Wildlife Inventory and Habitat Wildlife Inventory and Habitat Evaluation of Duck Valley Indian Evaluation of Duck Valley Indian Reservation Reservation

Project #32008

Shoshone-Paiute Tribes

Project JustificationProject Justification

Reservation represents a data gap for fish and wildlife in Owyhee and Bruneau Subbasins (Saul et al. 2000)

Several species of concern are present on the reservation but no surveys have been conducted to determine status and trend

Important wetland complex (~120,000 acres) designated “Priority Conservation Site” by The Nature Conservancy

Regional data sets on wildlife species incomplete:– Sage grouse– Spotted frog

Project GoalsProject Goals

Gather information on wildlife species composition, distribution and relative abundance on Duck Valley Indian Reservation

Assess condition of existing habitats

Utilize information in Reservation and subbasin planning efforts

PlanPlan

Develop wildlife monitoring and habitat evaluation program

Conduct two years of wildlife monitoring Vegetation mapping in FY2003 to determine

FY2004 survey sites Habitat evaluation (HEP) in FY2004 Compile, analyze and share data with fish

and wildlife management agencies in region and ICDC, NNHP

MonitoringMonitoring

Species that may warrant special conservation effort including intensive monitoring:

– Ecological indicators– Keystone species– Umbrella species– Flagships– Vulnerable species

Species of ConcernSpecies of Concern

More intensive investigations will be conducted for species of concern:– Spotted Frog – USFWS candidate species– Sage Grouse – Species of concern– Bats – – Pygmy Rabbit – Endangered in Washington. – White-faced Ibis - – Waterfowl

Spotted Frog Occurrences – Spotted Frog Occurrences – Nevada and IdahoNevada and Idaho

Collaboration with USFWSCollaboration with USFWS

Tribes will work with USFWS in 2002 to survey 1-3 sites on reservation

Determine survey sites for 2003

Review 2003 survey data with USFWS, IDFG, NDOW

Modify plan as warranted

Presence/Absence Surveys (2003)Presence/Absence Surveys (2003)

Monitoring Protocol

Engle, J. 2001. Columbia Spotted Frog Great Basin Population (Owyhee Subpopulation) Long-term Monitoring Plan, Owyhee and Twin Falls Counties, Idaho. USFWS, Boise, ID.

Suitable habitat searches; capture frogs using dip nets

Record data, to include: gender, mass, SVL, GPS coordinates, habitat/land use ratings (Platts 1987) and water chemistry (temp, DO, Conductivity, pH)

Photos of site

Follow disease protocol (DATF)

Sage Grouse Leks – Sage Grouse Leks – Current and HistoricCurrent and Historic

Lek Surveys (2003-4)Lek Surveys (2003-4)

Aerial surveys conducted in March and April– GPS location of lek– Count males– Record

2004 monitoring may include radio-tagging birds (possibly in conjunction with IDFG project)

Cooperation with other entities:Cooperation with other entities:

Northeastern Nevada Stewardship Group– Governor’s Sage Grouse Plan

Owyhee County Sage Grouse Working Group Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Sage Grouse Working

Group Jarbidge Resource Area Working Group IDFG, NDOW, BLM

Relevance to other efforts in Relevance to other efforts in subbasinsubbasin DVIR habitat enhancement program:

– Will assist in identifying habitats/areas in need of restoration/enhancement/protection

– Proper functioning condition (PFC) to be performed which will complement this monitoring activity

Assess resident fish in Owyhee/Bruneau Subbasins: – Instream and riparian habitat monitoring is being

conducted which will complement this research effort and afford opportunities to coordinate survey work

20 03

Task O N D J F M A M J J A SDevelop wildlife monitoring planPurchase field equipmentPrepare for data collectionDVIR Habitat AnalysisConduct wildlife monitoring Lek surveys Pygmy rabbits Spotted Frogs Small mammals Waterfowl Amphibian/reptiles White-faced Ibis Raptors Big game BatsCompile data, evaluate/report results

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2003 Timeline2003 Timeline