Fish Amphibian Reptile Identification Incomplete PDF

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FISH, AMPHIBIAN, AND REPTILE IDENTIFICATION Zion National Park is the home to approximately 35 reptile, 9 amphibian, and 9 fish species. When viewing wildlife, you are least likely to see fish, amphibians, and reptiles. If you are fortunate enough to see these animals, notice the size, shape, color, tail, feet, and distinct patterns, such as stripes or spots. Also, pay attention to behaviors and verbal calls. All of these can help in the correct identification of the organism. These are the more common and unique species to see in the park.

SPECKLED DACE

TIGER SALAMANDER

CANYON TREE FROG

GOPHER SNAKE

GREAT BASIN COLLARED LIZARD

DESERT HORNED LIZARD

GILA MONSTER

DESERT TORTOISE

FISH The North and East forks of the Virgin River, part of the Virgin River drainage, thus the Colorado River, flow through Zion National Park. There are six fish species native to the Virgin River Basin, four of which reach the headwaters where Zion is located. Three of the six species are found widely in the Colorado River system, and three are found only in the Virgin River. There are four species of native fish in the park and five that have been introduced. The stream flow in the park, with the natural floods, sediment transport, and periods of low flow, allow for healthy populations of these fish. The fish of the Virgin River drainage have evolved adaptations to the unique local conditions, including heavy silt loads, frequent floods, and wide fluctuations in water temperature and discharge. Unfortunately, outside of the park the native fish of the Virgin River have experienced population declines due to habitat fragmentation and the introduction of non-native species. Efforts are currently underway to protect rivers that provide good habitat and restore areas of lost or degraded habitat to provide for the recovery and protection of the native fish. 1) On the list of fish in Zion Canyon below, check the boxes of the four species that are native to the river system. What does it mean that they are “native?” Native means that the species naturally developed there Fish List (Bolded species are Native)  Virgin River Spinedace  Speckled Dace  Flannel Mouth Sucker  Desert Sucker  Rainbow Trout  Cutthroat Trout  Brown Trout  Brook Trout  Channel Catfish 2) The other fish on the list have been “introduced.” How and where does that happen? How are those species now found in the Zion Canyon portion of the Virgin River? These species were introduced to the virgin river by people dumping other fishes in other parts of the water.

2) What is credited for maintaining healthy populations of the native fish in Zion Canyon? To control a healthy fish population on Zion there must be hunting regulations and protective laws in place so the eco system can eventually work itself back to a better situation.

3) How have fish adapted to living in the Virgin River in Zion Canyon? Fish have had to adapt with new species and live in the new currents and fresh water. When a eco systems is changed the species living there must work even harder to survive. 5) What is happening to those species of fish outside the park boundaries? What is your role in that process?

AMPHIBIANS Zion National Park is home to 6 species of frogs and toads, and one salamander. All of Zion’s frogs and toads hibernate for the winter months and all of them must return to water in order to breed. In the springtime, warmer temperatures, rain and snowmelt create the right conditions for frogs and toads to begin emerging. Zion’s amphibian habitats include: grasslands, sandy shrub lands, marshes, meadows, pools, ponds, streams, rivers, and forest. Amphibians List  Tiger Salamander  Canyon Treefrog  Northern Leopard Frog  Great Basin Spadefoot  Arizona Toad  Red Spotted Toad  Woodhouse’s Toad 6) From the list of species above, pick one frog and one toad to read more about. Put checkmarks in their boxes. You can find information on the park website by hovering your curser over the “Learn About the Park” tab, then chose “Nature,” then chose “Animals,” and then chose “Amphibians.” You can click on the link to print your own list should you chose. Summarize your learning here.

REPTILES While in Zion National Park, you may have the opportunity to spot one of 16 species of lizards lazing in the sun or witness the sly moves of one of 13 slithering snakes. If you are very lucky, you may even spot the slow, persistent movements of the federally protected desert tortoise. 7) Zion has only one poisonous snake and one poisonous lizard. Look at the list and do some research to figure out what those are. Circle them on the list and describe them. Reptiles List  Western Banded Gecko  Common Chuckwalla  Great Basin Collared Lizard  Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard  Zebra-Tailed Lizard  Desert Spiny Lizard  Plateau Lizard  Common Sagebrush Lizard  Side-Blotched Lizard  Ornate Tree Lizard  Desert Horned Lizard  Greater Short-horned Lizard  Western Skink  Plateau Spotted Whiptail  Western Whiptail  Gila Monster  Ring-necked Snake  Coach Whip  Striped Whip Snake  Western Patch-Nosed Snake  Gopher Snake  Common King Snake  Sonoran Mountain King Snake  Terrestrial Garter Snake  Ground Snake  Smith’s Black-Headed Snake  Western Lyre Snake  Night Snake  Western Rattlesnake

 Desert Tortoise 8) There is also one endangered species on the list. It is clearly marked on the website list on the park website. What is it? Is it native to this area or is it introduced? Find out its story and some interesting information about it....