Wildlife Specialist report

from grassland areas, and game birds. Analyses for road effects to wildlife, and
specifically on guilds of avian species can be generally described as follows:
1. A greater potential for harvest/direct effects, and
2. Disturbance/indirect effects.
Road mile reduction is identified as the main disturbance factor for measuring direct
effects, so analyses of each action alternative’s road miles as it pertains to that species or
guild of species occupying that habitat type will be the first analytical tool to measure the
Gila National Forest’s Travel Management Project proposed action and each alternative.
To measure indirect effects, acres of disturbance are calculated for focal species within
each habitat type. A zone of disturbance on either side of the road will be the analysis
tool for that guild of species occupying that habitat type.
Raptorial Birds
Table45: Raptor species selected to be analyzed and rationale for selection
Species Analyzed Rationale For Selection
Mexican spotted owl¹ Federally Listed “Threatened” Species with designated critical habitat,
Management Indicator Species Representative of Mixed Conifer
Habitat Cover Type, and NM PIF High Priority Species.
Northern goshawk² FS Sensitive Species, Management Indicator Species Representative
of Ponderosa Pine Habitat Cover Type, and NM PIF High Priority
Species
Peregrine falcon³ FS Sensitive Species, and NM PIF High Priority Species
Bald eagle FS Sensitive Species, and Protected Under the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act of 1962
Golden eagle Protected Under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1962
1. The mixed conifer analysis area for this Gila MIS/NMPIF HP/Focal species will be used to determine potential effects to other
NMPIF High Priority species that occur in this habitat type (Williamson’s sapsucker, olive-sided flycatcher, dusky flycatcher, and
red-faced warbler. The disturbance zone for these upland birds is similar to that of the Mexican spotted owl).
2 . The ponderosa pine analysis area for this Gila MIS/NMPIF HP/Focal species will be used to determine potential effects to other
NMPIF High Priority species that occur in this habitat type (flammulated owl).
3. The analysis area for this Forest Service Sensitive Species/NMPIF HP/Focal species will be used to determine potential effects to
other NMPIF high priority species that occur in cliff habitats (prairie falcon).
Human activities can impact raptorial birds (hawks, falcons, and owls) by physically
harming or killing birds, altering habitats, or by disrupting normal behavior (Postovit and
Postovit 1987, Richardson and Miller 1997). At key stages in a raptor’s breeding activity,
such as courtship periods and nest building, raptorial birds may desert a nest site as a
result of disturbance (Hamann et al. 1999). Alteration of habitat could physically remove
nest sites, potential nest sites, roost sites, disrupt perching and hunting locations, or alter
the prey base on which these species rely (Hamann et al. 1999). Distances at which
raptors flush from human activity from vehicles has been recorded for some species
(Richardson and Miller 1997, and Holmes et al. 1993). Energy used for escape flights can
further affect birds of prey during periods of extreme weather or prey scarcity (Stalmaster
and Newman 1978, Buehler et al. 1991, and Grubb et al. 1992). Management
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