Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at 

Death Valley National Park 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

U.S. Geological Survey

Southwest Biological Science Center

Open-File Report 2006–1233

August 2006

Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at 

Death Valley National Park

By Trevor B. Persons and Erika M. Nowak

Open-File Report 2006–1233

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Dr. P. Patrick Leahy, Acting Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2006

For product and ordering information:

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

For more information on the USGS--the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, 

natural hazards, and the environment:

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the 

U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Persons, T.B., and Nowak E.M., 2006, Inventory of amphibians and reptiles at Death Valley National Park: U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Colorado Plateau Research Station, Open-File Report 2006-1233, 

32 p.
iii

Contents

Abstract ...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

Study Area Description .................................................................................................................................2

Methods...........................................................................................................................................................3

Sampling Design ...................................................................................................................................3

Field Methods ........................................................................................................................................3

Daytime General Surveys ...........................................................................................................3

Nocturnal General Surveys ........................................................................................................3

Nighttime Road Driving ...............................................................................................................3

Day Driving ....................................................................................................................................4

Pitfall Traps ...................................................................................................................................4

Random Encounters ....................................................................................................................5

Spatial Data Collection ........................................................................................................................5

Voucher Specimens .............................................................................................................................5

Literature and Museum Specimen Review ......................................................................................5

Data Analysis .........................................................................................................................................5

Data and Other Products .....................................................................................................................6

Report Review .......................................................................................................................................6

Results and Discussion .................................................................................................................................6

Overview of Inventory Results ............................................................................................................6

Literature and Museum Specimen Review ......................................................................................6

Sampling Effort and Efficacy of Methods .........................................................................................7

Estimate of Inventory Completeness ..............................................................................................10

Inventory Completeness of Different Taxa Groups .......................................................................10

Evaluation of Inventory Completeness Through Species Accumulation ..................................10

Rare, Exotic, or Sensitive Species ...................................................................................................10

Specimens Collected .........................................................................................................................12

Update of NPSpecies and NatureBib Databases .........................................................................12

Considerations for Future Inventory Work and Long-term Monitoring ..............................................13

Future Inventory Work .......................................................................................................................13

Long-term Monitoring ........................................................................................................................15

Acknowledgements .....................................................................................................................................16

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................17

Appendix A. Data Form ............................................................................................................................21

Appendix B. Contact Information for Experts Consulted ...................................................................23

Appendix C. Annotated List of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park .............25

Figures

 1. Map of Death Valley National Park showing the location of priority sampling areas during an inventory of amphibians and reptiles in 2002–04 .........................................................2
iv

2. Location of pitfall traps operated in 2003–04 at Mahogany Flat and Hummingbird 

Spring, Panamint Mountains, during an inventory of amphibians and reptiles at Death 

Valley National Park .....................................................................................................................4

 3. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Death Valley National Park, 

2002–04 .........................................................................................................................................13

 4. Location of voucher specimens collected during an inventory of amphibians and reptiles at Death Valley National Park in 2002–04 .......................................................................13

Tables

 1. Scientific names and common names of amphibians and reptiles used in the text.........7

 2. Amphibian and reptile species observed during herpetofauna surveys at Death 

 Valley National Park in 2002–04, and the numbers of each species observed by each 

method ............................................................................................................................................8

 3. Field effort allocated to each survey method during an inventory of amphibians and 

reptiles at Death Valley National Park in 2002–04 ...................................................................9

 4. All amphibian and reptile species found or expected to occur at Death Valley National 

Park ...............................................................................................................................................11

 5. Specimens collected during an inventory of amphibians and reptiles at Death Valley 

National Park in 2002–04 ...........................................................................................................14
Abstract

As part of the National Park Service Inventory and 

Monitoring Program in the Mojave Network, we conducted an 

inventory of amphibians and reptiles at Death Valley National 

Park in 2002–04. Objectives for this inventory were to: 1) 

Inventory and document the occurrence of reptile and amphibian species occurring at DEVA, primarily within priority 

sampling areas, with the goal of documenting at least 90% 

of the species present; 2) document (through collection or 

museum specimen and literature review) one voucher specimen for each species identified; 3) provide a GIS-referenced 

list of sensitive species that are federally or state listed, rare, 

or worthy of special consideration that occur within priority sampling locations; 4) describe park-wide distribution of 

federally- or state-listed, rare, or special concern species; 5) 

enter all species data into the National Park Service NPSpecies database; and 6) provide all deliverables as outlined in the 

Mojave Network Biological Inventory Study Plan. Methods 

included daytime and nighttime visual encounter surveys, road 

driving, and pitfall trapping. Survey effort was concentrated 

in predetermined priority sampling areas, as well as in areas 

with a high potential for detecting undocumented species. We 

recorded 37 species during our surveys, including two species 

new to the park. During literature review and museum specimen database searches, we recorded three additional species 

from DEVA, elevating the documented species list to 40 (four 

amphibians and 36 reptiles). Based on our surveys, as well 

as literature and museum specimen review, we estimate an 

overall inventory completeness of 92% for Death Valley and 

an inventory completeness of 73% for amphibians and 95% 

for reptiles. 

Key Words: Amphibians, reptiles, Death Valley National 

Park, Inyo County, San Bernardino County, Esmeralda 

County, Nye County, California, Nevada, Mojave Desert, 

Great Basin Desert, inventory, NPSpecies.

Introduction

In fiscal year 2000, the National Park Service (NPS) 

received a substantial budget increase for inventory and monitoring studies. At that time, a nationwide program to inventory 

vertebrates and vascular plants within the National Parks was 

initiated. As part of this new inventory effort led by the NPS 

Inventory and Monitoring program, a total of 265 National 

Park units (e.g., parks, monuments, recreation areas, historic 

sites) were identified as having significant natural resources, 

and these were divided into 32 groups or “networks” based 

on geographical proximity and similar habitat types. The 

Mojave Network consists of six NPS units in the Mojave and 

Great Basin biomes: Death Valley National Park (DEVA), 

Great Basin National Park (GRBA), Joshua Tree National Park 

(JOTR), Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAME), Manzanar National Historic Site (MANZ) and Mojave National 

Preserve (MOJA). A biological inventory study plan was 

developed for the Mojave Network (NPS 2001), and DEVA 

identified inventory of amphibians and reptiles as a high priority. A preliminary NPS assessment of inventory completeness 

indicated that 74% (35 of 47) of the potentially occurring 

reptile species and 44-50% (4 of 8 or 9) of the potentially 

occurring amphibian species had been verified from DEVA. 

Reptile and amphibian inventories were funded as two separate projects, with inventory work for reptiles beginning in 

spring of 2002 and amphibians in spring of 2003. Although 

both inventories were originally planned as two-year efforts, 

deadlines for deliverables have been adjusted so that results 

can be combined into a single report. 

Park managers and local experts identified priority 

sampling areas for both amphibians and reptiles, representing 

areas that lacked adequate baseline information on species 

occurrence, had a high potential for increasing the park species 

list, or were of special management concern. Many of these 

areas are within lands recently added to the park as part of the 

Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at 

Death Valley National Park

By Trevor B. Persons and Erika M. Nowak
2 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

1994 California Desert Protection Act, including the Greenwater Range and Greenwater Valley, Owlshead Mountains, Argus 

Range and Darwin Plateau, springs in the Cottonwood and 

Panamint Mountains, and the Last Chance Range (Figure 1). 

Objectives for this inventory were to: 1) Inventory and 

document the occurrence of reptile and amphibian species occurring at DEVA, primarily within priority sampling 

locations, with the goal of documenting at least 90% of the 

species potentially present; 2) document (through collection or 

museum specimen and literature review) one voucher specimen for each species identified; 3) provide a GIS-referenced 

list of sensitive species that are known to be federally or state 

listed, rare, or worthy of special consideration that occur 

within priority sampling locations; 4) describe park-wide distribution of federally- or state-listed, rare, or special concern 

species; 5) enter all species data into the National Park Service 

NPSpecies database; and 6) provide all deliverables as outlined in the Mojave Network Biological Inventory Study Plan.

Study Area Description

Death Valley National Park encompasses over 1.37 million hectares, primarily in Inyo County, California, but extends 

Figure 1. Map of Death Valley 

National Park showing the 

location of priority sampling 

areas during an inventory of 

amphibians and reptiles in 

2002–04.
 3

into San Bernardino County, California, and Esmeralda and 

Nye counties, Nevada (Figure 1). Elevation ranges from 86 

m below sea level (the lowest point in North America) to 

3368 m on Telescope Peak in the Panamint Mountains, for a 

total elevation range of over 3450 m. DEVA is physiographically and hydrologically part of the Great Basin, but lies 

floristically within the Mojave Desert (Grayson 1993). While 

summer temperatures are moderate at higher elevations, they 

can be extremely hot in the lowest valleys. Furnace Creek 

has an average high temperature of 47 oC for July, and holds 

the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in North 

America, 57 oC. The average high and low temperatures at 

Furnace Creek in January are18 oC and 4 oC, respectively. 

Rainfall at the lowest point in Death Valley averages only 4.19 

cm per year, but increases at higher elevations. Habitats range 

from barren salt flats and alkaline Mojave Desertscrub communities at the lowest elevations within the valleys, to bristlecone pine (Pinus aristida) woodlands in the highest elevations 

of the Panamint Mountains (Turner and Wauer 1963). On the 

extensive alluvial fans, creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is the 

dominant plant, and big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and 

blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) flats and pinyon-juniper 

(Pinus monophylla and Juniperus osteosperma) woodlands are 

common at intermediate elevations (Turner and Wauer 1963). 

Microhabitats important to some amphibians and reptiles at 

DEVA include rocky canyons, sand dunes, and aquatic habitats. Natural aquatic habitats include Saratoga Spring, a large 

(ca. 1 ha) pond in the southern part of the park, a perennial 

stream at Darwin Falls, spring-fed washes along the margins 

of Death Valley and elsewhere, a large salt lake and nearby 

flowing wells in Saline Valley, stagnant pools along the lower 

Amargosa River, and numerous springs in the Panamint Range 

(i.e., Panamint and Cottonwood Mountains). These latter 

springs occur between ca. 1067-1372 m elevation, and often 

contain heavy stands of willow (Salix), rabbitbrush (Crysothamnus), seep willow (Baccharis), and desert grape (Vitis 

girdiana; Turner and Wauer 1963). Artificial ponds around 

the golf course at Furnace Creek contribute to the diversity of 

aquatic habitats available to amphibians within the park.

Methods

Sampling Design

The focus of the present DEVA amphibian and reptile 

inventory was very specific: to survey relatively unknown or 

sensitive areas of the park and to document the presence of 

suspected species. Given this, and based on results from previous herpetological inventories (e.g., Drost et al. 2001, Nowak 

et al. 2003), we used non-random, targeted sampling methods 

rather than randomized plots or transects. It is well known that 

unconstrained, targeted surveys are superior to randomized 

methods when trying to compile a herpetofauna species list 

(e.g., Campbell and Christman 1982, Karns 1986, Scott 1994, 

Turner et al. 1999). Much of our effort was focused in the 

previously identified priority sampling areas (above), but we 

also targeted other areas of the park with a high likelihood of 

harboring new species, especially the lower Amargosa River 

valley (including Ibex Dunes). 

Field Methods

For this inventory, we used a combination of diurnal and 

nocturnal time-recorded visual encounter surveys (“general 

surveys”), road driving (primarily at night), and limited pitfall 

trapping. These methods are outlined below.

Daytime General Surveys

General surveys are a form of time-recorded visual 

encounter survey described by Crump and Scott (1994). During daytime general surveys we recorded the area searched 

(either with GPS points or written route descriptions, or both), 

start and stop times, weather conditions (temperature, cloud 

cover, wind, relative humidity) at the beginning and end of 

each survey, and observations of all amphibians or reptiles 

encountered during the survey. Habitat data included descriptions of dominant vegetation and physiographic features of the 

area (soil type, slope, drainages, etc.). A copy of the field data 

sheet used for most general surveys is reproduced in Appendix 

A. These surveys varied from short duration searches of specific habitats (e.g., springs, sand dunes) to all-day hikes over 

extensive areas (e.g., long, large canyons).

Nocturnal General Surveys

Nocturnal general surveys were conducted in the same 

manner as daytime general surveys, except that they occurred 

at night with the aid of flashlights. During these surveys, we 

primarily targeted aquatic habitats used by amphibians. These 

surveys included an aural component (i.e. listening at potential 

breeding locations for calling amphibians), as well as visual 

searches of pools and streams for tadpoles and egg masses. 

We also surveyed some dry washes and sand dunes at night in 

search of snakes.

Nighttime Road Driving

Driving slowly on roads at night and carefully scanning 

the road in the headlights of the vehicle is recognized as an 

excellent method for surveying some groups of reptiles, particularly snakes (e.g., Klauber 1939, Mendelson and Jennings 

1992, Rosen and Lowe 1994). This method is also effective for 

surveying amphibians (Shaffer and Juterbock 1994), particularly in the arid Southwest where many anuran species are 

seldom active during daytime, but can often be found crossing 

roads on warm, rainy nights.
4 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

We standardized these surveys by driving a vehicle at 

slow speeds (20-30 km per hour) on both paved and good dirt 

roads within DEVA, identifying all amphibians and reptiles 

encountered to species and recording if they were either alive 

on the road (AOR) or dead on the road (DOR). We sexed and 

aged all individuals, as possible, and recorded locations to the 

nearest 0.1 mi using calibrated vehicle odometers. Locations 

of selected observations were also recorded using a GPS unit.

Day Driving

During some daytime driving we actively searched for 

reptiles on or near the road, usually between survey areas. 

However, most commuter driving was generally done at higher 

speeds (over 40 km per hour), and any reptiles observed 

opportunistically (usually larger species, especially snakes) 

were recorded as random encounters (below).

