Pygmy Rabbit Surveys

Saddle Up Wildlife Consulting provides specialized Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) surveys throughout Nevada, applying rigorous field methodology aligned with BLM, USFWS, and NDOW expectations. Because Pygmy Rabbits are tightly associated with deep-soiled, mature big sagebrush communities, accurate detection requires targeted survey design, strong habitat knowledge, and familiarity with sign-based identification.

We have extensive field experience conducting Pygmy Rabbit presence/absence surveys, occupancy assessments, and clearance surveys across northern and central Nevada, supporting mining operations, utility corridors, renewable energy development, infrastructure improvements, and NEPA-driven environmental review efforts.

Greater Sage-Grouse Monitoring

At Saddle Up Wildlife Consulting, we bring years of specialized experience in Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) monitoring across Northern Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming, proudly supporting the mining industry, oil and gas, and the renewables/utilities sectors. We have conducted rigorous GRSG lek surveys in Northern Nevada, where NDOW maintains high standards for data quality, methodology, and consistency. We understand precisely how these surveys are expected to be performed, and we take that responsibility seriously. At Saddle Up Wildlife Consulting, our commitment is to provide work that not only meets NDOW’s expectations but exceeds them—delivering reliable data, meticulous documentation, and valuable insights that empower our clients to make informed decisions.

Special Status Plants

Noxious and Disturbed Weeds

Our Special Status Plant Survey capabilities include:

• Presence/absence surveys for BLM Sensitive species and state-listed taxa

• Habitat assessments and potential habitat delineation

• Project-level botanical inventories

• Survey timing aligned with peak detectability and flowering phenology

• Mapping and documentation of occurrences using sub-meter GPS and GIS

• Data collection compatible with USFS, BLM, and state databases

• Noxious weed identification, mapping, and risk assessment

• Development of avoidance, minimization, and mitigation recommendations

• Agency coordination with BLM, USFS, state heritage programs, and county weed authorities

We bring a disciplined, botanically informed approach to every survey, understanding that accurate identification and proper timing are essential for compliance and for supporting timely project approvals. When required, we work closely with land managers to ensure survey methodologies, data formats, and reporting meet the expectations of reviewing biologists and resource specialists.

Small Mammal Trapping

Saddle Up Wildlife Consulting provides scientifically rigorous small mammal trapping services throughout Nevada, supporting baseline wildlife inventories, impact assessments, NEPA analyses, habitat evaluations, and species-specific compliance requirements. Our work adheres to state and federal standards, including NDOW protocols, BLM Technical References, and American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) guidelines for humane trapping and handling.

We have practical field experience working across Nevada’s diverse ecosystems—from sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper woodlands to high-elevation basins and desert scrub—where accurate detection of small mammal communities is essential for project planning and regulatory review.

Our approach emphasizes animal welfare, methodological rigor, and defensible data. We maintain strict trap-check schedules, species-appropriate handling methods, and ethical standards that meet or exceed agency expectations.

Whether supporting mining projects, linear infrastructure development, renewable energy, or research-focused monitoring, Saddle Up Wildlife Consulting delivers clear, accurate, and biologically sound small mammal survey results that inform project decisions and streamline compliance across Nevada’s public and private lands.

Migratory Bird Surveys/Avian Point Counts

Saddle Up Wildlife Consulting provides technically sound and regulator-aligned Nest Clearance Surveys for a variety of project types, including mining, energy/utility operations, tree-clearing projects, construction activities, and infrastructure development. With seven years of experience surveying birds and raptors across diverse ecosystems, we understand species-specific nesting behaviors, habitat cues, and detection challenges that influence survey quality and accuracy.

We have conducted Nest Clearance Surveys throughout the western U.S. for mining companies, renewable energy developers, utilities, and pipeline and transmission projects. Our work includes:

• Pre-activity nest sweeps for songbirds, raptors, and special-status species

• Nesting habitat assessments and risk evaluations

• Clearance surveys for vegetation removal, drilling, mining, and construction activities

• Burrowing Owl surveys and mitigation coordination

• Biological monitoring during project implementation

• Documentation aligned with MBTA, Eagle Act, and state wildlife agency requirements

• Coordination with state and federal agencies to ensure full compliance and minimize project delays

Our approach is systematic, behavior-based, and designed to minimize disturbance while protecting active nests. We prioritize clear communication, accurate documentation, and timely reporting to keep projects moving while staying within the bounds of all regulatory requirements.