Terrestrial Habitat Query

Terrestrial Habitat ReportTerrestrial Habitat ReportTerrestrial Habitat ReportTerrestrial Habitat Report

Habitat Name Arkansas Valley Prairie and Woodland

Description:

This system of prairies and associated woodlands is found in the Arkansas Valley region of Arkansas and adjacent Oklahoma. This region is distinctly bounded by the Boston Mountains to the north and the Ouachita Mountains to the south. The valley is characterized by broad, level to gently rolling uplands derived from shales and is much less rugged and more heavily impacted by Arkansas River erosional processes than the adjacent mountainous regions. In addition, the valley receives annual precipitation total of 2-6 inches less than the surrounding regions due to a rainshadow produced by a combination of prevailing western winds and mountain orographic effects. The shale-derived soils associated with the prairies are thin and droughty.

Boston Mountains Arkansas Valley

Ouachita Mountains South Central Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain

Mississippi Valley Loess PlainsOzark Highlands

Ecoregions where the habitat occurs:

Arkansas Valley Prairie and Woodland

Page 1194

The combined effect of droughty soils, reduced precipitation, and prevailing level topography create conditions highly conducive to the ignition and spread of fires. Stands are typically dominated by Andropogon gerardii, Sorghastrum nutans, Panicum virgatum, and Schizachyrium scoparium. One large example of this system remains, but most are small and isolated. (adapted from NatureServe 2005).

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include:

Smith's Longspur (Calcarius pictus) Weight: MarginalWhip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) Weight: Marginalmayfly (Paraleptophlebia calcarica) Weight: SuitableHenslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) Weight: OptimalStrecker's Chorus Frog (Pseudacris streckeri) Weight: OptimalNorthern Crawfish Frog (Rana areolata circulosa) Weight: OptimalLong-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Weight: Data Gapmicrocaddisfly (Paucicalcaria ozarkensis) Weight: SuitableSoutheastern Shrew (Sorex longirostris) Weight: SuitableUpland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) Weight: MarginalNorthern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Weight: SuitableHurter's Spadefoot (Scaphiopus hurterii) Weight: OptimalBuff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis) Weight: MarginalGreater Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) Weight: ObligateLark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) Weight: SuitableBachman's Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis) Weight: MarginalBlack-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) Weight: SuitableEastern Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis) Weight: SuitableMagazine stripetail (Isoperla szczytkoi) Weight: SuitableOrnate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) Weight: OptimalTexas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) Weight: SuitableWestern Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus attenuatus) Weight: Optimalred milkweed beetle (Tetraopes quinquemaculatus) Weight: OptimalTexas milkweed beetle (Tetraopes texanus) Weight: OptimalChuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) Weight: SuitableSouthern Prairie Skink (Eumeces obtusirostris) Weight: OptimalEasternTowhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) Weight: MarginalDesert Shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi) Weight: SuitableGreat Plains Narrowmouth Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea) Weight: SuitableMeske's Skipper (Hesperia meskei) Weight: SuitableBald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Weight: SuitablePainted Bunting (Passerina ciris) Weight: OptimalLe Conte's Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii) Weight: Optimallace bug (Acalypta lillianus) Weight: OptimalBell's Vireo (Vireo bellii) Weight: OptimalGrasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) Weight: OptimalPrairie Mole Cricket (Gryllotalpa major) Weight: ObligateSedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis) Weight: SuitableBewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) Weight: Suitable


Page 1195

Migrant Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) Weight: OptimalWillow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) Weight: MarginalRed-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) Weight: SuitableAmerican Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Weight: SuitableBarn Owl (Tyto alba) Weight: SuitableYellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Weight: SuitablePrairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor) Weight: MarginalRusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) Weight: SuitableShort-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Weight: SuitableNorthern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) Weight: Optimal

ANHC Mr. Tom Foti, TNC Mr. Doug Zoellner, AGFC Ms. Elizabeth Murray, Audubon Arkansas Mr. Ken Smith, Conservation Southeast Mr. Jeff Holmes, AGFC Mr. Jeff Johnston, AGFC Ms. Jane Anderson, FTN Associates Mr. Don Catenzaro

Habitat Team

Habitat Priority Score 2452


Page 1196

Key Factor Name Composition

Key Factor Description: The diversity, species richness, and relative abundance of vegetative elements in this habitat type.

