Ghost Tiger Beetle (Cicindela lepida): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the ghost tiger beetle, a.k.a. white tiger beetle, (Cicindela lepida) as a Tier I at-risk species of high conservation priority. Some general management recommendations are made here regarding ghost tiger beetles; however, conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of ghost tiger beetles that will aid conservation practitioners in making decisions and in identifying research needs to benefit the species. Species conservation assessments should not be stagnant documents but rather will need to be updated as new relevant scientific information becomes available. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), but it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the outcome of successful conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I G3 Trends since 2005 in NE Declining Range in NE Statewide in localized populations Habitat Sparsely-vegetated areas with open, sandy soils Threats Habitat succession, trampling, lights, off-road vehicle traffic Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Not Vulnerable, Presumed Stable Research/Inventory Conduct species and habitat-type specific surveys to determine distribution, abundance, and conservation status Landscapes Cherry County Wetlands, Dismal River Headwaters, Elkhorn River Headwaters, Indian Cave Bluffs, Platte Confluence, Upper Loup Rivers and Tributaries, and Sandsage Prairie According to the last review in 2011, the ghost tiger beetle has a state Heritage status rank of S2, U.S. national status of N3N4, and global conservation rank of G3G4 (NatureServe 2009). The species is considered to be Vulnerable (NatureServe 2009). The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining four populations in the state, assuming there is little movement between populations and fates of populations are not correlated. Moderate viability (40% chance of survival) of each population gives \u3e99% probability of at least one population surviving 100 years (Morris et al. 1999)

Bailey’s Eastern Woodrat (Neotoma floridana baileyi): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the Bailey’s eastern woodrat (Neotama floridana baileyi) as a Tier I at-risk species. Provided are some general management recommendations regarding Bailey’s eastern woodrats. Conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment for specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and site-specific conditions. This resource was designed to provide an overview of our current knowledge of Bailey’s eastern woodrats and may aid in decision-making for their conservation or in identifying research needs for the benefit the species. Species conservation assessments will need to be updated as new scientific information becomes available. Though the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the success of conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I Endemic Trends since 2005 in NE Increasing Range in NE North-central Nebraska Habitat Pines and bluffs, woodlands and rocks Threats Habitat degradation; excessive fire Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Not Vulnerable, Presumed Stable Research/Inventory Conduct surveys to assess distribution, abundance, and dispersal Landscapes Keya Paha, Middle Niobrara, Snake River According to the last review in 1993, the Bailey’s eastern woodrat has a state of Nebraska Heritage status rank of S2, a U.S. national status of N3, and a global conservation rank of G5T3 (NatureServe 2009). Natural Heritage conservation ranks range 1 to 5 with 1 being the most critically imperiled (for definitions of ranks, see Appendix 4 of Nebraska Natural Legacy Project; Schneider et al. 2011). The species is considered to be vulnerable (NatureServe 2009). Because Bailey’s eastern woodrats are thought to be endemic to Nebraska (theoretically, they may occur in South Dakota), their survival is likely dependent on conservation in Nebraska (Schneider et al. 2011). The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining at least ten populations in the state, assuming there is little movement between populations during the breeding season and fates of populations are not correlated (Schneider et al. 2011). Moderate viability (40% chance of survival) of each population gives \u3e99% probability of at least one population surviving 100 years (Morris et al. 1999). (Schneider et al. 2011). According to Kansas State University Extension (2008), Neotoma floridana has a typical lifespan in the wild of 3 years

American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) as a Tier I at-risk species of high conservation priority. Indeed, the American Burying Beetle (ABB) is a species of conservation need throughout its range. Here, I provide some general management recommendations regarding ABB; however, conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment for specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and site-specific conditions. This resource provides available knowledge of ABB that may aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs for the benefit of the species. Species conservation assessments will be updated as new scientific information becomes available. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), but it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the outcome of successful conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I State and federally listed as Endangered (July 1989), G2 (Federal Register 54:29652-29655) Trends since 2005 in NE Fluctuating with drought Range in NE North-central and southwest-central portion of the state Habitat Wet meadows in Sandhills, open woodlands, loess canyons Threats Eastern redcedar encroachment, drought, land development, light pollution, scavengers; Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Highly vulnerable Research/Inventory Determine specific habitat use; effects of land management practices; population sizes; conduct long-term monitoring of individual populations Biologically Unique Landscapes Cherry County Wetlands, Elkhorn River Headwaters, Keya Paha, Loess Canyons, Middle Niobrara, Upper Loup Rivers and Tributaries, Verdigris-Bazile ABB was state and federally listed as an endangered species on 13 July 1989, Federal Register 54:29652-29655 (USFWS 2012). The IUCN Red List Category is CR - Critically Endangered (NatureServe 2009). The state Heritage status rank of ABB is S1, U.S. national status is N2N3, and global conservation rank is G2G3 Imperiled (NatureServe 2009). The distribution of ABB in the state is limited. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining 10 populations in the state, assuming there is little movement between populations and fates of populations are not correlated. Moderate viability (40% chance of survival) of each population gives \u3e99% probability of at least one population surviving 100 years (Morris et al. 1999)

