Dave Dorum Jeff Pebworth Lin Piest* Sabra Schwartz Tony Robinson Scott Blackman Rob Magill Troy Corman Rob Bettaso Amanda Hervatin Trina Hedrick Jeremy Voeltz Deb O’Neill Bill Van Pelt Angie McIntire Roy Averill-Murray Kim Field Darren Bolen Dan Cox Gene Sturla Ric Bradford Rebecca Davidson Kelly Huckins Evelyn Erlandsen Sal Palazzolo Josh Avey MariAnn Koloszar Tom Cadden Tice Supplee Mike Ingraldi Todd Pringle Kirk Young Mike Rabe Kevin Bergersen Dale Turner* Carolyn Enquist Siobham Nordhaugen Melissa Maiefski AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD AGFD TNC TNC ADOT ADOT AHN X Threat Assessment Teams AHS AZNM CP MD X X X X X X X X X X X SD X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Species Criteria X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Conservation Actions X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 573 APPENDIX D. ECOREGION WORKGROUP PARTICIPANTS (CONTINUED) Name Agency Larry Laing NPS Josh Tiaz USFS Sheridan Stone DOD Tom Skinner USFS Patti Spindler ADEQ Carol Beardmore* USFWS Frank Toupel* NRCS Heidi Kuska* BLM Mike Ross* USFS Steve Smarick* NRCS John Morgart* USFWS JT Hess* DOD Heidi Plank* BLM Mark Howell* BLM Ron Kearns* USFWS Bill Noble USFS Steve Mitchelson NPS Addison Mohler Hualapai Annette Morgan Hualapai Bruce Higgins USFS Pat Thompson NPS Brian Dykstra USFS Deb Bumpus USFS Jim Copeland USFS Bob Csargo USFS Cathy Taylor USFS Henry Provew USFS Doug Powers BLM Chris Bates BLM Tim Hughes BLM Ted Cordery BLM Bill Grossi BLM Rick Toomey ASP Joanne Roberts ASP Sari Neumeyer AZ-DEMA Bill Werner ADWR David Bergman USDA-WS Mike Martinez USFWS * International Border Issues Group AHN Threat Assessment Teams AHS AZNM CP MD X X X X X X X X X SD Species Criteria Conservation Actions X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 574 APPENDIX E. CWCS SCIENTIFIC REVIEWERS The following individuals participated as volunteer reviewers of draft components for Arizona’s CWCS in April and May 2005 (listed alphabetically): • • • • • • • • • Dr Paul Beier, Professor. Northern Arizona University, School of Forestry Dr Phil Fernandez, Professor. Grand Canyon University, Biological Sciences Rich Glinski, Park Supervisor. Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Program Trevor Hare, Conservation Biologist. Sky Islands Alliance Sherry Ruther, Environmental Planning Manager, Pima County (Sonora Desert Conservation Plan—Scientific Technical Team Member) Tice Supplee, Director of Bird Conservation. Audubon Arizona Dr Mitchel White, Forest Rangeland Ecologist, USFS Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Scott Wilbur, Important Bird Area Coordinator. Audubon Arizona Marilyn Ethelbah, Environmental Engineer, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Cultural and Environmental Service Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 575 APPENDIX F. MASTER SPECIES LIST FOR THE APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH ECOREGION Distribution within the ecoregion, associated confidence in assigning distribution, and species status in 4 categories. See “Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1)” for how species were included on the list, Table 11 for “Distribution Confidence” scoring, and Appendix L for criteria used to assign “Species Status” scores. Species status Distribution by habitat type Barred Tiger Salamander Arizona Tiger Salamander Great Plains Toad Arizona Toad Red-spotted Toad x 3 3 x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x Rocky Mountain Toad Western Barking Frog Canyon Treefrog Mountain Treefrog Western Chorus Frog American Bullfrog x x x x x x x 3 x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Chiricahua Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog Lowland Leopard Frog Mexican Spadefoot Cooper's Hawk 2 2 2 x x x x x x x x x Northern Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Spotted Sandpiper Clark's Grebe 1 Western Grebe Northern Saw-whet Owl White-throated Swift 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status Rana chiricahuensis Rana pipiens Rana yavapaiensis Spea multiplicata Accipiter cooperii Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Accipiter striatus Actitis macularius Aechmophorus clarkii Aechmophorus occidentalis Aegolius acadicus Aeronautes saxatalis Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum Bufo cognatus Bufo microscaphus Bufo punctatus Bufo woodhousii woodhousi Eleutherodactylus augusti cactorum Hyla arenicolor Hyla wrightorum Pseudacris triseriata Rana catesbeiana 3 3 x x 2 1 1c x 3 2 2 x 1 2 1b x 3 1 2 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 2 2 3 3 2 1b x x 2 1 1c x x 1 2 1c x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 3 x x x 1 2 1a x x x 1 2 1b x x x 1 3 1b x x 3 2 2 x x x 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x 2 2 3 3 1 1b 1 3 1 3 1 1b 3 2 2 3 x x x x 3 1 1c x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 2 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 576 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Aimophila ruficeps Aix sponsa Alectoris chukar Ammodramus bairdii Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Amphispiza belli Amphispiza bilineata Anas acuta Anas americana Anas clypeata Anas crecca Anas cyanoptera Anas discors Anas platyrhynchos Anas strepera Anthus rubescens Anthus spragueii Aphelocoma californica Aphelocoma ultramarina Aquila chrysaetos Archilochus alexandri Ardea alba Ardea herodias Asio otus Athene cunicularia hypugaea Auriparus flaviceps Aythya affinis Aythya americana Red-winged Blackbird Cassin's Sparrow Rufous-crowned Sparrow Wood Duck Chukar Baird's Sparrow Western Grasshopper Sparrow Sage Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow Northern Pintail American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Green-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Blue-winged Teal Mallard Gadwall American Pipit Sprague's Pipit Western Scrub-Jay Mexican Jay Golden Eagle Black-chinned Hummingbird Great Egret Great Blue Heron Long-eared Owl Western Burrowing Owl Verdin Lesser Scaup Redhead x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 2 3 x 3 1 3 x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 3 3 1 1b 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1b 2 3 1c 1c 1c 2 3 1c 3 3 1c 1b 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x 3 x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 2 3 1b 2 2 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 3 3 1 2 1 2 3 3 2 2 2 1 x x x 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 1 2 x Unknown Status Agelaius phoeniceus Aimophila cassinii Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 577 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Calcarius ornatus Calidris minutilla Callipepla gambelii Callipepla squamata Calypte anna Calypte costae Camptostoma imberbe Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Caprimulgus vociferus Cardellina rubrifrons Cardinalis cardinalis Carduelis pinus Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus cassinii Ring-necked Duck Canvasback Juniper Titmouse Bridled Titmouse American Bittern Canada Goose Great Horned Owl Cattle Egret Zone-tailed Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Swainson's Hawk Common Black-Hawk Green Heron Lark Bunting McCown's Longspur Chestnut-collared Longspur Least Sandpiper Gambel's Quail Scaled Quail Anna's Hummingbird Costa's Hummingbird Northern BeardlessTyrannulet Cactus Wren Whip-poor-will Red-faced Warbler Northern Cardinal Pine Siskin Lesser Goldfinch Cassin's Finch 2 x x x x x 4 2 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x 1 x x 2 x x x 2 x x x x x x 3 1 x x x x 3 1 x x x x 3 2 x x x x x 3 2 x x x x 3 1 x x x x 3 1 x x x x x x 2 2 x x x x 3 2 x x x x x 3 1 x x x x x x 3 2 x x 2 1 x 3 1 x x x x 2 1 x x x x 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status Aythya collaris Aythya valisineria Baeolophus ridgwayi Baeolophus wollweberi Botaurus lentiginosus Branta canadensis Bubo virginianus Bubulcus ibis Buteo albonotatus Buteo jamaicensis Buteo regalis Buteo swainsoni Buteogallus anthracinus Butorides virescens Calamospiza melanocorys Calcarius mccownii Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName 2 1c 3 3 1b 1c 3 1c 2 3 1b 2 1b 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 1 1c 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 2 1 2 3 2 2 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 1c 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 3 1 1 2 2 1 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 578 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type House Finch Turkey Vulture Hermit Thrush Swainson's Thrush Canyon Wren Brown Creeper Belted Kingfisher x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 2 Western Snowy Plover Killdeer Snow Goose Ross's Goose Lark Sparrow Lesser Nighthawk Common Nighthawk American Dipper Northern Harrier Marsh Wren 1 Evening Grosbeak Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Northern Flicker Rock Pigeon Inca Dove Olive-sided Flycatcher Greater Pewee Western Wood-Pewee American Crow Common Raven Chihuahuan Raven Steller's Jay Montezuma Quail x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 x x x x 1 3 3 2 1b 3 3 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x 3 2 1b x x x x 3 1 3 x x x 3 1 2 x x x 3 1 2 x x x 3 1 3 x x x x x 3 1 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 x x 2 1 1c x x x x x 2 1 1c x x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x 3 x x x x 3 x x x 3 x 3 x x x 3 x x x x 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Unknown Status Carpodacus mexicanus Cathartes aura Catharus guttatus Catharus ustulatus Catherpes mexicanus Certhia americana Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Charadrius vociferus Chen caerulescens Chen rossii Chondestes grammacus Chordeiles acutipennis Chordeiles minor Cinclus mexicanus Circus cyaneus Cistothorus palustris Coccothraustes vespertinus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Colaptes auratus Columba livia Columbina inca Contopus cooperi Contopus pertinax Contopus sordidulus Corvus brachyrhynchos Corvus corax Corvus cryptoleucus Cyanocitta stelleri Cyrtonyx montezumae Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName Species status x x x x x x 3 1 1c x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1a 3 3 3 1b 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 x x x 2 1 x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x 3 2 x x x 3 1 x 3 1 x x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x x 3 1 3 1 x x x x x x x 3 1 x x x x x 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 3 3 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 579 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Dendroica nigrescens Dendroica petechia Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Empidonax oberholseri Empidonax occidentalis Empidonax traillii extimus Empidonax wrightii Eremophila alpestris Eugenes fulgens Euphagus cyanocephalus Falco mexicanus Falco peregrinus Falco peregrinus anatum Falco sparverius Fulica americana Gallinago delicata Gallinula chloropus Geococcyx californianus Geothlypis trichas Glaucidium gnoma californicum Grus canadensis Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Haliaeetus leucocephalus 1 x x 3 2 1b x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 x x x x x x x 3 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 x x x x x x x 1 1 1a 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 1 3 2 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 1 1c x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Pinyon Jay x x x x x 1 x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 1b 1 1b 1 2 1 3 Northern Pygmy-0wl Sandhill Crane Bald Eagle x x x x x x Unknown Status Dendrocygna autumnalis Dendroica coronata Dendroica graciae Common Name Black-bellied WhistlingDuck Yellow-rumped Warbler Grace's Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler Yellow Warbler Gray Catbird Snowy Egret Dusky Flycatcher Cordilleran Flycatcher Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Gray Flycatcher Horned Lark Magnificent Hummingbird Brewer's Blackbird Prairie Falcon Peregrine Falcon American Peregrine Falcon American Kestrel American Coot Wilson's Snipe Common Moorhen Greater Roadrunner Common Yellowthroat Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1b 1 3 2 2 1 1c 2 2 2 2 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 2 2 x x x 3 1 2 2 3 x x 2 3 x x x 1 2 1a 3 3 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 580 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Myiarchus tuberculifer Myiarchus tyrannulus Myioborus pictus Black-necked Stilt Barn Swallow Yellow-breasted Chat Bullock's Oriole Hooded Oriole Scott's Oriole Mississippi Kite x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 1b 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 Western Least Bittern Dark-eyed Junco Yellow-eyed Junco Loggerhead Shrike x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 2 2 1 2 3 1c 1 2 3 3 3 3 Long-billed Dowitcher Red Crossbill Western Screech-Owl Acorn Woodpecker Lewis's Woodpecker Gila Woodpecker x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 x x 3 2 2 x x x x 3 2 3 x x x x 3 2 3 x x 3 2 1c x x x 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 Merriam's Turkey Lincoln's Sparrow Song Sparrow Common Merganser Elf Owl Northern Mockingbird Bronzed Cowbird Brown-headed Cowbird Townsend's Solitaire Ash-throated Flycatcher Dusky-capped Flycatcher Brown-crested Flycatcher Painted Redstart 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status Himantopus mexicanus Hirundo rustica Icteria virens Icterus bullockii Icterus cucullatus Icterus parisorum Ictinia mississippiensis Ixobrychus exilis hesperis Junco hyemalis Junco phaeonotus Lanius ludovicianus Limnodromus scolopaceus Loxia curvirostra Megascops kennicottii Melanerpes formicivorus Melanerpes lewis Melanerpes uropygialis Meleagris gallopavo merriami Melospiza lincolnii Melospiza melodia Mergus merganser Micrathene whitneyi Mimus polyglottos Molothrus aeneus Molothrus ater Myadestes townsendi Myiarchus cinerascens Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1c 2 1c 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 2 x x x x x 3 1 2 3 3 x x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 581 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Picoides dorsalis Picoides pubescens 1 1 1 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x Savannah Sparrow Lazuli Bunting Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Band-tailed Pigeon 1 Cliff Swallow Olive Warbler Phainopepla Double-crested Cormorant Neotropic Cormorant Common Poorwill Ring-necked Pheasant Black-headed Grosbeak American Three-toed Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker x x 3 2 1c x x x 3 1 1c x x x 3 1 2 3 3 1 x x x 3 1 x x x 3 1 3 1 x 3 1 x x x 3 1 x x x 3 1 x 2 2 3 3 2 1c 1b 2 2 1b 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1c 1 2 1 3 1 1c 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 2 x x x x 3 x x x x x x 3 American White Pelican x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x x 3 1 2 x 3 2 2 x x x 3 2 2 3 3 3 x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x 3 2 2 3 1 2 x 3 3 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 x x x Unknown Status Nycticorax nycticorax Oporornis tolmiei Oreoscoptes montanus Otus flammeolus Oxyura jamaicensis Pandion haliaetus Parabuteo unicinctus Passer domesticus Passerculus sandwichensis Passerina amoena Passerina caerulea Passerina cyanea Patagioenas fasciata Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Peucedramus taeniatus Phainopepla nitens Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus Phalacrocorax brasilianus Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Phasianus colchicus Pheucticus melanocephalus Common Name Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Clark's Nutcracker Long-billed Curlew Black-crowned NightHeron MacGillivray's Warbler Sage Thrasher Flammulated Owl Ruddy Duck Osprey Harris's Hawk House Sparrow Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName Myiodynastes luteiventris Nucifraga columbiana Numenius americanus x x x 3 1 3 3 3 2 1b 3 2 1c 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 582 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Selasphorus platycercus Sialia currucoides Sialia mexicana x x x x x x x x x 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x 3 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x 3 x x x 3 x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x 3 x x x 3 3 3 x x x 3 x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 Unknown Status Picoides scalaris Picoides villosus Pinicola enucleator Pipilo aberti Pipilo chlorurus Pipilo fuscus Pipilo maculatus Piranga flava Piranga ludoviciana Piranga rubra Plegadis chihi Podiceps nigricollis Podilymbus podiceps Poecile gambeli Polioptila caerulea Polioptila melanura Pooecetes gramineus Porzana carolina Progne subis arboricola Psaltriparus minimus Pyrocephalus rubinus Quiscalus mexicanus Rallus limicola Recurvirostra americana Regulus calendula Regulus satrapa Salpinctes obsoletus Sayornis nigricans Sayornis saya Common Name Ladder-backed Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Pine Grosbeak Abert's Towhee Green-tailed Towhee Canyon Towhee Spotted Towhee Hepatic Tanager Western Tanager Summer Tanager White-faced Ibis Eared Grebe Pied-billed Grebe Mountain Chickadee Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Vesper Sparrow Sora Western Purple Martin Bushtit Vermilion Flycatcher Great-tailed Grackle Virginia Rail American Avocet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Rock Wren Black Phoebe Say's Phoebe Broad-tailed Hummingbird Mountain Bluebird Western Bluebird Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName Species status 2 2 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 3 1b 2 1c 3 3 2 3 2 2 1c 3 3 3 3 2 2 1b 2 2 2 2 1c 1c 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x x 3 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 583 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Sitta canadensis Sitta carolinensis Sitta pygmaea Sphyrapicus nuchalis Sphyrapicus thyroideus Spizella atrogularis Spizella breweri Spizella passerina Stelgidopteryx serripennis Streptopelia decaocto Strix occidentalis lucida Sturnella magna Sturnella neglecta Sturnus vulgaris Tachycineta bicolor Tachycineta thalassina Thryomanes bewickii Toxostoma bendirei Toxostoma crissale Toxostoma curvirostre Tringa melanoleuca Troglodytes aedon Troglodytes troglodytes Turdus migratorius Tyrannus verticalis Tyrannus vociferans Tyto alba Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Pygmy Nuthatch Red-naped Sapsucker Williamson's Sapsucker Black-chinned Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Eurasian Collared-Dove Mexican Spotted Owl Eastern Meadowlark Western Meadowlark European Starling Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Bewick's Wren Bendire's Thrasher Crissal Thrasher Curve-billed Thrasher Greater Yellowlegs House Wren Winter Wren American Robin Western Kingbird Cassin's Kingbird Barn Owl Orange-crowned Warbler Lucy's Warbler Virginia's Warbler Arizona Bell's Vireo Warbling Vireo Vermivora celata Vermivora luciae Vermivora virginiae Vireo bellii arizonae Vireo gilvus x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName x x 3 x x 3 3 x x 3 x x 3 3 x x 3 x x 3 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 3 2 1b 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 x x 2 x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 1 3 2 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 1a 2 2 3 1c 2 3 2 3 3 2 3 1c 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1c 1 3 1 2 1 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 584 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Hutton's Vireo Plumbeous Vireo Gray Vireo Yellow-headed Blackbird White-winged Dove Mourning Dove White-crowned Sparrow Longfin Dace Rock Bass Goldfish Desert Sucker Sonora Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker Grass Carp Desert Pupfish Common Carp Threadfin Shad Mosquitofish Bonytail Gila Chub Headwater Chub Roundtail Chub Black Bullhead Yellow Bullhead Channel Catfish Green Sunfish Warmouth Bluegill Redear Sunfish Spikedace Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 x x x 3 1 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x 1 x 1 x 1 x x x x x x 1 1 1 1 x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 x 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 1c 1b 3 3 1b 1b 1a 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1a 3 3 3 1a 1a 1b 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1a 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 1 x x x x x x Unknown Status Vireo huttoni Vireo plumbeus Vireo vicinior Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Zenaida asiatica Zenaida macroura Zonotrichia leucophrys Agosia chrysogaster Ambloplites rupestris Carassius auratus Catostomus clarki Catostomus insignis Catostomus latipinnis Ctenopharyngodon idella Cyprinodon macularius Cyprinus carpio Dorosoma petenense Gambusia affinis Gila elegans Gila intermedia Gila nigra Gila robusta Ictalurus melas Ictalurus natalis Ictalurus punctatus Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis gulosus Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis microlophus Meda fulgida Micropterus dolomieu Micropterus salmoides Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 585 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Artemia franciscana Biomphalaria havanensis Branchinecta kaibabensis Cyzicus mexicanus Cyzicus setosa Eocyzicus digueti Eubranchipus bundyi Eubranchipus serratus Red Shiner Cutthroat Trout x x Apache (Arizona) Trout Gila Trout Rainbow Trout Fathead Minnow x x 3 3 x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 x x 1 1 1a 3 1 x 2 1 1a x x 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x Woundfin 1 x Gila Topminnow Black Crappie Colorado Pikeminnow Flathead Catfish Speckled Dace Brown Trout Brook Trout Walleye Loach Minnow Tilapia Razorback Sucker California Floater San Francisco Brine Shrimp 1 x x x x x x x x Ghost Rams-horn Kaibab Fairy Shrimp Mexican Clam Shrimp Bristletail Clam Shrimp Straightbacked Clam Shrimp Knobbedlip Fairy Shrimp Ethologist Fairy Shrimp x 1 x 1 x x x 3 1 1a 3 2 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 1 1 1a 3 1a 3 1b 3 3 3 1a 3 1a 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 2 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 2 2 x x x x x 1 x 1 4 x x x x x x x Unknown Status Notropis lutrensis Oncorhynchus clarki Oncorhynchus gilae apache Oncorhynchus gilae gilae Oncorhynchus mykiss Pimephales promelas Plagopterus argentissimus Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis Pomoxis nigromaculatus Ptychocheilus lucius Pylodictis olivaris Rhinichthys osculus Salmo trutta Salvelinus fontinalis Stizostedion vitreum Tiaroga cobitis Tilapia sp. Xyrauchen texanus Anodonta californiensis Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 586 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Eulimnadia cylindrova Eulimnadia texana Ferrissia fragilis Ferrissia rivularis Fossaria dalli Fossaria modicella Fossaria obrussa Fossaria parva Fossaria techella Helisoma anceps Helix aspersa Leptestheria compleximanus Lynceus brachyurus Lynceus brevifrons Orconectes virilis Oreohelix yavapai Oreohelix yavapai cummingsi Otala lactea Physella humerosa Physella osculans Physella virgata Planorbella tenuis Procambarus clarkii Promenetus exacuous Pyrgulopsis glandulosa Pyrgulopsis montezumensis Pyrgulopsis morrisoni Pyrgulopsis simplex Fuzzy Cyst Clam Shrimp Cylindrical Cyst Clam Shrimp Texan Clam Shrimp Fragile Ancylid Creeping Ancylid Dusky Fossaria Rock Fossaria Golden Fossaria Pygmy Fossaria A Freshwater Snail Two-ridge Rams-horn Brown Gardensnail Spineynose Clam Shrimp Holarctic Clam Shrimp Short Finger Clam Shrimp Virile Crayfish Yavapai Mountain Snail x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 4 Milk Snail Corkscrew Physa Cayuse Physa Protean Physa Mexican Rams-horn Red Swamp Crawfish Sharp Sprite (A Planorbid Snail) Verde Rim Springsnail Montezuma Well Springsnail Page Springsnail Fossil Springsnail x Unknown Status Eulimnadia antlei Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 1b 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 x 1 1 1b 2 3 1 2 3 x x x 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1b 1 1 1a 1 1 1b Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 587 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Streptocephalus mackini Streptocephalus sealii Streptocephalus texanus Thamnocephalus mexicanus Thamnocephalus platyurus Triops longicaudatus Triops newberryi Vertigo berryi Vitrina pellucida Vitrina pellucida alaskana Ammospermophilus harrisii Antilocapra americana americana Antrozous pallidus Bassariscus astutus Canis latrans Castor canadensis Cervus elaphus nelsoni Chaetodipus baileyi Chaetodipus hispidus Chaetodipus intermedius Clethrionomys gapperi Conepatus leuconotus leuconotus Brown Springsnail Big-eared Radix New Mexico Fairy Shrimp Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Shrimp Spinytail Fairy Shrimp Greater Plains Fairy Shrimp Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Longtail Tadpole Shrimp Desert Tadpole Shrimp Rotund Vertigo Western Glass Snail 2 x x x Harris' Antelope Squirrel 3 2 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x 3 3 3 3 3 x x 3 3 4 x x x x x x x x x x x x x America Pronghorn Pallid Bat Ringtail Coyote American Beaver Rocky Mountain Elk Bailey's Pocket Mouse Hispid Pocket Mouse Rock Pocket Mouse Southern Red-backed Vole 1 x x 1 x x x x x 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x 1 1 x x x 1 x x 1 x 1 x x Hog-nosed Skunk 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 x x x x Western Glass Snail 1 1 1b 3 3 3 Unknown Status Pyrgulopsis sola Radix auricularia Streptocephalus dorothae Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 1c 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 1 2 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 1c 3 2 3 1c 2 3 1c 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 1 2 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 588 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Macrotus californicus Mephitis macroura Mephitis mephitis Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis Microtus mexicanus mogollonensis Mustela nigripes Myotis auriculus Myotis californicus Myotis ciliolabrum Myotis evotis x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x 1 x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x 3 2 1a 2 2 2 1 3 3 3 3 1 x 2 1 2 3 x x x 3 2 1b 3 3 x 2 2 1b 2 3 3 x x 3 2 2 3 3 1 x x x x 2 1b 2 1b 3 1 3 1 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Silver-haired Bat Western Red Bat Hoary Bat Western Yellow Bat Black-tailed Jackrabbit x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x Southeastern River Otter Bobcat California Leaf-nosed Bat Hooded Skunk Striped Skunk 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 2 3 3 1 1 x x x x x 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 1b x x x 2 2 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 3 3 Hualapai Mexican Vole 1 1 1 1a 3 Mogollon Vole Black-footed Ferret Southwestern Myotis California Myotis Western Small-footed Myotis Long-eared Myotis x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 2 Unknown Status Erethizon dorsatum Euderma maculatum Eumops perotis californicus Eutamias dorsalis Idionycteris phyllotis Lasionycteris noctivagans Lasiurus blossevillii Lasiurus cinereus Lasiurus xanthinus Lepus californicus Lutra canadensis lataxina Lynx rufus Common Name Pale Townsend's Bigeared Bat Gunnison's Prairie Dog Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Ord's Kangaroo Rat Big Brown Bat North American Porcupine Spotted Bat Greater Western Mastiff Bat Cliff Chipmunk Allen's Big-eared Bat Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Cynomys gunnisoni Dipodomys merriami Dipodomys ordii Eptesicus fuscus 1 1 x x 2 x x 1 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 2 2 1c 1a 3 1c 3 3 1 3 x x 3 2 2 x x 3 2 2 3 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 589 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Neotoma albigula Neotoma mexicana Neotoma stephensi Notiosorex crawfordi Nyctinomops femorosaccus Nyctinomops macrotis Odocoileus hemionus crooki Odocoileus hemionus hemionous Odocoileus virginianus couesi Ondatra zibethicus Onychomys leucogaster Onychomys torridus Ovis canadensis canadensis Ovis canadensis mexicana Panthera onca Perognathus amplus Perognathus flavus Perognathus flavus goodpasteri Peromyscus boylii Peromyscus eremicus Arizona Myotis Fringed Myotis Cave Myotis Long-legged Myotis Yuma Myotis White-nosed Coati Western White-throated Woodrat Mexican Woodrat Stephen's Woodrat Crawford's Desert Shrew Pocketed Free-tailed Bat Big Free-tailed Bat 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x 1 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 x x 2 2 2 x x x 2 2 1b 1 3 x x 2 2 2 1 x 3 2 2 3 x x x 2 2 2 x x 2 1 1c 3 3 3 2 2 1 3 2 2 1 x x 2 2 1c 3 x x 2 1 1 3 1b 1a 3 2 3 3 1 1 1 2 1b 3 1 3 3 2 3 3 1 1 x x x x x x x x x 1 Desert Mule Deer Rocky Mountain Mule Deer 1 x x x x x Coues whitetail deer Common Muskrat Northern Grasshopper Mouse Southern Grasshopper Mouse Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep 1 x 1 Desert Bighorn Sheep Jaguar Arizona Pocket Mouse Silky Pocket Mouse Springerville Pocket Mouse Brush Mouse Cactus Mouse 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status Myotis occultus Myotis thysanodes Myotis velifer Myotis volans Myotis yumanensis Nasua nasua Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName 2 1 2 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 590 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type White-footed Mouse Deer Mouse Pinon Mouse Western Pipistrelle Raccoon Mountain Lion x 1 x Western Harvest Mouse 1 x Western Harvest Mouse 1 Plains Harvest Mouse Abert's Squirrel Arizona Gray Squirrel Arizona Cotton Rat Yavapai Arizona Cotton Rat Arizona Shrew Dusky Shrew Spotted Ground Squirrel Round-tailed Ground Squirrel Rock Squirrel Western Spotted Skunk Desert Cottontail Eastern Cottontail Mexican Free-tailed Bat American Badger Collared Peccary Botta's Pocket Gopher Pocket Gohper Common Gray Fox x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x 1 x x 1 x x x x x x 3 3 3 1c 3 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 x x x x x 3 1 3 1 x 2 1 3 1 3 2 2 x 3 2 3 x x 1 2 1c 1 3 3 1 2 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 1 x x 1 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x 3 2 1 2 2 2 1 Unknown Status Peromyscus leucopus Peromyscus maniculatus Peromyscus truei Pipistrellus hesperus Procyon lotor Puma concolor Reithrodontomys megalotis Reithrodontomys megalotis megalotis Reithrodontomys montanus Sciurus aberti Sciurus arizonensis Sigmodon arizonae cienegae Sigmodon arizonae jacksoni Sorex arizonae Sorex monticolus Spermophilus spilosoma Spermophilus tereticaudus Spermophilus variegatus Spilogale gracilis Sylvilagus audubonii Sylvilagus floridanus Tadarida brasiliensis Taxidea taxus Tayassau tajacu Thomomys bottae Thomomys bottae desertorum Urocyon cinereoargenteus Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName 1 x x 1 x x 3 3 2 2 3 1 1b 1b 3 1c 3 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 2 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 1c 2 2 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 1 2 2 3 1 3 2 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 591 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Zapus hudsonius luteus Apalone spinifera Arizona elegans noctivaga Aspidoscelis flagellicauda Aspidoscelis pai Aspidoscelis tigris Aspidoscelis uniparens Aspidoscelis velox Callisaurus draconoides Charina trivirgata gracia Coleonyx variegatus bogerti Coleonyx variegatus variegatus Cophosaurus texanus scitulus Crotalus atrox Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus Crotalus molossus molussus Crotalus oreganus cerberus Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus Crotalus tigris Crotaphytus bicinctores Crotaphytus collaris American Black Bear New Mexican Jumping Mouse Spiny Softshell 1 x x x x x x x 1 x Arizona Glossy Snake x x x x x x x Gila Spotted Whiptail Pai Striped Whiptail Tiger Whiptail Desert Grassland Whiptail Plateau Striped Whiptail Zebra-tailed Lizard x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Desert Rosy Boa Unknown Status Ursus americanus Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName x x 1 2 3 3 x x 1 2 1b x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 2 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1c 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x x 1 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x Desert Banded Gecko Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake Arizona Black Rattlesnake Northern Mohave Rattlesnake Tiger Rattlesnake Great Basin Collared Lizard Eastern Collared Lizard x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Tucson Banded Gecko x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 592 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Gyalopion canum Heloderma suspectum cinctum Heloderma suspectum suspectum Holbrookia maculata approximans Hypsiglena torquata chlorophaea Kinosternon sonoriense sonoriense Lampropeltis getula californiae Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana Masticophis bilineatus Masticophis flagellum piceus Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus Phrynosoma hernandesi hernandesi Northern Desert Iguana Arizona Alligator Lizard Western Red-tailed Skink x Variable Skink Great Plains Skink Long-nosed Leopard Lizard Sonoran Desert Tortoise Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake 3 2 3 2 x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x 1 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 2 2 1b 3 3 3 2 1 1 x x x 3 Reticulate Gila Monster x x x x Speckled Earless Lizard x x x x x x 1 3 2 3 x x x x 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 1 1c 3 2 3 3 3 x x 1 3 x x x 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 1c 3 x x Sonoran Nightsnake x x x x x x x 2 x California Kingsnake Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Sonoran Whipsnake Red Racer Desert Striped Whipsnake Hernandez's (Greater) Short-horned Lizard x x x x x x x Banded Gila Monster Sonora Mud Turtle x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 Unknown Status Gambelia wislizenii Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Common Name Regal Ring-necked Snake Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName Diadophis punctatus regalis Dipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalis Elgaria kingii nobilis Eumeces gilberti rubricaudata Eumeces multivirgatus epipluerotus Eumeces obsoletus x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 593 APPENDIX F. APACHE HIGHLANDS NORTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Salvadora grahamiae Salvadora hexalepis hexalepis Sceloporus clarkii Sceloporus tristichus Sonora semiannulata semiannulata Tantilla hobartsmithi Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis Thamnophis elegans vagrans Thamnophis eques megalops Thamnophis rufipunctatus Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda Urosaurus ornatus Uta stansburiana Xantusia arizonae Xantusia bezyi Regal Horned Lizard Sonoran Gophersnake Western Long-nosed Snake Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Desert Patch-nosed Snake Clark's Spiny Lizard Plateau Lizard Variable Groundsnake Smith's Black-headed Snake Western Black-necked Gartersnake Wandering Gartersnake Northern Mexican Gartersnake Narrow-headed Gartersnake Western Lyresnake Ornate Tree Lizard Common Side-blotched Lizard Arizona Night Lizard Bezy's Night Lizard x 2 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x 3 3 3 2 3 3 1c 3 x x x x x x x 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 x x 3 3 3 3 2 3 1c 3 x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x 2 2 1b 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 Unknown Status Phrynosoma solare Pituophis catenifer affinis Rhinocheilus lecontei lecontei Common Name Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative ScientificName x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 1b 3 3 x x x 3 2 x 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 3 1c 1 3 1c 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 594 APPENDIX G. MASTER SEPCIES LIST FOR THE APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH ECOREGION Distribution within the ecoregion, associated confidence in assigning distribution, and species status in 4 categories. See “Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1)” for how species were included on the list, Table 11 for “Distribution Confidence” scoring, and Appendix L for criteria used to assign “Species Status” scores. Species status Distribution by habitat type Rana chiricahuensis Rana subaquavocalis Rana tarahumarae Rana yavapaiensis Scaphiopus couchii 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x x Rocky Mountain Toad Western Barking Frog Great Plains Narrowmouthed Toad Canyon Treefrog Mountain Treefrog Lowland Burrowing Treefrog Plains Leopard Frog American Bullfrog Chiricahua Leopard Frog Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Tarahumara Frog Lowland Leopard Frog Couch's Spadefoot x 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 1a 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 1 x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x x 2 x x 2 2 1 x x x x x x 1 2 3 3 3 2 Unknown Status Pternohyla fodiens Rana blairi Rana catesbeiana x Vulnerability Gastrophryne olivacea Hyla arenicolor Hyla wrightorum Common Name Barred Tiger Salamander Sonoran Tiger Salamander Sonoran Desert Toad Great Plains Toad Western Green Toad Red-spotted Toad Sonoran Green Toad Southwestern Woodhouse's Toad Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi Bufo alvarius Bufo cognatus Bufo debilis insidior Bufo punctatus Bufo retiformis Bufo woodhousii australis Bufo woodhousii woodhousi Eleutherodactylus augusti cactorum x x x x 3 2 1b 3 x x x x x x 3 2 1b 3 2 1 1c 3 1 2 1c 3 x x x 2 2 1b 3 3 2 1b 3 3 3 3 3 x x 1 2 1a 3 x 2 x x x x 1 x 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 1 3 2 1b 3 3 1b 3 3 1b 3 1 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 595 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Unknown Status Amazilia violiceps Ammodramus bairdii Ammodramus savannarum ammolegus Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Amphispiza belli Amphispiza bilineata Anas acuta Anas americana Anas clypeata Vulnerability Aimophila ruficeps Aix sponsa Common Name Plains Spadefoot Mexican Spadefoot Cooper's Hawk Apache Northern Goshawk Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Spea bombifrons Spea multiplicata Accipiter cooperii Accipiter gentilis apache Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Accipiter striatus Actitis macularius Aechmophorus clarkii Aechmophorus occidentalis Aegolius acadicus Aeronautes saxatalis Agelaius phoeniceus Aimophila botterii Aimophila carpalis Aimophila cassinii Aimophila quinquestriata x x x x 3 1 x x x x x x x x 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x 2 1 1b 3 Northern Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Spotted Sandpiper Clark's Grebe 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 3 3 1 1b 3 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 1b 3 Western Grebe Northern Saw-whet Owl White-throated Swift Red-winged Blackbird Botteri's Sparrow Rufous-winged Sparrow Cassin's Sparrow 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1c 3 2 3 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1b 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 Five-striped Sparrow Rufous-crowned Sparrow Wood Duck Violet-crowned Hummingbird Baird's Sparrow Arizona Grasshopper Sparrow Western Grasshopper Sparrow Sage Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow Northern Pintail American Wigeon Northern Shoveler 2 x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x 1 2 2 x x x x x x 3 1 1b 3 3 1 1b 3 1 x x x 2 1 1b 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 2 x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x 3 3 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1b 2 3 1c 1c 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 596 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 1c 3 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 1c 3 1 1b 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x 4 2 x x x x x 1 x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status Mexican Jay Golden Eagle Black-chinned Hummingbird Great Egret Great Blue Heron Long-eared Owl Northern Gray Hawk Western Burrowing Owl Verdin Lesser Scaup Redhead Ring-necked Duck Canvasback Juniper Titmouse Bridled Titmouse American Bittern Canada Goose Great Horned Owl Cattle Egret Zone-tailed Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Swainson's Hawk 2 x x x x x x x x Vulnerability Archilochus alexandri Ardea alba Ardea herodias Asio otus Asturina nitida maxima Athene cunicularia hypugaea Auriparus flaviceps Aythya affinis Aythya americana Aythya collaris Aythya valisineria Baeolophus ridgwayi Baeolophus wollweberi Botaurus lentiginosus Branta canadensis Bubo virginianus Bubulcus ibis Buteo albonotatus Buteo jamaicensis Buteo regalis Buteo swainsoni Common Name Green-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Blue-winged Teal Mallard Gadwall American Pipit Sprague's Pipit Western Scrub-Jay Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Anas crecca Anas cyanoptera Anas discors Anas platyrhynchos Anas strepera Anthus rubescens Anthus spragueii Aphelocoma californica Aphelocoma ultramarina Aquila chrysaetos 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 2 1b 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 1 1b 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 2 2 2 1c 3 3 1b 1c 3 1c 2 3 1b 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 597 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x Unknown Status Camptostoma imberbe Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Caprimulgus ridgwayi Caprimulgus vociferus Caracara cheriway Cardellina rubrifrons Cardinalis cardinalis Cardinalis sinuatus Carduelis pinus Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus cassinii Carpodacus mexicanus Cathartes aura Catharus guttatus Catharus ustulatus Catherpes mexicanus Certhia americana Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Lark Bunting McCown's Longspur Chestnut-collared Longspur Least Sandpiper Gambel's Quail Scaled Quail Lucifer Hummingbird Anna's Hummingbird Costa's Hummingbird Northern BeardlessTyrannulet 1 Vulnerability Calcarius ornatus Calidris minutilla Callipepla gambelii Callipepla squamata Calothorax lucifer Calypte anna Calypte costae Common Name Common Black-Hawk Green Heron Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Buteogallus anthracinus Butorides virescens Calamospiza melanocorys Calcarius mccownii x x x x 2 1 1b 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 3 1 1c 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 1 x x x 3 1 3 2 x x x 3 3 2 3 3 1 2 3 x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1c 2 1b 2 3 3 2 3 1c 3 3 2 1b 3 3 1b 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 x x 2 x x x x Cactus Wren Buff-collared Nightjar Whip-poor-will Crested Caracara Red-faced Warbler Northern Cardinal Pyrrhuloxia Pine Siskin Lesser Goldfinch Cassin's Finch House Finch Turkey Vulture Hermit Thrush Swainson's Thrush Canyon Wren Brown Creeper Belted Kingfisher x x x x x 2 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x 2 Western Snowy Plover 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 3 3 x 3 x 3 3 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 x x 3 2 1b 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 598 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type 2 Evening Grosbeak Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Northern Flicker Gilded Flicker 2 x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 2 x x x x x x 2 1 1a 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x 3 2 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x 2 2 x x x 1 x x x x 2 x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1c 3 2 2 1c 3 3 3 1c 1c 1c Unknown Status Mountain Plover Killdeer Snow Goose Ross's Goose Green Kingfisher Lark Sparrow Lesser Nighthawk Common Nighthawk American Dipper Northern Harrier Marsh Wren Masked Bobwhite Rock Pigeon Inca Dove Common Ground-Dove Olive-sided Flycatcher Greater Pewee Western Wood-Pewee Black Vulture American Crow Common Raven Chihuahuan Raven Steller's Jay Broad-billed Hummingbird Montezuma Quail Black-bellied Whistling-Duck x x x Vulnerability Cynanthus latirostris Cyrtonyx montezumae Dendrocygna autumnalis Common Name Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Charadrius montanus Charadrius vociferus Chen caerulescens Chen rossii Chloroceryle americana Chondestes grammacus Chordeiles acutipennis Chordeiles minor Cinclus mexicanus Circus cyaneus Cistothorus palustris Coccothraustes vespertinus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Colaptes auratus Colaptes chrysoides Colinus virginianus ridgwayi Columba livia Columbina inca Columbina passerina Contopus cooperi Contopus pertinax Contopus sordidulus Coragyps atratus Corvus brachyrhynchos Corvus corax Corvus cryptoleucus Cyanocitta stelleri 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1a 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 1 1b 3 1 2 1 1 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 3 2 x x x x 3 2 x x x 2 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x 3 2 1b 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 599 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Brewer's Blackbird Northern Aplomado Falcon Prairie Falcon Peregrine Falcon American Peregrine Falcon American Kestrel American Coot Wilson's Snipe Common Moorhen Greater Roadrunner Common Yellowthroat Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Northern Pygmy-0wl Unknown Status Eugenes fulgens Euphagus cyanocephalus Falco femoralis septentrionalis Falco mexicanus Falco peregrinus Falco peregrinus anatum Falco sparverius Fulica americana Gallinago delicata Gallinula chloropus Geococcyx californianus Geothlypis trichas Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum Glaucidium gnoma californicum Vulnerability Dendroica nigrescens Dendroica petechia Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Empidonax fulvifrons pygmaeus Empidonax oberholseri Empidonax occidentalis Empidonax traillii extimus Empidonax wrightii Eremophila alpestris Common Name Yellow-rumped Warbler Grace's Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler Yellow Warbler Gray Catbird Snowy Egret Northern Buff-breasted Flycatcher Dusky Flycatcher Cordilleran Flycatcher Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Gray Flycatcher Horned Lark Magnificent Hummingbird Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Dendroica coronata Dendroica graciae x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 x x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 1b 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x 1 x x 1 x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x 1 1 1a 3 x x x x 3 1 3 1 x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 2 3 1a 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 2 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 3 1 1b 3 1 3 2 2 2 3 1 1c 3 2 2 3 x x x x 3 2 x x x x 3 1 2 3 3 3 x x x x 2 2 1a 3 x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 600 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x Pinyon Jay Bald Eagle Black-necked Stilt Barn Swallow Yellow-breasted Chat Bullock's Oriole Hooded Oriole Scott's Oriole Mississippi Kite Western Least Bittern Dark-eyed Junco Yellow-eyed Junco Blue-throated Hummingbird Loggerhead Shrike Long-billed Dowitcher Red Crossbill Western Screech-Owl Whiskered Screech-Owl Acorn Woodpecker Lewis's Woodpecker Gila Woodpecker Merriam's Turkey Gould's Turkey Lincoln's Sparrow Song Sparrow x x x 3 3 x x x x 3 