Herpetofauna Monitoring in the Mediterranean Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network: Cabrillo National Monument 2015–2018 Report

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Herpetofauna Monitoring in the Mediterranean Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network Cabrillo National Monument 2015–2018 Report

Natural Resource Report NPS/MEDN/NRR—2019/1963

ON THE COVER California striped racer, Masticophis lateralis, in pitfall bucket during 2017 herpetofauna monitoring efforts. NPS Photo

Herpetofauna Monitoring in the Mediterranean Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network Cabrillo National Monument 2015–2018 Report

Natural Resource Report NPS/MEDN/NRR—2019/1963

Stephanie Root

National Park Service Cabrillo National Monument 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive San Diego, California 92106

August 2019

U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, Colorado

The National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science office in Fort Collins, Colorado, publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics. These reports are of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public.

The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate comprehensive information and analysis about natural resources and related topics concerning lands managed by the National Park Service. The series supports the advancement of science, informed decision-making, and the achievement of the National Park Service mission. The series also provides a forum for presenting more lengthy results that may not be accepted by publications with page limitations.

All manuscripts in the series receive the appropriate level of peer review to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and designed and published in a professional manner.

Data in this report were collected and analyzed using methods based on established, peer-reviewed protocols and were analyzed and interpreted within the guidelines of the protocols.

Views, statements, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and data in this report do not necessarily reflect views and policies of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U.S. Government.

This report is available in digital format from the Mediterranean Coast Network of the Inventory and Monitoring Program and the Natural Resource Publications Management website. If you have difficulty accessing information in this publication, particularly if using assistive technology, please email [email protected].

Please cite this publication as:

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.

NPS 342/156562, August 2019

Contents

Page

Figures...... iv

Tables ...... iv

Appendices ...... iv

Abstract ...... v

Acknowledgments ...... vii

List of Terms ...... vii

Introduction ...... 1

Methods ...... 3

Study Area ...... 3

Weather ...... 4

Field Methods ...... 5

Results ...... 7

Lizards ...... 9

Snakes ...... 13

Other captures ...... 14

Discussion ...... 15

Literature Cited ...... 17

iii

Figures

Page

Figure 1. Map of the location of the herpetofauna arrays within the Point Loma Ecological Area in San Diego, CA...... 4 Figure 2. Total number of herptile captures at each array during all 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 monitoring sessions...... 9

Figure 3. Sceloporus occidentalis captures by array from 2015 - 2018...... 10

Figure 4. Uta stansburiana captures by array from 2015 - 2018...... 11

Figure 5. Aspidoscelis hyperythra captures by array from 2015 - 2018...... 12

Figure 6. Elgaria multicarinata captures by array from 2015 - 2018...... 13

Figure 7. Snakes captured during herptile monitoring from 2015 - 2018...... 14

Tables

Page

Table 1. Minimum measurement cut-off lengths for adult age class determination...... 6

Table 2. Herptile and small mammal captures from 2015 - 2018 within the Point Loma Ecological Area...... 7

Appendices

Page

Appendix A. 2015 - 2018 Precipitation Data ...... 18

Appendix B. Array Locations and Species Checklist...... 19

Appendix C. Coverboard and other incidental observations of note from 2015 - 2018...... 22

Appendix D. Trap session dates and trap nights from 2015 - 2018...... 23

Abstract

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.

Acknowledgments

Many thanks go to the NPS Volunteers in Parks (VIPs) who dedicated their time and efforts in assisting with this project. Specifically, B. Sharp, W. Tam, G. Sharpe, D. Endicott, V. Buerger, B. Greenberg, P. Simpson, K. Lion, and others offered great assistance. Additional gratitude goes to the NPS staff and Science Education Team which includes A. Parker, A. Taylor, S. Wynns, A. Rosales, N. Ornelas, M. Pace, and A. Warneke. I am thankful for the expertise from D. Stokes of the San Diego Natural History Museum, C. Rochester and R. Fisher of the United States Geological Survey. I would like to thank the US Navy for their partnership with this study by allowing NPS to conduct work on military property. Much appreciation also goes to all NPS staff that inspires and educates the public of the flora and fauna of Cabrillo National Monument. L. Lee provided data management assistance throughout the project. S. Ostermann-Kelm provided helpful review comments on an earlier draft of this report.

Funding for monitoring was provided by the Mediterranean Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network.