Plains Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys montanus griseus): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the plains harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys montanus griseus) as a Tier I at-risk species of high conservation need. Some general management recommendations are made here regarding the plains harvest mouse; however, conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of the plains harvest mouse that will aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs to benefit the species. Species conservation assessments should be re-evaluated as new pertinent scientific information becomes available. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), but it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the outcome of successful conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I Critically imperiled; possibly declining Trends since 2005 in NE Unknown Range in NE Eastern portion of state Habitat Tallgrass prairie - heavily grazed, open prairies, salt marshes Threats Loss of tallgrass prairie habitat; lack of heavy grazing; management issues Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Not Vulnerable; increase likely Research/Inventory Conduct surveys to assess distribution and abundance (particularly in saline wetlands); determine specific habitat requirements Landscapes Elkhorn Confluence, Sandstone Prairies, Southeast Prairies, Saline Wetlands, Willow Creek Prairies According to the last review in 1996, the plains harvest mouse has a state Heritage status rank of S1, U.S. national status of N5 and global conservation rank of G5TNR (NatureServe 2009). R. m. griseus is limited regionally, and it is estimated that less than 200 individuals are present in the state of Nebraska (Schneider et al. 2011). The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining at least seven populations in the state (Schneider et al. 2011). Lifespan of a plains harvest mouse is likely little more than a year (Timm et al. 2012); individuals have been recaptured up to 14 months after initial capture (Waggoner 1975, Wilkins 1986)

Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes pahasapensis) as a Tier I at-risk species. Provided are some general management recommendations regarding the fringed myotis. Conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of the fringed myotis that will aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs to benefit the species. Species conservation assessments will need to be updated as new scientific information becomes available. Though the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the success of conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I G2 Trends since 2005 in NE Unknown Range in NE Pine forests in panhandle, including the Pine Ridge, Wildcat Hills, and Pine Bluffs area Habitat Ponderosa pine forests and woodlands, green ash-elm-cottonwood woodlands, cliffs and buttes Threats Unknown Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Moderately vulnerable (NatureServe 2013) Research/Inventory Conduct surveys to assess distribution and abundance; identify maternal roost and winter hibernacula habitat requirements; track movement patterns using telemetry Landscapes Pine Ridge, Wildcat Hills, and possibly other BULs in the panhandle According to the last review in 1996, the fringed myotis has a state Heritage status rank of S1, U.S. national status of N2, and global conservation rank of G4G5T2 (NatureServe 2009). The species is considered to be imperiled (NatureServe 2009). The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining at least seven populations in the state (Schneider et al. 2011)

Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) as a Tier I at-risk species of high priority for conservation. Some general management recommendations are made here regarding Topeka shiners; however, conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of the Topeka shiner that will aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs to benefit the species. Species conservation assessments will need to be updated as new relevant scientific information becomes available. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), but it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the outcome of successful conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I State and federally listed as Endangered, G3 (Federal Register 69:143-44736) Trends since 2005 in NE Declining Range in NE Very localized: Cherry, Madison, and Stanton counties Habitat Cold/cool clear water streams with gravel, low gradient Threats Sedimentation, exotics, channelization, stocking of sport fish, row crop agriculture, flow modification de-watering, dams, loss of off-channel quiet-water habitats, degradation of riparian areas Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Extremely Vulnerable Research/Inventory Determine age structure, recruitment, population dynamics, seasonal movements, and potential for reintroduction including identifying potential reintroduction sites Landscapes Cherry County Wetlands, Upper Loup Rivers and Tributaries The Topeka shiner was state and federally listed as an endangered species on 15 December 1998, Federal Register 63-69008 (USFWS 1998). According to NatureServe’s last review in 2007, the state of Nebraska Heritage status rank for Topeka shiner is S1, U.S. national status is N3, and global conservation rank is G3 (2009). Experts in Nebraska believe there may be as few as 200 of the fish in the state, and the Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team has set a goal of maintaining ten populations in the state (Schneider et al. 2011)

