2011-11-02_REVISION - M2003019 (5)

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Site Type: Rangeland MLRA: 69 - Upper Arkansas Valley Rolling Plains Technical Guide Section IIE 9 Gravel Breaks R069XY064CO Ecological Site Interpretations Animal Community — Wildlife Interpretations The variety of soils and vegetation found on this ecological site provides habitat for numerous wildlife species. Historic large grazers that influenced these plant communities were bison, elk, and pronghorn. Changes over time have resulted in the loss of bison, the reduction in elk numbers, and pronghorn population swings. Domestic grazers now share these habitats with wildlife. The grassland communities of eastern Colorado are home to many bird species. Changes in the composition of the plant community when moving from the HCPC to other communities on this ecological site may result in species shifts in the bird community. The occasional wetland found on this ecological site provides essential seasonal water needed for reproductive habitat by some reptiles and amphibians. Because of a lack of permanent water, fish are not commonly expected on this ecological site. Mule and white - tailed deer may use this ecological site. The gray wolf and wild bison used this ecological site in historic times. The wolf is thought to be extirpated from Eastern Colorado. Bison are currently found only as domestic livestock. Sideoats Grama, Little Bluestem, Blue Grama Plant Community The grasses, forbs, and shrubs in this plant community provide habitat for many reptiles including western rattlesnake, bullsnake, and racer. If water is available for breeding, spadefoot toads and tiger salamanders may be found here. The structural diversity in the plant community on this site provides habitat for Cassin's and Brewer's sparrow and lark bunting. Ferruginous and Swainson's hawks are commonly seen on this site. Small mammals such as white - tailed jackrabbit, badger, swift fox, plains pocket gopher, and several species of mice are common in this plant community. Pronghorn is a typical ungulate found in this community. Increased Blue Grama with Decreased Mid and Tall Grass Plant Community The HCPC species are expected in this plant community, however, the loss of some of the vegetative structural diversity in this plant community makes it less attractive to many HCPC species. Blue Grama Sod; and Bare Ground, Cryptogams, Annuals Plant Communities The loss of shrubs and mid -tall grasses creates habitat for typical shortgrass species such as black - tailed prairie dog, burrowing owl, mountain plover, and horned lark. Black- tailed jackrabbit may replace white - tailed jackrabbit in these communities. Reptiles using these communities are short- horned lizard and lesser earless lizard as well as the HCPC species. USDA NRCS Rev. 3/04