Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern 

Colorado Plateau National Parks

U.S. Department of the Interior 

U.S. Geological Survey

Southwest Biological Science Center

Open-File Report 2006–1132

June 2006

Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in 

Southern Colorado National Parks 

By Trevor B. Persons and Erika M. Nowak

In cooperation with the National Park Service

Open-File Report 2006–1132

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

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Suggested citation:

Persons, T.B., and Nowak E.M., 2006, Inventory of amphibians and reptiles in southern Colorado Plateau national 

parks: U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Colorado Plateau Research Station, Open File 

Report 2006-1132, 186 p.
iii

Contents

Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern 

Colorado Plateau National Parks............................................................................1

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

Key Words........................................................................................ ............1

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

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

Methods.................................................................................... ..................2

Results and Discussion................................................................... ....................8

Overview of Inventory Results............................................................. ........8

Sampling Effort and Efficacy of Methods................................................ ........8

Estimates of Inventory Completeness..................................................... .....10

Inventory Completeness of Different Taxonomic Groups............................ ..........11

Evaluating Inventory Completeness through Species Accumulation................. ......11

Literature and Museum Specimen Data Searches........................................ ..12

Voucher Specimens.......................................................................... ....12

Considerations for Future Inventory Work and Long-term Monitoring............ ...................12

Effectiveness of Different Methods of Inventory....................................... .......12

Future Inventory Work...................................................................... ......23

Long-term Monitoring....................................................................... ......24

Taxonomic Groups Suitable for Long-term Monitoring................................ ........25

Species of Special Concern................................................................. ....26

Acknowledgments .......................................................................... ...............27

References Cited............................................................................. ..............28

Appendix A. Park Accounts: Aztec Ruins National Monument....................... ..........................35

Appendix B. Park Accounts: Bandelier National Monument.......................... .........................43 

Appendix C. Park Accounts: Canyon de Chelly National Monument................ ..........................53 

Appendix D. Park Accounts: Chaco Culture National Historic Park.................. ..........................57

Appendix E. Park Accounts: El Malpais National Monument.......................... ..........................63 

Appendix F. Park Accounts: El Morro National Monument........................... ..........................71

Appendix G. Park Accounts: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area............... .........................79 

Appendix H. Park Accounts: Grand Canyon National Park........................... ..........................87 

Appendix I. Park Accounts: Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site.......... ............................93 

Appendix J. Park Accounts: Mesa Verde National Park................................ .......................97 

Appendix K. Park Accounts: Navajo National Monument............................. .......................101 

Appendix L. Park Accounts: Petrified Forest National Park........................... ......................105

Appendix M. Park Accounts: Petroglyph National Monument........................ ......................109 

Appendix N. Park Accounts: Rainbow Bridge National Monument.................. ......................117 

Appendix O. Park Accounts: Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument........ .......................119 

Appendix P. Park Accounts: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.......... ........................127 

Appendix Q. Park Accounts: Walnut Canyon National Monument................... .......................131

Appendix R. Park Accounts: Wupatki National Monument........................... .......................139

Appendix S. Park Accounts: Yucca House National Monument...................... .......................147
iv

Appendix T. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from SCPN parks........... ........................153 

LIST OF TABLES

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

Table 2. Total person-hours of survey effort for each time-recorded method at each

of 12 parks in the Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network

surveyed during amphibian and reptile inventories in 2001-2003.............................. ....9

Table 3. Number of individuals, individual detection rate per unit effort, and

minimum total number of species detected by different methods during a herpetological 

inventory of twelve southern Colorado Plateau National Parks, 2001-2003.................. ..10

Table 4. Estimated inventory completeness of different taxonomic groups of amphibians

and reptiles at each park in the Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory & 

Monitoring Network............................................................................. .......11

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National

Park areas during herpetofauna inventories in 2001-2003.......................................13

Table A-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Aztec Ruins

National Monument.................................................................................. .39

Table A-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Aztec Ruins National Monument, 2001-2003......... .....40

Table B-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Bandelier

National Monument.................................................................................. .49

Table B-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Bandelier National Monument, 2002-2003............. ...50

Table C-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Canyon

de Chelly National Monument...................................................................... ..56

Table D-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Chaco

Culture National Historic Park...................................................................... ...61

Table D-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Chaco Culture National Historic Park, 2002-2003.... .....62

Table E-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at El Malpais

National Monument.................................................................................. .68

Table E-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of El Malpais National Monument, 2002-2003........... ......69

Table F-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at El Morro

National Monument.................................................................................. .75

Table F-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of El Morro National Monument, 2001-2003............. .....76

Table G-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Glen Canyon

National Recreation Area............................................................................ 85

Table G-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 2003......... ...86

Table H-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at 

Grand Canyon National Park..........................................................................90

Table I-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Hubbell

Trading Post National Historic Site................................................................ ..95
v

Table J-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Mesa Verde

National Park.......................................................................................... 99

Table K-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Navajo

National Monument................................................................................. 103

Table L-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Petrified

Forest National Park..................................................................................107

Table M-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Petroglyph

National Monument..................................................................................114

Table M-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Petroglyph National Monument, 2001-2003.......... ....115

Table N-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Rainbow

Bridge National Monument......................................................................... 118

Table O-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Salinas

Pueblo Missions National Monument............................................................ .124

Table O-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument,

2001-2003............................................................................................. 125

Table P-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Sunset

Crater Volcano National Monument............................................................ ....129

Table P-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument,

2001-2003.............................................................................................130

Table Q-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Walnut

Canyon National Monument......................................................................... 136

Table Q-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Walnut Canyon National Monument, 2001-2003..... ....137

Table R-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Wupatki

National Monument................................................................................. 145

Table R-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Wupatki National Monument, 2001-2003.............. ...145

Table S-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Yucca 

House National Monument........................................................................ .151

Table S-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method

during a herpetofauna inventory of Yucca House National Monument, 2001-2003......... .152

Table T-1. Specimen Records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network Parks......... .....153

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Location of parks in the Southern Colorado Plateau I&M Network............... ......3

Figure 2. Field data form used for 1-ha and 10-ha Time-Area Constrained Search plots... ....4

Figure A-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Aztec Ruins 

National Monument, 2001-2003.................................................................... ...41

Figure B-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Bandelier 

National Monument, 2002-2003.................................................................... ...51

Figure D-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Chaco Culture 
vi

National Historic Park, 2002-2003................................................................. ....62

Figure E-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at El Malpais 

National Monument, 2002-2003.................................................................. .....70

Figure F-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at El Morro 

National Monument, 2001-2003..................................................................... .77

Figure G-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Glen Canyon 

National Recreation Area, 2003..................................................................... 86

Figure M-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Petroglyph 

National Monument, 2001-2003.................................................................... .116

Figure O-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Salinas Pueblo

Missions National Monument, 2001-2003........................................................ ..126

Figure P-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Sunset Crater 

Volcano National Monument, 2001-2003......................................................... .130

Figure Q-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Walnut Canyon

National Monument, 2001-2003.................................................................... .137

Figure R-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Wupatki 

National Monument, 2001-2003.................................................................... .146

Figure S-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Yucca House

National Monument, 2001-2003................................................................... ..152
Abstract

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

initiated a nationwide program to inventory vertebrates and 

vascular plants within the National Parks, and an inventory 

plan was developed for the 19 park units in the Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network. We surveyed 

12 parks in this network for reptiles and amphibians between 

2001 and 2003. The overall goals of our herpetofaunal inventories were to document 90% of the species present, identify 

park-specific species of special concern, and, based on the 

inventory results, make recommendations for the development 

of an effective monitoring program. We used the following 

standardized herpetological methods to complete the inventories: time-area constrained searches, visual encounter (“general”) surveys, and nighttime road cruising. We also recorded 

incidental species sightings and surveyed existing literature 

and museum specimen databases. We found 50 amphibian and 

reptile species during fieldwork. These included 1 salamander, 11 anurans, 21 lizards, and 17 snakes. Literature reviews, 

museum specimen data records, and personal communications 

with NPS staff added an additional eight species, including 

one salamander, one turtle, one lizard, and five snakes. It was 

necessary to use a variety of methods to detect all species in 

each park. Randomly-generated 1-ha time-area constrained 

searches and night drives produced the fewest species and 

individuals of all the methods, while general surveys and 

randomly-generated 10-ha time-areas constrained searches 

produced the most. Inventory completeness was likely 

compromised by a severe drought across the region during 

our surveys. In most parks we did not come close to the goal 

of detecting 90% of the expected species present; however, 

we did document several species range extensions. Effective monitoring programs for herpetofauna on the Colorado 

Plateau should use a variety of methods to detect species, and 

focus on taxa-specific methods. Randomly-generated plots 

must take into account microhabitat and aquatic features to be 

effective at sampling for herpetofauna.

Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern 

Colorado Plateau National Parks

Trevor B. Persons and Erika M. Nowak

Key Words

Amphibians, herpetofauna, inventory, monitoring, night 

driving, reptiles, road cruising, time-area constrained search, 

Colorado Plateau, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, 

Aztec Ruins National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chaco Culture 

National Historic Park, El Malpais National Monument, El 

Morro National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation 

Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Hubbell Trading Post 

National Historic Site, Mesa Verde National Park, Navajo 

National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, Petroglyph National Monument, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Sunset 

Crater Volcano National Monument, Walnut Canyon National 

Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Yucca House 

National Monument.

Introduction

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

initiated a nationwide program to inventory vertebrates and 

vascular plants within the National Parks. As part of this new 

inventory effort led by the Inventory and Monitoring Program, a total of 265 National Park units (parks, monuments, 

recreation areas, historic sites, etc.) 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 many NPS areas on the Colorado 

Plateau of Utah, northern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, 

and western Colorado were divided into northern and southern 

Colorado Plateau networks. An inventory plan was developed 

for the 19 park units in the Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network (SCPN) (Stuart 2000). 

Long-term biological inventory goals for each park are 

to provide: 1) complete bibliographies of studies pertinent 
2 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

to biological inventory of network parks; 2) detailed summaries of biological survey and natural history specimen data 

for the network parks; 3) species lists for each taxonomic 

group in relational database and hard copy format; 4) relative 

abundance estimates for selected species of concern in each 

vertebrate and vascular plant taxonomic group; 5) spatially 

located data for species of interest or concern; 6) spatial data 

on sampling site locations for GIS and a GIS data browser; 7) 

pertinent herbarium and museum vouchers databases; and 8) 

recommendations for long-term monitoring within the network.

The overall goals of our herpetofauna inventories were 

to: 1) provide each park with a baseline inventory of reptiles 

and amphibians in major habitats within the parks with the 

goal of documenting 90% of the species present; 2) identify 

park-specific species of special concern (which could become 

part of future “vital signs” monitoring); and 3) based on the 

inventory, make recommendations for the development of an 

effective monitoring program so that Resource Management 

staff at each park can assess the condition of amphibian and 

reptile populations over time, and detect significant changes in 

those populations.

In the first year (2001) of reptile and amphibian inventories in the SCPN, we surveyed the following park units: 

Aztec Ruins National Monument (AZRU), El Morro National 

Monument (ELMO), Petroglyph National Monument (PETR), 

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (SAPU), Sunset 

Crater Volcano National Monument (SUCR), Walnut Canyon 

National Monument (WACA), Wupatki National Monument 

(WUPA), and Yucca House National Monument (YUHO) 

(Nowak et al. 2002). In 2002 we began inventory work at Bandelier National Monument (BAND), Chaco Culture National 

Historic Park (CHCU), and El Malpais National Monument 

(ELMA) (Nowak et al. 2003), and we continued fieldwork 

at all parks in 2002 and 2003, although efforts in 2003 were 

primarily concentrated at BAND, CHCU, and ELMA. In 

addition, we conducted surveys at Glen Canyon National 

Recreation Area (GLCA) in 2003, and reviewed existing data 

for other parks in the SCPN that did not receive funding, 

i.e., Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA), Petrified Forest 

National Park (PEFO), Mesa Verde National Park (MEVE), 

and Rainbow Bridge National Monument (RABR). Finally, 

responsibility for conducting inventories at Canyon de Chelly 

National Monument (CACH), Hubbell Trading Post National 

Historic Site (HUTR), and Navajo National Monument 

(NAVA) was transferred to the Navajo Nation Natural Heritage 

Program. For completeness we have included a summary of 

results from these three parks, based on the work of Mikesic 

(2005a, b, c).

Study Area

Our study area covered much of the southern Colorado 

Plateau, as well as the adjacent Rio Grande Valley area of 

north-central New Mexico. Figure 1 shows the location of 

each park in the SCPN. Stuart (2000) and Thomas et al. (2004) 

present descriptions of the habitats and other features of each 

park unit. Brief overviews of the major habitats found at each 

park are included in the park accounts (Appendices A-S).

Methods

Because of the dispersed locations of the parks surveyed, 

and the limited time and funding available for fieldwork at any 

given park, we only used visual survey methods during these 

inventories. While trapping methods (such as pitfall traps; 

Campbell and Christman 1982) often capture rare or secretive 

species that are difficult to detect using visual surveys, these 

results are often obtained only after substantial trapping effort. 

The different visual survey methods employed during these 

inventories are outlined below.

Time-Area Constrained Searches

Time-area constrained searches (TACS) are a version of 

visual encounter surveys defined by Crump and Scott (1994) 

in which not only the amount of time spent searching, but also 

the area covered, are standardized. TACS consist of walking 

systematically through each habitat within the sampling area 

for a specified amount of time, searching all reasonable areas 

within that habitat, and recording reptiles and amphibians 

encountered (e.g., Drost and Nowak 1997, Scott 1994). This 

method yields a number of individuals and species collected or 

observed per person-hour. 

Using one or two people, we conducted 1-hour TACS 

within 1-ha (2.5 acres) plots. We conducted randomly located 

plot surveys only in larger parks (i.e., BAND, CHCU, ELMA, 

ELMO, PETR, SUCR, WACA, and WUPA). These sites were 

a subset of those generated using GIS to stratify parks by 

habitat (see Stuart 2000). In 2001, we also conducted nonrandom 1-ha TACS plots, primarily in the smaller parks that 

fell below the size threshold for a stratified random sampling 

design (Stuart 2000). However, in 2002 and 2003 we did not 

conduct any non-random TACS plot surveys in any parks. In 

smaller parks (i.e., AZRU, SAPU, and YUHO) we primarily 

used general survey and nighttime road driving methods. For 

our surveys at GLCA in 2003 we only used general survey and 

road driving methods.

In 2001, all TACS plots were 1-ha (2.5 acres) in size, 

generally 100 m (328 feet) square. In some areas, we were 

forced to move the plot center or change its shape to stay 

within a given habitat type. For each plot, we recorded the 

location of the center point in UTM coordinates using a global 

positioning system (GPS) unit, as well as plot dimensions and 

orientation if different from cardinal bearings (N, S, E, W). 

We also photographed and described the topography, elevation, slope, aspect, vegetation, and non-vegetative cover of 

each plot using data sheets developed in conjunction with the 
3

network coordinator at the time (Anne Cully, now Lisa Thomas) 

and data manager (Nicole Tancreto) for the SCPN (Figure 2).

In 2002 and 2003, some of the random TACS plot surveys were altered to be time constrained but functionally areaunconstrained. These surveys were conducted like the regular 

1-ha plots, but we surveyed over a wider area (between 1 and 

10 ha [2.5 and 25 acres]; henceforth referred to as “10-ha 

TACS”) centered on the random point. We allowed ourselves 

to cover an area up to 10 ha, but given that we were limited 

to an hour, we often did not cover such a large area. Instead, 

we targeted favorable microhabitats in order to increase the 

probability of finding more species on each survey. These surveys represented a compromise between the flexibility of the 

general surveying technique (below) and the statistically based 

criterion of random survey points.

General Surveys

We also conducted visual encounter surveys that were not 

time or area-limited. In these “general surveys,” we sampled 

habitats that appeared to be of high quality for reptiles or 

amphibians, were otherwise unique, and/or were not represented by TACS plots. The focus of this method was to search 

selected microhabitats opportunistically without necessarily covering a given area thoroughly. Most of these general 

surveys were conducted during the day, but we also conducted 

some at night. Nocturnal general surveys were used primarily to search amphibian breeding areas and document calling 

and/or larvae. 

Road or Night Driving Surveys

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. Although suitable paved or hardpacked dirt roads within or adjacent to many of the parks we 

surveyed were minimal, we conducted limited road driving at 

all parks. 

We standardized night driving surveys by driving a 

vehicle at slow speeds (30-40 km per hour), identifying all 

amphibians and reptiles encountered to species and recorded 

if they were either alive on the road (AOR) or dead on the 

road (DOR), sexing and aging all individuals, as possible, 

and recording locations to the nearest 0.16 km (0.1 mi) using 

calibrated vehicle odometers. 

Random Encounters

Amphibians and reptiles seen incidental to other fieldwork by us or seen by park staff 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, age class or size measurements, 

and if possible, sex.

Voucher Specimens

We attempted to document the presence of each species 

at each park by collecting at least one individual of each species at each park for those species not already represented by 

specimens in institutional collections. Some individuals were 

taken alive and humanely euthanized, but we also salvaged 

many animals that were found dead on roads in or near the 

parks. Specimens were injected with and immersed in 10% 

formalin for fixing, and then transferred to 55% isopropyl 

alcohol for preservation, using standard techniques (e.g. Pisani 

1973). Most of these specimens have been deposited in the 

U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Survey Collection at the 

Figure 1. Location of National Park Service units in the Southern 

Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network. See Stuart 

(2000) for a description of park clusters.
4 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Figure 2. Field data form used for herpetofauna 1-ha TACS plots and 10-ha TACS surveys in the Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory & 

Monitoring Network in 2001-2003. The two pages were photocopied back to back.
5

Figure 2. Field data form used for herpetofauna 1-ha TACS plots and 10-ha TACS surveys in the Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory & 

Monitoring Network in 2001-2003. The two pages were photocopied back to back.—Continued
6 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, 

but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA have been 

deposited in the Flagstaff Area National Monuments vertebrate collection, which is currently housed at WACA. In addition to a field series tag and detailed data tag, each specimen 

has a National Park Service issue specimen tag containing 

information on species, collector, date of collection, collection 

site, and NPS (ANCS+) accession and catalog numbers.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We conducted literature searches, and also searched 

specimen record data from a number of institutional museum 

collections, especially for parks in Arizona and Utah-states 

that do not have recent, comprehensive amphibian and reptile 

accounts as do New Mexico and Colorado (Degenhardt et al. 

1996, Hammerson 1999). The most extensive searches were 

made of records from the vicinity of the three Flagstaff area 

parks (SUCR, WACA, WUPA) in Coconino County, Arizona. 

These included records from the American Museum of Natural 

History (AMNH), Arizona State University (ASU), Brigham 

Young University (BYU), California Academy of Sciences 

(CAS), The Carnegie Museum (CM), University of Colorado 

Museum (CU), University of Kansas Museum of Natural History (KU), Los Angeles County Museum (LACM), Museum 

of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of 

New Mexico (MSB), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), 

Northern Arizona University (NAU), United States National 

Museum (USNM), University of Arizona (UAZ), University 

of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ), University of 

Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and the Flagstaff Area National 

Monuments vertebrate collection (SUCR, WACA, WUPA). 

Other datasets searched included MSB for all New Mexico 

counties where SCPN parks were located, BYU, KU, LACM, 

MVZ, UAZ, UMMZ, UTEP, and the University of Utah 

(UU) for counties in southern Utah encompassing GLCA and 

RABR, the MEVE collection for specimens from YUHO, and 

the USGS Biological Survey collection (USGS BS/FC, housed 

at MSB) for all SCPN parks. In addition, we were able to 

search the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s amphibian and reptile specimen database for records from YUHO. This database 

includes all records represented on species account dot maps 

in Hammerson (1999).

We did not attempt to conduct thorough museum specimen review for parks not surveyed by us during this inventory 

(i.e., CACH, GRCA, HUTR, MEVE, NAVA, PEFO, RABR). 

For these parks, we primarily relied on literature sources (for 

GRCA, MEVE, PEFO, and RABR) and the reports on concurrent inventories in the Navajo Nation SCPN parks (CACH, 

HUTR, NAVA) by Mikesic (2005a, b, c). Finally, we did not 

include specimens from CHCU that we located in datasets 

from MSB and MVZ, as these were too numerous (hundreds 

of records), and consisted entirely of well-documented species 

(Jones 1970). Most of these specimens are, in fact, those cited 

by Jones (1970).

It should be noted that in many instances we did not actually examine museum specimens to verify species identifications. However, we did evaluate the probable legitimacy of 

these records by considering locality information, as well 

as who collected the specimens. Problematical records are 

discussed in the park species accounts. Often, however, the 

original collectors were well known herpetologists that had 

worked extensively in the region, and their identifications had 

been previously confirmed.

Field Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Data 

Products 

Survey site locations and selected capture locations of 

individual animals were recorded using Garmin® (GPSIII 

Plus or Garmin 12) or Trimble GeoExplorer® hand-held GPS 

units. We recorded Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) 

coordinates in the NAD27 datum in order to match the USGS 

topographic maps of SCPN parks.

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 

in person-hours, i.e., the number of hours spent surveying 

multiplied by the number of observers for any given survey. 

Random encounters are not quantifiable in terms of effort, 

but they added important information on the distribution and 

abundance of species within the parks.

Data were analyzed with the statistical program SPSS 

version 11.5.0 for Windows (SPSS 2002). To compare rates of 

animals detected between the different time-recorded survey 

methods (effectiveness), we first corrected (weighted) the total 

number of individuals seen by the total effort for each survey 

type. We then compared expected versus observed individuals 

for each method using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis-H 

test, a variant of the X2

 test that weights and ranks multiple 

independent variables (Sokal and Rohlf 1981). We repeated 

these tests to compare the effectiveness of survey methods 

for each taxonomic group (amphibians, lizards, and snakes). 

In these analyses, we excluded eggs and tadpoles, which are 

difficult to count accurately when they occur in large numbers, but included larval salamanders, which tend to occur in 

smaller groups in the areas we surveyed.

To estimate inventory completeness, we developed a master list of species potentially occurring at each park. Development of these master lists were based on consultation of 

selected literature sources (e.g., Cox and Tanner 1995, Degenhardt et al. 1996, Hammerson 1999, Stebbins 1985, 2003), 

extensive personal knowledge of the distribution and habitats 

of southwestern amphibians and reptiles, specimen data from 
7

selected museum collections, and results of fieldwork from 

the 2001-2003 seasons. Probability of species occurrence was 

ranked as low (0-33%), medium (34-67%), or high (68-100%). 

In Tables A-1 through S-1 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 or reliable 

observations, are weighted 1.00. 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 locally-specific estimates 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 master lists, we generated species accumulation curves (e.g., Scott 1994) to evaluate inventory completeness. The original SCPN inventory plan (Stuart 2000) 

also recommended use of mark-recapture based models (e.g., 

Burnham and Overton 1979) to estimate inventory completeness. However, the necessary statistical condition of equal 

detectability among species is strongly violated in surveys of 

amphibians and reptiles. In addition, because mark-recapture 

models require the use of random (e.g., plot survey) data, 

results could only reasonably have been applied to lizards, the 

group best suited to these types of daytime, visual encounter 

survey techniques.

Data products delivered separately to the SCPN include 

a Microsoft Access® database containing all field data on 

individual surveys, species observations, and habitat site characterization of the random plots. Additional datasets include 

Microsoft Excel® spreadsheets of voucher specimens collected 

during the present inventory, as well as of museum specimen 

data compiled from institutional collections. Other products 

delivered to the SCPN include copies of field data sheets and 

field notebooks, as well as photographs (35 mm color slides) 

of most random plot survey sites. Metadata for this inventory is being developed with the assistance of the SCPN data 

manager. The SCPN data manager, based on species lists and 

NPSpecies checklist field assignments in Tables A-1 through 

S-1, has updated the online NPSpecies database for all parks.

Table 1. Common and scientific names of amphibians and reptiles 

referred to in the text, following Stebbins (2003). Recent studies 

have proposed changes in the taxonomy of some species found in 

SCPN parks, and interested readers should consult Crother (2000) 

and Crother et al. (2003) for a summary of these proposals. 

Common Name Scientific Name

Amphibians

Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum).

Jemez Mountains Salamander (Plethodon neomexicanus).

Couch’s Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii).

Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons).

Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana).

Mexican (New Mexico) Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata).

Sonoran Desert Toad (Bufo alvarius).

Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus).

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus).

Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii).

Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor).

Mountain Treefrog (Hyla eximia). 

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata).

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana).

Relict Leopard Frog (Rana onca).

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens).

Lowland Leopard Frog (Rana yavapaiensis).

Turtles and Tortoises

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta).

Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata).

Spiny Softshell (Trionyx spiniferus).

Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii).

Lizards

Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides).

Great Basin Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores).

Eastern (Common) Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris).

Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis).

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii).

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata).

Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi).

Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum).

Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos).

Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus).

Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus).

Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister).

Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus).

Long-tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus).

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus).

Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana).

Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus).

Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus).

Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus).

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail (Cnemidophorus exsanguis).

Little Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus inornatus).

New Mexico Whiptail (Cnemidophorus neomexicanus).

Checkered Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tesselatus).

Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris).

Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox).
8 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Common Name Scientific Name

Lizards (Continued)

Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii).

Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis).

Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus).

Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum).

Snakes

Texas Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops dulcis).

Western Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops humilis).

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans).

Racer (Coluber constrictor).

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus).

Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata).

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake (Gyalopion canum).

Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus).

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata).

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula).

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana).

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum).

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum).

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus).

Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis).

Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer).

Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei).

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora grahamii).

Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis).

Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata).

Southwestern Black-headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi).

Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps).

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis).

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans).

Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus).

Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

Western Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus).

Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum).

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox).

Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii).

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus).

Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus).

Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis).

 Grand Canyon Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis abyssus).

 Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis cerberus).

 Midget-faded Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis concolor).

 Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis lutosus).

 Hopi Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis nuntius).

 Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis).

Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus).

Results and Discussion

Overview of Inventory Results

We found 50 amphibian and reptile species during 

fieldwork for herpetological inventories at 12 National Park 

Service units in the SCPN in 2001-2003. These included 1 

salamander, 11 anurans, 21 lizards, and 17 snakes. Literature 

reviews, museum specimen data records, and personal communications with NPS staff added an additional eight species, 

including one salamander, one turtle, one lizard, and five 

snakes. Details of relative abundance and habitat associations 

of each species at each park are found in the individual park 

accounts (Appendices A-S). Scientific names for these and 

other species mentioned in this report are presented in Table 1. 

Scientific and common names follow Stebbins (2003).

Although our ability to document many species was 

probably compromised by the persistent drought that severely 

impacted the southern Colorado Plateau during the inventory 

period, we nonetheless obtained baseline data on amphibian 

and reptile species occurrence at all 12 SCPN parks we surveyed. For those parks with little or no previous herpetofaunal 

inventory work (i.e., AZRU, SAPU, SUCR, WACA, YUHO), 

we now have data on occurrence of common species. We also 

documented new species at most of the other parks, all of 

which have had at least some prior herpetofaunal inventory 

work. Perhaps the highlight of these inventories was the discovery of Mountain Treefrogs at ELMA, which constituted a 

substantial range extension in New Mexico, and substantiated 

an unverified record from the Zuni Mountains region from the 

1870’s (Monatesti et al. 2005). Another exciting discovery was 

the occurrence of Western Banded Geckos at WUPA, which 

constitute the first records for the Little Colorado River basin, 

and only the second record from the Colorado Plateau away 

from the Colorado River (Persons and Nowak 2004a). We also 

documented new county records for Red-spotted Toad and 

Roundtail Horned Lizard from SAPU, and Night Snake from 

ELMO (Persons and Nowak 2005a, b, c). Finally, at WACA 

we discovered an isolated population of Little Striped Whiptail, a species with a very limited distribution on the southern 

Colorado Plateau (Persons 2005).

Sampling Effort and Efficacy of Methods

We spent approximately 1,684 person-hours surveying 

for amphibians and reptiles between April 2001 and September 2003 at 12 different SCPN parks. We used seven methods, 

including general surveys, nocturnal general surveys, 1-ha 

TACS, 10-ha TACS, non-random TACS, and night driving. 

Total amount of time spent on each sampling method at each 

park is summarized in Table 2. Not all methods were used in 

all parks. Four parks (AZRU, GLCA, SAPU, and YUHO) did 

not have random points generated for them, so we decided 

Table 1. Common and scientific names of amphibians and reptiles 

referred to in the text, following Stebbins (2003). Recent studies have 

proposed changes in the taxonomy of some species found in SCPN 

parks, and interested readers should consult Crother (2000) and 

Crother et al. (2003) for a summary of these proposals.—Continued. 
9

to conduct supplemental non-random TACS in three of these 

and several other parks. We did not conduct nocturnal general 

surveys at SUCR due to its paucity of suitable amphibian 

breeding locations, nor at WUPA because previous research 

there documented all species potentially detectable using this 

method (Persons 2001a). 

The greatest sampling effort occurred at the largest parks 

with the greatest potential herpetofaunal species richness: 

BAND had the highest sampling effort (14% of the total 

sampling effort), followed by WUPA (12% of total sampling 

effort). The smallest, least species-rich parks (due to being at 

higher elevations and having less habitat diversity) received 

the least sampling effort: SUCR and WACA received 1.8% 

and 6.7% of the total effort, respectively. GLCA and ELMO 

received substantially less effort than we originally planned 

(each had approximately 6% of total effort) because surveys in 

each park were limited to one field season.

When assessing effort spent on each type of method 

across parks, we kept in mind the stated goal of detecting 

90% of the herpetofauna at each park. Based on our previous 

experience (e.g. Drost et al. 2001, Drost and Nowak 1997), we 

focused the majority of our sampling effort on the methods 

most likely to quickly detect new species in the widest variety 

of habitats: general surveying (67% of all person-hours spent) 

and night driving (12% of effort). We spent the least amount 

of time on non-random TACS (3% of effort, conducted only 

during the first year of surveys) and 10-ha TACS (4% of effort, 

conducted only during the second year of sampling). Nocturnal general surveys (6% of effort) and 1-ha TACS (7% of 

effort) were intermediate. 

The amount of time spent on each method was not necessarily correlated with either the total number of individuals or 

species detected by that method, nor the rate at which individuals were detected. Tables A-2 through S-2 list the numbers 

of individuals and species detected by each method for each 

park. For initial comparison, these numbers were tallied across 

all parks and the number of individuals detected per unit effort 

was calculated for each taxonomic group (Table 3). 

The raw number of animals detected would appear to 

indicate differences in the effectiveness of our time-recorded 

survey methods, and in fact when these numbers were corrected by effort (Table 3), we found a significant difference 

in the number of individuals detected between the survey 

methods (X2

= 15.04; d.f.= 5; p= 0.010). Significantly fewer 

animals were detected during night drives compared to the 

other methods. 

When the total number of individuals detected per 

effort were compared between the TACS plots, there was 

no statistically significant difference in effectiveness (X2= 

2.81; d.f.= 2; p= 0.24). There was a non-significant trend of 

random 1-ha TACS plots detecting the fewest individuals 

per effort, and 10-ha random TACS plots detecting the most 

individuals. This is what we expected, primarily due to the 

random placement of these small plots in habitats that were 

not stratified according to herpetological considerations, 

especially slope, substrate, and water features. Interestingly, 

simply moving these small 1-ha plots to hand-picked habitats 

that we thought would be better habitats for detecting herpetofauna was not sufficient either; to make these plots more 

effective we needed to increase their size 10-fold, and thus 

include more macro- and microhabitats. 

The effectiveness of the different time-recorded methods (excluding random encounters) in detecting individuals 

was also compared within each taxonomic group. There was 

no statistically significant difference between the methods in 

detecting individual amphibians, presumably due to the large 

variance in number of individuals detected (X2 = 7.0; d.f. = 3; 

p = 0.07). From a practical standpoint, however, TACS plots 

detected few or no individual amphibians, while general and 

nocturnal general surveys detected large numbers. Similarly 

Table 2. Total person-hours of survey effort for each time-recorded method at each of 12 parks in the Southern Colorado Plateau 

Inventory & Monitoring Network surveyed during amphibian and reptile inventories in 2001-2003. 1-ha TACS = random 1-ha time-area 

constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha TACS = random 10-ha TACS plot, N-R TACS = non-random 1-ha TACS plot, GS = general survey,

NGS = nocturnal general survey, and ND = night drive.

Park 1-ha TACS 10-ha TACS N-R TACS GS NGS ND Total

AZRU - - 12.5 63.2 20.8 6.1 102.6

BAND 7.2 6.3 - 198.6 12.4 7.4 231.9

CHCU 10.6 8.3 - 122.5 6.8 57.7 205.9

ELMA 22.8 9.3 - 52.1 1.8 33.4 119.4

ELMO 8.3 6.2 3.3 58.2 7.4 15.3 98.7

GLCA - - - 87.5 2.7 8.9 99.1

PETR 26.9 9.1 11.1 92.3 9.6 0.5 149.5

SAPU - - 19.5 114.4 25.9 22.2 182.0

SUCR 11.7 7.0 - 5.3 - 6.8 30.8

WACA 15.7 10.9 - 78.9 0.8 7.4 113.7

WUPA 20.0 11.3 - 145.6 - 30.8 207.7

YUHO - - 11.0 109.3 19.5 3.1 142.9

Total 123.2 68.4 57.4 1,127.9 107.7 199.6 1,684.2
10 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

with snakes, there was no statistically significant difference in 

individual detections between the methods (X2 = 5.0; d.f. = 5; 

p = 0.416). Again, there is a non-significant trend toward both 

random and non-random 1-ha TACS detecting fewer individual snakes and general surveys and night drives detecting more 

snakes. Conversely, there was a statistically significant difference between the methods in detecting individual lizards (X2 = 

14.0; d.f. = 5; p = 0.016). TACS and general surveys detected 

similar numbers of individuals when corrected for effort, while 

nocturnal general surveys and night drives detected almost 

none. 

General surveys detected the greatest species richness of 

all the methods (41 or more species), while nocturnal general surveys detected the fewest species (at least 15 species). 

Within taxonomic groups, general surveys detected the highest species richness for both lizards (at least 21 species) and 

snakes (at least 12 species), while nocturnal general surveys 

detected the largest number of amphibian species (at least 9). 

Some unanticipated patterns emerge from further examination of Table 3. Contrary to our expectations, 10-ha random 

TACS plots produced more individual lizards detected per 

unit effort than general surveys, probably because most of 

these surveys were conducted during peak morning activity 

times for lizards, whereas general surveys were conducted at 

all times of day. However, general surveys produced far more 

species. Daytime general surveys produced more individual 

amphibians per effort but fewer amphibian species than 

nighttime general surveys, perhaps because groups of larval 

salamanders and small metamorphic toads in or near breeding areas were easier to detect and count during daylight. 

Non-random 10-ha TACS plots had the greatest detection rate 

for snakes (individuals per person-hour), and the most snake 

species were detected during general surveys, instead of night 

driving or nocturnal general surveys as we originally expected. 

This may be a function of cool night-time temperatures in 

most Colorado Plateau National Parks depressing snake activity, although functionally the number of individual snakes 

detected during night drives is only slightly lower than that of 

general surveys. 

Importantly, the method “random encounters” detected 

every taxonomic group, in high numbers of both individuals and species. As noted earlier, this is a catch-all method 

comprised of incidental sightings of animals by us, other 

researchers, or park staff, as we were involved in activities 

other than the six time-recorded survey methods. For example, 

a “random encounter” occurred if an animal was sighted on 

the road while driving or walking between survey points or 

methods. Random encounters by other researchers and park 

staff produced species that we did not detect during any of 

our survey methods, e.g., Long-nosed Snake and Texas Blind 

Snake at PETR. 

Estimates of Inventory Completeness

Using the weighted master list approach, we calculated a 

mean estimated inventory completeness of 75% (range = 46-

Table 3. Number of individuals, individual detection rate per unit effort, and minimum total number of species detected by different 

methods during a herpetological inventory of 12 southern Colorado Plateau National Parks, 2001-2003. Amount of effort was measured 

in person-hours. The total number of individual amphibians does not include tadpoles and egg masses, because estimations of total 

numbers are not reliable for those life stages. “+”’s are added to the total number of species detected when unidentified animals are 

included (a few more species may have been detected than could be identified).

 1-ha 10-ha Non-Random General Nocturnal Night Random

 Random Random Plots Surveys General Driving Encounters

 Plots Plots Surveys

Amphibians

Individuals - 3 - 591 277 194 370

Individuals / Effort - 0.04 - 0.52 2.57 0.97 -

Species - 2+ - 8+ 9+ 7+ 8+

Lizards

Individuals 355 278 188 3,800 2 9 344 

Individuals / Effort 2.88 4.06 3.27 3.37 0.02 0.04 -

Species 13+ 13+ 11+ 21+ 2 3 18+

Snakes

Individuals 5 6 23 219 10 74 63

Individuals / Effort 0.04 0.09 0.40 0.19 0.09 0.37 -

Species 4 5+ 6+ 12+ 4 10+ 11+

Total

Individuals 360 287 211 4,610 289 277 777

Individuals / Effort 2.90 4.19 3.67 4.08 2.68 1.39 -

Species 17+ 20+ 17+ 41+ 15+ 20+ 37+
11

95%) for all 19 SCPN parks, including the parks not funded 

under this project (GRCA, RABR, PEFO, MEVE) or inventoried separately by the Navajo Nation (CACH, HUTR, NAVA) 

(Tables A-1 through S-1). Complete details of species occurrence and probability ranking of hypothetical species for each 

park are found in Tables A-1 through S-1, and a summary of 

inventory completeness for all parks is presented in Table 4.

Inventory Completeness of Different Taxonomic 

Groups

Using the same weighting methods and data from 

Tables A-1 through S-1, we calculated that the mean estimated inventory completeness at all SCPN parks is 70% 

for amphibians (range = 0-100%), 84% for lizards (range = 

60-100%), and 65% for snakes (range = 15-93%). Turtles are 

only known from four SCPN parks (AZRU, GLCA, GRCA, 

PETR), and may occur at two others (BAND and SAPU). For 

these six parks, estimated inventory completeness for turtles 

is 50% (range = 0-100%). Estimated inventory completeness for each taxonomic group at each park are presented in 

Table 4. The relatively high success rate for lizards is likely 

because most lizard species are diurnal and conspicuous, 

and our efforts (as well as others in previous surveys or collections) were biased towards daytime searches (both plots 

and general surveys) that easily detect such species. Most 

amphibians on the southern Colorado Plateau (especially 

spadefoot toads) breed during the summer monsoon season, 

and are often active on only a few nights a year, making them 

difficult to locate. In addition, these inventories took place 

during a severe (and ongoing) regional drought (Webb et al. 

2004), which may have reduced amphibian populations and/or 

activity during the project period. As with amphibians, many 

snake species are primarily nocturnal, and many are extremely 

secretive in their habits, so a low completeness for snakes is 

not surprising. 

For both amphibians and snakes, however, the single 

most important factor limiting inventory completeness was 

the lack of extensive networks of roads in most of the SCPN 

parks surveyed. Based on data from our own studies in the 

region (Drost et al. 1999, 2001, Persons 2001a), nighttime 

road surveys are by far the most effective method for detecting 

both amphibians and snakes. For example, at Petrified Forest 

National Park (Drost et al. 1999, 2001), the combination of 

general daytime foot surveys for lizards and extensive nighttime road surveys for amphibians and snakes resulted in an 

overall estimated inventory completeness of >90% (Table L-1). 

Evaluating Inventory Completeness through 

Species Accumulation

Species accumulation curves (plotted per survey day) for 

the 12 SCPN parks surveyed are shown in Figures A-1 through 

S-1. In these graphs, vertical lines through the data separate 

yearly survey days. Total number of species detected may not 

agree with those given in Tables A-1 through S-1 because only 

the species we actually observed during our own surveys are 

included in these analyses. 

Table 4. Estimated inventory completeness of different taxonomic groups of amphibians and reptiles at each park in the Southern 

Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network.

Park Amphibians Turtles Lizards Snakes Overall

AZRU 40% 100% 68% 52% 57%

BAND 82% 0% 83% 47% 65%

CACH 92% - 97% 61% 85%

CHCU 67% - 87% 84% 81%

ELMA 86% - 92% 56% 76%

ELMO 71% - 84% 86% 81%

GLCA 75% 0% 73% 81% 76%

GRCA 63% 100% 90% 86% 84%

HUTR 82% - 79% 50% 69%

MEVE 64% - 100% 93% 90%

NAVA 86% - 75% 49% 71%

PEFO 100% - 92% 91% 94%

PETR 20% 100% 97% 83% 79%

RABR 67% - 60% 15% 46%

SAPU 86% 0% 83% 62% 73%

SUCR 0% - 83% 24% 54%

WACA 69% - 78% 55% 66%

WUPA 100% - 96% 90% 95%

YUHO 72% - 88% 67% 77%

Mean 70% 50% 84% 65% 75%
12 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Species accumulation rates at most parks slowed down by 

the end of the first season. While accumulation rates increased 

slightly for most parks in subsequent years (generally after the 

onset of the summer monsoon season), for two parks (AZRU 

and SUCR), no further species accumulation occurred after the 

first year.

The asymptotic nature of the species accumulation curve 

for many parks (e.g., AZRU, YUHO, and SUCR) is misleading, as we did not in fact come very close to detecting 90% of 

the expected species at many of these parks. This false asymptote tells us only that we came close to detecting most of the 

common and/or easily observed species using our current 

methods. Our methods were heavily weighted toward daytime 

surveys, particularly randomly located plot searches. While 

random 1-ha and 10-ha TACS may provide a basis for statistical comparison among parks or habitats, they primarily detect 

only diurnal lizards, a group of species easily found by general 

survey methods. 

Perhaps even more important in limiting inventory completeness overall was the short duration (1-3 years) and limited 

amount of total time available to us to spend on fieldwork in 

any given park. When a variety of field methods are used over 

a long span of time, species accumulation curves can give a 

reliable estimate of degree of inventory completeness, i.e., 

a strongly asymptotic curve suggests that surveys are at or 

near 100% completeness (Scott 1994). In a two-year amphibian and reptile inventory at Petrified Forest National Park, 

where researchers were based at the park during much of the 

field season, Drost et al. (1999) plotted a strongly asymptotic 

species accumulation curve, and comparison with master 

lists of expected species produced an estimated inventory 

completeness of >90% (Table L-1). This high success rate 

was due to the combination of field methods that adequately 

sampled across taxa. In particular, nighttime road driving 

was extremely effective at sampling amphibians and snakes, 

including many species not detected by any other method.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We have drawn on a number of sources in compiling our 

lists of species documented or expected to occur in each park, 

including literature (e.g., Bateman 1976, 1980, Davenport et 

al. 1998, Degenhardt 1975, Degenhardt et al. 1996, Douglas 

1966, Drost et al. 1999, 2001, Fowlie 1965, Gehlbach 1965, 

Hammerson 1999, Harris 1963, Jones 1970, Lightfoot et al. 

1994, Miller et al. 1982, Oliver 2003, Parmenter et al. 1996, 

Persons 1999, 2001a, Persons and Bradley 2000, Scott 1979, 

Stebbins 1985, 2003, Tanner 1958a) and museum specimen 

data sources. Museum specimen records from SCPN parks 

are presented in Appendix T. In addition to museum acronyms 

defined in the methods section (above), other collections 

found during literature searches (Appendix T) include those of 

Clayton J. May (CJM), Colorado State University (CSU), Cottonwood Gulch Foundation (CWGF), Texas Natural History 

Collection (TNHC), and Stephen F. Hale (SFH).

In addition, we reviewed species lists and natural history 

observation cards for many parks. Although these seldom had 

associated documentation (e.g., photographs) that would allow 

us to accept a record as proof of occurrence, they sometimes 

alerted us to the possibility of a species occurring in a particular park. In a few cases, however, observations and species 

descriptions were recorded well enough for us to accept these 

records.

Based on review of the literature and museum specimen 

records, we added additional species (i.e., those not found by 

us during field surveys in 2001-2003) at 11 of the 12 SCPN 

parks surveyed. We did not locate any previous records for 

new species at SAPU. Details of species documentation are 

presented in Tables A-1 through S-1. For parks that received 

no funding for field surveys during this inventory (GRCA, 

MEVE, PEFO, RABR), literature review was our primary 

source of information on species occurrence (e.g., Douglas 

1966; Drost et al. 1999, 2001; Eaton 1935, Miller et al. 1982). 

However, museum specimen records and more recent literature 

sources (e.g., geographic distribution notes in Herpetological 

Review) were also used to update species lists, particularly for 

GRCA. Species lists for the three parks on the Navajo Nation 

(CACH, HUTR, NAVA) were taken from Mikesic (2005a, b, 

c), although we have used our own judgment in evaluating the 

potential occurrence of undocumented species at those parks. 

Voucher Specimens

We collected 158 amphibian and reptile specimens at 

the 12 SCPN parks surveyed in 2001-2003. A complete list 

of these specimens and associated cataloging information is 

presented in Table 5. 

Considerations for Future Inventory 

Work and Long-term Monitoring

Effectiveness of Different Methods for Inventory

Snakes and lizards were detected by every method we 

used (random and non-random 1-ha TACS plots, 10-ha TACS 

plots, general and nocturnal general surveys, night driving, 

and random encounters). Amphibians were not detected in 

either random or non-random 1-ha TACS plots, likely due to 

the plots’ small size and random placement in areas or habitats 

that did not contain nearby water sources. Thus, we cannot 

recommend using these plots for future inventory efforts, 

although they may retain statistical value in future monitoring 

efforts. The effectiveness of these plots as part of a multi-spe-
13

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Bufo woodhousii AZRU 

14050

7794 6/17/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

098

In irrigation ditch in apple orchard 767495 4080512

Cnemidophorus tigris AZRU 

14052

7796 6/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

100

Large wash in northern section of monument; 

UTM is center of 1 ha TACS plot

767344 4080971

Cnemidophorus velox AZRU 

14045

7789 5/22/01 Shawn C 

Knox, Erika 

M Nowak

TBP 

089

Upland area north of Farmer’s Ditch at north 

boundary; UTM is center of 1 ha TACS plot

232568 4081166

Cnemidophorus velox AZRU 

14046

7790 5/22/01 Shawn C 

Knox, Erika 

M Nowak

TBP 

090

Upland area north of Farmer’s Ditch at north 

boundary; UTM is center of 1 ha TACS plot

232568 4081166

Cnemidophorus velox AZRU 

14051

7795 6/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

099

Large wash in northern section of monument; 

UTM is center of 1 ha TACS plot

767344 4080971

Cnemidophorus velox AZRU 

14054

7798 6/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

102

Large wash in norther section of monument; 

UTM is center of 1 ha TACS plot

767344 4080971

Cnemidophorus velox AZRU 

14055

7799 6/18/01 Shawn 

C Knox, 

Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

103

Along main irrigation ditch running east/west 

through Mon., ca. 100 m E of western boundary

Cnemidophorus velox AZRU 

14057

7801 7/21/02 Eric 

Zepnewski

TBP 

214

Along Animas River

Cnemidophorus velox AZRU 

14058

7802 8/6/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

226

By wash above Farmer’s Ditch 767223 4081187

Cnemidophorus velox AZRU 

14059

7803 8/6/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

227

Near wash above Farmer’s Ditch 767202 4081070

Crotaphytus collaris AZRU 

14053

7797 6/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

101

Large wash in northern section of monument; 

UTM is center of 1 ha TACS plot

767344 4080971

Pseudacris triseriata AZRU 

14049

7793 6/17/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

097

In irrigation ditch in apple orchard 767523 4080521

Sceloporus graciosus AZRU 

14056

7800 8/4/01 Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

146

On mesa NW of ruins 767158 4081074

Sceloporus undulatus AZRU 

14047

7791 6/17/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

095

Visitor Center

Thamnophis elegans AZRU 

14048

7792 6/17/01 Shawn 

C Knox, 

Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

096

Grassy field w. of Animas River 232981 4080533
14 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Ambystoma tigrinum BAND 

24921

7806 5/29/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

179

Stock tank just southwest of jct. of Dome Road 

with SR 4

371166 3967927

Ambystoma tigrinum BAND 

24922

7807 5/29/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

180

Stock tank just southwest of jct. of Dome Road 

with SR 4

371166 3967927

Cnemidophorus 

exsanguis

BAND 

24923

7808 7/7/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

204

Mouth of Alamo Canyon (confluence with Rio 

Grande)

383096 3952860

Cnemidophorus velox BAND 

24919

7804 5/28/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

177

Along Falls Trail, Frijoles Canyon. 386081 3958395

Eumeces 

multivirgatus

BAND 

24920

7805 5/29/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

178

Along Frijoles Creek in monument headquarters 

area

384985 3960171

Pseudacris triseriata BAND 

24924

7809 4/24/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

277

Pond in NW corner of monument 371718 3967618

Salvadora grahamiae BAND 

24925

7810 5/6/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

282

Lower end of Frijoles Canyon, ca. 1/4 mile from 

Rio Grande

386385 3957319

Thamnophis elegans BAND 

24926

7811 7/20/03 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

297

Frijoles Creek, ca. 3 mi. WNW (upsteam) of 

monument headquarters

380060 3962857

Cnemidophorus velox CHCU 

98229

7813 8/7/02 Robert 

Emerson, 

Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

251

Trail to Wetherill Cemetary, Pueblo Bonito Ruins 233260 3994615

Hypsiglena torquata CHCU 

98228

7812 7/18/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

220

Main visitor’s road, 2.0 rd. mi. from park 

entrance on CR 7900

238748 3991020

Thamnophis elegans CHCU 

98230

7814 8/7/02 Robert 

Emerson, 

Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

252

Loop road just past north gate 237695 3991072

Ambystoma tigrinum ELMA 

4186

7826 4/29/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

278

Spring fed tank on road 301”Big Tubes area” 764469 3867790

Ambystoma tigrinum ELMA 

4187

7827 4/29/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

279

Spring fed tank on road 301”Big Tubes area” 764469 3867790

Ambystoma tigrinum ELMA 

4188

7828 4/29/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

280

Spring fed tank on road 301”Big Tubes area” 764469 3867790

Cnemidophorus velox ELMA 

4175

7815 5/31/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

181

Behind Northwest New Mexico Visitor’s Center, 

just s. of exit 85 of I-40, Grants

242201 3889640

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
15

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Cnemidophorus velox ELMA 

4176

7816 6/1/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

182

Ca. half mile west of El Calderón parking area 

off SR 53

772552 3873443

Cnemidophorus velox ELMA 

4181

7821 7/23/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

225

Just west of SR 117 about 4 miles north of CR 44 228889 3849950

Cnemidophorus velox ELMA 

4184

7824 8/8/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

249

Ca. 0.05 mi. SE of parking lot at NW New 

Mexico VC, just s. exit 85 of I-40, Grants

242388 3889604

Cnemidophorus velox ELMA 

4185

7825 8/8/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

250

Ca. 0.34 mi. SE of parking area at NW New 

Mexico VC, just s. exit 85 of I-40, Grants

242508 3889145

Crotalus viridis ELMA 

4191

7831 7/12/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

296

SR 117, 0.4 miles s. of Sandstone Bluffs 

overlook road

242554 3871170

Crotaphytus collaris ELMA 

4189

7829 3/30/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

281

Ca. 100 m south of El Calderón parking area 231358 3871780

Holbrookia maculata ELMA 

4194

7834 8/9/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

304

Northwest New Mexico Visitor’s Center, Grants 242483 3889550

Hyla eximia ELMA 

4195

7835 8/10/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

305

Roadside pool along CR 42, ca. 2.7 rd. mi. s. of 

SR 53, just e. of Continental Divide

763413 3875108

Hyla eximia ELMA 

4196

7836 8/10/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

306

Roadside pool along CR 42, ca. 2.7 rd. mi. s. of 

SR 53, just e. of Continental Divide

763413 3875108

Hyla eximia ELMA 

4197

7837 8/10/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

307

Roadside pool along CR 42, ca. 2.7 rd. mi. s. of 

SR 53, just e. of Continental Divide

763413 3875108

Phrynosoma 

hernandesi

ELMA 

4199

7839 9/7/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

313

Just w. of Zuni-Acoma trailhead, ca. 1/3 mile 

south of SR 53

231508 3871504

Pituophis catenifer ELMA 

4193

7833 7/23/03 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

299

SR 117, North Pasture area 233696 3855592

Sceloporus undulatus ELMA 

4198

7838 9/6/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

312

Just w. of SR 117, south of The Narrows 233526 3858447

Spea bombifrons ELMA 

4182

7822 8/8/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

247

SR 117, 1.7 rd. miles north of jct. with CR 42 774767 3844709

Spea bombifrons ELMA 

4183

7823 8/8/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

248

SR 117, 0.3 rd. miles north of jct. with CR 42 772663 3844045

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
16 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Spea multipicata ELMA 

4177

7817 7/22/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

221

SR 117, 10.3 rd. miles s. of South Narrows 

campground

Spea multipicata ELMA 

4178

7818 7/22/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

222

SR 117, 9.0 rd. miles s. of South Narrows 

campground.

Spea multipicata ELMA 

4179

7819 7/22/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

223

SR 117, 3.8 rd. miles s. South Narrows 

campground

Spea multipicata ELMA 

4180

7820 7/22/02 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

224

SR 117, 6.8 miles s. of South Narrows 

campground

Thamnophis cyrtopsis ELMA 

4192

7832 7/22/03 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

298

2.2 rd. miles s. of Sandstone Bluffs turnoff on 

SR 117

240748 3869213

Urosaurus ornatus ELMA 

4190

7830 5/8/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

283

Base of SAndstone Bluffs near monument 

boundary

240701 3870187

Cnemidophorus velox ELMO 

2276

7841 8/8/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

303

Near ruins on top of El Morro Rock 741490 3880246

Hypsiglena torquata ELMO 

2275

7840 8/9/02 Eric 

Zepnewski

TBP 

255

Campground

Arizona elegans PETR 

10154

7854 May 

2003

Mike 

Medrano

TBP 

311

Visitor Center entrance road, DOR

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

PETR 

10150

7850 7/21/01 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

147

On old road between Butte and Vulcan Volcanoes 388610 3892152

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

PETR 

10151

7851 7/21/01 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

148

Under large double set pf power lines on 

easement road

339135 3892446

Diadophis punctatus PETR 

10148

7848 7/19/01 Erika M 

Nowak, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

131

Volcanoes area 340143 3889430

Eumeces obsoletus PETR 

10143

7843 5/20/01 Shawn 

C Knox, 

Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

077

In flats along trail in Rinconada Canyon 342803 3888329

Leptotyphlops dulcis PETR 

10152

7852 6/20/02 Rich 

Anderson, 

Susan 

Caffery

TBP 

195

Along south edge of Rinconada Canyon 342442 3887702

Masticophis flagellum PETR 

10153

7853 8/23/02 Mike 

Medrano

TBP 

310

Entrance road directly south of weather station, 

Los Imagines Visitor Center

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
17

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Masticophis taeniatus PETR 

10144

7844 5/20/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

078

In flats of Rinconada Canyon 342304 3888063

Phrynosoma 

modestum

PETR 

10147

7847 5/21/01 Erika M 

Nowak, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

088

Southern Geologic Window unit 341001 3891623

Sceloporus undulatus PETR 

10145

7845 5/21/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

079

West of road, in Boca Negra Canyon 343061 3891971

Sceloporus undulatus PETR 

10146

7846 5/21/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

080

west of road in Boca Negra Canyon 343113 3891907

Uta stansburiana PETR 

10142

7842 5/20/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

076

Near parking area s. of Vulcan Volcano 338580 3889584

Uta stansburiana PETR 

10149

7849 7/19/01 Erika M 

Nowak, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

133

Ca. 1.2 mi E Vulcan Volcano 340694 3890347

Ambystoma tigrinum SAPU 

45005

7860 5/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

073

Abo unit, in upper of two largest pools in main 

canyon

373484 3812379

Ambystoma tigrinum SAPU 

45007

7862 5/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

075

Abó unit, pool above larger pools in main canyon 373498 3812408

Arizona elegans SAPU 

45008

7863 7/23/01 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

143

Gran Quivira unit, by visitor center gate 399053 3791090

Bufo punctatus SAPU 

45006

7861 5/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

074

Abó unit, on path beside pool, along main canyon 373436 3812380

Cnemidophorus 

exsanguis

SAPU 

45002

7857 5/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

070

Abó unit, in rocky draw 373604 3812712

Cnemidophorus 

exsanguis

SAPU 

45014

7869 8/22/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

155

Abó unit, along wash n. of ruins 373542 3813022

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

SAPU 

45013

7868 8/22/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

154

Gran Quivira unit, south of ruins 399150 3790878

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

SAPU 

45022

7877 8/6/02 Eric 

Zepnewski

TBP 

253

Gran Quivira unit, ca. 30 feet north of south 

boundary.

398160 3790873

Crotaphytus collaris SAPU 

45001

7856 5/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

069

Abó unit, in rocky draw 373595 3812701

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
18 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Eumeces obsoletus SAPU 

45018

7873 4/25/02 Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

170

Quarai unit. 381345 3828907

Hypsiglena torquata SAPU 

45019

7874 7/1/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

191

SR 55, 1.2 rd. mi. e. of entrance to Gran Quivira 

ruins

400275 3791702

Hypsiglena torquata SAPU 

45021

7876 7/2/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

194

Paved road just s. of Canyon Espinoso, Abo unit. 373553 3812331

Phrynosoma 

modestum

SAPU 

45004

7859 5/18/01 Shawn 

C Knox, 

Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

072

Abó unit, in rocky draw 373489 3812739

Pituophis catenifer SAPU 

45009

7864 7/23/01 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

144

Quarai unit (0.3 mi. east of Quarai unit, not 

actually within boundary)

382026 3828980

Sceloporus undulatus SAPU 

45000

7855 5/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

068

Abo unit, on wall of main ruins 373711 3812729

Sceloporus undulatus SAPU 

45012

7867 8/22/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

153

Gran Quivira unit; west end of unit. 398275 3790928

Sceloporus undulatus SAPU 

45016

7871 8/23/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

157

Quarai unit, rocks by foot bridge 381285 3828663

Spea bombifrons SAPU 

45010

7865 7/23/01 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

150

Gran Quivira unit; SR 55, 1.0 mi. e. of turnoff 

into unit

400187 3791697

Spea bombifrons SAPU 

45017

7872 8/23/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

158

Quarai unit, on Spanish Corral Trail 381402 3828437

Spea multipicata SAPU 

45011

7866 7/26/01 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

151

Abó unit; On US 60 at jct. of SR 513, just south 

of Abo unit

373898 3811801

Thamnophis cyrtopsis SAPU 

45003

7858 5/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

071

Abó unit, in rocky draw 373489 3812739

Thamnophis elegans SAPU 

45015

7870 8/23/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

156

Quarai unit, in stream at eastern boundary 381603 3828741

Tropidoclonion 

lineatum

SAPU 

45023

7878 8/7/02 Eric 

Zepnewski

TBP 

254

SR 55, 0.8 rd. miles SE of entrance rd. to Quarai 

unit or ca. 1 air mile due east of Quarai unit

Urosaurus ornatus SAPU 

45020

7875 7/2/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

193

Rocky side wash of Canyon Espinoso, SW corner 

of Abo unit

373260 3812612

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
19

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Phrynosoma 

hernandesi

SUCR 

1113

7/4/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

116

south of FR 545 near east boundary; UTM is 

center of plot.

