The proposed project area is adjacent to lands that support wildlife characteristic of the Mojave Desert. Biological diversity varies according to topography, plant community, and proximity to water, soil type, and season. Several common species of reptiles that may be present in the vicinity of the proposed project site may include the western whip-tail (Cnemidophorous tigris), desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis), side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburniana), zebra-tail lizard (Callisaurus draconoides), desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), western shovel-nosed snake (Chionactis occipitalis) and garter snake (Thamnophis sp.). Common bird species that may be present in the vicinity of the proposed project site may include the rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), black-throated sparrow (Amphispiza quinquestriata), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), common raven (Corvus corax), phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), red- tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), and western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea). Common mammal species include the black-tailed hare (Lepus californicus), the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), coyote (Canis latrans), badger (Taxidea taxus), kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) and many species of rodents.