List of Terms

CABR: Cabrillo National Monument

MEDN: Mediterranean Coast Network of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division

NPS: National Park Service, U.S.

PLECA: Point Loma Ecological Conservation Area, 650 acres of land on the Point Loma Peninsula with multi-agency management designated for conservation of native species.

USGS: U.S. Geological Survey

vii

Introduction

Reptiles and amphibians (herptiles) are affected by numerous stressors and impacts to their environment and habitat. Global fluctuations in temperature, increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, interaction with exotic species, and changes in air and water quality have all been linked to declines in amphibian populations (see Blaustein and Wake 1990). In addition, urban development has significantly altered or destroyed critical habitat for many reptile and amphibian species. This is especially true in Cabrillo National Monument (CABR), located on the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego. There are currently twelve species of herptiles found within CABR. It is thought that seven of the nineteen species of herptiles historically known to occur within the PLECA are now extirpated (Fisher et al. 2002; Fisher 2004) likely due to landscape changes and habitat fragmentation on and around the Point Loma peninsula. Development and habitat fragmentation can negatively affect wildlife and the biodiversity of native reptile species by restricting natural movements of individuals as well as gene flow with adjacent populations (Busteed 2003).

Herptile monitoring via pitfall traps on Point Loma began in 1995 (Fisher et al. 2002). There were originally 17 pitfall trap arrays, each of which contained seven pitfall traps (buckets) and three funnel traps. Monitoring was performed by USGS until December 2001 for sampling periods of 11 days/10 nights every other month. Beginning in 2002, National Park Service (NPS) staff took over the management of the herptile surveys and at that time, herpetofauna was designated as a “Vital Sign” for the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program’s Mediterranean Coast Network (MEDN; Busteed et al. 2006). NPS “Vital Signs” are ecological parameters that are monitored to provide park natural resource managers and the greater scientific community with scientific information to assist with natural resource management.

Monitoring is important for detecting changes in the herptile population dynamics and species composition. This report summarizes trapping efforts from 2015 to 2018. Only simple summary statistics are provided in this report; a more detailed trend analysis is in progress.

Methods

Study Area CABR is located at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, California USA (Figure 1). The NPS manages 163 acres of land that is dominated by the coastal sage scrub vegetation community. The park is surrounded by a US Navy base, the City of San Diego wastewater treatment plant, and residential housing. Cabrillo National Monument is part of the Point Loma Ecological Conservation Area (PLECA) which is made up of 650 acres of land on Point Loma that is owned and managed by federal and local agencies (Figure 1). The PLECA was designed to protect the cultural and biological resources found on the Point Loma peninsula.

Figure 1. Map of the location of the herpetofauna arrays within the Point Loma Ecological Area in San Diego, CA.

Weather Temperature: Mean temperatures at the San Diego Airport’s Lindbergh Field station from 2015 - 2018 were higher (with the highest mean in 2015, at 67.46°F) than the long-term mean (1914 - 2018), which is 63.91°F. Average maximum temps as well as average minimum temps were also higher than the long-term mean. The highest maximum temperature occurred in September 2016 with 101° F, while lowest was recorded at 41°F several times, each year in December, and in January of 2015 (WRCC).

Precipitation: Annual rainfall in 2015, 2015, 2017, and 2018 as reported from Lindbergh Field by the Western Regional Climate Center was 9.89, 10.23, 7.92, and 7.65 inches, respectively. The long-term

mean precipitation (1914 - 2018) for Lindbergh Field is 9.86. The highest recorded amount of precipitation occurred in December 2016 with 4.22 inches (WRCC; Appendix A).

Field Methods Beginning in 2002, NPS conducted surveys on a five-day/four-night sampling period once a month for 11 months of the year. Atkinson et al. (2003) determined that a minimum of 40 trap nights per year are needed at CABR to detect changes in species richness and abundance of the target herptile species. The approved monitoring protocol (Busteed et al. 2006) was followed during 2015 - 2018. This protocol was based on the initial monitoring and methods used by Fisher and Case (Fisher and Case 2000; Fisher et al. 2008).