Key Factor Weight: Low

Indicator Name: Invasive shrubs and woody vines

Indicator Description: The percent of ground cover in non-native woody species

Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5

Current_Status: Data Gap

Indicator Weight: Medium

Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the percent of groundcover in invasive woody species to nine percent or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor the percent of ground cover in non-native woody species.

Indicator Name: Broomsedge imbalance

Indicator Description: The percent of broomsedge coverage among ground vegetation

Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the percent broomsedge coverage among ground vegetation to nine percent or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent of broomsedge coverage among ground vegetation.


Page 1197


Indicator Name: Exotic Forbs and Grasses

Indicator Description: The percent of ground cover in non-native herbaceous species

Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5


Indicator Weight: High

Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the percent of groundcover in non-native herbaceous vegetation to nine percent or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor the percent of ground cover in non-native herbaceous species.


Page 1198

Key Factor Name Fire Regime

Key Factor Description: Fire Return Interval and Seasonality, including landscape-scale fire in surrounding/adjacent habitats to prevent woody encroachment and allow for distribution and dispersal of obligate species

Key Factor Weight: Medium

Indicator Name: Fire Seasonality/Intensity

Indicator Description: The percent of areas burned during either March/April or Aug/Sept, or from leaf-expansion to leaf-fall, depending on project-level goals. In some but not all cases, seasonality is an accurate surrogate for intensity. Since intensity goals will vary from burn to burn it is difficult to "pre-quantify" ideal intensity objectives at a forest-wide scale. It is presumed that restoration, maintenance, fuel-reduction and other prescribed fire goals will be considered at the project level when planning burn intensity.

Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75

Very Good Level: >75



Conservation Action: When burning, burn during either March/April or August/September, or from leaf-expansion to leaf-fall, depending on project-level goals.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent of burned areas burned during either March/April or Aug/Sept, or from leaf-expansion to leaf-fall, depending on project-level goals. In some but not all cases, seasonality is an accurate surrogate for intensity. Since intensity goals will vary from burn to burn it is difficult to "pre-quantify" ideal intensity objectives at a forest-wide scale. It is presumed that restoration, maintenance, fuel-reduction and other prescribed fire goals will be considered at the project level when planning burn intensity.


Page 1199


Indicator Name: Fire Frequency

Indicator Description: Average percent of all known occurrences plus 100 meter buffer burned per 2-4 year interval.

Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75




Conservation Action: Burn at least 51 percent of the spatial extent plus 100 meter buffer of all known occurrences of this habitat type every 2-4 years.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor average percent of all known occurrences plus 100 meter buffer burned per 2-4 year interval.


Page 1200

Key Factor Name Remoteness

Key Factor Description: Mean density of roads (miles per square mile) within this community type at the landscape scale.


Indicator Name: Road Density

Indicator Description: Average number of road miles per square mile across all known occurrences of this target.

Poor Level: >2 miles

Fair Level: 1-2 miles

Good Level: 0.5-1 mile

Very Good Level: <0.5 mile



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the average number of road miles per square mile to one or less across all known occurrences of this target.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor average number of road miles per square mile across all known occurrences of this target.


Page 1201

Key Factor Name Spatial Ecology

Key Factor Description: The relative spatial abundance, proximity, distribution, and arrangement of this habitat type on the landscape.


Indicator Name: Patch Size

Indicator Description: Average patch size across all known occurrences (acres)

Poor Level: <75 acres

Fair Level: 75-149 acres

Good Level: 150-375 acres

Very Good Level: >375 acres



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the average patch size of this habitat type to 150 acres or more across all known occurrences.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor average patch size across all known occurrences (acres).

Indicator Name: Patch Proximity

Indicator Description: Median nearest distance between patches.

Poor Level: >2.5 miles

Fair Level: 1-2.5 miles





Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the median nearest distance between patches of this habitat type to one mile or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor median nearest distance between patches.


Page 1202


Indicator Name: Average Block Size

Indicator Description: Block is defined by the minimum convex polygon bounded by known occurrences of this habitat type in which the median patch size is above the fair level for patch size, and in which each of the patches score fair or better on the patch proximity threshold.

Poor Level: <1,000 acres

Fair Level: 1,000-2,499 acres

Good Level: 2,500-5,000 acres

Very Good Level: >5,000 acres



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore average block size to 2,500 acres or more. (Block is defined by the minimum convex polygon bounded by known occurrences of this habitat type in which the median patch size is above the fair level for patch size, and in which each of the patches score fair or better on the patch proximity threshold.)

