Sensitive and/or Listed species Sensitive and/or Listed species found in found in

Northern Santa Barbara CountyNorthern Santa Barbara County

California tiger salamanderCalifornia tiger salamander((Ambystoma californienseAmbystoma californiense))

California tiger salamanderCalifornia tiger salamander

Listing HistoryListing History:: Emergency listed as Emergency listed as Endangered on January 19, 2000 (65 Endangered on January 19, 2000 (65 Federal Register Federal Register (FR) 3096); Final (FR) 3096); Final listing as Endangered September 21, listing as Endangered September 21, 2000 (65 FR 57242).2000 (65 FR 57242).

Critical Habitat:Critical Habitat: November 24, 2004 November 24, 2004 (68 FR 68568)(68 FR 68568)

Recovery Plan:Recovery Plan: Not completed.Not completed.

HabitatHabitat

o The California tiger salamander The California tiger salamander inhabits low elevation vernal pools inhabits low elevation vernal pools and seasonal ponds and associated and seasonal ponds and associated grassland, oak savannah, and coastal grassland, oak savannah, and coastal scrub plant communities of the Santa scrub plant communities of the Santa Maria, Los Alamos, and Santa Rita Maria, Los Alamos, and Santa Rita valleys in northwestern Santa valleys in northwestern Santa Barbara County (generally under Barbara County (generally under 1,500 feet).1,500 feet).

DietDiet

o Adults probably feed mainly on a Adults probably feed mainly on a variety of invertebrates. Larvae feed variety of invertebrates. Larvae feed on algae, small crustaceans and on algae, small crustaceans and mosquito larvae for about six weeks mosquito larvae for about six weeks after hatching. After that time the after hatching. After that time the larvae begin feeding on larger prey larvae begin feeding on larger prey including small tadpoles as well as including small tadpoles as well as many aquatic insects. many aquatic insects.

BreedingBreedingo Female California tiger salamanders lay eggs Female California tiger salamanders lay eggs

singly or in small groups. The number of eggs singly or in small groups. The number of eggs laid can range from 400 to 1300 per breeding laid can range from 400 to 1300 per breeding season. season.

o Eggs are generally attached to vegetation near Eggs are generally attached to vegetation near the edge of the breeding pond, but in cases the edge of the breeding pond, but in cases where there is little or no vegetation the eggs where there is little or no vegetation the eggs may be attached to rocks or other material (such may be attached to rocks or other material (such as branches) on the bottom of the pond.as branches) on the bottom of the pond.

o It takes about 10 to 14 days for the eggs to hatch. It takes about 10 to 14 days for the eggs to hatch. California tiger salamander larvae reach maturity California tiger salamander larvae reach maturity in approximately 60 to 94 days. In late spring or in approximately 60 to 94 days. In late spring or early summer the salamanders leave the ponds early summer the salamanders leave the ponds to seek out burrows in nearby upland habitat.to seek out burrows in nearby upland habitat.

Upland Habitat UseUpland Habitat Useo Subadult and adult California tiger salamanders Subadult and adult California tiger salamanders

spend much of their lives in small mammal spend much of their lives in small mammal burrows (e.g., ground squirrels and pocket burrows (e.g., ground squirrels and pocket gophers). gophers).

o Evidence suggests that California tiger Evidence suggests that California tiger salamanders remain active in their underground salamanders remain active in their underground dwellings. Movement within and among burrow dwellings. Movement within and among burrow systems continues for at least several months systems continues for at least several months after they leave the ponds, and at least some of after they leave the ponds, and at least some of these animals feed in these burrows. these animals feed in these burrows.

o Once rains begin they emerge from their burrows Once rains begin they emerge from their burrows at night to feed and migrate to breeding ponds. at night to feed and migrate to breeding ponds. Adults may migrate up to 1.2 miles from their Adults may migrate up to 1.2 miles from their summering grounds to breeding areas. summering grounds to breeding areas.

ThreatsThreats Habitat loss and fragmentationHabitat loss and fragmentation Road development or widening projects can Road development or widening projects can

fragment ponds and result in a loss of connectivity fragment ponds and result in a loss of connectivity between populations; loss of habitat due to between populations; loss of habitat due to development or land converting to intensive development or land converting to intensive agricultural activities.agricultural activities.

Non-native predatorsNon-native predators Bullfrogs, catfish, bass, mosquitofish, red swamp Bullfrogs, catfish, bass, mosquitofish, red swamp

crayfish, and signal crayfish prey on at least one life crayfish, and signal crayfish prey on at least one life stage of the California red‑legged frog. Raccoons stage of the California red‑legged frog. Raccoons are known to depress California red‑legged frog are known to depress California red‑legged frog populations and are often associated with rural populations and are often associated with rural developments. developments.