Sixteen arrays were operated from 2015 - 2018, nine of these were within Cabrillo National Monument, and the remaining seven arrays were on US Navy property north of CABR (Figure 1; Appendix B). Each array consists of seven pitfall traps and three funnel traps in a “Y” configuration. The pitfall traps are five gallon buckets that are recessed so the tops of the buckets are flush with the surrounding ground. Cylindrical funnel traps are made from hardware fabric with plastic funnels attached at each end. Drift fencing between traps direct animals along the fencing and into the traps. Plywood coverboard measuring 24” x 48” was placed near each array to increase detection rates of cryptic or fossorial animals that may otherwise be difficult to observe as they are not easily captured in the pitfall or funnel traps.

Within each pitfall trap, there were two plastic PVC pipes of different sizes to serve as hiding places for captured animals. Cotton or polyester stuffing was used in the traps to offer bedding material for the small mammals in order to reduce hypothermia. A nine-ounce plastic cup containing mealworms and cotton or polyester stuffing was placed in the traps to provide food and cover for small mammals. Moist sponges were also placed in the bottom of each trap to reduce desiccation of salamanders during October through March.

From January to December, the arrays were scheduled to be opened every month for a 4-night sampling period. To minimize mortality of captured animals, traps were closed or not opened if heavy precipitation was in the forecast or if a heavy infestation of Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) was present. A negative correlation has been shown between the density of L. humile and lizard capture rates (Atkinson et al 2003). Traps were also not opened if the ground was saturated with water which caused flooding from the drainage holes in the bottom of the trap. This usually occurred after heavy rains for only some of the traps depending on the soil and the slope at the site. Additional trap nights were added to later sampling periods if nights were missed due to rain or other circumstances to achieve the 40-night minimum.

Data collected from captures included weight, snout/vent length (SVL), age class, and gender if possible. SVL measurement cut-off lengths were utilized to categorize lizards by age class (Table 1). Body condition was also noted if any abnormalities were observed. Each lizard was marked using toe clip numbers to assign it a unique number. The toe clips along with a small clip of the tail tissue samples were preserved in 95% ethanol for future genetic analysis. All animals were released in the

area of capture after processing. If an animal was found dead in a trap, escaped or died during processing, it was noted.

Table 1. Minimum measurement cut-off lengths for adult age class determination (Rochester pers.comm. 2005).

Species Minimum SVL for adult classification, in millimeters Sceloporus occidentalis 50 Aspidoscelis hyperythrus 50 Uta stansburiana 40 Elgaria multicarinata Determined by collector Anniella pulchra Determined by collector

Snake species were weighed and measured before release. Scale clipping was not performed due to the extremely low capture rate for snakes. Rattlesnakes were not handled for personnel safety. When captured, the total length of the rattlesnake was estimated and the number of rattles was noted.

Shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi; NOCR) captures were processed as quickly as possible in order to reduce stress and facilitate quick release. Animals were determined to be adults or juveniles, offered a mealworm during processing, and released. Other small mammals such as rodents were identified to species. Gender, age estimation, tail length, body length, hind foot length, and ear length were also recorded.

Weather data were also recorded for the surveys. Weather conditions including temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction and gust speed were recorded at the start and end of each survey day from the CABR Visitor’s Center weather station located at -117.239493, 32.674827 decimal degrees. Monthly total precipitation data were obtained from the Western Regional Climate Center at the San Diego Airport station (Appendix A).

Data were collected by CABR or MEDN staff and interns and entered into the MEDN Terrestrial Herpetofauna Database. Data were quality checked and verified for errors by program staff. Validation queries were run to highlight field values that were not consistent with expected results (i.e., out-of-range values). These values were double-checked against field datasheets and discrepancies were corrected as appropriate and/or noted in the database. All data collected have been verified, validated, and certified to ensure they are error-free to the greatest extent possible.

The capture rate of each species was calculated as the number of captures per trap day for each trapping session. The number of captures per trap type (pitfall vs. funnel trap) was also determined for the species that were captured in both trap types. Captures of each species per array was also determined. Recapture rate was calculated for each of the marked species. When age could be determined for Sceloporus occidentalis (SCOC), Uta stansburiana (UTST), Elgaria multicarinata (ELMU), and Aspidoscelis hyperythrus (CNHY), comparison of capture rates for adult versus juvenile individuals was calculated as a recruitment index.

