APPENDIX H: 

IMPORTANT SEASONAL 

PERIODS AND HABITAT 

REQUIREMENTS FOR 

SELECTED PLANT, FISH, 

AND WILDLIFE SPECIES 
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Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix H 

APPENDIX H: IMPORTANT SEASONAL PERIODS AND 

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED PLANT, FISH, 

AND WILDLIFE SPECIES 

Plants 

In general, critical time periods for special status plants are during the flowering period (Table H- 1). 

Exceptions are earth lichen and slickspot peppergrass, which have habitats that are sensitive to 

disturbance while soils are saturated (January through May), and cowpie and matted buckwheat, which 

are sensitive to disturbance year-round. 

Table H- 1. Flowering Periods for Special Status Plants in the Planning Area 

Common Name Scientific Name 

Annual/Biennial Forbs 

Flowering Period 

Alkali cleomella Cleomella plocasperma May through September 

Desert pincushion Chaenactis stevioides April through June 

Least phacelia Phacelia minutissima July through August 

Rigid threadbush Nemacladus rigidus May through June 

Slickspot peppergrass Lepidium papilliferum April through July 

Spreading gilia Ipomopsis polycladon [syn. Gilia polycladon] April through June 

White eatonella Eatonella nivea April through July 

White-margined wax plant Glyptopleura marginata May through June 

Perennial Forbs 

American wood sage Teucrium canadense var. occidentale April through August 

Broadleaf fleabane Erigeron latus June through July 

Bruneau River phlox Linanthus glabrum [syn. Leptodactylon glabrum] April through July 

Calcareous buckwheat Eriogonum ochrocephalum var. calcareum July through September 

Chatterbox orchid Epipactis gigantea April through early August 

Cusick’s primrose Primula cusickiana var. cusickiana March through May 

Davis peppergrass Lepidium davisii May through July 

Four-wing milkvetch Astragalus tetrapterus April through early July 

Greeley’s wavewing Cymopterus acaulis var. greeleyorum March through April 

Janish penstemon Penstemon janishiae April through mid-June 

Lewis buckwheat Eriogonum lewisii July through October 

Matted cowpie buckwheat Eriogonum shockleyi [syn. Eriogonum shockleyi 

var. shockleyi] May through June 

Newberry’s milkvetch Astragalus newberryi var. castoreus April through early July 

Owyhee milkvetch Astragalus yoder williamsii June through July 

Packard’s cowpie buckwheat Eriogonum shockleyi [syn. Eriogonum shockleyi 

var. packardiae] May through July 

Spine-noded milkvetch Peteria thompsoniae Late April through June 

Two-headed onion Allium anceps Early April through June 

Non-Vascular Plants 

Earth lichen Catapyrenium congestum September through November 

Woven-spore lichen Texosporium sancti-jacobi September through November 

A-93 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

Appendix H Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates

Table H- 2 includes the majority of identified important seasonal periods for special status fish and 

aquatic invertebrates in the planning area, as well as the habitats in which they occur in the planning 

area. These periods may vary annually due to environmental variables. 

Table H- 2. Important Seasonal Periods and Habitats for Special Status Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates in the 

Planning Area 

Species 

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods 

Approximate 

Dates Habitats 

Fish 

Bull trout 

Spawning August through 

November 

Occupies habitats varying from small headwater streams to 3rd 

and 4th order streams. Prefer streams where water 

temperatures do not exceed 59oF. Prefer stream substrates 

with loose, clean gravel, numerous large pools (>3.3 ft deep), 

stable and undercut streambanks and abundant large wood 

debris (FWS, 2004). Incubation November 

through May 

Redband trout 

A 

Spawning May through 

June 

Occupies habitats with large pools (1-1.3 ft deep) that span 

half the width of the stream and adjacent to the thalweg 

(deepest part of the stream), stable streambanks (>80%), and 

water temperatures from 50-68oF (Muhlfeld, 2002). Prefers 

stream substrates with low fines (Muhlfeld, 2002). Incubation June through 

August 

Snake River 

white sturgeon

A 

Spawning March through 

June 

Occurs in isolated populations in the Snake River but require 

free-flowing cold water environments for successful 

spawning. Often found in turbulent pools with high velocity. 

White sturgeon prefer deep pool habitat with a fine-bottom 

substrate. Spawning occurs in waters >3 m deep and over a 

cobble-sized substrate (64-256 mm) (Idaho Power Company, 

2003). 

