Native Fauna

Arboreal Salamander
Aneides lugubris

Aneides lugubris is 2½-4 inches from snout to vent, with plain purplish-brown coloring, usually spotted dorsally with gold or yellow, although it may also be unspotted. The tail is prehensile. The juvenile is dark overall, clouded with greyish color and fine yellow speckling on the back. It has rusty markings on the snout, tail, and on sides above the forelimbs. The male of this species can be distinguished by its broad triangular head, with the front teeth of the jaw extending beyond the bottom lip. A large adult can inflict a painful bite.

This species is an excellent climber and difficult to capture. It is nocturnal, spending daylight hours and dry periods in the cavities of oak trees, often with many other individuals of its species.

Arroyo Toad
Anaxyrus californicus

The Arroyo toad, Anaxyrus californicus, is a stocky, blunt-nosed, warty-skinned species of toad, between 5 and 7.5 cm long. It has horizontal pupils, and is greenish, grey or salmon on the dorsum with a light-colored stripe across the head and eyelids. It has light sacral and mid-dorsal patches, large, oval and widely-separated parotoid glands, and weak or absent cranial crests.

The juvenile of this species are ashy-white, olive or salmon on the dorsal side, with or without black spotting. It has red-tipped tubercles on its back. The Anaxyrus californicus prefers sandy or cobbly shores with swift currents for escape and food collection, and is associated with upland and riparian habitats. In Southern and Baja California, it is active from March through September, but will be inactive during periods of cold or windy conditions.

The Arroyo toad is evaluated as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Belding’s Orange-throated Whiptail
Aspidoscelis hyperythrus beldingi

The orange-throated whiptail is a federal Species of Concern, a California Species of Special Concern, and is a CDFG protected species. This species inhabits open areas of coastal sage scrub with gravelly soils often with rocks, below 2,800 feet in elevation in San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. The orange-throated whiptail prefers well-drained friable soil of slopes that have a southern exposure and are barren or only sparsely covered with vegetation. The open space area provides suitable habitat for this species and its potential for occurrence is considered high.

Blackbelly Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps nigriventris

The Black-bellied slender salamander is about 3.1 to 4.3 cm long. It has a worm-like body, a small head and small limbs, and a long cylindrical tail, often twice the length of its body. The Black-bellied slender salamander can have a black, tan, reddish, brown or beige dorsum often with a contrasting broad mid-dorsal stripe of similar colors. It has a purplish or black venter with fine light speckling over the entire surface. This species will coil its body and tail when handled; it is fragile and easily injured.

Coastal Cactus Wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus cousei

The Cactus Wren lives in the arid and semi-arid deserts of southwestern United States and the chaparral of southern California and northern Mexico. The Cactus Wren is usually found below 4,000 feet in the California chaparral, which has hot and dry summers and humid and cold winters. At 7-9 inches (18-22 cm) long, the Cactus Wren is the largest wren in the United States. Both sexes are brown with a white stripe running over each eye. Their throats are white, and their beaks are dark, long and slightly curved. White and black streaks cover their backs. Their belly and sides are white to buff with dense spotting on the breast. The short, rounded wings have black and white banding. Legs and feet are tan colored.

Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Polioptila californica californica

The coastal California gnatcatcher is listed as federally Threatened and a California Species of Special Concern. This species occurs in most of Baja California’s arid regions, but is extremely localized in the United States, where it predominantly occurs only in coastal regions of the highly urbanized southern California counties of Los Angeles. Orange, Riverside, and San Diego. In California, this species is an obligate resident of several distinct sub-associations of the coastal sage scrub vegetation type. Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds and loss of habitat to urban development have been cited as causes of the coastal California gnatcatcher population decline. The California population was estimated to be in a large part of the designated open space area.

Coastal Rosy Boa
Charina trivirgata roseofusca

In coastal areas, the rosy boa occurs in rocky chaparral-covered hillsides and canyons, while in the desert it occurs on scrub flats with good cover. A majority of the specimens found on Camp Pendleton (San Diego County, California), were in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, or mixed habitats; however, it was also found in riparian areas.

It is a heavy-bodied snake with smooth shiny scales and a blunt, but tapered tail. The head is only a little wider than the neck. Pupils are vertical.

There are three defined irregular dark stripes, brown, reddish-brown, orange or rust in color, running lengthwise on the back and sides with a gray, olive-gray, bluish-gray or brownish ground color in-between. A “uni-color” phase without dark stripes is found in southern San Diego County and Baja California, where most or all of the dark markings are blended into the body color which can be orange, yellowish, or nearly purple in color.

 

Coastal Western Whiptail
Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri

The coastal western whiptail is a federal Species of Concern. It is a moderately large, slender lizard typically found in semi-arid areas where vegetation is sparse. The coastal western whiptail inhabits open scrub, chaparral, and woodland habitats. This subspecies is restricted to the western coast of North America from Ventura county, California, south through the northern two-thirds of the Baja California peninsula. The open space area provides suitable habitat for this species and its potential for occurrence is considered high.

