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Arizona Game and Fish Depanrnent NGTR 125: Kanab Ambersnai1 Report April 1998 PlI2e3 the trematode LeucochJDridium cyanocittae Wllll estimated each summer based on observations of visible sporocysts within the eye stalks of mature KASs. HABITAT SURVEY PllOTOCOL Selection of survey sites for habitat evaluation WIll based on the presence of KAS primary vegetation, a perennial water source, and accessibility. Additional sites were included to expand the range of habitat variability (optimum to unsuitable attributes). When possible, survey sites were revisited during different seasons to llllsess changes in flora, fauna, recreation use, and environmental conditions. , .- ~ Detailed methodology for habitat surveys is provided in Sorensen and Kubly (1997). These surveys recorded jurisdictional, descriptive, and geographical data, llll well as measured environmental data on soil, water, and solar exposure. Habitat vulnerability by natural disturbance and recreational use was estimated in the field and supported by historical documentation when available. Photographs were taken showing representative habitat and water discharge. Biological inventories of emergent and palustrine (marsh living) flora and site-llllsociated fauna were recorded. Emphasis was placed on the identification of riparian vegetation regarded as primary and!leCOl1dary!CAS habitat in Stevens et al. (1997b). Taxonomic determinations of invertebrates were made to the lowest level of positive identification, typically to familial rank. Voucher specimens collected within Grand Canyon National Park will be archived at a NPS approved collections museum at NAU. Specimens collected from the Hualapai Reservation will be stored at their facility. Jeff Sorensen directed all field surveys and biological collections with the lI!1lqj!ll3nce of numerous volunteers. Due to logistical restraints, many sites were only visited once, and limited to 1-2 hours per survey. ~: ~ ~ :. --. " ,', ::., " r.:~ A Solar Pathfinder instrument was used to determine solar exposure at each site, annual BTUslsq ft, and monthly sunrise and sunset (available as a supplemental document from AGFD). To calrnlll"" daily BTUslsq ft, we used the f-chart geographic reference for Page, Arizona (36.60 N latitude and 140 W declination), as the nearest reference for solar energy values. For sites in western Grand Canyon, downstream of Diamond Creek, we used Las Vegas, Nevada (36.10 N latitude and 140 W declination), as the nearest reference for that region's solar energy values. , .,. :r ~: it ~ ~ !;C'- t: ,- ,-- Each site was categorized for accessibility using the following criteria: easy-accessible by automobile, boat, and/or hiking (typically <3.2 kIn distant); moderate-requires backcountry hiking (> 3.2 kIn distant); and difficult--requiring overnight backcountry hiking, travel through overgrown vegetation, or climbing. InaC'...,,,lihl.e sites were not surveyed; these sites would require technical climbing equipment or the use of a helicopter. In Sorensen and Kubly (1997), we developed a single-species correlation model for evaluating !CAS habitat (Table 1). Evaluation of habitat for reintroduction potential Wllll rated on a Sca1e of five levels: (1) optimum; (2) more desirable; (3) acceptable; (4) less desirable; and (.5) unsuitable.