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- Title
Citizen science in action: an updated distribution for Lampropeltis pyromelana.
- Authors
KOHLER, DALLIN B.; HAMILTON, BRYAN T.; DITTMER, DREW E.; WHITING, ALISON S.
- Abstract
The Arizona mountain kingsnake, Lampropeltis pyromelana, is a species of tricolor kingsnake distributed in disjunct patches of montane habitat in the western United States. Historical range maps were based on a small number of specimens, and the growing body of locality data on this secretive species has enabled a significant update to its known distribution. Multiple sources of citizen science data were used to supplement traditional data sources to more accurately delineate the range of this understudied species. We used citizen science data, primarily from iNaturalist and state-initiated surveys in Nevada and Utah, to show that the contemporary distribution of this species is different than historically purported-- especially in Utah and Nevada. While there were some range reductions north of 40°N latitude, there were also many range extensions in areas where L. pyromelana has recently been documented. With additional survey effort, more populations will likely be found, further extending the known distribution. Importantly, our research provides further evidence that citizen science is an effective source of data that can be used in conjunction with data from museum collections and government agencies to best inform conservation decisions, especially for elusive species.
- Subjects
UTAH; NEVADA; CITIZEN science; HISTORICAL maps; SPECIES distribution; COLLECTION agencies; GOVERNMENT agencies
- Publication
Western North American Naturalist, 2023, Vol 83, Issue 2, p165
- ISSN
1527-0904
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3398/064.083.0202