Coronado Skink
Eumeces skiltonianus interpanietalis

The Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus) is a small, smooth-scaled lizard with relatively small limbs, measuring about 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) from snout to vent. They spend most of their day basking in the sun to maintain body temperatures. Their diet ranges widely, including spiders and beetles. Western Skinks will bite if grasped and will flee if they feel threatened. It is widespread in northern Californiam, but restricted to the coast in central and southern California. Found in a variety of habitats, this lizard is most common in early succession stages or open areas of late succession stages. Heavy brush and densely forested areas are generally avoided. Western skinks are found from sea level to at least 2,130 m (7,000 ft). This diurnal reptile is active during the warm seasons.

Coyote
Canis latrans

The coyote, also known as the American jackal or the prairie wolf, is a species of canine found throughout North and Central America, ranging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico, the United States and Canada. It occurs as far north as Alaska and all but the northernmost portions of Canada. There are currently 19 recognized subspecies, with 16 in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and three in Central America. Unlike its cousin the gray wolf, which is Eurasian in origin, evolutionary theory suggests the coyote evolved in North America during the Pleistocene epoch 1.81 million years ago alongside the Dire Wolf. Unlike the wolf, the coyote’s range has expanded in the wake of human civilization, and coyotes readily reproduce in metropolitan areas.

 

The color of the pelt varies from grayish brown to yellowish gray on the upper parts, while the throat and belly tend to have a buff or white color. The forelegs, sides of the head, muzzle and paws are reddish brown. The back has tawny-colored underfur and long, black-tipped guard hairs that form a black dorsal stripe and a dark cross on the shoulder area. The black-tipped tail has a scent gland located on its dorsal base. Coyotes shed once a year, beginning in May with light hair loss, ending in July after heavy shedding. The ears are proportionately large in relation to the head, while the feet are relatively small in relation to the rest of the body. Mountain dwelling coyotes tend to be dark furred while desert coyotes tend to be more light brown in color.

 

Coyotes typically grow to up to 30–34 in (76–86 cm) in length, not counting a tail of 12–16 in (30–41 cm), stand about 23–26 in (58–66 cm) at the shoulder and, on average, weigh from 15–46 lb (6.8–21 kg). Northern coyotes are typically larger than southern subspecies, with the largest coyotes on record weighing 74¾ pounds (33.7 kg) and measuring over five feet in total length.

Golden Eagle
Aquila chryseatos

The Golden Eagle is a California Fully Protected species, a California Species of Special Concern, and is also protected by the federal Bald Eagle Act. The Golden Eagle is an uncommon resident throughout most of southern California (Garrett and Dunn 1981). This large raptor can forage over most habitats, but avoids heavily forested mountain habitats and is generally absent from the urban areas. It typically nests in the more remote, rugged, mountainous areas. As a result, the potential for occurrence is considered low.

Gray Fox
Urocyon cinereoargentus

The gray fox is mainly distinguished from most other canids by its grizzled upper parts, strong neck and black-tipped tail, while the skull can be easily distinguished from all other North American canids by its widely separated temporal ridges that form a U-shape. The gray fox ranges from 31.5 to 41.3 inches in length. Its tail measures 10.8 to 17.5 inches, and its hind feet measure 4.9 to 5.9 inches. It weighs 15 to 38 lbs. It is readily differentiated from the red fox by the lack of “black stockings” that stand out on the latter.

 

The gray fox’s ability to climb trees is shared only with the Asian raccoon dog among canids. Its strong, hooked claws allow it to scramble up trees to escape many predators such as the domestic dog or the coyote, or to reach tree-bound or arboreal food sources. It descends primarily by jumping from branch to branch, or by descending slowly backwards as a housecat would do. The gray fox is nocturnal and dens in hollow trees, stumps or appropriated burrows during the day.

Least Bell’s Vireo
Vireo bellii pusillus

The least Bell’s vireo is a federal and state Endangered species. Now a rare and local summer resident of southern California’s lowland riparian woodlands, the least Bell’s vireo was formerly more common and widespread. In 1980, the state designated the least Bell’s vireo as an Endangered species; the federal government did the same in 1986. Surveys in 1987 indicated that there were only about 440 territorial males and 283 known breeding pairs in the United States. Since being federally listed in 1986, the Least Bell’s Vireo population has begun to recover; however, the potential for occurrence in the Open Space is considered low.

