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i I species diversity. Several species may be found in the various habi- <br />tats present while others aze restricted to a particular vegetation <br />type. The coyote, red fox end badger are the medium-sited mammal <br />carnivores that most frequently utilize the area, the most co:;mopolitan <br />species being the coyote. <br />The coyote ranges primarily in the canyons and parklands of the <br />forest edge habitat where the population of species suitable i'.or prey <br />are more abundant. The desert cottontail, eastern cottontail and <br />Nuttall's cottontail are common herbivores that occur in the area. <br />However, it should be noted that the actual number of cottontail rab- <br />bits in any one area may vazy from year to yeaz significantly. <br />Small Mammals <br />• I A variety of small mammals occur or are expected to occur in the <br />vicinity of the mine. Their abundance makes them important as herbi- <br />votes and as prey for larger predatory mammals and raptors. <br />Birds <br />Several species of raptors, upland gamebirds, waterfowl aid other <br />birds have been observed or aze expected to occur in the vicinity of <br />the mine. The species utilize the various vegetation types for feeding, <br />nesting and resting azeas, and function at all levels of the fcod chain. <br />~ Many of the species listed in Table H-1 occur in the area as migratory <br />species, utilizing the area as a temporary feeding and resting ground <br />only. <br />H-3 <br />