Other Other Road kill, contaminants (urban and agricultural), Road kill, contaminants (urban and agricultural),

isolation, drought, hybridization, competition.isolation, drought, hybridization, competition.

California red-legged frogCalifornia red-legged frog ( (Rana aurora draytoniiRana aurora draytonii))

Listing History:Listing History: Listed as threatened on May 23, Listed as threatened on May 23, 1996 (61 FR 25813). 1996 (61 FR 25813).

Critical habitat:Critical habitat: first designated on March 13, 2001 (66 FR first designated on March 13, 2001 (66 FR

14625); 14625);

on November 6, 2002, the critical habitat rule was on November 6, 2002, the critical habitat rule was vacated;vacated;

the Service published a revised proposed critical the Service published a revised proposed critical habitat rule on November 3, 2005 (70 FR 66906).habitat rule on November 3, 2005 (70 FR 66906).

Recovery Plan:Recovery Plan: Finalized on May 28, 2002. Finalized on May 28, 2002.

HabitatHabitat

The historic range extended from the The historic range extended from the vicinity of Point Reyes National Seashore, vicinity of Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California, coastally and Marin County, California, coastally and from the vicinity of Redding, Shasta from the vicinity of Redding, Shasta County, California, inland southward to County, California, inland southward to northwestern Baja California, Mexico. northwestern Baja California, Mexico. California red-legged frogs have been California red-legged frogs have been found at elevations that range from sea found at elevations that range from sea level to about 5,000 feet. It uses a variety level to about 5,000 feet. It uses a variety of habitat types, which include various of habitat types, which include various aquatic systems, riparian, and upland aquatic systems, riparian, and upland habitats. habitats.

DietDiet The diet of California red-legged frogs is The diet of California red-legged frogs is

highly variable. Tadpoles likely feed on highly variable. Tadpoles likely feed on algae and invertebrates have been found algae and invertebrates have been found to be the most common food item of to be the most common food item of adults. Vertebrates, such as Pacific chorus adults. Vertebrates, such as Pacific chorus frogs and California mice represented over frogs and California mice represented over half of the prey mass eaten by larger half of the prey mass eaten by larger frogs. Feeding activity likely occurs along frogs. Feeding activity likely occurs along the shoreline and on the surface of the the shoreline and on the surface of the water. Juveniles have been found to be water. Juveniles have been found to be active diurnally and nocturnally, whereas active diurnally and nocturnally, whereas adults are largely nocturnal.adults are largely nocturnal.

BreedingBreeding Breed from November through March; earlier Breed from November through March; earlier

breeding has been recorded in southern localities. breeding has been recorded in southern localities.

Breed in aquatic habitats; larvae, juveniles and adults Breed in aquatic habitats; larvae, juveniles and adults have been collected from streams, creeks, ponds, have been collected from streams, creeks, ponds, marshes, plunge pools and backwaters within marshes, plunge pools and backwaters within streams, dune ponds, lagoons and estuaries. streams, dune ponds, lagoons and estuaries. California red-legged frogs frequently breed in California red-legged frogs frequently breed in artificial impoundments, such as stock ponds, if artificial impoundments, such as stock ponds, if conditions are appropriate. conditions are appropriate.

Female California red-legged frogs deposit egg Female California red-legged frogs deposit egg masses on emergent vegetation so that the masses masses on emergent vegetation so that the masses float on the surface of the water. Egg masses contain float on the surface of the water. Egg masses contain about 2,000 to 5,000 moderate-sized, dark reddish about 2,000 to 5,000 moderate-sized, dark reddish brown eggs. Eggs hatch in 6 to 14 days. Larvae brown eggs. Eggs hatch in 6 to 14 days. Larvae undergo metamorphosis 3.5 to 7 months after undergo metamorphosis 3.5 to 7 months after hatching. hatching.

Upland Habitat UseUpland Habitat Use Juvenile and adult California red-legged frogs may Juvenile and adult California red-legged frogs may

disperse long distances from breeding sites disperse long distances from breeding sites through out the year. They have been found up through out the year. They have been found up to 400 feet from water in adjacent dense riparian to 400 feet from water in adjacent dense riparian vegetation. vegetation.

During periods of wet weather, starting with the During periods of wet weather, starting with the first rains of fall, some individuals may make first rains of fall, some individuals may make overland excursions through upland habitats. overland excursions through upland habitats. Most of these overland movements occur at Most of these overland movements occur at night. Some individuals have been found to night. Some individuals have been found to move up to 2 miles over the course of a wet move up to 2 miles over the course of a wet season.season.

