Appendix D: Special-Status Species

FEDERALLY LISTED THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES

Invertebrates

Valley elderberry longhorn beetle
Desmocerus californicus dimorphus

MG

FT

Found in deciduous riparian habitat with elderberry species (Sambucus spp.) below 2,000 feet. Elderberry occur at scattered locations within the lower planning corridor. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor. Valley elderberry longhorn beetles are reported from El Portal within the planning corridor.

Fish

Delta smelt
Hypomesus transpacificus

OC

FT

CT

Not native to planning corridor. This species does not occur within the planning corridor.

Lahontan cutthroat trout
Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi

OC

FT

Historically occurred in all accessible cold waters of the Lahonton Basin in a wide variety of water temperatures and conditions. Cannot tolerate the presence of other salmonids. Requires gravel riffles in streams for spawning. Recorded within the west fork of Portuguese Creek - outside the Merced River watershed (CDFG 2004a). This species cannot be considered present within the Merced River watershed except as artificially introduced.

Central Valley steelhead trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

OC

FT

Not native to planning corridor. This species does not occur within the planning corridor.

Paiute cutthroat trout
Oncorhynchus clarki seleniris

OC

FT

Native to the east slope of the Sierra Nevada (NPS 1997w). Not native to Merced River watershed. This species cannot be considered present within the Merced River watershed.

Reptiles and Amphibians

California red-legged frog
Rana aurora draytonii

YV, MG

FT

CSC

Found in quiet pools in permanent streams in mixed conifer zones and foothills. Prefers riparian deciduous habitat. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Birds

Bald eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

YV, MG

FT

CE

Forages over rivers, streams, and lakes. Primarily eats fish, also carrion, waterbirds, and small mammals. Transient through Yosemite Valley and El Portal. No nesting in the park (NPS 1997w). The species was proposed for delisting 7/6/99. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Mammals

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep
Ovis canadensis sierrae

OC

FE

CE

Occurs primarily along the Sierra Crest in the northeast portion of the park. Most of the herd inhabits Forest Service land adjacent to the park. This species does not occur within the planning corridor.

FEDERAL SPECIES OF CONCERN

Invertebrates

Wawona riffle beetle
Atractelmis wawona

YV, MG, SF

FC

This aquatic species is a listed species due to its limited distribution in the North and South Forks of the Merced River. Historic occurrences of this species are located within the planning corridor. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Merced Canyon shoulderband snail
Helminthoglypta allynsmithi

MG

FC

Found in rockslide habitat with shade and moisture. This species is associated with rocky areas that are resistant to effects reasonably associated with this plan.

Keeled sideband snail
Monadenia circumcarinata

YV, MG, SF

FC

Presence in project area unknown (NPS 1997w). This species is associated with rocky areas that are resistant to effects reasonably associated with this plan.

Yosemite Mariposa sideband snail
Monadenia hillebrandi yosemitensis

YV, MG, SF

FC

Rockslides may be necessary for shelter. This species is associated with rocky areas that are resistant to effects reasonably associated with this plan.

Sierra pygmy grasshopper
Tetrix sierrana

MG

FC

One record for El Portal (1953). Occurs in upland and riparian habitats. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Bohart's blue butterfly
Philotiella speciosa bohartorum

MG, SF

FC

An annual in the buckwheat family, Chorizanthe membrancea, is the suspected host. It is found in association with serpentine soils. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Fish

Longfin smelt
Spirinchus thaleichthys

OC

FC

CSC

Not native to planning corridor. This species does not occur within the planning corridor.

Red hills roach
Lavinia symmetricus

OC

FC

CSC

Not native to planning corridor. This species does not occur within the planning corridor.

Sacramento splittail
Pogonichthys mecrolepidotus

OC

FC

CSC

Not native to planning corridor. This species does not occur within the planning corridor.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Limestone salamander
Hydromantes brunus

MG

FC

CT

Very limited distribution along Merced River and its tributaries between elevations of 800 and 2,500 feet, usually in association with limestone outcrops. This species has limited distribution along the Merced River, and its habitat - limestone outcrops - and is not vulnerable to effects reasonably associated with this plan.

