Great Basin National Park Flora and Fauna Guide

Welcome to the Great Basin National Park Flora and Fauna Guide
It is our intent to provide information that will be timely and of assistance in planning a trip, vacation or obtaining data about this park
-SPONSORED LINKS-
Nevada Lodging
Nevada Hotels
Nevada Maps
Nevada Camping
Nevada Weather
Nevada Vacation Rentals
Gophersnake NPS Photo

Sponsored National Park Search

Gophersnake NPS Photo

Flora and Fauna Guide

Amphibian List Bat Guide Bird Guide Bird List
Mammal Guide Rattlesnake Guide Reptile Guide Shrub Guide Tree Guide



Amphibian List

Only two species of amphibians have been positively identified in the southern Snake Range and adjacent portions of Snake and Spring valleys--the spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hammondi) and the leopard frog (Rana pipiens). The current status of these species in this area is unknown. The following list includes these species as well as species that potentially could occur in this area, based on their wider distribution and habitat requirements.

Amphibians that potentially occur in the Southern Snake Range and Vicinity
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum Holowell Expected to occur in or near the park
Great Basin Spadefoot Toad Scaphiopus hammondi intermontanus Cope Expected to occur in or near the park
Western Toad Bufo boreas boreas Baird and Girard Occurs throughout most of Nevada, except Amargosa and Colorado River Basins, Reportedly collected in White Pine Co. but not near the park
Woodhouse Toad Bufo woodhousei woodhousei Girard Expected to occur in or near the park
Pacific Treefrog Hyla regilla Baird and Girard Occurs in most counties in Nevada
Western Leopard Frog Rana pipiens brachycephala Cope Expected to occur in or near the park
Spotted Frog Rana pretiosa Possibly occurs in or near the park
Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana Shaw Non-native but introduced in many parts of Nevada, Not reported in or near the Snake Range

Explanatory Notes:

Local amphibian populations have received almost no scientific study. They have not been inventoried, are not being monitored, and are rarely reported. Please report any sitings to the Resource Management Branch of the park.

The left tibio-fibula of a "small toad" was identified in the vertebrate fauna (Recent) from the Lehman Caves Entrance archeological site (Zeigler 1964). The species was not determined.

REFERENCES

Baggs, J.E. 1993. Annotated bibliography of biological collections from Great Basin National Park. Volume II: Fauna. Cooperative Park Studies Unit, University of Nevada; Las Vegas.

Banta, B.H. 1965a. A distributional checklist of the Recent amphibians inhabiting the state of Nevada. Biological Society of Nevada Occasional Papers No. 7. 4 pp.

Banta, B.H. 1965b. An annotated chronological bibliography of the herpetology of the state of Nevada. The Wasmann Journal of Biology 23(1-2):1-224.

BLM. 1971. Annotated list of the amphibians and reptiles of the Ely BLM District. Bureau of Land Management; Ely, NV.

BLM. 1980. Nongame species literature search in support of wildlife inventories in the Elko, Ely, and Battle Mountain BLM Districts of Nevada. Bureau of Land Management; Reno, NV.

Gomez, D. 1994. Conservation assessment for the spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) in the Intermountain Region, USFS. U.S. Forest Service; Ogden, UT.

Linsdale, J.M. 1940. Amphibians and reptiles in Nevada. Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 73(8):197-257.

Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A field guide to Western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin; Boston.

Stebbins, R.C. 1954. Amphibians and reptiles of western North America. McGraw-Hill; New York.

Tanner, W.W. 1978. Zoogeography of reptiles and amphibians in the Intermountain Region. Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs No. 2:43-53.

Tanner, W.W. 1989. Draft list of amphibians and reptiles expected to occur in Great Basin National Park. Personal correspondence on file in GRBA office.

USFWS. 1996. Proposed and Candidate animal and plant species. Federal Register; February 28, 1996.

Ziegler, A. 1964. Animal bones from Lehman Caves National Monument. pp. 42-66 in Rozaire, C. 1964. The archeology at Lehman Caves National Monument. Nevada State Museum; Carson City.



Bat Guide

Bats fill a variety of roles in natural ecosystems. Yet despite their uses, they are often poorly understood by humans.

What are bats? Bats are mammals. Bats have fur, give live birth, and feed milk to their young. They are, however, the only mammals capable of true flight. Although the German word for bat, "fledermaus," translates to "flying mouse," bats are not rodents. They are more closely related to primates than they are to mice. Biologists place bats in their own order, Chiroptera, which means "hand-wing" because their wings are supported by the bones in their hands.

Chiroptera is a large order with over 900 species. Bats account for 20% of the world's mammals! They are marvels of evolution and adaptation.

Bats are not blind, despite popular belief. They can see, but also use a "high-tech" system of high frequency sound to "see" with their ears. This natural form of sonar is called echolocation and it is also used by whales, dolphins, and shrews.

Bats are found on every continent except Antartica and fill a wide variety of niches in the ecosystem. They range in size from the world's smallest mammal, a bat the size of a bumblebee, to bats with six foot wing spans, known as flying foxes.

The majority of bats eat insects and are the only major predator of night flying insects such as moths, mosquitos, and beetles. There is nothing else that fills this niche in the ecosystem. Due to their high metabolism they have huge appetites and can consume up to one half their body weight in insects every night. A colony of 10,000 bats, a modest number as bat colonies go, can consume over 300 pounds of insects in one evening. Even one Little Brown Bat can catch 600 or more mosquitos in one hour! Most insectivorous bats catch their food in flight, often using their wings like a catcher's mit to capture their prey.

Not all bats eat insects. Fruit bats, found in tropical and subtropical regions, often roost in trees and can be seen during the day. They are the most important seed dispersing animals in the tropics. Few fruit bats use echolocation. They rely on their sense of smell and eyesight.

Also in the tropics and subtropics, countless species of trees and shrubs are pollinated by nectar and pollen eating bats. Three species in the southwestern United States are responsible for pollinating such plants as the Organ Pipe Cactus and Saguaro cacti. Plants pollinated by bats give us such products as avocados, bananas, cashews, dates, figs, peaches, and tequilla.

Other bat species have different dietary needs. There are bats that eat rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, and other bats. There are fishing bats that use their sonar to detect ripples on the surface of a pond caused by fish. And, of course, vampire bats, the only mammals that live entirely on blood. There are three species and they are found only in Latin America. The amount of blood these bats consume can be measured in tablespoons rather than in pints. They do not suck blood, but lap it up after inflicting a small wound. Small mammals and birds are their natural prey, but with the introduction of ranching in Latin America, cattle have become an easy and plentiful source of food. This has increased the vampire bat population to artificially high levels.

Another common myth is that bats are carriers of rabies; that they transmit the disease while being immune to it. In truth, bats are very clean animals. Like any mammal, they can contract rabies. However, less than one half of one percent actually do. Like other mammals, when they contract rabies they die quickly. But unlike other animals, bats rarely become aggressive.

Although by nature very gentle creatures, it is important to remember that bats are wild animals. They will bite out of self defense. Any animal that can be caught is more likely than others to be sick. Use leather work gloves or a towel to remove a grounded bat to an area away from contact with people and pets.

Bats are in trouble everywhere. Within the last 40 years, bat populations have declined dramatically. Many bat colonies have been devastated due to interference by man. Insecticides and other poisons have been introduced into the bats' food chain. There has been severe loss of habitat for bats. The rain forests, home to many species of bats, are shrinking daily. Ironically, the loss of bats, in turn, contributes to the loss of rain forests due to the role of bats in propagating hundreds of plant species. Close to home, in the U.S. and Mexico, commercialization, outright destruction, vandalism, and human disturbances in caves used by bats for roosting is devastating their numbers. It is too late for some species, but not for others. There are actions we can take to protect bats, to save and restore habitat.

Two-thirds of bat species found in the United States, including some of the most endangered and threatened species, now use abandoned mine shafts as roosting sites. Some of these bats have been disturbed from their natural roosts by human activities such as recreational caving and cave commercialization. Like caves, mines offer a stable microclimate. Bats use mines as maternity roosts, hibernacula (winter roosts), and day and night roosts. For some species, mines are a permanent, year-round home.

This region of Utah and Nevada is rich in mining history, but that history has left a legacy of potentially dangerous abandoned mines. Possible hazards include cave-ins, deep water at the bottom of shafts, poisonous gases, and discarded explosives. Often these dangerous entrances are backfilled or blasted closed. However, this can be very damaging to populations of bats using those mines.

There are alternatives. It is not necessary to sacrifice human safety for bat protection. Another method of reclaiming mines is to gate them, using a gate with openings (a grate) just big enough to allow bats to pass through. But because gating requires more time and expense than other methods of mine closure, it is not likely to be used unless the public demands it. If you know of a mine that is scheduled for closure, find out if a biological survey has been conducted. In many cases, officials are unaware of the importance of mines to bats and the crucial role bats play in the ecosystem. A source of information on this subject is:

Bat Conservation International, Inc.
PO BOX 162603
Austin, TX 78716

Great Basin National Park is currently working on several projects to make abandoned minelands in the park safer and to mitigate environmental effects. Technicians perform bat outflight surveys at the entrances of dangerous shafts and adits. If bats are present that affects the method of closure used. In some cases, bat- friendly gates will be installed. This compromises protects both human safety and bat habitat.