Results

Pitfall trap monitoring from 2015-2018 yielded 22 species of herptiles (n = 1, 228 total captures) and small mammals (n = 397 total captures) (Table 2). Captures only include pitfall traps or funnel traps of the 16 arrays, and do not include observations or animals under coverboards. Coverboard observations were included separately as supplemental sightings at or near arrays (Appendix C). The 40 trap night requirement was met each year from 2015-2018 (Appendix D).

Table 2. Herptile and small mammal captures from 2015 - 2018 within the Point Loma Ecological Area.

Species Category Scientific Name Code Common Name 2015 2016 2017 2018 Garden slender Amphibian Batrachoseps major BAPA salamander 4 1 5 1 Anniella stebbinsi ANPU Legless lizard 0 0 1 0 Aspidoscelis hyperythra CNHY Orange-throated whiptail 105 109 60 54 Elgaria multicarinata ELMU Southern alligator lizard 40 14 27 11 Sceloporus occidentalis SCOC Western fence lizard 127 101 112 110 Uta stansburiana UTST Side-blotched lizard 125 71 69 44 Southern Pacific Reptiles Crotalus oreganus helleri CRVI 1 1 1 2 rattlesnake Diadophis punctatus DIPU Ring-necked snake 0 0 1 0 Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha HYTO Night snake 1 0 0 0 Lampropeltis californiae LACA California kingsnake 2 0 2 0 Masticophis lateralis MALA Striped racer 5 1 7 4 Pituophis catenifer PIME Gopher snake 1 1 0 1 Total herptile – – – 411 299 285 227 captures: Notiorsorex crawfordi NOCR Desert shrew 71 63 116 46 Chaetodipus fallax CHFA San Diego pocketmouse 3 9 0 1 Chaetodipus species CHSP Pocket mouse species 0 0 8 1 Mus musculus MUMU House mouse 1 0 7 0 Peromyscus californicus PECA California mouse 2 0 2 0 Mammals Peromyscus fraterculus PEER Cactus mouse 2 4 0 1 Peromyscus maniculatus PEMA Deer mouse 2 3 0 0 Peromyscus species PESP Peromyscus species 1 1 1 1 Reithrodontomys REME Western harvest mouse 3 8 20 16 megalotis

Table 2 (continued). Herptile and small mammal captures from 2015 - 2018 within the Point Loma Ecological Area.

Species Category Scientific Name Code Common Name 2015 2016 2017 2018 Neotoma lepida NELE Desert woodrat 0 1 0 0 Thomomys bottae THBO Botta’s pocket gopher 0 0 1 0 Sylvilagus species SYSP Sylvilagus rabbit species 1 0 0 1 Total small mammal – – – 86 89 155 67 captures

Lizards All five species of lizards known to occur in Point Loma were captured between 2015 and 2018. Anniella stebbinsi was captured in 2017 (Table 2). LOMA-3 and LOMA-14 were by far the most productive arrays within the 2015 - 2018 monitoring years, with 143 and 138 herptile captures, respectively (Figure 2). It should be noted that Array 18 was closed during the spring in 2016, 2017, and 2018 due to the presence of an annual plant, the endangered Chorizanthe orcuttiana. Also of note, arrays 10, 11, and 12 typically have several pitfalls closed due to the presence of Argentine ants.

Figure 2. Total number of herptile captures at each array during all 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 monitoring sessions. Array 18 was closed seasonally in 2016, 2017, and 2018 in the spring (February through May) due to the presence of the endangered annual plant, Chorizanthe orcuttiana.

Sceloporus occidentalis (SCOC): Captures of SCOC were highest in 2015 (n = 127). In 2015, most captures occurred at Array 4, while in 2018 most captures occurred at Array 16. The overall number dipped in 2016 (n = 101), 2017 (n = 112), and 2018 (n = 110) (Figure 3). 390 (87%) individuals were captured in pitfall traps while 60 (13%) were captured in funnel traps. Twenty-five SCOC had escaped before processing or were not marked or identified as being recaptured due to direct mortality within the traps (typically predation by NOCR). Of the individuals that were successfully processed (n = 425), there were 335 (79%) new captures and 90 recaptures (21%). There were 148 (34.8%) unique juvenile captures and 187 (44%) unique adult captures. The largest number of juveniles were captured in 2018 (n = 63). The average recruitment index (RI, the number of unique juveniles captured / number of unique adults captured) for SCOC over the four-year period was 0.79.

Figure 3. Sceloporus occidentalis captures by array from 2015 - 2018.