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor block size.


Page 1203


Indicator Name: Number of Blocks

Indicator Description: Total number of blocks statewide

Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore number of blocks to three or more. (Block is defined by the minimum convex polygon bounded by known occurrences of this habitat type in which the median patch size is above the fair level for patch size, and in which each of the patches score fair or better on the patch proximity threshold.)

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor total number of blocks statewide.


Page 1204

Habitat Name Caves, Mines & Karst Habitat

Description:

Caves refer to naturally occurring underground cavities, chambers, or series of chambers, especially ones with an opening in the side of a hill or mountain. Mines refer to man-made underground cavities, chambers, or series of chambers, especially ones with an opening in the side of a hill or mountain. (Foti and others 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include:isopod (Caecidotea stiladactyla) Weight: Obligateisopod (Caecidotea steevesi) Weight: Obligateisopod s.d (Caecidotea ancyla) Weight: Obligate





Caves, Mines & Karst Habitat

Page 1205

amphipod (Bactrurus pseudomucronatus) Weight: ObligateOzark Cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae) Weight: Obligatecave obligate harvestman (Crosbyella distincta) Weight: Obligatecave obligate pseudoscorpion (Apochthonius diabolus) Weight: Obligatecave obligate pseudoscorpion (Apochthonius titanicus) Weight: Obligatebat cave isopod (Caecidotea macropropoda) Weight: ObligateHubricht's Long-tailed Amphipod (Allocrangonyx hubrichti) Weight: ObligateGrotto Salamander (Eurycea spelaea) Weight: ObligateSouthern Cavefish (Typhlichthys subterraneus) Weight: Obligatecave obligate harvestman (Crosbyella roeweri) Weight: ObligateFoushee Cavesnail (Amnicola cora) Weight: Obligatecave obligate springtail (Schaefferia alabamensis) Weight: Obligatespringtail (Arrhopalites clarus) Weight: ObligateIndiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) Weight: Optimalcrayfish (Cambarus aculabrum) Weight: ObligateHell Creek Crayfish (Cambarus zophonastes) Weight: ObligateEastern Small-Footed Bat (Myotis leibii) Weight: OptimalBristly Cave Crayfish (Cambarus setosus) Weight: ObligateShelled Cave Springtail (Pseudosinella testa) Weight: Obligatecave obligate planarian (Dendrocoelopsis americana) Weight: Optimalisopod (Caecidotea oculata) Weight: ObligateOzark Cave Amphipod (Stygobromus ozarkensis) Weight: ObligateCaddo Mountain Salamander (Plethodon caddoensis) Weight: Suitablespringtail (Pseudosinella dubia) Weight: Obligateisopod (Lirceus bidentatus) Weight: Obligatecave obligate isopod (Caecidotea simulator) Weight: Obligateisopod (Caecidotea salamensis) Weight: Obligatecave obligate millipede (Trigenotyla parca) Weight: Obligatepseudoscorpion (Pseudozaona occidentalis) Weight: ObligateOzark Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) Weight: Optimalisopod (Lirceus bicuspidatus) Weight: OptimalGray Bat (Myotis grisescens) Weight: Optimalground beetle (Rhadine ozarkensis) Weight: Optimal


Habitat Team



Page 1206

Key Factor Name Cave/Mine Accessibility

Key Factor Description: Percent of caves/mines housing species of greatest conservation need that are closed to disturbance.


Indicator Name: Road Proximity

Indicator Description: Distance to nearest public road from cave entrance.

Poor Level: <.25 mile

Fair Level: .25-.5 mile


Very Good Level: >1 mile



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the distance from the nearest public road to cave entrance to .5 more or more.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor distance to nearest public road from cave entrance.

Indicator Name: Percent gated or fenced caves/mines

Indicator Description: The percent of known caves and mines that have been successfuly gated.

Poor Level: <20

Fair Level: 20-40

Good Level: 40-60




Conservation Action: Build or maintain gates in 40 percent or more of the caves and mines known to have ecologically sensitive biota.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent of known caves and mines that have been successfuly gated.


Page 1207

Key Factor Name Recharge area

Key Factor Description: The surface and sub-surface hydrologic area contributing water and the compounds (nutrients/sediments/pollutants) water carries to the cave system.

