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Desert horned lizards (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) are found in a variety of dry, desert habitats throughout Nevada. Some people refer to this, and other horned lizards, as horny toads, but they are not toads at all. This lizard is relatively small, almost as wide as it is long, usually about 3-5 inches in length. Horned lizards have a very specialized diet of ants. They rely on their cryptic color and pattern to blend into the soil surface to hide from predators and to ambush their prey. Landscape-level changes to desert ecosystems, primarily from invasive plants and altered fire cycles, are threatening this species. As perennial grasses and native shrubs are converted to non-native annual grasses, the seeds that harvester ants feed on are disappearing. This creates a cascade effect resulting in the loss of food for desert horned lizards as well. (Photo by John Tull)
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Desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) are a federally endangered species that inhabit semi-arid grasslands, gravelly desert washes, canyon bottoms and rocky hillsides below 3,530 ft. They are Nevada’s only tortoise species, and they mainly eat annual wildflowers and grasses that germinate after winter rains. They seek cover in underground burrows. Gila monsters, kit foxes, coyotes, domestic dogs and ravens all prey on them. Their numbers are dwindling due to loss of habitat and human disturbance, such as off-road vehicles.
Distribution Map
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Great Basin collared lizards (Crotaphytus bicinctores) are just one of the 54 reptile species found in Nevada. They are voracious predators and can run on their hind legs to capture prey or escape other predators. They feed on desert insects, lizards, small rodents, berries, and leaves. Lizards, snakes and tortoises are especially vulnerable to off-road vehicles and the damage and erosion they cause to desert washes and hillsides. (photo by John Tull)
Distribution Map
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Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) Photo by John Tull
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