Mount Lyell salamander
Hydromantes platycephalus

UM, YV,

FC

CSC

Occurs in massive rock areas between 4,000 and 11,500 feet in elevation, in rock fissures, seeps, shade, and low-growing plants. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Yosemite toad
Bufo canorus

UM

FCL

CSC

Restricted to areas of wet meadows in central high Sierra Nevada, between 6,400 and 11,300 feet. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Foothill yellow-legged frog
Rana boylei

YV, MG, SF

FC

CSC

Formerly abundant, and found up to 6,000 feet in elevation, this species has virtually disappeared from its range in the Sierra Nevada from unknown causes. Preferred habitat was rocky streams and wet meadows. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Mountain yellow-legged frog
Rana muscosa

UM

FCL

CSC

A species of mountain habitats, occurring at elevations from 6,000 to over 12,000 feet, found in streams, lakes, and ponds in a variety of vegetation types. Recent surveys in Yosemite have found that this species is much-reduced in distribution and numbers, probably due primarily to the introduction of non-native fish into its habitats. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Northwestern pond turtle
Clemmys marmorata marmorata

YV, MG

FC

CSC

Found in the Sierra Nevada up to 6,000 feet in elevation, this species has decreased by up to 80% in numbers, probably due to habitat fragmentation and non-native predators. Habitat is permanent water in a variety of habitat types. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Southwestern pond turtle
Clemmys marmorata pallida

YV, MG

FC

CSC

Found in the Sierra Nevada up to 6,000 feet in elevation, this species has decreased by up to 80% in numbers, probably due to habitat fragmentation and non-native predators. Habitat is permanent water in a variety of habitat types. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Northern sagebrush lizard
Sceloporus graciosus graciosus

UM

FC

Inhabits mountain slopes, forested slopes, and open areas. Occurs in sandy areas near water. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Birds

Harlequin duck
Histrionicus histrionicus

YV, MG, SF

FC

CSC

Breeds along large, swift-moving mountain rivers. Was formerly found in every major watershed in the Sierra, but has disappeared. Formerly nested in Yosemite Valley (NPS 1997w). This species was observed breeding in Yosemite Valley in 2002, and observed within Yosemite Valley without evidence of breeding in 2003 and 2004 (NPS 2004m).

Northern goshawk
Accipiter gentilis

UM, YV, SF

FC

CSC

Favors moderately dense coniferous forests broken by meadows, and other openings, between 5,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation. Typically nests in mature conifer stands near streams. Habitat destruction in its range has caused declines in population. Records exist for Yosemite Valley, primarily between November and February. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

American Peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus anatum

YV, MG

FD

CE

Usually nest on high cliffs near water to search for prey. The species was formally delisted 8/25/99. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Long-billed curlew
Numenius americanus

OC

FC

Breeds in wet meadow habitat in northeastern California. Preferred winter habitats include large coastal estuaries, upland herbaceous areas, and croplands. Suitable habitat for this species does not occur within the planning corridor.

Burrowing owl
Athene cunicularia

OC

FC

CSC

Found in open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts and scrublands characterized by low-growing vegetation; subterranean nester in small mammal burrows. Suitable habitat for this species does not occur within the planning corridor.

Flammulated owl
Otus flammeolus

YV, MG, SF

FC

Various coniferous habitats from ponderosa pine to red fir forests. Breeds in the North Coast and Klamath Ranges, Sierra Nevada, and in suitable habitats in mountains in southern California. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

California spotted owl
Strix occidentalis occidentalis

YV, MG, SF

FC

CSC

Breeds from oak and ponderosa pine forests upslope to lower-elevation red fir forests up to 7,600 feet, with mixed conifer the optimum type. Presence of black oak in the forest canopy also enhances habitat suitability. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Vaux's swift
Chaetura vauxi

YV

FC

CSC

Inhabits redwood and Douglas-fir habitats. Utilizes large hollow trees and snags, especially tall, burned-out stubs for nest sites. This species is mostly transient through the planning corridor. Breeding occurs in Yosemite Valley, usually in forested habitat near meadows (NPS 2004m).

Black swift
Cypseloides niger

YV

FC

CSC

Occurs in mountainous regions of the western United States and Canada. Currently, black swifts occur in three widely separated areas: central Colorado through central Utah; central and southwestern coastal California; and southern Alaska to northern Washington and inland to southwestern Alberta, northern Idaho, and northwestern Montana. This species has been observed within Yosemite Valley, specifically at Vernal Fall in 1990 (NPS 2004m).

Rufous hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus

YV

FC

Found in a wide variety of habitats that provide nectar-producing flowers. Uses valley foothill hardwood, valley foothill hardwood-conifer, riparian, and various chaparral habitats in both northward and southward migration; montane riparian, aspen, and high mountain meadows (to treeline and above) used in southward migration. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Lewis' woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis

OC

FC

Occurs in open oak savannahs, broken deciduous, and coniferous habitats. Breeds locally along eastern slopes of the Coast Ranges, and in the Sierra Nevada, Warner Mountains, Klamath Range, and the Cascade Range. Suitable habitat for this species does not occur in the planning corridor.