Key Factor Weight: High

Indicator Name: Point source pollution

Indicator Description: Number of Point Source Pollution permits per square mile in the recharge area.

Poor Level: 0.465-0.297

Fair Level: 0.296-0.184

Good Level: 0.183-0.036

Very Good Level: <0.036



Conservation Action: Maintain or reduce the number of Point Source Pollution permits to .183 or fewer per square mile in the recharge area.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor number of Point Source Pollution permits per square mile in the recharge area.

Indicator Name: Percent pasture land

Indicator Description: Percent total land cover in the recharge area that is pasture land.

Poor Level: >75

Fair Level: 50-75

Good Level: 25-50

Very Good Level: <25



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the total land cover in the recharge area that is pasture land to 50 percent or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent total land cover in the recharge area that is pasture land.


Page 1208


Indicator Name: Unpaved road density

Indicator Description: Miles of unpaved road per square mile of recharge area.







Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the miles of unpaved road per square mile of recharge area to one or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor miles of unpaved road per square mile of recharge area.

Indicator Name: Percent Urban/impervious

Indicator Description: The percent of total land cover in the recharge area that is urban/impervious.

Poor Level: >25

Fair Level: 15-25

Good Level: 5-15

Very Good Level: <5



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the total land cover in the recharge area that is urban/impervious to 15 percent or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent total land cover in the recharge area that is urban/impervious.


Page 1209


Indicator Name: Percent Forested

Indicator Description: Percent total land cover in the recharge area that is forested.

Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 50-75




Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the total land cover in the recharge area that is forested to 50 percent or more.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent total land cover in the recharge area that is forested.


Page 1210

Habitat Name Central Interior Acidic Cliff and Talus

Description:

This system is found primarily in the Interior Highlands including the Ozark Highlands, Boston Mountains, Arkansas Valley and Ouachita Mountains ecoregions. Sandstone and shale outcrops and talus ranging from moist to dry typify this system. It is typically sparsely vegetated, however, on moister sites with more soil development several fern species and sedges (Carex spp.) can establish. Wind and water erosion are the major dynamics influencing this system.EMBEDDED: These systems are usually small, isolated, and/or disjunct and are often "embedded" in a larger habitat matrix. These systems rely heavily on surrounding and/or adjacent habitats for landscape scale functions and processes such as fire. (adapted from NatureServe 2005).

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species)





Central Interior Acidic Cliff and Talus

Page 1211

include:

Diana (Speyeria diana) Weight: SuitableEastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) Weight: SuitableRich Mountain Slitmouth (Stenotrema pilsbryi) Weight: ObligateWestern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) Weight: OptimalEastern Small-Footed Bat (Myotis leibii) Weight: OptimalCollared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) Weight: Obligate


Habitat Team



Page 1212






Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5







Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5






Page 1213


Key Factor Description: Fire Return Interval and Seasonality, including landscape-scale fire in surrounding/adjacent habitats to prevent woody encroachment and allow for distribution and dispersal of obligate species.




Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1214




Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1215















Page 1216















Page 1217





Fair Level: 1,000-5,000


















Page 1218




Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3






Page 1219

Habitat Name Central Interior Calcareous Cliff and Talus

Description:

Limestone and dolomite outcrops and talus distinguish this system. Examples range from moist to dry and from sparsely to moderately well-vegetated. Woodland species, such as Quercus muehlenbergii, can establish along the ridgetops. Understory species can range from grassland species such as Andropogon gerardii on drier slopes to more mesic species in areas with higher moisture and more soil development. Wind and water erosion along with fire are the primary natural dynamics influencing this system.EMBEDDED: These systems are usually small, isolated, and/or disjunct and are often "embedded" in a larger habitat matrix. These systems rely heavily on surrounding and/or adjacent habitats for landscape scale functions and processes such as fire. (adapted from NatureServe 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species)





Central Interior Calcareous Cliff and Talus

Page 1220

include:Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) Weight: ObligateIndiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) Weight: MarginalDesert Shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi) Weight: SuitableOzark Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) Weight: Suitable


Habitat Team



Page 1221






Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5







Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5






Page 1222






Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1223




Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1224















Page 1225






Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3
















Page 1226























Page 1227

Habitat Name Central Interior Highlands and Appalachian Sinkhole and Depression Pond

Description:

Stands occur in basins of sinkholes or other isolated depressions on uplands. Soils are very poorly drained, and surface water may be present for extended periods of time, rarely becoming dry. Water depth may vary greatly on a seasonal basis, and may be a meter deep or more in the winter. Some examples become dry in the summer. Soils may be deep (100 cm or more), consisting of peat or muck, with parent material of peat, muck or alluvium. Ponds vary from open water to herb-, shrub-, or tree-dominated systems. Tree-dominated examples typically contain Quercus species or Nyssa species, or a combination of these. In addition, Liquidambar styraciflua may be present in southern examples. Cephalanthus occidentalis is a typical shrub component.