Figure 2. Location of 

pitfall traps operated in 

2003–04 at Mahogany Flat 

and Hummingbird Spring, 

Panamint Mountains, during 

an inventory of amphibians 

and reptiles at Death Valley 

National Park.
 5

Pitfall Traps

In 2003 and 2004 we operated 35 pitfall traps in the Panamint Mountains (16 at Mahogany Flat and 19 at Hummingbird 

Spring), targeting salamanders. Location of these two trapping sites is shown in Figure 2. At each location, trap arrays 

consisted of 15 cm diameter and 46 cm deep pitfall traps constructed of plastic piping, buried flush with the ground surface. 

Traps were arranged non-systematically within a small area at 

each site in likely looking microhabitats (leaf litter and nearby 

cover objects, subsurface soil moisture), and were connected 

by a series of drift fences, designed to direct moving animals 

into the traps. These drift fences were constructed of flexible 

fiberglass window screen material tied to tent stakes to keep 

the fence upright, and were buried below the ground surface 

and extended up to a height of approximately 20 cm. When 

open, traps were covered with small boards raised off the 

ground 2-5 cm, in order to keep traps shaded from the sun, as 

well as attract animals seeking cover. Wet sponges were placed 

in each trap, in order to provide moisture for any captured 

animals (especially amphibians). All captured animals were 

identified and released. 

Random Encounters

Amphibians and reptiles seen during other than formal 

surveys (e.g., during daytime when driving between survey 

areas) were referred to as random encounters. As with the 

amphibians and reptiles seen or captured by the different 

sampling methods described above, we recorded standard data 

on random encounters, including date, time, location, species, 

size or age class, and sex, as possible.

Spatial Data Collection

Survey area locations were recorded using Garmin® 

hand-held GPS units (GPSIII Plus or Garmin 12), usually with 

an accuracy of 4-5 m. In addition, we recorded individual 

capture locations of some uncommon species. Although the 

Mojave I&M Network is trying to standardize all spatial data 

in the NAD83 datum, we used NAD27 in order to match the 

USGS topographic maps of DEVA. As with other field data, 

all spatial data were originally recorded on field data sheets 

(Appendix A) or in field notebooks before being entered into 

the Microsoft Access® database.

Voucher Specimens

We documented new species at DEVA by collecting one 

individual of each. In addition, we salvaged several road-killed 

animals found in good condition. Collection locations for 

most specimens were recorded using GPS. Specimens were 

injected with and immersed in 10% formalin for fixing, then 

transferred to either 55% isopropyl alcohol (Trevor B. Persons 

field series) or 70% ethanol (Bryan T. Hamilton field series) 

for preservation, using standard techniques (e.g., Simmons 

2002). These specimens have been deposited in the natural 

history collection facility at Death Valley National Park. Each 

specimen has a field series tag, a data tag, and an NPS issue 

specimen tag containing information on species, collector, date 

of collection, collection site, and NPS (ANCS+) accession and 

catalog number. Information for each specimen was entered 

into the online version of NPSpecies. 

Literature and Museum Specimen Review

In addition to more general references such as Stebbins 

(1985, 2003), the primary references used for herpetofauna 

of the DEVA area were Banta (1962), Stejneger (1893), and 

Turner and Wauer (1963). In addition, we reviewed speciesspecific distribution literature (e.g. Emmerich and Cunningham 2003, Norris 1958; Turner 1959b, 1959c) and ecological literature (e.g., Kay 1970, 1972; Kay et al. 1970, Turner 

1959a) relating to amphibians and reptiles within the park. We 

also reviewed unpublished reports on amphibians and reptiles 

at DEVA (Boland and Goodlett 1997, Marlow 1996, Threloff 

1996), and also consulted with experts familiar with aspects of 

the herpetofauna in the DEVA region. These experts included 

Alex Heindl, David Morafka, Jonathan Richmond, and Eric 

Simandle. Contact information for these experts is presented 

in Appendix B.

We reviewed museum specimen records previously 

entered into NPSpecies. These records were obtained from 

the online collection databases at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS) and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, 

University of California at Berkeley (MVZ), as well as the 

DEVA natural history collection. Although we did not verify 

species identifications for specimens from CAS and MVZ, 

we reviewed collection data for uncommon species, in order 

to verify that specimens were collected within the current 

boundaries of DEVA. We did examine specimens in the DEVA 

natural history collection facility, as we suspected some might 

have been misidentified.

Data Analysis

The effectiveness of the different sampling methods was 

evaluated by determining overall species richness and capture 

rate per unit effort for each of the sampling methods. The 

number of species or individuals captured per unit effort was 

calculated by dividing the number captured or sighted by the 

total effort for that method. We measured sampling effort for 

general surveys and nocturnal general surveys in person-hours, 

i.e., the number of hours spent surveying multiplied by the 

number of observers for any given survey. For night driving 

and day driving we measured effort both in person-hours and 

in total miles driven. We measured pitfall trapping effort in 

trap days, i.e., the number of individual traps multiplied by 

the number of days traps were open. Random encounters are 

not quantifiable in terms of effort, but they added important 
6 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

information for the development of the species accounts on the 

distribution and abundance of species within the park.

To estimate inventory completeness, we developed a 

master list of species documented and potentially occurring at 

DEVA. Development of this master list was based on consultation of selected literature sources (e.g., Banta 1962, Stebbins 

1985, 2003, Turner and Wauer 1963), review of the NPSpecies database, personal knowledge of the distribution and 

habitats of southwestern amphibians and reptiles, data from 

selected museum collections, personal communications with 

other herpetologists that have worked in the DEVA region, 

and results of fieldwork from the 2002 through 2004 seasons. 

Based on our expert opinion, probability of species occurrence was ranked as low (0-33%), medium (34-67%), or high 

(68-100%). In Table 4 these three rankings are coded as 1, 2, 

and 3, respectively. For quantitative analysis, these rankings 

were converted to the midpoint of their percentage range, i.e. 

0.17, 0.50, and 0.83. These values were used as weighting 

factors for species not yet documented. For example, two species with rankings of medium probability of occurrence would 

combine to equal one full expected species (0.50 x 2=1.00 

species), whereas six species of low probability of occurrence 

would be required to equal one full expected species (0.17 x 

6=1.02 species). Species found by us during the inventory, or 

known from previously collected specimens are weighted 1.0. 

Such weighting of categorical probability data is generally not 

recommended for statistical applications; however, we feel it 

justifiable because we are not using the resulting inventory 

completeness estimates for statistical probability or hypothesis 

testing. Instead, we are generating a locally-specific estimate 

of percent inventory completeness as mandated by the NPS 

I&M program, in a manner that integrates a range of information including inventory results, pre-existing information, and 

professional knowledge. These considerations should be kept 

in mind when interpreting the inventory completeness estimates, and underscore the need to focus on the more detailed 

discussions in the species accounts - especially for undocumented species.

In addition to the master list, we produced a species 

accumulation curve (e.g., Scott 1994) to evaluate inventory 

completeness. This curve is simply a graphical representation 

of the rate at which we added to the species list over the course 

of the entire inventory period.

Data and Other Products

Data products delivered separately to the Mojave Inventory and Monitoring Network include 1) a Microsoft Access®

database containing all field data on individual surveys and 

species observations; 2) ArcView® GIS shapefiles of areas 

covered during general surveys, pitfall trap locations, and 

voucher specimen locations; 3) updates of the NPSpecies and 

NatureBib databases for DEVA, updated both online and using 

the desktop application of NPSpecies; 4) copies of field notes 

and field data sheets; and 5) photographs (35 mm color slides) 

of some survey areas and captured animals. Metadata for this 

inventory is being developed with the assistance of the data 

manager for the Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory and 

Monitoring Network (SCPN). 

Report Review

In addition to NPS review by the Mojave I&M Network 

coordinator and staff at DEVA, this report has undergone 

USGS review in accordance with the USGS Southwest 

Biological Science Center’s (SBSC) peer review policy. This 

process consists of initial policy review by the station leader at 

the Colorado Plateau Research Station and the Center Director 

at SBSC, followed by peer review coordinated by the SBSC 

Center Director.

Results and Discussion

Overview of Inventory Results

We recorded 37 species (four amphibians and 33 reptiles) 

during fieldwork at DEVA in 2002–04, and we documented 

three additional species (Panamint Alligator Lizard, Western 

Blind Snake, and Glossy Snake) based on our review of the 

literature and museum specimen records. We documented two 

new species during the present inventory, Southern Alligator Lizard and Ring-necked Snake. Discussion of distribution 

and relative abundance of each species is found in the species 

accounts (Appendix C). Scientific and common names follow 

Stebbins (2003). Scientific names for all amphibian and reptile 

species mentioned in this report are presented in Table 1.

We recorded 2,463 individual amphibians and reptiles 

(not including tadpoles and egg masses) at DEVA that were 

identified to species, plus 63 others (62 lizards and one snake) 

that were not seen well enough to identify. Only positively 

identified individuals are used in analyses. Of these, 2,018 

(82%) were lizards, 328 (13%) were amphibians (all frogs and 

toads), and only 116 (5%) were snakes. We also recorded a 

single Desert Tortoise (<1%). The most commonly observed 

species was the Side-blotched Lizard (n = 629), accounting 

for 26% of all observations. The Western Toad (n = 192) was 

the most frequently observed amphibian species, accounting 

for 59% of all amphibian observations. The most frequently 

observed snakes were the Sidewinder (n = 26) and the Speckled Rattlesnake (n = 21), together accounting for 41% of all 

snake observations. A summary of the total number of each 

species observed by each method during this inventory is 

presented in Table 2. Complete data on all observations can be 

found in the accompanying Microsoft Access® database.
 7

Common name Scientific name

Amphibians

 Inyo Mountains Salamander Batrachoseps campi

 Ensatina Ensatina escholtziii

 Great Basin Spadefoot Spea intermontana

 Western Toad Bufo boreas

 Black Toad Bufo exsul

 Red-spotted Toad Bufo punctatus

 Pacific Treefrog Hyla regilla

 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana

 Northern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens

Turtles

 Desert Tortoise Gopherus agasssizii

Lizards

 Great Basin Collared Lizard Crotaphytus bicinctores

 Long-nosed Leopard Lizard Gambelia wislizenii

 Zebra-tailed Lizard Callisaurus draconoides

 Desert Iguana Dipsosaurus dorsalis

 Desert Horned Lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos

 Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard Uma scoparia

 Long-tailed Brush Lizard Urosaurus graciosus

 Ornate Tree Lizard Urosaurus ornatus

 Side-blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana

 Common Chuckwalla Sauromalus obesus

 Desert Spiny Lizard Sceloporus magister

 Western Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis

 Sagebrush Lizard Sceloporus graciosus

 Western Whiptail Cnemidophorus tigris

 Northern Alligator Lizard Elgaria coerulea

 Southern Alligator Lizard Elgaria multicarinata

 Panamint Alligator Lizard Elgaria panamintinus

 Western Skink Eumeces skiltonianus

 Gilbert’s Skink Eumeces gilberti

 Western Banded Gecko Coleonyx variegatus

 Mediterranean Gecko Hemidactylus turcicus

 Desert Night Lizard Xantusia vigilis

 Gila monster Heloderma suspectum

Snakes

 Western Blind Snake Leptotyphlops humilis

 Rubber Boa Charina bottae

 Rosy Boa Charina trivirgata

 Glossy Snake Arizona elegans

Western Shovel-nosed Snake Chionactis occipitalis

 Ring-necked Snake Diadophis punctatus

 Night Snake Hypsiglena torquata

 Common Kingsnake Lampropeltis getula

 California Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis zonata

 Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum

 Striped Whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus

 Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorynchus decurtatus

 Gopher Snake Pituophis catenifer

 Long-nosed Snake Rhinocheilus lecontei

 Western Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora hexalepis

 Western Ground Snake Sonora semiannulata

 Southwestern Black-headed Snake Tantilla hobartsmithi

 Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans

 Western Lyre Snake Trimorphodon biscutatus

 Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox

 Sidewinder Crotalus cerastes

 Speckled Rattlesnake Crotalus mitchellii

 Mojave Rattlesnake Crotalus scutulatus

 Western Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis

Table 1. Scientific names and common names of amphibians 

and reptiles used in the text. Scientific and common names 

follow Stebbins (2003). Recent studies have proposed changes 

in the taxonomy of some species found at DEVA, and interested 

readers should consult Crother (2000) and Crother et al. (2003) for 

a summary of these proposals.

Literature and Museum Specimen Review

Turner and Wauer (1963) published the most recent and 

comprehensive summary of the amphibians and reptiles of 

DEVA, and their list included 38 species (three amphibians 

and 35 reptiles). When compared to our list, the only amphibian species they did not mention was the Western Toad. This 

species probably occurs naturally at DEVA only in the vicinity 

of Darwin Falls, which was not part of the park at the time. In 

addition, populations of Western Toads currently inhabiting 

the Furnace Creek area have probably been introduced within 

the past 40 years (Threloff 1996). Aside from the two new reptile species documented during the present inventory, the only 

discrepancy between our list and Turner and Wauer’s (1963) 

is their inclusion of Long-tailed Brush Lizard. However, they 

included the species on their list based on Norris (1958), who 

described collection localities that while close to DEVA, are 

probably outside the boundaries of the park.

Stejneger (1893) reported on amphibians and reptiles in 

what is now DEVA, but the so-called “Death Valley Expedition” collected specimens throughout adjacent regions of 

California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Banta (1962) conducted extensive pit-trapping surveys throughout the Saline 

Valley region, before that area was incorporated into DEVA. 

He recorded one amphibian (Red-spotted Toad) and 24 reptile 

species, all of which are included on the list presented by 

Turner and Wauer (1963). Because of Banta’s (1962) extensive 

use of pitfall traps, he recorded species otherwise difficult to 

observe, including numerous individuals of Gilbert’s Skink 

and Panamint Alligator Lizard, as well as two captures of 

Southwestern Black-headed Snake, a species rarely reported 

from DEVA.

