2013 Spring Reptile Surveys

2013 Spring Reptile Surveys

June 12, 2013

Matthew Schertz and Michael Sawaya discuss Spring 2013 Reptile surveys in Whaley Draw.

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2013 Spring Reptile Surveys

This map highlights wildlife encounters, kill sites, and pond conditions noted during four spring surveys up Whaley Draw.

The Whaley drainage provides basking and hunting opportunities for a population of Bull Snakes. Pocket gophers and Columbia Ground Squirrel colonies are reliable food sources for these predators.

We found the remains of a pregnant doe that may have been killed by a mountain lion. Evidence of predation included hair sheared by carnassial teeth and canine teeth punctures to the deer skull.

The photo below shows the additional bentonite we added to the dam to increase the volume of the pond. Once the water level rises after the rains, we will apply a truckload of compost to the pond. Adult long-toed salamanders have bred in the pond. Dozens of larvae thrive within the algae in the center of the pond.

The most diverse and enduring generalist on the North American continent, racers hunt more than 50 species of prey. Fossilized remains of Colubers date back 36 million years to the Oligocene epoch.

In a patch of shrubs, we found several holes dug into the hillside. The presence of small footprints, the size of the holes, and the characteristics of the hair at the entrances indicated a Red Fox den. Freshly upturned dirt suggested the den remained active.

In a patch of shrubs, we found several holes dug into the hillside. The presence of small footprints, the size of the holes, and the characteristics of the hair at the entrances indicated a Red Fox den. Freshly upturned dirt suggested the den remained active.

Despite the limits of this water source, Long-Toed Salamanders use the pool as a nursery. Unfortunately, the pasty bentonite layer prevents the exchange of oxygen, complicates adult burrowing, and limits the possibility of overwintering at the site. A topsoil layer will enable Long Toed Salamanders to use the water source throughout their life cycle.

We caught this 6.5” female salamander at the underground tank. She remains the only adult encountered up Whaley Draw. Given the relative isolation of the tank, we think she laid the dozens of eggs we found lining the algae.

Previous Research Report

2012 Western Toad Report