West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

Other major threats are flood control structures which prevent the waterborne flow ofsand towards the occupied habitat, windbreaks that impede the aeolian transport of sand to theoccupied habitat and vehicle use within the occupied habitat.3.3.7.2 San Diego Horned LizardLife History: The San Diego horned lizard is endemic to southern California andnorthern Baja California, Mexico. This lizard prefers areas with loose, fine soils, an abundanceof open areas for basking, and plenty of native ants and other insects. Within the planning area,the San Diego horned lizard is restricted to juniper woodland, Mojave mixed woody scrub andchaparral habitats above 3,000 feet elevation.Population Status in the Planning Area: The San Diego Horned Lizard is found in theAntelope Valley California Poppy State Reserve, east along the base of the San Gabriel and SanBernardino Mountains to Joshua Tree National Park. This lizard is believed to be extirpatedfrom the Mojave River near Oro Grande and from many areas near Palmdale.Regulatory Status: California Species of Special Concern.Threats Affecting the San Diego Horned Lizard: Urban and rural development on thenorth slope of the San Gabriel Mountains is the primary threat to the long-term viability of thedesert populations. Increased predation by cats and dogs are a threat. Collection by collectorsand children has contributed to the decline in numbers of this species, and this threat maycontinue today. Off-road vehicles pose a potential threat, particularly at the Mojave Forks dam.The introduction of Argentine ants and their elimination of the native ant food base may becontributing to the decline.3.3.7.3 Southwestern Pond TurtleLife History: Pond turtles are found within and adjacent to perennial water, especially atlocations containing ponds. The turtles utilize adjacent uplands as well as the wetland habitats.Nest sites may be located several hundred feet from the water’s edge.Population Status in the Planning Area: The Southwestern pond turtle is found withinthe Mojave River in areas of permanent water, such as Mojave Narrows, Camp Cady, and AftonCanyon. It is known historically from Deep Creek at the southern edge of the planning area inthe San Bernardino Mountains. A relatively large population is found west of Palmdale at LakeElizabeth. It also occurs along Amargosa Creek and may occur along its tributaries.Potential habitat is found on public and private land in the Kelso Valley at the northwestboundary of the planning area. Additional potential habitat is located within the JawboneButterbredt ACEC and at Barrel Springs near Palmdale.Regulatory Status: California Species of Special Concern.Chapter 3 3-183