There are only insectivorous bats in the Great Basin. At least 10 species of bats have been found in the vicinity of Great Basin National Park, including the Townsend's Big-eared Bat. Subspecies of this bat have been listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern by the federal government and several state governments. There is a maternity colony of several thousand Big Free-tailed Bats in Rose Guano Cave (visible from US 6&50 in the northwest part of the South Snake Range).



Bird Guide

Many types of birds can be found in Great Basin National Park and the surrounding area. A large variety of birds can be seen in the many different habitats encountered between the town of Baker (5,280 feet elevation) and the end of the Scenic Drive (10,000 feet elevation). Many birds such as the Common Raven, Northern Flicker and the American Robin, can be found in more than one type of habitat. Ask for a working checklist of all the birds found in Great Basin National Park. The Park encourages reporting of sightings of birds listed as uncommon or not found on the current checklist. The following is a listing of a few of the birds and some of the areas with easy access where specific birds may be found.

On your drive up from Baker, in the sagebrush grasslands, birds one might see include: Killdeer, Long-billed Curlew, Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, Common Raven, American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, California Quail, the Eurasian Chukar, Sage Grouse, Mourning Dove, Horned Lark, Scrub Jay, Black-billed Magpie, Western Kingbird, Barn Swallow, Loggerhead Shrike, Song Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Cassin's Finch, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, and Western Meadowlark.

If you are lucky you could also see birds such as ducks and other waterbirds flying overhead, moving from one pond to another. Some of these include; Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese, Sandhill Crane, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Cinnamon Teal. During the winter a lucky sighting could include a Bald Eagle on a telephone pole.

At dusk or dawn during the summer, stop and listen for the whinnying of Common Snipe, for the call of a Common Poor-will, Great Horned Owl or the "bull-bat" roar of a Common Nighthawk. Watch out for the "copper penney colored" eye of the Poor-will reflecting in your headlights. They often view the roadway as the perfect clearing for their habit of "flycatching" from the ground.

As you enter the Pinyon-juniper woods, and stop at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, some of the same birds may be seen, but you may also start seeing, Mountain Chickadee, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds, Pinyon Jay, Mountain Bluebird, Solitary Vireo, Say's Phoebe, and White-crowned Sparrow.

At Baker Creek Campground, the mixture of sagebrush, pinyon-juniper and stream side plants brings in the American Dipper, as well as Mountain Chickadee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Cassin's Finch, Black-chinned and Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Mountain Bluebird, Western Tanager and Black-headed Grosbeak.

A walk through the Ponderosa pines along Lehman Creek, in Upper Lehman Creek Campground may reveal Violet-green Swallow, Red-naped Sapsucker, Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, Mountain Chickadee, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, Chipping Sparrow as well as Green-tailed Towhee, Rufous-sided Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, and Brown-headed Cowbird.

At Wheeler Peak Campground, and along the Alpine Lake Loop, aspens, and limber pines attract a variety of birds including; Clark's Nutcrackers, Stellar's Jays, Townsend's Solitaire, Mountain Chickadee, Bushtit, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Siskin, Brown Creeper, Pygmy Nuthatch, and Cooper's Hawk. On occasion, one may find Red Crossbills if you are lucky.

A hike to the small glacier takes one through the ancient bristlecone pine forest to an area where very little vegetation exists. In the vicinity of the glacier and the rock glacier below, one can usually find the "Black" form of the Rosy Finch, as well as Rock Wren, and the ubiquitous Raven


Bird List

FAMILY GAVIIDAE - Loons
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Common Loon Gavia immer Uncommon, Migrant

FAMILY PODICIPEDIDAE - Grebes
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Clark’s Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii Rare, Summer Resident, Migrant
Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis Rare, Summer Resident, Migrant
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Rare, Summer Resident, Migrant
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Uncommon, Migrant

FAMILY PELECANIDAE - Pelicans
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Rare, Migrant

FAMILY PHALACROCORACIDAE - Cormorants
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Common, Migrant

FAMILY ARDEIDAE - Bitterns and Herons
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Accidental, Winter Resident
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Accidental
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Rare, Migrant
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Great Egret Casmerodius albus Rare, Summer Resident
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant

FAMILY THRESKIORNITHIDAE - Ibises and Spoonbills
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi Rare, Summer Resident, Migrant

FAMILY ANATIDAE - Swans, Geese and Ducks
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus Rare, Winter Resident, Migrant
Snow Goose Chen caerulescens Uncommon, Migrant
Canada Goose Branta canadensis Common, Summer Resident, Migrant
Wood Duck Aix sponsa Uncommon, Winter Resident
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common, Resident
Gadwall Anas strepera Common, Migrant
American Wigeon Anas americana Uncommon, Migrant
Northern Pintail Anas acuta Common, Summer Resident
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Common Migrant
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Common, Summer Resident
Green-winged Teal Anas crecca Uncommon, Summer Resident; Common, Winter Resident
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Common, Resident
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Common, Resident
Canvasback Aythya valisineria Uncommon, Resident, Migrant
Redhead Aythya americana Uncommon, Resident, Migrant
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Uncommon, Migrant
Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Rare, Migrant
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Common, Migrant
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Winter Resident, Uncommon, Migrant
Common Merganser Mergus merganser Common, Migrant
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Common, Migrant

FAMILY CATHARTIDAE - Vultures
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common, Summer Resident, Migrant

FAMILY ACCIPITRIDAE - Hawks, Eagles and Accipiters
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Uncommon, Resident
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Common, Resident
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii Common, Resident
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus Accident
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneu Common, Resident
Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus Common, Winter Resident
Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis Common, Winter Resident; Uncommon, Resident
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Common, Resident
Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni Uncommon, Summer Resident
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Common, Resident
Bald Eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus Common, Winter Resident
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Uncommon, Migrant

FAMILY FALCONIDAE - Falcons
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Common, Summer Resident; Rare, Winter Resident
Merlin Falco columbarius Rare, Winter Resident
Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus Uncommon, Resident
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Rare, Resident, Migrant

FAMILY PHASIANIDAE - Grouse, Quail and Partidges
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus Rare, Summer Resident
Blue Grouse Dendragapus obscurus Common, Resident
Sharp-tailed Grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus Uncommon, Resident
Sage Grouse Centrocercus urophasianus Uncommon, Resident
Chukar Alectoris chukar Common, Resident

FAMILY ODONTOPHORIDAE - New World Quail
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
California Quail Callipepla californica Uncommon, Resident
Gambel’s Quail Callipepla gambelii Uncommon, Resident?

FAMILY GRUIDAE - Cranes
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis Rare, Summer Resident, Migrant

FAMILY RALLIDAE - Rails, Gallinules and Coots
Virginia Rail Rallus limicola Rare, Resident
Sora Porzana carolina Rare, Summer Resident, Migrant
American Coot Fulica americana Common, Resident

FAMILY RECURVIROSTRIDAE - Stilts and Avocets
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
American Avocet Recurvirostra americana Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Uncommon, Migrant

FAMILY CHARADRIIDAE - Plovers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Uncommon, Migrant
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Uncommon, Winter Resident; Common Summer Resident

FAMILY SCOLOPACIDAE - Sandpipers and Phalaropes
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Marbled Godwit Limosa fidoa Uncommon, Migrant
Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus Common, Summer Resident, Migrant
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Rare, Migrant
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Uncommon, Migrant
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Common, Summer Resident
Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Uncommon, Migrant
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Common, Resident
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Common, Migrant
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Rare, Migrant

FAMILY LARIDAE -Gulls and Terns
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia Migrant
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
California Gull Larus californicus Common, Summer Resident, Migrant
Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri Hypothectial, Summer Resident, Migrant
Black Tern Chlidonias niger Rare, Migrant
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Acidental, Summer Resident

FAMILY COLUMBIDAE - Pigeons and Doves
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Common, Summer Resident
White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Rare, Summer Resident
Rock Dove Columba livia Common, Resident

FAMILY CUCULIDAE - Cuckoos
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus Rare, Resident

FAMILY TYTONIDAE - Barn Owls
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Common Barn-Owl Tyto alba Rare, Resident

FAMILY STRIGIDAE - Typical Owls
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Flammulated Owl Otus flammeolus Rare, Resident
Western Screech-Owl Otus kennicottii Rare, Resident
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Common, Resident
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Accidental
Long-eared Owl Asio otus Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Northern Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium gnoma Uncommon, Summer Resident
Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus Uncommon, Summer Resident

FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDAE - Goatsuckers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Common, Summer Resident
Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Common, Summer Resident
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Uncommon, Summer Resident

FAMILY APODIDAE - Swifts
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis Common, Summer Resident

FAMILY TROCHILIDAE - Hummingbirds
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus Common, Summer Resident
Rufous Hummingbird Common, Summer Resident
Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope Uncommon, Summer Resident
Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri Common, Summer Resident