Northern Harrier
Circus cyaneus

The northern harrier is a California Species of Special Concern. It is a regular winter migrant and also occasionally breeds in Orange County. It can be expected at any month of the year and can be seen foraging in grassland, scrub, and riparian habitats. While once a relatively common species during fall, winter, and spring in undeveloped areas of Orange County, the northern harrier population is now greatly reduced and localized in distribution. The project site provides suitable foraging habitat and nesting habitat for this species. As a result, the potential for occurrence of the northern harrier is considered high.

Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake
Crotalus ruber ruber

The northern red-diamond rattlesnake is a federal Species of Concern and a California Species of Special Concern. It inhabits coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grassland habitats that provide cover in the form of rocky outcrops or dense vegetation. The species ranges from southern San Bernardino County, south into Baja California, and from sea level to about 5,000 feet above. The Open Space provides suitable habitat for this species, and its potential for occurrence is considered high.

Pacific Pocket Mouse
Perognathus longimembris pacificus

The Pacific Pocket Mouse is a Federally Endangered animal in California. It lives in sandy coastal soils. It eats seeds and some insects. It was believed to be extinct until 1993, when a small population was discovered.

 

The Pacific pocket mice all have different characteristics ranging from the male, female and the baby mice. Since the pocket mice are members on the Heteromyidae, which consists of animals surviving on seeds and grain, they have fur-lined cheek pouches externally. The coats of the pocket mice are spineless, bristle free, and silky to the touch. The color of the mouse tends to be the same as the soil of their environment. The dorsal side of the pocket mouse is usually brown and pinkish while the ventral is usually white. On the pocket mouse, there are typically two patches of hairs that are lighter at the base of the ear. The tail can either be distinctly or indistinctly bi-colored. The soles of the hind feet are hairy.

 

Pacific pocket mice are in the midst of the smallest subspecies of pocket mice, they range from 4.25 inches (108 mm) to 5.2 inches (130 mm) in length from the nose to the tip of the tail. The tail of the pocket mouse is 2.125 inches (54.0 mm). The height of the pocket mouse is .625 inches. The pocket mice weigh usually from 0.25 oz. to 0.33 oz.

Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus

The Peregrine Falcon is a State and federally-listed Endangered species that, due to recent population gains has been recently proposed for de-listing by the USFWS. No such de-listing has been proposed by the State. Peregrine Falcons prey almost exclusively on birds and use a variety of habitats, particularly wetlands and coastal areas. This falcon is a rare summer resident in southern California, although it is more common during migration and the winter season. For nesting, this falcon prefers inaccessible areas, such as, cliffs, high building ledges, bridges, or other such structures.

Prairie Falcon
Falco mexicanus

The Prairie Falcon is a California Species of Special Concern. Because of winter and nesting habitat loss, few areas remain in Orange County where Prairie Falcons can be consistently observed, and no nest sites have been documented in the County in over 50 years. Preferred foraging habitat in Orange County includes grasslands, scrub habitats, and estuaries. The project site provides suitable habitat. As a result, the potential for occurrence of the Prairie Falcon is considered to be low.

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
Euphydryas editha quino

The Quino Checkerspot Butterfly is the second subspecies of the widespread butterfly Euphydryas edita to be listed under the Endangered Species Act (The Bay Checkerspot, E. e. bayensis, being the other). This subspecies has undergone a rapid decline. In previous years it has been considered an abundant and fairly widespread subspecies occurring widely in coastal sage scrub habitat in southern California and northern Baja California.

 

The Quino Checkerspot is a medium sized butterfly with a wingspread of about three cm. The wings are a patchwork of brown, red and yellow spots. The Quino checkerspot tends to be darker and redder than other subspecies. Its biology is similar to that of the Bay checkerspot. Adults emerge in the early to mid-spring, mate and lay eggs. The eggs hatch about a week and a half later and the larvae begin feeding. The larvae may use either Plantago erecta or Castilleja exserta, both of which may be common in meadows and upland sage scrub/chapparal habitat. These plants are annuals which die back in the summer and the larvae thus have a period of summer diapause (physiological inactivity) during which they do not feed. In the late winter and early spring as the plants appear again, the larvae commence feeding again and then enter a short pupal (chrysalis) phase.

 

The main factor responsible for the butterfly’s disappearance is development that impedes upon historic sage-scrub habitat. In areas where the habitat persists there are severe threats posed by grazing and the invasion of exotic plants. There are presently approximately 8 populations of the Quino Checkerspot known, at least one of which occurs in Baja California. All but three are extremely small and are thus at risk of extinction due to natural fluctuations. Of these three, two occur in areas already scheduled for housing development. There are presently plans in place for the management of only a single population, in Riverside County, where its distribution overlaps with that of the endangered Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat. However, whether one population can ensure the persistence of the Quino checkerspot is highly debatable.

Riverside Fairy Shrimp
Streptocephalus wootoni

Riverside fairy shrimp are spectacularly adapted to living in vernal pool habitats, able to hatch, grow, breed, and lay eggs in a single wet season — usually only three to four months long. Their eggs are extremely hardy, encased with a thick, protective shell that lets them withstand long dry periods and extreme temperatures, hidden dormant in the soil until adequate rainfall give them a proper pool to hatch in.

