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IArencim Canyon Mine - Wldfife TerMicaf ReOOrt <br />• The occurrence of Mexican spotted owls within the permit area is anticipated to be low. This <br />conclusion is based on the following considerations. First, although mixed coniferous forests <br />occur within the permit azea, the field surveys did not identify any slick rock sandstone canyons <br />or steep mountainsides that would potentially support Mexican spotted owls. Second, the <br />coniferous forests within the permit area are fairly even-aged and do not support suitable <br />understory species. Lastly, the permit area is higher than the preferred elevational range of the <br />species. <br />Swift Fox <br />Swift fox typically occur within short- and mid-grass prairies. In northwestern Colorado swifr fox <br />appeaz to prefer relatively flat to gently rolling topography. They razely occur in gullies, washes, <br />or canyons. <br />Swift fox feed on small rodents, rabbits, and birds. Jackrabbits comprise the majority of their diet, <br />however, ground squirrels, ground-nesting birds, and prairie dogs are also included. <br />Swifr fox mate from late December through February. Pups are born in late March, April, or early <br />May. Four to five pups aze produced and they do not emerge until they are four to five weeks old. <br />Dens are generally located on flat areas, or along slopes or ridges that offer good views of the <br />surrounding area (Fitzgerald, Meaney, and Armstrong, 1994). <br />• Swift fox are not anticipated to occur within the permit area This conclusion is based on the <br />following considerations. Although the permit area supports grassland habitats, these areas are <br />relatively linear and do not comprise a significant portion of the area (2 percent). Also, no swift <br />fox or den sites were observed during the 1996 field surveys. <br />Texas Horned Lizard <br />The Texas horned lizard has been identified by the FWS as a species of special concern. This <br />species occurs in azid and semiarid open country with sparse plant growth, and is associated with <br />bunchgrass, cactus, juniper, acacia, and mesquite (Stebbons 1985). Within Colorado, this lizard <br />inhabits plains grasslands, which have large patches of bare soil. The lower limit of juniper <br />growth marks the upper limit of the lizard's range. <br />Within Colorado, only two species of horned-lizards are known to occur, the short-horned and <br />Texas homed lizards. However, they are not known to coexist anywhere within the State <br />(Hammerson, 1986). <br />The Texas horned lizard is not anticipated to occur within the permit area. This conclusion is <br />based on the fact that no azeas of bunchgrass, cactus, juniper, acacia, or mesquite were identified <br />during the habitat mapping. However, several short-horned lizards were identified within the <br />• permit area. Therefore, based on the fact that short-horned and Texas horned lizards do not <br />WildlifeA75/December ia. ~~ 25 <br />