Zayante Band-winged Grasshopper - Management Plans

Management Plans

Due to the declining numbers in population, the Zayante band-winged grasshopper has been listed as an endangered species. The main threat to the species at the moment is habitat lost, due to human activities and alterations. The introduction of non-native species of plants has also threatened the species population. Over- collection and pesticides have also been seen as potential threats to the species (Donald J. Barry 2000).

In order to prevent the continuing declination of the population of the Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and ultimately its extinction, management plans need to be proposed. There have been two HCPs (Habitat Conservation Plans) that have been discussed and put into play for an area where the grasshoppers inhabit by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (Joseph E. Doddridge 2001). Just those two will not do though, there is still more HCPs that are needed to be discussed. Plans should be discussed with the local quarry owners to reduce the loss of habitat through sand mining and urban expansion in the Zayante sandhills. There will also needs to be a discussion of HCP with the county of Santa Cruz to put off losing more of the grasshopper’s habitat from all of the mining and developments, since the Zayante band-winged grasshopper is known only to be located in Santa Cruz County. Critical habitats have been designated within the communities of Mount Hermon, Felton, Ben Lomond, Zayante, and Scotts Valley. By the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (10,560 acres) (Donald J. Barry 2000).

Another part that is important to the management is dealing with the invasive species of plants that are interfering with the grasshopper’s habitats. The species of plants that are non-native to the sand hills area are taking over the sand hills, taking precious space and areas of habitat from the grasshoppers. We need to somehow control these invasive species, or try to get rid of them. Research will need to be conducted focusing on habitat necessities for the long-term survival of the species. The Zayante band-winged grasshopper has such a unique and rare habitat, that we need to fully understand everything we can to be able to save this endangered species. Along with the research, educating the general public, private land owners, and especially the businesses and developers in the mining industry about the Zayante band-winged grasshopper and its unique habitat would be helpful in preserving the species. The people need to understand that the sandhills are not only special and rare to the Zayante band-winged grasshopper, but also to them.

In order to have these management plans become reality, the cooperation of many people will be needed. This would include all the people of Santa Cruz County, including the citizens, private land owners, and all of the businesses and developers who have an impact on the habitat of the Zayante sand hills.