Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard

Abstract

Fringe-toed lizards ( Uma spp.) inhabit many of the scattered windblown sand deposits of southeastern California, southwestern Arizona, and northwestern Mexico. These lizards have several specialized adaptations: elongated scales on their hind feet ("fringes") for added traction in loose sand, a shovel-shaped head and a lower jaw adapted to aid diving into and moving short distances beneath the sand, elongated scales covering their ears to keep sand out, and unique morphology (form or structure) of internal nostrils that allows them to breathe below the sand without inhaling sand particles. While these adaptations enable fringe-toed lizards to successfully occupy sand dune habitats, the same characteristics have restricted them to isolated sand "islands." Three fringe-toed lizard species live in the United States: the Mojave ( U. scoparia ), the Colorado Desert ( U. notata ), and the Coachella Valley ( U. inornata ). Of the three, the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard has the most restricted range and has been most affected by human activities. In 1980 this lizard was listed as a threatened species by the federal government.