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 Unknown Status Mountain Pygmy-Owl Sandhill Crane Vulnerability Lampornis clemenciae Lanius ludovicianus Limnodromus scolopaceus Loxia curvirostra Megascops kennicottii Megascops trichopsis Melanerpes formicivorus Melanerpes lewis Melanerpes uropygialis Meleagris gallopavo merriami Meleagris gallopavo mexicana Melospiza lincolnii Melospiza melodia Common Name Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Glaucidium gnoma gnoma Grus canadensis Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Haliaeetus leucocephalus Himantopus mexicanus Hirundo rustica Icteria virens Icterus bullockii Icterus cucullatus Icterus parisorum Ictinia mississippiensis Ixobrychus exilis hesperis Junco hyemalis Junco phaeonotus 3 2 2 3 2 3 2 1a 3 2 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 3 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 3 3 2 1b 3 x x x x 2 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 1 x x x x x 3 3 1c 3 1 x x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x 1 1 x x x x x 3 x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x 3 x x x x 3 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 1c 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 1 x x x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x 3 1 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 601 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Nycticorax nycticorax Oporornis tolmiei Oreoscoptes montanus Otus flammeolus Oxyura jamaicensis Pachyramphus aglaiae Pandion haliaetus Parabuteo unicinctus Passer domesticus Passerculus sandwichensis Passerina amoena Passerina caerulea Passerina cyanea Passerina versicolor Patagioenas fasciata Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Savannah Sparrow Lazuli Bunting Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Varied Bunting Band-tailed Pigeon American White Pelican x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 3 x 3 Unknown Status Myiarchus tyrannulus Myioborus pictus Myiodynastes luteiventris Nucifraga columbiana Numenius americanus 1 Vulnerability Myiarchus tuberculifer Common Name Common Merganser Elf Owl Northern Mockingbird Bronzed Cowbird Brown-headed Cowbird Townsend's Solitaire Ash-throated Flycatcher Dusky-capped Flycatcher Brown-crested Flycatcher Painted Redstart Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Clark's Nutcracker Long-billed Curlew Black-crowned NightHeron MacGillivray's Warbler Sage Thrasher Flammulated Owl Ruddy Duck Rose-throated Becard Osprey Harris's Hawk House Sparrow Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Mergus merganser Micrathene whitneyi Mimus polyglottos Molothrus aeneus Molothrus ater Myadestes townsendi Myiarchus cinerascens 1 1c 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x 3 1 x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x 3 1 2 1 x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x 1 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x 3 3 x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 x x x x x x 1 1c 3 1 2 3 1 3 3 1 1c 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 1 2 1c 1b 2 2 1b 1b 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 602 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Polioptila nigriceps Pooecetes gramineus Neotropic Cormorant Common Poorwill Ring-necked Pheasant Black-headed Grosbeak Arizona Woodpecker Ladder-backed Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Pine Grosbeak Abert's Towhee Green-tailed Towhee Canyon Towhee Spotted Towhee Hepatic Tanager Western Tanager Summer Tanager White-faced Ibis Eared Grebe Pied-billed Grebe Mountain Chickadee Mexican Chickadee Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Black-capped Gnatcatcher Vesper Sparrow x x x x x x x 3 1 x x x x 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x 3 2 3 1 x 3 3 x x x x x x x Unknown Status Polioptila melanura Cliff Swallow Olive Warbler Phainopepla Double-crested Cormorant Vulnerability Picoides scalaris Picoides villosus Pinicola enucleator Pipilo aberti Pipilo chlorurus Pipilo fuscus Pipilo maculatus Piranga flava Piranga ludoviciana Piranga rubra Plegadis chihi Podiceps nigricollis Podilymbus podiceps Poecile gambeli Poecile sclateri Polioptila caerulea Common Name Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Peucedramus taeniatus Phainopepla nitens Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus Phalacrocorax brasilianus Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Phasianus colchicus Pheucticus melanocephalus Picoides arizonae x 2 2 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 1 x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x 3 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x 3 x 3 x x 3 x x 2 x x x x x x 2 2 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 3 1b 2 1c 3 3 2 3 2 2 1c 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1b 3 3 1 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 603 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Sitta carolinensis Sitta pygmaea Sphyrapicus nuchalis Sphyrapicus thyroideus Spizella atrogularis Spizella breweri Spizella passerina Stelgidopteryx serripennis Streptopelia decaocto Strix occidentalis lucida Unknown Status Selasphorus platycercus Sialia currucoides Sialia mexicana Sialia sialis fulva Sitta canadensis Sora Western Purple Martin Desert Purple Martin Bushtit Vermilion Flycatcher Great-tailed Grackle Virginia Rail x 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x American Avocet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 Thick-billed Parrot Rock Wren Black Phoebe Say's Phoebe Broad-tailed Hummingbird Mountain Bluebird Western Bluebird Azure Bluebird Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Pygmy Nuthatch Red-naped Sapsucker Williamson's Sapsucker Black-chinned Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Eurasian Collared-Dove Mexican Spotted Owl 1 x x x x x 3 x x 3 x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 Vulnerability Regulus satrapa Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha Salpinctes obsoletus Sayornis nigricans Sayornis saya Common Name Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Porzana carolina Progne subis arboricola Progne subis hesperia Psaltriparus minimus Pyrocephalus rubinus Quiscalus mexicanus Rallus limicola Recurvirostra americana Regulus calendula x 3 2 1c 3 x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 3 1 1b 3 1 1c 3 2 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 2 1b 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 2 1b 3 2 2 3 x 3 3 x 3 x 3 3 x 3 x 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 1 1b 3 2 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x 2 2 1a 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 604 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x 1 x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 x x x 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 1c 2 3 2 3 3 2 3 1c 1b 2 1b 1b 3 3 3 Unknown Status Vermivora celata Vermivora luciae Vermivora virginiae Vireo bellii arizonae Vireo gilvus Vireo huttoni Vireo plumbeus Vireo vicinior Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Zenaida asiatica Zenaida macroura Zonotrichia leucophrys Agosia chrysogaster x x x x x x Vulnerability Common Name Eastern Meadowlark Western Meadowlark European Starling Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Bewick's Wren Bendire's Thrasher Crissal Thrasher Curve-billed Thrasher Greater Yellowlegs House Wren Winter Wren Elegant Trogon American Robin Thick-billed Kingbird Tropical Kingbird Western Kingbird Cassin's Kingbird Barn Owl Orange-crowned Warbler Lucy's Warbler Virginia's Warbler Arizona Bell's Vireo Warbling Vireo Hutton's Vireo Plumbeous Vireo Gray Vireo Yellow-headed Blackbird White-winged Dove Mourning Dove White-crowned Sparrow Longfin Dace Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Sturnella magna Sturnella neglecta Sturnus vulgaris Tachycineta bicolor Tachycineta thalassina Thryomanes bewickii Toxostoma bendirei Toxostoma crissale Toxostoma curvirostre Tringa melanoleuca Troglodytes aedon Troglodytes troglodytes Trogon elegans Turdus migratorius Tyrannus crassirostris Tyrannus melancholicus Tyrannus verticalis Tyrannus vociferans Tyto alba 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1c 3 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 2 2 3 1 3 3 1 2 3 x x x 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1c 2 1b x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 605 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Apache (Arizona) Trout Rainbow Trout Fathead Minnow x 1 1 1b 3 x x 3 3 3 3 x 3 1 1b 3 x 1 1 1b 3 x 1 1 1b 3 x 3 1 1a 3 x 1 1 1 x x 1 1 x x x x 1 1 1 1 x x 1 x x x x 1 x x x 1 x x Unknown Status Grass Carp Beautiful Shiner Desert Pupfish Common Carp Threadfin Shad Northern Pike Mosquitofish Sonora Chub Gila Chub Yaqui Chub Roundtail Chub Black Bullhead Yellow Bullhead Yaqui Catfish Channel Catfish Green Sunfish Bluegill Redear Sunfish Spikedace Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Red Shiner 1 Vulnerability Common Name Mexican Stoneroller Goldfish Yaqui Sucker Desert Sucker Sonora Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Campostoma ornatum Carassius auratus Catostomus bernardini Catostomus clarki Catostomus insignis Catostomus latipinnis Ctenopharyngodon idella Cyprinella formosa Cyprinodon macularius Cyprinus carpio Dorosoma petenense Esox lucius Gambusia affinis Gila ditaenia Gila intermedia Gila purpurea Gila robusta Ictalurus melas Ictalurus natalis Ictalurus pricei Ictalurus punctatus Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis microlophus Meda fulgida Micropterus dolomieu Micropterus salmoides Notropis lutrensis Oncorhynchus gilae apache Oncorhynchus mykiss Pimephales promelas x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 1 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 1a 1a 3 3 3 3 1a 1a 1a 1b 3 3 1a 3 3 3 3 1a 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 1 1 1a 3 x x 3 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 606 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Eubranchipus bundyi Eubranchipus serratus Eulimnadia antlei Eulimnadia cylindrova Unknown Status Eocyzicus digueti Vulnerability Artemia franciscana Biomphalaria havanensis Branchinecta kaibabensis Cipangopaludina chinensis Cyzicus mexicanus Cyzicus setosa Drepanotrema aeruginosum Common Name Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis Poeciliopsis occidentalis sonoriensis Pomoxis nigromaculatus Ptychocheilus lucius Pylodictis olivaris Rhinichthys osculus Salmo trutta Tiaroga cobitis Tilapia sp. Xyrauchen texanus Anodonta californiensis Gila Topminnow 1 x x 2 1 1a 3 Yaqui Topminnow 1 x x 1 1 1a 3 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 4 x x x Black Crappie Colorado Pikeminnow Flathead Catfish Speckled Dace Brown Trout Loach Minnow Tilapia Razorback Sucker California Floater San Francisco Brine Shrimp Ghost Rams-horn x 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 1 3 1a 3 1b 3 1a 3 1a 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 2 x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x Kaibab Fairy Shrimp x Chinese Mysterysnail Mexican Clam Shrimp Bristletail Clam Shrimp x Rusty Rams-horn Straightbacked Clam Shrimp Knobbedlip Fairy Shrimp Ethologist Fairy Shrimp Fuzzy Cyst Clam Shrimp Cylindrical Cyst Clam Shrimp x x x 3 1 x 3 1 x 3 1 x 3 1 x 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 607 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Pyrgulopsis bernardina Pyrgulopsis thompsoni Radix auricularia Sonorella christenseni Sonorella grahamensis Sonorella imitator Sonorella macrophallus Streptocephalus dorothae x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 2 2 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 x x 3 1 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 1 1b 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x 1 1 1b 3 3 2 2 x x x x 2 2 2 2 Unknown Status Promenetus exacuous Pyrgulopsis arizonae x x x x x Vulnerability Lynceus brevifrons Orconectes virilis Oreohelix grahamensis Otala lactea Physella osculans Planorbella tenuis Procambarus clarkii Common Name Texan Clam Shrimp Fragile Ancylid Creeping Ancylid Dusky Fossaria Rock Fossaria Golden Fossaria Pygmy Fossaria A Freshwater Snail Two-ridge Rams-horn Brown Gardensnail Spineynose Clam Shrimp Holarctic Clam Shrimp Short Finger Clam Shrimp Virile Crayfish Pinaleno Mountainsnail Milk Snail Cayuse Physa Mexican Rams-horn Red Swamp Crawfish Sharp Sprite (A Planorbid Snail) Bylas Springsnail San Bernardino Springsnail Huachuca Springsnail Big-eared Radix Clark Peak Talussnail Pinaleno Talussnail Mimic Talussnail Wet Canyon Talussnail New Mexico Fairy Shrimp Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Eulimnadia texana Ferrissia fragilis Ferrissia rivularis Fossaria dalli Fossaria modicella Fossaria obrussa Fossaria parva Fossaria techella Helisoma anceps Helix aspersa Leptestheria compleximanus Lynceus brachyurus x x x x x x x x 1 1 x 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1b 1a 3 1b 1b 1b 1a 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 608 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Triops longicaudatus Triops newberryi Tryonia gilae Vertigo berryi Ammospermophilus harrisii Antrozous pallidus Baiomys taylori Bassariscus astutus Canis latrans Castor canadensis Chaetodipus baileyi Chaetodipus hispidus Chaetodipus intermedius Chaetodipus penicillatus Choeronycteris mexicana Conepatus leuconotus leuconotus Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Cynomys ludovicianus Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Longtail Tadpole Shrimp Desert Tadpole Shrimp Gila Tryonia Rotund Vertigo Harris' Antelope Squirrel Pallid Bat Northern Pygmy Mouse Ringtail Coyote American Beaver Bailey's Pocket Mouse Hispid Pocket Mouse Rock Pocket Mouse Sonoran Desert Pocket Mouse Mexican Long-tongued Bat Hog-nosed Skunk Pale Townsend's Bigeared Bat Black-tailed Prairie Dog Unknown Status Streptocephalus texanus Stygobromus arizonensis Thamnocephalus mexicanus Thamnocephalus platyurus Vulnerability Streptocephalus mackini Streptocephalus sealii Common Name Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Shrimp Spinytail Fairy Shrimp Greater Plains Fairy Shrimp Arizona Cave Amphipod Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x 1 1 1b 3 x x x 3 3 1c 3 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1b 3 x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 3 x x x x 3 2 1c x x x 3 2 2 x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 x 1 1 1c x x x 1 3 3 x x 3 1 1c 1 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 x x x 2 2 1b 3 2 2 3 1 x x x 3 2 2 1 2 3 1a 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 609 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Erethizon dorsatum Euderma maculatum Eumops perotis californicus Eumops underwoodi Eutamias dorsalis Idionycteris phyllotis Lasionycteris noctivagans Lasiurus blossevillii Lasiurus cinereus Lasiurus xanthinus Leopardus pardalis Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae Lepus alleni Lepus californicus Lynx rufus Macrotus californicus Mephitis macroura Mephitis mephitis Microtus longicaudus Unknown Status Dipodomys spectabilis Eptesicus fuscus Vulnerability Dipodomys merriami Dipodomys ordii Common Name Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Didelphis virginiana californica Didelphis virginiana virginiana Mexican Oppossum 2 x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 Virginia Oppossum Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Ord's Kangaroo Rat Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat Big Brown Bat North American Porcupine Spotted Bat Greater Western Mastiff Bat Underwood's Mastiff Bat Cliff Chipmunk Allen's Big-eared Bat 2 x x x x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 1 x x 1 x x 2 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 1 x x x 3 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 3 1 2 x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x Silver-haired Bat Western Red Bat Hoary Bat Western Yellow Bat Ocelot x 2 x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Lesser Long-nosed Bat Antelope Jackrabbit Black-tailed Jackrabbit Bobcat California Leaf-nosed Bat Hooded Skunk Striped Skunk Long-tailed Vole 1 x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x 1 x 1 2 3 3 x x x 3 2 1b 3 x 2 2 1b 3 2 2 1b 3 2 3 3 3 x x 3 2 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 1b 2 1b 1a 1 3 1 3 3 2 2 3 x x 3 1 3 3 2 1a 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 x x 1 2 1b x x x 2 2 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 1 1c 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 610 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Notiosorex cockrumi Notiosorex crawfordi Nyctinomops femorosaccus Nyctinomops macrotis Odocoileus hemionus crooki Odocoileus virginianus couesi Onychomys leucogaster Onychomys torridus Ovis canadensis mexicana Panthera onca Mexican Woodrat Cockrum's Desert Shrew Crawford's Desert Shrew Pocketed Free-tailed Bat Big Free-tailed Bat Unknown Status Neotoma albigula Neotoma mexicana Neotoma mexicana mexicana Vulnerability Myotis ciliolabrum Myotis occultus Myotis thysanodes Myotis velifer Myotis volans Myotis yumanensis Nasua nasua Common Name White-bellied Longtailed Vole Long-tailed Weasel Southwestern Myotis California Myotis Western Small-footed Myotis Arizona Myotis Fringed Myotis Cave Myotis Long-legged Myotis Yuma Myotis White-nosed Coati Western White-throated Woodrat Mexican Woodrat Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Microtus longicaudus leucophaeus Mustela frenata Myotis auriculus Myotis californicus 1 2 x x 2 x x 1 1 2 2 2 1b 2 3 1c 3 1 1 3 x x x x x x 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 1 1 3 3 1c 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x 1 3 3 1 1 x x x x x x 1 3 3 3 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x 2 2 2 1 x x x 2 2 1b 3 Desert Mule Deer 1 x x x Coues whitetail deer Northern Grasshopper Mouse Southern Grasshopper Mouse 1 Desert Bighorn Sheep Jaguar 1 x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 2 1 x x 2 2 2 3 x x 3 2 2 1 x x x 3 2 2 1 x x 2 2 1b 3 1 1 1a 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 611 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Unknown Status Sigmodon ochrognathus Sorex arizonae Sorex monticolus Spermophilus spilosoma Apache Pocket Mouse Vulnerability Sigmodon fulviventer Sigmodon hispidus Common Name Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Perognathus apache Perognathus apache melanotis Perognathus flavus Peromyscus boylii Peromyscus difficilis Peromyscus eremicus Peromyscus leucopus Peromyscus maniculatus Peromyscus merriami Pipistrellus hesperus Procyon lotor Puma concolor Reithrodontomys fulvescens Reithrodontomys megalotis Reithrodontomys megalotis megalotis Reithrodontomys montanus Sciurus aberti Sciurus arizonensis Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae Sigmodon arizonae cienegae x 2 2 2 1 x x x x 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 1c 2 3 2 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 x x x x x x 3 x x x x x x 3 x x x x x 3 1 1 2 2 1 3 1b 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Apache Pocket Mouse Silky Pocket Mouse Brush Mouse Rock Mouse Cactus Mouse White-footed Mouse 1 Deer Mouse Mesquite Mouse Western Pipistrelle Raccoon Mountain Lion 1 x x 1 x 1 x x x x 1 1 x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x Fulvous Harvest Mouse x x x x 3 2 2 1 Western Harvest Mouse 1 x x x x 3 1 3 1 Western Harvest Mouse 1 x x x x 2 1 3 1 x x x x Plains Harvest Mouse Abert's Squirrel Arizona Gray Squirrel 1 1 x x x x x x 3 2 2 1 3 2 3 3 x x 1 2 1c 3 Chiricahua Fox Squirrel 1 x x x 1 2 1b 3 Arizona Cotton Rat Tawny-bellied Cotton Rat Hispid Cotton Rat Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat Arizona Shrew Dusky Shrew Spotted Ground Squirrel 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x 1 2 2 1 2 2 3 3 3 2 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 3 1 3 2 2 3 1 2 1b 3 1c Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 612 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Aspidoscelis sonorae Aspidoscelis stictogrammus Aspidoscelis tigris Aspidoscelis uniparens Aspidoscelis xanthonota Rock Squirrel Western Spotted Skunk Desert Cottontail Eastern Cottontail Mexican Free-tailed Bat Mt Graham Red Squirrel American Badger Collared Peccary Botta's Pocket Gopher Mearns' Southern Pocket Gopher x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x Southern Pocket Gopher 1 Common Gray Fox American Black Bear Spiny Softshell 1 x 1 3 3 3 2 1c 3 1 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1a 2 2 3 3 1 3 1 2 2 2 x 3 2 3 x x 1 2 3 x x 3 3 3 x x x x x x 3 3 x Gila Spotted Whiptail Sonoran Spotted Whiptail 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1b 3 x x x x 3 3 2 2 x x x x x x x 1 3 3 3 x 3 1 3 3 x x 3 2 1b 3 3 3 3 3 x 2 3 3 3 3 3 1b 3 x x x 2 1 3 2 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x 1 2 3 2 2 1 x x Arizona Glossy Snake Arizona Striped Whiptail Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail Giant Spotted Whiptail Tiger Whiptail Desert Grassland Whiptail Red-back Whiptail x 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 1 x x 1 x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status Aspidoscelis exsanguis Aspidoscelis flagellicauda 1 x x Vulnerability Aspidoscelis arizonae Common Name Round-tailed Ground Squirrel Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Spermophilus tereticaudus Spermophilus variegatus Spilogale gracilis Sylvilagus audubonii Sylvilagus floridanus Tadarida brasiliensis Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamens Taxidea taxus Tayassau tajacu Thomomys bottae Thomomys bottae mearnsi Thomomys umbrinus intermedius Urocyon cinereoargenteus Ursus americanus Apalone spinifera Arizona elegans noctivaga x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 613 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Crotalus viridis viridis Crotalus willardi obscurus Crotalus willardi willardi Crotaphytus collaris Diadophis punctatus regalis Elgaria kingii nobilis Eumeces callicephalus Eumeces obsoletus Gambelia wislizenii Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Gyalopion canum Unknown Status Crotalus pricei pricei Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus Crotalus tigris Vulnerability Crotalus atrox Crotalus lepidus klauberi Crotalus molossus molussus Crotalus oreganus cerberus Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Callisaurus draconoides Coleonyx variegatus bogerti Cophosaurus texanus scitulus Zebra-tailed Lizard x x x x x 2 3 3 3 Tucson Banded Gecko Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake Banded Rock Rattlesnake Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake Arizona Black Rattlesnake Western Twin-spotted Rattlesnake Northern Mohave Rattlesnake Tiger Rattlesnake Green Prairie Rattlesnake New Mexico Ridgenosed Rattlesnake Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Eastern Collared Lizard Regal Ring-necked Snake Arizona Alligator Lizard Mountain Skink Great Plains Skink Long-nosed Leopard Lizard x x x x x x 2 3 3 2 x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x 1 3 3 3 Common Name Sonoran Desert Tortoise Chihuahuan Hooknosed Snake x x x 1 x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 1 1a 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 1b 3 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x 3 x x x 2 3 3 3 1c 3 1 1 3 3 x 3 2 x 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 2 2 1b 3 3 3 2 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 614 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x 3 3 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 Unknown Status Reticulate Gila Monster Mexican Hog-nosed Snake Sonoran (elegant) Earless Lizard Huachuca Earless Lizard 3 Vulnerability Leptotyphlops dissectus Leptotyphlops humilis humilis Leptotyphlops humilis segregus Masticophis bilineatus Masticophis flagellum cingulum Masticophis flagellum lineatulus Common Name Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Gyalopion quadrangulare Heloderma suspectum suspectum Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi Holbrookia elegans thermophila Holbrookia maculata pulchra Hypsiglena torquata chlorophaea Kinosternon arizonense Kinosternon flavescens Kinosternon sonoriense sonoriense Lampropeltis getula californiae Lampropeltis getula nigrita Lampropeltis getula splendida Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana Lampropeltis triangulum celaenops x 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 1c 3 x 1 3 3 2 Sonoran Nightsnake Arizona Mud Turtle Yellow Mud Turtle x x x x x x x x 2 x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x 3 2 1b 3 Sonora Mud Turtle 2 x x x x x x x California Kingsnake Western Black Kingsnake x Sonoran Coachwhip Lined Coachwhip x 2 3 3 3 2 x x x x 2 3 1c 3 x x x x 2 3 3 3 1 3 2 3 Desert Kingsnake Arizona Mountain Kingsnake New Mexico Milksnake New Mexico Threadsnake Southwestern Threadsnake Trans-Pecos Threadsnake Sonoran Whipsnake x x x x 2 1 1c 3 x x x x 2 x 3 3 1b 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 1c 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 615 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Sceloporus slevini Sceloporus virgatus Senticolis triaspis intermedia Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii Sonora semiannulata semiannulata Tantilla hobartsmithi Tantilla nigriceps Tantilla wilcoxi Sonoran Gophersnake Western Long-nosed Snake Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Big Bend Patch-nosed Snake Clark's Spiny Lizard Prairie Lizard Yarrow's Spiny Lizard Desert Spiny Lizard Slevin's Bunchgrass Lizard Striped Plateau Lizard Northern Green Ratsnake Desert Massasauga Variable Groundsnake Smith's Black-headed Snake Plains Black-headed Snake Chihuahuan Blackheaded Snake x x 3 x 2 x x x 2 x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 2 3 3 1b 3 2 2 1c 3 x x x 2 3 3 2 x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x 2 x x x x x x 3 3 1c 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1b 3 3 3 1c 3 3 2 1c 3 x x 3 2 1b 3 x x x x x 3 3 x x x x x x x 2 3 1c 3 2 x x 2 3 2 1c 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 Unknown Status Salvadora grahamiae Salvadora hexalepis deserticola Sceloporus clarkii Sceloporus consobrinus Sceloporus jarrovii Sceloporus magister Arizona (Sonoran) Coralsnake Brown Vinesnake Texas Horned Lizard Hernandez's (Greater) Short-horned Lizard Round-tailed Horned Lizard Regal Horned Lizard Vulnerability Phrynosoma modestum Phrynosoma solare Pituophis catenifer affinis Rhinocheilus lecontei lecontei Common Name Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Micruroides euryxanthus euryxanthus Oxybelis aeneus Phrynosoma cornutum Phrynosoma hernandesi hernandesi x x x x 3 3 3 3 1c 3 x 3 3 1c 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 616 APPENDIX G. APACHE HIGHLANDS SOUTH MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Wandering Gartersnake Northern Mexican Gartersnake Marcy's Checkered Gartersnake Western Lyresnake Ornate Tree Lizard Common Side-blotched Lizard x 3 3 1c 3 2 x x x 3 2 1b 3 2 x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status Uta stansburiana Desert Box Turtle Western Black-necked Gartersnake 2 x x Vulnerability Tantilla yaquia Terrapene ornata luteola Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis Thamnophis elegans vagrans Thamnophis eques megalops Thamnophis marcianus marcianus Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda Urosaurus ornatus Common Name Yaqui Black-headed Snake Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Chihuahuan Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x 3 2 2 2 3 x x x 2 2 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 2 3 3 x x x 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 617 APPENDIX H. MASTER SPECIES LIST FOR THE ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS ECOREGION Distribution within the ecoregion, associated confidence in assigning distribution, and species status in 4 categories. See “Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1)” for how species were included on the list, Table 11 for “Distribution Confidence” scoring, and Appendix L for criteria used to assign “Species Status” scores. Distribution by habitat type Common Name Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum Bufo microscaphus Bufo punctatus Bufo woodhousii woodhousi Hyla arenicolor Hyla wrightorum Pseudacris triseriata Rana blairi Rana catesbeiana Arizona Tiger Salamander Arizona Toad Red-spotted Toad Rocky Mountain Toad Canyon Treefrog Mountain Treefrog Western Chorus Frog Plains Leopard Frog American Bullfrog Rana chiricahuensis Rana pipiens Rana yavapaiensis Spea bombifrons Spea multiplicata Accipiter cooperii Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Accipiter striatus Actitis macularius Aechmophorus clarkii Aechmophorus occidentalis Aegolius acadicus Aeronautes saxatalis Agelaius phoeniceus Aimophila cassinii Aimophila ruficeps Aix sponsa Chiricahua Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog Lowland Leopard Frog Plains Spadefoot Mexican Spadefoot Cooper's Hawk Northern Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Spotted Sandpiper Clark's Grebe Western Grebe Northern Saw-whet Owl White-throated Swift Red-winged Blackbird Cassin's Sparrow Rufous-crowned Sparrow Wood Duck Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Species Status x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x 2 x 2 x x 2 x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x 2 1 1c 3 x 1 2 1b 3 x 3 1 2 3 x x 3 2 2 3 x 2 1 1c 3 x 1 2 1c 3 x x 3 1 1c 3 3 2 1b 3 3 3 3 3 x x 1 2 1a 3 x x 1 2 1b 3 x 1 3 1b 3 x 3 1 2 3 x 3 2 2 3 x x 2 1 3 3 x x 2 1 1b 3 x x 2 1 3 2 x x 3 1 3 2 x x 3 1 1b 3 x x 3 1 1c 3 x x 3 2 3 2 x x 3 1 2 2 x x 3 1 2 2 3 1 2 3 3 1 3 3 x x 3 1 1c 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 618 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Common Name Western Grasshopper Sparrow Sage Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow Northern Pintail American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Green-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Blue-winged Teal Mallard Gadwall American Pipit Sprague's Pipit Western Scrub-Jay Mexican Jay Golden Eagle Black-chinned Hummingbird Great Egret Great Blue Heron Long-eared Owl Western Burrowing Owl Lesser Scaup Redhead Ring-necked Duck Canvasback Juniper Titmouse Bridled Titmouse American Bittern Canada Goose Great Horned Owl Cattle Egret Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Amphispiza belli Amphispiza bilineata Anas acuta Anas americana Anas clypeata Anas crecca Anas cyanoptera Anas discors Anas platyrhynchos Anas strepera Anthus rubescens Anthus spragueii Aphelocoma californica Aphelocoma ultramarina Aquila chrysaetos Archilochus alexandri Ardea alba Ardea herodias Asio otus Athene cunicularia hypugaea Aythya affinis Aythya americana Aythya collaris Aythya valisineria Baeolophus ridgwayi Baeolophus wollweberi Botaurus lentiginosus Branta canadensis Bubo virginianus Bubulcus ibis 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 2 2 1 x x 2 x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x 4 2 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1b 2 3 1c 1c 1c 2 3 1c 3 3 1c 1b 3 3 2 3 1b 2 2 2 2 2 2 1c 3 3 1b 1c 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 619 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Buteo albonotatus Buteo jamaicensis Buteo regalis Buteo swainsoni Buteogallus anthracinus Butorides virescens Calamospiza melanocorys Calcarius mccownii Calcarius ornatus Calidris minutilla Callipepla californica Calypte anna Caprimulgus vociferus Cardellina rubrifrons Carduelis pinus Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus cassinii Carpodacus mexicanus Cathartes aura Catharus guttatus Catharus ustulatus Catherpes mexicanus Certhia americana Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Charadrius montanus Charadrius vociferus Chen caerulescens Chen rossii Chondestes grammacus Chordeiles minor Common Name Zone-tailed Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Swainson's Hawk Common Black-Hawk Green Heron Lark Bunting McCown's Longspur Chestnut-collared Longspur Least Sandpiper California Quail Anna's Hummingbird Whip-poor-will Red-faced Warbler Pine Siskin Lesser Goldfinch Cassin's Finch House Finch Turkey Vulture Hermit Thrush Swainson's Thrush Canyon Wren Brown Creeper Belted Kingfisher Western Snowy Plover Mountain Plover Killdeer Snow Goose Ross's Goose Lark Sparrow Common Nighthawk Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Species Status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x 2 x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1b 2 1b 3 2 1c 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 1c 3 3 2 1b 3 3 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 2 x x 3 2 x x x x 3 1 x x x 3 1 x x x 3 1 x x x x 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1b 1c 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 x x x x x 3 x x 3 2 3 x x 2 x x 3 3 3 x 3 x x 3 x 3 3 x 3 x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x x 3 x 3 x 3 x x 3 x x 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 620 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Cinclus mexicanus Circus cyaneus Cistothorus palustris Coccothraustes vespertinus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Colaptes auratus Columba livia Contopus cooperi Contopus pertinax Contopus sordidulus Corvus brachyrhynchos Corvus corax Cyanocitta stelleri Cyrtonyx montezumae Dendragapus obscurus Dendroica coronata Dendroica graciae Dendroica nigrescens Dendroica petechia Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Empidonax oberholseri Empidonax occidentalis Empidonax traillii extimus Empidonax wrightii Eremophila alpestris Eugenes fulgens Euphagus cyanocephalus Falco mexicanus Falco peregrinus Falco peregrinus anatum Common Name Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Species Status American Dipper 2 x x 2 Northern Harrier 2 x x x x x x 2 Marsh Wren 1 x x x x 3 Evening Grosbeak 2 x x x x x x x 3 Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2 x x x x 2 Northern Flicker x x x x x x x x x x x 3 Rock Pigeon x x x x x 3 Olive-sided Flycatcher 2 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 Greater Pewee 2 x x x x x x x 3 Western Wood-Pewee x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 American Crow x x x x x x x x x x x 3 Common Raven x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 Steller's Jay x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 Montezuma Quail x x x x x x 2 Blue Grouse 1 x x x x 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 Grace's Warbler x x x x x x x 3 Black-throated Gray Warbler x x x x x x x x x x 3 Yellow Warbler x x x x x x x 3 Gray Catbird 1 x x x 3 Snowy Egret 1 x x x x 3 Dusky Flycatcher x x x x x x x x x x 3 Cordilleran Flycatcher x x x x x x x x x 3 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher 1 x x x x x 1 Gray Flycatcher 1 x x x x x x x x x 3 Horned Lark x x x x x x x 3 Magnificent Hummingbird 2 x x x x 3 Brewer's Blackbird x x x x x x x x x 3 Prairie Falcon x x x x x x x x x 2 Peregrine Falcon x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 American Peregrine Falcon 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 1 1 1 1c 1c 1c 1c 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1a 3 3 1b 2 3 2 3 3 2 1c 2 2 2 2 1b 1b 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1a 3 2 1c 2 2 2 1b 3 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 621 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Falco sparverius Fulica americana Gallinago delicata Gallinula chloropus Geococcyx californianus Geothlypis trichas Glaucidium gnoma californicum Grus canadensis Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Haliaeetus leucocephalus Himantopus mexicanus Hirundo rustica Icteria virens Icterus bullockii Icterus cucullatus Icterus parisorum Junco hyemalis Lanius ludovicianus Limnodromus scolopaceus Loxia curvirostra Megascops kennicottii Melanerpes formicivorus Melanerpes lewis Meleagris gallopavo merriami Melospiza lincolnii Melospiza melodia Mergus merganser Mimus polyglottos Molothrus ater Myadestes townsendi Myiarchus cinerascens Common Name American Kestrel American Coot Wilson's Snipe Common Moorhen Greater Roadrunner Common Yellowthroat Northern Pygmy-Owl Sandhill Crane Pinyon Jay Bald Eagle Black-necked Stilt Barn Swallow Yellow-breasted Chat Bullock's Oriole Hooded Oriole Scott's Oriole Dark-eyed Junco Loggerhead Shrike Long-billed Dowitcher Red Crossbill Western Screech-Owl Acorn Woodpecker Lewis's Woodpecker Merriam's Turkey Lincoln's Sparrow Song Sparrow Common Merganser Northern Mockingbird Brown-headed Cowbird Townsend's Solitaire Ash-throated Flycatcher Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 1 2 2 1 3 2 1c 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1a 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 1c 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 x 3 2 x 3 1 3 1 x 3 1 x 3 1 x 3 1 x 3 1 x 3 1 2 1c 2 1c 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 622 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Myioborus pictus Nucifraga columbiana Numenius americanus Nycticorax nycticorax Oporornis tolmiei Oreoscoptes montanus Otus flammeolus Oxyura jamaicensis Pandion haliaetus Passer domesticus Passerculus sandwichensis Passerina amoena Passerina caerulea Passerina cyanea Patagioenas fasciata Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Perisoreus canadensis Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Peucedramus taeniatus Phainopepla nitens Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Pheucticus melanocephalus Picoides dorsalis Picoides pubescens Picoides villosus Pinicola enucleator Pipilo chlorurus Pipilo fuscus Pipilo maculatus Piranga flava Common Name Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Painted Redstart Clark's Nutcracker 1 x x x Long-billed Curlew 1 x x Black-crowned Night-Heron MacGillivray's Warbler 1 x x x Sage Thrasher 1 x Flammulated Owl Ruddy Duck Osprey 1 House Sparrow x Savannah Sparrow 1 x x Lazuli Bunting x x x Blue Grosbeak x Indigo Bunting 2 Band-tailed Pigeon x American White Pelican Gray Jay 1 x Cliff Swallow x x Olive Warbler Phainopepla x x Double-crested Cormorant Common Poorwill Black-headed Grosbeak American Three-toed Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Pine Grosbeak Green-tailed Towhee Canyon Towhee Spotted Towhee Hepatic Tanager x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1c 2 2 1c 1b 2 2 1b 3 1c 2 3 1c 2 2 1c 2 2 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x 3 2 1b 3 x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 2 x x x 3 2 1b 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x 3 1 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 623 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Piranga ludoviciana Piranga rubra Plegadis chihi Podiceps nigricollis Podilymbus podiceps Poecile gambeli Polioptila caerulea Pooecetes gramineus Porzana carolina Progne subis arboricola Psaltriparus minimus Quiscalus mexicanus Rallus limicola Recurvirostra americana Regulus calendula Regulus satrapa Salpinctes obsoletus Sayornis nigricans Sayornis saya Selasphorus platycercus Sialia currucoides Sialia mexicana Sitta canadensis Sitta carolinensis Sitta pygmaea Sphyrapicus nuchalis Sphyrapicus thyroideus Spizella atrogularis Spizella breweri Spizella passerina Stelgidopteryx serripennis Common Name Western Tanager Summer Tanager White-faced Ibis Eared Grebe Pied-billed Grebe Mountain Chickadee Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Vesper Sparrow Sora Western Purple Martin Bushtit Great-tailed Grackle Virginia Rail American Avocet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Rock Wren Black Phoebe Say's Phoebe Broad-tailed Hummingbird Mountain Bluebird Western Bluebird Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Pygmy Nuthatch Red-naped Sapsucker Williamson's Sapsucker Black-chinned Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Species Status 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 x 3 1 x x 3 1 x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 2 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x 3 2 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 2 x x 3 2 3 2 x x 3 1 x x 3 2 3 1 x x 3 1 x x 3 1 3 2 2 1c 3 3 3 2 2 1b 2 2 2 1c 1c 1c 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 1b 2 2 2 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 624 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Streptopelia decaocto Strix occidentalis lucida Sturnella magna Sturnella neglecta Sturnus vulgaris Tachycineta bicolor Tachycineta thalassina Thryomanes bewickii Toxostoma crissale Tringa melanoleuca Troglodytes aedon Troglodytes troglodytes Turdus migratorius Tyrannus verticalis Tyrannus vociferans Tyto alba Vermivora celata Vermivora luciae Vermivora virginiae Vireo gilvus Vireo huttoni Vireo plumbeus Vireo vicinior Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Zenaida asiatica Zenaida macroura Zonotrichia leucophrys Carassius auratus Catostomus clarki Catostomus discobolus Catostomus insignis Common Name Eurasian Collared-Dove Mexican Spotted Owl Eastern Meadowlark Western Meadowlark European Starling Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Bewick's Wren Crissal Thrasher Greater Yellowlegs House Wren Winter Wren American Robin Western Kingbird Cassin's Kingbird Barn Owl Orange-crowned Warbler Lucy's Warbler Virginia's Warbler Warbling Vireo Hutton's Vireo Plumbeous Vireo Gray Vireo Yellow-headed Blackbird White-winged Dove Mourning Dove White-crowned Sparrow Goldfish Desert Sucker Bluehead Sucker Sonora Sucker Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x 1 x x 1 x 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 3 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 1a 2 2 3 1c 2 3 3 2 3 1c 2 3 3 3 1c 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 1c 3 1b 1a 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 625 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Catostomus latipinnis Catostomus sp. Ctenopharyngodon idella Cyprinus carpio Esox lucius Gambusia affinis Gila robusta Ictalurus melas Ictalurus natalis Ictalurus punctatus Lepidomeda vittata Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis macrochirus Micropterus dolomieu Micropterus salmoides Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis lutrensis Oncorhynchus clarki Oncorhynchus gilae apache Oncorhynchus gilae gilae Oncorhynchus mykiss Perca flavescens Pimephales promelas Pomoxis nigromaculatus Rhinichthys osculus Salmo trutta Salvelinus fontinalis Stizostedion vitreum Thymallus arcticus Tiaroga cobitis Anodonta californiensis Artemia franciscana Common Name Flannelmouth Sucker Little Colorado Sucker Grass Carp Common Carp Northern Pike Mosquitofish Roundtail Chub Black Bullhead Yellow Bullhead Channel Catfish Little Colorado Spinedace Green Sunfish Bluegill Smallmouth Bass Largemouth Bass Golden Shiner Red Shiner Cutthroat Trout Apache (Arizona) Trout Gila Trout Rainbow Trout Yellow Perch Fathead Minnow Black Crappie Speckled Dace Brown Trout Brook Trout Walleye Arctic Grayling Loach Minnow California Floater San Francisco Brine Shrimp Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name 1 1 x x x x x x x 1 x x x 1 x x x x x x x 1 1 x x x x 1 x x x x 1 4 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x 3 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1a 1b 3 3 3 3 1b 3 3 3 1a 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1a 1a 3 3 3 3 1b 3 3 3 3 1a 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 626 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Biomphalaria havanensis Branchinecta coloradensis Branchinecta kaibabensis Branchinecta lindahli Branchinecta packardi Cyzicus mexicanus Cyzicus setosa Discus shimekii Common Name Ghost Rams-horn Colorado Fairy Shrimp Kaibab Fairy Shrimp Versitle Fairy Shrimp Rock Pool Fairy Shrimp Mexican Clam Shrimp Bristletail Clam Shrimp Striate Disc Cockerell's Striate Disc Discus shimekii cockerelli (Snail) Eocyzicus digueti Straightbacked Clam Shrimp Eubranchipus bundyi Knobbedlip Fairy Shrimp Eubranchipus serratus Ethologist Fairy Shrimp Eulimnadia antlei Fuzzy Cyst Clam Shrimp Cylindrical Cyst Clam Eulimnadia cylindrova Shrimp Eulimnadia texana Texan Clam Shrimp Ferrissia fragilis Fragile Ancylid Ferrissia rivularis Creeping Ancylid Fossaria dalli Dusky Fossaria Fossaria modicella Rock Fossaria Fossaria obrussa Golden Fossaria Fossaria parva Pygmy Fossaria Fossaria techella A Freshwater Snail Gyraulus circumstriatus Disc Gyro Gyraulus parvus Ash Gyro Helisoma anceps Two-ridge Rams-horn Helix aspersa Brown Gardensnail Leptestheria compleximanus Spineynose Clam Shrimp Lynceus brachyurus Holarctic Clam Shrimp Lynceus brevifrons Short Finger Clam Shrimp Orconectes causeyi A Crayfish Orconectes virilis Virile Crayfish Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 4 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1b 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 627 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Otala lactea Physella gyrina Physella osculans Physella virgata Planorbella tenuis Procambarus clarkii Common Name Milk Snail Tadpole Physa Cayuse Physa Protean Physa Mexican Rams-horn Red Swamp Crawfish Sharp Sprite (A Planorbid Promenetus exacuous Snail) Pyrgulopsis trivialis Three Forks Springsnail Radix auricularia Big-eared Radix Streptocephalus dorothae New Mexico Fairy Shrimp Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Streptocephalus mackini Shrimp Streptocephalus sealii Spinytail Fairy Shrimp Streptocephalus texanus Greater Plains Fairy Shrimp Mexican Beavertail Fairy Thamnocephalus mexicanus Shrimp Thamnocephalus platyurus Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Triops longicaudatus Longtail Tadpole Shrimp Triops newberryi Desert Tadpole Shrimp Vertigo berryi Rotund Vertigo Vitrina pellucida Western Glass Snail Vitrina pellucida alaskana Western Glass Snail White-tailed Antelope Ammospermophilus leucurus Squirrel Antilocapra americana America Pronghorn americana Antrozous pallidus Pallid Bat Bassariscus astutus Ringtail Canis latrans Coyote Canis lupus baileyi Mexican Gray Wolf Castor canadensis American Beaver Cervus elaphus nelsoni Rocky Mountain Elk Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x x x x x 2 x 3 3 x x x 3 x 3 x x x 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 x x x 3 x 1 x 3 x x x 3 3 1 3 3 3 1a 3 3 2 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 1 x x x x 4 x x 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 1 2 x x x x 2 1 3 2 x 3 1 1 1 x x x 1 1 x x 3 2 3 3 3 3 1c 3 3 1c 3 2 3 1a 1c 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 628 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Clethrionomys gapperi Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Cynomys gunnisoni Dipodomys ordii Eptesicus fuscus Equus asinus Erethizon dorsatum Euderma maculatum Eumops perotis californicus Eutamias cinereicollis Eutamias dorsalis Eutamias minimus Idionycteris phyllotis Lasionycteris noctivagans Lasiurus blossevillii Lasiurus cinereus Lepus californicus Lutra canadensis lataxina Lynx rufus Mephitis macroura Mephitis mephitis Microtus longicaudus Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis Microtus montanus arizonensis Mustela frenata Myotis auriculus Myotis californicus Myotis ciliolabrum Myotis evotis Myotis occultus Common Name Southern Red-backed Vole Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Gunnison's Prairie Dog Ord's Kangaroo Rat Big Brown Bat Feral Ass North American Porcupine Spotted Bat Greater Western Mastiff Bat Gray-collared Chipmunk Cliff Chipmunk Least Chipmunk Allen's Big-eared Bat Silver-haired Bat Western Red Bat Hoary Bat Black-tailed Jackrabbit Southeastern River Otter Bobcat Hooded Skunk Striped Skunk Long-tailed Vole Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name 1 x 1 x 1 x x x x 1 x 2 2 1 x 1 x x 2 x x x 1 1 x 1 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Hualapai Mexican Vole 1 x x Arizona Montane Vole Long-tailed Weasel Southwestern