Five fish, 1
amphibian, 9 reptile, 159 bird, and 37 mammal species have
been documented to
occur on the INL in southeastern
Idaho. An additional 9 fish, 5 amphibian, 5 reptile, 13
bird, and 14 mammal species were listed as possibly occurring,
because portions of their range overlap the INL area, or
they have been reported within 30 km of the site.
However, no verified observations of these species have been
reported on the INL.
Fifty-six species of
vertebrates are year-long residents of the INL, whereas 154
species were observed during specific seasonal periods or
during migration.
Endangered
or Threatened Wildlife The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
was the only species observed on the INL that is
classified as endangered or threatened wildlife. This
species often winters in the Little Lost River Valley just
north of the site, and several have been known to winter on
the INL. The American peregrine falcon (delisted, but being
monitored) has been observed infrequently on the northern portion
of the INL.
Species
of Concern Several species of wildlife observed on the INL
are of special concern to the Idaho
Department of Fish and
Game. This status is designated for species whose
populations are threatened due to habitat loss, range
restrictions, or low population numbers. Species of
special concern that occur on the INL are the bobcat (Lynx
rufus), peregrine falcon,
ferruginous hawk (Buteo
regalis), and prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus).
A list of species of special
concern also has been prepared by the U. S. Bureau of Land
Management. The osprey (Pandion haliaetus),
gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), merlin (Falco
columbarius), white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi),
long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus), and burrowing
owl (Athene cunicularia) are not on the Federal or
Idaho lists, but are included in the BLM report and all occur
on the INL.
INL
Game Animals
The INL is used by 34 species of game animals.
However, 22 of these species are
waterfowl, and the value of
the site to waterfowl depends on water flow in the Big Lost
River.
During periods of high water flow, the site may
contain over 800 ha of wetlands. The Big Lost
River
spreading areas and Big Lost River sinks, located in the
southern and west central
portion of the site respectively,
are major wetlands on the INL. These areas often
contain
water during spring and fall and provide habitat for
migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and
other wildlife
species. Further, all INL facility ponds are used by
migratory waterfowl and
shorebirds, as well as resident
species. Wildlife use of the ponds at the Test Reator
Area has been well documented.
The most common resident game
animals on the site are the pronghorn (Antilocapra
americana), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), and
sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Forty
percent of the Idaho pronghorn population, as well as some
pronghorn from Montana, may winter on the INL. Further
67 active sage grouse leks have been identified on the
INL.
Thus, the site provides critical winter range for
pronghorn, and winter and breeding habitat for
sage grouse.
Raptors
and Songbirds
The INL also provides important breeding and nesting habitat
for many species of raptors
and songbirds.
