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tte Type: Rangeland Limestone Breaks <br />MLRA: 69 - Upper Arkansas Valley Rolling Plains R069XY058CO <br />Ecological Site Interpretations <br />Animal Community — Wildlife Interpretations <br />The loamy soils and grasses, forbs, and shrubs found on this ecological site provides habitat for <br />numerous wildlife species. Historic large grazers that influenced these plant communities were bison, <br />elk, and pronghorn. Changes over time have resulted in the loss of bison, the reduction in elk <br />numbers, and pronghorn population swings. Domestic grazers now share these habitats with wildlife. <br />The grassland communities of eastern Colorado are home to many bird species. Changes in the <br />composition of the plant community when moving from the HCPC to other communities on this <br />ecological site may result in species shifts in the bird community. The occasional wetland or spring <br />found on this ecological site provides essential seasonal water needed for reproductive habitat by <br />some reptiles and amphibians. Because of a lack of permanent water, fish are not commonly <br />expected on this ecological site. Mule and white - tailed deer may use this ecological site. The gray <br />wolf and wild bison used this ecological site in historic times. The wolf is thought to be extirpated from <br />Eastern Colorado. Bison are currently found only as domestic livestock. <br />Sideoats Grama, Little Bluestem, New Mexico Feathergrass, Bigelow Sagebrush Plant <br />Community <br />The grasses, forbs, and shrubs in this plant community provide habitat for many reptiles including <br />western rattlesnake, bullsnake, and racer. If water is available for breeding, spadefoot toads and tiger <br />salamanders may be found here. The structural diversity in the plant community on this site provides <br />habitat for Cassin's sparrow and lark bunting. Ferruginous and Swainson's hawks are commonly <br />seen on this site. Small mammals such as white - tailed jackrabbit, badger, swift fox, plains pocket <br />gopher, and several species of mice are common in this plant community. Pronghorn is a typical <br />ungulate found in this community. <br />Increased Blue Grama with Decreased Mid Grasses and Shrubs 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 the HCPC species. <br />Low Plant Density, Decadent Plant Community; Blue Grama with or without Remnant Mid <br />Grasses Plant Community; and Bare Ground, Annuals Plant Community <br />Reptiles using these plant communities are similar to the HCPC species. As bare ground increases, <br />conditions improve for Texas horned lizard. Increases in broom snakeweed and small soapweed will <br />cause the bird community to shift from Cassin's sparrow to the grasshopper sparrow. Most mammals <br />will be similar to the HCPC, however black - tailed jackrabbit use may increase because of the <br />increased bare ground and weedy forbs. <br />Technical Guide <br />Section IIE <br />11 <br />USDA NRCS <br />Rev. 3/04 <br />