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From page 267... ...
G-1 Glossary This glossary defines terms used throughout this guide. Term Definitions Action Area Under Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation, all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by a federal action and not merely the immediate area involved in the action. See also consultation. adaptive management Using the results of new information gathered through a monitoring program to adjust management strategies and practices to help provide for the conservation of species and their habitats. alkaline soil A type of soil with high amounts of calcium, sodium, and magnesium, with a pH level above 7. apiary A place where honey bees are kept for commercial, hobby, or educational purposes; a collection of honey beehives. areas of high conservation value Areas determined to have both high biological value and high landscape intactness; prioritized for conservation actions. biodiversity The full array of living things considered at all levels, from genetic variants of a single species to arrays of species and arrays of genera, families, and higher taxonomic levels; includes natural communities and ecosystems. bivoltine Having two generations (broods)
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From page 268... ...
Glossary G-2 Term Definitions climate change Long‐term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, caused by human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. climate change vulnerability Refers to the degree to which an ecological system, natural community, habitat, or individual species is likely to be adversely affected as a result of changes in climate and is often dependent on factors such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. climate resiliency The ability of species to adapt to and withstand changes in climate; biodiversity assists species in persisting over time as climate changes. cocoon The pupal stage of moths (and some other holometabolous insects) within which they complete metamorphosis; typically found hanging from a surface or buried underground or in leaf litter. colony Large community of individual bees living together as one social unit; typically includes workers, males, and a queen. coloration The colors, patterns, and general appearance used to identify species. community See natural community. compensatory mitigation Actions taken to fulfill, in whole or in part, mitigation requirements under state or federal law or a court mandate. congener A member of the same taxonomic genus as another plant or animal. conservation The use of habitat and other natural resources in ways such that they may remain viable for future generations. This includes permanent protection of such resources. conservation action/measure An action that, when implemented, would protect or restore and manage natural elements, including imperiled species and their habitats, natural communities, ecological processes, and wildlife corridors. conservation bank Permanently protected privately or publicly owned lands managed for endangered, threatened, and other at‐risk species. May include habitat restoration or creation in addition to protecting occupied habitats. See mitigation bank. conservation easement A voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits the uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. conservation status The current status of the species as either listed in, a candidate for listing in, or petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act or as imperiled without formal legal protection. conservation strategy Conservation actions or habitat enhancement actions that, if implemented, will sustain and restore species and their habitats, natural communities, biodiversity, habitat connectivity, ecosystem functions, water resources, and other natural resources. consultation A process between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service and a federal agency or applicant that: (1)
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From page 269... ...
Glossary G-3 Term Definitions creation (of natural community or species' habitat) The creation of a specified resource condition where none existed before. See establishment. critical habitat Habitat designated as critical1 refers to specific areas occupied by a federally listed species at the time it is listed, and that are essential to the conservation of the species and that may require special management considerations or protection. Critical habitat also includes specific areas outside occupied habitat into which the species could spread and that are considered essential for recovery of the species. crop pest Includes seed eaters, herbivores, frugivores, and pathogens (e.g., insects, fungi, bacteria, and viruses)
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From page 270... ...
