Surveys of 22 sites in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties reveal that the Alameda whipsnake, Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus, is associated with open canopy chaparral and coastal scrub communities, although it also utilizes adjacent grassland and oak savannah associations. Rock outcrops and talus with deep crevices and rodent burrows were important features at sites which support this snake. A lizard community comprised of at least two species which always included the western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, was also present in moderate to high numbers at whipsnake sites. When all of these features occur on south, southwest or southeast facing slopes, the habitat appears optimal for the Alameda whipsnake.
|
