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<br />O~1497 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />areas and also contains an important complement of unique species of <br /> <br />its own. The diverse faunal population in the general project are <br />products of this geographical location as well as climate, vegeta- <br />tion, and the influence of man, and vary in direct relation to <br />the variability of these limiting factors. <br />Some of the vertebrate species to be found in, and adjacent to <br /> <br />the project area include small to moderate numbers of rodents (mice, <br /> <br />rats, gophers, squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs, muskrats, and <br /> <br />porcupines), shrews, rabbits, ringtails, bats, weasels, mink, <br /> <br />Rocky Mountain mule deer, beaver, skunks, badgers, foxes, a mosaic <br /> <br />of avian species including turkey, quail, doves, song- and shore- <br /> <br />birds, and raptors and various species of reptiles and amphibians. <br /> <br />Local representatives of the Colorado Division of Wildlife state <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />that there are abundant populations of coyotes, raccoons, skunks, <br /> <br />and bobcats. Abundant elk and mountain lion populations sre to be <br />found higher up the valley. The south side of the valley is rated <br /> <br />as a "good" wild 1 He area. <br /> <br />IIn addition to many of the above-mentioned species, additional <br /> <br />wildlife to be found on the plains, agricultural areas, and along <br /> <br />water courses downstream from Trinidad include white-tailed deer, <br /> <br />pronghorn antelope, jackrabbits, and pheasants (small population). <br />The paucity of ponds and lakes severely limits the number of <br /> <br />seasonal waterfowl, although a relatively few are found along <br /> <br />the river, cropland, and on stock tanks and irrigation ditches <br /> <br />downstream from Trinidad. Model reservoir and the small marsh below <br /> <br />it provide a rest area and Some food for ducks until they freeze up. <br /> <br />II -21 <br />