FAMILY ALCEDINIDAE - Kingfishers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Common, Resident

FAMILY PICIDAE - Woodpeckers and allies
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Common, Resident
Lewis' Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis Uncommon, Migrant
Williamson's Sapsucker Sphyrapicus thyroideus Uncommon, Summer Resident
Red-naped Sapsucker Sphyrapicus nuchalis Common, Summer Resident
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Common, Resident
Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Uncommon, Resident
Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus Rare, Resident
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Accidental, Summer Resident

FAMILY TYRANNIDAE - Tyrant Flycatchers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Accidental, Summer Resident
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Common, Summer Resident
Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens Uncommon, Summer Resident
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Accidental, Summer Resident
Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya Common, Summer Resident
Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Hammond's Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Dusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri Common, Simmer Resident, Migrant
Gray Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii Uncommon, Resident
Cordilleran Flycatcher Empidonax occidentalis Uncommon, Simmer Resident, Migrant
Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus Common, Summer Resident
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant

FAMILY LANIIDAE - Shrikes
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor Uncommon, Winter Resident
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Common, Resident

FAMILY VIREONIDAE - Vireos
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Plumbeous Vireo (Solitary) Vireo plumbeous Common, Summer Resident
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Common, Summer Resident
Gray Vireo Vireo vicinior Accidental, Summer Resident

FAMILY CORVIDAE - Jays, Crows, Ravens and Magpies
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica Common, Resident
Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Common, Resident
Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri Common, Resident
Clark's Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana Common, Resident
Black-billed Magpie Pica pica Common, Resident
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Uncommon, Resident
Common Raven Corvus corax Common, Resident

FAMILY ALAUDIDAE - Larks
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Common, Resident

FAMILY HIRUNDINIDAE - Swallows
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Common, Summer Resident
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina Common, Summer Resident
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Common, Summer Resident, Migrant
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Common, Summer Resident, Migrant
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Common, Summer Resident, Migrant

FAMILY PARIDAE - Titmice and Chickadees
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Juniper Titmouse (Plain) Baeolophus ridgwayi Common, Resident
Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus Rare, Resident
Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli Common, Resident

FAMILY AEGITHALIDAE - Bushtits
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Common, Resident

FAMILY SITTIDAE - Nuthatches
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis Common, Resident
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Common, Resident
Pygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea Uncommon, Resident

FAMILY CERTHIIDAE - Creepers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Brown Creeper Certhia americana Common, Resident

FAMILY TROGLODYTIDAE - Wrens
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
House Wren Troglodytes aedon Common, Summer Resident
Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Common, Winter Resident, Resident?
Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii Common, Resident
Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris Uncommon, Resident
Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus Uncommon, Resident
Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus Common, Resident

FAMILY CINCLIDAE - Dippers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus Common, Resident

FAMILY REGULIDAE - Kinglets
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa Common, Winter Resident, Resident
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Common, Resident

FAMILY SYLVIIDAE - Gnatcatchers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Uncommon, Summer Resident

FAMILY MUSCICAPIDAE - Bluebirds
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides Common, Summer Resident
Townsend's Solitaire Myadestes townsendi Common, Resident

FAMILY TURDIDAE- Thrushes
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus Rare, Summer Resident
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Common, Resident
Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius Accidental, Winter Resident
American Robin Turdus migratorius Common, Resident

FAMILY MIMIDAE - Mockingbird,Thrashers and Catbirds
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Accidental
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Rare, Summer
Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus Common, Summer Resident

FAMILY STURNIDAE - Starling
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Common, Resident

FAMILY MOTACILLIDAE - Pipets
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
American Pipit Anthus rubescens Common, Resident

FAMILY BOMBYCILLIDAE - Waxwings
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Uncommon, Winter Resident, Migrant
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Common, Winter Resident, Migrant

FAMILY PARULIDAE - Wood Warblers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus Accidental, Summer Resident
Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera Accidental, Summer Resident
Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata Uncommon, Summer Resident
Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla Accidental, Summer Resident
Virginia's Warbler Vermivora virginiae Uncommon, Summer Resident
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Common, Summer Resident
Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica Accidental, Summer Resident
Audubon's Warbler Dendroica coronata Common, Summer Resident
Townsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi Rare, Migrant
Hermit Warbler Dendroica occidentalis Rare, Migrant
Black-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens Common, Summer Resident, Migrant
MacGillivray's Warbler Oporornis tolmiei Common, Summer Resident
Kentucky warbler Oporornis formosus Accidental, Migrant
Common Yellowthroat Geothylpis trichas Common, Summer Resident
Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens Common, Summer Resident
Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla Uncommon, Summer Resident, Common, Migrate
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Accidental, Migrant
Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubrifrons Accidental

FAMILY THRAUPIDAE - Tanagers
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Common, Summer Resident, Migrant

FAMILY CARDINALIDAE- Cardinals, Grosbeaks and Buntings
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus Pheucticus ludovicianus Rare, Migrant
Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus Common, Summer Resident
Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea Rare, Migrant
Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena Common, Summer Resident
Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Accidental, Summer Resident

FAMILY EMBERIZIDAE - Sparrows, Towhees, Juncos and Longspurs
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus Common, Summer Resident
Spotted Towhee (Rufous-sided) Pipilo maculatus Common, Summer Resident
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina Common, Summer Resident
Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri Common, Summer Resident
Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus Common, Summer Resident
Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus Uncommon, Summer Resident, Migrant
Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata Uncommon, Summer Resident
Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli Uncommon, Summer Resident
Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Common, Summer Resident, Migrant
Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca Common, Summer Resident
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Common, Summer Resident
Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii Uncommon, Winter Resident, Migrant
Rufous-crown Sparrow Aimophila ruficeps Rare, Summer Resident
White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Common, Summer Resident, Migrant
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Common, Resident
Harris's Sparrow Zonotrichia querula Accidental. Winter Resident
Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla Accidental, Migrant
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Common, Resident
Oregon Junco Common, Resident
Gray-headed Junco Common, Resident
Slate-colored Junco Common, Resident

Subfamily Icterinae - Blackbirds, Grackles ,Orioles, Cowbirds, Meadowlarks
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Common, Summer Resident
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Common, Summer Resident
Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Common, Summer Resident
Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Common, Summer Resident
Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Uncommon, Summer Resident
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Common, Summer Resident
Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus Rare, Summer Resident
Bullock's Oriole Icterus bullocki Common, Summer Resident
Scott's Oriole Icterus parisorum Uncommon, Summer Resident

FAMILY FRINGILLIDAE - Finches, Goldfinches, Crossbills and Siskins
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Rosy Finch Leucosticte arctoa Common, Resident, Migrant
Black Rosy-Finch Leucosticte atrata Common, Resident
Cassin's Finch Carpodacus cassinii Common, Summer Resident
House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus Common, Resident
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Uncommon, Resident, Migrant
Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator Accidental, Winter Resident
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus Common, Winter Resident; Uncommon, Summer Resident
Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria Uncommon, Resident
American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis Common, Migrant
Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus Rare, Summer Resident

FAMILY PASSERIDAE - Weaver Finches
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common, Resident

238 species have been reported in Great Basin National Park and the vicinity, which includes Snake Valley and north and south Snake Range. Other species may occur during migration. Please report any species not listed, or listed as Rare, Accidental or Hypothetical, on a Wildlife Observation Sheet - available at the Visitor Center.

REFERENCES

This list was prepared in 1990 by Linelle Wagner, updated in 1993 by Suzi Unger, in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and July 1999 by Melissa Renfro, using sighting reports and the above references.



Mammal Guide

A large variety of habitats due to large elevational changes in the park supports an assortment of mammall life in Great Basin National Park.. The Visitor Center is located in an area dominated by plants such as sagebrush, pinyon pines, and junipers. As you ascend, running streams, mountain meadows, fir, aspen, spruce, and large pines become more common. Eventually, you reach treeline and can adventure into the alpine area of low, delicate plants and rocky outcroppings. An abundance of wildlife has taken advantage of these various habitat zones.

In the sagebrush desert, you will find certain animals which are specially adapted to the aridity of that area. Jackrabbits, pygmy rabbits, mountain cottontails, ground squirrels, chipmunks, and various mice live in this area. Pronghorn antelope may be seen on the open sagebrush and grassy plains near the park entrance. Coyotes, kit fox, and badgers will be seen less often, but are present.

The pygmy forest with its pinyon pine and juniper trees offers another haven for mammals. Some prefer the wooded areas, while others like the transition zone between the sagebrush desert and pygmy forest. Mule deer abound in this area. Other mammals most commonly seen in the pinyon-juniper forest are striped skunks, mice, and ground squirrels.

There are a number of springs and clear running streams in the park. The secretive spotted skunk, shrews, ringtail cat, and the least weasel or ermine are fond of wetter places to make their homes.

In the more rugged areas on the slopes of mountains and in the valley areas nearby, mountain lions, bobcats, marmots, rock squirrels, and mountain sheep can occasionally be seen. Many of the mammals in the area can be found in more than one habitat. Most have a preferred territory but seasonal changes, food supply, change in habitat quality, or overcrowding may force them to relocate. All mammals in the park are protected which means their numbers are controlled naturally by predators, disease, food supply, and the diversity of available habitat.

