Rattlesnake Canyon

This new exhibit showcases reptiles and amphibians found in the Los Padres National Forest and eventually feature the endangered red-legged frog. The Zoo works in the field with the U. S. Forest Service to monitor this species, which has been decimated due to non-native predators, pollution and habitat loss. Rattlesnakes and gopher snakes, frogs, and newts currently inhabit the exhibit, with more species to be added soon.

Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes and Gopher Snakes

Is it a Southern Pacific rattlesnake or a gopher snake? These two species – one venomous, the other a harmless look-alike – are shown side-by-side so guests can learn their differences. One hint: a rattler’s head is thick and triangular; the gopher snake’s is slim and barely distinguishable from its neck.

California Newts

California newts are found in wet forests, oak forests, chaparral, and rolling grasslands in the ranges along the coast and coast range mountains from Mendocino County to San Diego County. They can be seen moving together in large numbers during the day in breeding season.

Pacific and California Chorus Frogs

Pacific and California chorus frogs are also share these exhibits, adding their vocalizations.

Arboreal Salamander

This salamander breathes through thin moist skin instead of lungs. They live in damp places on land but are adapted for climbing with long toes and rounded tail – some have been found as high as 59 feet above the ground.

Western Toads

Once abundant, the numbers of Western toads are declining probably due to loss of habitat and pollution of wetlands. They are a "species of special concern" in Idaho and Utah. They can grow up to five inches in length and are slow moving -- the adults tend to walk rather than hop. Their call is a series of chick-like peeps, and the sound of a group of males calling has been compared to the sound of a distant flock of geese.

Red-Legged Frogs; Not Yet On View

Although they are small, the endangered red-legged frog is the focus of a big conservation effort. The species is listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.

The Zoo works in the field with the U. S. Forest Service to monitor this species, which has been decimated due to pollution, habitat loss, and non-native predators, such as bullfrogs.

Monterrey Ensatinas – Not Yet On View

Though their name sounds like a dish served with salsa, Monterrey ensatinas are actually very special salamanders – they breathe not through lungs, but through their thin skin. They need moist environments to “breathe,” and will be displayed with California newts in a humid exhibit.

Photo credits: iStockPhoto, Creative Commons, Blake Matheson