Reptiles and Amphibians at Cabrillo

Alicia recenty served as a Cabrillo Intern, and is a Biology Student at Humboldt State University

Point Loma Herpetology Survey -- Largest Ever

In progress is a three year survey of reptiles and amphibians sponsored by California Fish and Game along with the University of California. Among the twenty-two sites being surveyed, throughout three counties in coastal southern California, lies the Point Loma site here at Cabrillo National Monument.

The overuse of pesticides, herbicides and other forms of human contact have diminished 95% of original coastal sage scrub vegetation. In effect, the decline in vegetation has played a vital toll on the native reptile and amphibian habitat here at Cabrillo National Monument. This concern has driven many Herpetologists -- biologists studying the reptiles and amphibians -- to survey the existing reptiles and amphibians within the remaining coastal sage scrub community. Our hopes are to learn who, where, when and what is left roaming the priceless vegetation.

During a three year period, every six weeks for ten days, herpetologists and volunteers capture, identify, log, weigh, measure and collect DNA samples of the various herpetofauna still found at the park. Beginning July of 1995, the survey is now in its third year. The captures and data collected thus far are already helping Herpetologists and all of us to better appreciate the role of reptiles and amphibians in Point Loma's Coastal Sage Scrub ecosystem.

Some Notes On Szznakes and Lizards!

If you have made it this far then you are ready, and hopefully eager, to learn more about the characteristics and habits of snakes and lizards on Point Loma. These creatures are often seen basking on a rock or tree limb soaking up the San Diego sunshine. Unlike human sun bathers, usually lying in the sun for tanning purposes, the reptile (being cold blooded) absorbs the heat to keep their body temperature at a comfortable level.

Your chances of observing a California Striped Racer Snake Masticophus lateralis lateralis are much better than spotting a Southern Pacific rattlesnake or any other snake found at on Point Loma. This is because, the Racer needs daylight to see its prey. Most other snakes have poor eyesight, but the Racer has excellent eyesight. A Racer looks for food by lifting its head off the ground to see what prey is nearby. It also has the ability to climb trees in search for bird eggs. The California Striped Racer tends to be black on its back and soft pink on its belly. It also has two noticeable off-white, almost pale yellowish, lateral stripes running down both sides of its back. Unlike the rattlesnake, it is not venomous

A popular lizard found scurrying amongst the vegetation at Cabrillo National Monument is the orange-throated whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus. This creature has a bright orange belly and a brownish back with tan stripes extending from its head to the base of its tail. The females are less colorful than the males to keep them from being sighted by predators when carrying eggs. This particular specie has been labeled a "sensitive specie." The US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list it as endangered or threatened because its population is declining.

Also seen on Point Loma is the California legless lizard Anniella pulchra pulchra. Without legs this lizard is often mistaken for a snake. Although it is legless, it still has eyelids which snakes do not have. The lizard is restricted to California and Northern Baja California. It is found no where else in the world. Along with the orange-throated whiptail population is declining and may be listed as endangered or threatened.

The two species of rattlesnakes found at Cabrillo National Monument are the Southern Pacific Croatalus viridis helleri and the Northern Red Diamond Croatalus ruber ruber. Often heard, but not seen, is the sound of a rattle at the end of a rattlesnake's long body. A baby rattlesnake is born with only one rattle on its tail, but adds a new one each time it sheds its skin. After the rattlesnake has about twelve rattles, the string of rattles normally breaks off and new ones start to grown. Though rarely seen, be cautious of the possibility a snake is present -- stay on trails when visiting the park.

The Rangers and volunteers encourage you to come discover a gallivanting lizard or slithering snake at Cabrillo National Monument. There is a trail here at the park, called the Bayside Trail, where many of our visitors encounter the live reptiles. For more information once your here at the park, pick up my other publication at the parks visitor's center entitled Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians at Cabrillo National Monument.