Uta stansburiana (UTST): Captures of UTST were highest in 2015 (n = 125). Most of the captures occurred that year at array 2, both for 2015 as well as total captures overall for the species. The overall number dipped somewhat dramatically in 2016 (n = 71), 2017 (n = 69), and 2018 (n = 44) (Figure 4). Most (284; 92%) individuals were captured in pitfall traps while 25 (8%) were captured in funnel traps. Eighteen SCOC escaped before processing or were not marked or identified as being recaptured due to direct mortality within the traps (typically predation by NOCR). Of the individuals that were successfully processed (n = 266), there were 221 (83%) new captures and 45 recaptures (17%). There were 122 (26.2%) unique juvenile captures and 99 (37.2%) unique adult captures. The majority of juveniles were captured in 2015 (n = 43). Recruitment index (RI, the number of unique juveniles captured / number of unique adults captured) for UTST was 1.23.

Figure 4. Uta stansburiana captures by array from 2015 - 2018.

Aspidoscelis hyperythra (CNHY): Captures of CNHY were highest in 2015 (n = 110), followed closely by 2016 (n = 109) captures. Capture rate dropped in significantly in 2017 (n = 60) and 2018 (n = 54) (Figure 5). Most of the captures occurred at Array 3 for every year (Figure 5). Most CNHY (302; 92%) were captured in pitfall traps while 31 (9.5%) were captured in the funnel traps. Fourteen CNHY escaped before processing or were not marked or identified as being recaptured due to direct mortality within the traps (typically predation by NOCR). Of the individuals that were successfully processed (n = 319), 240 (75%) were unique and 79 CNHY (24.7%) were previously marked. There were 242 (75.9%) adult captures and 77 (24.1%) juvenile captures overall, of these, 171 adults and 69 juveniles were unique captures. Average RI for CNHY was 40.35 between 2015 and 2018.

Figure 5. Aspidoscelis hyperythra captures by array from 2015 - 2018.

Elgaria multicarinata (ELMU): There were 93 ELMU (63 females, 21 males, and 8 were unclassified) captured between 2015 and 2018. This species was present at all but one array (Figure 6). However, this particular array (LOMA-18) was closed periodically due to presence of the federally listed annual plant, Chorizanthe orcuttiana. Pitfall trap captures accounted for 53 individuals, while funnel traps captured 39 individuals. Eighty-four captures were classified as adult, while eight were classified as juvenile. Unique captures for adults was 72, and for juveniles it was 8. RI for this species was 0.11. Age and sex were estimated in the field, as there are no formal classification protocols in place.

Figure 6. Elgaria multicarinata captures by array from 2015 - 2018.

Snakes All six snake species known to occur in the peninsula were captured at least once during herpetofauna monitoring from 2015 to 2018 (Figure 7). The most abundant species was MALA (Masticophis lateralis), with 17 total captures. Diadophis punctatus was captured in 2017 during a higher than average rain year (Appendix A). See Appendix C for more information on snake species observed under coverboards.

Figure 7. Snakes captured during herptile monitoring from 2015 - 2018. Species codes are as follows: CRVI = Southern Pacific rattlesnake, DIPU = ring-necked snake, HYTO = night snake, LACA= California king snake, MALA = striped racer, PIME = gopher snake.

Other captures B. major (pacificus) (BAPA): Eleven BAPA were captured from 2015 - 2018. All were classified as adult except for one individual. Array 11 accounted for 4 of these captures.

Crawford’s gray shrew (N. crawfordi; NOCR): There were 294 NOCR captured in the traps from 2015 - 2018. Mortality rate for this species was 22.8% over the four years. This is considered a success and it should be noted that one “superworm” (Zophobas morio) was placed in each bucket and replaced as needed if they were consumed.

Invertebrates: Common arthropods captured in the traps included centipedes, millipedes, Jerusalem crickets, trapdoor spiders, scorpions, tarantulas, and wind scorpions.

Botta’s pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae): One individual was captured at Array 9, which is situated on Navy property (Figure 1). There are no records in the master database for this species and thus it is assumed that this is the first ever capture. This species was subsequently added to the park’s species list (see Appendix B).