Myotis California Myotis Western Small-footed Myotis Long-eared Myotis Arizona Myotis 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 1 x x x 3 2 3 x x x x 3 2 1 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 1 2 2 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1a 2 2 3 3 1b 1b 1c 3 1c 2 2 1b 2 3 1c 3 3 3 1c 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 1 1a 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 2 1 3 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1c 2 3 1c 2 2 2 3 1 1 3 3 1 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 629 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Myotis thysanodes Myotis volans Myotis yumanensis Neotoma albigula Neotoma mexicana Neotoma stephensi Notiosorex crawfordi Nyctinomops macrotis Odocoileus hemionus hemionous Odocoileus virginianus couesi Ondatra zibethicus Onychomys leucogaster Common Name Fringed Myotis Long-legged Myotis Yuma Myotis Western White-throated Woodrat Mexican Woodrat Stephen's Woodrat Crawford's Desert Shrew Big Free-tailed Bat Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x 1 x 1 x 1 Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Coues whitetail deer Common Muskrat Northern Grasshopper Mouse Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ovis canadensis canadensis Sheep Ovis canadensis mexicana Desert Bighorn Sheep Perognathus apache Apache Pocket Mouse Perognathus flavus Silky Pocket Mouse Perognathus flavus Springerville Pocket Mouse goodpasteri Peromyscus boylii Brush Mouse Peromyscus difficilis Rock Mouse Peromyscus leucopus White-footed Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Deer Mouse Peromyscus truei Pinon Mouse Pipistrellus hesperus Western Pipistrelle Procyon lotor Raccoon Puma concolor Mountain Lion Reithrodontomys megalotis Western Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis megalotis Western Harvest Mouse Sciurus aberti Abert's Squirrel x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x 3 2 2 3 x x 3 2 2 3 3 3 1 1 x x x 2 x x x x x x x 1 x 1 x x 1 x x 1 x 1 1 x x x x x x 1 x 1 x x x 1 x x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1b 3 1 1 3 3 x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 x 2 1 1c 3 3 2 2 1 x x 2 x x 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 1c 1b 2 2 3 3 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 x x x x 3 x 3 3 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1b 3 2 3 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 2 1 3 1 x x 3 2 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 630 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Common Name Merriam's Shrew Dusky Shrew Dwarf Shrew Water Shrew Golden-mantled Ground Spermophilus lateralis Squirrel Spermophilus spilosoma Spotted Ground Squirrel Spermophilus Thirteen-lined Ground tridecemlineatus Squirrel Spermophilus variegatus Rock Squirrel Spilogale gracilis Western Spotted Skunk Sylvilagus audubonii Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus nuttallii pinetis Southwestern Cottontail Tadarida brasiliensis Mexican Free-tailed Bat Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Red Squirrel Taxidea taxus American Badger Tayassau tajacu Collared Peccary Thomomys bottae Botta's Pocket Gopher Urocyon cinereoargenteus Common Gray Fox Ursus americanus American Black Bear Vulpes macrotis Kit Fox New Mexican Jumping Zapus hudsonius luteus Mouse Apalone spinifera Spiny Softshell Arizona elegans noctivaga Arizona Glossy Snake Aspidoscelis flagellicauda Gila Spotted Whiptail Aspidoscelis pai Pai Striped Whiptail Aspidoscelis uniparens Desert Grassland Whiptail Aspidoscelis velox Plateau Striped Whiptail Chrysemys picta bellii Western Painted Turtle Western Yellow-bellied Coluber constrictor mormon Racer Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name Sorex merriami Sorex monticolus Sorex nanus Sorex palustris 1 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x 1 x x x x 1 x 1 1 x 1 x x 1 x 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1c 3 1b 1b 3 1 3 3 3 2 2 1 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 x x 3 3 x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 x x x 3 3 2 2 2 3 x x 1 2 1 2 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1b 3 3 3 2 1c 1c 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 3 1 x x 1 x x 3 3 1 1 x 2 x 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 1b 3 3 3 1c 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1c 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 631 APPENDIX H. ARIZONA-NEW MEXICO MOUNTAINS MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species Status Distribution by habitat type Common Name Western Diamond-backed Crotalus atrox Rattlesnake Northern Black-tailed Crotalus molossus molussus Rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus cerberus Arizona Black Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis viridis Green Prairie Rattlesnake Crotaphytus collaris Eastern Collared Lizard Diadophis punctatus regalis Regal Ring-necked Snake Elgaria kingii nobilis Arizona Alligator Lizard Eumeces multivirgatus Variable Skink epipluerotus Eumeces obsoletus Great Plains Skink Holbrookia maculata Speckled Earless Lizard approximans Hypsiglena torquata Sonoran Nightsnake chlorophaea Lampropeltis getula californiae California Kingsnake Lampropeltis pyromelana pyromelana Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Masticophis taeniatus Desert Striped Whipsnake taeniatus Phrynosoma hernandesi Hernandez's (Greater) Shorthernandesi horned Lizard Pituophis catenifer affinis Sonoran Gophersnake Salvadora grahamiae Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Sceloporus tristichus Plateau Lizard Thamnophis cyrtopsis Western Black-necked cyrtopsis Gartersnake Thamnophis elegans vagrans Wandering Gartersnake Northern Mexican Thamnophis eques megalops Gartersnake Thamnophis rufipunctatus Narrow-headed Gartersnake Urosaurus ornatus Ornate Tree Lizard Unknown Status Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Alpine Tundra Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name x x 2 x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 2 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 1c 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 x x 1 3 2 3 x 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 1c 3 1c 2 3 3 3 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x 3 2 2 3 2 2 x x x 2 2 1b 3 x 1 2 1b 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 632 APPENDIX I. MASTER SPECIES LIST FOR THE COLORADO PLATEAU ECOREGION Distribution within the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion, associated confidence in assigning distribution, and species status in 4 categories. See “Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1)” for how species were included on the list, Table 11 for “Distribution Confidence” scoring, and Appendix L for criteria used to assign “Species Status” scores. Species status Distribution by habitat type x 2 2 3 1 3 1 1c 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 1b 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x 3 2 3 2 2 1 3 2 x x x x x x x 1 3 3 2 1b 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 1 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 3 1 1b 3 1 3 2 1 3 2 x x 2 x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1c 3 1a Unknown Status x x x x x x Vulnerability x x Community/Focal x Responsibility x x x x x x Streams/ Rivers x x Wetlands/ Springs x x Lakes/ Reservoirs x x x Human Dominated Landscapes x x x Subalpine Conifer Forest x x x x Montane Conifer Forest x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Subalpine Grassland x Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Spea intermontana Spea multiplicata Accipiter cooperii Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Accipiter striatus Actitis macularius Aechmophorus clarkii Aechmophorus occidentalis Relict Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog Couch's Spadefoot Plains Spadefoot Great Basin Spadefoot Mexican Spadefoot Cooper's Hawk 2 Mohave Desertscrub Rana pipiens Scaphiopus couchii Spea bombifrons Arizona Tiger Salamander Sonoran Desert Toad Great Plains Toad Arizona Toad Red-spotted Toad Rocky Mountain Toad Canyon Treefrog American Bullfrog Distribution Confidence Rana onca Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum Bufo alvarius Bufo cognatus Bufo microscaphus Bufo punctatus Bufo woodhousii woodhousi Hyla arenicolor Rana catesbeiana 3 3 3 3 1c 3 2 3 3 3 Northern Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Spotted Sandpiper 1 Clark's Grebe 1 x x x x 3 1 1b 3 Western Grebe 1 x x x x 3 1 x x 1c 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 633 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 2 x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 2 3 x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 1 1b 3 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1c 1c 1c 2 3 1c 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 x x x 2 x x x x 2 2 2 1 2 x x 1 x Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x x Wetlands/ Springs x x Lakes/ Reservoirs x x x Human Dominated Landscapes x Subalpine Conifer Forest x Montane Conifer Forest x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Interior Chaparral Western Scrub-Jay Golden Eagle Black-chinned Hummingbird Great Egret Great Blue Heron Long-eared Owl Subalpine Grassland Mallard Gadwall American Pipit Sprague's Pipit Plains & Great Basin Grassland Western Grasshopper Sparrow Sage Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow Northern Pintail American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Green-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Blue-winged Teal Mohave Desertscrub Aimophila ruficeps Aix sponsa Alectoris chukar Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Amphispiza belli Amphispiza bilineata Anas acuta Anas americana Anas clypeata Anas crecca Anas cyanoptera Anas discors Anas platyrhynchos Anas strepera Anthus rubescens Anthus spragueii Aphelocoma californica Aquila chrysaetos Archilochus alexandri Ardea alba Ardea herodias Asio otus White-throated Swift Red-winged Blackbird Cassin's Sparrow Rufous-crowned Sparrow Wood Duck Chukar Distribution Confidence Aegolius acadicus Aeronautes saxatalis Agelaius phoeniceus Aimophila cassinii Common Name Northern Saw-whet Owl Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 1c 1 1b 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 1 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 2 1b 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 634 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 1c 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 1 1b 3 1 1c 3 2 3 3 2 1c 3 1 2 3 2 3 3 1 1b 3 1 2 3 3 1 3 3 x 3 1 2 2 3 1 1c 3 3 3 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 2 3 3 1 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 4 2 x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Green Heron Lark Bunting McCown's Longspur Chestnut-collared Longspur Least Sandpiper Gambel's Quail x x 2 x x 2 x x x x Scaled Quail Costa's Hummingbird x Cactus Wren x Streams/ Rivers x x 2 Wetlands/ Springs x x 2 x 2 x 2 Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland x Juniper Titmouse American Bittern Canada Goose Great Horned Owl Cattle Egret Zone-tailed Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Swainson's Hawk Plains & Great Basin Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Calypte costae Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Verdin Lesser Scaup Redhead Ring-necked Duck Canvasback Distribution Confidence Calcarius ornatus Calidris minutilla Callipepla gambelii Callipepla squamata Common Name Western Burrowing Owl Nonnative Scientific Name Athene cunicularia hypugaea Auriparus flaviceps Aythya affinis Aythya americana Aythya collaris Aythya valisineria Baeolophus ridgwayi Botaurus lentiginosus Branta canadensis Bubo virginianus Bubulcus ibis Buteo albonotatus Buteo jamaicensis Buteo regalis Buteo swainsoni Butorides virescens Calamospiza melanocorys Calcarius mccownii x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 635 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Subalpine Conifer Forest Human Dominated Landscapes Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x x Montane Conifer Forest 2 x x x x Great Basin Conifer Woodland 2 Interior Chaparral House Finch Turkey Vulture Hermit Thrush Swainson's Thrush x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 2 1 2 2 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 2 1 1b x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 1 1b 3 x x 3 2 1b 3 x 3 2 1c 3 x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 Subalpine Grassland Cassin's Finch Plains & Great Basin Grassland Whip-poor-will Pine Siskin Lesser Goldfinch Mohave Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Caprimulgus vociferus Carduelis pinus Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus cassinii Carpodacus mexicanus Cathartes aura Catharus guttatus Catharus ustulatus Catherpes mexicanus Certhia americana Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Charadrius montanus Charadrius vociferus Chen caerulescens Chen rossii Chondestes grammacus Chordeiles acutipennis Chordeiles minor Cinclus mexicanus Circus cyaneus Cistothorus palustris Coccothraustes vespertinus x x x Canyon Wren Brown Creeper Belted Kingfisher x 2 x x x Western Snowy Plover 1 x Mountain Plover 2 x x Killdeer Snow Goose Ross's Goose x x x x x x x Lark Sparrow x x Lesser Nighthawk Common Nighthawk American Dipper Northern Harrier x x x x 2 2 x x Marsh Wren 1 Evening Grosbeak 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 3 3 1c 1c x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 636 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Subalpine Conifer Forest Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 1 1 3 1a 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 3 3 2 3 2 x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1b 3 1 1b 3 x x 1 1 x Gray Flycatcher 1 2 x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 1 1 1a 3 x x x x 3 1 3 1 x x x x 3 1 2 3 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x Unknown Status Montane Conifer Forest x 1 1 Human Dominated Landscapes Interior Chaparral Great Basin Conifer Woodland Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland 2 Dusky Flycatcher Cordilleran Flycatcher Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Horned Lark Magnificent Hummingbird x x Yellow Warbler Gray Catbird Snowy Egret x x 2 American Crow Common Raven Steller's Jay Blue Grouse Yellow-rumped Warbler Grace's Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler x Mohave Desertscrub Eugenes fulgens Western Yellowbilled Cuckoo Northern Flicker Rock Pigeon Olive-sided Flycatcher Western WoodPewee Distribution Confidence Contopus cooperi Contopus sordidulus Corvus brachyrhynchos Corvus corax Cyanocitta stelleri Dendragapus obscurus Dendroica coronata Dendroica graciae Dendroica nigrescens Dendroica petechia Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Empidonax oberholseri Empidonax occidentalis Empidonax traillii extimus Empidonax wrightii Eremophila alpestris Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Colaptes auratus Columba livia x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 637 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 Unknown Status x x Vulnerability x Community/Focal Subalpine Conifer Forest x x x Responsibility Montane Conifer Forest x x x Streams/ Rivers Great Basin Conifer Woodland x x Wetlands/ Springs Interior Chaparral x x x Lakes/ Reservoirs Subalpine Grassland x x x x x x Human Dominated Landscapes Plains & Great Basin Grassland 1 Mohave Desertscrub Icteria virens Icterus bullockii Icterus cucullatus Icterus parisorum Ixobrychus exilis hesperis Junco hyemalis Brewer's Blackbird Prairie Falcon Peregrine Falcon American Peregrine Falcon American Kestrel American Coot Wilson's Snipe Distribution Confidence Geothlypis trichas Glaucidium gnoma californicum Grus canadensis Gymnogyps californianus Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Haliaeetus leucocephalus Himantopus mexicanus Hirundo rustica Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Euphagus cyanocephalus Falco mexicanus Falco peregrinus Falco peregrinus anatum Falco sparverius Fulica americana Gallinago delicata Gallinula chloropus Geococcyx californianus x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 1 1b 3 1 3 2 2 2 3 1 1c 3 x x x 3 2 2 3 x x 3 2 2 3 Common Moorhen Greater Roadrunner Common Yellowthroat x Northern Pygmy-0wl Sandhill Crane California Condor Black-necked Stilt Barn Swallow Yellow-breasted Chat Bullock's Oriole Hooded Oriole Scott's Oriole Western Least Bittern Dark-eyed Junco x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x x 3 3 2 1 2 2 2 3 x x 1 2 1a 3 3 2 2 x 1 x x x x Pinyon Jay Bald Eagle x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 1a 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 1 2 2 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x 2 3 2 1 2 2 3 3 x 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 638 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x x Townsend's Solitaire Ash-throated Flycatcher Brown-crested Flycatcher x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x 3 3 1 2 2 2 2 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x 3 3 2 2 3 3 1c 3 x 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 2 1c 2 1c 3 3 3 3 x x x 1 x Unknown Status x x Vulnerability x x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x x x Lakes/ Reservoirs x x Human Dominated Landscapes x x x Subalpine Conifer Forest 1 Montane Conifer Forest x x 1 Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Interior Chaparral Merriam's Turkey Lincoln's Sparrow Song Sparrow Common Merganser Northern Mockingbird Brown-headed Cowbird x Subalpine Grassland Acorn Woodpecker Lewis's Woodpecker Plains & Great Basin Grassland Oporornis tolmiei Oreoscoptes montanus Otus flammeolus Loggerhead Shrike Long-billed Dowitcher Red Crossbill Western ScreechOwl Mohave Desertscrub Molothrus ater Myadestes townsendi Myiarchus cinerascens Myiarchus tyrannulus Nucifraga columbiana Numenius americanus Nycticorax nycticorax Distribution Confidence Mimus polyglottos Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Lanius ludovicianus Limnodromus scolopaceus Loxia curvirostra Megascops kennicottii Melanerpes formicivorus Melanerpes lewis Meleagris gallopavo merriami Melospiza lincolnii Melospiza melodia Mergus merganser x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x 3 1 3 3 3 1 2 3 x x Clark's Nutcracker 1 x Long-billed Curlew Black-crowned Night-Heron MacGillivray's Warbler 1 x 1 x x Sage Thrasher Flammulated Owl 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 1 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x 3 1 1c 3 3 3 1 1b 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 639 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x x x x 2 x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 2 3 1 1b 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1c 2 3 1c 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 x 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 3 x x 3 1 1c 3 3 1 2 3 3 1 3 3 2 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 1b 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x 3 3 2 2 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 2 1b 3 1 1c 3 2 3 3 1 3 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x 3 x x x x Unknown Status x x x x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x x x Streams/ Rivers x x x x x Wetlands/ Springs 1 Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Pine Grosbeak Green-tailed Towhee Canyon Towhee Spotted Towhee Hepatic Tanager Montane Conifer Forest Common Poorwill Black-headed Grosbeak Black-billed Magpie American Three-toed Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Ladder-backed Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Great Basin Conifer Woodland 1 Band-tailed Pigeon American White Pelican Cliff Swallow Phainopepla Double-crested Cormorant Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Savannah Sparrow Lazuli Bunting Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Mohave Desertscrub Picoides scalaris Picoides villosus Pinicola enucleator Pipilo chlorurus Pipilo fuscus Pipilo maculatus Piranga flava Ruddy Duck Osprey House Sparrow Distribution Confidence Picoides dorsalis Picoides pubescens Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Oxyura jamaicensis Pandion haliaetus Passer domesticus Passerculus sandwichensis Passerina amoena Passerina caerulea Passerina cyanea Patagioenas fasciata Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Phainopepla nitens Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Pheucticus melanocephalus Pica hudsonia x x x x 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 640 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type 2 x Pied-billed Grebe Mountain Chickadee Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Vesper Sparrow Sora Western Purple Martin x x x x x x x x Great-tailed Grackle Virginia Rail x Rock Wren Black Phoebe Say's Phoebe Broad-tailed Hummingbird Mountain Bluebird Western Bluebird Red-breasted Nuthatch x 1 Bushtit American Avocet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 1 x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 2 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 Unknown Status Eared Grebe Vulnerability 1 Community/Focal x Responsibility Subalpine Conifer Forest x Streams/ Rivers Montane Conifer Forest x Wetlands/ Springs Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Lakes/ Reservoirs Interior Chaparral x Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Grassland Sitta canadensis Plains & Great Basin Grassland Regulus satrapa Salpinctes obsoletus Sayornis nigricans Sayornis saya Selasphorus platycercus Sialia currucoides Sialia mexicana Mohave Desertscrub Regulus calendula x x x x Distribution Confidence Polioptila caerulea Pooecetes gramineus Porzana carolina Progne subis arboricola Psaltriparus minimus Quiscalus mexicanus Rallus limicola Recurvirostra americana x Western Tanager Summer Tanager White-faced Ibis Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Piranga ludoviciana Piranga rubra Plegadis chihi Podiceps nigricollis Podilymbus podiceps Poecile gambeli Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 641 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x x Streams/ Rivers x x x Wetlands/ Springs x x x Lakes/ Reservoirs x x x Human Dominated Landscapes x x Subalpine Conifer Forest x Montane Conifer Forest x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland 1 x x x 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 3 x x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 3 1a 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 2 2 3 1 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 3 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 1c 3 2 3 3 3 x 1 Greater Yellowlegs House Wren Winter Wren American Robin Western Kingbird Plains & Great Basin Grassland x Bewick's Wren Bendire's Thrasher Crissal Thrasher Mohave Desertscrub Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Distribution Confidence Sitta carolinensis Sitta pygmaea Sphyrapicus nuchalis Sphyrapicus thyroideus Spizella atrogularis Spizella breweri Spizella passerina Stelgidopteryx serripennis Streptopelia decaocto Strix occidentalis lucida Sturnella magna Sturnella neglecta Sturnus vulgaris Tachycineta bicolor Tachycineta thalassina Thryomanes bewickii Toxostoma bendirei Toxostoma crissale Tringa melanoleuca Troglodytes aedon Troglodytes troglodytes Turdus migratorius Tyrannus verticalis Common Name White-breasted Nuthatch Pygmy Nuthatch Red-naped Sapsucker Williamson's Sapsucker Black-chinned Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Roughwinged Swallow Eurasian CollaredDove Mexican Spotted Owl Eastern Meadowlark Western Meadowlark European Starling Nonnative Scientific Name 2 x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 642 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Human Dominated Landscapes Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x 3 2 1 1 1c 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x 3 3 1 3 1c 3 3 3 1 x x 3 1 1a 3 1 x 2 1 1a 3 1 x 3 1 1a 3 1 x 1 1 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1a 3 3 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Subalpine Conifer Forest 1 2 Montane Conifer Forest 3 3 Great Basin Conifer Woodland x x Interior Chaparral x x x x Subalpine Grassland x x x Virginia's Warbler Arizona Bell's Vireo Warbling Vireo Plumbeous Vireo Gray Vireo Yellow-headed Blackbird White-winged Dove Mourning Dove White-crowned Sparrow Goldfish Plains & Great Basin Grassland x x Mohave Desertscrub Catostomus sp. Ctenopharyngodon idella Cyprinus carpio Dorosoma petenense Fundulus zebrinus Gambusia affinis Gila cypha Cassin's Kingbird Barn Owl Orange-crowned Warbler Lucy's Warbler Distribution Confidence Vermivora celata Vermivora luciae Vermivora virginiae Vireo bellii arizonae Vireo gilvus Vireo plumbeus Vireo vicinior Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Zenaida asiatica Zenaida macroura Zonotrichia leucophrys Carassius auratus Catostomus discobolus Catostomus discobolus yarrowi Catostomus latipinnis Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Tyrannus vociferans Tyto alba x x x x Bluehead Sucker Zuni Bluehead Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker Little Colorado Sucker Grass Carp Common Carp x x Threadfin Shad Plains Killifish Mosquitofish Humpback Chub x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 643 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Community/Focal x x x 1 3 1 3 1a 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1a 3 x 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 3 x 1 3 1 3 1a 3 3 3 x 1 3 1 1b 3 3 3 3 x 3 1 3 1 x 3 1 1b 3 x Bluegill x Smallmouth Bass x Largemouth Bass Striped Bass Red Shiner Apache (Arizona) Trout x x x Rainbow Trout x x Fathead Minnow x x Black Crappie Colorado Pikeminnow Flathead Catfish x Walleye Razorback Sucker California Floater x x x 1 x 1 x 1 x x 1 x x x x 1 4 x x x Unknown Status Responsibility 1 1a 3 1 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x Vulnerability Streams/ Rivers x x x x 1 1 3 3 3 Bonytail Roundtail Chub Black Bullhead Yellow Bullhead Channel Catfish Little Colorado Spinedace Green Sunfish Speckled Dace Brown Trout 1 1 Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Lepidomeda vittata Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis macrochirus Micropterus dolomieu Micropterus salmoides Morone saxatilis Notropis lutrensis Oncorhynchus gilae apache Oncorhynchus mykiss Pimephales promelas Pomoxis nigromaculatus Ptychocheilus lucius Pylodictis olivaris Rhinichthys osculus Salmo trutta Stizostedion vitreum Xyrauchen texanus Anodonta californiensis Distribution Confidence Gila elegans Gila robusta Ictalurus melas Ictalurus natalis Ictalurus punctatus Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name 3 3 1a 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 644 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Helisoma anceps Helix aspersa Leptestheria compleximanus Lynceus brachyurus Subalpine Grassland Eulimnadia antlei Eulimnadia cylindrova Eulimnadia texana Ferrissia fragilis Ferrissia rivularis Fossaria dalli Fossaria modicella Fossaria obrussa Fossaria parva Fossaria techella Gyraulus parvus Plains & Great Basin Grassland Eocyzicus digueti Eubranchipus bundyi Eubranchipus serratus Kaibab Fairy Shrimp Mexican Clam Shrimp Bristletail Clam Shrimp Straightbacked Clam Shrimp Knobbedlip Fairy Shrimp Ethologist Fairy Shrimp Fuzzy Cyst Clam Shrimp Cylindrical Cyst Clam Shrimp Texan Clam Shrimp Fragile Ancylid Creeping Ancylid Dusky Fossaria Rock Fossaria Golden Fossaria Pygmy Fossaria A Freshwater Snail Ash Gyro Two-ridge Ramshorn Brown Gardensnail Spineynose Clam Shrimp Holarctic Clam Shrimp Mohave Desertscrub Cyzicus setosa Ghost Rams-horn Distribution Confidence Cyzicus mexicanus Common Name San Francisco Brine Shrimp Nonnative Scientific Name Artemia franciscana Biomphalaria havanensis Branchinecta kaibabensis x x x 3 3 3 2 x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 645 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Triops newberryi Mohave Desertscrub Oreohelix yavapai Oreohelix yavapai cummingsi Otala lactea Oxyloma haydeni haydeni Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis Physella humerosa Physella osculans Physella virgata Planorbella tenuis Procambarus clarkii Promenetus exacuous Radix auricularia Streptocephalus dorothae Streptocephalus mackini Streptocephalus sealii Streptocephalus texanus Thamnocephalus mexicanus Thamnocephalus platyurus Triops longicaudatus Distribution Confidence Lynceus brevifrons Orconectes virilis Common Name Short Finger Clam Shrimp Virile Crayfish Yavapai Mountain Snail Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 x x 4 Milk Snail x Niobrara Ambersnail 2 Kanab Ambersnail Corkscrew Physa Cayuse Physa Protean Physa Mexican Rams-horn Red Swamp Crawfish Sharp Sprite (A Planorbid Snail) Big-eared Radix New Mexico Fairy Shrimp Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Shrimp Spinytail Fairy Shrimp Greater Plains Fairy Shrimp Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Longtail Tadpole Shrimp Desert Tadpole Shrimp 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 3 3 1b 3 3 3 2 1 1 1b 3 1 3 3 3 3 1a 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 x x x x x x 1 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x 3 x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 646 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Vulnerability Western Glass Snail White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Prospect Valley Whitetailed Antelope Squirrel x x x 3 3 3 2 1 x America Pronghorn Pallid Bat 1 1 x Ringtail 1 1 1 1 x 3 3 3 1 1 3 1b 3 x 1 2 2 1c 3 1 3 1 x Coyote American Beaver Rocky Mountain Elk Long-tailed Pocket Mouse 1 Rock Pocket Mouse Mexican Longtongued Bat 1 Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Gunnison's Prairie Dog Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Houserock Valley Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat x x 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 1 3 1 1c 3 3 3 3 x 3 2 2 3 x x Unknown Status Community/Focal 1c 3 3 2 Streams/ Rivers 3 3 Wetlands/ Springs 3 3 4 Lakes/ Reservoirs Responsibility Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest x Subalpine Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Interior Chaparral x Subalpine Grassland Dipodomys microps leucotis Plains & Great Basin Grassland Rotund Vertigo Western Glass Snail Mohave Desertscrub Vertigo berryi Vitrina pellucida Vitrina pellucida alaskana Ammospermophilu s leucurus Ammospermophilu s leucurus tersus Antilocapra americana americana Antrozous pallidus Bassariscus astutus Bos bison Canis latrans Castor canadensis Cervus elaphus nelsoni Chaetodipus formosus Chaetodipus intermedius Choeronycteris mexicana Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Cynomys gunnisoni Dipodomys merriami Dipodomys microps celsus Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name x x 2 2 3 1 x x 1 1 3 3 x 2 2 1b 3 3 2 2 1 1a 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 1 x x 1 x x 2 1 x x 3 1 1c 3 1 x 1 x 3 2 1 3 1 b Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 647 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 2 1b 3 2 1b 3 3 3 3 3 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 3 3 3 2 1c 3 3 1c 3 x x 1 x x x Colorado Chipmunk Uinta Chipmunk 1 1 x x x x x x 2 3 x x 2 Western Red Bat Hoary Bat Black-tailed Jackrabbit Southeastern River Otter Bobcat California Leafnosed Bat Striped Skunk 2 x x x 1 x x Silver-haired Bat 3 x x x 2 x Lakes/ Reservoirs x Spotted Bat Greater Western Mastiff Bat Cliff Chipmunk Least Chipmunk Allen's Big-eared Bat Human Dominated Landscapes Subalpine Conifer Forest 1 Montane Conifer Forest x x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral x 1 x Subalpine Grassland 1 Plains & Great Basin Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Lepus californicus Lutra canadensis lataxina Lynx rufus Macrotus californicus Mephitis mephitis Microtus longicaudus Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis Mustela frenata Ord's Kangaroo Rat Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat Big Brown Bat Feral Ass North American Porcupine Distribution Confidence Dipodomys ordii Dipodomys spectabilis Eptesicus fuscus Equus asinus Erethizon dorsatum Euderma maculatum Eumops perotis californicus Eutamias dorsalis Eutamias minimus Eutamias quadrivittatus Eutamias umbrinus Idionycteris phyllotis Lasionycteris noctivagans Lasiurus blossevillii Lasiurus cinereus Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 1 x x x x x x x 3 2 2 1 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 1b 3 2 2 1 3 3 x x x x x 1 1 x x 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Long-tailed Vole 1 x x Hualapai Mexican Vole Long-tailed Weasel 1 x x x x x x 3 3 x x x 3 3 1 1c 3 2 3 1 x x 1 3 2 1b 3 2 3 3 3 1 1c 3 1 2 1 1a 3 2 2 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 648 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 1c 3 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 x x x 1 x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 2 3 1 1c 3 x x 3 2 2 1 x x x 3 2 2 1 x x x 2 2 2 3 1 1 3 Unknown Status x x x x x x x Vulnerability x x Community/Focal x x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes x Subalpine Conifer Forest Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Common Muskrat Northern Grasshopper Mouse Southern Grasshopper Mouse Desert Bighorn Sheep Arizona Pocket Mouse Wupatki Arizona Pocket Mouse Apache Pocket Mouse x Montane Conifer Forest Big Free-tailed Bat x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Neotoma cinerea Neotoma lepida Neotoma mexicana Neotoma stephensi Notiosorex crawfordi Nyctinomops macrotis Odocoileus hemionus hemionous Ondatra zibethicus Onychomys leucogaster Onychomys torridus Ovis canadensis nelsoni Perognathus amplus Perognathus amplus cineris Perognathus apache x Interior Chaparral Neotoma albigula 1 Subalpine Grassland Myotis ciliolabrum Myotis evotis Myotis occultus Myotis thysanodes Myotis velifer Myotis volans Myotis yumanensis Plains & Great Basin Grassland California Myotis Western Smallfooted Myotis Long-eared Myotis Arizona Myotis Fringed Myotis Cave Myotis Long-legged Myotis Yuma Myotis Western Whitethroated Woodrat Bushy-tailed Woodrat Desert Woodrat Mexican Woodrat Stephen's Woodrat Crawford's Desert Shrew Mohave Desertscrub Myotis californicus Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name 3 1 x 1 2 3 1 1 x 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 649 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 2 1b 3 x 3 2 2 1 3 3 2 1 2 3 1 1 x x x x 3 2 2 1 x 3 2 2 1 x 3 2 3 1 x 3 2 3 1 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 2 1c 3 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 3 1 3 x x x x Western Pipistrelle Raccoon Mountain Lion Western Harvest Mouse 1 1 1 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 Streams/ Rivers 1 1 1 1 Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs 1 Deer Mouse Pinon Mouse Kaibab Squirrel Merriam's Shrew Dusky Shrew Dwarf Shrew Human Dominated Landscapes 2 x x x 1 1 Subalpine Conifer Forest 2 x x White-footed Mouse Western Harvest Mouse Abert's Squirrel Abert's Chuska Squirrel Montane Conifer Forest 3 Rock Mouse Cactus Mouse Great Basin Conifer Woodland Canyon Mouse x Interior Chaparral 1 Subalpine Grassland Little Pocket Mouse Great Basin Pocket Mouse Brush Mouse 1 Plains & Great Basin Grassland Silky Pocket Mouse Springerville Pocket Mouse Mohave Desertscrub Perognathus flavus Perognathus flavus goodpasteri Perognathus longimembris Perognathus parvus Peromyscus boylii Peromyscus crinitus Peromyscus difficilis Peromyscus eremicus Peromyscus leucopus Peromyscus maniculatus Peromyscus truei Pipistrellus hesperus Procyon lotor Puma concolor Reithrodontomys megalotis Reithrodontomys megalotis megalotis Sciurus aberti Sciurus aberti chuscensis Sciurus aberti kaibabensis Sorex merriami Sorex monticolus Sorex nanus Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 1 2 x x x 1 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x 1 3 3 3 2 1c 3 3 1c 3 3 3 1 3 1b 3 x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 650 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 2 1 3 1 1c 3 x 3 2 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 1 x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 1c 3 x x 1 2 1c 3 x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x 3 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 1 3 x x 2 2 3 1 x x x 3 2 2 1 3 2 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 1 3 3 2 3 3 2 1 c 3 3 1 3 3 2 3 3 2 1c 3 3 3 x x x x x x 1 1 x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x 2 x x x x 3 x x x Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes Red Fox Spiny Softshell New Mexico Whiptail Pai Striped Whiptail Tiger Whiptail Subalpine Conifer Forest Vulpes vulpes Apalone spinifera Aspidoscelis neomexicana Aspidoscelis pai Aspidoscelis tigris x x 1 Ursus americanus Vulpes macrotis Montane Conifer Forest x 1 Great Basin Conifer Woodland Desert Cottontail North Kaibab Mountain Cottontail Southwestern Cottontail Mexican Free-tailed Bat Common Gray Fox American Black Bear Kit Fox Interior Chaparral x 1 1 1 x x Rock Squirrel Western Spotted Skunk 1 Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland 1 Red Squirrel American Badger Collared Peccary Botta's Pocket Gopher Northern Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae Thomomys talpoides Urocyon cinereoargenteus Mohave Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Spilogale gracilis Sylvilagus audubonii Sylvilagus nuttallii grangeri Sylvilagus nuttallii pinetis Tadarida brasiliensis Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Taxidea taxus Tayassau tajacu Common Name Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel Spotted Ground Squirrel Nonnative Scientific Name Spermophilus lateralis Spermophilus spilosoma Spermophilus variegatus x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 651 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 1c 3 3 3 1c 3 x x 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 1 3 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 1c 3 3 3 2 1 3 1c 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x x 2 3 x x 2 Unknown Status x x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes x Subalpine Conifer Forest Variable Skink Montane Conifer Forest Hopi Rattlesnake Great Basin Collared Lizard Eastern Collared Lizard Regal Ring-necked Snake Great Basin Conifer Woodland 2 Interior Chaparral Utah Banded Gecko x Subalpine Grassland 3 Desert Banded Gecko Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Northern Blacktailed Rattlesnake Grand Canyon Rattlesnake Arizona Black Rattlesnake Midget Faded Rattlesnake Great Basin Rattlesnake x Plains & Great Basin Grassland Zebra-tailed Lizard Western Painted Turtle Mohave Desertscrub Crotalus atrox Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus Crotalus molossus molussus Crotalus oreganus abyssus Crotalus oreganus cerberus Crotalus oreganus concolor Crotalus oreganus lutosus Crotalus viridis nuntius Crotaphytus bicinctores Crotaphytus collaris Diadophis punctatus regalis Eumeces multivirgatus epipluerotus Distribution Confidence Aspidoscelis velox Callisaurus draconoides Chrysemys picta bellii Coleonyx variegatus utahensis Coleonyx variegatus variegatus Common Name Plateau Striped Whiptail Nonnative Scientific Name x x x x x x x 2 x x 3 2 3 2 x x 3 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 652 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes x Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Great Basin (Western) Skink Long-nosed Leopard Lizard Mohave Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Eumeces skiltonianus utahensis Gambelia wislizenii Gopherus agassizii (Mohave Population) Holbrookia maculata approximans Hypsiglena torquata chlorophaea Hypsiglena torquata deserticola Hypsiglena torquata loreala Lampropeltis getula californiae Lampropeltis pyromelana infralabialis Lampropeltis triangulum taylori Leptotyphlops humilis humilis Leptotyphlops humilis utahensis Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus Phrynosoma hernandesi hernandesi Pituophis catenifer affinis 3 3 2 3 3 x x 3 3 3 x x 2 2 1a 3 Speckled Earless Lizard x 3 3 3 2 Sonoran Nightsnake x x 3 3 3 3 2 x x 3 3 1c 3 2 x x 3 3 1c 3 2 3 3 1c 3 Mohave Desert Tortoise Desert Nightsnake Mesa Verde Nightsnake 1 California Kingsnake Utah Mountain Kingsnake 2 Utah Milksnake Southwestern Threadsnake 2 Utah Threadsnake Desert Striped Whipsnake Hernandez's (Greater) Shorthorned Lizard Sonoran Gophersnake 2 x x x x x x x x 3 3 x 3 3 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 2 1c 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 653 APPENDIX I. COLORADO PLATEAU MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Species status Distribution by habitat type x x x x 3 3 x 3 3 3 2 x 3 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 x 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 x 3 3 3 3 x 2 3 1c 3 x x x x x x x x Marcy's Checkered Gartersnake x x Plateau Lizard 2 x Streams/ Rivers 3 x Desert Spiny Lizard Variable Groundsnake Smith's Blackheaded Snake Western Blacknecked Gartersnake Wandering Gartersnake 3 Lakes/ Reservoirs Northern Sagebrush Lizard Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Wetlands/ Springs Montane Conifer Forest x Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Subalpine Conifer Forest Interior Chaparral x Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Mojave Patch-nosed Snake Common Chuckwalla Mohave Desertscrub Uta stansburiana Xantusia vigilis vigilis Distribution Confidence Sauromalus ater Sceloporus graciosus graciosus Sceloporus magister Sceloporus tristichus Sonora semiannulata semiannulata Tantilla hobartsmithi Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis Thamnophis elegans vagrans Thamnophis marcianus marcianus Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda Urosaurus ornatus Common Name Great Basin Gophersnake Western Long-nosed Snake Nonnative Scientific Name Pituophis catenifer deserticola Rhinocheilus lecontei lecontei Salvadora hexalepis mojavensis x x x x x x x x x x Western Lyresnake Ornate Tree Lizard Common Sideblotched Lizard x x x x x x Yucca Night Lizard x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 3 1c 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 654 APPENDIX J. MASTER SPECIES LIST FOR THE MOHAVE DESERT ECOREGION Distribution within the Mohave Desert Ecoregion, associated confidence in assigning distribution, and species status in 4 categories. See “Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1)” for how species were included on the list, Table 11 for “Distribution Confidence” scoring, and Appendix L for criteria used to assign “Species Status” scores. Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x x x Responsibility x x x x x 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 x x x x 1 3 2 1b 1 2 3 3 x x x x x 3 2 2 2 1 1c 3 3 x x x 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1a 3 1 3 1b 3 3 1 1c 3 2 1 3 3 2 1 1b 3 2 1 2 Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest 3 x x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Interior Chaparral x Plains & Great Basin Grassland Mohave Desertscrub x Semidesert Grassland Upland Sonoran Desertscrub x x x 2 Rocky Mountain Toad Canyon Treefrog x 2 x 2 x x x Cooper's Hawk Northern Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk x x x x Arizona Toad Red-spotted Toad Desert Pacific Treefrog American Bullfrog Relict Leopard Frog Lowland Leopard Frog Great Basin Spadefoot L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Rana onca Rana yavapaiensis Spea intermontana Accipiter cooperii Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Accipiter striatus Distribution Confidence Bufo alvarius Bufo cognatus Bufo microscaphus Bufo punctatus Bufo woodhousii woodhousi Hyla arenicolor Pseudacris regilla deserticola Rana catesbeiana Common Name Sonoran Desert Toad Great Plains Toad Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 655 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Spotted Sandpiper Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Anas crecca Anas cyanoptera Anas discors Anas platyrhynchos Anas strepera Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Actitis macularius Aechmophorus clarkii Aechmophorus occidentalis Aegolius acadicus Aeronautes saxatalis Agelaius phoeniceus Aimophila ruficeps Aix sponsa Alectoris chukar Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Amphispiza belli Amphispiza bilineata Anas acuta Anas americana Anas clypeata Species status x x x x 3 1 3 2 Clark's Grebe 1 x x x x 3 1 1b 3 Western Grebe Northern Sawwhet Owl White-throated Swift Red-winged Blackbird Rufous-crowned Sparrow Wood Duck 1 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x 3 2 3 2 x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 3 3 1 3 1 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 1 1b 3 x 3 1 2 3 Chukar Western Grasshopper Sparrow Sage Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow Northern Pintail American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Green-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Blue-winged Teal Mallard Gadwall x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x 2 x x x 2 2 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 1c 1 1c 1 1c 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 3 1 1c 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 656 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Vulnerability Unknown Status x x 3 1 1c 3 Community/Focal Lakes/ Reservoirs x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 3 2 1b 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 x x 2 2 2 3 x x Western Burrowing Owl x x x x x x Redhead Ring-necked Duck Canvasback x x 1 Verdin Lesser Scaup Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland 1 Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Golden Eagle Black-chinned Hummingbird Great Egret Great Blue Heron Long-eared Owl L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub American Pipit Western ScrubJay Distribution Confidence Aythya collaris Aythya valisineria Baeolophus ridgwayi Botaurus lentiginosus Branta canadensis Bubo virginianus Bubulcus ibis Buteo albonotatus Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Anthus rubescens Aphelocoma californica Aquila chrysaetos Archilochus alexandri Ardea alba Ardea herodias Asio otus Athene cunicularia hypugaea Auriparus flaviceps Aythya affinis Aythya americana Species status 2 Juniper Titmouse x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 3 2 3 2 x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x 3 2 3 3 x American Bittern 4 x x x x 3 1 1b 3 Canada Goose Great Horned Owl Cattle Egret 2 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x x x 2 3 2 3 2 1c 3 3 x x 3 1 3 Zone-tailed Hawk x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 657 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Mohave Desertscrub Semidesert Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Interior Chaparral Great Basin Conifer Woodland Montane Conifer Forest Human Dominated Landscapes Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Calypte costae Campylorhynch us brunneicapillus Carduelis pinus Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus cassinii Carpodacus mexicanus Cathartes aura Catharus guttatus Catharus ustulatus Catherpes mexicanus Certhia americana L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Calypte anna Red-tailed Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Swainson's Hawk Common BlackHawk Distribution Confidence Buteo regalis Buteo swainsoni Buteogallus anthracinus Butorides virescens Calidris minutilla Callipepla gambelii Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Buteo jamaicensis Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 2 x x x x x x 1 2 3 1 1b 1 2 3 3 x x x 2 1 1b 3 Green Heron x x x x 3 1 3 3 Least Sandpiper x x x x 3 1 3 2 x x x x x 3 3 2 3 x x x x x 3 2 3 3 Gambel's Quail Anna's Hummingbird Costa's Hummingbird x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 Cactus Wren Pine Siskin x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 Lesser Goldfinch x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 Cassin's Finch x x x x x x 2 House Finch Turkey Vulture x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 Hermit Thrush Swainson's Thrush x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x 3 1 3 3 Canyon Wren Brown Creeper 2 x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 658 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Unknown Status x x 3 1 1b 3 x x 3 2 1b 3 x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 1 3 3 x x x Lark Sparrow x x x x x x Lesser Nighthawk Common Nighthawk x x x x x x x x American Dipper Northern Harrier 2 2 Marsh Wren 1 Evening Grosbeak 2 Western Yellowbilled Cuckoo 2 Northern Flicker Gilded Flicker Rock Pigeon Inca Dove Olive-sided Flycatcher Western WoodPewee Vulnerability Snow Goose Ross's Goose x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x 2 2 1 1c 1 1c 3 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x 2 1 1a 3 x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs Killdeer Lakes/ Reservoirs x Montane Conifer Forest 1 Great Basin Conifer Woodland Western Snowy Plover Interior Chaparral x Semidesert Grassland 2 Mohave Desertscrub Belted Kingfisher Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Human Dominated Landscapes Plains & Great Basin Grassland L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Charadrius vociferus Chen caerulescens Chen rossii Chondestes grammacus Chordeiles acutipennis Chordeiles minor Cinclus mexicanus Circus cyaneus Cistothorus palustris Coccothraustes vespertinus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Colaptes auratus Colaptes chrysoides Columba livia Columbina inca Contopus cooperi Contopus sordidulus Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 x x x 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 659 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 3 2 3 x x x x x x x 3 1 3 2 x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1b 1 1b 3 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 1 1 1a 3 x x x x 3 1 3 1 x x x x x x x 1 1 1 x Gray Flycatcher 1 x x x x x Horned Lark Brewer's Blackbird x x x Prairie Falcon x x Peregrine Falcon x American Kestrel x x x x Dusky Flycatcher Southwestern Willow Flycatcher American Peregrine Falcon Unknown Status Gray Catbird Snowy Egret Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers Yellow Warbler Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes x x Montane Conifer Forest Grace's Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x x x x Interior Chaparral x x Plains & Great Basin Grassland x x Semidesert Grassland Steller's Jay Yellow-rumped Warbler x Mohave Desertscrub x Upland Sonoran Desertscrub American Crow Common Raven L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Empidonax traillii extimus Empidonax wrightii Eremophila alpestris Euphagus cyanocephalus Falco mexicanus Falco peregrinus Falco peregrinus anatum Falco sparverius Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Corvus brachyrhynchos Corvus corax Cyanocitta stelleri Dendroica coronata Dendroica graciae Dendroica nigrescens Dendroica petechia Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Empidonax oberholseri 1 x Species status x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 660 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x Sandhill Crane x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x 3 1 2 3 3 2 2 3 x 1 Black-necked Stilt Barn Swallow Yellow-breasted Chat Bullock's Oriole x x Hooded Oriole x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Scott's Oriole Western Least Bittern Dark-eyed Junco Loggerhead Shrike California Black Rail Long-billed Dowitcher x x Pinyon Jay Bald Eagle Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers 2 Wetlands/ Springs Wilson's Snipe Common Moorhen Greater Roadrunner Common Yellowthroat Lakes/ Reservoirs American Coot Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Icteria virens Icterus bullockii Icterus cucullatus Icterus parisorum Ixobrychus exilis hesperis Junco hyemalis Lanius ludovicianus Laterallus jamaicensis coturnic Limnodromus scolopaceus Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Fulica americana Gallinago delicata Gallinula chloropus Geococcyx californianus Geothlypis trichas Grus canadensis Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Haliaeetus leucocephalus Himantopus mexicanus Hirundo rustica Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 1a 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 1 2 2 3 2 x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 3 3 3 x x x 2 1 2 3 x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x x x 2 3 2 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x 3 1 2 1 x 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 661 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x x 2 2 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 x 3 2 3 3 3 2 1c 3 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 1 3 3 x 1 3 Streams/ Rivers x Unknown Status x Vulnerability Wetlands/ Springs x Community/Focal Lakes/ Reservoirs x Responsibility Human Dominated Landscapes 1 Montane Conifer Forest x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Elf Owl Northern Mockingbird Brown-headed Cowbird Townsend's Solitaire Ash-throated Flycatcher Brown-crested Flycatcher Clark's Nutcracker Long-billed Curlew Black-crowned Night-Heron MacGillivray's Warbler Semidesert Grassland Song Sparrow Common Merganser Mohave Desertscrub x Gila Woodpecker Lincoln's Sparrow Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Red Crossbill Western ScreechOwl Acorn Woodpecker Lewis's Woodpecker Distribution Confidence Molothrus ater Myadestes townsendi Myiarchus cinerascens Myiarchus tyrannulus Nucifraga columbiana Numenius americanus Nycticorax nycticorax Oporornis tolmiei Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Loxia curvirostra Megascops kennicottii Melanerpes formicivorus Melanerpes lewis Melanerpes uropygialis Melospiza lincolnii Melospiza melodia Mergus merganser Micrathene whitneyi Mimus polyglottos Species status x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 1 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x 1 x x 1 1 x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 662 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Osprey 1 Harris's Hawk House Sparrow Savannah Sparrow x x x Lazuli Bunting x x x x Blue Grosbeak x x x x Indigo Bunting Band-tailed Pigeon American White Pelican x x 2 x x x x Phainopepla x x x x x Double-crested Cormorant x x 1 x x x x x x 2 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 1b 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 1 2 3 x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x 3 1 1c 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x 1 3 x x 3 x x Cliff Swallow Common Poorwill Ring-necked Pheasant x 3 x x x 1 1b x x 1 3 x x x Unknown Status Ruddy Duck Vulnerability x Community/Focal Flammulated Owl x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs Plains & Great Basin Grassland x Human Dominated Landscapes Semidesert Grassland x Montane Conifer Forest Mohave Desertscrub x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Upland Sonoran Desertscrub 1 Interior Chaparral L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Sage Thrasher Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Oreoscoptes montanus Otus flammeolus Oxyura jamaicensis Pandion haliaetus Parabuteo unicinctus Passer domesticus Passerculus sandwichensis Passerina amoena Passerina caerulea Passerina cyanea Patagioenas fasciata Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Phainopepla nitens Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Phasianus colchicus Species status x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 663 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x 1 Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Responsibility Interior Chaparral x Streams/ Rivers Plains & Great Basin Grassland x Wetlands/ Springs Semidesert Grassland x Lakes/ Reservoirs Mohave Desertscrub x Human Dominated Landscapes Upland Sonoran Desertscrub x Montane Conifer Forest L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Poecile gambeli Polioptila caerulea Polioptila melanura Pooecetes gramineus Porzana carolina Progne subis arboricola Psaltriparus minimus Distribution Confidence Pipilo chlorurus Pipilo fuscus Pipilo maculatus Piranga ludoviciana Piranga rubra Plegadis chihi Podiceps nigricollis Podilymbus podiceps Common Name Black-headed Grosbeak Ladder-backed Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Abert's Towhee Green-tailed Towhee Canyon Towhee Nonnative Scientific Name Pheucticus melanocephalus Picoides scalaris Picoides villosus Pipilo aberti Species status x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1c 2 3 3 3 Spotted Towhee x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 Western Tanager Summer Tanager White-faced Ibis x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 1 Eared Grebe 2 x x x 3 1 1c 3 Pied-billed Grebe Mountain Chickadee Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Black-tailed Gnatcatcher x Vesper Sparrow Sora Western Purple Martin Bushtit x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 3 x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x 3 1 1b 3 x x 3 2 3 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 664 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland x Semidesert Grassland x Mohave Desertscrub Rock Wren Say's Phoebe Broad-tailed Hummingbird Mountain Bluebird Western Bluebird Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Pygmy Nuthatch Red-naped Sapsucker Williamson's Sapsucker Black-chinned Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow x Upland Sonoran Desertscrub American Avocet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Sitta canadensis Sitta carolinensis Sitta pygmaea Sphyrapicus nuchalis Sphyrapicus thyroideus Spizella atrogularis Spizella breweri Yuma Clapper Rail Distribution Confidence Regulus satrapa Salpinctes obsoletus Sayornis saya Selasphorus platycercus Sialia currucoides Sialia mexicana Common Name Vermilion Flycatcher Great-tailed Grackle Virginia Rail Nonnative Scientific Name Pyrocephalus rubinus Quiscalus mexicanus Rallus limicola Rallus longirostris yumanensis Recurvirostra americana Regulus calendula x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 2 x x x 1 2 1a 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 2 1c 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 x x x x x x x 1 x Species status x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 2 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 665 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes x Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Western Kingbird Interior Chaparral American Robin x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1a 3 x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 x 1 House Wren Winter Wren Plains & Great Basin Grassland Crissal Thrasher Curve-billed Thrasher Le Conte's Thrasher Greater Yellowlegs Semidesert Grassland Bewick's Wren Bendire's Thrasher Mohave Desertscrub Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Mexican Spotted Owl Western Meadowlark European Starling L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Chipping Sparrow Northern Roughwinged Swallow Eurasian Collared-Dove Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Spizella passerina Stelgidopteryx serripennis Streptopelia decaocto Strix occidentalis lucida Sturnella neglecta Sturnus vulgaris Tachycineta bicolor Tachycineta thalassina Thryomanes bewickii Toxostoma bendirei Toxostoma crissale Toxostoma curvirostre Toxostoma lecontei Tringa melanoleuca Troglodytes aedon Troglodytes troglodytes Turdus migratorius Tyrannus verticalis Species status x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x 3 2 3 2 3 1 2 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 666 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x Virginia's Warbler Warbling Vireo Plumbeous Vireo Gray Vireo Yellow-headed Blackbird White-winged Dove x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 2 1 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x 3 1 2 3 Montane Conifer Forest Unknown Status x Vulnerability Lucy's Warbler Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Wetlands/ Springs Interior Chaparral x 1 Lakes/ Reservoirs Plains & Great Basin Grassland x x Human Dominated Landscapes Semidesert Grassland x x x Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Mohave Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub x x x Cassin's Kingbird Barn Owl Orange-crowned Warbler Distribution Confidence x x x Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Tyrannus vociferans Tyto alba Vermivora celata Vermivora luciae Vermivora virginiae Vireo gilvus Vireo plumbeus Vireo vicinior Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Zenaida asiatica Zenaida macroura Zonotrichia leucophrys Agosia chrysogaster Catostomus clarki Catostomus latipinnis Ctenopharyngo don idella Cyprinodon macularius Cyprinus carpio Dorosoma petenense Gambusia affinis Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 Mourning Dove White-crowned Sparrow 1 Longfin Dace 1 x 1 2 1b 3 Desert Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker 1 x 1 1 1b 3 1 x 3 1 1a 3 3 3 3 3 1 1a 3 3 3 3 Grass Carp Desert Pupfish Common Carp x x 1 x x x x x 1 3 Threadfin Shad x x x 3 3 3 3 Mosquitofish x x x 3 3 3 3 x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 667 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Species status Channel Catfish x x Virgin Spinedace 1 Unknown Status x x x x x x x x 1 1 1 1 Vulnerability Humpback Chub Bonytail Roundtail Chub Virgin Chub Black Bullhead Yellow Bullhead Community/Focal Gila cypha Gila elegans Gila robusta Gila seminuda Ictalurus melas Ictalurus natalis Ictalurus punctatus Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis microlophus Micropterus dolomieu Micropterus salmoides Morone saxatilis Notropis lutrensis Oncorhynchus mykiss Pimephales promelas Plagopterus argentissimus Pomoxis nigromaculatus Ptychocheilus lucius Responsibility Common Name x x 1 1 1 2 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 1a 1a 1b 1a 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 3 2 1 1a 3 Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Nonnative Scientific Name x x Green Sunfish x x x 3 3 3 3 Bluegill x x x 3 3 3 3 Redear Sunfish x x x 3 3 3 3 Smallmouth Bass x x x 3 3 3 3 Largemouth Bass x x x 3 3 3 3 Striped Bass x x x 3 3 3 3 Red Shiner x x x 3 3 3 3 Rainbow Trout x x x 3 3 3 3 Fathead Minnow x x x 3 3 3 3 3 1 1a 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1a 3 Woundfin Black Crappie Colorado Pikeminnow 1 x x x 1 x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 668 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland 1 x x 3 3 3 3 x 1 1 1b 3 x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x 1 1 1a 3 x x 3 1 1b 3 x 3 3 3 2 x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 x x Razorback Sucker 1 California Floater San Francisco Brine Shrimp 4 Ghost Rams-horn Kaibab Fairy Shrimp Chinese Mysterysnail Mexican Clam Shrimp Bristletail Clam Shrimp Straightbacked Clam Shrimp Knobbedlip Fairy Shrimp Ethologist Fairy Shrimp Fuzzy Cyst Clam Shrimp Cylindrical Cyst Clam Shrimp Texan Clam Shrimp Semidesert Grassland Walleye Tilapia Mohave Desertscrub Speckled Dace Upland Sonoran Desertscrub x L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Flathead Catfish Distribution Confidence Cyzicus setosa Eocyzicus digueti Eubranchipus bundyi Eubranchipus serratus Eulimnadia antlei Eulimnadia cylindrova Eulimnadia texana Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Pylodictis olivaris Rhinichthys osculus Stizostedion vitreum Tilapia sp. Xyrauchen texanus Anodonta californiensis Artemia franciscana Biomphalaria havanensis Branchinecta kaibabensis Cipangopaludin a chinensis Cyzicus mexicanus Species status x 2 x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 669 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x x 3 3 3 2 Creeping Ancylid Two-ridge Ramshorn Brown Gardensnail Spineynose Clam Shrimp Holarctic Clam Shrimp Short Finger Clam Shrimp x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 Red-rim Melania Milk Snail x x x x x x Interior Chaparral Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Helix aspersa Leptestheria compleximanus Lynceus brachyurus Lynceus brevifrons Melanoides tuberculatus Otala lactea Physella humerosa Physella osculans Planorbella tenuis Procambarus clarkii Promenetus exacuous Pyrgulopsis bacchus Pyrgulopsis conica Pyrgulopsis deserta Streptocephalus dorothae Fragile Ancylid Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Ferrissia fragilis Ferrissia rivularis Helisoma anceps Species status x x x 2 x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 x x 3 3 2 2 x x x 3 3 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x x Corkscrew Physa Cayuse Physa Mexican Ramshorn Red Swamp Crawfish Sharp Sprite (A Planorbid Snail) Grand Wash Springsnail Kingman Springsnail Desert Springsnail New Mexico Fairy Shrimp x 3 x 1 1 1b 3 3 x 1 1 1b 3 3 x 1 1 1b 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 670 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Vulnerability Unknown Status x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs 4 Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Thamnocephalu s mexicanus Thamnocephalu s platyurus Triops longicaudatus Triops newberryi Vertigo berryi Ammospermoph ilus harrisii Ammospermoph ilus leucurus Antrozous pallidus Bassariscus astutus Canis latrans Castor canadensis Chaetodipus formosus Chaetodipus intermedius Chaetodipus penicillatus Distribution Confidence Streptocephalus mackini Streptocephalus sealii Streptocephalus texanus Common Name Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Shrimp Spinytail Fairy Shrimp Greater Plains Fairy Shrimp Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Longtail Tadpole Shrimp Desert Tadpole Shrimp Rotund Vertigo Harris' Antelope Squirrel White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x 2 x x x 3 3 3 3 3 1c 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 1 3 1 3 3 2 1 2 3 3 3 1 1 1c 3 2 2 3 1 1 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 x x x x Pallid Bat 1 x x x x x x x x x Ringtail Coyote 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x American Beaver Long-tailed Pocket Mouse Rock Pocket Mouse Sonoran Desert Pocket Mouse 1 x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 671 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x 1 x x 1 x x 1 Hoary Bat Black-tailed Jackrabbit Bobcat California Leafnosed Bat 1 x 1 x Striped Skunk Southwestern Myotis x x x x 2 x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x 2 x 1 1 x x 3 2 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x Silver-haired Bat Western Red Bat x Unknown Status x Vulnerability Montane Conifer Forest x Community/Focal Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Responsibility Interior Chaparral x Streams/ Rivers Plains & Great Basin Grassland x Wetlands/ Springs Semidesert Grassland x Lakes/ Reservoirs Mohave Desertscrub x Human Dominated Landscapes Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Spotted Bat Greater Western Mastiff Bat Allen's Big-eared Bat L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Desert Kangaroo Rat Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Ord's Kangaroo Rat Big Brown Bat North American Porcupine Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Dipodomys deserti Dipodomys merriami Dipodomys microps celsus Dipodomys ordii Eptesicus fuscus Erethizon dorsatum Euderma maculatum Eumops perotis californicus Idionycteris phyllotis Lasionycteris noctivagans Lasiurus blossevillii Lasiurus cinereus Lepus californicus Lynx rufus Macrotus californicus Mephitis mephitis Myotis auriculus Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 2 1 2 3 3 1 1c 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 3 1 2 3 3 3 2 1b 3 2 2 1b 3 x 3 2 2 1 x x 3 2 2 1 x x 3 2 1b 3 x x 3 2 2 1 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 1 1 2 1b 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 1 x x x 1 x x x x 3 x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 672 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Great Basin Conifer Woodland Montane Conifer Forest x x x x Fringed Myotis Cave Myotis Long-legged Myotis Yuma Myotis Western Whitethroated Woodrat Desert Woodrat Crawford's Desert Shrew Pocketed Freetailed Bat Big Free-tailed Bat Desert Mule Deer 1 2 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 2 2 2 3 1 x x x x x x 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 x x 3 2 2 3 x x 3 2 2 3 x 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x 1 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Common Muskrat Southern Grasshopper Mouse Desert Bighorn Sheep Arizona Pocket Mouse x x x x x 1 x x x 2 2 2 1 x x 2 2 1b 3 2 2 2 1 3 2 2 3 2 1 1c 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 1 2 3 1 x x 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x Community/Focal 1 x x Lakes/ Reservoirs x Unknown Status Interior Chaparral x Vulnerability Plains & Great Basin Grassland x Responsibility Semidesert Grassland x Streams/ Rivers Mohave Desertscrub x Wetlands/ Springs Upland Sonoran Desertscrub 1 Human Dominated Landscapes L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Onychomys torridus Ovis canadensis nelsoni Perognathus amplus California Myotis Western Smallfooted Myotis Arizona Myotis Distribution Confidence Myotis volans Myotis yumanensis Neotoma albigula Neotoma lepida Notiosorex crawfordi Nyctinomops femorosaccus Nyctinomops macrotis Odocoileus hemionus crooki Odocoileus hemionus hemionous Ondatra zibethicus Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Myotis californicus Myotis ciliolabrum Myotis occultus Myotis thysanodes Myotis velifer Species status x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 673 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Unknown Status 1 x x 3 2 2 1 3 2 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 2 3 1 3 3 3 2 1c 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 1 x x 1 1 1 Vulnerability 3 1 1 1 1 x x x Community/Focal x 2 3 x x 2 x x 1 1 1 3 x x 1 Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Montane Conifer Forest x Rock Squirrel Western Spotted Skunk Desert Cottontail Mexican Freetailed Bat American Badger Great Basin Conifer Woodland Kaibab Squirrel Round-tailed Ground Squirrel Interior Chaparral Western Harvest Mouse Abert's Squirrel Plains & Great Basin Grassland 1 Cactus Mouse Pinon Mouse Western Pipistrelle Raccoon Mountain Lion Western Harvest Mouse Semidesert Grassland x Canyon Mouse Deer Mouse Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Brush Mouse Distribution Confidence Common Name Little Pocket Mouse Nonnative Scientific Name Perognathus longimembris Peromyscus boylii Peromyscus crinitus Peromyscus eremicus Peromyscus maniculatus Peromyscus truei Pipistrellus hesperus Procyon lotor Puma concolor Reithrodontomy s megalotis Reithrodontomy s megalotis megalotis Sciurus aberti Sciurus aberti kaibabensis Spermophilus tereticaudus Spermophilus variegatus Spilogale gracilis Sylvilagus audubonii Tadarida brasiliensis Taxidea taxus Species status x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 1 2 3 3 1 3 x x 1 2 1c 3 2 1 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 2 1 1c 1 2 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 674 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x 2 2 2 3 x x x x x 2 2 3 1 x x x x x 2 2 3 1 x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x Pocket Gohper Common Gray Fox American Black Bear Kit Fox Spiny Softshell Desert Glossy Snake Arizona Glossy Snake 1 1 1 x x x x Desert Rosy Boa 2 Mojave Shovelnosed Snake 2 Utah Banded Gecko 2 x x 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 1 x x 3 3 3 3 x x Tiger Whiptail Zebra-tailed Lizard Desert Banded Gecko x Streams/ Rivers Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Wetlands/ Springs Interior Chaparral x Lakes/ Reservoirs Plains & Great Basin Grassland x Human Dominated Landscapes Semidesert Grassland x Montane Conifer Forest Mohave Desertscrub 1 Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Collared Peccary Botta's Pocket Gopher L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Tayassau tajacu Thomomys bottae Thomomys bottae desertorum Urocyon cinereoargenteu s Ursus americanus Vulpes macrotis Apalone spinifera Arizona elegans eburnata Arizona elegans noctivaga Aspidoscelis tigris Callisaurus draconoides Charina trivirgata gracia Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis Coleonyx variegatus utahensis Coleonyx variegatus variegatus Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 3 3 1c 3 3 2 1c 3 3 3 1c 3 2 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 675 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Northern Mohave Rattlesnake Great Basin Collared Lizard Mohave Desert Tortoise x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x 3 3 2 3 x x 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 1a 3 x x 2 x 1 x 2 x Regal Ringnecked Snake Northern Desert Iguana x Unknown Status x x Vulnerability Great Basin Rattlesnake x Community/Focal x x Responsibility x x Streams/ Rivers x x x Wetlands/ Springs x x Lakes/ Reservoirs x x Human Dominated Landscapes x x Montane Conifer Forest x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Interior Chaparral x Plains & Great Basin Grassland x Mojave Desert Sidewinder Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Western Redtailed Skink Long-nosed Leopard Lizard Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Crotalus atrox Crotalus cerastes cerastes Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus Crotalus oreganus lutosus Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus Crotaphytus bicinctores Diadophis punctatus regalis Dipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalis Eumeces gilberti rubricaudata Gambelia wislizenii Gopherus agassizii (Mohave Population) Distribution Confidence Cophosaurus texanus scitulus Common Name Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 676 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x Sonoran Nightsnake x x California Kingsnake x x x x 1 3 2 3 x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x 2 3 3 3 x x 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Community/Focal x Responsibility 3 Streams/ Rivers Great Basin Gophersnake 2 1b Wetlands/ Springs Desert Striped Whipsnake Desert Horned Lizard Spotted Leafnosed Snake Sonoran Gophersnake 2 Lakes/ Reservoirs Red Racer x Montane Conifer Forest Utah Threadsnake 2 x Semidesert Grassland Utah Mountain Kingsnake Southwestern Threadsnake Unknown Status x Vulnerability Banded Gila Monster Human Dominated Landscapes Mohave Desertscrub x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Upland Sonoran Desertscrub x Interior Chaparral L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub x Sonoran Desert Tortoise Plains & Great Basin Grassland Distribution Confidence 1 Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Heloderma suspectum cinctum Hypsiglena torquata chlorophaea Lampropeltis getula californiae Lampropeltis pyromelana infralabialis Leptotyphlops humilis humilis Leptotyphlops humilis utahensis Masticophis flagellum piceus Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus Phrynosoma platyrhinos Phyllorhynchus decurtatus Pituophis catenifer affinis Pituophis catenifer deserticola Species status x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 677 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x 2 x x 2 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 2 3 x x x 2 2 2 3 x x x x x x Plateau Lizard Variable Groundsnake Smith's Blackheaded Snake Western Lyresnake Mojave Fringetoed Lizard Long-tailed Brush Lizard Ornate Tree Lizard Common Sideblotched Lizard x x 2 x x x Streams/ Rivers 3 Wetlands/ Springs 3 Lakes/ Reservoirs 3 Human Dominated Landscapes x Montane Conifer Forest x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Interior Chaparral x Plains & Great Basin Grassland Semidesert Grassland Northern Sagebrush Lizard Desert Spiny Lizard Mohave Desertscrub Mojave Patchnosed Snake Common Chuckwalla Clark's Spiny Lizard Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Desert Patchnosed Snake L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Uma scoparia Urosaurus graciosus Urosaurus ornatus Uta stansburiana Common Name Western Longnosed Snake Nonnative Scientific Name Rhinocheilus lecontei lecontei Salvadora hexalepis hexalepis Salvadora hexalepis mojavensis Sauromalus ater Sceloporus clarkii Sceloporus graciosus graciosus Sceloporus magister Sceloporus tristichus Sonora semiannulata semiannulata Tantilla hobartsmithi Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda Species status x x 2 3 2 3 x x 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x 2 3 2 2 x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 1c 3 x x x x x 3 3 2 3 x 3 2 1b 3 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 Vulnerability Unknown Status 3 L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Mohave Desertscrub Semidesert Grassland Nonnative Distribution Confidence x Plains & Great Basin Grassland Interior Chaparral Great Basin Conifer Woodland Montane Conifer Forest Human Dominated Landscapes Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal 3 1c x Species status Distribution by habitat type 3 x x x Common Name Yucca Night Lizard Scientific Name Xantusia vigilis vigilis May 24, 2006 Page 678 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 APPENDIX J. MOHAVE DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 679 APPENDIX K. MASTER SPECIES LIST FOR THE SONORAN DESERT ECOREGION Distribution within the coregion, associated confidence in assigning distribution, and species status in 4 categories. See “Compilation of a Comprehensive List of Wildlife in Arizona (Element 1)” for how species were included on the list, Table 11 for “Distribution Confidence” scoring, and Appendix L for criteria used to assign “Species Status” scores. Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Unknown Status x x Vulnerability x 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 2 x x x x 1 3 2 1 1b 3 2 3 x x 2 1 2 1 x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x 3 2 2 1 1b 3 1c 3 x x x 2 3 2 3 1b 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 x 2 x 3 x 2 x x x x 3 x x 2 x x 3 x x 2 x x Community/Focal x Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Couch's Spadefoot Semidesert Grassland Rana yavapaiensis Scaphiopus couchii Mohave Desertscrub Pternohyla fodiens Rana catesbeiana Rana berlandieri Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Gastrophryne olivacea Hyla arenicolor Arizona Toad Red-spotted Toad Sonoran Green Toad Rocky Mountain Toad Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad Canyon Treefrog Lowland Burrowing Treefrog American Bullfrog Rio Grande Leopard Frog Lowland Leopard Frog L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Bufo retiformis Bufo woodhousii woodhousi Barred Tiger Salamander Sonoran Desert Toad Great Plains Toad Western Green Toad Distribution Confidence Bufo alvarius Bufo cognatus Bufo debilis insidior Bufo microscaphus Bufo punctatus Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium Species status x 3 x x 1 3 1b 3 x x 3 1 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 680 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Wetlands/ Springs Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x 3 2 2 3 x 3 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 1 1b 3 Streams/ Rivers Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral x Semidesert Grassland Amazilia violiceps Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Amphispiza belli Amphispiza bilineata Anas acuta x Mohave Desertscrub Aegolius acadicus Aeronautes saxatalis Agelaius phoeniceus Aimophila carpalis Aimophila cassinii Aimophila ruficeps Aix sponsa Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Accipiter striatus Actitis macularius Aechmophorus clarkii Aechmophorus occidentalis L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Accipiter cooperii Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Distribution Confidence Spea multiplicata Xenopus laevis Common Name Mexican Spadefoot African Clawed Frog Cooper's Hawk Northern Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Spotted Sandpiper Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 1 1 3 3 2 2 Clark's Grebe 1 x x x x 3 1 1b 3 Western Grebe Northern Sawwhet Owl White-throated Swift Red-winged Blackbird Rufous-winged Sparrow Cassin's Sparrow Rufous-crowned Sparrow Wood Duck Violet-crowned Hummingbird Western Grasshopper Sparrow Sage Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow Northern Pintail 1 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 2 x x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 1c 3 3 1 1b 3 3 3 1 1 1b 3 2 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 1c 3 x x x x 1 x 2 x 2 x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 681 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability 1 1 1c 3 1c 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 3 2 1c 3 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 1c 1b 2 2 3 3 Western Scrub-Jay Mexican Jay Golden Eagle Black-chinned Hummingbird Great Egret Great Blue Heron Long-eared Owl Northern Gray Hawk Juniper Titmouse x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 1 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 1b 2 2 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 1b 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 1c 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 1 1 Western Burrowing Owl Verdin Lesser Scaup Redhead Ring-necked Duck Canvasback x Unknown Status Human Dominated Landscapes 3 3 Great Basin Conifer Woodland x x Madrean Evergreen Woodland x x Interior Chaparral x x Semidesert Grassland x x Mohave Desertscrub 2 2 Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Mallard Gadwall American Pipit Sprague's Pipit L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Anas crecca Anas cyanoptera Anas discors Anas platyrhynchos Anas strepera Anthus rubescens Anthus spragueii Aphelocoma californica Aphelocoma ultramarina Aquila chrysaetos Archilochus alexandri Ardea alba Ardea herodias Asio otus Asturina nitida maxima Athene cunicularia hypugaea Auriparus flaviceps Aythya affinis Aythya americana Aythya collaris Aythya valisineria Baeolophus ridgwayi American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Green-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Blue-winged Teal Distribution Confidence Anas americana Anas clypeata Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 682 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x x x x x 1 2 x Gambel's Quail Scaled Quail Anna's Hummingbird Costa's Hummingbird Northern BeardlessTyrannulet Cactus Wren x x x 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1b 1c 3 1c 2 3 1b 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 2 1 1b 3 x 3 1 3 3 x 3 1 2 2 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 2 1 x x Unknown Status x x x Vulnerability x x x x x x x x x Community/Focal x x x x x x x x Responsibility x x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs 4 2 x 3 x Green Heron Lark Bunting McCown's Longspur Chestnut-collared Longspur Least Sandpiper Human Dominated Landscapes American Bittern Canada Goose Great Horned Owl Cattle Egret Zone-tailed Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Ferruginous Hawk Swainson's Hawk Common BlackHawk Great Basin Conifer Woodland Bridled Titmouse Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Camptostoma imberbe Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Calypte costae L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Calypte anna Distribution Confidence Calcarius ornatus Calidris minutilla Callipepla gambelii Callipepla squamata Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Baeolophus wollweberi Botaurus lentiginosus Branta canadensis Bubo virginianus Bubulcus ibis Buteo albonotatus Buteo jamaicensis Buteo regalis Buteo swainsoni Buteogallus anthracinus Butorides virescens Calamospiza melanocorys Calcarius mccownii Species status x x x x 2 x x 2 x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 3 1 2 x x x x 3 3 2 3 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 683 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Vulnerability 1c 3 3 2 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x 3 3 3 2 2 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 2 1c 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x 3 1 3 x x Western Snowy Plover 1 x Mountain Plover 2 x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 3 1 1 3 3 1b 3 x x 3 2 1b 3 x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 2 2 x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x x Unknown Status Community/Focal x 2 1 Responsibility x x x Green Kingfisher 1 Streams/ Rivers x Brown Creeper Belted Kingfisher Killdeer Snow Goose Ross's Goose Wetlands/ Springs Canyon Wren Lakes/ Reservoirs x x 3 x 2 2 Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral x x House Finch Turkey Vulture Hermit Thrush Swainson's Thrush Semidesert Grassland Pyrrhuloxia Pine Siskin Lesser Goldfinch Mohave Desertscrub 1 Upland Sonoran Desertscrub 2 Northern Cardinal Cassin's Finch L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Crested Caracara Distribution Confidence Common Name Buff-collared Nightjar Nonnative Scientific Name Caprimulgus ridgwayi Caracara cheriway Cardinalis cardinalis Cardinalis sinuatus Carduelis pinus Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus cassinii Carpodacus mexicanus Cathartes aura Catharus guttatus Catharus ustulatus Catherpes mexicanus Certhia americana Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Charadrius montanus Charadrius vociferus Chen caerulescens Chen rossii Chloroceryle americana Species status 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 684 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x 2 2 x x x x Marsh Wren 1 Evening Grosbeak 2 Western Yellowbilled Cuckoo Northern Flicker 2 Gilded Flicker Rock Pigeon Inca Dove Common GroundDove Olive-sided Flycatcher Greater Pewee Western WoodPewee Black Vulture American Crow Common Raven Chihuahuan Raven Steller's Jay Broad-billed Hummingbird x 2 2 x Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility Lesser Nighthawk American Dipper Northern Harrier Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs Interior Chaparral x Lakes/ Reservoirs Semidesert Grassland x Human Dominated Landscapes Mohave Desertscrub x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Upland Sonoran Desertscrub x Madrean Evergreen Woodland L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub x Distribution Confidence Contopus cooperi Contopus pertinax Contopus sordidulus Coragyps atratus Corvus brachyrhynchos Corvus corax Corvus cryptoleucus Cyanocitta stelleri Cynanthus latirostris Lark Sparrow Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Chondestes grammacus Chordeiles acutipennis Cinclus mexicanus Circus cyaneus Cistothorus palustris Coccothraustes vespertinus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Colaptes auratus Colaptes chrysoides Columba livia Columbina inca Columbina passerina Species status 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 3 3 1c 3 1c 3 x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x 2 3 1 1 1a 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 2 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 1b 3 2 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 3 2 2 3 x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 3 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 3 3 2 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 685 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x 3 2 1b 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x 3 1 2 3 Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs 1 Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Common Name Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Yellow-rumped Warbler Nonnative Scientific Name Dendrocygna autumnalis Dendroica coronata Dendroica graciae Dendroica nigrescens Dendroica petechia Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula Empidonax oberholseri Empidonax occidentalis Empidonax traillii extimus Empidonax wrightii Eremophila alpestris Euphagus cyanocephalus Falco mexicanus Falco peregrinus Falco peregrinus anatum Falco sparverius Fulica americana Gallinago delicata Gallinula chloropus Species status Grace's Warbler Black-throated Gray Warbler x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 Yellow Warbler x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 1b 3 1b 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 1 1 1a 3 x x x x 3 1 3 1 Gray Catbird Snowy Egret 1 1 Dusky Flycatcher Cordilleran Flycatcher Southwestern Willow Flycatcher 1 Gray Flycatcher 1 Horned Lark Brewer's Blackbird Prairie Falcon Peregrine Falcon American Peregrine Falcon American Kestrel American Coot Wilson's Snipe Common Moorhen x 1 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 3 3 1 1 2 1 1b 3 2 1c 3 2 3 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 686 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Mohave Desertscrub Semidesert Grassland Interior Chaparral Madrean Evergreen Woodland Great Basin Conifer Woodland Human Dominated Landscapes Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 1 L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Icteria virens Icterus bullockii Icterus cucullatus Icterus parisorum Ictinia mississippiensis Ixobrychus exilis hesperis Junco hyemalis Lanius ludovicianus Laterallus jamaicensis coturnic Limnodromus scolopaceus Loxia curvirostra Distribution Confidence Geothlypis trichas Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum Glaucidium gnoma californicum Grus canadensis Haliaeetus leucocephalus Himantopus mexicanus Hirundo rustica Common Name Greater Roadrunner Common Yellowthroat Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Nonnative Scientific Name Geococcyx californianus x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x 3 1 3 x x x x x x 2 2 1a 3 x x x 3 3 2 1 2 2 Northern Pygmy0wl Sandhill Crane Bald Eagle x 1 Black-necked Stilt Barn Swallow Yellow-breasted Chat Bullock's Oriole Hooded Oriole Scott's Oriole Mississippi Kite Western Least Bittern Dark-eyed Junco Loggerhead Shrike California Black Rail Long-billed Dowitcher Red Crossbill Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 3 2 3 x x x x 1 2 1a 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 1 2 2 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x 2 2 1b 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 3 2 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x 3 3 1 2 2 2 1 x x 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 687 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 3 2 3 3 x 3 2 3 3 x 3 2 1c 3 x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 2 1 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x 1 x x x 1 Unknown Status Wetlands/ Springs x Vulnerability Lakes/ Reservoirs x Community/Focal Human Dominated Landscapes x Responsibility Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Streams/ Rivers Madrean Evergreen Woodland x Interior Chaparral x Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub 1 Elf Owl Northern Mockingbird Bronzed Cowbird Brown-headed Cowbird Townsend's Solitaire Ash-throated Flycatcher Dusky-capped Flycatcher Brown-crested Flycatcher Painted Redstart Clark's Nutcracker Long-billed Curlew Black-crowned Night-Heron Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Molothrus ater Myadestes townsendi Myiarchus cinerascens Myiarchus tuberculifer Myiarchus tyrannulus Myioborus pictus Nucifraga columbiana Numenius americanus Nycticorax nycticorax Song Sparrow Common Merganser x 1 Gila Woodpecker Lincoln's Sparrow L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Mimus polyglottos Molothrus aeneus Distribution Confidence Melanerpes lewis Melanerpes uropygialis Melospiza lincolnii Melospiza melodia Mergus merganser Micrathene whitneyi Common Name Western ScreechOwl Acorn Woodpecker Lewis's Woodpecker Nonnative Scientific Name Megascops kennicottii Melanerpes formicivorus Species status x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 688 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x x 1 x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 3 1 1 1b 3 2 3 x Unknown Status x x Vulnerability x x Community/Focal 1 x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x Wetlands/ Springs x Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Interior Chaparral 1 Madrean Evergreen Woodland Semidesert Grassland Savannah Sparrow Lazuli Bunting Mohave Desertscrub Harris's Hawk House Sparrow Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Ruddy Duck Osprey L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Sage Thrasher Flammulated Owl Distribution Confidence Oporornis tolmiei Oreoscoptes montanus Otus flammeolus Oxyura jamaicensis Pandion haliaetus Parabuteo unicinctus Passer domesticus Passerculus sandwichensis Passerina amoena Passerina caerulea Passerina cyanea Passerina versicolor Patagioenas fasciata Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Phainopepla nitens Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus Phalacrocorax brasilianus Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Common Name MacGillivray's Warbler Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 3 1b 3 x x x x x x x 2 3 2 3 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 1c 3 2 3 x x 3 3 1 1 3 3 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Varied Bunting Band-tailed Pigeon American White Pelican x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x 3 1 2 3 Cliff Swallow x x x x Phainopepla x x x x Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Double-crested Cormorant Neotropic Cormorant Common Poorwill 1 3 3 x x x 2 x x x x 1 x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 2 x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x 3 2 2 2 3 1 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 689 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 2 1 1c 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 3 2 2 x x 3 1 1c 3 1 Eared Grebe 2 x Bushtit x x x x x Pied-billed Grebe Mountain Chickadee Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Streams/ Rivers 1 Wetlands/ Springs x Western Tanager Summer Tanager White-faced Ibis Vesper Sparrow Sora Western Purple Martin Desert Purple Martin Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Poecile gambeli Polioptila caerulea Polioptila melanura Pooecetes gramineus Porzana carolina Progne subis arboricola Progne subis hesperia Psaltriparus minimus L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Pipilo chlorurus Pipilo fuscus Pipilo maculatus Piranga ludoviciana Piranga rubra Plegadis chihi Podiceps nigricollis Podilymbus podiceps Distribution Confidence Picoides scalaris Pipilo aberti Common Name Ring-necked Pheasant Black-headed Grosbeak Ladder-backed Woodpecker Abert's Towhee Green-tailed Towhee Canyon Towhee Spotted Towhee Nonnative Scientific Name Phasianus colchicus Pheucticus melanocephalus Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x 1 x x 1 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 690 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Human Dominated Landscapes Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 2 1 x x x x 1 2 1a 3 1 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x 3 1 1c 3 3 2 1c 3 1 x x x x x x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Madrean Evergreen Woodland x Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Sitta carolinensis Sphyrapicus nuchalis Sphyrapicus thyroideus Spizella atrogularis Spizella breweri Spizella passerina Stelgidopteryx serripennis Mohave Desertscrub Sitta canadensis Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Sialia currucoides Sialia mexicana Rock Wren Say's Phoebe Broad-tailed