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5.7 Biological Resources

Exotic and Pest Wildlife
Urban development also tends to attract wildlife species that are better adapted to urban
settings; these include house sparrows (Passer domesticus), European starlings (Sturnus
vulgaris), rock pigeons (Columba livia), brown-headed cowbirds, American crows (Corvus
brachyrhynchos), ravens (Corvus corax), striped skunks, Virginia opossum (Didelphis
virginiana), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), raccoons, and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Most
native species are less adapted to urban development; their populations tend to decrease or
be eliminated entirely in the vicinity of residential or recreational developments. In addition,
local increases in meso-predators (e.g., skunk, opossum, fox) can adversely impact native
rodent and bird populations. Developed areas also attract non-native Argentine ants, which
respond to high soil moisture in horticultural circumstances. These ants have the potential
to impact native ant populations, which serve as pollinators and seed dispersers for many
native plant species. Additionally, the reduction of native ant populations due to the
introduction of Argentine ants could adversely affect various wildlife species such as the
coast horned lizard (a species of special concern), which depends on native ants as a food
source and which does not eat the exotic Argentine ants. Such impacts may result in reduced
viability of wildlife movement corridors in adjacent open space areas. Implementation of MM
7-16 through MM 7-18 would reduce these impacts. These measures require installation of
waste and recycling receptacles that discourage foraging by wildlife species; inspection of all
landscaping materials to ensure that they are free of Argentine ants prior to planting; and
distribution of educational pamphlets to future Project residents regarding the importance
of not feeding wildlife. Additionally, in order to mitigate for potential oak (Quercus spp.)
pests being brought in on firewood, the Homeowners Association rules shall ban the use of
wood burning devices. No wood burning fireplaces or stoves shall be installed, and wood
burning is banned from outdoor fire pits and outdoor freestanding fireplaces (see MM 11-3
from Section 5.11, Air Quality). Implementation of these measures and Homeowners
Association rules would reduce the impact to a level considered less than significant.

Pathogens and Pests Associated with Landscaping
Landscaping and restoration efforts can introduce pathogens and pests into an ecosystem.
Common pathogens that cause plant diseases (e.g., root and crown diseases) include
microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Pathogens are spread in numerous
ways, such as splashing water, wind, insects, irrigation runoff, contaminated seeds, infected
transplanted material, infected soil and debris on boots and shoes, and contaminated tools
and equipment. Additionally, invertebrate pests such as non-native ants (as discussed
above), nematodes, scales, aphids, whiteflies, and mites can be introduced on the foliage of
plant material, or in infested soil. Pathogens and pests can spread into, and cause die-off, of
ornamental areas, native habitat, and restored areas if conditions favorable to the pathogen
or pest persist, and to a greater degree if host plants are stressed or damaged. Pathogens and
pest infestations could potentially impact native habitat and/or restored habitat, and native
and/or restored special status plant species on or adjacent to the Project site. Such impacts
could potentially lead to habitat degradation or reduced numbers of special status plant
species. These impacts would be considered potentially significant. Implementation of
MM 7-17 requiring inspections of all landscaping material for Argentine ant infestations and
MM 7-19 requiring various nursery and field protocols to reduce the potential for the

R:\Projects\PAS\CEN\000306\Draft EIR\5.7 Bio_051117.docx 5.7-168 Centennial Project
Draft EIR