455409 3913574

Sceloporus undulatus SUCR 

1114

7/4/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

117

south of FR 545 near east boundary; UTM is 

center of plot.

455409 3913574

Urosaurus ornatus SUCR 

1115

7/14/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

124

SW edge of Bonito Lava Flow east of Lenox 

Crater; UTM is center of plot.

452788 3912755

Urosaurus ornatus SUCR 

1116

7/14/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

125

SW edge of Bonito Lava Flow east of Lenox 

Crater; UTM is center of plot.

452788 3912755

Cnemidophorus velox SUCR 

1117

5/17/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

175

Near northeast corner of monument, ca. 6940 

feet elev.

455383 3914949

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6366

5/10/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

063

Bottom of Walnut Canyon (eastern part of 

expanded boundary)

458018 3892334

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WACA 

6367

5/10/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

064

Bottom of Walnut Canyon (eastern psart of 

expanded boundary)

457594 3891999

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WACA 

6368

5/25/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

082

Bottom of Walnut Canyon NE of Santa Fe dam 457272 3891871

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6369

5/25/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

083

Bottom of Walnut Canyon, NE of Santa Fe dam 457481 3891941

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WACA 

6370

5/25/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

084

Bottom of Wanut Canyon (near TBP 064) 457595 3892005

Hyla arenicolor WACA 

6371

5/25/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

085

Cherry Canyon 456227 3890159

Hyla arenicolor WACA 

6372

5/25/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

086

Cherry Canyon 456227 3890159

Hyla arenicolor WACA 

6373

5/25/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

087

Cherry Canyon 456227 3890159

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6374

6/7/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

091

Bottom of Walnut Canyon 459412 3892855

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6375

7/5/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

118

Bottom of Walnut Canyon; UTM is center of 

plot.

459383 3892704

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
20 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6376

7/5/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

119

Bottom of Walnut Canyon 459189 3892627

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6377

7/5/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

120

Bottom of Walnut Canyon; UTM is center of 

plot.

459070 3892704

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6378

7/5/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

121

Bottom of Walnut Canyon; UTM is center of 

plot.

459070 3892704

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WACA 

6379

7/5/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

122

Bottom of Walnut Canyon; UTM is center of 

plot.

459070 3892704

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WACA 

6380

7/17/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

127

On rocky slope of side canyon south of Walnut 

Canyon, ca. 6420 feet elevation; UTM is center 

of plot.

458914 3892391

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6381

7/17/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

128

Bottom of Walnut Canyon; UTM is center of 

plot.

458758 3892704

Cnemidophorus velox WACA 

6382

7/17/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

129

Side canyon west of trick tank, s. side of Walnut 

Canyon

459415 3892433

Spea multipicata WACA 

6383

7/12/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

200

Just s. of FR 303 on entrance road 454171 3892497

Hyla arenicolor WACA 

6384

7/12/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

201

Sewage Lagoons (northwestmost of 3 ponds), 

SE/4 of NE/4 of Sec. 26, T21N R8E

Ambystoma tigrinum WACA 

6385

7/25/03 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

300

Entrance road, 1.7 mi. s. of I-40 (or 1.3 mi. n. of 

VC entrance booth)

454294 3893932

Sceloporus magister WUPA 

24694

5/7/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

051

Sandstone outcrop w. of FR 545 just n. of 

monument boundary

467621 3927954

Uta stansburiana WUPA 

24695

5/7/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

052

Sanstone outcrop just w. of FR 545, just n. of 

monument boundary

467640 3928021

Sceloporus undulatus WUPA 

24696

5/7/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

053

Sandstone outcrop just w. of FR 545, just n. of 

mon. bdy.

467643 3928012

Gambelia wislizenii WUPA 

24697

5/7/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

054

On River Road, 0.73 rd. mi. NE of jct. with 

Wukoki ruins road

469344 3932279

Cnemidophorus tigris WUPA 

24698

5/7/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

055

On River Road, 0.52 rd. mi. w. of cattleguard at 

Black Falls Crossing

474236 3936257

Cnemidophorus tigris WUPA 

24699

5/7/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

056

Just below Heiser Spring 468005 3928919

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
21

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Cnemidophorus velox WUPA 

24700

5/9/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

057

East of Antelope Wash 463557 3933387

Holbrookia maculata WUPA 

24701

5/9/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

058

East of Antelope Wash 464353 3935199

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WUPA 

24702

5/9/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

059

Bottom of Antelope Wash 464266 3935834

Cnemidophorus velox WUPA 

24703

5/9/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

060

Bottom of Antelope Wash, same area as TBP 059 464263 3935765

Cnemidophorus tigris WUPA 

24704

5/9/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

061

Bottom of Antelope Wash 464067 3935225

Urosaurus ornatus WUPA 

24705

5/11/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

065

NW end of Hull’s Canyon graben 457483 3933190

Urosaurus ornatus WUPA 

24706

5/11/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

066

NW end of Hull’s Canyon graben 457468 3933189

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WUPA 

24707

5/15/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

067

Soutyh of blowhole, s. of FR 545 ca. 1 mile east 

of US 89, near whiptail study grassland point #1

453290 3936586

Sceloporus magister WUPA 

24708

6/12/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

093

Road along Doney Mountain 464183 3933536

Holbrookia maculata WUPA 

24709

6/15/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

094

West of South Mesa, and South of West Mesa 454918 3934235

Cnemidophorus velox WUPA 

24710

6/28/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

114

Below Mesa Well, just s. of n. Wupatki bdy. 460544 3937515

Cnemidophorus velox WUPA 

24711

6/28/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

115

Below Mesa Well, just s. of n. Wupatki boundary 460492 3937050

Urosaurus ornatus WUPA 

24712

7/8/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

123

Basalt outcrop ca. 1 mile ENE of Lomaki Ruins 

area

459237 3937275

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WUPA 

24713

7/19/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

130

Ca. 1/4 mi. e. of US 89; UTM is center of plot. 452182 3934748

Cnemidophorus 

inornatus

WUPA 

24714

8/5/01 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

134

South of Mesa Well, Antelope Prairie 461454 3937001

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
22 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Coleonyx variegatus WUPA 

24715

4/23/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

167

Deadman Wash, SE/4 of NE/4 of NE/4 of Sec. 

20, T25N R10E, ca. 4560 feet elev.

468940 3932197

Cnemidophorus velox WUPA 

24716

4/23/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

168

Deadman Wash, ca. half mile east of FR 545, ca. 

4660 feet elev.

467761 3931562

Uta stansburiana WUPA 

24718

5/8/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

172

West of Doney Mountain Wash 466806 3934463

Spea multipicata WUPA 

24718

7/10/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

197

FR 545, ca. 200 m. w. of Lomaki rd. 457213 3936320

Spea bombifrons WUPA 

24719

7/10/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

198

FR 545 at jct. of Wukoki Ruins road. 466851 3930254

Hypsiglena torquata WUPA 

24720

7/24/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

213

FR 545, milepost 11.0, center of Sec. 13, T25N 

R9E, elev. ca. 4890 feet.

Ambystoma tigrinum WUPA 

24721

9/7/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

258

FR 545, 0.2 miles north of south turnoff to Heiser 

Spring area

468239 3929185

Coleonyx variegatus WUPA 

24722

9/10/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

259

Kana-a Wash, ca. 1/4 mile SE of Wukoki Ruin, 

ca. 4600 feet elev.

470658 3931404

Lampropeltis getulus WUPA 

24723

7/12/03 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

295

Milepost 1.9 on FR 545 (i.e. 1.9 rd. mi. east of 

US 89)

Crotalus viridis WUPA 

24724

8/3/03 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

302

FR 545 at milepost 12.8 (Deadman Wash)

Bufo woodhousii YUHO 

1084

7884 5/30/02 Erika M 

Nowak

TBP 

183

Pond on Ismay land ca. 3/4 mile NNE of 

monument (ruins), e-cen. Sec. 26, T35N R17W

705497 4126197

Cnemidophorus velox YUHO 

1081

7881 6/19/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

106

Near main ruin mounds; UTM is center of 1 Ha 

TACS plot

705222 4124990

Cnemidophorus velox YUHO 

1085

7885 8/8/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

233

Ismay property, by Ute Mtn. ditch, w. of original 

monument (ruins).

704972 4125070

Cnemidophorus velox YUHO 

1086

7886 8/9/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

234

Pond just west of original monument (ruins). 705129 4124983

Cnemidophorus velox YUHO 

1087

7887 8/9/02 Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

235

By pond just west of original monument (ruins). 705153 4124958

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued
23

Species

NPS 

Catalog 

Number

BS/FC 

Number Date Collector(s) Field # Locality UTMEast

UTM

North

Cnemidophorus velox YUHO 

1088

7888 8/23/02 Renata J 

Platenberg

TBP 

262

Gravel pit area of Ismay land just south of 

original monument (ruins).

705130 4124635

Crotaphytus collaris YUHO 

1090

7890 7/2/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

294

Ismay land on east side of US 666 707414 4122308

Pituophis catenifer YUHO 

1089

7889 5/30/03 AJ 

Monatesti

TBP 

284

Monument proper (ruins area) 705206 4124896

Sceloporus graciosus YUHO 

1080

7880 6/18/01 Trevor B 

Persons, 

Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

105

Along a dirt road on Ismay property 704418 4123921

Sceloporus undulatus YUHO 

1082

7882 8/5/01 Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

145

East end of Ismay Draw (southern drainage) 708796 4121372

Thamnophis elegans YUHO 

1079

7879 6/18/01 Shawn 

C Knox, 

Trevor B 

Persons

TBP 

104

By Ute Mountain irrigation ditch on Ismay 

property

704997 4125094

Uta stansburiana YUHO 

1083

7883 8/6/01 Shawn C 

Knox

TBP 

149

northern drainage of Ismay Draw 708868 4122137

Table 5. Amphibians and reptiles collected at 12 Southern Colorado Plateau National Park areas during herpetofaunal inventories 

in 2001-2003. Most specimens have been deposited in the USGS Biological Survey Collection (BS/FC), housed at the Museum of 

Southwestern Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico, but specimens from SUCR, WACA, and WUPA are housed at the Flagstaff Area 

National Monuments collection in Flagstaff, Arizona. NPS Accession numbers for each park are AZRU- 243, BAND-631, CHCU-735, 

ELMA-60, ELMO-58, PETR-21, SAPU-229, SUCR-49, WACA-234, WUPA-412, and YUHO-28.—Continued

cies inventory project could be improved by stratifying the 

habitat layers by abiotic features and water sources that are 

important to small, relatively non-mobile terrestrial invertebrates and plants (Mike Bogan and Glenn Rink, personal 

communication). 

We feel the best focus for future inventory projects will 

be using a diversity of methods, and most importantly, over 

a long period of time. The only Southern Colorado Plateau 

Network parks that have succeeded in meeting the nationwide inventory goal of >90% of potential species detected are 

WUPA and PEFO (not surveyed during the current project), 

and both of these parks have conducted several intensive 

herpetofaunal inventories over multi-year periods (e.g. Drost 

et al. 1999, 2001; Persons 2001a, 2001b; Persons et al. 2003). 

The importance of random encounters in detecting individuals 

and species in our current research underscores the value of 

trained observers simply spending time in the field to document species for inventory projects. Future inventories may 

wish to focus on this aspect more than on sampling under tight 

statistical prescriptions. 

One serious drawback of our inventories was that there 

was insufficient funding to get personnel to all parks during 

important summer rains, events which may only occur one or 

two nights a year. Due to this inherent logistical constraint, we 

missed critical amphibian breeding events, and our detections 

of this taxonomic group were likely lower than expected for 

many parks.

Future Inventory Work

We have not yet reached a satisfactory level of herpetofaunal inventory completeness at many parks within the 

SCPN. Therefore, the NPS may wish to consider allocating a 

portion of long-term monitoring funding for amphibians and 

reptiles towards the goal of establishing a more complete baseline of species occurrence at SCPN parks. Park-specific considerations on further inventory work can be found in the park 

accounts (Appendices A-S). It may be preferable to design 

a long-term monitoring program such that the percentage of 

effort allocated to inventory decreases over time, while the 

percentage of monitoring increases, until an adequate baseline 

of species occurrence exists at each SCPN park. 

It should be noted that inventory and monitoring are not 

mutually exclusive endeavors (see also Swann 1999). In fact, 

many methods designed to monitor more inclusive subsets 

of the herpetofaunal community (e.g., road driving surveys 

for snakes) are the same ones used for inventory. Thus, a 
24 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Long-term Monitoring

At the completion of the current herpetofauna inventories 

in the SCPN, our understanding of the distribution and abundance of the different amphibian and reptile groups varies. In 

general, we know the most about lizards and the least about 

snakes, and amphibians fall somewhere in between. Because 

we know the most about lizards, and because many of the 

same species are common in many parks in the SCPN, they 

are ideal candidates for an SCPN-wide long-term monitoring 

program. In addition, lizards, which are relatively sedentary, 

usually respond quickly and drastically 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 herpetofaunal monitoring at Organ 

Pipe Cactus National Monument for over a decade (Rosen and 

Lowe 1996, Rosen 2000).

While endemic, focal, or at-risk species are often monitored for their own sakes, they may not always best reflect 

the integrity of the ecosystem as a whole, and therefore 

may not necessarily be the best candidates for “vital signs” 

monitoring. In addition, we are unaware of any amphibians 

or reptiles in the SCPN parks that fit the classical definition 

of a keystone species, which is one category of vital sign the 

SCPN has identified as potential monitoring targets. Instead, 

the NPS may wish to focus herpetofaunal monitoring on the 

most common species or species groups, because these species 

probably contribute the most to large-scale ecosystem functions (e.g., nutrient cycling as both predators and prey). These 

targeted species or species groups should be easily observed 

and counted, and respond predictably and measurably to 

fluctuations of climatic variables. In addition, targeted species 

or species pairs would ideally occur differentially (in terms of 

abundance and distribution) along elevation or habitat gradients within a park. For example, subtle changes in distribution 

or composition of a particular vegetation community may 

affect lizard distribution or abundance, and these changes in 

the lizard community would be easiest to measure in a habitat 

transition zone. 

Rigorous transect-based monitoring of lizard communities has been underway at Organ Pipe Cactus National 

Monument (ORPI) for over a decade (Rosen and Lowe 1996), 

and such a method may be applicable to areas on the Colorado Plateau as well. As part of a separate study (Rosen et 

al. 2002), additional lizard line transects were established at 

ORPI. However, in an effort to detect greater numbers of lizards, and facilitate fieldwork in steep, rocky terrain, transects 

simply utilized existing backcountry hiking trails. Although 

not random, such transects would be easy to establish and 

convenient to run. Because of their convenient location, such 

transects could be run many times a year at little expense, and 

well-rounded monitoring program that focuses on each major 

“subset” of the herpetofauna will monitor not only the population status of particular focal species within each group, but 

will simultaneously monitor the herpetofaunal community as a 

whole, and in the process will document new species and lead 

toward a more complete baseline of species occurrence.

New species will also be documented opportunistically. 

Observations 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. Now that baseline data exist 

on species occurrence at most SCPN parks, help of interested 

staff and volunteers can more easily be directed towards documenting suspected species (or those known but not properly 

vouchered). If park staff becomes involved in documenting 

herpetofauna, they should be trained by herpetologists in the 

identification of these species and the proper collection and 

initial storage of suitable specimens. 

Road killed animals can 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens. For rare or secretive species, or those 

that represent important regional distributional data, animals 

could be captured alive and given to professional herpetologists for processing and documentation. At a minimum, 

high-quality, sharp focus, close-up photographs or (preferably) 

digital images should be taken of the animal while it is in captivity and shown to expert herpetologists to confirm identification before release. While not suitable for use as photographic 

vouchers, an advantage of digital images is that they can be 

quickly and easily e-mailed to experts.

Currently, the Arizona chapter of Partners in Amphibian 

and Reptile Conservation (PARC) is initiating a statewide atlas 

project for herpetofauna, the Atlas of Arizona’s Amphibians 

and Reptiles (AAAR). This project will incorporate specimen 

data from museum collections across the country, as well as 

observational data from the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Heritage Data Management System database and other 

sources. Ultimately, species occurrence data, including spatial 

data in a GIS, will be available to academic researchers and 

natural resource agency staff, and possibly to the general 

public via the Internet. Such a resource would be invaluable to 

inventory efforts such as the present one, as data on existing 

voucher specimens could be quickly gathered, and field efforts 

targeted to finding those species not recorded from the parks 

previously. We recommend that the SCPN consider participating in AAAR and other similar state or regional multi-agency 

inventory and monitoring efforts.
25

this aspect would help assure such a monitoring program to 

be continued into the future. Examples of potential transects 

in SCPN parks include the Frijoles Canyon trail at BAND and 

the Rinconada Canyon loop trail at PETR. Based on our work 

at BAND, it appears that Tree Lizards have decreased dramatically throughout the monument since previous surveys in the 

1970’s (Degenhardt 1975), including along Frijoles Creek. If 

such a lizard survey transect had been established in the 1970’s 

along Frijoles Creek, we would now have valuable data with 

which to study the apparent decline of Tree Lizards, and could 

analyze those data with respect to both external (e.g., climatic) 

and internal park conditions (e.g. fire history) over that time. 

Some parks have specific habitats or management issues 

that affect the herpetofauna, and these should be considered in 

the design of monitoring programs at those parks. These issues 

include management of grasslands at some parks (WUPA, 

PEFO, CHCU, PETR, GLCA), including fire management, 

juniper expansion, and long-term grazing effects; habitat 

fragmentation and isolation and road mortality (at PETR and 

AZRU, possibly affecting amphibian and reptile populations, 

especially of long-lived species such as Western Box Turtle); 

wildland fire at BAND, affecting habitat of the endemic 

Jemez Mountains Salamander; artificial water management 

(ditches and ponds at AZRU and YUHO and Glen Canyon 

Dam at GLCA) affecting amphibians; and management of 

unexcavated ruin rubble mounds at YUHO and SAPU, used as 

overwintering sites for snakes and likely other species.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of “core vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were selected as indicators of a number of aquatic 

habitats. Preliminary protocol development for amphibian 

monitoring has identified a number of species or species 

groups as monitoring targets. These include Northern Leopard Frog and Canyon Treefrog in spring and tinaja habitats, 

development of non-destructive monitoring methods for Jemez 

Mountains Salamander at BAND, and monitoring of explosive 

breeders (toad-like anurans) through night driving surveys.

Taxonomic Groups Suitable for Long-term 

Monitoring

As stated above, we recommend that herpetofaunal monitoring in the SCPN should focus on the most common species 

or species groups. Below is a summary of the taxonomic 

groups best suited to monitoring in the SCPN, along with suggestions for monitoring methods suitable for each group.

Diurnal Lizards 

Species composition of this group varies by park and 

habitat, but common members suitable for monitoring include 

Side-blotched Lizard, Tree Lizard, Eastern Fence Lizard, and 

whiptail lizards. In a few SCPN few parks, Sagebrush Lizard 

and Lesser Earless Lizard should be included. Usually two 

to three species will be dominant in a given community in a 

park, and these species would become the focus of monitoring. At some parks, Side-blotched Lizards and Tree Lizards 

form a species pair, where although they use similar rocky 

habitats, the Tree Lizard usually prefers slightly more mesic 

conditions. Changes in the abundance or micro-distribution of 

these two species may reflect subtle changes in environmental 

conditions, and they are thus ideal candidates for monitoring. 

Appropriate methods for diurnal lizards could include visual 

strip transects and/or time-constrained searches. 

One or two species of whiptails will usually be common 

members of a lizard community in SCPN parks, and would be 

included in general diurnal lizard monitoring. However, whiptail lizards deserve particular attention precisely because often 

more than one species occur together, and changes in vegetation or other habitat features may be reflected in a differential 

response of the different whiptail species. In addition, it is 

common in SCPN parks for syntopic species pairs of whiptails 

to consist of a bisexual, sexually reproducing species and a 

unisexual, parthenogenetically reproducing one. Unisexual 

whiptails are generally considered to be “weedy” species 

(Wright and Lowe 1968), able to succeed in disturbed habitats, 

both natural and human-altered. In some areas in the Southwest, unisexual species have largely replaced bisexual species 

as habitats have become disturbed and degraded (e.g., Bogan 

et al. 1998, Wright and Lowe 1968). Species of whiptails that 

could be included in monitoring in SCPN parks include Little 

Striped Whiptail (bisexual), Western Whiptail (bisexual), New 

Mexico Whiptail (unisexual), Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail 

(unisexual), and Plateau Striped Whiptail (unisexual). Like 

diurnal lizards generally (above), line transects or time-constrained searches are probably the best methods for long-term 

monitoring of whiptails. 

Toad-like Anurans 

Included in this group are both spadefoot toads and true 

toads. As many as six species in this group occur together in 

some SCPN parks, and all are easily found by night driving 

methods in lower-elevation parks where extensive paved roads 

exist (e.g., ELMO, PEFO, WUPA, CHCU). Night driving is 

probably the most efficient means to monitor this group in 

the SCPN, as the timing and location of breeding activity is 

unpredictable. Even when breeding is not monitored directly, 

it can sometimes be inferred from road driving surveys. For 

example, at WUPA, a two-year road driving study during a 

drought period (1999-2000) verified breeding by spadefoots 

by the presence of young individuals on the road, whereas one 

common true toad species (Great Plains Toad) probably did 

not breed over the course of the survey, or recently before, due 

the presence of only adult animals found during road surveys 

(Persons 2001a). In addition, changes in location of breeding sites (e.g., disappearance of sites) in the general area of a 

road transect could be inferred from night driving results. For 

example, clumped distribution of anuran records along the 

road at Wupatki (Persons 2001a) corresponded to the location 
26 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

of known breeding sites, and long-term changes in species 

distribution may reflect changes in the occurrence or quality of 

such breeding sites.

Snakes 

Like anurans, snakes should be monitored with road driving surveys. Unlike with diurnal lizards, where large enough 

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, 

rodent-eating snakes, or egg-laying versus live-bearing species. Even so, it may be difficult to obtain large enough sample 

sizes for statistical analysis. Trends in these ecological groups 

may reflect changes in environmental conditions, which may 

in turn be affecting predator or prey availability or moisture 

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

clutches). It will be difficult to monitor snakes at SCPN parks 

without extensive paved roads. Snakes should be included in 

monitoring programs at all parks, but methods and amount of 

effort allocated to snakes at individual parks will vary, more so 

than with other components of an SCPN wide monitoring program. Also, inventory completeness is low for snakes at most 

SCPN parks, so at least in the early stages of the monitoring 

program it may be advantageous to focus additional effort on 

completing species inventories.

Species of Special Concern

These species occur at only one or a few SCPN parks, 

and are included because they are of concern as exotic species, 

they exist as small, isolated populations, or they may be considered “indicator species” within an important habitat type.

Jemez Mountains Salamander

This species occurs only in the Jemez Mountains of New 

Mexico, and a portion of its distribution lies within BAND. 

While the bulk of the population (outside BAND) is frequently 

the focus of monitoring by the State of New Mexico and/or the 

U.S.D.A. Forest Service, it would be desirable to implement 

a non-destructive, long-term monitoring program for this species within BAND, possibly using artificial cover (Fellers and 

Drost 1994) or nighttime searches during favorable weather 

conditions (Michelle Cummer, personal communication). 

Tiger Salamander

Aside from the terrestrial Jemez Mountains Salamander 

at BAND, this is the only salamander species found within 

the SCPN. Although they probably occur at every park in the 

SCPN, in areas where perennial water is absent (e.g., CHCU, 

PEFO, WUPA) they breed in temporary pools and are difficult to locate most of the year, making monitoring difficult. 

However, at some parks (ELMO, SAPU) Tiger Salamanders 

occur in permanent spring-fed pools, and at these sites should 

be monitored as potential “canaries in the coal mine” for these 

springs, which may be affected by drought, regional water 

draw-downs, or unforeseen contamination.

Couch’s Spadefoot

This species, which is common in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert regions, occurs disjunctly in grassland habitats on 

the Colorado Plateau in northeastern Arizona, including at PEFO. 

Couch’s Spadefoot should be a focus of amphibian monitoring at 

PEFO, given its restricted, relictual distribution in the region.

Mountain Treefrog 

This species was unknown from any SCPN park prior to 

2003, when we discovered an isolated population at ELMA, 

well north of its known range (Monatesti et al. 2005). A first 

step should be additional, targeted inventory work, with the 

goal of incorporating Mountain Treefrogs into ELMA’s longterm monitoring program.

Northern Leopard Frog 

Leopard frogs have declined throughout much of their 

range, and all populations of this species within SCPN parks 

should be included in monitoring. However, GLCA and NAVA 

may be the only two parks in the network that harbor this species, although isolated populations of this or another leopard 

frog species may still exist at GRCA as well (Charles Drost, 

personal communication).

Bullfrog 

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

regarded as a predatory scourge to native aquatic herpetofauna in the Southwest (e.g., Rosen and Schwalbe 2002). The 

only SCPN park in which we found this species was BAND, 

and only along the Rio Grande River, where eradication may 

be impossible. Bullfrogs should be included in the SCPN 

monitoring program as an invasive species to watch for, so that 

early eradication efforts could be successful in isolated areas.

Little Striped Whiptail 

This species has a spotty, relictual distribution on the 

southern Colorado Plateau, where it usually occupies grassland habitats. Within the SCPN, it is known to occur at PEFO, 

PETR, SAPU, WACA, and WUPA, and at all parks occurs 

together with a related, unisexual species (Plateau Striped 

Whiptail at PEFO, WACA, and WUPA; New Mexico Whiptail at PETR; and Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail at SAPU). 

Monitoring the relative abundance of this and co-occurring 

unisexual species could be an important tool for assessing 
27

changes in the integrity of grassland ecosystems at PEFO, 

PETR, and WUPA.

New Mexico Whiptail 

While this species occurs naturally in the Rio Grande 

Valley of New Mexico, including at PETR and BAND, it 

occurs as an introduced population at PEFO (Persons 2001b, 

Persons and Wright 1999b). This introduced population 

should be monitored to determine if its distribution is expanding within and adjacent to the park.

Box Turtle

This species only occurs naturally within the SCPN at 

PETR, although an introduced population (or perhaps a single 

individual) has existed at PEFO for the past few years. This 

long-lived species may be affected by habitat fragmentation 

and isolation at PETR, particularly the population occurring 

below the lava bluffs escarpment adjacent to Unser Boulevard. 

However, cost-effective monitoring would be difficult. An indepth, autecological study of Box Turtles at PETR would be 

an excellent graduate student project, and such a study could 

help determine appropriate long-term monitoring methods, as 

well as identify possible current or predicted future stressors.

Milk Snake

On the southern Colorado Plateau (especially in northern 

Arizona), Milk Snakes appear to be distributed primarily in 

grassland habitats, and may be good indicators of grassland 

ecosystem health in the region (Drost et al. 2001). Within 

the SCPN, Milk Snakes are known from MEVE, PEFO, 

and WUPA, and may occur at other parks as well. Although 

difficulty in locating large numbers of Milk Snakes makes 

monitoring them challenging, they should be highlighted in 

any larger snake community monitoring program where they 

are known or suspected to occur.

Arizona Black Rattlesnake

Traditionally, the Arizona Black Rattlesnake has been 

regarded as a subspecies of the Western Rattlesnake (e.g., 

Stebbins 2003), but recent work suggests it should be regarded 

as a separate species, Crotalus cerberus (Pook et al. 2000, 

Douglas et al. 2002). It is native to the central Arizona highlands along and south of the Mogollon Rim, occurs at WACA, 

and may occur at SUCR. The species is at the northern edge of 

its range in the Flagstaff, Arizona area, and could potentially 

be impacted by the increasing human population in the area, 

particularly around WACA. Distribution, status, and genetic 

affinity of the species in the WACA area should be determined, including location and protection of overwintering sites 

in and near the monument.

Massasauga

This small rattlesnake is only known to occur in the 

SCPN at PETR, where it is found on the sandy grasslands in 

the western area of the monument. The Massasauga could be 

impacted at PETR by road mortality and collecting along Paseo 

de Vulcan. It may be possible to monitor this species with night 

driving adjacent to the monument (Paseo de Vulcan) or targeted 

foot searches during optimal weather conditions.

Acknowledgments

This research would not have been possible without funding from the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring 

Program, facilitated by Dr. Rod Parnell and Dr. Ron Hiebert 

through the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies 

Unit (CESU) at Northern Arizona University. Additional funding for report writing was provided by the USGS Colorado 

Plateau Research Station (CPRS). Our work was greatly aided 

by the excellent coordination and encouragement of the SCPN 

coordinator Anne Cully. Nicole Tancreto, data manager for 

the SCPN, has continuously and cheerfully helped facilitate 

many aspects of the project. Dori Cawley, Charles Drost, Dave 

Mattson, Jeanne Pendergast, Marie Saul, and Maureen Stuart 

of the Colorado Plateau Research Station (CPRS) have also 

been invaluable. NPS personnel were enthusiastic about our 

research and provided valuable logistical support, background 

information, and numerous species sightings. In particular, 

we thank NPS resource management staff at the SCPN parks, 

including Terry Nichols (AZRU), Steve Fettig (BAND), 

Herschel Schultz (ELMA), Sarah Beckwith (ELMO), John 

Spence (GLCA), George San Miguel and Marilyn Colyer 

(MEVE, YUHO), Karen Beppler-Dorn and Pat Thompson 

(PEFO), Mike Medrano and Dara Saville (PETR), Phil Wilson 

(SAPU), and Steve Mitchelson and Paul Whitefield (SUCR, 

WACA, and WUPA). Rich Anderson and his field ecology 

class collected a surface active Texas Blind Snake at PETR, 

a species we would otherwise have been hard pressed to find 

without the aid of a shovel. Andy Holycross (Arizona State 

University) provided information on snake occurrence at many 

parks. The late Hallie Ismay and family graciously provided 

access to Ismay property adjacent to YUHO. Museum specimen records were provided by George Bradley (UAZ), Ron 

Crombie (USNM), Tom Giermakowski (MSB), Janet Gillette 

(MNA), Andy Holycross (ASU), Colleen Hyde (GRCA), 

Cindy Ramotnik (USGS BS/FC), Steve Rogers (CM), Greg 

Schneider (UMMZ), Skip Skidmore (BYU), and John Wright 

and Jeff Seigel (LACM). Gary Skiba made the Colorado 

Division of Wildlife specimen record database available to us. 

Mark Sogge (CPRS), Denny Fenn (USGS Southwest Biological Science Center), A. Kristopher Lappin (Northern Arizona 

University), Dave Mikesic (Navajo Natural Heritage Program), 
28 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

and Anne Cully made many valuable comments on earlier versions of this report. Finally, we thank our invaluable assistants, 

who collected and entered a majority of our data, and to whom 

we are forever indebted: Shawn Knox, A.J. Monatesti, Renata 

Platenberg, and Eric Zepnewski.

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34 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
35

AZRU is located near the town of Aztec, San Juan 

County, New Mexico, along the Animas River, a tributary of 

the San Juan River. Elevation ranges between 1,705 and 1,764 

m (5,594-5,788 ft). The monument encompasses 124 ha (306 

acres), and was established to protect ancient Puebloan ruins, 

including the large ceremonial Great Kiva. Habitats at AZRU 

include sagebrush and saltbush scrub, shrub grassland, rocky 

juniper woodland (along washes), fallow fields, an active 

irrigation ditch and irrigated fruit orchard, scattered groves of 

large cottonwood trees, and riparian habitat along the Animas 

River. Additional information on natural resources at AZRU 

is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix D) of 

Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 103 person-hours surveying for 

herpetofauna at AZRU in 2001-2003. Methods used and number of person-hours spent on each method included general 

surveys (63.2), nocturnal general surveys (20.8), non-random 

1-ha TACS plot surveys (12.5), and night driving (6.1). We 

recorded 207 individual amphibians and reptiles of 11 species 

during our surveys, and we documented one additional species 

based on review of literature and museum specimen records. A 

summary of the total number of each species observed by each 

method at AZRU is presented in Table A-2. See Table 5 for 

voucher specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at AZRU

Based on our surveys at AZRU and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 57% (Table A-1). A species accumulation curve based 

on our surveys in 2001-2003 is shown in Figure A-1. We 

found no new species after the first year, and this asymptotic 

species accumulation curve suggests we are close to reaching 

inventory completeness. However, we believe this is a false 

asymptote that indicates only that we are close to detecting most of the common species, using our current methods. 

Detecting the remaining species at AZRU will require much 

greater field effort and more targeted searches during favorable 

conditions. For example, drought conditions during our inventory may have been responsible for the lack of detections of 

some amphibian species such as Tiger Salamander (observed 

by AZRU staff prior to our surveys), Plains Spadefoot, and 

Mexican Spadefoot. Many of the undocumented species likely 

to occur at AZRU are snakes, including many uncommon 

or secretive species like Glossy Snake, Western Hog-nosed 

Snake, and Night Snake. 

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Berkeley (MVZ), the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), 

and the USGS Biological Survey Collection for amphibians 

and reptiles from AZRU. We used dot distribution maps in 

Degenhardt et al. (1996) to help us evaluate potential occurrence of some species, based on the proximity of locality dots 

to AZRU. 

We located museum specimen records for three species 

at or near AZRU (Appendix T). These included records for 

Northern Leopard Frog and Greater Short-horned Lizard from 

“Aztec,” and Painted Turtle from AZRU. We examined the 

Painted Turtle specimen, located at the Museum of Southwestern Biology, and verified its identification. We found no literature on amphibians and reptiles at AZRU, although Harris 

(1963) and Harris et al. (1967) investigated the herpetofauna 

of the San Juan basin.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

AZRU is located in an agricultural and residential area, 

and habitats in and near the monument have been altered by 

this intensive land use, undoubtedly affecting amphibians and 

reptiles. Snakes are killed by vehicles adjacent to AZRU, and 

this mortality may negatively impact populations over time. 

If Northern Leopard Frogs or Painted Turtles still inhabit the 

Animas River in and near AZRU, they may represent isolated 

populations of those species. A proposed dam along the Animas River upstream of AZRU could impact aquatic herpetofauna in the monument if it were to change the hydrology of 

the river in ways important to amphibians (e.g., backwater 

pools used as breeding sites by toads). 

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at AZRU is 

only 57%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles may 

be warranted. If conducted, future inventory effort could focus 

Appendix A. Aztec Ruins National Monument (AZRU)
36 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

on documenting amphibians (especially Tiger Salamander 

and spadefoot toads) and snakes. The Animas River could be 

intensively surveyed to determine the status of Northern Leopard Frog and Painted Turtle at AZRU, as well as to search for 

Black-necked Garter Snake. Without the benefit of extensive 

roads available for night driving surveys, locating many snake 

species (e.g., Common Kingsnake, Glossy Snake, Western 

Hog-nosed Snake, Night Snake) may require substantial field 

effort and different methods, such as funnel or pitfall traps. 

More surveys could be conducted in the northern section of 

the monument, which is the most likely area to find Lesser 

Earless Lizard, Glossy Snake, and Western Hog-nosed Snake.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at AZRU to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At AZRU, amphibian 

monitoring may be limited to periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) 

of known breeding sites, such as the flooded fruit orchard 

and along the Animas River where Woodhouse’s Toads and 

Western Chorus Frogs are common. However, the NPS may 

wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, 

and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either timeconstrained searches or transect surveys (such as along visitor 

trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At AZRU, Plateau 

Striped Whiptail and Eastern Fence Lizard may be good 

candidates for monitoring, because these species are common 

throughout the monument and at most SCPN parks, making 

network-wide comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at AZRU

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at AZRU, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

AZRU, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) below denotes a species 

represented by a voucher specimen. Status of all documented 

and hypothetical species at AZRU, as well as NPSpecies 

checklist field assignments, are presented in Table A-1.

Species Documented From Aztec Ruins National 

Monument

*Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) 

This species was common in both the flooded fruit 

orchard just west of the main ruins site and along the Animas 

River. We do not know if Woodhouse’s Toads bred successfully in the flooded ditches in the orchard, but we did find 

tadpoles and newly metamorphosed toadlets along the Animas 

River. When in use, the Farmer’s Ditch irrigation ditch running 

through AZRU appears too deep and swiftly flowing to support this or other amphibian species.

*Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) 

Like the Woodhouse’s Toad, we found chorus frogs in 

the lower flooded ditches of the irrigated fruit orchard in areas 

where dense vegetation bordered the water, and also along the 

Animas River. We also heard them calling from the fields just 

south of the monument. 

*Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) 

Although we did not find Painted Turtles during our 

surveys, a specimen at the Museum of Southwestern Biology 

(MSB 7514) was collected at AZRU in 1948, probably in or 

near the Animas River, which contains suitable habitat for this 

species. Targeted searches could determine the present status 

of Painted Turtles at and near AZRU.

*Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) 

This species was common in the rocky washes of the 

upland mesa in the northern section of the monument, above 

Farmer’s Ditch. We did not find any Collared Lizards below the 

ditch, however, probably because vegetation is generally too 

dense in the orchard, field, and riparian habitats dominant there.

*Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) 

We observed only a single individual Sagebrush Lizard 

during our surveys, collected on the upland mesa in the northwest part of the monument. 

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) 

This species was common at AZRU, and was found in 

all habitats throughout the monument. Eastern Fence Lizards 

were often observed on and around the visitor center and ruins.
37

*Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris) 

Of the two whiptail lizard species at AZRU, the Western 

Whiptail is the more desert-adapted species. We found this 

species only in the more open habitats above Farmer’s Ditch, 

and even there it was much less common than the Plateau 

Striped Whiptail.

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox) 

This unisexual (all-female) species was abundant at 

AZRU and was found throughout the monument. Unisexual 

whiptails usually prefer disturbed or ecotonal habitats (e.g., 

Wright and Lowe 1968), habitat types common at AZRU. 

Plateau Striped Whiptails were especially common in these 

areas of AZRU, such as in roadside weeds along the old road 

between the visitor center and irrigated orchard. While the Plateau Striped Whiptail actually represents a complex of species 

(Wright 1993), some undescribed, individuals we observed 

and collected at AZRU appear to be Cnemidophorus velox

proper (i.e., the same as those used in the original description 

of the species).

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) 

We only observed three Striped Whipsnakes at AZRU 

during our surveys. Although apparently not abundant at 

AZRU, the species probably occurs throughout the monument.

Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) 

Although we found only six individual Gopher Snakes 

during our surveys, it was nonetheless the second most common snake species, and probably occurs throughout the monument. We found Gopher Snakes in various habitats, including 

in the shrub grassland in the northern section of the monument, and within a rotting log in the wooded riparian habitat 

near the Animas River.

*Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) 

This was the most common snake species at AZRU, 

although we found it only in the southern section of the 

monument, below Farmer’s Ditch. Garter snakes are probably common at AZRU because of active irrigation, which 

creates favorable wet habitats such as the seasonally flooded 

fruit orchard.

Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) 

Although generally common in the region, we observed only 

one individual Western Rattlesnake at AZRU during our surveys. 

This species probably occurs throughout the monument.

Species That Possibly Occur at Aztec Ruins 

National Monument

Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 

Apparently, six salamanders (almost certainly this species) entered and died on the floor of the Great Kiva at AZRU 

a few years prior to our surveys (Terry Nichols, personal communication). Although we did not find any during this inventory, possibly due to drought conditions, Tiger Salamanders 

are probably common.

Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) 

This species has been collected throughout the San Juan 

River basin (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and probably occurs at 

AZRU. Because this grassland species generally avoids river 

bottoms and wooded areas (Degenhardt et al. 1996), it is most 

likely to be found in the upland habitat north of Farmer’s 

Ditch.

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) 

Like the Plains Spadefoot, this species has been collected 

throughout the region, and almost certainly occurs at AZRU. 

Because the Mexican Spadefoot occupies a wide variety of 

habitats, including river valleys and agricultural lands as well 

as grasslands and shrublands (Degenhardt et al. 1996), it probably occurs throughout AZRU. Both spadefoot species are 

generally only active during the summer monsoon period.

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) 

Although widespread throughout the Colorado Plateau 

region, the Red-spotted Toad has not been collected from 

many localities in the San Juan basin (Degenhardt et al. 1996), 

and it usually prefers rockier habitats than are found at AZRU. 

If the species does occur at AZRU, it would probably be along 

the Animas River. Because this and other true toads (Bufo) are 

generally much more surface active than spadefoots, especially 

in permanent aquatic habitats such as the Animas River, our 

failure to find it suggests it may be absent.

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) 

Bullfrogs, which are native to the eastern United States, 

have become widely established throughout the west, including along the San Juan River in New Mexico (Degenhardt 

et al. 1996). Although the species appears to be absent from 

AZRU, it could become established in irrigation ditches, 

ponds, or other permanent water sources. 
38 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) 

Two specimens (MVZ 16468-9) of this species were 

collected at “Aztec” in 1933. In addition, two specimens in 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology database (MSB 850-

1) collected at “Aztec” in 1946, and labeled as Rana blairi

(Plains Leopard Frog), are also likely Northern Leopard Frogs, 

which is the only species of Leopard Frog found in the region. 

Northern Leopard Frogs may persist along the Animas River, 

although our failure to locate them suggests they may now be 

absent. The irrigation ditch running through AZRU, when in 

operation, appears to be too deep and swiftly flowing to support leopard frogs or other amphibians.

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) 

There is only a single record of this species from northwestern New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), although it is 

unclear why it is so rare in the region. Habitat in the northern 

section of AZRU appears suitable for Long-nosed Leopard 

Lizards, and the species may possibly occur there.

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata) 

This grassland species is found throughout northwestern 

New Mexico, although there are few records in close proximity to the San Juan River (Degenhardt et al. 1996). The flat, 

grassland habitat in the northern section of AZRU appears 

suitable for this species.

Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) 

This species almost certainly occurs at AZRU, but our 

failure to document it suggests it is uncommon or rare. A specimen at the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB 1340) 

was collected in 1946 at “Aztec,” confirming its presence in 

the AZRU area.

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) 

Ornate Tree Lizards have been collected along the San 

Juan River in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and we 

initially expected that they might occur at AZRU. However, 

our failure to find this conspicuous, diurnal species suggests it 

is probably absent from the monument, most likely because of 

a lack of suitable rocky or boulder habitat.

Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) 

Like the Ornate Tree Lizard, we had initially expected 

to find Side-blotched Lizards at AZRU, based on their widespread distribution within the San Juan basin (Degenhardt et al. 

1996). Also like the Tree Lizard, our failure to find the species suggests it may be absent from AZRU. However, because 

Side-blotched Lizards occur in a wide variety of habitats, and 

on a wide array of substrates (Degenhardt et al. 1996), more 

thorough surveys may detect this species within the monument.

Little Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus inornatus) 

 This species has been collected in many parts of the San 

Juan basin in New Mexico, including in the Animas River 

valley (Degenhardt et al. 1996). In the San Juan basin, the species occupies grassland habitats (Harris 1963), and habitat in 

the northern portion of AZRU appears suitable. Our failure to 

locate the species, despite targeted searches for it, suggests it 

may be absent from the monument. 

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) 

In New Mexico, Glossy Snakes prefer sandy grasslands 

and shrublands (Degenhardt et al. 1996) and almost certainly 

occur at AZRU. They are probably most likely to be found in 

the upland portion of the monument, above Farmer’s Ditch.

Racer (Coluber constrictor) 

Although the Racer is rare in the region, it has been collected along the San Juan River in the vicinity of Farmington 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996), and it might occur along the Animas 

River valley as well. If present at AZRU, it would most likely 

be found along the Animas River and other more mesic habitats in the monument (e.g., Farmer’s Ditch, agricultural fields).

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) 

Although this species has not been documented from the 

San Juan Basin (Degenhardt et al. 1996), isolated (relictual) 

populations occur throughout much of the Southwest (Stebbins 2003). If such a population occurs at AZRU, it would be 

most likely to be found in the low-lying areas near the Animas 

River, where there is subsurface moisture, as required by the 

species (Degenhardt et al. 1996).

Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) 

Isolated populations of this species occur in the San 

Juan basin, near Farmington (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Western Hog-nosed Snakes prefer areas with loose, sandy soil for 

burrowing (Stebbins 2003), and habitat in the upland area of 

AZRU, north of Farmer’s Ditch, appears suitable.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) 

This species is found in many habitats throughout the 

region, and almost certainly occurs at AZRU. Night Snakes 

are, as their name implies, strictly nocturnal and can usually 

only be found during the day by overturning rocks used as 

cover. Where paved roads are available for extensive night 

driving surveys, Night Snakes are often found to be quite common (e.g., Drost et al. 2001).

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) 

This species was recently discovered in extreme northwestern New Mexico (Davenport et al. 1998), and may occur 
39

more widely in the San Juan basin. If present at AZRU, it may 

be found in any habitat type within the monument.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) 

The Milk Snake has a spotty distribution throughout 

the Southwest (Stebbins 2003), but has been collected in 

the San Juan basin from near Farmington (Degenhardt et al. 

1996). Based on its apparent preference for grasslands on the 

southern Colorado Plateau in Arizona (Drost et al. 2001, and 

unpublished data), Milk Snakes would be most likely to occur 

in the upland portion of AZRU, above Farmer’s Ditch.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) 

Although we only observed the Western Terrestrial Garter 

Snake at AZRU during this inventory, the Black-necked Garter 

Snake has been collected in the Animas River valley (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and may also occur within the monument. 

This species is more aquatic than the Western Terrestrial 

Garter Snake, and if present at AZRU would most likely occur 

along the Animas River.

Table A-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander 3 Probably Present

Plains Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Mexican Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Red-spotted Toad 1 Unconfirmed

Woodhouse’s Toad SX Present in Park Common

Western Chorus Frog SX Present in Park Common

Bullfrog 1 Unconfirmed

Northern Leopard Frog 1 Unconfirmed

Painted Turtle SP Present in Park Rare

Eastern Collared Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Lesser Earless Lizard 2 Unconfirmed

Greater Short-horned Lizard 3 Probably Present

Sagebrush Lizard SX Present in Park Rare

Eastern Fence Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Ornate Tree Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Side-blotched Lizard 2 Unconfirmed

Little Striped Whiptail 1 Unconfirmed

Western Whiptail SX Present in Park Common

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Glossy Snake 3 Probably Present

Racer 1 Unconfirmed

Ring-necked Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Hog-nosed Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Night Snake 3 Probably Present

Common Kingsnake 1 Unconfirmed

Milk Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Striped Whipsnake OX Present in Park Uncommon

Gopher Snake OX Present in Park Common

Black-necked Garter Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake SX Present in Park Common

Western Rattlesnake OX Present in Park Uncommon
40 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table A-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of Aztec Ruins National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, N-R TACS = non-random 

1-ha time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, ND = night driving, and RE = random encounter. 

Species GS NGS N-R

TACS

ND RE Total

Woodhouse’s Toad 3 8 1 2 14

Western Chorus Frog 6 13 1 20

Eastern Collared Lizard 12 11 3 26

Sagebrush Lizard 1 1

Eastern Fence Lizard 16 2 18

Western Whiptail 4 4 8

Plateau Striped Whiptail 73 21 6 100

Striped Whipsnake 1 2 3

Gopher Snake 4 1 1 6

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 4 1 2 3 10

Western Rattlesnake 1 1

TOTAL 122 22 39 5 19 207

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

TOTAL RANK 1 9

TOTAL RANK 2 5

TOTAL RANK 3 6

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 12

WEIGHTED TOTAL 21.0

ESTIMATED INVENTORY 

COMPLETENESS

57%

Table A-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Aztec Ruins National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively. —

Continued
41

Aztec Ruins Species Accumulation 2001-2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d

Figure A-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Aztec Ruins National Monument, 2001-2003. Yearly survey days 

are separated by vertical lines through the data. Cumulative Number of Species Found
42 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
43

BAND is located along the eastern edge of the Jemez 

Mountains in north-central New Mexico, near the town of Los 

Alamos. Elevation ranges between 1,626-3,081 m (5,335-

10,109 ft). The monument encompasses 13,303 ha (32,858 

acres), and was established to protect ancient Anasazi pueblo 

ruins. Habitats at BAND range from high elevation spruce-fir 

forests in the northwest part of the monument to dry, shrub 

and grassland habitats along the eastern boundary near the Rio 

Grande. Pinyon-juniper woodlands are extensive throughout 

much of BAND, and deep canyons cut through the Pajarito 

Plateau, joining the Rio Grande, which is known in that area 

as White Rock Canyon. Areas along the Rio Grande and the 

lower reaches of many large canyons (e.g., Frijoles, Capulin, 

Alamo canyons) have periodically been inundated by Cochiti 

Reservoir, created when Cochiti Dam was built downstream of 

BAND. Additional information on natural resources at BAND 

is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix D) of 

Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 232 person-hours surveying 

for herpetofauna at BAND in 2002-2003. Methods used, and 

number of person-hours spent on each method, included general surveys (198.6), nocturnal general surveys (12.4), random 

1-ha TACS plot surveys (7.2), random 10-ha TACS plot surveys (6.3), and night driving (7.4). We recorded 606 individual 

amphibians and reptiles of 17 species during our surveys, and 

we documented six additional species based on review of literature and museum specimen records. A summary of the total 

number of each species observed by each method is presented 

in Table B-2. See Table 5 for voucher specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at BAND

Based on our surveys at BAND and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 65% (Table B-1). A species accumulation curve based 

on our surveys in 2002-2003 is shown in Figure B-1. This 

asymptotic species accumulation curve suggests we are close 

to reaching inventory completeness with our surveys alone. 

However, we believe this is a false asymptote that indicates 

only that we are close to detecting most of the common species, using our current methods, as evidenced by the large 

number of previously documented and expected species. 

Detecting the remaining species at BAND will require much 

greater field effort and more targeted searches during favorable 

conditions. Many of the undocumented species likely to occur 

at BAND are snakes, including many uncommon or secretive 

species like Texas Blind Snake, Glossy Snake, Corn Snake, 

Smooth Green Snake, and Night Snake.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data Searches

We searched specimen records at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), and the USGS 

Biological Survey Collection for amphibians and reptiles from 

BAND. We used dot distribution maps in Degenhardt et al. 

(1996) to help us evaluate potential occurrence of some species, based on the proximity of locality dots to BAND. 

We located museum specimen records for 14 species at 

BAND (Appendix T), most of which were collected during 

a previous inventory by Degenhardt (1975). In addition, we 

located specimens (at MSB) from near BAND for a number 

of species that have yet to be vouchered within the monument. 

These included Couch’s Spadefoot, Glossy Snake, Coachwhip, 

and Black-necked Garter Snake from the vicinity of Cochiti 

Lake, and New Mexico Whiptail from White Rock Canyon at 

the mouth of Sanchez Canyon (MSB 41041). This last locality 

is only about 2.4 km (1.5 mi) south (along the Rio Grande) of 

the BAND boundary. All of these records suggest these species may occur along the Rio Grande within BAND. In fact, 

there are reports of both New Mexico Whiptail and Blacknecked Garter Snake from within BAND (Guthrie 1976), but 

specimens were not collected. Degenhardt (1975) stated he 

collected a Gopher Snake from BAND, but we were unable to 

locate this record in the MSB specimen database.

Previous amphibian and reptile surveys at BAND include 

a general, monument-wide survey by Degenhardt (1975) and 

a survey focusing on the lower canyons (prior to filling of 

Cochiti Reservoir) by Guthrie (1976). Guthrie (1978, 1979) 

evaluated the status of the Jemez Mountains Salamander within 

BAND, and Ramotnik (1988) summarized and mapped all collection localities for that species, including within BAND.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

The Jemez Mountains Salamander is listed as threatened 

by the state of New Mexico. This species is endemic to the 

Jemez Mountains, including areas within BAND, and has 

apparently undergone range-wide declines in recent decades 

(Michelle Cummer, Los Alamos National Laboratory, perAppendix B. Bandelier National Monument (BAND)
44 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

sonal communication). Wildfire or prescribed burns in the 

high elevation forests at BAND could impact the habitat of 

the Jemez Mountains Salamander, and the monument may 

wish to consider this as an integral part of its fire management 

policies. 

The non-native Bullfrog may be difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate from the Rio Grande at BAND. Monitoring 

efforts in the lower side canyons should watch for this species 

in order to prevent it from impacting those habitats as well. 

Because road mortality probably does not pose a threat to the 

herpetofauna within BAND, most potential threats are extrinsic to the monument, and include drought and radioactive 

contamination from the nearby Los Alamos National Laboratory, and multiple-use practices (including catastrophic fires) 

on adjacent National Forest lands (Thomas et al. 2004). 

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at BAND is 

only 65%, we recommend that more effort be directed towards 

inventory of amphibians and reptiles. Future inventory effort 

should focus on documenting (with voucher specimens) 

highly probable species, including spadefoot toads, New 

Mexico Whiptail, and many snakes (e.g., Texas Blind Snake, 

Corn Snake, Coachwhip, Smooth Green Snake, Western 

Rattlesnake). Without the benefit of extensive roads available 

for night driving surveys, locating many snake species may 

require substantial field effort and different methods, such as 

funnel or pitfall traps. Most surveys for undocumented species 

should be conducted in the lower canyon areas, but Smooth 

Green Snake and Western Rattlesnake should be searched for 

in higher elevation parts of the monument.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at BAND to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At BAND, amphibian 

monitoring may include periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) 

visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) of 

known breeding sites, such as along the Rio Grande for Woodhouse’s Toads and stock tanks in the northwest portion of the 

monument for Tiger Salamanders and Western Chorus Frogs. 

In addition, amphibian monitoring may include development 

of a protocol for non-destructive long-term monitoring of the 

Jemez Mountain Salamander at BAND using sampling with 

artificial cover (e.g., Fellers and Drost 1994). However, the 

NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include 

reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited 

to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either 

time-constrained searches or transect surveys (such as along 

visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At BAND, 

Eastern Fence Lizard and Plateau Striped Whiptail may be 

good candidates for monitoring, because these species are 

common throughout the monument and at most SCPN parks, 

making network-wide comparisons possible. 

In addition, Ornate Tree Lizard would be a good candidate for inclusion in lizard monitoring at BAND because our 

results suggest they may have declined within the monument. 

Degenhardt (1975) described the Tree Lizard, along with the 

Eastern Fence Lizard and the Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail, 

as being one the most abundant and widely distributed lizards 

at BAND. However, during our surveys in 2002-2003 we 

observed 328 Eastern Fence Lizards, 51 Chihuahuan Spotted 

Whiptails, and only six Tree Lizards (Table B-1)). Many of 

the larger canyons, including Frijoles Canyon, appear to be 

ideal for Tree Lizards, but we generally only found Eastern 

Fence Lizards in these habitats. The Eastern Fence Lizard has 

a wider ecological distribution than the Tree Lizard, which 

often prefers more mesic habitats (Stebbins 2003), and it is 

possible that long-term climatic changes (i.e., drought) could 

be responsible for a shift in the relative abundance of these 

two species.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at BAND

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at BAND, and because many species are 

secretive or are active only during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

BAND, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) below denotes a species 

represented by a voucher specimen. Status of all documented 

and hypothetical species at BAND, as well as NPSpecies 

checklist field assignments, are presented in Table B-1. 
45

Species Documented From Bandelier National 

Monument

*Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 

During this inventory, Tiger Salamanders were found 

in stock tanks in the northwestern part of the monument. 

Although the species, the larvae of which are used as fish 

bait, has been transported and introduced throughout New 

Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), there is no reason to suspect 

that Tiger Salamanders at BAND are not native. The species 

was not reported previously from BAND (Degenhardt 1975, 

Guthrie 1976).

*Jemez Mountains Salamander (Plethodon neomexicanus) 

This species, which is listed as Threatened by the state of 

New Mexico, is endemic to the Jemez Mountains of northern 

New Mexico, and part of its limited distribution lies within 

BAND (Ramotnik 1988). It occurs in the mixed conifer forests 

in the northwestern corner of the monument, and significantly, 

ten percent of its limited distribution is protected within 

BAND (Ramotnik 1988). We did not observe any Jemez 

Mountains Salamanders during this inventory, probably due 

to drought conditions during the period. They spend most of 

the year deep underground in fissures in the bedrock, and only 

come to the surface during wet weather (such as during the 

summer monsoon), when they can be found under rocks and 

rotting logs (Ramotnik 1988).

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) 

We did not observe this species during the present inventory. However, Degenhardt (1975) recorded it from the mesa 

between Lummis and Alamo Canyons, and Guthrie (1976) 

observed young toads in Capulin Canyon. Although apparently not common, it probably occurs in many of the lower 

rocky canyons, as well on mesa tops where rainwater collects 

in large potholes.

*Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) 

This species is common along the Rio Grande at BAND, and 

Guthrie (1976) recorded it from lower Alamo Canyon as well.

*Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) 

We did not observe this species during the present inventory. They have been reported only from Alamo and Lummis 

canyons (Degenhardt 1975, Guthrie 1976), although they 

may occupy other rocky canyons with semi-permanent pools 

throughout the southern part of the monument.

*Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)

Although not recorded by Degenhardt (1975) or Guthrie 

(1976), this species was known to occur in at least one locality in the northwestern part of the monument (Steve Fettig, 

personal communication). We collected this species at a stock 

tank just southeast of the junction of the Dome Road with 

New Mexico State Route 4. Western Chorus Frogs probably 

occur throughout the mixed conifer forest in the northwestern 

section of the monument.

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) 

Bullfrogs, which are native to the eastern United States, 

have become widely established throughout the West, including 

in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Degenhardt (1975) 

observed Bullfrogs in White Rock Canyon at 1,615 m (5300 

ft) elevation, probably near the southern monument boundary. 

Guthrie (1976) stated that the species did not occur within the 

monument, but noted that it was common in Cochiti Reservoir, and was also observed as close as the mouth of Capulin 

Canyon. He predicted that Bullfrogs would invade BAND once 

Cochiti Reservoir reached the monument boundary. We found 

Bullfrogs to be common along the Rio Grande, including in the 

large backwater areas at the mouth of Frijoles Creek. The species undoubtedly occupies the entire length of the Rio Grande 

within BAND, although its requirement for permanent water 

probably prevents it from invading the lower canyons.

*Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) 

This species is common in rocky areas along the Rio 

Grande and in the lower canyons at BAND (Degenhardt 

1975, Guthrie 1976). We observed six individuals during the 

present inventory.

*Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) 

We observed only one Greater Short-horned Lizard during our inventory, on the mesa top along the ruins trail at the 

disjunct Tsankawi Ruins unit of BAND. Degenhardt (1975) 

and Guthrie (1976) each observed a single individual at 

campgrounds on Frijoles Mesa. Although apparently uncommon, this species probably occurs throughout much of the 

monument, especially in mid-elevation woodlands and mesa 

top areas.

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) 

The Eastern Fence Lizard was the most abundant species 

at BAND, and we found it throughout the monument. This 

species was especially common in the larger canyons, such as 

Frijoles Canyon, where it was frequently observed on boulders, rocky outcrops, trees, and logs. 

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) 

Degenhardt (1975) described the Tree Lizard as being 

one of the most abundant and widely distributed lizards at 

BAND. He observed the species in White Rock, Sanchez, 

Medio, Capulin, Alamo, Lummis, and Frijoles canyons. 

Guthrie (1976) observed only “one or two” individuals, in 
46 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Alamo Canyon, but his surveys were restricted to the lower 

canyons within BAND. During our surveys we observed only 

six Tree Lizards, in middle Capulin Canyon, lower Frijoles 

Canyon, and near the western boundary between upper Alamo 

and Frijoles canyons. Although Degenhardt (1975) did not 

provide precise locations or numbers of individuals observed, 

the discrepancy between his study and ours suggests that Tree 

Lizards may have declined at BAND over the past ~30 years. 

Most of the larger canyons, including Frijoles Canyon, appear 

to contain ideal habitats for Tree Lizards, but we generally 

found only Eastern Fence Lizards in these canyons. The Tree 

Lizard often prefers more mesic habitats than the Eastern 

Fence Lizard (Stebbins 2003), and it is possible that drought 

could be responsible for a shift in the relative abundance of 

these two species.

*Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus) 

Although we observed only five individual Many-lined 

Skinks at BAND, the species is probably common throughout 

much of the monument, especially in the larger, more mesic 

canyons. We found three individuals in Frijoles Canyon and 

two in the upper Alamo Canyon area, near the monument’s 

western boundary. Degenhardt (1975) and Guthrie (1976) 

observed this species in Frijoles and Lummis canyons, and on 

the mesa near Corral Hill.

Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus) 

We observed only four Great Plains Skinks in 2002-2003, all 

in Frijoles Canyon near Frijoles Creek. We were unable to capture 

any for museum specimens. Degenhardt (1975) and Guthrie 

(1976) each observed only two Great Plains Skinks during their 

surveys, and all of these were in Frijoles Canyon as well.

*Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail (Cnemidophorus 

exsanguis) 

This unisexual whiptail species is common at BAND, 

especially in the larger canyons. Guthrie (1976) stated that it 

was not seen above 1,676 m (5500 ft) elevation, but Degenhardt (1975) previously recorded it as high as 1,829 m (6000 

ft). During our surveys, we found it to be fairly common in 

Frijoles Canyon in the headquarters area to at least 1,859 m 

(6100 ft) elevation.

*Checkered Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tesselatus) 

Although we did not observe this all-female whiptail 

at BAND, Degenhardt (1975) and Guthrie (1976) recorded 

it previously from White Rock Canyon, and Guthrie (1976) 

considered it rare. This species is probably restricted to the 

lower elevations within the monument, primarily along White 

Rock Canyon.

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

This unisexual species was the most common whiptail 

observed during our surveys, and the second most abundant 

species overall. Plateau Striped Whiptails were common in the 

lower and middle canyons, such as Frijoles Canyon, but were 

found on mesa top areas as well. The Plateau Striped Whiptail 

is actually a complex of several, mostly undescribed species 

(Wright 1993). However, based on color pattern, all individuals we observed at BAND appeared to be Cnemidophorus 

velox proper, as did all individuals collected by Degenhardt 

(1975), which we examined at MSB. Other, morphologically distinct (and undescribed) species in the Plateau Striped 

Whiptail complex are known to occur in the general region of 

BAND (John Wright, personal communication).

*Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) 

Both Degenhardt (1975) and Guthrie (1976) observed this 

species, in White Rock Canyon and along lower Alamo Creek, 

respectively. Although we did not find any Ring-necked 

Snakes during our inventory, this secretive species is probably 

fairly common along the Rio Grande and in the lower canyons 

where water and subsurface moisture is present.

*Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) 

We observed three Striped Whipsnakes in 2002-2003, 

all in the lower canyon areas (two in lower Frijoles Canyon 

and one along the Rio Grande). Degenhardt (1975) observed 

them only along the Rio Grande, and Guthrie (1976) only 

observed a single individual, along lower Frijoles Creek. 

Although apparently more common in lower elevation habitats 

at BAND, it is probably distributed throughout much of the 

monument, as it occurs in woodlands up to 2200 m (7,218 ft) 

elevation elsewhere in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996). 

Unverified sight records of a “Coachwhip” around the BAND 

visitor center complex (Steve Fettig, personal communication) 

may be this species.

Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) 

This generalist species probably occurs throughout most 

of the monument, except possibly in the upper elevation mixed 

conifer habitats (Degenhardt 1975). We observed three individuals in 2002-2003.

*Mountain Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora grahamiae) 

We collected a Mountain Patch-nosed Snake in lower 

Frijoles Canyon, and observed another along the Rio Grande 

near Arroyo Montoso. Guthrie (1976) observed the species 

in Frijoles and Alamo Canyon. This primarily diurnal species probably occurs throughout much of the southern half 

of the monument.
47

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

Guthrie (1976) considered this species to be common 

near the mouth of Alamo Canyon. We searched specifically 

for Black-necked Garter Snakes in Alamo Canyon and elsewhere, but found none. Degenhardt (1975) did not record the 

species either, but noted that specimens had been collected just 

south of BAND along the Rio Grande (Appendix T). Although 

filling of Cochiti Reservoir may have eliminated some habitat 

for this species since Guthrie (1976) observed it, Black-necked 

Garter Snakes probably still occur in some of the lower canyons at BAND.

*Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) 

This species is common in various aquatic habitats 

throughout BAND. We observed Western Terrestrial Garter 

Snakes in Frijoles and Alamo canyons, and in the vicinity of 

cattle tanks in the mixed conifer forest in the northwestern 

corner of the monument. Guthrie (1976) noted that the species 

was common along Frijoles Creek, but was less frequently 

observed in Alamo Canyon, where it seemed to be replaced by 

the Black-necked Garter Snake. One immature individual we 

observed along Frijoles Creek had recently eaten an adult male 

Eastern Fence Lizard. 

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) 

This was the most frequently observed snake species 

during our surveys. We observed 19 individual Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes, mostly along the Rio Grande and 

in the lower canyons. Degenhardt (1975) also recorded them 

on Frijoles Mesa, in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) habitat. 

Although much more common along the Rio Grande and in 

the lower canyons, this species probably occurs throughout the 

southern half of the monument (Degenhardt 1975).

Species That Possibly Occur at Bandelier 

National Monument

Couch’s Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii) 

This species has been collected along the Rio Grande 

just below Cochiti Dam (MSB 50012), and may occur as far 

upriver as BAND. The bleating advertisement call of the male 

Couch’s Spadefoot is somewhat similar to that of the Woodhouse’s Toad, which is the common breeding anuran along the 

Rio Grande at BAND.

Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) 

The Plains Spadefoot usually inhabits grasslands, and 

often avoids river valleys (Degenhardt et al. 1996). This species 

has been collected in the vicinity of BAND (Degenhardt et al. 

1996), but lack of suitable habitat may preclude its occurrence 

within the monument. Although the Mexican Spadefoot (below) 

is much more likely to occur at BAND, these two species often 

occur together throughout the southern Colorado Plateau region 

(Persons and Nowak, personal observation).

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) 

This common, widespread species occupies a variety of 

habitats in the region (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and is much 

more likely to occur at BAND than the similar Plains Spadefoot (above). The Mexican Spadefoot would be expected to 

occur anywhere in the southern half of the monument where 

temporary water would provide habitat for breeding. This 

could include cattle tanks or potholes on the mesa tops, tinajas 

in the lower canyons, or temporary quiet backwaters along the 

Rio Grande.

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) 

This species is found along the Rio Grande from just 

north of Albuquerque southward, with a single specimen from 

upriver of BAND, near Espaola (Degenhardt et al. 1996). If 

Painted Turtles did occur in the monument, they would be 

along the Rio Grande, although the paucity of records from the 

area (e.g., Cochiti Reservoir) suggests they may not occupy 

the river in the vicinity of BAND.

Spiny Softshell (Trionyx spiniferus) 

Degenhardt (1975) observed tracks of this species on 

a sand bank along the Rio Grande just south of the BAND 

boundary, suggesting they may occur within the monument. 

He also noted that the filling of Cochiti Reservoir might create 

additional habitat for this species at BAND. 

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

Although this species occurs throughout the region 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996), there may not be suitable habitat 

within the monument. Lesser Earless Lizards usually prefer 

open, level terrain with short vegetation cover and loose, friable soils (Degenhardt et al. 1996), habitat features in short 

supply in the lower elevations at BAND.

Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum)

 This species has been recorded in the Rio Grande Valley 

as far north as the vicinity of BAND (Degenhardt et al. 1996). 

Roundtail Horned Lizards prefer gravelly or rocky soils on 

bajadas or on the edges of arroyos (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and 

probably occur in these habitats at BAND in the area of the Rio 

Grande and some of the lower canyons. As a defensive mechanism, this species mimics small rocks (Sherbrooke 2003).

New Mexico Whiptail (Cnemidophorus neomexicanus) 

This unisexual whiptail occurs in the Rio Grande Valley 

as far north as Espanola (Wright 1971), and almost certainly 

occurs at BAND. It has been collected in White Rock Canyon 
48 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

at the mouth of Sanchez Canyon (MSB 41041), which is only 

about 2.4 km (1.5 mi) south (along the Rio Grande) of the 

BAND boundary. Guthrie (1976) observed one or two individuals along the Rio Grande near the south monument boundary, 

and we may have observed this species along the Rio Grande 

during the present inventory as well. However, because whiptails are notoriously difficult to identify, specimens are necessary to verify these observations. 

Texas Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops dulcis) 

This tiny, secretive, fossorial species almost certainly 

occurs along the Rio Grande at BAND. Light soil suitable for 

burrowing, especially in areas with abundant surface rocks, is 

preferred habitat in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996).

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) 

Glossy Snake has been collected near Cochiti Lake south 

of BAND, and the species probably occurs within the southern 

part of the monument. Glossy Snakes prefer areas with sandy 

or loamy soils, with or without rocks present (Stebbins 2003).

Racer (Coluber constrictor) 

This quick, diurnal relative of the whipsnakes (Masticophis) has a spotty distribution throughout New Mexico, 

usually in areas near water (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Racers 

are found along the Rio Grande near Albuquerque, and could 

occur in White Rock Canyon at BAND.

Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata) 

Numerous specimens of this species have been collected in the vicinity of BAND (Degenhardt et al. 1996), 

and it almost certainly occurs within the monument. In New 

Mexico, Corn Snakes require permanent water and good cover 

for retreat and hibernation (Degenhardt et al. 1996), habitat 

features found in many of the lower canyons (e.g., Frijoles 

Canyon) and along the Rio Grande at BAND.

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake (Gyalopion canum)

This species has been collected northward in the Rio 

Grande Valley to just south of BAND (Degenhardt et al. 

1996). Although usually associated with Chihuahuan Desertscrub vegetation, it has been found in a variety of habitats, 

including grassy foothills and pinyon-juniper woodlands 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). If present at BAND, it probably 

occurs along and near the Rio Grande, in areas where there is 

loose soil suitable for burrowing.

Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus)

Although generally found in open, sandy grasslands 

in New Mexico, this species also occurs in deserts and 

open woodlands that have loose soil suitable for burrowing 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). The Western Hog-nosed Snake may 

occur along or near the Rio Grande at BAND, where suitable 

loose soil occurs.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) 

This secretive, nocturnal species occurs throughout the 

region, and has been collected near the Rio Grande in the 

vicinity of BAND and up to about 2200 m (7,218 ft) elevation 

in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996). It almost certainly 

occurs throughout most of BAND, although it is probably 

absent from the higher elevation mixed conifer forest habitats. 

In areas where extensive night driving surveys are possible, 

this otherwise hard to find species is often revealed to be quite 

common (e.g., Drost et al. 2001).

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) 

In New Mexico, this species is primarily distributed in 

association with major river systems, and has been collected 

along the Rio Grande as far north as the vicinity of BAND 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). The Common Kingsnake almost 

certainly occurs along the Rio Grande at BAND, and possibly 

in some of the lower canyons and on intervening slopes and 

mesas as well.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) 

The Milk Snake has a spotty distribution in New Mexico 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996), but its occurrence in a wide variety 

of habitats throughout the state suggests it could be present at 

BAND. If so, it would be most likely to occur in the southern 

half of the monument.

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) 

This species has been collected along the Rio Grande in 

the vicinity of BAND (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and almost 

certainly occurs within the monument. An unverified sight 

record of a “Coachwhip” around the BAND visitor center 

complex (Steve Fettig, personal communication) probably 

represents a Striped Whipsnake. Although Coachwhips have 

been found at higher elevations in New Mexico (Degenhardt et 

al. 1996), the species is probably restricted to the Rio Grande 

and the lower canyons at BAND.

Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) 

This small, well-camouflaged species prefers grassy areas 

with permanent moisture (Degenhardt et al. 1996). It has been 

collected in the vicinity of BAND (Degenhardt et al. 1996), 

and probably occurs in high elevation areas in the northwestern corner of the monument. We searched specifically for this 

species, but dry conditions due to the severe regional drought 

may have limited its activity during our survey period. Future 

surveys should target grassy areas around springs and along 

the upper canyons such as Frijoles Creek in the extreme northwestern corner of the monument.
49

Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) 

This desert species has been found in the Rio Grande Valley almost as far north as BAND (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and 

may occur within the monument in White Rock Canyon.

Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) 

Degenhardt (1975) reported observing a Western Rattlesnake in pinyon-juniper habitat on New Mexico Highway 4 

about two miles north of BAND. This widespread species 

almost certainly occurs at BAND, although the lack of reports 

from within the monument suggests that if present, it is rare. 

Western Rattlesnakes are most likely to be found in mid-elevation woodlands, habitats used less frequently by the Western 

Diamond-backed Rattlesnake at BAND.

Table B-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Bandelier National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively, except 

that for Bullfrog nativity is “non-native.”

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander SX Present in Park Common

Jemez Mountains Salamander SP Present in Park Uncommon

Couch’s Spadefoot 2 Unconfirmed

Plains Spadefoot 1 Unconfirmed

Mexican Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Red-spotted Toad OP Present in Park Rare

Woodhouse’s Toad OX Present in Park Common

Western Chorus Frog SX Present in Park Uncommon

Canyon Treefrog SP Present in Park Rare

Bullfrog OX Present in Park Common

Painted Turtle 1 Unconfirmed

Spiny Softshell 3 Probably Present

Eastern Collared Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Lesser Earless Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Greater Short-horned Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Roundtail Horned Lizard 3 Probably Present

Eastern Fence Lizard OX Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard OX Present in Park Uncommon

Many-lined Skink SX Present in Park Common

Great Plains Skink OX Present in Park Common

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail SX Present in Park Common

New Mexico Whiptail 3 Probably Present

Checkered Whiptail SP Present in Park Rare

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Texas Blind Snake 3 Probably Present

Glossy Snake 3 Probably Present

Racer 1 Unconfirmed

Ring-necked Snake SP Present in Park Rare

Corn Snake 3 Probably Present

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Hog-nosed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Night Snake 3 Probably Present

Common Kingsnake 3 Probably Present

Milk Snake 1 Unconfirmed
50 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Coachwhip 3 Probably Present

Striped Whipsnake OP Present in Park Uncommon

Smooth Green Snake 3 Probably Present

Gopher Snake OX Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake SX Present in Park Common

Black-necked Garter Snake OP Present In Park Rare

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake SX Present in Park Common

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake OX Present in Park Common

Western Rattlesnake 3 Probably Present

TOTAL RANK 1 7

TOTAL RANK 2 2

TOTAL RANK 3 12

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 23

WEIGHTED TOTAL 35.2

ESTIMATED INVENTORY 

COMPLETENESS 65%

Table B-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of Bandelier National Monument, 2002-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 1-ha 

time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, and RE = random encounter. 

Species GS NGS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS

RE Total

Tiger Salamander 36 1 37

Woodhouse’s Toad 2 3 5

Western Chorus Frog 9 9

Bullfrog 13 2 15

Eastern Collared Lizard 6 6

Greater Short-horned Lizard 1 1

Eastern Fence Lizard 284 22 3 22 331

Ornate Tree Lizard 2 4 6

Many-lined Skink 4 1 5

Great Plains Skink 4 4

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail 50 1 51

Plateau Striped Whiptail 93 4 3 100

Striped Whipsnake 3 3

Gopher Snake 3 3

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake 1 1 2

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 12 12

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake 12 2 5 19

TOTAL 535 7 30 3 34 609

Table B-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Bandelier National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively, except 

that for Bullfrog nativity is “non-native.”—Continued
51

Bandelier Species Accumulation 2002-2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

13579

111315171921232527293133353739

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Found

Figure B-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Bandelier National Monument, 2002-2003. Yearly survey days 

are separated by a vertical line through the data. Cumulative Number of Species Found
52 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
53

Appendix C. Canyon de Chelly National Monument (CACH)

cated in the decline of Leopard Frogs in the many areas in the 

Southwest (Rosen and Schwalbe 2002).

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Future inventory effort at CACH should focus on documenting the Glossy Snake and Night Snake, two species that 

almost certainly occur within the monument, using nocturnal 

survey methods, especially road driving. Night snakes may 

also be found by searching under cover objects (especially 

rocks) during the day. Many of the other potential species 

would be most likely to occur in grassland and desert scrub at 

CACH. Efforts focused on those habitats, most of which occur 

in the western part of the monument near Chinle, may find 

Great Plains Toad, Long-nosed Leopard Lizard, Little Striped 

Whiptail, Western Hog-nosed Snake, Common Kingsnake, 

and Milk Snake. 

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at CACH to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. Amphibian monitoring 

at CACH will primarily consist of night driving (e.g., Shafer and Juterbock 1994) along the paved roads bordering the 

monument on the north and south. These surveys will target 

“toad-like anurans,” especially spadefoot toads. Amphibian 

monitoring may also include periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) 

of known breeding sites within the canyons. However, the 

NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include 

reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited 

to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either 

time-constrained searches or transect surveys (such as along 

visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At CACH, 

CACH is located on the Navajo Nation, east of Chinle in 

northern Apache County, Arizona. Elevation ranges between 

1,687 and 2,336 m (5,535-7,664 ft). The monument encompasses 37,486 ha (92,590 acres), and was established to protect 

prehistoric Anasazi villages. Navajo people currently live 

in the canyons within CACH, and the NPS and the Navajo 

Nation jointly administer the monument. Habitats at CACH 

range from forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, quaking 

aspen, and Gambel oak at the highest elevations to desert 

shrub and pinyon-juniper habitats along the canyon rims at the 

lower elevations. Extensive riparian zones exist within the canyons, and include a few perennial streams (Whetfields Creek, 

Canyon del Muerto, Coyote Wash, and Black Rock Canyon). 

Additional information on natural resources at CACH is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix D) of Thomas 

et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

The Navajo Department of Fish and Wildlife (Navajo 

Natural Heritage Program) conducted herpetofauna inventories 

at the three SCPN parks located on the Navajo Nation in 2002-

2003. Mikesic (2005a) used 1-ha TACS plot surveys, general 

surveys, and night driving to survey for amphibians and reptiles at CACH. Through surveys and literature review he documented 20 species (Table C-1), with the most common being 

the Sagebrush Lizard, Eastern Fence Lizard, Side-blotched 

Lizard, and Plateau Striped Whiptail. He did not observe two 

species recorded previously, the Northern Leopard Frog and 

the Lesser Earless Lizard. While the Lesser Earless Lizard 

likely still occurs at CACH, the Northern Leopard Frog has 

probably been extirpated from the monument, as it has over 

most of the Navajo Nation (Mikesic 2005a).

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at CACH

By developing our own list of hypothetical species at 

CACH combined with the documented species list presented 

by Mikesic (2005a), we calculated an estimated inventory 

completeness of 85% (Table C-1). While there are a large 

number of species that may occur at CACH, only two species 

(Glossy Snake and Night Snake) are considered highly likely. 

Sensitive Species and Threats to the Herpetofauna

Northern Leopard Frogs have virtually disappeared from 

the Navajo Nation (Mikesic 2005a). Historic records of Northern Leopard Frog at CACH are from Tsaile Creek (Canyon 

del Muerto), and non-native crayfish are abundant there now 

(Persons, personal observation). Crayfish have been impli-
54 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Sagebrush Lizard, Eastern Fence Lizard, Side-blotched Lizard, 

and Plateau Striped Whiptail are good candidates for long-term 

monitoring, because they are common throughout the monument and many SCPN parks, making network-wide comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at CACH

Because we do not have first hand experience at CACH, 

we refer readers to Mikesic (2005a) for details of distribution 

and abundance of amphibian and reptile species documented 

from the monument. We briefly discuss the possible occurrence 

of other, undocumented species below. A list of all documented 

and hypothetical species at CACH, as well as NPSpecies checklist field assignments, are presented in Table C-1. 

Species That Possibly Occur at Canyon de Chelly 

National Monument

Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus) 

This desert and grassland species has been documented 

from the San Juan River region north of CACH, and throughout much of the Little Colorado River valley south of CACH 

(Krupa 1990, Mulcahy and Setser 2002). Therefore, it may 

occur in the Chinle Valley in the vicinity of the western portions of the monument.

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) 

Chorus frogs are only known in the CACH region from 

high elevation sites in the Chuska Mountains northeast of the 

monument (Mikesic 2005a). Although Mikesic (2005a) considered the possibility of its occurrence at CACH to be remote, 

it could possibly be found along Tsaile Creek in the eastern 

end of the monument.

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) 

A population of Northern Leopard Frogs was present in 

CACH in the 1960’s and possibly as late as the early 1990’s 

(CACH staff, personal communication), but the species is 

apparently extirpated within the monument (Mikesic 2005a). 

Mikesic (2005a) notes that all populations of this species in 

the nearby Chuska Mountains have been extirpated in the past 

decade, and he speculated that the CACH population was lost 

much earlier than this. Suitable habitat appears to exist along 

Tsaile Creek in the far eastern end of Canyon del Muerto, 

except that non-native crayfish currently inhabit this stream 

(personal observation). Crayfish have been implicated in 

declines of Leopard Frogs in the Southwest (e.g., Rosen and 

Schwalbe 2002).

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) 

Stebbins (2003) presents a more accurate distribution 

map for this species than given previously (Stebbins 1985), 

showing its occurrence in northeastern Arizona largely 

restricted to the lower and middle Little Colorado River valley. 

Because it also occurs in the San Juan River valley near the 

Arizona-Utah border, it is possible that the species extends its 

distribution in desert, shrub, and grassland habitats south along 

Chinle Wash, and may occur in the western portion of CACH 

near Chinle.

Little Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus inornatus) 

In his distribution map for this species, Stebbins (2003) 

reported this species in the CACH area, at “Chinle.” However, 

we examined this specimen, in the University of Arizona herpetology collection, and determined it is a misidentified Plateau Striped Whiptail. Little Striped Whiptail has a disjunct, 

relictual distribution throughout much of northern Arizona 

(Persons 2005, Persons and Wright 1999a), and could occur at 

or near CACH. If present in the area, it would most likely be 

found in grasslands and shrub habitats in the western portion 

of the monument, near Chinle.

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) 

Mikesic (2005a) noted that earlier, unpublished surveys 

had found this species outside the monument boundary, in 

the Chinle area. Glossy Snakes are found in a variety of 

habitats in the region (Stebbins 2003), and almost certainly 

occur at CACH.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) 

This species has not been recorded from the Navajo 

Nation region (Stebbins 2003), but its spotty, relictual distribution throughout the Southwest suggests it could be found 

almost anywhere. Permanent moisture is usually required 

by this species (e.g., Degenhardt et al. 1996), and if isolated 

populations existed at CACH they would probably be in spring 

or seep areas, or along the more mesic watercourses such as 

Tsaile, Wheatfields, or Whiskey creeks.

Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) 

The Western Hog-nosed Snake primarily inhabits open, 

sandy grasslands in the region (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and is 

only known in Arizona from the extreme southeastern part of 

the state (Stebbins 2003). However, the occurrence of isolated 

populations in the San Juan River valley near Farmington, 

New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996) suggests it could possibly occur elsewhere in the region, including in the CACH 

area. Furthermore, its presence on the Navajo Nation could 

go unnoticed or unreported for several reasons, including its 

superficial resemblance in size, shape, and color pattern to 
55

the Western Rattlesnake, low human population density in the 

region, and the culturally prevalent avoidance of snakes by the 

Navajo people.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) 

This secretive, nocturnal species is found throughout 

the region, and almost certainly occurs in various habitats at 

CACH. Stebbins (2003) depicts a gap in the distribution of 

this species in northeastern Arizona, but this is probably due to 

inadequate collecting in the region. A Night Snake specimen 

was recently collected near Lukachukai, just north of CACH, 

during field research for an upcoming book on the snakes of 

Arizona (Andy Holycross, personal communication).

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) 

This species occurs throughout lower elevation areas of 

the Little Colorado River basin to the south and the San Juan 

River basin to the north of CACH (Stebbins 2003). The Common Kingsnake could extend its distribution southward along 

Chinle Wash to CACH, where it may occupy desert, grassland, 

or open woodland habitats.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) 

This secretive species has been recorded from a number 

of localities in northern Arizona, mostly within the Little 

Colorado River basin between St. Johns, Apache County, and 

Wupatki National Monument, Coconino County (unpublished 

data). However, isolated records occur throughout the Four 

Corners region, including near Farmington, New Mexico 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996), Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado 

(Douglas 1966), and Hovenweep National Monument, Utah 

(Persons and Nowak 2004b). In Arizona, all records are from 

grasslands (unpublished data), but elsewhere Milk Snakes 

have been found in river valleys, shrublands, and coniferous 

woodlands (Degenhardt et al. 1996, Hammerson 1999), and 

could occur in almost any habitat at CACH.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) 

This species occurs in both the Little Colorado River valley 

to the south (Persons and Rosen 2001) and the San Juan River 

valley to the north of CACH (Stebbins 2003), and may be more 

widespread in the intervening region. If present at CACH, it would 

be expected along permanent or intermittent watercourses in the 

monument, such as Wheatfields, Whiskey, and Tsaile Creeks.
56 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table C-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Species 

documentation is based on the work of Mikesic (2005a). Ranking of probability of species occurrence (“Rank”) is as follows: 1 = low 

probability, 2 = medium probability, 3 = high probability, and X = documented. Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of species 

expected to occur, and estimated inventory completeness is simply the number documented divided by the weighted total. For all 

species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander X Present in Park Uncommon

Plains Spadefoot X Present in Park Uncommon

Mexican Spadefoot X Present in Park Common

Great Plains Toad 1 Unconfirmed

Red-spotted Toad X Present in Park Common

Woodhouse’s Toad X Present in Park Common

Canyon Treefrog X Present in Park Common

Western Chorus Frog 1 Unconfirmed

Northern Leopard Frog 1 Historic

Eastern Collared Lizard X Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Lesser Earless Lizard X Present in Park Rare

Greater Short-horned Lizard X Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard X Present in Park Common

Side-blotched Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Many-lined Skink X Present in Park Uncommon

Little Striped Whiptail 1 Unconfirmed

Western Whiptail X Present in Park Uncommon

Plateau Striped Whiptail X Present in Park Abundant

Glossy Snake 3 Probably Present

Ring-necked Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Hog-nosed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Night Snake 3 Probably Present

Common Kingsnake 1 Unconfirmed

Milk Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Striped Whipsnake X Present in Park Uncommon

Gopher Snake X Present in Park Uncommon

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake X Present in Park Common

Western Rattlesnake X Present in Park Uncommon

TOTAL RANK 1 10

TOTAL RANK 2 0

TOTAL RANK 3 2

TOTAL DOCUMENTED (X) 20

WEIGHTED TOTAL 23.4

ESTIMATED INVENTORY 

COMPLETENESS 85%
57

CHCU is located in the San Juan River basin of northeastern New Mexico, along the San Juan-McKinley county 

line. Elevation ranges between 1,823 and 2,096 m (5,981-

6,877 ft). The monument encompasses 13,893 ha (34,316 

acres), and was established to protect a variety of prehistoric 

ruins, including large, complex pueblos for which the site 

is best known. Habitats at CHCU include Great Basin desertscrub, grassland, and pinyon-juniper woodland. Chaco 

Wash contains riparian habitats of cottonwood and willow, but 

the wash is usually dry. A series of pools near the confluence 

of Chaco and Escavada washes usually contain water, providing habitat for amphibians. Additional information on natural 

resources at CHCU is presented in the park narratives section 

(Appendix D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 206 person-hours surveying for 

herpetofauna at CHCU in 2002-2003. Methods used, and number of person-hours spent on each method, included general 

surveys (122.5), nocturnal general surveys (6.8), random 1-ha 

TACS plot surveys (10.6), random 10-ha TACS plot surveys 

(8.3), and night driving (57.7). We recorded 611 individual 

amphibians and reptiles of 14 species during our surveys, and 

we documented two additional species based on our review 

of the literature and museum specimen records. We found 

two new species during the present inventory (Night Snake 

and Western Terrestrial Garter Snake), both of which were 

recorded just outside the park by Jones (1970). A summary 

of the total number of each species observed by each method 

is presented in Table D-2. See Table 5 for voucher specimens 

collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at CHCU

Based on our surveys at CHCU and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 81% (Table D-1). A species accumulation curve based 

on our surveys in 2002-2003 (Figure D-1) suggests that we 

are close to reaching inventory completeness, and complements our estimate using the master list approach. Detecting 

the remaining species at CHCU will require much greater field 

effort and more targeted searches during favorable conditions. 

The undocumented species most likely to occur at CHCU are 

Red-spotted Toad, Woodhouse’s Toad, Long-nosed Leopard 

Lizard, and Glossy Snake, and a number of other species are 

more remotely possible (Table D-1).

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), and the USGS 

Biological Survey Collection for amphibians and reptiles 

from CHCU. We used dot distribution maps in Degenhardt 

et al. (1996) to help us evaluate potential occurrence of some 

species, based on the proximity of locality dots to CHCU. We 

did not include in Appendix T specimens from CHCU that 

we located in museum datasets (from MSB and MVZ), as 

these were too numerous (hundreds of records), and consisted 

entirely of well-documented species (Jones 1970).

The only previous published work on amphibians and 

reptiles at CHCU is a reasonably thorough inventory conducted by Jones (1970). Specimens collected by Jones (1970) 

are primarily housed at the Museum of Southwestern Biology.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

No rare or threatened amphibian or reptile species are 

known from CHCU. Road mortality, especially of snakes, 

could potentially impact populations in the developed part 

of the site. Changes in the hydrology of Chaco Wash due to 

drought or land use practices outside CHCU could affect the 

availability of amphibian breeding sites. A potential extrinsic 

threat to the park resources includes proposed natural gas and 

oil drilling on Navajo lands adjacent to the park and its outliers 

(CHCU staff, personal communication), but the long-term and 

long-range effects of such practices on herpetofauna have not 

been well-documented. 

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

If conducted, future inventory effort could focus on documenting those species most likely to occur within the historic 

site (Table D-2). Amphibian breeding sites in rocky areas (e.g., 

small canyons, mesa tops) could be searched for Red-spotted 

Toad, and pools in the lower section of Chaco Wash could be 

searched for Woodhouse’s Toad. Searches in lower elevation 

shrub habitats near the confluence of Chaco and Escavada 

washes could reveal Long-nosed Leopard Lizard and Western 

Whiptail, and more extensive night driving may detect other, 

more secretive snakes.

Appendix D. Chaco Culture National Historic Park (CHCU)
58 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at CHCU to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At CHCU, amphibian 

monitoring will primarily consist of night driving surveys (e.g. 

Shafer and Juterbock 1994) for spadefoot toads during the 

summer monsoon season. Monitoring may also include periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., 

Crump and Scott 1994) of known breeding sites, such as pools 

in lower Chaco Wash used for breeding by Tiger Salamanders 

and spadefoots. However, the NPS may wish to expand herpetofaunal monitoring to include reptiles, and diurnal lizards are 

the reptile group best suited to monitoring across the SCPN. 

Methods could include either time-constrained searches or 

transect surveys (such as along visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At CHCU, Eastern Fence Lizard, Sideblotched Lizard, and Plateau Striped Whiptail may be the best 

candidates for long-term monitoring, because these species are 

common throughout the monument and at most SCPN parks, 

making network-wide comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at CHCU

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at CHCU, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

CHCU, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) below denotes a species 

represented by a voucher specimen. Status of all documented 

and hypothetical species at CHCU, as well as NPSpecies 

checklist field assignments, are presented in Table D-1. 

Species Documented From Chaco Culture 

National Historic Park

*Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 

We observed only larval Tiger Salamanders at CHCU, 

which were common in a number of pools in Chaco Wash near 

its confluence with Escavada Wash. Jones (1970) found a few 

adult salamanders at CHCU, and found larvae to be abundant 

in a number of stock tanks just outside park boundaries. The 

species probably occurs throughout the park.

*Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) 

We observed this species, as well as the similar Mexican Spadefoot, only on night driving surveys. Jones (1970) 

observed large breeding aggregations of both spadefoot species 

after a two day period during which 1.95 inches of rain fell at 

CHCU. Drought conditions prevailed during our surveys, and 

we did not observe any breeding activity during the summer 

monsoon season. We did find large numbers of tadpoles in the 

spring in pools in lower Chaco Wash, but their small size did not 

allow positive identification as spadefoot tadpoles.

*Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) 

Like the Plains Spadefoot, we observed this species only 

on night driving surveys. Interestingly, we observed relatively equal numbers of the two spadefoot species (37 Mexican Spadefoot, 26 Plains Spadefoot), whereas Jones (1970) 

reported that Mexican Spadefoot outnumbered Plains Spadefoot 

about 10 to 1, a ratio similar to that observed for the two species 

in the WUPA area (Persons 2001a, and unpublished data). Both 

spadefoot species probably occur throughout the site.

*Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) 

This species is fairly common throughout CHCU, especially in open, rocky areas.

*Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata) 

We observed only two Lesser Earless Lizards during our 

surveys, and Jones (1970) likewise found the species to be 

uncommon within the park. This species prefers open grassland habitats, especially in prairie dog colonies (Davis and 

Theimer 2003), and probably occurs in isolated populations 

throughout CHCU. 

*Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) 

We did not observe this widespread species during our 

surveys, but Jones (1970) collected five individuals within 

CHCU, most in mixed grassland habitat. Although apparently 

uncommon, Greater Short-horned Lizards probably occur 

throughout the park.
59

*Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) 

At CHCU, this species is locally common in areas with 

sandy soil and scattered shrubs, especially sand sage (Artimesia filifolia). 

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) 

This was the most abundant species observed during our 

surveys, and was found in all habitats throughout the historic 

park. The Eastern Fence Lizard was usually found climbing on 

rocks or ancient Puebloan ruins.

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) 

We did not observe this species during our surveys at 

CHCU. Jones (1970) found it to be the least common lizard 

species at CHCU, recording only three individuals, all from 

areas with pinyon pine north of the visitor center complex. 

*Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) 

Side-blotched Lizards were abundant at CHCU during 

our surveys, and it was the lizard species most frequently 

observed by Jones (1970). On the Colorado Plateau, this species is usually found on rocks, often in similar habitats as the 

Tree Lizard, although the Side-blotched Lizard is more tolerant of dry conditions (Persons, personal observation).

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

This unisexual whiptail was the second most frequently 

observed species during our surveys, and was found in all 

habitats throughout the park. Although Cnemidophorus velox 

is actually a complex of species, some undescribed (Wright 

1993), individuals at CHCU, including those collected by 

Jones (1970), appear to be C. velox proper (i.e., the same as 

those from the type locality of the species).

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) 

Jones (1970) collected a single specimen of this species 

in a small wash about a half mile north and east of Pueblo 

Bonito Ruins, deposited in the museum at CHCU headquarters 

(Jones 1970). Its location was not mapped by Degenhardt et al. 

(1996), and it is unknown if the specimen still exists. Although 

apparently rare, Glossy Snakes may be found in any habitat at 

CHCU, provided that there is loose soil for burrowing.

*Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) 

Jones (1970) cited a specimen (MSB 3325) collected in 

1947 that had imprecise locality data (“Chaco Canyon, prob. 

close to T21N-R10 or 11 W”). We collected a voucher specimen of this species in 2002, found during a night driving survey of the paved park loop road. We found 10 additional Night 

Snakes while night driving, suggesting this strictly nocturnal 

species may be common at CHCU. 

*Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) 

Although we observed only a single Striped Whipsnake 

during our inventory, the species is probably common at 

CHCU (Jones 1970). All five specimens collected by Jones 

(1970) were found on the canyon floor in rincones (box canyons), as was the single individual we observed on the floor of 

Mockingbird Canyon.

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) 

As was reported by Jones (1970), this was the most 

frequently observed snake species during our surveys. Gopher 

Snakes are common at CHCU, and are found in all habitats 

throughout the park.

*Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) 

We collected a single road killed specimen of this species 

(a juvenile) during our surveys, from the main park road near 

the south entrance and Chaco Wash. Jones (1970) did not find 

any Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes within CHCU, but did 

observe them in a stock tank along Gallo Wash outside the 

park boundary. 

*Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) 

The Western Rattlesnake is common at CHCU, and is 

probably found in all habitats throughout the park.

Species That Possibly Occur at Chaco Culture National 

Historic Park

Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus) 

Although this species has not been found in northwestern 

New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), its occurrence in the 

San Juan River valley in southeastern Utah (Krupa 1990) suggests it could occur in the San Juan basin of New Mexico as 

well. If found at CHCU, it would most likely be in grassland 

habitats, possibly in the southwestern part of the park.

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) 

This widespread species is usually associated with rocky 

habitats (Stebbins 2003), and may occur in rocky canyon or 

mesa top areas at CHCU.

Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) 

This species is found throughout the San Juan basin in 

northwestern New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and often 

inhabits valleys and floodplains (Stebbins 2003). It may occur 

along Chaco Wash at CHCU.

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) 

The Long-nosed Leopard Lizard is apparently rare in 

northwestern New Mexico, with only one documented record 

from west-central San Juan County, northwest of CHCU 
60 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). Degenhardt et al. (1996) noted that 

more distributional work is needed on this species in New 

Mexico. Suitable open, shrubby habitat is found in many areas 

of CHCU, particularly in the area of the confluence of Chaco 

and Escavada washes in the northwestern part of the park.

Little Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus inornatus) 

This species has a disjunct distribution in grasslands 

on the southern Colorado Plateau (Persons 2005), including populations in the San Juan basin of northwestern New 

Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996). We specifically searched for 

this species during this inventory, but found only the Plateau 

Striped Whiptail. In addition, we examined all specimens of 

Cnemidophorus from CHCU in the herpetology collection at 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology, and all were Plateau 

Striped Whiptails as well. However, because small, isolated 

populations are known from the elsewhere in the region (e.g., 

Degenhardt et al. 1996, Drost et al. 2001), its occurrence at 

CHCU cannot be ruled out.

Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris) 

The Western Whiptail occurs throughout the San Juan 

basin in northwestern New Mexico, including not far to the 

north of CHCU (Degenhardt et al. 1996). In addition, since the 

publication of Degenhardt et al. (1996) it has been collected 

near the Bisti Wilderness, northwest of CHCU (MSB 61331). 

If the species occurs at CHCU, it would probably be in the 

open, sandy, shrubby habitat along Chaco or Escavada washes 

in the northern part of the park.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) 

This species has not been recorded from the San Juan 

basin (Degenhardt et al. 1996, Stebbins 2003), but its spotty, 

relictual distribution throughout the Southwest suggests it 

could be found almost anywhere. Permanent moisture is usually required by this species (e.g., Degenhardt et al. 1996), and 

if isolated populations existed at CHCU they would probably 

be in spring or seep areas.

Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) 

This species, which is common in eastern New Mexico, 

has only been documented from two localities in the San Juan 

basin, both in the San Juan River valley in the vicinity of 

Farmington (Degenhardt et al. 1996). The Western Hog-nosed 

Snake’s superficial resemblance to the Western Rattlesnake 

could conceivably cause it be overlooked or avoided by many 

people. If populations existed at CHCU, they would probably 

be in areas dominated by sandy soils (Degenhardt et al. 1996), 

such as those areas with patches of sand sage (Artimesia filifolia) where Sagebrush Lizards are common.

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) 

This species was recently discovered in extreme northwestern New Mexico (Davenport et al. 1998), and it may 

be more widely distributed in the San Juan basin. Although 

unlikely, based on the lack of records from the region, it could 

conceivably occur at CHCU as well.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) 

This secretive species has a spotty distribution throughout 

the Southwest (Stebbins 2003), and is usually found in grasslands on the southern Colorado Plateau (Nowak and Persons, 

unpublished data). A single record from near Farmington 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996) confirms its presence in the San Juan 

basin of New Mexico, and it may occur at CHCU as well.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

This species, which is more aquatic than the Western 

Terrestrial Garter Snake, has been documented from numerous 

localities along the San Juan and Aztec rivers in the San Juan 

basin of northwestern New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996). 

Although the arid conditions at CHCU probably preclude this 

species from occurring there, it may be present along Chaco 

Wash, in areas that contain isolated pools much of the year. 
61

Table D-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Chaco Culture National Historic Park. Ranking of probability 

of species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” 

respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander SP Present in Park Common

Plains Spadefoot SP Present in Park Uncommon

Mexican Spadefoot SP Present in Park Common

Great Plains Toad 1 Unconfirmed

Red-spotted Toad 2 Unconfirmed

Woodhouse’s Toad 3 Probably Present

Eastern Collared Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 2 Unconfirmed

Lesser Earless Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Greater Short-horned Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Side-blotched Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Little Striped Whiptail 1 Unconfirmed

Western Whiptail 2 Unconfirmed

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Glossy Snake SP Present in Park Rare

Ring-necked Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Hog-nosed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Night Snake SX Present in Park Common

Common Kingsnake 1 Unconfirmed

Milk Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Striped Whipsnake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Gopher Snake SP Present in Park Common

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Western Rattlesnake SP Present in Park Common

TOTAL RANK 1 6

TOTAL RANK 2 4

TOTAL RANK 3 1

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 17

WEIGHTED TOTAL 20.9

ESTIMATED INVENTORY 

COMPLETENESS 81%
62 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table D-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of Chaco Culture National Historic Park, 2002-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 

1-ha time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, ND = night drive, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS

ND RE Total

Tiger Salamander (larvae) 100 100

Plains Spadefoot 26 26

Mexican Spadefoot 37 37

Eastern Collared Lizard 3 1 2 6

Lesser Earless Lizard 2 2

Sagebrush Lizard 19 8 7 1 35

Eastern Fence Lizard 126 4 11 3 144

Side-blotched Lizard 85 4 3 1 93

Plateau Striped Whiptail 115 8 4 2 129

Night Snake 11 11

Striped Whipsnake 1 1

Gopher Snake 5 1 6 5 17

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 1 1

Western Rattlesnake 2 1 4 2 9

TOTAL 458 27 25 85 16 611

Chaco Culture Species Accumulation 2002-2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

13579

11131517192123252729313335

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species

Figure D-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Chaco Culture National Historic Park, 2002-2003. Yearly survey 

days are separated by a vertical line through the data. Cumulative Number of Species Found
63

ELMA is located along and east of the Continental 

Divide just south of Grants, Cibola County, New Mexico. 

Elevation ranges between 1,950 and 2,554 m (6,398-8,380 ft). 

The monument encompasses 47,217 ha (116,626 acres), and 

was established to protect volcanic geologic features (e.g., 

lava flows, lava tubes) and ancient Puebloan ruins. Habitats 

at ELMA include ponderosa pine forests and pinyon-juniper 

woodlands. Much of the extensive lava flows are sparsely vegetated. Sandy soil grasslands and woodlands are found along 

the eastern edge of the monument, and slickrock habitats are 

found in the Sandstone Bluffs area of the monument. Additional information on natural resources at ELMA is presented 

in the park narratives section (Appendix D) of Thomas et al. 

(2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 119 person-hours surveying 

for herpetofauna at ELMA in 2002-2003. Methods used, and 

number of person-hours spent on each method, included general surveys (52.1), nocturnal general surveys (1.8), random 1-

ha TACS plot surveys (22.8), random 10-ha TACS plot surveys 

(9.3), and night driving (33.4). We recorded 281 individual 

amphibians and reptiles of 18 species during our surveys, and 

documented two additional species based on our review of 

the literature and museum specimen records. A summary of 

the total number of each species observed by each method is 

presented in Table E-2. See Table 5 for voucher specimens 

collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at ELMA

Based on our surveys at ELMA and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 78% (Table E-1). A species accumulation curve based 

on our surveys (Figure E-1) has not begun to level off, suggesting we are not very close to reaching inventory completeness. Detecting the remaining species at ELMA will require 

much greater field effort and more targeted searches during 

favorable conditions. Many of the undocumented species most 

likely to occur at ELMA are snakes, including Ring-necked 

Snake, Night Snake, Milk Snake, Mountain Patch-nosed 

Snake, and Black-tailed Rattlesnake.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), and the USGS 

Biological Survey Collection for amphibians and reptiles 

from ELMA. We used dot distribution maps in Degenhardt 

et al. (1996) to help us evaluate potential occurrence of some 

species, based on the proximity of locality dots to ELMA. We 

also extracted specimen records cited in Gehlbach (1965), 

some of which had precise enough locality data to determine 

they were collected in what is now ELMA. 

We found museum specimen records for three species at 

ELMA (Appendix T). In addition, we located specimens from 

nearby (or possibly within) ELMA for three species (Redspotted Toad, Woodhouse’s Toad, and Mountain Patch-nosed 

Snake) that have yet to be documented from the monument. 

We also found records of four other species (Canyon Treefrog, 

Many-lined Skink, Great Plains Skink, and Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake) that have been reliably observed 

at ELMA, but have not been documented with specimens. 

Lightfoot et al. (1994) conducted an amphibian and reptile 

inventory at ELMA in the early 1990’s, but few specimens 

were collected (Dave Lightfoot, personal communication). 

Based on this work, Alexander (2000) published a checklist of 

amphibians and reptiles at ELMA, but this list included many 

species that are not known to occur in the area, and appears to 

be based on a list in Lightfoot et al. (1994) of species documented from the entire of Cibola County. Gehlbach (1965) 

presented a thorough review of amphibians and reptiles of the 

Zuni Mountains region, including the area around what is now 

ELMA. Gehlbach (1965) included museum specimen data 

for all species, but many localities (e.g., “lava beds”) are too 

imprecise to determine if they were collected within the current boundaries of ELMA.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

Most amphibians and reptiles documented from ELMA 

are widespread, common species. However, the Mountain 

Treefrog was found at only one locality near the Continental 

Appendix E. El Malpais National Monument (ELMA)
64 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Divide in the northwestern part of the monument, and this 

population is about 143 km (89 mi) distant from the closest 

known population in the Gila River drainage south of ELMA. 

Future surveys should be undertaken to determine the distribution and status of this species in and near ELMA, which 

because of its disjunct location may be genetically distinct 

from populations to the south. Road mortality along State 

Route 53 and State Route 117 may impact local snake populations within the monument. Extrinsic threats include long-term 

drought, which may affect breeding areas for amphibians.

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at ELMA is 

only 78%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles may 

be warranted. Most of the undocumented species highly likely 

to occur at ELMA are snakes (Table E-1), and the best method 

for finding most of these would be night driving, particularly 

along SR 117 along the eastern edge of the monument.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at ELMA to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At ELMA, amphibian 

monitoring will focus on night driving surveys (e.g., Shafer 

and Juterbock 1994) for spadefoot toads. Amphibian monitoring at ELMA may also include periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) 

of known breeding sites, such as stock tanks along SR 117 

used by spadefoots, or temporary pools along CR 42 along the 

Continental Divide used by Mountain Treefrogs. However, the 

NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include 

reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited 

to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either 

time-constrained searches or transect surveys (such as along 

visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At ELMA, 

Eastern Fence Lizard and Plateau Striped Whiptail may be 

suitable candidates for long-term monitoring, because these 

species are common throughout the monument and at most 

SCPN parks, making network-wide comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at ELMA

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at ELMA, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

ELMA, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) below denotes a species 

represented by a voucher specimen. Status of all documented 

and hypothetical species at ELMA, as well as NPSpecies 

checklist field assignments, are presented in Table 5. 

Species Documented from El Malpais National 

Monument

*Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 

We found larval Tiger Salamanders in a cattle tank in 

the Big Tubes Area of ELMA. Lightfoot et al. (1994) also 

recorded this species only from this region of the monument. 

However, Tiger Salamanders probably occur throughout the 

monument, both east and west of the lava flows.

*Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) 

We found this species during night driving surveys on SR 

117 on the east side of ELMA. This and the similar Mexican 

Spadefoot are probably common in this part of ELMA, but 

drought conditions during this inventory may have reduced 

their numbers during our surveys.

*Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) 

We found this species during night driving surveys 

on SR 117 on the east side of ELMA. This and the similar Plains Spadefoot are probably common in this part of 

ELMA, but drought conditions may have reduced their 

numbers during surveys.

Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) 

We did not find any Canyon Treefrogs at ELMA during 

our surveys in 2002-2003. However, Lightfoot et al. (1994) 

found them to be common throughout the monument, occurring 

in lava tube collapse features within the lava flows, as well as in 

tinajas and stock tanks on the east side of ELMA. Our failure to 

find this species may be related to the drought conditions during 

the inventory period. Gehlbach (1965) cited a specimen (CU 

6233) collected 18.4 km (11.5 mi) SSE of Grants, and this locality may be within the current boundary of ELMA.
65

*Mountain Treefrog (Hyla eximia) 

We collected adult Mountain Treefrogs in a temporary 

pool along CR 42 near the Continental Divide in the northwestern part of ELMA (Monatesti et al. 2005). These specimens constitute the first documented records from the region, 

and extend the known distribution of the species about 143 

km (89 mi) NNE of the nearest locality in the Gila River basin 

of west-central New Mexico, near Reserve, in Catron County 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). The only other report of the species from the region were specimens collected in the 1870’s 

near Nutria, McKinley County (northwest of ELMA), but 

the sole existing specimen is too poorly preserved to identify 

to species (Gehlbach 1965), and consequently this locality 

was not mapped by Degenhardt et al. (1996). However, our 

specimens lend credence to this earlier report, and suggest that 

Mountain Treefrogs may be more widely distributed in the 

Zuni Mountains region. Interestingly, Lightfoot et al. (1994) 

probably observed Mountain Treefrogs during their inventory, 

but this treefrog was not included in the report because he was 

unsure of his field technician’s identification (Dave Lightfoot, 

personal communication). 

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) 

We heard Western Chorus Frogs calling from a cattle tank 

(Laguna Juan Garcia) west of Cerro Bandera in the northwestern part of ELMA in April 2003, but could not locate the animals. Lightfoot et al. (1994) did not report this species, and the 

only record from Cibola County is northwest of ELMA near 

the headwaters of the Zuni River (Degenhardt et al. 1996).

*Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) 

This species is fairly common at ELMA, primarily in 

rocky habitats with intervening areas of open ground. Eastern 

Collared Lizards probably do not occur in the solidly rocky 

habitats within the lava flows. 

*Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata) 

We observed only five Lesser Earless Lizards at two 

localities at ELMA, in grassland on the southern edge of the 

monument and at the Northwest New Mexico Visitor’s Center 

in Grants. Lightfoot et al. (1994) reported them to be among 

the most common lizards encountered at ELMA, but they 

found them only in the extreme southeastern part of the monument. Lesser Earless Lizards are probably locally common in 

open, sandy habitats on the edge of the lava flows at ELMA.

*Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) 

We observed only two Greater Short-horned Lizards at 

ELMA, but this cryptic species is probably common throughout the monument, except on the lava flows.

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) 

This was the most frequently observed species at ELMA 

during our surveys, as it was during the inventory conducted 

by Lightfoot et al. (1994). Eastern Fence Lizards occur 

throughout ELMA, especially in woodland and forest habitats 

where they climb on logs and trees. They are also common on 

the lava flows.

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) 

We observed Tree Lizards on lava on both the east and 

west sides of the lava flow, and also on sandstone outcrops in 

the Sandstone Bluffs area of ELMA. This species, which often 

climbs on rocks (not trees), is probably found throughout the 

lava flows at ELMA.

Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus) 

Lightfoot et al. (1994) observed this species at ELMA, 

although we did not. Gehlbach (1965) cited a specimen (CU 

5607) collected 27 km (17 mi) southwest of Grants, and this 

locality is probably near or within what is now ELMA. We did 

find it to be fairly common to the west of ELMA, at El Morro 

National Monument. Many-lined Skinks probably occur at 

ELMA primarily in the ponderosa pine habitats in the northwestern section of the monument. A mammal inventory crew 

reported seeing this species in a lava outcrop area on a section 

of the monument near the Northwest New Mexico Visitor 

Center in 2002, but this observation could not be confirmed, 

and the identification may have been confused with a juvenile 

Great Plains Skink.

Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus) 

We observed this species only in the vicinity of the 

Northwest New Mexico Visitor’s Center near Grants, but it 

probably occurs throughout much of the monument. Degenhardt et al. (1996) stated that this species “is a common lizard 

in places like the malpais at Grants.” Gehlbach (1965) cited 

two specimens (CU 5455 and UMMZ 86623) collected 18.4 

km (11.5 mi) SSE of Grants and 12.8 km (8 mi) SE of Paxton, 

respectively, and these localities may be within the current 

boundary of ELMA.

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

This unisexual whiptail was the second most frequently 

observed species at ELMA, and was common throughout the 

monument, excepting on the lava flows. Cnemidophorus velox

is actually a complex of mostly undescribed species (Wright 

1993). Based on color pattern, it appears that at least two 

species may be present at ELMA, including both a striped, 

unspotted form referable to C. velox proper, as well as a 

striped and spotted form. Similar striped and spotted popula-
66 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

tions of Plateau Striped Whiptail occur in southwestern Utah, 

and if determined to be of separate hybrid origin (and possibly different ploidy level) than C. velox, these populations, 

and possibly those from ELMA, would become C. innotatus

(Burger 1950).

*Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) 

We observed seven individuals of this fast, diurnal species at ELMA, and it probably occurs throughout the monument. It is probably not common within the lava flow.

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) 

This generalist species was the most frequently observed 

snake at ELMA during both our surveys, and during those 

conducted by Lightfoot et al. (1994). The Gopher Snake probably occurs throughout the monument.

*Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

We found one road killed Black-necked Garter Snake on 

SR 117 on the eastern edge of ELMA. Lightfoot et al. (1994) 

did not record this species, but Degenhardt et al. (1996) plotted a specimen record from the vicinity of the eastern part of 

the monument, possibly also on SR 117. 

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) 

We observed only a single Western Terrestrial Garter Snake at ELMA, on SR 117 in the southern part of the 

monument (North Pasture area). This species probably occurs 

throughout ELMA.

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) 

The only Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake we 

observed within ELMA was in the vicinity of the Northwest 

New Mexico Visitor’s Center near Grants. We also found a 

road-killed individual on SR 117 about 6.4 km (4 mi) north 

of the ELMA boundary. The only Western Diamond-backed 

Rattlesnake observed by Lightfoot et al. (1994) was in the 

northeastern part of the monument as well. Gehlbach (1965) 

cited two specimens (CU 5591 and CWGF, no number) collected 16.6 km (10.4 mi) S and 18.4 km (11.5 mi) SSE of 

Grants, respectively, and these localities may be within the 

current boundary of ELMA. This species probably occurs 

within much of ELMA, although it may be absent from the 

higher elevation forest habitat in the western part of the monument. 

*Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) 

We only observed this widespread species during night 

driving surveys on SR 117, but it probably occurs throughout 

the monument.

Species That Possibly Occur at El Malpais 

National Monument

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) 

This species usually occurs in rocky habitats, and has 

been collected in the vicinity of ELMA (Degenhardt et al. 

1996). Gehlbach (1965) cited a specimen (CU 5766) collected 

18.4 km (11.5 mi) SSE of Grants, and this locality may be 

within the current boundary of ELMA. Red-spotted Toads 

probably occur in areas of the lava flow, but at ELMA are 

most likely to be found in the Sandstone Bluffs area, where 

they might breed in temporary mesa top potholes.

Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) 

In New Mexico, this species is usually associated with 

river valleys and other relatively mesic habitats with sandy soil 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). Although more common in the Zuni 

River area, isolated records near ELMA (Degenhardt et al. 

1996) suggest it may occur within the monument, possibly in 

the sandy grasslands along SR 117, where it would probably 

breed in cattle tanks, roadside ditches, and other temporary 

pools. Gehlbach (1965) cited a specimen (UMMZ 86604) collected 12.8 km (8 mi) SE of Paxton, and this locality may be 

within the current boundary of ELMA.

Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) 

Sagebrush Lizards are common over most of the Colorado Plateau, and in the region closest to ELMA are almost 

entirely confined to Colorado Plateau drainage basins such as 

the Zuni and Puerco Rivers (Degenhardt et al. 1996). However, the locality plotted closest to ELMA in Degenhardt et 

al. (1996) appears to be just northwest of Grants, probably in 

the Rio San Jose drainage. Based on biogeography and habitat 

availability, Sagebrush Lizards could occur at ELMA. Within 

the monument, the most suitable habitat appears to be the 

sandy shrub areas in the vicinity of Sandstone Bluffs.

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail (Cnemidophorus exsanguis) 

Lightfoot et al. (1996) reported this unisexual species 

from the Sandstone Bluffs area of ELMA, but provided no 

details of their observation. Without documentation, it seems 

most reasonable to assume that they misidentified an unusually spotted individual of the Plateau Striped Whiptail of the 

form referable to C. innotatus (see Plateau Striped Whiptail 

account, above). However, the species has been collected 

about 30 miles east-southeast of ELMA, in extreme southeastern Cibola County (Degenhardt et al. 1996) on the other 

side of Cebollita Mesa, and could occur within the monument. 