 

Because the Riverside fairy shrimp’s vernal pool habitat occurs on relatively flat land, it’s highly desirable for agriculture and housing development. In fact, of the four remaining pools supporting the fairy shrimp in Riverside County, only one is larger than an acre in size and lies directly within a planned development. Another pool is within an already-approved housing-development tract, and a third is on a parcel that has been proposed for development, adjacent to a golf course as well as a highway. Global climate change combined with a predicted decrease in rainfall threatens not only the endangered fairy shrimp, but the vernal pools themselves.

Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopus

The Rough Legged Hawk is a seasonal visitor to the Southern California region, appearing in the winter as it migrates from the north. It is a large hawk ranging between 18.5 to 20.5 inches in length, 52 to 54.3 inches in wingspan, and 25.2 to 49.4 oz in weight for a full-grown adult.

Its habitat consists of open coniferous forest, tundra and generally barren country, breeding on cliffs or in trees, wintering also in grasslands and open cultivated areas.
It hunts from the air or an elevated perch, and frequently hovers.

San Bernadino Ringneck Snake
Diadophis punctatus modestus

The San Bernardino ring-necked snake is a federal Species of Concern, and is considered locally rare in southwestern California. Although this species is found in a variety of habitats including coastal sage scrub and chaparral, it is most common in open, relatively rocky habitats. This species is difficult to detect due to its secretive behavior. It occurs in elevations from sea level to 7,000 feet above median sea level. The open space area provides suitable habitat for this species and its potential for occurrence is considered high.

San Diego Desert Woodrat
Neotoma lepida intermedia

The San Diego desert woodrat is a federal Species of Concern and a California Species of Special Concern that occupies arid areas with sparse vegetation, especially those comprised of cactus and other thorny plants. This subspecies is restricted to the Pacific slope from San Luis Obispo County to northwestern Baja California. The site provides suitable habitat for this species. As a result, the potential of occurrence of the San Diego desert woodrat in the open space area is considered high.

San Diego Fairy Shrimp
Branchinecta sandiegoensis

The San Diego Fairy Shrimp is a small 1.6cm crustacean. Mature individuals lack a carapace and have delicate, elongated bodies with large stalk compound eyes and 11 pairs of swimming legs. They are restricted to vernal pools or temporary pools that range in depth from 5cm to 30cm and are near the Pacific Ocean. They are currently listed as Endangered.

San Diego Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma coronatum (blainvillei population)

The coast horned lizard can be found from Baja California north to California’s Sacramento Valley. They are a widely divergent species with over 6 subspecies in a relatively small range. As a defense the lizard can shoot high pressure streams of blood out of its eyes if threatened.

 

The coast horned lizard appears rough and spiky, but is actually smooth-skinned, although it has sharp spikes along its sides, back and head. It is a large species, and can reach 4 inches excluding the tail. It is less rounded than other horned lizards. It has two large dark blotches behind its head, followed by three broad bands on its body, with several smaller bands along the tail. Its colour can be various shades of brown, with cream ‘accents’ around the blotches and the outer scale fin.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter striatus

The sharp-shinned hawk is a California Species of Special Concern. It is a relatively common raptor throughout the region during the winter season. This species prefers woodland habitats, but can also be found in virtually any habitat as it passes through the area during migration. Oak and riparian areas are preferred habitats of this species. This raptor nests in mountainous regions int he north, rarely remaining in Southern California during the summer season. The potential for occurrence is considered high.

Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps canescens

The southern California rufous-crowned sparrow is a federal Species of Concern and a California Species of Special Concern. In coastal southern California, rufous-crowned sparrows are considered fairly common in scrub and other habitats vegetated with grasses and widely spaced low shrubs. They also prefer slopes with rocky outcrops. This subspecies is present throughout the year in southern California.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax traillii extimus

Small; usually a little less than 6 inches in length, including tail. Conspicuous light-colored wingbars. Lacks the conspicuous pale eye-ring of many similar Empidonax species. Overall, body brownish-olive to gray-green above. Throat whitish, breast pale olive, and belly yellowish. Bill relatively large; lower mandible completely pale. While perched, characteristically flicks tail slightly upward.

Western Spadefoot Toad
Spea hammondii

The Western Spadefoot Toad is a federal Species of Concern, a California Species of Special Concern, and is a CDFG protected species. The species inhabits grassland, coastal sage scrub, and other habitats with open sandy gravel soils. The Western Spadefoot is primarily a species of the lowlands, frequenting washes, floodplains of rivers, alluvial fans, and alkali flats. This species is rarely seen outside the breeding season. They breed in vernal pools and temporary ponds.