Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This past week I was visiting a place called Safari West located in the mtns above Santa Rosa (up the 101 about an hour north and slightly east above San Fransisco). This is in Sonoma county, roughly in the center.

The mountain scenery was beautiful, and I saw some nice rock outcroppings. All private land of course. I had to stay in the jeep because the reserve has African wildlife wandering around up there. Cape buffalo don't mess around.

Would mtn kings exist in that area? I ask because I know there is a gap in zonata range above San Fransisco into Sonoma county for a bit. If so, what type?
-----
Mark

This Is the range of L.z. zonata, the Saint Helena Mtn. King. They have been reported from the areas around Lake Sonoma and the Geysers just north of your location.. Unconfirmed reports of sightings as far south as Mt. Tam. in Marin Co. Last year someone told me he witnessed a zonata eating a juvenile Gopher snake in the hills above Petaluma. He knew little about snakes but claimed that the snake was a tricolor and not a common king.

Thank you for that.

I searched the web, and found similar info. Habitat shots show exactly the habitat I was in.

I can see where these animals would be difficult to find by the same means that calif mtn kings are found in the southern mountains. In the latter, rock flakes and fissures abound. With the habitat I saw in Sonoma county, most of the rocks did not have the flakes in abundance. It was mostly grassy hills with rocky outcrops protruding among trees. Filtered sunlight. Lots of streams.

Miles of habitat, all private land. I can see how this ssp is in little danger of much collection.
-----
Mark

Correct, that would be z.z. country for sure.

" alt="Image">
-----
Jerry Kruse

And God said, "Let there be zonata subspecies for all to ponder..."

Hi Jerry,
A pretty zonata! Is this a St. Helena?

..... .......yes it is........

-----
Jerry Kruse

And God said, "Let there be zonata subspecies for all to ponder..."

An exceptional little beast! Gorgeous color and pattern. It appears to have a little red wash over the white. Really pretty. I live in Sonoma Co. Haven't seen one but I haven't really looked. I'd like to capture one with my camera.

March through April and especially after a good rain.....
-----
Jerry Kruse

And God said, "Let there be zonata subspecies for all to ponder..."

May is better.

>>March through April and especially after a good rain.....
>>-----
>>Jerry Kruse
>>
>>
>>And God said, "Let there be zonata subspecies for all to ponder..."
-----
Rick Staub

-----
Jerry Kruse

And God said, "Let there be zonata subspecies for all to ponder..."