Biodiversity Survey of the UCLA Campus

Observing Reptile and Amphibian Species via Artificial Cover Objects

4th

JESSE GARCIA, MARINA LINDSAY and Bradley Shaffer

Shaffer Lab
Floor Terasaki Building, University of California Los Angeles

Surveyed Habitats

Herp Species as Ecological Indicators

* Herp is a vernacular term for reptiles and amphibians.

"Good"

"Decent"

Preliminary Results: The Specimens

Found After Initial Surveys

Poor"

Introduction: The Plan

Ecological indicators, such as reptiles and
amphibians serve a vital role in the function of
trophic cascades as well as identifying the overall
health of a community. Due to their lifespan
spent in and around aquatic and terrestrial
habitats, amphibians help indicate toxicity levels
and water quality, whereas reptiles act as a form
of pest control. The last biodiversity survey of
UCLAs campus was conducted in 1958, and it
only created a qualitative list of the species on
campus. This study is the first to use GPS and
GIS data to create a comprehensive and
complete map of the UCLA campus and the
current reptile and amphibian species that reside
on it, and their locations. Its also the first study
to try and predict the actual population size of
these species on campus using artificial cover
objects and genetic analysis.

Methods: The Process

After obtaining, painting, labeling, and gaining
approval for our 2x2ft cover boards, we placed
and geotagged 87 of the boards, our artificial
cover objects (ACOs), throughout campus. We
classified three main habitat types found around
the UCLA campus. At the best habitats, Sage Hill
and the Botanical Gardens, more ACOS were
allocated to accommodate for the difference. Biweekly we noted any reptile or amphibian
species found underneath the boards once
flipped and collected samples (1-1.5cm tail or
toe snips) from
those we caught by hand.
Samples were preserved in 95%
ethanol
mixture, and then taken back to the lab for DNA
analysis. Analysis consists of isolating the DNA,
checking its quality through quantification and
gel electrophoresis, amplifying genetic markers
through PCR, and sequencing.

Sequence
BLAST
Species ID

ARC-GIS and Google Maps: The Tools

GIS Randomized Points and Grid Overlay

Manually Pinned at On-Site Locations

Google Map of GPS Data Points

Good Habitat

Decent/Poor Habitat

Sage Hill
Great Basin Fence Lizards
Western Skinks
Slender Salamanders

Sculpture Garden
No Specimen Found

Botanical Gardens
Alligator Lizards
Red-Eared Sliders

Near Walkways
No Specimen Found

Near Buildings
No Specimen Found

Future Plans
This is an ongoing study, expected to continue
beyond the Grand Challenges course for
perhaps three years or more, either by
ourselves or future undergrads we pass the
ACOs off to. Throughout our research, both
print and digital field guides were assembled
(pictured above) in order for ourselves and
others who inherit this project to accurately
identify and record specimen observations.
Surveying is an extensive process, therefore
our results thus far are only preliminary.

Potential Native Species at UCLA, Species Weve Found in Red:

Snakes
CA Kingsnake

Lizards
Great Basin Fence Lizard

Toads / Frogs
CA Toad

Salamanders / Newts
CA Slender Salamander

S.D Night Snake

S.D Alligator Lizard

CA Treefrog

Garden Slender Salamander

S.D Mountain Kingsnake

Pacific Treefrog

Arboreal Salamander

Red Racer/Coach Whip

W. Skinks
CA Side-Blotched Lizard

CA Red-Legged Frog

Monterey Ensatina

CA Striped Racer

Silvery Legless Lizard

Bullfrog

S.D Gopher Snake

Coastal Whiptail

Turtles
S.W Pond Turtle

Non-Native:
Red-Eared Slider

Baja CA Lyre Snake

CA Red-Sided Garter Snake
Coast Patchnose Snake
S. Pacific Rattlesnake
S.W Thread/Blind Snake
Two-Striped Garter Snake
W. Black-headed Snake

Legend:
W. -Western
S. -Southern
S.W -Southwestern
S.D -San Diego
CA -California

Conclusions: The Big Picture

Preliminary results indicate that, regions on
campus composed of dense vegetationSage
Hill and the Botanical Gardensharbor most of
our campuss reptile and amphibian species.
This is likely caused by the lack of stress due to
human interaction, the isolation, and the
accessibility of these areas to herp species.
These results lend to the idea that greenery,
dense vegetation, and previously available
habitats must be preserved and considered if
UCLA is to uphold its goal of safeguarding
biodiversity.

Acknowledgements:
The researchers thank Sarah Wenner for
instruction in laboratory techniques, Jonathan
Rogers for providing access to GIS software,
Ryan Harrigan for training in GIS use, and Mario
Colon
for
assistance
in
administrative
paperwork. We also thank Chris Gallego and the
UCLA Facilities Office for the use of their
workspace, assistance in preparing the ACOs
and shared expertise.