Recent literature on the herpetofauna of DEVA includes 

a report on amphibians in the Furnace Creek region of the 

park (Threloff 1996) and a Desert Tortoise survey (Boland and 

Goodlett 1997). Pratt and Hoff (1992) conducted an aquatic 

invertebrate and amphibian survey of springs in the lower 

Amargosa River region. Besides common amphibian species, 

they reported hearing possible calls of Northern Leopard Frogs 

at Saratoga Spring. Marlow (1996a) reported on reptile pitfall 

trapping around selected springs at DEVA, but he captured 

only a few individuals of common reptile species. Marlow 

(1996b) conducted visual encounter surveys for amphibians at 

these and other springs, and in addition to common amphibian species he discovered the isolated (probably introduced) 

population of Black Toads in the Saline Valley. 

Our review of specimen records in NPSpecies from CAS, 

MVZ, and the DEVA natural history collection revealed that 

all 38 species previously documented from DEVA are represented by one or more voucher specimens. In addition, specimens of the two new species found during the present inventory were collected. The only species known to have occurred 

in the park that is not represented by a voucher specimen is 

the Black Toad, which was introduced only about a decade 

ago, and is possibly now extirpated at DEVA. We examined 

specimens in the DEVA natural history collection facility, 
8 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

Table 2. Amphibian and reptile species observed during herpetofauna surveys at Death Valley National Park in 2002–04, and the 

numbers of each species observed (not counting amphibian tadpoles or egg masses) by each method. Abbreviations for survey types

are: GS = general surveys, NGS = nocturnal general surveys, PF = pitfall traps, ND = night driving surveys, DD = day driving surveys, and 

RE = random encounters.

Species GS NGS ND DD PF RE Totals

Western Toad 80 111 1 192

Red-spotted Toad 24 1 25

Pacific Treefrog 47 15 11 73

Bullfrog 29 7 1 1 38

Desert Tortoise 1 1

Zebra-tailed Lizard 238 1 5 67 15 326

Great Basin Collared Lizard 53 51 7 111

Desert Iguana 53 4 2 9 68

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 14 2 12 7 35

Desert Horned Lizard 40 18 36 20 114

Common Chuckwalla 27 8 6 41

Sagebrush Lizard 75 3 9 2 89

Desert Spiny Lizard 56 2 24 10 92

Western Fence Lizard 101 1 36 8 146

Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard 16 16

Side-blotched Lizard 556 8 2 32 1 30 629

Gilbert’s Skink 1 7 8

Western Whiptail 254 1 18 14 287

Southern Alligator Lizard 2 2

Desert Night Lizard 10 1 11

Western Banded Gecko 4 1 38 43

Rosy Boa 1 1 2

Ring-necked Snake 1 1

Western Shovel-nosed Snake 5 5

Night Snake 1 1 2

Common Kingsnake 1 2 1 2 6

Coachwhip 4 2 4 6 16

Striped Whipsnake 2 2

Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake 10 1 11

Gopher Snake 3 1 2 2 8

Long-nosed Snake 2 2 4

Western Patch-nosed Snake 4 1 3 8

Western Ground Snake 1 1 2

Southwestern Black-headed Snake 1 1

Lyre Snake 1 1

Sidewinder 7 1 16 1 1 26

Speckled Rattlesnake 5 12 3 1 21

TOTALS 1,705 145 142 301 25 144 2,463
 9

Mojave Rattlesnake) occurring in that part of the park. Other 

areas searched on repeated occasions included Saline Valley 

(especially around the salt marsh and flowing wells), Waucoba 

Canyon in the foothills of the Inyo Mountains, the Scotty’s 

Castle area, and the Nevada Triangle, especially the area near 

Strozzi Ranch in the Grapevine Mountains. Complete data 

on all surveys can be found in the accompanying Microsoft 

Access® database.

The most species detected by a single method was 28, 

during general surveys, but we recorded 27 species during 

night driving surveys (Table 2). Night driving was more effective for finding snakes (11 versus seven species), whereas 

general surveys recorded more lizards (15 versus 11 species). 

Taken together, these two methods recorded 34 of the 37 species documented during this inventory. This result is consistent 

with those of amphibian and reptile inventories at Petrified 

Forest National Park (Drost et al. 2001) and Wupatki National 

Monument, Arizona (Persons 2001, Persons and Nowak 

2003), in which the combination of daytime general surveys 

and night driving resulted in inventory completeness of >90% 

at both parks (unpublished data). Nocturnal general surveys at 

DEVA recorded only eight species, although this method produced our only observation of a Southwestern Black-headed 

Snake. In addition, nocturnal general surveys were effective 

for surveying most amphibian species. For example, on one 

nocturnal general survey of Darwin Falls we recorded 92 adult 

Western Toads, whereas repeated daytime general surveys 

of this area usually produced only 1-5 (maximum 12) adults 

of this species. Day driving and random encounters recorded 

the same species observed during general surveys and night 

driving, with the exception that the two new species documented during the present inventory were recorded as random 

encounters. However, both of these species were found at a 

pitfall trap array near Scotty’s Castle, as part of a separate 

study of alligator lizards by the late Dr. David Morafka. Laura 

Cunningham and Kevin Emmerich, who conducted fieldwork 

at DEVA for both projects, collected these species during the 

present inventory. 

and re-identified a specimen of Gilbert’s Skink (DEVA 158), 

which had been labeled as a Western Skink. As a result, the 

NPSpecies park status for Western Skink was changed to 

“false report.”

Sampling Effort and Efficacy of Methods

We spent approximately 1,279 person-hours on 220 days 

surveying for herpetofauna at DEVA in 2002–04. Methods 

used, and number of person-hours spent on each method, 

included general surveys (940 person-hours), nocturnal 

general surveys (32 person-hours), night driving (228 personhours), and day driving (79 person-hours). We drove approximately 6,730 km during night driving surveys, and 1,683 km 

during day driving surveys. Although some driving during the 

day was recorded as day driving surveys, often this driving 

was done at higher speeds at which observations were unreliable and times and mileages were not recorded. The pitfall 

traps at Mahogany Flat and Hummingbird Spring were open 

for a total of 2,564 and 2,304 trap days, respectively, between 

July 2003 and September 2004. Finally, we recorded species 

observations (one or more individuals per observation) during 

76 separate random encounters. A summary of effort, including both actual survey time and total person-hours for most 

methods, is presented in Table 3.

Much of our survey effort was focused in priority 

sampling areas, identified at the start of the inventory. We 

searched for new species in the Panamint Range (70 surveys, 

not counting pitfall trapping effort), the Last Chance Range 

(22 surveys), the Darwin Plateau (especially the Darwin Falls 

area; 30 surveys), and the Greenwater Valley and Greenwater 

Range (38 surveys). Because of the low probability (based 

on habitat) of new species occurring in the Owlshead Mountains, we conducted only three surveys there. We surveyed 

extensively in the Amargosa River Valley and Ibex Dunes area 

in the southern portion of DEVA, because of the probability of undocumented species (Long-tailed Brush Lizard and 

Table 3. Field effort allocated to each survey method during an inventory of amphibians and reptiles at Death Valley National Park in 

2002–04. Abbreviations for survey types are: GS = general surveys, NGS = nocturnal general surveys, ND = night driving surveys, DD = 

day driving surveys, PF = pitfall traps, and RE = random encounters.

GS NGS ND DD PF RE TOTALS

Number of Surveys 276 22 77 42 N/A 76 493

Survey Hours 693.7 30.1 170.2 54.9 N/A N/A 948.9

Person-hours 939.8 31.7 227.8 78.5 N/A N/A 1,277.8

Kilometers Driven N/A N/A 6,730 1,683 N/A N/A 8,413

Trap Days N/A N/A N/A N/A 4,850 N/A 4,850
10 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

Observation rate (individual animals detected per person-hour) of all amphibians and reptiles was 1.81 for general 

surveys, 4.57 for nocturnal general surveys, 0.62 for night 

driving, and 3.83 for day driving. The high observation rate for 

nocturnal general surveys is attributable to large numbers of 

Western Toads observed during these surveys at Darwin Falls. 

Not considering this species, the observation rate for nocturnal 

general surveys decreases to 1.07 individuals per person-hour. 

At DEVA, where hundreds of miles of roads exist, day driving 

was an efficient method for observing many lizards, especially 

large species that perch on rocks near the road, including 

Great Basin Collared Lizard, Common Chuckwalla, and Desert Spiny Lizard. This method was also efficient for observing 

Desert Horned Lizards, which often bask on road surfaces 

during the day.

Road driving observation rates are usually reported as 

individuals observed per mile or km driven (e.g., Klauber 

1939, Rosen and Lowe 1996). For all species, we recorded 

observation rates (individuals per 100 km driven) of 2.11 

during night driving, and 17.88 during day driving. Most day 

driving observations were of conspicuous lizard species (e.g., 

Desert Horned Lizard, Great Basin Collared Lizard, Common 

Chuckwalla). However, the primary focus of these surveys, 

especially of night driving, was to find snakes. Considering 

only snakes, night driving recorded 0.79 individuals per 100 

km, while day driving recorded 0.77 individuals per 100 km. 

Most daytime observations were of a few diurnal species 

(Coachwhip, Gopher Snake, Western Patch-nosed Snake). 

Although lower than Klauber (1939) reported for the AnzaBorrego Desert region of southern California, these figures 

are comparable to other, more recent studies in the Southwest 

(Persons 2001, Rosen and Lowe 1996).

At the pitfall traps in the Panamint Mountains, we captured only 25 individuals (all lizards) over 4,850 trap days, for 

a capture rate of only 0.52 captures per 100 trap days. This 

low capture rate is probably related to the fact that we frequently operated the traps during cool weather in early spring 

and late fall in an attempt to capture salamanders, when lizards 

were less active. 

Observation rates are not generally comparable between 

most methods we used at DEVA in this inventory. While 

some methods are better at sampling particular taxa groups 

(e.g., night driving for snakes, nocturnal general surveys for 

amphibians), the combination of all methods was responsible 

for our overall success at finding species, as indicated by our 

observation of 37 of the 40 species known from the park.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness

After adding the two new species documented during the 

present inventory (Southern Alligator Lizard and Ring-necked 

Snake), the DEVA amphibian and reptile verified species list 

stands at 40 species (4 amphibians and 36 reptiles). The only 

species removed from the pre-inventory NPSpecies species 

list was the Western Skink, whose inclusion was based on two 

probable false reports (an unvouchered nineteenth century 

sighting during the Death Valley Expedition (Stejneger 1893), 

and a mislabeled specimen of Gilbert’s Skink in the DEVA 

collection). At the start of this project, the NPS developed 

a list of 11 reptile species expected to occur within the park 

(Long-tailed Brush Lizard, Tree Lizard, Northern Alligator 

Lizard, Southern Alligator Lizard, Gila Monster, Rubber Boa, 

Ring-necked Snake, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Mojave 

Rattlesnake, Western Rattlesnake, and Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake). We removed six highly improbable 

species from this list (Tree Lizard, Northern Alligator Lizard, 

Gila Monster, Rubber Boa, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, 

and Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake), and developed 

our own weighted list of documented (n = 40) and potentially 

occurring (n = 9) species (Table 4). From this weighted master 

list we estimate an overall inventory completeness of 92% for 

amphibians and reptiles at DEVA.

Inventory Completeness of Different Taxa 

Groups

Using the same weighting methods and data from Table 

4, we calculated overall estimated inventory completeness of 

73% for amphibians and 95% for reptiles (100% for turtles, 

95% for lizards, and 94% for snakes). The Northern Leopard 

Frog has been rumored to occur at Saratoga Spring (Pratt and 

Hoff 1992), but reports may be based on unusual vocalizations of Pacific Treefrog. Because the introduced Black Toad 

had been observed as recently as only a few years ago (Eric 

Simandle, personal communication), we have given that 

species a 50/50 chance of occurring at DEVA. However, our 

observations of habitat destruction at the single known locality 

(a flowing well in the Saline Valley) and the fact that we did 

not detect it despite several day and night-time visits during 

the breeding period, suggest that the species may be extirpated 

within the park. The Inyo Mountains Salamander, which we 

documented in Waucoba Canyon less than 1.6 km from the 

DEVA boundary, may not occur within the park, based on 

likely unsuitable drier habitat lower in the canyon within the 

park. Although we have ranked these three species as having a low chance of occurring within DEVA, more intensive 

surveys will need to be conducted (only after a series of wet 

years when amphibian populations or at least visibility might 

increase) in order to conclusively remove these species from 

the hypothetical list.

Evaluation of Inventory Completeness Through 

Species Accumulation

A species accumulation curve (plotted per survey day) 

for 2002–04 data is shown in Figure 3. The asymptotic curve 

suggests that we are close to detecting all the species present 

at DEVA, supporting our conclusions based on the master list 

approach. Species accumulation curves can be valid estimators 
 11

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Inyo Mountains Salamander 1 Unconfirmed

Ensatina 1 Unconfirmed

Great Basin Spadefoot 2 Unconfirmed

Western Toad SP Present in Park Uncommon

Black Toad 2 Historic

Red-spotted Toad SP Present in Park Common

Pacific Treefrog SP Present in Park Common

Bullfrog OX Present in Park Uncommon

Northern Leopard Frog 1 Unconfirmed

Desert Tortoise SP Present in Park Uncommon

Zebra-tailed Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Great Basin Collared Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Desert Iguana SP Present in Park Abundant

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Desert Horned Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Common Chuckwalla SP Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Desert Spiny Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Western Fence Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard SX Present in Park Uncommon

Long-tailed Brush Lizard 3 Probably Present

Ornate Tree Lizard N/A

Side-blotched Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Gilbert’s Skink SP Present in Park Uncommon

Western Skink N/A False Report

Western Whiptail SP Present in Park Abundant

Northern Alligator Lizard N/A

Southern Alligator Lizard SX Present in Park Rare

Panamint Alligator Lizard SP Present in Park Rare

Desert Night Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Western Banded Gecko SP Present in Park Common

Mediterranean Gecko N/A

Gila Monster N/A

Glossy Snake SP Present in Park Rare

Western Blind Snake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Rubber Boa N/A

Rosy Boa SP Present in Park Rare

Ring-necked Snake SX Present in Park Rare

Western Shovel-nosed Snake SP Present in Park Common

Night Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Common Kingsnake SX Present in Park Common

California Mountain Kingsnake 1 Unconfirmed

Coachwhip SP Present in Park Common

Striped Whipsnake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake SP Present in Park Common

Gopher Snake SP Present in Park Common

Table 4. All amphibian and reptile species found or expected to occur at Death Valley National Park. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrences is as follows: 1 = low probability, 2 = medium probability, and 3 = high probability. SX = specimen collected, this 

study. SP = specimen collected, previous study. OX = species observed, this study. OP = species observed previously (only included 

if observation(s) reliable). Although a species may be represented by multiple categories, only the “hardest” evidence is given, i.e. a 

specimen trumps an observation, and data from this study trumps previous data. Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of 

species expected to occur, and estimated inventory completeness is simply the number documented (SX, SP, OX, or OP) divided by 

the weighted total. For completeness, all species included as hypothetical in the species accounts (Appendix C) are included here, 

but those species with essentially zero chance of occurring at DEVA are indicated under status as N/A. For all species, NPSpecies 

checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively, except for the Bullfrog and Black Toad, whose 

nativity is “non-native”, and the Southern Alligator Lizard, whose nativity is unknown.
12 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

although its native range is just west of the park, in Deep 

Springs Valley. Preliminary genetic analysis of the Southern 

Alligator Lizard specimen we collected at Scotty’s Castle was 

inconclusive (Tod Reeder, University of California, San Diego, 

personal communication), and more specimens from DEVA 

and throughout its range in southeast California will need to 

be analyzed to determine if the DEVA population is native or 

introduced.

