Thanks for that information. The discussion is very timely - I just read an informative manuscript from the early 70s documenting a in-depth sampling of reptiles and amphibians from the San Gabriels. Seems to be a fickle area, and the gap in the Ensatina range was also discussed, as was the apparent lack of any specimens of rubber boa. Also mentioned was the nearly complete disappearance of the coachwhip from the coastal side of those mtns where they once were more common (probably soley due to development of coastal sage scrub habitat).

I've visited Montana De Oro on a few occasions. Neat area, and I wondered about the possibility of zonata and rubber boas there. Probably very difficult to find in that habitat without artificial cover, or getting lucky.

One more comment/question for you: I visited the town of Sequim in northern Washington, right on Sequim Bay adjacent to the Olympic Natl Forest. There are some open clearings there among forest that look just like the pics of the Oregon habitat you have on your website.

A local told me he saw a rubber boa there. Seems like everyone up there is a hunter and knows something about animals, but you know how it goes with reports of reptiles - you never know if the person saw a gophersnake and calls it a rubber boa. Any confirmed reports from up that way? Thanks..
-----
Mark

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]