Species

Owens Valley Reptiles

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The Owens Valley, its bordering mountain ranges, and diversity of geologic features–some due to faulting; some to glaciation and erosion; some to volcanic activity–engender a number of transition zones between biological communities and varying habitat for at least 33 reptile species. Whereas desert horned lizards (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) tend to linger on warm, sandy flats on … Read more

Owens Valley Mammals

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Owens Valley mammals include species from several different biogeographic regions–including the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, White-Inyo mountains, and Sierra Nevada mountains–as well as species unique to the groundwater-dependent alkali meadows on the valley floor. The Owens Valley vole (Microtus Californicus vallicola), a nocturnal short-tailed vole, makes its home in groundwater-dependent meadows on the valley floor. … Read more