Specimens Collected

We collected 11 reptile specimens at DEVA in 2002–04. 

These included the two new species documented during this 

inventory (Southern Alligator Lizard and Ring-necked Snake), 

a specimen of Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard (which is known to 

occur at DEVA but had not been documented with a voucher), 

and eight road-killed animals found in good condition. A 

complete list of these specimens and associated collection and 

cataloging data is found in Table 5, and a map showing collection locations within DEVA is presented in Figure 4. All of 

these specimens are deposited in the natural history collection 

facility at Death Valley National Park (DEVA). Specimens 

were collected under research permit numbers DEVA-2002-

SCI-0010 and DEVA-2003-SCI-0010, and cataloged under 

of inventory completeness in situations involving large numbers of species, extensive survey periods, and a wide variety of 

field methods (e.g., Scott 1994). Even so, given our knowledge 

of the habitats and local distribution of potential species, we 

believe the master list approach provides a more precise estimate of inventory completeness at DEVA.

Rare, Exotic, or Sensitive Species

The Desert Tortoise is the only species we recorded at 

DEVA that is listed under the federal Endangered Species 

Act (Threatened), and we recorded only one individual, near 

the southern end of Greenwater Valley. The Panamint Alligator Lizard and Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard, both documented 

from DEVA, are listed as Species of Special Concern by the 

state of California, as are the undocumented Inyo Mountains 

Salamander and Northern Leopard Frog (Jennings and Hayes 

1994). The Black Toad, which may be extirpated from the 

park, is listed as Threatened by the state California (Murphy et 

al. 2003).

The exotic Bullfrog, which is native to the eastern United 

States, is uncommon in the golf course ponds at Furnace 

Creek, but is abundant in the Saline Valley salt marsh. The 

population of Black Toads at DEVA is also likely introduced, 

Table 4. All amphibian and reptile species found or expected to occur at Death Valley National Park. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrences is as follows: 1 = low probability, 2 = medium probability, and 3 = high probability. SX = specimen collected, this 

study. SP = specimen collected, previous study. OX = species observed, this study. OP = species observed previously (only included 

if observation(s) reliable). Although a species may be represented by multiple categories, only the “hardest” evidence is given, i.e. a 

specimen trumps an observation, and data from this study trumps previous data. Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of 

species expected to occur, and estimated inventory completeness is simply the number documented (SX, SP, OX, or OP) divided by 

the weighted total. For completeness, all species included as hypothetical in the species accounts (Appendix C) are included here, 

but those species with essentially zero chance of occurring at DEVA are indicated under status as N/A. For all species, NPSpecies 

checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively, except for the Bullfrog and Black Toad, whose 

nativity is “non-native”, and the Southern Alligator Lizard, whose nativity is unknown. —Continued

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Long-nosed Snake SP Present in Park Common

Western Patch-nosed Snake SP Present in Park Common

Western Ground Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Southwestern Black-headed Snake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake N/A

Lyre Snake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake N/A

Sidewinder SX Present in Park Common

Speckled Rattlesnake SP Present in Park Common

Mojave Rattlesnake 3 Probably Present

Western Rattlesnake 1 Unconfirmed

TOTAL RANK 1 5

TOTAL RANK 2 2

TOTAL RANK 3 2

TOTAL DOCUMENTED 40

WEIGHTED TOTAL 43.5

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 92.0%
 13

Figure 3. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and 

reptiles at Death Valley National Park, 2002–04. Vertical lines 

through the data separate yearly survey days.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1 10 19 28 37 46 55 64 73 82 91 100 109 118 127 136 145 154 163 172 181 190 199 208

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Found

accession number DEVA-2453 (reptiles). No amphibians were 

collected, thus accession number DEVA-2493 (amphibians) 

was not used.

Update of NPSpecies and NatureBib Databases

In January 2004 we certified NPSpecies checklist field 

data for 37 reptile and five amphibian species known or 

suspected to occur within the park. At that time, we created entries for two species that are not on our current list of 

documented species for DEVA. We had included the Black 

Toad as “present in park,” based on recent observations of the 

species within the park (Eric Simandle, personal communication). However, survey results from the 2004 field season have 

caused us to question their persistence at DEVA, and we have 

changed their NPSpecies park status to “historic.” We had 

also included Long-tailed Brush Lizard as “probably present,” 

as this was the undocumented species most likely to occur in 

the park. In April 2005 we also added Mojave Rattlesnake, 

the other undocumented species assigned “probably present” status. We added only species entries (i.e., we did not 

enter subspecies) into the NPSpecies database. We also added 

literature to the NatureBib database, and linked each species 

in NPSpecies to these references. Voucher specimen data were 

added to the NPSpecies online database in April 2005. 

Considerations for Future Inventory 

Work and Long-term Monitoring

Future Inventory Work

We estimate that we have documented >90% of the 

reptile species present at DEVA, and of reptiles and amphibians combined. Our estimate of 73% inventory completeness 

for amphibians is probably conservative, as we have included 

a number of species that may not occur within the park. Future 

inventory effort for amphibians should be directed towards 

determining the status of Inyo Mountains Salamander and 

Black Toad within the DEVA boundaries. Repeated surveys 

over a number of years at the flowing wells and salt marsh 

in Saline Valley may provide a stronger indication as to 

whether the introduced population of Black Toads at DEVA 

is extirpated. Because the Inyo Mountains Salamander is now 

known to occur less than 1.6 km from the western boundary 

of DEVA in Waucoba Canyon, additional survey effort should 

be conducted at this locality to determine its status within the 

park. These surveys would be most informative, and have the 

greatest likelihood of finding the species within DEVA, during 

wet weather, and particularly after a series of years with average or above average rainfall. During such a period, salamander surface activity, distribution range, and population sizes 

Figure 4. Location of voucher specimens collected during an 

inventory of amphibians and reptiles at Death Valley National Park 

in 2002–04.
14 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

would likely increase, and habitats just down canyon of where 

the species is known to occur may become more habitable. 

Great Basin Spadefoots should be searched for in the northern 

portion of the park, and survey effort should be targeted to 

low-lying areas (that would form temporary pools) during or 

immediately after heavy summer rains, a climatic condition 

not necessary met annually. Finally, short of greatly expanded 

pitfall trapping effort, documentation of Ensatina or other 

salamanders, if present at high elevation sites in the Panamint 

Mountains, will probably depend on chance observations or 

targeted cover-flipping surveys during warm, wet weather, 

such as during or after summer rains. Based on evaluation of 

habitats in the park, the numerous springs at Hunter Mountain 

appear to be good habitat for slender salamanders (Batrachoseps), and should be searched more extensively. Long-term 

placement of artificial cover boards (Fellers and Drost 1994) 

could be an effective method for finding salamanders at 

DEVA.

Future inventory effort for reptiles should focus on 

documenting Long-tailed Brush Lizard and Mojave Rattlesnake, the species we have assigned the highest probability of 

occurring within the park. Both of these species are probably 

present in the southern part of the park. The Long-tailed Brush 

Lizard probably occurs in the vicinity of the Ibex Dunes, and 

may occur in other sandy areas with large creosote bushes or 

mesquite hummocks along the Amargosa River floodplain. 

Field # NPS Catalog 

Number

Species Date Collectors Location and Notes

TBP 161 DEVA 52041 Mojave Fringe-toed 

Lizard

3/26/02 TBP, LMC, 

EMN

Ibex Dunes. UTM 556258E, 3952389N (NAD27). Adult 

female.

TBP 165 DEVA 52042 Southern Alligator 

Lizard

4/8/02 KE, LMC Grapevine Canyon, ca. 1 mile E Scotty’s Castle. UTM 

471342E, 4098415N (NAD27). Juvenile, in pitfall trap. 

62 mm SVL (fresh dead).

TBP 166 DEVA 52043 Ring-necked Snake 3/29/02 KE, LH Grapevine Canyon, ca. 1 mile E Scotty’s Castle. UTM 

471342E, 4098415N (NAD27). Adult male, surface active near pitfall trap array. 44 cm TL, 9 cm VT.

TBP 186 DEVA 52044 Common Kingsnake 6/13/02 TBP SR 190, 4.5 road miles W of Towne’s Pass. Adult, 

DOR.

TBP 187 DEVA 52045 Sidewinder 6/13/02 TBP SR 190, 0.9 road miles E Stovepipe Wells settlement. 

UTM 488321E, 4050866N, EPE 4 m (NAD27). Juvenile, DOR.

TBP 188 DEVA 52046 Night Snake 6/13/02 TBP SR 190 ca.1 mile E Furnace Creek Inn. UTM 514560E, 

4033026N, EPE 6 m (NAD27). Subadult, DOR.

TBP 289 DEVA 52047 Zebra-tailed Lizard 6/11/03 TBP SR 190, 1.5 road miles E Stovepipe Wells settlement. 

Adult male, DOR.

TBP 292 DEVA 52048 Long-nosed Leopard 

Lizard

6/13/03 TBP SR 190, 3.0 road miles S turnoff to Emigrant Canyon. 

UTM 478484E, 4034079N, EPE 4 m (NAD27). Adult 

female, DOR.

BTH 0018 DEVA 52049 Speckled Rattlesnake 3/24/04 BTH Saline Valley Road, 21.7 miles from SR 190, 4020 feet 

elevation. UTM 446250E, 4046969N (NAD83). Adult 

male, DOR.

BTH 0020 DEVA 52050 Sidewinder 3/25/04 BTH SR 190, 4.2 miles N of Beatty Junction, 100 feet elevation. UTM 499590E, 4053158N (NAD83). Male, DOR.

BTH 0025 DEVA 52051 Zebra-tailed Lizard 6/22/04 BTH Daylight Pass Road, 0.6 miles W Nevada border. UTM 

510068E, 4075691N (NAD83). Adult, DOR.

Table 5. Specimens collected during an inventory of amphibians and reptiles at Death Valley National Park in 2002–04. Collector initials 

are: LMC (Laura M. Cunningham), KE (Kevin Emmerich), BTH (Bryan T. Hamilton), LH (Larry O’Hanlon), EMN (Erika M. Nowak), and TBP 

(Trevor B. Persons). Specimens are housed in the natural history collection facility at Death Valley National Park, and were collected 

under accession numbers DEVA-2453 (reptiles) and DEVA-2493 (amphibians, none collected). Field numbers are those in the field 

catalogs of Trevor B. Persons (TBP) and Bryan T. Hamilton (BTH). UTM coordinates are zone 11. Location of TBP 161 is San Bernardino 

County, California; all others are Inyo County, California. 
 15

Extensive searches of bushes and trees in these habitats will be 

necessary to find this species, which, if present, is apparently 

rare at DEVA. The Mojave Rattlesnake could occur in the flatter terrain throughout the southern part of the park, including 

in the same areas that may harbor Long-tailed Brush Lizards. 

Night driving is probably the method most likely to document 

this species within the park.

New species may also be documented opportunistically. 

Observations and/or collections by NPS staff can be invaluable 

in these efforts, especially for uncommon or secretive species 

that are generally undetected during periodic, short duration 

visits to the park by researchers. Solid baseline data exist on 

occurrence of amphibian and reptile species at DEVA, and 

help of interested staff and volunteers can be directed towards 

documenting suspected or rare species. Road killed animals 

(such as Mojave Rattlesnake) should be salvaged and placed 

in the freezer until they can be properly preserved. These 

specimens should be double or triple bagged in plastic zip-loc 

or similar bags, with an effort made to squeeze excess air out 

of the bags, and complete collection data (date, collector, and 

precise location, preferably with UTM coordinates) included 

in the bags with the specimens. 

Long-term Monitoring

Monitoring of rare amphibian and reptile species, which 

are often of interest as potential “vital signs” of ecosystem 

health, would be extremely difficult in most cases, simply 

because they are so hard to locate. An example of this type 

of species at DEVA is the Panamint Alligator Lizard, which 

because of its isolated, relictual distribution in mesic habitats 

in the park (usually spring areas) might function as an indicator of climate-driven changes in those habitats. However, the 

extreme difficulty in capturing large enough sample sizes of 

the species for statistical analysis would probably preclude its 

use as a monitoring target. Instead, herpetofauna monitoring at 

DEVA should focus on the entire community where possible, 

and targeted monitoring should focus on the most common 

species or species groups. These target species should be common, easily observed and counted, and respond predictably 

and measurably to fluctuations of climatic variables. 

Although only four amphibians (three native, one introduced) have been documented from DEVA, monitoring of 

amphibians may provide valuable information for the park. 