Incubation March through 

mid July 

Shoshone 

sculpin A 

Spawning March through 

August 

Endemic to cold-water springs in the Snake River in the 

Hagerman Valley. Prefer spawning habitats with nonembedded cobbles or boulders, water temperatures less than 

63oF, and surface velocity <40 cm/second. Normally are 

associated with cover such as rocks, cobble, gravel or 

vegetation. Juveniles can be found on sand or mud substrates 

with submerged vegetation (FWS, 1995). 

Incubation March through 

September 

Aquatic Invertebrates 

Bliss Rapids 

snail Reproduction 

October 

through 

February 

Occurs in stable cobbles and boulders in flowing waters of 

unimpounded reaches of the Snake River and in a few spring 

habitats in the Hagerman Valley. Also found in spring 

influenced areas or along the edges of rapids that flank the 

shoreline. Can be locally abundant, especially on smooth rock 

surfaces with red algae (FWS, 1995). 

Bruneau hot 

springsnail Reproduction Year-round 

Only found in warm water springs and seeps along a 5 mile 

reach of the lower Bruneau River and its tributary Hot Creek. 

Occupies flowing geothermal springs and seeps with 

temperatures ranging from 60oF to 98oF (24oC to 35oC). 

Found on exposed rock, gravel, sand, mud, and algae 

substrates (FWS, 2002). 

California 

floater A Reproduction Dates unknown 

Found in well-oxygenated mud to fine gravel beds. Often is 

found immediately above or below rapids in mud-sand 

substrates with good water quality. Life history requirements 

have not been thoroughly investigated (FWS, 1995). 

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Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix H 

 

 

 

 

 

Species 

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods 

Approximate 

Dates Habitats 

Columbia 

pebblesnail A Reproduction Dates unknown 

Found in flowing waters with gravel- to boulder-sized 

substrate at the edges or downstream of rapids and whitewater 

areas. Avoids areas with swift current and spring systems. 

Life history requirements have not been thoroughly 

investigated (FWS, 1995). 

Short-face lanx 

A Reproduction Dates unknown 

Found in areas with steady to strong current on the under 

surfaces of large rocks in the Snake River. Can also be found 

in large springs in rapids and boulder bars below rapids. 

Requires water with high amounts of oxygen (FWS, 1995). 

Snake River 

physa snail Reproduction Dates unknown 

Prefers the underside of gravel- to boulder-sized rock in swift 

currents and deep waters at the margins of rapids. Also found 

on boulders in the deepest part of the river. Prefers cold, clean, 

well-oxygenated, flowing water with low turbidity. Much of 

the habitat for this species may be in deep water beyond the 

range of routine sampling. Life history requirements have not 

been thoroughly investigated (FWS, 1995). 

Utah valvata 

snail Reproduction Dates unknown 

Found in mud, silt, and fine sand substrates in shallow shoreline water and in pools adjacent to rapids or flowing waters 

associated with large spring complexes and submerged 

vegetation. Avoids areas with heavy current or rapids. Also 

uses deep pools near rapids. Requires cold, clean, welloxygenated water with low turbidity (FWS, 1995). A Egg incubation periods and emergence dates are estimates. Rates vary according to local water temperatures. 

Wildlife
 Table H- 3 and Table H- 4 include the majority of identified important seasonal periods for special status 

wildlife and selected general wildlife in the planning area, as well as the habitats in which they occur in 

the planning area. These periods may vary annually due to environmental variables like temperature, 

precipitation, and habitat condition. 

Table H- 3. Important Seasonal Periods and Habitats for Special Status Wildlife in the Planning Area 

Species 

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods 

Approximate 

Dates Habitats 

Invertebrates (terrestrial) 

Bruneau Dunes 

tiger beetle 

Breeding March through 

mid June 

Sparsely vegetated, lower elevation dunelands. Adults burrow 

into sand dunes. Larval habitat is sparsely vegetated areas 

between dunes. Known only from the Bruneau Dunes State 

Park and Indian Cove areas. Larval burrows are vulnerable to 

collapse (Bauer, 1991) year round. Larval Year-round 

Amphibians 

Columbia 

spotted frog 

Breeding Mid April 

through July 

Higher elevation wetlands associated with rivers, creeks, 

springs, and marshes with slack water areas (e.g., beaver 

ponds, oxbows) for reproduction and ponds and springs for 

Winter hibernation (Howard & Munger, 2003). 

