Hundreds of thousands of people visit Madera Canyon, the Santa Rita Mountains, and the Patagonia Mountains each year. Many are local, but others come from other states and countries. Some come for a picnic or hike through the Madrean woodland, but many come to see the Elegant Trogon and the other birds that reach the most northern edge of their distribution in Arizona’s sky islands. Yet others come to see frogs, lizards, and snakes. Alternatively, visitors may come to observe butterflies and dragonflies, as well as to identify other insects or plants. This volume provides species accounts for 16 amphibian species and 71 reptile species that are found or are likely to be found in Madera Canyon, the Santa Rita Experimental Range, the Santa Rita Mountains, the Patagonia Mountains, Canoa Hills, and nearby areas in southeastern Arizona. The Santa Rita and Patagonia Mountains are two of about 55 sky island complexes in Arizona, New Mexico, and Sonora, Mexico. In Arizona, the diverse landscapes, shaped by the convergence of the Colorado Plateau with the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts, produce an array of localized climates and microhabitats. The state exhibits distinct variations in climate, ranging from lower elevations characterized by desert conditions with mild winters and hot summers to higher elevations, which are wetter with cold winters and mild summers. While some species are observable, others are uncommon and seldom seen. For each species in the region, there is an account that will help the reader identify the animal and provide a summary of its natural history. Most of the species are represented by at least one colored photograph, and the volume contains more than 150 images.
The North American Monsoon (NAM) dictates the timing of annual activities in the region. Mid-September is the traditional end of the NAM in southeast Arizona. Madera Canyon and the surrounding semi-desert grasslands have fields of wildflowers and increased activity in wildlife. Water is usually more readily available, and mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, and the occasional jaguar wander the Santa Rita and Patagonia Mountains seeking food and mates. The Coues white-tailed deer and mule deer are visible on the mountainsides, while many smaller amphibians and reptiles are also foraging to make next year's offspring. Conditions are conducive to excellent bird watching in the canyon. Many of the fall migrants have arrived, while several of the summer breeders have or will soon depart. And some wintering sparrows have already arrived. Fall is a great time to see amphibians, reptiles, and their habitats. Most female amphibians have reproduced and are replenishing their body fat that will be converted into eggs; similarly, female reptiles are doing the same.
Rattlesnakes are often high on the list of reptiles that people want to see. Seven species of rattlers occur in the study area covered here, and the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is the one species you are most likely to encounter. The Gila Monster is also a species that many people want to view, but Gila Monsters spend most of the year underground. Their activity above ground has been measured in hours and ranges from 190 to 670 hours per year. Another lizard that often draws a crowd is the leopard lizard, which specializes in chasing down its prey (other lizards) at high speed.
