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<br />Arizona Game and Fish Department <br />NGTR 125: Kanab Ambersnail Report <br /> <br />April 1998 <br />Page 4 <br /> <br />We used attributes from VP and 3L sites as the baseline requirements for optimal habitat: more <br />than one type of primary vegetation present, perennial spring source from a limestone or sandstone <br />geologic strata, rare historic flooding events, and low natural and recreational disturbance <br />(specifically to ambersnail habitat, not just the site). Unsuitable conditions were defined as: lack <br />of primary or secondary vegetalioo; intermittent or seasonal water source; frequent or catastrophic <br />natural. disturbance; or severe impacts to habitat by recreation, livestock, agriculture, wildfire (fire <br />impact, not fuel-load potential), industrial use, or commercial development. All survey sites fell <br />within this range of optimum to unsuitable attributes. No variables were weighted--a single <br />unfavorable condition would prevent a site with many quality attributes from receiving a higher <br />tanking. This approach was highly conservative, but should increase the chance of successful KAS <br />establishment at new sites. <br /> <br />Site accessibility, the species richness and diversity of associated invertebrate communities, and <br />the presence of other lCuesitlal mollusks are attributes that are notable in site selection, but should <br />be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Reasonable access is necessary for reintroduction and <br />monitoring; however, an area that is difficult to reach can provide added security from <br />1'eC1l2tional impacts and other disturbances. An invertebrate community of high species richness <br />and diversity would indicate suitable environmental conditions for many species of arachnids, <br />insects, and mollusks. Concerns about interspecific competition and parasite introduction to <br />resident mollusk populations at reintroduction sites were discussed in Sorensen and Kubly (1997). <br /> <br />Table 1. Kanab ambersnail suitable habitat correlation model Sorensen and Kublv 1 . <br /> 0pti0aIm More Deoirable "'''''''''''''10 Leu DeoirabJe Ulllllilable <br />Primary More Ibm oae ODe type ODe type NOIIlI None <br />vopgtioo type (Oldy .........Lo'Y) <br />W_ l'<<emW spring l'<<emW spring l'<<emW spring Penaaial spring IdMmiIteat or <br />Source or IlreGn or m.m or IlreGn 5ew'-1 <br />Hiatori<:al Rue Rue Rue Pe.riDcIil:al Seven or <br />FIoodin& F~ <br />NIIunl Low Low ModenIe Hip Hip <br />DiItwbuco (or !eo.) (or lell) (or !eo.) <br />RecreUion Uoe Modenle Modenle Hip Hip Hip <br />(euIire _) (or .....) (or !eo.) (or Ieoo) (or !eo.) (or Ieoo) <br />Juriodictionol Hip ModenIe Low Low None <br />Protection <br />