October 

through March 

A-95 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

Appendix H Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Species 

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods 

Approximate 

Dates Habitats 

Northern 

leopard frog 

Breeding April through 

July 

Wetlands associated with rivers, creeks, springs, and marshes 

with slack water areas (e.g., beaver ponds, oxbows) for 

reproduction and ponds and springs for hibernation 

(Nussbaum, Brodie, & Storm, 1983). Winter October 

through March 

Western toad 

Breeding April through 

July Wetlands associated with rivers, creeks, and springs with 

slack water areas for reproduction. Adults use small mammal 

Winter burrows in uplands for hibernation (Nussbaum, et al., 1983). October 

through March 

Woodhouse 

toad 

Breeding April through 

July Creeks, springs, and marshes with slack water areas (e.g., 

beaver ponds, oxbows) for reproduction and hibernation 

Winter (Nussbaum, et al., 1983). October 

through March 

Reptiles 

Great Basin 

black-collared 

lizard 

Breeding Dates unknown 

locally 

Generally lower elevation areas with rock outcrops and/or 

boulder piles and sparse herbaceous vegetation (Groves, 

Butterfield, Lippincott, Csuti, & Scott, 1997). 

Longnose 

snake Breeding Dates unknown locally 

Generally lower elevation areas with sandy soil for burrowing. 

Uses rodent burrows for reproduction and hibernation 

(Groves, et al., 1997). 

Western 

groundsnake Breeding Dates unknown locally 

Generally lower elevation areas with sandy soil for burrowing. 

Readily uses rodent burrows for reproduction and hibernation 

(Groves, et al., 1997). 

Birds 

American 

white pelican 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

Mid April 

through June 

Forages primarily along Snake River and reservoirs. Usually 

nests on sparsely vegetated islands or mud/gravel bars. 

Bald eagle 

Winter 

Mid November 

through 

February Found foraging primarily along the Snake River Canyon 

during winter. Limited habitat for nesting in the planning area. 

Breeding Mid May 

through August 

Black-throated 

sparrow 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

Mid April 

through mid 

July 

Sagebrush steppe habitats. 

Brewer’s 

sparrow 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

Mid April 

through mid 

July 

Sagebrush steppe habitats. 

Calliope 

hummingbird 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

May through 

mid August Aspen stands and riparian zones with taller willows and 

adequate perennial native forbs. Migration 

Mid August 

through 

September 

Columbian 

sharp-tailed 

grouse 

Display/ 

Breeding 

Mid March 

through June Display, breeding, and nesting in mountain shrub, sagebrush 

steppe to grasslands. Nesting May through 

mid July 

Winter 

November 

through mid 

March 

Aspen and mountain shrub habitats are critical when snow is 

deep. 

Ferruginous 

hawk Breeding March through July 

Sagebrush steppe and grasslands. Nests in isolated trees 

(junipers) or in juniper stringers, or on the ground on bluffs or 

rock outcrops. 

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Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix H 

 

 

 

Species 

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods 

Approximate 

Dates Habitats 

Greater sagegrouse 

Display/ 

Breeding 

Mid February 

through mid 

May 

Sagebrush steppe habitats (Connelly, Schroeder, Sands, & 

Braun, 2000; Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee, 2006). 

Nesting/Early 

Brood 

Rearing 

Mid March 

through mid 

June 

Sagebrush steppe habitats (Connelly, et al., 2000; Idaho Sagegrouse Advisory Committee, 2006). 

Winter January through 

mid March 

Windswept ridges when snow is deep in lowland areas 

(Connelly, et al., 2000). 

Lewis 

woodpecker 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

May through 

mid July 

Stands of mature aspen with larger diameter (>10 inches in 

diameter at breast height) trees. 

Loggerhead 

shrike 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

Mid April 

through mid 

July 

Sagebrush steppe areas with tall sagebrush and black 

greasewood habitats 

Mountain quail 

Breeding May through 

mid July Riparian zones and mountain shrub to forested areas. 

Winter Mid November 

through April 

Typically winter in riparian zones and mountain shrub 

habitats. 

Northern 

goshawk 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

March through 

July 

Stands of mature aspen with larger diameter (>10 inches in 

diameter at breast height) trees. 

Peregrine 

falcon 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

March through 

July 

Canyonlands usually with perennial water source in bottom. 

Forages in canyon and adjacent uplands. 

Prairie falcon Breeding/ 

Nesting 

March through 

July 

Canyonlands usually with perennial water source in bottom. 

Forages in canyon and adjacent uplands. 

Sage sparrow Breeding/ 

Nesting 

Mid April 

through mid 

July 

Sagebrush steppe habitats. 

Sage thrasher Breeding/ 

Nesting 

Mid March 

through July Sagebrush steppe habitats. 

Trumpeter 

swan 

Winter Mid November 

through April Winters along Snake River. Not known to nest locally. 

Willow 

flycatcher 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

Mid May 

through mid 

July 

Riparian zones dominated by willows. 

White-faced 

ibis 

Breeding/ 

Nesting 

Mid April 

through June Bulrush- and/or cattail-dominated wetlands. 

