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The coyote ranges primarily in the canyons and parklands of the <br />• forest edge habitat where the population of species suitable for 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 rabbits <br />in any one area may vary significantly from year to year. <br />Small Mammals <br />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 />vors and as prey for larger predatory mammals and raptors. <br />Birds <br />Several species of raptors, upland gamebirds, waterfowl and other <br />birds have been observed or are expected to occur in the vicinity of <br />the mine. The species utilize the various vegetation types for feeding, <br />• nesting and resting areas, and function at all levels of the food 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 />Reptiles and Amphibians <br />Reptiles and amphibians are generally less common in the study <br />area than mammals and birds. (See Table H-1). Eighteen spe~:ies of <br />reptiles and six species of amphibians have been observed or are <br />expected to occur in the vicinity of the mine. Amphibians ai°e usually <br />associated with the riparian habitat and may be locally abundant near <br />Ralston Creek at certain times of the year. <br />H-10 <br />