Biological Assessment. This section provides a concise overview of the taxonomy, life history, demography, population trends, distribution and ecology of the species. Summarized information from the most relevant and authoritative sources 1 The AEWA Conservation Status Report provides population trend estimates of the biogeographical populations and should be used as the reference/starting point: xxxx://xxx.xxxx- xxxx.xxx/xxxxxxxxxxxx/xxxxxxxxx_xxxxxx/xx00_xxxxxxxxxxxx_xxxxxx_xxxxxx_xxxxx.xxx should be used to describe clearly the key characteristics of the population concerned. Extensive detail should, however, be avoided and graphic presentation should be used wherever possible. Where relevant and necessary, the information included in the overview may be further clarified by results from ringing schemes, satellite telemetry, stable isotope analysis, and distribution surveys. One or more map(s) of key stages of the life cycle (eg breeding and non- breeding distribution, flyways, key stopover sites, historical range) should be included to illustrate the information above (BirdLife produced species’ range maps can be used if appropriate). For plans for species that are huntable in the EU, a web link should be added to the dates of spring migration and breeding on the European Commission website1. If the species is hunted, information about the harvested numbers becomes essential for management and should be included, where available2. The following information on population size and trend by country should be presented as Table 2: • Breeding numbers. Specify if pairs or individuals. The same unit should be used for all breeding countries. • Quality: Good = Reliable quantitative data available (eg atlas, survey or monitoring data) for the whole period and country. Medium = generally well known, but only poor or incomplete quantitative data available. Poor = Poorly known with no quantitative data available. Unknown = information on quality not available. • Breeding population trend in the last 10 years (or three generations). If possible, provide the actual trend (in %) or use the following (with + or - according to direction): 0-19%; 20-29%; 30-49%; 50-79%; >80% or “unknown” when data is lacking. For some species, actual percentage values may not be known due to insufficient data, and the use of categories should be based on the best available data or expert judgement. • Migration or non-breeding numbers: numbers in individuals. • Use separate tables for each biogeographic popula...
Biological Assessment. The population of Svalbard pink-footed geese is well studied, with monitoring of several variables to support an international species management plan. For an overview of ongoing monitoring activities, see Appendix 1.
Biological Assessment. Taxonomy and biogeographic populations • Notes (where relevant) explaining the taxonomic status of the species /sub-species/biogeographic population dealt with by the action plan. Distribution throughout the annual cycle • Very brief description of distribution and movements, including info on timing and location of breeding, spring migration and moulting etc. • Country by country data provided in Figure 1 and Table 1. Habitat requirements • Brief description of the habitat used by the species. • Breeding (including nest site) and non breeding habitats used • Feeding habitats and diet • Habitat description could include also important habitat requirements for the species, if these are known. Survival and productivity • Summary of available information (figures, trends) on generation length, age of first breeding, clutch size, productivity, survival of the age classes (adult, juvenile, chick, nest) and factors affecting it. Population size and trend • Ideally for each biogeographic population, current population and historical and recent trends in population size and range (breeding, wintering, migration). Table 2 Population size and trend by country Country Breeding numbers Quality Year(s) of the estimate Breeding population trend in the last 10 years (or 3 generations) Quality Maximum size of migrating or non breeding populations in the last 10 years (or 3 generations) Quality Year(s) of the estimate Country 1 Overall Notes ✓ Quality: Good (Observed) = based on reliable or representative quantitative data derived from complete counts or comprehensive measurements. Good (Estimated) = based on reliable or representative quantitative data derived from sampling or interpolation. Medium (Estimated) = based on incomplete quantitative data derived from sampling or interpolation. Medium (Inferred) = based on incomplete or poor quantitative data derived from indirect evidence. Poor (Suspected) = based on no quantitative data, but guesses derived from circumstantial evidence.
Biological Assessment. As USACE permitting is required, X. X. Xxxxxx & Associates will prepare a single BA to facilitate Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding potential impacts on federally listed species such as California red-legged frog that the agencies consider to be present in the project area and that could be impacted by the project. The BA will assess the potential effects of the proposed project on these species and propose measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate these effects. The BA will be prepared in accordance with the applicable agency guidelines. This task includes some time for X. X. Xxxxxx & Associates senior staff to coordinate with the USFWS following submittal of the BA, including a site visit with USFWS staff, if necessary. This task also includes time for coordination with Cal Water regarding potential mitigation requirements, if the USFWS requires compensatory mitigation for impacts on federally listed species.
Biological Assessment. 1.1. Taxonomy and population structure Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae Genus: Anser (Linnaeus 1758) Species: Anser albifrons ((Scopoli) 1769) Sub-species: Anser albifrons flavirostris (Xxxxxxx & Xxxxx 1948) Of the four currently recognised races of holarctic Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons, the Greenland-breeding race flavirostris is the most morphologically distinct (Ely et al. 2005; Xxxx 2005), and the most recently described (Dalgety & Xxxxx 1948). Some commentators have suggested a specific rank for the taxon, though Ely et al. (2005) demonstrated that whilst flavirostris is morphologically separable from other populations, it represents an extreme form within a demonstrable pattern of increasing body size throughout the circumpolar breeding range of the species.
