Series: Amphibians and Reptiles in the Chihuahuan Desert

The American Southwest, including the Chihuahuan Desert Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Network (CHDN), is well known for its abundance and diversity of reptiles. The area is less well known for its amphibians, but they are abundant in some habitats, particularly during favorable weather conditions.

• Article 1: Introduction to Amphibians and Reptiles in the Chihuahuan Desert

  

  The Chihuahuan Desert supports more than 170 herpetofauna (reptile and amphibian) species, and the Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion (a larger area not strictly defined by the desert itself) supports approximately 217 native species. Read more

• Article 2: Ecology

  

  Amphibians and reptiles may occupy similar habitats and can be found in most habitat types. Some species use different habitats at different times of the year. Some turtles, for example, spend most of their time in the water, but must move to land to lay eggs. Read more

• Article 3: Threats and Concerns

  

  Declines in amphibian and reptile populations have been and are being observed. Herpetofauna across the globe face threats from both known and unknown sources. Read more

• Article 4: Management and Monitoring Activities

  

  Surveys for amphibian and reptile species have been conducted in CHDN parks. In 2003 and 2004, the University of Arizona conducted an inventory of herpetofauna in the six parks of the CHDN– Amistad National Recreation Area, Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, and White Sands National Monument. Read more

• Article 5: Sources of Distribution and Life History Information

  

  A sampling of amphibian and reptile field guides and electronic resources, including resources specific to the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion. Read more

• Article 6: Literature Cited

  

  Literature cited throughout previous chapters. Read more