Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard  (Uma inornata)

This Endangered reptile has been greatly affected by the loss of its very specific habitat. Human development and the invasion of exotic plant species have taken their toll on at least 80 percent of suitable habitat in the Coachella Valley, and the remaining portion has been fragmented by roads and railways (3) (4). Buildings and invasive plant species both stabilise the once free-moving sands, preventing the continual replenishment of loose sand on which the lizard relies (3).

The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard is listed as threatened in the United States under the Endangered Species Act, and as an endangered species by the State of California (3). In addition to this legislation, some of this lizard’s habitat receives much-needed protection. In 1985, the Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the fringe-toed lizard (3), followed by the creation of the Coachella Valley Preserve, which encompasses an additional area of lizard habitat adjacent to the Wildlife Refuge (6). Few lizards now exist outside of these protected areas (1), and thus the continued existence of this refuge and preserve are essential for the survival of this rare and unique reptile.