Reptiles and Amphibians

San Diego Gopher snake.

NPS Photo/ Warren Tam

What is a Herptile?

A herptile is a term used to collectively refer to reptiles and amphibians. The word "herptile" is derived from the Greek word "herpeton," meaning "creeping thing," and it encompasses a diverse group of animals that share certain ecological and physiological characteristics. Herptiles include animals such as snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders.

Characteristics of Herptiles

While reptiles and amphibians are distinct groups, they share some common features that justify their inclusion under the umbrella term "herptiles":

• Cold-blooded: Both reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
• Skin: Reptiles typically have dry, scaly skin, while amphibians have moist, permeable skin that allows for gas exchange.
• Reproduction: Many herptiles lay eggs, though some reptiles give birth to live young. Amphibian eggs are usually laid in water, while reptile eggs are often laid on land.
• Lifecycle: Amphibians generally have a two-stage life cycle, starting with an aquatic larval stage (e.g., tadpoles) and transitioning to a terrestrial adult stage. Reptiles do not undergo such dramatic metamorphosis.
• Habitat: Herptiles are found in a wide range of habitats, from deserts and forests to freshwater and marine environments.

Importance of Herptiles

Herptiles play crucial roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey. They help control insect populations, contribute to nutrient cycling, and serve as food for a variety of other animals. Additionally, herptiles are often used as indicators of environmental health due to their sensitivity to habitat changes and pollutants.

Examples of Herptiles at Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is home to a variety of herptiles, including:

• Snakes: Six species of snakes can be found in the park, contributing to the control of rodent populations and other small animals.
• Lizards: Five species of lizards inhabit the area, each adapted to the unique environment of the Point Loma peninsula.
• Amphibians: The garden slender salamander is the sole amphibian species in the park, thriving in moist, shaded areas.

Understanding and protecting herptiles is essential for maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of natural areas like Cabrillo National Monument. By learning about these fascinating creatures, visitors can appreciate the rich tapestry of life that exists within the park.

 

Herptiles of Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is home to 12 species of herptiles, including six species of snakes, five species of lizards, and one amphibian, the garden slender salamander.

Download the Field Guide

Monitoring and Conservation

Long-term monitoring of these species began in 1995 by Dr. Robert Fisher (SDSU, then USGS), as part of a larger scale study of herptile species in southern California. The National Park Service (NPS) took over monitoring at Cabrillo National Monument in 2002 to continue assessments of possible declines in species’ numbers. Because the Point Loma peninsula is island-like (surrounded on three sides by ocean, and to the north, cut off by development), and due to the species' limited home ranges, these animals are extremely susceptible to population decline and extirpation (no longer existing in a particular area where they historically were found).

Extirpated Species

Unfortunately, eight reptile species have already been extirpated from the peninsula:

• Coronado island skink
• Red diamond rattlesnake
• Yellow-bellied racer
• Coast horned lizard
• Red coachwhip
• Two-striped gartersnake
• California glossy snake
• Western long-nosed snake

Learn More

For more information, visit the Southern California Research Learning Center and download the Cabrillo Herpetology Guide.

Discover the Herptiles at Cabrillo National Monument

Explore the reptiles and amphibians of Cabrillo National Monument through the following sections:

Snakes

• Species: Six species of snakes inhabit Cabrillo National Monument.
• Conservation Status: Continuous monitoring is essential to prevent further declines.

Lizards

• Species: Five species of lizards can be found within the park.
• Adaptations: These lizards have adapted to the unique environment of the Point Loma peninsula.

Amphibians

• Garden Slender Salamander: The only amphibian species in the park.
• Habitat: Prefers moist, shaded areas within the park.

By learning about these herptiles, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the biodiversity at Cabrillo National Monument and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species.