Checklist Of Amphibians and Reptiles

Western Fence Lizard

Photo by NPS/Kurt Moses

Understanding Species Abundance

Pinnacles National Park is home to a diverse range of species, each with its own unique habitat and behavioral patterns. Observing wildlife can be a rewarding experience, but some species are more visible than others. The abundance of a species refers to how likely it is to encounter them in the park, given the right habitat and season. This guide provides a quick reference to understand how common or rare a species may be, helping you set realistic expectations during your visit.

Abundance Key

• A = Abundant: Seen frequently throughout most of the park.
• C = Common: Seen in moderate numbers in most of the park.
• U = Uncommon: Seen in low numbers or in limited areas.
• R = Rare: Species presence verified, but very unlikely to see one.
• E = Extirpated: Species occurred historically but is no longer present.

These categories are determined based on the likelihood of encountering a species without disturbing their natural shelters, such as under logs or rocks. Many of the park's species are naturally elusive, and only a small portion of them may be observed during a visit. By respecting these natural habitats, visitors can enjoy the park's biodiversity while minimizing their impact on wildlife.

Common Name	Genus	species	Abundance
California Tiger Salamander	Ambystoma	californiense	R
Ensatina	Ensatina	eschscholtzii	U
Gabilan Mtns. Slender Salamander	Batrachoseps	gavilanensis	U
Arboreal Salamander	Aneides	lugubris	U
Western Spadefoot	Spea	hammondii	R
Western Toad	Anaxyrus	boreas halophilus	C
Sierran Treefrog	Pseudacris	sierra	C
American Bullfrog	Lithobates	catesbeianus	E*
California Red-legged Frog	Rana	draytonii	U
Foothills Yellow-legged Frog	Rana	boylii	E
Southern Western Pond Turtle	Actinemys	pallida	R
Western Fence Lizard	Sceloporus	occidentalis	A
Common Side-blotched Lizard	Uta	stansburiana	A
Blainville's Horned Lizard	Phrynosoma	blainvillii	C
Desert Night Lizard	Xantusia	vigilis	R
Gilbert's Skink	Pleistodon	gilberti	U
California Whiptail	Aspidoscelis	tigris munda	A
Southern Alligator Lizard	Elgaria	multicarinata	U
Northern California Legless Lizard	Anniella	pulchra	R
Ring-necked Snake	Diadophis	punctatus	U
Common Sharp-tailed Snake	Contia	tenuis	R
San Joaquin Coachwhip	Coluber	flagellum ruddocki	U
California Striped Racer	Coluber	lateralis lateralis	C
Western Yellow-bellied Racer	Coluber	constrictor mormon	R
Gopher Snake	Pituophis	catenifer	C
California Kingsnake	Lampropeltis	californiae	U
Long-nosed Snake	Rhinocheilus	lecontei	R
Common Garter Snake	Thamnophis	sirtalis	C
Aquatic Garter Snake	Thamnophis	atratus zaxanthus	R
Two-striped Garter Snake	Thamnophis	hammondii	E**
Western Black-headed Snake	Tantilla	planiceps	R
Coast Nightsnake	Hypsiglena	ochrorhyncha	U
Western Rattlesnake	Crotalus	oreganus oreganus	C

 

*American Bullfrog inhabits neighboring lands and could re-invade Pinnacles.
**No confirmed records exist for Two-striped Gartersnake at Pinnacles.


Based on B. Banta and D. Morafka, updated by A. Fesnock and P. Johnson
Updated 2017.02.06