Fauna
Reptile

Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard

Gambelia sila

Also known as San Joaquin Leopard Lizard

Blunt-nosed leopard lizards sprint across arid San Joaquin Valley plains to ambush grasshoppers, beetles, and smaller lizards. Females display striking bright orange-red spots along their sides during the spring breeding season to signal reproductive readiness. Deprived of most original habitat by agriculture, remaining populations rely heavily on abandoned rodent burrows for escape and thermal shelter.

AridDesert
Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard reference1 / 7
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasshoppers, Beetles, Side-blotched Lizards
Predators
  • Hawks
  • Snakes
  • Coyotes
ThreatsHabitat conversion for agriculture, urban development, and energy infrastructure
HabitatsArid alkali flats, grasslands, and sparse wash scrublands
Life span5–8 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCrotaphytidae
  2. SpeciesGambelia sila
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe from a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognizable by its truncated, broad snout, dark spot pattern, and high-speed bipedal running style.
Support conservation
Do not capture, corner, or disturb this rare reptile, and refrain from walking near active burrow networks.
Responsible observation
  • Observe from a Distance: Maintain space to avoid scaring the lizard into its subterranean retreat.
  • Look near Burrows: Scan open ground and mammal burrow entrances on warm mornings.
  • Stay on Trails: Avoid trampling sensitive desert soil crusts and delicate underground burrows.
Related species
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