ThreatsThreats Habitat loss and alterationHabitat loss and alteration Road maintenance projects, off‑road vehicle use, and Road maintenance projects, off‑road vehicle use, and

livestock grazing contribute to erosion of stream livestock grazing contribute to erosion of stream banks and siltation of streams; eggs can be banks and siltation of streams; eggs can be smothered. Siltation that occurs during the breeding smothered. Siltation that occurs during the breeding season can lead to asphyxiation of eggs resulting in season can lead to asphyxiation of eggs resulting in small numbers of California red‑legged frog larvae.small numbers of California red‑legged frog larvae.

Non-native predatorsNon-native predators Bullfrogs, catfish, bass, mosquitofish, red swamp Bullfrogs, catfish, bass, mosquitofish, red swamp

crayfish, and signal crayfish prey on at least one life crayfish, and signal crayfish prey on at least one life stage of the California red‑legged frog. Raccoons stage of the California red‑legged frog. Raccoons are known to depress California red‑legged frog are known to depress California red‑legged frog populations and are often associated with rural populations and are often associated with rural developments. developments.

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp ((Branchinecta lynchi)Branchinecta lynchi)

Listing History:Listing History: Listed as Listed as Threatened on September 19, 1994 Threatened on September 19, 1994 (59 FR 48136). (59 FR 48136).

Critical habitat:Critical habitat: August 6, 2003 (68 August 6, 2003 (68 FR 46684). FR 46684).

Recovery plan:Recovery plan: Addresses vernal Addresses vernal pool ecosystems of California and pool ecosystems of California and southern Oregon, finalized on southern Oregon, finalized on December 15, 2005. December 15, 2005.

HabitatHabitat The vernal pool fairy shrimp occupies a variety of The vernal pool fairy shrimp occupies a variety of

vernal pool and seasonal wetland habitats, including vernal pool and seasonal wetland habitats, including grassy swales, small sandstone rock pools, basalt flow grassy swales, small sandstone rock pools, basalt flow basins, and alkaline playas. Although vernal pool fairy basins, and alkaline playas. Although vernal pool fairy shrimp have been collected from large vernal wetlands, shrimp have been collected from large vernal wetlands, including one exceeding 25 acres in area, the species including one exceeding 25 acres in area, the species tends to occur primarily in smaller area (e.g., 0.05 acre tends to occur primarily in smaller area (e.g., 0.05 acre or less). Water depths vary and can be as two inches. or less). Water depths vary and can be as two inches.

The species can reach maturity in habitat that remains The species can reach maturity in habitat that remains inundated for as little as 18 days; however, 41 days of inundated for as little as 18 days; however, 41 days of inundation is more typical. Upland vegetation inundation is more typical. Upland vegetation communities surrounding occupied vernal pool fairy communities surrounding occupied vernal pool fairy shrimp habitat are most commonly needlegrass shrimp habitat are most commonly needlegrass grassland, non-native annual grassland, and alkaline grassland, non-native annual grassland, and alkaline grassland.grassland.

DietDiet Vernal pool fairy shrimp are non-selective Vernal pool fairy shrimp are non-selective

filter-feeders that filter suspended solids filter-feeders that filter suspended solids from the water column. Detritus, bacteria, from the water column. Detritus, bacteria, algal cells, and other items between 0.3 to algal cells, and other items between 0.3 to 100 microns may be filtered and ingested. 100 microns may be filtered and ingested.

Fairy shrimp are prey for a wide variety of Fairy shrimp are prey for a wide variety of wildlife, including beetles, insect larvae, wildlife, including beetles, insect larvae, frogs, salamanders, toad tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, toad tadpoles, shorebirds, ducks, and even other fairy shorebirds, ducks, and even other fairy shrimp. shrimp.

BreedingBreeding The vernal pool fairy shrimp has a two-stage life The vernal pool fairy shrimp has a two-stage life

cycle with the majority of their life cycle spent in cycle with the majority of their life cycle spent in the cyst (egg) stage. the cyst (egg) stage.

Vernal pool fairy shrimp females produce an Vernal pool fairy shrimp females produce an unknown number of cysts per clutch and over unknown number of cysts per clutch and over their lifetime. The cysts are either dropped to the their lifetime. The cysts are either dropped to the pool bottom or remain in the brood sac until the pool bottom or remain in the brood sac until the female dies and sinks. female dies and sinks.

Fairy shrimp cysts are capable of withstanding Fairy shrimp cysts are capable of withstanding heat, cold, and prolonged desiccation and may heat, cold, and prolonged desiccation and may persist in the soil for an unknown number of years persist in the soil for an unknown number of years until conditions are favorable for successful until conditions are favorable for successful hatching. The cysts hatch when the vernal pools hatching. The cysts hatch when the vernal pools fill with rainwater. fill with rainwater.

