Sampling Design Optimization and Establishment of Baselines for Herpetofauna Arrays at the Point Loma Ecological Reserve

Type: report

Article abstract: Cabrillo National Monument is the terminal point of the Point Loma Peninsula and part of the Point Loma Ecological Reserve, which protects the natural lands remaining on the peninsula in urban San Diego, California. This reserve is isolated from other natural lands by the ocean and urbanization, and is an effective island of rare habitats. These habitats include maritime succulent scrub, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral, and are the home to many sensitive species of plants and animals. Historically (through the 1930s), 19 species of reptiles and amphibians occurred on the peninsula, of which 6 are now considered sensitive at the state or federal level. Herpetofauna inventories were initiated by Robert Fisher of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Ted Case of the University of California at San Diego in August 1995, utilizing 17 arrays of pitfall traps and drift fences (Stokes et al., 2004). Data collection occurred from 1995 through 2001 to collect baseline data for the development of a long-term monitoring plan (Fisher and Case, 2000).

Number of pages: 44

Authors: Atkinson, Andrea; Fisher, Robert N.; Rochester, Carlton; Brown, Chris;

Year: 2003

Prepared for: Cabrillo National Monument, National Park Sevice;

Prepared by: U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center;

Keywords: herpetofauna pitfall arrays; Point Loma; Point Loma Ecological Reserve;