Glossary G-4 Term Definitions ecosystem A natural unit defined by both its living and nonliving components; a balanced system of the exchange of nutrients and energy. See habitat. ecosystem function The ecosystem processes involving interactions among physical, chemical, and biological components, such as dynamic river meander, floodplain dynamism, tidal flux, bank erosion, and other processes necessary to sustain the ecosystem and the species that depend on it. ecosystem services The beneficial outcomes to humans from ecosystem functions such as supplying of oxygen; sequestering of carbon; moderating climate change effects; supporting the food chain; harvesting of animals or plants; providing clean water; recharging groundwater; abating storm, fire, and flood damage; pollinating and fertilizing for agriculture; and providing scenic views. ecotone, ecotonal A region of transition between two biological communities or habitats. encroach, encroachment The natural phenomenon characterized by the increase in density of certain types of plants, bushes, or shrubs at the expense of the herbaceous layer. endangered A species that has become so rare it is in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Endangered Species Act (ESA) Federal law enacted in 1973 to prohibit the import, export, or taking of fish, wildlife, and plants listed as threatened or endangered species; provide for adding species to and removing them from the list of threatened and endangered species and for preparing and implementing plans for their recovery; provide for interagency cooperation to avoid take of listed species and for issuing permits for otherwise prohibited activities; provide for cooperation with state governments, including authorization of financial assistance; and implement the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. endemic A species, subspecies, or variety found only in a specified geographic region. enhancement A manipulation of an ecological resource or natural resource that improves a specific ecosystem function. An enhancement does not result in a gain in protected or conserved land, but it does result in an improvement in ecological or ecosystem function. enhancement‐of‐survival permit Available under Section 10 of the ESA for entities whose activities will provide a net conservation benefit to listed or candidate species. erosion (of soil)
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From page 271... ...
Glossary G-5 Term Definitions extirpation The situation in which a species or population no longer exists within a certain geographic area, while at least one other population of the species still persists in other areas; also known as local extinction. eyespot A rounded, eye‐like marking on the wing of a butterfly or moth. federal nexus When a project requires a federal authorization apart from ESA compliance, license, or funding. fire regime The pattern, frequency, and intensity of the wildfires that prevail in an area over long periods of time; an integral part of fire ecology and renewal for certain types of ecosystems. fire return interval The average period between fires, both natural and prescribed, under the historical fire regime. flight time The month or months of the year in which adult pollinators are observed in flight. focal species In this guide, sensitive pollinators that are of particular conservation concern, such as monarch butterflies or other imperiled species. food web The overall food relationships (food chains) among organisms in a particular environment, detailing the interconnectivity in complex feeding relationships for that ecosystem. All the food chains in a single ecosystem represent the multiple possible paths that energy and nutrients may take as they move through the ecosystem. foraging territory The distance or area over which an individual of a species is known to travel to find food resources, as reported in agency reports or peer‐ reviewed literature for that species. forb An herbaceous flowering plant other than a grass, sedge, or rush. forewing The anterior (front, closer to the head)
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From page 272... ...
Glossary G-6 Term Definitions habitat conservation plan (HCP) A planning document that is required as part of an application for an incidental take permit under the ESA. HCPs provide for partnerships with non‐federal parties to conserve the ecosystems upon which listed species depend, ultimately contributing to their recovery. HCPs describe the anticipated effects of the proposed taking, how those impacts will be minimized or mitigated, and how the HCP is to be funded. habitat degradation When habitat conditions decline due to invasive species, pollution, development, or overutilization of natural resources. habitat enhancement Actions that, when implemented, are intended to improve the quality of wildlife habitat or to address risks or stressors to wildlife. Habitat enhancement would have long‐term durability but would not involve acquiring land or permanently protecting habitat. habitat fragmentation When larger habitats are broken up into smaller patches, which may be too small to sustain populations of some species or species are unable to move between patches. habitat loss When habitat is eliminated or transformed into another type of habitat. habitat needs/requirements In this guide, conditions that must be present in order for pollinator species to inhabit and thrive in their surroundings, including climate, vegetation, associated species, and natural processes. habitat quality The capacity of a habitat to support a species. The precise meaning of habitat quality varies by species and depends on the specific needs of a species in the context of a particular area. High‐quality habitat for species may have only foraging and resting elements or it may include foraging, resting, and nesting elements. For other species, it may encompass all elements needed for the species to complete its lifecycle. Low‐quality habitat has only the minimal elements to support occurrence of the species. High‐quality habitat tends to support larger numbers of species than low‐quality habitat. harass As defined by the ESA, actions that create the likelihood of injury to listed species to such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal behavior patterns, which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. harm As defined by the ESA, includes significant habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to listed species by significantly impairing behavioral patterns, such as breeding, feeding, or sheltering. herbaceous Vascular plants with little or no persistent woody stems above ground; includes grasses and forbs. herbicide A substance that is toxic to plants, used to destroy unwanted vegetation. hindwing The posterior (back)
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From page 273... ...
Glossary G-7 Term Definitions host plant Plants upon which butterflies and moths lay their eggs, and upon which their caterpillars (larvae) will feed after hatching. hydrologic regime The timing, volume, and duration of water flow events, which may be influenced by the climate, soils, geology, groundwater, watershed land cover, connectivity, and valley and stream morphology. imperiled species A species that is in decline and may be in danger of extinction. In this guide, this term identifies species that are not legally protected under the ESA. incidental take permit A permit issued under Section 10 of the ESA to private, non‐federal entities undertaking otherwise lawful projects that might result in the take of a listed species. See also take. indicator species A species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a particular habitat, community, or set of environmental conditions.4 infiltration (of water)
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From page 274... ...
Glossary G-8 Term Definitions listed species Species currently listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA; the species has been determined to be in danger of extinction in the near or foreseeable future by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. managed bees Bees that are bred and managed by people for commercial purposes. For example, honey bees kept for honey production or rental for commercial crop pollination; can harm other wild pollinators through increased competition for nectar and pollen resources and spread of disease. mesic Containing a moderate or well‐balanced supply of moisture. microclimate The atmospheric conditions of a very small or restricted area that differ from those in the surrounding areas. migration The mass movement of individuals among areas, generally directional and synchronized; see also dispersal. mitigate, mitigation To lessen the effects of an action, particularly adverse effects, on a species or habitat. mitigation bank Land managed for its natural resource values, with an emphasis on targeted resources. Typically requires the restoration or creation of aquatic resources. See conservation bank. monitoring Data collected from repeated sampling to detect changes over time, such as in response to revegetation or maintenance practices. monitoring protocols The methodology used to collect data. This guide contains protocols for monitoring imperiled pollinators, imperiled species of pollinators, and bumble bees. monoculture The cultivation of a single crop in a given area. morphology The form and structure of living organisms. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The national environmental law that promotes the enhancement of the environment by requiring federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions and to incorporate environmental considerations in their planning and decision‐making through a systematic interdisciplinary approach by preparing detailed statements assessing the environmental impact of major federal actions significantly affecting the environment. native species A species whose presence in a given region or ecosystem is the result of only natural evolution and distribution. natural community A group of organisms living together and linked together by their effects on one another and their responses to the environment they share.6 A general term often used synonymously with habitat or vegetation type. natural resources Biological and ecological resources including species and their habitats, including waters of the state, waters of the United States, wetlands, and natural communities. 6 Sawyer, J
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From page 275... ...
Glossary G-9 Term Definitions NatureServe A non‐profit organization comprising a network of conservation scientists that collects, aggregates, and standardizes data about the status and distribution of species and ecosystems of conservation concern in North America and assigns its own conservation rankings to such species. NEPA Assignment The process by which some states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas, and Utah as of April 2022) assume federal responsibility for transportation projects for the Federal Highway Administration. States with NEPA Assignment may use the Section 7 ESA compliance process even when no other federal nexus exists. nest Places constructed and provisioned by bees and wasps in which their offspring develop; can be on the ground, in soil, underground, in tunnels, or in insulated cavities. nocturnal Active during the nighttime. nonnative species Any species introduced after European contact and as a direct or indirect result of human activity to a new place or new habitat where it did not previously occur.7 See invasive species. noxious plant A plant that can directly or indirectly injure or cause damage to crops, livestock, poultry, or other interests of agriculture, irrigation, navigation, the natural resources of the United States, the public health, or the environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service maintains a list of federally recognized noxious weeds, and each state also has its own list. objective, conservation objective A concise, measurable statement of what is to be achieved and that supports a conservation goal. The objective should be based on the best available scientific information to conserve the species or other conservation elements for which the conservation goal and objective is developed. obligate Restricted to a particular condition of life, such as dependent on a particular habitat or forage. overwinter The process by which some organisms pass through or wait out the winter season, when conditions make normal activity or survival difficult or near impossible. oviposit, oviposition To lay an egg or eggs. parasite An organism that lives in or on a host but does not kill the host. parasitoid An organism that lives on or inside a host and always kills the host. pathogen A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease. perennial Lasting or existing for a long time (in plants, more than 2 years)
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From page 276... ...
