West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

Threats Affecting the Brown-crested Flycatcher: Habitat destruction is the primarypotential threat to brown-crested flycatchers in the western Mojave Desert. Habitat destructioncan occur in several ways, with the most catastrophic losses resulting from clearing of largetracts of forest or woodland for agriculture, development, or flood control. Activities such aswood cutting for fuel or pumping of groundwater can degrade or destroy suitable breedinghabitat for this species.3.3.6.3 Burrowing OwlLife History: This species is found in level grassland, prairie or desert floor habitat. Ithas adapted well to locations on the urban fringe, such as flood control channels or agriculturalareas.Population Status in the Planning Area: Existing records of burrowing owls include53 records within the western Mojave Desert. These represent only a small sample of thelocations at which burrowing owls have recently been or currently are present. Of the 53records, 23 (43%) are from within Edwards Air Force Base; all of these have no specific localeor date. Of the other 30 records, only 13 have specific locales and dates. Probable or confirmedbreeding was noted at five locales.Regulatory Status: California Species of Special Concern.Threats Affecting the Burrowing Owl: Potential threats include direct mortality fromman (including vehicle collisions– this species has a high tolerance for vehicle disturbance, butthis causes high numbers of collisions), pesticide and rodenticide poisoning; habitat degradation,destruction and loss; and predators. Disturbance by vehicles at nest sites is a threat.3.3.6.4 Ferruginous HawkLife History: The ferruginous hawk can be found throughout the West Mojave inwinter, but it prefers agricultural areas where prey is relatively abundant.Population Status in the Planning Area: The ferruginous hawk is relatively abundantin winter in the Antelope and Mojave Valleys, and is occasional elsewhere, such as at MojaveNarrows Regional Park. Harper Dry Lake has been identified by the BLM as a Key Raptor Areafor ferruginous hawk.Regulatory Status: California Species of Special Concern.Threats Affecting the Ferruginous Hawk: Electrocution on electric transmission anddistribution lines is a potential problem. Shooting remains a minor threat.Chapter 3 3-174