Checklist Of Amphibians and Reptiles

fence lizard
Western Fence Lizard

Photo by NPS/Kurt Moses

Abundance:
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 limited areas)
R = Rare (species presence verified, but very unlikely to see one)
E = Extirpated (occurred historically)

Abundance is based on the likelihood of seeing a species in the right habitat and season, without disturbing its shelter by searching under logs, etc. Many species are secretive, so only a small proportion of them are ever seen.

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

Last updated: May 16, 2017

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

5000 East Entrance Road
Paicines, CA 95043

Phone:

831 389-4486
Please call the number above for all park related inquiries. For camping questions contact the Pinnacles Campground at (831) 200-1722. For the park book store, please call (831) 389-4485.

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