Document: JIL-3-63-3
A geomorphological approach to reptile habitat relationships in the California Mojave Desert: The LizLand model.
HEATON, J.S.* 1, A.R.KIESTER 2, M.E.CABLK 3 and D.A.MOUAT 3
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA 1
USDA Forest Service, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA 2
Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512 USA 3
Abstract:
Current state-of-the-art vertebrate habitat models in the California Mojave Desert are based primarily on vegetation. These vegetation based models inadequately describe reptile habitat in this arid environment. We have developed a new concept of reptile habitat in the California Mojave Desert that is based upon geomorphology, spatial heterogeneity, landuse condition and roads, resulting in the LizLand Model. The study area includes Joshua Tree National Park, the Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat Center and surrounding Bureau of Land Management off-road recreation vehicle (ORV) areas. The focal species are, among others, Callisaurus draconoides, Cnemidophorus tigris and Uta stansburiana. Our study shows that both reptile presence/absence and road distribution and density are significantly dependant on geomorphology. These relationships are effected by conditions of spatial heterogeneity and/or landuse condition. In addition, we have shown that certain lizard species have affinities for dirt roads that may serve to artificially increase their numbers in a highly roaded environment. LizLand has greatly enhanced our current understanding of reptile distributions in the California Mojave Desert and arid environments in general, as well as the effects of the anthropogenic stressors landuse condition and roads.
Keywords: Mojave Desert, reptiles, habitat
This abstract is being presented at: 11:15 AM in session:
Oral Session #27: Salamanders, Lizards, and Tortoises.