WSP01006

• File Number: 8141.600.20
• Description: Fryingpan-Arkansas Project - Studies - Environmental Studies
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 4/16/1975
• Author: US DoI BoR
• Title: Final Environmental Impact Statement Volume 1 of 2, Pages IV-30 to IX-32
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

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Osprey
Pine marten
Gunnison's prairie dog
Prairie falcon
Gray wolf

Undetermined J:../
Undetermined J:../
Rare, declining
Threatened 1/
Rare (possibly
extinct)
Threatened J:./
Rare (possibly
extinct)

Federal
Federal
State
Federal

Grizzly bear

State
Federal

State

.

Of the endangered species that could occur in the vicinity
of Project features, most would be found in a limited part
of the Project area. In order for a species to occur
throughout the Project area, it would have to be a ubiquist,
i.e., occupy a wide variety of niches or habitats. Such
nonspecialized species decline through competition with
more specialized species or expand their range when com-
petition is removed. A good example of this type of animal
is the coyote, which has expanded its range greatly in recent
decades. It now occupies the niches formerly held by
wolves, a large predator, and by small foxes, which are
seasonally herbivorous, as the coyote may be. Specialists,
on the other hand, have adapted to occupy a specific niche.
As a result, their habitat requirements become a critical
factor in their survival.

The black-footed ferret and Gunnison's prairie dog are
indigenous to prairie. The major factor in the decline of
both species has been poisoning to remove prairie dogs.
The ferret inhabits prairie dog burrows and feeds almost
exclusively on prairie dogs and other inhabitants of the
towns. Destruction of prairie dog towns has brought about
the ferret's decline. There are several known populations
of Gunnison's prairie dog in the Project service area, in
addition to several unverified ferret sightings (FWS,
personal communication, February 12, 1975). The only
possible effect the Project could have on either species
would be secondary and result from the construction dis-
turbance on rangelands. The most recent sighting, for
which a specific location is available (Colorado Division
of Wildlife, personal communication, February 25, 1975),
indicates that the ferret may occur near the alinement
for the Fountain Valley Conduit, which will result in
little permanent habitat loss. The critical habitat
for the ferret is in South Dakota, where the largest
known concentration of the species is located. There have
been no prairie dog towns observed on the alinement.

.

1/ There is no official Federal list of "threatened"
species at this time. A list is being prepared and
any of these species may appear on it.

IV-32