Date: 04/15/10
Contact: Margie Klein
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3502

PARTNERSHIP FOR CHUCKWALLA SURVEYS

Some days are just perfect for watching lizards. Spring days where the weather is sunny and warm are among the best. April 10 was one of those days, so a crew of University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and Bureau of Land Management biologists, staff and volunteers met in the desert outside of Laughlin to look for chuckwallas.

Chuckwallas are large lizards that can be found in locations throughout the Mojave Desert. Just up the hill from the Colorado River at Laughlin the area consists of perfect chuckwalla habitat, with granite rock piles scattered among the sandy, creosote-scrub desert. On this day the desert also was full of wildflowers.

The study, being performed by UNR postdoctoral scholar Bridgette Hagerty and graduate student Stephanie Wakeling under permits issued by NDOW, was designed to document the dispersal of chuckwallas. That means that they want to learn how far chuckwallas roam in their home range and also compare the genetic makeup of local populations.

The biologists and crew looked over the rocky piles, paying special attention to the southern exposure where lizards were likely to be sunning themselves. They also shined mirrors into cracks and crevices to see if any “chucks” were hiding within. In the morning, searchers spotted a few chuckwallas on the rocks with their backs to the sun. But by the afternoon, the weather ceased to cooperate. With clouds rolling in and the wind picking up searchers could find no more chucks on the rocks. Any further captures for this day would have to be coaxed out of small spaces between the rocks.

Chuckwallas have loose folds of skin on the sides of their bodies. When threatened they retreat into a rock crevice and inflate themselves with air. This makes it difficult to withdraw the animal.

In one instance, extraction of a chuck from a rock crevice required about 30 minutes of patient prodding by researchers before the lizard abandoned its hideaway. If a chuckwalla is out in the open it is much easier to capture by using a pole and noose technique. Researchers take great care to see that neither the lizards nor their habitat are harmed during the capture or handling processes.

When at last the chuck came free, UNR biologists processed the animal. They measured it, determined its sex, drew a blood sample, inserted a microchip and outfitted it with a radio transmitter, complete with a camouflage vest made of duct tape. The chuck was released at a predetermined distance from its home and researchers will track the animal daily to see the route it will take on its way back to its home range. Then it was off to find another specimen.

“Studies such as this one provide important information that will help NDOW and other resource agencies in the work to ensure the future of Nevada’s wildlife,” said Polly Conrad, reptile biologist for NDOW.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.

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