Central Owens Valley

Along the Owens River are extensive, large tree stands with other riparian vegetation. Such growth is also present around creeks draining the Sierra Nevada (Fig. 10.8). Along the Owens River many side pools provide breeding habitat for amphibians.

In this list only riparian-associated species are discussed. For other species in the area, refer to the southern White Mountains list (except for the Panamint Alligator Lizard, Elgaria panamintina , and the Gilbert Skink, Eumeces gilberti ).

Amphibians

Owens Valley Web-toed Salamander (Hydromantes sp.). Nocturnal; active in spring; occurs under wood and rocks along streams draining the Sierra Nevada.

Western Toad (Bufo boreas ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; breeds in side pools.

Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla ). Both nocturnal and diurnal; breeds in side pools; occurs along streams and in marsh areas.

Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana ). Nocturnal; breeds in temporary pools.

Lizards

Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata ). Diurnal but secretive; active in the late afternoon; occurs under wood and rocks along streams draining the Sierra Nevada.

Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus ). Diurnal but secretive; occurs under wood and rocks along streams draining the Sierra Nevada.

Snakes

Sierra Garter Snake (Thamnophis couchii ). Diurnal and wary; highly aquatic; occurs along the Owens River and large streams draining the Sierra Nevada.

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Figure 10.8
East side of the Sierra Nevada in the central Owens Valley.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans ). Mainly diurnal but also nocturnal during warm weather; occurs along the Owens River and streams draining the Sierra Nevada; may wander from permanent water.