It is widely acknowledged that amphibian populations have 

declined throughout the world (e.g., Houlahan et al. 2003), 

although their suitability as biological “indicator” species has 

recently been challenged (Beebee and Griffiths 2005). Factors implicated in declines include habitat destruction, global 

climate change, chemical contamination, disease, invasive species, and commercial exploitation (Semlitsch 2003). Because 

natural fluctuations in amphibian populations are often so 

great from year to year (e.g., Pechmann et al. 1991), long-term 

studies are often necessary to estimate population status. As 

well, only long-term monitoring efforts may separate these 

natural fluctuations from human-caused impacts (Pechmann 

et al. 1991). In addition, monitoring within natural areas can 

serve as an important baseline against which to judge population changes in more managed habitats (Adams and Bury 

2002), and National Parks are an ideal location for such longterm monitoring (Hall and Langtimm 2001).

We believe the highest priority species for amphibian 

monitoring at DEVA would be the Western Toad. This species 

has a patchy distribution in the region, and occurs naturally 

in DEVA only at Darwin Falls. Although apparently common 

at Darwin Falls (personal observation), Western Toads have 

severely declined throughout much of their range, especially 

in the southern Rocky Mountains (Hammerson 1999, Stebbins 2003). Based on our results, nocturnal walking surveys 

of the stream below Darwin Falls would probably be the most 

efficient method to use in long-term monitoring of this species 

at DEVA. This area is especially critical to monitor because 

of the introduction of non-native, predatory koi fish (Cyprinus 

carpio) in the headwaters of Darwin Creek at China Garden 

Springs on Bureau of Land Management land just outside 

the park boundary. Koi are known to be predators of egg and 

larval amphibians in other systems (Susie MacVean, Arizona 

Game and Fish Department, personal communication), and 

have the potential to spread into DEVA and possibly affect the 

Western Toad population there. Finally, Red-spotted Toads 

were known previously from Darwin Falls (Stebbins 2003), 

and there are recent unverified reports of the species from 

there (see the Red-spotted Toad species account, Appendix 

C). In addition, we observed a few individual toads at Darwin Falls that may have been hybrids between Western and 

Red-spotted Toad. Extensive hybridization between toads has 

sometimes been linked to anthropogenic changes in aquatic 

systems. For example, many populations of Southwestern 

Toads (Bufo microscaphus) in Arizona have been replaced 

by or diluted through hybridization with Woodhouse’s Toads 

(Bufo woodhousii) as natural lotic habitats have been dammed 

and developed a lentic component favored by Woodhouse’s 

Toads (e.g., Sullivan 1993). Long-term monitoring of Western 

Toads at Darwin Falls should include monitoring of Red-spotted Toads (if present), and of hybridization between these 

two species. Determination of hybrid toads could probably be 

accomplished by genetic testing of tissue samples (e.g., toeclips), through collaborations with university researchers.

Red-spotted Toads and Pacific Treefrogs are widespread 

at DEVA, and monitoring of these species could include 

nocturnal call surveys of known breeding areas (e.g., Saratoga 

Spring for Pacific Treefrog, spring-fed streams in the Furnace 

Creek area for Red-spotted Toad), or large-scale site occupancy rate monitoring of spring and stream areas throughout 

the park. For site occupancy monitoring, results could be analyzed using Percent Area Occupied analysis (e.g. MacKenzie 

et al. 2002). Surveys could be conducted during periods when 

tadpoles would likely be present, allowing site occupancy to 

be verified even when no adult animals are observed.

Finally, we suggest monitoring the status of Bullfrogs 

at DEVA, in an effort to prevent the species from becoming 
16 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

established elsewhere in the park. We recommend Bullfrogs 

be eradicated from the park, especially in the more natural 

aquatic systems in the Saline Valley, as they may severely 

impact (e.g., eat) native vertebrate species there.

For reptiles, we propose that monitoring should generally 

encompass communities of species (e.g., diurnal lizards), and 

focus especially on the most common species (e.g., Zebratailed Lizard, Western Fence Lizard, Side-blotched Lizard, 

Western Whiptail). Exceptions might be Desert Tortoise and 

Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard, two species that could be monitored separately. Lizards, which are relatively sedentary, usually show relatively rapid and substantial population responses 

to fluctuations in precipitation and concomitant variation in 

primary productivity at a site. For this reason, common diurnal 

desert lizards have been the centerpieces of herpetofauna 

monitoring at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument for 

over a decade (Rosen 2000, Rosen and Lowe 1996). Careful 

placement of permanent monitoring sites at DEVA could also 

include other locally common species such as Great Basin 

Collared Lizard, Common Chuckwalla, and Desert Spiny Lizard. Potential monitoring methods for lizards include time-area 

constrained searches (Crump and Scott 1994), lizard line transect surveys (Rosen and Lowe 1995, 1996), or pitfall trapping 

(Campbell and Christman 1982). Because lizard lines (Rosen 

and Lowe 1995, 1996) use the peak value observed on one of 

many transect walks conducted at a site during each survey, 

they help correct for differences in lizard activity throughout 

the survey period (usually an entire morning). In addition, 

because they are linear, and only one walk of the transect is 

used in analysis (per species), they avoid double counting, a 

potential problem in using time-area constrained searches as a 

monitoring method. 

Swann (1999), using transect methods of Rosen and 

Lowe (1995, 1996), used power analysis to evaluate the 

amount of effort required to detect changes in populations of 

common lizard species at Tonto National Monument, Arizona. 

He concluded that the effort needed to detect trends in even 

the most abundant species would be prohibitive for a small 

park like Tonto. For example, he determined that detecting a 

2% annual decline over ten years in the two most common lizard species would require 120 person-days of fieldwork annually. However, common desert lizards have been successfully 

monitored for over a decade at Organ Pipe Cactus National 

Monument, Arizona (ORPI) using line transect methods with 

only about 40 person-days of fieldwork annually (Rosen 

2000). Before implementation of a monitoring program at 

DEVA, a pilot study should be conducted in order to estimate 

the number of sites and surveys that will be needed to generate 

sample sizes adequate for statistical analysis of trends.

Finally, if snakes are included in herpetofauna monitoring 

at DEVA, this group should be monitored with night driving 

surveys. Unlike with diurnal lizards, where sufficient sample 

sizes of a few common species can be obtained, monitoring of 

snakes should probably focus on trends in ecological subsets 

of the snake community, such as lizard-eating snakes, rodenteating snakes, or egg-laying versus viviparous species (e.g., 

Price and LaPointe 1990). Trends in these ecological groups 

may reflect changes in environmental conditions, which are 

in turn affecting predator or prey availability, or moisture 

regimes affecting snake reproduction (e.g., dessication of egg 

clutches). In general, night driving within the lowest parts 

of Death Valley is not very productive. Based on our results, 

potential road transects for snake monitoring at DEVA include 

SR 178 between Ashford Mill and Shoshone, the Dante’s 

View road, and the Emigrant Canyon and Wildrose Canyon 

roads. These roads generally had little or no traffic at night, 

were paved and not too steep (unlike the road over Towne’s 

Pass), and yielded greater numbers and diversity of snake species when compared with other roads in the park.

Acknowledgements

This research was made possible through funding from 

the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program, 

facilitated by Rod Parnell and Ron Hiebert through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) at Northern Arizona 

University. Additional funding for report writing was provided 

by the USGS Colorado Plateau Research Station (CPRS). 

The work would have been much more difficult without the 

sponsorship, excellent coordination, and encouragement of the 

Mojave I&M network coordinator Kristina Heister. Resource 

Management staff at DEVA, including Linda Greene, Nancy 

Mitton, and Dana York helped in numerous ways throughout 

the course of the project. Dick Anderson and Blair Davenport 

helped with DEVA research permits and voucher specimen 

curation, respectively. Nicole Tancreto, data manager for the 

Southern Colorado Plateau I&M network (SCPN) allowed 

us to use the database developed for amphibian and reptile 

inventories in the SCPN, and tolerated our frequent data 

management questions. Marie Saul (CPRS) helped manage this and other seemingly unmanageable project budgets. 

Vanessa Truitt (Mojave I&M Network) produced the maps. 

Alex Heindl (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), the late Dave 

Morafka (California State University, Dominguez Hills), and 

Jonathan Richmond (University of Connecticut) provided 

information on the distribution of some species in the DEVA 

region. Gary Fellers (Point Reyes National Seashore) and Eric 

Simandle (University of Nevada, Reno) provided us information on the Black Toad at DEVA. Kent Beaman (Los Angeles County Natural History Museum), Denny Fenn and Jeff 

Lovich (Southwest Biological Science Center), Alex Heindl, 

Kristina Heister, and Mark Sogge and Jan Hart (CPRS) all 

made valuable comments on earlier versions of this report. We 

especially thank our field assistants Laura Cunningham, Kevin 

Emmerich, Shawn Knox, A.J. Monatesti, Bob Parker, Jason 

Pilarski, Justin Schofer, and Eric Zepnewski. Bryan Hamilton 

(Great Basin National Park) generously shared data from his 

herpetological excursions to DEVA during the project period, 

and also collected road-killed specimens for us. Finally, Laura 

Cunningham, who conducted the bulk of the field survey 
 17

effort, helped us to initially orient ourselves at DEVA, both 

geographically and herpetologically. Her extensive knowledge 

of the distribution and ecology of amphibians and reptiles at 

DEVA and throughout the region helped us to prioritize our 

field efforts and evaluate the potential status of many species 

in the park. 

References Cited

Adams, M.J., and R.B. Bury. 2002. The endemic headwater 

stream amphibians of the American Northwest: associations 

with environmental gradients in a large forested preserve. 

Global Ecology & Biogeography 11: 169-178.

Banta, B.H. 1962. A preliminary account of the herpetofauna 

of the Saline Valley hydrographic basin, Inyo County, California. Wasmann Journal of Biology 20(2): 161-251.

Banta, B.H., C.R. Mahrdt, and K.R. Beaman. 1996. Elgaria 

panamintina. Catalog of American Amphibians and Reptiles 629.1-629.4.

Beebee, T.J.C., and R.A. Griffiths. 2005. The amphibian 

decline crisis: a watershed for conservation biology? Biological Conservation 125: 271-285.

Boland, S., and G. Goodlett. 1997. Desert tortoise survey conducted in Death Valley National Park. Report to National 

Park Service.

Campbell, H.W., and S.P. Christman. 1982. Field techniques 

for herpetofaunal community analysis. Pages 193-200 In

N.J. Scott, Jr. Herpetological Communities. US Fish and 

Wildlife Service, Wildlife Research Report 13.

Corn, P.S. 1994. Straight-line drift fences and pitfall traps. 

Pages 109-117 In R.W. Heyer, M.A. Donnelly, R.W. 

McDiarmid, L.C. Hayek, and M.S. Foster, editors. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard 

Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, 

Washington, D.C.

Crother, B.I., chair. 2000. Scientific and Standard English 

Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North 

of Mexico, with Comments Regarding Confidence in our 

Understanding. Herpetological Circular No. 29, Society for 

the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles.

Crother, B.I., J. Boundy, J.A. Campbell, K. DeQuieroz, D. 

Frost, D.M. Green, R. Highton, J.B. Iverson, R.W. McDiarmid, P.A. Meylan, T.W. Reeder, M.E. Seidel, J.W. Sites, Jr., 

S.G. Tilley, and D. B. Wake. 2003. Scientific and standard 

English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America 

north of Mexico: Update. Herpetological Review 34(3): 

196-203.

Crump, M.L., and N.J. Scott. 1994. Visual encounter surveys. 

Pages 84-92 In R.W. Heyer, M.A. Donnelly, R.W. McDiarmid, L.C. Hayek, and M.S. Foster, editors. Measuring and 

Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for 

Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.

Davidson, C. 1995. Frog and Toad Calls of the Pacific Coast: 

Vanishing Voices. Audio CD and booklet. Library of 

Natural Sounds, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithica, 

New York.

Drost, C.A., E.M. Nowak, and T.B. Persons. 1999. Inventory 

and Monitoring Methods for Amphibians and Reptiles at 

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. Unpublished report 

to National Park Service. Colorado Plateau Field Station, 

Flagstaff, Arizona.

Drost, C.A., T.B. Persons, and E.M. Nowak. 2001. Herpetofauna survey of Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona. 

Pages 83-102 In C. van Riper, III, K.A. Thomas, and 

M.A. Stuart, editors. Proceedings of the Fifth Biennial 

Conference of Research on the Colorado Plateau. U.S. 

Geological Survey/FRESC Report Series USGSFRESC/

COPL/2001/24.Emmerich, K., and L. Cunningham. 2003. 

Diadophis punctatus Geographic Distribution. Herpetological Review 34(2): 169.

Emmerich, K., and L. Cunningham. 2003. Diadophis punctatus Geographic Distribution. Herpetological Review 

34(2): 169.

Fellers, G.M. 2005. Bufo exsul (Black Toad). Pages 406-408 In

M.J. Lanoo, editor. Amphibian Declines: The Conservation 

Status of United States Species. University of California 

Press, Berkeley.

Fellers, G.M., and C.A. Drost. 1994. Sampling with artificial 

cover. Pages 146-150 In Heyer, W.R., M.A. Donnelly, 

R.W. McDiarmid, L.C. Hayek, and M.S. Foster., editors. Measuring and Monitoring Biodiversity: Standard 

Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, 

Washington, D.C.

Fellers, G.M., R.N. Fisher, and C.R. Schwalbe. 2002. Status 

of amphibians in California and Arizona. Fact Sheet, U.S. 

Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center.

Grayson, D.K. 1993. The Desert’s Past: A Natural Prehistory 

of the Great Basin. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.

Greene, H.W., and C.A. Luke. 1996. Amphibian and reptile 

diversity in the East Mojave Desert. Pages 53-58 In C.A. 

Luke, J. andre, and M. Herring, editors. Proceedings of the 

East Mojave Desert symposium. Technical Report Number 

10. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los 

Angeles, California.
18 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

Hall, R.J., and C.A. Langtimm. 2001. The U.S. National 

Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative and the role 

of protected areas. George Wright Forum 18(2): 14-25.

Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado, Second Edition. University Press of Colorado, 

Niwot, Colorado.