Central Interior Highlands and Appalachian Sinkhole and Depression Pond

Page 1228

Comments: Many of these ponds have their geologic origin as a more-or-less complete karst collapse feature. Some of them may display this geologic origin in a more explicit manner, with definite walls and exposed limestone or dolomite at the surface ("sinkholes"). Others are more subtle, and exist as more gentle depressions, with no exposed surface geology ("depression ponds").Vegetation: Ponds vary from open water to herb, shrub, or tree-dominated systems. Tree-dominated examples typically contain Quercus species or Nyssa species, or a combination of these. In addition, Liquidambar styraciflua may be present in southern examples. Cephalanthus occidentalis is a typical shrub component.Dynamics: Water depth may vary greatly on a seasonal basis, and may be a meter deep or more in the winter. Some examples become dry in the summer. (Adapted from NatureServe 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include:Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma annulatum) Weight: OptimalSoutheastern Shrew (Sorex longirostris) Weight: MarginalWood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Weight: OptimalFour-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) Weight: Obligate


Habitat Team



Page 1229






Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5







Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5






Page 1230






Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1231



Indicator Description: Average percent of all known occurrences plus appropriate buffer burned per 3-7 year interval.

Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75




Conservation Action: Burn at least 51 percent of the spatial extent plus appropriate buffer of all known occurrences of this habitat type every 3-7 years.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor average percent of all known occurrences plus appropriate buffer burned per 3-7 year interval.


Page 1232















Page 1233






Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3






Page 1234






Good Level: 601-1,000 acres







Indicator Description: Width of buffer (meters)

Poor Level: <100 meters of buffer

Fair Level: 100-250 meters of buffer

Good Level: 251-400 meters of buffer

Very Good Level: >400 meters of buffer



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, buffer known occurrences of the habitat type with a minimum of 251 meters of adjacent but dissimilar habitat

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor width of buffer (meters).


Page 1235




Poor Level: >1200 meters

Fair Level: 801-1200 meters

Good Level: 500-800 meters

Very Good Level: <500 meters



Conservation Action: Maintain, or where necessary, restore the average distance between patches to 800 meters or less.



Page 1236

Habitat Name Central Interior Highlands Calcareous Glade and Barrens

Description:

This system is found along moderate to steep slopes and steep valleys on primarily southerly to westerly facing slopes. Limestone, dolomite or shale bedrock typify this system with shallow, moderately to well-drained soils interspersed with rocks. These soils often dry out during the summer and autumn, and then become saturated during the winter and spring. Schizachyrium scoparium dominates this system and is commonly associated with Andropogon gerardii, Bouteloua curtipendula, and calcium-loving plant species. Stunted woodlands primarily dominated by Quercus muehlenbergii interspersed with Juniperus virginiana occur on variable-depth-to-bedrock soils. Fire is the primary natural dynamic, and prescribed fires help manage this system by restricting woody growth and maintaining the more open glade structure.





Central Interior Highlands Calcareous Glade and Barrens

Page 1237

EMBEDDED: These systems are usually small, isolated, and/or disjunct and are often "embedded" in a larger habitat matrix. These systems rely heavily on surrounding and/or adjacent habitats for landscape scale functions and processes such as fire. (adapted from Natureserve 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include:Scrubland Tiger Beetle (Cicindela obsoleta) Weight: OptimalLong-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Weight: Data GapPainted Bunting (Passerina ciris) Weight: MarginalBlue-winged Warbler (Vermivora pinus) Weight: MarginalWhip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) Weight: SuitableGround Snake (Sonora semiannulata) Weight: ObligateTexas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) Weight: SuitableChuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) Weight: SuitableCollared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) Weight: ObligateWestern Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus attenuatus) Weight: Suitable