Targeted searches for this species should be conducted in the 

Sandstone Bluffs area.
67

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) 

This species has a spotty, relictual distribution throughout 

the Southwest (Stebbins 2003), and has been collected in the 

vicinity of ELMA (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Bureau of Land 

Management staff observed a Ring-necked Snake in the Agua 

Fria Creek area about two miles north of the northwestern 

ELMA boundary (Rick Best, personal communication), and 

this drainage flows south into ELMA. Ring-necked Snakes 

probably occur as isolated populations at ELMA, in areas that 

have the permanent subsurface moisture required by this species (Degenhardt et al. 1996).

Corn Snake (Elaphe guttata) 

In the ELMA region this species has been collected only 

from 8 km (5 mi) northwest of McCartys (MVZ 171740). This 

locality is probably along the Rio San Jose near the junction 

of Interstate 40 and SR 117. Based on habitat, the species 

probably does not occur on NPS lands near the Northwest 

New Mexico Visitor’s Center, which is close to the collection 

locality. Corn Snakes may occur in the northern part of the 

monument; however in New Mexico this species is usually 

associated with permanent water such as streams, lakes, or 

springs (Degenhardt et al. 1996), reducing the likelihood of 

their occurrence within ELMA.

Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) 

This species has not been recorded from the ELMA 

region (Degenhardt et al. 1996). However, its occurrence in 

the San Juan basin of northwestern New Mexico (Degenhardt 

et al. 1996) suggests that isolated populations could be found 

anywhere. If the species were present at ELMA, it would most 

likely be in the open, sandy habitats along the eastern edge of 

the monument.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) 

Prior to our inventory, this species was not known from 

Cibola County (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Although we did not 

find any Night Snakes at ELMA, our collection of a specimen from El Morro National Monument (Persons and Nowak 

2005c) provides evidence of their occurrence in the general 

vicinity of the monument. This secretive, nocturnal species 

probably occurs throughout ELMA.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) 

Although there are no documented records of this species 

from the region, there is an unverified report of a Milk Snake 

sighting at El Morro National Monument, just west of ELMA 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). Because the species occupies a wide 

variety of habitats in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), it 

may occur almost anywhere within ELMA, excepting within 

the lava flows.

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) 

This species has been collected just east of Grants near 

the local terminus of its distribution, which extends up the Rio 

San Jose from the Rio Grande Valley (Degenhardt et al. 1996). 

Although the species is probably absent from most of ELMA, 

it may occur along the northernmost areas near SR 117, or 

more likely on the NPS lands in the vicinity of the Northwest 

New Mexico Visitor’s Center. 

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora grahamiae)

Gehlbach (1965) cited a specimen of this species (CU 

5655) collected 16.8 km (10.5 mi) south of Grants. This locality is probably along SR 53 or SR 117, and in either case would 

be close to, or possibly within, ELMA. Mountain Patch-nosed 

Snake almost certainly occurs within the monument.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) 

This rattlesnake has been collected on Mt. Taylor, just 

north of Grants (Gehlbach 1965), and probably occurs at 

ELMA as well. Black-tailed Rattlesnakes usually prefer rocky 

habitats, and these are abundant at ELMA. It could occur anywhere in the monument.
68 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table E-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at El Malpais National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander SX Present in Park Uncommon

Plains Spadefoot SX Present in Park Common

Mexican Spadefoot SX Present in Park Common

Red-spotted Toad 1 Unconfirmed

Woodhouse’s Toad 3 Probably Present

Canyon Treefrog OP Present in Park Uncommon

Mountain Treefrog SX Present in Park Rare

Western Chorus Frog OX Present in Park Uncommon

Eastern Collared Lizard SX Present in Park Uncommon

Lesser Earless Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Greater Short-horned Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Eastern Fence Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Many-lined Skink OP Present in Park Uncommon

Great Plains Skink OX Present in Park Uncommon

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail 2 Unconfirmed

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Ring-necked Snake 3 Probably Present

Corn Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Hog-nosed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Night Snake 3 Probably Present

Milk Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Coachwhip 2 Unconfirmed

Striped Whipsnake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Gopher Snake SX Present in Park Common

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake 3 Probably Present

Black-necked Garter Snake SX Present in Park Rare

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake OX Present in Park Uncommon

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake SP Present in Park Common

Black-tailed Rattlesnake 3 Probably Present

Western Rattlesnake SX Present in Park Common

TOTAL RANK 1 4

TOTAL RANK 2 3

TOTAL RANK 3 5

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 20

WEIGHTED TOTAL 26.2

ESTIMATED INVENTORY 

COMPLETENESS

76%
69

Table E-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of El Malpais National Monument, 2002-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 1-ha 

time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, ND = night drive, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS NGS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS

ND RE Total

Tiger Salamander 30 30

Plains Spadefoot 7 7

Mexican Spadefoot 4 15

Mountain Treefrog 4 4

Western Chorus Frog 2 2

Eastern Collared Lizard 61 7

Lesser Earless Lizard 2 2 15

Greater Short-horned Lizard 11 2

Eastern Fence Lizard 41 31 13 2 87

Ornate Tree Lizard 12 1 13

Great Plains Skink 5 5

Plateau Striped Whiptail 57 3 22 3 85

Striped Whipsnake 5 27

Gopher Snake 1 9 5 15

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 1

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 1 1

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake 1 1

Western Rattlesnake 4 4

TOTAL 131 32 36 38 26 18 281
70 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Figure 6. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at El Malpais National Monument, 2002-2003. Yearly survey days are 

separated by a vertical line through the data.

El Malpais Species Accumulation 2002-2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

13579

1113151719212325272931333537

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d Cumulative Number of Species Found
71

ELMO is located south of the Zuni Mountains in Cibola 

County, New Mexico, west of El Malpais National Monument. 

Elevation ranges between 2,183 and 2,304 m (7,162-7,559 

ft). The monument encompasses 418 ha (1,032 acres), and 

was established to protect a sandstone monolith known as 

Inscription Rock, which bears inscriptions of Spanish explorers and more recent American settlers. Habitats at ELMO 

include pinyon-juniper woodland and ponderosa pine-Gambel 

oak forests. The large sandstone cuesta forms a box canyon, 

which contains a diversity of shrubby and rocky microhabitats 

probably important to amphibians and reptiles. A pool at the 

base of Inscription Rock that traps rainwater runoff has been 

stabilized with a retaining wall in historic times, providing a 

permanent source of water within the monument. Additional 

information on natural resources at ELMO is presented in the 

park narratives section (Appendix D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 99 person-hours surveying for 

herpetofauna at ELMO in 2001-2003. Methods used, and number of person-hours spent on each method, included general surveys (58.2), nocturnal general surveys (7.4), random 1-ha TACS 

plot surveys (8.3), random 10-ha TACS plot surveys (6.2), 

non-random 1-ha TACS plot surveys (3.3), and night driving 

(15.3). We recorded 256 individual amphibians and reptiles of 

12 species during our surveys, and documented five additional 

species based on our review of the literature and museum specimen records. A summary of the total number of each species 

observed by each method is presented in Table F-2. See Table 5 

for voucher specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at ELMO

Between our surveys at ELMO and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 81% (Table F-1). A species accumulation curve based 

on our surveys (Figure F-1) has not begun to level off, suggesting we are not very close to reaching inventory completeness. 

Detecting the remaining species at ELMO will require much 

greater field effort and more targeted searches during favorable 

conditions.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), and the USGS 

Biological Survey Collection for amphibians and reptiles 

from ELMO. We used dot distribution maps in Degenhardt 

et al. (1996) to help us evaluate potential occurrence of some 

species, based on the proximity of locality dots to ELMO. We 

also extracted specimen records cited in Gehlbach (1965), 

which included a number of records from ELMO. 

We located museum specimen records for nine species at 

ELMO (Appendix T). In addition, we located a specimen of 

Many-lined Skink from near ELMO, a species we observed 

but did not voucher within the monument. Gehlbach (1965) 

collected specimens at ELMO, and presented a thorough 

review of the herpetofauna of the entire Zuni Mountains 

region. McCallum (1979) conducted an amphibian and reptile 

inventory at ELMO in 1978-1979, Stolz (1986a) summarized 

the herpetofauna of the monument, and Stolz (1986b) discussed the herpetofauna of the pool below Inscription Rock. 

Although unable to locate copies of the two Stolz reports, 

we did locate numerous wildlife observation cards (on file at 

ELMO), many of them recorded by Stolz, including details of 

the fish eradication and subsequent amphibian reintroductions 

of the pool below Inscription Rock.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

No threatened or sensitive species have been documented 

from ELMO, although Ring-necked Snake has a spotty 

distribution in the region and the ELMO population may be 

isolated. The discovery of Mountain Treefrog at El Malpais 

National Monument suggests it could occur in or near ELMO 

as well, and if present breeding habitats used by the species 

may warrant conservation attention. Road mortality may 

impact some snake populations near State Route 53, especially 

if traffic were to substantially increase in the future.

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at ELMO is 

only 81%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles may 

be warranted. If conducted, future inventory effort could focus 

on documenting snakes (e.g., Ring-necked Snake, Milk Snake, 

Striped Whipsnake, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake, Blacktailed Rattlesnake) that may occur within the monument, or 

have been observed but not collected. Without the benefit of 

extensive roads available for night driving surveys, locating 

many snake species may require substantial field effort and 

Appendix F. El Morro National Monument (ELMO)
72 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

different methods, such as funnel or pitfall traps. In addition, 

our discovery of Mountain Treefrog at El Malpais National 

Monument suggests that additional populations may occur 

in the region, possibly in and near ELMO. Searches of cattle 

tanks, roadside ditches, and other temporary water sources 

during the summer monsoon season offer the best chance of 

detecting Mountain Treefrog.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at ELMO to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At ELMO, amphibian 

monitoring may be limited to periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) of 

known breeding sites, such as the pool below Inscription Rock 

(Tiger Salamanders) and the cattle tank just across the monument boundary fence south of the visitor center area (spadefoot toads). However, the NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, and diurnal lizards are 

the reptile group best suited to monitoring across the SCPN. 

Methods could include either time-constrained searches 

or transect surveys (such as along visitor trails) during the 

morning or dusk hours. At ELMO, Eastern Fence Lizard and 

Plateau Striped Whiptail are good candidates for long-term 

monitoring, because these species are common throughout the 

monument and at most SCPN parks, making network-wide 

comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at ELMO

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at ELMO, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

ELMO, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. Status of all documented and hypothetical species at ELMO, as well as NPSpecies checklist 

field assignments, are presented in Table F-1. An asterisk (*) 

denotes a species represented by a voucher specimen.

Species Documented from El Morro National 

Monument

*Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 

Most of our observations of Tiger Salamanders were of 

large larval (probably neotenic) individuals in the pool below 

Inscription Rock, but we also observed terrestrial adults 

while night driving. Although salamanders occupied the pool 

early in the twentieth century (McCallum 1979), they were 

apparently absent during McCallum’s surveys in the 1970’s; 

he speculated this absence was due to the presence of fish 

which were introduced when the pool’s dam was enlarged and 

the water level stabilized. In 1986 and 1987, the fish (yellow perch, Perca flavescens) were killed with Rotenone and 

Tiger Salamanders were reintroduced into the pool, as part of 

a herpetofaunal restoration plan (Stolz 1986b, unpublished 

park natural history observation cards). Tiger Salamanders are 

probably common at ELMO.

*Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) 

We observed only four individual spadefoot toads (three 

of this species), likely due to the drought conditions that 

prevailed during the inventory period. Both spadefoot species 

were recorded at ELMO by Gehlbach (1965) and McCallum 

(1979), and Gary Stolz observed hundreds of both species 

after heavy rain events at ELMO in 1987 (wildlife observation 

cards on file at ELMO). Plains Spadefoot is probably common 

at ELMO.

*Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) 

We observed only a single Mexican Spadefoot during 

our surveys, but this and the Plains Spadefoot are probably 

both common at ELMO. Both species breed in temporary 

pools formed during the summer monsoon season, such as the 

earthen stock tank near the ELMO south boundary. Gary Stolz 

observed hundreds of both spadefoot species after heavy rain 

events at ELMO in 1987 (wildlife observation cards on file at 

ELMO). Mexican Spadefoot is probably common at ELMO.

Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) 

We did not observe any Woodhouse’s Toads during our 

inventory. Gehlbach (1965) did not collect any specimens 

from ELMO, and the only specimen he reported from the 

area was from what is now the northern part of El Malpais 

National Monument, to the east of ELMO. However, McCallum (1979) reported Woodhouse’s Toads in and near the pool 

below Inscription Rock, and suggested they probably occur 

throughout the ELMO area. Four adult and approximately 100 
73

tadpoles of Woodhouse’s toad were introduced into the pool 

below Inscription Rock in 1986 and 1987, respectively, as part 

of a herpetofaunal restoration plan (Stolz 1986b, unpublished 

park natural history observation cards). More work is needed 

to determine the distribution and abundance of this species in 

the ELMO region.

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata) 

We did not observe this species, although McCallum 

(1979) found a single individual in sandy shrubland habitat 

at ELMO. Gehlbach (1965) did not report the species from 

near ELMO, although it is locally common south and east of 

the lava flows at El Malpais National Monument. A wildlife 

observation card on file at ELMO documents a sighting of 

Lesser Earless Lizard in 1985, along the main park road near 

the road to park housing. Future inventory work should focus 

on determining the status of Lesser Earless Lizard within and 

near the monument.

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) 

This was the most abundant species during our surveys 

at ELMO, as it was during an inventory conducted by McCallum (1979). Eastern Fence Lizards are found throughout the 

monument, where they are frequently observed on rocks, trees, 

or buildings.

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) 

We observed only a single Tree Lizard at ELMO, on a 

fallen tree in Box Canyon. McCallum (1979) described it as 

an uncommon resident of rock faces at ELMO, and all of their 

limited observations were in Box Canyon as well. Gehlbach 

(1965) found it restricted to rocky areas in the Zuni Mountains 

region, which is generally true throughout much of its range in 

New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996).

*Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

We observed only a single Greater Short-horned Lizard 

during our surveys, but this cryptic species is probably common at ELMO. McCallum (1979) described it as being fairly 

common in open areas within the monument.

Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus) 

This species was not reported previously from ELMO 

(McCallum 1979), although Gehlbach (1965) collected a specimen 3.2 km (2 mi) west of the monument. We found three 

Many-lined Skinks during our surveys: one west of Inscription 

Rock along the trail below the mesa, one in Box Canyon, and 

one near the campground. Although two of these were caught 

and handled, our collecting activities were restricted during 

this time, and as a result the species remains unvouchered 

from the monument. 

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

This unisexual whiptail was the second most common 

species found during our surveys. McCallum (1979) reported 

it to be an uncommon species, suggesting that populations 

may have increased since the 1970’s. Cnemidophorus velox

is actually a complex of mostly undescribed species (Wright 

1993). More than one species may be present at ELMO, as it 

appears is the case nearby at El Malpais National Monument 

(ELMA), where we collected a larger sample of specimens. 

Future studies on the systematics of the Plateau Striped Whiptail should include large samples from the ELMO and ELMA 

region.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) 

This species has a spotty, relictual distribution throughout the southwest (Stebbins 2003), and has been collected 

in the ELMO region near El Malpais National Monument, 

and just south of Thoreau (Degenhardt et al. 1996, Gehlbach 

1965). We located a report from 1983 of this species at ELMO 

(wildlife observation card on file at ELMO). The snake had 

been run over by a bicycle on the road to park housing, and 

the individual was well described (“fluorescent orange ring 

around neck & belly – dark grey body”). Ring-necked Snakes 

probably occur as isolated populations throughout the Zuni 

Mountains region, in areas that have the permanent subsurface 

moisture required by this species (Degenhardt et al. 1996). 

*Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) 

Prior to our surveys, this species had not been collected 

in Cibola County (Degenhardt et al. 1996). We collected a 

single individual in the ELMO campground (Persons and 

Nowak 2005c). This secretive, nocturnal species is found in a 

variety of habitats throughout the region (e.g., Degenhardt et 

al. 1996), and is probably common at ELMO.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) 

This species has not been collected from the ELMO 

region, but Degenhardt et al. (1996) cited an unverified report 

from the monument. This observation was made in 1984 near 

Inscription Rock, and was reasonably well described (wildlife 

observation card on file at ELMO). Although in Arizona this 

species is largely restricted to grasslands (Nowak and Persons, 

unpublished data), it is found in a variety of habitats in New 

Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), including higher elevation 

woodlands. It is therefore likely to occur at ELMO.

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) 

This widespread species has not been collected from 

the immediate vicinity of ELMO, although it has been found 

throughout the El Malpais National Monument area to the 

east and near Nutria to the north (Degenhardt et al. 1996). 

We located two reports of sightings of this species at ELMO 
74 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

(wildlife observation cards on file at ELMO). In addition, 

McCallum (1979) reported an observation at ELMO of a long 

snake seen gliding into a hole that he suggested might have 

been this species. Striped Whipsnakes sometimes range up 

into ponderosa pine forest (personal observation), although 

in New Mexico they are usually associated with rocky and 

brushy foothills habitats, including in pinyon-juniper woodland (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Striped whipsnakes are probably uncommon at ELMO.

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) 

This generalist species is common at ELMO, and is probably found in every habitat within the monument. 

*Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) 

We observed eight Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes at 

ELMO, the most of any snake species seen during our inventory. Although most common in aquatic microhabitats, this 

species often wanders far from water, and probably occurs 

throughout the monument.

*Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) 

We observed only a single Western Rattlesnake at ELMO 

during a night driving survey. This widespread species appears 

to be uncommon at ELMO, although it probably occurs in all 

habitats throughout the monument.

Species That Possibly Occur at El Morro 

National Monument

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) 

Although this species has been collected near Grants 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996, Gehlbach 1965), Gehlbach (1965) 

noted that it had not been found above 2,073 m (6,800 ft) 

elevation in the Zuni Mountains region, suggesting it may not 

occur at ELMO. Gary Stolz reported seeing a Red-spotted 

Toad at ELMO in 1986 (wildlife observation card on file at 

ELMO), but the individual was not well described. Because 

Red-spotted Toads prefer rocky habitats, if present at ELMO 

they would most likely occur on the mesa top, where they may 

breed in tinajas filled during the summer monsoon season.

Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) 

The Canyon Treefrog is fairly common in rocky habitats 

to the east at ELMA, and could occur at ELMO. If present, it 

would most likely be found breeding in tinajas on the mesa 

top (McCallum 1979).

Mountain Treefrog (Hyla eximia) 

Prior to our discovery of this species in the northwest 

part of El Malpais National Monument, Mountain Treefrogs 

were documented in New Mexico only from the Gila River 

basin, about 143 km (89 mi) to the south (Degenhardt et al. 

1996, Monatesti et al. 2005). Our discovery lends credence to 

an unverified record from the 1870’s near Nutria, McKinley 

County, about 80 km (50 mi) northwest of ELMO. This new 

ELMA locality, near the Continental Divide, is only about 

21 km (13 mi) east of ELMO, and suggests the species could 

occur near or within the monument. Mountain Treefrogs 

breed in temporary pools during the summer monsoon season 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996) and at ELMO might be found in 

stock tanks or roadside ditches.

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) 

This species has been collected just north of ELMO, near 

the headwaters of the Zuni River (Degenhardt et al. 1996). 

We also heard Western Chorus Frogs calling from a stock 

tank in the northwestern part of ELMA, just east of ELMO, 

during our surveys there. Tadpoles of this species were introduced into the pool below Inscription Rock in 1987 (wildlife 

observation card on file at ELMO), as part of a herpetofauna 

restoration of the pool (Stolz 1986b), but the species has not 

been observed since. If present at ELMO, these little frogs 

would most likely breed in temporary pools such as stock 

tanks or roadside ditches, especially ones bordered by emergent vegetation.

Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) 

This species, which is common to the east at ELMA, 

has not been collected or observed in the vicinity of ELMO. 

Although it could occur in rocky habitats on the mesa top, the 

fact that this large, colorful lizard has never been reported suggests it may be absent from the monument.

Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) 

Sagebrush Lizards are common over most of the Colorado Plateau, and in the ELMO area are almost entirely 

confined to Colorado Plateau drainages such as the Zuni and 

Puerco Rivers, just west and north of the monument (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Sagebrush Lizards occupy a variety of 

habitats, usually with sandy soils and fairly dense shrub cover. 

Based on biogeography and habitat availability, Sagebrush 

Lizards could occur at or near ELMO.

Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus) 

This large skink has been collected east of ELMO, near 

ELMA, just east of the Continental Divide. Gehlbach (1965) 

stated that the species probably does not occur on the Colorado Plateau to the north of the Zuni Mountains region, but 

based on its occurrence near El Malpais National Monument, 

it may also be found at ELMO. Skinks are usually associated 

with mesic microhabitats (Degenhardt et al. 1996, Stebbins 

2003), and the occurrence of another species (Many-lined 

Skink) at ELMO suggests that suitable habitat may exist for 

the Great Plains Skink as well.
75

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora grahamiae)

This species has been collected south of Grants near the 

eastern edge of the lava flows at ELMA, but in the region has 

not been found west of the Continental Divide (Degenhardt 

et al. 1996, Gehlbach 1965). Mountain Patch-nosed Snakes 

are usually associated with rough or broken terrain (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and if present at ELMO would be probably 

be found in Box Canyon or on the rocky, brushy slopes at the 

base of the mesa.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

This species has been collected near the eastern edge of 

the ELMA lava flows (Degenhardt et al. 1996, this study), but 

has not been recorded elsewhere in the Zuni Mountains region. 

Black-necked Garter Snakes are highly aquatic (Degenhardt 

et al. 1996), but their occurrence at ELMA, in an area with 

only semi-permanent stock tanks as water sources, suggests 

they could occur at ELMO as well. Two reports of this species 

at ELMO in the 1980’s (wildlife observation cards on file at 

ELMO) provide no details of identification, and may represent 

sightings of the variable Western Terrestrial Garter Snake.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) 

This rattlesnake has been collected on Mt. Taylor, just 

north of Grants (Gehlbach 1965), but has not been found west 

of the Continental Divide in the ELMO region (Degenhardt et 

al. 1996). Black-tailed Rattlesnakes usually prefer rocky habitats, and if present at ELMO would probably be found around 

the mesa or in Box Canyon.

Table F-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at El Morro National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander SP Present in Park Common

Plains Spadefoot SP Present in Park Common

Mexican Spadefoot SP Present in Park Common

Red-spotted Toad 2 Unconfirmed

Woodhouse’s Toad OP Present in Park Rare

Canyon Treefrog 1 Unconfirmed

Mountain Treefrog 2 Unconfirmed

Western Chorus Frog 2 Unconfirmed

Eastern Collared Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Lesser Earless Lizard OP Present in Park Rare

Greater Short-horned Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Sagebrush Lizard 2 Unconfirmed

Eastern Fence Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Many-lined Skink OX Present in Park Common

Great Plains Skink 2 Unconfirmed

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Ring-necked Snake OP Present in Park Rare

Night Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Milk Snake OP Present in Park Rare

Striped Whipsnake OP Present in Park

Gopher Snake SP Present in Park Common

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Black-necked Garter Snake 3 Probably Present
76 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table F-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of El Morro National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 1-ha 

time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, N-R TACS = non-random 1-ha TACS plot, ND = night 

drive, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS NGS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS

N-R

TACS

ND RE Total

Tiger Salamander 11 26 2 3 42

Plains Spadefoot 3 3

Mexican Spadefoot 1 1

Greater Short-horned Lizard 1 1

Eastern Fence Lizard 61 20 23 1 1 17 123

Ornate Tree Lizard 1 1

Many-lined Skink 2 13

Plateau Striped Whiptail 36 14 6 9 65

Night Snake 1 1

Gopher Snake 1 4 27

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 3 1 3 18

Western Rattlesnake 1 1

TOTAL 115 26 35 31 1 17 31 256

Table F-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at El Morro National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.—

Continued

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake SP Present in Park Common

Black-tailed Rattlesnake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Rattlesnake SP Present in Park Uncommon

TOTAL RANK 1 4

TOTAL RANK 2 5

TOTAL RANK 3 1

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 17

WEIGHTED TOTAL 21.0

ESTIMATED INVENTORY 

COMPLETENESS 81%

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance
77

Figure 7. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at El Morro National Monument, 2001-2003. Yearly survey days are 

separated by vertical lines through the data.

El Morro Species Accumulation 2001-2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d Cumulative Number of Species Found
78 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
79

GLCA is located along the Colorado River Corridor 

upstream of the Grand Canyon, in Coconino County, Arizona 

and Garfield, Kane, San Juan, and Wayne counties, Utah. Elevation ranges between 930 and 2,319 m (3,051-7,609 ft). The 

Recreation Area encompasses 506,459 ha (1,250,954 acres), 

and was established to provide recreational use of Lake Powell, created by the construction of Glen Canyon Dam at Page, 

Arizona. GLCA contains large expanses of sandstone canyons, 

and much of the area is dominated by Great Basin desertscrub. 

Pinyon-juniper woodlands and grasslands are also present, 

and riparian zones of willow and cottonwood are found along 

streams throughout the area. Additional information on natural 

resources at GLCA is presented in the park narratives section 

(Appendix D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 99 person-hours surveying for 

herpetofauna at GLCA in 2003. Methods used, and number of 

person-hours spent on each method, included general surveys 

(87.5), nocturnal general surveys (2.7), and night driving (8.9). 

We recorded 1,355 individual amphibians and reptiles of 21 

species during our surveys, and eight additional species (including one historic species that likely does not occur now) were 

documented based on our review of the literature and museum 

specimen records. A summary of the total number of each species observed by each method is presented in Table G-2. 

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at GLCA

Between our surveys at GLCA and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 76% (Table G-1). An asymptotic species accumulation 

curve (Figure G-1) suggests we are close to reaching inventory 

completeness. However, we know this is not the case, based on 

numerous species confirmed by previous collections as well as 

a number of undocumented species we consider highly likely 

to occur (Table G-1). Instead, this false asymptote suggests 

that we are close to detecting most of the common species 

using our current methods. Detecting the remaining undocumented species, many of which are small and secretive (e.g., 

Desert Night Lizard, Southwestern Black-headed Snake, Ringnecked Snake) will require much greater field effort and more 

targeted searches during favorable conditions. 

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records from Brigham Young University (BYU), the California Academy of Sciences (CAS), 

the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History (KU), 

the Los Angeles County Museum (LACM), the Museum of 

Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), the University of Texas-El Paso 

(UTEP), the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology 

(UMMZ), the University of Arizona (UAZ), the University 

of Utah (UU), and the USGS Biological Survey collection 

(USGS BS/FC, housed at MSB) for amphibians and reptiles 

from GLCA. 

We located museum specimen records for 28 species at 

GLCA (Appendix T), including one species (Painted Turtle) 

that may be extirpated within the Recreation Area. The only 

general overviews of the herpetofauna of GLCA are those of 

Tanner (1958a) and Woodbury (1958, 1959), all of which were 

produced prior to the filling of Lake Powell. Platenberg et al. 

(2003) summarized results of the current inventory effort. Mueller et al. (1998) surveyed the Escalante River within GLCA 

for aquatic species, including amphibians and reptiles. Oliver 

(2003), in a comprehensive inventory of Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument (GRST), included results from 

surveys in adjacent areas of GLCA. Craig and Pinnock (1995), 

Drost and Sogge (1995), and Spence (1996) all reported results 

of surveys for Northern Leopard Frogs at GLCA.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

Probably the rarest amphibian or reptile species at GLCA 

is the Northern Leopard Frog, which has declined in many 

parts of its range (Stebbins 2003), including at GLCA (Charles 

Drost, personal communication). Potential threats to this 

species include drought, changes in the hydrology of springs, 

and recreational use of frog habitat. While GLCA probably 

does harbor a number of regionally rare reptiles (e.g., Desert 

Night Lizard, Western Banded Gecko, Western Ground Snake, 

Southwestern Black-headed Snake), populations of these 

species are probably secure within the recreation area, and are 

unlikely to be severely impacted by human use of the area.

Appendix G. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GLCA)
80 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at GLCA is 

only 76%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles may 

be warranted. If future inventory efforts are conducted they 

could focus on documenting species considered highly likely 

to occur, including those that have been previously reported 

(e.g., Tanner 1958a) but for which specimens apparently were 

not collected. These include Greater Short-horned Lizard, 

Many-lined Skink, Plateau Striped Whiptail, Desert Night 

Lizard, Southwestern Black-headed Snake, and Black-necked 

Garter Snake. Although only one species of spadefoot toad 

(Great Basin Spadefoot) has been documented from GLCA, 

both Plains and Mexican Spadefoot may also occur, and more 

surveys would help determine the status of these species in 

and near GLCA.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at GLCA to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At GLCA, the highest 

priority will be monitoring of Northern Leopard Frog populations throughout the NRA. In addition, Canyon Treefrogs, 

which were identified as a possible indicator species for 

spring, seep, and tinaja communities across the network, may 

be included in an amphibian monitoring program at GLCA. 

Finally, spadefoots and true toads may be monitored through 

night driving, as well as through periodic visual encounter 

surveys of known breeding sites. However, the NPS may wish 

to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, and 

diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring 

across the SCPN. Methods could include either time-constrained searches or transect surveys (such as along visitor 

trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At GLCA, Sideblotched Lizard and Western Whiptail may be good candidates 

for monitoring, because these species are abundant throughout 

the NRA. Eastern Fence Lizard and Tree Lizard could also 

be monitored, because they are common at GLCA and many 

SCPN parks, making network-wide comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at GLCA

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at GLCA, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

GLCA, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) below denotes a species 

represented by a voucher specimen. Status of all documented 

and hypothetical species at GLCA, as well as NPSpecies 

checklist field assignments, are presented in Table G-1.

Species Documented from Glen Canyon National 

Recreation Area

*Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 

We did not observe this species in 2003. We located one 

museum specimen record of an individual collected along the 

San Juan River in GLCA. Although apparently not common, 

Tiger Salamanders probably occur in other parts of the recreation area, especially less-visited areas away from the Colorado and San Juan rivers, where they may breed in cattle tanks 

or pools in smaller side canyons.

*Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana) 

We observed only 11 spadefoot toads during our surveys, 

all of which we identified as this species. Most of these were 

seen in Last Chance Creek. Great Basin Spadefoot probably 

occurs throughout much of GLCA, although many authors 

(e.g., Hall 1998, Stebbins 2003) depict the species as occurring only west of the Colorado River. Future surveys should be 

directed towards determining the distribution of this and other 

spadefoots in the GLCA region.

*Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) 

We observed 181 Red-spotted Toads during our surveys. 

This species generally prefers rocky canyon areas (Stebbins 

2003), and is abundant throughout GLCA.

*Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) 

We observed 516 Woodhouse’s Toads in 2003 (including 

many young of the year metamorphs), the most individuals 

of any amphibian or reptile species at GLCA. Woodhouse’s 

Toads are abundant at GLCA, especially in sandy floodplain 

habitats. They were the only amphibian species observed 

along the lower Escalante River by Mueller et al. (1998).
81

*Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) 

We observed 24 Canyon Treefrogs at GLCA. This species is probably common in appropriate habitat (rocky canyons 

with permanent or semi-permanent tinajas) throughout the 

recreation area.

*Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) 

Northern Leopard Frogs occur at a number of sites along 

and near the Colorado River at GLCA (Charles Drost, personal 

communication). Craig and Pinnock (1995), Drost and Sogge 

(1995), and Spence (1996) all reported results of surveys for 

Northern Leopard Frogs at GLCA, and current studies by staff 

of the USGS Colorado Plateau Research Station will provide 

detailed distribution and status information on the species in 

the recreation area. We observed Northern Leopard Frogs in 

Ribbon Canyon, Last Chance Creek, and along the Escalante 

River near Explorer Canyon. Populations of many species of 

leopard frogs in Arizona have seriously declined (Clarkson 

and Rorabaugh 1989), including at GLCA. For example, at the 

only known site in the Arizona portion of GLCA (Horseshoe 

Bend), Drost and Sogge (1995) recorded as many as 81 leopard frogs in a single day, whereas recent surveys have detected 

no more than two frogs (Charles Drost, personal communication).

*Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) 

Painted Turtles apparently occurred in the Colorado River 

in Glen Canyon prior to the construction of Glen Canyon 

Dam, but have not been documented since. Woodbury (1959) 

recounted specimens collected in 1937 (mouth of Rock 

Creek), 1951 (Labyrinth Canyon), and 1958 (Face Canyon). 

Apparently, only the Face Canyon specimen (UAZ 39731) still 

exists. Populations of Painted Turtles on and near the Colorado 

Plateau have a spotty distribution (e.g., Degenhardt et al. 1996, 

Stebbins 2003), and the species is probably extirpated from 

GLCA.

*Great Basin Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores)

We observed only seven collared lizards at GLCA, all of 

this species. The Great Basin Collared Lizard probably occurs 

throughout most of GLCA, although it has been documented 

primarily along and west of the Colorado River (McGuire 

1996, Stebbins 2003). The Eastern Collared Lizard may 

replace this species along the San Juan River portion of GLCA 

(McGuire 1996).

*Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) 

We observed 18 Long-nosed Leopard Lizards in 2003, 

and the species is probably common throughout GLCA.

*Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) 

We found only one Desert Horned Lizard at GLCA, at 

Lee’s Ferry. This desert-adapted species occurs only in the 

extreme southern portion of GLCA (Stebbins 2003), and has 

been collected at Rock Creek and the Crossing of the Fathers.

*Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus) 

We observed only five Common Chuckwallas at GLCA, 

in the areas around Lee’s Ferry and Glen Canyon Dam. This 

large, herbivorous lizard only occurs in rocky areas along and 

near the Colorado River corridor in the GLCA region, and has 

been recorded as far upstream as the vicinity of Hite (Bosworth 2003, Tanner and Avery 1964). Neither Crother (2000) 

or Stebbins (2003) recognize subspecies of Common Chuckwalla, including the Glen Canyon Chuckwalla described by 

Tanner and Avery (1964).

Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) 

We detected only two Sagebrush Lizards during our 

surveys in 2003, both in pinyon-juniper habitat in the vicinity 

of Muley Point near the San Juan River, at the extreme eastern 

edge of GLCA. We located museum specimen records from 

Crossing of the Fathers and Lake Canyon. However, these are 

low elevation sites where Sagebrush Lizards are less likely to 

occur, and the identity of these specimens should be verified. 

Oliver (2003) recorded Sagebrush Lizards from numerous 

sites at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument just 

west of GLCA, and the species probably occurs in higher 

elevation pinyon-juniper habitats at other locations throughout 

the recreation area.

*Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) 

This large lizard is common in rocky habitats throughout 

the lower elevations of GLCA. Desert Spiny Lizards can be 

easily observed in places such as Lee’s Ferry or near Glen 

Canyon Dam.

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) 

The Eastern Fence Lizard is abundant in many habitats 

across the Colorado Plateau, and is found throughout GLCA. 

However, it is less common than at many other SCPN parks, 

because Desert Spiny Lizard and Side-blotched Lizard are more 

common throughout the low elevation desert habitats at GLCA.

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) 

The Tree Lizard is abundant throughout GLCA, and is 

usually found on rock faces and boulders, and less commonly 

on trees.
82 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

*Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) 

This was the most frequently observed lizard observed 

during our surveys, and it is particularly abundant in rocky 

areas throughout the lower elevation desert habitats at GLCA.

*Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris) 

This was the second most frequently observed lizard during our surveys (after the Side-blotched Lizard), and the only 

species of whiptail we observed. Western Whiptails probably 

occur throughout GLCA, although they are most abundant in 

the lower elevation desert habitats.

*Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) 

Until recently, this nocturnal lizard was unknown from 

the GLCA region, with the closest populations occurring in 

extreme southwestern Utah and within the central Grand Canyon (Stebbins 1985). Brennan et al. (2002) reported a Western Banded Gecko from Antelope Point within GLCA, and 

Persons and Nowak (2004a) discovered the species at Wupatki 

National Monument north of Flagstaff. Both of these reports 

suggest that this species may be more widespread in low 

elevations in the Colorado River basin in the GLCA region. 

All of these new records were of individuals found under 

sandstone slabs in Great Basin Desertscrub habitats, and the 

species should be searched for in similar habitats throughout 

the southern portion of GLCA.

*Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) 

We did not find any Glossy Snakes at GLCA during our 

surveys, and only a handful of specimens have been collected 

within the recreation area. All specimen records we located 

were from the extreme southern portion of GLCA, in the 

vicinity of Page and Glen Canyon Dam. Bosworth (2003) 

plots a record further north in GLCA, near Hall’s Crossing, but 

does not mention it in the text. Many of the records plotted in 

Bosworth (2003) are based on sight records, not specimens, so 

the validity of this record is questionable. However, because 

Glossy Snakes are known from a variety of habitats nearby in 

Arizona, including both Great Basin Desertscrub and grassland (e.g., Drost et al. 2001, Persons 2001a), the species may 

occur more widely in the southern portion of GLCA.

*Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) 

We observed two Night Snakes in and near GLCA, one 

in Coyote Gulch and one near Ticaboo. This small, nocturnal 

species is probably common throughout GLCA.

*Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) 

We observed one Common Kingsnake, near Lee’s Ferry. 

The limited number of records from the region suggests the 

species is uncommon, but is probably distributed throughout 

GLCA (Bosworth 2003).

*Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) 

We observed eight Striped Whipsnakes at GLCA in 2003. 

This fast, diurnal species is probably common in all habitats 

throughout the recreation area.

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) 

This generalist snake species is common in most habitats 

throughout the Southwest, but we observed only two individuals at GLCA. Gopher Snakes probably occur throughout the 

recreation area.

*Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) 

Tanner and Heinrichs (1964) first recorded the desertadapted Long-nosed Snake from the GLCA region of southeastern Utah near Wahweap, and this is still the only portion 

of the recreation area where the species has been found. 

Oliver (2003) observed an individual in the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument west of GLCA. Grogan and 

Tanner (1974) plotted a record in San Juan County, Utah, 

probably near the San Juan River west of Mexican Hat, and 

this reference is probably the basis for the range depicted in 

Stebbins (2003). We could not locate a specimen from this 

area, and Cox and Tanner (1995) do not map this area as 

within the range of the species, suggesting Tanner may have 

later questioned the Grogan and Tanner (1974) record. However, the existence of an isolated population in Carbon County, 

Utah, north of GLCA (Grogan and Tanner 1974), suggests the 

species at least formerly occupied much of the Colorado River 

region in eastern Utah, and populations may exist elsewhere in 

the area, including within GLCA.

*Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis) 

We observed three Western Patch-nosed Snakes at GLCA, 

all in the Lee’s Ferry area. The species has only been recorded 

from the extreme southern portion of GLCA (Bosworth 2003).

Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) 

Oliver (2003), in a survey of Grand Staircase-Escalante 

National Monument, recorded two Western Ground Snakes, 

one of which was actually found outside the monument in 

GLCA, west of Last Chance Bay. These constitute the first 

records of this species from the GLCA region (Stebbins 2003). 

Unfortunately, Oliver (2003) apparently did not collect these 

specimens, but did provide UTM coordinates, which could 

facilitate collecting a voucher specimen from the population in 

GLCA. In addition, Atwood et al. (1980) reported a Western 

Ground Snake on US Highway 89 seven miles southeast of 

Glen Canyon City (=Big Water). However, this and other 

specimens in the “Navajo-Kaiparowits reference collection” 

collected by personnel of Brigham Young University in the 

early 1970’s (Atwood et al. 1980) have apparently been lost 

(Skip Skidmore, BYU, personal communication). Western 
83

Ground Snakes could conceivably be found in a variety of 

habitats throughout GLCA.

*Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) 

We did not observe this species during our surveys, 

and located only one museum specimen record from 

GLCA, collected in Smith Fork Canyon in 1961. Woodbury 

(1959) mentions a specimen collected along the Colorado 

River at Rock Creek during the Rainbow Bridge-Monument Valley expedition in 1937, but we did not locate a 

record for this specimen. Although common over most of 

the western United States, the Western Terrestrial Garter 

Snake appears to be rare at GLCA. Oliver (2003) found this 

species only in the western and northern portions of Grand 

Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with no records 

close to the boundary with GLCA. This species should be 

searched for in higher elevation aquatic habitats in the area, 

such as along the upper Escalante River and its tributary 

side canyons.

*Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) 

We observed only five Western Rattlesnakes at GLCA; 

of these, three were identified to subspecies as Midget 

Faded Rattlesnakes (C. v. concolor). Douglas et al. (2002) 

recorded both Midget Faded Rattlesnakes and Grand Canyon 

Rattlesnakes (C. v. abyssus) from GLCA, including the first 

record of Grand Canyon Rattlesnake from Utah. Brennan 

and Holycross (2004) reported a specimen of Midget Faded 

Rattlesnake from Labyrinth Canyon, the first record of that 

subspecies from Arizona. Based on the occurrence of Prairie 

Rattlesnakes (C. v. viridis) on Cedar Mesa east of GLCA 

(Douglas et al. 2002; Persons, personal observation), that 

subspecies would be expected to occur along the eastern San 

Juan River portion of GLCA.

Species That Possibly Occur at Glen Canyon 

National Recreation Area

Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) 

Stebbins (2003) maps the range of this species as lying 

east of the Colorado River in extreme southeastern Utah, suggesting it may occur in GLCA, especially along the San Juan 

River portion of the recreation area. 

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) 

Like the Plains Spadefoot, this species occurs in southeastern Utah east of the Colorado River (Stebbins 2003), and 

is often found together with the similar Plains Spadefoot in 

other parts of its range (personal observation). This species 

almost certainly occurs in the eastern part of GLCA. 

Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus) 

This species has been found in southeastern Utah to the 

north and east of GLCA (Krupa 1990), and may occur within 

the recreation area as well. Atwood et al. (1980) reported 

Great Plains Toad from Last Chance Creek in GLCA, but this 

and other specimens in the “Navajo-Kaiparowits reference 

collection” collected by personnel of Brigham Young University in the early 1970’s (Atwood et al. 1980) have apparently 

been lost (Skip Skidmore, BYU, personal communication). 

Although the record of Atwood et al. (1980) may be based on 

a misidentification of another species, Great Plains Toads may 

occur at GLCA, most likely along the eastern (e.g., San Juan 

River region) or northern edges of the recreation area.

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) 

Bullfrogs, which are native to the eastern United States, 

have become widely established in the west (Stebbins 2003). 

Although not reported from GLCA, it is conceivable that 

sportsmen could introduce the species to Lake Powell, and 

future surveys, especially in areas inhabited by Northern Leopard Frogs, should be alert to this possibility.

Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) 

We did not observe this species of collared lizard during 

our surveys in 2003. We located two specimen records for 

Eastern Collared Lizard at GLCA, but suspect these specimens 

may be misidentified. Both specimens were collected before 

the recognition of the Great Basin Collared Lizard as a separate species (e.g. Tanner 1958a), and were collected at Lee’s 

Ferry and along the Colorado River below Last Chance Creek, 

areas known to be inhabited by the Great Basin Collared Lizard. However, the Eastern Collared Lizard has been recorded 

from the San Juan River region in Utah (McGuire 1996), as 

well as at Natural Bridges National Monument on Cedar Mesa 

(personal observation), and almost certainly occurs along or 

near the San Juan River (e.g., Muley Point) within the boundaries of GLCA.

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata) 

Hammerson (1999) plots a locality for Lesser Earless 

Lizard in extreme southeastern Utah, near the Colorado border, 

which is apparently the only report of the species from Utah. 

Woodbury (1958) noted its absence from GLCA, and Atwood 

et al. (1980) recorded the species along US Highway 89 south 

of Page, but not further north in GLCA. Lesser Earless Lizards 

usually occupy grasslands in the region, and probably do not 

occur in the desert habitats in the southern portion of GLCA 

(e.g., Lee’s Ferry, Glen Canyon Dam area). Recent reptile surveys in grassland habitats at GLCA did not detect this species 

(Charles Drost, personal communication). If the Lesser Earless 

Lizard occurs at GLCA, it would be most likely to be found 

along the San Juan River portion of the recreation area.
84 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) 

Oddly, this widespread species has not been positively 

recorded from GLCA. Atwood et al. (1980) reported the species from areas on Nipple Bench and near Warm Creek Bay, 

but these may have been misidentifications of the Desert 

Horned Lizard, which is known from this portion of GLCA. 

These and other specimens in the “Navajo-Kaiparowits reference collection” collected by personnel of Brigham Young 

University in the early 1970’s (Atwood et al. 1980) have 

apparently been lost (Skip Skidmore, BYU, personal communication). Oliver (2003) only found Greater Short-horned 

Lizards in the northern and western parts of Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument, and suggested the species 

may be absent from low elevations in the southeastern portion of the monument, i.e., adjacent to GLCA. This species 

almost certainly occurs in the moderate and higher elevation 

habitats at GLCA (e.g., upper Escalante River drainage, 

northern areas adjacent to Canyonlands National Park, San 

Juan River corridor).

Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus) 

This species ranges over much of the Colorado Plateau, 

but in Utah occurs only in the region east of the Colorado 

River (Stebbins 2003). If present at GLCA, it would most 

likely be found in more mesic habitats (canyon bottoms, pinyon-juniper woodlands) in the northern or eastern portions of 

the recreation area.

Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox) 

Woodbury (1959) mentioned specimens collected at 

Rock Creek during the Rainbow Bridge-Monument Valley 

Expedition in the 1930’s, and are probably those identified as 

“Cnemidophorus species” in the University of Utah catalog. 

No other specimens of this unisexual whiptail species appear 

to have been collected from GLCA. Oliver (2003) plotted two 

sightings in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 

close to the boundary of GLCA, and the species occurs on 

Cedar Mesa to the east (Persons, personal observation), suggesting they probably occur at various locations throughout 

the recreation area.

Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis) 

Stebbins (2003) depicted the southeastern Utah range of 

this small, secretive species as broadly overlapping the central 

portion of GLCA. However, this is based on localities just 

west (Trachyte Creek NW of Hite) and east (Natural Bridges 

National Monument) of GLCA (Tanner 1957, 1958b). These 

records do suggest, however, that the species may occur within 

the recreation area. In addition, Oliver (2003) recently discovered a population west of GLCA in Grand Staircase-Escalante 

National Monument, and Jim Mead (Northern Arizona University, personal communication) observed a live Desert Night 

Lizard in a packrat midden in Salt Creek in Canyonlands 

National Park, north of GLCA.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) 

Although this secretive species has not been found in 

Utah east of the central mountains (Cox and Tanner 1995, 

Stebbins 2003), it has a disjunct, spotty distribution throughout 

the southwest (Stebbins 2003). Isolated populations of Ringnecked Snake could conceivably occur in mesic microhabitats 

(along streams, near seeps or springs) almost anywhere in 

GLCA.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) 

The Milk Snake has a disjunct distribution in the Colorado Plateau region, occupying primarily grassland habitats 

in northern Arizona and higher elevation woodlands in the 

mountains of central Utah. Although the species has not been 

reported from the immediate vicinity of GLCA (Stebbins 

2003), it could conceivably occur almost anywhere in the 

recreation area. An unverified sight record from Hovenweep 

National Monument in extreme southeastern Utah (Persons 

and Nowak 2004b) suggests the species could be found in the 

San Juan River portion of GLCA.

Southwestern Black-headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi) 

Cole and Hardy (1981) cited specimens from the Henry 

Mountains as the only records of this species near GLCA. 

Bosworth (2003) plotted additional localities, including one in 

the vicinity of Hall’s Creek, possibly within GLCA. However, Bosworth (2003) did not include data on these locality 

dots, and these may include unverified sight records as well 

as specimens. Tim Graham (USGS Canyonlands Research 

Station, Moab, Utah, personal communication) has captured 

Southwestern Black-headed Snakes in pitfall traps in Salt 

Creek in Canyonlands National Park, just north of GLCA. It 

seems likely that isolated populations of this small, secretive 

species occur within the recreation area.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) 

While there are no specimens of this species from GLCA, 

it is known to occur in the Moab area north of the recreation 

area and along the San Juan River in southeastern Utah (Stebbins 2003). Woodbury (1958) reported an observation made 

by an observer he believed credible, in Smith Fork Canyon, 

within what is now GLCA. The Black-necked Garter Snake 

almost certainly occurs within GLCA.
85

Table G-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Ranking of 

probability of species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, except for Bullfrog, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are 

“breeder” and “native,” respectively. If found, the Bullfrog would be non-native for residency.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander SP Present in Park Uncommon

Plains Spadefoot 2 Unconfirmed

Great Basin Spadefoot SP Present in Park Uncommon

Mexican Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Great Plains Toad 2 Unconfirmed

Red-spotted Toad SP Present in Park Abundant

Woodhouse’s Toad SP Present in Park Abundant

Canyon Treefrog SP Present in Park Common

Bullfrog 1 Unconfirmed

Northern Leopard Frog SP Present in Park Uncommon

Painted Turtle 1 Historic Rare

Great Basin Collared Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Eastern Collared Lizard 3 Probably Present

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Lesser Earless Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Greater Short-horned Lizard 3 Probably Present

Desert Horned Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Common Chuckwalla SP Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Desert Spiny Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Side-blotched Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Many-lined Skink 2 Unconfirmed

Western Whiptail SP Present in Park Abundant

Plateau Striped Whiptail 3 Probably Present

Desert Night Lizard 3 Probably Present

Western Banded Gecko SP Present in Park Rare

Glossy Snake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Ring-necked Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Night Snake SP Present in Park Common

Common Kingsnake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Milk Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Striped Whipsnake SP Present in Park Common

Gopher Snake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Long-nosed Snake SP Present in Park Rare

Western Patch-nosed Snake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Western Ground Snake OP Present in Park Rare

Southwestern Black-headed Snake 3 Probably Present

Black-necked Garter Snake 3 Probably Present

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake SP Present in Park Rare

Western Rattlesnake SP Present in Park Common

TOTAL RANK 1 4

TOTAL RANK 2 4

TOTAL RANK 3 7

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 27

WEIGHTED TOTAL 35.5

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 76%
86 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table G-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in 2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, ND = night drive, and 

RE = random encounter.

Species GS NGS ND RE Total

Great Basin Spadefoot 4 7 11

Red-spotted Toad 160 9 5 7 181

Woodhouse’s Toad 156 27 1 332 516

Canyon Treefrog 14 4 5 23

Northern Leopard Frog 20 4 24

Great Basin Collared Lizard 5 2 7

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 2 1 15 18

Desert Horned Lizard 1 1

Common Chuckwalla 1 4 5

Sagebrush Lizard 2 2

Desert Spiny Lizard 44 14 58

Eastern Fence Lizard 25 8 33

Ornate Tree Lizard 48 9 57

Side-blotched Lizard 203 59 262

Western Whiptail 107 29 136

Night Snake 2 2

Common Kingsnake 1 1

Striped Whipsnake 4 4 8

Gopher Snake 1 1 2

Western Patch-nosed Snake 1 2 3

Western Rattlesnake 1 2 2 5

TOTAL 796 44 9 506 1,355

Glen Canyon Species Accumulation 2003

0

5

10

15

20

25

13579

1113151719212325272931333537394143

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d

Figure G-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 2003. Cumulative Number of Species Found
87

GRCA is located in north-central Arizona, along 445 km 

(278 mi) of the Colorado River. Elevation ranges between 348 

and 2,798 m (1,142-9,180 ft). The park encompasses 489,529 

ha (1,209,137 acres), and was established to protect a very 

large canyon. Habitats at GRCA range from desertscrub plant 

communities within the canyon showing affinities to three 

North American deserts (Mojave, Sonoran, Great Basin), to 

pinyon-juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine and spruce-fir 

forests on the canyon rims. Additional information on natural 

resources at GRCA is presented in the park narratives section 

(Appendix D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We did not conduct fieldwork at GRCA during the present inventory project. For completeness, however, we have 

attempted to summarize what is known about the occurrence 

of amphibians and reptiles at this and other unfunded parks 

in the SCPN. Through literature review and personal communication with other herpetologists, we consider 43 species 

to be documented within GRCA, with one additional species (Northern Leopard Frog) likely extirpated from the park 

(Table H-1). Undocumented species that may occur within the 

park are discussed below. While most documented species are 

represented by voucher specimens, we have made no attempt 

to verify this, and leave the job of conducting a comprehensive inventory of amphibians and reptiles at GRCA to future 

researchers.

Miller et al. (1982) provided the most recent comprehensive overview of the park’s herpetofauna. Earlier overviews 

include Dodge (1938), Durham (1956), McKee and Bogert 

(1934), and Tomko (1975). Distributional notes on amphibians and reptiles in GRCA include Brown (2000a, b, c, 2003), 

Johnson and Carothers (1983a, b), and Wright and Lowe 

(1993). Tomko (1976a, b) and Warren and Schwalbe (1985) 

studied the ecological aspects of the lizard fauna along the 

Colorado River in GRCA. 

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at GRCA

Based on species documented in the literature and our 

evaluation of hypothetical species, we estimate an inventory 

completeness of 84% for GRCA (Table H-1). Most of the 

undocumented species likely to occur at GRCA are known 

from very nearby, and may only occur at the extreme edge of 

the park in one or more areas. Those species we consider most 

likely to be found within GRCA include Mexican Spadefoot, 

Great Plains Toad, Long-nosed Leopard Lizard, Lesser Earless 

Lizard, Glossy Snake, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, 

and Mojave Rattlesnake.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

Northern Leopard Frogs have been previously documented 

from the park (at Cardenas Marsh and Ribbon Falls), but may 

now be extirpated (Charles Drost, personal communication). 

Recently, leopard frogs were discovered at a number of sites in 

Surprise Canyon, in the western part of GRCA, and preliminary 

genetic analyses suggest these may be Lowland Leopard Frogs 

(Charles Drost, personal communication). Relict Leopard Frog, 

which is a candidate species for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act, could possibly occur in the extreme western 

Grand Canyon. Potential threats to leopard frogs in GRCA 

include drought, disease, catastrophic flood events, and recreational use of frog habitats. Desert Tortoise, a federally threatened species, was documented from extreme western GRCA in 

the 1970’s (Tom Van Devender, personal communication), but 

its current status within the park is unknown.

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at GRCA is 

only 84%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles 

may be warranted. If conducted, future inventory effort should 

focus on documenting species considered highly likely to 

occur, i.e., those with a probability ranking of 3 in Table H-1. 

In addition, many species are known from only one or two 

localities within the park (e.g., Desert Night Lizard, Little 

Striped Whiptail, Long-nosed Snake, Ring-necked Snake), and 

future work could help to better determine the distribution and 

status of these species within GRCA.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at GRCA to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

Appendix H. Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA)
88 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At GRCA, amphibian monitoring would likely include all known leopard frog 

populations (currently limited to the recently discovered 

populations in Surprise Canyon) and Canyon Treefrogs in 

tinaja habitats throughout the park. However, the NPS may 

wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, 

and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either timeconstrained searches or transect surveys (such as along visitor 

trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At GRCA, potential 

target species could include Eastern Fence Lizard, Sideblotched Lizard, Ornate Tree Lizard, and Western Whiptail, 

because these species are common throughout much of the 

park and many other SCPN parks, making network-wide comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at GRCA

Because we do not have much first-hand experience at 

GRCA, we obtained information on species documentation 

from the literature (e.g., Brown 2000a, b, c; 2003, Miller et al. 

1982, Tomko 1975). We briefly discuss the possible occurrence of other, undocumented species below. A list of all 

documented and hypothetical species at GRCA, as well as 

NPSpecies checklist field assignments, are also presented in 

Table H-1.

Species That Possibly Occur at Grand Canyon 

National Park

Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) 

This species is found throughout much of northeastern 

Arizona (Stebbins 2003), and may occur along the eastern 

edge of GRCA.

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) 

This spadefoot is widespread in the GRCA region south 

and east of the Colorado River (Stebbins 2003), and almost 

certainly occurs within the park.

Sonoran Desert Toad (Bufo alvarius)

Stebbins (2003) mentions and maps a sight record from 

Seventyfive Mile Creek in eastern GRCA, far from its known 

range in southern Arizona and along the lower Colorado River 

valley. It seems unlikely that populations of this very large 

toad would exist virtually unnoticed along the Colorado River 

in GRCA, and we suspect this record may be in error.

Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus)

This species is distributed widely in the GRCA region, 

and it seems likely that it occurs somewhere within the park. 

Ross (1999) reported a specimen collected in 1938 from 

“Robinson’s Dam, Cataract (= Havasu) Canyon”, which he 

described as the first record for the GRCA area. We have been 

unable to find this locality on USGS topographic maps or in 

various place name books, and therefore cannot determine 

how close this locality is to the boundaries of GRCA.

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

This species, native to the eastern United States, has 

become widely established in the Southwest (Stebbins 2003). 

Although Bullfrogs have not been reported from GRCA, they 

could conceivably be introduced at various locations in the 

park (cattle tanks, quiet backwaters along the Colorado River, 

permanent pools in side canyons).

Relict Leopard Frog (Rana onca)

This species is found in the Lake Mead-Virgin River 

region just west of GRCA. Leopard frogs discovered recently 

in Surprise Canyon in western GRCA were initially thought, 

based on geographic proximity, to be this species, but genetic 

analysis suggests these frogs are Lowland Leopard Frogs (Lisa 

Gelczis, USGS Colorado Plateau Research Station, personal 

communication). Isolated populations of Relict Leopard Frogs 

may occur in extreme western GRCA.

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) 

Tomko (1975) first reported this species from GRCA, at 

Cardenas Marsh near river mile 71, and this is the only record 

noted by Miller et al. (1982). This population is apparently 

extirpated (Charles Drost, personal communication). Mike 

Sredl (Arizona Game and Fish Department) observed a Northern Leopard Frog at Ribbon Falls along Bright Angel Creek in 

1987, which was the last known sighting of this species in the 

park (Charles Drost, personal communication).

Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis)

Miller et al. (1982) suggest the Desert Iguana could 

occur in the western Grand Canyon, but the detailed dot distribution map in Hulse (1992) indicates the species has not 

been found particularly close to GRCA. Although possible, it 

seems unlikely this large, diurnal lizard would be overlooked 

in the park.

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

This widespread species is found throughout the GRCA 

region (Stebbins 2003), and probably occurs in desert or other 
89

shrub dominated habitats somewhere within the park, especially in the western portion or along or near the Colorado 

River between Lee’s Ferry and the Little Colorado River.

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

This small, ground-dwelling species is widespread in 

Northern Arizona, and is found both north and south of GRCA 

(Stebbins 2003). The Lesser Earless Lizard is usually found in 

shrub or grassland habitats in the region, and could occur in a 

number of areas in the park.