Discussion

During the 2015 - 2018 monitoring sessions, all 12 of the known herptile species were captured. Although 2017 was an above average rain year, the largest number of the herptile captures occurred in 2015. Recruitment for side-blotched lizards was high with a four year average RI of 1.23. However, in 2017 there was a greater diversity of species, which saw the capture of a legless lizard as well as a ring-necked snake. Additionally, the first known capture of a Botta’s pocket gopher occurred in that year along with a higher number of small mammal captures in general.

Historically, mortality of shrews was high when they were caught in pitfall buckets. Shrew mortality was significantly reduced beginning in 2014 from previous years by placing larger mealworms (“superworms,” or Zophobas morio) into the buckets. This practice should be continued in future sampling efforts.

Placement of wet sponges was altered beginning in 2014 because moisture is an attractant for Argentine ants. The sponges were only placed in buckets during months of highest activity for salamanders, which are generally October through March. Observations from staff and volunteers indicated the reduced use of wet sponges in traps resulted in fewer ants. No salamanders were captured during sampling periods without sponges (April - September). These invasive ants have been observed occupying new territories in and around arrays within Cabrillo National Monument. This species is known to spread from developed habitats into more natural habitats and disrupt native invertebrate communities (Suarez et al. 1998). Park management should develop a strategy to reduce the effects and prevalence of these ants. This strategy should include immediate control of any irrigation leaks in and around the park since the species is dependent on moisture (Menke and Holway 2006), and removal of non-native iceplants such as Carpobrotus spp. (Fisher 2004).

Array 18 now has Chorizanthe orcuttiana consistently present each year in the spring. Crucial data from the months of highest herptile activity has been lost the last few years. Replacing this site with a new site should be considered so that this vegetation type (Lycium californicum dominant cover) can be represented in the data. However, it should also be noted that the presence of the drift fencing may have been a factor that contributed to the prevalence of C. orcuttiana in the first place.

Literature Cited

Atkinson, A. J., R. N. Fisher, C. J. Rochester, and C. W. Brown. 2003. Sampling design optimization and establishment of baselines for herpetofauna arrays at the Point Loma Ecological Reserve. U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center. Sacramento, California.

Blaustein, A. R., and D. B. Wake. 1990. Declining amphibian populations: A global phenomenon? Trends in Ecology and Evolution 5:203-204. https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-5347(90)90129-2

Busteed, G., J. L. Cameron, M. Robertson, S. Riley, L. Lee, A. Compton, E. Berbeo, and T. Duffield. 2006. Monitoring of terrestrial reptiles & amphibians by pitfall trapping in the Mediterranean Coast Network: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area & Cabrillo National Monument: Version 1.0. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/MEDN/NRTR—2006/005. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado.

Busteed, G. T. 2003. Effects of habitat fragmentation on reptiles and amphibians in coastal sage scrub and grassland communities. California State University, Northridge, California.

Fisher, R. N. 2004. “Life on the Island: Animals”. Pages 112-131 in Houk, R. (ed.) Understanding the life of Point Loma. Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, San Diego, California.

Fisher, R. N., and T. J. Case. 2000. Southern California herpetofauna research and monitoring: 1995- 1999 data summation report in California Fish & Game, Sacramento, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Carlsbad, California.

Fisher, R. N., D. C. Stokes, C. J. Rochester, C. Brehme, S. Hathaway, and T. J. Case. 2008. Herpetological monitoring using a pitfall trapping design in southern California. Page 54. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 2-A5.

Fisher, R.N., A.V. Suarez, and T.J. Case. 2002. Spatial patterns in the abundance of the coastal horned lizard. Conservation Biology 16:205-215.

Menke, S. B., and D. A. Holway. 2006. Abiotic factors control invasion by Argentine ants at the community scale. Journal of Animal Ecology 75:368-376.

Rochester, C. (2005, December 9). Personal interview with S. Glenn.

Suarez, A. V., D. T. Bolger, and T. J. Case. 1998. Effects of fragmentation and invasion on native ant communities in coastal Southern California. Ecology 79:2041-2056.

Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC). N.d. “Annual Precipitation Summary.” Website. Available at: http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/htmlfiles/citycompppt.html (accessed 02 February 2016).

Appendix A. 2015 - 2018 Precipitation Data

Figure. Precipitation data from Western Regional Climate Center. (http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/).

San Diego WSO Airport weather station data was utilized, located at latitude 32°44’, longitude 117°10’ at the elevation of three feet above sea level.

Appendix B. Array Locations and Species Checklist.