Habitat Team



Page 1238






Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5







Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5






Page 1239






Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1240




Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1241















Page 1242







Fair Level: 500-1,000 acres








Page 1243














Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3






Page 1244













Page 1245

Habitat Name Central Interior Highlands Dry Acidic Glade and Barrens

Description:

This system occurs along moderate to steep slopes or valley walls of rivers along most aspects. Parent material includes chert, shale and/or sandstone bedrock with well- to excessively well-drained, shallow soils interspersed with rock and boulders. These soils are typically dry during the summer and autumn, becoming saturated during the spring and winter. Grasses such as Schizachyrium scoparium and Sorghastrum nutans dominate this system with stunted oak species Quercus stellata, Quercus marilandica and shrub species such as Vaccinium spp. Occurring on variable depth soils. This system is influenced by drought and infrequent to occasional fires. Prescribed fires help manage this system by maintaining an open glade structure.





Central Interior Highlands Dry Acidic Glade and Barrens

Page 1246

EMBEDDED: These systems are usually small, isolated, and/or disjunct and are often "embedded" in a larger habitat matrix. These systems rely heavily on surrounding and/or adjacent habitats for landscape scale functions and processes such as fire. (adapted from NatureServe 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include: Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Weight: Data GapTexas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) Weight: SuitableChuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) Weight: SuitableGreat Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus) Weight: OptimalRufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps) Weight: SuitablePainted Bunting (Passerina ciris) Weight: MarginalDesert Shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi) Weight: SuitableWestern Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus attenuatus) Weight: SuitableNorthern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) Weight: SuitableCollared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) Weight: ObligateDiana (Speyeria diana) Weight: SuitableBlue-winged Warbler (Vermivora pinus) Weight: MarginalWestern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) Weight: OptimalWhip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) Weight: Suitable


Habitat Team



Page 1247






Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5







Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5






Page 1248



Key Factor Weight: High



Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1249




Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1250















Page 1251


Key Factor Description: The relative spatial abundance, proximity, distribution, and arrangement of this habitat type on the landscape.The relative spatial abundance, proximity, distribution, and arrangement of this habitat type on the landscape.













Page 1252










Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore average block size to 501 acres or more. (Block is defined by the minimum convex polygon bounded by known occurrences of this habitat type in which the median patch size is above the fair level for patch size, and in which each of the patches score fair or better on the patch proximity threshold.)



Page 1253




Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3
















Page 1254

Habitat Name Crop Land

Description:

This type includes cultivated fields or aquaculture ponds, often many acres in size, managed specifically for a single crop. Occasional edges around the perimeter provide some habitat diversity. (Foti and others 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include:Greater Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) Weight: MarginalBlack-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) Weight: MarginalShort-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Weight: SuitableAmerican Black Bear (Ursus americanus americanus) Weight: MarginalLong-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Weight: Data Gap





Crop Land

Page 1255

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Weight: SuitableNorthern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Weight: SuitableNorthern Crawfish Frog (Rana areolata circulosa) Weight: MarginalNorthern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) Weight: MarginalKing Rail (Rallus elegans) Weight: MarginalUpland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) Weight: MarginalHudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) Weight: MarginalStrecker's Chorus Frog (Pseudacris streckeri) Weight: MarginalAmerican Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Weight: MarginalBuff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis) Weight: MarginalAmerican Badger (Taxidea taxus) Weight: SuitableEastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) Weight: MarginalSmith's Longspur (Calcarius pictus) Weight: MarginalHurter's Spadefoot (Scaphiopus hurterii) Weight: MarginalAmerican Black Duck (Anas rubripes) Weight: SuitableIllinois Chorus Frog (Pseudacris illinoensis) Weight: MarginalOzark Pocket Gopher (Geomys bursarius ozarkensis) Weight: MarginalEastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) Weight: MarginalGrasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) Weight: MarginalNorthern Pintail (Anas acuta) Weight: SuitableLark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) Weight: MarginalRusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) Weight: MarginalEastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) Weight: MarginalMigrant Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) Weight: SuitableWestern Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) Weight: Marginal


Habitat Team


Crop Land

Page 1256






Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75






Crop Land

Page 1257














Crop Land

Page 1258

Habitat Name Cultivated Forest

Description:

This type includes plantations primarily composed of pine with regularly spaced trees planted for commercial production and subject to periodic silvicultural maintenance. This habitat type is extensive in Arkansas and is used by many species of conservation concern. Key factors and Indicators have often been derived in relationship to species of concern that use this habitat. In some cases, this habitat replaces native terrestrial habitats and may be of conservation concern from that standpoint.(Foti and others 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include:Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina) Weight: MarginalNorthern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) Weight: Marginal