Hummingbird Mountain Bluebird Western Bluebird Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Red-naped Sapsucker Williamson's Sapsucker Black-chinned Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Roughwinged Swallow L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Regulus satrapa Salpinctes obsoletus Sayornis saya Selasphorus platycercus American Avocet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet x Distribution Confidence Regulus calendula Common Name Vermilion Flycatcher Great-tailed Grackle Virginia Rail Yuma Clapper Rail Nonnative Scientific Name Pyrocephalus rubinus Quiscalus mexicanus Rallus limicola Rallus longirostris yumanensis Recurvirostra americana Species status x 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 3 3 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 691 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 3 x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 3 2 3 3 3 1 Streams/ Rivers 1 Wetlands/ Springs 3 Lakes/ Reservoirs 3 Interior Chaparral 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 2 x x x x x x 3 1 2 1 x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x 3 2 1c 3 3 3 1 1 2 3 3 1 1c 3 3 1 2 3 2 1b 3 x 1 Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Semidesert Grassland Winter Wren Mohave Desertscrub Crissal Thrasher Curve-billed Thrasher Le Conte's Thrasher Greater Yellowlegs House Wren x x Bewick's Wren Bendire's Thrasher Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Sturnella neglecta Sturnus vulgaris Tachycineta bicolor Tachycineta thalassina Thryomanes bewickii Toxostoma bendirei Toxostoma crissale Toxostoma curvirostre Toxostoma lecontei Tringa melanoleuca Troglodytes aedon Troglodytes troglodytes Turdus migratorius Tyrannus crassirostris Tyrannus melancholicus Tyrannus verticalis Tyrannus vociferans Distribution Confidence Sturnella magna Common Name Eurasian CollaredDove Eastern Meadowlark Western Meadowlark European Starling Nonnative Scientific Name Streptopelia decaocto Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x 2 3 American Robin Thick-billed Kingbird 3 1 x x x Tropical Kingbird 1 x x x x 3 2 1b 3 Western Kingbird x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 Cassin's Kingbird x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 692 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Interior Chaparral Madrean Evergreen Woodland Great Basin Conifer Woodland Human Dominated Landscapes Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Grass Carp Quitobaquito Pupfish x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 1 1 1c 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 1 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 2 2 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 1 1c 3 x x x x x 1 x x x 1 3 1 2 3 1 1b 3 3 3 1b 3 1 x x 1 1 1b 3 x 3 1 1a 3 3 3 3 x 1 1 1a 3 1 3 1a 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 x Sonora Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker Semidesert Grassland Longfin Dace Goldfish Desert Sucker Mohave Desertscrub Virginia's Warbler Warbling Vireo Hutton's Vireo Plumbeous Vireo Gray Vireo Yellow-headed Blackbird White-winged Dove Mourning Dove White-crowned Sparrow Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Zenaida asiatica Zenaida macroura Zonotrichia leucophrys Agosia chrysogaster Carassius auratus Catostomus clarki Catostomus insignis Catostomus latipinnis Ctenopharyngodo n idella Cyprinodon eremus Cyprinodon macularius Cyprinus carpio Dorosoma petenense 1 L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Vermivora celata Vermivora luciae Vermivora virginiae Vireo gilvus Vireo huttoni Vireo plumbeus Vireo vicinior Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Barn Owl Orange-crowned Warbler Lucy's Warbler Distribution Confidence Tyto alba Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Species status 1 x x 1 x 1 x Desert Pupfish Common Carp x x x x 1 3 Threadfin Shad x x x x 3 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 693 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x Unknown Status x Vulnerability x x x x Community/Focal x x 1 1 1 1 Responsibility x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 1 1 1 1 3 3 1c 3 1a 1a 1b 1b 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 3 Streams/ Rivers Lakes/ Reservoirs x 1 Wetlands/ Springs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Ictiobus bubalus Ictiobus cyprinellus Ictiobus niger Lepomis cyanellus Lepomis gulosus Lepomis macrochirus Lepomis microlophus Meda fulgida Micropterus dolomieu Micropterus salmoides Morone chrysops Morone mississippiensis Morone saxatilis Mugil cephalus Notemigonus crysoleucas Notropis lutrensis Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Machete Mosquitofish Bonytail Gila Chub Headwater Chub Roundtail Chub Black Bullhead Yellow Bullhead L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Elops affinis Gambusia affinis Gila elegans Gila intermedia Gila nigra Gila robusta Ictalurus melas Ictalurus natalis Ictalurus punctatus Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x Channel Catfish Smallmouth Buffalo x x 3 3 3 3 Bigmouth Buffalo Black Buffalo Green Sunfish Warmouth x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Bluegill x x x x 3 3 3 3 Redear Sunfish Spikedace x x x x x 3 1 3 1 3 3 1a 3 Smallmouth Bass x x x x 3 3 3 3 Largemouth Bass White Bass x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Yellow Bass Striped Bass Striped Mullet x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 1c 3 Golden Shiner Red Shiner x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 x 1 x 1 x x x 3 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 694 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Woundfin Gila Topminnow White Crappie Black Crappie Colorado Pikeminnow Flathead Catfish Speckled Dace Brown Trout Walleye Loach Minnow Tilapia 1 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 3 3 1 1a 3 x x 1 x x x x 2 3 1 3 1a 3 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 x x x x x 1 3 1 3 1a 3 3 3 x x x 1 3 1 3 1b 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1a 3 3 3 1 x 1 x x x x x x x x x 1 1 1a 3 x x x 3 1 1b 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 x 1 California Floater San Francisco Brine Shrimp 4 x x x 3 3 1 3 1 x Razorback Sucker Ghost Rams-horn Kaibab Fairy Shrimp Chinese Mysterysnail x Unknown Status x Vulnerability x Community/Focal Fathead Minnow Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers x x Wetlands/ Springs Rainbow Trout Yellow Perch Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Distribution Confidence Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Oncorhynchus mykiss Perca flavescens Pimephales promelas Plagopterus argentissimus Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis Pomoxis annularis Pomoxis nigromaculatus Ptychocheilus lucius Pylodictis olivaris Rhinichthys osculus Salmo trutta Stizostedion vitreum Tiaroga cobitis Tilapia sp. Xyrauchen texanus Anodonta californiensis Artemia franciscana Biomphalaria havanensis Branchinecta kaibabensis Cipangopaludina chinensis Species status x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 695 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Red-rim Melania Virile Crayfish Milk Snail Semidesert Grassland Helix aspersa Leptestheria compleximanus Lynceus brachyurus Lynceus brevifrons Melanoides tuberculatus Orconectes virilis Otala lactea Mohave Desertscrub Helisoma anceps Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Eulimnadia antlei Eulimnadia cylindrova Eulimnadia texana Ferrissia fragilis Ferrissia rivularis L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Eocyzicus digueti Eubranchipus bundyi Eubranchipus serratus Rusty Rams-horn Straightbacked Clam Shrimp Knobbedlip Fairy Shrimp Ethologist Fairy Shrimp Fuzzy Cyst Clam Shrimp Cylindrical Cyst Clam Shrimp Texan Clam Shrimp Fragile Ancylid Creeping Ancylid Two-ridge Ramshorn Brown Gardensnail Spineynose Clam Shrimp Holarctic Clam Shrimp Short Finger Clam Shrimp Distribution Confidence Cyzicus setosa Drepanotrema aeruginosum Common Name Mexican Clam Shrimp Bristletail Clam Shrimp Nonnative Scientific Name Cyzicus mexicanus x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 x x Species status x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 2 x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 3 2 x 3 3 3 2 x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 696 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Wetlands/ Springs Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x 3 3 3 2 Streams/ Rivers Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Thamnocephalus mexicanus Papago Talussnail New Mexico Fairy Shrimp Chihuahuan Desert Fairy Shrimp Spinytail Fairy Shrimp Greater Plains Fairy Shrimp Mexican Beavertail Fairy Shrimp x Mohave Desertscrub Streptocephalus mackini Streptocephalus sealii Streptocephalus texanus Big-eared Radix Squaw Peak Talussnail San Xavier Talussnail Table Top Talussnail Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Sonorella milleri Sonorella papagorum Streptocephalus dorothae Mimic Lymnaea Giant Floater L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Sonorella eremita Corkscrew Physa Cayuse Physa Protean Physa Mexican Ramshorn Red Swamp Crawfish Sharp Sprite (A Planorbid Snail) Distribution Confidence Planorbella tenuis Procambarus clarkii Promenetus exacuous Pseudosuccinea columella Pyganodon grandis Radix auricularia Sonorella allynsmithi Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Physella humerosa Physella osculans Physella virgata Species status x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1b 3 1 1 1a 3 3 3 1c 3 1 1 1b 3 2 2 x x 4 3 x x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 697 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x 1 3 1 3 1a 3 1c 3 x 2 3 3 3 x x 1 2 3 1 2 1a 1 3 1 3 1 1c 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 Interior Chaparral Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Semidesert Grassland x x x x x 1 1 1 1 x x x x x x 1 x x 1 x x x x x x x x 1 x x 1 x x 1 x x x x 1 Mohave Desertscrub 2 4 Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Desert Kangaroo Rat Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat Big Brown Bat L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Dipodomys deserti Dipodomys merriami Dipodomys spectabilis Eptesicus fuscus Sonoran Pronghorn Pallid Bat Coyote American Beaver Bailey's Pocket Mouse Rock Pocket Mouse Sonoran Desert Pocket Mouse Mexican Longtongued Bat Distribution Confidence Triops newberryi Tryonia quitobaquitae Vertigo berryi Ammospermophil us harrisii Antilocapra americana sonoriensis Antrozous pallidus Canis latrans Castor canadensis Chaetodipus baileyi Chaetodipus intermedius Chaetodipus penicillatus Choeronycteris mexicana Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Common Name Beavertail Fairy Shrimp Longtail Tadpole Shrimp Desert Tadpole Shrimp Quitobaquito Tryonia Rotund Vertigo Harris' Antelope Squirrel Nonnative Scientific Name Thamnocephalus platyurus Triops longicaudatus Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 2 1b 3 x x 3 2 2 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 698 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type 1 x 2 x x 2 x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x x 1 x x 3 3 3 2 1b 3 x 2 2 1b 3 x 2 2 1b 3 3 2 2 1 x x x x 1 1 x x x x 3 3 2 1b 2 2 3 1 x x 3 2 1b 3 2 1 1a 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 x 3 3 1 1c 2 3 3 1 x 1 2 1b 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x x x x Hooded Skunk Striped Skunk Southwestern Myotis 1 1 x x x x x x x x California Myotis 1 x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 x 2 3 1 x x Unknown Status x Vulnerability Community/Focal Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Lesser Longnosed Bat Antelope Jackrabbit Black-tailed Jackrabbit Southeastern River Otter Bobcat California Leafnosed Bat x Mohave Desertscrub Myotis auriculus Myotis californicus Western Red Bat Hoary Bat Western Yellow Bat Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Lepus californicus Lutra canadensis lataxina Lynx rufus Macrotus californicus Mephitis macroura Mephitis mephitis Spotted Bat Greater Western Mastiff Bat Underwood's Mastiff Bat Allen's Big-eared Bat L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Lepus alleni Feral Ass North American Porcupine Distribution Confidence Equus asinus Erethizon dorsatum Euderma maculatum Eumops perotis californicus Eumops underwoodi Idionycteris phyllotis Lasiurus blossevillii Lasiurus cinereus Lasiurus xanthinus Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Species status x x 2 2 3 1 x x 1 2 1c 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 699 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 x 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 1 x 1 3 3 3 Streams/ Rivers 3 1 3 3 Lakes/ Reservoirs Responsibility Wetlands/ Springs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland Madrean Evergreen Woodland Interior Chaparral Semidesert Grassland Mohave Desertscrub Common Muskrat Southern Grasshopper Mouse Desert Bighorn Sheep Arizona Pocket Mouse Silky Pocket Mouse Little Pocket Mouse Brush Mouse Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Desert Mule Deer Coues whitetail deer L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Onychomys torridus Ovis canadensis mexicana Perognathus amplus Perognathus flavus Perognathus longimembris Peromyscus boylii Yuma Myotis White-nosed Coati Western Whitethroated Woodrat Desert Woodrat Crawford's Desert Shrew Pocketed Freetailed Bat Big Free-tailed Bat Distribution Confidence Neotoma albigula Neotoma lepida Notiosorex crawfordi Nyctinomops femorosaccus Nyctinomops macrotis Odocoileus hemionus crooki Odocoileus virginianus couesi Ondatra zibethicus Common Name Western Smallfooted Myotis Arizona Myotis Fringed Myotis Cave Myotis Nonnative Scientific Name Myotis ciliolabrum Myotis occultus Myotis thysanodes Myotis velifer Myotis yumanensis Nasua nasua Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x 1 x x 1 x x 1 1 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x x 2 2 2 1 x x 2 2 1b 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 1 1c 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 1b 3 x x x x x 1 x x 1 x x 1 2 3 1 x x 3 2 2 1 x 3 3 2 1 2 3 1 1 x x x 1 x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 700 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 2 1 3 2 3 1 x 3 2 3 1 Streams/ Rivers 2 Lakes/ Reservoirs 3 Interior Chaparral Responsibility Wetlands/ Springs Human Dominated Landscapes x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Madrean Evergreen Woodland Cactus Mouse White-footed Mouse Semidesert Grassland Upland Sonoran Desertscrub x Mohave Desertscrub L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub x Distribution Confidence Canyon Mouse Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Peromyscus crinitus Peromyscus eremicus Peromyscus leucopus Peromyscus maniculatus Peromyscus merriami Pipistrellus hesperus Procyon lotor Puma concolor Reithrodontomys fulvescens Reithrodontomys megalotis Reithrodontomys megalotis megalotis Reithrodontomys montanus Sciurus aberti Sigmodon arizonae cienegae Sigmodon arizonae plenus Sigmodon hispidus Sigmodon hispidus eremicus Sigmodon ochrognathus Spermophilus tereticaudus Species status x Deer Mouse 1 x x 3 1 3 3 Mesquite Mouse Western Pipistrelle Raccoon Mountain Lion Fulvous Harvest Mouse Western Harvest Mouse 1 x x 1 1 1b 3 1 1 1 x x x x 3 3 3 2 1c 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 x 3 2 2 1 Western Harvest Mouse Plains Harvest Mouse Abert's Squirrel Arizona Cotton Rat Colorado River Cotton Rat Hispid Cotton Rat Yuma Hispid Cotton Rat Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat Round-tailed Ground Squirrel x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 x x 3 1 3 1 1 x x 2 1 3 1 3 3 2 2 2 3 1 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 1c 3 3 3 2 1 2 2 1b 3 x 3 2 2 1 x 2 1 3 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 x x 1 1 x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 701 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 1 x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 1 1c 1 2 2 2 3 1 3 x x 2 2 3 1 1 2 1b 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 2 1c 3 x x 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 3 x 2 3 3 3 3 3 1b 3 x x 1 1 1 x x x x x x x 1 1 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 Streams/ Rivers Red-back Whiptail x Wetlands/ Springs Eastern Cottontail Mexican Freetailed Bat American Badger Collared Peccary Botta's Pocket Gopher Harquahala Southern Pocket Gopher Common Gray Fox Kit Fox Spiny Softshell Arizona Glossy Snake Gila Spotted Whiptail Pai Striped Whiptail Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Tiger Whiptail Desert Grassland Whiptail x Lakes/ Reservoirs x Human Dominated Landscapes x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Desert Cottontail Madrean Evergreen Woodland x Interior Chaparral x Semidesert Grassland x Mohave Desertscrub Aspidoscelis pai Aspidoscelis sonorae Aspidoscelis tigris Aspidoscelis uniparens Aspidoscelis xanthonota Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Thomomys bottae subsimilis Urocyon cinereoargenteus Vulpes macrotis Apalone spinifera Arizona elegans noctivaga Aspidoscelis flagellicauda L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Thomomys bottae x Distribution Confidence Spilogale gracilis Sylvilagus audubonii Sylvilagus floridanus Tadarida brasiliensis Taxidea taxus Tayassau tajacu Rock Squirrel Western Spotted Skunk Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Spermophilus variegatus Species status x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 702 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x Unknown Status x x Vulnerability 2 x Community/Focal x Responsibility x Streams/ Rivers Madrean Evergreen Woodland x Wetlands/ Springs Interior Chaparral x Lakes/ Reservoirs Semidesert Grassland x Human Dominated Landscapes Mohave Desertscrub x Great Basin Conifer Woodland Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Desert Banded Gecko Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Mojave Desert Sidewinder Sonoran Sidewinder x 2 Snapping Turtle Variable Sandsnake Colorado Desert Shovel-nosed Snake Tucson Shovelnosed Snake Organ Pipe Shovel-nosed Snake Western Painted Turtle Tucson Banded Gecko L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Crotalus atrox Crotalus cerastes cerastes Crotalus cerastes cercobombus Desert Rosy Boa Mexican Rosy Boa Distribution Confidence Cophosaurus texanus scitulus Common Name Zebra-tailed Lizard Nonnative Scientific Name Callisaurus draconoides Charina trivirgata gracia Charina trivirgata trivirgata Chelydra serpentina Chilomeniscus stramineus Chionactis occipitalis annulata Chionactis occipitalis klauberi Chionactis palarostris organica Chrysemys picta bellii Coleonyx variegatus bogerti Coleonyx variegatus variegatus Species status 2 3 3 3 3 3 1c 3 3 3 1c 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 x x x x 1 2 1b 3 2 x x 3 2 1b 3 3 x x 3 2 1c 3 x x 2 3 3 2 x x 2 3 3 2 x 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 2 3 x x 2 2 3 3 x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 703 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs 2 2 3 x x 3 3 3 2 x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x 1 3 3 3 x x x x 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 3 2 3 x 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 1 3 1b 3 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 1b 3 x x x x 2 x 2 x 1 3 x x x Human Dominated Landscapes x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Madrean Evergreen Woodland x Interior Chaparral x Semidesert Grassland x Mohave Desertscrub Sonoran Desert Tortoise Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Arizona Skink Western Redtailed Skink Long-nosed Leopard Lizard L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Northern Mohave Rattlesnake Tiger Rattlesnake Great Basin Collared Lizard Eastern Collared Lizard Sonoran Collared Lizard Western Spinytailed Iguana Regal Ringnecked Snake Northern Desert Iguana Distribution Confidence Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus Crotalus molossus molussus Crotalus oreganus cerberus Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus Crotalus tigris Crotaphytus bicinctores Crotaphytus collaris Crotaphytus nebrius Ctenosaura pectinata Diadophis punctatus regalis Dipsosaurus dorsalis dorsalis Eumeces gilberti arizonensis Eumeces gilberti rubricaudata Gambelia wislizenii Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Common Name Colorado Desert Sidewinder Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Northern Blacktailed Rattlesnake Arizona Black Rattlesnake Nonnative Scientific Name Crotalus cerastes laterorepens Species status x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 704 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type x x x x x x 2 x x 2 x x Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status 2 3 x x 2 3 3 3 x x 3 3 3 3 x 3 1 1b 3 x 2 2 1a 3 2 1 1c 3 2 3 3 3 x 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Desert Striped Whipsnake Arizona (Sonoran) Coralsnake Texas Horned Lizard Responsibility Red Racer x 3 x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Streams/ Rivers Sonora Mud Turtle California Kingsnake Desert Threadsnake Southwestern Threadsnake Sonoran Whipsnake 1 Lakes/ Reservoirs Sonoyta Mud Turtle x x Interior Chaparral Sonoran Nightsnake Arizona Mud Turtle Wetlands/ Springs x Human Dominated Landscapes Reticulate Gila Monster Great Basin Conifer Woodland Mohave Desertscrub x Madrean Evergreen Woodland Upland Sonoran Desertscrub x Semidesert Grassland L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub x Distribution Confidence Banded Gila Monster Common Name Nonnative Scientific Name Heloderma suspectum cinctum Heloderma suspectum suspectum Hypsiglena torquata chlorophaea Kinosternon arizonense Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale Kinosternon sonoriense sonoriense Lampropeltis getula californiae Leptotyphlops humilis cahuilae Leptotyphlops humilis humilis Masticophis bilineatus Masticophis flagellum piceus Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus Micruroides euryxanthus euryxanthus Phrynosoma cornutum Species status x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 705 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Community/Focal Vulnerability 2 1a 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 Unknown Status Responsibility Streams/ Rivers Wetlands/ Springs Lakes/ Reservoirs Human Dominated Landscapes Great Basin Conifer Woodland x 2 x x x x x x 2 3 3 2 x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x 3 3 3 3 x x x x x 3 3 3 2 x x x x x 2 3 3 3 x x x x 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 1c 3 3 3 1c 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2 x 2 x 2 Madrean Evergreen Woodland Variable Groundsnake Smith's Blackheaded Snake Plains Blackheaded Snake Western Blacknecked Gartersnake Northern Mexican Gartersnake Interior Chaparral Desert Patchnosed Snake Common Chuckwalla Clark's Spiny Lizard Desert Spiny Lizard Semidesert Grassland x Mohave Desertscrub Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis Thamnophis eques megalops 1 Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Tantilla nigriceps L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Sceloporus clarkii Sceloporus magister Sonora semiannulata semiannulata Tantilla hobartsmithi Distribution Confidence Sauromalus ater Common Name Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Desert Horned Lizard Regal Horned Lizard Saddled Leafnosed Snake Spotted Leafnosed Snake Sonoran Gophersnake Western Longnosed Snake Nonnative Scientific Name Phrynosoma mcallii Phrynosoma platyrhinos Phrynosoma solare Phyllorhynchus browni Phyllorhynchus decurtatus Pituophis catenifer affinis Rhinocheilus lecontei lecontei Salvadora hexalepis hexalepis Species status x x x x x x x x 3 2 1c 3 x x x 2 2 1b 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 706 APPENDIX K. SONORAN DESERT MASTER SPECIES LIST (CONTINUED) Distribution by habitat type Lakes/ Reservoirs Wetlands/ Springs Streams/ Rivers Responsibility Community/Focal Vulnerability Unknown Status Human Dominated Landscapes x Great Basin Conifer Woodland x Madrean Evergreen Woodland x Interior Chaparral x Semidesert Grassland Xantusia bezyi Xantusia vigilis vigilis x Mohave Desertscrub Xantusia arizonae x Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Uta stansburiana L. Colorado River Sonoran Desertscrub Uma scoparia Urosaurus graciosus Urosaurus ornatus Distribution Confidence Uma rufopunctata Common Name Marcy's Checkered Gartersnake Western Lyresnake Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Lizard Mojave Fringetoed Lizard Long-tailed Brush Lizard Ornate Tree Lizard Common Sideblotched Lizard Arizona Night Lizard Bezy's Night Lizard Yucca Night Lizard Nonnative Scientific Name Thamnophis marcianus marcianus Trimorphodon biscutatus lambda Species status x x x 3 2 2 2 x 3 3 2 3 2 x 2 2 1b 3 2 x 3 2 1b 3 2 2 3 3 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3 2 3 3 x x x 3 2 3 3 1 3 1c 3 x 1 3 1c 3 x 3 3 1c 3 x Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 707 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE UNDER 4 CONSERVATION CATEGORIES For Element 1 of Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS), the Department must identify wildlife of conservation priority—described in Arizona as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). However, for the CWCS to be truly comprehensive for managing Arizona’s wildlife, the Department must address the full array of wildlife in the state—game species, nongame species, sport fish, natives, and nonnatives. For this purpose, all of Arizona’s species of wildlife* (ranging from big game species to macroinvertebrates) will be evaluated with the process described below. * Note: Arizona Revised Statutes Title 17 defines “wildlife” as all vertebrate species including crustaceans and mollusks—species which the Department has statutory responsibility for managing. The State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program (developed in cooperation with the Teaming With Wildlife Committee and mandated by the U.S. Congress) identifies “wildlife” as all species of vertebrates and macroinvertebrates, including insects and spiders. While many state wildlife agencies do not have legal responsibility for insects and spiders, some of their CWCS partners—federal, tribal, and other state agencies do have jurisdiction for these macroinvertebrates. SUMMARY OF THE FOUR RATING CATEGORIES 1) Community Focal The rank in this category would be the lowest score for species in any of the following criteria since all these criteria indicate ties between the species and the larger landscape and/or ecosystem—defined as “community focal species.” • Keystone and strongly interactive species • Home range size • Habitat quality indicators 2) Responsibility These criteria rank species for their value because their global status is largely a function of their status in Arizona, because they contribute to the unique character of wildlife in Arizona compared to other parts of the United States, or because of their unique value to sovereign nations that interact with Arizona to conserve wildlife. The ‘Responsibility’ category was designed to give importance to species that are uniquely represented in the United States by their Arizona populations. This may be desirable if the criteria identify species where Arizona makes agreements with Mexico or tribes concerning these species, but the species are not otherwise eligible for funding. • Responsibility status • Administrative protection status on tribal lands in Arizona • Administrative protection status in Mexico Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 708 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE (CONTINUED) 3) Vulnerability Species may arrive at a point of vulnerability in different ways, according to the stressors involved and the biology of each species in Arizona. Accordingly, the Department developed a set of criteria to capture these different types of vulnerability. Any one criterion can flag a species as vulnerable, so it does not matter whether a species ranks as ‘vulnerable’ on 1, 3, or all 9 criteria. Ranks are not additive. The rank is based on the following criteria: • Endangered, threatened, candidate status or Wildlife of Special Concern in Arizona • Extirpated status • Imperiled status (Heritage global rank) • Declining status • Disjunct status • Demographic status • Concentration status • Element occurrences (includes endemics) • Fragmentation status 4) Unknown Status (criterion same as category; based on the criteria scores for ‘Vulnerability’) Species would rank high in this category if they do not have a ‘1’ for ‘Vulnerability,’ but any of the ‘Vulnerability’ criteria were scored ‘0,’ indicating that there was insufficient information to consider whether this species is vulnerable. COMPONENT CRITERIA USED TO IDENTIFY CONSERVATION PRIORITY WILDLIFE For each of the 17 criteria, a ranking of ‘H’ (= High Priority), ‘M’ (= Medium Priority), or ‘L” (= Low Priority) was assigned. Species lists (by taxonomic group: birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates) and evaluation scores were compiled in MS-Excel files and archived on the Department’s network drive U:/Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy/Species Lists folder. Criteria scores were rated by Wildlife Management Division staff, (primarily Nongame, Game, Fisheries specialists) and reviewed by Regional staff, Development Branch staff, and external partners. The Nongame statistician compiled and sorted these evaluations by Ecoregion and statewide distribution, and by priority ranking. Under the ‘Community Focal’ species category, the following 3 criteria are used: Keystone and Strongly Interactive Species Description: Species whose impact on a community or ecological system is disproportionately large for their presence or abundance. They contribute to ecosystem function in a unique and significant manner through their activities. Their removal initiates changes in ecosystem structure and often a loss of diversity. Beavers are an example keystone and strongly interactive species. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 709 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE (CONTINUED) Focal Rank H M L Criterion Description – Keystone / Strongly Interactive Score 1 Keystone/Strongly Interactive: loss from an ecosystem would have a significant impact on the number or type of species present (biodiversity). This often reflects loss of an ecosystem function. 2 Important player: loss from an ecosystem would have a significant impact on the abundance of a handful of species. This often reflects loss of a key predator or prey species. 3 Community member: loss of this species from an ecosystem would not be reflected in loss of ecosystem function or significant changes in abundance of other species. Home Range Size Description: High scoring species have spatial, compositional, and functional requirements that may encompass those of other species in the region and may help address the functionality of ecological systems. These species depend on vast areas. These species include top-level predators (for example: wolves, bear, mountain lion) as well as migratory mammals, anadromous fish (having marine and freshwater life stages or migrations), birds, bats, and insects. Focal Rank H Criterion Score 1 M 2 L 3 Description – Home Range Size Extensive ranges: most individual animals in this species range over more than one ecoregion and landscape type during one year. Wide-ranging: most individual animals in this species range over more than one landscape type during one year. Local ranges: individual animals stay within a single landscape type throughout their lifecycle. Habitat Quality Indicators Description: High-ranking species are characteristic of or their presence indicates a healthy natural community. An example species would be pygmy nuthatch in ponderosa pine forests. Habitat quality indicator species are identified in U.S. Forest Service Management Indicator Species lists and Partners in Flight species lists. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 710 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE (CONTINUED) Focal Rank H M L Criterion Description – Habitat Quality Indicators Score 1 Indicator species: when present, indicative of a particular [good] quality of habitat measured by specific factors that are requirements. Absence indicates degraded habitat. 2 Sensitive species: population tolerates a moderate range of conditions in a key factor. Able to exist at lower densities when these conditions are not optimal. 3 Resilient species: able to thrive under a variety of habitat qualities and conditions. Under the ‘Responsibility’ category, the following 3 criteria are used: Responsibility Status Description: Species that have the core of their range within Arizona even if locally abundant. Abert’s towhee is an example of a responsibility species with 90% of its global population within Arizona. Scoring: Note that criterion score ‘3’ may be used on species that are otherwise widespread, but the national populations are primarily in Arizona. The other scores compare Arizona population to the global extent of the species, but this one captures species where the Department may be coordinating with Mexico, and species that are unique in the United States. Use the lowest score that applies. Responsibility Criterion Description – Responsibility Status Rank Score H 1 Endemic: over 90% of the global species breeds within Arizona. H 2 Responsibility: 70–90% of the global species breeds within Arizona. M 3 Southwestern: 70-100% of the United States segment of the species breeds within Arizona. L 4 Widespread: less than half of the species breeds within Arizona. Administrative Protection Status in Mexico Description: Species with administrative protection status in Mexico. Scoring: Mexican Federal Endangered Species List (Proyecto de Norma Oficial Mexicana PROY-NOM-059-ECOL-2000; October 16, 2000) available through the Department’s Heritage Database Management System (HDMS). Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 711 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE (CONTINUED) Responsibility Criterion Description – Administrative Protection Status in Mexico Rank Score H P En Peligro de Extinción (Determined Endangered in Mexico): in danger of extinction. M A Amenazada (Determined Threatened in Mexico): could become endangered if factors causing habitat deterioration or population decline continue. L Pr Sujeta a Proteccion Especial (Determined Subject to Special Protection in Mexico): utilization limited due to reduced populations, restricted distribution, or to favor recovery and conservation of the taxon or associated taxa. H E Probablemente extinta en el medio silvestre (Probably extinct in the wild of Mexico): A native species whose individuals in the wild have disappeared, based on pertinent documentation and studies that prove it. The only existing individuals of the species are in captivity or outside the Mexican territory. Administrative Protection Status on Tribal Lands in Arizona Description: Species with administrative protection status on tribal lands in Arizona. Scoring: Currently only the Navajo Endangered Species List (2000) was available through the Department’s HDMS (and http://www.heritage.tnc.org/nhp/us/navajo/esl.html). Responsibility Criterion Description – Administrative Protection Status on Tribal Lands in Rank Score Arizona H 1 Any species or subspecies that no longer occur on the Navajo Nation. H 2 Any species or subspecies that is in danger of being eliminated from all or a significant portion of its range on the Navajo Nation. M 3 A species or subspecies which is likely to become an endangered species, within the foreseeable future, throughout all or a significant portion of its range on the Navajo Nation. L 4 Any species or subspecies for which the Navajo Fish and Wildlife Department does not currently have sufficient information to support their being listed in Group 2 or Group 3 but has reason to consider them. The Navajo Fish and Wildlife Department will actively seek information on these species to determine if they warrant inclusion in a different group or removal from the list. L No status Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 712 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE (CONTINUED) Under the ‘Vulnerability’ category, the following 9 criteria are used: Endangered, Threatened and Candidate Status or Wildlife of Special Concern in Arizona (federal or state legal status) Description: Uses each species’ legal status to evaluate management importance. High-ranking species include those that are currently listed as well as recently de-listed species that have not completed the post-delisting monitoring evaluation. U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management ‘Sensitive Species’ are identified using ESA status, State listed or special concern designations, and tribal listed species. Vulnerability Rank H Criterion Score WSC H H LE LE/XT H M M LT PR PD L No status Federal (ESA) Description State (WSCA) Description Wildlife of Special Concern in Arizona (3-16-1996 version) Listed endangered Endangered, experimental nonessential population Listed threatened Proposed or petitioned Post-delisting evaluation not completed Imperiled Status Description: Refers to Heritage/IUCN ranking. High-ranking species are G1 (imperiled) and G2 (rare) species. Sub-national scores are already captured in the Department’s ‘Element occurrences’ criterion, which can be much more up-to-date than the sub-national scoring. Scoring: Heritage/IUCN global scores will be used directly from HDMS. Vulnerability Rank H H M L L Criterion score 0 G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 Description – Imperiled Status (Heritage global rank) G? (rank unknown) Imperiled Rare Uncommon or restricted Apparently secure Demonstrably secure Declining Status Description: Reflects extent to which population numbers or habitats were recently, are currently, or anticipated to be in decline. Scoring: This follows the Heritage/IUCN ranking system for “observed, estimated, inferred, or suspected degree of change” over about 10 years or 3 generations, whichever is longer (up to a Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 713 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE (CONTINUED) maximum of 100 years) in the area of interest.” The period of time overlaps with the present, so that declines in the immediate past (whether considered ongoing or not), continuing trends, and trends projected to begin immediately are all included. Vulnerability Rank H H H M L L Criterion score 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Description – Declining Status Insufficient data Severely declining = Decline of >70% Very Rapidly Declining = 50-70% Substantial decline = 30-50% Decline = 10-30% Stable = Unchanged or within +/- 10% fluctuation Increase of > 10% Disjunct Status Description: High-ranking species are represented by subpopulations that are geographically separated from the main population and vulnerable due to distance from other major population centers. Vulnerability Criterion Description – Disjunct Status Rank Score 0 Insufficient data H 1 Disjunct population: 1 to few populations in Arizona separated by large relative distance from larger core distribution of the species. M 2 Peripheral populations: Arizona populations at the margins of the species distribution. L 3 Continuous: the distribution with Arizona populations is within the core of the species’ range. Demographic Status Description: This criterion classifies the resilience of each species in light of current impacts to birth and death rates. These rates can be affected by low genetic fitness/diversity, generation time, reproductive vulnerability, demographic adaptability to environmental change, illegal harvest, disturbance, and disease. California condors are an example species with high demographic concerns. Vulnerability Criterion Description – Demographic Status Rank Score 0 Insufficient data H 1 Demographically poor situation: Low birth rates or high death rates combined with small or declining population size. Also, this species’ demographic rates are affected by disturbance, illegal harvest, genetic limitations or failure, or disease in parts of Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 714 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE (CONTINUED) M 2 L 3 L 4 Demographically challenging situation: Low birth rates or high death rates combined with small population size. No anticipated worsening of these rates in next 10 years. Demographically stable situation: Birth and death rates anticipated to contribute to normal population size variation in next 10 years. Demographic growth situation: Birth and death rates anticipated to contribute to overall population growth over next 10 years. Element Occurrences Description: Scoring is based on the number of ‘element occurrences’ which include populations and migratory groups (using Heritage sensitive elements). High scoring species may be common, but occur in a restricted range or have a limited ability to disperse. This criterion includes endemic species (found only in specific areas or a single locality). Nonnative species that are managed to have a limited number of populations are not considered ‘vulnerable.’ Scoring: Populations are included in Heritage ‘element occurrences,’ which also include migratory groups. The categories below also match IUCN categories and use “estimated, inferred, or suspected number of occurrences believed extant for the species in the area of interest.” Vulnerability Rank Criterion Score H H M L L -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Description – Element Occurrences Extirpated (used in a separate criterion) Insufficient data Highly vulnerable: 1 - 5 occurrences Vulnerable: 6 - 20 occurrences Vulnerable: 21 - 80 occurrences Apparently secure: 81 - 300 occurrences Secure: more than 300 occurrences Extirpation Status Description: Species that once occurred in Arizona. Scoring: Extirpated species are captured by reporting ‘-1’ for element occurrences (see above criterion). Vulnerability Criterion Score Description – Extirpation Status Rank H -1 Extirpated (zero element occurrences and/or SX Heritage ranking) L Not extirpated (at least 1 element occurrence) Fragmentation Status Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 715 APPENDIX L. CRITERIA FOR SCORING ARIZONA WILDLIFE (CONTINUED) Description: Scoring reflects the extent to which sub-populations are separated by barriers to dispersal. In other circumstances, these species would be capable of effective dispersal. Does not address species with inherent lack of ability to disperse. Chiricahua leopard frogs are an example species with populations that are highly fragmented. Vulnerability Rank H Criterion Score 0 1 M 2 L 3 Description – Fragmentation Status Insufficient data Small and fragmented: within Arizona, populations small and isolated from one another. Large and isolated: within Arizona, populations large but isolated from one another. Continuous: within Arizona, populations regularly connected by dispersal. Concentration Status Description: Species that have a portion of their life history in which they are aggregated and thus more vulnerable to local threats and catastrophic events (for example, migratory stopover sites, bat roosts / maternity sites). Vulnerability Rank H Criterion Score 1 M 2 L 3 Description – Concentration Status Colonial species: found in a limited number of groups at high concentration for all of their life cycle. Aggregating species: found in a limited number of groups at high concentration for part of their life cycle. Diffuse species: found at low density for all of their life history. Under the ‘Unknown Status’ category, the following criterion is used: Unknown Status Description: Whether enough information currently exists to assess the status of the species as a whole. Information may consist of population size or dynamics, or available habitat size, condition, or fragmentation. Scoring: This criterion will be built from ‘Insufficient data’ scores for all other criteria that describe vulnerability. No need to score this criterion separately. Unknown Status Rank H L Criterion Score 0 1 Description – Unknown Status Insufficient data for any of the above criteria Sufficient data to evaluate vulnerability Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 716 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA Further prioritization is given by “SGCN Tier” (see “Identifying Species of Greatest Conservation Need or Unknown Status (Element 1) and for Monitoring Habitat Condition (Element 5)”). Important stressors and associated conservation actions are listed for Tier 1a and 1b species in “Conservation Actions to Address Stressors to SGCN (Elements 3, 4).” Specific information on occupied habitats is reported under each ecoregion in “Ecoregion-Specific Habitat Conditions (Element 2).” X B X X Gastrophryne olivacea Hyla arenicolor Hyla wrightorum Pseudacris regilla deserticola Pseudacris triseriata Pternohyla fodiens Rana blairi Rana chiricahuensis Rana onca Rana pipiens Rana subaquavocalis Rana tarahumarae Rana yavapaiensis Spea intermontana Western Barking Frog Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad Canyon Treefrog Mountain Treefrog Desert Pacific Treefrog Western Chorus Frog Lowland Burrowing Treefrog Plains Leopard Frog Chiricahua Leopard Frog Relict Leopard Frog Northern Leopard Frog Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Tarahumara Frog Lowland Leopard Frog Great Basin Spadefoot B C C C C B B A A B B B B C X X X X X Accipiter gentilis apache Accipiter gentilis atricapillus Aechmophorus clarkii Aechmophorus occidentalis Aimophila botterii Aimophila quinquestriata Aix sponsa Amazilia violiceps Birds Apache Northern Goshawk Northern Goshawk Clark's Grebe Western Grebe Botteri's Sparrow Five-striped Sparrow Wood Duck Violet-crowned Hummingbird B B B C B C C B X X X X Sonoran Desert X Mohave Desert C A B Colorado Plateau Arizona Tiger Salamander Sonoran Tiger Salamander Arizona Toad AZ - NM Mountains Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Common Name SGCN Tier Scientific Name Amphibians Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi Bufo microscaphus Eleutherodactylus augusti cactorum X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 717 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) B C C C C C B B B C B C C B B C C C B C B B B C C C C C C Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Masked Bobwhite Olive-sided Flycatcher Blue Grouse A A B C Sonoran Desert Western Grasshopper Sparrow Northern Pintail American Wigeon Northern Shoveler Blue-winged Teal American Pipit Sprague's Pipit Great Egret Northern Gray Hawk Canvasback American Bittern Canada Goose Cattle Egret Ferruginous Hawk Common Black-Hawk McCown's Longspur Lucifer Hummingbird Buff-collared Nightjar Crested Caracara Cassin's Finch Swainson's Thrush Belted Kingfisher Western Snowy Plover Mountain Plover Green Kingfisher American Dipper Northern Harrier Marsh Wren Evening Grosbeak Mohave Desert B Colorado Plateau Arizona Grasshopper Sparrow X AZ - NM Mountains B Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Common Name Baird's Sparrow SGCN Tier Scientific Name Ammodramus bairdii Ammodramus savannarum ammolegus Ammodramus savannarum perpallidus Anas acuta Anas americana Anas clypeata Anas discors Anthus rubescens Anthus spragueii Ardea alba Asturina nitida maxima Aythya valisineria Botaurus lentiginosus Branta canadensis Bubulcus ibis Buteo regalis Buteogallus anthracinus Calcarius mccownii Calothorax lucifer Caprimulgus ridgwayi Caracara cheriway Carpodacus cassinii Catharus ustulatus Ceryle alcyon Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Charadrius montanus Chloroceryle americana Cinclus mexicanus Circus cyaneus Cistothorus palustris Coccothraustes vespertinus Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Colinus virginianus ridgwayi Contopus cooperi Dendragapus obscurus X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 718 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) Double-crested Cormorant Black-billed Magpie Arizona Woodpecker American Three-toed Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Sonoran Desert A A A B C C B C C C C C C C C B B B C C C X X X X X X X X Mohave Desert Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl California Condor Bald Eagle Mississippi Kite Yellow-eyed Junco Blue-throated Hummingbird California Black Rail Whiskered Screech-Owl Lewis's Woodpecker Gould's Turkey Lincoln's Sparrow Common Merganser Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Clark's Nutcracker MacGillivray's Warbler Sage Thrasher Rose-throated Becard Osprey Savannah Sparrow Indigo Bunting Gray Jay X X X X X Colorado Plateau B A C A B C X X X AZ - NM Mountains Picoides dorsalis Picoides pubescens B B B Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Empidonax fulvifrons pygmaeus Empidonax traillii extimus Eugenes fulgens Falco femoralis septentrionalis Falco peregrinus anatum Gallinago delicata Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum Gymnogyps californianus Haliaeetus leucocephalus Ictinia mississippiensis Junco phaeonotus Lampornis clemenciae Laterallus jamaicensis coturnic Megascops trichopsis Melanerpes lewis Meleagris gallopavo mexicana Melospiza lincolnii Mergus merganser Myiodynastes luteiventris Nucifraga columbiana Oporornis tolmiei Oreoscoptes montanus Pachyramphus aglaiae Pandion haliaetus Passerculus sandwichensis Passerina cyanea Perisoreus canadensis Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus Pica hudsonia Picoides arizonae Common Name Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Gray Catbird Snowy Egret Northern Buff-breasted Flycatcher Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Magnificent Hummingbird Northern Aplomado Falcon American Peregrine Falcon Wilson's Snipe SGCN Tier Scientific Name Dendrocygna autumnalis Dumetella carolinensis Egretta thula X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X C B C X X B C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 719 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) AZ - NM Mountains Colorado Plateau Mohave Desert Sonoran Desert B C C C B B C A C C C B B B A C C C B B B C C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Common Name Pine Grosbeak Green-tailed Towhee Eared Grebe Mexican Chickadee Black-capped Gnatcatcher Western Purple Martin Desert Purple Martin Yuma Clapper Rail American Avocet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Thick-billed Parrot Azure Bluebird Red-naped Sapsucker Mexican Spotted Owl Tree Swallow Le Conte's Thrasher Winter Wren Elegant Trogon Thick-billed Kingbird Tropical Kingbird Orange-crowned Warbler White-crowned Sparrow SGCN Tier Scientific Name Pinicola enucleator Pipilo chlorurus Podiceps nigricollis Poecile sclateri Polioptila nigriceps Progne subis arboricola Progne subis hesperia Rallus longirostris yumanensis Recurvirostra americana Regulus calendula Regulus satrapa Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha Sialia sialis fulva Sphyrapicus nuchalis Strix occidentalis lucida Tachycineta bicolor Toxostoma lecontei Troglodytes troglodytes Trogon elegans Tyrannus crassirostris Tyrannus melancholicus Vermivora celata Zonotrichia leucophrys X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Fish Agosia chrysogaster Campostoma ornatum Catostomus bernardini Catostomus clarki Catostomus discobolus Catostomus discobolus yarrowi Catostomus insignis Catostomus latipinnis Catostomus sp. Cyprinella formosa Cyprinodon eremus Cyprinodon macularius Elops affinis Longfin Dace Mexican Stoneroller Yaqui Sucker Desert Sucker Bluehead Sucker Zuni Bluehead Sucker Sonora Sucker Flannelmouth Sucker Little Colorado Sucker Beautiful Shiner Quitobaquito Pupfish Desert Pupfish Machete B B B B A A B A B A A A C X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 720 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) Mohave Desert X X X X X X X X X Sonoran Desert Colorado Plateau X X X X X X X X X X X Gila Topminnow A X X Yaqui Topminnow Colorado Pikeminnow Speckled Dace Loach Minnow Razorback Sucker A A B A A X X X X X X X X X X X Niobrara Ambersnail Kanab Ambersnail Bylas Springsnail Grand Wash Springsnail San Bernardino Springsnail Kingman Springsnail Desert Springsnail X X A A A C A A A B B B B B A B B B B B X X X X X Virgin Spinedace Little Colorado Spinedace Spikedace Striped Mullet Apache (Arizona) Trout Gila Trout Woundfin Crustaceans and Mollusks California Floater Cockerell's Striate Disc (Snail) Pinaleno Mountainsnail AZ - NM Mountains A A A A B A B A A Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Anodonta californiensis Discus shimekii cockerelli Oreohelix grahamensis Oreohelix yavapai cummingsi Oxyloma haydeni haydeni Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis Pyrgulopsis arizonae Pyrgulopsis bacchus Pyrgulopsis bernardina Pyrgulopsis conica Pyrgulopsis deserta Common Name Humpback Chub Sonora Chub Bonytail Gila Chub Headwater Chub Yaqui Chub Roundtail Chub Virgin Chub Yaqui Catfish SGCN Tier Scientific Name Gila cypha Gila ditaenia Gila elegans Gila intermedia Gila nigra Gila purpurea Gila robusta Gila seminuda Ictalurus pricei Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis Lepidomeda vittata Meda fulgida Mugil cephalus Oncorhynchus gilae apache Oncorhynchus gilae gilae Plagopterus argentissimus Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis Poeciliopsis occidentalis sonoriensis Ptychocheilus lucius Rhinichthys osculus Tiaroga cobitis Xyrauchen texanus X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 721 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) C Sonoran Pronghorn Northern Pygmy Mouse Mexican Gray Wolf American Beaver Hispid Pocket Mouse Mexican Long-tongued Bat Gunnison's Prairie Dog Black-tailed Prairie Dog Mexican Oppossum Virginia Oppossum A Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Houserock Valley Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat A C A C C B A A C C C B Sonoran Desert America Pronghorn Mohave Desert B Colorado Plateau Mammals Prospect Valley White-tailed Antelope Squirrel AZ - NM Mountains Dipodomys microps leucotis B B A B B A A B B A B B A C B B B A C Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Ammospermophilus leucurus tersus Antilocapra americana americana Antilocapra americana sonoriensis Baiomys taylori Canis lupus baileyi Castor canadensis Chaetodipus hispidus Choeronycteris mexicana Cynomys gunnisoni Cynomys ludovicianus Didelphis virginiana californica Didelphis virginiana virginiana Dipodomys microps celsus Common Name Verde Rim Springsnail Montezuma Well Springsnail Page Springsnail Fossil Springsnail Brown Springsnail Huachuca Springsnail Three Forks Springsnail Squaw Peak Talussnail Clark Peak Talussnail San Xavier Talussnail Pinaleno Talussnail Mimic Talussnail Wet Canyon Talussnail Table Top Talussnail Papago Talussnail Arizona Cave Amphipod Gila Tryonia Quitobaquito Tryonia Rotund Vertigo SGCN Tier Scientific Name Pyrgulopsis glandulosa Pyrgulopsis montezumensis Pyrgulopsis morrisoni Pyrgulopsis simplex Pyrgulopsis sola Pyrgulopsis thompsoni Pyrgulopsis trivialis Sonorella allynsmithi Sonorella christenseni Sonorella eremita Sonorella grahamensis Sonorella imitator Sonorella macrophallus Sonorella milleri Sonorella papagorum Stygobromus arizonensis Tryonia gilae Tryonia quitobaquitae Vertigo berryi X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 722 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) B A Mogollon Vole Arizona Montane Vole Black-footed Ferret California Myotis Bushy-tailed Woodrat Mexican Woodrat Big Free-tailed Bat Common Muskrat Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Desert Bighorn Sheep Jaguar Apache Pocket Mouse Springerville Pocket Mouse Mesquite Mouse Western Pipistrelle Abert's Chuska Squirrel Kaibab Squirrel Arizona Gray Squirrel C C A C C C B C C B A C B B C C C C Sonoran Desert White-bellied Long-tailed Vole Hualapai Mexican Vole Mohave Desert A C B B C X X X Colorado Plateau Lesser Long-nosed Bat Southeastern River Otter Southwestern River Otter California Leaf-nosed Bat Long-tailed Vole X X AZ - NM Mountains B B B C C C C B B A Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Common Name Spotted Bat Greater Western Mastiff Bat Underwood's Mastiff Bat Gray-collared Chipmunk Least Chipmunk Colorado Chipmunk Uinta Chipmunk Western Red Bat Western Yellow Bat Ocelot SGCN Tier Scientific Name Euderma maculatum Eumops perotis californicus Eumops underwoodi Eutamias cinereicollis Eutamias minimus Eutamias quadrivittatus Eutamias umbrinus Lasiurus blossevillii Lasiurus xanthinus Leopardus pardalis Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae Lutra canadensis lataxina Lutra canadensis sonora Macrotus californicus Microtus longicaudus Microtus longicaudus leucophaeus Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis Microtus mexicanus mogollonensis Microtus montanus arizonensis Mustela nigripes Myotis californicus Neotoma cinerea Neotoma mexicana mexicana Nyctinomops macrotis Ondatra zibethicus Ovis canadensis canadensis Ovis canadensis mexicana Panthera onca Perognathus apache melanotis Perognathus flavus goodpasteri Peromyscus merriami Pipistrellus hesperus Sciurus aberti chuscensis Sciurus aberti kaibabensis Sciurus arizonensis X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 723 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) B C Sonoran Desert B C B B C C B C B C C C C Mohave Desert Crotalus pricei pricei Crotalus viridis nuntius Reptiles Arizona Striped Whiptail Pai Striped Whiptail Giant Spotted Whiptail Red-back Whiptail Desert Rosy Boa Mexican Rosy Boa Tucson Shovel-nosed Snake Mojave Shovel-nosed Snake Organ Pipe Shovel-nosed Snake Western Painted Turtle Utah Banded Gecko Western Yellow-bellied Racer Midget Faded Rattlesnake Western Twin-spotted Rattlesnake Hopi Rattlesnake X X X X X X X A B B C B Colorado Plateau Aspidoscelis arizonae Aspidoscelis pai Aspidoscelis stictogrammus Aspidoscelis xanthonota Charina trivirgata gracia Charina trivirgata trivirgata Chionactis occipitalis klauberi Chionactis occipitalis occipitalis Chionactis palarostris organica Chrysemys picta bellii Coleonyx variegatus utahensis Coluber constrictor mormon Crotalus oreganus concolor C C C AZ - NM Mountains Thomomys bottae subsimilis Thomomys umbrinus intermedius Vulpes vulpes Zapus hudsonius luteus Mt Graham Red Squirrel Harquahala Southern Pocket Gopher Southern Pocket Gopher Red Fox New Mexican Jumping Mouse B B C B B C B B C B Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Sylvilagus nuttallii grangeri Sylvilagus nuttallii pinetis Tadarida brasiliensis Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamens Common Name Chiricahua Fox Squirrel Yavapai Arizona Cotton Rat Colorado River Cotton Rat Yuma Hispid Cotton Rat Arizona Shrew Merriam's Shrew Dwarf Shrew Water Shrew Spotted Ground Squirrel Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel North Kaibab Mountain Cottontail A Southwestern Cottontail Mexican Free-tailed Bat SGCN Tier Scientific Name Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae Sigmodon arizonae jacksoni Sigmodon arizonae plenus Sigmodon hispidus eremicus Sorex arizonae Sorex merriami Sorex nanus Sorex palustris Spermophilus spilosoma Spermophilus tridecemlineatus X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 724 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) X X X Mohave Desert Tortoise A Sonoran Desert Tortoise Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake Sonoran (elegant) Earless Lizard Desert Nightsnake Mesa Verde Nightsnake Arizona Mud Turtle Yellow Mud Turtle B B C C C B B Sonoyta Mud Turtle A Sonora Mud Turtle Western Black Kingsnake C C Utah Mountain Kingsnake C New Mexico Milksnake Utah Milksnake New Mexico Threadsnake Utah Threadsnake Lined Coachwhip Brown Vinesnake Texas Horned Lizard Hernandez's (Greater) Shorthorned Lizard Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Slevin's Bunchgrass Lizard Striped Plateau Lizard Northern Green Ratsnake Desert Massasauga Smith's Black-headed Snake B B C C C B C C A C B C C B C Sonoran Desert A B C B Mohave Desert X Colorado Plateau C AZ - NM Mountains Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Crotalus willardi obscurus Crotalus willardi willardi Eumeces callicephalus Eumeces gilberti arizonensis Gopherus agassizii (Mohave Population) Gopherus agassizii (Sonoran Population) Gyalopion quadrangulare Holbrookia elegans thermophila Hypsiglena torquata deserticola Hypsiglena torquata loreala Kinosternon arizonense Kinosternon flavescens Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale Kinosternon sonoriense sonoriense Lampropeltis getula nigrita Lampropeltis pyromelana infralabialis Lampropeltis triangulum celaenops Lampropeltis triangulum taylori Leptotyphlops dissectus Leptotyphlops humilis utahensis Masticophis flagellum lineatulus Oxybelis aeneus Phrynosoma cornutum Phrynosoma hernandesi hernandesi Phrynosoma mcallii Salvadora grahamiae Sceloporus slevini Sceloporus virgatus Senticolis triaspis intermedia Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii Tantilla hobartsmithi Common Name Green Prairie Rattlesnake New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Mountain Skink Arizona Skink SGCN Tier Scientific Name Crotalus viridis viridis X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 725 APPENDIX M. ALL SGCN IN ARIZONA (CONTINUED) X X X X X X X X X Sonoran Desert Mohave Desert C B B B B C C C Colorado Plateau C C C B AZ - NM Mountains Apache Highlands South Apache Highlands North Thamnophis cyrtopsis cyrtopsis Thamnophis eques megalops Thamnophis rufipunctatus Uma rufopunctata Uma scoparia Xantusia arizonae Xantusia bezyi Xantusia vigilis vigilis Common Name Plains Black-headed Snake Chihuahuan Black-headed Snake Yaqui Black-headed Snake Desert Box Turtle Western Black-necked Gartersnake Northern Mexican Gartersnake Narrow-headed Gartersnake Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Lizard Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard Arizona Night Lizard Bezy's Night Lizard Yucca Night Lizard SGCN Tier Scientific Name Tantilla nigriceps Tantilla wilcoxi Tantilla yaquia Terrapene ornata luteola X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 726 APPENDIX N. DISTRIBUTION BY ECOREGION OF PRIORITY SPECIES FOR WHICH VULNERABILITY STATUS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED Amphibian Bird Bird Bird Bird Bird Bird Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Reptile Reptile Scientific Name Bufo retiformis Calcarius ornatus Contopus pertinax Empidonax wrightii Numenius americanus Plegadis chihi Toxostoma bendirei Clethrionomys gapperi Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Dipodomys deserti Idionycteris phyllotis Myotis occultus Neotoma mexicana Neotoma stephensi Notiosorex cockrumi Perognathus amplus cineris Perognathus apache Perognathus flavus Perognathus longimembris Reithrodontomys montanus Sigmodon arizonae arizonae Sigmodon arizonae cienegae Sigmodon hispidus Sigmodon ochrognathus Taxidea taxus Thomomys talpoides Vulpes macrotis Eumeces gilberti rubricaudata Gyalopion canum Common Name Sonoran Green Toad Chestnut-collared Longspur Greater Pewee Gray Flycatcher Long-billed Curlew White-faced Ibis Bendire's Thrasher Southern Red-backed Vole Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Desert Kangaroo Rat Allen's Big-eared Bat Arizona Myotis Mexican Woodrat Stephen's Woodrat Cockrum's Desert Shrew Wupatki Arizona Pocket Mouse Apache Pocket Mouse Silky Pocket Mouse Little Pocket Mouse Plains Harvest Mouse Camp Verde Arizona Cotton Rat Arizona Cotton Rat Hispid Cotton Rat Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat American Badger Northern Pocket Gopher Kit Fox Western Red-tailed Skink Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake SD MD CP AZNM AHS AHN Taxon X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 727 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES USED TO DETERMINE STRESSORS WITH SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS IN EACH OF THE MAJOR HABITAT TYPE IN EACH ECOREGION Stressors are further described under “Stressors that Impact Wildlife and Wildlife Habitats (Element 3),” and important stressors are listed under each habitat type in the “EcoregionSpecific Habitat Conditions (Element 2).” Where smaller patches of any habitat type occur in an ecoregion, the Department assumes that the threat assessment for that habitat type matches the assessment in the nearest ecoregion where it is found. Magnitude scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion. Chaparral Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Consumptive Plains & Great Basin Grassland Abiotic Resource Use Semidesert Grassland Transportation & Infrastructure Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category Habitat Conversion 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 2 3 1 1 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 3 3 2 4 2 1 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 3 3 2 4 2 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 3 2 3 2 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 2 1 3 3 3 3 2 1 2 1 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 1 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 1 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 3 2 1 2 3 3 2 1 2 3 3 2 1 2 3 3 2 1 2 3 3 2 1 1 2 2 3 1 1 2 2 3 1 1 2 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 3 2 4 3 2 4 3 2 4 3 2 4 3 2 4 3 2 4 4 2 4 4 2 4 4 2 4 Stressor Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Grazing by ungulates Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 728 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion. Montane Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Changes in ecological processes Great Basin Conifer Forest Climate change Chaparral Invasive species Plains & Great Basin Grassland Pollution Semidesert Grassland Nonconsumptive resource use Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category Biological resource use 1 1 1 3 2 2 1 3 1 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 4 4 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 4 4 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 3 4 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 3 1 2 3 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 3 1 2 3 1 4 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 4 3 2 1 3 3 1 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 4 3 2 1 2 2 2 4 2 2 1 4 3 2 4 3 2 1 3 3 1 4 4 1 2 3 3 1 4 4 1 2 3 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 2 3 4 4 3 3 4 4 1 2 4 1 4 3 1 4 4 1 2 4 1 4 4 1 3 4 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 1 1 Stressor Forest and woodland management Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 729 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion. Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Semidesert Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Chaparral Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Threat Category 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 3 3 1 3 4 1 2 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 4 2 4 2 2 2 2 1 3 2 2 4 3 4 2 Stressor Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 730 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion. Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Nonconsumptive Resource Use Chaparral Consumptive Biological Resource Use Plains & Great Basin Grassland Abiotic Resource Use Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Semidesert Grassland Transportation & Infrastructure Stressor Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category Habitat Conversion 1 4 4 3 4 1 2 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 1 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 1 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 2 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 3 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 3 4 4 2 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 3 2 4 3 3 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 3 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 731 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion. Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Changes in ecological processes Chaparral Climate change Plains & Great Basin Grassland Invasive Species Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Semidesert Grassland Pollution Stressor Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category 4 4 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 2 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 2 4 4 4 1 4 4 2 4 4 2 4 4 4 2 4 4 2 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 732 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands North Ecoregion. Semidesert Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Chaparral Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Stressor Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 733 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion. Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 4 4 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 4 4 2 3 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 3 1 4 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 2 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 4 4 4 2 2 3 1 4 3 2 4 4 4 4 2 2 3 1 4 3 1 4 3 4 4 2 2 1 1 3 2 2 4 1 2 4 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 4 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 3 1 4 2 1 4 3 1 4 1 1 2 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 Grazing by ungulates 4 4 4 3 4 1 1 4 4 3 Forest and woodland management 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 Harvesting/collecting animals 3 3 3 1 3 2 1 2 2 2 Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 2 2 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 3 Stressor Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Non- Chaparral Consumptive Biological Resource Use Plains & Great Basin Grassland Abiotic Resource Use Semidesert Grassland Transportation & Infrastructure Chihuahuan Desertscrub Threat Category Habitat Conversion Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 734 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion. Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 1 1 3 1 2 3 3 4 1 1 1 2 4 3 1 1 3 3 2 4 4 4 3 1 1 2 2 3 1 4 1 4 2 4 4 4 2 1 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 4 2 3 1 3 1 1 4 2 2 1 3 1 1 4 2 2 1 4 1 1 4 2 3 1 3 2 1 1 2 2 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 2 1 4 4 1 4 4 2 1 4 4 1 4 4 2 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 3 4 3 1 3 4 4 1 3 4 4 1 3 4 3 1 3 4 3 1 4 4 2 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 1 4 4 1 4 3 1 3 4 1 3 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 2 1 3 4 2 1 4 2 4 3 1 2 2 3 2 2 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Changes in ecological processes Chaparral Climate change Plains & Great Basin Grassland Invasive Species Semidesert Grassland Pollution Stressor Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Chihuahuan Desertscrub Threat Category consumptive Resource Use Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 735 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion. Plains & Great Basin Grassland Chaparral Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 3 4 1 3 1 1 4 2 2 4 1 2 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 3 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 2 3 1 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 3 1 1 1 4 2 4 2 4 2 3 4 4 1 4 3 1 4 4 4 3 2 4 2 4 2 1 1 4 2 4 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 3 4 4 1 4 2 1 4 4 4 3 4 4 1 4 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 4 3 4 3 4 3 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Semidesert Grassland International Border Issues Stressor Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Light pollution along the border Dispersed camping along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Feral animals along the border Unauthorized roads & trails along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Poaching along the border Enforcement activities along the border Enforcement fences along the border Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Disease along the border Enforcement overflights along the border Chihuahuan Desertscrub Threat Category Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 736 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion. Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments 4 4 4 2 2 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 2 3 1 2 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 1 1 3 1 4 1 1 4 1 2 4 1 1 3 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 3 3 2 1 1 4 4 2 1 1 4 4 3 1 1 4 4 2 1 1 4 4 2 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 4 2 1 4 3 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 3 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 Grazing by ungulates 4 4 4 4 4 2 1 4 4 4 Forest and woodland management 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 Harvesting/collecting animals 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 Stressor Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Non- Chaparral Consumptive Biological Resource Use Plains & Great Basin Grassland Abiotic Resource Use Semidesert Grassland Transportation & Infrastructure Chihuahuan Desertscrub Threat Category Habitat Conversion Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 737 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion. Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs 4 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 2 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 2 1 1 3 2 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 2 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 2 2 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 2 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 2 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 1 4 4 4 2 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 1 1 1 4 4 3 1 2 2 1 4 4 4 1 3 1 1 4 4 2 1 4 1 1 2 2 2 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 2 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 3 4 4 1 2 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 1 4 4 2 2 4 2 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Changes in ecological processes Chaparral Climate change Plains & Great Basin Grassland Invasive Species Semidesert Grassland Pollution Stressor Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Chihuahuan Desertscrub Threat Category consumptive Resource Use Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 738 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Apache Highlands South Ecoregion. Plains & Great Basin Grassland Chaparral Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Semidesert Grassland International Border Issues Stressor Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Light pollution along the border Dispersed camping along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Feral animals along the border Unauthorized roads & trails along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Poaching along the border Enforcement activities along the border Enforcement fences along the border Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Disease along the border Enforcement overflights along the border Chihuahuan Desertscrub Threat Category Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 739 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude for Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion. Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Consumptive Biological Resource Use Wetlands/Springs Abiotic Resource Use Tundra Transportation & Infrastructure Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Threat Category Habitat Conversion 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 2 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 2 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 3 1 4 4 1 4 2 2 4 4 3 4 4 2 1 4 1 1 1 2 4 4 2 4 4 1 3 2 1 3 1 3 4 1 1 2 1 2 4 2 2 4 2 1 4 1 1 4 1 2 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 2 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 3 1 1 4 2 2 1 4 3 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 3 1 3 1 2 1 4 4 4 Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management 4 4 3 4 4 3 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 Harvesting/collecting animals 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 Harvesting/collecting plants 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 Stressors Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 740 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude for Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion. Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Climate change Changes in ecological processes Wetlands/Springs Invasive Species Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation offtrail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Tundra Pollution Stressors Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Threat Category Nonconsumptive Resource Use 3 4 2 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 3 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 3 3 1 2 1 1 1 4 4 2 3 3 3 1 3 1 4 1 4 4 3 3 3 4 1 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 1 4 1 3 3 3 4 1 4 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 4 1 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 3 1 4 1 1 4 3 1 1 4 2 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 4 4 1 1 4 3 1 4 4 2 2 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 3 4 1 4 2 3 2 3 1 4 4 1 4 4 3 2 2 3 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 1 2 1 3 1 1 4 2 3 3 3 3 1 1 4 4 4 4 3 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 741 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude for Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion. Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Tundra Stressors Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Threat Category 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 4 4 2 3 4 2 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 1 4 2 4 4 4 3 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 742 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion. Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Consumptive Biological Resource Use Wetlands/Springs Abiotic Resource Use 4 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 2 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 Harvesting/collecting animals 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 2 Harvesting/collecting plants 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 Stressors Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Tundra Transportation & Infrastructure Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Threat Category Habitat Conversion Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 743 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion. Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Climate change Changes in ecological processes Wetlands/Springs Invasive Species Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation offtrail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Tundra Pollution Stressors Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Threat Category Nonconsumptive Resource Use 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 2 4 1 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 2 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 2 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 3 1 4 4 4 4 2 3 1 1 4 1 1 1 2 1 4 4 4 4 1 3 1 4 4 4 4 2 3 1 4 4 2 4 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 744 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Arizona-New Mexico Mountains Ecoregion. Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Tundra Stressors Subalpine Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Great Basin Conifer Forest Madrean Evergreen Forest Subalpine Grassland Plains & Great Basin Grassland Threat Category 2 1 2 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 745 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Nonconsumptive Resource Use Lakes/Reservoirs Consumptive Biological Resource Use Streams/Rivers Abiotic Resource Use Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Wetlands/Springs Transportation & Infrastructure Stressor Mohave Desertscrub Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Subalpine Conifer Forest Plains & Great Basin Grassland Subalpine Grassland Threat Category Habitat Conversion 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 4 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 3 3 2 3 1 1 1 3 2 3 1 1 2 4 4 4 2 4 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 4 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 4 2 2 3 2 1 1 3 4 3 1 2 1 1 4 2 2 3 1 3 1 2 3 2 1 2 1 1 1 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 4 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 4 2 4 1 3 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 2 4 4 2 2 4 2 3 1 4 2 4 1 3 1 4 1 1 1 3 3 4 1 2 2 4 1 1 2 4 4 2 2 1 1 3 2 2 2 4 4 3 2 1 1 3 2 2 3 4 4 3 2 2 1 3 1 2 2 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 746 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Changes in ecological processes - Lakes/Reservoirs Climate change Streams/Rivers Invasive Species Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Wetlands/Springs Pollution Stressor Mohave Desertscrub Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Subalpine Conifer Forest Plains & Great Basin Grassland Subalpine Grassland Threat Category 2 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 4 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 4 1 3 2 3 4 2 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 4 3 2 1 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 4 1 1 3 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 3 2 1 4 1 1 4 2 2 1 3 2 1 4 4 2 1 4 3 1 4 4 2 2 4 4 1 4 4 1 2 4 1 3 1 3 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 3 1 4 4 4 1 2 4 3 1 1 2 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 1 4 4 4 2 4 1 3 4 1 4 4 1 2 4 1 4 2 2 4 2 4 4 2 4 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 1 3 3 1 1 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 4 4 3 3 4 3 4 4 2 3 2 4 2 4 2 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 747 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Nonconsumptive Resource Use Lakes/Reservoirs Consumptive Biological Resource Use Streams/Rivers Abiotic Resource Use Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Wetlands/Springs Transportation & Infrastructure Stressor Mohave Desertscrub Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Subalpine Conifer Forest Plains & Great Basin Grassland Subalpine Grassland Threat Category Habitat Conversion 1 1 2 1 3 1 2 4 1 3 3 3 4 1 4 4 4 1 2 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 2 2 3 1 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 2 4 1 4 1 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 1 2 1 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 3 3 1 2 4 1 4 4 3 3 1 2 2 2 4 3 2 3 4 2 3 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 4 4 3 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 2 2 3 2 1 3 3 3 4 2 4 4 4 4 2 3 3 2 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 3 4 4 1 3 3 4 4 1 3 4 4 4 1 4 2 2 4 1 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 4 1 1 2 2 3 2 3 2 4 4 4 3 4 2 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 4 2 4 4 2 2 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 2 2 4 4 2 2 4 4 4 1 4 2 4 4 2 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 3 3 4 4 1 1 3 3 4 3 3 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 3 2 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 2 2 2 4 4 4 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 748 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Colorado Plateau Ecoregion. Changes in ecological processes Lakes/Reservoirs Climate change Streams/Rivers Invasive Species Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Wetlands/Springs Pollution Stressor Mohave Desertscrub Great Basin Conifer Forest Montane Conifer Forest Subalpine Conifer Forest Plains & Great Basin Grassland Subalpine Grassland Threat Category 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 3 1 4 4 4 2 2 2 1 1 3 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 2 1 4 3 4 4 3 3 1 1 3 2 1 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 2 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 3 3 4 4 1 4 2 2 4 3 2 1 3 1 2 4 4 4 1 4 2 2 4 3 2 1 3 4 3 4 3 2 1 3 1 3 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 3 3 4 1 2 4 2 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 1 4 4 3 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 3 3 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 2 3 1 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 1 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 2 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 2 1 2 3 2 4 4 2 4 1 2 4 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 749 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. Great Basin Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Nonconsumptive Resource Use Chaparral Consumptive Biological Resource Use Mohave Desertscrub Abiotic Resource Use Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Transportation & Infrastructure Stressor Lowland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category Habitat Conversion 1 3 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 4 3 2 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 2 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 4 1 2 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 1 3 3 2 2 1 2 1 1 4 4 2 3 2 3 3 2 1 2 2 3 1 3 2 4 1 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 1 4 2 2 2 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 4 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 4 2 2 2 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 1 3 3 4 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 4 2 1 2 1 1 4 3 3 2 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 2 3 4 4 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 4 2 1 2 1 1 4 3 3 2 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 2 3 4 3 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 2 4 1 2 2 4 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 750 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. Great Basin Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Changes in ecological processes Chaparral Climate change Mohave Desertscrub Invasive Species Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Pollution Stressor Lowland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 3 2 2 1 1 4 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 1 1 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 3 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 1 2 2 1 1 4 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 4 1 3 3 1 1 1 3 1 2 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 1 3 1 3 3 2 1 3 2 1 4 3 3 1 3 3 1 3 1 2 3 3 2 2 1 2 2 3 3 1 4 4 2 1 3 2 1 4 3 4 1 4 3 1 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 3 3 1 4 4 2 1 2 2 1 4 1 4 1 3 3 1 3 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 751 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. Great Basin Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Nonconsumptive Resource Use Chaparral Consumptive Biological Resource Use Mohave Desertscrub Abiotic Resource Use Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Grazing by ungulates Forest and woodland management Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Transportation & Infrastructure Stressor Lowland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category Habitat Conversion 1 4 4 4 3 1 4 1 1 4 4 3 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 2 3 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 3 1 4 1 1 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 2 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 2 3 2 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 1 1 2 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 4 3 3 2 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 2 4 2 1 2 3 4 4 1 4 1 1 3 4 4 3 1 4 1 1 4 3 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 3 2 4 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 3 4 4 3 1 4 1 1 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 3 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 3 4 4 1 4 4 1 3 4 4 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 2 1 4 4 1 1 4 1 3 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 2 4 4 1 4 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 752 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Mohave Desert Ecoregion. Great Basin Conifer Forest Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Changes in ecological processes Chaparral Climate change Mohave Desertscrub Invasive Species Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Pollution Stressor Lowland Sonoran Desertscrub Threat Category 2 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 2 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 2 1 4 4 4 1 1 2 2 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 2 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 3 2 2 1 4 4 4 1 1 3 2 2 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 4 4 4 1 1 3 2 2 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 3 1 2 3 4 4 4 1 4 3 2 4 1 4 4 4 2 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 2 2 4 4 4 1 4 3 2 4 1 4 4 4 2 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 1 2 4 4 4 4 1 1 4 2 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 753 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Nonconsumptive Resource Use Wetlands/Springs Consumptive Biological Resource Use Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Abiotic Resource Use Lower Colorado Sonoran Desertscrub Transportation & Infrastructure Mohave Desertscrub Threat Category Habitat Conversion Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 4 3 1 4 1 2 2 1 1 3 3 1 1 2 1 1 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 4 3 1 4 1 2 2 1 1 3 3 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 1 2 2 1 4 3 1 4 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 3 3 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 Grazing by ungulates 3 4 4 4 4 3 Forest and woodland management 1 1 1 1 1 1 Harvesting/collecting animals 2 3 3 2 2 1 Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection 1 1 1 1 1 3 4 1 2 1 3 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 Stressor Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 754 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Lakes/Reservoirs International Border Issues Streams/Rivers Changes in ecological processes Wetlands/Springs Climate change Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Invasive Species Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Light pollution along the border Dispersed camping along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Feral animals along the border Lower Colorado Sonoran Desertscrub Pollution Stressor Mohave Desertscrub Threat Category 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 3 1 2 1 1 3 3 1 1 4 2 3 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 4 1 3 3 2 1 1 3 1 3 1 2 1 1 3 3 1 1 4 2 2 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 4 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 2 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 2 2 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 3 4 1 1 3 3 1 4 4 3 1 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 1 1 4 4 2 3 3 2 1 4 1 2 2 3 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 4 4 3 1 3 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 755 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Magnitude scores for stressors in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Disease along the border Enforcement overflights along the border Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Unauthorized roads & trails along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Poaching along the border Enforcement activities along the border Enforcement fences along the border Lower Colorado Sonoran Desertscrub Stressor Mohave Desertscrub Threat Category 1 4 4 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 1 1 4 2 1 1 2 2 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 756 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Nonconsumptive Resource Use Wetlands/Springs Consumptive Biological Resource Use Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Abiotic Resource Use Lower Colorado Sonoran Desertscrub Transportation & Infrastructure Mohave Desertscrub Threat Category Habitat Conversion Agricultural conversion Urban growth Rural development Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities Aquaculture Landfills/dumps Military activities Forest and woodland management Livestock management Roads (for motorized vehicles) Trails (for foot, bike, or equine use) Unauthorized roads & trails Railroads Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Telephone lines/cellphone towers Canals/pipelines Dredging Air traffic corridors/overflights Right-of-way fencing along roadways Mining Drilling for fuels Groundwater depletion/springhead use Water diversion/water catchments Grazing by ungulates 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 2 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 2 1 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 4 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 2 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 4 1 4 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 Forest and woodland management 4 4 4 1 1 1 Harvesting/collecting animals 2 4 4 4 4 4 Harvesting/collecting plants Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Dispersed camping Scientific research and collection Off-range recreational shooting Watercraft operation 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 Stressor Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 757 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Lakes/Reservoirs International Border Issues Streams/Rivers Changes in ecological processes Wetlands/Springs Climate change Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Invasive Species Military activities Lead shot/fishing line Illegal dumping/littering Heavy metals/mine tailings Pesticides/herbicides Sediment/ash flows Nutrients/algal blooms Light pollution Noise pollution Contaminants from waste water/runoff Highway/roadway de-icing Nuisance plants Nuisance animals Feral animals Hybridization Disease/pathogens/parasites Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Shift to warmer climate Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Altered river flow regimes Streambank alteration/channelization Loss of keystone species Insect Infestation Domestication of wildlife/game farming Management for game animals and sport fish Soil erosion Light pollution along the border Dispersed camping along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Feral animals along the border Unauthorized roads & trails along the border Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Lower Colorado Sonoran Desertscrub Pollution Stressor Mohave Desertscrub Threat Category 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 3 1 4 1 4 4 4 1 2 1 4 1 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 1 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 4 2 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 2 4 2 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 1 Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 758 APPENDIX O. MAGNITUDE AND URGENCY SCORES FOR EACH ECOREGION (CONTINUED) Urgency scores for stressors in the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion. Mohave Desertscrub Lower Colorado Sonoran Desertscrub Upland Sonoran Desertscrub Wetlands/Springs Streams/Rivers Lakes/Reservoirs Threat Category Poaching along the border Enforcement activities along the border Enforcement fences along the border 1 1 1 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 2 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers Disease along the border Enforcement overflights along the border 1 1 1 4 4 3 4 1 3 4 2 1 4 4 3 1 1 4 Stressor Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 759 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS DIRECTING ACTIVITIES BY THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS COOPERATORS This report generated directly from the CWCS relational database contains conservation agreements and other planning documents linked to the ecoregions, species, and stressors that the agreement/plan is meant to address. The numbers beginning each citation are document identification numbers which are used to reference these documents elsewhere in the CWCS. 21 Minckley, WL and DK Duncan. 