Here's something to consider... it's neither here nor there regarding our discussion, but another thought on popualtion dynamics in regard to road cuts through alterna habitat.



I have an opinion that alterna are actually more common in certain places through their range on the sides of the roads.

Here's why I think so.



First they cut a road through level. They create habitat in the form of road cuts in the high places. They take the rubble from blasting the cuts and fill in the low places. This creates more habitat in the form of rip rap (talus if you will).



The roadway itself funnels water to the edges usually creating lusher grasses and vegetation than surrounding natural habitat.

The rest takes care of itself, mice, lizards, snakes, hawks, owls, skunks, etc. the whole food chain.



There are places in the natural Trans Pecos where these conditions are very similar, and they have high concetrations of alterna as well.





Best

Joe

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