Long-tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus graciosus)

Miller et al. (1982) listed this species as possibly occurring 

in the western portion of GRCA, but the detailed distribution 

map in Vitt and Dickson (1988) indicates that Long-tailed Brush 

Lizards have not been found east of the immediate Colorado and 

Virgin rivers along the Arizona-Nevada border. However, targeted 

surveys in the extreme western GRCA could help determine if 

undiscovered populations of this small, cryptic species do indeed 

exist in the desert corridor along the Colorado River.

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)

Glossy Snakes occur throughout the region of the eastern 

Grand Canyon (Stebbins 2003), and almost certainly occur 

within the park in this area.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

Milk Snakes have a spotty distribution in Northern Arizona, where they usually occur in grassland habitats. In Utah, 

however, they often occur in higher elevation woodlands in 

the central mountains. Although Milk Snakes have not been 

reported from GRCA, their disjunct distribution throughout 

the region suggests they could be found almost anywhere.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

This species has not been reported from GRCA, but 

its occurrence in the San Juan River region of southeastern 

Utah (Stebbins 2003) and the Little Colorado River valley 

of northeastern Arizona (Persons and Rosen 2001), as well 

as an unsubstantiated report from the Colorado River in 

southern GLCA (Woodbury 1959), suggest the species could 

be found in GRCA.

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)

Brown (2000a) reported Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake from “Grand Canyon, confluence of Diamond Creek 

and Colorado River: river mile 225.7,” a locality probably just 

outside the boundaries of the park. Unless the Colorado River 

has constituted an impenetrable barrier to dispersal, Western 

Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes likely occur within GRCA on 

the north side of the river in this area as well.

Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)

Brown (2003) reported a Mojave Rattlesnake from 

“Hualapai Indian Reservation, Quartermaster Point, 0.8 km 

from the Colorado River: river mile 260.5 L,” the first record 

from within Grand Canyon. This record suggests the species 

probably occurs nearby within the park as well.
90 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table H-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Grand Canyon National Park. Documentation of species 

occurrence is based on numerous literature sources (e.g., Brown (2000a, b, c, 2003, Miller et al. 1982, Tomko 1975). Ranking of probability 

of species occurrence (“Rank”) is as follows: 1 = low probability, 2 = medium probability, 3 = high probability, and X = documented. 

Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of species expected to occur, and estimated inventory completeness is simply the 

number documented divided by the weighted total. For all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” 

and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander X Present in Park Common

Plains Spadefoot 2 Unconfirmed

Great Basin Spadefoot X Present in Park Common

Mexican Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Sonoran Desert Toad 2 Unconfirmed

Great Plains Toad 3 Probably Present

Red-spotted Toad X Present in Park Abundant

Woodhouse’s Toad X Present in Park Abundant

Canyon Treefrog X Present in Park Abundant

Bullfrog 1 Unconfirmed

Relict Leopard Frog 1 Unconfirmed

Northern Leopard Frog 2 Historic

Lowland Leopard Frog X Present in Park Rare

Desert Tortoise X Present in Park Rare

Zebra-tailed Lizard X Present in Park Uncommon

Great Basin Collared Lizard X Present in Park Common

Eastern Collared Lizard X Present in Park Common

Desert Iguana 1 Unconfirmed

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 3 Probably Present

Lesser Earless Lizard 3 Probably Present

Greater Short-horned Lizard X Present in Park Common

Desert Horned Lizard X Present in Park Uncommon

Common Chuckwalla X Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Desert Spiny Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Long-tailed Brush Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Ornate Tree Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Side-blotched Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Many-lined Skink X Present in Park Rare

Western Skink X Present in Park Common

Little Striped Whiptail X Present in Park Rare

Western Whiptail X Present in Park Abundant

Plateau Striped Whiptail X Present in Park Common

Desert Night Lizard X Present in Park Rare

Western Banded Gecko X Present in Park Uncommon

Gila Monster X Present in Park Rare

Western Blind Snake X Present in Park Rare

Glossy Snake 3 Probably Present

Ring-necked Snake X Present in Park Rare

Night Snake X Present in Park Uncommon

Common Kingsnake X Present in Park Uncommon

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake X Present in Park Uncommon

Milk Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Coachwhip X Present in Park Uncommon

Striped Whipsnake X Present in Park Common
91

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Gopher Snake X Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Snake X Present in Park Rare

Western Patch-nosed Snake X Present in Park Uncommon

Western Ground Snake X Present in Park Rare

Southwestern Black-headed Snake X Present in Park Rare

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake X Present in Park Common

Western Lyre Snake X Present in Park Rare

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake 3 Probably Present

Speckled Rattlesnake X Present in Park Common

Black-tailed Rattlesnake X Present in Park Uncommon

Mojave Rattlesnake 3 Probably Present

Western Rattlesnake X Present in Park Common

TOTAL RANK 1 6

TOTAL RANK 2 3

TOTAL RANK 3 7

TOTAL DOCUMENTED 43

WEIGHTED TOTAL 51.3

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 84%

Table H-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Grand Canyon National Park. Documentation of species 

occurrence is based on numerous literature sources (e.g., Brown (2000a, b, c, 2003, Miller et al. 1982, Tomko 1975). Ranking of probability 

of species occurrence (“Rank”) is as follows: 1 = low probability, 2 = medium probability, 3 = high probability, and X = documented. 

Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of species expected to occur, and estimated inventory completeness is simply the 

number documented divided by the weighted total. For all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” 

and “native,” respectively.—Continued
92 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
93

HUTR is located near Ganado, on the Navajo Nation in 

northeastern Arizona. Elevation ranges between 1,920 and 

1,946 m (6,300-6,385 ft). The historic site encompasses 65 ha 

(160 acres), and was established to protect the historic Hubbell 

Trading Post, which is still active. Habitats at HUTR are dominated by various shrub communities, as well as pinyon-juniper 

woodland. An intermittent wash, Pueblo Colorado Wash, runs 

through the site. Additional information on natural resources 

at HUTR is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix 

D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

The Navajo Department of Fish and Wildlife (Navajo 

Natural Heritage Program) conducted herpetofauna inventories at the three SCPN parks located on the Navajo Nation in 

2002-2003. Mikesic (2005b) used 1-ha TACS plot surveys, 

general surveys, and night driving to survey for amphibians 

and reptiles at HUTR. Through his own surveys and literature 

review he documented 11 species (Table I-1), with the most 

common being the Woodhouse’s Toad, Sagebrush Lizard, and 

Plateau Striped Whiptail.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at HUTR

Based on our own list of hypothetical species at HUTR, 

we calculated an estimated inventory completeness of 69% 

(Table I-1).

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

No sensitive amphibian or reptile species have been documented from HUTR. 

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at HUTR is 

only 69%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles 

may be warranted. If conducted, future inventory effort should 

focus on documenting species most likely to occur, i.e., Tiger 

Salamander, Greater Short-horned Lizard, Glossy Snake, 

Night Snake, and Striped Whipsnake. 

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at HUTR to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At HUTR, amphibian 

monitoring may be limited to periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) 

visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) of known 

breeding sites, such as areas in Pueblo Colorado Wash where 

Woodhouse’s Toads are common. However, the NPS may wish 

to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring across 

the SCPN. Methods could include either time-constrained 

searches or transect surveys (such as along visitor trails) during 

the morning or dusk hours. At HUTR, Sagebrush Lizards and 

Plateau Striped Whiptail may be good candidates for monitoring, because these species are common throughout the site and 

at many SCPN parks (especially Plateau Striped Whiptail), 

making network-wide comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at HUTR

Because we do not have first-hand experience at HUTR, 

we refer readers to Mikesic (2005b) for details of distribution 

and abundance of amphibian and reptile species documented 

from the historic site. We briefly discuss the possible occurrence of other, undocumented species below. A list of all documented and hypothetical species at HUTR, as well as NPSpecies checklist field assignments, are presented in Table I-1.

Appendix I. Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site (HUTR)
94 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Species That Possibly Occur at Hubbell Trading 

Post National Historic Site

Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) 

Tiger Salamanders are common over most of the Colorado Plateau, including in areas without permanent water such 

as Petrified Forest National Park south of HUTR (Drost et al. 

2001). Pools within Pueblo Colorado Wash may not be large 

enough or persist long enough for Tiger Salamanders to breed 

within the site. However, adults, who probably travel long 

distances to breed, may be present on and near HUTR.

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus)

The Red-spotted Toad is found throughout the region, 

but usually prefers rocky habitats, and is therefore unlikely to 

occur within HUTR.

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

This lizard occurs in the Little Colorado River valley 

south of HUTR, as well in the San Juan River valley to the 

north, but has not been found near HUTR (Stebbins 2003). 

Although unlikely, it is possible that undiscovered populations 

of Long-nosed Leopard Lizard exist in the HUTR area.

Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

The Greater Short-horned Lizard is common over most 

of the Colorado Plateau (Stebbins 2003), and almost certainly 

occurs at HUTR.

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

This widespread species is common at CACH to the 

north of HUTR (Mikesic 2005a), but its preference for rocky, 

bouldery habitats suggests it probably does not occur within 

HUTR.

Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)

Like the Tree Lizard, the Side-blotched Lizard prefers rocky habitats in the southern Colorado Plateau region. 

Although common elsewhere in the region, including north 

of HUTR at CACH (Mikesic 2005a) and south of HUTR at 

PEFO (Drost et al. 2001), the lack of suitable habitat suggests 

it is probably absent from HUTR.

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)

The Glossy Snake is found throughout the Navajo Nation 

region in northeastern Arizona (Stebbins 2003), and is fairly 

common south of HUTR at PEFO (Drost et al. 2001). This 

species prefers loose, sandy soil suitable for burrowing, and 

almost certainly occurs at HUTR.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

Although not known from the vicinity of HUTR (Stebbins 2003), this secretive species has a spotty distribution 

throughout the Southwest, and could occur almost anywhere 

suitable mesic microhabitats exist. At HUTR, the species 

would be most likely to occur near Pueblo Colorado Wash, 

where permanent subsurface moisture is available.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

Stebbins (2003) depicts the range of this widespread, 

strictly nocturnal species as being absent from much of the 

Navajo Nation, including the vicinity of HUTR. However, 

recent records from elsewhere on the Navajo Nation (Andy 

Holycross, personal communication) suggest this gap in the 

range is merely a survey artifact. Night Snake was one of 

the most common snakes found while night driving at PEFO 

(Drost et al. 2001), and almost certainly occurs at HUTR.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

This species has a disjunct distribution in grasslands on 

the southern Colorado Plateau (Stebbins 2003), and is known 

from a number of areas in the Little Colorado River valley 

south of HUTR, including PEFO (Drost et al. 2001). While 

Milk Snakes have not been recorded in the vicinity of HUTR, 

this secretive species could occur at the site.

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)

The Striped Whipsnake is widespread and common over 

most of the Colorado Plateau (Stebbins 2003), and almost 

certainly occurs at HUTR.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

Black-necked Garter Snakes are known from the Little 

Colorado River Valley south of HUTR (Persons and Rosen 

2001) and the San Juan River area north of HUTR (Stebbins 2003), and isolated populations may exist on the Navajo 

Nation in between. Because Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes 

are known from HUTR, habitat may be suitable for Blacknecked Garter Snakes as well.
95

Table I-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site. Species 

documentation is based on the work of Mikesic (2005b). Ranking of probability of species occurrence (“Rank”) is as follows: 1 = low 

probability, 2 = medium probability, 3 = high probability, and X = documented. Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of species 

expected to occur, and estimated inventory completeness is simply the number documented divided by the weighted total. For all 

species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander 2 Unconfirmed

Plains Spadefoot X Present in Park Common

Mexican Spadefoot X Present in Park Common

Red-spotted Toad 1 Unconfirmed

Woodhouse’s Toad X Present in Park Common

Eastern Collared Lizard X Present in Park Uncommon

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Lesser Earless Lizard X Present in Park Uncommon

Greater Short-horned Lizard 3 Probably Present

Sagebrush Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard X Present in Park Common

Ornate Tree Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Side-blotched Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Plateau Striped Whiptail X Present in Park Abundant

Glossy Snake 3 Probably Present

Ring-necked Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Night Snake 3 Probably Present

Milk Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Striped Whipsnake 3 Probably Present

Gopher Snake X Present in Park Common

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake X Present in Park Common

Western Rattlesnake X Present in Park Uncommon

TOTAL RANK 1 7

TOTAL RANK 2 1

TOTAL RANK 3 4

TOTAL DOCUMENTED (X) 11

WEIGHTED TOTAL 16.0

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 69%
96 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
97

MEVE is located on Mesa Verde, in Montezuma County 

in extreme southwestern Colorado. Elevation ranges between 

1,833 and 2,613 m (6,014-8,573 ft). The park encompasses 

21,504 ha (53,115 acres), and was established to protect 

ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and other archaeological 

sites. Pinyon-juniper woodland and chaparral are the dominant 

vegetation types at MEVE. Numerous canyons drain from 

the mesa to the Mancos River, which forms the park’s eastern boundary. Additional information on natural resources at 

MEVE is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix 

D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We did not conduct fieldwork at MEVE during the present inventory project. For completeness, however, we have 

attempted to summarize what is known about the occurrence 

of amphibians and reptiles at this and other unfunded parks 

in the SCPN. Through literature review and communication 

with staff at MEVE, we consider 19 species to be documented 

within MEVE, with one additional species (Northern Leopard 

Frog) likely extirpated from the park. We present a list of these 

species (Table J-1), and briefly discuss additional undocumented species that may occur within the park below. 

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at MEVE

Based on our own list of hypothetical species at MEVE, 

we calculated an estimated inventory completeness of 90% 

(Table J-1).

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

Northern Leopard Frogs historically were common along 

the Mancos River at MEVE (Douglas 1966), but were extirpated in the 1970’s (Marilyn Colyer, personal communication). The park has initial plans to reintroduce frogs into this 

area, but has so far been unable to locate a suitable, nearby 

source population (Marilyn Colyer, personal communication). 

Potential threats to the herpetofauna at MEVE include drought 

and wildfire, which may affect some species (e.g., Smooth 

Green Snake) characteristically found in mesic microhabitats.

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

The NPS may wish to target amphibians in any additional 

herpetofauna inventory work conducted at MEVE, as Mexican Spadefoot and Western Chorus Frog may both occur in 

the park. Although apparently extirpated from the park, other 

areas of the Mancos River outside MEVE could be surveyed 

for Northern Leopard Frog, in the hope of locating a nearby 

population that could be used to supply frogs for a reintroduction effort in the park. Potential undocumented snake species 

will probably, if present, be detected opportunistically by park 

staff or other researchers.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at MEVE to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At MEVE, amphibian 

monitoring may be limited to periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) 

of potential breeding sites in canyons and along the Mancos 

River. However, the NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna 

monitoring to include reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the 

group best reptile group suited to monitoring across the SCPN. 

Methods could include either time-constrained searches or 

transect surveys (such as along visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At MEVE, common lizards (we suspect 

these include Plateau Striped Whiptail and Eastern Fence 

Lizard) may be good candidates for monitoring because these 

species are common throughout most SCPN parks, making 

network-wide comparisons possible.

Appendix J. Mesa Verde National Park (MEVE)
98 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

pools (cattle tanks, roadside ditches, etc.) with emergent or 

dense bank vegetation.

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

Douglas (1966) described the Northern Leopard Frog 

as common along the Mancos River on the east boundary of 

MEVE. However, the species has since disappeared from the 

park, possibly due to the widespread use of mosquito control pesticides in the region in the 1970’s, when populations 

declined throughout Montezuma County (Marilyn Colyer, 

MEVE, personal communication). The NPS has plans to 

reintroduce Northern Leopard Frogs at MEVE, but has been 

unable to locate a nearby source population with adequate 

numbers of frogs (Marilyn Colyer, personal communication).

Racer (Coluber constrictor)

This species is only known from a single locality in 

southwestern Colorado, along the Animas River just north 

of the Colorado border (Hammerson 1999). However, Racers occupy similar shrubland and riparian habitats as those 

available at MEVE (Hammerson 1999), and could conceivably 

occur in the park, especially along the Mancos River.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

Although this species has not been documented from the 

MEVE area, it has a spotty, disjunct distribution throughout 

the Southwest (Stebbins 2003), and could conceivably occur 

almost anywhere. If isolated populations occur at MEVE, 

they would most likely be in areas with permanent subsurface 

moisture, such as along the Mancos River.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

The Black-necked Garter Snake has not been recorded 

from the immediate vicinity of MEVE, but has been found elsewhere in southwestern Colorado. If present at MEVE, it would 

most likely occur along the Mancos River within the park.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at MEVE

Because we do not have first hand experience at MEVE, 

we refer readers to Douglas (1966) for details of distribution 

and abundance of amphibian and reptile species documented 

from the monument. We briefly discuss the possible occurrence of other, undocumented species below. A list of all documented and hypothetical species at MEVE, as well as NPSpecies checklist field assignments, are presented in Table J-1.

Species That Possibly Occur at Mesa Verde 

National Park

Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons)

This species has not been recorded from the MEVE area 

(Hammerson 1999), but is known from pinyon-juniper habit 

near Hovenweep National Monument in extreme southeastern 

Utah (Persons and Nowak 2004b). The Plains Spadefoot often 

coexists with the similar Mexican Spadefoot, and if the latter 

is found at MEVE, it is possible that this species could occur 

there as well.

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata)

Douglas (1966) suggested that the Mexican Spadefoot 

probably occurs along the Mancos River adjacent to MEVE. 

This species is widespread in the region, and is much more 

likely to occur at MEVE than is the similar Plains Spadefoot.

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)

This tiny frog is widespread in the MEVE region (Hammerson 1999), and may occur within the park, although the 

lack of verified sightings suggests it would have a restricted 

distribution. This species usually breeds in quiet, temporary 
99

Table J-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Mesa Verde National Park. Documentation of species 

occurrence is primarily based on Douglas (1966) and personal communications with Marilyn Colyer (NPS). Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) is as follows: 1 = low probability, 2 = medium probability, and 3 = high probability, and X = documented. 

Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of species expected to occur, and estimated inventory completeness is simply the 

number documented divided by the weighted total. For all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” 

and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander X Present in Park Uncommon

Plains Spadefoot 1 Unconfirmed

Mexican Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Red-spotted Toad X Present in Park Uncommon

Woodhouse’s Toad X Present in Park Uncommon

Western Chorus Frog 2 Unconfirmed

Northern Leopard Frog 1 Historic

Eastern Collared Lizard X Present in Park Common

Lesser Earless Lizard X Present in Park Rare

Greater Short-horned Lizard X Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard X Present in Park Common

Side-blotched Lizard X Present in Park Uncommon

Many-lined Skink X Present in Park Rare

Plateau Striped Whiptail X Present in Park Common

Racer 1 Unconfirmed

Ring-necked Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Night Snake X Present in Park Uncommon

Milk Snake X Present in Park Rare

Striped Whipsnake X Present in Park Common

Smooth Green Snake X Present in Park Rare

Gopher Snake X Present in Park Common

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake X Present in Park Common

Western Rattlesnake X Present in Park Common

TOTAL RANK 1 5

TOTAL RANK 2 1

TOTAL RANK 3 1

TOTAL DOCUMENTED 19

WEIGHTED TOTAL 21.2

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 90%
100 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
101

NAVA is located on the northwestern part of the Navajo 

Nation, in Coconino County, Arizona. The monument consists 

of three separate units (Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription 

House), and was established to protect ancient Anasazi ruins 

found at these sites. The monument encompasses 244 ha (603 

acres), and elevation ranges between 1,658 and 2,294 m (5,440-

7,527 ft). Habitats at NAVA include ponderosa pine and mixedconifer forests, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and sagebrush and 

saltbush shrub communities. Numerous springs, seeps, and 

streams are located within the monument. Additional information on natural resources at NAVA is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

The Navajo Department of Fish and Wildlife (Navajo 

Natural Heritage Program) conducted herpetofauna inventories at the three SCPN parks located on the Navajo Nation in 

2002-2003. Mikesic (2005c) used 1-ha TACS plot surveys, 

general surveys, and night driving to survey for amphibians 

and reptiles at NAVA. Through his own surveys and literature review Mikesic (2005c) documented 16 species (Table 

K-1), with the most common being the Woodhouse’s Toad, 

Sagebrush Lizard, and Plateau Striped Whiptail. He did not 

observe one species (Canyon Treefrog) reported previously, 

and he did observe an Eastern Collared Lizard west of the 

Inscription House unit, outside the boundary of NAVA. The 

most significant discovery made by Mikesic (2005c) was of a 

small population of Northern Leopard Frogs at the Inscription 

House unit, a species that has been virtually eliminated from 

the Navajo Nation (Mikesic 2005c).

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at NAVA

Based on our own list of hypothetical species at NAVA, 

we calculated an estimated inventory completeness of 71% 

(Table K-1).

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

Mikesic (2005c) documented Northern Leopard Frog 

from the Inscription House unit of NAVA, and noted that 

natural flood events could easily destroy this habitat through 

sedimentation of the pool where the frogs were found. Sedimentation is a natural process that was probably responsible 

for creating the pool habitat. However, because Northern 

Leopard Frogs have drastically declined over the entire Navajo 

Nation in recent decades, Mikesic (2005c) recommended that 

protection of this population be a high management priority. 

Potential extrinsic threats to other amphibians and reptiles 

include drought and continued lowering of the local water 

table (Thomas et al. 2004), which could reduce water availability for amphibian breeding.

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at NAVA is 

only 71%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles 

may be warranted. If conducted, future inventory effort may 

wish to target species most likely to occur, including Tiger 

Salamander, Eastern Collared Lizard, Many-lined Skink, 

Glossy Snake, Night Snake, and Western Terrestrial Garter 

Snake. Without the benefit of extensive roads available for 

night driving surveys, locating many snake species may 

require substantial field effort and different methods, such as 

funnel or pitfall traps. 

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at NAVA to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. The highest priority 

for amphibian monitoring is the small population of Northern 

Leopard Frogs at Inscription House. Amphibian monitoring 

at NAVA may also include periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) 

visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) of 

known breeding sites. However, the NPS may wish to expand 

herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, and diurnal 

lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring across 

the SCPN. Methods could include either time-constrained 

searches or transect surveys (such as along visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At NAVA, Sagebrush Lizard 

and Plateau Striped Whiptail may be good candidates for 

Appendix K. Navajo National Monument (NAVA)
102 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

probably occurs within the monument, especially in more 

mesic microhabitats, such as near washes or under surface 

debris (logs, etc.) in pinyon-juniper woodland habitats.

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)

Glossy Snakes occur throughout the NAVA area (Stebbins 2003), and probably occur at one or more units within the 

monument. This species prefers loose, sandy soil for burrowing.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

Although this species has not been documented from the 

NAVA area, it has a spotty, disjunct distribution throughout 

the Southwest (Stebbins 2003), and could conceivably occur 

almost anywhere. If isolated populations occur at NAVA, 

they would most likely be in areas with permanent subsurface 

moisture, such as near seeps or springs.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

This small, strictly nocturnal species occurs over most 

of the Colorado Plateau (Stebbins 2003), and almost certainly 

occurs at NAVA.

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)

This species occurs in the general vicinity of NAVA 

(Stebbins 2003), but has been found only in lower elevation 

desert and grassland habitats in the region. Although possible, 

the Common Kingsnake probably does not occur at NAVA.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

The Milk Snake has a spotty distribution in the southern 

Colorado Plateau region (Stebbins 2003), and could occur 

almost anywhere. In Arizona, it is found in grassland habitats, 

while in Utah and western Colorado it is also found in higher 

elevation pinyon-juniper woodlands, suggesting it could occur 

in those habitats at NAVA.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

In the Navajo Nation region this species is known from 

the Little Colorado and San Juan river valleys, and an isolated 

population could conceivably occur at one or more units of 

NAVA. If garter snakes are found at NAVA, however, they are 

more likely to be the much more widespread Western Terrestrial Garter Snake.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

This garter snake is common in a variety of habitats 

across the Colorado Plateau, and is more terrestrial than most 

other species (Stebbins 2003). The Western Terrestrial Garter 

Snake probably occurs at NAVA.

monitoring, because these species are common throughout the 

monument and at many SCPN parks, making network-wide 

comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at NAVA

Because we do not have first hand experience at NAVA, 

we refer readers to Mikesic (2005c) for details of distribution 

and abundance of amphibian and reptile species documented 

from the monument. We briefly discuss the possible occurrence 

of other, undocumented species below. A list of all documented 

and hypothetical species at NAVA, as well as NPSpecies checklist field assignments, are also presented in Table K-1.

Species That Possibly Occur at Navajo National 

Monument

Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

Tiger Salamanders are common over most of the Colorado Plateau (Stebbins 2003), and almost certainly occur at 

one or more units of NAVA.

Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus)

This species has been documented from the general 

vicinity of NAVA (Krupa 1990). However, it usually occurs 

in lower elevation grassland habitats in the region, making its 

occurrence within the monument unlikely.

Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)

Mikesic (2005c) observed this species just west of the 

Inscription House Ruin unit of NAVA, outside monument boundaries. It almost certainly occurs within the monument as well.

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

This species occurs in the NAVA area (Stebbins 2003), 

but usually in lower elevation desert habitats. Long-nosed 

Leopard Lizards are sometimes found in juniper grassland 

habitats north of Flagstaff, Arizona (Persons and Nowak, personal observation), and could conceivably occur in the lowest 

elevation shrub dominated habitats at NAVA.

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

Lesser Earless Lizards are widespread in the NAVA area 

(Stebbins 2003), and could occur in open shrub habitats within 

the monument.

Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus)

The Many-lined Skink occurs on the eastern Colorado 

Plateau, including in the NAVA region (Stebbins 2003), and 
103

Table K-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Navajo National Monument. Species documentation is based 

on the work of Mikesic (2005c). Ranking of probability of species occurrence (“Rank”) is as follows: 1 = low probability, 2 = medium 

probability, 3 = high probability, and X = documented. Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of species expected to occur, and 

estimated inventory completeness is simply the number documented divided by the weighted total. For all species, NPSpecies checklist 

fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander 3 Probably Present

Plains Spadefoot X Present in Park Uncommon

Mexican Spadefoot X Present in Park Common

Great Plains Toad 1 Unconfirmed

Red-spotted Toad X Present in Park Uncommon

Woodhouse’s Toad X Present in Park Common

Canyon Treefrog X Present in Park Rare

Northern Leopard Frog X Present in Park Rare

Eastern Collared Lizard 3 Probably Present

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Lesser Earless Lizard 2 Unconfirmed

Greater Short-horned Lizard X Present in Park Uncommon

Sagebrush Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard X Present in Park Common

Side-blotched Lizard X Present in Park Common

Many-lined Skink 3 Probably Present

Western Whiptail X Present in Park Uncommon

Plateau Striped Whiptail X Present in Park Abundant

Glossy Snake 3 Probably Present

Ring-necked Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Night Snake 3 Probably Present

Common Kingsnake 1 Unconfirmed

Milk Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Striped Whipsnake X Present in Park Uncommon

Gopher Snake X Present in Park Uncommon

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 3 Probably Present

Western Rattlesnake X Present in Park Uncommon

TOTAL RANK 1 6

TOTAL RANK 2 1

TOTAL RANK 3 6

TOTAL DOCUMENTED (X) 16

WEIGHTED TOTAL 22.5

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 71%
104 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
105

PEFO is located in northeastern Arizona, straddling the 

Navajo-Apache county line. Elevation ranges between 1,618 

and 1,891 m (5,309-6,204 ft). The park encompasses 38,439 

ha (94,944 acres), and was established to protect the abundant 

Triassic-era petrified wooden resources. Habitats at PEFO 

include sparsely vegetated badlands, grasslands and shrub 

grasslands, and juniper woodland (on Chinde Mesa in the 

northern end of the park). The normally dry Puerco River runs 

through the park, supporting a cottonwood-willow-tamarisk 

riparian zone. Additional information on natural resources at 

PEFO is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix D) 

of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We did not conduct fieldwork at PEFO as part of the 

present inventory project. For completeness, however, we have 

attempted to summarize what is known about the occurrence 

of amphibians and reptiles at this and other unfunded parks 

in the SCPN. Information on species documentation is taken 

from recent amphibian and reptile inventory work at PEFO 

(Drost et al. 1999, 2001, Nowak 2003, Nowak and Persons 

2000, Persons 2001b, Persons and Wright 1999a, 1999b). 

Details of abundance and distribution of species at PEFO can 

be found in these reports.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at PEFO

Based on previously documented species and evaluation of potentially occurring species, we estimate inventory 

completeness to be 94% for amphibians and reptiles at PEFO 

(Table L-1).

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

The grasslands at PEFO harbor a number of regionally rare species, including Couch’s Spadefoot, Little Striped 

Whiptail, and Milk Snake. Illegal collecting could potentially 

impact Milk Snake populations within the park, because the 

occurrence of the species in the park is widely known among 

herpetoculturists, and collecting could be facilitated by the 

presence of the paved park road. Road mortality of snakes is 

currently not severe due to the policy of nighttime road closure 

(Drost et al. 1999); closing the road slightly earlier in order 

to avoid the predictable mass exodus of visitors at dusk could 

reduce mortality further. The New Mexico Whiptail exists 

as an introduced population along the Puerco River at PEFO 

(Persons and Wright 1999b), and this population could potentially spread, possibly affecting other whiptail lizard species in 

and near the park.

Considerations for Future Inventory and 

Long-term Monitoring

At 94%, inventory completeness at PEFO is the second 

highest in the SCPN. Long-nosed Leopard Lizard is the only 

undocumented species that almost certainly occurs within the 

park, and any future inventory effort may wish to target this 

species. Other species (all snakes) listed as hypothetical will, 

if present, probably be found incidentally by park staff or other 

researchers. While voucher specimens exist for many species at PEFO, it would be valuable to collect specimens (e.g., 

when found dead on the road) of Couch’s Spadefoot and Milk 

Snake, two species which are known from only a few localities 

in the region.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at PEFO to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At PEFO, the primary 

monitoring method for amphibians would be night driving 

surveys along the paved park road. Drost et al. (1999, 2001) 

found this to be an extremely effective method for observing all amphibian species known from the park, and PEFO 

would be an ideal park to help develop this survey technique 

as a long-term monitoring method in the SCPN. Amphibian 

monitoring may also include periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) 

of known breeding sites, such as backwater pools along and 

near the Puerco River. However, the NPS may wish to expand 

herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, and diurnal 

lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring across 

the SCPN. Methods could include either time-constrained 

Appendix L. Petrified Forest National Park (PEFO)
106 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

searches or transect surveys (such as along visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At PEFO, Sagebrush Lizards, 

Eastern Fence Lizards, and Plateau Striped Whiptails may be 

good candidates for long-term monitoring, because these species are common throughout the park and at most other SCPN 

parks, making network-wide comparisons possible. In addition, the NPS may wish to monitor the introduced population 

of New Mexico Whiptail along the Puerco River in order to 

determine if this population is spreading, and if management 

actions should be undertaken to control it.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at PEFO

Details of distribution and abundance of amphibian and 

reptile species documented from the park can be found in 

Drost et al. (1999, 2001) and Nowak and Persons (2000). We 

briefly discuss the possible occurrence of other, undocumented 

species below. A list of all documented and hypothetical 

species at PEFO, as well as NPSpecies checklist field assignments, are presented in Table L-1.

Species That Possibly Occur at Petrified Forest 

National Park

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

This is the only undocumented species that has a high 

probability of occurring within PEFO. Suitable habitat for 

this species exists throughout the park, and Drost et al. 

(2001) observed an individual only 8 km (5 mi) west of the 

PEFO boundary, in contiguous floodplain habitat along the 

Puerco River.

Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata)

The Western Ground Snake has not been documented 

from the vicinity of PEFO, but isolated populations exist in 

other areas on the Colorado Plateau (Stebbins 2003). Persons 

(1999) reported a specimen from Wupatki National Monument 

west of PEFO, suggesting the species could be found further 

up the Little Colorado River valley as well. 

Southwestern Black-headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi)

This species has not been documented from northeastern Arizona, but isolated populations in southern Utah and 

western Colorado suggest this small, secretive snake could be 

found almost anywhere.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

This species has been found near the Little Colorado 

River west of Holbrook, Arizona (Persons and Rosen 2001), 

not far from PEFO. Although the Puerco River is often dry 

where it runs through PEFO, there is a slight chance that this 

species might occur in low numbers within the park there, 

especially in wetter periods when nearby populations could 

expand their range.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake occurs throughout the PEFO region, and could conceivably occur along the 

Puerco River within the park.
107

Table L-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Petrified Forest National Park. Species documentation is 

based on Drost et al. (1999, 2001). Ranking of probability of species occurrence (“Rank”) is as follows: 1 = low probability, 2 = medium 

probability, 3 = high probability, and X = documented. Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of species expected to occur, and 

estimated inventory completeness is simply the number documented divided by the weighted total. For all species, NPSpecies checklist 

fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively, except for New Mexico Whiptail, whose nativity is “nonnative.”

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander X Present in Park Uncommon

Couch’s Spadefoot X Present in Park Uncommon

Plains Spadefoot X Present in Park Common

Mexican Spadefoot X Present in Park Abundant

Great Plains Toad X Present in Park Abundant

Red-spotted Toad X Present in Park Uncommon

Woodhouse’s Toad X Present in Park Uncommon

Eastern Collared Lizard X Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 3 Probably Present

Lesser Earless Lizard X Present in Park Common

Greater Short-horned Lizard X Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard X Present in Park Abundant

Side-blotched Lizard X Present in Park Common

Little Striped Whiptail X Present in Park Rare

New Mexico Whiptail X Present in Park Rare

Plateau Striped Whiptail X Present in Park Abundant

Glossy Snake X Present in Park Common

Night Snake X Present in Park Common

Common Kingsnake X Present in Park Uncommon

Milk Snake X Present in Park Uncommon

Striped Whipsnake X Present in Park Common

Gopher Snake X Present in Park Common

Western Ground Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Southwestern Black-headed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Rattlesnake X Present in Park Common

TOTAL RANK 1 4

TOTAL RANK 2 0

TOTAL RANK 3 1

TOTAL DOCUMENTED (X) 23

WEIGHTED TOTAL 24.5

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 94%
108 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
109

PETR is located on the western edge of the city of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, and is jointly owned 

and managed by the NPS, the state of New Mexico, and the 

city of Albuquerque. Elevation ranges between 1,519 and 

1,838 m (4,984-6,030 ft). The monument encompasses 2,918 

ha (7,207 acres), and was established to protect large concentrations of ancient petroglyphs. The western part of PETR 

consists of grassland habitats and isolated volcanic cinder 

cones (The Volcanoes), and these habitats are separated from 

the lower, eastern sand scrub habitats by a prominent rocky, 

basalt escarpment. A small, disjunct section of the monument 

is located near the Rio Grande, but does not contain any true 

riparian habitat. Additional information on natural resources at 

PETR is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix D) 

of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 150 person-hours surveying for 

herpetofauna at PETR in 2001-2003. Methods used, and number of person-hours spent on each method, included general 

surveys (92.3), nocturnal general surveys (9.6), random 1-ha 

TACS plot surveys (26.9), random 10-ha TACS plot surveys 

(9.1), non-random 1-ha TACS plot surveys (11.1), and night 

driving (0.5). We recorded 487 individual amphibians and 

reptiles of 19 species during our surveys. Five additional species were documented based on our review of the literature 

and museum specimen records, and one species (Texas Blind 

Snake) was collected for us by another researcher working in 

the monument. A summary of the total number of each species 

observed by each method is presented in Table M-2. See Table 

5 for voucher specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at PETR

Between our surveys at PETR and inclusion of previously 

documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 

79% (Table M-1). An asymptotic species accumulation curve 

based on our surveys in 2001-2003 (Figure M-1) suggests we 

are close to reaching inventory completeness. However, we 

believe this is a false asymptote that suggests only that we 

are close to detecting most of the common species using our 

current methods. We have documentation of seven additional 

species not included in Figure M-1 (museum records, random 

encounters made during the study period by park staff and 

other researchers), and there are six more species that are 

highly likely (i.e., rank of “3” in Table M-1) to occur within 

the monument. Thus, detecting the remaining species at PETR 

would require much greater field effort and more targeted 

searches during favorable conditions.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), and the USGS 

Biological Survey Collection for amphibians and reptiles 

from PETR. We used dot distribution maps in Degenhardt et 

al. (1996) to help us evaluate potential occurrence of some 

species, based on the proximity of locality dots to PETR. We 

located museum specimen records for 12 species at PETR 

(Appendix T), and we observed all but one of these species 

(Night Snake) during our surveys.

The only previous literature on the amphibians and 

reptiles of PETR is Parmenter et al. (1996). They reported, from 

both field surveys and museum specimen records, a number of 

species not observed by us. However, some of these reports are 

suspect. For example, Parmenter et al. (1996) reported three 

species of garter snakes along the escarpment within PETR, 

which we believe is unlikely given the dry conditions in these 

areas. In addition, their list of museum records was larger than 

ours, likely because they included records from the “West 

Mesa” area of Albuquerque, an area much larger than the actual 

boundaries of PETR. In addition, their search criteria probably 

yielded records of specimens collected along the Rio Grande, 

which contains habitats not found within PETR. Thus, they 

included many species usually associated with aquatic or riparian habitats in Albuquerque, such as garter snakes and Racer.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

The Western Box Turtle is at the edge of its range near 

Albuquerque (Degenhardt et al. 1996, Stebbins 2003), and this 

long-lived species may be impacted by habitat fragmentation 

by roads and housing around PETR (Dodd 2002). Collecting of adult Western Box Turtles, which are popular as pets, 

may occur at PETR, and could impact populations within 

the monument. Similarly, the Massasauga may occur as a 

relatively isolated population at PETR due to habitat fragmentation and urban development, and could be impacted 

by collecting or road mortality along Paseo del Volcan in the 

Volcanoes area. Road mortality probably impacts populations 

of many snake and amphibian species at PETR, particularly 

along the monument’s eastern boundary (Unser Boulevard). 

Appendix M. Petroglyph National Monument (PETR)
110 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Because of its location within Albuquerque, illegal snake collecting may impact the heavily used Rinconada Canyon area 

as well as surrounding roads. On one occasion, we observed a 

gentleman leaving Rinconada Canyon armed with a pistol and 

a pair of snake tongs. On another occasion, we found an empty 

aquarium which had presumably contained some sort of live 

reptile, near a trailhead in the Volcanoes area. This suggests 

that illegal dumping of exotic herpetofauna may become a 

problem for the park as well if populations of non-native species become established.

Considerations for Future Inventory and 

Long-term Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at PETR is 

only 79%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles 

may be warranted. If conducted, future inventory could focus 

on documenting amphibians (Tiger Salamander, spadefoots, 

and true toads), Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake, and Common 

Kingsnake. Without the benefit of extensive roads suitable for 

night driving surveys, locating these and other snakes may 

require substantial field effort and different methods, such as 

funnel or pitfall traps.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at PETR to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At PETR, amphibian 

monitoring may be limited to periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) of 

breeding sites (if located) or other areas (such as along roads 

bordering the monument) where amphibians can be found on 

rainy nights during the summer monsoon season. However, the 

NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include 

reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited 

to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either 

time-constrained searches or transect surveys (such as along 

visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At PETR, 

Eastern Fence Lizard, Side-blotched Lizard, and New Mexico 

Whiptail may be good candidates for long-term monitoring, 

because these species are common throughout the monument. 

In addition, the Eastern Fence Lizard and Side-blotched Lizard 

are also common at many SCPN parks, making network-wide 

comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at PETR

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at PETR, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

PETR, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) denotes a species represented by a voucher specimen. Status of all documented and 

hypothetical species at PETR, as well as NPSpecies checklist 

field assignments, are presented in Table M-1. 

Species Documented from Petroglyph National 

Monument

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata)

We observed only two Mexican Spadefoots, along Unser 

Boulevard adjacent to PETR, on a rainy night during the 

summer monsoon season. This widespread species probably 

occurs throughout PETR, although breeding sites within the 

monument itself may be limited. The persistent drought during 

the study period was likely responsible for our failure to detect 

many amphibians at PETR.

Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata)

We did not observe this species during our surveys, but 

Mike Medrano (personal communication) has photographed 

Western Box Turtles at PETR, and has seen them in Rinconada Canyon. Although uncommon, they probably occur 

throughout the monument.

*Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)

Eastern Collared Lizards prefer rocky areas interspersed 

with open areas for running (Stebbins 2003), and are common 

along the escarpment at PETR.

*Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

This relative of the Eastern Collared Lizard prefers flat, 

open terrain with widely spaced shrubs used for cover and 

prey ambush (Stebbins 2003). Long-nosed Leopard Lizards 

probably occur both above and below the escarpment at PETR, 

and are particularly common in Rinconada Canyon.
111

*Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

We observed only a single Lesser Earless Lizard during 

our surveys, found in the Volcanoes area of PETR. All three 

specimens located at MSB were collected in the Volcanoes 

area as well. This species is probably uncommon throughout 

the grasslands above the escarpment at PETR.

*Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

We found three Greater Short-horned Lizards at PETR, 

all in the Volcanoes area. Mike Medrano (personal communication) has observed them below the escarpment as well. 

*Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum)

We observed only two Roundtail Horned Lizards in 

2001-2003, but this small, cryptic species is probably common 

throughout the monument. This species is considered a “rock 

mimic” (Stebbins 2003).

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

Eastern Fence Lizards are common in rocky areas 

throughout the PETR, and are especially abundant along the 

escarpment. Parmenter et al. (1996) noted that some local 

populations within PETR are melanistic, matching the dark 

lava rock of their surroundings.

*Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)

This small, ground-dwelling lizard was the most abundant species during our surveys at PETR, occurring throughout 

the monument.

*Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus)

We observed five Great Plains Skinks during our surveys: 

four in Rinconada Canyon and one near Lareda Arroyo in the 

mesa top grasslands above the escarpment. This large skink is 

probably common throughout the monument.

*Little Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus inornatus)

We found the Little Striped Whiptail only in the mesa 

top grasslands, a habitat it shares with the more abundant and 

widely distributed (within PETR) New Mexico Whiptail. The 

Little Striped Whiptail is one of the two parental species of the 

hybrid-derived New Mexico Whiptail.

*New Mexico Whiptail (Cnemidophorus neomexicanus)

This unisexual whiptail is abundant throughout PETR, 

especially in the sandy shrub habitats below the escarpment, 

where it is the only whiptail species present.

*Texas Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops dulcis)

Rich Anderson collected a surface active Texas Blind 

Snake for us in Rinconada Canyon, which was the first verified record for PETR, and also the first specimen west of the 

Rio Grande in Bernalillo County (Degenhardt et al. 1996).

*Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)

We only observed a single Glossy Snake during our 

surveys, on Paseo del Volcan south of the PETR boundary 

(but in contiguous habitat). Mike Medrano collected a roadkilled Glossy Snake from near the PETR visitor center as well, 

indicating that this species occurs both above and below the 

escarpment at PETR.

*Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

We collected a surface active Ring-necked Snake during 

a random TACS plot in the mesa top grassland, the first record 

of this species at PETR.

Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus)

Although we did not observe any Western Hog-nosed 

Snakes during the present inventory, Mike Medrano (personal 

communication) has seen this species in the sandy shrub habitat near the PETR visitor center, as well as in grassland habitat 

near the west boundary in the Volcanoes area. This species is 

probably common throughout the monument, wherever loose 

soil is available for burrowing.

*Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

We did not observe this small, strictly nocturnal species 

during our surveys, but we did locate a museum specimen 

record from what is now PETR. This widespread species probably occurs throughout the monument.

*Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)

This large, fast snake was the second-most common 

snake found during our surveys. We saw Coachwhips both 

above and below the escarpment, and it probably occurs 

throughout the monument.

*Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)

We observed the Striped Whipsnake in Rinconada 

Canyon, and above the escarpment in the Southern Geologic 

Window unit. This species is probably common throughout the 

monument, although less so than the similar Coachwhip.
112 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

We only observed two individuals of this widespread 

species at PETR. Although uncommon at PETR, this species occurs in all habitats throughout the monument (Mike 

Medrano, personal communication).

Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei)

Mike Medrano observed and photographed two Longnosed Snakes near Butte Volcano in 2001, the only observation made during this inventory. This species probably occurs 

throughout the monument.

Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps)

Rich Anderson, a biology teacher at a local Albuquerque 

College, reported capturing a Plains Black-headed Snake in 

an arthropod pitfall trap in Rinconada Canyon. This small, 

secretive species is probably common at PETR, although it is 

unknown whether it occurs above the escarpment.

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)

This was the most frequently observed snake species during our surveys, with most observations being from Rinconada 

Canyon. This large rattlesnake is not known to occur in the 

mesa top grassland habitat at PETR (Mike Medrano, personal 

communication).

*Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

We observed only a single Western Rattlesnake during 

our surveys, which we found in the Volcanoes area. Mike 

Medrano (personal communication) has observed this species 

only along and above the escarpment at PETR.

Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)

We did not observe this small rattlesnake during our surveys, but Mike Medrano (personal communication) has seen 

them near the PETR west boundary, in the Volcanoes area. 

Although no specimens exist from PETR, a number of Massasaugas have been collected west of the Volcanoes, primarily 

along the road to the shooting range, west of Paseo del Volcan. 

This species is uncommon in the grasslands at PETR, where, 

as in other areas in the Southwest, it probably utilized the burrows of the Banner-tailed Kangaroo Rat.

Species That Possibly Occur at Petroglyph 

National Monument

Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

Parmenter et al. (1996) listed Tiger Salamander as occurring at PETR, although we did not locate any specimen records 

from the monument. This species probably occurs in the monument at least a transient, as discussed by Parmenter et al. (1996), 

but it is unlikely to breed within the boundaries of PETR.

Couch’s Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii)

Although Parmenter et al. (1996) listed Couch’s Spadefoot as occurring at PETR, we did not locate any specimen 

records from the monument. We did not find any potential 

breeding sites for this or other amphibians within the monument during our inventory, but in wetter periods temporary 

pools likely form in places, such as along the base of the 

escarpment. This species is common in the Albuquerque area, 

and almost certainly occurs within PETR.

Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons)

Parmenter et al. (1996) listed Plains Spadefoot as 

occurring at PETR, although we did not locate any specimen 

records from the monument. This species is common in the 

Albuquerque area, and almost certainly occurs at PETR.

Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus)

Parmenter et al. (1996) listed Great Plains Toad as 

occurring at PETR, although we did not locate any specimen 

records from the monument. This large toad is common in 

the Rio Grande Valley in the Albuquerque area, and probably 

occurs at PETR.

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus)

Parmenter et al. (1996) did not observe this species at 

PETR, although it may occur along the rocky habitats of the 

escarpment, provided temporary pools used as breeding sites 

are available in some years.

Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii)

Although Parmenter et al. (1996) listed Woodhouse’s 

Toad as occurring at PETR, we did not locate any specimen 

records from the monument. This large toad is common in 

the Rio Grande Valley in the Albuquerque area, and almost 

certainly occurs at PETR.

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

This small lizard usually occupies rocky habitats in the 

region (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and we had initially expected 

to find it on the escarpment at PETR. Parmenter et al. (1996) 

did not observe this species either, suggesting it is probably 

absent from the monument.

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail (Cnemidophorus exsanguis)

This usisexual whiptail is common in some areas along 

the Rio Grande in Albuquerque (John Wright, personal communication), and may occur at the disjunct unit of PETR 

near the Rio Grande. However, in limited surveys there we 

observed only the ubiquitous New Mexico Whiptail.
113

Racer (Coluber constrictor)

Parmenter et al. (1996) listed this species as occurring at 

PETR, but this is probably based on museum records of the 

species near the Rio Grande, outside the boundaries of PETR. 

This species may possibly occur at the small, disjunct section 

of PETR located near the Rio Grande.

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake (Gyalopion canum)

This nocturnal, desert-adapted species is found in the 

Rio Grande Valley in the Albuquerque area (Degenhardt et 

al. 1996), and probably occurs in the sandy shrub habitats at 

PETR, such as in Rinconada Canyon.

Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)

The Common Kingsnake occurs in the Rio Grande Valley 

in the Albuquerque area, and occupies a wide variety of habitats in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and probably 

occurs throughout PETR.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

This secretive species has not been recorded from the 

vicinity of PETR, but isolated records in a variety of habitats 

throughout the state (Degenhardt et al. 1996) suggest it could 

be found almost anywhere.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

Parmenter et al. (1996) included this and two other 

garter snake species as occurring at PETR, probably based 

on records from the Albuquerque area along the Rio Grande. 

Parmenter et al. (1996) stated that all three garter snakes “are 

generally found in the denser vegetation along the base of the 

escarpments, particularly near canyons where precipitation 

collects and the environment is somewhat wetter.” However, 

these areas within PETR are normally still very dry, and do not 

appear to be suitable garter snake habitat. In addition, Mike 

Medrano (personal communication) has never observed garter 

snakes within the monument. This and other garter snakes 

could conceivably occur as transients in the small, disjunct 

unit of PETR near the Rio Grande.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

Like the other garter snakes mentioned by Parmenter et 

al. (1996) as occurring at PETR, this species almost certainly 

does not occur within the main section of the monument, but 

could occur as a transient in the small, disjunct unit of PETR 

near the Rio Grande.

Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus)

Parmenter et al. (1996) did not include this species on 

their list of garter snakes found at PETR, but as with other 

garter snakes, it may occur as a transient within the small, 

disjunct unit of PETR near the Rio Grande.

Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

Like the other garter snakes mentioned by Parmenter et 

al. (1996) as occurring at PETR, this species almost certainly 

does not occur within the main section of the monument, but 

could occur as a transient in the small, disjunct unit of PETR 

near the Rio Grande. This species seldom leaves moist river 

valley habitats in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and is 

the least likely species of garter snake to occur at PETR, even 

in the Rio Grande unit.
114 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table M-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Petroglyph National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander 2 Unconfirmed

Couch’s Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Plains Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Mexican Spadefoot OX Present in Park Uncommon

Great Plains Toad 2 Unconfirmed

Red-spotted Toad 1 Unconfirmed

Woodhouse’s Toad 3 Probably Present

Western Box Turtle OP Present in Park Rare

Eastern Collared Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Lesser Earless Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Greater Short-horned Lizard SP Present in Park Uncommon

Roundtail Horned Lizard SX Present in Park Uncommon

Eastern Fence Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Side-blotched Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Great Plains Skink SX Present in Park Common

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail 1 Unconfirmed

Little Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Uncommon

New Mexico Whiptail SP Present in Park Abundant

Texas Blind Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Glossy Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Racer 1 Unconfirmed

Ring-necked Snake SX Present in Park Rare

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake 3 Probably Present

Western Hog-nosed Snake OP Present in Park Uncommon

Night Snake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Common Kingsnake 3 Probably Present

Milk Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Coachwhip SX Present in Park Common

Striped Whipsnake SX Present in Park Common

Gopher Snake SP Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Snake OX Present in Park Uncommon

Plains Black-headed Snake OP Present in Park Uncommon

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Checkered Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Common Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake OX Present in Park Common

Western Rattlesnake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Massasauga OP Present in Park Rare

TOTAL RANK 1 9

TOTAL RANK 2 2

TOTAL RANK 3 5

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 25

WEIGHTED TOTAL 31.7

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 79%
115

Table M-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of Petroglyph National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 1-ha 

time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, N-R TACS = non-random 1-ha TACS plot, ND = night 

drive, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS NGS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS

N-R

TACS

ND RE Total

Mexican Spadefoot 2 2

Eastern Collared Lizard 5 3 8

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 7 1 2 1 11

Lesser Earless Lizard 1 1

Greater Short-horned Lizard 2 1 3

Roundtail Horned Lizard 1 1 2

Eastern Fence Lizard 50 1 1 1 2 55

Side-blotched Lizard 146 14 20 11 15 206

Great Plains Skink 4 1 5

Little Striped Whiptail 9 9

New Mexican Whiptail 61 20 37 17 28 163

Glossy Snake 1 1

Ring-necked Snake 1 1

Coachwhip 2 1 2 5

Striped Whipsnake 3 3

Gopher Snake 1 1

Long-nosed Snake 2 2

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake 4 2 2 1 9

Western Rattlesnake 1 1

TOTAL 295 4 38 64 34 1 52 487
116 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Petroglyph Species Accumulation 2001-2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d

Figure M-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Petroglyph National Monument, 2001-2003. Yearly survey days 

are separated by vertical lines through the data. Cumulative Number of Species Found
117

RABR is located adjacent to Lake Powell in San Juan 

County, Utah, just northwest of Navajo Mountain. Elevation 

ranges between 1,129 and 1,492 m (3,704-4,895 ft). The monument encompasses 67 ha (165 acres), and was established 

to protect the world’s largest natural bridge. Desert shrub 

plant communities and exposed sandstone geologic features 

dominate habitats at RABR. Additional information on natural 

resources at RABR is presented in the park narratives section 

(Appendix D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We did not conduct fieldwork at RABR during the present inventory project. For completeness, however, we have 

attempted to summarize what is known about the occurrence 

of amphibians and reptiles at this and other unfunded parks in 

the SCPN. Through searching museum specimen records, we 

documented nine amphibian and reptile species from RABR. 

Almost all of these were collected as part of the Rainbow 

Bridge-Monument Valley Expedition in the 1930’s (Eaton 

1935), before the construction of Glen Canyon Dam and the 

eventual filling of Lake Powell to the level of RABR. Most of 

the species collected previously are common, widespread taxa 

that probably still occur at the monument. However, the Northern Leopard Frog has declined in many parts of the Southwest 

(e.g., Clarkson and Rorabaugh 1989), including at GLCA 

(Charles Drost, personal communication). A list of all documented and hypothetical species at RABR, as well as NPSpecies checklist field assignments, is presented in Table N-1.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at RABR

Based on species documented from museum specimen 

records (Appendix T) and our assessment of possible but 

undocumented species, we estimate inventory completeness 

for amphibians and reptiles at RABR to be 46% (Table N-1). 

Because we did not visit the monument, this figure should 

be considered a very rough estimate. Our assignments of the 

probabilities of occurrence of undocumented species are based 

on distribution of species in the RABR area, and could change 

after careful evaluation of available microhabitats.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records from Brigham Young University (BYU), the California Academy of Sciences (CAS), 

the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History (KU), 

the Los Angeles County Museum (LACM), the Museum of 

Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), the University of Texas-El Paso 

(UTEP), the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology 

(UMMZ), the University of Arizona (UAZ), the University 

of Utah (UU), and the USGS Biological Survey collection 

(USGS BS/FC, housed at MSB) for amphibians and reptiles 

from RABR. 

Museum records of specimens collected at RABR are 

found in Appendix T. We located museum specimen records 

for nine species at RABR, almost all of which were collected 

during the Rainbow Bridge-Monument Valley Expedition in 

the 1930’s (Eaton 1935). The only general overview of the 

herpetofauna of RABR is that of Eaton (1935).

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

The only sensitive species documented from RABR is the 

Northern Leopard Frog. However, this species was collected 

in 1933, well before the creation of Lake Powell, and aquatic 

habitats in Bridge Canyon within RABR have likely changed. 

It is unknown whether Northern Leopard Frogs are extant at 

RABR.

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Estimated inventory completeness at RABR is only 46%. 

In addition, most of the specimens upon which documentation 

of species occurrence was made were collected in the 1930’s, 

and some of those species (especially amphibians) may have 

been affected by the creation of Lake Powell. Therefore, we 

recommend that more effort be directed towards inventory 

before commencement of long-term monitoring of amphibians 

and reptiles at RABR.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at RABR to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead, taking several close-up, 

high-quality images of animals (digital, print, or slide, with 

location and date to identify the shot), or holding live animals 

until a herpetologist can process them. Dead animals 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. Complete collection data 

(date, collector, precise location, preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the bags with the specimens.

Appendix N. Rainbow Bridge National Monument (RABR)
118 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At RABR, amphibian 

monitoring may be limited to periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) of 

known breeding sites. However, the NPS may wish to expand 

herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, and diurnal 

lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring across 

the SCPN. Methods could include either time-constrained 

searches or transect surveys (such as along visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At RABR, likely candidate 

species include Side-blotched Lizard, Eastern Fence Lizard, 

and Western Whiptail, because these species are probably 

common in the monument and at many SCPN parks, making 

network-wide comparisons possible.

Table N-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Species documentation 

is based on Eaton (1935) and museum specimen records. Ranking of probability of species occurrence (“Rank”) is as follows: 1 = 

low probability, 2 = medium probability, 3 = high probability, and X = documented. Weighted total is equivalent to the total number of 

species expected to occur, and estimated inventory completeness is simply the number documented divided by the weighted total. For 

all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively. Because there have been 

no systematic herpetofauna surveys of Rainbow Bridge, and because we have not visited the site to evaluate habitats for potential 

amphibians and reptiles, ranking of undocumented species is preliminary.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander 1 Unconfirmed

Plains Spadefoot 1 Unconfirmed

Great Basin Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Mexican Spadefoot 1 Unconfirmed

Red-spotted Toad X Present in Park No data

Woodhouse’s Toad X Present in Park No data

Canyon Treefrog 1 Unconfirmed

Northern Leopard Frog X Present in Park No data

Great Basin Collared Lizard X Present in Park No data

Eastern Collared Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 3 Probably Present

Greater Short-horned Lizard 3 Probably Present

Desert Horned Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Common Chuckwalla 2 Unconfirmed

Desert Spiny Lizard X Present in Park No data

Eastern Fence Lizard X Present in Park No data

Ornate Tree Lizard 2 Unconfirmed

Side-blotched Lizard X Present in Park No data

Western Whiptail X Present in Park No data

Desert Night Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Western Banded Gecko 1 Unconfirmed

Glossy Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Night Snake X Present in Park No data

Common Kingsnake 2 Unconfirmed

Striped Whipsnake 3 Probably Present

Gopher Snake 3 Probably Present

Long-nosed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Patch-nosed Snake 3 Probably Present

Western Ground Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Southwestern Black-headed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Western Rattlesnake 3 Probably Present

TOTAL RANK 1 12

TOTAL RANK 2 5

TOTAL RANK 3 7

TOTAL DOCUMENTED 9

WEIGHTED TOTAL 19.4

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 46%
119

SAPU consists of three separate units (Abó, Gran Quivira, and Quarai) located in Torrance County, New Mexico; 

the southernmost unit, Gran Quivira, straddles the TorranceSocorro County line. Elevation ranges between 1,815 and 

2,058 m (5,955-6,752 ft). The monument encompasses 433 

ha (1,070 acres), and was established to protect prehistoric 

pueblo and historic Franciscan mission ruins. Habitats at 

SAPU are dominated by pinyon-juniper woodland. The 

Quarai and Abo units both contain drainages with permanent 

water, at least as large pools, and Quarai supports a dense 

riparian area of willows and cottonwoods. Abó is characterized by rough, broken terrain with numerous rocky washes, 

whereas soils at the other two units are predominantly sandy. 

