Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake Species of the Month Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake Crotalus ruber ruber Jearu

Red Diamond Rattlesnake Member of the pit viper family, related to water moccasins and copperheads in the southeast Range extends from the southwestern corner of southern California southward through the Baja peninsula Species of special Concern Threats include loss of habitat and negative interactions with humans Venomous Rusty red coloration with diamond pattern of scales Can grow to be over 4 feet long Rattle on end of trail used to deter predators Member of the pit viper family- related to water moccasins and copperheads in the southeast Triangular head. Pit vipers have two pits located in the head that are used to sense heat when hunting warm blooded prey. Range extends southwestern corner of southern California southward through Baja peninsula Species of special concern- Downward population trend and as such is listed as a “Species Concern Species” by both the Federal and State Governments. Threats include loss of habitat and negative interactions with humans- Roadkill- snakes like to bask on roads and often get hit but cars. Intentional killing of snakes- some people believe that snakes, especially venomous ones, are a safety hazard, and as such they will kill every snake they see. Killing snakes leaves holes in the ecosystem which allow for an increase in the rodent population. Rodents carry dieses that can harm and kill humans, such as Hanta virus and Plague. Keeping a healthy snake population insures that rodent populations stay in check. Venomous- Has pair of hallow fangs which unfold from roof of mouth. Large snakes can produce three times the does of venom that could kill an adult human. However rattlesnake bites are extremely rare and of the 7000 cases of bites a year less than 5 result in death. Snakes avoid human interactions and the majority of snake bite cases are due to humans harassing snakes. Snakes also will “dry bite” and not release venom. It takes the snake energy to produce venom and this venom is meant for catching prey, not for harming potential predators. Striking a potential predator is often a last resort. Rusty red coloration with diamond pattern of scales Can grow to be over 4 feet long Rattle on end of trail used to deter predators- snakes gain one new rattle segment on each molt.

Red Diamond Rattlesnake Become active in the spring when weather warms up Mating occurs in the spring- males exhibit a combat “dance” to complete for females Females give birth to live young, three to twenty young are born July through September Diet consists of small mammals, lizards, and birds Become active in the spring when weather warms up Mating occurs in the spring- Males exhibit a combat “dance” to complete for females Females give birth to live young, three to twenty young are born July through September Diet consists of small mammals, lizards, and even birds. –Exhibit an “arms race” with the California Ground squirrel, ground squirrel have some immunity to rattlesnake venom, as such snakes have shown to become more venomous or even switch the kind of venom used. The Southern pacific rattle snakes for example can exhibit two different types of venom, Hemotoxic- attacks tissue, or Neurotoxic- attacks the nervous system. This area of study is ongoing and very interesting.

Monitoring and Management Include in the MSHCP Conservation area at least 338,672 acres of suitable habitat Habitat is diverse and includes sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, and riparian Include in the MSHCP Conservation area at least 10 Core Areas (populations), and linkages Maintain the continued use of 75% of the Core Areas The monitoring objective of 75% has been met for this species. Reserve assembly is ongoing Include in the MSHCP Conservation area at least 338,672 acres of suitable habitat Habitat is diverse and includes sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, and riparian Include in the MSHCP Conservation area at least 10 Core Areas, and linkages Maintain the continued use of 75% of the Core Areas The monitoring objective of 75% has been met for this species. Reserve assembly is ongoing

Thank You Steven Mcsweeny