The researchers focused on the abundant cormorants as a model for other fish-eating birds at Caballo and Elephant Butte, especially the threatened bald eagle. Movements A western whiptail lizard scurries across the desert searching for a meal of insect larvae, beetles, and termites. The little, brown, spotted reptile carries on its daily routine, not knowing the U.S. Department of Defense is tracking its moves. The Army wanted to know what effect their activities have on the surrounding wildlife and how long it takes for animals to return to disturbed areas. Various live traps are used to get an accurate species count, including five-gallon buckets buried in the ground flush with the soil surface.
Researchers also capture the creatures by hand and use glue board traps.
All animals are identified, recorded, and released, Zwank says. The whiptail lizard was the most-collected species, accounting for 51 percent of all animals captured. All other types of lizards made up the second most commonly collected group, followed by snakes, toads, salamanders, and turtles. It's difficult to determine species' populations on WSMR, because the most active animals are easier to capture. With this reconnaissance mission behind them, the Department of Defense can now examine how the Army's daily operations affect another army - an army of whiptails, rattlesnakes, and spadefoot toads.