Additional information on natural resources at SAPU is 

presented in the park narratives section (Appendix D) of 

Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 182 person-hours surveying 

for herpetofauna at SAPU in 2001-2003. Methods used, and 

number of person-hours spent on each method, included 

general surveys (114.4), nocturnal general surveys (25.9), 

non-random 1-ha TACS plot surveys (19.5), and night driving (22.2). We recorded 576 individual amphibians and reptiles of 22 species during our surveys. No additional species 

were documented based on our review of the literature and 

museum specimen records. A summary of the total number 

of each species observed by each method is presented in 

Table O-2. See Table 5 for voucher specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at SAPU

Based on our surveys at SAPU and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 73% (Table O-1). Although a species accumulation curve based on our surveys (Figure O-1) suggests we 

are close to reaching inventory completeness, we believe this 

asymptote reflects only that we are close to detecting most 

of the common species using our current methods. Detecting the remaining species at SAPU will require much greater 

field effort and more targeted searches during favorable conditions. Many of the undocumented species likely to occur 

at SAPU are snakes, including many uncommon or secretive 

species like Ring-necked Snake, Milk Snake, and Plains 

Black-headed Snake.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), and the USGS 

Biological Survey Collection for amphibians and reptiles from 

SAPU. We used dot distribution maps in Degenhardt et al. 

(1996) to help us evaluate potential occurrence of some species, based on the proximity of locality dots to SAPU. 

Museum records of specimens collected at SAPU prior to 

this study are found in Appendix T. All three species reported 

from museums were also found during our surveys. The only 

previous inventory of amphibians and reptiles at SAPU is 

that of Scott (1979), which included only the Gran Quivira 

unit. Scott (1979) reported observing four species during two 

survey days, and presented a monument species list which 

included species documented by specimens and based on 

unverified observations, presumably by NPS personnel. The 

only other publication relating to the herpetofauna at SAPU is 

Howell and Wood (1957), which detailed rattlesnake observations at Gran Quivira from 1954 to 1956.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

No sensitive amphibian or reptile species have been 

documented from SAPU. The Abó and Quarai units contain 

permanent water used as amphibian breeding sites, and these 

could be impacted by drought, local water table draw-down, 

contamination, or the introduction of non-native species. Bullfrogs have been collected in the Quarai area at Manzano Lake 

(MSB 12467), and we recommend that the monument watch 

for the presence of this exotic species in the permanent pools 

at Quarai and Abó. The unexcavated ruins at Gran Quivira 

provide overwintering sites for rattlesnakes (Howell and Wood 

1957, Scott 1979), and any future development of these ruins 

(e.g., excavation and stabilization) could destroy the habitat 

and impact local snake populations.

Considerations for Future Inventory and 

Long-term Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at SAPU is 

only 73%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles 

may be warranted. If conducted, future inventory effort should 

Appendix O. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
120 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

focus on documenting those species with the greatest likelihood of occurring at SAPU, including Western Chorus Frog, 

Greater Short-horned Lizard, and a number of snakes. Without 

the benefit of extensive roads available for night driving surveys, locating many snake species may require substantial field 

effort and different methods, such as funnel or pitfall traps.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at SAPU to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At SAPU, amphibian 

monitoring may be limited to periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) of 

known breeding sites, such as the pools in Canyon Espinoso 

at Abó and the stream running through Quarai. However, the 

NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include 

reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited 

to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either 

time-constrained searches or transect surveys (such as along 

visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At SAPU, 

Eastern Fence Lizard may be the best candidate for monitoring, because this species is common at all three units of the 

monument and at most SCPN parks, making network-wide 

comparisons possible. Whiptails are also common at SAPU 

(Little Striped Whiptail at Gran Quivira and Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail at Abó; whiptails are uncommon at Quarai), as 

they are at most SCPN parks, and could also be included in 

lizard monitoring at the monument. 

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at SAPU

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at SAPU, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance 

of a particular species, compared with other, similar species 

at SAPU, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout its range in the region. An asterisk (*) denotes a species 

represented by a voucher specimen. Locations in parentheses 

indicate park units in which each species has been observed, 

and collected. Status data for all documented and hypothetical 

species at SAPU, as well as NPSpecies checklist field assignments, are presented in Table O-1.

Species Documented from Salinas Pueblo 

Missions National Monument

*Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) (*Abó, Gran 

Quivira, Quarai)

Tiger Salamanders were common at the Abó unit, in 

the permanent pools in Canyon Espinoso. We observed a 

few transformed individuals, but most were large, neotenic 

salamanders. We did not observe this species at Gran Quivira, 

but a specimen was previously collected there, from a “garage 

floor.” At Quarai, we captured a Western Terrestrial Garter 

Snake that had recently eaten a larval Tiger Salamander.

*Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) (*Abó)

We observed this spadefoot only at Abó, during night 

driving surveys in and near the monument. This widespread 

species, which frequently co-occurs with the Plains Spadefoot, 

is probably common at the other SAPU units as well.

*Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) (Gran Quivira, 

*Quarai)

The Plains Spadefoot is often found together with the 

similar Mexican Spadefoot in the region, although it is usually 

less common. It probably occurs at all three SAPU units.

*Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) (*Abó)

Red-spotted Toads prefer rocky habitats (Stebbins 2003), 

and we found them only along the rocky washes at the Abó 

unit of SAPU. The voucher specimen we collected has been 

reported as a new county record for Torrance County (Persons 

and Nowak 2005a).

Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii) (Quarai)

We observed only a single Woodhouse’s Toad, during a 

night driving survey near the Quarai unit. While this species 

is common in the Rio Grande Valley to the west, there is only 

one documented record from Torrance County, in the vicinity 

of the Abó unit of SAPU (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Woodhouse’s Toads may occur at all three units of SAPU.

*Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) (*Abó, 

Quarai)

We found Eastern Collared Lizards to be common in 

the rocky canyons at Abó, and on the rocky slopes along the 

Spanish Corral Trail. Because we did not observe this large, 

conspicuous lizard in apparently suitable habitat in the ruins 

area at Gran Quivira, it may be absent from that unit.
121

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata) (Gran 

Quivira)

We observed only a single juvenile Lesser Earless Lizard, 

at the Gran Quivira unit. The species has been documented 

from throughout the SAPU region (Degenhardt et al. 1996). 

Although the Quarai unit does not contain suitable flat, open 

habitat for this species, it may occur at the Abó unit.

*Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) (*Abó)

We collected a Roundtail Horned Lizard from a rocky 

wash near Canyon Espinoso at the Abó unit, which is a new 

Torrance County record for the species (Persons and Nowak 

2005b). This “rock mimic” is generally found on rocky soils 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996), and at SAPU the greatest amount of 

suitable habitat appears to be at the Abó unit. It probably does 

not occur at Gran Quivira, which lies in a region dominated by 

sandy soils, but it could occur in the uplands at Quarai.

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) (*Abó, 

*Gran Quivira, *Quarai)

This is perhaps the most abundant, widespread, and conspicuous lizard on the Colorado Plateau, and is common at all 

three SAPU units. This was the most frequently observed species during our surveys. The Eastern Fence Lizard is usually 

found off the ground, such as on rocks, logs, trees, or humanmade structures.

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) (*Abó)

Over much of its range, including in New Mexico, the 

Tree Lizard is usually found on rocks such as boulders and 

canyon walls (Degenhardt et al. 1996). We found Tree Lizards 

throughout the rocky washes at the Abó unit of SAPU, where 

they were fairly common.

*Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus) (*Quarai)

We found two Great Plains Skinks at the Quarai unit, and 

park staff told us of additional sightings there as well. The only 

other record of this species from Torrance County is in the 

southeastern corner of the county, far from SAPU (Degenhardt 

et al. 1996). Scott (1979) reported an unverified sighting of 

Great Plains Skink from Gran Quivira. This large skink occurs 

in a wide variety of habitats in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 

1996), and probably occurs at all three units of SAPU.

*Little Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus inornatus) (Abó, 

*Gran Quivira)

This whiptail species is widespread in much of southern 

New Mexico, usually occurring in grasslands with sandy soils 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). The Little Striped Whiptail was abundant throughout the Gran Quivira unit, where it was the only 

whiptail species recorded. At the Abó unit, it was rare, being 

far outnumbered by the unisexual Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail, which prefers the rockier, broken terrain dominant there. 

A brief survey in the sandy, weedy habitat along the railroad 

tracks just south of US Highway 60 near the Abó unit found 

only Little Striped Whiptails, which were common there.

*Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail (Cnemidophorus 

exsanguis) (*Abó, Quarai)

This unisexual whiptail was abundant throughout the 

Abó unit, which is dominated by rocky, broken terrain often 

utilized by this species. We also found Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptails near the ruins at the Quarai unit, but they were 

uncommon there.

*Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) (*Abó, *Gran Quivira)

This small, strictly nocturnal species is widespread 

in the region (Degenhardt et al. 1996, Stebbins 2003), and 

almost certainly occurs at all three units of SAPU. We found 

Night Snakes at Abó and Gran Quivira during night driving 

surveys. The specimen collected at Gran Quivira had recently 

eaten a clutch of lizard eggs, as well as an adult male Eastern 

Fence Lizard.

*Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) (*Gran Quivira)

We observed only a single Glossy Snake at SAPU, on 

the road at the Gran Quivira unit. This species prefers habitats 

with sandy soils suitable for burrowing, and so may be absent 

from the other two units of SAPU.

*Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) (*Gran 

Quivira)

We observed eight Striped Whipsnakes at SAPU, all at 

Gran Quivira. This widespread species probably occurs at the 

other two units of SAPU as well. 

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) (*Gran Quivira, 

Quarai)

We observed 15 Gopher Snakes at SAPU, but none at the 

Abó unit. However, this widespread, generalist species almost 

certainly occurs there as well.

*Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) 

(*Abó)

This highly aquatic garter snake is found in a variety of 

habitats in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996). We found 

this species only at the Abó unit, among the rocky pools in and 

near Canyon Espinoso. Although Black-necked Garter Snake 

may occur in the stream habitat at the Quarai unit, we only 

found the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake there.
122 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

*Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) 

(Abó, *Quarai)

This widespread, generalist garter snake was common at 

both SAPU units with aquatic habitats, Abó and Quarai. It was 

abundant along the stream at Quarai, where it was the only 

garter snake species observed.

*Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum) (*Quarai)

This small relative of the garter snakes primarily 

occupies the Great Plains, but isolated populations occur to 

as far west as the SAPU area of New Mexico (Degenhardt 

et al. 1996, Stebbins 2003). We collected a Lined Snake on 

the Quarai entrance road. Although not within the bounds 

of the monument, the dense, grassy habitat is contiguous, 

and the species almost certainly occurs within the unit. This 

species has a relatively high moisture requirement (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and is probably common in the area near 

the stream at Quarai.

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) 

(Abó, Gran Quivira)

We observed only one Western Diamond-backed 

Rattlesnake, at the Abó unit. Cindy Ramotnik (USGS, 

Museum of Southwestern Biology) observed one there during mammal surveys in 2002, and NPS personnel at Abó 

reported seeing this species regularly over the years in the 

developed part of the monument (e.g., ruins, visitor center 

area). Although we only observed Western Rattlesnakes at 

Gran Quivira, Howell and Wood (1957) reported seeing a 

single Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake and 143 Western Rattlesnakes between 1954 and 1956. Given the widespread distribution of the species in southern New Mexico 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996), we have no reason to doubt this 

observation, but recommend that future researchers attempt 

to determine the current status of Western Diamond-backed 

Rattlesnake at Gran Quivira.

Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) (Gran Quivira)

This species, often called Prairie Rattlesnake, is found 

in a variety of habitats throughout New Mexico (Degenhardt 

et al. 1996), and probably occurs at every unit of SAPU. We 

observed eight Western Rattlesnakes, all at Gran Quivira. The 

unexcavated portion of the Gran Quivira ruins is an overwintering site for this species (Scott 1979, Howell and Wood 

1979), and may be important habitat for rattlesnakes from an 

area larger than the monument itself. Scott (1979) noted that 

the population using this overwintering site has apparently 

declined since the report of Howell and Wood (1957), and suggested that killing of snakes by NPS staff over the years was 

likely responsible.

Species That Possibly Occur at Salinas Pueblo 

Missions National Monument

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)

This tiny frog is found in the higher elevations of northern New Mexico, and in the Rio Grande Valley of central New 

Mexico, but has not been documented from the SAPU area 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). Although unlikely to occur at Abó 

or Gran Quivira due to the lack of suitable aquatic habitat, 

such as grassy pools or marshes (Stebbins 2003), the habitat 

at Quarai appears ideal, where quiet pools are surrounded by 

dense emergent vegetation. Although we never heard or saw 

this species, NPS staff at Quarai described hearing what was 

probably the call of Western Chorus Frog.

Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata)

This small, terrestrial turtle has not been collected in the 

SAPU area, but is common in many other parts of New Mexico 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). Although they probably do not occur 

at Abó or Quarai, the sandy soils present throughout Gran Quivira suggest Western Box Turtles may be present there. 

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

This large lizard is found in a variety of open habitats 

in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Although it has not 

been recorded from Torrance County (Degenhardt et al. 1996), 

this area of New Mexico has been under-sampled, as evidenced by new county records and range extensions resulting 

from our surveys at SAPU. While most of the habitats available at Quarai are too grassy and dense, suitable open habitats 

are found at both Abó and Gran Quivira, and the species may 

eventually be found at one of those units.

Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

This widespread horned lizard species has been documented from throughout the SAPU area of New Mexico 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996). Scott (1979) reported observing a 

Greater Short-horned Lizard at Gran Quivira, but this record 

was not documented with a specimen. Although apparently 

uncommon, the Greater Short-horned Lizard probably occurs 

at every unit of SAPU.

New Mexico Whiptail (Cnemidophorus neomexicanus)

This unisexual whiptail is largely restricted to the Rio 

Grande Valley of New Mexico and Texas (Degenhardt et al. 

1996, Stebbins 2003). A specimen was collected in the 1960’s 

1.6 km (1 mi) west of Scholle (MSB 11713), only a few miles 

west of the Abó unit of SAPU. The New Mexico Whiptail 

often occupies sandy, disturbed, weedy habitats (Degenhardt 
123

et al. 1996, and personal observation), and could conceivably 

occur east to the vicinity of Abó in such habitats along US 60 

and the railroad right-of-way. However, it is still unlikely that 

the species would ever become common within the monument, 

due to the presence of primarily upland habitats dominated by 

the Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail.

Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

This unisexual whiptail is widespread in northern New 

Mexico, often occupying pinyon-juniper woodlands (Degenhardt et al. 1996). Based on range and habitat, this species 

may occur at the Abó or Quarai units of SAPU, although we 

searched specifically for them and found only Chihuahuan 

Spotted and Little Striped whiptails at those sites.

Texas Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops dulcis)

This tiny, burrowing species has not been documented 

from Torrance County, but has been collected in northeastern Socorro County just west of the Abó area (Degenhardt et al. 1996), suggesting it could be found at that unit 

of SAPU. Texas Blind Snakes are found in a variety of 

habitats in New Mexico, usually at sites with loose soil 

for burrowing, but also with surface rocks used for cover 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996).

Racer (Coluber constrictor)

The Racer is uncommon in New Mexico, but has been 

found at sites scattered across the state (Degenhardt et al. 1996), 

suggesting it could occur almost anywhere suitable habitat 

is present. In the arid parts of New Mexico, water is usually 

present where Racers are found (Degenhardt et al. 1996), and 

habitats at the Quarai unit of SAPU appear suitable.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

This small, secretive species has been collected throughout New Mexico, including in the vicinity of the Abó unit of 

SAPU (Degenhardt et al. 1996). This snake requires above or 

below ground moisture (Degenhardt et al. 1996), which would 

make it less likely to occur at Gran Quivira. However, it probably occurs at both the Abó and Quarai units of SAPU.

Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus)

Although this species primarily inhabits sandy grasslands, it has been found in a variety of habitats in New Mexico 

where loose soil for burrowing is available (Degenhardt et al. 

1996). Habitat at Gran Quivira appears ideal, and NPS staff 

at SAPU told us they have seen Western Hog-nosed Snakes 

there, but the species has not been adequately documented 

from the monument.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

The Milk Snake has a spotty distribution throughout New 

Mexico, but has been collected from a number of locations 

in Torrance County, including in the general vicinity of the 

Quarai unit (Degenhardt et al. 1996). The species occupies a 

variety of habitats in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996), 

and probably occurs at all three units of SAPU.

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora grahamiae)

Degenhardt et al. (1996) did not plot any records of this 

species from Torrance County. Subsequently, Christman et 

al. (1998) reported a specimen collected on US Highway 60, 

about 18 km (11 mi) east of its junction with State Route 47 in 

Torrence County, a locality probably very close to the junction of the entrance road to the Abó unit. This species, which 

prefers rough, broken terrain of arroyos or other rocky areas 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996) almost certainly occurs at the Abó 

unit of SAPU, and may occur at Quarai as well.

Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps)

Although this species has not been documented in Torrance County (Degenhardt et al. 1996), it may extend its distribution eastward along the US Highway 60 corridor from the Rio 

Grande Valley to the area of the Abó unit of SAPU. The Plains 

Black-headed Snake sometimes inhabits rocky slopes in New 

Mexico, further suggesting it could possibly occur at Abó.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)

Christman and Painter (1998) reported this species from 

Priest Canyon, in the southern Manzano Mountains just northwest of the Abó unit of SAPU. The Black-tailed Rattlesnake is 

somewhat of an ecological generalist, and has been found in a 

variety of habitats in New Mexico (Degenhardt et al. 1996). In 

Arizona, this species is often found in rough, broken terrain, 

including washes and rocky canyons (Persons and Nowak, 

personal observation). The habitat at Abó appears suitable for 

this species, and it may eventually be found there. It is less 

likely, but possible, that it occurs at the Quarai unit as well.

Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)

This small rattlesnake primarily occurs in sandy grassland 

habitats in New Mexico, and has not been documented from 

the SAPU area (Degenhardt et al. 1996). However, because a 

number of range extensions have been reported recently in the 

region, including some from the present inventory, the lack of 

records from Torrance County may be a function of the area 

being herpetologically under-sampled. Because of its preference for sandy soils, the Massasauga could possibly occur at 

the Gran Quivira unit of SAPU.
124 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table O-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Ranking of 

probability of species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpeciesPark Status NPSpeciesAbundance

Tiger Salamander SX Present in Park Common

Plains Spadefoot SX Present in Park Uncommon

Mexican Spadefoot SX Present in Park Uncommon

Red-spotted Toad SX Present in Park Uncommon

Woodhouse’s Toad OX Present in Park Uncommon

Western Chorus Frog 3 Probably Present

Western Box Turtle 1 Unconfirmed

Eastern Collared Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Lesser Earless Lizard OX Present in Park Rare

Greater Short-horned Lizard 3 Probably Present

Roundtail Horned Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Eastern Fence Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Great Plains Skink SX Present in Park Common

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Little Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

New Mexico Whiptail 2 Unconfirmed

Plateau Striped Whiptail 1 Unconfirmed

Texas Blind Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Glossy Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Racer 1 Unconfirmed

Ring-necked Snake 3 Probably Present

Western Hog-nosed Snake 3 Probably Present

Night Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Milk Snake 3 Probably Present

Striped Whipsnake OX Present in Park Common

Gopher Snake SX Present in Park Common

Mountain Patch-nosed Snake 3 Probably Present

Plains Black-headed Snake 3 Probably Present

Black-necked Garter Snake SX Present in Park Common

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake SX Present in Park Common

Lined Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake OX Present in Park Common

Black-tailed Rattlesnake 2 Unconfirmed

Western Rattlesnake OX Present in Park Common

Massasauga 2 Unconfirmed

TOTAL RANK 1 5

TOTAL RANK 2 3

TOTAL RANK 3 7

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 22

WEIGHTED TOTAL 30.2

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 73%
125

Table O-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, N-R TACS = 

non-random 1-ha time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, ND = night drive, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS NGS N-R

TACS

ND RE Total

Tiger Salamander 34 85 1 120

Plains Spadefoot 1 16 17

Mexican Spadefoot 7 7

Red-spotted Toad 1 3 4

Woodhouse’s Toad 1 1

Eastern Collared Lizard 10 4 14

Lesser Earless Lizard 1 1

Roundtail Horned Lizard 1 1

Eastern Fence Lizard 130 17 2 6 155

Ornate Tree Lizard 14 14

Great Plains Skink 1 1 2

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail 48 11 1 60

Little Striped Whiptail 109 3 3 115

Glossy Snake 1 1

Night Snake 2 2

Striped Whipsnake 5 2 1 8

Gopher Snake 8 1 2 4 15

Black-necked Garter Snake 5 1 1 7

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 17 1 1 1 2 22

Lined Snake 1 1

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake 1 1

Western Rattlesnake 6 2 8

TOTAL 390 91 40 36 19 576
126 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Figure O-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, 2001-2003. Yearly 

survey days are separated by vertical lines through the data.

Salinas Pueblo Missions Species Accumulation 2001-2003

0

5

10

15

20

25

13579

111315171921232527293133353739

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d Cumulative Number of Species Found
127

SUCR is located just north of Flagstaff, in Coconino 

County, Arizona. Elevation ranges between 2,076 and 2,441 m 

(6,811-8,009 ft). The monument encompasses 1,226 ha (3,028 

acres), and was established to protect an impressive volcanic 

cinder cone (Sunset Crater) and associated lava fields. Habitats 

at SUCR include ponderosa pine forest, small stands of aspen 

and pinyon-juniper woodland, and extensive volcanic features. Soils are dominated by deep layers of volcanic cinders, 

primarily deposited during the eruption of Sunset Crater in 

1064 A.D. There is almost no surface water at SUCR, with the 

exception of very small temporary catchments within the lava 

flows. Additional information on natural resources at SUCR 

is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix D) of 

Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 31 person-hours surveying for 

herpetofauna at SUCR in 2001-2003. Methods used, and number of person-hours spent on each method, included general 

surveys (5.3), random 1-ha TACS plot surveys (11.7), random 

10-ha TACS plot surveys (7.0), and night driving (6.8). We 

recorded 51 individual amphibians and reptiles of four species 

during our surveys, and we considered one additional species 

to be documented based on a previous sighting by one of us. 

A summary of the total number of each species observed by 

each method is presented in Table P-2. See Table 5 for voucher 

specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at SUCR

Based on our surveys at SUCR and inclusion of previously documented species, we estimate an inventory completeness of 54% (Table P-1). Although a species accumulation 

curve based on our surveys (Figure P-1) suggests we are close 

to reaching inventory completeness, we believe this asymptote 

reflects only that we are close to detecting most of the common species using our current methods. Detecting the remaining species at SUCR will require much greater field effort and 

more targeted searches during exceptionally favorable conditions. Many of the undocumented species likely to occur at 

SUCR are snakes, including Night Snake, Sonoran Mountain 

Kingsnake, and Western Rattlesnake.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched records from Coconino County, Arizona 

from the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), 

Arizona State University (ASU), Brigham Young University 

(BYU), California Academy of Sciences (CAS), The Carnegie Museum (CM), University of Colorado Museum (CU), 

University of Kansas Museum of Natural History (KU), Los 

Angeles County Museum (LACM), Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), 

Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico 

(MSB), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), Northern 

Arizona University (NAU), United States National Museum 

(USNM), University of Arizona (UAZ), University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ), University of Texas at El 

Paso (UTEP), and the Flagstaff Area National Monuments 

vertebrate collection (SUCR). 

We located museum records of specimens collected 

prior to this study for three species at SUCR (Appendix T), 

all of species that we found during our surveys in 2001-2003. 

Bateman (1976) reviewed museum specimens and presented a 

combined checklist for SUCR and WUPA, reducing its value 

for either monument individually. In their overview of amphibians and reptiles in the Flagstaff, Arizona area, Aitchison 

and Tomko (1974) reported only one species (Eastern Fence 

Lizard) from SUCR.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

Only five reptile species have been documented from 

SUCR, none of which are considered sensitive. Road mortality 

could potentially impact snake populations at SUCR. 

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at SUCR is 

only 54%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles may 

be warranted. If conducted, future inventory efforts could focus 

on documenting Many-lined Skink and a number of snakes 

(e.g., Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake, Striped Whipsnake, Western Rattlesnake) with a high likelihood of occurring at SUCR. 

Locating these species may require substantial field effort and 

different methods, such as funnel or pitfall traps.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

Appendix P. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (SUCR)
128 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

at SUCR to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. However, we did not 

locate any amphibians, or potential amphibian breeding sites 

at SUCR, and the monument may in fact harbor no amphibians, making it unique within the SCPN in this regard. The 

NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include 

reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited 

to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either 

time-constrained searches or transect surveys (such as along 

visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At SUCR, 

Eastern Fence Lizard and Tree Lizard may be good candidates 

for monitoring, because these species are common throughout 

the monument and at most SCPN parks, making network-wide 

comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at SUCR

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at SUCR, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

SUCR, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) denotes a species represented by a voucher specimen. Status of all documented and 

hypothetical species at SUCR, as well as NPSpecies checklist 

field assignments, are presented in Table P-1. 

Species Documented from Sunset Crater 

Volcano National Monument

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

This was the most frequently observed species at SUCR, 

and one of the only two abundant species in the monument. 

The Eastern Fence lizard was found in all habitats at SUCR, 

including rocky, lava flow areas and forested habitats, where it 

was frequently observed on trees and downed logs.

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

This species was almost as abundant as the Eastern Fence 

Lizard, but was primarily restricted to basalt rocks in the lava 

flow areas. Ornate Tree Lizards are often found in mesic, 

rocky settings such as canyons, and the lava flows at SUCR 

are more mesic than the surrounding ponderosa pine forest.

*Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

We found two Greater Short-horned Lizards at SUCR. 

Although uncommon, this cryptic species probably occurs 

throughout the monument, except on the lava flows themselves. 

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

We observed six Plateau Striped Whiptails at SUCR, in 

ponderosa pine forest habitats with an understory of scattered 

large shrubs such as rabbitbrush and apache plume. This unisexual whiptail is widespread in a variety of habitats throughout northern Arizona, and is probably at its upper elevational 

limit at SUCR.

Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

We observed no snakes of any species at SUCR in 

2001-2003, possibly due to drought conditions during the 

period. However, one of us (TBP) observed a road-killed 

Gopher Snake on FR 545 within SUCR in 1996, supporting 

the numerous previous (but poorly described) natural history 

observations on file at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments 

headquarters.

Species That Possibly Occur at Sunset Crater 

Volcano National Monument

Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

NPS staff reported seeing an adult Tiger Salamander 

near the SUCR visitor center (fide Tim Graham, USGS 

Canyonlands Research Station), about 1.6 km (1 mi) west 

of the SUCR boundary. The visitor center is situated near an 

area (Bonito Park) with soils that probably retain subsurface 

moisture, which would likely provide more suitable habitat 

than the cinder soils found within the monument proper. Tiger 

Salamanders may occur within SUCR as transients.

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata)

This is the most widespread anuran in the Flagstaff area, 

and occurs in a variety of habitats, including extremely dry 

ones such as the desert and grassland areas at nearby Wupatki 

National Monument. Even during the monsoon seasons in 
129

2001-2003 we did not observe any temporary pools at SUCR, 

and the lack of potential breeding sites may preclude this, or 

any amphibian, from occurring within the monument.

Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus)

This species is found in the ponderosa pine forest habitats 

in the Flagstaff, Arizona area, and almost certainly occurs at 

SUCR. Because this skink prefers areas with subsurface moisture (Stebbins 2003), it would most likely be found at SUCR in 

the more mesic microhabitats along the edges of the lava flows, 

where buried lava probably traps water and slows the drying of 

the overlying cinder soils. The most promising sites would be 

microhabitats such as these that also contain an abundance of 

rotting logs under which skinks would likely be found.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

This small, strictly nocturnal species occurs in a variety of 

habitats in the region (Stebbins 2003). Night Snakes are common in the Cinder Hills just east of SUCR (Persons, personal 

observation), and may occur within the monument as well.

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana)

This colorful snake is found in pine forest habitats in the 

Flagstaff, Arizona area, and probably occurs, at least in small 

numbers, throughout SUCR. One of us (TBP) observed a roadkilled Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake on US Highway 89 near 

the Schultz Pass Road, about 3 km (4.8 mi) west of SUCR.

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)

This widespread, diurnal species is found in a wide 

variety of habitats (Stebbins 2003), including ponderosa pine 

forests in the Flagstaff area (personal observation), and probably occurs at SUCR.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

This garter snake is abundant in a wide variety of aquatic 

habitats throughout northern Arizona (Persons and Nowak, 

personal observation), and is also highly terrestrial in its habits 

(Stebbins 2003). Although habitats within SUCR may be too dry 

to support populations of this species, it may pass through the 

monument from nearby areas with more mesic, forested habitats 

or earthen stock tanks, which are often used by these snakes.

Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

Although we know of no recent sightings of rattlesnakes 

at SUCR, monument natural history observation cards on file 

at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments headquarters report 

four rattlesnake sightings in or near SUCR between 1960 and 

1981. Two of these reported size measurements (or estimates) 

of “31 inches” and “three feet long.” These lengths are longer 

than those normally attained by the widespread “Hopi” subspecies of Western Rattlesnake (C. v. nuntius), and suggest 

these sightings were of the larger Arizona Black Rattlesnake 

(C. v. cerberus), which is considered by some authors (e.g., 

Douglas et al. 2002, Pook et al. 2000) to be a separate species.

Table P-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Ranking of 

probability of species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpeciesPark Status NPSpeciesAbundance

Tiger Salamander 1 Unconfirmed

Mexican Spadefoot 1 Unconfirmed

Greater Short-horned Lizard SX Present in Park Uncommon

Eastern Fence Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Many-lined Skink 3 Probably Present

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Uncommon

Night Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake 3 Probably Present

Striped Whipsnake 3 Probably Present

Gopher Snake OP Present in Park Uncommon

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Rattlesnake 3 Probably Present

TOTAL RANK 1 3

TOTAL RANK 2 1

TOTAL RANK 3 4

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 5

WEIGHTED TOTAL 9.3

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 54%
130 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table P-2. Number of individuals of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna inventory of Sunset Crater 

Volcano National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 1-ha time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha 

TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS RE Total

Greater Short-horned Lizard 1 1 2

Eastern Fence Lizard 7 11 4 22

Ornate Tree Lizard 6 15 21

Plateau Striped Whiptail 1 3 1 1 6

TOTAL 14 30 6 1 51

Sunset Crater Volcano Species Accumulation 2001-2003

0

1

2

3

4

5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d

Figure P-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, 2001-2003. Yearly 

survey days are separated by vertical lines through the data. Cumulative Number of Species Found
131

WACA is located just east of Flagstaff, in Coconino 

County, Arizona. Elevation ranges between 1,896 and 2,106 

m (6,221-6,910 ft). The monument encompasses 1,468 ha 

(3,626 acres), and was established to protect ancient cliff 

dwellings within the canyon. The canyon rims are characterized by ponderosa pine forest and pinyon-juniper woodland, 

while the canyon bottom contains dense riparian growth in 

areas. North-facing steep canyon slopes harbor Douglas fir 

and Gambel oak communities, while south facing slopes 

are dominated by open pinyon-juniper woodland with an 

understory of shrubs, yuccas, and agaves more characteristic 

of many lower elevation Mogollon Rim habitats. The only 

permanent water is a series of tinajas in Cherry Canyon, 

a tributary to Walnut Canyon. Additional information on 

natural resources at WACA is presented in the park narratives 

section (Appendix D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 114 person-hours surveying 

for herpetofauna at WACA in 2001-2003. Methods used, and 

number of person-hours spent on each method, included general surveys (78.9), nocturnal general surveys (0.8), random 1-

ha TACS plot surveys (15.7), random 10-ha TACS plot surveys 

(10.9), and night driving (7.4). We recorded 592 individual 

amphibians and reptiles of eleven species during our surveys, 

and three additional species were documented based on our 

review of the literature and museum specimen records. A 

summary of the total number of each species observed by each 

method is presented in Table Q-2. See Table 5 for voucher 

specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at WACA

Based on our surveys at WACA and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 70% (Table Q-1). Although a species accumulation 

curve based on our surveys (Figure Q-1) suggests we are close 

to reaching inventory completeness, we believe this asymptote 

reflects only that we are close to detecting most of the common species using our current methods. Detecting the remaining species at WACA will require much greater field effort 

and more targeted searches during favorable conditions. Many 

of the undocumented species likely to occur at WACA are 

snakes, including Night Snake, Striped Whipsnake, Western 

Patch-nosed Snake, and Black-tailed Rattlesnake. Great Plains 

Skink and Madrean Alligator Lizard, as well as the Blacktailed Rattlesnake, are potential species that are associated 

with central Arizona Mogollon Rim habitats.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records from Coconino County, 

Arizona from the American Museum of Natural History 

(AMNH), Arizona State University (ASU), Brigham Young 

University (BYU), California Academy of Sciences (CAS), 

The Carnegie Museum (CM), University of Colorado Museum 

(CU), University of Kansas Museum of Natural History (KU), 

Los Angeles County Museum (LACM), Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), 

Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico 

(MSB), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), Northern 

Arizona University (NAU), United States National Museum 

(USNM), University of Arizona (UAZ), University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ), University of Texas at El 

Paso (UTEP), and the Flagstaff Area National Monuments 

vertebrate collection (WACA). 

We located museum records of specimens collected prior 

to this study for nine species at WACA (Appendix T). Three 

of these (Greater Short-horned Lizard, Many-lined Skink, and 

Ring-necked Snake) were species we did not detect in 2001-

2003. Persons and Bradley (2000) reported this specimen of 

Ring-necked Snake as a range extension, being the first record 

in Coconino County, and also the first record in eastern Arizona above the Mogollon Rim. There are no previous reports 

or publications on the amphibians and reptiles of WACA. 

Aitchison and Tomko (1974) reviewed specimen records from 

the Flagstaff, Arizona area, but did not include any records 

from WACA.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

The populations of Canyon Treefrog and Little Striped 

Whiptail at WACA appear to be isolated. The Little Striped 

Whiptail is probably secure and normal management or recreational uses of the canyon are unlikely to impact the WACA 

population. The Canyon Treefrog occurs in a series of permanent tinajas along a short stretch of Cherry Canyon, and any 

changes in the hydrology or water quality of this site could 

impact the frogs. Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes are common 

at WACA, and this colorful species is frequently collected for 

the pet trade. Therefore, there is the possibility of illegal snake 

Appendix Q. Walnut Canyon National Monument (WACA)
132 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

collecting at WACA, given its relatively high visitation rate 

and location near the city of Flagstaff.

Considerations for Future Inventory and Longterm Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at WACA is 

only 70%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles may 

be warranted. If conducted, future inventory effort could focus 

on documenting amphibians (especially Red-spotted Toad), 

Great Plains Skink and Madrean Alligator Lizard, and numerous snakes (Table Q-1). Without the benefit of extensive roads 

available for night driving surveys, locating many snake species may require substantial field effort. Funnel traps or pitfall 

traps may be more effective at documenting some snakes, and 

would also be good methods to use for Great Plains Skink and 

Madrean Alligator Lizard.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at WACA to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At WACA, the highest 

priority would be monitoring of the Canyon Treefrog population in the tinajas in Cherry Canyon, as this species is proposed 

as a monitoring target in this habitat across the SCPN. Amphibian monitoring may also include periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) 

of known breeding sites. Location of these sites may be more 

easily determined during non-drought conditions. However, the 

NPS may wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include 

reptiles, and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited 

to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either 

time-constrained searches or transect surveys (such as along 

visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At WACA, 

Eastern Fence Lizard, Ornate Tree Lizard, and Plateau Striped 

Whiptail may be good candidates for monitoring, because these 

species are common throughout the monument and at many 

SCPN parks, making network-wide comparisons possible. 

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at WACA

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at WACA, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

WACA, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) denotes a species represented by a voucher specimen. The status of all documented 

and hypothetical species at WACA, and NPSpecies checklist 

field assignments, are presented in Table Q-1. 

Species Documented from Walnut Canyon 

National Monument

*Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor)

We were pleased and surprised to discover a population 

of Canyon Treefrogs in Cherry Canyon. The frogs were found 

in a small area in upper Cherry Canyon that contains a number 

of large tinajas, some of which retain water year-round. We 

also collected a Canyon Treefrog from the WACA sewage 

lagoon, north of the visitor center and residence area. Canyon Treefrogs at WACA are probably isolated, as the closest 

known populations are in Pumphouse Wash near Kachina Village (about 16 km [10 mi] southwest of WACA) and Turkey 

Tanks in San Francisco Wash (about 13 km [8 mi] northeast of 

WACA). Both of these sites are separated from WACA by dry 

forests and woodlands, and dry drainages that do not have permanent or near-permanent pools. We searched all of WACA, 

as well as Cherry Canyon south outside the monument, but 

found no additional Canyon Treefrogs or suitable habitat. 

*Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata)

We found four Mexican Spadefoots at WACA, the first 

record of this species from the monument. We located them 

while night driving on the monument entrance road and by 

following their mating calls to the WACA sewage lagoon. This 

widespread species probably occurs throughout the monument, 

and our failure to detect it elsewhere is probably the result of 

drought conditions that prevailed during the inventory period.

*Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

We did not observe any Greater Short-horned Lizards at 

WACA in 2001-2003. However, we located three previously 

collected specimens collected, and WACA natural history 
133

observation cards (on file at the Flagstaff Area National 

Monuments headquarters) contain many observations of this 

species. This cryptic lizard is probably common throughout 

the monument.

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

This was the most abundant species observed, and was 

found in all habitats throughout the monument. On many surveys, we observed only this species and the Ornate Tree Lizard.

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

This was the second-most frequently observed species 

at WACA. The Ornate Tree Lizard was primarily found in 

rocky microhabitats within the canyon, and it was abundant 

in these areas.

*Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus)

We did not find Many-lined Skinks at WACA, but we 

did locate a record of a specimen collected in 1931 by wellknown herpetologist Charles Bogert. Mary Blasing (former 

NPS ranger at WACA) also observed what she believed to be 

a Many-lined Skink in the monument. This small, secretive 

species probably occurs throughout the monument, and may 

be more common than the few sightings suggest.

*Little Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus inornatus)

Although previously known to occur in the grasslands 

northeast of Flagstaff (e.g., Wright and Lowe 1993), we were 

surprised to find this species at WACA. Little Striped Whiptails were locally common in brushy habitats in the canyon 

bottom and in small side canyons in the eastern part of the 

monument, roughly east (downstream) of Santa Fe Dam. The 

Little Striped Whiptail has a disjunct, relictual distribution in 

Arizona (Persons 2005), and the population at WACA appears 

to be isolated from the much more widespread grasslandinhabiting populations north and east of Flagstaff (Persons, 

unpublished data). 

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

This unisexual whiptail species is widespread over much 

of the Colorado Plateau, and we found it together with the 

Little Striped Whiptail in the eastern part of WACA. Whiptails, probably of this species, have also been seen on the 

canyon rim near the visitor center (natural history observation 

cards on file at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments headquarters). The Plateau Striped Whiptail is actually a complex 

of mostly undescribed species, possibly including both diploid 

and triploid lineages (Wright 1993). Specimens we collected 

at WACA may, based on color pattern, represent two distinct 

species (unpublished data). We recommend that any future 

studies on the systematics of the Plateau Striped Whiptail 

complex include samples from the WACA area.

*Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

We did not find this species in 2001-2003, but its presence at WACA is verified with a specimen. Persons and Bradley (2000) reported this as a range extension, being the first 

record in Coconino County and in eastern Arizona above the 

Mogollon Rim. In addition, natural history observation cards 

on file at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments headquarters 

contain a number of reliable sightings from the 1950’s, 1960’s, 

and 1970’s. These sightings, as well as the single specimen, 

were all from the visitor center and headquarters area and 

along the nearby Island Trail. The lack of recent reports, 

combined with our failure to locate the species, suggests Ringnecked Snakes may be rare at WACA.

*Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana)

Although we only found two individual Sonoran Mountain Kingsnakes in 2001-2003, it is probably common at 

WACA. Frequent reports by visitors in the headquarters area 

and on the Island and Rim trails (natural history observation 

cards on file at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments headquarters), and our sightings near Cherry Canyon and east of 

Santa Fe Dam), indicate that this species probably occurs in all 

habitats throughout the monument.

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

We observed only two Gopher Snakes in 2001-2003, but 

this widespread species is common in varied habitats throughout 

the region, and is probably common throughout WACA as well.

*Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

We observed 10 Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes in 

2001-2003, the most of any snake species at WACA. We found 

this widespread snake both on the canyon rim (entrance road) 

and in the canyon bottom. On multiple occasions we found 

these snakes in the tinajas in Cherry Canyon, where they 

undoubtedly prey on the Canyon Treefrogs that live there. 

The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is probably common 

throughout the monument.

*Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

We found only two Western Rattlesnakes at WACA in 

2001-2003. One of these was in the canyon bottom near Santa 

Fe Dam, and the other was a road kill on the entrance road. 

Both of these snakes were referable to the widespread “Hopi” 

subspecies (C. v. nuntius). However, the Arizona Black Rattlesnake (C. v. cerberus) occurs nearby in the Flagstaff area, and 

may occur at WACA as well. Some authors (e.g., Douglas 

et al. 2002) consider the Arizona Black Rattlesnake to be a 

separate species. One of us (EMN) is currently working with 

NAU graduate student Justin Schofer on a project involving 

searching for Arizona Black Rattlesnakes at WACA and other 

NPS units in Arizona. In 2004, one rattlesnake was caught 

near the visitor center that appeared, based on color pattern, 
134 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

to be intermediate between these two subspecies, and genetic 

analysis will be performed using blood from this snake. NPS 

staff photographed another rattlesnake in 2004 in the same 

area, and this snake also appeared intermediate between the 

two subspecies in some aspects of color pattern. Further 

research is needed to determine the genetic affinities of WACA 

Western Rattlesnakes.

Species That Possibly Occur at Walnut Canyon 

National Monument

Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons)

The Plains Spadefoot is not as common or widespread as 

the closely related Mexican Spadefoot, but the two species cooccur at a number of sites in northern Arizona, including north 

and east of Flagstaff (Persons and Nowak, personal observation). Based on habitat, we would expect this species to possibly occur in the eastern part of WACA, especially in the wide, 

sandy areas of the bottom of Walnut Canyon. The persistent 

drought during the study period was likely responsible for our 

failure to detect amphibians in this habitat.

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus)

This widespread species is usually found in rocky, canyon 

habitats (Stebbins 2003), and we had expected to find it at 

WACA. The permanent tinajas in Cherry Canyon appear to be 

suitable habitat, but repeated visits detected no toads or toad 

tadpoles. Due to the current drought, other potential temporary 

pool breeding sites did not occur in 2001-2003. For example, 

a large pool often forms at the eastern base of the old Santa Fe 

Dam, in an area of the canyon where Red-spotted Toads might 

occur, but this pool never filled during the monsoon season in 

any year of our inventory.

Mountain Treefrog (Hyla eximia)

In Arizona, this small treefrog primarily occurs along the 

Mogollon Rim highlands, including numerous locations in the 

Flagstaff area. Mountain Treefrogs breed during the summer 

monsoon season in a variety of temporary aquatic habitats, 

including earthen stock tanks and roadside ditches. This species may occur in the ponderosa pine forest in or near WACA, 

especially where there are a number of stock tanks just north 

and west of the monument. These stock tanks did not fill 

adequately during our inventory, due to the drought conditions 

that prevailed in 2001-2003.

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)

This small treefrog breeds in a variety of temporary and 

permanent aquatic habitats in and around Flagstaff, Arizona, 

usually where the shoreline is dense grass or there is emergent 

vegetation. We have seen Western Chorus Frogs at Lower 

Lake Mary near the confluence with Walnut Canyon (about 6 

km [4 mi] southwest of WACA), and the species likely breeds 

in a number of earthen stock tanks located just west of WACA, 

and may occur within the monument as well.

Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)

This large, conspicuous lizard may occur at WACA, but 

if so, remained undetected during our surveys. The Eastern 

Collared Lizard is common both north and east of WACA, and 

could possibly occur in the open, rocky habitats along or in 

Walnut Canyon near the eastern boundary of the monument.

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

This widespread species occurs in a variety of open 

habitats in northern Arizona, and has been seen in the vicinity 

of Winona, about 8 km (5 mi) northeast of WACA (Nowak and 

Persons, unpublished data). The Lesser Earless Lizard may 

occur in the open woodlands, or more likely, in the wide, open 

sandy canyon bottom habitats in the eastern part of WACA.

Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus)

In the Southwest, this large skink is usually associated 

with foothill and mountain habitats, including canyons (Stebbins 2003), and reaches the local northern limit of its distributional range in Arizona in the ponderosa pine forests along 

the Mogollon Rim just south of Flagstaff. One of us (EMN) 

has found this species in rocky, ponderosa pine forest habitat 

near Willard Spring, about 22 km (14 mi) southwest of WACA. 

While the species may not occur at WACA simply because it 

has not colonized the area, suitable habitat appears to be present, and we suspect this species may eventually be found in the 

monument, most likely within or near Walnut Canyon itself.

Madrean Alligator Lizard (Elgaria kingii)

Like the Great Plains Skink, this species reaches its 

northern distributional limit along the Mogollon Rim just south 

of Flagstaff. We have observed Madrean Alligator Lizards near 

Willard Spring, about 22 km (14 mi) southwest of WACA (Persons and Nowak, personal observation). Because apparently 

suitable rocky, forested habitat (e.g., Stebbins 2003) exists at 

WACA, this species may occur within the monument.

Western Blind Snake (Leptotyphlops humilis)

This tiny, burrowing species is widespread in deserts and 

foothills in southern Arizona and the Verde Valley, but has not 

been recorded above 1,524 m (5000 ft) elevation (Stebbins 

2003). A specimen at the University of Colorado Museum 

(UCM 20002) was reportedly collected 2.4 km (1.5 mi) northwest of Walnut Canyon, Coconino County, Arizona in 1953. 

The collector (F.A. Shannon) is a well-known herpetologist, 

but the locality data may be in error because WACA seems 

much too high and cold for this species. 
135

Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)

This species is widespread at lower elevations in the 

region, especially north and east of Flagstaff, and is often 

common in grassland and open woodlands where there is 

loose soil suitable for burrowing. Although slightly outside the 

known local range of the species, Glossy Snakes may occur in 

the open, sandy habitats in the bottom of Walnut Canyon near 

the east boundary of the monument.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

This small, strictly nocturnal species is widespread in a 

variety of habitats in the region (Stebbins 2003), and almost 

certainly occurs at WACA. 

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

The Milk Snake has a spotty distribution across the 

southern Colorado Plateau, usually occupying grassland 

habitats in northern Arizona. However, it occurs in woodlands, canyons, and forests in New Mexico and Colorado 

(Degenhardt et al. 1996, Hammerson 1999), and in Utah 

it broadly overlaps the range of the Sonoran Mountain 

Kingsnake in the central mountains (Cox and Tanner 1995, 

Stebbins 2003). While all “tri-colored” kingsnakes positively identified at WACA have been Sonoran Mountain 

Kingsnakes, there is a slight chance that Milk Snakes also 

occur, and are probably more likely in the sandy habitats at 

the eastern end of the monument.

Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)

This fast, diurnal snake is widespread in the region, 

and we have seen it in pinyon-juniper woodland northeast of WACA, as well as in ponderosa pine forest west of 

WACA. The Striped Whipsnake almost certainly occurs 

within the monument.

Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis)

Most records of this species from northern Arizona are 

from Great Basin Desertscrub habitats below about 1,524 m 

(5000 ft) elevation (unpublished data). However, a recent specimen from pinyon-juniper habitat at 1,890 m (6,200 ft) elevation indicates a wider ecological and elevational range for the 

species in the WACA area. This specimen (UAZ 53765) was 

found about 8 km (5 mi) northeast of WACA from an open, 

park-like area within the woodland, in the sandy floodplain 

of San Francisco Wash, which is a downstream continuation 

of Walnut Canyon. This suggests that Western Patch-nosed 

Snakes probably occur in similar habitat in the eastern part of 

the monument.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

The Black-necked Garter Snake is more aquatic than the 

more widespread Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, and has a 

spottier distribution in the region (Stebbins 2003). Persons and 

Rosen (2001) reported a specimen collected just north of Flagstaff in the early 1900’s, probably before the Rio de Flag had 

been modified into its present flood-control design. Although 

we observed only Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes at WACA, 

the Black-necked Garter Snake may occur there as well.

Western Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus)

This nocturnal, rear-fanged species occurs primarily in 

the desert regions of southern Arizona below the Mogollon 

Rim, with an isolated population in the Oak Creek Canyon 

area (Stebbins 2003). Because this secretive species prefers rocky habitats, and because a number of other southern 

Arizona species reach their northern distributional limits near 

WACA (e.g., Great Plains Skink, Madrean Alligator Lizard, 

Black-tailed Rattlesnake), the Western Lyre Snake may range 

this far north as well.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)

This species is widespread in a variety of rocky habitats 

in southern and central Arizona, and reaches the local northern limit of its distributional range just south of Flagstaff 

(Lowe et al. 1986, Stebbins 2003). Tom Ferrell (former NPS 

Resource Management Specialist at WACA) told us he once 

saw a Black-tailed Rattlesnake on the entrance road at WACA, 

probably in the early 1990’s. Because he was familiar with the 

species from southern Arizona, we are inclined to believe his 

sighting, but a record such as this would need to be verified 

with a photograph or specimen.
136 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table Q-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Walnut Canyon National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander SX Present in Park Rare

Plains Spadefoot 2

Mexican Spadefoot SX Present in Park Uncommon

Red-spotted Toad 2

Canyon Treefrog SX Present in Park Uncommon

Mountain Treefrog 1

Western Chorus Frog 1

Eastern Collared Lizard 1

Lesser Earless Lizard 2

Greater Short-horned Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Eastern Fence Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard SP Present in Park Abundant

Many-lined Skink SP Present in Park Rare

Great Plains Skink 2

Little Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Common

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Common

Madrean Alligator Lizard 2

Western Blind Snake 1

Glossy Snake 1

Ring-necked Snake SP Present in Park Rare

Night Snake 3

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake SP Present in Park Common

Milk Snake 1

Striped Whipsnake 3

Gopher Snake SP Present in Park Common

Western Patch-nosed Snake 3

Black-necked Garter Snake 1

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake SP Present in Park Common

Western Lyre Snake 1

Black-tailed Rattlesnake 3

Western Rattlesnake SP Present in Park Uncommon

TOTAL RANK 1 8

TOTAL RANK 2 5

TOTAL RANK 3 4

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 14

WEIGHTED TOTAL 21.2

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 66%
137

Table Q-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of Walnut Canyon National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 

1-ha time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, ND = night drive, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS NGS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS

ND RE Total

Tiger Salamander 1 1

Mexican Spadefoot 1 3 4

Canyon Treefrog 13 3 3 19

Eastern Fence Lizard 225 57 34 1 14 331

Ornate Tree Lizard 151 15 16 4 186

Little Striped Whiptail 14 2 16

Plateau Striped Whiptail 13 5 1 19

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake 2 2

Gopher Snake 2 2

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 8 1 1 10

Western Rattlesnake 1 1 2

TOTAL 429 4 80 50 7 22 592

Walnut Canyon Species Accumulation 2001-2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

13579

11131517192123252729313335

Survey Days

Cumularive Number of Species Foun

d

Figure Q-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Walnut Canyon National Monument, 2001-2003. Yearly survey 

days are separated by vertical lines through the data. Cumulative Number of Species Found
138 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks
139

WUPA is located about 53 km (33 mi) north of Flagstaff, 

in Coconino County, Arizona. Elevation ranges between 1,304 

and 1,744 m (4,278-5,722 ft). The monument encompasses 

14,399 ha (35,566 acres), and was established to protect several prehistoric pueblo ruins. Wupatki is divided by the Doney 

Cliffs, a northeast trending geologic fault that separates the 

grassland and juniper savanna habitats to the west from the 

Great Basin desertscrub habitats in Wupatki Basin to the east. 

The normally dry Little Colorado River forms the northeastern 

boundary of the monument. Additional information on natural 

resources at WUPA is presented in the park narratives section 

(Appendix D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 208 person-hours surveying 

for herpetofauna at WUPA in 2001-2003. Methods used, and 

number of person-hours spent on each method, included general 

surveys (145.6), random 1-ha TACS plot surveys (20.0), random 

10-ha TACS plot surveys (11.3), and night driving (30.8). We 

recorded 1,067 individual amphibians and reptiles of 24 species 

during our surveys, and three additional species were documented based on our review of the literature and museum specimen records. A summary of the total number of each species 

observed by each method is presented in Table R-2. See Table 5 

for voucher specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at WUPA

Based on our surveys at WUPA and inclusion of previously 

documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 

95% (Table R-1). A species accumulation curve based on our 

surveys (Figure R-1) suggests we are close to reaching inventory completeness. As with PEFO, the only other SCPN park 

with >90% inventory completeness, this high level of inventory 

completeness at WUPA is primarily due to the availability of 

extensive paved roads that traverse all major habitats within the 

monument. In addition, the data available from previous studies 

and museum specimens has been important at WUPA.

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched for museum specimen records from 

Coconino County, Arizona from the American Museum of 

Natural History (AMNH), Arizona State University (ASU), 

Brigham Young University (BYU), California Academy of 

Sciences (CAS), The Carnegie Museum (CM),University of 

Colorado Museum (CU), University of Kansas Museum of 

Natural History (KU), Los Angeles County Museum (LACM), 

Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ), Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico (MSB), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology 

(MVZ), Northern Arizona University (NAU), United States 

National Museum (USNM), University of Arizona (UAZ), University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ), University 

of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and the Flagstaff Area National 

Monuments vertebrate collection (WUPA). 

We located museum specimen records for 24 species 

previously collected at WUPA (Appendix T). Three of these 

(Glossy Snake, Milk Snake, and Western Ground Snake) 

were not detected during the present inventory. A specimen 

of Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (MNA Z7.238) collected 

at WUPA in 1960 is correctly identified, but the locality data 

may be in error. We also located a specimen record (UMMZ 

222953) for Southwestern Toad (Bufo microscaphus), a 

species not known from the WUPA region (Stebbins 2003), 

collected along the Little Colorado River at WUPA. We did 

not examine this specimen, but suspect it may be the similar 

Woodhouse’s Toad, a species we failed to voucher but which 

occurs in that habitat at WUPA.

There are no comprehensive overviews of the amphibians 

and reptiles of WUPA. Bateman (1976) presented a combined 

species list for both SUCR and WUPA, which reduced its 

usefulness for either monument. Bateman (1980) reported on 

herpetofaunal surveys at WUPA, primarily focusing on pitfall 

trapping of lizards in the three major habitat types (cold desert 

shrub, grassland, and juniper/grassland) in the monument. 

These surveys documented many of the common species, 

and broad habitat partitioning results were in general agreement with the present inventory. Walthuis (1972) reported an 

observation of a Common Kingsnake preying upon a Western 

Rattlesnake near the Wupatki Ruins. Graham (2001) surveyed 

a number of ephemeral pools at WUPA, and reported adult 

amphibians and tadpoles seen at these sites. Persons (2001a) 

conducted extensive night driving surveys over two years, and 

recorded most amphibians and snakes known from WUPA. 

Persons (2001a) presented detailed dot distribution maps for 

each species along FR 545 and the Wukoki Ruins road, providing insight into the ecological distribution of species within 

the monument. Persons (1999) reported the first specimen of 

Western Ground Snake from WUPA, collected in the 1950’s, 

and Persons and Nowak (2004a) reported the Western Banded 

Geckos collected during the present inventory as a range 

extension into the Little Colorado River basin. Most recently, 

Persons (2005) conducted a detailed habitat and distributional 

study of the Little Striped Whiptail in grasslands at WUPA.

Appendix R. Wupatki National Monument
140 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

The Little Striped Whiptail has declined in many areas 

(Stebbins 2003), and WUPA encompasses a significant portion 

of the regional range of the species (Persons 2005). Maintaining ungrazed, juniper-free grassland habitat appears to be 

important for Little Striped Whiptail at WUPA (Persons 2005). 

Almost nothing is known about the status of Milk Snake or 

Western Ground Snake at WUPA, but these species are rare 

in the region, and WUPA is known to herpetological collectors as a location at which to find them. Park staff is aware 

of the potential threat to herpetofauna through illegal collecting, especially by nighttime road driving during the summer 

months. Road mortality of amphibians and snakes, although 

currently moderate, could potentially impact populations if 

visitation and traffic were to greatly increase in the future 

(Persons 2001a).

Considerations for Future Inventory and 

Long-term Monitoring

If future inventory efforts are conducted at WUPA, we 

recommend they focus on searching for Sagebrush Lizard and 

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, and collecting a voucher 

specimen of Woodhouse’s Toad. Additional effort could go 

towards determining the status and distribution of uncommon 

or rare species such as Tiger Salamander, Western Banded 

Gecko, Milk Snake, and Western Ground Snake. Overall, night 

driving is probably the most effective method to survey for 

most species, but carefully timed cover-flipping surveys would 

probably work best for some species (e.g., Western Banded 

Gecko, Western Ground Snake). 

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at WUPA to assist in documenting new species. This can be as 

simple as saving animals found dead (such as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images of animals (digital, 

print, or slide, with location and date to identify the shot), or 

holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. 

Road killed animals 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. 

Complete collection data (date, collector, precise location, 

preferably with UTM coordinates) should be included in the 

bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At WUPA, the primary 

monitoring method for amphibians will probably be night 

driving, which is an effective method to sample all amphibian species across most habitats in the monument. Amphibian 

monitoring may also include periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) 

of known breeding sites, such as Arrowhead Tank, the area of 

Deadman Wash where FR 545 crosses it, and pools along the 

Little Colorado River. However, the NPS may wish to expand 

herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, and diurnal 

lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring across 

the SCPN. Methods could include either time-constrained 

searches or transect surveys (such as along visitor trails) during the morning or dusk hours. At WUPA, Eastern Fence Lizard, Side-blotched Lizard, and Plateau Striped Whiptail may 

be good candidates for monitoring, because these species are 

common throughout the monument and at most SCPN parks, 

making network-wide comparisons possible. Other lizard 

species could be included in particular habitat types, such as 

Lesser Earless Lizard and Little Striped Whiptail in grassland, 

Western Whiptail and Desert Spiny Lizard in Great Basin 

Desertscrub, and Ornate Tree Lizard in basalt rockpile habitats 

within the grassland and juniper woodland.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at WUPA

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at WUPA, and because many species are 

secretive or are only active during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

WUPA, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. An asterisk (*) denotes a species represented by a voucher specimen. Status of all documented and 

hypothetical species at WUPA, as well as NPSpecies checklist 

field assignments, are presented in Table R-1. 

