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Site Type: Rangeland <br />MLRA: 69 -Upper Arkansas Valley Rolling Plains <br />Ecological Site Interpretations <br />Sandy <br />R069XY026CO <br />Animal Community -Wildlife Interpretations <br />The variety of grasses, forbs, and shrubs found on this ecological site in the various plant <br />communities provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife species. Historic large grazers that <br />influenced these plant communities were bison, elk, and pronghorn. Changes over time have resulted <br />in the loss of bison, the reduction in elk numbers, and pronghorn population swings. Domestic <br />grazers now share these habitats with wildlife. The grassland communities of eastern Colorado are <br />home to many bird species. Changes in the composition of the plant community when moving from <br />the HCPC to other communities on this ecological site may result in dramatic species shifts in the bird <br />community. Because of a lack of permanent water, fish and many amphibians are not expected on <br />this ecological site. Mule and white-tailed deer may use this ecological site, however the shrub cover <br />is too low to expect more than occasional use. The gray wolf, black-footed ferret, and wild bison used <br />this ecological site in historic times. The wolf and ferret are thought to be extirpated from Eastern <br />Colorado. Bison are currently found only as domestic livestock. <br />Blue Grama, Prairie Sandreed, Sand Bluestem Plant Community (HCPC) <br />The grasses, forbs, and shrubs in this plant community provide habitat for reptiles such as western <br />rattlesnake and bullsnake. If water is available for breeding, spadefoot toads, tiger salamanders, and <br />garter snakes may be found here. The structural diversity in the plant community on this site provides <br />habitat for Cassin's and Brewer's sparrow, lark bunting, scaled quail. Ferruginous and Swainson's <br />hawks are commonly seen on this site. The combination of mid-tall grasses and shrubs provides <br />habitat for lesser prairie chicken in the eastern part of this ecological site. Small mammals such as <br />white-tailed jackrabbit, badger, swift fox, and several species of mice are common in this plant <br />community. Pronghorn is a typical ungulate found in this community. <br />Increased Blue Grama Plant Community <br />All HCPC species are expected in this plant community, however, the loss of some of the vegetative <br />structural diversity in this plant community makes it less attractive to many HCPC species. <br />Low Plant Density, Excessive Litter; Sodbound Blue Grama; Red Threeawn; and Go-back Land <br />Plant Communities <br />As these communities develop into an open landscape the wildlife species will shift away from HCPC <br />species and toward the species that prefer unvegetated areas and short plants. Texas short- lizard, <br />six-lined racerunner, and black-tailed jackrabbit would be expected more frequently here than in the <br />HCPC. In addition, mountain plover, black-tailed prairie dog, and burrowing owl might use these <br />communities where slopes are less than 5% and vision is unobstructed. <br />Seeded Rangeland <br />The wildlife species expected on seeded rangeland would be those listed for the plant community the <br />seeding most resembles. <br />Technical Guide USDA NRCS <br />Section IIE 12 Rev. 3/04 <br />