Wildlife Specialist report

iparian (cottonwood/sycamore), and springs. The aquatic components of their habitats
are characterized by shallow, slow-moving, and at least partially vegetated waters.
Mexican gartersnakes forage along the banks of water bodies. An important component
of suitable Mexican gartersnake habitat is a stable prey base. They feed primarily upon
native fish, but also supplement their diet with vertebrates such as lizards, small rodents,
salamanders, and hylid frogs (treefrogs), and earthworms, leeches, and slugs.
This species has been selected as focal species for reptiles that occur in low elevation
riparian areas. For the analysis of this species the analysis indicators (road miles and
acres of potential disturbance) will analyze the change in low elevation riparian habitat
by alternative from the existing condition (Forest Service 2010).
Arizona Toad (Forest Service Sensitive Species Representative of Low, Middle, and
High Elevation Riparian Vegetation Cover Types) - Arizona toads are usually
associated with permanent ponds or rocky streams with relatively shallow water flowing
over sandy or rocky bottoms. The species may also inhabit small streams and rivers, and
temporary woodland pools (BISON-M 2009). It is generally found in unaltered
sycamore or cottonwood riparian areas. Normally breeds in early spring, February-July
(earlier at lower elevations) shortly after the snow melt in New Mexico, and often while
there is still ice on the ponds (Degenhardt et al. 1996, BISON-M 2009). Unlike many
toads in New Mexico, B. miscroscaphus does not depend upon spring or summer rains to
stimulate breeding activity. This may be a result of breeding in streams and ponds where
there is usually permanent water. Adults are primarily nocturnal except during the
breeding season, and estivate/hibernate in burrows dug within soil, fallen logs or other
debris (BISON-M 2009).
This species has been selected as focal species for amphibians that occur in low, middle,
and high elevation riparian areas. For the analysis of this species the analysis indicators
(road miles and acres of potential disturbance) will analyze the change in low, middle,
and high elevation riparian habitat by alternative from the existing condition.
Narrow Headed Gartersnake (Forest Service Sensitive Species Representative of
Low, Middle, and High Elevation Riparian Vegetation Cover Types) - In New
Mexico, the snake is known from the Gila and San Francisco watersheds within Hidalgo,
Grant, and Catron counties in southwestern New Mexico. This species is considered
highly aquatic, even for gartersnakes (Degenhardt et al. 1996). The species is found in
clear water along the edges of riffles and pools of permanent and semi-permanent rocky
streams. In New Mexico, the snake is found most associated with abundant streamside
vegetation, presumably used for basking and for escape opportunities. This snake basks
on rocks, boulders, and vegetation along stream banks, seeking shelter in crevices and
under rocks. Hibernation takes place well above the flood line, in rocky outcroppings,
during late fall and winter (Forest Service 2010).
This species has been selected as focal species for reptiles that occur in low, middle, and
high elevation riparian areas. For the analysis of this species the analysis indicators
(road miles and acres of potential disturbance) will analyze the change in low, middle,
and high elevation riparian habitat by alternative from the existing condition.
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