Species Documented from Wupatki National 

Monument

*Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

We observed a single Tiger Salamander at WUPA, crossing FR 545 near the Heiser Spring area in September 2002. The 

only other mention of this species at WUPA was from a natural 

history observation card (on file at Flagstaff Area National 

Monuments headquarters), which reported a Tiger Salamander 

seen in 1976 after draining a pond at Heiser Spring. Persons 

(2001a) did not record this species in two years of intensive 

night driving surveys at WUPA. It is unknown how widespread 

Tiger Salamanders are in the monument.

*Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons)

The Plains Spadefoot is uncommon at WUPA, but is distributed throughout the monument (Persons 2001a). Although 
141

both spadefoots occur together at WUPA, the Plains Spadefoot 

is much less abundant than the similar Mexican Spadefoot,

*Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata)

The Mexican Spadefoot is abundant throughout WUPA, 

especially in the Great Basin desertscrub and grassland habitats (Persons 2001a). This species is much more common than 

the similar Plains Spadefoot.

*Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus)

This large toad is common in both Great Basin desertscrub and grassland habitats at WUPA, but is apparently 

absent from juniper savanna (Persons 2001a). Between 1999-

2003, which were mostly drought years in the region, we 

observed no juvenile Great Plains Toads, and heard no breeding choruses (Persons 2001a, present study), suggesting that 

this species does not reproduce annually in the monument.

*Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus)

The Red-spotted Toad is distributed broadly throughout 

WUPA (Persons 2001a), but primarily occurs in rocky areas 

such as near Deadman Wash in Wupatki Basin, the Doney 

Cliffs and Doney Mountain, and in the area west of the Citadel 

where there is a large amount of exposed limestone bedrock 

that contain potholes. This species is regularly heard calling 

from the sewage lagoon south of the visitor center and residence area, as noted by Bateman (1980).

Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii)

Persons (2001a) found Woodhouse’s Toads only in 

Wupatki Basin, and in only one year (1999) of his two-year 

study. During the present inventory, we observed two Woodhouse’s Toads along the Little Colorado River during spring 

runoff, but could capture neither individual. Prior to this inventory, Persons (personal observation) found Woodhouse’s Toad 

metamorphs along the Little Colorado River as well, and this 

habitat is probably the stronghold for the species at WUPA. 

This is the only documented species at WUPA that is not 

represented by a verified voucher specimen. However, a specimen record (UMMZ 222953) for Southwestern Toad (Bufo 

microscaphus), a species not known from the WUPA region, 

collected along the Little Colorado River at WUPA may actually be the similar Woodhouse’s Toad.

*Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)

This colorful lizard is common in rocky habitats throughout the monument, including sandstone areas in Wupatki 

Basin; limestone in Wupatki Basin, Antelope Wash, and in 

the Lomaki area; and volcanic basalt rockpiles on Woodhouse 

Mesa and in the western grasslands and juniper savanna. 

*Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)

This relative of the Eastern Collared Lizard is also found 

throughout the monument, but is much more common in the 

open, shrub habitats in Wupatki Basin. Long-nosed Leopard 

Lizards were frequently seen perched on small rocks along 

the River Road leading from near Wukoki Ruin to the Little 

Colorado River. 

*Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

The Lesser Earless Lizard was abundant in open areas 

in the western part of WUPA, especially in the juniper-dominated habitats where grass cover was reduced. It was also 

common in the shrub habitats near the south boundary of the 

monument, but was absent from the lowermost Great Basin 

desertscrub habitats in Wupatki Basin. Persons (2005) found 

this species to be even more abundant on grazed grasslands on 

Antelope Prairie just north of the WUPA boundary, attributable to the much more open structure of the grassland on the 

grazed sites as compared to those within the monument.

*Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

Persons (2001a) found 17 Greater Short-horned Lizards on 

the paved roads within WUPA, but none in the lower areas of 

Wupatki Basin. Likewise, the five individuals we found during 

the present inventory were all in grassland and juniper habitats, as 

are all previous collections of this species that contain adequate 

locality data. Stebbins (2003) does not list desert among the wide 

array of habitats occupied across the range of the species. 

*Desert Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister)

This large spiny lizard is near the local terminus of its 

distributional range in the Little Colorado River Valley in the 

WUPA area. At WUPA, it is restricted to Great Basin desertscrub habitats within and along the margins of Wupatki 

Basin. Although it occurs near Doney Mountain and in Antelope Wash, it has never been found in the grasslands above the 

Doney Cliffs. It is common in sandstone and limestone areas, 

such as along washes or outcrops in Wupatki Basin. Desert 

Spiny Lizards can often be found on the rock walls near the 

WUPA visitor center.

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

This was one of the most frequently observed species in 

2001-2003, and was found throughout the monument. Eastern 

Fence Lizards were usually found on rocks or trees, and were 

most abundant on the large volcanic basalt rockpiles found 

throughout the western part of WUPA.

*Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

Prior to our surveys, there were no reliable records of 

this species from WUPA. Bateman (1980) reported observ-
142 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

ing two individuals, but because neither were captured, and 

more importantly because they were observed in Great Basin 

desertscrub habitat, these likely represent misidentifications of 

the Side-blotched Lizard. We discovered Ornate Tree Lizards 

to be locally common on large, volcanic basalt rockpiles in the 

grassland and juniper savanna habitats in the western part of 

the monument. We found them in these habitats from near the 

western boundary east as far as Hull’s Canyon in the south, 

and near some ruins about 1.6 km (1 mi) east of the Lomaki 

area in the north. In the Lomaki and Citadel area of WUPA, 

the Ornate Tree Lizard and the Side-blotched Lizard do not 

directly overlap in distribution, with one species being found 

on one rockpile, while the other species may be found on a 

nearby rockpile. Because these species differ in their moisture 

preferences, with the Ornate Tree Lizard usually occurring 

in more mesic habitats (Stebbins 2003), this would make an 

ideal species pair for long-term monitoring at WUPA, where 

changes in the microdistribution of species could be analyzed 

in relation to climatic trends. 

*Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)

The Side-blotched Lizard was found throughout much of 

WUPA, but was generally absent from the far western portion 

of the monument, where Ornate Tree Lizards were instead 

found in many of the rocky habitats. Overall, this was the most 

frequently observed species in 2001-2003, and was abundant 

in any rocky habitat throughout the Great Basin desertscrub of 

Wupatki Basin. In some areas in the grasslands at WUPA, this 

species and the Ornate Tree Lizard do not directly overlap, but 

instead are found on adjacent rockpiles, providing an ideal situation for long-term monitoring (see Ornate Tree Lizard account).

*Little Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus inornatus)

This whiptail lizard has a disjunct, relictual distribution on the southern Colorado Plateau, and is generally found 

in grasslands in the region (Persons 2005, Wright and Lowe 

1993). At WUPA, this species occurs throughout the grasslands 

and juniper habitats west of the Doney Cliffs, including in an 

isolated area of grassland in the bottom of Antelope Wash, but 

is only common in open grasslands with few or no junipers 

(Persons 2005). The Little Striped Whiptail is sympatric with 

the unisexual Plateau Striped Whiptail throughout its range at 

WUPA, and also with the Western Whiptail in its limited distribution within Antelope Wash. The grasslands of the eastern San 

Francisco Volcanic Field, which are more or less centered on 

the western half of WUPA, contain (in aerial extent) the largest 

known population of Little Striped Whiptail in Arizona (Persons 

2005). Therefore, WUPA may play an important role in regional 

conservation of this species by providing for the persistence of 

ungrazed, juniper-free grassland habitats (Persons 2005).

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

This unisexual whiptail species is widespread over 

much of the Colorado Plateau (Stebbins 2003), and occurs 

throughout WUPA, except in the lowest elevation Great Basin 

desertscrub habitats within Wupatki Basin, where only the 

Western Whiptail is found. The Plateau Striped Whiptail is 

most abundant in the same grassland habitats utilized by the 

Little Striped Whiptail at WUPA, and Persons (2005) found no 

ecological differences in areas where they occurred together.

*Western Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris)

This widespread whiptail lizard is found in desert habitats 

throughout the West (Stebbins 2003). At WUPA, this species 

is abundant in and restricted to Great Basin desertscrub habitats within Wupatki Basin, including within Antelope Wash. 

The species may occur in grassier areas in the Crack-In-Rock 

area, as Persons (personal observation) has noted them in the 

shadscale-grassland ecotonal habitats north of there.

*Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus)

One of our most exciting finds at any SCPN park was 

the discovery of Western Banded Gecko at WUPA (Persons 

and Nowak 2004a). Previously, this species was only known 

from Sonoran and Mojave Desert regions, and distributed in 

Arizona south of the Mogollon Rim and extending eastward 

along the Colorado River into Grand Canyon National Park. 

Brennan et al. (2002) recently reported a specimen from Lake 

Powell (Antelope Point) at GLCA, but WUPA represents the 

first record for the Little Colorado River basin. Together with 

the GLCA record, it establishes occurrence of this gecko in 

Great Basin desertscrub habitats. We found three specimens 

at WUPA in 2002, two in Deadman Wash (one collected) and 

one in Kana-a Wash (collected), all under slabs of sandstone. 

Not included in the results of this inventory, we found another 

individual in Kana-a Wash in early 2004. It is likely that 

Western Banded Geckos have extended their distribution up 

the Little Colorado River Valley from Grand Canyon, as is the 

case with other more conspicuous species (Desert Spiny Lizard, Western Patchnose Snake) that reach the local terminus of 

their distributions near WUPA.

*Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)

We did not observe this species in 2001-2003, but Persons (2001a) found Glossy Snakes on the road in grassland 

and Great Basin desertscrub habitats in and near WUPA. 

This species is probably common throughout most of WUPA, 

although it is not known from the lowest elevation areas of 

Wupatki Basin.
143

*Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

This small, strictly nocturnal species is widespread in the 

region (Stebbins 2003), and has been found in all major habitat types at WUPA (Persons 2001a, present study). Although 

not rare, Night Snakes are much less common at WUPA than 

they were in a similar inventory conducted at PEFO (Drost et 

al. 1999, 2001). 

*Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)

Although we found only a single road-killed Common 

Kingsnake in 2001-2003, Persons (2001a) observed the species uncommonly throughout the grassland and Great Basin 

Desertscrub habitats along FR 545 at WUPA.

*Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

The Milk Snake has a spotty distribution throughout 

grasslands in northern Arizona, and is known in the WUPA 

area from two museum specimens collected in 1937 and 1951 

along US Highway 89 north of Flagstaff. The 1951 specimen (BYU 10534; Tanner 1951) was collected “37 miles N 

of Flagstaff along hwy 89, approx. 2 miles N of W entrance 

to Wupatki Nat’l Mon.” Because the current WUPA entrance 

road was not constructed until 1954, this record refers to the 

old entrance road, which ran from near Sinagua Trading Post 

east along the southern boundary of the monument (Gwenn 

Galenstein, Flagstaff Area National Monuments, personal 

communication). Therefore, 2 miles north of this road would 

put this specimen about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) south of the current 

entrance road, within the boundary of the monument. This 

species is apparently rare and extremely secretive, and probably still occurs in grassland at WUPA.

*Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)

This fast, diurnal snake is widespread in a variety of habitats throughout the region (Stebbins 2003), and is common 

throughout WUPA.

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

This widespread, generalist species occurs in all habitats 

throughout WUPA. We found eight Gopher Snakes in 2001-

2003, and Persons (2001a) recorded 48 individuals in 1999-

2000, the most of any snake species.

*Western Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis)

We observed two Western Patch-nosed Snakes in 2001-

2003, and Persons (2001a) also observed two individuals. 

Although one individual we found was on a small grassy mesa 

just south of Wukoki Ruin, all observations or previously collected specimens have been recorded from within the Wupatki 

Basin. There is an unverified observation of Western Patchnosed Snake from the western part of WUPA (natural history 

observation card on file at Flagstaff Area National Monument 

headquarters), and a recent record from the pinyon-juniper 

zone on Leupp Road east of Flagstaff (see Walnut Canyon 

National Monument account) suggests the species may be 

more widespread in the area. This snake has likely extended 

its range southward up the Little Colorado River valley, and 

appears to reach the local terminus of its distribution in the 

WUPA area.

*Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata)

Persons (1999) reported the first record of this species 

from WUPA, which was also the first record in Arizona north 

of the Mogollon Rim outside of the Grand Canyon, and for 

the Little Colorado River Basin. This report was based on two 

specimens (UAZ 26371-2) collected in 1951, and the locality 

was stated as “Wupatki Nat. Mon.” Both of these specimens 

had a banded pattern, which is typical of individuals from 

the Grand Canyon (Miller et al. 1982) and Yavapai County, 

Arizona (George Bradley, University of Arizona, personal 

communication). This small, secretive species usually occupies sites with some subsurface moisture (Stebbins 2003), 

and spring or seep areas may be the most likely spots within 

WUPA to harbor populations of Western Ground Snake.

*Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

The Western Rattlesnake is widespread in the region 

(Stebbins 2003), and common in all habitats throughout 

WUPA (Persons 2001a, present study). Specimens from 

WUPA are referable to the “Hopi” subspecies (C. v. nuntius), 

which is widespread in northeastern Arizona. Douglas et al. 

(2002) included specimens (blood samples) from in and near 

WUPA, all of which he assigned to the Prairie Rattlesnake 

(C. v. viridis), arguing that the Hopi Rattlesnake is merely a 

somewhat stunted variety of the Prairie Rattlesnake.

Species That Possibly Occur at Wupatki National 

Monument

Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus)

The Sagebrush Lizard is abundant in some areas of northern Arizona, such as at Petrified Forest National Park (Drost 

et al. 2001) and on the north rim at Grand Canyon national 

Park (Miller et al. 1982). However, the species has a spotty 

distribution in the WUPA area. Persons (personal observation) 

has seen Sagebrush Lizards near Roden Spring, about 11 km 

(7 mi) south of WUPA. Three specimens (UTEP 12590-2) 

were collected in 1975 at a locality “19 mi. (by USHY 89) S 

& 1 mi. W Cameron Post Office,” which we estimate to be 

4.8 km (3.0 mi) north of the current WUPA entrance road on 

US Highway 89. Although we have not surveyed this site, it 

is within a large area of very dry, heavily grazed grassland, 

unlike the sandy shrub habitats where the species occurs at 

Roden Spring and at Petrified Forest. If Sagebrush Lizards 
144 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

do occur at WUPA, they are rare, and likely occur as small, 

isolated populations.

Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei)

This species has not been found in the WUPA region, or 

anywhere in the Little Colorado River basin of northeastern 

Arizona (Stebbins 2003). However, it occurs within the Grand 

Canyon, and extends its distribution along the Colorado River 

corridor into eastern Utah (Grogan and Tanner 1974), suggesting it may occur along the Little Colorado River corridor 

upstream towards WUPA, as is the case with other desert species such as the Desert Spiny Lizard, Western Banded Gecko, 

Western Whiptail, and Western Patch-nosed Snake.

Southwestern Black-headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi)

This small, secretive species has not been found in 

northeastern Arizona outside of the Grand Canyon, but it is 

distributed northward into eastern Utah and extreme western 

Colorado (Stebbins 2003), and could occur in the WUPA 

region. Elsewhere this species is usually found under surface 

objects, and could possibly occur in areas of Wupatki Basin 

where there are abundant flat sandstone flakes.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

If garter snakes occur at WUPA (see Western Terrestrial 

Garter Snake account, below), then this species is also possible. Persons and Rosen (2001) reported specimens from the 

Little Colorado River in the Winslow and Holbrook areas, 

suggesting the species could follow the river downstream to 

WUPA. Although the Little Colorado River only flows a few 

times a year, isolated pools remain for longer periods, however 

it still seems unlikely that the relatively aquatic Black-necked 

Garter Snake (Stebbins 2003) would occur at WUPA.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

A specimen of Western Terrestrial Garter Snake in the 

Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA Z7.238) bears a collecting locality of “Wupatki.” We verified the identification 

of this specimen, which was collected in 1960 by Ed Lincoln, a graduate student who was studying mammal remains 

from Wupatki Ruins. No other garter snakes have ever been 

reported from WUPA, and most habitats within the monument are much too dry for any garter snake species. While it 

is possible that garter snakes may, at least sometimes, occur 

along the Little Colorado River at WUPA, the stated locality 

of “Wupatki” on this specimen suggests that it was, if valid, 

collected near the Wupatki Ruins. This is supported also by 

the fact that Lincoln was primarily working in the area of 

Wupatki Ruins. We may never know if this specimen represents a cataloging error, an errant or dispersing individual, or 

whether an isolated population of Western Terrestrial Garter 

Snakes formally occurred near spring areas below Woodhouse Mesa.

Table R-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Wupatki National Monument. Ranking of probability of species 

occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander SX Present in Park Rare

Plains Spadefoot SX Present in Park Common

Mexican Spadefoot SX Present in Park Abundant

Great Plains Toad SP Present in Park Common

Red-spotted Toad SP Present in Park Common

Woodhouse’s Toad OX Present in Park Uncommon

Eastern Collared Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Lesser Earless Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Greater Short-horned Lizard SP Present in Park Common

Sagebrush Lizard 2 Unconfirmed

Desert Spiny Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Eastern Fence Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Ornate Tree Lizard SX Present in Park Common
145

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Side-blotched Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Little Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Common

Western Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Western Banded Gecko SX Present in Park Uncommon

Glossy Snake SP Present in Park Common

Night Snake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Common Kingsnake SX Present in Park Uncommon

Milk Snake SP Present in Park Rare

Striped Whipsnake SP Present in Park Common

Gopher Snake SP Present in Park Common

Long-nosed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Patch-nosed Snake SP Present in Park Uncommon

Western Ground Snake SP Present in Park Rare

Southwestern Black-headed Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Western Rattlesnake SX Present in Park Common

TOTAL RANK 1 3

TOTAL RANK 2 2

TOTAL RANK 3 0

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 27

WEIGHTED TOTAL 28.5

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 95%

Table R-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna inventory 

of Wupatki National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 1-ha time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha 

TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, N-R TACS = non-random 1-ha TACS plot, ND = night drive, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS ND RE Total

Tiger Salamander 1 1

Plains Spadefoot 4 4

Mexican Spadefoot 22 22

Great Plains Toad 1 1

Red-spotted Toad 5 5

Woodhouse’s Toad 2 2

Eastern Collared Lizard 16 1 1 7 25

Long-nosed Leopard Lizard 14 2 3 1 6 26

Lesser Earless Lizard 31 6 1 1 39

Greater Short-horned Lizard 3 1 1 5

Desert Spiny Lizard 40 3 43

Eastern Fence Lizard 142 5 1 1 1 150

Table R-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Wupatki National Monument. Ranking of probability of species 

occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.—Continued
146 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Wupatki Species Accumulation 2001-2003

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

159

1317212529333741454953576165697377

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d

Species GS 1-ha

TACS

10-ha

TACS ND RE Total

Ornate Tree Lizard 25 1 26

Side-blotched Lizard 391 4 28 5 428

Little Striped Whiptail 29 1 30

Western Whiptail 57 3 6 4 70

Plateau Striped Whiptail 154 6 2 162

Western Banded Gecko 3 3

Night Snake 1 2 3

Common Kingsnake 1 1

Striped Whipsnake 6 1 2 9

Gopher Snake 2 3 3 8

Western Patch-nosed Snake 1 1 2

Western Rattlesnake 1 1 1 1 4

TOTAL 918 28 43 44 36 1,067

Table R-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna inventory 

of Wupatki National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, 1-ha TACS = random 1-ha time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, 10-ha 

TACS = random 10-ha TACS survey, N-R TACS = non-random 1-ha TACS plot, ND = night drive, and RE = random encounter.—Continued

Figure R-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Wupatki National Monument, 2001-2003. Yearly survey days are 

separated by vertical lines through the data. Cumulative Number of Species Found
147

YUHO is located in the Montezuma Valley south of 

Cortez, Montezuma County, Colorado. Elevation ranges 

between 1,767 and 1,805 m (5,798-5,922 ft). The monument 

encompasses 14 ha (35 acres), and was established to preserve 

a large, unexcavated ancient pueblo ruin. Habitats at YUHO 

are dominated by desert shrubs such as four-wing saltbush 

(Atriplex canescens), greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), and wolfberry (Lycium pallidum). A perennial spring is 

located just west of the monument. Roughly 810 ha (2000 

acres) of private land surrounding the monument may someday be transferred to the NPS (George San Miguel, personal 

communication), and this area was included in our inventory. 

The Ismay Family Property consisted of sagebrush (Artimisia 

tridentada) scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland, and agricultural 

fields, including the Ute Mountain irrigation ditch and a number of farm ponds. Additional information on natural resources 

at YUHO is presented in the park narratives section (Appendix 

D) of Thomas et al. (2004).

Overview of Results

We spent approximately 143 person-hours surveying 

for herpetofauna at YUHO in 2001-2003. Methods used, 

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

general surveys (109.3), nocturnal general surveys (19.5), 

non-random 1-ha TACS plot surveys (11.0), and night driving 

(3.1). We recorded 318 individual amphibians and reptiles of 

13 species during our surveys, and we considered one additional species to be documented based observations by NPS 

staff. A summary of the total number of each species observed 

by each method is presented in Table S-2. See Table 5 for 

voucher specimens collected during this study.

Estimate of Inventory Completeness at YUHO

Based on our surveys at YUHO and inclusion of previously documented species we estimate an inventory completeness of 77% (Table S-1). Although a species accumulation 

curve based on our surveys (Figure S-1) suggests we are close 

to reaching inventory completeness, we believe this asymptote 

reflects only that we are close to detecting most of the common species using our current methods. Detecting the remaining species at YUHO will require much greater field effort and 

more targeted searches during favorable conditions. 

Literature and Museum Specimen Data 

Searches

We searched specimen records at the California Academy 

of Sciences (CAS), Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (MVZ), 

the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB), and the USGS 

Biological Survey Collection for amphibians and reptiles from 

YUHO. In addition, we were able to search the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s amphibian and reptile specimen database for 

records from YUHO. This database includes all records represented by species account dot maps in Hammerson (1999). 

We used dot distribution maps in Hammerson (1999) to help 

us evaluate potential occurrence of some species, based on the 

proximity of locality dots to YUHO. 

We located museum records for specimens of three 

species previously collected at YUHO (Appendix T), all of 

which we also observed in 2001-2003. There is no previous literature on the amphibians and reptiles of YUHO. Dr. 

Albert Spencer (Fort Lewis College) has conducted vertebrate 

surveys at YUHO for a number of years (field notes are on file 

in the Resource Management office at MEVE), but has so far 

observed only the same herpetofauna species we have.

Sensitive Species and Threats to the 

Herpetofauna

Management of natural and artificial water sources 

at YUHO, such as filling or drying of ponds and irrigation 

ditches, will undoubtedly affect amphibians that use these sites 

for breeding. Northern Leopard Frogs occurred in the YUHO 

area in the 1960’s, but this species has been virtually eliminated from Montezuma County (Marilyn Colyer, personal 

communication). The unexcavated ruins within the monument itself are apparently used as an overwintering site for 

numerous snake species, including Western Rattlesnakes. This 

site may be important for snakes from a much larger area, as 

suitable, rocky sites such as this appear to be uncommon in the 

largely agricultural landscape surrounding YUHO. Excavation 

of these ruins might have a detrimental effect on local snake 

populations through loss as an overwintering site.

Appendix S. Yucca House National Monument (YUHO)
148 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Considerations for Future Inventory and 

Long-term Monitoring

Because estimated inventory completeness at YUHO 

is only 77%, additional inventory of amphibians and reptiles may be warranted. If conducted, future inventory effort 

could focus on documenting species most likely to occur at 

YUHO, including Mexican Spadefoot, Many-lined Skink, and 

Night Snake. Without the benefit of extensive roads available 

for night driving surveys, locating many snake species may 

require substantial field effort and different methods, such as 

funnel or pitfall traps. These trapping methods may also be 

effective in documenting Many-lined Skink.

Alert staff members who spend a lot of time in the parks 

often see animals. Thus, we encourage all interested NPS staff 

at YUHO and Mesa Verde to assist in documenting new species. This can be as simple as saving animals found dead (such 

as on roads), taking several close-up, high-quality images 

of animals (digital, print, or slide, with location and date to 

identify the shot), or holding live animals until a herpetologist can process them. Road killed animals 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. Complete collection data (date, collector, 

precise location, preferably with UTM coordinates) should be 

included in the bags with the specimens.

The SCPN has recently developed a list of core “vital 

signs” for long-term monitoring across the network, and 

amphibians were included as monitoring targets for a number 

of aquatic habitats across the network. At YUHO, amphibian 

monitoring may be limited to periodic (e.g., annual or biannual) visual encounter surveys (e.g., Crump and Scott 1994) 

of known breeding sites, such as the various ponds located on 

Ismay property near the monument. However, the NPS may 

wish to expand herpetofauna monitoring to include reptiles, 

and diurnal lizards are the reptile group best suited to monitoring across the SCPN. Methods could include either timeconstrained searches or transect surveys during the morning 

or dusk hours. At YUHO, Sagebrush Lizard, Eastern Fence 

Lizard, and Plateau Striped Whiptail may be good candidates 

for monitoring, because these species are common throughout 

the monument and surrounding Ismay land and at most SCPN 

parks, making network-wide comparisons possible.

Species Accounts of Amphibians and Reptiles 

at YUHO

Because we do not have data on population sizes or 

density of species at YUHO, and because many species are 

secretive or are active only during short periods each year, the 

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

available abundance categories in NPSpecies) are necessarily 

somewhat subjective. They describe the relative abundance of 

a particular species, compared with other, similar species at 

YUHO, and also with the same species elsewhere throughout 

its range in the region. Status of all documented and hypothetical species at YUHO, as well as NPSpecies checklist 

field assignments, are presented in Table S-1. An asterisk (*) 

denotes a species represented by a voucher specimen.

Species Documented from Yucca House 

National Monument

Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)

We observed larval Tiger Salamanders at ponds on the 

Ismay property, both north of YUHO and east of US Highway 

666. However, we only observed this species in 2001, despite 

repeated visits to these ponds throughout the survey period. 

Tiger Salamanders are apparently uncommon near YUHO, but 

probably occur throughout the Montezuma Valley.

*Woodhouse’s Toad (Bufo woodhousii)

Woodhouse’s Toads were frequently observed in the 

ponds on Ismay property near YUHO, including the spring-fed 

pond just west of the monument. This widespread species is 

probably common throughout the YUHO area.

Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)

We heard this tiny frog calling from the pond on Ismay 

property east of US Highway 666, but only in 2001. Unless 

it is calling, this species can be extremely difficult to locate, 

even where it is common. The Western Chorus Frog probably 

occurs throughout the Ismay property near YUHO.

*Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)

We observed this species only on Ismay property east of 

US Highway 666, where it is uncommon. Although suitable 

open, shrubby, rocky habitat exists within YUHO proper, 

extensive agricultural land use surrounding the monument may 

isolate this small habitat patch and prevent the species from 

occurring there.

Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata)

We did not observe this species in 2001-2003, but it has 

been documented from the Montezuma Valley area (Hammerson 1999). George San Miguel and Marilyn Colyer 

(Mesa Verde National Park Resource Management, personal 

communication) have observed Lesser Earless Lizards on the 

Ismay property on the east side of US Highway 666. This is 

probably the only area around YUHO and the Ismay lands 

where this species occurs, as is the case with other xericadapted species (Eastern Collared Lizard and Side-blotched 

Lizard) in the monument.
149

Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

We observed two Greater Short-horned Lizards on Ismay 

property near YUHO, one near the Ute Mountain Ditch and 

another east of US Highway 666. Although apparently uncommon, this species probably occurs throughout the YUHO area.

*Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus)

This was one of the most frequently observed lizards in 

the YUHO area, and was especially abundant in the sagebrush 

habitats west of the monument, such as in the area along the 

Ute Mountain Ditch. This species probably occurs throughout 

the Montezuma Valley.

*Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

The Eastern Fence Lizard was common throughout the 

YUHO area, but less so than the smaller Sagebrush Lizard. 

This species was frequently found on rocks and trees in the 

YUHO area, whereas the similar Sagebrush Lizard was usually found on the ground near shrubs.

*Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)

We only observed a single Side-blotched Lizard, which 

we collected in Ismay Draw on the Ismay property east of 

US Highway 666. Although abundant in many habitats in the 

region, this species is apparently rare near YUHO.

*Plateau Striped Whiptail (Cnemidophorus velox)

This unisexual whiptail was the most frequently observed 

species in the YUHO area, and was common within the monument itself. This species is probably abundant throughout the 

Montezuma Valley.

*Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)

We recorded 21 Striped Whipsnakes at YUHO, but 11 of 

these were positively identified shed skins found on the unexcavated rubble mounds of the main ruin within the monument. 

This species overwinters within the ruins, and is probably 

common throughout the YUHO area.

*Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

This widespread, generalist species is probably common 

throughout the Montezuma Valley, and was found both on 

Ismay lands near YUHO as well as on the unexcavated ruins 

within the monument.

*Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

We found this widespread garter snake throughout the 

YUHO area, and it was abundant in the vicinity of the springfed pond just west of the monument. We found shed skins of 

this species on the unexcavated ruins within YUHO, suggesting that it uses these rubble mounds as an overwintering site.

*Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

This widespread species is common throughout the 

YUHO area, including within the monument proper. The 

unexcavated ruins at YUHO have long been known as 

an overwintering site for rattlesnakes (Marilyn Colyer, 

MEVE, personal communication), and we confirmed this, 

although most of the shed skins we found there were from 

other species.

Species That Possibly Occur at Yucca House 

National Monument

Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata)

This species has been documented from southwestern 

Colorado along McElmo Creek and the Mancos River in the 

YUHO area (Hammerson 1999), and may occur in the Montezuma Valley as well. Marilyn Colyer (Mesa Verde National 

Park, personal communication) observed a possible New 

Mexico Spadefoot in 1999 near the Ute Mountain Ditch on 

Ismay property just west of the monument.

Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus)

The Red-spotted Toad occurs throughout the YUHO 

region of southwestern Colorado (Hammerson 1999). However, 

because this species is usually found in rocky habitats (Hammerson 1999), it is probably absent from YUHO. If present in 

the YUHO area, it would most likely occur in the more broken 

terrain found on Ismay property east of US Highway 666.

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

This species, which has declined in many parts of its 

range (Stebbins 2003), was found in ponds and along the Ute 

Mountain Ditch in the YUHO area until the late 1960’s, but 

has not been observed since (Marilyn Colyer, Msea Verde 

National Park, personal communication). We do not know if 

other populations are extant in the Montezuma Valley.

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus)

The Ornate Tree Lizard occurs in southwestern Colorado 

in the YUHO region, but typically inhabits rocky habitats such 

as canyons, talus slopes, or areas with large boulders (Hammerson 1999). This species may occur in small numbers on 

the Ismay lands east of US Highway 666.

Many-lined Skink (Eumeces multivirgatus)

The only record of this species from the YUHO area is a 

specimen collected from Mesa Verde National Park (Douglas 

1966, Hammerson 1999). Marilyn Colyer (personal communication) observed a possible Many-lined Skink in 1985 near 

the spring-fed pond just west of YUHO. This species probably 
150 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

occurs throughout the YUHO area, especially in the mesic 

habitats near springs, ponds, and irrigation ditches.

Racer (Coluber constrictor)

The only record of this species in southwestern Colorado 

is from the Animas River just north of the New Mexico border, 

east of the YUHO region (Hammerson 1999). Because Racers 

occupy habitats available at YUHO, such as agricultural land 

and semidesert shrublands (Hammerson 1999), it may occur in 

the Montezuma Valley.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

The Ring-necked Snake has not been documented from 

western Colorado or the Four Corners area (Stebbins 2003). 

However, the species has a spotty distribution throughout the 

Southwest (Stebbins 2003), and isolated populations could 

occur almost anywhere. Ring-necked Snakes are usually 

found in moist habitats in the West (Stebbins 2003), and if 

present at YUHO would most likely be in the areas around 

springs or ponds.

Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata)

This strictly nocturnal species is widespread over most of 

the Colorado Plateau (Stebbins 2003), and has been collected 

at Mesa Verde National Park (Douglas 1966, Hammerson 

1999). Night Snakes almost certainly occur at YUHO. At 

Natural Bridges National Monument in southeastern Utah, 

Night Snakes used the same overwintering sites as Western 

Rattlesnakes (Persons, personal observation), and they may 

overwinter with rattlesnakes and other species in the unexcavated ruins at YUHO as well.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum)

The Milk Snake has been found at a number of localities 

in southwestern Colorado, including at Mesa Verde National 

Park and near Cortez (Douglas 1966, Hammerson 1999). The 

species occupies a wide variety of habitats in Colorado (Hammerson 1999), and may occur at YUHO.

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)

Albert Spencer (Fort Lewis College, personal communication) provided us with correspondence relating to a Coachwhip in the Fort Lewis College biology teaching collection, 

which was reportedly collected in the unexcavated ruins at 

YUHO in 1965 by Fort Lewis professors James Erickson and 

Don Johnson. Although Spencer believes this record to be 

valid, there are numerous problems associated with the known 

history of the specimen, including that it was never cataloged 

or affixed with a specimen tag. In addition, the desert-adapted 

Coachwhip has not been documented from the region (Stebbins 2003). Therefore, we do not believe sufficient evidence 

exists to verify that this specimen came from YUHO.

Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis)

The Smooth Green Snake is widely distributed in montane habitats in southwestern Colorado (Hammerson 1999), 

and has been found as close to YUHO as Mesa Verde National 

Park (Douglas 1966). Although usually occurring in lush 

meadow and riparian habitats in Colorado (Hammerson 1999), 

this species could conceivably occur in the more mesic areas 

in the Montezuma Valley, such as the grassy areas near the 

spring-fed pond just west of YUHO.

Black-necked Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

This species is not widely distributed in Colorado, but 

does occur in the San Juan River basin south of the YUHO 

area (Hammerson 1999, Stebbins 2003). Although only the 

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake has been found at YUHO, 

there is a slight chance that the Black-necked Garter Snake 

could occur in the region as well.
151

Table S-1. Amphibian and reptile species known or expected to occur at Yucca House National Monument. Ranking of probability of 

species occurrence (“Rank”) 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 all species, NPSpecies checklist fields for residency and nativity are “breeder” and “native,” respectively.

Species Rank NPSpecies Park Status NPSpecies Abundance

Tiger Salamander OX Present in Park Uncommon

Mexican Spadefoot 3 Probably Present

Red-spotted Toad 1 Unconfirmed

Woodhouse’s Toad SX Present in Park Common

Western Chorus Frog OX Present in Park Common

Northern Leopard Frog 1 Historic

Eastern Collared Lizard SX Present in Park Uncommon

Lesser Earless Lizard OP Present in Park Uncommon

Greater Short-horned Lizard OX Present in Park Uncommon

Sagebrush Lizard SX Present in Park Abundant

Eastern Fence Lizard SX Present in Park Common

Ornate Tree Lizard 1 Unconfirmed

Side-blotched Lizard SX Present in Park Uncommon

Many-lined Skink 3 Probably Present

Plateau Striped Whiptail SX Present in Park Abundant

Racer 1 Unconfirmed

Ring-necked Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Night Snake 3 Probably Present

Milk Snake 2 Unconfirmed

Coachwhip N/A False Report

Striped Whipsnake SP Present in Park Common

Smooth Green Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Gopher Snake SX Present in Park Common

Black-necked Garter Snake 1 Unconfirmed

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake SX Present in Park Abundant

Western Rattlesnake SP Present in Park Common

TOTAL RANK 1 7

TOTAL RANK 2 1

TOTAL RANK 3 3

TOTAL FOUND (SX, OX, SP, OP) 14

WEIGHTED TOTAL 18.2

ESTIMATED INVENTORY COMPLETENESS 77%
152 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table S-2. Number of individuals (excluding tadpoles) of each species observed by each survey method during a herpetofauna 

inventory of Yucca House National Monument, 2001-2003. GS = general survey, NGS = nocturnal general survey, N-R TACS = nonrandom 1-ha time-area constrained search (TACS) plot, and RE = random encounter.

Species GS NGS N-R

TACS

RE Total

Tiger Salamander 15 15

Woodhouse’s Toad 8 23 3 34

Western Chorus Frog 18 18

Eastern Collared Lizard 6 1 7

Greater Short-horned Lizard 2 2

Sagebrush Lizard 40 10 4 54

Eastern Fence Lizard 17 12 29

Side-blotched Lizard 1 1

Plateau Striped Whiptail 52 14 2 68

Striped Whipsnake 9 11 1 21

Gopher Snake 8 8

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 49 2 1 1 53

Western Rattlesnake 7 1 8

TOTAL 198 58 50 12 318

Yucca House Species Accumulation 2001-2003

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

13579

111315171921232527293133353739

Survey Days

Cumulative Number of Species Foun

d

Figure S-1. Species accumulation curve for amphibians and reptiles at Yucca House National Monument, 2001-2003. Yearly survey 

days are separated by vertical lines through the data. Cumulative Number of Species Found
153

Appendix T. Specimen Records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network Parks

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

AZRU Chrysemys picta MSB 7514 6/2/48 LM Pierson Aztec, Aztec Ruins Nat’l Mon

BAND Bufo woodhousii MSB 30662 7/17/73 JS Jacob White Rock Canyon, W bank of Rio Grande, 

between capu...

BAND Cnemidophorus exsanguis MSB 30668 6/19/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, grassy area between hdg. and 

Tyuonyi Ruins...

BAND Cnemidophorus exsanguis MSB 30669 6/24/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, area between rental cabins at 

Hdg

BAND Cnemidophorus exsanguis MSB 30670 6/24/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, area between rental cabins at 

Hdg

BAND Cnemidophorus exsanguis MSB 31778 5/20/75 RB Halley In bottom of Alamo Canyon

BAND Cnemidophorus exsanguis MSB 31780 6/3/75 RB Halley Hondo Canyon

BAND Cnemidophorus tesselatus MSB 31779 6/3/75 RB Halley on mesa edge above White Rock Canyon, 1/2 

mi. S Alamo...

BAND Cnemidophorus velox MSB 30672 6/17/73 JS Jacob Lummis Canyon, Sairmis SW of Visitors 

Center

BAND Cnemidophorus velox MSB 30673 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, area immediately NE of 

Monument Head...

BAND Cnemidophorus velox MSB 30674 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, Headquarters maintanance 

area

BAND Cnemidophorus velox MSB 30675 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, 1.3 trail mis. S of Hdg at 

Sewer spray...

BAND Cnemidophorus velox MSB 30676 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, 1.3 trail mis. S of Hdg at 

Sewer spray...

BAND Cnemidophorus velox MSB 30677 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, Big Kiva

BAND Cnemidophorus velox MSB 30678 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, area between rental cabins at 

Hdg

BAND Crotaphytus collaris MSB 31781 5/21/75 RB Halley White Rock Canyon

BAND Diadophis punctatus MSB 30533 5/22/75 RB Halley White Rock Canyon

BAND Eumeces multivirgatus MSB 30661 6/19/73 JS Jacob Upper Lummis Canyon, above trail crossing S 

canyon wall...

BAND Eumeces multivirgatus MVZ 22396 4/19/36 Adrey E. Borell Bandelier National Monument, Frijoles Canyon

BAND Hyla arenicolor MSB 30594 9/7/73 JS Jacob Lummis Canyon, 2 air mis. W visitors center

BAND Hyla arenicolor MSB 30595 9/7/73 JS Jacob Lummis Canyon, 2 air mis. W visitors center

BAND Hyla arenicolor MSB 30596 9/7/73 JS Jacob Lummis Canyon, 2 air mis. W visitors center

BAND Hyla arenicolor MSB 30597 9/7/73 JS Jacob Lummis Canyon, 2 air mis. W visitors center

BAND Hyla arenicolor MSB 30598 9/7/73 JS Jacob Lummis Canyon, 2 air mis. W visitors center

BAND Hyla arenicolor MSB 31783 5/20/75 RB Halley near stream in Alamo Canyon

BAND Masticophis taeniatus MSB 30534 6/3/75 RB Halley White Rock Canyon

BAND Phrynosoma hernandesi MSB 30660 6/8/73 JS Jacob Juniper Campground, Frijoles Mesa

BAND Plethedon neomexicanus MSB 41653 9/6/75 RB Halley 0.25 mi W Apache
154 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30679 6/5/73 JS Jacob Lummis Canyon, 1.5 air mis. SW of Visitors 

Center

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30680 6/7/73 JS Jacob Escobas Mesa, 1 trail mi., from upper crossing 

gate

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30681 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, 1.3 trail mi., from upper crossing gate

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30682 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, 1 air mi., SE upper crossing at 

Beaver...

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30683 6/7/73 JS Jacob Escobas Mesa, 3/4 trail mi., from upper crossing gate

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30684 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, 1 air mi. SE upper crossing at 

Beaver Dam...

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30685 6/16/73 JS Jacob Upper Frijoles Canyon, 8/10 trail mi., from 

Apache Creek.

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30686 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon area between rental cabins at 

Hdq.

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30687 6/17/73 JS Jacob Alamo Canyon, 2.5 air mis. SE of Monu. Hdq., 

E rim of...

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30688 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon area between rental cabins at 

Hdq.

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30689 6/17/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon area between rental cabins at 

Hdq.

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30690 6/19/73 JS Jacob Upper Lummis Canyon, above trail crossing

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30691 6/18/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, Tyuonyi Ruins

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30692 6/18/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, Dumpster area near amphitheater

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30693 6/18/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, Tyuonyi Ruins

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30694 6/24/73 JS Jacob Capulin Canyon, 150 m above base camp on N 

canyon wall...

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MSB 30695 8/2/73 JS Jacob Canada de Cochiti Grant, Lower Sanchez 

Canyon

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MVZ 22371 4/19/36 Adrey E. Borell Bandelier National Monument, Frijoles Canyon

BAND Sceloporus undulatus MVZ 66375 8/12/54 James D. Anderson Bandelier National Monument, Frijoles Canyon

BAND Thamnophis elegans MSB 30656 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, along trail between new beaver dams and...

BAND Thamnophis elegans MSB 30657 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frojoles Canyon, 1 air mi. SE Upper Crossing 

at Beaver Dam...

BAND Thamnophis elegans MSB 30658 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frojoles Canyon, 1 air mi. SE Upper Crossing 

at Beaver Dam...

BAND Thamnophis elegans MSB 30659 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frojoles Canyon, 1 air mi. SE Upper Crossing 

at Beaver Dam...

BAND Urosaurus ornatus MSB 30664 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, 1 air mi. SE Upper Crossing at 

Beaver Po...

BAND Urosaurus ornatus MSB 30665 6/7/73 JS Jacob Frijoles Canyon, 1 air mi. SE Upper Crossing at 

Beaver Po...

BAND Urosaurus ornatus MSB 30666 6/19/73 JS Jacob Upper Lummis Canyon above trail crossing

ELMA Crotalus viridis MSB 42750 9/15/84 CW Painter, 

Bog... 35.4 km S I-40 on NM 117

ELMA Holbrookia maculata UMMZ 86613 Point of Malpais

ELMA Masticophis taeniatus MSB 53424 JN Stuart El Malpais, NM Hwy 217 in the Narrows

ELMO Ambystoma tigrinum KU 15556 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Ambystoma tigrinum KU 15557 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Crotalus viridis CWGF El Morro Nat. Mon.
155

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

ELMO Phrynosoma hernandesi KU 11298 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Phrynosoma hernandesi KU 11299 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Pituophis catenifer CWGF El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Sceloporus undulatus KU 15121 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Sceloporus undulatus KU 15122 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Sceloporus undulatus KU 15123 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Sceloporus undulatus KU 15124 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Sceloporus undulatus KU 15125 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Sceloporus undulatus KU 15126 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 122794 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea bombifrons KU 17222 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea bombifrons KU 17223 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14538 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14539 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14540 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14541 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14542 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14543 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14544 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14545 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 14546 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 17271 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 17272 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 17273 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 17274 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 17275 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 17276 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 17277 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Spea multiplicata KU 17278 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Thamnophis elegans KU 8557 El Morro Nat. Mon.

ELMO Urosaurus ornatus CU 5605 El Morro Nat. Mon.

GLCA Ambystoma tigrinum UU 1762 7/30/38 H.N. Russell San Juan River, 30 Mi. above Colorado River

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
156 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Arizona elegans BYU 18899 10-May-62 Tanner Utah-Arizona state line, 9 miles W of Page 

(Hwy 89).

GLCA Arizona elegans BYU 20734 4-Sep-62 Heinrichs ‘Near Glen Canyon Dam on Hwy 89.’

GLCA Arizona elegans BYU 20737 4-Sep-62 Heinrichs ‘Near Glen Canyon Dam on Hwy 89.’

GLCA Arizona elegans BYU 21429 3-Sep-62 Heinrichs Near mi. post 56, Hwy 89

GLCA Bufo microscaphus BYU 2230 4-Jun-40 Beck Coyote Gulch, 8 mi E of Willow Spring Tank.

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14711 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14712 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14714 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14715 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14716 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14717 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14718 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14719 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14720 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14721 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14722 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14723 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14955 16-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14956 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 14957 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 21418 4-May-63 Warm Springs, Crossing of the Fathers Rd.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 21927 16-May-59 Salisbury Padre’’s Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 2231 4-Jun-40 Beck Coyote Gulch, 8 mi E of Willow Spring Tank.

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 3653 4-Jun-40 Beck Coyote Gulch, 8 mi E of Willow Spring Tank.

GLCA Bufo punctatus BYU 4713 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo punctatus LACM 136597 17-Apr1947

Mulaik collection Lee’s Ferry, Colorado River

GLCA Bufo punctatus LACM 136598 17-Apr1947

Mulaik collection Lee’s Ferry, Colorado River

GLCA Bufo punctatus UU 1567 7/30/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Bufo punctatus UU 1568 7/30/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Bufo punctatus UU 1569 7/30/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Bufo punctatus UU 1570 7/30/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Bufo punctatus UU 1571 7/30/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BS/FC 2561 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell 1 mi N of San Juan River 

41S 9E S 26

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
157

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BS/FC 2562 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell 1 mi N of San Juan River 

41S 9E S 26

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14725 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14726 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14727 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14728 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14729 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14730 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14731 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14732 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14733 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14734 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14735 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14736 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14737 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14738 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14739 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14740 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14741 15-May-59 ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14742 15-May-59 ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14743 15-May-59 ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14744 15-May-59 ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14745 15-May-59 ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14746 15-May-59 ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14747 15-May-59 ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14935 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14936 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14937 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14938 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14939 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14940 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14941 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14942 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
158 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14943 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14944 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14945 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14946 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14947 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14948 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14949 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 14950 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 4291 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. of Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 4292 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. of Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 4293 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. of Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 4294 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. of Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 4295 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. of Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 4296 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. of Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Bufo woodhousii BYU 4297 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. of Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Bufo woodhousii LACM 105734 17-Jun1969 WC Welbourn Page, W. side town

GLCA Bufo woodhousii UU 1595 7/23/37 A.M. Woodbury Colorado River below Rock Creek

GLCA Bufo woodhousii UU 1896 7/14/37 A.M. Woodbury San Juan River (between Copper and Piute 

canyons)

GLCA Bufo woodhousii UU 3340 7/16/58 N.K. Dean Colorado River Basin, 107 mi. N Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Bufo woodhousii UU 8189 4/3/57 A.W. Grundmann Hite, on island

GLCA Bufo woodhousii UU 8190 4/3/57 A.W. Grundmann Hite, on island

GLCA Bufo woodhousii UU 8191 4/3/57 A.W. Grundmann Hite, on island

GLCA Bufo woodhousii UU 8192 4/3/57 A.W. Grundmann Hite, on island

GLCA Bufo woodhousii UU 8193 4/3/57 A.W. Grundmann Hite, on island

GLCA Chrysemys picta UAZ 39731 8/31/58 F. Wright Face Canyon

GLCA Cnemidophorus species UU 1250 7/24/37 A.M. Woodbury Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Cnemidophorus species UU 1251 7/24/37 A.M. Woodbury Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Cnemidophorus species UU 3333 7/9/58 N.K. Dean Warm Spring Creek, Glen Canyon

GLCA Cnemidophorus species UU 3334 7/9/58 N.K. Dean Warm Spring Creek, Glen Canyon

GLCA Cnemidophorus species UU 3335 7/9/58 N.K. Dean Warm Spring Creek, Glen Canyon

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 11257 15-May-53 Beck ‘Hole-in-the-Rock’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 11954 Beck & Chandler Escalante River, near junc. w/ Colorado River

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
159

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 11955 Beck & Chandler Escalante River, near junc. w/ Colorado River

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 11956 Beck & Chandler Escalante River, near junc. w/ Colorado River

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14903 17-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14904 16-May-59 Rowland ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14905 16-May-59 Heninger ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14906 16-May-59 Salisbury ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14907 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14908 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14909 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14910 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 14911 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 18959 11-May-62 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 21258 20-Jun-23 Heinrichs ‘Page’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 21421 4-May-63 2 miles N of Warm Springs, Crossing of the 

Fathers Rd.

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 21422 4-May-63 2 miles N of Warm Springs, Crossing of the 

Fathers Rd.

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 21423 5-May-63 ‘5 miles W of Page.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 21424 5-May-63 ‘5 miles W of Page.’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 2746 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris BYU 31910 19-May-68 McMoris Bullfrog Basin, SE Utah

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris LACM 100542 20-May1955 LM Stevens W. side of Colorado River, mouth of N. wash

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris LACM 100543 20-May1955 LM Stevens W. side of Colorado River, mouth of N. wash

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris LACM 100544 20-May1955 LM Stevens W. side of Colorado River, mouth of N. wash

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris LACM 134286 07-Aug1980 JW Wright 1 mi N. Wahweap jct on Hwy 89

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris UMMZ 121757 8/7/59 FR Gehlbach Hite

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris UMMZ 121758 8/7/59 FR Gehlbach Hite

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris UU1453 7/31/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 27 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Cnemidophorus tigris UU1499 7/30/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 27 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 11260 15-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock.’

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 14923 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 20744 5-Sep-62 Heinrichs West of Page, Hwy 89

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 20745 4-Sep-62 Heinrichs West of Page, Hwy 89

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 2140 4-Jun-39 Tanner Wahweap, c.c.c. Road.

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
160 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 2760 4-Jun-39 Tanner Wahweap, c.c.c. Road.

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 41398 ‘Lake Powell 40 miles N Bullfrog.’

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 41399 ‘Lake Powell 40 miles N Bullfrog.’

GLCA Crotalus viridis BYU 42090 9-Jun-72 2 mi S. Glen Canyon City, along Hwy 89 under 

Jimsen Weed next to temporary pond’

GLCA Crotalus viridis UMMZ 205059 Hite Marina

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 11407 14-May-53 Bessey ‘Hole in the Rock.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 12526 ‘4 miles N of Hite.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 12700 20-May-55 Stevens 1/2 to 1/4 mile W of mouth of N Wash, W side 

of Colorado River.

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 12701 20-May-55 Stevens Mouth of N Wash, W side of Colorado River.

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14894 16-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14895 16-May-59 Spencer ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14896 16-May-59 Heninger ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14897 5-May-59 Salisbury ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14898 5-May-59 Salisbury ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14899 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14900 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14901 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 14902 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 18921 11-May-62 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 21259 4-May-63 Heinrichs ‘5-10 miles S of Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 21260 4-May-63 Heinrichs ‘5-10 miles S of Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 21262 4-May-63 Heinrichs ‘5-10 miles S of Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 21263 4-May-63 Heinrichs ‘5-10 miles S of Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 21276 4-May-63 Heinrichs 5-10 miles S of Crossing of the Fathers, along 

road

GLCA Crotaphytus bicinctores BYU 42078 24-May-75 Smith Lee’’s Ferry, W of river.

GLCA Crotaphytus collaris BYU 499 21-Jun-27 Call ‘Lee’’s Ferry’

GLCA Crotaphytus collaris UU 1449 8/8/38 A.M. Woodbury 4 mi. below Last Chance Canyon, Colorado 

River

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 11325 23-May-53 Standing Lone Rock, approx. 75 miles E of Kanab

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 12008 23-May-53 Standing Lone Rock, approx. 75 miles E of Kanab

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 12558 20-May-55 Tanner ‘Mouth of N wash & Colorado River.’

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 14912 16-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 14981 22-May-53 Tanner Lone Rock, 75 miles E of Kanab

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
161

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 21419 5-May-63 Heinrichs ‘5 miles W of Page.’

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 32228 10-May-68 Ingram ‘Bull Frog Basin.’

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 32229 10-May-68 Ingram ‘Bull Frog Basin.’

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 32230 10-May-68 Ingram ‘Bull Frog Basin.’

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 38832 10-Jul-85 Mindell The mouth of the White River where it enters 

Lake Powell

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii BYU 556 8-Jul-27 Cottam ‘Marble Canyon’

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii LACM 94806 16-Jun1970 W.C. Welbourn Warm Crk. Bay NNE Wahweap Rec. Area (by 

air)

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii UU 1452 8/8/38 W.B. Mittleman 4 mi. below Last Chance Canyon, Colorado 

River

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii UU 3328 7/7/58 N.K. Dean Ticaboo Canyon, Colorado River, 154 mi. N 

Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Gambelia wislizenii UU 3569 5/14/60 G.G. Musser W Branch Colorado River at Hite

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14748 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14749 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14750 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14751 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14752 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14753 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14754 16-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14928 16-May-59 Bullock ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14929 23-May-59 Brewster ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 14971 15-May-59 Rowland ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 15537 27-Sep-49 Parker ‘Coyote Gulch’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 1688 Beck & Chandler Escalante River, near junc. w/ Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 18963 11-May-62 Richardson Padre Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 2233 4-Jun-40 Beck Coyote Gulch, 8 mi E of Willow Spring Tank

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 23469 27-Sep-49 Parker ‘Coyote Gulch’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 23470 27-Sep-49 Parker ‘Coyote Gulch’

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 2384 Beck & Chandler Escalante River, near junc. w/ Colorado River.

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 2385 Beck & Chandler Escalante River, near junc. w/ Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 4285 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 4286 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 4287 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 4289 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. Coyote Gulch.

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
162 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Hyla arenicolor BYU 4290 4-Sep-41 Beck Escalante River, junc. Coyote Gulch.

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UTEP 13393 8/1/68 RS Funk San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UTEP 13394 8/1/68 RS Funk San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1284 7/25/37 L.C. Cole Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1285 7/25/37 L.C. Cole Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1548 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 27 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1549 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 27 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1550 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1551 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1552 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1553 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1554 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1555 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1556 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1572 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hyla arenicolor UU 1573 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Hypsiglena torquata BYU 21274 20-May-62 Tanner ‘Page’

GLCA Hypsiglena torquata MVZ 241605 5/9/03 Louis Porras Hwy 276, 4.2 mi N Bullfrog

GLCA Lampropeltis getula UU 1885 8/6/38 H.N. Russell, Jr. Bar 20 - Colorado River, 50 mi. above Lee’s 

Ferry

GLCA Lampropeltis getula UU 3322 7/12/58 N.K. Dean Colorado River 121 mi. N Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Masticophis taeniatus UAZ 39720 6/14/61 F. Wright Forbidden Canyon, Glen Canyon

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 14888 15-May-59 Heninger ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 14889 15-May-59 Heninger ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 14890 9-May-59 Heninger ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 14891 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 14892 15-May-59 Salisbury ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 14893 16-May-59 Spencer ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 16663 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 16664 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 16665 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos BYU 18922 11-May-62 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos UU 1287 7/27/37 L.C. Cole Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos UU 3343 A. Grundmann Glen Canyon

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
163

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Phrynosoma platyrhinos UU 3351 A. Grundmann Glen Canyon

GLCA Pituophis catenifer BS/FC 5081 9/18/85

R.D. Curnow & 

C.A. Ramotnik

E bank Lake Powell, mi. 69

GLCA Pituophis catenifer BYU 14642 17-May-58 Tanner Approx. 1/2 mile NW Utah-Arizona line, NW 

Glen Canyon Dam.

GLCA Pituophis catenifer BYU 21428 4-Sep-62 Heinrichs Near mile post 48-Hwy 89, W of Page Arizona.

GLCA Pituophis catenifer BYU 21430 29-Aug-62 Heinrichs 1 mile N of Wahweap turnoff, Hwy 89

GLCA Pituophis catenifer BYU 21437 5-Sep-62 Heinrichs 1 1/2 mile W of Wahweap turnoff, Hwy 89

GLCA Pituophis catenifer LACM 102408 WC Welbourn Warm Creek Bay, 6 mi. NNE Wahweap Rec. 

Area

GLCA Pituophis catenifer LACM 102430 16-Jun1969 WC Welbourn 1 mi. NW Ariz-Utah border on US Hwy 89

GLCA Pituophis catenifer UU 3324 7/12/58 H. Hall Colorado River 118 mi. N Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14701 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14702 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14703 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14704 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14705 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14706 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14707 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14708 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14709 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14710 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14959 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14960 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14961 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14962 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14963 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14964 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14965 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 14966 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 18962 11-May-62 Nesbit Padre Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 23597 16-May-59 Salisbury Padres Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 23598 16-May-59 Salisbury Padres Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 23599 17-May-59 Washburn Padres Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 23600 17-May-59 Washburn Padres Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
164 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 23601 17-May-59 Washburn Padres Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 23602 17-May-59 Washburn Padres Creek, Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Rana pipiens BYU 2861 Beck Colorado River, at mouth of Escalante River.

GLCA Rana pipiens UU 3339 7/16/58 N.K. Dean Colorado River basin, 109 mi. N Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Rhinocheilus lecontei BYU 20750 3-Sep-62 Heinrichs Wahweap turnoff, Hwy 89

GLCA Rhinocheilus lecontei BYU 21257 17-May-63 Tanner Mi post 555 W of Glen Canyon, on Hwy 89

GLCA Rhinocheilus lecontei BYU 32621 30-May-64 Maxwell 0.5 mi across bay (east) from Wahweap Marina, 

Lake Powell

GLCA Rhinocheilus lecontei BYU 74197 4-May-62 Wahweap turnoff, Hwy 89

GLCA Salvadora hexalepis BYU 11304 23-May-53 Gifford 1 mi S of Lone Rock, 78 Mi E of Kanab

GLCA Salvadora hexalepis BYU 14876 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Salvadora hexalepis BYU 14877 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Salvadora hexalepis BYU 22478 7-Sep-64 Alcom ‘Wahweap Cr. near Lone Rock.’