Heindl, A.L. 1999. Distribution of the western diamondback 

rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) in Nevada, with discussion of 

some factors possibly contributing to the species’ present 

Nevada distribution pattern. Unpublished M.A. thesis, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Houlahan, J.E., C.S. Findlay, B.R. Schmidt, A.H. Meyer, 

and S.L. Kuuzmin. 2003. Quantitative evidence for global 

amphibian population declines. Nature 404: 752-755.

Jennings, M.R., and M.P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and reptile 

species of special concern in California. California Department of Fish and Game.

Jockusch, E.L. 2001. Batrachoseps campi. Catalog of American Amphibians and Reptiles 722.

Karns, D.R. 1986. Field Herpetology: Methods for the Study 

of Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota. Occasional Paper 

No. 18, James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Kay, F.R. 1970. Leptotyphlops humilis in Death Valley, California. Great Basin Naturalist 30(3): 91-93.

Kay, F.R. 1970. Environmental responses of active lizards at 

Saratoga Springs, Death Valley, California. Great Basin 

Naturalist 30(3): 146-165.

Kay, F.R. 1972. Activity patterns of Callisaurus dracanoides

at Saratoga Springs, Death Valley, California. Herpetologica 

28: 65-69.

Kay, F.R., B.W. Miller, and C.L. Miller. 1970. Food habits and 

reproduction of Callisaurus dracanoides in Death Valley, 

California. Herpetologica 26: 431-436.

Klauber, L.M. 1939. Studies of reptile life in the arid southwest, 

Part I. Night collecting on the desert with ecological statistics. 

Bulletin of the Zoological Society of San Diego 14: 2-64.

Macey, J.R., and T.J. Papenfuss. 1991a. Amphibians. Chapter 

9, pages 277-290 In C.A. Hall, Jr. Natural History of the 

White-Inyo Range, Eastern California. University of California Press, Berkeley.

Macey, J.R., and T.J. Papenfuss. 1991b. Reptiles. Chapter 

10, pages 291-360 In C.A. Hall, Jr. Natural History of the 

White-Inyo Range, Eastern California. University of California Press, Berkeley.

MacKenzie, D.I., J.D. Nichols, J.E. Hines, S. Droege, J.A. 

Royle, and C.A. Langtimm. 2002. Estimating site occupancy rates when detection probabilities are less than one. 

Ecology 83: 2248-2255.

Marlow, R.W. 1996a. Reptile pit-fall trapping survey of 

selected springs and wetlands in Death Valley National 

Park. Report to National Park Service. University of 

Nevada, Reno.

Marlow, R.W. 1996b. Amphibian survey of selected springs 

and wetlands in Death Valley National Park. Report to 

National Park Service. University of Nevada, Reno.

Mendelson, J.R. III and W.B. Jennings. 1992. Shifts in the 

relative abundance of snakes in a desert grassland. Journal 

of Herpetology 26:38-45.

Murphy, J.F., E.T. Simandle, and D.E. Becker. 2003. Population status and conservation of the black toad, Bufo exsul. 

Southwestern Naturalist 48(1): 54-60.

National Park Service. 2001. Mojave Inventory and Monitoring Network Biological Inventory Study Plan.

Norris, K.S. 1958. The evolution and systematics of the 

iguanid genus Uma and its relation to other North American 

desert reptiles. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural 

History 114(3): 247-326.

Nowak, E.M., T.B. Persons, and A.J. Monatesti. 2003. 2002 

Progress report on herpetofauna inventories of southern 

Colorado Plateau national parks. Report to Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory and Monitoring Network. USGS 

Colorado Plateau Field Station, Flagstaff, Arizona.

Pechemann, J.H.K., D.E. Scott, R.D. Semlitsch, J.P. Caldwell, 

L.J. Vitt, and J. W. Gibbons. 1991. Declining amphibian 

populations: the problem of separating human impacts from 

natural fluctuations. Science 253: 892-895.

Persons, T.B. 2001. Distribution, activity, and road mortality 

of amphibians and reptiles at Wupatki National Monument, 

Arizona. Report to National Park Service. Colorado Plateau 

Field Station, Flagstaff, Arizona.

Pratt, W.L., and K. Hoff. 1992. Aqautic invertebrate and 

amphibian survey of Saratoga Springs, Travertine Springs, 

and Amargosa River in Death Valley National Monument. 

Report to National Park Service. 

Price, A.H. 1982. Crotalus scutulatus. Catalog of American 

Amphibians and Reptiles 291.

Price, A.H., and J.L. LaPointe. 1990. Activity patterns of a 

Chihuahuan Desert snake community. Annals of Carnegie 

Museum 59(1): 15-23.
 19

Rosen, P.C. 2000. A Monitoring Study of Vertebrate Community 

Ecology in the Northern Sonoran Desert, Arizona. Unpublished Ph.D Dissertation, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Rosen, P.C. and C.H. Lowe. 1994. Highway mortality of 

snakes in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona. Biological Conservation 68: 143-148.

Rosen, P.C., and C.H. Lowe. 1996. Ecology of the Amphibians and Reptiles at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 

Arizona. Technical Report No. 53, Cooperative Park Studies 

Unit, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Rosen, P.C., and C.H. Lowe. 1995. Lizard Monitoring 

Protocol for the Ecological Monitoring Program in Organ 

Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona. Section 4 of the 

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Ecological Monitoring Program Monitoring Protocol Manual. Special Report 

No. 11, National Biological Service, Cooperative Park Studies Unit, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Rosen, P.C., and C.R. Schwalbe. 2002. Widespread effects 

of introduced species on reptiles and amphibians in the 

Sonoran Desert region. Pages 220-240 In B. Tellman, editor. 

Invasive Exotic Species in the Sonoran Region. University 

of Arizona Press and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 

Tucson, Arizona.

Scott, N.J. 1994. Complete Species Inventories. Pages 78-84 

In Heyer, W.R., M.A. Donnelly, R.W. McDiarmid, L.C. 

Hayek, and M.S. Foster. Measuring and Monitoring Biodiversity: Standard Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian 

Institution Press, Washington, D.C.

Semlitsch, R.D. 2003b. General threats to amphibians. Pages 

1-7 In R.D. Semlitsch, editor. Amphibian Conservation. 

Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.

Shafer, H.B., and J.E. Juterbock. 1994. Night driving. Pages 

163-166 In R.W. Heyer, M.A. Donnelly, R.W. McDiarmid, 

L.C. Hayek, and M.S. Foster, editors. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.

Simmons, J.E. 2002. Herpetological Collecting and Collections Management, Revised Edition. Society for the Study 

of Amphibians and Reptiles Herpetological Circular No. 31.

Stebbins, R.C. 1958. A new alligator lizard from the Panamint 

Mountains, Inyo County, California. American Museum 

Novitates 1883.

Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and 

Amphibians, Second Edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.

Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and 

Amphibians, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.

Stejneger, L. 1893. Report on reptiles and batrachians. In The 

Death Valley Expedition, a Biological Survey of Parts of 

California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. North American 

Fauna No. 7. USDA, division of ornithology and mammalogy, Washington, D.C.

Stewart, G.R. 1988. The rubber boa (Charina bottae) in California, with particular reference to the southern subspecies, 

C.b. umbricata. Pages 131-138 In H.F. DeLisle, P.R. Brown, 

B. Kaufman, and B.M. McGurty, editors. Proceedings of the 

conference on California herpetology.

Sullivan, B.K. 1993. Distribution of the Southwestern Toad 

(Bufo microscaphus) in Arizona. Great Basin Naturalist 

53(4): 402-406.

Swann, D.E. 1999. Evaluating Approaches for Monitoring 

Terrestrial Vertebrates in U.S. National Parks: An Example 

From Tonto National Monument, Arizona. Unpublished 

Master’s Thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Threloff, D. 1996, Distribution, abundance, and status of the 

amphibian fauna in the Cow Creek and Furnace Creek areas 

of Death Valley National Park. Unpublished report, Death 

Valley National Park Resource Management Division.

Trepanier, T.L., and R.W. Murphy. 2001. The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata): genetic diversity 

and phylogenetic relationships of an endangered species. 

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 18(3): 327-334.

Turner, D.S., P.A. Holm, and C.R. Schwalbe. 1999. Herpetological survey of the Whetstone Mountains. Report to 

Arizona Game and Fish Department. School of Renewable 

Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Turner, F. 1949-1957. Unpublished field notes journal (Death 

Valley entries).

Turner, F.B. 1959a. Some features of the ecology of Bufo 

punctatus in Death Valley, California, Ecology 40(2): 175-

181.

Turner, F.B. 1959b. New localities for Lichanura rosefusca 

gracia in Inyo County, California. Copeia 1959 (2): 172.

Turner, F.B. 1959c. Xantusia v. vigilis in Death Valley 

National Monument, California. Copeia 1959 (2): 172-173.

Turner, F.B. and R.H. Wauer. 1963. A survey of the herpetofauna of the Death Valley area. Great Basin Naturalist 

23(3-4): 119-128.

Vitt, L.J. and N. A. Dickson. 1988. Urosaurus graciosus. 

Catalog of American Amphibians and Reptiles 448.
20 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park
 21

Appendix A. Data Form

Figure A-1. Data form (following two pages) developed for herpetofauna surveys in the Southern Colorado Plateau I&M Network, and 

also used for most surveys at Death Valley National Park. There are two pages, meant to be photocopied back to back.
22 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

Figure A-1. Data form (following two pages) developed for herpetofauna surveys in the Southern Colorado Plateau I&M Network, and 

also used for most surveys at Death Valley National Park. There are two pages, meant to be photocopied back to back. —Continued
 23

Appendix B. Contact Information for Experts Consulted 

Alex Heindl

Barrick Museum of Natural History

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

e-mail: heindla@unlv.nevada.edu

David Morafka, Ph.D. (deceased)

California State University

Dominguez Hills, California

Jonathan Richmond

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut, 06269

e-mail: jonathan.richmond@uconn.edu

Eric Simandle

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, Nevada

e-mail: simandle@unr.edu

Gary Fellers, Ph.D.

USGS Western Ecological Research Center

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes, California 94956

e-mail: Gary_Fellers@nps.gov
24 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park
 25

The following is an annotated list of amphibians and 

reptiles at Death Valley National Park, including all documented and hypothetical species. Because we do not have 

data on population sizes or density of species at DEVA, the 

use of the terms abundant, common, uncommon, and rare 

(the available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily somewhat subjective. They are designed to describe 

the relative abundance of a particular species, compared with 

other, similar species at DEVA, and also with the same species 

elsewhere throughout its range. Status of all documented and 

hypothetical species at DEVA, as well as NPSpecies checklist 

field assignments, are presented in Table 4. All documented 

species are represented by at least one voucher specimen in an 

institutional collection, as detailed in the voucher section of 

the online NPSpecies database for DEVA.

Species Documented from Death Valley 

National Park

Western Toad (Bufo boreas)

This species, which is often associated with high elevation montane habitats (e.g., Hammerson 1999), has a spotty 

distribution in desert areas of southern California (Stebbins 

2003). At DEVA, Western Toads occur naturally only along 

the stream at Darwin Falls, where they appear to be common. 

They also occur in the Furnace Creek area, but this population 

is likely the result of an introduction (Threloff 1996). Turner 

and Wauer (1963) did not mention Western Toad, suggesting the species was introduced sometime in the past 40 years 

(Threloff 1996). Previously, Western Toad was known to 

hybridize with the Red-spotted Toad at Darwin Falls, but the 

Red-spotted Toad may no longer occur there (Stebbins 2003).

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus)

Turner and Wauer (1963) stated that this species was 

known from Saratoga Spring, Eagle Borax Works, Furnace 

Creek, Cow Creek, all Texas Spring drainages, and canyon 

springs in the Panamint Mountains. We observed Red-spotted Toads (adults or tadpoles) at a number of localities in the 

Furnace Creek and Cow Creek areas, at Scotty’s Castle, and 

at two areas in the Saline Valley (Hunter Creek and Grapevine 

Canyon). Banta (1962) also caught these toads in Hunter Canyon. Threloff (1996) determined that Red-spotted Toads were 

abundant only in two areas (Furnace Creek Wash and Nevares 

Spring area) in the Furnace Creek and Cow Creek areas at 

Appendix C. Annotated List of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National 

Park

DEVA. Previously, this species was known to hybridize with 

the Western Toad at Darwin Falls, but the Red-spotted Toad 

may no longer occur there (Stebbins 2003). However, Mike 

Bogen (Oregon State University) reported observing Red-spotted Toads at Darwin Falls on the night of 14 June 2003 (Laura 

Cunningham, personal communication), raising the possibility 

that the species still occurs there. In addition, we observed a 

few toads at Darwin Falls that may have been hybrids between 

these two species. Turner (1959a) studied the ecology of the 

species at DEVA.

Pacific Treefrog (Hyla regilla)

We only recorded Pacific Treefrogs from Scotty’s Castle, 

Saratoga Spring, and a number of canyons in the Panamints 

(Happy, Johnson, Pleasant, and Surprise canyons), a distribution similar that described by Turner and Wauer (1963). 

Banta (1962) did not find them in the Saline valley area, and 

Threloff (1996) did not record them in the Furnace Creek area. 

Although we did not observe them, they have been seen at 

Darwin Falls (Laura Cunningham, personal communication). 

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

This species, which is native to the eastern United States, 

has been widely introduced in the west, often to the detriment 

of native amphibians and reptiles (e.g., Rosen and Schwalbe 

2002). At DEVA, Bullfrogs are uncommon in ponds around 

the golf course at Furnace Creek, but are abundant in the salt 

marsh in Saline Valley. The species was introduced in the 

Furnace Creek area around 1920 (Turner and Wauer 1963). 

Macey and Papenfuss (1991) and Pister (1975) reported Bullfrogs from the Saline Valley salt marsh, but the species was 

not mentioned by Banta (1962), suggesting an introduction 

sometime between 1962 and 1975.

Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agasssizii)

We observed only one Desert Tortoise during our surveys 

and recorded sign on two other occasions, all in the southern end of Greenwater Valley. Boland and Goodlett (1997) 

conducted an extensive survey for Desert Tortoises throughout 

the park. They found tortoises to be moderately common in 

Greenwater Valley, but rare elsewhere where they occurred 

in the park. Boland and Goodlet (1997) also found that the 

species was primarily distributed in the southern half of the 

park, consistent with the known northern range limit for the 

species in the region. The Mojave Desert population (includ-
26 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

ing DEVA) of Desert Tortoise is listed as Threatened under the 

federal Endangered Species Act.

Great Basin Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus 

bicinctores)

We observed over a hundred Great Basin Collared Lizards at DEVA during our surveys, about half of which were 

seen perched on rocks on the roadside during daytime driving 

surveys. This conspicuous species is common in rocky areas 

throughout the park, from low elevation creosote desert habitats up into the pinyon-juniper zone.

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

This relative of the collared lizards is moderately common at DEVA, and is usually found in more open and less 

rocky terrain. The Long-nosed Leopard Lizard is found from 

the lowest elevations up into the pinyon-juniper zone at DEVA 

(Turner and Wauer 1963).

Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides)

This was the second most common species observed during 

our surveys. Zebra-tailed Lizards are abundant in desert habitats 

at DEVA, and are especially common near dunes, in open creosote bush desert, and along sandy washes and dirt roads.

Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis)

Turner and Wauer (1963) associated this species at DEVA 

with the presence of mesquite thickets, although the important 

habitat components in these areas are more likely the combination of open areas and sandy hummocks with shade and rodent 

burrows (Stebbins 2003). We found Desert Iguanas to be most 

common in dune areas, such as at Ibex Dunes, Stovepipe Wells, 

and the sand dunes in the Saline Valley. They were often spotted 

basking on low rocks or graded dirt berms along roads at DEVA.

Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)

Despite its cryptic appearance, the Desert Horned Lizard 

was one of the most common species we observed during our 

surveys. The species primarily occurs in the creosote bush 

habitats on the bajadas and alluvial fans at DEVA (Turner and 

Wauer 1963). The majority of our observations of horned lizards were made while driving, as the species frequently basks 

on road surfaces (including at night). 

Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma scoparia)

This species, like other fringe-toed lizards, lives only 

on dunes and other areas of fine, windblown sand (Stebbins 

2003). The northern limit of its distribution is the Ibex Dunes 

at DEVA and the nearby Dumont Dunes, just east of the park. 

These two populations are genetically distinct from other 

populations of Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard to the south, and 

may warrant recognition as a distinct species (Trepanier and 

Murphy 2001; David Morafka, personal communication). As 

such, the Ibex Dunes population at DEVA may be especially 

important to conservation of this lineage. Although more 

limited in area, the Ibex Dunes are protected from off-road 

vehicle use, which can be detrimental to fringe-toed lizards 

(Stebbins 2003). The Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard is listed as a 

Species of Special Concern by the state of California (Jennings and Hayes 1994).

Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)

This was the most abundant species observed during our 

surveys, and was found from the lowest valleys up into the 

pinyon-juniper habitats in the Panamint Mountains. 

Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus)

Chuckwallas were common at lower elevations in rocky 

habitats of outcrops or boulders at DEVA, and were often 

observed basking on rocks along roadsides. We observed 

numerous Chuckwallas during surveys in Greenwater Canyon, 

in the Greenwater Range.

Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister)

Desert Spiny Lizards were usually observed in the same 

rocky habitats as Chuckwallas at DEVA. However, Desert 

Spiny Lizards have a wider ecologic distribution in the park, 

occurring in creosote bush, canyons, and sagebrush habitats. 

Although usually observed on rocks, some were found on the 

ground or climbing in bushes. One individual near Scotty’s 

Castle was observed 30 feet up a telephone pole.

Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)

This species is common at intermediate and higher 

elevations at DEVA. Like the Desert Spiny Lizard it is usually 

found climbing on rocks and, especially in the pinyon-juniper 

woodlands, trees. 

Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus)

This species, which is much more ground-dwelling than 

the other two Sceloporus at DEVA, is common in the pinyonjuniper woodlands in the park. It is the only species known 

from the boreal habitats above the pinyon-juniper zone at 

DEVA (Turner and Wauer 1963).
 27

Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris)

This was the third most abundant species observed during our surveys, and was common throughout the park in all 

habitats below the pinyon-juniper zone.

Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata)

This species is widespread in coastal southern California 

and the Sierra Nevada (Stebbins 2003), and was previously 

known only as close to DEVA as the central Owens Valley 

(Macey and Papenfuss 1991b). In 2001, Dr. David Morafka 

captured (but did not collect) two individuals of this species 

in pitfall traps at a spring about a mile east of Scotty’s Castle 

(Laura Cunningham, personal communication). Two more 

individuals were captured at this site in 2002, one of which 

was collected for the present inventory. Unverified sight 

records elsewhere in the region suggest the possibility that 

isolated populations of Southern Alligator Lizards may exist 

in mountain ranges east of their known distributional range 

(Laura Cunningham, personal communication). Preliminary 

genetic analysis (from tail tips) of the Scotty’s Castle specimens was inconclusive, as the DEVA samples clustered with 

both a coastal San Diego County group and a nearby Inyo 

County/Sierra Nevada group (Tod Reeder, University of California, San Diego, personal communication). More specimens 

from DEVA and throughout its range in southeast California 

will need to be analyzed to determine if the DEVA population is likely native or introduced. If introduced at Scotty’s 

Castle, the species may have been brought in inadvertently 

during importation of large plantings of California fan palms 

in the 1930’s or oleanders in the 1970’s from nurseries in Los 

Angeles or San Bernardino, respectively (Laura Cunningham, 

personal communication).

Panamint Alligator Lizard (Elgaria panamintina)

This species was first described from Limekiln Spring 

in Surprise Canyon (Panamint Mountains), just west of the 

DEVA park boundary (Stebbins 1958). Currently, the species is known from a number of canyons in the Panamint, 

Nelson, Inyo, Argus, Coso, and White Mountains (Banta et al. 

1996). Within DEVA, it has been collected or observed in the 

Panamint Mountains in Surprise Canyon (Brewery Spring), 

Johnson Canyon, Wildrose Canyon, and Hanaupah Canyon, 

and in the Nelson Mountains in Grapevine Canyon (Banta et 

al. 1996, Stebbins 2003, Laura Cunningham, personal communication). Panamint Alligator Lizards probably occur at 

other sites in DEVA, as suitable habitat exists at Darwin Falls, 

springs near Emigrant Canyon, and elsewhere. The Panamint 

Alligator Lizard is listed as a Species of Special Concern by 

the state of California (Jennings and Hayes 1994).

Gilbert’s Skink (Eumeces gilberti)

We observed only eight Gilbert’s Skinks, all at Hummingbird Spring in the Panamint Mountains; seven of these 

were caught in our pitfall traps. Turner and Wauer (1963) 

reported the species from Johnson and Hanaupah canyons and 

Harrisburg Flat, and Banta (1962) caught numerous Gilbert’s 

Skinks in pitfall traps along Grapevine Canyon in the Nelson 

Mountains, between about 1220 and 1830 m elevation. The 

species probably occurs in spring areas throughout the Panamint Mountains.

Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus)

This nocturnal lizard was found in various desert habitats 

throughout the park, and was especially common during night 

driving surveys in rocky areas, such as the Dante’s View road 

the road through Grapevine Canyon near Scotty’s Castle. 

Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis)

Turner (1959c) first reported this small, secretive species 

from DEVA. We observed Desert Night Lizards only at Leadfield in the Grapevine Mountains, and at Last Chance Spring. 

Turner and Wauer (1963) stated that it had been found in Monarch Canyon, near Dante’s View, and in the pinyon-juniper 

woodlands as high as 2935 m elevation in the Panamint Mountains. Banta (1962) captured five night lizards in pitfall traps 

along Grapevine Canyon near the Saline Valley. Although the 

species is often associated with Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), 

these yuccas are absent from most sites at DEVA where the 

species has been found. The Desert Night Lizard is probably 

more widespread within the park.

Western Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops humilis)

This small, secretive, burrowing species has been found 

throughout DEVA, including at Saratoga Spring, Salt Creek, 

Wildrose Canyon, Cow Creek, Darwin Falls, Grapevine 

Canyon (Nelson Range), and Eureka and Saline valleys (Banta 

1962, Turner and Wauer 1963, Kay 1970, voucher records in 

NPSpecies). We did not observe Western Blind Snake during 

our surveys.

Rosy Boa (Charina trivirgata)

Turner (1959b) first reported this species from DEVA, 

and Turner and Wauer (1963) listed Hanaupah and Emigrant 

canyons as the only two known localities in the park. It has 

been collected along SR 190 on the Darwin Plateau, including 

at Darwin Falls (voucher records in NPSpecies). We observed 
28 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

two Rosy Boas during our surveys, both along the canyon 

below Darwin Falls. There is an unverified sight record of a 

Rosy Boa in the Grapevine Mountains near Scotty’s Castle 

(fide Laura Cunningham, personal communication).

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)

This was one of only three species documented from 

DEVA that we did not observe during our surveys. The only 

specimen from DEVA known to us was collected in 1949 near 

Daylight Pass in the Grapevine Mountains (MVZ 63626). 

Banta (1962) did not observe it in the Saline Valley region. 

Salvage by NPS staff of road-killed snakes could help document this species from other areas of the park.

Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis 

occipitalis)

We observed only five Western Shovel-nosed Snakes, 

all during night driving surveys. Two of these were found 

just outside the park on the Panamint Valley road, two others 

on SR 178 at the southern end of the Greenwater Valley, and 

another on SR 190 near Emigrant Canyon. In addition, we 

found tracks probably made by this species on the Panamint 

and Ibex dunes. Other areas in the park where the species has 

been found include the Dantes’s View road, Saline Valley and 

Grapevine Canyon, and the Darwin Plateau area, including 

Darwin Falls (Banta 1962, Turner and Wauer 1963, voucher 

records in NPSpecies). Based on results from pitfall trapping, 

Banta (1962) suggested that the Western Shovel-nosed Snake 

was perhaps the most abundant snake species in the Saline 

Valley. It probably is common throughout much of DEVA.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

This species has a spotty, relictual distribution in the 

Southwest. Prior to our surveys it was not known from the 

DEVA area, the closest records being from the Spring Mountains in Nevada to the east and the Clark and Providence 

Mountains to the south (Stebbins 2003). We collected a specimen of Ring-necked Snake from the vicinity of a spring about 

a mile east of Scotty’s Castle (Emmerich and Cunningham 

2003), the site of a pitfall trap array operated by the late Dr. 

David Morafka. This species requires permanent subsurface 

moisture (Stebbins 2003), and isolated populations may occur 

at other such locations at DEVA.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

We observed only two Night Snakes during our surveys, 

both dead on the road. One of these was on Daylight Pass, the 

other near the Furnace Creek Inn. At DEVA, they have also 

been collected in the Eureka Valley, Saline Valley, and Wildrose Canyon (Banta 1962, voucher records in NPSpecies). 

This strictly nocturnal species is probably common at lower 

and intermediate elevations throughout the park.

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)

We observed this species on Towne’s Pass, on the Darwin 

Plateau (including one at Darwin Falls), at Brewery Spring 

in Surprise Canyon, and in the Greenwater Valley. Common 

Kingsnakes are probably fairly common throughout the intermediate elevations throughout the park.

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)

This large, fast snake is common throughout DEVA 

below the pinyon-juniper zone, and is one of the only snakes 

commonly found in the lowest parts of Death Valley (Turner 

and Wauer 1963). 

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)

We observed only two Striped Whipsnakes during our 

surveys, both on the trail to Telescope Peak. The species has 

been collected in Tuber Canyon and Willow Creek in the 

Panamint Mountains, and in the Grapevine Mountains in the 

Nevada Triangle (Turner and Wauer 1963, voucher records in 

NPSpecies). This snake occurs in canyons and in the pinyonjuniper zone at DEVA, but is apparently uncommon.

Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake (Phyllorynchus 

decurtatus)

Once thought to be rare, the advent of night driving 

as a herpetofauna survey method showed this species to be 

abundant in many desert areas in the Southwest (e.g., Klauber 

1939). We observed this snake on roads near Scotty’s Castle, 

on the Dante’s View road, and on SR 190 on the Darwin 

Plateau. The range of the Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake is closely 

associated with that of the creosote bush (Stebbins 2003). 

This species probably occurs throughout creosote bush desert 

habitats at DEVA.

Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

This widespread, generalist species occurs throughout 

DEVA from the alluvial fans up into the pinyon-juniper woodlands in the Panamint Mountains (Turner and Wauer 1963). 

Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei)

We observed only four Long-nosed Snakes during 

our surveys: one on Towne’s Pass, one in the Last Chance 

Range, and two on the road over Daylight Pass. Banta (1962) 

observed one in lower Grapevine Canyon (Nelson Range), 

and additional specimens have been collected from Lee Flat, 
 29

the Eureka Valley, and numerous locations in the Panamint 

Mountains (voucher records in NPSpecies). The species is 

probably fairly common in desert, canyon, and sagebrush 

habitats at DEVA.

Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora 

hexalepis)

This diurnal species occurs in desert and shrub habitats 

below the pinyon-juniper zone at DEVA (Turner and Wauer 

1963). We observed eight Western Patch-nosed Snakes at scattered locations, and the species has been collected throughout 

the park (Banta 1962, voucher records in NPSpecies). 

Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata)

We observed only two Western Ground Snakes during 

this inventory, one on the road in Emigrant Canyon, and one 

at a pitfall trap site in Hanaupah Canyon operated by the late 

Dr. David Morafka. Other locations for the species at DEVA 

include Grapevine Canyon (Nelson Range), the Grapevine 

Mountains, Wildrose Canyon, Towne’s Pass, and the Eureka 

Valley (Banta 1962, Turner and Wauer 1963, voucher records 

in NPSpecies). Western Ground Snakes probably occur in 

lower and intermediate elevations throughout DEVA, in areas 

with some subsurface moisture (Stebbins 2003).