Yellow-billed 

cuckoo Breeding Mid May through August 

Observed rarely on islands in the Snake River with overstory 

trees and dense shrub understory. 

Mammals 

California 

bighorn sheep 

Breeding 

Mid October 

through 

December Canyonlands with perennial water and adjacent upland 

plateaus. Prefer areas with little competition from other 

ungulates. Winter December 

through March 

Lambing Mid April 

through June 

Fringed myotis Winter November 

through March 

Canyons and pinyon/juniper forests. Forages in canyons or 

well away from canyons in the uplands. 

Kit fox Denning Dates unknown 

locally Sagebrush steppe 

A-97 August 2010 
Appendix H Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Species 

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods 

Approximate 

Dates Habitats 

Pallid bat 

Breeding 

October 

through 

December Canyonlands and talus with perennial water (Hermanson & 

O'Shea, 1983). 

Rearing May through 

August 

Piute [Great 

Basin] ground 

squirrel 

Spring 

through early 

summer 

Mid March 

through June Sagebrush steppe and in meadows, usually with deeper soils. 

Pygmy rabbit Year-round Year-round Sagebrush steppe usually with deeper soils also in salt desert 

shrub, mountain shrub habitats. 

Spotted bat Winter Dates unknown 

locally 

Canyonlands with perennial water. Forages in canyon or well 

away from canyon in the uplands. 

Townsend bigeared bat Winter November 

through March 

Canyonlands with perennial water. Uses caves, lava tubes, 

mine adits for communal roosts (maternity and winter). 

Forages in canyons or well away from canyons in the uplands. 

Wyoming 

ground squirrel 

Spring 

through early 

summer 

Mid March 

through June Sagebrush steppe and in meadows, usually with deeper soils. 

Table H- 4. Important Seasonal Periods for General Wildlife in the Planning Area 

Species or Group of Species Important Seasonal Periods Approximate Dates 

Pronghorn 

Breeding Mid September through mid October 

Winter December through March 

Fawning Mid May through June 

Mule Deer 

Breeding Mid October through December 

Winter December through March 

Fawning May through June 

Elk 

Breeding September through October 

Winter December through March 

Calving May through June 

Upland game birds Breeding/Nesting March through June 

Winter December through February 

Neo-tropical migratory birds 

Breeding/Nesting Mid April through mid July 

Spring migration March through mid May 

Fall migration August through October 

Raptors Pair formation/Nesting Mid February through mid June 

Fledging young Mid June through mid July 

Amphibians Breeding April through June 

Hibernation Mid October through mid April 

Works Cited 

Bauer, K. L. (1991). Observations on the Developmental Biology of Rumpp (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae). 

Great Basin Naturalist, 51(3), 226-235. 

Connelly, J. W., Schroeder, M. A., Sands, A. R., & Braun, C. E. (2000). Guidelines to Manage Sage 

Grouse Populations and Their Habitats. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 28(4), 967-985. 

FWS. (1995). Snake River Aquatic Species Recovery Plan (pp. 92). Boise, ID: USDI, Fish and Wildlife 

Service, Snake River Basin Office, Ecological Services. 

FWS. (2002). Recovery Plan for the Bruneau Hot Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis). Portland, OR: 

USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1. 

August 2010 A-98 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix H 

FWS. (2004). Draft Recovery Plan for the Jarbidge River Distinct Population Segment of Bull Trout 

(Salvelinus confluentus). Reno, NV: USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Groves, C. R., Butterfield, B., Lippincott, A., Csuti, B., & Scott, J. M. (1997). Atlas of Idaho's Wildlife. 

Boise, ID: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program. 

Hermanson, J. W., & O'Shea, T. J. (1983). Antrozous Pallidus. Mammalian Species(213), 1-8. 

Howard, A., & Munger, J. C. (2003). Effects of Livestock Grazing on the Invertebrate Prey Base and on 

the Survival and Growth of Larvae of the Columbia Spotted Frog, Rana luteiventris (Idaho Bureau 

of Land Management Technical Bulletin No. No. 03-7). Boise, ID: USDI, Bureau of Land 

Management. 

Idaho Power Company. (2003). Snake River White Sturgeon Conservation Plan: Idaho Power Company. 

Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee. (2006). Conservation Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse in 

Idaho: Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee. 

Muhlfeld, C. C. (2002). Spawning Characteristics of Redband Trout in a Headwater Stream in Montana. 

North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 22(4), 1314-1320. 

Nussbaum, R. A., Brodie, J., Edmund D., & Storm, R. M. (1983). Amphibians and Reptiles of the Pacific 

Northwest. Moscow, ID: University of Idaho Press. 

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August 2010 A-100