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Abstract
A rich diversity of amphibian and reptile species occurs at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch, an 8000-acre sanctuary for native biota and research facility in the semi-arid grasslands of southeastern Arizona, created in 1969 and managed by the National Audubon Society since 1980. Nine species of amphibians and 42 species of reptiles have been identified by staff and researchers within the preserve. Efforts are underway to document the current richness of the herpetofauna. Recent surveys in 2010–2012 have confirmed continued presence of 26 species. As part of that inventory effort, we located seven overwintering sites of rattlesnakes. Our challenge into the future is to adaptively manage the Research Ranch to provide sanctuary to the appropriate plant and animal species under a likely changing climate.
Parent Publication
Keywords
Madrean Archipelago,
Sky Islands,
southwestern United States,
northern Mexico,
natural environment,
fauna,
flora,
research,
management,
biodiversity,
climate change
Citation
Cogan, Roger C. 2013. Herpetofauna at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Ffolliott, Peter F.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Collins, Loa C. Merging science and management in a rapidly changing world: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III and 7th Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts; 2012 May 1-5; Tucson, AZ. Proceedings. RMRS-P-67. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 466-467.
