2012-10-01_REVISION - M1979094HR (15)

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Exhibit H Wildlife Information JD -7 Mine Permit Amendment M- 1979 -094HR H.1 Introduction The JD -7 project area consists of two basic wildlife habitats. The big sagebrush shrub land habitat is present on the relatively level valley bottom alluvium of the Paradox valley floor. The pinion juniper woodland habitat is present on the north facing slopes of Monogram Mesa. Occasional sagebrush parks about a quarter acre in size are interspersed in this woodland habitat. These small sagebrush parks are included in discussions under pifion-juniper woodlands. A complete list of animals using these habitats year round and seasonally is included in Exhibit U — EPP. H.2 Amphibians There is very little habitat in the project area suitable for amphibians. The sources of water are seasonal pools and evaporation ponds. Any amphibians present are considered year -round residents. A complete list of amphibians using these habitats year round and seasonally is included in Exhibit U — EPP. H.3 Reptiles The habitat found in the project area is favorable for reptiles that inhabit semiarid regions. The Northern Sagebrush Lizard is common in both the big sagebrush habitat and the pinion juniper habitat. The Northern Plateau Lizard and the Plateau Whiptail are common in both of these habitats. The Mountain Short-horned Lizard was observed in the project area. Two snakes were found to be common in these habitats: the Great Basin Gopher Snake and the Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Table H.2 -1). These reptiles are considered year -round residents. A complete list of reptiles using these habitats year round and seasonally is included in Exhibit U — EPP. H.4 Birds A variety of birds have been observed near the project area. Referring to Table H.4 -1, the species seen in the project area are noted with an asterisk ( *). The relative abundance and seasonal occurrence in southwestern Colorado are also shown in Table H.4 -1. The Cooper's Hawk is not very common in the project area. The red tailed Hawk is common and a resident breeding bird and probably nests in the cliffs near Monogram Mesa. The Rough- legged Hawk is not common in the area, is a winter resident, and does not breed in the area. The Bald Eagle is a common winter resident in the area. This eagle seems to be concentrated in the Dry Creek Basin area, but it may also be seen along the Dolores River. In general the Bald Eagle is a scavenger on dead and dying fish. In this area this species uses dead sheep as a principal food source. The American Kestrel is common to the area and a year -round resident. These birds do not nest in the immediate vicinity of the project area but in areas adjacent to it. JD -7 Exhibit H v7 H-1