them to be high. In the discussion of these studies, USFWS (2010) states, levels in those studies were high enough to indicate “selenium the potential for exposure and adverse effects to Yuma clapper rails.” Further, USFWS stated that based on the available data, we do “… identify it [selenium] as a long-term threat to survival and recovery” (USFWS 2010, p. 16). Conservation and Management Activities A Yuma Clapper Rail Recovery Team was created in 1972 (USFWS 2006, 2010) that instituted survey protocols and additional research on the species. A formal recovery plan was created in 1983 and some of the recommended recovery actions commenced. Following these initial studies, the recovery team became inactive except for the coordination of annual surveys completed by volunteers from state and federal agencies (USFWS 2010). In 1995, a group composed of local, state, and federal agencies; water and power agencies; environmental and recreational groups; and Native American tribes was formed to develop the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCRMSCP). In December 2004, the LCRMSCP was completed (LCRMSCP 2004). Covering 26 species, including the Yuma clapper rail, the LCRMSCP calls for the creation of an additional 512 acres of Yuma clapper rail habitat and its management in an adaptive management framework to not only protect the Yuma clapper rail but also to understand how the management of threats and stressors affects Yuma clapper rail abundance. Other programs to protect and enhance Yuma clapper rail habitat have been created at the Salton Sea by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USFWS 2002) and at the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Nation in 2005. Prescribed fire has been used to enhance Yuma clapper rail habitat at the Sonny Bono, Havasu, and Imperial NWRs, as well as the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (USFWS 2010). In 2006, a 5-year review of the recovery plan was completed (USFWS 2006), and the following five actions were recommended: Revise the recovery plan.
them to be high. In the discussion of these studies, USFWS (2010) states, “selenium levels in those studies were high enough to indicate the potential for exposure and adverse effects to Yuma clapper rails.” Further, USFWS stated that “… based on the available data, we do identify it [selenium] as a long-term threat to survival and recovery” (USFWS 2010, p. 16). Conservation and Management Activities A Yuma Clapper Rail Recovery Team was created in 1972 (USFWS 2006, 2010) that instituted survey protocols and additional research on the species. A formal recovery plan was created in 1983 and some of the recommended recovery actions commenced. Following these initial studies, the recovery team became inactive except for the coordination of annual surveys completed by volunteers from state and federal agencies (USFWS 2010). In 1995, a group composed of local, state, and federal agencies; water and power agencies; environmental and recreational groups; and Native American tribes was formed to develop the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCRMSCP). In December 2004, the LCRMSCP was completed (LCRMSCP 2004). Covering 26 species, including the Yuma clapper rail, the LCRMSCP calls for the creation of an additional 512 acres of Yuma clapper rail habitat and its management in an adaptive management framework to not only protect the Yuma clapper rail but also to understand how the management of threats and stressors affects Yuma clapper rail abundance. Other programs to protect and enhance Yuma clapper rail habitat have been created at the Salton Sea by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USFWS 2002) and at the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Nation in 2005. Prescribed fire has been used to enhance Yuma clapper rail habitat at the Sonny Bono, Havasu, and Imperial NWRs, as well as the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (USFWS 2010). In 2006, a 5-year review of the recovery plan was completed (USFWS 2006), and the following five actions were recommended: Revise the recovery plan.
Yuma_Clapper_Rail.docx