White-headed woodpecker
Picoides albolarvatus

YV

FC

Occurs in montane coniferous forests up to lodgepole pine and red fir habitats in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade, Klamath, Transverse, and Peninsular Ranges, and Warner Mountains. Suitable habitat for this species occurs in the planning corridor.

Nuttall's woodpecker
Picoides nuttallii

YV, MG

FLC

Occurs in the Central Valley, Coast Ranges, and in lower portions of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada. Forages mostly in oak and riparian deciduous habitats. This species occurs commonly in El Portal and less commonly in Yosemite Valley (NPS 2004m).

Loggerhead shrike
Lanius ludovicianus

OC

FC

CSC

Nests in shrublands and forages in open grasslands. Suitable habitat for this species does not occur in the planning corridor.

Oak titmouse
Baeolophus inornatus

MG

FLC

Live oaks and deciduous woodlands. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

American dipper
Cinclus mexicanus

YV

FLC

Permanent resident throughout most of western United States, along mountain streams.This species often nests under bridges in Yosemite Valley (NPS 2004m).

California thrasher
Toxostoma redivivum

OC

FC

Occupies moderate to dense chaparral habitats and, less commonly, extensive thickets in young or open valley foothill riparian habitat in foothill and lowland areas. Suitable habitat for this species does not occur within the planning corridor.

Tricolored Blackbird
Agelais tricolor

OC

FC

CSC

Colonial nesting species in emergent wetlands. This species has not been reported from the planning corridor.

Bell's sage sparrow
Amphispiza belli belli

OC

FC

CSC

This species has not been reported from the planning corridor.

Lawrence's goldfinch
Carduelis lawrencei

OC

FC

Breeds in oak or other open woodlands near water. This species has not been reported from the planning corridor.

Mammals

Mount Lyell shrew
Sorex lyelli

UM

FC

CSC

Favors riparian zones and other wet sites (USFS 1980). Known only from the vicinity of Mount Lyell (outside the planning corridor) within the park. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Spotted bat
Euderma maculatum

YV, MG, SF, UM

FC

CSC

Rare throughout range. Uses crevices in rock faces for roosting and reproduction. Forages in a wide variety of habitats, primarily for moths. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Small-footed myotis bat
Myotis ciliolabrum

MG, UM,
YV, SF

FC

Usually found above 6,000 feet and in wooded and brushy habitats near water. Forages among trees and over water. Breeds in colonies in buildings, caves, and mines (NPS 1997w). Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Long-eared myotis bat
Myotis evotis

YV, MG,
UM, SF

FC

Wide range from coast to high Sierra Nevada; montane oak woodlands. Roosts primarily in hollow trees, especially large snags or lightning-scarred live trees. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Fringed myotis bat
Myotis thysanodes

YV, MG, SF, UM

FC

Found to at least 6,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, in deciduous/mixed conifer forests. Feeds over water, in open habitats, and by gleaning from foliage. Roosts in caves, mines, buildings, and trees, especially large conifer snags. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Long-legged myotis bat
Myotis volans

YV, MG, UM, SF

FC

Found up to high elevations in the Sierra Nevada, in montane coniferous forest habitats. Forages over water, close to trees and cliffs, and in openings in forests. Roosts primarily in large-diameter snags. Forms nursery colonies numbering hundreds of individuals, usually under bark or in hollow trees. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Yuma myotis bat
Myotis yumanensis

YV, MG,
SF, UM

FC

CSC

Usually occurs below elevations of 8,000 feet. Forages over open, still, or slow-moving water and above low vegetation in meadows. Roosts in buildings, caves, or crevices. Nursery colonies of several thousand individuals may be in buildings, caves, or mines. Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Greater western mastiff bat
Eumops perotis californicus

YV, MG,
SF, UM

FC

CSC

Found in a variety of habitats to elevations over 8,000 feet. Roosts primarily in crevices in cliff faces, and occasionally trees. Detected most often over meadows and other open areas, but will also feed above forest canopy; sometimes to high altitudes (1,000 feet). Suitable habitat for this species occurs within the planning corridor.

Pygmy rabbit
Brachylagus idahoensis

OC

FC

CSC

This species has not been reported from the planning corridor.

Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare
Lepus americanus tahoensis

OC

FC

CSC