Mammal List

Mammalian Species that occur in and near the Southern Snake Range

Class INSECTIVORA, Family SORICIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Agrant Shrew Sorex vagrans vagrans (= S. v. amoenus) Typically occurs in mountain and foothill habitats with dense ground cover
Water Shrew Sorex palustris navigator Mainly restricted to montane riparian habitats

Class CHIROPTERA, Family VESPERTILIONIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus pallidus Uncommon. Roosts in small groups in crevices, rockshelters, and buildings. Forages on the ground
Long-Eared Myotis Myotis evotis evotis Roosts in caves, mines, buildings, and trees. NPS Sensitive species
Long-Legged Myotis (Hairy-winged Myotis) Myotis volans interior Common. Roosts in caves, mines, buildings, and trees. NPS Sensitive species
Western Snall-footed Myotis Myotis ciliolabrum Common. Roosts in caves, mines, buildings, and trees
California Myotis Myotis californicus Typically roosts singly or in small groups and forages at lower elevations
Western Pipistrelle Pipistrellus hesperus Typically roosts singly or in small groups and forages at lower elevations
Silver-Haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans Typically roosts singly in trees
Hoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus Typically roosts in trees, singly and in small groups
Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus Colonial and solitary. Roosts most often in caves and mines
Western (Townsend's) Big-eared Bat Plecotus townsendii pallescens Most local specimens have not been identified to subspecies. P. t. townsendii, which is more common in northern and western Nevada, might also occur here. Both are NPS Sensitive taxa

Class CHIROPTERA, Family MOLLOSIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Mexican (Brazillizn) Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana A large colony roosts in Rose Guano Cave on the west side of the Snake Range

Class CARNIVORA, Family MUSTELIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata nevadensis Typically occurs in montane and woodland habitats, also in irrigated fields
Short-tailed Weasel (Ermine) Mustela erminea muricus Typically occurs in montane and woodland habitats
Spotted Skunk Spilogale putorius Widespread in montane and woodland habitats
Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis Widespread in montane and woodland habitats, also in basins in irrigated fields and riparian habitats
Badger Taxidea taxus taxus Typically found in basin and bajada shrub habitats favored by ground squirrels

Class CARNIVORA, Family BASSARISCIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Ringtail Cat Bassariscus astutus Seldom seen. Most often observed in woodland habitats

Class CARNIVORA, Family CANIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus scottii Common in woodland and montane habitats
Kit Fox Vulpes macrotis nevadensis Occurs in basin and bajada shrub habitats
Coyote Canis latrans lestes Common in woodland, bajada, and basin habitats; less frequent in montane habitats

Class CARNIVORA, Family FELIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Mountain Lion Felis concolor kaibabensis Common in montane and woodland habitats; less frequent at lower elevations
Bobcat Felis (= Lynx) rufus pallescens Common but seldom seen. Occurs throughout

Class LAGOMORPHA, Family LEPORIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Black-tailed Jack Rabbit Lepus californicus deserticola Abundant in woodland, bajada, and basin habitats. Also found at higher elevations
Desert Cottontail (Audobon Cottontail) Sylvilagus audobonii arizonae Occurs in basin and bajada shrub habitat. Reaches the northern limit of its range locally
Nuttall Cottontail Sylvilagus nuttalli grangeri Common to abundant in montane and woodland habitats with suitable cover
Pygmy Cottontail Brachylagus (= Sylvilagus) idahoensis Uncommon to rare. Typically limited to big sagebrush habitat. Mandible and innominate from (Recent?) Lehman Caves Entrance fauna attributed to this species. NPS Sensitive taxon

Class RODENTIA, Family SCIURIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Yellow-Bellied Marmot (Rockchuck) Marmota flaviventris avara Common near Baker Creek Trailhead and several other locations in the park, in rocky habitats near grass meadows. Bones of this species common in Lehman Caves Entrance fauna. Estivates/hibernates late summer to late winter
White-tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel Ammospermophilus (= Citellus) leucurus leucurus Common in basin and bajada shrub habitats. Occurs in the park at the lowest elevations. Active all year
Townsend Ground Squirrel Spermophilus (= Citellus) townsendii mollis
Rock Squirrel Spermophilus (= Citellus) variegatus robustus Common during spring and summer in pinyon-juniper habitats. Climbs trees readily
Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel Spermophilus (= Citellus) lateralis trepidus Common in montane conifer forests
Cliff Chipmunk Eutamias dorsalis Abundant in pinyon-juniper woodland. Eastern Nevada populations appear to be intermediate between E. d. utahensis and E. d. grinnelli
Uinta Chipmunk (Say Chipmunk) Eutamias umbrinus inyoensis Abundant in montane forest habitats
Least Chipmunk Eutamias minimus scrutator Common in sagebrush habitats, from montane to basin

Class RODENTIA, Family CASTORIDAE BEAVER
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Beaver Castor canadensis Old beaver dams are located on Strawberry Creek. Beaver are only very occassionally seen in the park

Class RODENTIA, Family GEOMYIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Southern (Botta) Pocket Gopher Thomomys umbrinus centrali Common in suitable soils at all elevations

Class RODENTIA, Family HETEROMYIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Little Pocket Mouse Perognathus longimembris gulosus Found in basin and bajada shrub habitats, typically on coarse gravel sites
Great Basin Pocket Mouse Perognathus parvus olivaceous Widespread but most common in mixed woodland-sagebrush and bajada shrub habitats
Long-Tailed Pocket Mouse Perognathus formosus incolatus Mixed woodland-sagebrush and bajada shrub habitats on stoney sites
Dark Kangaroo Mouse Microdipodops megacephalus Found in basin shrub habitats on fine sandy soil
Ord Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys ordii Basin and bajada shrub habitat, most often on sandy soil
Great Basin Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys microps Basin and bajada shrub habitat on sandy or gravelly soil

Class RODENTIA, Family CRICETIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Western Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis megalotis Bajada and basin shrub habitats, typically in grassy areas near water
Bushy-Tailed Woodrat (Pack Rat) Neotoma cinerea acraia Common in woodland and montane forest habitats in rocky terrain
Desert Woodrat (Pack Rat) Neotoma lepida lepida Common in basin and bajada shrub, and drier woodland habitats
Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus sonoriensis The most abundant small mammal in most habitat types
Canyon Mouse Peromyscus crinitus pergracilis
Pinyon Mouse Peromyscus truei nevadensis Typically restricted to rocky areas in pinyon-juniper woodland
Northern Grasshopper Mouse Onychomys leucogaster brevicaudus Widespread in basin and bajada shrub habitats

Class RODENTIA, Family ARVICOLIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Muskrat Ondatra zibethica Restricted to riparian habitats, Found along Lake Creek (Big Spring Creek) in Snake Valley
Sagebrush Vole Lagurus curtatus intermedius Typically occurs in big sagebrush habitat
Montana Vole Microtus montanus micropus Typically occurs in grassy meadows and similar habitats, including irrigated pastures and fields/b>
Long-Tailed Vole Microtus longicaudus latus Occurs in most montane habitats

Class RODENTIA, Family ERETHIZONTIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum epixanthum Most often occurs in woodland and montane shrub and forest habitats

Class RODENTIA, Family MURIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
House Mouse Mus musculus Collected near Baker. Typically restricted to areas of human habitation. Native of Eurasia

Class ARTIODACTYLA, Family ANTILOCAPRIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Pronghorn Antelope Antilocapra americana americana

Class ARTIODACTYLA, Family CERVIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus hemionus Abundant in mountains and foothills, also in agricultural areas. Possibly more abundant due to ecosystem changes related to grazing and fire suppression
Elk (Wapiti) Cervus elaphus Native to Snake and Schell Creek ranges but extirpated. Re-introduced (from Yellowstone NP) in the Schell Creek Range in the 1930's, and now abundant there. Small groups occasionally reported in the Snake Range, in Board, Shingle, and Strawberry creeks

Class ARTIODACTYLA, Family BOVIDAE
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis Observed in Snake Range by Simpson in 1859. Probably extirpated early in 20th century. Re-introduced in northern and southern Snake Range in 1979-1980 (from central Colorado). Currently rare in southern Snake Range

