Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - Reptiles

Twenty-five species of reptiles inhabit the Santa Monica Mountains, including two turtles (one introduced), seven lizards and 16 snakes. The western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) is considered extremely rare. Common lizards include western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana), and alligator lizards (Elgaria multicarinata). The coastal horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum), a California species of special concern, is also regularly observed in the park.

Common snakes include southern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis), gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoiecus), and California striped racers (Masticophis lateralis). Very little information is available about the distribution and status of many reptile species. For example, two-striped garter snakes (Thamnophis couchi), coastal western whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus tigris), San Diego mountain kingsnakes (Lampropeltus zonata), and silvery legless lizards (Anniella pulchra) are believed to be in decline or very rare.