Array Locations Site Name Habitat* Latitude Longitude Elevation (m) LOMA-01 MSS 32.674013 -117.244035 26 LOMA-02 MSS 32.671983 -117.244416 22 LOMA-03 MSS 32.667026 -117.242105 22 LOMA-04 MSS 32.668135 -117.242283 33 LOMA-05 SMC 32.695869 -117.242972 83 LOMA-08 MSS 32.703438 -117.25337 33 LOMA-09 MSS 32.705717 -117.253678 42 LOMA-10 DIS 32.682951 -117.247596 35 LOMA-11 MSS 32.683725 -117.24777 37 LOMA-12 MSS 32.68407 -117.247368 31 LOMA-13 MSS 32.669871 -117.241146 109 LOMA-14 MSS 32.670186 -117.241322 113 LOMA-15 MSS 32.668927 -117.238106 54 LOMA-16 MSS 32.669427 -117.238058 55 LOMA-17 MSS 32.675123 -117.237491 37 LOMA-18 SMC 32.696728 -117.242787 75 * MSS: maritime succulent scrub, DIS: disturbed, SMC: southern maritime chaparral.

Species Checklist – reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals (see SOP No. 5 from Busteed et al. 2006). Species Code Scientific Name Common Name ANLU Aneides lugubris arboreal salamander ANPU Anniella pulchra silvery legless lizard BAMA Batrachoseps major garden slender salamander BANI Batrachoseps nigriventris California slender salamander BAPA Batrachoseps pacificus garden slender salamander BUBO Bufo boreas California toad CNHY Cnemidophorus hyperythrus orange-throated whiptail CNTI Cnemidophorus tigris coastal whiptail COCO Coluber constrictor western yellowbelly racer CORU Crotalus ruber red diamond rattlesnake CRVI Crotalus viridis southern pacific rattlesnake DIAG Dipodomys agilis pacific kangaroo rat DIPU Diadophis punctatus San Bernardino ringneck snake

Species Checklist (continued) – reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals (see SOP No. 5 from Busteed et al. 2006).

Species Code Scientific Name Common Name ELMU Elgaria multicarinata San Diego alligator lizard ENES Ensatina eschscholtzii Monterey ensatina EUSK Eumeces skiltonianus western skink HYCA Hyla cadaverina California tree frog HYRE Hyla regilla Pacific tree frog HYTO Hypsiglena torquata San Diego night snake LAGE Lampropeltis getula California kingsnake LAZO Lampropeltis zonata San Diego kingsnake LECA Lepus californicus black-tailed jack rabbit LEHU Leptotyphlops humilis southwestern blind snake MAFL Masticophis flagellum red coachwhip MALA Masticophis lateralis California striped racer MICA Microtus californicus California vole MUMU Mus musculus house mouse NEFU Neotoma fuscipes dusky-footed woodrat NELE Neotoma lepida desert woodrat NOCR Notiosorex crawfordi desert shrew PEBO Peromyscus boylii brush mouse PECA Peromyscus californicus California mouse PEER Peromyscus eremicus cactus mouse PEMA Peromyscus maniculatus deer mouse PETR Peromyscus truei piñon mouse PGCA Perognathus californicus California pocket mouse PHCO Phrynosoma coronatum California horned lizard PICA Pituophis catenifer San Diego gopher snake RAAU Rana aurora California red-legged frog RACA Rana catesbeiana bullfrog RANO Rattus norvegicus Norway rat RARA Rattus rattus black rat REME Reithrodontomys megalotis western harvest mouse RHLE Rhinocheilus lecontei long-nosed snake SAHE Salvadora hexalepis coast patchnose snake SCGR Sciurus griseus western gray squirrel SCHA Scaphiopus hammondii western spadefoot SCLA Scapanus latimanus broad-footed mole SCNI Sciurus niger fox squirrel SCOC Sceloporus occidentalis Great Basin fence lizard SOOR Sorex ornatus ornate shrew

Species Code Scientific Name Common Name SYAU Sylvilagus audubonii desert cottontail SYBA Sylvilagus bachmani brush rabbit TAPL Tantilla planiceps western blackhead snake TATO Taricha torosa California newt THBO Thomomys bottae Botta’s pocket gopher THHA Thamnophis hammondii two-striped garter snake THIS Thamnophis sirtalis California red-sided garter TRBI Trimorphodon biscutatus California lyre snake UTST Uta stansburiana California side-blotched lizard

Appendix C. Coverboard and other incidental observations of note from 2015 - 2018.