Cultivated Forest

Page 1259

EasternTowhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) Weight: SuitableYellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Weight: MarginalAmerican Black Bear (Ursus americanus americanus) Weight: MarginalSwainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) Weight: MarginalBachman's Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis) Weight: MarginalKentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus) Weight: MarginalLark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) Weight: SuitableWood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) Weight: MarginalLong-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Weight: Data Gap


Habitat Team


Cultivated Forest

Page 1260






Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5







Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5





Cultivated Forest

Page 1261


Indicator Name: Bedding or Hipping

Indicator Description: The percent area where raised beds are created for tree planting

Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-19

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5

Current_Status:


Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary restore, the percentage of bedded or hipped areas to nine percent or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent of area where raised beds are created for tree planting.

Cultivated Forest

Page 1262





Indicator Description: Average percent of all known occurrences burned per 3-5 year interval.

Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75




Conservation Action: Burn at least 51 percent of the spatial extent of all known occurrences of this habitat type every 3-5 years.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor average percent of all known occurrences burned per 3-5 year interval.

Cultivated Forest

Page 1263




Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75






Cultivated Forest

Page 1264














Cultivated Forest

Page 1265


Key Factor Description: The relative spatial abundance, proximity, distribution and arrangement of this habitat type on the landscape.












Cultivated Forest

Page 1266














Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3





Cultivated Forest

Page 1267






Good Level: 1-2 miles

Very Good Level: <1 mile



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the median nearest distance between patches of this habitat type to two miles or less.


Cultivated Forest

Page 1268

Habitat Name Lower Mississippi Alluvial Plain Grand Prairie

Description:

This system of prairies and woodlands occurs on the oldest substantial land surfaces in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley and the highest land surface in the river-deposited portions of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain ecoregion. It occupies a very flat region up to 20 miles wide and 60 miles long bounded by present day rivers, especially the Arkansas and White, which are much lower in elevation than the Grand Prairie terrace. This terrace is covered with thin soils underlain by deep layers of impervious clay. The surface soils have been considered to be loess by some sources but are more likely silts and silty clays (T. Foti pers. comm.). Although productive, these soils are droughty due to the impervious clay subsoils. The combination of droughty soils, very flat topography, and the lack of major stream corridors in the region create conditions suitable to the ignition and spread of fires. Almost annual fires would have been necessary to maintain these prairies, and anthropogenic influences have been critical for probably 5,000 years. The vegetation includes





Lower Mississippi Alluvial Plain Grand Prairie

Page 1269

both wet and dry prairies as well as "slashes" dominated by Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Crataegus spp. (adapted from NatureServe 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include:Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) Weight: MarginalSnowy Egret (Egretta thula) Weight: SuitableAmerican Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) Weight: MarginalYellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Weight: MarginalSedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis) Weight: Optimalred milkweed beetle (Tetraopes quinquemaculatus) Weight: OptimalBell's Vireo (Vireo bellii) Weight: SuitableWillow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) Weight: OptimalWestern Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus attenuatus) Weight: OptimalBarn Owl (Tyto alba) Weight: OptimalLong-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Weight: Data GapShort-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Weight: OptimalPrairie Mole Cricket (Gryllotalpa major) Weight: ObligateWestern Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) Weight: SuitableBuff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis) Weight: MarginalMigrant Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) Weight: OptimalPainted Bunting (Passerina ciris) Weight: SuitableNorthern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Weight: OptimalGreater Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) Weight: ObligateKing Rail (Rallus elegans) Weight: OptimalGrasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) Weight: SuitableNorthern Crawfish Frog (Rana areolata circulosa) Weight: OptimalUpland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) Weight: MarginalNorthern Pintail (Anas acuta) Weight: OptimalAmerican Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Weight: SuitableChuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) Weight: SuitableMississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) Weight: SuitableAmerican Black Duck (Anas rubripes) Weight: SuitableHenslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) Weight: SuitableYellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) Weight: SuitableLe Conte's Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii) Weight: Optimalcrayfish (Procambarus ferrugineus) Weight: ObligateBlack-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) Weight: SuitableNorthern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) Weight: OptimalSmith's Longspur (Calcarius pictus) Weight: MarginalLittle Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) Weight: SuitableOrnate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) Weight: OptimalGraham's Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii) Weight: Suitable


Habitat Team



Page 1270






Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5







Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5






Page 1271


Indicator Name: Broomsedge imbalance

Indicator Description: The percent broomsedge coverage among ground vegetation

Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the percent broomsedge coverage among ground vegetation to nine percent or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent of broomsedge coverage among ground vegetation.