Glossary G-10 Term Definitions phenology The timing of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomenon, such as when plants bloom and when insects emerge from pupal stages. pollinator An animal that helps carry pollen, either intentionally or accidentally, from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma)
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From page 277... ...
Glossary G-11 Term Definitions recovery The process by which the decline of an endangered or threatened species is halted or reversed or threats to its survival are neutralized, so that its long‐term survival in nature can be ensured.8 Recovery entails actions to achieve the conservation and survival of a species, including actions to prevent any further decline of a population's viability and genetic integrity. Recovery also includes actions to restore or establish environmental conditions that enable a species to persist (i.e., the long‐term occurrence of a species through the full range of environmental variation) . recovery area The band of low‐growing or routinely mowed vegetation directly adjacent to the pavement or shoulder of a road where vehicles that have left the roadway can recover; also known as the clear or safety zone. The recovery area is free of obstruction and the width is determined by the type of road and traffic volume, as well as the slope of the embankment. Recovery Crediting System A tool that allows federal agencies to use their authorities to benefit species already listed as threatened or endangered on non‐federal lands; subject to consultation under Section 7 of the ESA. Creates a process through which federal agencies create a "bank" of recovery credits providing for the conservation of listed species while being able to compensate for future impacts of their actions refugia Locations or areas providing a safe resting place for animals to hide from predators. restore, restoration Manipulation of a piece of land with the goal of repairing natural or historical ecosystem functions to degraded habitat or natural resources. This results in an improvement in ecological or ecosystem functions, but it does not result in a gain in area. revegetation The process of replanting and rebuilding the soil of disturbed lands such as roadsides. This may be a natural process produced by plant colonization and succession, human‐made rewilding projects, or accelerated processes designed to repair damage to a landscape due to construction or operational disturbance, wildfire, mining, flood, or other cause. riparian Relating to wetlands adjacent to rivers and streams. roadside Areas along the sides of roads and highways extending across both urban and rural landscapes; often the only natural vegetation that remains in highly altered landscapes. Roadsides provide pollinators with a place to find food, reproduce, and take shelter or overwinter, and they can increase habitat connectivity. roadside contamination Deposit of pollutants through routine vehicle use and maintenance, including vehicle exhaust, de‐icing materials, and heavy metals from tire rubber, brake dust, and gasoline and diesel combustion products. roadside management/ maintenance The planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the non‐paved highway right‐of‐way. roadside restoration See restoration, revegetation. 8 U.S.
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From page 278... ...
Glossary G-12 Term Definitions runoff (of water) The draining away of water from the surface of an area of land; can be problematic when it occurs as a result of excess rainwater, stormwater, meltwater, or other water no longer infiltrating (soak)
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From page 279... ...
Glossary G-13 Term Definitions threat An anthropogenic (human‐induced) or natural driver that could result in changing the ecological conditions of the species or its habitat in a negative way. threatened Plants and animals that are likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges. transportation planning The process of identifying transportation needs and establishing plans for infrastructure development to meet those needs; occurs at the local, regional, and state levels and generally includes identifying and prioritizing projects needed to maintain and improve transportation networks and achieve specific transportation goals. Can involve either short‐ (e.g., 4 years)
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