GLCA Salvadora hexalepis UU 1255 7/20/37 H. Glenny Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 11259 16-May-52 Shirts ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 12710 5/20/55 Tanner Mouth of N Wash, 5 miles above Hite

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14879 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14880 16-May-59 Rowley ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14881 16-May-59 Finley ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14882 16-May-59 Spencer ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14883 17-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14884 16-May-59 Rowland ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14885 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14886 17-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 14887 17-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 16615 17-May-58 Hunter Glen Canyon Dam, 1 mile upstream

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 21507 Heinrichs ‘Page’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 21508 Heinrichs ‘Page’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 21509 Heinrichs ‘Page’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 21510 Heinrichs ‘Page’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 21732 Avery ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 2858 25-Apr-39 Davis ‘Warm Creek’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 29994 Heinrichs ‘Page’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 40622 27-Apr-72 Atwood ‘SE of Page’

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
165

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 40623 27-Apr-72 Atwood ‘SE of Page’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus BYU 40624 27-Apr-72 Atwood ‘SE of Page’

GLCA Sauromalus obesus CAS 99988 5/16/59 W.W. Tanner and 

G. Rowland Crossing of the Fathers

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1245 7/22/37 A.M. Woodbury Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1246 7/24/37 A.M. Woodbury Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1247 7/24/37 A.M. Woodbury Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1252 7/27/37 A.M. Woodbury Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1253 7/27/37 A.M. Woodbury Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1254 7/27/37 H. Glenny Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1290 7/22/37 Wm. Kiss Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1292 7/27/37 A.M. Woodbury Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1527 8/4/38 A.M. Woodbury 70 mi. above Lee’s Ferry, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1528 8/4/38 A.M. Woodbury 70 mi. above Lee’s Ferry, Colorado River

GLCA Sauromalus obesus UU 1675 8/7/38 A.M. Woodbury Near Last Chance Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Sceloporus graciosus BYU 16627 16-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus graciosus BYU 16628 16-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus graciosus BYU 16629 16-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus graciosus BYU 16630 16-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus graciosus BYU 16631 16-May-59 Covey ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus graciosus UU 4580 5/13/60 G.G. Musser 8 mi. from Colorado River confluence, east fork 

Lake Canyon

GLCA Sceloporus magister BS/FC 2569 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell 1 mi N of San Juan R. 41S 

9E S 27

GLCA Sceloporus magister BS/FC 2570 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell 1 mi N of San Juan R. 41S 

9E S 27

GLCA Sceloporus magister BS/FC 2571 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell 1 mi N of San Juan R. 41S 

9E S 27

GLCA Sceloporus magister BS/FC 2572 7/18/82 B.R. Riddle E bank of Lake Powell, 1 1/2 mi S of Escalante 

River 40 1/2 S 9E S26

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 11263 15-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 11264 15-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 11390 Beck & Chandler ‘Escalante River (lower portion).’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 11399 23-May-53 Hansen Lone Rock, approx 75 miles E of Kanab.

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 11400 13-May-53 Bessey ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU ‘12007 23-May-53 Standing ‘10 miles W of Lone Rock.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 12885 16-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 12886 16-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock’

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
166 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 12947 21-Aug-46 Beck Coyote Gulch, Escalante Basin.

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 13067 23-May-53 Tanner Lone Rock, approx 75 miles E of Kanab.

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 13143 23-May-53 Hansen Lone Rock, approx 75 miles E of Kanab.

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 13144 23-May-53 Hansen Lone Rock, approx 75 miles E of Kanab.

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14914 16-May-59 Lunceford ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14915 16-May-59 Rowland ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14916 16-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14917 16-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14918 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14919 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14920 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14921 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14922 16-May-59 Heninger ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 14933 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 18900 12-May-62 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 18964 15-May-59 Nesbit ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 18998 11-May-62 Richardson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 21256 20-May-63 Heinrichs ‘Page’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 2126 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 2127 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 2134 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 2135 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 21415 4-May-63 Warm Springs, Crossing of the Fathers Road.

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 21417 4-May-63 Warm Springs, Crossing of the Fathers.

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 21420 5-May-63 ‘5 miles W Page.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 21431 24-Aug-62 Heinrichs ‘1 mile N of Wahweap turnoff Hwy 89.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 21432 24-Aug-62 Heinrichs ‘1 mile N of Wahweap turnoff Hwy 89.’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 2744 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 36065 6-Jun-69 Harding ‘Bullfrog Basin’

GLCA Sceloporus magister BYU 9769 Beck & Chandler ‘Escalante River (lower portion).’

GLCA Sceloporus magister LACM 136547 17-Apr1947 S.-D. Mulaik Lee’s Ferry, Colorado

GLCA Sceloporus magister LACM 96140 16-Jun1970 W.C. Welbourn Warm Crk Bay, 6 mi. (by air) NNE Wahweap 

Rec. Area

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
167

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Sceloporus magister LACM 96141 06-Jul-1947 R. Hardy Colorado River opposite Hite

GLCA Sceloporus magister UMMZ 121731 8/7/59 FR Gehlbach Hite

GLCA Sceloporus magister UU 1501 7/31/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 27 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Sceloporus magister UU 1508 7/31/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 27 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Sceloporus magister UU 1519 7/31/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 27 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Sceloporus magister UU 1520 8/7/38 M.B. Mittleman Colorado River, 46 mi. above Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Sceloporus magister UU 3326 7/1/58 N.K. Dean Colorado River, 162 mi. N Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Sceloporus magister UU 3327 7/1/58 N.K. Dean Colorado River, 162 mi. N Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Sceloporus magister UU 3344 A. Grundmann Glen Canyon

GLCA Sceloporus undulatus BYU 11251 15-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock.’

GLCA Sceloporus undulatus BYU 16666 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Sceloporus undulatus BYU 16705 14-May-53 Bessey ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Sceloporus undulatus BYU 16706 14-May-53 Bessey ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Sceloporus undulatus BYU 2094 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Sceloporus undulatus BYU 2745 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Sceloporus undulatus BYU 8489 15-Aug-47 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Sceloporus undulatus UU 1543 7/31/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 27 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Sceloprus undulatus BS/FC 2573 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle E bank of Lake Powell, 1 mi N of San Juan R 

41S 9E S26

GLCA Spea intermontana BYU 14724 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Spea intermontana BYU 14958 16-May-59 Mashburn ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Spea intermontana BYU 16716 10-Jun-59 Sorenson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Spea species UU 1642 7/30/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Thamnophis elegans UAZ 40505 6/1/61 F. Wright Glenn Canyon, Smith Fork

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BS/FC 223 8/27/66 P.A. Biggins Lake Powell

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BS/FC 2605 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle 1 mi N of San Juan R, E bank of Lake Powell 

41S 9E S26

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 11268 15-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 11511 27-Sep-49 Parker ‘Coyote Gulch (tributary of Escalante River).’

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 11512 27-Sep-49 Parker ‘Coyote Gulch (tributary of Escalante River).’

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 14926 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 14927 16-May-59 Nelson ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 16667 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers’

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 23604 16-May-59 Salisbury Padre’’s Creek, Crossing-of-the-Fathers

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
168 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 40616 5-May-71 Patton ‘Lee’’s Ferry’

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus BYU 4298 4-Sep-41 Beck ‘Coyote Gulch (tributary of Escalante River).’

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97906 17-Jun1969 W. C. Welbourne Glen Canyon Dam

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97908 17-Jun1969 W. C. Welbourne Glen Canyon Dam

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97909 17-Jun1969 W. C. Welbourne Glen Canyon Dam

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97910 17-Jun1969 W. C. Welbourne Glen Canyon Dam

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97911 17-Jun1969 W. C. Welbourne Glen Canyon Dam

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97912 17-Jun1969 W. C. Welbourne Glen Canyon Dam

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97913 17-Jun1969 W. C. Welbourne Glen Canyon Dam

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97914 17-Jun1969 W. C. Welbourne Glen Canyon Dam

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 98025 06-Jul-1947 R. Hardy Colorado River, opposite Hite

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 98026 06-Jul-1947 R. Hardy Colorado River, opposite Hite

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 98027 06-Jul-1947 R. Hardy Colorado River, opposite Hite

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus UU 1619 8/7/38 M.B. Mittleman Last Chance Canyon, Colorado River

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus UU 1628 8/7/38 M.B. Mittleman Last Chance Canyon, Colorado River

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus UU 1635 8/7/38 M.B. Mittleman Last Chance Canyon, Colorado River

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus UU 1660 8/7/38 M.B. Mittleman Last Chance Canyon, Colorado River

GLCA Urosaurus ornatus UU 1669 8/7/38 M.B. Mittleman Last Chance Canyon, Colorado River

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 229 8/27/66 P.A. Biggins Lake Powell

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2589 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell 1 mi N of San Juan R. 41S 

9E S 26

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2590 7/16/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell 1 mi N of San Juan R. 41S 

9E S 26

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2591 7/17/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 3 mi N Escalante R. 40S 

9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2592 7/17/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 3 mi N Escalante R. 40S 

9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2593 7/17/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 3 mi N Escalante R. 40S 

9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2594 7/17/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 3 mi N Escalante R. 40S 

9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2595 7/17/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, Halls Crossing Marina

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2596 7/18/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1.5 mi N Escalante R. 40 

1/2 S 9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2597 7/18/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1.5 mi N Escalante R. 40 

1/2 S 9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2598 7/18/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1.5 mi N Escalante R. 40 

1/2 S 9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2599 7/18/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1.5 mi N Escalante R. 40 

1/2 S 9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2600 7/18/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1.5 mi N Escalante R. 40 

1/2 S 9 E

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2601 7/19/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1 mi S, 6 mi E Gunsight 

Butte

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
169

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2602 7/19/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1 mi S, 6 mi E Gunsight 

Butte

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2603 7/19/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1 mi S, 6 mi E Gunsight 

Butte

GLCA Uta stansburiana BS/FC 2604 7/19/82 B.R. Riddle E bank Lake Powell, 1 mi S, 6 mi E Gunsight 

Butte

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 11265 15-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 11266 15-May-53 Beck ‘Hole in the Rock’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 14924 16-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 14925 16-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 14930 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 14931 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 14932 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 14934 15-May-59 Tanner ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 14980 22-May-53 Tanner Lone Rock, 75 mi E of Kanab

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 16608 17-May-58 Hunter 1 mile upstream from Glen Canyon Dam, Glen 

Canyon

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 16609 17-May-58 Hunter 1 mile upstream from Glen Canyon Dam, Glen 

Canyon

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 1673 Beck & Chandler Hole-in-the-Rock, Colorado River.

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 1674 Beck & Chandler Hole-in-the-Rock, Colorado River.

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 16796 Tanner ‘Glen Canyon Dam.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 1700 7-Jul-27 Kartchner ‘Lee’’s Ferry’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 1702 7-Jul-27 Kartchner ‘Lee’’s Ferry’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 18960 ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 18961 ‘Crossing of the Fathers.’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 2128 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 2129 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 2130 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 21410 4-May-63 Warm Springs, Crossing of the Fathers’’ Rd

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 21411 4-May-63 Warm Springs, Crossing of the Fathers’’ Rd

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 21412 4-May-63 Warm Springs, Crossing of the Fathers’’ Rd

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 21433 24-Aug-62 Heinrichs 1 mi N of Wahweap turnoff, Hwy 89

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 21434 24-Aug-62 Heinrichs 1 mi N of Wahweap turnoff, Hwy 89

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 21435 24-Aug-62 Heinrichs 1 mi N of Wahweap turnoff, Hwy 89

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 2748 4-Jun-39 Tanner ‘Wahweap Creek (CCC road).’

GLCA Uta stansburiana BYU 617 7-Jul-27 Kartchner ‘Lee’’s Ferry’

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
170 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

GLCA Uta stansburiana LACM 122072 16-Jun1969 WC Welbourn Warm Crk Bay, 14 miles NE Glen Cyn City 

(by road)

GLCA Uta stansburiana LACM 122073 16-Jun1969 WC Welbourn Warm Crk Bay, 14 miles NE Glen Cyn City 

(by road)

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 1291 7/26/37 Wm. Kiss Rock Creek, Colorado River

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 1469 8/1/38 M.B. Mittleman San Juan River, 20 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 1495 8/5/38 M.B. Mittleman Colorado River, 63 mi. above Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 2176 7/30/38 A.M. Woodbury San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 3123 7/30/38 A.M. Woodbury San Juan River, 35 Mi. above Colorado River

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 3331 7/3/58 N.K. Dean Hite, Colorado River, 162 mi. N Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 3332 7/3/58 N.K. Dean Hite, Colorado River, 162 mi. N Lee’s Ferry

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 3349 A. Grundmann Glen Canyon

GLCA Uta stansburiana UU 3350 A. Grundmann Glen Canyon

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 16607 5/20/67 AE Dunham Volcanoes, 8 mi W of Albuquerque

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61397 5/11/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61398 5/11/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61399 5/11/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61400 5/7/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61401 5/7/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61402 5/7/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61403 5/11/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61404 5/11/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 61405 5/11/97 BC Pickering At volcanoes

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 14581 4/23/66 DE Wilson Albuquerque Volcanoes

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 14874 5/2/66 RG Clarkson Near Volcanos, just W Albuquerque, N of US 

66

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 14875 5/2/66 RG Clarkson Near Volcanos, just W Albuquerque, N of US 

66

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 15293 4/23/66 RS Jaramillo Volcanoes W of Albuquerque

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 16465 3/24/67 CB Jones Volcanoes W of Albuquerque

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 19442 5/15/69 CA Knight 1 mi E of Volcano Peaks on W. Mesa

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 31178 4/21/71 B Galentine 7.5 mi W and 4 mi N of Albuquerque, Vulcan 

Crater, T11N R3E, sec. 9

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 31311 4/3/72 D Johnson, B 

Galenstine Albuquerque, Volcano Cliffs Park, West Mesa

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 31312 4/3/72 D Johnson, B 

Galenstine Albuquerque, Volcano Cliffs Park, West Mesa

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 8356 4/21/50 WJ Koster, H 

Campbell Just S Volcanoes, W Mesa

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 8400 5/31/39 SW Bowman Volcanoes, W of Rio Grande

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
171

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

PETR Crotalus viridis MSB 8461 3/17/69 R Beach Volcanoes, W of Rio Grande

PETR Crotaphytus collaris MSB 16777 5/15/67 M Kobylack Albuquerque Volcanoes, 8 mi W Albuquerque

PETR Gambelia wislizenii MSB 16778 5/16/67 M Kobylack Albuquerque Volcanoes, 8 mi W Albuquerque

PETR Holbrookia maculata MSB 16602 5/20/67 AE Dunham Volcanoes, 8 mi W of Albuquerque

PETR Holbrookia maculata MSB 16603 5/20/67 AE Dunham Volcanoes, 8 mi W of Albuquerque

PETR Holbrookia maculata MSB 58739 4/16/75 D Harvey Vulcan Crater, 7.5 mi. W, and 4 mi. N of Albuquerque, T11N R3E Sec. 9

PETR Hypsiglena torquata MSB 19379 5/11/69 CA Knight West Mesa, 2 miles W. of Univ. of Alb.

PETR Masticophis flagellum MSB 14639 4/16/66 DP Reagan .5 mi W Albuquerque Volcanoes

PETR Masticophis flagellum MSB 15544 6/20/65 MB Snipes .5 mi W southern most volcano, W of Albuqerque

PETR Phrynosoma hernandesi MSB 19337 4/20/69 MR Gruner Volcanos, just West of Albuquerque

PETR Phrynosoma modestum MSB 15114 3/19/66 CO Morgan Volcano, Mesa W of Albuquerque

PETR Phrynosoma modestum MSB 15540 4/21/66 MB Snipes Southern most volcano W of Albuquerque

PETR Phrynosoma modestum MSB 30310 5/12/74 K Kietzke Main volcano cone, volcanoes W of foun

PETR Phrynosoma modestum MSB 31277 4/20/71 B Galenstine Vulcan Crater, 7.5 mi. W and 4 mi. N of Albuquerque, T11N R3E Sec. 9

PETR Pituophis catenifer MSB 25533 4/13/69 JJ Lavandoski Under debris in dump about 1 mi S of S Volcan

PETR Pituophis catenifer MSB 61395 5/11/97 BC Pickering 3 mi N I-40 on the base of the volcano, DOR

PETR Pituophis catenifer MSB 8386 11/6/56 H Campbell 5 mi W Albuquerque, 1 mi S Volcanoes

PETR Sceloporus undulatus MSB 15542 4/21/66 MB Snipes Southern most volcano W of Albuquerque

PETR Sceloporus undulatus MSB 15543 6/20/65 MB Snipes .5 mi W southern most volcano, W of Albuqerque

PETR Sceloporus undulatus MSB 21210 5/16/69 CA Knight 2 mi W of University of Albuquerque, in 

volcano cliffs

PETR Sceloporus undulatus MSB 21211 5/16/69 CA Knight 2 mi W of University of Albuquerque, in 

volcano cliffs

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 15115 3/19/66 CO Morgan Volcano, Mesa W of Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 15116 3/19/66 CO Morgan Volcano, Mesa W of Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 15117 3/19/66 CO Morgan Volcano, Mesa W of Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 15541 4/21/66 MB Snipes Southern most volcano W of Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 16604 5/20/67 AE Dunham Volcanoes, 8 mi W of Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 16605 5/20/67 AE Dunham Volcanoes, 8 mi W of Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 16606 5/20/67 AE Dunham Volcanoes, 8 mi W of Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 16774 5/14/67 M Kobylack Albuquerque Volcanoes, 8 mi W Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 16775 5/14/67 M Kobylack Albuquerque Volcanoes, 8 mi W Albuquerque

PETR Uta stansburiana MSB 16776 5/14/67 M Kobylack Albuquerque Volcanoes, 8 mi W Albuquerque

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16365 23-Jun-33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
172 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16366 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16367 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16368 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16369 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16370 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16371 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16372 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 16373 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17706 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17707 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17708 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17709 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17710 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17711 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17712 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17713 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17714 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17715 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17716 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17717 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17718 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17719 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17720 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17721 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17722 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17723 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo punctatus MVZ 17724 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Bufo woodhousii MVZ 16357 6/23/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Cnemidophorus tigris MVZ 16409 6/22/33 Louise Kellogg Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Cnemidophorus tigris MVZ 17881 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Cnemidophorus tigris MVZ 17882 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
173

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

RABR Crotaphytus bicinctores MVZ 16376 6/22/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge

RABR Crotaphytus bicinctores MVZ 16377 6/22/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge

RABR Crotaphytus bicinctores MVZ 16378 6/22/33 Seth B. Benson Rainbow Bridge

RABR Crotaphytus bicinctores MVZ 16379 6/22/33 Louise Kellogg Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Crotaphytus bicinctores MVZ 16380 6/23/33 Louise Kellogg Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Crotaphytus bicinctores MVZ 17739 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Crotaphytus bicinctores MVZ 17740 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Hypsiglena torquata UAZ 39598 Tim Walker Ranibow Bridge Nat Mon

RABR Rana pipiens MVZ 17735 7/7/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr.

Rainbow Bridge Canyon, below Bridge; elevation 3500 ft.

RABR Sceloporus magister UAZ 21859 P.Gegenheimer, 

S. Hale Ranibow Bridge Nat Mon

RABR Sceloporus magister UAZ 21867 P.Gegenheimer, 

S. Hale Ranibow Bridge Nat Mon

RABR Sceloporus undulatus MVZ 16396 6/22/33 Louise Kellogg Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Uta stansburiana MVZ 16389 6/22/33 Louise Kellogg Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Uta stansburiana MVZ 16390 6/22/33 Louise Kellogg Rainbow Bridge, 4000 ft

RABR Uta stansburiana MVZ 17781 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Uta stansburiana MVZ 17782 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Uta stansburiana MVZ 17783 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Uta stansburiana MVZ 17784 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Uta stansburiana MVZ 17785 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

RABR Uta stansburiana MVZ 17786 7/6/33 Theodore H. 

Eaton, Jr. Rainbow Bridge Trail, 4000 ft

SAPU Ambystoma tigrinum MSB 25527 10/10/72 C Cummings, 

Murphy Gran Quivira National Monument, garage floor

SAPU Sceloporus undulatus MSB 81 6/6/53 H Campbell, K 

Campbell Quorai Ruins, near Punta

SAPU Sceloporus undulatus MSB 82 6/6/53 H Campbell, K 

Campbell Quorai Ruins, near Punta

SAPU Thamnophis cyrtopsis MSB 23059 8/16/69 AL Mirabal 200 yds W behind Abo State Monument

SUCR Phrynosoma hernandesi AMNH 62855 8/19/40 Harry C James Sunset Crater

SUCR Sceloporus undulatus MNA Z7.27 6/28/32 CM Armack 1/2 mile E Sunset Crater on Kana-a Valley rd., 

7000 ft.

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32409 6/5/69 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32410 6/5/69 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32411 6/5/69 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32412 6/5/69 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32413 6/5/69 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32414 6/5/69 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
174 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32415 6/5/69 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32416 6/5/69 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32669 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32670 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32671 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32672 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32673 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32674 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32675 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32676 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32677 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus BYU 32678 6/3/70 McMorris Sunset Crater lava flow

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus FMNH 51813 8/7/47 Alexander Pope Sunset Crater, mouth of Ice Cave

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus FMNH 51814 8/7/47 Alexander Pope Sunset Crater, mouth of Ice Cave

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus LACM 18937 8/16/33 Bogert NW Sunset Crater

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus LACM 97890 7/31/47 C.E. Peterson Sunset Crater

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus MVZ 75892 5/2/63 R.F. Jessen Sunset Crater; elevation 6700 ft

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus MVZ 75893 5/2/63 R.F. Jessen Sunset Crater; elevation 6700 ft

SUCR Urosaurus ornatus MVZ 75894 5/2/63 R.F. Jessen Sunset Crater; elevation 6700 ft

WACA Crotalus viridis MNA Z7.231 9/16/63 at Visitor Center, Walnut Canyon

WACA Crotalus viridis WACA 3047 8/3/74 J. Ellis Santa Fe Dam

WACA Diadophis punctatus WACA 3029 8/25/73 Scott Archer Picnic area rest rooms, ca. 2042 m

WACA Eumeces multivirgatus LACM 14913 8/6/31 Bogert Coconino Co: Wanut Canyon Ntl. Monument

WACA Lampropeltis pyromelana WACA 3046 8/21/73 R. Jones Walnut CAnyon PIcnic Area

WACA Phrynosoma hernandesi WACA 3042 6/19/73 M. Salomonson Visitor Center

WACA Phrynosoma hernandesi WACA 3043 7/18/72 M. Salomonson Picnic Area

WACA Phrynosoma hernandesi WACA 3044 7/19/73 M. Salomonson Picnic Area

WACA Pituophis catenifer WACA 3030 5/27/73 Jim Ellis Walnut Canyon entrance station

WACA Sceloporus undulatus LACM 17512 9/3/31 Bogert Walnut Canyon National Monument

WACA Sceloporus undulatus LACM 17513 9/3/31 Bogert Walnut Canyon National Monument

WACA Sceloporus undulatus LACM 17514 9/3/31 Bogert Walnut Canyon National Monument

WACA Sceloporus undulatus MCZ R-34293 / / LM Klauber Walnut Canyon, Coconino, Arizona

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
175

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WACA Sceloporus undulatus WACA 3032 7/12/72 M. Salomonson Residence area

WACA Sceloporus undulatus WACA 3033 8/5/72 M. Salomonson Island Trail

WACA Sceloporus undulatus WACA 3034 8/15/72 M. Salomonson Island Trail

WACA Sceloporus undulatus WACA 3035 8/5/72 M. Salomonson Island Trail

WACA Thamnophis elegans WACA 3048 7/22/72 M. Salomonson Residence Area

WACA Thamnophis elegans WACA 3049 9/20/73 M.G. Salomonson Walnut Canyon entrance road

WACA Thamnophis elegans WACA 3050 5/26/73 M. Salomonson Canyon bottom below Island

WACA Urosaurus ornatus CM 30769 8/9/52 G Woodside Walnut Canyon National Monument

WACA Urosaurus ornatus UMMZ 64941 9/18/26 CL Hubbs, 

Schultz Walnut Cany Nat Monument

WACA Urosaurus ornatus WACA 3031 7/16/74 W. Atchison Visitor Center

WACA Urosaurus ornatus WACA 3036 8/14/72 M. Salomonson Visitor Center

WACA Urosaurus ornatus WACA 3037 7/16/74 M. Salomonson Rim Trail

WACA Urosaurus ornatus WACA 3038 7/3/74 M. Salomonson Visitor Center

WACA Urosaurus ornatus WACA 3039 7/21/72 M. Salomonson Island Trail

WACA Urosaurus ornatus WACA 3040 9/3/72 M. Salomonson Visitor Center

WACA Urosaurus ornatus WACA 3041 8/5/72 M. Salomonson Island Trail

WUPA Arizona elegans ASU 3878 7/27/58 J.W. Heinrich 32 mi. N Flagstaff

WUPA Arizona elegans MNA Z7.260 8/8/66 CJ May, O.R. 

Brown

at entrance of Wupatki Rd. and St. Hwy 89a 

on 89a

WUPA Arizona elegans NAU 2305 9/28/74 C.L. Leferve Wupatki Nat’l Mon, W of Cedar Cyn.

WUPA Arizona elegans UAZ 51062 7/18/97 T.B. Persons 2.0 mi S of N entrance to Wupatki Nat Mon 

(FSR 545), Hwy 89, ca. 5700 ft el.

WUPA Arizona elegans WUPA 16684 8/29/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 19.0

WUPA Arizona elegans WUPA 16687 6/8/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 2.2

WUPA Arizona elegans WUPA 16711 4/25/87 SK Cinnamon 1.5 mi. S Wupatki VC, 545

WUPA Arizona elegans WUPA 1767 / / Richard V. Harris 4 mi. SE Wupatki Ruin

WUPA Bufo cognatus CJM 175 / / CJ May 4 mi. E Wupatki Nat’l Mon. boundary (US 

Hwy 89) on Forest Rt. 545

WUPA Bufo cognatus MNA Z6.381 7/7/66 CJ May 4 mi. N of bdy. of Wupatki Nat’l Mon, on 

Sunset Crater loop rd.

WUPA Bufo cognatus WUPA 16693 8/18/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 1.6

WUPA Bufo microscaphus UMMZ 222953 5/21/76 Dick Huho

On south bank of Little Colorado River near 

Antelope Wash Road, Wupatki Nat Monument

WUPA Bufo punctatus MNA Z6.334 7/7/66 CJ May 4 mi. N of bdy. of Wupatki Nat’l Mon, on 

Sunset Crater loop rd.

WUPA Bufo punctatus WUPA 16689 8/7/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 12.9

WUPA Bufo punctatus WUPA 16703 / / SK Cinnamon Heiser Sewage Lagoons

WUPA Bufo punctatus WUPA 16704 / / SK Cinnamon Heiser Sewage Lagoons

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
176 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WUPA Bufo punctatus WUPA 1764 / / Richard V. Harris Wupatki Residence Area

WUPA Bufo punctatus WUPA 1765 / / Richard V. Harris Wupatki Residence Area

WUPA Cnemidophorus inornatus LACM 137269 / / JW Wright Wupatki, Hwy 89 (trading post)

WUPA Cnemidophorus inornatus LACM 137270 / / JW Wright Wupatki, Hwy 89 (trading post)

WUPA Cnemidophorus inornatus LACM 137271 / / JW Wright Wupatki, Hwy 89 (trading post)

WUPA Cnemidophorus inornatus LACM 14679 8/9/31 Bogert Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Cnemidophorus inornatus MNA Z7.1014 5/3/69 CJ May 1 mi. E on Wupatki Nat’l Mon. rd from US 89

WUPA Cnemidophorus inornatus MNA Z7.1038 7/30/72 CJ May 0.8 mi. E on Wupatki Nat’l Mon. rd from US 

89

WUPA Cnemidophorus inornatus MNA Z7.2845 7/20/66 CJ May 1 mi. E on Wupatki Nat’l Mon, rd. from US 89

WUPA Cnemidophorus tigris UAZ 5623 9/22/39 D. Jones Wupatki Ruin, Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Cnemidophorus tigris UAZ 5624 9/22/39 D. Jones Wupatki Ruin, Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Cnemidophorus tigris UMMZ 224043 7/12/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Antelope Wash

WUPA Cnemidophorus tigris UMMZ 224044 7/17/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Antelope Wash

WUPA Cnemidophorus tigris UMMZ 224045 7/21/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Antelope Wash

WUPA Cnemidophorus tigris UTEP 13143 6/7/74 CJ May 1 mi. NE Wupatki Nat’l Monument HQ

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox BYU 32087 6/10/69 McMorris Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137272 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137273 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137274 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137275 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137276 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137277 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137278 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137279 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137280 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137281 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137282 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137283 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137284 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox LACM 137285 / / JW Wright Wupatki jct., _mi. N by Hwy 89, near trading 

post

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox MNA Z7.127 8/18/33 C.W. Quaintance Wupatki

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox MNA Z7.128 8/19/33 C.W. Quaintance Wupatki, on cinder hill slope

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
177

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox MNA Z7.2548 5/31/67 RS Funk, CJ 

May 1 mi. E on Wupatki Nat’l Mon. rd from US 89

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox UAZ 5362 8/2/51 C.H. Lowe Wupatki Nat’l Mon, 1.2 mi. W The Citadel

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox UAZ 5374 8/2/51 C.H. Lowe Wupatki Nat’l Mon, 1.2 mi. W The Citadel

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox WUPA 16983 9/2/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 4.6

WUPA Cnemidophorus velox WUPA 1770 / / Richard V. Harris Wupatki Residence Area

WUPA Crotalus viridis NAU 2410 10/10/76 John Fisher Wupatki Nat’l Mon.

WUPA Crotalus viridis UMMZ 224263 9/3/77 Jon Peters Wupatki

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 1639 9/1/75 Richard V. Harris

1/4 mi. S Doney Picnic Area, 3 mi. WNW 

Wupatki Ruin

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16681 9/5/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 1.3

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16685 11/5/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 19.3

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16694 / / BK Palmer

2.2 mi. S of south entrance, W 1/2 NW 1/4 S. 

20, T24N R10E, Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16695 7/23/83 B Palmer Hwy 89, 1/2 mi. north Wupatki N. entrance

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16696 8/2/84 R Aman USFS 545, 3/4 mi. S Doney Crater cattleguard

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16697 10/14/86 SK Cinnamon USFS 545, Antelope Wash rd., roadkill mp 11

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16972 5/28/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 18.3

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16976 8/1/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 9122M, e. of mp 22.5 of FR 545

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16981 9/2/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 17.1

WUPA Crotalus viridis WUPA 16985 9/7/00 Trevor B. Persons Wukoki Ruins Road, 1.2 mi. from FR 545

WUPA Crotalus viridis / / Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris BYU 11387 6/10/51 Tanner Along Hwy 89, 37 miles N of Flagstaff (Wupatki Nat’l Monument)

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris BYU 11388 6/10/51 Tanner Along Hwy 89, 37 miles N of Flagstaff (Wupatki Nat’l Monument)

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris BYU 32109 6/6/69 Ingram Wapatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris BYU 32110 6/6/69 Ingram Wapatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris BYU 32732 6/3/70 Ingram Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris BYU 32742 6/3/70 Ingram Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29943 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29944 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29945 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29946 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29947 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29948 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
178 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29949 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29950 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29951 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29952 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29953 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29954 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29955 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris KU 29956 / / W edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.122 8/16/33 C.W. Quaintance Wupatki, cinder background

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.17 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.19 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.20 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.218 7/2/59 R. Heavly Citadel Ruins

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.240 / / Ed Lincoln Wupatki

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.2576 7/12/66 CJ May ca. 5.5 mi. NE Wupatki Nat’l Mon. HQ, Black 

Falls”

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.2577 7/12/66 CJ May ca. 5.5 mi. NE Wupatki Nat’l Mon. HQ, Black 

Falls”

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris MNA Z7.2578 7/12/66 CJ May ca. 5.5 mi. NE Wupatki Nat’l Mon. HQ, Black 

Falls”

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris NAU 2268 9/28/74 C.L. Leferve Wupatki Nat’l Mon, Lomaki Ruin

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris NAU 2269 9/28/74 C.L. Leferve Wupatki Nat’l Mon, Lomaki Ruin

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris UAZ 1512 8/16/39 Dick Starson Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris UAZ 32906 7/2/70 J.K. Cross 2 mi (Wupatki Nat Mon Rd) E Hwy 89

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris UAZ 632 8/2/51 C.H. Lowe Wupatki Nat’l Mon, 3.3 mi (rd) W monument 

HQ

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris UAZ 633 8/2/51 C.H. Lowe Wupatki Nat’l Mon, 3.3 mi (rd) W monument 

HQ

WUPA Crotaphytus collaris WUPA 16971 5/7/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 9.8

WUPA Gambelia wislizenii AMNH 119940 7/15/66 J Sluder Wupatki Nat’l Monument, 1.1 mi. NW of 

Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Gambelia wislizenii MNA Z7.123 8/17/33 L. Hargrave Wupatki

WUPA Gambelia wislizenii MNA Z7.23 5/27/33 L.L. Hargrave Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Gambelia wislizenii UAZ 34854 5/29/72 J.K. Cross S road entrance to Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Gambelia wislizenii UMMZ 223165 7/10/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Antelope Wash

WUPA Gambelia wislizenii UMMZ 223166 9/9/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Antelope Wash

WUPA Gambelia wislizenii WUPA 16707 6/15/88 SK Cinnamon mp 15, USFS 545, Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Holbrookia maculata BYU 11372 6/10/51 Tanner 37 miles N of Flagstaff, along Hwy 89, near W 

edge of Wupatki NM

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
179

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WUPA Holbrookia maculata BYU 11373 6/10/51 Tanner 37 miles N of Flagstaff, along Hwy 89, near W 

edge of Wupatki NM

WUPA Holbrookia maculata BYU 11374 6/10/51 Tanner 37 miles N of Flagstaff, along Hwy 89, near W 

edge of Wupatki NM

WUPA Holbrookia maculata BYU 11375 6/10/51 Tanner 37 miles N of Flagstaff, along Hwy 89, near W 

edge of Wupatki NM

WUPA Holbrookia maculata BYU 11377 6/10/51 Tanner 37 miles N of Flagstaff, along Hwy 89, near W 

edge of Wupatki NM

WUPA Holbrookia maculata BYU 11736 6/10/51 Tanner 37 miles N of Flagstaff, along Hwy 89, near W 

edge of Wupatki NM

WUPA Holbrookia maculata BYU 13518 4/20/56 Tanner 37 miles N of Flagstaff, along Hwy 89, near W 

edge of Wupatki NM

WUPA Holbrookia maculata BYU 13522 4/20/56 Tanner 37 miles N of Flagstaff, along Hwy 89, near W 

edge of Wupatki NM

WUPA Holbrookia maculata CAS 155965 6/5/69 JR McMorris Wupatki National Monument, Lomaki Ruins

WUPA Holbrookia maculata LACM 53604 8/9/31 Bogert Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Holbrookia maculata MNA Z7.219 7/2/59 R. Heavly Citadel Ruins

WUPA Holbrookia maculata MNA Z7.220 7/2/59 R. Heavly Citadel Ruins

WUPA Holbrookia maculata MNA Z7.86 7/29/32 C.M. Armack Citadel Pueblo, Wupatki

WUPA Holbrookia maculata UAZ 1580 5/10/40 P. Jones NW corner of Wupatki Nat. Mon. Near Hwy 89

WUPA Holbrookia maculata UMMZ 223240 7/21/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Grassland near 

Lomaki Ruin

WUPA Holbrookia maculata UMMZ 223241 8/19/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, 1.5 mi E of 

Lomaki Ruin

WUPA Holbrookia maculata UMMZ 223242 9/2/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, 1.5 mi E of 

Lomaki Ruin

WUPA Holbrookia maculata USNM 312953 9/14/23 Black Falls, 5 mi. SW of indian ruins

WUPA Holbrookia maculata WUPA 1650 9/25/75 Richard V. Harris 3 mi. SE Wupatki Ruin

WUPA Hypsiglena torquata UTEP 13221 5/24/76 CJ May USHY 89, 11.3 rd. mi. S Gray Mountain Post 

Office

WUPA Hypsiglena torquata UTEP 13222 5/24/76 CJ May USHY 89, 11.3 rd. mi. S Gray Mountain Post 

Office

WUPA Hypsiglena torquata WUPA 16683 6/1/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 17.3

WUPA Hypsiglena torquata WUPA 16978 8/19/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 2.8

WUPA Lampropeltis getula WUPA 16686 11/5/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 1.5

WUPA Lampropeltis getula WUPA 16713 8/2/83 B Palmer USFS 545, Wukoki turnoff, Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Lampropeltis getula WUPA 16982 9/2/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 12.3

WUPA Lampropeltis getula WUPA 1766 / / Richard V. Harris 4 miles SE Wupatki Ruin

WUPA Lampropeltis triangulum BYU 10534 6/10/51 Wilmer Tanner

37 miles N of Flagstaff along hwy 89, approx. 

2 miles N of W entrance to Wupatki Nat’l 

Mon.

WUPA Lampropeltis triangulum MVZ 16416 6/8/33 Seth B. Benson 33 mi N Flagstaff on Flagstaff-Cameron Rd.

WUPA Masticophis bilineatus UAZ 39725 6/22/54 W.H. Woodin Flagstaff, 32 mi N Flagstaff on Wupatki Natl 

Mon Rd near Rt 89

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus LACM 20591 / / Bogert Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus MNA Z7.144 7/6/48 M.A. Wetherill Wupatki, Black Hawk Valley

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
180 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus MNA Z7.5 4/17/33 L.L. Hargrave Heiser Spring, Wupatki, 5000 ft.

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus MNA Z7.6 5/29/33 L.L. Hargrave Wupatki Pueblo 5100 ft.

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus UMMZ 224129 5/26/76 Bateman Wupatki Sunset Crater loop rd 2 mi. out of 

Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus UTEP 4123 5/11/74 JC Bokich DOR USHY 89, ca. 10 mi. N Sunset Carater 

Nat’l Monument

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus WUPA 16682 5/10/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 3.4

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus WUPA 16710 10/8/86 SK Cinnamon mp 12, USFS 545, Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus WUPA 1768 5/10/77 Richard V. Harris Wupatki Visitor Center parking lot

WUPA Masticophis taeniatus / / Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi MNA Z7.225 7/27/59 R. Heavly Wupatki

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi MNA Z7.239 / / Ed Lincoln Wupatki

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi NAU 1004 9/27/69 R Smith W. border Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi UAZ 1984 7/29/39 D. Jones Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi UMMZ 223402 7/28/77 1/4 mi. E of Lemicki run (sic), Wupatki National MOnument

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi WUPA 1653 9/28/75 Richard V. Harris 1.8 km W Wupatki Ruin

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi WUPA 16705 4/24/88 SK Cinnamon mp 25, USFS 545, s. of Wupatki

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi WUPA 16706 4/23/88 SK Cinnamon Hull’s Canyon, Wupatki Nat’l Mon.

WUPA Phrynosoma hernandesi WUPA 16975 7/29/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 20.5

WUPA Pituophis catenifer ASU 4327 4/20/62 M.A. Nickerson Wuparki (sic) ruins

WUPA Pituophis catenifer MNA Z7.11 9/24/33 A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Pituophis catenifer MNA Z7.110 7/31/39 A.R. Phillips Highway N of Wupatki

WUPA Pituophis catenifer MNA Z7.236 / / Ed Lincoln Wupatki

WUPA Pituophis catenifer UMMZ 224138 / / Wupatki National Monument R9E T26N Sec 

17 Elev 5430 ft

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16678 5/23/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 9.3

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16679 8/8/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 18.4

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16680 9/1/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 1.7

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16698 5/4/89 SK Cinnamon White Mesa Rd., Wupatki Nat’l Mon.

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16699 5/26/78 Randy S. Hurley Nolakihu-Citadel Ruin, Wupatki Nat’l Mon

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16700 10/26/84 SK Cinnamon 1 mi. W Doney Crater, USFS 545

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16701 10/26/84 S Cinnamon 0.8 mi. S Citadel, USFS 545

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16702 10/8/86 SK Cinnamon mp 14 USFS 545, Wupatki Nat’l Mon.

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16708 4/12/86 SK Cinnamon mp 11, USFS 545, Wupatki Nat’l Mon.

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16974 7/16/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 19.9

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
181

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16980 8/22/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 7.2

WUPA Pituophis catenifer WUPA 16984 9/2/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 4.0

WUPA Salvadora hexalepis MNA Z7.2526 7/4/71 CJ May Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Salvadora hexalepis MVZ 193329 8/13/84 Harry W. Greene 0.5 mi NE Loop Rd. on road to Wukoki Ruins

WUPA Salvadora hexalepis SFH 2064 / / Steve Hale Wupatki Nat’l Mon., 20 mi. E US Hwy 89 on 

Forest Route 545

WUPA Salvadora hexalepis WUPA 16712 5/9/83 SK Cinnamon 1 mi. W Wupatki VC, DOR west side

WUPA Salvadora hexalepis WUPA 16713 8/2/83 B Palmer 3 1/2 mi. ESE Wupatki Ruin

WUPA Salvadora hexalepis WUPA 16977 8/17/00 Trevor B. Persons Wukoki Ruins Road, 0.8 miles from FR 545

WUPA Salvadora hexalepis WUPA 1769 5/7/77 Richard V. Harris

2 mi. W Wupatki Ruin, DOR west side of 

Doney Crater

WUPA Sceloporus magister MNA Z7.116 8/17/33 Don Collier Wupatki

WUPA Sceloporus magister MNA Z7.119 8/16/33 C.W. Quaintance Wupatki, east of ruins

WUPA Sceloporus magister MNA Z7.120 8/17/33 C.W. Quaintance Wupatki, east of ruins

WUPA Sceloporus magister MNA Z7.124 8/17/33 A. Ten, B. Williamson Wupatki, 2 mi. E of main ruins

WUPA Sceloporus magister MNA Z7.125 8/16/33 C.W. Quaintance East of Wupatki

WUPA Sceloporus magister MNA Z7.21 5/30/33 A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Sceloporus magister MNA Z7.24 4/25/37 Milton Wetherill Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Sceloporus magister MNA Z7.28 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Sceloporus magister UAZ 2707 6/24/41 D. Staranson Wupatki Ruins, Wupatki Nat. Mon.

WUPA Sceloporus magister UAZ 2708 8/15/39 L. Holbrook Wupatki Nat. Mon., 5000 ft.

WUPA Sceloporus magister UAZ 2717 5/12/40 C.R. Jones Wupatki Ruin, Wupatki Nat. Mon., ca, 4900 ft.

WUPA Sceloporus magister UAZ 2729 8/2/51 C.H. Lowe Wupatki Nat. Mon., at HQ (Wupatki Ruins)

WUPA Sceloporus magister UMMZ 223802 6/15/77 GC Bateman Wupatki National Monument, Window Rock

WUPA Sceloporus magister WUPA 1647 9/20/75 Richard V. Harris Wupatki Ruin

WUPA Sceloporus magister WUPA 16690 6/22/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 10.0

WUPA Sceloporus magister WUPA 1771 / / Richard V. Harris Wupatki Residence Area

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus MCZ R-34292 / / LM Klauber Wupatki: Coconino: Arizona

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus MNA Z7.126 8/19/33 C.W. Quaintance Wupatki, on cinder slope

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus MNA Z7.237 / / Ed Lincoln Wupatki

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus MNA Z7.29 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus NAU 999 10/30/69 R Smith S. edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UAZ 3069 9/7/39 D. Jones, J.C. 

Macy Wupatki Ruin, Wupatki Nat. Mon.

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UAZ 3087 8/2/51 C.H. Lowe Wupatki Nat. Mon., 1.2 mi. W the Citadel

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
182 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UAZ 42538 7/28/53 W.H. Woodin 9 mi W Wupatki Nat Mon HQ

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223774 9/28/74 CL Lefeure Wupatki National Monument, Lomaki Ruin

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223775 9/27/69 R. Smith W border Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223910 7/23/75 TA Vaughan Wupatki National Monument 2 mi NW of 

headquarters

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223911 7/31/75 TA Vaughan Wupatki National Monument, Antelope Wash 

rd.

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223912 7/21/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, 0.5 mi. W of 

Arrowhead Tank

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223913 7/10/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Arrowhead Tank

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223914 9/9/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Antelope Wash

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223915 9/9/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, Antelope Wash

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223916 10/30/69 R. Smith S edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223917 10/30/69 R. Smith S edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223918 10/30/69 R. Smith S edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 223919 10/30/69 R. Smith S edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus WUPA 1648 9/25/76 Richard V. Harris 3 mi. ESE Wupatki Ruin

WUPA Sceloporus undulatus WUPA 16709 10/7/86 SK Cinnamon E of mp 5, USFS 545, Wupatki Nat’l Mon.

WUPA Sonora semiannulata UAZ 26371 6/9/51 Pierson Wupatki Nat. Mon.

WUPA Sonora semiannulata UAZ 26372 6/9/51 Pierson Wupatki Nat. Mon.

WUPA Spea bombifrons UTEP 13294 5/23/79 CJ May Wupatki Nat’l Monument rd., ca. 2.4 rd. mi. E 

jct. with USHY 89

WUPA Spea bombifrons UTEP 13295 5/23/79 CJ May Wupatki Nat’l Monument rd., ca. 2.4 rd. mi. E 

jct. with USHY 89

WUPA Spea bombifrons UTEP 13296 5/23/79 CJ May Wupatki Nat’l Monument rd., ca. 2.4 rd. mi. E 

jct. with USHY 89

WUPA Spea bombifrons UTEP 13297 5/23/79 CJ May Wupatki Nat’l Monument rd., ca. 2.4 rd. mi. E 

jct. with USHY 89

WUPA Spea bombifrons UTEP 132978 5/23/79 CJ May Wupatki Nat’l Monument rd., ca. 2.4 rd. mi. E 

jct. with USHY 89

WUPA Spea bombifrons UTEP 132979 5/23/79 CJ May Wupatki Nat’l Monument rd., ca. 2.4 rd. mi. E 

jct. with USHY 89

WUPA Spea bombifrons WUPA 16973 7/8/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 13.7

WUPA Spea intermontana NAU 2404 7/18/77 Richard V. Harris

Wupatki Nat’l Mon. Recorded as Scaphiopus 

intermontanus, now at UMMZ (#?), probably bombifrons

WUPA Spea multiplicata MNA Z6.459 6/27/66 CJ May 2 mi. NE on Sunset Crater-Wupatki rd. from 

US 89

WUPA Spea multiplicata WUPA 16688 7/14/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 6.7

WUPA Spea multiplicata WUPA 16691 8/14/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 10.3

WUPA Spea multiplicata WUPA 16692 8/14/99 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 15.9

WUPA Spea multiplicata WUPA 16979 8/19/00 Trevor B. Persons FR 545, milepost 1.5

WUPA Thamnophis elegans MNA Z7.238 / / Ed Lincoln Wupatki

WUPA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 18938 8/9/31 Bogert Wupatki Ruins

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
183

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

WUPA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 18939 8/9/31 Bogert Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Urosaurus ornatus LACM 18940 8/9/31 Bogert Wupatki Ruins

WUPA Uta stansburiana MNA Z7.115 8/17/33 A. Ten, B. Williamson Wupatki

WUPA Uta stansburiana MNA Z7.117 8/18/33 C.W. Quaintance Wupatki

WUPA Uta stansburiana MNA Z7.118 8/17/33 C.W. Quaintance Wupatki, black cinder background

WUPA Uta stansburiana MNA Z7.30 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Uta stansburiana MNA Z7.31 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Uta stansburiana MNA Z7.32 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Uta stansburiana MNA Z7.33 / / A.L. Williamson Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Uta stansburiana MNA Z7.34 5/19/33 L.L. Hargrave Wupatki Pueblo

WUPA Uta stansburiana UMMZ 223594 10/30/69 R Smith South edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Uta stansburiana UMMZ 223595 10/30/69 R Smith South edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Uta stansburiana UMMZ 223596 10/30/69 R Smith South edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Uta stansburiana UMMZ 223597 10/30/69 R Smith South edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Uta stansburiana UMMZ 223598 10/30/69 R Smith South edge Wupatki National Monument

WUPA Uta stansburiana UMMZ 223599 8/3/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, grassland near 

Lomaki Ruin

WUPA Uta stansburiana UMMZ 223600 8/3/78 CM Overcast Wupatki National Monument, grassland near 

Lomaki Ruin

WUPA Uta stansburiana UMMZ 223601 6/15/77 EL Polvent Wupatki National Monument, Window Rock

WUPA Uta stansburiana UTEP 4158 5/11/74 JC Bokich Wupatki Nat’l Monument, off USHY 89 N of 

Flagstaff

WUPA Uta stansburiana UTEP 4159 5/11/74 JC Bokich Wupatki Nat’l Monument, off USHY 89 N of 

Flagstaff

WUPA Uta stansburiana UTEP 4160 5/11/74 JC Bokich Wupatki Nat’l Monument, off USHY 89 N of 

Flagstaff

WUPA Uta stansburiana WUPA 1649 9/25/76 Richard V. Harris 3 mi. ESE Wupatki Ruin

YUHO Crotalus viridis YUHO 102 4/17/84 Hugh Quinn

YUHO Crotalus viridis YUHO 103 4/17/84 Hugh Quinn

YUHO Crotalus viridis YUHO 104 4/17/84 Hugh Quinn

YUHO Crotalus viridis YUHO 105 4/17/84 Hugh Quinn

YUHO Crotalus viridis YUHO 106 4/17/84 Hugh Quinn

YUHO Crotalus viridis YUHO 107 4/17/84 Hugh Quinn

YUHO Masticophis taeniatus BS/FC 6253 9/26/64 none Yucca House National Monument

YUHO Masticophis taeniatus BS/FC 6254 10/1/64 none Yucca House National Monument

YUHO Masticophis taeniatus CSU uncataloged 10/1/64 Johnson Yucca House National Monument

YUHO Thamnophis elegans UCM 25513 4/14/64 Johnson Yucca House National Monument

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
184 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

YUHO Thamnophis elegans UCM 25514 4/14/64 Johnson Yucca House National Monument

YUHO Thamnophis elegans UCM 25515 4/14/64 Johnson Yucca House National Monument

YUHO Thamnophis elegans UCM 25516 4/14/64 Johnson Yucca House National Monument

YUHO Thamnophis elegans UCM 25517 4/14/64 Johnson Yucca House National Monument

Ambystoma tigrinum MSB 60956 8/5/97 CW Painter, RD 

Jennings Hubbard Pond, Aztec

Ambystoma tigrinum WACA 3045 7/27/74 M. Salomonson Continental Country Club, 5 miles W. of Walnut Canyon Nat’l Mon.

Bufo punctatus CU 5766 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Bufo woodhousii MSB 31782 8/23/75 RB Halley 1/2 mi. S Bandelier Natl. Monu., mouth of 

Medio Canyon and Cochiti Lake

Bufo woodhousii UMMZ 86604 8 mi. SE Paxton

Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 11713 6/5/61 JW Wright 1 mi W Scholle

Cnemidophorus neomexicanus MSB 41041 8/16/73 WG Degenhardt, 

JS Jacob

White Rock Canyon at mouth of Sanchez Canyon, 6 mi. NE Cochiti Pueblo

Cnemidophorus tigris MSB 61331 6/26/98 CW Painter, DS 

Sias

Just outside NW corner of Bisti Wilderness 

Area, ca. 30.5 air mi S Farmington

Cnemidophorus velox CU 5458 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Cnemidophorus velox UMMZ 86619 8 mi. SE Paxton

Crotalus atrox CU 5591 10.4 mi. S. Grants

Crotalus atrox CWGF 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Crotalus molossus CU 5868 8 mi. NE Grants

Crotalus viridis CU 5590 10.4 mi. S. Grants

Crotalus viridis MCZ 62267 25 mi. S. Grants

Crotaphytus collaris CU 5747 10.4 mi. S. Grants

Crotaphytus collaris UMMZ 122621 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Crotaphytus collaris UMMZ 122622 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Elaphe guttata MVZ 171740 8/9/78 Stevan J. Arnold 5 mi NW McCartys

Eumeces multivirgatus CU 5607 17 mi. SW Grants

Eumeces multivirgatus CWGF 2 mi. W. El Morro Nat. Mon.

Eumeces multivirgatus MNA Z7.177 Bill Carson 4 1/2 mi. E of Flagstaff

Eumeces multivirgatus NAU 2267 10/9/74 Bandoli 1.2 mi. N of Wupatki turnoff on west side of 

hwy 89

Eumeces obsoletus CU 5455 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Eumeces obsoletus UMMZ 86623 8 mi. SE Paxton

Holbrookia maculata MCZ 6824 Grants

Hyla arenicolor CU 6233 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Hyla eximia UAZ 553447 8/1/87 F.C. Baptista 6.1 mi. S of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Rd at Lake 

Mary Store

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
185

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

Lampropeltis pyromelana MNA Z7.2854 8/12/89 T.J. Merkel FR 420, 1/2 mi. from US Hwy 89, T23N R8E, 

Sec 29

Masticophis flagellum TNHC 4487 8 mi. E Grants

Masticophis taeniatus CU 5602 10.4 mi. S. Grants

Masticophis taeniatus MSB 457 7/12/53 H Campbell Abo Canyon, 9 mi W Mountainair

Phrynosoma hernandesi CU 5601 10.4 mi. S. Grants

Phrynosoma hernandesi MSB 1237 8/31/48 WJ Koster, K 

Rafferty Near El Morro Nat’l Monument

Phrynosoma hernandesi MSB 1340 5/10/46 B Madson Aztec

Pituophis catenifer CU 5769 5 mi. SSW U.S. Rt. 66 on N.M. Rt. 117

Pituophis catenifer UMMZ 86631 16 mi. S Grants

Rana blairi MSB 850 5/10/46 B Madson Aztec

Rana blairi MSB 851 5/10/46 B Madson Aztec

Rana catesbiana MSB 12467 4/16/65 DT Jennings Manzano Lake, Manzano

Rana catesbiana MSB 41214 8/16/73 WG Degenhardt, 

JS Jacob

W. bank of Rio Grande at mouth of Capulin 

Canyon

Rana catesbiana MSB 41215 8/16/73 WG Degenhardt, 

JS Jacob

W. bank of Rio Grande at mouth of Capulin 

Canyon

Salvadora grahamiae CU 5655 10.4 mi. S. Grants

Salvadora grahamiae MSB 60991 10/9/97 BL Christman, 

SL Kilpatrick DOR US Hwy 60, 11 mi E Jct NM Hwy 47

Salvadora hexalepis UAZ 53765 9/1/01 J. A. Persons

Leupp Rd., ca. 1.8 mi (rd) NE Townsend-Winona Rd, SE 1/4 Sec 34, T22N R9E, ca. 

6200 ft. el.

Scaphiopus couchii MSB 50012 9/27/82 JN Stuart 1/4 mi. below Cochiti Dam, side channel of Rio 

Grande (W side)

Sceloporus graciosus UTEP 12590 5/30/75 CJ May 19 mi. (by USHY 89) S & 1 mi. W Cameron 

Post Office

Sceloporus graciosus UTEP 12591 5/30/75 CJ May 19 mi. (by USHY 89) S & 1 mi. W Cameron 

Post Office

Sceloporus graciosus UTEP 12592 5/30/75 CJ May 19 mi. (by USHY 89) S & 1 mi. W Cameron 

Post Office

Sceloporus undulatus CU 5608 10.4 mi. S. Grants

Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 86611 18 mi. SW Grants

Sceloporus undulatus UMMZ 86612 17 mi. SW Grants

Spea intermontana CU 6308 2 mi. W. El Morro Nat. Mon.

Spea multiplicata CU 5775 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Tantilla hobartsmithi BYU 11757 5/15/54 Tanner 1 mile W of Star Spring, Henry Mts.

Tantilla hobartsmithi BYU 11758 5/15/54 Tanner 1 mile W of Star Spring, Henry Mts.

Tantilla hobartsmithi BYU 31206 5/18/68 Hopkin Starr Springs, Henry Mts.

Thamnophis cyrtopsis CU 5053 11.5 mi. SSE Grants

Thamnophis elegans UMMZ 123131 7.8 mi. SE Grants

Urosaurus ornatus CU 5127 17 mi. SW Grants

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
186 Inventory of Amphibians and Reptiles in Southern Colorado National Parks

Park Species Museum Number Date 

Collected Collector Locality

Urosaurus ornatus CU 5695 17 mi. SW Grants

Urosaurus ornatus MCZ 62308 25 mi. S. Grants

Xantusia vigilis BYU 11731 10-Jun-54 Tanner 20 miles NW of Hite (about 5 mi above Hog 

Spring).

Xantusia vigilis BYU 11732 10-Jun-54 Tanner 20 miles NW of Hite (about 5 mi above Hog 

Spring).

Xantusia vigilis BYU 11733 10-Jun-54 Tanner 20 miles NW of Hite (about 5 mi above Hog 

Spring).

Xantusia vigilis BYU 12644 9-Jun-55 Tanner 200 yds S of Trachyte Creek

Xantusia vigilis BYU 12645 9-Jun-55 Tanner 200 yds S of Trachyte Creek

Xantusia vigilis BYU 12646 9-Jun-55 Tanner ‘200 yds S of Trachyte Creek

Xantusia vigilis BYU 12647 9-Jun-55 Tanner ‘200 yds S of Trachyte Creek

Xantusia vigilis BYU 13238 18-Jun-56 Tanner ‘200 yds S of Trachyte Creek

Xantusia vigilis BYU 31207 19-May-68 Grogan 300 yds S of Trachyte Creek.

Xantusia vigilis BYU 31208 19-May-68 Grogan 300 yds S of Trachyte Creek.

Xantusia vigilis BYU 46854 10-May-01 Porras 18.1 mi E Hall’s Crossing, then 5.8 mi NNW 

on Moki Canyon Rd

Xantusia vigilis BYU 46854 10-May-01 Lamar 18.1 mi E Hall’s Crossing, then 5.8 mi NNW 

on Moki Canyon Rd

Leptotyphlops humilis UCM 20002 Shannon 1.5 mi NW Walnut Cyn

Table T-1. Amphibian and reptile specimen records from Southern Colorado Plateau Network parks. Park and museum acronyms are 

defined in the text. Records with no park field are from near, but outside, a park. Most locality data were copied verbatim (including 

misspellings and curious punctuation) from museum specimen databases.—Continued
U.S. Geological Survey

Southwest Biological Science Center

2255 N. Gemini Drive

Flagstaff, AZ 86001