1998. Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan for El Coronado Ranch. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Phoenix, Arizona. 39 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Longfin Dace Drought Yaqui Catfish Livestock management Yaqui Chub Nuisance animals 22 Lazy K Bar Ranch, LLC. 1998. Lazy K Bar Ranch Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan For Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl. WestLand Resources, Inc. Pima County, Arizona. 49 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Rural development 23 Salt River Project. 2002. Roosevelt Lake Habitat Conservation Plan. Salt River Project. Gila and Maricopa counties, Arizona. 341 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Bald Eagle Altered river flow regimes Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Drought Yuma Clapper Rail Nuisance plants Recreational sites/facilities Watercraft operation 24 Skyranch. 2001. Skyranch Habitat Conservation Plan. Skyranch. Pima County, Arizona. 74 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Rural development 26 Sorensen, JA and CB Nelson. 2002. Interim Conservation Plan for Oxyloma (haydeni) kanabensis complex and related ambersnails in Arizona and Utah. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 43 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP Kanab Ambersnail Altered river flow regimes Niobrara Ambersnail Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Urban growth 27 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1995. Kanab ambersnail (Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis) recovery plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, Colorado. 21 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 760 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) CP Kanab Ambersnail Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Grazing by ungulates Recreational sites/facilities Rural development Soil erosion 28 Arizona Game and Fish Department and US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. Conservation Agreement for the San Xavier talussnail (Sonorella eremita). US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 17 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD San Xavier Talussnail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Roads for motorized vehicles Scientific research and collection Urban growth 29 Arizona Game and Fish Department. 2002. Conservation Assessment and Strategy Wet Canyon talussnail (Sonorella macrophallus). US Forest Service, Coronado National Forest. Safford Ranger District, Arizona. 31 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Wet Canyon Talussnail Altered fire regime as a result of border activities Habitat fragmentation/barriers Roads for motorized vehicles Soil erosion Unauthorized roads & trails Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers 31 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1994. Yaqui Fishes Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 48 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Beautiful Shiner Hybridization Yaqui Catfish Nuisance animals Yaqui Chub Soil erosion Yaqui Topminnow Streambank alteration/channelization Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers 32 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Bonytail (Gila elegans) Recovery Goals: amendment and supplement to the Bonytail Chub Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region (6). Denver, Colorado. 54 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP Bonytail Altered river flow regimes MD Dams/reservoirs/impoundments SD Habitat fragmentation/barriers Hybridization Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals Pesticides/herbicides Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 761 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Soil erosion Streambank alteration/channelization Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers 33 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Colorado pikeminnow (Ptycholcheilus incius) Recovery Goals: amendment and supplement to the Colorado Squawfish Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region (6). Denver, Colorado. 53 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Colorado Pikeminnow Altered river flow regimes CP Dams/reservoirs/impoundments MD Habitat fragmentation/barriers SD Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals Pesticides/herbicides 34 Marsh, PC and DW Sada. 1993. Desert Pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Phoenix, Arizona. 67 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Desert Pupfish Altered river flow regimes AHS Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking SD Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Livestock management Management for game animals and sport fish Mining Nuisance animals Pesticides/herbicides Roads for motorized vehicles Streambank alteration/channelization Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers 35 Weedman, DA. Gila Topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis) DRAFT Revised Recovery Plan - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Gila Topminnow Altered river flow regimes AHS Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking SD Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Forest and woodland management consumptive use Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 762 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Livestock management Management for game animals and sport fish Mining Nuisance animals Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Soil erosion Streambank alteration/channelization Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Unauthorized roads & trails Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers 36 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2003. Gila Trout Recovery Plan (3rd revision). US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 78 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Gila Trout Altered fire regime as a result of border activities AZNM Disease/pathogens/parasites Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Harvesting/collecting animals Hybridization Livestock management Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals Soil erosion 41 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Humpback chub (Gila cypha) Recovery Goals: amendment and supplement to the Humpback Chub Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region (6). Denver, Colorado. 71 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP Humpback Chub Altered river flow regimes MD Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Contaminants from waste water and runoff Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Disease/pathogens/parasites Groundwater depletion and springhead use Hybridization Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals Pesticides/herbicides Streambank alteration/channelization 42 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1998. Little Colorado River spinedace (Lepidomeda vittata) Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 51 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 763 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) AZNM CP Little Colorado Spinedace Altered river flow regimes Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Forest and woodland management consumptive use Grazing by ungulates Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals Pesticides/herbicides Roads for motorized vehicles Soil erosion Streambank alteration/channelization 43 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Loach Minnow Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 38 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Loach Minnow Altered river flow regimes AHS Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking AZNM Dams/reservoirs/impoundments SD Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Livestock management Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals Streambank alteration/channelization 44 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) Recovery Goals: amendment and supplement to the Razorback Sucker Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region (6). Denver, Colorado. 78 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Razorback Sucker Altered river flow regimes CP Dams/reservoirs/impoundments MD Habitat fragmentation/barriers SD Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals 45 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1992. Recovery Plan for Sonora Chub (Gila ditaenia). US Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 50 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Sonora Chub Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Contaminants from waste water and runoff Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Hybridization Livestock management Management for game animals and sport fish Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 764 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Mining Nuisance animals Pesticides/herbicides Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Soil erosion Streambank alteration/channelization 46 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Spikedace Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 38 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Spikedace Altered river flow regimes AHS Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking SD Contaminants from waste water and runoff Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Forest and woodland management consumptive use Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Livestock management Management for game animals and sport fish Mining Nuisance animals Pesticides/herbicides Soil erosion Streambank alteration/channelization 47 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1994. Virgin River Fishes Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Salt Lake City, Utah. 45 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors MD Virgin Chub Altered river flow regimes Woundfin Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals Streambank alteration/channelization 48 Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Interagency Coordinating Committee. 2003. Flat-tailed horned lizard rangewide management strategy, 2003 revision. Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Interagency Coordinating Committee. 78 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Agricultural conversion Canals/pipelines Landfills/dumps Livestock management Mining Motorized recreation off-trail Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 765 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Nuisance plants Pesticides/herbicides Railroads Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth 49 Murray, RC and V Dickinson (editors). 1996. Management plan for the Sonoran Desert population of the desert tortoise in Arizona. Arizona Interagency Desert Tortoise Team. 55 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Sonoran Desert Tortoise Disease/pathogens/parasites AHS Habitat degradation/shrub invasions MD Habitat fragmentation/barriers SD Motorized recreation off-trail Urban growth 50 Platz, JE. 1996. Conservation Agreement, Rana subaquavocalis, Ramsey Canyon leopard frog. 52 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Disease/pathogens/parasites Drought Nuisance animals Off-range recreational shooting 51 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. New Mexico Ridgenose Rattlesnake Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 59 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Disease/pathogens/parasites Forest and woodland management consumptive use Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting animals Livestock management Mining Rural development Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth 52 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Desert tortoise (Mojave population) Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Portland, Oregon. 73 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP Mohave Desert Tortoise Canals/pipelines MD Disease/pathogens/parasites Drought Feral animals Grazing by ungulates Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 766 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting animals Livestock management Mining Motorized recreation off-trail Nuisance plants Off-range recreational shooting Roads for motorized vehicles Unnatural fire regimes 53 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. Sonora tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum stebbinsi) Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Phoenix, Arizona. 67 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Sonoran Tiger Salamander Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Disease/pathogens/parasites Drought Groundwater depletion and springhead use Harvesting/collecting animals Hybridization Livestock management Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals 54 Hinman, KE and TK Snow (editors). 2003. Arizona Bat Conservation Strategic Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 182 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Allen's Big-eared Bat Altered river flow regimes AHS Arizona Myotis Contaminants from waste water and runoff AZNM Big Brown Bat Dams/reservoirs/impoundments CP Big Free-tailed Bat Dispersed camping along the border MD California Leaf-nosed Bat Enforcement activities along the border SD California Myotis Forest and woodland management Cave Myotis consumptive use Fringed Myotis Forest and woodland management - habitat Ghost-faced Bat conversion Greater Western Mastiff Bat Grazing by ungulates Hoary Bat Groundwater depletion and springhead use Lesser Long-nosed Bat Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Long-eared Myotis Habitat fragmentation/barriers Long-legged Myotis Heavy metals/mine tailings Mexican Free-tailed Bat Light pollution Mexican Long-tongued Bat Light pollution along the border Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Livestock management Pallid Bat Loss of agricultural areas Pocketed Free-tailed Bat Mining Silver-haired Bat Non-motorized recreation off-trail Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 767 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Pesticides/herbicides Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Recreational sites/facilities Roost destruction Rural development Scientific research and collection Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) Streambank alteration/channelization Unknown Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth 55 Johnson, TB and WE Van Pelt. 1997. Conservation assessment and strategy for the jaguar in Arizona and New Mexico. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 24 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Jaguar Altered river flow regimes AHS Dams/reservoirs/impoundments SD Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting animals Poaching along the border Rural development Scientific research and collection Streambank alteration/channelization Urban growth 56 Pierson, ED, MC Wackenhut, JS Altenbach, P Bradley, P Call, DL Genter, CE Harris, BL Keller, B Lengus, L Lewis, B Luce, KW Navo, JM Perkins, S Smith, and L Welch.. 1999. Species conservation assessment and strategy for Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii & Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens). Idaho Conservation Effort, Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Boise, Idaho. 42 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Forest and woodland management AHS consumptive use AZNM Forest and woodland management - habitat CP conversion MD Grazing by ungulates SD Heavy metals/mine tailings Mining Non-motorized recreation off-trail Pesticides/herbicides Roost destruction Rural development Scientific research and collection Small/localized or highly concentrated Southwestern Myotis Spotted Bat Underwood's Mastiff Bat Western Pipistrelle Western Red Bat Western Small-footed Myotis Western Yellow Bat Yuma Myotis Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 768 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) population(s) Unknown Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth 57 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1982. Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 103 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Mexican Gray Wolf Disease/pathogens/parasites AZNM Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting animals Rural development Urban growth 58 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1988. Black-footed Ferret Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, Colorado. 154 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Black-footed Ferret Disease/pathogens/parasites CP Habitat fragmentation/barriers Loss of keystone species Off-range recreational shooting Roads for motorized vehicles Rural development Urban growth 59 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1990. Listed Cats of Texas and Arizona Recovery Plan (with emphasis on the Ocelot). US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 131 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Jaguar Habitat fragmentation/barriers SD Ocelot Rural development Urban growth 61 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and California Department of Fish and Game. 1980. Topock North Habitat Management Plan. Bureau of Land Management. Yuma, Arizona. 37 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species MD All Species Dams/reservoirs/impoundments American Beaver Forest and woodland management Crissal Thrasher consumptive use Double-crested Cormorant Motorized recreation off-trail Great Blue Heron Mourning Dove White-crowned Sparrow Yuma Clapper Rail 62 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1980. Silver Bell - Baboquivari Habitat Management Plan. Bureau of Land Management. Baboquivari, Arizona. 96 pp. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 769 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Arizona Skink Grazing by ungulates Black Vulture Mining Coues whitetail deer Roads for motorized vehicles Crested Caracara Desert Bighorn Sheep Desert Mule Deer Gambel's Quail Gila Topminnow Harris's Hawk Masked Bobwhite Mourning Dove Peregrine Falcon Prairie Falcon Reticulate Gila Monster Sonoran Desert Tortoise White-winged Dove 63 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). 1983. The Virgin River-Pakoon Basin Habitat Management Plan. Bureau of Land Management. St. George, Utah. 240 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors MD All Species Agricultural conversion American Badger Feral animals American Wigeon Grazing by ungulates Apache Northern Goshawk Harvesting/collecting animals Bald Eagle Mining Banded Gila Monster Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Banded Gila Monster Roads for motorized vehicles Barn Owl Urban growth Bobcat Water diversion/water catchments Bufflehead Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Canada Goose Canvasback Cinnamon Teal Common Black-Hawk Common Gray Fox Common Merganser Common Side-blotched Lizard Cooper's Hawk Coyote Desert Bighorn Sheep Desert Nightsnake Desert Sucker Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 770 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Ferruginous Hawk Flannelmouth Sucker Golden Eagle Green-winged Teal Kit Fox Lesser Scaup Merlin Mohave Desert Tortoise Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Northern Goshawk Northern Leopard Frog Northern Pintail Northern Shoveler Osprey Peregrine Falcon Prairie Falcon Red-breasted Merganser Redhead Ring-necked Duck Ring-necked Pheasant Ringtail Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Ruddy Duck Sharp-shinned Hawk Southwestern Threadsnake Speckled Dace Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake Striped Skunk Variable Groundsnake Virgin Chub Virgin Spinedace Western Burrowing Owl Woundfin Yucca Night Lizard 64 US Dept of Navy. 2001. EA for the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan for the US Naval Observatory. US Dept of Navy. Washington, DC. 35 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM Allen's Big-eared Bat Drought American Black Bear Forest and woodland management Arizona Myotis consumptive use Flammulated Owl Nuisance plants Greater Western Mastiff Bat Pesticides/herbicides Merriam's Turkey Recreational sites/facilities Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 771 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Mexican Spotted Owl Soil erosion Northern Goshawk Unnatural fire regimes Rocky Mountain Elk Rocky Mountain Mule Deer 65 Harris Environmental. 2001. Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Florence Military Reservation. Arizona Army National Guard. Florence, Arizona. 178 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Drought Couch's Spadefoot Grazing by ungulates Desert Banded Gecko Mining Desert Mule Deer Nuisance plants Desert Pupfish Roads for motorized vehicles Desert Sucker Soil erosion Lesser Long-nosed Bat Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Longfin Dace Water diversion/water catchments Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Sonora Sucker Sonoran Desert Tortoise Western Red Bat Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 66 US Army Yuma Proving Ground. 1997. Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan for Yuma Proving Ground. US Department of Defense, Army. 156 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD American Peregrine Falcon Drought Bald Eagle Feral animals Brown Pelican Grazing by ungulates California Black Rail Management for game animals and sport fish Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard Sonoran Desert Tortoise Motorized recreation off-trail Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Noise pollution Western Yellow Bat Non-motorized recreation off-trail Yuma Clapper Rail Pesticides/herbicides Roads for motorized vehicles Soil erosion Unauthorized roads & trails Water diversion/water catchments 67 Science Applications International Corporation. 1998. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth. Fort Worth, Arizona. 200 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Banded Gila Monster Contaminants from waste water and runoff Cooper's Hawk Habitat fragmentation/barriers Great Horned Owl Noise pollution Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 772 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Swainson's Hawk Western Burrowing Owl Roads for motorized vehicles Soil erosion Urban growth 68 US Department of the Navy and Air Force. 2003. Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan for the Barry Goldwater Range. US Department of the Interior. Arizona. 500 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD All Species Drought Bobcat Feral animals California Leaf-nosed Bat Grazing by ungulates Cave Myotis Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Colorado Desert Shovel-nosed Habitat fragmentation/barriers snake Livestock management Couch's Spadefoot Motorized recreation off-trail Coyote Noise pollution Desert Bighorn Sheep Non-motorized recreation off-trail Desert Mule Deer Nuisance animals Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Nuisance plants Gila Woodpecker Roads for motorized vehicles Gilded Flicker Scientific research and collection Jaguar Soil erosion Ladder-backed Woodpecker Unnatural fire regimes Le Conte's Thrasher Urban growth Lesser Long-nosed Bat Water diversion/water catchments Long-tailed Brush Lizard Northern Desert Iguana Red-spotted Toad Sonoran Desert Toad Sonoran Desert Tortoise Sonoran Pronghorn Sonoran Sidewinder Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake 69 Fredlake, M, R Gerhart, D Krueper. 1993. San Pedro Habitat Management Plan. Bureau of Land Management. Safford, Arizona. 65 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS All Species Altered river flow regimes Baird's Sparrow Contaminants from waste water and runoff Belted Kingfisher Dispersed camping Black-tailed Prairie Dog Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Bobolink Habitat fragmentation/barriers California Leaf-nosed Bat Livestock management Chihuahuan Pronghorn Management for game animals and sport fish Clark's Grebe Common Black-Hawk Motorized recreation off-trail Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 773 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Crested Caracara Non-motorized recreation off-trail Desert Pupfish Nuisance animals Ferruginous Hawk Recreational sites/facilities Gila Chub Roads for motorized vehicles Gila Topminnow Soil erosion Great Egret Streambank alteration/channelization Loach Minnow Unnatural fire regimes Lowland Leopard Frog Water diversion/water catchments Mexican Long-tongued Bat Mississippi Kite Northern Aplomado Falcon Northern Buff-breasted Flycatcher Northern Goshawk Northern Gray Hawk Northern Mexican Gartersnake Osprey Peregrine Falcon Razorback Sucker Roundtail Chub Snowy Egret Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Spikedace Spotted Bat Sprague's Pipit Thick-billed Kingbird Tropical Kingbird Western Least Bittern Western Snowy Plover Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 70 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1993. Draft Lower Colorado River National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 56 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD All Species Dams/reservoirs/impoundments American Wigeon Dredging Arizona Bell's Vireo Nuisance plants Bald Eagle Recreational sites/facilities Bobcat Soil erosion Bonytail Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Brown Creeper Urban growth California Black Rail Canada Goose Clark's Grebe Collared Peccary Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 774 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Common Muskrat Coyote Desert Bighorn Sheep Desert Bighorn Sheep Desert Mule Deer Double-crested Cormorant Green-winged Teal Humpback Chub Indigo Bunting Lowland Leopard Frog Mallard Mountain Lion Peregrine Falcon Razorback Sucker Redhead Ring-necked Duck Ringtail Ruddy Duck Sandhill Crane Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Snowy Egret Sonoran Desert Tortoise Sonoran Desert Tortoise Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo White-faced Ibis Willow Flycatcher Yuma Clapper Rail 71 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness and New Water Mountains Wilderness Interagency Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. Bureau of Land Management. Yuma, Arizona. 86 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD All Species Dispersed camping Collared Peccary Drought Desert Bighorn Sheep Grazing by ungulates Desert Mule Deer Livestock management Feral Ass Mining Sonoran Desert Tortoise Nuisance plants Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Water diversion/water catchments 72 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2003. Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Sasabe, Arizona. 233 pp. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 775 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS All Species Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Grazing by ungulates Cave Myotis Habitat fragmentation/barriers Chiricahua Leopard Frog Livestock management Cinnamon Teal Nuisance plants Ferruginous Hawk Roads for motorized vehicles Jaguar Soil erosion Largemouth Bass Unnatural fire regimes Lesser Long-nosed Bat Loggerhead Shrike Mallard Masked Bobwhite Mexican Long-tongued Bat Mosquitofish Pied-billed Grebe Razorback Sucker Redear Sunfish Sonoran Pronghorn Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Underwood's Mastiff Bat Western Burrowing Owl Western Sandpiper Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 73 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Wilderness Stewardship Plan and Environmental Impact Statement - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors SD All Species Air traffic corridors/overflights Bobcat Altered river flow regimes Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Disease/pathogens/parasites California Leaf-nosed Bat Drought Common Chuckwalla Enforcement activities along the border Coyote Feral animals Desert Bighorn Sheep Grazing by ungulates Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Habitat fragmentation/barriers Le Conte's Thrasher Livestock management Lesser Long-nosed Bat Mining Loggerhead Shrike Nuisance plants Mountain Lion Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal Sonoran Desert Tortoise immigrants and smugglers Sonoran Pronghorn 74 Pima County. 2000. Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan - Preliminary. Pima County. Tucson, Arizona. 83 pp. Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 776 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Abert's Towhee Agricultural conversion All Species Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Allen's Big-eared Bat Habitat fragmentation/barriers Arizona Bell's Vireo Mining Arizona Shrew Nuisance animals Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Nuisance plants California Leaf-nosed Bat Rural development Chiricahua Leopard Frog Soil erosion Desert Box Turtle Desert Pupfish Desert Sucker Gila Chub Gila Topminnow Lesser Long-nosed Bat Longfin Dace Lowland Leopard Frog Mesquite Mouse Mexican Long-tongued Bat Northern Mexican Gartersnake Organ Pipe Shovel-nosed Snake Rufous-winged Sparrow Sonora Sucker Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Swainson's Hawk Tucson Shovel-nosed Snake Variable Groundsnake Western Burrowing Owl Western Red Bat Western Yellow Bat Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 75 Harris Environmental Group, Inc. 2001. Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan - 2002-2006, Camp Navajo. Camp Navajo, Arizona Army National Guard. Tucson, Arizona. 217 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM All Species Forest and woodland management America Pronghorn consumptive use Arizona Myotis Insect Infestation Arizona Tiger Salamander Livestock management Bald Eagle Nuisance animals Band-tailed Pigeon Nuisance plants Blue-winged Teal Brown Trout Canada Goose Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 777 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Chiricahua Leopard Frog Cinnamon Teal Feral Pig Gadwall Green-winged Teal Mallard Merriam's Turkey Mexican Spotted Owl Mountain Treefrog Mourning Dove Northern Goshawk Rainbow Trout Regal Horned Lizard Rocky Mountain Elk Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Smallmouth Bass Snow Goose Wandering Gartersnake Western Chorus Frog 76 Salt River Project and the City of Phoenix. Horseshoe Lake and Bartlett Lake Habitat Conservation Plan - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Bald Eagle Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Colorado Pikeminnow Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Desert Sucker Nuisance animals Gila Topminnow Loach Minnow Longfin Dace Razorback Sucker Sonora Sucker Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Speckled Dace Spikedace Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 77 Tierra Data Systems. 1998. Integrated Natural Resources Management Gila River Naval Space Surveillance Station. US Department of the Navy, Southwest Division. San Diego, California. 75 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Banded Gila Monster Feral animals Feral Horse Nuisance plants Regal Horned Lizard Unnatural fire regimes Tiger Whiptail 78 Gene Stout and Associates, Jeff Trousil. 2001. Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and Environmental Assessment, US Army Intelligence Center and Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 778 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Fort Huachuca, Arizona 2001-2005, Final Draft. US Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca. Fort Huachuca, Arizona. 294 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS All Species Groundwater depletion and springhead use America Pronghorn Habitat degradation/shrub invasions American Black Bear Habitat fragmentation/barriers Bluegill Nuisance animals Collared Peccary Nuisance plants Coues whitetail deer Soil erosion Desert Mule Deer Unnatural fire regimes Gould's Turkey Huachuca Springsnail Largemouth Bass Lesser Long-nosed Bat Mexican Spotted Owl Mountain Lion Peregrine Falcon Rainbow Trout Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Redear Sunfish Sonoran Tiger Salamander Southwestern Willow Flycatcher 80 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region IV. 1997. Alamo Wildlife Area Alamo Lake State Park Joint Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 55 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD All Species Altered river flow regimes Largemouth Bass Feral animals Grazing by ungulates Livestock management Mining Motorized recreation off-trail Rural development 81 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Allen Severson Memorial Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Pheonix, Arizona. 17 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM All Species Altered river flow regimes 82 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Apache Trout Management Areas Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 15 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Apache (Arizona) Trout Grazing by ungulates AZNM Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 779 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) CP 83 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Arivaca Lake Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 11 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Black Crappie Heavy metals/mine tailings Bluegill Channel Catfish Largemouth Bass Redear Sunfish 84 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region VI. 1997. Arlington Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 12 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Canada Goose Altered river flow regimes Mourning Dove Grazing by ungulates White-winged Dove Groundwater depletion and springhead use Yuma Clapper Rail Harvesting/collecting animals Nuisance plants Streambank alteration/channelization 85 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region VI. 1997. Base and Meridian Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 17 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD All Species Altered river flow regimes Harvesting/collecting animals Illegal dumping/littering Landfills/dumps Motorized recreation off-trail Nuisance plants Off-range recreational shooting Pesticides/herbicides Roads for motorized vehicles 86 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Bear Springs Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 10 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM All Species Grazing by ungulates Habitat degradation/shrub invasions 87 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Becker Lake Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 13 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM America Pronghorn Altered river flow regimes Apache (Arizona) Trout Disease/pathogens/parasites Brown Trout Canada Goose 88 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Black River Lands Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 780 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) (PS and Fite ranches) Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 10 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM Merriam's Turkey Grazing by ungulates Rocky Mountain Elk Habitat fragmentation/barriers Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Nuisance plants Soil erosion Streambank alteration/channelization 89 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Bog Hole Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 18 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS All Species Altered river flow regimes Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Hybridization Motorized recreation off-trail 90 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). 1997. Canyon Creek Hatchery Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 12 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Page Springsnail Forest and woodland management consumptive use Grazing by ungulates Recreational sites/facilities 91 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 15 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM All Species Nuisance plants 92 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Chevelon Ranches (Dye, Vincent, Duran, Tillman and Wolfe) Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 10 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP Merriam's Turkey Rural development Rocky Mountain Elk Soil erosion Rocky Mountain Mule Deer 93 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 20 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Desert Cottontail Altered river flow regimes Desert Mule Deer Dispersed camping Gambel's Quail Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Mourning Dove Rural development White-tailed Deer White-winged Dove 94 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region III. 1997. Colorado River Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 781 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Nature Center Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 11 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors MD All Species Harvesting/collecting animals Harvesting/collecting plants Illegal dumping/littering Motorized recreation off-trail Urban growth 95 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Concho Lake Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 10 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM All Species Urban growth 96 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region VI. 1997. Cunningham Tracts Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 8 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Desert Mule Deer Forest and woodland management Gould's Turkey consumptive use Grazing by ungulates Motorized recreation off-trail Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 782 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 97 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Fool Hollow Lake Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 11 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM All Species Dispersed camping Illegal dumping/littering Nutrients/algal blooms Rural development Streambank alteration/channelization 98 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region VI. 1997. Gila River Lands (PLO 1015, Green, GSA Properties) Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 11 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD All Species Dispersed camping Illegal dumping/littering Nuisance plants Pesticides/herbicides 99 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1999. Grasslands Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 19 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM Ferruginous Hawk Livestock management Little Colorado Spinedace Motorized recreation off-trail Mountain Plover Northern Leopard Frog Rocky Mountain Elk Rocky Mountain Mule Deer 100 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region II. 1997. House Rock Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 24 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM America Pronghorn Unnatural fire regimes Rocky Mountain Mule Deer 101 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 1997 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM All Species Rural development 102 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region II. 1997. Lamar Haines Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 14 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM Allen's Big-eared Bat Forest and woodland management Arizona Myotis consumptive use Flammulated Owl Grazing by ungulates Fringed Myotis Livestock management Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 783 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Long-eared Myotis Recreational sites/facilities Long-legged Myotis Unauthorized roads & trails Mexican Spotted Owl Urban growth Navajo Mexican Vole Northern Goshawk Northern Leopard Frog Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Rocky Mountain Elk Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Spotted Bat Western Small-footed Myotis Yuma Myotis 103 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Luna Lake Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 10 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM Bald Eagle Feral animals Brook Trout Canada Goose Cutthroat Trout Merriam's Elk Rainbow Trout 104 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Manhattan Claims Property Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 9 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Collared Peccary Habitat fragmentation/barriers Fringed Myotis Rural development Greater Western Mastiff Bat Lesser Long-nosed Bat Mexican Long-tongued Bat White-tailed Deer 105 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Wilcox Playa Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 15 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Black-crowned Night-Heron Agricultural conversion Sandhill Crane Groundwater depletion and springhead use Rural development Water use/contamination from illegal immigrants and drug smugglers 106 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Whitewater Draw Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 28 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Bald Eagle Agricultural conversion Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 784 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Plains Leopard Frog Groundwater depletion and springhead use Sandhill Crane 107 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1996. Wenima Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 22 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM Little Colorado Spinedace Rural development Streambank alteration/channelization 108 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region III. 1997. Upper Verde River Property Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 13 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN All Species Altered river flow regimes Rural development Streambank alteration/channelization 109 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Fisheries. 1997. Tonto Creek Hatchery Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 10 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Arizona Toad Altered river flow regimes Desert Sucker Groundwater depletion and springhead use Mexican Spotted Owl Northern Goshawk 110 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Three-Bar Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 8 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD All Species Altered river flow regimes Collared Peccary Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Desert Mule Deer Dispersed camping along the border Gambel's Quail Unauthorized roads & trails Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Watercraft operation 111 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region IV. 1997. Texas Hill Property Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 9 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Gambel's Quail Altered river flow regimes Mourning Dove Rocky Mountain Mule Deer White-winged Dove 112 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region II. 1997. Sunflower Flat Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 10 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 785 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) AHN Green-winged Teal Drought Mallard Ring-necked Duck 113 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Fisheries. 1997. Sterling Springs Hatchery Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 9 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM Mexican Spotted Owl Altered river flow regimes Narrow-headed Gartersnake Groundwater depletion and springhead use Peregrine Falcon 114 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Springerville Marsh Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 12 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM All Species Contaminants from waste water and runoff 115 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Sipes White Mountain Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 29 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM Bluehead Sucker Drought Desert Mule Deer Unnatural fire regimes Little Colorado Spinedace Merriam's Turkey Rocky Mountain Elk Speckled Dace 116 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Fisheries. 1997. Silver Creek Hatchery Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 12 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM Little Colorado Spinedace Altered river flow regimes Urban growth 117 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region I. 1997. Show Low Lake Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 8 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM All Species Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Roads for motorized vehicles 118 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region VI. 1997. Santa Rosa Wash Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 7 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Black-tailed Jackrabbit Agricultural conversion California Quail Collared Peccary Eastern Cottontail Mourning Dove Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 786 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 119 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region II. 1997. Ryan Field Station Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 9 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors CP Northern Goshawk Recreational sites/facilities Peregrine Falcon 120 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Roper Lake Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 8 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD All Species Nuisance plants 121 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region VI. 1997. Roosevelt Lake Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 6 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Bald Eagle Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Canada Goose Nuisance plants Southwestern Willow Flycatcher 122 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region VI. 1997. Robbins Butte Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 21 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Gambel's Quail Contaminants from waste water and runoff Mourning Dove Groundwater depletion and springhead use White-winged Dove Nuisance plants Pesticides/herbicides 123 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region II. 1997. Raymond Ranch Wildlife Area Mangement Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 6 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors CP All Species Drought Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Habitat fragmentation/barriers Nuisance plants Shift to warmer climate Soil erosion 124 Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region I. 1997. Rainbow Lake Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 9 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM All Species Enforcement fences along the border Illegal dumping/littering along the border Nutrients/algal blooms 125 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region IV. 1996. Quigley Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 26 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 787 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) SD Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Yuma Clapper Rail Pesticides/herbicides Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 788 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 126 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. Powers Butte Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 12 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Desert Cottontail Pesticides/herbicides Gambel's Quail Mourning Dove White-winged Dove 127 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region IV. 1997. Painted Rock Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 10 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Desert Cottontail Grazing by ungulates Gambel's Quail Pesticides/herbicides Mourning Dove White-winged Dove 128 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Fisheries. 