A bit non geology volunteer work that was great fun and part of a remarkable ongoing science survey at Petrified Forest National Park.
We joined Andy at
6:30 the other evening to make an evening/night drive through the park to catalog amphibians and
reptiles on the park road. The road is closed at dusk so we had the road to
ourselves. Andy was glad to have another pair of eyes for spotting and
assistance in recording. Lisa did the recording and proved to be very superior
at spotting. I was not so good at spotting but did pretty good at capture and
ok at identification given that I had never identified toads before.
Spea multiplicata Mexican Spadefoot
Spea multiplicata Mexican Spadefoot
showing the spade on the back foot
Scaphiopus couchi Couch’s Spadefoot
A note on the gloves. Spea multiplca secretes a mild toxin
that one does not want in the eyes or mouth. It is easy to wipe off, but we
began picking up too many so we got out the gloves.
Phyrnosoma hernandessi
Great short horned lizard
It was good amphibian
night as it had rained. Dry nights bring out more reptiles. The amphibians use
the road to gather heat but also to soak up water through their skin. The
reptiles use the road to soak up heat as well. Hence roads are a positive
environment for reptiles and amphibians if it were not for the getting run
over. The closing the road at night limits the mortality.
The road surveys are
just one of several ongoing surveys that take place in the PFNP. Hard not to be
impressed that our one survey night was part of a survey that has been going on
for 25 years.
No comments:
Post a Comment