Southwestern Black-headed Snake (Tantilla 

hobartsmithi)

We observed a single Southwestern Black-headed Snake 

during a nocturnal general survey at Darwin Falls. The only 

other locations for this species at DEVA are Surprise Canyon, 

Grapevine Canyon (Nelson Range), and on SR 190 on the 

Darwin Plateau (Banta 1962, Turner and Wauer 1963, voucher 

records in NPSpecies). Southwestern Black-headed snakes 

occur in a variety of habitats in the region (Stebbins 2003), 

and it seems likely that this small, secretive species occurs in 

other places at DEVA.

Western Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus)

The only Western Lyre Snake observed during our 

surveys was seen on the road in Emigrant Canyon, which is 

apparently the first record for the Panamint Mountains. Most 

records from DEVA are from the Darwin Plateau (voucher 

records in NPSpecies), although its occurrence to the east in 

the Amargosa Range at Daylight Pass, Grapevine Canyon, 

and Furnace Creek Wash (Turner and Wauer 1963, voucher 

records in NPSpecies) would suggest it might be more widespread in the park. This species is generally found in rocky 

habitats in deserts and lower mountain slopes (Stebbins 2003), 

and may occur throughout the foothills and bajadas of the 

Panamint Range.

Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes)

This was the most frequently observed snake species during our surveys, and was found in sandy and gravelly desert 

habitats throughout the park. Macey and Papenfuss (1991b) 

note that Sidewinders appear to be absent from Saline Valley, 

and our surveys support that notion. 

Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii)

This was the second most frequently observed snake 

during the present inventory. Speckled Rattlesnakes occur 

from the creosote bush desert on the alluvial fans up into the 

pinyon-juniper woodlands at DEVA (Turner and Wauer 1963). 

We found this species in a similar range of habitats, including 

in desert scrub at the northern end of the Greenwater Valley and in pinyon-juniper habitat at the Charcoal Kilns in the 

Panamint Mountains. Many of our observations were from the 

Emigrant Canyon and Towne’s Pass areas of the park.

Species That Possibly Occur at Death Valley 

National Park

Slender Salamanders (Batrachoseps)

Robert Stebbins believes slender salamanders could be 

found in moist spring habitats within Surprise Canyon (fide

Laura Cunningham, personal communication). Other canyons 

in the Panamint Mountains or at Hunter Mountain may contain 

suitable habitat as well, and slender salamanders found in 

these areas would possibly represent new, undescribed species.

Inyo Mountains Salamander (Batrachoseps 

campi)

The northernmost records for this species, which is 

endemic to the Inyo Mountains, are from Waucoba Canyon, 

just west of DEVA (Jockusch 2001). We surveyed the DEVA 

section of Waucoba Canyon on multiple occasions, but found 

no salamanders. Bryan Hamilton (personal communication) 

observed Inyo Mountains Salamanders in Waucoba Canyon 

in 2004, less than a mile above the DEVA boundary, very 

near where they have been collected previously in the canyon 

(MVZ 150400-7). This location, an extensive seep area in 

the canyon bottom, was much wetter and cooler than spring 

and seep sites further down the canyon within DEVA (Bryan 

Hamilton, personal communication), suggesting that the 

species may not currently occur within the boundaries of the 

park. The Inyo Mountains Salamander is listed as a Species 

of Special Concern by the state of California (Jennings and 

Hayes 1994).
30 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

Ensatina (Ensatina escholtzii)

Robert Stebbins believes that an unconfirmed report of 

a salamander seen on Telescope Peak in the Panamint Mountains in the 1950’s may represent an Ensatina (fide Laura 

Cunningham, personal communication). Although our pitfall 

traps at Mahogany Flat and Hummingbird Springs caught 

only lizards, this or another salamander species may occur at 

high elevations in the Panamints. We recommend additional 

targeted cover-flipping surveys near springs and seeps, particularly during wet weather, to search for salamanders in the 

Panamint Mountains at DEVA.

Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana)

In the vicinity of DEVA, this widespread species occurs 

in the Owens Valley to the west, Deep Springs Valley to the 

north, and in Nevada to the east (Macey and Pappenfuss 

1991a, Stebbins 2003). Although it has never been reported, 

this toad may occur within the park near the northern or eastern boundaries, in areas such as northern Eureka or Saline 

valleys, the foothills and canyons of the Last Chance Range, 

or the Nevada Triangle between the Grapevine Mountains 

and Beatty, Nevada. The species usually inhabits Great Basin 

scrub in the DEVA region, but also occurs in creosote bush 

habitats near Owens Lake in the Owens Valley (Macey and 

Pappenfuss 1991a). 

Black Toad (Bufo exsul)

This close relative of the western toad occurs naturally in 

Deep Springs Valley, north of DEVA (Fellers 2005, Murphy et 

al. 2003, Stebbins 2003). Black Toads were introduced about 

ten years ago, for unknown reasons, into the flowing well 

about 3.2 km north of Salt Lake in Saline Valley (Fellers 2005, 

Eric Simandle personal communication). DNA analyses have 

determined that these toads came from the Buckhorn/Corral Springs complex in Deep Springs Valley (Eric Simandle, 

personal communication). They were apparently still at the 

DEVA site in May 1998, when Eric Simandle collected tissue 

samples from 30 individuals for DNA analysis (Eric Simandle, 

personal communication), but we did not find them during 

our surveys in 2004. Although the site is fenced, burros have 

gotten in, and severely degraded the habitat. Based on the 

poor quality of the habitat combined with our failure to find 

this species during multiple surveys, we believe that Black 

Toads may be extirpated at DEVA. The Black Toad is listed as 

Threatened by the state of California (Murphy et al. 2003).

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

The nearest populations of this highly aquatic species are 

in the northern Owens Valley (Macey and Pappenfuss 1991a). 

Pratt and Hoff (1992) twice reported hearing a “chortle or 

chuckle” at Saratoga Spring that they described as being similar to the call of the Northern Leopard Frog. However, Pacific 

Treefrogs give a variety of calls (Davidson 1995), and Pratt 

and Hoff (1992) may have simply heard an unusual Pacific 

Treefrog call. They noted that Pacific Treefrogs were abundant 

at Saratoga Spring during their surveys. The Northern Leopard 

Frog is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the state of 

California (Jennings and Hayes 1994).

Long-tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus)

In his discussion of sympatry between Urosaurus and 

Uma (fringe-toed lizards), Norris (1958) reported collecting 

Long-tailed Brush Lizard at the “Sperry Canyon Dunes.” This 

locality is probably along the Amargosa River near the northern part of the Dumont Dunes (near the Sperry site), just east 

of the southeast corner of DEVA. Based on their occurrence 

at this site, we had expected to find them at the Ibex Dunes 

at DEVA, which is only about six miles west of the Dumont 

Dunes. Long-tailed Brush Lizards favor areas of loose sand 

and scattered shrubs and trees, especially large creosote bushes 

(Stebbins 2003), habitat elements found at both the Dumont 

and Ibex dunes. In addition, although habitat at DEVA for 

the Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard is probably limited to the Ibex 

Dunes, much of the habitat along the Amargosa River in the 

southern part of DEVA appears to be good brush lizard habitat, primarily in the area between Ashford Mill and Saratoga 

Spring. We searched a number of sites within this area that 

contained large creosote bushes and, especially, mesquite 

trees growing on sandy hummocks within the Amargosa River 

floodplain. Boland and Goodlett (1997) reported observing 

a Long-tailed Brush Lizard during DEVA Desert Tortoise 

surveys in Greenwater Valley (Laura Cunningham, personal 

communication). We surveyed throughout Greenwater Valley, 

but the habitat is marginal for brush lizards, as the soil is generally rocky or gravelly and the creosote bushes are shorter in 

stature than most areas where the species is found. We suspect 

Boland and Goodlett’s observation may have been based on a 

misidentification of a Side-blotched Lizard. More surveys of 

these areas during wetter periods may be more productive, but 

even in good years Long-tailed Brush Lizard may be uncommon, since it is at the edge of its range in the DEVA area.

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

This species was on the original NPS list of potential reptile species for DEVA, but it almost certainly does not occur in 

the park. Tree Lizards do not occur very close to DEVA (Stebbins 2003), and the distribution of the species in Nevada is 

generally confined to rocks and trees near the Colorado River 

(Alex Heindl, personal communication).

 Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea)

This species was on the original NPS list of potential reptile species for DEVA, but it almost certainly does not occur in 
 31

the park. The nearest records are from above 8000 feet elevation along the crest of the Sierra Nevada, and from streams in 

the Carson City area of Nevada (Laura Cunningham, personal 

communication). This species occupies cooler, more mesic 

habitats than other alligator lizards, and thus if disjunct native 

populations of alligator lizards (aside from Panamint Alligator 

Lizard) were to be found in northern DEVA, they would probably be Southern Alligator Lizards. 

Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus)

This close relative of the Gilbet’s Skink was previously 

listed in NPSpecies and elsewhere (e.g., DEVA interpretive 

reptile checklist) as occurring in the park. However, this was 

based on two probable false reports: an unvouchered sighting 

during the Death Valley Expedition (Stejneger 1893) and a 

mislabeled specimen of Gilbert’s Skink in the DEVA collection. The Western Skink is known from high elevation areas 

in the White Mountains, and could conceivably occur in the 

Panamint Mountains as well (Jonathan Richmond, personal 

communication), although only Gilbert’s Skinks are currently 

known from the latter. 

Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)

NPS staff had reported a gecko climbing a wall in the 

built-up area around Scotty’s Castle, suggesting the possibility 

of a naturalized population of Mediterranean Geckos (Laura 

Cunningham, personal communication). Introduced populations of this species are well established in many southwestern 

metropolitan areas such as Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, and 

Las Vegas, Nevada (Stebbins 2003), and the species could 

easily have been transported to DEVA in ornamental plantings 

from nurseries. However, repeated nocturnal searches during this inventory revealed no geckos on buildings at Scotty’s 

Castle. The initial report probably represented a sighting of 

a Western Banded Gecko, a native species common in the 

Scotty’s Castle area.

Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum)

Gila Monster was on the original NPS list of potential 

reptile species for DEVA, but it almost certainly does not 

occur in the park. Isolated populations of Gila Monsters occur 

in a number of mountain ranges in California to the south of 

DEVA, including the Clark, Kingston, Piute, and Providence 

mountains (Stebbins 2003). Although fairly close to the southeastern corner of DEVA, the Kingston Range receives more 

summer rainfall and supports diverse succulent vegetation 

(cacti, yucca, agave) absent from DEVA. Jeff Lovich and Kent 

Beaman (unpublished data) have suggested that the distribution of Gila Monsters in California is limited to sites that 

receive enough summer rainfall to exhibit a strongly biphasic 

precipitation regime, which may be important in the foraging 

ecology of the species. 

Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)

The Rubber Boa was on the original NPS list of potential reptile species for DEVA, but it almost certainly does not 

occur in the park. The closest records east of the Sierra Nevada 

are from June Lake, Mono County, California, in dense mesic 

pine-fir forests (Laura Cunningham, personal communication). 

The species is usually associated with moist coniferous forests 

(Stewart 1988), and habitats at DEVA are probably too dry.

California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis 

zonata)

Although there have been no reports of this species 

from DEVA, there is a slight possibility it may occur in moist 

canyons or high elevation areas within the park, as it is distributed disjunctly on mountain islands elsewhere in southern 

California, and is more widespread in the Sierra Nevada 

range (Stebbins 2003). Greene and Luke (1996) suggested 

that this species could occur in the Clark, Kingston, New 

York, or Providence mountains in the East Mojave Desert. 

If present at DEVA, possible habitats include well-watered 

canyons (e.g., Darwin Falls, Hanaupah Canyon, Surprise 

Canyon), as well as high elevation pinyon-juniper forests 

throughout the Panamint Mountains.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis 

elegans)

The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake was on the original 

NPS list of potential reptile species for DEVA, but it probably 

does not occur in the park. The species occurs in the Owens 

and Fish Lake valleys, west and north of DEVA (Macey and 

Papenfuss 1991b), and there are unconfirmed reports from 

the upper Amargosa River meadows of Oasis Valley north of 

Beatty, Nevada (Laura Cunningham, personal communication). Laura Cunningham (personal communication) observed 

a Western Terrestrial Garter Snake in Wyman Creek in the 

southern White Mountains, on the north side of Deep Springs 

Valley. This site is only about 10 miles from the northern edge 

of DEVA, but there does not appear to be suitable habitat in 

this part of the park. Only a few sites within DEVA appear 

to have enough water to support garter snakes (e.g., Surprise 

Canyon, Darwin Falls, Saratoga Spring), and the lack of 

reports of this conspicuous, diurnal species suggests it is probably absent from the park.

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus 

atrox)

This rattlesnake was on the original NPS list of potential reptile species for DEVA, but it almost certainly does not 

occur in the park. Heindl (1999) studied the distribution of this 

species in southern Nevada, and found it to be associated with 
32 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles at Death Valley National Park

relatively mesic, well-vegetated sites, when compared with the 

Mojave Desert generally. DEVA is outside the distributional 

range of the species, and habitats within the park are probably 

too dry.

Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)

There is a high probability that this rattlesnake occurs 

in the southern portion of the park, especially in the region 

of the Amargosa River. Mojave Rattlesnakes are most common in areas of scattered scrubby creosote bush and mesquite 

(Stebbins 2003), and these habitats are found throughout much 

of the southern part of DEVA. This species is present south 

of DEVA on the Fort Irwin National Training Center (Laura 

Cunningham, personal communication), and Beth Tomlica 

(BLM, Las Vegas) may have seen one in Lemonade Canyon in 

the Greenwater Range at DEVA (Laura Cunningham, personal 

communication).

Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

The Great Basin subspecies (C. v. lutosus) of the Western 

Rattlesnake occurs to the north of DEVA, in Queen Valley 

(Macey and Papenfuss 1991b). Isolated populations may occur 

in mountains in the northern portion of the park, including the 

Last Chance Range, Grapevine Hills (in Nevada), Grapevine 

Mountains, the Nevada Triangle, or the Big Pine Road (northern Saline Valley entrance).
U.S. Geological Survey

Southwest Biological Science Center

2255 N. Gemini Drive

Flagstaff, AZ 86001