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separated populations; their numbers and areas of occupation have been <br />• greatly reduced since European settlement in the region. <br />In general, the regional wildlife fauna is diverse reflecting the <br />variety of vegetation, soils, landforms, climate, and land uses in the <br />region. Ecological information is linited for the majority of the wild- <br />life species found in the region, with the exception of species of recre- <br />ational or economic value and unique species such as those classified as <br />threatened or endangered. A summary of the Latilong Distribution Studies <br />for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians (1978) is contained in Ap- <br />pendix D for the Montrose region which includes the Hawk's Nest Mine <br />permit area. The listings therein describe observed fauna according to <br />seasonal occurrence and habitat affinity. A review of fish and wildlife <br />resources on the permit area was conducted by the Colorado Division of <br />• Wildlife Area Manager (Dave Kerwin) and Area Wildlife Biologist (Rick <br />Sherman) during 1978 and 1979, copies of these wildlife assessments with <br />general recommendations for mitigation are included in Appendix D. <br />Those principal regional species which inhabit and/or migrate through <br />the permit area itself include mule deer, elk, black bear, coyote, golden <br />eagle, bald eagle, and blue grouse. Numerous additional species of non- <br />game mammals, birds, and reptiles occur. <br />Western Slope Carbon has also contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife <br />Service, Office of Endangered Species, concerning the need fora Section <br />7 consultation for endangered and high-interest raptors which use or po- <br />tentially could use the area (e.g., bald eagle, golden eagle, peregrine <br />falcon, prairie falcon). <br />• <br />48 <br />