Wildlife Specialist report
Wildlife Specialist report
Wildlife Specialist report
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noise caused no discernable behavioral response by goshawks at distances greater than<br />
400 m from nest sites (Grubb et al. 1998). Gaines et al (2003) suggest that the nesting<br />
period and post-fledgling periods for goshawks be critically evaluated for disturbance<br />
affects. The PFA is an area of use from the time the young fledge to the time when they<br />
are no longer dependent on the adults for food. Managers recommend a 400 to 500 meter<br />
radius to buffer goshawk nest sites in order to protect them from disturbance during the<br />
breeding season. Loss of goshawk habitat due to fragmentation from roads bisecting<br />
forested areas was identified as a detrimental effect to the species due to reduction in prey<br />
base (Wisdom et al. 2000). This species is sensitive to changes in canopy closure and<br />
habitat fragmentation (Forest Service 2010, and BISON-M 2008). To analyze effects to<br />
this species from the existing condition and the change proposed in each alternative of the<br />
Travel Management Project on the GNF analysis will focus on two factors:<br />
1) To analyze the potential for direct effects of motorized activities to Northern<br />
Goshawks we will measure road miles within PFAs, and within the Ponderosa Pine<br />
vegetation type as these densities pertain to the existing condition and the change<br />
proposed in each alternative.<br />
2) To analyze disturbance effects we will use a disturbance zone of 400 meters within<br />
PFAs, and within the Ponderosa Pine vegetation type as it pertains to the existing<br />
condition and the change proposed in each alternative.<br />
Peregrine Falcon (Regionally Sensitive Species and NM PIF High Priority Species<br />
with Known Management Areas Defined on the GNF) - This raptor takes virtually all<br />
of their prey on the wing, typically after a stoop or dive from above (Bison M 2009).<br />
Prey consists almost entirely of birds, these ranging in size from swallows to ducks and<br />
large shorebirds. Jays, woodpeckers, swifts, mourning doves and pigeons are among the<br />
commonly-taken prey species (Birds of North America Online 2009). In New Mexico,<br />
the American subspecies, F.p.anatum, breeds locally in mountain areas and migrates<br />
essentially statewide; the tundra subspecies, F.p.tundrius, is a very rare migrant through<br />
the state (Bison M 2009). Peregrine falcons are uncommon permanent residents that<br />
breed on the GNF (Bison M 2009). In New Mexico Peregrine Falcons are found on<br />
rocky, steep cliffs near water (Bison M 2009). They prefer elevations from 6500 - 8599 ft<br />
but may be found from 3500 - 9000 feet (Bison M 2009). In New Mexico, the breeding<br />
territories of Peregrine Falcons center on cliffs that are in wooded/forested habitats, with<br />
large "gulfs" of air nearby in which these predators can forage (Bison M 2009). Most<br />
suitable peregrine habitat on National Forest System lands in New Mexico was mapped<br />
and designated in 1986, but refinement of suitability criteria and reevaluation of<br />
designated habitat are ongoing tasks (Johnson, 1994). Management practices have<br />
progressed further, since 1986 by incorporating a series of zones, called a Peregrine<br />
Falcon Management area in which different activities may be permitted at different times<br />
of the year. The GNF has 14 designated Peregrine Falcon Management Areas. Peregrine<br />
Falcon habitat management in New Mexico focuses on conserving habitat quality and<br />
minimizing disturbance (Johnson, 1994). A review of the literature indicates that 800-<br />
3400 meters, depending on topography from nests sites is the <strong>report</strong>ed distance by which<br />
recreation activities will cause disturbance effects to this species (Windsor, 1975; Call,<br />
1979, Colorado Division of <strong>Wildlife</strong>, 1995, Johnson 1994, USFWS, 1984, Richardson<br />
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