Biological Assessment. On November 16, 2009 a biological assessment of Tanyard Creek and Peavine Creek was conducted, and on December 17, 2009 a biological assessment of Stone Mountain Creek was conducted to sample the creeks for macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates are affected by the physical and chemical conditions of the stream rendering some macroinvertebrates to be more sensitive to pollutants than others, therefore the presence or absence of macroinvertebrates in a stream can be used as an indicator of water quality. All four sites, A, B, C, and D, were sampled for an average of twenty minutes to check for the abundance and order richness of macroinvertebrates in the area. Adopt-A-Stream’s Biological and Chemical Stream Monitoring Manual reports index values for water quality based on the variety of organisms present in the creek. The index values are based on the sensitivity of the macroinvertebrates and the categories are broken up as follows: an index value greater than 22 is considered excellent water quality, an index value between 17 and 22 is considered good water quality, an index value between 11 and 16 is considered fair water quality, and an index value below 11 is considered poor water quality (Adopt-A-Stream, 2001). At Tanyard Creek 6 orders of 13 invertebrates were found. The crane fly larvae (Diptera Tipulidea) was the dominant order found in the xxxxxx, leaf packed, woody debris, and sometimes silt, rocky, sandy, or gravel stream bed. Based on the Adopt-A-Stream biological assessment of water quality index Tanyard Creek scored a 9 which categorizes the creek as having poor water quality (Appendix B, Table 7). At Peavine Creek 3 orders of 16 invertebrates were found. The caddis fly larvae (Trichoptera Hydroppsychidae) was the dominant order found in the xxxxxx, leaf packed, woody debris, and rocky stream bed. Based on the Adopt-A-Stream biological assessment of water quality index Peavine Creek scored a 5 which categorizes the creek as having poor water quality (Appendix B, Table 8). At Stone Mountain Creek 2 orders of 58 invertebrates were found along the 65 meter stretch of the creek. Isopods were the dominant species found in the leaf pack, woody debris vegetated bank, and granite bedrock streambed. Based on the Adopt-A- Stream biological assessment of water quality index Stone Mountain Creek scored 15 which categorizes the creek as having fair water quality (Appendix B, Table 9).
Biological Assessment. Buyer at Buyer's sole expense may conduct --------------------- a biological survey assessment for Delhi Sands Flower Loving Fly and/or San Bernardino County Kangaroo Rat on the Property. Neither Buyer nor Seller will seek an U.S. Fish and Wildlife clearance letter. In addition, Buyer shall have the right to review biological information pertaining to the Property in Seller's possession; provided, however, all such information shall be deemed confidential in accordance with Section 11.12
Biological Assessment. The bridge project will a Biological Assessment and consultation with the USFWS because past surveys have found California red- legged frogs and tadpoles in the West Branch of Xxxxxx Slough and because the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander is assumed to be present in the project area. Xxxxx Xxxxxx will coordinate with the USFWS to discuss California red-legged frog, Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, and other federally listed species that may be affected by the project and to determine the most efficient approach for achieving ESA Section 7 compliance. At this time, it is not known whether be required on listed species in addition to California red- . legged frog and Santa Cruz long-toed salamander. If additional consultation is required, the scope of work and cost estimate will need to be reviewed and possibly revised..
Biological Assessment. Although the project area is highly urbanized, the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) shows occurrences of federally listed San Francisco garter snake and western snowy plover within 1 mile, and the Maple Street drainage may provide habitat for those and other species. CONSULTANT will identify species with potential to occur in the project area based on a review of the CNDDB, the California Native Plant Society Electronic Inventory, USFWS species lists, and previous studies. CONSULTANT will conduct one focused reconnaissance-level survey of the biotic resources of the project area to characterize its plant and animal communities. Species presence will be evaluated based on the survey, records information, and existing available documentation on species presence from biological studies previously performed in the project vicinity. This scope does not include protocol-level surveys for special-status plants and animals or surveys over multiple seasons. CONSULTANT will prepare a Biological Assessment in accordance with Caltrans District 4 standards. If the USFWS indicates in the project field meeting that compensatory mitigation would be needed for impacts to federally listed species, CONSULTANT will include conceptual-level mitigation options in the Biological Assessment. Detailed mitigation plans are not proposed in this scope of services. USFWS normally prepares the Biological Opinion based on the Biological Assessment; CONSULTANT is therefore not assuming preparation of the Opinion. Although Redwood Creek provides habitat for fish, no project activities would take place there. Drainages in the project area do not appear to support fisheries. A separate Biological Assessment for NOAA Fisheries is therefore not proposed and is assumed to not be required. Any aquatic habitat and aquatic species will therefore only be addressed briefly in the project’s Natural Environment Study.
Biological Assessment. If, during preparation of the NES-MI, SWCA determines the project has the potential to result in adverse effects to a federally listed species or critical habitat that necessitate mitigation, preparation of a BA will be required. The BA shall be prepared to evaluate the potential impacts to species that are listed as threatened, endangered, or candidate species under the FESA. The BA shall be prepared in accordance with the legal requirement founds in Section 7(a)(2) of the FESA (16 United States Code [USC] 1536(c) and shall follow the latest template in the Caltrans SER.
