Herpetofauna monitoring in the Mediterranean Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network: Cabrillo National Monument 2015–2018 report
Root S. 2019. Herpetofauna monitoring in the Mediterranean Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network: Cabrillo National Monument 2015–2018 report. Natural Resource Report. NPS/MEDN/NRR—2019/1963. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
The use of pitfall traps and drift fencing is an effective method for monitoring many small animal species. This method has been used at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, California since 1995 to monitor trends in reptile and amphibian species (herptiles) within the park as part of the National Park Service - Mediterranean Coast Network Inventory and Monitoring Program. The park is located at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula near downtown San Diego and is surrounded by water and developed land essentially creating an island of native coastal sage scrub habitat. Twelve species of herptiles are currently found within the 163-acre park and nearby Navy land and species diversity has declined according to historical records. From 2015 - 2018, 11 of 12 herptile species were captured during sampling periods. Herptile species’ populations are an indicator of ecosystem health, therefore continuous monitoring is important to detect any significant changes in the herptile populations and to manage the park for future generations to enjoy.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Root, Stephanie
- Date of Issue
- 2019-08
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- CABR , MEDN , NRSS
- Keywords
- Terrestrial Herpetofauna Monitor