ThreatsThreats Habitat loss and fragmentationHabitat loss and fragmentation Urbanization, agricultural conversion, and miningUrbanization, agricultural conversion, and mining

infrastructure projectsinfrastructure projects roads, water storage and conveyance, utilitiesroads, water storage and conveyance, utilities

recreational activities recreational activities off-highway vehicles and hiking erosionoff-highway vehicles and hiking erosion

OtherOther Habitat alternation/degradation as a result of Habitat alternation/degradation as a result of

changes to natural hydrology, competition from changes to natural hydrology, competition from invasive species, incompatible grazing regimes invasive species, incompatible grazing regimes (including insufficient grazing for prolonged (including insufficient grazing for prolonged periods), mosquito abatement activities, climatic periods), mosquito abatement activities, climatic and environmental change, and contaminationand environmental change, and contamination

La Graciosa thistle La Graciosa thistle ((Cirsium loncholepisCirsium loncholepis))

Photo by Ann Howald, Photo by Ann Howald, courtesy of California courtesy of California Native Plant SocietyNative Plant Society

Listing History:Listing History: Listed as endangered on March 20, 2000 (50 FR 14888)Listed as endangered on March 20, 2000 (50 FR 14888)

Critical HabitatCritical Habitat::o Designated on March 17, 2004 (69 FR 12553) (-Designated on March 17, 2004 (69 FR 12553) (-

12569)12569)

o Critical habitat still in effect for this species; it has not Critical habitat still in effect for this species; it has not been remanded. The Service has a settlement been remanded. The Service has a settlement agreement (with the Homebuilders Association of agreement (with the Homebuilders Association of northern California, et al.) to reanalyze critical habitat northern California, et al.) to reanalyze critical habitat for this species and, if warranted, must submit to the for this species and, if warranted, must submit to the FR for publication a proposed rule to revise the FR for publication a proposed rule to revise the designation by Jul 27, 2008; and a final rule by Jul 27, designation by Jul 27, 2008; and a final rule by Jul 27, 2009. 2009.

o Still undergoing taxonomic review – Dr. David Keil.Still undergoing taxonomic review – Dr. David Keil.

Recovery Plan:Recovery Plan:No plan for this species.No plan for this species.

HabitatHabitat Largely restricted to back dune and coastal Largely restricted to back dune and coastal

wetlands of southern San Luis Obispo County and wetlands of southern San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County from the Pismo northern Santa Barbara County from the Pismo Dunes lake area and south historically to the Dunes lake area and south historically to the Santa Ynez River. The La Graciosa thistle is found Santa Ynez River. The La Graciosa thistle is found in wet soils surrounding the dune lakes and in the in wet soils surrounding the dune lakes and in the moist dune swales.moist dune swales.

The historic distribution of the species included The historic distribution of the species included extensive areas in the Orcutt region that have extensive areas in the Orcutt region that have been converted from wetland habitat to been converted from wetland habitat to agricultural uses or otherwise developed. agricultural uses or otherwise developed.

Currently, populations occur in Los Alamos, the Currently, populations occur in Los Alamos, the Nipomo and Guadalupe Dunes complexes, and at Nipomo and Guadalupe Dunes complexes, and at the Santa Maria River mouth. The Santa Maria the Santa Maria River mouth. The Santa Maria River supports the largest population. River supports the largest population.

ThreatsThreats

Loss of habitatLoss of habitat habitat fragmentationhabitat fragmentation invasive non-natives invasive non-natives water pumping/lowering of the water water pumping/lowering of the water

tabletable effects of cattle (grazing, trampling, effects of cattle (grazing, trampling,

crushing)crushing)

Additional sensitive speciesAdditional sensitive speciesSeveral other Several other species would species would benefit from benefit from protective protective measures and measures and conserved habitat conserved habitat such as the such as the southwestern pond southwestern pond turtle, turtle,

Photo by: Jeff Lovich

the burrowing owl (the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaeaAthene cunicularia hypugaea),),

and the western spadefoot toad and the western spadefoot toad ((spea hammondiispea hammondii).).

In SummaryIn Summary The covered species list needs to reflect take that The covered species list needs to reflect take that

would be associated with covered activities within would be associated with covered activities within the plan area;the plan area;

All species mentioned here are found within All species mentioned here are found within northern Santa Barbara County; northern Santa Barbara County;

All require aquatic habitat to survive and/or All require aquatic habitat to survive and/or

complete their life cycles/breed;complete their life cycles/breed;

All are threatened by habitat loss; andAll are threatened by habitat loss; and

California tiger salamanders and California red-California tiger salamanders and California red-legged frogs have similar upland habitat legged frogs have similar upland habitat requirements.requirements.