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West Elk Mine Several turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), northern harriers (Circus cyaneus), and American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were observed (Exhibit 35), but no nests of these species were located. It is possible, however, that any of these species may nest on the study area. Herpetofauna The number of herpetofauna species and their abundance are low in the study azea. Only three species were observed during the investigations. Lizazds appear to dominate the azea of investigation. The eastern fence lizazd (Sceloporus undulatus) was observed, as was the sagebrush lizazd (Sceloporus graciosus). Based on observations, the sagebrush lizard appeazs to be more widely distributed among habitat types and to be more abundant. The chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) was the only amphibian encountered during surveys. All observations of this species occurred at beaver ponds along Minnesota Creek or along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. This frog inhabits grassy ponds, lakes, and marshes of prairies and mountains throughout its range (Stebbins, 1954; Hammerson, 1999). Though not encountered during surveys, the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) has been observed in the permit area during USFS surveys (A. Wang, USFS, personal communication). Tiger salamanders inhabit still and slow-moving waters throughout most habitats in Colorado (Hammerson, 1999). Another amphibian known to be in the area, but not encountered, is the boareal toad (Bufo boreal). Two snake species reported to occur in the area are the western garter snake (Thamnophis elegans), found in damp situations in most habitats up to nearly 10,000 feet elevation, and the gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), commonly associated with grasslands and open brushland (Hammerson, 1999). Other snakes likely to occur in the permit area are the Great Plains rat snake (E[aphe guttata) along streams and the North Fork Gunnison River, and the smooth green snake (Liochlorophis vernalis) in riparian areas and mountain shrublands with dense herbaceous understory. Threatened, Endansiered, and Rare Wildlife Species Federallv Listed and Candidate Species A threatened and endangered species survey was conducted in September 1996 in the areas to be disturbed by the Sylvester Gulch Facilities Area (Exhibit 38). No species federally listed at that time were found. Exhibit 38 lists federally threatened, endangered, and candidate species of wildlife potentially present in the region, based on USFWS listed and candidate species lists for the GMUG National Forests dated February 2003 and the BLM Montrose Field Office dated July 17, 2003, and consultation with USFWS (Al Pfister, personal communication 2003). For all species except bald eagle and Canada lynx, suitable habitats are not present and the species are known to be absent or considered highly unlikely to occur in the permit area. 2.04-175 Revised Nwembe~ 2004 PRIG