Mammalian Species that potentially occur in and /or near the Southern Snake Range
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Merriam's Shrew Sorex merriamii An uncommon but widely distributed shrew of the intermountain region, typically found in sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and similar habitats
Little Brown Myotis Myotis lucifugus Common across much of North America, including the Great Basin
Yuma Myotis Myotis yumanensis A common species in western North America
Fringed Myotis Myotis thysanodes thysanodes Distributed across the West and Southwest but not positively identified locally
Red Bat Lasiurus borealis Widely distributed in a variety of habitat types, including forests in the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Range, and desert shrublands near Las Vegas and Fallon, but not collected or reported locally. Roosts singly in trees and shrubs, often near ground
Spotted Bat Euderma maculatum Tueller and others (1967) noted one hearsay report of a sighting of this distinctive rare bat in Model Cave. No other local reports are known. Widely distributed across the intermountain region and Southwest. NPS Sensitive taxon
Big Free-tailed Bat Tadarida molossa Specimens have been collected at the Desert Range Experimental Station, 25 miles southeast of the Snake Range. Widely distributed in the Southwest and Mexico
White-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus townsendii Occurs in Ruby Valley and the White Pine Range
Northern Pocket Gopher Thomomys talpoides Found in Cleve Creek Canyon (Schell Creek Range) and the White Pine Range and reportedly common in ranges west and north of the park
Western Jumping Mouse Zapus princeps Occurs in Ruby Mountains and Toiyabe Range, and in northern- and western-most Nevada, in montane habitats similar to those found in the Snake Range

EXPLANATORY NOTES

The habitats listed are intended as general guides, with the understanding that some species are restricted more by specific site conditions or other factors than by general vegetation associations. Montane forest includes white fir/aspen, Douglas-fir/spruce, spruce/pine/aspen, and similar associations; montane shrub includes both upper sagebrush and mountain mahogany types; woodland includes mainly pinyon/juniper, from dense to open stands; bajada shrub typically includes big sagebrush/grass and black sage/grass associations; basin shrub typically includes shadscale/greasewood in Snake Valley, but includes several other arid shrub types, such as dwarf sage, rabbitbrush, and winterfat.

REFERENCES CITED



Rattlesnakes

While walking along a rocky, streamside trail a hiker hears an electric BUZZZ just a step ahead. The hiker is carrying a long walking stick which is pointed instinctively at the source of the sound. The hikers next action will depend upon their knowledge of the Great Basin rattlesnake.

Great Basin rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis lutosis) are the only venomous reptiles in most of the Great Basin desert. They are best identified by their blunt, rattle-tipped tail & thick, stocky bodies. Adult Great Basin rattlesnakes average 30-36 inches in length, and are tan to yellow in color, with a series of darker oval blotches on their back.

Great Basin rattlesnakes may occur up to 11,000 feet in elevation, but are more common belw 8,000 feet, in a variety of habitats- greasewood/shadscale, sagebrush, pinyon/juniper, & fir/spruce. The unifying characteristic of rattlesnake habitat in the Great Basin is rock. Great Basin rattlesnakes hibernate in dens, southern exposed rock outcrops, during the winter, emerging in May to bask in the spring sun. Males and non-reproducing females disperse into surrounding areas to forage for mice, rats, ground squirrels, gophers, birds, & lizards. A mature male may move up to 2.5 miles away from the den.

Gravid (pregnant) females remain near the den, basking frequently to facilitate proper development of their developing embryos. In mid to late September they give birth to 5-8 live baby rattlesnakes, remaining with them for the first 7-10 days of their life. Mortality is high among newborn rattlesnakes with less than 10% surviving to sexual maturity.

By late September the rattlesnakes have gathered back at the den site. As temperatures drop the rattlers re-enter their den to spend another winter underground, another annual cycle completed.

Great Basin rattlesnakes are fascinating and beautiful animals. Their venomous bite, although rarely fatal & used only for feeding and defense, commands respect & common sense in their presence.

To avoid being bitten:

If you see a rattlesnake in your campsite contact a ranger. The chances of being bitten are EXTREMELY low. If however you are bitten by a rattlesnake:

DO NOT:

DO:

Take some time to learn about rattlesnakes and other reptiles. Perhaps if you are lucky you will see or hear one during your travels. Rattlesnakes are protected in national parks but often are not on other public lands. With some knowledge & understanding of the biology of rattlesnakes, you will know how to react when you encounter one of these remarkable animals.

Article written by: Bryan Hamilton, 2000



Reptile Guide

Reptiles are often the animals people think of when one says the word "desert". The Great Basin Desert is higher in elevation than the other North American deserts. Winter temperatures can be cold, yet summer days are hot. Like most deserts, there can be a vast temperature difference between daytime high temperatures and nighttime low temperatures. Reptiles are "cold-blooded" and must regulate their body temperature by seeking out shade in the summer and warm dens in the winter. Rattlesnakes are one of the best-known of the Great Basin reptiles.

The first of the following two lists includes reptiles collected or otherwise positively identified in the southern Snake Range and adjacent portions of Snake and Spring valleys. The second list includes species that potentially occur in this area, based on their wider distribution and habitat requirements. Explanatory notes and references follow the lists.

Reptiles that occur in the Southern Snake Range and Vicinity
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Long-nosed Leopard Lizard Gambelia wislizenii wislizenii Common in basin and bajada shrub habitats
Great Basin Collard Lizard Crotaphytus collaris bicinctores Typically found on rocky sites in open shrub habitats
Great Basin (Western) Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus Abundant in woodland and bajada shrub habitats
Northern Sagebrush Lizard Sceloporus graciosus graciosus Abundant in woodland and bajada shrub habitats. NPS Sensitive taxon
Desert Side-Blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana stejnegeri Common in bajada and basin shrub habitats
Northern Desert Horned Lizard Phyrnosoma platyrhinos platyrhinos Common in open bajada and basin shrub habitats on loose soil
Great Basin (Western) Skink Eumeces skiltonianus utahensis A secretive species, found typically in riparian areas and other sites with dense cover
Great Basin (Western) Whiptail Cnemidophorus tigris tigris Common in basin and open bajada shrub habitats. Less common in open woodland sites
Western Yellow-Bellied Racer Coluber constrictor mormon Rare locally. Typically found in basin and bajada shrub and open woodland habitats
Desert Stripped Whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus Uncommon locally. Typically found in shrub and woodland habitats
Great Basin Gopher Snake Pitouphis melanoleucus deserticola Abundant in basin and bajada shrub habitats, also occurs in woodland and above
Wandering Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans vagrans Common in riparian zones from bajada to montane forest habitats
Great Basin Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis lutosus Common in most habitats, from valley to mountian

Reptiles that potentially occur in the Southern Snake Range and Vicinity
Common Name Scientific Name Sighting
Short-Horned Lizard Phyrnosoma douglassii Probable in bajada shrub, open woodland, and montane habitats. Distributed across the northern Great Basin. One specimen identified in Snake Creek Burial Cave fauna, associated with Late Pleistocene fossils
Regal Ringneck Snake Diadophis punctatus regalis Probable in riparian habitats with dense ground cover at middle and higher elevations. Collected in the Deep Creek Range and near Caliente, and several sites in the Wasatch Range. Formerly placed in a separate species D. regalis
Utah Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis pyromelana infralabialis Probable in woodland and montane habitats, most often in riparian areas with dense vegetation, logs, rocks, or other cover. Collected in the Schell Creek Range, Wah Wah Mountains, and other Utah ranges. Lampropeltis sp. identified in Late Pleistocene/Holocene faunas of Snake Creek Burial Cave and Smith Creek Cave
Western Ground Snake Sonora semiannulata A secretive nocturnal snake, collected south and west of a park, from St. George to Winnemucca, and to the north in Idaho. It is expected to occur in Nevada between these zones in basin and bajada shrub habitats in loose sandy soil
Western Long-nosed Snake Rhinocheilus lecontei lecontei Probable in open bajada and basin shrub habitats locally. Widely distributed across the Great Basin
Desert Night Snake Hyspiglena torquata Probable in basin and bajada shrub habitats locally. Widely distributed across the West and Southwest

EXPLANATORY NOTES

Common names provided refer to the given subspecies, except for common names in parentheses, which refer to the species. Common and scientific names follow Stebbins (1985), except for Crotaphytus collaris bicinctores, for which Stebbins uses C. insularis bicinctores.

Local reptilian populations have not been inventoried and are not being monitored. Descriptions of abundance, such as common, uncommon, and rare, refer to how frequently each species is reported by casual observers.

The habitat types listed are intended as general guides, with the understanding that some species are restricted more by specific site conditions, prey distributions, or other factors than by general vegetation associations.

For the record: A desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) was captured in the park in 1992. Apparently, it was a captive or pet tortoise that escaped or was released here. The species is not believed to be native to the area and appears to be restricted to warmer Mojave Desert habitats at the northern margin of its range in Nevada and Utah. Many tortoise carapace fragments, attributed to G. agassizii, were found in the Lehman Caves Entrance archeological site, in association with a Recent mammalian fauna and human remains. The carapaces probably were brought to this area through prehistoric trade networks (Stebbins 1985; Ziegler 1964).

REFERENCES



Tree Guide

Utah Juniper

Juniperus osteosperma is one of the most abundant and widely scattered trees of the region. Typically found between 3,000 and 8,000 feet, this tree grows amongst pinyon and sagebrush. The short scale-like needles are 1/8 inch long and last several years. Foliage and branches are stiff. Seeds are borne in berry-like scaled cones. The cones, when mature, are up to a half-inch in diameter and bronze in color with a bluish white frosting. Male and female cones are found on the same tree. Bark consists of many layers of fibrous elongated shreds.