Location Date Trap Type Species Category Species Code LOMA-18 3/11/2015 COVERBOARD SNAKE HYTO LOMA-05 2/10/2015 COVERBOARD SNAKE HYTO LOMA-2 8/27/2015 NEARBY SNAKE CRVI LOMA-18 2/10/2016 COVERBOARD SNAKE HYTO LOMA-15 5/11/2016 COVERBOARD SNAKE HYTO LOMA-4 6/14/2016 COVERBOARD SNAKE MALA LOMA-3 3/22/2016 NEARBY SNAKE CRVI LOMA-1 7/19/2016 NEARBY SNAKE CRVI LOMA-15 4/20/2016 NEARBY SNAKE MALA LOMA-10 1/23/2017 COVERBOARD AMPHIBIAN BAMA LOMA-16 2/14/2017 COVERBOARD AMPHIBIAN BAMA LOMA-2 2/15/2017 COVERBOARD AMPHIBIAN BAMA LOMA-2 2/15/2017 COVERBOARD AMPHIBIAN BAMA LOMA-16 2/16/2017 COVERBOARD AMPHIBIAN BAMA LOMA-3 3/15/2017 COVERBOARD SNAKE LACA LOMA-14 5/16/2017 COVERBOARD SNAKE MALA LOMA-14 5/18/2017 COVERBOARD SNAKE MALA LOMA-14 5/19/2017 COVERBOARD SNAKE MALA LOMA-14 12/13/2017 NEARBY SNAKE CRVI LOMA-4 5/18/2017 NEARBY SNAKE LACA LOMA-16 12/15/2018 COVERBOARD AMPHIBIAN BAMA LOMA-2 10/4/2018 COVERBOARD SNAKE MALA LOMA-12 3/20/2018 COVERBOARD SNAKE MALA LOMA-15 10/2/2018 COVERBOARD RODENT PECA LOMA-4 12/11/2018 COVERBOARD RODENT PECA LOMA-13 8/7/2018 NEARBY SNAKE CRVI

Appendix D. Trap session dates and trap nights from 2015 - 2018.

Year Month Date Opened Date Closed Trap Nights January 12-Jan 16-Jan 4 February 09-Feb 13-Feb 4 March 09-Mar 13-Mar 4 April 06-Apr 10-Apr 4 May 11-May 15-May 4 June 22-Jun 26-Jun 4 2015 July 27-Jul 31-Jul 4 August 24-Aug 28-Aug 4 September 28-Sep 02-Oct 4 October 19-Oct 23-Oct 4 November 16-Nov 20-Nov 4 December 14-Dec 18-Dec 4 Total – – – 48 January 11-Jan 15-Jan 4 February 08-Feb 12-Feb 4 March 21-Mar 24-Mar 3 April 18-Apr 22-Apr 4 May 09-May 12-May 3 June 13-Jun 17-Jun 4 2016 July 18-Jul 22-Jul 4 August 15-Aug 19-Aug 4 September 12-Sep 15-Sep 3 October 11-Oct 14-Oct 3 November 31-Oct 4-Nov 4 December 12-Dec 15-Dec 3 Total – – – 43 January 22-Jan 26-Jan 4 February 13-Feb 17-Feb 4 March 13-Mar 17-Mar 4 April 10-Apr 14-Apr 4 May 15-May 19-May 4 2017 June 12-Jun 16-Jun 4 July 10-Jul 14-Jul 4 August 19-Sep 23-Sep 4 September 06-Nov 09-Nov 4 November 22-Jan 26-Jan 5

Year Month Date Opened Date Closed Trap Nights December 13-Feb 17-Feb 4 Total – – – 40 January 22-Jan 26-Jan 4 February 20-Feb 23-Feb 3 March 19-Mar 22-Mar 3 April 16-Apr 20-Apr 4 May 14-May 19-May 5 2018 June 18-Jun 22-Jun 4 July 23-Jul 27-Jul 4 August 06-Aug 10-Aug 4 October 01-Oct 05-Oct 4 December 10-Dec 16-Dec 6 Total – – – 41

The Department of the Interior protects and manages the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its special responsibilities to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities.

NPS 342/156562, August 2019

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