Biogeography of amphibians and reptiles in Arizona

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  • Authors: Stitt, Eric W.; Mau-Crimmins, Theresa M.; Swann, Don E.
  • Publication Year: 2005
  • Publication Series: Proceedings (P)
  • Source: In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station:

Abstract

We examined patterns of species richness for amphibians and reptiles in Arizona and evaluated patterns in species distribution between ecoregions based on species range size. In Arizona, the Sonoran Desert has the highest herpetofauna diversity, and the southern ecoregions are more similar than other regions. There appear to be distinct low- and mid-elevational faunas. There was no difference in elevational measures or species range sizes between species groups. However, species widespread in one ecoregion tended to have larger distributions in other ecoregions. Relating similarity indices to phylogenies and paleontological information will help us better understand the patterns of colonization and speciation that make Arizona such a herpetologically diverse place.

  • Citation: Stitt, Eric W.; Mau-Crimmins, Theresa M.; Swann, Don E. 2005. Biogeography of amphibians and reptiles in Arizona. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station:
  • Keywords: amphibians, reptiles, species richness, distribution, biogeography, diversity, altitude, Sonoran Desert, Arizona
  • Posted Date: June 8, 2006
  • Modified Date: July 23, 2007

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