Native Americans used the bark for torches, tobacco substitute, and wove it for cloth. The wood was used for wickiups, pit houses, utensils, and as a preferred fuel. Ranchers favored the wood for fence posts because of its durability. Needles produce a tea high in vitamin C. The cones were eaten and today are used to flavor gin.

Rocky Mountain Juniper

Juniperus scopulorum is similar to the Utah Juniper but tends to prefer cooler moister sites. The foliage is a finer texture and appears somewhat lacy compared to Utah Juniper. Cones are bluish when mature and only about 1/3 inch in diameter. These soft pulpy cones are only found on the female tree.

Singleleaf Pinyon Pine

Pinus monophylla grows between 5,000 and 9,000 feet often mixed with Utah Juniper and sagebrush. Pinyon grows better in places where Utah Juniper is already established as the juniper moderates the microclimate by providing shade. Pinyon migrated into the region eleven thousand years ago after the retreat of the glaciers. Normally this reddish barked tree is small and many branched. This is the only pine to have a single needle fascicle. The needles are usually round or cylindrical in cross section, rigid and sharp. They curve toward the branch and are about 1 ˝ inches long. Cones contain wingless edible seeds.

Native Americans relied heavily on this tree. The nuts were an important source of food. One pound of Pinyon nuts contains more than 3,000 calories. The tree provided fuel, charcoal for painting, pollen for ceremonies. The resin or pitch was used for chewing gum, mending, cementing, and waterproofing. During the mining boom years of the 1800's pinyon was the primary source of wood used charcoal for the smelters.

Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa is found throughout the west. Like the pinyon pine, the ponderosa migrated into the area since the last ice age. Ponderosa pines, in this region, are usually found between 7,000 and 8,500 feet on dry rocky slopes. Trees can attain heights of 100 feet. The bark on older trees is made up of broad orange or reddish plates consisting of thin scales. Young trees are blackish or dark brown with narrow furrows in the bark. Twigs are orange brown. Needles are about five inches long, thick and flexible, they come two to a bundle. Cones are 3 to 6 inches long and reddish to yellowish. They produce a mottled purple winged seed. Ponderosa rely heavily on fire to burn back the accumulated litter on the forest floor so that the seedling roots can find the moist mineral soil. Fire also kills back fir seedlings that will shade out the sun-loving ponderosa seedlings.

Ponderosa is a valuable timber pine; it is one of the most heavily harvested woods. The pitch was used in the manufacture of turpentine.

White Fir

Abies concolor is the most widespread western fir. Bark is thin, gray and smooth in young trees. It darkens and thickens into furrows and ridges with age. The 2 to 3 inch long needles are Flat, Friendly and Flexible. The white fir gets its name from its silvery blue needles. The yellow- green cones grow erect on the upper branches and are 3 to 5 inches long. Cones are rarely found on the ground. They disintegrate with the scales and winged seeds falling, leaving only the cone axis behind. White fir is common between 7,000 and 9,500 feet in elevation.

Englemann Spruce

Picea engelmannii grows from 7,500 feet to timberline. At timberline this tree will form krumholtz, becoming a shrubby thicket. The bark is thin, covering the trunk with loosely attached, rounded, red-brown scales. The dark green one-inch leaves are flexible and sharp pointed, square in cross section and grow upward on the twigs. Englemann spruces are often rounded at the top with gently arched limbs. Cones hang down from uppermost branches. Cones are 1 to 2 ˝ inches long with thin, flexible, jagged scales. Seeds are dark and winged. These trees are vulnerable to fire and windstorms because of their thin bark and shallow root system.

Douglas Fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii is the most valuable lumber tree of the west. Although it is not a true fir, Douglas fir's one-inch needles are also Flat, Friendly and Flexible. Bark of young trees is gray and smooth becoming darker and scaly with age. Very old trees display deep furrows in the bark. Cones are red-brown, 2 to 4 inches long with three pointed bracts extending from beneath the cone scales. Seeds have one wing. One of its distinguishing characteristics is long shiny pointy brown buds. Douglas fir is common between 6,500 and 9,000 feet. It may live up to 1,000 years. Native Americans used the needles to make a tea high in vitamin C. The roots were used for basket weaving and the twigs for arrow shafts.

Limber Pine

Pinus flexilis generally grows on exposed sites from 8,000 feet to timberline. The bark is smooth and white on young trees becoming scaly and almost black with age. White Pine County receives its name from the limber pine (early settlers mistook it for white pine). Needles are 1 ˝ to 3 inches long in bundles of five. They grow in short bottlebrush-like tufts on the ends of the twigs. Cones are 3 to 10 inches long with thick, woody, unarmed scales. The unwinged seeds are eaten and spread by nutcrackers, jays and chipmunks. The twigs are thick and flexible, a necessity to survive the snows and winds of the higher elevations. Limber pine will form krumholz at timberline. Limber pine grows with and is often confused with bristlecone pine. Limber pine's tufts are shorter and the needles are longer than bristlecone pine. Limber pine can live 3,000 years.

Great Basin Bristlecone Pine

Pinus longaeva, the oldest living thing, has been known to live for over 4,900 years. It usually grows between 9,000 and 11,500 feet although specimens can be found at lower elevations. Bristlecone grows on exposed rocky sites above the continuous forest. It is usually found on limestone or dolomite but, as is the case on Wheeler Peak, will grow on quartzite or volcanic rock. It forms woodlands alone or with limber pine and Engelmann spruce. At timberline this tree will form krumholtz. At lower elevations it retains its upright shape but stops growing taller at 15 to 30 feet. Trees in protected sites may grow to heights of 60 feet. Wind and snow at higher elevations cause the crown to become bushy and distorted. Wind blown sand and ice crystal polishes the trunk, often wearing away sections of the tree.

Needles are short, one-inch long, and in packets of five. The dark green needles surround the twig and tufts may extend back a foot or more along the branch. Needles can last up to forty years. Developing cones are purple, which helps absorb heat. After two years they turn brown at maturity. The woody scales on the three inch long cones are each tipped with a fragile cat claw-like bristle. Although the seeds are winged, the bristlecone is heavily dependent on nutcrackers to help with dispersion. Bristlecones survive longest where conditions are most strenuous. They are slow growing and easily out-competed by faster growing trees so they have adapted to the harshest conditions where other trees won't grow. The oldest known living bristlecone, 4,600+ years old, is in the White Mountains near Bishop, California. A 4,900+ year old tree was removed from the Wheeler Peak grove in 1964.

Pinus aristata, the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine, can be found in Utah and Colorado. It can live to 3,000 years old.

Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus ledifolius is a drought resistant tree common on dry hillsides and ridges between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. It is a small tree with a tendency to be round crowned and sprawling. The bark is red brown and thick with a rough scaly surface. Wood is reddish, resembling true the mahoganies of the tropics. The leaves are evergreen, thick and leathery with curled under margins. They are dark green above and light green underneath. The foliage is a favorite food of deer as it is green year round. Yellow flowers produce hairy seeds in the fall. Each seed is tipped with a 2 to 3 inch tail-like style. These tails twist hygroscopically, in moist weather they are straight but in dry weather they curl like a corkscrew. This twisting bores the seed down into the soil, anchoring it and increasing the chance of germination. The wood makes excellent fuel and it is so heavy that it will not float in water. Navahos used the roots as part of a red dye. Other Native Americans used the stiff wood for bows.

Quaking Aspen

Populus tremuloides usually grows between 6,000 and 8,000 feet but can grow up to 11,000 feet. Aspens are usually found in damp places along watercourses. Trunks are straight and topped with small high open crowns. The bark is smooth and light on young trees becoming darker with furrows on older trees. The bark does not peel. Leaves are nearly round, about 2 inches in diameter, and fringed with marginal teeth. Leaf blades are attached to twigs by long slender leaf stalks, which act as pivots so that the leaves quake in the breeze. Flowers appear before the leaves and produce cottony seeds. Aspens rarely reproduce by seeds in this region. Most new trees are clones of the parents, produced by root sprouts. Aspens grow in groves, which turn the hillsides golden in the fall. They are usually short lived, 100-200 years, due to heart rot fungus.

Aspen is an important food source for animals, especially beaver. Beaver prefer the inner bark on aspen to that on other trees. Today aspen is used for packing material, match sticks, and in paper pulp. A close relative of aspen, the Narrowleaf Cottonwood, P. angustifolia, is common along stream channels of lower canyon, below 7,000 feet. White or Silver Poplar, P. alba, is the introduced aspen relative found on the lawn outside the visitor center.

Rocky Mountain Maple or Dwarf Maple

Acer glabrum is a shrubby tree of the conifer forests between 5,000 and 8,000 feet. It grows in moist shady areas where there is a break in the canopy to let in some light. It usually looks like a large shrub but can reach heights of twenty five feet, with a trunk of 6 to 8 inches. The reddish bark is smooth and thin. The twigs, buds and leaf stalks are reddish. The leaves are deep green and have three deeply divided lobes. Sometimes the leaves are so deeply lobed that the lobes form leaflets. Leaves are held perpendicular to the sun. The fruits are rose colored with two parallel wings. Deer browse heavily on these trees.

