Week 1 found the 2014 Crew Leaders, Beth & Celina, beginning work and training. As is typical in Colorado in early Spring, the weather jumps regularly from summer-like conditions (excellent for herping!) to near winter. The crew was able to get out for parts of 3 days for training this first week, with Short-horned Lizards (SHL) observed each day out on Pawnee National Grassland. As is typical for SHL this time of year, all but one of those observed were adult males - they tend to emerge from hibernation earlier than do adult females. We found a neonate female (born last August) out on Saturday when the temperature was in the mid-70's. She was still covered in dirt as they often are after emerging from hibernation. We had a few other exciting observations in the brief time we were out this week, including a Many-lined Skink, several Prairie Rattlesnakes, and a Lesser Earless Lizard. | |
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May 2015
CSU Reptile Monitoring ProjectWeekly observations & comments from the field crew and volunteers! |