Page 1272






Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1273




Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1274















Page 1275















Page 1276














Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3






Page 1277













Page 1278

Habitat Name Lower Mississippi Flatwoods Woodland and Forest

Description:

This system is composed of forests, prairies and woodlands on Pleistocene terraces in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain ecoregion. It occurs primarily west of Crowley’s Ridge on Pleistocene glacial outwash deposits in Arkansas and Missouri, and on Macon Ridge in Louisiana and Arkansas. The sites are above modern floodplains, but have poor internal drainage and are flat with poor runoff, leading to very wet conditions in winter and spring. They also often have a claypan that restricts both internal drainage and, later in the year, water availability. Therefore they are very wet in the winter/spring and very dry in the summer, a moisture regime termed hydroxeric. Because of this moisture regime, the communities are variable, ranging from willow oak flats to post oak flats to prairies. In the 1940s, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission produced a wildlife habitat map of Arkansas in which these sites were classified as "terrace hardwood forests". These communities have a large variety of upland and lowland tree species, ranging from post oak to overcup oak in





Lower Mississippi Flatwoods Woodland and Forest

Page 1279

a small area. Such species diversity may be explained by regeneration of species with dramatically different moisture tolerances on the same site in dry and wet years on these hydroxeric sites. Because the sites are above current floodplains and susceptible to being drained, they have been cleared at an even greater rate than nearby floodplain forests. (adapted from NatureServe 2005)

Species associated with this habitat type (and the weight or importance of the habitat to each species) include:Southern Bog Lemming (Synaptomys cooperi) Weight: MarginalRusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) Weight: SuitableYellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) Weight: MarginalSwainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) Weight: MarginalKentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus) Weight: MarginalHooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina) Weight: MarginalCerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) Weight: SuitableSoutheastern Bat (Myotis austroriparius) Weight: MarginalPrairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor) Weight: SuitableWood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) Weight: MarginalLong-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) Weight: Data GapLittle Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) Weight: MarginalRed-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) Weight: SuitableProthonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) Weight: MarginalChimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) Weight: SuitableSnowy Egret (Egretta thula) Weight: MarginalAmerican Black Duck (Anas rubripes) Weight: SuitableNorthern Pintail (Anas acuta) Weight: SuitableSwallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus forficatus) Weight: SuitableNorthern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) Weight: MarginalIvory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) Weight: MarginalMississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) Weight: OptimalAmerican Woodcock (Scolopax minor) Weight: SuitableWestern Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) Weight: SuitableAmerican Black Bear (Ursus americanus americanus) Weight: OptimalYellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Weight: OptimalBlack-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) Weight: Marginal


Habitat Team



Page 1280






Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5





Indicator Name: Loblolly pine presence

Indicator Description: The percent of loblolly crown cover among dominant canopy trees

Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20%

Good Level: 5-9%

Very Good Level: <5



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the total percentage of loblolly crown cover among dominant canopy trees to nine percent or less.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor percent of loblolly crown cover among dominant canopy trees.


Page 1281




Poor Level: >20

Fair Level: 10-20

Good Level: 5-9

Very Good Level: <5






Page 1282






Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75







Page 1283



Indicator Description: Average percent of all known occurrences burned per 3-7 year interval.

Poor Level: <25

Fair Level: 25-50

Good Level: 51-75




Conservation Action: Burn at least 51 percent of the spatial extent of all known occurrences of this habitat type every 3-7 years.

Monitoring Strategy: Monitor average percent of all known occurrences burned per 3-7 year interval.


Page 1284















Page 1285






Poor Level: 0-1

Fair Level: 2

Good Level: 3

Very Good Level: >3






Page 1286






Good Level: 5,001-10000 acres

















Page 1287






Good Level: 1-2 miles

Very Good Level: <1 mile



Conservation Action: Maintain or, where necessary, restore the median nearest distance between patches of this habitat type to two miles or less.



Page 1288

Terrestrial Habitat Query

Documents