Water Birch

Betula occidentalis is the only native birch of the region. This small shrubby tree grows in clumps near flowing streams between 5,000 and 8,000 feet. Bark is thin, smooth and dark bronze. The bark does not peel like the paper birch. Lenticular scars are prominent. Twigs are slender and warty with a tendency to droop. Leaves are 1 to 2 inches long by 3/4 to 1 inch wide with sharply toothed margins. The upper leaf surface is dark green with a light green lower surface. The water birch is important as bird habitat especially where it grows alongside stream descending through the otherwise dry basins. Native Americans ate the sap and inner bark. The wood makes an excellent fuel.

Serviceberry

The Amelanchier species is also known as shadbrush or shadblow. This shrubby tree is found in canyons, mountainsides and foothills. The bark is usually smooth but sometimes ridged. Leaves are nearly round, about one inch in diameter. The tip of the leaf has coarse teeth. Clusters of small white petaled flowers yield a small, black, apple-like fruit. The fruit is sweet but bland. Native Americans used the dried fruit in pemmican and for a violet dye. Branches were used for arrows and baskets.

Western Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana is a common tree of stream bottoms and moist hillsides. It can grow to a height of 30 feet or more. It has smooth dark bark on young trees that becomes gray and slightly furrowed with age. Twigs are brown with prominent lenticular scars. Leaves are shiny green and finely toothed. Flowers are white and form in clusters. Fruit is cherry-like, dark red to black and very bitter. They are eaten by birds and deer. The leaves contain cyanide and are poisonous to domestic livestock. With enough sugar the fruit makes a good jam. Native Americans ate the fruits and used them in pemmican. Fruits and twigs were also used in some ceremonies.

Willow

Six Salix species are found within the park. They are primarily found along stream courses and in swampy meadows. Individual species are difficult to distinguish due to hybridization. Generally willow are a fast growing short-lived species. Leaves are alternate and short stalked with finely toothed margins. Leaves are usually much longer than wide. The flowers, two inch catkins, appear before the leaves and produce cottony seeds. Willow twigs were important to Native Americans for basket weaving. The inner bark was made into a tea to reduce fever and relieve pain. The active ingredient in aspirin, salicylic acid, is derived from some willows.



Shrubs

Mormon Tea or Joint Fir or Ephedra

Two Ephedra species are found in the park. They are erect and shrubby plants with green jointed smooth twigs that branch into three. Terminal buds are conical and tiny. Male and female plants are separate. Yellowish "flowers" are solitary or in whorls in the axils of the stems. The fruit is small and cone-like, which reflects the distant relationship to conifers. Ephedrine, an antidepressant and anticongestive drug is produced from some Asiatic species of Ephedra. Both Native Americans and Mormons made a tea from the dried stems. The seed are also edible.

Nevada Ephedra (E. nevadensis) is common in the drier desert areas. Its stems are evergreen and olive in color. The branches are stout and spreading.

Green Ephedra (E. viridis) inhabits moister locations among the pinyon and juniper. The stems are bright yellow-green. The branches are slender, parallel, and point upwards.

Rubber Rabbitbrush or Gray Rabbitbrush

Chrysothamnus nauseosus grows to 10,000 feet in dry open places, often with sagebrush. It can grow from 30 cm. to 2 m. in height. The erect woody stems are flexible and covered with dense felt-like hairs. The narrow, linear leaves are hairy and alternate with entire margins. Yellow flower heads appear in dense clusters at the ends of the stems in August. This composite produces only disk flowers. They are surrounded by several rows of papery overlapping bracts. The seeds are wind dispersed. Flowers yield a yellow dye and cause allergies in some people. Native Americans used the twigs in basket weaving and in a tea reputed to be good for colds. Twigs contain a trace of rubber and were chewed by Native Americans. In World War II, rubber rabbitbrush was investigated as a source of rubber but its production was not cost effective.

Green Rabbitbrush, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, grows in the same areas as rubber rabbitbrush. It lacks hairs on stems and foliage giving it a greener look. Stems and flowers are sticky.

Sagebrush

There are six species of Artemisia in the park. Sagebrush tolerates a great range of elevations and ecological conditions. It is the indicator plant of the Great Basin Desert. Big Sagebrush, A. tridentata, is the most common sagebrush in the park and the state flower of Nevada. Big sagebrush is a branched, erect, evergreen shrub with aromatic gray-green alternate leave. Leaves are lobed at the tip and have silvery hairs on both sides. Numerous, small, stalk-less yellow flowers appear in erect clusters in August. Flowers are wind pollinated and cause allergies in some people. Sagebrush was important to the Native Americans. Seeds were eaten and tea from the leaves was used as an antiseptic and as a cure for colds and stomach ailments. Leaves provided a green dye. A hair tonic and a tonic to treat worms were made from the plant. Fibrous branches provided tinder for fires and were woven into cloth. Branches were used in smudging before a hunt. Today some sagebrush species provide absinthe, a fragrance.

Other common species of sagebrush include Dwarf Sagebrush, A. arbuscula, which is a smaller plant than big sagebrush and has three lobed leaves that wide and wedge shaped. Black sagebrush is considered a subspecies of dwarf sagebrush. Both grow on poor rocky soil. Sliver Sagebrush, A. cana, and Bud Sagebrush, A. spinescens, are also found in the park. Silver sagebrush looks similar to big sagebrush from a distance but it is smaller and the leaves are generally not lobed. Bud sagebrush grows amongst shadscale. It is distinctive for its spines. It tolerates the most arid condition of the sagebrush species.

Four-winged Saltbush

Atriplex canescens is a salt tolerant plant found below 8,500 feet in dry sandy areas. It has small gray-green, densely branched stems. It grows between 1 and 2 meters tall. Leaves are numerous, alternate, evergreen, and lance shaped with entire margins. Leaf surfaces are gray and hairy above and below. New growth is covered with scarf, minute white scales that protect against drying. Male and female plants are separate. The female produces tiny yellow flowers that yield a large number of conspicuous four winged seeds that are light green and papery, drying to nearly white. Native Americans used these seeds to make mush and flour. Leaves were eaten like spinach. Ashes served as a substitute for baking powder. Roots were used a soap.

Shadscale

Atriplex confertifolia is related to saltbush. Like saltbush, it does well in alkaline and saline soils. Shadscale is spinier than saltbush. The small, rigid branches bear grayish, hairy leaves then taper becoming woody and spiny. The bush may reach one meter in height. The leaves are 2 cm long, ovate and deciduous. The small flowers are wind pollinated. Male and female appear on separate plants. Both shadscale and saltbush are important forage plants.

Greasewood

Sarcobatus vermiculatus is a common desert shrub of alkaline areas up to 7,000 feet. This white barked shrub had rigid spiny branches with linear, alternate, bright green succulent leaves. Male and female plants are separate. Male flowers are rose colored and form spikes at the end of branches. Female flowers are inconspicuous, in the axils of the leaves. Fruit is small and globular, surrounded by winged membranes. Young twigs were boiled and eaten by Native Americans.

Winterfat

Ceretoides lanata is a small shrub, rarely growing more than one meter tall. Small hairs cover the entire plant, which give it a whitish appearance. Leaves are generally short and narrow and curled towards the underside. Larger spring leaves die back and are replaced in midsummer by smaller hairy or scaly leaves. The flowers are small and cottony. Winterfat is an important forage plant for wildlife and livestock. It is a good source of protein and vitamin A. Native Americans boiled leaves and stems to produce an infusion used to treat eye problems, headlice and baldness.

Spanish Bayonet or Blue Yucca or Banana Yucca

Yucca baccata is found in the lower elevations of the Great Basin. Sword-like leaves are roseate, densely clustered, thick, rigid and pointed at the tips. These fibrous leaves were important to native cultures for weaving. Large white flowers produce large fleshy fruits that resemble short bananas and taste like apples. Flower petals, stalks and seeds are also edible. Roots produce soap.

Fern Bush

Chamaebatiaria millefollium is a fragrant plant of the rocky soils of the pinyon juniper forest. It grows 1 to 2 meters high. Leaves appear like miniature fern fronds. Leaves are tiny and clustered in whorls near the tips of the twigs. White flowers grow in clusters. Flowers have five petals, five sepals, and numerous stamens and produce a dry brown fruit pod. Native Americans made a tea from the leaves to ease cramps and stomach aches. Fern bush is now used as an ornamental shrub.

Bitterbrush or Antelope Bitterbrush

Purshia tridentata is common among sagebrush. It grows in sandy or rocky well-drained soil. It is a close relative of cliffrose and will hybridize with it. The three-lobed wedge-shaped leaves are small and bright green. Leaf margins are curled under. The undersides of these deciduous leaves are hairy. Flowers have bright yellow flowers and produce a small one seeded achene. Seeds are prized by rodents, ants and birds. The small roots of the plant are infected with fungi that take the place of root hairs and absorb water and nutrients for the plant. Native Americans valued the shaggy bark as a source of fiber and the leaves as medicine.

