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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
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Species of the Month Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake Crotalusruberruber 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
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
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
Thank You Steven Mcsweeny