Buchholz Black Dash (Euphyes conspicua buchholzi): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the Buchholz Black Dash (Euphyes conspicua buchholzi) as a Tier I at-risk species of high conservation priority. The Buchholz Black Dash (BBD) is a subspecies of the Black Dash (Euphyes conspicua). Survival of BBD is likely to be highly influenced by available habitat in Nebraska. Some general management recommendations are made here regarding the BBD; however, conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of the BBD that will aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs to benefit the species. Species conservation assessments should not be stagnant documents but rather will need to be updated as new scientific information becomes available. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), but it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the outcome of successful conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I G1 Trends since 2005 in NE Stable Range in NE Northeastern portion of state Habitat Wet meadow and spring-fed marsh; larvae feed on wide-leaf sedge; adults in boggy areas Threats Habitat conversion and fragmentation; exotics; drying up of wet areas; housing development; heavy grazing Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Extremely vulnerable Research/Inventory Conduct surveys to assess distribution, abundance and population dynamics; determine best management practices Landscapes Elkhorn Confluence, Elkhorn River Headwaters BBD State Heritage Status Rank is S1, U.S. national status is N1, and global conservation rank is G4T1 Critically Imperiled (NatureServe 2009). It is one of the rarest marsh skippers in Nebraska. Its survival will likely be highly dependent on actions taken within the state. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining ten populations in the state, assuming there is little movement between populations and fates of populations are not correlated. Moderate viability (40% chance of survival) of each population gives \u3e99% probability of at least one population surviving 100 years (Morris et al. 1999)

Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in the development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the western subspecies of Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) as a Tier I at-risk species. Provided are some general management recommendations regarding Western Burrowing Owls (hereafter Burrowing Owls). Conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment for specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and site-specific conditions. Based on a considerable body of literature, this particular species conservation assessment provides an overview of our current knowledge of Burrowing Owls and may aid in decision-making for their conservation or in identifying research needs for the benefit of the species. Species conservation assessments will need to be updated as new scientific information becomes available. Though the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the success of conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I Ranked as imperiled or vulnerable in nearly all states in its range Trends since 2005 in NE Increasing Range in NE Western two-thirds of state Habitat Prairie dog towns, short-grass prairie, mixed-grass prairie, heavily grazed grasslands Threats Prairie dog control; habitat conversion (center pivots); loss of short, open grasslands; plague in prairie dogs; industrial, utility, and wind energy development; insecticide impacts; vehicle collisions and other impacts associated with disturbance by humans Climate Change Vulnerability Index: not vulnerable, presumed stable (NatureServe 2013) Research/Inventory Expand surveys to assess distribution and abundance; determine productivity, cause of population variability (predators), status and trends of prairie dogs, effects of wind energy development Landscapes Central Loess Hills, Cherry County Wetlands, Dismal River Headwaters, Elkhorn River Headwaters, Keya Paha, Kimball Grasslands, Loess Canyons, Middle Niobrara, North Platte River, Oglala Grasslands, Panhandle Prairies, Rainwater Basin, Sandhills Alkaline Lakes, Sandsage Prairie, Upper Loup Rivers and Tributaries, Upper Niobrara River, Verdigris-Bazile, Wildcat Hills, Willow Creek Prairies Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) are listed as a Species of National Conservation Concern in several Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs), including BCR 18 (Shortgrass Prairie) that extends along the western border of Nebraska (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2008). According to the last global status review in 2011, the state of Nebraska Heritage status rank of Burrowing Owls is S5, U.S. national status is N4B,N4N, and global conservation rank is G4 (NatureServe 2009). Natural Heritage conservation ranks range 1 to 5 with 1 being the most critically imperiled (for definitions of ranks, see Appendix 4 of Nebraska Natural Legacy Project; Schneider et al. 2011). Overall, populations of Burrowing Owls in the Great Plains have experienced declines (Klute et al. 2003). From 1966–2011, Burrowing Owls in Nebraska have increased slightly with a trend of 3.2, 95% CI = -0.1–6.5; however, data during the same time frame show a decline for the central mixedgrass prairie region as a whole (-4.2, 95% CI = -6.2 – -2.1) (Sauer et al. 2012). The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining at least four populations in the state, assuming there is little movement between populations during the breeding season and fates of populations are not correlated (Schneider et al. 2011). Moderate viability (40% chance of survival) of each population gives \u3e99% probability of at least one population surviving 100 years (Morris et al. 1999). However, there is recent verified documentation of a female Burrowing Owl that flew during the breeding season between two migration corridors that were largely believed to be separated, indicating that there may be more crossover between populations than previously believed and possibly greater genetic exchange (Holroyd et al. 2011). Global population size is thought to be \u3e1,000,000 individuals (NatureServe 2011) and may be 2,000,000 with ~31% in the United States and Canada (Rich et al. 2004). Partners in Flight (2007) estimate the population of Burrowing Owls in the United States to be 700,000 with 15,000 in Nebraska

