Current Research

	Publications by Division of Amphibians and Reptiles personnel.
	Publications based on MSB specimens of amphibians and reptiles.

---

Evaluation of the distribution and conservation status of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) in southwestern New Mexico

Funded by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

This project will collect data that can be used to assess the occurrence and distribution of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) in Hidalgo and Grant Counties in southwestern New Mexico. The Gila monster is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and is listed as endangered by the State of New Mexico. Random walk, time constrained surveys are employed and Gila monsters encountered during these surveys are also measured. This study coincides with a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (Agency) initiative to develop a recovery plan for this species.

Survey and monitoring of the Narrow-headed Gartersnake, Thamnophis rufipunctatus, to forward its recovery

In collaboration with Western New Mexico University, funded by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

The primary goal of this project is to determine the current distribution and status of populations of Thamnophis rufipunctatus in New Mexico through occupancy surveys. Our secondary goals include the monitoring of known focal populations of T. rufipunctatus (such as those in Saliz Creek, Tularosa River, and Upper Middle Fork of the Gila River) to quantify population trends, the relative ranking of potential causes for declines and the evaluation of efficacy of conservation strategies.

Occurrence and Abundance of the Sonora Mud Turtle Along the Gila River in New Mexico

Partial funding by American Turtle Observatory

The Sonora mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense) is a small, cryptically colored species with a restricted range: it is found only within portions of Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico. It is currently listed by the IUCN as Near Threatened, and one subspecies (K. sonoriense longifemorale) has recently been placed on the federal Endangered Species List. There is a need to document the occurrence of this species along the upper Gila River. Background data show that records of these turtles in New Mexico are both rare and outdated. Our project will investigate the occurrence of Sonora mud turtles within this region and the information gained from this study will lay a foundation for future studies and help the conservation of Sonora mud turtles within the region.