Suburbanization of a Central Texas Herpetofauna

Abstract

Reptiles and amphibians were surveyed on the Balcones Escarpment in central Texas as the area was transformed into suburbia. Of four habitats, oak-juniper savanna was totally destroyed and a quarter of the adjacent oak-juniper woodland was eliminated, but two creeks and most deciduous riparian forest remained. Extirpation of 12 of 30 species (40%) included 55% of nine amphibian species, 50% of two turtles, 33% of six lizards, and 30% of 13 snakes. Herpetofaunal richness declined exponentially from 1965 to 1990 with increased house building, then stabilized through 2005 as building slowed and stopped. Species survival was related to use of cultural and remaining natural habitats, secretive behavior, and human interest.