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in the development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) as a Tier I at-risk species. Here, I provide some general management recommendations regarding Loggerhead Shrikes. However, conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment for specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and site-specific conditions. This resource provides available knowledge of Loggerhead Shrikes that may aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs for the benefit of the species. Species conservation assessments will be updated as new scientific information becomes available. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), but it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the success of conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I Declining, PIF watch list Trends since 2005 in NE Declining Range in NE Statewide, although more common in areas with extensive grasslands Habitat Grasslands with scattered small trees or shrubs Threats Loss of grassland habitats, depletion of food resources (because of pesticides), organochloride pesticide may negatively impact reproduction, invasive species Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Not Vulnerable, Increase likely Research/Inventory Determine causes of population declines; determine conservation measures (habitat improvement) that can positively impact species Landscapes Central Loess Hills, Cherry County Wetlands, Dismal River Headwaters, Elkhorn River Headwaters, Keya Paha, Kimball Grasslands, Loess Canyons, Oglala Grasslands, Panhandle Prairies, Sandhills Alkaline Lakes, Sandsage Prairie, Sandstone Prairies, Southeast Prairies According to the last status review in 2001, the state of Nebraska Heritage status rank of Loggerhead Shrikes is S5, U.S. national status is N4, and global conservation rank is G4 (NatureServe 2009). From 1966–2010, Loggerhead Shrikes in Nebraska have exhibited a downward trend of -2.4, 95% CI (-3.8, -1.1); this decline may be more pronounced within the last decade (Sauer et al. 2011). The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture has identified the Loggerhead Shrike as a priority landbird for conservation (C. Jorgensen, pers. comm.). The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining four populations in the state (Schneider et al. 2011), assuming there is little movement between populations and fates of populations are not correlated. Moderate viability (40% chance of survival) of each population gives \u3e99% probability of at least one population surviving 100 years (Morris et al. 1999)

McCown’s Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii): Species Conservation Assessment

The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the McCown’s Longspur (Rhynchophanes mccownii) as a Tier I at-risk species. Some general management recommendations are made here regarding the McCown’s Longspur (MCLO); however, conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of MCLO that will aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs for the benefit of the species. Species conservation assessments should not be stagnant documents but rather will need to be updated as new scientific information becomes available. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs), but it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the outcome of successful conservation efforts. Criteria for selection as Tier I Declining; PIF Watch List Estimated population in NE 200 - 1,000 Estimate based on BBA field surveys Trends since 2005 in NE Unknown Range in NE Panhandle - primarily Sioux, Scotts Bluff, Banner, and Kimball counties Habitat Shortgrass prairie with mixedgrass, short-stature vegetation, and prairie dog colonies Climate Change Vulnerability Index: Not vulnerable, presumed stable Threats Habitat fragmentation and conversion; management that maintains higher vegetation structure; prairie dog control Research/Inventory Identify habitat requirements; continue surveys to assess distribution and abundance; evaluate use of agricultural fields Landscapes Kimball Grasslands, Oglala Grasslands, Panhandle Prairies According to the last review in 2003, the state Heritage status rank for MCLO is S3, U.S. national status is N4B, N4N and global conservation rank is G4 (NatureServe 2009). The global trend for the population of MCLO is highly variable or unknown (RMBO 2005). But, a drastically reduced breeding range has been reported (Bent 1968, Krause 1968) with less abundance (With 2010). The species is listed on the Partners in Flight (PIF) Watch List. Twelve percent of the world breeding population of MCLO uses Bird Conservation Region (BCR) 18 – Shortgrass Prairie (RMBO 2005) which spans the panhandle of Nebraska. In BCR 18, MCLO exhibits slight to moderate decline of both breeding and non-breeding conditions (RMBO 2005). The portion of MCLO’s distribution within Nebraska is limited. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Science Team set a goal of maintaining seven populations in the state (Schneider et al. 2011), assuming there is little movement between populations and fates of populations are not correlated. Moderate viability (40% chance of survival) of each population gives \u3e99% probability of at least one population surviving 100 years (Morris et al. 1999). The lifespan of individual MCLO is unknown