Orange-Throated Whiptail

The orange-throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythrus) has a relatively narrow range in southern California but is thought to be abundant in the Ecological Health Assessment Study Area. This California Department of Fish and Wildlife Watchlist Species and U.S. Forest Service Sensitive Species is considered an indicator of ecosystem health because it only lives where its preferred prey (termites) and habitat (floodplains and streams) can also be found.

Much of this species’ habitat has been lost to development, which has decreased its abundance, distribution, and population connectivity. Large swaths of preserved lands in the EHA Study Area may provide this species with some of its last intact southern California habitat.

Three metrics—abundance, distribution, and habitat extent and suitability—were chosen to help understand the health of this species. Based on available data, the condition for all three was good, with moderate confidence in these assessments. However, data were insufficient to allow determination of trends for any of the metrics. Repeated studies focused on species distribution, abundance, trends, and the effects of nonnative species could help inform its conservation and clarify population trends.