Desert Sumac or Squawbush or Skunkbush

Rhus trilobata is a smooth brown barked shrub found above 4,000 feet. It usually grows on dry rocky slopes but can grow in moist valleys. It grows 1 to 2 meters high and as wide. Leaves are alternate and compound with three lance-shaped, shiny, toothed or lobed leaflets. Leaflets are 1 to 3 cm long. Leaves turn red in autumn and are aromatic when crushed. Tiny yellow flowers appear in dense clusters before the leaves develop. The reddish-orange berries are edible. They have been used to make a lemonade-like drink and were also ground up into cakes. Native Americans used the stems in basket weaving and the berries in dyes.

Cliffrose

Cowania mexicana is a shrub of the dry rocky hillsides from 3,500 to 8,000 feet. It grows 1 to 4 meters tall but can reach 8 m in height. The erect crown is composed of stiff, irregularly shaped branches. Bark is red-brown and shreds into long narrow strips on older trees. Wedge shaped, evergreen leaves are tiny, less than one inch long, and have 5 to 7 lobes and slightly hairy undersides. The pale yellow flowers resemble a simple rose. They produce dry, hard seeds with a long hairy plume that aids in wind dispersion.

Common or Dwarf Juniper

Juniperus communis is a circumpolar shrub found in the Great Basin region above 7,500 feet. Twigs are yellowish and three angled, possessing tiny needle-like leaves in whorls of 3 to 5 at each node. Needles are chalky white on the upper surface. Common juniper lacks the scaled leaves of other junipers; its leaves remain in the juvenile state. Dark blue berry-like cones contain 1 to 3 seeds. Native Americans used the berries in pemmican. Needles were used to produce a tea high in vitamin C and A. More recently the berries have been used as a spice and to flavor gin.

Red Osier Dogwood

Cornus sericea is a shrub of the shaded riparian areas to 9,000 feet. This shrub has smooth straight red stems. The bright green, opposite leaves are lance shaped with entire margins. The prominent lateral veins curve toward the leaf tip. Small white flowers with four petals and four sepals form flat-topped clusters. Large white bracts appear petal-like, making the flowers seem large. A cherry-like bluish fruit is produced in the fall. The fruit is unpalatable. Native Americans did use the twigs in basket weaving and the roots for red dye. Extracts were also made for fevers and coughs.

Oregon Grape

Berberis repens is a low growing evergreen shrub with stiff, spiny, holly-like leaflets on alternate compound leaves. The yellow flowers grow in clusters and yield small purplish grape-like berries in the fall. A yellow dye can be extracted from the roots. Native Americans used a preparation from the roots in checking dysentery. Jelly is made from the berries.

Blue Elderberry

Sambucus cerulea is a shrub of moist, porous soils along streams, hills and field edges. It may have multiple trunks. Bark is brown and smooth on young twigs, gray and furrowed on older twigs. The four paired, lance shaped leaflets have finely toothed margins. Leave size ranges from 2.5 to 15 cm long. Small white flowers grow in flat-topped dense clusters. Small bluish fruit form similar flat-topped clusters. The berries are edible and are an excellent source of vitamin C and A, calcium, iron and potassium. Native Americans used the fruits in pemmican. Today they are used in wines and jellies. Twigs and stems have large central spongy piths that Native Americans removed to make flutes. They also used various parts of the plant to make infusions for colds and tuberculosis and a general tonic. Red Elderberry, S. racemosa, is found at higher elevations. It can be distinguished from blue elderberry by red berries in dome topped clusters. It has caused cases of poisoning.

Snowberry Tubular white to pink flowers produce white edible fruits in the fall. Native Americans used the leaves in smoking and made small bows from the twigs.

Greenleaf Manzanita

Arctostaphylos patula inhabits dry sunny sites in the open forests below 9,500 feet. It prefers cooler areas than sagebrush. The crooked, ridged stems have a thin, shiny, smooth bark that peels and is dark red to chocolate in color. Bright, round, alternate, evergreen leaves have entire margins. Leaf orientation varies depending on the amount of light and heat. Shrubs in shady areas have horizontal leaves to catch all available light; ones in sunny areas have vertical leaves to reduce water loss. Terminal clusters of small white to pink urn shaped flowers appear in late spring. Fruit is edible apple shaped berries. Berries can be used in jams, jellies and cider. Native Americans used the leaves as a diuretic.

Currants and Gooseberries

Three species of Ribes are found in the park; R. aureum, the Golden Currant, R. cereum, the Wax Currant, and R. velutinum, the Plateau Gooseberry. They range from moist to dry areas. All have alternate, palmately lobed or compound leaves. Their small flowers are borne in clusters at the leaf axils. The sepals, not the petals, fuse into a pink, white, or yellow tube to form "flowers". An edible orange or red fruit appears in the late summer. Currants lack spines and have larger flower clusters than gooseberries. Ribes species serve as an alternate host to white pine blister rust. The blister rust destroys the valuable white pine timber of the east. Many of the Ribes east of the Mississippi River have been destroyed to protect the white pine (Pinus strobus).

Wild Rose or Wood's Rose

Rosa woodsii looks like domestic roses but with smaller petals and leaves. It inhabits the cool, moist, generally shaded places below 9,000 feet. Stems are reddish with stout curved spines. Stalked, alternate leaves are divided into leaflets. The 5 to 9 saw-toothed leaflets are green and smooth above, paler below. Five-petalled pink flowers with numerous stamens appear in the early summer. The fruit, or hips, remain after the leaves fall. Rose hips are high in vitamin C and A. In fact, the juice from the hips is 24 times richer in vitamin C than orange juice. Hips are used in tea, wine, jam, and jellies. Native Americans ate the hips and petals and made a tea from the roots. The inner bark yields a yellow dye.

Red Raspberry

Rubus idaeus is found on the talus slopes and canyon bottoms to timberline. The woody stems are covered with stiff bristles. Leaves are green above, lighter below, and divided into 3 to 5 leaflets. White flowers in the spring produce a red fruit that is used in jams, jellies and pies. Leaves are used to make tea.

Sources

Written by: Liz Thorin, March 1999


Plant Adaptations

The Great Basin is a desert; it gets less than 10 inches of rain a year on average. The Great Basin is a cold desert and because of its high elevation it receives most of its moisture in winter snows. Despite these dry conditions there are 411 different plant species in the park and South Snake Range, of these 13 are considered sensitive species. The way many of these plant species are able to survive in this environment is through specialized adaptations or by living in the mountain ranges.

Many of the plants living in the basins have adapted over time. Many flowering plants will only grow and produce seeds during a year when there is enough water. These seeds will be dormant until the next season with enough moisture, which may be years from the time they were produced. Other adaptations help keep plants from losing their water. The Sagebrush, a very common resident of the Great Basin, is well adapted to the area. The Big Sagebrush root system can extend as much as 90 feet in circumference. This adaptation allows the plant to catch as much water as possible when the rains do come. The hairy leaves of sagebrush work as a windbreak to slow down evaporation from leaves. Other methods of water loss prevention are waxy leaves and succulence. The waxy coat acts as a barrier to evaporation by the wind. Succulence allows plants to hold water for the drier times. Greenleaf manzanita is an example of a plant with a waxy coat and prickly pear cactus is a succulent. Plants exchange gases, including water, through their leaves by a process called transpiration. Plants in this area can not afford to lose much water through evapotranspiration (the process by which plants release oxygen and sometimes water) and have developed modified leaves. Mormon tea or joint fir possesses modified leaves. The leaves are very small and are not the primary area for photosynthesis. The chlorophyll filled stems carry out the primary photosynthesis.

The plants in the Great Basin have developed some ingenious methods of dealing with the dry desert conditions. Their adaptations have allowed plants to live in harsh environments, providing a variety of habitats for animals.


Great Basin National Park Links
Address, Email & Phone Guide
Activity and Calendar Page
Air Quality
Amphibian List
Backcountry Camping Guide
Bat Guide
Bird Guide
Bird List
Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
Bristlecone Pines
Bristlecone Pine Groves
Brochures, Maps, Written Info
Camping Guide
Chat Page
Climbing Guide
Crosscountry Skiing Guide
Establishment
Fees
Fishing Guide
Geology of the Snake Range
Geology Field Trip
Grazing History
Hiking Guide
Hiking Tips
History
Jobs, SCA, Volunteer Positions
Junior Ranger
Lehman Cave
Lehman Caves Ecology
Lehman Caves Geology
Lehman Caves Tour
Lexington Arch
Location
Lodging Guide
Map Guide
Mammal Guide
Osceola Ditch Story
Park Information
Pet Information
Prometheus Story
Reptile Guide
Search
Sights Guide
Size
Shrub Guide
Teacher's Guide
Travel Guide
Tree Guide
Visitors Guide
Weather
Winter Guide

Great Basin National Park
Nevada National Parks
Back to National Parks
Equip yourself for your next National Park adventure by visiting our Outdoor Gear and Equipment Store


by John William Uhler

Copyright © 1995 - 2007 Hillclimb Media

Click Here to obtain Advertising Information on this Page

This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service

Demand Media Network