1997. Page Springs Hatchery Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 12 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Common Black-Hawk Recreational sites/facilities Desert Sucker Gila Topminnow Lowland Leopard Frog Narrow-headed Gartersnake Northern Mexican Gartersnake Page Springsnail Roundtail Chub Sonora Sucker Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 129 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region III. 1997. Packard Ranch/Tavasci Marsh Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 14 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Bald Eagle Agricultural conversion Colorado Pikeminnow Grazing by ungulates Razorback Sucker Rural development Spikedace Willow Flycatcher 131 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region IV. 1997. Nelsson Property Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix Arizona. 6 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD California Black Rail Drought Mourning Dove Management of cultural/historical resources Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 789 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) White-winged Dove Motorized recreation off-trail Yuma Clapper Rail Water diversion/water catchments 132 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region IV. 1997. Mittry Lake Wildlife Area Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 37 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD American Coot Altered river flow regimes American White Pelican Black-crowned Night-Heron Bluegill California Black Rail Channel Catfish Common Carp Common Moorhen Double-crested Cormorant Flathead Catfish Great Blue Heron Largemouth Bass Northern Harrier Osprey Pied-billed Grebe Snowy Egret Sora Threadfin Shad Tilapia Western Least Bittern Yuma Clapper Rail 133 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1997. May Memorial Wildlife Property Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Tucson, Arizona. 11 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS American Badger Grazing by ungulates American Black Bear Groundwater depletion and springhead use Arizona Striped Whiptail Black-tailed Jackrabbit Bobcat Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail Chiricahua Leopard Frog Collared Peccary Common Gray Fox Coues whitetail deer Coyote Desert Cottontail Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 790 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Gambel's Quail Greater Roadrunner Huachuca Earless Lizard Lesser Long-nosed Bat Mexican Hog-nosed Snake Mexican Long-tongued Bat Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake Northern Green Ratsnake Ringtail Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Scaled Quail Sonoran (elegant) Earless Lizard Speckled Earless Lizard Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Western Red Bat Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo White-nosed Coati 134 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1997. East Harcuvar Mountains Interdisciplinary Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix. 53 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Arizona Pocket Mouse Dispersed camping Banded Gila Monster Drought California Leaf-nosed Bat Feral animals Collared Peccary Grazing by ungulates Common Chuckwalla Livestock management Desert Bighorn Sheep Mining Desert Mule Deer Motorized recreation off-trail Desert Rosy Boa Telephone lines/cellphone towers Sonoran Desert Tortoise Spotted Bat Western Burrowing Owl 135 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1996. Black Mountain Ecosystem Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. US Dept of Interior, Bureau of Land Management. Kingman Resource Area, Kingman, Arizona. 150 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species MD All Species Dispersed camping Black-tailed Jackrabbit Drought Bobcat Feral animals Cactus Wren Grazing by ungulates Common Chuckwalla Habitat fragmentation/barriers Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 791 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Common Gray Fox Coyote Desert Bighorn Sheep Livestock management Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Telephone lines/cellphone towers Unnatural fire regimes Desert Cottontail Desert Mule Deer Feral Ass Gambel's Quail Golden Eagle Kit Fox Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Northern Desert Iguana Prairie Falcon Ringtail Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Western White-throated Woodrat White-winged Dove 136 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Region II and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1994. Black Rock Habitat Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 102 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors CP American Peregrine Falcon Drought Banded Gila Monster Grazing by ungulates Black-crowned Night-Heron Livestock management California Quail Mining Chukar Unnatural fire regimes Desert Bighorn Sheep Desert Mule Deer Merriam's Turkey Mountain Lion Sonoran Desert Tortoise 137 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Region IV and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1986. Buckskin Mountain/Cactus Plain Habitat Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 21 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD America Pronghorn Feral animals American Peregrine Falcon Grazing by ungulates Desert Bighorn Sheep Livestock management Desert Mule Deer Mining Feral Ass Motorized recreation off-trail Feral Horse Unnatural fire regimes 138 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Region II. 1979. Clayhole Habitat Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 792 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 49 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors CP America Pronghorn Drought Desert Cottontail Livestock management Gambel's Quail Loss of keystone species Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Motorized recreation off-trail Nuisance plants 139 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Region III. 1987. Hualapai Habitat Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Kingman, Arizona. 147 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Abert's Squirrel Altered river flow regimes All Species Feral animals America Pronghorn Grazing by ungulates American Badger Livestock management American Black Bear Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Bald Eagle Banded Gila Monster Band-tailed Pigeon Black-tailed Jackrabbit Bobcat Cactus Wren Canada Goose Collared Peccary Common Gray Fox Desert Cottontail Desert Nightsnake Feral Ass Gambel's Quail Golden Eagle Hualapai Mexican Vole Kit Fox Longfin Dace Merriam's Turkey Mexican Spotted Owl Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Prairie Falcon Raccoon Ringtail Rocky Mountain Elk Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Sonoran Desert Tortoise White-winged Dove Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 793 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Zone-tailed Hawk Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 794 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 140 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness and New Water Mountains Wildernss Interagency Management Plan and Environmental Assessement. US Department of Interior. Yuma, Arizona. 84 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Desert Bighorn Sheep Dispersed camping Desert Mule Deer Drought Feral Ass Feral animals Sonoran Desert Tortoise Livestock management Mining Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Nuisance plants Unnatural fire regimes 141 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Region IV. 1987. Laguna-Martinez Habitat Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 50 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD All Species Altered river flow regimes American Badger Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking American Beaver Contaminants from waste water and runoff American Peregrine Falcon Feral animals Barn Owl Grazing by ungulates Black Crappie Groundwater depletion and springhead use Bluegill Lead shot/fishing line Bobcat Livestock management Bonytail Motorized recreation off-trail Botta's Pocket Gopher Nuisance animals Brown Pelican Nuisance plants Channel Catfish Watercraft operation Colorado Pikeminnow Common Carp Common Gray Fox Common Muskrat Coyote Desert Bighorn Sheep Desert Cottontail Desert Mule Deer Elf Owl Feral Ass Feral Horse Ferruginous Hawk Flathead Catfish Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 795 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Gambel's Quail Gila Topminnow Golden Eagle Great Horned Owl Harris's Hawk Hispid Cotton Rat Kit Fox Largemouth Bass Least Tern Lowland Leopard Frog Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard Mosquitofish Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Razorback Sucker Red-tailed Hawk Sonoran Desert Tortoise Striped Bass Striped Mullet Striped Skunk Western Burrowing Owl Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo White-winged Dove Yuma Clapper Rail 142 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Region IV and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1981. Lake Havasu Habitat Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Yuma, Arizona. 76 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Channel Catfish Feral animals Desert Bighorn Sheep Motorized recreation off-trail Desert Mule Deer Nuisance plants Desert Pupfish Watercraft operation Feral Ass Feral Horse Great Blue Heron Largemouth Bass Razorback Sucker 143 Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Yuma Resource Area. 1995. LechuguillaMohawk Habitat Management Plan. Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Resource Area. Yuma, Arizona. 42 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD California Leaf-nosed Bat Disease/pathogens/parasites Collared Peccary Dispersed camping Desert Bighorn Sheep Drought Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 796 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Desert Mule Deer Forest and woodland management Flat-tailed Horned Lizard consumptive use Gambel's Quail Grazing by ungulates Greater Western Mastiff Bat Harvesting/collecting animals Lesser Long-nosed Bat Livestock management Mountain Lion Motorized recreation off-trail Mourning Dove Sonoran Desert Tortoise Sonoran Pronghorn Spotted Bat White-winged Dove Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Lizard 144 Bureau of Land Management (BLM), AGFD Region IV. 1980. Lower Gila South Habitat Management Plan. Bureau of Land Management. Yuma, Arizona. 66 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Collared Peccary Canals/pipelines Desert Bighorn Sheep Disease/pathogens/parasites Desert Mule Deer Drought Feral Ass Forest and woodland management Gambel's Quail consumptive use Giant Spotted Whiptail Harvesting/collecting animals Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad Mining Lowland Burrowing Treefrog Roads for motorized vehicles Mountain Lion Rural development Mourning Dove Sonoran Desert Tortoise Sonoran Pronghorn Sonoran Whipsnake White-tailed Deer White-winged Dove 145 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region V. 1981. Middle Gila Habitat Management Plan. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Tucson, AZ. 133 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD American Black Bear Dams/reservoirs/impoundments American Peregrine Falcon Drought Collared Peccary Livestock management Common Black-Hawk Mining Desert Mule Deer Motorized recreation off-trail Desert Pupfish Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Gambel's Quail Gila Topminnow Golden Eagle Mississippi Kite Mosquitofish Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 797 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Mountain Lion Mourning Dove Reticulate Gila Monster Sonoran Desert Tortoise Western Red-tailed Skink White-tailed Deer White-winged Dove Yucca Night Lizard Zone-tailed Hawk 146 Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Arizona Strip District. 1992. Mt Trumbull Habitat Management Plan. Bureau of Land Management. Phoenix, Arizona. 71 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP American Peregrine Falcon Disease/pathogens/parasites Apache Northern Goshawk Drilling for fuels Feral Pig Forest and woodland management Kaibab Squirrel consumptive use Merriam's Turkey Grazing by ungulates Mexican Spotted Owl Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Northern Goshawk Harvesting/collecting animals Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Livestock management Mining Motorized recreation off-trail Unnatural fire regimes 147 Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Tucson Field Office. 1997. Muleshoe Ecosystem Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. Bureau of Land Management. Tucson, Arizona. 184 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS American Black Bear Altered river flow regimes American Peregrine Falcon Livestock management Arizona Myotis Motorized recreation off-trail Baird's Sparrow Non-motorized recreation off-trail California Leaf-nosed Bat Nuisance animals Cave Myotis Unnatural fire regimes Collared Peccary Common Black-Hawk Desert Bighorn Sheep Desert Mule Deer Desert Sucker Giant Spotted Whiptail Gila Chub Greater Western Mastiff Bat Lesser Long-nosed Bat Loggerhead Shrike Longfin Dace Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 798 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Lowland Leopard Frog Mexican Long-tongued Bat Mexican Spotted Owl Mountain Lion Northern Gray Hawk Northern Mexican Gartersnake Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Sonora Sucker Sonoran Desert Tortoise Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Speckled Dace Spotted Bat Western Red Bat Western Yellow Bat Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo White-tailed Deer Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat 148 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Region IV and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Yuma District. Palomas Plain Habitat Management Plan - DRAFT Stressors Ecoregions Species SD All Species Drilling for fuels California Leaf-nosed Bat Drought Collared Peccary Forest and woodland management Common Chuckwalla consumptive use Desert Bighorn Sheep Harvesting/collecting animals Desert Cottontail Livestock management Desert Mule Deer Mining Gambel's Quail Motorized recreation off-trail Greater Western Mastiff Bat Lesser Long-nosed Bat Loggerhead Shrike Mourning Dove Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat Sonoran Desert Tortoise Sonoran Pronghorn Spotted Bat White-winged Dove Yuma Myotis 158 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), Region III and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) AZ Strip District. 1982. Parashaunt Habitat Management Plan. Bureau of Land Management. Kingman, AZ. 155 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP American Black Bear Drilling for fuels Apache Northern Goshawk Drought Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 799 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Banded Gila Monster Feral animals Band-tailed Pigeon Forest and woodland management Bobcat consumptive use Chukar Grazing by ungulates Common Gray Fox Groundwater depletion and springhead use Desert Bighorn Sheep Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Desert Cottontail Livestock management Feral Ass Mining Gambel's Quail Motorized recreation off-trail Kaibab Squirrel Unnatural fire regimes Merriam's Turkey Mountain Lion Northern Goshawk Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Sonoran Desert Tortoise 159 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Hualapai Mexican Vole Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 28 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Hualapai Mexican Vole Drought CP Groundwater depletion and springhead use Livestock management Mining Nuisance animals Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Unnatural fire regimes 160 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1993. Mount Graham Red Squirrel Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Ecological Services State Office. Phoenix, Arizona. 172 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Mt Graham Red Squirrel Forest and woodland management consumptive use Forest and woodland management - habitat conversion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting plants Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Rural development Urban growth 161 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1995. Lesser Long-nosed Bat Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 45 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Lesser Long-nosed Bat Dispersed camping along the border Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 800 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) SD Enforcement activities along the border Livestock management Non-motorized recreation off-trail Rural development Scientific research and collection Small/localized or highly concentrated population(s) Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Unknown Urban growth 162 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1998. Final Revised Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 70 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Sonoran Pronghorn Drought Habitat fragmentation/barriers Rural development Urban growth 163 Van Pelt, WE. 1999. The Black-tailed Prairie Dog Conservation Assessment and Strategy. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 55 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Black-tailed Prairie Dog Agricultural conversion Disease/pathogens/parasites Feral animals Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Off-range recreational shooting Urban growth 164 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1998. Biological Opinion on the effects of construction and operation of various facilities in Kearny, Arizona on Southwestern Willow Flycatchers. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 37 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Air traffic corridors/overflights Contaminants from waste water and runoff Recreational sites/facilities Streambank alteration/channelization Urban growth Water diversion/water catchments 165 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 210 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Agricultural conversion SD Altered river flow regimes Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 801 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Disease/pathogens/parasites Drought Feral animals Groundwater depletion and springhead use Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting animals Livestock management Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Pesticides/herbicides Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Rural development Scientific research and collection Streambank alteration/channelization Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth Watercraft operation 166 Good, RE, RM Nielson, HH Sawyer, and LL McDonald. Population level survey of golden eagles in the western United States - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Golden Eagle Habitat degradation/shrub invasions CP Loss of keystone species SD Nuisance plants Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth 167 Keddy-Hector, DP. 1990. Northern Aplomado Falcon Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 56 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Northern Aplomado Falcon Agricultural conversion Contaminants from waste water and runoff Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Livestock management Pesticides/herbicides Streambank alteration/channelization Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth 168 Klute, DS, LW Ayers, MT Greene, WH Howe, SL Jones, JA Shaffer, SR Sheffield, and TS Zimmerman. 2003. Status Assessment and Conservation Plan for the Western Burrowing Owl in the United States. US Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, DC. 108 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 802 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) AHS CP SD Western Burrowing Owl Agricultural conversion Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting animals Loss of keystone species Pesticides/herbicides Rural development Urban growth Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 803 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 169 Latta, MJ, CJ Beardmore and TE Corman. 1999. Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan. Version 1.0. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 331 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN American Bittern Altered river flow regimes AHS American Three-toed Woodpecker Dams/reservoirs/impoundments AZNM Apache Northern Goshawk Drought CP Arizona Grasshopper Sparrow Forest and woodland management MD Azure Bluebird consumptive use SD Baird's Sparrow Forest and woodland management - habitat Band-tailed Pigeon conversion Black-throated Gray Warbler Grazing by ungulates Botteri's Sparrow Groundwater depletion and springhead use Brewer's Sparrow Livestock management Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Motorized recreation off-trail California Black Rail Recreational sites/facilities Cassin's Sparrow Rural development Common Black-Hawk Streambank alteration/channelization Cordilleran Flycatcher Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Costa's Hummingbird Unnatural fire regimes Desert Purple Martin Urban growth Elegant Trogon Ferruginous Hawk Gilded Flicker Golden-crowned Kinglet Gray Flycatcher Gray Vireo Juniper Titmouse Le Conte's Thrasher Lucy's Warbler MacGillivray's Warbler Mexican Spotted Owl Montezuma Quail Northern Aplomado Falcon Northern Buff-breasted Flycatcher Northern Goshawk Olive-sided Flycatcher Pine Grosbeak Pinyon Jay Red-faced Warbler Red-naped Sapsucker Rufous-winged Sparrow Rufous-winged Sparrow Sage Sparrow Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 804 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Sage Thrasher Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Swainson's Hawk Swainson's Thrush Western Burrowing Owl Western Purple Martin Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Yuma Clapper Rail 170 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. California Condor Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Portland, Oregon. 62 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors CP California Condor Harvesting/collecting animals Lead shot/fishing line Pesticides/herbicides Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines 171 Johnson, TB and BA Garrison. 1996. California Condor Reintroduction Proposal for the Vermilion Cliffs, northern Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 102 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP California Condor Harvesting/collecting animals Pesticides/herbicides Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines 172 Arizona Condor Review Team. 2002. A review of the first five years of the California condor reintroduction program in northern Arizona. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Sacramento, California. 62 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors CP California Condor Contaminants from waste water and runoff Disease/pathogens/parasites Harvesting/collecting animals Lead shot/fishing line 201 Lead Exposure Reduction Steering Committee. 2003. A report from the California Condor Lead Exposure Reduction Steering Committee. California Condor Lead Exposure Reduction Steering Committee. 17 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP California Condor Lead shot/fishing line 203 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 210 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Disease/pathogens/parasites SD Groundwater depletion and springhead use Urban growth 204 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1995. Recovery plan for the Mexican spotted owl. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 164 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 805 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) AHN Mexican Spotted Owl Forest and woodland management AHS consumptive use AZNM Grazing by ungulates CP Habitat degradation/shrub invasions SD Unnatural fire regimes 205 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum) Draft Recovery Plan - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Disease/pathogens/parasites SD Drought Forest and woodland management consumptive use Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth 206 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Rocky Mt/Southwestern Peregrine Falcon Recovery Team. 1984. American peregrine falcon, Rocky Mountain and Southwest populations, Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service & Rocky Mountain/Southwest Peregrine Falcon Recovery Team. Washington, DC. 105 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Peregrine Falcon Contaminants from waste water and runoff AHS Drought AZNM Forest and woodland management CP consumptive use MD Habitat fragmentation/barriers SD Unnatural fire regimes 207 US Forest Service (USFS). 1991. Management guidelines for the northern goshawk in the Southwestern Region. US Forest Service. 8 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Apache Northern Goshawk Drought AHS Northern Goshawk Forest and woodland management AZNM consumptive use CP Grazing by ungulates Unnatural fire regimes 208 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2004. Final revised environmental assessment, management plan, and implementation guidance: Take of nestling American peregrine falcons in the contiguous United States and Alaska for use in falconry. US Fish and Wildlife Service. 68 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Peregrine Falcon Harvesting/collecting animals AHS AZNM MD MD Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 806 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) SD Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 807 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 209 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2003. Monitoring Plan for the American peregrine falcon, a species recovered under the Endangered Species Act. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Portland, Oregon. 53 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Peregrine Falcon Contaminants from waste water and runoff AHS AZNM CP MD SD 210 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1983. Yuma Clapper Rail Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 51 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors SD Yuma Clapper Rail Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Loss of keystone species 211 Driscoll, JT. Conservation assessment and strategy for the bald eagle in Arizona DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Bald Eagle Altered river flow regimes AHS Contaminants from waste water and runoff AZNM Dams/reservoirs/impoundments SD Disease/pathogens/parasites Dispersed camping Drought Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Heavy metals/mine tailings Insect Infestation Lead shot/fishing line Livestock management Loss of keystone species Management for game animals and sport fish Motorized recreation off-trail Non-motorized recreation off-trail Off-range recreational shooting Pesticides/herbicides Power lines/wind-harnessing turbines Recreational sites/facilities Rural development Sediment/ash flows Streambank alteration/channelization Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Unnatural fire regimes Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 808 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Urban growth Water diversion/water catchments Watercraft operation 212 US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and US Forest Service (USFS). Potential Conservation Strategy for the Three Forks springsnail (Pyrgulopsis trivialis) - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AZNM Three Forks Springsnail Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Dispersed camping Grazing by ungulates Nuisance animals 213 Malcom, JW, WR Radke, BK Lang. 2003. San Bernardino springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bernardina) population ecology and habitat needs. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 21 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS San Bernardino Springsnail Contaminants from waste water and runoff Drought Groundwater depletion and springhead use Livestock management 214 Arizona Game and Fish Department. DRAFT Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances for the Page Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis morrisoni) - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Page Springsnail Drought Groundwater depletion and springhead use Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting animals Livestock management Nuisance animals Nuisance plants 215 Hurt, C and P Hedrick. 2004. Genetic variation in Arizona springsnails. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 33 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Brown Springsnail Contaminants from waste water and runoff AHS Bylas Springsnail Drought AZNM Desert Springsnail Grazing by ungulates CP Fossil Springsnail Groundwater depletion and springhead use MD Grand Wash Springsnail Livestock management Huachuca Springsnail Kingman Springsnail Montezuma Well Springsnail Page Springsnail San Bernardino Springsnail Three Forks Springsnail Verde Rim Springsnail Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 809 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 216 Woods, LJ, J MacAller, JL Smeltzer, RC Averill-Murray, P Rosen, C Schwalbe, T Hare, and contributors. Habitat management guidelines for amphibians and reptiles of the arid southwest - DRAFT Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Arizona (Sonoran) Coralsnake Contaminants from waste water and runoff AHS Arizona Alligator Lizard Groundwater depletion and springhead use AZNM Arizona Black Rattlesnake Habitat degradation/shrub invasions CP Arizona Glossy Snake Habitat fragmentation/barriers MD Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Nuisance animals SD Arizona Mud Turtle Nuisance plants Arizona Night Lizard Roads for motorized vehicles Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Arizona Skink Unnatural fire regimes Arizona Striped Whiptail Arizona Tiger Salamander Arizona Toad Banded Gila Monster Banded Rock Rattlesnake Bezy's Night Lizard Big Bend Patch-nosed Snake Brown Vinesnake California Kingsnake Canyon Treefrog Chihuahuan Black-headed Snake Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail Chiricahua Leopard Frog Clark's Spiny Lizard Colorado Desert Shovel-nosed Snake Colorado Desert Sidewinder Common Chuckwalla Common Side-blotched Lizard Couch's Spadefoot Desert Banded Gecko Desert Box Turtle Desert Glossy Snake Desert Grassland Whiptail Desert Horned Lizard Desert Kingsnake Desert Massasauga Desert Nightsnake Desert Pacific Treefrog Desert Patch-nosed Snake Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 810 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Desert Rosy Boa Desert Spiny Lizard Desert Striped Whipsnake Desert Threadsnake Eastern Collared Lizard Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Giant Spotted Whiptail Gila Spotted Whiptail Grand Canyon Rattlesnake Great Basin (Western) Skink Great Basin Collared Lizard Great Basin Gophersnake Great Basin Rattlesnake Great Basin Spadefoot Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad Great Plains Skink Great Plains Toad Green Prairie Rattlesnake Hernandez's (Greater) Short-horned Lizard Hopi Rattlesnake Huachuca Earless Lizard Lined Coachwhip Long-nosed Leopard Lizard Long-tailed Brush Lizard Lowland Burrowing Treefrog Lowland Leopard Frog Marcy's Checkered Gartersnake Mesa Verde Nightsnake Mexican Hog-nosed Snake Mexican Rosy Boa Mexican Spadefoot Midget Faded Rattlesnake Mohave Desert Tortoise Mojave Desert Sidewinder Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard Mojave Patch-nosed Snake Mojave Shovel-nosed Snake Mountain Skink Mountain Treefrog Narrow-headed Gartersnake New Mexico Milksnake New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 811 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) New Mexico Threadsnake New Mexico Whiptail Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake Northern Desert Iguana Northern Green Ratsnake Northern Leopard Frog Northern Mexican Gartersnake Northern Mohave Rattlesnake Northern Sagebrush Lizard Organ Pipe Shovel-nosed Snake Ornate Tree Lizard Pai Striped Whiptail Plains Black-headed Snake Plains Leopard Frog Plains Spadefoot Plateau Lizard Plateau Striped Whiptail Prairie Lizard Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Red Racer Red-back Whiptail Red-spotted Toad Regal Horned Lizard Regal Ring-necked Snake Relict Leopard Frog Reticulate Gila Monster Rocky Mountain Toad Round-tailed Horned Lizard Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Slevin's Bunchgrass Lizard Smith's Black-headed Snake Snapping Turtle Sonora Mud Turtle Sonoran (elegant) Earless Lizard Sonoran Coachwhip Sonoran Collared Lizard Sonoran Desert Toad Sonoran Desert Tortoise Sonoran Gophersnake Sonoran Green Toad Sonoran Nightsnake Sonoran Sidewinder Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Sonoran Tiger Salamander Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 812 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Sonoran Whipsnake Sonoyta Mud Turtle Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Southwestern Threadsnake Southwestern Woodhouse's Toad Speckled Earless Lizard Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake Striped Plateau Lizard Tarahumara Frog Texas Horned Lizard Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake Tiger Rattlesnake Tiger Whiptail Trans-Pecos Threadsnake Tucson Banded Gecko Tucson Shovel-nosed Snake Utah Banded Gecko Utah Milksnake Utah Mountain Kingsnake Utah Threadsnake Variable Groundsnake Variable Sandsnake Variable Skink Wandering Gartersnake Western Barking Frog Western Black Kingsnake Western Black-necked Gartersnake Western Chorus Frog Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Western Green Toad Western Long-nosed Snake Western Lyresnake Western Painted Turtle Western Red-tailed Skink Western Twin-spotted Rattlesnake Western Yellow-bellied Racer Yaqui Black-headed Snake Yarrow's Spiny Lizard Yellow Mud Turtle Yucca Night Lizard Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Lizard Zebra-tailed Lizard 217 US Fish and Wildlife Service. Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana chiricahuensis) DRAFT Recovery Plan - DRAFT Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 813 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Ecoregions Species AHS Chiricahua Leopard Frog Stressors Contaminants from waste water and runoff Disease/pathogens/parasites Drought Groundwater depletion and springhead use Livestock management Mining Nuisance animals Recreational sites/facilities Shift to warmer climate Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth Water diversion/water catchments 218 Relict Leopard Frog Conservation Team. Conservation Agreement and Rangewide Conservation Assessment and Strategy for the Relict Leopard Frog (Rana onca) - DRAFT Stressors Ecoregions Species MD Relict Leopard Frog Agricultural conversion Disease/pathogens/parasites Habitat degradation/shrub invasions Hybridization Livestock management Nuisance animals Roads for motorized vehicles Unnatural fire regimes 219 Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Conservation Team. Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Conservation Assessment and Strategy - DRAFT Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Agricultural conversion Disease/pathogens/parasites Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Habitat fragmentation/barriers Harvesting/collecting animals Hybridization Mining Nuisance animals Roads for motorized vehicles Trails for foot, bike, or equine use Unnatural fire regimes 222 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Draft Safe Harbor Agreement for the Chiricahua Leopard Frog in Arizona DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Chiricahua Leopard Frog Contaminants from waste water and runoff Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 814 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Disease/pathogens/parasites Groundwater depletion and springhead use Habitat fragmentation/barriers Nuisance animals Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 815 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 223 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). Draft Statewide ranid frog management plan. - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN American Bullfrog Disease/pathogens/parasites AHS Chiricahua Leopard Frog Habitat degradation/shrub invasions AZNM Lowland Leopard Frog Nuisance animals CP Northern Leopard Frog MD Plains Leopard Frog SD Ramsey Canyon Leopard Frog Relict Leopard Frog Rio Grande Leopard Frog Tarahumara Frog 230 Arizona Trout Recovery Team. 1983. Arizona Trout (Apache Trout) Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Albuquerque, New Mexico. 25 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Apache (Arizona) Trout Altered river flow regimes AZNM Drought Forest and woodland management consumptive use Heavy metals/mine tailings Hybridization Livestock management Management for game animals and sport fish Recreational sites/facilities Roads for motorized vehicles Unnatural fire regimes 231 Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources. 2004. Range-wide Conservation Agreement for Roundtail Chub Gila robusta, Bluehead Sucker Catostomus discobolus,and Flannelmouth Sucker Catostomus latipinnis. Colorado River Fish and Wildlife Council. Salt Lake City, Utah. 14 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Bluehead Sucker Nuisance animals AZNM Flannelmouth Sucker CP Roundtail Chub MD SD 234 Field, K.J, M.J. Sredl, R.C. Averill-Murray and T.B. Johnson. 2004. A Proposal to Re-establish Tarahumara Frogs (Rana tarahumarae) into Big Casa Blanca Canyon, Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona. 67 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHS Tarahumara Frog Altered river flow regimes Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking Disease/pathogens/parasites Drought Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 816 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Management for game animals and sport fish Nuisance animals 235 Arizona Game and Fish Department. DRAFT Safe Harbor Agreement for topminnow and pupfish in Arizona - DRAFT Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Desert Pupfish Bait-bucket dumping/illegal stocking AHS Gila Topminnow Grazing by ungulates SD Quitobaquito Pupfish Groundwater depletion and springhead use Yaqui Topminnow Management for game animals and sport fish 237 The Nature Conservancy, Arizona Chapter and Arizona Ecological Services Office, US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2005. Safe Harbor Agreement for Gila topminnow and desert pupfish on lands owned by The Nature Conservancy within the Aravaipa Creek watershed. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Phoenix, Arizona. 36 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Desert Pupfish Livestock management Gila Topminnow Nuisance animals 238 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). Statewide Small Mammal Conservation Plan - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Agricultural conversion AHS A Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Drilling for fuels AZNM Antelope Jackrabbit Forest and woodland management Apache Pocket Mouse consumptive use CP MD Apache Pocket Mouse Grazing by ungulates SD Arizona Cotton Rat Habitat fragmentation/barriers Arizona Montane Vole Rural development Arizona Pocket Mouse Urban growth Arizona Shrew Bailey's Pocket Mouse Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat Black-footed Ferret Black-tailed Jackrabbit Black-tailed Prairie Dog Botta's Pocket Gopher Brush Mouse Bushy-tailed Woodrat Cactus Mouse Camp Verde Arizona Cotton Rat Canyon Mouse Cliff Chipmunk Cockrum's Desert Shrew Colorado Chipmunk Colorado River Cotton Rat Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 817 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Crawford's Desert Shrew Deer Mouse Desert Kangaroo Rat Desert Woodrat Dusky Shrew Dwarf Shrew Fulvous Harvest Mouse Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel Gray-collared Chipmunk Great Basin Pocket Mouse Gunnison's Prairie Dog Harquahala Southern Pocket Gopher Harris' Antelope Squirrel Hispid Cotton Rat Hispid Pocket Mouse Houserock Valley Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Hualapai Mexican Vole Least Chipmunk Little Pocket Mouse Long-tailed Pocket Mouse Long-tailed Vole Mearns' Southern Pocket Gopher Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Merriam's Shrew Mexican Oppossum Mexican Woodrat Mexican Woodrat Mogollon Vole Mt Graham Red Squirrel Navajo Mexican Vole New Mexican Jumping Mouse New Mexico Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat Northern Grasshopper Mouse Northern Pocket Gopher Northern Pygmy Mouse Ord's Kangaroo Rat Plains Harvest Mouse Pocket Gohper Prospect Valley White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Rock Mouse Rock Pocket Mouse Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 818 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Rock Squirrel Round-tailed Ground Squirrel Silky Pocket Mouse Sonoran Desert Pocket Mouse Southern Grasshopper Mouse Southern Pocket Gopher Southern Red-backed Vole Spotted Ground Squirrel Springerville Pocket Mouse Stephen's Woodrat Tawny-bellied Cotton Rat Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel Uinta Chipmunk Virginia Oppossum Water Shrew Western Harvest Mouse Western Harvest Mouse Western White-throated Woodrat White-bellied Long-tailed Vole White-footed Mouse White-nosed Coati White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Wupatki Arizona Pocket Mouse Yavapai Arizona Cotton Rat Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat Yuma Hispid Cotton Rat 239 Cantrell, C and T Hedricks. DRAFT Arizona Statewide Conservation Agreement for roundtail chub, headwater chub, flannelmouth sucker, Little Colorado River sucker, bluehead sucker, and Zuni bluehead sucker - DRAFT Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Bluehead Sucker Altered river flow regimes AHS Flannelmouth Sucker Dams/reservoirs/impoundments AZNM Headwater Chub Disease/pathogens/parasites CP Little Colorado Sucker Grazing by ungulates MD Roundtail Chub Groundwater depletion and springhead use SD Zuni Bluehead Sucker Habitat fragmentation/barriers 240 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD),US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Bureau of Land Management. State Conservation Agreement and Strategy for the Sonoran Desert Tortoise - DRAFT Ecoregions Species Stressors MD Sonoran Desert Tortoise Canals/pipelines SD Disease/pathogens/parasites Drought Feral animals Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 819 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) Grazing by ungulates Harvesting/collecting animals Heavy metals/mine tailings Mining Motorized recreation off-trail Nuisance plants Poaching along the border Roads for motorized vehicles Unauthorized roads & trails Unauthorized roads & trails created by illegal immigrants and smugglers Unnatural fire regimes Urban growth 241 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and National Park Service. Quitobaquito/ Rio Sonoyta Conservation Agreement and Strategy - DRAFT Stressors Ecoregions Species SD Quitobaquito Pupfish Agricultural conversion Quitobaquito Tryonia Altered river flow regimes Sonoyta Mud Turtle Drought Grazing by ungulates Groundwater depletion and springhead use Livestock management Nuisance animals Nuisance plants Urban growth 246 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990. Bonytail Chub Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, Colorado. 35 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species CP Bonytail Altered river flow regimes MD Dams/reservoirs/impoundments SD Nuisance animals 247 Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources. 1995. Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Virgin Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis). US Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, Colorado. 44 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors MD Virgin Spinedace Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Recreational sites/facilities 248 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990. Humpback Chub Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, Colorado. 43 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors CP Humpback Chub Altered river flow regimes MD Dams/reservoirs/impoundments SD Nuisance animals Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: 2005-2015 May 24, 2006 Page 820 APPENDIX P. CONSERVATION AND PLANNING DOCUMENTS (CONTINUED) 249 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Gila and Yaqui Topminnow Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 56 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors AHN Gila Topminnow Groundwater depletion and springhead use AHS Yaqui Topminnow Nuisance animals SD 250 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990. Colorado Squawfish Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, Colorado. 56 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHS Colorado Pikeminnow Altered river flow regimes CP Dams/reservoirs/impoundments MD Habitat fragmentation/barriers SD Nuisance animals 251 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. Razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Denver, Colorado. 81 pp. Ecoregions Species Stressors CP Razorback Sucker Altered river flow regimes MD Contaminants from waste water and runoff SD Dams/reservoirs/impoundments Nuisance animals 252 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Safe Harbor Agreement with James W. Crosswhite for voluntary enhancement and restoration activities benefitting the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Little Colorado Spinedace in Nutrioso Creek, Arizona. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Phoenix, Arizona. 17 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AZNM Little Colorado Spinedace Grazing by ungulates Southwestern Willow Flycatcher 253 O'Neill, DM. 2006. White-tailed prairie dog and Gunnison’s prairie dog conservation strategy. Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Laramie, Wyoming. 21 pp. Stressors Ecoregions Species AHN Gunnison's Prairie Dog Agricultural conversion AZNM Disease/pathogens/parasites CP Drought Grazing by ungulates Habitat degradation/shrub invasions