Dependence of the garter snake Thamnophis elegans on amphibians in the Sierra Nevada of California
Jennings WB, Bradford DF, Johnson DF. 1992. Dependence of the garter snake Thamnophis elegans on amphibians in the Sierra Nevada of California. Journal of Herpetology. 26(4):503-505
With the decline in amphibian populations in the Sierra Nevada, amphibian-dependent garter snake Thamnophis elegans was studied. The research centered on surveys of the distribution of five Sierran amphibian species and the snake. In general, it was found that aquatic garter snakes are most dependent on the Pacific treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) as a food source, and at this time this species remains common. However, a decline in P. regilla as has occurred in populations of the Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus) and the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) would likely be followed by a decline in garter snake populations.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Jennings, W; Bradford, David; Johnson, Dale
- Units
- SEKI , YOSE
- Keywords
- Amphibians, Amphibians (Amphibia), Animal Studies, Diet, Distribution, garter snake, Habitat, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks CA, Sierra Nevada, Thamnophis elegans, western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans)