Series: Reptiles and Amphibians of the American Southwest

The American Southwest is well known for its abundance and diversity of reptiles including the Gila monster (one of only two venomous lizards in the world), desert tortoise, whiptail lizard, coachwhip, and aquatic species like the narrow-headed gartersnake. The Southwest is less well known for its amphibian populations, but they are abundant in some habitats. Some unique species include the barking frog, casque-headed frog, Arizona toad, Sonoran desert toad, and Sonoran tiger salamander.

• Article 1: Reptiles and Amphibians - Introduction, Distribution, and Life History

  

  Amphibians and reptiles are important components of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Read more

• Article 2: Reptiles and Amphibians - 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: Reptiles and Amphibians - 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. Disease may now be as great a cause of amphibian decline as habitat destruction. Potential causes of herpetofauna decline in the Southwest include habitat loss and degradation, direct persecution, disease, invasive species, chemical contamination, ultraviolet radiation, drought, and illegal collecting. Read more

• Article 4: Reptiles and Amphibians - Management and Monitoring

  

  Recent surveys for amphibian and reptile species have been conducted in most parks in the American Southwest. In some cases, these inventories focused on amphibian and reptile species, and in other cases these groups were surveyed as part of vertebrate surveys. Read more

• Article 5: Reptiles and Amphibians - Sources of Distribution and Life History Information

  

  A number of field guides and electronic resources are available for further information on the distributions and life histories of reptiles and amphibians found in the American Southwest. Read more

• Article 6: Reptiles and Amphibians - References

  

  Reptile and amphibian references are available for more information. Read more