29.03.2013 Views

A Natural Areas Inventory of the - Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory ...

A Natural Areas Inventory of the - Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory ...

A Natural Areas Inventory of the - Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

attlesnake specimen collected near <strong>the</strong> Missouri River along Sherman Avenue between Meade<br />

and Reynolds Avenues (date unknown). Simon and Dorlac (1990) listed <strong>the</strong> species as occurring<br />

on <strong>the</strong> installation. This rattlesnake was not observed by Freeman et al. (1997).<br />

Available Habitat and Surveys. Timber rattlesnakes typically occur in open woodlands with rock<br />

outcrops. Suitable habitat is found in upland forest and woodlands at FLMR, but suitable rock<br />

substrates are limited. Searches were conducted for timber rattlesnakes on forested uplands,<br />

especially where rock outcrops were present (Appendix E). No animals were found on FLMR by<br />

KBS personnel, but a large road-killed male was collected 16 September 2003 on US 73 at <strong>the</strong><br />

west entrance to <strong>the</strong> post. Ano<strong>the</strong>r road-killed specimen was observed in June 2003 on KS 92<br />

near Sunset Memorial Gardens which is 4 km (2.5 mi) southwest <strong>of</strong> FLMR.<br />

Potential for Occurrence on FLMR. Records indicate that <strong>the</strong> timber rattlesnake is present in low<br />

densities. Habitat fragmentation and human activity probably preclude healthy timber rattlesnake<br />

populations. This snake grows slowly, has a low reproductive rate, and suffers from human<br />

persecution. It tends to disappear as development pressure increases.<br />

Recommendations. Stands <strong>of</strong> White oak-Shagbark hickory Forest on FLMR should be<br />

maintained. Habitat fragmentation should be avoided if timber rattlesnake populations are to be<br />

maintained. This species is sensitive to human disturbance.<br />

Whip-poor-will: Caprimulgus vociferus (Wilson)<br />

Past Records. The whip-poor-will is a locally common transient and summer resident in eastern<br />

<strong>Kansas</strong> (Thompson and Ely 1989). Brumwell (1951) reported it was common on <strong>the</strong> installation<br />

during <strong>the</strong> summer. Freeman et al. (1997) observed <strong>the</strong> species in upland forests on <strong>the</strong><br />

installation.<br />

Available Habitat and Surveys. Whip-poor-wills are ground-nesting birds <strong>of</strong> upland forests and<br />

woodlands. Suitable habitat is present on wooded slopes on FLMR. This species was observed<br />

in May 2002 along Sheridan Drive. Systematic surveys for this species were not conducted.<br />

Potential for Occurrence on FLMR. Suitable habitat exists, and <strong>the</strong> species was confirmed on<br />

FLMR during this study. Whip-poor-wills appear to be common breeders on upland slopes in<br />

<strong>the</strong> larger tracts <strong>of</strong> forest.<br />

Recommendations. Stands <strong>of</strong> White oak-Shagbark hickory Forest should be maintained. This<br />

species is vulnerable to high levels <strong>of</strong> predation along forest edges and in proximity to human<br />

development because <strong>of</strong> its ground-nesting habit. Activities promoting forest fragmentation<br />

should be avoided.<br />

Yellow-throated warbler: Dendroica dominica (Linneaus)<br />

Past Records. The yellow-throated warbler is a rare migrant and local breeder in eastern <strong>Kansas</strong><br />

(Thompson and Ely 1992), where it is at <strong>the</strong> extreme northwest edge <strong>of</strong> its breeding range.<br />

NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY OF FT. LEAVENWORTH II 62

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!