1999-287 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2.4 Description of the Species Considered Under the Sebastian HCP Federally listed wildlife species to be covered under this MCP is limited to the Florida scrub -jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). Proposed management for native landscape conditions that are optimal for Florida scrub -jays and characteristic of historical conditions along the Atlantic Coastal Ridge ecosystem in North Indian River County are consistent with the habitat requirements of other native species that use this unique ecosystem (Schmalzer et al. 1994, 1999; references in Breininger and Oddy 1998, Fitzpatrick et al. 1994a). Studies conducted by the FWS in support of the South Florida MUlti-Species Recovery Plan (USFWS 1999, USFWS unpubl. data) determined that federally listed plant species do riot occur within the Sebastian HCP Plan Area. Therefore, federally listed plants are not addressed under this HCP. 2.4,1 Biological Overview ofAhe Florida Scrub -Jay, Descrilion The Florida scrub -jay is a 2.5 to 3 -ounce, 12 -inch -long, blue and gray crestless jay that is endemic to peninsular Florida (Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick 1984). It is the only bird species that is endemic to peninsular Florida (Fitzpatrick et al. 1994a). in the adult plumage, a necklace of blue feathers separates tale whiter throat from the gray underparts and a white superciliary line or eyebrow often blends into a whitish forehead. Tire back is gray and the tail is long and loose in appearance (Fernald and Toland 1991), Juvenile scrub -jays less than about 5 months of age can be identified by their dusky brown head and neck and shorter tail (Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick 1984). In late summer and early fall, immature scrub -jays undergo a partial molt of body feathers that renders them indistinguishable from adults in the field (Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick 1984). Adult male and female Florida scrub -jays are not distinguishable by plumage, but are differentiated by a distinct "hiccup" call vocalized only by females (Woolfenden acid Fitzpatrick 1986). Florida scrub -jays are generally associated with Florida's unique scrub habitat, a fire -maintained ecosystem dominated by evergreen oaks (Quercus spp.) typically occurring on the sandy well -drained soils of relict coastal and inland dune systems geographically unique to peninsular Florida (Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick 1984; Myers 1990; Fitzpatrick et al. 1991; Fernald and Toland 1991). The restriction of Florida's oak scrub communities to well -drained sandy soils results in a habitat type that naturally occurs as patches of scrub oak within a matrix of mesic shrub communities on poorly -drained soils (Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick 1984, 1991; Myers 1990; Bergen 1994; Breininger et at. 1995, 1996b; Breininger and Oddy 1998). The Occurrence of scrub on high, dry lands has precipitated the wide-sliread loss of this geographically limited habitat type to comraierririllresideutizrl developilient and to agricultural conversion (FNAI 1990; Fernald 1989; Fitzpatrick tit al. 1991). 12